Forbes Phoenix

Mayoral Notes

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The weather seems to be changing and there is just a hint of Spring in the air.

With Spring comes show season and I’d like to first of all congratulate the Bedger­abong Show committee on their wonder­ful event recently. It really is a true country show that showcases agriculture and the talents of locals, and keeps this great little community connected.

Our team attended and were able to have some terrific conversations with locals. I’m looking forward to the same at the upcom­ing Forbes Show.

In the coming months there will be lots of great events for all of us to enjoy – keep an eye out for Taste on Templar, The BBQ Champs and for fun kids events such as the Teddy Bears Picnic. There really is something for everyone!In the last week I’ve also been pleased to host Steph Cooke MP, Shadow Minister for Water and for Crown Lands here in Forbes.

This was another wonderful opportunity to raise issues for our Shire. Rest assured I will continue to put important topics such as the raising of the dam wall in front of our state and federal politicians.

We continue to install the amazing way­finding signage around Lake Forbes. I’m sure you would all agree that this looks ab­solutely fantastic and will be a great asset for locals and visitors alike. The signage is designed to help walkers and cyclists navi­gate the lake and highlight its wonderful features. We are sure that this signage will almost be a tourist attraction in itself with its elegant and professional design that fits nicely in with our lake style. Once again we are so grateful to the NSW Government for funding this and other aspects of the Lake Forbes Activation Plan through the Public Spaces Legacy Fund.

And finally a shoutout to our team un­dertaking all of the mowing, gardening, lin­emarking and weeding in all of our many parks, ovals and lake side open space. A huge amount of work is being done, which really is never ending with this weather.

Once again our town stands out in the re­gion with its beautiful presentation. Forbes really is a wonderful place to live.

Until next week
Phyllis Miller, OAM
Forbes Mayor

Forbes Cwa Members Advocate For Ongoing Action Around Violence Against Women

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In the wake of the unfathomable spike in the deaths of Australian women this year at the hands of their intimate partners, community outrage around the issue is increasing.

The Country Women’s Association (CWA) of NSW will use its annual Aware­ness Week campaign to highlight the need for ongoing action around reducing rates of gender-based violence across NSW and the ACT.

CWA of NSW Awareness Week runs from September 1 to 7, this year highlighting the continuing crisis around gender-based vio­lence – including domestic and family vio­lence, and also including violence against women by men who are not their intimate partners.

It’s the second time in five years the asso­ciation has focused its attention for Aware­ness Week on violence against women, with domestic and family violence chosen as the theme for the 2020 campaign.

Robyn Miller, President of Forbes Even­ing Branch of the CWA of NSW, said it was clearly an enormous issue that was not go­ing away and needed to be brought to the forefront again during Awareness Week.

“This is an issue Forbes community has experienced firsthand with the death of Molly Ticehurst earlier this year”, Robyn commented. “We need to push for more support for women confronted by gender-based violence and make our communities safe for all”.

During this year’s Awareness Week, the CWA of NSW is calling for: Further changes to bail laws to better protect victims, particu­larly in rural and regional areas; Prioritisa­tion of sustainable funding models for front­line victim support services – and services that target perpetrator risk factors; The ex­pediting of the establishment of a real-time system to record, track, and share informa­tion on perpetrators across systems and jurisdictions; and additional resources for women facing violence in rural and regional communities where isolation and lack of services can make it even harder.

Join Our Farmer’s In Canberra On 10th September

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As a farmer, and head of the National Farmers’ Federation, I’m alarmed by the growing number of decisions being made in Canberra that aren’t about what’s best for farming.

It feels like we’re being drowned out by interest groups who want to tell a negative story about who we are and what we do.

Whether it’s banning live sheep exports, water buybacks, new taxes and red tape, or destroying productive agricultural land, these policies are being driven by people who don’t understand what we do.

On 10th September, farmers from across Australia will meet outside Parliament House in Canberra to send a united mes­sage. We want to tell all parliamentarians ahead of the next election that they should listen to farmers, not anti-farming activists, when it comes to what’s best for our indus­try.

It’s our chance to come together and send a clear and positive message that we deserve a seat at the table, and we de­serve a fair go.

Join me as we come together as an in­dustry to celebrate the positive story of Aussie farming in the heart of Canberra.

