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Find It In AMAZING Forbes

November 11, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The trees aren’t out yet, but Find It In AMAMZING Forbes begins on 14th November. Each participating business will have a timber Christmas tree at the front of their front door when the flood water recedes.

Aaron Acheson of the Forbes Business Chamber said: “We are so pleased to be able to offer $20,000 in prizes this year.”

The draws will begin on Thursday, 17th November with the first $500 being electronically drawn. All you need to do is scan the QR Code and fill in the details. There are 7 x $500 prizes until Christmas Eve and then 10 X $500, 1 x $1,500, 2 x $2,500 and 1 x $5000 will be drawn on 24th December.

Major sponsors and participants: Forbes Shire Council and Forbes Business Chamber; Gold Sponsor – Bernardis, Silver Sponsors – Terry Bros Carpet Court and the Forbes Phoenix; Bronze Sponsors – Flannery’s Pharmacy, Gunn’s Menswear and Embroidery, MD Steel, Steele Technology, Walkers Ag N Vet and WA Knights.

“All the sponsor businesses will have a QR code for you to scan when you shop in their business. For those who don’t have a phone there will be a sign-on-sheet.”

Participating businesses: All of the above plus Acheson’s Mitre 10, Allure On Main, Blue Sky Outdoors, Blush Organics, Bowns Sports Power, Bron’s Hair Design, ChapterTwo, Forbes Automotive Services, Forbes Central Butchery, Forbes Small Engines, HelloWorld, Hozpots Garden Centre, Isabel’s Place, Jessica’s Beauty, Life Pharmacy, Little Extra’s Lifestyle, Loomzys FishNFix, Made Of Fridays, McMillian Industries, News On Rankin, Phillip Wells Optometrist, Robbs Jewellers, The Bakehouse, The Book Dispensary, Turners Furniture One and Undercover Sleepwear and Lingerie.

Supporting businesses have again come forward and continue to promote and support the Find It In Forbes Promotion and Christmas Carnival. “A huge thanks to Chudleigh and Dobell, Forbes Livestock, MBC, Michael Robinson & Co., Central West Diesel and Woolerina.

With many events cancelled and excess water everywhere causing huge stress to businesses and the community. We hope that the Find It In Forbes Christmas Promotion and Christmas Carnival will bring some fun and happiness to all,” said Aaron Acheson.

The Forbes Christmas Carnival will be held on 9th December from 5 – 9pm.

Forbes Flood Worst In Decades

November 11, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

SANDBAGGED… Houses in Renfree Street were already surrounded by water last Friday morning as the flood level was rising by the minute. Residents scrambled to get their flood preparation done, and unfortunately for many the water could not be stopped from inundating their homes.

The sun was shining in a clear blue sky as the Lachlan River in Forbes peaked at 10.67m last Saturday making it the biggest flood in 70 years causing extensive damage.

Up to 1,000 people were ordered to evacuate as hundreds of homes and businesses were affected, and the town was split in two as flood waters started spreading. Residents on the northern side of town had to rely on emergency services to ferry them across the flood waters to get to the CBD and hospital.

The flood was not without its dramas and the SES assisted Forbes resident Mamata Pun Rama, who had gone into labour with her first child, to get her to the hospital in time. Mamata and partner Chitra Pun Rama welcomed a son, Imaan, at Forbes Hospital last Saturday.

The Western New South Wales Local Health District said mum, dad and the midwifery team were all “over the moon” and offered their congratulations to the new parents and baby Imaan who “is blissfully unaware of the incredible circumstances surrounding his delivery.”

The SES had hundreds of call outs and some of the rescues included household pets and other animals. There were even more than 1,000 sheep that had to be airlifted to safety.

The community spirit once again soared as hundreds of volunteers from businesses, organisations and individuals helped to fill thousands of sandbags in School Road that were distributed in the community. Since the clean-up started this week, community members have reached out to assist where they can with many flood affected people commenting on how heart warming the community spirit was.

The SES and other emergency services received hundreds of requests for assistance from flood rescues and evacuations, to storm damage jobs, resupplies, sandbagging and more.

Premier Dom Perrottet, Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke MP and Member for Orange Phil Donato MP visited Forbes on Friday to be briefed on the flood situation. They also met with residents and announced funding grants of up to $25,000 for farmers impacted by floods in disaster declared areas.

With the flood water starting to subside earlier this week, Forbes Shire Council reminded residents whose properties had been damaged to photograph any damage before beginning clean-up work.

