CONGRATULATIONS… The 2018 Indigenous Youth Of The Year was awarded to Kaiden Haynes of Forbes High School. The award was presented to him during the Naidoc Day celebrations held on Wednesday at South Circle Oval. Pictured with Kaiden is Mayor Graeme Miller (left) and Forbes High School Aboriginal Educational Officer (AEO), Barry Merrit (right)

Further Discounts For Farmers: Farmers in regional NSW will get more cash back in their pockets with rebates and refunds on heavy vehicle registration. The changes will come into effect from 1st November 2018. The NSW Government will provide partial refunds on previous heavy vehicle registration charges going back over three years. Farmers will also receive free registration over the next two years for their heavy vehicles. The registration rebate will apply to all renewals from 1st July 2018 until 30th June 2020. For producers who register their vehicles between 1st July and 1st November this year, the amount will be refunded. Farmers will still have to pay for Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance, personalised plates and relevant vehicle checks.

Spring Photo Competition: The Forbes Phoenix has teamed up with Farmer From Down Under Photography to launch a spring photo competition. With Spring all around us, you can point your camera just about anywhere to get a scenic shot. We would love to see the great photos our readers can come up with. A wonderful prize is up for grabs – a framed picture do nated by Farmer From Down Under Photography! The competition will run until October, with entries to be submitted to The Forbes Phoenix by Tuesday, 31st October. Entries can be sent to sales@forbesphoenix.com.au or via our Facebook page.

Be Connected at Forbes Library: Be Connected is a free Australian Government initiative helping people to make the most out of going online and it is coming to Forbes. Forbes Librarian, Bronwyn Clark said there’s never been a better time to get online. “Central West Libraries is now a partner with the Australian Government Be Connected program, so we are hosting free sessions with one-on-one training available,” Bronwyn said. “People can learn about online basics like using the internet, email, social media and just getting to know their device – phone, tablet or laptop. We have computer equipment people can use or they can bring their own device,” she said. Half hourly sessions will be held on Friday, 14th September, Friday, 21st September and Friday, 28th September. The sessions are available from 10:30am. Please call Forbes Library on 6852 1463 to book your place. All sessions are free.

The Lions Club donated $1,000 towards Forbes High School’s (FHS) fundraiser for their participation in the Schools Spectacular. Pictured in the back: Tim West, Nicholas Beard, Ryan Glennan, William Stamp, Graham Williams (President of Lions Club) and Safija Bristina (FHS Principal). Front: Nicole Patten, Kendi-Lee Morley- Diggins and Brodie Morley. The RSL Club also donated $1,200 towards the fundraiser.

CONGRATULATIONS… The winner of the Forbes Phoenix Footy Tipping competition was Loomzy’s Fish ‘N’ Fix, Jamie Loomes. The Weber gas barbeque prize donated by Aaron Acheson (left) from Acheson’s Home Timber and Hardware was received by Jon Cutler (right), the mastermind behind the tipping.

Forbes Show Passes: The four lucky winners of our Forbes Show competition are Ellen Hamilton, Brendan Morrison, Frank Hanns and Joyce Morrison. They are the winners of a two day pass to the Forbes Show. Contact Linda van Coller on 0477 309 807 to arrange for prize collection.

Spring Photo Competition: The Forbes Phoenix has teamed up with Farmer From Down Under Photography to launch a spring photo competition. With Spring all around us, you can point your camera just about anywhere to get a scenic shot. We would love to see the great photos our readers can come up with. A wonderful prize is up for grabs – a framed picture donated by Farmer From Down Under Photography! The competition will run until October, with entries to be submitted to The Forbes Phoenix by Tuesday, 31st October. Entries can be sent to sales@forbesphoenix. com.au or via our Facebook page.

CWA of NSW Drought Relief: The CWA of NSW is providing grants for drought relief in NSW. This money is available for farming businesses that are drought affected and dependent on farming as their primary source of income. The monies are available for a wide range of household expenses; not business or farm related expenses. Eligible applicants are farmers or farming dependent contractors, and/or a farming dependent family (including families servicing farming, such as farming contractors and local rural businesses). Grant payments will be made up to a maximum of $3,000 per individual applicant and/ or household. You can apply for CWA’s drought relief funding by going online at https://www.cwaofnsw.org.au/droughtaid.html or by emailing an application form to info@cwaofnsw.org.au or by post to CWA of NSW, PO Box 222, Mascot, NSW, 1460.

