Last Wednesday 22nd May at 11am at the Forbes Library a group of children were treated to an entertaining reading of the book Alpacas with Maracas by Matt Cosgrove as part of National Simultaneous Storytime.
Central West Libraries Manager Jan Richards said that 2019 will be the biggest year yet for the event with 1 million children throughout the country sharing the story all at the same time.
“Now in its 19th year, National Simultaneous Storytime is well established on the Library calendar and this year’s story is a real treat,” Jan said.

“The story features alpacas Macca and Al in a talent show. It takes them some time to work out they can play the maracas. It is a great rhyming story and very entertaining,” continued Jan.

National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) is held annually by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, preschools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other places around the country.

It is a colourful, vibrant, fun event that aims to promote the value of reading and literacy, using an Australian children’s book that explores age-appropriate themes, and addresses key learning areas of the National Curriculum for Foundation to Year 6.
The children at Forbes Library loved the story that was also being enjoyed by thousands of other children at the same time across Australia, followed by craft.

“Kathy Garland did a great reading of this year’s story for our greatly appreciative group of storytimers,” said Forbes Branch Librarian Bronwyn Clark.

If anyone would like to have their own personal storytime session at home you can listen to read aloud renditions of Matt Cosgrove’s books with Story Box Library.

Alpacas with Maracas can be accessed on the Story Box Library link via the Central West Libraries website http://www.cwl.nsw.gov.au/ All you need is your library card to log on to Story Box Library and you then have access to over 200 beautifully animated and brilliantly read story books.

Forbes has an abundance of exceptional qualities but one of the most noteworthy is the community’s compassion when someone is in need.

One such example of kind-heartedness that can be found in our charming town, is that of Nell’s Pantry 4 Farmers at St John’s Anglican Church, which opened its doors for the first time this week. The Pantry is in aid of farmers who have been doing it tough during the relentless and ongoing drought.

The Pantry has been named after Nell, a long standing parish member of St John’s, who very generously gifted a donation to be used to reach out to the Forbes community.

“Nell’s Pantry evolved out of the generosity of community members and also businesses, who last year gave hampers and gifts for farming families,” said Sue Jolliffe, Pantry volunteer.

These contributions assisted St John’s Anglican Church in hosting a Farmer’s Feast in September to show farmers they were not alone in these hard times.

Reverend Crystal Spindler said the Pantry is a continuation of support from the Farmer’s Feast, with different churches and businesses from the coast sending through gift cards and food for those in need.

“We are relying on locally sourced groceries to stock the shelves and hope that people get behind the Pantry,” said Reverend Crystal.

Nell’s Pantry will be open to farmers every Tuesday from 1pm to 3:30pm, except in school holidays. Drought-affected farmers will be able to select up to two green Woolworths bags worth of groceries per visit.

Currajong Disability Services claimed the 38th Forbes Special Sports Day winners title last Wednesday at Red Bend Catholic College.

Despite losing the marching section, Currajong rallied to take honours in walking races, musical chairs and a dance-off. With Donna Apps, Thomas Davis and Jye Jeffrey dominating the walking races and Wade Cannon taking home the chocolates in musical chairs, it came down to the dance-off to decide the ultimate winner and right on cue, Patty Nolan waltzed onto the dance floor and lit up the large friendly crowd at the Red Bend College Hall.

Patty’s repertoire of flips, handstands, moonwalks, foxtrots and lido shuffles stole the show in front of an enthusiastic gathering.

More important than the winning, was that participants had a tremendous time and that the iconic event was another outstanding success which again brought the disability community throughout the region together.

“The day isn’t so much about who won as it is about that everyone’s a winner here,” said Thomas Davis from Currajong Disability Services.

“Today is a celebration and a special day on the Forbes and disability calendar. We can’t thank everyone enough from the other providers to Red Bend for having us here today,” he said. “Can’t wait to come back next year!”

“Congratulations to everyone involved for putting on a great day and participating in this flagship event,” said Thomas.

By Dane Millerd

The streets of Forbes were lined with a multitude of people last Thursday who came out on Anzac Day in honour of those service men and women of both Australia and New Zealand whom sacrificed their lives and still risk their life today in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations so that we may live in freedom.

Anzac Day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by the ANZAC’s (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) at Gallipoli in Turkey in 1915, during WWI.

As Australian citizens, we enjoy the rights of a free country: safety, opportunity and democracy. Anzac Day is our opportunity to commemorate the men, women and children who fought, endured, suffered and died for us, our country and all the privileges we enjoy daily.

