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Forbes Phoenix

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Local Lions Recognised For Contribution

July 27, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Peter Bright, member and past president of the Forbes Lions Club, was recognised for his contribution to the community at the 56th Annual Lions District 201N4 Changeover Dinner held in Wellington last Saturday. Before handing over to incoming District Governor Anne Jones OAM, District Governor, Roger Thomas presented the International Presidents Award to Peter for his work with the Forbes Flood Relief efforts last year. Peter was the coordinator of the assistance office at the HACC centre between October 2016 and January 2017.

During that time, the club assisted 47 families with a variety of Australian Lions Foundation vouchers including food, fuel, stock feed and fencing. The Australian Lions Foundation, to which every Lions Club in Australia contributes, specifically released funding for the Forbes and district flood event. Peter received the award from Chancellor Bob Corlew, International President, in recognition of his “Distinguished Leadership”.

Peter said he was stunned by the surprise presentation.

“Of course, it’s an honour and I’m pleased to receive it, but my belief is that it reflects on the whole club, not just me. I’m just the representative in this case.” “Being able to help that many local families the most rewarding thing I’ve done since leaving the police force years ago, and thanks must go to the Australian Lions Association and the Foundation for enabling us to support our local community.”

The Changeover dinner also saw the installation of the District Cabinet for the coming year. Three local Lions were also inducted
into positions on the District Cabinet. Neil Lambert will be the Peace Poster Chairman, Robyn Seberry the Australian Lions Drug Awareness chairperson and Gayle Williams the Environment chairperson.

The Forbes and District Lions Club have been operating in Forbes since 2006. Their direct annual support to local organisations exceeds $20,000 per year; and they provide immeasurable indirect support, like helping out at Vanfest, and the local show.

In addition to disaster relief, they have provided Hearing Loops in local primary schools, supported Ronald McDonald House, and ran the Drum Muster programme to help keep drums out of landfill. Some of their many other projects include the Youth of The Year Quest, and a Peace Poster Competition for Primary Schools. “Being a member of the Lions Club is an extremely rewarding experience,” said Peter Bright.

“We appreciate all the assistance we get from people who attend our functions and buy our food at BBQs, but we need people to put their hands up and make a commitment to a couple of days per month.” If you have one or two days a month free, and you’d like to know more, visit www.forbesanddistrict.nsw.lions.org.au or call President Ray Judge on 02 6852 2143.

Boys’ Night In – Educating Others In Education Week

July 27, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes High School will celebrate Education Week 2017 on Monday 31 July hosting a Boys’ Night In event. This event showcases the young boys within our school community who are leading the way in helping to educate other male students, staff and family members about Domestic and Family Violence, and what they can do to help stop this.

Forbes High School strives to ensure all young people have the necessary tools to support them in being able to have a better quality of life, and this event is just one of the many programs and activities Forbes High School delivers to help support our students throughout their educational journey.

NSW Department of Education Secretary Mark Scott said Education Week 2017 highlighted how the quality of public education in
NSW is shaped by what happens every day in individual classrooms.

“Our commitment is to meet high expectations, delivering the best possible outcomes for children in our care”, Mr Scott said. “It is a commitment that every child will improve every year, that every teacher is sharpening his or her professional skills and that every school is progressively lifting its standards to deliver better educational outcomes.”

Education Week (Monday 31 July – Friday 4 August) is a state-wide annual event that celebrates public education in NSW. The achievements of public education and local schools are highlighted during the week, with an emphasis on our students, our educators and the communities that support them.

I Learn, We Learn is the 2017 Education Week theme. It celebrates the NSW Department of Education’s commitment to ensuring our students are at the heart of learning and that our public schools improve every year. Date and time of event: Boys Night In Monday 31 July 2017 3:30pm-7pm. Contact Youth Worker Trudi Weyman via Trudi.Weyman@det.nsw.edu.au

Our Bloke – Bill Dolle

July 27, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Bill Dolle

How long have you lived in Forbes and what do you like about living here? I went to school in Forbes and left when I was about 18 but came back in 1974. Other than a short six month stint in Brisbane I’ve lived here ever since. What I enjoy most is being able to get involved in community organisations and be appreciated.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy most about your work? I am retired and have been for about seven years but am still very active with volunteer work which is most rewarding.

What do you do to unwind after work and on weekends? Go caravanning.

What are you really good at? Nothing in particular.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? To be able to read people’s minds.

What is your pet hate? People not parking at 45 degrees and other driving faults – like talking on the phone while driving.

What was your best holiday ever? A four-month caravanning trip in 2013 of the top end of Australia, although a week around Tasmania one year was pretty good as well.

Netball News

July 27, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Welcome back to Forbes Netball Saturday competition, after the school holiday break. There was very exciting news on the umpiring side for Forbes Netball over the school holidays, when Forbes NA umpire Aurella White was awarded her All Australia National B Umpire Badge at the Australian Invitational Youth Games at Maitland.