Council said the tip was open and skip bins would be set up in affected neighbourhoods.

Residents can also leave damaged household goods on the street kerb for the Council to pick them up.

A warning has also been issued by Western New South Wales Local Health District for residents to protect themselves against mosquitoes.

Information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au.

Bird’s Eye View Of Forbes Flood

November 11, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

PHOTOS: FARMPIX PHOTOGRAPHY

The bowling greens turned into swimming pools at the Forbes Sport & Recreation Club.

Lake Forbes has swelled in size with the Johnny Woods Crossing, Apex Park and Grinstead Oval completely submerged. The Vampire aircraft is just visible.

Businesses in Johnson and Lachlan Streets surrounded by water.

The water went up the Newell Highway towards Parkes as far as Bunnings.

Flood Damage Too Much To Comprehend

November 11, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Sisters Aimee Woods, Kristen Apsey and Eliza Woods put on brave smiles as they try to process the damage caused by the flood at Kristen’s Dance Studio.

By Tuesday the floodwaters had started receding enough for people to return to their homes and businesses to assess the damage caused.

The state of the dance floors at Kristen’s Dance Studio in Rankin Street came as a huge shock to owner Kristen Aspey.

“The water came knee deep through the whole building and ruined all our sprung flooring in all three dance studios,” said Kristen. The wooden floors are all wobbly and will have to be ripped up.

“We have some furniture damaged too, but the flooring is the biggest worry.” Kristen did not want to start thinking about the cost of the damage on Tuesday as they tried to clean out the big mess. “The costs will be insurmountable.” She said replacing the sprung flooring would probably cost over $100,000.

“We were confident the plastic and sandbags would keep the water out, as it had worked in previous floods over the past three years, but this time it was different. It looks like the water was the same depth inside as it was outside.”

The end of the year is also the busiest time for her studio preparing for the annual concert. She did not see them returning to the studio this year, and she’d had to find an alternative space.

Kristen and her two sisters Aimee and Eliza Woods found some solace in the support they had received from the community. “We had about 20 people who came to help today. We are so appreciative of our Forbes community and our dance school supporters,” said Kristen.

Lachlan Laundry Services had to rip up all the carpets in the business.

The force of the water was too much for the fence at the Forbes Olympic Pool.

Shopping trolleys at Woolworths with flood debris.

Forbes Smash employees were hard at work on Tuesday to get the business clean and back to normal again.

There was a huge mess at Kristen’s Dance Studio to clean out with lots of damage to furniture as well.

Patients Give Very High Rating For Hospital Care

November 11, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Up to 93% of patients treated in the Western Region gave very high ratings of their experience of care.

According to the Bureau of Health Information’s 2021 Adult Admitted Patient Survey almost all patients treated at Western New South Wales Local Health District (WNSWLHD) hospitals rated the overall care they received as ‘very good’ or ‘good’.

More than 1,300 respondents from across the district provided positive feedback on the safe, high-quality care they received.

The dedicated health professionals in the district received very high ratings from their patients. Nearly all surveyed patients (95%) rated the doctors who treated them as ‘very good’ or ‘good’. A similar proportion of patients (96%) rated the nurses who treated them as ‘very good’ or ‘good’.

Mark Spittal, WNSWLHD Chief Executive welcomed the findings and thanked patients for their feedback.

“My gratitude to our staff who adapted to the challenges the pandemic presented – as well as their continued dedication to delivering patient-first care- cannot be understated.”

Forbes Health Service performed very strongly where nine in 10 patients (92%) rated their treating doctors as ‘very good’ or ‘good’. Almost all patients (99%) rated their treating nurses as ‘very good’ or ‘good’.

Between mid-2012 and mid-2022 the Western New South Wales Local Health District increased its workforce by an additional 701 full time equivalent staff – an increase of 14.6% including 136 more doctors, 216 more nurses and midwives, and 143 more allied health staff.

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

November 4, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

LIBRARY LOCK-IN

Youth aged 12-18 are invited to attend our next Youth Lock-In Games and Pizza Night on Wednesday, 23rd November from 5:30pm-8pm. Four-player games on the Nintendo Switch, or BYO a 4G-enabled device to join the fun of our Jackbox party games, plus outdoor games and free pizza, thanks to Domino’s Parkes. Places are strictly limited, book via humanitix.com.au.

