Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Next Step For Flood Affected Businesses

November 18, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

If your business has been affected either directly or indirectly by the floods or other disasters (ie gas outage, landslides, road closures, flash flooding, slow rising waters etc) and this is having an impact on your ability to operate your business and generate an income, this is what you should do: call a business concierge at Service NSW for Business to find out if there is any support available. A concierge will be able to walk you through any funding or immediate aid that may be on offer.

According to Jodie Dietsch, Relationship Manager – Western Region at Service NSW, should direct financial support not be available immediately, your business details will be captured and should funding be released the concierge will be able to reach out and provide you with the relevant information. “Capturing this data may also help in determining where small business pockets in your local government area have been heavily impacted and will aid us in advocating for support for your business community.”

As an impacted business owner, call 13 77 88 and ask to speak directly with a business concierge for any assistance that may be available.

Applicants Required For Prestigious Rotary Youth Leadership Awards

November 18, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The Rotary Club of Forbes is calling on employer groups in Forbes or employees in the 18 to 28 age group to nominate candidates to attend the 2023 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA).

The 2023 RYLA will be held from Saturday, 7th January to Friday, 13th January at the Warrambui Retreat and Conference Centre in Murrumbateman NSW.

Employers are invited to nominate staff members in this age group or employee applicants can approach their employers to support their attendance in this week-long program.

Young people in our district have been hugely affected by the 2014/19 drought, the COVID-19 Pandemic and the current record high flooding of the Lachlan River, so now is the perfect time to support them in their leadership development.

Two of the current members of Forbes Rotary Club are past attendees of RYLA, farmer Grahame Uphill and civil engineer John Zannes. They have great memories of the RYLA experience and can’t speak highly enough about the benefits of this Rotary program.

Participants can complete an online application form by accessing https://forms.gle/bYo1tqn8GduCJ3kL9 The sponsorship fee for each participant is $950, which includes a generous subsidy from Rotary District 9705. This fee includes meal and accommodation costs, travelling expenses for inspirational speakers and support staff, and may also attract a further subsidy from the Forbes Rotary Club depending on the applicant’s financial situation.

For further information please contact the Forbes Rotary Youth Director Ross Williams on 0428 531 132.

Forbes News

November 11, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes resident Mamata Pun Rama’s waters broke and the SES helped her cross flood-waters with her partner Chitra to the Forbes Hospital where they welcomed son Imaan on Saturday. They are with midwife Jud Driscoll. (Photo: Western New South Wales Local Health District)

Volunteers at the SES yard in School Road on Friday morning worked very hard to fill sandbags. More than 25,000 bags were filled in just two days.

With all the Forbes schools closed from Friday, the youngest SES volunteer in Forbes Jakaylia Ware (8) was on duty at the sandbagging machine. She showed Member for Member for Orange Phil Donato, NSW Premier Dominique Perrotet and Minister Steph Cooke the ropes.

SES Volunteer Kerry Locke with Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke MP.

Snippets…

November 11, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

One of the animals rescued from the Forbes floods was Kerry Packer. Forbes Central West Livestock Exchange Facebook Page reported he came in looking a bit rough after his adventures with barb wire wrapped in his fleece. “The boys took care of him and gave him a haircut and he is looking like a new man.” (Photo: Forbes Central West Livestock Exchange Facebook page)

Record-breaking Rain: The Bureau of Meteorology’s October national and state climate summaries show a record-breaking month of rain. Rainfall in October was the 2nd highest on record with rainfall above or very much above average for most of Australia, while Australia’s national area-average mean temperature was 0.19 °C above average for October. NSW had its wettest October on record with cooler than average days and warmer than average nights. Forbes received 143.4mm in October and a total of 838.2mm so far this year. Parkes is slightly less with 142.4mm in October and a total for the year so far at 816.2mm. By Tuesday Parkes had already received 64.4mm in the first 7 days of November.

