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Forbes Phoenix

Our Gal – Imogen Steele

March 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Imogen Steele

Where were you born? Forbes.

Were you named after anyone? No. 

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? I have always had a strong work ethic since the age of 13, gaining lots of barista experience. I am now onto pursuing a career in Real Estate at Century 21 Central West.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? The first year of COVID19 in our town.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Don’t complain unless the issue can be resolved.

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Purchasing new horses, this is always very risky but also so rewarding.

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? 15L water bottle, lip balm, Birkenstocks.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Put a deposit down for a Hilux.

When are you happiest? Whenever a family member has a birthday, I love all of us being together. As well as when I’m adventuring with my dogs + friends whilst listening to my all time favourite country playlist. 

Be Seen @ Lions Park

March 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Taking a stroll with their beloved dog Kimmy, were Robyn and Paul Doust.

 

Georgie Jones and son Felix were spotted heading straight for the play equipment, and the swing was definitely Felix’s number one choice of activity.

 

Husband and wife, Xue Wu and Xiao Ying Wang, were riverside enjoying some early morning Tai Chi.

Embracing Equity

March 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Women of all ages, from across Forbes came together to celebrate International Women’s Day this week.

The sun rose on another annual International Women’ Day in Forbes’ Lions Park, setting the scene for soothing yoga, a hearty breakfast and a soul-warming address from guest speaker, communications guru, Dr Neryl East.

Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM welcomed the wisdom and advice from Dr East on removing barriers to embracing equity in business, in the community and everyday life.

“Forbes has such a wealth of knowledge, capabilities and strength in our women and so often we can unknowingly limit our presence by not having that belief in ourselves, that confidence. Dr East spoke of some simple ways in which that can be addressed,” Phyllis said.

“She provided practical tips on how to communicate in business settings, for example just through the language you use. Simple things like using the phrases; ‘in my view’ or ‘in my opinion’ to give weight to your learnedness.”

Dr East also highlighted the importance of personal (internal) communication, through which negative self-talk is the most significant way to erode confidence.

Positive affirmations, such as those used by Olympic swimmers (of which she had some great anecdotes), remove negativity and set the focus of what you are setting out to achieve.

The IWD breakfast was hosted by Forbes Shire Council with funding assistance from the NSW Government.

The event is held each year to embrace the vital role women play in our community, whether it be in the workforce, the community or at home.

Dr East also addressed a number of business representatives on Tuesday night, providing insight into online reputations and business reputations.

“We thank Dr East for her time in Forbes, and look forward to seeing her advice come into play,” said Phyllis. 

Forbes Croquet News

March 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

We were happy to have had 31 players come along and enjoy Aussie Croquet on a very pleasant early autumn morning. There were five players who were able to win three games, Bill Scott, Elvy Quirk, Kevin Rubie, Neville Spry and Tony Thomson.

Big winners on the day were:

• 14 – 8 Dorelle Scott and Neville Spry.

• 14 – 9 Kevin Rubie and Bill Scott, KevinRubie and Tony Thomson.

• 14 – 10 Peter West and Cheryle Toohey,Colleen Liebich and May Jones, RobinPols and John Cole John Browne andCheryle Toohey, Alex Todd and DoreenRogers.

Close games on the day were:

• Neville Spry and Allan Jones 14 FayPicker and Alex Todd 13

• Robin Pols and Bruce Field 14 John Allegri and Marie Spry 13

• Sandy Hepburn and May Jones 14 JohnBrowne 13

• Elvy Quirk and Harley Stewart 14 JohnFarah and Colleen Liebich 12

• Bill Scott 14 Bary White 12

• Peter West and Sandy Hepburn 14 Lorraine Todd and Rex Toole 12

• Rex Toole and Tony Thomson 14 HarleyStewart and Marie Spry 11

• Elvy Quirk and John Cole 14 Jeff Liebichand John Farah 11

• Colleen Liebich and Bill Scott 14 DorelleScott and Noel Jolliffe 11

• Elvy Quirk and Allan Jones 14 Fay Picker 11

• Alex Todd and John Farah 14 SandyHepburn and Noel Jolliffe 11

• Barry White and Bario Bettoni 14 HarleyStewart and Ros Rennick 11

• Neville Spry and John Allegri 14 PeterWet and Doreen Rogers 11

• Merv Langfield and Tony Thomson 14Dorelle Scott and Rex Toole 11

• Ros Rennick and Noel Jolliffe 14 JohnAllegri and Barin Bettoni 11

• Kevin Rubie and Merv Langfield 14 Doreen Rogers and Lorraine Todd 11.

