Congratulations to the winner of Flannery’s Pharmacy MOR basket, Chrissie Lowe (left)! She received her prize from Debbie Prior.

Flu Still Prevalent: Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) is urging people to remember simple hygiene precautions to avoid spreading the flu, as the area continues to see high rates of infection. WNSWLHD Public Health Manager, Priscilla Stanley said there had been 1,521 cases of influenza in the district so far this year, compared with 85 last year. “We are encouraging people to cover their coughs and sneezes, wash their hands thoroughly and stay home if they are unwell. Vaccination is still your best protection and it is not too late to have a flu shot.” Flu shots are
free for pregnant women, people over 65 years, Aboriginal people and those with medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart problems.

Helping Women In Need: The August Dignity Drive of Share the Dignity has begun and for the first time Woolworths Supermarkets across the country will be collection points for all sanitary product donations. Over three million Australians are currently living under the poverty line, more than half are women and young girls who are unable to afford sanitary products. Share the Dignity is asking Australians for every sanitary product consumers buy, they also buy one for a woman or girl in need. Donations can be dropped off at a Woolworths supermarket.

$100 Kids Vouchers: Arts OutWest is encouraging parents of school aged kids to make use of their Creative Kids vouchers. The program provides $100 for each school-aged child in NSW to get involved in creative and cultural activities. Vouchers can be used for registration, participation and tuition costs for performing arts, visual arts, coding, languages, literature, music and other creative and cultural activities. Across the Central West 70 providers have registered to accept the vouchers. Parents apply for the vouchers using their MyServiceNSW account and need to provide their child’s Medicare card details. The vouchers can be used any time during the calendar year.

Daffodil Day Appeal: Cancer Council NSW is urging Forbes residents to support the Daffodil Day Appeal this month by donating to life-saving research to give more than hope to those affected by cancer. Daffodil Day is on 23rd August, and for the first time ever, EFTPOS devices will be available at every site to make it easier for people to donate if they don’t have cash. Visit www.daffodilday.com.au or call 1300 65 65 85 for more information.

The Australian Red Cross Blood Service van was in Forbes on Wednesday. If you would like to donate blood diarise 4 – 6th November when it will be back at Victoria Park.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forbes CWA Evening Branch: Members of the CWA have been busy throughout the month of June selling raffle tickets at the Forbes Services Memorial Club to raise money for the CWA so they can assist others in the community who just need a little bit of a helping hand. Funds raised will be directed toward supporting local women and children to make their lives a little better and let them know they are not alone when doing it tough. The Forbes CWA Evening Branch would like to thank the Forbes Services Memorial Club for their efforts through the Community Chest Program to help local community organisations raise funds for their particular organisations and giving time for the CWA to participate in this fundraising activity.

Boys to the Bush Information Evening: Will be held on Wednesday 7th August at 6.30pm at the Forbes Inn. Boys to the Bush has helped many young disengaged boys connect with each other and develop bonds with strong male role models and mentors. Boys to the Bush gets boys back to basics including camping, fishing and cooking whilst learning social and hands on and life skills along the way. The purpose of this evening is to share with the local community and other like-minded people, the great work being achieved, and the benefits to all who participate in Boys to the Bush. Anyone wishing to participate in this evening is encouraged to attend. Please RSVP to Cassandra Tyack on 0417 426 973.

Help Required: The Grazing Down the Lachlan Committee would love some help to set up and pack down breakfast on Sunday 22nd September. The committee need 6 – 8 extra people on site at 6am Sunday morning for the set up and again around 11.30am for the pack down. If you can assist please let Fiona Ferguson know via forbes.businesschambernsw@gmail.com

Landcare Australia: Is proud to partner with Woolworths for a second round of Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants. These grants are now open and local primary schools and early learning centres are invited to apply for project funds of up to $1,000. Over 500 grants will be offered to inspire kids from across the country to get hands-on with projects that focus on sustainable food production, improving waste management practices or enhancing native habitats. For further information visit www.landcareaustralia.org.au/woolworthsgrants/

Forbes CWA Evening Branch members Karen Wright and Michele Morley preparing to make beeswax wraps.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eugowra CWA News: Group International Day was held at Cudal this month with Papua New Guinea being the country of study, Robert Parish, Merle Parish’s son who has businesses in New Guinea was a very interesting guest speaker.

