Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Forbes Historical Museum Wins Medal

May 6, 2022 by Brett Sale

WONDERFUL HERITAGE… The winner of this year’s Forbes Heritage Medal was announced at a ceremony on Tuesday night and it went to the Forbes Historical Museum. At the event were (L-R) Deputy Mayor Chris Roylance, MC Cr Jenny Webb, Forbes Historical Museum representative Bruce Adams, Mayor Phyllis Miller, Cr Brian Mattiske and historical architect Graham Hall.

The Forbes Heritage Medal was awarded to the Forbes Historical Museum on Tuesday night in the newly renovated town hall.

Bruce Adams, who represented the Forbes Historical Museum, thanked the community for recognising the museum and its volunteers for their continuous hard work. “The Forbes Historical Museum continues to be one of the best volunteer run museums in NSW.”

Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller said she was very proud of the local community. “I think it is important to remember the people and places every year so we do not lose sight of the wonderful heritage we do have in Forbes.”

The Forbes Heritage Medal has a long and proud history of recognising the people who are working hard to ensure the preservation of the town. The medal is presented to a person or organisation who has made an outstanding contribution to the community and its heritage.

The three nominees were presented by local heritage advisor and historical architect Graham Hall. The other two deserving nominations were for the Forbes Tennis club and the Forbes Bandstand Rotunda in Victoria Park.

Several guest speakers spoke at the occasion, including local MC Jenny Webb and Sheryl Barton from the Forbes Family Historical group.

The Heritage Festival, cancelled last week because of the rain, will continue tomorrow in Victoria Park. The day will include heritage displays, bush poetry, damper cooking display and competition, historical vehicles and more. Make it a family outing and be prepared to have your curiosity provoked.

By Brett Sale

Snippets…

May 6, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Member for Riverina Michael McCormack presented Red Bend Catholic College students Ava Curr with a book prize as a winner of the annual Anzac Day writing competition.

BOSCARS Cancelled: The Forbes Business Chamber executive committee took the decision to cancel the BOSCARS for this year due to a lack of available committee members and volunteers to organise the event. “We look forward to holding this event in 2023,” said Fiona Ferguson, Admin & Marketing Coordinator.

HSC Exam Timetable: The HSC exam timetable was released this week marking the final stage of the school journey for Year 12 students. HSC written exams will start on Wednesday, 12th October for 76,000 NSW students with English Paper 1 and finish on Friday, 4th November. Management of the HSC is no small feat, with this year’s schedule running across 18 days, for 126 exams and 780 exam centres.

Seniors Scams: Senior Australians are urged to stay vigilant against scams, as the total cost swindled from older consumers skyrocketed to over $11 million last year. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) received 16,915 reports from seniors in 2021. A total of $6.7 million had been lost through false billing scams, while online shopping scams cost Australian seniors $1.8 million last year. A common example is the purchase of a motor home online via fake websites. NSW Fair Trading guide with up-to-date information for seniors about their consumer rights and how to deal with unscrupulous operators are here visit: www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/help-centre/youth-and-seniors/seniors. The Aging and Disability Commission available resources are here www.ageingdisabilitycommission.nsw.gov.au

Seedling Bank Grants: Applications are open to school and community groups around Australia for National Tree Day grants and close on Friday, 27th May. Just log in and add your application to your registered 2022 National Tree Day event. The Seedling Bank funds projects of all sizes. There is no upper limit to the amount of funding you can request! To register your event, get more information on The Seedling Bank or apply for a grant, visit treeday.planetark.org.

Observation Survey Results: The 2021 observation surveys measuring seatbelt wearing rates and illegal mobile phone use in Parkes, Forbes and Condobolin are in with mobile phone usage improving 2%. Only 13 people were observed using a mobile phone compared 85 from the previous survey. The seatbelt wearing rate decreased 3%, with 84 people observed not wearing a seatbelt. The best advice when you are driving is to put your mobile phone on silent or activate the ‘Do Not Disturb While Driving’ function on your phone.

Member for Riverina Michael McCormack presented Red Bend Catholic College students Alana Folau with her prize for getting a highly commended in the annual Anzac Day writing competition.

Hundreds Of Rally Cars In Forbes Tomorrow

May 6, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

A total of 250 cars worth less than $1,000 will take part in this year’s Shitbox Rally covering 3,600km and passing through Forbes tomorrow afternoon.

The Central West will see the 250 cars taking part in this year’s Shitbox Rally when the 500 participants will pass through Forbes tomorrow afternoon on their way to Trundle where they will overnight.

