Parkes Phoenix Editor

Forbes Shire Council held a community meeting at the Council Chambers on Monday night with over 150 community members attending. “I will take up the fight in Macquarie Street for Forbes Shire Council to stand alone, if that is what the ratepayers want and it is the wish of the Council,” said Member for Orange Andrew Gee. “I will do this in the strongest terms.”

There was an overwhelming show of support for Forbes Council to stand alone, and this was reinforced by the Micromex Research Survey conducted with 304 residents. 72% of those surveyed said they supported Forbes Council standing alone, compared to 28% saying they wanted to merge. Mayor Phyllis Miller gave an overview of where the Fit for the Future Plan was at, outlining reasons why Forbes was declared ‘unfit’.

This revolved around the population of the Forbes Shire as it applied to scale and capacity. Mayor Miller commented that the figures, taken from 2013, were incorrect and that this matter of population has been an ongoing battle and discussion with the Department of Planning. Forbes Shire Council has discussed the possibility of merging with surrounding Councils, including Cabonne, Weddin, Lachlan, Parkes and Cowra, but none of these Councils want to merge with Forbes.

The NSW Government can force Councils to amalgamate under the Local Government Act, however Council has until 18 November to respond. Andrew Gee said that a final decision will hopefully be made before Christmas, after
the NSW Government responds to IPART. “There is no question it will be a tough fight,” said Mr Gee. “Politics is about taking up the difficult causes. It’s certainly not about running up the white flag and blindly accepting a report written by Sydney bureaucrats against the wishes of the community.”

Mayor Miller reiterated that the Councillors will always strive to do what is best for the ratepayers who have elected them to this Council. As one attendee commented, “if it’s not broken, why fix it?”

Young All Western Breeds Association (YAWBA) based in Forbes held their Lope for a Cure Show to raise money for breast cancer research. Set in a beautiful setting amongst the trees and fresh green grass is the undercover arena located in Young. The warm, sunny Saturday set the tone for the day, with excited and beautifully decorated horses and rider handlers.

Members attended from all over NSW and ACT, and the YAWBA team were both honoured and proud to announce that they raised over $1,200 for research to find a cure for breast cancer. YAWBA ran their normal program, with the
inclusion of four specialty pink classes.

“We would like to thank the following sponsors: Stallions Southern Cross Appaloosa’s, Craiglea Paints, Iron Horse Stud, Ellenjai Dun Dreaming, Ziggi Jones, Kathie Garner Cakes, Thomo’s Camping, Pops Fudge factory, Dakota Gorrie Cowgirl Creations, Jewelz n Things, Kinloch Park, Giddy Up Gags & Bits, Afternoon Delight, Skipamaxistar, Brumby Horse Wear, Green Partnership Forbes, Amber Helwig, John Evans, Zelvin Creations, Samantha Cameron, Bette Thatcher, Amanda Madden, Guyson Ranch, Tuff Rugs Australia, McDonnalds Saddlery, Debbie Taylor, Zelvan Photography, Peasley Haulage, Young Pony Club, Sammy C Designs, Ronarker Chaff Mill Forbes, T&G Horse Rug Repairs, Eveready Performance Horses, Green Partnership Forbes, Wind Roper Saddlery, Amanda Madden, and Chris and Jennifer English.”

The Children’s Christmas Markets in Parkes are coming up on Saturday 7 November at Cooke Park. Now in its fifth year, the Australian Breastfeeding Association Parkes/Forbes Group annual Christmas Children’s Markets are the perfect place to sell your children’s ware and start your Christmas shopping.

There are many commercial and handmade baby and children’s items for sale, helping to support local stallholders and helping to raise funds for the local ABA group. This will allow them to continue to provide support to local mums on their breastfeeding journey. This year, Jenny’s Classroom has again donated the major raffle prize so remember
– you’ve got to be in it to win it. You will find a treasure trove of beautiful décor items, unique fashion pieces and
adorable accessories you won’t find anywhere else.

There are plenty of new stalls to browse through with amazing items and treats including children’s clothing, giftware, accessories, food and drinks and so much more! For more information, contact 0428 922 499 or 0411 105 164. Support the Australian Breastfeeding Association and spend your Saturday morning at the Children’s Christmas Markets.

The Forbes Inn hosted the Pamper the Parents Ladies night on the 24th October, with all attendees receiving a pamper pack on arrival. Guests were treated to the services of the visiting Butlers in the Buff – Tom and Christian.

Although the butlers were a little bit “cheeky”, they were still tasteful and a lot of fun. Local talents, Cath Adams and Tom Quigley provided entertainment for the night and Michele Quigley kept the event running smoothly as MC.

The evening raised $5000 which will be a huge boost towards the total fundraising total of $13000 raised at Westmead in September. After visiting a friend and her child at Westmead’s Children’s Hospital, Nicole Cassidy
made it her business to design an event that would not only raise valuable funds to support the hospital but support the families utilising the services as well.

Pamper the Parents held its first day in 2011 and focused on giving a special day to the mums, dads and families with kids at the Children’s Hospital. These parents, grandparents, and family members who put life and creature comforts on hold while their most loved possessions receive treatment, are given the opportunity to take time out to have their hair done, relax with a massage or just have some “me time”.

This year all funds raised will be used to purchase a children’s Heart Lung Machine, life-saving equipment specially designed for newborns to 12 year olds. During cardiac surgery, sometimes the medical team need to stop the child’s heart to make repair easier, and this is the machine that takes over this crucial role. At a cost of half a million dollars, every cent donated counts.