Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

All Roads Lead To The Meadows After Cup Win

October 29, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Miss Ezmae took out the Group 2 NSW GBOTA Sydney Cup final on Saturday night on a fresh evening at Wentworth Park to continue the scintillating form that has seen her win three on the bounce for trainer Raymond Smith.

If winning is a habit then the Smith kennel knows all about it.

Miss Ezmae’s time of 41.70 from the hard four box was the fastest of her three over 720m carry at Wenty, her first time breaking 42” and she still has room for improvement despite getting faster with each run according to Smith.

Zipping Niseko took the early lead and it was evident Miss Ezmae wouldn’t have it all her own way as they took the first. Sitting behind the likes of fancy Super Estrella, Miss Ezmae didn’t take long to force the issue, making her move midway through the race to sit nicely behind the $8.50 chance who had led from the outset.

With the line in sight, the charger made her move along a skinny rail line few would have dared to try but the mercurial sprinter was unperturbed and bolted past the line nearly four lengths clear of the chasing pack.

Old foe Super Estrella nabbed second while Zipping Niseko, the $8.50 shot, grabbed third. The win takes Miss Ezmae’s record to 13 wins from 20 starts with four minors in a glittering beginning to her racing career which will now see the dog and kennel-mates Midnight Flash and Jungle Deuce, head to The Meadows this weekend.

Forbes S.S.A.A Big Program

October 29, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Sporting Shooters aren’t wasting anytime getting back into it after NSW was let out of lockdown nearly three weeks ago with a huge program leading into Christmas.

The next S.S.A.A. sporting shooters .22 calibre and other rimfire rifles (.22 magnum or.17HMR) will be held this Sunday 31st October, starting at 10am. The next Wednesday shoot will be held on Wednesday 3rd November starting at 2pm. The Centre-fire rifle shoots start at 2pm after the Rim-fire shoots on Sunday. Sunday’s shoot will be for the Rim-fire and Centre-fire shield.

To take part, shooters are required to fill out a P650 form at the club. Junior shooters must be 12 years or over.

For all information on .22 calibre rimfire shooting contact: Wayne Facey 0414524059, Norm Brook 0458664541, Ben Smith 0427524151 or David Coleman 0427401263 AH.

The next shoot for the Forbes S.S.A.A. sporting clays will be their monthly shoot on Sunday 14th November, this will be a 100 target field shoot starting at 10am. If wet a five-stand shoot will be held.

For all information on clay target shooting contact: Tony Brat-ton (02) 68523349, Doug Davis (02) 68523249 or Phil Picker (02) 68516494. Local Range rules apply to the Forbes SSAA range. Like us on Facebook @Forbes Sporting Shooters.

Still Time To Apply For Rural And Regional Scholarships: McCormack

October 29, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Students who started university this year can still apply for a scholarship worth up to $18,000, says Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack. Mr McCormack said Round 5 of the Australian Government’s Rural and Regional Enterprise Scholarship (RRES) program had scholarships available for eligible students who started study in 2021. Visit www.qtac.edu.au/rres-program/

Taste On Templar Sold Out

October 29, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

SOLD OUT: The 2021 Hazell & Field Accountants and Advisors Taste On Templar event is sold out in a real boost for organisers and the community after 18 months of uncertainty. Photo courtesy of Forbes Business Chamber.

Taste On Templar is sold out much to the delight of organisers from the Forbes Business Chamber and community.

“We are absolutely delighted that the response to the Hazell and Field Taste On Templar, it has been so positive,” Marg Duggan, President of Forbes Business Chamber said.

“Tickets have been dispatched to people from Forbes and its surrounding villages, Cowra, Orange and Canberra. The committee has worked tirelessly towards making this event a reality to raise funds for CanAssist Forbes Branch and the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation,” she said.

“Initially the committee were very concerned about going ahead as everyone was working and functioning in a fluid and fragile COVID environment,” said Marg.

Plans for Taste On Templar began 18 months ago with the event cancelled twice then rescheduled again. Not to be deterred, the committee continued on and are very excited to present this gala event to Forbes.

