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Find Yourself… In Amazing Forbes This Elvis™ Season!

April 20, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Start your engines, put on your blue suede shoes and come party with us in Amazing Forbes! Forbes is proud to partner with the Parkes Elvis Festival to expand the offering of events over the course of the week. Amazing Forbes loves a party and this is no exception!

The Amazing Forbes Street Breakfast has become a favourite for Elvis-goers and local Elvis fans alike to attend during the festival. Come and start your day the right way and get your boogie on – with a good feed, funky entertainment and maybe even a bit of a jive!

It all happens in Templar Street, right in the heart of the CBD from 7-10am Friday, 22nd April; with plenty of yummy brekky options to choose from – and of course, good coffee to get you in the groove for the rest of the day! Cafés are located in Templar, Lachlan and Rankin Streets. Entry is free – just buy your own brekky. Spot the red Mustang and stop for a selfie – just like Elvis!

And why not also have a browse at our gorgeous boutique stores before you head off to more Elvis-infused activities and events? Buses leave from Club Forbes to Parkes up the other end of Templar Street at 9.10am, 11.10am and 1.10pm.

Other exciting events that are happening in Amazing Forbes over the course of the Festival include:

The Presley Gala at Club Forbes: Performances on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 7pm-11pm featuring Nigel Stanley, Ricky Ford, Rick Charles, Terry Leonard, Gabe Phoenix and Mark Caligiuri.

Elvis Entertainment at the “Golfie” (Forbes Golf and Sportsman’s Hotel): Performances from Bernie Peri on Friday night 7.30-10.30pm, Locked and Loaded (Rockabilly) on Saturday night 7-11pm, and Barockers on Sunday afternoon 1-5pm.

Contact the venues directly for more information on these fun events!

Buses will operate between Forbes and Parkes during the festival, and bus stop locations are at Big 4 Forbes Holiday Park (Flint Street), Forbes Showground (Show Street), Club Forbes (Templar Street/Newell Highway) and Sam Street/Newell Highway (opposite the Forbes Golf Club). Bus timetables are available at the Forbes Visitor Information Centre.

Time To Rev Up Your Engines And Let Down Your Hair!

April 20, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

READY, SET, GO… There’s no other way but the ‘Speedway’ at the return of the Parkes Elvis Festival this year with a fantastic line-up of all the old favourites and a host of new and unique events. Making it all happen are Parkes Shire Council’s Cathy Treasure, Visitor Economy & Major Events Specialist and Tiffany Steel, Parkes Elvis Festival Director.

After two years of slow living and ‘tracky dacs dress ups’ at home, the green flag is up and it is time to speed up the fun, friendly feel-good vibe that draws thousands to the Parkes Elvis Festival.

The King is back and from today Parkes will transform into a red, white and blue melting pot of go-go dancing girls, racing overalls and suits, spectacular racing cars, and of course the ubiquitous Elvis jumpsuit for this year’s Speedway theme.

The next five days are jam-packed with more than 400 Elvis and speedway inspired events. Apart from all the much-loved festival favourites like the Street Parade, Renewal of Vows, Gospel Service, Miss Priscilla Dinner, and free Cooke Park Main Stage Entertainment, a host of new and unique events will make the comeback festival an unforgettable one.

There is the Speedway Exhibit of rare and classic race cars and virtual reality simulators, a Pin-Up Pageant for rockabilly and vintage fashion lovers, a wild rock and roll play about Sun Records, Mark Anthony’s one-off special Speedway Show, a virtual Q&A appearance by Speedway child star Victoria Paige Meyerink, and Charles Stone, tour producer for the Elvis Presley Tours in the 1970s.

Taylor Rodriguez, the USA’s 2019 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Champion, will make his Australian debut at the Feature Concert Series, and the list goes on and on for a festival where you can forget about the troubles and hardships of the past two years to rock ‘n roll to your heart’s content.

By Maggi Barnard

Sons Of Sun – ‘A Show That Sent Shivers Through Me’

April 20, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Frontman of Sons of Sun, John Kennedy.

