Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Snippets…

July 1, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

HAPPY BIRTHDAY…To Isabella ‘Billie’ Mattiske on her 105th birthday, celebrated recently on 24th June at Jemalong Residential Village.

Happy 105th Birthday Billie: Many happy returns to Jemalong Residential Village resident Isabelle Mattiske, who celebrated her 105th birthday on 24th June. Isabelle who likes to be called Billie, moved from Sydney to Forbes as a young woman to work as a Home Economics teacher. Soon after arriving in Forbes she met Edwin Mattiske (Eddie) and they courted, going to dances and movies before they married, and Billie became a farmer’s wife. She has one son, two grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Billie was a great cook, renowned for her ginger fluff sponge and Anzac biscuits. She loved having family, friends and neighbours visit the farm and entertaining visitors for morning tea.

Billie was always very active in the community, and took great joy in socialising with others and giving back to people. She

was the President of the CWA, involved in the Red Cross and enjoyed playing bowls, tennis, and cards. Billie enjoys having a glass of red wine and she had one for her birthday. Cheers to Billie!

Nominate A Tradie: Remember to send in your nomination for our popular Tradie of the Month competition, sponsored by Gunn’s Menswear, by email: editor@forbesphoenix.com.au stating your favourite tradie’s name, workplace and contact number. You can also pop into Gunn’s Menswear to nominate someone. We would love to see some female tradies going in the draw too. The winner each month wins a fabulous prize from Gunn’s Menswear, Forbes!

Exciting STEM Program For Local Schools: Schools in the Central West can be part of an exciting new STEM partnership. Regional Development Australia (RDA) Central West has partnered with Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO for the Generation STEM Community Partnerships Program (STEM CPP). The initiative connects teachers and students with local employers, showcasing the relevance of STEM in everyday life and increases student engagement in related subjects. All high schools in the region are invited to get behind this fantastic opportunity for students in years 9 and 10. The mid-year intake program has opened.For more information, contact: Sophie Lountain on 6369 1600 or email projects_grants@rdacentralwest.org.au.

The temperature dropped below zero early Tuesday morning giving the day an extra bite in the air and plenty of ice on the ground!

Croquet News

July 1, 2022 by Pegging Out

What a beautiful winters morning for Aussie Croquet, to enjoy the morning. There were five players with three wins, John Browne, John Farah, John Cole ,Colleen Liebich and Elvy Quirk. Big wins were: 14 – 8 Ray Burridge, Colleen Liebich and John Browne; Cheryle Toohey and John Farah. 4 – 9 John Farah and John Browne.

Some of the close games were:
• Elvy Quirk and John Browne 14; Cheryle Toohey and Ray Burridge 13
• Harley Stewart and Bruce Field 14; Neville Spry and Bill Scott 13

We had 33 players for another nice Winters morning for Golf Croquet on Tuesday 28th June. We again welcomed Robyn Liebich for visit. There were four players that managed three games; John Browne, John Cole, Jill Rubie and another new player Noel Jolliffe. Big wins were: 11 – 2 Neville Spry and John Cole. 10 – 3 Sandy Hepburn, Jill Rubie and John Browne.

Some of the close games were:
• Lyn Simmonds and Mal Smith 7; Marie Spry and John Farah 6
• Kevin Rubie 7; Irene Ford and Sally Perry 6
• Elvy Quirk and John Farah 7; Lyn Simmonds and Bruce Field 6
• Dorelle Scott and Neville Spry 7; Joan Littlejohn and Neil Gilmour 6
• Jill Rubie and Shirly Chamberlin 7; John Cole and Rex Toole 6
• John Cole and Marie Spry 7; Sandy Hepburn and Jeff Liebich 6
• Fay Picker and Noel Jolliffe 7; Carolyn Neilsen and Peter West 6
• Bruce Field and Marie Spry 7; Elvy Quirk and Peter West 6
• Jill Rubie and John Cole 7; Neville Spry and Carolyn Neilsen 6
• Lyn Simmonds and Neil Gilmour 7; Robin Pols and Sue Jolliffe 6
• Shirly Chamberlin and Fay Picker 7; Kevin Rubie 6
• John Job and Noel Jolliffe 7; Robyn Liebich and Rex Toole 6

