• Home
  • Articles
    • Front Page
    • General Interest
    • Snippets
    • Letters to the Editor
    • Council Comments
  • Special Interests
  • Our Community
    • Our People
    • Question of the Week
    • Jobs in the Central West
    • Be Seen
    • What’s On
    • What’s Hot
  • Features
    • Women in Business
    • Rural Round Up
    • My Place
    • Loving Local Living
    • Wellness Wise
    • Just a Short Drive
    • Real Estate
  • Sports
    • Bowls
    • Cricket
    • Equestrian
    • Footy Tips
    • Golf
    • Netball
    • Rugby League
    • Rugby Union
    • Soccer
    • Touch Football
  • Classifieds
  • Competitions
  • Contact Us
    • Contact Page
    • Advertise with us
    • Testimonials
    • Submit an Article
    • Subscribe to the Forbes Phoenix

Forbes Phoenix

Public Urged To Take Precautions As Hot Weather Predicted

December 7, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Beat the heat by heading down to your local swimming pool. Pictured is the Parkes Aquatic Centre.

Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) is reminding people to be cautious and have a plan to beat the heat during extreme temperatures forecast across the region for the rest of the week and into the weekend. 

Priscilla Stanley, WNSWLHD Public Health Director, said temperatures are expect to reach upward of, and in some areas above, 40 degrees Celsius across the District in the coming days. 

Ms Stanley urged people to understand how heat can affect their health and take precautions, particularly those at greater risk like older people, people with existing medical conditions, pregnant women, babies and young people, outdoor workers and socially-isolated people. 

“This summer is predicted to be very hot. For a lot of our District this appears to be one of the first real tastes of that extreme weather, so I encourage everyone to take the risk of heat-related illness seriously,” Ms Stanley said. 

“Heat can impact anyone and it puts a lot of stress on the body. It causes dehydration, heat stroke and heat exhaustion. These conditions can cause serious illness, hospital admission or even death and extreme heat can make underlying health conditions worse.” 

Be Seen – Parkes Christian School

December 7, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The House Cup is a very friendly competition between the students and involves all aspects of school life .

 

Students get points for their grades, work in class, improving results, hard work, sports, stage per-forming, helping at events, and colecting rubbish.

 

Special medals were also handed out to the highest points earners in each House.

 

We look forward to next year’s competition as it allows us to focus on all the great things our students do.

Early Start To The 2024 Forbes Rugby Club Preparations

December 7, 2023 by Roxane Manley

If you are keen to have a run come down to training.

Pre-season training has kicked off for the Forbes Rugby Union Club, so we decided to have a chat with First Grade Manager Phil Prior, he went on to say the following “We have started off a little earlier this year, compared to other years. We have brand new coaching staff through all grades except the women’s, Jayme Sherritt returns for a second year as head coach of the Womens and will no doubt build on the success of last season. Greg Moxey is no stranger to senior rugby in Forbes. Second grade will be led by our front row extraordinaire Norm Buchanan. He will be supported by Sam ‘Razor Robertson’ Jarrett and player turned mentor Tom Fisher. We welcome back some Forbes Rugby stalwarts to the first XV arena. Incumbent NSW Country Rugby Union Cockatoo and Central West Rugby Union Blue Bull Mahe Fangupo has been appointed head coach. He will be supported by Platypi 400 gamer Andrew Hubbard and Forbes Rugby Life Member Phil Prior as First Grade Manager”. 

Tuesday the 6th saw the club have their first training hit out since the end of the 2023 season “Tuesday was very hot, but we got around 35 players there on the night, colts, women and grade players” 

“Our next four training sessions over the next two weeks are going to be all game based and skills. Then we will have a month break over Christmas and start up again on the 16th of January” said Phil. 

Phil has been out of the coaching scene for two years and he told us he is “excited to be back and see a lot of new faces. I took on a Rep job this year which kept me away from club footy for the best part of 10-12 weeks. Now I just want to concentrate on getting the Forbes Club back where it started”. 

