Roxane Manley

Forbes Garden Club Report

November 20, 2025 by Roxane Manley

October hosts were Jane and Darryl Hurley.

Our hosts for the October meeting, Jane and Darryl Burley, welcomed 36 members and provided us with a roomy shed out of the rain.

President Marg Dent asked for apologies and Lloyd Gerdes presented the financial report.

The next meeting will be our Christmas Luncheon and Marg has booked the Vandenberg Hotel at a cost to members of $30 payable to Treasurer Lloyd. This will be for 12 – 12.30pm on Tuesday 25 November for a two course meal. Members are asked to dress with a touch of Christmas. This will be our last meeting for the year.

Noel Hocking thanked all those who visited their garden to view the irises and supported Can Assist with donations. Noel is walking from Bedgerabong to Forbes to raise funds for CanAssist and it was decided to donate $100 to help.

Our guest speaker was Wendy Muffet who spoke on her life moving to a farm at Wirrinya. On retirement, she and her husband bought a small block of land, built a home and started a bed and breakfast. They planted trees and vegetables using organic methods to control pests and composting to keep weeds at bay. Lee Sanderson thanked Wendy with a small gift.

Flower of the month winners were first Denise Thurston (Hippeastrum), second Clare Haley (Bauhinia) and third David Sanderson (Begonia). The raffle was won by Meg Scholefield, second prize went to Sue Robinson.

After the meeting, members enjoyed walking around the garden. Janette Thomas invited members to her garden across the road to view her roses .We are looking forward to seeing you all at the Vandenberg Hotel on Tuesday 25 November.

By Green Thumb

‘Medal Of Medallist’ Decided

November 20, 2025 by Short Putt

The blustery weekend did not dampen the participants in the Saturday Golf Comp as those eligible vied for the ‘Medal of Medallist’ honours.

The Men’s competition was an 18-Hole Stroke sponsored by Loomzy’s Fis-n-Fix.

The field of 57 were keen to enjoy the day of golf. The Medal of Medallist Trophy was contested by 25 of the 30 eligible players.

The blustery conditions did blow the scores around but a steady round by Sandy Patterson (68 nett) gave him the trophy, ahead of Cam McMillan and Niel Duncan.

In the Stroke competition there were some individual flashes of brilliance. The Div-1 was won by Tim West with a 64 nett, finishing well clear of runner-up Cam McMillan on 70 nett. Tim played the back-9 in 3-under. Both he and Cam finished with 2’s.

The Div-2 was won by Sandy Paeterson with his 68 nett. He had not played much through the winter and was quite fresh.

Runner-up was Brett Woonton with 71 nett.

He was a bit rough at first but settled well on the back-9.

The NTPs went to: 9th Ben Robinson; 18th Cam McMillan. The 3rd hole Super pinwent to Brett Slack-Smith with a shot to 95 cm, making for an easy ‘2’.This Saturday, 22 November, is a 4BBB Stableford Medley, vying for the Deacon Dwyer Trophy.

By Short Putt

Inaugural Parkes Athletic Games A Success

November 20, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The weight lifting competition was a crowd favourite. Dubbo Crossfit Tyler Edgcumbe.

As the athletes stood in the shed on Saturday morning at 7am, with a cool breeze at their backs, anticipation was high for the start of the inaugural Parkes Athletic (PA) Games. The briefing was quick but crucial, with the organisers outlining the day’s schedule, the requirements for each event and the scoring process. Over 80 athletes and 20 volunteers disperse to prepare for the first events. It was clear this event would be a mix of competition and camaraderie.

The five events for the day consist of stationary skiing, running, tyre flips, athletic movements, olympic style weightlifting, gymnastic movements and high aerobic output. The crowd of athletes and local supporters cheers’ echo as athletes in each event and category push themselves throughout the day to their limits, fuelled by adrenaline. By the time the last event finishes late in the day, the athletes have tested their physical capabilities, are thoroughly exhausted yet completely euphoric.

A huge congratulations to all the teams for their incredible performances and sportsmanship. Special shout-outs to the podium winners in each category—your hard work and dedication truly shone.

The PA Games were a fantastic showcase of talent, teamwork, and community spirit! PA would like to thank each of the key sponsors such as The Worklocker, Littles Power, Standen Building , Specialized plumbing and excavation, Yakka solutions, EM earthmoving, Laura Jelbart Photography and organisations such as Parkes Shire Council.

“We can’t wait to hold an even bigger and better event and look forward to seeing everyone again next year,” said Emma Montgommery of Parkes Athletic.

Running and giving it everything in the tank, from Logan Thorpe Fitness Condobolin is Logan Thorpe and Kelly Tyack.

Leading Frontline Voices To Reveal Realities Of Domestic Violence In Rural, Remote NSW

November 20, 2025 by Roxane Manley

CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes CEO Anne-Marie Mioche says the Hidden No More symposium on November 28 will bring the focus to domestic violence in regional, rural and remote NSW, with a goal of improving the safety of women and children.

CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes will bring together leading voices and frontline workers in domestic violence this month to uncover the realities of the issue across regional, rural and remote NSW.

‘Hidden No More: shining the light on domestic violence in rural communities’ will seek to drive lasting change when it takes place at Narromine on 28 November.

Its keynote speakers are The Hon. Stephen Lawrence MLC, NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner Dr Hannah Tonkin, author, professor and investigative journalist Jess Hill, NSW Police Incident and Emergency Management Commander Superintendent Greg Moore, and Magistrate Aaron Tang, Local Court of New South Wales, Dubbo.

Orana and Far West had the highest rate per 100,000 population of domestic violence-related assaults in NSW in the year to June 2025, the latest update from NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) shows.

In Orana and Far West, domestic violence-related assaults have consistently occurred at more than three times the state rate per 100,000 population for at least the past two years, BOCSAR’s quarterly reports also show.

CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes operates across 52 per cent of NSW and is a lead domestic violence service provider in Forbes and Bourke, also managing the women’s refuges in both towns.

CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes CEO Anne-Marie Mioche said the extent of perpetration in regional and rural communities should not be ignored.

“Levels of domestic violence continue to remain at unacceptable levels,” Ms Mioche said.

“Women and children have a right to live in safety and without fear.

“Domestic violence causes deep and long-lasting emotional, social and financial effects on victim-survivors, their families and wider communities,” she said.

The 150+ capacity symposium, which will be MC’d by Emma Alberici, is already at full capacity, highlighting the collaborative and collegial commitment of regional frontline DFV service providers to drive meaningful, trauma- and survivor-led change.

How To Help Ronald McDonald House Charities Central West

November 20, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Get involved at Ronald McDonald House Central West – volunteer, donate, become a corporate partner or find out if you or a close friend or relative is eligible to stay with us.

Staying close to treatment when a child is ill or injured is vital for families when they need it most. Our accommodation, programs and services are provided free of charge to the families of sick and injured children, and women experiencing a high risk pregnancy – helping them when they need it most. We strive to serve more families, better and enable parents and carers to stay close to each other and vital treatment in the Central West.

Our purpose built House is located on the Hospital grounds in Orange and our Hospitality Cart in Dubbo visits families at their child’s bedside in the Paediatric Ward and Special Care Nursery so that they can close and together.

Our families come from across the region so that their children can receive treatment in our major hospitals in the Western Health District in Orange and Dubbo.

We rely on fundraising for 79% percent of our funding to keep the House and our programs available to families when they need it most – caring for a sick or injured child needing treatment in our region.

To find out more about what Ronald McDonal House Charities Central West do, or to get involved, please follow the link cwnswfundraising.rmhc.org.au/event/redtember-2025 or visit www.rmhccwnsw.org.au

Our Nedd Named NSW Young Australian Of The Year

November 13, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Nedd Brockman pictured after receiving the NSW Young Australian Of The Year award.

Nedd Brockman, born in Forbes and raised in Bedgerabong, has been named NSW Young Australian Of The Year for his continued efforts to raise money and awareness for homelessness in Australia.

In 2020, Nedd decided to run 50 marathons in 50 days to raise $50,000 for homelessness. Then in 2022, Nedd set himself the challenge of running 4,000km across the country from Perth (Cottesloe Beach) to Bondi (Bondi Beach), raising money and awareness for the homeless along the way.

But he didn’t stop there, he kept showing up for the cause, and in 2024, Nedd started “Nedd’s Uncomfortable Challenge” and set off again, with a 1,000 mile running challenge at a track at Sydney Olympic Park.

Nedd and his team have so far raised over $8 million for Australians experiencing homelessness.

Upon being named 2026 NSW Young Australian of the Year, Nedd said, “I feel honoured and very grateful for the award, but I equally feel a little bit disheartened because I wouldn’t be getting the award if there wasn’t homelessness in this country.”

“I don’t love running, running is just the tool I use in order to push my limits and show people that if you’re willing to commit to something wholeheartedly and throw yourself in the fire good things will come of it if you’re willing to go all the way. It is my tool that allows me to champion the desire to help end homelessness in this country,” concluded Nedd.

Snippets…

November 13, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Some of the committee members are pictured along with Commercial Hotel publican Jed Ramsey.

Parkes Picnic Races: The Parkes Picnic Races Committee have commenced their meetings in preparation for the 2026 event. The Committee will hold their monthly meetings at a different venue each time supporting our local sponsors. The Parkes Picnic Races are held annually on the Saturday of the June Long Weekend.

Forbes Shire Council: Only food and garden scraps are allowed in your FOGO green-lid bin. Packaging from your food does not belong in this bin. If your food packaging is cardboard, hard plastic or glass, it belongs in your recycling yellow-lid bin. If your food packaging is soft plastic or broken glass, it belongs in your general waste red-lid bin. Do the right thing and make sure only your food and plants go in your FOGO green bin.

