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.

A Big Thank You: The Western New South Wales Local Health District has given a big thanks to the Friends of Forbes Hospital Auxiliary. This year, during unprecedented difficulties, the Friends of Forbes Hospital Auxiliary continued their enormous support of the Forbes Health Service with donations of approximately $23,500 in purchases of essential pieces of equipment.

The purchases have included a treatment chair for the community nurses, bassinets for the maternity unit, a tonometer for the emergency department, and support equipment for occupational therapy in the inpatient unit.

Lachlan Health Service Health Service Manager Liz Mitchell said, “Without the continued support of the Friends of Forbes Hospital Auxiliary, the Health Service wouldn’t have these items, we are ever so grateful for their continued support and donations they provide.”

Christmas Colour-In Competition: The Forbes Phoenix is running a Christmas Colour-In Competition and today, Friday, 11 December 2020 is the last day to enter. The winner of the competition will win a special prize just in time for Christmas, with the winner to be announced next week on Friday, 18 December. To enter the competition, simply colour in the picture on page four, take a picture of the complete colour-in, and send it to us via the Forbes Phoenix Facebook page or email editor@forbesphoenix.com.au with the entrants name and age. We look forward to seeing the wonderful work from children in the Forbes Shire, so get colouring!

Forbes In The Spotlight: Earlier this year, Forbes artist Holmsey teamed up with local producer and cinematographer Adam Enslow from StartFast Productions, to record Holmsey’s first single ‘Deep Breaths’ as well as film the music video for the track. The song was released on all major platforms, including Spotify, YouTube, YouTube Music, Instagram and more in November. The 3.33-minute-long music video, which features many familiar faces and places in Forbes, is a cinematic journey which artistically intertwines the song’s lyrics with visuals that offers audiences further insight into the mental process of healing from the trauma caused by change and heartbreak. Holmsey hopes to inspire other aspiring artists in Forbes to follow their ambitions by proactively taking their dreams into their own hands. The release of Deep Breaths has proved that Forbes has the resources, and the talent, for artists to turn their creativity into something tangible that can be shared with the world.

Templar Street Receiving Finishing Touches: With much of the major structural work in Templar Street now complete, businesses, traffic and pedestrians can look forward to the CBD’s facelift being completed by February 2021, weather permitting. In the coming days and weeks there will be temporary closures for the installation of road surface borders and surface asphalt application between 25 and 30 November, and then again between 11 and 22 January 2021.

Tuesday next week will see the installation of the much-anticipated planter boxes. While there has been some disruption to business, Council has done their best to ensure pedestrian access is maintained during work on the upgrade.

The upgrade to the Forbes CBD further enhances its aesthetic and gives Forbes an advantage over its regional neighbours in terms of tourism and long-term economic growth. With many upgrades to Forbes that have taken place in recent years and months, including the Lake bridge, lights, sculptures and landscaping, and Gum Swamp upgrades, as well as plans for the new visitor information centre, Forbes continues to grow and offers more for residents and visitors alike.

Christmas Colour-In Competition: The Forbes Phoenix is running a Christmas Colour-In Competition from Friday, 27 November to Friday, 11 December 2020. The winner of the competition will win a special prize just in time for Christmas, with the winner to be announced in Phoenix’s last edition of 2020, on Friday, 18 December. To enter the competition, simply colour in the picture on page four, take a picture of the complete colour-in, and send it to us via the Forbes Phoenix Facebook page or email editor@forbesphoenix.com.au with the entrants name and age. We look forward to seeing the wonderful work from children in the Forbes Shire, so get colouring!

Funding Call For Heavy Vehicle Safety Programs: Australian heavy vehicle safety programs will receive another significant boost with the launch of Round 6 of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI).

If you have a project, program or campaign that will increase safety awareness and compliance that requires funding or support to make it happen, visit www.nhvr.gov.au/hvsi and view the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative 2021-22 Submission. Projects must be implementable, commence in the 2021-22 financial year and be completed by 30 June 2024.

