Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Forbes Men’s Shed Goes Above And Beyond To Help

July 15, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

A Forbes family is singing the praises of members of the Forbes Men’s Shed after they’ve done and exceptional job for them.

The Glasson family will be forever grateful for the assistance given to them by two Men’s Shed members over a period of about four weeks.

“There was a lot of machinery and stuff to sort out and I did not know what to do,” said a member of the Glasson family. “I ended up going to the Men’s Shed to ask for some advice, and they ended up offering their assistance.”

The two men would help out whenever they had some spare time. “It was an enormous job and they just worked tirelessly in the cold weather to see it through to the end. I just can’t express enough how wonderful they’ve been and how they went out of their way to help.

“It is just wonderful that we have such a great organisation in our community as they’ve been exceptional to our family. The Glasson family would like to give them our thanks and appreciation.”

The Forbes Men’s Shed is located in Union Street and new members are always welcome to join.

Art Wool Panels Preserved

July 15, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The prized artwork at Spotlight was removed last week for treatment and storage to keep it safe and ensure its conservation. (Photo: Forbes Shire Council)

The precious woollen mural that was installed on the external wall of the Spotlight building was taken down last week.

The artwork comprising 15 larger than life size portraits of well-known local farmers was designed by local artist Rosie Johnston and was part of the 2012 Sydney Royal Easter Show Western District display, which won the People’s Choice award.

The artwork of the farmers represented the essence and diversity of farming in the district.

After the win at the Sydney Royal Easter Show the mural was purchased by the Forbes Shire Council and installed on the external wall of the Spotlight building. The artwork remained intact thankfully when the building was extensively damaged by fire in March.

Council reported on its Facebook page last week that local builders and glaziers worked with Council to remove the glass, and packed down and stored the art wool panels. The panels will be treated and stored to keep it safe and conserved.

Several people commented that the panels should be displayed at the new tourist information centre or somewhere else in town.

What do you think of the merger of the Forbes and Parkes Phoenix?

July 15, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Jenny Short: It is a great idea, and good for resource sharing. I worked in Forbes many years ago and it will be good for people from Parkes to go over to events and activities in Forbes and vice versa.

Sue Ridley: I like it, and we are close enough to go over to Forbes if there is something interesting happening, and for Forbes people to come here.

Sue Henry: It is a good idea. I know people in Forbes, and it is also good to know what is happening over there. I no longer buy the paper so it is good to pick up one publication with all the news in it.

Four Championship Matches

July 15, 2022 by Marty Tighe

The recent Women’s Bowling AGM at the Parkes Bowling & Sports Club saw a changing of the guard. Outgoing president Maureen Miller (left) with the new Executive Lynn Ryan (secretary), Maria Willcockson (vice-president) and Merilyn Rodgers (president).

Two Minor Singles matches were played on Saturday at the Parkes Bowling & Sports Club.

The evergreen Tony Riordan played Brian Hampton in a closely fought match in which the margin between the two was never more than 3 or 4 shots with ‘Sticks’ Hampton claiming victory 25 to 22.

A much-anticipated Minor Singles match between Michael and Joanne saw Joanne starting off strongly and was matching Michael shot for shot. Michael took command at 13 to 5 and won the match 25 to 14.

Saturday afternoon the Minor Pairs match between John Wright and Brian Townsend against Ian Simpson and Brian Hampton was a one-sided affair after Team Townsend opened up a 12 shots to 3 lead and ran out comfortable winners 25 to 11.

Sunday afternoon saw a keenly fought Minor Singles match between Gary McPhee and Marty Tighe. The match only went for 26 ends. Marty bowled very well early and was leading 18 to 13. Leading 20 to 19 on the 24th end, Marty was holding 2 shots. Gary bowled a screamer of a on-shot to pick up the Jack, put it in the ditch and followed through to score 2 shots on that end, and won 25 to 20.

By Marty Tighe

Our Gal – Lara Amery

July 15, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Lara Amery – Vice-captain Parkes Christian School (Primary

How old are you? I’m 11 years old.

Were you named after anyone? My middle name was named after a lady who my mum stayed with when she went to America.

What three things would you like to pack in your lunch box every day? Watermelon, chicken schnitzel salad and vegemite and cheese on biscuits.

If you could choose any job in the world, what would you do? I would definitely choose to be a hairdresser.

If you could invent something, what would it be? If you could just click your fingers and your jobs would be done or already be dressed or firewood was already cut for you.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? I’d start my own hairdressing business or give the money to charities, compassion, or to the poor.

What is the scariest thing you’ve ever done? When part of my family climbed Uluru and on the way down it was very steep, windy and slippery.

If you could meet any historical person, who would that be? I would like to meet Jane Austen or Enid Blyton and ask them how they got ideas for all of the books they have written.

What makes you feel like dancing? Whenever I make up my own songs on the spot.

If you had three wishes, what would you wish for? My family’s farm has an awesome year for our crops, that others know Jesus and our earth will have peace.

Mayoral Notes

July 15, 2022 by Phyllis Miller

Thank you everyone for your support and messages while I was in Sydney. It was a real boost so many people reached out while I recovered.

As many of you saw, demolition began at Spotlight last week. Forbes Shire Council is assisting the insurer with the site. Once the building walls have been removed, the site will again be assessed by a structural engineer to see if the slab is safe to keep.

The site will be a dangerous work site and will be signposted accordingly. There will be no interruption to services for businesses in and around the Homemaker Centre.

