Parkes Phoenix Editor

Catherine Maloney is on a mission for her son and for disabled kids everywhere. Working alongside Wheelchair Sports NSW, she wants to build a sporting and play lifestyle for disabled children in Forbes to help create a sense of achievement and belonging.

“There are many children with disabilities here, but no one ever sees them,” says Catherine whose son Logan was left with a range of physical disabilities after a fall at two and a half years. “These children need exercise and a place where they can form a social network, selfesteem and form who they are through play. They develop their social awareness through play at a young age and if they don’t get the opportunity, there can be many repercussions
in their behaviour and how they turn out in their adult life.”

Catherine says the program doesn’t have to be competitive, it’s meant to be a hit and a giggle; kids having some casual fun with sports like fencing, basketball, rugby and tennis. There is also the possibility of lining up coaches and para-Olympians to mentor and buddy the children.

She envisions an inclusive environment where kids don’t have to be wheelchair bound and participants can be both physically or mentally disabled. “I want to help them feel like they’ve achieved something, rather than just watching
the other kids,” she says. “A lot of them spend so much time in hospital which is exclusive and when they’re at home, they need to be included. Their home time should be a happy time.”

If you would like to help Catherine make this dream a reality, head down to Forbes Services Memorial Club on Wednesday 30 September between 12pm-2pm to discuss the development of sporting opportunities for individuals with a disability within the Forbes area. Sports coaches are also encouraged to take an interest and turn up to the meeting.

If you have ever wanted to meet one of Australia’s greatest racing legends, now is your chance! On Saturday 26 September Forbes Tyreright are holding their Grand Opening and everyone is invited to get out there and meet V8 Supercar Hall of Famer Allan Moffat.

Jamie Walsh and his Forbes Tyreright staff have been working hard since February to get the building complete and after a coat of paint they’ve decked the place out and it’s now up and running. To celebrate their achievement, a Grand Opening will be held this Saturday between 9am and 1pm and something will be there for all ages to enjoy.

There will be a jumping castle for the kids, a machinery display for the farming enthusiasts and ROK FM will be broadcasting live from the event. A lucky door prize will also be on offer with $500 worth of tyres to give away.

An incredible car display will include Cobras, Fastback Mustangs and a Grand Torino made famous by the television and movie franchise Starsky & Hutch. Get your free Bathurst 1000 poster signed by racing hero Allan Moffat, get involved with a fun football passing competition and enjoy the sausage sizzle. This will be a great day out
for the kids with Dad and the best part yet, it’s a free event!

“Come down and check out the new showroom,” Jamie said. “Get out on a spring weekend and enjoy the sunny weather!” Forbes Tyreright can take care of all your mechanical repairs, registration checks, servicing and they have the latest technology in wheel alignment.

With a wealth of experience spanning over 25 years collectively, these people can help with anything from a pram to an earthmover. They also offer 24 hour on-farm service.

Friday 18 September saw the end to a huge five week campaign for Ray White Rural Forbes. They took four properties from Forbes, Parkes and Lake Cargelligo to auction and with the use of the white out and a mix of other media, this campaign saw a total of over 150 enquiries.

On the final day the team managed a total of 27 registered bidders in the room and having the always reliable Angus MacLeod at the helm, they managed 3 from 5 under the hammer. Forbes property “Nirvana” sold under the hammer for $405,000 followed by “Montana”, another Forbes property selling under the hammer for $993,000, above the reserve price.

Part one of Lake Cargelligo, a bare block, sold for $210,000 followed by the house block portion of the property being hotly contended before being passed in for further negotiations. Parkes property “Blue Meadows” was slow
to start with, bidding steady at $455,000 and then also passing in for further negotiations.

With new interest generated, Ned is currently on a fresh inspection for Blue Meadows with persons present at the auctions.

The structure itself has seen many lives over time, from a paint supply shop to a builder’s hardware shop and even a motor mechanic. Janine Whitfield purchased the Mezzanine building in partnership with the Betlands in 2004 after it had been closed and vacant for over four years.

Janine quickly saw the potential for what was going to become the business of her dreams. It all started out as a small coffee shop with homewares, gift wares and a boutique tile shop until 3 years later Janine found herself the sole owner of the extraordinary building.

Janine says she has really enjoyed her time at Mezzanine but it has been a lot of hard work, particularly at the beginning. Persevering, the shop space began to take shape after rubbing back walls and floors and making it habitable. The menu has always been quite simple, with different main dishes each day and an all-day breakfast, fantastic cold drinks and smoothies and of course the famous Fish River Roasters coffee. Each week the menu
has changed and always modernises with the food trends.

After living in Forbes all her life, Janine is surrounded by her family and adds “I couldn’t have done this without them.” Janine said she is thankful to all her loyal customers and staff throughout the years and that Mezzanine is a place where she has made a lot of very good friends. She also wished the new owners Luke and Moana Duggan all the best when they take over at the end of September.

Janine is off for a well-earned rest and in her words “my plan is not to have a plan”. From everyone at the Forbes Phoenix, good luck Janine and enjoy your time off. You will be missed!