Parkes Phoenix Editor

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

Biggest Parkes Hockey Contingent At Australian Masters

September 16, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Parkes hockey will be very well represented at the 2022 Hockey Australia Women’s Masters Championships in Cairns next week with nine players selected in various teams. It is the biggest group of players to go to the Masters from Parkes and they are all very excited. “We have trained very hard and put in a lot of time and effort,” said Denise Gersbach. “We are looking forward to support each other, and catching up with hockey friends from all over the country,” said Maureen Massey. The Parkes players are (L-R) Sue McGrath (ACT 50s), Denise Gersbach (NSW 50s), Maureen Massey (NSW 65 Blues), Mandy Westcott (NSW 50s), Donna Payne (Manager NSW 65 Blues) and Louise Witherow (ACT 34s). (Absent: Jane Grosvenor (NSW 50s), Fran Dixon (NSW 65 Blues) and Lee Hodge (ACT 45s – withdrawn due to injury).

Australian Champs In Forbes This Weekend

September 16, 2022 by Hayley Hope-Hodgetts

The Australian Senior Track Title Championship takes place in Forbes this weekend at the Daroobalgie Track. Entry is $5 for everyone over 13 years and a full canteen will be in operation both days.

More than 200 flat track riders will descend on Forbes this weekend to battle it out for the coveted Australian Championship title. Forbes rider Tom Drane, who holds a string of national titles and races in the US, will be competing with Australian title holders.

Some of the fastest flat track racing in Australia will be happening at the Daroobalgie Track on Saturday and Sunday as the Forbes Auto Sports Club, Forbes Shire Council and Club Forbes welcome riders from across the country.

All types of bikes will be racing including Pro 250, MX Open, Pro 450, 500 Sliders (no brakes), Open Unlimited Sliders (no brakes) and Pro Open Women’s. There will also be some support classes racing with lots of local junior riders from 4-year-olds to U16s, sidecars and Over 35s.

Racing will start at 9am on Saturday, and the opening ceremony will be at 9:30am on Sunday. Forbes’s Jo Stephenson will be singing the National Anthem and two current Junior Australian Champions from Forbes, Hugh Hope-Hodgetts and Sam Drane, will be leading the participants on the track for a lap of honour. Racing, including the finals, will begin straight after the ceremony on Sunday.

By Hayley Hope-Hodgetts

Our Gal – Robyn Kenny

September 16, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Robyn Kenny

Where were you born? Orange.

Were you named after anyone? Yes, my second name was my Aunty’s name.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Apparently, it is marrying Terry (prompting from my husband), and still being happily married. Also establishing and operating our interstate transport business together for over 40 years, and helping to form the Forbes Netball Association.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? Probably at the moment 9/11.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? I always think the glass is half full, be determined and work hard and you can succeed.

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Apart from marrying Terry (LOL), I am not a very good risk taker!

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? Some food and water, definitely my knitting and maybe a sat phone so I could get more of the above when I run out.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Employ and pay very well, some ‘helpers’, so I can just do all the things I really like to do, and also fill up the cars with fuel.

When are you happiest? Playing and being with grandkids.

Memories and Recollections Of Queen Elizabeth II

September 16, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Mark Lyell at the Queen Elizabeth II display in the Forbes & District Historical Museum.

The passing of Queen Elizabeth II last week has started many conversations and brought back plenty of memories for people who had seen the monarch during one of her many visits to Australia.

Mark Lyell, who volunteers at the Forbes & District Historical Museum, clearly remembers her infamous visit in 1954. “I was in primary school in Sydney and we lined Military Road as she came from Taronga Zoo. She drove past us in an open car.” It was her first visit to Australia as the Queen aged 27.

Forbes resident Greg Ridge said he was a young snapper living in Darwin in the early 70s when he saw the Queen. “We greeted her at the RAAF base airport.”

Another Forbes resident had the singular honour of opening a door for the Queen. Kenneth Wren was working in security at Parliament House in 1996. “I opened the main door to Parliament house for her Majesty.”

