Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Mayoral Notes

March 18, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Another week and another award for Forbes Shire Council at the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) last weekend.

Our Load Restraint Education Project, run in conjunction with Parkes and Lachlan Councils last year, won an IPWEA (NSW and ACT) Excellence in Road Safety award. Since this project we have seen load restraint breaches decrease by 69%.

Our fabulous outdoor team has been spraying for mozzies to keep our much-loved lake area, sportsgrounds and facilities safe for everyone. Council also has a two-pronged monitoring system in place to track risks.

Residents interested in our community’s future are urged to complete the Forbes Future Housing survey. It is available online with links on our website or Facebook page, or pick up a printed copy at the Council offices. Take time to tell us what you want our community to look like and include in the future.

Talking about our future, I am very excited to announce earthworks started on Monday at the Central West Industrial Park, adjacent to our state of the art selling facility, the Central West Livestock Exchange.

This next stage of development is expanding the industrial complex area and the number of blocks with access to utilities necessary for a top tier industrial zone, including electricity, natural gas and a good water supply.

There is already interest in the new sites, in what will become a prominently positioned industrial hub on the Newell, halfway between Melbourne and Brisbane.

Your Mayor,
Phyllis Miller

Forbes Shire Council Wins Two Awards

March 18, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Shire Council’s innovation and efforts in sustainability have been recognised with two awards at the 2021 NSW Sustainable Communities Awards held in Albury recently.

The council won awards in the Litter Prevention and Recycled Organics categories, and received a Highly Commended in the Habitat and Conservation category, accepted by Forbes Shire Council’s Waste & Environmental Specialist Hiral Patel.

“We have been a long-time competitor and it is an absolute credit to the partnership between council and our community that we are still being recognised for our commitment and innovation,” said Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM.

The EPA Litter Prevention Award (population category C: 5,000-12,000) went to council’s Solar Smart Bins Around Lake Forbes. The bins operate on solar power and have smart sensors inside which activates the compactor mechanism to make more room for more waste. This increases the holding capacity of the bin five times. The bins were installed at Apex Park, Lions Park and the Forbes Aquatic Centre in June 2021.

The Recycled Organics Award (population category C) went to council’s Food Organics and Garden Organics Deep Dive Education Project. FSC was one of only three councils to trial the FOGO Project – to ensure the whole community is aware and able to participate in sustainable food waste reduction. Since its introduction food waste reduced by 15% with an added 4% increase in food waste recovery. Overall contamination in the FOGO bin is down to 1.4%.

Habitat and Wildlife Conservation Award, Highly Commended (population Category C) – Forbes Shire Council created 20 new nesting hollows in existing dead trees as homes for the increasing birdlife in the Gum Swamp area. The hollows project coincided with the refurbishment of the existing bird hide and the addition of several two-storey bird hides.

A Night Of Unforgettable Entertainment

March 18, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Music Director Nicholas Gentile and UpStage Australia Director Jessica Westcott (at piano) at Sunday’s choir rehearsal for Overture. Nicholas will be conducting a 40-piece orchestra made up of professional and student musicians, as well as a massed choir of 150 choristers, featuring children and adults from across the Central West. Ticket are available at www.123tix.com.au

It is almost time for the curtain to rise for the majestic Overture event on 2nd April at the Cooke Park Pavilion in Parkes when Australia’s top performers will be on stage with regional talent for a night of unforgettable entertainment.

“We are catering for all music tastes,” said producer Harriet Snaith. “The program includes one aria and the rest ranges from modern pop to musical theatre, and includes songs from Frozen, Shrek, Phantom of the Opera, a Mama Mia medley, The Sound of Music, Wicked and more.”

Harriet said the rehearsals and preparation work were going really well, despite all the challenges of organising Zoom sessions and working with so many people spread out from Sydney to the Central West.

Overture is also the perfect opportunity to use your Dine & Discover vouchers for a night out to celebrate the other side of the pandemic in a COVID-safe environment.

“We would like to make it our ‘Day on the Green’ event”, said Parkes Shire Councillor Neil Westcott. “Bring your picnic rug, food and drink and enjoy an amazing evening with the family.”

The headline stars Lucy Durack and Josh Piterman will be joined by local talent in leading roles from Grenfell, Bathurst and Parkes.

Next weekend UpStage Australia is presenting a series of free dance and acting workshops in Parkes in the lead up to the big night. Top tutors and professionals will be presenting about eight different workshops. For more information and registration go to https://upstageaustralia.com.au/workshop/

Boys And Croquet Mix Well

March 18, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The Boys to the Bush participants with members of the Forbes Croquet Club having fun together.

