Even though COVID-19 has interrupted international travel, nothing could stop members of Forbes CWA Evening Branch and their guests experiencing some of the food and culture of Ecuador recently.

“Expanding our knowledge of other countries and the cultural aspects of that community raises awareness and encourages members to socialise and support each other as well as those in other communities,” said Robyn Miller, president of the CWA Evening Branch.

“By studying a country, members are furthering their knowledge and understanding, which is a focus for the CWA.”

Members and guests sat down to an Ecuadorian three course meal prepared by Kim and Marc, and their team at the Vandenberg Hotel that included traditional foods such as slow cooked pork marinated in beer, garlic and cumin and beef marinated in achiote spice served with guacamole, tomato salsa and hot sauces followed by an entree of empanadas filled with cheese and onion.

Unable to find a local who has travelled in Ecuador to be a guest speaker, the internet and Mr YouTube proved to be a great source of information. The gathering learned about fifteen surprising things that Ecuador is famous for including the Panama hat, cut flowers especially the rose and the orchid, and the most hummingbird species in the world, and that Ecuador exports some of the finest chocolate in the world. Surprisingly to many though is the fact that they also eat guinea pig (cuy).

“The success of the night would not be possible except for the outstanding research and culinary skills of Kim, Marc and their team in the Vandenberg Hotel kitchen for providing another delicious and unusual traditional meal,” said Mrs Mackinnon.

Thanks also go to David Mahlo for his technical assistance on the night.

Once again students from the Riverina and Central West have showed off their creative writing talents and history research skills through their high-quality entries in the 11th annual ANZAC writing competition organised by Riverina MP Michael McCormack.

The Deputy Prime Minister was impressed with having received more than 900 entries from 47 schools across the electorate. Mr McCormack said whilst all entries told a story which conveyed the gravity of war, the winning entries stood out for their reflection on the importance of our National Day and how different last year’s commemoration was in the shadow of COVID-19.

“I want to sincerely thank each and every student who took the time to put pen to paper or finger to keyboard to participate,” Mr McCormack said.

“Everyone who took part should be proud of their work and those whose wrote winner and highly commended entries should be especially happy with themselves, with each of them set to receive a book prize for their efforts.

“As we seek to return to a form of normality in the wake of COV-ID-19, it is pleasing ANZAC services will be back this year.”

Entries were put into primary and secondary categories, with the Riverina electorate divided into North, South, East and West divisions. Each of the winning entries can be found in Mr McCormack’s 11th annual ANZAC Day commemorative booklet, which is currently arriving in letterboxes throughout the electorate. Striking stories and respectful recollections of heroic deeds and memories of local men and women from across the Riverina and Central West, including Forbes, Ariah Park, Coolamon, Cootamundra, Temora, Wagga Wagga and Yerong Creek, fill the 36-page booklet.

Red Bend College Year 10 student Madeleine Cannon, who won a Highly Commended in the North Division Schools – Secondary section will also feature.

Bishop Columba and Catholic Schools NSW CEO, Dallas McInerney, and Director of Catholic Education Wilcannia-Forbes, Anthony Gordon visit students in KW at St Laurence’s

Catholic Education Wilcannia-Forbes is celebrating Catholic Schools Week from 26 April – 2 May 2021, and St Laurence’s Parish School, Forbes, is inviting everyone to see first-hand the many good things happening at their Catholic school.

Plans are currently underway for a picnic lunch to be held and families and the wider community will be warmly invited to visit the school. Details will be advised shortly on their Facebook page (St Laurence’s Parish School Forbes), and in the school newsletter.

According to Dr Gerard O’Shea, Director of Mission & Religious Education at the Catholic Education Office, Forbes, this year’s theme reflects that if we are to educate a human being, we must attend to three key aspects of the human personality… the body, the heart and the mind.

Dr O’Shea believes that no dimension of human learning can be left out; each has its role to play.
“Catholic education must always respect all of these dimensions, and this deep understanding of what it is to be human has set our schools apart through two millennia of history and it is very evident today,” he said.

Paula Leadbitter, Principal of St Laurence’s said, “Catholic Schools Week is a special time for our school community and it is also a wonderful opportunity to invite the wider community to visit and see the many good things happening at our school.”

Anyone who is interested in learning about St Laurence’s unique and distinctive school community is warmly invited to contact the front office at any time or to make an appointment with the Principal.

The open classrooms will include interactive displays including the ‘classroom of the future, showcasing our extensive learning technology tools and student-centred virtual learning spaces.

With this in mind, I encourage parents, grandparents and members of the community to take the time to visit and participate in the many activities we have organised. You will be made very welcome,” she said.

After rallying every week for over a year, Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller will see all her hard work pay off when KHub opens in Forbes in early May.

In a real win for the Forbes community, Kmart will be opening a new KHub in the old Target Country building in Rankin Street on May 7.

Kmart confirmed the news in late February and is a smaller styled format store with the most popular Kmart products across necessities such as kids wear and needs, homewares and clothing. KHub specialty stores are proving popular in smaller towns as the brand grows.

“We are strategically setting ourselves up as a retail hub,” said Mayor Phyllis Miller. “It’s great news for the Forbes community!

“And it is fantastic that we can fill that space and open up more opportunities for residents in Forbes.”

The store will be located in the current Target Country Forbes building and all current Target team members in the store are being offered roles at the new KHub.

The closure of Target Country was announced last year and was finalised last weekend on April 17.