Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Diabetes… Are You At Risk?

August 25, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Type 2 diabetes is the fastest growing chronic condition in Australia. While there is no single cause for type 2 diabetes, there are well-established risk factors. Some risk factors can be controlled, however, some you are born with.

An estimated two million Australians are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. There are also large numbers of people with silent, undiagnosed type 2 diabetes, which may be damaging their bodies. There are different types of diabetes: the three main types of diabetes are type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. At this stage, it is estimated that 58% of type 2 diabetes can be prevented.

You can do a lot to reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes through positive lifestyle changes. It is estimated that the risk of developing type 2 diabetes can be reduced by up to 58% by maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active and following a healthy eating plan.

People at risk of type 2 diabetes can delay and even prevent the condition by:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Regular physical activity
• Making healthy food choices
• Managing blood pressure
• Managing cholesterol levels
• Not smoking

Many people don’t know they are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. If you would like more information about diabetes call into Flannery’s Pharmacy during August for free blood glucose monitoring with our pharmacy nurse or pharmacist.

August 25, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

With Father’s Day just around the corner, come and browse the Forbes Small Engines showroom for Husqvarna Brushcutters, lawn mowers and blower vacs. They also have helmets, gloves and motorcycle boots on display, and if that doesn’t impress the man in your life, they can deliver a brand new Polaris – give them a call to arrange. There is plenty to impress dads with.

With 20 years specialising in Polaris products at Forbes Small Engines, owners Paul and Maree Westcott have an exceptional range of Polaris in the showroom. There is something for everyone starting with the kids range that includes a 50cc, 90cc,110cc and 170cc. All these models are available for lay-by for Christmas.

The all terrain vehicles (ATV) range have the small 325cc Hawkeye for only $5, 995 to the Sportsman 450 four wheel drive at only $7, 495.

The Polaris Ranger, aptly named side by side, are performing very well with extra comforts and safety features. These models have become a huge drawcard for customers. Also in stock at Forbes Small Engines is The Ranger ETX, starting at $13,995 or the very popular Ranger 570 for $15,995. They even have the Polaris Ranger diesel in stock, and demonstrations can be arranged.

They welcome trade-ins with a guaranteed $2,000 trade on your old, and in running order, ATV. In addition to the expansive showroom, they have a state of the art workshop fitted with all the mod cons required to operate a successful business. Assembly, service work, rebuilds to all small engine motorcycles, lawn mowers, chainsaws and stationery engines are handled by the boys out the back. Call them on 6851 1001 or drop in at 25 Union Street where the team at Forbes Small Engines will look after you.

https://www.forbesphoenix.com.au/3321-2/

Lawn Mower Racing At Forbes Show

August 18, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Lawnmower Racing is coming to the Forbes Show on Saturday, 10th September! ShowMow Racing promises to provide fantastic entertainment throughout the day. There are opportunities for sponsorship of the lawnmower racing – if you or your business would be interested, we would love to hear from you. If you would like to compete with your own lawnmower, please contact us through the Facebook page, or call Julie Hurkett at the Show Office on 6852 1311.

With only three weeks left until the Show, today is the last day to pay for membership before the $5 price rise. Annual membership is $35, which covers entry for one person, one guest and school-aged children for both days. Single membership is $25 and covers one adult and three schoolaged children.

Also make sure to grab ride tickets at $25 per sheet for $30 worth of rides. The Ladies Auxiliary do a wonderful job of feeding the volunteers who judge and
steward for the Show. If you would like to assist by donating slices, cakes, produce or money by Thursday, 8th September, it would be greatly appreciated.

Check out our Forbes Show Facebook page for any updates, or call the Show Office.

Netball News

August 18, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

The minor semi-finals were played last week with Koalas defeating Possums 11 – 0 in the 11 years category, and Firebirds taking a win over Pineapples 15 – 9 in the 13 years group. Koalas won the first quarter by 2 – 0 and the second quarter by 3 – 0.

Paige Britton was leading the way for Koalas, supported by Claire Turner. The Possums’ best players were Abbey Smith, with Ella White in support. The third quarter count was 3 – 0, with Koalas players Ruby Markwort and Bridie Hughes playing great netball. The Koalas finished off the final quarter with another 3 goals to take out the match.

