Parkes Phoenix Editor

Maggi Barnard has been with the Forbes Phoenix since 2021 and loves writing about her community.

Our Gal -Brodie Dukes

April 17, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in Forbes and what do you like most about living here? I have lived in Forbes all 17 years of my life. I like the community spirit and how we always try to help one another.

Where do you work or what do you do currently and what do you enjoy about it? I work at Eyewear Specs as an Optical Dispenser. I enjoy being able to help our customers with their eye care needs.

What is your favourite thing to do when you have free time? I love making memories with my friends and family in my free time.

What makes you proud? Seeing my friends and family achieve their goals makes me proud.

What is your all-time favourite movie, song and/or book? My favourite song is ‘I miss you’ by Clean Bandit and Julia Michaels. I like the movie The Host. My favourite book series is Curse of the Gods.

If you could be an animal which one would you choose and why? If I could be an animal I would choose to be a wolf because I like how free they are.

What is on your bucket list? I would like to travel and learn more about other cultures.

Seven Sisters Bridge Near Forbes To Be Replaced

April 17, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

The closed Seven Sisters Bridge will be replaced due to a Bridges Renewal Program grant delivered to Forbes last Thursday by The Nationals’ Riverina MP and Deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack.

The steel truss, single lane bridge located on the Bedgerabong Road over the Goobang Creek near Forbes has been closed for months due to structural defects. A dirt road detour on the dry creek bed below is currently being used as an alternative road for vehicles.

The Prime Minister said they were committed to delivering infrastructure to important regional roads in regional and rural Australia.

“We are making sure ageing bridges, such as the Seven Sisters Bridge, are replaced so that road users can get to where they are heading sooner and safer,” said Michael.

“I am pleased to deliver this important investment for the community which will improve safety and productivity for the local agricultural industry,” he said.

The Federal Government has committed $550,000 towards the bridge replacement.

Michael said they have committed $640 million for vital bridgeworks between 2015– 16 to 2022–23, with an ongoing commitment of $85 million each year following.

“The Bridges Renewal Program provides up to 50 percent of the cost of repairing or replacing old and unsafe local bridges, which is a fantastic win for local communities,” continued Michael.

“Under Round 4, the Government has committed $57 million to help fund vital local bridgeworks following the completion of an open, merit-based selection process,” said Michael.

Under Round 4 of the program, the Government will contribute up to a maximum of $700,000 for one bridge or $1.4 million for two bridges in the same local government area.

area.

SNIPPETS…

April 17, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

OUR SPORTING HEROES… George Field was selected as the February recipient for the Central West Credit Union Monthly Sports Achiever Award. This was for his efforts as a spin bowler and a batsman during the PSSA Championships. Bruce Facey presented George with the award.

Sydney Royal Easter Show Competition Winner: Congratulations to Daniel Brown on winning our Sydney Royal Easter Show Competition!

Catch of the Week winner: Thank you for sending in your great fishing pics and please keep it coming! Jock Townsend was our March winner. Please claim your $25 voucher prize from Loomzy’s Fish ‘n’ Fix in Forbes.

Respect The Day: Ahead of Anzac Day on Thursday, 25th April, Respect the Day is a campaign of the RSL & Services Clubs Association to remind people of the special significance of Anzac Day and to encourage Australians to reflect on how we should behave on this sacred day. Anzac Day symbolises the sacrifices made by our defence personnel in all theatres of conflict at all times and the service of all veterans to Australia irrespective of overseas service, full or part-time service, serving or exservice, male or female. It is for these reasons that Anzac Day is so important. With this in mind, the association is urging people to remember the importance of Anzac Day, and what it stands for. Commemorate the day, celebrate the traditions, but be respectful and responsible.

Contributions: If you have a story, photo for Be Seen, a Thumbs Up/Down, Letter to the Editor or Snippet we would love to hear from you! Simply email editor@forbeshoenix.com.au.

NSW Double Demerit Dates: Motorists are reminded that double demerits will be in place for eight days during this month’s Easter and Anzac Day holiday period. Double demerits start today, 18th April and run to Monday, 22nd April. Then there will be a one day break before they start again on Wednesday, 24th April and run through to Sunday, 28th April (inclusive). The double demerit points period applies from midnight of the start date to midnight on the finish date, meaning this month there will be a total of eight days where double demerit penalties will be in place. Double demerit points apply for speeding, seatbelt, motorcycle helmet and mobile phone offences during all holiday periods such as long weekends, Christmas, New Year and Easter. Drivers caught using their phones during a double demerit period can expect to be hit with the fine as well as up to 10 demerits. Please drive safely and take extra care on the roads.

