Dear Editor,
For many years now Forbes local and passionate environmentalist, Dianne Decker, has been providing a little tree to every new baby born at the Forbes District Hospital as part of the Trees for Babies initiative.

This initiative has been so successful, that Dianne Decker had recently been made aware that they had run out of cards at Forbes Hospital and has since delivered another batch of locally printed Trees for Babies cards to Forbes Hospital.

The card reads “This tree is presented to ——————– in the interest of preserving and improving our beautiful country, and especially so you can enjoy playing under this tree’s shade as you both grow up.”

The new mother simply has to take the card up to the Nursery on the Parkes Road and they will provide the card holder with a little tree of their choice. Yes, it may only be a little tree, but this has proven to be the most successful way to grow trees in our local area.

If you want to see a collection of some of the trees, go for a little drive past Dianne’s previous little farm that she has just sold on the corner of Greens Road and the West Wyalong Newell Highway.

All of the wonderful trees on her old little farm were planted as tube stock. Now you can see the amazing bottle trees in the front yard and look at the wonderful River Red Gums in the outside paddock, and all the amazing dwarf Sugar Gums. This is living proof that from little things big things grow.

The Trees for Babies initiative of giving a free tree also applies to any little Parkes baby that is to be born at Forbes District Hospital.

Dianne Decker

Dear Editor,

I am pleased to inform you that we were successful in forming a Christian Democratic Party (Fred Nile Group) branch in Parkes. The meeting was held at the Pink Orchid in Parkes last Tuesday and we thank the coffee shop for their generosity in allowing us to use the space to hold our meeting. The food was great and the venue was warm and friendly.

There was good attendance from members and supporters and we heard a very comprehensive speech from Craig Hall, State Manager for the Christian Democratic Party (CDP).

Local farmer, Maurice Davey from “Grayeston” Alectown, was elected as President of the Parkes branch. Suzanne Wright was elected Secretary and Elizabeth Naveau was elected as Treasurer. All enquiries can be directed to Craig Hall on 9633 3255.

On the same day, another meeting was held at my own home in Forbes. Well known local farmer, Kevin Rubie was elected President, Margaret Herbert was elected as Secretary and Jeanette Haley was elected as Treasurer.

The CDP (Fred Nile Group) has been around and in Parliament for over 37 years and stands for all aspects of good government. The CDP is Australia’s only registered national Christian political party. The Rev Fred Nile MLC is well known for his stand over many years. The Hon Paul Green MLC (the former Mayor of Shoalhaven) has held the balance of power alongside Rev Fred Nile for the last few years. He is up for re-election in March next year. I hope to stand for the Federal Senate at the next Federal election possibly in March or May next year.

Regards,
Dianne Decker AM

Letter To The Editor,

Four weeks ago, I had just finished filling my car up with petrol at the Forbes Caltex, when I received a phone call to say that my sister had passed away. I went in to pay for my fuel and explained what had happened.

Zoe, the Manager, immediately offered assistance to me and gave me a seat, offered water and to call someone for me.

She was absolutely wonderful and compassionate and ensured I was ok, as I called someone to collect me.

Such acts of kindness as these are often passed over for the negative things in our world and they should not be let go as insignificant or taken for granted.

The kindness shown to me that day, helped me beyond words and I wish to share with our local community how one
such act of kindness can help someone beyond measure.

Thank you so very much Zoe! Have a lovely day… and keep warm.

Kind regards,
Annie White

I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the Tamworth Hall Of Fame committee and Lorraine Pfitzner for their time and support.

Also, a big thank you to the following people. My sisters, Sissie Jelbart and Marlene Harold and my brother in-laws, Barry Jelbart and Greg Harold. My cousin Denyse Roff and her husband Bruce.

My friends Brenda Taylor, Bob Gregory and Kate Daneil and the Gorton family. There are so many more to list…

Also, a big thank you to my Facebook friends for all their wishes and support. I feel very grateful and humble. Last but not least, The Forbes Phoenix for the interest and support.

Your friend,

Nev Molloy

Neighbourhood Central would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and hope that 2018 brings peace, health and happiness. We would like to thank everyone that has supported our social groups in 2017, our excellent guest speakers, our marvellous volunteers and of course, Forbes Shire Council for allowing us to meet at our beautiful Town Hall. Stay safe and well hydrated over summer, as we are looking forward to doing it all again come February. We would also like to thank the Forbes Library staff and our Housebound Library volunteers for the outstanding effort you demonstrate every month while delivering reading material. Our deep thanks also to the Community Visitor volunteers. Both services provide vital social contact and inclusion for many in the Forbes community. Last thanks go to our exceptional team of Community Transport Drivers and Driver Supports, allowing an ease of access to medical appointments in Orange and Dubbo. All our volunteers are truly the heart-beat of the Forbes community and our heart beats strong! Merry Christmas everyone.

Regards, Monica Wren.

I would like to sincerely thank and congratulate Mr Murray White for all the years and hard work that he has put into taking care of our pool.

I have had a number of medical issues over the last few years and the pool is vital to me to get my mobility back to a reasonable level. We are so lucky to have this wonderful warm pool. The water is kept at an amazing level and it never stings our eyes. Thank you Mr Murray White your effort for more than 40 years is very much appreciated.

Dianne Decker AM JP

Same sex marriage: the call for human beings to be able to commit to a life together with the legal union called marriage. Many would say that’s not such a big ask.

You might be surprised that before this debate began, a group of Christians decided it was time to band together in support of LGBTIQ fellow Christians, and a national movement was born: Equal Voices.

A branch has started up in the Central West, based in Parkes. Our focus is on giving opportunity for those who have been hurt by comments and attitudes, to find their voice, and be heard.

We invite LGBTIQ people to tell their stories, in the hope that attitudes will change and people will become more loving and affirming in their interactions.

We have an open invitation to sign a national apology via our website: https://equalvoices.org.au/apologise/

Our sincere hope is that the present gulf will narrow into the future.

If you would like further information, or are keen to be involved, connect with us on Facebook at ‘Equal Voices Central West NSW’, or email us at centralwestev@gmail.com

Rebecca Baxter

(For Equal Voices Central West Branch)