Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

MAYORAL NOTES

January 24, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

Boy oh boy, hasn’t it been hot! I was whinging about the heat the other day and started to wonder why we live in the west, which sometimes feels like the desert.

Then it dawned on me, I live here because of all of you and the wonderful lifestyle we have. The way we care for each other when something goes wrong is amazing.

So all in all, the heat will pass and we will be great again.

Australia Day Celebrations are coming up and the Council and staff have a great day planned. The Rotary Breakfast at 7am, the Digger Family Swimming Carnival at 11am and the Family Party in the park at Lions Park at 6pm. There is no need to pack a picnic as we have some great food vans coming to the Party in the Park with heaps to choose from. Our Ambassador this year for Australia Day is Keith Potger. Keith is one of the founding members of the band, The Seekers and a very talented musician, playing guitars, banjo, mandolin, ukulele and keyboards.

This year will see two elections take place, State Government on the 23rd March and the Federal one possibly in May. Now is the time to start writing your “wish list” to the candidates, especially our sitting members Phil Donato for State and Michael McCormick our Federal member.

Council gets back into full swing on the 4th February. Enjoy your weekend and week ahead.

God Bless.

Your Mayor,

Phyllis Miller

Croquet News

January 24, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

Croquet week ending 22nd December This week saw us play the last games of 2018. Tuesday’s Golf Croquet had some close games. The winners of three games were Robin Pols, Jill Rubie and Libby Smart.

Our Christmas dinner was held at the Vandenberg Hotel. A lovely meal was provided before the presentations of trophies to our winners for the year.

The golf croquet winner of the most games won during the year for men was Bruce Field. The Aussie croquet winner of the most games won during the year for men was John Cole.

The golf croquet winner of the most games won during the year for ladies was Joan Littlejohn. The Aussie croquet winner of the most games won during the year for ladies was also Joan Littlejohn. Congratulations to all of the winners!

An ovation was given for our hard working President/Treasurer, Elvy Quirk who has given our club the best financial year on record and the most paying members since the club was formed by our late president Keith Croker.

Elvy thanked all of those members with roles who helped the club to function so well over the year.

Our last game of the year on Saturday, 22nd December had 24 participants due to several members going on holidays early.

There were only two winners of their three games namely John Cole and Barry White.

There was a short break over Christmas and New Year with games resumed as of Tuesday, 8th January. We welcome all new members in 2019.

On behalf of the Forbes Croquet Club we hope that everyone had a pleasant Christmas and wish all a prosperous New Year.

By Anne and Harley Stewart

Our Gal -Anita Westley

January 24, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in Forbes and what do you like about living here? I have lived in Forbes for five years and really like how it is a clean, tidy and friendly town.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy about your work? I work at Forbes Veterinary Clinic. The staff are great to work with, everyday is different and I really enjoy working with animals.

What do you do to unwind after work or on weekends? I enjoy doing anything outdoors… hiking, swimming and playing with my dog.

What are you really good at? Working with animals.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? To make it rain in times like this and help all farmers out.

What is your pet hate? I’m yet to discover my pet hate.

Tell us about your best holiday ever. A camping trip to Cape York with friends and family. Being at the tip of Australia was awesome!

Family Divorce Can Be A Disaster For Small Business

January 24, 2019 by Maggi Barnard

With official statistics showing that almost 40% of marriages end in divorce, or at least in a property settlement, a marriage break up is a horrendous issue for partners in a small business. Instead of concentrating on cash flow, tax matters, business generation and expansion, all goes out the window when the specter of divorce enters.

If both parties to a marriage work within the business, the strains are greatly magnified.

Julia Cambridge, the national executive director of Family Business Australia, recently said: “We know of cases where the relationship has broken down, and it has caused the business to fail. Any sort of conflict takes your eye off the game, diverts your attention away from what you are supposed to be doing, and impacts upon the business bottom line.”

Lawyers are increasingly looking at ways to exit a spouse from a business partnership by apportioning income streams or separating parties from discretionary trusts, superannuation, or taxation matters.

If a business is reasonably well run and profitable, it can manage. If, however, it is trading at the margin, the divorce can tip the business over. Binding financial arrangements or shareholder agreements prepared to come into effect in the event of a dispute are helpful, but the Family Court can override any such agreement in many, but not all, circumstances.

