Parkes Phoenix Editor

Maggi Barnard has been with the Forbes Phoenix since 2021 and loves writing about her community.

Men’s Bowls

September 30, 2022 by Marty Tighe

CHAMPIONSHIP MATCHES

The eagerly anticipated final of the minor pairs match was played on Tuesday last week, with Ricky Frame leading for Chris Harrison, playing defending champions Marty Tighe and Gary McPhee. Ricky and Chris struggled early, falling behind by 8 shots after just 4 ends. Gary and Marty bowled very well to be in control early and kept the scorecard ticking over, leading 20 shots to 10 after 14 ends. However, they only scored another 3 shots for the match, as they desperately held off their fast-finishing opponents. Gary and Marty winning the minor pairs final, by 23 shots to 17.

SOCIAL BOWLS

Eighteen social bowlers played 2 games of triples and 2 games of pairs last Thursday.

Ian Simpson, Mick Keane and Major Rob Irving beat Jim Blake, Bernie Mitchell and Tony Riordan 22 to 10.

John Wright, Ron Hornery and Mick Simp-son outclassed Ray Jones, Bob Freeman and Gary McPhee 24 shots to 15.

Graeme Barby and Col Hayward played Joanne Simpson and John Ward in the game of the day. The scores were locked at 15 each after 16 ends. Col and Graeme scored 9 shots in just 2 ends to win by 24 to 19.

By Marty Tighe

Forbes Netball News

September 30, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The Forbes Netball Association is starting to plan for the 2023 representative season, with nominations open for players, coaches, assistant coaches and umpires.

Girls turning 12, 13 and 14 years in 2023 are able to nominate to trial for their respective age groups, where the teams will compete at the junior state titles at Liverpool from 1st to 3rd July.

Girls turning 15U and 17U in 2023 are able to nominate to trial for their respective age groups with the teams competing at the senior state titles in Newcastle from 10th to 12th June.

Regional league played in the West/Central West, with dates, locations and format to be decided by NNSW. Regional training carnivals will also be played in preparation for the state titles.

Representative nomination forms are available on the FNA website, and must be emailed to Secretary Caitlin at secretary.forbesnetball@gmail.com by 13th October.

Selections for players will take place after nominating on Thursday, 20th October. The second selection will be held on Thursday, 27th October 27. Times for the trials are 12, 13 and 14 years at 5:30pm at the netball courts. Times for the trials are 15U and 17U years and opens at 6:30pm.

The FNA committee is also calling for nominations for all representative coaches, assistant coaches and umpires for the above age groups and championships. Nominations close on 13th October and must be emailed to the above.

Coaches must be working towards NNSW accreditation, assistant coaches required to at least hold Foundation accreditation and coaches required to hold at least Development accreditation. Any enquiries about coaching or umpiring can be directed to Coach Convenor Robyn Kenny on 0407 235 326.

Tradie Of The Month

September 29, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

A Very Busy Exchange

September 23, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The Forbes Central West Livestock Exchange saw one of its biggest days yet last week Tuesday with a massive yarding of 42,800 sheep. This included 9,950 suckers; 22,250 XB lambs; 6,000 Merino lambs and 4,600 mutton. The amazing drone image was taken by Tash at Forbes Livestock and Agency Co.

Forbes Residents Shine With Melbourne Cup

September 23, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Legendary race caller Greg Miles with Forbes jockey Cat Newcombe and local race caller Col Hodge with the 2022 Melbourne Cup in Forbes on Monday. Work on the cup starts well in advance and the finished trophy is delivered one year and one week out of the race.

There was a special sparkle in the Forbes Town Hall on Monday when plenty of residents got to hold 18 carats of gold in their hands.

“There is no other single item in Australia made from so much gold,” said Joe McGrath, Melbourne Cup Tour Manager.

The 1.65kg of gold for this year’s cup came from Evolution’s Cowal Mine about 100km from Forbes, which made the photo opportunity with the cup even more special for Forbes locals.

The Melbourne Cup Tour included Forbes as one of its 33 destinations this year, and after the event at the town hall, Jemalong Village residents had the Cup come to them specially.

“The Melbourne Cup represents so much starting in 1861 at the heart of the gold rush era, and going for 162 consecutive years,” said Joe.