National Police Remembrance Day: Central West Police District Commander, Superintendent Chris Taylor, is inviting the community to join police in paying tribute on National Police Remembrance Day. A service will be held at 10am on Friday, 28th September at St George’s Anglican Church in Parkes. National Police Remembrance Day on 29th September each year holds a special significance to police throughout Australia and the Pacific region and is one of the most important events on the NSW Police Force calendar. It is a day where members of the NSW Police Force and the community remember those officers who have given their lives in the course of their duties.

Ruby Stitt, Sally Rout, Isabelle Francis and Olivia Garland of Forbes Junior Rugby were selected as part of the Central West Rugby 7’s side. Deryck Ward got the girls involved on Walla Days and the team thoroughly enjoyed learning different skills.

PHIL THE PIRATE… Local member for Orange, Phil Donato dressed up according to the theme of the Reading Downtown Day held last Friday at Victoria Park. Phil spent the day entertaining the children by reading captivating pirate stories to them. Mason Mcmillan helped Pirate Phil with his story-telling.

Region Enforcement Squad: Parliamentary Secretary for Western NSW, Rick Colless announced this week a new specialist police team for the Central West that will proactively target mid-level crime and bolster community safety. Rick said the Chifley Region Enforcement Squad (RES) will work hard to prevent drug and gun crime across western NSW including the Orange electorate. “With the capability to identify, prevent and disrupt mid-level crime, the specially-trained squad will focus more on proactive policing rather than reactive policing,” said Rick. Consisting of one sergeant and three constables, the Chifley RES will conduct investigations into drug supply, firearms offences, property crime, and any criminal syndicates in the area. Deputy Commissioner, Gary Worboys said our city neighbours have always benefitted from specialist police, but crime can happen anywhere and resources are now being allocated to regional NSW where they are needed.

Changes to Farm Household Allowance: The Coalition Government passed legislation last week to amend the Farm Household Allowance to boost help for farmers in drought. Minister for Agriculture, David Littleproud said the changes will deliver the $12,000 FHA supplement from 1st September for couples and $7,200 for singles.

This brings the total payment for a couple to around $37,000 and to around $22,000 for a single. The Department of Agriculture estimates 27,000 farmers are potentially eligible for FHA and have not applied.

“Farmers should not guess at whether they’re eligible for FHA. We recently announced an extra $5 million for the Rural Financial Counselling Service to support increased demand so please get advice from the free service,” said David. Farmers already on FHA will not have to apply for the extra payments – it will be paid automatically. Contact the free Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) on 1800 686 175 or the Department of Human Services Farmer Assistance Hotline on 13 23 16.

Forbes Badminton Club: The Forbes Badminton Club will be entering their second season. Set to start on 8th August, every Wednesday night from 6:30pm to 9pm at Forbes High School. Everyone is welcome to have a go! The first four weeks are social, so come and try the game. Very easy to learn and great fun for all the family. For more information email jaybhakta.fbc@gmail.com or call Jay on 0418 480 728. Find us on Facebook at Forbes Badminton Club.

Forbes Showgirl Grace Allen, who came third in the Sydney Royal Showgirl competition, officially opened the 2018 Parkes Show on Tuesday, and crowned the 2018 Parkes Showgirl, Amelia Tanswell.

FOR A GOOD CAUSE… Kylie Spice presenting a donation to John Schrader from Can Assist Forbes. The donation is part of the proceeds from the recent ladies night fundraiser. The proceeds are shared between Can Assist Forbes and the Northside Chapel.

Forbes Badminton Club: The Forbes Badminton Club will be entering their second season. Set to start on 8th August, every Wednesday night from 6:30pm to 9pm at Forbes High School. Everyone is welcome to have a go! The first four weeks are social, so come and try the game. Doubles and singles competitions in two grades. Beginners and students more than welcome. Very easy to learn and great fun for all the family. For more information email jaybhakta.fbc@gmail.com or call Jay on 0418 480 728. Also find us on Facebook at Forbes Badminton Club.

Forbes Town & District Band: The Forbes Town Band is hosting a free concert on Monday, 27th August from 6pm to 7pm at the Forbes Services Club Auditorium. The concert and meeting is a chance for the public to share ideas in order to assist the band in developing a strategic plan for the future.

Men’s Yarn Up Circle: Join the Men’s Yarning Circle in Forbes. This is a men’s group to talk about all issues such as domestic violence, rough past… your choice. Men listening to men! No judgement, no gossip outside the circle, no worries about being honest. We meet at 4pm every second and fourth Wednesday of the month at Community Corrections, 68 Lawler Street. Contact Barry Merritt at yarnup-forbes@ hotmail.com or Damien Kennedy on 6851 9900.

