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Forbes Phoenix

Big News At Mayfield

December 14, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Come and see the full garden – anytime you like. Come and sleep in the garden – Our Summer Glamping season runs from 27 December to 27 January.

Major changes are afoot at Mayfield Garden with the family deciding that it will now open the full 65-hectare garden every day of the year, commencing 27 December 2023. 

You’ll recall that the full garden – including the private family estate -was previously only open to the public during seasonal festivals, which basically amounted to about 12 weeks per year. 

The family has now come to the conclusion that it makes more sense for visitors who have made the effort to come to Mayfield to be given the opportunity to see every highlight and feature of the garden on any given day of the year. 

It is no longer necessary to time your visit to coincide with our seasonal festivals – every day will seem like a festival! 

Which means you can visit our maze, chapel, stumpery, aviary, garden rooms and other major features anytime you walk through the gate at Mayfield. 

We think it is an exciting milestone in the evolution of Mayfield Garden, and it puts us in synch with other major gardens throughout the world. 

Come and see the full 65-hectare garden any day of the year, starting 27 December. 

Summer Glamping Season Starts 27 December, Come and spend an evening in the garden with a Mayfield Garden Glamping Package. 

The luxury glamping experience allows visitors exclusive late-night and early morning access to the entire garden, and you’ll also enjoy an amazing three-course a la carte dinner at our renowned garden café. 

Guests can choose to have a delicious artisanal breakfast delivered to their tent, or for an extra touch of luxury, have a catered sunrise or sunset picnic. 

The beautifully appointed tents are located by Mayfield’s Obelisk Pond, and are fitted with an authentic natural fibre rug, Queen-size bed, high-grade mattress and linen, and other luxury furniture items. 

Public Urged To Take Precautions As Hot Weather Predicted

December 7, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Beat the heat by heading down to your local swimming pool. Pictured is the Parkes Aquatic Centre.

Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) is reminding people to be cautious and have a plan to beat the heat during extreme temperatures forecast across the region for the rest of the week and into the weekend. 

Priscilla Stanley, WNSWLHD Public Health Director, said temperatures are expect to reach upward of, and in some areas above, 40 degrees Celsius across the District in the coming days. 

Ms Stanley urged people to understand how heat can affect their health and take precautions, particularly those at greater risk like older people, people with existing medical conditions, pregnant women, babies and young people, outdoor workers and socially-isolated people. 

“This summer is predicted to be very hot. For a lot of our District this appears to be one of the first real tastes of that extreme weather, so I encourage everyone to take the risk of heat-related illness seriously,” Ms Stanley said. 

“Heat can impact anyone and it puts a lot of stress on the body. It causes dehydration, heat stroke and heat exhaustion. These conditions can cause serious illness, hospital admission or even death and extreme heat can make underlying health conditions worse.” 

Labor Kicks Programs To The Dirt On World Soil Day

December 7, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said Labor had cut funding to crucial soil programs in the lead up to World Soil Day. 

He said World Soil Day was a chance to reflect on the importance of soils and agriculture providing fresh food and fibre, but Labor continued to ignore the industry. 

“The former Coalition Government set up the National Soil Strategy in 2021 and committed $196.9 million,” Mr Littleproud said. 

“Labor redirected $11.7 million from the National Soils Strategy to ‘other priorities’. They continue to make cuts instead of investing in soils. In fact, Labor’s National Soil Action Plan includes $36 million from the Natural Heritage Trust, which already focuses on soils. 

“Labor also cut the innovative $54 million Soil Monitoring Incentives Program (SMIP).” 

The SMIP provided landholders with up to $275 per soil sampling site – capped at $10,000 per business – in exchange for sharing the information with a national soil database. 

“Labor is cutting corners and costs when it comes to soils. 

“There is no detail on who or what will replace the National Soils Advocate, even though the Government has had nearly 18 months to plan for this crucial position.” 

Singing Star Jason Owen Delivers Presents To Rural Kids

December 7, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Doin It For Rural Kids founder Jason Owens and his partner Bec and daughter Lyla. This is how their living room looks each year as they individually wrap each present that they will then hand deliver and donate to rural kids across multiple states.

Country music singer Jason Owen will this year be handing out a very special present to kids when he embarks on his annual road trip for the charity he founded, Doin it for Rural Aussie Kids. 

The X Factor star has put together an inspirational activity booklet for kids entitled Yowie, along with his charity co-founder wife Becy. Apart from being an Australian folklore bush creature, Yowie also is an acronym for whom the booklet is targeting – Youth living in the Outback, Working hard to Inspire and Encourage. 

Yowie features inspirational stories about 15 incredible Australians from all walks of life who grew up in rural and far off areas and thrived despite their personal challenges. 

