The Sydney Royal Easter Show is back this year from 8th to 19th April and The Forbes Phoenix readers stand a chance to win a family pass by entering our competition.

The show offers 12 hours of free entertainment every day and an astounding showcase of agricultural excellence.

The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW will also be celebrating its bicentenary, commemorating its heritage, and shining a spotlight on the evolution of the organisation and Australian agriculture.

Some of the highlights include the National Young Judges competitions featuring two students from Forbes competitors from 2021 and 2022.

The show has the biggest collection of rides in Australia. You will be spoilt for choice with all the classics and family favourites plus two new Australian rides including the Twister, and the Aviator, where you’ll see the show from new heights of 100 feet.

Peppa Pig Meet and Greet – everyone’s favourite bossy little pink pig is ready and waiting to say ‘oink oink’ and pose for a photo at the Pig Pavilion every day of the show. She’s cheeky, fun, and always looking for a muddy puddle to jump in!

To win a family pass to the Sydney Royal Easter Show answer the question below:

What is your favourite thing about the Sydney Royal Easter Show?

 

Entries drawn Monday 28th March 2022

The Central West Lachlan Landcare NSW Rural Women’s Gathering truly is the gift that keeps on giving! From scenic garden tours and an idyllic stopover at Girragirra Retreat and treks along the famous Forbes Art Society sculpture trail through to the recent announcement of Australian comedy royalty, the hilarious Jean Kittson, who will be coming to Forbes on April 2nd as the Gala Dinner Guest Speaker. Kittson, who is no stranger to town, will no doubt be a hit with the crowd with her devilish comedy and quick wit.

The Amazing Women With Vision themed event will be running from April 1-3 in Forbes, and involve a number of functions and activities. It will also include country singer Melinda Schneider and Cressida Cains who’s story should serve as an inspiration to many.

Forbes Shire Council will also be involved joining other sponsors including the Department of Primary Industries, AWI, CWA NSW, HE Silos, Ram HP and NSW Farmers so mark it on your local  calendar.

Got to www.forbes2021nswruralwomensgathering.com or find out more on how to attend a plethora of spectacular events.

The famous Bogan Mobile is up for sale and already there is interest in the sentimental, uniquely designed vehicle.

“The cheeky paddock basher is in fairly good condition and only needs a little bit done to it,” said Debbie Martin, who bought the car at the one and only Australia’s Biggest Bogan Festival in 2019 at Bogan Gate to help raise vital funds for the Bogan Gate community and Currajong Disability Services.

“I need to get rid of it so I am happy to listen to offers from $650,” said Debbie.

The Bogan Mobile was initially secured by a former committee member from Parkes and was on display at the inaugural event nearly three years ago. All attendees on the main day of the festival were asked to sign it.

“A lot of attendees signed it and it is a one-of-a-kind,” she said.

“I have been putting it online on Facebook on Forbes Buy Swap Sell if anyone wants a look at it.”

And while there is no festival in 2022 either after two years of COVID enforced cancellations, there is talk of another event in 2023. While nothing has been confirmed and organisers are still to resolve it with the Bedgerabong Picnic Race Club Committee, the demand and level of enquiry has meant that discussions about a 2023 are back on the table again.

“Whoever buys it hopefully can bring it to the next festival and we sell it again,” said Debbie.

Contact Debbie via the Buy Swap Sell page or Australia’s Biggest Bogan Festival Facebook page for more info.

 

Registrations are officially open and Forbes residents are urged to get in early and sign up for Australia’s largest community-based environmental event, Clean Up Australia Day (Sunday 6th March, 2022), as the environment feels the effects of a COVID-19 hangover.

The opening of volunteer registrations comes after lockdowns and changed habits fuelled a significant increase in household waste. The last two years have seen significant increases in single-use plastics, alongside unprecedented numbers of face masks, takeaway coffee cups, and food packaging littering our footpaths, parks, and waterways.

Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM, said it’s more important than ever to protect Forbes unique environment by stepping up on Clean Up Australia Day.

“I encourage volunteers to sign up early to show their commitment to improving our most precious environment. Registration is really easy, and all community-based participants receive a free Clean-Up kit containing gloves, bags, and other resources, with packs for individuals, families, or groups available. Clean Up Australia Day is the opportunity to do some good for our Shire – to roll up our sleeves, get out there and take action.” Ms. Miller said.

“Signing up now means you’re making a pledge to protect not only Forbes environment but join the movement to protect Australia’s environment too. Together, we can make a meaningful, long-lasting difference to the parks, beaches, rivers, and pathways near us.”

To register or donate, please visit cleanup.org.au.

• Clean Up Australia Day 8am, VictoriaPark, Harold St Forbes Sunday 6 March
• Schools Clean Up Day Friday 4 March
• Business Clean Up Day Tuesday 1 March

Like all other festivals and events, Forbes VanFest has had its fair share of challenges. From its first edition that was marred by lightning and hail five years ago through to the most recent installment which was called off after the Friday night session – the event has had its share of disappointments.

Now the regional musical festival that includes the best of indie rock, pop, folk, house classics and local talent, is back, with organiser Matt Clifton gearing up for a December date after launching a new Facebook promotion last week.

Partnering up with national sponsors as well as local businesses, this festival is already shaping up to be the best on record.

With previous acts such as Birds of Tokyo, John Butler, local Vera Blue (Celia Pavey) Sheppard, Illy, Sticky Fingers, Angus and Julia Stone as well as many more to grace the stage at Forbes Showground over the years, punters should expect another spectacular line up of artists.

There’ll also be plenty of other forms of entertainment and amusements for festival goers as well.

Under COVID-safe measures, the Central West’s premier music fest will no doubt be one to mark on the calendar for 2022!

For more information, how to get involved or go in the draw to win a promo pack please go to the VanFest Facebook page for more!

See you there!

Penrith Panthers’ favourite son Royce Simmons has revealed he has been diagnosed as suffering Alzheimer’s disease at age 61. Typical of the man known as ‘Simmo’, the footy legend wants to use news of his dilemma to enhance the lives of others rather than his own, with a fundraising walk from his hometown of Gooloogong to Penrith in May, coinciding with the Panthers’ home clash with North Queensland.

What matters most to Simmons is shining a light on the impact of the insidious disease, particularly on the loved ones of those who are diagnosed.

He wants to use his plight to bring dementia into the public consciousness and raise much-needed funds for important research into the disease.

And that’s why he and Liane, with the support of Panthers, Dementia Australia and other partners, have organised the inaugural Royce’s Big Walk fundraising event.

Simmons plans to walk almost 300 kilometres from his hometown of Gooloogong to the place in Penrith where his footy dreams were realised, now called BlueBet Stadium.

The walk will depart Gooloogong on Tuesday May 17 and Simmons will cross the finish line ahead of kick-off in the Panthers NRL game against the Cowboys on Friday May 27. The Panthers legend and several high-profile supporters (who will walk with him) will conduct fundraising initiatives and hold events to support junior rugby league along the route.

“I want to help raise money for research as a mark of respect for the medical people who have worked so hard to find a cure,” Royce said.

You can support one of rugby league’s favourite characters and toughest competitors by donating now to Royce’s Big Walk, with more details about the event to be confirmed over the coming weeks.

Courtesy of Neil Cadigan and Penrith Panthers

The popular and important International Day of People with Disability Pool Party celebration will take place at Forbes Olympic Pool on Monday February 7th from 10am-2pm. Entry to the pool is free and includes a BBQ lunch, games, music, workshops and a chance to catch up and socialise! The day also consists of info for carers and families from a raft of providers. More information can be obtained at community@forbes.nsw.gov.au