Senior Constable Kelvin Jubb from the local Highway Patrol will be one of the many Police Officers patrolling local roads over the long weekend.

Don’t Forget Double Demerits: Drivers are being reminded that double demerit points will be in force for four days for this long weekend. From Friday, 24 January to Monday, 27 January for all speeding, seatbelt, motorcycle helmet and mobile phone offences, double demerits will be applied.

NSW Police’s Central West Highway Patrol Acting Sergeant Melanie Maguire is encouraging all road users to pay attention to road conditions and allow plenty of travel time this long weekend. “The increase in traffic over the long weekend increases the risk of crashes occurring. We all have a part to play in reducing the number of crashes and risks. Remember to slow down, schedule plenty of breaks during your trip, don’t drink and drive, limit distractions in the car and ensure all your passengers are wearing their seatbelt,” Acting Sergeant Maguire said.

Nominations Open for Local Sporting Talent: The Forbes Sportsperson of the Year Committee are calling for all local sporting organisations to submit nominations for the annual awards before the end of January. Nominations are open for local athletes, administrators, officials and coaches. Winners to be announced at the Annual Awards Presentation Dinner to be held on Saturday, 7 March at the Forbes Services Memorial Club commencing at 6:30pm. Nominations forms can be found on the Forbes SOYA Facebook page or by contacting organisation secretary, Anita Morrison on 0405 364 512 or email morrisonaj68@gmail.com.

Market to Make a Difference: Come down to the Forbes Golf Club on Thursday, 30 January from 7pm-9pm. Everyone is invited to this fun market night with plenty on offer for all. Essential oils, clothing, handmade soaps, jewellery, cakes and melts and more will be on offer. There will also be a silent auction for some of the donated goods. All funds raised will be going to people who have lost homes in the recent bushfires. Half of the funds raised will be going to people who have lost homes via Nowra Rotary Club. Nowra Rotary have been very generous in supporting people in and around Forbes during the ongoing drought so now is a chance to offer support. The other half will be going to a Wonboyn resident who lost his home. Cost to enter is a gold coin donation.

Come down to the Golf Club on Thursday for your chance to win beautifully handcrafted items.

Congratulations to Forbes High School’s Claudia Cheney who received the Phil Donato MP School Citizen Award of 2019.

Extreme Heatwave Warning: The Western NSW Local Health District is reminding people to be cautious during the extreme heatwave conditions that are forecast across the region for the rest of the week. It is advised for people to minimise outdoor or physically strenuous activities with temperatures reaching over 40 degrees Celsius.

Heat related injury is serious and can cause serious illness as well as exacerbate existing illnesses. Forbes residents with chronic medical conditions and those over 75 years of age are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illness. Younger, healthier Forbes community members are urged to check on elderly friends, family and neighbours whenever possible.

Be aware of the signs of heat-related illness, they include dizziness, tiredness, irritability, thirst, fainting, muscle pains or cramps, headache, changes in skin colour, rapid pulse, shallow breathing, vomiting and confusion. If symptoms occur, get to a cool place and seek medical attention if the signs are severe. In an emergency situation call Triple Zero (000).

Another School Year Complete: Forbes Public School students from Kindergarten, year one and year two received a visit from summer Santa and his real-life elf on Tuesday. Their visit, coupled with the annual end of year party and water fight, ensured junior students ended their school year on a high. Next year will see the largest intake of Kindergarten students at Forbes Public School in many years with an extra class being made to accommodate the children.

Bust The Dust: Forbes North Public School joined hundreds of other schools across NSW and even parts of Western Australia and the Northern Territory for the Bust The Dust rain dance on Friday last week at 1pm. The dance is part of a campaign created by students of Trangie St John’s Parish School that aims to lift spirits and cheer people up who are struggling with the pressures of the drought this festive season. With more than 500 schools registered, the dance has raised just over $8000 for Rural Aid Australia, as of Wednesday 18th December. Students left their classrooms at 1pm to dance and kick up the dust, a fantastic way to start summer and end their schooling year.

Charlotte Markwort and Lucia Bilsborough of Forbes North Public School enjoyed a thorough coating of colour in the school’s annual colour run.

Kyreeka Griffiths, Jalaki Griffiths, Kath Wighton, Lakeisha Griffiths, Charlize Griffiths.

Keeping spirits, and clothes, bright at Forbes North Public School: What better way to beat the dust, heat and flies than to have a colour run and celebrate the simple things in life. Friday, 29th November saw the annual colour dusting of staff and students at Forbes North Public School. With thanks for the generous support of Council, the school was able to provide a range of obstacles for the students to traverse while being smothered in colour.

