Parkes Phoenix Editor

The very first Australian National Field Days (ANFD) at Borenore were celebrated 66 years ago in 1952 – as a one-day event only.

“We are committed to advancing Australian agriculture and we’re always looking for new and innovative ways to do that, whether that be through utilising new technology and social media, or simply moving part of our event to a weekend so people who work off-farm can attend,” said Administration Manager Jayne West.

A big key to this year’s event is ensuring that there is something on offer for the whole family.

There will be entertainment for everyone with music playing throughout the day from Mickey Pye, Casey McFarlane and The Hewitt’s. There will also be a jumping castle, camel rides and a high adrenaline action show from Flair Action Riders.

This year’s feature exhibit is one to be enjoyed by all, the Australian Stock Horse Society. They will be conducting talks throughout the three-day field day about their importance to agriculture and will inform the public about products and services they may not have known about.

“Livestock and grazing are very important here, and we are on the fringe of a very large cropping area. There’s a lot of horticulture in the region with apples and cherries and viticulture is another area rapidly growing,” said Jayne.

The Australian National Field Days will be held from Thursday, 26th to Saturday, 28th October 2017, at 563 Borenore Road, Borenore. Gates will open at 8:30am and close at 5pm over the three days. A full program is available online.

To all our Phoenix readers, don’t forget to enter our competition to go into the draw to win a double pass to the ANFD.

Opportunities for improving water security for urban and rural water users were put on the table at last month’s meeting of mayors from Cowra, Forbes, Parkes and Lachlan

Shires with Lachlan Valley Water.

Lachlan Valley Water (LVW) chair Tom Green, said the prosperity of the whole region is closely tied to both healthy towns and a successful agricultural sector.

“Since the Millennium Drought it’s been apparent that water security is limiting economic development in the towns, industry, mining and agricultural sectors of the Lachlan Valley.”

“With irrigated agriculture worth $400- $530 million per year to the regional economy it’s critical that we work together as a region to ensure confidence in the industry and improve water security for all our communities.”

Recognising the vulnerability of the Lachlan catchment, the NSW Government is currently investigating a range of options to significantly improve water security and flood management in the Lachlan through its Lachlan Valley Water Security Investigations.

The meeting agreed that how water is managed in the valley is a key factor with the development of the Lachlan Water Resource Plan providing an opportunity to improve reliability of supply for irrigators.

The arrival of the nbn network in Forbes will deliver huge opportunities for local homes and businesses to transform the way they operate.

A total of 3,100 homes and businesses in Forbes will be able to access the speedy nbn network via Fibre to the Node (FTTN) technology.

Mike Marom, Telstra Area General Manager for Northern NSW, said the nbn network is one of the most talked about digital developments to hit Australia, and its arrival in Forbes will mark the beginning of a new digital era.

“Individuals, communities and businesses are becoming increasingly digital-dependent. We’re streaming more video content than ever, uploading huge amounts of data and, by 2021 households are expected to own an average of 30 connected smart devices.

“It means one of the kids will be able to stream Netflix on the tablet while another watches a movie on the Telstra TV, and the Buy back items made from recycled materials parents can be working online on the laptop, all at the same time with a reliable connection,” explains Mike.

Telstra is also reminding those living and working in Forbes that switching to the nbn network will not happen automatically. Customers will have 18 months to contact their network provider to arrange moving across to the new network, after which existing landline, data and internet services will be disconnected

“We want everybody in the Forbes area to be able to start benefitting from the nbn network as soon as possible. So, now is the time to speak to your network provider about starting the switch on process,” said Mike.

To find out how to switch to the nbn network visit telstra.com/nbn. Telstra’s NBN Experience Van will be in Forbes from Tuesday, 17th till Friday, 20th October from 9am- 5pm daily, Victoria Park, Harold St Forbes.

Canowindra is the place to be next weekend if you are a lover of baroque music.

There is a global revival of interest in this fabulous genre of European music from 17th and 18th century Europe and England, and five superb musician groups and songsters will be filling the cafes, Wallington and Rosnay wineries and All Saints Church of Canowindra with music by Bach, Handel, Vivaldi, Telemann, Monteverdi, Purcell, Byrd, Tavener, Mendelessohn, Pachelbel, Corelli and others.

The official opening by Baroquefest’s glamorous patron, former ABC Classic FM radio presenter Marian Arnold, coincides with the Canowindra Arts exhibition opening at Montrose House at 5pm on Friday 13th October. The opening concert at 7:30pm at All Saints will be by the Song Company from Sydney, Australia’s leading acapella group.

Saturday afternoon will see the Blue Mountains- based Academy Singers directed by Dr Paul Terracini with pianist Jane Andino playing All Saints’ historic concert grand piano, built in 1956 for Sydney Conservatorium of Music’s famous director Isador Goodman.

On Saturday evening virtuoso baroque violinist Rachael Beesley will play Inspirations of JS Bach, Invisible Dances, interspersed with solo works by Australian composers for the violin.

Sunday lunch at Wallington Winery will have the Canberra-based Limestone Consort. Violins, cello and harpsichord will explore the trio sonata. Sunday evening dinner at Rosnay has Sydney’s Muffat Collective with harpsichord and baroque violins playing baroque sonatas. Baroquefest’s artistic director violinist Andrew Baker from Orange will play with both of these wonderful ensembles on Sunday.

In addition 150 students from the region attend special education sessions at All Saints, conducted by Rachael Beesley, one of Australia’s most accomplished violinists.

Ticket packages with various inclusions and individual concert tickets can be purchased on-line at www.baroquefest.org. au. Email baroquefest@gmail.com or ring 0429 443 215 for further information.

Daisy Hannah Miller McMillan was born 19th July weighing 7lb10oz at the Forbes Hospital. Daisy is the fourth child of Brad and Gabe McMillan of Forbes and the newest grandchild for Kevin and

Phyllis Miller and Jayne and Neil McMillan.