Most of us would cringe at the very thought of coming into contact with a snake, but that’s hardly the case for our very own Forbes snake catcher, Paul Newcombe.

Paul has been living in Forbes all his life and decided more than 20 years ago that he was going to start catching snakes.

At first Paul started off by catching snakes only for people that he knew but as word spread of his pastime in the Forbes area, he was advised to apply for an official snake catcher licence. After obtaining his licence those many years ago, Paul has just got busier and busier through word of mouth and so became a household name we know and recognise as ‘The Snake Catcher’.

“I’ve just always been interested in animals and liked having them at home too.

I breed fish and birds, raise pigeons and have about 40 snakes at home,” he said.

Paul has been married to his wife, Cheryl, for 30 years. He can be classified as a herpetologist, meaning a person that studies reptiles and amphibians. He swiftly deals with snake call-outs during the day while working at the rattery, where they breed rats for snake food. The snake catcher licence requires Paul to have public liability and personal insurance, which he makes up through the $50 fee for catching a snake.

“I have been bitten twice by a snake, a brown and black snake. I ended up in the Forbes District Hospital for a couple of days. I suppose I zigged when I should have zagged,” Paul lightly joked. The necessary emergency procedures were followed by applying a pressure bandage as soon as possible and no anti-venom was required.

“Snake catchers have to know what they’re doing when it comes to actually catching the snake. You have to choose the right time and have absolutely no hesitation, otherwise you will get bitten,” said Paul.

During 2017, Paul caught 156 brown snakes, six black snakes, four tiger snakes and about 15 pythons in and around the Forbes district. So far this year, he has already caught 59 snakes.

“The snake season seems to be starting later and finishing later these days. I’m catching snakes now right up till the end of April,” he said. Rest assure though, according to Paul, the amount of snakes around seem to be more or less the same.

Paul can be contacted on his mobile number at 0424 522 608 or on his home number at 6852 3451.

What could be better than having a picnic in the park… having a teddy bear picnic in the park of course! Hundreds of children made their way to Nelson Park last Thursday to enjoy a picnic with their favourite cute and fluffy teddy bears.

The third annual Teddy Bear’s Picnic offered a rather windy, hot summer day and lots to do for children, family members and of course the special teddy bear guests.

Nelson Park was turned into a funland with games, crafts and entertainment for all to enjoy. Free entry and a scrumptious sausage sizzle provided by the Lions Club was also offered.

There was a very popular teddy bear bag toss and a bubble station for a burst of fun. Some kids spent most of their time bouncing in and out of a brand new jumping castle, while others took advantage of a face painting make-over provided by Council and Bunnings. It was evident from all the little butterflies, flowers, tigers and Spidermen scurrying about that the face-painting was a popular choice for children.

The Rural Fire Service surprised unexpected picnic-goers with a splash of refreshing water. As if all of this wasn’t exciting enough the toy library, bandage a teddy bear, obstacle course and kids play gym also supplied hours of entertainment.

There were also hundreds of free teddies given to children who attended the picnic festivities.

The community groups that supported this event helped create a lovely atmosphere.

By Gizell van Wyk

Aussie Biscuits has this week celebrated the opening of its new factory located at 137 Rankin Street.

A well-known Forbes icon, Aussie Biscuits, is one of nine businesses owned and run by House with No Steps. It provides employment opportunities for people with a disability and has been part of the Forbes community for over 40 years.

More importantly, it also provides people with a disability the sense of connection, pride and independence that comes from working.

House with No Steps Executive Director of Businesses, Brett Lacey said the Aussie Biscuits team was thrilled to be in their new home.

“The new factory has been possible after we received $210,000 from the Building Better Regions Fund towards a $456,000 project to scale up our operations.

“Moving to the new factory is a big milestone!  Some of our supported employees have been working at Aussie Biscuits for over 30 years. We’re celebrating our new chapter and we’ll now be able to bake more biscuits and deliver them to even more people. The new factory will also create much-needed employment opportunities for people with a disability in the area,” said Brett.

The new site includes new ovens, which have come all the way from Italy, a specialised cool room and mixing room for biscuit production. Employees now also have a new lunch room and a welcoming reception area.

Colin Ward is one of 30 supported employees at Aussie Biscuits. He’s been with the company for 30 years.

“I love making biscuits and seeing all my friends and working with everybody. I’m excited to be in our new place. We’re now able to make even more biscuits,” he said.

Federal Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said the opening of the new factory was a good result for a fantastic organisation.

