Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Forbes Community Halls Revitalised

February 7, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

The Forbes Shire is home to the rural communities of Ootha, Bedgerabong, Warroo, Corinella, Garema, Wirrinya and Calarie.

All seven communities are highly resilient and driven by a proactive community spirit, a solid volunteer culture and enjoy a strong sense of identity and community.

The work underway across these communities is a great credit to the volunteers and community members concerned and a great example for other rural communities.

The contribution of these communities to the overall prosperity and wellbeing of the Forbes Shire cannot be underrated.

Forbes Shire Council is seeking to support the ongoing development of these communities in particular their halls and sports grounds through the development of a long term, unified ‘Strategic and Capital Asset Replacement Plan’ to help guide the long term development of the Shire’s rural halls and sports grounds as well as additional support to access grant funding.

The plan will focus in particular on upgrading kitchens, amenities and disability access in order to best support the wide and diverse range of activities undertaken at these community facilities. The community hall has always been the place for people to gather, be it for a fundraiser or a celebration, it is an essential part of country life. The revitalisation of these facilities will also attract new social and sporting events to the Shire as well as helping build community resilience during times of natural disaster such as flood or fire.

During February, Council will be conducting a number of strategic planning workshops across the Shire. The community is invited to attend a workshop and enjoy a free bbq breakfast at the Garema Hall on the 15th of February 6:30pm.

For further information please contact Council’s Grants Officer, Andrew Rawsthorne on 6850 2327 or at Andrew.rawsthorne@

forbes.nsw.gov.au.

Winners Announced Tonight

February 7, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Business Chamber would like to wish all finalists in the Cowal Gold Evolution Mining Boscars all the best for tonight’s gala awards at the Forbes Services Memorial Club with guest speakers Sam Johnson and Jim Honner from Thank A Farmer For Your Next Meal.

Excellence in Small Business: The Forbes Phoenix, Life Pharmacy Forbes, Mid West Pest Management, Flannery’s Pharmacy, Roylance’s Auto One, Forbes Small Engine Specialists, BWR Accountants and Advisers and Eyewear Specs.

Employee of the Year: Anita Westley, Allan Brockman, Lauren Hutchinson, Jayne Whitworth, Robyn England and Michelle Grace. Young Entrepreneur: Monique Pointon, Adam Chudleigh, Stevie Skene, Nicolas Taylor, Kristen Woods and Kate Ralph.

Start Up Superstar: Elevate Dance Studio, Forbes Thai Massage Centre, Made Of Fridays and Sweet Three Vintage Van. People’s Choice: Tradie of the Year: Monique Pointon, Wes Finn, Mark Webb, Abe Duggan, Ahsley Acheson, Ben Godden, Rodney Buckman, Jamie Loomes, Jack Geppert, John Burton, Scott Burton, Matt Bull, Brad McMillan, Anita Westley, Corey Hurford, John Betland, Jamie Brown, John Butler, Tom Maitland, Brett Stace, Harry Jones and Jack Reid.

People’s Choice: Most Popular Business: Sweet Three Vintage Van, Little Extras Lifestyle, Roylance’s Auto One, News On Rankin, Forbes Services Memorial Club, Forbes Veterinary Clinic, Harry Jones Painting, Life Pharmacy Forbes, Sweet Treats, Bright Beginnings Early Learning Centre, Forbes Family Dentists, Loomzys Fish N’ Fix, Forbes Toyota, Made Of Fridays, Forbes Railway Arts and Tourist Centre, Forbes Bake House, Homie and Co, Forbes Small Engines, Sugar Riot Events Forbes, Eyewear Specs, Blush Organic Beauty and Matt Bull Concreting.

Business of the Year: The winner is selected from the different category winners.

National Title Lures Golf Players To Forbes

February 7, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

The Men’s Comp on Saturday, 19th January was the fifth running of the Australian 2-Person 2-Club Ambrose Medley Championship, sponsored by Cahills Footwear. There were 50 enthusiastic players scrambling for the national title.

This format requires teams of two to be very inventive with their shot making, whilst using unfamiliar sticks. The winning pair did just that, with John Zannes and Dave Rhodes finishing on nett 58. They manufactured 11 birdies, three bogeys and four pars on a day when everything went just right.

