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.

Mahe Fangupo, Rohinesh Kumar, Marissa Johnson and Sienna Sukkar at their citizenship ceremony with Mayor Phyllis Miller.

Rotary Ipomoea 9th Christmas Tree Festival: Members of Rotary Ipomoea are inviting residents to make and decorate a Christmas tree for exhibition in their 9th community Christmas Tree Festival. There are no restrictions on the theme of your tree, it could reflect your organisation, the festive season or have a Christmas message. There are also no size or material restrictions. The fee for entering a tree in the exhibition is $5, which is used by Rotary Ipomoea to support local Rotary Ipomoea projects. RSVP your intention to enter to Sue-Anne Nixon on 6851 5197 or at sueanne.nixon@hotmail.com or Helen Pitt on 6851 4930 or 0427 201 445. The exhibition begins 6.30pm on 6th December at the Forbes Town Hall.

Small Business Month in Forbes: As part of Small Business Month this year, Forbes Shire Council is hosting an Energy Savings for Small Business seminar. This seminar will be conducted by the NSW Government to help give small businesses within Forbes a better understanding of energy management. The Energy Management team at the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment will provide important in- sights (via Webinar) for local businesses to learn about energy savings opportunities.

The free seminar will be held at the Forbes Town Hall on Tuesday, 29th October from 5:30pm to 7pm. There will also be an additional benefit to every business which attends this seminar, as they will have the opportunity to receive two hours of personalised advice for free (valued at $400) for their business. This will be conducted through virtual coaching sessions with an energy advisor, at a future date and time of their convenience.

This will also be an opportunity to connect with other local small businesses and to gain a greater appreciation of what Forbes Shire Council is currently undertaking to support small businesses. Refreshments including food and drinks will be provided. Register your interest by Friday, 25th October on Eventbrite.

Spring Photo Competition: The Forbes Phoenix has teamed up with renowned photographer Kim Storey from Avalind Photography to launch a Spring Photo Competition for 2019. Avalind Photography has kindly donated a family photo session plus a free print valued at $340 for the winner. To enter simply snap away some great “Spring Inspired” images in and around Forbes and email your photo to editor@ forbesphoenix.com.au or enter via the website www.forbesphoenix.com.au

Members of the Lions Club and Men’s Shed accepting cheques from Mayor Phyllis Miller for their contribution to the inaugural Frost and Fire event held this year.

has kindly donated a family photo session plus a free print valued at $340 for the winner. To enter simply snap away some great “Spring Inspired” images in and around Forbes and email your photo to editor@ forbesphoenix.com.au or enter via the website www.forbesphoenix.com.au

Contributions: If you have anything to contribute to the Forbes Phoenix simply email editor@forbesphoenix.com.au

Iris Farm Now Open: The Narromine Iris Farm is now open for the flowering season. Don’t miss the beautiful blooms in October, visit the farm at 471 Tomingley Rd, Narromine open 6 days per week from 9am – 6pm. There are over 1,500 varieties of tall bearded iris at the farm along with geraniums, pigface and poppy seeds. Enjoy a free cup of tea in the lovely shaded picnic area. For more information visit www.narromineirisfarm.com

ANFD Giveaway: Enter now for your chance to win a double pass to the Aus- tralian National Field Days at Borenore to be held from Thursday 24th to Saturday 26th October 2019. The feature exhibit this year is Central West Beef on Show. There will be over 500 exhibitors with something for everyone! It is so simple head to www. forbesphoenix.com.au and click on the competitions tab.