Articles Archives - Page 381 of 424

Mayoral Notes…

July 21, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Wasn’t the weather on the weekend great? It was so nice to sit in the sun and feel alive again. The sun didn’t last long though with more rain upon us. Just a reminder for when you are driving around the shire, there are a number of roads that have been affected by rain creating soft edges and potholes so please make sure you travel with care. We will be completing the repairs as quickly as possible.

Our July meeting was held this week and it was our new General Manager Danny Green’s first Council meeting since arriving in Forbes. Please mark Wednesday, 3rd August in your diaries as we are having a welcome function for him at the Forbes Services Memorial Club from 5.30pm to 7pm.

This is a great chance for everyone to come along and say hello, enjoy a nibble and drink. Everyone is welcome, please RSVP for catering purposes by calling 6850 2361. Another event to mark in your calendar is the Forbes NAIDOC Week celebrations on 23rd August. NAIDOC Week is a great opportunity for everyone to come together and celebrate with our traditional owners as one united Australia.

As you know, the Census is being conducted on 9th August and field officers are still needed for our area. If you are interested in these paid positions visit www.abs.gov.au. Last Thursday, Evolution Mining announced $12,500 in funding for Forbes Wheelchair Basketball. This is fantastic news and will allow for five specialised wheelchairs to be purchased as well as other equipment.

Have a great week, stay safe and God bless.
Mayor, Cr Phyllis Miller OAM

McCormack New Small Business Minister

July 21, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Riverina Nationals’ MP Michael McCormack, who is the MP for Forbes as well, feels honoured by his appointment as Minister for Small Business. “Having owned and operated my own small business in Wagga Wagga for more than eight years, I understand first hand the vital role small business plays in many local communities,” Michael said.

“Since coming to Parliament, I have seen how the Coalition’s small business policies, including the instant asset write-offs and a lowering in the company tax rate, have seen an increase in confidence, investment and jobs in the Riverina electorate’s small businesses.

“With the Coalition’s focus on ensuring Australia’s small businesses have a champion and voice in the Ministry, I follow in the steps of two outstanding Small Business Ministers in Bruce Billson and Kelly O’Dwyer. Michael said he would remain focused on his role as the Member for Riverina and being the voice for the Riverina and Central West in Federal Parliament.

Michael, who is the first Small Business Minister who is a member of The Nationals, was sworn in on Wednesday.

Get Up And Pokémon Go

July 21, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Charmander, Rhydon, Snorlax, Gastly, Jynx, Pidgeot, Ponyta, Golem… Pikachu! There is a new language in the streets and parks where people congregate staring intently at mobile phones.

It is the language of Pokémon Go, the hottest game in the app store right now with millions of people playing it all over the world, including Forbes. Released earlier this month, Pokémon creatures are popping up everywhere in the real world and the idea is that you catch them.

One avid player in Forbes, Mitch Watson started the Forbes and Parkes Pokémon Go Community on Facebook with 230 members already. “It is a good community of people and fun to get to know each other and go for walks.”

Mitch was with a newfound friend Phillip Whelan in Victoria Park on Monday hunting Pokémon together. The pair said they both played Pokémon in the 1980’s and 90’s, and this game was the closest to the real thing you could get. “This is part of the game’s popularity, and it is free and gets you out of the house.

Phillip was in Canberra last weekend where he said playing the game was totally different. “As there are many more people playing, there are a lot more Pokémon,” he said. Mitch and Phillip are proud of the rare Pokémon they have caught so far, which include a Dragonair and an Aerodactyl.

They both cautioned players to always be alert and stay safe while playing.
By Maggi Barnard

Movie Review – Finding Dory

July 21, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

This is the long awaited sequel to Finding Nemo, created 13 years after the original. It is set one year after Marlin and Dory found Nemo in Sydney, Australia. They are facing their biggest challenge yet, searching for Dory’s long lost family.

Dory was torn away from her parents when she was young and before she knew it, or could remember, she was lost. Although Dory suffered short-term memory loss, a trigger word set off a long forgotten memory of Dory’s parents and a place – the Jewel of Morro Bay in California.

Along the way Dory meets a Grumpy Octopus named Hank, and they become partners in crime. Dory shows that through persistence and determination you can achieve anything you put your mind to, which is a great lesson for the younger generation to learn. I really enjoyed this movie and would watch it again.

This film is suitable for all ages. It is a great movie to watch for the whole family. I give it five stars.
By Brayden Dukes-Rankmore

New Glass And Glazing Service Opens In Forbes

July 21, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

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.

