Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Small Charity Doing Big Things For Forbes

May 27, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

COMMUNITY CHARITY… Community donations, like this load of firewood donated by Chris Lavender (right) as a raffle prize for a Can Assist Golf Day, are vital to the charity to enable them to continue to provide assistance to people undergoing treatment for cancer. Chris is with Forbes Can Assist President John Schrader.

Each year, scores of cancer patients from Forbes and surrounding townships receive support from the amazing volunteers at Can Assist Forbes, the cancer support network that does incredible things.

Can Assist Forbes recently became the 39th branch to receive vital funds to help keep local cancer patients’ cars on the road since the partnership between Can Assist and greenslips.com.au was established three years ago. The donation comes at a critical time after fundraising was stymied by the pandemic.

This means Can Assist will expand its practical and financial support to cancer patients from fuel vouchers, pharmaceuticals, medical expenses, food vouchers, accommodation to now include CTP green slips insurance. President John Schrader, a cancer survivor, said the donation would be well used. “The only way to get to treatment is by vehicle as we don’t have public transport. Most cancer treatment is in Orange, Parkes or further afield, while PET scans must be done in Sydney.”

Can Assist Forbes Treasurer Maureen Field said: “People rely on their cars to travel to and from treatment. Using your own car gives you freedom of movement for the many and various medical appointments. We estimate we’ll spend around $11,000 on clients’ travel expenses this year.”

The greenslips.com.au donation comes at a time when Can Assist Forbes is helping an increasing number of cancer patients after a lull during the pandemic. “We help up to 70 clients, some need a lot of assistance, while others don’t need as much. And we have some clients we’ve been helping for many years,” said Maureen.

The support goes beyond financial help. “We have delivered firewood, moved furniture, and helped with patient transport. We are open to whatever assistance the patient needs and wants – but mostly it’s financial assistance,” said John.

What sets Can Assist apart from other charities is that all money raised locally stays local to help local cancer patients. The branch is funded entirely by local donations, local fundraising events, and corporate support such as greenslips.com.au, a CTP green slip insurance price comparison and information website that does not sell green slips. “We don’t cut people off, we help them. It gets really tough, especially if you’re not working or have large medical costs,” said Maureen. “You can see the relief on people’s faces when they know their bill will be paid, and $300-$400 on a green slip is a lot of money.”

GREATER AWARENESS AND SUPPORT NEEDED

John feels it’s vital that more people know about Can Assist and the support it provides. “Prior to my cancer treatment I had no awareness of Can Assist, but during my treatment I met other cancer patients and became aware of Can Assist’s great work.”

He urges local cancer patients to get in touch if they need financial support. “We are always encouraging people that if they have a cancer diagnosis to please contact us. Due to privacy laws, we need them to come to us. We need everyone to be aware of Can Assist so we can help more people in our community.”

Can Assist Forbes welcome new members and volunteers to help with the crucial work it does.

Forbes Can Assist’s John Schrader with members of the Elliot family who presented a donation to the charity. New members and volunteers are always welcome to join.

Weather Apps Help Communities Prepare For Severe Weather Events

May 27, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The Bureau of Meteorology has introduced push notifications on its BOM Weather app to provide more targeted advice to communities during severe weather.

The push notifications will include six types of weather warnings; tropical cyclone, fire weather, flood, tsunami, severe thunderstorms and severe weather.

“People can now turn on push notifications for their set location and the BOM Weather app will proactively alert them when warnings are issued for those areas,” said Decision Support Services General Manager Sandy Whight.

“Once installed and enabled, a notification will appear on the person’s device’s lock screen whenever a warning is issued that is relevant to your set location, and they can also select which type of notifications they would like to receive.

“We encourage everyone to stay up to date with our current warnings and forecasts, especially throughout severe weather seasons, and this new function will make it even easier to access simple weather information at their fingertips.”

The apps needs to be updated or the latest version installed for the push notifications feature to work.

The BOM Weather app provides Australia’s most trusted weather information directly from the source.

Eternity

May 27, 2022 by Linda Clark

Have you seen the word ‘Eternity’ on your walks around Forbes lately?

