Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Local Physie Stars Shine At Elite Level

April 14, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

PHYSIE STAR… Ashleigh Donnelly finished in the top 15 senior national finalists at the Australian Physie National Championships in Darling Harbour.

Members of the Lachlan Valley United Physie Club achieved some extraordinary results at the Physie National championship held at Olympic Park in Sydney recently.

Ten juniors qualified to compete at the elite level of competition where they have to dance their set six routines in a combination of dance style to make it through the qualifying round of the national finals.

Three talented members made it all the way to the national semi-finals placing them in the top 32 in their individual age division. They are Maya Doyle (11), Maddison Hornery (10) and Dannielle Hornery (8).

Four senior girls, Lily Waller (open seniors), Catherine McDonald (1st year seniors), Jemima Donnelly (15) and Ashleigh Donnelly (2nd year seniors), had their turn on the floor competing in a very tough section.

All members showed exceptional skill and performances on the day with Ashleigh taking her performance to the next level. She went through the heats and semi-finals and qualified for the Senior National finals at the International Convention Centre, Darling Harbour.

This meant Ashleigh had to go back to Sydney where she performed and finished in the top national 15 competitors in the 2nd year seniors. This is something Ashleigh has dreamed of and worked towards for many years.

As a teacher at LVU Physie, Ashleigh is an excellent role model working with the young and upcoming members of the club. It is an incredible achievement for a young girl from the country, and everyone at the club is very proud of her.

*At the annual Zone championships held in Parkes earlier in the year, the LVU Physie members achieved fantastic resutls, including four zone champions:
• Georgie Stewart (7-8 years)
• Maddi Hornery (9-10 years)
• Maya Doyle (11-12)
• Caitlyn Milne (13-14).

Four Generations At Royal Easter Show

April 14, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Janeen Coles and her daughter Libby with the photo of Janeen’s mother (crouching) that is part of the Western District Exhibit at the Royal Easter Show.

The Royal Easter Show has inspired a very special tradition for a local family and this year they reached the milestone of four generations’ involvement.

Janeen Coles from Forbes was joined by her daughter Libby last week to work on the Western District Exhibit at the show. The western district is one of five districts that make up the exhibit in the big dome and this year they’ve all combined in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Royal Agricultural Society (RAS).

It all started with Janeen’s grandparents Charlie and Cis Frecklington from Peak Hill when they got involved in the 1940s, and then Janeen’s mother Elaine carried on with the tradition.

Janeen and Libby were also helping out with the judging of jams, pickles and preserves and this year the Western District won the perpetual trophy, the Dreves Memorial Shield.

“The people the trophy is named after worked with my grandparents on the exhibit, and lots of their family members are still involved,” said Janeen.

“I enjoy going back every year as we are like one big family and it is great catching up with everyone and working as a team.”

As Libby stepped in this year to keep the family tradition going, Janeen’s mother was also there to keep an eye on everything. “My mother’s photo is part of the RAS archive and this year they used it to print some bunting used at the exhibit.”

By Maggi Barnard

Our Gal – Bec Ragg

April 14, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in or around Forbes and what do you like about living here? I moved here in 1987. I love the community vibe, always ready to help each other in times of need.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy most about where you work? I work at Club Forbes. I love the atmosphere at the club, the staff are the best and the patrons are lovely.

What was your first job? Tomato Picking.

If money was no object, what would you do with your time? Travel, buy a huge farm so I can have all the animals.

What makes you laugh the most? My kids and my grandbabies.

What’s your pet hate? People who are cruel and intolerant to others.

What’s on your bucket list? Las Vegas, see the northern lights in Canada, swim with the great white sharks in South Australia.

If you would live in any time and place, when and where would it be? Present day in the Colorado Mountains.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why? Talking to animals – would love to know what they are thinking.

What’s your favourite childhood memory? Learning to figure skate.

What’s your favourite quote? Leave a little sparkle wherever you go.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself… I was the first girl born on my father’s side of the family in two generations.

Snippets…

April 14, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Molly Wright from Peak Hill was named the winner of The Land Sydney Royal Ag Shows Young Woman of 2022 at the Royal Easter Show in Sydney from 15 state finalists. (Photo: ABC Rural)

Five Days Of Double Demerits: Double demerit points will apply on NSW roads from today, 14th April until Monday, 18th April (inclusive) for all speeding, seatbelt, motorcycle helmet and mobile phone offences. Police will also be targeting other high-risk driver behaviour, including the four Ds- drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving. Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Martin Ling said with COVID restrictions all but gone and state borders re-opened Police were expecting people to take full advantage of being able to holiday across NSW and interstate this year. “We want everyone to arrive at their destination, to enjoy Easter with loved ones, and return home safely. That’s why all available Highway Patrol Officers will be working. Remember to slow down, schedule plenty of breaks, limit distractions in the car, don’t mix drinking with driving and ensure you and all your passengers are wearing seatbelts.”

