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Forbes Phoenix

Mick Keeps Lawn And Order During COVID

October 1, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

For those who know Forbes local legend Mick Griffiths, he is a well-liked and respected man who for years has run a regional security firm that works at pubs and clubs from Dubbo to the Blue Mountains – that was until COVID and poor health struck.

Like many, Mick has had setbacks during lockdown with more health issues offering a grim prognosis and with little chance to get out and do anything else, Mick began volunteering his time to mow lawns for those even more vulnerable than him and in some cases those who simply had no time.

“I have plenty of lawnmowers sitting around so I thought I would start helping a few people who have been doing it a bit tough during COVID forced lockdowns and stay-at-home restrictions,” he said.

“I began by helping a few people I know and some neighbours and it has gone from there,” Mick said.

“It started as a little thing just to help out some people who didn’t have mowers or have time or energy to do it.”

Currently Mick helps out “about a handful” of people and said he will keep going so long as he is able and the hard lock-downs continue.

“I think if the pandemic has taught me one thing, it is we all need to be better and kinder to one another,” said Mick.

If we can all do that, what a wonderful place it would be!

Roxane Is Our New Sales Manager

October 1, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

The Parkes Phoenix has a new Sales Manager who would love to be a strong advocate for the Parkes community.

Roxane Manley joined our ranks this week and she is looking forward to meeting with clients and establishing a great working relationship. “I think The Parkes Phoenix is a fantastic asset for our community.”

As a mother of five she does not have much spare time, but she enjoys creative writing. “I always thought I would write a novel one day but transitioned to screen-writing as I find the medium of film has the ability to really connect with people. I have been an extra in two feature films in an attempt to understand the film making process.”

Roxane was born in Parramatta (no she does not support the Eels!), and moved to Parkes because her grandparents, William and Veronica Melehan, lived here. She started school in Year 3 at Parkes Public.

She was in year 11 at Parkes High School when she started playing women’s rugby and went on to play for the Parkes Women’s Rugby club in its early years.

After school she trained as a surveyor’s assistant and a geologist assistant. “I enjoyed the outdoors and wanted to work at the mines, but I ended up working for a number of years in commercial kitchens around Parkes before moving into a sales role with Big W when they first came to Parkes. I was the Home Entertainment chick for three years.”

That was her first foray into sales and she really enjoyed the interaction with customers. Her most recent position was as a digital & print sales representative in a similar role to the one she has filled at the Parkes Phoenix.

Eleanor Lewis New Forbes Paul Harris Fellowship

October 1, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

FORBES PHF: Eleanor Lewis was presented with a Paul Harris Fellowship at Jemalong by Rotarians Garry Pyrmont and Chris Finkel. Eleanor has been a tireless worker for Rotary and is one of only 33 Forbes PHF’s since 1948.

Last week, Forbes Rotary’s immediate Past President, Garry Pymont, officiated in a Paul Harris Fellowship (PHF) presentation at the Jemalong Retirement Village. This year’s Forbes PHF is Eleanor Lewis.

Eleanor was president of the club in 2004/5 and was instrumental in a fundraising appeal for the Indonesian Tsunami victims during that year. Eleanor for a time in 2007, took leave from the Forbes RC and joined the Forbes Rotary morning club, Forbes Ipomoea, to fit in with an existing work schedule at the time but remain connected.

Returning in 2012 and she was one of very few Rotarians to be inducted by the then Rotary International President Kalyan Baner-jee from India during his visit through Parkes and Forbes. Eleanor has also been a member of the NSW Small Winemakers Show committee, Forbes Camel Races, the Forbes Jazz Convention and Tourist Centre.

Since 1948 when the Forbes Rotary Club was chartered, there have been only 33 PHFs awarded to the citizens of Forbes. Eleanor is the latest among an impressive list. Forbes Rotary Club was pleased to name Eleanor as the latest recipient.

Midnight Flashes Rivals In Ladbrokes At Dubbo

October 1, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

WINNER: Midnight Flash photo finish from last week in Dubbo INSET: Maree Smith with grandson Charlie earlier this season. Midnight Flash’s win has made for a great recent run of form for the Smith family.

