Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Colourful Canvas Lights Up Parkes

December 6, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas around the Parkes Shire.

Parkes CBD was transformed into a colourful canvas of light displays as part of the Sparkles Illumination last weekend.

Parkes Shire Council’s Destination Development Manager Kelly Hendry said: “The much-loved outdoor light exhibition is designed to enhance the Shop Parkes Christmas retail campaign.”

Locals and visitors are encouraged to make the most of the late night trading opportunities to go and see the sparkling lights, or to make a night of the festivities and enjoy dining out.

“In order to make the event new and exciting, this year we have made some changes to the existing lights and added in some new locations,” said Kelly.

“Local businesses have also joined in by decorating and illuminating their businesses to spread the festive cheer.”

The illuminations and projections will sparkle every night throughout December, before being ‘All Shook Up’ in the New Year ahead of the Parkes Elvis Festival commencing on Wednesday, 9th January.

“During the Elvis Festival the illumination will enhance the bustling atmosphere of Parkes and encourage visitor circulation of the CBD.”

It all adds up to a merry and bright December in the Parkes Shire!

SNIPPETS…

December 6, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

TIME TO NOMINATE… Council is asking for nominations for 2019 Forbes Shire Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year. To download the nomination form visit: http://www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/…/comm…/australiaday-2019.aspx. Attending Australia Day celebrations this year was Steve Loane (Council’s General Manager), Michael McCormack (Riverina MP, Deputy Prime Minister), Kelsey Muller (2018 Young Citizen of the Year), Sue-anne Nixon (2018 Citizen of the Year), former mayor Graeme Miller and Philip Donato (Member for Orange).

Youth Survey reports mental health concerns is on the rise: Mission Australia have released its 2018 Youth Survey results which has revealed the rate of young people who are identifying mental health as a key national issue has doubled since 2016. Four in ten or 43% of young people identified mental health as the top issue facing Australia today. Sadly, the survey also highlights stress (43%), school or study problems (34%), and mental health (31%) as the top three personal issues of concern for young people this year. As well as addressing the top three barriers for young people trying to find work (school responsibilities (20%), lack of skills/experience (15%), and lack of jobs (12%), the survey also states close to one in 10 young people were less confident in their ability to achieve their work and study goals.

Australia Not On Track: A new United Nations (UN) report has found that Australia is not on track to meet its 2030 Paris cli mate target. “Without a credible climate policy, Australia is stuck in the barriers,” said the Climate Council’s acting CEO, Dr Martin Rice. Under the Paris Agreement, Australia promised to reduce its emissions by 26 to 28 percent by 2030. But today’s UN report says our greenhouse gas pollution levels are projected to remain at high levels rather than reducing in line with the 2030 target. “The report tells us that global carbon emissions increased in 2017 after three years of stagnation. Australia is one of the worst climate offenders. Our pollution levels have risen for three years in a row,” said Dr Rice. The goal of the Paris Agreement is to keep global temperature rise this century to well below two degrees above the level prior to mass industrialisation. “We need to phase out fossil fuels like coal and accelerate the transition to clean, low-cost renewable energy,” said Dr Rice.

Summer Scorcher On The Cards: Australia looks set to experience another angry summer, with the Bureau of Meteorology’s latest Outlook indicating the next three months are likely to be hotter than normal. The Outlook from the Bureau of Meteorology finds the chance of an El Niño forming is 70 percent, roughly triple the normal risk. An El Niño typically brings drier and warmer conditions to eastern Australia.

Impact Of Drought Clear In Latest Crop Report

December 6, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

A dry winter and poor start to spring in most cropping regions has seen forecast winter crop production fall by almost one quarter.

The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) December crop report shows crop production dropped 20 percent below the 20 year average.

Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud said the dip wasn’t unexpected and highlighted the impact of the drought on cropping. “This latest crop report confirms what farmers living and working through this drought expected,” said David.

“Harvesting of winter crops is well underway and total production is estimated to have decreased by 23 percent to 29.3 million tonnes in 2018–19. Many farmers also chose to cut crops planted for grain production for hay because of higher fodder prices.

“The story of agriculture in Australia is just add rain. I know many areas are doing it extremely tough right now but our farmers continue to be resilient,” added David.

“Despite the continued drought, winter crop production remains substantially higher than 17 million tonne crops produced in the widespread droughts of 2002-03 and 2006-07. The government is getting behind our farmers to manage through the drought, investing nearly $6 billion—growing to $7 billion over time—in new assistance and additional funding.

