More Rain For Forbes: While we still have a way to go to match last years rainfall in March (63mm), good falls were reported across the region last weekend with a slight chance of more before the end of the month. We currently sit on around 14-15mm. For more go to www.bom.gov.au

Choose To Challenge Exhibition Wraps This Weekend: It’s the last chance for people to check out the Choose to Challenge Exhibition of mixed media work at the Platypus Gallery. The ‘Choose to Challenge’ exhibition opened in Forbes on Friday 5 March and will run until tomorrow – Saturday 20 March.

Members of the Forbes Arts Society are celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD) and in keeping with the IWD 2021 theme, #ChooseToChallenge, the exhibition features individual work and collaborative pieces that challenge gender bias and inequality. Forbes Arts Society Chair, Dr Karen Ritchie was glowing in her feedback. “Through artwork, we can highlight and celebrate women’s achievements – but also illustrate the gender inequity that still exists worldwide.”

The Platypus Gallery opening hours are Tuesday to Friday, 10am until 2pm and Saturdays, 9am until 1pm. All artworks will be available for purchase. For more information visit www.forbesartssociety.com 

Rural Aid Photo Competition Is Back: The hugely popular Spirit of the Bush photography competition has returned in 2021. Rural Aid is today putting the call out to snappers of all ages and abilities to submit their most stunning photographs of life on the land. The winning photographs will be turned into a beautiful 2022 calendar, that will be available to purchase. In the popular 2020 competition, Rural Aid received more than 700 photographic submissions-making it a very tough job for judging. A panel of judges will determine the best bush snaps, based on twelve categories: farming generations, drought, fire, flood, life on a farm, farm animals, rural women, rural men, outback kids, rural landscapes, man’s best friend and small towns. Winners will be awarded a feature in the 2022 calendar, and a Rural Aid prize pack. Photos can be submitted through the https://woobox.com/srqwkg page up until 5pm (AEST) on Monday, 31st May 2021. Visit www.ruralaid.org.au for the full list of terms and conditions. For more information, contact Rural Aid media on 0447 116 757 or media@ruralaid.org.au

More Than $400 Million in Road Safety Funding En Route for NSW: Hundreds of road safety projects are rolling out across New South Wales, in a more than $400 million blitz designed to reduce road trauma and save lives.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Australian and NSW Governments were working tirelessly to ensure works start immediately and are completed by June to get people home sooner and safer. “As someone who proudly lives, works and has raised a family in regional NSW, I know just how important safe, efficient road connections are to local communities,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“That’s why we are rolling out this funding to deliver lifesaving upgrades. This investment won’t just save lives, it will also provide more than 2,500 direct and indirect jobs.”

It’s All About You at All About You: About You – It’s Your Life Pty Ltd is has recently come to Forbes and Parkes and are looking for enthusiastic and committed support workers as part of their expansion. Spokesperson Ian Lorente was excited about the growth in the area saying – “If you have the energy, commitment, a genuine interest in people and willingness to learn please contact us.” If you’re interested, please contact Ian at 0405 622 340 or email ian.aboutyoucompany@gmail.com

Lots To Do For IWD Celebrations: To celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8 there are a number of events in Forbes over the week from the Choose to Challenge IWD exhibition at the Platypus Gallery to a IWD Cocktail night at Masonic Lodge on March 13 from 6-9pm. Tickets $15 at 123tix

Unleashing Vitality In Forbes: They say if you don’t make time for your wellness you will need to make time for your illness and Renee Ryan is proof of both. The local Forbes woman has recently completed the Unleashing Vitality course from The Coaching Centre of Australia after dealing with health and wellness challenges her entire life. “I dealt with my own history through the course,” said Renee. “It really is about taking ownership of your life. I am living with more purpose than ever and totally recommend this to anyone.” For more info on this course please go to www.thecoachingcentre.com.au or call Shawn Dwyer 0439 194 323.

100 Businesses Join Forces to Reduce Driver Fatigue Crashes on NSW Roads: The ‘Free Cuppa for the Driver’ scheme has been running for 11 years. This year 17 local businesses in the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Council areas have put their hands up to help fight driver fatigue and reduce our road toll by offering free cuppas to tired drivers.

