The Forbes Business Chamber Boscars committee are pleased to announce that voting for People’s Choice is officially open as of Friday, 9th November at 9am. The two People’s Choice awards recognise Forbes’ ‘Favourite Tradie’ and the town’s ‘Most Popular Business’ as voted by the customers.

It’s up to you Forbes! So head to the Boscars webpage on www.forbesbusinesschamber. com.au/boscars to access the online voting form. It’s quick and anonymous.

Simply nominate your favourite tradie and/ or business currently operating within the Forbes Shire Council area. Remember there’s only one vote per person. Voting will close on Monday, 26th November at 5pm.

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.

The countdown to the Forbes Market Day hosted by the Forbes Public School P&C is almost finally over. The gates will officially open to the community on Saturday, 17th November at 9am. Showcasing more than 60 high quality market stalls from across the Central West region, the event will also include a jam-packed agenda full of entertainment and fun.

The focus of the day is on family participation and ample amounts of fun and the committee is confident they have met the brief.

“We wanted to provide an atmosphere where families could come and enjoy a fun morning together. Music from local talent will also look to draw a crowd and add to the festivities on the school’s luscious green oval,” said spokesperson Linda Van Coller.

“This is our fourth year running the market and this year’s market is massive. We have also added an even bigger Game Zone for the kids to enjoy,” said Linda.

Game Zone tickets will be available for $1 each. This includes a jumping castle, coin toss and many more.

The committee is very appreciative of the community support that they have received.

“The school’s families and local businesses have been overwhelming in their support this year and we would like to thank everyone who has donated their time or goods and services to support our wonderful school,” said School Principal, Dafydd Thomas.

There will be a raffle drawn on the day with a very impressive first prize being a YCF 50A Two Wheeler 50cc; second prize a BBQ basket and third prize a family hamper.

Tickets will be available for purchase on the day and are $2 each or three for $5. Kristen’s Dance Studio and Kumiai Ryu Forbes are amongst the performances featured on the day. As well as Australian National Busking Championship runners-up Hannah Dunn and Anabelle van Wyk.

Everyone is invited to join this great community event from 9am to 1pm next Saturday. Gold coin entry.

Each year PSC Connect Insurance Brokers hold a national conference for its network of insurance advisors across Australia and New Zealand. This year’s conference was held in Sydney recently and through the generous contributions from delegates in attendance, a record $25,000 was raised for Drought Angels to support Aussie farmers.

“Our authorised representatives are widely dispersed across Australia and many have clients and personal connections that have been affected by drought.

We are proud to be able to do our bit to help out,” said CEO, Tony Walker.

PSC Connect Authorised Representative and founder of Central West Insurance Group, Sam Hornery nominated the Drought Angels to receive the donation from this year’s conference. “We wanted to be able to give something back to our Aussie farmers. The Drought Angels have done amazing work and I know that the funds raised will go to great use.”

Lou Green from Drought Angels was on hand in Forbes to accept the donation. “We appreciate the continued support and donations from the Australian public.

Our farmers are so appreciative and overwhelmed with how the country has banded together to help support them through this unrelenting drought.”

The Forbes Business Chamber would like your input, thoughts and contribution to enable them to work hard for your business and to deliver a program that works for the Forbes community. “The Business Chamber has identified the need to develop a long term plan,” said Marg Duggan. “This work requires assistance from the business community and their employees,” she added.

Please complete the online survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7VXQST2 to assist the workshop facilitator and the development of the strategic plan. You are welcome to attend Strategic Planning workshops at the Vandenberg Hotel on Tuesday, 20th November at either 8am, 12pm or 5:45pm. Your business doesn’t need to be a member to participate. RSVP by 19th November. Please indicate your preferred workshop time to forbes.businesschambernsw@gmail.com.

The Forbes Business Chamber is very happy to announce that the Forbes Services Memorial Club have now come on board as a Gold Sponsor in addition to those sponsors announced last week.

David Fitzgerald, General Manager of the club said: “The Board of Directors see the Boscars Awards as an important part of the Forbes Business Community and is honoured to be a Gold Sponsor of this event.”

“We are a truly community focused club and assist as many local charities, organisations and sporting groups as we can. In the past financial year, the club granted in excess of $96,000 amongst 40 plus local charities, organisations and sporting groups. This is something we as a club are very proud of,” said David.

The new dates for the Boscars have also been announced with the submissions now closing on Thursday, 15th November at 5pm. A few businesses have experienced some problems with logging onto the website and it was decided to extend the deadline for the closing of entries. This will allow businesses the opportunity to ensure that they have the time required to complete their entry.

We encourage all businesses to apply as this is fantastic recognition for them as a business if they win and then allows them to progress to the NSW Business Chamber awards at a state level.

Dirtgirl is heading to The Greenhouse in Orange. Dirtgirl is a gumboot wearing, planet-loving girl – oh, and she’s also a rockstar who loves to sing and dance almost as much as she loves getting grubby (almost!).

Late 2017 saw dirtgirl launch a new show about her life. From the EMMY Award winning makers of the International hit animation, dirtgirlworld, comes Get Grubby TV (GGTV). Like the cartoon, GGTV is yet again a celebration of life outside set to music that the whole family can dig!

GGTV has reimagined the dirtgirlworld story to reveal the real place and the real characters… in the real world! As well as Costa the Garden Gnome (Costa Georgiadis), dirtgirl and scrapboy have some other new friends. Well actually, dirtgirl has a new band – an all-girl band and they seriously rock!