Just last week I introduced legislation in Parliament to create a $5 billion Future Drought Fund to build resilience and have a solid plan for the future of farming in this country.”

“The Farm Household Allowance, a payment that helps put food on the table, has helped almost 9,500 farmers and their families since it was implemented,” said David.

There is encouraging news in the report. Late spring rainfall has seen an increase in summer crop planting in Queensland and northern New South Wales, but significant follow-up rain will be needed to ensure production.

The December 2018 Australian Crop Report is available at www.agriculture.gov.au/crop-report.

Junior Cricket Scores And Draw

December 6, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Results of games played 30th November and 1st December:

Under 17’s: Achesons 6/115 (Connor Greenhalgh 34, Toby Matheson 27, Tallis Hurford 2/10, Jed Matheson 2/23) defeated Hawkes 6/110 (Mitch Wright 34, Hunter Hawke 14 n.o., Abigail Simpson 10 retired, Mason Ruzgas 2/10, Hunter Hawke 1/8, Royce Simpson 1/12. Best fielders: Harrison McGregor and Royce Simpson).

Bayliss 4/128 (Corey Thompson 44, Ryan Dunn 26 retired, Harry Bayliss 22 retired and 2/12, Frankland Ross 2/5. Best fielders:

Frankland Ross and Jacob Chambers) defeated KMWL 9/107 (Luke McDean 26, Brady Nicholls 20, Clarke Hollman 1/9, Callum Farmer 1/12. Best fielders: Lachlan Barnes and Rhys Glasson).

Omitted Result from 24th November:

KMWL 158 (Brady Nicholls 48, Luke McDean 21 and 1/16, Pat Cormie 2/15. Best fielders: Pat Cormie and Jacob Bell) defeated Hawkes 128 (Mitch Wright 77, Royce Simpson 14, Hunter Hawke 1/8, Brody Clarke 1/16. Best fielder: Harrison McGregor).

Under 14’s: Sixers 6/146 (Ryan Dunford 38 n.o., Jack Milne 21 n.o., Flynn Thompson 3/6, Connor Batt 1/1. Best fielders: Cody Kirk and Sam Rayner) defeated Bernardis 10/99 (Ed Mayo 19, Doug Irvine 17, Amy Maslin 1/6, Jack Priest 1/13. Best fielders: Tom Maslin and Campbell Ryan).

Livestock 5/112 (Joe Ellison 18 retired and 1/4, Henry Hodges 16 retired, Jacob Smith 16, Toby Jarick 2/15. Best fielders: Henry Hodges and Jack Whitty) defeated Thunder 5/97 (Harry Jones 15 retired, Joseph Tanswell 13 n.o., Nathan McCreadie 1/4, Danilo Bottaro-Porter 1/7. Best fielders: Harry Jones and Darcy Dawson).

Under 12’s: Sportspower 3/139 (Stirling Francis 27 retired, Tom Glasson 23 retired and 2/1, Michael Price 1/2, Tom Greenhalgh 2/20) defeated Scorchers 6/70 (Thomas Simpson 18 n.o. and 1/7, Bailey Price 7 n.o, Thomas Ball 1/25. Best fielder: Harry Yelland).

Adept Plumbing 95 (Marcus Hardy 27 n.o., Tayte McNamara 15 and 2/3, Tom Whitty 1/6) defeated Renegades 38 (Henry Rice 9 n.o., Seth Tanks 6, Ellen Dolbel 1/11, Callum Rowbotham 1/13. Best fielder: Ellen Dolbel).

No results yet for the game between Walkers AgNvet and Hazell & Field.

Pointscore after games played 1st December: 3 points = win, 2 points = tie/draw/washout, 1 point = loss, 0 points = forfeit/bye. Under 17’s: Bayliss 7, Achesons 7, KMWL 7, Hawkes 3.

Under 14’s: Livestock 15, Sixers 14, Thunder 8, Bernardis 8.

Under 12’s: Sportspower 19, Hazell & Field ***, Walkers AgNvet ***, Adept Plumbing ***, Renegades 11, Scorchers 7.

Under 10’s: No pointscore is kept.

Draw for Saturday 8th December:

All games to begin at 8:30am, players need to be there by 8:15am.

Under 17’s: Hawkes v Bayliss at Northparkes Oval, Parkes. KMWL v Achesons at South Circle Oval, Forbes.

Under 14’s: Bernardis v Thunder at Grinstead Oval, Forbes. Sixers v Livestock at Spicer Oval, Parkes.

