Forbes Phoenix

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Sports Shorts

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FORBES FINS: The Forbes Fins enjoyed some outstand-ing success and results at the Mountains and Plains Summer Swimming Carnival. From Age Champions to PB’s, the Fins are making serious waves! Photo supplied.

Forbes Pony Club Rally Day Success

Forbes Pony Club’s first rally day of 2022 last Sunday was an outstanding success. There were lots of smiles according to all reports! A note that the Zone 11 AGM is on February 15th from 7pm at the Forbes Bowling Club while Harden Pony Club will be running an ODE on Sunday March 6. To keep updated please follow the Forbes Pony Club Facebook page.

West Wyalong 50th Anniversary Knock Out

The Evolution Mining West Wyalong Rugby League Knockout is on again on February 25 and 26. It will be the 50th instalment of the popular event that attracts the crème de la crème of country rugby league west of the Great Divide. Not only is it a chance for players to have an early hit out and see how they match up against opposition groups but it will be vital for teams to establish combinations before the season starts.

Forbes Flat Track Annual Double Header

The Forbes Autosports Club Flat Track Annual Double Header is on April 2 and 3 at Forbes Hoopers Road track! There is a large amount of prizemoney up for grabs and the club hopes to see participants from far and wide. On May 6, 7 and 8th the All Australian Ride-On Mower Racing Champs will also be returning to Forbes in 2022 and should prove popular again. For more info email secretary@arolmra.net

Big Wins For Forbes Fins

A big congrats to all participants at the Mountains and Plains Summer Swimming Championships last weekend. The Forbes Fins had a huge medal haul with Leo Dwyer and Charlie Howe both winning their age groups! Well done!

Celebrating International Day Of People With Disability

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CELEBRATING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES: Currajong Disability Service participants Shane Spicer, Blake Huntley, Jye Jeffrey and Jarrad Simpson with Pete Rawson leading from the front. Usually December 3 each year, the 2021 version was postponed due to the pandemic. INSET: Deputy Mayor Chris Roylance, Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM and new FSC councillor Aidan Clarke were also in attendance.

Normally held on December 3 each year, the popular and important International Day of People with Disability Pool Party (IDPwD) celebration was held at Forbes Olympic Pool on Monday February 7th. The COVID pandemic had scuppered any chance of an event late last year meaning that for the second year in a row the special day was held in February.

Participants from a number of NDIS providers from around the region attended the popular Forbes Shire Council sponsored event with free entry to the pool, a BBQ lunch, games, music, workshops and a chance to catch up and socialise for many who haven’t been able to connect in-person for nearly two years.

The day also consisted of info for carers and families from a raft of providers.

“It has been great seeing everyone again,”

said Tim Wheeler from Currajong Disability Services.

“I have always liked this day – we all have fun,” he said.

Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM was also on hand to present certificates to participants after the popular sing and dance workshop. Mayor Miller acknowledged the important contributions of people with disabilities in the Forbes community.

IDPwD (December 3) is a United Nations sanctioned day that is celebrated internationally. It aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disabilities and celebrate their achievements and contributions.

The Australian Government has been supporting IDPwD since 1996 and provides funds to promote and raise awareness of the day around Australia.

Off And Racing At The Bedgerabong Picnic Races

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GETTING UP FOR THE CUP: The Bedgerabong Picnic Race Club committee have been flat out getting everything ready at the track for the 2022 installment of the Bedgerabong Cup on Saturday February 12. INSET: Everyone was hard at work this week doing their bit for Bedgerabong’s flagship event!

When the red light flashes tomorrow in the first race of the COVID-safe 2022 Bedgerabong Picnic Race Club meeting, it will mark the sign of the first real return to normality for those in the picnic racing industry since early October last year.

With about 2000 tickets sold, the 2022 edition of the Bedgerabong Picnic Races tomorrow Saturday February 12 should be one of the best after two years of COVID-related dramas. It will also be the first picnic race club meeting in 100 days and a welcome breath of fresh air for industry types.

