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Forbes Phoenix

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

LETTER TO The Editor

December 14, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Six months ago, I made a passing remark about shaving my hair for leukaemia. This week, that remark has become a reality as I come to the end of my fundraising efforts for the World’s Greatest Shave. Initially my goal was $2,000 but now that figure stands at over $7,400 and is still rising. From barbeques to raffles, cooking parties and morning teas, there has been a mountain of support at every event.

In the beginning I was inspired by the beautiful Garland family, banding together when their youngest, Ava was diagnosed with leukaemia last year. To see her now, she looks a picture of health, bouncing about like any four year old.

But their journey has been a long one, and it’s still not done. It has involved countless days, weeks and months away from home and family. And unfortunately, the Garlands aren’t alone.

This community continues to be impacted by leukaemia, and to think that I could make a difference to the families who need to be with their children, has been empowering. This is where the Leukaemia Foundation comes in, providing emotional support, accommodation and transport, as well as research and laboratory funding.

I would like to thank the outstanding support of this incredible community of Forbes. I would especially like to make mention of the students, staff and parent community of my school, St Laurence’s who have helped me along the way.

Every donation, every sponsorship, every raffle ticket purchased, is making a real difference to the lives of these families. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you Forbes.

Regards,

Carmen Spry

Walking To A Healthier Heart

December 14, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Nine in 10 Australians could reduce their risk of heart disease simply by walking as little as 15 minutes more each day, the Heart Foundation said following a new report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).

The report looks at the health impact – or ‘burden’ – of a lack of physical activity in terms of years of healthy life lost through living with an illness or injury, or through dying prematurely.

Being inactive has a strong link with heart disease. One-third of the total burden due to physical inactivity in Australia was caused by heart disease.

This figure demonstrates the significance of being active and having a healthy heart.

It is estimated that if the 89 per cent of Australians who fall in the ‘at risk’ (sedentary, low and moderate activity) category did an extra 15 minutes of moderate activity such as brisk walking five days per week, 13 per cent of the potential disease burden due to physical inactivity could be avoided. And by adding 30 minutes of walking or other moderate activity, five days per week, 26 per cent of future disease burden could be avoided, the report stated.

In May, the Federal Government announced that $10 million in funding over two years would be allocated to the Heart Foundation for an initiative to support up to 300,000 Australians to adopt the easy way to better health – regular walking – by 2019.

Our Emergency Services Heroes

December 14, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

As Australia’s emergency services prepare for the busy summer season, Bondi’s lifeguards are encouraging all Forbes locals to recognise, thank and reconnect with their emergency services heroes as part of the ‘Find my Hero Australia’ initiative.

Launched this year not-for-profit health insurer Emergency Services Health, the initiative aims to have a positive impact on the mental health and wellbeing of workers and volunteers who often miss out on receiving thanks and closure after emergency situations.

By enlisting community support through social media and word of mouth, Find my Hero Australia is helping individuals and families to find, recognise and reconnect with emergency services workers who have made a difference to their lives.

Bondi lifeguard, Andrew ‘Reidy’ Reid has had the opportunity to reconnect with a surfer he rescued and is encouraging more Australians to recognise and thank their heroes as we head into the busy summer season.

“Myself and two other lifeguards found a girl, Candice, face down in the water after being knocked out by some heavy waves. It was my first proper CPR resuscitation and in treacherous conditions had to rescue her and give 8 to 10 rounds of CPR before using a defibrillator.

“We got Candice breathing before paramedics arrived, but for a long time we didn’t know if she would pull through. Then she came back to say thank you and we were really lucky to find out about the rest of her story and that she was ok. It was so rewarding,” said Andrew.

Fellow Bondi lifeguard Ryan Clarke, says not knowing what happens to patients is one of the toughest things they have to face. Find your hero, or help someone else find theirs, by visiting the

Find my Hero Australia Facebook page and sharing your story using the hashtag #FindMyHeroAU, and let the power of social media help bring reconnection.

Busy Program For Forbes CWA

December 14, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

The Forbes Country Women’s Association (CWA) ladies are enjoying a very busy December. During this month the Forbes CWA, currently comprising of almost 28 members, have already prepared 24 Christmas themed toiletry bags which will be delivered to the Forbes Hospital very soon.

The toiletry bags supplied to the Forbes Hospital patients have been an ongoing project. Given along with the bags are beautifully knitted teddy bears and crochet butterflies, and for the maternity section, booties and beanies. These have specially been made by friends and members of the Forbes CWA.

