• Home
  • Articles
    • Front Page
    • General Interest
    • Snippets
    • Letters to the Editor
    • Council Comments
  • Special Interests
  • Our Community
    • Our People
    • Question of the Week
    • Jobs in the Central West
    • Be Seen
    • What’s On
    • What’s Hot
  • Features
    • Women in Business
    • Rural Round Up
    • My Place
    • Loving Local Living
    • Wellness Wise
    • Just a Short Drive
    • Real Estate
  • Sports
    • Bowls
    • Cricket
    • Equestrian
    • Footy Tips
    • Golf
    • Netball
    • Rugby League
    • Rugby Union
    • Soccer
    • Touch Football
  • Classifieds
  • Competitions
  • Contact Us
    • Contact Page
    • Advertise with us
    • Testimonials
    • Submit an Article
    • Subscribe to the Forbes Phoenix

Forbes Phoenix

FHS Wins CMOC -Northparkes Mine DV Cup

December 14, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes High School (FHS) was successful in winning the CMOC-Northparkes Mine Domestic Violence Cup against Parkes High School 32-18 recently. The community came out in numbers on the day in full support of the event and to cheer the teams on.

Both sides displayed great sportsmanship and represented their schools with pride. The teams played with immense responsibility on the day and were extremely respectful towards the female referee, Shanika Harpur who did a marvellous job of refereeing the match.

Kristian Markwort was awarded with the Cole Medal and Michael Murphy was the recipient of the Oliver Carlisle Memorial Medal.

The event also showcased the talents of the FHS Girri Girri students who performed on the day with a welcome and cleansing ceremony.

Captain of the day, Charlie Staines accepted the Cup from CMOC-Northparkes Mine on behalf of Forbes High School.

The event looks set to be maintained on the school calendar for 2018.

SNIPPETS…

December 14, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Red Bend Catholic College student, India Draper has been selected as part of the Australian Schoolgirls Hockey Team. India has been playing for the NSW All Schools team in Adelaide over the last week, where she was the leading goal scorer for NSW scoring 14 goals over 9 games. The touring team will be representing School Sports Australia at the international hockey test match series in South Africa from 29th June to 14th July 2018.

Australia Day Nominations Open: Forbes Shire Council is calling for nominations for the Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year to be presented at the 2018 Australia Day celebrations. The awards recognise and reward community members who have achieved excellence or made a significant contribution to our community. Nominations are open for the Forbes Shire Citizen of the Year (26 years and over) and Forbes Shire Young Citizen of the Year (25 years and younger). Nominations close at 5pm on 19th January.

BYO Cup Winners Still To Collect Their Prizes: The Forbes Phoenix ran a competition in September to win a BYO cup. Most of the winners have not yet picked up their cups from The Pantry Café & Catering at 8 Templar Street. The following winners can pick up their prize cups until Thursday, 21st December: Jack McKinley, Karen Wright, Steven Cook, Aileen Hansen, Vanessa Rose, Michael Daaboul, Sahejin Siddiqui, Laura Power, Natalie Walker, Tom Roose, Allan Morrison, Johnson Page, Chris Sindermann, Garry Smith, Jessica Bennett, Tyson, O’Rourke-Halls, Andrew Khotsimeuang, Vinson Peng, Laura Torry, Cathi Nicol, Renee Ballantyne, Luke Day, Melissa Westcott, Robyn Stephens, Steve Lewis, Belinda Suttor, Monica Hubele, Danielle Woods, Dinesh Peethamparam, Stuart Blakeley, Morgan Blysouth, Michael Simpson, Vivianne Vandenberg, Leda Nguyen, Jane Gardam, Damian Jensen, Lauren McClure, Robert Coel, Christian Hill, Amy Ward, Lucy Kliem, Daniel Lawrence, Cassandra Watts, Brian Butler, Brian Wong, Kylie, Walmsley, Stephanie Koufalas, Ros McFarlane, Tom Lockett, Conor Cadden.

A Little Extra Special: Clients and supporters have been waiting and asking for it… Little Extras Lifestyle has gone the extra mile and launched its online store! If you cannot make it to the store, just go online and browse. Everything is there from clothing, shoes and handbags to accessories. If you are still looking for Christmas presents, there are vouchers too. If shopping with all your senses is still your therapy, Little Extras will be open seven days a week until Christmas: Monday to Friday from 9am to 5:30pm; Saturday from 9am to 2pm and Sunday 10am to 1pm.

