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.

 

And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda: Three local music groups combined their musical talents last Wednesday for an unusual performance of Waltzing Matilda.

Members of the Lachlan Regional Orchestra, Parkes Shire Concert Band and Forbes Town and District Band met at the AOG hall to put together a recording of the legendary song which will contribute towards a final video performance on the big screen at Federation Square in Melbourne on 12th September. This final performance will be a compilation of recordings from individuals, schools and community groups from around Australia, all playing Waltzing Matilda.

The idea is a new online initiative of the Australian Music Examination Board to create the AMEB Online Orchestra. The recording process was a lot of fun, and a rare chance to put together a really diverse range of instruments (and musicians) for a common cause. Members of the three groups are all keen to find other opportunities to combine together again soon.

Forbes Ladies Probus: Forbes Ladies Club meets every fourth Friday of the month at the Forbes Services Club at 10am. The next meeting will be held on 27th July. Come join us for friendship and fellowship.

Meet new people and make new friends. For those wishing to attend the birthday luncheon in August, the amount of $25.00 is due and payable at the July meeting.

Memberships are also due and if not a financial member you will not be covered by insurance. Take care and stay warm.

Foodbank appeals to Forbes Shire residents: With 15 percent of the population experiencing food insecurity at some point every year, Foodbank and Woolworths are appealing to Forbes Shire residents to support its national public appeal and help meet the rise in need for food assistance over the winter period. The 2018 Foodbank Rumbling Tummies report found that more than one in five children in Australia have experienced food insecurity in the last 12 months, with 652,000 Australians seeking food relief via Foodbank each month. Over 1.3 million meals were provided per month to NSW residents, unfortunately however, many are still going without. From 11th July to 24th July, Woolworths customers in Forbes Shire can add a $2 Foodbank token donation to their shop, with 100 percent of funds raised going to Foodbank to deliver more food and groceries at a time of year when families most desperately need it.

The Waratahs Rugby Clinic was attended by 130 rugby players on Wednesday morning in Forbes.

 

Birthday wishes: Philip Donato wished William “Bill” Britt a belated 100th birthday last week at Jemalong Residential Village. Bill, a lifelong farmer, a career which was only ever interrupted by his service in war, celebrated the significant milestone on 25th June. Philip also delivered a box of chocolates to Bill (one of Bill’s favourite) along with the birthday certificate. On his birthday, Bill was heard to remark “One hundred and not out!”

Letter To The Editor: Through the very well read pages of your paper, could I please remind the community of the amazing Community Transport Service that we are offering in Forbes. If you have a medical appointment in Orange, the wonderful drivers will pick you up from your front door and deliver you right to your doctor or hospital appointment. They will wait for you and then pick you up and deliver you safely back to your own home again. There is a small charge and sometimes no charge at all. If you are not well or disabled they will even send a trained carer along to help you. If you need to know more please contact Monica at the Forbes HAAC Centre 6851 4550. Regards, Dianne Decker AM JP.

July School Holiday Fun At The YACC: Forbes Shire Council and the Forbes Youth Action Team are once again offering a school holiday programme. This July will see the Forbes Youth & Community Centre (located on the corner of Battye and Press Street) well-utilised, as local children and youth participate in a variety of activities. From 1pm to 5pm on Thursday and Friday holiday afternoons, young people are invited to come along to ‘Arvos @ the YACC’. These afternoons will feature a varied programme of games and activities including dungeons and dragons, dodgeball, board games and a pool tournament. Attendees will also be well fed with a free bbq lunch and afternoon tea provided. Council’s Youth Officer, Lauren Cook welcomes all youth and families to attend. “These free events and activities are designed to be inclusive and accessible for the whole community. We would love to see Forbes support the ideas and efforts of the Youth Action Team, who have planned each afternoon’s activities themselves.” For more information and a full programme contact Lauren Cook on (02) 6850 2357 or email youth@forbes.nsw.gov.au.

This week is NAIDOC week and though the NAIDOC committee will be running their big NAIDOC event a little bit later this year, they wanted to give a big shout out to all the amazing women of the aboriginal community!

Inter-school friendships formed: Approximately 150 Year 5 students from Forbes Shire primary schools, spent three days at Lake Burrendong Sport & Recreation Camp last week. The annual excursion allows students from the four local primary schools to learn and grow together over three days, and is proudly subsidised by Forbes Shire Council. It is a way for these students to make connections before they head to high school. Once at Lake Burrendong, the students participated in a variety of fun and challenging activities. Forbes Shire Council has been supporting this excursion for several years.

