THANKFULLNESS… As part of School Administrative and Support Staff (SASS) Recognition Week earlier this month, Forbes Public School held a special morning tea to celebrate their office staff, school learning support officers and general assistants to show appreciation for the hard work they do.

Storm Season Prompts Safety Precaution: Essential Energy is reminding residents to prepare their properties for storm season and minimise the risk of electrical safety incidents and power supply outages. Regional Manager Northern, Mark Summers issued the warning. “Storm season generally occurs from October through to March; however, unseasonably warm and dry conditions mean unpredictable weather could hit at any time,” said Mark. “Prepare your property before severe weather arrives by removing debris and overgrown vegetation from around the home, clearing gutters and checking that trees are a safe distance from powerlines. During a storm or severe weather, unplug electronic equipment like televisions and computers, stay indoors and if possible check social media via mobile phones for updates. Always assume fallen powerlines or any objects in contact with them are live and stay at least eight metres away from them,” Mark added.

Spring Photo Competition: The Forbes Phoenix has teamed up with Farmer From Down Under Photography to launch a spring photo competition. With Spring all around us, you can point your camera just about anywhere to get a scenic shot. We would love to see the great photos our readers can come up with. A wonderful prize is up for grabs – a framed picture donated by Farmer From Down Under Photography! The competition will run until October, with entries to be submitted to The Forbes Phoenix by Tuesday, 31st October. Entries can be sent to sales@forbesphoenix.com.au or via our Facebook page.

Get Online Week at Forbes Library – Try One Thing: On Thursday, 18th October at 10am, Forbes Library will be hosting a free information session for seniors or anybody who would like to learn a bit more about using computers and try one new thing using technology. Forbes Librarian, Bronwyn Clark said: “This is an opportunity for those who feel they have been missing out on the digital age to come to the library and try using our tablets or computers in a relaxed environment. They can find out about how we can help them with their computer skills and enjoy morning tea. Some of the activities we might try on the day include: how to use Skype, searching for tips and tricks and getting directions using online maps.” Please call Forbes Library on 6852 1463 to book your place for Get Online Week and try something new.

Sam Mackay (right) was awarded Young Participant for the 2018 Forbes Show for all his behind the scenes work. Forbes Show President, Doug Nadin congratulated Sam!

CONGRATULATIONS… Essjay Photography run by Sarah Hodge was voted by brides across the region as Central West #1 Winner Wedding Photographer 2018. The award winners were announced on Tuesday at Duntryleague in Orange.

Spring Photo Competition: The Forbes Phoenix has teamed up with Farmer From Down Under Photography to launch a spring photo competition. With Spring all around us, you can point your camera just about anywhere to get a scenic shot. We would love to see the great photos our readers can come up with. A wonderful prize is up for grabs – a framed picture donated by Farmer From Down Under Photography! The competition will run until October, with entries to be submitted to The Forbes Phoenix by Tuesday, 31st October. Entries can be sent to sales@forbesphoenix.com.au or via our Facebook page.

Schools Kits For Armistice Day: Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack is encouraging schools and students to become involved in this year’s Remembrance Day commemorations as it will mark 100 years since the end of fighting during World War I. “Its origins began on 11 November 1918 when the Armistice, which signalled the end of the Great War, was signed.” The Department of Veterans’ Affairs produce an educational pack for schools to promote the observance of Remembrance Day. Schools will receive the educational kit in September, with resources available to download on The Anzac Portal: http://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/.

Tough Penalties: Drivers using a mobile phone illegally will be penalised an extra demerit point, which means a total of five demerit points. The new law came into effect on Monday, 17th September. This means when double demerits are applied, you could be at risk of losing your licence. The fines will remain the same – $337 or $448 in a school zone. In NSW Learner, P1 and P2 licence holders are not permitted to use a mobile phone at all while driving. Fully licensed motorists are legally permitted to use their phone to make or answer calls or listen to music only if it is in a cradle, doesn’t obscure your view of the road and can be operated without touching any part of the phone, such as via Bluetooth or voice activation. Texting, emailing, social media and photography are all prohibited unless a vehicle is parked.

