Roxane Manley

NSW Sports High Schools Going For Gold With New Partnership

February 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

New South Wales has scored an Australian-first with the State’s seven Sports High Schools officially becoming ‘Australian Olympic Pathway Schools’ from today.

“Our seven Sports High Schools in NSW are the only secondary schools in Australia to have this prestigious recognition.

The seven Sports High Schools in NSW receiving this recognition are Endeavour Sports High School, The Hills Sports High School, Hunter Sports High School, Illawarra Sports High School, Matraville Sports High School, Narrabeen Sports High School and Westfields Sports High School.

“Sporting heroes are made in our public schools and particularly our amazing sport high schools, so it is incredibly exciting to recognise their role in Australian sporting excellence by acknowledging them as ‘Australian Olympic Pathway Schools’.”

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is supporting the State’s seven sports high schools in their endeavour to develop future Australian Olympians.

“The students at our sports high schools today will be our heroes standing on the podium at the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, and this partnership will strengthen their opportunity for international success,” Mr Henskens said.

Today’s announcement builds on the signing of an MOU between the sports high schools and the NSW Institute of Sport, which strengthened the pathway for talented athletes with a specific focus on Olympic sports.

“We have seen Olympic Training Centres recognised around Australia and overseas, but never at the school level.

“The AOC is also thrilled by the extension of the Olympics Unleashed program. Our Olympic athletes can deliver these sessions across the state, including regional areas and Indigenous communities. We will reach 1,800 schools across the three years.”

Backing Sporting Equality For Women And Girls

February 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Women and girls across NSW will have access to more inclusive sporting facilities, thanks to the NSW Government’s $25 million Female Friendly Sport Facilities and Lighting Upgrades Program.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said 94 community sport facilities are set to be transformed, delivering female-friendly change rooms, amenities and lighting upgrades, which is one of the biggest barriers that prevent women and girls from playing sport.

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government recognises the critical role local sport infrastructure plays in keeping our communities healthy and active,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Community sport is where it all begins, and by investing in our local communities to help boost female participation, we will ensure any young girl or woman who wants to shoot a hoop, score a try or kick a goal, can do so in a supportive environment.”

Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said we know that when women and girls feel comfortable, they are more likely to stick with their chosen sport.

“Some of the biggest barriers faced by women and girls are the lack of female change rooms and amenities,” Mrs Taylor said. More information about the program is available online.

Forbes Magpies To Host Last Ever Annual Stubby Collits Memorial Match

February 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

A meeting of the minds took place recently to organise the Boys To The Bush v CanAssist charity footbal match. Pictured clockwise from back left are Nathan Corliss Program Coordinator Boys to the Bush, Tim West Boys to the Bush Forbes Manager, Mathew Jack President Forbes Magpies and John Schrader President Forbes Can Assist.

The Forbes Magpies will be hosting the Annual Stubby Collits Memorial Match for the final time and we are putting a call out for the entire community to come along.

After ten years Cathy, Stubby’s mother, has decided that this year will be the conclusion of this tradition between Forbes Magpies and Bathurst St Pats. Stubby played for both clubs, and was a much loved and well respected player at both clubs.

Teams from CanAssist and Boys To The Bush will be playing a charity game beforehand as a lead up. All of the jumpers will be auctioned after the game. Gate takings, raffles and proceeds from this auction will be donated to Can Assist and Boys to the Bush. It is expected to draw big crows and be a highlight of the day.

First grade teams from Magpies and St Pat’s will then go head to head in the last ever Stubby Collits Memorial Match.

Organisers are grateful to the generous sponsors and the Forbes Magpies for hosting the event. Everyone is welcome to stay after the games for a BBQ at Spooners Oval.

Snippets…

February 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Year six student, Kye Allen and year five student, Conny Bain join Kitchen Garden Specialist and teacher Marianne Hardy in inspecting some of the seasonal produce grown in the Forbes North Public School garden.

Volunteers Help Sort The Saute: Forbes North Public School are seeking volunteers, with a passion for cooking, to assist with the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program. Kitchen Garden Specialist and teacher, Marianne Hardy believes helping students learn to cook is a great way to become involved with the school.

“The Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program is about teaching life-long skills with cooking,” Marianne said. “The variety of fresh produce available means some students may be cooking and tasting foods for the first time.”

Volunteers are required for two or three hour sessions, three days a week (Monday, Tuesday and Friday) on a weekly or fortnightly roster, with three volunteers needed at each session.

To register an expression of interest in volunteering in the kitchen with Forbes North Public School, phone 6852 2187.

Getting Ready For Opportunities To Work: Forbes TAFE is excited to offer another GROW (Getting Ready for Opportunities to Work) program for 2023. The course will provide participants with practical employability skills across industry for the operation of plant machinery. Applicants must be over 17 and have finished school. The course will run from Monday, 20th March to Thursday, 6th April and attendance is required each day. Places are limited so register your interest now at https://forms.office.com/r/c1BWTAFHDU.

