Forbes Phoenix

Forbes Celebrates A Happy Easter In Style

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HAPPY EASTER: Kids from Forbes Public School celebrated Easter with another successful hat parade.

From raffles to hat parades, Forbes turned it on last week to celebrate the first post COVID Easter and there was great weather and plenty of action.

Forbes Public School started it off last Thursday with their annual Easter Hat Parade with many outstanding entries. The Easter Bunny also made an appearance and a tremendous day was enjoyed by all who attended.

Our services such as churches and food and health were also in full operation providing support for many.In sport, the Forbes Platypii played their annual Brad Ridley Shield against Condobolin. While the result wasn’t important, the Women’s side won 35-15 and Men’s 45-5 and it was great to see people at the game and out and about.

Our bowlers entertained visitors from across the state for their annual Easter tournament and some 32 teams entered in what was a fantastic carnival while others simply strolled around the lake, had a swim, went riding, fishing or had a quiet time with family and friends. Others no doubt spent the time to catch up on rest after a busy year so far.

If anything, this Easter should give us a chance to reflect on all that has happened over the past year and to appreciate all we have and all we are.

However you spent your weekend or wherever you are, Happy Easter from everyone at the Forbes Phoenix!

Easter Hat Parade Excitement At Forbes Public School

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LEADING THE WAY: Wyatt Hearn and Nathaniel Wilton leading Class KD.

 

GOOD TIMES: Jack Bull, Charlie Acheson and Delta Steele.

 

HAPPY EASTER: Olivia Gamble and Sadie McConnell enjoyed all the colour and excitement.

 

CAN WE HAVE CHOCOLATE YET: Forbes Public School students waiting for the parade.

 

LOVING THE PARADE: Ruby Lidster, Grace Fuge and Eila Duggan loved the FPS Easter Hat Parade.

 

COUNTDOWN TO HOLIDAYS: Daivik Patel and James Gamble.

 

Forbes Grabs Third In Western Regional League

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BRONZE MEDALISTS: Forbes team Kate Loneragan (Captain), Chloe Madden (Vice Captain), Nat Carthew, Mel Cowhan, Alex Bayley, Ellie Flick, Shannon Hurley, Kate Kelly, Hannah Mattisje, Nicole Mee, Monique Pointon, Joelene Grace (injured). Coach-Robyn Kenny, Manager Marg Spackman, Primary Carer Gabe McMillan, Bench official Monica Morrison.

Sport loves a good fairy tale. Whether it be the game winning three-point shot or the putt to win a golf title. Forbes Women’s side hasn’t been together more than 100 days and one of their key players Joelene Grace went down with a season ending injury only minutes into the opening game of the year but Forbes have defied their bigger, more fancied rivals and grabbed third in their first foray into the Central West Regional League in Orange.

The Forbes Netball Association open representative played the finals of the Netball NSW Hart West/Central West Regional League Division 1 competition in Orange at PCYC stadium and had beaten Bathurst (30-25) and Dubbo (28-18) in the run to the semi-finals.

While Forbes couldn’t do the repeat job on Bathurst in the qualifying semi-final, they did defeat Dubbo for third in a positive display. In a tight affair, Forbes won the moments that mattered and grabbed bronze in a stirring effort. No one can deny it has been an impressive return to representative netball for Forbes opens and the signs are there for more success in the future for our girls.

Coach Robyn Kenny was very pleased with the effort. “All members of the team have taken big steps up in intensity and skill and matching their opposition in all competition games,” said Robyn.

“They’ve been showing great teamwork, and supporting each other,” Robyn said.

“All players have taken on the challenges with enthusiasm and positive play.”

The Forbes team representatives were – Kate Loneragan (Captain), Chloe Madden (Vice Captain), Nat Carthew, Mel Cowhan, Alex Bayley, Ellie Flick, Shannon Hurley, Kate Kelly, Hannah Mattisje, Nicole Mee, Monique Pointon, Joelene Grace (injured). Coach-Robyn Kenny, Manager Marg Spackman, Primary Carer Gabe McMillan, Bench official Monica Morrison.

