Forbes Business Chamber: Jill-Ann Borger is the new Administration Assistant for the Forbes Business Chamber. She is taking over from Jess Dawes, who was in the role for close to 12 months and has taken maternity leave. President Stuart Thomas thanked Jess for the energy and time she committed to the role and supporting the committee. Jill-Ann has 23 years of experience working for her family business, Roberty-Bobs, a take away and convenience store. She is currently working as a postal services officer at the Post Office in Forbes. She is looking forward to continue using her business knowledge to assist the Forbes Business Chamber helping business grow and succeed.

Forbes and District Historical Society: Shane Wode, Publicity Officer of the Society is looking for the history of some streets in Forbes. The streets include Abbott, Blayney, Forrester and Underwood, as well as Eloora Place. Contact Shane on 6852 3421 if you can help him. The Forbes and District Historical Society Museum in Cross Street is open daily from 2pm to 4pm. Contact the Museum on 6851 6600 for more information.

Bavarian Crocheting Workshops: The Forbes Handicraft Centre is holding a series of five workshops to teach Bavarian Crocheting. The cost is $5 per person per workshop and run from 11am to 1pm. The first workshop was held on Wednesday, and will continue each Wednesday at the same time. All participants are required to bring their own supplies, including some assorted colours in 8 ply wool and a crochet size 4.5 or 5.0. Contact Kathy Bray on 6851 4591 for more information.

Forbes Neighbourhood Watch: The Forbes Neighbourhood Watch held its AGM on 6th June at the Forbes Services Memorial Club, chaired by Julie Virtue. The committee members are President, Maria Peterson; Vice President, Allen Toole; Secretary, Bruce Adams; Treasurer, Dorothea Croker; Grants Co-Ordinator, Dulcie Smith; Publicity Officer, Lyn Ward and Crime Prevention Officer, Senior Constable Daniel Greef. The committee would like to thank Havanna House for the printing of new aprons. New members who joined over the past 12 months are Stephen and Marj Cosgrove, Lyn Ward and Sandra Albertson. A meeting is planned with Bunnings staff about the Home Security Information Expo. The next meeting is on 4th July at 7.30pm at the Forbes Services Memorial club. New members are welcome.

Roadworks continue on Templar/Rankin Streets: Improvements to the crossing on Rankin Street, at the intersection with Templar Street, are still happening, with the northern end of Rankin Street currently closed to traffic. Work is expected to be completed soon.

Bovarian Crocheting workshops: A series of 5 workshops will be held to teach Bovarian Crocheting. All are welcome and the cost is $5 per person per workshop. The first workshop will be held on Wednesday, 22 June 2016 starting at 11 am and finishing at 1pm. All participants are required to bring their own supplies, some assorted colours in 8 ply wool and a crochet size 4.5 or 5.0. Come along and have some fun, the workshops will continue each Wednesday at the same time each week.

Western Region Academy of Sport workshop: The Western Region Academy of Sport is holding a 2016 Regional Athlete and Coach Education (RACE) Workshop in Forbes this Friday, June 17 from 6.30pm to 7.30pm at the Forbes Sports and Recreation Club. The workshop is free and will provide valuable information to athletes, coaches, parents, students and community members. For more information about the event, see attached flyer with contact details for the Western Region Academy of Support.

Pride in Public Education $1,000 scholarship: This Essay Competition is open to NSW year 11 students who attend a public school. Students are invited to write a 400-word essay on ‘Why a Good Public Education System Matters in Modern Australia’. The winning entry will receive a $1,000 scholarship from the Public Education Foundation to support their education expenses. Entries, as judged by members of the Retired Teachers Association, should showcase quality of content, originality and format. More information at http://www.publiceducationfoundation.org.au/scholarship-archive/the-public- educationfoundation-essay-competition/

Forbes kids make healthy art: Primary school kids in Forbes are using their artistic skills to help the community think more about healthy food. In workshops that began recently, vibrant new artworks will be made for a local exhibition and to feature on the walls at the new Forbes Hospital. Selected students from kindergarten to year six in Forbes have joined Orangebased artist Heather Pike in four weekly art workshops. The students will make a series of artworks linked to the Forbes Food Revolution program. The student’s completed artworks will go into a twoweek long exhibition at the Platypus Gallery in Forbes, opening June 30. Students will then donate one of their works to the Forbes Hospital where it will be part of the hospital’s new art collection.

