Inland Rail will be in Forbes this month to talk to locals about the project and get feedback on the early designs and planning in the local area.

Inland Rail is the 1,700 kilometre rail line which will link Melbourne and Brisbane allowing the passage of double stacked freight trains up to 1,800 metres long and helping connect cities and farms to markets across the country, safer, faster and more efficiently.

Between Stockinbingal and Parkes the project will use the existing 169 kilometre rail corridor. But there are structures along that route where changes are needed to allow the passage of the taller trains.

These community drop-ins in the Forbes town centre will allow people to hear directly from project representatives, ask questions and give their feedback.

“We want to hear from as many people in the area as possible. It is still the early design stages for this leg of Inland Rail,” said Project Manager, Cameron Simpkins.

“But we’re looking at the options around replacing the Lachlan River rail bridge, and what enhancements will be needed at the Wyndham Avenue road bridge, so that the taller trains can pass under it safely. There are also likely to be some enhancement works needed in the Forbes railway station precinct.”

The scheduled sessions are:

• Daroobalgie on Monday, 17th December from 10am to 1pm at the canteen at the Forbes Central West Livestock Exchange;

• Forbes on Monday, 17th December from 4pm to 7pm at the corner of Templar Street and Lachlan Street and

• Forbes on Tuesday, 18th December from 8am to 11am at the corner of Templar Street and Lachlan Street.

 

The wait is almost over with judging for the Boscars having been completed last Sunday. “Judges were really pleased with the number of entries and quality of the submissions. Some categories saw as many as 12 entries which does make judging a challenge. Finalists will be announced in the near future,” said Michael Jelbart, Boscars Committee Chairman.

The committee is pleased to welcome young entrepreneurs Sam Johnson and Jim Honner from ‘Thank A Farmer For Your Next Meal’. This brand aims to further promote Australian agriculture and Australian primary producers through pictures to close the gap between producer and consumer and city and bush.

Tickets for the Gala event go on sale on the 10th December and will be available online. “The Midsummer Night’s Dream theme will be carried throughout the event and it is promising to be spectacular,” said Michael.

The Gala Dinner event will be held at the Forbes Services Memorial Club on Friday, 8th February 2019.

“The Gala Dinner will be under the magical theme of Midsummer Night’s Dream – a whimsical theatrical theme!” said Michael. “We are delighted to be working with 123 Tix for this event and will be publicising the link for ticket purchases on social media soon,” added Michael.

The committee meet fortnightly to ensure that the plans for the Gala Boscars event are well on track.

If you would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact either Fiona Ferguson of the Forbes Business Chamber on 0407 380 936 or Cheryl Newsom, Media Liaison, on 0411 211 065.

Plans are well underway for the Forbes Christmas Carnival taking place on Friday, 14th December from 5pm to 9pm. Some very exciting stalls, activities and food is expected this year.

The committee is also very excited to introduce a “Water in the Bucket” relay race that will be judged by the Fire Brigade. “Come along and try your luck with your friends, sports team or interest group. You must nominate a team of two people at SportsPower in Rankin Street. It is a fun and easy race,” said Ian Bown. “And there is a $100 ‘Why Leave Town’ (WLT) card for the winning team,” Ian added.

There is no place like Forbes to get all your Christmas jobs done at any of the participating businesses of the Find It In Forbes This Christmas promotion.

Your One Stop Fashion Shop

Little Extras Lifestyle is a boutique based in Forbes stocking a range of fashion and accessories. This gorgeous store is situated in 1 Templar Street and has a huge range of clothing, shoes, handbags, wallets, scarves, jewellery, and anything to create the perfect look for you! They are constantly on trend with women’s fashion in Forbes, drawing their inspiration from Melbourne with the latest styles, fashions and collections. All of the Little Extras Lifestyle team are extremely passionate about women’s fashion and boutique shopping both online and in Forbes. Their extensive product range allows them to cater for a variety of customers regardless of age and body shape. You are sure to find something that suits your style and will go out looking and feeling amazing. Follow them on Instagram and Pinterest! Or feel free to call them on 6851 5686.

Spectacular Eyewear And Eye Care

Eyewear Specs is a local independent optical store, providing quality eyewear and eye care in Forbes and throughout the Central West. Eyewear Specs opened its doors at 95 Rankin Street in Forbes in February 2016 and has been growing from strength to strength. To have your eyes tested or to find a pair of glasses to suit your individual financial budget visit Eyewear Specs today or call 6851 2299.

