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Forbes Phoenix

Budget A Disappointment For Forbes Region: McCormack

May 19, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack says this week’s Federal Budget will hurt those living in regional and rural communities, including those living in Forbes Shire.

The Labor Government’s Budget will introduce a new food tax on Australian families. Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack, said the new tax on farmers to pay for the biosecurity risk of international importers was senseless and would be passed on to consumers, which means even higher grocery prices Australians.

“It is quite rude that the Labor Government would ask farmers to pay for the biosecurity costs of importers from other countries, especially considering the power of work they do to keep our economy strong” Mr McCormack said.

The Albanese Government is also increasing the road user charge on truckies by 6 per cent, compounding each year, that will add to grocery bills for families, because transport companies can’t absorb that cost.

“The very popular Stronger Communities Program, which delivered $150,000 to every electorate for smaller-scale infrastructure projects – up to $20,000 – has been scrapped by this Labor Government,” Mr McCormack said.

Labor will also force local communities to wait two years to access regional grant programs, with funding that was available in 2022 under the Coalition now delayed until well into 2024.

 

“Cramorie” Offers A Refined Rural Lifestyle

May 12, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Forbes based rural and lifestyle property specialists Johnston Rural Group are excited to bring to market Cramorie – a refined rural lifestyle holding in an idyllic location on the edge of historic Forbes – with access to the Lachlan River. 

Cramorie is a special rural lifestyle package that enjoys a prime location just 3km southeast of the historic Forbes town centre in an accessible albeit private and secluded setting. The focal point of the property is undoubtedly the stylish 4 bedroom weatherboard homestead (c.1900’s) which has commanding views out towards the Lachlan River over its small farming and grazing paddocks. 

The property comprises of approximately 5.357 hectares (13.23 acres) of gently undulating and highly productive river flats which occupy five separate land parcels. Cramorie not only provides a wonderful place to live but is also a functioning small agricultural asset with a strong catalogue of ancillary improvements including a large fully enclosed machinery / storage shed with mezzanine, horse stable complex, set of cattle yards, three bay carport, workshop, dog kennel and chook run. 

Marketing agent Sam Johnston stated that “Cramorie has already generated a significant amount of enquiry after being on the market for less than a week. Enquiry has come from a number of places including Forbes and its surrounding towns, Sydney, Melbourne, the South Coast and Central Tablelands.” 

He then went on to say that “Given Forbes’ recently reported population growth projections and emerging business opportunities within the shire, it is clear that Forbes is now being seen as a ‘go to area’ with investment upside on the horizon.” 

Cramorie is being offered for sale by Expressions of Interest (EOI) with expressions closing at 12 noon AEST Thursday 15th June 2023. A detailed information memorandum and price guide are available on request with inspections by appointment only. 

Charitable Flowers For Mother’s Day

May 12, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Marion Unger in her amazing home garden that she has spent 20 years finessing.

Show your love and appreciation for your mother and support a local initiative to raise funds for a charity.

Parkes resident Marion Unger will be selling flowers from her garden on the front lawn of the Lutheran Church in Currajong Street (opposite Parkes Public School) from 8:30am tomorrow, Saturday 13th May. Her bunches start from $5 for the smallest size. The bunches of chrysanthemums, the traditional Mother’s Day flower, come mostly from Marion’s garden. She will be donating the money to a children’s ministry in Cambodia. She has attached a small card with information about the ministry to every bunch. Contact Marion on 0447 165 229 for more information. 

It’s Time To Care About Aged Care Workers

May 12, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Australia’s largest provider network, UnitingCare Australia has welcomed the Albanese Government’s announcement to give more than 250,000 aged care workers a much needed pay rise. 

“Older people and their families, workers providing care, and the families who rely on those workers. This overdue pay rise will go a long way toward dealing with the cost-of-living crisis the lowest paid workers are currently facing,” said UnitingCare Australia National Director, Claerwen Little. 

“We know that investing in our aged care workforce is essential for the well-being of older Australians. This increase will help attract and retain skilled workers and we reaffirm our pledge to pass on this additional funding to staff. 

“UnitingCare Australia was the first national aged care body to publicly support a 25% pay rise for workers in March 2022. We boldly costed the ask and put our support behind our workforce. 

