Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Our Gal

February 16, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Gwen Barnard

How long have you lived in Forbes and what do you like about living here?
Since 1978… nearly 40 years. I love Forbes (except for the heat) for the ease of driving around without too much traffic and finding parking easily; walking around Lake Forbes; our medical services; head- ing to the supermarket for bread and milk and walking out an hour later with a full trolley because I ran into so many people I know; and the genuine concern people have for each other.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy most about your work?
I work at Catholic Healthcare Jemalong Residential Village (JRV). I love all the different personalities that help make our unique culture. There is a lot of laughter in our corridors, and yes there are sad times, however they are special for those who live at JRV and the family and friends who visit. I truly love being able to meet people when they are in human need.

What do you do to unwind after work and on weekends?
Time with family and friends, road tripping and researching with Mr Google for new travel destinations.

If you could have a super power, what would it be?
That is a no brainer! Through faith I am strong in God’s mighty power.

What is your pet hate? Snoring! Other people snoring! I don’t snore, at least I have never heard myself snore. Another one is slamming doors!

Tell us about your best holiday ever.
My best and most memorable holiday was to Antarctica. We sailed for 22 days and had 32 landings and crossed Drake Passage, the worst ocean crossing in the world. I will never forget the ice-covered mountain peaks, the iceberg crystal cit- ies, the storms, whales, the hundreds of thousands of penguins, the isolation – it all took my breath away.

What does becoming an Australian citizen mean to you?

February 16, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Emma Gamble: Everything really! I am now the same nationality as my husband, Martin, and our children, James and Olivia. I consider Australia more in line with my ideals than England.

Murphy George: This is such a proud moment. I feel very happy to have become an Australian.

Sydney and Stephanie Sanu: “I am now an Australian citizen and that makes me happy”, said Sydney. “I am proud,” said Stephanie. Both girls loved the Australian Citizenship card and coin they were presented with.

Let Your Body Do The Healing

February 16, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Bowen Therapy works on the theory that the whole body needs treating and not just one part, as all the parts are related.

According to Greg Howell at Forbes Bowen Therapy, treatment usually requires four to five visits to get the body back to its natural state. “It is a process of relaxing the whole body and then letting the body do the healing itself. The healing process involves increasing the circulation in the body and lymphatic drainage, which increases over- all wellness and general good health.”

Greg said the main conditions he treated were people with back, shoulder and neck conditions or damage. In addition, he can also offer treatment if your sleep is affected.

Among the equipment used, is the new ultrasonic machine which breaks up inflam- mation better than a deep tissue massage.

Call for an app

Editors Note…

February 16, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

We have something in common this week: we survived the hottest day on record in Forbes! According to the Weatherzone website the temperature reached 46.7 degrees Celsius on Saturday. The previous highest temperature was in 2004 with 44.6.

We hope you took care to look after el- derly neighbours and relatives, as well as animals during the heat. It is not yet over – we are going for 40 degrees today. Please stay vigilant, especially when working with machinery that can spark a bush fire.

We start our new Bush Telegraph column on page 5 today for the communities of Trundle, Tullamore and Bogan Gate. Thank you to everyone who sent us contributions.

We hope you felt some love on Valentine’s Day. Take time this weekend to feel grateful for the love you have in your life and for letting you feel what it means to truly be alive.

Enjoy Issue 81! Maggi Barnard Editor

Monte Will Rock You!

February 16, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Local DJ Monte is planning on stirring up the indie music air waves this year being accepted into the Australian Film, Television and Radio School.

The radio personality, who also writes a weekly music review in The Forbes Phoenix, has been a volunteer presenter at 2LVR for two years where he presents two programs: Uncharted Wednesday Nights and Monte Rocks Your Friday Night.

He is passionate about Australian music and for his Wednesday show he interviews three independent Australian musicians and plays brand new Australian Music that has been released in the last seven days.

Friday’s is a rock request show where he plays rock music from the 80s’, 90’s, 00’s and today. “That was the show that sparked my love of presenting radio,” said Monte.

Monte is going to have a busy year travelling to Sydney every week to attend two weekday evenings and Saturday work-

shops for the Advanced Diploma of Radio he will be doing. “I’m pretty excited as to what this could lead to.”

Monte’s diploma entails learning how to operate a modern radio studio, creating a station sound, recording and editing audio, refining his announcing and presentation skills and how to create digital content for online and social media. “This will make my Wednesday night show stand out and hopefully become a better platform for indie artists to have their music played,” said Monte.

His passion for his work at 2LVR has been a driving force for Monte to make this big commitment. “I want to see how I can be better at what I do. I want to help all the great indie musicians in Australia by high-lighting their music, and interviewing them to show the listening audience how much work goes into creating music.”

By Maggi Barnard

Be Seen

February 16, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

A farewell was held last weekend for Gordon Hurry and Kath Wilton, previous owners of the Forbes Golf and Sportsman Hotel. Attending were (L-R) Trish Melford, Paul Kay, Brian Collits, Jill Kay, and Gordon and Kath.

