Jordana Freney has been appointed as the new Forbes Phoenix Sales Manager after a competitive interview process that saw applicants from across the state.

Josh Matic, owner of The Phoenix Group of Newspapers said that he was extremely pleased with the appointment and that Jordana would be a great asset to the organisation as it grows.

“Jordana brings local knowledge, a can-do attitude and some tremendous ideas to the Forbes Phoenix,” said Mr Matic.

“We know she will help us re-establish the Phoenix as a valuable local advertising tool and a part of any business marketing model.”

“We can now also offer advertisers not only face-to-face service but online and social media advertising as well as editorial and video for those who take on campaigns longer than three months,” he said.

“Jordana can assist with all your sales enquiries and all editorial can be directed to our new editor Dane Millerd.”

Jordana Freney meanwhile is excited about the new role. “I’m really happy I was successful and can’t wait to start!”

For sales enquiries email Jordana Freney at sales@forbesphoenix.com.au or call 0459 086 023

PAINT IT RED FORBES: Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller is ready to paint the town red to support Ronald McDonald House and hopes you will too!

Forbes Shire Council is supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities Orange in 2021 by encouraging Forbes to paint itself red and will be holding a charity High Tea on the shores of Lake Forbes at Lions Park 25 March 2021.

“We cannot wait to paint the town red for Ronald McDonald House in March,” said Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM.

“This amazing charity has helped so many Forbes residents in their time of need.

Since the house opened, 75 families from Forbes have stayed at Ronald McDonald House Charities in Orange for a total of 298 nights – all free of charge.

“By turning the town red on March 25 this year we can ensure our local families can continue to receive support for life saving treatment at Orange Hospital,” said Mayor Miller.

“Last year a number of schools were involved in ‘Wear Red Day’ and I am truly hoping businesses in Forbes will get on board as well,” Mayor Miller said.

The High Tea will begin from 5.30pm with a number of guest speakers and include roving sparkling wine and mocktails. Tickets on sale now via 123Tix.com.

When three local businesses went up in flames on December 28, 2020 many thought none would re-open yet the Forbes TSG and Giftware store has taken less than 8 weeks to do it.

Store Manager Simone Holmes said that the initial shock of the fire damage was quickly replaced with a big effort to keep the business going.

“We are slowly but surely building up again and excited with what lies ahead,” Simone said.

“We have a great team and are happy to be getting back to normal. Our gift range is extensive and we hope locals will return to the store and check us out.”

Forbes TSG and Giftware is now located at 131-135 Rankin Street, Forbes next to SportsPower.

“We still provide gifts and ideas for birthdays, hens and bucks parties and more,” said Simone.

“And with footy season coming up we encourage everyone to come down and check out our new range. From beer snorkels to footy mugs plus a range of stuff for the ladies as well – we have a variety of giftware ideas.”

WHIP IT GOOD: Nathan ‘Whippy’ Griggs, the number 1 and fastest whip-cracker in the world putting on a show at Calarie Hall last week to a packed local crowd.

Last week whip-cracking royalty came to Calarie Hall when Nathan ‘Whippy’ Griggs came to town and put on a show as part of his tour.

Griggs is not only Australia’s number 1 whip cracking entertainer, he is a five time whip cracking Guinness world record holder! Four times for fastest records with both one and two hands, 697 cracks in a minute two whips, 359 cracks in a minute 1 whip and for the longest whip in the world cracking a whip over 100m long. When it comes to whips you will not find a more inspiring and passionate man. Nathan is a new breed of Australian whip cracker, and he’s taking the world by storm.

Located in Mataranka, Northern Territory, Nathan has invested a lot of his time into perfecting his whip cracking and whip making expertise. Now a professional entertainer and artisan whip maker, his whips are in demand from all over the world… as is his whip cracking entertainment.

The past eight years Nathan has spent touring Australia. Now traveling Australia with his partner Tess Rowley the founder of Fernie Swim. They are working together to expand what they both have to offer. Nathan and Tess have a passion for rural Australia and traveling.

Taking his show to hundreds of towns, entertaining thousands with his ever evolving whip cracking talent and distinc-tive style of Aussie humour.

“Calarie and Forbes has been one of my most packed shows,” said Griggs. “It’s great to get out here to these places.Can’t wait to come back and do it all again!”

With his growing fan base and social media stardom the name Nathan “Whippy” Griggs will be one to watch on the global circuit.

More information about touring dates can be obtained at www.nathangriggs.com.au

Forbes North SaCC and Mitchell Conservatorium of Music have teamed up to bring music sessions to young children in Forbes.

“Children have the opportunity to use percussion instruments, sing rhymes and participate in movement to music,” said Maree Yapp of Forbes North SaCC.

“Sessions will be every week during school term on a Monday morning and will be lead by a musician from the Mitchell Conservatorium, Mrs Hannah Nixon and at an affordable price for families which we all know is a consideration especially post COVID.”

I am so excited to be working with Hannah to deliver early childhood music sessions” said Maree Yapp from Forbes North SaCC, “and to be able to meet in a group face to face feels awesome”.

New mums who had babies during 2020 may not have had the opportunity to take part in face to face new mums groups or playgroups due to the restrictions that became part of our lives last year. Hannah and Maree are hoping families will feel confident to come along and try Thump Jump Rhyme.

“COVID safe practices and a QR code will be in place,” Maree said.

“The feedback has been exceptional and we are hopeful of encouraging more people to come along and see for themselves what everyone is talking about.

“It is a great outing and a real chance to have fun, create and connect with old friends or new ones,” said Maree Yapp.

To book your spot call Forbes North SaCC on 6852 3008 or find us on Facebook at Forbes North Schools as Community Centres.