Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Ham Day Entices Golfers

December 22, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Saturday’s play was an Individual Stableford sponsored by Kenny’s Baa-Moo-Oink. The field of 57 players were keen to snare themselves a ham. The A-division was dominated by Todd Callaghan who managed two very fine 9’s of 37 each amassing 40 points. Peter Grayson could only lament the missed opportunities in his round of 38, with two wipes. The B-division saw Brett Slack-Smith, who played early and posted 41 points, finish ahead of Stuart French with 40 points. The ball sweep went to 35 on countback, including those above plus: 38 – Bruce
Squires, Peter Barnes; 37 – Steve Grallelis, Barry Parker; 36 – Paul Kay, Niel Duncan, Michael Wood Jnr; 35 – Rob Webb, Peter Dawson, Jeff Haley, Peter Cowhan. NTP’s: 1st – Scott Kirkman, 18th – Garry Johnson. Scott got his Sunday’s play was the Stableford Medley with a small field but strong contest, this was won by Phil Duke with 38 points, closely followed by Dave Rhodes on 37. There was no ball sweep, and only one NTP. That was on the 18th taken out by Laurie O’Connor.

The semi-finals of the Wallace Cup were played and contested by Dan Bayley vs Ian Bown, and Lee Grierson vs Marty Cahill. Dan was victorious over Ian, while Marty was fortunate to score a win before Lee could gain an advantage on the longer final holes. On Saturday the annual presentations were made to Men’s and Mixed competition winners from the year’s events. Undoubtedly the highlights for the Ladies were the accolades to Julie Hurkett and Briana Duncan for their success. For the Men Doug Churchill stood out as a prolific receiver of many awards.

Tomorrow is a Stableford Medley, and again on Boxing Day, while on Saturday, 31st December will be the Canadian Foursomes. The New Year starts with a Stableford Medley on 1st January. I wish you all a Happy Christmas and enjoyable New Year, and look forward to seeing
you on the course in 2017.

By Short Putt

Sandra Is Forbes Australia Day Ambassador

December 22, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Sandra Bates is the Australia Day Ambassador for 2017. Sandra, former Governing and Artistic Director of the Ensemble Theatre in Sydney, retired from her role at the end of last year after 30 years at the helm. She directed more than 100 productions for the theatre and won the Glugs Award for Best Production of 1997 for Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman at the Sydney Opera House.

Sandra is the longest-serving artistic director of any theatre company in Australia. She was made a Member in the Order of Australia in 2001. “Sandra will be attending all of our Australia Day activities as well as presenting the Forbes Shire Citizen of the Year and Forbes Shire Young Citizen of the Year,” said Mayor Graeme Miller. Celebrations will begin on Australia Day in Forbes with the traditional Rotary Community Breakfast at Apex Park followed by the Diggers Family Swim at the Forbes Town Pool. The afternoon celebrations will start at 4pm at Colin McKenzie Park (Frog Hollow) on Lake Forbes.

Nominations are still being accepted for the 2017 Forbes Shire Citizen of the Year (26 years and over) and Forbes Shire Young Citizen of the
Year (25 years and younger) until 5pm on Monday, 18th January.

Catch of the Week

December 22, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Josh Bennett caught this 55cm Yellow Belly last week using a Pink Oargee lure.

Flannery’s Pharmacy….

December 22, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

15 Minutes Is All It Takes

On a summer’s day in Australia, sunburn can occur in as little as 15 minutes. All types of sunburn, whether serious or mild, can cause permanent and irreversible skin damage. This could lay the groundwork for skin cancers to develop. Skin cancer rates in Australia are among the highest in the world. Between 95-99% of skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun. Men are more likely to get sunburnt than women, because they spend more time outside during peak UV times and are less likely to use sun protection.

Skin cells in the top layer of skin produce a pigment called melanin, which gives skin its natural colour. When skin is exposed to UV radiation, more melanin is produced, causing the skin to darken and tan. A tan is a sign that the skin has been damaged from UV radiation. It is important to remember that tanning without burning can still cause skin damage, premature skin ageing and skin cancer. UV radiation can cause irreparable damage to the genes in the skin’s cells. Each time you expose your skin to UV radiation from the sun or from a
solarium, you increase your risk of developing skin cancer.