These two long haired louts, aka Mark Watts and Fred Collie, were spotted at the farewell at the Golf Club.

Martin, Olivia, Emma and James Gamble with Mayor Graeme Miller at the Australian Citizenship ceremony last week.

Were you spoilt with flowers, a present, treat or surprise on Valentine’s Day?

Back To Business Week

February 16, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Shire Council is celebrating Back to Business Week with a networking event on 2nd March at 6pm at the Forbes Town Hall.

All businesses are invited to the social evening featuring guest speaker, Gary White, Chief Planner of the NSW Govern- ment’s Department of Planning and Envi- ronment.

Gary is responsible for overseeing pro- jects that will deliver an easier and more ef- ficient planning system as well as providing expert advice on long-term projects. He will be speaking on megatrends and the impact on the Forbes economy.

Council’s Facilities Maintenance Super- visor Mark Willis will provide an update on quoting and tendering for Council.

Back to Business Week is a NSW Gov- ernment initiative that celebrates small to medium businesses and promotes and sup- ports the critical role they play in local com- munities.

Mayor Graeme Miller said: “Gary will pro- vide a real insight into megatrends and how these impact upon local businesses both now and into the future.”

The networking event is free and will in- clude drinks and nibbles. Please register by calling or emailing Economic Development Officer Sally Duff on 6850 2359 or sally. duff@forbes.nsw.gov.au by Tuesday, 28th February.

Four New Citizens Celebrate Highlight Of Migration Story

February 16, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Mayor Graeme Miller donned his mayoral chain for the very first time last Wednesday when he welcomed four new Australian citizens at a special ceremony at Town Hall.

Emma Gamble from England and Murphy George from India with two of her children Sydney and Stephanie Sanu were welcomed as Australian Citizens before family and friends. “I was a little nervous standing on stage in front of everyone,” said Murphy, “but it was worth it as I am just so happy and proud to be able to say I am an Australian citizen.”

The Mayor said Australian citizenship was an important step in any migration story and it was about making an ongoing commitment to Australia and all that our country stands for.

The Mayor led Emma and Murphy in their citizenship pledge. Murphy’s daughters, Sydney and Stephanie, then joined them on stage to receive their Australian Citizenship certificates to the applause of their loved ones.

After the ceremony the new citizens and their loved ones looked happy and proud in reaching such an important milestone.

The Nationality and Citizenship Act came into effect on 26th January 1949. This important piece of legislation meant that for the first time we could truly call ourselves Australians. Since this first citizenship ceremony 68 years ago, over 4.6 million people have chosen to become Australian citizens.

By Dianne Collie

Lachlan Dragons Celebrate Chinese New Year

February 16, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

The Lachlan Dragons competed at Syd- ney’s Darling Harbour last weekend in the Chinese New Year regatta.

Fourteen paddlers made the annual trip to compete in the premier, mixed and wom- en’s races. They were joined by the Orange based Pinnacle Dragons to fill the boat.

First timers Mary Laksito, Liz Mitchell, Chris Kronenberg, Bev Pengilly and Ainslie Toole were joined by old hands Warren Ed- wards, Donna Edwards, Beth Thomas, Bill Thomas, Robyn Stephens, Neil Stephens, Deb Abela, Deb Tooley and Deb Churchill.

Although the team didn’t gain a place in any of the finals, the squad performed bril-

liantly in balmy 39 degrees Celsius. They finished five of the seven races in sub one minute time for the 200m events.

Next month the Lachlan Dragons will com- pete in the Canberra regatta, once again combining with Colour City Orange pad- dlers in the mixed team.

Six Lachlan Dragon club members have gained selection in the Western Region team. They will compete at NSW Champi- onships on 26th March in Penrith. Congrat- ulations to Helen Rowbotham, Claire Davis, Carmen Stephens, Beth Thomas, Rochelle Smith and Warren Edwards.

By Chris Sweeney

Boost Lunchboxes With A Dash Of Dairy

February 16, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Packing a healthy lunch that’ll be all gobbled up is a daily challenge. Packing a healthy school lunchbox might be daunting, but the benefits are enormous.

A good diet is essential for growth and development in children, but also for giving them the energy to be kids! A key change for kids at the start of the school year is the transition from holiday play to sitting and concentrating back at school. Fuelling them with the right balance of nutrients will play a part in keeping them energised and focused throughout the day.

So how do you get the right balance of nutrients? Keep it simple by including something from each of the five core food groups: veggies, fruit, meat or meat alternatives, dairy and wholegrains.

Pay special attention to packing enough vegetables and dairy. Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows that vegetables and dairy foods are the two most underconsumed food groups among Australians.

If you’re worried about adding dairy to the lunchbox in the hot weather, opt for harder cheeses such as cheddar, which keep better and pop a frozen ice pack or flavoured milk in the lunchbox to keep it cool until lunchtime.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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