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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.

Spring Is In The Air

September 9, 2022 by Elvy Quirk

It seems as though Spring has sprung with a little warmer sunny weather which is great for gardeners to be out and about in the fresh air and digging in the soil.

The Forbes Garden Club is gearing up for the Forbes Show with members getting their entries ready this week. Make sure to visit the flower exhibits when you are at the show this weekend.

Our third Biennial Spring Flower & Rose show will take place at Club Forbes on 15th October. Entries will be accepted on Friday, 14th October from 3pm to 4pm, as well as on Saturday, 15th October from 7:30 to 9:30am. Doors will close at 10am sharp for judging. All entries are welcome and there is no entry fee charged.

Entry to the Flower Show for the public is just $2, and doors will open at 1:30pm on Saturday, 15th October.

We would like to thank our major sponsors Ace Machining P/L, Acheson’s Home Timber & Hardware, Agriwest, Farmhouse Florae, Flannery Pharmacy, Forbes Riverside Community Gardens, Hoz Pots & Outback Soils.

The flower show schedules are now available, please contact President Elvy on 0428 540 272.

By Elvy Quirk

Snippets…

September 9, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The Trundle Bush Tucker Day drew a huge crowd last Saturday with lots of fun competitions, like the billy boiling race, and entertainment by Troy Cassar-Daley. (Photo: Jo Quarmby)

Regional Health Advisory Panel: Mayor of Parkes Cr Ken Keith is one of the local leaders appointed to the new Regional Health Ministerial Advisory Panel. The panel forms part of the NSW Government’s response to the Rural Health Inquiry with support in principle for 41 of the 44 recommendations. Other local leaders included are Orange GP Dr Anna Windsor and Broken Hill Midwife Meg Austin. The government will be recruiting 10,148 full-time equivalent staff to hospitals and health services across the state over four years – the nation’s largest-ever health workforce boost.

Rural Crime: A new Rural Crime Investigator position in Orange has been created for two specialist investigators backed in by the existing two specialist investigators in Parkes. Rural crime specialist investigators focus on a range of crimes from theft of stock, grain or wool, rural arson and fraud, firearm offences, to cruelty to animals or trespassing. The new position has boosted the total number of Rural Crime Investigators in the NSW Police Force to 53.

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, male or female, to go into the draw. Simply drop into Gunn’s Menswear or Totally Work Wear with your nomination, or send us an email at editor@forbesphoenix.com.au or editor@parkesphoenix.com.au.

Central West Photography Competition: ‘Central West Unmasked’ is this year’s theme for Regional Development Australia Central West’s (RDA Central West) annual photography competition. Entrants are encouraged to capture the true essence and hidden gems of their hometowns. Entry is free and open to all ages. The closing date is 5pm on Friday, 30th September. Entrants can submit up to four photographs. More information at www.rdacentralwest.org.au

It’s Magpie Season! Magpies usually breed between August and October and will beak clap, whoosh above your head and screech to warn other birds, animals and humans to stay away from their eggs or newly hatched chicks. Forbes Shire Council will be placing warning signs in areas where there are swooping birds. Magpies tend to only swoop within 100 metres of their nest. Stay calm if you are swooped, and don’t run or wave your arms. Magpies are protected. If the attacks continue or are extremely aggressive contact NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

It is that time of year again and best to wear your helmet when cycling during magpie season, and look out for warning signs.

Love Your Leftovers

September 9, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

IMAGE SOURCE: https://www.lovefoodhatewaste.nsw.gov.au/

‘Love Your Leftovers’ is an exciting initiative by NetWaste Councils Forbes, Parkes, Bathurst, Blayney, Cabonne and Orange, to help tackle the food waste crisis.

The aim is to create a ‘Love Your Leftovers’ online recipe book that is inspired by the community for the community.

The councils are calling on individuals, local schools, community groups and businesses to get involved by sharing their favourite leftovers-inspired recipes, plus any tips and ideas about practical ways to reduce food waste.

