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Snippets

March 9, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Support for students: The Forbes High School Wellness Hub was officially opened by the Director of Public Schools Maree Angus last Wednesday. The initiative was developed in partnership with local community services to provide students with professional support programs.

It was a day of celebration with the school captains and vice captains cutting the cake, Maddison Collits performing the Missy Higgins song Everyone’s Waiting and a delicious lunch prepared by the Year 11 and 12 hospitality class. Students enjoyed a barbeque prepared by Forbes Neighbourhood Watch, while a number of service providers, such as Binaal Billa, Centacare, and a National Disability coordination officer set up information stalls for students. Carewest provided Fun with Drums.

End of disaster relief: The Lions Disaster Relief Funding in the Forbes Shire will wrap up 31st March. The Forbes and Dis- trict Lions Club has been providing flood relief vouchers to local residents from September last year. As there is no longer any demand for the vouchers the Lions Club will close off the funding. Vouchers will still be valid until 30th June for use. For assistance until the end of the month call 0419 463 803.

Market day: The Forbes Handicraft Centre’s next market day is on Saturday, 18th March outside the shop in Lachlan Street from 9am to 1pm. There will be an abundance of home cooking, cakes, slices, jams, pickles and preserves, plants, and fresh eggs.

Radio news: At the Lachlan Valley Community Radio AGM held recently John Berger was re-elected as president. Other office bearers are vice president, Rod Brown and Bill Stevenson; treasurer, Kerry Stevenson and secretary, Alison Coe. The Forbes station broadcasts close to 105 hours each week with on-air presenters, and do community service announcements free of charge.

Clean Up Australia Day: A total of 84 vol- unteers turned up on Sunday for Clean Up Australia Day. The numbers were boosted by a good turn out of 64 Red Bend boarding students. The volunteers collected approximately 94 bags of rubbish around Forbes. The main items picked up were drink and food containers or wrappers. During the week nine schools also took part in the clean up effort. The NSW government plans to introduce a container deposit scheme with a 10-cent refund for empty beverage containers on 1st December to help curb littering.

Snippets

March 2, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Youth of the Year: Chloe Morrison of Red Bend Catholic College won the Zone 5 Li- ons Youth of the Year finals in Grenfell on Sunday. She competed against other finalists from Cowra High School, Hennessy College in Young and Henry Lawson High in Grenfell.

Each contestant was interviewed by the judging panel, had to answer two impromp- tu questions about the NSW Government Greyhound racing ban and the wearing of uniforms and present a prepared speech. Chloe’s was about disability. She will pro- gress to the District 201N4 final in Cowra on 18th March. The Forbes and District Lions Club will host the state final of the Youth of the Year in Forbes on 8th April. Call Peter Bright on 0419 463 803 if you would like to attend.

Clean Up Australia Day: Remember to head to Victoria Park on Sunday for the clean up day starting at 9am. Volunteers will be provided with gloves, rubbish bags, sunscreen and water, and a free sausage sizzle at Apex Park afterwards.

Probus News: Everyone had a great time at the barbeque with Parkes Probus club on 16th January. There will be a mystery trip this month. The Men’s Probus trip to the Hawkesbury will be in May. Probus membership will remain at $25 – bring it to the March meeting.

Youth Awards: It is time to nominate young persons (12 to 25) who deserves to be recognised for their achievements and contribution to the community for a Youth Week Award. Youth Week is from 31st March to 9th April, with the awards cere- mony on 4th April.

Nominations will be for the following awards: Youth Citizenship Award, Sports Volunteer Award, Education Award, Bright- er Future Award. Nominations close at 5pm on 22nd March. Forms available from Youth Development Assistant Clarissa Stewart at Council.

Native grants: The Forbes High School (FHS) Gardening Group and 8SU Agricul- ture class combined forces and success- fully applied for a $400 tree grant from the NSW Teachers Federation last year.

Grants are offered to schools each year for the planting of native trees and shrubs. FHS students researched natives and selected lemon tea trees to improve the school environment as the trees will also mitigate the breeding of mosquitoes in the area. The Tree Levy grant can only be used for native trees and shrubs.