Another chance to have your say: After our recent discussions with the community around Council’s levels of service we are now looking for 20 enthusiastic shire residents to take part in a one day workshop to fine-tune our overarching Community Strategic Plan. If you are a big thinker with lots of ideas for our amazing shire then this is the opportunity for you. We are looking for a panel that reflects the diversity of Forbes and for people who will have a say. Are you from the farming sector, a volunteer, a sportsperson, have a business, are into the arts, represent the indigenous community, or are you an active young person or re tired? New to town or have been here for generations? Nominees must be available for the workshop on 22nd July. To apply send an email to community@forbes.nsw.goV.au, listing your full contact details and your reasons for applying by Wednesday, 11th July. Enquiries to Nina Hooper on (02) 6850 2300.

Volunteer/s needed for Parkrun startup: We would love to start a Parkrun in Forbes/Parkes but need a passionate community member or small team to make it happen. There is a lot of support and help offered from the head office, but the drive must come locally. If anyone is interested in leading the project please contact eventsupportau@ parkrun.com. Parkrun is a simple concept: turn up and walk, jog or run 5km or if you’re a junior then 2km. It doesn’t matter how fast you go. It doesn’t matter what you’re wearing. What matters is taking part. Parkrun is all about inclusiveness and wellbeing.

School Holidays: The last day of school for Term 2 is today. We wish all families a safe and happy holiday break. School resumes on Tuesday 24th July.

Forbes Pony Club member, Katie Townsend travelled to the Central Coast this week to compete in the State Showjumping Championships.

 

Town Band Garage Sale: The Forbes Town Band will be holding a garage sale to raise funds in order to assist with the maintenance of instruments and uniform and music purchases. To be able to play at events such as Relay for Life, fundraising is required to pay for the band hall upkeep and instrument upgrades. The garage sale will be held inside the Town Band Hall in Rankin Street (near Bernardi’s) on Saturday, 30th June from 8am to 1pm. There will be a large variety to choose from such as bric-a-brac, furniture, plants, cooking, jams, vegetables, books and many more. Come along and support your town band. For further information contact 6851 5197.

The Ripple Effect: Every day about eight people in Australia lose their life to suicide. Of that eight, six will be men. People in rural and remote areas are twice as likely to take their lives as those living in the cities. Di Gill from the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program says that it is extremely important to know the signs of depressionso that we can help a friend or family member before they get to the stage that they think that suicide is the only solution. ‘The Ripple Effect’ is one man’s story, of the impact of him attempting to take his life on those around him. ‘The Ripple Effect’ is showing at Forbes Services Club Cinema on Monday, 16th July. Look at What’s On for details to get your ticket.

Camp Street Bridge replacement: Roads and Maritime Services are planning to replace the Camp Street Bridge over Lake Forbes to improve safety for road users and help reduce future maintenance costs. The community is invited to view and give feedback on the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) for the project which will be on display at council and the library until Friday, 27th July. The project team will be in Forbes on Saturday morning from 9am to 12pm outside Bernardi’s supermarket and again on Friday, 6th July from 10am to 2pm in Rankin Street next to Target, to speak with the community and answer any questions about the bridge replacement. For more information visit the project webpage on www.rms.work/forbesbridge.

Mayor Graeme Miller was very pleased to be able to present a Forbes Shire Council Medal to Tom Drane last week for his achievements in motorcycle track racing at home and in the United States.

Going, going and gone… The day for Marg Stirling to shave her hair for charity had finally arrived last Saturday. Andrew Hubbard got to take the first snip off Marg’s hair at the Rugby Ladies Day. Marg has been raising funds for women living in Forbes and surrounding areas that are going through breast cancer and who are in the care of Lachlan Health Services.

Girls Day Out: The Forbes Business Chamber’s Girls Day Out is in full swing today with the Forbes Shopping Frenzy beginning this morning with many local businesses participating with great specials and offers in store. Look out for the pink balloons, streamers and posters displayed in windows. Be sure to make your way to News On Rankin for a book signing opportunity with renowned author Nicole Alexander between 9.30am to 11.30am, free of charge. Following will be the ‘Lunch with an Uncommon Woman’ where Nicole will present her story.

Improving drought support for Australian farmers: The Coalition Government will extend the Farm Household Allowance (FHA) from three to four years to help the nation’s farmers with a more effective drought support. Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources David Littleproud said the changes followed the drought listening tour with the Prime Minister a fortnight ago. “Farmers said extending FHA was a sensible measure which would help them, and we listened,” said David.

Time to reel in old movies: Remember the days of home movies? If you have any Lying around at home that are of national significance you can be part of the ‘Last Great Film Search’. Conrad Mill of Reel Smoke, a Parkes production company and advertising agency, is keen to get residents of the Central West to rummage around to see if they can find any reels of film in boxes, sheds, under the house or in cupboards and to contact him on 0431 967 365 for an assessment on the contents. “There are two types of film that may be gathering dust,” said Conrad. “Home movies which are usually on the standard 8, super 8 or 9.5mm, or 16mm reels that were dearer. Commercial films screened in cinemas or at events were generally 16mm and 35mm.” Conrad is working with the National Film and Sound Archives (NFSA) in Canberra and will not charge to assess commercial films. The NFSA preserves our film history and they are interested in anything from newsreels and commercials to full or partial feature films. “They are not interested in home movies unless it is of national significance, like the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge for example.”

