A public open day will be held on Saturday 10 October to allow the community to preview the new Forbes Hospital building, with scheduled tours to be carried out from 10am to 2pm. The new hospital building is part of a $40.9
million redevelopment and an open day will give the community a unique opportunity to look inside the contemporary and spacious new building before the staff and patients move in.

Member for Orange Andrew Gee is looking forward to sharing the experience with the people of Forbes. “I can’t wait for our new hospital to be inspected by the Lachlan community,” Mr Gee said. “I think there will be a lot of people in the community wanting to see this new facility.” “I’d like to thank everyone involved during the planning and construction period – it’s because of their hard work we’re at this stage of the project.”

Scheduled for completion in early 2016, the new building at Forbes Hospital will include an emergency department, an inpatient unit, birthing suites for maternity services and clinical support services, including medical imaging. When the hospital moves to its new building, refurbishment of the existing areas will commence to deliver an increased renal service and an upgraded ambulatory care unit.

The Forbes Spring Races are back on Saturday 10 October and it’s looking to be a sensational family day out. This year get into the spirit and get out your best outfits for Fashions on the Field! Categories include Most Elegant, Cutting Edge, Tiny Tots, Junior and Best Dressed Gent. Full TAB and Tote facilities will be available on course as well as plenty of entertainment to enjoy. There will also be food and a full bar in operation.

The gates will open at 11am with a huge prize pool of cash and prizes to be won on the day. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for pensioners. Kids under 12 can get in for free. Marquee and tent sites will be available so why not get a group of friends together and bring your own food to enjoy? There is no BYO alcohol allowed, but a bar will be in close proximity.

For the latest information on everything happening at this year’s Forbes Spring Races, follow the event’s Facebook Page.

His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d), Governor of New South Wales has announced that he and his wife will visit both Forbes and Parkes in November. “Linda and I are very much looking forward to meeting the people of Forbes and Parkes over the three days,” Governor Hurley said.

Governor Hurley has consistently demonstrated a keen interest in engaging with communities across New South Wales since becoming Governor in October 2014. Together with Mrs Hurley, they have visited Eden, Boggabilla, Balranald, Broken Hill and Bourke with countless towns and villages in between. This will be their first trip to Parkes
and Forbes since taking up residence at Government House Sydney.

“There is nothing more heartening than meeting the people of this great state and seeing first hand, and in their own backyard, not only their achievements and successes, but also the challenges that they face on a daily basis,” Governor Hurley said. “Heading into the geographical heart of New South Wales is certain to be a real highlight for us both.”

Since being sworn into the position, Governor Hurley has continued to pursue a number of priority areas such as youth engagement, regional and rural growth, innovation, industry, trade and investment, inclusiveness and diversity, and service to state and community. Governor Hurley maintains a particular interest in mental health and homelessness while also focusing on advances in science, maths and engineering, as well as Indigenous leadership opportunities.

Both the Governor and Mrs Hurley share a deep passion for schools, music and singing, while Mrs Hurley also enjoys interacting with aged care and women’s associations. The Governor will visit Forbes and Parkes over three days from 17 to 19 November. The final Vice Regal program will be released closer to the date.

Locally owned and operated, McCarron Cullinane Chudleigh (MCC Forbes) is now in its third year of operation. What started out as a stock and station business is now trading in rural and residential property and property management making them the only full agency in Forbes that caters for both livestock and property.

Adam Chudleigh is the Director and a licensed stock and station agent with over ten years of experience. He enjoys working with clients to get the most out of their livestock and prides himself on the range of options he utilises in markets. Adam is an accredited Auction Plus assessor. Contact him on 0459 533 166.

Hugh Dobell is a Livestock Sales Agent and accredited Auction Plus assessor. Hugh is a local Forbes agent and has been working with MCC Forbes for over two years. He has extensive knowledge in the farming industry and in Forbes farming practically. Hugh is a young and keen agent who goes the extra mile to achieve fantastic results for his clients. Contact him on 0416 006 523.

Bec Welsh is the Property Manager with over 3.5 years of experience in rental management. She is passionate about property management and is focused on achieving the best outcome for both landlords and tenants, understanding that good management is key to keeping your investment safe. Contact her on 6851 4777.

