Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Hear Hear For Salvos Appeal

November 24, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes residents are encouraged to put their hearing to good use in support of the Salvation Army’s Christmas appeal during November and December. In the lead up to Christmas, National Hearing Care Parkes will donate $20 to The Salvation Army on behalf of every customer who refers a friend or loved one for a free hearing check. “The Salvation Army helps more than one million disadvantaged Australians each year through their annual Christmas Appeal, which assists people in need with meals, shelter and hope at a difficult time of year,” National Hearing Care
Managing Director, Michael Smith, said.

Until 23 December, each visitor to National Hearing Care Parkes will be provided with a promotional coupon to share with friends or family members aged over 50 years old – the highest risk age group for hearing loss. For every coupon that is redeemed for a free hearing check, National Hearing Care Parkes will donate $20 to The Salvation
Army.

It is vital to have regular hearing checks as the process of hearing loss can be very gradual. To make an appointment at National Hearing Care Parkes call: 1800 828 047 or visit www.nhc.com.au

X Factor Winners In Forbes On Sunday

November 24, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Third place winners of the 2014 X Factor season, Brothers 3, will be at the Forbes SES Fundraiser Concert on Sunday. The concert is hosted by the Forbes Country Music Club and held at the Forbes Services Memorial Club at 1.00pm. After the recent flooding in and around Forbes, the hard work of the Forbes SES and volunteers did not go unnoticed. The Forbes Country Music Club decided to organise this concert to raise much needed funds for the local SES branch.

The concert features a range of artists for all ages with Brothers 3 the main act. They are in the middle of producing their new album and recently completed a national tour of 13,000km. Michelle Little, originally from Dubbo and
based in Sydney, has a beautiful voice combined with a Patsy Cline style of music and songs. James Norton loves Aussie folk songs and old time country standards on his banjo and harmonica. He was the first person to win two awards in the same year at Tamworth’s Golden Harmonica Championships.

Helen Begley, a Melbourne singer-songwriter, has travelled Australia playing to audiences in country towns and capital cities, in venues as diverse as concert halls at folk festivals, rickety stages in Tasmanian forests and iconic gig rooms in inner city Melbourne Local entertainers will also be in action on Sunday with Charmaine Pout, Rustic
Charm & Co and Rosie Yapp. Charmaine is a radio announcer on 2LVR Community Radio and has performed at many Country festivals and concerts.

Local band Rustic Charm & Co have performed at many charity events and other establishments with their own style of Country Rock and Rockabilly music. Rosie Yapp has won at many talent quests in Forbes and Parkes. Many raffle prizes to be won on the day, kindly donated by local businesses. Admission is $10.

Thousands Raised For Forbes Flood Recovery

November 24, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Almost $40,000 was raised for the Forbes Flood Recovery at a two-day conference of the ClubsNSW Central West Region held in Forbes recently. A total of 85 delegates were treated to a spectacular night of Hollywood at the Forbes Services Memorial Club (FSMC) with a three-course meal and live entertainment. Delegates could also bid on 13 auction items to raise money for the Forbes Flood Recovery. The Central West Clubs showed amazing support and $37,450 was raised in total.

The delegates, from seven Central West Clubs including FSMC, Bathurst RSL, Dubbo RSL, Orange Ex Services, Gilgandra Services, Club Mudgee and Parkes Services, all showed their generosity. The largest single bid was by Bathurst RSL with a winning bid of $10,000 on one auction item. The bid contributed 41% to the total amount
raised. All the auction items were donated by trade suppliers.

Club President of FSMC, Wayne Richards said: “This charity auction goes to show that Central West Clubs and clubs generally are truly community minded.” He added: “I am amazed at the generosity of the seven clubs, given they all have their own communities’ needs to provide financial assistance to.” David Fitzgerald, FSMC CEO, said the huge sum could not have been raised without the support of Central West Clubs and trade suppliers. “On behalf of FSMC and the Forbes community I would like to express our utmost gratitude to the Central West Clubs for this incredible support.”

The funds will be held in trust while it is determined how best it could be used. Discussions are being held with the Forbes State Emergency Service with regard to what emergency service equipment they may require to assist during flood emergencies. One suggestion is a sand bagging machine.

Fresh New Store, Same Customer Focus

November 24, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Flannery’s Pharmacy has been looking after Forbes for nearly 60 years, taking pride in providing excellent customer service, professional advice and support to the Forbes community. This week Flannery’s are celebrating their brand-new store, and the Flannery’s team is offering a range of promotions and giveaways to thank their customers for embracing their change. The opening celebrations will be held on Thursday, 1st December. The first 50 customers will receive a goodie bag, and a Lucky Door prize will see one lucky customer go home with a basket of luxury goodies.

