• Home
  • Articles
    • Front Page
    • General Interest
    • Snippets
    • Letters to the Editor
    • Council Comments
  • Competitions
    • Sydney Royal Easter Show Giveaway
  • Our Community
    • Our People
    • Question of the Week
    • Jobs in the Central West
    • Be Seen
    • What’s On
    • What’s Hot
  • Features
    • Women in Business
    • Rural Round Up
    • My Place
    • Loving Local Living
    • Wellness Wise
    • Just a Short Drive
    • Real Estate
  • Sports
    • Bowls
    • Cricket
    • Equestrian
    • Footy Tips
    • Golf
    • Netball
    • Rugby League
    • Rugby Union
    • Soccer
    • Touch Football
  • Contact Us
    • Contact Page
    • Advertise with us
    • Testimonials
    • Submit an Article
    • Subscribe to the Forbes Phoenix

Forbes Phoenix

Native Orchid And Insect Facts Fascinate Garden Club

August 19, 2022 By Sweet Pea

Spring has started in John Brownes’ garden in Forbes. The Forbes Garden Club meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month. Contact President Elvy Quirk on 0428 540 272 for more information.

There are 30,000 species of native orchids in Australia and some of them can be found in the Central West in areas like Weddin Mountains and Mount Canobolas.

These were some of the amazing facts presented to members at the Forbes Garden Club’s July meeting with guest speaker Colin Bower from Orange who is an entomologist and botanist.

He captivated the 39 people at the meeting with his presentation about insects and orchids, and explained that orchids often take their names from their appearance, such as ‘bearded’, and ‘ducks’.

Colin also delivered a serious talk on pollination, and in thanking him Meg spoke of the humorous side of the sexual behaviour of bees.

The club’s bi-annual flower show will take place on 15th October, and members are encouraged to support the event with an entry. Volunteers are also required on the day, as well as seedlings and cuttings for the plant stall. Donations for the raffle which can be bought along to the next meeting at the home of Trudy & Mark Mallick at 16 Greens Road. In the event of wet weather, the meeting will be held at Northside Chapel in Johnson Street.

The club’s garden trip is on 19th September to Mayfield Garden. The cost is $60 payable at our August meeting, and includes coach travel and entry to the gardens. Please bring your own lunch.

A special thank you to all who participated in th flower of the month competition. First place went to Max Swift with a spectular Camellia. The second and third places were also Camellias and went to Pam Bass and Margaret Swift. 

The raffle was won by Sylvia Glasson, and the second prize by Irene Ford.

Now is a good time to start tidying up in the garden as spring is just around the corner.

By Sweet Pea

 

Forbes Public School Paves Way Into Future

August 19, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Forbes Public School staff member Katy Brown shows FPS Students Maggie Dooley, Josie Watson and Emily Greig her family paver from her time as a student at the school.

The Memorial Pathway at the main entrance to Forbes Public School is set to expand with an offer to the community to take part in the project for the 160th anniversary of the school. 

The Forbes Public School Parents’ & Citizens Association is once again offering families, past students, local businesses and the wider Forbes community an opportunity to contribute to the engraved pathway first unveiled in 2005. 

“We often get asked by families, contractors and other visitors to the school how they can get their name on a paver,” said Principal Meg Staples. “It provides a wonderful entryway to our school. 

“Many of our current staff have pavers from when they were students and even our current students delight in finding the pavers donated by older friends, relatives or even their parents from their time at Forbes Public School,” said Meg. 

“This being our 160th year of Forbes Public School, we thought it a wonderful time to make this opportunity available once again.” 

Pavers can be engraved in type form or with an original hand drawn design and can be purchased for $50. Order forms are available from the Forbes Public School Office (entry via Lachlan St) or by emailing the P&C Association forbespublicschool@pandcaffiliate.org.au. All orders and paver designs must be received with payment no later than Friday, 26th August. All funds raised from this project will contribute to the new landscaping design and implementation for the school. 

How To Become Friendly With The Environment

August 19, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

ECO STUDENTS… The year 5 group of Forbes Public School ready to learn more about waterbugs at Eco Day held at the Parkes Racecourse on Wednesday.

In celebration of Science Week almost 300 students from Forbes Shire, Parkes Shire and Eugowra took part in Eco Day activities at the Parkes Racecourse.

