Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Technology Makes It Enjoyable

March 2, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Looking back over 25 years there are some highlights that stand out and times you will fondly remember.

Of the thousands of jobs Midpro has done over the years, the moment when it all comes together and everything works fine, are the most enjoyable and memorable moments for Bart.

The plasma-cutting machine has brought a new aspect into the business. “It is no longer just about the men. We can do decorative art and have women coming in asking for signs to be made or arty cut outs they want in their gardens.”

Bart also remembers 2006 when one of his apprentices, Jeremy Grandsen won a gold medal for welding in Helsinki at an international World Skills Competition.

“There is also the satisfaction of following the careers of apprentices who have moved on to see how they develop over the years and where they end up working,” said Bart. “They usually come and say hi when they are back in Forbes.”

Midpro also won the Small Business of the Year award in 2006 at the NSW Trade Awards for outstanding service to industry. Future plans will be to keep on moving forward as needs require and to continue supporting our great town of Forbes.

Grease and Oil Change #2

March 2, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

The second Grease and Oil Change Work- shop in Trundle is on Thursday, 9th March. A variety of inspiring speakers will cover in- teresting topics suitable for all ages. These include planning for retirement, tackling cancer, staying on top of your mental health, bush yoga, goal setting.

A range of health professionals, including a dietician, social worker, alcohol and other drugs counsellor and a registered nurse for skin checks will be in attendance.

RSVP’s are essential. Contact Cherie Stitt on 0411 057745 or cheriequade@hot- mail.com

Digital Marketing Workshops For Local Business Owners

March 2, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

The Forbes Business Chamber is offering a series of workshops for local business owners focusing on digital marketing.

The three workshops will cover Social Me- dia: Basics on Monday, 20th March; Social Media: Advanced on Monday, 27th March and Email Marketing on Monday, 3rd April.

The dynamic digital marketing team from Adloyalty, based in Canowindra, will present the workshops. The series aim to develop the skills and knowledge of lo- cal business owners and their staff and to encourage the adoption and integration of social media and other forms of digital marketing.

The 45 minute presentations will be followed by hands-on practise and question time, to ensure you walk out of the work- shops confident in using your new skill set.

The workshops are made possible with funding the chamber received under the Energise Enterprise Scheme. Tickets, sub- sidised by the Forbes Business Chamber, are $25 for non-members plus a booking fee.

For more information contact the Forbes Business Chamber on 0424 283 792 or forbes.businesschambernsw@gmail.com

Forbes Youth Support Ochre Ribbon Day Message

February 23, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

“It is important to remember – it is never, ever a person’s choice or fault to be abused. The guilt and responsibility must always be fitted squarely to the abuser.”

The words of Katrina Sheen, Solicitor at Binaal Billa Family Violence Prevention Le- gal Services (FVLPS), rang true for many in the audience who attended the third Ochre Ribbon Day at the Forbes Wiradjuri Centre last Thursday.

Katrina’s statement followed a quote she read of a victim of domestic violence: “We were young and stupid. Even though it was not right, he had a way of making it seem so. It was as if something in me brought this out of him. So, it was my fault in a way.”

Ochre Ribbon Day is a national event symbolic to Aboriginal people who are surivors of family violence. ‘Today is cultur- ally focused in its values and contributes to the message that Aboriginal people will not tolerate violence against their men, women and children,” said Katrina.

After the serious speeches, students from Forbes High School were cheered on by members of the Forbes community in the Amazing Ochre Race.

Family violence is a serious human rights issue that affects millions of families world-wide -regardless of age, economic status, race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation or education.

The Forbes youth have taken a stand saying, “Domestic violence is totally unacceptable and we are not afraid to tell someone who can help us.”

By Dianne Collie

Council News

February 23, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Five New Committees

Forbes Shire Council’s new Section 355 Committee structure is in place with chairs for the five committees appointed at the Council meeting last week.

Natural Environment Chair is Cr Jeff Ni- cholson, Leadership Chair is Cr Susan Chau, Infrastructure Chair is Cr Chris Roy- lance, Enterprise Chair is Cr Phyllis Miller and Community and Places Chair is Cr Jenny Webb.

Each committee will develop plans for engaging with the community and develop- ing strategies and actions to meet Council’s long term objectives.

General Manager Danny Green said the new structure would incorporate working or focus groups that report back through the committees.

Prestigious Awards

Nominations for the prestigious 2017 Forbes Medal and Forbes Heritage Volun- teer Award are now open.

The Forbes Medal will be awarded to a person or organisation responsible for an outstanding contribution to the Shire’s en- vironmental heritage or to the understand- ing of that heritage.

Nominations close at 5pm on Friday, 24th March, and the presentation is on Tuesday, 2nd May at the Forbes Town Hall.

The Forbes Heritage Volunteer Award will also be announced at the presentation and nominations for community members who display excellence in community service, development and promotion of heritage are welcome.

Our Bloke

February 23, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Rob Willis

How long have you lived in Forbes and what do you like about living here?
More than 70 years. I like the people and the place. I suggest that everyone go for a walk around our beautiful lake and envi- rons, and have a chat to people along the way and you will see what I mean.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy most about your work?
The National Library of Australia in Canberra is the base for my work, however I travel Australia wide recording people’s stories. What is there not to enjoy about this?

