Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Jemalong Wool Weekly Market Update

December 13, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

The quantity of wool on offer increased slightly this week, however despite the increase, the total volume of wool sold (season to date) is still 18% less than it was this time last season.

The merino sector performed solidly, recording gains across most microns, only a lack of interest in some inferior types and reduced buyer demand on wool with poor additional measurements, prevented the MPG’s from posting larger gains.

Despite the merino fleece sector recording overall gains, the NRI lost 8 cents for the week, to close at 1,897. This movement was mainly due to large losses experienced in the crossbred sector, which saw prices quickly revers after recording large gains at the previous sale.

Wools 30 micron and finer lost 70-130 cents, however the sharp reduction in price was met with firm seller resistance, with approximately 20% of the crossbred offering passed in.

After three weeks of sustained price rises the oddment market lost ground with locks, stains and crutchings generally.

Source: AWEX

Inland Rail Heading To Forbes For Community Consultations

December 13, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Inland Rail will be in Forbes this month to talk to locals about the project and get feedback on the early designs and planning in the local area.

Inland Rail is the 1,700 kilometre rail line which will link Melbourne and Brisbane allowing the passage of double stacked freight trains up to 1,800 metres long and helping connect cities and farms to markets across the country, safer, faster and more efficiently.

Between Stockinbingal and Parkes the project will use the existing 169 kilometre rail corridor. But there are structures along that route where changes are needed to allow the passage of the taller trains.

These community drop-ins in the Forbes town centre will allow people to hear directly from project representatives, ask questions and give their feedback.

“We want to hear from as many people in the area as possible. It is still the early design stages for this leg of Inland Rail,” said Project Manager, Cameron Simpkins.

“But we’re looking at the options around replacing the Lachlan River rail bridge, and what enhancements will be needed at the Wyndham Avenue road bridge, so that the taller trains can pass under it safely. There are also likely to be some enhancement works needed in the Forbes railway station precinct.”

The scheduled sessions are:

• Daroobalgie on Monday, 17th December from 10am to 1pm at the canteen at the Forbes Central West Livestock Exchange;

• Forbes on Monday, 17th December from 4pm to 7pm at the corner of Templar Street and Lachlan Street and

• Forbes on Tuesday, 18th December from 8am to 11am at the corner of Templar Street and Lachlan Street.

What would you like for Christmas?

December 6, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Jenny Grogan: I would like to spend time with my family.

Sandra Canellis: I want to enjoy time with family and friends and appreciate the good things we all do for each other.

Tiffany Nicholson: Just to sit back and enjoy the day.

Boscars Judging Finalised

December 6, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

The wait is almost over with judging for the Boscars having been completed last Sunday. “Judges were really pleased with the number of entries and quality of the submissions. Some categories saw as many as 12 entries which does make judging a challenge. Finalists will be announced in the near future,” said Michael Jelbart, Boscars Committee Chairman.

The committee is pleased to welcome young entrepreneurs Sam Johnson and Jim Honner from ‘Thank A Farmer For Your Next Meal’. This brand aims to further promote Australian agriculture and Australian primary producers through pictures to close the gap between producer and consumer and city and bush.

Tickets for the Gala event go on sale on the 10th December and will be available online. “The Midsummer Night’s Dream theme will be carried throughout the event and it is promising to be spectacular,” said Michael.

The Gala Dinner event will be held at the Forbes Services Memorial Club on Friday, 8th February 2019.

“The Gala Dinner will be under the magical theme of Midsummer Night’s Dream – a whimsical theatrical theme!” said Michael. “We are delighted to be working with 123 Tix for this event and will be publicising the link for ticket purchases on social media soon,” added Michael.

The committee meet fortnightly to ensure that the plans for the Gala Boscars event are well on track.

If you would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact either Fiona Ferguson of the Forbes Business Chamber on 0407 380 936 or Cheryl Newsom, Media Liaison, on 0411 211 065.

