Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Our Bloke – Ben Clifton

October 1, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

Ben Clifton

How long have you lived in Forbes? I’ve been here for 5 and a half years. Raised in Manly, I came to Forbes to break away from the rush and get a bit of a change.

What is your favourite thing about Forbes? The peace and quiet, the people are down to earth, it’s easy-going, not so crazy.

Describe your dream holiday: I’d love to go to Japan because the culture, lifestyle and everything else are completely different.

What do you do for fun? Relax at home.

Do you have any passions or hobbies? I’d love to go travelling.

What do you love about your job? I work at the Vandenberg Hotel so this is my social life. I get to talk, laugh and have a drink with people at work.

Who would you love to have dinner with? Robin Williams. I loved everything he was in growing up. He always made me laugh.

What is the biggest change you would like to see in the world? More acceptance of different beliefs and cultures.

A public open day will be held on Saturday 10 October to allow the community to preview the new Forbes Hospital building, with scheduled tours to be carried out from 10am to 2pm. The new hospital building is part of a $40.9
million redevelopment and an open day will give the community a unique opportunity to look inside the contemporary and spacious new building before the staff and patients move in.

Member for Orange Andrew Gee is looking forward to sharing the experience with the people of Forbes. “I can’t wait for our new hospital to be inspected by the Lachlan community,” Mr Gee said. “I think there will be a lot of people in the community wanting to see this new facility.” “I’d like to thank everyone involved during the planning and construction period – it’s because of their hard work we’re at this stage of the project.”

Scheduled for completion in early 2016, the new building at Forbes Hospital will include an emergency department, an inpatient unit, birthing suites for maternity services and clinical support services, including medical imaging. When the hospital moves to its new building, refurbishment of the existing areas will commence to deliver an increased renal service and an upgraded ambulatory care unit.

Racing Legend Visits Forbes

October 1, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

Over 300 people went through the gates to meet Australian motor racing legend Allan Moffat on the weekend at Forbes Tyreright’s Grand Opening. Allan was described as a polite and gentlemanly fellow who enthusiastically signed posters and other memorabilia as well as posing for photos with excited fans.

ROK FM were broadcasting live from the event which kept the crowd rolling in and $200 was donated by Tyreright Head Office to Forbes Dancing with the Stars. “From 9 to 1 they never stopped. There was a steady flow of people through the gate the whole time,” said Jamie Walsh from Tyreright after the event.

One hundred footballs were given away, the BBQ sold out of sausages, and some GT Fords stopped in on the way to a wedding to have Allan sign their cars. For Jamie, it was a little bit of a dream come true to rub shoulders with the cream of the cream in Australian racing. “I’d seen Allan and Peter Brock race around the tracks for years so it was great to shake hands with him and have him wish me well in my business,” Jamie said. “I couldn’t believe how many people wanted to come and meet him. He was just a gentleman to everyone.”

Allan Moffat has had four wins in the Bathurst 500/1000, six wins in the Sandown 500, four wins in the Australian Touring Car Championship and was inducted into the V8 Supercar Hall of Fame in 1999. Congratulations to Andy Hardy who won $500 worth of GT Radial tyres.

Forbes Race Meet Results

October 1, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

The bikes roared into action for the McDonalds and Sportspower sponsored meeting on Sunday 20 September with plenty of action on the track for everyone to see and some great close racing.

The race results were as follows:
Pee Wee Nippers: Tyler Eade, Kolbie Berry, Dylan McDonald.
High Power 50cc: 1st Danielle McDonald, 2nd Ryan Eade, 3rd Jade Chellas, 4th Georgia Williams.
65cc 7-9 Years: 1st Luke Chellas, 2nd Naite Berry, 3rd Danielle McDonald. There was some very close racing in this
class with only one point separating third and fourth place, and a countback to determine fourth outright. Jack Byron and William Bailey also had a great day and were only just out of the placings.

65cc 10-11 Years: 1st Lachlan Miller. 85 2st/150 4st 9-11 Years: 1st Bailee Williams, 2nd Cambell Williams, 3rd Shelby Bryon. Luke Chellas was also right up there but crashed out in one race, putting him down on points. Burke Williams, Lachlan Miller and Toby Miller also rode well on the day.

85 2st/150 4st 12-15 Years: 1st Jake Rickaby, 2nd Jeremy Hodges, 3rd Brodie Acret. Tom Toohey was riding excellent until mechanical failure put him out for the day. Bayden Cross and Cody Amberge also rode well.

