More than 200 children of early childhood centres and primary schools had many stories to tell after the Forbes Reading Down Town Day last Friday.
Barry Peters, known as the Paul Kelly of underaged music, entertained kids at the Forbes Services Memorial Club, CentaCare and student volunteers read stories at the Library, and some businesses in town opened their doors to story-hungry kids.

The Birth to Kinder mascot was happy to pose for photos with kids dressed up in their favourite characters. Forbes Birth to Kinder organised the event for the tenth year with the theme this year: Australia: Story Country.

School students from all over Forbes helped celebrate NAIDOC week on Tuesday. While the festivities were relocated to the Town Hall due to weather conditions, nothing could dampen the mood. Forbes North Public School’s Wiradjuri Choir raised the rafters with song, and Red Bend Catholic College’s Indigenous dance group took to the stage to showcase traditional dance.

The Forbes community was treated to a sausage sizzle with a twist; crocodile, emu, and kangaroo sausages were on the menu, as well as traditional snags for the less adventurous. But the real treat was a performance by the multi-talented Sean Choolburra, a critically-acclaimed comedian, dancer, and TV host, who captivated the crowd with traditional storytelling, didgeridoo, and dance.

As well as celebrating culture, NAIDOC week is an opportunity to recognise the contributions made by Indigenous Australians. Mayor Phyllis Miller presented the Indigenous Youth of the Year award to Ethan Markwort for his enthusiasm for sharing traditional culture. The Indigenous Person of the Year was awarded to Donna Bliss of Yoorana Gunya Family Healing Centre for her tireless commitment to closing the gap.

Ian Simpson & Co held their first auction as an independent agent at the Forbes Services Club last Friday. There were two rural and two residential properties on auction, with three of them sold under the hammer. Negotiations are continuing on the fourth. There were 14 registered bidders among more than 120 people in attendance.

The first residential property to sell was 28 York Street Forbes which went for
$420,000. The two rural properties were also sold. Urah at Condobolin was sold for $550,000 to a phone bidder, who is a farmer from Condobolin. Stockdale in Manildra sold for $520,000 to a family from Mullion Creek.

Ian Simpson said he was absolutely delighted with the result. “As this was our first auction under our new banner of Ian Simpson and Co, it was great to kick start our new business with such a great result. We ended up with all vendors and buyers extremely satisfied.”

One local vendor said he was very pleased with the personal approach of Ian Simpson and his staff, their level of professionalism and organisation levels were just fantastic.

Ian will hold another auction on 16th September at the Forbes Services Club for two rural properties, one from Cowra and one from Grenfell. On 4th October four properties will be auctioned; 3 residential and 1 rural at 6pm. Tomorrow there will be a furniture sale auction at 8 Clements Street at 11am.

By Cheryl Newsom

Type 2 diabetes is the fastest growing chronic condition in Australia. While there is no single cause for type 2 diabetes, there are well-established risk factors. Some risk factors can be controlled, however, some you are born with.

An estimated two million Australians are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. There are also large numbers of people with silent, undiagnosed type 2 diabetes, which may be damaging their bodies. There are different types of diabetes: the three main types of diabetes are type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. At this stage, it is estimated that 58% of type 2 diabetes can be prevented.

You can do a lot to reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes through positive lifestyle changes. It is estimated that the risk of developing type 2 diabetes can be reduced by up to 58% by maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active and following a healthy eating plan.

People at risk of type 2 diabetes can delay and even prevent the condition by:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Regular physical activity
• Making healthy food choices
• Managing blood pressure
• Managing cholesterol levels
• Not smoking

Many people don’t know they are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. If you would like more information about diabetes call into Flannery’s Pharmacy during August for free blood glucose monitoring with our pharmacy nurse or pharmacist.

With Father’s Day just around the corner, come and browse the Forbes Small Engines showroom for Husqvarna Brushcutters, lawn mowers and blower vacs. They also have helmets, gloves and motorcycle boots on display, and if that doesn’t impress the man in your life, they can deliver a brand new Polaris – give them a call to arrange. There is plenty to impress dads with.

With 20 years specialising in Polaris products at Forbes Small Engines, owners Paul and Maree Westcott have an exceptional range of Polaris in the showroom. There is something for everyone starting with the kids range that includes a 50cc, 90cc,110cc and 170cc. All these models are available for lay-by for Christmas.

The all terrain vehicles (ATV) range have the small 325cc Hawkeye for only $5, 995 to the Sportsman 450 four wheel drive at only $7, 495.

The Polaris Ranger, aptly named side by side, are performing very well with extra comforts and safety features. These models have become a huge drawcard for customers. Also in stock at Forbes Small Engines is The Ranger ETX, starting at $13,995 or the very popular Ranger 570 for $15,995. They even have the Polaris Ranger diesel in stock, and demonstrations can be arranged.

They welcome trade-ins with a guaranteed $2,000 trade on your old, and in running order, ATV. In addition to the expansive showroom, they have a state of the art workshop fitted with all the mod cons required to operate a successful business. Assembly, service work, rebuilds to all small engine motorcycles, lawn mowers, chainsaws and stationery engines are handled by the boys out the back. Call them on 6851 1001 or drop in at 25 Union Street where the team at Forbes Small Engines will look after you.

https://www.forbesphoenix.com.au/3321-2/

Lawnmower Racing is coming to the Forbes Show on Saturday, 10th September! ShowMow Racing promises to provide fantastic entertainment throughout the day. There are opportunities for sponsorship of the lawnmower racing – if you or your business would be interested, we would love to hear from you. If you would like to compete with your own lawnmower, please contact us through the Facebook page, or call Julie Hurkett at the Show Office on 6852 1311.

With only three weeks left until the Show, today is the last day to pay for membership before the $5 price rise. Annual membership is $35, which covers entry for one person, one guest and school-aged children for both days. Single membership is $25 and covers one adult and three schoolaged children.

Also make sure to grab ride tickets at $25 per sheet for $30 worth of rides. The Ladies Auxiliary do a wonderful job of feeding the volunteers who judge and
steward for the Show. If you would like to assist by donating slices, cakes, produce or money by Thursday, 8th September, it would be greatly appreciated.

Check out our Forbes Show Facebook page for any updates, or call the Show Office.

The Committee of the NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show are preparing for its 25th show to be staged at the Forbes Youth and Community Centre next week. The Youth Centre will be transformed this weekend with the judging tables set up and the 559 wine entries will be laid out in their appropriate classes.

The 11 judges, who are all well respected within the wine industry, will judge on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in the morning, while the trophy judging will be on Wednesday afternoon.

After the completion of the judging, the Youth Centre will again be transformed in readiness for the Public Tasting next Friday, 26th August from 6.30 – 8.30pm. The Public will be able to sample all the wines entered, with results available on the night so tasters will know how each wine faired against the competition. Tickets are $25 and available at the door and includes finger food.