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September 16, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Many people have dusted off their collection of Royal memorabilia this week with the passing of Queen Eliza-beth II. The Forbes & District Historial Museum has a collection on show.

Yoga & Meditation In Support Of Homelessness: Start your Grazing Down the Lachlan weekend with a yoga and meditation session tomorrow (Saturday) from 8 – 9am ate Wheogo Park. Guided by four local women, Carmen Spry, Kitty Stitt, Aimee Woods and Cherie Stitt, the session is perfect for all levels and you can choose to practice from a chair (provided) or a mat (bring your own). Payment by donation, and all proceeds will go to the Women’s Refuge run by CatholicCare in Forbes.

Nominate A Tradie: Our Tradie of the Month competitions in Forbes and Parkes, sponsored by Gunn’s Menswear and Totally Work Wear respectively, continues this month. Readers can nominate a tradie by dropping into Gunn’s Menswear or Totally Work Wear, or send us an email at editor@forbesphoenix.com.au or editor@parkesphoenix.com.au. The Parkes competition closes on Sunday, 18th September.

Mandagery Creek Bridge: Abergeldie Pty Ltd has been awarded the tender to build a new $12 million concrete bridge over Mandagery Creek at Manildra with construction to begin this month and completed by June 2024. The new bridge on Henry Parkes Way will have wider travel lanes and better access for pedestrians with a footpath on the northern side.

Slow Down For Moo-Ving Livestock: Local Land Services is reminding drivers to slow down when approaching livestock that are being moved along public roads. Following wet conditions and floods, many producers need to move livestock to safer ground. When stock are grazing or moving near or on a road, drovers must display approved black and yellow warning signs. Drivers must give way to stock and all other animals and any vehicle accompanying the stock.

Chief Medical Officer: Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) has announced the appointment of its first Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Professor Mark Arnold. He is set to begin in the new role in January next year. Mark Spittal, WNSWLHD Chief Executive, said the CMO role was specifically designed to put real emphasis on the standards of clinical practice, the ethics of care and the long-term development of the medical workforce in particular. Professor Arnold has more than 30 years’ experience as a rheumatologist and, as a senior academic with the University of Sydney as Head of the Rural Clinical School and Professor of Rural Medicine.

Western NSW Local Health District’s first Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Professor Mark Arnold.

Books Of Condolences In Forbes And Parkes

September 16, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

A book of condolences has been placed at the Forbes Shire Council where residents can write down their messages for the Royal Family. Peter Harrop, who moved to Forbes a few months ago, took the opportunity on Monday to pay his respects to the Queen and for everything she had done for Australia. There is also a book of condolences in Parkes at the office of the Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack, available to the public to sign.

Locals Mourn Passing Of Queen Elizabeth II

September 16, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

PURPLE HONOUR… The Forbes Town Hall was lit up in purple last Friday to honour the life of Queen Elizabeth II. Right: Flags at the Parkes Shire Library were lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect. The Australian Government has an online condolence book at www.pmc.gov.au.

Residents of the Forbes and Parkes Shires have been saddened by the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II since the announcement of the news by Buckingham Palace last Friday.

“My sympathies to everyone since the passing of our beautiful Queen,” said Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller. “Personally, I do not know life without her as our Queen, like many in our community. Her 70 years of selfless service was an inspiration.”

Mayor of Parkes Shire Ken Keith said: “On behalf of my fellow Councillors, Council staff and the residents of the Parkes Shire, I extend my deepest sympathies to His Majesty King Charles III, the Royal family, and all those mourning the loss of Queen Elizabeth II.

“Queen Elizabeth II’s reign was the longest of any British monarch, and over her seven decades on the throne, she proved to be a rare and reassuring constant amidst a period of extraordinary change,” said Ken.

Flags at both Councils were lowered to half-mast last Friday as a mark of respect. The Queen visited Australia 16 times, which included 12 visits to NSW visiting Bathurst, Broken Hill, Dubbo, Katoomba, Lismore, Lithgow, Wagga Wagga and Wollongong.

The Prime Minister announced a one-off public holiday on Thursday, 22nd September as a national day of mourning to mark the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The Forbes Shire Council will be holding a short service for the public on the day at 10:30am to lay wreaths and flowers and observe a minute’s silence at 11am.