Junior Lites: 1st Jackson Davison, 2nd Joshua Cornish, 3rd Jake Rickaby. Other competitors who rode well in this class were Ben Gibson, Will Sutton, Regan Acret, Cody Amberge and Jeremy Hodges. New to racing this year are Charlie Fay and Dylan Bignell who enjoyed their day and are riding better with each outing.

Senior Lites: 1st James Symington, 2nd Steve Brodie, 3rd Cameron Harvey. This class showed some close racing with Steve and Cameron ending on equal points, requiring a countback to determine the placings. Daniel McGirr, David Delange and Mitchell Lappa were only just off the podium with Lindsay Kerby just behind them.

All Powers: 1st Grant Oxenbridge, 2nd Cameron Harvey, 3rd Lindsay Kerby. It was a close one in this class with another countback needed to determine third and fourth places between Lindsay Kerby and Daniel McGirr. Riley Horan rode well to secure fifth overall.

Opens: 1st Grant Oxenbridge, 2nd Arum Berry, 3rd Lindsay Kerby. Mechanical failure let Steve Brodie down in this class which relegated him to fourth overall. Vance Unger and Jason McDonald also rode well.

Over 35: 1st Steve Brodie, 2nd Jason McDonald, 3rd Mick Sutton, 4th Hank Cornellison.

The Forbes Auto Sports Club will have its Presentation Day on Saturday 17 October at the Forbes Sport and Rec Club for a smorgasbord lunch followed by a trophy presentation. Forbes Long Track will be held on Saturday 7 November with signup starting at 12pm. There will be good trophies for all classes but this meeting is not scored in the 2015 Championships.

Snippets…

October 1, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

Check out our new location! Our new office space can be found at 19 Templar Street. Feel free to drop in your stories, photos, say hello and pick up the next issue of the Forbes Phoenix. It’s local and it’s free!

Congratulations to the winners of our school holiday competition! Penny Newell (Forbes) has won the family pass to Taronga Western Plains Zoo and Amy Carpenter (Canowindra), Amparo Gomez (Canowindra), Natalie Pace (Canowindra) and Jodie Straney (Forbes) have all won double passes to Odeon 5 Cinema in Orange to watch either Pixels, Pan or Blinky Bill! Thank you to everyone who entered.

With warmer weather predicted this weekend Forbes Olympic Pool is the place to be when it officially opens for the season on Saturday. Opening hours are 10am to 7pm every day in October. Entry is $3.80 for adults, $2.60 for children and concessions and $2.50 for guardians. Season tickets and monthly passes are also available.

If you’re looking for work make sure you check out Jobs in the Central West on Facebook. There are currently some great jobs going in the area!

Entries for the 2016 Parkes Elvis Festival Photography Competition are open and if you’ve snapped a great photo at the Parkes Elvis Festival over the years, you could win a cash prize! Entry is free and open to all ages. There are two categories: photos taken on iPhones and photos taken on digital cameras. Entries close 5pm Friday 16 October.

October is Australia’s Breast Cancer Awareness month. Take the time to find out what you need to know about breast awareness and share this important information with your family, friends and colleagues. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among Australian women. Did you know that 15,600 women and 145 men will
be diagnosed with breast cancer this year? Celebrate female friendship and support Pink Ribbon by hosting a Girl’s Night In or selling merchandise. Call 1300 656 585 or visit www.pinkribbon.com.au to get started.

The only public diamond mine in the world is in Arkansas, USA. People can search for diamonds and keep what they find. Since it opened in 1972, tens of thousands of diamonds have been found there.

The Bedgerabong School Spring Fair and Market Day will be held at the school and hosted by the Bedgerabong Public School P&C on Saturday 10 October between 10am and 2pm, coinciding with the Country Music
Campout. A jumping castle, petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, haunted house, market stalls and much more will be there, as well as a cake stall and a great raffle. This will be a great family day out so make sure you get out there for a look!

Spring Racing in Forbes

October 1, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

The Forbes Spring Races are back on Saturday 10 October and it’s looking to be a sensational family day out. This year get into the spirit and get out your best outfits for Fashions on the Field! Categories include Most Elegant, Cutting Edge, Tiny Tots, Junior and Best Dressed Gent. Full TAB and Tote facilities will be available on course as well as plenty of entertainment to enjoy. There will also be food and a full bar in operation.

The gates will open at 11am with a huge prize pool of cash and prizes to be won on the day. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for pensioners. Kids under 12 can get in for free. Marquee and tent sites will be available so why not get a group of friends together and bring your own food to enjoy? There is no BYO alcohol allowed, but a bar will be in close proximity.