Runners up were Andy Dukes and Mike Spice with 60 nett, having finished on the same scratch score but being beaten on handicap. They did pick up other prizes, snaring the NTP on the 1st (A Dukes) and 12th Nearest to Pin 2nd shot (M Spice). Other prize winners were: NTP 3rd – S Kirkman; NTP 9th – D McAuliffe; NTP 18th M Watts; longest drive – J Zannes. The ball sweep went to 66.5 nett: 58 – J Zannes/ D Rhodes; 60 – A Dukes/ M Spice; 62.5 – L O’Connor/ D Mylecharane; 65 – D McAuliffe/ R Besgrove; 66.25 – R Webb/ P Tisdell; 66.5 – R Borger/ D Churchill.

Some fantastic shots were played, with getting onto the green from the wrong fairways.

There were also some bad shots, with one pair fluffing both drives on the 6th with the best drive not reaching the ditch.

Sunday dawned with promise of good weather, but it soon turned oppressive, leading to a small field in the Stableford Medley.

The scoring was good, Bruce Carpenter winning on countback from Steve Betland, both on 40 points.

There was no ball sweep. The NTP’s went to: 9th – Steve Betland; 18th – nil, they all missed. The 2019 CWDGA Pennants, commenced on the 3rd February with the first round being played at the Ex-Services Club. We wish all teams good luck.

By Short Putt

Jemalong Wool Weekly Market Update

February 7, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

The merino fleece sector performed with mixed results this week. Better style wools, with favourable additional measurement results continue to attract excellent buyer support, resulting in very little change for these types, while off style types, carrying higher VM and those with high mid-breaks lacked the same support.

Overall the NRI added 8 cents for the series, making it the fifth consecutive week of positive movement.

In the skirtings, long low VM types continue to outperform the rest of the market and these wools recorded very little change, while the increasing supply of higher VM types eased, with lots carrying fault such as cott and colour most affected.

The crossbreds were by far the best performing sector this week, with 26 to 28 microns gaining 80-100 cents, while all other microns were generally 25-45 cents dearer, once again it was the better prepared lines that attracted the strongest competition, and posted the largest gains.

Currently, there are 40,426 bales rostered for sale next week.

Source: AWEX

Flannery’s Finalist In Prestigious National Awards

January 31, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

Flannery’s Pharmacy is one of only six pharmacies to be named as finalists in the Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s 2019 Pharmacy of the Year competition.

The awards are the benchmark for recognising excellence in the community pharmacy industry and seek out those community pharmacies which are committed to building on their core expertise in medicines and facilitating innovative viability and sustainable professional health services.

“The 2019 finalists are excellent role models for the industry and demonstrate the exciting journey ahead,” said spokesperson for the judging group, Nick Panayiaris, Pharmacy Guild of Australia National Councillor and President of the SA Branch of the Guild. “This year’s finalists all displayed a strong commitment to community engagement and a dedication to improving the delivery of professional services to their patients,” said Nick.

“Another common feature of the finalists is their optimism for the future of the profession – these community pharmacies understand the challenges facing the industry and embrace the need to adapt and change to address the needs of their patients and community,” continued Nick.

Sarah Hazell, pharmacy co-owner, reflected on Flannery’s strong commitment to the community. “Flannery’s has had a big focus on giving back to the community for over 60 years,” said Sarah. “Our recent refurbishment has allowed us to expand our range of professional services including immunisation, medication reviews, blood pressure and blood glucose monitoring and a range of risk assessment health checks.”

“Flannery’s Pharmacy has three new consult rooms which are utilised by our pharmacists, registered nurse and visiting health professionals, including an audiometrist, podiatrist, women’s health physiotherapist and dietitian,” said Sarah. “Our community room is used for baby weighing, changing nappies and breastfeeding.”

The team at Flannery’s Pharmacy are very excited to be finalists in this prestigious competition.

“The competition is very strong with three Queensland pharmacies, one WA pharmacy and one pharmacy from Tasmania.

Flannery’s is the only pharmacy representing NSW” said Sarah.

The Guild Pharmacy of the Year 2019 is an initiative of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, sponsored by principal sponsor Care Pharmaceuticals and major sponsor the Quality Care Pharmacy Program.

