Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

The Lions Are At It Again

October 19, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Members of the Forbes and District Lions Club are working on another project in Forbes. The local Lions Club have decided to update the small Lions Park area near

Jefferies Toyota.

The park is prominent on the entrance to town and the refurbishment will complement the beautification work Forbes Shire Council is doing at the moment.

Last Monday a start was made by planting two new roses and replacing one of the lion statues. Also planned, is the refurbishment of the map board with a new updated map and lighting, and a new sheltered table and seating to allow people a break from the summer heat or winter rains.

SNIPPETS…

October 12, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Getting ready for the Charity Golf Day: Leo Butler from Rotary, Forbes High School Relieving Principal Jason Nottingham, Ross Williams and Peter Norris also from Rotary.

Donation to Riding for the Disabled: The Parkes Masonic Centre held its Installation Banquet with 60 masons and their partners recently. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of $2,970 to the Riding for the Disabled Forbes and District. The money was raised by the Goldfields Lodge members running barbeques at Forbes Bunnings Hardware store, wood raffles and MasoniCare Interaction Grant.

Spring Photo Competition: The Forbes Phoenix has teamed up with Aerial Antix to launch a spring photo competition. With Spring all around us, you can point your camera just about anywhere to get a scenic shot. We would love to see the great photos our readers can come up with. A wonderful prize is up for grabs – a picture donated by Aerial Antix! The competition will run until the end of October, with entries to be submitted to The Forbes Phoenix by Tuesday, 31st October. Entries can be sent to sales@forbesphoenix.com.au or via our Facebook page.

Chamber Cheers: Members are invited to Chamber Cheers. Forbes Business Chamber and Forbes Shire Council are hosting “Chamber Cheers” at 5:30pm on 17th October upstairs at the Forbes Inn, Rankin Street. Meet the new managers at Forbes Shire Council. Please RSVP by 13th October to forbes.businesschambernsw@gmail.com.

Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society: Presents 9 to 5 the Musical from 13 – 28 October. Tickets available online at www.parkesmandd.com.au.

Forbes Junior Cricket: Get your kids into the fun of cricket. New players come try days for Milo in2cricket, T20Blast and Stage 1 Thunder League at the Botanical Gardens in College Road on Saturday 14th, 21st and 28th October from 9:00am to 10:30am.

Cancer Council’s Girls’ Night In & Pink Ribbon: Support those affected by breast and gynaecological cancers this October. Visit www.girlsnightin.com.au to register and get your free Girls’ Night In host kit. Visit www.pinkribbon.com.au to register your Pink Ribbon Fundraiser.

Forbes Rotary Charity Golf Day: Forbes Rotary will be hosting a Charity Golf Day of which the proceeds will go towards the Forbes High School Wellness Hub. The day will be held on Sunday, 29th October at the Forbes Golf Course, 9am shotgun start. $35 per person includes green fees and a BBQ lunch. Book at the pro shop as a team or individually. Entries close on 27th October.

Cowra Gardens Put A Spring In Step Of JRV Residents

October 12, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Residents of the Jemalong Residential Village (JRV) enjoyed a wonderful day out at the scenic Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre last Wednesday.

Transport was supplied to the 26 attendees courtesy of Forbes bus lines that generously provided a luxury coach for the occasion.

The residents were blessed with a perfect spring day allowing them to explore the beautiful gardens very conveniently in golf buggies. Residents also enjoyed wandering through the Cultural Centre and doing some sight-seeing in the gift shop.

Thanks to JRV fundraising volunteers who kindly sponsored lunch and the admission costs for the day, residents were able to take pleasure in dining at the cafe on site.

Volunteers including off-duty staff, assisted in various capacities to ensure that everyone had a fabulous time.

Merryl Morris, one of the lifestyle therapists at Jemalong Residential Village said: “Forbes is such a generous community and it is a pleasure to be able to offer special activities for our elderly.”

“Everyone thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of the day out. The buggies were really good for getting around the five hectares of gardens and admiring the spring blossoms on a perfectly sunny day.”

By Gizell van Wyk

The Capps’ Control

October 12, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

The Capps’ Control is an aftermarket wireless remote control system for tipping truck hydraulics. It’s been designed and developed by a driver who has a background in electronics and pneumatics to be safe, functional, and affordable. The Capps’ Control offers unparalleled value and is helpful in removing many of the associated risks with the tipping of bulk commodities.

The beauty of The Capps’ Control system is that the hydraulic system itself is not touched or interfered with at all as only the control circuit is spliced into meaning that all existing manual controls are retained for convenience and practicality while The Capps’ Control operates as an accessory allowing the driver to be in the best possible location at all times. Also adaptable to an increasing amount of agricultural equipment it’s a versatile piece of kit for the safety and convenient conscious operator. The wireless technology, pneumatics, and installation meet all relevant Australian standards and use top quality products. The Capps’ Control is registered, approved, insured, and comes with 12 month extendable warranty.

For more information contact Bruce on 0408 407 184.

Senepol Bull Top Seller

October 12, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

The 5 Star Senepol and African Hybrid Bull Sale was held at CQLX Gracemere in Queensland last month. The sale was a huge success for Geoff and Alison Maynard of Mt Eugene Jambin.

A total of 78 out of 80 bulls were sold on auction with the remaining two sold afterwards. The average of the sale was $6,853, with the top of the sale, Lot 25 a purebred Senepol, selling for $16,000 to the Heatley Cattle Co in Northern Queensland.