This is a complex legal field. If we at Matthews Williams can assist you on this or any other legal matter, feel free to phone me or one of our solicitors or call into our office for an appointment.

By Mark Olson.

Red Bend Catholic College Celebrates HSC Success

December 20, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

The staff at Red Bend Catholic College wish to congratulate the 2018 HSC cohort on their results.

All at the College are extremely proud of all the students and their achievements. The students’ results are a reflection of their conscientious attitude and enthusiastic approach across all subject areas. It is also a reward for intense effort and study and a product of the combined commitment of the students and their teachers.

Emily Jeffrey has been awarded first in the state in the Primary Industries examination. This is an outstanding result for Emily, as well as her teacher, Col Hawthorn.

The College Dux for 2018 is Jackson Burton who received an ATAR of 94.3.

Sixteen students have been recognised on the Distinguished achievers list for achieving a Band 6 (90 or above) in one or more courses. These students achieved 26 Band 6 results across 14 different subjects.

Forty students achieved Band 5’s across 25 courses. In total, the cohort received 112 Band 5’s which is equivalent to a mark between 80 and 89.

Fifty three students achieved Band 4’s across 25 courses. In total, the 2018 cohort received 127 Band 4’s which is equivalent to a mark between 70 and 79.

Many students also came very close to going up a band: 22 students were 1 to 2 marks off receiving a band 6 result; 31 students were 1 to 2 marks off receiving a band 5 result; 19 students were 1 to 2 marks off going up to a band 4 result and 17 students were 1 to 2 marks off going up to a band 3 result.

Red Bend Catholic College is proud of the strong performance across all levels of achievement for the HSC class of 2018. Congratulations and best wishes for the future to this graduating class.

SNIPPETS…

December 20, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

CREATIVE ARTS… Students from Forbes Public School received a certificate for participating in the Riverina and Central West Christmas Artwork Competition from Deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack last Thursday. The second place winner of the competition was Alfie Quirk. Congratulations Alfie!

Obstacool coming to Forbes: Forbes Shire Council is bringing Australia’s biggest inflatable obstacle course designed for children big and small to Nelson Park. Free access for children will be available between 9am and 3pm on 22nd December. Each session lasts 45 minutes and commences on the hour. Children must be checked in by a parent or guardian and supervised during the time that they are in the course. Participation is open to any age above four.

CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes Art Competition: CatholicCare Wilcannia- Forbes is celebrating the artistic talent in our communities with its first Aboriginal Art Competition to be judged in January next year. “We want to showcase this talent by highlighting the art which captures the spirit of our region through this competition and subsequent exhibition,” CatholicCare Wilcannia- Forbes CEO, Anne-Marie Mioche said. “There is no set subject for submitted artwork but we look forward to pieces which will celebrate our culture and heritage, encourage greater understanding, acceptance and inclusion,” added Anne-Marie. Aboriginal artists aged 16 years and over, are encouraged to submit an artwork. Entries for the competition will close on 14th January at 5pm. The winning artist will receive $1,200, second place will be awarded $500 and $300 for third. Competition entry forms and terms and conditions are available by emailing agearen@ccwf.org.au or phoning 0404 125 840.

Pubs, Clubs And Bottle Shops Encourage Plan B: Determined to do their bit to reduce drink driving across the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Council areas, 57 pubs, clubs and bottle shops have joined forces to promote the Plan B campaign. Plan B is a state-wide initiative encouraging patrons to think about an alternative to driving home after a night out. During December, patrons at participating pubs, clubs and bottle shops will be invited to enter a competition to nominate a Plan B for getting home. “Catch a cab, walk home or throw a swag out on a mate’s floor – we don’t mind what your Plan B is, so long as it’s not driving home,” said Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor. “Every entry puts patrons in the running to win a swag valued at $250. The competition will be drawn on New Year’s Eve,” said Melanie.

Legal Eagle – What To Do After A Car Accident

December 20, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

If, by bad luck, you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, there are things you must do, and things you should do.

