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Forbes Phoenix

Phoenix Welcomes New Sales Rep

March 5, 2021 By editor

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

Snippets

March 5, 2021 By editor

FREE CUPPAS: The Free Cuppa initiative has been a success with fatigue-related crashes more recently falling by 19% across NSW.

100 Businesses Join Forces to Reduce Driver Fatigue Crashes on NSW Roads: The ‘Free Cuppa for the Driver’ scheme has been running for 11 years. This year 17 local businesses in the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Council areas have put their hands up to help fight driver fatigue and reduce our road toll by offering free cuppas to tired drivers.

Our local businesses will join over 100 businesses across regional areas of NSW to participate in the next phase of the successful ‘Free Cuppa for the Driver’ scheme, which runs annually from 1 March to 31 May. Participating businesses will be encouraging drivers to take regular breaks by offering a free cup of tea or coffee to any driver who is more than 100kms away from home.

Since 2010, over 25,000 free cuppas have been given away. During that time, across NSW fatigue-related crashes have fallen by 19%. Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said that the second biggest killer on NSW roads is drivers who are tired.

‘Free Cuppas’ are available from a broad range of businesses with varied opening hours, making regular breaks and free cuppas more accessible than ever.

“If it wasn’t for the participating businesses supplying the ‘free cuppa’, then this scheme wouldn’t be possible. I would like to thank the 17 enthusiastic businesses across the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Council areas who are taking part in this year’s scheme,” Ms Suitor said.

The local participating businesses for 2021 are: Commercial Hotel, Forbes Bakehouse, Forbes Inn Hotel Motel, Isabel’s Place, Shell Forbes and Subway Forbes.

The ‘Free Cuppa’ website, freecuppa.com.au, allows drivers to search for the nearest participating business as well as find useful information on the scheme. There is also an active Facebook page that will keep you up to date on the scheme and the participating businesses.

For further information, please contact (02) 6861 2364.

Clean Up Australia Day: This Sunday, 7 March is Clean Up Australia Day and for those in the Forbes shire there are numerous places to get involved in this important and wonderful initiative. Fitzgerald’s Bridge, Cottons’ Weir and Gum’s Swamp on the Newell Highway are the areas for locals to participate. For more information call Forbes River Meadows Caravan Park on 6852 2694.

CLEAN UP: Cotton’s Weir near Forbes NSW is one of the Clean Up Australia Day sites this Sunday March 7.

NSW Governor Visits CUC Parkes

March 5, 2021 By editor

CENTRAL WEST VISIT: NSW Governor Beazley engaging with students at CUC in Parkes as part of her tour of the region.

The Country Universities Centre (CUC) Parkes was excited to host Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC, Governor of New South Wales, on Friday 19th February when they visited the newly opened Centre.

Her Excellency enjoyed engaging with the CUC Parkes’ students and inquiring about their futures.

Mother and fulltime worker, Talesha Dunn, said that studying her Graduate Certificate in Applied Digital Marketing online through Charles Sturt University was exciting but also challenging.

“I enjoy the CUC Parkes as it is a quiet place to study, away from home stresses or priorities at work,” Ms Dunn said.

“I get a full day a week to come and use the Centre to watch my lectures, finish my assessments and just focus on study for eight solid hours.”

CUC Parkes Centre Manager, Jacob Cass, spoke to the strengths of the location of the CUC.

“The Centre includes eleven computer terminals and the sitting space for students to BOYD. Students have access to the Centre seven days a week from 7:00am to midnight,” Mr Cass said.

“In addition, students also can access smaller breakout rooms for private study in the Library facility and the Centre can book and utilise the Multi-Purpose Hall (Coventry room) and the newly built Makerspace for hosting workshops or larger student study groups.”

Mr Cass thanked Her Excellency and Mr Wilson for their interest in regional higher education and for taking the time to visit the CUC Parkes and meet with current students.

The CUC Parkes is open for any student studying a higher education course and any Australian University. If you’d like to find out more about how the CUC Parkes can help support you please visit: www.cucparkes.edu.au or contact Jacob Cass on 0409 119 0933

Forbes Council Takes Big Steps On More Social Housing

March 5, 2021 By editor

Forbes Shire Council is currently undertaking a Housing Strategy for the area and will start by engaging with the community to ascertain the requirements for Forbes residents.

The Strategy will ensure that the Shire is equitable and strategic when planning for future housing in the shire and they are calling for input from people across the community. Consultation for the strategy will begin on 1 March 2021.

Mayor Phyllis Miller is keen to hear the community’s thoughts on what the Council should plan for and is asking everyone to contribute to the Forbes Housing Strategy survey.