“This is great for the local community and great for local business,” said Michael.

“House with No Steps is doing a power of good in Forbes and this new Aussie Biscuits factory will continue its fine work.

“I particularly like the Jam Drop biscuits and I will be dropping in one day to take a tour of the new factory,” he said.

Construction on the new factory started in May 2018 and Aussie Biscuits marked the new chapter with a grand opening morning tea and ribbon cutting on Wednesday, 31st October.

As technology becomes more embedded into daily life it is important to not let anyone fall behind.

Forbes Library hosted a free information session last Thursday for seniors or anybody else who wanted to learn a bit more about using computers. The day formed part of the Get Online Week, a digital inclusion campaign promoted by Good Things Foundation and the Australian Digital Inclusion Index. This was the first year it was held in Australia.

Sean Brady and Monica Engel from Central West Libraries Orange branch, travelled to Forbes to officiate and provide one-on-one assistance with digital devices to anyone who attended. They provided advice about online safety and demonstrations on how to better operate your laptop and android tablets and offered helpful tips and advice on using the various functions and utilities of mobile phones.

The group were also entertained with a demonstration of how to use Kanopy, the Central West Libraries new online movie streaming service.

Be Connected computer assistance and digital device help for seniors, is still available at the Forbes Library. This is a free Australian government initiative helping people to get the most out of going online and using digital technology.

For the first two Friday afternoons in November, Kathy Garland from the Forbes Library will be available to provide help with using computers, the internet, email, social media and personal digital devices such as mobile phones and tablets. Make an appointment with Kathy, by phoning the library on 6852 1463.

The Forbes Multicultural Group was astonished by the attendance of their Cambodian and Peruvian Multicultural Dinner hosted at the Forbes Anglican Church Hall last Saturday.

The more than 90 people who attended the evening were treated to Cambodian and Peruvian entertainment, cuisine and culture.

Local Cambodian designer, Nin Mao and business partner Nicky May showed off kids and adult fashions by putting together a fashion parade. Various models, including children, entertained guests with their confidence by “snapping” or “posing” in many different outfits.

Among the evening’s guest artists was Socheata Mao, who performed breathtaking Cambodian dances and song, as well as the talented Hannah Dun from Parkes, who provided dinner entertainment.

Orange City Council Migrant Support Officer, Anni Gallagher said: “A huge thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the wonderful Forbes Multicultural Group’s Cambodian and Peruvian night. We were thrilled by the wonderful atmosphere that was created by the multicultural group and their setup enabled a colourful spectacle for the event.”

“Multicultural groups are a good way to develop on-going connections and support in the community in each area. This often involves people coming together with shared cultural food, entertainment and sharing of their stories,” said Anni.

The event was supported by the Forbes Shire Council and the church hall was offered free of charge by Rev Crystal Spindler.

The Forbes Multicultural Group endeavours to meet once per term for a morning tea and once a year for a larger community event.

By Gizell van Wyk

The Great Southern Hearts Drive for Life campaign rolled into the Forbes Showground on Monday afternoon. The campaign brought with it a convoy of trucks filled to the brim containing approximately $70,000 worth of hay, feed, pellets and any other personal necessities to provide much needed relief to drought stricken farmers in the Forbes and surrounding districts.

The campaign began on Monday, 24th September leaving from Kojonup in Western Australia’s Great Southern, and has made its way across the Nullarbor, stopping off at key locations along the way where these supplies were needed most. The campaign gained serious momentum shortly after Glenn “Yogi” Kendall (of Kendall Trucking & Co – Katanning) and Peter Wright (of Peter Wright Transport – Kojonup) first floated the idea only weeks ago.

The campaign stemmed from the understanding that farming is very “challenging” and that right now “challenging doesn’t even begin to describe what farmers in rural NSW are going through.”

“We want farmers to know that there are people on the other side of the country thinking about drought struggling areas.

The Great Southern know they need our love, support and mateship,” said Yogi.

“The campaign is 100 percent not-for-profit and all items have been donated by local farmers, community groups, as well as local community members. Every single cent raised and every donation is going where it is needed.

“Around 50 farmers in the Forbes district received assistance in some shape or form. The help has been very well received and we could see that people are quite desperate and how needed this was,” said Yogi.

According to Yogi another goal for the campaign was to focus on creating more awareness.

“Farmers and community groups are desperate to know how they can help. Conversations with people who previously didn’t realise how bad the situation was are being had and they in turn are doing their bit of spreading awareness and giving what they can,” said Yogi.

