Parkes Phoenix Editor

The National Carp Control Plan (NCCP) team, together with Central West Local Land Services would like to invite you to an information evening focusing on the use of a species-specific virus known as Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (the carp virus) as a biocontrol agent.

The community briefing session will be held on Wednesday 30 May, from 6pm to 8pm at the Forbes Inn Hotel, 43 Rankin Street, Forbes. The event is an opportunity for Forbes residents to hear about proposed carp biocontrol measures first-hand from the NCCP and Local Land Services as well as contribute feedback to the plan.

This event is one of more than 40 community briefings that have been held in NSW, Victoria, South Australia, the ACT and Queensland. For more information on the briefing or to register your attendance, please contact Vivien Howard on 0439 387 603 or email vivien.howard@lls.nsw.gov.au.

After months of planning, fundraising and dance lessons seven gorgeous young ladies and their handsome partners danced their way into the hearts of almost 200 guests. The occasion was held on Saturday, 5th May when the young women made their debut at a charity debutante ball.

The group were presented to John Schrader, a representative from their chosen charity Forbes CanAssist, and consisted of Savannah- Lee Bevan, Jourdain Girot-Serplet, Paige Thomas, Ethan Markwort, Samantha Thornton, Brandon Boland, Fiona Howarth, Konnor Ryan, Gabrielle Boland, Jacob Howarth, Brodie Dukes, Toby Hurford, Jade Carpenter and Kristian Markwort.

Anna and Austin Hubbard and Marebelle and Maxi Baxter, led the nervous duos onto the dance floor before they performed their feature dance, which was choreographed by Kate Ralph. The young ladies looked spectacular in their gowns and the young gents wore smart black suits and light blue accessories.

The determined efforts of each and every one of the debutantes and their partners, from cooking barbeques to selling raffle tickets, were justified with a profit of $1,800 being raised from the event. This will directly benefit local cancer patients and their families.

John Schrader was grateful for the support and the efforts of the group. He explained that Forbes CanAssist provides in excess of $8,000 per month financial support to patients.

Raffles were also drawn on the night. The firewood, donated by the Carpenter family, was won by Julie Wallace. Kate Ralph took home the homewares hamper, donated by Spotlight. Kim Dean scored the kitchenwares hamper, also donated by Spotlight, and Marion Crowe was delighted with her win of a gift voucher to the Sweet Three Vintage Van.

Event coordinator, Anita Morrison said that she could not have been prouder of these young people and commended their families on the night and for the positive influence they have had on them all.

Thirty-two flags designed with the ‘amazing’ brand were installed last week as part of council’s brand-led marketing activity.

Mayor Graeme Miller said the flags would help promote the Shire’s new destination brand to locals and visitors alike.

“Council adopted the ‘amazing’ brand last year and while it is being used quite well online, there is still much to be done to raise the awareness of our new brand.

“Placing our brand on flags in our town’s centre will help to create awareness and continue conversations around ‘amazing’ Forbes,” said Graeme.

“The ‘amazing’ brand represents Forbes, its rich agricultural sectors, its strong and connected community, our Shire’s key lifestyle attributes and rich natural resources.”

“The strength of the ‘amazing’ brand will help to promote Forbes as a place to visit, live and invest in”, said Graeme.

“Council is currently developing print, digital and highway signage materials to help promote Forbes. A new printed guide designed to attract visitors and inspire relocation and investment in Forbes is in development along with a new destination website,” he said.

Graeme added that “hot-off-the-press” are bumper stickers promoting ‘amazing’ Forbes. Residents are urged to collect a bumper sticker from the council or the Visitor Information Centre.

“I’ve got one on my car already! ‘amazing’ Forbes travels with me whereever I go and at every chance I love to promote our town,” said Graeme.

A vital regional infrastructure program which is delivering jobs and much-needed projects throughout the Riverina and Central West has been continued thanks to the recent Liberal and Nationals’ Budget.

Deputy Prime Minister and Nationals’ Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack said another $200 million has been allocated in the 2018-19 Budget to deliver a third

round of the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF).

“In round one of the BBRF I worked hard to deliver $210,000 to allow House with No Steps to move its Aussie Biscuits Factory at Forbes into new premises in the town,” said Michael.

“I had the pleasure of visiting the Aussie Biscuits Factory just before its move, so I have seen first-hand the real benefits of the Building Better Regions Fund.”

The minimum grant for Building Better Regions Fund projects is $20,000 and the maximum grant is $10 million.

“I encourage the community to consider projects which can help strengthen local economies and build capacity and productivity around the region,” said Michael.

“The fund is only for projects in regional Australia and I look forward to hearing more of the region’s ideas when applications are called later this year.”