Meningococcal Cases Could Rise With Shifting Seasons: The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) is urging people to be alert to lesser known signs of meningococcal disease with zero cases already reported in the area this year and the peak period for the disease still more than a month away. Meningococcal disease can occur at any time of year but cases normally start to increase towards the end of flu season when people’s immune systems are weaker from viruses. Last year WNSWLHD reported one case of meningococcal disease. It is a rare but serious bacterial infection that can cause death within hours so the more symptoms people know about, the better. Most cases occur in infants, young children, teenagers and young adults, although people of any age can be affected.

Way Back When: Have you got an old photograph of a local person or a photograph of Forbes way back when? If so we would love to see it for our new feature “Way Back When”, simply email your photo and information to editor@forbesphoenix. com.au or call 6344 1846.

Free Fossil Road Show: Will be held at The Age of Fishes Museum in Canowindra on Thursday 1st August from 4-7pm. Bring in your fossils to the museum and have a Palaeontologist from the Australian Museum identify them for free. For more information call The Age of Fishes Museum on 6344 1008.

Forbes Business Chamber: The AGM will be held on Wednesday 31st July at 6pm at The Forbes Inn, all businesses are welcome! For more information please contact Fiona on 0407 380 936 or email forbes.businesschambernsw@gmail.com

Forbes Working Dog Auction: Will be held at the Forbes Showground on Saturday 3rd August 2019. Demonstrations start at 11am, followed by the dog auctions. For more information contact James Litt on 0418 893 986 for more information.

Contributions: If you have a Thumbs Up/Down, Snippet, Be Seen Photo, Stork News, Wedding Bell or Catch of the Week we would love to hear from you! Simply email editor@forbesphoenix.com.au we love all contributions!

The Young Farming Champions program welcomes another amazing young person to the team! Sally Downie from Forbes has been awarded the 2019 Picture You in Agriculture Scholarship.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kids Helpline – 71,533 contacts go unanswered: Kids Helpline, Australia’s only free confidential 24/7 national children’s counselling and support service, has today released statistics showing 51% of requests for help to the service went unanswered over the first 6 months of 2019, due to funding shortfall. Responding to concerns children and young people have in relation to their mental health, general well-being and other developmental issues is a major area of Kids Helpline’s work. Kids Helpline relies heavily upon your town’s charitable art union and donations from the community to continue its operation. In order to meet the extra demand, an additional $5 million annually would be required to enable employment of additional professional counselling staff.

Issue 200! Thank you to our wonderful readers, advertisers and contributors on helping us to achieve our 200th edition of The Forbes Phoenix. Without your support this achievement wouldn’t have been possible.

More amazing Young Farmer Business Program News: The Young Farmer Business Program has announced grants for groups who support young farmers and fishers, locally and regionally in NSW to deliver training for their members. A grant of up to $10,000 (excluding GST) is available per eligible group and examples of projects include (but are not limited to) farm tours, commercial fishing business tours, workshops, events, business skills coaching, training and guest speakers. Learn more at https://buff.ly/2LdgIev

Services Club Community Chest: Forbes Services Memorial Club has donated $16,500 from its Community Chest Charity Raffle Program to six Forbes Community Groups with a presentation ceremony taking place last Friday. The six groups were Forbes Sorting & Penning Club $3,232, Forbes Prostate Cancer Support Group $2,484.50, Forbes Community Mens Shed $2,605, Forbes & District Historical Society $2,880, Rotary Club of Forbes Ipomoea $2,787.50 and Forbes CWA Evening Branch $2,511.

Way Back When: Have you got an old photograph of a local person or a photograph of Forbes way back when? If so we would love to see it for our new feature ‘Way Back When’, simply email your photo and information to editor@forbesphoenix.com.au

Do you love to write stories? The Forbes Phoenix are currently looking for a locally based reporter/editor for the paper each week. Hours are flexible to suit the right candidate. Come and join our amazing local team and deliver the good news to Forbes each week. If you are interested please call Sarah on 6344 1846 or email publisher@phoenixnewspapers.com.au

 

Stork News: Shannon and Danielle Markwort from Forbes recently welcomed their fourth child Audrey Faith Markwort on 3rd July 2019. Audrey arrived at 5:03am weighing 3.58kg (7lb 14.5oz) and 49cm long. Older siblings Charlotte (10), Jackson (7) and Georgia (4) are all very excited!

