Kids Helpline – 71,533 contacts go unanswered: Kids Helpline, Australia’s only free confidential 24/7 national children’s counselling and support service, has today released statistics showing 51% of requests for help to the service went unanswered over the first 6 months of 2019, due to funding shortfall. Responding to concerns children and young people have in relation to their mental health, general well-being and other developmental issues is a major area of Kids Helpline’s work. Kids Helpline relies heavily upon your town’s charitable art union and donations from the community to continue its operation. In order to meet the extra demand, an additional $5 million annually would be required to enable employment of additional professional counselling staff.

Issue 200! Thank you to our wonderful readers, advertisers and contributors on helping us to achieve our 200th edition of The Forbes Phoenix. Without your support this achievement wouldn’t have been possible.

More amazing Young Farmer Business Program News: The Young Farmer Business Program has announced grants for groups who support young farmers and fishers, locally and regionally in NSW to deliver training for their members. A grant of up to $10,000 (excluding GST) is available per eligible group and examples of projects include (but are not limited to) farm tours, commercial fishing business tours, workshops, events, business skills coaching, training and guest speakers. Learn more at https://buff.ly/2LdgIev

Services Club Community Chest: Forbes Services Memorial Club has donated $16,500 from its Community Chest Charity Raffle Program to six Forbes Community Groups with a presentation ceremony taking place last Friday. The six groups were Forbes Sorting & Penning Club $3,232, Forbes Prostate Cancer Support Group $2,484.50, Forbes Community Mens Shed $2,605, Forbes & District Historical Society $2,880, Rotary Club of Forbes Ipomoea $2,787.50 and Forbes CWA Evening Branch $2,511.

Way Back When: Have you got an old photograph of a local person or a photograph of Forbes way back when? If so we would love to see it for our new feature ‘Way Back When’, simply email your photo and information to editor@forbesphoenix.com.au

Do you love to write stories? The Forbes Phoenix are currently looking for a locally based reporter/editor for the paper each week. Hours are flexible to suit the right candidate. Come and join our amazing local team and deliver the good news to Forbes each week. If you are interested please call Sarah on 6344 1846 or email publisher@phoenixnewspapers.com.au

Stork News: Shannon and Danielle Markwort from Forbes recently welcomed their fourth child Audrey Faith Markwort on 3rd July 2019. Audrey arrived at 5:03am weighing 3.58kg (7lb 14.5oz) and 49cm long. Older siblings Charlotte (10), Jackson (7) and Georgia (4) are all very excited!

Contributions: If you have a Thumbs Up/Down, Snippet, Be Seen Photo, Stork News, Wedding Bell or Catch of the Week we would love to hear from you! Simply email editor@forbesphoenix.com.au we love all contributions!

Catch of the Week Winner: Well done to Tom Townsend who has won the Catch of the Week competition for June 2019. Please head into Loomzys to claim your voucher!

Did you know: It is Plastic Free July! Join the War on Waste and start reusing and recycling in July and go Plastic Free!

Rural Aid $1,500 Bill Payment: Rural Aid is offering primary producers (who hold an ABN) in drought affected areas a ONCE OFF $1,500 towards bill payments. You must be registered via www.buyabale.com.au/financial-assistance-application to apply. Otherwise call Rural Aid for assistance on 1300 327 624.

Way Back When: Have you got an old photograph of a local person or a photograph of Forbes? If so we would love to see it for our new feature “Way Back When”, simply email your photo and information to editor@forbesphoenix.com.au

Forbes Business Chamber: The AGM will be held on Wednesday 31st July at 6pm at The Forbes Inn, all businesses are welcome! For more information please contact Fiona on 0407 380 936 or email forbes.businesschambernsw@gmail.com

Hidden Treasures: Only 3 weeks to go until nominations close for the 2019 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll. Nominate a rural woman today by heading to www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/about-us/rural-support/rural-womens-network/hidden-treasures

Do you love to write stories? The Forbes Phoenix are currently looking for a locally based reporter/editor for the paper each week. Hours are flexible to suit the right candidate. Come and join our amazing local team and deliver the good news to Forbes each week. If you are interested please call Sarah on 6344 1846 or email publisher@phoenixnewspapers.com.au

2019 Elvis Festival Thanks: Last Thursday Forbes Shire Council received a lovely thank you from organisers Tiffany and Cathy from the Parkes Elvis Festival. Forbes Shire Council are excited to be involved again next year too! It is a wonderful event bringing people from far and wide to this wonderful part of the world we call home.