Raymond Smith trained Midnight Flash has taken out the Ladbrokes Country Challenge final in 29.73 at Dubbo last week. The $15 outsider won by three quarters of a length from Peter Sims trained duo of She’s a Pearl ($3.10) and She’s Salacious ($2.70) to take the $5000 prize money.

It continues an impressive streak for Smith who has some form dogs at the moment and seems to be winning races at will. The win by Midnight Flash was the Fernando Bale x Midnight Elsa black bitch’s second win in the last three starts. The two recent victories were split by a gallant second placing at Dubbo on September 18 after the stirring win in Temora earlier in September.

One of Smith’s other chargers Miss Ezmae claimed second in Race 7 continuing solid form over the winter.

The twilight meeting also held victory for another Forbes trainer – Errol Hughes who earlier saw his runner Blackfoot Angel fin-ish third behind Bruce Mick Glen in Race 8 in the Ladbrokes Split Multi 5th Grade over 516m.

Hughes also had Magic Fury take second in Race 10 over 400m in 23.45 behind Brown’s Boy in a great duel. Magic Fury showed plenty of courage and can only improve after the strong showing for Errol.

In the last, the Hughes-trained Meeka’s Angel, also a daughter of Brad Hill Billy, darted away after a burst out of box four that saw a sectional of 9.03! Meeka’s Angel was flying and looked good in the 400m race despite strong showings from Western Hero and Swift Kevin.

She passed the post with a half-length to spare in 23.21 paying $19 for the win, her ninth in 49 starts and not the last if this result means anything.

World Record Price For Ram

October 1, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

When you’re wanting to buy one of the best rams, you anticipate paying the best price.

However the simple idea of boosting stock was what led to Kinellar Stud paying the world record price for a ram.

Victoria Patterson and family from Kinellar Stud, Canowindra (75%) and James and Rosemary Corcoran from Gooramma Poll Dorset Stud, Galong (25%) paid a record-breaking $41,000 for a Poll Dorset ram last Monday.

They bought the ram ‘Lyell’ (formerlly known as Valma 200040) from Valma stud in Whitemore, Tasmania via an online auction hosted by AuctionsPlus.

“We weren’t setting out for a world record. We just wanted a ram for our pad-dock,” said Lachlan Patterson.

He said ‘Lyell’ is one of the country’s best rams. “The ram is probably in the top five per cent in growth and top five per cent for muscle,” Mr Patterson said.

“He’s also got good eating quality with good marbling and quite tender meat.”

Heading into the auction, their budget was $40,000. They were expecting a price in the mid-20,000s, keeping in mind that good rams go for prices in the 30,000s.

Mr Patterson said the auction bidding was hot, with blind timing keeping everyone on the edge. “We didn’t expect this kind of competition,” he said.

The family are supremely content with their purchase. “By 2023 we will have bred great lambs by him, will win a lot of shows and sell a lot of rams by him,” Mr Patterson said. They also want to ensure the customer has the best eating experience.

2021 NAIDOC Future Leader Award

October 1, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Theme: Heal Country, Heal Our Nation

Each year the Forbes community celebrates NAIDOC Week. The purpose of NAIDOC Week is to celebrate the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and to foster greater understanding of Indigenous culture.

As part of this year’s NAIDOC Week celebrations Forbes Shire Council would like to recognise the outstanding contributions that our local Indigenous people make to improve our community or to promote Indigenous issues. Award categories include: Indigenous Young Achiever – Male (under 18), Indigenous Young Achiever – Female (under 18). Nominations are now open and will close at 5.00pm Friday 29 October. If you would like to nominate an Indigenous person for the above awards email at community@forbes.nsw.gov.au

NAIDOC Design Competition

This competition is currently open and the prizes will be awarded during the NAIDOC celebration.

Primary and High School Students: Can create any artwork, from any medium that represents this year’s theme ‘heal country, heal our nation’

Infants and Preschool Students: Decorate Boomerangs (supplied by Forbes Shire Council). All artworks must be sent back to the Council office prior to October 30.

Call FSC on (02) 6850 2300 for any further queries.

Snippets…

October 1, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

GRANTS NOW OPEN: The Smart Farms program is the key agriculture portfolio initiative under phase two of the $1.1 billion National Landcare Program. To date, Smart Farms Small Grants has funded a total of 384 projects to the value of $25.5 million. Photo courtesy of Farmpix (Chris Watson).