Tara Kelly is the property sales specialist with over ten years of experience in the real estate industry. She values the importance of dealing in property and specialises in matching the right property to the right person. Tara prides herself on her unique marketing campaigns. Contact her on 0438 814 777.

Trilby Crowley is the Office Coordinator and has only recently joined the MCC team. Trilby enjoys working with this energetic team and looks forward to meeting the MCC clients. Kimberly Chudleigh is the Director and Accountant who has enjoyed the speed that the livestock and property industry offer. Kimberly loves working alongside a team of devoted agents.

If you’re looking for somewhere to eat and sleep in luxury, Hermitage Hill is Wellington’s premier country retreat, restaurant and function centre. Once the Wellington District Hospital, this heritage property has undergone a substantial renovation, while retaining its unique period charm.

Visitors are invited to enjoy modern cuisine in the fully-licensed restaurant, or take a stroll around the stately grounds. Overnight guests will enjoy the relaxation of taking a break in a true country retreat. Hermitage Hill owners Nigel and Lynette Logue said the hotel’s charm, combined with excellent service, made it popular with return visitors.

“Guests enjoy nothing better than waking to the sounds of birds, enjoying a leisurely breakfast in our popular restaurant, and enjoying the charms of our town of Wellington,” Nigel said.

The Guest House has 13 individual suites which have been beautifully renovated and features air conditioning, a large guest lounge, swimming pool access and stunning views. Hermitage Hill also welcome weddings, functions and group bookings – the perfect place to host a special event. Contact Nigel and Lynette Logue on 6845 4469 for more details.

Catherine Maloney is on a mission for her son and for disabled kids everywhere. Working alongside Wheelchair Sports NSW, she wants to build a sporting and play lifestyle for disabled children in Forbes to help create a sense of achievement and belonging.

“There are many children with disabilities here, but no one ever sees them,” says Catherine whose son Logan was left with a range of physical disabilities after a fall at two and a half years. “These children need exercise and a place where they can form a social network, selfesteem and form who they are through play. They develop their social awareness through play at a young age and if they don’t get the opportunity, there can be many repercussions
in their behaviour and how they turn out in their adult life.”

Catherine says the program doesn’t have to be competitive, it’s meant to be a hit and a giggle; kids having some casual fun with sports like fencing, basketball, rugby and tennis. There is also the possibility of lining up coaches and para-Olympians to mentor and buddy the children.

She envisions an inclusive environment where kids don’t have to be wheelchair bound and participants can be both physically or mentally disabled. “I want to help them feel like they’ve achieved something, rather than just watching
the other kids,” she says. “A lot of them spend so much time in hospital which is exclusive and when they’re at home, they need to be included. Their home time should be a happy time.”

If you would like to help Catherine make this dream a reality, head down to Forbes Services Memorial Club on Wednesday 30 September between 12pm-2pm to discuss the development of sporting opportunities for individuals with a disability within the Forbes area. Sports coaches are also encouraged to take an interest and turn up to the meeting.

If you have ever wanted to meet one of Australia’s greatest racing legends, now is your chance! On Saturday 26 September Forbes Tyreright are holding their Grand Opening and everyone is invited to get out there and meet V8 Supercar Hall of Famer Allan Moffat.

Jamie Walsh and his Forbes Tyreright staff have been working hard since February to get the building complete and after a coat of paint they’ve decked the place out and it’s now up and running. To celebrate their achievement, a Grand Opening will be held this Saturday between 9am and 1pm and something will be there for all ages to enjoy.

There will be a jumping castle for the kids, a machinery display for the farming enthusiasts and ROK FM will be broadcasting live from the event. A lucky door prize will also be on offer with $500 worth of tyres to give away.

An incredible car display will include Cobras, Fastback Mustangs and a Grand Torino made famous by the television and movie franchise Starsky & Hutch. Get your free Bathurst 1000 poster signed by racing hero Allan Moffat, get involved with a fun football passing competition and enjoy the sausage sizzle. This will be a great day out
for the kids with Dad and the best part yet, it’s a free event!

