Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Agriculture Minister David Littleproud is calling on Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Agriculture Minister Murray Watt to investigate supermarket meat sale prices. 

Mr Littleproud said Treasurer Chalmers and Minister Watt must urgently direct the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to hold a price inquiry. 

“According to Meat and Livestock Australia, some sheep and lamb categories have fallen by up to 70 per cent in the saleyards in the last 12 months,” Mr Littleproud said. 

“Lamb prices have drastically reduced and cattle prices have fallen by about 60 per cent. Yet families at the supermarkets have barely noticed a difference in prices.” 

While a farmer’s payment for cattle (eastern young cattle indicator) has fallen from $10.21 per kilo to just $3.65 per kilo over the past 12 months, at the supermarket it still costs around $36 per kilo for grass-fed rump steak, $25 per kilo for beef rump roast and $19 for a kilo of grass-fed beef mince. 

A farmer’s payment for lamb (national trade price) has fallen from $8.39 per kilo to $4.82 per kilo, yet families at the supermarket are paying $27 for a kilo of grass-fed graze lamb boneless shoulder roast, $18 for one kilo of lamb loin chops and $8 per kilo of lamb leg roast. 

A competition task force recently established by Labor, to conduct a review of competition policy settings over a two-year period, failed to provide the urgent response that families and farmers required. 

“This is impacting family budgets right now. It needs an urgent response because families and farmers can’t afford to wait potentially two years for answers. 

“Many families are struggling to afford their grocery bill each week so it’s important the government acts swiftly to ensure there’s transparency in meat prices.” 

Our final Garden Club meeting for the year was held in the garden at the home of Kingsley and Helen Green. A beautiful garden of trees shrubs and more recently sculptures made by Kingsley Helen gave us an outline of years spent experimenting with different gardens and plants to suit the climate and over the years have seen many changes President Elvy welcomed 23 members to the meeting as well as visitors Angela Dent and Lorraine Everest Therese Davis read the minutes of the previous meeting Correspondence was a thank you from the Arts Society.

Annie Mooy gave us a comprehensive treasurers report announcing she will not be nominating for the position next year. Elvy said she was “delighted with the two day open gardens recently held with eight gardens open for inspection”. There were many visitors who came from local and regional towns and enjoyed the opportunity to wander around. Each raising money for their designated charity. 

Our members were encouraged to vote for a charity. as it was decided to donate the $3000 to different charities following such a successful year. 

This Saturday November 11th at 12pm we will be celebrating 70 years of the Forbes Garden Club at the Town Hall Members will be enjoying a 2 course dinner with a special guest Sue Mowle from Gardening Australia catered for by Eat Your Greens We hope you have all bought your tickets for this special event 

Green Thumb 

George Barnes has been named the number one worker who has organised and run the greatest number craft groups in Australia. Working locally to implement the Bunnings Community Involvement Program, George has been guiding, instructing and entertaining multiple craft groups from Forbes, Parkes, Eugowra, West Wyalong, Peak Hill and Lake Cargelligo. He visits these groups once a month bringing with him all the tools and equipment necessary to make a crafty project. 

Mr Barnes commented that “over the last year I have instructed thirteen groups per month”. This number, approximately 3 groups per week, makes him number one in the country for providing the most activities and inspiring community groups to get busy. 

Groups at the local HAC centres, CWA and numerous other community groups in these communities have benefitted greatly from his commitment and passion He has provided the opportunity for members to experience the making of different craft projects such as making teddy bears, wooden toy trucks and cars, designing art and drawings, wooden jewellery boxes, tips on planting and how to looking after various flowers and herbs, dot art and much more. His enthusiasm for this type of community involvement makes the learning experience and social outings for many people an event to look forward to. 

George said, “It is a privilege to run these groups as I not only get to meet different people, but I also gets to do something fun and rewarding.” 

