James “Monte” Irvine who was a previous announcer on 2LVR in Forbes and resident of Forbes has been nominated for an Australian Commercial Radio Award (ACRA).

In 2017 Monte took a job in Inverell, on 2NZ as the breakfast announcer and has been nominated for Best Community Service Project for the project entitled “Bottles For Bundarra”.

The Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs) are held annually by Commercial Radio Australia. Now in their 31st year; the ACRAs are a celebration of the wealth of talent that drives the Australian Commercial Radio industry. The awards are designed to recognise excellence in all areas of radio broadcasting including news, talk, sport, music and entertainment.

When we caught up with Monte and asked what does this mean to you to be to be nominated for an ACRA he said “It’s still sinking in, the two other finalists are just as worthy winners, but for me it shows the power of radio to connect with a community and make a difference in someone’s life. It has also made me so thankful for everyone that supported me and encouraged me to pursue my dream. I would like to thank Kevin Dwyer from 2LVR who gave me the chance to grow my passion in radio and EJ from 2PK who encouraged me to apply for the job at 2NZ in Inverell.”

The 2019 NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show started on Monday 26th August at the Forbes Town Hall with a record number of entries received. This year 620 wines from 91 wineries from across NSW and the ACT were judged during the three day show.

NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show President, Mark Watts said it was excellent to see how many wines had been entered this year. “This show will be our largest in the past 10 years,” Mark said.

“The show is open to all NSW and ACT wine producers that crush a maximum of 500 tonnes annually and to see a number of new entries from wineries that haven’t entered our show before is very positive,” continued Mr Watts.

This year, Jeff Byrne continued as Chairman of Judges. Jeff was the Chief Winemaker at Agnew Wines in the Hunter Valley until the end of June and has now relocated with his family to Orange to develop his own winery.

“Jeff has served as a Panel Chair and Judge for many years and brings a wealth of experience to the judging team,” Mark said.

“Jeff and the committee have chosen the other 10 judges from across various NSW Wine Regions. They will join Jeff to select the top wines based on their appearance, aroma, body, taste and finish,” said Mark.

The NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show Public Tasting night will be held tonight Friday, 30th August from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at the Forbes Town Hall. Entry is $25 and includes finger food. Tickets are available at the door.

The Gourmet Wine Dinner, featuring the trophy winning wines complimented with a five course meal, will be held at Eat Your Greens at Eugowra on Saturday, 14th September.

Tickets are $120 and also includes return bus travel with the bus departing Forbes Town Hall at 6pm. Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.123tix.com.au/events/5145/gourmet-wine-dinner or at the Public Tasting tonight.

For more information, please contact 0427 887 729 or email smallwine@wineshow.com.au

Local communities throughout the Central West are set to share in $150,000 of funding under the latest round of the popular Stronger Communities Programme.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said projects funded would deliver social benefits as part of the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government’s commitment to building stronger regions nationwide.

“Our local communities are the heart of this great country and the investment in local projects under the Stronger Communities Programme is about invigorating these communities according to local priorities and making sure they continue to succeed well into the future,” Mr McCormack said.

“This type of investment brings our communities together by strengthening social connections, building community participation and delivering a brighter and more vibrant future for regional communities. I urge all eligible Central West organisations to submit an expression of interest.”

Expressions of Interest are open until 5pm on Wednesday 4th September. A consultation committee will help Mr McCormack assess those who express interest.

Organisations intending on submitting an application needed to first submit an expression of interest by this date.

Expressions of interest should include a short description of the project, total cost, details of matching funding or in-kind contribution, why the project is important to the community and contact details.

Expressions of Interest forms can be requested by emailing michael.mccormack.mp@aph.gov.au or by calling 6921 4600.

Mr McCormack will then officially invite the successful proponents to submit an application. A maximum of 20 projects will be funded across the electorate. Grants will be available between $2,500 and $20,000 for successful applications.