The famous Sun Record label was founded by producer Sam Phillips in Memphis, Tennessee in February 1952. Sun was the first label to record Elvis Presley, Charlie Rich, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash. Sydney musician John Kennedy answered questions about the show:

Is the show a musical or cabaret?

Sons of Sun is neither a traditional musical or a cabaret. Told through the character of Sun Records’ founder Sam Phillips, his assistant Marion Keisker, and the famous musicians that Sam recorded, the show features a three-piece live band and three actors performing a scripted play. The focus constantly shifts from the story to the songs and back.

Whose music is featured in the show?

Fronted by Sydney musician John Kennedy, the Sons of Sun band performs excerpts of 35 songs from the artists who were discovered by Sam Philips ranging from Elvis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Roy Orbison. But it also shows how Sam had originally set up his recording service to champion the music of black rhythm and blues musicians in the Memphis area. Howlin’ Wolf, BB King, Ike Turner, Rufus Thomas and many more artists recording at Sam’s studio before the discovery of Elvis.

Will Elvis fans get to hear some of their favourite songs?

Fans will hear a lot of Elvis and a whole lot more. The show outlines Sam Phillips’ musical influences from his early life and his struggle in setting up Sun Records until his discovery of Elvis. Elvis’ Sun Record recordings are featured along with some of his early RCA hits.

Who performs in the show?

The tenacious Sam Phillips is played by Sydney actor, Matt Charleston, with co-stars Victoria Beck and Ben Maclaine taking on multiple roles from Sam’s assistant Marion Keisker to Howlin’ Wolf. Alongside John Kennedy in the Sons of Sun band are original Red Wiggle, Murray Cook on lead guitar and Phil Hall on bass.

Sons of Sun is on at The Little Theatre at 1pm today, 20th April and 1pm on Thursday, 21st April.

Four Generations At Royal Easter Show

April 14, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Janeen Coles and her daughter Libby with the photo of Janeen’s mother (crouching) that is part of the Western District Exhibit at the Royal Easter Show.

The Royal Easter Show has inspired a very special tradition for a local family and this year they reached the milestone of four generations’ involvement.

Janeen Coles from Forbes was joined by her daughter Libby last week to work on the Western District Exhibit at the show. The western district is one of five districts that make up the exhibit in the big dome and this year they’ve all combined in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Royal Agricultural Society (RAS).

It all started with Janeen’s grandparents Charlie and Cis Frecklington from Peak Hill when they got involved in the 1940s, and then Janeen’s mother Elaine carried on with the tradition.

Janeen and Libby were also helping out with the judging of jams, pickles and preserves and this year the Western District won the perpetual trophy, the Dreves Memorial Shield.

“The people the trophy is named after worked with my grandparents on the exhibit, and lots of their family members are still involved,” said Janeen.

“I enjoy going back every year as we are like one big family and it is great catching up with everyone and working as a team.”

As Libby stepped in this year to keep the family tradition going, Janeen’s mother was also there to keep an eye on everything. “My mother’s photo is part of the RAS archive and this year they used it to print some bunting used at the exhibit.”

By Maggi Barnard

Snippets…

April 14, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Molly Wright from Peak Hill was named the winner of The Land Sydney Royal Ag Shows Young Woman of 2022 at the Royal Easter Show in Sydney from 15 state finalists. (Photo: ABC Rural)

Five Days Of Double Demerits: Double demerit points will apply on NSW roads from today, 14th April until Monday, 18th April (inclusive) for all speeding, seatbelt, motorcycle helmet and mobile phone offences. Police will also be targeting other high-risk driver behaviour, including the four Ds- drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving. Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Martin Ling said with COVID restrictions all but gone and state borders re-opened Police were expecting people to take full advantage of being able to holiday across NSW and interstate this year. “We want everyone to arrive at their destination, to enjoy Easter with loved ones, and return home safely. That’s why all available Highway Patrol Officers will be working. Remember to slow down, schedule plenty of breaks, limit distractions in the car, don’t mix drinking with driving and ensure you and all your passengers are wearing seatbelts.”