‘Stellarphant’ Is Funny And Witty

September 16, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The performance of Stellarphant by Meerkat Produc-tions in Parkes last week with students from the Parkes Christian School.

Parkes students were treated to a wonderful show last week when Meerkat Productions was in town with a dramatisation of one of the shortlisted Book Week books.

Parkes Shire Library hosted Meerkat Productions for the eighth time for their performance of Stellarphant by James Foley. The Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) shortlisted book is a powerful story about following your dreams despite overwhelming obstacles.

Students and staff from Parkes Christian School were invited to join in the interactive show at the Cooke Park Pavilion with Meerkat Productions performers, Debbie and Abby.

Students commented after the show saying: “I liked how well they acted and how inclusive they were.” Another one said: “It was funny and witty and I loved the audience’s involvement.”

Meerkat Productions, an Australian theatre company, is owned and operated by qualified teachers who specialise in adapting children’s literature for the stage.

Community Supports Forbes Show

September 16, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Kelsey Muller is the 2022 Forbes Young Women. She is pictured with Member for Orange Phil Donato. (Photo: Phil Donato Facebook)

Despite some challenging weather the 146th Forbes Show went ahead with great success and lots of support from the community after two years of COVID interruptions.

The pavilions were bursting with displays and plenty of ribbons were handed out to the winners in all the different categories. Kelsey Muller won the 2022 Forbes Young Women competition and will represent Forbes at the zone finals.

The Forbes PA&H Committee thanked the sponsors, stewards, volunteers and attendees for their continued support. “We hope you all enjoyed all the things to see and do and we were over the moon to have you all back!”

Antique Cars Visit Central West

September 16, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The Graham cars lined up at the Parkes Visitors Information Centre last Monday.

The Australian branch of the Graham Owners Club International paid a visit to the Central West last week.

You might have noticed the 11 antique cars on the road as they visited several tourist attractions in the region. They visited the Henry Parkes Museum, the Visitors Information Centre and the Elvis Collection last Monday and had lunch at the Parkes Radio Telescope. In Forbes they went to the McFeeters Motor Museum and visited Ben Hall’s grave. They also visited Eugowra, Peak Hill, Trundle and Bogan Gate.

Last Saturday locals had the opportunity to see all the cars at the Parkes Racecourse where they were on exhibition.

The members of the Graham Owners Club are dedicated to the preservation and restoration of all Graham built vehicles and to the bringing together, in good fellowship, of those who admire them.

30th Anniversary Fever Starts For Elvis

September 16, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The 30th anniversary Feature Concert Series has Dean Z and Victor Trevino Jr. (inset) performing combined and separate shows at the Parkes Elvis Festival next year.

The build-up to celebrate 30 years of rockin’ and rollin’ at the Parkes Elvis Festival started this week with ticket sales going crazy from the very first day.

The official launch of the program planned for Monday had to be postponed because of the official mourning period for the Queen, but Festival Director Tiffany Steel said locals could look forward to a program sprinkled with things from the past 30 years, plus some new events.

She did not want to give away too much until the launch early next month but said: “We are bringing back the original minister who did the very first gospel service, as well as the Elvis Tribute Artist.”

Tiffany said with the special anniversary they wanted locals to think about having their holiday at home. “Invite your friends and family to come and stay with you, or consider doing home hosting. We have a great program lined up and we really want the community to get out and experience the festival and show off our town.”

As the festival will be back to its summer spot from 4th to 8th January, the Blue Hawaii theme lends itself to some great dressing up ideas. The 2023 program features plenty of Blue Hawaii-themed events, plus some new and adventurous ones. The Parkes PCYC will be offering Climb Me a Mountain Rock Climbing, while the thrill-seeking fans of The King can skydive over Parkes decked out in their finest Elvis costume. The Feature Concert Series has two artists with Dean Z returning for his fourth time and newly crowned world’s best Elvis Tribute Artists Victor Trevino Jr.

Fans of Daddy Cool and Mondo Rock will rejoice to hear that Ross Wilson will be inducted to the Wall of Fame and perform a special concert on the opening day of the festival.

Tickets to all Parkes Elvis Festival shows are available online at www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au

Eating For Healthy Eyes

September 16, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

We have all heard the adage that carrots are good for our eyes but why is that exactly and what other foods can improve the health of our eyes?