David Jochinke,
President National Farmers’ Federation

Be Seen @ Australian Titles – Forbes Auto Sports Club

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Dirt bike riding prodigy Mason Wild has taken 2nd place at Australian titles held at Forbes Auto Sports club a fortnight ago.


His tactical final gate selection of gate 7 gave him the opportunity to push hard into the first corner coming out of the first lap in a comfortable 3rd position.


The 6 lap final gave Mason time to ride a clean smart race, slipping into second position right after the last lap board was released and finishing the meeting second in Australia.

Rural Schools Encouraged To Apply

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The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW Youth Group are calling for applications for the 2025 All Roads to the Royal program, offering one lucky school a once-in-a-life­time opportunity to gain practical skills and knowledge through an all-expenses-paid, three-day excursion to the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

Open to students from years 7-12, the pro­gram will run from Monday 14th to Thursday 17th April 2025, and provides return trans­port, accommodation and meals for up to forty people, including students, teachers and guardians.

Heather Earney, Agriculture and Science teacher at Trundle Central School in Cen­tral West, NSW, and RAS’ 2024 All Roads to the Royal recipient, said the excursion was a highlight of the year for both students and teachers alike.

“All Roads to the Royal was an incredibly rewarding experience, allowing the students to broaden their horizons and create lasting memories and networks”, Earney said.

“The students are so thankful to have been given this amazing opportunity. They have gained experience and knowledge about the various aspects of the Show. Along with this, students gained an appreciation for the industry and the work that goes into putting such a large-scale event together”.

The All Roads to the Royal program was designed by the RAS Youth Group, with the aim to break down the financial and acces­sibility barriers that prevent many rural stu­dents from attending the Show. The 2025 program will be supported by the RAS Foun­dation, who will contribute up to $25,000 to­wards bus travel, food and expenses.

For further information about the program criteria or to apply, please visit www.rasnsw.com.au/AgriLink/all-roads-to-the-royal/

The NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show Judging Wraps For 2024

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It’s been another successful year for winer­ies across the state, with 585 entries from 99 wineries swirled, sniffed and sipped dur­ing judging for the 2024 NSW Small Win­emakers Wine Show.

The show wrapped up on Wednesday with the final medal count; 50 gold, 74 silver and 202 bronze, with 23 trophies awarded.

Chair of judges, Mark Richardson said the overall quality of wines entered into the 2024 show was impressive.

“It was a strong year, especially for the classics including the chardonnay, shiraz and semillon classes,” Mark said.

“The alternate varieties are also getting better every year and to see such quality in the show is a good thing for the future of NSW winemakers.”

NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show president Mark Watts said it was a very successful show.

“All of the judges commented on the quality of the wines and the efficiency of the show.”

The Public Tasting is on tonight, however the event has sold out and there are no tickets available at the door.

Tickets are still available for the Gour­met Wine Din­ner, which will be held at the Forbes Town Hall to celebrate the trophy win­ners of the show. The dinner will be held on Saturday 21st Sep­tember from 7pm with a four-course meal catered by Eat Your Greens featuring tro­phy winning wines to complement the meal.

Tickets for the event are $130 per person and are available at https://www.123tix.com.au/events/44190/nsw-small-winemakers-wine-show or by calling 0418 237 051.

Snippets…

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A popular display for the young children on the day.

NSW SES Forbes Unit: A great day out at Bedgerabong Show. The NSW SES Forbes Unit were in good company with neighbours from Central West Police and Mid Lachlan Rural Fire Service. It was a good opportunity to catch up under more relaxed circumstances.

Australian Hotels Association NSW: Last year, you crowned the Bogan Gate Pub the winner of the AHA NSW Awards for Excellence – People’s Choice Award.

It’s time to make your voice heard once again and vote for your favourite pub of 2024! Nominate your local favourite and help them earn the title of the most popu­lar pub in NSW. By nominating, you’ll also have the chance to win one of four $250 Pub & Bar Gift Cards to dine at your local pub. Nominate now at: https://www.survey­monkey.com/r/X73WNW6. Hurry, the com­petition closes at 11:59pm on Friday, 30th August 2024.

