The Parkes Phoenix Photo Booth: Get a printed memento to take home to the family! We are very excited to be launching our photo booth this year at Packed Cones Gelato in the main street (Coles carpark). The photo booth will be open on Friday, 22nd April and Saturday, 23rd April from 10am. Come dressed in your best outfit, we will take your photo in front of a Speedway banner and print the photo on the spot! Various sizes available, from postcard to poster! You will also receive a special folder for your photos to keep them safe. Get a memento of your time at the Parkes Elvis Festival, and put it in a frame when you get home.

Devonshire Teas: The Red Cross Rooms in Church Street will be open on Thursday, 21st, Friday, 22nd, and Saturday, 23rd April festival offering coffee, tea, sandwiches and slice from 9am to 3pm. Take away also available. Come and support the volunteers at the Red Cross.

Free Entertainment At Cooke Park Pavilion: The new Cooke Park Pavilion is ready for its very first Elvis Festival and there is going to be a massive program of entertainment on offer for everybody to enjoy for free! Some of the fabulous artists to perform on the Cooke Park main stage are Dean Vegas, Damion Mullin, Soul Movers, Jack Gatto, and also the Parkes trio Amitie, and lots more.

More Free Entertainment: The Parkes CBD will be transformed into a giant party with music around every corner during the five days of the Elvis Festival. Apart from the performances at the Cooke Park main stage, there is also the Memphis Satellite stage in Festival Boulevard featuring a wide range of artists, including Parkes’ very own Gracie Jones, Barry Green and Amitie. In addition, you will meet buskers on just about every street corner and in between as you wander the main street following your fabourite tunes.

Call Out To Bearded Humans: There will be a Parkes Elvis Festival Bearded Photo Shoot outside Inkredible Tattoo Studio in Clarinda Street on Friday, 22nd April at 6pm. All beards are welcome – long or short!

Follow Us: Stay up to date with photos of events at the festival by following The Parkes Phoenix on Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up for a digital copy of today’s paper at www.parkesphoenix.com.au.

Five Days Of Double Demerits: Double demerit points will apply on NSW roads from today, 14th April until Monday, 18th April (inclusive) for all speeding, seatbelt, motorcycle helmet and mobile phone offences. Police will also be targeting other high-risk driver behaviour, including the four Ds- drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving. Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Martin Ling said with COVID restrictions all but gone and state borders re-opened Police were expecting people to take full advantage of being able to holiday across NSW and interstate this year. “We want everyone to arrive at their destination, to enjoy Easter with loved ones, and return home safely. That’s why all available Highway Patrol Officers will be working. Remember to slow down, schedule plenty of breaks, limit distractions in the car, don’t mix drinking with driving and ensure you and all your passengers are wearing seatbelts.”

Grant For Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre: The Forbes Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre Indigenous Corporation has received a helping hand in the form of a grant from the Federal Government Stronger Communities Programme (SCP) to restore and enhance a water-damaged courtyard. The community organisation received a $11,654 grant to enhance the centre’s outdoor space for the community to gather, reflect, celebrate and learn about Wiradjuri culture. Centre manager Aunty Aileen Allen said the grant was needed badly.

CSIRO To End Plastic Waste: CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, will tackle Australia’s plastic pollution challenges, pledging to help Australia reduce its plastic waste by 80% over this decade. Australians consume one million tonnes of single use plastic each year – with just 12% recycled. Three-quarters of the plastic found along Australia’s coastline is single-use plastics. CSIRO’s Chief Executive Larry Marshall said the challenge was far bigger than any one institution and needed a Team Australia approach. “By turning plastic waste into a renewable resource, the Mission will deliver collaborative scientific and manufacturing capabilities to drive new technologies across the entire plastics supply chain and grow Australia’s circular economy.”

Bush Photography: Rural Aid’s hugely popular Spirit of the Bush photography competition has returned with more than 250 entries already received in the first week of the competition. A set of 12 photographs will be picked for Rural Aid’s 2023 calendar. Entries can be made here: www.ruralaid.org.au/spirit-of-the-bush or by tagging #SOTB2022 in your Instagram or Facebook posts. The closing date is 30th May.

