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Arts Festival Comes To Bathurst

February 19, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Kate Ceberano will be performing at Bathurst’s Inland Sea of Sound Festival in a couple of weeks.

The Inland Sea of Sound Festival will take the form of an intimate series of concerts in the centre of Bathurst. Indoor and outdoor concerts featuring guest headliners and our finest local musicians.

The festival kicks off on Tuesday, 23 February with a free but ticketed screening of Soda Jerk’s Terror Nullius in association with Bathurst Regional Art Gallery.

The live concerts commence on Wednesday, 24 February in the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre (BMEC) with Sub-Tribe, a dynamic six piece band from New Zealand. Sub-Tribe will be supported by The Safety of Life at Sea and The Mirandas.

On Thursday, 25 February, the festival moves outdoors, featuring Hussy Hicks lead by Powerhouse Soul vocalist Leesa Gentz and Julz Parker, who is Australia’s leading female guitarist. Hussy Hicks will be supported by local favourites Smith & Jones.

On Friday the events are back at BMEC, where guests will be seduced by the vocal prowess of Kate Ceberano accompanied by guitarist Ben Butler, who has returned from the USA where he performed with Sting and Bruce Springsteen. Local support is singer songwriter Andy Nelson with his amazing, new five piece band.

On Saturday we are outdoors with Headliner C.W. Stoneking, a musical, blues story teller, who is one of a kind. C.W. will be supported by the incomparable Mo’Ju, winner of best song and best album at the 2018 National Indigenous Music Awards.

On Sunday at 2pm in the BMEC theatre, we present kids favourites The Beanies in a free show for families: The Beanies Egg-straordinary Day.

Tickets can be found at https://www.inlandseaofsound.com.au/tickets/ticket-information. You can also pre-order a delicious picnic box for the outdoor and BMEC events.

Bedgerabong Cup One Of The Best Yet!

February 19, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Debutant jockey William Stanley on Song One wins Bedgerabong Picnic Race Club Cup.

The Western Tree Care Bedgerabong Picnic Race Club (BPRC) Cup was held last weekend with nearly 1900 turning out for one of the first post-COVID events in 2021 in the Central West.

A great track, superb weather and a plethora of racing made the 102nd running of the race day one of the best yet.

“Over one hundred years of racing doesn’t just happen,” said Nathan Clarke, President of the BPRC.

“It’s a result of continuous hours of committee and community banding together to ensure that this fantastic race day continues for years to come.

“We owe such a great amount of respect to past committees and volunteers that have kept this amazing event going.”

This year’s event had six races and followed strict COVID regulations with the standout stories being Maddison Wright’s three wins and debutant jockey William Stanley grabbing his first two winners including Song One in the main race.

Other winners on the day included Dot the Eye, On A Promise, My Shiromi, Drummed Out and favourite Nepenthes in Race 6.

Debutant jockey William Stanley rode Bathurst trained ‘Dot the Eye’ to victory in an ideal start to his racing career in Race 1 and the delight of the 1,850 strong crowd. The 67kg Eyeful/ Minnalin product was too good for equal pre-race favourites the Bryan Dixon trained Arealist and Chelsbeach taking the win by 0.3 lengths.

Ironically, Stanley would team up with Dixon in Race 5 – the Bedgerabong Picnic Race Club Cup with the third favourite ‘Song One’. It was the eight year old bay gelding’s tenth win in 75 starts and Stanley’s second and biggest. Pre-race fancies Zoutenant and Lucienne never really featured finishing mid to late in the run home.

The soft track set up well for ‘Song One’ who claimed the gong by nearly a length from Regina Margherita with Sensacova over five lengths back in third.

No doubt though the day belonged to Stanley with one of the most impressive first up displays in rural sport.

Attendees on the day also included Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM, Shooter’s Party NSW MP Phillip Donato and Nationals Leader and Deputy PM Michael McCormack.

“Our committee is a wonderful bunch of volunteers who never cease to amaze me when it comes to this time of year,” Mr Clarke said.

“Can’t wait to see you all again in 2022!”

CWA And The Three Blue Ducks

February 12, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Heather Mackinnon, Andy Allen, Mark Labrooy, Robyn Miller and Karen Wright with crew member and producer filming.

In early November 2020, Forbes CWA Evening Branch members received an unexpected invitation to be involved in the filming of a new cooking and lifestyle program.

