Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Mayoral Notes

August 19, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

I want to start this column with an apology for the state of our local road network. We know the roads are bad and we know with all this rain and water around they are only getting worse. I’m sure that those of you who are farmers would appreciate how hard it is to get onto anything at the moment!

Rest assured, we are doing our best. We are continuing to assess the roads and have prioritised where the work needs to be done. As soon as it is dry enough to get machines and teams in place, we will be getting on to grade, patch and improve them. We manage almost 1,800 kilometres of sealed and unsealed roads and like everywhere in the state (and possibly beyond) our roads have been hammered and need serious attention.

Demolition continues at Spotlight which is great news, as it means the sooner we can rebuild.

It’s footy finals season, a big shout out to the Magpies whose first grade side won and the reserves and under 18s will play this week in Orange. Congratulations to Forbes Junior Rugby – 2022 Central West Junior Club Champions. It is a delight to see the sporting grounds and facilities brimming with players and supporters on the weekends.

Finally, I hope you all get a chance to enjoy the Bedgerabong Show tomorrow – it really is the best little show in the west. It is so great to see the shows returning this year. Looking forward to the Forbes Show in September.

Forbes Public School Paves Way Into Future

August 19, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Public School staff member Katy Brown shows FPS Students Maggie Dooley, Josie Watson and Emily Greig her family paver from her time as a student at the school.

The Memorial Pathway at the main entrance to Forbes Public School is set to expand with an offer to the community to take part in the project for the 160th anniversary of the school.

The Forbes Public School Parents’ & Citizens Association is once again offering families, past students, local businesses and the wider Forbes community an opportunity to contribute to the engraved pathway first unveiled in 2005.

“We often get asked by families, contractors and other visitors to the school how they can get their name on a paver,” said Principal Meg Staples. “It provides a wonderful entryway to our school.

“Many of our current staff have pavers from when they were students and even our current students delight in finding the pavers donated by older friends, relatives or even their parents from their time at Forbes Public School,” said Meg.

“This being our 160th year of Forbes Public School, we thought it a wonderful time to make this opportunity available once again.”

Pavers can be engraved in type form or with an original hand drawn design and can be purchased for $50. Order forms are available from the Forbes Public School Office (entry via Lachlan St) or by emailing the P&C Association forbespublicschool@pandcaffiliate.org.au. All orders and paver designs must be received with payment no later than Friday, 26th August. All funds raised from this project will contribute to the new landscaping design and implementation for the school.

Variable Scores At Saturday’s Golf

August 19, 2022 by Short Putt

In changeable weather the Forbes Golfers had mixed fortunes with good scores recorded in the morning, while afternoon scores were affected by the weather.

On Saturday the golf competition was a 4BBB Stableford Medley, playing for the Bob & Daine Doolin Memorial trophy. A small field of 48 starters braved the forecast conditions, producing a wide range of scores.

The overall winners were the pairing of Jean and Warwick Judge, who scored 45 points. Jean’s handicap was very beneficial for their scoring and allowed her to contribute most of the scores. They faltered on only one hole, scoring a ‘7’ on the 4th but still managed one point.

The runners-up were Scott Kirkman and Doug Churchill with 44 points. They teamed well, sharing the scoring load, but really shone on the back-9 with 24 points. Single-pointers on the 5th and 9th holes held them back from a win.

The NTP’s went to: 9th – Ladies: Carolyn Duncan, Men: Jeff Haley; 18th – Ladies: Nil, Men: Doug Churchill. The 3rd hole super pin went to Allan Rees with a shot to 4.4 metres.

The Ball Sweep went to 40 points, with most pairings scoring under par. The visitors included: Valarie and Wane Turner from Beerwah who were passing through from Queensland.

There was no Sunday Stableford Medley due to the inclement weather.

This weekend the Men’s comp is an 18-hole Individual Stableford, sponsored by Gunns Traffic Control, with a Stableford Medley on Sunday. The Peak Hill Open is listed for Sunday, 28th August but not confirmed.