Ella Richards features as ‘The White Witch’ in the much anticipated ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’ play presented by Parkes Christian School next week. The Forbes community is invited to share in this production by purchasing tickets from the school office.

 

Flying the flag for Forbes… Well Done to Melissa West from Forbes on winning the Millinery category of the Fashions on the Field at the 2018 Parkes Picnic Races on Saturday.

Country of Origin Labelling: Minister for Agriculture, David Littleproud has reminded companies and consumers that country of origin labelling is just days away. From 1st July, products on supermarket shelves will be legally required to display country of origin information. “Aussie customers will be able to choose Australian and vote with their wallets. Companies which source their products from Australia will be able to display it loud and proud and reap the rewards. Aussies will very soon have the chance to choose clean, green Aussie produce. It’s no surprise Aussies prefer Australian farm produce – we produce the cleanest and most ethical food in the world. Country of origin labelling shouldn’t stop at the supermarket. Aussies should get the chance to support Aussie farmers in other marketplaces too. This is why I convened a meeting with fast food companies recently, in which they agreed to display country of origin information on their websites and apps,” said David.

Recycle For Sight 2018: The Forbes and District Lions Club will be running their Recycle For Sight program during the month of June. This program collects used eyeglasses and sunglasses which are then forwarded to a recycling centre in Brisbane for cleaning and grading. If you have some unused glasses around the home consider donating them. More than 150 million people in the world suffer from blurred vision due to near or far sightedness which affects their ability to learn and find employment. Glasses collected in Australia and Japan are shipped to six recycling centres in Australia some of which employ people from local correctional facilities thereby teaching them skills which they can use after leaving prison. If you have unused glasses in good condition, these may be dropped into the collection boxes at the following locations, Phillip Wells Pro Vision Optometrist or Eyewear specs in Forbes.

Farming Community – we need you: Forbes Shire Council is keen to gather feedback from the farming community on what we have to plan for in our shire for the agricultural industry. Come along on Wednesday, 20th June to Bedgerebong Community Hall at 7:30am or Thursday, 21st June to Garema Public Hall at 7:30am for a free bacon and egg roll and let us know your ideas! Bookings to community@forbes.nsw.gov.au.

Member for Orange, Philip Donato met with 100-year-old Winifred Brown on Wednesday and presented her with flowers and a congratulatory certificate. They were joined by her two sons Scott Brown (back) and Graham Brown (right). Philip said that it was very humbling to meet Winifred. “What amazing changes she has seen in her lifetime and what a wonderful contribution she has made to her community and family inspired by her deep faith,” he said.

Forbes Country Music Club president, Phil Redding presented Hannah Dun from Parkes with a guitar donated by the club, at this month’s muster held last Sunday. Hannah received this prize for being named dual junior overall winner in the Forbes Country Music Club Talent Quest held in May. She was very thrilled.

Pet Owners: Forbes Shire Council would like to remind dog owners who walk the lake that their pets must be kept on a leash at all times for the safety of the public. General Manager Steve Loane said that as custodians of the lake area, council is determined to ensure that the area is able to be enjoyed by all members of the community. “One of the best aspects of Lake Forbes is that it hosts a wide variety of activities- from walkers and joggers to families having picnics,” said Steve. “Dogs off the lead are not conducive to the safety of these users, so we need to make sure that they are appropriately controlled.” Fines of up to $220 may apply to individuals found with dogs off the lead. For more information contact councils Environment Services and Planning department on (02) 6850 2344.

Win A Swag At The Footy ‘What’s Your Plan B?’: Footy fans can win a swag this weekend at the Parkes Spaceman versus Forbes Magpies match, thanks to the Forbes/Parkes Community Drug Action Team (CDAT). The match will take place on Sunday, 10th June from 2pm at Pioneer Oval in Parkes. Forbes/Parkes CDAT Chair, Melanie Suitor says the win a swag competition will dovetail the state-wide Plan B campaign which encourages punters to think about alternatives to driving home after a night out. Fans (who are over 18) could win a swag worth $250, simply by filling in an entry form and advising what their Plan B to get home will be. For more information please contact the Forbes/ Parkes CDAT Chair, Melanie Suitor on (02) 6861 2364.

Political Presence In Parkes: National Party faithfuls from all over the Central West flocked to Parkes last Friday for the official opening of an electorate office of the Nationals’ Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack. “This is a really important day for me and the Central West,” said Michael. “We are here to help, whether you vote for the Nationals or not. Please tell others to pop in.” The MP said he was in the process of appointing a full-time staff member for the office as he would not be able to be in Parkes all the time. “I will pop in as often as I can.”