To prevent sunburn, use a broad spectrum sunscreen such as Suntivity SPF 50+ and reapply every two hours, particularly after swimming. Use protective clothes, hats and eyewear to limit exposure. Flannery’s Pharmacy is hosting a sun clinic on Monday, 23rd January 2017 from
10am to 3pm. The visiting clinic nurse will assess your personal risk factors, assess your current level of sun damage and give you personalised and practical advice. Contact 6852 1111 for an appointment.

Vital Support On Offer Over Festive Period

December 22, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

With the final week of 2016 upon us, it’s a time to reflect, but for some this time of year is challenging. Fortunately, many online and phone services, like headspace and Cancer Council will remain open this festive season. The holiday season can pose many challenges for people affected by cancer. The new Cancer Council Online Community provides the opportunity to connect, share experiences, and find information and support in a safe forum. It’s available 24/7 from any online device, regardless of location.

Cancer Council NSW’s Lead Supportive Care Manager, Hannah Baird said the online community aimed to reduce isolation by encouraging people to share their stories with others in similar situations. “What we are seeing through our peer support programs is more and more people are turning to digital platforms for information and support, to connect with others who can relate to what they are experiencing.”
The Cancer Council 13 11 20 telephone information and support service is available over the holiday period. For more
information visit: www.cancercouncil.com.au/OC

The beginning of a new year can also be a turbulent time for many young people. They may be facing some big life changes like starting a new school, awaiting exam results to get into higher education, or commencing employment. When normal routines change and daily structure is altered it can cause pressure. During these times, it is valuable for families and friends to be aware of signs and symptoms that something might be wrong with their loved ones. Being withdrawn, expressing ongoing worry, or irritability are just a few changes to look out for.

If you need support or advice, headspace can help. The National Youth Mental Health Foundation, headspace, provides support to young people aged 12-25 years who are going through a tough time. This includes support for mental health, physical health, work and study, or alcohol and other drugs. It is also open to parents. Visit headspace.org.au or access help via eheadspace.org.au for online and telephone
support between 9am-1am seven days-a-week.

Snippets…

December 22, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Christmas Message from the Phoenix Publisher – Chery Newsom: I would like to extend a very big thank you to all our readers, contributors, advertisers, contractors and the team at the Phoenix Group of Newspapers for making 2016 such a successful one. Despite the changes in the media landscape, we decided to launch two new free local newspapers in Parkes and Hilltops (Young) in March this year. With this came the normal challenges and without the support of all those mentioned we would not have been able to accomplish what we did. Next year will be even bigger and better with the launch of some new features, an app, and new projects. We would ask that you continue to support us, as we strive for excellence and being involved at a local level in these communities. Remember that we are your local voice in the communities we serve. We wish everybody a very Merry Christmas and best wishes for a successful 2017.

Community transport: Neighbourhood Central Forbes, operating from the HACC Centre at 7 Harold Street, provides subsidised community transport for eligible clients and carers of the Commonwealth Home Support Programme, as well as disadvantaged people to help them live in their own home and still access activities and appointments. Transport is provided for medical appointments, hospital stays and medically related treatment in Parkes, Forbes, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange and Sydney. Transport can also be provided for shopping
and social visits, while regular social trips are organised in partnership with other services at Neighbourhood Central to events such as the movies in Orange and Manildra, theatre shows and places of interest in the district. A wonderful team of volunteer drivers devote their spare time to transport clients. There are also driver support volunteers who assist the drivers in caring for clients. To book a place call Monica Wren at the Neighbourhood Central office on 6851 4550. Office hours are between 10am and 3pm Monday to Wednesday and between 11am and 2pm on Friday.

Mayoral Notes…

December 15, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Council hosted an event to celebrate International Day for People with Disability on Tuesday at the Youth and Community Centre. Everyone who attended had a great day out with games, music and a sausage sizzle. I congratulate Ian Westcott who has just opened Betta Home Living in the former Bernardi’s building. He has made a great investment in our town and the store is much larger than the previous one.

Council’s last meeting for the year was yesterday and I will report more on the meeting outcomes in next week’s column. Last night Council conducted its annual water main scour in the CBD. Businesses and residents should not have been affected due to the timing but if you are in the CBD area and notice any discolouration after 7am this morning, call our Engineering department on 6850 2874.

