General Interest Archives - Page 129 of 326

Top Chamber Music Outfit To Play In Forbes

July 1, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes is in for a fantastic musical treat this month when one of Australia’s most dynamic chamber music groups will give a concert at the Forbes Town Hall as part of the Music in the Regions’ Winter tour. Omega Ensemble will perform a high-energy program from Mozart’s cherished Clarinet Quintet to the world premiere of a new contemporary Australian work by Australian composer Carl Vine on Friday, 22nd July.

Audiences on the Winter Regional Tour will be among the first in the world to hear the new work by legendary Carl Vine, which Omega Ensemble commissioned especially for the program.

“Omega Ensemble are lauded nationwide for their exceptional world-class performances, an incredible cultural experience these regional audiences would usually have to travel to a city for but can now enjoy close to home,” said Music in the Regions Executive Director, Janine Collins.

Founded in 2005, Omega Ensemble has a mission to champion extraordinary Australian musical talent through high-energy and impactful performance. The Ensemble presents an annual National Touring Program to metropolitan and regional cities across Australia and frequently appears in national cultural festivals. They have also twice toured to China, delivering concerts and masterclasses in Shanghai and Beijing.

“At the heart of our Ensemble are the musical stories we share and the special connections we make with our audiences. We love performing all around Australia, but we haven’t played in Western NSW since 2018. It is such a beautiful region and we are delighted we can return again this year. After the past few years, we have really missed travelling!” said Omega Ensemble Artistic Director, David Rowden.

To book tickets, visit www.musicintheregions.com

Last Chance To See Historical Display

July 1, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The CWA 100 Year display in the Book Dispensary will only be there for another week.

This year marks the Centenary of the Country Women’s Association of NSW. CWA Branches throughout NSW will be celebrating with high teas, luncheons, birthday parties and many other get-togethers to commemorate such a huge feat.

The CWA’s purpose when founded was to improve the conditions for women and make life better for families living in rural and remote Australia.

Today, the CWA has developed into one of the largest rural and regional advocacy groups in Australia. Giving a voice to women, families and those in regional and remote areas who would otherwise not be heard.

Every local branch, whether it has five members or fifty members, all contribute to bettering the condition of not just women, but also families in rural and regional NSW.

The Forbes CWA Evening Branch works for the community through providing support and advocacy for better services for the town and fundraising, such as selling soup at the Frost and Fire event held by Forbes Shire Council.

Please show your support for our local CWA members by getting along to have a look at the display in the Book Dispensary and celebrate their 100 years!

De Havilland Jet Needs ‘TLC’ After 50 Years

July 1, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The De Havilland Jet near Apex Park has been fenced off for some time and will have to come down for an assessment because of its safety risk to the public.

The De Havilland Jet, which flew during the Korean war, has been a well-known landmark at Lake Forbes since 1971.

The jet crash landed just west of Forbes in the 1950’s, and was then grounded and used as a training aircraft before it was purchased by the Forbes Shire Council for the 50th anniversary of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

The Australian made aircraft has survived a battering over the years but sadly the general wear and tear combined with acidic pigeon droppings has caused the nose to separate from the jet’s body. This has led to a decision to take the plane down from its display pole near Apex Park as it has become a public safety risk.

“It would be remiss not to take it down. It’s quite dangerous,” said Forbes Shire Mayor Phyliss Miller. She reassured the community that the plane would be back eventually. “We need to take it down to assess what needs to be done to restore it, we then need to do a budget for that and then we will fix it and put it back up on the pole. We are not taking the plane away,” she said in a video message on Facebook this week.

She said it was very important to keep the plan on the pole, and that the various rumours circulating about the plane were not true.

Mike De La Hunt from the HARS Parkes Aviation Museum, who has repaired aircraft of the same model, told the ABC he estimated it could cost anywhere between $10,000 to $100,000, depending on how many volunteers put their hands up.

