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Queen’s Baton To Arrive On A Dragon Boat

January 24, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Monday marks day 35 since the Queen’s Baton has arrived in Australia and started its epic journey to arrive at the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in March 2018. To mark the occasion of the baton travelling through Forbes, the council has organised some unique ways to celebrate.

When the baton arrives in town it will be rowed along Lake Forbes in a dragon boat being carried by Forbes’ first baton bearer Wendy Green, alighting at the Forbes Sport and Recreation Centre, the baton will then begin its journey along Lachlan and Browne Streets to arrive at the Community Celebration to be held at Stephan Field (the skatepark). The crowds can enjoy a refreshing ice-cream, live entertainment and watch the skateboard demonstration.

At 2.53pm the baton will travel through Forbes, along Grenfell Street, Lachlan and Harold Streets before turning into Court Street and back onto Lachlan Street out to the Golf Club.

Baton bearers for the relay are: 2.07pm Wendy Green; 2.27pm Robyn Kenny; 2.30pm Paul Cameron; 2.33pm Ethan Markwort; Community celebration at Stephan Field (skatepark); 2.53pm Rob Willis; 2.56pm Lester Sheather; 2.58pm Peter Moore; 3.01pm Chris Roylance; 3.03pm Phil Adams; 3.06pm Denise Jelbart; 3.08pm Yvonne Shaw; 3.11pm Taylah Hemming; 3.13pm James Smart and 3.15pm Robin Lyell.

“The Queen’s Baton Relay presents our community with a unique opportunity to showcase our people, culture and environment to the rest of Australia and the world,” Mayor Graeme Miller said.

He added it was 60 years since a baton was used to carry the opening monarch’s message from Buckingham Palace to the games.

Graeme also encouraged people to show support for the baton bearers as it passes through town. “Please come out and cheer along the baton and its bearers, let’s show everyone what a supportive community we are,” he added.

Eyewear Specs Welcomes New Employees

January 24, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Eyewear Specs has welcomed two new staff members to their team. Lauren Hutcherson has been appointed as the new optometrist and Brodie Dukes will be undergoing her traineeship at the business.

“I am delighted that Eyewear Specs has grown enough to expand the business,” said Fiona Hayward, Owner and Manager of Eyewear Specs. “I am so happy to be working with Brodie and Lauren and look forward to the future of Eyewear Specs.”

Eyewear Specs opened its doors at 95 Rankin Street in Forbes in February 2016 and has been growing from strength to strength. The business has been so successful that they have had to expand by

employing more staff.

“I grew up in Molong and went to Queensland for six years to study. After graduating last year, I decided to come back to the country to work,” said newly appointed optometrist Lauren.

“I was born and bred in Forbes and have just recently finished school,” said Brodie. “Fiona offered me this amazing opportunity for a traineeship here. I’ve really enjoyed it so far!” Brodie’s studies will commence once schools reopen.

To have your eyes tested or to find a pair of glasses to suit your individual financial budget visit Eyewear Specs today!

Nev Leaves His Print On Music

January 24, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

By pressing his handprint into a dedicated footpath, Forbes-born musician Nev Molloy will seal his legacy as one of the most influential music artists at the Tamworth Country Music Festival. He will be inducted into the Australian Country Music Hall of Fame and Hands of Fame Park this Saturday.

“I had my first band in Forbes at about 16 years of age. The band line-up in those days was my younger brother Bill on rhythm and vocals, Greg Cook on bass, Glenn Bentic on drums and I played lead guitar. We made the princely sum of $6 a night,” said Nev.

Today, to list the people Nev hasn’t appeared, played or toured with would be easier than listing the ones he has. Over the years Nev has been involved with most of Australia’s greats.

In the early eighties, Nev went to Tamworth and did his first show with Slim Newton, and appeared with Barry Thornton on Barry’s shows at the Oasis. He was also house guitarist for Rick (Ford) Aitchison’s Cavelcade of country, backing almost every artist that appeared.

Nev spent a lot of time on the road with music over the years. He toured Queensland with Buddy Thompson and Lyne Bennett and toured with the Brian Letton show for about 23 years on and off, to date.

He also had his own recording studio in Broken Hill, recording many award winning albums for other artists.

By Gizell van Wyk

Australia Day Nominations And Celebrations

January 18, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Nominations for the Forbes Shire Council Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year close at 5pm today, Friday 19th January.

To be announced and officially presented at the 2018 Australia Day celebrations.

Mayor Graeme Miller encourages nominations for community members who deserve to be recognised.

Forbes Shire Council’s Australia Day awards reward and acknowledge community members who have achieved excellence or made a significant contribution to our community.

Forms can be collected from Council’s Administration Office or downloaded from Council’s website.

Forbes’ 2018 Australia Day celebrations feature an enormous three event program, beginning with the free Rotary Community Breakfast at Apex Park. This will be followed by the Diggers Family Swim at the Forbes Olympic Pool before the main celebration, Australia Day Party in the Park.