For the latest information on everything happening at this year’s Forbes Spring Races, follow the event’s Facebook Page.

Governor of NSW to Visit Forbes

October 1, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d), Governor of New South Wales has announced that he and his wife will visit both Forbes and Parkes in November. “Linda and I are very much looking forward to meeting the people of Forbes and Parkes over the three days,” Governor Hurley said.

Governor Hurley has consistently demonstrated a keen interest in engaging with communities across New South Wales since becoming Governor in October 2014. Together with Mrs Hurley, they have visited Eden, Boggabilla, Balranald, Broken Hill and Bourke with countless towns and villages in between. This will be their first trip to Parkes
and Forbes since taking up residence at Government House Sydney.

“There is nothing more heartening than meeting the people of this great state and seeing first hand, and in their own backyard, not only their achievements and successes, but also the challenges that they face on a daily basis,” Governor Hurley said. “Heading into the geographical heart of New South Wales is certain to be a real highlight for us both.”

Since being sworn into the position, Governor Hurley has continued to pursue a number of priority areas such as youth engagement, regional and rural growth, innovation, industry, trade and investment, inclusiveness and diversity, and service to state and community. Governor Hurley maintains a particular interest in mental health and homelessness while also focusing on advances in science, maths and engineering, as well as Indigenous leadership opportunities.

Both the Governor and Mrs Hurley share a deep passion for schools, music and singing, while Mrs Hurley also enjoys interacting with aged care and women’s associations. The Governor will visit Forbes and Parkes over three days from 17 to 19 November. The final Vice Regal program will be released closer to the date.

Meet the Team at MCC Forbes

October 1, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

Locally owned and operated, McCarron Cullinane Chudleigh (MCC Forbes) is now in its third year of operation. What started out as a stock and station business is now trading in rural and residential property and property management making them the only full agency in Forbes that caters for both livestock and property.

Adam Chudleigh is the Director and a licensed stock and station agent with over ten years of experience. He enjoys working with clients to get the most out of their livestock and prides himself on the range of options he utilises in markets. Adam is an accredited Auction Plus assessor. Contact him on 0459 533 166.

Hugh Dobell is a Livestock Sales Agent and accredited Auction Plus assessor. Hugh is a local Forbes agent and has been working with MCC Forbes for over two years. He has extensive knowledge in the farming industry and in Forbes farming practically. Hugh is a young and keen agent who goes the extra mile to achieve fantastic results for his clients. Contact him on 0416 006 523.

Bec Welsh is the Property Manager with over 3.5 years of experience in rental management. She is passionate about property management and is focused on achieving the best outcome for both landlords and tenants, understanding that good management is key to keeping your investment safe. Contact her on 6851 4777.

Tara Kelly is the property sales specialist with over ten years of experience in the real estate industry. She values the importance of dealing in property and specialises in matching the right property to the right person. Tara prides herself on her unique marketing campaigns. Contact her on 0438 814 777.

Trilby Crowley is the Office Coordinator and has only recently joined the MCC team. Trilby enjoys working with this energetic team and looks forward to meeting the MCC clients. Kimberly Chudleigh is the Director and Accountant who has enjoyed the speed that the livestock and property industry offer. Kimberly loves working alongside a team of devoted agents.

Enjoy the Historic Charm of Hermitage Hill

October 1, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

If you’re looking for somewhere to eat and sleep in luxury, Hermitage Hill is Wellington’s premier country retreat, restaurant and function centre. Once the Wellington District Hospital, this heritage property has undergone a substantial renovation, while retaining its unique period charm.

Visitors are invited to enjoy modern cuisine in the fully-licensed restaurant, or take a stroll around the stately grounds. Overnight guests will enjoy the relaxation of taking a break in a true country retreat. Hermitage Hill owners Nigel and Lynette Logue said the hotel’s charm, combined with excellent service, made it popular with return visitors.

“Guests enjoy nothing better than waking to the sounds of birds, enjoying a leisurely breakfast in our popular restaurant, and enjoying the charms of our town of Wellington,” Nigel said.

The Guest House has 13 individual suites which have been beautifully renovated and features air conditioning, a large guest lounge, swimming pool access and stunning views. Hermitage Hill also welcome weddings, functions and group bookings – the perfect place to host a special event. Contact Nigel and Lynette Logue on 6845 4469 for more details.

Good Weather Brings Success!