Race Towards Christmas Carnival

December 6, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Plans are well underway for the Forbes Christmas Carnival taking place on Friday, 14th December from 5pm to 9pm. Some very exciting stalls, activities and food is expected this year.

The committee is also very excited to introduce a “Water in the Bucket” relay race that will be judged by the Fire Brigade. “Come along and try your luck with your friends, sports team or interest group. You must nominate a team of two people at SportsPower in Rankin Street. It is a fun and easy race,” said Ian Bown. “And there is a $100 ‘Why Leave Town’ (WLT) card for the winning team,” Ian added.

Our Bloke -Kaidyn Haynes

December 6, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in Forbes and what do you like about living here? I have lived in Forbes all my life. It’s where I feel connected and we have great fishing.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy about your work? I have just finished Year 12 at Forbes High School. I really enjoyed completing my major work, which was a bed.

What do you do to unwind after work or on weekends? I enjoy time with friends and family. I love fishing and can often be found at the river.

What are you really good at? Being a big brother and spending time with my family. Also being a friend to all my mates.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? The ability to pause time.

What is your pet hate? I hate losing a fish when out fishing.

Tell us about your best holiday ever. I have extended family in Townsville and love being able to go visit them and all the activities that we are able to do whilst there.

COUNCIL COMMENTS

December 6, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

It’s my pleasure to be writing up the column this week. I attended a governance and auditing workshop run by Local Governments NSW with the Mayor and the General Manager this week. The message is clear; transparency and accountability is the cornerstone of fostering a strong trusting relationship between the council and the community.

We are lucky that in a town like Forbes we have a strong community connection and that we are always working together to improve things. Forbes is one of the first councils in NSW to adopt live streaming of its meetings, also to have an Audit Risk Committee as well as a Governance and Leadership Committee to ensure due processes are in place. It doesn’t however stop there, it takes continuous monitoring and improving the system to ensure all the checks and balances are in place to minimise unnecessary risks.

This year is coming to an end and there is a mad rush to wrap up projects and businesses before Council breaks for Christmas and New Year, not to mention squeezing in a bit of time for celebration and Christmas shopping.

I look forward to working with you again next year.

Your Councillor,

Susan Chau

Swimmer’s Shoulder Part 2

December 6, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Shoulder impingement during swimming is largely due to dynamic muscle imbalances and biomechanical faults. Dynamic muscle imbalances can be addressed by strengthening exercises for the rotator cuff and scapular stabilisers, together with stretches for the muscles at the back of the shoulder.

One good exercise is to stand facing a wall with your arm raised to shoulder height and elbow straight. Hold a tennis ball to the wall by leaning through your shoulder and pinch your shoulder blades together. Roll the ball in small circles for 15 seconds first clockwise then counter clockwise until you become fatigued or two minutes, whichever comes first.

Biomechanical faults can be addressed by correcting your swim technique. Achieving good symmetrical body rotation through the development of an efficient bilateral breathing pattern helps to avoid shoulder impingement during the catch and pull through phase of the freestyle stroke.

If you already have shoulder pain it may be helpful to shorten your stroke and avoid the use of hand paddles. Hand placement during entry to the water should also be monitored. Instead of entering thumb first change your technique to enter with a flat hand or fingertip first. This is made easier by avoiding reaching across your midline. A thumb first entry works the shoulder internal rotators excessively and when multiplied by approximately 3200 strokes per hour contributes heavily to the muscle imbalance of strong internal rotators and weak external rotators causing shoulder impingement.

Most swimmers pull through with a straight arm or dropped elbow. This loads the shoulder muscles excessively rather than utilising the larger and stronger muscles of the chest and upper back. Making these simple changes can help you achieve many hours of pain free swimming.

For the fitness of you

Linda Reilly

Forbes Lions Youth Of The Year Quest

December 6, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

The Forbes and District Lions Club held the annual Youth of the Year Quest at the Forbes Services Memorial Club last Tuesday.