“It should come down quickly if the goal is to preserve its significant history,” he said. “In similar cases, we have replaced the wooden features with fibreglass to preserve its appearance but making it weatherproof and lightweight.

It won’t be straightforward, but it will certainly be worthwhile, there is no reason it couldn’t be up the for another 20 odd years,” said Mike.

Your ‘Turn’ To Support A Truly Local Production

July 1, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Turning Tables is set to hit the stage at The Little Theatre in Parkes from tomorrow night after over 12 months of rehearsals and cancellations due to COVID-19.

Going off reviews from community members invited to the preview on Sunday, it’s going to be another hit for the Parkes Musical and Dramatic Society. The praise afterwards included: “An excellent show…has to be seen”, “I absolutely loved it and will be coming back again!”, “Fresh, fun, powerful, provocative, moving and memorable”, “Incredible show” and “Took my breath away – just an amazing production from start to finish”.

With a script written by the Parkes M & D’s stellar director Lyn Townsend, Turning Tables tells the story of five women (Christie Green, Christa Radley, Shev Brown, Ruth Barnes and Maddi Collits), all different, all unique with their own ‘baggage’ to carry.

During the course of the show, each of the women take you on their journey, the relationships they have endured and the strength and resilience they gain from the friendships they forge with each other, despite the differences in age or social status. There are four male roles, all played by one token guy (Aaron Kingham).

With songs like Can’t fight the Moonlight, Stronger, Girls just wanna have fun, Because of you, Holding out for a hero, Born this way, Warrior, Jesus take the Wheel, Danger Zone, I’m so Excited, This is me, and many more, there is bound to be a song you know and love.

Turning Tables will play over three weekends. Tickets are available from www.parkesmandd.com.au or at the theatre box office an hour before any show, or on Sundays from 10am to 1pm. If you live out of town, email parkesmandd2870@gmail.com to request tickets be reserved or call 0429 623 829 after 5:30pm. The production is not suited for children under 14 due to adult themes, but for adults, this is just a fantastic outing!

$10 Million For Central West Industrial Park

July 1, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The Central West Industrial Park in Forbes is set on its way to become a reality following a $10 million commitment from the NSW Government this week.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole was in Forbes on Wednesday for the announcement and said it would pay for the final stage of the project that involved the construction of remaining infrastructure, the installation of gas, electricity and water infrastructure, and the installation of NBN.

“By investing in projects like this, the NSW Government is helping to strengthen economic growth and drive the state’s recovery from COVID-19,” he said.

NSW Upper House MP Sam Farraway said the project was a game-changer for the region and ensured Forbes would be ready for growth and investment in the future.

“This project is extremely timely given the tremendous growth predicted for Forbes over the next 20 years. Forbes Shire population is expected to increase by 32% making it one of the top 20 areas of growth in NSW.”

Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM welcomed the funding from the NSW Government, saying the Central West, which boasts access to the most affordable water in the region, is ripe for the development of businesses reliant on water.

“Strategically located on the Newell Highway, halfway between Melbourne and Brisbane, with approved B Double access to the site, it presents great benefits for industrial developments,” the Mayor said.

The funding builds on the $4 million contribution from the Regional Recovery Partnerships program. The $14.5 million project is funded in partnership with the Federal Government, NSW Government and Forbes Shire Council.

RAS Foundation Backs Regional Students

July 1, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Jacqueline Hodges from Forbes is a 2022 RAS Foundation Rural Scholarship recipient.

Investing in the next generation of bright young minds, the Royal Agricultural Society Foundation (RASF) has this week announced the recipients of its 2022 RAS Foundation Rural Scholarships.

Designed to financially support rural and regional students, studying at university, college or TAFE, the scholarships are aimed at students who are passionate about applying their knowledge and skills within regional communities.

Sixty-nine students have been selected for this year’s Scholarship programs, with local Forbes woman Jacqueline Hodges among the recipients.

Jacqueline is studying a Masters of Clinical Psychology through Charles Sturt University. “I am passionate about helping young people, especially Aboriginal youth. My goal is to help youth achieve good mental health and develop skills to support their mental health throughout their life,” said Jacqueline.