The teams of two will leave Wollongong on Saturday, 7th May in cars worth less than $1,000 (aka shitboxes) and travel 3,600km to cross the finish line seven days later in Mackay, Queensland. The rally is the largest independent fundraiser for the Cancer Council with over $30 million raised since the rallies began. The $2 million target for this rally is well in sight with current fundraising totals at over $1.7 million.

James Freeman who founded Box Rallies (Shitbox and Mystery Box Rally) after losing both of his parents to cancer within 12 months of each other said: “Shitbox Rally is not a race, but a reward for fundraising efforts. This is a chance to explore Australia, drawing teams from around the country to help achieve the extraordinary. This year will be another incredible rally starting for the first time in Wollongong and finishing in Mackay. As with all rallies though, the route will be on the roads less travelled as we make our way into the Outback.”

The impact of COVID in 2020 and 2021 has made it particularly difficult for teams to fundraise and Box Rallies has seen its expected fundraising total for the period cut by as much as $7.2 million. Rallies are the reward for raising vital funds for cancer research but when the reward is unable to take place, the fundraising slows considerably.

The rally cars are expected to go through Forbes from around 4pm and can be spread out over two to three hours. Arrival time in Trundle is from 5pm.

Forbes Midwife Nominated For Award

May 6, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Judi Driscoll.

Forbes midwife Judi Driscoll has been announced as one of nine nominees for the Midwife of the Year Award by the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD).

Winners of the WNSWLHD Nurse, Midwife and Team of the Year Awards are nominated to represent the District in the NSW Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards. The awards acknowledge the significant skill, passion, and contributions of nurses and midwives from across the District.

Judi is described as extremely caring and a deeply passionate midwife. Her team speaks very highly of Judi and thoroughly enjoy working with her. She goes above and beyond, not only for her patients but for colleagues as well.

People describe Judi as highly conscientious and diligent in her practice. Judi always follows policy and best practice methods. She provides an outstanding level of care, ensures patients are safe, and advocates for all patient needs.

Judi is the heart of the maternity unit. She is kind, and her calming nature centres the team during challenging and at times difficult cases, which truly makes her a delight to work with.

Congratulations to Judi on her nomination and good luck!

Be Seen @ Graduation Day

May 6, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Chloe Morrison with her parents Marcus and Jodie Morrison. She graduated with a Bachelor of Psychology Honours at the University of Wollongong.

Isobelle Herbert graduated with a Bachelor of Law first class honours at the University of Wollongong.

Nathan Fisher graduated with a Bachelor of Criminal Justice at Charles Sturt University, Bathurst.

Our Bloke – Tim West

May 6, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Tim West

How long have you lived in or around Forbes and what do you like about living here? I have lived in Forbes most of my life. I love the fact Forbes is a close-knit community who help each other out.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy most about where you work? I work at Boys to the Bush and enjoy helping kids who need a hand. We can either whinge about the young people in our community or HELP them become better people.

What do you do to unwind on weekends? Hang with my kids and family or play sport.

What are you really good at? I am very good at annoying people, especially people I work with.

What makes you laugh the most? Funny things my kids say.

What’s on your bucket list? Go to the US Masters golf at Augusta.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself…. I am actually Mum and Dad’s favourite child!

If money was no object, what would you do with your time? Open a café on the river that does amazing food and coffee.

What was your first job? Working for Dad in the family ag business.

CWA Celebrates Centenary

May 6, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

President CWA Oxley Group and Forbes CWA Evening Branch Robyn Miller with Governor of NSW Hon Margaret Bea-zley AC QC at the 100th anniversary morning tea of the NSW CWA.

It is a special year for NSW Country Women’s Association (CWA) celebrating its 100th anniversary.

A celebratory birthday morning tea was held at Government House in March and attended by President of CWA Oxley Group and Forbes CWA Evening Branch, Robyn Miller. She was invited by the Governor of NSW the Hon Margaret Beazley AC QC to join other dignitaries and representatives of the CWA from across the state for this momentous occasion.

“It was a beautiful event, and a perfect backdrop of a sparkling Sydney Harbour to celebrate our centenary,” said Robyn. “It was fantastic to catch up with other CWA members from across the state and discuss the history of the CWA in assisting in local communities and disaster relief fundraising.”