Things you must do:
• Stop as soon as you have the accident.
• Give your name, address and car registration details to the driver of the other car, to any person injured, and to the owner of any property damaged.
• Give the name and address of the car owner if it is not you.
• Give assistance to any injured person.
• Notify the police if someone is killed or injured, a driver did not stop and give their details to the other driver or drivers, any driver appears to be affected by alcohol or drugs, or any vehicle has to be towed away. In this latter case, and if the police do not come to the accident scene, you must report the accident to the nearest police station within 24 hours.
Things you should do:
• Make notes about the accident.
• Draw a plan of the scene and location of the cars.
• Take photos of the scene and location of each car.
• Take the names and addresses of any witnesses.
• Get the details of the other car, its owner, and its insurers.
• Notify your comprehensive insurance company immediately, and, if any person is injured, notify your green slip insurers.

If you have been injured, consult your solicitor as there are strict time limits for making an insurance claim.

If we at Matthews Williams can assist you on this or any other legal matter, feel free to phone me or one of our solicitors or call into our office for an appointment.

By Mark Olson

Letter To The Editor

December 20, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Dear Editor,

I am pleased to inform you that we were successful in forming a Christian Democratic Party (Fred Nile Group) branch in Parkes. The meeting was held at the Pink Orchid in Parkes last Tuesday and we thank the coffee shop for their generosity in allowing us to use the space to hold our meeting. The food was great and the venue was warm and friendly.

There was good attendance from members and supporters and we heard a very comprehensive speech from Craig Hall, State Manager for the Christian Democratic Party (CDP).

Local farmer, Maurice Davey from “Grayeston” Alectown, was elected as President of the Parkes branch. Suzanne Wright was elected Secretary and Elizabeth Naveau was elected as Treasurer. All enquiries can be directed to Craig Hall on 9633 3255.

On the same day, another meeting was held at my own home in Forbes. Well known local farmer, Kevin Rubie was elected President, Margaret Herbert was elected as Secretary and Jeanette Haley was elected as Treasurer.

The CDP (Fred Nile Group) has been around and in Parliament for over 37 years and stands for all aspects of good government. The CDP is Australia’s only registered national Christian political party. The Rev Fred Nile MLC is well known for his stand over many years. The Hon Paul Green MLC (the former Mayor of Shoalhaven) has held the balance of power alongside Rev Fred Nile for the last few years. He is up for re-election in March next year. I hope to stand for the Federal Senate at the next Federal election possibly in March or May next year.

Regards,
Dianne Decker AM

Forbes Christmas Carnival A Night To Remember

December 20, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Hordes of people flocked to Templar and Rankin Streets last Friday to enjoy the Christmas Carnival and some late-night shopping that was topped off with ideal weather.

There was much to see and do for the young and the young at heart, such as rides on the tea cups, jumping castles and Hector, the bucking bull. Artistic talents were on show with the Street Art and kids got involved in exciting games.

Showcasing 30 market stalls with lots of variety. Some of the stalls included plants, children’s clothes, honey, cherries, adult clothing, handmade jewellery, natural oils, candles, signs and slime. There were also some wonderful food and drink stalls around.

Forbes Business Chamber Chairperson, Marg Duggan expressed her gratitude to everyone that assisted with the event and congratulated the draw winners of the Find It In Forbes Christmas Promotion.

“Congratulations to all of our winners! We would also like to thank the community for their support, especially to those businesses that loaned equipment and the wonderful volunteers that assisted with set-up and pack-up. They are absolutely amazing and made the job so much easier,” said Marg.

The winners of the 10 x $500 ‘Why Leave Town’ draws were as follows:
• Draw 1: Kaye Neville (ticket from Brons Hair/sponsored by Forbes Shire Council)
• Draw 2: Roz Dukes (ticket from Loomzys Fish and Fix/sponsored by Forbes Services Memorial Club)
• Draw 3: Dianne King (ticket from Bernardis/ sponsored by Terry Bros Carpet Court)
• Draw 4: Susan Steward (ticket From Painted Daisies/sponsored by Forbes Services Memorial Club)
• Draw 5: Denise Palmer (ticket From Cahills Footwear/sponsored by Forbes Shire Council)
• Draw 6: Roz House (ticket from Bernardis/ sponsored by Terry Bros Carpet Court)
• Draw 7: Jenny Bray (ticket from Pantry Cafe and Catering/sponsored by Forbes Services Memorial Club)
• Draw 8: Rod Ridley (ticket from News On Rankin/sponsored by Little Extras)
• Draw 9: Donna Fitzgerald (ticket from Undercover Sleepwear/sponsored by Bernardis)
• Draw 10: Brian Dwyer (ticket from Allure On Main/sponsored by Central West Diesel)

The winners of the 2 x $100 ‘Why Leave Town’ draws for the social media competition were:
• Draw 1: Larissa Moore
• Draw 2: Alex Hutchings

The major draws will be held on 24th December on the corner of Battye and Rankin Streets from 11:30am. Tim Redfern from Lachlan Readymix will load the tickets at approximately 11am into the concrete mixer.

