Wellness Hub Logo winner: The Forbes High School Wellness Hub is being developed by the Forbes High School leadership team to provide community and welfare services to students to ensure they are holistically supported at the school. The initiative is still in its implementation phase with an official opening to be held early next year. To help promote the Wellness Hub, a competition was held to design an appropriate logo for the hub. The school had a fantastic response from the students with Year 9 student Tessa Pymont winning the major prize. Montana Palazzi and Jake Ellison received runner-up awards. Tessa won an iPad, and her design will be used on all signage in the school and the wider community.

Forbes and District Historical Society: At the recent AGM of the Forbes and District Historical Society the following main office bearers were elected: President: Bruce Adams, Secretary: Susan Stewart and Treasurer: David Palmer. A display case is being built for the Ivel Tractor. We hope to have it back in the museum by December.

SMS Service: Forbes Shire Council is currently updating its SMS Notification Service database as another means of communicating with the community. Text messages sent will include notifications such as closure of sporting fields, road closures and upcoming events, as well as important information during flooding or other emergency situations. If you would like to be included on the SMS Notification Service database, please email your mobile number to Communications Officer Amy Millerd at amy.millerd@forbes.nsw.gov.au or call 6850 2361.

Boscars public voting is on: After a busy submission period, entries for The Boscars 2016 business awards have now closed. As our independent judges get to work, it’s time to launch public voting for the People’s Choice awards. The two People’s Choice awards recognise Forbes’ favourite Tradie and the town’s most popular business as voted by the customers! It’s up to you Forbes, so head to The Boscars webpage www.forbesbusinesschamber.com.au/boscars to access the online voting form. It’s quick and anonymous, simply nominate your favourite tradie and/ or business currently operating within the Forbes Shire Council area. Voting closes at 5pm Monday, 26th September 2016.

Forbes Widows Support Group: Thirteen ladies enjoyed a paper craft creations afternoon at the Forbes Services Memorial Club on 17th August. Sandra and Grace Hosking from the Trundle Craft Shop hosted the event with the ladies sharing ideas and laughter as they glued together paper, doilies, cardboard and flowers to make Christmas decorations and a variety of
cards for special occasions. Mayor Phyllis Miller presented the group with a cheque, which came from the proceeds of the Orange Male Voice Choir Concert, and will be used for future outings.

Movie winners: The first winner of our Forbes Services Club Cinema competition is Neil Lambert, and the second fortnight’s winner is Allan Wright. Congratulations – you both won a family pass! A winner will be drawn every fortnight until the end of October.

Correction: The Electoral Commission advertisement on page 2 in last week’s issue, wrongly stated ten councillors would be elected. There are only nine councillor positions.

Forbes Show on 9th and 10th September:
It is only a fortnight until the 2016 Show! Make sure to pay your annual membership of $40, which covers entry for you, one guest and school-aged children on both days of the Show. Single membership is $30 and covers one adult and three school-aged children. Also get some earlybird ride tickets, at $25 per sheet for $30 worth of rides! Entries are still open for the Miss Showgirl award with fantastic prizes to be won. Entry forms are available at the Show Office. There are many other events you can enter, including Photography, Fine Arts, Cooking, Lego, Handicrafts and Needlework. Every entry makes the Show bigger and better! More information on the Forbes Show Facebook page or call Julie Hurkett on 6852 1311.

Boscar Awards: As tension is building for the Boscar Awards, it is good to note that this competition is open to all businesses in Forbes and not only to Business Chamber members. So get your entries ready before the closing date on 29th August by logging in and register your entry!

Forbes Public School Raffle: Forbes Small Engine Specialists donated a Polaris Outlaw 50 as the major prize for the Forbes Public School P&C raffle! Support the local school and win the Polaris 50 in your choice of pink or blue. The winner will be drawn at the Family Fun Market Day on 26th November at the school’s Lakeside oval. Tickets are selling for $2 each or 3 for $5. Raffle tickets will be on sale at Bernardi’s IGA on 3rd, 23rd and 30th September; 13th, 20th and 27th October and 10th, 17th and 25th November.