Dear Editor,

I am relatively new to town and have recently been enjoying walking with my daughter and grandchildren around Forbes and nearby towns. On some of our meanderings of late, we have been pleasantly surprised to come across the word, ‘Eternity’ written on the back of street signs and on the footpaths. We wondered if it might be a prevue to some coming church event or is it just someone reinventing the work of Arthur Stace of long ago?

I thought to write and ask you to post this question in the hope someone might know. It has certainly given my family and I a smile on more than one occasion and we love the hunting game it has begun. I have put together a few verses so that others might enjoy the hunt while stepping out and about in this fabulous area.

ETERNITY

Can you see ‘Eternity’ written on the ground

in the dust or up there in chalk, waiting to be found?

Could it be Arthur’s ghost back to prompt our thought?

Or just some clever, mysterious soul that I hope is NEVER caught?

Either way, we need such hope as happiness we lack,

the Black Dog is not alone, he now travels in a pack!

What we need is a little game to bring us all out in the sun,

a hunt for a word that means so much, hooray on with the fun!

If by chance you find out who is spreading joy with chalk,

keep it to yourself, don’t spoil the game and end it all with talk!

So, as you wonder on your way about this wonderful place,

lift your heart and caste your eye, for the word of Mr. Stace.

Linda Clark

Mayoral Notes

May 27, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

It has been a busy week fulfilling executive roles for National Parks and the Country Mayor’s Association, and making sure our voice was heard at the Central NSW Joint Council’s Organisation.

It is vitally important for Forbes Shire Council to be a part of these larger regional and state executive bodies to keep us connected and up to date.

Our roads, particularly our unsealed roads, are really impacted at the moment with all this rain and water over roads. Our unsealed roads have suffered substantial and ongoing damage due to heavy rain.

Council staff are working with community to identify, report and repair these roads as much as we can. Please bear with us as it is a huge job.

Roads are a major and expensive asset within Council and it is a job almost 365 days of the year maintaining them.

Drivers are reminded to not drive around roads closed signs, it is for your own safety, it is in fact an offence and can cause further damage to roads and put back our works program even more.

Council’s CBD Masterplan implementation continues with a preliminary fitting conducted on Saturday for the pergolas in Templar Street, so watch for the signs – no roads will be closed. The posts will be sent for powder coating before the final installation.

The CBD Masterplan aims to improve, beautify and revitalize the Forbes CBD and integrates connectivity, tourism, art and culture.

Your Mayor
Phyllis Miller

AFL

May 20, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The Orange/Forbes under 12s and 14s stormed home to record two strong wins on Saturday versus Dubbo at the South Dubbo Oval.

The Swamp Tigers under 12s are now 2-1, while the 14’s are 3-0 after defeating Dubbo and banking a third consecutive win.

The Swamp Tigers under 14s were the best team for most of the game. The 14s kicked away in the third and fourth quarters to put the game to bed and take the win 12.10 (82) to 4.3 (27).

Seven days after being stunned by a depleted Bathurst Giants outfit in a fourth-quarter onslaught that saw the Giants record a come-from-behind victory, the Orange/Forbes under 12s produced a determined and controlled response and took the win 10.14 (74) to 3.1 (19).

Croquet

May 20, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

We had 24 for Aussie Croquet on a dampish morning last Saturday. There were three winners of three games: Robin Pols, John Browne and John Farah.

There was 27 for Golf Croquet on Tuesday, a pleasant morning with four players managing three games: John Browne, Bruce Field, Kevin Rubie and Geoff Coles.

Forbes Squash Co-Hosts Successful State Tournament

May 20, 2022 by Dennis Haynes

SQUASH ACTION… Pat Cormie takes the shot with Cameron Toole looking on during a match played at the Dave Fuller Memorial Intertown event held in Forbes and Parkes last weekend attracting 180 players from all over the state.

Forbes and Parkes Squash Clubs held a highly successful state tournament last weekend with almost 180 players competing in 326 matches over two days.