Our local businesses will join over 100 businesses across regional areas of NSW to participate in the next phase of the successful ‘Free Cuppa for the Driver’ scheme, which runs annually from 1 March to 31 May. Participating businesses will be encouraging drivers to take regular breaks by offering a free cup of tea or coffee to any driver who is more than 100kms away from home.

Since 2010, over 25,000 free cuppas have been given away. During that time, across NSW fatigue-related crashes have fallen by 19%. Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said that the second biggest killer on NSW roads is drivers who are tired.

‘Free Cuppas’ are available from a broad range of businesses with varied opening hours, making regular breaks and free cuppas more accessible than ever.

“If it wasn’t for the participating businesses supplying the ‘free cuppa’, then this scheme wouldn’t be possible. I would like to thank the 17 enthusiastic businesses across the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Council areas who are taking part in this year’s scheme,” Ms Suitor said.

The local participating businesses for 2021 are: Commercial Hotel, Forbes Bakehouse, Forbes Inn Hotel Motel, Isabel’s Place, Shell Forbes and Subway Forbes.

The ‘Free Cuppa’ website, freecuppa.com.au, allows drivers to search for the nearest participating business as well as find useful information on the scheme. There is also an active Facebook page that will keep you up to date on the scheme and the participating businesses.

For further information, please contact (02) 6861 2364.

Clean Up Australia Day: This Sunday, 7 March is Clean Up Australia Day and for those in the Forbes shire there are numerous places to get involved in this important and wonderful initiative. Fitzgerald’s Bridge, Cottons’ Weir and Gum’s Swamp on the Newell Highway are the areas for locals to participate. For more information call Forbes River Meadows Caravan Park on 6852 2694.

Rain Glorious Rain! In a much-needed boost for farmers and the region, approx. 100mm of rain in February in the Forbes Shire with reports of more in some areas.

The 2021 total amount is already smashed for the whole of February 2020 (72mm) with less than a week of February left and more rain expected. Local James Mattiske, who’s family property sits 10kms south of Forbes towards West Wyalong had 60mm falling on Friday, 5 February and Saturday, 6 February alone. He wasn’t the only one with reports coming in of good coverage across the shire including this pic from Riverdale 10kms south of Forbes.

ALGWA Forum: The Australian Local Women’s Government forum was held in Forbes on February 20 at the Forbes Golf and Sportsman’s Hotel in an event designed to educate women who may be interested in putting their hand up to join Council this year. The Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA) held a forum for women members of the community wanting to know more about the responsibilities as a Councillor.

Nursing Grads In Central West: More than 100 graduate nurses and midwives will start working in Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) hospitals this year as part of their annual new graduate intake.

WNSWLHD Nursing and Midwifery Transition and Workforce Manager, Jackie Corliss, extended a warm welcome to the new nursing and midwifery recruits. “We’re so excited to have 104 new recruits joining us. We wish them well as they embark on this unique and rewarding career.”

“The recruits will be based across the District, including ten mental health nurses located at Bloomfield Hospital,” said Ms Corliss.

More than 54,000 nurses and midwives currently work in the NSW public health system, an increase of 24.7 per cent since 2011. The NSW Government has invested in a record total 8,300 frontline health staff over four years, including an additional 5,000 nurses and midwives, including mental health and palliative care nurses.

WNSWLHD graduates from February 2021 will work in the following hospitals:

• Bathurst Health Service: 12 nurses
• Orange Health Service: 16 nurses, 1 registered midwife
• Dubbo Health Service: 28 nurses, 2 registered midwives
• Bloomfield Campus: 10 registered nurses

Others will fill Metro/ Rural Exchange Program, Southern, Northern and Central Clusters.

Correction: On the front page of last week’s Forbes Phoenix, Issue 274, ‘Three Blue Ducks’ first episode on Network 10 on Saturday night was reported as starting at 7.30pm. This was inaccurate. It should have read that it will air at 7pm.

The second episode will be aired on Network 10 on Saturday, 20th February at 7pm. This episode takes the three chefs to western NSW and a Trundle family property to explore the use of lamb in their cooking. Forbes and Parkes CWA branches were involved in the filming of this episode of the 6 part series. If you missed the first episode you can view it, as well as all the upcoming episodes on 10 Play.

ALGWA Forum: The Australian Local Women’s Government forum will be in Forbes on February 20 at the Forbes Golf and Sportsman’s Hotel in an event designed to educate women who may be interested in putting their hand up to join Council this year.

The Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA) will be holding a forum for women members of the community wanting to know more about life and responsibilities as a Councillor. The Q & A session is hosted by members of ALGWA in which they share their knowledge and experience.

The forums are open to women across the LGA who are considering putting their hand up for their local government election.

Morning Tea and Lunch will be provided. For more details please contact Jolene Jones, Council’s Events Officer, jolene.jones@forbes.nsw.gov.au or 6850 2300

Peewee Pete Ruffles Feathers At Library: You could be forgiven for thinking it was a Hitchcock film but for a brief moment it’s exactly how it appeared as a wayward magpie-lark (peewee) flew off-course and ventured into the Forbes Library.

“The young bird must have felt the library was a suitable place to roost for he proceeded to take refuge way out of reach on top of the window blinds in the high-ceilinged computer room, ignoring all entreaties for him to vacate the building,” explained Bronwyn Clark, Forbes branch librarian exclusively to the Phoenix.

A phone call to the Forbes Council soon saw the Rangers arrive on the scene then patiently persevered until finally Peewee Pete, was out manoeuvred by Ranger Mat Wallis, who in the end caught young Pete and then gently carried him out and released him back into the park to join his friends. “A big thanks to the rangers for all their help in the safe capture and release of our friend.”

The Dish Turns 21: For many, it seems like only yesterday, but the iconic Australian film The Dish turns 21 in September this year. Yes, that’s right, it has been more than two decades since the Aussie historical comedy-drama was released. Based largely on actual events, the film about the Parkes Observatory’s vital role in relaying live television during humanity’s first steps on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1968, was largely filmed in Forbes, due to its historic architecture and period related locations. Many of the NASA materials from the actual Apollo mission were used in the film as props as they were deemed too heavy and therefore expensive to return to the US after the actual 1969 voyage, giving the film even more authenticity. Starring the legendary Sam Neill and the late Tom Long, The Dish was Australia’s highest grossing film in Australia in 2000 taking nearly $18 million and remains a favourite to this day. Hopefully, Forbes and Parkes Shire can come together and commemorate a landmark event. Watch this space!

Bedgerabong Background: The tiny town of Bedgerabong is situated in the Central West region of NSW, a half hour drive West of Forbes. The name ‘Bedgerabong’ is derived from the Aboriginal Badjarri Bong which translates to ‘a place of good water,’ and houses a combined showground, race-course and hall and church which hosts three events throughout the year, which are held in high regard by the locals and those in the surrounding region and are great for families in the Bedgerabong Show, Bedgerabong Country Music Campout and the Bedgerabong Picnic Races. The Bedgerabong Cup is always a great event and grows year on year, with crowds in excess of 4,000 this year celebrating 101 years of racing in the community, a meet which has developed a reputation for its picturesque setting with massive river gums providing the beautiful backdrop. Great Inland Glossy Count Back On: Postponed from late last year due to excessive rain and then COVID-19 restrictions, the NSW Saving our Species program is now calling for community volunteers to become “cockatoo counters” and help be part of the Great Inland Glossy Count on Saturday, 27 February on Goobang Nation-al Park and surrounds, 90 km from Forbes. Register online: https://app.betterimpact.com/PublicEnterprise/68d8138e-28e1-4a02-85b8-341d9d9edb57.

Bird Hide’s Taking Shape: World Wetlands Day was celebrated this week on Tuesday, 3 February, and how fantastic it is to see further progress on the installation of the bird hides at Gum Swamp finally taking place. Located just 4km from Forbes town centre, we are so lucky to have Gum Swamp wetlands on our doorstep.

The Gum Swamp redevelopment is part of the $7 million ‘Boosting the Lachlan Val-ley Economy Art Project’, proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Restart NSW program through the Regional Growth, Environment and Tourism Development Fund, the Forbes Arts Society, Forbes Shire Council, Lachlan Shire Councils and Evolution Mining. This latest development is sure to draw in and comfortably accommodate local and visiting conservationists, bird watchers, and nature lovers alike when it is completed and open to the public in the coming months.

Lucky Local Lotto Winner: News On Rankin has sold a winning lottery ticket to one lucky local who won $58,798. The Division Two winner awoke to the fantastic win on 26 January which made their Australia Day 2021 an unforgettable one. Remember to gamble responsibly.

