General Interest Archives - Page 54 of 326

Forbes Garden Club Notes

October 17, 2024 by Elvy Quirk

Sue and Bob Jayet.

Forbes Garden Club held their social meeting on Tuesday 24th September at the home of Sue and Bob Jayet. On a really warm day President Margaret welcomed 33 members.

Discussion took place about the Friendship Day at Young and Elvy collected the fees and organised travel. Our Christmas luncheon was discussed and it was decided to hold it at the Vandenberg Hotel on 26th November. The cost is $40.00 for a two course meal and money is due and payable at the October meeting. Please have your money in an envelope with your name on it.

The garden of Sue and Bob Jayet is picture perfect with quite a number of shrubs, shade trees and roses. Sue and Bob spoke on how they initially moved into their home in 1972 but work was number one then, and the garden was not established until much later. Sylvia Glasson thanked them for hosting the meeting.

Flower of the month was won by Denise Thurston with a lovely Paint Brush Lily, 2nd Gail McKay with a white orchid and 3rd Meg Scholefield a Cherokee Rose. Raffle prizes went to Jan Stewart and Ann Nelson.

Our next social meeting will be held on 22nd October, 2pm at the home of Evelyn Mahlo, 14 Windsor Street, Forbes. Directions: Take Bedgerebong Road, turn left onto Edward Street and take first turn left into Windsor Street. Look forward to seeing you there, everyone is welcome. Please bring your hat, mug and your chair. Flower of month and trading table as usual.

“When gardeners garden, it is not just plants that grow, but the gardeners themselves.”

By Elvy Quirk

Aspiring Ag Leaders Wanted

October 17, 2024 by Roxane Manley

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has opened applications for its National Agriculture Leadership Program.

The flagship program provides exclusive opportunities for emerging leaders in the agriculture sector, including mentoring, policy development guidance, and meetings with Parliamentarians.

NFF President David Jochinke said the program is targeted at Australians aged under 35. “The program immerses our participants in the policy and advocacy worlds; they’ll have the opportunity to tour Australian Parliament House and meet with federal politicians and government departments, and be mentored by leading policy experts,” Mr Jochinke said.

Now entering its fifth year, Mr Jochinke said the limited spots in the NALP are always hotly contested.

“I encourage everyone with a passion for ag and an interest in leadership to apply.”

“Applications are only open for a month, so please don’t delay if you’re interested in this fantastic program,” Mr Jochinke said.

Program participants will meet up for a three-day advocacy retreat in Canberra where they’ll be matched with an industry leader and work on a policy project.

The program kicks off February 2025, applications are open until 14 November 2024.

Find out more at https://nff.org.au/nalp/

The Count Down Is On For Homegrown Parkes This Saturday

October 10, 2024 by Roxane Manley

If you have never attended Homegrown Parkes before, please make sure to come along tomorrow, Saturday 12th October.

The popular Homegrown Parkes is back this weekend, kicking off off at 9am with a sausage making demonstration in the Cooke Park Pavilion. Parkes Shire Concert Band will be performing in the Park grounds from 9am and crop swap in front of the green wall will run until 11am.

The event will be officially opened at 10am, followed by a performance from Parkes M&D featuring the musical Cinderella and the Crystal Slipper.

The Parkes M&D will then provide performances for park entertainment from the low stage between 10.30am and 11.30am.

Bill Tink will provide a Netwaste workshop in the Pavilion also commencing at 10.30am and WildTalk snake bite first aid demonstration will follow in the Pavilion at 11am.

The Parkes School of Dance will be sure to delight, with performances on the main stage of the Pavilion between 11.30am and 12.30pm.

The noodle making workshop commences at 12.30pm in the Pavilion and the Parkes M&D performers will be back on the low stage between 12.30pm and 2pm.

There will be a wonderful selection of local and regional food vendors and stallholders. Keep the kids busy with the animal farm and jumping castle – and you know there will be face painting.

You can keep up to date by visiting the Homegrown Parkes Facebook and Instagram pages. For further information contact Marg Applebee on 0418 611 053.

2024 Forbes Spring Races

October 10, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Spring is a great time to go racing and Forbes Jockey Club has a host of entertainment planned for this Saturday, 12th October at the TAB race meeting.

Local racing has certainly been a part of many conversations over the past week following the win by rank outsider Sneak Preview in the $150,000 Dubbo Gold Cup.

The veteran galloper trained at Dubbo by Peter Nestor and ridden by his nephew Kody Nestor, is part owned by Peter Maher and Matt Coady from Forbes.