The traditional Anzac Day dawn service commenced with participants assembling at 5:15am in front of the Forbes Services Memorial Club with a march to the Cenotaph followed by a ceremony held in Victoria Park.

Masses of Forbes locals and visitors attended the mid morning commemorative Anzac march and service. Marchers assembled in Cross Street at 10am for the march to the Cenotaph in Victoria Park via Lachlan Street.

The march to the Cenotaph saw many schools, community groups and ex-service personnel together to pay their respects, mourn with pride, and remember with equal pride, those that have served and still live. Also to give gratitude for the peace we enjoy, and acknowledge, the responsibility of ensuring the freedom and liberty so costly won is not lost by our own indifference.

After the march, the mid morning service began with a variety of Forbes community groups, businesses, families and individuals laying wreaths. Flowers have traditionally been laid on graves and memorials in memory of the dead.

The Prayer of Thanksgiving followed, which thanks the nations of the world in seeking peace and happier relations with each other.

Where after the Prayer for the Queen and Prayer for the Nation was read. Retired serviceman, Scott Stephens was the guest speaker.

Scott has shared in events marking the centenary of battles across the Western front in both France and Belgium.

The day concluded with a lowering of the flag ceremony at 5pm at the Cenotaph.

The 2019 Youth Week Awards were presented on 13th April at Lions Park as part of Youth Week celebrations. These awards recognise individuals and groups of young people aged between 12 to 25 years who have made a significant contribution through their personal endeavours, or who have been actively involved in the Forbes community in various areas.

For the awards, 23 applications were received across all categories, with the winners as follows:

The recipient of this year’s Youth Citizenship Award was Jamie Mitton. Jamie is known to be hardworking, relates well to people and has been involved in an extensive range of activities within the community.

Throughout Jamie’s school life she has been involved in debating and public speaking. Her academic endeavours have resulted in her being awarded Dux each year from Year 7 through to Year 11. Leadership is a comfortable role for Jamie who has shown she can lead the debating team, tennis team, leader of peer support at Red Bend Catholic College and also the winner of the Lions Club Youth Award in 2018. This year she also competed at the district level
for the Lions Youth of the Year award.

Outside of school hours, Jamie dedicates much of her time to various volunteer groups. Each year she helps deliver the St Vincent De Paul Christmas hampers as well as working in the shop on Saturdays. She is also a member of St Laurence’s Parish Youth Mass planning committee. She participated in the Service Day at Jemalong Retirement Village and Clean Up Australia day. Jamie also participated in the Marist Awareness Program at Mt Druitt working with under-privileged children.

Local talented dancer, Emily Jack was awarded the Highly Commended Youth Citizen Award. Emily is a valued member of the dance community in Forbes and must be commended for her fundraising efforts. Emily used initiative to organise a “Crazy Sock Week” at Kristen’s Dance Studio to help fundraise over $500 for Dance Ability Australia. She is a valued member of the dance studio and is involved in many aspects of the school through teaching, attending Eisteddfods and fundraising. She also volunteered to help organise the Forbes Eisteddfod.

The Sports Volunteer Award was won by Tom Toohey. Tom has a passion for his sport and wants to pass this passion on to the kids of the Forbes community. He has been heavily involved in the game of rugby league, and particularly Red Bend junior rugby league for many years. For the past five years Tom has assisted with training sessions and on game days for the younger age groups at Red Bend junior rugby league. He is a role model to young children in the game as he encourages them to play within the spirit of the game and with great sportsmanship.

Tom referees multiple junior rugby league games at each home game, in particular with the 6 and 8 year age groups where he is able to assist the children on the field who are still learning the game. Tom also finds time to volunteer at the club in between his school studies and his own training and playing commitments.

The Brighter Futures Award for 2019 went to young apprentice, Jake Hemming. Jake completed a Certificate III and IV in carpentry, GFRC Domcrete training, is the recipient of the Bert Evans Scholarship from TAFE and has a full-time apprenticeship with a local Forbes builder, B & D Redfern. He started his apprenticeship in February 2017 and continued to impress with his determination to develop new skills. During this period Jake supported himself and accumulated the necessary requirements for his trade. Jake travels long distances to TAFE on a fortnightly basis and also to work.

Anzac Day is one of Australia’s most important national days of commemoration and is observed on 25th April each year. Anzac Day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by the ANZAC’s (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps)

at Gallipoli in Turkey in 1915, during WWI.

However, the importance of Anzac Day goes beyond the anniversary of the landing in Gallipoli. It is a day to reflect on the sacrifices made by service women and men of both Australia and New Zealand who have participated and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations and to send our thanks to those currently in service.

