The sound of music… Forbes High School Year 10 student, Tom Boyd has been invited to be part of the West of the Divide Tour travelling to Italy in January 2019. Tom will be using the opportunity to further develop his musical talents on the flute.

Rotary Ipomoea Market: Rotary Ipomoea have their May market this Saturday, 12th May at Sir Francis Forbes Park in Camp Street from 8am to 12.30pm. The Relay for Life event is on the adjacent oval. Rotary members are hoping that the markets will encourage people to visit the relay site and lend support to the teams as well as visiting the market and enjoying the market atmosphere. Mother’s Day is also on this weekend, so people might like to bring their mothers and grandmothers along to the market and relay events. The Forbes Town Band ensembles will be playing at the market and relay sites to raise money for the Town Band relay team. The Rotary catering van will have a hot breakfast at the market and the coffee man will also be there.

Lions Car Boot Sale: The next Lions Car Boot Sale will be held on Saturday, 19th May. This will be in the pleasant surrounds of Lions Park from 8am until 1pm. Admission to the markets is free. As usual there should be a variety of goods for sale, ranging from hand crafted items and produce, to second hand wares. Site fees from the day will be donated to Havannah House to help with their work. The Lions members will be catering with their barbeque food including the generous Lions burger and also hot and cold drinks. Tickets will be available in their grocery voucher and wood raffles. Those wishing to hold a stall on the day are charged $10 and should contact Peter 0439 280 994 or Robyn 6851 2209 for more information.

Forbes Diggers Harness Racing Club competition: Well done to Joanne McRae and Michael Craft on being our competition winners!

iTunes card scams are doing the rounds: Police have received a number of reports in our area of scammers trying to get iTunes vouchers from potential victims. The scammer contacts a person advising them that their computer may have a fault and they need to be paid to repair it; that the tax office has a warrant for their arrest and they can pay the fine with iTunes cards or to pay a release fee for an additional payment, such as from Centrelink; or other similar stories. If you have been a victim of a scam, please report it via www.scamwatch.gov.au.

The ‘Coffee With A Cop’ event was a great success in Forbes with many community members utilising the opportunity to meet officers from the Central West Police District at The Bakehouse on Tuesday. Everyone enjoyed the event and had some great discussions.

Volunteer of the Year Awards: The Forbes North Public School P&C Association were thrilled to have had a member of their committee nominated and make it to the finals in Sydney earlier this year. Debbie Hodges-Lockwood was nominated by her local P&C and was successful in making it through as the Far West finalist for the P&C Volunteer of the Year awards, held last month. Although, unsuccessful on the night in taking out the overall award for NSW, President of Forbes North School P&C, Natalie Walker said: “We are so proud of Deb making it through as a finalist for the Far West. Deb is a committed volunteer and a strong advocate for public education in our community.”

Building Relationships Through Coffee: Officers from the Central West Police District, Forbes and Eugowra Police Stations and community members will come together in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, build relationships, and drink coffee on Tuesday, 8th May. All community members are invited to attend. The events are being held from 11am at Café 51 on Nanima Street, Eugowra and from 2pm at The Bake House in Templar Street, Forbes. Please contact Forbes Police Station on 02 6853 9999 with any questions.

Catch of the Week winners: We have been receiving some great fishing photographs! Thank you for sending them in and please keep it coming! Doug Turriff was our April 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!

Drought, It’s A Natural Disaster: Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party Member for Orange, Philip Donato MP this week called on the NSW Government to reinstate uncapped state-wide freight subsidies for stock, fodder and water for drought affected farmers. “I am calling on the New South Wales Government to reinstate state-wide uncapped transport subsidies for stock, fodder and water for our farmers who are suffering drought. Drought is considered by accepted definitions as a natural disaster, however no natural disaster has been declared for the drought despite the official DPI combined drought indicator shows that 11.2% of NSW is now in drought and 26.5% is in the on-set of drought.

Forbes High School welcomed their new principal, Safija Bristina to school this week.

Generosity… Leo Curran, Neil and Jane Gilmour and Mayor Graeme Miller presenting a cheque for $370 to John Schrader of CanAssist Forbes. This being the proceeds of the variety concert held by Forbes Shire Council during Seniors Week.

Forbes Special Sports Day: The annual Forbes Special Sports Day will be held on Wednesday, 2nd May at the Red Bend Catholic College gym. This will be the 37th year for this sports day and contestants come from as far as Orange, Dubbo, Condobolin, Parkes and Forbes. The official opening begins at 9.30am with morning tea and a march led by Brian Tisdell (bagpiper) and the College drummers. There will be novelty races and some serious competition. Everyone is welcome! Some of our disabled contestants have attended every one of these events.

 

Celebrating 25 years of Australia’s 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. This May, 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 affected by cancer. In 2018, the official day to host a morning tea is 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.

