It was only a few short years ago that the critically acclaimed feature film The Legend of Ben Hall, played to a packed audience at Forbes Showground. For writer, director and producer Matthew Holmes, it was to be the first of a ‘Legends Trilogy’ on Australian bushrangers with movies on Frank Gardiner and John Vane to follow.

“The Legend of Ben Hall – which was released in 22 countries and in five languages – was always planned to be the first entry in the epic ‘Legends Trilogy’,” said Holmes in a media statement this week.

“Characters from the first film would reappear in both, such as Ben Hall, Biddy Hall and John Gilbert. Once complete, they would form a vast crime saga of New South Wales’ most notorious bush-rangers spanning over a decade,” Holmes said in the statement.

“It would be the first film series of its kind ever produced in this country; a ‘shared universe’ of iconic Australian characters.”

But after five years of endless pitching, Holmes has reluctantly had to call it quits and shelve the next two installments indefinitely.

“It’s especially heartbreaking for me because of the amount of passion that was behind this project. The amount of time poured into the screenplays was immense,” he said.

“The historical research alone and the careful weaving of the three films together was a monumental task.”

In early 2020, Holmes came extremely close to signing with a major American studio to both finance and distribute the Frank Gardiner film.

“We even had the contracts in our hands. But when COVID hit and the world fell apart, so did that deal.”

Victorian sculptor, Jimmy Rix breathed a sigh of relief when his commission piece for the Sculpture Down the Lachlan (SDL) trail was finally set in place at the Four Mile Reserve in Forbes. ‘Road Kill’ was officially unveiled last week following a nine month delay due to the COVID border restrictions between New South Wales and Victoria.

“I sent most of the sculpture on the semi-trailer and my plan was to head up to Forbes one week later,” Jimmy said.

“However, the NSW-Victorian border closed just a few days after, and I had to wait nine months before I could cross into New South Wales to install the work.”

Jimmy drew inspiration for ‘Road Kill’ following a trip to Forbes in 2019, at the tail end of a three year drought. The 3.5 tonne reinforced Corten steel plate sculpture, which took six months to construct, depicts a role reversal of a rebellious kangaroo taking its revenge on a busy stretch of road.

Chair of the Forbes Arts Society (FAS) Dr Karen Ritchie said ‘Road Kill’ has been “worth the wait”.

“The piece is in keeping with the SDL trail’s unofficial theme – challenging viewers to take a moment to think about our impact on the natural environment,” said Dr. Ritchie.

“What I love most about this piece is its appeal to everyone.”

The ‘Boosting the Lachlan Valley Econo-my Art Project’ has been proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Regional Growth – Environment and Tourism Fund, the Forbes Arts Society, Forbes Shire Council, Lachlan Shire Council and Evolution Mining.

Forbes Shire Council are ensuring that children are safe and secure when travelling in vehicles with free child restraint checks by Authorised Child Restraint Fitters in Forbes on Saturday 19 June.

Forbes Shire Council’s Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, says that this free child restraint checking day is held annually, is well patronised and is important in ensuring the safe travel of young children.

“This year’s child restraint checking day will be held on Saturday 19 June from 10am – 1pm in the Bunnings carpark.

“The correct fitting and adjustment of child restraints is vital. Research shows that two out of three child restraints are not being used properly and this puts children at risk of injury in the event of a crash.

“Most of the restraints we have checked at previous events have had minor problems that needed fixing to ensure the safety of the child, such as tightening and untwisting straps, fitting gated buckles and correcting the seatbelt’s path through the restraint.

“It is important to have your child restraint checked regularly after prolonged use and installed correctly before use to ensure that your precious cargo is safe,” Ms Suitor said.

Free child restraint inspections will be provided by Authorised Child Restraint Fitters in Forbes on Saturday 19 June in the Bunnings carpark from 10am – 1pm. Bookings are essential, phone 6861 2364 to secure your place.

Information about the national child restraint laws, the types of restraints and advice on moving children from one restraint type to the next will be available.

For further information please contact Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils, Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor on 02 6861 2364.

When Tommy Jeffs OAM hung up his alter ego Tallulah’s sparkly gown in 2020, he was sure she had retired forever. Then Ronald McDonald House in Orange called on Tallulah to raise some funds for their vital service and Tommy could not say no.

So, the perpetually busy Canowindra legend will be taking his cabaret show to Forbes for Christmas in July in collaboration with Forbes Shire Council.

