Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Fundraiser for Rural Fire Service

January 14, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Once again, Bunnings will be raising much needed funds for local volunteer fire brigades and emergency services through their annual Aussie Day Weekend Fundraiser BBQ, held at all stores on Saturday 23 January 2016.

Forbes residents are invited to celebrate Australia Day and support the Rural Fire Service (RFS) by heading down to Bunnings Forbes between 9am-4pm, to buy a snag or make a donation. Team members will be running sausage sizzles with support from fire brigade volunteers, with every cent raised going directly to support the RFS. NSW Rural Fire Service, Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons, said he is thrilled that Bunnings is continuing to support local volunteer fire brigades and emergency services through this great initiative.

“Every day our 74,000 members are working to help protect the community from bush fires, and this Australia Day will be no different. I’d like to thank Bunnings and their customers for supporting our volunteers in their important work. “As summer continues, I urge everyone to be prepared for fires. It is not only important for everyone who lives in a bush fire prone area to prepare their home, but also to have a discussion with their family about what they do if a bush fire took hold near you,” said Shane.

Bunnings Forbes Store Manager, John Ilchef, said the Aussie Day Weekend Fundraiser BBQ is a terrific way for team members and all Australians to show their appreciation for the wonderful work done by local volunteer fire brigades and emergency services. “The team is really excited to get behind the barbecue to help raise vital funds for our local RFS,” said John. Family activities, fun games and entertainment will also be held throughout the day.

Stork News

January 14, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Stork News: Congratulations to Melissa and Stephen West of Forbes on the birth of their daughter Madison West. Madison was born on 17 December 2015 weighing 3.67kg. Grandparents are Neil and Leanne Parslow, and Graham and Cynthia West of Forbes. Great Grandparents are Patricia Splite, June West and Olga Tilley of Forbes.

Forbes Cinema Proves Popular With Locals

January 14, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Since opening on Boxing Day, the new Cinema located in the Forbes Services Memorial Club, has been a popular attraction for members and guests. The Cinema was a collective idea instigated by club manager, David Fitzgerald and the Board or Directors. Their vision was to fill a void which they saw in the town and provide a great source of entertainment for the community to enjoy.

The cinema seats 37 at present and many of the sessions have been a sell out since its opening, especially popular movies such as The Good Dinosaur and The Dressmaker. Alvin and the Chipmunks commences its season this week and is sure to be popular with families. The club is offering six sessions per day with movies commencing at 11.00am daily. Movie reviews, program and timetables are available from the club or via the Forbes Services Memorial Club Facebook page.

Tickets are $12 for members and $16.50 for non-members and there are great family deals available as well. Due to the cinema being in a licenced premises all children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Tickets are available for purchase 1 hour before screening time and bookings are not yet available but staff are working towards an online booking system which will be operational in the near future. Food and beverages, purchased in the club can be taken into the cinema but alcohol is not permitted at G or PG rated movies.

Australia Day Celebrations

January 14, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Australia Day is fast approaching and plans are almost finalised. Council is accepting nominations for Citizen of the Year and Junior Citizen of the Year. Australia Day festivities start at 7am with the traditional Rotary Breakfast at Apex Park. The Diggers Family Swim commences at 11am at Forbes Town Pool. The afternoon program begins at 4pm at Colin McKenzie Park. Included in the activities is the CWA Damper Competition, the Ben Hall Gift and
the official ceremony with the announcement of the Citizen of the Year awards.

The Local Stock Markets

January 14, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

With the second week back of sales at the Forbes Livestock Centre, cattle saw strong competition with good enquiry from feed lots, especially Northern and Queensland based operators. There were 1557 cattle yarded and feeder steer prices were 10 to 15c a kilo dearer and heifer yearlings also improved by up to 15c. Prime yearling steers were 3 to 4c better but cows eased 3 to 4c. It is expected cattle prices will rise as a result of the record breaking rains in
Queensland which has resulted in many areas receiving their first decent rainfall in years.

On Tuesday 33512 sheep were yarded including 24840 lambs, with lamb quality high again. All the usual buyers were competing and the market for all lambs remained fully firm and $2 to $3 dearer for the heavier better finished lambs. There were 8672 grown sheep yarded and prices for medium and heavy sheep were $8 to $12 dearer, with lighter grades $5 to $7 better compared to last week’s sale.