Snippets

February 23, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Wellness Hub: Forbes High School (FHS) is leading the way to support student well- being. The school will officially open its Wellness Hub on Wednesday and invites the community to come and find out more about this unique facility between 12 and 1pm. The Wellness Hub is a partnership between Forbes High School and local community services to support students and families’ wellbeing.

Clean Up Australia Day: Forbes Shire Council is encouraging residents to take part on Sunday, 5th March by registering on the day from 8:30am at Victoria Park with the clean up to start at 9am. Various locations across the Shire will be cleaned. Volunteers will be provided with gloves, rubbish bags, sunscreen and water. After the clean up at midday, a free sausage sizzle will be held at Apex Park. For more information about Clean Up Australia Day visit www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au or contact Council’s Environmental Services and Planning Department on 6850 2344.

Forbes Business Chamber: The Cham- ber’s Boscars Business awards this year will be on Friday, 15th September with a gala evening at the Forbes Services Club. John Davis Motors, winner of the business of the year at the 2016 Boscars, will be presenting at the next Business Chamber Networking night – invites will be sent out in April.

The Forbes Chamber was awarded funding under the Energise Enterprise Scheme late last year, and as a result will be running five workshops in the upcoming months on websites for businesses, social media, email marketing, Microsoft outlook training and high speed internet. More information will be available soon.

Footy Tipping Competition: With NRL season almost upon us, The Forbes Phoe- nix has two spots left in our Footy Tipping Competition. Whether you are one of our readers or an advertiser, you can join in the fun and be in the running to win a major prize. Entry is $100 for the whole 26 weeks and you will receive an ad space in the Phoenix to the value of $150 to promote yourself, your charity or your business. Contact sales@forbesphoenix.com.au to secure your spot.

You Get Shaving, Australia!: Are you shaving your head, or do you know of someone doing it this March, 16 – 19th to help beat blood cancer for the World’s Greatest Shave? We would love to hear from you! Contact us.

Snippets

February 16, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Christmas Lunch 2016: Havannah House provided lunch on Christmas Day to 177 people including volunteers, for the 17th year in a row.

The Town Hall was decorated in a candy canes theme to create a festive atmosphere. There was music and activities for the children. Nibbles and drinks were served first, followed by a smorgasbord of delicious and beautifully presented food: a choice of five meats, salads and desserts. The Forbes community donated gifts for children, teens and adults.

The lunch was made possible by the generous donations of individuals, community groups and businesses, while the Forbes Shire Council donated the use of the Town Hall.

Havannah House would like to thank all who contributed to this event and to the group of dedicated volunteers who prepared and presented a very special lunch for a most appreciative group of recipients.

Movie trip: Neighbourhood Central’s first Monthly Movie trip to Orange will be on Thursday, 23rd February to see Hidden Figures. The day includes lunch in Orange. Call Monica on 6851 4550 for more information.

ANZAC Competition: The Nationals’ Member for Riverina and Minister for Small Business Michael McCormack is inviting students from the Central West to participate in his popular ANZAC Day writing competition. “Each year (this being the seventh), I produce a commemorative booklet about ANZAC Day, which is distrib- uted to every household in the electorate. A highlight for many is the ANZAC writing competition for students.”

The Minister wrote to more than 120 primary and high schools in the electorate en- couraging students to contribute an original piece on “ANZAC Day in the Riverina and Central West”. Two winners will be chosen from each quarter of the electorate. Entries must be received by the Wagga Wagga electorate office by Monday, 6th March.

Forbes Handicraft Centre: The next market day is tomorrow at the front of the shop in Lachlan Street, from 9am to 1 pm. On offer will be fresh farm produce and in season fruit and vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, squash. Also fresh farm eggs, a variety of plants, home cooking such as cakes, slices and biscuits, new supplies of handmade and handcrafted goods and homemade milk ice blocks in different flavours and a new line of homemade ice cream perfect for the hot weather.

