Forbes Shire Council will continue to stand alone after the announcement made on the 18th December by Local Government Minister Paul Toole and NSW Premier Mike Baird. Minister Toole announced that the 152 councils in NSW will be reduced to 112, with the number of regional councils cut back from 109 to 87.

Forbes Shire Council now has the opportunity to revise and resubmit its Fit for the Future proposal in 2016 to be reassessed and declared fit. Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said this was the best news Council could have hoped for.
“We’re really excited about the opportunity to continue to represent our community as a stand alone council,” Mayor Miller said. Mayor Miller said the merger proposals announced this morning will go forward to the Chief Executive of Local Government who will conduct public inquiries and then refer their recommendations on to the Boundaries Commission for final determination.

“Our neighbouring councils, Orange, Blayney and Cabonne, have been forced to merge together,” she said. “Our next step is to have meetings with the Mayor of Cabonne and the Mayor of Orange and then meet with the community of Eugowra to get their views on whether they would like us to lobby for a boundary change to enter into Forbes Shire Council.”

“As Forbes Shire Council was declared not fit due scale and capacity, because of population, Council will now be able to resubmit our proposal in 2016.”

Mayor Miller said due to the boundary review process the Local Government elections scheduled for September 2016 will now be pushed back until March 2017. “The result from this announcement is a load off our shoulders not only for Councillors but also for Council staff and the community,” Mayor Miller said. “It has been a very stressful time and for us not to be facing forced amalgamations, with the opportunity to be declared fit, is a testament to us as councillors that we are doing a good job for our community.”

Mayor Miller said, “We can now go forward with our four year delivery plan and of course economic development and job creation is at the top of our list. This means that all of our energy can be focussed on something positive rather than submissions which were taking up a lot of our time.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Red Bend Catholic College HSC class of 2015 has much to celebrate as they have achieved exceptional results. The College community is once again extremely proud of its students and their achievement in this rigorous and highly regarded examination. Twelve students have been recognised as Distinguished Achievers as they achieved
22 Band 6s across 14 separate courses. A band 6 is equivalent to a mark in a course that is above 90.

Fifty two students achieved Band 5s across 27 courses. In total, the cohort received 150 Band 5s which is equivalent to a mark between 80 and 90. This is, of itself, an exceptional outcome. Another indicator of very solid performance was the number of Band 4’s: 165 Band 4’s across 27 subjects. A Band 4 is a mark of 70 or above. In addition to these results one student has been recognised for her excellent HSC Major work. Quinn Anderson was nominated for Encore which showcases the top individual Music performances.

The 2015 excellent HSC results reflect the determination, perseverance and commitment of the students, and the dedication and commitment of the teachers and other staff that taught and supported them.

Jess Dawes, Administration Marketing and Events Co-ordinator for the Forbes Business Chamber was very pleased with the attendance and participation by all who turned up on Saturday morning for the Find it in Forbes Christmas Festival. With over 400 people turning up throughout the day and wandering around the shops, stalls and even participating in events, and with the weather being on our side, it was a great day.

Jess said,“ she was delighted with the way things ran and it was a great festive atmosphere throughout the whole day.’ Retailers commented that they had all benefitted and it was great to see so many visitors shopping in our local community. Stall holders also enjoyed a great day and were pleased that they had attended the event.”

Everybody loved listening to Cath Adams who provided entertainment from 11.30. The kids loved seeing Santa and telling him what they would like for Christmas. Kristen’s Dance Studio gave some fabulous performances and are to be congratulated for some of their moves on what was a very warm surface. Jess would like to say a big thank you
to the sponsors, who have generously supported the event, and without whom the Find it in Forbes Christmas promotion and festival would not take place. These sponsors included John David Motors, Green Homes Australia, Forbes Phoenix, Forbes Advocate, Knights Steel Fabrications, and Bunnings.

Forbes High School were represented at the 2015 Schools Spectacular by twelve students who performed as part of the combined dance group at the Qantas Credit Union Arena last week end.

The journey commenced early in the year with video auditions being sent to the producers of the Schools Spectacular. The item was choreographed by the students under the watchful eye of Mrs Emily Bass and Miss Emma Northam, two dedicated teachers who also organised and accompanied students to the rehearsals and performances.

For students in regional and rural areas, routines had to be learnt from online videos and two rehearsals with students from Orange High and Dubbo Senior Campus prior to leaving for Sydney last week. Preparations for the three live performances culminated last week with 3600 students from every corner of the state coming together for the first time to rehearse.

Rehearsals were held at various locations throughout Sydney on the Wednesday and again on Thursday at the Qantas Credit Union Arena. It is amazing how the whole show comes together in such a short period time with children ranging in age from 5 to 18 years. The talent of the featured artists is incredible and you have to constantly remind yourself that they are in fact only school students.

