Roxane Manley

Forbes Garden Club Seeking New Executive

February 1, 2024 by Elvy Quirk

Good morning to all our Garden Club members and friends, Hope everyone enjoyed the Festive season and things have gotten off to a good start for 2024 with some lovely rain to help the gardens, some having suffered from the heat.

Our 70th Birthday celebration for the Forbes Garden Club was a great success last November as was our Open Gardens during October and because our Garden Club has been active for all those years it is hoped members realise what a wonderful Club we have had and hoping it can continue but we all must be prepared to do a little work.

Our Executives, many of whom have been in their roles for a considerable period of time, are unfortunately not able to continue and we are asking other members if they would step up into

Executive positions to keep the Club afloat.

Of course those wishing to take an active role can always look to the previous Executive for help and advice. You will not be alone!!

Our Annual General meeting is scheduled for Thursday 22 nd February 2024 at the Mens shed commencing at 2 pm. You will only need to bring along a mug, Flower of the month and any little gardening tips you may have would be appreciated.

Please give thought as to what you can do to help our Club stay afloat.

Members, enjoy your garden, start thinking about what you might like to plant for the spring.

Happy Gardening.

Contributed by Elvy Quirk

Regional Drought Plan

February 1, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Forbes Shire Council is joining forces with Lachlan and Parkes to develop a drought resilience plan for the future. The plan acknowledges that drought events are part of the future of any area reliant on the agricultural sector.

With funding from the Australian and NSW Government under the Future Drought Fund, the project will allow Council to use the learnings from previous droughts and implement an evidence based strategy to assist the community to adapt to or mitigate future drought impacts.

“Working together with neighbouring shires makes a lot of sense for this far-reaching issue” explained Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM.

“The impacts of flood are close to mind now, but we need to be ready for inevitable drought conditions that may just be around the corner. We will again work very closely with our community to make sure that this plan is practical and relevant and grows our already strong resilience.”

The Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program is managed by the Department of Regional NSW and was started as a pilot with three groups of local governments.

Rounds one and two are supporting 59 local Councils and regional areas to prepare 22 regional drought plans. The NSW Model for regional drought resilience planning program involves neighbouring councils working together to develop regional drought resilience plans. These plans will be provided to the CSIRO for independent review and completed plans from across the country will be published on the Australian Government’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website.

“Planning such as this is critical for Council to be able to access funding support for the implementation of these plans”, added Mayor Miller.

“We look forward to working with Parkes and Lachlan on a regional plan that will really make a difference”.

Regional NSW Needs Life-Saving Level Crossings Upgrades

February 1, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Paul Toole MP is calling for action on dangerous rail level crossings across regional NSW. Critical safety
upgrades are needed to prevent further near misses and fatalities.

State Member and Shadow Minister for Police Paul Toole MP is calling on the Federal and NSW Labor Governments to work together immediately to provide major upgrades to railway crossings across NSW.

The upgrades needed are about improving railway crossing safety in regional areas and reduce serious and fatal accidents that have a devastating impact on communities.

These upgrades should include installation of the latest technology and safety equipment such as retro-reflective boom gates, audible warning devices, updated signage and LED flashing lights increasing the visibility of crossings on both sides of the roadway in response to approaching trains.

Over the past 13 years there have been more than 80 collisions involving trains and vehicles at level crossings in NSW alone.

Member for Bathurst Paul Toole has said this should be a priority for the Government.

“The Labor Government needs to look at improving railway crossings across regional areas before someone else dies,” Mr Toole said.

“It is time for the west to get its fair share of investment from the Government. I call on NSW and Federal Labor Governments to take some action immediately.

“Wherever you travel across the west, be it Taree, Parkes, Molong, Forbes or Wellington, there are rail crossings simply not up to standard.”

Mr Toole said “The need for these improvements has become increasingly evident, given the growing volume of rail and road traffic and the critical role that railways play in the state’s economy.”

Snippets

February 1, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Keep up to date on the rules for mobile phones and devices at Parkes High School.

Parkes High School

IT’S AS SIMPLE AS 1 2 3
Parkes High School Mobile Phone, Electronic Devices and Pouch plan
All families please make yourself familiar with our plan.
https://parkes-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/newsletter.html

Forbes Rugby Union Club

Registrations are now open via Rugby Explorer for the 2024 Junior Rugby season. A reminder to parents to register before the end of January to make use of your Active Kids vouchers. When registering please update players height and weight. Any questions please contact Junior Rugby President Daniel Beard at juniors@forbesrugbyclub.com.au

NSW Government

We’re supporting eligible homebuyers to enter the property market by contributing up to 40% of the purchase price for new homes and up to 30% for existing ones, based on borrowing capacity and lender criteria.

The property is yours and your name will solely be on the deed.