CONGRATULATIONS… The 2018 Indigenous Youth Of The Year was awarded to Kaiden Haynes of Forbes High School. The award was presented to him during the Naidoc Day celebrations held on Wednesday at South Circle Oval. Pictured with Kaiden is Mayor Graeme Miller (left) and Forbes High School Aboriginal Educational Officer (AEO), Barry Merrit (right)

Further Discounts For Farmers: Farmers in regional NSW will get more cash back in their pockets with rebates and refunds on heavy vehicle registration. The changes will come into effect from 1st November 2018. The NSW Government will provide partial refunds on previous heavy vehicle registration charges going back over three years. Farmers will also receive free registration over the next two years for their heavy vehicles. The registration rebate will apply to all renewals from 1st July 2018 until 30th June 2020. For producers who register their vehicles between 1st July and 1st November this year, the amount will be refunded. Farmers will still have to pay for Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance, personalised plates and relevant vehicle checks.

Spring Photo Competition: The Forbes Phoenix has teamed up with Farmer From Down Under Photography to launch a spring photo competition. With Spring all around us, you can point your camera just about anywhere to get a scenic shot. We would love to see the great photos our readers can come up with. A wonderful prize is up for grabs – a framed picture do nated by Farmer From Down Under Photography! The competition will run until October, with entries to be submitted to The Forbes Phoenix by Tuesday, 31st October. Entries can be sent to sales@forbesphoenix.com.au or via our Facebook page.

Be Connected at Forbes Library: Be Connected is a free Australian Government initiative helping people to make the most out of going online and it is coming to Forbes. Forbes Librarian, Bronwyn Clark said there’s never been a better time to get online. “Central West Libraries is now a partner with the Australian Government Be Connected program, so we are hosting free sessions with one-on-one training available,” Bronwyn said. “People can learn about online basics like using the internet, email, social media and just getting to know their device – phone, tablet or laptop. We have computer equipment people can use or they can bring their own device,” she said. Half hourly sessions will be held on Friday, 14th September, Friday, 21st September and Friday, 28th September. The sessions are available from 10:30am. Please call Forbes Library on 6852 1463 to book your place. All sessions are free.

The Lions Club donated $1,000 towards Forbes High School’s (FHS) fundraiser for their participation in the Schools Spectacular. Pictured in the back: Tim West, Nicholas Beard, Ryan Glennan, William Stamp, Graham Williams (President of Lions Club) and Safija Bristina (FHS Principal). Front: Nicole Patten, Kendi-Lee Morley- Diggins and Brodie Morley. The RSL Club also donated $1,200 towards the fundraiser.

CONGRATULATIONS… The winner of the Forbes Phoenix Footy Tipping competition was Loomzy’s Fish ‘N’ Fix, Jamie Loomes. The Weber gas barbeque prize donated by Aaron Acheson (left) from Acheson’s Home Timber and Hardware was received by Jon Cutler (right), the mastermind behind the tipping.

Forbes Show Passes: The four lucky winners of our Forbes Show competition are Ellen Hamilton, Brendan Morrison, Frank Hanns and Joyce Morrison. They are the winners of a two day pass to the Forbes Show. Contact Linda van Coller on 0477 309 807 to arrange for prize collection.

Spring Photo Competition: The Forbes Phoenix has teamed up with Farmer From Down Under Photography to launch a spring photo competition. With Spring all around us, you can point your camera just about anywhere to get a scenic shot. We would love to see the great photos our readers can come up with. A wonderful prize is up for grabs – a framed picture donated by Farmer From Down Under Photography! The competition will run until October, with entries to be submitted to The Forbes Phoenix by Tuesday, 31st October. Entries can be sent to sales@forbesphoenix. com.au or via our Facebook page.

CWA of NSW Drought Relief: The CWA of NSW is providing grants for drought relief in NSW. This money is available for farming businesses that are drought affected and dependent on farming as their primary source of income. The monies are available for a wide range of household expenses; not business or farm related expenses. Eligible applicants are farmers or farming dependent contractors, and/or a farming dependent family (including families servicing farming, such as farming contractors and local rural businesses). Grant payments will be made up to a maximum of $3,000 per individual applicant and/ or household. You can apply for CWA’s drought relief funding by going online at https://www.cwaofnsw.org.au/droughtaid.html or by emailing an application form to info@cwaofnsw.org.au or by post to CWA of NSW, PO Box 222, Mascot, NSW, 1460.

National Police Remembrance Day: Central West Police District Commander, Superintendent Chris Taylor, is inviting the community to join police in paying tribute on National Police Remembrance Day. A service will be held at 10am on Friday, 28th September at St George’s Anglican Church in Parkes. National Police Remembrance Day on 29th September each year holds a special significance to police throughout Australia and the Pacific region and is one of the most important events on the NSW Police Force calendar. It is a day where members of the NSW Police Force and the community remember those officers who have given their lives in the course of their duties.

