Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Forbes Is Fabulous!

July 14, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes is a fascinating place to visit. This is what Mike Whitney, host of Sydney Weekender, had to say at the conclusion of the program featuring Forbes that was aired on Sunday on Prime 7. As the second largest network in the country in terms of population reach, the just over five minute feature on Forbes was seen all over Australia.

Starting with a few general shots of historic buildings in the town, Mike first visited the Central West Livestock Exchange where there were over 20 000 sheep on auction. He said he had never seen anything like it in his life. He ended up “buying” some sheep forgetting to keep his hands in his pockets!

Next up he went to the McFeeters Motor Museum where the Barbie Ford Falcon with its gold plated fittings made a big impression on him. The last place to feature was the beautiful Girragirra Retreat where he stayed for the night and Wendy, the owner, taught him to make a sourdough loaf. Locals said they were very impressed with the program, but they felt that it could have showed more of Forbes. “They did not even show the Forbes Lake,” one said.

Mike and his crew were in Forbes last month to film. After retiring from international cricket, Mike first appeared on Sydney Weekender in 1994. He travels around the city and throughout NSW to find the best places to stay, eat and play.
By Maggi Barnard

Snippets…

July 14, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

40 Years of service for John Pearce:
John Pearce yesterday celebrated 40 years of service at Roylance’s Auto One.
Chris Roylance, Managing Director, said it was a unique achievement as not many employees reach such a milestone. He described John as being very popular with the customers all over country NSW, staff and other branches in the organisation. “He is very loyal, honest and thorough in what he does,” said Chris. John said he had never looked anywhere else for a job. “It is a great company to work for and I‘ve had a pretty good run of relationships seeing the first, second and the third generation coming in.” He feels proud of his achievement staying that long with one company. John said he had nine years to go to retirement and hoped to crack 50 years of service! John joined the company in 1976 after completing Year 10 at the Forbes High School. His first job was a spare parts assistant. “The day he started he walked around the shelves goggled eye wondering what it was all about,” Chris remembers. He said back in those days they were still wearing white dust overcoats as their uniform. These days John is a sales rep travelling all over NSW selling automotive, earth moving and hardware parts. He is also the co-ordinator for the Orange Field Days and he is involved in training for pressure cleaners, automotive parts and earthmoving.

Open Day at Ian Simpson & Co: To celebrate the opening of the offices of Ian Simpson & Co everybody is welcome to their Open Day to be held at their offices in 88A Lachlan Street on Saturday 23rd July starting at 10am. Come and join in the celebration with a sausage sizzle and face painting for the kids.

National Tree Day: Central West Lachlan Landcare is organising a Family Day on Saturday, 30th July at the Central West Livestock Exchange from 10am-1pm. You will learn about wildlife corridors, native animal habitat and threatened species. This will also be the launch of the first Forbes Motley Crew initative. Tools and equipment for planting, watering cans and buckets will be supplied. A BBQ lunch will also be provided. Kids can also take part in fun, free DIY nature-craft workshops held over the weekend of Tree Day, Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 July at your local Bunnings store.

Forbes Business Chamber AGM: The Forbes Business Chamber AGM will take place on Thursday, 21st July at 6:00pm at the Forbes Sport and Recreation Club. President Stuart Thomas will be standing down as president.
“We have a great committee but still need input and enthusiasm. Please have a think about joining the committee. We will welcome any new committee members who would like to join. There are a range of roles, some more hands on and some more advisory. So if you have great ideas or would like to see some changes but are limited for time, come on board and join us,” said Stuart Thomas, President of the Forbes Business Chamber.

Eisteddfod Dance Program To End On A High On Sunday

July 14, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

The dance program of the Forbes Eisteddfod started last Saturday with more than 850 entries received from all over the region to compete until Sunday at the Forbes High School. Many local dancers from Kristen’s Dance Studio and Stepping Out Dance Factory are taking part under the watchful eye of Amanda Clerke, the adjudicator from Sydney.

The program started with youngest competitors and will end with the group sections on Sunday, which is always a highlight. The day will be split into a morning and afternoon session. The dance sections commenced with soloists starting with 5 years and under participants and will go through to opens competing in classical, jazz, demi-character, song and dance, modern expressive, tap, contemporary and national character, as well as duo/trio groups.

Forbes dancers have been performing very well. When The Forbes Phoenix attended the program on Tuesday, Lauren Neilsen had won the modern expressive category for 12 years and under. Lilly Gharib came third in the same category. Entry to the sessions is $3 for adults and $2 for pensioners and children (5 – 12 years). Sessions start at 9am.

The music, speech and drama sections of the 23rd Eisteddfod were held at the Forbes Town Hall from 18th to 23rd June. Selected winners from both programs will be invited to perform at the Grand Concert to be held at the Forbes Town Hall on Saturday 23rd July commencing at 7pm. Tickets and table groups are now on sale and can be purchased by contacting the committee at forbes.eisteddfod@hotmail.com.

