FLOREENA FORBES OAM
& THE "TUMBLEWEED COUNTRY MUSIC BAND"
"Formed in 1977"
1969. Floreena bought her 1st guitar.
1969. Snowy Jenson another country music performer introduced her to Olive Bice' a great friendship was formed.
Olive encouraged Floreena to continue on with her music, including her in some of her shows.
Olive & Floreena together formed a duo" Maghogny".
1977 Floreena & her husband Wally Forbes formed The Tumbleweed Country Band.
The band reigned or 24 years.
Olive Bice, Lyn Golding, and Ellen Lee Osterfield
1980's “WALLY & FLOREENA worked together, promoting & performing on a charity shows for the RSPA during the bushfires held at the JB Osborne Theatre in Kangaroo Flat, Central Victoria with many other musicians and other charitable organisations
1981 –1985, members of the Tumbleweed band were Bill Simons- keyboard, Terry Simonds - drums, Noelene White pedal steel, Len Pickin – drums, John Cockfield – drums, and Allan Gillingham - lead guitar
1984 - Wally Forbes, Floreena's husband Passed Away
1985, Floreena continued on with her music after the loss of her husband Wally in 1984 and toured regularly with the Tumbleweed Band and performing regularly in the Barham, Deniliquin, Barooga, Rich River, Moama, Tooleybuc, Mathoura, Myrtleford, Murray Downs, Horsham Country Music Festival 2008, Melbourne, and has also travelled to South Australia, NSW, & Victoria supporting Country Music Clubs along the way touring too many venues by hiring a bus taking many of her fans with her with the Tumbleweed Band trailer behind the bus. Many of people still contact her today and talk of the great times that were had.
.
1987 saw the passing of Kevin Fitzpatrick was a very devoted Bass player and lived for his music. Kevin played his bass guitar right up to a few hours before his death.Floreena and Robert wrote a song for Kevin titled, “Goodbye to a Friend” Robert working on the lyrics and Floreena the music. The song “Goodbye to a Friend" was recorded on Floreena’s second album titled, “Floreena Country Favourites in 1989.
1989 Alex Thelma joined Tumbleweed on keyboard, Kim Crow on Bass guitar and Ted Bullow on drums.1991, Alex Thelma left to further is career in teaching and Graeme Byrnes joined the band as lead guitarist
A decision was made not to tow the trailer with the car anymore, the equipment had increased and with the car needing repair, Tumbleweed hired a bus to take the band to and from their destination, towing the band trailer behind the bus taking the Tumbleweed fans with them. Many memorable tales and stories arose from these trips, some of which are still talked about fondly to this day by the band and all their fans, great nights of music and dance were held. Floreena making sure all her fans were kept happy by adjusting the line dancing to many of the old time dances, in other words, a dance for everybody from the Fox Trot, to Pride of Erin, to Evening 3 step Rock and Roll and more.
Floreena would name the dance, this arrangement worked extremely well with everyone kicking up their heels and having a great time. The Tooleybuc Club had around 1200 people on a social night organised by the Tooleybuc Bootscootin’ Club, with the atmosphere being electric, everybody talking about the dance they would do or by following the program.
The Murray Downs Club Swan Hill would clear away the chairs from around the dance floor to make more room to be able to accommodate all the dancers. The Tumbleweed Line Dancers would perform in front of the band all dressed in uniform, always happy demonstrating the dances. With the band working more regularly, Tumbleweed included Paul Deborteli. As their roady and bus driver, then Wayne Maisey, Nick Nchrama and finally Robert. Many happy stories are being talked about today by the band and all their fans that made the journey a happy one.
1995 Floreena teamed up with the bass player Jim Moran. Floreena and Jim continued on as The Tumbleweed Country Duo, still working in the same venues with backing tracks still maintaining their popularity, the line dancers still Bootscootin’ to their favourite songs.
The Floreena Forbes & Tumbleweed Band became very popular between the 1980’s up to 2006 working on a regular basis and touring over much of Victoria and NSW and many parts of Melbourne.
The Banner, Sign and Drum ring were designed and printed by Bill Radcliff for the Tumbleweed Country Band.
Many great friendships were made during those years and still remain to this day, even though the Tumbleweed Band has retired. The Bootscooters are still following the socials and meeting up with their friends, and remember the Tumbleweed Band were it all began.
