CALLING ALL BASKETBALL PLAYERS
The Aussie Hoops Program for 5 to 7 year olds and 8 to 18 years junior and senior competition starts on Tuesday, 24th October. Registration is from 12 to 5pm at the River Arts Festival at the paddle boats. Nominate a team of 8 along with a coach or manager or register as an individual, cost is $85. For any questions contact 0405 714 914 or 0434 638 044. You can also look at the Facebook page, or email forbesbasketballassociation@gmail.com.
Disability enterprises working in the region are doing fantastic work for their employees and the wider community, said Member for Riverina and Minister for Small Business, Michael McCormack.
He met with House With No Steps director Andrew Richardson and executive general manager Brett Lacey at Parliament House in Canberra this week. Andrew and Brett were at a BuyAbility following the Disability Enterprise Summit, an event for National Disability Services members.
“It was great to meet up with them and talk about their Aussie Biscuits factory at Forbes,” said Michael. “I was in Forbes only last week to have a look at the factory, which will relocate to better premises thanks to a $210,000 Building Better Regions grant.”
After careful consideration, the Forbes Showgirl 2017 winner will finally be announced and receive her prizes at tonight’s opening of the Forbes Show at 7pm. The winner to be sashed will move on to the zone judging held next February in Blayney.
The Showgirl finalists had the opportunity to impress three judges during a 20 to 25 minute interview last Saturday followed by a high tea with invited attendees at the Forbes Town Hall. During this the four finalists were also given an impromptu question proving each one to be deserving of the title.
Forbes Showgirl coordinator, Susan Earl said: “Our four entrants all have different stories and backgrounds. It’s a hard job for the judges to choose our Showgirl for this year. The whole competition is looking at someone to represent Forbes as our ambassador and to let other towns know about the wonderful things that Forbes has to offer.”
Attributes that are looked for in a potential Showgirl winner, aged 18 to 24 years, is confidence, interest in the rural scene and community. Key qualities also include someone that is well groomed and well presented.
Susan passionately believes that the competition is a great way for girls to gain confidence and get experience in being interviewed. It is also looked upon as an asset on the girl’s resume.
Amelia Sweeney, Showgirl for 2016 said: “I was really pleased with all the entries we received this year. It’s amazing we got these girls who are happy to represent Forbes and the Forbes Show society. All the girls had something different to offer. They are all really proud of who they are in their local community and they are all really excited to be involved.”
One of the three judges, Tom Dwyer commented on the high standard of this year’s finalists.
By Gizell van Wyk
Sheer Splendour in A Shed: Art requires creativity, so why not be as imaginative when planning an art exhibition? The Parkes Action Club is bringing a unique event to the community by holding an art exhibition called Ducks on the Pond in the 137-year-old St Elmo Shearing Shed on Saturday, 16th September at 6pm. The exhibition will showcase eight local and regional artists featuring works of Eryn Mullins (Condobolin), Jocelyn Moles (Parkes), lighting and installation artist Jamie Coffill (Condobolin), Ralph Tikerpae (West Wyalong), Martin Lane (West Wyalong), Elsie Mahon (Parkes), Pol Cruz (Bogan Gate) and Lucy Buttenshaw (West Wyalong). According to Parkes Action Club chairman and art enthusiast Gary Somers it is probably the first time an art exhibition will be held in a shearing shed in Parkes. Limited tickets are available at $25 prepaid or $30 on the night and includes food by The Dish Café, wine by Twisted River Wines and entertainment by The String Family from Sydney. For more details go to visitparkes.com.au. All the money raised will go towards the Action Club’s community programs. St Elmo Shearing Shed is 12km from Parkes on the Renshaw McGirr Way (Wellington Road) and 2km down Job Lane. No high heels are recommended for the event.
Forbes Boscars: Don’t forget to purchase your tickets for the Forbes Boscars Business Awards on Friday, 15th September at the Forbes Services Memorial Club at 6:30pm. Tickets are $80pp. To purchase go to www.forbesboscars.com.au.
Forbes Basketball: The Forbes Basketball Association is holding tryouts for its own representative team on 12th September at the Forbes High Basketball Stadium. Age groups are u14 (born between 2005 and 2006) and u16 (born between 2003 and 2004). Registration opens at 5pm. For more info go to the Facebook page at Forbes Basketball Association or contact Steve on 0434 638 044 or Pip on 0405 714 914. Email: forbesbasketballassociation@ gmail.com.
Light the Night: The Forbes River Arts Festival will be hosting the Leukaemia Foundation’s Light the Night walk as a lantern parade on 23rd September. To register to carry a lantern, visit the River Arts Festival Forbes Facebook page. You can choose from three coloured lanterns: blue – to show you care; white – for your own blood cancer journey; and gold – to remember a loved one.