Schools Spectacular has been performing at the Qantas Credit Union Arena, formally the Sydney Entertainment Centre for 32 years and has seen many artists discovered including Human Nature and the McClymonts. The show will air on Saturday night on Chanel 9 commencing at 7pm. The Forbes High School students will feature in the
second segment after the interval, entering the stage from the right side, in red jackets to Michael Jackson’s ‘Beat It’.

The Forbes community banded together on Wednesday 25 November to say no to domestic violence for the White Ribbon Day March. 100 white balloons tied to wrists floated and bobbed through the street and the captains
of Forbes High School carried a banner with a slogan supporting victims of domestic violence. Behind them was an army of Forbes’ school students, community groups and community members walking together to put an end to domestic violence.

As the marchers arrived at Victoria Park, the piper stopped playing and the traditional Welcome to Country was performed before an introduction to the day, and a speech from Mayor Phyllis Miller. “Forbes is still ranked in the top 20 for recorded domestic violence related assault incidents by Local Government Area,” Mayor Miller said.

“Domestic violence is not just a problem in our area though. To date in 2015 there whave been 78 women killed by violence in Australia with 1 in 4 Australian women experiencing physical or sexual violence from a current or former partner.” “Children living in a relationship with abusive behaviour are considered to be at risk of harm, either directly by being abused or indirectly by witnessing the abuse of their parent or carer.”

“By being here today and getting involved in the White Ribbon Day March, you are all helping to change these statistics and by working together we can make a difference. Don’t be afraid to stand up. Together we can put a stop to violence against women.”

Forbes and Parkes have played host to His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d), Governor of New South Wales and Mrs Hurley, from the 17th to 19th November, as part of a program that
sees His Excellency visit numerous townships throughout the state.

After touching down at Parkes Regional airport on Tuesday morning, the Governor and Mrs Hurley travelled to Forbes where, accompanied by Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM, they toured the Forbes Livestock Exchange. A luncheon was held in Wheogo Park where the Governor and Mrs Hurley were guests of honour. Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM raised her glass for a speech, thanking His Excellency for the visit and welcoming both he and Mrs Hurley back in the future.

The Governor also spoke, explaining the purpose of the visits. “We have a program where we do a number of country visits during the year, visiting two or three towns for three to four days. We spend a day and a night in each town to allow us to get good feel for the community,” said the Governor. “I go back and speak to the politicians, tell them my thoughts on what I experienced.”

After lunch, the Vice Regal couple attended Red Bend Catholic College, touring the facilities and speaking to students and staff whilst also witnessing drama, dance and music performances, followed by an afternoon tea put on by hospitality students. “We’re grateful for the chance to showcase our school,” said Principal Michael Flanagan. “It’s a great opportunity to show the different elements we have as an independent school. The kids are all so excited to meet the Governor.”

After leaving the college, His Excellency and Mrs Hurley attended a few other functions in Forbes, including a private dinner, before heading to Parkes on Wednesday.

Forbes Dancing with the Stars Couple no 6, Susan Earl and Hare Laveka, may have been crowned the inaugural winners of the trophy on Saturday night but the real winner on the night was CanAssist.

Eight months ago two local women, Terese Gunn and Cassandra Tyack, decided to organise a fundraiser to benefit CanAssist after seeing firsthand the assistance they provide to local cancer patients. Dancing With The Stars Forbes was the chosen theme and the pair were hopeful that they could raise at least $10,000.00. Months of careful planning and coordination saw their dream a reality on Saturday night with nine dance couples, four prominent judges, two entertaining comperes and 353 community members attending and supporting the spectacular event.

Once again, the Forbes community has risen to the challenge and exceeded all fundraising expectations. The ladies were overwhelmed by the generosity of local businesses and the community and became quite emotional when they had well and truly exceeded their original goal.

Even though the final total has not been released it is anticipated that it will be more than $30,000. The dance routines performed on the night were of a very high standard and judges had a difficult task to come up with the overall winner with just one point separating 1st and 3rd positions. After their performances, dancers had five minutes to collect as much money as possible with the couple collecting the most money taking
out the people’s choice award.

Crowd favourites Stavros (Brian King) and Mareka (Michele Quigley) took out this coveted title with a routine that had everyone crying with laughter. CanAssist, formally known as The Cancer Patient Assistance Fund, was established in 1955 in response to concerns about country cancer patients accessing treatment in Sydney and the lack of suitably priced accommodation. Forbes began the first country branch in NSW in 1956 and provided assistance in a number of ways including transport, home visits, housework and much more. The Country branches grew and became more organised and there are currently fifty two branches in NSW.