It was the second year in a row the Dave Fuller Memorial Intertown event was held in Forbes and Parkes largely due to the efforts of organisers Jay Kross and Darryn Piper.

A total of 40 teams from 15 NSW clubs competed in grades from A to D, women’s, men’s and juniors. A total of 184 matches were played on Saturday alone making for a full program of highly entertaining squash action at both the Forbes and Parkes centres.

Considering the less than ideal travelling conditions, organisers were stoked with the roll up and enthusiasm displayed by the competitors. Squash is usually a sport not overly affected by inclement weather so all events were well organised and ran smoothly. Visitors were well pleased with the venues, accommodation and all local facilities.

Talented local players like Darryn Piper, Jay and Henry Kross, Bec Connell and the Webb Brothers Mark and Scott kept the home crowd cheering. Great work by Graham Coombs at Forbes with the score sheets, squash shop and more. It was greatly appreciated by all.

The results for the graded divisions held at Forbes on Sunday were: Women’s A/B semis: Dapto v Cowra and Bathurst v Dubbo/Parkes-comb, winners Dapto v Dubbo/Parkes-comb, finals winner: Dubbo/Parkes-comb. Women’s C/D finals: Condo v Cowra team 2, winners Cowra team 2. Men’s C semis: Condo v Forbes and Springwood v Parkes, winners: Condo v Parkes. finals winner: Condo; Men’s D semis: Parkes v Cowra and Springwood v Forbes; winners: Parkes v Forbes, finals winner: Parkes.

The event was held in honour of the late Dave Fuller from Bathurst who ran the event successfully for close to 40 years.

By Dennis Haynes

Giant Effort To Stage ‘Big The Musical’

May 20, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Drew Barter and Grace Powley from Forbes have semi-lead roles in the Parkes M & D production of Big the Musical. Grace plays Billie Kopecki, the main character, Josh Baskin’s best friend, and Drew plays Josh as a child.

Local theatre returned to Parkes in a ‘big’ way last weekend after another year of lockdowns, interruptions and postponements.

With a cast and crew of 50 the Parkes Musical and Dramatic Society’s production of Big the Musical once again highlights the abundance of talent in the Central West community putting on a fun-filled musical for all the family full of high-energy songs and dancing. Forbes is well represented with two cast members in semi-lead roles and more in the ensemble.

“It’s been such a long time coming, all of us so glad to be back in the theatre,” said Lisa Ramsay as director of her third musical with the M & D.

The production required a good dose of perseverance from Lisa as it had to be postponed twice, there were long breaks between rehearsals over the festive period and the April holiday and Elvis Festival, while managing changes in roles, finding new supporting crew members for choreography and set construction and coping with cast members getting COVID during the concluding weeks of rehearsals.

The final result sees the Overture star from Grenfell, Henry Best in a huge lead role as Josh Baskin. Based on the 1987 smash-hit film with Tom Hanks, Josh is a frustrated adolescent who magically becomes an adult, and discovers that life is not simply child’s play.

The other lead roles are played by Jess Morgan as Susan, Kate Walsh and Hannah Connell, with new comer Blake Martin and Forbes locals Grace Powley and Drew Barter in semi-lead roles. Grace plays Billie Kopecki, the main character’s best friend, and Drew plays Josh as a child.

The musical includes the iconic floor piano dancing scene from the movie, and thanks to the ingenuity of two locals, Steve McGrath and Dave McCrae, the Parkes production has a giant floor piano too. “Our piano has three octaves and all the keys light up when you stand on them,” said Lisa of one of the biggest challenges of the set production.

Whether you want to support local talent, or see the floor piano, make sure to get your tickets online for the shows this weekend and next, or buy tickets at the box office at the Little Theatre on Sundays from 10am to 12pm. NSW Discovery and Family Vouchers are accepted.

The iconic floor piano dancing scene in Big performed by Kate Walsh, owner of the toy store, and Henry Best in the lead role as Josh Baskin.