Access To JE Vaccine: NSW has widened access to free Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine to a broader group of people. JE vaccine is now recommended for people aged two months or older who live or routinely work in Forbes and Parkes, with identified JE risk who: Spend significant time outdoors (four hours per day) for unavoidable work, recreation, education, or other essential activities, OR are living in temporary or flood damaged accommodation (e.g. camps, tents, dwellings exposed to the external environment) that place them at increased risk of exposure to mosquitoes, OR are engaged in the prolonged outdoor recovery efforts (clean up) of stagnant waters following floods. The key to protecting yourself from JE and other mosquito borne infections is avoiding mosquito bites. JE vaccine is available through local General Practitioners (GPs). People who meet the eligibility criteria should make an appointment and let them know it is for the JE vaccine. Some GPs may need to order the vaccine.

Mosquitoes: Protect yourself and your family against mosquitoes by: covering openings such as windows and doors with insect screens and checking there are no gaps in them; removing items that might collect water (such as old tyres, empty pots) outside your house where mosquitoes can breed; improving drainage on your property so that water does not become stagnant; wearing light, loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts, long pants and covered footwear and socks, especially around dusk and dawn; applying repellent to all areas of exposed skin, using repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus; re-applying repellent regularly, particularly after swimming, being sure to always apply sunscreen first and then apply repellent; and using insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units and mosquito coils to repel mosquitos (mosquito coils should only be used outside). For further information on JE virus and ways to protect yourself visit: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/mosquitoes

Help For Flooded Farmers: Rural Aid is offering immediate financial assistance to primary producers impacted by the recent flooding events. Eligible, registered farmers in NSW can now apply for a $500 pre-paid visa card from Rural Aid. Farmers can register at www.ruralaid.org.au or by calling 1300 327 624.

Find It In AMAZING Forbes

November 11, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The trees aren’t out yet, but Find It In AMAMZING Forbes begins on 14th November. Each participating business will have a timber Christmas tree at the front of their front door when the flood water recedes.

Aaron Acheson of the Forbes Business Chamber said: “We are so pleased to be able to offer $20,000 in prizes this year.”

The draws will begin on Thursday, 17th November with the first $500 being electronically drawn. All you need to do is scan the QR Code and fill in the details. There are 7 x $500 prizes until Christmas Eve and then 10 X $500, 1 x $1,500, 2 x $2,500 and 1 x $5000 will be drawn on 24th December.

Major sponsors and participants: Forbes Shire Council and Forbes Business Chamber; Gold Sponsor – Bernardis, Silver Sponsors – Terry Bros Carpet Court and the Forbes Phoenix; Bronze Sponsors – Flannery’s Pharmacy, Gunn’s Menswear and Embroidery, MD Steel, Steele Technology, Walkers Ag N Vet and WA Knights.

“All the sponsor businesses will have a QR code for you to scan when you shop in their business. For those who don’t have a phone there will be a sign-on-sheet.”

Participating businesses: All of the above plus Acheson’s Mitre 10, Allure On Main, Blue Sky Outdoors, Blush Organics, Bowns Sports Power, Bron’s Hair Design, ChapterTwo, Forbes Automotive Services, Forbes Central Butchery, Forbes Small Engines, HelloWorld, Hozpots Garden Centre, Isabel’s Place, Jessica’s Beauty, Life Pharmacy, Little Extra’s Lifestyle, Loomzys FishNFix, Made Of Fridays, McMillian Industries, News On Rankin, Phillip Wells Optometrist, Robbs Jewellers, The Bakehouse, The Book Dispensary, Turners Furniture One and Undercover Sleepwear and Lingerie.

Supporting businesses have again come forward and continue to promote and support the Find It In Forbes Promotion and Christmas Carnival. “A huge thanks to Chudleigh and Dobell, Forbes Livestock, MBC, Michael Robinson & Co., Central West Diesel and Woolerina.