Sustainability groups at the local Pre-schools and Public Schools, where students learn about the environment and how to look after it, is also part of the Community Involvement Program which George implements. 

Our recent Garden Club meeting was held at the home of Trevor and Irene Ford, with 31 members present. A description of the garden was given by Irene: the home being purchased 13 years ago and having changed into a magnificent display of different shrubs and trees, growing cyclamens from seed and growing succulents. Elvy thanked Irene and all of the members showed their appreciation.

Elvy presided over the business meeting and Sylvia Glasson acted as secretary. Final preparations were made for the upcoming Open Gardens Weekend and members were reminded to make slices and deliver to the Men’s shed. 

A grant was received to enable us to have the Town Hall free for our 70th Birthday celebrations on 11th November. Members asked to get their tickets for the luncheon, which cost $60.

Our guest speaker was Maree Yapp, who spoke about her involvement with Landcare for the past 13 years. She also spoke of her work with the Forbes North Public School Year 5 students, Eco Day programs and using the school produce to make jams, which received prizes at the recent show. Jeanette Thomas thanked Maree for her very interesting talk and display.

Raffle winners were first Colleen Liebich, and second Loris Molloy. The flower of the month was first Sylvia Glasson with a begonia, second Colleen Liebich with an iris and third Marg West with a rose.

Our next meeting will be on Thursday 26th October at 2pm at home of Helen and

Kingsley Green. To get there, head south on the Newell Highway, after the bridge turn left onto Wirrinya Rd, follow to Victory Rd, go to the intersection and turn left to “Brooklyn”. Please bring a chair, hat and a cup – see you there. In case of wet weather the meeting will be at the Men’s Shed.

By Green Thumb

The Forbes Business Chamber Find It In Forbes Christmas Committee is currently in the process of organising their annual Christmas promotions. 

The prize money this year will be a total of $20,000. The Find It In AMAZING Forbes Christmas Carnival will be held on 8th December 2023. 

This year the Chamber will be organising a number of smaller events that will encourage people to participate in the draws and to shop locally. The launch of the Find it in Forbes this Christmas campaign is 4th November, with draws beginning on 13th November. Draws will be held every week with the final draws held on Christmas Eve. 

Again, the Chamber will use QR Code for entry in lieu of tickets. A paper form will be given to each store to assist people who do not have a telephone that can cope with the QR Code. 

This year we have gained funding to assist with a TV commercial that will promote Forbes and the Christmas Promotion to a wider audience. The advertising area will include the Central West and the ACT. 

Deadline for sponsorship participation is Friday 13th October 2023. 

Teddy bears will be in the spotlight at Forbes’ stunning Lions Park between 10am and 2pm, this Saturday 21st October.

Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM welcomed funding assistance from the State Government, saying support for events like Children’s Week is so important.

“Children are indeed our future and like this year’s Children’s Week theme outlines, all children have the right to relax, play and join in a wide range of leisure activities.”

Council has organised an enormous list of activities including ‘funtastic’ items like a jumping castle, face painting, temporary tattoos, food vendors and craft.

But wait – there is so, so much more! Who could pass up circus performances, the chance for a beloved teddy bear to have a ‘health check’, balloon twisting, obstacle courses, making delicious fruity faces and get a ‘beary’ cute pic taken in the photo booth.

Forbes NSW Fire and Rescue will have their big red truck there for the young ones to experience in person, Netwaste will be spreading their recycling message and parents will have the opportunity to have their child car seats, boosters and harnesses checked for safety.

Word on the street is that there are some extra special surprise guests lined up as well.

Mayor Miller urges all youngsters to grab their teddy – and their parents or carers – and head to Lions Park to celebrate.

“Lions Park is the perfect setting for a teddy bear picnic, and with spring well and truly here let’s celebrate Children’s Week outdoors in the sunshine with all those we love and cherish,” she said.

For more information head to the Forbes Youth Action Team’s Facebook page or Forbes Shire Council website.