Sneak Preview was backed by numerous supporters at odds of $100 and celebrations will likely continue on Saturday at Forbes Spring races.

Leading trainers from a wide area are bringing starters to Forbes and the action on the track will be backed up by other highlights including the Fashions In The Field offering big prizes for several categories.

There is entertainment planned for all the family and the Yabby races with an auction for the chance to have a starter will be a lot of fun.

Gates will open at 11.30am and music throughout the afternoon will add to a great day out at Forbes races.

Generations Of Records For Museum

October 10, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Forbes and District Historical Society President, Bruce Adams, with the Jemalong Shire Council Revenue and Cash book 1935 – 1943, which was part of a donation to Forbes Museum from Forbes Shire Council On Thursday 3 October.

Forbes residents will be able to find records of family members dating back generations thanks to a donation from Forbes Shire Council to the Forbes and District Historical Society (FDHS).

Council donated 29 books of records dating back to 1917 on Thursday 3rd October, including revenue and cash books, rates billing records, correspondence registers, letter registers and newspaper clippings.

The records are from the former Jemalong Shire and Forbes Municipal Councils, which merged to form Forbes Shire Council in 1981, and will be held in the Forbes Museum, which is managed by FDHS.

Forbes Shire Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller, said the records gave an amazing insight into the history of Forbes.

“They show what residents paid for rates over 100 years ago, letters written between the Councils and residents and how they communicated before telecommunications took over,” she said. “For residents whose families have lived in Forbes for many generations, they will also be able to view records of their ancestors.”

“Forbes Museum is a wonderful asset to our community and the FDHS does an amazing job displaying our shire’s history for the public to enjoy.”

FDHC President, Bruce Adams, said it was a coup for the museum to be able to preserve these important records. “They’re a very important addition to the museum and we’re very appreciative of Forbes Shire Council for its donation,” he said.

“We’re providing a secure location to store them, and while they won’t be permanently displayed, anyone can view them privately by contacting us to make an appointment.”

Forbes Museum is located at 11 Cross Street, Forbes. Open daily between 2pm and 4pm. To contact just phone 6851 6600 or email forbesmuseum@gmail.com

Sam Farraway: Statement On NSW Parliament

October 10, 2024 by Roxane Manley

With the local government elections now complete, the focus shifts to the upcoming federal election. I have decided to step down from NSW Parliament to give my full attention to representing the people of Calare as Nationals candidate.

I will deliver my valedictory speech in the November sitting before formally resigning from the Parliament. It has been an incredible honour to serve in the NSW Parliament, where I’ve held various roles, including Deputy Government Whip, Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Minister and Shadow Minister.

Now, I believe the best way to deliver for our community is to represent them as their Federal MP.

One of my proudest achievements has been getting the Betterment Fund up and running—a program that provides essential funding to rebuild regional transport and road infrastructure after natural disasters.

These are initiatives that matter. They are about more than politics; they are about real people and real change for the communities I’ve always been passionate about representing.

To my colleagues and friends, both in and out of Parliament, your friendship, encouragement and belief in me has helped me through some of the toughest moments and have made the wins even sweeter. I leave knowing that the work we’ve done will continue to make a difference in the lives of people across the state.

Thank you to everyone who has believed in me, and to the people of the Central West—you will always have my deepest respect and appreciation.

And lastly, to my family—my mum, sister and brothers—you’ll never know how much your love and support has meant to me.

Apply Now For A 2025 Traineeship

October 10, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Forbes Shire Council is calling on anyone aged 16 years and over to apply for 12 exciting traineeships that are now open and commencing 2025.

These traineeships offer the perfect opportunity to kickstart a career in local government, to work in a professional team gaining valuable experience, getting paid while studying and securing a qualification.

Forbes Shire Council Multiskilled Operator – Events Support, Luke Evans, said “It doesn’t matter how old or young you are, everyone should look at applying for a traineeship. It’s a positive workplace that is really inclusive and enjoyable for everyone,” he said.

There are 12 roles covering all areas of Council including:

• Civil Construction (Certificate III, two years)

• Irrigation and Sporting Ovals (Certificate III, two years)

• Horticulture/Gardening (Certificate III, two years)

• Agriculture/Saleyards (Certificate III, two years)

• Business Support (Certificate III, two years)

• Community Projects (Certificate IV, two years)

• Surveying and Drone Operations (Certificate IV, two years)

• Sewer Plant Operations (Certificate III, two years)

• Cadet/Graduate Town Planner (Bachelor Degree, six years)

• Graduate Building Surveyor (Diploma, two to five years)Forbes Shire Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller, said Council prided itself on the diversity of employment opportunities it is able to provide.

