Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Sports Shorts

March 4, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Skull Announced As Presidents Lunch Speaker

Forbes Platypi Rugby Club are excited to announce Mr Kerry ‘Skull’ O’Keeffe as the guest speaker for the 2022 Rugby Lunch on March 26. The Test cricket legend is synonymous for his witticisms on ABC radio so it promises to be a cracking night. For more info – rugbylunchforbes@gmail.com

Forbes Fins Champs

The Forbes Fins Swimming Championships are this Sunday March 6th from 9am at Forbes Olympic Pool. No doubt it will be a fantastic close to the season. For more info go to Forbes Fins on Facebook.

Staines Panthers Lose To Eels

Former Forbes Magpies custodian Charlie Staines had a day to forget last weekend when the Penrith Panthers, missing half their grand final side, went down to the Parramatta Eels 36-0 in their final hit-out before their Round 1 clash with Manly.

League Round Up

Forbes Magpies Junior Rugby League Rego is today March 4th from 6-8pm at the Forbes Sport and Recreation Club. Any questions email fjrl.registrar@outlook.com Western Rams U18s meanwhile defeated Monaro at the NSW Country Champs last week while the 16s lost by 24 to Monaro.

NSW Rural Women’s Gathering Shaping Up

March 4, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The Central West Lachlan Landcare NSW Rural Women’s Gathering truly is the gift that keeps on giving! From scenic garden tours and an idyllic stopover at Girragirra Retreat and treks along the famous Forbes Art Society sculpture trail through to the recent announcement of Australian comedy royalty, the hilarious Jean Kittson, who will be coming to Forbes on April 2nd as the Gala Dinner Guest Speaker. Kittson, who is no stranger to town, will no doubt be a hit with the crowd with her devilish comedy and quick wit.

The Amazing Women With Vision themed event will be running from April 1-3 in Forbes, and involve a number of functions and activities. It will also include country singer Melinda Schneider and Cressida Cains who’s story should serve as an inspiration to many.

Forbes Shire Council will also be involved joining other sponsors including the Department of Primary Industries, AWI, CWA NSW, HE Silos, Ram HP and NSW Farmers so mark it on your local calendar.

Got to www.forbes2021nswruralwomensgathering.com or find out more on how to attend a plethora of spectacular events.

Our Bloke – Henry Stockman-Ellis

March 4, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in or around Forbes and what do you like about living here? I actually live in Parkes, but I lived in Forbes previously for 15 years.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy most about where you work? I work at Club Forbes. I enjoy meeting new people from near and far.

What do you do to unwind on weekends? I don’t get weekends off but if I did I’d spend it with family.

What are you really good at? Being a dad to my son.

What’s your pet hate? Dishonesty.

What’s on your bucket list? To travel around the British Isles.

What’s your favourite drink? Coors.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why? Teleportation, so I can get to my destination then and there.

Tell us about your best holiday ever… I can’t remember the last time I had a decent holiday.

What makes your day? Getting home and hearing my son call out dad.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself… I’ve been working at the club for 14 years.

AFL Booming In Forbes

March 4, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

BIG SEASON AHEAD: FJAFL Secretary Sonia Dukes and President Alex Milsom at the recent Forbes Sportsperson Of The Year Awards at Lions Park. Photo supplied.

Forbes Shire Council formally opened the Gaggin Oval goalposts at the South-West Local Final of the Primary School Championships (PSC), last Thursday February 24. The PSC (formally Paul Kelly Cup) pitted boys and girls teams from Cowra Public, Forbes Public, Mulan Public and Canowindra Public.

Teams were made up of predominantly Year 5/6 students, with approximately 150 students participating, many playing AFL for the first time.

Forbes Public School were the eventual winners of the carnival in both the boys and girls competitions and now play the Regional Finals.

Sports equipment provider, PILA, is taking a build it and they will come approach with Forbes. The company donated a set of goalposts which were recently erected at Gaggin Oval.

Alex Milsom, President of the Forbes Swampies was full of praise for his committee, and what they have achieved in such a short time.

The Forbes club, colloquially nicknamed the Swampies, is pushing to enter the AFL Central West fold with an under-12s side. It plans to add U10s and U14s teams shortly after.

In an agreement with crosstown rival turned AFL ally, Parkes, the Swampies will gather all junior players in the region and then hand them over to the Parkes Panthers when they’re ready for seniors. The Panthers do not currently have junior representation in AFL Central West.