Red Bend Has Much to Celebrate

December 17, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

The Red Bend Catholic College HSC class of 2015 has much to celebrate as they have achieved exceptional results. The College community is once again extremely proud of its students and their achievement in this rigorous and highly regarded examination. Twelve students have been recognised as Distinguished Achievers as they achieved
22 Band 6s across 14 separate courses. A band 6 is equivalent to a mark in a course that is above 90.

Fifty two students achieved Band 5s across 27 courses. In total, the cohort received 150 Band 5s which is equivalent to a mark between 80 and 90. This is, of itself, an exceptional outcome. Another indicator of very solid performance was the number of Band 4’s: 165 Band 4’s across 27 subjects. A Band 4 is a mark of 70 or above. In addition to these results one student has been recognised for her excellent HSC Major work. Quinn Anderson was nominated for Encore which showcases the top individual Music performances.

The 2015 excellent HSC results reflect the determination, perseverance and commitment of the students, and the dedication and commitment of the teachers and other staff that taught and supported them.

IPART is a Joke!

December 17, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller is disgruntled at the recently released Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) rate peg limit for 2016/17 at 1.8%. “IPART is a joke,” Mayor Miller said. “The tribunal is as independent of the State Government as I am of Forbes Shire Council.”

“IPART has determined Council’s rate peg limit for 2016/17 at 1.8%. We have been a responsible Council and have not asked to go above the rate peg previously but maybe this is the straw that broke the camel’s back. “We have already commenced budgets for next year based on the 2015/16 rate peg of 2.4%.

“Local Government state-wide wage costs are 41.8% of the revenue. The award has been negotiated for three years at an increase of 2.4% per annum. “To put the icing on the cake, Rural Fire Service (RFS) contributions come out this
week and have increased by 3.28%. This alone puts us behind 2.2%. “IPART also needs to let Local Government get on with getting the job done for our communities,” she said.

“We are the level of government that has the biggest bang for our buck and it’s about time governments of all persuasions acknowledge it.”

Question of the Week?

December 17, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

What is your New Year’s Resolution going to be?

Steven McLean & Brenda Wright – Steven and Brenda have never made New Year’s resolutions and don’t think they will start this year. Steve is happy to take each day as it comes and Brenda is happy with her life and doesn’t think she needs to change anything.

Steph Moon – Steph always made New’s Year resolutions but never followed them through so has decided not to make one this year.

Amanda Hurford – My New Year’s Resolution this year is to make the most of every day and live life to the fullest.

Cool Down at the Big Splash Water World

December 17, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

The Big Splash Water World has arrived in the Central West for its second year of operation and Parkes Showground is the venue until Saturday before they move on to Orange on Boxing Day.

Jesse and Alicia McDonald launched the water world last summer travelling from Gunnedah to Tamworth and then on to Dubbo. This year they have begun in Parkes before moving on to Orange then to Mudgee before finishing in Muswellbrook. Their big waterslide, ‘The Triple Dipper’ is the biggest inflatable waterslide in the world measuring 180 ft. long and 55 ft. high which means it’s as tall as the tree line! The middle lane is the fastest with a straight
drop to the bottom and the two outer lanes have some turns making them a slower ride for the less adventurous.

They have 4 other slides for those not daring enough to give the Triple Dipper a go, ranging from the ‘Baby Palm Trees’ for the under five year olds to the ‘Rainbow Slide’ which has 4 lanes made for racing your friends to the bottom. Parkes is very lucky to have this opportunity, what a great way to entertain the children now they have finished the school year and the weather is heating up. Entry for spectators is free and they have amusement games, a massive shaded area to keep out of the sun and slushies and fairy floss available so everyone is sure to enjoy the day out.

Our Gal

December 17, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

Sharon Schaefer
How long have you lived in Forbes? I have lived in Forbes for 49 Years.

What do you love most about Forbes? I really like the people in the Forbes community, they are friendly and welcoming.

What are your hobbies or interests? Gardening is not only a hobby but my passion, I love being outdoors enjoying the results.

How long have you been putting up a Christmas Light display? This would be the fourth year.

Why did you choose to raise money for charity and how much have you raised? The first year we raised $1000 for House With No Steps after a family member suggested it. The second year we chose CanAssist because we knew a little girl who had cancer and now my son Josh has cancer so have continued the tradition. We have raised $13,000 in the past three years from donations made by people visiting my home to look at the Christmas Display and at an Open Garden Day we have once a year.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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