Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Nominees For Forbes Sportsperson Of The Year

February 23, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

The Forbes Sportsperson Of The Year As- sociation has announced the nominees in each category with the winners to be an- nounced on 4th March at the Forbes Ser- vices Memorial Club. Tickets are on sale at helloworld until today.

Senior Sporstperson:

Mitchell Andrews – Rugby League & Lawn Bowls; Jake Grace – Rugby League; Scott Johnston – Archery; Ben Maguire – Rug- by League; Darcie Morrison – Rugby 7s; Mitchell Roylance – Jet Boat Racing; Nic Tomlinson – Motocross Enduro.

Junior Sportsperson:

Daniel Ashcroft – Kumiai-Ryu; Iszac Bell – Athletics, Rugby League & Basketball; Tom Drane – Dirt Bike Racing; Matty Duke – Cricket & Rugby League; Brianna Dun- can – Golf; Ellie Flick – Netball, League Tag, Touch, Athletics, Swimming, Basket- ball & Cross Country; Zachariah Green – Swimming, Hockey, Athletics, Cross Coun- try, Rugby Union & Touch Football; Jake Greenhalgh – Swimming, Cross Country, Athletics & Motocross Racing; Fyn Har- rison – Swimming; Henry Hodges – Ath- letics, Swimming, Cross Country, Touch, Basketball, Tennis & Cricket; Toby Hurford

– Cricket & Rugby League; Stuart Kenne- dy – Rugby Union; Lillyann Mason-Spice – League Tag & Rugby 7s; Tom Morrison – Barefoot Skiing; Lauren Neilsen – Danc- ing; Monica Pascoe – Cross Country, Touch, Basketball And Volleyball; Camp- bell Rubie – Swimming, Athletics, Rugby League, Rugby Union & Soccer; Harrison Scott – Rugby League & Athletics; Charlie Staines – Rugby League; Georgina Stitt – Swimming, Cross Country, Athletics, Net- ball, Gymnastics, Cricket & Touch; Colly Thomas – Polocrosse

Team:

Maree & Brendan Doyle – Team Penning & Team Sorting; Forbes Junior Cricket Under 14s Representative Team; Forbes Magpies First Grade Rugby League; Forbes Net- ball Association 12 Years Representative Team; Red Bend Catholic College Rugby League 15s.

Coach/Trainer:

Jake Grace – Rugby League; Robyn Ken- ny – Netball; Amy Townsend – League Tag

Referee/Umpire/Official:

Shanika Harpur – Rugby League; Jessica Lawler – Netball; Sam Mackay – Touch

Aurella White – Netball

Administration:

Eugowra Harness Racing Club; Ainslie Toole – Forbes Netball Association

All Rounder:

All nominees who meet this criteria in the junior and senior categories are eligible to be considered for this award.

Forbes Sportsperson Of The Year Run- ner Up:
All nominees in the junior, senior and all rounder categories are eligible to be con- sidered for this award.

Forbes Sportsperson Of The Year:

All nominees in the junior, senior and all rounder categories are eligible to be con- sidered for this award.

The guest speaker at the Awards Pres- entation Dinner will be Helen Magill from Parkes. Helen is a Tennis Australia Club Professional Coach and has been in this role for some 34 years. In 2016, Helen was announced at the Tennis Australia New- combe Medal as Club Coach of the Year, the first female to receive an award in this category.

Question of the Week

February 23, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

If you could speak another language what would it be and why?

Allan Lewington: I would love to be able to speak Tagalog so I could speak with my friends from the Philippines. Did you know that there are over 17 million speakers of Tagalog, and its vocabulary has been influenced by Spanish and English?

Ray Judge: Gaelic! I would like to be able to speak Gaelic so I can take a trip to Ireland to practice.

Denise Barlow: Just last week we had good friends whose native tongue is Swiss German stay with us on our farm, 16 km from Forbes. We all had a wonderful time, but it would’ve been lovely to speak their language too.

Flow Into Good Health With Tai Chi

February 23, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Invigorating! Socially interactive! Illuminating! Tai Chi participants used these words to describe their first class for the year on Tuesday.

“It’s all about you and your health. We impart the facts and make it fun,” said in- structor Cheryl Shirvington.

More than 30 people of all ages turned up for the first class. First participants were introduced to individual movements, and later the movements were choreographed together into forms.

“Tai Chi brings your focus to the here and now. It is important to breathe deeply and allow your movements to flow,” said Cheryl.

Giggles erupted around the room at times. “You know when you watch a Tai Chi master and they flow? Well, it is just a trick and we are here to teach you that trick!’ laughed Cheryl.

Instructor Sandra Nicholson said she had been practicing Tai Chi for over 10 years, “and I love it as there is never a point where you think there is nothing else to learn or perfect.”