Contributions: If you have a Thumbs Up/Down, Snippet, Be Seen Photo, Stork News, Wedding Bell or Catch of the Week we would love to hear from you! Simply email editor@forbesphoenix.com.au we love all contributions!

Catch of the Week Winner: Well done to Tom Townsend who has won the Catch of the Week competition for June 2019. Please head into Loomzys to claim your voucher!

Did you know: It is Plastic Free July! Join the War on Waste and start reusing and recycling in July and go Plastic Free!

Rural Aid $1,500 Bill Payment: Rural Aid is offering primary producers (who hold an ABN) in drought affected areas a ONCE OFF $1,500 towards bill payments. You must be registered via www.buyabale.com.au/financial-assistance-application to apply. Otherwise call Rural Aid for assistance on 1300 327 624.

Way Back When: Have you got an old photograph of a local person or a photograph of Forbes? If so we would love to see it for our new feature “Way Back When”, simply email your photo and information to editor@forbesphoenix.com.au

Forbes Business Chamber: The AGM will be held on Wednesday 31st July at 6pm at The Forbes Inn, all businesses are welcome! For more information please contact Fiona on 0407 380 936 or email forbes.businesschambernsw@gmail.com

Hidden Treasures: Only 3 weeks to go until nominations close for the 2019 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll. Nominate a rural woman today by heading to www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/about-us/rural-support/rural-womens-network/hidden-treasures

Do you love to write stories? The Forbes Phoenix are currently looking for a locally based reporter/editor for the paper each week. Hours are flexible to suit the right candidate. Come and join our amazing local team and deliver the good news to Forbes each week. If you are interested please call Sarah on 6344 1846 or email publisher@phoenixnewspapers.com.au

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2019 Elvis Festival Thanks: Last Thursday Forbes Shire Council received a lovely thank you from organisers Tiffany and Cathy from the Parkes Elvis Festival. Forbes Shire Council are excited to be involved again next year too! It is a wonderful event bringing people from far and wide to this wonderful part of the world we call home.

Great news for our region’s seniors: The State Government will ease the cost of travel for rural and regional seniors from January next year, through the rollout of the $250 Regional Seniors Transport Card. Travel is one of the most significant household costs for residents living in Regional NSW and this new card will be a huge help to many seniors struggling with cost of living pressures. Seniors will be able to use the $250 to purchase fuel and pay for taxi fares from participating providers in rural and regional NSW, and pre-booked NSW TrainLink train and coach services. With longer distances to travel, seniors rely more heavily on private travel which can be a more expensive option. Further details about the rollout of the $250 Regional Seniors’ Transport Cards will be made available later in the year.

Contributions: If you have a Thumbs Up/Down, Snippet, Be Seen Photo, Stork News, Wedding Bell or Catch of the Week we would love to hear from you! Simply email editor@forbesphoenix.com.au we love all contributions!

Congratulations St Laurence’s Parish School: On being the recipients of the Most Outstanding School Award at the Forbes Eisteddfod! The School are very proud of this achievement and the great effort that was made in preparing for the eisteddfod. A special eisteddfod concert was held in the school hall yesterday for family and friends of the school.

Way Back When: Have you got an old photograph of a local person or a photograph of Forbes way back when? If so we would love to see it for our new feature “Way Back When”, simply email your photo and information to editor@forbesphoenix.com.au

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Templar St Beautification: Work has begun on the eastern end of Templar Street as part of the CBD Masterplan. There will be no disruption to pedestrians and minimal traffic disruption at this time. The street will feature new tree planting, irrigation and solar lights, all part of the beautification of this street. We will keep you posted on the completion of this part of the project.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Fishing Platform: Have you seen the new fishing platform at Lions Park that was installed last week? It is now ready for some fishing action this weekend! A great spot to check out these school holidays!

