Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Snippets…

July 16, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

STORK NEWS Congratulations to proud parents Gabe and Brad McMillan on the arrival of Robey John Miller McMillan. Robey was born on Tuesday 13th July 12.32pm weighing 8lb1oz.

Congratulations to the lucky winner of our first Forbes Phoenix competition! Marie Lambert has taken home a family pass to Taronga Western Plains Zoo for two adults and two children.

Riding for the Disabled: The first local volunteer training day for Riding for the Disabled will be held at Sahara Park Riding School — 79 Amaroo Lane, off Bedgerebong Road — on Wednesday 22 July at 10am, followed by a sausage sizzle. Volunteers are urgently needed to instigate this valuable opportunity in Forbes so that our disabled children can experience the benefits that horse-riding has proven capable of bringing them. Even if you’re not a horseperson you can still help with other jobs such as cleaning and fitting helmets and boots for the riders, making and serving refreshments and many other support roles. The training day is necessary for volunteers to learn how to assist in all safety aspects required to get these children safely prepared and mounted on the horse. For more info, please call Veva MacCullagh on 0427 511 770 or Helen Morris on 0407 863 464.

If you’re into a leisurely sip of red or white, put August 28 into your diary and head out to the Forbes Youth and Community Centre from 6.30-8.30pm to taste the best entries in the 2015 NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show. You’ll have the chance to taste some of the best wines produced by the state’s smaller winemakers, and believe us, tasting their best tipples is worth much more than the $25 entry fee.

Annual Astrofest and Conference will be held in Parkes on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th July. Enjoy a host of lectures and an astrophotography exhibition for astronomers. For further information phone 02 6861 1777.

Mark Pietsch helps others by making the best of a tough life

July 16, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

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Mark Pietsch, who runs Logical Lifestyles on the corner of Rankin and Battye Streets, knows first hand just how tough life can be. His mum died when he was six and he grew up the hard way, becoming what he describes as a bad person without a great deal of selfconsciousness.

Mark damaged his back at 17 and over the pursuing 12 months put on a lot of weight as a result of the medication and his mental state. But he had the inner strength to work his way through the problems, both physical and psychological, and at one stage shed 78 kilos weight in just over seven months.

So when he met a street kid doing it rough, living by the seat of his pants by breaking and entering to feed himself, Mark didn’t hesitate in opening up and offering the chance for the young guy to turn his life around. The result is that he’s become a youth worker for some 60 kids and runs a gym that he prefers to think of as not really a gym at all.

“Many people, especially young people, see gyms as intimidating places that make them uncomfortable,” said Mark. “I prefer to see Logical Lifestyles as a place where people can be more relaxed and talk about things as well as doing the physical bit.”

These days he divides his life between three passions: caring for his group of young people; being involved with the Generocity Church; and running Logical Lifestyles as a business that can help him pursue his other goals.

New breastscreen mobile unit unveiled for Western NSW

July 16, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

BreastScreen NSW Greater Western has launched its new mobile breast-screening unit, servicing women across the Western NSW Local Health District. The unit is part of a NSW Government investment of $8.8 million to upgrade the existing BreastScreen NSW fleet with state-ofthe- art vehicles and screening technology.

The Federal Government contributed $4.4 million. Enhancements in the new vehicles include:
• Upgraded digital mammography equipment.
• Secure wireless communication system for instant transfer of diagnostic images to the statewide BreastScreen service for analysis by radiologists and breast physicians.
• Improved air-conditioning and wheelchair accessibility.
The mobile unit will visit Parkes, Forbes, Tottenham, Tullamore, Trundle, Peak Hill, Narromine, Molong and the Orange Aboriginal Medical Service between now and the end of the year.

It will be in Forbes from August 17 to September 28 in Victoria Park, behind the Cenotaph on Harold Street. “A woman diagnosed with breast cancer in NSW today has among the highest chances of survival in the world,” said Sarah McGill, Director Cancer Institute NSW. “However, we know that early detection is the key to survival.”

“It is vital for all women aged between 50 and 74 to have a mammogram every two years at a BreastScreen NSW clinic. It is a free service that could save your life. Women should call 132 050 to book a breast screen today.”

Coles Family Dominate in BBB Comp

July 16, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

Contributed by Short Putt
The weekend did not promise much from a weather viewpoint, and thus players either shied off, or raced around to stay warm. In surprisingly good conditions some players excelled, none more so than the grandfathergrandson
pairing in this weekend’s comp.

There were 45 paired up players who contested the 4BBB Aggregate Stableford Medley, sponsored by Forbes TV and Video Repairs. Many players hoped they could replay their shots, while others knew they had vision impairment. But can you credit the participating sponsor not realising it was his event until well into his round?

