Grazing Down the Lachlan returned to Gum Swamp Wildlife Refuge and Wetlands last Saturday, for what was a warm but very successful day for the committee and its volunteers. Grazers were bused out to site before making their way along the shady track to six food and beverage stations. 

Curated by local chef Brendan Sheldrick, this year’s menu was inspired by the history of Greek cafes in regional NSW. So too were the various entertainment acts that were scattered along the track including a Greek musical trio, a participatory Greek motif painting activity run by members of Artsweb, and a Zorba dance performance by Aimee Woods and dancers from Kristen’s Dance Studio.

Grazers were also treated to a showcase of Wiradjuri culture through a powerful and informative performance by dancers from River Spirit Cultural Arts As in previous years, the zero-waste event aimed to respect and celebrate the natural environment. Grazers were encouraged to donate their reusable service items back to Grazing to be used again at future events. 

“We are so proud to showcase our region -the stunning landscapes, the deliciousproduce, and our amazing local talent. Allin an effort to raise significant funds for theForbes Arts Society,” Olivia Turner, GDTLsecretary said.

“Thank you to our generous sponsors and supporters, and our dedicated volunteers, without whom this event would not be possible.” 

Follow Grazing Down the Lachlan on Facebook and Instagram to be the first to know what’s in the planning for 2024 and keep up to date with all the latest Grazing news by subscribing to the newsletter via the website, www.grazingdownthelachlan.com. 

Gum Swamp Wildlife Refuge is a nationally significant site for ornithology and is now home to six installations as part of Sculpture Down the Lachlan (SDL). www.forbesartssociety.com/gum-swamp-wildlife-refuge

The end of term three has arrived at Forbes North for our students from Kindergarten to year 6. 

Our students enjoyed many opportunities including and yet not limited to ICAS International Competition for Assessment in Schools Years 3-6, an enjoyable Positive Behaviour for Learning Fete, a fantastic Glowtastic Disco which raised $10,426, a guest appearance on Radio 2LV for our communication portfolio and an ICON Assembly.

A big hit is our new equipment for the Infants playground, hosting the people from the Resilience Project motivational sessions, a record breaking Forbes PA&H Show stall with prize-winning entries in over twenty divisions, the Forbes High School 2024 transition for our year 6 students heading to year 7 and Forbes Shire Council NAIDOC Community Day which Kindergarten to Year 6 attended at the Dreaming Centre.

Our students attended the Lachlan PSSA Football and Oz Tag Gala Day in Forbes and Parkes respectively, the Beats N Pieces Musical Show came to us to entertain 240 students. Our Father’s Day Breakfast attracted a large crowd and the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book Week Parade and family barbecue which followed the Scholastic Book Fair with record sales of books.

The New South Wales Health Mobile Dental Clinic visited the school, and the Boys to the Bush program for Stage three lads was another huge success. We celebrated 100 Days of Kindergarten and our senior girls attended Girls in Aviation in Dubbo.

The Stage 2 excursion took place to Lake Burrendong Camp while Stage 3 headed to Canberra and the National Capital. 

Students Also participated in the Premiers Spelling Bee for Years 3-6. As we head into spring, important messages on safety was the focus during the impressive and entertaining Snake Tails Reptile Show. 

Term 4 commences Monday 9th October and will formally end Friday 15th December.

At the last meeting Elvy Quirk welcomed 36 members present and introduced Leonie Todd, thanking her for making her garden available for the meeting. Leonie then spoke about her garden which was only small when she moved there, but plants from family and friends have brought many lovely additions. 

We were all happy to hear Gail Mendham is on the mend and doing well. 

Arrangements are being made for the Open Garden’s weekend 14th and 15th October, with flyers sent to other clubs and local outlets. Members are needed to sell raffle tickets. 

The guest speaker at the meeting was Pol Cruz, with his display of bonsai. He is an artist who also paints and works with clay Some of his bonsai included an olive tree found on a creek bank in South Australia reported to be 70 years old, a paper bark tree from the old Forestry 30 years old, an English Ash from Grenfell and a lichen covered rock all had a story connected in his display. He also gave tips on watering and pruning, as several members brought their own bonsai to show him. Janette Thomas moved a vote of thanks. 

Raffle winners were first Jenny Dwyer and second Denise Thurston. Flower of the month winners were first Sylvia Glasson with an orchid, second Marg West with an orchid, and third Margo Rath with a camellia. 

The next meeting will be at the home of Irene and Trevor Ford, 52 Calarie Road on Thursday 28th September at 2pm. Please bring a hat, chair and cup. Members are also asked to bring along $60 to pay for our 70th birthday celebrations on 11th November. 

By Green Thumb 

Peak social services body NCOSS welcomed some of the investments in the NSW Government’s 2023-24 Budget, but called for urgent support for those living in poverty. 

NCOSS CEO Joanna Quilty acknowledged the significant financial pressures on the Budget, but expressed concern for those doing it toughest in NSW right now. 

“It’s great to see investment in schools and hospitals across Western and South Western Sydney. These are growth suburbs where families need ready access to these essential facilities,” Ms Quilty said. 

“But they are also the suburbs where we see the highest concentrations of disadvantage, where disadvantage is deepening and where cost of living pressures are hitting hardest.

“As cost-of-living pressures ramp up and the affordable housing crisis grows, we need urgent, increased investment in front-line supports such as neighbourhood centres, tenants advice, domestic violence services, financial counselling and mental health supports.

“This Budget does not do enough to help those barely hanging on