“Council is very committed to putting housing first, because we believe that it is a home that binds everyone together, as one of the fundamentals of living,” said Forbes Shire Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM.

“A safe community and a good home is key to so many parts of life – work, school, friendships, good health, security and happiness.

“The housing issues we are dealing with at present include increased demand for housing and Council wants to ensure there is a mix of options for both buyers and renters,” said Mayor Miller.

“There is a need for more rental housing in Forbes which will also be addressed in the plan.”

Council will provide a variety of opportunities for the community to provide comments and suggestions for the Strategy. “Staff will be hosting pop up sessions to get your comments as well as doing in person consultations with parents at schools, day-cares and preschools and with the over 60’s both online and in person,” said Mayor Miller.

Nothing Like Painting The Town Red

March 5, 2021 By editor

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.

Delayed COVID IDPwD Celebrations At Forbes Pool

March 5, 2021 By editor

THE CURRAJONG CREW: Sarah Maglashan, Kyal Sauer, Jamie Cook, Jolene Jones (FSC) and Jeanette Lovett help-ing out at the BBQ for IDPwD at the Forbes Memorial Pool as Sanu Malyil Sunny and Timbo Wheeler watch on.

FORBES Olympic Pool was awash with fun and games last week as Forbes celebrated the COVID delayed International Day for People with Disability (IDPwD).

Forbes Shire Council and Currajong Disability Services teamed up with Aruma and other NDIS providers to celebrate the annual day with a series of fun activities. It is the third time that these groups have come together to host this key event.

“It was a great day to celebrate what is a big day on the disability calendar and an important day for us,” said Kyal Sauer, a participant at Currajong

Mr Sauer said the day was great in that it allows people to recognise people with disabilities for what they are and can do, rather than what they can’t.

“I would like to thank Forbes Shire Council for helping to organise the events at the Olympic Pool,” said Kristy Harvey, a support worker from Currajong.

“The effort put in to make this happen is great. I know we all appreciate it and we thank you for all of the work put in to make it a special day.”

IDPwD (December 3) is a United Nations sanctioned day that is celebrated internationally. It aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability and celebrate their achievements and contributions.

The Australian Government has been supporting IDPwD since 1996 and provides funds to promote and raise awareness of the day around Australia.

Local Giftware Store Re-Opens At New Location

March 5, 2021 By editor

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.”

Cracking Good Time At Calarie Hall

March 5, 2021 By editor

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

Thump, Jump, Rhyme

February 26, 2021 By editor

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.

Governor Beazley’s Tour Of Forbes

February 26, 2021 By editor

Mens Shed Flag Ceremony: Shooters Party NSW MP Phil Donato, Governor Margaret Beazley and Forbes Men’s Shed President Norm Haley.

 

It may have been a whirlwind visit and the first to the region since COVID struck, but NSW Governor, Her Excellency, Margaret Beazley AC QC more than made up for it with numerous stopovers on her tour.

“Dennis and I are pleased to be back on the road and delighted to be in the Central West,” the Governor said.

“This is our first multi-day regional visit after a long pause because of COVID and we were interested to hear how the past months have impacted on the diverse economy of the region and the day to day lives of local people.”

In Forbes, the Governor and Mr Wilson met with members of the Men’s Shed to discuss the latest developments after successful grants applications enabled the group to expand. This was followed by an intimate and enjoyable Community Lunch in Wheogo Park put on by Isabel’s Place, a visit to the Platypus Gallery, and tour of the Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre in what was a real highlight of the day. The Aussie Biscuit Factory rounded off the day for the Governor with a behind the scenes look at the organisation.

The Governor was accompanied by partner Dennis Wilson and Shooters Party State MP Phil Donato also attended. Governor Beazley also met other key community stakeholders as well as recipients from the recent Australia Day awards ceremony.

Mr. Wilson spoke fondly of the Central West having spent time during his youth in Dubbo, often playing sport against teams from Forbes.

“I have been fortunate enough to spend a good portion of my life in the Central West and I am always extremely impressed by the people and the hospitality every time I come here,” he said.

“Forbes is a wonderful, progressive and beautiful town and you should all be extremely proud,” said Mr. Wilson, echoing the words of Her Excellency.

“People out here are resilient, resourceful and incredible. Living in rural Australia isn’t easy but places like Forbes despite their remote location, are thriving and are a great advertisement for country living,” he said.

The Vice-Regal couple also visited Parkes and Condobolin during their quick tour chatting with local businesses, schools and finishing off with a day out at the Condobolin Picnic Races on Saturday, 20 February before returning to Government House in Sydney to resume normal duties on behalf of the state.

“We have had a tremendous time with fond memories and we can’t wait to return,” Her Excellency said.

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