Forbes Neighbourhood Watch News: We would like to thank Senior Constable Daniel Greef, the Crime Prevention Officer in the Lachlan Local Area Command for keeping us informed about crime. Contact 6862 9936 if you want a free home security assessment done by Daniel. The BBQ at Bernardi’s IGA on 23rd July was a great day to inform the community about our work. On Saturday, 30th July we took part in National Tree Day. Committee members are preparing for the Forbes Home Security and Safety Expo on 16th Oct. Our community information trailer will be parked in the Woolworths car park tomorrow to answer questions or listen to concerns. We will also be at the Forbes Show on 9th and 10th September, so please look out for our new flags. Our next meeting is on 5th September at the Forbes Service Memorial Club at 7.30pm.

Friends of the Forbes Hospital: The AGM of Friends of the Forbes Hospital was held on 5th August and the following office bearers were elected: President – Ann Williams; 1st Vice President – Norm Haley; 2nd Vice President – Wilma Hepburn, Secretary/Treasurer – Gloria Haley; Assistant Secretary/Treasurer – Jean Hodges; Publicity Officer – Lee Reynolds and Patrons – Val Price and Gladys Brenner. Two new members joined – Christine Pout and Fiona Stevenson – pushing membership up to 13. More members are always welcome. The community’s generous support has helped to swell the funds of the organisation to help the hospital acquire much needed equipment.

Physiotherapy at Forbes Medical Centre: The Forbes Medical Centre (FMC) has recently added physiotherapy to the range of specialist and allied health services provided at the practice. Alyssa Crowe, who previously worked at the Forbes Hospital, has returned to Forbes to commence weekly sessions at FMC. The service will increase subject to demand. Alyssa will be available every Friday from late August. For an appointment phone 6851 1300.

Fashion with a Conscience: Salvos Stores will be supporting National Op Shop Week from Sunday. Fashion with a Conscience encourages customers to reuse, recycle and reinvent fashion by shopping at Salvos Stores. Salvos Stores not only divert 15,000 tonnes of clothing and household items per year from landfill, but if every Australian recycled one T-shirt per year, we would recover billions of litres of water!

Stork News: Eliza Jane Ryan was born at the Forbes District Hospital on Monday, 1st August at 6:46pm. She is being snuggled by her big brother Harrison. Her proud parents are Nick Ryan and Katrina Ferguson, and grandparents Fiona Ferguson, John Ryan, John Ferguson and Vicki Purcell.

Welcoming Danny Green: Local Councillors, including Mayor Phyllis Miller, and Forbes residents turned up at the Forbes Services Memorial Club last Wednesday to welcome the Council’s new General Manager, Danny Green. Mayor Phyllis welcomed him on behalf of the Council and the town of Forbes. Danny said he was enjoying his time in Forbes and that he had an open door policy. So if you want to discuss anything with him just call in for a cup of coffee.

Vietnam Veterans Day: This will be held at the Cenotaph in Victoria Park on Thursday, 18th August at 11am to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan on this day. The bravery, tenacity and sacrifice of the Australian and New Zealand soldiers in this battle, and the support provided to them by the RAAF and artillerymen from the two countries and the US are
remembered as one of the Vietnam War’s defining moments. There were 18 Australian casualties and 24 wounded.

Local Government Election: Nominations for candidates in the Local Government election to be held on 10th September had to be lodged at Council on Wednesday. The Returning Officer for the election is Geoff Lark, who is covering Forbes, Parkes and Lachlan Councils. Voting is compulsory for all residents in the Forbes Shire who are registered on the electoral roll. There is no absentee voting in Local Government elections. If you are unable to vote on election day, you can vote either by pre-poll or postal vote. Pre-poll voting will be open from 29th August to 9th September in the Council Chambers. Postal vote application forms are on the votensw website. The election on 10th September will be at the Forbes Town Hall from 8am to 6pm.

Riding for the Disabled (RDA): The Forbes Branch is raising funds to purchase a buggy specifically suited for the use of wheelchair bound RDA participants. There is a raffle with two great prizes: 3 days and 2 nights at Sahara Park Riding School for two children fully accommodated, and $500 Forbes shopping dollars. They are also selling tickets in 100 clubs. The winners of the first 100 club are 1st Marg Biddle; 2nd Marion Hales; 3rd Barry Jelbar, and the second 100 club winners are 1st Alan Pritchard; 2nd Len Piestch; 3rd Paddy Molloy.