Australia Day Ambassador, endurance swimmer, James Pittar will be a special guest at the many water based activities this year. Australia Day Party on the Park will feature fireworks, live entertainment from Gabe Middleton and Cameron Sharpe, pedal boats, amusement rides, face painting, the traditional CWA Damper Cooking Competition and a range of exciting food.

There will also be displays by community groups including the SES, Fire and Rescue NSW and Forbes Dragon Boat Club.

NSW In 2017: Warmest On Record

January 18, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

The year 2017 was the warmest on record for NSW for both mean and daytime temperatures. It was also the State’s driest year since 2006. Following the warmest summer on record for the State, heavy rain in March across the east then made way for a very dry winter and start to spring. Winter overnight temperatures were the lowest since 1997, but daytime temperatures remained above average for most of the year, and were the warmest on record overall.

Rainfall below average for much of the State

• It was the driest year for NSW since 2006, with the statewide average rainfall coming in at 18% below average.

• October and December were the only other months with above average rainfall for the State as a whole.

• The State had its driest September since comparable records began in 1900, and the second-driest June to September period.

Record warm days but cold winter nights

• The mean temperature for NSW was the warmest on record, 1.42° C above the 1961–1990 average and just ahead of the previous record set in 2014.

• The State’s mean maximum temperature was also the warmest on record, 1.87° C above average.

• Maximum temperatures were in the top 10% of years for most of the State, and the warmest on record in parts of the Hunter, Metropolitan, Central Tablelands and Upper Western districts.

• The year began with NSW’s warmest summer on record, followed by the State’s second warmest March.

• The State experienced several bouts of exceptional warmth during the year, including heatwaves in January, February and December, and two warm spells in September that brought record heat across the State.

Discover Vanuatu Onboard Pacific Explorer

January 18, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Set sail with a great deal on your next cruising holiday with help from the cruise experts at Helloworld Travel. With so many destinations, itineraries and ships to choose from our cruise experts are committed to navigating you through the intricacies of creating a perfect cruise holiday.

We have a wide variety of great cruise savings and discounts to choose from. Why not try the 10 night Discover Vanuatu Cruise onboard the Pacific Explorer at a special deal from $1,299 per person? Departing 14th May 2018.

Accommodation, main meals and entertainment included. Some of the highlights include Lifou and Isle of Pines. Helloworld travel exclusive up to $300 onboard credit per room and free oceanview to balcony upgrade.

The 10 night cruise sails from Sydney for a roundtrip aboard the Pacific Explorer.

More than just stunning vistas and great weather, Vanuatu is an adventure lover’s dream.

With Vila having more adrenaline pumping Shore Tours (from Zorbing and Jet Boating, to horse riding and abseiling) than any other Pacific Island port, why not inject your holiday with some serious thrills?

Some of the cruise highlights include Noumea which is situated on Grande Terre, New Caledonia’s main island; Lifou with long stretches of white sand beach, small coves, limestone caves, grottos and imposing cliffs give the island one of the most dramatic landscapes in the pacific and Isle of Pines is commonly referred to as the jewel of the pacific. Its beauty is simply breathtaking.

To learn about our latest cruise offers or to book your next cruise trip call Helloworld Travel Forbes on 02 6852 2344 or visit in store for more details.

SNIPPETS…

January 18, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Rosaline Coffee from Forbes was the winner of this year’s Parkes Shop + WIN competition! She has won a $5,000 travel package to a destination of her choice through TravelManagers – Louise Gillogly! Rosaline entered the draw at Adele’s Salon & Skin Clinic in Parkes.

Healthy Lunch Box website: The task of creating a healthy school lunch is now easier for parents with Cancer Council NSW’s newly launched Healthy Lunch Box website. The website includes recipes, ideas and tips. The Healthy Lunch Box shows parents how easy it can be to add more fruit and veg and pack a lunch box that kids will love to eat while encouraging behaviour that has lifelong cancer prevention benefits. The website has been launched as part of Cancer Council NSW’s Eat It To Beat It program which runs free sessions and workshops across the region. Visit healthylunchbox.com.au

Ready To Respond: In the event of severe thunderstorm activity such as that which has swept across NSW in recent weeks, Essential Energy works closely with local emergency services to keep communities safe and restore power. Regional Manager Northern, Mark Summers said when storms, lightning, heavy rain and wind gusts damage Essential Energy’s network and disrupt power supplies, crews are ready to respond. Essential Energy reminds people to report fallen powerlines or damaged infrastructure and keep at least eight metres away. If you notice fallen trees, deceased animals, smoke, fire, or scorched areas around electrical equipment, call Essential Energy immediately on 13 20 80. For more information on electrical safety during storms, visit essentialenergy.com.au/safety.