Under 12’s: Sportspower v Adept Plumbing at Steffan Field, Forbes. Hazell & Field v Renegades at Keast 1, Parkes. Scorchers v Walkers AgNvet at Keast 2, Parkes.

Find It In Forbes Christmas Promotion And Carnival

November 29, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

This year’s Find It In Forbes Promotion and Carnival is shaping up to be one of the best. Forbes Shire Council is the AMAZING sponsor and Forbes Services Memorial Club is the Gold Sponsor this year. In addition Carpet Court is the silver sponsor for the second year. The Bronze sponsor category was introduced this year and has Central West Diesel, Little Extras and Bernardi’s.

The Christmas Carnival committee continues to work hard with a new carnival layout and the introduction of new stalls into the market scene. “This year’s mechanical entertainment includes the Karaitiana’s giant jumping castle and tea-cups ride. Hector the mechanical bucking bull will be travelling from Woodstock for the event,” said Chairperson Marg Duggan.

There is a lot more for kids to do such as street art, giant game activities, a sandpit and water-play area and an activity tent.

For the big kids, there are lots of exciting stalls offering another shopping experience alongside the Forbes businesses. Enjoy wandering Rankin and Templar Streets and start or finish your Christmas shopping.

The committee are excited to have some of the Forbes cafe’s and food businesses open for the event. This year’s Christmas Carnival will see the introduction of Greek food, a smoking BBQ, popcorn by the Forbes Youth Group, slushies, cheesecake, coffee and a good old Aussie BBQ.

Participating businesses in Forbes have all received posters and the magic shopping tickets. The promotion began on the 19th November and will continue until the 24th December. “A timber Christmas tree identifies each participating business… where there is a tree there are dockets! Make sure you ask for your shopping tickets if you are not offered them,” added Marg.

The draws for the whole Christmas promotion are 10 x $500; 5 x $1,000; 1 x $3,000; 1 x $2,000 and 1 x $5,000 giving a total funding pool of $20,000. “There will be 10 x $500 draws on Friday, 14th December from 6:30pm onwards,” said Marg.

Please remember to support the following businesses during this busy period and use any of the major sponsors and participating businesses to redeem any of your lucky draws:

Forbes Shire Council, Forbes Services Memorial Club, Terry Bros. Carpet Court, Bernardi’s, Central West Diesel, Little Extras, Agriwest, Allure on Main, Betta Home Living, Blush Organics, Bowns SportsPower, Brons Hair Design, C & D Floor Coverings, Cahills Footwear, ChapterTwo, County Bakehouse, Flannery’s Pharmacy, Forbes Family Dentist, Forbes Small Engines, Turners Furniture One, Gottaluvit, Gunns Menswear, Helloworld, HozPotz, Jullianna Kneebone Solicitors, Ladybird, Life Pharmacy, Loomzys FishNFix, Made Of Fridays, News On Rankin, Painted Daisies, Phillip Wells Optometrist, Robbs Jewellers, The Pantry Cafe and Catering, Undercover Sleepwear, Vandenberg Hotel, Walkers AgNVet, Blue Sky Outdoors, Forbes Inn, Roylances Auto One and Eye Wear Specs.

Supporters include: Forbes Livestock, Forbes Toyota, Hazel Field Accountants, Hughes and Co, Kevin Miller Whitty Lennon & Co, McCarron Cullinane and Chudleigh, Midpro, Midwest Pest, WA Knights and BWR Accountants.

SNIPPETS…

November 29, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

CELEBRATING TIME… Forbes Shire Council is getting ready to celebrate International Day of People with Disability at the Forbes Olympic Pool on Tuesday, 4th December from 10am to 3pm. The day will be filled with pool games, face painting, water games, music, sports, free BBQ and more.

Considering Christmas lights? Think electrical safety first: As the festive season fast approaches and the decorations come out of storage, Essential Energy want those who install do-it-yourself Christmas displays to think first about some basic safety checks to prevent electrical incidents. Acting Regional Manager Northern, Jamie Warren said putting electricity safety measures in place prior to hanging decorations could provide peace of mind for a safe holiday season. “Ensure the home, garage and workshops are fitted with safety switches such as Residual Current Devices (RCD) or Earth Leakage Circuit Breakers to reduce the likelihood of electric shock,” Jamie said. When installing lights or illuminated decorations, check for damaged or frayed cords prior to use and always follow the installation instructions. Turn off power points or light switches before replacing light bulbs and minimise the use of extension leads when organising the display. “Do not cut, drill or hammer into rooftops, walls, floors or ceilings before thoroughly checking for electrical wires,” Jamie said.

