The Forbes Phoenix Issue 27

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YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY WEATHER

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Friday 22 January 2016

ISSUE 27

GOING ON HOLIDAYS?

IMAGE: Member for Riverina Michael McCormack has welcomed the inclusion of Forbes and Parkes into his electorate.

Forbes and Parkes Sent Down to the Riverina Forbes and Parkes Shire Councils will become a part of the Riverina Federal Electorate, after the announcement of changes to electorate borders by the Australian Electoral Commission.

The number of electorates in New South Wales will be reduced from 48 to 47, and changes will come into effect on February 25- in time for this year’s federal election.

Changes in electorate borders have come as the AEC looks to raise the number of voters in each electorate.

The most important electorate changes in Central West NSW have been to those of Calare, Riverina, Parkes and Hume.

Forbes and Parkes Shire Councils will transfer from Calare to Riverina, while the Cowra, Weddin (Grenfell), Young, Cootamundra and Harden shires will transfer to Riverina from Hume.

At the same time Riverina will lose Tumut and Tumburumba to Eden-Monaro, Griffith, Leeton, Murrumbidgee, Narrandera and part of Carrathool to Farrer, and the remainder of Carrathool to Parkes.

It is expected Riverina will gain around 4000 voters as a result of all changes.

Member for Riverina Michael McCormack welcomed the new additions to his electorate, and said that despite them being included just months before the next

election, he said he looked forward to representing them.

“It is the people of our electorate who make my job so special and I am constantly inspired by the conversations and interactions I have with local people every day,” he said.

“I look forward to meeting with as many people as I can in these new communities over the coming weeks and months and listening to their ideas and suggestions.”

In contrast member for Calare John Cobb was left scratching his head in losing Forbes and Parkes from his electorate.

“To lose Forbes and Parkes, which are also part of those who do things in NSW and Australia, after all these years is a forbidding thought,” he said.

“I’ve represented most of it over the years, lived in it and it’s a wonderful place.

Forbes and Parkes are extraordinarily lucky they will have Michael McCormack to look after them.”

The Calare electorate is set to gain the local government areas of Wellington, Cabonne (Canowindra), Kandos, Rylstone and Bylong.

Forbes Shire Council Mayor Phyllis Miller said the changing of representation would unlikely effect future planning and projects in Forbes, but she said she was

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concerned about communities of interest.

Cr Miller added the AEC should have considered this in addition to voter numbers before forcing Forbes and Parkes to join Riverina, an area they normally do not directly associate with.

“With the methodology they use, there’s no distance or community interest taken into consideration,” she said.

“It’s all about numbers and population. To think that Mr Cobb has to have two thirds of the state just to keep his population is ridiculous.”

“I’ve spoken to Michael McCormack, and I have no doubt that he’ll do the very best job possible.”

“But I’m worried about two local government areas getting ‘just plonked’ into there.”

By Joshua Matic

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Page 2 Friday 22 January 2016

THUMBS UP

THUMBS DOWN MAYORAL NOTES I am fresh back from having my knee operation last week. I am now ready to continue playing squash and make another appearance for Dancing with the Stars of Forbes!

On Tuesday we welcomed NSW Premier Mike Baird, Deputy Premier, Dubbo MP, Troy Grant, Minister for Health Jillian Skinner, Orange MP Andrew Gee, Western NSW Local Health District Chief Executive Scott McLachlan and Health Infrastructure Chief Executive Sam Sangster to Forbes for the official opening ceremony of the new building at Forbes Hospital. We are very lucky to have received a new hospital with a refurbished ambulatory service that is still underway. It is great that the heritage of the building has also been maintained.

Don’t forget Australia Day is on Tuesday with a barbecue and picnic afternoon at Frog Hollow behind the Forbes Sports and Recreation Club. There will be fireworks, entertainment and the new foot race, the Ben Hall Gift.

Last Thursday afternoon the Australian Electoral Commission announced the names and boundaries of the new proposed Federal divisions for NSW. We have been placed in the Riverina Electorate along with Parkes. We have an objection period until the Augmented Electoral Commission makes it final determination on February 25. We are not concerned about the representation we will receive with the current Member Michael McCormack, it’s about the communities, interests, education and our health district as we have nothing to do with the southern part of the state.

