Stork News: Welcome to Jimmy Josiah Jones born Friday 25th September 2015, 3.35am, 7lb 12oz, 49cms. Nick and Jolene are proud to announce the birth of their fourth child. Little Brother to Griffin, Ruby and Ivy. Grandson of Henry and Debbie Stavleu and Trevor and June Jones all of Forbes. Great grandson of Mavis Burton.
Last Thursday played host to the 2015 Forbes Touch Association Grand Finals in what could only be described as warm but perfect playing conditions. Having had to back up from the Monday night semi-finals, all players seemed excited at the prospect of being named premiers in their respective divisions.
Mixed divisions saw five grand finals contested and having refereed division three, all teams were out to gain the upper hand very early on. In what was some very entertaining touch footy the division three grand final ended up going into extra time in a drop off scenario. BD’s scored in their first set of six and unfortunately Anytime Fitness were unable to get over the line in their corresponding attacking set and lost the game 12-11. Other mixed winners on the night were Forbes Inn Allsorts, Touch Stars, Out of Touch and CS’s.
The B grade men’s and women’s finals were fast paced, exciting and played in the spirit of the game. Kitchen’s Plus went through the regular season unbeaten and were the clear favourites going into the nights main game. To their credit, the young members of Larrikins put a great fight and made the opposition work hard for every metre on the field. Kitchen’s Plus ended up going on to win 3-1. 13 Broke girls won the women’s B grade final.
Finally in the A grade divisions our winners were again two undefeated teams in both divisions being Team X in the women’s and Orcher’s Shearing in the men’s who will go down as the 2015 champions. The ladies in the women’s final played extremely well and the standard of play in both the A and B grade finals was exceptional. With a lot of junior girls coming through I think we are looking at some quality competition in the future. Claudia Lovett was named player of the final in the A grade women’s division.
The men’s A grade final was one of the fastest games of touch I have seen in my time in Forbes. The level of skill was excellent and despite the score line blowing out the boys from Walkers Ag N Vet can walk away knowing they gave it their all. Tyson Reweti was named player of the final. I want to thank each and every player that has come along each week this season and pulled on the boots to have a run around. Our numbers continue to rise and the competition is getting harder and harder each year. To all the parents and guardians that have supported their children this year I also thank you because without this next generation we won’t have a competition.
In closing, I would also like to thank the committee for their tireless work in all areas of the competition. With the inclusion of Hannah and Jared this year, our little committee continues to strive towards making each and every week an enjoyable yet competitive season for all participants. I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and I look forward to seeing you all on the touch fields in 2016.
On Saturday 5th December the Midstate Motorcycle Club in conjunction with the Salvation Army held their annual Toy Run. The parade began at McFeeters Car Museum in Oxford Street Forbes and finished at Bunnings. Around thirty bikes with riders hailing from Forbes, Parkes, Molong, Canowindra and surrounding areas took to the streets to promote the event and provide a little
Christmas cheer to those in need. Troy Munro, from the Salvation Army, was very impressed with the generosity of the cyclists who each donated a toy or toys which will be distributed to identified families this weekend. At present numerous toys have been received which are currently filling a 4 x 4 m room to shoulder height, Mr Munro stated.
Donations are still being taken and items can be left at the Salvation Army store in Rankin Street. Northparkes Mines also support this worthy cause by sending a team of employees to assist the Salvation Army, St Vincent’s De Paul and other community organisations to sort and prepare the toys and Christmas hampers ready for delivery. Other Motorcycle clubs around the State also organise their own Toy Run in their local area and in Newcastle this year there were 3000 participants.
Troy wanted to thank the Midstate Motorcycle Club for organising the event and putting everything together and the toys will be sure to put a smile on the faces of many local children in Forbes and Parkes.
The anxious wait for 2015 Year 12 students and their teachers is finally over with the release of the Higher School Certificate results on Wednesday 16th December. Our Year 12 HSC students 2015 have produced outstanding results as a cohort with Band 6’s received across several subjects. It is not only about band 6s but about students achieving their potential and this group of students have produced ‘personal bests’ across all subject areas.
The Senior Science class performed exceptionally well with all students receiving band 5’s and 6’s. Excellent individual success was achieved in many subjects including PDHPE Senior Science, Primary Industries, Agriculture, General Mathematics, Early Childhood, Biology, Visual Arts and Industrial Technology with marks reflective of
the effort students applied and the support and dedication of their teachers. Of course the staff are all thrilled with these results which has certainly inspired drive and commitment in the Year 12 students and teachers for 2016.
