Articles Archives - Page 125 of 412

Four Towns ‘Band’ Together

October 7, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Band members from the Parkes, Forbes and Grenfell bands who performed at the 2022 Forbes Eisteddfod.

Forbes residents can look forward to a big concert of four bands joining together on 29th October at the Forbes Town Hall at 6pm.

Following the fellowship between all the participating bands at this year’s Eisteddfod, the Forbes Town & District Band has invited the Parkes, Grenfell and Cowra town bands to join them for a major concert.

“Each individual band will perform, and the four bands will join together to play pre-rehearsed musical selections at the concert,” said Sueanne Nixon, secretary of the Forbes Town Band.

The concert will also serve as a fundraising event for the Forbes Town Band. “Community members can bring their own non-alcoholic drinks and nibbles and make up a table with friends to enjoy the big band feeling in our town hall.”

Tickets are $10 and available at the door. Enquiries/Bookings: 0402 093 785.

Forbes Woman Wins Lotto

October 7, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

A Forbes woman’s Sunday was turned up-side down after she checked her Lotto ticket in the early hours of the morning and discovered she’d scored a sensational $730,000 win!

She held one of the seven division one winning entries in Saturday’s Lotto draw 4299 and took home a division one prize of $733,492.92. Her winning entry was purchased at News on Rankin in Forbes.

“I’m in shock! There’s too many emotions going through my head,” she giggled when an official from The Lott reached out to her.

“I got up early, and I decided to check my ticket around 6:30am to see if I’d won anything

“At first, I thought I’d won $19, but then I couldn’t believe my eyes when the winning numbers lit up on The Lott app.

“I ran straight to my husband and son to wake them up – they were very tired and confused.

“I’ve been playing Lotto for more than 40 years and I’ve just kept going. They do say you have to be in it for your chance to win it! It’s a great way to start my Sunday!”

With more than half a million dollars coming her way, she said the prize would help boost her retirement plans.

“I’ve been thinking about retiring for quite some time now, and this will really help,” she said.

“I’m getting to that age now, so this has come at the most perfect time.”

News on Rankin team member Annika Dukes said the team was celebrating the momentous occasion.

“We’re overjoyed to have sold a division one winning entry. We hope the winning streak continues for our store for many years to come!”

Upgrades For Forbes North Public

October 7, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

NSW Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway with Forbes North Public School principal David McGaw and some students.

Forbes North Public School will benefit from more than $1.3 million worth of improvements and upgrades across schools in the Orange Electorate.

Forbes North Public School will get accessibility ramps. “I am grateful to the NSW Government’s investment as it helps our school meet the needs of every student and allows wheelchair access to every part of our school,” said the principal David McGaw. He appreciated the NSW Government remaining mindful of the needs of all students in public schools.

“These investments go a long way in supporting the additional needs of our students, balancing the scales for the regions and ensuring our students and staff access facilities that make the learning conditions safe and engaging.”

“With this funding, new bathroom amenities ensure greater access, and this inclusive decision caters for and creates an environment where all are welcome which is the cornerstone of NSW public schools such as Forbes North.”

NSW Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway said the improvements included upgrades to bathrooms and making them more accessible, to installing safety fencing and making facility improvements.

“Our record investment into school, health and road infrastructure had seen regional NSW become a place where people chose to work, live and raise a family.

“By ensuring regional schools can continue to cater for the growing number of students we’re securing a brighter future for NSW families.”

Snippets…

October 7, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The Spring Fling Festival in Parkes starts tomorrow, 8th October and runs until the 23rd and has a fun filled pro-gram for the whole community.

Free Breast Screen: More than 250 women are expected to be diagnosed in Western NSW Local Health District with breast cancer this year. Make it a priority to book a free breast screen this Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women in NSW, with one in seven being diagnosed in their lifetime. More than 75% of breast cancers occur in women over 50. Screening saves lives by finding breast cancer early. BreastScreen NSW recommends all women aged 50-74 years have a breast screen every two years. It takes just 20 minutes. Call 13 20 50 to book an appointment or book online.