Have a great week, stay safe and God bless.

Mayor, Cr. Phyllis Miller OAM

THUMBS DOWN

To the person who destroyed and

cleared the graves on the block of land between River Meadows Caravan Park and the Lachlan River.

THUMBS DOWN

Why don’t local golfers and

residents support the Sportsman’s Hotel? It’s a great facility that the whole town wanted to re-open. Well it is open go patronise it.

THUMBS DOWN

To irresponsible dog owners who

let their dogs roam the streets.

Keep them in your yard!

phone l (02) 6344 1846 email l editor@forbesphoenix.com.au or sales@forbesphoenix.com.au web l www.forbesphoenix.com.au Street Address 23 Templar Street, Forbes Postal Address PO Box 251 Canowindra NSW 2804 Editorial Joshua Matic | Editor | 0458 237 387 editor@forbesphoenix.com.au Anita Morrison | Reporter | 0405 364 512 reporter@forbesphoenix.com.au Advertising Casey Evans | Advertising | 0400 279 984 sales@forbesphoenix.com.au Advertising Deadline Tuesday 4pm if you require design Wednesday 3pm for pre-designed ads Editorial Deadline | Wednesday 10am

FREE community newspaper published every Friday

Premier Opens New Forbes Hospital NSW Premier Mike Baird, Deputy Premier Troy Grant, Health Minister Jillian Skinner and Member for Orange Andrew Gee officially opened the new $40.9 million Forbes Hospital redevelopment on Tuesday.

Mr Baird said the Forbes community now has access to a contemporary hospital that will meet their needs now and in the future.

“Forbes Hospital is part of our record investment in health infrastructure across the state and I’m delighted to see it delivered,” Mr Baird said.

The new Forbes Hospital features an emergency department, inpatient unit, birthing suites for maternity services and clinical support services, including medical imaging.

Mr Grant said Forbes may be a small community, but it deserves only the very best in healthcare.

“The people of Forbes deserve worldclass facilities and that is exactly what we have delivered as part of this redevelopment,” Mr Grant said.

Mrs Skinner said Forbes Hospital now has the best of both worlds, with the new state-of-the-art facility adjacent to the charming heritage building.

“Forbes is one of the most beautiful hospitals I have visited across the state and I’m pleased it can now offer the level of services the community expects,” she said.

Mr Gee said patients and staff have been benefiting from the new building since moving in late last year.

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IMAGE: Mike Baird opens the new Forbes Hospital.

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Friday 22 January 2016 Page 3

Heat Sparks Bushfire Warning With hot, dry and windy conditions continuing across the State, Essential Energy is calling on landholders to be prepared and alert for bushfire – especially around the electricity network.

Regional manager Northern, Mark Summers, said that summer weather could be extreme yet safety measures could help reduce the risk of electrical incidents and bushfire.

“Preparation plays a large part in mitigating bushfire risk, so we recommend completing the Rural Fire Service’s Bushfire Survival Plan which helps identify potential hazards and ways to minimise them,” Mark said.

“Clearing leaves and debris from gutters, removing combustible material from around the home and ensuring vegetation isn’t encroaching on powerlines can help to protect your property from fire risk.

“Any trees growing too close to powerlines should be reported to Essential Energy.”

In the event of a bushfire, property owners who decide to leave their property are advised to do so early to minimise the risk of encountering fallen or sagging powerlines across roads and other fire hazards.

“It pays to have a fuel-operated water pump and standalone water source on hand in the event of a power outage,” Mark said.

“Never attempt to fight a fire that is burning under the electricity network, as powerlines can be damaged or sag in heat.”

If you decide to evacuate your property, Essential Energy recommends turning off the main power switches in your meter box to reduce the risk of short circuits and surges.

In the aftermath of a fire, be alert for damage to the electricity network, stay clear of burning poles and notify Essential Energy immediately on 13 20 80 if you come across fallen powerlines.

