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Mayoral Notes

March 28, 2024 by Phyllis Miller, OAM

Can you believe that it’s already Easter?

From everyone here at Forbes Shire Council, I’d like to wish you and your families a happy and safe Easter.

If you’re looking for any ideas of what to do this weekend, why not take advantage of the cooler weather and go camping or fishing along the Lachlan River. You could also drive along our amazing Sculptures Down the

Lachlan trail; pack a picnic lunch and make a day of it with your family or friends. It’s also a great time to take a break at one of our amazing cafes or walk the lake with that coffee in hand!

The long weekend is a busy time on our roads with so many people travelling for their Easter break so please travel safely and don’t forget it is double demerits from Thursday 28 March to Monday 1 April.

Please take care as you travel – we want you to arrive safely, and NSW Police will be out in force to make this a reality. They will be targeting speeding, wearing of motorcycle helmets, seatbelts and mobile phone

offences. I urge you to drive to the conditions especially as there are ongoing works on a number of our

roads as we continue repairing after the 2022 floods. Slow down. Take breaks. Limit distractions in the car.

Don’t mix alcohol or drugs with driving and above all please be patient.

I would also like to take this opportunity to remind everyone about the Central West Flood Recovery

Housing Program survey. This survey is very important for our community as it will provide critical information for this program.

I encourage everyone who was impacted by the floods, no matter how big or small the impact was, to complete this survey before the April 30. It is so important that our community receive much needed and appropriate assistance in flood recovery.

Until next week, God bless. May this Easter bring you lots of joy, happiness and blessings.

Phyllis Miller, OAM – Forbes Mayor

Snippets

March 21, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Letters of Support Needed.

A Town Like Trundle

The following is an important message from Parkes Shire Council Grants Officer Sally Chapman “Parkes Shire Council is working to prepare a large submission under some available flood recovery funding to try and mitigate the flooding of the road into Trundle. One part of the submission is social and another is economic.

If you would be able to call on your friends, family and colleagues to write letters about how being cut off from the flood affected them economically and socially. Photos and videos are also very welcome to build our case. Submissions are due in two weeks, so next week will be perfect if possible, please. Please send to my email sally.chapman@parkes.nsw.gov.au”

Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society

Unfortunatley there is no local outlet selling tickets to Annie.

If you have family or friends that don’t have access to the internet, they can contact the box office manager on 0429 623 829 to reserve tickets. Please note, the box office manager works another job during business hours – please call after 5.30pm or sent a text message. The theatre box office will be open every Sunday from 7th April at 11am – 1.00pm for ticket purchases.

Forbes Family History Group

Do you have any stories or information about the Pioneer Cemetery on Sandhills Road?If so, we’d love to hear from you as we inch towards this very exciting project.

Your private message, email or comment are most welcome.

Many thanks and gratitude to Forbes Shire Council and Forbes Advocate for helping us with this project.

Parkes Shire Council

EAST STREET BRIDGE REPLACEMENT – TRAFFIC UPDATE

Council wishes to advise the access to businesses on Southern East Street is now from the May Street end, this has been temporarily modified due to the ongoing construction of the East Street Bridge.

Council crews are currently working on the southern end of East Street at the intersection of Woodward Street, where it is now closed.

Please plan your routes accordingly and exercise caution at all times

To stay up to date with the project, visit http://bit.ly/49RlcQr

R U OK?Day

Rail R U OK?Day is 18 April 2024.

We all go through life’s ups and downs. Often, the best people to spot the signs someone might be struggling are the people closest to them.

That’s why the R U OK? message is so effective in the workplace. It’s the subtle changes in someone’s behaviour that can indicate they might be going through a difficult time and in need of some extra support.

You can learn more and access the FREE #RailRUOK resources at https://bit.ly/4391jSc

Forbes Shire Council

Did you know? In NSW, the average person wastes $965 of food a year. More than a third of the average rubbish in our bins is wasted food.

– Red: General Waste – Yellow: Recycling – Green: Food and Garden Organics

Love Food Hate Waste NSW’s tips https://www.lovefoodhatewaste.nsw.gov.au/at-home/reduce-your-food-waste

How can you improve food waste in your house hold?.

Bernardis Donate To Forbes Men’s Shed

March 21, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Pictured L-R Forbes Mens Shed Treasurer Tony Thompson, Bernardis owner Tony Bernardi and Forbes Mens Shed President Jim Walklate.