The eventual winners seemed to really enjoy the conditions. They were towards the tail of the field. Early in the afternoon the clubhouse leaders were Morgan/Cogswell and Dawson/ Herbert, each on 72 points and trading innuendos with each other. But they were well and truly thumped. Grandfather Geoff Coles was his ever reliable
and steady self, playing his sneaky long drives well down the fairway with few exceptions. He provided a steadying influence to grandson Gus Coles, who used his height to generate a huge swing arc and pound the ball into the distance, often beyond Geoff’s eyesight.

Their 78 points included one complete wipe hole where neither player scored a point. Gus’s ball striking is a serious challenge to King John. That is, if he can get it straight. His drive off the 16th tee finished on the edge of the practice fairway close to the 17th fairway, and was almost blocked out by the big gum tree there. But his six pars and one birdie teamed well with Geoff’s four pars to earn huge points.

Runners-up on 72 points were Ted Morgan and Tony Cogswell. Ted seemed to be the steadier player, with Tony showing too many 1s and wipes on his card. They edged out Ecky Dawson and Kim Herbert, also with 72. Both players were steady, but some unfortunate 1s and a wipe by Kim pulled them down. Neither did well on the 17th, which was almost the cause of the outbreak of a major war. The ball sweep went to 71 points. Winners
included those above and Dawson/Herbert, Carpenter/Bayley and Squires/Donohue. Nearest the pins were: 9th – Men B Carpenter, Ladies B Drabsch; 18th – Men T Morgan, Ladies nil. Undoubtedly the conditions contributed to the low 2s count with only one being scored. That was by Ecky Dawson on the 3rd hole. He was very pleased at that stage, but he did develop a grumpy phase the further the round went, perhaps a result of playing under trying conditions.

There was one visitor, that being Stuart Hayes from Murrumbidgee GC. He was escorted around the course by Verna Lane who must have shown him ‘how not’ to play the course as they finished last. Welcome Stuart, you shall do better next time. And perhaps the field was the lesser for the non-appearance of maestro Ray Taylor and his sidekick King John.
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Sunday’s 18-hole Stableford Medley was a prelude to the British Open Championship, or so it seemed with the way the weather presented the course. In cold and squalling conditions four ladies competed in the Sunday comp – thus perhaps making it a prelude to the Ladies British Open. The four combatants made a real fight of it. The Winner was Barb Drabsch with 31 points, but on count back from Fran Smith (31). The other players were Jill Cripps (26) and Ethel Coombs (24).

With such a small field there was no ball sweep or NTPs. But we must congratulate the four ladies for their intrepid contest. And for those interested, there were no 2s, although Fran Smith came close on three holes. And where were the men?
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On Thursday 9 July, the Vets played a 12-hole event at Forbes. There were 34 brave players, with once again heavy representation by Forbes (25) as compared to Parkes (9 ) and one Peak Hill-ite. The winner was David Williams (F) with 28 on countback from Geoff Coles (F) and Peter Unwin. The Bradman Award went to Jim Maloy (F) who undoubtedly was exhausted after his journey from Eugowra way. But he did score more than one point per hole.

The NTPs were: 9th – A Grade: J Davies (P), B Grade: R Baker (F); 18th – A Grade: R Bell (PH), B Grade: J McLuckie (F). The ball sweep went to 24, and was enjoyed by thirteen players. I here tell that Jim McLuckie has benefitted from his overseas trip where some of the conditions he encountered on the courses were very similar to Thursday’s conditions. No doubt that will change in the summer. The Mick Miller Shield was most undeniably
and emphatically won by Forbes with 165 points from Parkes 132. The larger numbers certainly helped, but so too did the fact that 80 per cent of the Parkes players returned scores below the mode. I had to fit some statistics in there somewhere!
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The next game is an 18-hole event at Parkes on 16 July. It is the usual gathering at 9.30 am for a 10am start. Let us hope the ‘Antarctic Vortex’ has subsided by then.
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The Winter 9-Hole Comp was contested by many players this week, who braved the harsh conditions or found some sunshine intervals. Nevertheless, the results are a credit to those who played in the more difficult conditions.
The results for Week 10 are: Winner Bess Shields (32 nett) from runner-up Bob Grant (34). Ball winner was Graeme Howe with 35 points. Hopefully the weather will pick up and the field will swell with the throngs of happy players.
And they will all see how well Grant Howe is enjoying his golf.
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Here are some other items: All players should be aware that the Local Rules now include ‘Preferred Lies through the
Green’. With the negligible grass growth and frosted ground cover it is very difficult to distinguish the fairways from the rough – thus the Local Rule. The rule will stay in place until the spring growth kicks in and the fairways can be better defined. We are into the 3rd round of the Wallace Cup now. Only three matches remain to be played before 26 July, so everything is running to target.
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It is crystal ball time: Saturday and Sunday 18, 19 July is the Mens Foursomes Championships, sponsored by S&S Welsh Transport. This is a two-day event on the weekend. There will be an Individual Stroke event on Saturday for those who cannot commit to the two days of play. At this stage the Sunday is free. Saturday 25 July is the 4BBB Stableford Multiplier. Choose a partner who can consistently get at least a point on each hole. Sunday 26 July is the Stableford Medley. Saturday 1 August is the 18-hole Monthly Medal, this month sponsored by Bernardi’s Supa IGA. Sunday 2 August has the Stableford Medley. Saturday 8 August is the very contestable American Foursomes, sponsored by Milton Cartwright. This format tests not only your partnership pairing, but also your consistency in play, and is a load of fun.