COUNCIL COMMENTS

April 11, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

I am so pleased to be bringing the column to you this week. Many of you would know I am a very proud member of the Forbes community and own a business in town.

I’m keen to play a part in Forbes’ continued development and improvement. Whether it be with the many volunteer organisations I am involved in or the fantastic sporting groups I am a part of. I really want to promote Forbes as an amazing town to do business in and with. My goals in Council are to focus on economic support to the local businesses in the Shire and to keep Forbes businesses and community competitive.

I also believe we have a great tourism product in Forbes, with the amazing waterways we have and boutique retail sector.

The lake and the surrounds are truly unique and beautiful. The continued improvements and developments currently in development with these facilities can only make this better. You will all know of my involvement with Vanfest. This event provides a great opportunity to support the music industry and provide world class entertainment for everyone. It is bringing outside money to town, in a time we all really need it. I continue to work with my son in bringing this event to Central NSW and encourage the town to welcome and take advantage of the increased number of people visiting, to show them they are welcome… and need to come again.

Your Councillor,

Grant Clifton

News And Results Off The Croquet Courts

April 11, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

Week Ending 30th March

Slow courts were the order of the day due to a sprinkle of rain and a good wetting from the new sprinkler system. Thank you Forbes Council!

There were not a lot of surprises on the day. Jenny Job continues to improve again, winning two games. Her partners were Geoff Coles and Mary Hodges. Kath Broderick also kept up her improvement. She won two games partnered by Kevin Rubie and Marie Spry. The winners of three matches were John Browne, Jill Rubie, Kevin Rubie, Barry White and Mal Smith.

Everyone was well rugged up for our Aussie croquet. The drop in temperature and a cold wind across the courts did not dampen the spirits. Bob Murray did the same as Geoff Coles did last week by winning three games for three weeks in a row. Kevin Rubie also achieved the same feat.

Considering the conditions, there was some good and close games played. One of the best was Kevin Rubie and Geoff Coles with 14, who defeated Barry White and Harley Stewart with 13 on the last shot of the match.

By Anne and Harley Stewart

News Off The Netball Courts

April 11, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

Saturday will see the Junior Mixed Netball Competition continue. There is still time for new players to come and join in the fun and be placed into teams, or into NetSetGo.

Players from NetSetGo to under 15 years, can come and play netball for free, if you use your Active Kids Voucher.

Parents please note that the times for the divisions have changed back 15 minutes after the NetSetGo timeslot. Times for Net-SetGo are at 9:30am and divisions 1 and 2 are at 10:45am.

Coaches have been appointed to share the role, and managers have also been appointed to each team.

Team officials can contact Registrar, Paige McConnell to be given details of the players in their teams. Email Secretary, Melissa on secretary.forbesnetball@gmail.com for more information required.

Volunteer Umpires

Anyone who would like to volunteer to umpire is very welcome. Come to the office on Saturday. Volunteers do not have to commit every week but any help would be greatly appreciated. Help and support will also be given to anyone who would like to learn.

Friday Netball

Friday netball has started from 5pm till 6pm. Friday netball will be the training session for the 11’s carnival team, plus any boys and girls who would like to come and join in the fun, and learn new skills. Players do not have to be registered, to play Friday netball.

Cowra Carnival

Three teams have been entered into the Cowra Carnival on Sunday, 14th April. A bus is also booked for that day, with the same age groups entered.

Forbes All Age Carnival

The Forbes Netball All Age Carnival will be held on Sunday, 5th May, with all ages catered for on the day.

Teams will play in a round robin competition with the first games starting at 8:30am.

Help will be provided to find umpires for Forbes teams entering the carnival.

All the Forbes open teams playing in the night competition are urged to enter and have a fun day of games, playing the great game of netball.

Players are urged to get teams organised now, so no-one misses out on entering the carnival.

OUR Bloke -Gary Hodges

April 11, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in Forbes and what do you like most about living here? Apart from 1986 to 2000 when I left to join the military, I’ve lived in Forbes for the rest of my 50 years. I like the lack of crowds and traffic.

Where do you work or what do you do currently and what do you enjoy about it? I’m a self employed farmer. I like the wide open spaces and fresh air.

