Roxane Manley

Our Gal – Donna Ross

October 12, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Where were you born? Sydney.

Were you named after anyone? No.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Marrying my beautiful husband.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? Neil Armstrong walking on the moon.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Always wear clean underwear.

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Going paragliding in Fiji.

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? My husband, my dogs and my friends.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Go on a holiday.

When are you happiest? Sitting on a beach on holidays.

More Farmers Seeking Mental Health Support

October 12, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Australian farmers are seeking mental health support at almost twice the rate they were seeking assistance last year, according to trusted rural charity, Rural Aid.

In the past two months, Rural Aid counsellors have conducted 277 counselling sessions, a 95 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.

Rural Aid’s counselling helpline is currently fielding an average of 13 calls each day from primary producers.

Rural Aid’s Manager of Mental Health and Wellbeing, Myf Pitcher, said the range of topics that farmers are worried about has also recently widened.

“Our farmers have moved from states of stress to states of desperation,” Myf said.

Sheep and cattle farmer Ron Dooley said the Rural Aid counselling service helped him get through a difficult time after the Black Summer bushfires.

“I had a bit of a mishap when I was fighting the front of the fire. I couldn’t see where I was going and I ran into a dam wall and stalled the tractor with the flames coming through the bottom of the tractor,” Ron said.

“After talking with Darren from Rural Aid, he [helped me to make] some decisions on what to do when feeling like that, and it did help,” Ron said.

Rural Aid counsellors catch up with their farmers where they’re most comfortable; whether it’s on farm, in town, or over the phone.

Contact Rural Aid’s counselling intake line on 1300 175 594.

Find It In Forbes Promotion And Christmas Carnival

October 12, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The Forbes Business Chamber Find It In Forbes Christmas Committee is currently in the process of organising their annual Christmas promotions.

The prize money this year will be a total of $20,000. The Find It In AMAZING Forbes Christmas Carnival will be held on 8th December 2023.

This year the Chamber will be organising a number of smaller events that will encourage people to participate in the draws and to shop locally. The launch of the Find it in Forbes this Christmas campaign is 4th November, with draws beginning on 13th November. Draws will be held every week with the final draws held on Christmas Eve.

Again, the Chamber will use QR Code for entry in lieu of tickets. A paper form will be given to each store to assist people who do not have a telephone that can cope with the QR Code.

This year we have gained funding to assist with a TV commercial that will promote Forbes and the Christmas Promotion to a wider audience. The advertising area will include the Central West and the ACT.

Deadline for sponsorship participation is Friday 13th October 2023.

Father Son Combinations Clean Up At The Champagne Triples

October 12, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The start of the tournament we have L to R locals Shane Hodge and his granddaughter Annie Teague, their opponent Alan Tighe Junior from Dubbo. The Parkes Bowling and Sports Clubs newest member Mark Fitzalan and the Railways own Pissy Peisley.

What a weekend at the Parkes Railway Bowling Club’s annual Champagne Triples Tournament, with teams from all over the state and $10,000 on offer the bowls were the focus of the weekend.

The winners were the legend Bob Hamilton from Orange City, teamed up with the gun father and son combination from Grenfell Barry and Blake Bradtke. They won all 5 games with a whopping margin of 79 shots.

Runners Up for the weekend were another gun father and son combination, Cooper and Flippy Fliedner from Manildra along with the ever consistent Tony Bennett, also from Manildra. They won all their games with a total margin of 58 shots.

Third place was the powerful Warren Towney’s team from Dubbo, Warren teamed up with Greg McEwen and Alan Tighe Junior. These boys put 5 wins together with a margin of 46 shots.

Fourth place went to another strong Grenfell team in Stevie Galvin, Gavin Johnson and Andrew Armstrong who had 4 wins and a draw with a margin of 42 shots.

Round winners were:

• Round 1 Lurlene Hanna, Jake Hodge and Joey Van Opynen.

• Round 2 Dave Johnson, Juicy Daley and Peter Creith.

• Round 3 Mick Simpson, Nathan Reynolds and Dave Reilly.

• Round 4 Wally Grant, Tony Latter and Greg Howlett.

• Round 5 Paul Lewin, Nathan Collis and Blake Strudwick.

The highest finishing local team went to the Railways own Wally Grant, Tony Latter and Greg Howlett who finished a strong 5th with 4 wins and a narrow loss and a margin of 35 shots.

The Match Committee would really like to thank the Board of Directors for their continued support, we would also like to thank each and every person that took time out of their weekend to lend a hand. It’s amazing and makes us so proud to see so many people helping. We would like to thank the green staff, bar staff and bistro staff for their amazing efforts. Everything went so smoothly. We would also like to thank the Town Club for their help over the weekend, so thank you all.