Trundle Royal Far West: The Trundle RFW branch is hosting the ‘Old Time Dance’ on Sunday, 2nd September from 2pm to 6pm in the Trundle Memorial Hall. There will be a raffle, lots of ‘spot prizes’ and afternoon tea. Cost $10 for dancers and $5.00 for viewers. Great music by Phil Redenbach. Money raised by the Trundle RFW branch, provides Speech and Language programs in the local school for those children from needy families.

‘Farmers Feast’: We invite all farmers and family to the ‘Farmers Feast’ held on Friday, 21st September. Enjoy a FREE meal at the St John’s Anglican Church hall in Court Street at 6:30pm for a 7pm start! There will be a roast dinner and dessert, including a jumping castle for the kids. RSVP to book your seat/table by 14th September. Contact the Parish office on 6851 1544, Rev. Crystal on 040 872 8638 or Graeme and Ruth Klingner on 042 720 1185.

The Forbes Junior Rugby u/15’s boys’ team played their last game for the season last weekend in Orange. Absent: Jack Whitty

The Forbes Magpies Rugby League Heritage Day saw a four grade win, making it a great day to be a Magpie! The girls’ league tag started the day off on Sunday at Spooner Oval and the Forbes team won 11-10 against the previously undefeated Spacecats.

Freight Input: Forbes Shire Council is seeking interested persons for a Freight Focus Working Group. The role of this group will be to review current freight routes, consider any additional freight routes and identify road constraints impacting on road freight efficiency. The commitment required will be to attend three evening workshops between 6pm and 8pm on the 22nd and 29th August and 12th September. Expressions of interest close 20th August. For additional information please contact Council’s Director Engineering, John Zannes on (02) 6850 2874.

Trundle Royal Far West: The Trundle RFW branch has two upcoming events. Everyone is invited to join in the fun at their Bingo event at 10am on Sunday, 19th August held at the Trundle Golf Club. Lunch available to buy and heaps of prizes. They are also hosting the ‘Old Time Dance’ on Sunday, 2nd September from 2pm to 6pm in the Trundle Memorial Hall. There will be a raffle, lots of ‘spot prizes’ and a afternoon tea. Cost $10 for dancers and $5.00 for viewers. Great music by Phil Redenbach. Money raised by the Trundle RFW branch, provides Speech and Language programs in the local school for those children from needy families.

‘Farmers Feast’: We invite all farmers and family to the ‘Farmers Feast’ held on Friday, 21st September. Enjoy a FREE meal at the St John’s Anglican Church hall in Court Street at 6:30pm for a 7pm start! There will be a roast dinner and dessert, including a jumping castle for the kids. RSVP to book your seat/table by 14th September. Contact the Parish office on 6851 1544, Rev. Crystal on 040 872 8638 or Graeme and Ruth Klingner on 042 720 1185.

Nominate for NAIDOC: Each year the Forbes community celebrates NAIDOC Week. As part of this year’s NAIDOC Week celebrations, we would like to recognise the outstanding contributions that our local Indigenous people make to improve our community or to promote Indigenous issues. Award categories include Person of the Year and Youth of the Year. Nominations are open and will close at 5pm Friday, 31st August. To nominate, please complete a nomination form and return to Forbes Shire Council with Attention: Briony Ferguson – by hand at 2 Court Street or by mail PO Box 333, Forbes, NSW, 2871. Completed forms will also be accepted by email to community@forbes.nsw.gov.au.

The ever popular Rotary Ipomoea Markets are back again after a winter break! Happening this Saturday, from 8am to 12:30pm at Sir Francis Forbes Park in Camp Street.

Rural Aid Farm Rescue fundraising auction: Join the endeavour to help drought affected farmers. The entire community is invited to attend the auction taking place tonight at the Sylo building from 7.30pm commencing at 8pm.

Farming Family BBQ: Community organisation, Grassroots Blueprint is hosting a free community morning tea and BBQ supported by the Salvation Army at the Aeroplane Park, Lake Forbes on Sunday, 12th August at 11am. Bring the whole family; there will be plenty for the kids to do. Everyone involved in agriculture is requested to be part of a photo which will be displayed at the Bedgerabong Show and then at events in Sydney to demonstrate the number of people/businesses involved in agriculture and thus affected by the drought in some way.

