Roxane Manley

Mayoral Notes

April 6, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Can you believe it is Easter already, in just a blink of an eye. Our beautiful community has, as always, organised an Easter weekend that is jampacked of goodies. We have the Big Bowls Carnival being held Friday through to Sunday, the popular Easter Festival at Nelson Park on Saturday morning (and who could forget one of the biggest egg hunts I have ever heard of)! On Saturday the Falcon 4WD Owners Group will be on show at Lions Park, and whilst there, call in to the Rotary Ipomoea markets.

If that’s not enough, take advantage of the cooling weather – go camping, go fishing – better yet, why not check out the newest installation on the Lachlan Sculpture Trail. ‘Between the Silence and the Heartbeat’ by Clancy Warner. Magnificent, and with a truly poignant message behind its imposing presence.

Speaking of our wonderful town, keep an eye out on television media for the beautiful Come Out, We’re Open regional campaign, in which Forbes definitely features!

Please do be mindful on the roads these Easter and school holidays. We want you to arrive alive, and NSW Police will be out in force to make this a reality.

I was excited last week to launch this year’s Frost and Fire at the Forbes Ski Dam. This event keeps growing in popularity, and sells out quickly so I urge you to make sure you get your tickets early at 123tix.com.au.

Enjoy your week, and God bless. May this Easter bring you lots of joy, happiness and blessings in your life.

Phyllis Miller, OAM
Forbes Mayor

Parkes McDonald’s Proudly Sponsor The Parkes Spaceman

April 6, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Jenny Parfitt from Parkes McDonalds recently announced their sponsorship of the Parkes Spacemen for the upcoming season.

Last weekend the Spacies travelled to Wellington to take on the Cowboys in their last trial game of the season. The Parkes Spacemen came away with an exciting win, with just four points in it, taking the game 32 – 28.

The boys have a break now and will focus on training and preparing for a successful season ahead. The first game, for Round 1, of the Peter McDonald Premiership, will see Parkes Spacmen take on Orange Hawks in a home game at Pioneer Oval on Sunday, 16th April. It is set to be a great match, following the home teams win over Orange Hawks in a recent trial game.

Lock 16th April into your calendar and head along to Pioneer Oval with your family and friends to cheers the Spacemen on.

A Productive Term One At Forbes North Public School

April 6, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Wiradjuri artist, Lakkari Pitt, has installed a stunning representation of the journey from Link Up to Year 6 and beyond titled ‘Forbes North Journey’ which is painted on the wall looking toward the Facey and Thomson Street intersection. This artwork represents the first stage of a large-scale program embedding First Nation’s cultural presence within the school grounds at an unprecedented level.

Term one at Forbes North Public School started with significant improvement projects initiated to commence a major revitalisation of the school infrastructure, appearance, and image. This included painting and decorating of classrooms, multiple accessibility ramps and landscaping.

New resources were applied to Wiradjuri language programs and the renowned Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program is now operating three days every week.

Forbes North commenced the 2023 school year with 240 students in 13 classrooms and is fully staffed with high quality teaching and learning occurring from Link Up to high school transition and beyond to Forbes High School.

During term one, the local community were welcomed into the school to attend a community breakfast and barbecue, as well as an opportunity to attend ‘Connect Meet’ parent teacher interviews. This evening attracted over 150 students and their families.

The school also hosted a Harmony Day barbecue and welcomed Uncle Larry Brandy to retell significant Dreaming and cultural stories.

Forbes North plays host to the Launching Rocket Learners Workshops for parents and brings together young mothers and their children to a variety of events such as the monthly Australian Breastfeeding Association meetings, weekly Baby Sensory Group meetings, Thump Jump Rhyme focusing on music for early childhood with the Mitchell Conservatorium of Music, Forbes Community Playgroup for babies and young children and Rhyme Time in conjunction with Forbes Library.

Students enjoyed a successful Easter Hat Parade this week and have additionally, proudly participated in Clean Up Australia Day, International Day of People with Disabilities, Premiers Reading Challenge, Eco Sustainability Day and the Indigenous Insights performance at Forbes Town Hall.

The school is leading the Forbes Junior AECG, has attended multiple sporting carnivals at school and zone level and all the while settled into the academic rigour of a school year which is full of possibilities and exciting challenges.

See you all in term two!

Our Young Gal – Rachel Bilsborough

April 6, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Rachel Bilsborough

How old are you? 11 years old.

