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Forbes Phoenix

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Health Smart

August 20, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

Sorting it Out With Psychology Experts
It is natural to experience high points and low points throughout life but when there is a build-up of anxiety, stress, depression and otherwise, it is important to seek support. Dr Jamie Cox has worked as a consulting Psychologist
in a private Parkes practise for more than 10 years. His academic career in psychological research and university teaching lends confidence and comfort towards his skills and experience.

He also has expertise regarding accurate diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of personal issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety disorders, mood and motivation difficulties, stress management, loss and grief, phobias, behavioural health management and ADHD. Dr Cox can also offer assistance to school students suffering performance anxiety prior to exam periods like the HSC. To make an appointment or find out more information about the services Dr Cox provides, phone 6863 5013.

New Face at Western NSW Primary Health Network
Dr Tim Smyth, MBBS, LLB, MBA has been appointed to the position of Independent Chair of the Company Western NSW Primary Health Network (WPHN). With a deep understanding of government, public administration and compliance, and degrees in medicine, law and business administration, Dr Smyth is a widely experienced Board Director with extensive strategic and operational experience across all levels of the health system.

“Tim has a strong understanding of the Australian health care system and its structures, funding and relationships, and has a keen interest in Aboriginal Health throughout his career,” said Interim WPHN Chair Saranne Cooke.
“I am excited by the opportunity to work with a great team at Western NSW PGN and with GPs, allied health and Aboriginal health workers, health service and community partners to strengthen primary health care services
in Western NSW,” Dr Smyth said.

Donating Life
If you know anyone who has needed an organ transplant or replacement tissue, you will recognise the importance of raising awareness to promote organ and tissue donation. There is never a better time than right now to have the conversation that could possible save somebody’s life. “Family discussion around donation decisions is vital,” says Donation Specialist Sonia Braithwaite. “The majority of families say that having discussed and knowing the donation
decision of their loved one made it much easier to support donation proceeding if that is their wish.”

Only around 1% of people die in hospital in the specific circumstances where organ donation is possible. However, many more people can become eye and tissue donors as tissues can be donated up to 24 hours after death regardless of where the death occurred. “While the possibility of organ donation is quite small, one organ and tissue donor can transform the lives of 10 or more people,” Ms Braithwaite said. People can register their decision on the Australian Organ Donor Registry. For more information visit www.donatelife.gov.au

Alfresco Afternoon

August 20, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

Small Windowrie

Windowrie and Neila have teamed up once again to host the 17th annual Windowrie Event which will be held Saturday 31 October. This is a very limited opportunity to enjoy the food of Neila, a restaurant that according to Good Food Guide, “would drop jaws in Sydney or even New York.”

Windowrie’s Long Lunch is an alfresco affair with tables set under the 40 year old Prunus trees that line the entrance to the family garden and homestead at Windowrie Vineyard. Guests will be entertained by Sydney singer songwriters Dela & Grets as well as local musician Oli Statham. Windowrie winemaker Anthony D’Onise and vigneron Jason O’Dea will present the wines and discuss their matching to Neila’s dishes, which will reflect the melding of Chinese and Greek influences.

Bookings are essential so secure your place at this amazing event online at www.windowrie.com.au. Tickets are $120 per person and are all inclusive.

Question of the Week

August 20, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

Be savy with your savings! Research has shown Gen Y has less than $100 per week to spend on food and incidentals, how much do you live on per week?

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“I spend less than $100 per week” – Stacey Clarke, 20

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“I spend $300 per week” – Emma Gaffney, 26

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“I spend $150-$200 per week” – Nathan Murphy 21

Snippets

August 20, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Shire Council have reached a milestone with the design of the Third More Project finalised and construction soon to begin. Mayor Phyllis said improving water supply security was a top priority. The project will provide increased water security, safeguarding it against future drought or any issues with the water supply from the Lachlan River. The project is due to be completed by the end of June 2016.

Did you know 86% of parents play computer games with their kids.

Friends of the Hospital held their annual AGM on Friday 6 August at the Forbes Services Memorial Club. Three life members were reinstated and Sister Pat gave an inspiring account of her work as a missionary in refugee camps around the world including Kuala Lumpar, Thailand and Malaysia where she was a social worker, teacher and untrained medic in primitive and traumatic conditions. Their next meeting will be held Friday 4 September
at the Forbes Services Memorial Club from 2pm.