Essential Energy advises that power outages are likely to be lengthier than usual on days of Total Fire Ban as crews need to manually inspect powerlines to ensure the safety and reliability of the electricity network.

For more information on electrical safety, visit essentialenergy.com.au/safety or contact Essential Energy on 13 23 91.

SNIPPETS...

Nominate our sporting champions: The Forbes Sportsperson of the Year Committee are calling for all local sporting organisations to submit nominations for the annual awards before the end of January.

If you need further information and would like to submit a nomination please contact Anita Morrison on 0405 364 512 or morrisonaj68@gmail.com.

Ben Hall Gift: Australia Day is less than a week away and a new feature for the day’s program is the Ben Hall Gift- a 100m sprint event with a prize pool of $3000. Heats start at 5pm and there are three categories each for men and women in 15-17 years, open and celebrity. There will also be a League vs Union category. The final of the Ben Hall Gift will take place at 7pm.

IMAGE: High school students prepare for the Ben Hall Gift.

FORBES SHIRE COUNCIL “Serving the Community” Public Notices

NEXT COUNCIL MEETING TO BE HELD 1PM 18TH FEBRUARY PUBLIC WELCOME POSITIONS VACANT TOURISM DEVELOPMENT OFFICER (TCCD003) 12 Month Maternity Relief Contract. The purpose of this role is to plan the timing and resourcing of Tourism Promotions and Events with the aim of enhancing the Visitor Information economy of Forbes and the Shire.

Enquiries: Wayne O’Neil 6850 2300 Closing Date: 5pm Friday 29 January 2016 MULTI-SKILLED WATER OPERATOR (s) The Primary purpose of this multi-purpose role is to assist in all areas of Councils Water Operations which includes the operation, maintenance and repair of Councils Water Treatment Plant and the Water/ Sewer reticulation infrastructure.

Enquiries: Tom Baldwin 6850 2874 Closing Date: 5pm Friday 29 January 2016 PARKS AND GARDENS LABOURER (ENG028) The primary purpose of this multi-purpose role is to assist in all areas of Councils Urban Services which includes the maintenance and upkeep of the towns parks and gardens and sporting fields. Additionally, this position may have the opportunity to operate a variety of Council plant associated with Urban Services. This may include tractors, mowers, chainsaws, brush cutters and the cherry picker.

Enquiries: Danial Speer 6850 2874 Closing Date: 5pm Friday 5 February 2016 LABOURER(S) (ENG019) Council is seeking applicants for the positions of Labourer. The primary purpose of this multi-purpose role is to assist in all areas of Councils outdoor operations which may include concreting, road and roadside maintenance and stormwater drainage construction.

Enquiries: Daniel Speer 6850 2874 Closing Date: 5pm Friday 5 February 2016 To apply for all positions: Visit http://www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/council/positions-vacant.aspx

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE Council advises that there will be some temporary road closures on January 26 for Australia Day celebrations. Lachlan Street (between Junction Street and Riley Street) will be closed between 12pm and 9pm. Council apologises for any inconvenience this may cause.

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF LAKE FORBES AQUATIC CENTRE Forbes Shire Council advises the Lake Forbes Aquatic Centre waterway will be temporarily closed to the general public for the NSW Barefoot Water Ski Club Forbes Tournament from Friday, February 5 to Sunday, February 7. Spectators are encouraged to go along to watch the action and support the event.

FREE MICROCHIPPING DAY Forbes Shire Council is hosting a third free microchipping day for dogs and cats on Friday, January 29 at Nelson Park. The free microchipping will take place between 9.30am and 12pm and 1.30pm and 3.30pm. Please note, all dogs need to be on a leash and all cats need to be caged. The microchipping is by appointment only by calling 6850 2344.

