Over 150 people went through the doors of the Forbes Services Memorial Club on Friday night to help local band House of Tribes celebrate the launch of their debut album, Paint It Red at an all-ages event.

After nine-months plugging away with lyrics, chords and falsettos, the group’s hard work finally accumulated in excitement and accomplishment with the sale of many copies of the album. “There were heaps of people there we didn’t know,” said Jake. “We were really happy with the support from the town. It was excellent.” “Some friends who I haven’t seen in a long time hit me up on Facebook and told me the CD is really good. I don’t think they were expecting it to be.”

After performances from two local artists, House of Tribes took to the stage and it wasn’t long before the crowd was moving and everyone was having a good time. “It was cool, like an actual big live concert,” Jake said. “I wanted to keep going! I was so hyped up I couldn’t sleep afterwards.” “I was feeling so happy that we had just done this,” said Paige. “The turn-out was definitely not expected.”

Teenage siblings Paige and Jake Ellison formed House of Tribes nearly three years ago when Paige wanted to perform at the River Arts Festival, and since then their sound has taken off with performances across the region including Forbes, Young, Orange, Grenfell and Condobolin. “It was weird – we’d been recording this album for 9 months and we’d never seen a hard copy. When you actually have it in your hands, it’s unreal,” said Jake.

House of Tribes would like to thank the community for the support shown. The band will keep performing around the region and will continue working on their second album scheduled for 2016 with a similar but more polished sound.

When a paint group of twenty years decided to get some like-minded people together and form the Forbes Arts Society, they didn’t know what the outcome would look like. It started out as a way to get artists around the area together in one place to share their creative passions and discuss issues that affect the local art world.

A few years ago, art space was very limited in Forbes, and the Forbes Arts Society decided to act. Since securing the empty shop on the corner of Lachlan and Templar Streets as the Platypus Gallery two years ago, this not-for profit group have held many successful exhibitions. Members’ works are exhibited in the Platypus Gallery and from time to time there are exhibitions from visiting artists, particularly during October.

Artists from all over the Central West have exhibited their art in the Platypus Gallery, including towns like Grenfell, Orange, Parkes and of course Forbes, as well as artworks from the Blue Mountains. A wide range of mediums are on display such as oil, acrylic and watercolour paintings, drawings, photography, pastel works, basket weaving and woodwork.

The subjects and themes are relatable to country life with landscapes of regional areas, native birds, Forbes inspired pieces and miniatures. “It’s been very successful in the sense that a lot of tourists come through the middle of town and travellers call in to the gallery,” said Klara Ward, Secretary of the Forbes Arts Society. “It’s very important to bring other artists into the area.”

“The Forbes Shire Council have played a big part in helping keep the gallery alive, as well as the generosity of Mrs Kennard who owns the building.” “The gallery brings the community together. They can use it as a hobby, but emerging artists and professional artists can use it too,” said Kathryn Lewis.

A public open day will be held on Saturday 10 October to allow the community to preview the new Forbes Hospital building, with scheduled tours to be carried out from 10am to 2pm. The new hospital building is part of a $40.9
million redevelopment and an open day will give the community a unique opportunity to look inside the contemporary and spacious new building before the staff and patients move in.

Member for Orange Andrew Gee is looking forward to sharing the experience with the people of Forbes. “I can’t wait for our new hospital to be inspected by the Lachlan community,” Mr Gee said. “I think there will be a lot of people in the community wanting to see this new facility.” “I’d like to thank everyone involved during the planning and construction period – it’s because of their hard work we’re at this stage of the project.”

Scheduled for completion in early 2016, the new building at Forbes Hospital will include an emergency department, an inpatient unit, birthing suites for maternity services and clinical support services, including medical imaging. When the hospital moves to its new building, refurbishment of the existing areas will commence to deliver an increased renal service and an upgraded ambulatory care unit.

The Forbes Spring Races are back on Saturday 10 October and it’s looking to be a sensational family day out. This year get into the spirit and get out your best outfits for Fashions on the Field! Categories include Most Elegant, Cutting Edge, Tiny Tots, Junior and Best Dressed Gent. Full TAB and Tote facilities will be available on course as well as plenty of entertainment to enjoy. There will also be food and a full bar in operation.

The gates will open at 11am with a huge prize pool of cash and prizes to be won on the day. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for pensioners. Kids under 12 can get in for free. Marquee and tent sites will be available so why not get a group of friends together and bring your own food to enjoy? There is no BYO alcohol allowed, but a bar will be in close proximity.

For the latest information on everything happening at this year’s Forbes Spring Races, follow the event’s Facebook Page.

His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d), Governor of New South Wales has announced that he and his wife will visit both Forbes and Parkes in November. “Linda and I are very much looking forward to meeting the people of Forbes and Parkes over the three days,” Governor Hurley said.

Governor Hurley has consistently demonstrated a keen interest in engaging with communities across New South Wales since becoming Governor in October 2014. Together with Mrs Hurley, they have visited Eden, Boggabilla, Balranald, Broken Hill and Bourke with countless towns and villages in between. This will be their first trip to Parkes
and Forbes since taking up residence at Government House Sydney.