Ruby Stitt, Sally Rout, Isabelle Francis and Olivia Garland of Forbes Junior Rugby were selected as part of the Central West Rugby 7’s side. Deryck Ward got the girls involved on Walla Days and the team thoroughly enjoyed learning different skills.

PHIL THE PIRATE… Local member for Orange, Phil Donato dressed up according to the theme of the Reading Downtown Day held last Friday at Victoria Park. Phil spent the day entertaining the children by reading captivating pirate stories to them. Mason Mcmillan helped Pirate Phil with his story-telling.

Region Enforcement Squad: Parliamentary Secretary for Western NSW, Rick Colless announced this week a new specialist police team for the Central West that will proactively target mid-level crime and bolster community safety. Rick said the Chifley Region Enforcement Squad (RES) will work hard to prevent drug and gun crime across western NSW including the Orange electorate. “With the capability to identify, prevent and disrupt mid-level crime, the specially-trained squad will focus more on proactive policing rather than reactive policing,” said Rick. Consisting of one sergeant and three constables, the Chifley RES will conduct investigations into drug supply, firearms offences, property crime, and any criminal syndicates in the area. Deputy Commissioner, Gary Worboys said our city neighbours have always benefitted from specialist police, but crime can happen anywhere and resources are now being allocated to regional NSW where they are needed.

Changes to Farm Household Allowance: The Coalition Government passed legislation last week to amend the Farm Household Allowance to boost help for farmers in drought. Minister for Agriculture, David Littleproud said the changes will deliver the $12,000 FHA supplement from 1st September for couples and $7,200 for singles.

This brings the total payment for a couple to around $37,000 and to around $22,000 for a single. The Department of Agriculture estimates 27,000 farmers are potentially eligible for FHA and have not applied.

“Farmers should not guess at whether they’re eligible for FHA. We recently announced an extra $5 million for the Rural Financial Counselling Service to support increased demand so please get advice from the free service,” said David. Farmers already on FHA will not have to apply for the extra payments – it will be paid automatically. Contact the free Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) on 1800 686 175 or the Department of Human Services Farmer Assistance Hotline on 13 23 16.

Forbes Badminton Club: The Forbes Badminton Club will be entering their second season. Set to start on 8th August, every Wednesday night from 6:30pm to 9pm at Forbes High School. Everyone is welcome to have a go! The first four weeks are social, so come and try the game. Very easy to learn and great fun for all the family. For more information email jaybhakta.fbc@gmail.com or call Jay on 0418 480 728. Find us on Facebook at Forbes Badminton Club.

Forbes Showgirl Grace Allen, who came third in the Sydney Royal Showgirl competition, officially opened the 2018 Parkes Show on Tuesday, and crowned the 2018 Parkes Showgirl, Amelia Tanswell.

FOR A GOOD CAUSE… Kylie Spice presenting a donation to John Schrader from Can Assist Forbes. The donation is part of the proceeds from the recent ladies night fundraiser. The proceeds are shared between Can Assist Forbes and the Northside Chapel.

Forbes Badminton Club: The Forbes Badminton Club will be entering their second season. Set to start on 8th August, every Wednesday night from 6:30pm to 9pm at Forbes High School. Everyone is welcome to have a go! The first four weeks are social, so come and try the game. Doubles and singles competitions in two grades. Beginners and students more than welcome. Very easy to learn and great fun for all the family. For more information email jaybhakta.fbc@gmail.com or call Jay on 0418 480 728. Also find us on Facebook at Forbes Badminton Club.

Forbes Town & District Band: The Forbes Town Band is hosting a free concert on Monday, 27th August from 6pm to 7pm at the Forbes Services Club Auditorium. The concert and meeting is a chance for the public to share ideas in order to assist the band in developing a strategic plan for the future.

Men’s Yarn Up Circle: Join the Men’s Yarning Circle in Forbes. This is a men’s group to talk about all issues such as domestic violence, rough past… your choice. Men listening to men! No judgement, no gossip outside the circle, no worries about being honest. We meet at 4pm every second and fourth Wednesday of the month at Community Corrections, 68 Lawler Street. Contact Barry Merritt at yarnup-forbes@ hotmail.com or Damien Kennedy on 6851 9900.

Trundle Royal Far West: The Trundle RFW branch is hosting the ‘Old Time Dance’ on Sunday, 2nd September from 2pm to 6pm in the Trundle Memorial Hall. There will be a raffle, lots of ‘spot prizes’ and afternoon tea. Cost $10 for dancers and $5.00 for viewers. Great music by Phil Redenbach. Money raised by the Trundle RFW branch, provides Speech and Language programs in the local school for those children from needy families.