These musicians are home grown but know how to wow crowds around the world – as their other day job is as beloved international act, the Hussy Hicks. Accomplished guitarist and vocalist, Jules Parker stands alongside vocal powerhouse (and sometimes rockin’ drummer), Leesa Gentz, to form the heart of the Hussy Hicks. They are often joined by Tracy Bassy and on some special occasions, Kristy Gentz.

“I thought my place couldn’t get any better, and then the girls moved in next door; now we definitely have the most rockin’ neighbourhood around!” says dirtgirl.

For those who really want something more in their grubby hands, dirtgirl also features alongside other beloved family stars of ABC KIDS on the new release Let’s Play – Holiday Fun With Friends.

Dirtgirl World Live will be at The Greenhouse of Orange on Thursday, 8th November doing three shows at 10am, 1pm and 4pm to buy tickets head to www.thegreenhouseoforange.com.au.

November is Asbestos Awareness Month to educate the public about the dangers of asbestos as Australia has one of the highest rates of asbestos-related diseases in the world.

Asbestos-related diseases continue to increase as a direct result of exposure to asbestos fibres during home renovations and maintenance.

Many people wrongly believe that only fibro homes contain asbestos, but asbestos products can most likely be found in any Australian home built or renovated before 1987, whether it’s brick, weatherboard, fibro or clad homes.

It’s vital that Australians take the warnings seriously, stop playing ‘renovation roulette’ and protect themselves and their families from exposure to asbestos fibres during renovations and maintenance.

If you suspect you have asbestos in your home: Don’t cut it! Don’t drill it! Don’t drop it! Don’t sand it! Don’t saw it! Don’t scrape it! Don’t scrub it! Don’t dismantle it! Don’t tip it! Don’t waterblast it! Don’t demolish it! And whatever you do… Don’t dump it!

Call Central West Asbestos Removal on 0429 661 610 for all your asbestos removal needs.

The Forbes Business Chamber is pleased to announce that Evolution Mining Cowal are the overall naming rights sponsors for this year’s Boscars awards. Cowal Gold Operations General Manager, Craig Fawcett said: “Evolution’s Cowal Gold Operation is proud to sponsor the 2018/19 Boscars.

The event is a great opportunity to formally recognise the achievements of our hardworking local businesses and their employees, all of whom are pivotal for our thriving community.”

Mayor Phyllis Miller said Forbes Shire Council is proud to be a major sponsor for the Boscars Forbes business awards. “It is terribly important that we are seen to be supporting our business community and the economic development of our town. To be able to showcase our businesses in Forbes is a great advertisement for the lifestyle and opportunity that Forbes presents,” she said.

Justin Roylance, from Roylances Auto One, also a major sponsor said: “Roylances have had a long association with the Forbes Business Chamber and are thrilled to be a sponsor for the Boscars.”

Other sponsors include television sponsor, WIN television and award sponsors: Flannery’s Pharmacy, The Forbes Advocate, Verto, BWR Accountants, Matthews Williams, Crowe Horwath, BEC and Agriwest CRT.

The inaugural Forbes Currajong Disability Services Charity Golf Day is looming as preparations are finalised for this blue chip event on Sunday, 4th November. The event which is a fundraiser for Currajong Disability Services, is a three-person Ambrose team competition with a 10am shotgun start.

“We have 18-hole and 9-hole competitions for both golfers and non-golfers,” said Currajong Disability Services Communications and Marketing Manager, Dane Millerd.

“Naturally, we encourage everyone to come along and there will be a BBQ, raffles and trivia on the day as well. With bookings filling fast now is the time to get your teams of three together and dust off the golf clubs! We have some tremendous prizes on the day and an event like this couldn’t be held without them,” said Dane.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our supporters Wan Wah Chinese Restaurant, Forbes Services Club, Subway Forbes, Local Legends Entertainment, Westpac Forbes, Bunnings, Target Parkes, Gotta Love It, Spotlight Forbes, InkheArt, Roylances, Dolly Allan, Post Office Hotel, Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Power Tools Plus, Forbes Pre-School, Blue Sky and of course Bernardi’s for the food. Forbes Shire Council has kindly come on-board to run the BBQ and promote the event. We couldn’t have a day like this without them!” said Dane.

Some of the other keynote items include a signed Penrith Panthers cap by Panthers legend Royce Simmons, a 2018 GWS Giants AFL ball signed by the team and a signed Mad Max piece of memorabilia by Australian screen legend, Roger Ward.

It all bodes well for a great spectacle. To sign up your team call 6851 1554 or to donate call 6863 4713.

During the Forbes Shire Council meeting held last week Thursday, a comprehensive report regarding pool conditions of entry information from a number of agencies including Royal Life Saving Australia, was considered.

As a result, Council has resolved to continue the adult supervision requirement for up to 12 years of age, as well as develop a thorough Pool Management Policy.

“Forbes Shire Council still has a strong commitment to the safety of pool patrons,” said General Manager, Steve Loane. “We would encourage parents to remain vigilant at the pool and swim together as a family.

We are keen to continue to work together with our pool contractor to ensure that children in Forbes Shire enjoy the pool safely, it really is a top class community asset being run professionally by the team at Lifeguarding Services Australia,” said Steve.

The pool is open seven days a week from 6am to 7pm and features three pools catering to the needs of all of the community.