“Come down and check out the new showroom,” Jamie said. “Get out on a spring weekend and enjoy the sunny weather!” Forbes Tyreright can take care of all your mechanical repairs, registration checks, servicing and they have the latest technology in wheel alignment.

With a wealth of experience spanning over 25 years collectively, these people can help with anything from a pram to an earthmover. They also offer 24 hour on-farm service.

Friday 18 September saw the end to a huge five week campaign for Ray White Rural Forbes. They took four properties from Forbes, Parkes and Lake Cargelligo to auction and with the use of the white out and a mix of other media, this campaign saw a total of over 150 enquiries.

On the final day the team managed a total of 27 registered bidders in the room and having the always reliable Angus MacLeod at the helm, they managed 3 from 5 under the hammer. Forbes property “Nirvana” sold under the hammer for $405,000 followed by “Montana”, another Forbes property selling under the hammer for $993,000, above the reserve price.

Part one of Lake Cargelligo, a bare block, sold for $210,000 followed by the house block portion of the property being hotly contended before being passed in for further negotiations. Parkes property “Blue Meadows” was slow
to start with, bidding steady at $455,000 and then also passing in for further negotiations.

With new interest generated, Ned is currently on a fresh inspection for Blue Meadows with persons present at the auctions.

The structure itself has seen many lives over time, from a paint supply shop to a builder’s hardware shop and even a motor mechanic. Janine Whitfield purchased the Mezzanine building in partnership with the Betlands in 2004 after it had been closed and vacant for over four years.

Janine quickly saw the potential for what was going to become the business of her dreams. It all started out as a small coffee shop with homewares, gift wares and a boutique tile shop until 3 years later Janine found herself the sole owner of the extraordinary building.

Janine says she has really enjoyed her time at Mezzanine but it has been a lot of hard work, particularly at the beginning. Persevering, the shop space began to take shape after rubbing back walls and floors and making it habitable. The menu has always been quite simple, with different main dishes each day and an all-day breakfast, fantastic cold drinks and smoothies and of course the famous Fish River Roasters coffee. Each week the menu
has changed and always modernises with the food trends.

After living in Forbes all her life, Janine is surrounded by her family and adds “I couldn’t have done this without them.” Janine said she is thankful to all her loyal customers and staff throughout the years and that Mezzanine is a place where she has made a lot of very good friends. She also wished the new owners Luke and Moana Duggan all the best when they take over at the end of September.

Janine is off for a well-earned rest and in her words “my plan is not to have a plan”. From everyone at the Forbes Phoenix, good luck Janine and enjoy your time off. You will be missed!

The Annual Bedgerabong Country Music Campout is on again, situated in the lush, picturesque grounds of the Bedgerabong Showgrounds, 32km west of Forbes and hosted by the Forbes Country Music Club Inc.

This will be the 7th year of the Bedgerabong Country Music Campout and will be a relaxing week of music, singing, poetry, dancing, bush camping and play. This year there is a great line-up of country music artists with Tom Maxwell, Peter Pratt, Peter Simpson and Dianne Lindsay, Cameron Sharp, Patsy and Tom Routledge, Sharon
Heaslip, Country Keys and Strings, Pete Smith, Errol Gray and more.

The main stage will be entertaining the campers from 10am to 5pm each day. After the dinner break, each night will come alive on the Walk Up stage with the many Walk Up performers who will come to entertain from all over the country. For the energetic, there is even a Sportsperson of the Campout Competition for ladies, gents and children.

There will be Old Time and New Vogues dancing in the Bedgerabong Hall and meals will be available from Wednesday, as well as tea, coffee and soft drinks. There will be no powered sites and showers are limited. Bush camping includes all entertainment and tickets are $60. Children under 16 are free and must be accompanied by an adult. Day tickets are $15 for non-campers and dogs are also welcome but must be kept on a leash.

The Forbes Band members will be available for backing up performers if needed. Gates will be open from 9am Tuesday 6 October, closing on Tuesday 13 October. Don’t forget to bring along your fold-out chairs and plenty of sunscreen! No fires allowed.