IMAGE: Mrs Pay’s Year 8 class designed and built a solar cooker recently.
IMAGE: Studying the effects of energy conversions/ transfer
IMAGE: They then tested their experiments cooking S’mores…yum.
Be Seen – Parkes High School
Mayoral Notes
This Friday marks for many the official start of the festive season! It is the time to officially put up your Christmas tree and decorations (if you haven’t already), revel in the sounds of Christmas carols everywhere and look forward to time with family and friends.
For our young residents now is the time to start penning letters to Santa telling him just how good you have been over the past 12 months! Letters can be posted in the special Santa Mailbox at Council’s front office – all letters will get a letter back, so please don’t forget to include your postal address.
Don’t forget the ingenuity of Rotary Ipomoea’s annual Christmas Tree Festival in the Forbes Town Hall this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I just love seeing what people come up with – there are so many clever people creating some amazing masterpieces get along and have a look.
Don’t forget too FREE child car restraint fitting checks will be held in Forbes’ Lions Park car park on Wednesday 6 December. This is perfect timing as so many prepare to travel this festive and end of year holiday season. Details on booking your spot are on our Facebook page and website.
The way we treat each other personally, professionally and socially is a basic right. At our meeting last week Council passed its Customer Service Charter and Statement of Business Ethics, which outlines what you as our customer can expect when dealing with any member of staff. It also outlines what we, as a provider, should expect from you and our obligations as an employer. It may seem like common sense, but if you are keen to know more, please head to our website or get in touch with our staff.
I want to mention again the annual Citizen of the Year Awards – plus Junior and Senior citizens.
Nominations are being taken now, forms can be downloaded from our website and returned complete via community@forbes.nsw.gov.au or to Council’s office. We all know someone who has given so much to our community whether it be as a volunteer or has excelled in sporting or academic fields. We love the people of our community – visiting dignitaries, tourists everyone who comes to Forbes always comments
Croquet News
We had 36 players attend Golf Croquet, we managed to play 3 games with the odd shower on Tuesday the 28th.
A big number of players managed to win 3 games 7 of them John Browne, John Farah, Iren Ford, Noel Jolliffe, Evelyn Mahlo and Lyn Simmonds.
THE BIG WINNERS
11—2 John Browne and Neil Gilmour
10—3 Lyn Simmonds and Noel Jolliffe, May Jones and John Allegri.
CLOSE GAMES
Geoff Coles and Sandy Hepburn 7 Phillip Moran and Ray Martin 6
Merv Langfield and Allan Jones 7 Marie Spry and Tony Thomson 6
Evelyn Mahlo and John Farah 7 Rex Toole and Bruce Field 6
Iren Ford and Peter West 7 Kevin Rubie and Sherly Chamberlin 6
Vince Roberts and John Allegri 7 John Cole and John Job 6
John Farah and John Job 7 Kevin Rubie and Rex Toole 6
Neville Spry and John Cole 7 Fay Picker and Lyall Strudwick 6
Phillip Moran 7 Elvy Quirk and Tony Thomson 6
John Bowne and Evelyn Mahlo 7 Geoff Coles an Ray Martin 6
Carolyn Neilsen and Noel Jolliffe 7 Bruce Field and Alister Lockhart 6
Carolyn Neilsen and John Job 7 Geoff Coles and Allan Jones 6
Iren Ford and Sandy Hepburn 7 Alister Lockhart and Frank Donohoe 6
Evelyn Mahlo and Lyall Strudwick 7 Vince Roberts and John Cole 6
Iren Ford and Alister Lockhart 8 May Jones and Elvy Quirk 5
David Williams and Mal Smith 8 Frank Donohoe and Carolyn Neilsen 5
Lyn Simmonds and May Jones 8 Merv Langfield and Mal Smith 5
David Williams and Allan Jones 8 Marie Spry and Rex Toohey 5
Beyond Blue And Lifeline Link Up To Support More Australians
Lifeline and Beyond Blue are linking up under a new partnership to make it easier and more efficient for people to find the support that best suits them.
Community demand for mental health and crisis support rises and resources become increasingly tight, Lifeline and Beyond Blue have designed their new strategic directions to be complementary.
Lifeline will continue to focus on supporting people in crisis and Beyond Blue will continue to focus on prevention and earlier intervention, supporting people at the first sign of struggle.
Together, the organisations support millions of people a year with information, advice, online self-help and referrals via telephone, text, webchat and digital platforms.