More Jobs, Better Roads For Forbes And Parkes

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Safer journeys are on the way in Forbes and Parkes with projects rolling out under the latest round of the Australian and NSW Governments’ accelerated Fixing Local Roads program.

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said Forbes and Parkes Shire Councils would share in more than $5.7 million in road funding to help tackle the increasing amount of work required to provide safe roads for their communities.

“Forbes Shire Council will receive $2,382,564 in joint funding to improve the Yarrabandai Road, which I know was affected by the recent heavy rainfall,” Mr McCormack said.

“Safe reliable roads are essential infrastructure for communities in regional New South Wales – by improving roads, we are making a big difference to people’s lives in ensuring they get home sooner and safer,” said the National’s Leader.

“We know improved roads are crucial to regional communities – the 16 successful road projects across the Riverina and Central West receiving $20,084,287 in funding from the NSW and Federal Governments, will play a big role in helping residents and businesses recover from the effects of bushfires, drought, floods and the COVID-19 pandemic.”

NSW Upper House MP, Sam Farraway said that it was great to be able to work with the Federal Government to deliver these vital upgrades to local roads. “This program won’t just ease the burden of maintenance for local councils, but it will deliver safer, more reliable journeys for all local road users.”

Round 1 of the Fixing Local Roads Program saw $243.6 million of joint funding allocated to 253 projects in 83 Local Government Areas, and Round 2 will see $150 million allocated to more than 100 road projects in 90 Local Government Areas.

Mayoral Notes

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We are so excited to be bringing Frost and Fire back this year. It will be a little different due to the new COVID rules and the event will be ticketed. Entry remains free, we need to have tickets to ensure we do not have too many show up and have to turn people away. Local acts Gracey Jones and Fog Pilots are performing and the major act, the amazing Bob Evans (previously of the well-known band Jebediah). But that’s not all, there will be fire buckets scattered around the Ski Dam, Walter Whip and the Flame will be moving through the crowd showing his fire tricks and stunts as well as John Buttagig playing guitar. For the Game of Thrones fans a Jon Snow lookalike will also be roaming through the crowd for photos.

We are asking for expressions of interest for food and alcohol providers for this event. Head over to our website for an application form.

Last week the paving began on the pedestrian strips of Templar Street. This work will be done in small sections to ensure minimal disruption to customers and the stores along this street. We apologise for this taking as long as it has, it has been difficult to get contractors but now we have them we are keen to get this job done.

Meaghers Lane is also having work done to it with new Bin Bays being installed this week.

God Bless.

Your Mayor,
Phyllis Miller

Snippets…

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All Abilities Cooking Day: Mark Wednesday, 21 April at 10am in your calendars as Forbes Preschool along with the Forbes Youth Action Team are holding the All Abilities Cooking Day. For further information on the All Abilities Cooking Day or any other holiday event, please contact Forbes Shire Council on 02 6850 2300 or www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/contact-us

Rebecca Wilson visit: Author Rebecca Wilson (who has written a book on Kate Kelly, sister of bushranger Ned) will be visiting this month on April 16 at the Book Dispensary, Forbes. The workshop begins at 10:30am and finishes at 1:30pm. Kelly, for those who are unaware, is buried in Forbes cemetery.

New Doctor Training Scheme To Boost Bush GP Numbers By 400: Up to 400 general practitioners will train to work in regional Australia over the next four years, with the establishment today of the Coalition Government’s Rural Generalist Training Scheme (RGTS) to boost doctor numbers in the bush.

The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) will deliver the Government-funded $49.7 million program, with ACRRM providing up to 100 Rural Generalist GP training places each year.

Federal Regional Health Minister, Mark Coulton said the end goal of the RGTS is for patients to have increased access to primary health services in rural and remote communities.

“Rural and remote communities want safe and high quality primary healthcare services delivered by well-trained GPs with training in an extended rural skill set,” Minister Coulton said. “Our Government is committed to making this happen by continuing to build the rural medical training pipeline.”