Forbes Country Music Club: The Forbes Country Music Club Annual General Meet­ing (AGM) will be held Wednesday 6th No­vember 2024, 7pm at the Forbes Sports and Recreation Club. Nomination forms will be available at upcoming musters on Sunday 8th September and Sunday 6th October, or can be emailed to you. Nomi­nation forms can also be collected from the Secretary Steven Dixon at 19 Prince Street Forbes or can be mailed. All nomination forms must be returned by 5pm Wednes­day 30th October 2024 either to Secretary Steven Dixon or by mail; Forbes Country Music Club Incorporated, PO Box 728 Forbes NSW 2871.

NSW Woman Of The Year: The search is on! Nominations are officially open for the NSW Women of the Year Awards 2025.

We’re looking for ground-breaking think­ers, everyday heroes, social reformers and innovative role models who inspire us all.

Let’s celebrate the incredible and inspiring women in your community by nominating them for one of these categories: Pre­mier’s NSW Woman of Excellence, NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year, NSW Com­munity Hero, NSW Regional Woman of the Year, NSW Young Woman of the Year, Ones to Watch. Nominations are open until 15th September. Recognise their achieve­ments and nominate them now: https://bit.ly/3BibUNc

Trundle Bush Tucker Day: Organisers are super excited to have the current Aus­tralian Ladies Whipcracking Champion, the amazing Emiliqua East, coming to this years Trundle Bush Tucker Day.

Whipcracking demonstrations by Emiliqua East.

Mayoral Notes

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Today Forbes Shire Council has launched it 2025 Traineeship campaign – we are of­fering 15 trainee positions to work at Coun­cil in a range of roles, including outdoors, civil construction, agriculture, town plan­ning, surveying and drone operation, busi­ness support and building surveying.

Each one of these positions is an excel­lent springboard to a long term career with­in council. All trainees, receive training and the opportunity for supported study (time to study) for industry recognised qualifica­tions.

It is a two to four year contract of employ­ment, training and study all while you earn a living. I encourage anyone, of any age, if you are considering a fresh start or a new career to apply for one of these exciting traineeship positions.

The campaign has a host of FAQs and details on our website or you can email any questions to people@forbes.nsw.gov.au or phone our HR team on 6850 2300.

Forbes Shire Council is committed to growing and training our future leaders.

One of our current Directors actually start­ed in one of these positions and is now responsible for one of Council’s main de­partments responsible for Town Planning, Waste, Public Health, Planning and Growth and Economic Development.

Work around the Lachlan Street Trees is progressing with the first of the pavers be­ing laid this week. I am so excited to have this green boulevard developing. This con­cept was the result of comprehensive CBD consultation and will be well established by the summer months.

The trees have all established well in the underground root vault system which will save our roads in the future.

Major work is underway at the Forbes Cultural Centre with cranes and concrete pumps to construct the first floor slab.

Forbes Shire Council is project managing this site to keep it progressing. We have also secured state and treasury support for the remaining budget allocated for the original project and will continue to lobby for a completion budget.

I have been in Canberra this week, repre­senting Forbes as part of the Central NSW Joint Organisation, where we spent the day speaking with Ministers at Parliament House. These events are critical to continu­ing to lobby for support for our Council and community.

God Bless
Phyllis Miller OAM

Miss Peg’s Final Act Of Kindness

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Miss Peg will be donating her hair to make a wig for someone in need.

Peg Lynch, affectionately known as ‘Miss Peg’, has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. While she prepares herself spiritu­ally for her final journey, she wants to do one last act of charity. Peg wants to donate her hair, so that it may benefit another and at the same time raise some funds to assist Parkes CanAssist.

Peg, who has been a teacher all her life, earned the name ‘Miss Peg’ during her time at Parkes Early Childhood Centre and as director at Peak Hill, with the little ones she loved dearly.

She has been known for her many acts of charity as a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society at local, regional, central and state levels. During the drought pe­riod, she travelled, with her husband, ‘Mr Peg’, throughout the Diocese of Wilcannia Forbes, offering support and assistance.

Peg is also a foundation member of the Parkes Prostate Cancer Awareness and Support Group.

On Saturday, 31st August, Peg, with the assistance of Janice, from Janice Hair Sa­lon, and Adele from Adele’s Hair Salon, will have her hair cut and donated for the pur­pose making a wig for someone in need.

Please support Peg in her final act of kindness by donating at: https://www.my­cause.com.au/p/351308/pegs-fundraiserfor-can-assist

Phoenix Office 7/113-127 Rankin Street, Forbes NSW 2871

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