Beyond Blue Chair The Hon Julia Gillard AC said: “Australia’s mental health and suicide prevention systems are too often crisis-driven. People often only get support when they’re at breaking point. So Beyond Blue will continue its focus on supporting people early on – helping people to feel better sooner, to get well and to stay well.”
Lifeline Chair Jacinta Munro said: “Lifeline will continue to focus on crisis support and suicide prevention, supporting Australians in times of crisis and equipping individuals and communities to be suicide safe.”
“This partnership between Lifeline and Beyond Blue helps to deliver a more integrated system, with more clarity for help seekers, smoother transitions between services and a greater focus on holistic support.”
Earlier this year, the organisations formalised a three-year collaboration agreement that will build on their long record of working together in operations and advocacy. This year, the Victorian Government engaged Lifeline and Beyond Blue to lead the first stage of a sectorwide co-design to deliver on a Victorian Royal Commission recommendation to create better referral pathways across the state’s helplines.
Beyond Blue and Lifeline worked closely during the Black Saturday bushfires and the height of the pandemic, including by linking young people to Lifeline’s crisis text service from the Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service delivered by Beyond Blue.
Now official, the partnership means Lifeline and Beyond Blue will be better placed to share resources and connect people with the information, advice and support that suits them best, regardless of where their journey begins.
In the past four years alone, more than 400,000 people have used the app with more than 150,000 safety plans made.
Snippets
IMAGE: Some of the current members enjoying the final meeting at the Parkes Services Club on Tuesday evening. Back-Wendy Stoker, Adrianne Brown, Pat Bailey, Marion Parsons, Janet Offner, Jan Powter, Lois Godden, Carmel Hanson, Chris Stait, Chris Duffy, Front-Marilyn Pizarro, Cheryl Thompson, Adrienne Brown, Marg Stone, Shirley Edwards.
Parkes Evening View Club
Sadly due to declining membership, the Parkes Evening View club celebrated its final meeting this week after 23 years of actively sponsoring disadvantaged children through the Smith Family. Although a “Day View Club” has existed in Parkes for 50+ years the Evening club was formed in 2000 to enable “working women” to have an opportunity for increased social activity as well as to enjoy fundraising to sponsor these students. Most members are no longer committed to full time employment and will transfer their membership to the Day View club.
R U OK? Day
When asking R U OK?, show someone you’re genuine and that you care about them.
Meaningful connections can make a huge difference when those we care about are struggling with life’s ups and downs.
Find conversation tips at https://bit.ly/2ZcG05n
PCYC Parkes
Join us for the PCYC Parkes Safer Driver Course on December the 20th at 9am!
Equip your child with life-saving tools and add 20 hours to their log book. Plus, we’ll provide afternoon tea and water bottles for all attendees.
What’s more, your contribution to the course goes towards supporting our local community. Don’t miss out on this opportunity! Reserve your spot now: limited spots available: pcycdrivereducation.org.au/book-a-course
Inland Rail
Nobody achieves anything alone – especially when building 1,600km of track through regional Australia
We’re committed to giving back to our corridor communities. Beginning with creating opportunities for local residents and businesses to get involved with Inland Rail. With two sections of Inland Rail complete (and operational!) and work well underway in Victoria, take a look at the community benefits that the entire project has delivered in the past 5 years.
Visit our website to see the opportunities available to you and your community: https://inlandrail.artc.com.au/opportunities/
Forbes High School P&C Association
Forbes High School P&C Association are holding their last P&C meeting for 2023 on Wednesday 6th December 5pm at Club Forbes. It is then time to celebrate all of the wonderful achievements the P&C have accomplished throughout the year. Not to mention the highly successful Forbes High School Community Day.
Christmas Dinner will start at 6.
Bring along a $10 Kris Kringle gift for a bit of fun. All welcome, we would love to see you there.
Parkes Shire Libraries
Join us next week for a fabulous night out at Parkes Shire Library on Tuesday 5th December for ‘An Evening of Tales’. Hear the work of our community’s fabulous authors while enjoying nibbles and wine. Call 6861 2309 to secure your spot.
Eugowra Historical Museum & Bushranger Centre
The museum was successful with a grant from the Stronger Communities program for $20,000. This will go toward installing a ceiling in the old building which is at the front of the museum. We still need further funding to complete this project and hope funds can be arranged to get this underway soon. Great things ahead for this museum.
