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A Marvellous Life Of Music And Memories

March 2, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

At 106 years young, Irene (Rene) Francis is not only the longest living resident in Forbes, but she also has an admirable story to tell.

When The Forbes Phoenix caught up with her this week she was knitting away with her daughter Marguerite at the Jemalong Residential Village for the Wrap with Love charity.

Rene was prepared with photos to share some of her proud moments. The first pho- to she took out was of her at 16 with her beloved violin. She gave up school to take up music professionally and played for a broadcasting station in Sydney prior to the establishment of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). “We performed on air,” recalls Rene. The announcer, Mr Corcoran, described her as “not quite as tall as my watch chain”.

Rene’s love of music lasted her whole life until hearing problems started interfer- ing. “Mum gave up playing the violin when she was 97. She was concerned her notes weren’t being played correctly,” said Mar- guerite, “However she played the piano un- til she was 101. When we think of Mum we think of music.”

The next photo is of a debonair Rene and her husband, Arthur, after their mar- riage. They were married during the Great Depression. There was no fanfare and none was needed. They moved to Forbes in 1936 from Sydney. “I was fascinated by the dust rolling like waves on the unsealed road driving into Forbes. I held my daughter Barbara up so she could see,” said Rene.

Proudly displayed on Rene’s wall is a certificate from the Bishop of Bathurst, presented on her 100th birthday, for her contribution as a scripture teacher, pianist and violinist.

Answering if there is any advice Rene can offer, she simply said: “No, I don’t. All I can say is that I always do what I know to be right and it doesn’t matter what anyone says. I thank the Lord every morning for looking after me.”

By Dianne Collie

Forbes Youth Support Ochre Ribbon Day Message

February 23, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

“It is important to remember – it is never, ever a person’s choice or fault to be abused. The guilt and responsibility must always be fitted squarely to the abuser.”

The words of Katrina Sheen, Solicitor at Binaal Billa Family Violence Prevention Le- gal Services (FVLPS), rang true for many in the audience who attended the third Ochre Ribbon Day at the Forbes Wiradjuri Centre last Thursday.

Katrina’s statement followed a quote she read of a victim of domestic violence: “We were young and stupid. Even though it was not right, he had a way of making it seem so. It was as if something in me brought this out of him. So, it was my fault in a way.”

Ochre Ribbon Day is a national event symbolic to Aboriginal people who are surivors of family violence. ‘Today is cultur- ally focused in its values and contributes to the message that Aboriginal people will not tolerate violence against their men, women and children,” said Katrina.

After the serious speeches, students from Forbes High School were cheered on by members of the Forbes community in the Amazing Ochre Race.

Family violence is a serious human rights issue that affects millions of families world-wide -regardless of age, economic status, race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation or education.

The Forbes youth have taken a stand saying, “Domestic violence is totally unacceptable and we are not afraid to tell someone who can help us.”

By Dianne Collie

Cowal Gold Will Glitter For Next 15 Years

February 16, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

The board of Evolution Mining Limited has approved a multi-million dollar investment in the Cowal Gold Operation to secure the life of the operation for at least the next 15 years.

The investment of approximately $270 million at the mine near West Wyalong will increase total production by 1.2 million ounces, the company announced yesterday.

The Board decision follows recent approval from the NSW Department of Planning and Environment to extend the life of Cowal by eight years to 2032.

Executive Chairman Jake Klein said: “When Evolution purchased Cowal in July 2015, a key objective was to reinvigorate exploration with the aim of extending the mine’s life beyond its scheduled closure in 2024. We are delighted that the success of our recent drilling and regulatory approval

has enabled us to deliver on this goal. This significant new investment will take place over the next four years, securing the long- term future of the Cowal Gold Operation and help provide job security for our local mine employees, contractors and suppliers.”

The new investment will deliver two major projects, the E42 Stage H cutback and the Dual Leach project.

The E42 Stage H Cutback will widen and deepen the existing open pit at a cost of $230 million.

A further $35 to $40 million investment in the Dual Leach project will add an ad- ditional leaching circuit to the processing plant to increase gold production by up to 14,000 ounces per year.

Cowal employs approximately 400 full- time employees and contractors.

How Does Your Garden Interact?

