Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Forbes North Public School To Host Biggest Morning Tea

May 13, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Eleanor and Bethany Osborne attended the Biggest Morning Tea at Forbes North Public School in 2018. The school will once again host the event on Thursday, 19th May. (Photo credit: Lucy Cambourn Photography)

Next week Thursday, 19th May is a BIG day for the school community of Forbes North Public School.

There is great excitement to welcome parents and carers back on site as the school will once again host a Biggest Morning tea to raise funds for Cancer Council and people impacted by cancer. The return of the popular event to the school calendar is hoped to provide an opportunity for families to be welcomed on to school grounds and to raise much needed funds.

This will be the first Biggest Morning Tea at Forbes North for Principal David McGaw who is looking forward to meeting families on the day. “We are delighted to be able to open our school gates to our community for such a worthy cause,” said David.

“I look forward to sharing a cuppa with our visitors.” Students and visitors will join school staff in the school courtyard to share morning tea and make donations.

Around 150,000 Australians are diagnosed with cancer every year, meaning there are many families impacted. Every single dollar raised makes such a life-changing difference in funding vital cancer research, prevention programs and support services for cancer patients and their families.

For more information about the Biggest Morning Tea at Forbes North find us on Facebook or contact the school on 6852 2187.

Dancing Shoes

May 13, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The Eisteddfod season is in full ‘swing’ and Kristen’s Dance Studio’s 8 years Troupe were on stage for the very first time at the Cowra Eisteddfod on Saturday. Not only did they absolutely love it, but they received a Highly Commended. They are super keen to get on stage again. Congratulations and well done to Miss Lozzy and all the dancers! (Photo credit: Kristen’s Dance Studio Facebook page)

Riverina Campaign Launch In Parkes

May 13, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Mark Coulton and Michael McCormack at the Riverina Campaign Launch in Parkes on Tuesday.

The Riverina Electorate campaign launch for the National Party took place in Cooke Park on Tuesday with Member for Riverina Michael McCormack and Member for Parkes Mark Coulton.

Michael said he would prioritise the labour shortage and cost of living in Forbes and Parkes if he got re-elected. “These are the two major issues for this electorate, and I will be working on programs and projects for both of those.”

He said while there was a whole host of other issues, like action on climate and national security, he’d been talking to business people who just could not fill their positions, and families young and old who were worried about the cost of living.

Michael said the labour shortage was largely because of the 90,000 backpackers the country lost during COVID. “I don’t think people realise our reliance on overseas labour in hospitality, farming, agriculture, meat processing and other positions.”

He said even in the Central West hundreds of backpackers made a huge difference in the labour market. “Often these positions were word of mouth. One person would work on a farm near Forbes and go home and tell their friends about the great farmer where they could go and work. When the backpackers left and did not come back for two years, that word of mouth broke down. The backpackers came here in their droves and spent a lot of money.”

Michael said while the Australian Agriculture Visa (AAV) program introduced to address workforce shortages in the agriculture sector and backpackers were slowly coming back, the Pacific labour hire program still needed to be enhanced.

“The problem is we cannot invite people back to Australia who are not vaccinated and this is impacting the numbers.”

Ride-on Mower Racing Champs In Forbes

May 6, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes is hosting the All Australian Ride-on Mower Racing Championships this weekend at the Forbesauto Sportsclub with 82 competitors from four states taking part.

All the action and excitement will take place at 205 Hoopers Road, Forbes from 9am on Saturday with the finals on Sunday after lunch.

Two Forbes locals, Dave Teale and Craig Bratton, not only did all the hard work to get the event here, but will also be competing.

The competitors will be doing laps on a track in different categories depending on whether the mower is standard or was modified. Some competitors do a lot of work to make their mower look spectacular, while some of them have motorbike engines.

Don’t miss the action this weekend!

Mixed Results In Golf

May 6, 2022 by Short Putt

A group of golfers enjoy the afternoon sunshine last Saturday after heavy rain in the morning.

Saturday was a busy day with the Ladies Open 4BBB played and the Men’s competition Individual Stroke event. Once again, the weather intervened with a forecast of heavy rain turning many players away, but the afternoon players had a sunny game.

In the Men’s competition, sponsored by Country Mile Motor Inn, had 31 starters. Div-1 was won by Neil McMillan with 71 nett. He had a good margin back to runner-up Anthony Alley with his 73 nett.

The Men’s Div-2 was won by Lachlan Alley with 68 nett, using his handicap well. Runner-up was Matt Duff with a powerful 71 nett.

The NTP’s went to: 9th – Andrew Dukes; 18th – Lachlan Alley. The 3rd Hole Super Pin went to Josh Coulthurst with a shot to 2.65 metres.

The Ball Sweep went to 76 nett on count back.

Nominations are still open for the Men’s Open on 14th and 15th May. This weekend the Men’s comp is the May Monthly Medal, sponsored by Adept Plumbing.

By Short Putt

Forbes Welcomes Three New Citizens

May 6, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

A citizenship ceremony was held by the Forbes Shire Council last week for three new Aussies. Forbes Mayor Cr Phyllis Miller OAM welcomed Rohitha Patabendige, Kamani Nammuni and their daughter Vindi (7) to the community. The couple’s 15-month-old Australian-born daughter, Sindi was also at the ceremony. Member for Orange Phil Dona-to (left) and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack (right) were also at the ceremony with Forbes Shire Councillors.