Industrial Technology student, Isaac Wren along with the school, has recently been notified of his nomination for inclusion in the InTech 2016, annual exhibition of outstanding Major Design Projects developed by 2015 HSC Industrial Technology students. In addition to this his project will be part of a combined HSC Technology project display at the Powerhouse Museum from Friday 26th February until Sunday the 8th May. Isaac designed and produced an interactive first person 3D puzzle game with 7 unique and challenging levels. This is a
great achievement as only a limited number of projects are chosen for this display.
Overall staff are pleased with the student’s results throughout the year with their assessment tasks and commend them on the study and preparation they completed prior to the commencement of the HSC examinations. Year 12’s achievements and contributions were recognised and celebrated at the annual graduation assembly in September which was a time for family, friends, staff and peers to reflect upon six years of secondary education and the experiences had along the way. Year 12, 2015 also celebrated their HSC exam completion with a Graduation Dinner on the 20th November. Congratulations Year 12, 2015 on a fantastic year, we are very proud of you. For those of you who are intending to attend University the school wish you every success as you enter the next chapter of your
lives and look forward to hearing of your progress in the future.
Sam Leonard, owner/manager of Forbes Smash Repairs is extremely thrilled, albeit somewhat shocked to learn that she was selected as a finalist in the Australasian Panel and Paint Magazine, Women in Smash Repairs.
The Women in Smash Repair Awards, sponsored by NRMA Insurance, are an industry initiative that celebrate the roles women play in the running of Australia’s smash repair shops. The magazine which comes out bi-monthly, asked Sam to complete a questionnaire online. Following that, they then sent her an email and asked some more questions, which resulted in Sam being selected as one of 5 finalists.
Sam was to attend the Awards lunch, however due to her plane not getting into Sydney on time, she missed her connecting flight and thus the lunch. Sam has been in the business of smash repairs now for over nine years, and has
owned Forbes Smash Repairs for the past six years. She started out doing painting, and it is through her love of cars that she managed to get an apprenticeship out of it in Forbes with Kevin Vale.
Sam said, “I have absolutely loved every minute of it. I am also the youngest ever nominated for this award, which is a great honour. I have continued the tradition of employing women in my business, and have with me at the moment, Raine Piercy, who is a first year apprentice.” “My aim is always to create a friendly work environment for staff, exceptional customer service, high quality repairs and refinishing and having a reputable name. I do this by ensuring the staff are enjoying their work, allowing them to have an input on the business, continuously looking for ways to improve the business whether it be by advertising, keeping up to date with where the industry is heading and involving the business in community events.”
In addition, Sam employs three other people in the business, so you know where to head if you have a bingle over Christmas.
Local Rider Tom Drane from Forbes competed in the Victorian State Dirt Track Tiltles two weekends ago in Albury. Tom qualified for both the finals in his classes placing 1st in the 85cc 7-10 years and third in the 65cc 7-9 years. Tom, who is only nine has been racing since he was 4 years old and has been competing all year bringing home 4 National Titles and three State Titles. Tom’s parents and grandparents have travelled all over Australia over the past 12 months to enable him to compete.
Next year Tom moves up a class to 150cc, which will mean that he is competing against much older children. In January 2016 he has been invited to ride at the Troy Bayliss Classic invitational at Taree, and from then on will compete around Australia in his quest to win more Titles. This year Tom has also been racing go karts and last month he won the South Pacific titles in Orange in the Cadet 9 Class. It is clear to see that he has a strong passion for motorsports and will continue both disciplines next year.
Member for Orange, Andrew Gee last week announced eight projects from the Forbes area would receive a share in $200,000 for community infrastructure under the NSW Governments’ Community Building Partnership program.
As mentioned in last week’s paper one of the projects to receive funding is the Forbes Dragon Boat Club, receiving a $10,000 grant.
“The Community Building Partnership program allows for community infrastructure to be built, refurbished or enhanced, making an important impact on the day-today lives of our local communities,” Mr Gee said. “In many cases the funds go to much needed social infrastructure with sporting, youth, cultural and community clubs all
benefiting from this year’s funding. “Projects range from $10,000 to $3,000 and will see community infrastructure improved as well as encouraging the enhancement of local community based activities that create more vibrant and inclusive communities.