The Forbes Eisteddfod would not be possible without the assistance of their major sponsors, namely Forbes Shire Council, Northparkes Mines, McDonalds and the Forbes Services Memorial Club, plus numerous local business and individual sponsors.

Darcie Scores Three Tries For Australia

July 14, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Local girl Darcie Morrison scored three of the five tries of the Australian University Rugby 7’s Women’s team at the World Championships held in the UK last week. In their first game the team played Portugal and in the first two touches of the ball Darcie scored runaway tries, which enabled Australia to secure a draw. With speed being one of her biggest assets, Darcie was able to run a massive 90m against Spain to claim her third try for the series.

Unfortunately the competition was extremely tough and the Aussie women were unable to claim a win for the remainder of the tournament going down to China, Canada and Spain in Pool B. Charles Sturt University student Olivia Patterson, from Bathurst, also scored a try for Australia in the final game against New Zealand.

Even though a little disappointed with the end result, Darcie enjoyed the experience. “The trip was amazing. I had so much fun. I just wish we could have played better”. Darcie’s efforts did not go unnoticed by her peers who voted her Players Player for the tournament.

The Australian Men’s Team went through the competition undefeated edging out Great Britain for the Gold Medal in a nail biting final won just seconds after the final siren. The trading of apparel and equipment was a highlight for Darcie who now has garments from almost all of the other competing teams.

Since her return to Australia she has received encouraging messages from her NSW Rugby 7’s Development coach as well as the Head of the Australian Rugby 7’s Program and the current Australian Women’s Coach.

Weather The Winner On Golf Course

July 14, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Golf last weekend followed the trend of many sports with play being cancelled because of the wet ground conditions. Both Saturday’s and Sunday’s competition golf was postponed. In the afternoon on each day social players were allowed out, but only walkers were allowed on the course.

We have two major GolfNSW events coming to the club soon, so the course needs to look good. The first is the Inaugural Sand/ Grass Green Championship, to be held on 20th to 21st August. This involves 18 holes of play at Forbes on grass greens, and 18 holes of play at Grenfell on sand greens.

See Daniel in the Pro Shop for your registration. The fee is $90 per person, which includes two games of golf and a BBQ lunch. The other GolfNSW event is the NSW Open Regional Qualifier, scheduled for 8th and 9th October. The winner of this event gets direct entry into the NSW Open to be held in November at the Stonecutter’s Ridge GC.

This is a 36 hole event. Entry fee is $100, which covers the two rounds of golf, plus a fully catered dinner on Saturday night. It seems funny, but do not forget the “Winter Specials” on offer. Utilise these when we can get onto the course. Tomorrow and Sunday will hopefully be the Men’s Foursomes Championships, played over 36 holes. There will be no Sunday Stableford Medley. Saturday, 23rd July has been re-scheduled as the 18 hole 4BBB Stroke Championship. Sunday is the 18 hole Stableford Medley. Here is to some drying weather and getting the rust off the swings.

By Short Putt

Question of the Week?

July 14, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

What did you think of the Sydney Weekender program on Forbes?

Helen Brinckley (with grandkids Charlie and Sophia), Royal Far West: It was interesting. The cars were great. I suppose it is the first time I’ve ever seen anything rural and with animals on the program. They could have showed a little bit more of Forbes.

Wendy Adams, Vinnies: It was very good and very well presented. It can only mean good things for Forbes. A lot of people like this little town. It is very unique.

Joan Beadon, Royal Far West: It was a great program. I liked the bit about the motor museum. It’s a pity they did not show more of it. I think it will be very good for Forbes.

Mayoral Notes…

July 14, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Oh dear, we have had more rain this week and there is a lot of water around. Please do not drive through any flooded roads. Whether you are in a 4WD or a little Echo, they all float so please don’t do it. The NSW Junior Squash Championships were on the weekend with the finals held in Forbes on Sunday. The Golfie was a spectacular venue and there was standing room only for spectators. The presentation that afternoon upstairs was superb. There was great talent on display, especially from our local juniors who did very well and we are very proud of them.

There is another new business that has opened in town with JD’s Glass and Glazing in Union Street. It is always great to see new businesses open and I wish them well.

A big congratulations to Margaret and Ken Nock for 30 years of great service to the Forbes community. For most of that time they were my newsagency and they gave me excellent service. I wish them health and wellbeing on behalf of the Forbes community in whatever their future plans are.

Our General Manager Danny Green and I travelled to Orange last Thursday for a consultation meeting on the Joint Organisation model and pending legislation. We have had a lot of consultation in regards to the Joint Organisations and we are now at the point where we’ve got to suck it up and see if it works in my view. Centroc as a pilot Joint Organisation has been highly successful and has delivered savings to our Councils.