“It was really enjoyable and so great to see such a wide range of people here to- day,” said Lynette Doyle. Colleen Cowell found it relaxing and enjoyed the com- pany.

As people are living for longer, arthritis and diabetes unfortunately affect more of us. Studies have shown Tai Chi can deliv- er health benefits to everyone regardless of age or level of fitness.

Loose, comfortable clothing and flat shoes is all you need for the next Tuesday class at 10am at the Uniting Church Hall. Thanks to Council support, the classes are offered for free.

‘Whoever practices Tai Chi regularly will in time gain the suppleness of a child, the strength of a lion, and the peace of mind of a sage.’ Old Chinese Saying

By Dianne Collie

Cowal Gold Will Glitter For Next 15 Years

February 16, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

The board of Evolution Mining Limited has approved a multi-million dollar investment in the Cowal Gold Operation to secure the life of the operation for at least the next 15 years.

The investment of approximately $270 million at the mine near West Wyalong will increase total production by 1.2 million ounces, the company announced yesterday.

The Board decision follows recent approval from the NSW Department of Planning and Environment to extend the life of Cowal by eight years to 2032.

Executive Chairman Jake Klein said: “When Evolution purchased Cowal in July 2015, a key objective was to reinvigorate exploration with the aim of extending the mine’s life beyond its scheduled closure in 2024. We are delighted that the success of our recent drilling and regulatory approval

has enabled us to deliver on this goal. This significant new investment will take place over the next four years, securing the long- term future of the Cowal Gold Operation and help provide job security for our local mine employees, contractors and suppliers.”

The new investment will deliver two major projects, the E42 Stage H cutback and the Dual Leach project.

The E42 Stage H Cutback will widen and deepen the existing open pit at a cost of $230 million.

A further $35 to $40 million investment in the Dual Leach project will add an ad- ditional leaching circuit to the processing plant to increase gold production by up to 14,000 ounces per year.

Cowal employs approximately 400 full- time employees and contractors.

Snippets

February 16, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Christmas Lunch 2016: Havannah House provided lunch on Christmas Day to 177 people including volunteers, for the 17th year in a row.

The Town Hall was decorated in a candy canes theme to create a festive atmosphere. There was music and activities for the children. Nibbles and drinks were served first, followed by a smorgasbord of delicious and beautifully presented food: a choice of five meats, salads and desserts. The Forbes community donated gifts for children, teens and adults.

The lunch was made possible by the generous donations of individuals, community groups and businesses, while the Forbes Shire Council donated the use of the Town Hall.

Havannah House would like to thank all who contributed to this event and to the group of dedicated volunteers who prepared and presented a very special lunch for a most appreciative group of recipients.

Movie trip: Neighbourhood Central’s first Monthly Movie trip to Orange will be on Thursday, 23rd February to see Hidden Figures. The day includes lunch in Orange. Call Monica on 6851 4550 for more information.

ANZAC Competition: The Nationals’ Member for Riverina and Minister for Small Business Michael McCormack is inviting students from the Central West to participate in his popular ANZAC Day writing competition. “Each year (this being the seventh), I produce a commemorative booklet about ANZAC Day, which is distrib- uted to every household in the electorate. A highlight for many is the ANZAC writing competition for students.”

The Minister wrote to more than 120 primary and high schools in the electorate en- couraging students to contribute an original piece on “ANZAC Day in the Riverina and Central West”. Two winners will be chosen from each quarter of the electorate. Entries must be received by the Wagga Wagga electorate office by Monday, 6th March.

Forbes Handicraft Centre: The next market day is tomorrow at the front of the shop in Lachlan Street, from 9am to 1 pm. On offer will be fresh farm produce and in season fruit and vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, squash. Also fresh farm eggs, a variety of plants, home cooking such as cakes, slices and biscuits, new supplies of handmade and handcrafted goods and homemade milk ice blocks in different flavours and a new line of homemade ice cream perfect for the hot weather.

Big Decisions For Separated Parents

February 16, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

The breakdown of a relationship can emotionally be very hard for all parties. This is sometimes made worse by uncertainty over what you should be doing when it comes to making decisions about your children.

There are often big decisions about where the children are going to live and what time the other parent may have with the kids.

Under the Family Law Act it is assumed that parents have equal shared parental responsibility, whether they are the par- ent who has the children living with them or only spending some weekend time with them. This means both parents have to de- cide on the major long-term issues. These could include what name a child has, what religion the child practises and major medi- cal issues. Everyday decisions, such as what a child eats, what a child wears are the responsibility of the parent the children are with at the time.

The only time a parent doesn’t have equal shared parental responsibility for the chil- dren is when a court order states otherwise. If a court order states a parent has sole pa- rental responsibility, then they do not have to consult with the other parent on major long term issues.

In a situation where you do not have a court order, the other parent still has equal shared parental responsibility.