VEHICLE EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST 2012 Holden Colorado Single Cab Tipper Plant No. 1428, Rego – BQ85YP, 74,000 Km, White, Turbo, Diesel, 5 Speed Manual, Steel Tray, Towbar, April 14th 2016 Registration. Inspections are available at Forbes Shire Council’s Depot in Bandon St by appointment only. Expression of interest forms are available from the front desk of the town hall building in Court St or from the Engineering Office in Lachlan St. For further information please call Council’s Plant/Purchasing Officer Sam Cunningham on 6850 2887 or email samcu@forbes.nsw.gov.au Expressions of interest close 5:00pm Friday 29th January.

Disclosure Statement of Political Donations and Gifts: The Local Government and Planning Legislation Amendment (Political Donations) Act 2008 states that a person who makes a planning application (i.e DA) or submission to Council is required to disclose reportable political donations and gifts made by any person with a financial interest in the application to a Councillor(s) or Council employee(s) within the past two years. Privacy Notification: Submissions made by Council are considered public access documents under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009.Personal information such as your opinion, name and address may be made publicly available including via Council’s website.

Forbes Shire Council 2 Court Street, Forbes P: (02) 6850 2300 F: (02) 6850 2399 Email: forbes@forbes.nsw.gov.au • Website: www.forbes.nsw.gov.au

All submissions to Council should be sent to: General Manager, Forbes Shire Council, PO Box 333 Forbes NSW 2871 After Hours Emergency Number: 1300 978 633

Page 4 Friday 22 January 2016

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Weddin Mayor Supports Standalone Forbes

IMAGE: The team from Forbes Small Engine Specialist

Polaris ATV’s, Side x Sides a Great Choice The spectacular growth of Polaris with its huge range of ATVs and Side x Side models continued by out selling every other brand in every month this financial year with Australian farmers selecting Polaris models for their high specifications that belie their reasonable price tags.

Their unique and made for Australia UTE 570 Heavy Duty (HD) has become a sought after commodity on farms Australia wide and is the number one model in the big-bore (451+) ATV category, laying the foundation for the domination of this category with a share of 43.6%. It’s little wonder with its handy tipping Dump Box at the rear, powerful 570 EFI engine, power-steering and a conditional registration ready package to provide an easy option for farmers requiring legal access across roads between paddocks. It even features Australia’s first and only selectable 4-wheel Descent Control on an ATV. Safety engineering innovations abound

on all models and Polaris now boasts a range of twenty models with a Roll-OverProtection-System (ROPS) with the Ranger, ACE and RZR models. The industry leading safety features include 3-point seat-belts whilst a number of models also include an interlock device, an optional management controlled speed management system (Speed Key), and 4-wheel descent control. These features combined with a range that covers petrol, electric and diesel options, there is little wonder that Polaris has commanded 49.1% share of side by side sales in 2015. The Polaris Ranger Diesel 1000 HD (Heavy Duty) is the number one Side x Side in Australia.

This winning form on Australian farms is paralleled on racetracks with the Polaris RZR XP 1000 winning the Australian Rally Championship for the fourth year in a row (Side x Side Challenge) in the hands of Cody Crocker ably supported by co-driver Greg Foletta.

Weddin Shire Council mayor Mark Liebich says he is happy Forbes Shire Council will not be forced to amalgamate with Weddin until at least August.

Forbes won its submission to remain a standalone council on December 18 last year, after the New South Wales government announced it planned to amalgamate it with Weddin.

This was part of an initial plan by the state government to reduce its total number of councils from 152 to 112, with the number of regional councils being cut from 109 to 87.

Cr Liebich said he feared losing Weddin’s local identity if the merger with Forbes had taken place.

“It all comes back to your community of interest,” he said.

“We don’t really have a community of interest [with Forbes].”

“Cabonne [Shire Council, facing amalgamation] don’t want to go with Orange, but a lot of people from Molong, Canowindra and Blayney [Blayney Shire, facing amalgamation] shop in Orange.”

“They use their facilties. Orange is their community of interest. Forbes is its own community of interest, and so is Weddin.”

While the decision to keep Forbes and Weddin as standalone councils is not set in concrete until August, Cr Liebich said he was confident Weddin could show it was fit.

“We’ve said that we will stand alone, and we still have to prove that we can do that,” he said.