“I have had friends that have used Ronald McDonald House. They are getting more and more people over there and it is becoming harder to raise money to support the good work they are doing. It is much easier to raise a lot of money in one night, than to do a lot of little fundraisers.”

Tommy knows this well, after a career of fundraising over $1 million, which earned him an OAM last Australia Day.

Those who know Tommy, will not be surprised that Tallulah is back. As Canowindra’s mover and shaker, he is not one to remain idle. During lockdown last year, Talullah gained a cult following of half a million people around the world from posting short clips online.

When asked what people can expect of the show, Tommy said: “They will get value for money. A beautiful meal, a variety show and a good laugh — and that is all we need these days.”

It is hard to believe this will be Tallulah’s last performance, with the septuagenarian invigorated by another show.

“We have been rehearsing for the last month — which I really need! It is good exercise,” Tommy laughed. “It is my 70th this year. I want to prove age is not a barrier.”

The event will be held on 31st July at Forbes Town Hall with tickets available online at 123Tix for $110. Price includes canapes, dinner and dessert from Eat Your Greens and Tallulah’s cabaret show, as well as a $25 donation to Ronald McDonald House in Orange.

By Verity Middleton

NSW Nationals Upper House MP, Sam Farraway MLC was in Forbes on Friday to present a NSW Government grant on behalf of Minister for Regional Youth, Bronnie Taylor MLC to Boys to the Bush to support their community outreach program.

“After visiting and speaking with Tim West, Program coordinator for Boys to the Bush in April I was able to see firsthand the outcomes this organisation was achieving for local youth in the Forbes and Central West region,” Mr Farraway said.

“After meeting with Minister Taylor, we both share the admiration for the work Tim and his team are achieving and I’m delighted to present Boys to the Bush with a grant of $10,000 to support their camps and out-reach programs,” Mr Farraway said.

The $10,000 grant will be used to purchase a new boat, portable fridges, boating & camping equipment to enhance their outreach program for vulnerable youth within the central west community.

With outcomes for youth high on the priority list for the NSW and Federal governments the funds will no doubt make a massive difference.

Bernardi’s Marketplace has launched a brand new staff uniform across their stores in Forbes, Bathurst, Blayney & West Wyalong. Louise Bernardi, Image Consultant, was responsible for the design and facilitated the uniform induction across all stores.

The new uniforms are sourced locally through Gunn’s Menswear who have been contracted to supply more than 2,000 uni-form items for about 450 members of Bernardi’s staff. In addition, Bernardi’s will also source new uniforms from Gunn’s for their newest venture – “Ten Tops” discount stores, located in Dubbo, Fyshwick and Wagga, and opening soon in Nowra.

Joseph Bernardi, CEO of Bernardi’s, said “it’s important for business houses across the Central West to first look in their own backyard to source materials, hospitality, produce, and services, before going elsewhere.”

“Partnerships such as our contract with Gunn’s Menswear are what keep our coun-try towns alive, and I urge other businesses in Forbes to seek similar mutual support opportunities.”

Gunn’s Menswear is an iconic family-owned business in Forbes, established in 1952, delivering a friendly, professional service at competitive prices to the locals for nearly 70 years.

As part of the new uniform launch, Bernardi’s Marketplace has also engaged local hairdressers to participate in their ‘look good, feel good’ staff awareness approach with the spotlight on the importance of good grooming.

“The aim is to encourage all staff members to feel good about themselves in their new uniform, and to support our talented hairdressers across Forbes,” Joseph said.

This initiative gives every member of our staff, both casual and full-time, a $10 voucher to offset the cost of their next haircut. Participating salons are: V Air, Hair with Style, and Bron’s Hair Design, are offering their own discounts to clients presenting Bernardi’s vouchers. The offer extends until the end of August.

Forbes closed off National Reconciliation Week last Thursday with a moving ceremony at Forbes Town Hall. The event was initially slated to take place at Lions Park, however inclement weather caused the event to move to the Forbes Town Hall.

National Reconciliation Week takes place from May 27 to June 3 every year and is all about closing the gap and connection and according to the Reconciliation Australia website, this week is a time for all Australians to learn about shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

Yoorana Gunya, Binaal Billa, Benevolent Society, Marrabinya, Forbes Learning Ladder, Forbes TAFE, Forbes Arts Society and Catholic Care Women’s Group were also on hand at the event.

Formalities were led by Taylor Bliss who hosted the event while it also doubled as a fundraiser for Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea to raise vital funds for cancer research. For more information about National Reconciliation Week visit https://nrw.reconciliation.org.au/