I attended both Northparkes and Lake Cowal’s community consultative meetings recently. Both mines are doing a wonderful job for our communities and I thank them for inviting me to go along to these meetings. Centroc recently held its AGM and Mayor of Bathurst, Cr Gary Rush, is the new Chairman taking over from Mayor of Cowra, Cr Bill West. Centroc has a number of priorities for the year ahead including water security and business opportunities for the region.

Mayor Graeme Miller

The Apprentice, His Mentor And A Chef Competition

December 15, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Have you ever been asked the question, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” Reece Hiki, first year apprentice at the Forbes Services Memorial Club (FSMC), answered: “To be a chef, travel the world and learn from new experiences.” Reece did not waste any time realising
this dream as at 19 years of age, he is one of 32 finalists in the 2017 Fonterra Proud to be a Chef competition chosen from hundreds of apprentice chefs across Australia. Reece will travel to Melbourne for four days in mid-February to attend masterclasses with the likes of Peter Wright, Director of Global Hospitality Group, Buddha Lo and Daniel Wilson. He will also sit down for fine dining to see what it’s like being served from the kitchen.

According to Reece his coach and mentor, Master Chef at FSMC Richard McCarthy, encouraged him to enter competitions. “Not just to win, but for the learning experience.” He attributes his early success to learning to love his trade by working as a kitchen hand at the FSMC whilst completing Year 12 last year. Reece started his apprenticeship in March this year and considers Richard to be an amazing mentor and coach. “He has opened my eyes and helped me develop an even deeper passion for food. When I return from TAFE each week, he makes sure that I put what I learn in theory into practice.”

Reece has promised to tell Forbes Phoenix readers about his experience at the competition, and he might place his crème caramel with tamarillo coulis on the menu.

By Dianne Collie

Question of the Week?

December 15, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

What was your favourite performance at the annual concert of Kristen’s Dance Studio?

Hannah Stewart: That is a hard question. I really loved Rock around the Clock. It was upbeat and the costumes were amazing.

Mary Everson: The whole show was wonderful. I have been watching Kristen’s dance concerts for years and always love them. I am so proud of my granddaughter, Stephanie Everson who performed Bang Bang. Stephanie was the Scholarship Winner in 2015, which is a great honour.

Beth Dickens: My Girl performed by Beginners Jazz, however I am a little biased as my granddaughter performed in this dance. However, I
really enjoyed the whole show.

Snippets…

December 15, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

CWA news: The Forbes CWA and Bedgerabong always celebrate a combined Christmas lunch. This year it was held in the CWA Hall on 3rd December with the workload and food divided between the two branches. It was most enjoyable with refreshing punch, cold meat and salads followed by desserts and rum ball and mint slice with coffee. Members of the Forbes CWA are making head scarves, bandanas and breast cushions for people suffering from cancer. These are available at the Glass Menagerie and Undercover Sleepwear and Lingerie.
Merry Christmas to everyone from Forbes CWA!

Mental health over festive period: Christmas is a festive time for most people, but it can also be a difficult period. People can experience stressors such as conflict, feelings of isolation, grief and missing of loved ones, which can sometimes lead to substance abuse issues. Rural communities may also be dealing with financial hardship, uncertain weather and market forecasts, as well as unexpected adverse situations. Camilla Kenny and Di Gill of the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) have practical tips on how to look after your mental health and wellbeing: stay con-nected with family and friends; volunteer to work with a charity; get involved in social
activities such as a community Christmas function; being mindful of your diet and getting enough sleep and exercise; being careful of excessive alcohol intake and avoiding other substances; and trying mindfulness exercises and relaxation techniques. Remember it is essential to seek help for any mental health or drug/alcohol concern over this period. If you have any concerns about yourself or a loved one, please contact the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511 (free call for landlines) or Drug & Alcohol Helpline – 1300 887 000.

Christmas Market: The Forbes Handicraft Centre Christmas Market Day is tomorrow in front of the shop in Lachlan Street from 9am to 1pm. This is a perfect opportunity to get organised for Christmas: there will be cakes, plum puddings, slices and other treats; fresh farm produce, in season fruit and vegetables, fresh farm eggs and a huge variety of plants; and presents ideas from the new supply of handmade
and handcrafted goods. There will also be homemade milk ice blocks in six different flavours, and a homemade ice cream in four different flavours.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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