There was also a new committee formed, they are as follows Sam Parish as President, Frazer Duff as Vice President Management, Tom Maguire as Vice President Players, Kristelle Ridley as Secretary, Lachlan Green as Treasurer, Daniel Beard as Vice President Junior Rugby, Randall Grayson as Vice President Facilities & Development, Jayden Scott as Social Secretary, Norm Buchanan as Bar Manager and Kate French as Media Officer. 

Please join us at our Christmas Party as we celebrate the year that was and look forward to 2024. The Forbes Battapi will be in action from 1pm so come early to support them then stay for a BBQ dinner and drinks into the evening. 

All past, current and potential members of the Platypi Family are welcome to attend from junior and senior players to supporters and sponsors. 

All are welcome to come join in to play Colts, Women’s or Grade Rugby 

Snippets

December 7, 2023 by Roxane Manley

From left to right FF Chris Allegeri, FF Brad McMillan, FF Joel Cuskelly And FF Tom Bentick.

Fire and Rescue NSW Station 294 Forbes 

On behalf of Forbes Fire rescue station 294 we would like to introduce to the Forbes community and welcome them to our crew our four new recruits. 

We are thrilled to have you join our team and embark on this journey of serving and protecting our community. 

We want to extend our heartfelt congratulations and assure you that you are about to embark on a career that is not only rewarding but also filled with purpose 

Parkes Shire Council 

Not long now until the Christmas Carols at Cooke Park. 

Brace yourselves for Christmas cheer on Sunday 10 December, 2023, starting at 6:30pm Get set for a magical evening packed with tasty food, amazing performances, and a joyful atmosphere for the whole family to enjoy. Don’t forget your blankets or chairs. 

Kerin Health 

Summer Series Reformer Pilates! 

We’re running a Summer mini term of Reformer Pilates this January in both Forbes & Parkes studio locations! 

Our Summer Series kicks off on 8th January, running for four weeks and wrapping up on 2nd February 2024. 

This is the perfect opportunity to try our reformer workouts if you’ve never been to a class before! Grab a four week term pass, or a single casual pass and join us in the studio. 

For booking details, timetable and pricing, head to our website kerinhealth. com.au 

Forbes Business Chamber 

Hozpots Garden & Vintage Forbes ~ Shop to win in our Find it in Forbes Annual Christmas Promotion. 

Want to display your car but need accom-modation? Book at Graceland on the Green now bit.ly/GracelandoGreen.

Monthly Medal Surprises

December 7, 2023 by Short Putt 

From the archive. Bruce Carpenter firing towards the green.

Forbes golfers enjoyed good weather and good course conditions on the weekend, which was especially pleasing after the rain during the week. The soft conditions on the fairways hindered some but assisted others. 

The Saturday mens competition was the Monthly Medal, an Individual stroke event. 

The good weather encouraged the field of 71 and also helped a few visitors to enjoy the day. 

A-Grade was won by Andrew Dukes with 67 nett. This was a rare but welcome day of near par golf for him. Runner-up was Shane Sallaway with 68 nett. His 2-under scratch was built on a 2-under front-9. 

The B-Grade was won by Randall Grayson with 64 nett, the best nett score of the day. Unlike most players, the best part of his game was the back-9. Runner-up was Anthony Alley with 70 nett, compiled in a topsy-turvy manner. 

C-Grade Medal was taken out by Matt Duff. He was the Runner-up for the day, with 75 nett, but took the Medal because the winner was a visitor. Michael Arrow (Cumberland GC) enjoyed his round after a more than 20 year hiatus, scoring 70 nett to win the Grade. 

The ball sweep went to 76 nett on c/b. 

The NTP’s went to: 9th – Les Little; 18th – Stuart Thomas. The 3rd hole Superpin was won by Matt Walton, with an exciting shot to 61 cm. 

On Sunday there were not enough players registered to run a comp. 

This week we have an 18-hole Stableford, sponsored by Jelbarts Tyrepower, with the year’s highlight being next week when players ‘shoot’ for a Xmas ham, sponsored by Woolworths Forbes. 

Short Putt 

Mayoral Notes

December 7, 2023 by Roxane Manley

It should really start to feel like Christmas this week – not only as the weather heats up for the traditional Aussie Christmas feels, but also as we celebrate the annual Christmas Carnival put on by the Forbes Business Chamber and Carols by Candlelight hosted by Forbes Town & District Band. 