It was a day of learning for the Year 5 students organised by Central West Lachlan Landcare.

“It is important to give our children a deeper understanding of the environment as they are our future community and we want them to be as informed as can be,” said Landcare Co-ordinator Marg Applebee.

“We are thrilled to have the support of FishCare (DPI), CMOC NorthParkes Mine staff; Lake Cowal Foundation; Netwaste; Petaurus Education, Parkes Shire Council Environmental staff, the Biodiversity Conservation Trust, and many volunteers.”

The activities taught children about native and introduced species of fish and their habitats, water treatment processes, waterbugs and macroinvertebrates, biodiversity and habitats, mining and land management, as well as worm farms and recycling.

The students also made seed balls and stamped bags with local native species carvings for the seed balls that will be distributed at next month’s Grazing Down the Lachlan with a focus on local food, sustainability and zero waste.

At the end of the day students took part in a Waste Game Show, and they were asked to list the environmental issues they considered to be important.

“We are proud to once again host a group of fabulous young people. Our volunteers and presenters come away from days like this being inspired by the students and encouraged that they will go back to their school communities and educate others,” said Marg.

Inspirational And Heartfelt Concert

August 19, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Rhyse Forrestal in the Parkes M & D production of Big. He will host the All Abilities concert with Lisa Martin on 3rd September at the Little Theatre in Parkes at 2pm.

Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society are known for their inclusive culture. Whether it be subtitles for the hearing impaired or Autism friendly relaxed performances so people on the spectrum, or who experience a disability, can come along to watch a production that is adapted to ensure suitability to the audience.

The society often cast people with disability in their productions – even one of their directors, Lyn Townsend, has a hearing impairment which requires adaptation at rehearsals so she can be involved.

About 18 months ago, the society were successful in a grant application under the Department of Social Services and Community Participation Stream to support people with disabilities.

So far, the grant has been used to support a number of people who have been cast in productions, and also for patrons with disabilities (and their carers) to come and watch the shows. A specialised screen was sourced from overseas to show subtitles where appropriate. The most important event to be supported by the grant is the All Abilities concert.

Featuring a combination of individual items and group performances in song, dance, recitation and a short skit, this concert will give people with disability (and their carers/support networks) the opportunity to experience what it’s like to be a theatre star and shine on stage, in their own unique way.

There will be performers from around the district, joined by their city friends from Twinkle Star Dance Studio. They contacted the society and asked to be involved after reading about the event.

The concert will be hosted by well-known identities (with their own unique ‘ability’), Rhyse Forrestal and Lisa Martin who are sure to keep the concert ticking along with their own dash of comedy.

There will be only one concert, on 3rd September at 2pm. Make sure to get your ticket at www.parkesmandd.com.au.

 

Education Week at Forbes Public School – Creating Bright Futures and a Love for Learning

August 12, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Both students and staff were eager to celebrate Education Week this year by promoting a love for learning and having some fun along the way.

“Inspiring students today to shine tomorrow” was the theme for primary students on Wednesday. In line with this year’s Education Week theme, Creating Brighter Futures, students had the pleasure of working with the team from Bright Future STEM Program from AREEA (Australian Resources and Energy Employer Association) in conjunction with CMOC Northparkes Mines and Howden Australia to explore the wonders of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education and career opportunities. The students were inspired and their love for learning was ignited as they engaged in plenty of hands-on activities, including the use of virtual goggles and puzzle solving that encouraged plenty of critical thinking, teamwork, imagination, and FUN!

The week started with the Forbes Public School Book Fair which encouraged many of our students from the most avid readers to those who simply enjoy listening to and/or reading along with others to purchase books for their home libraries. We were excited to welcome our community along to share in our love for books. The day proved a huge success raising over $7,000. These proceeds will go back into providing resources and activities for our students to both benefit from and engage in. 

We are thrilled to know that our students have added to home libraries, their imaginations and time with loved ones at home sharing a story or two having purchased books.

The highlight of Education Week is always, the Book Character parade, where book characters are brought to life by both staff and students who proudly showed off their costumes by parading to music in front of the school community on Friday. The parade is always a welcomed opportunity to connect with our families over plenty of fun and laughter. The parade was followed by a family picnic and open classrooms where teachers, students and their families were able to share in student learning experiences and opportunities that have occurred so far this year. 