See if you qualify by visiting nsw.gov.au/go/SEHBH_FB

Parkes Shire Council

Parkes Shire Council would like to extend a huge thank you to the Parkes Shire community for their ongoing efforts in helping rehome animals held at the Parkes Animal Shelter.

Last week all impounded animals found their forever home, including two cats and three dogs, with the support of the Parkes Shire community.

If you are looking to adopt an animal in the future, please visit http://bit.ly/AnimalsForAdoption

NSW Rural Assistance Authority

If you have been approved for a Special Disaster Grant or Rural Landholder Grant for the floods that occurred from August/September 2022 and you haven’t yet claimed the maximum approved grant amount, you can still submit additional invoices to claim via our website: www.raa.nsw.gov.au.

Claims for the Special Disaster Grant close on 8 May 2024.

Claims for the Rural Landholder Grant close on 5 June 2024.

Early submissions are encouraged to avoid a longer than average processing time, which can occur when there’s an influx of claims towards the end of a program.

TAFE NSW Forbes

Thank you to everyone who attended our Open Day yesterday. It was great to see so many people and have so much interest. It is not too late to enrol call in, phone or message us now. The campus is open 8.30am-4.30pm weekdays.

Parkes Services Squash Courts

We are super excited to be one of the 8 sports involved in the Parkes Masters Games in March. (Not just for Parkes residents – everyone is welcome!)

We are now taking registrations – https://www.sportyhq.com/tournament/view/2024-Parkes-Masters-Games

Entry into the squash event will also get you an awesome bag of PMG goodies! So, jump on and register today!

Forbes Family History Group Inc

Hats off to Cheryl Barton, our extraordinary Secretary at the Forbes Family History Group, and one of our Research Officers, Rex Barton (and all-around good bloke) – both named the 2024 Forbes Citizens of the Year.

Their unwavering dedication to documenting the history of Forbes is truly commendable. Our congratulations to you both

Keep up to date on the rules for mobile phones and devices at Parkes High School.

Forbes Golfers Enjoy the Day

February 1, 2024 by Short Putt

Last Saturday the competition was an Individual Stableford event, sponsored by Rob Allen Livestock Transport. There was a healthy field of 77 players, who all enjoyed the near perfect golfing conditions.

The Division 1 was a close contest with four players finishing on 38 points, requiring count backs all the way. The Winner was Scott Kirkman who played well on the back- 9, except for the 17th hole. The Runner-up was Troy Howe who had a hiccup on the 15th that belied the remainder of his back-9.

The Division 2 players used their handicaps well to rack up the points. The Winner was Les Little who could do no wrong in his score of 45. The Runner-up was Stuart Thomas with 43 points who looked totally in control until the 18th .

The NTP’s were: 9th – Jordan Brett; 18th – Greg Webb. The Pro Shop Super-pin, on the 3rd green, went to Jacob Reid with a shot to 303 cm. He was in an early group and was not bettered all day. The ball sweep went to 33 points on count back. Check in the Pro Shop if you are keen to find out if you earned one.

Sunday had a small group compete in the Stableford Medley, played over the front- 9. Shane Sallaway took the honours with 21 points while Charlie Goodsell (Pks) picked up the NTP on the 9th .

On Wednesday some enterprising players competed in the Wednesday 18-hole

Stableford Medley, run by the Pro Shop. Jill Cripps winning with 32 points. The NTP’s went to: 9th – J Cripps and 18th – W Simmons.

Don’t forget that Head Pro Will has organised a TaylorMade Equipment Day for 6

Feb, and also a Callaway Equipment day on 13 Feb for which times are available from 1-5 pm.

Contributed by Short Putt

Forbes Library Storytime Returns

February 1, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Join in Birth to Kinder Rhyme Time during School Term each Friday morning at Forbes Library at 10.30am.

During Birth to Kinder Rhyme Time we read books, sing songs and play to encourage engagement with language and literacy.

We use nursery rhymes, action songs, finger plays and stories in a fun and interactive way. Sessions are lively and stimulating for both children and adults.

Rhyme Time is held during the school term for children from birth – 5 years old.

Rhyme Time is free and each session lasts approximately 40 minutes. Rhyme Time is held every Friday during school term time.

Evidence shows that reading regularly to a child from birth gives them a head start once they start school.

Reading stimulates brain development, builds confidence and communication skills, and helps create stronger resilience and adaptability as they grow and develop.

That’s why the library is passionate about their early childhood reading programs.

Rhyme Time is supported by the Forbes Birth to Kinder. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForbesBirthtoKinder/

Please arrive 10 minutes early to allow the event to be able to run on time.

Please bring your enthusiasm, but leave your mobile phone in your bag – turned off or down. For more information, please call Forbes Library on 6852 1463.

Forbes Library Opening Hours:

Monday – Thursday 10am – 12 noon, 1pm – 5.30pm.