Smart Farms Small Grants Round Now Open

A new round of the Federal Government’s Smart Farms Small Grants Program is now open to eligible Riverina and Central West organisations and individuals.

The final round of Smart Farms Small Grants program will fund a diverse range of soil extension activities across Australia. Under this round, multiple activities may be applied for in the one application. Grants are available for between $100,000 to $250,000 per activity and will be delivered over two years. Applicants may apply for a maximum of $2 million per application. This round of funding will close at 9pm on 12 October 2021.

BOOST FOR WASTE: The Organics Collections program can be used to upgrade existing kerbside garden waste collections or establish new organics collection services. It can also be used to support the purchase of new infra-structure such as wheelie bins or community education campaigns.

Boost For Food And Garden Waste Collection

More household food and garden waste will be kept out of landfill, thanks to $12 million in grant funding for councils across the State.

Environment Minister Matt Kean said the funding supports the NSW Government’s commitment to halve the amount of organic waste sent to landfill and reach net zero emissions from organic waste in landfill by 2030.“Each year more than a third of waste sent to landfill in NSW is food – with the average NSW household throwing away $2,500 worth, ” Mr Kean said.

The funding, available through the Organics Collections program, can also be used to support the purchase of new infrastructure such as wheelie bins and kitchen caddies, or for community education campaigns.

Since 2013, more than $26 million has been awarded to 62 projects through the program. Go to www.environment.nsw.gov.au/funding-and-support/nsw-environmental-trust/grants-available/organics-collections

Wiradjuri Mural Project At Forbes Public

Forbes Public School P&C Association has received a grant for $5000 to enhance community connection and cultural identity via Forbes Public School students painting a mural with a local Wiradjuri Indigenous artist. They were one of ninety locally-led initiatives that were funded and are set to strengthen remote, rural communities across Australia by sharing in $1,057,044 in funding, thanks to FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) grant program.

TAFE Comms Short Course Taking Enrolments

TAFE NSW Forbes is looking for interest in a Statement in Communication Online short course for Term 4. Content for the course will include using social media, email and zoom. Cost will be $125. To register interest, please complete the link on the TAFE NSW Forbes Facebook page.

Forbes Olympic Pool Set To Open Soon

Forbes Shire Council is happy to report the Forbes Olympic Pool will be opening at the beginning of October for the season. There will be some new rules in place to ensure we are all COVIDSafe so keep an eye on the Forbes Shire Council website and social media pages for more. With summer temps expected to be humid and warm, the local pool will be very popular again this summer and residents are asked to ensure they familiarise themselves with the new rules to protect the entire community.

Carrawobitty Manor Sold

It is one of the most beautiful houses in the Forbes Shire and now it has been sold. Carrawobbity, approximately 13kms on the Bedgerabong Road, west of Forbes, has been sold by Michael Robinson Real Estate for previous owners Ken and Monica Wren. The house has had some magnificent work done to it during the time the Wren family have had it. From holding retreats and workshops to hosting reunions and film crews – the beautiful idyllic homestead is a sight to behold and has some stories to tell. All the best Ken and Monica for the future and the next chapter of your life!

CONNECTING TO THE CBD: The new shared pathway between Johnson, Baldock and Barton Streets adds an additional 262m of shared pathway.

Shared Pathway Complete

The shared pathway in Johnson Street, Baldock Street and Barton Street has been completed in line with Council’s Strategic Plan to link the northern end of Forbes with the CBD. An additional 262m of shared pathway is now completed and looks great. From all reports it has already been getting a fair workout!

 

 

Roadmap To Freedom For All NSW

October 1, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

ROADMAP TO FREEDOM: From the Monday after NSW hits the 80 per cent (aged 16 and over) double dose vaccination target, eased restrictions will allow those who are fully vaccinated to have more freedoms.

NSW has a clear path to follow out of the pandemic and lock-downs, with the roadmap for easing restrictions at the 80 per cent double dose target revealing a brighter future for the community.

From the Monday after NSW hits the 80 per cent (aged 16 and over) double dose vaccination target, eased restrictions will allow those who are fully vaccinated to have up to 10 people visit their home, participate in community sport, and access hospitality venues (where drinking while standing up will be allowed indoors).

