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Danielle McDonald – 2023 Australian Off Road Champion X3

October 19, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Danielle McDonald is a three time Australian Off Road Champion, Australian MX Champion, and four time Hattah Desert Race Champion.

Local Parkes girl Danielle McDonald has just secured her third Australian Off Road Championship. What a way for Danielle to finish off her impressive racing career in the junior ranks.

Danielle said, “My very last junior race, I’m sad to say my junior years have come to an end. I have learnt and achieved a lot throughout juniors but I am overall excited to start a new chapter in my racing journey in the women’s class!

“A massive thanks to my family, team, sponsors and everyone in my corner wouldn’t be where I am without any of you”.

Endruo GP In Portugal

Earlier in October Danielle got her first taste racing in the senior women division in her first endruo GP in Portugal, experiencing some very hot and dry conditions.

Danielle reported, “The trials and tests were gnarly! Definitely one to remember. I raced my first supertest on Friday night. I was the first rider on track and opened alone, I had nerves I have never experienced before. I ended the night with a P6 leading into the next day.

“Race day nerves were just as high but pushed through. The other three tests I really enjoyed and started to pull some pretty good results. Coming top three in most and even winning a couple of them.

“Sunday was a better day for me. I was running third all day, then unfortunately a mechanical issue in the sand test caused me to lose all back brake, and a heap of time. Still really happy to come away with 4th overallfor the day.

Now To Get Ready For The ISDE 6 Days

Danielle is now preparing to race the International Six-Day Endruo which runs from 6th to 11th November in San Juan, Argentina, South America. The ISDE is one of the most prestigious events on the offroad calendar in motorcycle racing. The Team Aus women have won 6x World ISDE titles. Representing Australia will be Tayla Jones and Jessica Gardiner, who have both been part of the previous six wins, but the newest member of the Australian Women’s Team is Danielle McDonald who dominated the Junior motocross and offroad racing for years.

Help Support Danielle Compete In Europe

Danielle and the Australian Women’s team need your support. They are raising money to fund their trip to race the ISDE in November.

Make a donation: You can show yoursupport by donating to their Gofundmepage. https://gofund.me/5e80e56f

Become a Major Sponsor: The teamare still seeking a major sponsor, contact Jess Gardener at jessgardiner77@gmail.com

Purchase from the MXStore: This yearBallard’s and MXstore are proud to besponsoring Team Australia to help themget to Argentina for the 2023 ISDE, donating 20% of all sales every Ballard’sproduct purchased from Tuesday 17th tomidnight the 22nd October.

Danielle stepping up to race with the seniors in her first endruo GP in Portugal.

Danielle had a great weekend when she raced the first ever @gncc_racing_aus Coming away with the win.

Danielle thanks her family, team, sponsors and everyone in her corner, whom she credits for helping her where she is today.

Danielle competing in and winning her first ever Austral-ian Junior MX Championship title.

The Competition Is Heating Up For The National BBQ Championships

October 19, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Celebrity chef Hayden Quinn has graced our television screens with his show Taste of Australia airing on Channel 10 and of course made his debut on Masterchef in 2012.

The National BBQ Championships are just around the corner, being held at Grinsted Oval, Forbes, on Saturday 28th October 12 noon – 8pm.

Celebrity guest chef Hayden Quinn will be accompanied by three local judges in deciding who is the best on the barbecue!

Forbes’ BBQ Championships promise something for everyone with a range of entertainment by local favourites Em, Jo and Cler and Georgia Sideris, along with market stalls, children’s entertainment and bar.

“The competition is the real focus of this event and judges will be looking for winners in four cooking sections – beef, pork, chicken and lamb, as well as the best dressed team, tent, and best team name,” Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said.

“This event is about food, but it is also about having fun – make a day of it, dress up, come up with a great name – put all your culinary and creative skills to the test!” Mayor Miller said.

The $10,000 prize pool is just as enticing as the aroma of a good steak on the chargrill, including Why Leave Town Cards, a Weber and so much more lined up for the day’s winners.

