Parkes Shire Libraries had the pleasure during April school holidays of hosting Illustration Workshops with author and illustrator, Sami Bayly.
Nearly 50 children and young people at Parkes and Trundle Libraries enjoyed hearing some fascinating, fun, and revolting facts from Sami’s vast knowledge of animals, birds and insects. Sami then walked our young library members step by step through the process of illustrating different interesting animals.
Sami’s works include The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Ugly Animals and Creatures of Camouflage and Mimicry. She is also the feature artist for the 2024 NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge promotion.
This was Sami;s very first visit to the Central West and many young fans were excited to meet her, have a photo and have their books autographed. Call in to Parkes and Trundle Libraries to borrow Sami’s beautifully illustrated Junior Non Fiction books.
One young person who attended commented that the workshops were “very unique and gave a lot of information about what is in the world.” Another said “My favourite part of the activity was hearing the disgusting stories, but I didn’t think they were disgusting!”
Sami commented that she had a fun and joyous trip to Parkes and Trundle and will be sure to visit again. “I really had a wonderful time!” she said.
These illustration workshops were generously funded by NSW Office of Regional Youth for the benefit of young people in regional and remote communities. Keep an eye out for more children and youth activities hosted by Parkes Shire Libraries.
The loss a young local Forbes woman has sent shockwaves through our community of Forbes leaving immense sadness.
As we come to terms with the loss of a young life, we reflect on her place in our community and her contribution to the fabric of life in Forbes.
We all knew her or knew of her. She was a young mother, a friend, a local woman who had her whole life in front of her. She played a vital role in our community as an early childhood educator, and she will be missed by the whole community.
Together, her memory will be honored by the whole community of Forbes as we stand up and speak out in the hope that no more lives are lost.
Council is working with Lifeline and Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMPHP) to provide services to those who need support.
This is another very difficult week for our community, we need to support each other and look after ourselves.
I am here and Forbes Shire Council is here to support our community as we are needed.
Our hearts go out to the families and friends who have funerals held this week. We are griveing your losses with you.
Whether you knew the families or not – our whole community is impacted by the tragic losses suffered.
Check on your mates, hug your families tight and look after yourselves, your neighbours and others our community.
We will continue our push for change with regards to bail and Domestic Violence laws.
The National Cabinet met on Wednesday and Premier Chris Minns has launched a review of Molly’s case and the decision to release her alleged killer on bail.
In NSW, it is estimated 23,000 AVOs were violated in the last 12 months. We need emergency and immediate changes such as digitally monitoring offenders locations and giving victims access to a mobile alert pendant to prompt an immediate response.
If you need support contact:
· Lifeline on 13 11 14
· Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800
· 1800 RESPECT – 1800 737 732 – family and domestic violence counselling
· Family Violence Response Line on 1800 015 188
· 13 Yarn – 13 92 76 for First nations support.
Until next week, God bless
Phyllis Miller, OAM – Forbes Mayor
Last Saturday, April 20th, was go time for the Forbes Rugby Union Club as all four senior grades kicked off for round one of the 2024 season. We spoke to Club Captain Frazer Dunn to catch up on how all four teams fared.
Colts
Colts travelled to Mudgee, it was a close game but the boys were unlucky this week and weren’t able to get the win.
Colts 19-15 loss
3 points Justin crisp
2 points Toby jarrick
1 point Tom nikolic & logan Evans
Women’s
The women had a good win, they’ve got Lilly Mason Spice back, which has made a big difference in structure and she has a calming influence on the team. Mel Martyn had her first game back for a couple of years, and she got players player, so she did well.
Women’s 38-5 win
3 points Mel Martyn
2 points Maggie Townsend
1 point Zoe McRae
Second Grade
Callum Mclaren played his first game for Forbes, coming over from West Wyalong, he was players player, closely followed by Callum Reed.
2nd grade 19-9 loss
3 points Callum Mclaren
2 points Callum Reed
1 point Hamish Napier & James moon
First Grade
A good win by First grade. Cowra threw a lot at us early in the game, we did a lot of defending in the first 10 minutes and the scored a few quick tries after that. The team dug deep and worked hard in the second half to hold on to the win.
1st grade 27-14
3 points Zorro Bainivalu
2 points Frazer Duff
1 point Johnny monk
This Saturday, April 27th, is a home game against Bathurst. Would be great to get plenty of people to come down and support the club. It is also Sponsors day so all Sponsors are encouraged to come along.