There were four participants this year from three of the district high schools. The participants were Jamie Mitton from Red Bend Catholic College, Faith Hanstock from Parkes High School and Joel Hall-Mathews and Chloe Hill from Parkes Christian School.

Each of the participants submitted a detailed application outlining their school studies, community involvement and sporting achievements among other things.

During the afternoon the participants were interviewed by the panel of three judges, namely Rebecca Ayres from the National Australia Bank (national sponsor), Nina Hooper from Forbes Shire and Amy Shine, Director of Forbes Pre School.

The evening saw each participant answer two impromptu questions and then present a five minute speech on a subject they are passionate about. Judges Chairperson, Amy Shine congratulated each participant on their presentations and performance during the interviews and announced Jamie Mitton from Red Bend Catholic College as the club final winner.

Jamie now goes on to the Zone final next year and will be supported along the way by her parents and members of the Forbes and District Lions Club.

More exciting news on youth affairs from the Lions Club is an agreement with the Forbes High School to form a Leos Club at the school. Leos Clubs at High Schools are formed by the school with Lions Club support and funding. They are open to students at the school from the age of 12 to 18.

The Leos Club gives students the opportunity to do voluntary community service in a structured environment and each club elects their own President, Secretary, Treasurer and Board Members. There is also a school coordinator appointed and a member of the local Lions Club is nominated as their mentor. They have leadership training available and there are a variety of programs and awards they can be involved in, along with any projects they may come up with as a club.

If any parents of Forbes High School students feel they may benefit from this program please either contact Pamela McConnell at the Forbes High School or Peter Bright from the Forbes and District Lions Club on 0419 463 803.

Forbes Has It All For You This Christmas

December 6, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

There is no place like Forbes to get all your Christmas jobs done at any of the participating businesses of the Find It In Forbes This Christmas promotion.

Your One Stop Fashion Shop

Little Extras Lifestyle is a boutique based in Forbes stocking a range of fashion and accessories. This gorgeous store is situated in 1 Templar Street and has a huge range of clothing, shoes, handbags, wallets, scarves, jewellery, and anything to create the perfect look for you! They are constantly on trend with women’s fashion in Forbes, drawing their inspiration from Melbourne with the latest styles, fashions and collections. All of the Little Extras Lifestyle team are extremely passionate about women’s fashion and boutique shopping both online and in Forbes. Their extensive product range allows them to cater for a variety of customers regardless of age and body shape. You are sure to find something that suits your style and will go out looking and feeling amazing. Follow them on Instagram and Pinterest! Or feel free to call them on 6851 5686.

Spectacular Eyewear And Eye Care

Eyewear Specs is a local independent optical store, providing quality eyewear and eye care in Forbes and throughout the Central West. Eyewear Specs opened its doors at 95 Rankin Street in Forbes in February 2016 and has been growing from strength to strength. To have your eyes tested or to find a pair of glasses to suit your individual financial budget visit Eyewear Specs today or call 6851 2299.

Brightening Your Smile

At Forbes Family Dentists their mission is to build long term relationships between staff and patients, so that they can provide quality customer friendly services the whole family can value and afford in a happy and healthy workplace. The Forbes Family Dentists offer a wide range of dental procedures. Call them today to book your appointment on 6851 5505 or head on over to their Facebook page. Find them in 2 Templar Street.

The Shop That Has Everything

Your award winning newsagency, News On Rankin, along with its wonderful staff welcome you to come in and see what they have available in store or shop online. You are guaranteed a friendly warm retail experience. At News On Rankin you will find business and school stationery, greeting cards, magazines, bestselling books, Lotto and scratchies, cheapest cartridges in the area and gifts. News On Rankin is now a stockist of a great range of Penny Scallan Design products. Call in today at 70 Rankin Street to see this exciting new range or reach them on 6852 1008 for further information.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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