Registration forms, information and rules can be found on Council’s website; www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/events. Spectator tickets are free but must be booked online at 123tix.com.au. This event is proudly funded by the NSW Government via the Reconnecting Regional Communities Event Funding.

Pamela Cook And Penelope Janu: A Country Vet Christmas

October 19, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Pamela Cook and Penelope Janu, co-authors of A Country Vet Christmas, have independently sold tens of thousands of books across several genres

You are invited to meet two fantastic authors, Pamela Cook and Penelope Janu, when they launch their latest book, A Country Vet Christma at Forbes Library on Wednesday 25th October at 2pm.

Pamela Cook is an author, podcaster and teacher who writes page-turning contemporary women’s fiction, delving deep into the psychology of her characters and the complexity of relationships in all their forms. She has had four novels published traditionally and two independent titles.

Pamela writes women’s fiction set in locations you’ll want to escape to, and stories that will keep you turning the page. Her novels feature tangled family relationships, the ups and downs of friendship, and explore issues like grief and loss, belonging and love. They aim to tug at your heart-strings so if you cry while you’re reading Pamela’s books, her goal is achieved! But don’t worry – there will also be a hopeful ending.

And author Penelope Janu writes stories about clever and adventurous women who don’t mean to fall in love, but do.

Penelope Janu has a passion for creating stories that explore social and environmental issues, but her novels are fundamentally a celebration of Australian characters and communities. Her first novel, In at the Deep End, came out with HarperCollins/ HQ in 2017. Since then, she’s had a novella and six novels published, the most recent being her January 2023 release, Shelter from the Storm.

Penelope enjoys riding horses, exploring the Australian countryside and dreaming up challenging hiking adventures. Nothing makes her happier as a writer than readers falling in love with her clever, complex and adventurous characters.

Their latest project is A Country Vet Christmas – a heartwarming collection of five brand-new festive stories from favourite Australian authors about country vets, love and small-town Christmas charm.
Come to meet these fascinating women supported by The Book Dispensary, Forbes.

Forbes Mayor Officially Opens The Local Government Procurement Annual Conference

October 19, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller at the opening of the conference.

Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller recently traveled to Sydney, on Tuesday the 17th of October, she had the honour of officially opening the 2023 Local Government Procurement annual conference.

This conference brings together professionals from the field of procurement, infrastructure and sustainability. The theme of this year’s conference was Connect, leverage and achieve

Mayor Miller also presented a session on how Procurement can Connect and Partner with Elected Members with Scott Phillips, the CEO of Northern Beaches Council.

This subsidiary of Local Government NSW was established to help member councils acquire goods and services as efficiently and cost effectively as possible.

Champs Decided

October 19, 2023 by Short Putt

Liam Fraser retrieving his ball with support from his group – Jenny Fletcher, Debbie Tilly and Veronica Rebellato.

The Forbes golfers enjoyed good conditions for the final rounds of the Forbes Mens Individual Championships, sponsored by Lachlan Commodities.

After three rounds there were clear leaders in three of the grades of the Scratch champs, with the B-Grade a tight contest between Brett Thomas and Peter Barnes when only two shots separated them.

At the end of the final round the Scratch Champions were: A-Grade: J Betland; A- Reserve: J Brett; B-Grade: B Thomas and C-Grade: L Alley. In the Handicap, a countback was needed to decide the winner in the A-Grade, with J Betland getting the nod ahead of D Bayley. In the other grades, B-Grade went to B Thomas and C-Grade to Liam Fraser, who was helped by a hole-in-one on the 9th .

The Results for the Daily comp run in conjunction with the Championships, sponsored by Pool Magic, are:

Saturday : Div 1: J Dobell (70 nett) from J Betland (71 on c/b); Div 2: P Barnes (68), T Morgan (70); Div 3: L Fraser (73), L Alley (74 on c/b). The ball sweep went to 76 nett on c/b. The NTP’s were: 9th T Toohey; 18th J Brett.

