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Forbes Phoenix

Liz Stringer First Time… For The Last Time Tour

September 21, 2023 by Roxane Manley

See Liz Stringer live on Wednesday 11th October at The Cordial Factory, Grenfell.

Much-loved Milk! Records recording artist and Melbourne singer/songwriter Liz Stringer caps off a busy 2023 and brings to an end her work on her acclaimed 2021 album First Time Really Feeling with her First Time… For The Last Time solo tour. This is a rare chance to see one of Australia’s greatest contemporary singer-songwriters. 

Liz’s First Time… For The Last Time tour will see the artist bring an end to the long cycle of work that began with the recording of First Time Really Feeling in Canada in 2018. It’s a case of unfinished business, as the tour will finally reach the places that Liz couldn’t get to following the album’s release, thanks to various lockdowns. All the shows will follow the intimate format of her From Brunswick to Brixton shows; Liz will perform her songs completely solo, giving audiences a real insight into how they were written and how they sounded before she presented them to her band. 

Having achieved her first entry into the ARIA Top 20 and an ARIA Award for Best Blues & Roots album in 2021, Liz spent most of 2022 with Midnight Oil, working as their backing vocalist and support act in Australia and around the world on their Resist tour. Then, in February 2023, she and fellow Oils guest William Crighton released a cover of the Oils’ “Golden Age”, featuring Jim Moginie on bass and Rob Hirst on drums. Following that Liz and William undertook a short tour together, and then in March, Liz was 2023 Artist of the Year at the iconic Port Fairy Folk Festival, where she performed two triumphant sets with her band. In May, after three From Brunswick to Brixton solo shows in Melbourne, she headed to London to record her new album and play a handful of shows. 

Get Fired Up For National BBQ Championships

September 21, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Do you think you could be the next National BBQ Champion? Get a team together and enter now.

The National BBQ Championships in Forbes are back! Grinsted Oval will come alive on Saturday the 28th October for the sizzling action and tantalising aromas of our best barbecued beef, chicken, lamb and pork.

“We are giving you plenty of notice to brush up on your barbecuing skills,” Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said. 

“We are expecting an amazing day – full of the amazing smells of barbecued delicacies, market stalls, bar, live music and entertainment for the children.

“Is the barbecue Australia’s national dish – I will let this day be the judge of that!” Mayor Miller added.

As a spectator, the event is free to attend with spectator tickets available at 123tix.com.au. If you want to compete for the great prize pool available, and for the honour of being crowned best of the BBQ, there will be a registration fee, with more details coming soon.

Anyone wishing to compete on the day is urged to send details to tourism@forbes.nsw.gov.au and they will be contacted once registrations open.

The National BBQ Championships kicks off at 12pm and concludes at 8pm. The event will again be held at Grinsted Oval with ‘Fast Ed’ of Better Homes and Gardens fame the chef, the last official judge.

“As a Council there is nothing we enjoy more than bringing together our community, we love seeing the smiles and the lifting of spirits, especially as we know life in the country can bring its own challenges at times,” Mayor Miller said.

So if you think you have the skills it takes to be the next National BBQ Champion then assemble a team now and fire up the BBQ and start practicing your best BBQ dishes.

The National BBQ Championships is supported by the NSW Government’s Reconnecting Regional NSW Community Events Program. 

Grazing Down The Lachlan Celebrates Its Fifth Year

September 14, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Grazing Down the Lachlan returns to Forbes this Saturday 16th September, celebrating and showcasing the region’s food, culture, art, entertainment and history.

A total of 550 ‘Grazers’ (guests) are expected on site at Gum Swamp for an epic long lunch celebrating produce from Central West NSW, prepared by local restaurateurs and caterers.

This year the committee are thrilled to have Brendan Sheldrick onboard as Creative Director to inject a new and local perspective on Grazing 2023’s six course menu.

“In addition to a Greek-inspired menu, Grazers will also enjoy local wines, beer and non-alcoholic beverages at each station and be entertainment by musicians, dancers and interactive art on site.”

“Grazers can expect some beautiful, simple Greek flavours where the produce is the hero, as well as woodfire cooking, pastries and sweets – a bit of a nod to Australian / Greek cafe and takeaway culture,” Brendan said.