‘Farmers Feast’: We invite all farmers and family to the ‘Farmers Feast’ held on Friday, 21st September. Enjoy a FREE meal at the St John’s Anglican Church hall in Court Street at 6:30pm for a 7pm start! There will be a roast dinner and dessert, including a jumping castle for the kids. RSVP to book your seat/table by 14th September. Contact the Parish office on 6851 1544, Rev. Crystal on 040 872 8638 or Graeme and Ruth Klingner on 042 720 1185.

The Forbes Junior Rugby u/15’s boys’ team played their last game for the season last weekend in Orange. Absent: Jack Whitty

The Forbes Magpies Rugby League Heritage Day saw a four grade win, making it a great day to be a Magpie! The girls’ league tag started the day off on Sunday at Spooner Oval and the Forbes team won 11-10 against the previously undefeated Spacecats.

Freight Input: Forbes Shire Council is seeking interested persons for a Freight Focus Working Group. The role of this group will be to review current freight routes, consider any additional freight routes and identify road constraints impacting on road freight efficiency. The commitment required will be to attend three evening workshops between 6pm and 8pm on the 22nd and 29th August and 12th September. Expressions of interest close 20th August. For additional information please contact Council’s Director Engineering, John Zannes on (02) 6850 2874.

Trundle Royal Far West: The Trundle RFW branch has two upcoming events. Everyone is invited to join in the fun at their Bingo event at 10am on Sunday, 19th August held at the Trundle Golf Club. Lunch available to buy and heaps of prizes. They are also hosting the ‘Old Time Dance’ on Sunday, 2nd September from 2pm to 6pm in the Trundle Memorial Hall. There will be a raffle, lots of ‘spot prizes’ and a afternoon tea. Cost $10 for dancers and $5.00 for viewers. Great music by Phil Redenbach. Money raised by the Trundle RFW branch, provides Speech and Language programs in the local school for those children from needy families.

‘Farmers Feast’: We invite all farmers and family to the ‘Farmers Feast’ held on Friday, 21st September. Enjoy a FREE meal at the St John’s Anglican Church hall in Court Street at 6:30pm for a 7pm start! There will be a roast dinner and dessert, including a jumping castle for the kids. RSVP to book your seat/table by 14th September. Contact the Parish office on 6851 1544, Rev. Crystal on 040 872 8638 or Graeme and Ruth Klingner on 042 720 1185.

Nominate for NAIDOC: Each year the Forbes community celebrates NAIDOC Week. As part of this year’s NAIDOC Week celebrations, we would like to recognise the outstanding contributions that our local Indigenous people make to improve our community or to promote Indigenous issues. Award categories include Person of the Year and Youth of the Year. Nominations are open and will close at 5pm Friday, 31st August. To nominate, please complete a nomination form and return to Forbes Shire Council with Attention: Briony Ferguson – by hand at 2 Court Street or by mail PO Box 333, Forbes, NSW, 2871. Completed forms will also be accepted by email to community@forbes.nsw.gov.au.

The ever popular Rotary Ipomoea Markets are back again after a winter break! Happening this Saturday, from 8am to 12:30pm at Sir Francis Forbes Park in Camp Street.

Rural Aid Farm Rescue fundraising auction: Join the endeavour to help drought affected farmers. The entire community is invited to attend the auction taking place tonight at the Sylo building from 7.30pm commencing at 8pm.

Farming Family BBQ: Community organisation, Grassroots Blueprint is hosting a free community morning tea and BBQ supported by the Salvation Army at the Aeroplane Park, Lake Forbes on Sunday, 12th August at 11am. Bring the whole family; there will be plenty for the kids to do. Everyone involved in agriculture is requested to be part of a photo which will be displayed at the Bedgerabong Show and then at events in Sydney to demonstrate the number of people/businesses involved in agriculture and thus affected by the drought in some way.

‘Farmers Feast’: All farmers and family are invited to the ‘Farmers Feast’ being held on Friday, 21st September. Enjoy a FREE meal at the St John’s Anglican Church Hall in Court Street at 6:30pm for a 7pm start! There will be a roast dinner and dessert, including a jumping castle for the kids. RSVP to book your seat/table by 14th September. Contact the Parish office on 6851 1544, Rev. Crystal on 040 872 8638 or Graeme and Ruth Klingner on 042 720 1185.