Robyn said she felt privileged to be representing not only Oxley CWA Group but also Forbes Evening Branch.” She also represented the Oxley Group and Forbes Evening Branch by volunteering at the Royal Easter Show Tea Rooms (with Karen Wright and Amanda Dunn) and attended the 100 Year Annual General Meeting and Conference held at Royal Randwick in Sydney last week.

There are other celebrations occurring across the state to celebrate 100 years of CWA and its work to support rural, regional and remote women, children, families and communities in NSW.

Little did the small group of women, who met in 1922 to do something about the plight of rural women isolated by distance and lack of services, know that one hundred years on members of their organisation would be celebrating a birthday at Government House.

The CWA was focused on fighting isolation and a lack of health facilities, members immediately started work on setting up baby health care centres, funding more bush nurses, and building and staffing the likes of maternity wards, hospitals, schools, rest homes, and holiday getaways for rural and remote families.

Golfers Enjoy A Relaxing Game

April 29, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Richard Webster from Massey Park on his tee shot.

The 80 players contesting the Individual Stableford Medley on Saturday were enjoying the beautiful autumn conditions as they vied for the Kristie Carpenter Perpetual Trophy.

Harry Callaghan won the Men’s Division 1 with 40 points. He had tough competition from Adam Currey who finished strongly to score 39 points.

Lachlan Alley’s 41 points was enough to make him the winner of the Men’s Division 2. He also had close competition with Clayton Alley on 40 points.

The Women’s Division was won by Verna Lane. She scored 38 points but needed a count back to push Jenny Fletcher into runner-up, also on 38 points.

The NTP’s went to: 9th – men: H Callaghan, women: R Lyell; 18th – men: R Bown, women R Carroll. The 3rd hole super pin went to Steve Betland with a shot to 4.6 metres, showing how difficult it was to find the green.

The Ball Sweep went to 33 points on count back – check in the Pro Shop to see if you managed that. Visitors welcomed to the course were Stuart Hayes (Murrumbidgee), Jack Downes (Moree), Richard Webster (Massey Park), Ray Sanderson (St Georges Basin) and Reg Bown (Perth, WA).

The Sunday Stableford Medley was dominated by visitors and was won by Stuart Hayes on 38 pts. Stephen Grant (Murrumbidgee) was runner-up on 32 pts on count back. There was no ball sweep. There were no NTPs as no one in the comp hit the greens.

This week has been full of the Forbes Vets ‘Week of Golf, with over 100 players participating.

Tomorrow’s men’s competition is an 18- hole stroke, while the women play a 4BBB competition as part of their open weekend. Sunday is the Ladies Open, with the course closed until the afternoon.

Improvements For Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre

April 29, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre received a $11,654 Stronger Communities grant to improve its outdoor space by laying down sand, the installation of turf, seating, a picnic table and new lawn mower. Member for Riverina Michael McCormack (second left) visited the centre last Thursday to make the announcement. He is with members of the centre and Aileen Allen (middle).

$5 Million Boost For Forbes

April 29, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

NEW ERA… Member for Riverina Michael McCormack (left) with Southern Cross Nutrients Operations Manager Ian Collier (right) and representatives of Southern Cross Nutrients Pty Ltd and Forbes Shire Council at the site of the new development in the industrial park in Forbes.

An organic fertiliser producer has received a $5 million Federal Government grant to become the first industry to set up business in the new industrial park in Forbes.

Southern Cross Nutrients Pty Ltd received the grant through the Securing Raw Materials Program, which is supporting businesses move to or expand into regional areas to research and develop innovative and locally sourced raw material supplies.

Southern Cross Nutrients will produce organic fertilisers for farmers from recycled natural nutrients at Forbes. The project will create 15 full-time and four part-time ongoing jobs and a further 25 jobs during two construction stages. It is expected production will start late this year.

Member for Riverina Michael McCormack welcomed the grant last Thursday in Forbes, saying it was another shot in the arm for the Forbes economy and an exciting development in the drive to make agriculture a $100 billion a year industry by 2030.

The Securing Raw Materials Program has a range of benefits, including establishing, securing and strengthening the supply of raw materials to Australian industry, and supporting partnerships between industry and regional universities. Michael said Southern Cross Nutrients Pty Ltd was collaborating with Southern Cross University at Lismore to use organic waste to produce quality compost.

Southern Cross Nutrients will use compost and microbes manufactured in Forbes to produce nutrient and microbe-rich fertiliser to improve soil health, water retention, pest resistance and support increases in crop yields.

More information on the Securing Raw Materials Program can be found at: https://business.gov.au/srmp2.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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