Each year Tony Bernardi (of Bernardis Marketplace in Forbes) gives away $10,000 to local community groups. Customers are given tokens after they make a purchase and they can put their token into one of 3 plastic containers that each represent a different local group or organisation. This happens twice a year and the $10,000 is split amongst those depending upon how many tokens each receive. The winners from the last round of the promotion were the Forbes Mens Shed. Representatives from the Forbes Mens Shed wanted to thank the community for helping them win and also a massive thank you to Tony Bernardi for the donation of $2500.

Jim Walklate, who is the current President of the Forbes Mens Shed, said about Tony Bernardi “Tony is a very big supporter of our Mens Shed, he also comes down each Wednesday and plays cards, we get around 24-30 each Wednesday afternoon who come down for cards which is one of our social get togethers that we enjoy”.

Late last year the Forbes Mens Shed became a registered charity “This year we want to give some money away to help support the local community, this $2500 cheque will certainly help us do that”.

“We would love to have some younger members come along and join us at the Forbes Mens Shed, we have a very aged population now, virtually from the early 70’s to 90’s. Members of any age are welcome, if you have just retired come along have a chat and a cup of coffee. We are coming into firewood season, the boys go out mostly on a Saturday or Sunday, cut it, bring it in, we split it and sell it. We do repairs for people also, which is why we need more carpenters to come and join us” said Jim. So, if you’re in Forbes and looking for a supportive environment where you can tinker, create, and connect, consider paying a visit to the Forbes Community Men’s Shed. It’s more than just a shed—it’s a home away from home for many. Also check out our wide range of second hand tools & furniture at the Forbes Mens Shed.

Don’t Disconnect The Bush

March 21, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Farmers have called for the Federal Government to take urgent action to ensure phone companies don’t leave thousands of farmers without mobile coverage as the 3G shutdown looms.

Large parts of NSW have limited or no mobile phone reception, and many regions rely on 3G networks to communicate, especially during emergency situations.

NSW Farmers Rural Affairs Committee Chair Deb Charlton said shutdown of Telstra’s 3G service on 30 June – as well as Optus’ 3G closure in September – would spell disaster for many farmers who often work alone and a long way from help.

“As providers push ahead with this 3G network shutdown, there’s no doubt there will be farmers who run into trouble or have an accident, and will be unable to call for help,” Mrs Charlton said.

“Even with the 3G network in place, there are hundreds of horror stories of accidents occurring on farms or on isolated country roads, where people have not had the mobile coverage they need to contact emergency services for lifesaving help.

“We have absolutely no confidence that 4G coverage will be available when the 3G network is switched off, and we will only see more of these tragic situations as a result.”

“The farmers who grow the nation’s food and fibre should not be forced into using expensive satellite phones or have to resort back to pre-war radio connections as their only link to the outside world.

“Connectivity is a critical tool, and in many cases, it’s been the difference between life and death when an accident has occurred in these rural communities.”

Five Days Of Double Demerits For Easter

March 21, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Just two of the Highway Patrol Officers that will be keeping our roads safe over Easter are Sergeant Cornish (Parkes) and Acting Sergeant Mooney (Bathurst).

Double demerit points will apply on NSW roads from Thursday 28 March until Monday 1 April 2024 as Police encourage road users to look out for each other over the Easter break.

During these five days, double demerit points will apply for all speeding, seatbelt, motorcycle helmet and mobile phone offences.

Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Adam Cornish has indicated that Police will also be targeting other high-risk behaviour including drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving. “We are expecting roads to be busy with people travelling across NSW for the long weekend. Our message is to be patient, obey the road rules and drive to conditions. We want everyone to reach their destination safely and to enjoy the Easter break without tragedy.

“I ask all drivers to play their part in reducing crashes and risks. Remember to slow down, schedule plenty of breaks, limit distractions in the car, don’t mix alcohol or drugs with driving and ensure you and all your passengers are wearing seatbelts” Sergeant Cornish said.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, says that Police enforcement figures show that double demerit points do deter motorists from speeding when roads are at their busiest. “Drivers are reminded that mobile phone detection cameras will be active over the Easter break to catch people illegally using their phone whilst driving. Drivers will accrue 10 demerit points for all licence classes during the double demerit long weekend and also receive a fine” Ms Suitor said.

Parkes are you Ready to Rumble

March 14, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Tommy’s Backyard Boxing Gym are featuring 12 fighters this Saturday’s Fight Night .

Local legend Tommy Ward has run his Backyard Boxing Gym in Parkes for many years. In fact it was 15 years ago this Easter, when Tommy was nominated to be the recipient of a brand new shed to house his Gym through a tv show called Random Acts of Kindness, he was nominated by Peak Hill Residents Nerida and Lucy Gavin who use to travel in from Peak Hill to bring foster kids to be trained by Tommy.

