Last month the Garland family spent a day at Forbes McDonalds for the national McHappy Day – the biggest annual fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House. It was a rare moment of togetherness for the family of seven, who had been wrenched apart six months earlier when their youngest daughter Ava was diagnosed with leukemia.

At 1:15pm on 31st May, Kathy had taken the three-year-old to the doctor for a checkup. Ava hadn’t been feeling well, and the doctor sent her to Forbes hospital for blood tests, but when the results came back Ava was sent straight to Westmead. By 1am Ava had been booked into the Camperdown ward and started on intensive chemotherapy immediately. It was an unexpected crisis to suddenly face, and the fact that Ava’s four older sisters were at school at the time was an added complication. Fortunately, a close friend looked after the girls overnight, despite having four kids of her own.

Meanwhile, Andrew, Kath and Ava were in Sydney with nothing but the clothes they were wearing. Redkite provided them with a tote bag full of useful products, such as toiletries, thermal cups, a thermometer, and a diary. Ava joined the Redkite Bead Program, and is given a bead for every procedure or milestone she has faced.

The family has received support from cancer charities such as Little Wings, Meals from the Heart, and the Ronald McDonald House. “They’re amazing,” Kath said, “but you never think you’ll need them.” It’s been a tough six months for the family, who are now living in four different locations. Kath and Ava are staying at the Ronald McDonald house at Westmead Hospital. Scarlett, 13, is boarded at Red Bend Catholic College. Olivia, 11, Polly, 8, and Willa, 6, have moved to Orange to live with Kath’s sister Annette and her husband Anthony.

Andrew returned home to manage the farm at Wirrinya, but after the flooding in September, he ended up in hospital with Ross River Fever. Kath said the community has been phenomenal. From providing home-cooked meals to get Andrew through harvest, to holding fundraisers, or delivering hampers of necessities, Forbes has rallied around the family. “Ava is going through a hard stage, she is currently on steroids and is scheduled to have 15 days straight chemo around Christmas. After this intensive phase of chemo, Ava will be on maintenance chemo for the next 18 months.” Kathy said. “So many people have sent me messages, letters and gifts, which just makes me feel strong and loved and able to face the hard days being away from home and the rest of the family.”

This swell of support looks set to build in 2017. Family friend Adrian Matthews is organising ‘Opera for Ava’ to be held at Red Bend College in April 2017. The concert will feature Dominica Matthews, a principal soloist for Opera Australia. Even Scarlett is doing her bit, and has so far raised more than $5,000 for the 2017 World’s Greatest Shave after pledging to shave her luscious locks for her sister. To sponsor Scarlet Garland visit https://worldsgreatestshave.com

By Raen Fraser

The Forbes CWA Branch had a successful stall at the recent Rotary Markets with proceeds of $408 donated to the McGrath Foundation. Cooking and craft were for sale including cakes, jams, pickles, date loaves, Christmas cakes, baby quilts, hand towels, pink flower brooches and hair clips. President Elaine Bright thanked the Rotary Club for the donation of a free stall site.

Pictured are Jacqui Grallelis, Dot Woodcock and Zelma Grayson at the stall. The CWA Forbes meet the first Friday of the the month at the CWA Hall in Lachlan Street. A Damper competition is planned for Australia Day and the challenge is on with the Forbes Lions Club.

Enter our Christmas Competition to go in the draw to win a $100 gift voucher from Blush Organic Beauty and a $100 gift voucher from Little Extras Lifestyle. The winners will be drawn on Tuesday, 20th December and announced in our last edition of the year on Friday, 23rd December. Complete the form and return it to Ian Simpson & Co at 88A Lachlan Street, or enter online at www.forbesphoenix.com.au.

BEST DRESSED CHRISTMAS WINDOW
The Forbes Phoenix is running a competition for the Best Dressed Christmas window or biggest in-house display. The competition started on 1st December with judging taking place on Wednesday, 21st December. You simply have to send a photo of your store with address details to sales@forbesphoenix.com.au. The prize is one night’s accommodation at a four star hotel for two people with breakfast, champagne and chocolates on arrival.

The Year 12 graduates of the Forbes High School dazzled everyone in their sequined satin gowns and high heels, suits and ties at the Graduation Dinner on Saturday, 19th November. Parents and teachers were bursting with pride as the graduates were presented through the archway in the upper reception room of the Forbes Inn. In an extremely pleasant atmosphere, speeches throughout the evening were delivered by the Principal, Charles Dwyer, the Year 12 Advisor, Jane Hill and the Master of Ceremonies and Assistant Year 12 Advisor Joseph Doyle. They all reflected on
various highlights of the students’ time at school.

The Captain’s speech, given by Emily Godden, was full of wisdom and words of thanks to everyone. She also commemorated the loss of her fellow Captain, Oliver Carlisle, earlier in the year. This was followed by the cutting of the cake, which turned out to be a very delicious chocolate mud cake and was enjoyed with tea and coffee for dessert.

As the evening drew to a close, the DJ and photo booth were both heavily patronised by the young and young at heart. The night proved to be a huge success and several attendees were still dancing when the event came to an end. A huge thank you to all the graduates who attended and their families for the support they have shown to the school and each other at this event. Special thanks must also go to the organising committee of Anita Morrison (FHS Bursar), Jane Hill (Year Advisor), Emily Bass (English/Language Teacher) and Joseph Doyle (Assistant Year Advisor and Maths Teacher), the cake artist Shirley Myers and the staff of the Forbes Inn lead by Beck Kennedy.

By Natalie Walker

Set your imagination free these school holidays with the annual Summer Reading Club’s Heroes and Villains theme.
The program kicked off on 1st December at the Forbes Library and online. Created for children and young people aged 6 to 17, the Summer Reading Club is a free national program to instill a love of libraries and reading. This year’s Heroes and Villains theme allows participants to explore the conventions associated with super and everyday heroes — and their villainous counterparts — through a range of exciting interactive reading activities and games.

Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy Leeanne Enoch said it was important to keep young minds switched on over the summer holiday period. “Stories have the power to help children develop ideas and imagine what might be possible – exactly what we want for our entrepreneurs of tomorrow,” she said. More than 48,000 children registered with the Summer Reading Club last year, reading around 333,000 in the summer.

To join the Club, register online at summerreadingclub.org.au or into the Forbes Library. They have some stickers, tattoos and bookmarks to give away too. The Summer Reading Club will run until 31st January 2017.