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.

Parkes Christian School Information Night For Forbes.

The capability for Forbes school students from kindergarten right through to Year 12 to attend Parkes Christian School, has been further expanded by an exclusive daily bus service between Forbes and Parkes.

Any parents who may be considering the school as an option for 2019 can find out more at an information night next Wednesday from 7pm at the Baptist Church in 7 Attlee Street, Forbes.

The school recently purchased their own bus specifically to make the run between Forbes and Parkes. It is a new 42-seater bus that is fully kitted out with air conditioning, seatbelts and comfortable seats.

“Our bus has already been a huge success with 26 students making the trip daily, however there are still seats available,” said school Principal, Glen Westcott.

“If the demand is there we will expand our bus service. It’s all free of charge, which shows the commitment we’re making to Forbes.”

The school has a very strong performing arts program, having produced a full-scale production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe this year. Students also have the opportunity to take part in music, dance, drama and visual arts programs along with a growing field in digital and multimedia technology. There is also a very strong technology department for students.

Parkes Christian School is the only school in Australia that participates in the Moomba Birdman Rally, as well as being the only school to ever attend the International Military Drone Racing Championships.

The school has also taken part in the prestigious EduTech conference as an official partner with Google and is the only school in country NSW with all teachers being accredited in the use of Google Apps for Education. Students use these apps daily in the classroom and have the opportunity to take part in robotics and coding programs.

Students participate in a wide range of sporting activities and carnivals, academic competitions and charity events. However, the main focus for the school is student wellbeing and strength of character.

“We take the time to get to know each student and help them work towards their future goals, no matter what that path may look like.

“For some, that means a huge academic focus so they can get into their dream university course, but for others it means gaining practical experience so they can enter the workforce or an apprenticeship.

“We would love the chance to get to know more students and families at the information night. Please come along to find out more about what we have to offer,” said Glen.

Red Bend Catholic College Rich In Heritage

Red Bend Catholic College is a co-educational day and boarding school situated in Forbes. Red Bend Catholic College has a proud heritage. Prior to 1977, the Catholic education of students in this region was provided by three secondary schools. In February 1977, these three schools combined to form one co-educational high school, with the name of Red Bend Catholic College at the site of the former Marist Brothers’ College on the banks of the Lachlan River.

Since that time, the College has expanded in numbers, in teaching areas and in facilities. The boarding accommodation, the swimming pool, the Multi-Purpose Hall, Performing Arts Centre and the Design and Technology Centre have complemented the strong characteristic features of the main College building. These days the College educates 750 students and offers 150 boarding places.

Red Bend Catholic College is a place concerned about people. It relies on goodwill and co-operation in the important task of education. Education is a moral enterprise and involves choice and responsibility. Students are educated in responsible values based upon a strong belief in God and an imitation of the life of Christ.

‘Through Difficulties To Greatness’ is the College motto. We aspire to create an environment which enables individuals to develop spiritually, intellectually, physically, culturally and socially, so they may participate in society as good Christians and good citizens.

Macquarie Anglican Grammar School Introduces Boarding

Dubbo is set to welcome Australia’s newest boarding school with Macquarie Anglican Grammar School, expanding to offer boarding from 2019. Providing the highest quality in boarding facilities and the outstanding learning that Macquarie Anglican is renowned for, the expansion is an exciting addition to education in Australia.

With a well-earned reputation as a leading school in the Central West, Macquarie Anglican’s Headmaster, Craig Mansour is pleased to be able to offer new opportunities to the families of his community.

“It’s fantastic to be able to welcome more of our Central West families to the Macquarie Anglican community. With our commitment to providing a curriculum of opportunity underpinned by faith, community, character and excellence, our new boarding facilities will continue to carry our values and enable our students and their families to achieve all that is possible.

“These facilities provide the community of the Central West with further opportunities to close the ‘urban-rural’ educational divide, through the outstanding education at Macquarie,” added Craig.

A pre-kinder to year 12 school, Macquarie has been a fundamental part of the Central West for over 15 years. The boarding facilities, opening in January 2019, will have placements for up to 40 children across years 7 to 12.