Roxane Manley

Sam Farraway: Statement On NSW Parliament

October 10, 2024 by Roxane Manley

With the local government elections now complete, the focus shifts to the upcoming federal election. I have decided to step down from NSW Parliament to give my full attention to representing the people of Calare as Nationals candidate.

I will deliver my valedictory speech in the November sitting before formally resigning from the Parliament. It has been an incredible honour to serve in the NSW Parliament, where I’ve held various roles, including Deputy Government Whip, Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Minister and Shadow Minister.

Now, I believe the best way to deliver for our community is to represent them as their Federal MP.

One of my proudest achievements has been getting the Betterment Fund up and running—a program that provides essential funding to rebuild regional transport and road infrastructure after natural disasters.

These are initiatives that matter. They are about more than politics; they are about real people and real change for the communities I’ve always been passionate about representing.

To my colleagues and friends, both in and out of Parliament, your friendship, encouragement and belief in me has helped me through some of the toughest moments and have made the wins even sweeter. I leave knowing that the work we’ve done will continue to make a difference in the lives of people across the state.

Thank you to everyone who has believed in me, and to the people of the Central West—you will always have my deepest respect and appreciation.

And lastly, to my family—my mum, sister and brothers—you’ll never know how much your love and support has meant to me.

Apply Now For A 2025 Traineeship

October 10, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Forbes Shire Council is calling on anyone aged 16 years and over to apply for 12 exciting traineeships that are now open and commencing 2025.

These traineeships offer the perfect opportunity to kickstart a career in local government, to work in a professional team gaining valuable experience, getting paid while studying and securing a qualification.

Forbes Shire Council Multiskilled Operator – Events Support, Luke Evans, said “It doesn’t matter how old or young you are, everyone should look at applying for a traineeship. It’s a positive workplace that is really inclusive and enjoyable for everyone,” he said.

There are 12 roles covering all areas of Council including:

• Civil Construction (Certificate III, two years)

• Irrigation and Sporting Ovals (Certificate III, two years)

• Horticulture/Gardening (Certificate III, two years)

• Agriculture/Saleyards (Certificate III, two years)

• Business Support (Certificate III, two years)

• Community Projects (Certificate IV, two years)

• Surveying and Drone Operations (Certificate IV, two years)

• Sewer Plant Operations (Certificate III, two years)

• Cadet/Graduate Town Planner (Bachelor Degree, six years)

• Graduate Building Surveyor (Diploma, two to five years)Forbes Shire Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller, said Council prided itself on the diversity of employment opportunities it is able to provide.

“These traineeships are a perfect opportunity to make a valuable contribution to our community by working for Council and being a part of our day-to-day operations,” she said.

“It’s an exciting time for Council to have so many traineeship opportunities and they will all contribute to its growth and the services it is able to provide to the shire,” said Cr MillerTo RSVP to the information session go to https://forms.office.com/r/6bwiAZgtsy.

To find out more about traineeships and apply go to https://www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/council/about-council/working-with-council/2025-traineeships. Applications close 21st of October 2024.

Golfers Enjoy The Weekend Sunshine

October 10, 2024 by By Short Putt

John Betland prepares his approach to the 15th while partner Andrew Dukes watches keenly.

There was plenty of golf over the weekend, the fields were smaller than usual, yet the good scores were there.

Saturday’s Men’s Event was a Canadian Foursomes comp, sponsored by Peter Dawson. The winners were Phil Maher and Brian Everest who managed a 66 nett off a 9 handicap. They were the last group in but paced themselves well a par score on the front-9 and only 3-over on the back-9.

Runners-up were Clayton Alley and Paul Pymont, who were among the first groups to go out. They managed a 38-40 split to finish with a nett 69.8.

The ball sweep went to 73.5 on count back with the NTPs going to: 9th Steve Grallelis; 18th Les Little. The Super Pin was won by Phil Maher who hit a tidy shot to 205 cm, then converted for ‘2’.

On Sunday enough players ventured to play in the Stableford Medley and make it a competition, while enjoying the sunny weather once again. The winner was Sam Jarrett with a tidy score of 35 points. The NTPs went to: 9th ED Cummins (Wentworth); 18th Ollie Patterson.

Monday had a good field contesting the Stableford Medley. The winner was Shane Sallaway with 40 points, which is an outstanding result off a 1 handicap. His split of 33-36, with only one bogey all day was a marvel to watch. Runner-up was Jake LeBrocque on 39 points. His back-9 was the better game, which capped off a good weekend after greeting his second child into the world. NTP’s went to: 9th Nil; 18th Carolyn Duncan. Todd Callaghan, both of whom scored their 2’s.

This Saturday, October 12th, starts the Individual Club Championships. There are daily comps on each of the four days, with the Championship crowning on Sun 20th October.

