General Interest Archives - Page 171 of 326

Forbes Among Yellow Ribbon Councils

May 28, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

YELLOW RIBBON COUNCILS: Parkes Shire Council’s General Manager Kent Boyd, Forbes Shire Council’s Director of Corporate Services Stefan Murru, SARAH President Peter Frazer, Parkes Shire Council Mayor Ken Keith OAM and Parkes Shire Council’s Director of Works and Services Ben Howard.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils have been announced as Yellow Ribbon Councils by SARAH (Safer Australian Roads and Highways) President Peter Frazer, for their long-time support of National Road Safety Week.

Mayor of Parkes Shire Cr Ken Keith OAM and Forbes Shire Council’s Director of Corporate Services Stefan Murru accepted the certificates. Lachlan Shire Council’s certificate was presented to General Manager Greg Tory by the Councils’ shared Road Safety Officer Melanie Suitor earlier this week.

“We are all touched by road trauma, which echoes through our community and is felt by so many others – family and friends, work colleagues, community groups, emergency service workers and local communities,” Forbes Shire Council Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said.

“That’s why the Councils’ are very supportive of road safety and have been active in this space for almost 20 years.”

The week honours the memory of the 1,200 lives lost, and more than 44,000 seriously injured on Australia’s roads each year.

People are encouraged to sign an online pledge to not drive distracted, not speed and to never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Take the pledge at: www.roadsafetyweek.com.au

Forbes Open Studio Trail Sunday, June 6

May 28, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Embark on an adventure behind the Forbes Shire art scene into the creative lives of six of our most outstanding artists Coralie Crouch, Melody Ruhrmund, Klara Ward, Sue Dingwall, Sampa Bhakta and Sharon Degeling.

In this eclectic multimedia showcase of local talent, these six creatives will open the doors of their private studios on Sun-day, 6 June 2021 as part of the Forbes Open Studio Trail.

Forbes Arts Society Chair, Dr Karen Ritchie said, “the Forbes Shire is home to some amazing emerging and established artists working in diverse artistic practices including textiles, graphic design, wood turning, painting, illustrating, ceramics and many more.”

“This is a rare opportunity to go behind-the-scenes inside their creative spaces, learn about different art forms and see how they are made.”

The event runs from 10am until 3pm. Ticket holders will check-in at the Platypus Gallery, collect their trail map, and are then free to explore each of the open studios at their leisure. Tickets are $10 for Forbes Arts Society (FAS) members and $15 for non-members and can be pre-purchased through the Eventbrite website or on-the-day from the Platypus Gallery.

For more information about the Forbes Open Studio Trail, visit www.forbesartssociety.com or follow the Platypus Gallery on Facebook and Instagram. The Forbes Open Studio Trail is proudly supported by Forbes Arts Society and Arts OutWest. The Platypus Gallery is run by ArtsWeb volunteers, a committee of the Forbes Arts Society.

Featured six artists as part of the event include Coralie Crouch, Melody Ruhrmund, Klara Ward, Sue Dingwall, Sampa Bhakta and Sharon Degeling.

Community Funding Round Two

May 28, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

COMMUNITY GRANTS: Community grant recipients with Forbes Shire Council councillors and staff.

Forbes Shire Council has recently awarded the second round of the annual Community Funding Program at the Council Meeting. This provided elected members a chance to congratulate the successful not-for-profit community organisations, who received a share in the $41,000 of in-kind or cash contribution funding through this round.

The revamped funding program accepts online applications only through the Forbes Shire Council SmartyGrants portal, found on Council’s website. This program offers an opportunity for groups within the Shire to access funding to support events, activities and infrastructure. Applicants can receive up to $5,000 in each round over four categories; sport and recreation, culture and arts, community services and rural village enhancement. Across the financial year applicants a total of $100,000 is available in two rounds.

“Council is extremely proud to be awarding another $41,000 of this crucial funding to ensure the community has access to ongoing events, activities and infrastructure,” said Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM. This is the second round of the new format of Community Funding with over $91,000 awarded thus far.

“Community organisations, sporting groups and not-for-profit organisations are reminded to get their applications in for the current round, and as always, our amazing Grants Officers will be available to assist groups with completing and submitting applications to ensure each applicant has the best chance of success,” said Mayor Miller.

The successful recipients include:
• Bedgerabong PA and H Association
• Forbes and District Tennis Club
• Forbes Auto Sports Club
• Forbes Birth to Kinder
• Forbes Art Society
• Forbes Childcare Centre Inc.
• Forbes Country Music Inc.
• Forbes Dragon Boat Club Inc
• Forbes Family History Group
• Forbes Toy Library
• NSW Small Winemakers Show
• Wirrinya Progress Association

The next round of funding is now open and additional information including Funding Guidelines and Frequently Asked Questions are available on the Council website. Please contact Council’s Community Relations Officer on 02 6850 2300 for more information.

Forbes New Grain Treatment Site

May 28, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes is among 20 regional locations across NSW where the Berajiklian Coalition Government will establish grain treatment sites to help combat the ongoing mouse plague.