The main event this year is the $9,000 Total Wear Bedgerabong Picnic Cup over 1400 metres. Traditionally, a hotly contested race – this year should be no different with a number of chances more than likely to win the cup. There will also be five supporting races making for a great day out.

Fashions in the Field, foot races, entertainment for the whole family as well as after race music by popular band Foxxy Cleopatra will feature on the day as excitement reaches fever pitch for organisers who have been working hard bringing the track and facilities up to standard for the event.

In positive news for the picnic racing industry, Condobolin (Saturday February 19), Yass (Saturday February 26) and Tottenham (Saturday March 5) are also slated to return.

Tickets to the 2022 Bedgerabong Races are now online through 123tix. Adults $20 and children under 15 free. There aren’t many left and tickets will not be sold at the gate!

Fashions on the Field categories are:

• Bedgerabong’s Best Dressed Ladies

• Bedgerabong’s Best Dressed Gentleman Bedgerabong’s Best Headwear

• Bedgerabong’s Best Dressed Local Ladies – local defined as within 100km

• Bedgerabong’s Best Dressed Local Gentleman

• Bedgerabong Local Junior (Boys/ GirlsU18).

Snippets…

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COMPLETE: NSW Government funding has seen the Forbes Town Hall refurbishment completed and already put to good use during the Australia Day celebrations. It is available for events and functions via Forbes Shire Council. Photo courtesy of FSC.

Town Hall Renos Complete

After receiving funding from the NSW State Government to complete works at the Harold Street premises, the Forbes Town Hall refurbishment is complete and looks AMAZING! In an online statement FSC Mayor Phyllis Miller said she “couldn’t wait to utilise it and welcome everyone back!” Already the newly renovated space has been put to good use during the Australia Day celebrations most notably the Citizen of the Year Gala Dinner.

Goldridge Estate Update

Forbes Shire Council are happy to report that despite the wet weather, the water and sewer for Stages 1 and 2 of the subdivision works are now complete! The site has been a hive of activity with stormwater works to be carried out as part of the next phase of the process.

Free RSA Courses To Help Ease Big Staff Shortages

The NSW Government will fund 5,000 fee-free Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) courses to support new workers to enter the hospitality industry and help ease the staffing pressure on licensed hospitality venues. The hospitality sector makes up over 2 percent of total gross value added to the NSW economy and supports more than 300,000 jobs.

NSW Government Treasurer Matt Kean said the courses were vital to address shortages. The RSA courses will be available through TAFE NSW and private providers who already offer government subsidised programs.

Don’t Forget The Rotary Ipomoea Markets Saturday Feb 12

The RIM start at 8:30am-12noon at idyllic Lions Park. Plenty of food and a great space for the whole family! More info on their Facebook page or call 0427 201 445.

Have You Heard Vera Blue’s New Cover?

Our own Vera Blue (Celia Pavey) covered The Kid Laroi and Justin Bieber hit ‘Stay’ for Triple J’s Like A Version last week and nailed it! If you haven’t heard it, track it down and give it a listen!

Water And Sewer Team Hard At It

With all the recent floods, any changes to water should be reported to Forbes Shire Council on 02 6852 2300 during business hours or 1300 978 633 after hours and a team will be sent over immediately. Forbes Shire Council is responsible for a huge amount of infrastructure of around 250km of buried pipes, 2 treatment plants, 5 reservoirs and 23 pump stations.

WATER WORK: Members of Forbes Shire Council Water and Sewer team hard at it. The team is responsible for a large amount of infrastructure and relies on the public to also keep an eye on our water and waterways. Photo courtesy of FSC.

VanFest Is Back!

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BACK LIKE VINYL: Forbes and Central West’s premier music festival VanFest is back in December 2022. Follow them on Facebook to keep updated with all the latest info!

Like all other festivals and events, Forbes VanFest has had its fair share of challenges. From its first edition that was marred by lightning and hail five years ago through to the most recent installment which was called off after the Friday night session – the event has had its share of disappointments.

