Forbes Shire Council would like to thank residents of Forbes for helping us host the very first Frost and Fire Festival. Thousands gathered as the event launched with a bang, bringing back the spirit of bonfire night with crowds of over 2000 people gathering at Forbes Ski Dam to celebrate winter in the country. The event included fire buckets, great food and amazing performances both on and off the stage.

The line-up of live music for the night began with local performers Georgia Sideris and Lily Gaffaney. Triple J Unearthed band Young Monks were next to take centre stage with their amazing performance setting the mood. Internationally renowned Lior wooed the crowd next with

Winter in Forbes

FORBES COMMUNITY

WINTER EDITION 2019

NEWSSNIPPETS

FROST AND FIRE FESTIVAL SUCCESS

Citizenship Ceremony

Roadwork along Yarrangong Road

Grant Funded Rodeo Fencing Arrives

Spring Street footpath and guttering

Waterpark closed for Winter

his beautiful voice crooning his much loved timeless classics.

Entertainment featured not only on stage but throughout the crowd with a performances by local dance groups, Kristen’s Dance Studio, fire performers and the Yarrangirri River Spirit Dance Group. On the water the Lachlan Dragon Boat Club rowed by with their light display and floating wish candles dappling light across the water.

Our Council would like to thank all of the wonderful people who helped bring the night together especially the Rural Fire Service, SES and the Lions Club. It was a truly magnificent night for our community and one we plan to be even bigger and better next year.

WEEKEND SUNRISE VISITS FORBES

A WORD FROMGENERAL MANAGERSTEVE LOANEI can proudly report that Forbes Shire Council has received the coveted 2019 Australian Livestock Markets Association (ALMA) Animal Welfare Award for 2019. This win is further proof that animal welfare is a critical priority for Forbes Shire Council and the Central West Livestock Exchange (CWLE). The current expansion of the facility, due for completion later in the year, will ensure potential overcrowding is alleviated and livestock flow throughout the yards is efficient. The installation of the Dog Run further demonstrates our commitment to animal welfare. As well as these measures staff and agents that use our facility must undergo training to ensure we all abide by our strict animal welfare controls. We are very proud of the CWLE and its operations.

Work has commenced at Lions Park with the Fishing Platform installed and the first of two concrete slabs in place for food vendors to use. The storm water channel will be lined with drainage pipes and the channel in filled. This is a great improvement for the Park and opens up the site for many events throughout the year.

The Daroobalgie Waste Facility is reaching the final stages of completion and the new access road is due to be opened in mid-August. This will enable residents easy access to the new waste pit. Council has been working closely with Netwaste in trying to reduce the amount of landfill waste and direct this to recycling and green waste where we can. It is great to see attitudes and behaviours change over time regarding waste and I look forward to a time where very little ends up in the red bin!

LAKE FORBES NOW HAS A FISHING PLATFORM

James Tobin from Channel 7’s Weekend Sunrise came to town on 29th June to show Australia, Forbes.

As part of the rejunvenation of Lions Park an accessible fishing platform has been installed on the Lake at Lions Park. Not only does the platform improve fish habitats and provide a place for native fish to shelter from carp, the project ensures fishing is accessible for everyone.

The floating structure is extremely versatile and enables fishers to cast out into the lake safely. This also makes fishing with children a lot easier, with a sturdy platform on which to stand.

The platform has been installed with the ability to remove the structure easily during flood times. This ensures no damage to the platform and everyones safety is a top priority.

Already the platform has been used by many local families and visitors — proving to be a wonderful addition to our Lake Foreshore.

In a great opportunity for the Shire, Forbes played host to Weekend Sunrise weatherman, James Tobin on Saturday 29 June. The crew had many live crosses around town taking in Camp St, Victoria Park, Town Hall and then down to Lions Park where Forbes residents were waiting for him.

It was fantastic to be able to showcase Forbes and our amazing local people.

The tour of Forbes included a quick sulky ride with Brian Colletts along Court St to Town Hall. It was here James stopped to chat to Mayor Phyllis Miller about the history of Forbes.

