With the Forbes property market in over-drive especially since the release of allotments at the new Goldridge Estate, the Ray White Rural Annual Awards were held with Ray White Parkes/ Forbes/ Condobolin ranked the number three regional office in Australia – a fantastic achievement in uncertain times.

The team were also acknowledged for excellence in customer service.

Based on settled commissions, the top offices were recognised at the awards and the agency were also acknowledged for their commitment to their clients by being awarded the coveted Client’s Choice Award.

Rural property and water sales specialist Kim Watts was the second highest performing agent nationally, ranking her in the top one percent.

Other gongs included rural property specialist Paddy Ward and residential sales specialist Brendon Allegri who were recognised at elite performers.

Ray White Rural chairman Paul White said the rankings illustrated the energy within the group.

“So many of our offices are achieving and exceeding personal bests, which sees some exciting results for our group overall.”

When television producers from ABC’s You Can’t Ask That? contacted Jeremy Mark-wort about being interviewed; he couldn’t believe it. The series is synonymous with tackling tough and taboo issues and the question they asked the Forbes local and Bogans World social media founder was – what is boganism and what are the roots of it?

“They wanted to know are bogans nor-mal or actually really different?” Jeremy said.

“There is a lot of confusion about it as some say bogans are larrikins and others think they are something far worse – which they aren’t.”

The episode (aired last Tuesday) asked a raft of people across the class divide including Bloke singer and comedian Chris Franklin, this very question and in the process tried dispelling some myths surrounding boganism.

“We certainly wouldn’t have the shoey,” said Jeremy.

“It’s bogan origins stem from racing cars when the winner would drink from his shoe. There’s loads of positives and the show touches on all that,” he said.

The social media channel Bogan’s World is on Facebook and Markwort is currently collaborating on a series on Australia’s Best Man Caves.

The recent Be Road Ready For Harvest Virtual Field Day, held via Zoom in September, was a success with over 60 people dialling in for the event. The event was supported by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), Transport for NSW, NSW Police, NSW Rural Fire Service, Graincorp/Grain Transport Safety Network and NSW Farmers. Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said it was great to see strong numbers again this year for the Virtual Field Day, especially as the region is expecting another good harvest.

“Unfortunately, due to the current COVID situation we had to hold the field day online again this year, rather than the usual face to face event at the Forbes Saleyards,” Ms Suitor said.

The program included presentations about access, fire safety, load restraint and much more.

“Thanks to everyone who assisted to organise, promote and attend the event.” The Virtual Field Day was recorded and can be accessed on the Forbes Councils’ YouTube channel or via this link – https://youtu.be/wkALs0-xY94

The winner of the feedback form lucky door prize, an Engel Thermo15 cab fridge worth $190, was Campbell Wilson.

 

When Andrew Rawsthorne, a Trundle farmer and former Red Bend student, arrived at Forbes Shire Council as the new Grants Officer six years ago, his role was to help bring council’s vision to life. Now, he is hanging up his hat to dedicate his time to his ever-growing farming business.

“I have been lucky enough to work with some outstanding people – creative people, who I count as lifelong friends,” said Andrew. “I am privileged to have played a small part in the growth of Forbes – a town near and dear to me.”

Rawsthorne and his grants colleagues collaborated on $30million in funding during his tenure – a remarkable feat that has elevated Forbes to one of the most prosperous and idyllic rural communities to live in nationwide.

For Andrew it is all about life on the land and he wouldn’t have it any other way!

More than 140,000 students across NSW return to face-to-face learning on Tuesday, October 5, for the start of Term 4 including children in Forbes.

With COVID-19 restrictions eased across many parts of rural and regional NSW, 721 schools – almost a third of the State’s public schools – welcomed all students back on site. Students returned to COVID-safe settings that included QR code checkins, no visitors, restricted activities, increased hygiene practices and mask wearing.

Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said she understood how important it was to have children back in classrooms.

“Thousands of excited students returned to the classroom in the regions this week and will soon be followed by students in other parts of the state with either a staged return from 18 October, or via the easing of local restrictions,” Ms Mitchell said.

“After a disrupted Term 3, it is more important than ever that students receive the academic, social and wellbeing benefits of being in the classroom. Despite this excitement, it is important that parents and students follow their school’s guidelines for safe operations, and practice physical distancing at school pick-ups and drop-offs.”

Several measures are in place for a return to school, including increased cleaning activities and additional hygiene and safety practices.

Parents are encouraged to look at their school website, Facebook page or newsletters to learn about new procedures that have been introduced, such as changes to parents’ access to the school grounds, drop off and pick up points as well as new safety and hygiene rules.

For updated information on the return to school and restrictions, visit:education. nsw.gov.au/covid-19/advice-for-families.