February 9, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Metal clothes cathcing the breeze on a washing line, a spinning porcupine playing music… These are but two of the creative and fun art works residents of the Jemalong Residential Village (JRV) are working on for their sensory interactive garden.

The pilot Art Connection program for residents of Catholic Healthcare’s JRV culminated in an exhibition in December last year. This year the Art and Dementia program will run eight workshops to inspire sensory interactive art for the garden.

“Getting to know the JRV residents and facilitating the workshops is a real hoot,” said Solange Hershaw and Damian Cast, aldi, company directors of The Last Bureau, an Australian arts and digital media production company.

The Forbes Phoenix was invited to a workshop on Tuesday where conversation, debate and lots of laughter filled the room. Participants Margaret Williams, Maureen Broderick, Una Windsor and James (Jim) Lasserre worked with Solange, Damian and JRV Pastoral Care Co- ordinator, Gwen Barnard, to sculpt a dog using clay.

“I have never had so much fun,” said Maureen, while Una was sure her dog sculp- ture needed to be more in proportion, “as it has a horse head”. Damian helped her make a larger body to fit Buffy, her dog.

So far two sensory pieces have been completed and will be displayed on bollards in the garden.

The first is inspired by resident Lillian Goldstraw’s drawing of washing hanging on a line. “We have replicated it in metal and have a fan underneath so that when someone approaches, the clothes spin,” said Damian.

The second piece is a porcupine sculpted by resident Clare Inwood. When someone approaches, it will spin and play music by the Frank Bourke and White Rose Orchestra. The orchestra is well known as they played at dances throughout central western NSW during the 1930s to 1960s.

“We underestimate those with cognitive impairment and it just makes my heart sing when I see how the residents talk about their work,” said Gwen.

By Dianne Collie

Financial Boost For Six Community Groups

February 2, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Community groups in the Forbes Shire received funding of more than $80,000 and a visit from Phillip Donato, MP for Orange on Tuesday.

Accompanied by Brett Cooke, Senior Electorate Officer, Phil visited six groups to announce the Community Building Partnership grants, facilitated by the NSW Premier and Cabinet. First stop was the Forbes Handicraft Centre Inc. “$3,000 means a lot to us,” said President, Barbara Parslow. “We can upgrade our refrigerator, which was purchased second hand more than 11 years ago, to ensure the freshness of our sweet treats for years to come.”

Aileen Allen of the Forbes Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre was almost at a loss for words: “We are over the moon as we will be able to build the Arts and Cultural Centre with $12,000, and commission bronze sculptures to help the Aboriginal Story with additional funding from the Arts Centre.” She said there was also the possibility of employing people to tell the Wiradjuri story.

At the Forbes Shire Pool, the Forbes Amateur Swimming Club founded in 1938, and with a current membership of 126, received $6,000. Janelle McManus, Treas- urer, said they had also received funding from the Stronger Community Program (SCP) and the Public Reserves Manage- ment Fund Program (PRMFP). “Now we can level and rebuild the canteen so it is WHS compliant, easy to set up, and dis- play electronically the times and places at local competitions,” said President, Sandy Phillips.

Receiving the biggest chunk was the Forbes Men’s Shed with $40,000. Meeting them at their current shed at the Forbes Showground, their home since 2007, President, Norm Haley said the money meant a secure future and a move to Union Street – a more central location. “We currently have 47 members aged between 14 to 95 years. We are looking forward to tripling the space of our Men’s Shed, increasing our opening hours, and the number of members.”

What a wonderful present for the County Women’s Association in Lachlan Street, that turned 90 in October last year. “We are looking forward to be able to dance on solid ground again,” said President, Elaine Bright. “The grant of $6,000 will enable us to have the floor resurfaced so that our

members can ball room dance the night away again.”

Last but not least was the turn of Wirrinya Progress and Sports Association, receiving funding of $15,948. “The aim is to have the retaining wall between the two tennis courts constructed and new fences erected before the end of the financial year,” said Grant Officer, Monica Langfield. “This cen- tre is a focal point which keeps our commu- nity together,” added the President, Trevor Toole.

By Dianne Collie

Record Number Attend Bicycle Safety Program

January 26, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

There were puddles aplenty at the Forbes Netball courts on Tuesday, however thankfully the rain abated to allow a record number of bike enthusiasts to learn, develop and reinforce their bike riding skills.

