Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Major Squash Event Booked For 2017

July 14, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

The NSW Junior State Age Squash Championships held in Forbes and Parkes last weekend were a huge success bringing more than 500 people to the two towns. More than 250 matches were played by 100 squash players coming from as far as Darwin. It was the first time this event was held in a regional centre.

It was one of only two gold ranked events to be held in the state this year attracting the top players for the ranking points on offer. The NSW Blue Tongues team for 2016 was announced at the conclusion of the event. The team includes two to three players in each age division from under 13 to under
19. Four players from the local region were selected in the team. They are Haylee and Jemma Besant from Rylstone and Elle and Georgie Lane from Dunedoo.

To make NSW teams you have to attend several other tournaments and camps leading into this event. None of the local players were eligible unfortunately.

They still had a good tournament with Kacey Nightingale finishing fourth and Bronte O’Shannessy fifth in the Under 15 Girls. Marley O’Shannessy came sixth in the Under 13 girls, and Henry Kross finished fourth in the Under 11’s.

The big news is that the Parkes and Forbes Squash Clubs have been announced as hosts for next year’s Greenshield. It is the state’s major teams event. It will take place over three days with eight teams – four boys and four girls teams from Under 11 to Under 17 – from seven regions in NSW and ACT
competing.

Council Election In September

July 14, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

The Local Government election for Forbes Shire Council will be held on Saturday, 10th September when nine councillors will be elected for the next four years. Candidate nominations will open on 1st August and close on 10th August. The primary source of information for candidates is the NSW Electoral Commission’s website at www.votensw.info.

Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said she encouraged anyone wanting to stand for Council to contact her or any of the current Councillors. “Representing our community as a Councillor is a great experience and if you want to come and have a chat about what is involved, my door is always open,” the Mayor said.

Candidates can contact the NSW Electoral Commission directly on 1300 022 011 or email fdc@elections.nsw.gov.au if they have questions about registration or their election campaign finances. Voting is compulsory for all residents in the Forbes Shire who are registered on the electoral roll. There is no absentee voting in Local Government elections. If you are unable to vote on election day, you can vote either by pre-poll or postal vote.

Pre-poll voting will open 29th August to 9th September in the Council Chambers. Postal vote application forms will be available at http://www.votensw.info/early_voting_options/postal_voting from mid-July.

As required by the Local Government Act 1993, Council’s General Manager must prepare and certify the non-residential roll and the NSW Electoral Commissioner must confirm that those on the lists are able to be enrolled on the non-residential roll.

It’s Time For Your Business To Shine

July 14, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

The Boscars – Forbes Business Awards are on again and it’s time
to consider your businesses entries. Entry in these awards give
you the opportunity to promote excellence in your business to your
customers, staff, suppliers and the wider community. It also provides
a forum for recognition of outstanding staff.

Take the time now to have a look at the award categories and
consider which might be a good fit for you. Seek input from key
staff and sell your story. Don’t be shy about your achievements.
The awards entry period will be during the month of August.
An information night will be held soon to provide guidance with
the awards entry process. Visit forbesbusinesschamber.com.au/
boscars for more information or email forbes.businesschambernsw@
gmail.com.

Forbes 14s

July 14, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes 14 years representative team played in division 3. Eight of the ten players were members of the 13 years representative team that finished third in division 4 in 2015, which resulted in them being elevated to division 3 for the 2016 championships.

We started well with a 21 – 14 loss against eventual winners, Nambucca Valley, followed by a 17 – 9 win against Wollondilly. The last three games of the day were tough, but the girls never gave up and stayed competitive.
Day two showed mixed results, with wins over Tamworth and Griffith, and although going down to both South Canberra and Eurobodalla, we equalled their second half scores, showing that we had to work on the intensity of our game from the first centre pass.

Day three was a good day for the team, and although we didn’t record a win, we stayed competitive. Forbes 14 year representative team displayed great sportsmanship, determination and fair play and were a credit to themselves, their families and Forbes Netball Association. The girls and I would like to thank the parents for their support and assistance at carnivals and at State Age, making sure there was someone to score every game, keep water bottles filled and organise food for us after each game.

The team was selected in March, and has been training twice a week since selection, attending training carnivals, and playing in the open division of the local Saturday competition. These girls have also stepped up as role models to the younger players in the association by coaching a younger team, or umpiring the junior games.

By Robyn Kenny and Lyn Ford

Recycle For Sight Program A Big Success

July 14, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

A total of 403 pairs of spectacles were collected in the Recycle for Sight program run by the Forbes and District Lions Club. The program was run in both the Forbes and Parkes communities. OPSM and Parkes Optical Services in Parkes, and Phillip Wells Optometrists and Eyeware Plus in Forbes acted as drop off points for the program.

It was the fourth time the Lions Club has successfully run the program for the collection of used spectacles and sunglasses. These spectacles will be forwarded to a centre in Brisbane where they will be cleaned, graded and forwarded for use in the Lions Eye Projects in developing nations. Lions would like to thank all those who contributed used spectacles and thank you to the local optometrists who acted as collection points for the project.