While the Queen never visited Forbes, many people will remember when the new Monarch King Charles III came to Forbes on 27th January 1994.

He planted a tree in Victoria Park, and the spade he used is on display at the Forbes & District Historical Museum, which forms part of a bigger display on the Queen. It contains a display cupboard filled with memorabilia.

The Queen visited Wagga Wagga in 1954, and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack recalled when he met her as editor of The Daily Advertiser in Sydney in 2000 and said where he was from, she immediately replied ‘Wagga Wagga a market town’.

“She remembered all those years ago visiting our city,” said Michael. “We then had a very convivial conversation about Wagga Wagga and the season. She recalled it in detail straight off the top of her head. I was amazed.”

Snippets…

September 16, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Many people have dusted off their collection of Royal memorabilia this week with the passing of Queen Eliza-beth II. The Forbes & District Historial Museum has a collection on show.

Yoga & Meditation In Support Of Homelessness: Start your Grazing Down the Lachlan weekend with a yoga and meditation session tomorrow (Saturday) from 8 – 9am ate Wheogo Park. Guided by four local women, Carmen Spry, Kitty Stitt, Aimee Woods and Cherie Stitt, the session is perfect for all levels and you can choose to practice from a chair (provided) or a mat (bring your own). Payment by donation, and all proceeds will go to the Women’s Refuge run by CatholicCare in Forbes.

Nominate A Tradie: Our Tradie of the Month competitions in Forbes and Parkes, sponsored by Gunn’s Menswear and Totally Work Wear respectively, continues this month. Readers can nominate a tradie by dropping into Gunn’s Menswear or Totally Work Wear, or send us an email at editor@forbesphoenix.com.au or editor@parkesphoenix.com.au. The Parkes competition closes on Sunday, 18th September.

Mandagery Creek Bridge: Abergeldie Pty Ltd has been awarded the tender to build a new $12 million concrete bridge over Mandagery Creek at Manildra with construction to begin this month and completed by June 2024. The new bridge on Henry Parkes Way will have wider travel lanes and better access for pedestrians with a footpath on the northern side.

Slow Down For Moo-Ving Livestock: Local Land Services is reminding drivers to slow down when approaching livestock that are being moved along public roads. Following wet conditions and floods, many producers need to move livestock to safer ground. When stock are grazing or moving near or on a road, drovers must display approved black and yellow warning signs. Drivers must give way to stock and all other animals and any vehicle accompanying the stock.

Chief Medical Officer: Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) has announced the appointment of its first Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Professor Mark Arnold. He is set to begin in the new role in January next year. Mark Spittal, WNSWLHD Chief Executive, said the CMO role was specifically designed to put real emphasis on the standards of clinical practice, the ethics of care and the long-term development of the medical workforce in particular. Professor Arnold has more than 30 years’ experience as a rheumatologist and, as a senior academic with the University of Sydney as Head of the Rural Clinical School and Professor of Rural Medicine.

Western NSW Local Health District’s first Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Professor Mark Arnold.

Books Of Condolences In Forbes And Parkes

September 16, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

A book of condolences has been placed at the Forbes Shire Council where residents can write down their messages for the Royal Family. Peter Harrop, who moved to Forbes a few months ago, took the opportunity on Monday to pay his respects to the Queen and for everything she had done for Australia. There is also a book of condolences in Parkes at the office of the Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack, available to the public to sign.

Locals Mourn Passing Of Queen Elizabeth II

September 16, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

PURPLE HONOUR… The Forbes Town Hall was lit up in purple last Friday to honour the life of Queen Elizabeth II. Right: Flags at the Parkes Shire Library were lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect. The Australian Government has an online condolence book at www.pmc.gov.au.

Residents of the Forbes and Parkes Shires have been saddened by the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II since the announcement of the news by Buckingham Palace last Friday.

“My sympathies to everyone since the passing of our beautiful Queen,” said Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller. “Personally, I do not know life without her as our Queen, like many in our community. Her 70 years of selfless service was an inspiration.”

