Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Be Seen

February 18, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

BACK AT THE TRACK: Race goers from even as far away as Darwin turned up for the 2022 edition of the Total Wear Australia Bedgerabong Picnic Cup but for local Cam Shepherd (left) and his friends, it was only a short bus ride to the racecourse.

COLOURFUL ENSEMBLE: The Ladies Fashions In The Field was again another hotly contested event with judging proving extremely difficult for the local judges.

PICKING WINNERS: Adam Molloy and Matthew Corliss trying to pick a winner at the Bedgerabong Picnic Races on Saturday. Apparently their picks are still running.

Sharnie Rallies Support For Tonga After Tsunami Disaster

February 18, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

THANK YOU FROM TONGA: Residents of Tonga impacted by tsunamis and volcanic eruptions with a Thank You sign to JRV for their kind donations; INSET: Sharnie Morris outside her home with another shipment of drums ready to go.

Local Forbes resident Sharnie Morris had been a regular visitor to Tonga, travelling twice a year before COVID struck. More recently, Sharnie has had to sadly watch on as the humble people of the tiny south-Pacific nation deal with not only the aftermath of the tsunami on 15 January but active volcano Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai as well.

Not one for the spotlight, Sharnie along with some work colleagues have already shipped eight drums of necessities to the fledgling nation with 14 more to be transported. Transport costs have been generously covered by Brian Hogan of Telescope Tyres in Parkes. Inside the precious cargo, includes a raft of items purchased from KHub and donations from Jemalong Retirement Village residents and staff through to communities in Forbes, Parkes and Eugowra.

“I thought drums of clothes, shoes, toiletries and kitchenware items were a good place to start,” Sharnie said. “It has been a fantastic effort from everyone.”

Malakai Ahokava, an athlete for Team Tonga is assisting with the freight and has jumped on board, minimising shipping costs. The drums will leave Sydney on 11 March for Tonga and are expected to arrive on 11 April.

The volcano north of Tongatapu unexpectedly erupted on January 14, lasting more than 12 hours, with volcanic ash and gasses reaching more than 44kms in the air and creating waves 50 feet high. It was visible from a satellite in space.

Total Will As Valydium Wears Down Rivals

February 18, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

WATCHING HISTORY: Punters from far and wide converged on Bedgerabong Racecourse for the first picnic race meeting in four months as Valydium powers home from Nepenthes and The Bald Eagle in the Total Wear Bedgerabong Picnic Race Cup; INSET: Jockey Will Stanley becomes not only the youngest back-to-back winner but the first teenager to achieve the honour in a feat unlikely to be matched.

In a story to rival any Hollywood script, Bathurst teenager Will Stanley has ridden back-to-back wins in the Total Wear Australia Bedgerabong Picnic Cup. This years win on Dubbo-trained Valydium was one of the most sensational rides since the first race at the current Bedgerabong track in 1933.

Valydium, a $12 half-chance at the start of the race, started slowly and had plenty to do with most of the ten-strong field sitting in front at the halfway mark of the race. The Michael Gray $5 chance The Bald Eagle sat at the front and it was going to take a mighty effort from the Connie Greig led Valydium to run down the pacesetters as they approached the home turn.

Yet somehow, 18-year-old Stanley, who will soon take on an apprenticeship in a bid to crack the metropolitan ranks, mustered a sensational burst out of Valydium as the Dubbo-based horse closed the gap. As the finish line approached, both horses were neck-and-neck as Nepenthes also hit top speed in a last gasp effort for glory.

Stanley, who showed the same composure only a year before when winning his first Bedgerabong Picnic Race Cup on Song One, hit the throttle and Valydium won by a length. The victory made it two from two for the young hoop as Greig and connections took honours over Nepenthes and The Bald Eagle in third.

For jockey Will Stanley though it was hard to believe. “I just want to thank everyone involved with the horse,” the rider said. “Valydium is a fantastic horse and the track and conditions here are superb!”

Leandro Ribeiro had three wins on the day while Bryan Dixon also took two with Shiny Agent and Penny’s Bonita.

Strong Field For Golf Croquet

February 11, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Golf Croquet was played on Tuesday 8th February with a good roll up of 27 players.

7/6 win scores were recorded by Joan Littlejohn, Jeff Liebich, John Cole and Elvy Quirk.

Winners of three games on the day were Jill and Kevin Rubie, Mal Smith and Lorraine Todd. Congratulations to all and especially to Lorraine Todd who has not been in the winner’s circle for a while. Well done Lorraine!

Tuesday 15th February after Croquet we will have Peter Moore join us to give a refresh lesson on using the Defibrillator.

I would like to see all members stay and partake in the lesson. Special thanks to Peter for donating his time to help with a better understanding of the workings of the Defibrillator.

