Roxane Manley

Works Notification: Wyndham Ave, Forbes

July 20, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Relocation of gas services in the vicinity of Wyndham Avenue, Forbes will now take place in July and August.The gas relocation works will commence on Monday 31st July and be completed by Friday 11th August.

The works will occur during normal working hours of 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday. There may be a requirement for night works.

Sites access roads used works will occur mostly within the existing rail corridor and road reserves. Site access will be via local roads and existing access tracks wherever possible.

Residents can expect:

• Temporary gas service interruptions may be required. Impacted residents will be notified in advance

• Construction machinery and equipment operating on site

• Delivery of materials and equipment to site

• Mitigation measures will be in place for works generating noise or dust.

• Machinery will include small and large trucks, water cart, vacuum trucks, hand tools, excavators, directional drilling/boring machine, light vehicles.

Impacts will be managed by:

• Traffic controls will be in place at each street and property access will be maintained for all impacted residents

• Some of these works may be noisy. If deemed necessary, mitigation measures will be in place during the works.

• Works can sometimes be cancelled at short notice depending on weather and other factors. Should this occur, works will be rescheduled.

Fanning The Embers Of Appreciation

July 13, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM thanked volunteers representing the Yarragong, Forbes and Parkes Rural Fire Service (l-r) Steve Campbell, Andrew Barnard, Ron Hocking and Ian Dollery, and Forbes SES unit Rocky Walshaw (third left) for their Frost and Fire assistance.

Forbes Shire Council has shown appreciation for the support of local emergency service organisations at the recent Frost and Fire event. Forbes Shire Council Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM, on behalf of Council, thanked volunteers and presented Yarragong, Forbes and Parkes HQ fire brigades with a $250 cheque each, and Forbes SES with a gas cooker and fittings in appreciation of their support.

“We greatly value the time these volunteers give us for events such as Frost and Fire, when our community can gather and connect in a relaxed social setting, to bring us closer together and make this town as strong a community as it is,” said Phyllis.

“Such events are also wonderful opportunities to show visitors just what we have to offer in our area and these visitors spend money in our town, contributing immensely to the local economy,” she said.

Frost and Fire is held each year around the time of the winter solstice – the shortest day of the year and the longest night. Its popularity is growing each year, with a near capacity crowd filing through the gates for an impressive entertainment line up and great food and refreshments.

This year, guests were treated to Sneaky Sound System, Birdee, Clint, Em and Jo and Belinda Day on stage, with performances from Sydney Fire Dancers, Ice Queen and the Dyagang Boys Koori Dance Group.

Snippets…

July 13, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Australian Red Cross volunteer.

Australian Red Cross Calls For Volunteers In NSW: The demand for Australian Red Cross emergency services is growing.

In New South Wales,1,200 Australian Red Cross emergency service volunteers play a critical role in supporting communities when disaster strikes, but more are needed. More than 3400 Australian Red Cross emergency services volunteers around the country who are vital in providing critical support to communities. Becoming an Australian Red Cross volunteers means joining a movement that has been responding to emergencies and providing humanitarian assistance in Australia since 1914.

For more information contact nswemerencyservices@redcross.org.au or roles at www.redcross.org.au/volunteer

Australia To Strengthen Grip As The Largest Sheepmeat Exporter As Flock Reaches Highest Level Since 2007: Australia’s sheep flock and its breeding ewe numbers reached their highest levels since 2007 at 78.75 million and 46.14 million head respectively.

It comes following three consecutive years of above-average rainfall in Australia’s sheep regions, which has driven an exceptional recovery post-drought and translating into the growth of the flock. Lamb production is expected to reach 540,000 tonnes in 2023, still beating 2022’s record production of 534,500 tonnes.

Production will continue to increase in 2024 to 548,000 tonnes and then ease in 2025 to 537,000 tonnes after successive years of high mutton slaughter reducing lamb supply. Carcase weights in 2023 will remain 7% above the 10-year average. Lamb carcase weights are projected to ease to 24.7kg in 2023 and continue to decline to 24.2kg in 2025, while sheep carcase weights are expected to ease to 25.2kg in 2023, 3% higher than the 10-year average.

Matt Preston Launches Coles Secondbite Winter Appeal: Coles has launched its annual national winter appeal with Australia’s largest free food rescue organisation SecondBite, helping more than 1,100 community organisations across the country feed Aussies in need.

In the past 12 months, Coles has donated over 17.7 million kilograms of unsold, edible food diverted from landfill, equivalent to 35 million meals. In addition to the 200 million meals donated since 2011, a further two million kilograms of food – enough for four million meals – has been donated to SecondBite from Coles distribution centres, including bulk donations to meet increased demand during the COVID pandemic.

SecondBite ambassador Matt Preston helps deliver food to charity partners with SecondBite driver Michael.

Boars Winners Are Grinners

July 13, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Teegan Smead celebrated her 18th birthday with three tries and six conversions against CSU. Congratulations and happy birthday Teegan.