Dancers Captivate Audience: Kristen’s Dance School hosted their Concert Day at Red Bend last Saturday. Countless students graciously danced across the stage leaving their audience in awe of their splendorous talents.

Congratulations… Major award winners of Kristen’s Dance Studio is Olivia Beasley – CWA Dancer’s Dancer, Lil Hodges – Most Outstanding Overall (donated by Wayne Jones), Abby Hunt – Sportspower Most Improved and 2017 Scholarship winner, Jenna Redfern. (Photo:Anita Redfern)

 

Massive Sale At Tyreright

December 7, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Massive Sale At Tyreright Tyreright Forbes is your one-stop shop for all your tyre needs. With everything you need for your ute, 4WD, family car, trucks, farm equipment and more. Look out for the massive Christmas tyre sale catalogue with loads of specials. If you need a service before the Christmas holidays, give the shop a ring and book now!

Combined Schools Christmas Celebration

December 7, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes North Public school, Forbes Public School and St Laurence’s Primary School gathered together on Wednesday, 29th November in the Forbes Town Hall for the annual Combined Schools Scripture Christmas Celebration.

For the two public schools this celebration is the grand finale to a year of teaching Christian Special Religious Education lessons, or scripture lessons, on a weekly basis in both schools. Primary aged students from Kindergarten through to Year 6 were able to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

The children were accompanied by staff from the three schools, all of which are very supportive and encouraging towards the ministry of their students. There were two sessions of 45 minutes each, Kindergarten to Year 2 in one and Years 3 to 6 in the other.

Parents and grandparents attended the event. Deputy Mayor, Jenny Webb also attended one of the sessions.

Each week of the school term a team of 14 volunteers from various churches, take the gospel into public schools. An immense commitment that is very worthwhile for all the children and rewarding to each of the volunteers. Some of the volunteers have been teaching scripture in schools for over 30 years.

Forbes Shire Council generously donated the use of the Forbes Town Hall which has been the venue for this annual event for at least 10 years. The guest presenter this year was Reverend Andrew Parkinson, Scripture Union Regional Co-ordinator for Central and Far West New South Wales. The children were treated to a vibrant program including live guitar Christmas music and video clips with ample opportunities for the students to participate.

The Forbes Christian SRE team would like to wish the community a very happy, blessed and safe Christmas.

Deck The Hall With Christmas Trees

December 7, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

 

The unrelenting weather could not deter eager Christmas tree festival enthusiasts from attending the splendorous event.

The 6th Rotary Ipomoea Christmas tree Festival was held in the Forbes Town Hall last weekend while heavy rain and storms raged on outside.

The spectacular sight of colourful and innovative Christmas trees that festival goers were met with upon entering the display venue did not disappoint and the organisers are still reeling from this year’s amazing success.

“Our opening on Friday evening was unlike any we have experienced before. What a fantastic night! Then Saturday and Sunday came and also family after family! Huge numbers went through the doors. This was definitely our best response ever! My face is still sore from all the smiling, laughing and talking,” said Forbes Rotary Ipomoea Publicity Officer, Sue-Anne Nixon.

Last year Rotary members were proud to display 91 marvellously imaginative entries.

This year, they were hoping to achieve the 100 entries mark. However, all expectations were exceeded and now the organisers can boast with a spectacular 121 entries of all shapes and sizes with tinsel and baubles!

A tree displayed on stage and also making it clear that there are no rules when decorating your tree was a white tree with its xray next to it. This creative idea came from none other but the ladies of Forbes Medical Imaging, who were one of the deserving winners.

Other worthy winners were the Jemalong Retirement Village and Bright Beginnings

Early Learning Centre.

By Gizell van Wyk

CDS Celebrates IDPwD At Forbes Pool

December 7, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Staff and clients of Currajong Disability Services (CDS) recently participated in International Day for People with Disability (IDPwD) at the Forbes Olympic pool with the who’s who of disability service providers from around the district, their staff, clients and families.

The event, which was run by Forbes Shire Council, included a BBQ, games and a variety of other fun activities that kept everyone entertained.

“From all reports, our participants had a great day,” said CDS Marketing and Communications rep Dane Millerd.

“We’d like to thank Forbes Shire Council for including us and staging such a successful day.

