Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Kate Kelly Collection On Exhibition In Parkes

July 15, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The Kate Kelly exhibition at the Coventry Room at the Parkes Library and Cultural Centre will be open to the public from Saturday, 16th July to Saturday, 6th August.

The incredible story of Kate Kelly, sister of Australia’s infamous bushranger, came to life last year when a Forbes author published her debut book.

Rebecca Wilson wrote ‘Kate Kelly, the true story about Ned Kelly’s little sister’ after she made a discovery about Kate. When Kate was a teenager, she had ridden as a decoy and delivered news and supplies to the Kelly gang when they were on the run in north-east Victoria from 1878 to 1880. “I was instantly intrigued, and jumped down the rabbit hole of research, hot on Kate’s heels,” Rebecca told The Guardian newspaper when her book was launched.

Rebecca has also completed a collection of paintings on Kate, and the official opening of her exhibition takes place tonight, 15th July in the Coventry Room at the Parkes Library and Cultural Centre at 6:30pm.

Rebecca, who is the first person to uncover the full story of Kate after years of research and investigation, will be hosting the opening of the exhibition.

The exhibition celebrates the retold story of Kate Kelly and her life as sister to infamous bushranger, Ned Kelly.

Manager Cultural, Education & Library Services, Kerryn Jones said: “Kate became quite a celebrity until she vanished. Rebecca uncovers the story of this amazing woman’s life, 14 years of which she lived in Forbes.”

The exhibition will be open to the public from Saturday, 16th July to Saturday, 6th August. Tickets for the official opening can be purchased at parkes.nsw.gov.au or via Parkes Shire Council’s Facebook page. Alternatively, you can book your tickets by visiting the Parkes Library & Cultural Centre.

Marc’s Images Among Top 101 In The World!

July 15, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

GREAT ACHIEVEMENT… Two portrait studies of Parkes photographer Marc Payne have made it into the top 101 photo-graphs in the world. The photos are of Parkes local Bill Bourke (left) and the Peak Hill artist Scott ‘Sauce’ Towney.

A Parkes photographer is one of only a handful of Australians to be named finalists in the prestigious International Portrait Photographer of the Year competition.

Of the 618 entries received, two photos of Marc Payne made it to the top 101 portrait photographs in the world, while a third image missed it by one per cent of getting through.

The two images were of Parkes local Bill Bourke and the artist Scott ‘Sauce’ Towney from Peak Hill.

“It is a privilege to know my work can match the best in the world,” said Marc.

His two images will be published with all the other finalists in the International Portrait Photographer of The Year annual book. The highly respected Australian Photography Magazine and the top selling Capture Magazine also published Marc’s photos with the other Australian finalists. They are Mariana Zilbershteyn, Mark Chamberlain and Kris Anderson. Karen Waller won the Portrait Story category.

Marc entered the same competition last year with the purpose of getting feedback on his work and never expected to make it to the top 101 photographs in the world. He was named a finalist for his image of Dustin Howarth, a friend and artist.

“Photography is like a drug to me,” said Marc. “I’m addicted to it, and take photos every day. I’m now on the hunt for five subjects for next year’s competition.”

Marc has also entered the international landscape photography competition Epson Panorama Awards and the David Malin Awards, Australia’s most prestigious astrophotography competition.

By Maggi Barnard

‘It All Adds Up’ To Be An ‘Amazing’ New Publication!

July 8, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

MORE TO LOVE, SUPPORT AND READ… The merger of The Forbes Phoenix and The Parkes Phoenix into one publication will mean more local news, events and opportunities for our readers every week.

Today is the beginning of a new era as we bring you the very first edition of The Forbes & Parkes Phoenix.

As the two shires share so many interests, including some ‘sibling rivalry’, with hundreds, if not thousands of residents travelling for work, sport and leisure up and down the highway every day, it makes sense to open up the news landscape between the two communities.

“Regional print media is doing it tough at the moment, and is not showing any signs of changing,” said Phoenix Group of Newspapers owner Joshua Matic. “As such, we needed to adapt to ensure our local publications in Forbes and Parkes can continue to deliver news absolutely free to read each week.

“We decided to combine our printed product for both towns into one as many news stories relate to both shires.”

