Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Windy Sanderson Trophy Day

September 7, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

The Sanderson Trophy Day last Sunday was played in very windy and warm conditions with 10 teams braving the conditions in a close contest.

The winning team of Mike Wood, Dan Bayley, Bruce Carpenter and Mike Wood Jnr put on a powerhouse display going round the course in 61 scratch, scoring two eagles along the way, and recording nett 56 ¾.

Runners-up were Niel Duncan leading wife Carolyn, daughter Brianna, and “nominal sister” Verna Lane. They used their handicap well with nett 58 7/8. The NTP’s went to: 9th – Brianna Duncan and 18th – Ian Bown.

On Saturday the Men’s competition was an 18-hole stableford, sponsored by Robb’s Jewellers, saw a field of 56 players produce outstanding scores.

In the A-Division Brian Doyle finished with 45 points. His score of 38-38-76 was a model of consistency. Right behind him was Phil Maher with a score of 44 points.

The B-Division was won by Bruce Chandler scoring 41 points. Runner-up was Andrew McDonald with 39 points.

The ball sweep went to 38 points, going to: 45 – B Doyle; 44 – P Maher; 41 – A Dukes, R Nixon, B Chandler, 39 – A Borger, M Cahill, A McDonald, D Rhodes; 38 – D Henley, D Culley, A Callaghan, N McMillan, P Tisdell, C Barrett. The NTP’s went to: 9th – R Nixon; 18th – C Barrett.

The Winter 3’s competition went to Ray Taylor, Ron Morris and Jeff Haley with runners- up Julie Hurkett, Mary Ewing and Ev Uphill. The prize for the lowest individual score, a 25 nett, went to Kylie Brockman.

Tomorrow is the Monthly Medal, sponsored by McFeeters Motor Museum. Sunday will be an 18-Hole Stableford Medley. Saturday, 16th September is a 4BBB Stableford Medley, and Sunday has the Individual Stableford Medley.

By Short Putt

Australia’s Hottest Winter On Record

September 7, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

winter with the average maximum temperature up nearly two degrees Celsius (C) above the long-term trend, according to ABC News.

The 2017 winter was the hottest since 1910 when national records began, according to Bureau of Meteorology figures released recently.

The average maximum daily temperature recorded across all Australian recording locations for June, July and August 2017 was 23.7 degrees C.

The warm weather was most pronounced in the north of Australia.

It was the hottest winter on record for Western Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory (NT), while New South Wales and South Australia made the top three.

Daily minimums were also warmer than average in most of northern Australia but not as far above average as the maximums. In contrast, inland NSW and northern Victoria had notably cold nights with many areas one degrees C to two degrees C below average.

NSW had its coldest average winter nights since 1997.

Meanwhile nationally it was the ninth driest winter on record. The only large area to record rainfalls significantly above average was a pocket of central NT as a result of one rain event in mid-July.

Andrew Watkins, manager of extended and long-range forecasts at the Bureau of Meteorology, said the real reason for the warmth was the persistent high pressure seen particularly during early winter.

“But you also have to add to that the long-term warming trend,” he said.

Evaporative cooling is the same process that cools you down when you sweat, taking energy from the surrounding air to convert liquid water into gaseous water vapour, leaving the surroundings cooler.

Without a lot of water on the ground this year, large scale evaporative cooling could not happen.

The clear skies also explain the low minimum or overnight temperatures in the southern states.

Without a blanket of clouds, the heat from the day is lost to space, and temperatures drop overnight.

But that is not all, Dr Watkins said: “We’ve also seen fewer cold fronts able to penetrate inland due to the slow moving and more southerly highs acting as a barrier to their normal northward progression”.

So not only has high-pressure prevented rain in the north but it has also prevented

the cold fronts which normally bring rain in the south during winter.

According to the climate scientists at the Bureau of Meteorology, the story behind the heat in northern Australia is more about what has not been happening.

In a standard winter there would be several south-easterly surges, bringing cold air into the tropics.