Snippets

February 9, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Robyn Miller (left), member of the Forbes Evening Branch of the CWA, and Margaret Adams, Member of the Forbes CWA with the “amazing” Challenge Trophy. Robyn won the CWA/Lions Damper Challenge and Margaret came third.

Damper Competition: It was hot on Australia Day, but when the dampers arrived from 4pm onwards at Frogs Hollow in all shapes, sizes, colours and types, the pleasantries started. The open section was won by CWA Evening Branch member Robyn Miller. Second place went to Jenny McNulty, a visitor from Northern NSW and third place to Margaret Adams of the CWA. Highly commended was awarded to Alison Lockhart of Forbes. CWA also won the coveted trophy CWA vs Lions Club Challenge trophy with CWA members Robyn Miller first, Catriona Hunt second and Margaret Adams third.

Phoenix spreads its wings: From today The Forbes Phoenix will be available in Trundle, Tullamore and Tottenham every Friday. You can pick up your free copy at the Trundle Newsagency, Casho’s Café in Tullamore and Tottenham Post Office and Foodworks.

Bedgerabong Races postponed: The event had to be postponed to Saturday, 29th April due to extreme temperatures forecast for tomorrow. All entries for the competition in The Forbes Phoenix will be kept for the new date.

Bunnings fundraiser: Over half a million dollars has been raised through the annual Aussie Day Weekend Fundraiser BBQ. Held on Saturday, 28th January at every Bunnings store nationally, NSW residents helped raise over $136,000, with all funds going directly to NSW Rural Fire Service, and NSW State Emergency Service. Over 2,200 team members and local volunteers ran more than 270 BBQ’s all over Australia.

Finding it hard to get to the Library? The Housebound Library Service, offered by volunteers from Neighbourhood Central, is a free service for Forbes Library members who are no longer able to visit the Library in person due to infirmity, physical or sen- sory impairment or extended illness.

In consultation with the client, Library staff selects appropriate library items, and volunteers deliver books, large print books, audio books, magazines and DVDs to pri- vate homes and residential aged care fa- cilities. The volunteers also pick up and return items to the Library, and most im- portantly, engage in conversation with the client and provide regular social support.

If anyone would like to access the service, call Monica on 6851 4550 or drop into Neighbourhood Central at the HACC Centre, 7 Harold Street Forbes, or contact the Forbes Library on.

Doreen Amor is the longest serving Housebound Library volunteer at Neighbourhood Central.

Snippets

February 2, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Little Ava Garland (3).

Fancy Dress Fundraiser: Get your dress- ups ready for Saturday, 4th March to help fundraise for Ava Garland and the McGrath Foundation at the Forbes Inn. Three-year- old Ava was diagnosed with acute Lympho- blastic Leukaemia in May last year and has been getting intensive chemotherapy treat- ment at Westmead children’s Hospital in Parramatta for eight months. She will return to Forbes next month for 18 months main- tenance chemotherapy. Ava and her family have been through very tough times. The McGrath Foundation for breast cancer as- sist many women undergoing treatment. In support of Ava and all women diagnosed with breast cancer, dress up as your favour- ite musician or band from the 1920s, 1950s Rock & roll, 1960s flower power, 1980s punk, 1990s dance, pop or rap bands. Tickets are $35 each nibbles provided. RSVP Tami Stewart 0427552243 tami.james@ bigpond.com or Sharon Maguire 0428 563 161 cooee@activ8.net.au

Word of the Year 2016: The Macquarie Dictionary has announced FAKE NEWS as the Committee’s Choice for Word of the Year 2016. The committee said: “The concept of fake news has been one of the big issues of 2016, not only in Australia but around the world. It captures an interesting evolution in the creation of deceptive content as a way of herding people in a specific direction. There has come a point with fake news where people are beginning to believe what they want to believe, whether or not the news story is actually true.”

2017 National Awards for Local Government: Nominations for awards close 3rd March. According to the Minister for Local Government and Territories, Fiona Nash the awards recognise innovative projects which provide new or improved local gov- ernment services. “Councils have the opportunity to nominate under a wide range of categories including boosting productiv- ity through infrastructure or contributing to regional growth,” said Member for Riverina and Minister for Small Business, Michael McCormack. More information is available at: www.infrastructure.gov.au/nalg.

