Local Country Music Scene Abuzz: Forbes Country Music Club held a COVID friendly event at the Gooloogong Hotel last weekend and from all reports the live music was a real treat and went down well with the great menu and the locals. The FCMC usually hold events at Club Forbes but due to the pandemic had to hold the event at Gooloogong.

In other country music news, the Bedgerabong Country Music Campout will be going ahead this year from Tuesday, October 5 to Sunday October 10 at the Bedgerabong Showgrounds. The campout is set to feature performances from Paul Costa, Marie Hodsen, Aleyce Simonds, Stephen Cheney and many more.

For further details please contact President Wendy Dixon on 02 6852 4085, email: forbescountrymusicclub@gmail.com or follow on facebook: friendsofcountrymusicinforbes.

Central NSW JO Council Frustrated At Reports: Mayors across the region have expressed their disappointment hearing reports there were an extra 3-5 hours added to visitors’ journeys over the Easter long weekend.

“It’s frustrating to hear, and it affects our reputation, we don’t want to deter folk from coming back, we need to fast track a safe swift link from Sydney to Central NSW” said Cr John Medcalf OAM, Chair of Central NSW Joint Organisation, Mayor of Lachlan Shire Council. The Central NSW JO Councils are seeking to work with the Western Sydney Councils and key stakeholders for solutions before the next Federal election.

Cash Injection For Ag Shows: More Australian Government support for COVID affected agricultural shows and field days is on its way for 110 events around the country to help them recover. Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud said $710,818 in supplementary expense claims has been approved under the Sup-porting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program. “Almost $34 million has already gone out to the 378 shows and field days approved for funding for costs paid from 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020,” Minister Littleproud said. “These events are at the heart of our rural and regional communities and help farmers stay competitive by sharing innovation and new ways of doing business. For more information on the Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program visit www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/infrastructure/supporting-ag-shows.

All Abilities Cooking Day: Mark Wednesday, 21 April at 10am in your calendars as Forbes Preschool along with the Forbes Youth Action Team are holding the All Abilities Cooking Day. For further information on the All Abilities Cooking Day or any other holiday event, please contact Forbes Shire Council on 02 6850 2300 or www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/contact-us

Rebecca Wilson visit: Author Rebecca Wilson (who has written a book on Kate Kelly, sister of bushranger Ned) will be visiting this month on April 16 at the Book Dispensary, Forbes. The workshop begins at 10:30am and finishes at 1:30pm. Kelly, for those who are unaware, is buried in Forbes cemetery.

New Doctor Training Scheme To Boost Bush GP Numbers By 400: Up to 400 general practitioners will train to work in regional Australia over the next four years, with the establishment today of the Coalition Government’s Rural Generalist Training Scheme (RGTS) to boost doctor numbers in the bush.

The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) will deliver the Government-funded $49.7 million program, with ACRRM providing up to 100 Rural Generalist GP training places each year.

Federal Regional Health Minister, Mark Coulton said the end goal of the RGTS is for patients to have increased access to primary health services in rural and remote communities.

“Rural and remote communities want safe and high quality primary healthcare services delivered by well-trained GPs with training in an extended rural skill set,” Minister Coulton said. “Our Government is committed to making this happen by continuing to build the rural medical training pipeline.”

“I want to acknowledge ACRRM’s hard work over the past twelve months to bring this program to fruition for aspiring rural generalists. By providing more rural training places, we will open more GPs’ eyes to the significant benefits of being a rural generalist and living in a regional community.” Minister Coulton said rural generalist GPs are critical to the delivery of healthcare in rural and remote communities, and their specialist skills and training allow them to provide medical care in a wider range of circumstances.

Forbes Community Day April, 29: If you’re free on April 29 between 10:30am and 2:30pm and need help with anything from bills to Centrelink debts or even family law issues or Disability Royal Commission submissions, then come down to the Uniting Church Hall, 27 Brown Street, Forbes. For more info call 68501234 or email enquiries@binaalbilla.com.au

You Choose Set For Return: We are pleased to announce You Choose is re-turning to Forbes this month and this time around Melissa McGuiness will be holding an adult session for parents and guardians. This powerful information session is essential for all parents of young drivers. Bookings are essential and can be made by phoning Sarah Williams on 6850 2300 or emailing sarah.williams@forbes.nsw.gov.au

FSC And DPI Run Fishing Workshop: Forbes Shire Council is partnering with the DPI to bring yet another Fishing Workshop to the lake. Come along and learn fishing tips and tricks and win some amazing giveaways! All participants under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. The event is being held on Tuesday, 13 April from 9am-11am at Lions Park. Cost is free.