Don a daffodil! Friday 28 August is Daffodil Day and stalls will be selling daffodils, soccer balls, brooches and pens to raise money for cancer research, developing cancer prevention programs and providing patient support. You can get involved by making a donation, purchasing merchandise or signing up as a Daffodil Day volunteer. For more information go to www.daffodilday.com.au

Life in Pictures Exhibition will close on Sunday 23 August so if you haven’t checked it out yet, visit Forbes Town Hall to see photographs by a range of photographers and skill levels. There are many amazing categories like Travel, Adventure, Food, People and many more.

127 minutes is the time an average Aussie spends preparing a lamb roast. Australians eat an average of 627kg of lamb in their lifetime.

The Big Cake Bake is back this month! Get together with friends, families, colleagues and neighbours to take part in a fun and rewarding way to support Red Cross. Bake your favourite savoury or sweet for a good cause with a baking event like cake sales, baking competitions and afternoon or morning teas. You can register as an individual or a team by calling 1800 652 635. Are you taking part in The Big Cake Bake this year? Let us know about it!

Forbes Sheep Sale

August 19, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

 

Forbes Sheep Sale

Conducted 18/08/2015

Yarded 41903 including 30896 lambs. There were approximately 16000 new season lambs included in the offering. Quality of the “new” lambs was excellent with tops in the 24 to 27 kilo range. Old lamb quality was mixed but included the usual run of prime heavy and extra heavies. Competition was strong from the usual NSW & Victorian processors at rates just a little easier. Most lambs were $2 to $4 cheaper with prime “new” lambs least affected , compared to last week’s sale:

Heavy new season lambs (23 kilos+)
$148.00 to $169.00

Trade weight new season lambs (18 to 22Kgs)
$121.00 to $156.00

Extra Heavy Lambs
$163.00 to $205.00

Lambs 23-26kgs
$144.00 to $173.00

Trade weight Lambs
$114.00 to $149.00

Store Lambs
$90.00 to $120.00

Heavy merino lambs
$ To $153.00
Trade weight Merino Lambs
$108.00. to $145.00

Hoggets
$106.00 to $132.00

There were 11007 grown sheep yarded and prices eased again by $3 to $4 and up to $6 for the heavier merino ewes. The few merino wethers sold at similar rates compared to last week’s sale:

Merino Wethers
$108.00 to $144.00

Merino Ewes
$73.00 to $118.00

XB Ewes
$76.00 to $125.00

Light Sheep
$30.00 to $74.00

Merino Rams
$85.00 to $88.00

Cattle Report 17.8.15

August 18, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Cattle Sale

Conducted 17/08/2015

There were 1795 yarded. Quality overall was not as good with several consignments of plainer grades penned. Competition remained strong and there were some slight downward price variations except for bulls which topped at a new record high of 305.2c a kilo ($3525). Feeder steers eased 5 to 6c and prime grades of yearlings sold at almost unchanged rates. Heavy steers sold unchanged but cows fell by 6 to 8c a kilo compared to last week’s sale.

Prime yearling steers up to 440kgs
298.0c to 350.0c

Prime yearling heifers up to 440kgs
285.0c to 330.0c

Feeder steers
270.0c to 340.0c

Heavy Steers over 500kgs
318.0c to 350.0c

Heavy steers over 600 kilos
319.6c To. 343.6c ($2110.00)

Heavy Heifers
256.0c to 320.0c ($1884.00)

Cows – 2 score
239.0c to 260.0c

Cows – 3 score
244.0c to 270.2c ($2080.00)

Heavy Bulls
0c to 305.2c ($3525.00

Soccer

August 13, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

In the 1st Division, Forbes Gunns defeated the Rawson Raptors 3-2. The Forbes Gunns are on the top of the ladder
and are looking to take out the minor premiership in a few weeks time, provided they keep on winning. The Forbes All Stars lost to the Tichborne Tigers with a score of 3-2. In the 2nd Division, the Forbes Bushrangers lost against Cambridge Sains 5-1. Next round the Forbes Gunns will take on Tichborne Tigers in Parkes at 2pm.

On Sunday, everyone is invited to get out to the Botanical Gardens and support the Forbes soccer teams. The Forbes Bushrangers will take on the Rovers at 12pm and Forbes All Stars will play Lightning FC at 2pm.

Our Gal – Melissa Gaffney

August 13, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

mel gaff

Melissa Gaffney
How long have you lived in Forbes? I was born in Forbes and moved to Sydney when I was 4. We moved back to Forbes when I was 10.

What is your favourite thing about Forbes? How friendly everyone is. Forbes locals are always happy to help out.

What are your passions/hobbies? Beauty therapy, horse riding, netball, going to the Races and competing in fashions on the field.

