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/

In another COVID casualty case, Australia’s Biggest Bogan Festival has had to postpone their event from June until November 13 after another flare up of the virus forced some vendors and entertainers from interstate to cancel at the last minute.

Organiser Luke Acheson, while disappointed, remained upbeat.“It’s a postponement not a cancellation and that will allow us to fine-tune some things so maybe it’s a blessing and not a curse after all,” he said.

“We want to run the safest and best event we can for our punters and a June long weekend event would not have guaranteed that and we were not prepared to risk it,” Luke said.

“November means warmer weather, more time to prepare and more options – not to mention the fact that Corona may well be a light beer again and not a virus.”

Tickets and a new program will be advertised soon however most of the initial program from preliminary discussions should remain the same.

“Struggles aside we should be able to really promote this and hopefully get a big turn-out – especially now we have a wet t-shirt comp!”

Follow Australia’s Biggest Bogan Festival on Facebook to keep up-to-date with all the latest info.

The Federal Government has committed almost $4 million to help deliver a Central West Industrial Park at Forbes, to strengthen economic growth and drive the region’s recovery from COVID-19. Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development and Riverina MP Michael McCormack said the project formed part of the Australian Government’s commitment to jobs and economic diversification.

“This investment will go towards Part 1 of Stage 2 of the Central West Industrial Park in Forbes,” Mr McCormack said.

“When Stage 2 is complete, the development will create opportunities for new local businesses and innovation in agriculture as well as boosting the local economy and driving jobs growth.

“The $3.99 million from the Federal Government will go towards construction of a significant portion of the drainage works as well as part of the associated road works.”

Mayor of Forbes Shire Cr Phyllis Miller OAM said the development of the Central West Industrial Precinct was a “gamechanger” for the region.

“We have been taking many enquiries from interested stakeholders keen to invest in the region,” Cr Miller said.

“The industrial precinct is located close to the Central West Livestock Exchange, a major driver to the Forbes Shire economy.

“This funding from the Federal Government will allow the project to get to the next stage.”

Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Hon Nola Marino MP said she approved the project as it was an excellent example of investment in the region to further support local business to recover and diversify.

This funding is part of the Australian Government’s commitment of $100 million over two years to fund the Regional Recovery Partnerships in 10 regions across Australia. The Partnerships reflect the Australian Government’s commitment to working with all levels of government to deliver jobs, economic recovery and economic diversification.