Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

DRYLAND CROPPING-POTENTIAL FOR LARGE DRIP/PIVOTS

September 15, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

“Oak Flats” CONDOBOLIN 2,357 Ac – 954 Ha
• 700Ha (1,730Ac) soft red even loams ideal for Vegetables / permanent plantings – 400m to the River.
• 3km River frontage + on the Wardry Stock & Domestic Water Scheme & Dams
• 95% Arable with 700 Ha in crop (excluded) + balance has abundant feed
• 200 Ac (80 Ha) sown to subtropical pastures – very fertile.
• Large Machinery Shed, cone Silo, 3 x Water Tanks & a Fishing Hut on the Riverbank.
• 3 Phase power runs across the front of the property & is available.
• This property would also suit a large scale Feedlot / Intensive Agricultural Enterprise.

AUCTION: Thursday 27th October 2016 10.30am Forbes Services Club (if not sold prior)
AINSLIE TOOLE
0407 946 838 | ainslie.toole@landmarkharcourts.com.au

Perfect Time To Sell Rural Properties

September 15, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

In almost 20 years of selling Rural Properties throughout the Central West, Ainslie Toole of Landmark Harcourts, Forbes has never seen a better time to sell. “How often do we see in our lifetime a season like this with strong commodities and the lowest interest rates in recorded history?”

These factors have increased sales of all rural properties. This has led to a shortage of listings and a lift in prices achieved. “We are encouraging vendors to seriously consider auctioning to ensure the best price is achieved.”
The strong outlook in cattle and sheep markets has seen domestic buyers expanding and investors seeking alternative opportunities with agriculture an attractive option.

A lower Australian dollar typically lifts commodity prices. Combined with low interest rates and free trade agreements with Japan, South Korea and China will lead to an increased demand for agribusiness enterprises.
We are now listing our Spring auctions, so call to ensure you capitalize on these positives. If you want to sell it is important to choose an agent with local experience and affordable national and international marketing options.

Ainslie Is Netball Club Person Of The Year

September 8, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Ainslie Toole is the Club Person of the Year of the Forbes Netball Association (FNA). Ainslie had made a huge impact in not only promoting netball in the community, but also lobbying politicians to get new netball courts in Forbes.

She started last year by securing a grant of $25,000 to re-build one court, and this year managed to commit politicians to $600,000 for the rebuilding of the Forbes netball complex. Senator Fiona Nash and Michael McCormack, Member for Riverina, promised earlier this year that if the Government were re-elected 12 new courts, eight with lights, would be built in Forbes.

Ainslie started lobbying when word got around that the FNA All Age carnival had to be cancelled as there were not enough playable courts for the large number of teams wanting to attend.

“It was very humbling and lovely to be recognised for the work I’ve done,” said Ainslie after receiving the award. “Our whole committee worked very hard to make positive changes. Our number one goal was to fix the courts.”

Ainslie joined the Forbes Netball Association Committee four years ago as registrar. During that time, she put the FNA on the map for online registrations by becoming the first netball association in the West/Central West to do so.

Ainslie stepped up to become President of the FNA two years ago, and whenever there was a politician in Forbes, she made sure to show them the unplayable state of the courts.

Ainslie had one message for parents: “The more involved you are in your childrens’ sport, the more fun you have.” She said it was a wonderful way to bond with kids. “I would really like to encourage parents to get involved to spend quality time with your kids.”

By Robyn Kenny

Council Comments…

September 8, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

A quick reminder that it is Council Election Day tomorrow and polling will be open from 8am to 6pm. Polling places are Forbes Town Hall, Forbes Tennis Club, Forbes High School and Bedgerabong Public School (at the time of writing depending on road closures and flood water). If you can’t vote tomorrow, please remember prepoll voting is open until 6pm tonight at the Forbes Shire Council Chambers.

The engagement strategy for the review of the Community Strategic Plan will be underway next week with the surveys released online. We will keep you posted with the link to the survey in the next column. The survey will also be sent out with the September Community Newsletter, which will be distributed to all households the week commencing 26th September.

Thanks to all of the residents who helped the SES filling sandbags this week. It was great to see so many people there when I went along on Saturday. Please remember not to drive through flood water. It may not look very deep but the condition of the road underneath the water could be very poor.

At the time of writing this, the Forbes Show is still going ahead today and tomorrow. I hope everyone enjoys the day. Remember to come and visit our Council stand while you are there.

General Manager
Danny Green

Our Gal – Maree Westcott

September 8, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Maree Westcott

How long have you lived in Forbes?
Since I was about 3. Mum and Dad moved to Wirrinya, and then bought a farm in Forbes.

Where do you work? I am a partner with my hubby Paul at Forbes Small Engine Specialists.

What do you enjoy most about your work? The variety of work: selling a four wheeler, doing paperwork or making up an advertisement to sell a spark plug.

What do you do in your free time?
Sewing, quilting, or making baby wraps and bibs for our third grandchild due in a month.

How do you like your coffee? Very hot and usually just a flat white and one sugar.

What makes your day? My grandchildren calling into work, and their happy smiling faces.