The invitation asked for members to provide samples of family favourite lamb dishes and their well-used recipe books which contained go-to recipes. CWA branches were targeted because of their traditional reputations as being good cooks. Intrigued by this, and always looking for opportunities to be involved in community events, four Forbes members, Karen Wright, Heather Mackinnon, Robyn Miller and Sue Cunningham joined a small group of CWA members from Parkes and Forbes Day Branches at Trundle.

Andy Allen, youngest Masterchef winner and Junior Masterchef judge, Mark Labrooy, Masterchef guest judge and international chef, and Darren Robertson from Masterchef, Iron Chef and My Kitchen Rules hosted the ladies’. All three Chefs and owners of the Three Blue Ducks restaurants located in Sydney, Byron Bay and Brisbane, were looking for authentic, good old fashioned, ‘rustic’ country cooking to taste and possibly incorporate the recipes into their menus at these venues. “We want to maintain our commitment to supporting small farmers and producers,” said Darren. “It’s really about working with what’s available, minimising waste and sourcing produce that’s as organic as possible.”

There was a variety of different lamb dishes brought along by CWA members including a sweet lamb curry, a jumbuck stew, and a lamb hotpot, all cooked by Forbes members, which impressed the celebrity chefs.

Filming was very fluid with the cameras shooting most of the time while the group discussed a variety of topics, taste-tested the dishes and perused the old and much-loved cookbooks. The film crew and sound man roved around the ladies’ filming with the mic just above their heads. However, it didn’t take long for the ladies to relax and forget about the cameras and crew as it was interesting for them to look at the historic cookbooks while chatting about how country cooks cook.

Taste testing of the lamb dishes.

Apart from taste testing, the filming for this episode included an open and frank discussion surrounding the issues important to rural, regional and remote communities, what the CWA is all about and its role in the community, and how local branches have changed and adapted to support women, families and the community in an ever-changing world.

The three chefs spent time delving into some very old and much-loved recipe books brought along by members. The focus was on the waste reduction approach that farmers have historically taken when providing food for their families. “Reducing waste and sustainability is very important to us,” commented Mark.

“We are visiting places where we source our foods that we cook and serve,” stated Andy. “We wanted to find out about the local areas and the communities from where the food originates and from the Trundle area where we source much of the lamb we serve.” Different episodes will focus on where they source their seafood, beef, and other produce.

What was intended to be ninety minutes of filming turned into several hours. “It was all good fun and something different,” stated Robyn Miller, President of Forbes CWA Evening Branch.

The first episode of the program, Three Blue Ducks, will be aired on Channel 10 on Saturday night, 13 February at 7.00pm. The second episode will be aired on Network 10 on Saturday, 20th February at 7.00 pm.

This episode takes the three chefs to western NSW and a Trundle family property to explore the use of lamb in their cooking. Forbes and Parkes CWA branches were involved in the filming of this episode of the 6 part series.

If you missed the first episode you can view it, as well as all the upcoming episodes on 10 Play.

West Plains Road Widening

February 12, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Shire Council is currently undertaking improvements and widening of West Plains Road to the south west of Forbes. The Forbes Shire Mayor wants the community to know Council is working hard on their core responsibilities and road maintenance is a responsibility that they take very seriously.

“Council has listened to the concerns of landholders regarding the efficiency and safety of transporting produce from this part of the shire and we are actively seeking support to undertake these improvement projects,” says Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM. “We understand very clearly that we are an agricultural shire and the contribution that agriculture makes to our local economy. This project will ensure that produce is able to be moved from the south western parts of the shire to key freight arteries, such as the Newell, reducing delays for primary producers and keeping people safe on these roads.”

This project will also improve safety outcomes for members of the public using these roads in conjunction with large heavy vehicles, including employees of Evolution Mining travelling to site.

“We really appreciate the NSW Government and Evolution Mining for helping us fund this improvement. In fact, we hope we can undertake more work like this in the future.

“Council is using our own professional staff who have much experience in this type of project, as well as local contractors and local suppliers, so there are many benefits within the community,” continued Phyllis. “This is a significant Council investment of $1.5 Million and it is great to know it is contributing to the local economy.”

The project is expected to take three months to complete, depending on weather conditions. Motorists are advised to drive carefully when in the area and follow caution signs.

Fantastical Fiction In Forbes

February 12, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Author Lian Tanner visited Forbes Library to read Ella and the Ocean to a lucky group of children from Forbes Learning Ladder.

The first Wednesday of February marks World Read Aloud Day, and by a happy coincidence the Forbes Library was able to participate by sharing a special Storytime with a visiting children’s author named Lian Tanner. Lian gave a wonderfully entertaining reading of her recently published book titled, Ella and the Ocean, which she enlivened with cheery songs and finger puppets to an eager audience, amongst whom was a very well-behaved group of children from the Forbes Learning Ladder.