‘Farmers Feast’: All farmers and family are invited to the ‘Farmers Feast’ being held on Friday, 21st September. Enjoy a FREE meal at the St John’s Anglican Church Hall in Court Street at 6:30pm for a 7pm start! There will be a roast dinner and dessert, including a jumping castle for the kids. RSVP to book your seat/table by 14th September. Contact the Parish office on 6851 1544, Rev. Crystal on 040 872 8638 or Graeme and Ruth Klingner on 042 720 1185.

Stopped emergency vehicles: From 1st September 2018, a new road rule will require motorists to slow down to 40km/h when passing a stationary emergency vehicle displaying blue or red flashing lights. The new rule also requires motorists to give way to any person on foot in the immediate area of the emergency vehicle. The rule applies to vehicles travelling in both directions, unless the road is divided by a median strip. Motorists who do not comply with the rule will face a $448 fine and three demerit points.

Texting while driving: Demerit points for illegal phone use while driving will increase from four to five from September 2018. Drivers are not allowed to use their mobiles to text, email, use social media, take photos or video call while driving. Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight, Melinda Pavey said this will help change the way drivers act on our roads. “We have already introduced legislation to enable camera based technology so it can be used to enforce mobile phone offences in the future, a world first,” said Melinda.

We have a name: Our lovely bronze dog outside the Post Office was named last week. Meet Rosa. Her name came from the winning entry by Amy Callaby. Amy thought this name seemed significant and relevant, as Rosa was the wife of the architect who designed the Forbes Post Office, James Bannett. Amy lives in Tooting, United Kingdom, with her husband and three children. Pictured here is Amy’s sister, Jemma McLennan who made the suggestion on her sister’s behalf.

Red Cross Mobile Blood Bank: The Australian Red Cross Mobile Blood service is visiting Forbes in Harold Street behind the Cenotaph in Victoria Park on Monday, 6th August at 9:45am to 2:45pm (three more donors needed); Tuesday, 7th August at 9:45am to 2:45pm (seven more donors needed) and Wednesday, 8th August 9:45am to 2:45pm (15 more donors needed). To give blood, you can make an appointment online or call 13 14 95.

Bulky Waste pick-up: Need to get rid of an old fridge or lounge or even a bbq that won’t make the cut this summer? Forbes Shire Council has you covered with the Bulky Waste Clean-Up service happening on Monday, 6th August. Leave your items out over the weekend prior on the edge of the kerb. Separate your waste into scrap metal, white goods and e–waste; general bulky waste and bundled organics. We will do the heavy lifting! Don’t forget not to block any footpaths and find the list of unacceptable items here: http://www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/environment/waste-recycling/ bulky-waste-clean-up.aspx.

Snap Send Solve: Another way to connect with Council is through the Snap Send Solve App. This App lets you notify Council of any problem areas you might spot around town. Snap Send Solve allows you to photograph the problem using your smartphone and report any dangerous potholes, broken playground equipment and rubbish dumping to Council. The App is available through the App Store or Google Play.

School uniform policy: The NSW Government has announced that girls at all public schools will be given the option of wearing shorts and pants instead of skirts and dresses if they prefer. Schools will have up to three years to make the change. The state’s new policy also calls on all school items to be “affordable, comfortable and suitable” for all body types.

Drought Care Packages: NSW RFS staff members, Robyn Favelle and Beth Dalton thanked Karen White for taking the initiative and developing the support group in the local area for struggling farmers. “So many of us want to help in some small way, as we see the devastation facing families across NSW and the impacts of this horrid drought. Most of those impacted are also volunteer members of the NSW RFS and we are only too pleased to help however and whenever we can,” said Robyn.

Forbes Polo Club Foundation Meeting: There is intent to start a Forbes Polo Club. The purpose of the club will be to provide an organized structure for members and guests to be able to actively participate in hosting polo at all levels as well as holding social events. A steering committee has been formed to oversee the formation of the club and implement the construction of field/s on Crown Land to assure the continuation of polo in western New South Wales. The original Forbes & District Polo Club was established on 26th July 1928. All persons interested in being involved are invited to send their contact email and telephone details via email to: forbes.polo@gmail.com. It will be helpful when responding, to advise what resources interested parties can bring to the club to ensure it will be successful. A meeting can then be held to formalize the club. Please advise if you have any date preferences for the meeting and the number attending.

Volunteers Needed: The Forbes Show is in need of a few people to help look after the animal nursery. This is one of the most popular areas in the show every year and help is required to keep it running! There is also a need to borrow some of your little animals! If you are interested in either, please contact Jan on 6852 1311.