National Zoo & Aquarium Canberra competition: Congratulations to Sandra Albertson for WINNING our National Zoo & Aquarium Canberra competition last week!

NSW Farmers hit by driest period in a decade: Farmers across the NSW Central West are battling what is being described as the driest period in at least a decade. Some areas have received around a third of their average rainfall. It is not just the lack of rain, but also the heat, with recordbreaking temperatures close to 10 degrees above average. The dry start to 2018 follows a record dry winter last year and a spring where rainfall levels were lower than average. Emu Swamp farmer John Blunt said it was as dry as he had seen it since at least 2007. “Most of us are supplementary feeding and there are costs associated with that. We’ve been taking a risk and planting oats, but the only saviour will be if there’s soaking rain soon.”

New Job Helps Charles Live Like A Prince: Charles Hamer is a great example of dedication and resilience. From having no job, living in shared accommodation and no licence, the Currajong Disability Services (CDS) client is now ticking all the boxes, not only because of his drive, but also due to the tremendous support from his carers. “I am now in my first month at McDonalds, living independently and have a full licence,” he said. “It has been a real boost to my confidence and I can say I have never been happier! I am actually contemplating doing some TAFE courses and study to further my hospitality skills and add to my existing skill set. I just take one day at a time and keep doing the best that I can,” he said.

Charles Hamer with Donna Little from the Currajong Disability ervices.

 

The Forbes and District Relay For Life: Event will take place from 12th to 13th May at the South Circle Oval. This year’s theme for the Relay For Life is ‘Forbes Farming Games’. A nod to the agricultural industry in the area with a competitive edge, after experiencing all the Commonwealth Games action. Come along to a team information night to find out how you can make a difference through participating in Relay For Life. It will be held on Tuesday, 24th April at the Services Club Auditorium 6pm or Saturday, 5th May at the South Circle Oval 6pm. For more information visit www.relayforlife.org.au/forbes or call Cancer Council NSW Orange Regional office on (02) 6392 0800.

Competition: Don’t forget to enter the latest Phoenix giveaway on the front page. You could WIN a double pass to the Forbes Harness Racing Carnival of Cups on 6th May. You can also enter online at www. forbesphoenix.com.au

Immigration Good For Western NSW Businesses: Research prepared by the Federal Treasury and Department of Home Affairs has confirmed what the state’s peak business organisation, the NSW Business Chamber, has always said – a targeted skilled migration program is making a valuable contribution to our economy and business. “Across Western NSW, businesses are struggling to fill key positions, and while there can be no doubt that we need to do more to train a greater number of our young people, Australia’s skilled migration program provides essential support that has kept many businesses afloat,” Ms Seccombe said.

ANZAC Day Writing Competition: This year the National Party’s Member for Riverina, Mr Michael McCormack, invited students from his electorate to contribute an imaginative piece of writing on “ANZAC Day in the Riverina and Central West.” Several of the Year 9 and 10 students from Red Bend Catholic College entered pieces. Mr McCormack, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, visited Red Bend last week to present awards for this competition. He spoke of his love of history and writing, especially in his former job as a journalist and newspaper editor. He encouraged the students to strive to achieve their best, setting the bar higher rather than lower. There were over 700 entries in the competition. Sienna Emseis of Year 9 was the winner in the high school category, while James Finn of Year 9 received a highly commended award.

 

Lachlan Valley Caravan Club members Elaine Bright, Nessa Dowton and June Dolle preparing baskets for raffles at The Biggest Morning Tea, to be held at Kiacatoo Hall on Friday, 25th May.

Aero Spectacular: The Parkes Aero Club was formed in 1948 shortly after the RAAF Station was decommissioned. The club represents one of the oldest continuously operated aero clubs in Australia. Don’t miss out on the club’s 70th anniversary on 14th April with a spectacular air display, including the famous Air Force Roulettes. Apart from the air display, there will be on ground static displays of antique aircraft and cars, merchandise and food stalls, jumping castle and other attractions for children. Gates open 10am, air display from 12 to 3pm.

Entry fees $60 (2 adults 2 children), adults $25, to 18 years $10. Congratulations to the winner of The Forbes Phoenix competition Kaye Craft.

Nominate outstanding volunteers: Local communities will get to have their say in nominating local volunteers in this year’s local health awards. The ‘Volunteer of the Year’ will be awarded as part of the Local Health District’s ongoing commitment to quality and safety improvement. There are more than 400 volunteers across our 39 health facilities that help out in a range of activities from gardening to running exercise classes and assisting in kiosks and hospital auxiliaries. To nominate a local volunteer from your local health facility, please contact your local health facility. A list of local health facilities can be found on the Health District website. The Health District is always looking for new volunteers, so if you’ve ever thought about volunteering, please talk to your local hospital. Applications for ‘Volunteer of the Year’ nominations close on 19th April.