Forbes is confident of getting a team in the 2022 or 2023 season, having run successful Auskick programs from the town since 2018 and having seven Auskick alumni play with the Orange Tigers in 2021.

Courtesy of AFL Central West

Be Seen

March 4, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

DOCTOR DOCTOR: Dr. Mitchell Somes, Principal GP Dr Neale Somes and Mr Melvin at Forbes Medical Centre. Photo supplied.

PROMO WINNER: Plan B Win A Swag promotion winner Debbie Brown at the Forbes Sport and Recreation Club.

COFFEE FIX BY LARZ: Lara Constable with her coffee van last week at the Crimestoppers National Firearms Amnesty presentation at Victoria Park in Forbes.

LAST DAY OF SUMMER: While many wouldn’t realise it, the last day of summer was this week and one of the wettest on record. Photo courtesy of Amazing Forbes.

Plan B Swag Promo Popular

March 4, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

IMAGE CREDIT: https://www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/

Conversations about having an alternate way to get home rather than driving after a few drinks, have been occurring in pubs, clubs and bottle shops across the Western Region of NSW for the past two months, as part of the annual Plan B Win a Swag promotion.

Licensed venues joined forces with local councils and Transport for NSW, to run the promotion which offers patrons the chance to win a swag valued at $250 by nominating what their Plan B to get home was.

The promotion was operational in 56 local venues across the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils areas during December 2021 and January 2022. These venues joined more than 300 from across the region.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said the feedback from venues and patrons has been very positive. “Congratulations to all of the winners,” said Melanie, which included Forbes Debbie Brown.

“The swags are definitely an attractive prize (being a Plan B themselves), but what’s great is that people were having conversations about how to get home and thinking about separating drinking from driving.”

Pat Lenehan from the Forbes Golf and Sportsmans Hotel echoed Ms Suitor’s comments. “This promotion is great as it raises awareness and starts a conversation. I love the weird and wonderful answers some people come up with,” Mr Lenehan said. The promotion will be back this December.

Rev Up The Ride On For AROLMRA

March 4, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

AROLMRA RETURNS TO FORBES: Forbes Autosports Club will be hosting another round of the AROLMRA Series on May 6-8 at the Hoopers Road track at Forbes. More info can be obtained from secretary@arolmra.net. Racing photo courtesy of Gary Fielder; INSET BOTTOM RIGHT: David Teale and Craig Bratton of Forbes are keen as mustard for the three-day event on their home track!

When David Teale and Craig Bratton first got into ride-on lawnmower racing, neither could have ever envisaged where they would be now.

For Bratton, a self-confessed lover of all things with a motor and Teale, a later bloomer in the sport, the Australian Ride On Lawn Mower Racing Association (AROLMRA) championships being held in Forbes in May after the last COVID-safe run event is a big win for the Forbes Autosports Club.

“Riders come from Cairns to Christchurch to contest these events and they are always a lot of fun,” said Bratton.

“It is highly addictive and we do take safety seriously,” he said.

The mowers, which can reach speeds of up to 80-100kms/hr are lightweight unlike quad-runners.

Bratton recently finished 2nd in a Fraser Coast meet in Queensland while Teale grabbed 1st in B Grade. Both will be hoping to repeat the performances in Forbes from May 6-8th.

“It will be great to have a meeting at home as we do travel and it can be expensive,” said Teale.

“Between mower modifications and travel costs we couldn’t do it without amazing family and sponsors.”

Bratton, who built Teale’s mower echoed his sentiments citing how the industry still does a lot of racing for charity and not-for-profit which is tremendous and important however there is also a strong push to make the sport more financially viable for competitors and enthusiasts in tandem.

With the next meeting in Cobram, Victoria on March 13, Teale and Bratton will have one more hit-out before the home event in two months.

“Everyone is welcome to come and have a look and feel free to contact Forbes Autosports Club if you require more info,” said Teale.

May 6 will focus on qualifying while May 7 and 8 will feature top class racing from some of Australia’s best lawn mower riders!

Forbes Riders To Compete At State Pony Club Tetrathlon Competition

March 4, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Pony Club riders will represent their Zone this week at the Pony Club State Tetrathlon Championships to be held in Denman in the Hunter Valley. The event sees riders compete in a variety of sports in a version of the Olympic Pentathlon event and requires the competitors to be all round athletes. Competitors will ride a show jumping round, run a cross country course, swim and shoot.