In the 13 years game Firebirds players GiGi Stitt as goal attack had a great game, supported by Centre and goal defence Lauren Bate. Half time score was 8 – 4 to Firebirds. Pineapples’ goalkeeper, Jess Lawler had an outstanding game, supported by goal attack Ally Walsh. Pineapples came back in the third quarter winning it 5 – 4, but Firebirds finished off the final quarter with 2 – 0. In the opens sections Comedy Central had to forfeit their game against Libby’s team due to work and family commitments.

All three winning teams will play the loser of this week’s major semi-final on 27th August. The major semi-finals will be played tomorrow. Finals will be played on 27th August between the winner of the minor semis and the loser of the major semis. The winner of this weekend’s games will go straight to the grand finals to be played on 3rd September with the annual presentation and BBQ to be held the same day.

Nominations for the Best and Fairest awards are; 11 years: Wallabies – Shyeka Griffiths; Joeys – Zoe Anderson and Ellen Dolbel; Possums – Gabby White; Koalas – Claire Turner 13 years: Firebirds – Sybella Carlisle, Lauren Bate, Georgia Stitt; Magic – Aurella White; Fever – Ella Nicholls; Pineapples – Jess Lawler, Lara Pritchard Opens: Chucklers – Kerrie Priest; Comedy Central – Sarah Ridges; Hannah’s – Ellen McLinden; Libby’s – Jessie Rix.

One In Five Suffer From Pollen Allergy

August 18, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Pollen from grasses, weeds or trees can trigger symptoms of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and asthma. Pollen seasons can last for several months and exposure is difficult to avoid. Pollen grains can be spread by birds, bees or wind, with airborne pollen causing most allergies.

Allergic rhinitis symptoms are the body’s immune response to inhaled pollen, resulting in chronic inflammation of the eyes and nasal passages. Symptoms include runny, itchy and congested nose; irritable, itchy, watery and red eyes; and itchy ears, throat and palate. Allergic rhinitis affects around 1 in 5 people in Australia and can lead to frequent sinus infections.

Pollination times vary with the plant variety and its location. For example, trees pollinate in late winter and early spring. Grasses flower next, and the weed ‘Plantain’ flowers from August to May.

White Cypress (Murray) Pine is the only Australian tree that produces highly allergenic pollen. Its growth extends from the western slopes and plains of Eastern Australia to Western Australia, and it flowers from late July to the end of August.

Many species of Casuarina produce pollen throughout the year and may cause allergic rhinitis symptoms at any time.

Tips for reducing pollen exposure
• Stay indoors until after midday, if possible.
• Try to avoid going out on windy days or after thunderstorms.
• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.
• Do not mow the grass and stay inside when it is being mown.
• Consider planting a low allergen garden around the home.
• Keep windows closed both at home and in your car.
• Do not picnic in parks or in the country during the pollen season.
• Try to plan holidays out of the pollen season or holiday at the seaside.
• Remove weeds or trees outside your bedroom window you are sensitive to.
• Research plants less likely to trigger allergic rhinitis or asthma to plant in your garden.
• Shower when you arrive home and rinse your eyes frequently with water.

Medications or treatments will relieve symptoms, but do not cure allergies.
• Antihistamine tablets or syrups (nonsedating) help to reduce symptoms, but they are not as effective in controlling severe nasal blockage and dribble.
• Intranasal corticosteroid nasal sprays (INCS) have a potent action on inflammation when used regularly.
• Combination medications containing an antihistamine and intranasal corticosteroid nasal spray offer the combined advantages of both medications.
• Decongestant sprays unblock and dry the nose, but should not be used for more than a few days.
• Decongestant tablets unblock and dry the nose, but should be used with caution.
• Natural products such as salt water nasal sprays or douches can be effective in relieving symptoms.

Source: Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA)

17 Candidates Stand In Local Government Election

August 18, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Seventeen candidates will be contesting for the nine Councillors positions in Forbes in the Local Government Election on Saturday, 10th September.

The candidates are Michele Herbert, Grant Clifton, Michelle Mahlo, Dennis Booth, Aidan Clarke, Mark Pietsch, Phyllis Miller, Susan Chau, Brian Mattiske, Dianne Decker, Jeff Nicholson, Grant Neilsen, Steven Karaitiana, Graeme Miller, Jenny Webb, Chris Roylance and Michael Jelbart.

Of the 17 candidates, eight are current councillors; Graham Falconer is the only councilor not standing again. Councillors will vote to elect the mayor
at the first meeting of the new council on Thursday, 15th September.