“These traineeships are a perfect opportunity to make a valuable contribution to our community by working for Council and being a part of our day-to-day operations,” she said.

“It’s an exciting time for Council to have so many traineeship opportunities and they will all contribute to its growth and the services it is able to provide to the shire,” said Cr MillerTo RSVP to the information session go to https://forms.office.com/r/6bwiAZgtsy.

To find out more about traineeships and apply go to https://www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/council/about-council/working-with-council/2025-traineeships. Applications close 21st of October 2024.

Career Milestone For Forbes Pharmacist

October 3, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Pharmacist Sarah Hazell. Photo Credit to Monique Lovick Photography.

Forbes Pharmacist, Sarah Hazell, is celebrating 26 years at Flannery’s Pharmacy.

The Forbes local, graduated from Forbes High School in 1997 and went on to study pharmacy at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga, before returning to work at the local business.

“A lot of young people are amazed to learn I’ve only ever had one job. I started here at the age of 18 and that was my first job, at Flannery’s Pharmacy, and I’m still here today,” Life Pharmacy and Flannery’s Pharmacist Managing Partner, Sarah Hazell, said.

“I’ve just absolutely loved my role as a pharmacist in a small, rural community. I think it’s been so rewarding professionally, and it’s a great environment to get to know your patient and see the patient again, and again, and again and get that regular follow up. You build wonderful relationships and it’s really lovely.”

There are about 37 thousand pharmacists across nearly six thousand community pharmacies in Australia. As scope of practice initiatives are announced and rolled out in every state and territory, now more than ever pharmacists are stepping up to meet healthcare needs in their local communities.

This year marks 26 years with Life Pharmacy Group for Sarah, 22 years as a registered pharmacist and 17 years as a partner.

She credits her passion for pharmacy, the Forbes community, and her mentors as a driving force behind her success.

“It was never my plan to stay in Forbes, I always wanted to live by the beach, but I’ve always been presented with wonderful opportunity after wonderful opportunity. I met my husband at university, we moved to Forbes, and we’ve just made this our home.

We’ve both got businesses in town and just love the community, and I think it’s a great place to raise a family,” Sarah said.

Parkes Community Grieves The Loss Of Local Couple

October 3, 2024 by Roxane Manley

The Pakes community is in shock, after learning local husband and wife Graeme and Sue Tait, both 57, were fatally injured in a tragic two car collision on the Newell Highway in Tomingley, just south of Dubbo around 9:20pm on Friday 30th September.

Graeme and Sue have left behind five children aged between 16 and 26. The couple were well known and much loved local residents. Graham was an experienced, well respected coach driver and fundraiser, while Sue was a beloved teacher and assistant director of Parkes Early Childhood Centre, having worked there for 17 years.

A GoFundMe campaign has been organised by Amii Marchant on behalf of Bernadette Tait to support the children of Graham and Sue Tait. Please get behind this fundraiser for the five Tait children who now require a large amount of support. You can show your support by making a donation at https://www.gofundme.com/f/graham-and-sue-tait

The two other fatalities from the horror crash were Lochie Jacobs 19 and Joey Urban 18. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this loss. Support the boys families at https://www.gofundme.com/f/lochie-jacobs-and-joey-urban

The sole survivor was a 23 year old driver of one of the two vehicles involved in the crash. On Monday he was charged and granted bail, and will appear before Dubbo Local Court on 21st October.

Be Alert This Bushfire Season

October 3, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Farming communities across NSW are encouraged to stay alert to fire risks as the state’s rural Bush Fire Danger Period begins today.

NSW Farmers Rural Affairs Committee member Garry Grant said the danger period is set to be in force until at least 31 March, with landholders urged to remain vigilant.

“If you’re planning on lighting an open fire anytime soon, it’s also critical that you seek a Fire Permit and notify your local fire authorities and neighbours well before you burn.

“Awareness, preparedness and communication will be key to stopping bushfires in their tracks this summer, so we can all stay safe.”

Residents in rural communities across the state are encouraged to prepare themselves for this year’s bushfire season, Mr Grant said, with a few simple measures critical to ensuring safety during a bushfire event.

“Downloading the Hazards Near Me NSW app is an easy way to stay up to date with fires that are in your region or other regions if you’re travelling around the state this summer,” Mr Grant said.

“Bushfires always spread faster than we think they will, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.”

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