WOW Day: Wow, it’s around the corner! Join the thousands of people across Australia who wear orange and take the time to say thank you to the SES volunteers who give so much. On ‘Wear Orange Wednesday’, 23rd May is your chance to show support for all State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers around Australia. There are more than 9,000 dedicated SES volunteers in NSW alone, who give their personal time to respond to emergencies across the State, 24 hours a day. Learn more http://www.wearorangewednesday.com.au/.

Golf Dates: Saturday, 14th April we have an 18-hole Par comp, with the Stableford Medley on Sunday. On Saturday, 21st April is the 4BBB Stableford Medley for the Hawke Trophy, for which you will need a partner. Sunday is the 18-hole Stableford Medley.

 

Vanessa Herdigan presenting the prizes to the Summer Sixes winning team ‘Bush Divas’, assisted by Simon Houston.

 

 

Aero Spectacular: The Parkes Aero Club was formed in 1948 shortly after the RAAF Station was decommissioned. The club represents one of the oldest continuously operated aero clubs in Australia. Don’t miss out on the club’s 70th anniversary on 14th April with a spectacular air display, including the famous Air Force Roulettes. Apart from the air display, there will be on ground static displays of antique aircraft and cars, merchandise and food stalls, jumping castle and other attractions for children. Gates open 10am, air display from 12 to 3pm. Entry fees $60 (2 adults 2 children), adults $25, to 18 years $10. Enter our competition on page 2 to win a double pass.

Thumbs Up: To Mel and her team in the Woolies deli. Always happy and helpful.

Catch of the Week winners: We have been receiving some great fishing photographs! Thank you for sending them in and please keep it coming! Keith Mackay was our March 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 Kate Small at the Ian Simpson office and enjoy! Colette Middleton, Jack Cole and Che Che Bilog still have vouchers waiting for them.

Forbes CWA March Activities: The members of the Forbes CWA would like to thank the community of Forbes for supporting their recent fundraiser. Thanks also go to Bernardis for allowing part of their entrance for the selling of tickets. The raffle was drawn on Friday, 23rd March. The winner was Annette Lyle from Forbes. Recently the CWA had their group craft and cooking day at Bogan Gate. Forbes branch won the Christmas decoration challenge. Many thanks go to Dawn Ible for her ideas and encouragement. Dawn also received 1st prize for her rhubarb cake, Robin Pols gained 1st prize for her coconut cake and congratulations to Jan Ridley for her 1st prize with her sponge. Jan’s cross stitch was selected to go on to the next level and Elaine Bright had a felted hat selected for the next level of judging as well. New members are welcome! If you are interested you can attend the meetings on the 1st Friday of each month at the CWA Hall in Lachlan Street at 1.30pm.

Kelsey Muller (far right) from Forbes Show came 5th in the State Grain Young Judges Competition of the Sydney Royal Easter Show! Heather Earney from group 10 took 1st place, 2nd was James Williams from Merriwa, 3rd Sarah Townsend from Grenfell Show and 4th Megan Seis from Dunedoo Show Society.

Grace and beauty… Congratulations to our Forbes Showgirl Grace Allen on being awarded second runner up in The Land Sydney Royal Showgirl Competition at the Sydney Royal Easter Show last Sunday! First runner up was Pollyanna Easey of Quirindi and the winner was Nikki Gibbs of Wauchope.

Aero Spectacular: Don’t miss out on the Parkes Aero Club’s 70th anniversary on 14th April with a spectacular air display, including the famous Air Force Roulettes. Apart from the air display, there will be on ground static displays of antique aircraft and cars, merchandise and food stalls, jumping castle and other attractions for children. Gates open 10am, air display from 12 to 3pm. Entry fees $60 (2 adults 2 children), adults $25, to 18 years $10. Enter our competition on page 9 for your chance to win a double pass.

Daylight Saving: Daylight saving will end at 3am on Sunday, 1st April. So remember to turn your clocks back one hour when you wake up on Sunday morning.

Sydney Royal Easter Show Competition Winner: Well done to Melissa Shaw on winning our Sydney Royal Easter Show competition!

Forbes Special Sports Day: The annual Forbes Special Sports Day will be held on Wednesday, 2nd May at the Red Bend Catholic College gym. This will be the 37th year for this sports day and contestants come from as far as Orange, Dubbo, Condobolin, Parkes and Forbes. The official opening begins at 9.30am with morning tea and a march led by Brian Tisdell (bagpiper) and the College drummers. There will be novelty races and some serious competition. Everyone is welcome! Some of our disabled contestants have attended every one of these events.

Eugowra Pony Club News: The Eugowra Pony Club held their annual Jumping, Sporting and Dressage Day on Sunday, 18th March. With 49 riders attending from the local area, there was some great competition across the various age groups. Eugowra Pony Club member, Makaylah McMaster was the 11 to 13 years Age Champion.