There will also be an hourly prize draw, bonus LifeClub vouchers for customers, and free balloons for children. The celebration will continue into the evening, as Flannery’s Pharmacy will be hosting a VIP Christmas Shopper evening from 5.30pm to 7pm. Customers are invited to enjoy drinks and nibbles in store, and take advantage of double dollars on any fragrance or Christmas gift purchases. Of course, customers are welcome to enjoy the pharmacy’s new features anytime, which includes automatic doors for easy access, and new cooling and heating for year-round comfort. The most impressive improvement is the three new consultation rooms for professional services and clinics,
offering comfort and privacy.

Flannery’s have also extended their health focus with a new range of organic health foods, including raw honey, glutenfree products and hemp protein. They have also stocked a new range of organic beauty products for those who are conscious of what they are putting on their skin. And there are plenty of indulgent things that would be perfect gifts for Christmas. Plus, there’s some special opening offers on everyday items. Flannery’s want to thank the extremely professional local tradesmen: Matty Jack and Cameron Greenhalgh, Abe Duggan Plumbing, Matt, Mark, Trevor, Dustin, David and the Shead and Nicholson team, Brett Myers and team, Scott Andrews, Mick Jordan and his team from M J Mowing and Odd Jobs, Kevin Gunn’s cleaning team and Johnno Roylance and team.

Owners, Michael Flannery and Sarah Hazell, together with Business Manager Debbie Prior, would particularly like to thank the wonderful Flannery’s team who have worked tirelessly to ensure the pharmacy continued to operate during this very challenging refurbishment. Thank you also to Flannery’s customers who have been very supportive.

Mayoral Notes…

November 17, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

The Legend of Ben Hall movie premiere was absolutely fantastic on Saturday night. A presentation was made by me on behalf of the community to the cast and crew to show our appreciation for bringing the premiere back to our town. The Long Lunch by the Lake on Sunday raised over $20,000 and was a great credit to Debbie Roylance and her committee. Now Forbes and Parkes will have their own physio touch machines as there was a fundraiser in Parkes the night before that raised money for the machines as well.

On Sunday afternoon, the Nissan Golf Classic was held at the Forbes Golf Course and it was a success with players from across NSW attending. Well done to Forbes’ John Betland who won the event. Vanfest is next weekend and the grounds are in top order. Tickets are still available, make sure you get yours!

Yesterday was our November Council meeting and l will report on the outcomes next week. Don’t forget to have your say at one of our Forbes Community Plan 2027 workshops. Visit www.forbes.localvoices.com.au or call Council on 68502300 to find out the dates. Please fill in the survey that was delivered to your home this week either by reply paid envelope or online at the website above.

This will help create a plan for the next ten years that is reflective of what the community wants Council to achieve.

Mayor Graeme Miller

Question of the Week

November 17, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

What did you think of the world premiere of The Legend of Ben Hall?

Peter, Ruby, Matilda, Katie and Georgina Stitt: It was great to see all the actors here. We loved the film. The scenery was very familiar. Our friend now lives in the old police house, where Ben Hall’s body was laid out.

James and Georgia Butt: We own the property where Ben Hall was shot by the police. It was a good movie – it compares well with the book.

Geoff Field, Virginia Mather (nee Hall) and Glenda Stace: Geoff: It was excellent. Virginia: I am a great granddaughter of Ben Hall’s elder brother. It was an excellent portrayal of the story. Glenda: My great grandmother was Ben Hall’s sister. The movie was really, really well done.

Classic Weekend A Success

November 17, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

A total of 23 clubs were represented at the annual Forbes Nissan Classic weekend with more than 160 players competing each day. Saturday’s Scratch Stableford winners were Daryl McAuliffe and John Betland (42 points), ahead of Graeme Howland (Dunheved) and Sal Ballard (Penrith) on 39. The Handicap Stableford winners were Troy
Howe/Tim West on 44, winning by countback from Geoff Coles/Ben Coles (44). NTP’s: Ray Taylor (9th) and Allan Daubaras (18th); longest drive: Dave Mylecharane.

The main event on Sunday was again won by local star John Betland. His scratch score of 70 was remarkable in the blustery wind conditions. The A-grade scratch runner-up was Steve Betland with 75. In B-grade scratch, Dean Guymer (Temora) won with 85 on count back. C-grade scratch was won by Mark Bown (Dubbo) with 91. Mark won many other prizes, which annoyed his brother, local businessman Ian Bown.

The A-grade handicap winner: Lee Grierson with nett 69; B-grade: Bob Borger with 71; C-grade: Richard Smith with 71. The junior scratch winner: Brianna Duncan; junior handicap winner: Jayden Carrier (Cabramatta; vets scratch winner: Daryl McAuliffe (83). This weekend is the start of the Club Championships for Men and Women on Saturday and Sunday for two weekends.

Snippets…

November 17, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Local Art: The Abstract Art Exhibition opened at the Forbes Art Society Platypus Gallery on Monday. The exhibition features a wonderful display of abstract artworks painted by local artists who attend the Thursday painters group at the Northside Chapel. The exhibition is open to the public until after Christmas. All the paintings are for sale and would make an excellent Christmas gift. The artists are competing for the Golden Pallet Award – a
peoples choice award. The winner will be announced at the conclusion of the exhibition. For more information on the exhibition or the Thursday painters fellowship group, contact Leone Morrison on 6851 1054.