Have Your Say on Parkes Projects: Your Say Parkes is Parkes Shire Council’s online community hub where you can provide real input into the direction of projects and decisions that affect the community. Council is seeking feedback on the Draft Middleton Master Plan and the Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy. To learn more about these projects, head to Your Say Parkes.

Helping Orphaned Animals: Forbes TAFE is hoping to run a one-day course in Orphaned Animal Nutrition. This basic introductory course is for members of the community to provide emergency care for sick, injured or orphaned native wildlife. Cost is $85, and the course will run for one Forbes Public School day and is dependent on numbers to commence. A date will be set when minimum numbers have been reached. Register your interest at: https://forms.office.com/r/dzGqrxvQ4q

Newell Highway Update: The Newell Highway Taskforce held its AGM and regular committee meeting last month. Ongoing chair, Mayor of Parkes Shire Ken Keith OAM was re-elected and Bland Shire Councillor Tony Lord, re-elected as deputy chair. Ken reminded the community to be mindful in light of the wet weather. “We ask that all road users during this La Niña rain period drive safely and appreciate the difficulties the various road authorities are having trying to maintain the road network.” Current initiatives of the taskforce include: an additional 40 overtaking lanes; 1.2m centreline separation of traffic; bypass of Moree completed, Parkes underway; widened clear zones; additional truck stops. Over $1.4 billion has been spent or committed by the State and Federal Governments. Important projects the taskforce is currently seeking government commitment include: Forbes – West Wyalong flood mitigation; bypass of Coonabarabran; Inland Rail grade separation; more truck stops.

Forbes has seen a lot of beautiful cars recently with the 44th National Chevrolet Festival and the 55th Veteran & Vintage Chevrolet Association of Australia Ltd Anniver-sary Rally last week, and the Forbes Motor Show on the weekend.

Powerful Painting Tells School’s Story

October 7, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Public School students Rose Hurford with artist Cheree Stokes and the special painting she made that features tacile dots to invite viewers to touch the artwork and bring them into the present moment.

Forbes Public School (FPS) had a powerful piece of art commissioned to celebrate the school’s flourishing community and tell their story.

Cheree Stokes, a First Nation artist, poet and storyteller, collected staff’s personal FPS stories in the form of words and symbols and then incorporated them into a visual representation of the school’s journey.

“The tree represents our strong grounded roots built by former principals, staff and students,” explained teacher Katie Stitt. “The branches symbolise flexibility in the COVID winds and leaves stand for new growth and change. You can see hands working together, everyone having a seat at the table and a bridge of transformation.”

What’s On @ the Parkes Shire Library & Cultural Centre

October 7, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

COMMUNITY LOUNGEROOM

Libraries are terrific places. Full of wonder and interesting things. But have you ever thought about visiting the library just for a quiet place to sit, perchance to dream? We have created a lovely quiet community loungeroom where you can do just that. On display are some of our collection of magazines and beautiful, glossy coffee books. There are art books and garden books, books about food and books of the rich (and not necessarily famous). So the next time you are looking to treat yourself to some quiet, dream time, come visit us at the Library – we are pretty sure you won’t be disappointed.

BE BIFFSQUIGGLED!

Recently the library celebrated Roald Dahl Story Day with fun activities. Library users were able to vote for their favourite BFG word. BIFFSQUIGGLED was the winner, and it means to be confused or puzzled. Golden tickets were hidden in the library and those who found them won a prize.

AUTHOR TALK & HISTORY WRITING WORKSHOP

Jeanette M Thompson, author of Bone and Beauty: the Ribbon Boys’ Rebellion, will be giving an author talk and history writing workshop on Wednesday, 26th October. Make sure to call us to book your spot for this event.

MARRAMARRA MAKERSPACE WORKSHOPS

Two free workshops funded by the NSW Government’s Reconnecting Regional NSW Community Events Program. Numbers are limited, call 6861 2309 to book your place.
• 13 October: Inventing Insects with Helen Standen and Elsie Mahon, 9am-noon
• 12 & 17 October: Festival Community Drumming with Robert Shannon, 5:30-7pm.

BEST IN SHOW ART EXHIBITION

We have been inundated with paintings, sculptures, drawings and 3D creations for the Best In Show Art Exhibition! The exhibition opens on Saturday, 8th October at 10am and will be on display until 22nd October.