What School do you attend and what year are you in? Forbes North Public School, Year 6.

Were you named after anyone? No.

What three things would you like to pack in your lunch box every day? Chips, muffins and sandwiches.

If you could choose any job in the world, what would you do? Professional goalkeeper.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Food, clothes, iPhone and a house deposit.

What is the scariest thing you’ve ever done? Sliding down a giant waterslide andsnorkelling with Banjo Shark and Flathead.

If you could meet any historical person, who would that be? The Queen.

What makes you feel like dancing? Music, with someone else, being happy.

If you had three wishes, what would you wish for? To be famous, to overcome my fears, write my wishes on a piece of paper and wish them all to come true.

Capturing The Spirit Of The Bush

April 6, 2023 by Roxane Manley

2022 photography cometition winner, Anne Bells photo.

Australia’s most trusted rural charity, Rural Aid, has today opened its fourth annual Spirit of the Bush photography competition.The winning twelve photographs will be used in Rural Aid’s stunning 2024 calendar.

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said he was excited to see what the bush’s talented photographers had captured this year.

“The photographs that are submitted are always breathtakingly raw, real, and reflect the highs and lows of life on the land,” Mr Warlters said.

“I hope to see dozens of photos of successful crops, happy working dogs and fat cattle.”

“On the flipside, the pictures of flooded creeks and empty paddocks tell a sobering, but equally important, story,” said Mr Walters. “I’d encourage anyone with a love, and eye, for the bush, to send their photos in.”

Photographers are encouraged to submit their photos to the themes of; family, community, mates, faces, eyes, tough, golden hour (sunrise/sunset), or all things rural.

Winners will be awarded a feature in the 2024 calendar, and a $250 pre-paid VISA card. Rural Aid’s 2024 calendar will be available for purchase later this year. Proceeds will directly support Rural Aid’s range of programs that help farmers and their families.

The competition closes May, 29 2023. To enter the competition, entrants must submit a high-resolution, landscape image via Instagram or Facebook, with the hashtag #SOTB2023 and tag @ruralaid in the picture, or upload their photo through the Woobox link: www.ruralaid.org.au/spirit-of-the-bush

Parkes Boars Play Pre-Season Match Against Orange City Lions

April 6, 2023 by Cath Ryan

Last Saturday, 1st April was a perfect afternoon for rugby, with Spicer oval in peak condition and the new player’s facility welcomed by all.

Last Saturday, 1st April Parkes Boars brought their teams together to run out against the Blowes Cup contenders Orange City Lions. It was a case of all players, all grades in one match.

Both sides had plenty of representation on the day with the opportunity to stretch their legs in a four quarter match. The coaches were working different team combinations watching for strengths and opportunities for improvement ahead of the 2023 season.

Boars run in a very familiar looking side led by Ben Ryan and Chris Parker. Well supported by Dan Ryan, Mitch Westcott, Mackenzie Green and the ever-green Marika Koroivui. The side quickly made the most of their experience together when Chris Parker crossed for the first try within five minutes. Jacob Hardy was sharp with the boot giving the side an extra two points.

The second quarter found prop, Ben Ryan using his strength to push through the defence and ground the ball next to the posts. Again Hardy prevailed with the boot.

Third quarter Orange City found a new gear, the Boars shuffled players but the new combinations left a gap City capitalised on finally finding the line. Missing the conversion as it scraped the post front.

By the last quarter City was settling into a structured playing style and made one more push for the line just before full time. A huge thank you to Chris Reynolds who umpired.

Round 1 of the season kicks off on 15th April, and Parkes Boars will be travelling to Mudgee to take on the Mudgee Wombats, a team that Parkes played against and beat in the last two grand finals, this is a match rugby fans shouldn’t miss!

Parkes is then looking forward to their first home game on 22nd April against Narromine, so come and enjoy a great day and support the Boars.

By Cath Ryan

FRUC Golf Day Raises Over $6,000

April 6, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Rowan Woods (PMMF), Cheryl and Rex Barton (Forbes CanAssist), Sarah Hazell and Jack Buckley (Flannery’s and Life Forbes), Tony Cogswell (Forbes Golf Association) and Michael Flannery.

The annual Forbes Rugby Union Club (FRUC) Golf Day was held on Friday, 24th March prior to the President’s Lunch, where much needed money was raised for the Peter Murphy Memorial Fund (PMMF) and Forbes CanAssist.