Lifeline Central West
If this week’s news events are causing you distress, it is really important you speak to someone about how you feel.
Please call us on 13 11 14 and speak to one of our telephone crisis supporters who canrefer you to the services you need. We are here to listen.
You can find some self help guides here https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/topics/trauma/about-trauma
1800RESPECT
If you are supporting someone who has experienced domestic, family and sexual violence, it is important to know that you do not have to be an expert, or have all of the answers.
If you know someone who has experienced domestic, family and sexual violence, let them know they are not alone – 1800RESPECT is available for support.
Call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text on 0458 737 732 or visit www.1800respect.org.au for online chat and video call services
Forbes Sports Person of the Year
Association
The next regular meeting of the Forbes Sportsperson of the Year Awards is scheduled for Thursday 2 May commencing 5:30pm at Club Forbes. All Welcome
Kerin Health
Hey Forbes,Swimming lessons available – Book your child’s place.
We have just released our new classes for swimming lessons and now is your chance to grab a spot and keep the momentum going for your child’s swimming skills.
Swimming lessons for Term 2 will be held at the Forbes Indoor Heated Pool, commencing on May 6th running for an 8 week term.
Swipe to see the class times by ag group!
Book online to reserve you spot now! Head to this link https://linktr.ee/kerinhealth
Parkes Shire Libraries
Please remember, that in order to complete a thorough stocktake and keep our service running smoothly, that Parkes Library will be closed next Tuesday, 30th April. Thank you for your understanding.
Flannery’s Pharmacy
We’re giving away ONE Phillips Air Fryer and JBL Speaker for lucky mothers in our community this Mother’s Day.
Simply come in store and tell us in 25 words or less why your mum (or motherly figure) is the best and deserves something extra special.
Competition starts today, and ends 6/05/2024.
T&Cs apply. Ask in store for more details
Country Women’s Association of NSW
Today CWA of NSW turns 102! After many years of supporting communities, we’re still going strong today.
We have a proud history but we’re not slowing down yet. Find out what you can do at your local branch: https://www.cwaofnsw.org.au/branches
Forbes High School
Yoorana Gunya Girls Empowerment Group.
In Week 11 for their last group, the girls headed to Revolution Aerial, an aerial fitness studio in Orange. Under the expert guidance of their instructor, they learned various aerial poses and manoeuvres, feeling exhilarated as they challenged their strength and flexibility. They then enjoyed a delicious lunch at Smoking Brothers / Elwood’s Eatery and a game of Ten Pin bowling. Thank you Yoorana Gunya for a fantastic term.

Speeding, fatigue and drink and drug driving remain the biggest killers on NSW roads and the NSW Police Force will be out in numbers ensuring that if you do the wrong thing.
Shadow Minister for Police and the NSW Police Force are advising motorists that double demerits came into force for ANZAC Day and will continue over the weekend.
Double demerits began Wednesday morning, 24 April, at 12:01am and end at 11:59pm on Sunday 28 April.
Higher fines and double demerit points will apply for those offences committed such as speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, driving under the influence or using a mobile phone illegally.
Shadow Minister for Police Paul Toole said there will be a focus on drink and drug driving.
“If you plan on drinking, don’t drive, make a plan B. Leave the car at home and use public transport.”
It’s anticipated many residents of NSW will stretch the ANZAC Day public holiday into a long weekend by taking Friday off work. It is also the final weekend of school holidays. This will result in higher traffic on roads across the state.
“The ANZAC Day public holiday coincides with the end of school holidays, and we anticipate a very busy few days on our roads,” Mr Toole said.
“Every time that you get behind the wheel of a car, please be responsible and think of those passengers in the car with you and other motorists on our roads so that everyone is able to reach their destination.
Communities across regional, rural, and remote Australia can now have their say on telecommunications issues as public submissions open on the Regional Telecommunications Review.
The input of local communities will form an essential part of the Review – held once every three years – which will see the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee deliver recommendations to Government.
The Review is closely examining the experiences of people in regional, rural, and remote parts of Australia with telecommunications delivery, as well as considering the unique needs of First Nations communities.
Residents, businesses and community organisations can make a submission, with the Terms of Reference – announced by Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP – outlining key issues for the Committee to examine. An issues paper has been released to help frame ideas.