What is your favourite thing to do when you have free time? I fly aeroplanes and race go karts occasionally. I also pit crew/co-drive for my son, Jeremy in his race car.

What makes you proud? I’m always extremely proud of both my kids, Jeremy and Alyssa.

What is your all-time favourite movie, song and/or book? Movie: Topgun. Song: Don’t stop me now by Queen. Book: General Chuck Yeager’s Autobiography.

If you could be an animal which one would you choose and why? An eagle because they get up nice and high.

Tell us about your best holiday. Representing Australia at the World Skydiving Championships in 1997 in Turkey. Then travelling home via America with my girlfriend (now wife), Kerry after not having seen her for three months.

STORK News

April 11, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

Sandra Büchler and Danny Demosthenous welcomed beautiful Baby Adelaide into the world one month ago.

(Photo Credit: Essjay Photography).

Jenny and Andrew Gunn congratulated their son, Dale and daughter in-law Sarah Andrew, on the safe arrival of their beautiful baby, Alexander Raymond Lester Gunn.

Monthly Medal Produces Historical Win

April 11, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

On Saturday the men’s competition was the Monthly Medal, sponsored by Terry Bros Carpets. A field of 58 were keen to contest as best they could to be tagged ‘winners’.

The A-Grade was won by Dave Mylecharane with a 71 nett, on count back.

Andrew Duke, playing in the last group of the day, was runner-up. The B-Grade witnessed history when Doug Churchill scored 69 nett to take the winnings. Runner- up, yet again, was Michael Spice, with a 71 nett.

The C-Graders needed count backs to separate the top scorers. The winner was Bruce Squires on 72 nett with visitor, Rowan Fessey as runner-up.

The ball sweep went to 74 nett on count back: 69 – D Churchill; 71 – D Mylecharane, A Dukes, M Spice; 72 – M McGlashan, R Webb, S Sallaway, B Squires, E Gaffney, R Fessey, T Griffiths, M Cahill; 73 – N Duncan, P Dawson; 74 – H Steel-Park. The NTP’s went to: 9th – G Collits; 18th – S Sallaway.

The Stableford Medley on Sunday had a good number of players, playing among visitors and the Super Sixes grand final.

The winner was Brett Byrnes from Condo with a tidy 38 points. The runner-up was Peter Jackson of Coffs Harbour on 36 points.

Unfortunately there was no ball sweep. The NTP’s were a bit hit and miss. On the 9th it was Alf Davies, who got his ‘2’, while on the 18th everybody missed the green.

The ASI Capital-sponsored Summer

Super Sixes grand final was held on Sunday afternoon. The winners from each of the three pool finals played the back-9. In the end the winners were ‘Cobblers Crew’, ending a 30 year drought to be declared team winners. Runners-up were ‘Still Trying’ and gallant also-rans were ‘Hot to Pop’.

Assistant Golf Pro, Adrian Lees began work this week. He will primarily be based in Parkes but will be interacting with Forbes players as he develops the group coaching for juniors and ladies. We welcome Adrian as an extension of the golf expertise being developed by Head Pro, Ben.

The Winter 3’s competition commences next week, on 15th April. No doubt we have all been busy as nominations are still low but there is still time. Team nomination forms are available at the Pro Shop.

By Short Putt

Showtime For Sally At Sydney Royal

April 11, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Showgirl, Sally Downie, travelled to Sydney this week to represent our town in the Sydney Royal Showgirl competition.

She was announced as a finalist at the Zone 6 Regional Showgirl Finals earlier this year.

The state finals will take place throughout the course of the Sydney Royal Easter Show that started this week. It is the second consecutive year that Forbes will have their Showgirl representing our town at the prestigious event.

Sally is looking forward to the planned activities. “The itinerary is pretty full. We start off with a welcome lunch and a visit to Westmead Hospital, attend a personal development workshop and a dinner with the ASC.

We’ll also be going to Government House for a reception and Parliament House. We also do a members preview of the show the night before it opens,” said Sally.

“Friday is judging day so that will be our interviews and visiting the Show Pavilions.

We are also involved with the grand opening and grand parade, on stage interviews and presentations and we get to spend time with the Rural Achievers,” continued Sally.

Sally hasn’t let nerves get the better of her and says that she is feeling relaxed about the competition. “I’ve been told to just be myself and enjoy the experience. I never expected to get this far and it’s been an amazing journey so I’m just excited to experience the competition, meet all the other girls and represent Forbes and Zone 6 and agriculture,” said Sally.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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