Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Snippets…

July 22, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The body of Kate Kelly, little sister of Ned Kelly, was discovered along this stretch of Lake Forbes eight days after she went missing. This plaque is on the walkway to the ski dam near Chinaman’s Bridge.

Downloaded the iRecycle Forbes app: The app helps you keep track of which bin is collected on which day and has all the info for annual and special event collections in Forbes. The next Bulky Waste Collection is in the first week of August. Download the app to find out what can and can’t be collected. The app also has easy to read A to Z waste info, bin info and forms at https://www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/residents/waste-and-recycling/irecycle-forbes-app

Does your organisation need funding? Time is running out to get your applications in for Forbes Shire Council’s Community Funding Program. Applications close at midnight on Sunday, 31st July. Eligible organisations can apply for up to $5,000 as cash or in-kind support (or a combo). For more information and the application form go to the SmartyGrants portal at https://forbesshire.smartygrants.com.au/

Parkes Customer Request System Upgrade: Parkes Shire Council has upgraded the Customer Request Management (CRM) system to improve the customer service experience. Residents are now able to report issues and raise requests online at any time from any device. Customers can track their request and receive updates as they progress. To use the new customer request system, visit Council’s website.

Have you heard about Snap Send Solve? The free app allows customers to notify Parkes Shire Council of issues in the shire. Simply capture and send photos with a report via the app wherever you are, on the spot. The issue will be sent directly to Council and entered into the new CRM system. Visit www.snapsendsolve.com

Trundle ABBA Festival: Early bird tickets are now on sale for the 2022 Trundle ABBA Festival on 15th October for over nine hours of family-friendly entertainment headlined by Bjorn Again, the World’s No. 1 ABBA tribute band. Go to www.trundleabbafestival.com.au.

The CWAS Astrofest is back this weekend and this year’s keynote address will be presented by Dr John Reynolds at the Starlight Lounge, Parkes Services Club tomorrow at 4:30pm.

Our Bloke – Craig Dwyer

July 22, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in Forbes and what do you like about living here? I was born in Forbes and have lived here all but 12 months when I lived on the Sunshine Coast.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy most about where you work? I have been employed by Forbes Mazda / Isuzu for 12 years. Having a great interest in cars, it’s perfect for me.

What do you do to unwind on weekends? Any time I can spend at an airport, in an aeroplane or flying, and also keeping an eye on the resurgence of the mighty Brisbane Broncos.

What are you really good at? Annoying Sarelle.

What makes you laugh the most? Sharpie keeps us all entertained from 9 to 5 most days.

What’s on your bucket list? To be the fitter and turner at Nicole Mary’s (Kidman) house.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself? At seven years old I was the Number One BMX rider for the Central West and competed at state and national level.

If money was no object, what would you do with your time? Nothing different than I do now, yep I’d still go to work.

What was your first job? I worked after school at Darcy Buttriss Smash Repairs, until I ‘retired’ and found my calling as a paperboy at Costello’s Newsagency.

Tell us about your best holiday ever: I surprised a mate with a Country Music cruise to Nouméa.

Quiet Hour On Tuesday And Thursday At Service NSW

July 22, 2022 by Brett Sale

Lauren Liebich, Caitlin Dean and Iesha Sinclair are excited about the introduction of Quiet Hour to Service NSW Forbes.

The Forbes Service NSW Centre has introduced Quiet Hour for customers to ensure a lower-sensory experience, with quieter and less stimulating environments.

The changes may include the volume of music and customer ticket announcements being turned down and requesting customers to turn their phones to silent. Service NSW also offers hearing loops, low counters, and other accessibility features.

The Quiet Hour times in Forbes will be on Tuesdays from 9am to 10am and Thursdays from 10am to 11am. Forbes is one of eight service centres across NSW where Quite Hour will be piloted for three months according to Service NSW Chief Executive Officer Damon Rees. The other centres are Auburn, Dubbo, Edmondson Park, Engadine, Erina, Lithgow and Queanbeyan.

“Some people have sensory processing issues and may find sound and light overwhelming,” said Damon. “Major retailers across the country, including Coles and Woolworths, have successfully introduced Quiet Hour and customers have called on Service NSW to offer a similar experience.”

For more information about Quiet Hour visit www.service.nsw.gov.au/about-us/our-organisation/supporting-customers-disability

By Brett Sale

What social stigma would you like to see society overcome?