IMAGE: Andrew Gee said “In the twelve months since the devastating storms and floods hit Eugowra, the dedicated team of volunteers at the Eugowra Historical Museum and Bushranger Centre have been hell bent on bringing it back”.
Match Report – Forbes v Parkes, Saturday 25/11/23
On Saturday 25th November, the Forbes Rugby Union Club played host to the annual Springvale Cup. Participating in the tournament were the Forbes Old Boys, the Mosman Rugby Union Club, the ACT Veterans and the Southern Rough Riders. The tournament culminated with an exhibition match between the Forbes Platypi and the Parkes Boars.
The match between Forbes and Parkes was played in the 10-a-side format, which gave both teams plenty of space and resulted in some expansive running rugby. Forbes kicked off to start the match and Parkes were quick to spread the ball to their hard runners. But a turnover shortly after led to Forbes crossing for the first try of the match.
Both teams competed well and Forbes showed off some of their new talented players who will definitely make an impact in the coming Rugby season.
After some dominant carries by the Parkes forward pack and a great showing by the Parkes backline, Parkes crossed the line to equalise the score. The game continued in that fashion, with each team crossing the line several times to lock the score at 15 all at halftime.
The second half commenced with Parkes kicking off and Forbes taking the ball to the line, slowly making their way up the field. But the second half was to be a harder task for both teams. However, Forbes hard work paid off when they were the first to score and take the lead. But it wasn’t to last, when Parkes spread the ball wide and crossed the line yet again to equal the scores.
Despite the Platypi’s stellar work, Parkes proved too strong and crossed twice more to secure their win. The final score was Parkes 40 to Forbes 30.
Local Leaders Welcome Additional Flood Recovery Support
IMAGE: L to R: Mr Ken Harrison, Director Central West, NSW Reconstruction Authority, Deputy Mayor Councillor Marg Applebee, Ms Janelle Saffin MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery, Mayor Councillor Neil Westcott.
On Wednesday 15 November, Mayor of Parkes Shire, Councillor Neil Westcott, and Deputy Mayor, Councillor Marg Applebee, welcomed a brief visit from Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery, Ms Janelle Saffin MP, and Mr Ken Harrison of the NSW Reconstruction Authority.
Ms Saffin, visited the region in representation of the Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, attended flood-impacted areas in Parkes Shire and surrounds on the 12-month anniversary of the catastrophic flood events of 2022.
The visit follows recent commitments from the Federal and NSW governments, totalling $100 million, for flood recovery and resilience in the Central West.
This funding package includes support for the repair and replacement of critical community assets, improving the resilience of public infrastructure, assistance with housing programs, and legal aid assistance.
This funding is a significant step forward and will help to boost the community-led recovery of the Central West.
These important projects will be overseen by a forum of community leaders and representatives from both Commonwealth and State Governments, to ensure all levels of Government are committed to the long-term recovery of the Central West.
Over the coming months, the NSW Reconstruction Authority will work closely with local community leaders to prioritise the additional funding and determine potential future funding which may be required.
Cr Westcott raised the importance of an equitable approach to those residents affected by floods who have not been able to access insurance.
“Some residents have borrowed significantly to undertake the repairs to their homes as they were not insured for the flood, being in an area considered flood-free.”
“Other residents are still unable to inhabit their homes due to delays in repair, and some residents are in limbo as the unknown threat of future floods complicates the decision to reinvest,” he said.
The 8kms of water main from Lake Endeavour scoured from the ground was also raised as an urgent project, as was placing particular attention on all areas across the Shire which are repeatedly damaged in flood events.
This funding package is a significant step forward, with Council eager to be involved in the discussion on the mechanisms to best invest the money.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said “It’s critical that we continue to support communities who have borne the brunt of the 2022 floods.”
The NSW Reconstruction Authority is inviting community members to sign up to get the latest information on the recovery program. To be kept up to date, send your contact details – name, email address, phone number and/or postal address – to CentralWest.Recovery@reconstruction.nsw.gov.au.
Get Ready For The Christmas Carnival Fun Begin
Shop at participating shops that feature the Find It In Forbes Christmas tree.
The Forbes Christmas Carnival is ready to roll and will open to the public at 5pm on Friday 8 December. Forbes Business Chamber is pleased to bring the carnival festivities to the community and hope that lots of people will join in and celebrate.
