Special Interests Archives - Page 33 of 118

Stunning Federation Home Hits The Market In Forbes

November 2, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Step back in time when you walk through the front doors of 31 Oxford St, Forbes

New Anglesea has been owned by the same family, the MacCallum’s for almost 40 years.

It took Marie and Ian MacCallum many years to find their perfect home and many years of restorations and landscaping to achieve such a stunning lifestyle property.

31 Oxford St, Forbes was purchased by the MacCallums in 1985, it is a property with a rich history and they took the time to lovingly restore it to the magnificent home it is today.

Marble fireplaces were sourced for the formal living rooms and soft furnishings updated with fresh heritage trim and Paint. In the early 2000’s, the kitchen and dining room extension and casual screened in cedar lined alfresco dining and living room were added. Signature properties of this caliber are rarely offered for sale.

Contact the Exclusive Agents – Ainslie Toole at Nutrien Harcourts Forbes for a private viewing or for more information 0407 946 838.

Timeline of the historic Forbes Home

Amazing aerial view

Dr Richard Draper Awarded Australian GP Of The Year

November 2, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Dr Draper pictured with Dr Nicole Higgins, RACGP President

Dr Richard Draper is the Principal GP at Medicine & Mind in Forbes, and also now the RACGP GP of the Year. He is a Parkes local with over 29 years experience working in the Central West in both the private and public sector in general practice, emergency medicine, obstetrics and anaesthetics.

Dr Draper had no idea he had even been nominated at the State level when he received a call from the RACGP, The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, to inform him that he had taken out the top award for NSW/ACT (combined) GP of the Year. It was that award that placed him in the running for the National GP of the Year award. Dr Draper said when he heard that he had actually won the national award “I was genuinely stunned”.

Dr Draper is passionate about improving access for patients to quality mental health services in rural areas and has implemented a unique model of care at Forbes Medicine & Mind that sees clinicians working collaboratively with many providers to improve the health and wellbeing of patients.

As GP of the Year, Dr Draper hopes to use his platform over the next 12 months to highlight the needs for more support from Government for General Practitioners to be able to continue to provide such essential services, especially in rural communities and in the wake of natural disasters such as the recent flooding that affected the Forbes community

Minister Moriarty’s Drought Mix Up

October 26, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The NSW Government has failed to provide clarity around drought support for farmers, after a Budget Estimates hearing revealed the Minister in charge does not know the extent of the dry conditions plaguing the State.

Nationals Committee Member Sam Farraway asked Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty “how much of NSW is currently considered to be in some form of drought?” when she faced questioning today.

The Minister responded with “the last statistic I have is three per cent but if that’s changed, I’m happy to get more details”.

The Department of Primary Industries’ Combined Drought Indicator shows a very different reality, with 44.7 per cent of NSW categorised as drought affected, in drought or in intense drought.

NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders said the Minister will be recalled for a supplementary hearing after a motion was put forward by the Opposition.

“Today we saw a disgraceful response from a Minister who has once again shown just how out of touch she is with Regional NSW,” Mr Saunders said

Karen Ritchie’s First Solo Exhibition – Natural Connections

October 26, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Pictured is artist Karen Ritchie setting up in the Coventry room ahead of Opening night which is this evening at 6pm.

Karen Ritchie is an artist who has lived in Parkes for over 30 years. Karen had always been interested in art and went to TAFE to study art and started exhibiting and selling her art before full time work and family life got in the way.

But since retiring a couple of years ago Karen has happily returned to her passion.

“Council has been very supportive of local artists and provided me with an opportunity to have my first solo exhibition, so I’m really thrilled” said Karen.

Opening night of Karen’s exhibition of paintings kicks off at 6pm in the Coventry room. $10 entry payable at door.

RSVP via Parkes Library 6861 2309. The exhibition closes on 12th November with free entry for everyone after opening night. The exhibition will be open during library hours and Karen herself may be in attendance on weekends between the hours of 1 0am – 2pm. All the exhibited works are also available for purchase

Karen went on to say “My work is inspired by the local environment, I’m happiest painting landscapes, florals or animals. I called the exhibition Natural Connections to highlight our relationship with nature and our need to have that as a focus”.

Forbes Stock And Station Agent Wins Beef Cattle Judging Title

October 26, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Pictured is KMWL stock and station agent Sam Parish who took out the top prize at the National Beef Cattle Young Judges Championships

Australia’s most promising young beef cattle, dairy cattle and alpaca judges have been revealed by Agricultural Shows Australia through the prestigious national competition.

The competition brings together the best young judges and paraders aged from 15 to 25 in each state to compete at the national finals. This year, the event was hosted by Tasmanian Ag Shows and held at the Launceston Royal Show.

Dr. Rob Wilson is chairman of ASA, the peak body overseeing 572 agricultural shows in Australia which attract six million visitors annually and contribute nearly $1 billion to the national economy. Rob says the competition is designed to recognise the best new talent in livestock judging nationwide.

“It is an extremely prestigious event and positions at the nationals are keenly contested,” Dr. Wilson explains.

Sam Parish, a 22-year-old local stock and station agent from KMWL in Forbes, secured the top spot at the National Beef Cattle Young Judges Championship.

“My parents were involved in stud and show cattle so I was always running around bull sales as a kid. I competed at the National All Breeds Junior Heifer Show when I was five-years-old and got the reserve pee wee champion,” he reminisced. “I have been involved in shows my whole life and it’s the ability to give your judgment and give credibility to your judgment that I love. It’s a massive learning curve, and you take in a lot from the opinions of peers and fellow competitors,” Sam stated.

He reflected on his participation in two national finals: “I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to compete in two national finals, Beef Paraders and Beef Young Judges across Perth Royal Show in 2019 and Launceston Royal Show in 2023. These two wins have enabled me to create a network amongst the industry which I love.”