We understand and appreciate the community’s concern around the loss of the Spotlight building and adjoining café, but we’ve built it all once before and we will do it again. Everyone at Council is working very hard with industry to secure tenants for the area.

Another important step in our federally funded Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program is being undertaken next week to improve our CCTV coverage. Once complete the project will have over 30 cameras in place to capture footage of antisocial behaviour.

If you get a chance please go out and see our newest addition to the Sculpture Down the Lachlan trail, Sonata – a life-sized bull statue at Warroo Reserve.

It is a beautiful sculpture which connects

this amazing art program with our strong agricultural legacy. We have always been known as an agriculturally rich region and it is a great honour to be fostering an inclusive and culturally rich community with our world class permanent public art trail.

Phyllis Miller

Local Accountant Joins MBC

July 15, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Melanie Dunn

Chartered Accountant Melanie Dunn has recently has joined the accounting firm MBC Group Services. Originally Orange based, MBC Group Services opened an office at 121 Lachlan Street in Forbes last year to meet the growing local demand for financial services in the farming and agribusiness sector.

Melanie has a business degree in HR/Accounting from Charles Sturt University, Wagga and over 15 years’ experience working in business and the accounting industry.

As a previous business owner Mel knows the time pressures and financial management issues that come with operating a business.

“I am passionate about helping business operators find and set up the best available technology and reporting systems and engage the right level of financial advice, so that they are able to drive their business forward.”

“During my career I have had extensive experience with small business clients, particularly in the agriculture and manufacturing industries. I enjoy talking to clients about where their business is and where they want it to be.”

Melanie is looking forward to working in the local business community again and bringing MBC’s expertise and learnings to the Forbes region. “I want to be able to continue to help grow the vibrancy and success of our local businesses and primary producers.”

Forbes And Trundle Riders Excel At State Showjumping

July 15, 2022 by Nina Hooper

Four Forbes Pony Club riders and one from Trundle travelled to Warialda last weekend for the Pony Club NSW State Showjumping Championships where they achieved some good results.

Riders Freya Hooper, Tess Worland, Jemma Hodder and Jake Tomlinson joined Jorja Rusten from the Trundle Pony Club to make up the Zone 11 Pony Club Team.

Under the care of Team Manager Nicky Rusten, who did a great job keeping the team in order, they competed against riders from all over NSW and even a Queensland contingent.

All four Forbes riders entered the championships for the first time. Instructor Laurie Norris said it was a great experience for the team.

“Competing at State is a wonderful experience for our members,” said Laurie. “Each of the riders had success and learnt a few lessons as well. This will only help their riding into their next competition.”

Forbes Pony Club president Gary Tomlinson celebrated the success of the club’s riders. “I am so pleased to report that Tess Worland ran 3rd in under 15 B Grade, Freya Hooper 3rd in Under 17 C Grade, Jake Tomlinson 4th in under 15 A Grade and Jemma Hodder – in a very large class of riders- 12th in under 15 C Grade.”

Jorja competed in the 15 – u17 age group jumping A grade. After four rounds she collected a 5th, 6th and two 8th positions to place her 7th in the state.

“We are so very proud of their efforts and their sportsmanship in cheering on each other and the success of other riders. All of the horses stood up well to the competition too, jumping up to seven rounds over the course of the weekend.”

Forbes Pony Club is always on the lookout for new members, and those interested should contact the club secretary on forbesponyclub@gmail.com

By Nina Hooper

Awesome Coffee Turns Lives Around At Sylo Café

July 15, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Sylo Café baristas Breanna Collins and Zeca Buarque with CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes social enterprise manager Toni Hanns (right) at the café’s first day of opening. Sylo’s opening hours are Wednesday to Friday 7am to 3pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 7am to midday.

Espresso aromas are now filling the refurbished Sylo building after the first customers were welcomed through its doors last Wednesday.

It looks like 23-25 Rankin Street is fast becoming the new go to address as CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes’ third social enterprise is fast making a name for its awesome coffee and delectable food.

The purpose of this social enterprise is to have a real and positive impact for individuals and the community as a whole, as it serves quality food and beverages.

It will have a focus of employing local people who have not had access to work or training opportunities previously and every dollar spent at Sylo will be used to create jobs or address social issues in the community.

Similar CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes initiatives, including Cooee for Coffee Wilcannia and Cooee for Coffee Bourke, have helped recruits turn their lives around.

“Sylo Café continues our innovative work to deliver awesome coffee with an awesome story,” said CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes chief executive officer Anne-Marie Mioche.

Western NSW has high levels of disadvantage and often lacks job opportunities, which is why CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes has established the Cooee social enterprises.

“We might start with someone who doesn’t have a resume, has no work experience, and they can move quite quickly to being able to work in the hospitality industry, or also being able to get a job with us in our social services,” Marie said.

Sylo’s opening is the result of months of work, including giving a building that had been unused for some years an extensive makeover.

“We are thrilled to make this amazing space in the centre of Forbes the home of our third Cooee social enterprise.”

Maries said: “We have a great team and they are excited to be opening the doors to the public.

“The menu is all about fresh and delicious food and the Sylo space has a great vibe.”

Be Seen

July 15, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Casey Evans and Jenna Evans were also enjoying Sylo’s opening day.

Michael Jelbart, Sam Nixon and Luke Hoey were at Sylo’s first day of opening last Wednesday.

The Peak Hill elders who attended the special morning tea held for the community to celebrate NAIDOC Week.(Photo: Neighbourhood Central)

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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