By Pegging Out

Our Gal – Emily Jack

July 1, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in or around Forbes and what do you like about living here? I have lived in Forbes my whole life – 20 years.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy most about where you work? I work at Forbes Shire Council, and I love the amazing people I get to work with every day as well as the massive range of work I get to undertake across multiple areas.

What do you do to unwind on weekends? I love being outdoors with my friends and family, spending time together and just relaxing actually as much as I can, ready for the busy week that’s coming up.

What are you really good at? I’m definitely good at being super busy, every day is busy for me, and I love it that way!

What’s on your bucket list? I would love to continue to work hard for more years so I can take a couple of years to travel overseas with my partner.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself? I was born and bred in Forbes, so were my parents Matt and Belinda and my brother Mitch. I began dancing when I was six and have been doing it ever since.

If money was no object, what would you do with your time? I would definitely be laying on a beautiful beach somewhere drinking a cocktail that’s for sure. I would also spend each day doing what I love most, with my friends and family, dancing, and relaxing!

What was your first job? My first job was as a junior sales assistant at the local newsagency in Forbes – News on Rankin, I worked there for almost four years.

Tell us about your best holiday ever? When I was younger I went to America with my family and other families from my local dance studio to dance at different theme parks and on Hollywood Boulevard for a dance around the world tour.

How are you involved in the community? I am a dance teacher at the local dance studio here in Forbes – Kristen’s Dance Studio, and have been teaching there for three years. I also volunteer every month to do Meals on Wheels to people’s homes.

Your ‘Turn’ To Support A Truly Local Production

July 1, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Turning Tables is set to hit the stage at The Little Theatre in Parkes from tomorrow night after over 12 months of rehearsals and cancellations due to COVID-19.

Going off reviews from community members invited to the preview on Sunday, it’s going to be another hit for the Parkes Musical and Dramatic Society. The praise afterwards included: “An excellent show…has to be seen”, “I absolutely loved it and will be coming back again!”, “Fresh, fun, powerful, provocative, moving and memorable”, “Incredible show” and “Took my breath away – just an amazing production from start to finish”.

With a script written by the Parkes M & D’s stellar director Lyn Townsend, Turning Tables tells the story of five women (Christie Green, Christa Radley, Shev Brown, Ruth Barnes and Maddi Collits), all different, all unique with their own ‘baggage’ to carry.

During the course of the show, each of the women take you on their journey, the relationships they have endured and the strength and resilience they gain from the friendships they forge with each other, despite the differences in age or social status. There are four male roles, all played by one token guy (Aaron Kingham).

With songs like Can’t fight the Moonlight, Stronger, Girls just wanna have fun, Because of you, Holding out for a hero, Born this way, Warrior, Jesus take the Wheel, Danger Zone, I’m so Excited, This is me, and many more, there is bound to be a song you know and love.

Turning Tables will play over three weekends. Tickets are available from www.parkesmandd.com.au or at the theatre box office an hour before any show, or on Sundays from 10am to 1pm. If you live out of town, email parkesmandd2870@gmail.com to request tickets be reserved or call 0429 623 829 after 5:30pm. The production is not suited for children under 14 due to adult themes, but for adults, this is just a fantastic outing!

Lachlan Dragons Named Community Choices Champions

July 1, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Dragon Boat Club has been named one of Essential Energy’s Community Choices Champions for 2022.

Votes from the Forbes community provided the Forbes Dragon Boat Club with the support needed to assist them in the purchase of a 20 seat paddling boat as part of their equipment upgrade program.

“We feel so grateful to have the ongoing support of our community, and thanks to the $2,500 funding we’ve received through Essential Energy’s Community Choices program, we will be able to continue supporting them back,” President, Kathryn Sweeney said.