By Short Putt

How To Become Friendly With The Environment

August 19, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

ECO STUDENTS… The year 5 group of Forbes Public School ready to learn more about waterbugs at Eco Day held at the Parkes Racecourse on Wednesday.

In celebration of Science Week almost 300 students from Forbes Shire, Parkes Shire and Eugowra took part in Eco Day activities at the Parkes Racecourse.

It was a day of learning for the Year 5 students organised by Central West Lachlan Landcare.

“It is important to give our children a deeper understanding of the environment as they are our future community and we want them to be as informed as can be,” said Landcare Co-ordinator Marg Applebee.

“We are thrilled to have the support of FishCare (DPI), CMOC NorthParkes Mine staff; Lake Cowal Foundation; Netwaste; Petaurus Education, Parkes Shire Council Environmental staff, the Biodiversity Conservation Trust, and many volunteers.”

The activities taught children about native and introduced species of fish and their habitats, water treatment processes, waterbugs and macroinvertebrates, biodiversity and habitats, mining and land management, as well as worm farms and recycling.

The students also made seed balls and stamped bags with local native species carvings for the seed balls that will be distributed at next month’s Grazing Down the Lachlan with a focus on local food, sustainability and zero waste.

At the end of the day students took part in a Waste Game Show, and they were asked to list the environmental issues they considered to be important.

“We are proud to once again host a group of fabulous young people. Our volunteers and presenters come away from days like this being inspired by the students and encouraged that they will go back to their school communities and educate others,” said Marg.

Our Gal – Elvy Quirk

August 19, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in Forbes and what do you like about living here? I was born at the Mater Misericordiae Hospital in Forbes and have lived here all my life. I like the friendly country atmosphere.

Where do you work? I retired from work in 2001 after several office managerial positions.

What do you do to unwind? I enjoy a game of croquet, walking and love my garden and my craft activities.

What are you really good at? I believe I am capable of organising.

What makes you laugh? Some of the antics of the very young.

What is on your bucket list? I’ve reached the age where I’ve travelled quite a lot, my life is filled with family who care and I enjoy socialising with the many lovely friends I’ve made along the way.

Tell us something interesting about yourself. I had over 40 years of ballroom and new vogue dancing and travelled a lot sharing it with the most precious person in my life my late husband Ross.

What was your first job? I worked in an office managerial position for the late Ron McGrath who ran a carrying and auto electrical business.

Tell us about your best holiday ever. I really enjoyed my Canadian and Alaskan trip with my partner John.

Forbes Croquet Results

August 19, 2022 by Pegging Out

We had 29 players for Aussie Croquet last Saturday. Four players managed three games: Alex Todd, Kevin Rubie and Bruce Field, a new player.

Big wins: 14—8 John Farah and Allan Jones; 14—9 Colleen Liebich and Bill Scott, John Farah and Neville Spry.

Some close games: Neville Spry and Bill Scott 14 Lorraine Todd and Robin Pols 13; Dorelle Scott and John Browne 14 Bill Scott and Neville Spry 13

There were 30 players for Golf Croquet on a bleakish morning on Tuesday. A big field of six players won three games: John Farah, Merv Langfield, Robin Pols, Jill Rubie, Neville Spry and a newer player for the 2nd time Noel Jolliffe.

Big wins: 10—3 John Browne and Barry White, Dorelle Scott and Jeff Liebich, John Browne and Merv Langfield; 9—4 Rex Toole and Neville Spry, John Farah and Rex Toole, May Jones and Robin Pols

Some close games: Neville Spry and Bill Scott 14 Lorraine Todd and Robin Pols 13; Dorelle Scott and John Browne 14 Bill Scott and Neville Spry 13; Peter West and Bruce Field 14 Rex Toole and Ray Burridge 13

By Pegging Out

What do you hope to learn at Eco Day?

August 19, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Brax Nash: I want to learn why it is important to keep our earth safe and rubbish free. I think we need to look after our environment so we don’t cut down trees and make birds lose their homes.

Aidan McTiernan: I want to learn how to be friendly to the environment and how to protect it.