Anzac Day 2019 will take place on Thursday, 25th April and is a time for the Forbes community to come together and pay tribute to the first ANZAC’s and to all those who have since followed in their footsteps.

This year’s Anzac Day Dawn Service will commence with participants assembling at 5:15am in front of the Forbes Services Memorial Club. The march to the Cenotaph will be at 5:20am where the ceremony will be held in Victoria Park at 5:30am. Breakfast will be available at the Forbes Services Memorial Club from 6:30am at own cost.

The Mid Morning Service will see  marchers assemble in Cross Street at 10am for the march which will commence at 10:15am for the Cenotaph via Lachlan Street. A luncheon will also be available at the Club Bistro at own cost.

The traditional two-up games will commence at 2:30pm in the Club Auditorium.

The day will conclude with a lowering of the flag ceremony to commence at 5:00pm at the Cenotaph.

Further information on the commemorative events planned for this Anzac Day can be found on the back page.

Forbes Showgirl, Sally Downie, travelled to Sydney this week to represent our town in the Sydney Royal Showgirl competition.

She was announced as a finalist at the Zone 6 Regional Showgirl Finals earlier this year.

The state finals will take place throughout the course of the Sydney Royal Easter Show that started this week. It is the second consecutive year that Forbes will have their Showgirl representing our town at the prestigious event.

Sally is looking forward to the planned activities. “The itinerary is pretty full. We start off with a welcome lunch and a visit to Westmead Hospital, attend a personal development workshop and a dinner with the ASC.

We’ll also be going to Government House for a reception and Parliament House. We also do a members preview of the show the night before it opens,” said Sally.

“Friday is judging day so that will be our interviews and visiting the Show Pavilions.

We are also involved with the grand opening and grand parade, on stage interviews and presentations and we get to spend time with the Rural Achievers,” continued Sally.

Sally hasn’t let nerves get the better of her and says that she is feeling relaxed about the competition. “I’ve been told to just be myself and enjoy the experience. I never expected to get this far and it’s been an amazing journey so I’m just excited to experience the competition, meet all the other girls and represent Forbes and Zone 6 and agriculture,” said Sally.

The annual Open Day of the Forbes Flying Club was held last Sunday with a couple of hundred people attending the day. After unfavourable weather on Saturday, the exceedingly successful Open Day was met with clear skies and good flying conditions.

This year the club’s Open Day was held in conjunction with Bush Flyers Down Under in order to help raise funds for prostate cancer by running a fundraiser barbeque.

“The club was very happy to help raise funds for such a worthwhile cause,” said Mary Ewing, Forbes Flying Club Secretary and private pilot. “We are still finalising the numbers from the barbeque fundraiser but estimate that almost $800 was raised for this initiative during our Open Day!”

The club was thrilled with the fantastic response from the Forbes community with hundreds of people coming out over the course of the day. Crowds attending the day enjoyed taking part and admiring the aircrafts.

“Over two dozen aircraft flew in from Cowra, Parkes, West Wyalong and other surrounding areas to take part in the day, which was a terrific outcome!” said Mary.

“The club’s Foxbat aircraft was kept busy all day long doing trial instructional flights with potential students,” she continued.

The Forbes Flying Club would very much like to thank all those who helped with the day and all those who came out from town and showed their support in helping to raise funds for a very deserving cause.

The annual Forbes Rugby Club President’s Lunch was an event that will have its attendees talking about it until next year’s Lunch comes along. The event that is the Rugby Union Club’s major fundraiser took place last Saturday and sported a colossal marquee on the Grinstead Oval to accommodate the more than 1,000 people that helped in raising approximately $50,000.

Chris Sweeney, Committee Chair of Forbes Rugby Club President’s Lunch said that they couldn’t be happier with the success of the event.

“It was an outstanding event. The food was magnificent and the entertainment provided by this year’s guest speaker, Anh Do, was extraordinary!” said Chris. Anh Do had guests enthralled with the story of how he and his family first arrived in Australia many years ago.

Chris remarks that the support for this event has been phenomenal. “The support in the auctions was unbelievable and a tribute to the many outstanding supporters of the Club and Lunch. During the auctions, $40,000 was raised. We look forward to announcing the beneficiaries of the fundraising shortly,” said Chris.

Chris is very thankful to his committee and the Rugby Club Committee for their great support in putting this lunch together.

Thanks also goes to the Rural Fire Service, the Forbes High School team of boys that came along and the Forbes Men Shed who supported the event with their assistance.

Also, thanks and appreciation goes to the wonderful sponsors for their fantastic support of this event.