“Taste On Templar would not go ahead without the support of Hazell & Field Accountants and Advisors who are our naming rights sponsors, Hughes & Co Lawyers and Conveyancers and Forbes Shire Council both being gold sponsors. Silver sponsors are BWR Accountants and Advisors, Forbes Pre-School, Mark Willis and Ona – Fiona Ferguson Consultancy,” Marg said.

This year, McMillian Industries, Made Of Fridays, Michael Robinson & Co, The Book Dispensary, CWA Evening Branch and Central West Credit Union also came aboard as Bronze sponsors.

$25M For Community Sport Recovery

October 29, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

The sport and recreation sector has scored a $25-million funding boost as part of the COVID 19 Economic Recovery Strategy, to support the return of community sport as restrictions ease. The NSW Government’s Rebuild Package will provide financial support, assistance and participation opportunities for those hardest hit by COVID.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the package would help the sector bounce back. “The COVID lockdown has had a major impact on everyone’s lives, including the more than 30,000 employees and 415,000 volunteers across more than 10,000 sporting clubs and associations throughout the State,” Mr Perrottet said.

Minister for Sport Natalie Ward said COV-ID restrictions meant millions of sports lovers in NSW had been unable to take part in their community competitions.

The SRRCRP includes:
• Up to $12.5 million for grants of up to$1,000 to eligible clubs and associations;
• Up to $7.8 million to support sporting organisations and peak bodies;
• $3.1 million to support participation initiatives focused on areas most affected by restrictions, including south-western Syd-ney and regional NSW;
• Up to $1 million for grants to support marketing and promotional activities for out-door and active recreation providers;
• $600,000 to support regional talent pathways in the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.

Full details www.sport.nsw.gov.au/recoverypackage

Melbourne Cup Garden Party At Forbes Inn

October 29, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

SPORTING CHANCE: Sonya Bauert and Sharon Rossiter along with all the Forbes Inn staff are ready for a big Melbourne Cup day on Tuesday and will be on hand to help all punters. Tickets are going fast so don’t muck about as it should be a cracker!

It’s the race that stops a nation and this year after nearly 18 months of lockdowns and disruptions, the Forbes Inn, like many other pubs and clubs across the state, will celebrate the Melbourne Cup.

From lucky door prizes, promos and specials, Forbes Inn manager Gem Williamson and her team are already getting organized for the big race.

“Like many, we can’t wait for the big day and more people coming back into the Inn,” she said.

“It has been far too long’ and it is great to see our nation’s biggest sporting event bring everyone together,” she said.

“We are so excited to start having more people back!”

With current COVID restrictions, numbers will be fixed for Melbourne Cup Gar-den Party so punters are asked to get there early to avoid disappointment.

“We will have drink specials, best dressed, snacks and light refreshments, sweeps, loser draw and more,” said Gem.

“Bottles of Sparkling will be available for bookings of 10 people or more and our TAB will be open from 7:30am so it will be an action-packed day and a great way to welcome back everyone after a difficult few years,” she said.

“Can’t wait to see more familiar faces and catch up with everyone after a long time. I am sure many others are the same so it makes for a fantastic day at the Forbes Inn!”

While Forbes has no representation in this year’s big race, there will be cold beverages on tap and plenty to get involved in as a distraction.

“Our normal menu will also be available and our friendly staff will be on hand to help you with everything from signing in to placing a bet,” said Gem.

Sounds good to us! Gem, you’re a gem, see you then! Check with staff for latest COVID info.

Roylances Forbes Sets New Standard For JCB

October 29, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Roylances Forbes

For 66 years the Roylance name has been synonymous with the automotive and agricultural industries in Forbes, but more recently their focus has been on farming with the development of their Tractor Replacements business in Sam Street.

Now regional distributors for such iconic names as Kubota and Krone, in 2020 they added the globally recognised JCB brand to their list of products. Renowned for their earthmoving equipment – the iconic yellow and black backhoe, and their great selection of Skid Steers – JCB’s range of agricultural equipment is also well recognised around the world, the Fastrac range of tractors the fastest on the market, whilst their Agri Telehandler range provides farmers with immense flexibility across a range of applications.

Of importance for Roylances – who pride themselves on customer service – was to ensure that they had complete customer support for all their products.