Clayton and Sarah Maynard from Southern Star Rural, Canowindra had 13 lots for auction at the sale. All lots sold with a top of $6,500. On offer at Southern Star Rural are a variety of purebred Senepol, and crossbred Senepol/Angus (Senegus) and Senepol/ Charolais (Senelais) bulls.

For more information contact Clayton Maynard on 0439 029 204 or email clayton.maynard@southernstarrural.com.au

Jemalong Wool Weekly Market Update

October 12, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

45,838 bales were put before the trade this week as Fremantle returned after a weeks recess.

On the first selling day prices were quickly discounted, with 18 to 23 microns experiencing 25-50 cent losses, with the lesser style and spec lots posting the biggest falls, while the best style and strength lots in the finer micron ranges managed to record small gains. Day two saw a reversal with price movements shifting into positive territory, with the entire merino spectrum selling at levels 10-20 cents above the previous day. The NRI managed a 16 cent rise, to finish the week at 1,636, an overall loss of 14 cents for the week.

The skirting market saw prices generally reduced by 20-30 cents, with higher VM lots most affected, as buyers favoured the FNF types. The crossbred sector also shed 15-30 cents as did the oddment market with most types and descriptions dropping 15-20 cents.

Next week’s offering reduces slightly, currently there are 42,872 bales rostered for sale.

Source AWEX.

What is the hardest thing about being an adult?

October 12, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Jackson Brown: The hardest thing about being an adult, among other things, is paying the bills and mortgages.

Don White: It would have to be growing old and maintaining your fitness.

Alec Langfield: It just happens! I feel lucky to be an adult!

OUR Gal

October 12, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Robyn Kenny

How long have you lived in Forbes and what do you like about living here? My husband Terry and I moved here from Orange 43 years ago. I love being able to collect my mail at the Post Office each day and seeing the people I know there. I also love living in Lower Bathurst Street and like admiring the magnificent historic Forbes buildings.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy about your work? I operate a general freight transport business with my husband and also work part time for the Australian Wool Testing Authority based at Jemalong Wool Forbes. I like to see happy customers, and also the satisfaction of doing a good quality job.

What do you do to unwind after work or on weekends? I love to spend time with family and grandchildren and also coach netball and umpire. I also love to knit… I have been a knitting freak since I was a teenager.

What are you really good at? People would probably say… talking. I have been told I am a good fundraiser for community groups. They say I can sell anything to raise money for a good cause. I could even sell ice to Eskimos.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? There are so many things that need fixing in this world but if we could all have good health, we could probably tackle most things.

What is your pet hate? Definitely dishonesty, in all forms.

Tell us about your best holiday ever. I am not a very good holiday person so I don’t have many but probably our trip to the Flinders Rangers many years ago.

Paying It Forward

October 12, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Almost a year and a half ago Kathy and Andrew Garland received devastating news that changed their family’s life irrevocably. Their youngest daughter, Ava, then only three years of age, was diagnosed with Leukaemia.

Within moments of receiving the news from a local doctor, Ava and her mother Kathy were rushing to the Children’s Hospital at Westmead in Sydney where Ava would receive treatment.

Kathy says, “Unfortunately, most families have been affected by cancer in some way. Cancer didn’t have much of an impact on my life, until five years ago when my mother passed away from Cholangiocarcinomas cancer and then later, Ava’s diagnosis.”

The Garland family could also not have foreseen that it would be nine months before Ava and Kathy would finally return home from Sydney. Separation from one another during the time of Ava’s treatment proved to be a major factor for the Garland family.

“Can Assist Forbes almost immediately got in touch and offered us fuel vouchers. This made more frequent visits to Sydney possible for Andrew and our four other daughters,” said Kathy.

As a gesture to show their eternal gratitude and to give back, the Garland family have made a donation towards one of the largest fundraisers for Can Assist Forbes, Dancing With The Stars.

Kathy explains, “Can Assist is an organisation that works behind the scenes and comes in quietly when someone in your family receives a cancer diagnosis.”

“Ava has been doing well and her hair has started to grow back. She is still on chemo until June next year.”

By Gizell van Wyk

Forbes Locals Cast In 9 to 5 Musical

October 12, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Three Forbes residents form part of the cast and band of the latest Parkes M & D production, 9 to 5 Musical.

Matt Prow plays the junior accountant, Joe. He falls in love with Violet, one of the three leading ladies played by Angie Drooger. Krystle-Lee McMurray, who is in her very first musical, plays a nurse and is also in the ensemble. Helen Hurley plays in the band.

Featuring music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, 9 to 5 is set in the late 1970s and is a hilarious story of friendship and revenge that is thought-provoking, outrageous and even a little romantic.

“It is a relatable story and still relevant today,” said Angie Drooger. The co-stars are Brittani Carol as Judy and Erin O’Leary as Duralee. They work for Franklin Hart, played by Greg Ballantyne, who is a sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot.

“Some of the scenes I felt right at home as it was so similar to my real life work situation,” said Angie. “But we do get up to some crazy antics like kidnapping our boss, which is probably very unusual.”

According to Angie this high-energy show with lots of fun is ideal for all ages. “My three-year-old son watched the whole show.” It is rated PG.

The cast of 19, with mostly females, is a good mix of adults and students. The cast includes some new faces while the lead roles are all played by local actors cast in previous shows.

“The audience will not only relate to the story, but there are lots of good songs by Dolly Parton, including the hit theme song,” said Angie.

The musical will run at the Little Theatre in Parkes from tonight until 28th October. Tickets are available online at www.parkesmandd.com.au.

By Maggi Barnard

Parkes Phoenix Editor

Subscribe