Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Bratton Batons Field With Strong Showing

October 15, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

SHOOTERS CHANCE: Forbes Sporting Shooters are always happy to welcome new members. Any person wishing to obtain a long arm firearm licence can contact Wayne Facey on mobile 0414 524 059. Junior shooters must be 12 years or over. Pic courtesy of FSSA.

Forbes Anthony Bratton could barely miss at the Forbes S.S.A.A. sporting shooters .22 cabilre rimfire rifle shoot held on Wednesday 6th October as he took hon-ours in three of the four events held on the day in warm conditions. Bratton won everything on offer bar the 75m Fox target which was won by Norm Brook.

Last weekend, the Forbes S.S.A.A. sporting shooters sporting clay’s two-day shoot was held with Laurie Redfern 18-19-18 total 55 too good for his rivals. While on Sunday the 100 target five stand shoot winner was Stephen Cooper, 23-22-18-16 total 79.

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.

For all information on clay target shooting contact: Norm Brook mobile 0458 664 541 or Anthony Bratton 02 6852 3349.

The next S.S.A.A. sporting shooters .22 cabilre and other rimfire rifle (.22 magnum or.17HMR) will be held this Sunday 17th October starting at 10am. The centre-fire shoot will take place at 2pm on Sunday after the rimfire shoot.
Members are reminded that Local Range rules apply to all Forbes SSAA ranges. For more info follow us on Facebook @forbessportingshooters

Be Seen

October 15, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

AMAZING EFFORT: Lachlan Valley Vets were on hand for the Forbes Spring Races last weekend and as always they did another marvellous job looking after all the wonderful horses. Top work!

HARD WORKING VOLUNTEER: John ‘Tractor’ Rennick, the former Forbes Jockey Club President, was recently awarded Life Membership and had a Maiden Plate in Race 5 named after him last Saturday as a sweetener. You’re a legend!

WE ALL FLOAT DOWN HERE: This cracking photo by local lenswoman Lauren McConnell is a worthy finalist in the Australia-wide Will and Bear and Sony Australia ‘Moments Captured 2021’ competition and if it is up to us this pic will take some beating! Lauren you are a star and good luck!

VAX PROOF: Proof of Vaccination Certificates are available online via Medicare and My Gov as well as in hard copy forms from the administrator of your vaccine shot. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist for more info. Pictured – Paul Toole.

TASTE ON TEMPLAR: Taste On Templar is on again on Saturday October 30 from 6:30pm. Get your tickets so you don’t miss out! See story on Page 3 for more.

THE WAY WE WERE: Lachlan Street, Forbes in 1906 still holds many similarities to today with the same architecture including the famous Forbes Post Office. If you have any old photos, stories or memories we’d love to hear them. Please email editor@forbesphoenix.com.au

OUT AND ABOUT: Councillors Graeme Miller and Steve Karaitiana were one of many in the Forbes CBD this week enjoying the easing of restrictions by the Perrottet-Toole government on Monday. Both men were checking out FSC beautification works on Templar Street.

Mayoral Notes

October 15, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

This week has been dubbed Freedom Week by our State Government but I know many of you are feeling less free than you were before.

We understand your frustration but we ask you bear with the changes as it won’t be for long. Our vaccination rates are looking very strong and when the State gets to 80% you will see a lot of the new rules disappear.

Some of our Council facilities require you to prove your double vaccination status. This is stated in the Public Health Order. The facilities include; Forbes Visitor Information Centre, Forbes Library, Forbes Olympic Pool and the Youth & Community Centre.

Town Hall and the Central West Livestock Exchange are currently exempt from the double vax rule but do have capacity limits of 1 person per square metre indoors and 1 person per square metre outdoors. We will keep you updated as the rules change.

I would like you all to get excited about Australia Day 2022 and start nominating people for the prestigious Citizen of the Year Awards. There are three awards; Citizen of the Year (any age) Young Citizen of the Year (25 years or younger) and Senior Citizen of the Year (65 years and older).

Next year we hope to be able to all come together to party! Then on Australia Day we will have a full day of fun.

Take care and God Bless.
Your Mayor,
Phyllis Miller

Sweet Taste Of Freedom For Every Vaxxed Man… And His Dog

October 15, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

HOW MUCH IS THAT DOGGY IN THE WINDOW: Every man and his dog was out and about this week after restrictions were eased across NSW as of last Monday October 11. Forbes sits at 92% single dose and 75% double dose – above the NSW level of 73.8% who have had both vaccinations at the time of publication.