“Millions of Australians depend on the care sector every day to provide vital services that support individuals and communities to thrive. As the largest and fastest growing employer in the country, the opportunity for the care sector to be transformational for Australia’s future is boldly evident. We have an historic opportunity to advance gender equality through a strengthened care workforce,” said Ms Little. 

Ensure The Safety Of Your Precious Cargo With A Free Child Restraint Check

May 5, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Authorised Child Restraint Fitters will be in Parkes on Friday 12th May and Forbes on Saturday 13th May.

Parkes and Forbes Shire Councils are ensuring that children are safe and secure when travelling in vehicles with free child restraint checks by Authorised Child Restraint Fitters in Parkes on Friday 12 May 2023 and Forbes on Saturday 13th May.

The Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, says that these free child restraint checking days will now be held bi-annually as they are usually well patronised and are important in ensuring the safe travel of young children.

“Due to the success of previous events, we’ve received funding to offer this service twice a year to residents in Parkes and Forbes – one round of checking days will be held in late November/early December and the other round will be in April/May,” Ms Suitor said.

The upcoming child restraint checking days will be held in Parkes on Friday 12 May from 11am – 3pm in the carpark at Kelly Reserve and in Forbes on Saturday 13 May from 10am – 2pm in the Bunnings carpark.

The correct fitting and adjustment of child restraints is vital. Research shows that two out of three child restraints are not being used properly and this puts children at risk of injury in the event of a crash.

“Most of the restraints we have checked at previous events have had minor problems that needed fixing to ensure the safety of the child – such as tightening and untwisting straps, fitting gated buckles and correcting the seatbelt’s path through the restraint.

“It is important to have your child restraint checked regularly after prolonged use and installed correctly before use to ensure that your precious cargo is safe,” Ms Suitor said.

Bookings are essential – phone 6861 2364 to secure your place. Information about the child restraint laws, the types of restraints and advice on moving children from one restraint type to the next will also be available.

One Library One Book Community Read

May 5, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Central West Libraries staff read the One Library One Book Community Read, The Wakes by Dianne Yarwood.

Central West Libraries has announced the chosen book for this year’s One Library One Book community read.

Dianne Yarwood’s bestselling novel The Wakes has been chosen for the innovative program in the Central West that takes the traditional book club concept to the next level. Named One Library One Book, the program aims to have everyone in the region read and discuss the same book.

“I’m thrilled that The Wakes has been chosen for the One Library One Book community read for 2023. What a wonderful program! Travelling through the Central West and talking to book-loving community members will be such a pleasure for me. I can’t wait,” Dianne Yarwood said.

Central West Libraries has distributed multiple copies of The Wakes across the Central West Libraries footprint – Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Forbes and Orange. These copies have been added to the catalogues of the Library branches.

Author Dianne Yarwood will be touring the Central West in May to discuss the book with audiences. Dianne will be speaking at:

• Cowra Library on Monday 22 May at 10.30am

• Blayney Library on Monday 22 May at 2.30pm

• Forbes Library on Tuesday 23 May 11am

• Orange City Library on Tuesday 23 May at 5.30pm – 7pm

• Canowindra at Montrose House on Wednesday 24 May at 11am. 

“The One Library, One Book program takes the idea of a book club and expands it to cover an entire region,” Central West Libraries Manager, Roslyn Cousins, said. 

“The book is a heartfelt, funny and uplifting debut about two failing marriages, two strangers falling in love, two friends embarking on a catering business – and the four funerals that connect them all.”

“We are pleased to bring this book to readers of the Central West. It is already making a name for itself as a bestseller and will be filmed for TV, ” she said. 

Supporting Small Businesses Across NSW To Prosper

May 5, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The Service NSW Business Connect program, which provides small businesses with free, tailored business advice from independent advisors who have experience running their own business, is supporting the City of Sydney’s Reboot webinar series to help small businesses and people across NSW looking to learn, innovate and grow a business.

Leaders from some of Australia’s most successful companies will share their inspiring stories, valuable insights and practical tips across a range of business topics in free, weekly webinars from 2–30 May.

The free webinars will include The Man Cave and STUFF CEO Hunter Johnson on setting up a purpose-driven business and Snuggle Honey CEO Julie Mathers and Birdsnest founder Jane Cay on the secrets to rapid online growth. Other webinars in the Reboot series will focus on building a brand, engaging with audiences, storytelling, networking and growing a customer base. 