Essential Energy’s Chief Commercial Officer, Justin Hillier said the company is delighted to share the funding between community organisations in its network area.

“Essential Energy people live and work in towns across regional NSW and we see first-hand the difference these groups can make, that’s why we value this opportunity to give back to our local heroes,” Mr Hillier said.

For more information about Essential Energy’s Community Choices Program please visit www.essentialenergy.com.au/choices.

The Forbes Dragon Boat Club will be holding three by one hour trial paddling sessions on Lake Forbes at the end of July, for anyone over the age of 12 interested in joining the club. Further information is available on the Forbes Dragon Boat Club Facebook page or website.

Forbes Riders To Compete At NSW Showjumping Championships

July 1, 2022 by Nina Hooper

Tess Worland, Jake Tomlinson and Jemma Hodder representing the zone at a recent event.

Forbes Pony Club continues to go from strength to strength with four club members to represent the zone at the NSW Pony Club Showjumping Championships to be held in Bingara on 9th and 10th July.

The Forbes Pony Club riders who will travel to Bingara are Jake Tomlinson, Tess Worland, Jemma Hodder and Freya Hooper.

Forbes Pony Club President Gary Tomlinson said that the riders had been training extensively to have themselves and their horses in perfect competition condition.

“These kids have been training every day to give themselves the best chance at this elite competition,” he said. “I’m sure that they will once again do the club very proud.

“Our young members are really excelling and it has been great to see them improve every time they ride. Our club is very fortunate to have not only a friendly and supportive environment but also to have some great coaching by skilled horsepeople such as Laurie Norris and Rachael Morgan who give so much to our club,” Garry said.

This will be the fourth time this year that Forbes Pony Club has had representatives at State Pony Club competition, with members participating in State Tetrathlon, One Day Eventing and Combined Training so far.

Forbes Pony Club meets regularly for rally days and is always looking for new members. For information please contact forbesponyclub@gmail.com

By Nina Hooper

$10 Million For Central West Industrial Park

July 1, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The Central West Industrial Park in Forbes is set on its way to become a reality following a $10 million commitment from the NSW Government this week.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole was in Forbes on Wednesday for the announcement and said it would pay for the final stage of the project that involved the construction of remaining infrastructure, the installation of gas, electricity and water infrastructure, and the installation of NBN.

“By investing in projects like this, the NSW Government is helping to strengthen economic growth and drive the state’s recovery from COVID-19,” he said.

NSW Upper House MP Sam Farraway said the project was a game-changer for the region and ensured Forbes would be ready for growth and investment in the future.

“This project is extremely timely given the tremendous growth predicted for Forbes over the next 20 years. Forbes Shire population is expected to increase by 32% making it one of the top 20 areas of growth in NSW.”

Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM welcomed the funding from the NSW Government, saying the Central West, which boasts access to the most affordable water in the region, is ripe for the development of businesses reliant on water.

“Strategically located on the Newell Highway, halfway between Melbourne and Brisbane, with approved B Double access to the site, it presents great benefits for industrial developments,” the Mayor said.

The funding builds on the $4 million contribution from the Regional Recovery Partnerships program. The $14.5 million project is funded in partnership with the Federal Government, NSW Government and Forbes Shire Council.

RAS Foundation Backs Regional Students

July 1, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Jacqueline Hodges from Forbes is a 2022 RAS Foundation Rural Scholarship recipient.

Investing in the next generation of bright young minds, the Royal Agricultural Society Foundation (RASF) has this week announced the recipients of its 2022 RAS Foundation Rural Scholarships.

Designed to financially support rural and regional students, studying at university, college or TAFE, the scholarships are aimed at students who are passionate about applying their knowledge and skills within regional communities.

Sixty-nine students have been selected for this year’s Scholarship programs, with local Forbes woman Jacqueline Hodges among the recipients.

