NEW PANELS: The tilt panels at the new Heated Pool were raised as part of the new structure just before Christmas in another exciting step towards completion. This project will ultimately ensure all users of the Heated Pool can access a safe, fit-for-purpose facility upon completion. The completion date is March 2022, and we can’t wait until this fantastic facility will be back in action!

ON THE DEUCE: Although Jungle Deuce never got the chocolates in the Phoenix TAB race on December 18, Irinka Kennels continue to enjoy outstanding results. More next week in Sport.

FUNDING BOOST: Member for Orange Philip Donato MP visited Forbes before Christmas to announce the success of the Forbes Fin Swimming Club Inc in securing $2,500 as part of the NSW Government’s 2020/21 Local Sporting Grant program.

QUICK RUN TO THE SHOPS: A quick pre-Christmas stop over at Bernardi’s for NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack was also squeezed in whilst the trio toured the flood ravaged region with councilors.

RAIN RAIN GO AWAY: After a wet 2021, 2022 has also seen it’s fair share of moisture with heavy falls coming on the back of one of the wettest Springs in recent memory and our third flood in a decade. This cracking picture by Vince Kirk pretty much sums it up.

LOOKING GOOD: Aussie Biscuits team members with fresh uniforms and all ready for 2022!

WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER: Aaron Acheson from Acheson’s Mitre 10 Forbes presenting Taylor Bliss with her Weber BBQ won for spending in store.

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS: Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack, Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM, Prime Minister Scott Morrison, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet and Forbes SES Commander Roc Walshaw with NSW SES volunteers. Volunteers came from as far away as Broken Hill, Campbelltown and Coffs Harbour to help during the floods.

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS: Forbes North’s Desiree Barter and Mary Hinchcliffe with the departing Trish Bol-ton. Forbes North Public is on the lookout for volunteers to ensure their successful ethics classes can run in 2022.

NEW ARTWORKS: Just before the floods arrived, new sculptures were erected at lake Forbes to finalise the last five story poles. Each depicts key wildlife of special significance to Wiradjuri people. Artwork by Brett ‘Mon’ Garling.

KIND DONATION: Club Forbes Vice President Grant Nicholson presenting a cheque for $5000 to Maree and John Schrader from CanAssist as part of their Club Grant donations.

CHRISTMAS DRAW: Deb Roylance with Rebecca Walsh from Ronald McDonald House Orange doing the Forbes Christmas Draw last weekend. Large numbers again turned out to support the charity organisation that has helped so many Forbes families. Full story next week!

MEET THE CANDIDATES: Emma Henderson speaking at the Meet The Candidates event at Forbes Golf and Sportsman’s Hotel last week in front of a packed gallery of residents.

ACHIEVEMENT: Forbes High School students with their Statement of Attainment in Youth Engagement and participated in Welding, Automotive, Animal Studies and Business classes before graduating. Well done!

NEW ROUTE FOR TODAY: Eugene Yeap had to take an alternative bike route this week after the floods hit Forbes.

FLOOD WATCH: One good little boy was on flood watch last week for Jacinda and Aaron Acheson and the team at Acheson’s Mitre 10. Pic courtesy of Achesons.

WATER UNDER THE BRIDGE: A Forbes local takes a walk across the bridge near South Circle oblivious to the torrent below.

CHECKING IN: Premier Perrottet took time out to talk to a large number of people while he was here including SES volunteer Marian Grant.

NO THROUGH ROAD: This incredible drone shot by Josh Gavin perfectly captures the devastation of the floods in Forbes this past week and the difficulty navigating the roads around the shire.

PREMIER VISIT: NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet and Deputy Paul Toole arrived in Forbes last week to assess the damage and get the latest from the SES.

SERVING UP OUR VOLUNTEERS: Deputy Premier Paul Toole and Premier Dominic Perrottet worked the barbecue for the SES volunteers who had travelled from as far as Coffs Harbour, South Coast and Campbelltown among other locations to assist. Thank you! Pic courtesy of SES.

DINING OUT WITH WATER VIEWS: Ken and Monica Wren enjoyed dinner by the lake however they did keep one eye firmly on the flood waters after the pontoon was sub-merged at Lion’s Park during the floods.