Children of Forbes Public School had a different type of school activity last Thursday.

One of Australia’s most renowned street and stage performing brass bands, Hot Potato, transported the children into a New Orleans street parade right in their own

school hall.

This was done during an interactive music workshop and concert offered by the Mitchell Conservatorium.

In partnership with regional conservatoriums, Hot potato is offering these workshops to regional schools across NSW.

The aim is to achieve greater enthusiasm and motivation for playing a musical instrument following attendance of a Hot Potato workshop.

Regional Coordinator at Mitchell Conservatorium James Whalan said: “It’s really great that the band is getting to regional areas. State-wide through the regional conservatoriums there is a noticeable decline in children taking on brass and woodwind instruments like the trumpet, tuba and saxophone.”

The 12 piece band’s approach is to involve children and teachers in their high energy, fun performances and engaging creative activities.

The band has no electrified instruments and popular and upbeat songs are played in a variety of arrangements using a gigantic sousaphone, saxophone, trumpet, drums and many more, along with catchy chorus lines.

“The music we play is timeless. We can incorporate all ages and dance and have a good time. It’s positive uplifting music for everyone and we need more of that,” said Hot Potato drummer Simon Ghali.

It was evident from the children’s level of excitement that there would be many wanting to take up a musical instrument after having been to their very own Hot Potato show, which performs across Australia in front of thousands of people at a time.

By Gizell van Wyk

Forbes Shire Council has provided assistance to a local family’s efforts to address the challenges of global warming.

Local residents Guy and Angus Webb are part of a team that is leading the push to find a seed inoculum that will increase carbon in our soils.

The Soil C Quest 2031 project aims to double the level of carbon dioxide stored in our soils, building soil fertility and potentially contributing to a global warming solution.

The project gained significant media attention last month when 11 year old Angus released a video petition on Change.org calling on tech billionaire Elon Musk to visit Forbes and see how increasing soil carbon could help mitigate the impacts of global warming.

Guy continued his efforts when he attended the NSW Landcare and Local Land Services Conference this week in Albury. Council contributed $550 for promotional brochures for distribution at the conference.

“This community is indeed fortunate to have passionate residents offering solutions to climate challenges, not just locally but on the world stage,” said Mayor Graeme Miller. To find out more about the Soil C Quest 2031 project visit: http://www.soilcquest.org.au/

Nelson Park will soon boast enhanced amenities with the construction of a toilet block expected to be complete by Christmas. Mayor of the Forbes Shire Graeme Miller said he is delighted to see the project coming to fruition.

“Council has invested heavily to make Nelson Park a modern, inviting and family friendly facility in the north end of town,” he said.

The park has been a focus for Forbes Shire Council over a number of years. Two years ago Council constructed play equipment including swings, a fireman’s pole, net rope play system, a large pyramid climbing frame, rotational see-saw, slides and more. “In 2015 we installed the brand new playground and we have been delighted to see families flock to the park since that time.”

However Graeme said the additional amenities complete the picture. “It was identified that the area was in serious need of an amenities block. Not only is the park heavily utilised by families, it’s also a major thoroughfare for residents walking from the north of Forbes to the CBD.”

Funding for the project has been provided by Forbes Shire Council together with the Department of Family and Community Service’s Social Housing Community Improvement Fund. In total the department will contribute $50,000 toward the $105,000 project cost.

Once complete the amenities block will include three toilets, a baby change station and solar lighting. The toilet block will be closed at night. “We hope these upgrades further enhance what is already a top quality community facility,” Graeme said.

A special group of people who are often taken for granted was recognised last week during National Carers Week.

Carers are the people who look after our mothers and fathers, our grandparents and sometimes, unfortunately, our children. They hold a very important place in any family who rely on their time, support and generous nature. To many they are angels and at Currajong Disability Services (CDS), that’s how we see them.

According to http://www.carersweek.com.au: “National Carers Week is about recognising and celebrating the outstanding contribution Australia’s 2.7 million unpaid carers make to our nation,” and this week is an opportunity to raise awareness and recognise carers and those in caring roles.

“National Carers Week is a chance to show appreciation for these special people and acknowledge their outstanding contributions,” said CEO Jeff Evans.

“I know many others within our industry would echo my sentiments when I say how vital carers are and for that on behalf of CDS I would like to say thank you,” said Jeff.

Currajong has two extremely active and respected carer support groups namely Currajong Carers Support Group (CCSG) and Currajong Autism and Special Needs Group (CASNG). According to Jeff, not only is what they do for clients and their families essential from a care perspective but they also provide a platform for all parties including carers to share experiences in a positive and supportive environment.

“The work Kitty Dwyer and Lethe Rawson have done for Currajong Carers Support Group and likewise Angela Wilson for the Currajong Autism and Special Needs Group has been incredible,” said Jeff.

“The positive impact on other families and carers from their dedication is evident via the popularity, growth and testimonials I have received about these two groups.

“I would like to also take this opportunity to thank and commend all concerned from these organisations for their efforts.”

by Dane Millard

Two young musicians are the stars of the concert by the Macquarie Symphony Orchestra at the Town Hall in Forbes on Saturday, 21st October.

One of the world’s favourite concertos, the Mozart Clarinet concerto, will be performed by Sandra Ismail, the winner of the Camplin Prize in the inaugural Macquarie Philharmonia Concerto competition.

“It is an opportunity of a life time and I will have to be fully prepared technically and mentally. It will be very special for me to perform a concerto with the Macquarie Symphony Orchestra because I grew up listening and playing in the orchestra as a student,” Sandra said.

Lucy Clarke-Randazzo, the Thompson Concerto prize winner, will play the dazzling violin concerto by Kabalevsky. She says she has been practicing Kabalevsky’s violin concerto for about 12 months and has never played it with an orchestra.

“I will love this opportunity as it is one of my favourite pieces and to experience being accompanied by a full orchestra will be so exciting and a great musical experience for me as I develop my ensemble skills”.

The concert begins at 7pm with canapés being served at 6pm. Tickets are available on line at www.eventbrite.com.au ($30 adults, $25 concession, children under 18 free) and at Forbes Shire Council. Tickets for the canapés ($20) must be bought separately

Vanfest coordinator Matt Clifton has collected a major industry award after claiming the national Rising Star category at the Australian Hotels Association Excellence Awards last month.

The award is the latest in a long list of accolades, which also includes the 2016 NSW Business Chamber Young Entrepreneur Award.

Forbes will benefit from Matt’s 12 years’ experience in hospitality and event management, which will be evident in the execution of Vanfest 2017.

“This recent award cements Matt’s reputation as a forward thinking specialist in this industry and this national acknowledgment will have flow on effects to Forbes’ reputation,” Forbes Shire Council’s General Manager Maxwell Kershaw said.

Matt intends to build a festival that offers a unique experience that is both authentic to the rural setting and will draw national attention to Forbes as a destination.

Maxwell said Vanfest ticket sales have continued their strong trend. “So far 3455 weekend passes have been sold. In addition all local accommodation is now booked. These are just two small examples of the economic benefits that will flow to Forbes from Vanfest,” he said.