During the recent devastation of Tropical Cyclone Winston, the Category 5 storm in Fiji, forty lives were lost, and thousands of homes, hospitals, schools, and water supplies were severely damaged. Tyrepower’s suppliers generously donated a range of items to be auctioned off to those in attendance at the Tyrepower International
Conference in Fiji. The auction was so successful, that $86,975 was raised, with more donations still to be received from the Tyrepower Dealer Network. Tyrepower will donate these funds to the Makogai Primary School, located on an island of approximately 8 square kilometres in the Lomaiviti Group which houses 38 children. The school was severely damaged in the cyclone, with students being left to attend class under only a tarpaulin. The donated funds will assist the Makogai Primary School in rebuilding their classrooms and facilities.

Tyrepower CEO, David Wilson said, “We are extremely touched that our Australasian Dealer Network banded together to raise funds for those in Fiji who have been left with very little following the devastating natural disaster in February.”

The big dry that has engulfed all of Australia seems to be coming to an end for Forbes and surrounds, with around 80mm of rain falling during the last two weekends. It comes after the Bureau of Meteorology officially announced there was a 50% chance of a La Nina weather pattern forming later this year, and in what is great news for local farmers, current weather models suggest the next three months will be wetter than usual. Temperatures should also remain above average. La Nina is basically the opposite of El Nino- the weather pattern that has brought Australia bone-dry conditions over the last six months.

Bureau of Meteorology climatologist Agatha Turkey said much rain had fallen right across the Central West region. “For the most part April was a very dry month, but it finished off with some good rainfall right at the end,” she said. “We’ve already seen good rainfall so far this month as well, and the further west you go, some areas have already received their May average rainfall.” “It’s been a good start to the month, especially on the back of a dry February, March and April, and the couple of months preceding those.”

It has still been a drier than average start to the year for Forbes, with 25 days of recorded rainfall seeing 178.2mm fall, compared with the historical average of 185.2mm to May.

But with the tropical Pacific Ocean currently transitioning from warmer waters to cooler waters, Ms Turkey said El Nino was on its way out, and that neutral conditions or La Nina would follow in the second half of the year.

“The Indian Ocean is still quite warm, so this could bring some good falls for local farmers across winter,” she said.
By Joshua Matic

The Forbes Dragon Boat Club held their Business House Challenge last Sunday. Members from Parkes, Forbes and surrounds enjoyed the great weather by the lake. Four local businesses participated, which involved being coached in the skills of dragon-boat paddling, culminating in racing each other for the championship trophy. The four teams, Rabobank, Forbes Shire Council, Crowe Horwath and Saint Laurence’s made extreme efforts – with Rabobank proudly holding up the prized cup at the end of the day, whilst generously donating back the monetary prize.
“It was wonderful to see how the camaraderie built up among our staff at the Shire Council in the lead up to the day,” said Michelle Quigley, whose team arrived at the challenge garbed impressively in bright dragon-backed team shirts.
The smooth running of the day was thanks to the skills of Wendy Green and her subcommittee, including Chris Sweeney who did a brilliant job as MC, co-ordinating the day to run without a hitch. The day showcased the community spirit of the Forbes Lachlan Dragons along with their partners and associates as they banded together to play their roles of paddlers, officials or breakfast chefs.
By Beth Thomas

Forbes Youth Week 2016 kicked off on Wednesday May 4 with a Super Mega Fun Day held at Forbes High School. The council initiative is a recognition of our youth, and the contribution they make to the community. As the name suggests, Super Mega Fun Day is all about fun, and plenty of it was happening at Forbes High School. The Forbes Shire Council provided a range of activities for the students, as well as a sausage sizzle.

Clarissa Stewart, the Forbes Shire Council’s Youth Development Assistant, and Blake Nicholson, the Forbes Shire Council’s Community Relations Officer cooked up 700 sausages to serve to the hungry students. School Principal, Charles Dwyer, explained “the idea of the games is to get the kids interacting together, and the awards, on Thursday 5, are to recognise achievement across various categories, not just for Forbes High School, but across the town”.

The Mega Fun Day is all about inclusion, and students enjoyed the social time with not only their peers, but also the staff. An officer from Forbes Police turned up to support the Mega Fun Day, remarking that it was a positive event for youth week, and a good time to interact and get to know the kids. Students enjoyed the police presence and had many questions.

A representative from Forbes Shire Council attended the day to talk to interested students about the new rubbish bin collection system in Forbes. He gave away water bottles and keyrings, and was available to answer questions.

The activities were popular, with mechanical bull riding, inflated glove wrestling, sumo suit wrestling, and others. The mechanical bull proved to be a real challenge throwing students off at varied time intervals onto the inflatable bull pit. Students were having a ball, enjoying the sunshine, sausages and activities.

Community groups and charities in Forbes are being asked to make themselves known to the local Westpac branch, as it looks to find the right organisation to give $500 to.

The ‘Community Cash’ project was undertaken by the banking giant to celebrate its 200th birthday a year early. Each branch across regional NSW will be giving away $500 to community groups and charities that write to them to express interest in claiming the cash. A group of local staff from each regional branch will take each expression of interest in to consideration, and determine which organisation would benefit the most with the money.

With the Forbes branch of Westpac looking to determine a winner in Forbes at the end of next week, local organisations are being encouraged to get their expressions of interest in as soon as possible. These should included details about the organisation, what they do, and why they need the money.

Forbes branch Manager Shannon Crowley, the person organisations need to email, said the project was a great concept, as it was local people who decided the winner of the money. “These expressions of interest are not going to be sent off to Sydney or anywhere else. They’ll be judged by staff at our branch, who are locals, and who have a good idea of how this money could be best used,” he said.

In a statement, Westpac said: “The oldest bank and company in Australia turns 200 next year, and they are giving away cash through local branches to celebrate. Westpac Bank completes the milestone in April next year and has decided to help out a local Forbes charity or not-for-profit community group.”

Email Shannon on shcrowley@westpac.com.au or if you have any questions call him on 68501554.

The second annual Mother’s Day walk will be held this Sunday at Lake Forbes, and will be raising money for the Breast Cancer Support Group. The walk, which raised around $2000 in it’s first year in Forbes last year, will start at Lions Park, and make its way around Lake Forbes along a 4km route.

With 71 walkers participating in the annual event last year, Forbes Breast Cancer Support Group Coordinator Yvonne Shaw said it was hoped a similar number would walk again this year. “It’s a great walk for a great cause, and
all proceeds go towards the Breast Cancer Support Group,” she said.

“Everyone who participates will also receive a medallion for their efforts. Besides the walk, on the day, we will also have a raffle, and prizes will be on offer for the best dressed couple and the best dressed boy and girl.”

While pre-registration online ended on Wednesday night, people can still register for the walk on the day, with adult entry fees selling for $25, while children and concession can participate for $15. Family passes are also available. The event will start at 9am.

The Forbes Phoenix would like to congratulate Melanie Suitor, Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer for the Parkes, Forbes & Lachlan Shire Councils, on the recent birth of her baby girl! Felicity Jane McKenzie born the morning of April 27, weighing 7lb. “Mum and Bub are doing well,” Mrs Suitor said. We wish Melanie and Felicity all the best, and look forward to welcoming Melanie back after her maternity leave!