Stopped emergency vehicles: From 1st September 2018, a new road rule will require motorists to slow down to 40km/h when passing a stationary emergency vehicle displaying blue or red flashing lights. The new rule also requires motorists to give way to any person on foot in the immediate area of the emergency vehicle. The rule applies to vehicles travelling in both directions, unless the road is divided by a median strip. Motorists who do not comply with the rule will face a $448 fine and three demerit points.

Texting while driving: Demerit points for illegal phone use while driving will increase from four to five from September 2018. Drivers are not allowed to use their mobiles to text, email, use social media, take photos or video call while driving. Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight, Melinda Pavey said this will help change the way drivers act on our roads. “We have already introduced legislation to enable camera based technology so it can be used to enforce mobile phone offences in the future, a world first,” said Melinda.

We have a name: Our lovely bronze dog outside the Post Office was named last week. Meet Rosa. Her name came from the winning entry by Amy Callaby. Amy thought this name seemed significant and relevant, as Rosa was the wife of the architect who designed the Forbes Post Office, James Bannett. Amy lives in Tooting, United Kingdom, with her husband and three children. Pictured here is Amy’s sister, Jemma McLennan who made the suggestion on her sister’s behalf.

Red Cross Mobile Blood Bank: The Australian Red Cross Mobile Blood service is visiting Forbes in Harold Street behind the Cenotaph in Victoria Park on Monday, 6th August at 9:45am to 2:45pm (three more donors needed); Tuesday, 7th August at 9:45am to 2:45pm (seven more donors needed) and Wednesday, 8th August 9:45am to 2:45pm (15 more donors needed). To give blood, you can make an appointment online or call 13 14 95.

Bulky Waste pick-up: Need to get rid of an old fridge or lounge or even a bbq that won’t make the cut this summer? Forbes Shire Council has you covered with the Bulky Waste Clean-Up service happening on Monday, 6th August. Leave your items out over the weekend prior on the edge of the kerb. Separate your waste into scrap metal, white goods and e–waste; general bulky waste and bundled organics. We will do the heavy lifting! Don’t forget not to block any footpaths and find the list of unacceptable items here: http://www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/environment/waste-recycling/ bulky-waste-clean-up.aspx.

Snap Send Solve: Another way to connect with Council is through the Snap Send Solve App. This App lets you notify Council of any problem areas you might spot around town. Snap Send Solve allows you to photograph the problem using your smartphone and report any dangerous potholes, broken playground equipment and rubbish dumping to Council. The App is available through the App Store or Google Play.

School uniform policy: The NSW Government has announced that girls at all public schools will be given the option of wearing shorts and pants instead of skirts and dresses if they prefer. Schools will have up to three years to make the change. The state’s new policy also calls on all school items to be “affordable, comfortable and suitable” for all body types.

Drought Care Packages: NSW RFS staff members, Robyn Favelle and Beth Dalton thanked Karen White for taking the initiative and developing the support group in the local area for struggling farmers. “So many of us want to help in some small way, as we see the devastation facing families across NSW and the impacts of this horrid drought. Most of those impacted are also volunteer members of the NSW RFS and we are only too pleased to help however and whenever we can,” said Robyn.

Forbes Polo Club Foundation Meeting: There is intent to start a Forbes Polo Club. The purpose of the club will be to provide an organized structure for members and guests to be able to actively participate in hosting polo at all levels as well as holding social events. A steering committee has been formed to oversee the formation of the club and implement the construction of field/s on Crown Land to assure the continuation of polo in western New South Wales. The original Forbes & District Polo Club was established on 26th July 1928. All persons interested in being involved are invited to send their contact email and telephone details via email to: forbes.polo@gmail.com. It will be helpful when responding, to advise what resources interested parties can bring to the club to ensure it will be successful. A meeting can then be held to formalize the club. Please advise if you have any date preferences for the meeting and the number attending.

Volunteers Needed: The Forbes Show is in need of a few people to help look after the animal nursery. This is one of the most popular areas in the show every year and help is required to keep it running! There is also a need to borrow some of your little animals! If you are interested in either, please contact Jan on 6852 1311.

Special road rules for cyclists: As from Monday, children under 16 years of age can ride on a footpath in NSW. An adult rider, who is supervising a bicycle rider under 16, may also ride with the young rider on the footpath. Bicycle riders are allowed to ride on footpaths where indicated by signs. When riding on a footpath or shared path, riders must keep left and give way to pedestrians.