Roxane Manley

Forbes Croquet News

December 21, 2023 by Roxane Manley

After play we had a Xmas Luncheon at the Croquet Club, and a big gathering attended.Tables decorated by Irene, Cheryl and Elvy.

We had 35 players come along on a very comfortable summers morning on Saturday the 16th .

There were 4 players who won 3 games, Marie Spry, Elvy Quirk, Ray Burridge and Robin Pols.

THE BIG WINNERS

• 14—8 Phillip Moran and Tony Thomson, Geoff Coles and John Job.

• 14—9 Vince Roberts and John Allegri.

MID GAMES

• 14—10 Neville Spry and Phillip Moran, Carolyn Neilsen and John Allegri,

• Lyn Simmonds and Ray Burridge , Elvy Quirk and John Cole,

• Barry White and Merv Langfield, Noel Jolliffe.

CLOSE GAMES

• Cheryln Toohey and Marie Spry 14 Fay Picker and Geoff Coles 13

• Carolyn Neilsen and Ray Burridge 14 Fay Picker and David Wiliams 13

• Allan Jones and Marie Spry 14 Geoff Coles and John Job 12

• May Jones and Noel Jolliffe 14 Iren Ford and Kevin Rubie 12

• Vince Roberts and Bill Scott 14 Ros Rennick and Barry White 12

• John Job and Tony Thomson 14 Fay Picker and Lyn Simmonds 12

• Robin Pols and Ray Burridge 14 Merv Langfield and Mal Smith 12

• Carolyn Toohey and Evelyn Mahlo 14 Mal Smith 12

• Bruce Field 14 May Jones 12

• Carolyn Toohey and Russell Anderson 14 Iren Ford and Peter West 12

• Joan Littlejohn and Peter West 14 John Farah and John Cole 11

• Elvy Quirk and David Williams 14 Caroyln Neilsen and Russell Anderson 11

• Elvy Quirk and Robin Pols 14 Neville Spry and Barry White 11

• John Browne and John Cole 14 John Farah and Peter West 11

• Kevin Rubie and Mal Smith 14 Noel Jolliffe and Allan Jones 11

• John Browne and Marie Spry 14 Neville Spry and Mal Smith 11

• Kevn Rubie and Robin Pols 14 May Jones and Evelyn Mahlo 11

• Iren Ford an David Williams 14 Merv and Malomb Langfield 11

• Neville Spry and Phillip Moran 14 John Browne and Bruce Field 10

• Carolyn Neilsen and John Allegri 14 John Browne and Bill Scott 10

• Lyn Simmonds and Ray Burridge 14 Russell Anderson and Ros Rennick 10

• Elvy Quirk and John Cole 14 John Farah and Phillip Moran 10

• Barry White and Malcomb Langfield 14 Bruce Field and Merv Langfield 10

• Noel Jolliffe 14 Tony Thomson 10

On Tuesday 19th as we had our annual Xmas lunchen and Presantantion awards at The Vandenberg Hotel

The main awards were:

• Golf CROQUET Champion Reserve Champion

• Men Kevin Rubie Mal Smith

• Women Elvy Quirk Robin Pols

AUSSIE CROQUET

• Men Kevin Rubie John Browne

• Women Cherylyn Toohey Elvy Quirk

ENCOURAGEMENTaTT AWARDS

• Iren Ford and Sue Jolliffe

MOST ATTENDENDENCES

• GOLF Marie Spry, Bruce Field and Bruce Toole

• AUSSIE Cheryle Toohey Kevin Rubie

That’s it for this year, its been a very good year of Croquet.

We’ll see you next year restarting on Tuesday the 9th January with a 8.30 Start

A Christmas Message From The Hon Michael McCormack

December 21, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Thank you to our farmers, who have been harvesting to ensure we have the cleanest and greenest food on our tables, also support local businesses and buy Australian-made products where you can this Christmas.

Every year Christmas seems to come around faster and faster, with our ever-increasingly busy lives mere passengers in a greater machine.

It is difficult to slow down, particularly amongst last-minute shopping and navigating the hustle and bustle of Christmas and holiday preparations.

As I say every year, please take care if travelling on our regional roads over the holidays and, if you plan on using our beautiful waterways, please remember to be sun smart and water wise.

We owe a debt of gratitude to those who give their time to support and serve others, often having to work instead of spending time with loved ones – our health care workers, emergency service and defence force personnel, aged care and disability workers. Thank you for being exemplary, community- minded members.