Mayor of Parkes Shire Ken Keith said: “On behalf of my fellow Councillors, Council staff and the residents of the Parkes Shire, I extend my deepest sympathies to His Majesty King Charles III, the Royal family, and all those mourning the loss of Queen Elizabeth II.

“Queen Elizabeth II’s reign was the longest of any British monarch, and over her seven decades on the throne, she proved to be a rare and reassuring constant amidst a period of extraordinary change,” said Ken.

Flags at both Councils were lowered to half-mast last Friday as a mark of respect. The Queen visited Australia 16 times, which included 12 visits to NSW visiting Bathurst, Broken Hill, Dubbo, Katoomba, Lismore, Lithgow, Wagga Wagga and Wollongong.

The Prime Minister announced a one-off public holiday on Thursday, 22nd September as a national day of mourning to mark the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The Forbes Shire Council will be holding a short service for the public on the day at 10:30am to lay wreaths and flowers and observe a minute’s silence at 11am.

Forbes Croquet Results

September 16, 2022 by Pegging Out

Rain was the winner for Aussie Croquet on Saturday. We had 24 players for Golf Croquet on Tuesday. Five players managed three games: Geoff Coles, John Farah, Mal Smith, Tony Thomson and Alex Todd.

BIG WINNERS: 10 – 3 Neville Spry and Geoff Coles, Alex Todd and Mal Smith, Rex Toole and Geoff Coles; 9 – 4 Noel Jolliffe and Joan Littlejohn, John Farah and Bruce Field, Peter West and Mal Smith, Neville Spry and Mal Smith, Sandy Hepburn and Tony Thomson, Bruce Field.

CLOSE GAMES: John Farah and Geoff Coles 7 Lorraine Todd and Bruce Field 6; Marie Spry and John Job 7 May Jones and Peter West 6; Lyal Strudwick and Sally Perry 7 Joan Littlejohn and Sandy Hepburn 6; Fay Picker and Alex Todd 7 May Jones and Iren Ford 6; Allan Jones and Tony Thomson 8 Noel Jolliffe and Neville Spry 5; Fay Picker and Carolyn Neilsen 8 John Job and Rex Toole 5; Rex Toole and Tony Thomson 8 Jenny Job and Lorraine Todd 5; John Farah and Merv Langfield 8 Marie Spry and Lyal Strudwick 5 ; Alex Todd and Lyal Strudwick 8 Merv Langfield and May Jones 5

By Pegging Out

‘Stellarphant’ Is Funny And Witty

September 16, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

The performance of Stellarphant by Meerkat Produc-tions in Parkes last week with students from the Parkes Christian School.

Parkes students were treated to a wonderful show last week when Meerkat Productions was in town with a dramatisation of one of the shortlisted Book Week books.

Parkes Shire Library hosted Meerkat Productions for the eighth time for their performance of Stellarphant by James Foley. The Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) shortlisted book is a powerful story about following your dreams despite overwhelming obstacles.

Students and staff from Parkes Christian School were invited to join in the interactive show at the Cooke Park Pavilion with Meerkat Productions performers, Debbie and Abby.

Students commented after the show saying: “I liked how well they acted and how inclusive they were.” Another one said: “It was funny and witty and I loved the audience’s involvement.”

Meerkat Productions, an Australian theatre company, is owned and operated by qualified teachers who specialise in adapting children’s literature for the stage.

Community Supports Forbes Show

September 16, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Kelsey Muller is the 2022 Forbes Young Women. She is pictured with Member for Orange Phil Donato. (Photo: Phil Donato Facebook)

Despite some challenging weather the 146th Forbes Show went ahead with great success and lots of support from the community after two years of COVID interruptions.

The pavilions were bursting with displays and plenty of ribbons were handed out to the winners in all the different categories. Kelsey Muller won the 2022 Forbes Young Women competition and will represent Forbes at the zone finals.

The Forbes PA&H Committee thanked the sponsors, stewards, volunteers and attendees for their continued support. “We hope you all enjoyed all the things to see and do and we were over the moon to have you all back!”

Parkes Phoenix Editor

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