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Forbes Phoenix

Rural Schools Encouraged To Apply

August 29, 2024 by Roxane Manley

The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW Youth Group are calling for applications for the 2025 All Roads to the Royal program, offering one lucky school a once-in-a-life­time opportunity to gain practical skills and knowledge through an all-expenses-paid, three-day excursion to the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

Open to students from years 7-12, the pro­gram will run from Monday 14th to Thursday 17th April 2025, and provides return trans­port, accommodation and meals for up to forty people, including students, teachers and guardians.

Heather Earney, Agriculture and Science teacher at Trundle Central School in Cen­tral West, NSW, and RAS’ 2024 All Roads to the Royal recipient, said the excursion was a highlight of the year for both students and teachers alike.

“All Roads to the Royal was an incredibly rewarding experience, allowing the students to broaden their horizons and create lasting memories and networks”, Earney said.

“The students are so thankful to have been given this amazing opportunity. They have gained experience and knowledge about the various aspects of the Show. Along with this, students gained an appreciation for the industry and the work that goes into putting such a large-scale event together”.

The All Roads to the Royal program was designed by the RAS Youth Group, with the aim to break down the financial and acces­sibility barriers that prevent many rural stu­dents from attending the Show. The 2025 program will be supported by the RAS Foun­dation, who will contribute up to $25,000 to­wards bus travel, food and expenses.

For further information about the program criteria or to apply, please visit www.rasnsw.com.au/AgriLink/all-roads-to-the-royal/

The NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show Judging Wraps For 2024

August 22, 2024 by Roxane Manley

2024 judges Lisa Bray, Giacomo Solandi, Sabine Duvall, (front) chair of judges Mark Richardson, Jonathon Mattick, Monica Gray, Aaron Mercer, Kasia Sobiesiak, Caitlin Byrne, Jeremy Nascimben, Brendan Kaczorowski, Annabel Holland and Tom Dunstan.

It’s been another successful year for winer­ies across the state, with 585 entries from 99 wineries swirled, sniffed and sipped dur­ing judging for the 2024 NSW Small Win­emakers Wine Show.

The show wrapped up on Wednesday with the final medal count; 50 gold, 74 silver and 202 bronze, with 23 trophies awarded.

Chair of judges, Mark Richardson said the overall quality of wines entered into the 2024 show was impressive.

“It was a strong year, especially for the classics including the chardonnay, shiraz and semillon classes,” Mark said.

“The alternate varieties are also getting better every year and to see such quality in the show is a good thing for the future of NSW winemakers.”

NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show president Mark Watts said it was a very successful show.

“All of the judges commented on the quality of the wines and the efficiency of the show.”

The Public Tasting is on tonight, however the event has sold out and there are no tickets available at the door.

Tickets are still available for the Gour­met Wine Din­ner, which will be held at the Forbes Town Hall to celebrate the trophy win­ners of the show. The dinner will be held on Saturday 21st Sep­tember from 7pm with a four-course meal catered by Eat Your Greens featuring tro­phy winning wines to complement the meal.

Tickets for the event are $130 per person and are available at https://www.123tix.com.au/events/44190/nsw-small-winemakers-wine-show or by calling 0418 237 051.

Snippets…

August 22, 2024 by Roxane Manley

A popular display for the young children on the day.

NSW SES Forbes Unit: A great day out at Bedgerabong Show. The NSW SES Forbes Unit were in good company with neighbours from Central West Police and Mid Lachlan Rural Fire Service. It was a good opportunity to catch up under more relaxed circumstances.

Australian Hotels Association NSW: Last year, you crowned the Bogan Gate Pub the winner of the AHA NSW Awards for Excellence – People’s Choice Award.

It’s time to make your voice heard once again and vote for your favourite pub of 2024! Nominate your local favourite and help them earn the title of the most popu­lar pub in NSW. By nominating, you’ll also have the chance to win one of four $250 Pub & Bar Gift Cards to dine at your local pub. Nominate now at: https://www.survey­monkey.com/r/X73WNW6. Hurry, the com­petition closes at 11:59pm on Friday, 30th August 2024.

