Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

John And Wayne Shooting Standouts

February 25, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Wayne Facey and John Dunkley were the standout shooters this week with both showing tremendous form leading into the busy part of the shooters calendar.

The final round of the Forbes S.S.A.A. sporting shooters .22 calibre rimfire rifle shield shoot was held on Sunday 20th February. Results were as follows:

• 25 metre Buffalo target shoot were – John Dunkley, 267/270; Steve Hindmarsh, 266/270; John Gorman, 266/270;

• 50 metre Rabbit target shoot were – Wayne Facey, 190/200; Niki Bolam, 189/200; David Carr, 185/200;

• 75 metre Mosquito target shoot were – John Dunkley, 116/120; Wayne Facey, 112/120; Niki Bolam, 112/120;

• 100 metre Fly target shoot were – David Carr, 112/120; John Dunkley, 109/120; Phil Anderson, 102/120.

• The 100 metre Rimfire Shield winner was Wayne Facey with a score of 386/480; Steve Hindmarsh came in second with a score of 378/480.

• Terry Knight won the Centre-fire shield with a score of 373/480. Second place went to Phil Anderson with a score of 236/480.

The next S.S.A.A. sporting shooters .22 calibre and other rimfire rifle (.22 magnum or .17HMR) will be on Wednesday, 2 March starting at 2pm. The next Sunday is 6 March at 10am. The Centre-fire rifle shoots start at 2pm. Junior shooters must be 12 years or over.

The next shoot for the Forbes S.S.A.A. sporting clay’s will be for the Cliff Bradley Memorial Trophy shoot on Sunday, 13 March.

Members should note the Forbes Sporting Shooters Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday, 9 March at the Forbes Sport and Recreation Club starting at 7:30pm. All interested parties are invited to attend.

Forbes Croquet Club Hosts Boys To The Bush

February 25, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

GOLF CROQUET: Nathan Corliss from Boys to the Bush watches on and gets ready to line up his shot in Golf Croquet at Forbes Croquet Club last week.

On Thursday ,17 February Forbes Croquet Club hosted a day for Boys to the Bush.

Under the guidance of Tim West and Nathan Corliss the boys arrived at the Croquet Lawns all very enthusiastic and ready for a day of croquet!

“It was a great day and the boys were rostered with one of the male members of the Croquet Club to be shown the game of Golf Croquet,” said Elvy Quirk, President of Forbes Croquet Club.

“The boys were shown the aim of the game and many of them really excelled,” Elvy said. “The male members of the club had made the effort to make the boys very welcome. It was indeed a pleasing result and so much so that a further day is to be hosted in the future.”

The Boys to the Bush supplied morning tea in the form of fruit platters and cake that was enjoyed during the morning with the boys taking the food around.

“Well done to the boys for their respect and cooperation as it was indeed a pleasure to have them,” Elvy said.

“A special thank you to the Croquet members who supported the day and also a thank you to Tim and Nathan who made the arrangements. We can’t have days like this without your support”.

The Forbes Croquet Club meets on Tuesday’s and Saturday’s with participants asked to arrive just after 8am to ensure prompt starts.

The club regularly hosts special days such as new member days to show the community of Forbes and surrounds how to play the century old tradition of croquet!

News Briefs

February 25, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Lawn Cemetery – Installation Of Monument

Forbes Shire Council proposes to amend the Forbes Cemetery Management Plan to allow for the option of a bronze plaque or a regulated-sized headstone in the Lawn Cemetery, including the retrospective installation of monuments on existing internment sites. A monument would be a maximum of 900mm wide x 325mm deep x 600mm high.

Submissions to the proposed amendment may be sent to the General Manager by 5pm, Sunday, 13 March. Email forbes@forbes.nsw.gov.au or post to PO Box 333, Forbes.

Mental Health Grant Funding Ends Next Week

The clock is ticking for sporting bodies and clubs to put their hat in the ring for the $2.8 million NSW Mental Health Sports Fund. All NSW-based sporting bodies are encouraged to apply. Applications close on 6 March 2022. To start your application visit: www.tenders.nsw.gov.au/?event=public.rft.show&RFTUUID=34470A73-F66A-CCFE-3F6C1BEBF52B9393

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

To mark Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and to further support those battling ovarian cancer, the Federal Government will provide an additional $2 million to Ovarian Cancer Australia for its work supporting women with ovarian cancer and their families.

Dog Petition Gathering Numbers

February 25, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes residents are requesting an off-leash fenced dog park, that is regularly maintained with adequate shade, water stations and waste bags according to a petition organised by Laura Smith which already has well over a hundred signatures.

“If you take a walk around Lake Forbes, as many locals do, one thing you’ll notice is that almost every other person you see has one or more dogs,” she said.

“It is clear that there is something significant missing in our town, an off-leash dog park.”

There are currently no fenced-in off-lease areas for dogs to socialise with other dogs within the Forbes Shire.

“It’s very important for dogs to interact with different people and animals, as well as take part in varied experiences in a safe environment so they can work out the right way to behave.”

