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Hot Air Balloon Ride Lifts Spirits Sky High

May 20, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

FLIGHT OF JOY…Tuesday, 17th May will forever remain in the memories of five Jemalong Residential Village residents and three staff members after their exceptional experience of flying in a hot air balloon over Canowindra. The group dressed in matching Hawaiian shirts are (L-R) Dianne Golding, Nancy Dixon, Sharyl Welsh, Cathy Slessor, Helen Brown, Judy Prior, Eleanor Lewin and Sally Spence.

Fantabulous, amazing, surreal, marvellous, awesome, beautiful…

The excitement was palpable as five Jemalong Residential Village residents and three staff members landed back on Mother earth after a 50-minute hot air balloon flight over Canowindra on Tuesday morning.

Their smiles stretched from ear to ear and words of wonder and amazement flowed freely after this once-in-a lifetime experience literally lifted their spirits after many months of COVID lockdowns and loneliness.

“It was such a positive experience for our residents and it was so peaceful and quiet up there,” said Cathy Slessor, Lifestyle Coordinator at Jemalong Residential Village, and one of the three staff members who went on the flight.

“Although it was a very early start for the group leaving Forbes at 4:30am, they were all very excited dressed in matching green Hawaiian shirts to raise awareness for mental health,” said Cathy.

“It was a perfect morning with clear skies and we saw so many kangaroos. The pilot even landed on a tree and picked a gum leaf for us. It was really special.”

The opportunity came about through Catholic Healthcare’s MyWish program which grants residents their special wish. “We asked the residents what they wanted to do, and one suggested a hot air balloon ride.” The five residents who put up their hands ranged in age from 78 to 82.

“The MyWish program is about promoting and valuing life at any age and providing residents with the opportunity to enjoy an exceptional experience,” said Daniel Stanton, Senior Communications Specialist, Catholic Healthcare.

Cathy said it was just wonderful to have been able to offer such a positive experience to residents.

The day ended on a perfect note with a champagne breakfast at Montrose House before they returned to Forbes where many recollections are sure to be told for a while to come.

Snippets…

May 20, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Lake Forbes has filled up considerably after almost 60mm of rain over the past week bringing the total for May to almost 70mm, which is more than double the average rainfall for the month.

Vote Tomorrow: The Federal Election is tomorrow, 21st May and voting takes place from 8am to 5pm at the following venues in the Forbes Shire: Forbes High School, Forbes Town Hall, Forbes Tennis Club and Bedgerabong Public School. COVID-19 safety measures will be in place at polling stations. Remember voting is compulsory for Australian citizens aged 18 years and over. For more information visit aec.gov.au

Australia’s Longest Road Tunnel: The NSW Government has confirmed the 11-kilometre toll-free tunnel from Blackheath to Little Hartley in the Blue Mountains as the preferred option following an in-depth feasibility analysis and extensive investigation process, making it the country’s longest road tunnel. “This is a history-making legacy project that will deliver safer and more efficient journeys for locals, tourists and freight travelling between the Central West and the East Coast,” said Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole. The tunnel design features dual carriageways for both eastbound and westbound motorists in separate twin tunnels and a gentler gradient to cut travel times predicted to save motorists up to 30 minutes between Katoomba and Lithgow during busy periods.

Pelicans Take Flight: More than 25,000 pelicans will take flight following two large pelican breeding events in inland NSW. Pelican nests have been counted at Lake Brewster in the Lachlan Valley and Kieeta Lake in the Murrumbidgee Valley. Pelicans at both sites are part of a leg-banding research project by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment and University of NSW to track how far the birds travel and if they return to breed at the site. Banded pelican sightings can be reported via peli.bands@environment.nsw.gov.au.

Seniors Travel Card Very Popular: Less than four months after applications opened for the third year of the NSW Regional Seniors Travel Card, more than 300,000 people are on board. Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the program, which gave recipients a $250 prepaid Visa card to use on fuel, taxis, pre-booked NSW TrainLink Regional trains and coaches, and select community transport services, had received a record customer satisfaction rating of nearly 100%. Fuel continues to be the most popular purchase on the card, followed by taxi trips and then train and bus fares. Eligible seniors have until 30 November 2022 to apply for this year’s card. More information at: service.nsw.gov.au/regionalseniorstravel.