What makes this dining experience a truly unique is the underlying commitment to delivering a no-waste, environmentally responsible event. Every Grazer is supplied with an event bag made locally by Woolerina from recycled fabric, which contains an enamel plate, recycled cutlery, a lanyard, menu map, and a napkin made from donated linens.

Grazers are transported out to site by bus to minimise the impact on the natural environment and are then free to wander along the two-kilometre bush track between

six stations offering delicious food with a matched beverage. At the final station, Grazers are encouraged to donate these items back to Grazing to be used again.

Proceeds of Grazing Down the Lachlan support the Forbes Arts Society. Funds raised through the event to-date have facilitated the commissioning of 20 new sculptures to extend the Sculpture Down the Lachlan public art trail, the redevelopment of Gum Swamp Wildlife Refuge and the development of Gallery Forbes. In 2022, $30,000 was raised for the Forbes Arts Society.

The event has significant economic benefits for the Forbes Shire, injecting over $400,000 into the local economy each year.

Don’t Be Bored These School Holidays

September 14, 2023 by Roxane Manley

With the sun setting on Term three, Forbes Shire Council has been busy planning to ensure a variety of free activities are available these school holidays.

This school holiday program features fishing workshops, an outdoor movie, a theatre performance, the opening of Forbes Town Pool on 1st October, craft workshops, Creative Community Concepts will host a footy for fun event and a magic festival – wow!!!!

First off the rank are the popular fishing workshops, with two sessions to choose from on Monday 25th September. Set on the banks of the beautiful Lake Forbes, these free workshops fill up quickly so make sure you book in early. If you don’t have a rod don’t worry – there are enough available for you to borrow.

Head to Lions Park on Saturday 7th October for the Magic Festival, the first of its kind in Forbes. Be amazed by roving magicians and enchanted by a stage show finale, feast on the offerings of food vendors and relax in the company of friends. Tickets to the show are free, but essential, head to 123tix.com.au

For more information on the Forbes Shire Council youth programs head to https://www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/community/community-services-and-information/families-and-youth-services/youth-programs

Do You Believe In Magic?

September 7, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Come along for a first of its kind, magical evening for Forbes.

Lions Park will set the stage for an evening of pure magic next month, hosted by Forbes Shire Council. Roving magicians will weave their way through the crowd, entertaining with their sleight of hand and their mysterious ways.

Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM urged residents and visitors to bring their chairs and rugs for sunset on Lake Forbes, free of charge.

Food vendors will be on site, and after the four roving magicians have cast their spell, a stage spectacular will take place from 7pm to 8pm.

A sensory friendly session has been scheduled for Friday October 6th from 1pm –3pm. “We recognise that some peoplehave differing needs that might not suit alarge event such as the one at Lake Forbeson Saturday evening,” Mayor Miller said.

“We are offering an up close and personal magic show at the Town Hall on Friday afternoon – it will not have the big bangs and loud music! It is free of charge, but please RSVP to events@forbes.nsw.gov.au as numbers are limited.

“It is exciting to welcome magic back to Forbes after an extremely successful magic show last year – the magicians had so much fun and loved the interaction with the community and are looking forward to their return!,” Mayor Miller said.

“Lions Park is fast becoming a hub for exceptional social gatherings, with the area perfectly framed works completed under the Lake Forbes Activation Project funded by the NSW Government. It is the perfect place for the community to connect and enjoy the outdoor space,” Mayor Miller said.

What magical event will Council pull out if its hat next?

The Forbes Magic Festival is on Saturday 7th October from 5pm until 8pm. Tickets are free but essential, so head to: Forbes Magic Festival Tickets (123tix.com.au) 

Biggest Firework Display Ever At Forbes Show

September 7, 2023 by Roxane Manley

School work hung for judging and display. Come have a look.

It’s one of the most exciting times of the year, the Forbes Show. Come along and enjoy the fireworks, sideshow alley, pavilions, dog high jump, ring events, shearing, young woman, rural ambassadors, dog trials and so much more. 

The CMOC Northparkes Mines firework display will be at 8pm on Friday 8th September. Head to the Forbes Show to get the best view in town. A big thank you to Northparkes Mines for their continued support of the Forbes Show. 