Smiles were all around while the students cleared the hay bale hurdles in one stride and bravely dived on the slip and slide. Everyone was more than happy to pose for the occasional photo. Forbes North Public School Teacher and colour run coordinator Dell Welsh was pleased with the event, stating “It was a fabulous afternoon for the children to get outside and have some fun while also doing some fundraising for the school.”

Water Security In Forbes: Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller, wants the community and visitors alike to understand that the shire is not running out of water, stating that “Forbes is situated in a very unique position along the Lachlan River and with the current Wyangala Dam water releases of 900ML/day, our town residents can be assured the current water restrictions will look after us well into 2020 despite zero inflows.”

Rotary Club of Forbes President Grahame Uphill, guest speaker Selina Win Pe and Rotary member John Zannes.

Finding Peace in Giving; Amendment and Update: It was the Rotary Club of Forbes, not the Forbes Lions Club who organised and hosted the wonderful guest Selina Win Pe last week as initially reported on in last weeks “Finding Peace In Giving” Snippet. The Forbes Phoenix deeply regrets this mistake that was made and wishes to acknowledge the tireless efforts of the Rotary Club of Forbes and the fantastic work they do for the Forbes community. Special thanks to Forbes Rotary member John Zannes for his work in getting Selina to Forbes. Selina will be returning to Forbes next Tuesday, 10th December with a new Renault 2 tonne van which has been donated for her Farmer Support program. The van will be fully loaded with supplies for Nell’s Pantry and disadvantaged school students.

Nominations Open for Citizen of the Year: Forbes Shire Council are calling for nominations for the 2020 Citizens of the Year. The Forbes Shire Citizens of the Year will be held in three categories:

Forbes Shire Citizen of the Year for nominees who are 25 years or older.

Forbes Shire Young Citizen of the Year for nominees who are 25 years or younger.

Forbes Shire Senior Citizen of the Year for nominees who are 65 years or older.

Nomination forms are available online at www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/residents/community-information/australia-day-2019.aspx

Forbes Finest: Gibson’s Grove Ligurian style olives took home Gold at the Sydney Royal Fine Food Show’s class 4 of the Oil and Olives Classes with a score of 88. The show is run by the prestigious Royal Agricultural Society, a not for profit organisation committed to supporting rural agricultural development and rural communities in Australia. Congratulations to Clare and Greg of Gibson’s Grove Olives, Forbes.

Youth Ambassadors Give Voice to Forbes Youth: Forbes Shire Council recently selected six Ambassadors from Forbes North Public School, St Laurences Parish School and Bedgerabong Public School as part of the Council Ambassador Program which is part of the Local Government NSW Week. Year five students applied for the role by submitting written applications and attending Council run leadership training sessions at the Forbes Youth and Community Centre. The program is a fantastic opportunity for Forbes students to connect and communicate with Council on behalf of their peers while gaining invaluable communication and leadership skills in the process.

The six successful Ambassadors; Charlie Bray and Ruby Jones from St Laurences, Halle Brown and Samantha Noakes from Bedgerabong Public School and Milli Robson and Charlotte Markwort from Forbes North Public School.

Selina Win Pe and Grahame Uphill reading the winning numbers for the Lions Club raffle on Wednesday evening.

Finding Peace In Giving: Last week on Wednesday evening Selina Win Pe gave a talk about her mission to improve the lives of country children, farmers and communities at the Forbes Services and Memorial Club, hosted by the Forbes Lions Club. Selina, who survived the 2014 Lindt Siege has sought alternative methods in her journey of healing from the trauma of the siege. Part of her healing has put her on a path of helping others which is why Selina is travelling across rural and remote NSW to meet with farmers and town people to gauge what different people need in their respective towns and to deliver whatever resources she can. Thanks to John Zannes and the Forbes and District Lions Club for inviting Selina to speak and for organising the evening. More information is available on Selina’s website www.selinawinpe.com.au

Pool Safety Reminder: With summer on our doorstep Forbes Shire Council is urging residents to assess pool safety at home. Residents are encouraged to make an appointment to talk to Council staff about their inflatable pool and fencing requirements. Appointments can be made by calling Council on 6850 2300 during office hours.

A Spectacular Weekend For Trundle Students: Year 7 students Charlie and Maggi Anderson, Sam Charlton and Oliver Dunn from Trundle Central School joined more than 150 other students from across drought ravaged NSW for a special week- end away in Sydney to see the Schools Spectacular.

