Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Croquet News And Results

April 26, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Week ending 21st April

Tuesday was a beautiful day which included an influx of more new players. Welcome to Ruth Cheney, Dot Hailstone and Nev and Marie Spry.

The courts are the best we have seen since last year. Thank you to our grounds people and our contract lawn mowing service for a huge effort.

Saturday saw a hot morning with an exceptional turn out of players. Damp dewy lawns turning to hot dry ones make for unpredictable rolling of the balls. This makes for a lot of fun and more laughs!

Our May birthday lunch will take place on Tuesday, 1st May at 12 midday at the Bakehouse in Templar Street.

On Tuesday, 8th May we will be celebrating World Croquet Day with a morning tea, golf croquet and gateball as well as other novelty games. Come along and join in the fun.

Saturday, 12th May will see members join the Seniors College members in the Relay for Life.

By Anne Stewart

Sharp Sales Decline In First Quarter 2018

April 26, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

A sharp drop in sales for the first three months of 2018 has hit profitability and business confidence according to the latest Business Conditions Survey, conducted by the state’s peak business organisation, the NSW Business Chamber.

The index measures respondents’ perceptions of the economy’s current performance and, while a drop in revenue and sales activity is typical at the beginning of the calendar year, the result for the March 2018 for Western NSW saw a sharp drop to -8.3 points. The result is in stark contrast to the result in December 2017, which saw an index result of 12.5 points.

On a positive note, Western NSW’s operating cost index was the lowest in the state, with the index decreasing to 30.0 points, down from 41.5 in December and the sales revenue index whilst down, did remain positive at 4.3 points.

“Energy costs, in particular, are a major concern with 43 per cent of our region’s businesses surveyed highlighting it as a key cost control priority. At this point in the economic cycle it is essential that we look at measures to reduce the operating costs of businesses along with measures to increase future economic capacity,” said Western NSW Business Chamber Regional Manager, Vicki Seccombe.

“Although business operators remain upbeat about their prospects, and the economic outlook for the year ahead, profitability and growth are being constrained by the continued decline in energy affordability, business operating costs and skill shortages,” said Vicki.

“Reducing the burden of payroll tax on small business is key to driving investment in capital and increasing jobs growth, but we also need to do more to provide our young people with better and more targeted training so that they can secure employment,” said Vicki.

The Chamber has proposed a minimum payroll tax threshold of $1 million per annum and is championing new incentives for employers to hire young job seekers, along with measures to boost the number trainees and apprentices in NSW.

While the survey identifies a tough first quarter in 2018, local respondents are expecting brighter days ahead with the index measuring expected performance of the NSW economy increasing to 17.5 points.

“Businesses in NSW are ready to invest and have a positive economic outlook but reducing taxes on jobs and investing in skills are a must,” said Vicki.

Hotly Contested Hawke Trophy

April 26, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

The winners of this year’s Hawke Trophy were Paul Pymont and Frank Donohoe, who scored 47 points. They won on count back from Bruce Carpenter and Libby Godden. It was the better ‘back-9’ that got Paul and Frank their win.

The event for the day was a 4BBB Stableford Medley, won by a visiting pairing of Rob Rogers and Grant Goodman, both from Castle Hill, with 48 points. They were lucky to win that for not only were there the two pairings above in hot pursuit but a bundle of players close behind them.

The ball sweep went to 43 points on count back, being distributed to: 48 – Rogers/ Goodman (Castle Hill); 47 – P Pymont/F Donohoe, Carpenter/Godden; 46 – Rhodes/ Zannes; 45 – Tisdell/R Webb, F/R Smith, Dukes/P Nixon; 44 – Hopkins/ Herbert, Little/Westwood; 43 – B Slack- Smith/H Steel Park and Dukes/Maher.

The NTP’s went to: 9th Alf Davies and 18th Alf Davies. His putt on the 9th was very short as it stopped short of going in by only a foot. Among the 81 players on the field were visitors from Castle Hill and Matt Donohoe from Royal Sydney.

The need for teamwork and consistency was on display by Les Little and Maurie Westwood. They each took turns in scoring 3- and 4-pointers but they messed up with both wiping on a couple of holes.

The Stableford Medley on Sunday, 22nd April had 20 players in the field including the visitors Helen Robinson (South West Rocks) Patricia Young (Howlong) and Janeace Owen (Callala).

It was Ash Tucker’s day finishing ahead on 38 points, keeping runner-up Max Haley (37 points) at bay.

The ball sweep went to 36 points, being picked up by Ray Taylor and Scott Kirkman. The NTP’s went to Ethel Coombs on the 9th and to Phil Maher on the 18th NTP.

A very important notice to all golfers. The 27-Hole Mixed Foursomes Championship that was scheduled for Sunday, 27th May will now be held on Sunday, 3rd June. This will avoid clashes with other events.

The Winter 3’s commences play next week, 30th April. If you rush in and see Simon he may be able to get you into a team or something.

By Short Putt

Securing The Corridor M7-Kurrajong

April 26, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

The State Government has announced four future transport corridors for Western Sydney. The corridors including the Bells Line of Road Castlereagh Connection.