This Saturday night, 16th of March, MAYHEM Fight Series Presents Boxing at Parkes Leagues Club. Doors open at 4pm and the first fight is at 5pm. There are 19 fights scheduled and 12 of those fights will feature local boxers from Tommy Wards Backyard Boxing Gym. We chatted to a few of Tommys fighters. Brad Moss, who is featuring in the main event at the end of the evening, had his last fight 10 years ago when he was around 17, he has been busy with work and life commitments but has decided to jump in the ring for “One last Hoorah” Brad wants to encourage everyone to come along “Its a great experience, a great night, come along a support these young fullas having a go”. Montana Walker, who is originally from Cowra and previously dabbled in Karate and Muay Thai, has been living in Parkes for 2 years now and training with Tommy since August 2023, she said about training at Tommys “Just a good bunch who are great to train with”. Young Riley Pizzi is gearing up for his third fight, after fighting at the recent Dubbo and Parkes Fight nights and winning both his fights, he is looking to continue his winning streak. We asked him what got him into boxing “I’ve always liked watching action movies and loved the fight scenes, I’ve been asking mum and dad for years to do boxing and they finally agreed” said Riley.

Ladies and gentlemen Tommy Ward would like to take this time to introduce you to all of the boys and Girls that are taking part in this Saturday nights mayhem fight at the Parkes leagues it’s a night you won’t wanna miss out on

Introducing…

Riley Fernando, Oliver Hayes, Riley Pizzi, Hunter White-Crawford, Montana Walker, Jordan Shahid, Jesse Shorter, Jashper Caneta, Zane white-Crawford, Linkin Anderson, Jayden Monaghan-Mclean, Bradley Moss

Unfortunately with unexpected circumstances shelly Nic Tietnan won’t be fighting in this Saturday fight night shelly will still be there supporting her shed team mates with their fights. If you are looking to buy a ticket or a VIP ticket for yourself or family and friends look no further. Head on over and get them before they are sold out you won’t want to miss out. Everyone is encouraged to come along on Saturday night and support this fantastic event so we can secure more fight nights in the future.

Tickets are available through 123tix or at the door

Brad Moss

Jasper Caneta.

Montana Walker.

Riley Pizzi.

Snippets

March 14, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Tickets available from Shire council offices.

Forbes Seniors Variety Concert

The New South Wales Seniors Festival 2024 concludes on Sunday 24th March with the Seniors Variety concert in Forbes Town hall commencing at 2.00pm. Performances by Tapestry – Acapella ensemble, James Whalan – Tenor, Kimberly Ryan – Soprano, Muriel Lancaster – organist and Forbes U3A Singers led by Elaine Huckel. M C will be Alison Lockhart. The entry donation is directed to GIVIT a Forbes Shire council administered organisation to benefit those suffering from natural disasters in the community. The afternoon tea is not to be missed.

Parkes Shire Council

Don’t forget to take part in NetWaste’s Community Waste Survey, and help us to better understand community knowledge of and satisfaction with Council’s waste services and facilities.

The survey will close this Friday 15 March, and can be found here: surveymonkey.com/r/PLF6RVL

For more information, visit bit.ly/4bT63Q0

Beyond Blue

Despite it’s importance to our physical and mental health, less than half of the people in Australia feel a strong sense of belonging.

Journaling is a mindful, judgement-free activity where you can unpack your thoughts, feelings and behaviours. We’ve developed five journal prompts for you to explore your own sense of belonging! So get writing

Parkes Shire Council

NOTICE OF WORKS

Council wishes to advise works are being undertaken at Burrawang Park Bogan Gate from 12 March to the 28 March 2024.

NSW Government

Starting from this month NSW residents with an overseas driver licence must convert to an NSW Driver Licence if you’re planning to stay on our roads. Changes include:

– If you arrived before 1 Jul 2023, you have until 1 Mar 2025 to get an NSW Driver Licence

– If you arrived after 1 Jul 2023, you have 6 months to get an NSW Driver Licence.

More info here bit.ly/ServiceNSWOverseasLicence

AWN Parkes

Tuesday sheep sale results:

Tuesdays sheep and lamb market saw most of the usual buyers present and competing. A smaller yarding of 18,000 was recorded with mixed quality presented. In comparison to last weeks sale trade weight lambs were up to $5 easier alongside heavies and extra heavies following a similar trend. Light lambs saw slightly dearer trends in comparison to last weeks sale. The mutton job held firm with numbers similar to last week.

For a full detailed market report feel free to contact one of our experienced livestock agents.

