Abbey Fuge went fishing last week with her dad, Tony and caught a 63cm Murray Cod at Jemalong Weir. She was very proud that she got it in all by herself.

The Forbes Shire is home to the rural communities of Ootha, Bedgerabong, Warroo, Corinella, Garema, Wirrinya and Calarie.

All seven communities are highly resilient and driven by a proactive community spirit, a solid volunteer culture and enjoy a strong sense of identity and community.

The work underway across these communities is a great credit to the volunteers and community members concerned and a great example for other rural communities.

The contribution of these communities to the overall prosperity and wellbeing of the Forbes Shire cannot be underrated.

Forbes Shire Council is seeking to support the ongoing development of these communities in particular their halls and sports grounds through the development of a long term, unified ‘Strategic and Capital Asset Replacement Plan’ to help guide the long term development of the Shire’s rural halls and sports grounds as well as additional support to access grant funding.

The plan will focus in particular on upgrading kitchens, amenities and disability access in order to best support the wide and diverse range of activities undertaken at these community facilities. The community hall has always been the place for people to gather, be it for a fundraiser or a celebration, it is an essential part of country life. The revitalisation of these facilities will also attract new social and sporting events to the Shire as well as helping build community resilience during times of natural disaster such as flood or fire.

During February, Council will be conducting a number of strategic planning workshops across the Shire. The community is invited to attend a workshop and enjoy a free bbq breakfast at the Garema Hall on the 15th of February 6:30pm.

For further information please contact Council’s Grants Officer, Andrew Rawsthorne on 6850 2327 or at Andrew.rawsthorne@

forbes.nsw.gov.au.

Forbes Business Chamber would like to wish all finalists in the Cowal Gold Evolution Mining Boscars all the best for tonight’s gala awards at the Forbes Services Memorial Club with guest speakers Sam Johnson and Jim Honner from Thank A Farmer For Your Next Meal.

Excellence in Small Business: The Forbes Phoenix, Life Pharmacy Forbes, Mid West Pest Management, Flannery’s Pharmacy, Roylance’s Auto One, Forbes Small Engine Specialists, BWR  Accountants and Advisers and Eyewear Specs.

Employee of the Year: Anita Westley, Allan Brockman, Lauren Hutchinson, Jayne Whitworth, Robyn England and Michelle Grace. Young Entrepreneur: Monique Pointon, Adam Chudleigh, Stevie Skene, Nicolas Taylor, Kristen Woods and Kate Ralph.

Start Up Superstar: Elevate Dance Studio, Forbes Thai Massage Centre, Made Of Fridays and Sweet Three Vintage Van. People’s Choice: Tradie of the Year: Monique Pointon, Wes Finn, Mark Webb, Abe Duggan, Ahsley Acheson, Ben Godden, Rodney Buckman, Jamie Loomes, Jack Geppert, John Burton, Scott Burton, Matt Bull, Brad McMillan, Anita Westley, Corey Hurford, John Betland, Jamie Brown, John Butler, Tom Maitland, Brett Stace, Harry Jones and Jack Reid.

People’s Choice: Most Popular Business: Sweet Three Vintage Van, Little Extras Lifestyle, Roylance’s Auto One, News On Rankin, Forbes Services Memorial Club, Forbes Veterinary Clinic, Harry Jones Painting, Life Pharmacy Forbes, Sweet Treats, Bright Beginnings Early Learning Centre, Forbes Family Dentists, Loomzys Fish N’ Fix, Forbes Toyota, Made Of Fridays, Forbes Railway Arts and Tourist Centre, Forbes Bake House, Homie and Co, Forbes Small Engines, Sugar Riot Events Forbes, Eyewear Specs, Blush Organic Beauty and Matt Bull Concreting.

Business of the Year: The winner is selected from the different category winners.

Flannery’s Pharmacy is one of only six pharmacies to be named as finalists in the Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s 2019 Pharmacy of the Year competition.

The awards are the benchmark for recognising excellence in the community pharmacy industry and seek out those community pharmacies which are committed to building on their core expertise in medicines and facilitating innovative viability and sustainable professional health services.

