Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

MAYORAL NOTES

December 13, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

It has been a busy couple of weeks in our Shire. Recently we met with the consultants regarding Templar Street for their recommendations on the CBD masterplan.

The community has decided of the three options supplied for Templar Street, option two was considered the preferred option.

This maintains a two-way street, raising the pavement and have nose in parking. In my column next week I’ll let you know of Council’s decision.

The Homemaker Centre Stage 2 is well underway with water and sewer being installed at present. In February/March major building work will commence here.

Council has been granted an extension for the Flood Study to incorporate the 2016 data, which is important as the last flood reacted very differently to previous ones. It is important we have the correct data included in the study to ensure the best solutions are applied.

Representation has been sought from Anthony Roberts, Minister for Planning, to try and get a gateway for Bathurst Street to change the zoning of this area to allow rural residential development in the eastern part of lower Bathurst Street.

Forbes Shire Council is pleased to partner with Clean TeQ and our neighbouring council’s in signing the Voluntary Planning Agreement for the Sunrise Mining Project on Thursday. This will provide an opportunity for Forbes Shire Council to implement unique community enhancement projects over the lifespan of the mine.

God Bless,

Your Mayor

Phyllis Miller

Making Smart Farming Ideas A Reality

December 13, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

More than $9 million is available under Round two of Smart Farms Small Grants.

Grants of between $5,000 and $200,000 to assist farmers and groups to adapt to change, innovate and become more sustainable.

Part of the National Landcare Program’s $134 million Smart Farms Program. Landholders and community groups can now apply for up to $200,000 under Round two of Smart Farms Small Grants.

Landcare groups, NRM bodies, Indigenous organisations and community groups are encouraged to throw their hat in the ring.

“The future of Aussie agriculture relies on sustainable farming and land management practices,” said Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, David Littleproud.

“Our farmers are looking for new practices and tools to stay sustainable and profitable.

These grants support new projects to improve Aussie soil, biodiversity and vegetation.

“They will also help support water security and promote climate-smart farming. Ultimately, this leads to more profitable agriculture, fishing and forestry industries. I know there are exceptional ideas out there and these grants can make them a reality.

“The first round of funding was highly competitive, attracting over 800 applications. I strongly encourage those who missed out in Round one to apply again,” said David.

More information is available online. Visit the Community Grants Hub to apply.

Our Gal -Jenelle Toole

December 13, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in Forbes and what do you like about living here? I grew up in Forbes, went off to uni in Wagga and then spent 10 years in Sydney before returning. I love Forbes, the people and community spirit… it is home.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy about your work? I work in the x-ray department at Forbes Hospital. I love my work! The people I work with are amazing and the patients I see every day make it all worthwhile.

What do you do to unwind after work or on weekends? I hang out with family and friends or maybe go on a camping trip.

What are you really good at? Planning our next camping trip.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? My super power would be a healing spell to make everyone better.

What is your pet hate? My pet hate is rude pushy people.

Tell us about your best holiday ever. The best holiday was taking our three teenage boys to experience volunteering in Africa.

Christmas Carnival Time

December 13, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

The wait is finally over with the Forbes Christmas Carnival happening today! There is so much more on offer this year including free rides on the tea cups, jumping castles and Hector – the bucking bull. Test your artistic talents with Street Art or join the kids in a giant game somewhere in Templar or Rankin Streets.

Showcasing 30 market stalls with lots of variety. Some of the stalls include plants, children’s clothes, honey, cherries, adult clothing, handmade jewellery, natural oils, candles, signs, beeswax wraps and slime.

There are also some wonderful food and drink stalls dotted around.

Again the amazing emergency services will be on hand to demonstrate and talk to visitors. There are also give-aways and activities.

There is even a rumour that a special visitor might arrive on a very important vehicle as well.

The novelty relay race will be held at 6:45pm in Rankin Street. Teams of two are most welcome. Call into SportsPower and nominate or show up on the evening.

Come along from 5pm to 9pm and join in the fun.

Good Scoring In Monthly Medal

December 13, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

The men’s comp was the December Monthly Medal, sponsored by Central West Diesel, with 64 players competing and many of them producing good scores.

In the A-Grade, Dan Bayley certainly had his A-grade game going, finishing with a 75 scratch, 70 nett. Dan won on count back from Richard Nixon who also finished on 70 nett. The B-Grade produced a masterful score by Max Haley who carded a nett 69.