Remember pre-purchase your tickets and save yourself time at the gate. https://www.123tix.com.au/events/39629/forbes-show 

Canola Field Day: A Showcase Of Canola Innovations And Research

September 7, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The GRDC NVT will be in attendance to discuss canola trials with growers, advisers, and breeders coming from around
Australia and overseas. Photo: Mathew Dunn, NSW Department of Primary Industries.

Canola trials, disease management tactics, farming systems insights and key data from the Grains Research and Development’s (GRDC) National Variety Trials will be on offer to growers and agronomists as part of canola focused field day in Wagga Wagga in September. 

The field day is being held in conjunction with the International Rapeseed Congress 2023 (IRC-2023) and is expected to attract more than 120 international and Australian canola researchers and industry experts, alongside local growers. 

Hosted by the NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) with the support of GRDC the event will be held at the NSW DPI Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute on Friday, 22nd September 2023, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. 

NSW DPI Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute director, Deb Slinger said canola was one of New South Wales’ most important crops and favourable seasonal conditions in southern regions of the state had bolstered production this year. 

“In NSW our production of canola is worth over $800 million – a significant contributor to our economy,” Ms Slinger said. 

“Hosting a field day with GRDC as part of the IRC-2023 is a valuable way to showcase current and past canola research that has helped position the Australian industry where it is today and continues to drive improvements for our sector.” 

GRDC NVT manager of operations Ben O’Connor said the field day was an excellent opportunity for growers to directly engage with canola industry experts and to hear the latest research and development. 

“Between 2019 and 2022 GRDC made investments, including with partners like NSW DPI, of more than $30 million into canola research projects focused on improving yield and understanding yield drivers and this has really help drive improvements on-farm,” Mr O’Connor said. 

As part of the field day NSW DPI will also launch the “Canola in Australia: 21st Century Progress” publication, which has been updated from the 1999 edition to demonstrate the development of the canola industry in Australia over the past 24 years. 

The canola field day precedes the IRC- 2023 which is being held in Sydney this year 

Field day highlights: 

• Exclusive demonstration variety trials from nine leading canola companies. 

• Insight into the GRDC Canola National Variety Trial. 

• A deep dive into the NSW DPI Research Experiments focusing on Canola, Pathology, and Farming Systems. 

• Official launch of the “Canola in Australia: 21st Century Progress Book”. All attendees will receive a complimentary copy. 

• BBQ and Coffee Carts available throughout the day for attendees. 

• Comprehensive amenities on site for convenience. 

Location Details: 

Participants are requested to park at the Joyes Hall carpark on Pine Gully Road, Wagga Wagga. Mini buses will be available every 30 minutes from 8:30 am to transport attendees to the event location. 

Ticket Information: 

Tickets are priced at $25 per person. To RSVP and purchase your ticket and for more information you can visit www.ircsydney2023.com by Wednesday, 13th September. The attendance of Australian grain growers and advisers is subsidised by GRDC.

Savour The Colours Of Spring At The Orange Wine Festival

September 7, 2023 by Roxane Manley

We continue to see the evolution of world class wines from the Orange Wine Region.

Get ready to savour the essence of the finest wines of the season as the 2023 Orange Wine Festival returns to the Orange region with a month-long program, from 29th September to 29th October. This year’s highly anticipated event promises an extraordinary celebration of our region’s cool-climate wine and wine culture, attracting connoisseurs, enthusiasts, and travellers from near and far.

An opportunity to immerse yourself in the enchanting allure of Orange, where lush vineyards meet rolling hills, and the art of winemaking comes alive. The 2023 Orange Wine Festival showcases the diverse array of vineyards, each boasting their own unique terroir and distinctive varietals. From seasoned wine aficionados to those discovering their palate, there’s something to delight every taste bud.

Ned Sweetapple, Orange360 General Manager added; “Wines of the Orange region get noticed and Spring is such a beautiful and colourful time to visit. This year’s Orange Wine Festival is all about colour and taste and we’re thrilled to offer such a diverse program to entice visitors to the region. There are so many good things to enjoy in spring, our region’s latest wine offerings, paired together with fresh local produce and great dining, art, culture, and music.”