“Local businesses and construction jobs will also be supported which is a welcome boost in improving local investment in the community,” Mr Gee said. Projects to receive funding in the Forbes area include:
• Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre: Development of the Forbes Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre adjacent to Lake Forbes
– $10,000
• Forbes Basketball Association: Upgrade of Forbes Basketball courts – $3,949
• Forbes Dragon Boat Club Inc: Erection of a new dragon boat shed – $10,000
• Warroo & District War Memorial Hall Association Inc: Replacement of outdated kitchen facilities at Warroo Hall
– $4,378
• Forbes Pony Club Inc: Erection of large steel panel multi-use area – $10,000
• Forbes Amateur Swimming Club: Semi-automated timing system – $5,000
• Forbes Croquet Club: Repainting of the clubhouse – $3,361
• Forbes Rugby League Football Club: Additional lighting installation at Halpin Flat – $10,000
Member for Orange, Andrew Gee and the Lachlan Health Service invite the Forbes community to help decide what contents should be included in a time capsule to celebrate the completion of the new building at Forbes Hospital.
“This is a unique opportunity for the community to help create a historical record that reflects the Forbes community’s health services today, and will hopefully be something that future Forbes community members can appreciate and be proud of,” Mr Gee said. Children aged 12 years or under are invited to draw a picture of what they imagine Forbes Hospital will be like in 100 years’ time. All drawings must be done on a piece of blank A4 paper and mailed to the Forbes Hospital. To be eligible for selection participants must include their full name, age and address on the back of the picture.
People aged 13 years and over are invited to describe in 30 words or less what item or document should be placed in the time capsule and why. The suggestion must relate to Forbes Hospital or health in general and participants must provide their full name, age and address with their entry. Entries open today and will be accepted up until Christmas Eve. All submissions will be reviewed by the Lachlan Culture and Arts Working Group which has representation from the hospital and the Forbes community. Mr Gee and a conservator from the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences will also be part of selection process. All applicants must reside in the Forbes Shire.
The winning applicants will have their drawing or suggestion and name included in the time capsule. The time capsule will be buried onsite at Forbes Hospital in
The new building at Forbes Hospital is part of the $113.7M Lachlan Health Service project which included the construction of the new Parkes Hospital.
Australia Day has a new location and program for all to enjoy on Tuesday, January 26, 2016. A family barbecue and picnic afternoon has been planned at Colin McKenzie Park, Lake Forbes (behind the Bowlie). Starting at 4pm, there will be free children’s rides, local entertainment, food stalls, the announcement of the Citizen of the Year and Junior Citizen of the Year and fireworks.
New to the program is the Ben Hall Gift, which is Forbes’ own Stawell Gift with $3000 in prize money up for grabs thanks to the Forbes Sports and Recreation Club and Walkers Ag n Vet! There will be 100m sprint races in the
categories of men, women, juniors, celebrity and league vs union.
Our Australia Day Ambassador for 2016 is actress Tracy Mann, who has been a familiar face on Australian television, film and theatre for more than 40 years. Tracy has featured in a number of TV series including Blue Heelers, All Saints and Wonderland and was awarded an AFI Best Actress Award for her role in the film Hard Knocks.
She will be attending all of the events on Australia Day and we look forward to welcoming her to Forbes!
This year’s Parkes Elvis Festival theme is the Elvis Presley Mexican film classic, ‘Fun In Acapulco’. So grab your sombrero and head out to Parkes for a hot and spicy good time!
Book tickets now for the 2016 ClubsNSW Keno Feature Concert Series starring leading U.S. Elvis tribute artist Donny Edwards. For the first time in its 24-year history, Parkes Elvis Festival will stage a preliminary round of the 2016 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, officially endorsed by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. Across the Heats on Friday 8 January and the Final on Saturday 9 January, leading Elvis tribute artists from Australia and New Zealand
will compete at Parkes Leagues Club, with the winner to represent Parkes during the Semi Final round of the 2016 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest in Memphis, USA, during ‘Elvis Week’ next August. Heats and finals tickets are selling fast.
The 2016 Parkes Elvis Festival offers the annual free Festival favourites, fun for the whole family. Don’t miss the Northparkes Mines Street Parade on Clarinda Street Saturday 9 January at 10am. With Elvisthemed floats, Elvis and Priscilla look-alikes, vintage cars and marching bands, it’s the highlight of the weekend.
The 2016 Elvis Gospel Service transitions to new venue the Cooke Park Main Stage, on Sunday at 9am. Following the Service is the beloved Renewal of Vows Ceremony at 11.30am, where couples renew their vows before an Elvis celebrant. Talented buskers will line The NRMA Festival Boulevard to wow the crowds, and if that doesn’t satisfy your musical fix, head down to the Cooke Park Main Stage where you can relax, grab a bite to eat at the Festival Markets and enjoy four days of free all-ages entertainment and competitions.
The 2016 souvenir program is $6 and available online or through Parkes Visitor Information Centre on 6862 6000.