Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

League Memorial Match

March 22, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

On Saturday, 24th March the Forbes Magpies will host the Bathurst St Pats in the Brendon ‘Stubby’ Collits Memorial Shield held at Spooners Oval.

It will be a great day of rugby league but also a day to remember a legend!

This year’s Brendon ‘Stubby’ Collits day will feature a special memorial game for Peter and Kay Corliss who were lifelong supporters of Forbes Rugby League and also attended many Bathurst St Pats games.

Nathan Corliss and Barry Merritt have both put together sides to play on the day with the inclusion of ex NRL players and local Forbes legends playing in both teams.

The day will run from 12pm starting with Magpies vs St Pats league tag and then followed by the under 18’s.

Then onto the very special memorial game, the Peter and Kay Corliss charity match. The day is ended off with the Forbes Magpies 1st Grade vs St Pats match.

Join the club for a great day out, entry only $5 (under 16’s free). All proceeds from the gate will be donated to CanAssist in honour of the Corliss’.

Following the day, proceedings will move to the Forbes sponsor pub for refreshments and presentations.

Planning Your Easter Holiday Adventure

March 22, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

By the time the Easter holidays roll around, everyone is ready for a break, and even though it’s usually a four- or five-day break, it goes by fast. Here are some things to consider when planning your Easter holiday adventure.

ACCOMMODATION

Regardless of where you go on your Easter holidays, it’s going to be full of people, as this is the first chance most people have had for a decent break since Christmas. Book as early as you can especially if you’re travelling with a family or have any special needs.

TRANSPORT

Australian roads are notoriously deadly over Easter holidays, so make sure that your travel plans allow you plenty of time to get to and from wherever you plan to go. You don’t want to be rushing or driving without having had enough sleep, so rather than drive many hours straight after work, leave early the next morning instead. It’s far better to have a slightly shorter holiday and live to tell everyone all about it.

CHOCOLATE

If you and your friends or family are heading off on an Easter adventure, don’t forget the chocolate eggs! Especially if you’re heading off camping or somewhere else remote, you’ll want to have those chocolates in your pack come Easter Sunday, and having eggs for a hunt around your camp can be a fabulous way to have some Easter adventure fun.

Keep in mind that Easter isn’t all about the chocolate! Get your loved ones something that lasts this Easter. Come in and see Marg at Undercover Sleepwear and take a look at the great range of swimwear and sleepwear.

Youth Week Awards

March 22, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Every year, Forbes Shire Council celebrates the achievements, contributions and hard work of the shire’s youth with the Youth Week Awards. These awards recognise the vital role that young people play in making Forbes a vibrant and strong community and are presented as part of the week long Youth Week activities to be held from 14th to 22nd April.

Rosie Yapp explains what this recognition means to her:

1. Which award did you win? Youth Citizen of the Year (Forbes)

2. Why do you think you won the award? I won the award because someone kind and thoughtful nominated me.

3. Has winning the award changed your life? How? Winning the award made me aware that things I do are appreciated. I was incredibly surprised and wasn’t sure I deserved it, but I’m so happy I received it. Also, it looks very good on a resume!

4. Do you do anything differently now? Nothing much has changed, I go about things the same way, but it did boost my confidence.

5. Why do you think it is important Forbes has the Youth Week Awards? It celebrates and encourages awesome young people by letting them know they are appreciated.

Nominations for the 2018 Youth Week Awards closed on Wednesday.

“These awards are a great acknowledgement of the awesome things Forbes youth are achieving in and for our community. I really hope people of Forbes have nominated those youth who deserve this accolade, as I am certain there are many who do,” said Forbes Shire Council’s Youth Development Assistant, Lauren Cook.

The awards ceremony will be held on Saturday, 21st April at Halpin Flat, starting at 12 noon, with the general public invited to attend.

“It’s going to be a great day celebrating Forbes’ youth, with the Youth Week Awards, music and food.”

Our Gal

March 22, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Tess Bailey

How long have you lived in Forbes and what do you like about living here? I moved to Forbes two and a half years ago. I love the people of Forbes who have all been so welcoming and made me feel part of the town. I have made some amazing friends here.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy about your work? I am a Mixed Farm and Companion Animal Vet at Lachlan Valley Vets. I love building relationships with my clients and patients and the variation in my work. I love working outside in a paddock or doing indicate surgery.

What do you do to unwind after work or on weekends? I love to unwind on the farm with my Koolie Pip and catching up with friends and family.

What are you really good at? I am really good at always being a bridesmaid, never the bride. I have been lucky enough to be involved 8 times in my friends’ special days and I have picked up quite a few skills.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? To be able to time travel.

What is your pet hate? My pet hate is people who don’t understand the whole situation, making judgement.

Tell us about your best holiday ever. My best holiday was when I volunteered as a Vet in South Africa. I was able to treat four day old lion cubs and do surgery on a rhino.