Putting The ‘She’ In Sheep Sustainability

March 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is ‘Embrace Equity’ – an ethos the Sheep Sustainability Framework (SSF) lives every day. Image supplied by Sheep Sustainability Framework. Image supplied by Sheep Sustainability Framework.

With a Board comprising 57% women and a Steering Group with strong female representation, the SSF is leading the charge to educate and raise awareness of women’s equality in the sheep industry.

“The Sheep Sustainability Framework has benefitted from female leadership, reflecting our participation and collaboration throughout the sheep meat and wool value chains,” SSF Board Chair, Lucinda Corrigan, said.

Established early 2021, the SSF helps industry better understand its opportunities, challenges and impacts in key areas such as environmental health, economic resilience, animal care, and people and community. It presents evidence to stakeholders that Australian sheep meat and wool is produced responsibly, and demonstrates the industry has a clear path towards continuous improvement, where needed.

Sheep Producers Australia (SPA) and WoolProducers Australia (WPA) lead the Framework, with Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) and Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) providing funding, strategic advice and secretariat support.

SSF Sustainability Steering Group Chair, Dr Scott Williams, said having more women in leadership positions has helped foster a more inclusive culture within the SSF.

“Sustainability affects all of us – so ‘all of us’ need to be involved in conversations about sustainability,” Dr Williams said.

Marked annually on 8th March, International Women’s Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, and campaigns for accelerated gender parity.

No-Grounds Eviction Ban A Win For Renters, But More Is Required

March 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

A long awaited decision announced, as the NSW Coalition commits to reform no-grounds evictions, but warns that further steps are required.

An end to no-grounds evictions has long been championed by a range of advocacy groups and NGOs including the Tenants Union of NSW, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW, Shelter NSW and NCOSS.

All major parties have now committed to some form of no-grounds evictions policy.

As the peak social services body, NCOSS said that the ban on no-grounds evictions for periodic leases could make a difference to the lives of people in NSW, but more safeguards are needed.

“These changes have the potential to make a difference to those renters in NSW who are on periodic leases,” said NCOSS CEO Joanna Quilty.

“This is a positive step to help some renters improve their access to safe and secure housing.

“However, our main concern is that this announcement does not go far enough. The commitment does not include fixed-term leases, which is a critical piece of the puzzle if renters are to be given the housing security they so desperately need.

The NCOSS Policy Platform called for an end of no-grounds evictions and other stronger protections for NSW renters.

Snippets…

March 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Calling all caravan owners to come along and have their vans checked.

Free Caravan Testing Days Worth The Weight For Owners: Caravan owners across western NSW will be offered free caravan weighing and safety advice during three events planned for Parkes, Dubbo and Moree in the lead-up to this year’s Easter break. 

Transport for NSW is hosting the free weighing days to educate caravanners about correctly calculating their caravan weight, how to load their caravan for even weight distribution, safe towing tips and ways to reduce the risk of being involved in a crash. 

“We welcome all caravan owners living in and around Parkes to book a free 20-minute session when we visit their town to have their caravan properly weighed,” Mr Lunn said. 

The local caravan weighing day will be on Sunday, 2nd April at Parkes Showground on Mitchell Street, Parkes from 8.30am- 4.30pm. Book online at www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=1013797& 

Figures show that between 2016 – 2020 there were 90 crashes involving caravans across western NSW and, sadly, three people lost their lives. 

More information on safe caravanning is available at https://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/stayingsafe/drivers/caravan-safety 

New And Consolidated Aussie Meat Trade Hub Launched Today: Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) has today launched the Aussie Meat Trade Hub. 

The Aussie Meat Trade Hub is MLA’s new single source for resources and services to assist with buying, selling and marketing Australian beef, sheepmeat and goatmeat across global markets. 