“Pending approval, sites will also be set up at other western NSW areas including Nyngan, Condobolin, Coonabarabran and Coonamble, while Merriwa and Walgett are also on the list,” said NSW Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall said.

Mr Marshall also confirmed his hometown of Gunnedah, Dubbo, Holbrook, Inverell, Mudgee, Jerilderie, Narrandera, Scone, Tamworth, Moree, Narrabri, Wagga Wagga and Warialda as the other areas where sites will be situated.

“Instead of the initially suggested ten sites, we’ve now made our grain treatment even easier for farmers to access and doubled that number to 20,” Minister Marshall said.

“These mice are a scourge on our regional communities, but these 20 sites will be strategically located throughout the state’s most affected areas, from Warialda to Wagga, and Condobolin to Scone, to help ease the burden on our farmers,” he said.

Farmers can register for grain treatment through their nearest Local Land Service office, with sites to operate in rotation and by appointment to ensure safe chemical handling and access for staff and customers.

Mr Marshall said the treatment sites would complement the measures already put in place by the NSW Government to support landholders. “Our workshops educating farmers on best practice to manage mice continue to be well subscribed and well received,” Mr Marshall said.

The free grain treatment is part of the NSW Government’s $50 million support package to manage the impacts on regional communities, which also includes bait rebates for households and small businesses, community workshops and targeted pest research.

Interpretation Of Attitude

May 28, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

INTERPRETATION OF ATTITUDE EXHIBITION: Opening night for the Interpretation of Attitude exhibition by Samantha Coronel will be on Friday June 11 at the Platypus Gallery in Forbes.

In her first solo exhibition since moving to the region last year, artist Samantha Coronel has drawn inspiration from what posture can reveal about a person.

“The pose in front of the camera is taken as one’s attitude towards life. The construction of the posture reveals rigidity, fluidity, distraction, sensuality, coldness, daring, in-difference, sensitivity and even absence,” Samantha said.

“Sometimes I omit details to focus on the attitude and the emotion transmitted by colour. The attitude that represents us in every moment of life.”

The ‘Interpretation of Attitude’ exhibition opening will be held at the Platypus Gallery in Forbes on Friday 11 June 2021, at 6.30pm. Tickets are $15 per person, including drinks and nibbles, and can be pre-purchased through the Eventbrite website.

Forbes Arts Society Chair, Dr Karen Ritchie said, “we are always excited to feature new creatives to our region, as well as different artforms.”

“Samantha’s contemporary form of disrupted realism is something we haven’t seen exhibited at the gallery previously – through colour and technique, Samantha challenges and reshapes the conventional approach to portrait painting.”

The ‘Interpretation of Attitude’ exhibition runs until Saturday 26 June 2021. The Platypus Gallery opening hours are Tuesday to Friday, 10am until 2pm and Saturdays, 9am until 1pm. All artworks will be available for purchase.

For more information about the exhibition, visit www.forbesartssociety.com or follow the Platypus Gallery on Facebook and Instagram. The Platypus Gallery is run by ArtsWeb volunteers, a committee of the Forbes Arts Society.

Templar Is Getting Tasty Again

May 28, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

The next exquisite edition of Taste on Templar event is now well under way and Forbes Business Chamber is offering sponsorship packages for the flagship event.

Sponsorship of Taste On Templar will create brand awareness and raise the profile of the sponsors amongst the broad range of businesses across the region, including all Forbes Business Chamber members.

All levels of sponsorship offer businesses the opportunity to showcase their brand through all types of media leading up to the event.”

Sponsorship documents have been sent to as many businesses and individuals as possible. If you haven’t received this document but would like a copy please email the Chamber on forbes.businesschambernsw@gmail.com

Taste on Templar is on Saturday October 30, 2021. Theming is based around local and regional product and produce, local businesses, people and summer.

“The evening will include meet and greet, live entertainment and, of course, you!” Marg Duggan said. “All people from Forbes and surrounds are invited and encouraged to attend this quality and fun event.”

Telling The Story Of Local Business Through Social Media

May 21, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

SUCCESS: Rich Evans spoke to a packed house recently in Forbes as part of RDA’s Central West tour to educate people on multimedia

Regional Development Australia Central West (RDA Central West) recently partnered with Rich Evans, CEO of Central West Media, to host a social media and digital marketing workshop in Forbes.

The workshop, delivered thanks to the support of Evolution Mining, attracted more than 60 people from Forbes, Condobolin, Parkes, Garema, Canowindra, Cowra and Bathurst.

RDA Central West CEO, Sam Harma, said it was fantastic to have such a big response to the workshop.

“To have more than 60 people from Forbes and the surrounding communities attend the workshop speaks to the value local businesses and the community see in effective digital marketing strategies,” said Mr Harma.

“Smart and successful social media and digital marketing is the gateway for small businesses to reach and grow their audience and increase sales. It is also constantly evolving.

“After Rich presented at the Backing Business Forum in 2020 we knew he would be the right fit for this workshop because he is not only an engaging presenter and expert in the field, but is passionate about storytelling and supporting local businesses across the region.