RASF Manager, Cecilia Logan, said the Foundation is proud to support recipients in pursuing their dream careers.

“This year’s recipients have demonstrated a strong desire to give back to country NSW, and we are delighted to play a role in helping them achieve their goals,” Cecilia said.

Applications for the 2023 RASF Rural Scholarship program open 1st July. For further information, please visit www.rasf.org.au.

Social Enterprise Café Sylo Set To Open

July 1, 2022 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.

Winners Are Grinners

June 24, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

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.”

Mayoral Notes

June 24, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Wow, what a weekend! Chillfest and Frost and Fire were amazing events. We have had so much positive feedback (and helpful suggestions), thank you for both. Wasn’t it just fantastic to get back to having fun, enjoying live music, beautiful food and great company? I had a house full of guests and there were plenty of people who travelled to enjoy our Forbes hospitality.

Frost and Fire absolutely met all my expectations and I hope it met yours. We are already working on ideas to help make it bigger and better every year. Can you believe we sold all 3,000 tickets beforehand?

We have also had fabulous feedback about Chillfest, our free family night on Friday. Despite the cold weather it was lovely to see so many families rugged up and ready to have fun.

Special thanks also to the Rotary and Lions Club for serving breakfast at Lions Park on Sunday. It was very much appreciated and a great idea after a big event like Frost and Fire.

Thank you also to the Boys to The Bush team who helped with some setting up in the lead up to Frost and Fire.

Talking volunteers, do you give your time and support to a specific charity or organisation? If so, we want to say a personal and sincere thank you at our Volunteers Morning Tea on Tuesday, 28th June from 10am.

Please RSVP to events@forbes.nsw. gov.au or call 6850 2300 by Monday.

Until next week, God Bless.

Your Mayor
Phyllis Miller

It Ain’t Weak To Speak

June 24, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

BREAKING THE TABOO… The Forbes Mental Health Expo organisers were (L-R) Katie Shambrook (Catholic Care), Sam Webb (guest speaker and LIVIN founder), Fiona Glasheen (Catholic Care).

We all know what to do when we are injured, but how many of us know where to go when we are experiencing mental health issues?

While 20% of Autralians are impacted by mental health, it still seems to be a taboo subject in our modern lives.

Actor and mental health champion Sam Webb addressed this often painful subject speaking to about 200 students and community members at the Fobes Mental Health Expo on Tuesday.

Sam started his presentation with two words: I’m fine. “These are two of most dangerous words spoken every day. They were the last two words I heard from my good friend the night before he took his own life in 2013.”

Sam, who flew in from his home in Los Angeles, co-founded the mental health charity LIVIN after the death of his friend committing to helping people and organisations understand the importance of mental health and making wellness a priority.

Speaking from the heart his presentation focused on simple tools and strategies to live better, make a difference and be of service to other people.

“Don’t take ‘I’m fine’ for an answer any more. A lot of people use those two words just as a blow off, and what they really want to say is: Help Me!”

Sam said the “cool mantra” It Ain’t Weak To Speak was not just about mental health but could be applied to all aspects of life, like an upcoming exam, or relationship problems. He gave the audience some tips about talking to someone who is struggling. “Be honest, and don’t be afraid to have a hard conversation. It is about listening, and not trying to fix anything or solving problems.”

Another strategy Sam focused on was being adaptable in life. “It is not cool to hide your pain, and it does not get you anywhere. Find your north star – identify what you’re good at and value yourself and your worth. You have the power to make a difference in your life. It is OK not to be all right.”

For Sam self-care is vital. “We cannot help anyone properly if we do not look after ourselves first.” He said running was his best self-care option, while some answers from the audience included drawing, and talking to a friend.

Sam ended his presentation with a story about a fellow presenter who had survived a suicide attempt. He said the most important message from the survivor was that he felt instant regret the moment he jumped off a bridge.

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