Last weekend in the first grade match, Parkes Boars played Narromine Gorillas. The first, try of the match went to Freddy Vereti and Jacob Hardy converted to add the extras; the score Boars 7, Narromine 0.

At the half way mark of the first half, Narromine scored a try and sucessfully converted, taking the score to seven all.

Freddy then bustled the defense and crossed under the posts to score his second try and Hardy converted; Boars 14 ,Narromine 7. Narromine responded, scoring wide but missed the conversion; Boars 14, Narromine 12.

A great, bustling intercept run to Junior Saratibau on the wing rounded out the first half with the conversion by Jacob Hardy taking the score Boars 21, Narromine 12.

The first try of the second half went to full back Mick Watt, the conversion was missed; Boars 26, Narromine 12.

Another try to Narromine took the score to Boars 26, Narromine 19. Captain Ben Ryan gave the Boars their fourth try and earned the bonus point. A long kick from the sideline by Jacob Hardy added the extra points; Parkes 33, Narromine 19.

Parkes weren’t done yet, scoring again when Sam Ryan on the wing was handed a perfect pass with room to run, the score Boars 38, Narromine 19.

Narromine didn’t give up and crossed for a last minute try under the posts and added the extras. The final score was Parkes 38, Narromine 26.

The Boars women played an understrength side from CSU, giving Parkes a huge win on Saturday. CSU didn’t have numbers, so Parkes Boars ladies joined the CSU team so the match could go ahead.

It was a strong game from Maely Mcgregor with one try and Natalie Caruana with three tries. Teegan Smead scored three tries and kicked six conversions. Congratulations to the Parkes girls 52 to CSU 7.

The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay Set To Light Up Forbes

July 13, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay 2023 set off on it six month journey from France on 23rd April and set to pass through Forbes on 31st July.

The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay 2023 began its journey in Pozières France on 23rd April, then travelled to Menin Gate, Belgium and onto London before arriving in Australia where it is undertaking a six-month journey visiting all Legacy Club locations around the country, before culminating in Melbourne.

The first NSW relays will be in the Far North Coast towns of Casino, Lismore and Ballina on Friday 23rd June. The flame will then travel throughout the state, with further relays in Grafton, Inverell, Coffs Harbour, Armidale, Tamworth, Port Macquarie, Taree, Forster, Maitland, Newcastle, Gosford, Sydney, Penrith, Wollongong, Goulburn, Orange, Forbes, Cowra, Wagga Wagga, Albury and Queanbeyan.

The Legacy Centenary Torch will be in Forbes on Monday 31st July at 12pm in the park on corner of Bridge and Hill Streets.

During the Centenary tour, the torch will travel 50,000 kilometres, with 100 stops over 75 days, and be carried by over 1,300 Torch Bearers, all with a personal connection to Legacy Australia.Torch bearers of note include Blue Wiggle Anthony Field, Former Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove, former Olympian Jana Pittman and Victoria Cross recipient Mark Donaldson.

Legacy Australia has been supporting Veteran’s families since 1923 and was founded on a Promise made from one digger to another. Today, Legacy supports over 40,000 partners and children of veterans’ who put their health and lives on the line for our country.

Eric Easterbrook OAM, Chairman of Legacy Australia, says “The torch relay is a fitting commemoration of a century of service.

To date, torch bearers have raised over $180,000 for Legacy. Donations allow Legacy to keep the promise to veterans’ families. To donate visit https://legacy.com.au/donate.

Mayoral Notes

July 13, 2023 by Phyllis Miller OAM

It is almost hard to imagine that eight months ago so much of Forbes was under water. Finally this weekend the doors to the Forbes Museum will be thrown wide open to the public for the first time since November last year. I know we have recognised the roles of volunteers in making this happen in recent months, but I can honestly say that this is the ultimate dedication. Congratulations to everyone involved.

The lengthy closure of the Newell Highway last year had many flow-on effects, and flood mitigation plans are needed to work towards preventing this happening again. Transport NSW is undertaking community consultation for floodproofing the Newell Highway in Forbes on 18th July. Please make sure you register for your say via Newell Highway Flood Mitigation – West Wyalong to Forbes | Have your say NSW.

Also in flood related news, the General Manager and I met this week with the NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO, Simon Draper, and the NEMA Coordinator-General Brendan Moon to further discuss flood recovery. We are very keen to use every forum available to us to highlight the needs of our town.

Council is hosting Forbes and Bedgerebong Year 5 students for Local Government Week next month, and I can’t wait. Students will gain insight into Council and its departments. They will meet with myself and move a motion in the Council Chambers. I am certain those who will lead, build and guide our town in the future will be in this group of youngsters!

Until next week, God Bless.
Phyllis Miller OAM, Forbes Mayor

Our Bloke – Grahame Keith Grant

July 13, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Grahame Keith Grant

Where were you born? Goulburn NSW.