Country Mayors Association: Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller has been elected to the executive of the Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA). The new executive team was elected at the AGM on Friday, 11th March with Cr Ken Keith OAM (Mayor of Parkes Shire) returning as chairman, and Councillor Jamie Chaffey (Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Council) elected deputy chair. The seven other country Mayors elected to the Executive are Cr Craig Davies (Narromine Shire Council), Cr Rick Firman OAM (Temora Shire Council), Cr Russel Fitzpatrick (Bega Valley Shire Council), Cr John Medcalf OAM (Lachlan Shire Council), Cr Sue Moore (Singleton Council), Cr Kylie Thomas (Kyogle Council), and Cr Russell Webb, (Tamworth Regional Council). Kent Boyd PSM, General Manager Parkes Shire Council, was elected secretary/public officer. Priority areas for the CMA include working with the State Government to close the gap between health services in the regions and metropolitan areas, ensuring towns have sustainable water supplies and to ensure the financial sustainability of local government.

Free Online Holiday Fun: Code Camp is offering two free build-your-own games this school holiday for kids living outside of major cities. In the free online tutorial kids can choose to make the game Super Slimer, guiding a friendly slime blob collecting coins and avoiding baddies, and Firewall, where a heroic wizard or witch wards off evil spirits. To access the free online lessons visit www.codecampworld.com

Wagga Wagga Medical School: The $21 million Wagga Wagga Medical School has been given the green light to start works with development approval granted. “The very first thing I did when I became Deputy Prime Minister was to establish the Murray Darling Medical Schools Network, which comprises of schools in Dubbo, Orange and Wagga Wagga in NSW and Bendigo, Mildura and Shepparton in Victoria,” said Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack.

New Employment Program: Not-for-profit employment, training, education and apprenticeship service provider VERTO has been selected to deliver Workforce Australia services in Forbes, Parkes and the Central West for the next six years from 1st July. Workforce Australia is the Department of Education, Skills and Employment’s new employment model to deliver simple and efficient solutions to assist local job seekers and employers. Workforce Australia will enable job seekers to self-manage, while those with greater needs will be supported by experienced VERTO consultants. For more information visit www.dese.gov.au/workforce-australia.

 

Remember To Turn Your Clock Back: Daylight Saving ends on Sunday, 3rd April when we turn our clocks back one hour from 3am to 2am. Sunrise and sunset will be about one hour earlier on Sunday.

Checking Fuelcheck: The NSW government is encouraging customers to check the NSW FuelCheck app to help find the state’s best value fuel before filling up at the bowser. The app is easy to use and allows you to compare prices at local petrol stations to find the best deal by location, price or fuel type. The app displays the price for more than 2,400 petrol stations across NSW with users also able to set up alerts for when the price drops under a certain threshold. For more information on FuelCheck and to download the app visit: https://www.fuelcheck.nsw.gov.au/app

Have Your Say: Parents, carers and educators are invited to take part in the consultation for the Department of Education’s Parent and Carers Engagement Framework that will outline how the education sector can work more closely with parents and carers to improve student outcomes. Parents can have a say about the best ways for their school to communicate with them and what can be improved on. The new framework will help parents and carers to better understand their rights, responsibilities and choices in the education system and have access to timely information about their child’s learning, development and wellbeing. To have your say, visit the NSW Government ‘Have Your Say’ website www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/engagement-framework to 30th April.

Miss Priscilla: It is time to start preparations for the Miss Priscilla competition at this year’s Parkes Elvis Festival. The winner of Miss Priscilla becomes the Face of the Festival at the Goodsell Machinery Miss Priscilla Dinner on Thursday, 21st April. Being crowned Miss Priscilla brings instant fame as she will make special appearances at many of the festival’s wonderful events and will enjoy all the perks of being crowned Elvis’ leading lady for the weekend. There are also some great prizes to be won. There are also two other competitions on the night: Hairstyles of the 60’s and Miss Speedway. Simply recreate the gorgeous 1960s hairstyles or have some fun with Speedway inspired novelty hairstyles. To enter the competitions and to purchase tickets for the night go to www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au

Generous Donation: Laurel Vale Station donated four Angus steers at Forbes cattle sale to be auctioned off with all proceeds donated to a specific organisation to help out with the NSW and QLD floods. The steers were sold to Nutrien Forbes for $10,000 and they put them back up for auction and made $6,285. This means a grand total of $16,285 was raised!