Junior Landcare Grants Now Open: Parkes shire schools are invited to help grow the next generation of environmental champions. The latest round of the Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants program is now open, offering primary schools and early learning centres the chance to share in $1 million to support the development of hands-on environmental learning projects.

Woolworths Parkes Store Manager, Kerrie Kennedy, said “Getting children involved with hands-on activities in and around nature is an incredible way to help them explore sustainability in action.”

The activities range from exploring First Nations weather to creating an Indigenous plant-use garden and exploring a First Nations peoples’ languages map. Adam Shipp, First Nations educator with Landcare Australia, said “As a proud Wiradjuri man, I believe it is extremely important that environmental based organisations recognise and work with First Nations groups.”

To find out more about the Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants Program and to apply, visit juniorlandcare.org.au.

Junior Landcare program to benefit local Parkes student.

NSW Government Supporting Growth In Aboriginal Businesses

February 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Aboriginal businesses in NSW received $92 million in direct Government contracts in 2019-20. This soared to almost $480 million in 2021-22.

Treasurer Matt Kean welcomed the increased volume of contracts with Aboriginal businesses as proof of the collaborative approach taken by the Government with Aboriginal community leaders. “We have consistently heard the important role procurement plays in empowering Aboriginal businesses and communities and I am pleased that our Government continues to increase these opportunities.”

Minister for Finance Damien Tudehope said the policy’s success reflected the expertise and quality of the products and services provided by Aboriginal businesses in NSW. “The Aboriginal Procurement Policy had a target of 200 contracts worth a total of $136.7 million for the 2021-22 financial year. We can report there have been 694 contracts worth $479.6 million,” Mr Tudehope said.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Ben Franklin said a series of Meet the Buyer events have been held in local areas to connect regional Aboriginal businesses with government agencies, major suppliers and head contractors.

Aboriginal businesses and communities are able to provide feedback on the Aboriginal Procurement Policy through the Have Your Say consultation until 28 February at www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/aboriginal-procurement.

“Sincere Thanks And Gratitude” From Forbes Public School

February 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Getting things back up and running on the temporary site at Forbes Public School are Site Manager Peter Zylstra, Principal Megan Staples and Matt Cheney from Cheney’s Electrical.

After a complete refurbishment of Forbes Public School in 2022, including new paint and new carpet, the school was faced with not one, but two flooding events. The floods hit just three weeks before the end of the 2022 school year.

Following the floods, Forbes High School generously offered up space for the remaining three weeks of the school year for all of the Forbes Public School students from kindergarten to year six.

“That three weeks gave us time to unpack with the kids about what was happening. During the last week of school, the students were permitted to return to the school site, to allow them to have some closure,” said Megan Staples, Principal of Forbes Public School.

“Students were allowed to walk around the school, they also assembled on the oval and all pretended to imagine what their new temporary site might look like upon their return to school in 2023.”

During the school holiday period, Forbes Public School students and parents were kept updated about the build for the temporary site. Regular updates were provided about the return to school for 2023, including a virtual tour of the school the day before school returned for 2023 to show parents and students what to do.

“The goal was all about returning students to school on day one of term one and an all important return to a focus on teaching and learning,” said Megan.

Questions have been raised as to why the effort was put into building the temporary demountable site in favor of immediately getting on with refurbishing the original, existing site?

Forbes Public School Principal Megan Staples explains, “After two years of COVID interruptions, the last thing we wanted in the new year was the shuffling of students or distractions from trade and construction work.”

Megan is grateful that the school was involved in two weeks of intense planning and design for the new temporary site, to ensure it would really work for the staff and students who may be using the temporary site for the next 12 months or more.

The refurbishment of the original, existing site is under discussion and planning is well under way. “The gyprock has been ordered, the carpet has been ordered and tradies are on standby,” said Megan.

Once the temporary demountable site is fully signed off, then tools can be picked up and work can begin on the refurbishment.

As with any experience you go through as a team, the staff at Forbes Public School, along with the wider school community of parents and students, have all been brought closer together and Megan is exceptionally proud of how everyone has banded together.

“The students have had a great return to school year and are looking forward to all of the exciting aspects that come along with everyday learning. Including excursions, sports carnivals, visiting shows, Healthy Harold, Aurora program, sporting and creative arts opportunities and just being able to provide students the chance to reconnect with school and be a part of activities that make them happy and help them thrive and succeed,” said Megan.

Megan wanted to send out a message to all of those involved with supporting Forbes Public School. She went on to say, “In the summer of 2022, in our Forbes community, we had tradies, school teachers and community members all band together to enable the establishment of a school for day one, of term one, over a period of two to three weeks. That is something we can all share in and be proud of.”