It is important that our members arrive to play ten minutes early so as numbers can be sorted to start play on time. Arrive 8.20 am for 8.30am start.

A special thank you again to those very few members who come an hour early to set up – we are most grateful to them for their continued work and efforts.

By Elvy Quirk

People Don’t Belong In The “Too Hard” Basket

February 11, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The Weigelli/ Orana Haven Hub project is relatively new to Forbes, but the team is growing and their mandate is to provide support and prevention measures to Aboriginal people experiencing drug and alcohol dependence.

The Hub is now open at 42 Templar Street and it is clear from the first meeting that Nita Mala, senior alcohol and other drugs case manager, is passionate about what she does.

“A lot of the time they’re not going to look after their health; they may have legal issues, they may be homeless,” Nita said.

Hub caseworkers are there to support each person in identifying what areas they need to work on, and then each step of the way. Nita and her colleagues keep in regular contact with their clients; they will attend appointments, offer transport, help with applications, whatever it takes.

They can also connect people to residential rehabilitation, working with Orana Haven Detox and Rehabilitation in Brewarrina, and The Weigelli Rehabilitation Centre near Cowra.

The Western NSW Primary Health Network and the National Indigenous Australians Agency are funding the hub project and it’s allowed unique community-based responses to drug, alcohol and related issues to be developed in each location.

The Hub team works closely with health and mental health services, other service providers, legal, and rehabilitation services.

The Hub is based in Forbes, with regular outreach in Parkes, Peak Hill, Grenfell, Eugowra, Condobolin and surrounding communities. Orana Haven Aboriginal Corporation 0448 852 112 or nitam@OranaHaven.com.au

Bogan Mobile For Sale But Hope Remains For 2023 Festival

February 11, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

FOR SALE: The famous Bogan Mobile from the 2019 Australia’s Biggest Bogan Festival is for sale on Forbes Parkes Buy Swap Sell and the Australis’ Biggest Bogan Festival Facebook page for those interested. ABBF may return for 2023 according to reports however nothing has been confirmed yet. INSET: Comedian Chris Franklin signing the Bogan Mobile at Bogan Gate in 2019 with comedians Half-Cooked Chip, Luke Acheson and Benny Bogan.

The famous Bogan Mobile is up for sale and already there is interest in the sentimental, uniquely designed vehicle.

“The cheeky paddock basher is in fairly good condition and only needs a little bit done to it,” said Debbie Martin, who bought the car at the one and only Australia’s Biggest Bogan Festival in 2019 at Bogan Gate to help raise vital funds for the Bogan Gate community and Currajong Disability Services.

“I need to get rid of it so I am happy to listen to offers from $650,” said Debbie.

The Bogan Mobile was initially secured by a former committee member from Parkes and was on display at the inaugural event nearly three years ago. All attendees on the main day of the festival were asked to sign it.

“A lot of attendees signed it and it is a one-of-a-kind,” she said.

“I have been putting it online on Facebook on Forbes Buy Swap Sell if anyone wants a look at it.”

And while there is no festival in 2022 either after two years of COVID enforced cancellations, there is talk of another event in 2023. While nothing has been confirmed and organisers are still to resolve it with the Bedgerabong Picnic Race Club Committee, the demand and level of enquiry has meant that discussions about a 2023 are back on the table again.

“Whoever buys it hopefully can bring it to the next festival and we sell it again,” said Debbie.

Contact Debbie via the Buy Swap Sell page or Australia’s Biggest Bogan Festival Facebook page for more info.

$1.8 Million For CSU Health Boost

February 11, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

HEALTH BOOST FOR ELECTORATE: All smiles in Parkes last week after the announcement of $1.8million in funding to address medical health gaps in the electorate. (Left to Right) – Jacob Cass, Manager – Country University Centre Parkes, Ms Christine Howard, Director -Three Rivers Department of Rural Health, Cr Phyliss Miller OAM, Mayor of Forbes Shire Council, Cr Ken Keith OAM, Mayor of Parkes Shire Council, the Hon Michael McCormack MP, Federal Member for Riverina, Mr Phil Donato MP, State Member for Orange and Professor Megan Smith, Executive Dean – Faculty of Science and Health, Charles Sturt University.

Charles Sturt University will expand allied health student training and placements across the Riverina with a grant of $1.87 million announced last week by the Federal Coalition Government.

Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said ensuring people in rural NSW had access to high quality health care continued to be a priority for the Coalition Government.

“This investment enables Charles Sturt University to provide intensive, high-quality rural education experiences in Forbes and Parkes through its Three Rivers Department of Rural Health,” Mr McCormack said.

“Through the additional local training and placement opportunities, students across a range of allied health disciplines – including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, social work, exercise physiology, speech pathology and podiatry – will have exposure to the delivery of rural health care.”