Feedback from the public has been essential in previous reviews to ensure the Committee’s recommendations are well-targeted and based on evidence. For this Review there are three options available to have your say: attending a face-to-face consultation, providing a formal submission or completing a survey. The survey will be published in May 2024.
Since March 2024, the Committee has visited Western Australia and Tasmania for face-to-face consultations with local issues also forming an important part of the Committee’s considerations. More locations for face-to-face consultations will be announced shortly.
The 2024 Review is being led by the Hon Alannah MacTiernan, former Western Australian Minister for Regional Development as Chair of the Review Committee. She is supported by the Hon Fiona Nash, Ms Kristy Sparrow, Dr Jessa Rogers and Mr Ian Kelly.
To have your say just visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say/2024- regional-telecommunications-review
Chair, the Hon Alannah MacTiernan went on to say “Access to telecommunications services is critical for regional residents and businesses across so many aspects of everyday life – and we want to understand the lived experience of these services so that future policy actions are well-targeted and backed up by evidence.
“We really encourage Australians in the bush to have their say via a submission or completing the survey in coming months, while we continue our face-to-face consultations across the country.

Pictured is the sculpture “Waiting For Rain” and the artist Jimmy Rix. For more information, visit www.sculpturedownthelachan.com
The latest addition to the Sculpture Down the Lachlan public art trail has found a green oasis in the heart of Forbes to call home.
‘Waiting for Rain’ is now permanently located on the intersection of Rankin and Lachlan Streets (formerly known as the Pitt Stop takeaway site). The site has been transformed into a public greenspace in recent months.
Forbes Arts Society Chairperson, Trudy Mallick commended Forbes Shire Council for integrating the sculpture into its plans for the site and helping to make public art more accessible.
“Locals and visitors now have a greater opportunity to engage with world-class sculpture,” Trudy said.
“Art in public spaces plays an important role in regional communities. Public art provides economic, cultural and social benefits, and improves the aesthetic and overall experience of the built civic environment.”
Made from Corten steel and enamel paint, ‘Waiting for Rain’ represents the importance of seasonal rainfall for farming communities. Sculptor Jimmy Rix was compelled to create the piece following a trip to Forbes in 2018 amidst the then drought.
‘Waiting for Rain’ is Jimmy’s second sculpture to feature along the Sculpture Down the Lachlan trail; ‘Road Kill’ is located at the 4 Mile Reserve, and was unveiled in 2021.
The Sculpture Down the Lachlan expansion is part of the $7.2 million ‘Boosting the Lachlan Valley Economy Art Project’ which is proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Regional Growth – Environment and Tourism Fund, the Forbes Arts Society, Forbes Shire Council, Lachlan Shire Council and Evolution Mining.
The Forbes Netball Association will welcome former Australian Diamond Susan Pettitt to Forbes this Saturday to coach the junior netballers in the Forbes Association.
Thanks to a successful grant application from Forbes Shire Council, the former Australian Diamond will be coaching the Forbes juniors free of charge.
Susan has coached over 50,000 children and was inducted into the Netball NSW Fall of Fame for her contribution to netball including her encouragement with junior player.
Susan has 71 Caps for Australia playing in the goal attack position, and is part of the World Championship winning Australian team, as well as Commonwealth Gold Medal, and also has an Advanced Netball Coach Accreditation.
Susan has played in the SSN with both the NSW Swifts and Giants during her playing career from 2006-2018.
Susan will be coaching the Forbes junior netballers starting with the 12 years rep team at 10am, and the 13 years rep team at 11-15 and concluding with the 11 years Development squad at 12- 30pm.
She will be working with the Forbes representative coaches during the sessions for the teams.
During the day, the three teams will also be learning all about the rules of netball from National B Badge Umpire Karen Hargraves, and nutrition from Sarah Jane Mille.
This clinic was extremely popular, and Susan will be again returning on August 18 to conduct the same clinic, where 100 junior players from the region enjoyed the fun and games, before the Gala day.
Susan will be offering a goal shooting clinic to all players 9 years and over before the Forbes team’s coaching sessions.
For Information go to Forbes netball Page on Facebook, or www.spnetball. com to register for the clinic. Costs for the clinic are greatly reduced, and this will be an outstanding opportunity for all players
Phoenix Office 7/113-127 Rankin Street, Forbes NSW 2871
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