A Spectacular Australia Day Celebrated In Forbes

January 31, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

This year saw Forbes celebrate Australia Day like no other town quite can. The day held nearly all elements of weather. From severe heat and gusty winds, to thunder and lightning before a welcome momentarily rainfall just enough to cool things down a little, allowing community members to really enjoy the rest of the celebrations.

The day began with the Rotary Community Breakfast at Apex Park. Followed by the Diggers Swim at the Forbes Olympic Pool.

Celebrations continued during the evening with activities and fun at Lions Park, the beautiful Lakeside Forbes also being utilised.

Families enjoyed and danced to music from Gabemusic and cooled off with the paddleboats in operation on the lake. This activity proved to be a favourite with the amount of people lining up to have a go. There were free rides for the kids plus the Riding for Disabled Carriage ran pony rides for everyone.

The CWA versus Lions Damper Competition was also on again to celebrate the traditional Australian bread. Elaine Bright presented the Best Damper Champion title and trophy to Neil Lambert.

This year, Forbes welcomed Keith Potger AO from The Seekers, as the Ambassador. Keith is a self-taught musician and one of the founding members of the band The Seekers. With a career starting in the 1960’s, he still performs today. In 2014, along with fellow band members Judith Durham, Athol Guy and Bruce Woodley, The Seekers were appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO).

Community members and The Seekers fans were treated to a short performance during the rainfall by Keith, after he had given his official speech as the Ambassador.

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack and his wife, Catherine also attended the Forbes festivities.

Before the official proceedings started, local scouts Nicholas and Charles Zannes, had the honour of raising the Australian flag.

Amy Shine, Director of Forbes Preschool, was named Citizen of the Year and Sam Mackay was named Junior Citizen of the Year.

The day’s celebration was ended with a more than impressive, fireworks display over the lake.

By Gizell van Wyk

Snippets…

January 31, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

COOK-OFF… Neil Lambert was presented with the Best Damper Champion title and trophy by Elaine Bright. This was for the CWA versus Lions Damper Competition held at the Australia Day celebrations in Lions Park on Saturday to celebrate the traditional Australian bread.

Giving Blood Feels Good: The mobile blood service will be visiting Forbes in Harold Street behind the Cenotaph in Victoria Park on the 4th, 5th and 6th of February from 9:45am to 2:45pm. To make an appointment call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au. Please bring photo ID with you. Have 3 or 4 glasses of water or juice in the hours before you donate and have a good sized breakfast or lunch.

The bell has rung and it’s back to school: As young people have returned to school, National Youth Mental Health Foundation, headspace, reminds young people and their families that this time can be emotionally turbulent. Young people can feel a range of emotions when they’re back at school, which include feelings of excitement, anticipation and nerves. Some students can adjust to the changes and settle into things quickly. However, some young people may find this a daunting and challenging time. Vikki Ryall, Executive Director of Clinical Practice at headspace, said that the anticipation of trying to make new friends, pressure to get the best marks and dealing with difficulties like bullying are some reasons young people may feel uncertain at this time. “Parents can tell when something is out of the ordinary, so it’s good if you can check in regularly with your young person to see how they’re feeling and to endorse the positives of going back to school,” she said.

Come and try an instrument: Would you like to try to learn a musical instrument? ‘Come and try’ days will be conducted during Term 1 at the Forbes Town Band Hall at 165 Rankin Street (opposite Bernardi’s). Learn to play flute, clarinet, trumpet, saxophone, trombone, tuba, xylophone or drums. The ‘Come and try’ dates are on Monday, 11th and 18th February from 6pm to 7pm. Parents are welcome to stay with their children and may wish to learn along with their children and join the band as well. Suggested age for a student to start band is 10 years. Adults are also very welcome to join the learner’s band. You are never too old to learn! Community members that can already play an instrument are most welcome to come along and join the band at 7pm any school term Monday.

Northparkes Community Investment Program announced the latest recipients of $40,000 for the second round of 2018. The successful applicants were: Adavale Lane Community Hall, Bogan Gate Public School, Currajong Disability Services Ltd, Forbes District Soccer Club, Forbes Veteran Golfers, Friends of Parkes Hospital, Parkes Community & Allied Health Service, Parkes Community Choir, Parkes High School, Parkes Touch Association, PCYC Parkes, Peak Hill Domestic Violence Committee, Relay for Life Parkes & Districts, St George’s Toy Library, Tottenham Late Notes, Trundle Central, Tullamore Bowling & Citizens Club, and Tullamore PA&H Association Inc. The next round of funding will close on 30th April. Contact Ali Standen on 6861 3621.

