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Home Host For Elvis

October 14, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Gail Richardson is in charge of home hosting for the Parkes Elvis Festival and Teagan Massurit has really enjoyed the experience of opening up her home to guests.

As excitement is mounting for the Parkes Elvis Festival, a call has gone out to residents in Parkes and Forbes to consider opening up their homes to festival goers to help ease the shortage of accommodation.

“We really need more people to come aboard with home hosting,” said Gail Richardson from Ray White. She has been managing home hosting for more than six years and said in the time no homes had been damaged and nothing had been stolen.

Gail assists homeowners every step of the way from giving them a checklist to marrying up the right guests with the right hosts.

She said at the moment she had a waiting list of over 200 people still looking for a place to stay. “I can understand people are still hesitant after COVID, but we had no issues this year.”

Teagan Massurit, who had done home hosting for a couple of years, said she would recommend it to anyone. “I’ve always had lovely people and they really got me involved in the festival. I never used to go to any events, but my guests asked me out with them. It is just great hearing their stories and they are so happy that it makes you happy too.”

Gail said the recommended price to charge is $90 per person per night, of which $72 goes to the howe owner. The $18 balance goes to the booking system. “Ray White has never made money and considers it a community service.”

If you would like to find out more about home hosting, contact Gail at Ray White in Parkes.

Forbes High Opens Doors To Support Wellbeing Of Community

October 14, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

At the funding announcement at Forbes High were (L-R) Nationals MP Sam Farraway, Emily Gartner, Rachel Todd, President of the P&C Federation Nat Walker, Forbes High Principal Kathleen Maksymczuk, Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller and Benjamin Barnard.

Forbes High School received more than $7,000 in the latest round of the NSW Government’s Children and Young People Wellbeing initiative following a spike in suicides across the Orange Electorate.

The funding will support the school’s Community Day, an event that brings local schools together for students to share experiences and provide each other with advice.

President of Forbes High School P&C Natalie Walker welcomed the announcement saying the investment would support the continued collaboration between the school and the P&C to support the wellbeing of children and families.

“With this funding, our school community will be able to open our doors to not only our families and students, but the Forbes community, by providing an event that showcases our school and creating an environment that is fun, engaging and community building, especially after the last few years” she said.

“I am grateful for the NSW Government’s investment in supporting our children and young people, through initiatives like the Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery Initiative.”

NSW Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway said: “I’m thrilled our government is backing local groups to put together events and projects that will help young people in our community bounce back stronger.

“Projects like the Community Day is a great example of how we can improve young people’s adaptability to the challenges they face.

“By coming together, students can talk, listen and learn from each other and break down the stigma of mental health.

“I am hoping that this funding helps our students across Forbes gain access to resources, increase their social circles and make friends for life.”

Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply for funding for wellbeing programs, events and resources as part of the initiative. Applications for both large and smaller grants are open now and close on 31st December, or when fully allocated.

For program and eligibility guidelines, visit nsw.gov.au/YouthWellbeing.

By Maggi Barnard

Capture Spring And Win A Family Session!

October 14, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Our Spring Photo Competition is in full swing and we’ve received some wonderful entries so far.

You have until the end of the month, Sunday, 30th October to enter and stand a chance to win a fantastic prize.

The Forbes winner will receive a family session with Hold Photography with the owner Bec Bennett also judging the entries.

In Parkes the winner will receive a family session (up to six people) with Marc Payne Photography. He will also be judging all the Parkes entries.

It is very easy to enter. Readers from Forbes can send your photos to editor@forbesphoenix.com.au, and Parkes readers can send their entries to editor@parkesphoenix.com.au.

These are some of the entries received so far. Nature has lots of beauty to offer us this spring after all the rain, so get out and get snapping.

Author Talk On Camel History At Forbes Library

October 14, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Author Ryan Butta and the cover of his book.

When young Afghan entrepreneur Abdul Wade first brought his camel trains to the outback in the 1890s, he was hailed as a hero by local communities.

The British colonies relied on horses, which couldn’t access many remote settlements – especially those stricken by flood or drought – so camel trains rode to the rescue time and time again. But with success came fierce opposition fuelled by prejudice, and in a climate of colonial misinformation, hyperbole and fear, Wade – along with other Afghans involved in the camel business – found himself with a target firmly on his back when his business threatened the livelihoods of the European horse drivers.

Author Ryan Butta reveals a gritty alternative history in The Ballad of Abdul Wade, exposing the untold debt that Australia owes to the humble camel – and the Afghans who brought them here and drove them through the outback.

He stumbled on this fascinating forgotten history when visiting his father’s hometown of Brewarrina in 2018.