Aurella is one of the youngest umpires in the West/Central West Region, to be awarded her National B badge at the age of 14. The FNA Committee would like to congratulate Aurella, on this outstanding achievement. More news on Aurella’s journey in later editions.

Friday netball
Friday netball will continue today, from 5pm til 6pm for anyone who would like to join in the fun of skills and games. Players do not have to be registered for Saturday competition to play Friday netball, and the coaching is free to all participants.

Semi final rounds coming up
All coaches and players are reminded that the semi final series is coming up soon. Minor semis will be played on August 5, major semis will be played on August 12, finals will be played on August 19 and grand finals will be played on August 26.

Presentations will be held straight after the grand finals on August 26.

Former Red Bend Boy Goes for Gold

July 27, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Twenty year-old Kurt Lovett is living his dream. Kurt moved to Sydney when he left school to play hockey with the NSW Institute of Sport, and has been going from strength to strength ever since. Earlier this month Kurt captained the NSW Under 21s Hockey Team, claiming gold in the National Championships that were held in Wollongong. The NSW sky blues topped off an undefeated season and claimed victory over QLD in a match that provided an antidote to the State of Origin.

“It was a bit of a relief to finally get the gold medal,” he said. However, Kurt’s success isn’t limited to national fields. Last year he represented Australia in the Junior World Cup; so far hockey has taken him as far afield as Vanuatu and South Africa. He will soon be heading to Germany to train for an Australian development side.

“It’s going to be my first trip to Europe,” he said. “We’ll be playing a few different European  sides while we’re there. I hope to do a bit of sight-seeing, there’s a few rest days but training is always pretty intensive.” But he said it’s not just the travel or the wins that make it such a satisfying pursuit.

“It’s a sport that really keeps on giving, there’s always something to improve and something to get better at.” His love of hockey was fostered at a young age. “I started playing when I was about seven or eight,” Kurt said. “It’s a team sport which is awesome for young kids. It also really develops good hand-eye coordination,” he added, “it’s such a fastpaced game, so it keeps you fit.”

Kurt credits the unique hockey environment at Parkes as part of the reason for his success. “In small towns you get an opportunity to play with a lot of older people at a young age,” he explained. “You develop your game a lot sooner and you are a lot tougher on the field.”

Kurt is aiming for a professional career in hockey. “I’d have to move to Perth for the Australian Institute of Sport, because that’s where the National Hockey training is based,” Kurt explained. “I would like to go to the Commonwealth Games, and Tokyo Olympics, so if I keep improving, that’s the ultimate goal.”

Garema Hall Hosts Rotary Changeover

July 27, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

On 15 July the Rotary Club of Forbes celebrated its 70th Changeover with the induction of Ross Williams as our President for 2017/18.
More than 40 members, visiting Rotarians, and guests appreciated the cosy and relaxed atmosphere at the Garema Hall, in spite of the sub-zero temperatures outside, and enjoyed a more than adequate two course meal supplied by Ashcroft’s Catering.

Our special guest was Past District Governor Bernie Huxtable and his wife Collina, who commented on our excellent choice of venue which was the revamped Garema hall. Garema is of course Ross’ home town. Outgoing President Peter Norris reported on our achievements and frustrations in the past year and thanked not only our members for their dedication and hard work but also the townspeople of Forbes and district for their ongoing generosity.

Other important guests included Clr. Graeme Miller, Mayor of Forbes and his wife Maureen.

By Leo Butler

A Pain In The Heel

July 27, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

“Each morning I have to hobble to the toilet because of a sharp pain in my heel. It settles after a while and feels like I am walking on a bruise.” Is this you? Plantar Fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. According to research, 80% of all cases show spontaneous improvement within 12 months. If you want to be a little more proactive there are a few things you can do.

The plantar fascia is a thick fibrous band of tissue that fans from the heel to the base of each toe. It helps to support the arch of the foot. Plantar Fasciitis strikes when degenerative changes occur in the fascia where it attaches to the heel. It is sometimes associated with bony heel spurs however the spurs themselves do not cause pain.

The cause of Plantar Fasciitis is often multifactorial and may include any combination of stiff ankle joints, low arches, high arches, weak foot muscles, poor footwear or increased load due to weight gain or prolonged periods of standing.

Self-treatment for this problem should involve massage to the foot arch and gentle calf stretches before rising each morning, strengthening exercises for the intrinsic muscles in the foot, a temporary decrease in training and a gradual return to sport when it is no longer painful to walk. In addition any biomechanical issues present in the lower limbs should be addressed to prevent recurrence.

