Local real estate agent Ainslee Toole has much to smile about after being awarded number one agent for Nutrien Harcourts NSW and placing third nationally for sales contribution at the recent National Conference. 

This was an exceptional result considering 2021 was not an easy year, with much of the Forbes district in flood and many wet days prohibiting inspections. 

“Most of the inspections last year were carried out in a buggy due to the wet season. I had people close to me battling the good fight so it was pretty exciting to get a podium finish at our National Conference after such a tough year,” said Ainslee. 

Ainslee continued to say this year is shaping up to be better. “We have just sold several larger irrigation properties at record levels and have some quality listings that we will be marketing through winter and spring.” 

Ainslee is a Forbes local, growing up on a farm in the area. After returning from a period living abroad it seemed a natural progression for Ainslee to combine her sales experience as a Retail Manager with her rural experience to sell farms. 

The real estate industry has changed considerably in the 24 years since Ainslee began her career. She started just before emails and the Internet, when people saw the ads in the papers and would call to be faxed a a description with a few photos. 

“In my first year we only advertised in the local papers and The Land. It took up to two days to get the photos printed at the photo shop and then a few days to courier the photos to our advertising agent in Sydney. You had to allow a week from the time you took the photo to getting it in the press,” she said. 

According to Ainslee, the biggest change in the industry has been the speed at which agents can now advertise a new listing, saying, “With online marketing we can reach in excess of 100,000 prospective buyers with a good campaign. It also allows us to target specific areas and demographics.” 

Last year, Nutrien Harcourts Forbes shifted to online Auctions through their National Auctioneer with exceptional results. Reaching an 80% clearance rate, the results were the best they have ever achieved. 

“The thing I like the most about being an agent is helping people achieve their goals. Whether it’s selling to move to town or buying another farm for their son to come home. In many cases this is the biggest business decision our clients make in their lifetime. With farms our clients are selling their business, their superannuation and their home in one transaction. 

“Our greatest compliment is when our buyers become our sellers and ask us to sell a property for them. I have sold many properties multiple times – some as many as four times.” 

When asked where she saw herself in five years time, Ainslee responded, “I hope I’m still on the podium and doing exactly what I’m doing now. It would be nice to maybe travel a bit more in the future now that we can.” 

We have all felt the chill of winter over the past few weeks increasing the need for heating in our homes. 

This greater reliance on fire and heating to keep warm over winter comes with the responsibility to prevent, prepare and protect our homes and loved ones against the outbreak of fire. House fires are responsible for approximately 50 deaths per year in Australia, according to Macquarie University’s Bushfire and National Hazards Cooperative Research Centre. 

Forbes Firefighter Matt Teale presented a fire safety and awareness program to members of Forbes CWA Evening Branch recently. “Everyone needs to be making sure they are fire aware and protect homes and loved ones by being prepared,” said Matt. 

His presentation included fire safety inside and outside the home, evacuation plans, human behaviour in an emergency, operation of fire extinguishers, fire blankets and smoke alarms, the dangers of fat fires in the home and more. 

 Matt demonstrated how to use a fire blanket, and the most effective way to use a dry powder extinguisher by remembering the acronym PASS: Pull, Aim, Squeeze and Sweep to put out a fire. “It is important to not only have these but also to know how to use them properly,” he said. 

Matt emphasised the importance of having a fire plan. “It’s not just in bushfire prone areas that fire plans help save lives. Make sure you know how to get out of the home, where the fire assembly point is for the family to meet, what possessions you want to take, and who is in the house. 

“Fire and Rescue can provide free safety visits by contacting Forbes Fire Station or go to https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/visits/ 

By Sue Cunningham 

A large contingent of junior players of the Forbes Rugby Union Club will be flying the flag for our town this long weekend at the 2022 NSW State Championships held in several locations including Dubbo and Orange. No less than 22 junior Forbes Platypi players were selected in seven Central West Representative sides.

“I don’t think we’ve ever had so many representatives in the club’s history,” said Craig Bruem, Junior Club President.

“We have a lot of talent in our club, and having so many representatives come as a result of the club’s long history of a strong culture of representation.”

Craig attributed the success of the talented youngsters also to the club’s coaches and countless volunteers who helped out every weekend. “Representing the Central West is a huge achievement and a great honour as teams are formed from all over the region,” said Craig.