2nd Active Kids Voucher Now Available: The NSW Government has announced that you can now apply for a second $100 Active Kids Voucher (valid until 31st December 2019) to further contribute to sport and active recreation costs with an approved provider. All you need to do is login to your MyServiceNSW Account and click on Apply for Active Kids Voucher 2. For more information head to www.service.nsw.gov.au

Do you love to tell stories? The Forbes Phoenix are currently looking for a locally based reporter/editor for the paper each week. Hours are flexible to suit the right candidate. Come and join our amazing local team and deliver the good news to Forbes each week. If you are interested please call Sarah on 6344 1846 or email publisher@phoenixnewspapers.com.au

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flannery’s Pharmacy Gives Back: Debbie Prior, Business Manager at Flannery’s Pharmacy in Forbes presented John Schrader from Forbes CanAssist with a cheque for $1,650 to help the local community. The funds were raised at a golf day held earlier in the year.

Contributions: If you have a Thumbs Up/Down, Snippet, Be Seen Photo, Stork News, Wedding Bell or Catch of the Week we would love to hear from you! Simply email editor@forbesphoenix.com.au we love all contributions!

Forbes Working Dog Auction: To be held at the Forbes Showground on Saturday 3rd August 2019. Demonstrations start at 11am, followed by the auctions. Nominations are now open and close Friday 12th July. Contact James Litt on 0418 893 986 for more information.

Vinnies Winter Appeal: With just days until the end of financial year, Vinnies is only halfway towards its Winter Appeal fundraising goal. With the cold temperatures outside Vinnies is urgently calling for donations to support its work with people experiencing poverty, homelessness and disadvantage. “On behalf of the tens of thousands of people we support, we thank those generous people who have already donated to the Vinnies Winter Appeal. What better time of year to make a donation than the end of the financial year where all donations to the Vinnies Winter Appeal are tax-deductible.” said Jack de Groot, Vinnies NSW CEO. You can make a donation today by calling 13 18 12 or visit www.vinnies.org.au

 

Frost and Fire: Is only 1 more sleep away! Are you ready? Just a few pointers for tomorrow afternoon: No BYO or food. There are many vendors coming to keep everyone hydrated and sustained! Yes you can bring chairs if you wish, there will be plenty there but you are most welcome to bring your own. There will be a shuttle bus running between the Ski Dam and Lachlan Street in Forbes, first pick up near Target at 5pm and the cost is $2 per trip.

Way Back When: Have you got an old photograph of a local person or a photograph of Forbes way back when? If so we would love to see it for our new feature “Way Back When”, simply email your photo and information to editor@forbesphoenix.com.au

The Country Pub Project: Airbnb has launched The Country Pub Project. Pubs are the heart of their communities in Australian country towns, but many are doing it tough. Airbnb will be working with country publicans, providing a grant of up to $50,000 to rejuvenate their pub, put their towns back on the map, and bring more guests to regional Australia. For more information visit www.airbnb.com/b/countrypubproject

Epilepsy Action Australia: Has launched a new national helpline specifically for people with epilepsy and their families this week. The Epilepsy Nurse Line will provide immediate access to a trained healthcare professional (during the hours of operation) and is expected to greatly improve health outcomes for people with epilepsy across Australia. The Epilepsy Nurse Line can be accessed from 9am – 5pm seven days a week in all Australian states and territories by phoning 1300 EPILEPSY (37 45 37) or emailing epilepsy@epilepsy.org.au

Helping Save Lives: Forbes Shire residents now have access to a defibrillator in Woolworths Forbes to assist in the event of sudden cardiac arrest. The Automated External Defibrillator (AED) was installed in Woolworths Forbes on the 6th June and is part of a priority roll out program at Woolworths that ensures rural and regional community, or areas where it may be hard to access a medical site gets first access to the roll out. Woolworths Forbes Store Manager, Noel Reardon said; “We are pleased to have a defibrillator installed in our store which everyone can have access to.”

Cr Michelle Herbert from Forbes Shire Council, Shannon Heitzmann and Leanne Allegri enjoyed the Aussie Biscuits Biz Viz with the Forbes Business Chamber last week.

