Jim, Mandy and Tim Dukes opened their new business, JD’s Glass and Glazing, in January this year. Jim, a well-known local has been in the game for 27 years as a glazier and builder, having lived in Forbes all of his life.

Jim saw an opportunity and always wanted to own a business with Mandy. Located at 1 Union Street, Forbes, their son, Tim also works with them. With just over seven months of trading behind them, Jim said: “I am really thrilled with the way the business has taken off and the support shown by the locals.

Sometimes we are really overwhelmed by the level of enquiry, however we will always strive to provide great customer service to our clients.”

JD’s Glass and Glazing offers a full glazing service, supply and fit new windows, doors, security screens, shower screens and wardrobes, as well as an after hours service.

Call Jim or Mandy to discuss your needs on 02 6851 1402.

The dance program of the Forbes Eisteddfod started last Saturday with more than 850 entries received from all over the region to compete until Sunday at the Forbes High School. Many local dancers from Kristen’s Dance Studio and Stepping Out Dance Factory are taking part under the watchful eye of Amanda Clerke, the adjudicator from Sydney.

The program started with youngest competitors and will end with the group sections on Sunday, which is always a highlight. The day will be split into a morning and afternoon session. The dance sections commenced with soloists starting with 5 years and under participants and will go through to opens competing in classical, jazz, demi-character, song and dance, modern expressive, tap, contemporary and national character, as well as duo/trio groups.

Forbes dancers have been performing very well. When The Forbes Phoenix attended the program on Tuesday, Lauren Neilsen had won the modern expressive category for 12 years and under. Lilly Gharib came third in the same category. Entry to the sessions is $3 for adults and $2 for pensioners and children (5 – 12 years). Sessions start at 9am.

The music, speech and drama sections of the 23rd Eisteddfod were held at the Forbes Town Hall from 18th to 23rd June. Selected winners from both programs will be invited to perform at the Grand Concert to be held at the Forbes Town Hall on Saturday 23rd July commencing at 7pm. Tickets and table groups are now on sale and can be purchased by contacting the committee at forbes.eisteddfod@hotmail.com.

The Forbes Eisteddfod would not be possible without the assistance of their major sponsors, namely Forbes Shire Council, Northparkes Mines, McDonalds and the Forbes Services Memorial Club, plus numerous local business and individual sponsors.

One Great Solution: What a great name for a group of shops located on the corner of Jones Street and the Newell Highway in Forbes. More than 20 people attended a Biz Viz evening hosted by Roylance’s Auto One, Auslec and Blue Sky Outdoor last week. Biz Viz events are run by the Forbes Chamber of Commerce.

The three businesses are very diverse, each with their own story. Auslec, managed by Tanya Godden, is the number three electrical wholesaler group in Australia. They located to Forbes after their store in Parkes burnt to the ground. It was almost like starting from scratch as a lot of business was lost.

Auslec covers the whole Central West from Cobar to Blayney and everything in between. They stock the Heatcraft range, which supplies all heating and cooling products. Auslec also owns a solar business, supplying to both residential and commercial customers with a 25-30 year warranty on their products. “I am happy with trading conditions at the moment, as we are 60% up year on year at the moment,” said Tanya. Our main challenge is pricing and keeping up with cost savings, and how we can help our clients achieve this.”

Moving next door to Blue Sky Outdoors, which has been owned by Mick Roylance for 11 years. The shop has three full time staff, two casuals and trades seven days per week. “We really pride ourselves on our level of service, with over 1, 000 square metres in which to house our vast range of products from camping, fishing, wood burners, baby clothing and household items,” said Mick. Blue Sky Outdoors is not a franchise but a buying group. Mick is one of those people who knows what is happening in every part of his business, keeping up with the figures and making it a ‘destination store’.

At Roylance’s Auto One, Chris Roylance said: “We haven’t looked back since we moved here in 2001.” There have been a couple of name changes along the way, coming full circle from 1990 when it was Roylance’s Auto One. The name then changed to Roylance’s Automotive and Industrial and back again to Roylances Auto One when it rejoined the group in 2014. Roylance’s are the leaders in the automotive business in Australia. “We pride ourselves on our service. We have many long term staff, some having been with us for over 40 years,” Chris said. “Our biggest challenge is cash flow, and the large range of products that we have to have in store.

We also have the latest technology to enhance our high level of customer service. “At the cornerstone of our business is our culture, with new ways of thinking, ensuring that our policies and procedures are adhered to, and allowing our staff to take ownership and pride in what they do.” Next time you are out and about make sure the One Great Solution shopping precinct is on your list.

By Cheryl Newsom

The Local Government election for Forbes Shire Council will be held on Saturday, 10th September when nine councillors will be elected for the next four years. Candidate nominations will open on 1st August and close on 10th August. The primary source of information for candidates is the NSW Electoral Commission’s website at www.votensw.info.

Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said she encouraged anyone wanting to stand for Council to contact her or any of the current Councillors. “Representing our community as a Councillor is a great experience and if you want to come and have a chat about what is involved, my door is always open,” the Mayor said.

Candidates can contact the NSW Electoral Commission directly on 1300 022 011 or email fdc@elections.nsw.gov.au if they have questions about registration or their election campaign finances. Voting is compulsory for all residents in the Forbes Shire who are registered on the electoral roll. There is no absentee voting in Local Government elections. If you are unable to vote on election day, you can vote either by pre-poll or postal vote.

Pre-poll voting will open 29th August to 9th September in the Council Chambers. Postal vote application forms will be available at http://www.votensw.info/early_voting_options/postal_voting from mid-July.

As required by the Local Government Act 1993, Council’s General Manager must prepare and certify the non-residential roll and the NSW Electoral Commissioner must confirm that those on the lists are able to be enrolled on the non-residential roll.

The Boscars – Forbes Business Awards are on again and it’s time
to consider your businesses entries. Entry in these awards give
you the opportunity to promote excellence in your business to your
customers, staff, suppliers and the wider community. It also provides
a forum for recognition of outstanding staff.

Take the time now to have a look at the award categories and
consider which might be a good fit for you. Seek input from key
staff and sell your story. Don’t be shy about your achievements.
The awards entry period will be during the month of August.
An information night will be held soon to provide guidance with
the awards entry process. Visit forbesbusinesschamber.com.au/
boscars for more information or email forbes.businesschambernsw@
gmail.com.