In the Boys 12s team are Matthew Wallace, Mac Glasson, Mitch Stocks, Snow Hodder and Will Watson; Boys 13s: Thompson Hurford, Ash Kennedy, Teddy Mundy and Bobby Mundy; Boys 14s: Reece Matheson, Angus Irvine, Jack Smyth and Dempsey O’Connell; Girls 14s: Aurora Farrelly; Boys 15s: Zac Fraser, Patrick Ryan, Oliver Walker and Beau Stocks; Boys 16s: Harry Whitty and Geordie Duncan; Girls 16s: Alice Mattiske.

They will be playing up to five games in the round robin tournament over the course of the weekend.

The Forbes Men’s Shed is continuing to prove its value to the community, and is encouraging more members to join and partake in its outstanding work and reputation.

The organisation is one of hundreds nation-wide that provide a facility for over 930 members in NSW to engage themselves in projects and socialise with other members.

Not all Men’s Sheds look the same, but simply take a step inside the Forbes Men’s Shed on Union Street, and you will be pleasantly surprised.

The shed is a modern take on the iconic shed in the backyard that has long been a proud part of our Australian culture, and is recognised as one of the most powerful men’s groups, addressing health concerns and assisting men to ask for help.

 Forbes Men’s Shed member Don Archer said it was a great place to engage with other men and learn something new every time.

“I love the knowledge and experiences of the other blokes here, I always go home having learnt something new,” he said.

He said the Forbes Men’s Shed had a great management committee that focused on providing a safe and busy environment for men who can work on community projects, specific men’s shed projects, or something of their own choice in their own time.

The Fobes Men’s Shed is looking forward to inducting two students from Forbes High School to assist with its projects alongside its support works from early July.

Memberships forms are available at the Forbes Men’s shed on Union street or from www.mensshed.org/application-form.

Forbes Men’s Shed member Don Archer said it was a great place to engage with 

Each year, scores of cancer patients from Forbes and surrounding townships receive support from the amazing volunteers at Can Assist Forbes, the cancer support network that does incredible things. 

Can Assist Forbes recently became the 39th branch to receive vital funds to help keep local cancer patients’ cars on the road since the partnership between Can Assist and greenslips.com.au was established three years ago. The donation comes at a critical time after fundraising was stymied by the pandemic. 

This means Can Assist will expand its practical and financial support to cancer patients from fuel vouchers, pharmaceuticals, medical expenses, food vouchers, accommodation to now include CTP green slips insurance. President John Schrader, a cancer survivor, said the donation would be well used. “The only way to get to treatment is by vehicle as we don’t have public transport. Most cancer treatment is in Orange, Parkes or further afield, while PET scans must be done in Sydney.” 

Can Assist Forbes Treasurer Maureen Field said: “People rely on their cars to travel to and from treatment. Using your own car gives you freedom of movement for the many and various medical appointments. We estimate we’ll spend around $11,000 on clients’ travel expenses this year.” 

The greenslips.com.au donation comes at a time when Can Assist Forbes is helping an increasing number of cancer patients after a lull during the pandemic. “We help up to 70 clients, some need a lot of assistance, while others don’t need as much. And we have some clients we’ve been helping for many years,” said Maureen.

The support goes beyond financial help. “We have delivered firewood, moved furniture, and helped with patient transport. We are open to whatever assistance the patient needs and wants – but mostly it’s financial assistance,” said John.

What sets Can Assist apart from other charities is that all money raised locally stays local to help local cancer patients. The branch is funded entirely by local donations, local fundraising events, and corporate support such as greenslips.com.au, a CTP green slip insurance price comparison and information website that does not sell green slips. “We don’t cut people off, we help them. It gets really tough, especially if you’re not working or have large medical costs,” said Maureen. “You can see the relief on people’s faces when they know their bill will be paid, and $300-$400 on a green slip is a lot of money.”

GREATER AWARENESS AND SUPPORT NEEDED

John feels it’s vital that more people know about Can Assist and the support it provides. “Prior to my cancer treatment I had no awareness of Can Assist, but during my treatment I met other cancer patients and became aware of Can Assist’s great work.”

He urges local cancer patients to get in touch if they need financial support. “We are always encouraging people that if they have a cancer diagnosis to please contact us. Due to privacy laws, we need them to come to us. We need everyone to be aware of Can Assist so we can help more people in our community.”