Botanical Gardens Upgrades Receive Further Funding

January 31, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

The Botanical Gardens Sportsground in Forbes is one of the region’s most utilised sporting grounds. Parliamentary Secretary for Western NSW, Rick Colless last week presented a cheque of $135,264 that will go towards building Stage 2 of new amenities, including change rooms at the Botanic Gardens.

Announcing the grant, Rick said the Infrastructure grants provided funding for sport and recreation facilities such as these.

The new amenities and change rooms are marked to be built this year.

“This upgrade has been on Council’s radar or many years and it is wonderful for our town to be able to implement it,” said Forbes Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM. “The grounds are used by over 5,000 people a year to attend sporting events held at these fields,” she continued.

Organised sport has been undertaken at the Forbes Botanical Gardens sports fields for over 100 years. It is a real focal point for the Forbes community and a true multipurpose community sporting facility.

The Botanical Gardens are home to the Forbes Touch Association, Forbes Junior Cricket, Forbes Little A’s and the Forbes & District Soccer Club. The fields are also utilised by Red Bend Catholic College and St Laurence’s Primary School for training and school carnivals.

The current amenities block has been in service since the 1970’s and the grounds do not have change room facilities at all.

The new building will include showers, change rooms and toilets. Most importantly, for the first time, facilities will be available to the elderly and disabled.

“We are proud to have Andrew Rawsthorne on our team at Forbes Shire Council as our Grants Officer,” said Phyllis. “He has the expertise to find the right funding opportunities and to match them to the right cause.”

The Forbes & District Soccer Club worked closely with Forbes Shire Council to secure a $146,236 grant from the 2015 Asian Cup Legacy Surplus Funds, along with $150,000 from Forbes Shire Council for Stage 1 of the project.

“Now that the project is fully funded we look forward to getting this amazing new facility up and running for the winter season of sport activities planned,” said Phyllis.

COUNCIL COMMENTS

January 31, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

I want to congratulate the team on a wonderful Australia Day in the park. Kimberley Harris’ rendition of Advance Australia Fair penetrated my soul, she has an incredible voice. Keith Potger from the Seekers was a wonderful Ambassador and I thoroughly enjoyed his singing and conversing with him at dinner to learn about his wonderful 56 year career in music. It was great to have our Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Member, Michael McCormack attend our ceremony with his wife. Seeing him interacting with people and assisting with the Rotary BBQ was fabulous.

It was with great sadness that I heard about the passing of Greg Stammers over the weekend. ‘We grew up in Forbes and we’re proud of it’ has been a wonderful Facebook page for former and current community members to engage and reconnect.

I extend my sympathy to his family especially Tim and Allan.

My wish for our community is to see more people get involved. Be involved with your kids. Go to the restaurants, visit the pool, support our local shops and businesses, and attend the cinema. Phone a friend or your family and ask them to come too. Build those connections and relationships around you that make a community great. It is so easy to sit back and criticise that we have nothing in our town. But we are on the cusp of great things in Forbes – what are you going to do?

“Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something” – Max Lucado.

Your Councillor,

Michele Herbert

Our Bloke -Nicolas Taylor

January 31, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in Forbes and what do you like about living here? I have been living in Forbes for five years now. What I like most about living here are the friendly people.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy about your work? I own and run Nic’s Garage with my wonderful wife. I enjoy finding and fixing problems and doing a job the best I can.

What do you do to unwind after work or on weekends? I enjoy playing with my four kids and riding motorbikes.

What are you really good at? Dad jokes. Seriously though, the list is too long for this small segment… just joking!

If you could have a super power, what would it be? Welding with my fingertips.

What is your pet hate? Parking at 85 degrees in a 45 degree parking spot.

Tell us about your best holiday ever. Our trip to Agnes Water and the town of 1770 for New Year’s with our tribe of wilds. It consisted of relaxing beach walks and watching the sunset over the sea from one of the few places on the east coast.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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