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Forbes Phoenix

Thrilling Races And Chilling Weather At Forbes Cup 2022

August 5, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Forbes Shire Councillor Chris Roylance (right) presented the ‘Amazing’ Ben Hall Bullet to jockey Billy Owen on Free State after his thrilling run in the 1200m sprint!
(Photo: Forbes Jockey Club)

For most of us it was a day to stay indoors, but racegoers at the Forbes Cup braved the cold and wet on Sunday to enjoy a fantastic day out. 

It was also a day of iconic and historic wins with the Forbes Jockey Club resurrecting the Ben Hall Bullet sprint race over 1200m after 40 years. 

The first winner of the iconic Ben Hall Bullet trophy after all these years was Free State, trained by Brad Widdup with Billy Owen in the saddle! 

The sought after Bankstown Sports Club Forbes Cup went to One Aye after a thrilling race over 1600m. At about 150m to go it was still anyone’s race, but then One Aye came through as the one and only champion. Coming in second was Toulon Brook. Both One Aye (#11) and Toulon Brook (#12) have qualified to contest the hot new $2M Big Dance at Royal Randwick in November. The third place went to #7 Intuition and fourth to #9 Reward Seeker. 

The day also featured Fashions on the Field. 

Tree Of Life Mural Transforms Hospital Corridor

August 5, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

TREE OF LIFE… The mural in the Forbes Hospital was done by Peak Hill artist Scott ‘Sauce’ Towney (right) to create a more sympathetic atmosphere for people headed to the mortuary in a time of stress.

A drab and dark corridor in the Forbes Hospital has been transformed into a wonder world of Wiradjuri skylore and trees.

A mural was created by acclaimed Wiradjuri artist Scott ‘Sauce’ Towney from Peak Hill. He was commissioned to develop a mural for the mortuary corridor at the hospital as part of the Lachlan Arts and Culture Program for the redevelopment of Parkes and Forbes hospitals.

Scott developed the design using the Yarran-Do (Yarran Tree) connecting the earth to the sky. The Yarran-Do has Wiradjuri carved tree symbols on the tree, while Wiradjuri constellation designs link the tree to the sky and flow down the corridor towards the mortuary entry. The river also flows through the image. Scott developed symbols that are relevant to the function of the mural, guiding people to the mortuary.

The unadorned mortuary corridor is in the service area of the hospital with storage spaces on each side. Staff member, Carolyn Pearce suggested that the corridor could use a makeover to be more sympathetic to people headed to the mortuary in a time of stress.

Scott is well known for his public art works in the Forbes and Parkes Shires. He has done many murals and his work is represented on footy shirts and his famous Emu in the Sky features on a $1 Australian coin. Scott has completed a series of works on Wiradjuri sky stories which has been adapted for the mural in the mortuary corridor.

The arts and health team of Arts OutWest coordinated the mural project, which was completed last month.

By Maggi Barnard

Topsoil Organics Wins Business Award

August 5, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Topsoil Organics employees with the Small Business Award at the awards night were (L-R) Kylie Martin, Siobhan Ber-mingham, Lan Nicholson, Dan Nicholson, Stephanie Crowe and Eloise Clayton.

An innovative and young Forbes business took out the Small Business award at the 2022 Western NSW Business Awards held at Taronga Western Plains Zoo recently. 

First time entrants Top Soil Organics shocked and surprised themselves by winning the most competitive category on the night. 

“We are very excited about this award,” said Director Dan Nicholson. “It’s been very tough as a new business through COVID, but this award gives us a feeling that we must be on the right path. It gives us reassurance for the future.” 

After exponential growth over the past 12 months for the composting making business and the staff compliment growing from two full-time employees to 19, Dan said he foresaw business tripling in size over the next three years. 

He said the company had four vacancies at the moment, and if winning the award made them stand out to attract good employees, it would be a further win. 

Topsoil’s composting facility opened last year and provides an environmentally compliant facility for the receival and reuse of food and green waste. The facility processes food and green waste from supermarkets in metropolitan areas, mainly Sydney, into compost that is sold to farmers in the Central West as fertiliser. 

“There is a massive demand for the end product, and as food waste needs to be diverted from landfill, there is an opportunity to keep growing,” said Dan. He is looking to expand his processing capacity from 30,000 tons to 150,000 tons. 

“We are looking at equipment from Europe to depackage the plastic on food products. Once we’ve found an end market for the plastic, we will complete the circular economy loop from supermarket to farmer and the farmer’s produce back to the supermarket. 

“We are very proud where we’ve come from,” said Dan. 

By Maggi Barnard

Forbes Rotary Raises Money For Ukraine

August 5, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Board members at Forbes Rotary’s 75th Annual presentation dinner (L – R) David Rhodes (treasurer), Greahame Uphill (secretary), Chris Finkel (president), Gary Pymont (immediate past president), Ross Williams (youth director), Chrissie Hawke (bulletin editor) and Peter Norris (vocational director). Absent: Michael Jelbart and John Zannes.