“The 2019 finalists are excellent role models for the industry and demonstrate the exciting journey ahead,” said spokesperson for the judging group, Nick Panayiaris, Pharmacy Guild of Australia National Councillor and President of the SA Branch of the Guild.  “This year’s finalists all displayed a strong commitment to community engagement and a dedication to improving the delivery of professional services to their patients,” said Nick.

“Another common feature of the finalists is their optimism for the future of the profession – these community pharmacies understand the challenges facing the industry and embrace the need to adapt and change to address the needs of their patients and community,” continued Nick.

Sarah Hazell, pharmacy co-owner, reflected on Flannery’s strong commitment to the community. “Flannery’s has had a big focus on giving back to the community for over 60 years,” said Sarah. “Our recent refurbishment has allowed us to expand our range of professional services including immunisation, medication reviews, blood pressure and blood glucose monitoring and a range of risk assessment health checks.”

“Flannery’s Pharmacy has three new consult rooms which are utilised by our pharmacists, registered nurse and visiting health professionals, including an audiometrist, podiatrist, women’s health physiotherapist and dietitian,” said Sarah. “Our community room is used for baby weighing, changing nappies and breastfeeding.”

The team at Flannery’s Pharmacy are very excited to be finalists in this prestigious competition.

“The competition is very strong with three Queensland pharmacies, one WA pharmacy and one pharmacy from Tasmania.

Flannery’s is the only pharmacy representing NSW” said Sarah.

The Guild Pharmacy of the Year 2019 is an initiative of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, sponsored by principal sponsor Care Pharmaceuticals and major sponsor the Quality Care Pharmacy Program.

This year saw Forbes celebrate Australia Day like no other town quite can. The day held nearly all elements of weather. From severe heat and gusty winds, to thunder and lightning before a welcome momentarily rainfall just enough to cool things down a little, allowing community members to really enjoy the rest of the celebrations.

The day began with the Rotary Community Breakfast at Apex Park. Followed by the Diggers Swim at the Forbes Olympic Pool.

Celebrations continued during the evening with activities and fun at Lions Park, the beautiful Lakeside Forbes also being utilised.

Families enjoyed and danced to music from Gabemusic and cooled off with the paddleboats in operation on the lake. This activity proved to be a favourite with the amount of people lining up to have a go. There were free rides for the kids plus the Riding for Disabled Carriage ran pony rides for everyone.

The CWA versus Lions Damper Competition was also on again to celebrate the traditional Australian bread. Elaine Bright presented the Best Damper Champion title and trophy to Neil Lambert.

This year, Forbes welcomed Keith Potger AO from The Seekers, as the Ambassador. Keith is a self-taught musician and one of the founding members of the band The Seekers. With a career starting in the 1960’s, he still performs today. In 2014, along with fellow band members Judith Durham, Athol Guy and Bruce Woodley, The Seekers were appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO).

Community members and The Seekers fans were treated to a short performance during the rainfall by Keith, after he had given his official speech as the Ambassador.

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack and his wife, Catherine also attended the Forbes festivities.

Before the official proceedings started, local scouts Nicholas and Charles Zannes, had the honour of raising the Australian flag.

Amy Shine, Director of Forbes Preschool, was named Citizen of the Year and Sam Mackay was named Junior Citizen of the Year.

The day’s celebration was ended with a more than impressive, fireworks display over the lake.

By Gizell van Wyk

Last year was the third hottest year on record for Australia, according to the latest Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) data released.

The BOM ‘Annual Climate Statement’ confirms that mean temperature was the third highest on record (1.14°C above average) and mean maximum temperature was the second highest on record (1.55°C above average).

Climate Councillor and climate scientist, Professor Will Steffen said: “These latest data from BOM come as no surprise. Climate change is intensifying around the world and Australia is no exception, as our climate system continues to set new extreme heat records.”

“Nine of Australia’s hottest 10 years have occurred since 2005, so the extremes in 2018 are part of a long-term trend, being driven by intensifying climate change,” said Will.

“2018 was a year of extreme heat across Australia, with NSW experiencing its hottest year on record for mean temperature (2.13°C above average) and Victoria sweltering through its highest mean maximum temperature on record (1.44°C above average),” he said.

“December 2018 was Australia’s hottest on record, with record-breaking mean, minimum and maximum temperatures,” said Will.