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.

Increased water security is a step closer with construction well underway on Forbes Shire Council’s Third Bore project. Mayor Phyllis Miller welcomed the project and said the Third Bore will provide certainty in the event of severe drought, mechanical failure or contamination. The project, located within the road reserve on the Lachlan Valley Way, will be completed by mid-2016.

Are you interested in becoming a volunteer to help keep the Forbes Museum open? If you are interested, please phone 68516600 between 2pm and 4pm daily or call into the museum in Cross Street during these times. If there are any groups that would like to book in to look at the museum,
please make contact in the same way.

Tears of laughter, and not pain, are likely to be shed when Stand Up for Mental Health comedians Lulu Joy and Jon Shapiro present as part of the All Tears are Different mental health, drug and alcohol forum. The forum will be held at the Forbes Services Club on Friday March 4 from 6pm. Both comedians have experienced mental illness, but now use their experiences as material for their stand-up routines. The event will be free. For interest to help with catering, please email schrystall@lyndon.org.au.

Forbes Showgirl competitor Stacey Clarke narrowly missed selection in the
state Showgirl final last Saturday at the Zone 6 finals in Parkes. She told The
Forbes Phoenix she enjoyed the day, and her performance on horse back, in the luncheon and the face-to-face interviews in the morning, but felt she was let down by her on-stage interview in the evening. Grenfell’s Grace Eppelstun, Dubbo’s Camilla Kenny, and Young’s Emily Madge won the event.

The Forbes Magpies will take on the Young Cherry Pickers in their first trial match of the season tonight at the West Wyalong Knockout commencing at 6.30pm. The Magpies Old Boys (MOB) will be taking a bus for interested supporters. The bus will leave the Forbes Sport & Recreation Club at 5pm. Seats are limited to 28 so it will be a first in best dressed arrangement. Our ladies kick off their season as well when they too compete at West Wyalong on Saturday from 12.30pm.

The Free Cuppa for the Driver scheme is an initiative of 18 local councils and the Roads and Maritime Service to promote fatigue awareness on most roads in west and south-west NSW. Sixty two businesses are poised and ready to serve drivers with a free cup of tea or coffee. Drivers over the next three months are being encouraged to stop, take a break and receive a free cuppa.

McCormack appointed Assistant Defence Minister – Member for Riverina Michael McCormack has said he is honoured to continue to serve in the Ministry of the new Turnbull Government unveiled last Saturday in Canberra. Mr McCormack, whose electorate will see the introduction of the Forbes Shire to it at the end of the month, has been appointed Assistant Minister for Defence. He previously served as the Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister, Warren Truss, who last week announced his retirement from Parliament after decades of service.

Research shows you don’t have to be a nerd to benefit from The Brain – It’s backto-school-time, and amidst the challenges of new classes and making friends, beyondblue is encouraging young people and their parents to get to know its ‘The Brain’ character. New data reveals that more than half of the young Australians who saw The Brain during a beyondblue campaign last
year are more likely to talk to a friend when struggling with problems. The Brain was a pesky character in an eight month campaign last year that caused anxiety and depression in animated ads and images. The campaign encouraged teenagers to take action against such symptoms.

Seasonal workers expanding to greener pastures – Member for Calare John Cobb has announced the expansion of the Seasonal Worker Programme from primarily horticulture to the broader agricultural sector. This will see an increase in the types of low and unskilled jobs included in the programme. The expansion will also contribute to the economic development of Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste. Mr Cobb said these changes mean more agricultural
businesses will benefit during peak periods when labour can be in short supply.

Safer Streets round two deadline extended – The Federal Government has extended the deadline for round two of the Safer Streets Programme to March 2. The programme gives local councils, neighbourhood watch groups, and local sporting groups the chance to apply for funding. Funds can be applied for to improve or install security infrastructure such as CCTV,
extra lighting, and the establishment of crime prevention projects. The deadline has been extended to ensure all eligible organisations have the chance to apply.

Forbes residents to receive new bins: All Forbes residents will receive three new bins from February 15 to 22. The red and yellow bins will still be part of the service and there will be an addition of a green lidded bin for collection of your food and garden waste, which are not to be used until the service starts the week commencing April 4. The last collection of old bins will be the week of March 28 to April 1 and from April 4 only the new bins will be emptied by the waste contractor, JR Richards and Sons. Residents will also be given a bench top kitchen caddy for easy collection of food waste. The frequency of collection will be weekly for the green lidded bin and alternate fortnights for both the red and yellow lidded bins.

Santa delivers on December for retailers: Australian retailers saw a jolly Christmas last year, with The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ official retail turnover figures for December 2015 growing by four percent year on year – a figure the Australian Retailers Association has called incredibly pleasing. Christmas gift buying was at the
heart of the boost in trade, with the total retail spend for December 2015 being $24.8 billion. Year on year figures provide the most accurate measure of the sector’s performance and are the figures used by most retail businesses in their own reporting.

The heat is on power lines this summer: With summer temperatures continuing to climb across regional NSW, Essential Energy is reminding people working near the electricity network to look up and be aware of the location and condition of power lines and report any concerns. Machinery operators, tradespeople, gardeners and construction workers are advised to be aware of the location of electrical assets before they commence work, and to have tools and machinery at least three metres from powerlines.