Grant For Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre: The Forbes Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre Indigenous Corporation has received a helping hand in the form of a grant from the Federal Government Stronger Communities Programme (SCP) to restore and enhance a water-damaged courtyard. The community organisation received a $11,654 grant to enhance the centre’s outdoor space for the community to gather, reflect, celebrate and learn about Wiradjuri culture. Centre manager Aunty Aileen Allen said the grant was needed badly.

CSIRO To End Plastic Waste: CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, will tackle Australia’s plastic pollution challenges, pledging to help Australia reduce its plastic waste by 80% over this decade. Australians consume one million tonnes of single use plastic each year – with just 12% recycled. Three-quarters of the plastic found along Australia’s coastline is single-use plastics. CSIRO’s Chief Executive Larry Marshall said the challenge was far bigger than any one institution and needed a Team Australia approach. “By turning plastic waste into a renewable resource, the Mission will deliver collaborative scientific and manufacturing capabilities to drive new technologies across the entire plastics supply chain and grow Australia’s circular economy.”

Bush Photography: Rural Aid’s hugely popular Spirit of the Bush photography competition has returned with more than 250 entries already received in the first week of the competition. A set of 12 photographs will be picked for Rural Aid’s 2023 calendar. Entries can be made here: www.ruralaid.org.au/spirit-of-the-bush or by tagging #SOTB2022 in your Instagram or Facebook posts. The closing date is 30th May.

The Obstacool obstacle course for kids in Lions Park on Sunday was a big hit and great way to start the school holidays. It was part of the Youth Week program. (Photo: Forbes Shire Council facebook page)

The Perfect Challenge

April 14, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

ICONIC TRANSFORMATION… View of the new Forbes Cultural Centre and Art Gallery in the making from the rear courtyard. The development is part of the $7.2 million Boosting the Lachlan Valley Economy Art Project, funded by the NSW Government’s Restart NSW program. For more information visit www.forbesartssociet.com.

The former Forbes Ambulance Station is undergoing a transformation and the company responsible for the work considers the Forbes Cultural and Art Centre project “the perfect challenge”.

“This project offers us a blend of old and new. An opportunity to restore a building with a lot of history, that has substantial damage, was too good to turn down,” said RWC Construction Manager Christian Gladdish.

“As a regional company, a project like this doesn’t come around too often. RWC are excited to give this building everything it needs for it to be around for the next 100 years.”

The Bathurst-based construction company has experience in working on heritage projects and where possible back that up with trades that understand the nature of the work.

With the preliminary works now complete, the next phase of the build is to install the new framing, structural walls and floors in line with the new centre’s dynamic layout.

A key milestone of the build will be the delivery and installation of the feature spiral staircase which will be craned into the foyer via an opening in the roof.

“This is an exciting time, not only for the Forbes Arts Society but the whole community, to witness one of the town’s most iconic buildings being transformed,” said Forbes Arts Society Chairperson Trudy Mallick.

“What has been an eyesore for over two decades, will soon become a vibrant and welcoming space for locals and visitors to gather, connect and create.”

711 Days Of Work In Forbes District By BlazeAid Volunteers

April 14, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Shire Council Mayor Phyllis Miller (second left) thanks BlazeAid volunteers May Andrew (Bendigo), Alicia Westcott (Parkes), Darryl Guymer (Wollongong), Paul Dunham (Coolah Camp) and Mark Bayliss (Queensland).

BlazeAid volunteers concluded three months of assistance in the Forbes district and the last five volunteers packed up their base and accommodation last week.

“These volunteers worked tirelessly alongside the rural families to rebuild and reclaim fences and other structures that have been damaged or destroyed,” said Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller.

Since arriving in Forbes on 4th January, BlazeAid volunteers have cleaned 41.2km of fences and built over 16km of new fencing. At times they had up to 46 volunteers helping out, who worked for 711 days, six days a week.