Footy Tipping Results – Round 2

March 20, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Pink Day At The Forbes Golf Club

March 15, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

The sunshine brought out the best in the golfers’ scores and their outfits, worn to support the ‘Pink Day’.

Saturday’s event was an 18-hole Stableford, sponsored by Ian Simpson & Co Real Estate, contested by 74 players. The golfers also donated in support of the ‘Pink Day’, a means of raising money in support of the Forbes Breast Cancer Support Group.

The A-division winner was Doug Churchill with an outstanding 43 points, on count back. Runner up was Paul Pymont, who enjoyed slightly cooler conditions earlier in the day. He had 43 points, but was pipped by one stroke on the back-9.

The B-division winner was Greg Webb with 42 points, to continue his form. Not far behind was Robert Borger on 40 points. He had consistent scoring on the back-9.

The ball sweep went to 37 on count back, being distributed to: 43 – D Churchill, P Pymont, N Duncan: 42 – G Webb; 40 – R Borger; 39 – C Alley, Mike Wood, T Callaghan, A Tucker, M Spice, B Doyle; 38 – R Taylor, D McAuliffe, R Searl, P Grayson, D Clarke; 37 – M Andrews, B Collie, M Wood Jnr, F Hanns.

The NTP’s went to: 9th – S Uphill; 18th – Alf Davies.

The visitors included Richard Searl and Mike Bradley Wood. Niel Duncan was unlucky to miss out on a prize. He scored 43 points to come third and this with his second- ever best score of 77.

On Sunday, the regular Stableford Medley produced the usual crowd. The winner was Ray Taylor with 43 points. Runner-up was Ron Morris with a credible 39 points. Ray was pleased to match his age with his score.

Also on Sunday, Forbes had two teams in the CWDGA Inter-Club Pennants semifinals being played at Duntryleague. It was a day of mixed success with the Division 1 team losing 3-2 to Dubbo, while the Division 4 team won 3-2 against Dubbo. This carries them into the final against Wellington, to be played at Cowra on Sunday, 18th March.

The golfers embraced the ‘Pink Day’ event at the Forbes Golf Club. Numerous players wore pink, which was very fetching on many of the lady players and made some of the men players quite attractive.

Some of the outfits were very inventive and others required some courage to wear.

Donations were aplenty, with the golfers contributing $134 which will go to the Forbes Breast Cancer Support Group.

Some players had missed the notifications and were disappointed that they were not able to really dazzle the course. There will be a chance again next year.

Nominations for the Forbes Veteran’s ‘Week of Golf’, set for 23rd to 27th April, are quite slow. Please hurry and put your nominations in as we need early notification for catering purposes and for notification to the NSW Vets Golf. Entry forms are available in the Pro Shop now.

By Short Putt

Help Us Build A School In Nepal

March 15, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

The team at Flannery’s Pharmacy is busy raising funds to build a school in Nepal.

“The Nepal earthquakes in 2015 were devastating,” said Debbie Prior, Manager of Flannery’s Pharmacy. “In addition to significant loss of life, they caused damage to over 35,000 classrooms across the country, leaving more than a million children lacking access to safe learning spaces.”

The magnitude 7.8 earthquake and subsequent tremors which struck Nepal two-and a- half years ago claimed the lives of 9,000 people, injured tens of thousands more and destroyed homes, schools and roads.

In the Lower Solukhumbu region alone, 200 schools were destroyed and more than 600 classrooms lost.

The Flannery’s team has been busy raising funds for this worthwhile cause. Recently, team members provided home baked morning tea to local businesses. “We raised roughly $400 thanks to the generosity of local businesses and their staff,” said Debbie.

Flannery’s Pharmacy has a donation tin in the pharmacy for anyone who might like to donate.

“Our next fund raising activity will be an Easter basket raffle, so please call in to Flannery’s to buy a ticket or make a donation,” said Debbie.

Turning Seventy Into 70 Thousand For Cancer

March 15, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

This Friday afternoon when most of us have finished work for the day and are perhaps feeling a bit drained from challenges possibly presented, Kerry Dunstan would have almost completed a 100km walk and that on his seventieth birthday!

Kerry’s milestone birthday was part of the inspiration for his ‘Seventy for 70 Thousand WALK’ fundraising initiative for the Can Assist Forbes branch, of which Kerry was the president for about 13 years and the Forbes Breast Cancer Support Group.

“Many of the Breast Cancer Support Group ladies were very good to my late wife Wendy, when she was sick. Sadly some of those same ladies are going through the same thing now,” said Kerry.

It all started when Kerry’s blood sugar levels were a bit high and he started walking to lower it. “While I was walking around in circles, I thought I should be raising money while I’m doing this. Then I thought about the walk and my seventieth birthday coming up,” explained Kerry.