It is very important to know where you stand in relation to your obligation to com- municate and consult with the other parent regarding important long-term decisions for your children.

It is always better to obtain legal advice regarding disputes relating to parenting issues. Danielle Cartwright, our resident Family Law Solicitor is able to provide you with advice.

Sport’s Glamour Night Around Corner

February 16, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

The quality of nominations received for 2016 Sports Awards has delighted the Forbes Sportsperson of the Year Association (SOYA). The Annual Presentation Dinner takes place on Saturday, 4th March at the Forbes Services Memorial Club at 6.30pm.

SOYA is dedicated to recognising the ac- complishments of local athletes, adminis- trators and officials, and to thank the many volunteers who ensure children and adults of all ages have access to some of the best sporting facilities and competitions in NSW.

Awards being contested include the Jun- ior and Senior Sportsperson, All Rounder, Coach/Trainer, Referee / Umpire / Official, Administrator, Team and the Forbes Sport- sperson and Runner Up for 2016. The over- all winner of the Central West Credit Union Monthly Achievers Award will also be an- nounced, as well as the President’s Award, Phillip Adams Encouragement Award, Merit Awards, School and Special Sports Awards. The calibre of the nominations received for all the awards was of a very high standard making the job of the independent judging panel extremely difficult.

Tickets, available from helloworld Travel at $40 for adults and $25 for children (12 years & under) including a two-course meal, is available until 5pm on Friday, 24th Febru- ary.

Tough Conditions For Golfers

February 16, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

The second week of the Pennants 2017 season, played at Bathurst last weekend, saw the Division 3 and 4 teams winning against Duntryleague teams both with 3/2.

John Zannes was a strong player for the 3’s, while newcomers Gus Coles and Garry Pymont had success in the 4’s.

The Division 2 team playing Parkes, had a difficult day and lost 4/1. The Division 1 team had a bye.

In Forbes the hot weather made for tough conditions, but players recorded good scores.

Saturday’s Stableford event, contested by a field of 26 players, was won by Max Ha- ley (A Division) with 40 points. Barry Parker was runner-up with 38 points. The B Divi- sion went to Bruce Chandler (36 points) and runner-up Frank Donohoe (35 points).

The ball sweep went to 35 points on count back: 38 – R Nixon; 35 – P Dawson.

The NTP’s went to: 9th – D Culley, 18th – J Haley. There were only two 2’s, both scored on the 3rd – Paul Pymont and Mark Watts.

Sunday’s Stableford Medley field was very small with Phil Duke the winner (36 points). The NTP’s went to: 9th – S Kirkman; 18th – L O’Connor.

By Short Putt

Mayoral Notes

February 16, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Council’s new committee structure is now in place and there will be five core committees that meet as required to cover the key fo- cus areas of economy, environment, community and spaces, infrastructure and lead- ership and governance. Over the next five weeks I will discuss each committee and its purpose. The Economic Development Committee’s purpose is to support Forbes Shire Council by recommending programs, projects or actions that have the potential to progress the Community Strategic Plan in relation to sustainable economic develop- ment within the Forbes Shire. The Councillors representing this committee are Phyllis Miller, Jeff Nicholson and Steve Karaitiana.

On Thursday, 2nd March, Council is host- ing a Back to Business Week networking event for the Forbes business community. The guest speaker for the evening is NSW Government Department of Planning’s Chief Planner Gary White. Gary has a lot of great information to share and it will be an extremely beneficial night for the Forbes community to attend.

Council has continued its sponsorship of Tai Chi classes with instructors Cheryl Shirvington and Sandra Nicholson. Classes will be held on Tuesdays starting next week at the Uniting Church Hall from 10am to 11am. All ages and levels of fitness are welcome to attend.

Our February Council meeting was held yesterday afternoon and I will report further next week.

Mayor Graeme Miller

Forbes Netball Notes

February 16, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

The Autumn night competitions, each Wednesday night for mixed and ladies teams, start on 8th March. Players looking for teams contact Secretary Lyn Ford on secretary.forbesnetball@gmail.com

The FNA 17U representative team training starts on 23rd February and will continue every Tuesday and Thursday night until the Netball NSW State Championships in June. Coach Kristin Read and assistant coach Rebecca Roach are looking forward to coach- ing their first representative team together.

The FNA 15 years representative team will also start training on 23rd February with new coach Isi Cowhan.

All representative teams of 15, 13 and 12 years will play at the Netball NSW State Age Championships in July school holidays. The Provisional Grading has been re- leased with both the 15 and 13 years teams in Division 3.

Courses for coaching and umpiring have gone online. Enquiries for any coaching should be directed to Coach Convenor Ro- byn Kenny on 0407 235 326. Enquiries for any umpiring should be directed to Umpires Convenor Marg Spackman 0425 815 761.

The Netball NSW NetEd for the West/ Central West will be held at Orange on Saturday, 2nd April.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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