Meet Our New Phoenix Team Member

May 20, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Brett Sale is the new cadet reporter at The Forbes Phoenix.

Brett Sale has joined The Forbes Phoenix as a cadet reporter to cover all the local news in and around Forbes.

Born and raised in Port Arthur in Tasmania, Brett is new to the Central West having only moved here in January this year from Sydney’s hustle and bustle. It was a move not only to be closer to family and friends, but also to buy a home and start a family.

Before taking on the challenges of journalism, he said his best job was being a butcher for four years. “I enjoyed this to no end. It taught me not only a trade but a fine culinary style of cooking, which is popular at home and amongst friends.”

The exciting aspects of being a journalist was what lured him into making a career change. “I have a thirst for information, and I’m able to strike up conversations with anyone. I also like to immerse myself in the details, I’m curious and know to ask the right questions to ensure accuracy in my stories.”

He sees his new role as a great opportunity to grow and develop relationships with the local community. “Finding a job you love is age-old advice. Confucius probably has the best long-standing quote: “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.”

When Brett is not occupying himself with journalism, he enjoys fly fishing and spending time in the outdoors. “I love to keep up with the local music scene and stay up to date with technology and world news.”

Over the past few months he has learned to love Forbes for its picturesque, clean image. “Whether it be our magnificent heritage, abundant birdlife, or the myriad of sculptures, there’s so much to see and do.” He enjoys taking the boat out at the ski dam, fishing on the Lachlan River, relaxing at Lake Forbes, or exploring the town centre and the new digital heritage trail.

Better Together

May 20, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Volunteering at St Vincent De Paul Op Shop this week were Anne Redfern and Val Maunder.

This week is National Volunteer Week and a chance for all of us to celebrate and recognise the vital work of volunteers and to say thank you.

Volunteering brings people together; it builds communities and creates a better society for everyone. Together, through volunteering, we are changing communities for the better. We are, Better Together.

There are plenty of volunteers helping the make the Forbes community better for everyone, and we would like to say thank you to all of them.

Volunteers at the Salvation Army in Forbes are (L-R) Joanne Sharrock, Mary Elliot and Ian Hacret.

Forbes Lawn Mower Racing Event A Cut Above The Rest

May 13, 2022 by Brett Sale

MOWER MAN… Davide Teale from Forbes raced at the 2022 All Australian Ride-on Mower Racing Championship in Forbes on the weekend and claimed third place.(Photo credit: Nic Pic NSW)

The world of ride-on lawn mower racing zoomed in on Forbes last weekend for the largest event in the sports history when close to 100 drivers competed in the 2022 All Australian Ride-on Mower Racing Championship.

Forbes local David Teale kept the home crowd happy at the Forbes Autosports Club claiming third spot in the A class category.

Two other Forbes locals competed with Clint McDonald qualifying in 9th place for the B Class finals, while Craig Bratton unfortunately had some mechanical issues missing a few heats but still managed to qualify 11th for the A Class.

Australia’s best riders came from 11 clubs in Queensland, NSW, Victoria and South Australia to compete in seven classes from A to E and the Outlaws, the top grade. Each of the grades had eight rounds with the final races on Sunday afternoon with competitors aged from nine to 72 years.

Australian Ride-on Lawn Mower Association president Dianne Milsteed said the sport had come a long way and there was a sense of family that came with the sport as it was somewhat of a “niche event at the moment”.

“In reality when people can see what these somewhat simple machines can do they are blown away.” Some racing track designs limit the drivers to 50kph, but at the Forbes race track the souped-up modified mowers were able to go over 100kph making the event a cut above the rest.

Dianne credited David Teale and Craig Bratton for their hard work leading up to the event in Forbes and for the success it’s been.

By Brett Sale

‘Tie A Yellow Ribbon…’

May 13, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Yellow ribbons have become synonymous with National Road Safety Week which starts on Sunday with Forbes Town Hall lit in yellow for the week.

Forbes, Parkes and Lachlan Shire Councils will be getting behind this initiative with a range of activities to help raise awareness of road safety as they’ve done since 2017. This includes honouring the memory of the 1,200 lives lost and more than 44,000 seriously injured on Australian roads each year.

During the Week, road users are encouraged to take the pledge to Drive So Others Survive, including not being distracted while driving, not speeding and to never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

“During National Road Safety Week 2022, yellow ribbons will be displayed all across the country to remember those we have lost on the roads and to remind us to drive safely,” said Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor.