The Forbes Business Chamber will be running a Meet the Candidates night on Tuesday, 30th August at the Forbes Services Memorial Club at 6pm. This will be an opportunity for the community to hear what each candidate wishes to present for their campaign. Each candidate will have two minutes to speak with question time at the end.

Voting is compulsory for all residents of the Forbes local government area who are registered on the electoral roll. Electors enrolled for federal and state elections are automatically enrolled for their local council area.

There is no absentee voting in local government elections. If you are unable to vote on election day, you can vote by either pre-poll or postal. Voting on 10th September will be at the Forbes Town Hall between 8am and 6pm.
The new council will serve for the next four years

Our Bloke – Danny Demosthenous

August 18, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Danny Demosthenous

How long have you lived in Forbes?
We bought the shop on 30th June 2013, but didn’t make the move until after my son James was born one year later.

Where do you work? Forbes Family Dentists

What do you enjoy most about your job? Getting a great outcome for patients. Particularly when it’s been a difficult case and the patient is really satisfied with the result.

What do you do in your spare time?
Lately, I really enjoy dancing.

How do you like your coffee? Cap – no sugar!

What makes your day? When the staff have a great day too.

What is your favourite food? Tex Mex – anything smokey on a charcoal BBQ.

If you could go on a holiday anywhere in the world, where would you go? I’d love to go on a survival holiday in the Swedish outback, riding a husky drawn sleigh, creating clothing from reindeer skins and sitting around a fire in a log cabin.

Forbes Junior Open A Big Success

August 18, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Eleanor Murray from Dubbo won the Forbes Junior Open on Sunday with net 65. She is too young to win a car as her prize! A total of 25 players from Cabramatta, Dubbo, Bathurst, Bankstown, Bourke, Parkes and Forbes took part and handicaps ranged from 3 to 30+, with six of the players on single figures.

The U-14 Scratch winner was Harrison Glenday (Cabramatta) with 83, while the U-14 Handicap winner was Cam McMillan (Forbes) with 77. The U-15 Scratch winner was Jackson Fearns (Bankstown) with 80, and the U-15 Handicap winner was Adam Coull (Bankstown) with 71.

The team event was won by Country with E Murray from Dubbo, J Cunningham from Bourke, J Kuntze from Forbes, and M Bourne from Dubbo and L Mears with 220 points. A 9-hole shoot-out was played on Saturday afternoon. The Scratch winner was Adam Coull (36) and the Nett winner was Mitchell Bourne (33). Jackson Fearns (Banktown) and Will Gordon (Forbes) were the only players to score a ‘2’, both on the 9th.

By Short Putt

Question of the Week?

August 18, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Does watching the Olympic Games motivate you to do sport?

Fiona Hayward, Eyewear Specs: It does actually. On the weekend we were watching the cycling and then we went for a big bike ride with my eight year old daughter. It is so inspiring to see the athletes so passionate about their sport.

Mylessa Ryan, Furniture One: No, as I am not a sports person. I have bad knees, but I do watch the Olympics and enjoy it as I have very sporty children. I love the athletics, gymnastics and swimming.

Amy Townsend, Anytime Fitness: Yes it does as I coach the Red Bend junior rugby league U16 girls, and I am also captain of the Forbes Magpies League Tag team. I loved the Women’s Rugby Sevens – their standard of playing is so inspiring.

Magpies Ruffle Feathers To Cause Upset

August 18, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

The Forbes Magpies League Tag side won in spectacular fashion last Saturday against twin town rivals the Parkes Spacecats. With the Spacecats in top position on the Group XI leader board, the Magpies went in as the underdogs, but came out with a will to win. They also became the talk of the day defeating Parkes 16-10 after a half-time lead of 16 – 0.

“It was the best possible way to finish our regular season,” said Captain, Amy Townsend. “The girls put everything into action that we have been working on all year. There is nothing better than beating Parkes at home!

“We will take a lot of confidence from our performance this weekend and look to continue our form into the finals.”

The next game for the girls is a home semi-final this Saturday, playing the Parkes Spacecats again. “We are looking to put in another ground breaking performance,” said the Captain.

It was a spectacular day all round for the Magpies with all four grades taking home wins. The Under 18s won 26-6; Reggies won 30-14 and First Grade Lead won 22-20. First Grade will also play the Parkes Spacemen tomorrow. Gates will open at 10:00am with the Ladies League Tag game at 10:30am.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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