Once completed, the online recipe book will be free to download and will be a valuable tool in helping residents find inspiration and ideas to reduce food waste and transform leftovers into nutritious, delicious dishes. If you have a great recipe idea, or even some practical ideas on reducing food waste, you can submit your recipe or idea by completing the entry form at https://app.box.com/s/idto8g3jejsnjz3r4dn0e5akwwp8sk76 and emailing it to netwaste.loveyourleftovers@envirocom.com.au

Recipe submissions should focus on using up pantry staples and leftovers. Meal ideas for breakfast, lunch, dinner, desserts and snacks are welcome!

Submissions close on Friday, 25th November. For more information go to netwaste. loveyourleftovers@envirocom.com.au

FOOD WASTE FACTS

• Food waste costs the Australian economy $36.6 billion annually

• The average Australian household throws away $2,500 worth of food every year – that’s equivalent to one in five shopping bags

• The top five most wasted foods in Australia are vegetables, bread, fruit, bagged salad and leftovers

• When food waste rots in a landfill, it generates harmful greenhouse gas emissions

For helpful advice, tips and resources for reducing food waste, visit www.lovefoodhatewaste.nsw.gov.au.

Humanitarian Of The Year Award For Parkes Businesswoman

September 9, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

HUMAN KINDNESS… Parkes businesswoman Rebecca Miller received the Humanitarian of the Year Award for her outstanding fundraising efforts for charities through the Ripple of Kindness Project.

Parkes businesswoman Rebecca Miller has been named Humanitarian of the Year in recognition of her outstanding philanthropic contribution.

The owner of La Bella Medispa received the award at the annual Australian Beauty Industry Awards held in Sydney last month.

Rebecca created The Ripple of Kindness Project in 2018 and has since raised almost $150,000 for various charities.

“This is a very humbling acknowledgement, but the real heroes are the three amazing humans, Margie, Lilly, and Connie, who are the reason why I started The Ripple of Kindness Project, and I would like to dedicate this award to them,” said Rebecca at the awards night.

Rebecca’s first project was raising money and awareness for cancer charities by shaving her head when a close friend Margie Burns was diagnosed with invasive Lobular Carcinoma, an aggressive type of breast cancer. Rebecca raised $25,000 for Parkes CanAssist and Love Your Sister. “I was honestly so blown away by the support,” said Rebecca.

“What really touched me was the response from so many women who have been affected by breast cancer and who shared their stories with me.”

Rebecca’s second project was a 355km run from Parkes to the Westmead Children’s Hospital raising funds for The Bandage Bear Foundation, Carrie’s Beanies for Brain Cancer, The Leukaemia Foundation and CanAssist.

She was inspired by Lilly Wyburn, a Parkes girl who battled leukaemia from the age of two and at only 8.5 years old lost her battle in November 2017. “Lilly touched so many lives in her short time on earth. Throughout the run, I wore a very special necklace that Lilly’s mum, Jodie, gave me. This really helped me to get through this massive challenge”.

After two years of training and planning and COVID-19 delays, Rebecca completed her run on the 18th of April 2021 in nine days, which is just shy of a marathon a day, raising almost $105,000.

In March this year Rebecca saw the struggles her beauty industry community was facing after the challenges of droughts, bushfires, COVID-19 shutdowns and flooding. Rebecca raised almost $9,000 to support salon owners impacted by the floods to help rebuild their salons so they could continue to support themselves, their families, and their team’s families.

“When you give back to other people and your community, it reminds you what you’re made for. Focusing on the needs of others has a way of motivating you to do more than you thought possible. You feel the benefits immediately. You become more productive. You find creative solutions to problems. You find strength when you’re exhausted. That’s because life supports that which improves the quality of life. When we contribute to our community, we become part of something that is bigger than ourselves,” said Rebecca.

The Australian Beauty Industry Awards were launched in 2011 nationally and are judged by an independent panel of judges, media, PR and business specialists.

FOOD WASTE FACTS

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