Kerry has eight other people walking beside him, each one with their own heart rendering story to share and one walker which he is particularly proud of, his son Michael. Ranging between mid 30’s to 72 years of age, the group started their journey from Condobolin on Thursday evening at 10pm and walked throughout the night and the whole of today. Their aim is to reach Forbes at 6pm just in time to get their breath back and celebrate Kerry’s 70th birthday.

Walking beside Kerry and Michael from Condobolin to Forbes is Ray Sanderson, Anita Morrison, Jimmy Carpenter, Mick Spry, Tracy Reid, Cameron Greenhalgh and Janet Norton-Knight.

Kerry’s walk has been meticulously planned to take him on a trip down memory lane. They started in Condobolin where Kerry was born. Thereafter, it was Moonbi, where Kerry played a lot of cricket and tennis. Then Warroo, where he went to school and had a family farm. Next up Jemalong, where Wendy went to school and also had a family farm. Lastly it will be Forbes, where the couple eventually settled and their children finished school.

“I’m re-living my life from birth to seventy in this walk. That’s what it’s all about and also the $70,000 that I hope to raise by doing it.” A celebration event will await Kerry and the walkers upon their return at Victoria Park, where there will be a few speeches and the ‘Pink Pig’. The ‘Pink Pig’ was made out of scrap metal as a money box for people wanting to donate to the cause. Then they will be heading over the road to the Vanden berg Hotel, where the celebrations will continue.

The entire community is invited to welcome Kerry and the walkers back at Victoria Park and to be part of the birthday celebrations. To help make Kerry’s 70th birthday more memorable, you can make a donation. For further information contact Kerry on 0428 116 586, Murray Field 0409 892 725, John Schrader 0404 155 247 or Lee Marsh 0414 682 754.

By Gizell van Wyk

Easter Show Just Keeps Getting Better

March 15, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

The 2018 Sydney Royal Easter Show will be held from Friday, 23rd March until Tuesday, 3rd April.

The traditional coming together of city and country began in Sydney in 1822 and the 2018 Show will be the 20th anniversary of “The Show” being held at the Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park.

General Manager Agriculture and the Sydney Royal Easter Show, Murray Wilton says getting online early will save you money on Easter Show tickets.

“The Sydney Royal Easter Show is fast approaching and our team has been working tirelessly to deliver a sensational 2018 Show,” said Murray

“From woodchop and pet and livestock competitions to the very latest in fashion and technology. The Sydney Royal Easter Show always delivers and we are certain 2018 will continue that tradition of top shelf entertainment and learning.”

The 2018 Sydney Royal Easter Show has many new attractions including a Silent Disco After Dark event for 18+. This disco will light up the night, but not in the conventional way you may be thinking! Featuring Amastro, Colour Castle, Hydraulix, KAYEX, SAYYA and Audiopaxx DJ’s. Three different dj’s will perform each night of the event, spinning a wide range of genres from the hottest hits to old-school favourites.

For the younger ones there will be the likes of Paw Patrol, Despicable Me 3 and Shimmer and Shine in the Amphitheatre. And don’t forget the Outback Stockman Arena will be full of entertainment and things to do with sheep shearing, the Bonnie Yard Dogs and the Dairy Farmers Milking Barn, you’d be barking mad not to check it out!

Tickets pre-purchased online prior to the show start at: $37 adult, $22 child (4 to 15 years), $27 concession and $99.50 family (2 adults and 2 children). Tickets can be purchased online via www.eastershow.com.au

To stand a chance to win a family pass to the show, complete the entry form on the front page and return it to the Ian Simpson & Co office. Or enter online via our website www.forbesphoenix.com.au for your chance to win. Entries close 2pm on Thursday, 22nd March.

National Dragon Boat Championships

March 15, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

The National Dragon Boat Championships on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast held on 4th March, was a proud and memorable event for local representatives of the Western NSW squad, Warren and Donna Edwards, Bill and Beth Thomas, and Rochelle Smith (Parkes) and Claire Davis and Chris Favelle (Forbes).

The team did not take away any medals this time but they brought home the invaluable experience of paddling 500 metre races in a highly esteemed national which is an amazing achievement on its own. Personal best times in all race categories entered, Women’s, Mixed and Opens, was achieved.

“It was a fabulous day on Lake Kawana,” said state coach Deb Clarke. “Each and every one paddled so strongly with true determination and commitment. I couldn’t ask for more.”

Assistant coach Lou Linke agreed, congratulating the team on a great campaign: “You did Regional NSW proud!”

Many special moments were shared by the ‘Westies’ as they were affectionately known on the day. Not least were attending the opening ceremony together, their shared barbeque, pre-race and post-race dinners. One of their most fun moments was jumping into the ocean current together in the nationals uniforms at the end of racing day and forming a starfish as they floated together towards the beach in peals of laughter.

By the time they said goodbye to their ‘Westie’ teammates from Bathurst, Orange, Dubbo, Lithgow and Wagga Wagga, they all realised that the best part of the whole experience had been being together as a team, becoming true friends and genuinely loving each other’s company as they raced together and played together.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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