Charlotte Ballantyne: I want to learn more about the environment and hope to also get some ideas and inspiration for ecological art, which I enjoy making for fun. I would like to make an animal or even a poster.

David Is July’s Winner

August 19, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Congratulations to builder David Hodder on winning the Tradie of the Month competition for July! He has won a pair of FXD WP3 Pants valued at $105 from Gunn’s Menswear, the sponsor of this popular competition. Jo Staines from Gunn’s Menswear handed David his prize.

Please keep on nominating your favourite tradie, male or female for the August competition simply by dropping into Gunn’s Menswear at 83 Rankin Street, or message the Gunn’s Menswear facebook page, or send us an email at editor@forbesphoenix.com.au.

The closing date for this month’s competition is Friday, 26th August

Bowlers Brave Atrocious Weather

August 19, 2022 by Marty Tighe

CHAMPIONSHIP MATCHES

Two Minor Pairs matches were played under very threatening dark clouds in cool conditions at the Parkes Bowling & Sports Club on Saturday. The first match featured Joanne and Mick Simpson up against the ‘Gorgeous Georges’ – Bradley and Boatswain. The two Georges started strongly against the Simpson couple and were leading 6 shots to 1 after just 3 ends. Joanne and Mick regained their composure and played steady bowls, matching their older and more experienced opponents shot for shot to regain the lead, and beat the eventual rain downpour to win by 15 shots to 10.

Defending Minor Pairs champions Gary McPhee and Marty Tighe struggled all match against the red-hot Brian Townsend and John Wright. Brian and John dominated the majority of the match, playing terrific weighted bowls. As the sky darkened Gary started to find his range and the scores began to tighten up, just as the rain, and then hail stopped the match. Team Townsend are leading 16 shots to 14 after 16 ends. The match will resume this weekend.

ZONE PENNANTS

The wet and dismal weather caused the cancellation of the Division 2 match on Sunday between Parkes Pirates and Dubbo Macquarie in Dubbo.

The Division 3 match between Parkes and Grenfell was played at Parkes on Sunday in truly atrocious conditions with rain and wind throughout the match making it miserable for all 24 bowlers. The 3 Parkes teams beat the 3 highly fancied Cowra teams the previous Sunday in the rain, and were liking their chances as wet weather specialists at home, against the 3 highly credentialed Grenfell teams. The 3 Grenfell Skips played exceptionally well and led their teams impressively against the home teams. Grenfell secured an impressive victory on the big board by 63 shots to 51, winning 2 rinks and drawing a rink on the last end.

By Marty Tighe

Inspirational And Heartfelt Concert

August 19, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Rhyse Forrestal in the Parkes M & D production of Big. He will host the All Abilities concert with Lisa Martin on 3rd September at the Little Theatre in Parkes at 2pm.

Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society are known for their inclusive culture. Whether it be subtitles for the hearing impaired or Autism friendly relaxed performances so people on the spectrum, or who experience a disability, can come along to watch a production that is adapted to ensure suitability to the audience.

The society often cast people with disability in their productions – even one of their directors, Lyn Townsend, has a hearing impairment which requires adaptation at rehearsals so she can be involved.

About 18 months ago, the society were successful in a grant application under the Department of Social Services and Community Participation Stream to support people with disabilities.

So far, the grant has been used to support a number of people who have been cast in productions, and also for patrons with disabilities (and their carers) to come and watch the shows. A specialised screen was sourced from overseas to show subtitles where appropriate. The most important event to be supported by the grant is the All Abilities concert.

Featuring a combination of individual items and group performances in song, dance, recitation and a short skit, this concert will give people with disability (and their carers/support networks) the opportunity to experience what it’s like to be a theatre star and shine on stage, in their own unique way.

There will be performers from around the district, joined by their city friends from Twinkle Star Dance Studio. They contacted the society and asked to be involved after reading about the event.

The concert will be hosted by well-known identities (with their own unique ‘ability’), Rhyse Forrestal and Lisa Martin who are sure to keep the concert ticking along with their own dash of comedy.

There will be only one concert, on 3rd September at 2pm. Make sure to get your ticket at www.parkesmandd.com.au.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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