Parkes Phoenix Editor

Organised sport has been undertaken at the Forbes Botanical Gardens Sports Fields for over 100 years with a variety of groups making use of this great facility.

Therefore another announcement for further funding of $178,000 for the Botanical Gardens made by Deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack at Victoria Park on Monday was welcomed. This funding is on top of $150,000 funding from Council, $146,000 Asian Cup and $135,000 NSW government money. This will help fund upgrades to the grounds including new change rooms and toilets at the sportsground.

“For the first time facilities for the elderly and disabled will be available at the Botanical Gardens,” said Forbes Mayor, Phyllis Miller. “The grounds are used by over 5,000 people a year to attend sporting events held at these fields.”

Announcing the grant, Deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack said the Infrastructure Grants provides funding for sport and recreation facilities such as these. The new amenities and change rooms are marked to be built this year.

The project benefits not only participants in soccer, athletics, cricket and touch football but with Forbes’ central location and the current popularity of the fields as a location for regional carnivals, the proposed upgrades will benefit clubs and participants from right across the Central West.

Forbes has one of the highest levels of participation in soccer by women in the Central Western NSW. The proposed new facility forms an integral part of plans to grow and develop female participation in soccer not only at Forbes but across the Central West NSW.

A loyal Forbes resident all her life, Marg Stirling started feeling about 12 months ago the need to do her part for local women diagnosed with breast cancer.

The inspiration came during a time when Marg started frequenting the gym as part of a rehab program. She became aware of a group of ladies also visiting the gym that were there for breast cancer exercises. “Once I got involved with the ladies after seeing them as well as hearing of the others, I thought it would be nice to do something
to give back to them and others that might go through the same thing,” said Marg.

Last Monday, Marg’s inspiring initiative to help local women living with breast cancer, finally came to fruition when she was able to present a cheque to the value of $6,700 to Lachlan Health Services McGrath Breast Care Nurse, Dianne Green and Janice Cassidy of Cassidy’s Hair Salon in Parkes. These funds will be allocated towards material headwear (which can be quite expensive) and the local Wig Library, run by Janice.

The Wig Library services all people living around the Central West that is losing their hair because of cancer treatment. “People come to us to find a wig that suits them. We style it to suit their face and we also shampoo wigs that are worn very often. It’s all free of charge and they can have the wig as long as they need it,” said Janice.

As part of Marg’s fundraising efforts she organised a luncheon at the Forbes Inn in April last year where more than $900 was raised through ticket sales, a raffle and also generous donations.

The shaving of Marg’s hair was done at the Forbes Rugby Union Club as part of their Ladies Day held in June with a couple of hundred people bearing witness to Marg’s big moment. Before the shave, Marg’s hair was plaited in preparation to be used for a child’s wig.

“We had items donated from various businesses and people in town which was auctioned on the Ladies Day. Among the auction items was a signed Sydney Swans jersey, Forbes Rugby Union Club football, Mahlah Molloy print, a wine pack and many other items,” said Marg. The day raised a total of $5,393.

“I have just been amazed with people’s donations and their support in my raising funds for this cause. A big thank you to the Forbes Rugby Union Club, the Forbes Inn, the Forbes Credit Union and anyone else that donated to my fundraising efforts,” she said.

By Gizell van Wyk