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.

FANTASTIC WIN… The Red Bend Catholic College Rugby League Opens team celebrated a 38-16 win over Farrer this weekend in Tamworth. Congratulations!

Candidates to contest 2019 election: A total of 1,514 candidates have nominated to contest the 18th May federal election, the Australian Electoral Commission announced.

The national figures include 458 candidates contesting 40 Senate vacancies and 1,056 candidates for the 151 House of Representatives divisions across Australia.

The national total for the 2019 federal election is slightly lower than the 1,625 candidates who stood at the 2016 event. The 2019 candidate nominations were officially declared at public events held across the country recently, followed immediately by a draw for ballot paper positions. The declarations represent a milestone in the huge logistical operation that is a federal election – over 50 million ballot papers will be printed and distributed in the coming few days and early voting began on 29th April.

Between next Monday and 6pm on election day, 18th May, a record 16.4 million Australians are enrolled and able to cast their votes at more than 8,000 polling locations over the period. Voter services will include early-voting centres, mobile-polling teams visiting hospitals and remote areas, election- day polling places and interstate voting centres, overseas voting venues, and other offshore locations such as Norfolk Island and Antarctica.

Mamma Mia! Dancing in Trundle: The Trundle ABBA Festival has arrived with many festival goers expected to start their travel to Trundle and the region this weekend. “We have ABBA fans coming from all over Australia, and even fans from England, travelling to Trundle,” said Felicity Jackson, who is one of the event organisers. “We also have about 400 people coming from Sydney, the Hunter Valley and Parkes on special ABBA Trains,” said Felicity. This year’s festival includes Bjorn Again, the world-famous ABBA tribute band, renowned artists including Ben Ransom, Ingrid Mae, Amitie, MRQ and The Natalie Prevedello Duo. There will also be market stalls, dancing and best costume competitions and lots of fun activities for all ages. “It’s going to be a great fun filled day, so come and visit us on 4th May,” said Felicity.

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@forbeshoenix.com.au.

The Mixed Foursomes Golf Championships held last Sunday saw Dan Bayley and Beth Dickens as the winners of the Les Forbes Trophy for Scratch and the Treanor Memorial Trophy for Handicap for a second year running.

Thanking Clients: Flannery’s Pharmacy celebrated winning the Pharmacy of the Year Award with a bbq last Saturday to thank the local community for their ongoing support. Long time customers, Deborah Murphy (left) and Dos King (right) joined in the celebrations with Pharmacy Owner, Michael Flannery.

ABBA Festival Competition Winner: Congratulations to Dylan Johnson on winning our ABBA Festival Competition!

Any day in May is great to vaccinate against flu: Parents of small children and people in high-risk groups are being urged to set a reminder for 1st May to book a flu jab ahead of winter. NSW Health’s Communicable Diseases Director, Dr Vicky Sheppeard said most GP clinics should receive their Commonwealth flu vaccines by next month. “There have already been 7,584 recorded flu cases in NSW during the warmer months so the best protection ahead of winter is to be vaccinated to build up resistance,” said Vicky. More than 250,000 flu vaccines have been delivered so far, including over 42,000 to aged care facilities across the state. “For the wider population, supplies should be with their GP by 1st May,” she said. Vicky said free vaccines will again be available through GP’s for all children aged from six months to under five years of age, under the NSW Government’s $2.6 million program. The NSW Government has invested around $130 million in the 2018-19 Immunisation and state vaccines. “Free flu vaccines are also available for pregnant women, Aboriginal people, those aged over 65, and anyone with conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease,” said Vicky. People who are not eligible for free vaccines can get vaccines on the private market from their GP or an eligible pharmacist. Influenza vaccines are recommended for children and adults to reduce their risk of flu and spreading it to vulnerable people. In addition to booking a flu jab, people are reminded that to help reduce the spread of flu, sneeze into your elbow, wash your hands regularly and stay home if you are sick.

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@forbeshoenix.com.au.

Love Our Lake Community Consultation: The first consultation with the community to find out what they love and don’t love about Lake Forbes was recently held. Great ideas were discussed. Remember to have your say in the boxes dotted around town. Find them at the Library, the Health and Community Centre, Jemalong Retirement Village and soon there will also be one at Undercover Sleepwear.

OUR SPORTING HEROES… George Field was selected as the February recipient for the Central West Credit Union Monthly Sports Achiever Award. This was for his efforts as a spin bowler and a batsman during the PSSA Championships. Bruce Facey presented George with the award.

Sydney Royal Easter Show Competition Winner: Congratulations to Daniel Brown on winning our Sydney Royal Easter Show Competition!

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

Respect The Day: Ahead of Anzac Day on Thursday, 25th April, Respect the Day is a campaign of the RSL & Services Clubs Association to remind people of the special significance of Anzac Day and to encourage Australians to reflect on how we should behave on this sacred day. Anzac Day symbolises the sacrifices made by our defence personnel in all theatres of conflict at all times and the service of all veterans to Australia irrespective of overseas service, full or part-time service, serving or exservice, male or female. It is for these reasons that Anzac Day is so important. With this in mind, the association is urging people to remember the importance of Anzac Day, and what it stands for. Commemorate the day, celebrate the traditions, but be respectful and responsible.