Forbes CanAssist does not receive any government assistance and relies on fundraising and community support to provide $60,000.00 in support to local cancer patients each year. The funds raised from this event is invaluable to this organisation and will benefit many Forbes cancer patients and their families.

Forbes was a hive of activity last week with the 2015 Kalari River Arts Festival. The biennial community celebration provided a variety of activities over three days at various locations and did not disappoint.

Thursday night, the Forbes Golf and Sportsman’s Hotel hosted the first official function for the event with the Sir Francis Forbes Dinner. Guest speaker, Rob Willis, gave an enlightening presentation on Forbes and guests were entertained by local performers including Barbara Bruce, Luke & Erica Byrne, Last Call and Forbes Dancers.

Peter Ashcroft and his team catered the dinner and the organisers were blown away with the menu. Guest speaker, Elizabeth Rogers (CEO of Regional Arts NSW) shared her knowledge at the Regional Arts Symposium on Friday
before the Kate Kelly Exhibition was opened at McFeeters Motor Museum. The Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre then took the spotlight with the amazing Welcome to Country ceremony.

Children from all of our local schools came together, and although nervous, delighted crowds with their cultural performances. The Festival was officially opened on Saturday morning by Member for Orange, Andrew Gee. Mr Gee was excited by the program and expressed the importance of arts and culture to local communities.

All three areas, Arts Alley, Zen Zone & Frog Hollow provided non-stop entertainment and activities throughout the day which culminated in the Grand Finale Spectacular featuring a Combined Regional Choir, River Arts Big Drums, Dancers, Bedgerabong School Merimbas and Magical Lantern Parade complete with the incredible Brolga and Crane Lanterns circling the sky above. The weather, although threatening, held off for the weekend ensuring the success of the event.

Vice President and Artistic Director, Rosalie Burns, was pleased with attendance figures estimated to be in the vicinity of 5000. This data will now give the committee increased opportunities to access funding for future event. Rosalie was grateful to the amazing festival committee and the many volunteers for the phenomenal effort they gave to make the event so memorable.

The committee have earned a well-deserved break but will soon be commencing plans for the 2017 event.

 

On Saturday night eight young ladies and their partners traded their thongs, joggers and footy shorts for white dresses, tailored pants and dancing shoes in preparation for a night to remember.

The Forbes community has always maintained the tradition of Debutante Balls and looks certain to continue well into the future. A Debutante, which is French for “female beginner”, was generally a young lady who has reached the age of maturity and, as a new adult, is introduced to society at a formal presentation.

Originally, it meant the young women were eligible to marry, and part of the purpose was to display her to eligible bachelors and their families with a view to marriage. For many years the debutante balls were organised by the Masonic Lodge or Church Groups but are now organised within schools. It appears that debutante balls are more commonly held in regional or country areas rather than larger centres and cities.

Modern debutante balls are often charity events and money raised from the event is donated to a charity or community organisation chosen by the participants. Proceeds from Saturday’s event will benefit cancer support and research through Relay for Life.

The group donated prizes for a raffle which was drawn on the night with Cameron Greenhalgh taking out third prize (a tool package), Jonah Little claiming second prize (a pamper package) and a very happy Christine Crawford winning first prize (the gardens dream package complete with wheelbarrow).

Forbes Shire Council has been deemed “not fit for the future” by the IPART Report which was released Tuesday. This was due to scale and capacity which focuses on the population forecast for the next 20 years. The recommendation from IPART that has been given to Forbes Shire Council is to merge with Weddin Shire Council (Grenfell).

Mayor Miller said Council has until Wednesday 18 November to respond. “We will be meeting with Weddin Shire
Council to discuss the next step and then we will put in our submission,” Mayor Miller said. “There is no point burying our heads in the sand about this as we have known for a long time that amalgamations were on the agenda.”

“The fact that we meet the other criteria except for scale and capacity tells me that this is a forced amalgamation and if we don’t do it, it will be done for us.” “It is important that we keep our councils intact so that there is a democratic process for change.” “My understanding is that if there is resistance, the Government will do it with an administrator, which is taking away the democratic process.”

Mayor Miller said she reassured the community that they will be kept engaged throughout the process. “It is important to stay calm and we will keep the community informed every step of the way,” she said.

139 proposals from 144 councils in NSW made a submission to IPART to either merge or standalone. From those proposals a mere 52 councils were found to meet the criteria to be deemed “fit” and 15 councils in the Central West were deemed “unfit”, including Orange City Council, Wellington Council, Blayney Shire Council, Cabonne Council and Weddin Shire Council. Bathurst Regional Council, Dubbo City Council, Parkes Shire Council and Cowra Shire Council were among the councils in the Central West who were assessed as “fit for the future”.