YOUTH VOICES

Parkes Shire Youth Voices is in recess for Term 4. In the meantime, Parkes Shire Libraries are asking the youth to share their thoughts, ideas and feedback on youth programs and events at https://forms.office.com/r/ciK8MkTaCB

FRIDAY FLICKS

Friday, 25th November at 6pm we are screening a legendary Australian story which has been adapted to film. This award-winning film is set in the Snowy Mountains in the late 1800s tackling issues of feminism and anti-racism. Bookings are essential, contact Parkes Library on 6861 2309.

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS IN MARRAMARRA MAKERSPACE

Composting & Worm Farming (FREE): Tuesday, 8th Nov from 5:30 – 7pm. Book via Eventbrite https://bit.ly/3NkLbVX

Weaving with Ronda Sharpe ($25 per workshop): Monday 14th, 21st & 28th Nov

from 6-8pm. Book via Humanitix https://bit.ly/3FAKYwh

Multicultural Art Group (FREE): Tuesday, 15th Nov from 5:30 – 7pm. Contact Soniatilley@outlook.com.au

Social AUSLAN (FREE): Sat 5th & 19th Nov and Sat 3rd & 17th Dec from 10am. Register your interest with Roxanne Gallacher on 6862 9101

Cricut Beginner Workshops ($80): Saturday, 26th Nov from 9am or 1pm. Book through the Orange Cricut Group Facebook Page.

Succulent Workshops ($150 per workshop): Friday, 2nd Dec from 6:30pm and Saturday, 3rd Dec from 10am. Bookings via email popupsucculentshop@outlook.com

Garden Club Notes

November 4, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Our last meeting for the year was held at Northside Chapel with Denis Irvine as our guest speaker.

Denis held the audience captive for as long as he wished to speak. He talked about his method of growing plants from cuttings. He skilfully demonstrated how to take cuttings and brought a variety of cuttings with him. He focused on Azaleas, Camellias, tomatoes, Chrysanthemums, Dahlias and more. He mentioned not to cut cuttings on an angle, but to cut straight across.

Denis invited Garden Club members to bring cuttings to the community garden on Wednesday and Saturday mornings where he will help cut them correctly and plant them. His motto is: “grow your own and save”.

Flower of the month was won by Meg Scholefield with a Peace Rose, second was Elvy Quirk with an Aqualina Peace Rose and third Pam Bass also with a Peace Rose. The raffle was won by Joyce Morrison.

Dates for your calendar:
• 6th November 2LVR radio Open Day and sausage sizzle, RSVP by 2nd November;
• 22nd November Christmas luncheon at Vandenberg Hotel $45 to Elvy or Meg by 10th November;
• 28th February 2023 AGM at 1:30 pm at Northside Chapel.

By Sweet Pea

Snippets…

November 4, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Central West Livestock Exchange had some unu-sual visitors last week. Around 100 Jerusalem Donkeys (named for the cross on their backs) stayed in the yards overnight enroute from the Northern Territory. (Photo: FCWLE)

June Public Holiday Renamed: In recognition of the reign of King Charles III, the NSW Government has amended the Public Holidays Act 2010 to rename the Queen’s Birthday public holiday the King’s Birthday public holiday. The amendment has been gazetted and will be effective from 13th January next year. The holiday remains the same, save for a change in name. This means the King’s Birthday public holiday will still be recognised on the second Monday in June. Although Queen Elizabeth II’s actual birth date was 21st April 1926, in keeping with Royal tradition, official celebrations in the UK were held in June when there was a greater likelihood of fine weather for the Birthday Parade or Trooping of the Colour. NSW followed in that tradition.

New Skills For School Leavers: The ‘Class of 2022’ will be given the opportunity to access fee-free training to help them rapidly gain new skills for summer jobs in industries experiencing labour shortages such as hospitality, construction and early childhood education. The Summer Skills program will deliver 4,000 fee-free courses, with a focus on school leavers. Summer Skills courses will be available through TAFE NSW and other registered training organisations for people between 16 and 24 who have left school. For more visit www.skills.education.nsw.gov.au/initiatives/summer-skills.

Real-Time Traffic Updates: The NSW Government announced the first regional expansion to its LiveTraffic system, with the status of roads across 22 local government areas now available for navigation software such as Google Maps and Apple Maps. NSW Farmers Business, Economics and Trade Committee chair John Lowe said the widespread heavy rain and flooding had caused major problems for many local roads, posing a safety risk. “There are potholes you could hide a cow in at some places, and getting them back up to standard quickly and efficiently will be a big problem for authorities. It’s great to see the first stage of the NSW Government’s LiveTraffic upgrade come online for some of these flood-impacted areas.” He said people in the Central West and Riverina would be very keen for their area to come online sooner than later. “In the meantime, everyone needs to drive to the conditions, take extra care and remember: if it’s flooded, forget it!