New Members Sought: Essential Energy is seeking people to represent customers and key consumer groups on electricity network issues as part of its Customer Advocacy Group. To apply, visit essentialenergy.com.au/cag. Applications are open until 5pm Thursday, 12th April.

‘Seventy for 70 Thousand WALK’: As reported in last week, Kerry Dunstan’s ‘Seventy for 70 Thousand Walk’ fundraising initiative for the Can Assist Forbes branch and the Forbes Breast Cancer Support Group, has raised $44,000 with more donations still coming in. If you would like to donate, there is still time to do so.

Aero Spectacular: The Parkes Aero Club is celebrating its 70th anniversary on 14th April with a spectacular air display. Apart from the air display, there will be on ground static displays of antique aircraft and cars, merchandise and food stalls, jumping castle and other attractions for children. Gates open at 10am, air display from 12 to 3pm. Entry fees $60 (2 adults 2 children), adults $25 and to 18 years $10. Win a free flight in the prize draw for all online purchases through 123 Tix.

World’s Greatest Shave: Our wonderful Forbes Phoenix sales lady, Kate Small is taking part in the #worldsgreatestshave this year. She has pledged to get a ‘hidden rainbow’ done at Hair with Style this Friday and will document her journey on our Facebook page. She is very nervous about this extremely colourful change but hopes to raise at least $250 towards helping families struggling with cancer. Go to worldsgreatestshave.com and search Katelin Small to donate to her page. Every cent counts!

Netwaste BYO Coffee Cup Winners: Congratulations to: C. Nelson, Ann Nelson, Graeme Thornton, Annette Thornton, Cheryl Walklate, Lorraine Chanolen, Bev Chandler, A. Haley, Bev Green, Phebe Woods, David Acheson, Sueanne Nixon, Lyn Goodwin, Bruce Adams, Lyn Ward, Jennifer Purdie, Ron Hocking, Sandra Hock ing, Lyn Goodwin, Sandra Albertson, Carol Gorton, Julie Smith, Christine Budge, Erin Bond and Linda van Coller. Please collect your cups from the Forbes Phoenix desk at Ian Simpson and Co at 88A Lachlan Street.

Youth and Heritage Awards: A reminder that there is only one week left to lodge your nominations for the Youth Week and Heritage Week awards. Applications for the awards close on Friday, 23rd March.

Northside Chapel Fundraiser: The Northside Chapel operates from the old Guide Hall in Johnson Street and brings games and Bible stories to young people in the area. The children are picked up from their homes by bus every second Sunday in the month and every Wednesday and are returned home afterwards. The gathering is growing and a bigger bus is required. To raise funds for the bigger bus the Chapel committee have decided on a sheep drive and are asking producers to give a lamb or sheep on sale day, the 10th April. Contact Ian Thomas for further information on 6851 4350.

This year’s Footy Tipping competition prize is donated by Aaron Acheson from Acheson’s Home Timber and Hardware. Aaron has kindly donated a family Weber valued at $788. Good luck to all the participants!

‘Seventy for 70 Thousand Walk’: Approximately 70 bowlers took to the greens of the Forbes Sport and Recreation Club and were extremely generous during the auctions, raffles and fundraisers that followed. Approximately $8,500 was raised and the organisers would like to thank everyone who participated during the day, and a special thanks to the business houses of Forbes for their generous donations.

Forbes Ladies Probus Club: It is deeply regrettable that the Forbes Ladies Probus Club is on the verge of sinking should any person or persons not put their hand up for all the executive positions that are being vacated. Many of the ladies who have held positions in the past feel that there are other capable members who are able to take a position for the ensuing twelve months. The annual general meeting will be held on 23rd March and thus far there seems to be no interest in any of the positions becoming vacant. On 12th March at 2pm at the Services Club the Executive and Committee members are holding a meeting to try and resolve matters to stop the Club from folding. Please think about taking on a position for the coming year so this club does not fold. If you are at all interested in taking a position please phone President Wilma on 6852 2736 or Secretary Margaret on 6851 1636 before 12th March.

Red Cross Calling This March: This month Forbes locals will join a wave of action across Australia to raise money for Red Cross. The Red Cross calling campaign is taking place in show of support for people in Australia and overseas who have fallen on tough times. If you have spare time, we would like you to doorknock just the street you live in. Please call Wilma Hepburn on 6852 2736 if you would like to help. There are many ways to get involved with Red Cross.

Winner: Robert Muffet is the lucky winner of the double pass to the Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo. Congratulations!!

IN IT for AUTISM: Jump into the 2018 Walk for autism! Are you as excited as us to take on the 10,000 steps challenge from the
8th to 15th April? Register today at www.walkforautism.org.au and start stepping towards a world where no-one on the autism spectrum is left behind. #walkforautism