Farmers urged to watch for powerlines while sowing: Essential Energy is urging farmers to remain alert and be aware of the location of overhead powerlines and power poles following a spike in incidents of agricultural machinery contacting the electricity network in recent weeks. The 10 state-wide incidents involved tractors and cotton module makers contacting power poles, causing damage to the electricity network and endangering the safety of the machinery operators. Essential Energy encourages farmers and agricultural workers to pre-plan sowing and map out safe traffic paths between power poles to remove the potential for machinery to contact the network.

Sydney Weekender visits Forbes: Mike Whitney and his crew from the Prime7 show, Sydney Weekender, visited Forbes on Tuesday and Wednesday to shoot an episode of the program featuring Forbes. It will be aired state wide on Prime7, and nationally on 7Two, on July 10. The show visited the Central West Livestock exchange on Tuesday to view a sheep sale before visiting Glengerra where they stayed the night. On Wednesday they went to McFeeter’s Motor Museum, and Presenter Mike Whitney said he was fascinated with what he experienced in Forbes. “We wanted to do the sheep sale because city people don’t have a clue how their lamb is processed,” he said.

Boscars Awards for 2016: Chairman of the Boscars Committee, Chris Roylance said that he was very pleased to announce that the Boscars will be proceeding again in 2016, with the Gala Dinner to be held on Friday 28th October at The Forbes Inn. He said: “I would encourage all businesses to consider nominating for their relevant category. This year will be the first year that the Awards will be aligned with the NSW State Business Awards, so local winners will go onto the Orana business awards and if successful then onto the State awards. It is a great opportunity for businesses, employers and employees to be recognised for all their hard work, innovation, and sustainability and it is an honour for a business to win any of these awards.”

Friends of Forbes Hospital news: The attendance at our June meeting was slightly down due to wet weather and illness. We gratefully accepted a cheque from The Railway Arts and Crafts from their Easter raffle, which was presented to us by our newest member who also works for The Railway. We acknowledged, too, other generous community donors. We are looking forward to the Rotary Ipomoea concert they are performing on June 26 to aid our funds for further hospital equipment. We have been invited to Condobolin for the 80th birthday of their Hospital Auxiliary on July 5.

Double demerits for long weekend: Double demerit points will be in force again over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend period to improve the safety of roads across the state. The double demerit point period will commence on Friday 10 June and conclude on Monday 13 June (Inclusive)

Debutante Ball raises funds for CanAssist:
On Saturday 30th April Tahlia Nash, Warren Baxter, Chelsea Turner, Cody Banks, Finnlay Bennett, Isaac Carlisle, Isobelle Herbert, Daniel Ashcroft, Grace Quirk, Hamish Coles, Jessy-Lea Byrnes and Nic Mulligan were presented to their Year Advisor, Mr Damian Byrne, at the Debutante Ball to raise valuable funds for Forbes CanAssist. The Group raised $2000, which Jessy-Lea Byrnes presented to Forbes CanAssist representatives, Maureen and Murray Field, at the Forbes High School assembly on Monday.

Churches of Forbes coming together this Sunday evening: This Sunday 5th June the Churches of Forbes are coming together for a combined worship and praise night. The night is being held at the new Generocity Church Facility on the corner of Rankin and Riley Street. Churches from
across Forbes are involved, with numerous churches bringing some song items. The evening will kick off from 5pm with a free sausage sizzle and cappuccino followed by the 6pm Combined Worship Service. Everyone is welcome on Sunday evening, and if you need any further information please
contact 0439 495 296.

Public meeting to present Operational Plan 2016-17: Forbes Shire Council is hosting a public meeting to present the 2016-17 Operational Plan incorporating Statement of Revenue Policy, the 2013-2017 Draft Delivery Program V4 and Fi- nancial and Schedule of Fees and Charges. The meeting will be held at 6.30pm on Monday, June 6 at the Forbes Town Hall.
The documents are currently on public exhibition for community feedback and a report will be presented at the next Council meeting on Thursday, June 16 outlining any submissions received.

