Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Tips To Survive Winter On A Budget

April 27, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

After such a hot summer it is hard to imagine feeling cold again, but as the weather starts to change, you will start feeling the chill of winter.

Here are seven tips to keep you warm this winter, without blowing your budget on heating bills.

1. BE STRATEGIC ABOUT WINDOWS AND CURTAINS
What time of day does the sun shine through your windows? When it does, open your curtains to soak up the heat. Once the sun’s gone, close them up to keep out the winter chill.

2. BECOME AN EXPERT ON YOUR HEATER
If you have heaters installed at your place, make sure they’re working correctly and that nothing is sitting in front of or on top of them. If you’re renting and the installed heaters aren’t working, remember that your landlord has a responsibility to make sure that they are. You should also find out if you have a gas or electric heater and then check if you’re getting a good deal from your energy supplier. The Australian Energy Regulator has some great online tools to help you com- pare the prices of different energy offers. If you plan on buying a heater, do some research.

3. SHUT UP UNUSED ROOMS

Keep the heat where you need it most by always shutting the doors on any rooms you’re not using, especially when you have the heater running.

4. GET DOOR DRAUGHT BLOCKERS

Cold air often creeps in underneath doors. Snake draught stoppers are a budget way of keeping out a lot of cold air. You can even make one yourself.

5. STAY WARM WHILE YOU SIT

You’re most likely to want to turn the heater up when you’re sitting still because your body temperature will naturally start to drop. Use a hot water bottle, blanket or beanie baby to prevent being tempted to turn the heater on while you’re lounging around.

6. COVER BARE FLOORS

Place rugs and mats on top of any bare floors to stop chill from rising.

7. SHOP SMART FOR WINTER CLOTHES
Don’t waste your budget – always read the labels when you shop for winter clothes. Avoid cotton and look for polyester (es- pecially polyester polar fleece), wool and things with down filling. Nylon is particular- ly good for windproof outer layers. There’s also no harm in getting some thermal un- derwear, for those extra chilly days.

Stay warm this winter and remember… there’s always an Aussie Summer waiting around the corner!

(Source: insiderguides.com.au)

Safer Vehicle For Livestock Exchange

April 27, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

The quad bike at the Central West Live- stock Exchange has been replaced with a side by side vehicle (SSV) under the NSW Government’s Quad Bike Safety Improvement Program.

The Forbes Shire Council is advocating the importance of safety in agribusiness and decided on the SSV as it is designed for use in an agricultural environment. It is also fitted as standard with operator protective devices including roll over protection and three point seat belts.

Director Engineering and Technical Services John Zannes said it was extremely important that the team at the Central West Livestock Exchange had the SSV for use, especially in the wake of more deaths and injuries from quad bike incidents in the past six months.

“The quad bike is used at the Central West Livestock Exchange on a regular ba- sis and it is important that we have the safest option possible,” John said.

“Along with the replacement, those who will use the SSV have also undertaken a quad bike safety course and interacted with a SafeWork NSW Officer about quad bike safety.”

To find out more about the NSW Government’s Quad Bike Safety Improvement Program visit www.safework.nsw.gov.au

Harness Racing Names Five Lifetime Members

April 27, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Despite the wet weather on Tuesday the Anzac Day Harness Race Meeting went ahead. This year we named five lifetime members: Bruce Chandler, Ross Hodges, Terry Hush, Barry Wright and Robert Parsons. They were presented with badges by Trevor Currey and Michael Walker from the Forbes RSL Sub-branch.

Each of the lifetime members have made an impact on harness racing in Forbes for decades. “It is people like them that keep the sport going in Forbes today.”

The Forbes Services Memorial Club (FSMC) presented a cheque of $5,000 to the club officials. FSMC is the backbone of harness racing in Forbes with continued support every year. We cannot thank them enough.

The Forbes Harness Racing committee did an amazing job to organise the meeting on Tuesday. Thank you to the sponsors for supporting the club and the volunteers who gave up their time.

The next race is the TAB Carnival of Cups Market Day Meeting on Sunday with the feature race the Forbes Services Memorial Club C0/C1 final. Gates will open at mid- day and there will be market stalls and a jumping castle for kids – a great day out for the whole family.

By Emma Gaffney

Boscars 2017 On 15th September

April 27, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

The date for the Forbes Business Chamber Boscars Gala Dinner has been set for Friday, 15th September at the Forbes Services Memorial Club.

Entries for all the categories will open in June. With some great success stories from businesses in Forbes from last year’s Boscars, the event for 2017 will be one not to be missed.

Save the date in your diary and when ticket sales are announced be sure to get in early as last year some businesses missed out on attending. The larger capacity of the Forbes Services Memorial Club will mean numbers can be increased.