It was wonderful to have our wider school community on site, joining in the fun of the book fair, the parade, picnic, and classroom activities. We are grateful during these current times to be able to come together as a whole school to not only celebrate a love for learning, but also the fun and community spirit that comes with being a part of the FPS community. 

Parkes Elvis Winner Competes In Memphis

August 12, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

IT’S NOW OR NEVER…Paul Fenech won the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest at the Parkes Elvis Festival this year and qualified to compete for the ultimate crown in Memphis this week. (Photo: Glenn Nicholls)

The Parkes Elvis Tribute Artist winner competed with the world’s best artists for the most sought-after Elvis crown in Memphis, USA this week.

Sydney’s Paul Fenech, winner of popular Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest at the Parkes Elvis Festival, took part in the semi-final round on Wednesday during Elvis Week 2022. The finals take place tonight, and at the time of going to press it was not yet known if Paul was in the final.

Paul was crowned winner of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest taking on 17 of the top Elvis tribute artists from Australia and overseas at the Parkes Elvis Festival in April this year. 

The Parkes Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest is taken very seriously by semi-professional and professional artists and is a part of a worldwide search for artists who are the best representation of the legacy of Elvis Presley, officially endorsed by Elvis Presley Enterprises. 

“Parkes Elvis festival is the one everyone wants to win. It is one of the largest Elvis festivals in the world and it is an honour to have won this year” said Paul, who has more than 19 years of international and domestic performances under his belt.

“We are super excited that Paul is representing Parkes Elvis Festival on the world stage at Elvis Week in Memphis,” said Festival Director Tiffany Steel. 

“Paul has been performing at Parkes Elvis Festival for many years and is popular with our fans. His powerful vocals and energetic performance in this year’s contest was outstanding.”

The Despair And Isolation Of Homelessness

August 12, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Forbes resident Kerry Willems shared her experience of homelessness at an event hosted by CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes last week to raise awareness of the issue.

Three years ago Kerry Willems was sleeping in her car with no money to buy food, no clothes, and no facilities for personal hygiene. 

Kerry, who now lives in Forbes in secure accommodation, still has not forgotten the despair she felt. 

Speaking at a Homelessness Week event in Forbes last week hosted by CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes, she said: “Those days are now gone for me, but they will never be forgotten. 

“It is still very real and can happen to any one of us at any time.” 

She had an “absolutely intoxicating fear of being alone”. 

Kerry had always been employed, and even owned a successful florist business in Sydney before she became homeless. 

Her experience is not uncommon – the number of homeless people aged 55 years and above increased by 28% between the 2011 Census and the 2016 Census. 

“I was one of those statistics,” Kerry said expressing concern about the rates of homelessness among women in that age bracket. 

Through CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes, Kerry received accommodation in the women’s refuge, and was able to regain employment. 

“Once I was employed, I was able to start applying for private rental properties. I have now been employed for three years with Woolworths and live in my safe little home.” 

Kerry said sharing her story meant the world to her. “Sadly, so many people do not have the strength and the courage to get where I am today,” she said. 

“I fought my homelessness and won.” 

Topsoil Organics Wins Business Award

August 5, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Topsoil Organics employees with the Small Business Award at the awards night were (L-R) Kylie Martin, Siobhan Ber-mingham, Lan Nicholson, Dan Nicholson, Stephanie Crowe and Eloise Clayton.

An innovative and young Forbes business took out the Small Business award at the 2022 Western NSW Business Awards held at Taronga Western Plains Zoo recently. 

First time entrants Top Soil Organics shocked and surprised themselves by winning the most competitive category on the night. 

“We are very excited about this award,” said Director Dan Nicholson. “It’s been very tough as a new business through COVID, but this award gives us a feeling that we must be on the right path. It gives us reassurance for the future.” 

After exponential growth over the past 12 months for the composting making business and the staff compliment growing from two full-time employees to 19, Dan said he foresaw business tripling in size over the next three years. 

He said the company had four vacancies at the moment, and if winning the award made them stand out to attract good employees, it would be a further win. 

Topsoil’s composting facility opened last year and provides an environmentally compliant facility for the receival and reuse of food and green waste. The facility processes food and green waste from supermarkets in metropolitan areas, mainly Sydney, into compost that is sold to farmers in the Central West as fertiliser. 