“For the fitness of you”
Linda Reilly

Education Week 2017

July 27, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

I LEARN, WE LEARN AT FORBES HIGH SCHOOL
I Learn, We Learn is the 2017 Education Week theme. It celebrates the NSW Department of Education’s commitment to ensuring our students are at the heart of learning and that our public schools improve every year. The school’s motto is “Education for a Better Quality of Life” and through this we aim to provide all students with the opportunity to succeed and learn in and outside of our school, while catering to the diversity of our community.

We enjoy strong links with our partner primary schools through our transition and Lachlan Engagement and Enrichment Programs (LEEP). Our White Ribbon Boys group would love to welcome all male students, staff, and family members to our school hall on Monday 31 July to attend this event, which will be held between 3:30-7pm.

This event will be helping to increase awareness of Domestic and Family Violence, with our students leading the way!

FORBES PUBLIC SCHOOL – STIMULATING LEARNING
Forbes Public School students learn in a stimulating and challenging environment with a 21st century approach to schooling. Students are supported as individuals ensuring all children reach their full potential as we develop creative, confident and informed future leaders of the community.

Celebrating learning has been a focus across Education Week with many wonderful activities occurring, including an open day at Forbes Public School on Monday the 31st of July from 10:00am-11am followed by a community morning tea that will be served in the Nature Area at 11:05 am, as well as a book fair from 8.30am to 3:30pm at the school library.

Students will come dressed up as their favourite book character on Tuesday 1st of August and will also attend a combined town scripture service at North Side Chapel on Wednesday.

Forbes Public School enables students to become the best they can be and prepares them with a holistic view to education.

FORBES NORTH PUBLIC SCHOOL FOCUSSING ON CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT
Forbes North School provides each student with countless opportunities to experience success. Opportunities in sport, the arts, culture
and leadership are supplemented with dedicated life skills programs and quality academic experiences. High quality teaching in all key learning areas and extension programs operate across the school K-6.

Forbes North is implementing a new well-being program (Positive Behaviour for Learning) where students will be explicitly taught lessons about expected behaviour. PBL is a comprehensive, integrated whole school approach to student wellbeing.

Forbes North invites the Forbes community to attend an Open Day on Tuesday August 1. During education week, the school library will also host our book fair, and our “Showcase”, where all students will be performing will be held at Forbes High School hall on Thursday 3rd August at 6pm with tickets on sale at the office for $5.

Flannery’s Pharmacy

July 27, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Parent’s Room
Flannery’s Pharmacy is now proud to offer a dedicated Parent’s Room to the Forbes Community. The parent’s room was included in the design for the newly refurbished pharmacy following the identification of a need for such a service in the central shopping area that provides a private area for feeding and changing as well as a toddler play area.

Given that we live in a rural community and a large number of our customers travel from properties or smaller communities outside of Forbes, we felt this was an important service we could offer our customers. As well as offering parents a private room for feeding and nappy change, the room also boasts baby weigh scales and length measure with these measurements able to be recorded at the pharmacy as part of the pharmacy guildcare program, and compiled into an easy to read printout on request.

We would love to invite all new and expectant parents to call into the pharmacy to collect a free bounty bag which contains samples and lots of great information. In addition to our friendly retail staff, Flannery’s Pharmacy has experienced Pharmacists and a Registered Nurse
available to answer any of your questions or concerns regarding baby and children’s health.

Flannery’s Pharmacy has been serving the Forbes community for nearly 60 years. Our aim is to provide excellent customer service, professional support and advice to our community through an enthusiastic, caring and knowledgeable team.

Come and see us on Rankin Street!

Let Pictures Tell Your Wedding Story

July 27, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Holly Bradford is an award-winning photographer who loves being part of her client’s special day as there are so many beautiful moments for her to capture! Be it the proud look on a father’s face, the nervous but excited anticipation of the groom, the cheeky flower girl or of course the joy of a couple who are deeply in love.

These are the important moments that tell the story of a wedding day and you want to have full trust in your photographer that they will capture the memories for you. Holly is all about giving her clients confidence to relax, have fun and enjoy every minute!

Throughout the day she aims to be as unobtrusive as possible during the important moments like the ceremony and speeches as there is nothing worse than a photographer who steals the focus. She also likes to have a bit of fun with her bridal parties and often asks lots of silly questions, as the best images are often captured when you’re having a good old laugh!

Although based in the country town of Young in NSW, Holly regularly travels for weddings and has even gone as far as the Kimberley, Fiji and Ireland! Holly takes a great deal of pride and care in her work and after the wedding spends on average 40 plus hours editing behind
the scenes to ensure her clients receive the highest level of quality in their final images.

Once the wedding is complete the bride and groom are invited to come into her lovely studio in Young and view all the images on
the big screen while enjoying some bubbly and sweet treats. She also has a range of professional products and clients have the option to
turn their images into either gorgeous canvases, beautiful prints for the wall or stunning custom designed wedding albums.

Contact Holly on 0407 409 277, email holly@hollybradford.com or see her work on facebook and Instagram.

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