Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

MAYORAL NOTES

July 26, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Council has been running a competition to find a name for the bronze dog outside the Forbes Post Office. The installation is part of the sculpture trail in conjunction with the Forbes Arts Society, the Agents Association and Council. We received over 200 suggestions all with names relating back to Forbes history or a past farm mate. After a social media blitz and over 190 votes the community has voted for… Rosa, after the wife of the architect who designed the Post Office. Thank you to Jemma McLennan for the suggestion!

Following on from a successful application to the Federal Government last year for $100,000 in funding to upgrade JREC to better accommodate the Yoorana Gunya Family Healing Service, Yoorana Gunya has just been successful in gaining an additional $280,000 in funding through the State Government. The work includes a range of building upgrades and office spaces.

The project will allow Yoorana Gunya to employ one additional doctor and also accept up to two Registrars per term.

There are a lot of great events coming up in the Shire over the next month with the Mitchell Conservatorium presenting The String Contingent at the Forbes Town Hall, Forbes Cup on the 6th August and Bedgerabong Show on Saturday, 18th August.

Big congratulations to the Grazing Down the Lachlan team who sold over 800 tickets to make this year’s event a sell out.

Have a great week.

Mayor Graeme Miller

SNIPPETS…

July 26, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Drought Care Packages: NSW RFS staff members, Robyn Favelle and Beth Dalton thanked Karen White for taking the initiative and developing the support group in the local area for struggling farmers. “So many of us want to help in some small way, as we see the devastation facing families across NSW and the impacts of this horrid drought. Most of those impacted are also volunteer members of the NSW RFS and we are only too pleased to help however and whenever we can,” said Robyn.

Forbes Polo Club Foundation Meeting: There is intent to start a Forbes Polo Club. The purpose of the club will be to provide an organized structure for members and guests to be able to actively participate in hosting polo at all levels as well as holding social events. A steering committee has been formed to oversee the formation of the club and implement the construction of field/s on Crown Land to assure the continuation of polo in western New South Wales. The original Forbes & District Polo Club was established on 26th July 1928. All persons interested in being involved are invited to send their contact email and telephone details via email to: forbes.polo@gmail.com. It will be helpful when responding, to advise what resources interested parties can bring to the club to ensure it will be successful. A meeting can then be held to formalize the club. Please advise if you have any date preferences for the meeting and the number attending.

Volunteers Needed: The Forbes Show is in need of a few people to help look after the animal nursery. This is one of the most popular areas in the show every year and help is required to keep it running! There is also a need to borrow some of your little animals! If you are interested in either, please contact Jan on 6852 1311.

Special road rules for cyclists: As from Monday, children under 16 years of age can ride on a footpath in NSW. An adult rider, who is supervising a bicycle rider under 16, may also ride with the young rider on the footpath. Bicycle riders are allowed to ride on footpaths where indicated by signs. When riding on a footpath or shared path, riders must keep left and give way to pedestrians.

Question of the week – What support do you think can be given to farmers affected by the drought?

July 26, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Simon Rosa: I’d like to see more government and community support.

Kathie Westcott: We need to be supportive of each other. One needs to realise that what affects the farmers also affects the town – the struggle is on both sides.

Kristi Rosa: There should be just as much emotional support as financial assistance from government.

Croquet News And Results

July 26, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Croquet week ending 21st July

A freezing cold wind attacked us on the courts on Tuesday, cutting the numbers down to a brave few.

We sorely missed Libby Smart who usually sets up the courts early in the morning, ready for the day’s competition. Get well soon Libby! At least people now know how much hard work you have done over the years. Winners of three games were Bob Murray, Kevin Rubie and Ken Styles.

In sub zero temperatures, thank you to Alec Todd, Brad Stewart, Anne Stewart, Harley Stewart and Bob Murray for getting out of a warm bed to have the courts ready for hit off at 9am. It makes us really appreciate Alec Todd and John Browne, who do this on a weekly basis regardless of the weather.

The only two winners on the day were John Cole and Bob Murray. A good effort by Kathleen Broderick, who won two games. It has been a while since Kath has been on the winners list.

By Harley Stewart

Inland Rail Ballast And Capping Work Boosts Jobs

July 26, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

The economic benefits of the Inland Rail continue to flow with up to 16 new jobs created in the Forbes and Parkes region.