“There is a massive demand for the end product, and as food waste needs to be diverted from landfill, there is an opportunity to keep growing,” said Dan. He is looking to expand his processing capacity from 30,000 tons to 150,000 tons. 

“We are looking at equipment from Europe to depackage the plastic on food products. Once we’ve found an end market for the plastic, we will complete the circular economy loop from supermarket to farmer and the farmer’s produce back to the supermarket. 

“We are very proud where we’ve come from,” said Dan. 

By Maggi Barnard

Forbes Rotary Raises Money For Ukraine

August 5, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Board members at Forbes Rotary’s 75th Annual presentation dinner (L – R) David Rhodes (treasurer), Greahame Uphill (secretary), Chris Finkel (president), Gary Pymont (immediate past president), Ross Williams (youth director), Chrissie Hawke (bulletin editor) and Peter Norris (vocational director). Absent: Michael Jelbart and John Zannes.

As the Rotary Club of Forbes held its 75th annual presentation dinner recently it also launched a project to assist the people of Ukraine. 

The club is raising funds through the sales of sunflower seeds – the sunflower is Ukraine’s national flower. Little blue and yellow packets of sunflower seeds for Ukraine have been placed at local businesses for the public to support the project. 

A few dollars as a donation for these seeds will help Rotary International fund much needed assistance for the war-torn people in Ukraine to regain their independence and freedom. 

“Planting the seeds in your garden will not only provide a colourful display in the streets of our town but will provide much needed support for those impacted by war in Ukraine,” said club president Chris Finkel. 

“It’s one more way Rotary is supporting communities both here and abroad – as a group of faithful Forbes volunteers has now been doing for three quarters of a century.” 

Forbes has two Rotary Clubs, and next year the Rotary club of Forbes Ipomoea will be celebrating 20 years of service. Forbes Ipomoea was chartered in 2003 and meets once a month on a Tuesday at 7am, while the 

The two Forbes Rotary clubs are encouraging more people to join them “to do good in our world, to do good in Australia and do good in our region”. 

President Chris Finkel, his board and Rotary members would love to welcome more people to join them. 

If you’re looking for something incredible to be part of, Rotary is a good place to start. Contact Chris on 0429 661 358 to talk about provisional membership if you’d like to try it out first. 

“I’ve made many friends through the world… involving myself in humanitarian Rotary projects and I invite members of our community to join our Rotary club and share the enjoyment and satisfaction one receives in pursuit of helping others,” he said. 

Beautification Of CBD

August 5, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

An artist’s impression of the pergolas to be installed in the CBD this weekend.

The CBD is going to look very different after the weekend with the installation of pergolas this weekend. Forbes Shire Council reported on Wednesday that earthworks had started in preparation for the pergolas, which is part of the CBD masterplan and funded by the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund. 

The installation of the pergolas will take place over the weekend to minimise the disruption to business and traffic. Traffic controls will be in place and the plan is to only close one end of the street at a time. Take care near the works and follow all signs to ensure your own safety and the safety of the crews. 

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • …
  • 9
  • Next Page »

Latest Print Editions

Click here to download the recent issue (6) of The Forbes & Parkes Phoenix (3MB PDF) – 12th Aug 2022

STAY CONNECTED

The Forbes Phoenix would like to thank you, our Facebook friends, for your continued support and readership!

SEARCH THE PHOENIX

Recent Articles

  • Native Orchid And Insect Facts Fascinate Garden Club August 19, 2022
  • Another Accolade For Forbes Council And Art Trail August 19, 2022
  • Mayoral Notes August 19, 2022
  • Forbes Public School Paves Way Into Future August 19, 2022
  • Variable Scores At Saturday’s Golf August 19, 2022

CONTACT THE PHOENIX

Address
7/113-127 Rankin Street, Forbes NSW 2871

Editorial Phone – 0455 143 636
editor@forbesphoenix.com.au

Sales Phone – 0459 086 023
sales@forbesphoenix.com.au

View our Privacy Policy.
View our Conflict Resolution Process.
View our Ethics and Complaints Policy.
Want to advertise with us?
Information on our Community Promotions.

Submit an Article

We are always looking for new articles of interest to the local community.

Please feel free to submit an article for possible inclusion in a future issue.

To submit an article, click here to use our online article submission form.

Recieve the Phoenix via email

* indicates required

Copyright © 2022 · Website setup by WebSysMan