As the Rotary Club of Forbes held its 75th annual presentation dinner recently it also launched a project to assist the people of Ukraine. 

The club is raising funds through the sales of sunflower seeds – the sunflower is Ukraine’s national flower. Little blue and yellow packets of sunflower seeds for Ukraine have been placed at local businesses for the public to support the project. 

A few dollars as a donation for these seeds will help Rotary International fund much needed assistance for the war-torn people in Ukraine to regain their independence and freedom. 

“Planting the seeds in your garden will not only provide a colourful display in the streets of our town but will provide much needed support for those impacted by war in Ukraine,” said club president Chris Finkel. 

“It’s one more way Rotary is supporting communities both here and abroad – as a group of faithful Forbes volunteers has now been doing for three quarters of a century.” 

Forbes has two Rotary Clubs, and next year the Rotary club of Forbes Ipomoea will be celebrating 20 years of service. Forbes Ipomoea was chartered in 2003 and meets once a month on a Tuesday at 7am, while the 

The two Forbes Rotary clubs are encouraging more people to join them “to do good in our world, to do good in Australia and do good in our region”. 

President Chris Finkel, his board and Rotary members would love to welcome more people to join them. 

If you’re looking for something incredible to be part of, Rotary is a good place to start. Contact Chris on 0429 661 358 to talk about provisional membership if you’d like to try it out first. 

“I’ve made many friends through the world… involving myself in humanitarian Rotary projects and I invite members of our community to join our Rotary club and share the enjoyment and satisfaction one receives in pursuit of helping others,” he said. 

Trees, Trees, Trees

August 5, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Jacob, Emmanuel and Sharon Degeling at the Forbes National Tree Day on Saturday.

Almost 400 trees were planted in Forbes and Parkes at National Tree Day events organised by Central West Lachlan Landcare last weekend.

It was gorgeous weather for volunteers on Saturday who planted 120 trees in Forbes. They were rewarded with Bunnings BBQ vouchers for their hard work.

It was a very different story for volunteers on Sunday when the weather turned foul and freezing, but the brave volunteers still managed to plant 240 trees in Parkes. A BBQ brought some warm relief on the blustery day. Volunteers also received giveaway plants from Bunnings and Forbes Riverside Gardens.

Landcare Co-ordinator Marg Applebee thanked to Forbes and Parkes Shire Councils for their support with the events.

Kieran, Beth and Ollie Deland braving the cold at the Parkes event on Sunday.

Australian Poetry Month

August 5, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

August is Australian Poetry Month. It aims to increase access, awareness and visibility of poetry in all its forms and for all audiences. It is a good time to dig out those scribbles from the drawer or from a hidden file on your computer and send them in to us to celebrate poetry. We’ve received a very topical poem from a reader in Parkes.

 

Ukraine

Liberated and united they long to be

The people of Ukraine are determined to be free

The amount of destruction is hard to believe

Yet they say they’re resolute

Surrender they won’t concede

Their courage and bravery is second to none

The world will support them until they’ve won

The traitorous aggressor has threatened with war

And nuclear arms if their demands they ignore

Their president leads boldly

And won’t give in to threats

The people support him

They have no regrets

By Warren Tanner, Parkes

 

Readers of The Forbes & Parkes Phoenix are invited to send in creative writing (poems, short stories and more) of no more than 500 words for publication in this monthly column. Send your submissions to the editor@parkesphoenix.com.au or editor@forbesphoenix.com.au 

Annual Harvest Field Day On 11th August

August 5, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

The annual Be Road Ready for Harvest Field Day will be offered in person and online, plus three satellite events to reach as big an audience as possible.

Harvest time is upon us and the annual field day in preparation will be in hybrid form this year.

Farmers, contract harvesters, transport operators, pilot drivers and agricultural machinery retailers are invited to attend this year’s Be Road Ready for Harvest Field Day in person at the Forbes Central West Livestock Exchange or online via Zoom on Thursday, 11th August. 

Breakfast will be provided from 7:30am for the official program to start at 8am. There

will be onsite displays from 10:30 to 11:30am.

“After two years of COVID disruptions it is great to be able to offer this hybrid event to provide important safety information in the lead up to the harvest period,” said Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor.

Topics to be discussed include access, permits, fire safety, fatigue, safety around powerlines, compliance, insurance, mental health and more.

“Harvest is coming and it is important to refresh people’s knowledge about the current rules and regulations for legally and safely moving agricultural machinery, combinations and trucks on the road.

“Safety and compliance during harvest is very important. Operators need to be aware of their responsibilities and ensure that all warning devices and travel requirements are adhered to,” said Melanie.

“Regulations are constantly changing and events like this are important to ensure people are up to date on what’s required before the upcoming harvest period.”

Registration is free but spaces are limited. Register via the Parkes, Forbes or Lachlan Shire Councils’ Facebook pages.

