• Home
  • Articles
    • Front Page
    • General Interest
    • Snippets
    • Letters to the Editor
    • Council Comments
  • Special Interests
  • Our Community
    • Our People
    • Question of the Week
    • Jobs in the Central West
    • Be Seen
    • What’s On
    • What’s Hot
  • Features
    • Women in Business
    • Rural Round Up
    • My Place
    • Loving Local Living
    • Wellness Wise
    • Just a Short Drive
    • Real Estate
  • Sports
    • Bowls
    • Cricket
    • Equestrian
    • Footy Tips
    • Golf
    • Netball
    • Rugby League
    • Rugby Union
    • Soccer
    • Touch Football
  • Classifieds
  • Competitions
  • Contact Us
    • Contact Page
    • Advertise with us
    • Testimonials
    • Submit an Article
    • Subscribe to the Forbes Phoenix

Forbes Phoenix

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Great Days For Golfing Action

November 29, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

The competition on Saturday was the Deacon Dwyer 4BBB Stableford Medley, sponsored by Rod Besgrove, in which 63 players relished the conditions.

The winners for the day were Rod Besgrove and Barb Drabsch with a score of 47 points. Runners up were Frank Hanns and Kim Herbert with 46 points.

The ball sweep went to 742 nett on count back, going to: 47 – B Drabsch/R Besgrove; 46 – F Hanns/K Herbert; 44 – R Nixon/N Duncan, M Haley/J Haley; 43 – R Webb/P Tisdell, A Dukes/P Maher, J Betland/P Dawson and 42 – M Cahill/M Spice.

The NTP’s went to: 9th – A Dodgson (Condo); 18th – R Smith.

On Sunday, the club ran this year’s Scramble event, which is now sponsored by Volkswagen and co-sponsored by Callaway, who provided prizes for the winners and balls for each player. This is a 4-person Ambrose, nett competition.

An early group, comprising A Dukes, P Maher, M Cahill and M Spice, set the clubhouse lead with a Nett 553/4, off a scratch score of 62. They anxiously awaited the day, checking often to see the scores returned.

But in the end it was in vain as they were relegated to runners-up. The winning group included Ian Bown, Paul Kay, Sally Crosby and Steve Grallelis, and these players combined well all day.

For example, Stevie G teed up on the 18th, somewhat under pressure, and promptly put his shot only four feet beside the pin. Playing partner Sally Crosby slotted the putt for a ‘2’.

The prize winners were:

• Best nett – S Grallelis, P Kay, S Crosby, I Bown on 55.5

• Runner-up – A Dukes, M Cahill, P Maher, M Spice on 553/4

• Third place – A Cogswell, B Thomas, M Watts, P Nixon on 583/4

• Best scratch – A Dukes, M Cahill, P Maher, M Spice on 62

• NTP’s – 9th: A Dukes; 18th: S Grallelis.

By Short Putt

Learn To Dance For Country Kids Fundraiser

November 29, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Central West NSW Dance Sport Academy’s, Stan and Stela Alexander, will be donating their professional services during December to assist country kids towards a brighter Christmas this year with the 2018 Royal Far West Christmas Fundraiser.

Parkes Leagues Club will also be supporting this event by providing “free” use of their venue all through the month of December and promoting the Parkes Elvis Festival.

Stan and Stela are inviting all those that would like to learn to dance for the upcoming Parkes Elvis Festival to choose a suitable night, either on a Tuesday, Wednesday and/or Friday or join three nights weekly and come and have fun dancing while assisting fundraising for Royal Far West.

Stan and Stela will teach all the dances that can be danced to music from the Rock ‘n’ Roll era, all Elvis songs in particular, but also other artists of the 50 to 60’s period.

The dances also fit the music of today, its loads of fun for all the family to join and for a very good cause.

A small donation is required to participate, $10 for adults and $5 for kids and teens. These donations will be passed to the Royal Far West to assist country kids have a brighter Christmas.

The ‘learn to dance’ classes will start Tuesday, 1st December through to Friday, 28th December.

A New Year’s Eve party with a live band will be held at the Parkes Leagues Club on Monday, 31st December from 6:30pm. Here all donations received for attending December dance classes and other funds raised through sponsorships and/or raffles will be donated to the Royal Far West.

Potential sponsors considering to support this event should contact Stan Alexander on 0468 383 349 to partner in generating proceeds that will be donated in full to the Royal Far West.

By Gizell van Wyk

Why was it important that you attend the White Ribbon Day march?

November 29, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christine Johansson: My auntie was a victim of domestic violence and was one of the lucky survivors. She’s a big inspiration to me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kellie Trainor: My mum was a victim of domestic violence and was murdered in the end because she couldn’t escape.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ellysa Cunningham (CatholicCare’s specialist homelessness service): To promote awareness of ending domestic violence. There are many homeless women and children because of trying to escape domestic violence.

