Wednesday morning was huge for the Forbes Public School when they hosted the drivers of the 100 cars in the 30th Variety NSW Bash for breakfast. The event was open to members of the public to view the themed cars. (Photo credit: Forbes Public School)
How long have you lived in or around Forbes and what do you like about living here? I arrived in December 2011 from Queensland, aiming to get closer to my family in Canberra. I was attracted to Forbes by the rural life style, the open scenery and the friendly atmosphere. The friendliness of the people makes it a good place to live.
Where do you work and what do you enjoy most about where you work? I am now retired but used to work for the Forestry Corporation. It took me all over the countryside and into some amazing rural landscapes. Since retirement I spend far too much time at the golf course, or so my wife thinks.
What do you do to unwind on weekends? Weekends are usually golf orientated, although the recent addition of a granddaughter to our family and the re-location of our sons closer to us means more family time.
What are you really good at? Perhaps, making a nuisance of myself to my friends? No, I enjoy volunteer work and try to help out as much as possible.
What makes you laugh the most? A good joke told amongst family and friend groups.
What’s on your bucket list? Travel to Greece, and to St Andrews Golf Course in Scotland. And finally do an Aussie desert trip with my two sons.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself….My paternal heritage is Greek. When my paternal grandfather arrived in Australia, he changed his surname to the current form so there are only 15 of us worldwide with our surname!
If money was no object, what would you do with your time? Take my wife travelling, help the kids with their lifestyles, make our own life more comfortable, and assist the struggling sporting clubs around town.
The annual Men’s Open events saw 81 players in the 4BBB Stableford on Saturday, while the main 18-hole stroke open on Sunday had a good field of 116 players.
The Sunday Open produced very competitive scores despite the wet conditions. The A-Grade Scratch was won by Kurt Cusack (Wellington) with 72, while the A-Grade Handicap was won by Mike Wood Jnr (Dubbo) with 70 nett.
The B-Grade winners were: scratch – Anthony Alley (86) and handicap – Mike Gaffney (Griffith) with 74 nett on count back.
The C-grade winners were: scratch – Keith McCullock (Riverside) on 100 and handicap – Josh Wood (Dubbo) with 77nett on count back.
The veterans handicap winner was Peter Bristol (Parkes) with 71 nett, the junior handicap winner was Lachlan Alley (Forbes) on 85 nett, and the visitor winner was Stuart Hayes (Murrumbidgee) with 73 nett on count back. The ball sweep went to 77 nett.
Players braved wet conditions from above and underfoot on Saturday for the 4BBB Stableford. The scratch winners were J Betland & P Dawson (Forbes) with 40 pts, on count back from runners-up S Betland & J Bernardi (Forbes). The handicap winners were Jock Coupland & Tom Stuckey (Condo) with 46 pts. The handicap runners-up were Jack Dobell and Dave Tildsley (Forbes) on 45 pts.
The ball sweep went to 40 pts. The NTPs went to: 9th – Brett Thomas; 18th – Dave Mylecharane. The 3rd hole SuperPin went to Nicole Death.
This weekend we have an 18-hole stroke, sponsored by B&C Autos, with the West Wyalong Open on Sunday, and a Stableford Medley at home.
By Short Putt
Brett Sale is the new cadet reporter at The Forbes Phoenix.
Brett Sale has joined The Forbes Phoenix as a cadet reporter to cover all the local news in and around Forbes.
Born and raised in Port Arthur in Tasmania, Brett is new to the Central West having only moved here in January this year from Sydney’s hustle and bustle. It was a move not only to be closer to family and friends, but also to buy a home and start a family.
Before taking on the challenges of journalism, he said his best job was being a butcher for four years. “I enjoyed this to no end. It taught me not only a trade but a fine culinary style of cooking, which is popular at home and amongst friends.”
The exciting aspects of being a journalist was what lured him into making a career change. “I have a thirst for information, and I’m able to strike up conversations with anyone. I also like to immerse myself in the details, I’m curious and know to ask the right questions to ensure accuracy in my stories.”
He sees his new role as a great opportunity to grow and develop relationships with the local community. “Finding a job you love is age-old advice. Confucius probably has the best long-standing quote: “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.”
When Brett is not occupying himself with journalism, he enjoys fly fishing and spending time in the outdoors. “I love to keep up with the local music scene and stay up to date with technology and world news.”
Over the past few months he has learned to love Forbes for its picturesque, clean image. “Whether it be our magnificent heritage, abundant birdlife, or the myriad of sculptures, there’s so much to see and do.” He enjoys taking the boat out at the ski dam, fishing on the Lachlan River, relaxing at Lake Forbes, or exploring the town centre and the new digital heritage trail.
Two of the Forbes Netball Association teams that took part in the Orange Carnival last weekend: 14 year reps and 17u
reps.
Three teams represented Forbes Netball Association at a regional carnival last weekend in Orange. Rain hampered the day, with showers on and off during the games.
The 17s started the day with two new players, Sienna and Kiesha, who fitted perfectly into the team. They played six games and all combinations were tested against strong opposition from Cobar, Orange, Blayney, Lithgow and Parkes.
