Chartered Accountant Melanie Dunn has recently has joined the accounting firm MBC Group Services. Originally Orange based, MBC Group Services opened an office at 121 Lachlan Street in Forbes last year to meet the growing local demand for financial services in the farming and agribusiness sector. 

Melanie has a business degree in HR/Accounting from Charles Sturt University, Wagga and over 15 years’ experience working in business and the accounting industry. 

As a previous business owner Mel knows the time pressures and financial management issues that come with operating a business. 

“I am passionate about helping business operators find and set up the best available technology and reporting systems and engage the right level of financial advice, so that they are able to drive their business forward.” 

“During my career I have had extensive experience with small business clients, particularly in the agriculture and manufacturing industries. I enjoy talking to clients about where their business is and where they want it to be.” 

Melanie is looking forward to working in the local business community again and bringing MBC’s expertise and learnings to the Forbes region. “I want to be able to continue to help grow the vibrancy and success of our local businesses and primary producers.” 

Espresso aromas are now filling the refurbished Sylo building after the first customers were welcomed through its doors last Wednesday.

It looks like 23-25 Rankin Street is fast becoming the new go to address as CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes’ third social enterprise is fast making a name for its awesome coffee and delectable food.

The purpose of this social enterprise is to have a real and positive impact for individuals and the community as a whole, as it serves quality food and beverages.

It will have a focus of employing local people who have not had access to work or training opportunities previously and every dollar spent at Sylo will be used to create jobs or address social issues in the community.

Similar CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes initiatives, including Cooee for Coffee Wilcannia and Cooee for Coffee Bourke, have helped recruits turn their lives around.

“Sylo Café continues our innovative work to deliver awesome coffee with an awesome story,” said CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes chief executive officer Anne-Marie Mioche.

Western NSW has high levels of disadvantage and often lacks job opportunities, which is why CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes has established the Cooee social enterprises.

“We might start with someone who doesn’t have a resume, has no work experience, and they can move quite quickly to being able to work in the hospitality industry, or also being able to get a job with us in our social services,” Marie said.

Sylo’s opening is the result of months of work, including giving a building that had been unused for some years an extensive makeover.

“We are thrilled to make this amazing space in the centre of Forbes the home of our third Cooee social enterprise.”

Maries said: “We have a great team and they are excited to be opening the doors to the public.

“The menu is all about fresh and delicious food and the Sylo space has a great vibe.”

Forbes Neighbourhood Watch has been helping the community for 20 years, but now needs a boost of new members to keep going. 

Forbes Neighbourhood Watch is a community-based crime prevention program which aims to improve the quality of life within a neighbourhood by minimising preventable crime and promoting closer community ties. The program relies on the community and the police working together in a partnership to achieve these aims. 

“Joining Neighbourhood Watch will not only help prevent crime, but it’s also a great social environment,” said Neighbourhood Watch member Lyn Ward. 

The group meets on the second Wednesday of every month at the Forbes Bowling Club to discuss any concerns the local residents may be experiencing. 

Membership of Neighbourhood Watch includes a wide range of benefits including home security tips, sourcing home security alarms and devices, and the use of engraving pens to etch driver’s licence numbers into furniture, jewellery and more. 

“If we cannot find new members, the program is going to wither away, and this would be very sad for our town,” said Lyn. 

If you would like to become a member of Forbes Neighbourhood Watch, contact Lyn Ward on 0417 536 619 or simply visit your local police station to discuss this in person. Alternativelyy visit Neighbourhood Watch NSW (nhwnsw.org.au). 

Congratulations to Toby Hurford as the first winner of the Tradie of the Month competition in Forbes! Toby is from McMahons Kitchens and has won an FXD backpack from Gunn’s Menswear, sponsor of the competition. Carmen Duffy from Gunn’s Menswear handed Toby his prize. 

Please keep on nominating your favourite tradie for the July competition simply by dropping into Gunn’s Menswear at 83 Rankin Street, or message the Gunn’s Menswear facebook page, or send us an email at editor@forbesphoenix.com.au. The closing date for this month is Friday, 29th July.

The hottest must do activity in Parkes these days is taking your car for a wash! Yes, that once mundane slog has been turned into an exciting experience at Kustom Autospa where the latest technology in the industry coupled with a racing theme have customers lining up from all over the region.

“We have brought a new concept to Parkes giving customers a unique experience they won’t easily find anywhere else in Australia,” said owner Jason Kennedy.

He has done extensive research and visited many carwash businesses to come up with his concept that is quite new for Australia. He incorporated his love of racing cars and worked with a designer and architect from Sydney to run the Ford GT40 racing theme throughout the design from the colours to the art work and signage. The washing bays feature famous race courses from around the world, and Formula One racing driver Jim Clark’s car to make it all more inviting.

“Everyone knows me for my cars,” said Jason, who has a Ford GT40 in his collection.

Apart from televisions in every wash bay, and a full sound system throughout the complex, the soft cloth and touch free machines bring a new concept to washing cars.

“The soft cloth machines, which takes about 12 minutes, comes from Europe and is one of the best on the market.” The touch free machine, taking about eight minutes, is a market leader from America and best suited for tradie vehicles, four-wheel drive and larger cars. Both machines have driers that ensures a shining clean vehicle at the end of the cycle.

Another big attraction is the caravan and boat bay that is also RV friendly, while dog owners have the option of getting their pets clean at the double heated dog wash.

A commercial kitchen will be installed this weekend to add a drive through take away service for a complete experience.

Customers are reminded to spend any remaining Dine & Discover NSW vouchers over the next few days as the 30th June deadline is just around the corner.

Upper House MP Sam Farraway said the program had been a game changer for local businesses and families, representing over $485 million invested across NSW.

“My message to the local community is simple – don’t miss out. Check your service NSW app to see if you have any vouchers remaining and spend them on local businesses now. 

“These vouchers have been an overwhelming success. During a period of instability, they boosted household budgets and ensured that more customers got through the doors of local businesses,” he said. “Around 5.4 million customers registered for the program, receiving three $25 Dine and three $25 Discover vouchers, both of which went to supporting the businesses which were hit hard by the pandemic.”

Across NSW, 16,600 businesses have been supported with the vouchers, but around $330 million are still to be redeemed.

After 30 June, Dine & Discover Vouchers will move to the expired tab in the Service NSW app, but Discover NSW registered business can still accept Parents NSW Vouchers until 9th October.