Arts Outwest: Forbes and District Historical Society has received a $6,900 National Library of Australia Community Heritage Grants to do a reservation Needs Assessment on the Paul and Hettie Wenz Collection. The Paul and Hettie Wenz Collection consists of books from the personal library of Franco-Australian writer Paul Wenz (1869-1939) and his wife Hettie Dunne, of Nanima Station, Forbes. The Collection includes books that Paul wrote. Read more under ‘Stories’ at www.centralnsw.com

Parkes Wetlands Transformation: Parkes Shire Council is inviting creatives from across Australia to be part of the Parkes Wetlands transformation. They are commissioning two to four public artworks that capture the spirit of this new environmental and recreational space. The budget is $100,000 to be shared across selected artworks. Location: Parkes Wetlands, Akuna Road, Parkes. Expressions of Interest close 10am, 1 December 2025. Help us tell the story of connection, sustainability, and creativity through art. Download the EOI documents on the wetlands page: bit.ly/3ReQ714 For further enquiries contact: council@parkes.nsw.gov.au

Forbes Rugby Union Club: The Forbes Rugby Union Club are fired up, freshfaced, and ready to lead the Platypi through another season of bush footy. The new committee members are President Wayne O’Niell, Secretary Lily Boyd, VP Management Sam Parish, VP Senior Rugby Ted O’Rafferty, Junior Rugby President Daniel Beard, VP Facilities and Development Randal Grayson, Treasurer Oliver Patterson, Social Secretary Sam Mackay, Registrar Jack Cole, Bar Manager Caitlyn James, Media Officer Siobhan O/Malley, Canteen Manager Ashleigh Dent, Ground Manager Sam Cox and Merchandise Manager Elliott Parker.

Introducing your 2026 Forbes Rugby Union Club committee.

Be Seen @ Remembrance Day At Cooke Park

November 13, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Mayor Neil Westcott and Councillor George Pratt joined the Parkes community to commemorate Remembrance Day alongside the Returned and Services League of Australia, Parkes Sub-Branch.

Students from our local schools took part in the service, reading the names of the fallen – a powerful reminder of the sacrifice made by so many.

There was a pause to honour all who have fallen and those who served to protect the freedoms we enjoy today. Lest we forget.

Central West Locals, Get Ready To Celebrate Mchappy Day

November 13, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Macca’s is inviting Parkes and Forbes locals to join the fun this Saturday, 15 November, and help raise vital funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC).  From now until midnight on Saturday, 15 November, Central West locals can pick up Silly Socks for $6.50 and on McHappy Day you can buy a Big Mac, with a BIGGER purpose with $2 from every Big Mac sold (solo or in a meal) going directly to RMHC.

That’s a smile with every mouthful. 

Organised by McDonald’s Australia, McHappy Day is the largest annual fundraiser for RMHC. Since launching in 1991, McHappy Day has raised over $79 million for RMHC, helping support more than 69,000 families every year – but with thousands more families needing support each year, McHappy Day donations are more important than ever.

Supporting McHappy Day helps fund essential RMHC Programs like Houses, Family Rooms, Family Retreats, Hospitality Carts and the Learning Program – all designed to provide comfort, care and support to families when and where they need it most.

Want to get involved? Visit: www.mchappyday.org.au. Want to donate? Visit: mchappyday.org.au/donate

Keeping The Roads Safe During Harvest

November 13, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Agricultural machinery owners and operators are invited to pick up a free “Moving Harvest Machinery” USB from all agricultural machinery retailers and rural supply stores in the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shires areas. The USBs will also be available at the Councils’ Administration Offices.

The ‘Moving Harvest Machinery’ USBs contain all the relevant notices for safely and legally moving agricultural machinery, combinations and trucks on the road, along with other useful information.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said the Councils develop and distribute the USBs each year to help farmers and contract harvesters have all the relevant information at their fingertips – and they are usually extremely popular.

“Safety and compliance during the busy harvest period is very important. Operators need to be aware of their responsibilities and ensure that all warning devices and travel requirements are adhered to. Regulations do change and these USBs help to ensure that people have up to date information.

“The USB contains the relevant notices, operator guides and other useful information. The USB also contains a live “link’s” document, which provides the web address for the documents on the USB and other useful tools and information. It is advisable to regularly check the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s website (www.nhvr.gov.au) for updated notices and/or changes to operating conditions,” Ms Suitor said.

There are over 800 USBs available – so call into your local agricultural machinery retailer, rural supply store or the Parkes, Forbes or Lachlan Shire Council Administration Offices to collect yours before they are gone.

“This year we also have a limited number of windscreen stickers to give away.

You can attach these to your machinery as a quick reference guide for travel requirements such as pilots, lights and signage.”

Ms Suitor said.

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