If dogs are not correctly socialised, they can develop phobias and behavioural problems that can be very hard to fix.

“As someone who travels with my dog, as many people do, I know that I am much more likely to stop in a town where there is a dog park so that the dog can get some exercise on long journeys. A well planned and maintained dog park could be another reason for people to stop in Forbes and enjoy all that we have to offer,” Laura said.

“This will be another way of bringing our local community together and could be a great asset for our town. If you think Forbes deserves a dog park please sign our petition and help spread the word!”

To sign the petition go to https://me.getup.org.au/p/forbesdogpark or contact Laura Smith at laurasmithaustralia@gmail.com

$2 Million To Utilise Public Spaces In Forbes

February 25, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Shire Council has received support from the State Government under its NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program to rollout planning undertaken for the Lake Forbes Activation Plan.

The access to $2 million will provide a huge boost to Council in its delivery for the community for the Lake Forbes Activation Plan. This was undertaken with extensive community consultation.The Forbes community and visitors alike love othe lake and the plan provides Council with direction for this asset moving forward.

Council has been able to access this funding over other Councils as they have been early adopters of the NSW Planning Portal.

“We would like to thank the community for coming along with us on this journey – online services can be tricky to implement so it has been a team effort,” a statement online on the Forbes Shire Council Facebook page read.

“We have done this more than six months ahead of the NSW Planning Portal being mandated for local government, so it’s a huge effort!”

The list of projects shows that there really is something for everyone – from new fountains to refurbishment of the BMX track, improved footbridges and pedestrian access.

“There is a lot more to do in the Lake Forbes Activation Plan, but this is a brilliant start!” said Phyllis Miller OAM.

As the works progress there may be some interruptions to how the community is able to use the walking paths and the lake itself. Be assured that there will be plenty of notice as to when this will occur. Please contact the Council project team if you have any questions or concerns on 02 6850 2300 or danial.speer@forbes.nsw.gov.au.

Mask Hurrah As Normality Returns

February 25, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

From the beginning of today Friday, 25 February, close to the last of a long line of significant COVID-19 restrictions will be finally lifted when mask wearing will no longer be mandated in most public spaces and venues.

In a real win, especially for local Forbes businesses in the entertainment and hospitality sector, who like many, have felt the brunt of changing regulations, as of now, no longer have the added challenge of policing compliance after the following adjustments have been made to the settings:

• Masks will only be mandated on public transport, planes, and indoors at airports, hospitals, aged and disability care facilities, corrections facilities and indoor music festivals with more than 1,000 people;

• Masks are encouraged for indoor settings where you cannot maintain a safe distance;

• Each State Government agency will review where it may be appropriate for public-facing staff to wear masks and will implement as necessary; and

• The 20,000 person cap on music festivals will be removed, with singing and dancing permitted. Vaccination requirements will remain for indoor music festivals over 1,000 people, with attendees required to have at least two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.

With hospitalisation and ICU rates easing and booster uptake now above 50 per cent, a staged return of non-urgent elective surgery across all NSW public hospitals has commenced and will be increased through February to March.

Be Seen

February 25, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

THANK YOU: Residents of Tonga have taken to making thank you signs for Forbes Jemalong Retirement residents and staff who, along with Sharnie Morris, have been instrumental in sending vital provisions to the disaster ravaged Pacific island nation. Photo supplied.

WINNERS: Forbes Diggers dominated last weekend winning the 100 metre 10-man relay, the 50 metre and the 100 metre in a scintillating display. Well done!

WATER VIEWS: This cracking shot courtesy of the Amazing Forbes Facebook page perfectly sums up Forbes life in one shot. Send us your photos for our Be Seen section to: editor@forbesphoenix.com.au

Sports Shorts

February 25, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Soccer Rego Tomorrow

The Forbes and District Soccer Club will be hosting face to face registration sessions from 10am to 12:30pm by the Sweet Three Vintage van every Saturday from 26 February to the end of March. Players registering for the season will get a deploy training soccer ball, with those registering for the U4s and U5s teams getting a Miniroos kit.

Bullettes Go Down To Rebels

The Central West Blue Bullettes Women’s Rugby side were brave in defeat in Cootamundra last weekend against a slick Melbourne Rebels side. Trailing only 19-0 at the main break, the Rebels upped the ante in the second stanza running out 55-0.

Bowling’s Busy Month

Tomorrow is presentation day at Forbes Sport and Recreation Club from 9.30am followed by a BBQ lunch. The day is to recognise the 2021 winners. Cost is $10pp. The Easter Carnival is April 15, 16 and 17. Cost is $75 per player in pairs, $75 in fours while triples are free of charge.

Badminton Wednesday’s

For those interested in trying badminton, call Jay on 0418 480 728 to get involved. It runs on Wednesday’s from 6:30pm to 9pm.

Lachlan United Looking Strong

Lachlan United are looking strong in 2022 with teams in under 10, 11, 13, 14 boys and under 12, 14 and 16 girls in the representative soccer competition. March 26 – 27 is the Merino Cup in Goulburn, with four squads to compete: U14s and U16 girls squads as well as the boys U13s and 14s squads.The first round of the Western Youth League competition is set for the first Saturday of May the same day as the Forbes and District Soccer Club’s 2022 winter season.