Brodie Hodges was runner-up with 70. Denis Culley dominated the C-Grade and the day with a 67 nett. Ethan Gaffney was runner-up on 69, when an ‘8’ blemished his card.

The ball sweep went to 74 nett on count back, going to: 67 – D Culley; 69 – E Gaffney, M Haley; 70 – B Hodges, D Bayley, R Nixon; 71 – B Thomas, P Cowhan, B Squires, P Grayson; 72 – S French; 73 – C Alley, P Tisdell, R Borger, B Hazell, I Bown; 74 B Slack-Smith.

The NTP’s went to: 9th – C Alley; 18th – T Callaghan.

The Sunday Stableford Medley had a small following, where the winner was Peter Grayson, who managed to wrangle 35 points. There was no runner-up or ball sweep.

The NTP’s went to: 9th – P Grayson, signed off by Ethel Coombs, and Ethel got the NTP on the 18th, signed off by Peter.

By Short Putt

News Off The Netball Courts

December 13, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

The Forbes Netball Association (FNA) night competitions for both mixed and ladies teams played the finals in each competition recently.

The finals were played between the two top teams on the point score ladder in each competition. In the ladies competition Forbes Engineering defeated Golfie 44-33.

Best and fairest awards were presented after the game. This award is determined by the umpires each week and totalled at the end of the competition. Best and fairest was awarded to Shea King (CWD) and Brianna Duncan (Marist).

In the mixed competition FPS Teachers defeated RBCC 32-18. Best and fairest was awarded to Kate Hanley (Double Shot) and Jack Finch (Hot Shots).

News for 2019

The next night competition will be starting at the end of February 2019.

The AGM of the FNA will be held on Thursday, 21st February at 7pm at the Forbes Services Memorial Club. Volunteers are needed to fill the many committee positions.

The FNA is enquiring about taking teams to the International Netball Festival in October in New Zealand, with divisions entering being: Open, 18’s, 15’s and 13’s. There will be more news on the New Zealand trip in February.

SNIPPETS…

December 13, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

NO TIME LIKE HOLIDAY TIME… The amazing pop up playground, Obstacool is coming to Forbes this December school holidays.

Obstacool coming to Forbes: Forbes Shire Council is bringing the amazing pop up playground Obstacool to Forbes this December school holidays. Obstacool is Australia’s biggest inflatable obstacle course designed for children big and small, with a series of inflatable climbing walls, tunnels and play elements aimed at helping children develop healthy, active habits. Obstacool will be set up in Nelson Park, adjacent to Forbes Preschool. 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. Admission is free and participation is open to any age above four. Children under the age of 16 require adult supervision.

Tough New Drink Driving Penalties: Stronger penalties for drink driving came into effect in NSW on Monday, 3rd December to help reduce trauma on our roads. Under the new laws, any driver who commits a low-range (blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05 – 0.079) drink driving offence will be fined $561 and lose their licence immediately for three months. Penalties for first time drug presence offences detected on the roadside via NSW’s mobile drug testing program will include a fine and three month licence suspension. First time mid-range (BAC of 0.08 – 0.14) offenders will need to have an alcohol interlock device installed in their vehicle to prove they can separate their drinking from driving. Repeat offenders will face vehicle sanctions, including licence plate confiscation and vehicle impoundment.

Double Demerits for the Holidays: Double demerit points will be in force for 12 days over the Christmas and New Year period to improve road safety during the holiday season. Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor said that double demerit points would run from Friday, 21st December to Tuesday, 1st January inclusive for all speeding, seatbelt, motorcycle helmet and mobile phone offences. Please note that Friday, 21st December is a gazetted school day – so double demerits will apply to relevant school zone offences. The scheme is designed to encourage safe and responsible driving. Working in conjunction with financial penalties, double demerit points provide a strong incentive to drive within the law.

There will be 12 days of double demerits over the Christmas and New Year break.

FHS Bright Mind Shines At Prestigious Awards

December 13, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes High School Year 11 student, Sophie Cowan was presented with the prestigious Victor Chang School Science Award at a ceremony held in Dubbo recently.

The prestigious Victor Chang School Science Awards were presented to 13 Year 11 students from the Western NSW region for excellence in the field of science. Sophie Cowan of Forbes High School (FHS) was one such recipient to receive the esteemed award at a presentation ceremony held at the end of November in Dubbo.