With many events cancelled and excess water everywhere causing huge stress to businesses and the community. We hope that the Find It In Forbes Christmas Promotion and Christmas Carnival will bring some fun and happiness to all,” said Aaron Acheson.

The Forbes Christmas Carnival will be held on 9th December from 5 – 9pm.

Be Seen

November 11, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Parkes Public and Parkes Christian School attended a Kindy Enviro morning at Kelly Reserve in Parkes on Tuesday.

Nate Teague, Hannah Farrell, Mariana Garcia-Castano and Kyan Johnston from Parkes Christian School.

Oscar Brown, May Steventon and Lillian Honnor from Parkes Christian School.

Myles Tonkin and his classmates from Parkes Public School.

Averie Smith and Archie Curtis from Parkes Public School.

Forbes Flood Worst In Decades

November 11, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

SANDBAGGED… Houses in Renfree Street were already surrounded by water last Friday morning as the flood level was rising by the minute. Residents scrambled to get their flood preparation done, and unfortunately for many the water could not be stopped from inundating their homes.

The sun was shining in a clear blue sky as the Lachlan River in Forbes peaked at 10.67m last Saturday making it the biggest flood in 70 years causing extensive damage.

Up to 1,000 people were ordered to evacuate as hundreds of homes and businesses were affected, and the town was split in two as flood waters started spreading. Residents on the northern side of town had to rely on emergency services to ferry them across the flood waters to get to the CBD and hospital.

The flood was not without its dramas and the SES assisted Forbes resident Mamata Pun Rama, who had gone into labour with her first child, to get her to the hospital in time. Mamata and partner Chitra Pun Rama welcomed a son, Imaan, at Forbes Hospital last Saturday.

The Western New South Wales Local Health District said mum, dad and the midwifery team were all “over the moon” and offered their congratulations to the new parents and baby Imaan who “is blissfully unaware of the incredible circumstances surrounding his delivery.”

The SES had hundreds of call outs and some of the rescues included household pets and other animals. There were even more than 1,000 sheep that had to be airlifted to safety.

The community spirit once again soared as hundreds of volunteers from businesses, organisations and individuals helped to fill thousands of sandbags in School Road that were distributed in the community. Since the clean-up started this week, community members have reached out to assist where they can with many flood affected people commenting on how heart warming the community spirit was.

The SES and other emergency services received hundreds of requests for assistance from flood rescues and evacuations, to storm damage jobs, resupplies, sandbagging and more.

Premier Dom Perrottet, Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke MP and Member for Orange Phil Donato MP visited Forbes on Friday to be briefed on the flood situation. They also met with residents and announced funding grants of up to $25,000 for farmers impacted by floods in disaster declared areas.

With the flood water starting to subside earlier this week, Forbes Shire Council reminded residents whose properties had been damaged to photograph any damage before beginning clean-up work.

Council said the tip was open and skip bins would be set up in affected neighbourhoods.

Residents can also leave damaged household goods on the street kerb for the Council to pick them up.

A warning has also been issued by Western New South Wales Local Health District for residents to protect themselves against mosquitoes.

Information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au.

82 Golfers Play Monthly Medal

November 11, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The November Monthly Medal round, featuring the Medals of Medals round for 2022, had 82 players on the course at the Parkes Golf Club.

Jack Elliott, with a one over par round 72, took out the A grade by two strokes from Aaron Wilkie. Joe Van Opynen, was back on 77. In the nett event, Jack won with a fine 69, just beating home both Michael Thomas and Joe Van Opynen on 70.

In B grade Aaron Drabsch, shot a low 83 to take out the scratch from Nym Dziuba on 86. Aaron was also too strong in the nett event with his 68 holding out Matthew Clarke on 71 with Nym back on 73.

In C grade Ryan Edwards had to survive a countback with his 91 to take out the scratch. The unlucky player being Wayne Tucker. In the nett event Bruce Symonds shot an impressive 68 to be 1 clear of Ryan and 3 clear of Wayne.

