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.”

Passionate about Forbes… Life Pharmacy Forbes hosted a Biggest Morning Tea last Thursday. Staff members (L-R) Kim Harrison, Kristi-Lee Rugby, Donna Eyre and Melissa Walker not only enjoyed raising funds for Cancer Council but also the opportunity to have a cuppa and chat with customers.

Australians’ $21 billion online shopping spree: More Australians are shopping online than ever with total purchases topping $21 billion for the first time, according to new research from Australia Post. Australia Post released its annual Inside Australian Online Shopping Report, an overview of Australia’s eCommerce market, which identifies who is buying what and where online. The report showed that Australians spent $21.3 billion last year. Local retailers accounted for more than 80% of the total spend. To download a copy of the report, visit auspost.com.au/einsights.

Questacon Competition: Congratulations to Michael Reilly on being the winner of a Family pass to Questacon. Have a great time!

Catch of the Week winner: We have been receiving some great fishing photographs! Thank you for sending them in and please keep it coming! Tyrone Howell was our May winner. If you are a winner and have not yet done so, please collect your $25 voucher prize for Loomzy’s Fish ‘n’ Fix in Forbes, from the Ian Simpson office and enjoy!

Renewable Rooftop Record Smashed: Rooftop solar is surging in Australia, with the rate of installation jumping by almost 60% in 2018. The Green Energy Market’s ‘Renewable Energy Index – April’ shows a spike of 56% in the rate of rooftop solar capacity installations across the nation this year. Climate Councillor and energy expert Professor Andrew Stock said: “More and more Australian homeowners and businesses are turning to clean, affordable and reliable renewables like solar, harnessing the power of the sun and taking control of their power bills. We’ve got a never-ending and widely available power source at our fingertips, which can cut the nation’s rising greenhouse gas pollution and combined with storage, can provide cheap power across Australia on demand, 24/7.”

Sow crops safely near poles and wires: Essential Energy is urging farm machinery operators to stay safe when sowing crops near the electricity network following warmer than average autumn conditions across NSW. Prolonged heat can cause powerlines to sag and reduce line clearance heights from the ground. If machinery does contact overhead powerlines, operators are advised to stay in the cabin of their vehicle and contact Essential Energy immediately on 13 20 80.” Electricity can arc or ‘jump’ across open spaces, so bystanders should remain at least eight metres away and treat powerlines as if they are ‘live’.

Pam and Rad Stevens from Forbes and Norm Barnes from Orange indulging in the delicacies displayed at the Biggest Morning Tea hosted by the Lachlan Valley Caravan Club at the Kiacatoo Hall last Friday.

 

Winners… Forbes Public School hosted a breakfast on Wednesday at the Showgrounds sheering shed for the NSW Bashers. Bruce, William, Josie and Karina Watson were the lucky winners of a helicopter ride sponsored by The Variety Bash.

NSW kids need to get active: With more than half of NSW primary school children now travelling to school by car, the Heart Foundation NSW is calling on the NSW Government to protect the health of the next generation by funding children’s active travel to school. The Heart Foundation is calling for a fully funded five-year active travel to school program to be allocated to NSW schools to improve walking and cycling infrastructure. The charity is also asking the NSW Government to run programs in schools and local communities to help ensure children and their parents build new active travel habits. Heart Foundation NSW Chief Executive, Kerry Doyle said the timing is critical, with more than 20% of NSW school children currently overweight and only one in four getting sufficient physical activity each day.

Biggest Morning Tea: For 25 years, Cancer Council’s Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea has brought together millions of Australians over a cup of tea in support of those affected by cancer. Cancer Council is once again encouraging people across Australia to gather their friends, family or workmates for a cup of tea and a bite to eat whilst raising money to support Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea and to help those af fected by cancer. In 2018, the official day to host a morning tea was Thursday, 24th May but anyone can host at any time in May or June. Those who want to host can register at biggestmorningtea.com.au or call 1300 65 65 85 to receive a free morning tea host kit. Locals unable to host a morning tea can still get involved by donating directly to Cancer Council via biggestmorningtea.com.au.

Regional leaders sought: Applications are now open for the new Regional Development Australia (RDA) Central West Board. As the current RDA Central West committee term comes to an end, applications are now open for regional leaders with vision, drive and experience for the next committee. Central West residents from community, business and government with a passion for the region are encouraged to apply. RDA Central West is a highly respected not-for-profit organisation supporting regional development projects and services across 11 local government areas in Central West NSW from Lithgow to Lachlan. To apply for the new RDA Central West Committee, please go to http://www.rdacentralwest.org.au/about-us-2/positions-vacant/. Applications close on Monday, 18 June 2018.

Fiona Howarth, Gabrielle Boland, Jacob Howarth, Jade Carpenter, Brodie Dukes and Samantha Thornton handed over the proceeds of their successful debutante fundraiser to John Schrader from Forbes CanAssist, their chosen charity.

Congratulations… The Western NSW Business Awards were held last Friday in Bathurst. The Excellence in Business Award went to H E SILOS. Well done!

Forbes Handicraft Centre: The Handicraft Centre will be holding a series of basic knitting and crocheting lessons for beginners or anyone wishing to update their skills by learning new stitches. The lessons will be held each Wednesday, commencing at 10am until 12.30pm. The cost is $5 per person, each person is to bring their own supplies (at least one ball of 8 ply wool and a crochet hook size 4.5 or 5.00 or knitting needles). If you are interested in participating please call Marg Maguire on 0478 225 163. Also the next Market Day Stall will be held on 19th May, commencing at 9am until 1pm outside the shop in Lachlan Street. There will be lots of home cooking available,
plants on display, fresh farm eggs, in season produce and many handmade items. The Handicraft Centre’s Biggest
Morning Tea will be on Thursday, 24th May, commencing at 10am until 12 noon at 83 Lachlan Street, for $5 per person. All funds raised will go to the Cancer Council.

Inland Rail Community Consultative Committees: The Australian Rail Trac Corporation (ARTC) is calling for nominations for four Inland Rail Community Consultative Committees in NSW. There will be three committees for the 307km greenfield Narromine to Narrabri section of the project; and a committee for the 37km greenfield North Star to NSW/Queensland border section. People can nominate to join any of the committees in Narromine, Gilgandra, Narrabri and the North Star to Border section. The committees will consist of up to 15 people and each will have an independent chair. Committee meeting dates and locations will be advertised and will be open to the public and the media. More information is available at Inlandrail.com.au or by calling 1800 732 761 or emailing inlandrailnsw@artc.com.au.

Lions Car Boot Sale: The next Lions Car Boot Sale will be held on Saturday, 19th May. This will be held at Lions Park from 8am until 1pm. Admission to the markets is free. There will be varieties of goods for sale, from hand crafted items and produce, to second hand wares. Site fees from the day will be donated to Havannah House. The Lions members will be catering with their barbeque food and also hot and cold drinks. Those wishing to hold a stall on the day are charged $10 and should contact Peter 0439 280 994 or Robyn 6851 2209.

The Red Bend Catholic College Show Team attended the Dubbo Show last week. Lilly Hand took Reserve Champion Junior Judge for 15 to 18 year olds. Lilly, Hannah Brown, Mackayla Cox and Olivia Twyford also did well with parading. Cattle judging day went well with ‘Binky’ winning Champion steer and ‘Norto’ taking Limousine bull.