Jacqueline is studying a Masters of Clinical Psychology through Charles Sturt University. “I am passionate about helping young people, especially Aboriginal youth. My goal is to help youth achieve good mental health and develop skills to support their mental health throughout their life,” said Jacqueline.

RASF Manager, Cecilia Logan, said the Foundation is proud to support recipients in pursuing their dream careers.

“This year’s recipients have demonstrated a strong desire to give back to country NSW, and we are delighted to play a role in helping them achieve their goals,” Cecilia said.

Applications for the 2023 RASF Rural Scholarship program open 1st July. For further information, please visit www.rasf.org.au.

Awesome Display In Foursomes Champs

July 1, 2022 by Short Putt

Neil Duncan has a classic pose as he drives during the Foursomes Champs.’

The golf played last Saturday was the second of the year’s Championship events, namely the Foursomes, with players contending for the Mens and Ladies Stroke and Handicap trophies.

The Mens event, sponsored by FINDEX (Forbes) was played over two days with 42 players starting the contest but only 28 carrying onto the second day. However, the results were dominated by low scores and the days were sunny albeit chilly.

The Scratch Championship was won by the pairing of Shane Sallaway and Caleb Hanrahan, who fired 145 for the two days. This was 12 shots better than last year’s winning score, and which was posted by the runners-up John Betland and Stuart French.

The Handicap winners were Ted Morgan and Matt Duff, who capitalised on their good play, equal contributions, and their handicap to score 134 nett. Runners-up were Shane Callaway and Caleb Hanrahan on 145 nett, playing off a scratch handicap.

There were daily comp prizes, with Shane and Caleb taking both Scratch and Nett honours on day 1 and the Dawson/Dukes and Morgan/Duff pairings sharing the day 2 prizes.

The biggest story for the NTP’s and Super Pins is the ‘Hole-in-one’ scored by Sarah Black on the 3rd hole during day 1. Sarah played mid-morning and snuffed any chance for the Super-Pin for any later players.

The Mens NTP’s for day 1 and day 2 went to: 9th – Barry Parker, John Betland and 18th – Fons Melisi and Ted Morgan.

The Ladies Foursomes Champs were won by: Scratch – Brianna and Carolyn Duncan; Handicap – Rose Carroll and Veronica Rebellato.

There was no result in the Sunday Stableford Medley with too few participating.

This coming weekend we have the Juky Monthly Medal and a Stableford Medley on the Sunday.

By Short Putt

Social Enterprise Café Sylo Set To Open

July 1, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

TEAM TRAINING… Sylo team members receive training ahead of the opening of the social enterprise café in Forbes next week.

Excitement is building in Forbes ahead of the opening of Sylo as the town’s first social enterprise café on 6th July.

The sound of the espresso machine will soon be heard at the CBD landmark thanks to a CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes initiative to meet community need.

As a social enterprise café, Sylo’s purpose is to provide training and real jobs for community members and clients, while serving quality food and beverages.

Its vision is for recruits to gain skills, qualifications and experience as they build careers and economic security.

Sylo will mark the third social enterprise café of CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes, which operates Cooee for Coffee at Wilcannia and Bourke.

The venture’s launch will also bring activity back to a Forbes building loved by local people but unused for years.

CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes social enterprise manager Toni Hanns says the community is embracing the new concept for the space. “Every day someone says ‘when’s it opening, when’s it opening, when’s it opening’,” she said.

The Rankin Street jewel has been receiving a makeover in the lead-up to its new chapter. The chocolate brown paint from its former use as a night-time bar has been replaced with an “airy, fresh” look, Toni said. Local trades have been involved in the works.

The café team attributes the community excitement to Sylo’s vibe. “It’s got space, it’s got a great feeling, and I think the community is busting to have it open again, because it was just sitting there asleep for five years, and it was such a waste,” Toni said.

“It’s getting a new lease of life and I just think that’s good for our town.”

Sylo will open on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 7am to 3pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 7am to midday.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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