Forbes Evening Branch: The Forbes Evening CWA branch has donated $1,000 to the fundraising for a Physio Touch Machine. Di Green, the local McGrath Foundation nurse, is hoping to raise enough money to purchase this machine, which is used in the treatment of lymphoedema – an uncomfortable swelling that develops when lymph fluid builds up. “The Forbes Evening CWA branch is delighted to be able to support this cause as we are keen for our donation to benefit local people,” said Karen Wright, Secretary. If you would like to join the Forbes Evening branch, contact Karen on 0407 002 937.

Forbes Phoenix drop off point: If you would like to contribute articles, Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down, competition entries or anything else, you can drop these at Ian Simpson and Co at 88A Lachlan Street in Forbes. For editorial matters, please contact the Editor, Maggi Barnard on 0403 080 085, and for sales contact our Canowindra office on 6344 1846 or Cheryl on 0411 211 065.

Forbes Neighbourhood Watch News: The second successful Home Security and Safety Expo at Bunnings was held on 16th October. Senior Constable Daniel Greef presented excellent information on town and farm security, while the Police mobile van was popular with the children. Kym Holloway shared expert knowledge on home security products.

The winners of the 8th 100 club are: 1st no 58 Yvonne McIntosh; 2nd no 84 Lach Reynolds; 3rd no 1 Sharon Moon. Raffle winners are: 1st Green C007 Mark Stiphard; 2nd Red A089 Kim Kirkman; 3rd Green C61 Belinda Facey; 4th Yellow O11 Jean Hodges. Winners of the Forbes Community Safety Art Competition will be presented with their prizes at White Ribbon Day on 25th November.

Forbes Handicraft Centre: Market Day on Saturday, 19th November outside the shop in Lachlan Street from at 9am. New items include a range of homemade ice blocks in six different flavours. Old favourites are fresh farm eggs, in season produce and a huge variety of potted plants. If you are looking for a unique Christmas present, there is a new supply of handmade toys and woodwork, while Christmas cakes and plum puddings will be on sale and a big range of home cooking.

Raffle winner: The raffle for a ride-on toy tractor raised $1,251.85 for the school partnership program Ian Simpson & Co has with Forbes North Public School. The winner was drawn on 22nd October at the Australian National Field Days in Orange and is a lady from Goolma.

Aboriginal Wills Day: Binaal Billa is holding a free Wills Day in Forbes on Wednesday, 16th November for the Forbes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) community at 18 Spring Street from 10am to 12pm. This is an opportunity to have a will prepared by a qualified solicitor for free. Having a will is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family. For more information call 6850 1234.

Morning tea entertainment: Clients of the monthly social morning teas held at the Forbes Town Hall have been treated to quality musical talent over the past two months. In September, Trevor Wren sang classics such as Roll out the Barrel and Side by Side, while in October Ruth Elphick played familiar tunes on her piano accordion. The Forbes Neighbourhood Central office hosts the morning teas with the help of volunteers – Doreen Rogers, Lorraine Rue, Gillian Davis and Ruth Elphick. Anyone who would like to register for morning tea, or other social activities can call Monica Wren at the Forbes Office on 6851 4550. Morning tea is a free event for Neighbourhood Central clients and transport is available. It is an opportunity for senior citizens still living in their own home to stay socially active and engaged in the community.

Teddy Bears’ Picnic: If you go down to Victoria Park tomorrow, you’re sure of a big surprise! The inaugural Forbes Teddy Bears’ Picnic will be held from 9.30am to 1.30pm and everyone is invited to attend. Bring your favourite teddy and stand a chance to win a prize for the best dressed teddy. There will be games, activities, crafts,
face painting, a jumping castle, storytelling, nursery rhymes and a barbecue. There will also be prizes, performances
by Mainly Music and Kristen’s Dance Studio, a Forbes Toy Library display and a major raffle, sponsored by Bunnings. Contact organiser Fiona Blyth on 0405 411 355 or Council’s Youth Development Assistant Clarissa Stewart on 6850 2357.