Friday: 10am – 12 noon, 1pm – 5pm.

Saturday: 10am – 12 noon.

Event Booking Link: http://tinyurl.com/ForbesLibraryFridayMornings

Forbes Croquet News

January 24, 2024 by Roxane Manley

IMAGE: Forbes Croquet Club members with Colleen Gunn- Vandenberg Hotel proud sponsors of Forbes Croquet Club

We 27 players for Aussie Croquet on Saturday 13th, 4 players that managed to win 3 games John Browne, JohnCole, Fay Picker and Tony Thomson

BIG WINNERS

14—8 John Browne and Noel Jolliffe

14—9 John Cole and Peter West, John Farah and Phillip Moran, John Browne and Noel Jolliffe

MID WINNER

14—10 John Browne

CLOSE GAMES

John Farah and John Allegri 14 John Job and Elvy Quirk 13

Fay Picker and Barry White 14 May Jones and Colleen Liebich 13

Lyn Simmonds 14 John Allegri and John Job 13

Bruce Field and Tony Thomson 14 Kevin Rubie and Neville Spry12

Marie Spry and Fay Picker 14 Harley Stewart and Lyn Simmonds 12

Harley Stewart and Fay Picker 14 Colleen Liebich and John Allegri 12

Neville Spry and John Cole 14 Allan Jones and Noel Jolliffe 12

Barry White and Fay Picker 14 May Jones and Colleen Liebich 12

Russsell Anderson and Marie Spry 14 Elvy Quirk and Merv Langfield 12

Barry White 14 Robin Pols 11

Merv Langfield and Allan Jones 14 Rex Toole and May Jones 11

Elvy Quirk and Tony Thomson 14 Kevin Rubie and John Job 1

Bruce Field and Merv Langfield 14 Geoff Coles and Peter West 11

John Cole and Tony Thomson 14 John Farah and Allan Jones 11

Neville Spry and Robin Pols 14 Geoff Coles and Phillip Moran 11

Peter West and Harley Stewart 14 Cheryle Toohey and Bruce Field 11

Robin Pols and May Jones 14 Marie Spry and Cheryle Toohey 11

We had 28 players for Golf Croquet on Tuesday 16th, 3 players who managed to win 3 games Noel Jolliffe, Kevin Rubie and Tony Thomson

MID WINNERS

9—4 Noel Jolliffe and Sally Perry, Mal Smith, Allan Jones and John Job, Lyall Strudwick and Noel Jolliffe, Kevin Rubie and Peter West.

CLOSE GAMES

Phillip Moran and Barry White 7 Iren Ford and Geoff Coles 6

Tony Thomson 7 Lyall Strudwick 6

Ray Martin and Lyn Simmonds 7 Marie Spry and Robin Pols 6

Kevin Rubie and Mal Smith 7 Carolyn Neilsen and May Jones 6

Lyn Simmonds and Geoff Coles 7 Iren Ford and Mal Smith 6

May Jones and Tony Thomson 7 Rex Toole and Phillip Moran 6

Carolyn Neilsen and Merv Langfield 7 Fay Picker and John Farah 6

May Jones and Barry White 7 Iren Ford and Allan Jones 6

Phillip Moran and John Job 7 Sue Jolliffe and John Cole 6

Sue and Noel Jolliffe 8 John Job and Peter West 5

John Farah and John Cole 8 John Allegri and Rex Toole 5

Robin Pols and John Allegri 8 John Cole and Sue Jolliffe 5

Kevin Rubie and Mal Smith 8 Sally Perry and Fay Picker 5

Marie Spry and Tony Thomson 8 Carolyn Neilsen and Russel Anderson 5

Lyall Strudwick and Noel Jolliffe 8 Rex Toole and Ray Martin 5

Robin Pols and Peter West 8 Geoff Coles and Lyn Simmonds 5

Bye Pegging Out

Nine New By Country Arts Support Program

January 24, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Nine arts activities across the NSW Central West will share $17,000 in funding from the NSW Government’s annual Country Arts Support Program (CASP).

Regional arts development organisation Arts OutWest, who deliver CASP locally, have announced the Central West recipients of this long-running small grants program.

Applicants could apply for up to $3000, with groups, councils, individuals, collectives and arts businesses eligible. Funds are primarily for the payment of artists and arts workers to undertake locally-developed arts activities.

Funded activities in 2024 will be spread across the region, including in many smaller communities, and include:

• Grenfell Artists Inc, who have been recruiting new and younger members, will run with a range of half price workshops to help these emerging local artists to help them discover new skills and explore new mediums; helping them to become confident enough to exhibit their work in their newly developed ‘Little Gallery’ in Grenfell.

• Parkes School of Dance will implement formal training for student dance assistants, through the DanceStep syllabus, to develop future dance teachers.