According to Andrew Cox, General Manager International Markets at MLA, the greatest benefit of the Hub is that it brings together a wide variety of great promotional tools into one place. Users can also access everything through a single log in. 

“The Aussie Meat Trade Hub simply makes buying and selling the world’s best red meat easier. We’re very excited to showcase our product to more of the globe through this Hub,” Mr Cox said. 

Celebrating Success On International Women’s Day: NSW Farmers Vice President, Rebecca Reardon says, “We love to celebrate our driven and passionate women are making a difference in their communities. Rural and remote communities are held together by women who love where they live and the way they work.” 

“I would encourage every young woman to dream big and pursue whatever they want to do in life – especially if it involves getting into science, technology, engineering and mathematics.” 

Celebrating all women on and off the land who contribute
to their local communities.

Do Your Kids Love Sport, Adventure Or Nature?

March 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

IMAGE SOURCE: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/

The NSW Office of Sport is offering free Holiday Break camps to kids from regional NSW in the April school holidays.

Regional kids aged 12-15 can enjoy a free overnight camp at four sport and recreation centres. 

A range of activities, including mountain biking and BMX, stand-up paddleboarding and survival skills, camps include all meals and accommodation.

Office of Sport Chief Executive Karen Jones said the Holiday Break camps were an opportunity for regional kids to challenge themselves, learn new skills and have fun.

“With camps at Berry, Jindabyne, Lake Keepit and Broken Bay on the Central Coast, we’ve got all corners of the State covered. Register your kids and give them a once in a lifetime experience,” said Karen.

The Holiday Break camps are funded through the Office of Regional Youth’s Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery Initiative as part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Strategy.

Camp dates and locations:

• Berry: 17th – 19th April

• Lake Keepit: 17th – 19th April

• Jindabyne: 12th – 14th April

• Broken Bay: 17th – 19th April

For further information and to register call 13 13 02 or visit: www.sport.nsw.gov.au/holiday-break-camps 

March Monthly Medal

March 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Saturday, 4th March saw a field of 72 contest the March Monthly Medal.

A Grade Anthony Riach posted 71, in a two over round off his six handicap. Jack Elliott went close with a three over. Wayne Parker shot a seven over to be next in. In the nett event Wayne’s 76 converted to an excellent 65. He had to survive a countback on this score though, with Anthony’s great scratch score also producing a 65 nett.

B grade Rob Cheney shot an 80. Cameron Standen, equalled the score only to go down in a countback. Matt Clarke and Beau Tanswell were on 83. In the nett event to ‘The Baron’ cleaned up with his 65.

C grade Finne Latu fired in a solid 85. In the nett event Ken managed to reverse fortunes with his 65 beating off Finne and Tony who both recorded 66’s.

This month the competitive Griffins Leading Edge putting competition was won by Anthony Riach with a score of 24.

This coming Saturday, 11th March is an 18 Hole Medley Par Event Sponsored by Ken Keith, OAM, and is the 2nd Round Frank Donnelly Perpetual Trophy.

Mayoral Notes

March 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

International Women’s Day has been and gone, but not without recognising the wonderful women we have in our midst. Our guest speaker, for me reiterated the strength of our women and the pivotal role we have in the home, in the business sector and in the community. I wholeheartedly agree with Dr Neryl East that we as women need to believe in ourselves, in our skills, and not be afraid to trust in this. 

Next month we will be host to the annual Australian Local Government Women’s Association NSW branch conference which will draw amazing women from across the state. The two-day conference has a timely focus – from leadership and crisis management, it will highlight how important facing up to a crisis is and messaging during these times, one that Forbes and district residents are only too aware of. 

With the land returning to the traditional seasonal dry summer brown, it is almost hard to believe what our region looked like even three months ago and it remains heartening to know we are still in the hearts and minds of those further afield. The Visitor Information Centre recently fielded a phone call from a gentleman in Sydney, whose sole purpose for phoning was to ‘check in’ on the wonderful people of Forbes and area. He wanted us to know we were in his thoughts, and as soon as the days of high temperatures were gone, he was coming to Forbes to spend his money and help this wonderful and tough town back on its feet. 

Humanity – it makes everything we do and experience so worthwhile. 

Enjoy your week, and God bless. 

Phyllis Miller, OAM
Forbes Mayor 

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