Brightening Your Smile

At Forbes Family Dentists their mission is to build long term relationships between staff and patients, so that they can provide quality customer friendly services the whole family can value and afford in a happy and healthy workplace. The Forbes Family Dentists offer a wide range of dental procedures. Call them today to book your appointment on 6851 5505 or head on over to their Facebook page. Find them in 2 Templar Street.

The Shop That Has Everything

Your award winning newsagency, News On Rankin, along with its wonderful staff welcome you to come in and see what they have available in store or shop online. You are guaranteed a friendly warm retail experience. At News On Rankin you will find business and school stationery, greeting cards, magazines, bestselling books, Lotto and scratchies, cheapest cartridges in the area and gifts. News On Rankin is now a stockist of a great range of Penny Scallan Design products. Call in today at 70 Rankin Street to see this exciting new range or reach them on 6852 1008 for further information.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas around the Parkes Shire.

Parkes CBD was transformed into a colourful canvas of light displays as part of the Sparkles Illumination last weekend.

Parkes Shire Council’s Destination Development Manager Kelly Hendry said: “The much-loved outdoor light exhibition is designed to enhance the Shop Parkes Christmas retail campaign.”

Locals and visitors are encouraged to make the most of the late night trading opportunities to go and see the sparkling lights, or to make a night of the festivities and enjoy dining out.

“In order to make the event new and exciting, this year we have made some changes to the existing lights and added in some new locations,” said Kelly.

“Local businesses have also joined in by decorating and illuminating their businesses to spread the festive cheer.”

The illuminations and projections will sparkle every night throughout December, before being ‘All Shook Up’ in the New Year ahead of the Parkes Elvis Festival commencing on Wednesday, 9th January.

“During the Elvis Festival the illumination will enhance the bustling atmosphere of Parkes and encourage visitor circulation of the CBD.”

It all adds up to a merry and bright December in the Parkes Shire!

A dry winter and poor start to spring in most cropping regions has seen forecast winter crop production fall by almost one quarter.

The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) December crop report shows crop production dropped 20 percent below the 20 year average.

Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud said the dip wasn’t unexpected and highlighted the impact of the drought on cropping. “This latest crop report confirms what farmers living and working through this drought expected,” said David.

“Harvesting of winter crops is well underway and total production is estimated to have decreased by 23 percent to 29.3 million tonnes in 2018–19. Many farmers also chose to cut crops planted for grain production for hay because of higher fodder prices.

“The story of agriculture in Australia is just add rain. I know many areas are doing it extremely tough right now but our farmers continue to be resilient,” added David.

“Despite the continued drought, winter crop production remains substantially higher than 17 million tonne crops produced in the widespread droughts of 2002-03 and 2006-07. The government is getting behind our farmers to manage through the drought, investing nearly $6 billion—growing to $7 billion over time—in new assistance and additional funding.

Just last week I introduced legislation in Parliament to create a $5 billion Future Drought Fund to build resilience and have a solid plan for the future of farming in this country.”

“The Farm Household Allowance, a payment that helps put food on the table, has helped almost 9,500 farmers and their families since it was implemented,” said David.

There is encouraging news in the report. Late spring rainfall has seen an increase in summer crop planting in Queensland and northern New South Wales, but significant follow-up rain will be needed to ensure production.

The December 2018 Australian Crop Report is available at www.agriculture.gov.au/crop-report.

 

Support local businesses this festive season by getting all your Christmas shopping done at the participating businesses of the Find It In Forbes This Christmas promotion.

The Undercover Support You Need

Undercover Sleepwear & Lingerie is a premier boutique specialising in essential and fashion lingerie, beautiful sleepwear, and shapewear and hosiery. Owner Marg Duggan is a qualified bra fitter and is proud to offer Amoena fittings. In addition, the store offers a wide range of leading swimwear labels from ladies size 8 to 24. Undercover Sleepwear & Lingerie also stocks a small range of children’s swimwear and sleepwear. Visit Shop 1 on 61 Rankin Street or call on 6851 4405.

For The Holiday Of A Lifetime

helloworld travel specialists are passionate about travel and know how to tailor the perfect holiday for each of their clients.They pride themselves on getting to know all their clients and in learning specifically what they want from their holiday experiences. When you book at helloworld Forbes you will receive a friendly smile, a high level of service and the holiday of a lifetime. Located at 6 Templar Street. Contact number 6852 2344.

Brightening Your Smile

At Forbes Family Dentists their mission is to build long-term relationships between staff and patients, so that they can provide quality customer friendly services the whole family can value and afford in a happy and healthy workplace. The Forbes Family Dentists offer a wide range of dental procedures. Call them today to book your appointment on 6851 5505 or head on over to their Facebook page. Find them in 2 Templar Street.