Jason will be handing out the booklet, toys and school supplies to isolated primary school children across NSW in early December along with a motivational talk. 

“I always explain to kids how I grew up in tiny Albert, NSW, and managed to make my dream of being an entertainer come true, despite being the only child in an isolated town of just 12 people,” Jason says. “I went through struggles with PTSD following a motorbike accident when I was 11 which almost killed my dad and I. 

“It also features how kids can turn to Kids Helpline to talk if they are struggling. I’ve always wanted kids in the bush to know that they can achieve anything they want in life despite their circumstances as long as they work hard and believe in themselves.” 

Forbes Rotary Club Requests Forbes Community Help For Eugowra Flood Project

December 7, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Pictured is the Forbes Rotary Club after raising money for Ukraine. You can help the Forbes Rotary Club by volunteering your time to help with the re-landscaping of the Eugowra Self Care Units please .

At a recent meeting between the Eugowra Promotion and Progress Association and the Rotary Club of Forbes it was agreed that The Forbes Rotary Club would donate sufficient funds to be able to replace the trees and plants which were either lost or damaged in the grounds of the Eugowra Self-Care Units in during the November 2022 floods. In addition to that, Forbes Rotary agreed to assist with funds for the re-landscaping of the area surrounding the Self-Care units in Nanima Street Eugowra. 

A spokesperson from Forbes Rotary this week said all that was now needed were enough volunteer workers from Forbes to put there hands up to assist with replanting of shrubs and plants and the re-landscaping. The first working bee will commence work this Saturday the 9th of December at the Self-Care Unit site in Nanima Street, Eugowra, with more work to continue on in the New Year. There will be plenty of cool drinks and shade available and “We’ll all go home after mid-day when it gets too hot” said Chris Finkel, the current president of Forbes Rotary. Members of the other Forbes Rotary Club, Forbes Ipomoea, will also be there, however, with both Forbes Rotary Clubs, the active member numbers are limited and that is why younger volunteers are required to help out. “The more volunteers we have, the quicker we’ll be able to finish the project” said Chris. “Most of the flood damage in 

Forbes from last year has been rectified, however, our sister town of Eugowra still has a fair way to go before it returns to the pre-flood period looks of earlier last year” he concluded. 

For further details concerning the project please contact Chris Finkel on 0429 661 358 or Sue Fabish from the Self-Care Unit Management Committee on 0447 735 414 

Forbes Rotary Extends Deadline

December 7, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The Forbes Rotary Club has been contacted by the Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) program committee to advise that there are still two positions still available for the 2024 seminar to be held at the Warrambui Retreat and Conference Centre in Murrumbateman NSW from Saturday 6th January to Friday 12th January 2024. However, applications must be received by MONDAY 11th December at the latest. 

The Forbes Rotary Club was successful in sending local farm manager, Molly Fuge to RYLA in January this year and Molly returned with an enthusiastic report about the life-changing experiences she had by attending RYLA. 

The current Forbes Rotary membership includes Civil Engineer, John Zannes and local farmer Grahame Uphill who are both ex-RYLA participants. 

For participants to 2024 RYLA seminar the cost is $1250 per person. This cost covers the participant when they arrive onsite (meals and accommodation) until they leave, however travel to and from the venue isn’t covered. 

More information can be found online https://rotary9705.org.au/page/ryla or https://www.facebook.com/District9705RYLA Molly Fuge on 0401 818 986 and Ross Williams (0428 531 123) or Chris Finkel (0429 661 358)

Find It in AMAZING Forbes Christmas Carnival

December 7, 2023 by Roxane Manley

From 5 – 9 pm in Templar, Rankin and Battye Streets

The Forbes Business Chamber is pleased to be hosting many activities, market and food stalls and some very special entertainment that will be held on the main stage. 

The Forbes Pre School will kick of the entertainment at 5.15pm, followed by the Forbes Guitar Academy at 5.30pm, Kristens Dance Studio at 6.30pm, Bedgerabong Public School at 7pm and Forbes Town Band at 7.30pm. Throughout the evening their will be Why Leave Town draws and announcements letting visitors know what is on where. 

“There are many food options so please browse before you make your choice. You will be able to discover what is available for Christmas in the businesses and market stalls” said Aaron Acheson, President of the Forbes Business Chamber. Located throughout the carnival site is Trang Hue Vietnamese Food, Ridgey’s Delights, Romanian Delights, Dipping Dots Ice cream, Paulette’s Mr Whippy Van, Saltbush Lamb, Mumma Bear Food, Coffee and Catering, Cook Wook Wong Chinese Food, Forbes Men’s Shed BBQ, Wattle Café’ Gelato and Take Away, Noodle Box on Rankin, Forbes Pizza, Isabels Place food and drinks,Central Butchery BBQ and Good Folk Food located next to the Club Forbes bar and  drinks. 