Josh said the merger would not affect the digital publications and the websites and social media pages would remain independent as The Forbes Phoenix and The Parkes Phoenix.

More exciting news for our readers is that the Phoenix Group is boosting its digital platform and has started to release mobile apps. The Parkes Phoenix app is now live and ready to download from the app store for free, while The Forbes Phoenix app is in production.

“While other regional media are now hiding most of their stories behind digital paywalls, and continue to charge readers for a printed newspaper, we continue to ensure our news content is completely free to read both in print and online,” said Josh.

By Maggi Barnard

You Can Help To Improve Quality Of Life In Forbes

July 8, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

While NAIDOC Week celebrations were held across Australia this week, the Forbes community will again be celebrating in September with a series of community events, including a marngrook game, which influenced AFL.

Forbes Neighbourhood Watch has been helping the community for 20 years, but now needs a boost of new members to keep going.

Forbes Neighbourhood Watch is a community-based crime prevention program which aims to improve the quality of life within a neighbourhood by minimising preventable crime and promoting closer community ties. The program relies on the community and the police working together in a partnership to achieve these aims.

“Joining Neighbourhood Watch will not only help prevent crime, but it’s also a great social environment,” said Neighbourhood Watch member Lyn Ward.

The group meets on the second Wednesday of every month at the Forbes Bowling Club to discuss any concerns the local residents may be experiencing.

Membership of Neighbourhood Watch includes a wide range of benefits including home security tips, sourcing home security alarms and devices, and the use of engraving pens to etch driver’s licence numbers into furniture, jewellery and more.

“If we cannot find new members, the program is going to wither away, and this would be very sad for our town,” said Lyn.

If you would like to become a member of Forbes Neighbourhood Watch, contact Lyn Ward on 0417 536 619 or simply visit your local police station to discuss this in person. Alternativelyy visit Neighbourhood Watch NSW (nhwnsw.org.au).

Toby Is The First Winner

July 8, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Congratulations to Toby Hurford as the first winner of the Tradie of the Month competition in Forbes! Toby is from McMahons Kitchens and has won an FXD backpack from Gunn’s Menswear, sponsor of the competition. Carmen Duffy from Gunn’s Menswear handed Toby his prize.

Please keep on nominating your favourite tradie for the July competition simply by dropping into Gunn’s Menswear at 83 Rankin Street, or message the Gunn’s Menswear facebook page, or send us an email at editor@forbesphoenix.com.au. The closing date for this month is Friday, 29th July.

Keeping It Clean At Kustom Autospa!

July 8, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

PARTNERSHIP… Jason Kennedy and his partner Kate Bush are offering a prep service to new customers at Kustom Autospa to help them choose the best option for their car. Easy payment options are available at all the machines offering a choice between eftpos, tap and go or cash.

The hottest must do activity in Parkes these days is taking your car for a wash! Yes, that once mundane slog has been turned into an exciting experience at Kustom Autospa where the latest technology in the industry coupled with a racing theme have customers lining up from all over the region.

“We have brought a new concept to Parkes giving customers a unique experience they won’t easily find anywhere else in Australia,” said owner Jason Kennedy.

He has done extensive research and visited many carwash businesses to come up with his concept that is quite new for Australia. He incorporated his love of racing cars and worked with a designer and architect from Sydney to run the Ford GT40 racing theme throughout the design from the colours to the art work and signage. The washing bays feature famous race courses from around the world, and Formula One racing driver Jim Clark’s car to make it all more inviting.

“Everyone knows me for my cars,” said Jason, who has a Ford GT40 in his collection.

Apart from televisions in every wash bay, and a full sound system throughout the complex, the soft cloth and touch free machines bring a new concept to washing cars.

“The soft cloth machines, which takes about 12 minutes, comes from Europe and is one of the best on the market.” The touch free machine, taking about eight minutes, is a market leader from America and best suited for tradie vehicles, four-wheel drive and larger cars. Both machines have driers that ensures a shining clean vehicle at the end of the cycle.

Another big attraction is the caravan and boat bay that is also RV friendly, while dog owners have the option of getting their pets clean at the double heated dog wash.