If you could go anywhere in the world on holiday where would it be? Paris

Olympic Spirit Reigns At Forbes Public

September 8, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Public School (FPS) students took part in a Mini Olympics event at the school recently organised by Year 6. The 300 students were divided into nine countries and marched in an opening ceremony with the school captains carrying the Olympic torch donated to the school by Robert Lytton OAM, who carried the torch through Forbes in 2000.

The year 6 students ran activities like tug of war, gum boot toss, sack races, egg and spoon obstacle course, hoop throwing, hurdles, relays, soccer dribbling races and target ball throwing. Students have been studying the Olympic Games and loved seeing the joy on the faces of outstanding role models displaying sportsmanship and national pride. They also witnessed athletes who have trained hard, sacrificed a lot and competed with everything they had.

With Australian childhood obesity at a record high, FPS is committed to exposing students to as many opportunities as possible to enable them to find their preferred sport and develop a life-long love of it. As part of this term’s skipping unit, FPS participated in the Jump Rope for Heart Program. In the classroom, students learnt about heart health including nutrition and the dangers of smoking. In sports skills, students learnt tricks using skipping ropes and choreographed routines, and in the community, students fundraised for the Heart Foundation, while the school newsletter featured articles educating parents about healthy eating and keeping children active.

After the Mini Olympics event, students from Kindergarten to year 6 put on an amazing skipping show. The school raised well over $5,000 for the Heart Foundation and the P & C raised more than $600 through the Mini Olympics, Jump Rope for Heart skipping show and celebration lunch.

By Katie Stitt

Eleven Proud New Citizens In Forbes

September 8, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Mayor Phyllis Miller welcomed 11 new Australian citizens at a citizenship ceremony held in the Forbes Town Hall on Tuesday. The Mayor read a welcome message from the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Peter Dutton, in which he said: “People of all backgrounds and religions strengthen our country and only together, united will our future be as strong as our present and past. Thank you for taking this important step today. Australian citizenship confers on you great benefits; but equally rights and obligations. Congratulations and best wishes.”

The 11 new citizens are Valarie Currington and Frances Parry from England, Bryan Huynh and Thanh Nguyen from Vietnam, Hendri, Marno, Melandri and Linda van Coller from South Africa, Erlinda, Virgilio and Rain Terrado from the Philippines. The ceremony was conducted as prescribed in the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 with the candidates reciting the oath to the Mayor who is authorised as a person who may receive the pledge.

Each candidate received an official citizenship certificate and a bunch of flowers from the Mayor. It was a happy occasion for the new citizens who invited friends and family to celebrate such an historic event with them. Most of them agreed becoming a citizen made them feel part of the community.

By Maggi Barnard

Volunteers Help Stop Flood Waters

September 8, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

The Forbes State Emergency Service (SES) has been a hive of activity since Saturday with more than 40,000 sandbags being filled by Tuesday.

Local and visiting volunteers have been preparing for floodwater in Forbes this week. The Lachlan River peaked at 10.35m at the Iron Bridge on Wednesday slightly under the level of 10.55m recorded in the 2012 flood. This level is rated as moderate flooding, but with further rain expected from today this may not be the only flooding that will affect the community in the coming weeks. Wyangla Dam is above capacity at present and water released is being staggered to minimise the severity of flooding and damage.

All residents in low-lying areas were alerted and the Red Bend College was closed on Wednesday. More than forty volunteers have been at the SES depot every day to fill sandbags for delivery to areas expected to be most affected. On Tuesday a massive 55.6 tonnes of sand was bagged into approximately 3,500 bags each weighing 15kg. SES volunteers have come from far and wide to assist Roc Walshaw and his crew. They had only praise for the Forbes community and were amazed by the teamwork and community spirit. Visiting SES volunteers stay for about five days, so anyone with spare time is encouraged to help at the SES depot.

The depot provides regular and accurate information regarding the flooding. Even though the flood levels were lower than 2012, experienced volunteers believe that the density of grasses from the winter season will slow the flow of water causing the water to recede and disappear much slower.

The public are reminded not to drive through any roads signposted as closed, as this could compromise their insurance should they get into trouble.

By Anita Morrison

Property of the Week

September 8, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Another Baby On The Way, “We Need To Expand”

11 Thames Street, Forbes
• 3 bedroom, brick and tile home
• Open plan kitchen and dining, sep. lounge room
• Gas heating and ducted evap air conditioning
• Fully fenced, established gardens and lawns
• Automatic sprinkler system in back yard
• Comprehensive information memorandum available on request

11 Thames Street, Forbes will be auctioned, unless sold prior.
Auction: 11am Friday 6th October 2016 at the Forbes Services Memorial Club
Open Homes: 11am sharp Saturday 10th, 17th, 24th, September and 1st October 2016

Stacey Clarke:
0438 721 340 stacey.clarke@iansimpsonandco.com
Office: (02) 6851 1911
Ian Simpson & Co

Question of the Week?

September 8, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

What does Australian citizenship mean to you?

Bryan Huynh and Kelly Nguyen: We can start a new life as a family in Australia and feel more connected to the country and the people.

Hendri and Linda van Coller with their children Marno and Melandri: We are now part of the community, our children will fit in as Australians, and we can call people “mate” and eat Vegemite!

Erlinda and Virgilio Terrado with Riana (seven months): It means a lot to us as we will have better opportunities and a better future for our kids. We are very happy.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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