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.

Balloon Crew and Volunteers Needed!
Canowindra Balloon Challenge are appealing for volunteers and balloon crew.
Volunteering activities are varied and can suit anyone, they include helping with the gates, taking stats, selling glow wands and marshalling people and vehicles. If you’ve ever wanted to get more involved with balloons
and have fun enjoying the outdoors then balloon crew is for you. For more information give Jan a call on 6344 1819 but remember, you have to be an early riser!

Pool extends opening hours: Forbes Shire Council has extended the Forbes Town Pool operating season and the pool will now be open until Sunday, April 24. The pool usually closes on the last Sunday in March, however after feedback from the community and a review of the closure
date, Council decided to extend the season at its March meeting on Thursday.
Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said the extension would allow families to visit the pool during the school holidays.

New amenities open at Stephan Field:
The new public amenities block is now complete and open for use at Stephan
Field. The construction of the new toilet block was stage two of the upgrade to Stephan Field. The first stage of works was the extension to the canteen area for the Forbes Netball Association to use as an office and storeroom. The new amenities include one accessible unisex toilet, one ambulant unisex toilet, one female toilet and one men’s urinal for public use and six unisex toilets for use by the Forbes Netball Association or other high demand events requiring higher toilet facilities. The public toilets are accessible 24 hours.

Double demerits over Easter: Double demerit points will be in force again over the Easter holiday period to improve safety on roads across the state. Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said that the double demerit point period would commence on Thursday 24 March and conclude on Monday 28 March. “Double demerit points will apply to all speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences this Easter holiday period,” she said. A free breakfast forum will be held at the Forbes Services Club on Wednesday 23
March to explore the current road safety and freight issues affecting the local heavy vehicle industry.

 

Neighbourhood Watch Group welcomes new connections: At our recent meeting held on the 7th February, we welcomed Lyn Ward from Drysdale in Victoria as a new member. Lyn has moved to Forbes to be closer to her family and we wish her every happiness. Blake Nicholson,spoke about his position as the Forbes Shire Council’s new Community Relations Officer, accepting
the role previously held by Anita Morrison. We look forward to working with Blake in the future. Our April Meeting is on Monday 4th at 7.30pm at the Forbes Services Memorial Club. Any resident of Forbes is welcome to attend these meetings.

Beyondblue launches new app: Beyondblue hopes its new ‘BeyondNow’ app will help reduce Australia’s suicide toll. Beyondblue Chairman Jeff Kennett said in order to reduce Australia’s tragic suicide death toll, which is more than double than the road toll, beyondblue and Monash University
with funding from the Movember Foundation have developed a world-leading
smartphone app and website to help save lives when people feel hopeless and helpless. “The free BeyondNow app, which can be downloaded onto a smartphone, shows people how to create a plan to refer to when they are experiencing suicidal thoughts or are in a suicidal crisis,” Mr Kennett said.

Steffen resigns as Forbes GM: Forbes Shire Council General Manager Brian Steffen has resigned from his position, working his last day on Monday. Mr Steffen started his job in October 2012. He announced his resignation on Thursday March 10, shocking his colleagues. The Forbes Phoenix would like to thank Mr Steffen for his work and wishes him the very best for his future
endeavours.

Save The Date! For this year’s Cabonne Country Balloon Glow on Saturday, 9th April. Get ready for a day of flames and fun as gates open at 3.30pm at the Canowindra Sports Oval. One of the highlights of the night, the rugby union game, will kick off at 4pm in what’s sure to be a blazing battle between Canowindra and Yeoval. New entertainment for this year includes a wine, food and craft market and fire dancers, so things might get heated! If you’d like
a stall please email lisa@canowindrachallenge.org.ay for an application form.

CMCA rolls into town: The Campervan and Motor Club of Australia’s ‘Solo Network’ will be in Forbes next week, from March 14-21. The Solo Network is a branch from the CMCA for members who are single, and they will rally through Forbes starting Monday. There will be an open day and market day for the public to attend next Saturday at the Forbes Showground. The
Solo Network was established in 1997 with the goal of encouraging singles to travel happily solo.

Media Reforms protect Regional News: Last week marked the announcement of the most significant media reform in a generation and it is good news for regional communities. These reforms will protect local news services, which are incredibly important and valuable to the people of Calare.
The changes come as regional media is facing increasing competition from less
regulated services in a rapidly changing digital landscape. These proposed measures (subject to the passage of amending legislation), will commence in 2016 with the Australian Communications and Media Authority to monitor and enforce the local programming obligations.

Mobile Black Spot Programme Round two launched: The competitive selection process of Round 2 of the Coalition Government’s Mobile Black Spot Programme has begun. Mobile Network Operators will nominate locations where they would install a new or upgraded mobile base station to address mobile black spots nominated by members of the public.

Gee puts hand up for Calare: Member for Orange Andrew Gee will contest The National’s party preselection for the federal seat of Calare. “Having weighed it all up I’ve decided to seek preselection because there is, right now, a real opportunity for the Federal Government to get some things done that will make a real difference to the lives of the people of this region,” he said.
He accepted he would leave Orange at a crucial time should he win preselection, and then the general election, but said it was an exciting time to enter federal politics. The preselection meeting will be held
in Bathurst on April 30.

Forbes Red Cross Fundraising
Some people will be door knocking in the Forbes area. They will be selling tickets in a raffle, and have a fun day of indoor bowls on April 4 at the Forbes Youth Centre. Red Cross Calling is major international fundraising campaign that has been running for over 65 years. It supports the everyday work of Red Cross workers such as a daily phone call for people living on their own, or
a phone call to farmers. The Forbes Red Cross Emergency Services have been
training to help people in an emergency like floods, drought, bushfires, storms and earthquakes.

Did you know if you are on Centrelink or a low income you may be eligible for a no interest loan from the No Interest Loans Scheme?

Become a Lions Club member today!
The Forbes and District Lions Club is urging anyone who is interested in volunteering some time when available to assist in fund raising ventures for the many needy causes in our Community. Lions Club members welcome new members who can assist in any way with as little or as much time available. “It is very rewarding and enjoyable, working alongside very caring people who give their time to help somebody else in the community have a better
quality of life,” said Forbes Councillor Chris Roylance.

Forbes Widows Support Group
The Forbes Widows Support Group (Motto – Life is Precious – Handle with Care) gathered for their February Luncheon on Tuesday February 23 at the Forbes Services Memorial Club. Our Quote for this month is from Lynne Kooij – “Wishing you yesterday’s promises, today’s dreams and tomorrow’s blessings.” We welcomed Jean Graham to our group and we hope that she will be happy living in Forbes. A hearty Happy Birthday was sung to Mary McKeon, Frances Hoply and Colleen Clifton who celebrated their special day during the month of February. During our Luncheon we discussed a possible bus trip out to the Tullamore Irish Music Festival on the 26th
March. It should be a fun day for all. Our next Luncheon is on March 22nd – 12 noon at the Forbes Services Memorial Club. All welcome.