The Climate Council is warning Australia’s 2017/18 bushfire season will be more severe and dangerous, as a result of worsening climate change, following the release of a new critical outlook this week. The Climate Council said the new Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC outlook is a smoke signal for yet another worrying bushfire season, highlighting a largely warm and dry winter that has set the scene for dangerous bushfire conditions over the coming months.

Climate Council CEO, Amanda McKenzie said the latest southern Australia bushfire outlook, released, shows an earlier and more active bushfire season should be expected. “Climate change is the driving force behind southern Australia’s worsening bushfire conditions,” she said.

“As Australia’s pollution levels continue to rise, many parts of the country are poised to live through another dangerous bushfire season. Climate change, driven by the burning of coal, oil and gas, is intensifying extreme weather events – and bushfires are no exception.”

“We must rapidly and deeply reduce our rising pollution levels and continue the retirement of all coal power stations, in a bid to protect Australians from these worsening extreme weather events.”

McKenzie urged the Federal Government to follow the actions of state and local governments across the country, by rolling out climate and energy policy to support the transition to Australia’s clean energy future.

“The link between worsening extreme weather events and climate change is clear. Australia must act now to slash its rising pollution levels through clean, affordable and secure renewable energy and storage technology.”

For more information visit climatecouncil.org.au.

 

The opening of the 142nd Forbes Show kicks off today and once again there’s a full line-up to keep the whole family busy for the next two days.

After unfavourable weather conditions during last year’s show, the committee is determined to put on a bigger and better event this year.

Gates open at 9am where tickets can be purchased. The Show will be opened by local Tom Dwyer, winner of the 2017 Royal Sydney Show Legend Award.

The announcement of the new Forbes Showgirl and Commendation award winners will be done at the official opening of the show tonight at 7pm at the Grand Stand.

After this, make your way to the Main Arena, where the spectacular fireworks display will begin at 8pm followed with musical entertainment by local performers at the bar area. This is not to be missed!

There are scores of competitions in the show whereby entrants showcase their expertise, such as photography, needlework, Lego and cooking, to mention but just a few.

Look out for new sections in competitions. Flower exhibitors could enter the Class F4 People’s Choice section. This is an arrangement open to all where anything goes, giving the amateur flower arranger a chance to also have some fun. Vote for your favourite by noon tomorrow.

Making its first appearance this year and a definite must-see is the Farmers Challenge. Local farmers will be competing in teams of four at 5:30pm today in front of the Grand Stand. This promises to be a fun event!

The Forbes Show Car & Ute Show n Shine competition has also added six new sections for participants. Entries will take place tomorrow from 9 till 11am and the judging starts at 12pm. Entry fee is $10 for two categories and sub categories on the day. Trophies and show ribbons will be awarded on the day. For more information contact Leah 0410 355 388.

If you are looking for some entertainment for the children, there are magic shows scheduled at 12 noon, 2:30 and 4pm todayand again tomorrow at 9:30, 11:30am and 1pm at the Grand Stand. Also something the family will enjoy is the reptile show at 1pm tomorrow followed by the Grand Parade at 2:15pm.

For those who would like to enter for the Miss Teenage, Miss Junior Showgirl, Miss Tiny Tots and Master Stockman, registration will be tomorrow at 11:30am at the front of the Grand Stand area. The winners will be announced at 2:30pm.

For more information about the show or what’s happening visit the Facebook page Forbes Show NSW or go to www.forbesshow.com.

By Gizell van Wyk

Two students from Forbes High School have leaped into the State Athletics Carnival to be held in Homebush this weekafter qualifying at the Western Combined High School Athletics carnival in Dubbo recently.

Year 8 student Tyrone Clothier and vice captain Elysse Girot-Serplet have qualified in high jump and long jump respectively.

Tyrone qualified first in high jump in his age division, while Elysse qualified second in long jump in her age division. This is a first for both students and a fantastic result for Forbes High School, which had eight students attend the Western CHS Athletics carnival in Dubbo this year.

Students were given an extra boost with the school being successful in obtaining a grant through Charles Sturt University’s Rural and Regional Sports Development Program.

The funding supported the cross country and athletic competitors with travel this year to Western and State competitions. With distance and travel a challenge for many students in regional, rural and remote schools, this funding has been immensely helpful to students and families in providing opportunities and helping to reduce travel costs for families and students attending these events.

“Having two students reach state level for athletics is a fantastic achievement for our students and our school. Tyrone and Elysse should be extremely proud of what they have achieved so far,” relieving Principal Jason Nottingham said.