Club Championships

In the Major Singles Paul Kirwan played Wally Grant. Paul picked up a 2 on the first end, Wally a single on the second end. Paul then put 4 solid ends together and after 6 ends Paul leads 12-1. Wally wasn’t done though and picked up a 2 before dropping a single. Wally then went on to put a couple of ends together with a 3 and a 4, to cut the lead back to 13-10 after 10. Paul got in a single then Wally got 2 singles and a 2 and it was 14 all after 14. Paul put a stop to Wally’s run with a 3, a 4 and a 2 taking it to 23-14. Wally scrambled with a 3 on the next end but Paul closed out the game with a 2 on the next end and it finished 25-17.

Winners L to R Barry Bradtke (Grenfell), Bob Hamilton (Orange) and Blake Bradtke (Grenfell and son of Barry).

Fourth L to R – Stevie Galvin, Andrew Armstrong and Gavin Johnson all from Grenfell.

Runners Up L to R – Tony Bennett, and father and son combo Cooper and Flippy Fliedner (Manildra) however Flippy was a member of the Railway for a lot of years.

Third Place L to R – Warren Towney, Greg McEwen and Alan Tighe Junior all from Dubbo.

Be Seen @ QUE Open Gardens ‘N’ Markets

October 12, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Susan Maddison at her mosaic stall. Susan created and donated the magnificent birdbath for our raffle.

Que Club President, Kath Whitchurch amongst the stalls.

Casey Miles with her Dirty Gloves Nursery stall.

Mama Mia, Here We Go Again – Trundle ABBA Festival

October 12, 2023 by Roxane Manley

It’s a much-anticipated comeback for the Trundle ABBA Festival following the heart breaking, yet sensible decision, to cancel last year’s event due to the flooding and adverse weather conditions the region was suffering late last year.

ABBA fans from all over the world are set to pack their dancing shoes, sparkly outfits and head to the worlds one and only ABBA Festival in Trundle this Saturday, 14th October 2023.

We hope you’re in the mood for a dance, as returning to headline the festival is the world’s number one ABBA tribute band, Bjorn Again. These super troupers put on a fantastic show at the Parkes Leagues Club last year following the cancellation of the festival and we’re keen to see them have the time of their lives as they perform on this year’s festival stage.

Three fabulous bands will support Bjorn Again and ensure Trundle’s Berryman Oval is full of Dancing Queens throughout the day. The hottest live disco show on the circuit, Disco Revolution is set to have the crowd dancing to classic hits from the 70’s and 80’s.

For those who prefer to shake their tailfeather, the fun-loving Blues Brothers Re-Booted will entertain with their soul, rhythm and blues set.

Trundle ABBA Festival also continues to showcase local talent, with Parkes trio, Amitie, back by popular demand to harmonise with sweet sounds from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.

Mayor of Parkes Shire, Councillor Niel Westcott, said “We are delighted to finally be hosting the Trundle ABBA Festival again this year. We have secured some of the best acts in live music and are thrilled to have Bjorn Again headlining.”

“Trundle is the home of the ABBA Festival, and we can’t wait to light up the streets with music and glitter once again,” he added.

It’s time to dance and jive and have the time of your lives at the Trundle ABBA Festival. Tickets go on sale Monday 3rd July, with youth and group discounts available. For more information, visit www.trundleabbafestival.com.au

Cast Your Vote This Saturday For The Voice Referendum

October 12, 2023 by Roxane Manley

If you are over 18 you must vote this Saturday. Find your nearest polling place at https://www.aec.gov.au/referendums/voting

This Saturday, 14 October 2023, Australians will have their say in a referendum about whether to change the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing a body called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Voters will be asked to vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ on a single question. The question will be:

“A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Do you approve this proposed alteration?”

The Voice will be an independent, representative body for First Nations peoples. It would advise the Australian Parliament and the Government and give First Nations peoples a say on matters that affect them.

If approved at the referendum, the following words would be added to the Constitution: Chapter IX Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples 129 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice In recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia: there shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice; the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to the Parliament and the Executive Government of the Commonwealth on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; the Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers and procedures.

Croquet News

October 12, 2023 by Pegging Out

Marj Styles enjoyed her time in Forbes catching up with old friends and none other than Bruce Field.

