FOR SALE: The famous Bogan Mobile from the 2019 Australia’s Biggest Bogan Festival is for sale on Forbes Parkes Buy Swap Sell and the Australis’ Biggest Bogan Festival Facebook page for those interested. ABBF may return for 2023 according to reports however nothing has been confirmed yet. INSET: Comedian Chris Franklin signing the Bogan Mobile at Bogan Gate in 2019 with comedians Half-Cooked Chip, Luke Acheson and Benny Bogan.

The famous Bogan Mobile is up for sale and already there is interest in the sentimental, uniquely designed vehicle.

“The cheeky paddock basher is in fairly good condition and only needs a little bit done to it,” said Debbie Martin, who bought the car at the one and only Australia’s Biggest Bogan Festival in 2019 at Bogan Gate to help raise vital funds for the Bogan Gate community and Currajong Disability Services.

“I need to get rid of it so I am happy to listen to offers from $650,” said Debbie.

The Bogan Mobile was initially secured by a former committee member from Parkes and was on display at the inaugural event nearly three years ago. All attendees on the main day of the festival were asked to sign it.

“A lot of attendees signed it and it is a one-of-a-kind,” she said.

“I have been putting it online on Facebook on Forbes Buy Swap Sell if anyone wants a look at it.”

And while there is no festival in 2022 either after two years of COVID enforced cancellations, there is talk of another event in 2023. While nothing has been confirmed and organisers are still to resolve it with the Bedgerabong Picnic Race Club Committee, the demand and level of enquiry has meant that discussions about a 2023 are back on the table again.

“Whoever buys it hopefully can bring it to the next festival and we sell it again,” said Debbie.

Contact Debbie via the Buy Swap Sell page or Australia’s Biggest Bogan Festival Facebook page for more info.

Registrations are officially open and Forbes residents are urged to get in early and sign up for Australia’s largest community-based environmental event, Clean Up Australia Day (Sunday 6th March, 2022), as the environment feels the effects of a COVID-19 hangover.

The opening of volunteer registrations comes after lockdowns and changed habits fuelled a significant increase in household waste. The last two years have seen significant increases in single-use plastics, alongside unprecedented numbers of face masks, takeaway coffee cups, and food packaging littering our footpaths, parks, and waterways.

Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM, said it’s more important than ever to protect Forbes unique environment by stepping up on Clean Up Australia Day.

“I encourage volunteers to sign up early to show their commitment to improving our most precious environment. Registration is really easy, and all community-based participants receive a free Clean-Up kit containing gloves, bags, and other resources, with packs for individuals, families, or groups available. Clean Up Australia Day is the opportunity to do some good for our Shire – to roll up our sleeves, get out there and take action.” Ms. Miller said.

“Signing up now means you’re making a pledge to protect not only Forbes environment but join the movement to protect Australia’s environment too. Together, we can make a meaningful, long-lasting difference to the parks, beaches, rivers, and pathways near us.”

To register or donate, please visit cleanup.org.au.

• Clean Up Australia Day 8am, VictoriaPark, Harold St Forbes Sunday 6 March
• Schools Clean Up Day Friday 4 March
• Business Clean Up Day Tuesday 1 March

BACK LIKE VINYL: Forbes and Central West’s premier music festival VanFest is back in December 2022. Follow them on Facebook to keep updated with all the latest info!

Like all other festivals and events, Forbes VanFest has had its fair share of challenges. From its first edition that was marred by lightning and hail five years ago through to the most recent installment which was called off after the Friday night session – the event has had its share of disappointments.

Now the regional musical festival that includes the best of indie rock, pop, folk, house classics and local talent, is back, with organiser Matt Clifton gearing up for a December date after launching a new Facebook promotion last week.

Partnering up with national sponsors as well as local businesses, this festival is already shaping up to be the best on record.

With previous acts such as Birds of Tokyo, John Butler, local Vera Blue (Celia Pavey) Sheppard, Illy, Sticky Fingers, Angus and Julia Stone as well as many more to grace the stage at Forbes Showground over the years, punters should expect another spectacular line up of artists.

There’ll also be plenty of other forms of entertainment and amusements for festival goers as well.

Under COVID-safe measures, the Central West’s premier music fest will no doubt be one to mark on the calendar for 2022!

For more information, how to get involved or go in the draw to win a promo pack please go to the VanFest Facebook page for more!

See you there!

WALKING FOR ALZHEIMERS: Gooloogong Boy and Penrith Panthers legend, Royce Simmons is walking for Alzheimers after a recent diagnosis from his doctor. Simmons and supports will walk from Gooloogong on May 17 to BlueBet Stadium in Penrith on May 27 before the Panthers v Cowboys game. Photo courtesy of Penrith Panthers and NRL imagery.

Penrith Panthers’ favourite son Royce Simmons has revealed he has been diagnosed as suffering Alzheimer’s disease at age 61. Typical of the man known as ‘Simmo’, the footy legend wants to use news of his dilemma to enhance the lives of others rather than his own, with a fundraising walk from his hometown of Gooloogong to Penrith in May, coinciding with the Panthers’ home clash with North Queensland.

What matters most to Simmons is shining a light on the impact of the insidious disease, particularly on the loved ones of those who are diagnosed.

He wants to use his plight to bring dementia into the public consciousness and raise much-needed funds for important research into the disease.

And that’s why he and Liane, with the support of Panthers, Dementia Australia and other partners, have organised the inaugural Royce’s Big Walk fundraising event.

Simmons plans to walk almost 300 kilometres from his hometown of Gooloogong to the place in Penrith where his footy dreams were realised, now called BlueBet Stadium.

The walk will depart Gooloogong on Tuesday May 17 and Simmons will cross the finish line ahead of kick-off in the Panthers NRL game against the Cowboys on Friday May 27. The Panthers legend and several high-profile supporters (who will walk with him) will conduct fundraising initiatives and hold events to support junior rugby league along the route.

“I want to help raise money for research as a mark of respect for the medical people who have worked so hard to find a cure,” Royce said.

You can support one of rugby league’s favourite characters and toughest competitors by donating now to Royce’s Big Walk, with more details about the event to be confirmed over the coming weeks.

Courtesy of Neil Cadigan and Penrith Panthers