It was the news everyone in NSW had been hoping for after the first stage of COVID-19 restrictions were eased across the State for the fully vaccinated earlier this week.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said this is just a “taste of the freedoms to come with the State on track to pass the 80 percent double vaccination mark within weeks, and if we keep on going, we’ll ensure lockdowns become a thing of the past.”

New Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the changes would be welcomed from “Bondi to Broken Hill!”

“So many people are keen to get back to the pub or enjoy a meal at their local cafe,” Mr Toole said.

“It won’t be long before we see the bush buzzing again and the main streets of regional towns packed with activity as businesses re-open and restrictions start to ease.”

Locally, the news was welcomed with business owners able to operate with more clarity. Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM was rapt that people were out and about in town again while Shire Councillors Graeme Miller and Steve Karaitiana were both on hand to inspect Templar Street works and observe the pick-up in CBD traffic, excited by the prospect of a strong economic recovery leading into Christmas.

“It is great to see people about again,” said Cr Graeme Miller.
To see the 70 percent Roadmap and lift-ing of restrictions, visit nsw.gov.au

Mayoral Notes

October 8, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Well what a week in politics! First the resignation of the Premier Gladys Berejiklian and then the deputy, John Barilaro. I welcome Dominic Perrottet to the Premier role and wish him all the very best. I want to extend my sincere thanks to Gladys and John for their time in government, I feel they have served the State very well and I wish them both well in their future endeavors.

Now have you heard the incredible news, Goldridge Estate has gone on the market and the first Stage is nearly completely sold! Our Ballot Night last Thursday was a huge success and all 13 lots sold on the night. The following day another eight were under offer, leaving only 2 blocks left in Phase 4! This is a tremendous result with 21 blocks sold in 36 hours of launch, a record and proves the need for more housing. We are fast-tracking Stage 2 now to get this on the market as soon as possible. Stay tuned, we will let you know more very soon.

In other great news our COVID vaccination rates are well over the 90% for first dose and the ADF and Western Area Health are back again at Town Hall this coming weekend to administer second doses of AstraZeneca as well as any first doses of either Pfizer and AstraZeneca. No need to book an appointment, you can just walk in.

Take care and God Bless.

Your Mayor,
Phyllis Miller

Sporting Shooters Firing Again

October 8, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

NEXT SHOOT: The next shoot for the Forbes S.S.A.A. sporting clays will be their two-day shoot this weekend October 9 and 10. INSET: Any person wishing to attend any of these shoots to take part can do so after filling out a P650 form at the club. Junior shooters must be 12 years or over. Pix courtesy of Forbes S.S.A.A.

The Forbes S.S.A.A. sporting shooters .22 cabilre rimfire rifle shoot was held on Sunday October 3rd.

The results of the 25metre G300 target shoot were – John Dean, 298/300; John Dunkley, 298/300; Daniel Rasmusson, 295/300.

Results of the 50metre Crow target shoot were – Norm Brook, 248/250; Dennis Chris-tey, 246/250; Daniel Rasmusson, 244/250.

Final scores from the 75metre Rabbit target shoot were – Wayne Facey, 118/120; Julie Crimp,117/120; Dennis Christey, 114/120.

The top three in the 100metre Feral Cat target shoot were – Wayne Facey, 112/120; Julie Crimp,112/120; Daniel Rasmusson, 111/120.

There were 6 shooters in attendance for the Centre-fire rifle shoot and the range officer was Norm Brook.

The next S.S.A.A. sporting shooters .22 calibre and other rimfire rifle (.22 magnum or.17HMR) Sunday shoot will be held on Sunday October 17th, starting at 10am. The Centre-fire rifle shoots start at 2pm after the Rim-fire shoots on Sunday. The next Wednesday shoot will be held on Wednesday October 20th, starting at 2pm. All tar-get shooters are welcome to attend these shoots. Any person wishing to try Rim-fire or Centre-fire rifle or shotgun shooting can attend any of these shoots to take part after filling out a P650 form at the club. Junior shooters must be 12 years or over.

For all information on .22 calibre rim-fire shooting contact: Wayne Facey 0414 524 059. Norm Brook 0458 664 541; Ben Smith 0427 524 151; David Coleman 0427 401 263 After-Work.

The next shoot for the Forbes S.S.A.A. sporting clays will be their two-day shoot this weekend October 9 and 10.

On Saturday a 75 target five stand starts at 4pm. The Sunday shoot will be a 100 target five stand shoot for the Graham West Memorial at 10am at the Bedgerebong Road Range. Members are reminded that Local Range rules apply to the Forbes SSAA range.