“It is important we recognise people with disabilities not just on days like today but that we support, encourage and celebrate them every day.”

IDPwD is a United Nations sanctioned day that is celebrated internationally.

It aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability and celebrate the achievements and contributions of people with disability.

The Australian Government has been supporting IDPwD since 1996 and provides funds to promote and raise awareness of the day around Australia.

Each year the United Nations announces a theme to observe for IDPwD. The annual theme provides an overarching focus on how society can strive for inclusivity through the removal of physical, technological and attitudinal barriers for people with disability.

This has been occurring since 1992 when the General Assembly proclaimed 3rd December as the International Day of Disabled Persons.

Contributed By Currajong

Community Funding Opens For 2018-2019

December 7, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Shire Council is calling on all notfor- profit organisations, community and sporting groups to apply for Community Funding Program for the 2018-2019 financial year.

In alignment with the Forbes Shire Community Strategic Plan 2017 – 2027, all community funding will be allocated annually to fit in with the council’s budget cycle. Forbes Shire General Manager, Steve Loane encouraged all groups and organisations in the community to apply for donations, sponsorship, fees and charges waived, in-kind or new support, seed or growth funding.

“It is Council’s fiscal responsibility to ensure we are distributing all funding and support in an equitable manner to organisations and groups within our community.”

“This will enable as many community funding applications can be considered and budgeted for, generating funding security for organisations and meeting Council’s basic governance and accounting standards,” said Steve.

To assist groups with the new funding application, an information night is being held on Wednesday, 13th December at 6pm at the Town Hall. As well as providing valuable information, help to complete the applications, staff will share tips for running events in the shire and approval processes required.

Two CFP drop in sessions will also be held on Tuesday, 9th January and Wednesday, 14th February for Council staff to assist with applications.

Steve said the Community Funding Program application was a straight forward document which staff designed to be used as a planning tool by the organisations.

Community Funding Program application forms can be collected from Council and copies will be distributed at the information night. Forms can also be downloaded from the Forbes Shire Council website, by following the quicklink on the left hand side.

The Forbes Shire Grant Funding page on Facebook also has a link to download the application form.

Applications opened 1st December and will close on 28th February 2018.

Be Safe This Christmas Holiday Season

December 7, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

With the holiday around the corner we are all getting ready for our summer break. Wherever you are heading, you need to ensure your vehicle is safe and ready. You are not only ensuring the safety of your family, but also other travellers on the road. Here are some safety tips to ensure you arrive safely and on time:

• Service your car: Make sure your car is serviced before setting out on that trip. Better to be safe than sorry.

• Insurance and registration for your car: Double check that your insurance is up to date, and with some people not always receiving their registration notices in the mail and no evidence on your car to remind you, check that your car meets all criteria.

• Chips in your windscreen? Why not get them fixed rather than run the risk of it cracking further when left out in the sun. It doesn’t take long to get it repaired.

• Check all of your tyres, including your spare, and have your wheels aligned. Nothing worse than being stuck in the middle of nowhere with no spare tyre ready to go.

Keep your mobile phones charged, a first aid kit in the car and a map handy in case you get lost, either mobile or paper.

• Carry water and oil in your car at all times, you never know when you might need them.

• Ensure you have the correct child restraints in your car, and keep pets restrained as well for everybody’s safety.

• Remember double demerits over the Christmas period, so do not speed, it’s not worth the accident or fine.

NRMA estimates the busiest times to be the last day of school: 15th December; two days before Christmas 23rd December; the day after Boxing Day 27th December and January 4th. Enjoy your holiday!

SNIPPETS…

December 7, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Great Work… The Goodstart Early Learning Preschool children have documented their learning in a book they wrote based on experiences they participated in throughout the year. Several of the Preschool children proudly presented a copy of their finished book “Larry the Rooster” to Bronwyn at the Forbes Library.

Australia Day Nominations Open: Forbes Shire Council is calling for nominations for the Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year to be presented at the 2018 Australia Day celebrations. The awards recognise and reward community members who have achieved excellence or made a significant contribution to our community. Nominations are open for the Forbes Shire Citizen of the Year (26 years and over) and Forbes Shire Young Citizen of the Year (25 years and younger). Nominations close at 5pm on 19th January. Forms can be collected from Council’s Administration Office or downloaded from the website.