Now the regional musical festival that includes the best of indie rock, pop, folk, house classics and local talent, is back, with organiser Matt Clifton gearing up for a December date after launching a new Facebook promotion last week.

Partnering up with national sponsors as well as local businesses, this festival is already shaping up to be the best on record.

With previous acts such as Birds of Tokyo, John Butler, local Vera Blue (Celia Pavey) Sheppard, Illy, Sticky Fingers, Angus and Julia Stone as well as many more to grace the stage at Forbes Showground over the years, punters should expect another spectacular line up of artists.

There’ll also be plenty of other forms of entertainment and amusements for festival goers as well.

Under COVID-safe measures, the Central West’s premier music fest will no doubt be one to mark on the calendar for 2022!

For more information, how to get involved or go in the draw to win a promo pack please go to the VanFest Facebook page for more!

See you there!

Mayoral Notes

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It is such an exciting time for our region and I want to thank the community for having trust in us to deliver all of this to you.

I had the joy of going to the International Day of People with Disability fun day at our pool this week. After having to postpone this event last year due to Covid we finally were able to come together and celebrate this very important day.

Have you taken part in the Housing Survey we are currently running? I urge you to if you can spare 5- 10 minutes. Council is putting together a Strategy to give us direction with the needs of housing in the area and we would like to get community feedback. Social housing is one of many housing factors Council will look at planning for in this strategy and we will continue to lobby State and Federal Governments to meet the estimated need for this in the Forbes Shire. Having a strong Housing Strategy in our back pocket when we lobby the politicians will be of immense benefit. Forbes is expecting significant growth in the next ten (10) years and we need to plan for the future to ensure we have the infrastructure and essential services to accommodate population growth – and that is best done by a considered and widely consulted strategy.

Head over to our Your Say page today: https://yoursay.forbes.nsw.gov.au/

Take care and God Bless.

Your Mayor,
Phyllis Miller

Ethics Volunteers Needed!

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Ethics classes will restart at Forbes North Primary School at the end of February and organisers are calling for more volunteers!

“We have De, our wonderful teacher of 7 years, ready to start, but we need more so that all stages in the school can be covered – we do not want any child who has their name down for Ethics to miss out, and we also want to give volunteers from the community the opportunity to share in what is a truly wonderful experience,” said co-ordinator Mary Hinchcliffe.

“Primary Ethics volunteers come from all backgrounds – parents, grandparents, friends and members of the local community,” she said.

“You don’t have to have any previous teaching experience. There is free online training provided and lots of ongoing support.”

The ethics curriculum is Department of Education-approved. The classes are for children of all faiths and none, designed to get children thinking deeply and communicating respectfully.

Ethics Coordinator, Mary Hinchcliffe, says that anyone interested in learning more about volunteering as an ethics teacher, can visit this site https://primaryethics.com.au/volunteer/ethics-teacher/ or contact Mary on forbesprimaryethics@gmail.com

 

Shooters Share Spoils

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Results of the Forbes S.S.A.A. sporting shooters .22 calibre rimfire rifle shoot held on Sunday 6th February saw John Dean pick up from his February 2 performances with the 25metre Fly target shooting 200/200 with Wayne Facey and Steve Hindmarsh.

50metre .22 target – Wayne Facey, 250/250; Phil Anderson, 250/250; Steve Hindmarsh, 248/250;

75metre Mosquito target – Julie Crimp, 109/120; Wayne Facey, 108/120; Steve Hindmarsh, 108/120;

100metre Bear target – Steve Hindmarsh, 110/120; Wayne Facey, 108/120; Phil Anderson, 102/120.

The next S.S.A.A. sporting shooters .22 calibre and other rimfire rifle (.22 magnum or 17HMR), will be on Wednesday 16th February at 2pm. The next Sunday shoot will be Sunday 20th February at 10am.

All target shooters are welcome to attend these shoots. Junior shooters must be 12 years or over.