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@forbeshoenix.com.au.

NSW Double Demerit Dates: Motorists are reminded that double demerits will be in place for eight days during this month’s Easter and Anzac Day holiday period. Double demerits start today, 18th April and run to Monday, 22nd April. Then there will be a one day break before they start again on Wednesday, 24th April and run through to Sunday, 28th April (inclusive). The double demerit points period applies from midnight of the start date to midnight on the finish date, meaning this month there will be a total of eight days where double demerit penalties will be in place. Double demerit points apply for speeding, seatbelt, 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. Please drive safely and take extra care on the roads.

OurAutismCrew: This April, for World Autism Awareness Day, Autism Awareness Australia is celebrating everyone that makes up our wonderful autism community!

From the incredible individuals on the spectrum, to the families and friends who love them, the educators, employers, medical and health professionals who support them… we all have #OurAutismCrew.

To join in, submit a photo of someone, or everyone, in your crew and explain why they’re so special to you. You can nominate yourself, a child, a sibling, mum or dad, a grandparent, teacher, therapist, doctor, mentor… anyone who is part of your inner circle. It’s an opportunity to recognise and celebrate them and the positive impact they’ve had in your life. The submissions will be shared across social media pages from 2nd to 12th April so make sure to follow Autism Awareness Australia on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to see yours! Submissions are open from 18th March to 12th April.

Forbes North Public School Easter Fete: The Forbes North Public School Easter Fete is on today (Friday), 5th April. The fete is being held at the school grounds in Thomson Street, from 3:30pm to 5:30pm. A highlight for the fete this year is the Anytime Fitness Picnic Games, which will be free for kids to enter, with great Easter egg prizes for race winners. Games will include all the traditional favourites, such as three-legged race, egg-and-spoon, sack race and more.

The first races will kick off at 3:45, with different events held throughout the fete. Another big highlight of the fete will be the Forbes Toyota Kids Karaoke Competition.

Children will be welcome to enter on the day and some happy singers will be going home with great Easter egg prizes from the karaoke. “The P&C is absolutely thrilled to have such wonderful support from the community for our school,” said P&C President, Maree Yapp. “We are looking forward to a fun filled fete with something for every budget.” Other great attractions will include the ever popular Sumo suits, the haunted house and the Gunn’s Menswear jumping castle. Gate entry into the fete is free. All welcome.

Daylight Saving: Daylight saving will end in NSW at 3am on Sunday, 7th April. So remember to turn your clocks back one hour when you wake up the following morning.

HARD WORK PAYS OFF… The Forbes Rugby Club President’s Lunch saw its biggest year yet, with over 1,000 guests attending the fundraiser held last Saturday on the Forbes rugby grounds. An event of this magnitude can only be successful when organised by a great team such as the one pictured here.

A fun day of sports for the disabled: The annual Regional Sports for the Disabled will be held again this year for the 38th year in a row. This is always an exciting and happy day for all ages and all people with a disability. The occasion will be held at Red Bend Catholic College starting with morning tea at 9:30am followed by a March Past to the pipes of Brian Tisdell and the magnificent Red Bend drummers. This will be followed by walking races and novelty individual races for all ages and some team events as well. Molly Neilsen and a team of helpers, many whom are Red Bend students will serve up the morning tea. If you are on a special diet then you better bring it with you! Red Bend students all buck in and help with the starting whistle and the finishing ropes. All participants will receive a ribbon but there is always only one winner! Many participants have been known to help the other participants to get over the finish line with them. Come along and join in the fun on Wednesday, 8th May at Red Bend College Gymnasium. Participants can even compete in musical chairs and at the end of lunch when everyone has had enough there might even be a disco dance. Want to know more, call Dianne Decker on 6852 2902 or Jacqueline Coady on 6853 8153. All welcome.

Arts OutWest calls for Board members: The Central West regional arts development organisation Arts OutWest seeks applications from people with a range of skills and backgrounds interested in becoming members of their board. Details can be found on artsoutwest.org.au.

Join the largest global movement for the environment: Australia is home to some of the world’s most iconic and breathtaking natural landscapes and wildlife. But climate change is putting all this at risk. To protect our unique species and their habitats, we need Australia to step up now and take stronger action on the promise we made at the 2015 Paris Agreement. The latest government data shows that Australia will miss its 2030 targets. We risk losing our beautiful natural heritage – forever. We don’t have a moment to lose! Sign up to switch off at 8:30pm on Saturday, 30th March and join millions of people in over 180 countries to show the need for stronger climate action. It’s time to switch off and #Connect2Earth. Go to https://www.earthhour.org.au/ to find out how you can become involved.