“We haven’t held back on any decision making throughout the whole period [of speculated amalgamation]. We’ve just been carrying on as if we were always going to remain Weddin Shire.”

He conceded some of his staff and their work had been “caught up” in the amalgamation process, but was confident this issue would soon be overcome.

Nearby councils still likely to merge are Cabonne, Orange and Blayney, and Young, Boorowa and Harden.

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Friday 22 January 2016 Page 5

Dreaming Centre Gets Much Needed BBQ Forbes Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre treasurer Aileen Allen says funding from the state government to allow it to upgrade its pavilion is much needed.

The outdoor riverside facility, designed to host aboriginal cultural events and social functions, had been lacking a barbeque and seating arrangement in it’s pavilion- two essential items for outdoor socialising.

But the Dreaming Centre was successful in obtaining $10,000 of state government funding through a $55,000 grant awarded to community based organisations by member for Orange Andrew Gee late last year.

The money will be used to install an electric BBQ as well as two tables with seats on either side of it.

With electricity yet to be installed at the Centre, the cost of the upgrades will total $12,000, but Ms Allen said the grant still meant improvements were possible.

“We’ve raised enough money through other grants to put this project together,” she

said.

“We don’t have electricity here at the moment so the cost has gone up a bit to get it put in.”

“I’d like to thank Andrew Gee for the grant. Before we would bring in a portable BBQ but we really need one that is there all the time.”

The Centre has, unfortunately, been subject to vandalism, with the sprinkler system installed last year coming under damage, which the Centre has constantly been left out of pocket paying for.

Ms Allen said because of this it was also important for the Centre to install security cameras before getting the BBQ up and running.

“We’re looking at installing two solar powered security cameras to try and stop vandals from damaging the new BBQ,” she said.

“Kids that come here have seen them before, but it’s hard to report them without

IMAGE: Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre treasurer Aileen Allen is excited about upcoming improvements to the facility.

Photo: Joshua Matic.

evidence.”

“We’re not allowed to install a fence around the Centre, so it’s the best thing we can do to protect it.”

In another positive, the Centre will receive the services of two people from the ‘Working for the Dole’ program, a federal government initiative that allows people on welfare to accrue skills and knowledge while helping out in the community.

Ms Allen said these people would provide valuable help in maintaining the facility.

Health Smart Sporting season is upon us and did you know that more than 5 million teeth are avulsed each year due to sports injuries that could have been prevented or minimised by simply wearing a mouthguard. It’s always best to play it safe and wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth. When selecting a mouthguard for you or your children there are two types of mouthguards available. Off the shelf ‘boil and bite’ mouthguards that you can purchase from a chemist or sports store and custom-fitted mouthguards that has been designed by your dentist.

When selecting a mouthguard you should

consider the benefits of a custom mouthguard that a cheaper boil-and-bite option cannot provide: • Oxygen intake • Speech • Comfort • Protection • Professional Fit The Australian Dental Association recommends custom-made mouthguards, as they offer superior protection. Last year the Sydney Morning Herald reported on a hockey player from Tasmania who suffered significant dental trauma while wearing a

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store-bought mouthguard. Her front teeth were knocked out and her lips and gums were lacerated. She mentioned in the Sydney Morning Herald she was unaware that the store bought mouthguards are unable to provide adequate protection like custommade mouthguards.

Forbes Family Dentists is currently doing a mouthguard special to ensure we protect the smiles of our children, Only $100 for children 15 and under when made in the same appointment as their check-up. They can be made in a huge variety of colours to support your local team!

Page 6 Friday 22 January 2016

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OUR Bloke David Acheson School shoes, backpacks, stationery and lunchbox purchases will increase in frequency from this week, as Australian parents prepare school aged children for the new school year, according to the Australian Retailers Association.

The peak industry body representing Australian retailers says that as Boxing Day markdowns become fewer later in the month, the focus in stores and shopping precincts will switch to school supplies, providing apparel, footwear, department stores, newsagents and a myriad of other specialty retail traders a boost.