Special road rules for cyclists: As from Monday, children under 16 years of age can ride on a footpath in NSW. An adult rider, who is supervising a bicycle rider under 16, may also ride with the young rider on the footpath. Bicycle riders are allowed to ride on footpaths where indicated by signs. When riding on a footpath or shared path, riders must keep left and give way to pedestrians.

And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda: Three local music groups combined their musical talents last Wednesday for an unusual performance of Waltzing Matilda.

Members of the Lachlan Regional Orchestra, Parkes Shire Concert Band and Forbes Town and District Band met at the AOG hall to put together a recording of the legendary song which will contribute towards a final video performance on the big screen at Federation Square in Melbourne on 12th September. This final performance will be a compilation of recordings from individuals, schools and community groups from around Australia, all playing Waltzing Matilda.

The idea is a new online initiative of the Australian Music Examination Board to create the AMEB Online Orchestra. The recording process was a lot of fun, and a rare chance to put together a really diverse range of instruments (and musicians) for a common cause. Members of the three groups are all keen to find other opportunities to combine together again soon.

Forbes Ladies Probus: Forbes Ladies Club meets every fourth Friday of the month at the Forbes Services Club at 10am. The next meeting will be held on 27th July. Come join us for friendship and fellowship.

Meet new people and make new friends. For those wishing to attend the birthday luncheon in August, the amount of $25.00 is due and payable at the July meeting.

Memberships are also due and if not a financial member you will not be covered by insurance. Take care and stay warm.

Foodbank appeals to Forbes Shire residents: With 15 percent of the population experiencing food insecurity at some point every year, Foodbank and Woolworths are appealing to Forbes Shire residents to support its national public appeal and help meet the rise in need for food assistance over the winter period. The 2018 Foodbank Rumbling Tummies report found that more than one in five children in Australia have experienced food insecurity in the last 12 months, with 652,000 Australians seeking food relief via Foodbank each month. Over 1.3 million meals were provided per month to NSW residents, unfortunately however, many are still going without. From 11th July to 24th July, Woolworths customers in Forbes Shire can add a $2 Foodbank token donation to their shop, with 100 percent of funds raised going to Foodbank to deliver more food and groceries at a time of year when families most desperately need it.

The Waratahs Rugby Clinic was attended by 130 rugby players on Wednesday morning in Forbes.

Birthday wishes: Philip Donato wished William “Bill” Britt a belated 100th birthday last week at Jemalong Residential Village. Bill, a lifelong farmer, a career which was only ever interrupted by his service in war, celebrated the significant milestone on 25th June. Philip also delivered a box of chocolates to Bill (one of Bill’s favourite) along with the birthday certificate. On his birthday, Bill was heard to remark “One hundred and not out!”

Letter To The Editor: Through the very well read pages of your paper, could I please remind the community of the amazing Community Transport Service that we are offering in Forbes. If you have a medical appointment in Orange, the wonderful drivers will pick you up from your front door and deliver you right to your doctor or hospital appointment. They will wait for you and then pick you up and deliver you safely back to your own home again. There is a small charge and sometimes no charge at all. If you are not well or disabled they will even send a trained carer along to help you. If you need to know more please contact Monica at the Forbes HAAC Centre 6851 4550. Regards, Dianne Decker AM JP.

July School Holiday Fun At The YACC: Forbes Shire Council and the Forbes Youth Action Team are once again offering a school holiday programme. This July will see the Forbes Youth & Community Centre (located on the corner of Battye and Press Street) well-utilised, as local children and youth participate in a variety of activities. From 1pm to 5pm on Thursday and Friday holiday afternoons, young people are invited to come along to ‘Arvos @ the YACC’. These afternoons will feature a varied programme of games and activities including dungeons and dragons, dodgeball, board games and a pool tournament. Attendees will also be well fed with a free bbq lunch and afternoon tea provided. Council’s Youth Officer, Lauren Cook welcomes all youth and families to attend. “These free events and activities are designed to be inclusive and accessible for the whole community. We would love to see Forbes support the ideas and efforts of the Youth Action Team, who have planned each afternoon’s activities themselves.” For more information and a full programme contact Lauren Cook on (02) 6850 2357 or email youth@forbes.nsw.gov.au.

This week is NAIDOC week and though the NAIDOC committee will be running their big NAIDOC event a little bit later this year, they wanted to give a big shout out to all the amazing women of the aboriginal community!