• The Artists of Cowra East collective will send three artists to the CORRIDOR Project’s ERTHWRX residency and industry mentorship program for National Science Week in 2024, with collaborative work being developed for exhibition in the new ‘Cowra Micro Gallery’.

• Five different workshops with professional artists for the Parkes Multicultural Art Group during regular monthly meet ups will broaden the group’s skill base and give them a range of creative experiences.

• Lachlan Arts Council in Condobolin will host a one-day writing workshop with author Kim Kelly. This will involve the Condobolin Writers Group and will be inclusive of those living with a disability.

Make Your Voice Heard In NSW Youth Parliament

January 24, 2024 by Roxane Manley

IMAGES: Pictured is Hamani Tanginoa, he said “Youth Parliament provides a unique platform for young people to actively learn about the democratic process and how to advocate for issues that they are passionate about.”.

There are just three weeks remaining for local young people in Years 10, 11 and 12 (or equivalent age) to apply for this year’s Youth Parliament run by the Y NSW.

The Y (formerly YMCA) Youth Parliament provides a unique platform for individuals to actively participate in the democratic process and advocate for issues that they are passionate about. Participants will have the chance to draft, debate, and advocate for mock youth-focused legislation, gaining invaluable insights into the workings of government and policy development.

Hamani Tanginoa is a proud Wiradjuri, Dharug, Dunghutti, Gooreng Gooreng and Tongan man, and past Youth Parliament participant who is now part of the Youth Parliament team as Youth Voice Coordinator. A passionate trailblazer, unafraid to stand up for the rights of marginalised young people, Hamani Tanginoa began his Y journey as a Youth Parliament representative in 2018 at just 16. As a Y NSW and Camden Council Young Leader Hamani made history as the first Aboriginal Youth Premier for NSW. “I entered Youth Parliament six years ago with a burning desire to effect change. As a young, gay, Aboriginal man, I have endured discrimination. I wanted to support others with similar experiences by introducing legislation that would empower and educate,” said Hamani. Each committee is paired with an industry expert and mentored and supported by Y staff and the volunteer taskforce. To apply to take part in the 2024 Youth Parliament, visit ymcansw.org.au/community-services/youth/youth-parliament/ and submit applications before 9 February 2024.

Red Bend Rail Siding Open For Business

January 24, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Cr Maria Willis, Member for Orange Phil Donato, NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison, Cr Michele* Herbert, Cr Chris Roylance, Cr Brian Mattiske and TfNSW’s Regional Director West Alistair Lunn

Farmers in the Central West of NSW will benefit from faster and safer grain transport with the opening of a new $6.2 million rail siding upgrade at Red Bend.

Located just south of Forbes, the siding upgrade allows larger trains to exit the main line to load and unload tonnes of vital grains such as wheat, barley and canola.

The recently completed project has delivered an extra 400 metres to the siding, allowing a 48-wagon train to be loaded in two 24-wagon sections without encroaching on the main line.

Previously, the shorter siding length could only accommodate a 20-wagon train.

It’s estimated the Red Bend upgrade will divert 26,000 tonnes of grain annually from trucks to trains, which would remove an estimated 660 truck movements from Central West roads, contributing to safer journeys for everyone.

The Red Bend rail improvement project was supported by a $5.14 million investment from GrainCorp, $970,000 from the NSW Government’s Fixing Country Rail Program and an in-kind contribution of $90,000 from the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC).

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said “This is a clear example of how investing in the NSW rail network has numerous practical advantages. In simple terms, a more efficient and sustainable freight transport helps everyone in the supply chain to reduce costs. This will ultimately benefit the consumer and their hip pockets.

Red Bend is the latest rail siding project, located in southern NSW, that has received funding from the state government.

This included the $2.15 million rail siding at Temora West, the $14.4 million Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics Hub siding, and the $11.7 million Coolamon siding extension – all of which benefits the $23.1 billion primary industries economy.”

Quotes attributable to Nigel Lotz, General Manager of Operations at GrainCorp:

“The region is a significant grain growing area in NSW and the GrainCorp site receives on average 120,000 tonnes per harvest season.

“It’s important for local growers to have access to critical export markets as well as domestic customers in bigger years, and to be able to take advantage of the pricing benefits of a quick train cycle to the ports.

“This can only be achieved through efficient rail services, which is why this rail loading capability is so important to the grain supply chain.

“Ultimately, when the industry can cut down transport costs this benefits consumers as well as growers.

“The project has also increased our loading capacity and improved the cycle times of trains from up to 72 hours down to 36 hours, improving the safety outcomes and overall site experience for our teams and growers alike.”

Simon Ormsby from ARTC said “ARTC is pleased to support farmers to get their produce to local and international markets more efficiently.

“It’s good business for farmers and great for the community because it means more freight on rail and less trucks on our roads.”

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