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Forbes Wins Stand Alone Submission

January 14, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Shire Council will continue to stand alone after the announcement made on the 18th December by Local Government Minister Paul Toole and NSW Premier Mike Baird. Minister Toole announced that the 152 councils in NSW will be reduced to 112, with the number of regional councils cut back from 109 to 87.

Forbes Shire Council now has the opportunity to revise and resubmit its Fit for the Future proposal in 2016 to be reassessed and declared fit. Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said this was the best news Council could have hoped for.
“We’re really excited about the opportunity to continue to represent our community as a stand alone council,” Mayor Miller said. Mayor Miller said the merger proposals announced this morning will go forward to the Chief Executive of Local Government who will conduct public inquiries and then refer their recommendations on to the Boundaries Commission for final determination.

“Our neighbouring councils, Orange, Blayney and Cabonne, have been forced to merge together,” she said. “Our next step is to have meetings with the Mayor of Cabonne and the Mayor of Orange and then meet with the community of Eugowra to get their views on whether they would like us to lobby for a boundary change to enter into Forbes Shire Council.”

“As Forbes Shire Council was declared not fit due scale and capacity, because of population, Council will now be able to resubmit our proposal in 2016.”

Mayor Miller said due to the boundary review process the Local Government elections scheduled for September 2016 will now be pushed back until March 2017. “The result from this announcement is a load off our shoulders not only for Councillors but also for Council staff and the community,” Mayor Miller said. “It has been a very stressful time and for us not to be facing forced amalgamations, with the opportunity to be declared fit, is a testament to us as councillors that we are doing a good job for our community.”

Mayor Miller said, “We can now go forward with our four year delivery plan and of course economic development and job creation is at the top of our list. This means that all of our energy can be focussed on something positive rather than submissions which were taking up a lot of our time.”

First Online Auction for Regional Australia Rural Real Estate

January 14, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

To wrap up the end of 2015, Ray White Rural Forbes held an auction at the Forbes Services Memorial Club on the 16th December 2015. There were two attractive rural properties going up for auction on the day and this ensured that there was a great crowd in attendance. This auction created a number of firsts for the group at Ray White Rural, as it was the first online auction conducted in regional Australia by the Ray White group.

The results have been impressive as this online auction enabled prospective buyers and bidders to log onto their computers, smart phones and ipads to participate in the auction, or to simply view the proceedings online. Buyers can now bid from the comfort of their own home, and indeed, buyers from around the world are able to be involved. “Tingarra” Forbes sold under the hammer with a very happy vendor and a successful purchaser.

At the moment “Sunnyside” Grenfell, which was passed in on the day, is open for further negotiation. It was a great experience for the team at Ray White Rural Forbes and something that they will be involved in in the future as they take more properties to auction. Ian Simpson, Director said, “ he was pleased with the results on the day and added that he can see the online auctions becoming a regular feature of property sales in the future.”

Local Dentists Join Forbes Family in Expansion of Practice

January 14, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Family Dentists would like to officially welcome Dr Peter Thompson and Caitlin Herbert to their team.
Peter and Cailtin will join head dentist and practice owner Dr Danny Demosthenous as brand new additions to the team, expanding the practice to two dentists and one therapist. Pete studied a Bachelor of Dental Surgery
at Charles Sturt University in Orange and is happy to be staying in the Central West.

Pete practices in all areas of family dentistry and is really looking forward to getting to know everyone in Forbes.
“It’s a great town, and a great practice – I’m really looking forward to it,” he said. Caitlin studied a Bachelor of Oral Health at Charles Sturt University in Wagga. Born and raised in Eugowra, she is happy to be able to stay in the region and is really excited to start treating children and teens in and around the Forbes Shire.

Caitlin’s expertise will focus on helping children and the community understand the importance of regular dental care, healthy eating and good oral hygiene. Caitlin will be working closely with Dr Sandra Buchler, who comes to Forbes from Westmead Children’s Hospital one Friday a month. Dr Danny and the rest of the team are excited to have Pete and Caitlin on board. “They’re both lovely people. It’s traditionally been hard to attract dental professionals to regional areas, so we’re very lucky to have two locals who are happy to stay on and work in Forbes long term”.

The Forbes Family Dentists offer a wide range of dental procedures. They accept the Child Dental Benefits Schedule and Department of Veterans Affairs and they have a New Patient Promotion for only $199, This appointment includes:
• Detailed examination
• 2 bitewing x-rays
• Panoramic x-ray
• Scale and clean
• Fluoride treatment
• Comprehensive consultation
Call their surgery today to book your appointment 6851 5505 or head on over to their Facebook page and give them a LIKE to keep up to date with news and promotions.

Picnic Races Return to Orange

January 14, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Orange Picnic Races are holding their Annual Summer Race Meeting this Saturday January 16. This is a fantastic family day out at Towac Park with plenty of entertainment for everyone. From 12pm gates open and $7 from
each entry fee will be donated to Give me Five for Kids.

On course will be free kids rides and entertainment throughout the day. The day will feature a six race programme with full bar and betting facilities, with the first race getting underway at approximately 1pm. Fashions on the Field will also be a highlight of the day for the ladies and some gents with categories including best dressed lady, best millinery, best dressed gent and best dressed boy and girl with some fabulous prizes to win.

There will be fine local food stalls on course but if you are looking for a more private setting there are marquee options available on the website from packages through to hiring your own for the day.