 

Our Gal -Isabel Haley

November 29, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in Forbes and what do you like about living here? I was born in Forbes and have lived here most of my life. I love the atmosphere, the people and I think it’s a great place to raise a family.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy about your work? I own Crave Café and I love making coffee and being the boss!

What do you do to unwind after work or on weekends? I just like being at home spending time with my family.

What are you really good at? I’m great at organisation and getting things done.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? It would be pretty handy to be invisible and have the chance to be that ‘fly on the wall’.

What is your pet hate? I have so many but top of the list would be people cracking their knuckles.

Tell us about your best holiday ever. I really enjoy camping and fishing and love to light a fire and relax.

Deck The Town Hall With Christmas Trees

November 29, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

The 7th Rotary Ipomoea Christmas Tree Festival will once again bring joy and Christmas wonder to both the young and young at heart.

The Christmas Tree Festival is set to be held in the Forbes Town Hall and will open its doors for viewing from 5pm this Friday, 30th November. The event will be officially opened by Councillor Michele Herbert Morley at 6:30pm and all members of the community are invited to attend.

Thereafter the Town Hall will be open to view all the wondrous Christmas trees all day on Saturday, 1st December and on Sunday from 9am to 3pm.

Entry to the Town Hall is free for primary aged children and only $2 an adult. This event is promoted by Rotary Ipomoea as an affordable family event for young and old and has been designed to celebrate the joy of Christmas.

Families, businesses and students have designed and created Christmas trees of all shapes or materials that reflect their love of Christmas time.

Come along and vote for your favourite tree!

Rotary Ipomoea Club have fervently been running this annual event now for more than six years.

By Gizell van Wyk

Medal Of Medallist Decided

November 22, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

In an engaging performance, Peter Nixon scored 69 nett to take out the ‘Medal of Medallist’ honours for 2018. Pete turned square with the card and finished square for an all par performance.

The Saturday Men’s competition was an Individual Stroke, sponsored by Loomzy’s Fish n Fix. The field of 59 players enjoyed sunny conditions across a green course.

Cam McMillan, a young player also in form, took out the A-Division with a very good round of 74, nett 67. He got there on count back from Stuart French and powered his way out of trouble to score his 67.

In the B-Division, it was Ethan Gaffney who finished with 69 to take the honours. In a classic display of playing to his handicap, Maurie Westwood took runner-up with a fine 70 nett.

The ball sweep went to 72 nett on count back, going to: 67 – C McMillan, S French; 69 – E Gaffney, P Nixon, B Hodges; 70 – T Callaghan, P Grayson, R Nixon, M Westwood; 71 – P Maher, B Chandler, W Judge; 72 – K Sanderson, N McMillan, R Morris.

Alongside the comp NTP’s there were additional sponsored NTP’s. The comp NTP’s went to: 1st – P Pymont; 9th – P Nixon. The sponsored NTP’s went to: 3rd – B-Grade W Judge, and nil for both A-Grade and C-Grade; 18th – A-Grade P McDade, B-Grade G Webb, C-Grade B Chandler.

The Medal of Medallists was held in conjunction with the stroke event. Of the 32 eligible medallists, 22 were able to participate. They generally produced good scores with players across all grades contributing well and seven producing sub-par rounds.

Peter Nixon’s 69 nett pipped Richard Nixon, P Grayson and T Callaghan on 70, and too good for Warwick Judge and Bruce Chandler on 71.

There was no Sunday Stableford Medley, with instead the Forbes Rotary Charity Day being held.

This Sunday, Forbes will be holding its VW Scramble, previously known as the Holden Scramble. There is still plenty of opportunity to register, either online or at the Pro Shop.

By Short Putt

Market Day Success For Forbes Public School

November 22, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Public Primary School was blessed with beautifully bright and sunny skies at their fourth annual school market day hosted by the P&C on the school’s oval last Saturday. With thorough planning and preparation the market day had all the makings of a successful event, which it certainly turned out to be!

Approximately 1,800 people attended the event to browse the more than 70 high quality stalls from across the Central West region on display at the market.

Children also had lots to do with all the fun activities available to keep them occupied while parents could do some shopping.

The Game Zone and jumping castle was a hive of activity. By the amount of little butterflies, tigers and fairies running around it was clear that the face painting once again proved to be a favourite among the children. There were also many with pink, blue or green hair, after clearly finding the hairspray stall.

Singers and musicians kept the crowds entertained and Kristen’s Dance Studio and Kumiai Ryu Forbes put on very engaging demonstrations.

Raffles were drawn on the day with the very impressive first prize of an YCF 50A Two Wheeler 50cc going to Jono Webb; second prize was a BBQ basket won by Jess Walsh and third prize was a family hamper taken by Patrick Dooley.

This event is the school’s major fundraiser for the year and this time round they managed to raise more than $5,000 for the school.