July 22, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Colleen Smart at Francene’s Craft: Mental Health is a real concern with recent floods and COVID. Everyone should be equal, period.

Debbie Prior at The Book Dispensary: Mental Health touches everyone in one way or another, we should all remember this.

Fleur Wells at ProVision Optometrists: Any prejudice for anyone who isn’t accepted for many reasons.

Kardashian Famous Kate Kelly

July 22, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Rebecca Wilson with her favourite painting of Kate called Carte De Visite. Calling cards, or Carte De Visite, were all the rage from France from the 1860s. An original calling card of Kate’s was listed for auction for $5,000 – $8,000 in recent years, and showed Kate in her riding habit. (The Kate Kelly Exhibition is on at the Coventry Room until 6th August.)

Many people might only know her as the little sister of Australia’s infamous bushranger Ned Kelly, but Kate Kelly was incredibly famous in her day.

“Kate was absolutely Kardashian famous! Everybody knew who Kate Kelly was and by 1882 she had her own wax replica on display at the wax works that were quite popular in those days.”

Artist and former Forbes resident Rebecca Wilson entertained the audience with some incredible stories about Kate’s life at the opening of her exhibition in Parkes last Friday.

Rebecca spent ten years researching the life of Kate after a conversation over Christmas lunch. “I was thinking why don’t I know these stories, and that set me off on an investigation of over 10 years.”

As a painter, she was drawn to Kate’s story because of the Forbes connection, but also because it was such a visual story. “I wanted to paint her story, but first had to do research.”

Rebecca discovered a woman who was extremely loyal to her family and friends. “She was feisty, adventurous, brave, intelligent, and a highly skilled horse woman. It was important for me that more people learn about Kate’s story and how she was involved in a very important part of Australian history.”

Rebecca discovered so many impressive things about Kate and all the adversaries she had to deal with until the tragedy of her death in Forbes. She was only 14 or 15 when she was riding through the bush as a decoy for the Kelly gang, delivering messages, getting supplies and information to help the gang stay at large. She ended up witnessing the Glenrowan siege in 1880 when her brother and two friends were killed and Ned was captured.

She campaigned and raised 30,000 signatures to try and spare Ned’s life and even met with the Governor when she was only 17. It was a showman called Flashjack Donovan who contributed to her fame when he convinced Kate and her brother Jim to tour with him across regional Victoria, South Australia, and up to Sydney. Thousands attended their performances, but the police could not stand it so they shut them down.

Eventually the fame and ridicule she received in the press, led to her wanting to escape Victoria, and she ended up in Forbes at age 22 under the alias of Ada Hennessey in 1885 and worked as a domestic servant. She married, had six children and was found dead in the lagoon on the outskirts of Forbes at the age of 35, perhaps suffering from peri-natal depression.

Rebecca not only created a beautiful cohesive body of work about Kate, but also wrote a book telling her story. “The incredible and amazing story of Kate Kelly is a story you can’t not know as it has a lot of relevance for us now.

“In a way our society has changed, but there are still many of those fundamental things that haven’t changed. We are still struggling for more rights and recognition for women, there’s still poverty, and a class structure.”

Rebecca said while she was doing the research she had a sense of real gratitude to all the women who have gone before us. “They’ve made my life a lot easier and we should not forget that as they worked really hard. And I hope our modern generation will be leaving some kind of legacy and be improving things for the next generation too.”

Netball Concludes Successful Winter Season

July 22, 2022 by Robyn Kenny

Chunky Pies won the ladies final against Swish Swish 40-18. Right: Gundamain won the mixed final against Later Or Never 54-20.

The finals of the Forbes Netball Autumn competitions for both mixed and ladies teams were recently played.

The Mixed competition final was played between minor premiers Gundamain and Late Or Never, with Gundamain taking a strong lead in the first quarter of 15-8, and at the half time break 33-11.

Gundamain was led by Dan Sweeney, who showed his strength all through the court, and Shannon Nash controlling the play.

Late Or Never kept trying throughout, with Molly Fuge and Bailey Cain leading the way for their team.

Alice Lind for Gundamain played strong netball, and the final score was a win to Gundamain 54-20.

Best and fairest player for the mixed competition went to Emily Gartner from Table Tennis.

In the Ladies competition final Chunky Pies took a 23-9 lead by half-time over their younger opponents Swish Swish. Brianna Duncan for Chunky Pies lead the way for her team, with Rebecca Roach also scoring accurate goals, and Meg Staples and Carmen Stephens strong players. Georgia Cole and Lily Boyd for Swish Swish played strong netball for their team.