“Our fleet vehicles and staff will proudly display yellow ribbons. Members of the public are encouraged to pick up a vehicle sticker and/or lapel ribbon for free from our administration offices in Parkes, Forbes, Condobolin and Lake Cargelligo.

“Our email signatures will display the National Road Safety Week artwork for the week. In Parkes the monument on Memorial Hill and the Sir Henry Parkes statue will also be lit in yellow.

“We are encouraging our staff and locals to sign the pledge to Drive So Others Survive www.roadsafetyweek.com.au,” Melanie said.

100 Variety NSW Bash Cars In Forbes

May 13, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The Forbes Public School will be a hive of activity on Wednesday morning when they host the participants in the 30th Variety NSW Bash for breakfast before 100 cars will depart at 8am on the next leg of the rally to Ardlethan.

The Bash will visit rural and remote communities bringing much needed tourism revenue and equipment for schools. More than $45,000 worth of grants will be given to regional NSW schools, while more than $12,000 is spent at each lunch stop along the route and more than $70,000 at each overnight stop, including Forbes.

Variety Bash cars are renowned for bringing fun and excitement to the communities they visit with themed cars from Paw Patrol, Bob the Builder and Hot Wheels to Lightning McQueen, Scooby Doo and The Flintstones.

This year’s event starts on Sunday, 15th May at Foreshore Park Newcastle and will head to Spring Ridge, Dubbo, Ballimore, Quambone, Cobar, Condobolin, Forbes, Ardlethan, Wagga Wagga, Wyangala, Bathurst, Wattle Flat, Hunter Valley before finishing back for the Family Fun Day in Newcastle on Saturday, 21st May.

The breakfast at Forbes Public School will be open to the community who can come and view the cars.

Snippets…

May 13, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The famous Goanna on the Sculptures by the Lachlan trail has been photographed from many different angles, but this one sure is eye catching! (Photo credit: Happy Campers Australia)

Prepare For Flu Season: Seniors and other vulnerable people across NSW are encouraged to get the flu vaccination, as COVID-19 is also still circulating. People aged 65 and over can book in a free flu shot at pharmacies and GPs, as well as pregnant women, children aged under five years, Aboriginal people and those with serious health conditions. Influenza cases have more than doubled in recent weeks. More people with flu are being admitted to hospital, including young children. This can be very serious especially for young children who have had little to no exposure to flu over the last two years. People are also encouraged to continue to keep up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations. It is safe and convenient to get both the COVID-19 vaccine and the flu vaccine at the same time.

Routine Maintenance: Essential Energy will carry out vegetation management in Forbes this month as part of its routine maintenance. Everything is being done to preserve the natural environment, however some management of trees and other vegetation is required to maintain a safe and reliable network. Directional pruning techniques are used that remove branches growing towards a powerline and encourage re-growth away from the power network. Download Essential Energy’s Tree Planting Guide at essentialenergy.com.au/trees for helpful tips on species for planting near powerlines or contact 13 23 91 for more information.

Wyangala Dam Update: Water Infrastructure is back in the field undertaking more geotechnical investigations. This current work is being undertaken from the crest of the dam wall and will help to inform the design development of the proposed Wyangala Dam Wall Raising project. Public pedestrian access to Wyangala Dam Wall will be closed from 2 – 27 May (inclusive).

Arts OutWest in Canowindra: Arts OutWest invites creatives and community members to join them for their annual regional gathering and AGM on Sunday, 5th June in Canowindra. The day starts with coffee at 11am at Perennialle Plants. Then visits to local galleries: David Isbester Gallery, Canowindra Arts Gallery and Melissa Barder Galleries and Café. A light lunch at The Old Vic Inn and the AGM at The Age of Fishes Museum. The day ends around 3:30pm at the Canowindra Historical Museum. The event is free but places are limited to 50 people. RSVP via Eventbrite or artsoutwest.org.au or call on 6338 4657.

Aboriginal Ancestors Reburied In Wellington: The remains of four Aboriginal ancestors have finally been laid to rest in a traditional ceremony after being returned to the Wellington Aboriginal community at the Wellington caves. The burial ceremony last week completed the repatriation process for 13 Aboriginal ancestral remains that were taken from the area from the late 1800s to the 1970s. Local community members conducted a cultural ceremony for the remains after they were repatriated from the Australian Museum. The repatriation process was led by Heritage NSW, in line with the wishes of the Wellington Aboriginal community. Local elder Uncle Barry Smith welcomed the repatriation saying: “This is the greatest thing that’s ever happened to Wellington.”