Return to school anxiety? School is a bubbling brew of expectations, social and academic challenges, complex relation- ships and emerging identities. Little wonder anxiety levels – of students, parents and school staff – can rise as the new academic year begins. CEO of beyondblue, Georgie Harman urges parents and carers to visit healthyfamilies.org.au. It has resources to help tackle back to school anxiety with prac- tical tips and strategies for parents.

Dining at Chin Chin in Melbourne ahead of the Austral- ian Open tennis were Forbes locals, Rowan, Eliza and Suzanne Woods. Eliza is a second year student studying Musical Theatre at Jason Colemans Ministry of Dance in Melbourne.

Snippets

January 26, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Graduation: Long time friends, Darcie Morrison and Jarred Tyack, graduated from the Charles Sturt University in December. Both received their Bachelor in Exercise and Sport Science degrees and will be furthering their studies this year. Jarred is moving back to Forbes to complete his Primary Teaching degree by distance while working at Forbes North Public School as a Teachers’ Aid. Darcie has been accepted for Honours in Sports Physiology after which she plans to complete her PhD. She is moving to Sydney to pursue sporting opportunities with the NSW and Australian Rugby 7’s programs whilst studying.

Support emergency services: Forbes residents are reminded to help raise much needed funds for local volunteer emergency services by grabbing a snag at Bunnings’ annual Aussie Day Weekend Fundraiser BBQ tomorrow. Visit Bunnings between 9am and 4pm to buy a snag or make a donation. Team members will be running sausage sizzles with support from local emergency services volunteers, with every cent raised going directly to support the NSW State Emergency Service. Family activities, fun games and entertainment will also be held throughout the day.

Bogan Gate morning tea: Bogan Gate CWA will be holding a diabetes awareness morning tea on Wednesday, 8th February at 9.30am at the Bogan Gate Memorial Hall. Dr Madhu Velagala, Diabetes Edu- cator, will be the guest speaker. Men and Women are invited to learn more about diabetes.

Diabetes is a serious complex condition which can affect the entire body. A representative from Diabetes NSW and two nurses will do blood checks at the event. Entry by gold coin donation. RSVP to Ros on 68641023 or 0415 665 925 by Monday, 6th February. Any enquiries to President Marion McIntyre on 0427 643 233.

Snippets…

January 19, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

#Montefamousreview: Revive by Emily Dawn: Emily Dawn has created an ep that is filled with stunning, emotion filled music. Emily has a voice that is as powerful as any instrument played on Revive, it is pure and captivating, allowing you to be swept up in the lyrics and the melody will cradle you as you go on this amazing musical journey. Revive is a chilled out ep that has some powerful lyrics. Perfect for those
afternoons of reflection.

Earlier deadline: The Forbes Phoenix deadline for next week’s paper is Tuesday, 24th January at 3pm for all content (editorial and advertisements) because of the Australia Day public holiday.

Australia Day: Celebrations on Thursday, 26th January will start at 7am with the traditional Rotary Community Breakfast at Apex Park. Rotary’s community awards will be presented, the Forbes Town Band will perform and this year’s Ambassador, Sandra Bates, will do a welcome. From 10am, the Diggers Family Swim takes place at the Forbes Olympic Pool with a barbecue lunch. The afternoon activities kick off at 4pm at Colin McKenzie Park (Frogs Hollow) on Lake Forbes. Highlights include local entertainment, free children’s rides, the CWA
Damper Competition, pedal boat rides, an antique machinery display and fireworks. There will food stalls, a bar, games and displays from community organisations including the SES, Dragon Boats, Fire Brigade and Rural Fire Service. The Forbes Shire Citizen of the Year and the Forbes Shire Young Citizen of the Year will be presented at the official ceremony at 6.30pm.