Forbes Country Music Club: The Forbes Country Music Club Annual General Meet­ing (AGM) will be held Wednesday 6th No­vember 2024, 7pm at the Forbes Sports and Recreation Club. Nomination forms will be available at upcoming musters on Sunday 8th September and Sunday 6th October, or can be emailed to you. Nomi­nation forms can also be collected from the Secretary Steven Dixon at 19 Prince Street Forbes or can be mailed. All nomination forms must be returned by 5pm Wednes­day 30th October 2024 either to Secretary Steven Dixon or by mail; Forbes Country Music Club Incorporated, PO Box 728 Forbes NSW 2871.

NSW Woman Of The Year: The search is on! Nominations are officially open for the NSW Women of the Year Awards 2025.

We’re looking for ground-breaking think­ers, everyday heroes, social reformers and innovative role models who inspire us all.

Let’s celebrate the incredible and inspiring women in your community by nominating them for one of these categories: Pre­mier’s NSW Woman of Excellence, NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year, NSW Com­munity Hero, NSW Regional Woman of the Year, NSW Young Woman of the Year, Ones to Watch. Nominations are open until 15th September. Recognise their achieve­ments and nominate them now: https://bit.ly/3BibUNc

Trundle Bush Tucker Day: Organisers are super excited to have the current Aus­tralian Ladies Whipcracking Champion, the amazing Emiliqua East, coming to this years Trundle Bush Tucker Day.

Whipcracking demonstrations by Emiliqua East.

Miss Peg’s Final Act Of Kindness

August 22, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Miss Peg will be donating her hair to make a wig for someone in need.

Peg Lynch, affectionately known as ‘Miss Peg’, has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. While she prepares herself spiritu­ally for her final journey, she wants to do one last act of charity. Peg wants to donate her hair, so that it may benefit another and at the same time raise some funds to assist Parkes CanAssist.

Peg, who has been a teacher all her life, earned the name ‘Miss Peg’ during her time at Parkes Early Childhood Centre and as director at Peak Hill, with the little ones she loved dearly.

She has been known for her many acts of charity as a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society at local, regional, central and state levels. During the drought pe­riod, she travelled, with her husband, ‘Mr Peg’, throughout the Diocese of Wilcannia Forbes, offering support and assistance.

Peg is also a foundation member of the Parkes Prostate Cancer Awareness and Support Group.

On Saturday, 31st August, Peg, with the assistance of Janice, from Janice Hair Sa­lon, and Adele from Adele’s Hair Salon, will have her hair cut and donated for the pur­pose making a wig for someone in need.

Please support Peg in her final act of kindness by donating at: https://www.my­cause.com.au/p/351308/pegs-fundraiserfor-can-assist

Forbes Garden Club News

August 22, 2024 by By Elvy Quirk

A magnificent Azalea at 4 Grenfell Street, Forbes.

On 23rd July our Forbes Garden Club held their social meeting at the Forbes Mens Shed with 34 in attendance. The Garden Club has been invited to a Friendship day by the Young Garden Club on 13th October and if you wish to go you should put your name down at the next meeting. Cost of lunch is $60 and it is being held at Clifton Gardens. The cost includes entry to the Gardens. An in­vitation has also been received from Hartley Garden Club who are showcasing an Open Garden and Plant Fair weekend on the 19th and 20th October.

Therese Davis was our guest speaker on the day and gave a very comprehensive report on her life growing up, becoming a teacher, rearing a family and living in circumstances which were a far cry from the standard of living today. Therese has a wide cir­cle of friends having lived in a number of places before retiring in Forbes. Therese is the daughter of a well known family in Forbes – the Cannon family.

