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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.

Snippets…

December 15, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

CWA news: The Forbes CWA and Bedgerabong always celebrate a combined Christmas lunch. This year it was held in the CWA Hall on 3rd December with the workload and food divided between the two branches. It was most enjoyable with refreshing punch, cold meat and salads followed by desserts and rum ball and mint slice with coffee. Members of the Forbes CWA are making head scarves, bandanas and breast cushions for people suffering from cancer. These are available at the Glass Menagerie and Undercover Sleepwear and Lingerie.
Merry Christmas to everyone from Forbes CWA!

Mental health over festive period: Christmas is a festive time for most people, but it can also be a difficult period. People can experience stressors such as conflict, feelings of isolation, grief and missing of loved ones, which can sometimes lead to substance abuse issues. Rural communities may also be dealing with financial hardship, uncertain weather and market forecasts, as well as unexpected adverse situations. Camilla Kenny and Di Gill of the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) have practical tips on how to look after your mental health and wellbeing: stay con-nected with family and friends; volunteer to work with a charity; get involved in social
activities such as a community Christmas function; being mindful of your diet and getting enough sleep and exercise; being careful of excessive alcohol intake and avoiding other substances; and trying mindfulness exercises and relaxation techniques. Remember it is essential to seek help for any mental health or drug/alcohol concern over this period. If you have any concerns about yourself or a loved one, please contact the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511 (free call for landlines) or Drug & Alcohol Helpline – 1300 887 000.

Christmas Market: The Forbes Handicraft Centre Christmas Market Day is tomorrow in front of the shop in Lachlan Street from 9am to 1pm. This is a perfect opportunity to get organised for Christmas: there will be cakes, plum puddings, slices and other treats; fresh farm produce, in season fruit and vegetables, fresh farm eggs and a huge variety of plants; and presents ideas from the new supply of handmade
and handcrafted goods. There will also be homemade milk ice blocks in six different flavours, and a homemade ice cream in four different flavours.

Snippets…

December 8, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Opera for Ava: Highlight 8th April 2017 in your new diary. Mezzo Soprano Dominica Matthews, senior principal artist with Opera Australia, will be in Forbes on this day to perform at a fundraiser for Ava Garland at the Red Bend College main hall from 3 to 5pm. Ava is three years old and has been treated for leukemia this year (see story on page 11). Apart from her full time opera work, Dominica recently completed a tour of Australia with the cast of the Sound of Music as Sister Berthe. Two more performers will be confirmed for the concert. Ticket prices to be confirmed.

Havannah House Christmas lunch: The lunch will start on Christmas Day at noon in the Forbes Town Hall. For further information or bookings contact Havannah House on 6852 1366.

Nominate a young person: Nominations for the NSW/ACT Young Achiever Awards close on 15th December! Why not nominate a young person you know who is achieving great results or who is actively involved in your community. If you know someone up to 29 years of age who is making their mark or a valuable community contribution in one of the six categories, why not show your appreciation by nominating them. Nominations are being sought for:
• The Coffee Club Arts and Fashion Award
• First National Real Estate Leadership Award
• Freemasons of NSW/ACT Community Service Award
• Aboriginal Education Council Aboriginal Education Award
• WHO Printing Environment Award
• Awards Australia Small Business Achiever Award

Nomination are made online at www.bit.ly/nswactyaa

Christmas Market: The Forbes Handicraft Centre Christmas Market Day on Saturday, 17th December in front of the shop in Lachlan Street from 9am to 1pm will be the last one for the year. This is a perfect opportunity to get organised for Christmas: there will be cakes, plum puddings, slices and other treats; fresh farm produce, in season fruit and vegetables, fresh farm eggs and a huge variety of plants; and presents ideas from the new supply of handmade and handcrafted goods. For the hot summer days there will be homemade milk ice blocks in six different flavours, and a new line of homemade ice cream in four different flavours for sale. The Super Christmas Raffle with three prizes: First prize a wheelbarrow filled with Christmas hamper goodies; 2nd prize a $50 Voucher from IGA; 3rd prize an ice bucket filled with Christmas goodies. Contact the shop to find out the winners of the Hundred Club results for draws 2, 3, and 4. Forbes Handicraft Centre would like to thank the community for its support throughout the year and would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe New Year.

Carols by the Creek: If you missed Sunday night’s carols in Forbes, you can go to Carols by the Creek at Apex Park in Eugowra this Sunday with a special performance by local singer/songwriter Kerry Hodge. He is a true Aussie bushman and busker and has performed with Gordon Parsons, Lee Kernaghan, The Wolverines, and also on the Footy Show and the Kerri-Anne Kennerley Show. He and his family won Best group performance at the Tamworth Country Music Festival with their version of Amazing Grace. The Lion’s Club barbecue will start at 6:30 and the singing at 7pm. The jolly man in red will fly in for the end of the evening.

Snippets…

December 1, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Havannah House Christmas lunch: The lunch will start on Christmas Day at noon in the Forbes Town Hall. For further information or bookings contact Havannah House on 6852 1366.

Bunnings annual Christmas family night: Bunnings invites Forbes residents to join in a fun-filled family night on Thursday, 8th December from 6 to 8pm. There will be entertainment and activities for the whole family, such as free gift wrapping, Santa’s Little Helper Kids DIY workshops, light refreshments and even a special visit from Santa himself! Bookings are recommended so please contact Bunnings on 6853 9800.

Carols By Candlelight: Sunday, 4th December at 7pm in Victoria Park. Santa will be there from 6:30pm to 8pm for photos and a gold coin donation to the Forbes Town Band. A big screen will once again be used for the night’s program. Judy Prior will host the concert. The Carols program starts at 7pm and will continue through the night. The Forbes Lions Club will be in charge of the barbeque and drinks, and glow candles will be on sale from the Town Band Committee. Bring your chairs and blankets to enjoy a wonderful family night. The Forbes Town Hall has been booked in case of inclement weather.

Community Safety Art Competition Winners: The following children won prize in the competition organised by Forbes Neighbourhood Watch: Primary Section: Highly Commended – Isabel Pearce; Runner-up – Hailey Griffiths; 1st prize – Phoebe Walker. They are all students at Forbes North Public School. Secondary School Section: 1st prize – Brielle Thornton of Forbes High School; Runner-up – Claudia Gorton of Red Bend College. Thanks you to the competition co-ordinators Maree Yapp, Natalie Walker, Senior Constable Daniel Greef and members of Forbes Neighbourhood Watch. The winning art works will be displayed on wheelie bins next year.

Christmas Tree Festival: More than 72 entries are already in for the fifth festival. Remember to deliver your entries today between 8am and noon at the Forbes Town Hall. The festival will open for viewing from 5pm today, from 9am to 5pm tomorrow and from 9am to noon on Sunday. $2 entry for adults. The most appealing entry
will be decided by popular vote, while Rotary Ipomoea will give a Rotary choice prize. Funds raised will be used to support local Rotary projects.

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