Two local companies have been awarded Inland Rail contracts totalling about $7 million work to supply ballast and capping for the project’s first stage in NSW.

Calvani Crushing in Forbes has been awarded a $4.8 million contract to supply more than 150,000 tonnes of ballast and 75,000 tonnes of capping; while Ausrock Quarries near Parkes has been awarded a $2.1 million contract to supply more than 45,000 tonnes of ballast and 45,000 tonnes of capping. This product will be delivered over the next 12 to 18 months.

Inland Rail CEO, Richard Wankmuller said the first track for Inland Rail will be laid later this year between Parkes and Narromine and there is now a steady stream of supply contracts bringing jobs and opportunities to various parts of Australia.

“This is just the beginning job-wise. Inland Rail is gathering momentum each day and is delivering on its great potential.

It’s expected to deliver 16,000 new jobs at peak construction, and an average of 700 additional jobs a year over the entire programme,” said Richard.

Ballast is the small rocks that lie underneath, between and around railway sleepers. Capping is the smaller crushed rock that sits underneath the upper layer of larger rock to form the track foundation. Together, they fix the track in position, allow for drainage and reduce vegetation growth. Calvani Crushing Managing Director, John Calvani praised Inland Rail for its strong focus on local industry participation.

“The Inland Rail contract is the biggest we’ve been awarded and it’s an advantage for everyone to source these products locally. It’s allowed us to create new jobs and it provides a good income for these people,” said John.

Bid To Help Our Farmers

July 26, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

In an attempt to give some form of relief to struggling farmers during the current drought experienced in NSW, Kim Lowe and Herb Beer of K&H Interiors and Design have partnered with Rural Aid’s ‘Farm Rescue’ campaign to raise money to support local farmers needing assistance.

The entire community is asked to join the endeavour to help drought affected farmers by attending the K&H Rural Aid Farm Rescue fundraising auction which is being held in the Sylo building on Friday, 10th August with arrival from 7.30pm commencing at 8pm.

Tim Mackey from Forbes Livestock Agency has graciously volunteered to be the auctioneer for the evening. Selected goods and services donated to the cause will be auctioned to help raise money to finance the farm makeover activities.

Rural Aid ‘Farm Rescue’ is helping support Australia’s rural communities and Aussie farmers by providing tangible resources to drought affected communities. In this instance the funds are being raised to finance several mini ‘Farm Rescues’.

‘Farm Rescues’ entail a group of volunteers and some trades people visiting remote and rural areas to help fix infrastructure that farmers do not have the skill, time or money to do themselves.

Community members are also asked to nominate a farmer or farmers can nominate themselves as potential recipients of a ‘Farm Rescue’. Farmers being nominated can live within an hours’ drive or less of Forbes, and can register at www.farmrescue.com.au/farm-rescue.

For people wanting to do more, you can donate product, which could either be used for the auction or will be given directly to the farmers. You can also make a financial donation or volunteer to help. For more information visit the official ‘Farm Rescue’ website.

The winner/s of the ‘Farm Rescue’ will be announced at the auction and the entire town is invited to attend! The ‘Farm Rescue/s’ will be delivered during 14th to 20th October.

Perfect Strike For Golfer

July 26, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Warwick Judge fired the perfect shot during play in the Sunday Stableford Medley, scoring a hole-in-one on the 9th. This finely struck pitching wedge, finished off a good round, having started on the back-9. This is his second, but most satisfying, hole-inone as it was a pure golf shot.

Saturday was the 4-Ball Stableford Multiplier, sponsored by the Tuesday golfers.

This format requires good arithmetic, which is second nature for the Tuesday golfers who manipulate their stories well.

The winners were Brian Doyle and Greg Webb who combined well to finish with 81 points, despite only managing a point each for a multiplier ‘1’ point on the last hole.

Runners-up were Tom Edols and Milton Cartwright, who managed 80 points, which included a few ‘zero’s’ on their card. However, these misses were offset by a ‘12’ and a number of 9’s.

The ball sweep went to 67 points, going to: 81 – Doyle/G Webb; 80 – Edols/ Cartwright; 76 – Chandler/Bown; 74 – Dawson/ J Betland; 71 – Howe/G Betland; 68 – Rhodes/R Webb and 67 – Besgrove/Sallaway.

The NTP’s went to: 9th – B Doyle; 18th – S Sallaway.