Great news for our region’s seniors: The State Government will ease the cost of travel for rural and regional seniors from January next year, through the rollout of the $250 Regional Seniors Transport Card. Travel is one of the most significant household costs for residents living in Regional NSW and this new card will be a huge help to many seniors struggling with cost of living pressures. Seniors will be able to use the $250 to purchase fuel and pay for taxi fares from participating providers in rural and regional NSW, and pre-booked NSW TrainLink train and coach services. With longer distances to travel, seniors rely more heavily on private travel which can be a more expensive option. Further details about the rollout of the $250 Regional Seniors’ Transport Cards will be made available later in the year.

Contributions: If you have a Thumbs Up/Down, Snippet, Be Seen Photo, Stork News, Wedding Bell or Catch of the Week we would love to hear from you! Simply email editor@forbesphoenix.com.au we love all contributions!

Congratulations St Laurence’s Parish School: On being the recipients of the Most Outstanding School Award at the Forbes Eisteddfod! The School are very proud of this achievement and the great effort that was made in preparing for the eisteddfod. A special eisteddfod concert was held in the school hall yesterday for family and friends of the school.

Way Back When: Have you got an old photograph of a local person or a photograph of Forbes way back when? If so we would love to see it for our new feature “Way Back When”, simply email your photo and information to editor@forbesphoenix.com.au

Templar St Beautification: Work has begun on the eastern end of Templar Street as part of the CBD Masterplan. There will be no disruption to pedestrians and minimal traffic disruption at this time. The street will feature new tree planting, irrigation and solar lights, all part of the beautification of this street. We will keep you posted on the completion of this part of the project.

New Fishing Platform: Have you seen the new fishing platform at Lions Park that was installed last week? It is now ready for some fishing action this weekend! A great spot to check out these school holidays!

2nd Active Kids Voucher Now Available: The NSW Government has announced that you can now apply for a second $100 Active Kids Voucher (valid until 31st December 2019) to further contribute to sport and active recreation costs with an approved provider. All you need to do is login to your MyServiceNSW Account and click on Apply for Active Kids Voucher 2. For more information head to www.service.nsw.gov.au

Do you love to tell stories? The Forbes Phoenix are currently looking for a locally based reporter/editor for the paper each week. Hours are flexible to suit the right candidate. Come and join our amazing local team and deliver the good news to Forbes each week. If you are interested please call Sarah on 6344 1846 or email publisher@phoenixnewspapers.com.au

Flannery’s Pharmacy Gives Back: Debbie Prior, Business Manager at Flannery’s Pharmacy in Forbes presented John Schrader from Forbes CanAssist with a cheque for $1,650 to help the local community. The funds were raised at a golf day held earlier in the year.

Contributions: If you have a Thumbs Up/Down, Snippet, Be Seen Photo, Stork News, Wedding Bell or Catch of the Week we would love to hear from you! Simply email editor@forbesphoenix.com.au we love all contributions!

Forbes Working Dog Auction: To be held at the Forbes Showground on Saturday 3rd August 2019. Demonstrations start at 11am, followed by the auctions. Nominations are now open and close Friday 12th July. Contact James Litt on 0418 893 986 for more information.

Vinnies Winter Appeal: With just days until the end of financial year, Vinnies is only halfway towards its Winter Appeal fundraising goal. With the cold temperatures outside Vinnies is urgently calling for donations to support its work with people experiencing poverty, homelessness and disadvantage. “On behalf of the tens of thousands of people we support, we thank those generous people who have already donated to the Vinnies Winter Appeal. What better time of year to make a donation than the end of the financial year where all donations to the Vinnies Winter Appeal are tax-deductible.” said Jack de Groot, Vinnies NSW CEO. You can make a donation today by calling 13 18 12 or visit www.vinnies.org.au

Frost and Fire: Is only 1 more sleep away! Are you ready? Just a few pointers for tomorrow afternoon: No BYO or food. There are many vendors coming to keep everyone hydrated and sustained! Yes you can bring chairs if you wish, there will be plenty there but you are most welcome to bring your own. There will be a shuttle bus running between the Ski Dam and Lachlan Street in Forbes, first pick up near Target at 5pm and the cost is $2 per trip.