The Forbes Croquet Club again hosted the Boys to the Bush earlier this month. The boys arrived all eager to get started as some were in the group who played with us in February, while others were new to the game.

It was suggested that the boys be given two shots at the ball each time to the members’ one shot. This resulted in the ball landing in front of the hoop many times which enabled their next shot to go through the hoop for a winner, and some of our members were outplayed by the boys. The boys were indeed all smiles as it made for quite a fun day.

The boys showed great respect on the day and I am urging other sporting groups to host them so they can have more activities to enjoy.

I would like to commend Tim West and

Nathan Corliss on the way they manage the boys in their day-to-day activities. We hope we can enjoy another day in the near future.

By Elvy Quirk

CROQUET RESULTS

There were 27 players for Aussie Croquet on Saturday, 12th March.

There was a high number that won three games: Colleen Liebich, Dorelle Scott, Elviy Quirk, Tony Thomson and Bob Murray.

The big winners were: 14—8: Bob Murray and Merv Langfield; 14—9: Dorelle Scott and Bob Murray; 14—10 : Alex Todd and Joan Littlejohn, Ray Burridge, Harley Stewart and John Farah, Colleen Liebich and Tony Thomson, Dorelle Scott and Alex Todd, Colleen Liebich, John Browne and John Allegri, Bruce Field and Tony Thomson.

There were 27 players for Golf Croquet on Tuesday, 15th March.

There were four winners of three games: John Cole, Evelyn Mahlo, Kevin Rubie and Neville Spry.

The big winners were: 11—2: Evelyn Mahlo and Bob Murray; 10—3: Kevin and Jill Rubie ; 9—4: John Farah and Neville Spry, Carolyn Neilsen and John Farah.

There will be an open day for Seniors Week on 29th March. Come and join in for some fun and to learn the game.

Our Gal – Pennie Scott

March 18, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in Forbes or the electorate? The Riverina has been home on and off for me for around 25 years.

What was your first and current job? My first job was an office assistant at the age of 17. My current profession is independent candidate for the federal electorate of Riverina – very full time!

What makes you laugh the most? Laughing is my favourite word, and pastime! Many things make me laugh including my grandchildren, Monty Python, my 23 ducks and funny friends!

If money were no object what would you do with your time? What I am doing now – growing people, ideas and delicious foods, being a small-scale farmer, painting, singing, spending time with family and friends and laughing!

Describe your dream holiday? As I have done before, travelling through the many states of Incredible India, being immersed in the colours, cultures, music, arts, laughter and people from this generous country.

What’s your favourite childhood memory? From the age of two, I started riding my Shetland pony, Banjo. He was wicked and always in charge and I loved being with him.

If you could live in any time or place where would it be and when? I would like to live 250 years ago where I live now – in Wiradjuri country – before colonialisation.

If you could share a meal with three people past or present who would it be? Catherine the Great, Leonardo da Vinci and Mahatma Gandhi

If you could have one superpower what would it be? To fly.

What’s your pet hate? Bigotry.

What’s your goal for 2022? To become the first independent member for Riverina and genuinely represent all who live here.

‘Wandering’ Down the Lachlan – New Sculpture Unveiled

March 18, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

YOUR INTERPRETATION… ‘Wandering’ by David Ball was unveiled on Tuesday, 6.5km from Condobolin along the Lachlan Valley Way and is number 18 (including the smaller sculptures in the Forbes CBD) on the Sculpture Down the Lachlan (SDL) trail. Four more sculptures will be added to the SDL this year.

The 18th instalment of the Sculpture Down the Lachlan (SDL) trail was unveiled on Tuesday, and it encourages viewers to draw meaning from their own experience.

Wandering by Southern Highlands sculptor David Ball was officially unveiled 6.5km outside Condobolin along the Lachlan Valley Way towards Forbes.

“You can see this sculpture like a piece of music – it’s suggestive,” said David of the largest commission of his career to date.

Unlike the other sculptures that feature along the SDL trail, Wandering does not have a narrative. While the abstract piece was made in reference to the picturesque landscape in which it sits, it invites the viewer to create a narrative for themselves.

“It’s about the viewer walking through it, walking around it, and experiencing what it does for them. For some people it may mean a lot, for others it may mean nothing at all.

“I see it as being about the geology of the area – the curving lines are of the life that surrounds the river. I’d like to think that it connects well with where it is, and hopefully viewers can see it in harmony or co-existence with the landscape.”

The sculpture comprises of four pieces, each taking six to eight weeks to construct. Combined, the piece weighs 18 tonne and is made of 100 sheets of corten steel.