“Small businesses and local organisations are the backbone of any regional community and following the workshop, I hope we will see more business success stories coming out of Forbes and the Central West.”

This workshop was delivered thanks to the support of Evolution Mining.

Phoenix Newspaper Group Welcomes New Staff

May 21, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

NEW PARKES SALES MANAGER: Emma Henderson started this week as the new Parkes Sales Manager and will work alongside Editor Maggi Barnard and Forbes Sales Manager Jordana Freney.

In further positive news for our parent company the Phoenix Newspaper Group, Parkes Phoenix now has a new dedicated Sales Manager with Emma Henderson taking up the new role last week.

Emma, who has an extensive resume in sales, is also a business consultant and has experience in real estate.

“I am extremely pleased to be joining the Parkes and Forbes Phoenix newspapers,” said Emma.

“I am passionate about our region and as someone born in the area and with ambitions to help improve our rural communities, I am glad I can now also help businesses with their marketing as well,” she said.

Aside from running the Forbes Community Page on Facebook, Emma, a young mother and entrepreneur, also has designs on a tilt with Forbes Shire Council at the elections in September.

“I have lived in Parkes and Forbes and consider both big parts of my life. I love our communities and it’s great to see them thriving,” she said.

Emma joins Forbes Sales Manager Jor-dana Freney and newly appointed Manager of both Parkes and Forbes Phoenix newspapers, Dane Millerd. Maggi Barnard will remain editor of Parkes.

“Both Emma and Jordana have great character and a brilliant can-do attitude,” said Dane Millerd.

“They understand their communities and I can assure you they have a number of exciting concepts for our advertisers including video production,” he said.

“I am under no illusions that with Emma’s appointment, that we can get on track to re-establishing the Phoenix as the premier product it is.”

For Phoenix owner Josh Matic, Emma’s appointment is a real boost. “Emma has a tremendous attitude and vast experience,” he said. “Her skill-set and local knowledge will be an invaluable asset to us.”

To enquire about marketing opportunities in Parkes and Forbes contact Emma Henderson sales@parkesphoenix.com.au or Jordana Freney sales@forbesphoenix.com.au

By Dane Millerd

Shannen Stars In Parkes M&Ds Wicked Production

May 21, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

WHICH WITCH: Shannen Toole as Galinda the Good Witch and Hannah Symonds as Elphaba the Wicked Witch of the West in Parkes M&D’s Wicked.

This week, the Forbes Phoenix caught up with Wicked star Shannen Toole who plays the good witch Galinda in the Parkes M&D production.

Tell us a little about your role in Wicked and who you play?
I play Galinda the Good Witch who is a popular and self-absorbed character who is determined to make everyone love her and she remain the centre of attention.

What do you enjoy about the live theatre?
It’s just magical. Being a part of any musical is always a once in a lifetime experience and putting together a show that can transport you away for a few moments is always something I cherish being involved in.

What is the story about?
It is about the untold story of an unlikely friendship between two girls who meet at Shiz University as students. One is the blonde and popular Galinda and the other is an outcast and slightly misunderstood green girl named Elphaba played by my wonderful friend and cast mate Hannah Symonds. It follows their journey to meet the Wizard of Oz and how their lives take very different paths following this meeting. Galinda is however seduced by power and popularity while Elphaba stays true to herself and to those around her which has unexpected consequences for both the girl’s futures. This in time will see them become Galinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

Is acting/ music a passion or hobby or both?
It’s definitely both. I’ve been ‘bitten by the bug’ for musical theatre ever since primary school and music has always been played in our household growing up and has done still to this day.

Wicked is sold out and wraps on May 23.

Grand Opening For KHub In Forbes

May 21, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

READY FOR BUSINESS: KHub staff are ready for Forbes shoppers after officially opening earlier this month. (Photo courtesy of Essjay Photography)

Forbes officially has a KHub after the retail giant Kmart opened earlier this month in the old Target Country store in Rankin Street.

Retail Director Kmart Australia & New Zealand, John Gualtieri was excited about the new opening in Forbes.

“At Kmart, we’re on a mission to make everyday living brighter for Australian families. Giving them easy access to the everyday items they need, at the lowest possible price,” he said.

“It’s how we make shopping more accessible for more people and that’s at the heart of everything we do,” Mr Gualtieri said.

“As a business, we’re committed to opening stores in new communities, and we are thrilled to officially welcome Forbes into the family.”

With 12 existing Target team members and 20 brand new recruits, the whole team have been working tirelessly to bring this colourful new store to life for the local community.

KHub is stocked full of great value, on-trend products that customers are going to absolutely love. The store will have the 200 most popular Kmart products across kids, home and clothing.

“KHub customers will be able to pop in and visit the team instore, or shop Kmart’s entire product range online using home delivery services,” said Mr Gualtieri.

“We’ll be using the store as a collection point for online Target and Catch orders too, giving customers easy access to all three of our Kmart Group brands.”

Subscribe