Way Back When: Have you got an old photograph of a local person or a photograph of Forbes way back when? If so we would love to see it for our new feature “Way Back When”, simply email your photo and information to editor@forbesphoenix.com.au

The Country Pub Project: Airbnb has launched The Country Pub Project. Pubs are the heart of their communities in Australian country towns, but many are doing it tough. Airbnb will be working with country publicans, providing a grant of up to $50,000 to rejuvenate their pub, put their towns back on the map, and bring more guests to regional Australia. For more information visit www.airbnb.com/b/countrypubproject

Epilepsy Action Australia: Has launched a new national helpline specifically for people with epilepsy and their families this week. The Epilepsy Nurse Line will provide immediate access to a trained healthcare professional (during the hours of operation) and is expected to greatly improve health outcomes for people with epilepsy across Australia. The Epilepsy Nurse Line can be accessed from 9am – 5pm seven days a week in all Australian states and territories by phoning 1300 EPILEPSY (37 45 37) or emailing epilepsy@epilepsy.org.au

Helping Save Lives: Forbes Shire residents now have access to a defibrillator in Woolworths Forbes to assist in the event of sudden cardiac arrest. The Automated External Defibrillator (AED) was installed in Woolworths Forbes on the 6th June and is part of a priority roll out program at Woolworths that ensures rural and regional community, or areas where it may be hard to access a medical site gets first access to the roll out. Woolworths Forbes Store Manager, Noel Reardon said; “We are pleased to have a defibrillator installed in our store which everyone can have access to.”

Cr Michelle Herbert from Forbes Shire Council, Shannon Heitzmann and Leanne Allegri enjoyed the Aussie Biscuits Biz Viz with the Forbes Business Chamber last week.

Beating Driver Fatigue: The Free Cuppa for the Driver campaign helps to tackle driver fatigue one cuppa at a time. The Pantry Café and Catering, Forbes Bakehouse, Forbes Inn, Crave and Subway must be congratulated on participating in this initiative over the June Long Weekend.

Way Back When: Have you got an old photograph of a local person or a photograph of Forbes way back when? If so we would love to see it for our new feature “Way Back When”, simply email your photo and information to editor@forbesphoenix.com.au

Frost and Fire: The quintessential Aussie bonfire night is set to be re-created in Forbes on June 22, but with a twist. Frost and Fire is FREE to attend, with gates opening at the Lake Forbes Ski Dam at 4pm. Frost and Fire promises plenty of fire, hearty food, warming beverages and great entertainment. Sit back and relax fireside whilst enjoying the amazing line up of live music. Local talent, Lily Gaffaney will perform alongside Young Monks from Canberra. Headline act, Lior is a must see, having recently achieved international acclaim and playing with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra at the Sydney Opera House. Guests will be able to pre-order from fabulous local suppliers who create delectable picnics. Why not try a chip on a stick, some flavourful grilled BBQ meat or burger fare or some homestyle, traditional winter warming favourites will all be on offer. Enjoy a cider, boutique beer and traditional beers or a warming wine or even a hot choccy or coffee, paired with some sweet delights.

Contributions: If you have a Thumbs Up/Down, Snippet, Be Seen Photo, Stork News, Wedding Bell or Catch of the Week we would love to hear from you! Simply email editor@forbesphoenix.com.au we love all contributions!

Nell’s Pantry 4 Farmers: Are seeking donations of non-perishable foods such as canned goods, cereals, flour, sugar, pasta etc, goods can be dropped off to Nell’s Pantry at St John’s Anglican Church. Nell’s Pantry is open to farmers every Tuesday from 1pm to 3:30pm, except in school holidays. Drought-affected farmers are able to select up to two green Woolworths bags worth of groceries per visit.