“Thanks and praise are also extended to everyone who helped with the flood preparations, which was so important and helped redirect water. A big thanks to SES, Forbes Shire Council, Royal Defence Force and all of the community members who helped.”

The view looking down at the new temporary, demountable classrooms from the school hall.

Inside of the school hall, which was saved by a lot of sandbagging preparation.

Students lining up outside the temporary, demountable classrooms.

How is this for a classroom with a view!

Students learning comfortably from inside their temporary, demountable classroom.

Part of the original site which is all set for refurbishment once the temporary site is completed.

Support For Students And Teachers Impacted By Western NSW Floods

February 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Much needed and welcomed support has been announced for students and teachers across flood-impacted communities in Western NSW, who will benefit from financial and wellbeing assistance of up to $27.5 million as part of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s flood recovery package.

Schools and registered training providers in towns across Western NSW, including Eugowra, Forbes, Canowindra, Condobolin and Moree, will have access to a range of benefits from Term 1, 2023 with a focus on helping with the cost of living for families and getting students back into the classroom.

Staunch Forbes supporter Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said it is critical that ongoing support is provided to communities impacted by flooding events.

“As a former teacher, I know how important it is to provide continued wellbeing support to our students, staff and parents, especially after everything they’ve been through,” Mr Toole said.

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said financial assistance includes a $500 Education Hardship grant per student in highly impacted public schools, access to a $1,000 Emergency Grant Payment for public school staff, and targeted learning support for students.

Donohoe Reaps Rewards

February 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The Saturday Men’s competition was the February Monthly Medal, sponsored by Terry Bros Carpets, with 65 players looking to do well. The winning scores were quite low.

The A-Grade was won by Scott Kirkman with 67 nett, on count back from Alf Davies.

The B-Grade went to Warwick Judge with 68 nett, whose par run to finish kept runner-up Kailab Tyne (69) at bay.

The C-Grade was won by Frank Donohoe who had the ‘Midas touch’ on the greens. His score was the lowest of the day, helped by an almost hole out on the 18th that earned him the NTP. Runner-up was Lachlan Alley on 67 nett.

The NTP’s went to: 9th, Alf Davies, 18th, F. Donohoe. The Pro Shop Super-pin, on the 3rd green, went to Brendan Hayes with a wide shot to 3.6 metres. The ball sweep went to 72 nett on count back. More than half the field finished on par or better, making for some happy golfers.

On Sunday the Forbes club hosted the CWDGA Pennants, with three of the home club teams competing. The field of 80 players teed off in cool conditions and enjoyed. the balmy weather throughout the day.

All Forbes teams tasted success with the Div-1 trouncing Bathurst, 5-0. The Div-3 dominant against Mudgee 4-1, and the Div- 4 narrowly beating Duntryleague 3-2. They play at Bathurst next week.

On Saturday, 11th February the competition is an Individual Stableford, sponsored by Troy Howe Electrical. Sunday, 5th February has a Stableford Medley. The Mizuno Equipment Day on 16th February is booked out but contact Adam to express your interest and be ‘reserve’.

What is your favourite NRL team and player?

February 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Knox Calabro: Sydney Roosters – Sam Walker.
Cohen Calabro: Penrith Panthers – Nathan Cleary.
Nate Calabro: Penrith Panthers – Dylan Edwards.

Sol Rauchle: Cronulla Sharks – Darby Medlyn.

Rhys Hetherington: Penrith Panthers – Nathan Cleary.

Mayoral Notes

February 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

I cannot impress how excited I am to welcome the Australian Local Government Women’s Association annual conference to Forbes in April. The impact of women in local government, and in leading recovery in the wake of disaster is immense, as we are only too aware.

The women of Forbes have our own stories to tell, but it is going to be amazing to listen to the wisdom and expertise of others in our field. More information will be available as we get closer to the event, but I cannot wait to welcome these women to our town as they learn, explore, build networks and fall in love with Forbes.

It is satisfying to see the confidence organisations have in Forbes, its people, and our council in bringing major events such as this to our region. It is timely in rejuvenating our town and region, and promoting what we have to offer.

CENTROC (the Central NSW Regional Organisation of Councils) will be meeting in Forbes at the end of this month, so again bringing representatives of the member councils: Bathurst, Blayney, Boorowa, Cabonne, Cowra, Harden, Lachlan, Lithgow, Oberon, Orange, Parkes, Upper Lachlan, Weddin, Wellington, Young and Central Tablelands Water, to our town.

Finally, please be aware as work has recommenced on the former Pitt Stop Café site for remediation and demolition of the building. Barricades, detours and signage will be installed.

Enjoy your week, and God bless.

Phyllis Miller, OAM
Forbes Mayor

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