More Focus On Bullies: Australian parents have called for firmer action against schoolyard bullies rather than focusing on making vulnerable children more resilient. Just over 50 per cent of parents who responded to a recent UniSA study said their child had been bullied at school and were highly critical of how teachers addressed the problem. The study, by UniSA bullying expert Professor Ken Rigby, tracked parental attitudes towards bullying and the actions they believe are needed. Schools should focus more on changing bullies’ behaviour, rather than encouraging victims to become more resilient, many parents suggested. The full report is available online in the latest issue of Educational Review.

Eugowra Pony Club: Eugowra Pony Club is holding its registration and first rally day on Sunday, 4th February starting at 8:30am at the Eugowra Showgrounds. Centrally located with knowledgeable instructors and dedicated parents, Eugowra Pony Club welcomes new and existing members to sign up and get their children involved in learning about horsemanship, riding and making new friends. For more information visit www.eugowraponyclub.com.

Eugowra Pony Club Members (L-R) Liv Holland, Stacey McMaster and Makaylah McMaster.

Amazing Elvis Breakfast ‘Fit For A King’

January 18, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes’ first ever Amazing Elvis Breakfast held on Saturday marks a series of very successful firsts for the event.

There was a fantastic Elvis buzz around Forbes when around 300 people attended and enjoyed breakfast at the very long red checked tables in Templar Street. While indulging in Elvis pancakes, rocking rolls and coffee, visitors and locals also enjoyed listening to Elvis artist Anthony Pertrucci from Melbourne.

There was plenty of praise for Anthony who was later announced the 2018 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist at the Parkes Elvis Festival.

Anthony said the Amazing Elvis Breakfast in Forbes was a fantastic experience and he loved singing and performing live.

Anthony will now go on to Memphis in August to compete at the next level of the competition during the Elvis Week.

As well as live entertainment and impromptu dancing in the street, there was a quiz, sharing fun details and facts about Forbes and Elvis.

Mayor Graeme Miller said the breakfast was highly successful and it was a privilege to welcome so many visitors to our town to enjoy the breakfast and shopping event. “Forbes Shire Council staff are to be congratulated for organising the morning.

Thank you also to the many local businesses who supported the event,” said Graeme. “I can’t wait to see what we have next year. It will only be bigger and better,” he added.

Following the breakfast, a shuttle bus transported visitors to the Elvis Festival.

Be A Part Of Queen’s Baton Relay

January 18, 2018 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes has a long and proud sporting history and Mayor Graeme Miller has invited everyone to be a part of the world celebration on Monday, 29th January as the Queen’s Baton Relay passes through our town on its way to the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in April.

The 14 members of the Forbes community who have been nominated and selected to run with the macadamia wood, stainless steel and reclaimed plastic baton designed using surfboard dynamics and design principles have received their uniforms and instructions.

They have also been advised of the route they will carry the baton as it makes its way through Forbes, 35 days after it landed in Australia.

Wendy Green, Robyn Kenny, Paul Cameron, Ethan Markwort, Rob Willis, Lester Sheather, Peter Moore, Chris Roylance, Phil Adams, Denise Jelbart, Yvonne Shaw, Taylah Hemming, James Smart and Robyn Lyell have been selected to escort the baton through town with a celebration event being held for the whole community.

To commence the baton’s journey in Forbes, it will travel along the lake on a dragon boat, from there it will begin its land journey at the bowling club, to the skate park, to Stephan Field for the community celebration, then the baton will be escorted to the Forbes Golf Club where it will then continue onto Parkes.

The community celebration will acknowledge our Amazing Forbes with music, peach ice cream and entertainment including a skateboard demonstration, it will commence at 2pm with the baton to arrive at approximately 2.30pm.

Christmas Shoppers Find It All In Forbes

December 21, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Where else would Santa make a grand appearance in a bright red fire truck but at the FSMC Find It In Forbes Christmas Festival!

The festival was held last Thursday in Rankin and Templar Streets and had much to offer enthusiastic Christmas shoppers while children were kept occupied with exciting activities.

Although the weather did not play along at first, avid festival goers from Forbes, Parkes, Orange and surrounding areas were not going to miss out. “We struggled with the weather to start off with but the participation was still really
good. Stall holders ended up doing very well,” said Forbes Business Chamber Admin and Marketing Coordinator Fiona Ferguson.

There were 10 draws of $500 at the festival and lucky winners were rewarded in ‘Why Leave Town’ cards.

The festival also featured an array of local talents. Dance groups from Kristen’s Dance School and local musicians entertained and showcased some of what Forbes has to offer.

Another highlight of the festival was when Santa arrived in a big fire truck to deliver lollipops to children, causing great excitement and a sudden nervousness in some. This year empty shop windows were covered with a beautifully creative mural painted by children and a giant sandpit kept the little ones busy for hours.

The Find It In Forbes committee would like to thank naming rights and major sponsor, Forbes Memorial Services Club, silver sponsor Forbes Shire Council, bronze sponsor Terry Bros Carpet Court, community groups, emergency services and the fire brigade.

By Gizell van Wyk

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