Grant For Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre: The Forbes Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre Indigenous Corporation has received a helping hand in the form of a grant from the Federal Government Stronger Communities Programme (SCP) to restore and enhance a water-damaged courtyard. The community organisation received a $11,654 grant to enhance the centre’s outdoor space for the community to gather, reflect, celebrate and learn about Wiradjuri culture. Centre manager Aunty Aileen Allen said the grant was needed badly.

CSIRO To End Plastic Waste: CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, will tackle Australia’s plastic pollution challenges, pledging to help Australia reduce its plastic waste by 80% over this decade. Australians consume one million tonnes of single use plastic each year – with just 12% recycled. Three-quarters of the plastic found along Australia’s coastline is single-use plastics. CSIRO’s Chief Executive Larry Marshall said the challenge was far bigger than any one institution and needed a Team Australia approach. “By turning plastic waste into a renewable resource, the Mission will deliver collaborative scientific and manufacturing capabilities to drive new technologies across the entire plastics supply chain and grow Australia’s circular economy.”

Bush Photography: Rural Aid’s hugely popular Spirit of the Bush photography competition has returned with more than 250 entries already received in the first week of the competition. A set of 12 photographs will be picked for Rural Aid’s 2023 calendar. Entries can be made here: www.ruralaid.org.au/spirit-of-the-bush or by tagging #SOTB2022 in your Instagram or Facebook posts. The closing date is 30th May.

The Obstacool obstacle course for kids in Lions Park on Sunday was a big hit and great way to start the school holidays. It was part of the Youth Week program. (Photo: Forbes Shire Council facebook page)

The Perfect Challenge

April 14, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

ICONIC TRANSFORMATION… View of the new Forbes Cultural Centre and Art Gallery in the making from the rear courtyard. The development is part of the $7.2 million Boosting the Lachlan Valley Economy Art Project, funded by the NSW Government’s Restart NSW program. For more information visit www.forbesartssociet.com.

The former Forbes Ambulance Station is undergoing a transformation and the company responsible for the work considers the Forbes Cultural and Art Centre project “the perfect challenge”.

“This project offers us a blend of old and new. An opportunity to restore a building with a lot of history, that has substantial damage, was too good to turn down,” said RWC Construction Manager Christian Gladdish.

“As a regional company, a project like this doesn’t come around too often. RWC are excited to give this building everything it needs for it to be around for the next 100 years.”

The Bathurst-based construction company has experience in working on heritage projects and where possible back that up with trades that understand the nature of the work.

With the preliminary works now complete, the next phase of the build is to install the new framing, structural walls and floors in line with the new centre’s dynamic layout.

A key milestone of the build will be the delivery and installation of the feature spiral staircase which will be craned into the foyer via an opening in the roof.

“This is an exciting time, not only for the Forbes Arts Society but the whole community, to witness one of the town’s most iconic buildings being transformed,” said Forbes Arts Society Chairperson Trudy Mallick.

“What has been an eyesore for over two decades, will soon become a vibrant and welcoming space for locals and visitors to gather, connect and create.”

85 Players In The Rain

April 14, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Ray and Monica Sanderson (middle) presented the Sanderson Memorial Trophy to (L-R) Clint Hurford, Shane Sallaway and Harry Quirk (absent Jacob Bernardi).

The rain did not dampen the spirits of 85 competitors playing in Saturday’s 4BBB Ambrose Medley for the Sanderson Memorial Trophy.

The winners were Shane Sallaway, Clint Hurford, Jacob Bernardi and Harry Quirk who combined exceptionally to score 55 ¼ nett. Their scratch score was 11-under par, and had to contend with one of the lowest handicaps.

Runners-up were Jarod Hall, Harry Nash, Henry Collins and Geoff Stewart who were very close behind on 55 7/8. They had a better handicap but the putting was a problem, resulting in a scratch score of ‘only’ 6-under.

The NTP’s went to: 9th – men: Bill Barry, women: Kate Steele-Park; 18th – men: Ross Williams, women: Nicole Death. The 3rd Hole Super Pin went to Steve Betland, with a shot to 2.5m.