Bernardi’s launch new $50,000 sponsorship program: Bernardi’s has announced their new sponsorship program ‘Building Better Communities’ which will see a total of $50,000 donated in 2019. Bernardi’s are calling on applications for the first intake of the program (running from January to June 2019) which will see $25,000 of the total awarded to beneficiaries in Forbes, Bathurst, West Wyalong, Blayney and Wagga. The second intake will begin in July 2019. The initiative is designed to get customers involved in the sponsorship process and to give them ownership over who Bernardi’s support as a business. Applications are open to all community groups and organisations and can be completed online at www.bernardis.net.au/community. Applications close on 14th December, with three beneficiaries announced shortly thereafter.

New children’s Crossing Flags for local schools: Thirty new Children’s Crossing flags have been delivered to local schools across the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils. Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said: “The delivery of the new flags is part of the Councils’ Children’s Crossing Agreement Program, which are resigned every two years. The agreement sets out the roles and responsibilities of both parties (school and Council) in relation to the use of the Children’s Crossing and the flags. The Program started in 2016 after it was discovered that there was confusion about how a Children’s Crossing operates.

News Off The Netball Courts

November 29, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

The next Forbes netball night competitions will start in late February 2019 and will be played until June. Thank you to everyone who has helped with the running of the competitions and the umpires who have umpired every week so the games can be played. Thank you to Rosa and Haig for coming early each week and putting up the post pads on the courts.

Bingo Fundraiser: The bingo fundraiser was lots of fun and another day will be planned in 2019. Thank you to Rosa Gillogly for helping with the committee to organise the bingo fundraiser for the association. Thank you to everyone who helped with the bingo day and a huge thank you to everyone who donated prizes to make the afternoon a success.

Annual General Meeting 2019: The Annual General Meeting of the Forbes Netball Association will be held on Thursday, 21st February. Open representative team 2019 selections postponed: The first selection for the Open representative team has been postponed and will now be held on Wednesday, 5th December at 7pm.

Merry Christmas: The Forbes Netball Committee would like to wish all members and their families and friends a very merry Christmas.

Junior Cricket Scores

November 29, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Results of games played 10th November:

• Under 17’s: Achesons 10/131 (best fielder: Jed Page) defeated Bayliss 8/126 (best fielders: Harry Bayliss and Frankland Ross).

• Under 14’s: Forbes Livestock 5/58 (best fielders: Joe Ellison and Bradman Hardy) defeated Thunder 10/57 (best fielders: Geordie Duncan and Joseph Tanswell). Forbes KMWL 117 defeated Bernardis 109. Parkes Sixers had the bye.

• Under 12’s: AgNvet 168 (best fielders: M Coote and Z Fraser) defeated Renegades 71 (best fielders: Callum Rowbotham and Matthew Skinner). Adept Plumbing 4/143 (best fielders: Marcus Hardy and Charlie Bray) defeated Scorchers 7/58. Hazell & Field 111 defeated Sportspower 104 (best fielder: Sterling Francis).

• Under 10’s: Rossers 4/47 defeated Dunfords 2/46. Clarkes 116 defeated Morgans 45.

Results of games played 16th and 17th November:

• Under 17’s: Bayliss 4/144 (best fielders: Tyler Yeo and Jack Milne) defeated Hawkes 7/100 (best fielders: Hunter Hawke and Royce Simpson). Forbes KMWL 2/120 (best fielders: Rhys Glasson and Callum Farmer) defeated Achesons 7/77 (best fielders: Callum Farmer and Jade Page).

• Under 14’s: Thunder 6/82 (best fielders: Darcy Dawson and Harry Jones) defeated Bernardis IGA (best fielders: Thomas Brindle and Samuel Klingner). Forbes Livestock 7/88 (best fielders: Hugh Mackey and Harry Whitty) defeated Sixers 9/87 (best fielders: Jake Dunn and Flynn Thompson).

• Under 12’s: Sportspower 174 (best fielders: Sterling Francis and Toby Brown) defeated Renegades 77 (best fielders: Holly Duncan and Matthew Skinner). Hazell & Field 3/139 (best fielder: Phil Klingner) defeated Scorchers 3/73 (best fielder: Oliver Westcott). Walkers AgNvet 5/82 (best fielders: Sam Motley and Brodie Page) defeated Adept Plumbing 5/70 (best fielders: Matty Higgins and Tayte McNamara).