Last weekend the Red Bend Catholic College Debutante Ball was held in Forbes.

Winner: The winner of our Questacon competition was Ashley Milford! Thanks to everyone for entering, stay tuned for our next competition.

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea: Neighbourhood Central organised a Biggest Morning Tea on 21 May 2019. The morning was a very big success that could not have been possible without the amazing volunteers. The winner of the raffle was Judy Ellis and the winners for the 100-Club were Zelma Grayson, Lyn Ward and Vince Roberts. Vince very gracefully re-donated his winnings which made the total proceeds to be donated to the Cancer Council $641.

Regional Skills Relocation Grant: The NSW Government has established the Regional Skills Relocation Grant to increase the availability of skilled and experienced workers for businesses setting up in, relocating to, or existing in regional NSW. Grants will be available for businesses operating in NSW regional eligible industries. The funding is available to assist with the relocation costs of eligible skilled workers they employ that move from metropolitan areas to regional NSW. Approved businesses will be reimbursed up to $10,000 to assist with relocation costs incurred by eligible skilled workers they employ. For further information visit https://invest.nsw.gov.au/assistance/regional-investment-attraction- package/regional-skills-relocationgrant

Double Demerit Points: Will start today Friday 7 June and run through to Monday 10 June (inclusive) this long weekend. Double demerit points apply for speeding, seat belt, motorcycle helmet and mobile phone offences during all holiday periods such as long weekends, Christmas, New Year and Easter. Drivers caught using their phones during a double demerit period can expect to be hit with the fine as well as up to 10 demerits.

Farm First Aid Free Training: On-farm accidents are a major problem for farming in Australia. Incidents can involve workers, bystanders to work and others (including children) and occur in a range of circumstances on farms of different agricultural enterprises. Develop skills and improve the safety of your farm or rural workplace by enrolling in this First Aid training course, delivered by an accredited Red Cross Trainer. This free event is supported by NALAG NSW’s Our Shout Program and Australian Red Cross. The event will be held at Bedgerabong Hall on Tuesday 11th June from 8.30am – 4.30pm. Limited places, register online at www.nalag.org.au/farmfirstaid

Member for Riverina and Central West Michael McCormack with Governor General, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove after being sworn in as Deputy Prime Minister at Government House last week.

Nell’s Pantry 4 Farmers: Was officially opened last week with over 20 customers on the first day. The Pantry will be open on Tuesdays from 1pm – 3.30pm for those farmers in need. Thanks to the Forbes Country Bakehouse for generously donating the celebratory cake.

New Drink and Drug Driving Reforms Are Now In Place: Drivers caught driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol face tougher penalties, under new reforms introduced last week.  Drivers caught drink driving will receive a $561 fine and immediate three-month licence suspension, even if they are a first time or low-range offender. Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Belinda Coe, said “Driving with the presence of drugs or alcohol in your system is not only illegal, it’s extremely dangerous and puts your life and the lives of all other road users at risk.”

Residents Reminded To Get Their Flu Shots: The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) community is being reminded to get their flu vaccine with the launch of the 2019 flu campaign recently and winter beginning this weekend. WNSWLHD Public Health Manager, Priscilla Stanley said, “With more than 9,600 confirmed influenza cases in NSW already this year, people should not delay and organise their flu jabs either at the GP or pharmacist immediately”.

Contributions: If you have a Thumbs Up/Down, Snippet, Be Seen Photo, Stork News, Wedding Bell or Catch of the Week we would love to hear from you! Simply email editor@forbesphoenix.com.au we love all contributions!

First Home Loan Deposit Scheme: Local residents looking to buy their first home will be given a helping hand to get into the housing market through a new Liberal and Nationals’ initiative to slash upfront deposit costs on home loans. Riverina Nationals’ MP and Deputy Prime Minister Michael Mc- Cormack said “From 1 January next year, the Liberal and Nationals’ Government will provide first-home buyers the opportunity to get into the market with a 5% deposit, instead of the 20% most lenders require,” Mr McCormack said.

National Volunteers Week: Last week all the wonderful volunteers from the Forbes shire were treated to a special morning tea and thank you from the Forbes Shire Council at the Town Hall. Without all of these volunteers our town would not be the AMAZING place it is today!

