Did you or someone you know attend Forbes High School back in 1984? This year marks 40 years since the Forbes High School ‘class of 1984’ completed Year 10.

To help celebrate this milestone, some ex-students have gotten together to organ­ise a reunion so that everyone can reunite and have a chance to renew old, and dear friendships. The reunion is open to anyone who was in this school year – whether or not you completed Year 10 in 1984 or Year 12 in 1986 – or even if you were there for just part of it.

The hope is that as many people as pos­sible will attend and partners are more than welcome to come along, in fact it is encouraged. The weekend will kick off with casual drinks at the Globe Hotel in Dowling St from 6pm on Friday 15th November. The official reunion will be held on Saturday, November 16th from 6pm on the veranda of the Forbes Sport and Recreation (Bowl­ing) Club. The cost to attend is $15 per per­son, which covers a delicious grazing table which is being catered by Bec Tarrant and is payable on the night.

If anyone has their school uniform or any other memorabilia from back in the day then we would love for it to be brought along. To round off the weekend there will be a tour of Forbes High, our old stomping ground, on Sunday 17th November.

Help spread the word and if you plan on coming along please RSVP as soon as you can to Mark “Squizzy” Taylor on 0419 247 972.

There’s still time to throw your hat in the ring for the National AgDay photo and vid­eo competition.

You don’t have to be a farmer or own a patch of land to snap a roaring rural photo.

There are so many amazing country towns waiting to be captured; even driv­ing 30 minutes from a city can put you in sight of cute cows, photogenic fences and charming shopfronts.

Take a trip to the edge of town, pack your camera or phone and make sure to check out a famous country bakery while you’re on the road. There’s also farms open to the public that are well-worth checking out. You never know the pots of gold you’ll find.

Just remember to stay out of private property, even if there are no fences. For more tips on farm photography etiquette, check out this guide: https://farmers.org.au/lifestyle/the-ultimate-guide-to-the-best-farm-selfie/

There is no age limit in the AgDay photo comp, and it’s designed to attract all skill levels too; so don’t miss your chance to be in the running!Submit your entry at https://agday.org.au/photography-video-competition1/ and get involved in the celebration of every­thing that makes Aussie agriculture great.

Forbes local and TAFE NSW student Cindy Smith, a proud Dharawal woman, is using her education as a powerful tool to empow­er people with disabilities to express their desires and gain independence.

Armed with her Certificate III in Individual Support, now pursuing Certificate IV in Dis­ability Support, she is on a mission to help her clients break free from rigid schedules that often limit their true needs.

This week, National Careers Week, is a timely reminder of the urgent demands for skilled disability support workers, projected to increase by 128,000 jobs by 2025.

Ms Smith credits her training at TAFE NSW for enabling her to go beyond basic care and provide referrals and support to her clients.

“My qualifications and skills drive my pas­sion to advocate for flexibility and ensure my clients can engage in experiences that reflect their interests and life preferences.

“I want to elevate the level of care and show that life is more than daily routines.

By thinking outside the box and seeking the right resources, they can pursue inter­ests and expand their activities,” Ms Smith said.

She has progressed her career at Curra­jong Disability Service in Parkes since her journey with TAFE NSW, caring for her cli­ents with respect and dignity, and ensuring they have a voice in their care.

Through her practical learnings at TAFE NSW, Ms Smith witnessed how the right referrals can significantly impact the lives of people with disabilities, enhancing their mental health, building social networks and even leading to successful careers or busi­nesses. Ms Smith aspires to further her studies in mental health and community support with TAFE NSW.

Forbes Garden Club held their social meet­ing on Tuesday 24th September at the home of Sue and Bob Jayet. On a really warm day President Margaret welcomed 33 members.

Discussion took place about the Friend­ship Day at Young and Elvy collected the fees and organised travel. Our Christmas luncheon was discussed and it was decided to hold it at the Vandenberg Hotel on 26th November. The cost is $40.00 for a two course meal and money is due and payable at the October meeting. Please have your money in an envelope with your name on it.

The garden of Sue and Bob Jayet is pic­ture perfect with quite a number of shrubs, shade trees and roses. Sue and Bob spoke on how they initially moved into their home in 1972 but work was number one then, and the garden was not established until much later. Sylvia Glasson thanked them for host­ing the meeting.

Flower of the month was won by Denise Thurston with a lovely Paint Brush Lily, 2nd Gail McKay with a white orchid and 3rd Meg Scholefield a Cherokee Rose. Raffle prizes went to Jan Stewart and Ann Nelson.

Our next social meeting will be held on 22nd October, 2pm at the home of Evelyn Mahlo, 14 Windsor Street, Forbes. Direc­tions: Take Bedgerebong Road, turn left onto Edward Street and take first turn left into Windsor Street. Look forward to see­ing you there, everyone is welcome. Please bring your hat, mug and your chair. Flower of month and trading table as usual.

“When gardeners garden, it is not just plants that grow, but the gardeners them­selves.”

By Elvy Quirk

Forbes Shire Council is calling on anyone aged 16 years and over to apply for 12 ex­citing traineeships that are now open and commencing 2025.

These traineeships offer the perfect op­portunity to kickstart a career in local gov­ernment, to work in a professional team gaining valuable experience, getting paid while studying and securing a qualification.

Forbes Shire Council Multiskilled Opera­tor – Events Support, Luke Evans, said “It doesn’t matter how old or young you are, everyone should look at applying for a traineeship. It’s a positive workplace that is really inclusive and enjoyable for every­one,” he said.

There are 12 roles covering all areas of Council including:

• Civil Construction (Certificate III, two years)

• Irrigation and Sporting Ovals (Certificate III, two years)

• Horticulture/Gardening (Certificate III, two years)

• Agriculture/Saleyards (Certificate III, two years)

• Business Support (Certificate III, two years)

• Community Projects (Certificate IV, two years)

• Surveying and Drone Operations (Cer­tificate IV, two years)

• Sewer Plant Operations (Certificate III, two years)

• Cadet/Graduate Town Planner (Bach­elor Degree, six years)

• Graduate Building Surveyor (Diploma, two to five years)Forbes Shire Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller, said Council prided itself on the diversity of employment opportunities it is able to pro­vide.

“These traineeships are a perfect oppor­tunity to make a valuable contribution to our community by working for Council and being a part of our day-to-day operations,” she said.

“It’s an exciting time for Council to have so many traineeship opportunities and they will all contribute to its growth and the ser­vices it is able to provide to the shire,” said Cr MillerTo RSVP to the information session go to https://forms.office.com/r/6bwiAZgtsy.

To find out more about traineeships and apply go to https://www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/council/about-council/working-with-council/2025-traineeships. Applications close 21st of Oc­tober 2024.