GREAT ACHIEVEMENT… Two portrait studies of Parkes photographer Marc Payne have made it into the top 101 photo-graphs in the world. The photos are of Parkes local Bill Bourke (left) and the Peak Hill artist Scott ‘Sauce’ Towney.

A Parkes photographer is one of only a handful of Australians to be named finalists in the prestigious International Portrait Photographer of the Year competition.

Of the 618 entries received, two photos of Marc Payne made it to the top 101 portrait photographs in the world, while a third image missed it by one per cent of getting through.

The two images were of Parkes local Bill Bourke and the artist Scott ‘Sauce’ Towney from Peak Hill.

“It is a privilege to know my work can match the best in the world,” said Marc.

His two images will be published with all the other finalists in the International Portrait Photographer of The Year annual book. The highly respected Australian Photography Magazine and the top selling Capture Magazine also published Marc’s photos with the other Australian finalists. They are Mariana Zilbershteyn, Mark Chamberlain and Kris Anderson. Karen Waller won the Portrait Story category.

Marc entered the same competition last year with the purpose of getting feedback on his work and never expected to make it to the top 101 photographs in the world. He was named a finalist for his image of Dustin Howarth, a friend and artist.

“Photography is like a drug to me,” said Marc. “I’m addicted to it, and take photos every day. I’m now on the hunt for five subjects for next year’s competition.”

Marc has also entered the international landscape photography competition Epson Panorama Awards and the David Malin Awards, Australia’s most prestigious astrophotography competition. 

By Maggi Barnard

MORE TO LOVE, SUPPORT AND READ… The merger of The Forbes Phoenix and The Parkes Phoenix into one publication will mean more local news, events and opportunities for our readers every week.

Today is the beginning of a new era as we bring you the very first edition of The Forbes & Parkes Phoenix.

As the two shires share so many interests, including some ‘sibling rivalry’, with hundreds, if not thousands of residents travelling for work, sport and leisure up and down the highway every day, it makes sense to open up the news landscape between the two communities. 

“Regional print media is doing it tough at the moment, and is not showing any signs of changing,” said Phoenix Group of Newspapers owner Joshua Matic. “As such, we needed to adapt to ensure our local publications in Forbes and Parkes can continue to deliver news absolutely free to read each week.

“We decided to combine our printed product for both towns into one as many news stories relate to both shires.”

Josh said the merger would not affect the digital publications and the websites and social media pages would remain independent as The Forbes Phoenix and The Parkes Phoenix.

More exciting news for our readers is that the Phoenix Group is boosting its digital platform and has started to release mobile apps. The Parkes Phoenix app is now live and ready to download from the app store for free, while The Forbes Phoenix app is in production.

“While other regional media are now hiding most of their stories behind digital paywalls, and continue to charge readers for a printed newspaper, we continue to ensure our news content is completely free to read both in print and online,” said Josh. 

By Maggi Barnard

TEAM TRAINING… Sylo team members receive training ahead of the opening of the social enterprise café in Forbes next week.

 Excitement is building in Forbes ahead of the opening of Sylo as the town’s first social enterprise café on 6th July. 

The sound of the espresso machine will soon be heard at the CBD landmark thanks to a CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes initiative to meet community need. 

As a social enterprise café, Sylo’s purpose is to provide training and real jobs for community members and clients, while serving quality food and beverages. 

Its vision is for recruits to gain skills, qualifications and experience as they build careers and economic security. 

Sylo will mark the third social enterprise café of CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes, which operates Cooee for Coffee at Wilcannia and Bourke. 

The venture’s launch will also bring activity back to a Forbes building loved by local people but unused for years. 

CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes social enterprise manager Toni Hanns says the community is embracing the new concept for the space. “Every day someone says ‘when’s it opening, when’s it opening, when’s it opening’,” she said. 

The Rankin Street jewel has been receiving a makeover in the lead-up to its new chapter. The chocolate brown paint from its former use as a night-time bar has been replaced with an “airy, fresh” look, Toni said. Local trades have been involved in the works. 

The café team attributes the community excitement to Sylo’s vibe. “It’s got space, it’s got a great feeling, and I think the community is busting to have it open again, because it was just sitting there asleep for five years, and it was such a waste,” Toni said. 

“It’s getting a new lease of life and I just think that’s good for our town.” 

Sylo will open on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 7am to 3pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 7am to midday. 

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.” 

PREVENT, PREPARE, PROTECT… Forbes Evening Branch President Robyn Miller thanked Forbes Firefighter Matt Teale for his interesting and informative presentation about fire safety at home. Matt has been a retained firefighter at Forbes Fire and Rescue for nearly 15 years.

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 

STRONG CLUB…The Forbes Rugby Union Club has 22 Central West representatives playing at 2022 NSW State Championships this weekend. They are at the back (L-R) Zac Fraser (15s), Patrick Ryan (15s), Oliver Walker (15s), Reece Matheson (14s), Harry Whitty (16s), Angus Irvine (14s) and Jack Smyth (14s). Middle (L-R) Thompson Hurford (13s), Ash Kennedy (13s), Mitch Stocks (12s), Snow Hodder (12s), Will Watson (12s) and Aurora Farrelly (14s girls). In front are (L-R) Teddy Mundy (13s), Bobby Mundy (13s), Mac Glasson (12s), Beau Wheeldon (12s) and Matthew Wallace (12s). (Absent: Geordie Duncan (16s), Beau Stocks (15s), Alice Mattiske (16s girls), Dempsey O’Connell (14s).

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