Ella and the Ocean, written by Lian Tanner, illustrated by Jonathan Bentley and Published by Allen & Unwin, is a simple and moving story about renewal and rejuvenation, about drought and life on the land, about travel and new horizons, and about family, and the relationship between Ella and her grandmother. Lian Tanner’s writing is beautiful and spare and poetic, but at the same time is warm, easy, and relatable for kids.

Ella and the Ocean was named Winner of the 2020 Patricia Wrightson Prize, NSW Premier’s Award For Children’s Literature.

Lian Tanner has been dynamited while scuba diving and arrested while busking. She once spent a week in the jungles of Papua New Guinea, hunting for a Japanese soldier left over from the Second World War. She likes secrets, old bones, and animals that are not what they seem. Nowadays she lives by the beach in southern Tasmania with a large fluffy tomcat called Harry-le-beau. She is the author of the internationally bestselling The Keepers series, The Rogues and The Hidden. This is her first picture book.

Phoenix Welcomes New Editor

February 12, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Outgoing Editor Alexandria, has begun a new chapter in Sydney, as new Editor Dane Millerd takes the helm of the Forbes Phoenix.

The Forbes Phoenix is saying farewell to outgoing Editor Alexandria (Lexy) Irvine and hello to new editor, Dane Millerd.

Phoenix Group of Newspapers Director Josh Matic had high praise for former Editor Alexandria, saying she was outstanding and would be a real loss to the company. “Lexy was fantastic and really stepped up with engaging and interesting local content which made the paper the impressive product it is today,” said Josh.

“We will miss her and thank her for all her efforts. We wish her all the best in her future endeavours. Incoming Editor Dane Millerd is no stranger to Forbes having lived in the area for seven years, he also brings 20 years of international multimedia and film experience to the role,” said Josh, continuing, “Dane is a great addition to our organisation having worked in every sphere in the media for over two decades. He has worked for some of the biggest media organisations around and we are rapt to have him on board,” Josh said.

“He takes over from Lexy from 11 February and given his knowledge and relationships in Forbes, I have no doubt the paper is in good hands.”

Support For Agricultural Shows

February 12, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

2019 Miss Forbes Showgirl Molly Fuge.

Agricultural show and field day organisers that cancelled their events in 2020 because of COVID 19 now have another opportunity to recover eligible expenses and receive a much-needed cash boost as events kick off for the 2021 year.

Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said that eligible shows and field days approved under the Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days Program are now being invited to submit supplementary expense claims.

“Almost $34 million in cash has been rolled out to the 378 shows and field days approved for funding for costs paid from 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020,” David said.

“Our shows and field days have been diligently preparing to come back bigger and better in 2021 and have continued to rack up legitimate expenses.

“Now they will be able to claim additional eligible expenditure not included in their initial application, provided they haven’t exceeded the funding cap for their show size.”

Agricultural shows and field days are at the heart of rural and regional communities and David wants to encourage all Australians to get out and support them this year, “I will be getting out to my local shows in Queensland over the coming months and am certainly looking forward to seeing first-hand our communities and volunteers in action.

“The Australian Government is committed to ensuring organisers of these events are in the best position possible to continue in 2021 and beyond,” he said.

Supplementary expense claims under the Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days Program will be treated similarly to original applications in relation to assessment and decision making.

Eligible shows and field day organisers will be contacted directly with an invitation to make a supplementary claim for the period 1 July 2019 to 31 December 2020.

They will be assessed, and results are expected to be notified before 31 March 2021.

Snippets…

February 12, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

This year marks the 21st Anniversary of the release of The Dish.

The Dish Turns 21: For many, it seems like only yesterday, but the iconic Australian film The Dish turns 21 in September this year. Yes, that’s right, it has been more than two decades since the Aussie historical comedy-drama was released. Based largely on actual events, the film about the Parkes Observatory’s vital role in relaying live television during humanity’s first steps on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1968, was largely filmed in Forbes, due to its historic architecture and period related locations. Many of the NASA materials from the actual Apollo mission were used in the film as props as they were deemed too heavy and therefore expensive to return to the US after the actual 1969 voyage, giving the film even more authenticity. Starring the legendary Sam Neill and the late Tom Long, The Dish was Australia’s highest grossing film in Australia in 2000 taking nearly $18 million and remains a favourite to this day. Hopefully, Forbes and Parkes Shire can come together and commemorate a landmark event. Watch this space!