All premises will operate at 1 person per 4sqm indoors, and 1 person per 2sqm outdoors.

Regional travel will now not be allowed until 80 per cent (fully vaccinated only), and a booking cap has been introduced for hospitality venues of 20 people per booking.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the NSW Government is considering changes to incoming international arrival caps, so more people can return home for Christmas.
“The NSW Government’s 70 per cent roadmap lifts fully vaccinated people out of lockdown and when we reach 80 per cent, restrictions will ease even further,” Mr Barilaro said.

“Travel between Greater Sydney and regional NSW will only be permitted when the state reaches 80 per cent double dose.”

From December 1st further changes will be introduced. For more go to www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19

New Family Project Website To Support Parents And Children

September 24, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Families across NSW are able to enjoy a new website – Family Project – that provides fun COVID safe ideas for families to connect during lockdown including rock art, backyard movies, building herb gardens, creating chalk art and meditation. The safe online portal will provide a new project daily to help support the mental and physical wellbeing of NSW families.

Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said COVID-19 is extremely challenging for both parents and children who may feel overwhelmed by the demands of remote learning, working from home and the juggling of competing expectations.

“Families are under pressure in lock-down, Family Project will be the place they can go to find simple COVID-safe ideas to do within their local area, practical tips to support emotional and physical wellbeing and advice on home schooling,” Mrs Taylor said.

“Family Project is designed to provide inspirational daily activities – everything from parents and kids meditation to creating a street library for the neighbourhood.”

A NSW Government initiative, the Family Project is a collaboration between Gidget Foundation Australia and parenting organisation Tresillian.

Examples of future Family Projects include: wellbeing tips for the family, how to create your own worm farm, Brickman’s school holiday Lego challenge, parents and kids meditation, building a simple herb garden, creating chalk art with kids to connect community and making a Street Library for your neighbourhood

For more information go to familyproject.org.au

Snippets…

September 24, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

RESULTS ARE IN: Majority of young people believed that money was the biggest barrier to learning new skills and a lack of promotion was the main reason for young people not attending events or playing sports.

YOUTH SURVEY RESULTS IN

Forbes Shire Council was blown away with the responses received in our latest Youth Survey – with 51 coffee vouchers waiting to be claimed!

• 44/51 young people believed that Mental Health Awareness programs would be most beneficial to the Shire’s youth.

• Majority of young people believed that money was the biggest barrier to learning new skills and a lack of promotion was the main reason for young people not attending events or playing sports!

• 40/51 responses did not access services because they do not know what services are available!

• Knowledge about how to rent houses, general handyman skills and how to manage credit cards were the skills young people believed they lacked when leaving school!

• Young people stated that lack of training, knowledge in how to apply and having access to transportation to find employment.

To claim your prize – Inbox your name and address to have your coffee voucher delivered straight to your door!

If you would like any additional information, please contact Council’s Community Relations Officer on 6850 2300.

DEMENTIA WEEK

It’s Dementia Action Week. This year’s theme is “A little support makes a big difference”. This year, the focus will also be on supporting and celebrating carers of people living with dementia. Dementia impacts close to half a million Australians and almost 1.6 million Australians are involved in their care. The number of people living with dementia is set to double in the next 25 years. Go to the Dementia Australia website at https://discrimination.dementia.org.au/

ELECTION CANDIDATE REGO INFO

A reminder that if you’re running as a candidate or group at the 2021 Local Government elections, you must register with the NSW Electoral Commission before accepting political donations or making payments for electoral expenditure. Register now through Funding and Disclosure Online: https://bit.ly/3DVnheE. Applying to register online is simple and fast. Registration closes on Wednesday, 3 November 2021.

TOWN HALL PROGRESS

Due to the cancellation of recent events at the Town Hall, the works at the kichenette have been able to continue uninterrupted. The Bar area is complete and the gyprock and other exterior features are now being fitted for the kitchenette. We all look forward to welcoming weddings, functions and performances back into the beautiful Town Hall soon!

PROGRESSING NICELY: Forbes Town Hall works are continuing on nicely despite recent restrictions. Mayor Phyllis Miller and Deputy Mayor Chris Roylance were hard at it leading the way.

 

 

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