“There is nothing more heartening than meeting the people of this great state and seeing first hand, and in their own backyard, not only their achievements and successes, but also the challenges that they face on a daily basis,” Governor Hurley said. “Heading into the geographical heart of New South Wales is certain to be a real highlight for us both.”

Since being sworn into the position, Governor Hurley has continued to pursue a number of priority areas such as youth engagement, regional and rural growth, innovation, industry, trade and investment, inclusiveness and diversity, and service to state and community. Governor Hurley maintains a particular interest in mental health and homelessness while also focusing on advances in science, maths and engineering, as well as Indigenous leadership opportunities.

Both the Governor and Mrs Hurley share a deep passion for schools, music and singing, while Mrs Hurley also enjoys interacting with aged care and women’s associations. The Governor will visit Forbes and Parkes over three days from 17 to 19 November. The final Vice Regal program will be released closer to the date.

Locally owned and operated, McCarron Cullinane Chudleigh (MCC Forbes) is now in its third year of operation. What started out as a stock and station business is now trading in rural and residential property and property management making them the only full agency in Forbes that caters for both livestock and property.

Adam Chudleigh is the Director and a licensed stock and station agent with over ten years of experience. He enjoys working with clients to get the most out of their livestock and prides himself on the range of options he utilises in markets. Adam is an accredited Auction Plus assessor. Contact him on 0459 533 166.

Hugh Dobell is a Livestock Sales Agent and accredited Auction Plus assessor. Hugh is a local Forbes agent and has been working with MCC Forbes for over two years. He has extensive knowledge in the farming industry and in Forbes farming practically. Hugh is a young and keen agent who goes the extra mile to achieve fantastic results for his clients. Contact him on 0416 006 523.

Bec Welsh is the Property Manager with over 3.5 years of experience in rental management. She is passionate about property management and is focused on achieving the best outcome for both landlords and tenants, understanding that good management is key to keeping your investment safe. Contact her on 6851 4777.

Tara Kelly is the property sales specialist with over ten years of experience in the real estate industry. She values the importance of dealing in property and specialises in matching the right property to the right person. Tara prides herself on her unique marketing campaigns. Contact her on 0438 814 777.

Trilby Crowley is the Office Coordinator and has only recently joined the MCC team. Trilby enjoys working with this energetic team and looks forward to meeting the MCC clients. Kimberly Chudleigh is the Director and Accountant who has enjoyed the speed that the livestock and property industry offer. Kimberly loves working alongside a team of devoted agents.

If you’re looking for somewhere to eat and sleep in luxury, Hermitage Hill is Wellington’s premier country retreat, restaurant and function centre. Once the Wellington District Hospital, this heritage property has undergone a substantial renovation, while retaining its unique period charm.

Visitors are invited to enjoy modern cuisine in the fully-licensed restaurant, or take a stroll around the stately grounds. Overnight guests will enjoy the relaxation of taking a break in a true country retreat. Hermitage Hill owners Nigel and Lynette Logue said the hotel’s charm, combined with excellent service, made it popular with return visitors.

“Guests enjoy nothing better than waking to the sounds of birds, enjoying a leisurely breakfast in our popular restaurant, and enjoying the charms of our town of Wellington,” Nigel said.

The Guest House has 13 individual suites which have been beautifully renovated and features air conditioning, a large guest lounge, swimming pool access and stunning views. Hermitage Hill also welcome weddings, functions and group bookings – the perfect place to host a special event. Contact Nigel and Lynette Logue on 6845 4469 for more details.

Catherine Maloney is on a mission for her son and for disabled kids everywhere. Working alongside Wheelchair Sports NSW, she wants to build a sporting and play lifestyle for disabled children in Forbes to help create a sense of achievement and belonging.

“There are many children with disabilities here, but no one ever sees them,” says Catherine whose son Logan was left with a range of physical disabilities after a fall at two and a half years. “These children need exercise and a place where they can form a social network, selfesteem and form who they are through play. They develop their social awareness through play at a young age and if they don’t get the opportunity, there can be many repercussions
in their behaviour and how they turn out in their adult life.”

Catherine says the program doesn’t have to be competitive, it’s meant to be a hit and a giggle; kids having some casual fun with sports like fencing, basketball, rugby and tennis. There is also the possibility of lining up coaches and para-Olympians to mentor and buddy the children.

She envisions an inclusive environment where kids don’t have to be wheelchair bound and participants can be both physically or mentally disabled. “I want to help them feel like they’ve achieved something, rather than just watching
the other kids,” she says. “A lot of them spend so much time in hospital which is exclusive and when they’re at home, they need to be included. Their home time should be a happy time.”

If you would like to help Catherine make this dream a reality, head down to Forbes Services Memorial Club on Wednesday 30 September between 12pm-2pm to discuss the development of sporting opportunities for individuals with a disability within the Forbes area. Sports coaches are also encouraged to take an interest and turn up to the meeting.