Rhyme Time Returns: Rhyme Time is back in full swing with parents and young children embracing the weekly sessions now being held at Forbes North Public School. Previously held in the town library, the change of location was due to COVID restrictions not allowing voice projection in enclosed spaces. Rhyming helps babies and young children to learn about words, sounds and the formation of language. Hearing rhyme and rhythm helps children develop a strong foundation for early literacy skills and is important for early brain development. The new location of Rhyme Time at Forbes North Public School is accessible via Facey Street which allows for ample parking and a beautifully shaded area for families to enjoy. Organiser Maree Yapp said she was thrilled to have Rhyme Time back after a lengthy COVID hiatus. The group now meets weekly at 9.30am each Friday.

Christmas Hampers: Foodbank delivered a pallet load of 60 Christmas hampers to Forbes North Public School (FNPS) on Friday, 7 November, which are still being distributed to families throughout Forbes. The school and Foodbank have teamed up over this year, with volunteers from FNPS help- ing with Foodbanks July food drop at the Forbes showgrounds and Foodbank also running their School Breakfast Program at FNPS. While there has been a generous amount of rain this year, Foodbank recognises that families are still living under the strain of drought. To donate $35 for food hampers, follow the link of the Forbes North Public School Facebook page.

Veteran And Community Grants: Grants for activities and services which improve the health and wellbeing of veterans and their families in the Riverina and Central West are now available, with the latest round of Veteran and Community Grants (V&CG) program now open. The project aims to promote a healthy lifestyle, help veterans to live independently, reduce isolation, and to provide support to carers. The provision of these grants will enable communities to choose where funding is allocated, this is because it is the communities who know best which services will benefit individual veterans and their families the most. For information about how to apply visit the Community Grants Hub website www.communitygrants.gov.au. Assistance with grant application queries is also avail- able by phone on 1800 020 283 or by email support@communitygrants.gov.au. Grant applications will close 29 January 2021.

https://www.forbesphoenix.com.au/14988-2/

Remembrance Day: At 11am on Wednesday, Forbes residents, young and old, gathered at the Cenotaph in Victoria Park to honour those who have died in War. Wreaths were laid before a minute of silence, which was broken by the playing of the Last Post. Originally called Armistice Day, the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month commemorates the end of World War I.

Rural Aid Webinar To Tackle Loneliness: During National Psychology Week, one of Australia’s largest rural charities is inviting farmers and rural residents across the country to attend this month’s edition of the popular “On The Couch” webinar series.

Hosted each month by one of Rural Aid’s specialist counsellors, this month’s edition focuses on the topics of isolation, loneliness and being alone. Counsellor Gary Bentley will host the webinar which will be held at 6pm on Wednesday, 18 November.

Any members of rural communities are welcome to attend. Attendance and comments made using the chat functionality of the webinar is strictly private and confidential. Register online at https://my.demio.com/ref/AEP48BZuWaHHjiBI to attend the webinar: ‘Isolation, loneliness and being alone: The challenges of living a solo life’.

Listen Up: The Hearing Australia Bus is coming to Forbes. Over 175,000 people have checked their hearing aboard the Hearing Australia buses since the mobile service launched in 2009. An estimated 3.6 million Australians are affected by hearing loss, and this is projected to more than double to 7.8 million by 2060, meaning nearly one in every five Australians will be affected. A hearing check is a quick and easy way to help identify if your hearing might not be as sharp as it used to be. The Hearing Australia bus is stopping into Forbes to offer free hearing checks and raise hearing health awareness in the local community. The service will be available from 9am- 2pm on Tuesday, 17 November, in Harold Street, opposite Council.

Congratulations To Kathryn: Kathryn Matheson was named as the winner of the Forbes Phoenix Spring Photo Competition for her beautiful portrayal of Spring in her Tulips photograph. There were so many fantastic entries this year, thank you to those who sent their photos in. Sarah Hodge from Essjay Photography, who sponsored the competition, met with Kathryn last week to congratulate her on winning the $200 voucher for some amazing photography.