What is your biggest fear? Heights.

What is your worst habit? Over thinking everything and worrying about little things.

What is your favourite music to listen to right now? Anything, I like all types of music.

If you won the lotto, how would you spend it? I would buy a property and a few more horses. I would also shout myself and my family on an overseas holiday.

Who inspires you the most? My dad. He is a hard working kind and generous man, everything I aspire to be.

Rugby League

August 13, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

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The Forbes Magpies were lucky to come away with a win over Parkes Spacemen on Sunday at Spooner Oval, when they defeated second ranked Parkes Spacemen 24-22, the first time they have beaten their rivals in six years.
In front of the biggest crowd to have assembled at Spooner in many years, both teams put on a show that did not leave any spectators disappointed.

In a game close to their heart, competition between Parkes and Forbes was at an all time high as they battled it out in the final round of the home-and-away season for the annual Brendon ‘Stubby’ Collits Memorial Cup. Forbes were extremely resilient throughout the match, managing to fight back after allowing Parkes to lead three times during the
match. They were led exceptionally by First Grade Captain-Coach Zac Merritt, who was well supported by Ben Robinson, Jake Grace and Ethan Gaffney.

The Magpies had the ball on a string it seemed, with an impressive try scored by Bailey Hartwig, who was called up from under 18s to fill a position on the wing, which opened the scoreboard 16 minutes in. Parkes were quick to respond off an Alex Prout bomb, which saw Jesse Parker and Billy Burns combine to tie up the scores at 6-6 at half time. Parkes came out firing in the second half and saw Billy Burns cross out wide unopposed to bring Parkes into the lead for the first time in the game at 10-6.

Forbes were able to answer six minutes later with Joe Coe diving on a grubber in the corner to even the score. Parkes scored twice more, with credits to Alex Prout and Brendan Paige, however the Magpies continued to hang on and tries to Jake Grace and Zac Merritt saw them in a nail biting 22 all position, with half\ Carl Johnson unsuccessful in an attempt at a field goal with minutes to go. As the siren sounded, Parkes Captain- Coach Dennis Moran was penalised in front of the posts, allowing Johnson to kick the winning two points in a controversial ending, as the Magpies home crowd celebrated.

The game was a perfect finish to a great day of football, that in other games saw the Magpies League Tag girls beaten 12-0, Under 18s went down 16-8, however the Magpies Group 11 Reserve Grade Premiers put on a clinic and defeated Parkes 44 -6. The Minor premiership honours taken out by Magpies under 18s and Reserve grade
teams, has earned them a weeks rest, while the Magpies First Grade and League Tag teams will head to Caltex Park Dubbo on Saturday to take on Dubbo Westside and Wellington respectively in the elimination Semi Finals.
First game will be League Tag from 12pm. The Magpies encourage all supporters to head over to Dubbo and cheer the teams on into the next round of semis.

Much Loved Administrator Says Goodbye

August 13, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

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Marie Thomas, a much loved and appreciated employee celebrated her retirement recently after 39 years working with TAFE, bringing a fulfilling and interesting career to a gentle finish. Celebrating with a big farewell function at
the Forbes Services Memorial Club on 24 July, Marie looks back on her administration career fondly.

Marie’s first taste of TAFE life came as a 16 year old student when she sat for her Secretarial Certificate before starting her administrative career. Starting at the Parkes TAFE as a typist in June 1976 when she was only 21 years old, Marie was a loyal TAFE employee on the Parkes campus for many years until 1998. “When I first started at the college as a typist I was by myself,” Marie said, “but the college grew quite big.”

When Marie was elevated to a role as Cluster Leader in Customer Service, she became involved with TAFE campuses in Parkes, Forbes, Cowra, Grenfell and Condobolin. For two years during 2007-2008 Marie worked out of Dubbo as the Head of Administration looking after Cobar, Bourke, Brewarrina, Walgett, Lightning Ridge and Coonamble
until coming back to her job at Forbes in 2009. “I chose to go down a few grades so I could come back to Forbes for the lifestyle,” Marie said. “Money is not everything.” “Our focus was on our students, ensuring they had the support they needed to succeed in their chosen career paths.”

“I loved seeing school students come to TAFE and watching them mature, and I loved the people I worked with in TAFE and the family type atmosphere.” “I was very passionate about trainees that came through and very supportive of my staff because you have to value the people that work for you.” “I will miss people a lot. I’ll miss the staff and
interacting with the students. But I’ve earnt my retirement; this is now my time which I’ll share with my family.”

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