What do you do to unwind after work and on weekends?
Listen to and play music – a wide variety from Rock, through to Irish and traditional to Classical. I love my music!

What are you really good at?
Getting people to open up and tell me their life stories for the archives… also radio and theatre production.

If you could have a super power, what would it be?
Is wisdom a super power? If so I would gift it to our world and local leaders.

What is your pet hate?
I don’t hate any- thing! I dislike negativity and elitism.

Tell us about your best holiday ever.
All holidays are good. Favourite places visited would have to be Scandinavia, as well as Ireland.

St Laurence’s Parish School Welcomes 51 Kindies

February 23, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

The students of St Laurence’s Parish School have made a wonderful return to school.

The school community welcomed 51 Kindergarten students, as well as many new students and families. New staff members are Jodie Houghton, Kate Symonds and Fiona Dooley.

One of the first events this year was the school leaders induc- tion mass for school captains, sports captains and SRC repre- sentatives. The students made their leadership pledge and were inducted by Principal, Paula Leadbitter, and Parish Administrator, Fr Simon Apablaza.

The school community is looking forward to celebrating Catholic Schools Week later in the term, including the annual school fete on Friday, 10th March.

Free Medication Review For Seniors Week

February 23, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Osteoarthritis currently affects about 1.6 million Australians, and can range in severity from mild to quite severe, disabling pain. Typically, it starts with the breakdown of the flexible joint tissue known as cartilage and can lead to stiff and immobile joints. How- ever, there are many management pro- grammes and potential treatments available.

There are many factors that contribute to osteoarthritis, and many reasons you could be experiencing joint pain. Pain can range from mild, uncomfortable pain to severe dis- abling pain. Make sure to consult a doctor or medical professional about your pain, and what treatment is right for you.

As osteoarthritis advances, the pain can persist while resting and even occur at night, while sleeping. Osteoarthritis can cause joint stiffness, preventing bending and full range of motion of the joint.

Physical activity and exercise can improve joint mobility and reduce pain. Similarly, reducing weight can ease pressure on many joints.

Some options for treating symptoms are:

• Analgesics, such as Panadol Osteo
• Pain creams, gels and rubs such as Voltaren, PainAway or Stiff Sore Sorry
• Supplements, such as Glucosamine and Chondroitin or Curcumin/Turmeric
• Prescription medications

Your GP can make a proper diagnosis, before focusing on treatment options. You could also consider speaking to one of our pharmacists for more information and advice about treatment options.

If you are finding it difficult to tie your shoe laces, pull on your socks, button your shirts or to get out of your car comfortably, Flan- nery’s Pharmacy stocks a wide range of home health care products to assist you with daily living activities.

Call in to Flannery’s Pharmacy during Seniors Week for a free medication review

End Summer With A Feast

February 23, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

February may be coming to an end, but there’s still plenty of time to make some magical summer food.

From the veggies you can pick up at a farmer’s market or in a shop ― such as zucchini, eggplant and basil — to the sweet summer fruits and berries that are still hanging around, you’ve still got plenty of options. And of course, the weather’s still warm enough to fire up your barbeque.

Here are some ideas to make before the summer ends. Why not invite your friends over to celebrate summer with the best seasonal food on offer.

Just Google these ideas to find recipes where needed.

If you have basil growing in your garden, try making pesto.

What about making a buttermilk blueberry pie or peach donut cupcakes for dessert?

With Summer vegies you can make zuc- chini pancakes, sweet corn polenta with eggplant sauce, grilled sourdough with herbs, tomatoes and honey drizzle or mac and cheese stuffed fried zucchini, Round it off with that all time favourite strawberries and ice cream or peanut butter and jam ice cream sandwiches.

For your next breakfast try to make fried egg BLT, and for the kids make raspberry and white cherry yogurt pops or pineapple mint popsicles.

Salads are a great summer food to enjoy – what about an avocado, onion and toma- to salad or a lemony roasted potato salad. Be more adventurous and try a grilled egg-

plant and zucchini salad with feta, chickpeas and mint or grilled watermelon salad!

Keen on a burger – try a grilled beef and mushroom burger and fried green toma- toes… While you are busy on the grill, try grilled halloumi and peaches with dukkah.

Last but not least celebrate summer with a colourful fruit salad with all your favourite fruits in it.

Bon Appetit!

Cowboys For A Day!

February 23, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

A small group of Forbes Pony Club riders braved the Sunday heat recently and were taken through their paces by Rodeo com- mittee members.

‘The kids had a fabulous day,” said Presi- dent, Lisa Glasson. Troy and Shaun Read, fresh from the National Rodeo Finals in Tamworth where they had competed in Open Saddle Bronc riding, took the kids through a variety of experiences. These in- cluded riding a steer on a barrel (which is

not as easy as it looks), using a lasso and roping the horns of a dummy cow. They also completed barrel racing time trials. Some Pony Club members will participate in the Forbes Rodeo on Saturday, 18th March.

The Club’s next rally is planned for Sun- day, 5th March at their grounds in Forester Street. Registrations are still being taken. The club is active each first Sunday of the month.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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