All applicants must have an ABN and be an incorporated entity.

Forbes Shire Council is currently accepting expressions of interest to be involved in the 2020 Australia Day Parade. The Australia Day Parade will be held on Australia Day, Sunday 26th January 2020, commencing at 6pm from Cross St, travel south along Lachlan Street and conclude at Lions Park for the annual Australia Day Party in the Park.

“We are very excited to be bringing back the Australia Day Parade for 2020,” said Chair of the Australia Day Committee Cr Steve Karaitiana. “The first stage in the process is to make sure there is plenty of interest out there in the community, not only for participants but volunteer marshals as well. Without the assistance of volunteers, none of our amazing Council events can happen
and Australia Day is no different.”

“Volunteer parade marshals will attend training with Council staff and will be involved in crowd control along the parade route as well as directing floats and participant groups at the marshalling area in Cross St,” Cr Karaitiana said.

“The community have been asking for this for a long time, and we’re working with the RMS and local police to make sure the event will not only be enjoyable for everyone but safe as well.”

“First prize for participants is $2,000 in Why Leave Town cards with a total of $4,000 in prizes available including 5 prizes of $100 available just for the kids. We are really looking forward to getting a huge response back from the community in this expression of interest phase so make sure you get your forms in!”

Expression of Interest forms are available from the Forbes Shire Council website or the front counter of the Council administration building.

Forms should be emailed to community@forbes.nsw.gov.au or dropped off to the front counter before Monday September 9th.

LJ Hooker Forbes, Canowindra and Condobolin has been crowned Best New Office in the real estate network’s annual New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory (NSW/ACT) awards, held at The Star in Sydney recently.

The Best New Office award recognises the LJ Hooker residential agency that achieved exceptional results over the last 12 months. LJ Hooker Network Chief Graeme Hyde congratulated the Forbes, Canowindra and Condobolin team, led by Ian Simpson, on the achievement.

“The LJ Hooker Forbes, Canowindra and Condobolin team’s commitment to delivering the best possible outcome for their customers is a shining example of leadership and determination.”

“Despite a challenging year in property markets, the team at LJ Hooker Forbes, Canowindra and Condobolin have remained focused on upholding best practice standards and have successfully guided their customers in a changing real estate landscape.”

“LJ Hooker Forbes, Canowindra and Condobolin is an accomplished agency in our network and the recognition is well deserved,” Mr Hyde concluded.

“Our people have gone the extra mile to best service our clients and this award recognises their outstanding efforts,” said Ian Simpson.

To experience award-winning service, contact the team at Forbes, Canowindra and Condobolin at www.ljhooker.com.au

Forbes Shire Council wishes to advise that the Forbes Heated Pool is currently closed to all members for emergency repairs. The Pool will re-open on Sunday 25th August. Council is working with the Heated Pool Committee to undertake repairs to the pool ceiling after it was identified that materials are at risk of dislodging. These repairs are required immediately to rectify the issue and ensure community safety.

Works will include:
• removal of the damaged ceiling;
• reconfiguration of lighting;
• clean-up and;
• water quality testing before the pool is re-opened to the public.

Forbes Shire Council regrets any inconvenience to the public and remains committed to ongoing infrastructure maintenance and working together with community organisation’s such as the Forbes Heated Pool Committee to provide the best possible facilities to our community.

Forbes Shire Council is scoping out possible areas in the Shire that may be suitable for a Ninja Park facility.

As part of this Council is conducting community consultations to find out where the people of Forbes would like the facility located and what equipment they would like to see. Local schools have been visited and a public consultation is scheduled for Saturday 24 August 2019 in front of the Dentists in Rankin Street from 8.45am – 11.30am and at the Forbes Skate Park from 11.30am – 1pm.

“To have a ninja park in Forbes will bring yet another element of fun to the existing portfolio of parks we currently have in the Forbes Shire,” says Forbes Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM. “It will provide a great day out for the whole family with what I imagine will be many challenges set to inspire everyone to get involved. We feel that this could attract regional visitors and maybe more!”