Almost 40 children entered for the Forbes session of the Aboriginal Bicycle Safety Program, which was the last of a series of ten held throughout the Central West. Over 60 sessions were held in the whole of NSW.

The participants were excited but had to concentrate hard during the free session facilitated by Jenny and Damien Enderby of Bike and Fitness. They are both qualified Cycling Australia and AustCycle coaches. The three-hour session gave participants a fun, interactive learning experience teaching them to ride safely. The session is based on the Let’s Ride Program.

Depending on the age, the practical skills learned and reinforced included pedaling, gear changing, braking, hand signals and scanning (both forwards and behind). They also learned the importance of visibility while riding and safe places to ride.

A bike mechanic was also present to provide much needed maintenance on bicycles free of charge. Lachlan Shire Council’s Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Logan Dobel said this was really important. The maintenance included the replacement of brakes, tyres and pedals.

All participants also received a new bike helmet. The helmet laws for cyclists of all ages in NSW help prevent head injuries from falls. The NSW Road Rules state that all cyclists, regardless of age, including children on bicycles with training wheels must wear a helmet.

By Dianne Collie

For The Love Of Elvis

January 19, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Whilst a record-breaking 25,000 fans congregated in Parkes for the 25th Elvis Festival, Forbes also hosted events to complement the festivities. Forbes Shire Council provided a bus service between Forbes and Parkes, run by Cenwestours, for residents and visitors to
attend the festival. Over five days almost 1,000 people were transported in two buses in more than 56 trips covering more than 2,600km.

When the Phoenix caught up with the 1.00 pm shuttle service on Saturday there were no spare seats and the atmosphere was certainly electric. Forbes Shire Council’s Director of Tourism, Community and Cultural Development, Richard Morgan, said the Parkes Elvis Festival had a very positive impact on Forbes. “During the Elvis Festival just about every bed available was occupied.” Bill and Kirsten of Kosmik Country Duo hosted Elvis Karoake at the Forbes Services Memorial Club where a crowd of nearly 60 sang their hearts out to their
favourite Elvis songs including ‘All Shook Up’, ‘Suspicious Minds’, and nobody could ask ‘Are you Lonesome Tonight?’

The Forbes Youth & Community Centre joined the fun and Spectacular Screening showed the theme movie of the Parkes Elvis Festival, the 1964 Elvis film Viva Las Vegas to mostly Forbes locals. The Phoenix caught up with Ray Beacroft who is Ray of Elvis after his final show at the Forbes Golf and Sportsman Club. “Forbes is close to my heart,” said Ray, “My wife and I lived here from 1988 to 1992 and our daughter was born here.” As a child Ray dreamed of singing Elvis songs and being a tribute artist. As he got older he enjoyed attending the Elvis Festival in Parkes and it was there he was encouraged to take the plunge so to speak….and the rest is history. “I really want to pay tribute to Elvis,” said Ray and the crowd all agreed that he most certainly did.

By Dianne Collie

Gliding Free Like Birds Over Forbes

January 12, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

As one of the world’s greatest flat-land hang gliding locations, Forbes saw almost 80 international hang gliders converge on the town this month. Current world number one, Jonny Durand of Australia reclaimed the championship title, with Gerolf Heinrichs of Austria second
and Andre Wolf of Brazil in third place. A total of 76 pilots took part in the 11th Forbes Flatlands Hang Gliding Championships from 30th December, with 69 pilots competing in the open class and seven in the sports class.

The top-class field of pilots included good international representation from 16 nations including Russia, Germany, Hungary, Japan, China, America, Italy, UK and Australia. There were two local competitors from the Central West, Len Paton of Forbes and Guy Hubbard of Cowra. Bill Moyes, an Australian hang gliding icon, told the Phoenix that Forbes and surrounds were so favourable because local weather conditions provided perfect air thermals.

Bill’s career commenced in 1967 by setting the first world altitude record by flying his glider to 1,045ft over Lake Tuggerah, NSW. Bill competed until 1974 when he retired from the competition circuit, to focus on glider design and development. He still flies recreationally. “The Championship was held over eight days, and although the first two days were too wet to fly, during the rest of the competition the conditions were excellent,” said Organiser, Vicki Cain.