October 1, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

Saturday’s game was a 4-person Ambrose. In all 72 players took to the course in 19 groups. Not all groups had the full complement of players, but all were encouraged by the sponsor Alby Callaghan to play with lusty strokes and much gusto. The winners were the group of Ron Hurst, Shirley Redfern, Fleur Wells and Phil Wells, returning a score of 56.8 nett (rounding to the nearest decimal point, not the multiple decimal points that some tried to use).

Three birdies (one on the notorious 7th hole) and three bogeys gave a level par score, but their handicap really helped. For the record, a group comprising some of the ‘battlecruisers’ of the membership enjoyed the conditions so much that they knocked 10 shots off par. Yes, their 62 scratch was made up of 10 birdies and no bogeys. A run of five birdies to finish the front-9 helped. And who were they? Daniel Bayley, Peter Dawson, Kim Herbert, Michael Wood are the battlecruisers, leaving the label of battleships to the Betland boys.

The ball sweep went to 58.8 nett and was shared by the winners and: 57.6 – T Morgan, J Morgan, S French, A McDonald; 58.5 – P Dawson, D Bayley, K Herbert, M Wood; 58.7 – J Haley, R Taylor, B Monaghan, L Byrne; 58.8 –
S Garvey, T Griffiths, L Godden, B Carpenter. Some very close results through all that.

Nearest the pins went to: 9th – Randall Grayson; 18th – Peter Dawson. The 2’s story is interesting. There were 7 scored overall, but one group got three 2’s, missing out on the 1st hole. Guess who that group was! Good to see the Forbes Roving Golf Ambassador, namely ‘Digit’ McAuliffe, who came from Nelson Bay GC via Thailand, playing on
the weekend. It is always good to see Digit playing here, as he maintains his Forbes ‘roots’ and supports us very well.
Sunday’s Stableford Medley was also well supported with a field of 20. The scores matched the conditions – really good all round.

The winner was Cameron McMillan with 40 points, showing the results of some very intensive practice sessions. Runner-up was Ron Morris with 39 points, who missed a good chance for a win courtesy of a ‘7’ on the 15th.
The ball sweep went to 38 points and included: Cameron and Ron plus 38 – Neil McMillan, Peter Grayson and Ray Taylor. The NTP’s were: 9th – N McMillan, and 18th – B Monaghan, of whom Neil got his ‘2’. Other 2’s went to Briana Duncan (9th) and Neil Duncan (3rd).

Through last week, the Vets had a ‘Week of Golf’ at Parkes, which comprised 54 holes at Parkes and a lay-day played at Forbes. Vets players came from as far afield as Hervey Bay (Qld), making up a field of 55 overall. A good contingent of Forbes players tried their best. Some basic results are: 54-holes: A-grade Scratch to G Brambly
(Hervey Bay) 104. 54 holes: B-grade Scratch to Rod Luyt (Parkes) 120. 36-hole Stableford: A-grade to Barry Shine
(Forbes) 69 points. 36-hole Stableford: B-grade to Rob Lea (Parkes) 64 points. There were 18-hole events run on the Mon, Tue and Thu. The best Forbes effort came from Ted Morgan, with 39 points in Tuesday’s event.

The Lay-day at Forbes, attended by 34 players, was a Medley event. Milton Cartwright, playing alongside two ladies, pulled a winning score of 41 points. In 3rd place was another Forbes player, Fleur Wells with 38 points. This week the Vets are playing a 12-hole event at Forbes. The usual 12:30 pm assembly for a 1:00 pm start. The weather promises to be extra nice so get out there and enjoy it.

Some news items for you: All players are encouraged to wear an item of pink clothing on Saturday 10 October.
This is to register support for Cancer Research and the good work that local support groups, like Can-Assist, provide to cancer sufferers. You can wear a pink hat, or pink socks, or a complete Pink ensemble, but please get into the spirit of it. And I am pleased to announce the result of the Mixed Foursomes event. You may remember that when this was played the Scratch result was a tie, and thus a play-off was needed. With four players all having different commitments it was hard to get them back together to ‘finish the job’.

On Monday 28 Sep Andrew Dukes and Sally Crosby battled it out against Jeff Haley and Ethel Coombs, over 18 holes. At the end of the day the victors were Andrew and Sally with a Scratch score of 76. Unfortunately it was not a good day for Jeff and Ethel who had quite a few problems in their round. A couple
of shots into the water on the 4th helped their score creep up to over 90.

Thus, for the 2015 Mixed Foursomes, A Dukes/S Crosby are the Scratch winners, and J Haley/E Coombs are the Handicap winners. What a marathon.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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