Overture Shuttle Bus: There will be a special shuttle bus running from Forbes to Parkes return for Overture on 2nd April. The cost is $10 + booking fees per person, and the bus will depart from and return to Forbes Town Hall. Leave your car at home, and relax and enjoy the evening. Remember you can BYO to this event. There will also be a licenced bar and takeaway food options at the event with plenty of local cafes, restaurants, pubs and clubs surrounding Cooke Park. Spaces are limited, so please pre-book at https://www.123tix.com.au/events/31184/forbes-parkes-overture-shuttle#content Tickets to Overture are still available via www.123tix.com.au/events/23498/overture

Indigenous Celebration: Lions Park will come alive on Friday, 8th April for a fun-filled afternoon to celebrate our indigenous community from 4:30-8pm. There will be cultural activities, arts and craft, interactive displays plus bungee trampolines, pedal boats on the lake (from 3 – 6pm), Girri Girri games (until 6:30pm), and a drumming workshop. The first 300 attendees will receive a $10 voucher to spend at any of the food vans at the event! Complete all the activities in your free event passport and go in the draw to win awesome prizes! A free bus will depart Jenny Murphy Park at 4:30pm, and return trip departs Lions Park at 8pm. For more information contact Council’s Community Relations Officer at community@forbes.nsw.gov.au or 6850 2300.

Calling Artists: Creatives from across regional NSW have the opportunity to develop artwork that shares their perspective on the future for the regions. Regional Futures is a two-year statewide creative project funded by Create NSW and delivered by the NSW Regional Arts Network representing 15 member organisations. An Expression of Interest process is currently open and applications close 28th March. The artists selected from each region will become a part of a group of 15 creatives. For more information www.regionalfutures.net.au

Holiday Fun: It’s just two weeks until the school holidays start. Check out the Forbes Youth Action Team facebook page and sign up for the amazing school holiday events www.facebook.com/FYouthAT

Correction: The Rotary project number for flood donations is Project 47-2021-22 and not Project 48-2021-22 as was reported in last week’s story. Club president Chris Finkel requested that donors look for Project 47 by going to the Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) website, click-on “Projects” and enter 47-2021-22 to donate to the flood recovery.

Can you play an instrument? The Forbes Town and District Band is doing a membership drive and would love to hear from you. “We are searching in earnest for rusty, lapsed or budding musicians to join our community band,” said Sue-anne Nixon, publicity officer. The band meets on Monday nights from 6pm-7pm for learners, and 7pm -9pm for main band members. The band hall is at 165 Rankin Street- opposite Bernardi’s. We welcome experienced, lapsed or learners. Contact the band leader Hannah, on 0402 039 785 for more information.

Child Protection Framework: Weaving the Net is a community development project which works with the Aboriginal community, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal workers, government, and non-government organisations to develop a local child protection framework. Agencies in the local area are also invited to participate so that they can assist in providing services. The involvement of community members and service providers is integral to the success of the program. Join the Opening Forum on 22nd and 23rd March from 10am to 3pm at the Uniting Church Hall, 27 Browne Street in Forbes. Contact Debbie Gaudie on 6850 1234 for more information.

Buckle Up In School Bus: Students in regional communities can now buckle up and ride to and from school more safely with seatbelts installed in every dedicated school bus in rural and regional NSW. Under the $237 million seatbelt program more than 2,500 buses were fitted with seatbelts. For more information on the program, visit: www.transport.nsw.gov.au/operations/buses-and-coaches/rural-and-regional-seatbelt-program-taskforce

Country Arts Support: Arts OutWest is calling for people with exciting small local arts projects in mind to apply for the Country Arts Support Program (CASP). The CASP 2022 round is focused on community-based, locally developed arts and heritage activities to benefit people in the Central West. Applications can be for $500 up to $3,000 for projects happening between 1st June and 31st December. Applications close at 5pm on Thursday, 21st April. To apply check the guidelines at artsoutwest. org.au and call Arts OutWest to discuss your proposal on 6338 4657.

Boosting Teacher Numbers: More teachers are on their way to public school classrooms across NSW with the opening of the next round of applications for two NSW Government teaching programs. The Mid- Career Transition to Teaching program attracts mid-career professionals into a Masters of Teaching to become a high school Mathematics, Science or Technology or Applied Studies teacher, working part-time in a school after six months, with intensive wraparound support to make the shift to teaching. The FASTstream targets teaching graduates and experienced teachers with leadership ambition and talent to accelerate their career journey.

Forbes TAFE Launches GROW Program: Forbes TAFE was very excited this week to launch the start of the GROW program. In a statement on their Facebook page, Forbes TAFE said – “This is a wonderful opportunity for our young learners to participate in training over multiple trades in preparation to join the workforce. Thank you to our sponsors Evolution Mining and Forbes Shire Council. To Gunn’s Menswear and Cahills Footwear Parkes and Forbes we appreciate being able to work with our sponsors to fulfil our uniform requirements locally.”