The CWA ladies were inspired by the CWA Evening Group and also prepared some ‘Bags for Dignity’. These were delivered to the Bunnings ‘It’s in The Bag’ box last week.

Furthermore, the CWA have given donations to various community groups.

Havannah House received a donation that will go toward the refurbishment of a room. Captain Meaghan Gallager from The Salvation Army also gratefully received a donation from the organisation.

Robyn Kenny from the Forbes Town Band was extremely happy with a donation that  will go towards buying instruments for the band. Molly from the Sunshine Club was

happy to receive a cheque for such a worthy cause.

“Forbes CWA is always looking for new members. If you would like to come along and join us, our meetings are the first Friday of each month at 1:30pm at the CWA hall in Lachlan Street,” said Forbes CWA President Elaine Bright.

By Gizell van Wyk

FHS Wins CMOC -Northparkes Mine DV Cup

December 14, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes High School (FHS) was successful in winning the CMOC-Northparkes Mine Domestic Violence Cup against Parkes High School 32-18 recently. The community came out in numbers on the day in full support of the event and to cheer the teams on.

Both sides displayed great sportsmanship and represented their schools with pride. The teams played with immense responsibility on the day and were extremely respectful towards the female referee, Shanika Harpur who did a marvellous job of refereeing the match.

Kristian Markwort was awarded with the Cole Medal and Michael Murphy was the recipient of the Oliver Carlisle Memorial Medal.

The event also showcased the talents of the FHS Girri Girri students who performed on the day with a welcome and cleansing ceremony.

Captain of the day, Charlie Staines accepted the Cup from CMOC-Northparkes Mine on behalf of Forbes High School.

The event looks set to be maintained on the school calendar for 2018.

OUR Lil Bloke

December 14, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Ethan Thomas Brown

How old are you? Five years old.

How long have you lived in or around Forbes? I don’t know.

Where do you go to school? Forbes Pre- School.

What do you love most about your school? Uhm… riding the fast bikes.

What is your favourite sport? Mostly cricket.

What is your favourite food? Frankfurts.

What do you do in your spare time? Go in the pool.

If you could have a super power what would it be? To throw fire.

What do you hope Santa brings you this year? I’ve got too much on my list… a big truck and I hope Santa gives me a Case Header, just one that’s pretend.

Medal Winners Triumph Over Hot Weather

December 14, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

The competition on Saturday was the Monthly Medal, sponsored by Central West Diesel. Players were keen to get back onto the course after missing a weekend due to wet conditions, but they found the conditions hot and difficult.

The A-Grade was won by Richard Nixon with a nett 68. His front-9 included only one ‘5’ and that on the 2nd. Runner-up was Barry Shine with a nett 70.

The B-Grade winner was Graham Newport with a nett 68. Warwick Judge was runner-up with a nett 69. The competitive C-Graders were four players finishing on 73 nett. The winner on count back was Bruce Chandler ahead of Mark Watts, both on 73 nett.

The ball sweep went to 73 nett on count back, going to: 68 – G Newport, R Nixon; 69 – W Judge; 70 – B Shine; 71 – P Maher, J Earl; 72 – D Bayley, T Griffiths; 73 – B Chandler, M Watts, B Carpenter, P Grayson, B Parker, F Hanns, D Rhodes, S Kirkman, T Edols. The NTP’s went to: 9th – R Webb; 18th – A Tucker.

The course played really well despite the recent wet conditions. The only additional obstacles were a bit of water at the back  of the 3rd and a wider than normal carry across the 4th, but scoring was still difficult.

Sunday’s Stableford Medley was won by Peter Barnes, who enjoyed the heat and scorched around to score 44 points. He was ahead of Bob Borger on 41, who earned runner-up on count back from James Earl.

The ball sweep went to 38, with James Earl (41) and Ash Tucker (38) getting balls. Ash almost made headlines with his NTP on the 9th. Dave Rhodes got the NTP on the 18th, but missed his ‘2’.

The new programme for 2018-19 Men’s, Ladies and Vets comps are being worked on with the books available in January 2018.

Do not forget to zip into the Pro Shop for some last minute Christmas gift ideas.

Saturday, 16th December is the 18-hole Stableford Ham Day, sponsored by Kenny’s Baa-Moo-Oink Butchery. Sunday will be a Stableford Medley.

Saturday, 23rd December is an 18-hole Stableford, sponsored by Shirley Redfern.

Sunday, 24th December is a StablefordMedley.