Committee members wanted for National BBQ Championships: Do you enjoy planning events and love a good barbecue? If you answered yes, then you should join the National BBQ Championships Committee. Scheduled for Saturday, October 15, the National BBQ Championships is an event like no other. If you would like to be a part of the organisation of this national event, contact Council’s Community Relations Officer Blake Nicholson
on 6850 2355 or email blake.nicholson@forbes.nsw.gov.au. To find out more about the event, visit the website www.forbesbbqsociety.com.au.

Sky high inspections keep network reliable:
Essential Energy will be in the sky during June inspecting powerlines and
other electrical infrastructure in Forbes and surrounding areas to capture a detailed picture of the condition of the electricity network. The helicopter will fly at low altitude over the electricity network and sometimes hover over individual power poles to take high resolution digital images with GPS coordinates.

Forbes Widows Support Group news:
Forbes Widows Support Group met for their monthly Luncheon on the 26th March at the Forbes Services Memorial Club, our Birthday lady was Robyn Wilson and our March Quote was given by Dorothea Croker ‘Friendship doubles our joy and divides our sorrow’. We welcomed Sandra Albertson for the first time and Monica Wren from the Home and Community Care who spoke to the ladies about a planned bus trip out to Trundle on the 11th May. Our next Luncheon is on 24th May.Contact Maria Peterson on 6851 2716 for details and/or transport.

New Director of Corporate Services for Forbes:                                     The Forbes Shire Council welcomed their new Director of Corporate Services on Monday, Mrs Alison Coe. Mrs Coe was appointed to the position and officially welcomed by Mayor Phyllis Miller and Councilors at the April general meeting of Council. The Forbes Phoenix would like to welcome Mrs Coe to her new position. We will have more information as it comes.

Battle against wild dogs: Member for Orange Andrew Gee has announced a major on-ground offensive against wild dogs in the Orange electorate during this autumn season, providing great relief to local livestock producers across the region. “In order to combat the devastating impact that wild dogs have in the Orange electorate, the NSW Government has put in place a comprehensive program to support around 3000 properties across the state,” he said.

Tertiary Day: On Tuesday the Forbes High School hosted the annual Tertiary Day. Over 35 Universities and private employment providers attended the morning and provided local High School students from throughout the Central West information of further education and employment opportunities. Year 10, 11 & 12 students were eager to gain information on career opportunities and how subject selections for Year 11 & 12 could assist. The day rotates each year between Forbes High School and Red Bend Catholic College.

Army Band rocks Forbes: As well as a marching band, Australian Army Band Kapooka (AAB-K) breaks down into a stage band, rock band, jazz ensemble as well as brass and saxophone groups and acoustic versions of the rock band. This versatility means most genres of music can be performed and the band can cater for all musical tastes. The band will be performing in Forbes on Monday May 7 from 7pm at Town Hall.

Claim Your Seat at the Central West Business Summit Table: Innovative business owners are invited to claim their seat at the table for the 2016 Central West Business Summit in Parkes on June 7. The Summit has proven a pivotal forum for networking and information sharing along with being a unique platform for uniting Central West Business leaders. Summit participants should register online at centralwestbusinesssummit.com.au by close of business May 31

Make mum’s day at Bunnings Forbes Family Night: Make this Mother’s Day memorable by creating a one-of-a-kind, handmade D.I.Y. gift at Bunnings Forbes’ annual Mother’s Day Family Night, held on Thursday 5 May 2016, 5.30-7.30pm. Forbes families are invited to celebrate and say a special  hanks to their mums by joining a night of entertainment in the lead up
o Mother’s Day, including hands-on D.I.Y. gift making workshops where kids can get crafty and make mum a personalised gift.

Free cuppa for the driver continues:
Following the launch of the Free Cuppa for the Driver scheme in Parkes on 8 March by Parkes Mayor Ken Keith, the campaign is off to a busy start. Sixty participating businesses have teamed up with Roads and Maritime Services and 18 local councils to promote fatigue awareness on most roads, and have already served hundreds of free cuppas to drivers. The initiative has been extended to May 31.