Calls For Labor To Come Clean On Live Sheep Export Ban

October 26, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Agriculture Minister David Littleproud is calling on Labor to release the findings of an Independent Panel Report into the ban of live sheep exports.

Mr Littleproud said Labor must be transparent about the report, which Agriculture Minister Murray Watt is due to receive. It comes after a live sheep export phase out panel travelled around WA but failed to properly consult with the industry.

“Minister Watt should have the courage of his convictions and immediately release the scientific and economic modelling behind his decision,” Mr Littleproud said.

“Minister Watt didn’t have the courage to travel with the panel and look farmers in the eye himself to say he was stopping the trade – so the least he can do is release the report.”

“The trade has actually increased by 41 per cent since 2021/2022.

“But Minister Watt made decisions based on what animal activists wanted”.

Pamela Cook And Penelope Janu: A Country Vet Christmas

October 19, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Pamela Cook and Penelope Janu, co-authors of A Country Vet Christmas, have independently sold tens of thousands of books across several genres

You are invited to meet two fantastic authors, Pamela Cook and Penelope Janu, when they launch their latest book, A Country Vet Christma at Forbes Library on Wednesday 25th October at 2pm.

Pamela Cook is an author, podcaster and teacher who writes page-turning contemporary women’s fiction, delving deep into the psychology of her characters and the complexity of relationships in all their forms. She has had four novels published traditionally and two independent titles.

Pamela writes women’s fiction set in locations you’ll want to escape to, and stories that will keep you turning the page. Her novels feature tangled family relationships, the ups and downs of friendship, and explore issues like grief and loss, belonging and love. They aim to tug at your heart-strings so if you cry while you’re reading Pamela’s books, her goal is achieved! But don’t worry – there will also be a hopeful ending.

And author Penelope Janu writes stories about clever and adventurous women who don’t mean to fall in love, but do.

Penelope Janu has a passion for creating stories that explore social and environmental issues, but her novels are fundamentally a celebration of Australian characters and communities. Her first novel, In at the Deep End, came out with HarperCollins/ HQ in 2017. Since then, she’s had a novella and six novels published, the most recent being her January 2023 release, Shelter from the Storm.

Penelope enjoys riding horses, exploring the Australian countryside and dreaming up challenging hiking adventures. Nothing makes her happier as a writer than readers falling in love with her clever, complex and adventurous characters.

Their latest project is A Country Vet Christmas – a heartwarming collection of five brand-new festive stories from favourite Australian authors about country vets, love and small-town Christmas charm.
Come to meet these fascinating women supported by The Book Dispensary, Forbes.

A Message From Beyond Blue Chair Julia Gillard

October 19, 2023 by Roxane Manley

This is a moment of reflection for Australia.

While the referendum result is not the one Beyond Blue had hoped for, we remain hopeful that all Australians want to heal divisions and create a better future together.

First Nations peoples are nearly three times more likely to be psychologically distressed than other Australians, and twice as likely to die by suicide. Racism and exclusion harm mental health and wellbeing.

As the national depression and anxiety initiative, Beyond Blue is guided by evidence. For First Nations peoples, the research clearly shows that social and emotional wellbeing is strengthened when self-determination is at the heart of decision-making. That’s why we supported the Voice and believe a First Nations community-led approach to mental health will lead to better outcomes.

The referendum result will be distressing, particularly for many First Nations peoples.

We want to reassure everyone that Beyond Blue is available with free, immediate mental health advice and support for everyone. However you voted, whatever your views, Beyond Blue is here for you. Crisis support from First Nations counsellors is available from 13 YARN.

As we emerge from this chapter in our nation’s story, we must maintain hope that a better future is possible. That this was not our only chance at healing.

Beyond Blue will not waiver in our advocacy and our support for better mental health for First Nations peoples, standing proudly as allies in the ongoing pursuit of equality, inclusion and reconciliation.

We remain committed to the Uluru Statement from the Heart and open to its generous and dignified invitation to walk with First Nations peoples towards a better future.

Forbes Garden Club Report

October 19, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Maree Yapp was the guest speaker at the Forbes Garden Club meeting.

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

Flannery’s Pharmacy Turns Pink

October 12, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Flannery’s Pharmacy staff Kate French, Gus Hooper, Georgia Campbell and Bri Celledoni.

An estimated 69 thousand new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in Australian women each year, and almost 20 thousand are diagnosed with breast cancer, the most common cancer impacting females across the country.

Flannery’s Pharmacy Forbes will be shining a spotlight on these staggering statistics this October, as the store turns pink to raise funds, and awareness, for women’s cancers.

Proceeds will go towards the National Breast Cancer Foundation, the McGrath Foundation, and the Cancer Council.

Throughout October, there will be a range of events the community can support, including:

Treats for Teats (October 17) the team will be hosting a huge bake sale for customers and surrounding businesses.

Sausage Sizzle (October 24) swing by the store for a lunchtime sausage sandwich and show your support for Pinktober.

Ladies Night (Thursday, October 26) the team will host a panel featuring an LPG pharmacist, physiotherapist, naturopath, and doctor in an event designed to provide women with a chance to ask all female-health related questions. There will also be giveaways, raffles, drinks, and nibbles.

“We want the women in the Forbes district to feel supported and know they have services, and experts available, in their local community, every day, not just throughout the month of October.

“If you’re wandering past Flannery’s Pharmacy over the coming weeks, come in and have a chat, don’t be afraid to ask questions. We’re here to help. And if you just want to offer a dollar or two for support, we’d love that as well” Pharmacist, Tracey Edwards, said.

All Pinktober events will be held at Flannery’s Pharmacy, 99-101 Rankin Street, Forbes, NSW.

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