Among the items on parents’ shopping lists are stationery items including pens, notebooks and folders; lunchboxes and cooler bags; school shoes, including sports shoes; uniforms, including socks and sun protection; backpacks and bags; and tablets and laptops.

The ARA has seen more back to school purchases being carried out online in the last few years, and doesn’t expect 2016 to be any different.

“Parents are increasingly turning to e-tail to prepare their children with the equipment they need for the start of school. With many parents now back at full or part time work following the Christmas break, e-commerce provides convenience and flexibility to purchase all the necessities students require.

“With the increased use of technology in our education system, back to school sales in 2016 will also provide a significant windfall for electronics retailers and sellers of laptops, tablets and other electronic learning accessories.

Back to School Specialists

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How long have you lived in or around Forbes?

I’ve lived here on and off for what’s now 60 years. I’ve moved away a few times but I keep coming back.

Where do you work?

I’m currently the chairman of the Forbes Aboriginal Working Party. I worked at TAFE for 12 years before that.

What do you do in your spare time?

I used to be a builder by trade. I actually worked in four different trades, but I do enjoy fixing things. I’m still a handy man.

What makes your day?

I would say helping people. It’s always a nice thing to do, and it’s what I like to do.

IMAGE: David Acheson celebrated his 60th birthday on Monday, and has lived in Forbes on and off in his whole life.

AUSTRALIA DAY Celebrtions Community members are encouraged to celebrate what’s great for Australia Day this Tuesday, January 27. The action-packed program starts at 7am with the Rotary Community Breakfast at Apex Park. Following the breakfast the Diggers Family Swim will be held at Forbes Town Pool from 10am to midday. At 4pm the afternoon’s activities will kick off with a family barbecue and picnic afternoon at Colin McKenzie Park, behind the Forbes Sports and Recreation Club. The official ceremony is at 6.30pm and the Citizen of the Year and Junior Citizen of the Year will be announced. Other activities throughout the afternoon include the Ben Hall Gift, local entertainment, free children’s rides, the CWA Damper Cooking Competition and a fireworks display.

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ANIMALTalk

Preventing Ticks Tick paralysis is a concern for anyone travelling east of the Great Diving Range with their dog. There are a few facts that you need to know: • Tick paralysis can take up to 7 days to begin to show up in your dog so you can be home for a few days before your dog starts showing signs.

• The first signs you see can be very subtle – a change in bark or a droopy lip. Within a few hours it can progress to a full blown paralysis that can stop breathing. Tick Paralysis is an emergency.

• If ticks are not removed correctly you can actually cause more of the venom to enter your dog making things worse.

Please contact your vet if you are unsure. You can also buy ‘tick twisters’ that ensure it comes out correctly.

• Paralysis ticks have a grey body and a light brown- red coloured head and legs.

• Whilst they are more common in the warmer months dogs can be affected any time of year.

Each preventative has specific directions to ensure they are effective.

• Collars must be applied at least 48 hours before you leave for the coast • Advantix and Frontline Plus top spots must be applied fortnightly starting before you leave for the coast • Nexgard tablet can be given monthly and can be given a few hours before you leave but must be given with a meal.

• Bravecto is another tablet that provides 4 months protection against paralysis ticks and must be given with a meal.

If you have any questions do not hesitate to call your local vet!!

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Tracy Mann to be Forbes Australia Day Ambassador Plans are well and truly underway for Australia Day on Tuesday, January 26 and Forbes Shire Council is pleased to announce the ambassador is actress and presenter Tracy Mann.

Tracy has been a familiar face in Australian television, film and theatre for more than 40 years and is probably best known for her wide range of TV roles including Wonderland, Blue Heelers, All Saints and A Country Practice.

Tracy has also featured in a number of feature films and mini-series with her role in the film Hard Knocks earning her an AFI Best Actress Award.

Her theatre work has taken her all over the country and she is looking forward to visiting Forbes on Australia Day. Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said she was excited to have Tracy visit Forbes to be part of the day.

“The afternoon celebrations have a whole new format and location at Colin McKenzie Park on Lake Forbes, which is going to be great and Tracy will also attend the Rotary Community Breakfast at Apex Park and the Diggers Family Swim at lunchtime.