Forbes Rotary Ipomoea Markets Tomorrow: Don’t forget the Forbes Rotary Ipomoea Markets are on tomorrow Saturday, 12 March at Lions Park from 8:30am to 12:30pm. Come along and enjoy what should be another amazing day with plenty of food, fun and sun not to mention local produce.

Forbes Town And District Band: Forbes Town and District Band is encouraging learners to come along Monday nights from 6-7pm as it looks for new members. The Band Hall is at 165 Rankin Street opposite Bernardi’s. Any questions call Hannah on 0402 039 785.

Farewell Forbes Phoenix: They say nothing is permanent except death and taxes and sadly, this will be my last issue as Editor of the Forbes Phoenix. Thank you to everyone who has supported me specifically and the paper – especially over the last 13 months. It has been an experience I won’t forget. Hopefully I see some of you around in my new roles throughout my travels in the Central West and beyond. Take care and always support local. Dane Millerd

Bernardi’s Building A Better Forbes: Aruma Forbes were the recipients of a $2,500 donation from Bernardi’s Building Better Communities Program in a real boost for the NDIS organisation. Aruma Forbes plans to use the donated funds to purchase tables and chairs for their HUB to use as a central meeting place to connect with one another. Some goals include:
• Building Social Skills in a group setting.
• Learning New Life Skills – Setting a table and dining etiquette when eating out.
• Social Activities – Holding events (Parties and Biggest Morning Tea).
• Craft activities, Bingo and Puzzles.

“We thank Aruma for all the work they do in the Forbes community,” Bernardi’s said in an online statement on Facebook.

Forbes Visitor Centre Gift Shop: Councillors last weekend had a sneak peek at the new Visitor information Centre shop at the Railway and it looks incredible! Stop by for amazing tourism merchandise and a great range of books! You won’t be disappointed!

Vampire De Haviland: Council wishes to advise that some structural issues have been identified in the Vampire jet, located adjacent to Apex Park. A member of the Forbes Community with a keen eye noticed some cracks forming in the fuselage around the nose cone and promptly notified Council. For the safety of the public FSC have cordoned off the area while they investigate. This may be ongoing due to the specialised nature of the aircraft. Please obey site signage while they determine next steps. Council recognises the community significance of the vampire jet and will do their best to resolve the issues in a timely manner.

International Women’s Day – Legendary Local Ladies Night Tomorrow Night: International Women’s Day – Legendary Local Ladies Night is tomorrow night Saturday March 5th from 6-9pm at Forbes Town Hall. Ticket price includes canapes, 3 x Cocktails, entertainment and a compli mentary gift bag for each attendee. Additional drinks will be available for purchase on the night. All proceeds will be donated to Running For Premature Babies. Tickets available at www.123tix.com.au

Meet Our Local Forbes SES Volunteers: This week’s volunteer is Forbes SES Unit Heath Richardson. Heath first joined the SES as a member with Parkes Unit in 2018 when he was 35 as he wanted to be a part of something worthwhile. Not long after, Heath became a member of Forbes SES Unit where he is currently a Senior Operator and a Trainer and Assessor (both a great asset to Forbes Unit). Outside of the SES, Heath is a Branch Manager of a rental company. Throughout the November 2021 floods which passed through Forbes, Heath was one of the many members who gave their days to help out with other emergency services. “As many of us would agree, what we like most about the SES is the camaraderie between both members and units as well as the fact that no two jobs are the same. If you’re thinking of joining the SES then I definitely advise you to think long term rather short term and to be committed,” Heath said.

Recycle Trays Available At Forbes Shire Council: Have you got your free recycling tray yet? Hurry into Forbes Shire Council Administration Office and grab your free tray today as they are quickly running out. They are so handy for taking your recycling out to the yellow lid bin rather than throwing your recycling into landfill.

Yandharra Visions Come To Light: Forbes Business Chamber with the support of Forbes Shire Council will present a breakfast for women at the Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre beside beautiful Lake Forbes on 8 March. The breakfast will be presented to the participants on gorgeous laid tables under the shade of the massive gum and willow trees that surround the lake. Close by will be the Wiradjuri sculptures and Dreaming Centre.

Proud Wiradjuri woman and founder of Yandharra, Rose DeJong will present her vision of Yandharra in Forbes. Yandharra will offer many indigenous people the opportunity to train, participate and be included in the world of hospitality. Rose will share her thoughts about Wiradjuri culture simply through the food on your plate.

Tickets are limited and cost $15 at: www.123tix.com.au/events/30826/lets-yandharra-wiradjuri-for-eat-together-iwd-breakfast.