Indigenous Citizen of the Year Awards: During the NAIDOC Day celebrations held last Thursday, awards were presented to Indigenous people who have made a valuable contribution to the local community. Matty Duke received the Forbes Junior Indigenous Citizen of the Year award. Matty was nominated for his outstanding achievements both on and off the sporting field. The next award went to Kathleen Bowden for the Forbes Indigenous Citizen of the Year. Kathleen received the award for being such a strong member of the Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre committee and for her voluntary work in raising a better understanding of the Indigenous culture.
Local Legend Entry: Submit your Local Legend entry for their chance to win a $200 local WLT gift card. For entries take a photo of your Local Legend and put your reason in writing of why you think they should win. Email your photo and wording to nat.whyleavetown@bigpond.com. The best entries will be published on the WLT Facebook page. The published post that receives the most likes will win. Competition closes 31st December. For full competition terms and conditions, visit: www.whyleavetown.com.
Forbes Boscars: Don’t forget to purchase your tickets for the Forbes Boscars Business Awards on Friday, 15 September at the Forbes Services Memorial Club at 6:30pm. Tickets are $80pp. To purchase go to www.forbesboscars.com.au.
Get Back to Basics With Dating: Hart Bar is bringing its first speed dating event to Parkes on Saturday, 7 October. The aim is to bring together like-minded singles from the region looking for love! There will be two age groups of 25-38 and 39-54 years with 14 singles in each group. Tickets are $49 and include two friends to avoid the initial awkwardness, plus a drink and nibbles on arrival. Limited spaces available, so register today! Contact Kasie Ferguson 0409 209 966.
The NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show: Expert wine judges and associate judges had the task of selecting the top wines. Judging took place at the Forbes Youth and Community Centre from Monday to Wednesday. The wines will be showcased at the public tasting event from 6:30pm tonight at the Forbes Youth and Community Centre. This event gives the public a chance to taste the award-winning wines as well as the other wines entered into the show. Tickets are $25, which includes finger food, and are available at the door
Aussie Biscuits staff were very pleased to have Member for Riverina and Minister for Small Business, Michael McCormack, as a guest at their factory in Forbes on Wednesday. Michael’s visit comes after the factory was given a $210,000 Federal Government grant through the Building Better Regions fund.
Attendees went on a very informative tour of the factory led by Employee and Production Supervisor, Natisha Humphries. During which Michael spoke with employees and asked them about their daily processes at work and about the products.
The factory, located at 98 Rankin Street, was established in 1976 as a business enterprise of House With No Steps to offer employment opportunity to people with disabilities.
“This grant will enable them to not just refurbish but also expand. It’s going to provide more opportunities to this business but also for the wider Forbes community.
The funding will change the lives of so many people in such a positive way,” Michael said.
Biscuits are made using only Australian products. The factory produces 39,000 biscuits a day and currently employs nearly 30 people with a disability.
Funding will go towards relocating the factory to the new premises in November providing much needed additional space. The tour was finished off with a biscuit tasting by Michael and Aussie Biscuits’ longest serving employee, Kevin Green. Kevin has been working for the business for 42 years.
By Gizell van Wyk
Forbes Shire Council announced that Lifeguarding Services Australia will take on operations of the Forbes Olympic Pool.
Lifeguarding Services were successful in securing the contract after a competitive tender process in July. The company will be responsible for pool operations and management over the next three years.
The company will have a focus on employing local people and will begin advertising positions in the next week.
The Forbes Olympic Pool will open its doors to swimmers on October 1 and will be open from 6am until 7pm daily (closed Good Friday and Christmas Day). A Facebook page has been established where residents can access up-to-date information or email forbespool@lifeguarding.com.au.
Children of Forbes North Public School were excited to celebrate receiving beautifully embroidered aprons.
The aprons were bought with a Westpac bank funding boost that the school was awarded earlier this year.
A program that the school has to support children in learning about nutrition, healthy eating, and cooking good foods, secured the funding for them.
The aprons are to be used for children involved in cooking classes.
Westpac local branch manager, Shannon Crowley, said: “With Australia having one of the highest rates of obesity in the world, we think what the school is doing will help change this for future generations”.
Students from various Forbes primary and high schools and members of the community celebrated Indigenous culture during NAIDOC Day last Thursday. Festivities commenced at the Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre from which participants marched to South Circle Oval for the main event.
Forbes Mayor, Graeme Miller, welcomed everybody to the celebration of the history, culture and accomplishments of the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. “It is great to see so many young people here today,” he said.
As part of the celebrations the mayor presented awards to Indigenous people who have made a valuable contribution to the local community. Matty Duke received the Forbes Junior Indigenous Citizen of the Year award and Kathleen Bowden the Forbes Indigenous Citizen of the Year.
Following this, children from the Wiradjuri choir of Forbes North Public School delighted the crowd with their song and movements.
Students were given opportunity to partake in some Indigenous games and everyone was treated to a barbecue. Finally, a performance was given by the renowned Indigenous dance group Koomurri. The day was filled with celebrations and learning of the Aboriginal culture.
By Gizell van Wyk
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