Nominations for the 2016 Forbes Medal and Forbes Heritage Volunteer Award are now open: Every year Forbes Shire Council awards the Forbes Medal to a person or organisation that has made an outstanding contribution to the conservation, enhancement or understanding of the Shire’s heritage. The Forbes Heritage Volunteer Award recognises an individual who has a record of excellence and who has made an outstanding contribution to the heritage of the Forbes Shire. Nominations close 5pm Monday, March 21. Nomination forms are available from Council’s administration office at 2 Court Street or by visiting www.forbes.nsw.gov.au

Safer Streets Programme funding: Member for Calare John Cobb says local government organisations, community groups, chambers of commerce and eligible incorporated not-for-profit organisations are encouraged to apply for funding under Round 2 of the Coalition Government’s Safer Streets Programme, which closes in just over 2 weeks. $29.4 million is available in individual grants to fund local crime prevention projects to boost safety and deter crime through the installation of security measures such as CCTV and better lighting. “This is an investment in security infrastructure at local crime hotspots, it aims to reduce fear of crime and contribute to greater community safety and resilience in Calare,” he said. “I encourage potential applicants to contact my office to discuss their projects eligibility and to receive all submission details.” To apply, visit: https://www.ag.gov.au/CrimeAndCorruption/CrimePrevention/Pages/ProceedsofCrimeAct.aspx. Applications close 2pm on 17 February 2016.

Funds raised for SES and RFS: Thanks to the generosity of so many Australians, over $497,000 has been raised in support of volunteer fire brigades and emergency services through Bunnings’ annual Aussie Day Weekend Fundraiser BBQ, held nationally on Saturday 23rd January. New South Wales residents helped raise over $130,000 and these funds will go directly to local State Emergency Services (SES) and Rural Fire Services (RFS). Bunnings Managing Director John Gillam, said the Bunnings team was very pleased to show their support and appreciation for
the amazing work these volunteers do.

Free micro chipping day a success: Forbes Shire Council hosted its third free microchipping day last Friday and said it was a great success. Fifty dogs and cats were microchipped thanks to funding Council received through the Responsible Pet Ownership Grants Program to help reunite stray pets with their owners rather than be taken to the pound. Council Ranger Andrew Hubbard said all three microchipping days were well attended.“Hopefully we will be able to continue providing this free service if more funding becomes available.”

Jacinda Horan is the owner of Banksia Grove Florist which recently won the 2016 Calare Small Business Choice Award – Think Big Shop Small. The Award was presented to Jacinda by John Cobb MP Federal Member for Calare on Tuesday 19th January. Jacinda received an email notification advertising the award and shared the link with other businesses, friends and family as well as nominating a Forbes business for the award. The award is a people’s choice award with voting completed online. At the presentation of the award Mr Cobb stated that this was the first time that a Florist had been nominated for the award and, subsequently, won. Jacinda was very excited with the award and proudly displays it in her business located in Rankin Street.

Salsa classes begin! Forty degree heat did not deter enthusiastic locals from coming along to try their hand at Salsa a Rhumba dancing recently. Local lady, Rachel Wythes, planted the seed following her entertaining performance with partner Barry Merritt at the very successful fundraiser, Forbes Dancing with the Stars, last year. Classes are available for singles or couples and will run for a period of eight weeks. The singles class runs from 6.30pm-7.30pm on a Tuesday evening at the Forbes Youth and Community Centre and cater to individuals of all ages and fitness levels. The couples class commences at the conclusion of the first class and caters to people who like to dance with a partner.

Town pool alive with learn to swim: Forbes Town Pool Manager, Maree Rhier, is very happy with attendance figures for the pool this season and with temperatures having soared in excess of 40 degrees and Learn to Swim classes running, these figures will only get better. The Sport and Recreation Learn to Swim nine day program began two weeks ago and enrolments have been excellent. Four instructors are running half hour sessions from 9.00am till 2.00pm each day with numbers ranging between five and eight students per class. The program caters for children
aged 18months and over and covers water confidence, safety and stroke development.

Services Club cinema a huge success: The opening date of the Micro Cinema was Boxing Day 2015 featuring Daddy’s Home, Hotel Transylvania 2 and Bridge of Spies, and other great blockbuster titles are to follow including Alvin & The Chipmunks “Road Chip” screening from Thursday 14th February 2016. The micro cinema will be a valuable asset to the Forbes and surrounding districts providing an entertainment offering that currently requires movie goers to travel to Orange or Dubbo to catch the latest Hollywood blockbusters.

Police appeal to motorcyclists to slow down: Police are urging motorcyclists to adhere to the speed limit and drive to the conditions with three riders dying on the state’s roads since the beginning of the year. “With weather conditions changing on almost a daily basis, from wet and rainy to extremely hot, the impact on the roads is significant, and we’re urging all riders to slow down and drive to the conditions,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith said.

Forbes and District Historical Society named a finalist for the Cultural Heritage Award for their Centenary of ANZAC Display. We wish them luck in taking out this award. If you are interested in becoming a member you can call into the Museum in Cross Street between 2pm-4pm daily or phone 68516600 during office hours.

‘I Luv Local’ app to be launched: I luv local is an exciting new app being launched in Forbes on the 24th of February at the Forbes Services Memorial Club. The app is a new way to reach clients through technology with promotional and product material created by you. To find out more information please call into the Forbes Phoenix office or stay tuned.