It was another nice spring morning for Golf Croquet on Tuesday 10th October. We were able to sing Happy Birthday to Joan Littlejohn who will be 93 this week. Still up with the best, well done to Joan. Three players managed to win three games: John Cole, Alex Todd and Neville Spry. The big winners on the day were 9 – 4 Geoff Coles and Ray Burridge, Marie Spry and Alex Todd, John Browne and Bill Scott, Elvy Quirk and Robin Pols. Close games on the day were:

• Rex Toole and Neville Spry 7 AllanJones and Joan Littlejohn 6

• Vince Roberts and Bruce Field 7 JohnBrowne and John Job 6

• Fay Picker and Tony Thomson 7 RobinPolos and Neil Gilmour 6

• John Browne and Geoff Coles 7 KevinRubie and Allan Jones 6

• Rex Toole and Bruce Field 7 Bill Scottand Neil Gilmour 6

• Fay Picker 7 Rex Toole 6

• Alex Todd and Peter West 7 Ray Burridge and Geoff Coles 6

• John Cole and Neville Spy 7 David Williams and Ray Martin 6

• Kevin Rubie and Alex Todd 8 Elvy Quirkand David Williams 5

• Dorelle and Bill Scott 8 Iren Ford andMerv Langfield 5

• John Cole and Iren Ford 8 Carolyn Nilsen and May Jones 5

• Neville Spry and Joan Littlejohn 8 ElvyQuirk and Ray Martin 5

• Merv Langfield and Peter West 8 DorelleScott and Vince Roberts 5

• John Cole and Robin Pols 8 David Williams and Tony Thomson 5

• Iren Ford and May Jones 8 Kevin Rubieand Bruce Field 5

• Carolyn Neilsen and Allan Jones 8 VinceRoberts and Neil Gilmour 5

That’s it till next week

By Pegging Out

Forbes Shire Council Is Going On A Bear Hunt

October 12, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The annual Teddy Bear Picnic is back bigger and better than ever after several years of absence due to COVID and flooding.

Teddy bears will be in the spotlight at Forbes’ stunning Lions Park between 10am and 2pm, this Saturday 21st October.

Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM welcomed funding assistance from the State Government, saying support for events like Children’s Week is so important.

“Children are indeed our future and like this year’s Children’s Week theme outlines, all children have the right to relax, play and join in a wide range of leisure activities.”

Council has organised an enormous list of activities including ‘funtastic’ items like a jumping castle, face painting, temporary tattoos, food vendors and craft.

But wait – there is so, so much more! Who could pass up circus performances, the chance for a beloved teddy bear to have a ‘health check’, balloon twisting, obstacle courses, making delicious fruity faces and get a ‘beary’ cute pic taken in the photo booth.

Forbes NSW Fire and Rescue will have their big red truck there for the young ones to experience in person, Netwaste will be spreading their recycling message and parents will have the opportunity to have their child car seats, boosters and harnesses checked for safety.

Word on the street is that there are some extra special surprise guests lined up as well.

Mayor Miller urges all youngsters to grab their teddy – and their parents or carers – and head to Lions Park to celebrate.

“Lions Park is the perfect setting for a teddy bear picnic, and with spring well and truly here let’s celebrate Children’s Week outdoors in the sunshine with all those we love and cherish,” she said.

For more information head to the Forbes Youth Action Team’s Facebook page or Forbes Shire Council website.

Mayoral Notes

October 12, 2023 by Phyllis Miller, OAM

This Saturday will see Australians make their choice on the Voice referendum. Regardless of which way you choose to vote, voting is compulsory – but please be aware there isn’t any voting at the Town Hall for this referendum. Instead, polling will be at 42 Templar Street (the old Elders building!) or at the other traditional locations such as Forbes Tennis Club in Church Street, Forbes High School in Wyndham Ave and Bedgerabong Public School. Pre-polling is of course available at 42 Templar Street until 6pm on 13 October. Every vote counts.

While you are out and about voting, why not take the extra time and check out the eight magnificent gardens entered into Forbes’ annual Open Gardens. Open on Saturday and Sunday, come and get some inspiration, stop for refreshments catered for by the Men’s Shed, and help support numerous charities. It is heart-warming to see the recovery and the beauty of our town even after the devastation major floods can bring. Well done – and thank you – to the eight gardeners for welcoming visitors into their realm this weekend.

There should indeed be visitors alike too – aside from the above, Forbes Jockey Club is hosting its Spring Races on Saturday complete with six races, Fashions on the Field, bar TAB and canteen facilities, and Forbes Autosports Club is holding a motocross and dirt track ride park day on Sunday 15 October.

If you are organising an event, please get in touch with our Events/Communication team at Council. We can help you get the word out, not just to the general public but to other businesses in town that may benefit or assist you – food outlets, accommodation, shops that may like to extend trading hours for your event and so on. Indeed, make sure you sign up to our weekly what’s on newsletter (send an email to events@forbes.nsw. gov.au) so you can stay in the know.

Finally, I urge you to get your team together for the National BBQ Championships at the end of this month – 28 October, and you could be in the running to win part of the $10,000 prize pool and a BBQ. Take advantage of the early bird registration discount which will apply till 18 October. I am so excited to meet our celebrity chef judge Hayden Quinn. Spread the word.

Enjoy your weekend, and God bless.

Phyllis Miller, OAM

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