Nadia Donato, Kylie Shead and Phil Donato MP.
Vianne Tourle, Tracy Sorensen, Hannah Semler and Margaret Smith. (Image: Cazeil Creative)
Kylie Shead, Arts OutWest, Clr Marg Hogan, Bathurst Regional Council, and The Hon Ben Franklin MLC. (Image: Dave Smith)
Aussie Croquet was played on Saturday 1st June after rain dampened the Croquet lawns on Friday. 19mm rain fell which was good for our Croquet lawns. We had 24 players roll up for a game on Saturday, a lesser number than usual. Visitors from out of town were Cathy Coles and Robert Kimble who have been visiting Cathy’s parents Gwen and Geoff Coles. It was great to see them again as each time they are home they come and enjoy a game with us.
Three games were won by John Browne, May Jones and Bill Scott. Well done to those players. 14/13 scores recorded by Allan Jones and Fay Picker, 14/12 record ed by Bruce Field and John Cole, Cheryl Toohey and Robin Pols, Frank Donohoe and Bill Scott, Marie Spry and May Jones, Enid Baker and Bill Scott.
Recently, David West one of our younger members, together with his friend Tyson took part in the walk from Orange to Bathurst to raise funds for Cerebral Palsy. Well done, you are an inspiration to others. Forbes Croquet members put their hands in their pock ets to raise $200 toward the cause.
If you’re interested in a game of croquet, come down to Halpins Flat on a Tuesday at 8.45am to start playing at 9am.
What a productive and exciting few days at the Destination and Economy conference in Wagga last week – we connected with some great networks and gained great in sight and inspiration into upcoming events, destination trends and economic implications.
From presenters and information gathered from Destination NSW and other service providers it gave us some great ideas to really ramp up our 2024 National BBQ Championships. We have some really exciting ideas and news for this event which is really going to put us on the map.
I cannot think of a better way to show case our top quality beef, lamb, chicken and pork produced in this region. If you are producer make sure you get in touch as we are just starting to call for brands and sponsors for the event. I can guarantee this year it is going to be bigger and better than ever.
It has been a busy week but I was pleased to be able to officially welcome those attending the Local Land Services Regional Weed Committee meeting.
I am a passionate advocate for rural is sues and biosecurity.
Biosecurity protects the economy, environment and our community from the negative impacts of pests, diseases, and weeds.
As such, it is vital to the health, wellbeing, and prosperity of our valley of production.
We have such a diverse landscape and that strong local knowledge – from our very own weeds officers right through to the weeds committee is critical to achieve the management and control of invasive weeds.
Currently there are very favourable seasonal conditions for a significant weed incursion so we need to take practical measures and minimise or eliminate threats to our land, our community and our economy.
Until next week, God bless
Phyllis Miller, OAM – Forbes Mayor
Country Education Foundation of Australia (CEF) has announced a matched giving campaign this end of financial year, and is calling on the public to donate and take advantage of this opportunity to help open roads for rural and regional youth.
Any gifts made during the campaign will support national pro grams and resources to empower regional youth to unlock their full potential, with all donations made to CEF matched up to a total of $500,000 until 30th June.
In 2023, approximately 82% of CEF supported students did not receive financial support from family and 40% were ineligible or did not receive government assistance. Additionally, 46% were work ing more than 15 hours a week on top of full-time study, just to make ends meet.
CEF Chief Executive Officer Wendy Mason explains, “This demonstrates a clear gap in the assistance regional young people are receiving to undertake post-school education and why the work of CEF is so critical, particularly as the cost of living continues to rise.” “This matched giving campaign is an incredible opportunity to raise much needed funds to support our national operations, to grow the impact we have on the lives of our rural and regional youth,” said Ms. Mason.
CEF is a national for-purpose organisation committed to enabling equal access to further education and career opportunities for rural and regional youth. “We believe wholeheartedly in the potential of our regional and rural young people, and we need the help of the community to provide them with the support they need to achieve their dreams,” said Ms Mason.