The Forbes Fire Station held its Open Day last Saturday. Over 400 people attended the event to take part in the festivities.

Catch of the Week winner: Thank you for sending in your great fishing pics and please keep it coming! Will Boyton was our April winner. Congratulations Will and please claim your $25 voucher prize from Loomzy’s Fish ‘n’ Fix in Forbes.

Competition: Enter our Questacon competition on page 7 to win a family pass. Closing date for the competition is 2pm on Thursday, 30th May.

A heartfelt ’thank you’: This week was a special celebration of our volunteers during National Volunteer Week. We paused to say thank you to all the volunteers who are the heart and soul of Australian communities. A special thank you to all the volunteers in our very own Forbes community!

Selling or re-homing a cat or dog? The NSW Department of Primary Industries is introducing new rules. From 1st July people selling or giving away kittens, cats, puppies or dogs, will need to include an identification number in any advertisements. The identification number can be either: a microchip number, a breeder identification number, or a rehoming organisation number. For more information visit www.dpi. nsw.gov.au/companion-animals.

Council Applauded For Supporting Small Business: Forbes Shire Council has been commended for its leadership in making it easier for local businesses to start and grow at the inaugural Small Business Friendly Councils Conference in Sydney on 16-17 May. NSW Minister for Small Business, Damien Tudehope said Forbes was one of 69 NSW councils to join business leaders, mayors and experts from across the country to plan and discuss strategies to stimulate local economies. NSW Small Business Commissioner, Robyn Hobbs congratulated Forbes Council for embracing the Small Business Friendly Councils initiative and for their commitment to supporting the growth of Forbes. Forbes Shire Council was presented with a plaque to recognise its commitment to the Small Business Friendly Councils initiative and Easy to do Business.

Contributions: If you have a story, photo for Be Seen, a Thumbs Up/Down, Letter to the Editor or Snippet we would love to hear from you! Simply email editor@forbesphoenix.com.au.

Drink Driving Penalties: As of 20th May, drivers who commit a lower-range drinkdriving offence for the first time will have their licence suspended immediately, effective for three months. This will be coupled with a significant fine (currently $561).

What a Country Music Muster!: Veva MacCullagh was our very lucky winner of a double pass to the Country Music Muster held at Condobolin recently. The event was run by Phil and Chris Coad. “This was a fantastic well-run event and featured many walk-up opportunities for singers of country music and a great line-up of professional artists over the weekend,” said Veva.” Many thanks to the Forbes Phoenix and the Coad’s for running this competition,” she said.

Drink-driving in NSW: From May, drink drivers who are first-time, lower range offenders will receive an immediate three month licence suspension and a fine of $561. Under the new laws, simpler and more certain penalties will also apply for drug drivers. Offenders who drive with the presence of illicit drugs for the first time will receive a $561 fine and a three month licence suspension if the offence is confirmed by laboratory analysis. Alcohol related crashes claimed the lives of at least 68 people on NSW roads in 2018, accounting for nearly one in five road deaths, including 55 lives lost on country roads. Fatalities from crashes involving a drug driver accounted for similar numbers of deaths.

Minister for Transport and Roads, Andrew Constance said this reform makes it clear if you break the law, you will pay the price. “We are taking a zero-tolerance approach to drink and drug driving,” said Andrew. “Drivers who have an illegal level of alcohol in their blood or have used illegal drugs have no place on the road.”

Firefighters Open Doors To The Community: Firefighters will be opening the doors to Forbes Fire Station for the Fire and Rescue Open Day on Saturday, 18th May, inviting people to learn more about Australia’s largest urban fire and rescue service.

Forbes Fire Station will be open from 10am to 1pm with a range of free activities including firefighting demonstrations, station tours and safety presentations. Families can also see the fire trucks and firefighting and rescue equipment up close and chat to local firefighters about the critical work they do to keep communities safe.

The Croquet Club celebrated birthdays for May at the Returned Services Club last Tuesday. Club members celebrating their birthdays in May were Lorna Field, John Cole, Dot Hailstone, Anne and Harley Stewart, John Browne and Elvy Quirk.