Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

OUR Gal

January 24, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Monique Pointon

How long have you lived in Forbes and what do you like about living here? We have lived here for 12 months. We love that Forbes is a small country town with all of the conveniences of a larger town. We also love the lake and the friendly people.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy about your work? I own Sweet Three Vintage Van and run that on the weekend. During the week I raise my three young children. I love meeting new people and getting to know the local Forbes families.

What do you do to unwind after work or on weekends? Unwind… What’s that? Lol! We like to catch up with family and friends.

What are you really good at? Making waffles! Haha. I enjoy playing netball and other sports.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? To predict what’s going to happen in the future.

What is your pet hate? When people do not use their manners, fail to show respect and common courtesy.

Tell us about your best holiday ever. I attended a conference in Thailand when I lectured at CSU a couple of years ago and my family and I loved it! We also love travelling Australia and drove to Darwin and back in 2015 exploring SA, NT, QLD and NSW. The children still talk about both trips today.

Golfers Score Well

January 24, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

On Saturday the Mens comp was an 18- Hole Stableford, with 65 players in the field. Once again the scoring matched the weather.

The A-Division winner was Ted Morganwho, despite a minor blemish on the 14th hole, compiled 41 points. Runner-up on count back was Barry Parker. A few 7’s on his card hurt him.

Also on 41 points, but sadly without any honours, was our pro Simon Houston. This was, I think, his first competitive 18-hole game at Forbes. He relished being out there with the club members so much that he shot a 5-under ‘67’ to earn him the 41 points.

The B-Division saw Garry Collits with a score of 43 points relegated to runnerup by newcomer Joshua Coulthurst, who burst in with a score of 51 points. It was a fantastic round by each of them, with Josh showing real skill.

The ball sweep went to 36 points on count back, going to: 51 – J Coulthurst; 43 – G Collits; 42 – G Webb; 41 – T Morgan, B Parker; 40 – Alf Davies, T Howe; 39 – Mike Wood, D McAuliffe; 38 – J Morgan, L Grierson, P Nixon; 37 – B Squires, S McAlister and 36 – B Borger.

The NTP’s went to: 1st – Alf Davies, 18th – Simon Flynn.

The Sunday Stableford Medley comp had a small number in the field primarily due to the forecast conditions. Eileen Hush did very well to score 36 points and take the honours. She defied all common standards to do better on the back-9 rather than thefront-9, which is the reverse of everybody else. She finished ahead of Ray Taylor on 35 points.

There was no ball sweep. And there were no NTP’s as nobody hit the greens.

By Short Putt

Prime Opportunity

January 24, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

This property could well represent really good value for money if you are working with a modest budget.

There are three paddocks occupying 5,970 square metres which is approximately an acre and a half in old language.

A water well which is equipped with an electric pump, provides good quality water without any restriction on how much water you are allowed to use.

There is a great potential to set yourself up to be self sufficient on this property.

The two bedroom cottage appears solidly constructed, secure with good bones and would respond well to some TLC.

There are three large sheds capable of accommodating all manner of paraphernalia as well as an additional shed or animal shelter.

This property represents a sizeable portion of the small hamlet of Garema. Forbes is approximately 20km to the North and Grenfell about 53km South-East of Garema all on sealed roads.

Home Building Work

January 24, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

The Home Building Act 1989 governs residential building work in NSW. A person doing residential building work must be licenced by the Department of Fair Trading, unless the cost of labour and materials is $5,000 or less.

A person doing residential building work, repairs, renovations or advertising must be licenced if:

• the total cost of labour and materials are more than $5,000;

• it is electrical wiring work;

• it is plumbing, draining and gas fitting work; or

• it is air conditioning and refrigeration work (except plug-in appliances).

Licensing helps stamp out illegitimate operators and creates a level playing field for all tradespeople. Licenced tradespersons have to pay annual fees and insurance premiums.

If the work is more than $20,000, the tradesperson is required to submit a written contract to the residential owner and provide for a cooling off period. In some instances for small jobs a much less onerous written contract is required for jobs over $5,000.