Local medical practice funded to train students

July 16, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

The Forbes Medical Centre has obtained a $125,000 grant under the Federal Government’s Rural and Regional Teaching Infrastructure program to help it expand its services and take on more trainees and GP registrars. The grant will enable the practice to extend its facilities to include an additional four consultation rooms.

“This investment in general practice and the primary care workforce will not only strengthen the general practice workforce, but also enhance the number of locally trained doctors, GP registrars and medical students,” said Federal Member for Calare John Cobb. A condition of the grant is that the general practice provides matched funding.

“I thank the Forbes Medical Centre for their foresight and hard work, and for recognising that those medical students and registrars who experience rural and remote practice are more likely to pursue careers in the bush,” said John Cobb.

Question of the Week

July 16, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

With school going back, what are you packing for your kids for lunch?

Elisha Woods works at Flannery’s Pharmacy. Her 10-yearold son Kobe attends Forbes North Public and makes his own lunch, usually a nutella sandwich and a piece of fruit. His favourite is a mandarin.

Tabitha Blake is a dental assistant at Forbes Family Dentist. She insists that her daughters, 8-year-old Marnie and 6-year-old Matilda, who attend Forbes North Public, pack a healthy lunch, such as two pieces of fruit each (an apple and a mandarin are high on the list of favourites), plus a ham or corned-beef sandwich and a homemade cupcake.

Bronwyn Everson runs Bron’s Hair Design. Her 15-yearold daughter Stephanie, who attends Red Bend College, usually has something like a piece of fruit, a bread roll spread with vegemite, a biscuit and a small pack of chips.

Our Gal – Leigh Bartholomaeus

July 16, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

Leigh Bartholomaeus Owner of Local Boutique Little Extras Lifestyle

How long have lived in or around Forbes? Since 1983

What do you love most about your work? Everything! I love the Fashion and Accessories Industry, to supply and serve a wonderful community with THE BEST staff.

How do you start your day? At 5.45 am with exercise and a hot lemon water, then it’s off to work.

What do you do in your spare time? Work haha. Learning new things for my business to grow. Catching up with family and friends, enjoy nice food and wine. Travel, ‘I wish there was more of it’.

How do you like your coffee? Skinny Cappuccino.

What makes your day? Nice people with a nice attitude.

Lions Changeover Dinner

July 16, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

Saturday night saw the staging of the annual Forbes and District Lions Changeover Dinner. MC Phil Lawler PCC welcomed guests who included Mayor Phyllis Miller, PCC Bob Buckley, PDG Bob Moore and Zone Chairman Charlie
Burrows.

Following PCC Buckley’s address, President Robyn Seberry gave her annual report, and thanked Club members for their hard work and support throughout the year which saw the Club donate to many organisations. One of the largest donations was of a Phoenix Chair to the local hospital.

Robyn then proceeded to make cheque presentations to representatives from local groups, including Mater Auxilliary, Can Assist, Forbes Town Band, St Vincent de Paul, Angel Flight and to several Lions Charities. These additional donations brought the total for 2014-15 to $18,327.

The new Lions Board is as follows: President Peter Bright, Vice Presidents Phil Lawler & Bill Dolle, PP Robyn Seberry, Secretary Gayle Williams, and Treasurer Ian Gilchrist. After accepting the Charter and Gong new President
Peter outlined his hopes for the coming year. The night concluded with the drawing of the Monster Raffle which saw approx. 20 people walk away with prizes.

Health Smart

July 16, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

Diabetes: the feet come first

People with diabetes risk serious and disabling foot complications and even amputation. Diabetes can affect the feet in two ways:
1. The nerves which enable you to feel pain, temperature extremes and give early warning of possible trauma are damaged.
2. The blood supply to the feet is diminished due to damage to the blood vessels.

Under these circumstances, even a minor foot problem of little significance to other people can be hazardous to people with diabetes. It is recommended that people with diabetes should be assessed by a podiatrist who will advise a commonsense daily care routine to reduce the risk of injuries and complications.

Discuss your mobility and footcare problems with your podiatrist, who can advise which service or professional support is most appropriate to your needs.