Netball Carnival Huge Success

May 6, 2022 by Robyn Kenny

The Forbes Netball Association (FNA) hosted an extremely successful annual All Age Regional carnival on Sunday with over 1,000 players, officials and spectators packed into Stephen Field for the day. Approximately 350 games of netball were played over 13 netball courts with players aged from nine years to open ladies coming from all parts of the Riverina and West/Central West.

The Forbes Netball Association was represented by two teams – 17U and 14 years – who are both preparing for NNSW State Titles, and the 12 years and 11 years teams. The 17U team will compete in the Senior State Titles in June, and recorded many wins. The 14 years team will compete in the Junior State Titles in July, and also recorded many wins on the day. Players Player was Jaya Smith who continues to improve her skills and always gives 100%.

The 12 years team gave it their all and made their coach and supporters all very proud. The 11 years team played exceptionally well, improving throughout the day. Results were:

• 17U rep: winners Dubbo, runners-up West Wyalong
• 15 rep: winners Barellan, runners-up Cowra
• 14 rep: winners Cootamundra, runners-up Temora
• 13 rep: winners Leeton, runners-up Cobar
• 12 rep: winners Dubbo, runner-sup Cowra
• 12 years Dev: winners Dubbo 12, runners-up Temora
• 11 years: winners Orange, runners-up Dubbo

Visitors thanked the committee on a great day of well organised netball, with many teams booking accommodation for Saturday night.

Volunteers from the four Forbes teams manned the barbeque and canteen selling lots of delicious food, with donations of cooking coming from families on the day.

Thank you to Forbes Shire Council for preparing the Stephen Field grounds with rain interruptions during the week. The day was a huge fundraiser for the FNA, who rely on the money raised on the day.

By Robyn Kenny

Mayoral Notes

May 6, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

It is Heritage Week! Forbes has a unique mix of heritage and new and I believe our town is equally excited about and supportive of both.

This week we focus on our valued heritage, celebrating our history and origin stories and bringing some of the past alive with our celebrations tomorrow. Join us for the Forbes Heritage Festival on Saturday in Victoria Park (delayed a week after last week’s rain) and later to launch the Forbes Heritage Digital Trail.

Talking rain – it is hard to believe the rain from last week. Unfortunately, it has caused delays on some of our major development projects, but while the road base and larger earthmoving tasks were pulled up, our teams are working ahead on other parts. Forbes Shire Council is in an unprecedented stage of development and it really is all systems go in every department.

I am very pleased to say the rain did not hinder or cause unnecessary damage at the winter sports grounds. It was just great to see everyone back into winter sports, and it was very pleasing to see all the off season work on the grounds ensure they held up very well.

As was discussed at last week’s Council meeting the contractor at the heated pool has had more delays. Council is working towards expediting the end of this stage so we can begin work on the toilets and amenities.

Council is very aware of the importance of this asset and the strong community need for this facility, so we are doing everything we can to make sure it is finished as soon as possible.

In The News

May 6, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Teachers at the Forbes Public School joined thousands of their colleagues in NSW on Wednesday to strike over pay and conditions. It was the second strike in six months by teachers.

The winner of the Forbes Phoenix Easter Colouring Competition 7 – 10 years is Lachie Dent. He was very excited about his prize.

Some call it a spider apocalypse. Many people have noticed a network of spiderwebs in their gardens over the past week as can be seen in Robyne Cowhan’s backyard. (Photo credit: Robyne Cowhan.)

Enjoy the Space and Freedom Of Country

May 6, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Peter Giles, Project Manager & Sales, with his partner Nartayliah, who is the Director & Compliance Advisor of Giles
Land Development, and their two children Mila and River.

Old Pine Estate is a unique 105ha property located in the beautiful shallow rush area on the western limit of Parkes NSW that is being developed into a residential area for families looking for the beauty of country living. The locally owned and established subdivision is done by Giles Land Development and will comprise six lots of 1.3ha each and 23 lots of 4ha each.

Peter Giles, Project Manager, said the development was named ‘Old Pine’ after the original farm. The development is located adjacent to Moulden Street, Cookapie Street, Back Trundle Road and Gold Rush Road.

Peter said the large blocks were targeted at the family looking for the freedom and lifestyle of country living. “The joys of watching your kids grow up, riding horses or motorbikes, enjoying the outdoors or the older couple looking for a quiet community to retire into, with the added convenience of the town centre only minutes away.”

With the current shortage of property available across the Parkes region and the Central West, Peter and Nartayliah decided it was the perfect time to release this subdivision to the public. “There is currently no other affordable 4ha or 1,3 ha lots available in the area,” said Peter.

“We are very excited to present this affordable and desirable land to the Parkes community.”

All the blocks will have power, sealed road access, new fencing and estate style entryways. There will be no house design or style restrictions, but the standard council regulations for the R5 Zoning code will apply. The 1.3ha lots have town water and street lighting, and all the lots can have a bore installed.

Peter said the response had been great so far, and he and his family were also going to build and live on the estate.

To register your expression of interest and to receive an information brochure scan the QR code in the below image. For up-to-date news, like and share their Facebook page @gileslanddevelopment.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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