Have a great week, stay safe and God bless.
Mayor, Cr Phyllis Miller OAM

Forbes 12s Win State Age Champs

July 14, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Netball Association 12 years representative team won Division 4 at the Netball NSW State Age Championships during the school holidays at the Berkley netball courts, Illawarra district. The 14 years representative team competed in division 3 for the first time, after finishing 3rd in division 4 last year.

The Championship is the largest female sporting event in the southern hemisphere with more than 3, 000 athletes, 309 teams, over 400 coaches and 500 umpires taking part. Sapphire Coast was the first game for the Forbes 12s, who won it 26-3. The team continued pulling off big wins with goal counts of 22-8 against Macleay, 27-2 against Kiama, 15-7 against Lower Clarence, 34 1 against Narrabri and 27-6 against Kurri Kurri.

This put the Forbes 12s in the spotlight as they finished undefeated and on top of the ladder after Day 1. Unfortunately a bug spread among the team on Day 2 taking many players ill. The healthy players kept the team together and exhausted themselves playing every game. They lost the first game to Taree 9 8, but a great win against Gunnedah 19-1 set up an exciting game against Nelson Bay, who was still undefeated. The courageous Forbes players won the game 12-10. The team finished off the day with more great wins over Port Stephens, Temora, Inverell, and Mudgee.

On Day 3 huge wins were recorded against Armidale, Casino, Leeton, Young, Cessnock, Coonabarabran and the final game stamped the division 4 win with a goal count playing against Blayney of 38-2. All games were timed at 24 minutes, so a massive effort from all the team of 12 year olds.

The team scored 460 goals and recorded 96 against over 7 games each day, totalling 21 games of netball. This resulted in a goal percentage of 22.82. Nelson Bay came second on a goal count of 13.78, after both teams had lost one game each over the weekend. This brave team of 12 year olds were a pleasure to coach every minute of our training and playing together.

Thank you to all the parents who also supported me, and the girls. Without that help, especially during Day 2 when the girls were so sick, the team could not have pulled off such an outstanding result.

Biz Viz Night At One Great Solution

July 14, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

One Great Solution: What a great name for a group of shops located on the corner of Jones Street and the Newell Highway in Forbes. More than 20 people attended a Biz Viz evening hosted by Roylance’s Auto One, Auslec and Blue Sky Outdoor last week. Biz Viz events are run by the Forbes Chamber of Commerce.

The three businesses are very diverse, each with their own story. Auslec, managed by Tanya Godden, is the number three electrical wholesaler group in Australia. They located to Forbes after their store in Parkes burnt to the ground. It was almost like starting from scratch as a lot of business was lost.

Auslec covers the whole Central West from Cobar to Blayney and everything in between. They stock the Heatcraft range, which supplies all heating and cooling products. Auslec also owns a solar business, supplying to both residential and commercial customers with a 25-30 year warranty on their products. “I am happy with trading conditions at the moment, as we are 60% up year on year at the moment,” said Tanya. Our main challenge is pricing and keeping up with cost savings, and how we can help our clients achieve this.”

Moving next door to Blue Sky Outdoors, which has been owned by Mick Roylance for 11 years. The shop has three full time staff, two casuals and trades seven days per week. “We really pride ourselves on our level of service, with over 1, 000 square metres in which to house our vast range of products from camping, fishing, wood burners, baby clothing and household items,” said Mick. Blue Sky Outdoors is not a franchise but a buying group. Mick is one of those people who knows what is happening in every part of his business, keeping up with the figures and making it a ‘destination store’.

At Roylance’s Auto One, Chris Roylance said: “We haven’t looked back since we moved here in 2001.” There have been a couple of name changes along the way, coming full circle from 1990 when it was Roylance’s Auto One. The name then changed to Roylance’s Automotive and Industrial and back again to Roylances Auto One when it rejoined the group in 2014. Roylance’s are the leaders in the automotive business in Australia. “We pride ourselves on our service. We have many long term staff, some having been with us for over 40 years,” Chris said. “Our biggest challenge is cash flow, and the large range of products that we have to have in store.

We also have the latest technology to enhance our high level of customer service. “At the cornerstone of our business is our culture, with new ways of thinking, ensuring that our policies and procedures are adhered to, and allowing our staff to take ownership and pride in what they do.” Next time you are out and about make sure the One Great Solution shopping precinct is on your list.

By Cheryl Newsom

Our Gal

July 14, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Sarah Hazell

How long have you lived in Forbes?
All my life – I was born here. I have only been away for four years when I went to study pharmacy in Wagga.

Where do you work?
At Flannery’s and Life Pharmacies.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
The people – seeing customers, and working with both teams who are fantastic.

What do you do in your free time?
I have two little ones and about to have another one. I spend a lot of time with
them going to playgroups and sport on weekends. I also enjoy catching up with
friends and reading novels.

How do you like your coffee?
Cappuccino with one sugar.

What makes your day?
At work when I feel I’ve helped people, and going home to a happy, healthy family.

If you could go anywhere in the world on holiday where would it be?
I would love to take my family to Disneyland in the US, but that is probably a long way off though.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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