Talk with your doctor about a Medicare referral and take notice of these foot-health tips:
ENCOURAGE good blood circulation by regular walking and wearing good walking shoes.
CHOOSE footwear which is appropriate for your activity and make sure to have your feet measured properly by a trained fitter.
CHECK your shoes regularly for excess wear on the outside and any rough spots on the inner lining.
WASH your feet daily in warm (not hot) water, using a mild soap, and then dry thoroughly with a gentle blotting action.
USE a moisturiser to stop heels cracking and to help keep the skin supple.

When you need help with psychological expertise

Dr Jaimie Cox has worked as a Consulting Psychologist in Parkes for more than 10 years in private practice. He has also had an academic career in both psychological research and university teaching. Jaimie’s expertise extends to medico-legal work for clients who require psychological reports to be presented on their behalf at local courts.

He has expertise regarding accurate diagnosis and treatment of:
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD);
• Depression and difficulties with mood/motivation; anxiety disorders;
• Stress management;
• Loss and grief;
• Phobias and fears (including social and specific);
• Behavioural health management (eating disorders, substance abuse);
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in both adults and children;
• Students suffering performance anxiety prior to exam periods (eg HSC).
For an appointment, phone 6863 5013.

Curves: supportive & caring

Curves is a facility especially designed for women and features weight loss, exercise and motivation all in the one place. It’s fast, fun fitness. The combination of our Curves Complete online weight-management program (real food, ladies!), a personal coach to keep you motivated and accountable, and our 30-minute cardio and strength-training workouts at a time to suit you is hard to beat. We also have Zumba classes and body-basics circuits that
target arms, legs, core muscles, balance and, of course, stretching to improve flexibility.

Women are busy and have many responsibilities, so a half-hour workout is perfect. It targets every major muscle group and meets the medical recommendation that we elevate the heart rate and maintain the elevation for 20 minutes three times a week. Hydraulic equipment is safe (no weight stacks) and effective. It is appropriate for all levels of fitness, from beginner to elite athlete. Older people lose lean muscle mass due to inactivity and are often afraid of workout injuries.
With the Curves workout they can enjoy the benefits of strength training without the fear of injury. Shaping up for summer starts now in winter, so it’s a great time to make a start and have the new you ready to wow everyone!

You won’t just look better, you’ll feel better with more confidence and energy. And that’s a real bonus. Join Curves today and enjoy a community of ladies who are supportive and caring.

Beat that cold by strengthening immune system

It’s that time of year when most people are affected by coughs, colds and viruses. Although there is no cure for the common cold, there are some ways of combating it. Strengthening your immune system by taking Vitamin C, Echinacea or an immune booster such as Immune Defence is a great way to help boost your immunity during the winter months.

There is also a wide range of products to help relieve the symptoms of colds and flu and the friendly, experienced teams at Flannery’s and Life Pharmacies can help you with advice and products to suit your individual needs, whether it be for a sore throat, blocked or runny nose, chesty or dry cough, headache or aches and pains.
Flannery’s and Life Pharmacies also have a range of humidifiers and vaporisers to help your child get a good night’s sleep when they have a cold.

The MedeScan Rainbow Mist Humidifier is a cold-steam humidifier which doesn’t leave a wet residue on walls and is completely safe for children. So if you do catch a cold or the flu, call in to your local pharmacy and get some professional advice and products to help relieve your symptoms.

Forbes residents urged to review energy plan

July 16, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

Energy comparison service iSelect has estimated that one in five NSW households are struggling to pay their energy bills, with 7 per cent of households under a lot or extreme energy-bill strain.

Well over 70 per cent of respondents to the survey said their gas and electricity bills had increased significantly in recent years, with an overwhelming 86 per cent feeling they currently pay too much for energy. As such Forbes residents are urged to review their current energy plan to ensure they are on the most cost effective plan.

The research found that only a third of NSW households are able to pay their energy bills easily, with 67 per cent experiencing some level of strain in paying their gas and electricity bills. About half respondents said they had cut
back in other areas, with most forgoing holidays, dining out and shopping in order to afford paying their energy bill. Most worrying, however, is that just under half of NSW residents are cutting back on groceries to leave enough money for energy.

The survey also found that 15 per cent of respondents have gone into debt to pay for energy, with 9 per cent of survey respondents currently on a hardship payment plan in order to meet their energy bills and eight per cent currently on a hardship plan believing they won’t ever transition off it. Laura Crowden, iSelect spokesperson, said the survey not only highlighted the difficulty NSW residents are facing to pay for energy, but that many people are confused by how energy costs are calculated.

“Forty per cent of those surveyed admitted that they don’t understand their energy bills and how usage costs and network charges are calculated,” Laura said. “Energy bills can be really confusing so it’s important Forbes residents take the time to seek expert advice which can help you cut through the complexity and clearly determine if you are on the right plan to suit your energy needs.” For more information, visit www.iselect.com.au.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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