#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.”

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.