The trading table proved popular with oranges, lemons, plants and books for sale. Flower of the month was well patronised, with first prize going to Joyce Morrison with an orchid, second rpize to Max Swift with a pink camellia and third prize to Marie Langfield with a rose. The raffle was won by Joyce Morrison, and second prize went to Margaret Dent.

Our next meeting will be at 22 Koala Place on Tuesday 27th Au­gust, 1.45pm arrival for a 2pm start. Bring a chair, hat and mug and also a flower to participate in Flower of the Month. In the event of inclement weather the venue will change to the Mens shed.

Our guest speaker for August will be Marian Murray, a new mem­ber, who has retired to Forbes from Coonamble.

By Elvy Quirk

$24 Million To Rebuild Flood Affected Central West

August 22, 2024 by Roxane Manley

A total of 21 projects to repair community infrastructure in four se­verely flood impacted Central West NSW Local Government Areas (LGAs) have received assistance thanks to an almost $24 million investment by the Australian and NSW Governments. The Commu­nity Assets Program 2024 ­has supported the Cabonne, Forbes, La­chlan and Parkes Shire Councils to repair, restore and improve the resilience of community infrastructure directly damaged by storms and floods from August and September 2022.

Successful projects across the four councils include the repair of flood damaged parks, showgrounds, footpaths, pools, sporting fields and sport amenities.

More than $8 million being invested in Cabonne Shire Council for projects such as the relocation of the Molong hockey fields and the restoration of Eugowra’s pre-school, Memorial Park and pool.

Forbes is also set to receive over $8 million for projects in the Forbes lake area, including improvements to amenities and upgrad­ed footpaths that will ensure the community can continue to enjoy this much-loved precinct.

For information and a list of successful projects visit: www.nsw.gov.au/communityassetsprogram2024

Be Road Ready For Harvest Field Day

August 22, 2024 by Roxane Manley

The recent “Be Road Ready for Harvest Field Day” held at the Forbes Central West Livestock Exchange was a success with ap­proximately 60 people attending.

Attendees were a mixture of farmers, contract harvesters, trans­port companies, agricultural machinery retailers, government agencies, council staff and relevant associations. The event was supported by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, Transport for NSW, the Grain Transport Safety Network, NSW Police, SafeWork NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW Farmers and the Australian Custom Harvesters Association.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said anecdotal feedback from attendees on the day was very positive.

“Regulations are constantly changing and events like this are im­portant to ensure people are up to date on what’s required before the upcoming harvest period. Thanks to Forbes Machinery Centre, Hutcheon and Pearce, O’Connors, Bob Wythes, Luke Magill and Nina Hooper who were very generous in loaning equipment for the display.”

If you missed the field day, there will be free satellite events:

• Tuesday 27 August: Tottenham War Memorial Hall 7.30am – 10.15am

• Wednesday 28 August: Parkes Show Farmer’s Day 1.30pm – 3.45pm (please note: you will be required to pay the gate admis­sion)

• Thursday 29 August: Wirrinya Community Hall 7.30am – 10.15am

• Friday 30 August: Bogan Gate Memorial Hall 7.30am – 10.15am

Register via link: https://forms.office.com/r/akBJumLfwD

“the Magic Of Reading” Parkes Annual Community Reading Day

August 15, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Children (and adults) enjoying one of the many activities that were held last year for Reading Day.

In line with this year’s book to be featured in the National Book Week, th Paint Parkes REaD committee chose a magical Reading Day.

Excitement among the organising com­mittee continues to grow as news of the wonderful, community-minded, local Tal­ents have once again so readily accepted the invitation to participate.

The committee is delighted to announce the participation of the outstanding storytell­er and decorator, Martina Hribar, courtesy of Penrith Council Library. Martina will oper­ate in the Cooke Park Pavilion. Martina was a major contributor to the 9th National Con­ference held in Parkes last year, providing one of the activities in the main street with her “suitcase fairy tales”, Martina created the most extraordinary display in the audi­torium and foyer at the RSL, much to the delight of the Governor General and Lady Hurley who sat in a small teepee and read.