St John’s Anglican Church: The Anglican Parish of Forbes will have a double celebration in St John’s Anglican Church on Sunday, 10th December. The Right Reverend Ian Palmer, Anglican Bishop of Bathurst, will commission Reverend Crystal Spindler as Priest-In-Charge of the Anglican Parish of Forbes. Reverend Crystal was previously the Vicar of the Parish of Parkes.

The congregation will also celebrate the 140th anniversary of the completion of the Nave of St John’s Anglican Church. Mayor Graeme Miller will attend on behalf of the Forbes Shire Council.

New Policing Model For Central West: NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller outlined a new policing model for the Central West. The model provides that the current 34 Local Area Commands in regional NSW will be replaced by 26 Police Districts. Canobolas and Lachlan Local Area Commands will be reformed as the Central West Police District. Police Districts will have a District Superintendent with varying spans of control, while each Police Station will have an Officer-in-Charge model. Parliamentary Secretary for Western NSW Rick Colless said the new structure was designed to put more boots on the ground. “It is important to note that under this restructure no Police Stations will be closed. Police will also have the capability and flexibility needed to respond to crime, major events, and emergency management.”

Landcare Wins Award: Central West Lachlan Landcare (CWLL) won the Environmental Partnership of the Year Award at the glittering 35th awards gala of Skillset held in Bathurst recently. CWLL has hosted three very successful Green Army Projects over the past 18 months in partnership with Skillset. CWLL Co-ordinator Marg Applebee said they were thrilled to be recognised with this award.

Marg Applebee (middle) received the award for Central West Lachlan Landcare. She is with Graham Stirling and Thomas Staff, both from Skillset.

 

 

 

War on Waste Creates Small Business For Mum

December 7, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

A challenge to go plastic free has turned a Mum of two from Forbes from a passionate cling wrap user into a war on waste warrior.

“I used to put everything in cling wrap,” said Linda van Coller. When her son Marno’s teacher at Forbes Public School challenged the class to find alternatives for plastic for their school lunches after they had watched the ABC program War on Waste, Lindastarted searching on Google for ideas.

She discovered beeswax wraps are highly effective in keeping food fresh and safe as the wax is both anti-bacterial and preserves food better than any plastic can do. As a creative person there was nothing stopping her to start making her own wraps.

It did not take long for her wraps to be noticed at school, and she started getting orders. That lead to the birth of Earth Child, Linda’s small business she runs from home using 100% organic beeswax sourced locally from the Forbes region and 100% cotton. Linda’s daughter Melandri has become her right hand in the business. “It is so much fun doing it together over weekends,” said Linda.

She went public with her product at the Farmer’s Market in October, and sold out by 11am! “People just love it, because it is eco-friendly, reusable and cuts out the need for cling wrap completely. After about six months, I am happy to re-wax the sheets for clients, which means they never have to dispose of them.”

Linda warned it could take a bit getting used to them, but the secret is to simply use the warmth and pressure of your hands to mould your beeswax wrap around a bowl or snack.

These wraps make great Christmas presents, contact Linda on 0477 309 807 or find Earth Child on Facebook.

By Maggi Barnard

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 301
  • 302
  • 303
  • 304
  • 305
  • …
  • 406
  • Next Page »

Click here to download the recent issue (177) of The Forbes & Parkes Phoenix (1.9MB PDF) – 20th February 2026

SEARCH THE PHOENIX

STAY CONNECTED

The Forbes Phoenix would like to thank you, our Facebook friends, for your continued support and readership!

Recent Articles

  • Local Advocate Drives National Road Safety Change During National Driver Fatigue Week February 19, 2026
  • Mayoral Notes February 19, 2026
  • Snippets… February 19, 2026
  • Be Seen @ Forbes Public School Swimming Carnival February 19, 2026
  • Patchy Mobile Services An Ongoing Concern February 19, 2026

Phoenix Office 7/113-127 Rankin Street, Forbes NSW 2871

Editor 0432 337 278
editor@forbesphoenix.com.au

Sales 0432 337 278
sales@forbesphoenix.com.au

View our Privacy Policy. View our Conflict Resolution Process. View our Ethics and Complaints Policy. Want to advertise with us? Information on our Community Promotions.

We are always looking for new articles of interest to the local community.

Please feel free to submit an article for possible inclusion in a future issue.

To submit an article, click here to use our online article submission form.

Subscribe

* indicates required

Copyright © 2026 · Magazine Pro Theme On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in