Remain cognisant that, for many, this time of the year is associated with painful feelings of loneliness and loss. It is important to display compassion, understanding and, most of all, patience to all we encounter – we never can fully understand what another person is going through. To those who spend time with the homeless and less fortunate – your kindness and selflessness is always appreciated.

It is always important to remember the reason for the season – the birth of Jesus Christ. It is about spending time with family and friends – winding back and focusing on the things which really matter. Catherine, my family, my staff and I extend our best wishes to all for a happy Christmas and a safe and healthy 2024.

Mayoral Notes

December 21, 2023 by Roxane Manley

To all the wonderful resident of Forbes shire, Merry Christmas. I wish you and your family peace and joy and all of God’s blessings.

This past 12 months has seen our beautiful Forbes Shire rise up from the flood devastation of the end of last year. It is with such pride that I watch as our community face up to its challenges with dignity, resilience and compassion, lending helping hands to others who need it and continually working on making Forbes its best.

It has been a year of joy and achievement at Council as well, as so many projects starting and taking shape or reaching completion – just for example the start of works at the Multipurpose Equestrian centre and Spooner Oval redevelopment, the ongoing growth of new homes at Goldridge Estate, all of the action at the Central West Industrial Park and the relocation of the Visitors Information Centre and the now the much-anticipated opening of a cafe at that very location in the very near future.

Forbes has welcomed influencers, dignitaries, television crews, and staged events that have drawn thousands over the 12 months to our piece of paradise, and will continue to do so, showcasing ourselves on the wider stage.

As we inch closer to 2024 I wish you all the sparkle and joy of Christmas, may your hearts and homes be full this season and pave the way for a 2024 that is brighter and better. This time of year can mean so many things to so many and can be a difficult time for others, so however you choose to celebrate the following weeks make sure you take the time to relax, remember what is special and important to you and those you love. Please, please if you are travelling at all this holiday season, please do so safely, we want to spend this next 12 months making 2024 the best 12 months. Don’t be tempted to take any unnecessary risks on the road.

I also invite you all to a full calendar next month – including the much-loved and very colourful Elvis Festival breakfast in Templar Street on Friday 12 January. Our amazing events team has also put together a calendar of holiday activities that are not to be missed – including the much-loved paddle boats on Lake Forbes and lots more school holidays fun. All the details, as always, can be found on our website or Facebook pages (also featured on the Forbes Youth Action Team and Amazing Forbes pages).

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

God Bless,
Phyllis Miller, OAM – Forbes Mayor

National First – NHVR Launches National Network Map

December 21, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has reached a significant milestone with the release of the National Network Map on the 20th of December 2023.

In a national first, the heavy vehicle industry can see national road network information in one central location, with the map information that is currently held within each jurisdiction now available through the NHVR’s National Network Map.

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto OAM said the transition of these maps onto the NHVR Portal has been in the works since December 2022, and is the result of strategic planning, digital product development and delivery, and rigorous testing.

“The NHVR’s National Network Map supports improved heavy vehicle access efficiency and decision-making, by bringing together the state-based heavy vehicle networks and displaying them in one location.

NHVR Chief Data and Technology Officer Cameron Stone said the new technology enables industry to more precisely determine access-availability across vehicle combinations.

“Our new mapping solution provides the ability to search and view available networks for more than 1,000 heavy vehicle configurations, providing a level of detail that has never been available before through jurisdictional websites.

“In addition to having the ability to see maps for all gazetted networks across the country, it is possible to apply individual layers to the map to identify points of interest, such as rest areas, height restrictions and road disruptions.

Throughout December the NHVR has been educating industry, road managers and state police agencies on how to use the National Network Map through webinars and training sessions. Recordings of these webinars, as well as an instructional video, can be viewed on the NHVR website.

For more information please refer to the National Network Map Fact Sheet.

BE SEEN – Forbes Croquet Xmas Luncheon

December 21, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Croquet Club Christmas Luncheon 16th December l.

The shortbread Christmas trees made by Irene Ford for each person in attendance at the luncheon.

Our longest serving member Robin Pols had the honour of cutting the cake which was made by Elvy.

Tables were beautifully decorated by Irene, Cheryl and Elvy.

Be Seen – PHS SRC Christmas Day

December 21, 2023 by Roxane Manley

There was Christmas joy in the air on our SRC Christmas Day recently .

Students dressed up in Christmas clothes and accessories to spread the Christmas cheer.

SRC created a very cool Christmas photo wall and provided music and games .

A year full of wonderful activities thanks to thank Ms O’Leary, and her SRC members .