Also available on the website are Family Hamper Packages which are made fresh and locally to order so check them out at www.racingorange.com.au.

Fundraiser for Rural Fire Service

January 14, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Once again, Bunnings will be raising much needed funds for local volunteer fire brigades and emergency services through their annual Aussie Day Weekend Fundraiser BBQ, held at all stores on Saturday 23 January 2016.

Forbes residents are invited to celebrate Australia Day and support the Rural Fire Service (RFS) by heading down to Bunnings Forbes between 9am-4pm, to buy a snag or make a donation. Team members will be running sausage sizzles with support from fire brigade volunteers, with every cent raised going directly to support the RFS. NSW Rural Fire Service, Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons, said he is thrilled that Bunnings is continuing to support local volunteer fire brigades and emergency services through this great initiative.

“Every day our 74,000 members are working to help protect the community from bush fires, and this Australia Day will be no different. I’d like to thank Bunnings and their customers for supporting our volunteers in their important work. “As summer continues, I urge everyone to be prepared for fires. It is not only important for everyone who lives in a bush fire prone area to prepare their home, but also to have a discussion with their family about what they do if a bush fire took hold near you,” said Shane.

Bunnings Forbes Store Manager, John Ilchef, said the Aussie Day Weekend Fundraiser BBQ is a terrific way for team members and all Australians to show their appreciation for the wonderful work done by local volunteer fire brigades and emergency services. “The team is really excited to get behind the barbecue to help raise vital funds for our local RFS,” said John. Family activities, fun games and entertainment will also be held throughout the day.

Stork News

January 14, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Stork News: Congratulations to Melissa and Stephen West of Forbes on the birth of their daughter Madison West. Madison was born on 17 December 2015 weighing 3.67kg. Grandparents are Neil and Leanne Parslow, and Graham and Cynthia West of Forbes. Great Grandparents are Patricia Splite, June West and Olga Tilley of Forbes.

Forbes Cinema Proves Popular With Locals

January 14, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Since opening on Boxing Day, the new Cinema located in the Forbes Services Memorial Club, has been a popular attraction for members and guests. The Cinema was a collective idea instigated by club manager, David Fitzgerald and the Board or Directors. Their vision was to fill a void which they saw in the town and provide a great source of entertainment for the community to enjoy.

The cinema seats 37 at present and many of the sessions have been a sell out since its opening, especially popular movies such as The Good Dinosaur and The Dressmaker. Alvin and the Chipmunks commences its season this week and is sure to be popular with families. The club is offering six sessions per day with movies commencing at 11.00am daily. Movie reviews, program and timetables are available from the club or via the Forbes Services Memorial Club Facebook page.

Tickets are $12 for members and $16.50 for non-members and there are great family deals available as well. Due to the cinema being in a licenced premises all children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Tickets are available for purchase 1 hour before screening time and bookings are not yet available but staff are working towards an online booking system which will be operational in the near future. Food and beverages, purchased in the club can be taken into the cinema but alcohol is not permitted at G or PG rated movies.

Australia Day Celebrations

January 14, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Australia Day is fast approaching and plans are almost finalised. Council is accepting nominations for Citizen of the Year and Junior Citizen of the Year. Australia Day festivities start at 7am with the traditional Rotary Breakfast at Apex Park. The Diggers Family Swim commences at 11am at Forbes Town Pool. The afternoon program begins at 4pm at Colin McKenzie Park. Included in the activities is the CWA Damper Competition, the Ben Hall Gift and
the official ceremony with the announcement of the Citizen of the Year awards.

Red Bend Has Much to Celebrate

December 17, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

The Red Bend Catholic College HSC class of 2015 has much to celebrate as they have achieved exceptional results. The College community is once again extremely proud of its students and their achievement in this rigorous and highly regarded examination. Twelve students have been recognised as Distinguished Achievers as they achieved
22 Band 6s across 14 separate courses. A band 6 is equivalent to a mark in a course that is above 90.

Fifty two students achieved Band 5s across 27 courses. In total, the cohort received 150 Band 5s which is equivalent to a mark between 80 and 90. This is, of itself, an exceptional outcome. Another indicator of very solid performance was the number of Band 4’s: 165 Band 4’s across 27 subjects. A Band 4 is a mark of 70 or above. In addition to these results one student has been recognised for her excellent HSC Major work. Quinn Anderson was nominated for Encore which showcases the top individual Music performances.

The 2015 excellent HSC results reflect the determination, perseverance and commitment of the students, and the dedication and commitment of the teachers and other staff that taught and supported them.

IPART is a Joke!

December 17, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller is disgruntled at the recently released Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) rate peg limit for 2016/17 at 1.8%. “IPART is a joke,” Mayor Miller said. “The tribunal is as independent of the State Government as I am of Forbes Shire Council.”

“IPART has determined Council’s rate peg limit for 2016/17 at 1.8%. We have been a responsible Council and have not asked to go above the rate peg previously but maybe this is the straw that broke the camel’s back. “We have already commenced budgets for next year based on the 2015/16 rate peg of 2.4%.

“Local Government state-wide wage costs are 41.8% of the revenue. The award has been negotiated for three years at an increase of 2.4% per annum. “To put the icing on the cake, Rural Fire Service (RFS) contributions come out this
week and have increased by 3.28%. This alone puts us behind 2.2%. “IPART also needs to let Local Government get on with getting the job done for our communities,” she said.

“We are the level of government that has the biggest bang for our buck and it’s about time governments of all persuasions acknowledge it.”

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