By Short Putt

Forbes Croquet News

October 10, 2024 by Roxane Manley

We had 29 players for Aussie Croquet on a nice warm morning on Saturday 28th. There were 3 players that managed to win three games, Phillip Moran, Kevin Rubie, and Neville Spry.

The big winners on the day were: 14 – 8 Harley Stewart and Neville Spry, John Allegri and Phillip Moran, John Browne and Kevin Wenning.

The mid winners were: 14 – 10 Carolyn Neilsen and Kevin Rubie, John Farah and Fay Picker, Neville Spry and David West, Kevin Rubie and Ros Rennick, Bruce Field, Robin Pols and John Cole.

We had 39 players for Golf Croquet on a warmer morning on 1st October. We had 2 visitors Olivia Hunt and Dick.

There were four players who managed three wins Noel Jolliffe, Barry White, Geoff Coles and a new player and first time winner Pammie Thomson.

The big winner on the day was 10 – 3 John Farah and Noel Jolliffe. MID WINNERS9 – 4 John Browne and Lyn Simmonds, Barry White and Noel Jolliffe, John Allegri and Phillip Moran, Lyall Strudwick and Pammie Thomson, Margret Dent and Robin Pols.

PLEASE NOTE The annual general meeting to be held on Tuesday 8th has been postpone to a later date.

By Pegging Out

Career Milestone For Forbes Pharmacist

October 3, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Pharmacist Sarah Hazell. Photo Credit to Monique Lovick Photography.

Forbes Pharmacist, Sarah Hazell, is celebrating 26 years at Flannery’s Pharmacy.

The Forbes local, graduated from Forbes High School in 1997 and went on to study pharmacy at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga, before returning to work at the local business.

“A lot of young people are amazed to learn I’ve only ever had one job. I started here at the age of 18 and that was my first job, at Flannery’s Pharmacy, and I’m still here today,” Life Pharmacy and Flannery’s Pharmacist Managing Partner, Sarah Hazell, said.

“I’ve just absolutely loved my role as a pharmacist in a small, rural community. I think it’s been so rewarding professionally, and it’s a great environment to get to know your patient and see the patient again, and again, and again and get that regular follow up. You build wonderful relationships and it’s really lovely.”

There are about 37 thousand pharmacists across nearly six thousand community pharmacies in Australia. As scope of practice initiatives are announced and rolled out in every state and territory, now more than ever pharmacists are stepping up to meet healthcare needs in their local communities.

This year marks 26 years with Life Pharmacy Group for Sarah, 22 years as a registered pharmacist and 17 years as a partner.

She credits her passion for pharmacy, the Forbes community, and her mentors as a driving force behind her success.

“It was never my plan to stay in Forbes, I always wanted to live by the beach, but I’ve always been presented with wonderful opportunity after wonderful opportunity. I met my husband at university, we moved to Forbes, and we’ve just made this our home.

We’ve both got businesses in town and just love the community, and I think it’s a great place to raise a family,” Sarah said.

Parkes Community Grieves The Loss Of Local Couple

October 3, 2024 by Roxane Manley

The Pakes community is in shock, after learning local husband and wife Graeme and Sue Tait, both 57, were fatally injured in a tragic two car collision on the Newell Highway in Tomingley, just south of Dubbo around 9:20pm on Friday 30th September.

Graeme and Sue have left behind five children aged between 16 and 26. The couple were well known and much loved local residents. Graham was an experienced, well respected coach driver and fundraiser, while Sue was a beloved teacher and assistant director of Parkes Early Childhood Centre, having worked there for 17 years.

A GoFundMe campaign has been organised by Amii Marchant on behalf of Bernadette Tait to support the children of Graham and Sue Tait. Please get behind this fundraiser for the five Tait children who now require a large amount of support. You can show your support by making a donation at https://www.gofundme.com/f/graham-and-sue-tait

The two other fatalities from the horror crash were Lochie Jacobs 19 and Joey Urban 18. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this loss. Support the boys families at https://www.gofundme.com/f/lochie-jacobs-and-joey-urban

The sole survivor was a 23 year old driver of one of the two vehicles involved in the crash. On Monday he was charged and granted bail, and will appear before Dubbo Local Court on 21st October.

Mayoral Notes

October 3, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Our new Council has been declared and on Wednesday afternoon Councillors took the oath and affirmation to fulfil our duties in the best interests of the people of Forbes and to fulfil functions, powers, authorities and discretions to best of our ability and judgement.

Congratulations to our new Councillors Aidan Clarke, Steve Karaitiana, Jenny Webb, Marg Duggan, Chris Roylance, Michele Herbert, Brian Mattiske and Sarahlee Sweeney. I look forward to working with you all over the next four years to continue to build on the success and growth of our community.