Were you named after anyone? Keith is my father’s name.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Travelling and snow skiing.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? Thredbo landslide.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Be respectful.

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Arriving in Canada for a ski season without accommodation or a job.

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? Music, dog and a knife.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? On a plane ticket.

When are you happiest? In the sun surrounded by nature.

U12s Netballers Represent Forbes With A Never Say Die Attitude

July 13, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Our troopers turned up to day three of the NSW State Championships with spirits high and ready to play; that’s exactly what they did, they played their hearts out.

With a tendency to lift to meet the opposition, our 12s had fabulous games against well placed teams on the ladder in Inverell and Casino, keeping scores low and making the opposition work hard for every goal.

It was in round 17 where Forebs clocked a well deserved win over Armidale, finishing the game 12 – 5. Wide smiles and excitement ensued.

Buoyed by thier win, the girls went in hard against another tough opponent in Woolgoolga. A fierce fighting spirit again showed that Forbes 12s should not be underestimated and rose to the occasion.

The last game of the day, and tournament, was against Tumut. Tumut got away to a strong lead before halftime but our girls simply did not give up and matched every goal in the second half. Forbes left absolutely everything on that court and finished the day holding their heads high.

The Forbes 12s final placing for the Junior State Titles was not an accurate indication of the amazing tournament they had.

Elizabeth Competes In Australian Rugby League Championships

July 13, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Elizabeth McGregor enjoyed her week away at the Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League Championships and is extremely grateful for her parents, who take off work to drive her where she needs to be.

Local rugby league star Elizabeth McGregor recently competed in the Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League Championships, and shares her experience:

I arrived in Redcliffe on 30th June, for the Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League Championships for under 18s girls and boys. I was playing for NSW Combined Catholic Colleges.

We had three training sessions prior to heading up to Redcliffe in Sydney and continued to train throughout the week of the championships. On Friday we had a team training for about two hours to refresh our minds on our game plan, moves and defence.

On Saturday at 9am we had the opening ceremony for the championships before our team photo and three games for the day. They were only 20 minute games, since the games were short the first try was worth fivepoints and the rest were four plus no conversions to avoid ties.

Our first game was against Victoria which we defended on our line most of the game. We came away with a 9-8 win. Our next game was against ACT which we won 17-4.Then NSW Combined high schools whichwere going to be our biggest competitionin our pool. We came away with a 5-8 winscoring our winning try in the last minute ofthe game. It was definitely the most excitinggame of the day.

After all of our games we headed down to the lagoon to get in the freezing cold water for recovery. On Sunday we had training and recovery.

On Monday we played the same three teams again. NSWCHS was first, we knew it was going to be a tough game and the result was 5-4 their way, scoring first gave them the one point win. Then ACT which we won 17-0. Then Victoria which we won 17-4.

On Tuesday we had another video session, training, recovery and team bonding. Wednesday was meant to be semi finals but they were postponed due to water on the field.

So on Thursday we were up against QLD from the other pool. They were the team to beat. In finals games went to 25 minute halves, points went back to normal and conversions were back in. We lead at half time 6-0. With a few questionable calls in thesecond half QLD crossed the line for threetries. They missed all conversions so whenwe came back and scored it was 12-10 theirway. Our kicker had been taken off the fieldso one of our front rowers had to kick closeto the sideline, as she striked it looked hopeful, but the ball just drifted left and missed,meaning we were out of the running for thegrand final.

I’m hoping to make NSW again next year to go back to the Australian Championships and give it another crack. But for now I’m just enjoying playing for Parkes Marist (17s) and Spacecats (opens) in league tag, working on my fitness and strength for the local tackle comp that should start in about September and training with the Roosters Tarsha Gale girls to hopefully play in that competition early next year.

By Elizabeth McGregor

Sounds Of Country On Lake Forbes At Sundown

July 13, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Rising stars of Australian country music, and the new backing band for Lee Kernaghan, Hurricane Fall will headline Sundown Sounds.

Rising stars of Austraslian country music, Hurricane Fall will be the headlining act at Forbes’ inaugural Sundown Sounds on Lake Forbes. The event will take place at Lions Park on 5th August, with music starting at 5:45pm.

This high energy country rock band will be joined by Katie Jayne and band, and our very own Gracey Denham-Jones.

Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said the inaugural Sundown Sounds event is a definite nod to our country roots.

“I am looking forward to pulling on the boots for an evening of good food, good music and great times with old and new friends” Mayor Miller said.

You can check out Council’s Facebook event to listen to the Sundown Sounds Spotify Playlist. Sundown Sounds is a free event funded by the NSW Government.

“Grab your mates, grab your esky and join us by the lake for what is sure to be an epic evening of live music.”

Sundown Sounds is a BYO event. Food vans and a bucking mechanical bull will be available. All ages are welcome.

Tickets are free, but essential and are available to online at www.123tix.com.au/events/37984/forbes-sundown-sounds

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