Little Supporters Steal Charlie’s Heart

October 7, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Ruby Staines handed the special book created by his little fans at the Forbes Learning Ladder to her brother Charlie after the Grand Final. Proud parents Lisa (left) and Shayne (right) with Charlie and his partner Erin Dwyer.

If you asked the little ones at Forbes Learning Ladder about Charlie Staines they would be able to tell you lots about him.

Not only do they have the Penrith Panther player’s sister as a staff member, but they made a special book for him last week. “Every room had two pages in the book and they wrote messages for Charlie, created lots of paintings and other crafts,” said Ruby Staines.

Charlie, a former Forbes Magpies player, made sure his name was on every Forbes footy fan’s lips when he scored a try in his first Grand Final to help his team beat the Parramatta Eels on Sunday.

Ruby presented the book to him after the game and it stole his heart. “He just loved it and thought it was very cute.”

Ruby, who watched the game with her parents and older brother, said it was a day they would never forget. “The atmosphere was just unreal. I think it was the loudest event I had ever been to with 85,000 people in the crowd.”

She had no words to describe her feelings when Charlie scored his try. “There were lots of tears of joy in our group.” Ruby said it was very special that Charlie came over to them after he had received the ring presented to each Panthers player. “He was very emotional and so excited that he managed to score in his first ever Grand Final. We are just so proud of him.”

The family were invited to join the after-party for a very big night of celebration. Ruby said it was amazing how the whole town stood behind Charlie.

She said he was very determined to show the team what he could do and he hoped that he would remain in the squad and be able to play his preferred position.

By Maggi Barnard

Spring Fling Festival Starts Tomorrow

October 7, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

COLOURFUL SPRING… Parkes Community Arts members Helen Standen, Margot Jolly, Kerryn Jones and Lisa Ram-say were spotted yarn bombing in Cooke Park ahead of the Spring Fling Festival. (Photo: Bill Jayet)

The Spring Fling Festival will bring family fun, music, art and lots more to the Parkes community over the next two weeks with plenty of free events.

Hosted by Parkes Shire Council in partnership with Parkes Community Arts Inc (PCA) the festival will run from the 8th of October to the 23rd.

The jam-packed program of free events includes a Community Fun Day, a film screening of Baz Luhrmann’s ELVIS, creative workshops, music and art. The workshops cover a wide range of topics from community drumming, and an Inventing Insects Art Workshop to a spring flower-arranging workshop.

ELVIS, Baz Luhrmann’s latest film, will be screened at Cooke Park Pavilion on Friday, 14t October at 6pm.

“Movie goers are encouraged to come dressed up in their best Elvis or Priscilla gear, with prizes to be awarded for the best dressed,” said Parkes Shire Council’s Manager Cultural, Education & Library Services Kerryn Jones.

“Although these events are free, bookings are essential for the film viewing and all workshops. To reserve your spot, visit PCA’s Facebook page for further details.”

The Community Fun Day on Saturday, 22nd October at Cooke Park Pavilion from 10am to 2pm will have market stalls, six beautiful alpacas from Quentin Alpaca Park, face-painting, live music, free Rotary BBQ, coffee van, arts and crafts, and more.

On Sunday, 23rd October the Parkes Shire Band will team up with other musicians and bands to present a free concert at the Parkes RSL Starlight Lounge at 2pm, celebrating Lindsay Morehouse’s contribution to music in Parkes.

The Best in Show Art Exhibition (funded by CMOC-Northparkes Mines) opens tomorrow (8th October) at 10am and will be on display in the Coventry Room through-out the festival.

Other events in the Parkes Shire include the Peak Hill Arts Connect Workshops, Parkes Que Club’s Gardens and Galleries (9 October), Parkes M&D Spring into Summer events, and the Trundle ABBA Festival (15 October).

Visit www.facebook.com/PCAFestival for more information and to buy tickets.

Number 22 Inspires Us To Respect And Protect

October 7, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

TIMELY MESSAGE… Within – Without (Of Land and Spirit) by Greg Johns from Adelaide is located 26km from Condobolin along the Lachlan Valley Way towards Forbes. John has been a professional sculptor for 45 years working in Corten steel, wood and stone.