Beating Driver Fatigue: The Free Cuppa for the Driver campaign helps to tackle driver fatigue one cuppa at a time. The Pantry Café and Catering, Forbes Bakehouse, Forbes Inn, Crave and Subway must be congratulated on participating in this initiative over the June Long Weekend.

Way Back When: Have you got an old photograph of a local person or a photograph of Forbes way back when? If so we would love to see it for our new feature “Way Back When”, simply email your photo and information to editor@forbesphoenix.com.au

Frost and Fire: The quintessential Aussie bonfire night is set to be re-created in Forbes on June 22, but with a twist. Frost and Fire is FREE to attend, with gates opening at the Lake Forbes Ski Dam at 4pm. Frost and Fire promises plenty of fire, hearty food, warming beverages and great entertainment. Sit back and relax fireside whilst enjoying the amazing line up of live music. Local talent, Lily Gaffaney will perform alongside Young Monks from Canberra. Headline act, Lior is a must see, having recently achieved international acclaim and playing with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra at the Sydney Opera House. Guests will be able to pre-order from fabulous local suppliers who create delectable picnics. Why not try a chip on a stick, some flavourful grilled BBQ meat or burger fare or some homestyle, traditional winter warming favourites will all be on offer. Enjoy a cider, boutique beer and traditional beers or a warming wine or even a hot choccy or coffee, paired with some sweet delights.

Contributions: If you have a Thumbs Up/Down, Snippet, Be Seen Photo, Stork News, Wedding Bell or Catch of the Week we would love to hear from you! Simply email editor@forbesphoenix.com.au we love all contributions!

Nell’s Pantry 4 Farmers: Are seeking donations of non-perishable foods such as canned goods, cereals, flour, sugar, pasta etc, goods can be dropped off to Nell’s Pantry at St John’s Anglican Church. Nell’s Pantry is open to farmers every Tuesday from 1pm to 3:30pm, except in school holidays. Drought-affected farmers are able to select up to two green Woolworths bags worth of groceries per visit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last weekend the Red Bend Catholic College Debutante Ball was held in Forbes.

Winner: The winner of our Questacon competition was Ashley Milford! Thanks to everyone for entering, stay tuned for our next competition.

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea: Neighbourhood Central organised a Biggest Morning Tea on 21 May 2019. The morning was a very big success that could not have been possible without the amazing volunteers. The winner of the raffle was Judy Ellis and the winners for the 100-Club were Zelma Grayson, Lyn Ward and Vince Roberts. Vince very gracefully re-donated his winnings which made the total proceeds to be donated to the Cancer Council $641.

Regional Skills Relocation Grant: The NSW Government has established the Regional Skills Relocation Grant to increase the availability of skilled and experienced workers for businesses setting up in, relocating to, or existing in regional NSW. Grants will be available for businesses operating in NSW regional eligible industries. The funding is available to assist with the relocation costs of eligible skilled workers they employ that move from metropolitan areas to regional NSW. Approved businesses will be reimbursed up to $10,000 to assist with relocation costs incurred by eligible skilled workers they employ. For further information visit https://invest.nsw.gov.au/assistance/regional-investment-attraction- package/regional-skills-relocationgrant

Double Demerit Points: Will start today Friday 7 June and run through to Monday 10 June (inclusive) this long weekend. Double demerit points apply for speeding, seat belt, motorcycle helmet and mobile phone offences during all holiday periods such as long weekends, Christmas, New Year and Easter. Drivers caught using their phones during a double demerit period can expect to be hit with the fine as well as up to 10 demerits.

Farm First Aid Free Training: On-farm accidents are a major problem for farming in Australia. Incidents can involve workers, bystanders to work and others (including children) and occur in a range of circumstances on farms of different agricultural enterprises. Develop skills and improve the safety of your farm or rural workplace by enrolling in this First Aid training course, delivered by an accredited Red Cross Trainer. This free event is supported by NALAG NSW’s Our Shout Program and Australian Red Cross. The event will be held at Bedgerabong Hall on Tuesday 11th June from 8.30am – 4.30pm. Limited places, register online at www.nalag.org.au/farmfirstaid

 

Member for Riverina and Central West Michael McCormack with Governor General, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove after being sworn in as Deputy Prime Minister at Government House last week.