Parkes Phoenix Editor

Seventeen-year-old Mathilda Stade from Germany is about to complete 12 months as a Rotary exchange student in Forbes.

She is one of thousands of young people worldwide to have been given the opportunity to experience the cultures and accomplishments of people in other countries over the past year.

During her stay, Tilly – as she is known to her host families, friends and Rotary members – has experienced life as a teenager in the Central West, attending Forbes High School, and participating in everyday activities with her host families.

She also recently enjoyed a three-week tour of some of Australia’s most interesting places with other Rotary exchange students, which included stops in Melbourne, Coober Pedy, Alice Springs, Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef.

Tilly said being an exchange student encouraged her to develop an open mind. “I have learned a lot about a different culture, and made a lot of friends.”

When asked about differences between life here and in Germany, she said: “In Germany we don’t have to wear a uniform to school. I like that I have to wear a uniform here. It means I don’t have to think about what to wear.”

Tilly has a favourite jacket that has the image of an Australian flag on the back and is decorated with souvenirs from her travels here and in other parts of the world, including a tuft of raw wool from her first sheep- shearing experience.

She can’t wear it for long because it has become quite heavy, but it is obviously a favourite item.

Talking about returning home to Germany later this month, Tilly reveals mixed feelings. “I will be glad to see my family, but I will miss everyone here,” she said.

“I will definitely come back.”
By Rochell Bright

Forbes local Jessica Zieltjes has been awarded a 2017 Horizon Scholarship to support her studies in Agriculture at the University of New England (UNE).

Jessica was one of 15 students to be granted a scholarship from a pool of over 150 applicants. She will receive $5,000 each year while she completes a Bachelor of Rural Science at UNE, with the aim of becoming one of Australia’s future agricultural leaders.

Jessica and her family moved from dairy farming in New Zealand to a cropping farm outside Forbes about ten years ago. She has always had a passion for agriculture, and is interested in the increasing variety of industries within Australia and internationally. Jessica is particularly interested in Australia’s relations with neighbouring countries.

“New and emerging industries pose great potential for the future of agriculture,” she said.

“I hope to be among the future agricultural leaders conducive to the growth and improvement of agriculture in Australia and internationally, applying my knowledge and skills to aid this industry which is core to society,” Jessica said.

Jessica described the Horizon scholarship as offering an invaluable path to networking and learning new skills and said she was immensely grateful to have received the opportunity.

“These scholars are tipped as our brightest young leaders and are the ones to watch when it comes to shaping the future of Australian agriculture,” he said.

The Horizon Scholarship is an initiative of the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC), and recognizes students for their leadership and commitment to the future of Australian ag- riculture.

It is open to first-year undergraduate students studying an agriculture-related degree, and recipients are selected based on their commitment to a career in agriculture, along with their leadership potential and high school academic record.

At the graduation ceremony were Graham Stirling, Forbes Mayor Graeme Miller, Bradley Dunn, Sebastian Berry, Kyasha Palmer, Troy Gibson, Laura Harvey, Parkes Mayor Ken Keith, Marg Applebee and Guy Bennett

According to Kermit the frog it’s not easy being green, but for the participants of the Green Army it certainly is rewarding.

The latest Green Army crew had a graduation ceremony at the Central West Lachlan Landcare (CWLL) office in Parkes on Tuesday. The hardworking participants have spent the last 20 weeks working on biodiversity projects in the Parkes and Forbes Shires, including the Gum Swamp Painted Snipe Project and the Central West Livestock Exchange.

Green Army graduate Kyasha Palmer loved the experience. “I really liked the team environment, and also getting out there and helping the actual environment.”

Green Army Supervisor Guy Bennet said the participants had developed some valuable skills during the program. “We do a lot for the environment, but it’s more about what they get out of it, where they improve and what they’ve come from,” he said.

Mayor Graeme Miller congratulated the graduates for their efforts. “It’s great to see young people being given this opportunity. I wish them all well in their endeavours in the workforce.”

The CWLL team are looking for local land-holders who have projects that would be suitable for the next Green Army program. Contact Marg Applebee on 68624914 for more information.

By Raen Fraser