Owner builders require a permit from the Department of Fair Trading (with insurance) for residential building work with labour and material costs of more than $10,000, or you are required to get Council development consent for such work.

Large fines apply to first offenders and gaol is an option for second time offenders, who are unlicenced and/or uninsured.

In addition to criminal penalties, unlicensed tradesmen might even find they don’t get paid for the job done, are sued for recovery of monies paid or might have orders made by NCAT against them.

All home owners should be aware that they can demand evidence of licence and insurance from tradespeople. If you have any more queries please feel free to contact us.

Croquet News And Results

January 24, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Week ending 20th January

On Tuesday, 16th January we had a luncheon celebrating the birthdays of Bob Murray, Colleen Liebich, Cherylin Cole and Evelyn Mahlo at the Forbes Services Memorial Club with a great amount of enjoyment in the food and camaraderie. It was also an opportunity to meet the spouses who don’t play.

Clean sweepers in Tuesday’s game were Merv Langfield, Bob Murray, Libby Smart and Harley Stewart.

Saturday’s game saw John H Browne, John Allegri and Veva MacCullagh as clean sweepers with wins in all three games. Congratulations to you all.

By Anne Stewart

SNIPPETS…

January 24, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Generosity… Karen Betland from Betlands Orchard and Sally Duff and Jade McGovern from Forbes Shire Council handing over a cheque of $585.35 to Maureen and Murray Field from CanAssist Forbes. This being the proceeds from Forbes Shire Council’s promotion at the Christmas markets of Peaches from Forbes. Betlands Orchard donated the peaches and asked that the proceeds be given to CanAssist.

Celebrate Australia Day: Enjoy the many Australia Day activities and welcome the town’s inspiring ambassador James Pittar. There will be a free Rotary breakfast at Apex Park from 7am to 9am. The Diggers Family Swim will again be held at the Forbes Pool. There is free pool entry between 11am – 2pm and also a free barbecue lunch. The Party in the Park at Lions Park will be the formal event where the 2018 Australia Day awards will be announced. The Party in the Park begins at 5.30pm. There will be water activities such as the pedal boats on the lake and Forbes dragon boat teams rowing by. Another highlight is the live entertainment by acclaimed central west singer Gabe Middleton as well as artist Cameron Sharp from Forbes. There will be amusement rides, demonstrations by the SES and the Fire Brigade as well as the CWA traditional damper cooking. The event will finish with a fireworks display. Bring a picnic blanket or chairs. There will be food stalls at the event. Parking will be available in Spooner Oval and pet owners are advised fireworks will be around 9pm.

Major Electricity Network Upgrade: Essential Energy crews last week commenced a major upgrade of the electricity network in the Forbes area, along a section of Lachlan Valley Way, from Parkside Way to Jemalong Weir, to ensure a safe, secure and reliable power supply for homes and businesses in that area and the wider Forbes community.

The upgrade will increase the capacity of the electricity network and replace network assets which have reached end of life. The project includes the replacement of 47 power poles, 30 pole cross-arms and 10 kilometres of high voltage powerlines. A series of planned power outages will be required during the project. Affected homes and businesses will receive advanced notification. The project will be completed in stages between January and March.

Four Days Of Double Demerits: As we get ready to celebrate Australia Day, and school holidays are coming to an end for thousands of local students, drivers are being reminded that double demerit points will be in force for four days for this long weekend for all speeding, seatbelt, motorcycle helmet and mobile phone offences. Drivers should be warned that they are at greatest risk of losing their licence during this four day period.

Queen’s Baton To Arrive On A Dragon Boat

January 24, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Monday marks day 35 since the Queen’s Baton has arrived in Australia and started its epic journey to arrive at the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in March 2018. To mark the occasion of the baton travelling through Forbes, the council has organised some unique ways to celebrate.

When the baton arrives in town it will be rowed along Lake Forbes in a dragon boat being carried by Forbes’ first baton bearer Wendy Green, alighting at the Forbes Sport and Recreation Centre, the baton will then begin its journey along Lachlan and Browne Streets to arrive at the Community Celebration to be held at Stephan Field (the skatepark). The crowds can enjoy a refreshing ice-cream, live entertainment and watch the skateboard demonstration.