In the prestigious Medals of Medals, Michael Thomas was successful in A grade, David Speakman picked up the B grade award and Bruce Symonds took out the C grade.

In the Griffins Leading Edge putting competition Jack Elliott hit the magical 26 putt number. The Wally Norman Vets Medal was won by Gordon Pritchard which was the first time he’s claimed this prize. The Putter of Putters for 2022 was taken out by Jack Elliott.

The eagle’s nest was raided with two eagles recorded. Big hitters Anthony Riach and Michael Thomas were able to get to the par 5s in two and knock the putts in.

Ball winners: Joe Van Opynen, Michael Thomas 70, Jim Kuntze, Aaron Wilkie, Wayne Tucker, Matthew Clarke 71, Beau Tanswell, Brian Hogan Snr 72, Garry Philips, Peter Picker, M.Skene, Graham Cooke, Wayne Powter, Anthony Riach 73.

In the President versus the Captain, David has a slender lead of 3 points over Cath 366/363.

In the Ladies event Leone Stevenson was the winner on 39 points beating home Anita Medcalf by a point with Judy Fisher a further point back.

Lachlan Dragons Win Four Medals Despite Flood Impact

November 11, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The Forbes Dragon Boat Club at the Western Region Regatta at Lake Canobolas on Sunday where they won three silver medals and a bronze. The mixed team included a paddler each from Canberra and Sydney respectively.

The Forbes Dragon Boat Club did exceptionally well at the first Western Region Regatta in three years despite the flood preventing almost half of the team from participating.

Regatta coordinator Nicole Williams did a fantastic job to source some paddlers from other clubs to reach the minimum number to participate. This meant the Lachlan Dragons had fewer paddlers in the boat than most other teams, but still qualified for all the finals and came home with four podium spots.

There was great excitement for the return of this annual event and more than 18 teams totalling over 300 paddlers from the Central West, Sydney and the ACT competed at Lake Canobolas on Sunday in great weather.

The Forbes team had been training hard for the event, and the disappointment was huge for the members who could not make it across the floodwaters to participate. Club president and coach Chris Favell, who was also water locked, was devastated he could not be there, but very happy with his team’s performance in the field of strong competition.

“A very proud coach moment,” he said. “All that hard work is showing in the results. Wish I could have been there!”

The Forbes women’s team had to compete as a Waratahs team combining with members from Tsunami in Sydney, Bidgee Dragons from Wagga Wagga and one paddler from Parkes Dragon Boat Club. Having not paddled together before, the team qualified for the final after two heats, and clinched second spot in the 200m with 62.4 seconds after Colour City from Orange (61.13) and Ryde Dragon Boat Club from Sydney in third place (62.43).

The Forbes mixed team with only 16 paddlers instead of 20, came second in the 200m final (56.79) after Ryde (52.9) and Outback Dragons from Dubbo in third place (57.15).

The Forbes men’s team, with only eight paddlers instead of 10, came third in the 200m final (59.04) after Ryde in first place (53.01) and Outback Dragons second (54.54).

The Dash for Cash race is a very fast sprint over 100m, and once again the Forbes team clinched second place in 29.65 after Ryde (28.43) and Outback Dragons (30.54).

The mixed team and Dash for Cash team included a paddler each from Sydney and Canberra to bring the number to the required minimum of 16.

It was a great day for the team to get their minds off the flood devastation back home, and to give the members who had to stay behind some good news!

By Maggi Barnard

Bird’s Eye View Of Forbes Flood

November 11, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

PHOTOS: FARMPIX PHOTOGRAPHY

The bowling greens turned into swimming pools at the Forbes Sport & Recreation Club.

Lake Forbes has swelled in size with the Johnny Woods Crossing, Apex Park and Grinstead Oval completely submerged. The Vampire aircraft is just visible.

Businesses in Johnson and Lachlan Streets surrounded by water.

The water went up the Newell Highway towards Parkes as far as Bunnings.

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