“These amazing people have worked hard in the summer heat and in very difficult circumstances to assist families and farmers after the substantial flood damage sustained in the most recent floods,” Phyllis said.

Catering officer and Parkes volunteer Alicia Westcott said being a part of BlazeAid was about working towards making life better for each other.

BlazeAid volunteers assisted people in the Bedgerbong, Grenfell, Garema and Wirrinya areas.

Phyllis thanked BlazeAid and its many selfless volunteers who helped out in Forbes and acknowledged that not only did many of these volunteers stay in our town but contributed to our local economy by purchasing thousands of dollars worth of groceries, fuel and supplies.

“We wish you well as you move on to support other communities,” she said.

Many of the BlazeAid volunteers will be heading to the next disaster zone to assist after the floods in the north of the state.

BlazeAid is a volunteer-based organisation that works with families and individuals in rural Australia after natural disasters such as fires and floods. Volunteers also help to lift the spirits of people who are often facing their second or third flood event after years of drought, or devastating losses through bushfires.

Lachlan’s Hidden Gem For Sale

April 14, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Carranor, one of the Lachlan River’s hidden gems, is on the market with Forbes-based rural property specialists Johnston Rural Group.

Carranor is a unique and highly productive mixed irrigation farm which also provides a wonderful place to live. Ideally located upstream of Jemalong Weir, Carranor enjoys a convenient yet private location under 15 minutes’ drive west of Forbes.

Surrounded by a scenic 270° and 8.25km water frontage, the property comprises approximately 225.91 hectares (558.23 acres) of mostly alluvial river and creek flats of which 60 hectares (150 acres) is developed for border check surface irrigation.

Owned and operated by the same family for over 70 years, the property has a deep and fascinating history that dates back to the early 1800s when it was part of the 16,000 acre Carrawobitty Estate owned by James Collits. In 1948, after World War II, roughly 5,800 acres of the Carrawobitty Estate was resumed for soldier settlement into 17 separate parcels including those that now make up Carranor.

Today, the property is well known locally for its prime lamb and lucerne hay production, high performance pastures and yielding crops, as well as its livestock breeding and fattening capacity.

Sculptures By The Bush

April 14, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Here’s a school holiday activity. Take a drive around the countryside of Blayney Shire for the Sculptures by the Bush tourist trail of outdoor artworks that dots the scenic land-scapes around Blayney during April each year.

Local residents and community groups create sculptures in one of three categories: Hay Bale Art, Farm Art and Scarecrows.

New sculptures are created every year and a list of entries and the digital map will be available on the Blayney Shire Council website and Sculptures by the Bush Facebook page.

Awaken The Dragon

April 8, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The Venerable Rabdrol dots the eyes of the ten-seater dragon boat at Lake Forbes.

The Forbes Dragon Boat Club turned 10 last year but COVID lockdowns meant the club could only conclude its planned anniversary celebrations on Sunday with a special ceremony.

Member of the Sydney Buddhist community, the Venerable Rabdrol conducted a Dotting of the Eye ceremony for the club’s new ten-seater boat. The ceremony is for the awakening of the dragon in keeping with the strong traditions of dragon boating.

The special guest read out a poem by Thich Nhat Hanh before using red paint to dot the two eyes of the dragon head on the boat.

The club’s paddlers took the boat on the lake and ‘charged’ the bank three times to awaken the dragon.

The ceremony was followed with morning tea attended by members past and present at the Forbes Sport and Recreation Club. President Cathryn Sweeney gave an overview of the past ten years of the club that was started on 11th September 2011 with 38 members currently.

“Since the founding members saw the potential benefits of putting the beautiful Lake Forbes to use, many members have enjoyed the rewards of being part of a social group and sporting team training up to three times per week and participating in many regattas around Australia, and even overseas.”

Cathryn also presented founding member and first president Wendy Green with her life member pin. Wendy was named the club’s first life member earlier this year and the ten-seater boat was named after her.

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