Golfer’s happy to have played but not happy about their score. Pictured is Kailab Tyne, Jody Banks, Jake Banks, Jacob Reid.
Last Saturday the sun basked a field of 43 players who participated in the Men’s Monthly Medal competition, sponsored by BWR Accountants & Advisors. The A-Grade required a count back, with Jacob Bernardi and Luke Flakelar finishing on 72 nett. The win went to Jacob with Luke missing out by a shot on the back-9.
The B-Grade had a little margin with Anthony Alley taking the win after scoring 70 nett. The runner-up was Barry Parker on 72 nett.
Both did well on the front-9 but it was Anthony’s back-9 that won him the day. The C-Grade was a little closer with two Roberts battling it out. Robert Scott took the Medal with a 70 nett, just edging past Robert Webb who scored 71 nett.
The NTP’s were: 9th – Will Gunn; 18th – Robert Scott. The Pro Shop Super-pin, on the 9th green, went to Will Gunn. The ball sweep went to 76 nett.
Head Pro Will had a Mizuno Equipment Day this week, postponed from last week. This weekend is a long weekend, with the ‘Can-Assist Charity Day to be held on Saturday 8th June.
By Short Putt
Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM speaking at the Arts Out West 50th Anniversary dinner. (Image: Cazeil Creative)
Fifty years of regional arts and cultural development were celebrated in Forbes on Saturday 1st June, with the Arts OutWest 50th Anniversary dinner and exhibitions at Forbes Town Hall. Arts OutWest is the peak arts body and arts development organisation for Central West NSW.
The dinner was enjoyed by 120 guests, including Parliamentary Secretary for the Arts Julia Finn, Member for Orange Phil Donato, Member for Calare Andrew Gee, Ben Franklin MLC, CEO of Regional Arts NSW Tracey Callinan and representatives local councils across the region. Past Arts OutWest staff and board members, artists and community members enjoyed a night of food, visual art and celebrations.
“Arts OutWest has played a pivotal role in nurturing artistic talent, promoting community engagement, and enhancing the cultural vitality on a regional level,” said Arts OutWest Chair Margot Jolly.
Mayor of Forbes Phyllis Miller OAM said at the dinner, “The fabric of life living in ru ral and regional areas – we must have arts and culture. I am so proud to say happy 50th anniversary to Arts OutWest. Thank you for everything you’ve done for Forbes.” Julia Finn congratulated Arts OutWest on behalf of the NSW Government: “It is an incredible achievement for an arts organisation, for the creative communities of the Central West, to be able to thrive, adapt and grow over five decades.” Music was provided by Maz Rees, Tim Hansen, Parkes’ Georgia Sideris and duo Great Aunt.
Two free art exhibitions will continue over the June long weekend at St Andrews Hall, Forbes while the work of Wiradjuri artist Ronda Sharpe can be seen daily through out June at Forbes Visitor Information Centre.
The event was supported by Forbes Shire Council and Forbes Arts Society.
Rural, regional, and remote Australians have another way to give feedback on telecommunications issues with the release of the 2024 Regional Telecommunications Review survey.
The Review, which takes place every three years, sees the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Commit tee examine the experiences of people in regional, rural, and remote parts of Australia with telecommunications delivery, as well as considering the unique needs of First Nations communities.
Submissions and face-to-face consultations have provided needed feedback on a range of matters including the suitability of telecommunications during emergency situations, how emerging technologies could improve connectivity; and ways telecommunications can support regional development. Previous Review’s have seen the delivery of major initiatives, such as the Mobile Black Spot Program and the National Audit of Mobile Coverage.
Have your say before 31 July 2024. For more information go to https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say/2024-regional-telecommunications-review
Registrations are open for this year’s Central West NSW Heavy Vehicle Breakfast Forum, to be held at the Forbes Inn on Thursday 13th June. Local farmers, contract harvesters, couriers, truck drivers and transport company operators are invited to attend.
Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said this year’s event will focus on heavy vehicle access, safety, compliance, industry case studies and more. “Since its inception in 2012, the breakfast forum has brought together the local freight industry to discuss issues affecting them.” “This year participants will hear updates about heavy vehicle access from NHVR and Transport for NSW. Divall’s Earthmoving & Bulk Haulage will share a case study about their training pro gram. NSW Police will discuss the results of Operation Convoy along with some general road rule reminders and SafeWork NSW will provide an overview of their work in the sector. Westlime and NHVR will also provide a local case study about collaboration,” Ms Suitor said.
You can register online at https://shorturl.at/KAN6V, via the Councils’ Facebook pages or call Ms Suitor on (02) 6861 2364. The forum will kick off at 6.30am with breakfast, and the official program starts at 7am, finishing at 11.30am. The forum is free, but registration is required for catering purposes.
If you are unable to make it on the day, the event is being recorded and the link to the video will be shared on the Councils’ Facebook pages and in follow-up media articles or contact Ms Suitor to register interest in receiving the link.
George, 2023. Adam Kerezsy. From the exhibition BEHIND THE LENS, photographs of Arts OutWest Media Associates.
Arts OutWest, the peak arts body and regional arts development organisation for the NSW Central West, has been working across the region for 50 years.
“As the oldest regional arts program in NSW, Arts OutWest has a strong legacy of high quality arts activities coupled with support for arts, heritage and culture across all artforms and all interests,” said Arts OutWest chair Margot Jolly.
“The organisation is highly regarded in the state and national arts sectors, and is a leader in areas like arts and health – something our region can be proud of.” A special 50th anniversary dinner will be held at Forbes Town Hall on Saturday June 1st. Whilst the dinner is sold out, you can still attend the opening of three new art exhibitions on Saturday afternoon, 2-3pm at Forbes Town Hall.
The exhibitions showcase recent work by members of the Forbes Arts Society, work by Arts OutWest staff, board and advisory council members, and photography from Arts OutWest’s Media Associates. The exhibitions will be open to the public Sunday 2nd June, and then across the long weekend June 8th-10th, from 10am-2pm at Forbes Town Hall and next door at St Andrews Hall. Work by Wiradjuri artist Rhonda Sharp will also show at Forbes Visitor Information Centre for the month of June.
“Arts OutWest has played a pivotal role in nurturing artistic talent, promoting community engagement, and enhancing the cultural vitality on a regional level,” said Mrs Jolly.
Arts OutWest is one of 15 regional arts development organisations across the state, receiving funding from state, local and federal government and working with a wide range of partners to deliver support and run strategic arts projects in their region.
Players socialising between games.
On Saturday 25th May 31 players arrived for Aussie Croquet on a rather pleasant morning. We welcomed a visitor Peter Campbell who is at present staying with his Brother in Law Vince Roberts. On the day three games were won by John Job, Allan Jones, Merv Langfield & Kevin Rubie.
14/13 scores were recorded by Robin Pols & John Allegri, 14/12 scoring by John Job & Merv Langfield, Colleen Liebich & Enid Baker, Elvy Quirk & John Cole, Allan Jones, Dorelle Scott & John Job, Elvy Quirk & Frank Donohoe, Harley Stewart & Cheryl Toohey, David & Peter West.
14/11 scores were recorded b y Lyn Simmonds & Cheryl Toohey, Kevin Rubie, Allan Jones & Fay Picker, Neville Spry & Peter West, Harley Stewart & Bruce Field, Merv Langfield & Robin Pols, Kevin Rubie & John Job, Bill Scott (Solo). Other scores on the day were 14/10.
Starting time for the winter season has changed and arrival to play is 9.15 am for a 9.30 start.
Important that you arrive a quarter of an hour earlier than start time to get your name in the draw. Croquet players were saddened in the past week to hear of the passing of Sandy Hepburn who was a much respected member of our Club. We will miss his cheeky smile and the fun times we shared. Last Saturday members wore black armbands and stood in silence in remembrance. Our Sympathy is extended to his family.
Our next monthly luncheon will be held on Tuesday 2nd July. Croquet in Forbes is fast becoming a popular sport and a great form of exercise. Great for hand and eye coordination.
By Elvy Quirk