Secret Translocation To Save Trees: A species of Gondwana era tree is being translocated for the first time, with 20 seedlings being planted across four secret sites in a NSW Government initiative to save the species. The endangered Nightcap Oak tree is only found in one region and was severely affected by the 2019/2020 bushfires. The plight of the Nightcap Oak tree is similar to that of the Wollemi Pine, but it’s the lesser known of the two. This species was only discovered in the year 2000, but its origins can be traced back 40 million years to the Gondwana era. The population of Nightcap Oaks north-east of Lismore is the only known population in the wild, and during the recent bushfires, about 20% of the existing trees were destroyed or impacted. More than 500 seeds were able to be collected for propagation in a specialist nursery, but they’re notoriously difficult and slow to grow. Fifty seedlings have been successfully grown of which 20 will be translocated to four secret sites.

Pick up a yellow ribbon vehicle sticker and/or lapel ribbon for free from Forbes Shire Council’s administration office for National Road Safety Week starting on Sunday.

CWA Tea Rooms Return For Centenary At Easter Show

May 13, 2022 by Sue Cunningham

Robyn Miller busy making scones at the Royal Easter Show. Karen Wright irons the many CWA aprons for volunteers working in the tea rooms.

Two Forbes CWA members worked at the ever-popular Tea Rooms at the Royal Easter Show this year for their fourth time after a COVID break of two years.

It is a major fundraising activity for the CWA, and after two years of no show, the CWA members were excited to be baking scones and selling produce again.

Forbes CWA Evening Branch President Robyn Miller and Vice-President Karen Wright worked the morning shifts on Saturday, 9th April and Sunday, 10th April.

“It was terrific to be able to get back to the show for a milestone year as the Royal Easter Show celebrated their 200th anniversary and CWA its 100th,” said Karen. Robyn said: “Our jobs in the tea rooms this year included ironing the CWA aprons worn by each volunteer (about 60 members per day are needed to staff the Tea Rooms), packing items into the inaugural CWA show bags, cutting of scones and putting them onto oven trays for baking and working on the promotions table selling raffle tickets, merchandise and homemade goodies.”

“The shifts each day were only four and a half hours long but were ‘jam packed’ as the Tea Rooms are so popular with show goers,” said Robyn.

“There were often long lines of people patiently waiting for the next hot fresh batch of scones to come out of the oven,” said Karen.

They were both were very excited and privileged to attend the official opening of the show by Princess Anne. “This was full of pomp and ceremony with her arriving in a horse drawn carriage, having groups of the defence forces marching and a flyover by the Air Force Roulettes,” said Karen.

Support the local CWA’s Open Garden at Helen and Kingsley Green’s property Booklyn on Victory Rd on Saturday, 21st May from 2-4pm. Entry is $10 including afternoon tea.

By Sue Cunningham

Forbes North Public School To Host Biggest Morning Tea

May 13, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Eleanor and Bethany Osborne attended the Biggest Morning Tea at Forbes North Public School in 2018. The school will once again host the event on Thursday, 19th May. (Photo credit: Lucy Cambourn Photography)

Next week Thursday, 19th May is a BIG day for the school community of Forbes North Public School.

There is great excitement to welcome parents and carers back on site as the school will once again host a Biggest Morning tea to raise funds for Cancer Council and people impacted by cancer. The return of the popular event to the school calendar is hoped to provide an opportunity for families to be welcomed on to school grounds and to raise much needed funds.

This will be the first Biggest Morning Tea at Forbes North for Principal David McGaw who is looking forward to meeting families on the day. “We are delighted to be able to open our school gates to our community for such a worthy cause,” said David.

“I look forward to sharing a cuppa with our visitors.” Students and visitors will join school staff in the school courtyard to share morning tea and make donations.

Around 150,000 Australians are diagnosed with cancer every year, meaning there are many families impacted. Every single dollar raised makes such a life-changing difference in funding vital cancer research, prevention programs and support services for cancer patients and their families.

For more information about the Biggest Morning Tea at Forbes North find us on Facebook or contact the school on 6852 2187.

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