Like us on Facebook @ForbesSporting-Shooters.

Be Seen

October 8, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

SHEARING TIME: This cracking pic by Vince Kirk depicts shearing time in our shire – a region synonymous with sheep and wool.

NOW AND THEN: John Barilaro (middle) with Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM and NSW National’s Sam Farraway at the Forbes Ski Dam. Barilaro resigned from parliament on Monday, three days after former premier Gladys Berejiklian. Paul Toole is the new NSW Nats leader.

FRESH PRODUCE: Forbes Riverside Community Garden volunteer Leo Curran displays some of the fresh produce from the gardens. Membership is only $10 and anyone can join and start their own garden. The garden is open on Saturday mornings for anyone interested from 9am.

Free Online ‘Helping Learner Drivers Become Safer Drivers’ Workshops

October 8, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils will be hosting two more online workshops for parents and other supervisors of local learner drivers, full of practical advice and information about completing the 120 hours of supervised driving.

The free ‘Helping Learner Drivers Become Safer Drivers’ work-shops are scheduled for Wednesday 13 October and Wednesday 27 October from 5.30pm.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Council’s Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said due to COVID-19 restrictions, four of these online workshops have been held in the second half of 2020 and first half of 2021.

“Parents and supervisors of learner drivers have a crucial role to play in making our roads safer. That is why we have teamed up with Transport for NSW and other councils across the Western Region to hold another one of these workshops via Zoom,” Ms Suitor said.

Participants can attend from the safety and comfort of their own home. The estimated run time is around 1 hour and 15 minutes. The workshop covers the licencing system, how to use the Learner Driver Logbook including the use of digital logbooks, licence conditions for learner and P-plate drivers, the benefits of on-road driving sessions, tips on supervising a learner driver and more.

“Parents and supervisors who have attended this workshop in the past have found that it boosted their confidence, helped them better plan driving sessions and allowed them to share their experiences with other parents and supervisors,” Ms Suitor said.

Bookings are essential and can be made online via Eventbrite, through the Councils’ Facebook pages or by calling Ms Suitor on (02) 6861 2364.

Successful Virtual Field Day

October 8, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

The recent Be Road Ready For Harvest Virtual Field Day, held via Zoom in September, was a success with over 60 people dialling in for the event. The event was supported by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), Transport for NSW, NSW Police, NSW Rural Fire Service, Graincorp/Grain Transport Safety Network and NSW Farmers. Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said it was great to see strong numbers again this year for the Virtual Field Day, especially as the region is expecting another good harvest.

“Unfortunately, due to the current COVID situation we had to hold the field day online again this year, rather than the usual face to face event at the Forbes Saleyards,” Ms Suitor said.

The program included presentations about access, fire safety, load restraint and much more.

“Thanks to everyone who assisted to organise, promote and attend the event.” The Virtual Field Day was recorded and can be accessed on the Forbes Councils’ YouTube channel or via this link – https://youtu.be/wkALs0-xY94

The winner of the feedback form lucky door prize, an Engel Thermo15 cab fridge worth $190, was Campbell Wilson.

MAYOR: Goldridge Ballot Night A Success!

October 8, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

GOLDRIDGE SUCCESS: Forbes Shire Councillors in attendance at the recent Goldridge Estate Ballot Night. Applicants had both Phase 1 and 2 to choose from after the incredible response FSC received upon opening the ballot applications. Once selected, all lots on sale that night were accounted for.

The Goldridge Estate Ballot Night was held on September 30 and was “a resounding success” according to Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller.

“The sale couldn’t have gone any better and we are so pleased to see so many young families purchase their first block of land in our amazing Goldridge Estate,” said Mayor Miller.

“The sale was completed through a ballot process in which each applicant was given a number and when drawn out of the barrel, they were given the opportunity to pick whichever block they desired from the 13 lots on offer. We needed to see that everyone had an equal playing field, and it was conducted in an open and public way.”

Stage one of the Estate was the first to go on the market and of that stage, Phase 1 and 2 were sold through the Ballot Night. The following day saw Phase 3 and 4 go on the market as a general release and all enquiries are directed to go through the local Real Estate Agents; Century 21, Elders, Michael Robinson and Ray White.

“We will continue to release more land as the market demand warrants, giving existing real estate in town a chance to recover from the current competitive circumstances.”

Goldridge Estate comprises 221 very affordable lots ranging from 550 square metres to over 5,000 square metres with rural views. The appetite for homes in regional NSW is only expected to rise once the lockdown ends and borders reopen.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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