For all information on .22 calibre rimfire shooting contact Wayne Facey 0414 524 059. The next shoot for the Forbes S.S.A.A.sporting clays will be their monthly shootthis Sunday 13th February at the Bedgerebong Road Range. For all information onclay target shooting contact Norm Brookmobile 0458 664 541.

Members are reminded that Local Range rules apply to the Forbes SSAA range. Like us on Facebook @ForbesSportingShooters.

Toohey’s Time At Monthly Medal

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HOLE OUT: Jon Cutler holes out last Saturday at Forbes Golf Club in idyllic conditions for scoring.

The Saturday Men’s golf competition was the February Monthly Medal, a Stroke event sponsored by Terry Bros Carpets, and which produced many low scores in picture-perfect conditions.

The A-Grade Medal was won by John Zannes who started slowly then was on fire from the 8th hole onwards to par the back-9 and finish on 67 nett. Runner-up was Steve Betland who shot under-par for both halves to record a scratch 68, but with his handicap finished on 70 nett.

B-Grade Medal went to Tom Toohey (65)with the best score of the day. He admitted to being nervous playing alongside Head Pro Adam. Runner-up was Peter Barnes on 69 nett.

In C-Grade, Frank Hanns (67 nett) beat runner-up Brian Clarke (68 nett) from the same group.

The ball sweep went to 75 nett, on count back – check in the Pro Shop to see if you earned one. The NTP’s went to: 9th – John Zannes, 18th – Shane Sallaway. The 3rd Hole Super Pin went to Steve Betland, with an outstanding shot to 30cms, just short of a hole-in-one.

There was no Stableford Medley played on Sunday, due to the Men’s Pennants being played. There was some outstanding golf on display with players from Bathurst, Dubbo, Parkes and Wellington participating.

This proved to be a successful day for Forbes with 80 players enjoying great conditions and a wholesome BBQ lunch to finish, with the only Forbes team to compete, the Division 4 team, scoring a 3-2 win over Dubbo.

The Summer Sixes comp once again threw up some unexpected results, although team scores were not as low as for previous weeks.

By Short Putt

Royce Rolls On Despite Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

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WALKING FOR ALZHEIMERS: Gooloogong Boy and Penrith Panthers legend, Royce Simmons is walking for Alzheimers after a recent diagnosis from his doctor. Simmons and supports will walk from Gooloogong on May 17 to BlueBet Stadium in Penrith on May 27 before the Panthers v Cowboys game. Photo courtesy of Penrith Panthers and NRL imagery.

Penrith Panthers’ favourite son Royce Simmons has revealed he has been diagnosed as suffering Alzheimer’s disease at age 61. Typical of the man known as ‘Simmo’, the footy legend wants to use news of his dilemma to enhance the lives of others rather than his own, with a fundraising walk from his hometown of Gooloogong to Penrith in May, coinciding with the Panthers’ home clash with North Queensland.

What matters most to Simmons is shining a light on the impact of the insidious disease, particularly on the loved ones of those who are diagnosed.

He wants to use his plight to bring dementia into the public consciousness and raise much-needed funds for important research into the disease.

And that’s why he and Liane, with the support of Panthers, Dementia Australia and other partners, have organised the inaugural Royce’s Big Walk fundraising event.

Simmons plans to walk almost 300 kilometres from his hometown of Gooloogong to the place in Penrith where his footy dreams were realised, now called BlueBet Stadium.

The walk will depart Gooloogong on Tuesday May 17 and Simmons will cross the finish line ahead of kick-off in the Panthers NRL game against the Cowboys on Friday May 27. The Panthers legend and several high-profile supporters (who will walk with him) will conduct fundraising initiatives and hold events to support junior rugby league along the route.

“I want to help raise money for research as a mark of respect for the medical people who have worked so hard to find a cure,” Royce said.

You can support one of rugby league’s favourite characters and toughest competitors by donating now to Royce’s Big Walk, with more details about the event to be confirmed over the coming weeks.

Courtesy of Neil Cadigan and Penrith Panthers

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