Forbes Shire Council is supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities Orange in 2021 by encouraging Forbes to paint itself red and will be holding a charity High Tea on the shores of Lake Forbes at Lions Park 25 March 2021.

“We cannot wait to paint the town red for Ronald McDonald House in March,” said Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM.

“This amazing charity has helped so many Forbes residents in their time of need.

Since the house opened, 75 families from Forbes have stayed at Ronald McDonald House Charities in Orange for a total of 298 nights – all free of charge.

“By turning the town red on March 25 this year we can ensure our local families can continue to receive support for life saving treatment at Orange Hospital,” said Mayor Miller.

“Last year a number of schools were involved in ‘Wear Red Day’ and I am truly hoping businesses in Forbes will get on board as well,” Mayor Miller said.

The High Tea will begin from 5.30pm with a number of guest speakers and include roving sparkling wine and mocktails. Tickets on sale now via 123Tix.com.

When three local businesses went up in flames on December 28, 2020 many thought none would re-open yet the Forbes TSG and Giftware store has taken less than 8 weeks to do it.

Store Manager Simone Holmes said that the initial shock of the fire damage was quickly replaced with a big effort to keep the business going.

“We are slowly but surely building up again and excited with what lies ahead,” Simone said.

“We have a great team and are happy to be getting back to normal. Our gift range is extensive and we hope locals will return to the store and check us out.”

Forbes TSG and Giftware is now located at 131-135 Rankin Street, Forbes next to SportsPower.

“We still provide gifts and ideas for birthdays, hens and bucks parties and more,” said Simone.

“And with footy season coming up we encourage everyone to come down and check out our new range. From beer snorkels to footy mugs plus a range of stuff for the ladies as well – we have a variety of giftware ideas.”

Last week whip-cracking royalty came to Calarie Hall when Nathan ‘Whippy’ Griggs came to town and put on a show as part of his tour.

Griggs is not only Australia’s number 1 whip cracking entertainer, he is a five time whip cracking Guinness world record holder! Four times for fastest records with both one and two hands, 697 cracks in a minute two whips, 359 cracks in a minute 1 whip and for the longest whip in the world cracking a whip over 100m long. When it comes to whips you will not find a more inspiring and passionate man. Nathan is a new breed of Australian whip cracker, and he’s taking the world by storm.

Located in Mataranka, Northern Territory, Nathan has invested a lot of his time into perfecting his whip cracking and whip making expertise. Now a professional entertainer and artisan whip maker, his whips are in demand from all over the world… as is his whip cracking entertainment.

The past eight years Nathan has spent touring Australia. Now traveling Australia with his partner Tess Rowley the founder of Fernie Swim. They are working together to expand what they both have to offer. Nathan and Tess have a passion for rural Australia and traveling.

Taking his show to hundreds of towns, entertaining thousands with his ever evolving whip cracking talent and distinc-tive style of Aussie humour.

“Calarie and Forbes has been one of my most packed shows,” said Griggs. “It’s great to get out here to these places.Can’t wait to come back and do it all again!”

With his growing fan base and social media stardom the name Nathan “Whippy” Griggs will be one to watch on the global circuit.

More information about touring dates can be obtained at www.nathangriggs.com.au

Forbes North SaCC and Mitchell Conservatorium of Music have teamed up to bring music sessions to young children in Forbes.

“Children have the opportunity to use percussion instruments, sing rhymes and participate in movement to music,” said Maree Yapp of Forbes North SaCC.

“Sessions will be every week during school term on a Monday morning and will be lead by a musician from the Mitchell Conservatorium, Mrs Hannah Nixon and at an affordable price for families which we all know is a consideration especially post COVID.”

I am so excited to be working with Hannah to deliver early childhood music sessions” said Maree Yapp from Forbes North SaCC, “and to be able to meet in a group face to face feels awesome”.