Spectacular Eyewear And Eye Care

Eyewear Specs is a local independent optical store, providing quality eyewear and eye care in Forbes and throughout the Central West. Eyewear Specs opened its doors at 95 Rankin Street in Forbes in February 2016 and has been growing from strength to strength. To have your eyes tested or to find a pair of glasses to suit your individual financial budget visit Eyewear Specs today or call 6851 2299.

Your Luxe Shopping Destination

ChapterTwo offers a space that evokes a sense of luxury and simplicity; the ultimate platform for discovery. Offering an ever-expanding representation of Australian and International labels, ChapterTwo features an eclectic aesthetic that is both timeless and quality based. At ChapterTwo, they are dedicated to providing customers with a personalised shopping experience in a friendly and relaxed environment, lending their expertise in fashion to truly uncover and express your unique sense of style. Located at 91 Rankin Street or call 6851 2082.

Service For Your Skin

At Blush Organic Beauty you will be taken back to the basics, good healthy products and a healthy knowledge of what your skin, body and mind require in order to cope with life. Blush is extremely passionate about lowering the chemical load on the skin and they want to therefore help everyone understand the importance of chemical free or at least reducing your chemical environment and in return the stress on one’s body.

At Blush you will find guidance, certified natural products for your skin and body, inside and out, and quality treatments from passionate knowledgeable therapists. Call in to see a therapist in Rankin Street on phone on 6851 6088.

A Touch Of Country Dining

Are you after a touch of country in Forbes? Come on down to The Bakehouse. They have something for everyone.

All the cooking comes out of the kitchen and the bakery houses the drinks station, service area and all your bakery goods.

There are currently four bakers and a total staff of 22.

The menu includes a huge variety from hearty to healthy. Indulge in an all day breakfast or choose from the ‘Grab and Go’ bar if you’re in a hurry. Feel free to dine in or take away.

There are so many options… espresso coffee, milk bar or daily meal specials. The Bakehouse can also lend a hand with any festivities such as birthdays, catering or fundraising pie drives. BYO available. Located at 15 Templar Street. Contact them on 6852 3388.

Your One Stop Fashion Shop

Little Extras Lifestyle is a boutique based in Forbes stocking a range of fashions and accessories. This gorgeous store is situated in 1 Templar Street and has a huge range of clothing, shoes, handbags, wallets, scarves, jewellery, and anything to create the perfect look for you!

They are constantly on trend with women’s fashion in Forbes, drawing their inspiration from Melbourne with the latest styles, fashions and collections.

All of the Little Extras Lifestyle team are extremely passionate about women’s fashion and boutique shopping both online and in Forbes.

Their extensive product range allows them to cater for a variety of customers regardless of age and body shape. You are sure to find something that suits your style and will go out looking and feeling amazing. Follow them on Instagram and Pinterest! Or feel free to call them on 6851 5686.

The 7th Rotary Ipomoea Christmas Tree Festival will once again bring joy and Christmas wonder to both the young and young at heart.

The Christmas Tree Festival is set to be held in the Forbes Town Hall and will open its doors for viewing from 5pm this Friday, 30th November. The event will be officially opened by Councillor Michele Herbert Morley at 6:30pm and all members of the community are invited to attend.

Thereafter the Town Hall will be open to view all the wondrous Christmas trees all day on Saturday, 1st December and on Sunday from 9am to 3pm.

Entry to the Town Hall is free for primary aged children and only $2 an adult. This event is promoted by Rotary Ipomoea as an affordable family event for young and old and has been designed to celebrate the joy of Christmas.

Families, businesses and students have designed and created Christmas trees of all shapes or materials that reflect their love of Christmas time.

Come along and vote for your favourite tree!

Rotary Ipomoea Club have fervently been running this annual event now for more than six years.

By Gizell van Wyk

Forbes Shire Council is calling on all notfor- profit organisations, community and sporting groups to apply for Forbes Shire Council’s Community Funding Program for the 2019-2020 financial year.

General Manager, Steve Loane explained that this program is designed to consider all types of community groups that may be looking for support from council, perhaps in the form of kind labour, to cash contributions or waivers of venue or equipment hire.

“Forbes is a real ‘can do’ type of town and we are looking forward to seeing the projects and events that the community puts forward for support,” said Steve. “The Community Funding Program application is a straight-forward document which staff designed also to be used as a planning tool by community groups,” he added.

From the 1st December, Community Funding Program application forms will be available from Council. Forms will be able to be downloaded from the Forbes Shire Council website, by following the quicklink on the left hand side. The Forbes Shire Grant Funding page on Facebook will also have a link to download the application form.

Applications for the Community Funding Program opens 1st December and will close on 1st March, 2019.