Fit4Life Opens In Forbes

July 21, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Debbie Hearan, who has been the manager at Curves for the past nine years, has finally taken the plunge and set up her own fitness business in Forbes. She took over the old Curves on 1st July, and renamed it Fit4Life. The name certainly says it all.

With Debbie’s years of experience in the fitness industry, she saw this opportunity as something that she has been keen to do for many years. A lot of members who have been coming to the centre for years are delighted with
Debbie taking the reins. Not being part of a franchise means that Debbie can offer a lot more services to her clients, including a young mother’s group as well as men’s classes. With summer just around the corner, it is a good time to start a fitness programme. Give Debbie a call for more details.

Italian Fare At Aglio E Olio

July 21, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Come in and try the selection of delicious pizzas and pastas at dinner or perhaps a light lunch of sandwiches, focaccias, melts or anything from the ever-changing menu. They create a new one every week. Call in to the Homemaker Centre in Forbes (near Bunnings) or call them on 6851 5522.

Forbes Is Fabulous!

July 14, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes is a fascinating place to visit. This is what Mike Whitney, host of Sydney Weekender, had to say at the conclusion of the program featuring Forbes that was aired on Sunday on Prime 7. As the second largest network in the country in terms of population reach, the just over five minute feature on Forbes was seen all over Australia.

Starting with a few general shots of historic buildings in the town, Mike first visited the Central West Livestock Exchange where there were over 20 000 sheep on auction. He said he had never seen anything like it in his life. He ended up “buying” some sheep forgetting to keep his hands in his pockets!

Next up he went to the McFeeters Motor Museum where the Barbie Ford Falcon with its gold plated fittings made a big impression on him. The last place to feature was the beautiful Girragirra Retreat where he stayed for the night and Wendy, the owner, taught him to make a sourdough loaf. Locals said they were very impressed with the program, but they felt that it could have showed more of Forbes. “They did not even show the Forbes Lake,” one said.

Mike and his crew were in Forbes last month to film. After retiring from international cricket, Mike first appeared on Sydney Weekender in 1994. He travels around the city and throughout NSW to find the best places to stay, eat and play.
By Maggi Barnard

Snippets…

July 14, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

40 Years of service for John Pearce:
John Pearce yesterday celebrated 40 years of service at Roylance’s Auto One.
Chris Roylance, Managing Director, said it was a unique achievement as not many employees reach such a milestone. He described John as being very popular with the customers all over country NSW, staff and other branches in the organisation. “He is very loyal, honest and thorough in what he does,” said Chris. John said he had never looked anywhere else for a job. “It is a great company to work for and I‘ve had a pretty good run of relationships seeing the first, second and the third generation coming in.” He feels proud of his achievement staying that long with one company. John said he had nine years to go to retirement and hoped to crack 50 years of service! John joined the company in 1976 after completing Year 10 at the Forbes High School. His first job was a spare parts assistant. “The day he started he walked around the shelves goggled eye wondering what it was all about,” Chris remembers. He said back in those days they were still wearing white dust overcoats as their uniform. These days John is a sales rep travelling all over NSW selling automotive, earth moving and hardware parts. He is also the co-ordinator for the Orange Field Days and he is involved in training for pressure cleaners, automotive parts and earthmoving.

Open Day at Ian Simpson & Co: To celebrate the opening of the offices of Ian Simpson & Co everybody is welcome to their Open Day to be held at their offices in 88A Lachlan Street on Saturday 23rd July starting at 10am. Come and join in the celebration with a sausage sizzle and face painting for the kids.

National Tree Day: Central West Lachlan Landcare is organising a Family Day on Saturday, 30th July at the Central West Livestock Exchange from 10am-1pm. You will learn about wildlife corridors, native animal habitat and threatened species. This will also be the launch of the first Forbes Motley Crew initative. Tools and equipment for planting, watering cans and buckets will be supplied. A BBQ lunch will also be provided. Kids can also take part in fun, free DIY nature-craft workshops held over the weekend of Tree Day, Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 July at your local Bunnings store.

Forbes Business Chamber AGM: The Forbes Business Chamber AGM will take place on Thursday, 21st July at 6:00pm at the Forbes Sport and Recreation Club. President Stuart Thomas will be standing down as president.
“We have a great committee but still need input and enthusiasm. Please have a think about joining the committee. We will welcome any new committee members who would like to join. There are a range of roles, some more hands on and some more advisory. So if you have great ideas or would like to see some changes but are limited for time, come on board and join us,” said Stuart Thomas, President of the Forbes Business Chamber.

Eisteddfod Dance Program To End On A High On Sunday

July 14, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

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.

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