Events include: 

• Orange Wine Show Tasting: 14th October

• Food & Wine @ Altitude: 28th October

• Boree Lane Ramble: 7th October

• NRL Grand Final at Mortimers: 7th October

However, if these big-ticket items aren’t for you, there are plenty of low-cost events that allow everyone to get involved in celebrating the 2023 Orange Wine Festival, including the popular Night Markets on Friday, September 29th. Further low-cost events include:

• Orange Wine Festival Night Market: 29th September

• Wine and Cheese, Yes Please!: 12th and 26th October

• Yoga in the Vines: 15th October

For information and tickets, visit orange360.com.au/Events/Orange-Wine-Festival

Giants Superstar Sophie Dwyer Attends Forbes Gala Day

September 7, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Sophie Dwyer is a rising star on the Australian Diamonds scene where she already has 4 caps, and is a member of the 19 player Australian Diamond squad 2023/2024.

The Forbes Netball Association recently held an extremely successful regional NetSetGo and Junior Mixed Gala Day with Suncorp Super Netball Giants Superstar Sophie Dwyer attending the day. Teams travelled from Bathurst, Orange, Young, Narromine and Parkes to join all the Forbes players for a great day of junior netball.

The day opened with 100 players booked in to former Australian Diamond Susan Pettit’s clinic, with Susan setting the scene for a fantastic and fun day of netball for players aged from 6 years to 12 years.

This was the first time a player Sophie Dwyer’s calibre has attended a carnival this far into the region. Sophie was very popular on the day, as her fans gathered around for autographs and chats. Sophie is a rising star on the Australian Diamonds scene where she already has four caps, and is a member of the 19 player Australian Diamond squad 2023/2024.

Sophie and Susan were accompanied on the day by Netball NSW Regional Manager Brooke Berg, and Development Officer Emily Williams.

Thank you also to Forbes Shire Council for preparing Stephen Field courts for the day.

Representative News

The Forbes Netball Association is calling for nominations for representative coaches, assistant coaches and umpires for the 2024 representative season.

• Opens to play in Regional League in Orange on 23rd and 24th March;

• Senior State Titles 17U and 15U to beplayed in Sydney on 8th – 10th June;

• Junior State Titles 12, 13 and 14 yearsto be played in Sydney on 6th – 8th July;

• 11 years Development team to play inRegional carnivals.

All applicants must hold a WWCC number and include that in their application. 

Anyone will any enquiries contact Robyn Kenny 0407 235 326. Applications will close on September 21, and can be emailed to secretary.forbesnetball@gmail.com 

Put One Foot Forward For The Black Dog Institute This October

August 31, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Walk in solidarity with the 1 in 5 Australians experiencing mental illness each year.

The Black Dog Institute is calling on Australians to take a stand in solidarity for the 1 in 5 Australians experiencing symptoms of mental illness each year by participating in One Foot Forward – a national virtual challenge taking place in October – Mental Health Month.

The challenge is to walk, run, or roll 40km, 60km, 100km, 150km, or a distance that suits them throughout October, to show people experiencing symptoms of mental illness that they are not alone and to raise funds for Black Dog Institute’s crucial mental health research and support services in Australia. One in five Australians experience a mental illness each year which means around 5 million people are personally affected.

One Foot Forward can be a great way to take a positive step forward for your own mental health and show Australians impacted by mental illness that they’re not alone. You can take part solo, with a team or with your colleagues.

With mental illness costing Australian businesses $39 billion in lost revenue each year, Black Dog Institute is calling on corporate groups and businesses to join in.

This national virtual event is a great team building exercise for colleagues, can increase staff morale and help promote mental wellbeing in the workplace.

In 2022, over 28,000 participants walked, ran and rolled over 2,286,105km during Mental Health Month and joined in on the fun, got active, and raised funds to help Black Dog Institute. 

Funds raised by One Foot Forward participants this year can assist in the research and development of digital mental health tools and apps for adults and children, support novel and innovative suicide prevention programs, and help community presenters reach school students to talk about mental health in schools and how to get support.

Register online today at www.onefootforward.org.au 

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