By Gizell van Wyk

Community Funding Program Opens

November 22, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Shire Council is calling on all notfor- profit organisations, community and sporting groups to apply for Forbes Shire Council’s Community Funding Program for the 2019-2020 financial year.

General Manager, Steve Loane explained that this program is designed to consider all types of community groups that may be looking for support from council, perhaps in the form of kind labour, to cash contributions or waivers of venue or equipment hire.

“Forbes is a real ‘can do’ type of town and we are looking forward to seeing the projects and events that the community puts forward for support,” said Steve. “The Community Funding Program application is a straight-forward document which staff designed also to be used as a planning tool by community groups,” he added.

From the 1st December, Community Funding Program application forms will be available from Council. Forms will be able to be downloaded from the Forbes Shire Council website, by following the quicklink on the left hand side. The Forbes Shire Grant Funding page on Facebook will also have a link to download the application form.

Applications for the Community Funding Program opens 1st December and will close on 1st March, 2019.

SNIPPETS…

November 22, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

 

 

 

 

 

Learning Support: The Bert Evans scholarship is available to first year apprentices to assist them financially and to provide extra support so that they can successfully complete their apprenticeship. All recipients must also show aptitude and a positive attitude towards their work and training to be eligible for a scholarship. Michael Cowan was only one of four successful applications in Western NSW to win this year’s scholarship. Training Services NSW aims to back all apprentices and help them on the road to success. Darren Cowan has had an excellent success rate with his apprentices and has proven invaluable in skilling the youth for the future in trade areas.

Boost To Blue Line: Member for Orange, Phil Donato acknowledged the NSW Government for finally responding to his calls for more police. “I am pleased the Government has now finally responded to my repeated calls for them to significantly boost the numbers of police over the next four years,” said Phil. “Following the extraordinary number of questions I’ve directed to the Police Minister, media interviews I’ve participated in alongside overworked and under resourced police officers, speeches and notices of motion I’ve delivered to Parliament, the Premier has responded by announcing an additional 1,500 police,” he said. Police Commissioner Fuller announced the NSW Police would commence recruiting now and the first 300 of the additional police will be delivered from 1st July next year.

Forbes White Ribbon Day: The Forbes Domestic & Family Violence Committee is inviting the entire Forbes community to walk with them in their annual White Ribbon Day March to be held today. The walk is in support of Australia’s campaign to stop men’s violence against women. Everyone will meet at Cross Street in front of Carpet Court at 10am and will finish in Victoria Park.

Rotary Ipomoea Christmas Tree Festival: Anyone can get involved in designing and creating a Christmas tree of any shape or material that reflects their love of Christmas time. Members of the community are invited to the official opening of the festival on Friday, 30th November at the Forbes Town Hall at 6:30pm. Enter a tree by phoning Helen on 6851 4930 or Sue-Anne on 6851 5197, or send an email to sueanne.nixon@hotmail.com. Entry fee is $5. Enter any type of tree.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Forbes Railway Arts and Visitor Information Centre has various Christmas goodies available at the moment. Christmas cakes, puddings and gifts, just to name a few. Visit the centre this Saturday during their Open Day to see what treats you can find.

What do you like about going to a market day?

November 22, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

 

 

 

 

 

Tracey Herden: I like the variety that you can find with all the different stalls at a market.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jenna Lewis: I love going to a market and seeing all the familiar faces.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gemma Ellis: The best is that you can buy things and also make money!

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 281
  • 282
  • 283
  • 284
  • 285
  • …
  • 534
  • Next Page »

Click here to download the recent issue (202) of The Forbes & Parkes Phoenix (1.9MB PDF) – 14th August 2026

SEARCH THE PHOENIX

STAY CONNECTED

The Forbes Phoenix would like to thank you, our Facebook friends, for your continued support and readership!

Recent Articles

  • Disability Inclusion Matters In Central West NSW August 20, 2026
  • Mayoral Notes August 20, 2026
  • Snippets… August 20, 2026
  • Forbes Garden Club Report August 20, 2026
  • Protecting Our Environment And Agriculture August 20, 2026

Phoenix Office 7/113-127 Rankin Street, Forbes NSW 2871

Editor 0432 337 278
editor@forbesphoenix.com.au

Sales 0432 337 278
sales@forbesphoenix.com.au

View our Privacy Policy. View our Conflict Resolution Process. View our Ethics and Complaints Policy. Want to advertise with us? Information on our Community Promotions.

We are always looking for new articles of interest to the local community.

Please feel free to submit an article for possible inclusion in a future issue.

To submit an article, click here to use our online article submission form.

Subscribe

* indicates required

Copyright © 2026 · Magazine Pro Theme On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

nsw government logo

The Forbes Phoenix's Digital Diversification of Free Regional Media project is proudly funded by the NSW Government Regional Media Fund