The draws are made up of 5 x $1,000, 1 x $2,000, 1 x $3,000 and 1 x $5,000. All of the prizes will be awarded in loaded ‘Why Leave Town’ cards.

When shopping at the participating businesses remember to ask for your tickets to go into the draw. The participating businesses are: Agriwest; Allure on Main; Bernardi’s; Better Home Living; Blue Sky Outdoors Experts; Blush Organic Beauty; Bowns Sports Power; Brons Hair Design; C&D floorcoverings; Cahills Footwear; Chapter 2; Country Bakehouse; Eye Wear Specs; Flannerys Pharmacy; Forbes Family Dentists; Forbes Inn; Forbes Small Engines; Gottaluvit; Gunns Mensland; Helloworld Travel; Hozpots; Julianna Kneebone Solicitors; Ladybird Boutique; Life Pharmacy; Little Extra’s; Loomsys Fish & Fix; Made Of Fridays; News On Rankin; Painted Daisies; Pantry Cafe and Catering; Phillip Wells Optometrist; Robbs Jewellers; Roylances Auto One; Terry Bros Carpet Court; Turners Furniture One; Undercover Sleepwear; Vandenberg Hotel and Walkers Ag N Vet.

“A huge thank you goes to the Naming Rights Sponsor Forbes Shire Council, Gold Sponsor Forbes Services Memorial Club, Silver Sponsor Terry Bros Carpet Court and Bronze Sponsors Little Extras, Bernardis and Central West Diesel for the amazing Find It In Forbes Promotion.”

“We would also like to thank the supporters for the Find It In Forbes Promotion which are Forbes Livestock, Forbes Toyota, Hazel and Field Accountants, Hughes and Co, Kevin Miller, Whitty Lennon & Co, MCC Forbes, MidPro Engineering, Midwest Pest and WA Knights,” said Marg.

Top Scores In Annual Ham Day

December 20, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

The Men’s competition on Saturday was the annual Ham Day sponsored by Woolworths Forbes. The 62 players contested an Individual Stableford format with some fierce competition.

The A-Division was won by Kim Herbert with 43 points compiled in a craftsman-like manner. Runner-up was Paul Pymont, only one shot back on 42 points. The B-Division was won by Brett Slack-Smith with 41 points, while David Earl finished runner-up on 40 points.

The ball sweep went to 36 points, going to: 43 – K Herbert; 42 – P Pymont; 41 – B Slack-Smith; 40 – D Earl; 39 – R Webb, R Nixon, T Sharpe, D Churchill; 38 – T Callaghan, A Rees, R Smith, F Donohoe; 37 – P Dawson; 36 – P Tisdell, C Barrett, M Cahill. The NTP’s went to: 9th – Andy Brownlow (Peak Hill); 18th – Dave Mylecharane.

One player locked his keys in the shop and had to use a hire set of clubs, which had a very short child’s putter in the bag. Despite this handicap he did well on the front-9, scoring 23 points but battled home to score 36 points overall. Remember your keys next time Marty!

In Sunday’s Stableford Medley, Bob Borger knocked Peter Grayson off the winning mantle. Four players finished on 37 points with count-back needed to separate them all. The final result was: winner – Bob Borger, runner-up – Peter Barnes, ball sweep – Bess Shields, Peter Grayson, (36) Scott Kirkman, (35) Warwick Judge.

The NTP’s went to: 9th – W Judge, 18th – P Barnes. There was a good group of visitors from Caragabal playing. Trevor Cooper and Nigel Davies did the best of the bunch.

The Men’s CWDGA Pennants season will commence in late January. All those players wishing to be considered for a team, please place your name on the list in the Pro Shop. This is an important inter-club event so please support it.

By Short Putt

Parkes Phoenix Editor

Subscribe