This year these surges were almost completely missing — blocked by that high pressure — until very late in the season.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR…

September 7, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Same sex marriage: the call for human beings to be able to commit to a life together with the legal union called marriage. Many would say that’s not such a big ask.

You might be surprised that before this debate began, a group of Christians decided it was time to band together in support of LGBTIQ fellow Christians, and a national movement was born: Equal Voices.

A branch has started up in the Central West, based in Parkes. Our focus is on giving opportunity for those who have been hurt by comments and attitudes, to find their voice, and be heard.

We invite LGBTIQ people to tell their stories, in the hope that attitudes will change and people will become more loving and affirming in their interactions.

We have an open invitation to sign a national apology via our website: https://equalvoices.org.au/apologise/

Our sincere hope is that the present gulf will narrow into the future.

If you would like further information, or are keen to be involved, connect with us on Facebook at ‘Equal Voices Central West NSW’, or email us at centralwestev@gmail.com

Rebecca Baxter

(For Equal Voices Central West Branch)

Climate Change Driving Dangerous Bushfire Season Ahead

September 7, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

The Climate Council is warning Australia’s 2017/18 bushfire season will be more severe and dangerous, as a result of worsening climate change, following the release of a new critical outlook this week. The Climate Council said the new Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC outlook is a smoke signal for yet another worrying bushfire season, highlighting a largely warm and dry winter that has set the scene for dangerous bushfire conditions over the coming months.

Climate Council CEO, Amanda McKenzie said the latest southern Australia bushfire outlook, released, shows an earlier and more active bushfire season should be expected. “Climate change is the driving force behind southern Australia’s worsening bushfire conditions,” she said.

“As Australia’s pollution levels continue to rise, many parts of the country are poised to live through another dangerous bushfire season. Climate change, driven by the burning of coal, oil and gas, is intensifying extreme weather events – and bushfires are no exception.”

“We must rapidly and deeply reduce our rising pollution levels and continue the retirement of all coal power stations, in a bid to protect Australians from these worsening extreme weather events.”

McKenzie urged the Federal Government to follow the actions of state and local governments across the country, by rolling out climate and energy policy to support the transition to Australia’s clean energy future.

“The link between worsening extreme weather events and climate change is clear. Australia must act now to slash its rising pollution levels through clean, affordable and secure renewable energy and storage technology.”

For more information visit climatecouncil.org.au.

AGRIFUTURES AUSTRALIA HAS NEW PURPOSE HAS NEW PURPOSE

September 7, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

AgriFutures Australia is the new trading name for Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation (RIRDC).

RIRDC has made an important contribution to Australian agriculture over the past 25 years. The new identity is a culmination of hard work from past directors, employees, farmers and partners.

With new headquarters in regional NSW, the AgriFutures Australia team has come up with a ‘clear and unyielding mandate’ to grow the long-term prosperity of Australian rural industries through research and innovation.

AgriFutures Australia invests in research, leadership, innovation and learning to enhance the long-term prosperity of rural industries and communities across Australia.

OUR Bloke

September 7, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Shannon Markwort

How long have you lived in Forbes and what do you like about living here? I have lived in Forbes all my life; it’s a nice little town.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy about your work? I work for Glen Markwort House Removals in Forbes. What I love about it is you don’t work in the same office every day.

What do you do to unwind after work or on weekends? On a weekday after work I go to see my kids when I get a chance or I stay at home and do the jobs that no one likes to do.

What are you really good at? A lot of things like working with my hands.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? I wouldn’t know it’s too hard to choose.

What is your pet hate? Lazy people.

Tell us about your best holiday ever. My best holiday was to the Gold Coast.

Jemalong Wool Weekly Market Update

September 7, 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.

COUNCIL COMMENTS

September 7, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Max Kershaw has returned as Acting General Manager after the departure of Danny Green. It’s fantastic to have Max on board as he has a wealth of knowledge and experience, and has a long history with Forbes through his family. Max will be in the position until a permanent replacement can be found. I’d also like to wish Danny all the best in his new endeavours. I appreciated his support as a new Councillor.

The NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show took place last week. Unfortunately I couldn’t attend the public tasting as my brother’s 50th was on the same night but I hear it was a very successful event. I am looking forward to the presentation dinner because last year was absolutely brilliant and I’d encourage everyone to support the event on Saturday, 16th September. Tickets are available from BWR Accountants.

I am also looking forward to the Forbes Show which gets underway today. I’ve been supporting and attending the Forbes Show for many years and it always brings back fond memories of family, food and fun.

The show displays the best produce, stock, craft, photography and art our community can produce. Cool conditions are predicted but I’d encourage everyone to come down or at least a few hours.

Cr Michele Herbert

Something For Everyone At The Show

September 7, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

The opening of the 142nd Forbes Show kicks off today and once again there’s a full line-up to keep the whole family busy for the next two days.

After unfavourable weather conditions during last year’s show, the committee is determined to put on a bigger and better event this year.

Gates open at 9am where tickets can be purchased. The Show will be opened by local Tom Dwyer, winner of the 2017 Royal Sydney Show Legend Award.

The announcement of the new Forbes Showgirl and Commendation award winners will be done at the official opening of the show tonight at 7pm at the Grand Stand.

After this, make your way to the Main Arena, where the spectacular fireworks display will begin at 8pm followed with musical entertainment by local performers at the bar area. This is not to be missed!

There are scores of competitions in the show whereby entrants showcase their expertise, such as photography, needlework, Lego and cooking, to mention but just a few.

Look out for new sections in competitions. Flower exhibitors could enter the Class F4 People’s Choice section. This is an arrangement open to all where anything goes, giving the amateur flower arranger a chance to also have some fun. Vote for your favourite by noon tomorrow.

Making its first appearance this year and a definite must-see is the Farmers Challenge. Local farmers will be competing in teams of four at 5:30pm today in front of the Grand Stand. This promises to be a fun event!

The Forbes Show Car & Ute Show n Shine competition has also added six new sections for participants. Entries will take place tomorrow from 9 till 11am and the judging starts at 12pm. Entry fee is $10 for two categories and sub categories on the day. Trophies and show ribbons will be awarded on the day. For more information contact Leah 0410 355 388.

If you are looking for some entertainment for the children, there are magic shows scheduled at 12 noon, 2:30 and 4pm todayand again tomorrow at 9:30, 11:30am and 1pm at the Grand Stand. Also something the family will enjoy is the reptile show at 1pm tomorrow followed by the Grand Parade at 2:15pm.

For those who would like to enter for the Miss Teenage, Miss Junior Showgirl, Miss Tiny Tots and Master Stockman, registration will be tomorrow at 11:30am at the front of the Grand Stand area. The winners will be announced at 2:30pm.

For more information about the show or what’s happening visit the Facebook page Forbes Show NSW or go to www.forbesshow.com.

By Gizell van Wyk

No Bar Too High For Forbes High School Athletes

September 7, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Two students from Forbes High School have leaped into the State Athletics Carnival to be held in Homebush this weekafter qualifying at the Western Combined High School Athletics carnival in Dubbo recently.

Year 8 student Tyrone Clothier and vice captain Elysse Girot-Serplet have qualified in high jump and long jump respectively.

Tyrone qualified first in high jump in his age division, while Elysse qualified second in long jump in her age division. This is a first for both students and a fantastic result for Forbes High School, which had eight students attend the Western CHS Athletics carnival in Dubbo this year.

Students were given an extra boost with the school being successful in obtaining a grant through Charles Sturt University’s Rural and Regional Sports Development Program.

The funding supported the cross country and athletic competitors with travel this year to Western and State competitions. With distance and travel a challenge for many students in regional, rural and remote schools, this funding has been immensely helpful to students and families in providing opportunities and helping to reduce travel costs for families and students attending these events.

“Having two students reach state level for athletics is a fantastic achievement for our students and our school. Tyrone and Elysse should be extremely proud of what they have achieved so far,” relieving Principal Jason Nottingham said.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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