The Forbes Ninja Park is a community project which aims to encourage fitness and fun amongst teenagers and young adults in our rural community. Two areas have been identified as possible contenders for the park, one being next door to the Forbes Youth and Community Centre in Battye St and the other next to the Forbes Skate Park. Council is open to other suggestions and invites the community to have their say.

“We want to give our young people, especially the older ones somewhere to meet and get active,” Mayor Miller continues.

“This demographic makes up to 20% of our population and at the moment there is a lack of activities for them to engage in.” Council will collate community feedback on the Ninja Park and continue to seek funding opportunities to bring it to fruition.

Ridgehaven Poll Dorset Stud is owned and run by the Legge Family – Jessie, Ruth, Floyd and Isabele.

Their focus is to produce rams with genetics that assist commercial lamb producers to be more efficient and profitable.

The long term breeding program concentrates on high growth rates and early maturity for on-farm efficiency and marketing options, together with well-defined carcase shape and adequate fat coverage for premium carcase quality and higher yields.

Animal management advantages are also a priority, with smooth shoulder settings for ease of lambing, correct leg and foot conformation for ram mobility and functionality, and tight downs wool for a higher skin  value.

The Poll Dorset breed is well known for their fast growth and high yielding carcase.

Dorset-cross lambs are highly sought after by the meat processors and regularly attract a premium price due to the quality and consistency of the product. This has made the Poll Dorset breed the No.1 terminal sire for prime lamb production in Australia.

The Ridgehaven 2019 Annual Ram Sale will be held on property at Cudal on Thursday 12th September. On offer will be 10 specially selected stud rams and 130 flock rams. All rams are quality assured and will be catalogued with ASBV’s and Stockscan data. A delicious lunch is provided, and all are welcome to the sale day.

Selling agents are Kevin Miller Whitty Lennon (KMWL) and McCarron Cullinane Chudleigh. Enquiries and inspections prior to the sale are welcome.

For further information visit www.ridgehaven. net.au or call Floyd 0402 185 727.

A huge get-together of Fitzgerald descendants will converge on Burcher and Forbes on September 14 2019 to celebrate the proud pioneering heritage of their family.

Edward aka Thomas Fitzgerald came from Dublin to Sydney on the Tyne as a 15-yearold convict in 1819 and was buried in the Forbes cemetery in 1878.

Thomas Fitzgerald’s surviving children with wife Mary Gorman were Ann, Margaret, Richard and Mark.

“Mark Fitzgerald was my great-grandfather,” said Beth Thomas of Parkes who is looking forward to the reunion. “He was a pioneer of note in the Forbes District, building the first timber bridge over the Lachlan River on the Newell Highway and later opening the hotel at Moonbi in the roaring days when two Cobb and Co coaches travelled daily from Condobolin to Forbes via Moonbi,” said Beth.

“He was a thorough bushman,” added Beth’s sister, Susan Harvey of Gosford, “After following the gold diggings of Bathurst, Grenfell and Forbes he selected his property, Uplands, of Wamboyne and was instrumental in the development of not only the district, but the state.”

Mark married Annabella Thorpe, who was the first schoolteacher of a school in Parkes, and they had 16 children, three of whom drowned one tragic sunny day in the care of their nursemaid, whilst their mother was confined in late pregnancy with a son who died a year after. The children are buried on a property along the Lachlan west of Jemalong. Mark and Annabella’s daughter Isabel refrained from going in the boat that fateful day and grew up to become the first schoolteacher of the Wamboyne district.

The immediate descendants of Mark and Annabella were Harrisons of Condobolin, Rileys of Gooloogong, Andersons of Clear Ridge, Joneses of Girral, and Fitzgeralds of Wamboyne and Sydney.

A very large number of the descendants of these families are expected to get together at the upcoming reunion.