Pointscore after games played 17th November: 3 points = win, 2 points = tie/draw/washout, 1 point = loss, 0 points = forfeit/bye.

• Under 17’s – Bayliss 3, KMWL 3, Hawkes 1, Achesons 1.

• Under 14’s – Livestock 9, Sixers 8, Thunder 6, Bernardis 6.

• Under 12’s – Hazell & Field 13, Sportspower 13, Adept Plumbing 11, Walkers AgNvet 11, Renegades 7, Scorchers 5.

• Unders 10’s – No pointscore is kept.

MAYORAL NOTES

November 29, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

As you all know from my column last week, I was in Alice Springs for the 2018 National Local Roads and Transport Congress.

While we were there we had a drought meeting early Thursday morning, which most rural councils attended and was facilitated by the President of the Australian Local Government Association, David O’Loughlin. There has been so much frustration amongst councils and the farming community with drought declarations and assistance. It is complicated, reactive and certainly not organised. I have written to the Prime Minister this week to request a process be put in place that is well thought out prior to the next drought.

Good news this week with the Federal Government saying they will deliver a surplus budget in 2019. I do hope Local Government gets its one percent Financial Assistance Grant.

It was a pleasure to be a part of the Forbes Amateur Swimming Club Inc celebrations on the weekend, for their 80th anniversary.

Phil Donato was also there to open the newclubhouse and present the awards.

God Bless.

Your Mayor,

Phyllis Miller

There’s No Place Like Forbes When Shopping For Christmas

November 29, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Support local businesses this festive season by getting all your Christmas shopping done at the participating businesses of the Find It In Forbes This Christmas promotion.

The Undercover Support You Need

Undercover Sleepwear & Lingerie is a premier boutique specialising in essential and fashion lingerie, beautiful sleepwear, and shapewear and hosiery. Owner Marg Duggan is a qualified bra fitter and is proud to offer Amoena fittings. In addition, the store offers a wide range of leading swimwear labels from ladies size 8 to 24. Undercover Sleepwear & Lingerie also stocks a small range of children’s swimwear and sleepwear. Visit Shop 1 on 61 Rankin Street or call on 6851 4405.

For The Holiday Of A Lifetime

helloworld travel specialists are passionate about travel and know how to tailor the perfect holiday for each of their clients.They pride themselves on getting to know all their clients and in learning specifically what they want from their holiday experiences. When you book at helloworld Forbes you will receive a friendly smile, a high level of service and the holiday of a lifetime. Located at 6 Templar Street. Contact number 6852 2344.

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.

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.

Your Luxe Shopping Destination

ChapterTwo offers a space that evokes a sense of luxury and simplicity; the ultimate platform for discovery. Offering an ever-expanding representation of Australian and International labels, ChapterTwo features an eclectic aesthetic that is both timeless and quality based. At ChapterTwo, they are dedicated to providing customers with a personalised shopping experience in a friendly and relaxed environment, lending their expertise in fashion to truly uncover and express your unique sense of style. Located at 91 Rankin Street or call 6851 2082.

Service For Your Skin

At Blush Organic Beauty you will be taken back to the basics, good healthy products and a healthy knowledge of what your skin, body and mind require in order to cope with life. Blush is extremely passionate about lowering the chemical load on the skin and they want to therefore help everyone understand the importance of chemical free or at least reducing your chemical environment and in return the stress on one’s body.

At Blush you will find guidance, certified natural products for your skin and body, inside and out, and quality treatments from passionate knowledgeable therapists. Call in to see a therapist in Rankin Street on phone on 6851 6088.

A Touch Of Country Dining

Are you after a touch of country in Forbes? Come on down to The Bakehouse. They have something for everyone.

All the cooking comes out of the kitchen and the bakery houses the drinks station, service area and all your bakery goods.

There are currently four bakers and a total staff of 22.

The menu includes a huge variety from hearty to healthy. Indulge in an all day breakfast or choose from the ‘Grab and Go’ bar if you’re in a hurry. Feel free to dine in or take away.

There are so many options… espresso coffee, milk bar or daily meal specials. The Bakehouse can also lend a hand with any festivities such as birthdays, catering or fundraising pie drives. BYO available. Located at 15 Templar Street. Contact them on 6852 3388.

Your One Stop Fashion Shop

Little Extras Lifestyle is a boutique based in Forbes stocking a range of fashions 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.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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