Chunky Pies continued to increase their lead adding up to 32-11 by three quarter time. Swish Swish Eb Colvin and Issi Brown continued to try to pull the lead back for their team, but the final score was a win to Chunky Pies 40-18.

Best and fairest player went to Laura Greenhill from Minties.

Representative Presentation

The FNA will be celebrating a very successful winter season with the representative presentations to be held at Club Forbes on Saturday, 6th August. Tickets for the night can be bought online with Club Forbes. The link is on the FNA Facebook page. All players, friends and families are encouraged to attend.

By Robyn Kenny

A Delicate Balance Between Humans And Nature

July 22, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

‘21st MOVEMENT…’ Sonata at Warroo Reserve, approximately 45km from Forbes, is the 21st artwork added to the popular Sculpture Down the Lachlan trail. It is one of two sculptures to be located within Warroo Reserve. The second will be unveiled later this year.

The 21st addition to the Sculpture Down the Lachlan trail depicts a child playing the violin while balancing on the back of a life-sized bull.

The Warroo Reserve, 45km from Forbes, is home to this new sculpture called Sonata by Suzie Bleach and Andrew Townsend that is an exploration of the delicate relationships between humans and nature.

“The bull represents the powerful forces of nature in contrast to the fragility of the child and her violin. It is as if the bull is held under a spell by her music,” said Suzie.

“At the heart of it, Sonata expresses the need for an accord with nature. When properly appeased, the raging bull can become surprisingly tender. This sculpture is especially significant at this moment in human history. It explores our relationship with nature and of the delicate and careful balance required if we are to survive the challenges of climate change and the viral pandemic.”

Working with 3mm corten steel plate, the creative duo from the Sapphire Coast in NSW took seven months to design and create the 800kg piece.

“Our process begins with anatomical research and life-sized drawings. A friend’s enthusiastic daughter was our model for the child figure. She chose the outfit, gumboots and all!”

“The sculpture consists of hundreds of individual steel panels traced from cardboard patterns and then pressed, hammered and welded to assume the desired form,” said Suzie.

Forbes Arts Society Chairperson Trudy Mallick said the latest installation looked at home within the striking landscape of Warroo Reserve.

“Not only does Sonata continues the trail’s unofficial theme of environmental sustainability and preservation, the sculpture also commemorates a significant moment in history and will play an important role in our region’s post-pandemic recovery.”

Forbes Shire Council Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said: “I think it is a beautiful piece which connects this amazing art program with our strong agricultural legacy. It is great honour to be fostering an inclusive and culturally rich community with our world class permanent public art trail.”

She said the dynamic arts and events program made Forbes a regionally iconic tourist destination.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the unveiling of the new sculpture would provide onlookers with a unique experience, while adding to the region’s growing reputation as an arts and cultural destination.

“The Sonata sculpture is a fantastic addition to the Lachlan trail, providing visitors with a unique experience and a powerful and timely message. I urge locals and visitors alike to take a stroll along the trail to see this new addition for themselves.”

For more information about the project, visit www.forbesartssociety.com.

Golfers Battle The Cold

July 15, 2022 by Short Putt

The Forbes golfers enjoyed a weekend of dry conditions, but had to battle the cold.

The men’s competition on Saturday was an 18-hole stroke event, sponsored by B&M Tooth, with 67 starters.

Division 1 was won by Jack Dobell, on count back from a string of players all on 71 nett. Jack’s handicap after a tidy back-9 brought him victory. Runner-up was Mike Brindle.

The division 2 winner had a better margin. Allan Rees took the honours with a 70 nett, ahead of Henry Nash on 72 nett.

The NTP’s went to: 9th – Dave Bernardi; 18th – Barry Parker. The 3rd hole super pin went to Kyle Sharp with a shot to 3.2 metres, which was okay for his first game in many weeks.

The Ball Sweep went to 76 nett on count back, with many players just a shade over par. The visitors included: Stuart Hayes (Murrumbidgee), Ryan Edwards and Matt Littlewood (Parkes) and Jarrod Hall (Trundle).

There was no Sunday Stableford Medley due to low numbers.

This weekend the men’s comp is an 18-hole 2-P Ambrose Medley with a Stableford Medley on Sunday at Forbes.