The local CWA ladies and Forbes and District Lions Club combined on the day to supply the working truck drivers with afternoon tea, a hot meal at night and a cooked breakfast. Local Forbes businesses donated all the food required.

By Gizell van Wyk

Forbes Shire Council held their Mayoral elections last Thursday and from a field of three nominations Cr Phyllis Miller OAM has been elected as the new Mayor.

“I’m really excited about the next two years,” said Phyllis. “Forbes Council should be working closely with the Parkes Council with the Inland Rail providing opportunities from an economic development point of view.”

“Residential subdivisions are needed so people can come and live in our town. Currently there are not very many blocks for sale and not much in the way to rent. Economic development is great but it needs to work hand-in-hand with providing somewhere for people to live,” declared Phyllis.

“I am looking forward to working with General Manager, Steve Loane who has brought wisdom and energy to the Forbes Shire Council team.”

“The relationship between General Manager and Mayor is like a marriage – it must work,” she said.

“The recent restructure and the people we’ve engaged to work for Council has created a nice vibe and I look forward to working with them in putting Forbes on the map.

We want the government to know we’re alive and kicking out here in the Central West.”

Phyllis brings with her a wealth of knowledge about local government. She was also the first woman to be elected to the position of President of the NSW Shires Association in its 100 year history. She has succeeded with these and many other achievements whilst raising five children.

“I’m an experienced Mayor, keen to get back in there and push politically to move Forbes forward,” she said.

This year eight students from the Forbes High School Support Unit will be representing our town in the 2018 Schools Spectacular.

The entertainment extravaganza will be staged at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney’s Olympic Park on Friday, 23rd and Saturday, 24th November.

The students auditioned in March in the hopes of being selected to participate in the Schools Spectacular. At the beginning of June they were notified that they had been successfully selected as part of the D’Arts Ensemble, a disability program which specifically caters for students with special needs.

One of the students involved, Kendi-Lee Morley-Diggins said: “I was very excited to get chosen to go to Sydney. It will be so much fun and I just can’t wait!”

Due to the school’s rural location, students only have to attend one combined rehearsal in Sydney leading up to the event and all other rehearsals will be undertaken online.

With over 350 schools involved across NSW, Schools Spectacular really is an outstanding showcase of the talent in NSW public schools. In terms of sheer size, scale and scope, Schools Spectacular is unequalled in the world with a 2,700-strong choir, 2,300 diverse dancers, an 80-piece symphony orchestra, a world-class stage band and a huge number of solo performers.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for students from a country town to participate in an event of this magnitude. I feel excited to be embarking on such an exciting journey with the students and their families,” said Nikki Patten, FHS Support Unit teacher and organiser of the school’s participation in the event.

The students will be staying in Sydney from 21st to 25th November, during which they will be travelling to Qudos Bank Arena each day. Two of these days will be spent fine-tuning their dances and the students will then feature in four separate performances to sell-out crowds.

The FHS Support Unit have been running a variety of fundraising events to assist with the financial cost of the trip and were delighted to receive a $1,000 donation from the Forbes Lions Club and a $1,200 donation from the RSL Club.

The 2018 Schools Spectacular will be televised on 1st December.

By Gizell van Wyk

The Forbes Show was blessed with perfect weather last weekend with many people coming through the gates to enjoy the attractions, competitions and events.

“A great community event was held and whilst the rain held off it is more than welcome to ‘come on down’ anytime from now on in,” said Forbes Show president Doug Nadin.

Whilst most of us are still reminiscing about the show just past, the Forbes Show committee has already started working on next year’s event.

“Plans are already in place to make the 144th Forbes Show even bigger and better.

“Thank you to all the competitors, exhibitors, indoor and outdoor trade displays and all the businesses and individuals who supported the Show through sponsorship. We look forward to working with you all in 2019,” said Doug.

In true Forbes style, the town once again came together in supporting its community.

“Without a doubt the most support has come from the community of Forbes and the surrounding district. Congratulate yourselves for supporting your Forbes Show!” said Doug.

The dog high jump events and farmers’ challenge both proved to be very popular again this year and the centre ring was full of horses all weekend with show jumping competitions.

The winner of the 2018 Forbes Showgirl competition was Sally Downie, the Junior Miss Showgirl title was presented to Ru Little, Tiny Tot winner was Isabel Pearce and Master Stockman went to Thomas Vonthien.

By Gizell van Wyk