Wiradjuri Council Of Elders Meet In Parkes: Last Friday and Saturday saw the first meeting for some time of the Wiradjuri Council of Elders in Parkes.

This is not the first collaboration between Parkes Shire and Wiradjuri Elders though one of the first since COVID. Zoom link was trialled successfully and connected Elders from Lithgow Associates of Wiradjuri.

Mayor Ken Keith OAM was on hand to welcome the Elders as discussions held throughout the meeting ranged from water management to emerging Elders.

The boundary of the Wiradjuri Nation extends from Coonabarabran in the north, straddling the Great Dividing Range down to the Murray River and out to western NSW.

Wiradjuri traditional country includes the townships of Dubbo, Condobolin, Orange, Bathurst, Wagga Wagga, Albury, Narrand-era, and Griffith.

The Wiradjuri Council of Elders is comprised of Elders from all over Wiradjuri Country and had their first meeting in 1989 and hopefully will continue well into the future.

30 Years of Service Celebrated: Last week Forbes Shire Council celebrated 30 Years of service with the Forbes Railway Arts committee. “I would like to thank all the amazing volunteers we have had at the Railway Station Arts and Tourist In-formation Centre over the last 30 years,” said Forbes Shire Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM. “Such an amazing milestone to reach and we at Council appreciate your dedication and service to the community over those three decades.

“I would like to pay special tribute to our life members; Pearl Maguire, Merle Churchill and Anne Nixon who attended last Wednesday. You all were at the inaugural meeting on 18 June 1990 at the Forbes Golf Club,” continues Mayor Miller.

“Danie Doolan, the driving force and dedicated founding member, must also be acknowledged. Without her initial push the Forbes Railway Arts & Tourist Centre committee would not have come to fruition.

“We must also not forget Judith Taylor and Lyn Simmonds who also have been working at the centre for 30 years,” continues Mayor Miller.

In total the Railway Station Arts and Tour-ism Information committee has had a total of 111 members over the thirty years. Currently the committee are non-committal on the future for the Railway Arts committee as COVID-19 has changed the circumstances in which they operate.

Aussie Biscuits Cooking Again: In a massive development for the local treasure, Aussie Biscuits is up and running again after a COVID enforced lay-off that lasted nearly half a year.
Brett Thompson of Aussie Biscuits was ecstatic to return citing how difficult it had been for many especially participants with a disability during the break. “It was hard for a few of our participants for sure,” he said.
“Unfortunately though due to how dangerous and contagious the virus was we had no choice but to cease production,” Brett said. “I know everyone is over the moon though that we are finally back to normal.”
From 600 biscuits a day back in 1976 through to 35,000 today it is certainly great to see Forbes local treasure back in full swing!

Choose To Challenge Wraps With Wonderful Women Exhibit: The rain didn’t stop a strong turn out for the finale of the IWD Choose to Challenge Exhibition that ran at the Platypus Gallery for the last two weeks. Saturday night from all reports was a great success as local award-winning photographer, Sarah Hodge of Essjay Photography showcased her array of extraordinary photographs. Well done Forbes Art Society, Forbes Business Chamber and all concerned for a fabulous exhibition!

Central West Landcare Kicking Big Goals For Forbes: It’s been a big few weeks for Central West Landcare, from CWLL monthly meetings at Forbes Community Garden as well as The Friends of Parliament Landcare event with NSW Councillors culminating in the NSW Rural Women’s Information evening Forbes Golf Club club this Wednesday March 24 at 6pm. Call Central West Landcare or the club for more info and don’t miss out on what promises to be a flagship event.

Wet Weather Continues: Last week we said there was a chance of more rain and now a good part of the state is experiencing flash flooding. While Forbes is some way off at the moment, another week of torrential rain and we may have to summon Steve Carrell’s ark from Evan Almighty.

Ninja Park Nearing Completion: It’s the park everyone can’t wait to see open – the new Forbes Ninja Park as final touches are being put on what will surely be one of the more popular family hangouts once it’s up and running. Perhaps we may find Australia’s next ninja warrior right here in Forbes!

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.”