Maggi Barnard

Billy Spence has been operating Forbes Central Butchery for a few years and what started as a small family business to serve the local community has quickly turned into something far bigger.

Forbes Central Butchery now cover the Parkes and Forbes Shire from Bogan Gate and Trundle through to Tullamore and Tottenham with deliveries every Friday.

“There’s no order too big or small,” said Billy. “We are now also targeting local farmers markets with our new and unique ranges of sausages and other selected products,” he said.

And with the local Forbes Rotary Markets on tomorrow, 12th June what better time to trial Billy’s new snags in Victoria Park in preparation for the Forbes Central Butchery Sausage Sandwich Eating Contest at the Australia’s Biggest Bogan Festival on 13th November?

When Tommy Jeffs OAM hung up his alter ego Tallulah’s sparkly gown in 2020, he was sure she had retired forever. Then Ronald McDonald House in Orange called on Tallulah to raise some funds for their vital service and Tommy could not say no.

So, the perpetually busy Canowindra legend will be taking his cabaret show to Forbes for Christmas in July in collaboration with Forbes Shire Council.

“I have had friends that have used Ronald McDonald House. They are getting more and more people over there and it is becoming harder to raise money to support the good work they are doing. It is much easier to raise a lot of money in one night, than to do a lot of little fundraisers.”

Tommy knows this well, after a career of fundraising over $1 million, which earned him an OAM last Australia Day.

Those who know Tommy, will not be surprised that Tallulah is back. As Canowindra’s mover and shaker, he is not one to remain idle. During lockdown last year, Talullah gained a cult following of half a million people around the world from posting short clips online.

When asked what people can expect of the show, Tommy said: “They will get value for money. A beautiful meal, a variety show and a good laugh — and that is all we need

I decided I would have a try
At doing Waste to Art.
Recycling old to make objects new
Sounds easy – but where to start?

I went down to the library
To see the latest ones on show.
What do they use ? How can they make stuff?
To see them may help me to know.

Well! There’s nothing they won’t use.
(Though I viewed some with distaste)
But though my art is fairly limited
We have an awful lot of waste.

Rex says it will come in handy
I mustn’t throw it away.
It will end up “just the thing we need”
Upon some far-off day.

Car parts, wheels, gates and iron,
Posts of wood, cement and iron,
Materials to “build that shed one day”
Can’t remember them all, though I’m tryin’.

I know! I’ll build a sculpture!
In the garden to be seen
By those who come to visit us-
(I began to get quite keen.)

I searched, and found just what I need.
I put them in a pile.
While I thought about how to make
A sculpture with pizazz – and style.

Visitors can “Oooh and Aaah” over it
On Open Gardens Day.
It will look so fine, so cultured, so clever.
“I wonder what they will say?”

But an old-car man came. He bought three wheels,
Swapped Rex some tools for my cattle grid.
Took some iron lace, a tractor seat
And a camp oven (without a lid).

All this came from my sculpture pile.
It was gone before I found out.
Ambition was dashed. Inspiration was quashed
(That’s what art is all about.)

So here I stand. All my plans are gone.
Reality is – they are now all ghosts.
For all that is left is a petrol drum
And three big iron posts!

The future of water security in Parkes received a $5 million boost in funding on Monday.

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack MP announced the funding from the Federal Government’s Regional Partnership at the Parkes Water Treatment Plant. The funding will go towards Stage 2 of the Parkes Water Security Projects for two new pump stations.

Mayor of Parkes Shire Ken Keith OAM said: “These valuable water projects will future proof the Parkes township water supply and support anticipated residential growth as a result of the thousands of new jobs created by developments such as Inland Rail, mining and the Parkes Special Activation Precinct.”

Andrew Francis, Director Infrastructure at Parkes Shire Council, said the total project was about $60m. “The $5 million will provide two key parts of scope for the project: one pump station on the Lachlan river and one on the outskirts of Parkes township. This will really activate water security into the future on the 40 to 50 year time horizon with a 3,000 to 4,000 population increase for Parkes providing long-term strategic investment in Parkes, with water a key part of that.”

Andrew said once the full project was complete, Council would have access to the full 12 gigalitres of water that it owned within the Lachlan valley. “Currently we only have access to about six of those gigalitres, which means it would be a 100% increase in the total value of water supply over the next 40 to 50 years.”

The announcement formed part of a $10M commitment to deliver three projects in Central West NSW to strengthen economic growth, that also includes the Central West Industrial Park in Forbes, and a $1 million upgrade for the village centre of Lake Cargelligo.

Michael McCormack said the funding would make such a difference by creating jobs and opportunities, and unlocking the wealth of these areas.

Famous TV presenter known for his knowledge on growing food and flowers as well as beards, Costa Georgiadis entertained 350 Year 5 students from Parkes and Forbes on Eco Day last week.

Students from the five primary schools in Parkes travelled to Forbes where Costa talked about sustainability, while they also attended several hands-on workshops.

Costa inspired and encouraged students to be the change makers and work at things that they were passionate about. He reminded the children that he did not start out life planning to be a television host on Gardening Australia!

“He is such a vibrant ambassador for the environment and a dynamic presenter,” said Judy Unger who helped out on the day. “The coordinators of this event, Marg Applebee and co did a fabulous job. It was a great day!” The day was organised by Central West Lachlan Landcare.

Parkes student Ella Butler who volunteered at Eco Day said he was wonderful with the kids and got across a good message while keeping it interesting and relevant to the audience. “There were a few giggles too. He is definitely passionate about what he does.”

Costa attended a Landcare dinner in Forbes on Friday night and to finish off his visit, he attended the Forbes Riverside Community Garden’s open day to give the community an opportunity to meet him and be part of his visit.