As the embers die down on another successful Frost and Fire, is it time yet to ponder next year’s headline acts.

A near capacity crowd from around the region and interstate passed through the Forbes Ski Dam gates during the Fosy and Fire event. The vibe was pumping, fire pits were roaring, food, refreshment vendors were busy and social media was bombarded with amazing images. There was no better place to be.

Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said improvements made to the format this year, including a new layout, were well received.

“It was a great crowd, great weather, great vendors and I thank all for your support. It was fantastic to see local vendors and businesses take advantage of this opportunity, and our guests really enjoyed what was on offer,” Mayor Miller said.

She especially thanked the RFS and SES volunteers for their role in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all those in attendance.

“Birdee, an amazing musician born in Parkes and schooled in Forbes, was so impressed with the event, saying it was bigger and better than she expected,” Mayor Miller said.

“I have only heard positive feedback from those in attendance. Just looking around at the crowd on the night, at the groups gathered around the firepits, it was truly heartwarming to see the coming-together and friendships, the putting aside of worries for one special evening,” she said.

“The entertainment was phenomenal, and I am so proud of our local and regional talent holding their own with Sneaky Sound System, a group with international acclaim. Each just set the scene, got the crowd pumping, it was amazing.”

Entertainment was provided by Grenfell’s Belinda Day, locals Em, Jo and Cler, the Dyagang Boys Koori Dance Group, Birdee, Sneaky Sound System, Sydney Fire Dancers and of course the breath-taking moment the Frost and Fire effigy was lit. The effigy was created by Rick’s Timberworks and photography by Rachael Lenehan.

Participant’s view of the simulator. The facilitator is Daniel Greef. Photo: Ken Engsmyr.

Senior students from Forbes High School spent time learning about the effects of alcohol, drugs, fatigue and distractions on driving. They have participated in an extremely important program provided by the Rotary Clubs of Parkes and Forbes, and Neighbourhood Central.

“Students experience two training modules on a driving simulator” said Ken Engsmyr of Parkes Rotary.

“The program is not about teaching driving skills. Rather, the program enables students to experience – in a safe way – the effects of impairment and distraction on driving ability.”

“With the ‘impaired driving’ module a participant first drives for about five minutes to practice on the simulator while experiencing normal driving conditions. Then they stop and we switch the simulator into impaired driving mode. The screens blur, the scenery wobbles, and delays are inserted into braking and steering controls. The participant drives again for about five minutes.

The difference between normal and impaired driving is compared by means of a statistical report. The experience provides a powerful demonstration of the effects of drugs and alcohol on driving ability. It’s an experience that participants cannot – at least should not – experience ‘for real’ with real drugs or real alcohol in a real vehicle on a real road.

The simulator used at Forbes High was acquired recently. Local member Phil Donato supported a grant application that in large part funded the equipment.

“The advantage of having a simulator located locally is we can provide a better response to local schools” said Ken.

After two years of trials there is little doubt now about the usefulness of simulator training to compliment other safe driving programs for learners and newly licenced drivers: the high rate of road fatalities for young drivers make it clear that still more needs to be done to improve the safety of young drivers on our roads.

The Parkes Betta Home Living store will continue to service the local community.

After 21 years of serving the local community, Forbes Betta Home Living have closed their doors for the final time. We’d like to pay a special thank you to the entire Forbes community for all their love and support of the business. Owners, Ian and Mandy Westcott, are incredibly proud to have been a part of this vibrant and growing community and are so grateful for the friendships and memories they have made along the way. 

Family owned and operated, Ian and Mandy Westcott are the second generation in their family to run the Forbes store. For the past 21 years, the Forbes store has been a one-stop shop, helping the local community find the right appliances and furniture for their home, with the store stocking a huge range of kitchen, laundry, small appliances, IT products and bedding. 

Despite the closure of the Forbes store, Parkes Betta Home Living will continue to service the local community, which is only a 25-minute drive north of the Forbes location. Customers can still receive amazing service, deals, and exceptional local advice on all your fridge and freezer, kitchen and cooking appliances, air conditioning, furniture, bedding, TV and audio requirements.

This new location offers customers a great shopping experience and even expands upon the previous offerings of the Forbes store. At Parkes Betta Home Living, you’ll be able to shop from an even larger range of all your favourite brands – from Hisense, Fisher & Paykel, Westinghouse, LG, Beko, Samsung, Haier, Chiq, Electrolux, TCL, Kelvinator, Dyson, Miele, Sunbeam, Bissell, Smeg and more. 

An IT, electrical appliance and premium cooking stockist all rolled into one, Parkes Betta Home Living is the answer to all your living space needs. Parkes is a one-stop shopping experience, with easy parking access, fully-airconditioned showrooms and a wide range of electrical, furniture and bedding items. 

The team at Parkes Betta Home Living would like to offer the community mark-downs and reductions across a huge range of home appliances and consumer electrical goods in its End Of Financial Year Sale (EOFY). Make sure you take advantage of huge saving across all your favourite brands. 

Offers end 30th of June, so hurry in-store for incredible deals while stocks last. Visit us in-store at Parkes Betta Home Living, 11 Saleyards Road Parkes. Opening hours may vary, please call or check the Betta website for more information. 

Tuppy Drabsch and Pam Baass at the recent Forbes Garden Club meeting.

The May meeting of the Forbes Garden Club was well attended by 24 members at the home of Trudy and Mark Mallick. A country home, situated in a lovely setting with many large trees to wander around. Guest speaker, Dennis Irvine provided tips on pruning of hydrangeas and roses and demonstrated how to take cuttings and grow your own plants. 

A report was given on our recent trip to Dubbo Gardens which was enjoyed by all. A donation of $100 is to be given to the PA&H Society towards the Flower Show. There will be eight gardens to be viewed for the Open Gardens weekend in October, so many volunteers will be needed. 

A special thankyou by Denise Thurston was extended to Mark Mallick for hosting our meeting. The raffle was won by Margaret West, 2nd prize went to Sylvia Glasson. 

Flower of the month winners were 1st Denise Thurston a chrysanthemum, 2nd John Browne a chrysanthemum and 3rd Dorelle Scott a bird of paradise, Sylvia Glasson a rose and Annette Thornton a camellia. 

The next meeting will be held at the Forbes Mens Shed on Thursday, 22nd June at 2pm with a speaker from Bunnings. No need to bring chairs, hoping to see you all there. 

By Green Thumb