Before residents lined up for their moment golden glory, legendary race caller and Melbourne Cup Ambassador Greg Miles shared the stage with local horse racing ‘celebrities’ Cat Newcombe and Col Hodges. Cat, who was a professional jockey for seven years, said it was a real privilege to see the Melbourne Cup in Forbes.

Local race caller Col Hodge said Greg was the best caller and after more than 50 year he was still learning from him.

Greg said his love of racing started in primary school when he used to listen to the races on the radio with his father every Saturday afternoon. That was when he decided to become a race caller, and in 1981 he called the Melbourne Cup at the age of 22. “I was still there 36 years later. It never felt like I was going to work.”

Greg’s enthusiasm for racing rubbed off as the air filled with excitement and bright smiles when students from Forbes Primary School lined up alongside older residents for this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Shane Wode, who is known for doing Forbes Show announcements, has a great interest in the Melbourne Cup and made sure not to miss the opportunity to hold the cup.

Snippets…

September 23, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Remember you can recycle your household problem waste at the Forbes Shire Council. Drop in your mobile phones, household batteries and other small e-waste at the Community Recycling Centre.

School Holidays Activities: Virtual reality tournaments, Lego animation workshops and horse-riding clinics are among the many free or discounted activities available these spring school holidays thanks to the NSW Government’s $10 million Holiday Break Program. A new online interactive map is available outlining the programs, when the activities are running and how to book. Create NSW is delivering a range of artistic activities, including its popular song-writing program, SongMakers. To find activities near you through the new interactive map, visit www.nsw.gov.au/HolidayBreak.

8 Billion Containers: A major environment and recycling milestone was reached last weekend with eight billion bottles, cans and drink cartons returned through the NSW Return and Earn return point network. Minister for Environment James Griffin said the incredible effort from NSW communities was transforming how we recycle.

The eight billion containers have delivered $800 million in refunds to the people of NSW, and reduced drink container litter by a massive 52%. “Heading to the local Return and Earn point has become a routine part of life, and I’d like to thank the almost 80% of adults in NSW who have got involved.” Return and Earn has contributed more than $35 million in donations to community groups and charities since its launch.

Students And The Future: Applications for the Infrastructure Traineeship Program are now open for school leavers across the Central West. The two-year program brings together leading infrastructure government agencies and industry partners to offer school leavers practical experience in the infrastructure sector. More than 100 trainee roles are available through three rotations of eight months each with government agencies, contractors and consultants. For more information and to apply, visit: www.apprenticeshipcareers.com.au/infrastructure-traineeships

Calling On Youth: Young people across regional NSW are encouraged to apply to become a member of the 2023 Regional Youth Taskforce consisting of 18 members, which includes two members from nine regions. “If you are aged 12 to 24 and are passionate about your region, being on the Taskforce is an opportunity to work with like-minded people and let us know how the NSW Government can help you and your peers work, live and thrive in your community,” said Minister for Regional Youth Ben Franklin. The Taskforce meets four times per year with travel costs, meals and accommodation covered. Applications close 23rd October. Visit www.nsw.gov.au/regional-nsw/regional-youth-taskforce

Flooding seems to be far from over with river levels expecting to rise more after more rain this week. This bench at Lake Forbes had become unreachable last weekend.

Five Grand Final Wins For Parkes Junior Rugby League

September 23, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Parkes U17s League tag grand final winners beat Cabonne 16-4 after being undefeated all season.

Parkes Marist junior rugby league club had an outstanding year with five of their sides winning the grand final in Grenfell this month.

The season could not have been such a success without the fabulous committee and the endless work from the volunteers throughout the season.

U11s League tag won their grand final against Forbes 16-4. The girls were outstanding with most of them playing their first year. Congratulations to Alyra Williams for receiving player of the match and to Charli Milne for receiving best and fairest runner-up in the Lachlan District 2022 season.

U12s Whites went through the year undefeated and won their grand final against Forbes 16-0. A massive achievement for all the boys. Congratulations to Eli Gharib for receiving player of the match and to Jett Clarke for receiving best and fairest for Lachlan District 2022 season.

U14s League tag White won their grand final against Forbes Black 12-8. The girls came out strong and dominated over Forbes. Congratulations to Jessica Morgan for receiving player of the match and to Grace Milne for receiving best and fairest and international player of the year for Lachlan District 2022. Grace MacGregor received best and fairest runner-up for Lachlan District 2022 season.