In the next cross James interviewed Tim “Mouse” Mackey and Sam Smith about Forbes’ agricultural industry and the Central West Livestock Exchange, with Sam’s dogs playing a starring role.

From there the crew headed to Lions Park where the crowd was waiting to be a part of the show. Many local market vendors set up for the morning to show Australia their wares.

Artist Rosie Johnston explained our sculpture trail, Monique from Sweet Three made James waffles for breakfast while local Highschool boys Harry Alcorn and Jarrod McClenahan made him coffee from the Forbes High School coffee van.

Local fishermen Andrew Barass and Gavin Montgomery explained to James how great the fishing is here in Forbes and the Lachlan Dragons took him out for a lap of the lake.

WELCOME TO FORBES

COUNCIL, AWARD WINNERS

On the 31st May Forbes Shire Council held a Welcome to Forbes Reception for new residents at the Forbes Sports and Recreation Club. It was a fun night for newcomers to Forbes to meet local community groups, Councillors and staff from Forbes Shire Council. The Club and Local caterers provided light refreshments while local performer Adam Enslow performed for guests. The thinking behind the event was to give newcomers to town an opportunity to meet other new people as well as find out about the services available in town. Representatives from childcare facilities and schools, sporting groups, community groups and the Business Chamber also attended the event to answer questions. This will be a bi-annual event with the next Welcome to Forbes reception to be held on 1 November 2019. Pictured above catering by Peck & Graze

Pictured left to right: Russell Brown, Max Ridge, Bronwyn Flynn, Julie Ridge, Bec Roy, Sam Street, Steven Shepherd, Roy Patabendige, Greg Ridge and Elizabeth Smith

It is “awards season” in local government and Forbes Shire Council has received three over the last quarter. Mayor Phyllis Miller AOM received a Highly Commended award for Elected Representative from a Rural or Regional Council. In July Forbes Shire Council received the ALMA Animal Welfare Award. This award establishes Central West Livestock Exchange (CWLE) as a safe and caring environment for all animals in the vicinity. The expansion, Dog Run and staff and agent training are all part of ensuring that industry best practice applies in animal welfare at the CWLE.

Forbes Shire Council’s Youth Week received Best Local Youth Week Program at the NSW Local Government Awards. This is a great accolade for the tireless work our Youth Officer Sarah Williams puts into engaging with younger people throughout the year.

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYORHealth services in Forbes are so important to the Council and I. A meeting is imminent with myself, Scott McLachlan - CEO Western NSW Local Health, Richard Colbran - CEO of the Rural Doctors Network, Mayor of Parkes Shire Ken Keith, Sharon McKay - General Manager Southern Sector Western NSW Local Health District, Andrew Harvey - CEO of the Primary Health Network and deputy Mayors and General Managers from Parkes and Forbes Councils to discuss a way forward and restore health services at both hospitals as well as enhance the existing services. I will keep you updated on the results.

Great progress has been made with Stage Two of the Homemakers Centre, with drainage and kerb and guttering in place. The next phase will see the fuel and fast food retailers begin their works.

While the drought continues, the effects are being felt by those off the land as well. I encourage everyone to shop locally when they can to ensure we keep our retail sector strong during the hard times. We have a great retail sector here in town so let’s keep them going!

I also wish to mention Nell’s Pantry as a great local resource if you need their help - please go and see them for those essential pantry items free of charge. They are open to farm families every Tuesday from 1pm - 3.30pm and they can be found at St John’s Anglican Church.

Pictured: Mayor Phyllis Miller received a Highly Commended at the 2019 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government.

Pictured: The Hon Gareth Ward MP, Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services, Sarah Williams, Mayor Phyllis Miller and General Manager Steve Loane.

Pictured: CWLE Manager Cassi Walmsley and General Manager Steve Loane.