New mums who had babies during 2020 may not have had the opportunity to take part in face to face new mums groups or playgroups due to the restrictions that became part of our lives last year. Hannah and Maree are hoping families will feel confident to come along and try Thump Jump Rhyme.

“COVID safe practices and a QR code will be in place,” Maree said.

“The feedback has been exceptional and we are hopeful of encouraging more people to come along and see for themselves what everyone is talking about.

“It is a great outing and a real chance to have fun, create and connect with old friends or new ones,” said Maree Yapp.

To book your spot call Forbes North SaCC on 6852 3008 or find us on Facebook at Forbes North Schools as Community Centres.

Calling all future Bairds, Berejiklians, Wrans and Carrs! Applications are now open for the YMCA NSW (Y NSW) Youth Parliament: the state’s premier youth political empowerment program.

Aimed at young people in years 10, 11 and 12 or equivalent age, Y NSW Youth Parliament provides a platform for young people to have their voices heard through legislative debate and decision making.

The Y NSW is seeking representatives from all 93 NSW State Electorates to participate. Y NSW CEO Susannah Le Bron said it was exciting to be back following the program’s suspension in 2020 due to the pandemic.

“COVID-19 has brought the direct impact of political decisions on young people’s lives and futures sharply into focus,” Mrs Le Bron said. “There’s never been a more important time for young people to stand up and be heard, and the Y is incredibly proud as an organisation to bring these voices directly to the seat of power in NSW.”

Youth Parliament consists of an eight-day camp where participants are split in committees and develop policy positions ahead of a day of debate on the floor of NSW Parliament. Following the event, passed bills are formally presented to the NSW Government.

Since its beginning in 2002, approximately six pieces of Y NSW Youth Parliament youth legislation have been passed into NSW Law, including the recent Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme.

Former NSW Youth Parliament participant, Hamani Tanginoa, encouraged young people across the state to apply.

Applications are open now and will close March 12 at 5pm. Young people will be notified of the outcome of their application on March 22 ahead of an online introduction to the program on April 26 and finally, Residential Camp from July 3 to Saturday, 10 July.For more information, or to apply, visit: www.ymcansw.org.au/community-services/youth/youth-parliament/

 

Applications for the 2021 Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants Program are now open for Forbes Shire.

Primary schools and early learning centres across Forbes Shire can also apply for a Bee Bonus, as part of a $1.5million investment by Woolworths into the program. Up to one thousand Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants are being offered, for up to $1,000 each.

Recipients in Forbes Shire can use the grant to grow a vegetable or bush tucker garden, composting, worm farm or other environmental projects in their schools and communities, helping to educate the younger generation about the importance of the environment.

Primary schools and early learning centres can also apply for a Bee Bonus, in addition to the $1,000 grant. The Bee Bonus offers $500 of extra funding to support the conservation of Australia’s bees.

An estimated 15.6 million hectares of native Australian forest was destroyed in the 2019-2020 bushfire crisis, resulting in a negative impact on the ability of honey bees to provide pollination services to Australian crops and horticulture.

Woolworths Forbes Store Manager Noel Reardon said: “Our Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants Program is all about inspiring Aussie environmental champions in Forbes Shire. The Bee Bonus puts the spotlight on the impact honey bees and native bees have on our ecosystem, creating awareness and encouraging positive action.

“The grants help deliver programs that not only educate younger generations on how to be more environmentally conscious, but also get Forbes Shire students hands-on and directly supporting the growth of a sustainable, greener future.

“If we work together, we can help support growth of flora and fauna so that bees can continue their vital role in supporting our agricultural systems and improving biodiversity.”

Applications for Woolworths’ Junior Landcare Grants are open from 10 February. To find out more visit landcareaustralia.org.au/woolworthsgrants

 

Click here to listen to the owner of the Phoenix Newspaper Group, Joshua Matic discussing the impact on community newspapers when Facebook removed access to media pages this week. @ 18 minutes 00 seconds