Christmas in July a great success: Jemalong Residential Village (JRV) Volunteers group hosted a very successful Christmas in July last Saturday night. Catering for the three-course Christmas dinner was catered by JRV chef, Peter Ashcroft. A profit of $5,000 was made. Winner of the $500 Forbes Gift Voucher was Greg Prow. Thank you to everyone involved in making this night a huge success. Our next fundraising event will be on 1st October when we host the catering for the Forbes Open Gardens. There will be cake, plant and
craft stalls, morning and afternoon tea and a BBQ lunch.

Do you want to join the Australian Red Cross in Forbes?: After celebrating the 2014 centenary of Australian Red Cross, the Forbes Club is looking for new members to help address the humanitarian needs of vulnerable people in the community. If you are interested to join, you are
welcome to attend the AGM on 11th August at 2pm at Forbes HACC Centre. For enquiries call 6852 2736.

Run Against Violence: The journey of one woman became the journey of many. The Forbes Domestic Violence Committee invites the community to a screening of Iceberg at 7pm at the Forbes Town Hall tonight. Iceberg follows the journey of Kirrily Dear, who ran 860km from Walgett to Forbes in 2014. Her sole purpose was to break the silence surrounding domestic violence.

Free printmaking workshop: Places are open to participate in a free printmaking workshop in Forbes. The ‘In Print Forbes’ workshops, to be held in August, are a chance for people to learn from expert printmaker Victoria Tuscon Brew, who will lead participants through the printmaking process and help them produce a complete artwork of their own. The workshops will be held over two Thursday’s (11th August and 18th August from 11am to 2pm), and two Saturday’s (20th August and 27th August from 11am to 2pm) at the Northside Chapel Hall in Forbes. Participants will need to be able to attend two workshops – either both Thursday or both Saturday workshops. The workshops are open to all adults or senior high school students. Participants
will generate new artworks for the Forbes Hospital’s art collection and will be asked to donate a print to the Hospital. Bathurstbased Victoria Tuscon Brew is an editioning printmaker – she works with artists to make prints of their works. A graduate of UNSW’s College of Fine Arts, Victoria has over 17 years’ experience. The workshops are free and all materials are provided. Places are limited. To book call Arts OutWest on 6338 4657 or email artsoutwest@csu.edu.au

Western NSW schools on board with a healthy lunch: Primary schools in western NSW are helping the next generation of parents pack healthy lunches for their children to provide students with lifelong cancer prevention benefits. Cancer Council NSW nutrition program Eat It To Beat It delivered 75 Healthy Lunch Box sessions during the Western NSW kindergarten orientation period last year.

Schools are encouraged to get on board for this year’s kindergarten orientation period. The free 25-minute sessions show parents how easy it can be to pack a healthy lunch box every day. Each family gets a free show bag filled with great resources, including a hands-on Healthy Lunch Box Kit. Western NSW Community Programs Coordinator, Fiona Markwick said including fruit and vegetables in the lunch box was an easy step towards eating the recommended two serves of fruit and five serves of vegetables every day.

“Schools tell us that many lunch boxes still contain a lot of packaged foods,” Fiona said. To find out more or to register interest for a Healthy Lunch Box session, go to eatittobeatit.com.au or contact Fiona Markwick on 02 6392 0803 or email fionam@nswcc.org.au

Stork News: Austin Liam Breen was born at 5:30am on 17th June weighing 8lb 1oz, 52cm long in Parkes. He is the second son for Clynt and Kristi Breen and baby brother for Clifford. He is the grandson of the late Cliff Bradley and Jan Bradley of Forbes and Ian and Mary Breen of Canowindra.

Forbes Women’s Sewing Group: If you would like to learn how to sew, the Forbes Youth and Community Centre is now home to the Forbes Women’s Sewing Group once a week. The group meets from 10am to 3pm each Wednesday and is led by Cherylin Cole. Each session is a gold coin donation and Cherylin teaches each person individually. So far women involved have learnt to make quilts, handbags, pillow cushions, wheat bags, library bags and
curtains. Participants can sell their creations at the Forbes Lions Club Car Boot Sale each month. For more information about the Forbes Women’s Sewing Group, contact Cherylin Cole on 6857 3346.