“I am looking forward to the activities, rides and fun that the carnival will bring to the community of Forbes, surrounding villages and wider district,” said Aaron Acheson. 

In addition to a great variety of market stalls there is a rock-climbing wall, street art, tea cups merry go round, bottle art, jumping castles, bungee trampoline and a giant slide. 

“Don’t forget to click on the QR Code to have a chance in the draws. Thank you to the sponsors of the Find It In Forbes Promotion and to the volunteers who help organise, set up and clean up the carnival,” said Aaron Acheson.

Counting The Mental Cost Of End Of Year Financial Struggles: Beyond Blue

December 7, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Pictured is Beyond Blue’s Clinical Spokesperson Dr Grant Blashki who said “It’s been a tough year as people grapple with cost-of-living pressures, high inflation, continual rate rises, and economic uncertainty”..

New Beyond Blue data reveals one in five people’s mental health is being extremely impacted by the rising cost of living. A new community survey commissioned by Beyond Blue found financial pressures are the number one stressor for people as we head towards the end of year. 

The survey found, the overwhelming majority (77 per cent) say they feel stressed heading into the end of the year – almost a third feel “quite a bit” or “extremely” stressed. 

83 per cent report the rising cost of living is negatively impacting their mental health, with one in five respondents reporting that impact is extreme. People aged 18 – 49 were more likely to report the cost of living was having a negative impact on their mental health, and almost a third of all respondents say they are unlikely to put a plan in place to manage their mental health. 

Beyond Blue’s Clinical Spokesperson Dr Grant Blashki said “Beyond Blue is prepared for an increase in demand for its support service this month”. 

“Last December, we saw a 41 per cent increase on the monthly average in contacts to the Beyond Blue Support Service, and we expect the same, if not more, this year,” said Dr Blashki. 

“As the holiday season approaches, financial stress is having a significant impact on people’s mental health, it’s a time of great reflection, loneliness for some, and impossible financial expectations for others, such as buying presents or travelling to see family”. 

*The Ipsos Community Sentiment Poll surveyed a representative sample of 1,000 people in November. 

Rotary Ipomoea Christmas Tree Festival

November 30, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Come along to the Forbes Town Hall and get in the Christmas spirit.

Exhibits can be delivered any time from 8am Friday 1st Dec to the Forbes Town Hall. Public viewing is Friday 1st December from 1pm-5pm. Saturday 2nd Dec 9am -5pm, Sunday 3rd Dec from 9am to 2pm. Exhibitors can collect their entries at 2pm Sunday. 

Entry to view the Christmas trees over the weekend is $5 an adult. Primary aged children are free. Judging is by Popular Vote. Throughout the weekend visitors can vote for their favourite exhibits. 

Schools, childcare centres, families and community groups have entered this year. 

There are so many community groups that have been enjoying working together to make their entries. 

The Members of our Town’s Ambulance service have completed an entry, also the Xray Department from the hospital have an entry ready. 

First time entrants this year are the members of the Men’s Shed. 

They really should be able to nail up a tree! Pictured are a few entries from Forbes North School. 

A great example of entries big and small, group and individual. 

The tree made of loops of white paper has been made by the office ladies at Forbes North. 

Each time they have spare printer paper they save it and instead of throwing it out they have created a recycled paper tree! 

Year 2 have been collecting the school eggs and have kept tally of all eggs produced. 

They are in the process of blowing some of the eggs and making Christmas baubles for their class tree . 

Big or small we love them all. Rotary Ipomoea members encourage you to come along over the weekend to see the amazing creativity of the exhibitors. 

Claude The Mowerman In Town

November 30, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Keep an eye out for Claud and his Mower.

Claude ‘The Mowerman’ Harvey OAM will be travelling through Forbes on or around the 9-11th of December 2023. Raising awareness and millions of dollars for Bravehearts, an organisation which campaigns for child sexual abuse prevention Claud was born in Kempsey, NSW in 1945, he became an active and dedicated Bravehearts volunteer after watching footage on the news of a paedophile being arrested for sexually assaulting a child. Having seen this he thought, “We all would like to hurt the perpetrator, but how many of us would think to help the victim?”. 

Bravehearts is a great organisation and for more than a decade Claud has rolled his well-worn mower around the streets, pubs, beaches and tourist strips of the Gold Coast. 

In 2008, I capitalised on growing popularity by completing a four week walk from the Gold Coast to Sydney, collecting donations along the way. 

If you happen to see Claud on his travels in the area, be sure to stop and say hi and donate if you are able to. 

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