Forbes and District Historical Society:
We will be holding our open day on Saturday April 30 from 12pm to 4pm. Visitors will be able to see our Ben Hall and ANZAC displays. We are still looking for new members. If you are interested in becoming a member, you are welcome to come to our meetings on the third Thursday of each month at the Forbes Museum in Cross Street at 7.30pm, or you can call into the museum daily between 2pm and 4pm. You can also phone 6851 6600 for more information.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo ticket winner:
Congratulations to Gloria Wright! She has won herself a family pass for two
adults and two children to Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo! Be sure to keep picking up your copy of The Forbes Phoenix to see other giveaways throughout the year.

Today in numbers: 5.3% the current unemployment rate in New South Wales. More importantly, the unemployment rate for the Central West sits at 4.1%.

Community Preschool Capital Works Grant Program: The NSW Government has announced funding of $8 million over four years to create up to 500 new preschool places through the Capital Works Grants program. The grants are provided for not-for-profit, community based preschool providers proposing to increase the number of 600 hour preschool places. The NSW Government aims to support 15 hours per week or 600 hours per year of subsidised access for funded children in community preschools.

AMP Tomorrow Fund: AMP’s Tomorrow Fund is once again offering $1 million in grants to amazing Australians doing great things. Now in its third year, this unique grants program is open to individuals of all ages, walks of life and abilities. In 2015, AMP’s Tomorrow Fund awarded grants to 42 AMP Tomorrow Makers, including artists, athletes, inventors, social innovators, scientists, writers, dancers and disability advocates. AMP encourages members of the community to apply online at ampstomorrowfund.
com.au by 4pm (AEST) at 18 May 2016.

Jemalong tower to be switched on by end of the year: Federal member for Calare, the Hon John Cobb welcomed the release by Vodafone of its construction schedule for new and upgraded mobile base stations in Calare under Round 1 of the Coalition Government’s Mobile Black Spot Programme including the tower in Jemalong. Mr Cobb said that the 7 new or upgraded Vodafone mobile base stations inCalare are due to be switched on by 2017 and is part of the Coalition’s more than $10 million investment in fixing mobile black spots across the region.

Magpies Old Boys membership reminder:
Andrew Rousell will be at the Forbes Sport and Recreation Club on Friday night (April 22) between 6pm and 8pm for anyone who would like to pick up their membership card for the 2016 season. If you are unavailable then, Andrew will also be at the gates of Spooner Oval Sunday April 24 at the Magpies home game against Dubbo West Side.

On this day (April 15):
69 Battle at Bedriacum, North-Italy.
1205 Battle at Adrianople: Bulgaria beats Emp Boudouin of Constantinople.
1250 Pope Innoncent III refuses Jews of Cordova Spain to build a synagogue.
1450 French defeat English at Battle of Formigny in 100 Years’ War.
Famous birthdays (April 15):
Emma Watson, Maisie Williams, Seth Rogen, Luke Evans, Emma Thompson,
Claudia Cardinale, Danny Pino, Thomas F. Wilson, Madeleine Martin, Alice Braga, Elizabeth Montgomery, Susanne Bier, Cody Christian, Trine Dyrholm, Michael Tucci, Susan Ward, Michael Ansara, Lou Romano, Glenn Shadix, and Lois Chiles.

Greater protection with new flu vaccine:
A new four-strain flu vaccine, protecting against the nasty Brisbane virus, is being made available for at-risk Australians for free from this month, to help them build up their immunity in time for the peak flu season due in August 2016. The Federal Government has already begun rolling out the new 2016 vaccine, with $31.3 million made available for up to 4.48 million free doses
of the new flu booster. I encourage all residents to begin planning their flu shot sooner rather than later, and in particular those from high-risk groups who are eligible for the vaccination at no cost. This year’s vaccine would protect against four strains of influenza virus, up from three in 2015. For more information about the 2016 seasonal influenza vaccine, visit www.immunise.health.gov.au/ or call the Immunise Australia Information line on 1800 671 811.

