Our Community Archives - Page 34 of 106

Our Bloke – Chris Sweeney

October 21, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Chris Sweeney

Where were you born? Forbes Mater Hospital.

Were you named after anyone? No, but I did adopt a nickname 45 years ago that has stuck.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Being married for 36 years, my four children and still refereeing rugby at 61.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? The Bali bombing. It had a huge effect on the whole community.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Don’t die wondering what you can achieve.

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Jumping off the big board at the Forbes pool as a nine year old.

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? My wife, a rum still, and a solar panel.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? At a party with my friends and family. I love parties!

When are you happiest? At rugby or dragon boating with my mates.

Twenty staff and students of the Forbes Public School did the community a great service last Friday when they helped to fill 1,500 sand bags in two hours at the SES. The school was under evacuation orders and had to close for the day.

Teacher Katie Stitt.

Lucas Chen and Bonnie Northey.

School captain Jackson Beaudin and Will Northey with Red Bend Catholic College student Oli Northey.

Sonia South.

Be Seen

October 14, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The Parkes Elvis Festival not only celebrates its 30th anniversary next year, but making it more significant is the fact that the current Festival Director is Tiffany Steel, whose parents Bob and Anne founded the festival. Bob and Anne came up with the idea after celebrating a birthday party for a friend at Graceland and she was a fan of Elvis music. Someone said they should have an Elvis music night and Anne said: “Why don’t we do it next January on Elvis’s birthday? They asked Eddie Youngblood, the only Elvis Tribute Artist at the time, and that became the very first Elvis Festival.

The petfood factory in Parkes, Pet Care Kitchen, commissioned art works from Wiradjuri artists in Parkes. Amber Jordan Brown (left) and Torin Hando worked on a sculpture that will be placed at the entrance, and Irene Ridgeway (right) did the painting called ‘Colours of my Country’. The painting was done in colours of the local environment and the patterns represent Wiradjuri markings.

Our Gal – Cathy Slessor

October 14, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Cathy Slessor

Where were you born? Caringbah, NSW.

Were you named after anyone? Yes, my grandmother.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? My children.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? Granville train disaster and the Bali bombing.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Never think you are too old to learn something new.

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Moving to Forbes away from my family. I have been here for 35 years, and I still love living here.

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? Plenty of food, Scotch and friends!

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? A holiday on the Ghan.

When are you happiest? Being with my grandchildren.

Vinnies Shops turn 100 this month! What do you think Vinnies has brought to the Forbes community?

October 14, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Helen Smith – St Vincent de Paul Society Conference president Forbes: Vinnies shops do a wonderful job by providing a cheaper option to find good and quality goods. The conference and shop are like a community where people care for each other.

Tanya Godden – Vinnies NSW Regional Retail Manager: Vinnies shops have become sought after for treasure hunters and those after expensive labels but at a bargain price. Also, the volunteers need Vinnies as much as Vinnies need volunteers.

Bev Parsons – volunteer for over 20 years: Volunteering brings me fulfillment and enjoyment. We are a great bunch of people and have lots of joy and lots of laughs. It is a pleasure to be here, listen to people’s stories and feel like you’ve made some difference.

Be Seen @ NAIDOC Week at Forbes Public School

October 7, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Penny Gordon and Eden-Rose Flack.

Chase Mackay and Saxon Hayes.

Alia Zuliani and Molly Browne.

Our Bloke – Paul Lewin

October 7, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Paul Lewin

Where were you born? Ararat, Victoria

Were you named after anyone? My grandfather, my father’s father.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? My family, my kids.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? 9/11 – It was crazy!

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Knowledge is power.

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? I jumped out of a plane once!

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? Lawn bowls, smokes and Jack Daniels stubbies.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? On my wife… happy wife, happy life, she deserves it.

When are you happiest? When I’m with my family or when I’m playing lawn bowls.

What do you enjoy about NAIDOC?

September 30, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Sue McGrath: It’s good to see everybody celebrate and come together as one community.

Chloe Chandler and Ava Quade:
Chloe: I like doing the dancing, it’s fun!
Ava: Doing the dancing and all the other NAIDOC celebrations and being part of it.

Taj Lovett and Jamie Oraha:
Jamie: For me it’s about remembering the significance of Aboriginal people.
Taj: I like seeing the dances and spending time with my mates.

Be Seen @ NAIDOC

September 30, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Public School students Clarissa Mitchell and Edie Price with the hearts containing the students’ pledges.

The Forbes Public School celebrated NAIDOC week with parents and carers welcomed by a ‘Sea of Hearts’ lining the pathway into the school. Students pledged ways they could stand up and show up to improve the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Community members joined students for a picnic lunch, open playground and a variety of activities that allowed students to engage with culture, Country and community.

Our Gal – Anne Norton

September 30, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Anne Norton

Where were you born? At Manly in 1955.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Since leaving teaching, which I still dabble in, working as the coordinator for Project Sprouts with the most dedicated and wonderful group of ladies committed to giving every child the best start they can to schooling.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? The passing of Princess Diana sits in my memory. She was an outstanding example of generosity, kindness and resilience. Her humanitarian work and inclusivity was to be admired. The way she was treated, pursued and harassed was abominable.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? My late husband once said to me: “That was the past. This is now, move on”. I know he made me a more resilient person.

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Moving to Parkes with my late husband for business. But I don’t regret a minute. I have made so many wonderful friends and had so many special opportunities. Parkes is where I live now, and I can’t wait to get back home when I go away.

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? My cats, some wine and good books.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? That is the drawn-out saga of my life. I would renovate my whole backyard that at the moment is a construction site.

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