The multiplier effect can produce unexpected results. One player’s good play (Andrew Dukes with an eagle on the 6th) can be offset by a miss by their partner (Mike Spice missed his putts) to record a zero.

As always, continuous scoring is important. While 9’s and 12’s are good, the best individual hole score was achieved by Troy Howe and Geoff Betland, with a ‘16’ on the 7th.

On Sunday the Stableford Medley had 14 participants who ensured their shot making was good.

The winner for the day was Michael B Wood with 38 points, who needed the count back to pip Warwick Judge, also on 38.

The ball sweep went to 36 points, being collected by Ash Tucker and Jill Cripps. The NTP’s were easily decided – Warwick Judge on the 9th and Mike Wood (the dad) on the 18th.

The LVDGA Men’s 4BBB District Final is set to be held at Forbes on 5th August. The winners go to Bonneville for some fun time.

Nominations are needed for the Sand-Grass Greens Championships set for 18th, 19th August. Nominations close on 6th August. There is a ‘4-for-3’ nomination incentive and also a team prize.

By Short Putt

Free Customer Service Workshops

July 26, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

The Forbes Business Chamber will be delivering Customer Experience and Product Ambassador workshops for Forbes business owners and their staff. “The programmed workshops are free,” said Marg Duggan. “The Chamber only requires people to book into one of the workshops.”

In 2017 it was highlighted to the Forbes Business Chamber that each and every business in Forbes needed to revisit their customer service standards and techniques.

The need for uniform customer service that is proactive, consistent, offers positive experiences and encourages return visitation and spend was discussed at length with Forbes Shire Council and the Chamber Executive.

Forbes Business Chamber currently hosts Biz Viz which involves a business opening their doors so others can understand what this business has to offer. Biz Viz will be used and face to face interaction.

The philosophy of the Customer Experience and Product Ambassador training will be the delivery of a program that addresses all of the above areas and encourages delivery of visitor information. Each and every participating business will become an ambassador of Forbes and confident in delivering a high level of customer service and customer satisfaction.

Celebrating National Tree Day

July 26, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Central West Lachlan Landcare (CWLL), Forbes Shire Council, Planet Ark and Toyota are inviting Forbes Shire residents to take part in a local National Tree Day event.

The National Tree Day event is taking place at the intersection of the northern end of Lake Forbes, at the Herbert Street end of Hill Street, on Saturday, 28th July. Activities start from 10am and there will be a bbq lunch. Please bring a chair to join with the group for lunch at the completion of planting.

“National Tree Day is a timely opportunity to connect with the community, reflect on what’s been achieved through previous plantings and continue to care for our local environment,” said CWLL Chairperson, Margot Jolly.

National Tree Day is Australia’s largest tree-planting and nature care event. Each year over 300,000 people take part in National Tree Day events at 3,000 sites. The campaign has spanned 22 years and lead to the planting of over 24 million trees, and Planet Ark is asking Australians to band together to plant a million more this year.

Existing research and feedback show participants feel healthier, happier and more connected to their communities by helping plant in and maintain their local green spaces.

Their newest research, via Pollinate, found 62 percent of Australians wish they had at least 30 minutes more time in nature per day, and only a third realised they could enhance their time outdoors by using smartphone apps such as plant identifiers and nature trail maps.

Landcare Co-ordinator, Marg Applebee explained “Central West Lachlan Landcare is pleased to be working with Forbes Arts and Forbes Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre, with the support of Forbes Shire Council and we look forward to continuing the fantastic work that has already been achieved through these community planting days.”

To register for National Tree Day, please visit treeday.planetark.org

Our Gal -Yvonne Shaw

July 26, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in Forbes and what do you like about living here? I moved with my husband, Ian to Forbes 29 years ago from Tottenham. We chose Forbes because of its lovely green and welcoming feel. We have found it a wonderfully friendly place to live.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy about your work? I retired in 2000 from my role as a Women’s Health Nurse. Since my retirement I have sat on numerous Shire committees. I also founded the Forbes Breast Cancer Support Group before my retirement and before I was diagnosed with breast cancer.

What do you do to unwind after work or on weekends? I walk the lake six days a week and enjoy gardening.

What are you really good at? I hope I come across as a good listener and an advocate for women’s issues.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? To bring peace in the world.

What is your pet hate? Negativity.

Tell us about your best holiday ever. Ian and I went on a three month world trip to Europe, England, Scotland, Ireland, Canada and Honolulu.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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