“I want to acknowledge ACRRM’s hard work over the past twelve months to bring this program to fruition for aspiring rural generalists. By providing more rural training places, we will open more GPs’ eyes to the significant benefits of being a rural generalist and living in a regional community.” Minister Coulton said rural generalist GPs are critical to the delivery of healthcare in rural and remote communities, and their specialist skills and training allow them to provide medical care in a wider range of circumstances.

Forbes Community Day April, 29: If you’re free on April 29 between 10:30am and 2:30pm and need help with anything from bills to Centrelink debts or even family law issues or Disability Royal Commission submissions, then come down to the Uniting Church Hall, 27 Brown Street, Forbes. For more info call 68501234 or email enquiries@binaalbilla.com.au

You Choose Set For Return: We are pleased to announce You Choose is re-turning to Forbes this month and this time around Melissa McGuiness will be holding an adult session for parents and guardians. This powerful information session is essential for all parents of young drivers. Bookings are essential and can be made by phoning Sarah Williams on 6850 2300 or emailing sarah.williams@forbes.nsw.gov.au

FSC And DPI Run Fishing Workshop: Forbes Shire Council is partnering with the DPI to bring yet another Fishing Workshop to the lake. Come along and learn fishing tips and tricks and win some amazing giveaways! All participants under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. The event is being held on Tuesday, 13 April from 9am-11am at Lions Park. Cost is free.

Ninja Park Opens In Time For Easter

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HANGING AROUND THE NEW NINJA PARK: Josie and Jock Townsend enjoy the new ninja park last week

Forbes Ninja Playground, inspired by the televised Ninja Warrior series, opened last weekend just in time for Easter and the school holidays.

The park, which has been in the works for some time, has two courses to cater for junior and senior kids. It didn’t take long for crowds to flock.

The two kids courses share a three-metre-high warped wall, which is a feature of every course in the televised series and was certainly a hit last week.

The Ninja Park is located at Stephen Field, near the skate park, the location chosen after community consultation but debated by councillors due to its location in the floodway.

When councillors finally resolved the location of the park, based on community feedback, they then designed a flood emergency plan that includes the removing obstructive equipment during a flood event.

Despite recent rains, the park has held up well and will certainly be a popular attraction these school holidays. Will the next Australian Ninja Warrior come from the Forbes Shire?

Watch this space to see who will become Forbes next ninja warrior!

Stimulus Funding For Local Showgrounds

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Upper House MP Sam Farraway today announced more than $482,000 for upgrades across six local showgrounds under the NSW Government’s COVID-19 stimulus program.

Mr Farraway said upgrades will be funded to Forbes, Trundle, Eugowra, Tullamore, Manildra, and Parkes showgrounds to improve facilities and infrastructure while supporting local work.

“Our local showgrounds are multi-use community hubs so it’s terrific to see this further investment in infrastructure upgrades to keep them safe and functional for future generations,” Mr Farraway said.

“Showgrounds provide facilities for agricultural shows and a wide range of community groups and many also serve as relief centres during bushfires and floods to provide shelter for residents and animals and a base for emergency services.”

Some of the latest funding allocations include:
• $140,096 for Trundle Showground to redevelop its hospitality facilities
• $76,705 for Eugowra Showground to concrete areas surrounding the pavilion, upgrade external lighting, and for improvements to its horse arena
• $15,620 for Forbes Showground to in-stall four reverse cycle air-conditioners.

Minister for Water, Housing and Property Melinda Pavey said the COVID-19 stimulus program has now allocated a total of $55.77 million to 795 showground improvement projects across the state.

“We previously provided $35.77 million across the State to support 623 upgrade projects at 187 showgrounds which have so far supported over 1,490 jobs, providing work for tradespeople, suppliers and fabricators,” Mrs Pavey said.

“These investments are providing a kick start by improving the safety, use and condition of showground infrastructure while stimulating communities.”

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