The ever expanding inland public art trail of Sculpture Down the Lachlan is becoming the focal point of the region’s arts and culture and the addition of the 22nd sculpture has added yet another dimension to this unique experience.

Within – Without (Of Land and Spirit) by Greg Johns uses interlinking geometric shapes to represent the patterns formed in nature, and the interconnection that exists between them. The 5m high geometric piece, located on Marsden Road in the Lachlan Shire, speaks of nature’s micromacro links and the importance of respecting and protecting them.

“When links are broken, such as the extinction of particular flora or fauna, the whole system becomes vulnerable and can ultimately collapse,” said sculptor Greg Johns. Greg used hundreds of solid 25mm mild steel unites, each cut from solid steel plate in collaboration with boilermaker Darryl McFarlane of Demill Engineering.

The 5m high pod, formed from open hexagonal units, offers vastly different patterns when viewed from different angles. “The public can see through the form to the surrounding landscape, and this conection to the surrounding landscape is important,” Greg said.

“When you move around the sculpture, which continually changes visually, a negative figure suddenly appears from one angle. The intended implication of the organic pod form is of a protective spirit. A deep, profound guardianship of place as a priority is a message this sculpture hopefully conveys.”

Forbes Arts Society Chairperson Trudy Mallick said the sculpture’s connection to the landscape was complementary to the theme of environmental sustainability that spans across the 100km trail.

For more information about the project, visit www.forbesartssociety.com.

Snippets…

September 30, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The 2022 Footy Tipping competitions in Forbes and Parkes were both won by Yellow House Design & Print. The owner, Joshua Matic, who is also the owner of the Phoenix Group of Newspapers, has donated the prizes to the runners-up in both towns. Here is Dane Millerd from Michael McCormack’s office accepting the Forbes prize on behalf of Michael from Shanae Sydenham from Harvey Norman, who sponsored a prize to the value of $500 for each competition.

One Week Left To Use NSW Vouchers: Households are reminded to use any outstanding Stay NSW and Parents NSW vouchers as both programs are set to expire on Sunday, 9th October. The Stay NSW vouchers help support accommodation providers impacted by COVID-19. NSW residents aged 18 and older can apply for one $50 voucher to use towards the cost of accommodation bookings. There are around $63 million worth of Parents NSW vouchers issued, pending redemption, to date. One person from each eligible household can apply for five $50 vouchers, worth $250 in total. Visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/stay-nsw and https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/parents-nsw-vouchers

Save On Petrol With App: NSW drivers are urged to use the FuelCheck app to find a cheaper servo and save up to $10 a tank as the fuel excise discount ended on Wednesday. Treasurer Matt Kean said the app could save drivers up to $800 a year. “Driving a couple of hundred metres down the road to a cheaper servo can really pay off and boost your budget. New data from the past six months shows independents consistently offer drivers the cheapest fuel. “FuelCheck has been an overwhelming success, with more than 2.2 million drivers downloading the free app, and 93% giving it the thumbs up.”

School Holiday Fun With Junior Landcare: Junior Landcare has added a fun new activity to its Learning Centre – an online platform packed with resources to help children learn about the environment and how they can protect it. To download the new Biodiversity Find-a-Word activity sheet, crosswords, colouring-in sheets and more holiday fun, visit www.juniorlandcare.org.au/just-for-kids

Nominate A Tradie: Get in your last nominations for the Tradie of the Month competition in Forbes sponsored by Gunn’s Menswear. Readers can nominate a tradie by dropping into Gunn’s Menswear or email editor@forbesphoenix.com.au

Combat Feral Animals: Landholders and farmers across the Central West are encouraged to take part in the NSW Government’s Spring Pest Offensive following a rise in the number of wild animals. Contact Local Land Services on 1300 795 29

Meg Hunter from Parkes Services Club was the runner-up of the Parkes Footy Competition and also received the winner’s prize from Yellow House.

COMMUNITY LOUNGEROOM

BE BIFFSQUIGGLED!

AUTHOR TALK & HISTORY WRITING WORKSHOP

MARRAMARRA MAKERSPACE WORKSHOPS

BEST IN SHOW ART EXHIBITION

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