UPCOMING EVENTS

CONTACT COUNCILCOUNCIL CUSTOMER SERVICE For all inquiries: 6850 2300AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY CONTACT 1300 978 633STREET ADDRESS 2 Court Street, ForbesPOSTAL ADDRESS PO Box 333, Forbes, NSW 2871 EMAIL mail@forbes.nsw.gov.auWEBSITE www.forbes.nsw.gov.au

GOOD NEWS PUPPY STORYSEPTEMBER 5 Kenneth Broberg Piano Recital6 Forbes Championship Dog Show6-7 Forbes Show13 Jaguar Car Rally16-20 NAIDOC Week20-22 Grazing Down the Lachlan23 Small Schools Choir28 Classical Concert Farmers Market29 Wirrinya Picnic Day

OCTOBER4 PCYC Drought Tour6 Forbes Motorshow8-15 Bedgerabong Country Music Campout12 Spring Races Forbes Rotary Ipomoea Markets 13 Running Festival15 Multicultural Morning Tea18 Richard Hawke - International Pastry Chef at Forbes Men’s Shed19 Teddy Bear’s Picnic at Lions Park25 Championship Dog Show Baby Boomers Music Festival26 Farmers Markets

NOVEMBER1 Welcome to Forbes Event3 Forbes Triathalon9 Classical Concert Town Hall Forbes Rotary Ipomoea Markets Taste on Templar9-10 Forbes Golf Classic11 Rememberance Day16 Lions Club Car Boot Sale22 White Ribbon Day27 Combined Primary Schools Scripture

To find out more about upcoming events visitwww.forbes.nsw.gov.au or send an emailwhatson@forbes.nsw.gov.au to register forupcoming events notifications or to promote yournext event.

Recently Forbes Shire Council was asked to help with a tricky situation, when a pregnant dog was surrended to council as the owner did not have facilities to look after the impending puppies.

Forbes rangers knew that the dog could give birth at any time due its size, so around-the-clock observation was needed. In this situation Council contacted a rehoming organisation regarding the heavily pregnant dog. Thanks to Marshall from the rehoming organisation, who dropped what he was doing and travelled to Forbes and collected the dog immediately. The dog gave birth at 3am the next day to 12 healthy pups. The pups and mum will be rehomed in the near future.

The NSW Government encourages all pet owners to desex cats and dogs at an early age if they are not intending to breed. This helps to ensure pets stay healthy, are well behaved and do not have unwanted litters. The Government continues to provide funding to support discounted registration fees for desexed animals.

Talk to Council if you require any further information about this program.

Residents, visitors and workers in Forbes Shire demand a high level of food safety at the places they eat everyday. Scores on Doors is a promotional program that recognises and celebrates businesses that have demonstrated a good standard of food safety. All restaurants, cafes, takeaway and bakeries in the Forbes local area can receive a star rating, provided they meet the required food safety standard. Council officers inspect food businesses unannounced throughout the year to ensure the hygiene standards are being met and score them accordingly.

Pictured front left – right: Robyn Sydney from St Laurence’s School, Adian Clarke from Learning Ladder, Elena Turati from The Pantry, Donna Tandy and Gillian Taylor from The Roundabout Bakery, Caterina and Vittorio Murda from Café Agilo & Olio. Second row: Cr Michelle Herbert, Mayor Phyllis Miller, Stefan Murru, Cr Susan Chau, Julie Virtue from Havannah House, Michelle Rodgers from Purfect Coffee, Monica Wren from Carrawobbity, Cr Jenny Webb.Back row: Cr Grant Clifton, Cr Chris Roylance, Cr Jeff Nicolson, Cr Steve Karaitiana, John Zannes, Cr Graeme Miller, Paul Bennett, GM Steve Loane.

SCORES ON DOORSForbes Shire Council has joined this statewide program to improve food safety standards and reduce the instance of foodbourne illness in the retail food industry. The purple and green posters show a rating system of Excellent (5 stars), Very Good (4 stars), Good (3 stars), all representing various levels of compliance with the Food Standards Code.

The picture below features all of our Forbes 5 Star recipients.