Garage Sale Trail: Forbes Shire Council is involved in the national Garage Sale Trail for the second year and is encouraging households, schools and community groups to host a sale tomorrow. It is a unique opportunity to promote the reuse of items that might otherwise end up in landfill. All you have to do is register your sale on the website www.garagesaletrail.com.au. Registration is free and includes a seller webpage that can be personalised.
Enjoy your kids again: Parents all over the world have turned to the award-winning 1-2-3 Magic program to help them get back in charge of their homes and learn how to enjoy their kids again. 1-2-3 Magic is a simple, precise and effective way of managing – gently and firmly – the behavior of children in the two to twelve-year-old range. CentaCare Forbes will be running the 1-2-3 Magic program over two nights on 25th October and 1st November at the CentaCare office at 134 Lachlan Street from 6 to 8pm each night. Michael Browne, CentaCare Men and Family worker, and Natasha Harris, Family worker are encouraging parents to attend together as managing behaviours is a team effort. The workshop is free of charge, but space is limited so make sure to book early. Call
CentaCare Forbes on 68501777 to secure your seat.
What a Wonderful Night: St. Laurence’s P & F held its second successful art exhibition last Friday. The student art competition drew a wide range of infant and primary entries and was judged by Jan Ashe one of the exhibiting artists. Winners were: Infants: 1st Jett Rudd, 2nd Ruby Spry, 3rd Konner Coleman and Highly Commended
Madeline Morrison. Primary winners were: 1st Clancy Bolam, 2nd Laylah Davies, 3rd Sienna O’Connell and Highly Commended Cassidy Robb-Potts. The raffle first prize was won by Andrew and Pam Peters, a pastel work “Old Barn”
by artist Colin Darley, second prize a wheelbarrow of meat and produce donated by Baa Moo Oink was won by Penelope O’Connell and the six bottles of wine from Bernardi’s IGA were won by Reilly Godsell. Thank you to all the sponsors, Forbes artists, artists who exhibited, the Art Society for the loan of their easels, the show committee for the use of their display frames and the Lions Club who dropped off and collected these.

Upgrade for park: Forbes Shire Council will upgrade the playground equipment at Hughie Wilson Park in Elizabeth Street. The existing playground will be demolished and replaced with new equipment featuring a gyro disc, a t-swing with a toddler seat and climbing equipment with a slide. The upgrade, to start on 17th October, is part of Council’s 15-year replacement program, and should be ready by the end of the month. “The upgrades to Apex Lakeside Park and Nelson Park have been very well received by the community,” General Manager, Danny Green, said.
Long lunch by the lake: Come and enjoy a two course luncheon to help raise funds for a mobile Physio Touch machine for Forbes and Parkes Hospitals on Sunday, 13th November in Lions Park at 12:30pm. The guest speaker is Dianne Green, McGrath Breast Cancer Nurse. Tickets are $80 per person and includes a gourmet BBQ and dessert provided by Peter Ashcroft, beer, wine and soft drinks, as well as entertainment by Adam Enslow. There will
also be raffle tickets for sale in a monster raffle. Bookings close on 9th November. Contact debbie@roylances.com.au.
Forbes Neighbourhood Watch: Winners of the 100 club Sheet nr 6: 1st H. Payseno $60; 2nd Lach Reynolds $25; Roselee White $15; Sheet nr 7: 1st Peter Robb $60; 2nd Monica Wren $25; 3rd Gloria Haley $15.
Our 2nd Forbes Home Security and Safety Expo is on 16th October at Bunnings. The closing date for the Forbes Community Safety Art Competition is on Friday, 21st October. Entries can be handed in at local schools.
Try for Five: Cancer Council NSW is challenging families to boost their daily vegetable intake during National Nutrition Week next week. Eating more vegetables is a great way to boost overall health and adding more fibre-rich food can have lifelong cancer prevention benefits,” said a spokesperson.
St Laurence’s Art Exhibition: Tonight at 6pm is the St Laurence’s Art Exhibition at the School Hall in Dalton St. Entry is $5 and includes 2 tickets in the lucky door prize and a complimentary champagne/beer and nibbles on arrival. Artists’ work on exhibit include Liz Ledbrook, Pam Thomson, Klara Ward, Bec Bennett, Rosie Johnston,
Katie Ragg, Kellie Hanley, Sampa Bhakta, Karen Ritchie, Jan Ashe, Jan Martin and Ray Thorpe. James Whalan of the Forbes Conservatorium will provide music. There will be an auction, as well as a student art competition.

Pool opens tomorrow: The opening of the Forbes Town Pool had to be delayed by a week due to flooding in the Shire last week. Access to the pool was difficult because of the floodwater, and the delay was necessary to give Council time to complete the clean-up before the opening.

Floodwater health hazards: Forbes Shire Council is warning residents to be alert to potential health hazards associated with floodwater. Floodwater can be affected due to overflows of sewage and chemical contaminates
that can cause illness or infection. Residents should avoid any unnecessary contact with floodwater or mud. Mayor
Graeme Miller said it was especially important that children did not play in floodwater. Always wear gloves when handling flood affected items and wash hands thoroughly after participating in clean-up activities. Any cut or abrasion should be treated with antiseptic and covered immediately. If a wound develops any redness, swelling
or discharge, seek immediate medical assistance. If you develop severe diarrhoea or vomiting, seek immediate medical assistance. Mosquitoes could also present a risk. “Residents should cover up as much as possible and apply repellent every couple of hours if outdoors,” the Mayor said.