“One of the benefits of exhibiting art in this way is that it exposes new audiences to Australian sculpture,” said Forbes Arts Society Chairperson Trudy Mallick.

“The beauty of this trail is that we are seeing people engage with art that wouldn’t typically. It’s been wonderful to see the farming communities of Forbes and Condobolin embrace the SDL concept wholeheartedly and become sculpture ambassadors.”

Lachlan Shire Mayor John Medcalf OAM said the residents of Lachlan Shire were very pleased to accept the Wandering sculpture into their community.

“The ‘Wandering’ sculpture is a fantastic addition to the Lachlan trail, providing visitors with the unique experience of being able to judge for themselves the meaning of the artwork, and I urge locals and visitors alike to take in this new addition for themselves,” said Sam Farraway MLC.

The Sculpture Down the Lachlan extension is part of the $7.2 million ‘Boosting the Lachlan Valley Economy Art Project’, funded by the NSW Government’s Restart NSW program, the Forbes Arts Society, Forbes Shire Council, Lachlan Shire Council and Evolution Mining.

The project aims to foster visual arts throughout the Forbes Shire, grow the visitor economy and promote the Lachlan Valley region as a premier tourism destination.

For more information about the project, visit www.forbesartssociety.com.

Be Seen

March 18, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Rotary Club volunteers at the breakfast van (L-R) Michael Jelbart, Terry Shannon, Peter Norris and Chris Finkel.

Rani and her owner Mel enjoyed the markets with Rani receiving plenty of pats from Ruben and Luke Molloy.

Kate from Kaytee Designs with beautiful handmade earing and hair clips.

The monthly Forbes Ipomea Markets at Lions Park on Saturday had more than 17 stall holders.

(Photos: Jodie Gilchrist)

Win Tickets To Sydney Royal Easter Show

March 18, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The Sydney Royal Easter Show is back this year from 8th to 19th April and The Forbes Phoenix readers stand a chance to win a family pass by entering our competition.

The show offers 12 hours of free entertainment every day and an astounding showcase of agricultural excellence.

The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW will also be celebrating its bicentenary, commemorating its heritage, and shining a spotlight on the evolution of the organisation and Australian agriculture.

Some of the highlights include the National Young Judges competitions featuring two students from Forbes competitors from 2021 and 2022.

The show has the biggest collection of rides in Australia. You will be spoilt for choice with all the classics and family favourites plus two new Australian rides including the Twister, and the Aviator, where you’ll see the show from new heights of 100 feet.

Peppa Pig Meet and Greet – everyone’s favourite bossy little pink pig is ready and waiting to say ‘oink oink’ and pose for a photo at the Pig Pavilion every day of the show. She’s cheeky, fun, and always looking for a muddy puddle to jump in!

To win a family pass to the Sydney Royal Easter Show answer the question below:

What is your favourite thing about the Sydney Royal Easter Show?

Entries drawn Monday 28th March 2022

Shed Talk Shines Light On Women

March 18, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The Shed Talk held at Boys to the Bush in celebration of International Women’s Day.

The staff at Boys to the Bush hosted a ‘Shed Talk’ last week in celebration of International Women’s Day. These talks are held throughout the year to involve people from all areas and backgrounds in our community to learn and participate in conversations with staff and participants of the program.

Last week Thursday’s talk was to celebrate the role of women in our community. Staff members Kristy Butler, Hannah DeMamiel and Mel West spoke of their experiences working with both boys and girls in the organisation, and the positive outcomes it is having not only on the kids involved, but also on the staff and everyone involved. Programs such as MENtoring, School Groups and in particular Emergency Care and Girls to the Country Camps, were all well received by those who attended.

“Forbes has embraced Boys to the Bush with open arms since it’s commencement,” said Cassandra Tyack, Community Partnerships Coordinator. “Without the generous support of our town, Boys to the Bush would not be able to continue to achieve so many good results in nurturing the disengaged and vulnerable members of our community to build strong and confident young men and women.”

What is the best show or concert you’ve ever been to?

March 18, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Marg Sullivan: I saw Bob Dylan’s The Rolling Thunder Revue in Sydney around 1976. I went with my brother and we lined up outside with our tickets for hours for the gates to open and then we ran to get the best spot possible – that’s how it worked in those days! We were right in front of the stage, and Bob Dylan was at his best. I just love him!

Di Morris: I went to see The Bodyguard musical at the Sydney Lyric Theatre in 2017. We went by bus from Forbes and stayed overnight. It was very sad, but beautiful. I can’t remember the name of the leading star, but she sounded just like Whitney Houston.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

What is your favourite thing about the Sydney Royal Easter Show?

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