The Street carnival is being held in Templar and Rankin Streets on Friday December 8, from 5pm to 9pm. 

Do a spot of Christmas shopping at the market stalls, entertain the children with amusement rides, see who is the latest to win a Why Leave town cash draw, watch the live performances and of course, see Mr and Mrs Claus in person!! 

The following evening is Carols by Candlelight in Victoria Park, which looks absolutely stunning at night with all the decorations ablaze. This is the 53rd year of carols in Forbes and for so man it is a much-loved season tradition, a time for the community to gather and celebrate not just the birth of Jesus, but the close knit community we have. Relax and enjoy the evening’s entertainment which kicks off at 7pm. Santa will make an appearance, and food, drinks and glow sticks will be available for purchase. 

I love Christmas time, and I especially love the interactive festive scene on Forbes Town Hall at night. I love that you can pull up, tune your radio to 88.7FM and listen while the North Pole comes alive in your car. 

Did you know that the iRecycle Forbes app has been updated? This is an extremely handy app that you can use to make your life so much easier – work out which bins go out on what days for your street (even better, set a notification to alert you), keep up to date on holiday collection arrangements, put in enquiries or report stolen bins – so much more. Make sure you download – or update – the app today, it is just another wonderful tool Council offers our residents. 

Until next week, God bless 

Phyllis Miller,
OAM – Forbes Mayor

Labor Kicks Programs To The Dirt On World Soil Day

December 7, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said Labor had cut funding to crucial soil programs in the lead up to World Soil Day. 

He said World Soil Day was a chance to reflect on the importance of soils and agriculture providing fresh food and fibre, but Labor continued to ignore the industry. 

“The former Coalition Government set up the National Soil Strategy in 2021 and committed $196.9 million,” Mr Littleproud said. 

“Labor redirected $11.7 million from the National Soils Strategy to ‘other priorities’. They continue to make cuts instead of investing in soils. In fact, Labor’s National Soil Action Plan includes $36 million from the Natural Heritage Trust, which already focuses on soils. 

“Labor also cut the innovative $54 million Soil Monitoring Incentives Program (SMIP).” 

The SMIP provided landholders with up to $275 per soil sampling site – capped at $10,000 per business – in exchange for sharing the information with a national soil database. 

“Labor is cutting corners and costs when it comes to soils. 

“There is no detail on who or what will replace the National Soils Advocate, even though the Government has had nearly 18 months to plan for this crucial position.” 

Singing Star Jason Owen Delivers Presents To Rural Kids

December 7, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Doin It For Rural Kids founder Jason Owens and his partner Bec and daughter Lyla. This is how their living room looks each year as they individually wrap each present that they will then hand deliver and donate to rural kids across multiple states.

Country music singer Jason Owen will this year be handing out a very special present to kids when he embarks on his annual road trip for the charity he founded, Doin it for Rural Aussie Kids. 

The X Factor star has put together an inspirational activity booklet for kids entitled Yowie, along with his charity co-founder wife Becy. Apart from being an Australian folklore bush creature, Yowie also is an acronym for whom the booklet is targeting – Youth living in the Outback, Working hard to Inspire and Encourage. 

Yowie features inspirational stories about 15 incredible Australians from all walks of life who grew up in rural and far off areas and thrived despite their personal challenges. 

Jason will be handing out the booklet, toys and school supplies to isolated primary school children across NSW in early December along with a motivational talk. 

“I always explain to kids how I grew up in tiny Albert, NSW, and managed to make my dream of being an entertainer come true, despite being the only child in an isolated town of just 12 people,” Jason says. “I went through struggles with PTSD following a motorbike accident when I was 11 which almost killed my dad and I. 

“It also features how kids can turn to Kids Helpline to talk if they are struggling. I’ve always wanted kids in the bush to know that they can achieve anything they want in life despite their circumstances as long as they work hard and believe in themselves.” 