There was no ball sweep, but longest drives were held on the 7th and 15th holes: 7th – men: Harry Callaghan, women: Kerry Stirling; 15th – men: Jarod Hall, women: Nicole Death.

By Short Putt

Be Seen @ Physie Zone Championships

April 14, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Danielle Hornery 3rd, Georgie Stewart 1st, and Willow Frost 2nd in the 7-8 year champion girl.

Maddi Hornery 1st and Grace McDonald 2nd in the 10-year category.

Lexi Herden 2nd and Maya Doyle 1st place in the 11-12 category.

Aleigha Hornery 3rd in the 5-6 year category. Emily Rich-ies 1st in the 9-year category.

Successful Open Day At Croquet

April 14, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The Forbes Croquet Club held a Gala Open Day to celebrate Seniors Week at the end of last month. With 13 visitors trying the game of croquet, the total number of players for the day added up to 41, with a great number of the visitors keen to join the club. All donations on the day will be presented to Forbes CanAssist.

Vale Liz

On a sad note we learnt of the passing of one of our valued members, Elizabeth McLean. Liz was a very well-respected lady who enjoyed her game of Aussie croquet and was always competitive.

She started playing in 1992 at the Jemalong Retirement Village, and continued to play at the Golf Club and then at the Bowling Club.

In 2012 the croquet lawns were established at Halpins Flat, and in the same year Liz was honoured with Life membership of the Forbes Croquet Club.

711 Days Of Work In Forbes District By BlazeAid Volunteers

April 14, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Shire Council Mayor Phyllis Miller (second left) thanks BlazeAid volunteers May Andrew (Bendigo), Alicia Westcott (Parkes), Darryl Guymer (Wollongong), Paul Dunham (Coolah Camp) and Mark Bayliss (Queensland).

BlazeAid volunteers concluded three months of assistance in the Forbes district and the last five volunteers packed up their base and accommodation last week.

“These volunteers worked tirelessly alongside the rural families to rebuild and reclaim fences and other structures that have been damaged or destroyed,” said Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller.

Since arriving in Forbes on 4th January, BlazeAid volunteers have cleaned 41.2km of fences and built over 16km of new fencing. At times they had up to 46 volunteers helping out, who worked for 711 days, six days a week.

“These amazing people have worked hard in the summer heat and in very difficult circumstances to assist families and farmers after the substantial flood damage sustained in the most recent floods,” Phyllis said.

Catering officer and Parkes volunteer Alicia Westcott said being a part of BlazeAid was about working towards making life better for each other.

BlazeAid volunteers assisted people in the Bedgerbong, Grenfell, Garema and Wirrinya areas.

Phyllis thanked BlazeAid and its many selfless volunteers who helped out in Forbes and acknowledged that not only did many of these volunteers stay in our town but contributed to our local economy by purchasing thousands of dollars worth of groceries, fuel and supplies.

“We wish you well as you move on to support other communities,” she said.

Many of the BlazeAid volunteers will be heading to the next disaster zone to assist after the floods in the north of the state.

BlazeAid is a volunteer-based organisation that works with families and individuals in rural Australia after natural disasters such as fires and floods. Volunteers also help to lift the spirits of people who are often facing their second or third flood event after years of drought, or devastating losses through bushfires.

Lachlan’s Hidden Gem For Sale

April 14, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Carranor, one of the Lachlan River’s hidden gems, is on the market with Forbes-based rural property specialists Johnston Rural Group.

Carranor is a unique and highly productive mixed irrigation farm which also provides a wonderful place to live. Ideally located upstream of Jemalong Weir, Carranor enjoys a convenient yet private location under 15 minutes’ drive west of Forbes.

Surrounded by a scenic 270° and 8.25km water frontage, the property comprises approximately 225.91 hectares (558.23 acres) of mostly alluvial river and creek flats of which 60 hectares (150 acres) is developed for border check surface irrigation.

Owned and operated by the same family for over 70 years, the property has a deep and fascinating history that dates back to the early 1800s when it was part of the 16,000 acre Carrawobitty Estate owned by James Collits. In 1948, after World War II, roughly 5,800 acres of the Carrawobitty Estate was resumed for soldier settlement into 17 separate parcels including those that now make up Carranor.

Today, the property is well known locally for its prime lamb and lucerne hay production, high performance pastures and yielding crops, as well as its livestock breeding and fattening capacity.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

Vale Liz

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