By Short Putt

Snippets…

July 15, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Peak Hill celebrated the elders in the community for NAIDOC week with a morning tea at the Carrington Hotel. A performance by the Dyagang Boys and the Koori dance group was a special highlight for the Elders.

New Venue For Parkes Community Choir: The Parkes Community Choir is changing its practice venue to the Parkes Public School Hall. Access is via Hill Street. The Parkes Community Choir will begin Term 3 on Thursday, 21st July from 7pm until 8:30pm. Term 3 will run for eight weeks. This is a free, fun activity and everyone is welcome. You do not need to be able to sing, you just need to love to sing.

Does your organisation need funding? Forbes Shire Council’s Community Funding Program is open for applications until midnight on Sunday, 31st July. Eligible organisations can apply for up to $5,000 as cash or in-kind support (or a combo). For more information and to view and complete the application form head to the SmartyGrants portal at https://forbesshire.smartygrants.com.au/

Nominate A Tradie – Forbes & Parkes: Remember to nominate your favourite tradie in our exciting Tradie of the Month competitions running in Forbes and Parkes, sponsored by Gunn’s Menswear and Totally Work Wear respectively. Readers can nominate a tradie, male or female, to go into the draw and the winner each month will win a prize. Simply drop into Gunn’s Menswear or Totally Work Wear to nominate a tradie, or send us an email at editor@forbesphoenix.com.au or editor@parkesphoenix.com.au. The closing date for this month is Friday, 29th July.

Record Apprentice Intake: A record number of new apprenticeships and trainees will be hired to work on vital road and transport infrastructure in the regions. Applications are now open for 135 placements – an 80% increase on last year. Opportunities will be available across 10 disciplines, including civil construction, bridge construction, painting and blasting, electrical, heavy diesel mechanic, business administration, project management and three new programs in marketing and communications, finance and safety, environment and quality. Applications close midnight 7th August. For more information: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/apprentice-trainees

RSPCA Cupcake Day: RSPCA NSW is encouraging supporters to sign up and host a Cupcake Day event at home, school, or work, on any day in August. Over 100,000 animals turn to the RSPCA looking for help, every year. RSPCA Cupcake Day is the chance raise funds to fight animal cruelty. Signing up is a piece of cake, head to www.rspcacupcakeday.com.au and start baking for a pawsome cause.

Indigenous Basketball Australia held a free basketball session for school students in Forbes last week as part of NAIDOC Week celebrations organised by the Forbes Youth Action Team. Participants were able to hone their skills and learn from the best in the state. (Photo: FYAT)

Calling All Farmers – Unite In Forbes For Agribusiness Today Forum 2022

July 15, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

This year’s Agribusiness Today Forum on 4th August at the Forbes Golf and Sportsman’s Hotel is one Farmers in the Central West should not miss.

Members of the Central West agribusiness community are set to get together in Forbes for Agribusiness Today Forum 2022, with the Forbes Golf and Sportsman’s Hotel set to host the major event on Thursday, 4th August.

The theme for the 2022 forum is ‘Mixed Farming Enterprises – Adapting to a Changing Climate’.

For more than 25 years the Agribusiness Today Forum has brought together expert speakers to give an insight into domestic and international market trends, the opportunities for improving productivity and sustainability, and increasing market growth.

The forum is expected to attract over 100 delegates to Forbes who will be addressed by high calibre speakers including representatives from Rabobank, Department of Primary Industries, Endeavour Meats, HE Silos, Lachlan Commodities, Select Carbon, Future Feed, Charles Sturt University, AgStar Projects, AWI Sheep Connect NSW, The University of Melbourne and NBN Co.

Regional Development Australia Central West (RDA Central West) CEO, Wayne Sunderland said this year’s event is one not to miss.

“The Agribusiness Today Forum is a fantastic platform to highlight the agriculture sector and the developing research and new innovations driving the industry,” said Mr Sunderland.

“The industry is constantly evolving, especially regarding technology, sustainable farming practices and climate change adaptation. This year the forum will focus on adapting to the changes we are facing when it comes to climate and I’m looking forward to hearing the speakers discuss this important topic.

“It’s fantastic to see the Agribusiness Today Forum back for 2022 after two years of postponement due to Covid and we are also excited to announce the forum will be hosted by ABC Central West rural reporter, Hugh Hogan.”

To learn more about the event and to purchase tickets, visit the Agribusiness Today Forum website at www.agribusinesstodayforum.com. The $50 ticket price covers entry to hear from 13 expert speakers as well as morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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