Ryan will be speaking at the Forbes Library on Wednesday, 26th October at 2pm. Reserve your spot online via the Central West Libraries website event page or call the library on 6852 1463.

Lachlan Branch Of National Trust Turns 40

October 14, 2022 by Jennifer Purdie

The Lachlan Branch of the National Trust committee are (L-R) Lyn Wykes, Bev Pengilly, Janette Thomas, Neil Wykes, Clare Haley, Jennifer Purdie, Margaret Klein, Viv Cunningham and Mary Hinchcliffe.

The Lachlan Branch of the National Trust is celebrating 40 years since it was formed in 1982.

The first meeting was called by Pixie Tom at Bartley’s Creek and were attended by people from Forbes, Parkes, Condobolin, Cudal, Trundle, Tomingley, Peak Hill, Eugowra and Grenfell.

A celebration lunch will be held on Monday, 24th October at 12 noon at the Lutheran Church Hall in Forbes. All previous members are invited to attend. Contact Jennifer Purdie on 0488 935 570 or jenniferpurdie@bigpond.com

The branch held its AGM last month and National President Neil Wykes OAM and his wife Lyn were invited to attend and chair the elections. Neil spoke about the role of the National Trust, and whilst our built heritage is important and needs to be recognised it is our natural heritage that is coming under threat and is a great concern for our communities. Our rural landscapes and protection of agricultural land being at the top of the list.

The elections were: president Jennifer Purdie; vice-presidents Joy Freebairn and Viv Cunningham; secretary Mary Hinchcliffe; minute secretary Clare Haley; treasurer Beverley Pengilly; publicity officer Janette Thomas – Forbes, Joy Freebairn and Viv Cunningham – Parkes; tour director Joy Freebairn; assistant tour director Janette Thomas; newsletter Jennifer Purdie and council contact; social secretaries Forbes Ann Williams, Joyce Morrison, Robin Mattiske and Mary Hinchcliffe, Parkes Miriam Luyt, Wendy Neville, Viv Cunningham, Joy Freebairn and Margaret Klein.

By Jennifer Purdie

Snippets…

October 14, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The NSWRFS Yarragong Brigade safely delivered four Bedgerabong Public School teachers past floodwaters for the first day of Term 4 on Monday.

Nedd The Incredible: Forbes Shire Council staff clocked up 158.4 kilometres in support of Nedd Brockmann’s Record Run. Nedd, a Forbes local, has grabbed the attention of the whole country by doing a remarkable run from Cottesloe Beach in Perth to Sydney’s Bondi Beach – averaging 100 kilometres a day for more than 40 days. He is aiming to raise $1 million for homeless people. You can support his effort by donating to the Council effort, or follow Nedd on Instagram.

Biodiversity in Focus Competition: All students in the Parkes Shire can enter the inaugural Biodiversity in Focus photography competition. Cash prizes are up for grabs to students who submit the most creative and intriguing photos that feature native plants, fungi, animals, or vegetation assemblages found in the local government area. Entries close Wednesday, 28th October.More information on the council website.

Signage On Mobile Speed Cameras: Additional warning signs will be introduced around all mobile speed cameras across NSW. Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said the government had listened to the community on this important issue. “These additional warning signs will help educate drivers in real time, giving them advanced warning to slow down at these high-risk points of our road network.”

Variety Fundraising: This month, Woolworths is encouraging Parkes and Forbes Shire customers to support the Variety Fundraising Appeal by purchasing a $2 token or rounding up their purchase to the nearest dollar when they shop. Funds from this year’s appeal will go towards the Variety We Move Grant, providing life-changing mobility equipment for kids living with a disability.

Work Starts On Manildra’s Bridge: Work has started on the new $12 million bridge at Manildra on the Henry Parkes Way an important link between Orange and Parkes, to replace the existing 92-year-old bridge. About 2,000 vehicles use the bridge every day. There will be full bridge closures for up to 10 weekends in 2023 with a detour via Cudal. Transport for NSW will notify residents two weeks in advance before any closures take place. The existing bridge will be reduced to a single lane from Monday, 24th October. More information on the Transport for NSW website.

Last week, Parkes Shire Councillors helped to revegetate land around the Parkes Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) and create habitat for native wildlife. A range of native species were planted, including wattles, eucalypts, dodonaeas and casuarinas. Pictured are Michael Chambers, Council’s Environmental and Sustainability Coordinator (second back) with Mayor Ken Keith (back left) and Councillors Marg Applebee and Glen Wilson at the back, and Deputy Mayor Neil Westcott and Bill Jayet in front.

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.

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