Mayoral Notes

February 25, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Shire Council

Have you seen the new fountains in our beautiful lake? They look fantastic, don’t they! There are so many great features to them including they use a quarter of the power of the old ones, they can be lit up at night with colourful lights and they aerate the water better. That is great news for our fish too! Have a look when you get a chance as they are impressive!

This begins the program of implementing some of the Lake Forbes Activation Plan and we are ever thankful to the NSW Government for giving us $2 million dollars as part of the Public Spaces Legacy Fund.

Last week’s Council Meeting was a great start to the year with lots to discuss. I do want the community to let us know your thoughts regarding larger monuments allowed in our lawn cemetery. Submissions can be made to the General Manager by 5pm 13 March via email forbes@forbes.nsw.gov.au or PO Box 333, Forbes NSW 2871. Our cemetery is very dear to our community and I would like you all to have your say.

Speaking of Your Say we have extended the Housing Survey for another month as we really want you all to jump onto the Forbes Your Say site and let us know what you would like future Forbes to have in the way of housing choices.

God Bless.

Your Mayor,
Phyllis Miller

Snippets…

February 25, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

GET YOURS QUICK: Recycle Trays are proving very popular at Forbes Shire Council and locals are encour-aged to get in quick and get theirs! Photo courtesy of FSC.

Recycle Trays Available At Forbes Shire Council: Have you got your free recycling tray yet? Hurry into Forbes Shire Council Administration Office and grab your free tray today as they are quickly running out. They are so handy for taking your recycling out to the yellow lid bin rather than throwing your recycling into landfill.

Yandharra Visions Come To Light: Forbes Business Chamber with the support of Forbes Shire Council will present a breakfast for women at the Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre beside beautiful Lake Forbes on 8 March. The breakfast will be presented to the participants on gorgeous laid tables under the shade of the massive gum and willow trees that surround the lake. Close by will be the Wiradjuri sculptures and Dreaming Centre.

Proud Wiradjuri woman and founder of Yandharra, Rose DeJong will present her vision of Yandharra in Forbes. Yandharra will offer many indigenous people the opportunity to train, participate and be included in the world of hospitality. Rose will share her thoughts about Wiradjuri culture simply through the food on your plate.

Tickets are limited and cost $15 at: www.123tix.com.au/events/30826/lets-yandharra-wiradjuri-for-eat-together-iwd-breakfast.

Crimestoppers Visit Victoria Park: A Crime Stoppers NSW community safety event was held at Victoria Park, Forbes on Tuesday by Insp. Shane Jessep and Peter Price. Locals came to have a coffee with authorities to get more information particularly about the permanent National Firearms Amnesty and keeping communities safe. If you know something, say something before it’s too late. Information may be provided online or call 1800 333 000. Your call, it does make a difference.

Ronald McDonald House Charities Gala Ball Online Silent Auction Open: Ronald McDonald House Orange are very excited to announce their RMHC Gala Ball Online Silent Auction is now open. https://app.galabid.com/orange/register

Holding the auction online, means you don’t need to be in the room at the ball on 12 March to participate. However should you wish to attend, tickets may be purchased online at: www.123tix.com.au/events/23841/the-gala-ball

Get Your Elvis Festival Passes Online: Get organised and purchase your festival shuttle bus passes online now. Bus passes are available for Parkes, Peak Hill and Forbes, plus return coach transfer to the CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope. Shuttle bus services are available between Parkes and Forbes throughout the Festival thanks to Forbes Shire Council. Book online at https://bit.ly/22shuttle. For the CSIRO Radio Telescope book at https://bit.ly/22Dish

Teaching School Hub Coming To Forbes: A Teaching School Hub is coming to town. Catholic Education Wilcannia-Forbes (CEWF) and Alphacrucis College have teamed up to deliver a new program that will allow school leavers or others interested in the education system to work in support roles while completing their teaching studies. For more information on the new CEWF Teaching School Hub, contact Carmen Walsh by email: recruitment@wf.catholic.edu

Coalition’s Education Push In The Bush: This week Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack MP and the Federal Government made further strides in rural communities with Australia’s first Regional Education Commissioner Fiona Nash. Mr McCormack and Ms Nash were both pleased to discuss plans to ensure regional and rural students have the best possible access to high-quality education no matter their postcode. This comes on the back of key announcements made by the Federal Government last week with CSU in Parkes.

EMPHASIS ON RURAL EDUCATION: The Coalition at federal and state level are investing heavily in all areas of education from university learning to childhood education scholarships. Former Nationals member Fiona Nash is tasked with ensuring those in regional areas aren’t left behind. Photo supplied.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

Lawn Cemetery – Installation Of Monument

Mental Health Grant Funding Ends Next Week

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Soccer Rego Tomorrow

Bullettes Go Down To Rebels

Bowling’s Busy Month

Badminton Wednesday’s

Lachlan United Looking Strong

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