Sunday: Div 1: P Cowhan (71), T West (72); Div 2: F Melisi (71), B Thomas (74); Div 3: L Fraser (71), L Alley (72 on c/b). The ball sweep went to 76 nett on c/b. The NTP’s were: 9th – L Fraser, 18th – S Grant.

The Superpin on both days had different stories. On Saturday Tim West grabbed the money with a shot to 1.3 metres, while Sunday’s success went to Sally Crosby with a shot to 7.4 metres.

Congratulations to all winners and especially to Liam Fraser with his hole-in-one.

By Short Putt

Forbes Hospital Helipad Upgrade Underway

October 19, 2023 by Roxane Manley

It is expected work will take approximately three weeks. The helipad will be temporarily closed, as will a minimal number of car parking spaces at the Forbes Medical Centre to ensure a turning lane is maintained for vehicular traffic in Elgin St.

Important lighting upgrades to improve visibility and longevity have started at the helipad at Forbes District Hospital thanks to joint funding from the Local Road Community Infrastructure and Forbes Shire Council.

Forbes Helipad was constructed at the Elgin Street location 15 years ago, and replacement lights for the original system are no longer available. As a result, Council and the State Government have taken advantage of the opportunity to replace the system to ensure its maintenance and provide for better lighting.

Some noise and additional heavy vehicles and machinery required for works are to be expected, but there will be no other impact to services including Forbes Medical Centre, Barratt and Smith Pathology and Forbes District Hospital itself.

Council has liaised with NSW Health, Tollgroup and NSW Ambulance to ensure an alternative helipad is available in the event of an emergency and with minimal impact on the community, Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM reassured the community.

“Local contractor Troy Howe Electrical has been appointed to undertake a full replacement of 30 lights at the helipad,” Mayor Miller said. “Council is extremely proud to be able to utilise local contractors and support the local economy for projects such as this.”

In the meantime, the community is asked to take additional care in the area, and Council appreciates the understanding and patience for this important upgrade.

“Council recognises that this infrastructure is essential to our community and surrounding areas and we are undertaking these works to ensure it continues to fulfil its vital purpose,” Mayor Miller said.

“We are grateful for the financial assistance from the State Government in making the upgrade possible.”

If you require further information, please contact Council’s Manager Works Danial Speer on 02 6850 2300 or email him on danial.speer@forbes.nsw.gov.au

Apply Now: Agrifutures Rural Women’s Award

October 19, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Time is running out to apply for the 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award, a program celebrating and empowering the inclusive and courageous leadership of women in Australia’s rural and emerging industries, businesses, and communities. Applications will close on Wednesday, 25th October 2023, at 11.59 pm AEDT.

The Award acts as a springboard, inspiring and nurturing Australian women to harness their skills, while simultaneously unlocking doors to crucial funding opportunities for existing projects and businesses.

State and territory winners are awarded a $15,000 grant generously sponsored by Westpac

AgriFutures also runs a program called the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration grant. While this runs separately, it compliments the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.

Each year, seven Australian women will be granted with a learning and development bursary of up to $7,000 for professional development to enable them to bring their idea, cause, or vision to life.

For more information and to apply for the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award, visit our website at https://agrifutures.com.au/opportunities/rural-womens-award/.

For more information on the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant visit http://agrifutures.com.au/opportunities/acceleration-grant/

A Message From Beyond Blue Chair Julia Gillard

October 19, 2023 by Roxane Manley

This is a moment of reflection for Australia.

While the referendum result is not the one Beyond Blue had hoped for, we remain hopeful that all Australians want to heal divisions and create a better future together.

First Nations peoples are nearly three times more likely to be psychologically distressed than other Australians, and twice as likely to die by suicide. Racism and exclusion harm mental health and wellbeing.

As the national depression and anxiety initiative, Beyond Blue is guided by evidence. For First Nations peoples, the research clearly shows that social and emotional wellbeing is strengthened when self-determination is at the heart of decision-making. That’s why we supported the Voice and believe a First Nations community-led approach to mental health will lead to better outcomes.