Charles Sturt, in collaboration with the Western NSW Local Health District, the Primary Health Network and local health providers, identified these opportunities to increase student placements. The program of work will also increase the opportunities for local clinicians to become involved in teaching, supervising and mentoring of students through rich rural health experiences.

“The funding will also be used to purchase a four-bedroom house in Forbes for student accommodation, to ensure students have a place to live when they arrive for their placements,” Mr McCormack said.

Federal Regional Health Minister, Dr David Gillespie said the funding was granted through the Coalition Government’s Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training (RHMT) program, which was boosting the recruitment and retention of health professionals in rural and remote areas.

“It’s a very successful program, because while students get the opportunity to study in rural and remote Australia, they also fill gaps in community health services,” Dr Gillespie said.

Dr Gillespie said there was increasing evidence people are more likely to stay in the bush once qualified.

Be Seen

February 11, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

AND ANOTHER ONE: Forbes resident snakecatcher snaffles another one. More snakes are expected out and about over the next few weeks as conditions dry out. Photo supplied.

RECOGNISED: Keith and Dorothea Croker are remembered at the Forbes Croquet Club for all their dedication and hard work to the sport. Photo by Elvy Quirk.

CATCHING UP: John Carey, Jeanette Lovett, Karen Willis and Brayden Dukes (back) from Currajong Disability Services enjoying the fun and the sun at Forbes Olympic Pool for the FSC supported International Day of People with Disability event.

LOOKING TO PLAY AFL: Forbes Junior AFL, Forbes Swampies and Parkes Panthers have all been making huge strides growing AFL in the region with more and more juniors and women taking up the sport. Follow them all on Facebook for regular updates including clinics, training times and match day info.

BACK TO SCHOOL: All school students like these from Forbes High School, have now returned over the past two weeks under new COVID-safe conditions. Mask wearing when applicable and RATs are just some of the requirements under the new system. Photo supplied.

NATURE ESCAPE: Girragirra Retreat is up and running after floods slowed the normal Christmas rush. The bluechip natural night stay featured on Better Homes and Gardens last week.

News Briefs

February 11, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Central West Caravan Expo Starts Today

The countdown is on! The Central West Caravan, Camping & Outdoor Expo starts today February 11 to 13 at the National Australian Field Day Site, Borenore. Tickets at www.altitudeevents3.com.au

Trundle Hotel Closed

Sadly, the Trunde Hotel is currently closed. The Ward family, who own the freehold, are aware how important the hotel is to the community and are working with a number of interested parties to open the hotel as soon as possible. Should you have any enquiries please contact: Robert Ward – r.ward@premiumbroker.com.au

Service NSW Disaster Assistance Available

Do you know where to find help if you or your business have been impacted by recent floods or storms? The Service NSW online Disaster Assistance Finder will guide you on what you’re eligible for and how to claim. https://disasterassistance.service.nsw.gov.au/

Rural Women’s Gathering

Were you one of the 10% that got in early? Thank you for your support! To register for the NSW Rural Women’s Gathering, follow this link: https://forbes2021nswruralwomensgathering.com/registration/ #nswrwg2022forbes #amazingforbes

Step Up To Clean Up Now

February 11, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Registrations are officially open and Forbes residents are urged to get in early and sign up for Australia’s largest community-based environmental event, Clean Up Australia Day (Sunday 6th March, 2022), as the environment feels the effects of a COVID-19 hangover.

The opening of volunteer registrations comes after lockdowns and changed habits fuelled a significant increase in household waste. The last two years have seen significant increases in single-use plastics, alongside unprecedented numbers of face masks, takeaway coffee cups, and food packaging littering our footpaths, parks, and waterways.

Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM, said it’s more important than ever to protect Forbes unique environment by stepping up on Clean Up Australia Day.

“I encourage volunteers to sign up early to show their commitment to improving our most precious environment. Registration is really easy, and all community-based participants receive a free Clean-Up kit containing gloves, bags, and other resources, with packs for individuals, families, or groups available. Clean Up Australia Day is the opportunity to do some good for our Shire – to roll up our sleeves, get out there and take action.” Ms. Miller said.

“Signing up now means you’re making a pledge to protect not only Forbes environment but join the movement to protect Australia’s environment too. Together, we can make a meaningful, long-lasting difference to the parks, beaches, rivers, and pathways near us.”

To register or donate, please visit cleanup.org.au.

• Clean Up Australia Day 8am, VictoriaPark, Harold St Forbes Sunday 6 March
• Schools Clean Up Day Friday 4 March
• Business Clean Up Day Tuesday 1 March

Parkes Phoenix Editor

Central West Caravan Expo Starts Today

Trundle Hotel Closed

Service NSW Disaster Assistance Available

Rural Women’s Gathering

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