Forbes Rotary Club Requests Forbes Community Help For Eugowra Flood Project

December 7, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Pictured is the Forbes Rotary Club after raising money for Ukraine. You can help the Forbes Rotary Club by volunteering your time to help with the re-landscaping of the Eugowra Self Care Units please .

At a recent meeting between the Eugowra Promotion and Progress Association and the Rotary Club of Forbes it was agreed that The Forbes Rotary Club would donate sufficient funds to be able to replace the trees and plants which were either lost or damaged in the grounds of the Eugowra Self-Care Units in during the November 2022 floods. In addition to that, Forbes Rotary agreed to assist with funds for the re-landscaping of the area surrounding the Self-Care units in Nanima Street Eugowra. 

A spokesperson from Forbes Rotary this week said all that was now needed were enough volunteer workers from Forbes to put there hands up to assist with replanting of shrubs and plants and the re-landscaping. The first working bee will commence work this Saturday the 9th of December at the Self-Care Unit site in Nanima Street, Eugowra, with more work to continue on in the New Year. There will be plenty of cool drinks and shade available and “We’ll all go home after mid-day when it gets too hot” said Chris Finkel, the current president of Forbes Rotary. Members of the other Forbes Rotary Club, Forbes Ipomoea, will also be there, however, with both Forbes Rotary Clubs, the active member numbers are limited and that is why younger volunteers are required to help out. “The more volunteers we have, the quicker we’ll be able to finish the project” said Chris. “Most of the flood damage in 

Forbes from last year has been rectified, however, our sister town of Eugowra still has a fair way to go before it returns to the pre-flood period looks of earlier last year” he concluded. 

For further details concerning the project please contact Chris Finkel on 0429 661 358 or Sue Fabish from the Self-Care Unit Management Committee on 0447 735 414 

Forbes Rotary Extends Deadline

December 7, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The Forbes Rotary Club has been contacted by the Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) program committee to advise that there are still two positions still available for the 2024 seminar to be held at the Warrambui Retreat and Conference Centre in Murrumbateman NSW from Saturday 6th January to Friday 12th January 2024. However, applications must be received by MONDAY 11th December at the latest. 

The Forbes Rotary Club was successful in sending local farm manager, Molly Fuge to RYLA in January this year and Molly returned with an enthusiastic report about the life-changing experiences she had by attending RYLA. 

The current Forbes Rotary membership includes Civil Engineer, John Zannes and local farmer Grahame Uphill who are both ex-RYLA participants. 

For participants to 2024 RYLA seminar the cost is $1250 per person. This cost covers the participant when they arrive onsite (meals and accommodation) until they leave, however travel to and from the venue isn’t covered. 

More information can be found online https://rotary9705.org.au/page/ryla or https://www.facebook.com/District9705RYLA Molly Fuge on 0401 818 986 and Ross Williams (0428 531 123) or Chris Finkel (0429 661 358)

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 111
  • 112
  • 113
  • 114
  • 115
  • …
  • 195
  • Next Page »

Click here to download the recent issue (176) of The Forbes & Parkes Phoenix (1.6MB PDF) – 13th February 2026

SEARCH THE PHOENIX

STAY CONNECTED

The Forbes Phoenix would like to thank you, our Facebook friends, for your continued support and readership!

Recent Articles

  • A $7.6 Million Boost For Forbes Future Water Security February 12, 2026
  • Mayoral Notes February 12, 2026
  • Snippets… February 12, 2026
  • Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship Returns February 12, 2026
  • Meet Indigenous Chef Mindy Woods At Forbes Crop Swap February 12, 2026

Phoenix Office 7/113-127 Rankin Street, Forbes NSW 2871

Editor 0432 337 278
editor@forbesphoenix.com.au

Sales 0432 337 278
sales@forbesphoenix.com.au

View our Privacy Policy. View our Conflict Resolution Process. View our Ethics and Complaints Policy. Want to advertise with us? Information on our Community Promotions.

We are always looking for new articles of interest to the local community.

Please feel free to submit an article for possible inclusion in a future issue.

To submit an article, click here to use our online article submission form.

Subscribe

* indicates required

Copyright © 2026 · Magazine Pro Theme On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in