Costa At Eco Day: Central West Lachlan Landcare (CWLL), one of eight successful local projects in the 2021 round of the Country Arts Support Program, is organising the Schools Eco Day for Forbes and Parkes students on 28 May. CWLL received $2,992 for the expanded Eco Day at the Forbes Showground. It is an educational and fun day for year five students and will include an eco art workshop by Ro Burns showing children how plants can be used to decorate and embellish.

Costa will also be at the Landcare dinner that night and join the Forbes Riverside Community Garden open day the next morning.

The Country Arts Support Program is a devolved funding program coordinated locally by the 14 regional arts development organisations in NSW on behalf of the NSW Government. Applications are assessed locally by a panel.

 

Catch Up With Shots Before The Rush: Parents and carers with children starting NSW childcare, primary or secondary school this year are being urged to ensure they are up to date with their immunisations. Parents and carers with children starting childcare, primary, or secondary school in 2021 are reminded to ensure they provide their child’s immunisation history. Children can only be enrolled in childcare where documented evidence is if they are fully immunised for their age, are on a recognised catch-up schedule or have a medical reason not be vaccinated. Immunisation requirements in primary schools were extended in 2018 to include secondary schools. Principals are now required to request an immunisation his-tory statement when students enrol. The changes were made to help control disease outbreaks in schools by collecting accurate information about a child’s immunisation status. Students without an approved immunisation certificate and those who are unimmunised risk being excluded from school if there is an outbreak of a vaccine preventable disease for their own safety. Parents can download their child’s statement from the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) from MyGov, the Medicare Express Plus App or the AIR enquiry line on 1800 653 809.

Be A Mate To Our Furry Friends In The Heat: RSPCA NSW is urging all pet owners to keep their pets cool, hydrated, and safe this summer. As temperatures across the state begin to rise above 40 degrees Celsius, it is crucial pet owners make precautions for their pets to avoid potential heat stress, and fatalities, this summer. Pets cannot always cool themselves down, so as a responsible pet owner, it is your job to keep them cool during the hot summer months. If possible, bring your pets indoors where there is shade, and possibly air-conditioning, to provide a cool environment to chill in. Do not under any circumstances leave pets unattended in locked cars, even if you are parked in shade or have the windows down. If pets are to be outdoors during the heatwave, it is important to provide access to shaded areas to protect your pets from the sun. Place ice in your pet’s bowls to help cool their water sources but check that your pet is comfortable with the change in water temperature. If you think your pet is suffering from heat stroke, please contact your closest veterinarian immediately.

Forbes Christmas Colour-In Competition Winner: This year the Phoenix received a delightfully overwhelming response to our Christmas Colour-In Competition. Judging was not easy with so many colourful and creative entries from ages one to 12. The winner of the competition is Maci Kennedy, aged six. Well done to all of the talented children who sent in their work.

Forbes RV Dump Point Relocation: For travellers to the Forbes region, please be advised the RV Dump Point has been relocated from Lions Park to the new location at Junction Street, near the Short Stay Parking area. RV Dump Points are sites especially designed for Recreational Vehicles (RVs) to dispose of their waste, including Grey and Black Water, and Sewerage in an environmentally safe way.

Johnny Woods Crossing Footpath Dismantled: Forbes Shire Council closed the Johnny Woods Crossing from Thursday, 10 December to Friday, 11 last week for the removal of the raised footpath. The structure had significant concrete cancer damage and as there is a path adjacent to the raised footpath, a decision was made to remove the structure. As part of the approved Lake Forbes Activation Plan, this area will receive new pedestrian and cycling paths on either side of the road and new wetland edge plantings will improve aesthetics, water quality and habitat.

Travel From The Comfort Of Home: Global Gatherings was born from a love of travel and appreciation of unique hand- made products made in communities that are striving for sustainable livelihoods. The passion of the people and communities is the main reason they are bringing these products to a larger audience.

Global Gatherings believe their business offers customers a win-win situation. By purchasing one of their rare finds, you are not only getting a wonderful, handmade product for your home or business, you are also contributing to the preservation of many cultures by helping a craftsperson become financially independent. It is a true economic partnership in every sense of the word.

Every product has a story. If you listen closely, every product will tell you of the hands that held it and crafted it with care. Every stitch, bead, carve, cut, sand and polish represents a moment an artisan has spent, practising and perfecting their craft. Handcrafted products celebrate the traditions of cultures around the world. Global Gatherings hope each product you purchase takes you on an adventure.