The Trundle students travelled to Sydney as part of Wish Upon a Star, a joint initiative of the Department of Education and the Office of Sport and Transport NSW, supported by sponsors from RØDE Microphones and REX Airlines. The students were selected to attend the 2019 Schools Spectacular by their Principal, John Southon, as a reward for their good behaviour and merit.

Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell joined the visitors at the Saturday matinee of Schools Spectacular after they had enjoyed a day at the surrounding Sports and Recreation Camps, and said it was fantastic to see students whose communities are struggling from the impacts of drought able to relax and see a world-renowned show, “I hope that these young people have had a weekend to remember, and one that boosts their classmates when they return home and share their joy.”

Trundle Central school students attended the Schools Spectacular last weekend which included 5500 performers, including a 100 piece symphony orchestra.

Shirley Dukes, Hannah Demamiel, Beck Cheney and Caitlin Lewis resisted the temptation at the Spring Fair cake stall.

Spring Fair In Full Bloom: Forbes Public School held their much anticipated Spring Fair last Friday evening and the turnout was nothing short of spectacular. Hundreds of men, women and children joined in the many games, entertainment and activities that were on offer. Attendees were also well nourished by the sea of sweet treats at the cake stall, busy BBQ and various other snacks on offer. Teachers and even Principal Megan Staples took turns at being dunked into an icy tank of water as they heckled students. Teachers, families, volunteers and community members in attendance were all in high spirits for the event, which provided a fun and affordable night for the Forbes community.

Teacher Joshua Avis in a split second of regret as he plunges into an icy tank of water.

Looking better than ever, the Eternity sculpture is back for all to enjoy. (Photo: Forbes Shire Council Facebook)

At Our Fingertips: The FarmHub website has received an upgrade to better support farmers and families on the land. The website has new features like climate information developed from the Bureau of Meteorology to help manage climate risk, more than 100 learning and development programs farmers can use to upskill and information on where to source different kinds of assistance. Delivered by the National Farmers Federation, the website aims to provide the latest information to help farmers make decisions that will sustain them through the drought. Visit FarmHub at farmhub.org.au.

Pat Nolan and Kym Weaver of Currajong Disability Services.

Forbes Shire Council and Currajong Disability Services have teamed up with other NDIS providers to recognise International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) on 3rd December with a series of events at the Forbes Memorial Pool. It is the second time in as many years both groups have come together to stage this key event.

“We are extremely happy to have Currajong involved again,” said Sarah Williams of Forbes Shire Council. “Last year was such an outstanding success with the coverage second to none. So it made sense to do it all again.”

The event will not just be a celebration of people with a disability but also a chance for other providers and organisations to connect and share experiences and ideas. “We are really excited about it and have some great things planned,” said Sarah.

IDPwD is a United Nations sanctioned day that is celebrated internationally. It aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability and celebrate their achievements and contributions.

Eden-Monique Hull’s winning entry in the Spring Photograph Competition.

Spring Photo Competition Winner: Congratulations to Eden-Monique Hull on winning the Spring Photo Competition for 2019. Eden’s beautiful photograph was selected from many wonderful entries. “The colours, focus and detail in the image” were what really stood out to Kim Storey who judged the competition. Many thanks to Kim Storey from Avalind Photography for donating the winning prize.

Eden-Monique Hull receives winning prize off Kim Storey for the Spring Photo Competition.

Forbes Public School Spring Fair – In it together: Forbes Public School will run a Spring Fair this evening from 5pm – 8pm for the town of Forbes and surrounding areas. Teachers have solicited sponsors from far and wide who were keen to pro- vide prizes to cheer up struggling farmers and rural families. The response has been overwhelming with $20,000 worth of prizes donated. Forbes Public school urges the entire community to come along and support this cause.

There is something for everyone. Games include yabby races, coin toss, tyre changer, footy toss, dunk machine, lucky ducks, Ninja Warrior course, bat the rat, minute to win it as well as ice-cream decorating, hair spray, lucky dip, face-painting and ‘guess the lamb’s weight’. While you are there you can grab a bite to eat and watch local performers such as the Parkes PCYC Gymnasts and Kristin Woods Dance Studio. Then purchase some of their famous cakes, snow cones, donuts, fairy floss, popcorn, white elephant goods, books or plants. Al- low Forbes Public School students, staff and parents to do something for our community to tackle tough times together. They have done all the hard work and all they ask is that you come along and have fun.