Handicraft Centre Market Day: Tomorrow at the front of the shop in Lachlan Street, from 9am to 1pm. Fresh farm produce,
in season fruit and vegetables, fresh farm eggs will be in good supply, plus a variety of plants, an abundance of home cooking including cakes, slices, biscuits, jams, relish and preserves. For the hot weather there will be homemade milk ice blocks in different flavours and a new line of homemade ice cream in four different flavours.

Results of Christmas Super Raffle: 1st prize Rylee Nickolic; 2nd prize Judy Lynton and 3rd prize Sharon Aerts.

Public gardens: Following a thumbs down about the state of the gardens at the entrance to the swimming pool the Council has advised the following: “We are busy with a master plan or CBD study for the town and gardens, which considers streetscape, traffic, pedestrians, footpaths, gardens and connectivities. This will include a review of the gardens, type of planting, watering and maintenance needs,” said General Manager, Danny Green. “That is why there are two poor garden plots near the pool and the very hot and dry weather is making it look worse. We will be considering these as we progress the CBD study.”

Snippets…

January 12, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Helping hand: ‘Help us, Help others’ was the catch cry of Ian Simpson & Co … and help they did. David Virtue of Havannah House was delighted to accept gifts organised by Ian and donated by the Forbes Community. “Thank you so much, this will really help make many peoples’ Christmas Day,” said David.

Australia Day: Celebrations on Thursday, 26th January will start at 7am with the traditional Rotary Community Breakfast at Apex Park. Rotary’s community awards will be presented, the Forbes Town Band will perform and this year’s Ambassador, Sandra Bates, will do a welcome. From 10am, the Diggers Family Swim takes place at the Forbes Olympic Pool with a barbecue lunch. The afternoon activities kick off at 4pm at Colin McKenzie Park (Frogs Hollow) on Lake Forbes. Highlights include local entertainment, free children’s rides, the CWA Damper Competition, pedal boat rides, an antique machinery display and fireworks. There will be food stalls, a bar, games and displays from community organisations including the SES, Dragon Boats, Fire Brigade and Rural Fire Service. The Forbes Shire Citizen of the Year and the Forbes Shire Young Citizen of the Year will be presented at the official ceremony at 6.30pm. Nominations are still open and accepted until 5pm on 18th January. Nomination forms can be downloaded at www.forbes.nsw.gov.au.

Find it in Forbes: In past years winning tickets were drawn from a barrel, but due to the huge number of entries a concrete mixer was brought in for the 2016 draw. Gabe Miller-McMillan said close to 100,000 tickets went into the draw. This means $1 million was spent in Forbes in the lead up to Christmas. Fantastic work!

Snippets…

December 22, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Christmas Message from the Phoenix Publisher – Chery Newsom: I would like to extend a very big thank you to all our readers, contributors, advertisers, contractors and the team at the Phoenix Group of Newspapers for making 2016 such a successful one. Despite the changes in the media landscape, we decided to launch two new free local newspapers in Parkes and Hilltops (Young) in March this year. With this came the normal challenges and without the support of all those mentioned we would not have been able to accomplish what we did. Next year will be even bigger and better with the launch of some new features, an app, and new projects. We would ask that you continue to support us, as we strive for excellence and being involved at a local level in these communities. Remember that we are your local voice in the communities we serve. We wish everybody a very Merry Christmas and best wishes for a successful 2017.

Community transport: Neighbourhood Central Forbes, operating from the HACC Centre at 7 Harold Street, provides subsidised community transport for eligible clients and carers of the Commonwealth Home Support Programme, as well as disadvantaged people to help them live in their own home and still access activities and appointments. Transport is provided for medical appointments, hospital stays and medically related treatment in Parkes, Forbes, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange and Sydney. Transport can also be provided for shopping
and social visits, while regular social trips are organised in partnership with other services at Neighbourhood Central to events such as the movies in Orange and Manildra, theatre shows and places of interest in the district. A wonderful team of volunteer drivers devote their spare time to transport clients. There are also driver support volunteers who assist the drivers in caring for clients. To book a place call Monica Wren at the Neighbourhood Central office on 6851 4550. Office hours are between 10am and 3pm Monday to Wednesday and between 11am and 2pm on Friday.

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