For further information please call Fiona Ferguson at the Forbes Business Chamber on 0407 380 936, or Cheryl Newsom, Media Liaison, on 0411 211 065.

Sport Grant For Soccer

April 27, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

The Forbes and District Soccer Club recevied funding under the Local Sport Grant Program. The club received $4,000 to host a Mini-Roos girls’ soccer tournament and $1,750 for training equipment. Member for Orange, Phil Donato (left) handed over the cheque last Thursday. With him are (L- R) Simon Moore (President), Ash Millford (Treasurer), Abby Nolan-Hodges, Quinn Hennock, Michael Behan and Doug McKen- zie (Registrar).

Prepare To Avoid The Flu

April 27, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Too busy to get sick this winter? You’ve probably got far better things to do than lie around feeling unwell and watching the pile of tissues next to you grow.

Did you know that:

• Common colds are caused by 200+ types of viruses

• An airborne flu virus can survive several hours

• Cold weather doesn’t cause colds… but being inside more lets viruses spread easily

• Cold viruses can survive up to 24 hours on a hard surface and up to 72 hours on a damp surface

• Adults average two to four colds per year

So how can you support your immune func- tion so you’re less likely to succumb to colds? It all starts with a good defence: Ethi- cal Nutrients Immune Defence to be exact. The herbs andrographis, echinacea and Si- berian ginseng have been used by multiple cultures for centuries to keep the immune system healthy throughout winter. If you don’t have time to get sick, immune defence may provide the immune support to help you stay well this winter.

For a lot of people, Vitamin C is the go-to for immune system support – and for very good reason! Vitamin C is an essential nu- trient for optimal immune function and may help you to fight off the latest cold or flu.

Washing your hands regularly, particularly before eating, drinking water and eating a balanced diet may also help to ward off the common cold.

To avoid the flu, the best option is to have a flu vaccination. Flannery’s Pharmacy is offering flu vaccinations so call in or give Flannery’s a call on 6852 1111 to book an appointment.

Netball News

April 27, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

The Forbes Netball Autumn night competi- tions for mixed and ladies teams will con- tinue through term 2, with the finals played in June between the two top teams on the point score ladder in each division.

Players must all pay the annual registra- tion to FNA and NNSW and also the $40 per player per team competition levy. Team representatives must update their team sheets.

The Forbes Netbal Association regional carnival will be held on Sunday, 7th May. Age divisions start from 11 years to open ladies, and entries must be sent to the car- nival convenor, Marg Spackman.

Help will be needed in all areas for the day, including serving in the canteen and barbeque, putting up tents and setting up early Sunday morning and packing up at the end of the day.

FORBES CROQUET NEWS

April 27, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Tuesday’s golf croquet was aced by Evelyn Mahlo, Bill Scott and Marj Styles with three well-earned wins with their partners. Dangerously close with two winning games were Kathleen Broderick, John Browne, Bruce Field, Merv Langfield, Elvy Quirk, Jill Rubie, Ken Styles, Alec and Lorraine Todd, Tony Thompson, Lindsay Watts and Barry White.

Saturdays Aussie croquet saw Veva Mac- Cullagh with three consistently great games in concert with her partners. Hot on Veva’s heels with two successful wins were Kathleen Broderick, John Cole, Bruce and Lor- na Field, Merv Langfield, Jeff Liebich, Liz McLean, Bob Murray, Jill Rubie and Libby Smart.

By Anne Stewart

Footy Tipping

April 27, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Public School Unite To Spell Harmony

April 27, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Public school took the opportunity to celebrate Australia’s cultural diversity by joining in Harmony Day celebrations in March.

“The school was decorated with orange balloons and ribbons and students wore something orange for the day, as orange is the traditional colour chosen to represent harmony,” said coordinator Megan Hodge.

“Students participated in classroom activities, and joined with their buddy classes to complete a poster representing the Harmony Day message: Everyone Belongs.

Unfortunately due to wet weather, a whole school photo activity organised for the day was not possible to go ahead. However, Nathan Steele from Steele Technology was more than happy to return the following week to produce a great aerial shot of all staff and students spelling out the word HARMONY.

“The students were captivated by this unifying event!” said Megan. “We joined together for the morning, as we celebrated being us. It was a great experience that the students loved being part of. As the activ- ity was not on Harmony Day, it was a great opportunity to talk to the students about everyone belonging every day, not just on Harmony Day,” said Megan.

Following the photo, all students sang an American/Indian song lead by Mrs Stitt. The song is about respecting the natural envi- ronment. “The song celebrates everyone living in harmony with everything that’s living in the world”.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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