I had the honour of officially launching the Binaal Billa Domestic Violence month activities on Tuesday, there was a good crowd at Victoria Park to honour the victims of Domestic Violence and to take a moment to consider the harrowing statistics of DV across our nation. I also took the opportunity to again call for our community’s need for 24 hour policing. There will be more activities over the month of October, including businesses being encouraged to wear purple to work on Tuesday 15 October to help spread awareness, like the little purple hands dotted around our CBD.

October is also Small Business Month and the Forbes Business Chamber got off to a great start on Tuesday night with a Learning and Networking event. The speakers were Paige Thomas from Service NSW and Dr Belinda Mawhinney a leadership and executive coach. Matt Armstrong from NBN was also on hand to talk communications and the upcoming fibre optic updates starting in Forbes next month. It was a really good night for business owners to connect and learn, the chamber is hoping to host these quarterly – keep an eye out for the next event.

October is filled with events so make sure you find out the details on Council’s website or social pages for Council’s Traineeship info night on Thursday 10 October, the official opening of the Sculpture Down the Lachlan at Warroo on 12 October now the final sculpture has been installed and the ever popular Teddy Bears Picnic on 19 October.

There are several Community Recovery Events including Women’s Wellbeing Workshops and a Community Fishing Day on 26 October.

Hope to see many of you there.

Until next week
Phyllis Miller, OAM – Forbes Mayor

Snippets

October 3, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Let’s kick back, relax, and get ready to rock ‘n’ roll Elvis style.

Parkes Elvis Festival: It’s under 100 days until the 2025 Parkes Elvis Festival, and we’re ready to roll with that Easy Come, Easy Go energy! With over 200+ events lined up, we can’t wait to see everyone soaking in the fun and feeling the rhythm.

Tickets here: bit.ly/ParkesElvisTickets Applications for the 2025 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest are closing soon. Enter bit.ly/ParkesElvisFestivalUETA

Fire and Rescue NSW Station 294 Forbes: Fire Permits are required in the Forbes, Parkes, Lachlan and Weddin LGAs for all fires during the Bush Fire Danger Period which is between 1st October (Midnight Tonight) and 1st April 2025, and at All times in Fire and Rescue districts around the state.

Double Demerits: Motorists are being reminded that double demerit points will be in place over the October long weekend for four days, commencing on Friday 4th October 2024 and ending on Monday 7th October 2024 (inclusive). Police will be targeting speed, seatbelts, illegal mobile phone use and motorcyclists not wearing helmets. For more information, visit: bit.ly/3TIvBb5

Forbes Family History Group Inc: Underneath the Oxley Bridge, a series of vibrant Aboriginal artworks adorn the pillars. Each painting tells a unique story, from people and land, drought, night and the serenity of the river. While there is no specific information about the individual artists involved, their work is a beautiful and meaningful representation of the local area. If you have any information about the artists who contributed to this wonderful project, please feel free to share. The link will take you to the full set of paintings. https://streetartcities.com/cities/forbes

Taronga Western Plains Zoo: Calling all teachers – want free Zoo entry for your family? Join us on Friday, 11th October, for Taronga’s Teacher Open Day! Explore the Zoo, discover our unique wild education programs, and enjoy unforgettable animal encounters. For information contact education@zoo.nsw.gov.au

Forbes Art Society: Artists of all ages and abilities are welcome to join the Forbes Arts Society’s Painting Group. The group meets each Thursday at Northside Chapel, between 11am and 3pm. The cost is $5 per week which includes morning tea. Bring along your own art supplies. For more information, reach out via hello@forbesartssociety.com

Earlier this month, members of the Forbes Arts Society Painting Group participated in a two-day workshop hosted by Colin Darley of Currumbene Art Studio.

Be Seen @St Laurence’s Parish School Forbes

October 3, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Last Friday’s Colour Run was a blast. We loved seeing everyone covered in vibrant colours and smiles from ear to ear.

It’s always wonderful to bring the community together, and this event couldn’t have been a success without the incredible support from our local heroes.

Here’s to a fabulous end of Term 3 and a bright start to Term 4.

Be Alert This Bushfire Season

October 3, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Farming communities across NSW are encouraged to stay alert to fire risks as the state’s rural Bush Fire Danger Period begins today.

NSW Farmers Rural Affairs Committee member Garry Grant said the danger period is set to be in force until at least 31 March, with landholders urged to remain vigilant.

“If you’re planning on lighting an open fire anytime soon, it’s also critical that you seek a Fire Permit and notify your local fire authorities and neighbours well before you burn.

“Awareness, preparedness and communication will be key to stopping bushfires in their tracks this summer, so we can all stay safe.”

Residents in rural communities across the state are encouraged to prepare themselves for this year’s bushfire season, Mr Grant said, with a few simple measures critical to ensuring safety during a bushfire event.

“Downloading the Hazards Near Me NSW app is an easy way to stay up to date with fires that are in your region or other regions if you’re travelling around the state this summer,” Mr Grant said.

“Bushfires always spread faster than we think they will, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.”

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