Another added attraction is that of Pooka the Entertainer from Dubbo who will be per­forming “magic” tricks, referencing reading and its importance. Pooka will be holding shows in an open-sided tent near the astro­naut in the park.

On the 23rd of August, performances will be held in Cooke Park, the pavilion and in Clarinda Street, from Discount Dave’s to the park, the Reading Bug invites you all to come along.

Coordinator, Shonel Redfern from Neigh­bourhood Central, said “It is so gratifying to see our towns commitment to promoting the need to read, sing, talk and rhyme to children from birth.”

Snippets…

August 15, 2024 by Roxane Manley

It was all smiles at Power Tools Plus in Forbes.

Power Tools Plus: Power Tools Plus do­nated a Kincrome cooler and other mer­chandise toward the Forbes Town & Dis­trict Tennis Club Charity Tennis Family Fun Day. Coming up on 22nd September, the event is aimed at raising money for the great folks at Little Wings and Forbes local Leo Doyle. It is sure to be a great event.

Forbes Show: The Forbes Show sched­ule sections are now on the website. Go to: https://www.forbesshow.com/schedules

Looking For A Loyal Companion? The Parkes Shire Animal Shelter have some furry friends looking for a loving home. Bring joy into your home and theirs by adopting today. To view the animals, visit: bit.ly/AnimalsForAdoption

NSW Aboriginal Land Council Scholar­ships: There are four weeks left to apply for the NSWALC Educational Scholarship. NSWALC has committed annually, to two scholarships of $10,000 each, to assist students with funds to help complete their studies and is aimed at NSW Aboriginal undergraduate/graduate degree students, via any mode of delivery, at a tertiary insti­tution. For more information and to apply go to: www.alc.org.au/educational-scholar­ship.

Red Bend Junior Rugby League: A huge congratulations to the Red Bend Catholic College under 14’s Sky League Tag team who have taken out the minor premiership. The first round of finals will be played at Canowindra on Saturday, with all matches to follow on from the 9am game in order as listed. You can get tickets at: https://www.123tix.com.au/events/44991/ldjrlweek-1-canowindra

Parkes Show Society: Don’t miss the jaw dropping entertainment from Airtime FMX at the Parkes Show! All thanks to two major sponsors Evolution Mining North­parkes Operations and McPhersons Parts & Service. Grab your tickets at: https://www.123tix.com.au/events/44177/parkesshow

NSW Reconstruction Authority: If you were impacted by the 2022 floods and were unable to attend a recent Resilient Homes Program Central West information ses­sion, this is your opportunity to have your say on the proposed Program approach. Share your thoughts and feedback about the Resilient Homes Program Central West at: https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/resilient-homes-program-central-west before 11:59pm on Friday 16th August. Eugowra residents can visit 45 Broad Street, Eugowra on Friday 16th August, from 9am to 4pm.

For information on the development of the Resilient Homes Program: www.nsw.gov.au/central-west-recovery

Time Is Running Out To Complete Your Farm Census

August 15, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Time is running out for NSW farmers to re­port their livestock numbers and agricultural land use before the annual land and stock return portal closes on 31 August.

Local Land Services Executive Director Regional Delivery Rob Kelly said around 170,000 land managers were taking part in the 2024 farm census.

“This is the last chance farmers have to lodge returns before the reporting portal closes,” Mr Kelly said.

“Understanding what landholders use their land for also plays a role influencing the fit-for-purpose services we deliver to our NSW farming customers.”

Completing returns is an easy process, with two options available, you can submit returns online via www.lls.nsw.gov.au/aslr or return the paper form via mail or to a Lo­cal Land Services office.

Mr Kelly said it was important all landhold­ers completed their annual land and stock return even if they carried no livestock.

“The Animal Health and Meat Industry Levy is automatically applied to their next rates notice if they fail to complete their re­turn.”

For information visit www.lls.nsw.gov.au/aslr or phone a Local Land Services office on 1300 795 299.

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