Waste collection: Forbes Shire Council has organised special waste collection arrangements until floodwaters recede. For flood affected residents, the service will resume as soon as trucks can access properties. Some delays in garbage collection are being experienced due to road closures. Residents are asked to leave their bins on the kerb until they can be collected. Individual collections for severely flood effected properties may be organised with Council on a case by case basis. The annual Bulk Waste Clean-Up started on Monday, and another pick-up has been scheduled for the week beginning Monday, 24th October. This will give residents the opportunity to dispose of any items damaged during the flood. For more information or questions, please call the Environmental Services and Planning Department on 6850 2344.

Softball season: Registration day and social game on 13th October 6 – 7:30pm at Forbes Golf Club fields. Games to be played at same time every week. Fees are $80 for adults and $60 for juniors. Register as team or as an individual. Contact Isabel Haley on 0428 139 360, or forbessoftball@yahoo.com.au

Forbes Community Safety Art Competition: The competition is open to students from Forbes and Bedgerabong. K-6 theme is community safety in your neighbourhood and 7-12 theme is raising awareness about
domestic violence/ positive relationships. Artworks can be digital, painting, drawing or other medium. Competition closes 21st October.

Award Finalist: Local Rural and Lifestyle Sales Specialist Ned Hamilton, from Ian Simpson & Co is a finalist in the NSW Real Estate Industry of NSW Rural Marketer of the Year. This is an Award for Excellence which recognises outstanding achievements by individuals in rural property marketing. The Gala Dinner where the winners will be announced will be held in Sydney on Thursday, 13th October. Good luck to Ned from everybody at Ian Simpson & Co.

Free Cuppa for the Driver: Organisers of the award-winning ‘Free Cuppa for the Driver’ scheme are inviting local businesses to register for phase 7 of the successful driver fatigue awareness campaign which will operate from lst March to 31st May 2017. The scheme encourages visiting drivers to stop at participating businesses for a free cup of tea or coffee so that they can take a break from driving long distances. Call Logan Dolbel on 02 6861 2364 if
you are interested in participating.

Holiday activities cancelled: Forbes Shire Council has decided to cancel its planned school holiday activities due to this week’s flooding. The spectacular screenings movie night tonight will not take place. “We apologise for the inconvenience, but we will be planning a range of activities for the Christmas holidays,” Mayor Miller said.

Catastrophe Event Insurance Hotline: Phone this 24-hour day hotline on 1800 734 621. The line is run by the Insurance Council of Australia and is open to all residents with insurance questions.

Double Demerits October Long Weekend: Don’t forget that double demerits points will be in force again over the October long weekend. They come into place from Friday, 30th September and finish on Monday, 3rd October (inclusive). School holidays, football finals and all of the recent wet weather conditions will mean increased
traffic on our roads, however drivers need to be warned they are at risk of losing their licence during this period if they do not obey the road rules.

Indigenous Groups Merge: Forbes & Parkes Reconciliation groups have recently merged to form Lachlan Reconciliation Group. The Reconciliation group comes under the umbrella of the NSW Reconciliation Council and has been established to capture the goodwill in the community at this historic time. Lachlan Reconciliation
group is interested in working with other groups in the area to foster these aims so they would like you to keep us in mind if they can be of assistance to you.

Champion Chook Girl: Seven-year-old April Bermingham has a great love for all animals, but she is making a name for herself and her chooks at shows in the Central West. She has more than 40 chickens and started to enter them at shows this year. She has won more than ten first prizes and seven second prizes at three shows so far for her Polish chickens, Silkies and Aconas. She clinched a best in class and a second prize at the Forbes Show, had four
winners and three seconds at the Bedgerabong Show and six winners and three seconds in Parkes. April also has three ducks, and won reserve champion with her duck at Bedgerabong. According to April’s dad, Shannon, his daughter spends all her time with the animals on their seven-acre property.

Forbes Neighbourhood Watch (FNW) art competition: FNW is working with other service providers in the community to increase awareness on the importance of safety and security by running an art competition for children in the Forbes community. The themes are: K – 6 Community Safety; 7 – 12 Raising awareness of domestic violence/positive relationships. Artworks need to be on A3 or A4 and can be digital, paintings, drawings or other medium. The competition closes on 21st October and winners will be announced on 28th October. Prizes will be paid in Find it in Forbes vouchers. For more information contact Maree Yapp on 6852 3008; Senior Constable Daniel Greef on 6862 9977, or Maria Peterson on 6851 2716.

The Boscars 2016 Gala Dinner: As we enter spring, excitement for The Boscars 2016 Gala Dinner is building. Tickets are on sale until Wednesday, 12th October unless sold out prior. So get in early and plan your table now. With a combination of experience and fresh ideas the 2016 event committee will deliver a fun and memorable evening. People’s Choice voting is currently underway so don’t forget to head to www.forbesboscars.com.au to place your vote. This special award category will recognise Forbes’ most popular tradie and most popular business. Have you worked with a tradie who’s gone above and beyond and done an amazing job? Make sure you get them in the running!