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Forbes Phoenix

What do you remember fondly about volunteering for Vinnies?

November 4, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Marie Walker, Sister Anette, Pam MacRae and Beryl Searl: The connection with people and being able to help a lot of people. Everyone was happy and smiling, and it felt like we were doing our bit to help others. We had some wonderful days at Vinnies chatting away while working at the back. The atmosphere was just wonderful.

 

A Family of Volunteers: It has become a bit of a family tradition and together they have volunteered over 100 years at Vinnies in Parkes. Mum Francis Charlton (second left) with cousin Elaine Charlton on her right and her two daughters Christine Cox (left) and Maree Mulligan (right). Christine is the current Retail Team Leader in Parkes, and also filled the role from 2011 to 2016. 

Our Bloke – David Brennan

November 4, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

David Brennan

Where were you born? At Shoalhaven Hospital in Nowra.

Were you named after anyone? Not that I am aware of.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Progressing my career in hospitality to club management roles in a relatively short amount of time in the industry. 

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? The 2019 bush fires in NSW. I remember walking outside of work at the time, on a Saturday night with virtually no customers inside, and the sky was an eerie black colour, and oddly quiet.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Don’t be disheartened by trying to change the world overnight, and not being able to. Make positive, small steps and you will look back in the future and see the success. 

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Leaving my previous club, and moving to Parkes, to be the General Manager of the Leagues Club.

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? A fishing rod, matches and a (full) water bottle!

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? I would book flights to see my best friend who moved to the USA two years ago.

When are you happiest? Relaxing on the outdoor lounge with a cold beer in hand. 

Be Seen @ CWA Fashion Show

November 4, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Jan Martin on the catwalk with a dress for her 40th wedding anniversary.

 

Bridie O’Malley in a wedding dress.

 

Ann Reade, life member of the Oxley Group, with one of the fashion garments on display.

Our Gal – Irene Ridgeway

October 28, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Irene Ridgeway

Where were you born? I was born at Mater Misericordiae Hospital at Waratah in Newcastle.

Were you named after anyone? I was named after my Aunty Irene.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? My six sons are my proudest accomplishment.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? Marching down George Street in 1983 protesting John Pat’s death in custody. This protest became a symbol of injustice and oppression for Aboriginal people.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Just be you.

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? I’m not much of a risk taker, I think life is one big risk, it’s what we achieve daily that counts.

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? I’d take an umbrella, some water and a satellite phone.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? I would book a cruise somewhere.

When are you happiest? I’m happiest when I’m around the people I love and when I create art

Be Seen @ Lindsay Morehouse Concert

October 28, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Jacinta Passmore, Luka Parkin and Reuben Kelly.

 

Ben McKay and Esther Bruce.

 

Ellen Tom, Phil Redenbach, Lila Gascoigne and Eliza Noakes. (Photos: Caroline Chapman)

What is your favourite place you’ve ever visited?

October 28, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Rachel Pace: Tasmania for its bush walks, wineries and just road tripping around. Cradle Mountain is just amazing. I’ve been there once and would love to go again. 

 

Sophie Huckel: I visited a friend in Wellington, New Zealand and found it to be very beautiful.

 

Mel Hoey: I just love Italy – the buildings, landscapes, food – all of it. I would go there again and again. 

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. 

Be Seen

October 21, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

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. 

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