Bedgerabong Background: The tiny town of Bedgerabong is situated in the Central West region of NSW, a half hour drive West of Forbes. The name ‘Bedgerabong’ is derived from the Aboriginal Badjarri Bong which translates to ‘a place of good water,’ and houses a combined showground, race-course and hall and church which hosts three events throughout the year, which are held in high regard by the locals and those in the surrounding region and are great for families in the Bedgerabong Show, Bedgerabong Country Music Campout and the Bedgerabong Picnic Races. The Bedgerabong Cup is always a great event and grows year on year, with crowds in excess of 4,000 this year celebrating 101 years of racing in the community, a meet which has developed a reputation for its picturesque setting with massive river gums providing the beautiful backdrop. Great Inland Glossy Count Back On: Postponed from late last year due to excessive rain and then COVID-19 restrictions, the NSW Saving our Species program is now calling for community volunteers to become “cockatoo counters” and help be part of the Great Inland Glossy Count on Saturday, 27 February on Goobang Nation-al Park and surrounds, 90 km from Forbes. Register online: https://app.betterimpact.com/PublicEnterprise/68d8138e-28e1-4a02-85b8-341d9d9edb57.

Bedgerabong Races are back this Saturday, 13 February.

Wishes Do Come True

February 12, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

On Saturday evening, 6 February, around 200 families, friends and guests attended the Forbes Sportsman’s Hotel to support sixteen determined young people who raised more than $1,500 for Make A Wish Australia. Twelve months ago, when this group commenced preparations for their charity Debutante Ball, they had no idea what challenges they were about to face. A Global Pandemic and all the social distancing restrictions that came with it may have tried to derail them, but it certainly did not stop them.

Master of Ceremonies for the event, Maria Bullock made sure that everything ran smoothly on the evening. Arlo Barlow and Bobbie Ashcroft, the pageboy and flower girl escorted the debutantes and their partners to Daniel West. The debutantes were Sybella Carlisle and Angus Turner, Jessica Ashcroft and Blair Thomas, Bridie Herron and John Dietrich, Ruby Staines and Preston Thorpe, Hannah Staines and Brodie Acret, Ella Greenhalgh and Talis Hurford, Leilah Meritt and Xander Williams, and Jessica Little and Lincoln Godden.

The presentation dance was choreographed by Eliza Woods to ‘Speechless’ by Dan + Shay and it was a fresh, modern partner dance. The group gave a polished performance to the delight of their families, friends, and guests. At the conclusion of the feature dances a delicious two-course meal, prepared by Monty’s catering, was enjoyed by all attendees. Shirley Myers made and decorated the cake which was cut up for dessert at the conclusion of the official part of the evening.

The inspiring group raised more than $1,500 for their chosen charity Make A Wish Australia. The 100 Club and Monster Garden raffle were drawn on the night and the winners included Kate Merritt, Hannah Staines, Jo Staines, and Sharon Beuzaville.

This amazing group would like to thank everyone who have supported then through this experience, especially their families.

Bogan Festival Returns

February 12, 2021 by Maggi Barnard

Australia’s Biggest Bogan Festival is back, bigger and more bogan than ever with the announcement that the 2021 edition will be held at the Bedgerabong Racecourse on the June long weekend, 11 to 13 June. It will be the second time the festival has been held but the first time in the Forbes Shire after the success of the 2019 event at Bogan Gate.

“Forbes Shire and the Bedgerabong Picnic Race Committee have been tremendously supportive and proactive,” said festival organiser Luke Acheson, “the Bedgerabong Racecourse is a top-quality venue and home to not only significant regional events, but also one of the oldest race meetings in Australia.

“We are extremely pleased with the new home of Australia’s Biggest Bogan Festival, as it provides us with more options, from higher capacity and camping, through to streamlined transport,” Luke said.

This year’s event will see the return of the same bogan royalty who made the inaugural trip to Bogan Gate in 2019, including Hype Duo, Chris Franklin, The Noll Brothers and Been Bogan as MC.

“We have more announcements and surprises in store, so watch this space,” Luke said, “though we can confirm many of the old favourites, such as husband calling, best dad bod, and worst smile will be back.

“Additionally, I can also announce that Turkey gobbling has been added to the schedule of events and all winners from 2019 will be granted free entry as defending champions.” Local and regional residents, from volunteers, sponsors and musicians are encouraged to message via the Australia’s Biggest Bogan Festival Facebook page if they want to get involved.

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