Crimestoppers Visit Victoria Park: A Crime Stoppers NSW community safety event was held at Victoria Park, Forbes on Tuesday by Insp. Shane Jessep and Peter Price. Locals came to have a coffee with authorities to get more information particularly about the permanent National Firearms Amnesty and keeping communities safe. If you know something, say something before it’s too late. Information may be provided online or call 1800 333 000. Your call, it does make a difference.

Ronald McDonald House Charities Gala Ball Online Silent Auction Open: Ronald McDonald House Orange are very excited to announce their RMHC Gala Ball Online Silent Auction is now open. https://app.galabid.com/orange/register

Holding the auction online, means you don’t need to be in the room at the ball on 12 March to participate. However should you wish to attend, tickets may be purchased online at: www.123tix.com.au/events/23841/the-gala-ball

Get Your Elvis Festival Passes Online: Get organised and purchase your festival shuttle bus passes online now. Bus passes are available for Parkes, Peak Hill and Forbes, plus return coach transfer to the CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope. Shuttle bus services are available between Parkes and Forbes throughout the Festival thanks to Forbes Shire Council. Book online at https://bit.ly/22shuttle. For the CSIRO Radio Telescope book at https://bit.ly/22Dish

Teaching School Hub Coming To Forbes: A Teaching School Hub is coming to town. Catholic Education Wilcannia-Forbes (CEWF) and Alphacrucis College have teamed up to deliver a new program that will allow school leavers or others interested in the education system to work in support roles while completing their teaching studies. For more information on the new CEWF Teaching School Hub, contact Carmen Walsh by email: recruitment@wf.catholic.edu

Coalition’s Education Push In The Bush: This week Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack MP and the Federal Government made further strides in rural communities with Australia’s first Regional Education Commissioner Fiona Nash. Mr McCormack and Ms Nash were both pleased to discuss plans to ensure regional and rural students have the best possible access to high-quality education no matter their postcode. This comes on the back of key announcements made by the Federal Government last week with CSU in Parkes.

Vanfest Gathering Steam: Music lovers and concert goers are urged to sign up now for pre-release announcements about Vanfest. There are also a variety of member only perks. Go to www.vanfest.com.au

Nelson Twins At Club Forbes: We all need a good laugh so get your tickets today for the Club Forbes Comedy Night being held on Saturday, 7 May at 8pm. Come along and be entertained by Mick Meredith, Barry McLeod and the Nelson Twins. Tickets are $29 plus booking fee and can be puchased at www.123tix.com.au/events/30068/comedy-night-club-forbes

Dead Fish At Lake Forbes: DPI Fisheries has received a report of a fish kill in Lake Forbes. It is estimated that hundreds of fish have been affected, predominantly non-native Carp. The cause is likely linked to recent high flows in the region and associated water quality issues related to blackwater. DPI Fisheries will continue to work with partner agencies and stakeholders to manage and monitor water quality and river conditions. Community members are encouraged to report any fish deaths or observations through the Fishers Watch hotline on 1800 043 536.

Garden Club Notes: The first Garden Club meeting for 2022 will be held on Tuesday, 22 February from 1pm at the Uniting Church Hall, Browne St, Forbes. Please bring along a special bloom from your garden.

International Women’s Day: International Women’s Day will be celebrated on Saturday, 5 March at the Forbes Town Hall from 6pm – 9pm. Be inspired by ‘legendary local ladies’ and feel nourished with amazing canapes and delicious cocktails. The ticket price includes canapes, three cocktails, entertainment and a complimentary gift bag for each attendee. Additional drinks will be available for purchase on the night. All

proceeds will be donated to Running For Premature Babies. Tickets are available at www.123tix.com.au/events/30767/international-womens-day-legendary-local-ladies-night

Seniors Variety Concert: Head down to the Forbes Town Hall on Sunday, 27 March from 2pm – 4pm for the annual Seniors Week Variety Concert, presented by Forbes Shire Council and Forbes U3A. Featuring live music and afternoon tea, all for a gold coin donation. All proceeds raised will be donated to the Red Cross Forbes Branch. Performances by some of Forbes’ amazing local talent. Tickets are available at www.123tix.com.au/events/30765/seniors-variety-concert-2022

Royal Far West Op Shop (RFWOS) Volunteers Are The Best: So locals can get to know the volunteers, RFWOS will be featuring a volunteer each week.
Name: Helen Brinckley
Age: 81
Where were you born? Kempsey.
How long have you lived in Forbes? 45 years.
What are your hobbies/interests? Gardening.
What do you enjoy about volunteering? Meeting different volunteers.