BBB-BENDIGO BLUEGRASS BAND
2006, Floreena formed a Bluegrass Band "BBB” - Bendigo Bluegrass Band. Members were Floreena Forbes (Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar.), Geoff Morris (Vocals& Harmony), Sue Webb (Mandolin, Harmonica, and Harmony), and Roy Webb. (Guitar Harmony), Chris Ryan (Banjo Harmony), Tony Ryan (Dobro), Finn Mathews (Slap Bass), Penelope Somerville (Fiddle & Harmony). The group would eventually go on to rename themselves the Band Tumbleweed.
Still today actively involved organising and participating in successful fundraisers for many charitable organisations since the early 1970's. Including Lions & Apex Clubs. Events for Cancer research, the Salvation Army, RSPCA, Bush Fire Appeal and the Australian Niemann Pick Foundation plus others,comforting the elderly in nursing homes & more.
Floreena has continued to give her time voluntary to help raise funds for the elderly & entertaining in many nursing homes, and many other charitable organisations as well as enjoying her music appearing solo or with Olive Bice as “Bendigo’s 2 Country Divas” and performing as a guest artist with other musicians.
2017 Inducted the Tamworth Country Music Broadcaster Hall Of Fame
2018 Awarded “The John P Toomy” award for services to Country Music at the Dubbo Spectacular
2021 Awarded The 2021 Victorian Senior of the year (Cota) Award )
2022 Awarded the OAM ( Order Of Ausralia ) Award. Austrlia
20.1.2022. The same evening together with many musicians recieved an Appreciatin Certificate from Ronald McDonald House.The same evening Vanessa Sanger was on Fibbers show,a lady to be admired.
2023 returned to Tamworth to do it all over again, being guest on all 9 of Fibber Parkers shows including another Fundraiser for "Ronald Mc Donald House Children's Hospital" held at The Pub 99 Gunnedah Rd Tamworth
Fibbers other shows
Nemingha Tavern, Family Hotel Tamworth January 2022Nemingha Tavern, Family Hotel Tamworth January 2023
Floreena appeared on Ernie Johns & Avalanche shows held at the Red Cross Hall
Kable St Tamworth each day during the featival 2023 -2024
2024 - Fundraiser for "Ronald Mc Donald House Children's Hospital" held at The Pub 99 Gunnedah Rd Tamworth
FLOREENA IS A RADIO PRESENTER has raised money for local FM Radio stations, still today in 2019 continues broadcasting on 106.7 Phoenix Fm working regularly each week broadcasting from 106.7 Phoenix Fm Bendigo’s Local Community radio station in Bendigo Victoria.
Floreena was one of the foundation members of 106.7 Phoenix Fm from its inception and still Supports Phoenix Fm today.
1996 began radio presenting on 3 Triple C 3Fm in Bendigo Victoria till 2006.
106.7 Phoenix FM. Floreena continues to present her own popular country music programs with country music, interview’s and talks about the history of Country Music and discussing many Charity’ community events along with country, bluegrass & more between 11/1Pm Thursdays.
Floreena Promotes Country has produced Concerts each year to raise money for the Australian Niemann Pick Foundation 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 total of $18.529.85 these concerts included Bendigo’s 2 Country Divas & other artists going back as far as the early 1970's Floreena has been running concerts for so many charities & Radio Stations.
Floreena albums are promoted on YouTube
Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Floreena-Forbes
FLOREENA FORBES
Time Line:
1966 - Started performing Country Music around Bendigo.
1977 - Tumbleweed is formed
1979 - Bendigo Country Music Club (Floreena Forbes Assistant Secretary & Publicity Officer)
1981 - Wandong Country Music Festival with the Tumbleweed Band & Participating in a Dolly Parton Contest
1980 - Cream of Country (Group) is formed
1986 - CD ‘Floreena’ Recorded at “Ramic Studio” Wangaratta
1987 - CD ‘Country Favourites’ Recorded at “Canyon Audio” Wangaratta
2001 -Floreena recieved a letter of thanks from th management of of 89.5 "Triple C Fm Rado Station Bendigo for a Fundraser Gala Night
2002 -Bendigo’s Three Country Diva’s (Floreena Forbes, Olive Bice Anne Conway)
2002- Outstanding Contribution to 89.5 Triple C Fm
2003 -Outstanding Contribution to 89.5 Triple C Fm Gala Night Fundraiser
2004 -Recieved a letter of thanks for organising a fundraiser Gala Night for 89.5 Radio Station
2005 - Recieved a letter of thanks fro Radio Station for raising money for the radio station
2006 - Foundation Member of 106.7 Phoenix FM
2006 -Recieved a letter of thanks from 89.5 The Fresh Radio Station for organising a fabulios Gala Night fundraser
2006 - Formed Bendigo’s Triple B Blue Grass Band – (BBB)
2008 - Horsham Country Music Festival performing Solo & as “Dolly Parton”
2008 - Appreciation Award from Council – (Charitable work)
2011 - County Round-up Appreciation – (Charity work)
2013 - Latest CD ‘For The Good Times’ -- recorded by shoe fly studio
2013- Horsham Country Music Festival-Award “Most Popular Busker”
2014 -Certificate of Appreciation Honorary Life Membership fro 106.7 Phoenix Fm Bendigo Vic
2014 - Fundraiseing Concert with Bendigo's "2 Country Music Divas Floreena Forbes & Oive Bice & Other Artists for the
Australian Niemann Pick Foundation " Raised ($3008)
2014 - Recieved from the Committee of Management 106.7 Phoenix Fm radio station for helping phoernix Fm's progreess each year.