U14s won their grand final against Forbes 18-10. All boys played an amazing game of footy. Congratulations to Triston Ross for receiving best and fairest for Lachlan District 2022 season and international player of the year.

U17s league tag won their grand final against Cabonne 16-4. Being undefeated all season, the girls should be very proud. Congratulations to Jorja Simpson for receiving player of the match and to Jorja Simpson and Elizabeth MacGregor for receiving best and fairest runner-up for Lachlan District 2022 season.

Our Bloke – Alex Milsom

September 23, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Alex Milsom

Where were you born? Coonabarabran in NSW.

Were you named after anyone? Kind of, my middle names were given to me after relatives in my dad and mum’s family.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? My children’s.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? The Twin Towers on September 11.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? You have to be able to eat dinner with the queen, but also sit in the gutter and make friends with people that want the best for you.

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Not sure – I am not much of a risk taker.

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? Bear Grylls, matches, fishing supplies (and would sneak in a book too).

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? A couple of big Lego sets, some Holden parts, clothes, watches, plants and just go shopping.

When are you happiest? When I am with my family and friends.

Great Weather And Exciting Menu Leave Grazers Fulfilled

September 23, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

DRAGON DANCE… Kristen’s Dance Studio entertained guests at Grazing Down the Lachlan with a wonderful production of the dragon dance usually performed at Chinese New Year. The setting among the gum trees provided a beautiful contrast for the colourful costumes and dragon.

The fourth edition of Forbes’s very unique long lunch has lodged itself in the memory banks of the 700 plus guests who came from far and wide to enjoy a degustation menu among the magnificence of the Central West’s gum trees.

Many said it was the best Grazing Down the Lachlan yet, and director Wendy Muffet agreed that it might be judged by the resoundingly positive feedback. “I could not be more delighted with how it all worked out.

“The highly curated menu by Creative Director O Tama Carey was very exciting this year,” said Wendy. O Tama, who created all the recipes for the degustation menu, drew inspiration from the local history during the gold rush era and incorporated ideas from Chinese dishes found in regional restaurants in Australia with touches of native ingredients and flavours.

What is there not to enjoy about meandering from food station to food station through the wondrous landscape at the Gum Swamp Wildlife Refuge while enjoying carp crackers, ginger and shallot scrolls, kangaroo dim sums, a family soup, Ants Crawling on Trees (rice vermicelli with lam mince) and burnt bloodwood honey gelato each very carefully matched with a beverage?

The return of the multi-award winning event after a two-year hiatus came with a new set of weather challenges leaving the usual event site at 9 Mile Reserve under about a foot of water, and a new venue had to be found last minute.

“I take my hat off to the team, they are so resilient,” said Wendy. “That was a highlight for me when nobody said we could not do it.”

According to Wendy the new venue at Gum Swamp turned out to be a huge bonus as they were able to highlight the beauty of the area. “Many locals had never been there.”

Leaving the site as they found it by delivering a no-waste, environmentally responsible event makes this foodie adventure truly unique. Guests have the option to donate back their goodie back of items, including wine glass, enamel plate, linen napkin and recycled cutlery to be used the following year. Items worth $19,000 were donated back after the previous event. “We literally leave only footprints as everything is recycled,” said Wendy. “We find that more and more people are commending us on this philosophy, as so much waste is left behind at huge festivals and events across Australia.”

The benefit of this small idea that has grown into something really big, is not just a direct injection of $400,000 in the local economy, but the profits are delved back into community projects, such as the ever growing Sculptures Down the Lachlan art trail.

By Maggi Barnard

Be Seen

September 23, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Que member and social director Wendy Neville showed off her hockey skills when Parkes Hockey Olympian Mariah Williams surprised Que members with a visit at their monthly meeting recently.

Aimee Woods on vocals from Forbes and Esther Bruce on saxophone from Parkes combined their talents at Grazing Down the Lachlan last Saturday creating a perfect musical vibe for the event.

Parkes Que Club Vice-president Ann-Marie Winter (right) welcomed three new members recently. They are (L-R) Janene Dwyer, Heather Harvey and Joanne Burke.

Parkes Phoenix Editor

CHAMPIONSHIP MATCHES

SOCIAL BOWLS

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