Hot Air Balloon Ride Lifts Spirits Sky High

May 20, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

FLIGHT OF JOY…Tuesday, 17th May will forever remain in the memories of five Jemalong Residential Village residents and three staff members after their exceptional experience of flying in a hot air balloon over Canowindra. The group dressed in matching Hawaiian shirts are (L-R) Dianne Golding, Nancy Dixon, Sharyl Welsh, Cathy Slessor, Helen Brown, Judy Prior, Eleanor Lewin and Sally Spence.

Fantabulous, amazing, surreal, marvellous, awesome, beautiful…

The excitement was palpable as five Jemalong Residential Village residents and three staff members landed back on Mother earth after a 50-minute hot air balloon flight over Canowindra on Tuesday morning.

Their smiles stretched from ear to ear and words of wonder and amazement flowed freely after this once-in-a lifetime experience literally lifted their spirits after many months of COVID lockdowns and loneliness.

“It was such a positive experience for our residents and it was so peaceful and quiet up there,” said Cathy Slessor, Lifestyle Coordinator at Jemalong Residential Village, and one of the three staff members who went on the flight.

“Although it was a very early start for the group leaving Forbes at 4:30am, they were all very excited dressed in matching green Hawaiian shirts to raise awareness for mental health,” said Cathy.

“It was a perfect morning with clear skies and we saw so many kangaroos. The pilot even landed on a tree and picked a gum leaf for us. It was really special.”

The opportunity came about through Catholic Healthcare’s MyWish program which grants residents their special wish. “We asked the residents what they wanted to do, and one suggested a hot air balloon ride.” The five residents who put up their hands ranged in age from 78 to 82.

“The MyWish program is about promoting and valuing life at any age and providing residents with the opportunity to enjoy an exceptional experience,” said Daniel Stanton, Senior Communications Specialist, Catholic Healthcare.

Cathy said it was just wonderful to have been able to offer such a positive experience to residents.

The day ended on a perfect note with a champagne breakfast at Montrose House before they returned to Forbes where many recollections are sure to be told for a while to come.

Snippets…

May 20, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Lake Forbes has filled up considerably after almost 60mm of rain over the past week bringing the total for May to almost 70mm, which is more than double the average rainfall for the month.

Vote Tomorrow: The Federal Election is tomorrow, 21st May and voting takes place from 8am to 5pm at the following venues in the Forbes Shire: Forbes High School, Forbes Town Hall, Forbes Tennis Club and Bedgerabong Public School. COVID-19 safety measures will be in place at polling stations. Remember voting is compulsory for Australian citizens aged 18 years and over. For more information visit aec.gov.au

Australia’s Longest Road Tunnel: The NSW Government has confirmed the 11-kilometre toll-free tunnel from Blackheath to Little Hartley in the Blue Mountains as the preferred option following an in-depth feasibility analysis and extensive investigation process, making it the country’s longest road tunnel. “This is a history-making legacy project that will deliver safer and more efficient journeys for locals, tourists and freight travelling between the Central West and the East Coast,” said Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole. The tunnel design features dual carriageways for both eastbound and westbound motorists in separate twin tunnels and a gentler gradient to cut travel times predicted to save motorists up to 30 minutes between Katoomba and Lithgow during busy periods.

Pelicans Take Flight: More than 25,000 pelicans will take flight following two large pelican breeding events in inland NSW. Pelican nests have been counted at Lake Brewster in the Lachlan Valley and Kieeta Lake in the Murrumbidgee Valley. Pelicans at both sites are part of a leg-banding research project by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment and University of NSW to track how far the birds travel and if they return to breed at the site. Banded pelican sightings can be reported via peli.bands@environment.nsw.gov.au.

Seniors Travel Card Very Popular: Less than four months after applications opened for the third year of the NSW Regional Seniors Travel Card, more than 300,000 people are on board. Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the program, which gave recipients a $250 prepaid Visa card to use on fuel, taxis, pre-booked NSW TrainLink Regional trains and coaches, and select community transport services, had received a record customer satisfaction rating of nearly 100%. Fuel continues to be the most popular purchase on the card, followed by taxi trips and then train and bus fares. Eligible seniors have until 30 November 2022 to apply for this year’s card. More information at: service.nsw.gov.au/regionalseniorstravel.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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