Christmas Tree Festival: Rotary invites the community to make and decorate a Christmas tree or create a nativity scene for the 2016 Community Christmas Tree Festival at the Forbes Town Hall. The Grand Opening is on 2nd December at 5pm. There are no size restrictions. Trees can be commercially bought, real trees, a branch in wet sand or a painted gum branch. Trees can be made from recycled materials, welded, nailed or glued. Lights can be added. Nativity scenes can be any size and made from any materials. Remember to place a Christmas greeting on or under your tree. It is $5 per entry to support local Rotary Ipomoea projects. Contact Sue-anne Nixon on 6851 5197 or
email sueanne.nixon@hotmail.com

Carols By Candlelight: Sunday, 4th December at 7pm in Victoria Park. Santa will be there from 6:30pm to 8pm for photos and a gold coin donation to the Forbes Town Band. A big screen will once again be used for the night’s program. Judy Prior will host the concert. The Carols program starts at 7pm and continues through the night. The Forbes Lions Club will be in charge of the barbeque and drinks, and glow candles will be on sale from the Town
Band Committee. Bring your chairs and blankets to enjoy a wonderful family night. The Forbes Town Hall has been booked in case of inclement weather.

Art and dementia: Aged care residents at Jemalong Residential Village (JRV) are taking part in a new art and dementia program. The weekly workshops until the end of the month will result in a selection of art produced to be exhibited at JRV. The program aims to provide social inclusion and intellectual stimulation, which in turn acts to promote wellbeing. The pilot program is a partnership between Jemalong Residential Village, Arts OutWest and the Bathurst Regional Art Gallery (BRAG). The program is based on one developed by the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York in 2006. This MoMA program was taken up by the National Gallery of Australia (NGA) in 2007 through its Art and Alzheimers Program.

Reporter Wanted: The Forbes Phoenix is looking for a Reporter who lives in Forbes, can work two days per week (flexible hours), be able to meet deadlines, work independently and enjoy writing. A car and phone is required. Please contact Maggi Barnard, Editor on 0403 080 085 or editor@forbesphoenix.com.au.

Interact With New Sculpture At Hospital

November 17, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

A new contemporary sculpture has been installed outside the main entrance at Forbes Hospital this week as one of the final stages of the hospital’s redevelopment. Siloscopes was created by internationally acclaimed Blue Mountains based artists Hugo Moline and Heidi Axelsen. They were chosen from a competitive submission process earlier this year and commissioned to create the artwork.

The two artists spent four days living and working with a Forbes farmer, learning about the tools, challenges and experiences of life on the land. Siloscopes is an interactive set of five pieces that resemble seed silos. The work reflects farm life and invites people to interact with each of the silos. “We wanted to create a work which enables visitors to reflect on these elements of farm life. The work invites people to interact with a humble seed silo in such a way as to transform it from an ordinary piece of equipment into a new kind of device,” the artists said.

The five pieces are called River, Stars, Bones, Sun and Rain. Each is a different size and shape and features a different design on the inside that people can view from standing below the silo and looking through a viewing area. The River silo features a gold leaf interior with a map of the Lachlan River. The Stars silo has a black interior with holes drilled into the roof of the chamber to match constellations and Bones represents bleached sheep rib bones lining the inside of the viewing chamber. In Sun the viewing chamber acts as a sun dial, and in the Rain silo the upturned lip of the roof collects water into a scoop. When the scoop fills with water it tips the internal tray, causing a bell to ring out.

Bernardi Group Exit IGA To Live Well For Less

November 17, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

The four large format supermarkets of the Bernardi Group will exit the IGA brand and transition to the new Bernardi’s Live Well For Less brand over the next six months. Joseph Bernardi, CEO of Bernardi’s Supermarket said the move would enable the business to deliver increased promotions on a wider range of goods. “Customers can still expect to find all the products they know and love,” said Joseph. “The change will also generate more exciting specials, particularly across the fresh produce, meat, deli and bakery departments.”

The group will expand their footprint of fresh food in each store to offer customers the same variety on offer in major metropolitan centres. The company’s Pick Local campaign aims to support local producers. All supermarkets stock bread from Earlyrise Baking Company in Dubbo, dips and sauces form Orange’s Fresh Fodder, milk from Little Big
Dairy in Dubbo, as well as four from Manildra, to name a few.

The newly rebranded Forbes store was launched on Saturday. “When you spend locally, those funds are directly channeled back into the community. This cycle supports jobs in the community, helps the environment and ensures the long-term survival of our town,” said Joseph. The store was packed with people to take advantage of the specials and prizes, wine tasting and other activities. Bernardi’s in Forbes and Blayney have been rebranded, while the transition in West Wyalong and Bathurst will take place early in the new year.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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