At 2.53pm the baton will travel through Forbes, along Grenfell Street, Lachlan and Harold Streets before turning into Court Street and back onto Lachlan Street out to the Golf Club.

Baton bearers for the relay are: 2.07pm Wendy Green; 2.27pm Robyn Kenny; 2.30pm Paul Cameron; 2.33pm Ethan Markwort; Community celebration at Stephan Field (skatepark); 2.53pm Rob Willis; 2.56pm Lester Sheather; 2.58pm Peter Moore; 3.01pm Chris Roylance; 3.03pm Phil Adams; 3.06pm Denise Jelbart; 3.08pm Yvonne Shaw; 3.11pm Taylah Hemming; 3.13pm James Smart and 3.15pm Robin Lyell.

“The Queen’s Baton Relay presents our community with a unique opportunity to showcase our people, culture and environment to the rest of Australia and the world,” Mayor Graeme Miller said.

He added it was 60 years since a baton was used to carry the opening monarch’s message from Buckingham Palace to the games.

Graeme also encouraged people to show support for the baton bearers as it passes through town. “Please come out and cheer along the baton and its bearers, let’s show everyone what a supportive community we are,” he added.

Eyewear Specs Welcomes New Employees

January 24, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Eyewear Specs has welcomed two new staff members to their team. Lauren Hutcherson has been appointed as the new optometrist and Brodie Dukes will be undergoing her traineeship at the business.

“I am delighted that Eyewear Specs has grown enough to expand the business,” said Fiona Hayward, Owner and Manager of Eyewear Specs. “I am so happy to be working with Brodie and Lauren and look forward to the future of Eyewear Specs.”

Eyewear Specs opened its doors at 95 Rankin Street in Forbes in February 2016 and has been growing from strength to strength. The business has been so successful that they have had to expand by

employing more staff.

“I grew up in Molong and went to Queensland for six years to study. After graduating last year, I decided to come back to the country to work,” said newly appointed optometrist Lauren.

“I was born and bred in Forbes and have just recently finished school,” said Brodie. “Fiona offered me this amazing opportunity for a traineeship here. I’ve really enjoyed it so far!” Brodie’s studies will commence once schools reopen.

To have your eyes tested or to find a pair of glasses to suit your individual financial budget visit Eyewear Specs today!

What would you do if you were invisible for a day?

January 24, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Mel Hoey: I’d hide from my children so that I can eat and sleep all day – even though I love them very much!

Kym Goodall: I would walk around at work and make sure everyone is doing what they should be doing.

Troy Stonham: Rob a bank… haha!

MAYORAL NOTES

January 24, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

I hope to see you all at the Australia Day celebrations. We have a full agenda of activities all day. There is the free Rotary breakfast from 7am to 9am at Apex Park and the Digger’s Family Swim is from 11am to 2pm with a free barbecue lunch and pool entry. Then at 5.30pm there will be food, live entertainment and plenty of fun activities at the Australia Day Party in the Park at Lions Park.

We encourage all families to pack a picnic, bring a rug or some chairs and settle in to enjoy the festivities concluding with the fireworks at 9pm from Bates Bridge.

It is a busy time in Forbes, with us welcoming the Queen’s Baton Relay on Monday. We are very excited to be transporting the baton in a dragon boat on Lake Forbes as a first and very unique way of celebrating its arrival in Forbes. We hope you can all join us and line the streets to welcome and cheer along the baton bearers, some of our outstanding citizens, and the convoy that has accompanied the baton on it’s longest ever relay in history.

From the Forbes Sport and Recreation Club, the baton will travel Lachlan Street down to Stephan Field (the skatepark) for the community celebration which will include live entertainment, ice-creams to cool off and a skating demonstration. Following this, the baton and convoy will make its way out to the Parkes Road.

Mayor Graeme Miller

Forbes Shire Council

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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