President Gary Tomlinson is excited about the members being able to compete at this level and in a different type of equestrian sport. Competitors from the Club will be Tess Worland, Jemma Hodder and Jake Tomlinson with a fourth rider Freya Hooper unfortunately having to withdraw.

“It is so great to have so many keen young riders in our Club wanting to have a go at something different and be competitive”, said Mr Tomlinson.

“Who knows, we may even run our own tetrathlon here in Forbes one day!”

Forbes Pony Club meets regularly for Rally Days and membership is now open. For enquiries please contact the club secretary at forbesponyclub@gmail.com

Snippets…

March 4, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

NEW VISITORS GIFT SHOP: Maria Willis, Phyllis Miller OAM, Michele Herbert, Steve Karaitiana, Brian Mattiske and Chris Roylance checking out the new gift shop which will soon be relocated to the new centre once works are completed.

Forbes Visitor Centre Gift Shop: Councillors last weekend had a sneak peek at the new Visitor information Centre shop at the Railway and it looks incredible! Stop by for amazing tourism merchandise and a great range of books! You won’t be disappointed!

Vampire De Haviland: Council wishes to advise that some structural issues have been identified in the Vampire jet, located adjacent to Apex Park. A member of the Forbes Community with a keen eye noticed some cracks forming in the fuselage around the nose cone and promptly notified Council. For the safety of the public FSC have cordoned off the area while they investigate. This may be ongoing due to the specialised nature of the aircraft. Please obey site signage while they determine next steps. Council recognises the community significance of the vampire jet and will do their best to resolve the issues in a timely manner.

International Women’s Day – Legendary Local Ladies Night Tomorrow Night: International Women’s Day – Legendary Local Ladies Night is tomorrow night Saturday March 5th from 6-9pm at Forbes Town Hall. Ticket price includes canapes, 3 x Cocktails, entertainment and a compli mentary gift bag for each attendee. Additional drinks will be available for purchase on the night. All proceeds will be donated to Running For Premature Babies. Tickets available at www.123tix.com.au

Meet Our Local Forbes SES Volunteers: This week’s volunteer is Forbes SES Unit Heath Richardson. Heath first joined the SES as a member with Parkes Unit in 2018 when he was 35 as he wanted to be a part of something worthwhile. Not long after, Heath became a member of Forbes SES Unit where he is currently a Senior Operator and a Trainer and Assessor (both a great asset to Forbes Unit). Outside of the SES, Heath is a Branch Manager of a rental company. Throughout the November 2021 floods which passed through Forbes, Heath was one of the many members who gave their days to help out with other emergency services. “As many of us would agree, what we like most about the SES is the camaraderie between both members and units as well as the fact that no two jobs are the same. If you’re thinking of joining the SES then I definitely advise you to think long term rather short term and to be committed,” Heath said.

FORBES SES UNIT VOLUNTEER: Heath Richardson encourages anyone to volunteer who is keen to make a worthwhile contribution to the community having taken the leap at 35 years of age. Richardson has been involved now for over 4 years with NSW SES. Photo supplied.

Rubie Ready For National Young Judges Championship In April

March 4, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Australia’s best young sheep judges have been announced including 18-year-old Campbell Rubie of Forbes by Agricultural Shows Of Australia as eligible to compete in the prestigious national young judges championship in April.

The competition brings together the best young judges aged 15 to 25 in each state to compete at the national finals. Qualification occurs through success in competitive regional and state competitions with only one per state making the national championship.

The national championships are held in a different location each year. This year, the Sydney Royal Easter Show, in its bicentenary year, will host the 2022 championships including the 2021 finalists who were unable to compete at EKKA due to COVID cancellations.

Rubie will represent the state in the Merino sheep young judges competition.

“I’ve grown up on a family farm, which is a mixed farming enterprise, with the major focus on our Merino and Poll Merino Stud. I am actively involved in all farming activities, including sheep work, machinery work and many other activities,” Campbell said.

The 2022 cohort of delegates for New South Wales will be determined at the Sydney Royal ahead of the national competition.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

Skull Announced As Presidents Lunch Speaker

Forbes Fins Champs

Staines Panthers Lose To Eels

League Round Up

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