Many of the pilots travelled 1,200 km during the competition, which is exceptional as that is approximately 30 hours of flying time and many pilots only average 50 hours of flying time per year. Each day of the competition the pilots had set tasks to complete. For example, on
Day 2 the task was to fly 163.1 km from Forbes airport via Toogong, to Tomingly and then to a goal near Alectown where their support vehicle picked them up to bring them back to Forbes.

By Dianne Collie

Best HSC Results For Red Bend In Many Years

December 22, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

The Red Bend HSC class of 2016 has much to celebrate as they achieved the best results in the recent history of the College. The College Dux is Nicholas Rhodes with an exceptional ATAR of 99.80, and 23 students being recognised as distinguished achievers with 55 band 6s across 19 separate courses. A band 6 is equivalent to a mark above 90.

Brendan King, Nicholas Rhodes and Matthew Todd have been recognised as all rounders. They achieved Band 6s in at least 10 units. Brendan King and Jessica Zieltjies have been recognised as top achievers being placed among the highest places in the state for an individual subject with a 17th place for Modern History and 10th for Agriculture respectively. A further 58 students achieved band 5s across 26 courses. In total, the cohort received 164 band 5s, which is equivalent to a mark between 80 and 89.

Cameron Harvey’s excellent Design and Technology HSC Major work was nominated for Shape, which showcases the top individual major projects from Design and Technology, Industrial Technology and Textiles and Design. Cameron’s project comprised a set of drum-inspired outdoor furniture, including chairs and a table that incorporated a series of high quality metal, timber, textile and perspex skills. The 2016 class also had significant success with early entry offers to university. Nicholas Rhodes not only received early entry to the University of Sydney but is also the recipient of a Dean’s Entry Scholarship to the Faculty of Science.

Bailey Crocker has received early entry to the Australian National University to study a double degree in Engineering/Advanced Mathematics, and he received the university’s Spirit of Excellence Award for credit towards leadership, sport and other notable achievements. Early Entry applications to the University of Wollongong and others range from Engineering to International Studies.
Charles Sturt University offered 23 students early entry into 34 courses. The courses range from a Bachelor of Communication (Advertising), Bachelor of Business (Marketing), to a Bachelor of Speech and Language Pathology. Some courses such as teaching are pending and will be based on the student’s ATARs. This is a result of the initiative to increase the entry results of teaching to elevate the expectations of this professional area.

Red Bend Catholic College is proud and ecstatic with the strong academic performance across all levels of achievement for the HSC class of 2016. “The students’ results are a reflection of their conscientious attitude and enthusiastic approach. It is also a reward for intense effort and study. They have worked well with their teachers by engaging with the curriculum and responding to ongoing feedback. “Congratulations and best wishes for the future to this graduation class. We are confident that they will prove to be good christians and good citizens, the goal of Marist Education.”

Forbes High Celebrates A Successful 2016

December 15, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

The Forbes High School HSC class of 2016 is able to celebrate another successful year with many students achieving great results. For many, reaching this major milestone in their lives by attaining their HSC, provides a feeling of great satisfaction and joy. The Forbes High School community is extremely proud of the achievements their Year 12 students have demonstrated in their HSC.

Principal of Forbes High School, Charles Dwyer said: “All students should be proud of their efforts. It is particularly pleasing to see our students attain their HSC and complete their secondary schooling so successfully.” Individual success has been achieved by students at Forbes High School in a variety of subjects, which is extremely pleasing for staff to see. Students worked extremely hard throughout their senior schooling years to complete their HSC and today students at Forbes High School can be proud of their achievement.

There are also a number of students who will further their studies next year at university. “We have had a number of students who have gained early entry into universities, which is extremely pleasing to see,” said the principal. “Our students have worked hard throughout the year and it’s fantastic to see them being rewarded. I would like to thank the staff at Forbes High School who have been instrumental in supporting our students throughout their HSC journey and help them achieve these wonderful results.” The Forbes High School community wishes all Year 12 students the very best in their future endeavors.

Editor’s note: The HSC results could unfortunately not be published today due to a delay in the release of the results that did not make our cut off time for printing. The full results will be published in next week’s issue on 23rd December.

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