Can Assist Forbes welcome new members and volunteers to help with the crucial work it does. 

Fantabulous, amazing, surreal, marvellous, awesome, beautiful… 

The excitement was palpable as five Jemalong Residential Village residents and three staff members landed back on Mother earth after a 50-minute hot air balloon flight over Canowindra on Tuesday morning. 

Their smiles stretched from ear to ear and words of wonder and amazement flowed freely after this once-in-a lifetime experience literally lifted their spirits after many months of COVID lockdowns and loneliness. 

“It was such a positive experience for our residents and it was so peaceful and quiet up there,” said Cathy Slessor, Lifestyle Coordinator at Jemalong Residential Village, and one of the three staff members who went on the flight. 

“Although it was a very early start for the group leaving Forbes at 4:30am, they were all very excited dressed in matching green Hawaiian shirts to raise awareness for mental health,” said Cathy. 

“It was a perfect morning with clear skies and we saw so many kangaroos. The pilot even landed on a tree and picked a gum leaf for us. It was really special.” 

The opportunity came about through Catholic Healthcare’s MyWish program which grants residents their special wish. “We asked the residents what they wanted to do, and one suggested a hot air balloon ride.” The five residents who put up their hands ranged in age from 78 to 82. 

 “The MyWish program is about promoting and valuing life at any age and providing residents with the opportunity to enjoy an exceptional experience,” said Daniel Stanton, Senior Communications Specialist, Catholic Healthcare. 

Cathy said it was just wonderful to have been able to offer such a positive experience to residents. 

The day ended on a perfect note with a champagne breakfast at Montrose House before they returned to Forbes where many recollections are sure to be told for a while to come. 

The Forbes Heritage Medal was awarded to the Forbes Historical Museum on Tuesday night in the newly renovated town hall.

Bruce Adams, who represented the Forbes Historical Museum, thanked the community for recognising the museum and its volunteers for their continuous hard work. “The Forbes Historical Museum continues to be one of the best volunteer run museums in NSW.”

Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller said she was very proud of the local community. “I think it is important to remember the people and places every year so we do not lose sight of the wonderful heritage we do have in Forbes.”

The Forbes Heritage Medal has a long and proud history of recognising the people who are working hard to ensure the preservation of the town. The medal is presented to a person or organisation who has made an outstanding contribution to the community and its heritage.

The three nominees were presented by local heritage advisor and historical architect Graham Hall. The other two deserving nominations were for the Forbes Tennis club and the Forbes Bandstand Rotunda in Victoria Park.

Several guest speakers spoke at the occasion, including local MC Jenny Webb and Sheryl Barton from the Forbes Family Historical group.

The Heritage Festival, cancelled last week because of the rain, will continue tomorrow in Victoria Park. The day will include heritage displays, bush poetry, damper cooking display and competition, historical vehicles and more. Make it a family outing and be prepared to have your curiosity provoked.

By Brett Sale 

An organic fertiliser producer has received a $5 million Federal Government grant to become the first industry to set up business in the new industrial park in Forbes.

Southern Cross Nutrients Pty Ltd received the grant through the Securing Raw Materials Program, which is supporting businesses move to or expand into regional areas to research and develop innovative and locally sourced raw material supplies.

Southern Cross Nutrients will produce organic fertilisers for farmers from recycled natural nutrients at Forbes. The project will create 15 full-time and four part-time ongoing jobs and a further 25 jobs during two construction stages. It is expected production will start late this year.

Member for Riverina Michael McCormack welcomed the grant last Thursday in Forbes, saying it was another shot in the arm for the Forbes economy and an exciting development in the drive to make agriculture a $100 billion a year industry by 2030.

The Securing Raw Materials Program has a range of benefits, including establishing, securing and strengthening the supply of raw materials to Australian industry, and supporting partnerships between industry and regional universities. Michael said Southern Cross Nutrients Pty Ltd was collaborating with Southern Cross University at Lismore to use organic waste to produce quality compost.

Southern Cross Nutrients will use compost and microbes manufactured in Forbes to produce nutrient and microbe-rich fertiliser to improve soil health, water retention, pest resistance and support increases in crop yields.

More information on the Securing Raw Materials Program can be found at: https://business.gov.au/srmp2.