This essential link between Central NSW and Western Sydney connects into the M7 from Kurrajong and includes a tunnel on the western end.

The State Government is seeking feedback on the proposed corridors until 1st June 2018. Here are ways to provide feedback:

• Use the interactive online map to see the location of the recommended corridors at transport.nsw.gov.au/corridors.

• Complete the feedback form at transport. nsw.gov.au/corridors/have-your-say.

• Attend one of the proposed drop-in sessions transport.nsw.gov.au/corridors/community-drop-sessions. All of these are in Western Sydney and Kurrajong.

Cr John Medcalf, Chair of Centroc, is encouraging Councils and communities in Central NSW to have their say.

“It is our people, our friends and family who have to traverse these dangerous roads across the mountains and we are therefore really pleased to see a safer alignment up the east face of the escarpment,” said John.

“While there is no good time to advise people that their homes and livelihoods will be affected by a future road upgrade, it is better to know sooner rather than later.

“Once again I would like to thank the State Government and Minister Melinda Pavey for staying the course,” said John.

Submissions to the corridor can be made until 1st June.

Snippets…

April 26, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Generosity… Leo Curran, Neil and Jane Gilmour and Mayor Graeme Miller presenting a cheque for $370 to John Schrader of CanAssist Forbes. This being the proceeds of the variety concert held by Forbes Shire Council during Seniors Week.

Forbes Special Sports Day: The annual Forbes Special Sports Day will be held on Wednesday, 2nd May at the Red Bend Catholic College gym. This will be the 37th year for this sports day and contestants come from as far as Orange, Dubbo, Condobolin, Parkes and Forbes. The official opening begins at 9.30am with morning tea and a march led by Brian Tisdell (bagpiper) and the College drummers. There will be novelty races and some serious competition. Everyone is welcome! Some of our disabled contestants have attended every one of these events.

Celebrating 25 years of Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea: For 25 years, Cancer Council’s Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea has brought together millions of Australians over a cup of tea in support of those affected by cancer. This May, Cancer Council is once again encouraging people across Australia to gather their friends, family or workmates for a cup of tea and a bite to eat whilst raising money to support Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea and to help those affected by cancer. In 2018, the official day to host a morning tea is Thursday, 24th May, but anyone can host at any time in May or June. Those who want to host can register at biggestmorningtea.com.au or call 1300 65 65 85 to receive a free morning tea host kit.

National Zoo & Aquarium Canberra competition: Congratulations to Sandra Albertson for WINNING our National Zoo & Aquarium Canberra competition last week!

NSW Farmers hit by driest period in a decade: Farmers across the NSW Central West are battling what is being described as the driest period in at least a decade. Some areas have received around a third of their average rainfall. It is not just the lack of rain, but also the heat, with recordbreaking temperatures close to 10 degrees above average. The dry start to 2018 follows a record dry winter last year and a spring where rainfall levels were lower than average. Emu Swamp farmer John Blunt said it was as dry as he had seen it since at least 2007. “Most of us are supplementary feeding and there are costs associated with that. We’ve been taking a risk and planting oats, but the only saviour will be if there’s soaking rain soon.”

New Job Helps Charles Live Like A Prince: Charles Hamer is a great example of dedication and resilience. From having no job, living in shared accommodation and no licence, the Currajong Disability Services (CDS) client is now ticking all the boxes, not only because of his drive, but also due to the tremendous support from his carers. “I am now in my first month at McDonalds, living independently and have a full licence,” he said. “It has been a real boost to my confidence and I can say I have never been happier! I am actually contemplating doing some TAFE courses and study to further my hospitality skills and add to my existing skill set. I just take one day at a time and keep doing the best that I can,” he said.

Charles Hamer with Donna Little from the Currajong Disability ervices.

Local Waterskiing Legend Looks Back

April 26, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Barefoot waterskiing is more than just waterskiing without skis. For enthusiasts, it also involves taking jumps and performing a series of spectacular tricks!

That certainly was the case for local retired waterskiing champion, John McKenzie. John is renowned for his feats as an athlete in the sport of waterskiing.

“I started waterskiing when I was 30 years old. One day I went out to Bundaburrah Creek and saw people doing it. One of my friends had a boat and he introduced me to the sport. I got the bug and just went flat out from there,” said John.

Within no time John started barefooting and he took off like a house on fire. He started going away to competitions every second weekend showcasing his impressive manoeuvres and techniques.

Apart from winning many major titles, John claimed the 1984 Zone 6 Barefoot Waterskiing Championship title and that with two broken fingers on his left hand. He was also selected as part of the NSW barefoot team against Queensland.

After obtaining the highest level he could with barefoot waterskiing he moved on to ski racing. His transition into ski racing was met with immediate success.

He participated in numerous events such as the gruelling annual Bridge to Bridge Classic ski race on the Hawkesbury River (the longest and most prestigious of its kind in the world), where he and his team were placed fourth in the 24th Classic.

John stepped off his water skis and into sports history when he finally retired from skiing undefeated in the late 1980’s.

He shared his wealth of knowledge and experiences in the sport through coaching and as a judge and an examiner for Zone 6 events.