Forbes Neighbourhood Watch: The Neighbourhood Watch BBQ will be on 23rd July at IGA from 10am to 2pm. National Tree Planting Day is on 30th July from 10am to 1pm followed by a BBQ at the Central West Livestock Exchange. The Neighbourhood Watch Information trailer will be at both venues. Volunteers will answer any queries about community involvement. We need more volunteers, please come to our next meeting on 1st August at 7.30pm at the Forbes Services Memorial Club. For further information contact Lyn Ward on 0417 536 619.

Eisteddfod concludes with Grand Concert: After nine days of competition the dance group sections finalised the 2016 Eisteddfod. Eisteddfod Committee Treasurer, Karyn Glennan was very pleased with the dance sections. More than 100 dancers performed in about 850 routines. The
Forbes Eisteddfod attracts competitors from throughout New South Wales bringing financial benefits to our local business and community. The Committee are now preparing for the Grand Concert tomorrow at 7pm at the Forbes Town Hall. The concert will feature approximately 30 acts that will give the audience a fantastic overview of the eisteddfod. Tickets are still available at $15 for Adults, $10 for Pensioners and $5 for children aged 5 to17years. For bookings contact Jan Facey on 0438 461 867 or Marian Barrass on 0427 729 254.

40 Years of service for John Pearce:
John Pearce yesterday celebrated 40 years of service at Roylance’s Auto One.
Chris Roylance, Managing Director, said it was a unique achievement as not many employees reach such a milestone. He described John as being very popular with the customers all over country NSW, staff and other branches in the organisation. “He is very loyal, honest and thorough in what he does,” said Chris. John said he had never looked anywhere else for a job. “It is a great company to work for and I‘ve had a pretty good run of relationships seeing the first, second and the third generation coming in.” He feels proud of his achievement staying that long with one company. John said he had nine years to go to retirement and hoped to crack 50 years of service! John joined the company in 1976 after completing Year 10 at the Forbes High School. His first job was a spare parts assistant. “The day he started he walked around the shelves goggled eye wondering what it was all about,” Chris remembers. He said back in those days they were still wearing white dust overcoats as their uniform. These days John is a sales rep travelling all over NSW selling automotive, earth moving and hardware parts. He is also the co-ordinator for the Orange Field Days and he is involved in training for pressure cleaners, automotive parts and earthmoving.

Open Day at Ian Simpson & Co: To celebrate the opening of the offices of Ian Simpson & Co everybody is welcome to their Open Day to be held at their offices in 88A Lachlan Street on Saturday 23rd July starting at 10am. Come and join in the celebration with a sausage sizzle and face painting for the kids.

National Tree Day: Central West Lachlan Landcare is organising a Family Day on Saturday, 30th July at the Central West Livestock Exchange from 10am-1pm. You will learn about wildlife corridors, native animal habitat and threatened species. This will also be the launch of the first Forbes Motley Crew initative. Tools and equipment for planting, watering cans and buckets will be supplied. A BBQ lunch will also be provided. Kids can also take part in fun, free DIY nature-craft workshops held over the weekend of Tree Day, Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 July at your local Bunnings store.

Forbes Business Chamber AGM: The Forbes Business Chamber AGM will take place on Thursday, 21st July at 6:00pm at the Forbes Sport and Recreation Club. President Stuart Thomas will be standing down as president.
“We have a great committee but still need input and enthusiasm. Please have a think about joining the committee. We will welcome any new committee members who would like to join. There are a range of roles, some more hands on and some more advisory. So if you have great ideas or would like to see some changes but are limited for time, come on board and join us,” said Stuart Thomas, President of the Forbes Business Chamber.

Forbes Business Chamber: The very first Quarterly Networking Event held by the Forbes Business Chamber will take place on 21st July at 6:30pm at the Forbes Sport and Recreation Club with guest speaker Andrew Rawsthorne. As Andrew is the Grants Officer at the Forbes Shire Council, this is an ideal information night for businesses interested in seeking information on grants, or if you are a business person helping a voluntary organisation seeking a grant.