Parkes Christian School could not have asked for a better day of sunshine for their Spring Fair on Saturday to celebrate the school’s 40th anniversary. There was a huge turn out and great entertainment, with Emma Baker having a cuddle with this cutie. (Photo: PCS)

Impressive Results For Local Physie Girls At Zone Championships

November 4, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The Lachlan Valley United team are (L-R) Rachel Bilsoborough, Ana Phillips, Eleanor Osborne, Deniesse Donaire, Sarah Hayward, Emily Riches, Danielle Hornery, Willow Frost and Louise Donnelly.

More than 60 members of Lachlan Valley United (LVU) took part in the annual Physical Culture Zone Championships held in Parkes last month with great results.

The dedication and hard work from our committed teaching team and members saw our little country club come away with some very impressive results, including six zone champions, 21 places, 17 finalists and two teams placed first.

They competed with clubs from Wagga- Wagga, Orange, Pinnacle, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orana, Mudgee and Parkes.

Our members should be extremely proud of their amazing club spirt and sportsmanship displayed over the two days. Our club received so many compliments on all levels from other teachers, sectors and competitors. Proud just doesn’t seem to express how impressed we are with everyone involved.

Physie has been in Condo for over 40 years, yet it is still relatively new and misunderstood by so many. It’s an extremely technical dance sport including Jazz, Ballet, Pilates and contemporary dance. Competitors need flexibility, control, memory and stamina to be able to compete successfully.

The LVU team was awarded first place in the 5-6 and 9-10 age division. In the individual champion girl age sections results were as follows:

• 5 Years 1st Zone Champion Adella Sloane, 2nd Stephanie Hornery

• 6 Years 1st Zone Champion Harper Taylor, 2nd Ava Charters, 3rd Annabelle Barras, 4th London Sloane, top 12 finalist Mahalia Larry

• 7 Years 2nd Aleigha Hornery, 4th Molly Betland, Top 12 finalist Sienna Small

• 8 Years top 12 finalist Anabel Allen, Lucy Miles

• 9 Years 1st Zone Champion Georgie Stewart, 2nd Willow Frost, 4th Danielle Hornery, top 12 finalists, Eleanor Osborne, Stella Jarick, Harlow Smith

• 10 Years 1st Zone Champion Emily Riches, 2nd Ana Phillips, 3rd Deniesse Donaire, top 12 finalists Ruby Howarth, Elise Milne, Rachel Bilsoborough,

• 11 Years 1st Place Zone Champion Maddi Hornery, 2nd Grace McDonald

• 12 Years 1st Place Former LVU Student Maya Doyle, 3rd Zoe Fraser

• 13 Years 2nd Place Karla Osborne, 4th Lacey Osborne,

• 14 Years 1st Zone Champion Caitlyn Milne, finalists top 12 Zoe Bilsoborough, Emily Miles, Tayla Venables,

• Beginner Novice ladies: 5th Emma Buckland, Top 12 finalists Bri Reardon, Amy Milne, Kaycee Walsh, Lauren Fraser,

• Intermediate Ladies: 3rd place Emma McGee, 5th Beth Betland, finalist top 12 Beth Osborne

• Open Ladies finalist top 12 Nakeria Clark

All our place winners will now progress to represent LVU and our Central west Zone at the Physie National Championships to be held at Olympic Park Sydney at the end of November.

We wish our seniors and quaffing ladies the best as they travel to Homebush this weekend to compete in their individual age divisions. Our senior and ladies teams compete the following weekend at Olympic Park. This will be the first time LVU has presented ladies teams. We can’t wait to share their progress.

By Louise Donnelly

At the back (L-R) are Lily Waller, Sarah Hayward, GraceAllen, Rubie Howarth, Elise Milne, Louise Donnelly and Hollie Miles. In front are Emily Riches, Ana Phillips, Deniesse Donaire and Rachel Bilsoborough.

A Major Feat For Forbes Band

November 4, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

A Major Concert presented by the Forbes Town and District Band on Sunday saw an appreciative crowd of 120 people attending despite the challenges of floods and road closures. It was a great day featuring bands from across the district.

LIBRARY LOCK-IN

YOUTH VOICES

FRIDAY FLICKS

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS IN MARRAMARRA MAKERSPACE

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