“We look forward to showing Tracy how Forbes celebrates Australia Day and showing her what we have to offer.”

Included in the afternoon of activities at Colin McKenzie Park is the inaugural Ben Hall Gift with $3000 in prize money to be awarded thanks to the Forbes Sports and Recreation Club and Walkers Ag n Vet. There will be 100m sprint races from 5pm in the categories of men, women, juniors, and celebrity, a league vs union match, and the final of the Ben Hall Gift that takes place at 7pm.

Other events for the afternoon include the CWA Damper Competition, fireworks, local entertainment and free children’s rides.

Nominations for the 2016 Forbes Citizen of the Year and Junior Citizen of the Year will be announced at the official ceremony, with the award winners also receiving them on the day.

WHAT’S On 26 Jan

26 Jan

29 Jan 5-7 Feb

6 Feb 13 Feb

13 Feb 16 Feb

20 Feb 20 Feb 23-25 Feb

27 Feb

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Friday 22 January 2016 Page 7

Australia Day Festivities: Frog Hollow (behind the Bowlo), from 4pm. Family BBQ and picnic. Food and Bar open. Free kid’s rides. Ben Hall Gift, with $3000 prize pool. Official ceremony for Citizens of the Year. Live local music.

Static car display and fireworks at 9pm. For more information contact Council on 6850 2300.

Forbes CWA Branch Damper Competition: Entries to be registered at CWA tent, Frog Hollow, 4.30pm. Judging commences at 5.30pm Free entry.

Cash prizes and certificates for 1st & 2nd in each 4 categories. Enquiries to Jacquie Grallelis 6851 5293 Free Microchipping Day: Nelson Park, 9.30am - 12pm & 1.30pm - 3.30pm.

For cats and dogs. Dogs must be on a lead and cats must be caged. By appointment only. Phone 6850 2344 NSW Barefoot Water Ski Club Forbes Tournament: Forbes Aquatic Area – Ski Lake. Friday from 8.30am; Saturday & Sunday from 7.30am. Annual Forbes Country Tournament with local barefoot waterskiers competing against NSW Club members and interstate competitors. Contact Jim Cronin 0428 483 556 **Please note the Forbes Aquatic Area will be closed to the public during the tournament** Blink 182 Tribute Show: Forbes Services Memorial Club, 8pm.Tickets $10 pre-sale; $15 at door. See the band cover all the hits of the punk rock legends including the smash hit “All the Small Things” Bedgerabong Picnic Races: Bedgerabong Race Track. Gates open at 10am. The six-race program starts approximately 1pm. Adults $15; children under 15 free. The feature race this year will be called the Stuart Brown Memorial 2016 Picnic Race Club Cup. A full TAB, tote betting and bookmakers on course. The canteen and bar will be open throughout the day and evening. Entertainment by local band House of Tribes will follow the race program into the evening. Fashions on the Field, auction and raffles, as well as entertainment for the kids including free jumping castle and foot races. Shuttle buses will be operating between Forbes and the racecourse at a cost of $7 per person. Those wishing to book a tent or marquee site are encouraged to get in early and reserve a spot by contacting Tom Simmonds on 6857 2128.

Old Time New Vogue Dance: Forbes Town Hall, 7pm, $10. Music by Phil Redenbach. Ladies please bring a plate for supper. Contact Elvy Quirk 6852 2919.

Hogs for the Homeless Tour of Country NSW: Forbes Services Memorial Club, from 6.30pm, $20 per person (adult/child). Brad Fitler has partnered with Harley-Davidson to support Father Chris Riley’s Youth Off The Streets campaign. The 2016 tour will kick off in Forbes at the FSMC. For more information contact the FSMC on 6852 1488 Lions Club Car Boot Sale: Lions Park, 8am - 1pm. Stalls $10. Contact Peter 0468 819 659 or Robyn 6851 2209.

Market Day: Handicraft Centre, Lachlan Street, from 9am. Items for sale include jams, preserves, home grown fruit and vegetables, plants, handmade clothing items, woodwork and other handicrafts. Contact Kathy Bray 0448 453 776.