The 14s played eight games that tested their fitness, but they pushed through to some good results. After a win against Cobar, and a draw with Parkes, the girls played their best game of the day against Griffith.
The 12s Development team improved immensely throughout the day and had a wonderful conclusion to the carnival with an intense 6-10 loss against Parkes.
Forbes Shire Council is again calling for nominations of community representatives to apply for positions on Section 355 committees of Council.
We are specifically looking for transport operators, local and regional, for the saleyards committee and food and accommodation operators for the tourism and events committee.
Community membership of these committees is very important for Forbes Shire Council so feedback and suggestions are heard loud and clear.
These committees consist of community volunteers, industry representatives and Councillors and provide advice to Council as well as assist in enhancing outcomes for the community.
You can find out more on our Forbes Shire Council website or by calling into our administration office for a nomination form.
Our tradies have spoken and we have listened, our Build Your Home Expo has been rescheduled and will be held on Wednesday, 17th August. Council is hosting this expo to connect builders, construction and associated trades with the community. If you are a tradie make sure you book your space and if you are planning to build or renovate, we invite you to come along. Council staff will also be on hand to discuss planning and compliance requirements.
Are you new to Forbes? Come along tonight for another Welcome to Forbes event. Bring your whole family and meet other newbies, community groups and Councillors in a relaxed atmosphere at the Forbes Historical Museum in Spring Street from 5:30pm for 6pm. We look forward to welcoming you to our amazing town!
Volunteering at St Vincent De Paul Op Shop this week were Anne Redfern and Val Maunder.
This week is National Volunteer Week and a chance for all of us to celebrate and recognise the vital work of volunteers and to say thank you.
Volunteering brings people together; it builds communities and creates a better society for everyone. Together, through volunteering, we are changing communities for the better. We are, Better Together.
There are plenty of volunteers helping the make the Forbes community better for everyone, and we would like to say thank you to all of them.
Volunteers at the Salvation Army in Forbes are (L-R) Joanne Sharrock, Mary Elliot and Ian Hacret.
MOWER MAN… Davide Teale from Forbes raced at the 2022 All Australian Ride-on Mower Racing Championship in Forbes on the weekend and claimed third place.(Photo credit: Nic Pic NSW)
The world of ride-on lawn mower racing zoomed in on Forbes last weekend for the largest event in the sports history when close to 100 drivers competed in the 2022 All Australian Ride-on Mower Racing Championship.
Forbes local David Teale kept the home crowd happy at the Forbes Autosports Club claiming third spot in the A class category.
Two other Forbes locals competed with Clint McDonald qualifying in 9th place for the B Class finals, while Craig Bratton unfortunately had some mechanical issues missing a few heats but still managed to qualify 11th for the A Class.
Australia’s best riders came from 11 clubs in Queensland, NSW, Victoria and South Australia to compete in seven classes from A to E and the Outlaws, the top grade. Each of the grades had eight rounds with the final races on Sunday afternoon with competitors aged from nine to 72 years.
Australian Ride-on Lawn Mower Association president Dianne Milsteed said the sport had come a long way and there was a sense of family that came with the sport as it was somewhat of a “niche event at the moment”.
“In reality when people can see what these somewhat simple machines can do they are blown away.” Some racing track designs limit the drivers to 50kph, but at the Forbes race track the souped-up modified mowers were able to go over 100kph making the event a cut above the rest.
Dianne credited David Teale and Craig Bratton for their hard work leading up to the event in Forbes and for the success it’s been.
By Brett Sale
This weekend sees the Forbes Polo Tournament, the flagship event of the year, at Jemalong Station, Lachlan Valley Way Forbes. Everyone is welcome with free gate entry, and food and drinks available for purchase. Come for both days or come Sunday for a day out for the finals and Fashions on the Field. Enquiries: Megan Rogers 0427 459 891. For updates check Facebook@forbespolo.
The Forbes Netball Association 2022 Open team back row (L-R) Georgia Cole, Fiona Howarth, Iesha Sinclair, Laura Scott, Lily Boyd and Robyn Kenny (coach). Front row (L-R) Piper Hanrahan, Hannah Stanmore, Leah Byrnes (VC), Brianna Duncan (VC), Kaylar Emery. (Absent Tasha Shaw (C) and Eb Colvin (COVID))
The Forbes Netball Open representative team came second in the West/Central West Regional League competition in Division 2. The team had seven players who also play in the 17U representative team, making it one of the youngest teams entering the open competition.
Players Player for Day 1 was shared by Leah Byrnes and Hannah Stanmore. On Day 2 the play off for 2nd and 3rd was between Forbes and Lithgow with a very determined Forbes team. All players took the court, and recorded a great win over Lithgow, winning every quarter with the final score 46-25 to Forbes.Goal attack Brianna Duncan, and shooters Laura Scott and Piper Hanrahan netted some great goals, with the experience of centre courts Fiona Howarth and Iesha Sinclair showing through. Players player for day 2 was goal keeper Lily Boyd.
This competition was a great learning experience for the players, who were capably led by their older team mates in all areas on the court. All players displayed outstanding sportsmanship on and off the court, showing the FNA fighting spirit of never giving up every time they took the court. Second place in Division 2 was a just reward for the team, who improved with every game throughout the competition.