CALLING ALL BASKETBALL PLAYERS

The Aussie Hoops Program for 5 to 7 year olds and 8 to 18 years junior and senior competition starts on Tuesday, 24th October. Registration is from 12 to 5pm at the River Arts Festival at the paddle boats. Nominate a team of 8 along with a coach or manager or register as an individual, cost is $85. For any questions contact 0405 714 914 or 0434 638 044. You can also look at the Facebook page, or email forbesbasketballassociation@gmail.com.

 

 

 

Disability enterprises working in the region are doing fantastic work for their employees and the wider community, said Member for Riverina and Minister for Small Business, Michael McCormack.

He met with House With No Steps director Andrew Richardson and executive general manager Brett Lacey at Parliament House in Canberra this week. Andrew and Brett were at a BuyAbility  following the Disability Enterprise Summit, an event for National Disability Services members.

“It was great to meet up with them and talk about their Aussie Biscuits factory at Forbes,” said Michael. “I was in Forbes only last week to have a look at the factory, which will relocate to better premises thanks to a $210,000 Building Better Regions grant.”

After careful consideration, the Forbes Showgirl 2017 winner will finally be announced and receive her prizes at tonight’s opening of the Forbes Show at 7pm. The winner to be sashed will move on to the zone judging held next February in Blayney.

The Showgirl finalists had the opportunity to impress three judges during a 20 to 25 minute interview last Saturday followed by a high tea with invited attendees at the Forbes Town Hall. During this the four finalists were also given an impromptu question proving each one to be deserving of the title.

Forbes Showgirl coordinator, Susan Earl said: “Our four entrants all have different stories and backgrounds. It’s a hard job for the judges to choose our Showgirl for this year. The whole competition is looking at someone to represent Forbes as our ambassador and to let other towns know about the wonderful things that Forbes has to offer.”

Attributes that are looked for in a potential Showgirl winner, aged 18 to 24 years, is confidence, interest in the rural scene and community. Key qualities also include someone that is well groomed and well presented.

Susan passionately believes that the competition is a great way for girls to gain confidence and get experience in being interviewed. It is also looked upon as an asset on the girl’s resume.

Amelia Sweeney, Showgirl for 2016 said: “I was really pleased with all the entries we received this year. It’s amazing we got these girls who are happy to represent Forbes and the Forbes Show society. All the girls had something different to offer. They are all really proud of who they are in their local community and they are all really excited to be involved.”

One of the three judges, Tom Dwyer commented on the high standard of this year’s finalists.

By Gizell van Wyk

Forbes Shire Council announced that Lifeguarding Services Australia will take on operations of the Forbes Olympic Pool.

Lifeguarding Services were successful in securing the contract after a competitive tender process in July. The company will be responsible for pool operations and management over the next three years.

The company will have a focus on employing local people and will begin advertising positions in the next week.

The Forbes Olympic Pool will open its doors to swimmers on October 1 and will be open from 6am until 7pm daily (closed Good Friday and Christmas Day). A Facebook page has been established where residents can access up-to-date information or email forbespool@lifeguarding.com.au.

Children of Forbes North Public School were excited to celebrate receiving beautifully embroidered aprons.

The aprons were bought with a Westpac bank funding boost that the school was awarded earlier this year.

A program that the school has to support children in learning about nutrition, healthy eating, and cooking good foods, secured the funding for them.

The aprons are to be used for children involved in cooking classes.

Westpac local branch manager, Shannon Crowley, said: “With Australia having one of the highest rates of obesity in the world, we think what the school is doing will help change this for future generations”.

Students from various Forbes primary and high schools and members of the community celebrated Indigenous culture during NAIDOC Day last Thursday. Festivities commenced at the Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre from which participants marched to South Circle Oval for the main event.

Forbes Mayor, Graeme Miller, welcomed everybody to the celebration of the history, culture and accomplishments of the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. “It is great to see so many young people here today,” he said.

As part of the celebrations the mayor presented awards to Indigenous people who have made a valuable contribution to the local community. Matty Duke received the Forbes Junior Indigenous Citizen of the Year award and Kathleen Bowden the Forbes Indigenous Citizen of the Year.

Following this, children from the Wiradjuri choir of Forbes North Public School delighted the crowd with their song and movements.

Students were given opportunity to partake in some Indigenous games and everyone was treated to a barbecue. Finally, a performance was given by the renowned Indigenous dance group Koomurri. The day was filled with celebrations and learning of the Aboriginal culture.

By Gizell van Wyk

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