More Wild Weather: Forbes residents endured another day of wild wind and thick dust that saw our sky drenched in brown and orange. The air quality index measures air particles with a diameter of less than 10 micrometres, these measurements were taken hourly at weather stations across the Central West. Between 4 – 5pm in Dubbo the PM10 measured at 954, quite significant when readings above 200 are a serious health hazard. Poor air quality can cause serious health issues so please avoid venturing out during dust storms.

The horses didn’t seem to mind too much but consider your own health in hazardous conditions.

Cassandra Tyack and Terese Gun. Photo by Anita Redfern Photography.

Hidden Treasures: Local women Cassandra Tyack and Terese Gun have been placed on the honour roll for the NSW Department of Primary Industries ‘Hidden Treasures’ initiative which recognises exceptional women who give their time and effort to improve their communities.

Numerous organisations depend on the tireless efforts of over 900 rural women volunteers, including sports, arts and environmental organisations, as well as emergency services.

Congratulations to Terese Gun and Cassandra Tyack for their much deserved recognition for the work they do in the Forbes community.

The Chosen Ones: Forbes has been elected as the host town for the 2020 NSW rural women’s gathering. Central West Lachlan Landcare Inc has been chosen to represent the Forbes committee.

The gathering is run by The Rural Women’s Network (RWN), a NSW government program under the NSW Department of Primary Industries. The gathering is an annual state-wide event that gathers women from diverse cultural and linguistic back- grounds, to discuss important issues faced by women in rural communities all over NSW.

Each gathering aims to improve the lives of rural women from all backgrounds by addressing and discussing the issues they face and further by engaging in partnerships with non-government and government agencies, groups and individuals to help form solutions to these issues. Some themes from previous years include accessing services, overcoming isolation and improving support from women experiencing domestic violence.

Mayor critical of Wyangala Dam Release: The unprecedented decision by the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder to release 22 million litres of water from Wyangala Dam, into the Lachlan River has been met with enormous backlash from many. The Dam now sits at just 18% after the water release, which was the equivalent of a 12-month supply of water to Forbes, a substantial loss.

Mayor Phyllis Miller weighed in on the issue stating: “I agree with the Deputy Premier, John Barilaro. The Environmental Water Holder is a disgrace if this is what the Murray Darling Plan says to do, I think it’s high time to re-prioritise people over the environment. Why let this valuable water just flow on past desperate farmers just for the sake of some fish. It is time that agriculture and farming families’ social well-being be taken into account when there is water sharing

Forbes Doctor Glen Pereira on the top of Mount Kilimanjaro on a recent climb.

Australian Red Cross Blood Service: The Forbes Mobile Donor Centre will be beside the Cenotaph in Victoria Park on Harold Street from Monday, 4th November to Wednesday, 6th November. The Mobile Donor Centre will be in operation from 9.45am to 2.45pm. The Mobile Donor Centre takes corporate, club and team do- nations and does whole blood collection. There is ramp access. Call 13 14 95 for appointments or further information.

Thank You Bush BBQ: A Thank You Bush BBQ will be held in the Anglican Church yard from 12pm to 2.30pm on Saturday the 16th of November. The BBQ is being held to say thank you to local business houses for all their efforts during the current drought. The BBQ is being run by the Men’s Shed and is free to all business houses in Forbes. It is a chance for a friendly chat under the trees in the church yard and a chance to support local businesses.

Lachlan Maternity Services: The Western NSW Local Health District is introducing a midwife-led birthing service at Parkes Hospital while efforts continue to return medical obstetric services.

Acting Chief Executive Mark Spittal said while the district continues to make every effort to recruit obstetric GPs and anaesthetists, a Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) is a safe and effective model for low-risk births where medical intervention is not anticipated or planned.

Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller had this to say, “What we can take from the meeting today is that there is a real commitment from Health Minister, Brad Hazzard, to return full obstetric services to both Forbes and Parkes hospitals. We are working with the health services to establish an incentive package to encourage doctors to come out to the bush. This takes commitment from all levels of government; local, state and federal. We must all be committed for Forbes and Parkes to have full medical services including obstetric services.”

Forbes Crocs Triathlon Festival: The Forbes Running and Tri Club has decided to cancel this year’s Forbes Crocs Triathlon Festival. Current participation numbers are not enough to make the event viable for the Club, the volunteers and the sponsors. All those who registered will be sent an email with further details. For any questions, phone Nick Turner 0408 223 067 or Nick Field 0416 251 516.