Over the Xmas/New Year break we have: Tuesday, 26th December a Stableford Medley; Saturday, 30th December a Canadian Foursomes sponsored by Post Office Hotel and on Sunday, 31st December a Stableford Medley.

By Short Putt

Paddles Up For Northparkes Staff

December 14, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Northparkes staff had a different type of experience last Thursday when organiser Stacey Kelly arranged a dragon boat paddle for seventeen of her staff members.

Club President, Bill Thomas was happy to skipper the boat, while Bev Williams took on the important role as the pace-setter and Beth Thomas drummed and coached the team of novices. “They paddled amazingly well for first-timers and had a huge amount of fun. It’s such a fabulous idea for staff bonding,” stated Bill Thomas.

The crew were surprised at what a true workout a dragon-boat paddle can be, and some stated they’d be interested in having another go. The Lachlan Dragons would warmly welcome them.

If you’re looking for the unique experience of dragon-boating, call Bill on 0418 616 500 or Chris on 0414 762 775.

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

December 14, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Carlene Gyory: Try to help the people that need it the most.

 

 

Daniel Willis: Break into a Ginger Beer Factory, Preferably ‘Kirks Olde Stoney’.

 

Sylvie Maloney: Walk into a restaurant and eat ALL their food.

SNIPPETS…

December 14, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Red Bend Catholic College student, India Draper has been selected as part of the Australian Schoolgirls Hockey Team. India has been playing for the NSW All Schools team in Adelaide over the last week, where she was the leading goal scorer for NSW scoring 14 goals over 9 games. The touring team will be representing School Sports Australia at the international hockey test match series in South Africa from 29th June to 14th July 2018.

Australia Day Nominations Open: Forbes Shire Council is calling for nominations for the Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year to be presented at the 2018 Australia Day celebrations. The awards recognise and reward community members who have achieved excellence or made a significant contribution to our community. Nominations are open for the Forbes Shire Citizen of the Year (26 years and over) and Forbes Shire Young Citizen of the Year (25 years and younger). Nominations close at 5pm on 19th January.

BYO Cup Winners Still To Collect Their Prizes: The Forbes Phoenix ran a competition in September to win a BYO cup. Most of the winners have not yet picked up their cups from The Pantry Café & Catering at 8 Templar Street. The following winners can pick up their prize cups until Thursday, 21st December: Jack McKinley, Karen Wright, Steven Cook, Aileen Hansen, Vanessa Rose, Michael Daaboul, Sahejin Siddiqui, Laura Power, Natalie Walker, Tom Roose, Allan Morrison, Johnson Page, Chris Sindermann, Garry Smith, Jessica Bennett, Tyson, O’Rourke-Halls, Andrew Khotsimeuang, Vinson Peng, Laura Torry, Cathi Nicol, Renee Ballantyne, Luke Day, Melissa Westcott, Robyn Stephens, Steve Lewis, Belinda Suttor, Monica Hubele, Danielle Woods, Dinesh Peethamparam, Stuart Blakeley, Morgan Blysouth, Michael Simpson, Vivianne Vandenberg, Leda Nguyen, Jane Gardam, Damian Jensen, Lauren McClure, Robert Coel, Christian Hill, Amy Ward, Lucy Kliem, Daniel Lawrence, Cassandra Watts, Brian Butler, Brian Wong, Kylie, Walmsley, Stephanie Koufalas, Ros McFarlane, Tom Lockett, Conor Cadden.

A Little Extra Special: Clients and supporters have been waiting and asking for it… Little Extras Lifestyle has gone the extra mile and launched its online store! If you cannot make it to the store, just go online and browse. Everything is there from clothing, shoes and handbags to accessories. If you are still looking for Christmas presents, there are vouchers too. If shopping with all your senses is still your therapy, Little Extras will be open seven days a week until Christmas: Monday to Friday from 9am to 5:30pm; Saturday from 9am to 2pm and Sunday 10am to 1pm.

Dancers Captivate Audience: Kristen’s Dance School hosted their Concert Day at Red Bend last Saturday. Countless students graciously danced across the stage leaving their audience in awe of their splendorous talents.

Congratulations… Major award winners of Kristen’s Dance Studio is Olivia Beasley – CWA Dancer’s Dancer, Lil Hodges – Most Outstanding Overall (donated by Wayne Jones), Abby Hunt – Sportspower Most Improved and 2017 Scholarship winner, Jenna Redfern. (Photo:Anita Redfern)

 

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