Andrew will talk about his position and how he can help business members with grants application processes. He will also indicate which grants are currently open and highlight the ones that have been successful in the past 12 months. The Chamber aims to alternate this quarterly event between a breakfast and dinner venue. If you would like to attend please RSVP to Jill Ann on 0407 380 936 or email forbes.businesschambernsw@gmail.com.

Forbes Business Chamber AGM: The 21st July is also the date for the Forbes Business Chamber AGM at 6:00pm at the Forbes Sport and Recreation Club. “We have a great committee but still need input and enthusiasm. Please have a think about joining the committee. There are a range of roles, some more hands on and some more advisory. So if you have great ideas or would like to see some changes but limited for time, come on board and join us,” said Stuart Thomas, President of the Forbes Business Chamber.

Forbes Widows Support Group: Our motto is: Life is precious – handle with care. We met for our monthly Luncheon last Tuesday and had a wonderful time together. Lyn Ward read our quote “Give willingly, care graciously, live a full life, love one another and be confident in who you are.” by Lynne Kooij. We welcomed our newest lady Molly Neilsen. We hope that
Molly will continue to enjoy our company. The ladies are looking forward to future activities which include attending the Orange Male Voice Choir on 31st July at the Forbes Town Hall, a planned Paper Craft Creations Afternoon on 17th August at the Forbes Services Memorial Club and our July Luncheon on 26th July. Please contact Maria on 6851 2716 for further details and/or transport.

Monster Trucks: The giants have arrived and there are six of them! Ultimate Monster Action is gearing up to give an action packed show in Parkes tomorrow that will get the adrenaline flowing to drive all the winter chills away. Professional Monster Truck driver, Troy Garcia said the show would go on come rain or shine. “The wetter the weather, the more fun we have.” Hosted by Adam Brand, 12 times Golden Guitar winner, the freestyle motocross bikers will do some insane stunts, while the jet car will light up the sky with its after burn mode. Adding extra explosive action will be the gigantic firework show. There will be rides in a 3m high monster truck from 1:30pm when the gates at the showgrounds open. It will cost $10 per person. The main show will start at 4pm and last for about two hours. Get your tickets at the gate or online at www.monstertrucks.net.au.

NAIDOC Week: The Forbes Medical Centre is partnering with NSW Health and the Forbes Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre to celebrate NAIDOC Week. There will be a free BBQ with sausage sandwiches and drinks funded by NSW Health and the Forbes Medical Centre between 11:00am and 2:00pm on Thursday 7th July. There will also be a traditional welcome to country ceremony performed by local Aboriginal girl Whitney Duffy in the Wiradjuri language at 1.30pm followed by the unveiling of a plaque at the Medical Centre by local Aboriginal elder Aileen Allen. “In addition to the free BBQ we will be giving away two Fitbits donated by the Forbes Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre. Any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander who attends on the day will receive an entry into the draw for these great prizes which will be drawn on Friday, 8th July at the Forbes Medical Centre” said Shelley Clark, Nurse Manager at the Forbes Medical Centre. The event is open to the entire Forbes community and there will be various other giveaways on the day.

Scaffolding near powerlines: Essential Energy is reminding scaffolders, tradespeople and other construction workers to be aware of the potential for electrical hazards on the worksite and to stay safe around electricity. Regional Manager Northern, Mark Summers, said plant equipment and temporary structures should be kept well clear of the electricity network. “Powerlines can be situated underground and overhead so workers should be aware of their location before putting up scaffolding, picking up a jackhammer, operating machinery or excavating an area,” Mark said. The safe operating distance for workers and their equipment from overhead powerlines is 3m for distribution and transmission lines up to 132kV and 4m for scaffolding. The Electricity Supply Act requires any excavation work to be logged with the free Dial before you dig referral service at www.1100.com.au, to identify the location of underground utility assets.

Stork News: Congratulations to Ian and Tammie Simpson on the arrival of their son Harry Alexander Simpson born on Thursday, 23rd June at 8.53am, weighing in at 6 pounds 2 ounces, and 53 cm long. Both Tammie and Harry are doing well. Father Ian is over the moon!