“There are market stalls, giant games, rock climbing wall, bungee trampolines,
jumping castles, Tea Cup merry-go-round and arts and craft activities. Food is provided by established Forbes businesses and food vans that will be dotted around the site” said Aaron Acheson, President, Forbes Business Chamber.
The Carnival will be located in the central business area of Templar Street, Rankin
and Battye Streets. The Committee ask that vehicles are removed from the site no later than 12 noon for the street closures to take place prior to set up beginning.
“Forbes and the surrounding villages are well and truly due for a fabulous Christmas celebration. There will be so much to see and do such as face painting, free balloon hand outs and even a visit from Mr and Mrs Claus.” said Aaron Acheson
Entertainment and music are on the stage located at the junction of the two streets.
Thank to many people who have offered to assist and a huge thank you to those
who are participating.
Many businesses have been very generous with time and funds and have worked tirelessly to get the Christmas spirt alive and well in Forbes.
Keep clicking on the QR every time you purchase at a participating business to be in the draw to win. The colourful Find It In Forbes Christmas tree will be displayed out the front of their store. Remember if you can not enter the draw digitally with the QR code then we can offer you a manual option for the draws if you need it.
Emergency Services Applauded
Working hand in hand to combat the fire that flared up three days in a row on Staircase Road, situated East of Parkes.
Sunday the 19th of November was a big day for NSW RFS – Parkes Headquarters Brigade. At 12:08pm they were called to attend a grass fire on Staircase Road. Which is situated approximately 15 km east of Parkes. All trucks responded as well as crews from Fire and Rescue NSW Station 417 Parkes. The fire was upgraded to watch and act when crews struggled to contain and control it. Crews from Canobolas Zone NSW RFS were also called in to help, from Orange and Manildra and surrounds. Aircraft including helitaks and the LAT were also needed to help contain the fire and prevent it from spreading. It was a huge afternoon and most crews didn’t return until well into the night. The fire was downgraded back to advice once contained. Crews worked through the night to monitor the fireground, and returned along with the helitaks to continue to mop up. In total there were 20+ trucks and 100+ firefighters and 5 aircraft involved.
It was under control sitting at 291ha. But flared up again on Tuesday and had burnt 446 ha. Wednesday saw the third flare up and it escaped into the hill ranges. The fire is currently sitting at 469ha and is under control now. Wednesday’s rain definitely helped.
A massive thank you goes out to all the crews for their assistance, especially those from Canobolas zone, and the aircraft.
Please continue to be vigilant with the weather conditions. If you see an unattended fire please call 000 immediately.
Mayoral Notes
White Ribbon Day is being held in Forbes at Lions Park on Friday 24 November, a day focussing on bringing an end men’s violence towards women. This year already 58 women have been killed by a current or former partner, that’s around one wife/ friend / mother / daughter / niece / every 9 days. It is a national crisis.
White Ribbon Day starts at 10am and includes a march around the lake, guest speakers, support services and a free barbecue lunch. Make sure you RSVP to show your support to this important issue by getting in contact with Council’s Community team on 6850 2300 or email community@forbes.nsw.gov.au.
Talk2mebro is bringing a community support and suicide prevention session to Forbes Ski Dam this Saturday morning, and I urge everyone to take part in this free event. Council is proud to sponsor this as it promotes important conversations that we need to have, our whole community is impacted when we lose someone to suicide. The morning will see beginner breathwork, ice baths (not compulsory!), coffee, breakfast and a chat with the Talk2mebro team.
For more information and to register please head to Eventbrite, or to our website.
Lifeline Central West is also hosting an Accidental Counsellor Course on Monday 27 November, aimed at giving you skills if you find yourself in the position of supporting a family member, friend, customer through a crisis – focussing on recognising, responding and referring. To register for this free course:
https://lifelinecentralwest.org.au/event/W03_AC/
I am honoured to have been elected to the LGNSW Board as Regional/Rural Vice President at the recent annual conference in Sydney. It is another avenue that I am excited to explore in advocating for all issues regional and rural, and I am excited about ensuring that our country voices are heard, our issues are raised and I look forward to representing this vital sector of NSW.
Finally, this week is Asbestos Awareness Week. With all the ongoing repairs and renovations after last year’s devastating floods, please be mindful and careful of any work you are undertaking yourself. If you are not sure, check it out, and if you do happen to have asbestos – please for your own health and that of others, get professional advice and dispose of it legally.
Until next week, God bless.
Phyllis Miller, OAM – Forbes Mayor
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