Showing promise in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), these bright students have continued to challenge themselves in the classroom.

“Sophie is a student who has consistently worked to achieve her best in all areas of study. She has researched and produced a biology depth study of exemplary standard, providing knowledge and insight far above her peers,” said Toni Edwards, FHS Head Teacher Science/Agriculture.

“Sophie is always positive, quiet, diligent and confident in her work, assisting others when needed. Her calm demeanour provides an environment for others to feel comfortable and confident during group settings.

“She is both respectful and responsible, leading by example in all facets of course work. She has been placed first in Biology at Forbes High School, having achieved two perfect scores for assessments this year,” said Toni.

Named after the late cardiac surgeon and pioneer of modern heart transplantation, Dr Victor Chang, these awards were established to celebrate young, gifted studentsand to foster growth in scientific studies.

The Victor Chang School Science Awards help raise community awareness and appreciation of the important contribution scientists can make to our everyday lives.

Dr Alastair Stewart from the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute believes that by guiding and encouraging these students to consider a career in STEM, the legacy of Australian discovery will only become stronger.

The winners will join more than 200 students from across NSW on a tour of the Victor Chang Institute, and have the opportunity to learn first-hand from our world renowned scientists.

Celebrating Christmas With Carols By Candlelight

December 13, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

CHRISTMAS CHEER… The Forbes Town and District Band formed part of the entertainment that was showcased at the Carols by Candlelight event held last Saturday in Victoria Park.

The Forbes Carols by Candlelight annual event saw hundreds ofcommunity members flock to Victoria Park on Saturday evening to share in the celebration of the joy that Christmas brings.

The park looked spectacular with lots of lit up headbands and glow candles and the night was blessed with beautiful weatherand filled with song and good cheer.

“The Carols committee is very pleased with how Saturday night went! We believe it was our best yet with the biggest crowd anda lovely community feel,” said Carols committee member, Jenelle Toole.

“It was our first time holding it on a Saturday night and we feelthat this worked well. It allowed families to stay out later withoutthe need to be up early for school the next morning,” she said.

There was an impressive line-up of guest performers along withthe Forbes Town and District Band.

“The music was enjoyed by all and everyone was singing along.

There was also a visit from Santa, which the children loved having a chat with and they were extra pleased to take advantage of a photo opportunity with him,” said Jenelle.

People were well fed with the Lions Club barbeque. The Forbes High School coffee cart and Cold Rock ice cream were also kept very busy throughout the evening.

“On behalf of the Carols committee, we would like to send a big thank you to all who made the night possible. We look forward to2019, in which we will also be celebrating the town’s 50th Carols by Candlelight,” said Jenelle.

The committee would like all community members to mark downthis wonderful event in their calendar for next year. Carols by Candlelight’s now the second Saturday in December.

Grain Fed Beef Definition Expanded

December 13, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Beef farmers will now be able to market their cattle as ‘Grain Fed Finished’ after feeding them grain for 35 days before sale or export and will be able to ask a premium for these animals.

Previously, only two standards existed: ‘Grain Fed’ and ‘Grain Fed Young Beef’. ‘Grain fed’ required the cattle to be fed on grain for 80 of the past 100 days while ‘Grain Fed Young Beef’ required grain to be fed 50 of the past 60 days for females and 70 days for males.

“This new ‘Grain Fed Finished’ standard means farmers can feed the cattle grain for 35 days and reap the benefits of selling as ‘Grain Fed Finished’,” said Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, David Littleproud.

“The science says 35 days on grain produces the fat colour attribute associated with grain-fed beef. Thirty-five days on one property means cattle are Meat Standards Australia accredited, too.

“The standard requires the cattle be fed on a specified high energy grain diet. As Australians, we refuse to compromise on quality,” said David. The standard is operational now, having been signed into regulation.

Fast facts:

• The new ‘Grain Fed Finished’ standard, or trade description, will apply both domestically and overseas.

• Grain Fed (GF) cattle must have been in a feedlot for not less than 100 days and for not less than 80 days of that, on a nutritionally balance ration of a recognised high energy feed of which grain is the highest single component.

• Grain Fed Young Beef (GFYB) cattle must have been in a feedlot for not less than 70 days (females for not less than 60 days) and for not less than 50 days of that, on a nutritionally balance ration of a recognised high energy feed of which grain is the highest single component.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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