Carrots are high in beta carotene that our bodies can convert to vitamin A which is important for the light detecting cells of our retina.

Other important nutrients for our eyes are the antioxidants Lutein and Zeaxanthin which naturally occur in our retina as well as Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Zinc. These antioxidants may help protect against free radical damage in diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts.

You will be able to get a good supply all of these in your diet if you incorporate dark green vegetables like spinach, kale, broccoli and peas; bright coloured vegetables like corn, capsicum, sweet potato, squash; fruits like oranges, grapes, kiwifruit and berries and healthy nuts and seeds like almonds, sunflower seeds and peanut butter. Finally, red meat, whole grains, baked beans and eggs will assist with getting your zinc quota.

Omega 3 fatty acids have shown in some studies to help with dry eyes. This may be because omega 3 fatty acids decrease inflammation and improve the makeup of our tears. If you suffer with dry eye disease, try to incorporate non fried, cold water fatty fish like salmon, tuna or sardines two to four times per week. Choosing grass fed over grain fed meat sources will also increase omega 3 intake.

Good nutrition at all ages is important for overall health and wellbeing including that of our eyes. Come in and see one of our optometrists if you have any concerns about your eye health. Contact us at Eyecare Plus Parkes, 267A Clarinda Street or call us on 6863 5577.

The Day I Saw The Queen…

September 16, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Alison Grady: My father Jack Scoble (Mayor of Parkes 1960 to 1979) met her in Orange in 1970 and had a conversation with her. He commented on how easy she was to talk to, saying that she thought the children would be happy with her visit as it gave them a day off school.

Graham Nash: I travelled to Orange to see her when she visited in 1970. It was all very flag-waving exciting for a small boy and the Queen came close enough that I could have reached out and touched her. I clearly remember she had a lovely green-yellow dress and hat, and that I was somewhat disappointed by the lack of a crown.

John Wakefield: I remember going on the train to Dubbo with the Parkes schools to see her during her first visit to Australia.

Joan Fletcher: I was on the train with school friends in early primary school. I remember standing in the hot sun for ages till a car drove through and we had a two-second glimpse of the Queen and Prince Phillip.

Fred Deeks: I travelled by train to Broken Hill with my school in 1954, and waved as her motorcade passed by.

Gael Adams-Wright: I saw the Queen in Canberra in 1961. We travelled from boarding school in Goulburn. I was only 11 and started crying.

Richard Miche: My mom Lila (Kingham) Miche met my dad (an American farm ex-change student) at the show in Dubbo as they were preparing competing club exhibits next to each other. She was from Parkes and he was staying with a family in Forbes. She was introduced to the Queen when she viewed the exhibition.

Christine Moldrich: I was born in Parkes but left when I was 18. I met the Queen just prior to the Sydney Olympics with some of my students who were in the Olympic Ambassador Program. Very moving as she looked exactly like my grandmother.

Lesley Crowe: My parents met the Queen on Friday, 24th March 1954 at Red Cliffs, Victoria. Proudly watched with family members to see them up the dias when dad’s cousin made a presentation to the Queen.

Free Hospitality Courses To Boost Local Economy

September 9, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Globe Hotel Owner Michael Spice, Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller, NSW Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway have welcomed the free courses in hospitality.

Locals looking for a career change have an opportunity to learn the basics of hospitality through a suite of free short courses.

Kickstart Your Career in Hospitality, a new NSW Government program which aims to supercharge the hospitality sector and grow the economy, is now available for people looking to secure jobs or further their career in hospitality.

“We want more people to consider their future in the hospitality industry by offering free short courses that can help them secure jobs in local cafes, pubs, clubs or restaurants,” said Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway.

Owner of the Globe Hotel in Forbes Michael Spice said the initiative would help local businesses struggling to retain staff, professional workers looking to upskill and anyone seeking a career in hospitality.

“The past few years have been tough for local pubs and cafes to find and keep staff,” he said.

“Our local economy relies on tourists and locals getting out and supporting their local. This has been a challenge because without manpower, we cannot provide the best customer service that our patrons deserve.

“With a brand-new restaurant opened recently on Dowling Street, we have been struggling to find workers.

“Finally, with this program running, we will attract locals looking to get their foot in the door of such a rewarding career path.”

More information about eligibility criteria and enrolments is available https://skills.education.nsw.gov.au/initiatives/hospitality-skills.

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