Snippets

December 21, 2023 by Roxane Manley

We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Yoorana Gunya Family Healing Centre Aboriginal Corporation

Yoorana Gunya will be closed from Friday 22nd Dec and will reopen Monday 8th Jan 2023. For any medical emergencies during this time please call 000 or go to Forbes Hospital located on Elgin St, Forbes.

What a prosperous year it has been, thank you to our supportive community, very valued patients and great employees. Each year Yoorana Gunya grows and we are so grateful and pleased to be one of the largest medical services within our area. We have more exciting things happening next year and will continue to be more equipped for our community’s needs.

Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society

Congratulations to our CAT award nominees for 2023!

Lyn Townsend, Gail Smith and Anthony Leonard – Best Original script, lyrics, music and musical arrangements for CRACKS IN THE MIRROR

The Cast (Ruth Barnes, Kimberley Ryan, Maddison Collits, Jade McGovern & Amelia Regnier) Best Ensemble in a Musical, Variety or Dance Production in CRACKS IN THE MIRROR

Aaron Kingham – Best Actor in a Leading role in a Play – as Gilbert Bodley in NOT NOW DARLING

Lyn Townsend – Best Actress in a Featured Role in a Play – as Maude Bodley in NOT NOW DARLING

Rounding off a wonderful year of theatre for Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society.

Forbes Shire Council

A very unassuming Shirley Dukes, who loves working behind the scenes volunteering for many local organisations , was presented with the 2023 Senior Citizen of the Year Award in recognition of her dedication and efforts.

“I was surprised to be nominated, but I love to do anything for my grandchildren,” she said.

“Committees should put forward names for awards such as this. There are so many who work in the background – and it is so important for people to be on committees and actively helping otherwise these things won’t keep happening. “

Do you know someone who is just as deserving as a volunteer, someone like Shirley who works tirelessly behind the scenes? Council is seeking nominations for Citizen of the Year, Junior Citizen of the Year and Senior Citizen of the Year – for application forms or more information head to our website: www.forbes.nsw. gov.au

R U OK? Day

This is your reminder that it’s normal to feel a little flat at this time of year.

If you’ve noticed this with someone you know, check in and see how they’re going.

We’ve got tips to help you start the conversation at https://bit.ly/2ZcG05n

Generocity Church Parkes

“How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!” Psalm 133:1

It is such a joy to spend time together and worship our Saviour.

Local Land Services NSW

Santa’s making a list, he’s checking it twice… and this elf has not made the cut

Even though we have spotted him doing some helpful jobs, we’ve also noticed him up to no good. Unlike this elf, don’t get caught out. Instead, check out Visit NSW for some caravan and campground ideas https://brnw.ch/21wFo

Did you know that you are not allowed to camp on Travelling Stock Reserves?

BE SEEN – PFNPS Kinder Last Day

December 21, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Kindergarten students had a wonderful last day of school .

They visited the kitchen and made special reindeer biscuits.

Well done, Kindergarten 2023. We look forward to seeing you in 2024 .

How To Get Your Home Bushfire Ready

December 21, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Shed with FSA Firecoat paint vs shed without in controlled real life burn situation.

With Australians being warned about one of the deadliest Bushfire seasons approaching, residents are being urged to get their homes bushfire ready now.

The top tips to protect Australian homes from Chartered Professional Fire Engineer Ben Ignis are:

Clear vegetation and trees – Reducing the vegetation around your home is one of the most important things you can do. The best place to start is to remove dead branches, leaves and undercoat. Depending on where you live though permits may have to be obtained. Contacting your local council is the best way to determine what you can clear.

Use the world first fireproof paint, FIRECOAT – Use FIRECOAT, the first paint to protect in extreme bush fire conditions. Paint you your house, sheds, decking, fences or any other property you need to protect. This product has been created in Australia in conjunction with world leading scientists and engineers from the University of New South Wales (UNSW).

Pre-pack for an emergency and know your location – Pack an emergency survival kit for yourself and your family. This may include fresh clothing, which include portable battery-operated radio and waterproof torch with spare batteries, candles and waterproof matches, first aid kit and manual, at least 3 litres of water per person, waterproof bags ready for valuables, cash and ATM or credit cards, medications, and toiletries, mobile phone charger. Also, draw up an evacuation plan for family and pets.

Check windows and screens – Your home is your safe haven and a place that does not welcome fire. Fire can creep in though, quite literally through cracks in window and door fittings. Assuage unwanted cinder with wire screens that are not only fire resistant but also block impinging fire threats. A good screen installation company will be able to fit out your windows and doors within a day.