A commercial kitchen will be installed this weekend to add a drive through take away service for a complete experience.

Three Forbes Finalists For Business Awards

July 8, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The business community in Forbes has been recognised in the region with three finalists being named in the 10th Western NSW Business Awards announced last week.

The Forbes Automative Group features strongly with Cody Banks named a finalist in the Outstanding Employee category, and the business a contender for the Excellence in Innovation category. The third finalist is Topsoil Organics named in the Excellence in Small Business category.

Winners will be announced at a gala dinner and award celebration on Friday, 22nd July in Dubbo at Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

“This year’s finalists represent a fantastic cross section of businesses from right across the region,” said Vicki Seccombe, Regional Manager – Western NSW, at Business NSW.

“It’s been an incredibly challenging number of years for many businesses and continues to be so, but these awards are a wonderful opportunity to showcase the ingenuity, strength and resilience of Western NSW businesses,” she said.

Winners of the 2022 Western NSW Business Awards, will represent the region at the State Business Awards to be held in November.

Council Comments

July 8, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Last week Councillors, business owners and community members met with a contingent from the NSW Government Senior Leaders Tour for an informal dinner. Senior government staff from Department of Communities and Justice, Health, Regional, Education, Police, Regional, Transport and other departments attended the dinner which was to gain a deeper understanding of issues impacting regional communities and to inform future policy and program development.

To highlight diversity the tour stopped in Dubbo, Nyngan, Cobar, Condobolin and Forbes. The guests all stayed overnight in our beautiful town before returning home.

NAIDOC Week celebrations were held across Australia this week. The Forbes community traditionally celebrates NAIDOC week in September and there are several events already planned.

NAIDOC Week is a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge our traditional owners and celebrate our Wiradjuri Heritage.

Forbes Shire Councillors attended the Australian Local Government Women’s Association Conference in Fairfield this week and will no doubt come back inspired after a busy program including speakers such as Jana Pitman and Ellen Fanning.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish our Mayor a speedy recovery after she has taken a rare break for a medical procedure. Get well soon.

Chris Roylance
Deputy Mayor

Ryan Defies Conditions

July 8, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Two visiting golfers from Bathurst ready to play in the rain last weekend at the Forbes Golf Club.

Last weekend was classed by Forbes golfers as wet. Yet, 53 players still ventured onto the golf course to try to win the Monthly Medal but many had second thoughts and retreated to the Golfie.

The Men’s Monthly Medal 18-hole Stroke, sponsored by Walkers Ag-n-Vet, saw only 36 players complete their rounds.

The A-Grade was won by Harry Callaghan with 74 nett. He had a one-shot advantage over Kim Herbert on 75 nett despite having one less handicap. The B-Grade was won by Nick Ryan with the best medal winning score of the day, a 70 nett. He was so dominant in this grade that the runner-up was seven shots back, being John Murphy (Bathurst) on 77 nett.

The C-Grade was won by James Tooth from Mudgee with a 69 nett. However, the Medal went to Reggie Murray who finished with 75 nett taking his second medal in succession.

The NTP’s went to: 9th – Lachlan Alley; 18th – Barry Parker. The 3rd hole super pin went to Jake Hemming with a shot to 2.7m. He was the only one on the card.

The ball sweep went to 84 nett on count back, indicating how tough it was to score out there for the majority of the field. The visitors included a group from Bathurst, who vow to come back in the sunshine, and James Tooth from Mudgee.

There was no Sunday Stableford Medley due to the inclement weather.

This weekend the Men’s comp is an 18-hole atroke event with a Stableford Medley on Sunday. Don’t forget the 2-P Ambrose Medley coming up on 16th July.

By Short Putt

Thumbs Up… Thumbs Down

July 8, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

THUMBS UP

To Parkes Paragon Cafe – top food, top place!

THUMBS UP

To the nurses Georgia and Sue at Parkes Hospital for the care and comfort they gave to my little boy and I. Also, a shout out to Herbie and Ashley from Forbes Ambulance for taking us to Orange. You all made such a stressful time seem easy and under control. I can’t thank you enough!

THUMBS UP

To the Vandenberg Hotel on their extensive renovations, we can’t wait to see the finished product.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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