Record Prices Recorded In Livestock Markets

July 7, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Rain rain and more rain. Well yet another exiting month in the livestock
markets with some record prices being experienced.
The month of June has seen some more significant rises in both
sheep and cattle markets and this has all came down to the supply
and demand factor.
On the sheep and lamb front we are seeing dwindling supply and
drastic decreases in quality which, in turn, is seeing the prime condition
livestock attract premium prices.
This week we have seen the first of the new season 2nd X suckers
enter the market and attract strong competition and receiving up to
$160 or $6.50 to $6.80c/kg. We are still seeing very strong prices
and competition in the heavy domestic and export categories with
prices still in the mid to late 600c/kg mark.
We are starting to see secondary lambs get discounted and I believe
this will become more apparent over the next month. The mutton
market over the last month has firmed to sit around the 400c/kg
mark and should stay at these prices for the coming weeks.
On the cattle front we are seeing a record high Eastern Young Cattle
Indicator (EYCI) sitting currently at $6.59c/kg. How strong can it
get? Your guess is as good as mine.
Over the last month we have seen some very good grain fed cattle
enter the market and return some massive prices up to $3.50c/kg
and head returns of up to $2200. Feeder and restocker cattle are
reaching new levels again with restocking steers up to $4.10c/kg
and heavy feeder steers up to $3.75.
The cow market has been very sporadic with prices easing this
week. The best of our cows made up to $2.60c/kg back from $2.80c/
kg the week prior.
The next month will be an exciting one for all produces, agents and
processors trying to juggle these markets.
For any other information on markets don’t hesitate to call.
By Adam Chudleigh

Our Bloke – Ned Hamilton

July 7, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Ned Hamilton

How long have you lived in Forbes? I have been living in and out of Forbes for the past 14 years.

Where do you work? Ian Simpson & Co.

What do you enjoy most about your job? I love keeping in touch with agriculture and rural regions. I also enjoy it being a peoples job and not riddled with bureaucracy.

What do you do in your spare time?
The aviation industry is a big favourite of mine. I find flying a great release and take every opportunity I get to add to my 700 hours I have on my current Cessna plane.

How do you like your coffee? Flat white in a cup, not too hot and lots of it.

What makes your day? Positive people whose glass is half full. On a professional level seeing a buyer and seller both happy with the outcome.

If you could go on holiday anywhere in the world where would you go? Me, my airplane and anyone who wants to come to central Australia. You see what an amazing country we live in from up there: Lake Eyre, Uluru and the intricate inland river system are my favourites.

New GM Cares For The Community

July 7, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

“I am very pleased to be here, people have been marvellous and the staff have been so welcoming.” This is what Danny Green, newly appointed General Manager at the Forbes Shire Council had to say on his second day in the office on Tuesday.

Danny said he was keen to make the move to Forbes from the Gloucester Shire Council where he has been General Manager since 2012. “I see this job as a new challenge as I will be working in a bigger and better resourced environment.”

For Danny, who strongly believes in the power of the community, the most rewarding part of his role would be to achieve something for the community. “That kind of achievement gives me a good vibe, and it brings immediate results for the Council.” That is why his immediate plans are to start meeting the staff, as well as key stakeholders in the community “to see how we can support what others do”.

With his experience at various Councils in NSW and Tasmania and qualifications, Danny brings a holistic management style to include financial and business skills, people relations and community involvement. “In my last few positions in a general manager role, one of my strengths has been working with people. I really enjoy it.”

With a strong background in doing volunteer work, Danny cannot stress enough the importance of supporting the community, as it is the backbone of any small town. Looking to the future Danny sees Forbes as a very sustainable community with good education levels that will continue to grow with lots of opportunities at its doorstep, such as the inland rail project, the livestock facility and its ideal location for new developments.

When he is not in the office, Danny looks forward to spending time with his wife Kerrie walking around the lake, playing tennis and reading. Kerrie is also an avid volunteer in the community and is looking forward to getting involved in new ventures in Forbes.

They have four adult children. Danny was appointed by unanimous decision after a comprehensive recruitment process. “We are very lucky to have appointed someone as experienced and well qualified as Danny,” said Mayor Phyllis Miller.

Question of the Week?

July 7, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

What do you think of the election’s inconclusive result at the moment?

Jodie Dunn: I think it’s exciting as I dislike the Coalition. The situation at the moment is giving the Coalition a run for their money.

Anita Pout: I guess either way the politicians are not going to do what they promised. Whatever the result, it is not going to change anything really.

Talesha Dunn: I voted, but I felt very confused who to vote for. I think we need a Barack Obama personality in Australia to make us all happy.

Snippets…

July 7, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Business Chamber: The very first Quarterly Networking Event held by the Forbes Business Chamber will take place on 21st July at 6:30pm at the Forbes Sport and Recreation Club with guest speaker Andrew Rawsthorne. As Andrew is the Grants Officer at the Forbes Shire Council, this is an ideal information night for businesses interested in seeking information on grants, or if you are a business person helping a voluntary organisation seeking a grant.

Andrew will talk about his position and how he can help business members with grants application processes. He will also indicate which grants are currently open and highlight the ones that have been successful in the past 12 months. The Chamber aims to alternate this quarterly event between a breakfast and dinner venue. If you would like to attend please RSVP to Jill Ann on 0407 380 936 or email forbes.businesschambernsw@gmail.com.

Forbes Business Chamber AGM: The 21st July is also the date for the Forbes Business Chamber AGM at 6:00pm at the Forbes Sport and Recreation Club. “We have a great committee but still need input and enthusiasm. Please have a think about joining the committee. 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 limited for time, come on board and join us,” said Stuart Thomas, President of the Forbes Business Chamber.

Forbes Widows Support Group: Our motto is: Life is precious – handle with care. We met for our monthly Luncheon last Tuesday and had a wonderful time together. Lyn Ward read our quote “Give willingly, care graciously, live a full life, love one another and be confident in who you are.” by Lynne Kooij. We welcomed our newest lady Molly Neilsen. We hope that
Molly will continue to enjoy our company. The ladies are looking forward to future activities which include attending the Orange Male Voice Choir on 31st July at the Forbes Town Hall, a planned Paper Craft Creations Afternoon on 17th August at the Forbes Services Memorial Club and our July Luncheon on 26th July. Please contact Maria on 6851 2716 for further details and/or transport.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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