The referendum result will be distressing, particularly for many First Nations peoples.

We want to reassure everyone that Beyond Blue is available with free, immediate mental health advice and support for everyone. However you voted, whatever your views, Beyond Blue is here for you. Crisis support from First Nations counsellors is available from 13 YARN.

As we emerge from this chapter in our nation’s story, we must maintain hope that a better future is possible. That this was not our only chance at healing.

Beyond Blue will not waiver in our advocacy and our support for better mental health for First Nations peoples, standing proudly as allies in the ongoing pursuit of equality, inclusion and reconciliation.

We remain committed to the Uluru Statement from the Heart and open to its generous and dignified invitation to walk with First Nations peoples towards a better future.

Forbes Garden Club Report

October 19, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Maree Yapp was the guest speaker at the Forbes Garden Club meeting.

Our recent Garden Club meeting was held at the home of Trevor and Irene Ford, with 31 members present. A description of the garden was given by Irene: the home being purchased 13 years ago and having changed into a magnificent display of different shrubs and trees, growing cyclamens from seed and growing succulents. Elvy thanked Irene and all of the members showed their appreciation.

Elvy presided over the business meeting and Sylvia Glasson acted as secretary. Final preparations were made for the upcoming Open Gardens Weekend and members were reminded to make slices and deliver to the Men’s shed.

A grant was received to enable us to have the Town Hall free for our 70th Birthday celebrations on 11th November. Members asked to get their tickets for the luncheon, which cost $60.

Our guest speaker was Maree Yapp, who spoke about her involvement with Landcare for the past 13 years. She also spoke of her work with the Forbes North Public School Year 5 students, Eco Day programs and using the school produce to make jams, which received prizes at the recent show. Jeanette Thomas thanked Maree for her very interesting talk and display.

Raffle winners were first Colleen Liebich, and second Loris Molloy. The flower of the month was first Sylvia Glasson with a begonia, second Colleen Liebich with an iris and third Marg West with a rose.

Our next meeting will be on Thursday 26th October at 2pm at home of Helen and

Kingsley Green. To get there, head south on the Newell Highway, after the bridge turn left onto Wirrinya Rd, follow to Victory Rd, go to the intersection and turn left to “Brooklyn”. Please bring a chair, hat and a cup – see you there. In case of wet weather the meeting will be at the Men’s Shed.

By Green Thumb

Flannery’s Pharmacy Turns Pink

October 12, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Flannery’s Pharmacy staff Kate French, Gus Hooper, Georgia Campbell and Bri Celledoni.

An estimated 69 thousand new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in Australian women each year, and almost 20 thousand are diagnosed with breast cancer, the most common cancer impacting females across the country.

Flannery’s Pharmacy Forbes will be shining a spotlight on these staggering statistics this October, as the store turns pink to raise funds, and awareness, for women’s cancers.

Proceeds will go towards the National Breast Cancer Foundation, the McGrath Foundation, and the Cancer Council.

Throughout October, there will be a range of events the community can support, including:

Treats for Teats (October 17) the team will be hosting a huge bake sale for customers and surrounding businesses.

Sausage Sizzle (October 24) swing by the store for a lunchtime sausage sandwich and show your support for Pinktober.

Ladies Night (Thursday, October 26) the team will host a panel featuring an LPG pharmacist, physiotherapist, naturopath, and doctor in an event designed to provide women with a chance to ask all female-health related questions. There will also be giveaways, raffles, drinks, and nibbles.

“We want the women in the Forbes district to feel supported and know they have services, and experts available, in their local community, every day, not just throughout the month of October.

“If you’re wandering past Flannery’s Pharmacy over the coming weeks, come in and have a chat, don’t be afraid to ask questions. We’re here to help. And if you just want to offer a dollar or two for support, we’d love that as well” Pharmacist, Tracey Edwards, said.

All Pinktober events will be held at Flannery’s Pharmacy, 99-101 Rankin Street, Forbes, NSW.

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