Over 42 golfers of all abilities and experience attended the day, which was a good number, considering approximately 28 regular participants were unable to attend due to a clash with other events.

The day was well organised by Adam Demidjuk and Tony Cogswell from Forbes Golf Association and a great time was had by all. The winners on the day were the Nash, Hall, Gorman and Maclay team.

The golf day raised a total of $4,750 for the Peter Murphy Memorial Fund and a further $1,480 was donated to Forbes CanAssist from Life Pharmacy Group and from funds raised at the drinks cart.

The day would not have been possible without the generous support of sponsors and everyone who donated items or time, including:

• Causeway Financial, Mike Davis

• Bushmans Tanks, Chris Glenn

• Fugen Constructions, Steve Flannery, Tim and Dan Murphy

• Green Grove Developments Pty Ltd, Greg O’Shanassy and Chris Smith

• The Book Dispensary, Debbie Prior

• Retaining Wall Systems, Tim and Dan Murphy

• BJO Custodians Pty Ltd, Brian O’Sullivan

• Flannery’s Pharmacy and Life Pharmacy Forbes, Sarah Hazell, Jack Buckley and Michael Flannery.

Lastly but most importantly, a massive thank you to everyone who participated and made it such a great day.

The team at Flannery’s Pharmacy are starting to get egg-cited about Easter. Trading hours for the long weekend are:

• Good Friday – closed

• Easter Saturday – open 9am – 12.30pm

• Easter Sunday and Monday – closed.

Have a safe and happy Easter

Be Seen @ Forbes North Public School

April 6, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Forbes North students proudly participating in Clean Up Australia Day.

Forbes North – home of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program.

Forbes North Public School parliament induction ceremony.

Forbes North display at the Forbes High School Community Partnership.

Rotary Ipomoea Easter Market This Saturday

April 6, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Hop along to Lions Park on Easter Saturday, 8th April from 8am to 12.30pm for the eagerly anticipated Rotary Ipomoea’s Easter market. Why not pack up the car and your Easter visitors for a great morning relaxing and checking out the wide range of goods on display.

This market is shaping up to be great fun for everyone with a coffee van on site to provide a morning cuppa while market visitors wander through the stalls. The much loved Rotary breakfast van will be providing a hot breakfast for all to enjoy in the beautiful park setting.

Stalls will provide a great variety of items including earrings and necklaces, home cooking, olive oil and dlicious olives, jams and relishes, health products, creative arts exhibits, quality bric a brac, books, plants, knitting and much more.

Rotary Ipomoea members will be running an Easter raffle on the day. The Rotary Ipomoea stall will feature a new supply of books, DVD’s and puzzles. If you are interested in having a stall at the markets, please contact Helen on 0427 201 445.

Friendly New Faces At McDonalds

April 6, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Jenny posted this photo of her name badges to show her career progression on Linkedin, it received over 6,000 views before someone posted it on TiTok where it has since gone viral with over 11 million views worldwide. Pictured is Jenny with her daughters Isla (10), Lilly (14) and husband Dave.

New licensee of Forbes and Parkes McDonalds, Jenny Parfitt, together with her husband Dave and two daughters Lilly and Isla packed up their lives in the Blue Mountains to take on a new challenge in Parkes.

Jenny’s career progression through the ranks of the fast food giant, McDonalds is an inspiring story.

Raised in a working class, middle income family, Jenny had always been of the belief that if you want something, you work for it. Her first job was at Emu Plains McDonalds when she was just 14 years old. Jenny worked there for six months before moving to the Penrith Leagues restaurant and spending the next 23 years with the same licensee.

Jenny took a break from work for six months at 25 when her first daughter Lilly came along. Within six months of returning from maternity leave, Jenny was promoted to Operations Supervisor.

Fast forward four years, and Jenny was offered the opportunity to buy a share and become an equity partner. By the time she left Penrith to relocate to Parkes, they jointly owned nine stores.

Since moving to Parkes, Jenny has been overwhelmed by the amazing local support she has received. “The people of Forbes and Parkes are just so kind and lovely, we have felt very welcomed,” said Jenny.

The Forbes and Parkes McDonalds stores have also come on board as the brand new sponsors of our extremely popular Tradie of the Month feature. For details on how to enter please refer to the ad on page 8 of this week’s paper.

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