Aboriginal Community Workshop: Forbes Services Memorial Club, 10am3.30pm. Elders, Traditional Owners, LALC’s and members of the Aboriginal community are invited to participate in consultation workshops run by the Department of Primary Industries Water, Aboriginal Water Initiative Program throughout South West NSW. Interested community members are encouraged to register for the workshops by contacting Lillian Moseley on 0459 840 781 or Lillian.Moseley@dpi.nsw.gov.au.

Forbes Farmers Markets: Victoria Park, 8am-12pm. The Forbes Farmers Markets aim to promote healthy eating, local produce and a great social, community environment. For more information contact Rachel Wythes 0407 020 988 or Melissa Ross 0451 514 881 or email forbesfarmersmarket@gmail.com.

Page 8 Friday 22 January 2016

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Forbes Sport

Diggers ready for Australia Day

IMAGE: The new Forbes Netball Association at Stephan Field. Photo: Joshua Matic.

Netball Association Moves into New Office The Forbes Netball Association have moved into their new Stephan Field office and say it is ready for use this coming netball season.

The office, built by Forbes Shire Council for over $30,000, was completed just before Christmas last year, but the Association has already moved all of its possessions in.

It is being used for administration purposes to keep all files and records, but is

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also in use as a storage facility for netball equipment.

The old office was attached to the old amenities facility, which is currently being rebuilt under a separate Council project.

Association president Ainslie Toole said the new facility was a great benefit to Forbes Netball.

“It’s a little bit bigger [than the old office], it’s obviously in better condition, and it should be more secure as well,” she said.

“The position of it is quite convenient right next to the canteen, so it’s a lot better posi-tioned for us, to be able to walk straight through the canteen into the office.”

“We really do appreciate the new facilities and they’ve been built really well so we’re really pleased about it.”

Work began on the new amenities block at Stephan Field last week, and while this will be a 24 hour public facility, Toole said that like the new office, it would be an advantageous addition to netball in Forbes.

She added that the Association was looking at upgrading its canteen facility in the future as well.

Competition at the netball courts is due to start in the coming months, with the Forbes Netball Association Carnival being held May 1.

The Forbes Diggers Swimming Club has a very busy schedule for the next month starting on Tuesday with the Annual Australia Day Family Community Swim commencing at 10.00am at the Forbes Town Pool. Swimmers of all ages and abilities are encouraged to come along and compete for the coveted Tom Drane Memorial Trophy. Swimmers must nominate a time for the 30m and 50m events and the winner is the person who swims closest to their nominated times. The margins between 1st, 2nd & 3rd placings, in previous years has been extremely close and it is anticipated that this year will be no different.

The club will host the Forbes Australia Day Ambassador, Actor and TV Presenter, Tracy Mann, for a delicious lunch and call upon her to present the trophies to the winners at the conclusion. It is hoped that Tracy may even partake in the Ladies scratch event and enjoy the wonderful facilities Forbes has to offer.

Forbes Shire Council are now partners in the event and the small, but hard working committee are most grateful for their generous support.

The next event on the clubs busy schedule is the Western Districts Air & Infantry Forces (AIF) Carnival which will be held on Sunday 14th February. Nominations for this event are already coming in as many visiting swimmers are planning to make a weekend of it attending the Bedgerabong races the day before. The venue for this carnival is rotated amongst the 8 – 10 clubs who generally support this event. The events, in the true spirit of Diggers swimming are handicapped as normal and entry is open to all interested swimmers. The AIF carnival will commence at 9am and registrations will be taken on the day.

The Tim Baass Memorial Swim on the 28th February will be the last major event for the club for this season. The family swim is a fundraising event to support local charities in memory of a member who was tragically killed in a farm accident 23 years ago.

Parkes Rd, Forbes (next to Hozpots) PO Box 586, Forbes NSW 2871 Phone: 02 6852 4288 Fax: 02 6851 1151 Email: 97.9fm@westserv.net.au Website: www.valleyfm.org.au