For more information about Service NSW Business Connect, call 13 77 88 or go online at: www.service.nsw.gov.au/business/business-connect

“It’s Fun To Have Fun, But You Have To Know How”

May 5, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Few children’s books have stood the test of time quite like Dr Seuss’s 200 word masterpiece ‘The Cat in the Hat’ As the top selling children’s author of all time, the story is as popular now as it was in the 1950’s when Dr. Theodor ‘Seuss’ Geissel wrote the book.

Now both children and adults alike are sure to be left in raptures by this zany and imaginative stage show, that will bring the story to life on a 22 city, 45 show nationwide tour of Australian theatres.

The play was adapted for the stage in 2009 by the National Theatre of Great Britain and tells the story of a brother and sister, bored at home on a rainy day when they are visited by none other than ‘The Cat’ in his red and white striped hat. Their outspoken and outraged pet fish is astounded and concerned, but this cat will not be deterred. He will teach us all to make our own fun with nothing but a little imagination. “It’s fun to have fun, but you have to know how.” Along with his friends, Thing One and Thing Two they turn the house upside down leaving mess everywhere but have no fear, The Cat brings in his red ‘Picker-Up Machine’ and all is back to normal before Mum walks back in the door.

So if you’re looking for ideas for your Thing 1 and 2 this coming school holidays, come and share in the magic and mystery of live theatre at the Dubbo Regional Theatre.

Spoiler alert: Things run amuck, and quickly!

For more information, please visit www.drtcc.com.au

Breakfast For Mum: Corn Fritter Stack

May 5, 2023 by Roxane Manley

With Mother’s Day around the corner, what better way to spoil her than with this delicious breakfast to start the day.

INGREDIENTS 

• 1 cup self-raising flour
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup milk
• 2 x 420g cans corn kernels, drained
• 2 tbsp chopped chives
• 100g fetta, crumbled
• 30g piece cold butter
• 1 small avocado, cut into wedges
• 30g baby rocket
• 2 tbsp Coles sweet chilli sauce, to serve 

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Place flour into a large mixing bowl and make a well in the centre. Use a fork to whisk eggs and milk in a jug and pour gradually into the flour, stirring gently to combine. Fold in corn, chives and fetta. Don’t over-mix or the fritters will be tough. 

2. Wrap butter in a piece of paper towel. Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and wipe with the butter to grease. Drop 1/4 cupfuls of mixture into the pan (you’ll have to cook in batches). Cook for about 2-3 mins, until golden brown underneath, then turn and cook the other side. Repeat with the butter and fritter mixture. 

3. Serve fritters with avocado, bacon, cherry tomatoes, rocket and sweet chilli sauce. 

Mothers Day Cheesecake Recipe

April 28, 2023 by Roxane Manley

INGREDIENTS

Crust Ingredients

1½ cups roughly chopped dates

½ cup roughly chopped almonds/cashews

½ cup shredded coconut

½ tsp vanilla essence (optional)

2 tbsp melted coconut oil

4 drops Young Living’s Lemon essential oil

Cheesecake Filling Ingredients

2 cups raw soaked cashews

½ cup coconut milk

½ cup maple syrup or honey (to taste)

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1/3 cup melted coconut oil

1 tsp vanilla essence

4 – 6 drops Young Living’s Lemon essential oil (to taste)

1 cup sliced strawberries 

Strawberries for decorating (optional)

Instructions

1. In a food processor, blend all the crust ingredients together until a sticky dough forms.

2. Press the crust into the bottom of silicone cupcake moulds, then place in the fridge to set while you make the cheesecake filling.

3. To make the filling, blend together all the filling ingredients except for the strawberries in a food processor or high-speed blender until smooth and creamy. You may add more sweetener and/or Lemon essential oil to taste and blend again.

4. Spoon half the mixture (leaving the rest to make the strawberry layer) into the cupcake moulds and smooth leaving room in each mold for the pink strawberry layer.

5. Add the sliced strawberries into the remaining filling mixture and blend until smooth. Spoon the strawberry layer on top of the first layer, smooth the top, add strawberry slices, if using and place in the freezer to set for at least 4 hours to overnight.

6. When ready to serve, remove the cheesecakes from the moulds, let them thaw for 5 – 10 minutes and then enjoy! 

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