In recent years, crowds have been treated with spectacular views of barefoot skills during the Forbes Barefoot Water Ski Tournament, one of the biggest barefoot competitions in Australia.

John was at the forefront to introduce the sport to Forbes. “I approached the Forbes Club during the early 1980s to hold a championship and with them onside we held two state titles and four championships at Bundaburrah Creek. The event proved to be very good for Forbes’ economy, with people coming from all over and utilising the town’s facilities,” said John.

Forbes also welcomed a prestigious guest, the iconic Barefoot Waterskiing World and National Champion Brett Wing, who noted that it was one of the best venues he’d ever skied on and he’d skied all over the world. These initial tournaments were halted in later years.

By Gizell van Wyk

Footy Tipping Results Round 7

April 24, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Close Finishes In Golf

April 19, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Saturday’s event was an Individual Par competition, during which the wind had a big effect on the scores for the field of 67.

The A-Division winner was Scott Kirkman, who finished 2-up and got there on count back from Phil Duke. Scott’s better back-9 gave him the edge. The B-Division also was decided by count back, with two players finishing on 4-up. Stuart Gordon with a very good back-9 got the nod ahead of Clayton Alley who had a strong front-9.

The ball sweep went to All Square on count back, being distributed to: 4Up – S Gordon, C Alley; 3Up – J Coulthurst, B Hodges; 2Up – S Kirkman, P Duke, M Cahill; 1Up – G Webb, G Newport, M Haley, G Drane, R Taylor, P Pymont, J Zannes, P Maher; Square – D McAuliffe, L O’Connor.

The NTP’s went to: 9th – Brett Thomas; 18th – Denis Culley.

On Sunday 15 April there was the regular Stableford Medley, with a good band of Forbes and visiting players enjoying calmer conditions.

Ray Taylor was swept to victory with 39 points, just edging out a visitor Vivienne Sulejmani from Mt Warren Park, on 38 points by count back. The ball sweep went to 38 points, giving Jill Cripps a ball.

The NTP’s went to Bess Shields, who got both the 9th and 18th NTP, but unfortunately no 2’s.

Our Club Pro Simon played in tournaments held in Canberra last week, hoping to earn points for his PGA ranking. At the first one-day events held at Yowani (73) and Federal (73) Simon finished in the top- 20 each day.

Then, at the 2-day event held at Murrumbidgee, Simon scored 71 and 69 to finish second overall, beating a field that included players from the US and European Tours, as well as a NZ Open winner and a Vic Open winner.

The Forbes GC Veterans ‘Week of Golf’ is set to be played next week. The week starts with a 4BBB, followed by 18-hole Stableford events on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. The NSW Shield will be decided on Friday.

Local players are reminded to bring a plate of food to help with the morning teas each day.

By Short Putt

SNIPPETS…

April 19, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

The Forbes and District Relay For Life: Event will take place from 12th to 13th May at the South Circle Oval. This year’s theme for the Relay For Life is ‘Forbes Farming Games’. A nod to the agricultural industry in the area with a competitive edge, after experiencing all the Commonwealth Games action. Come along to a team information night to find out how you can make a difference through participating in Relay For Life. It will be held on Tuesday, 24th April at the Services Club Auditorium 6pm or Saturday, 5th May at the South Circle Oval 6pm. For more information visit www.relayforlife.org.au/forbes or call Cancer Council NSW Orange Regional office on (02) 6392 0800.

Competition: Don’t forget to enter the latest Phoenix giveaway on the front page. You could WIN a double pass to the Forbes Harness Racing Carnival of Cups on 6th May. You can also enter online at www. forbesphoenix.com.au

Immigration Good For Western NSW Businesses: Research prepared by the Federal Treasury and Department of Home Affairs has confirmed what the state’s peak business organisation, the NSW Business Chamber, has always said – a targeted skilled migration program is making a valuable contribution to our economy and business. “Across Western NSW, businesses are struggling to fill key positions, and while there can be no doubt that we need to do more to train a greater number of our young people, Australia’s skilled migration program provides essential support that has kept many businesses afloat,” Ms Seccombe said.

ANZAC Day Writing Competition: This year the National Party’s Member for Riverina, Mr Michael McCormack, invited students from his electorate to contribute an imaginative piece of writing on “ANZAC Day in the Riverina and Central West.” Several of the Year 9 and 10 students from Red Bend Catholic College entered pieces. Mr McCormack, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, visited Red Bend last week to present awards for this competition. He spoke of his love of history and writing, especially in his former job as a journalist and newspaper editor. He encouraged the students to strive to achieve their best, setting the bar higher rather than lower. There were over 700 entries in the competition. Sienna Emseis of Year 9 was the winner in the high school category, while James Finn of Year 9 received a highly commended award.

Would you rather visit the past or the future?

April 19, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Jessica Byrnes: I would like to visit the past. It would be interesting to see other eras and people from the past and witness their different experiences.

Mel Judd: The future. It would be nice to see how wealthy I’m going to be or where I’ll be living.

Taylor Bliss: The past. To see how life was simpler and safer then. Specifically Forbes because everyone says they had such a great time.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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