RFS aerial support boosted: Two local Rural Fire Services are the beneficiaries of a joint Commonwealth-State funding announcement
of $2.59 million in projects to help better protect NSW communities from
the threat of bush fire. Both the Wellington Rural Fire Service and Bathurst Rural Fire Service will receive $35,000 each for their airbase tanks. Overall, the program has approved 19 fire trails and aerial firefighting supply tanks at 24 regional airstrips across NSW to provide easier access and more rapid response to fires. The Coalition government is proud to support the RFS
and provide them with the equipment they need to keep our communities safe.

Rogue sheep spotted in need of a shear!
This shot was taken on the weekend at Jemalong Mountain. This rogue sheep
has obviously evaded his regular shearing time.

Future of Rural Financial Counselling Service secured: Funding for Rural Financial Counselling Services (RFCS) will continue for the next three years supporting rural communities and clients in need with a more targeted approach. Twelve service providers around the nation will be able to continue their valuable work in helping our farming families, including Rural Financial Counselling Service NSW Central West Incorporated. The continuing funding package of $47 million through to 2019 demonstrates the Coalition Government’s absolute commitment to supporting our farmers, fishers, forest growers, forest harvesters and rural small businesses who need advice on managing their finances.

Truck breakfast forum success: Heavy vehicle safety was under the spotlight recently at a breakfast forum hosted by Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils. Over 60 participants attended the fourth annual Central West NSW Heavy Vehicle Breakfast Forum, to explore the current road safety and freight issues affecting the local heavy vehicle industry. The Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, says the forum has become a regular fixture on the road safety calendar.

Local Road Safety and Injury Prevention officer goes on maternity leave: Logan Dolbel will be covering my maternity relief work for Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer for the Forbes, Parkes and Lachlan Shire Councils, Melanie Suitor. Ms Suitor is due back at work on Monday 6 March 2017. She has asked members of the community to contact Mr Dolbel on
the below numbers for anything related to road safety:
Phone: (02) 6861 2364
Mobile: 0438 640 479 Fax: (02) 6862 3946
Email: Logan.Dolbel@parkes.nsw.gov.au

Safer Drivers Course for learner drivers: On April 14 and 15, Forbes Shire Council in conjunction with Orange PCYC, is conducting a Safer Drivers Course for Learner Drivers at the Forbes Youth and Community Centre. To be eligible to register you must have your learner driver’s licence, already completed 50 hours of on-road driving experience and be available for the
entire duration of the course.

On this day in history (April 8)
• 1093- The new Winchester Cathedral is dedicated by bishop Walkelin
• 1139- Roger II of Sicily is excommunicated.
• 1149- Pope Eugene III takes refuge in the castle of Ptolemy II of Tusculum.
• 1195 -Alexius III Angelus drives out brother Isaak II as Byzantine emperor
• 1341- Francesco Petrarca crowned in Rome
• 1378- Bartolomeo Prignano elected as Pope Urban VI

Born on this day (April 8)
• Craig Honeycutt 1970 – Singer (Everything)
• Darren Jessee 1971 – Musician (Ben Fold Five)
• Emma Caulfield 1973 – Actress (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”, “Beverly Hills
90210”)
• Taylor Kitsch 1981 – Actor (“Friday Night Lights”)
• Taran Noah Smith 1984 – Actor (“Home Improvement”)
• Kirsten Storms 1984 – Actress (“Days of Our Lives”)
• Julian Lennon 1963 – Musician, son of John Lennon (Beatles), Today in Beatles History

Life is Precious, Handle with Care: Sixteen lovely ladies gathered for our March Luncheon. Our Birthday girls were, Carol Ridley, Lyn Ward and Valma Price who turned 92 – what a WONDERFUL AGE Valma. Well Done. Our March Quote was given by Margaret Morrison- “The secret of Genius is to carry the Spirit of the child into old age”, A Huxley. How true this is. The April Luncheon is Tuesday 26th, 12 noon at the Forbes Services Memorial Club, any widow or single lady is welcome to join our happy group.

The Australian Government has launched A Gift for Living campaign, as
part of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. Over 2 million people will be sent a screening kit in 2016, rising each year to 4 million by 2020. On current evidence this will see 9,000 suspected or confirmed cancers and over 26,000 advanced adenomas detected and removed.