2015 - Fundraiseing Concert with Bendigo's "2 Country Music Divas Floreena Forbes & Oive Bice & Other Artists for the
Australian Niemann Pick Foundation " Raised ($2190)
2016 - Fundraiseing Concert with Bendigo's "2 Country Music Divas Floreena Forbes & Oive Bice & Other Artists
For the Australian Niemann Pick Foundation " Raised ($2700")
2017 -Inducted into the "Tamworth Country Music Broadcasters Hall of Fame"
2018 -Certificate of Appreciation For Making "Rumblara' welcome at Radio Station 106.7 Phoenix Fm Bendigo
2018 -Certificate of Appreciation For her work making the Easter Festervil Entee from 106.7 Phoenix Fm Bendigo
2018- 2014 Fundraiseing Concert with Bendigo's "2 Country Music Divas Floreena Forbes & Oive Bice & Other Artists for the Australian Niemann Pick Foundation " Raised ($2620)
2018 - Recieved The "John Toomy Award" for Services to Country Music from the "Mal Norton Entertainment Services"
2018 - Fundraiseing Concert with Bendigo's "2 Country Music Divas Floreena Forbes & Oive Bice & Other Artists for the
Australian Niemann Pick Foundation " Raised ($5538.50)
2019 - Certificate of Appreciation From Committee of Management of Radio Station 106.7
2019 - Joined Fibber Parkers Band at the Tamworth Country Music Festival
2019 - Fibber Parkers show "Doing it for the Farmers Charity Concert RU AWARE-WE CARE
2019 - Fundraiseing Concert with Bendigo's "2 Country Music Divas Floreena Forbes & Oive Bice & Other Artists for the
Australian Niemann Pick Foundation " Raised $3523.35.
2021 - Recieved a Victorian Senior of the Year Award (Cota). For Services to the Community for her input into the Community over many years,by means of her Music, Radio announcing, Website.
2022 -Appeared on Fibber Parkers Charity Concert for Ronald Mc Donald House (Keeping Families together) Certificate of appreciation.
2022 - Awarded (OAM) Order Of Australia Medal-From the Order of Australia Association Victorian Branch
2022 Appeared in Tamworth Country Music Festival with Fibber Parker
2023 Appeared in Tamworth Country Music Festival with Fibber Parker
2023- Appeared on Fibber Parkers Charity Concert for Ronald Mc Donald House (Keeping Families together) Certificate of appreciation.
2023- Appeared on the Dusty Boot Festival in Narromine NSW.
2023 Australion County Music Stars of Fame 2nd Sept From Phil Mahoney Stars of Fame Originator -EST 1993 www.starsofffame.com.au. 2024 Appeared on Fibber Parkers Charity Concert for Ronald Mc Donald House (Keeping Families together) Certificate of appreciation.
2024 Appeared on Jammo's Living Legends of Australian Country Music at the Southside Uniting Chuch Hall Tamworth.
Floreena Apearing at The Pub for Fibber Parkers Charity Concert Ronald Mc Donald House (Keeping Families together)
Also - Appeared in Tamworth Country Music Festival with Fibber Parker
Floreena Appearing on the Australian Living Legends Show 2024
2021 - Floreena recieved a Victorian Senior of the Year Award (Cota).
For Services to the Community by Her Excellency the Honourable Linda DessauAC Governor of Victoria
for her input over many years,
by means of her Music, Radio announcing, Fundraising and her Website.
2022-June 22nd Floreena was awarded (OAM) Order Of Australia Medal
From the Oder of Australia Association Victorian Branch by Her Excellency the Honourable Linda Dessau AC Governor of Victoria.