There will also be three satellite events to reach more farmers on:
• Wednesday, 31st August 7:30am – 10:15am at the Lake Cargelligo RFS Shed
• Thursday,1st September from 7:30am – 10:15am at the Wirrinya Community Hall
• Friday, 2nd September from 7:30am – 10:15am at the Peak Hill Golf Club

Beautification Of CBD

August 5, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

An artist’s impression of the pergolas to be installed in the CBD this weekend.

The CBD is going to look very different after the weekend with the installation of pergolas this weekend. Forbes Shire Council reported on Wednesday that earthworks had started in preparation for the pergolas, which is part of the CBD masterplan and funded by the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund. 

The installation of the pergolas will take place over the weekend to minimise the disruption to business and traffic. Traffic controls will be in place and the plan is to only close one end of the street at a time. Take care near the works and follow all signs to ensure your own safety and the safety of the crews. 

Snippets…

August 5, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Progress with the installation of outdoor equipment be-hind Forbes Public School was well on track this week.

Outdoor Gym: Forbes Shire Council is installing new outdoor gym equipment after receiving funding from the NSW Public Spaces Legacy Fund for the Lake Forbes Activation Plan. There will be two stations at Lake Forbes. One behind Forbes Public School and another on the other side of the lake at Lions Park with five pieces of equipment at a station. The installation will take approximately two weeks to complete. The area will be fenced off but will not disrupt walking around the lake.

Faulty Streetlights: You can now report a faulty streetlight and receive updates through Essential Energy’s website. With the new easy-to-use reporting tool, you can help make your streets safer by letting them know when there’s a streetlight that needs to be repaired. Seen a flickering light? Click this link to report it: www.essentialenergy.com.au/outages/streetlight

Nominate A Tradie: Our Tradie of the Month competitions in Forbes and Parkes, sponsored by Gunn’s Menswear and Totally Work Wear respectively, continues this month. Readers can nominate a tradie, male or female, to go into the draw and the winner each month will win a prize. Simply drop into Gunn’s Menswear or Totally Work Wear with your nomination, or send us an email at editor@forbesphoenix.com.au or editor@parkesphoenix.com.au.

Digital Seniors Card: Seniors in NSW are continuing to embrace the digital card with more than 100,000 people now taking advantage of the digital Seniors Card. While there would always be a non-digital version, many seniors are taking advantage of the digital option to access discounts and benefits on dining out, entertainment and travel. The Seniors Card has become the largest program of its kind in Australia since it was first introduced in 1992. To learn more visit service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/nsw-seniors-card-program

Mullets for Mental Health: Serious warning! Mullets are set to take over local communities in an 80s influx you won’t be able to resist! The Black Dog Institute’s Mullets for Mental Health campaign is officially back for 2022 and Aussies are encouraged to start growing those luscious locks for the month of September to raise much needed funds for mental health research. Almost 80% of Australians claimed their mental health had worsened due to the pandemic.

Hephner the Alpaca paid Parkes and Elvis (!) a visit this week as part of a road trip to raise awareness and funds for beyondblue. Hephner also visited The Dish and the library and pre-school in Peak Hill. Hephner has his own facebook page and this is a link for donations to beyond-blue. https://beyondblueinmem.raisely.com/chicken.

Knit ‘n Natter With Love All Over The World

August 5, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Some of the women at the Knit ‘n Natter event held at the Craft Corner last week. Holding the rugs are Rosemary Mitchell and Rhonda Redenbach from the Craft Corner and Dianne Percy from Orange.

There was a lot of catching up to be done after two years of ‘silence’ at the Knit ‘n Natter event at Craft Corner last week.

About 40 women from Orange and Bathurst joined locals from Parkes and surrounds to not only natter over a cuppa and cake, but also knit squares for the Wrap with Love project that provide warm wraps to vulnerable people all over the world.

“We donate wraps to overseas charities, but also donate to 12 local charities including to the women’s refuge, nursing homes, oncology department and more,” said Dianne Percy, co-ordinator of Wrap with Love in Orange.

The annual even at Craft Corner, going for more than 14 years, is a great way of bringing people together, but members of the public are knitting at their homes and with friends right through the year for the project.

“One rug is made up of 28 squares, and we have 604 completed so far this year,” said Dianne. All the knitted squares from the Central West go to Orange and since the start of the project a total of 7,000 rugs have been made so far.

Wrap with Love was started in Melbourne in 1992 and donations have been sent to people in more than 75 countries.

Craft Corner members and anyone else keen on knitting are encouraged to drop off their knitted squares at the Craft Corner in Parkes. The squares should be 25cm square, knitted in 8 ply yarn with no. 8 (4mm) needles in garter stitch all plain rows.

If you have any 8 ply yarn lying around at home, feel free to drop that off at the Craft Corner too.

Dianne’s group meets at the Orange City Library every Thursday from 9 to 12 in the morning. She said the group also made beanies for homeless people, twiddle muffs for people with dementia and children with disabilities, outfits for stillborn babies and trauma teddies for hospitals.

By Maggi Barnard

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