Forbes Shire Council

Survey extended!

Have you been impacted by the floods? Complete the survey now to share your thoughts on the housing program that is part of the $100 million Central West Recovery and Resilience package, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments.

https://www.nsw.gov.au/central-west-recovery

Hard copies are available at Council or by calling 133 003 227

Surveys Have Been Extended to Tuesday 2 April. For assistance, chat with our Community Recovery Officers at Town Hall.

Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society

We will be at Homegrown this weekend at 10.30 on the big stage! Come along to see everything home grown…including us

This Saturday in Cooke Park from 10.30am.

Forbes Oldest Service Club In Crisis

March 14, 2024 by Roxane Manley

The Rotary Club of Forbes needs your support.

The town’s longest serving services club, The Rotary Club of Forbes is in danger of folding up as a service club. The main cause is a decline in membership due mainly in the inability to attract new members to an organisation that is comprised mainly of senior citizens.

Chris Finkel, president since 2021 informed this paper that not one of the club’s existing twelve members was prepared to relieve him of the club’s presidency for the incoming Rotary year of 2024/25.

“I’d like to continue on as a member of the Forbes club” stated Chris.

“However, even now, I’m a generation behind Australia’s baby boomers and we need people from generations X and Y with new ideas to ensure that Forbes

Rotary survives as an active service club in this town in the years ahead.

This past year through fundraising events mainly through our catering van sales, Bunnings sausage sizzles and other events we’ve been able to provide over $20,000 in assistance to the not so fortunate locally, nationally and

internationally.

In addition, in a combined effort with our sister club, Forbes Ipomoea Rotary we’ve been able to provide $40,000 in $200 gift cards which have been handed out to the Forbes and Eugowra November 2022 Flood victims through the offices of the Forbes Rural Financial Counselling Service, the Uniting Church and Catholic Care” Chris concluded.

A special meeting will be held in the Forbes Sport and Recreation Club at 6.15pm on Tuesday 19th March 2024 with past members, Friends of Rotary and current members to discuss the future direction of the Forbes Rotary Club.

All other interested parties and would be members are also requested to attend.

A list has been compiled of potential residents and a letter will be mailed out to them.

There’s Always More To Do

March 14, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Parkes High School Principal Sandra Carter was in attendance with students Jessica Townsville (Captain) and Kelsey Mann (Vice Captain)

Two hundred very happy people recently attended and enjoyed Parkes Que Club’s International Women’s Day celebration at the Services Club where they took time to both consider the advances in women’s rights as well as how much more still needs to be done.

There were four tables set up with local arts, crafts and products that everyone could see and purchase if they wished, and there was two excellent guest speakers to tell us about their careers and dispel the notion that you have to be educated in the city to be successful.

Tracy Hambridge grew up in Parkes, then went to Uni and became a dietitian. Tracy now leads a team of 12 women at Food Standards Australia and New Zealand which sets food standards and keeps the food supply safe for both countries. Her important work, which she loves, takes her to many countries across the world and is most satisfying.

Janna Flanagan had no tertiary education but worked for a while in real estate. She was a stay at home mum but eventually got another position, again in real estate, was so enthusiastic and keen to learn, that now she is Elders branch manager. Janna’s main message was that women frequently undervalue themselves. She supports other women, guiding and teaching them, and urges women to find what makes them happy, do it and just be themselves.

We were also treated to some delightful traditional dances and a beautiful song from our local Filipino Australians. By Pam Nankivell

Dear Fellow Forbes Citizens

March 14, 2024 by Roxane Manley

The ROTARY CLUB of FORBES has been a part of the Forbes community for over 75 years working to support charities in the community, in Australia and in many countries around the world.

Unfortunately time is catching up with us and with the exception of a couple of younger members we all well into our 70s and beyond.

It has now reached crisis point and we are in danger of having to close this wonderful organisation in this town if we cannot Inject some younger members into our club.

We realise that you all have many commitments to family, work and of course mortgages.

All the older members are keen to hand over running of the club to younger members with new ideas and these members are more than happy to step into the background to give advice only when we are asked to and help when asked.

On Tuesday 16th of April 2024 at the Forbes Services and Memorial Club at 6.15pm we will be having an information night and would like to invite you to come along, have a couple of drinks and some nibbles with us at the cost of our existing members.

If you would like to attend we would appreciate getting an RSVP to Grahame Uphill on 0427 640 065 Email: dorso@westserv.net.au or Chris Finkel on 0429 661 358 by Friday, 12th of April 2024.

Please give this your earnest consideration, we think you will find it a most fulfilling experience.

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