Parkes Phoenix Editor

Inter-school friendships formed: Approximately 150 Year 5 students from Forbes Shire primary schools, spent three days at Lake Burrendong Sport & Recreation Camp last week. The annual excursion allows students from the four local primary schools to learn and grow together over three days, and is proudly subsidised by Forbes Shire Council. It is a way for these students to make connections before they head to high school. Once at Lake Burrendong, the students participated in a variety of fun and challenging activities. Forbes Shire Council has been supporting this excursion for several years.

Another chance to have your say: After our recent discussions with the community around Council’s levels of service we are now looking for 20 enthusiastic shire residents to take part in a one day workshop to fine-tune our overarching Community Strategic Plan. If you are a big thinker with lots of ideas for our amazing shire then this is the opportunity for you. We are looking for a panel that reflects the diversity of Forbes and for people who will have a say. Are you from the farming sector, a volunteer, a sportsperson, have a business, are into the arts, represent the indigenous community, or are you an active young person or re tired? New to town or have been here for generations? Nominees must be available for the workshop on 22nd July. To apply send an email to community@forbes.nsw.goV.au, listing your full contact details and your reasons for applying by Wednesday, 11th July. Enquiries to Nina Hooper on (02) 6850 2300.

Volunteer/s needed for Parkrun startup: We would love to start a Parkrun in Forbes/Parkes but need a passionate community member or small team to make it happen. There is a lot of support and help offered from the head office, but the drive must come locally. If anyone is interested in leading the project please contact eventsupportau@ parkrun.com. Parkrun is a simple concept: turn up and walk, jog or run 5km or if you’re a junior then 2km. It doesn’t matter how fast you go. It doesn’t matter what you’re wearing. What matters is taking part. Parkrun is all about inclusiveness and wellbeing.

School Holidays: The last day of school for Term 2 is today. We wish all families a safe and happy holiday break. School resumes on Tuesday 24th July.

Forbes Pony Club member, Katie Townsend travelled to the Central Coast this week to compete in the State Showjumping Championships.

Town Band Garage Sale: The Forbes Town Band will be holding a garage sale to raise funds in order to assist with the maintenance of instruments and uniform and music purchases. To be able to play at events such as Relay for Life, fundraising is required to pay for the band hall upkeep and instrument upgrades. The garage sale will be held inside the Town Band Hall in Rankin Street (near Bernardi’s) on Saturday, 30th June from 8am to 1pm. There will be a large variety to choose from such as bric-a-brac, furniture, plants, cooking, jams, vegetables, books and many more. Come along and support your town band. For further information contact 6851 5197.

The Ripple Effect: Every day about eight people in Australia lose their life to suicide. Of that eight, six will be men. People in rural and remote areas are twice as likely to take their lives as those living in the cities. Di Gill from the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program says that it is extremely important to know the signs of depressionso that we can help a friend or family member before they get to the stage that they think that suicide is the only solution. ‘The Ripple Effect’ is one man’s story, of the impact of him attempting to take his life on those around him. ‘The Ripple Effect’ is showing at Forbes Services Club Cinema on Monday, 16th July. Look at What’s On for details to get your ticket.

Camp Street Bridge replacement: Roads and Maritime Services are planning to replace the Camp Street Bridge over Lake Forbes to improve safety for road users and help reduce future maintenance costs. The community is invited to view and give feedback on the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) for the project which will be on display at council and the library until Friday, 27th July. The project team will be in Forbes on Saturday morning from 9am to 12pm outside Bernardi’s supermarket and again on Friday, 6th July from 10am to 2pm in Rankin Street next to Target, to speak with the community and answer any questions about the bridge replacement. For more information visit the project webpage on www.rms.work/forbesbridge.

Mayor Graeme Miller was very pleased to be able to present a Forbes Shire Council Medal to Tom Drane last week for his achievements in motorcycle track racing at home and in the United States.