From initial contact with Justin Roylance (grandson of company founders Jim and Nea Roylance) and Sales Manager Barry Cusack, to their after-sales service department and team of service technicians that can provide not just first-class service at their Forbes workshops, but also valuable on-site service in case of setbacks on the farm.

For anyone looking to upgrade their existing machines, or looking to take advantage of the various financial support pack-ages on offer from the Federal Government and JCB, call Roylances Tractor Replacements Forbes on 6852 2020, drop in to Unit 10, 42-46 Sam Street, Forbes or email enquiry@roylances.com.au

Public Servants Hit Paddock For Record Harvest

October 29, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

More than 4,500 staff from the Department of Regional NSW, including Local Land Services and the NSW Department of Primary Industries, will be able to access five days’ special leave to assist farmers for an expected bumper harvest season in 2021.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said special leave entitlements rolling out for the very first time will allow departmental staff to lend a much-needed hand as farmers struggle to find workers to bring in the crop.

“Agriculture and farming play a pivotal role in our economy, so providing harvest leave to staff to provide an extra set of hands in the field helps get produce to market and dollars into farmers’ pockets,” Mr Toole said.

“Nearly 80 per cent of staff from the Department of Regional NSW already live and work in regional NSW, so chances are most of them know their way around a header or a chaser bin and how important this busy time of year is for regional communities. We’ve had a tough run in the regions over the past few years with prolonged drought, and COVID-19, which has significantly impacted seasonal harvest worker availability, right at a time when we need all hands on deck to get crops off.”

“These workers can volunteer to help out with any harvest, anywhere in the state – from harvesting blueberries in Coffs Harbour, oranges and table grapes in the Riverina and Murray, to cherries in the Central West or helping bring in a bumper grain harvest.”

Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall said the unprecedented move was another example of the good work this government was doing to help farmers source the workforce they need for another record harvest.

“Drastic times call for drastic measures. There is no silver bullet to solve the COVID exacerbated workforce shortage, but this is another step we are implementing to support industry,” Mr Marshall said.

Staff can use local contacts or the Help Harvest NSW website to help find suitable opportunities to assist in this year’s harvest. There is no cost to farmers getting help from departmental volunteers, as staff will be paid at their standard leave rate by the Department.

Leave will be managed to ensure there will be no impact on services provided by the Department.

The NSW Government has implemented a range of measures to overcome the agriculture workforce shortage, including subsidies for quarantine costs of 2,500 overseas agricultural workers, the Ag Workers’ Code and the ‘Help Harvest NSW’ website to connect agriculture employers with out of work Australians.

Be Seen

October 29, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

BREAST CANCER MONTH: Central West Credit Union went all pink last week to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month held every October. Pic courtesy of CWCU Forbes.

WELL-EARNED REST: Vince Kirk and his trusty furry companion have a well-deserved break from farm work. See Rural Round Up for more on this year’s bumper harvest. Pic courtesy of Vince Kirk.

THEY’RE HANGING AROUND: Last week we reported Paul ‘Boo’ Newcombe, Forbes Snakecatcher had caught 33 so far this Spring – Clive brings the total to 35… and counting. Clive Hocking caught these two near his garden across from Hughie Wilson Oval.

FARMERS MARKETS RETURN: Forbes Farmers Markets returned last weekend with people coming out in their droves to support local vendors after a disruptive 18 months for trade. Pic courtesy of FSC.

Forbes Platypi Wrap 2021 With Eye On 2022

October 29, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Applications for coaches and managers for the Forbes Platypi 2022 season are now open! After a sudden end to the Central West Blowes Menswear Cup and other competitions across the region, Forbes will look a little different in 2022 with some notable retirees including long-time coach Phil Prior and veteran Andrew Hubbard. While neither stalwart will be lost to the club, Forbes on and off the field will have a new look for the first time in years.

If you are interested make sure you email the club or contact them via their Facebook page before this Sunday October 31st.

Forbes recently celebrated their night of nights with forward Matt Coles taking out Footballer of the Year and Rhys Graham the Paul Cronin Cup – Spirit of the Platypi gong. President Rhys Woods also announced $10,00 had been raised for CanAssist for May Day for Tracey – an outstanding effort by all involved!

Parkes Phoenix Editor

Subscribe