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Forbes Phoenix

Grazing Down The Lachlan Celebrates Its Fifth Year

September 14, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Grazing Down the Lachlan returns to Forbes this Saturday 16th September, celebrating and showcasing the region’s food, culture, art, entertainment and history.

A total of 550 ‘Grazers’ (guests) are expected on site at Gum Swamp for an epic long lunch celebrating produce from Central West NSW, prepared by local restaurateurs and caterers.

This year the committee are thrilled to have Brendan Sheldrick onboard as Creative Director to inject a new and local perspective on Grazing 2023’s six course menu.

“In addition to a Greek-inspired menu, Grazers will also enjoy local wines, beer and non-alcoholic beverages at each station and be entertainment by musicians, dancers and interactive art on site.”

“Grazers can expect some beautiful, simple Greek flavours where the produce is the hero, as well as woodfire cooking, pastries and sweets – a bit of a nod to Australian / Greek cafe and takeaway culture,” Brendan said.

What makes this dining experience a truly unique is the underlying commitment to delivering a no-waste, environmentally responsible event. Every Grazer is supplied with an event bag made locally by Woolerina from recycled fabric, which contains an enamel plate, recycled cutlery, a lanyard, menu map, and a napkin made from donated linens.

Grazers are transported out to site by bus to minimise the impact on the natural environment and are then free to wander along the two-kilometre bush track between

six stations offering delicious food with a matched beverage. At the final station, Grazers are encouraged to donate these items back to Grazing to be used again.

Proceeds of Grazing Down the Lachlan support the Forbes Arts Society. Funds raised through the event to-date have facilitated the commissioning of 20 new sculptures to extend the Sculpture Down the Lachlan public art trail, the redevelopment of Gum Swamp Wildlife Refuge and the development of Gallery Forbes. In 2022, $30,000 was raised for the Forbes Arts Society.

The event has significant economic benefits for the Forbes Shire, injecting over $400,000 into the local economy each year.

September Monthly Medal

September 14, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Max Keith and Michael Thomas still had reason to smile after their round.

After a long and anxious wait our members finally got to have a hit on the new revamped layout in the Telescope Tyres and Batteries / Hankook Masters sponsored Monthly Medal with our day sponsor being Matthews Mediation and our genuine thanks go to Mel Matthews for the support she gives the club via many means. It was also the day we celebrated the Bob Smith Memorial Day supported by the Smith family and we thank Mick and the family.

Everyone hit off the traditional 1 st hole and it was great to see the whole course covered in players and some of the new tees bringing players closer together during play than they have ever been.

There was a southerly blowing which was causing some chill in the air but that didn’t deter the golfing fraternity. Our best field for some considerable time with 122 players eager to test themselves and the new course but there were only 4 players breaking 80 this week and 42 golfers breaking 100, so round 1 definitely went to the course.

The honour of hitting the first ball on the course went to Lindsay Elliott and he and his group enjoyed the rare feat of playing the first competition round on the course. Coincidently Lindsay must have been overly pumped with the opportunity, as he hit shot only 3.5m from the pin and that shot lasted all day as he won the nearest the pin – I’m sure that story will be embellished over the years to come.

In A Grade Jack Elliott signalled his early favouritism for the club championships with a solid 77 off the stick to narrowly beat home Michael Dumesny by a stroke. This was just a 1 over his handicap round for Jack and with his long hitting game, which was required off the long blue markers, this was a great first outing. A big day for the Elliott family. Michael Dumesny has been making the A grade medals his realm this year and again was the clubhouse leader for a sustained period. Justin O’Malley from the Federal GC and the ever present Wayne Parker were the only others below 80. In the nett event Joe Van Opynen was out and about with a solid 70 with Jack Matthews and Wayne Parker back on 72.

This month the competitive Griffins Leading Edge putting competition was won by Jack Elliott with 25 putts. Although there was some speed difference on the greens on their first outing they were true and will be a handful once they speed up. The Norman family sponsored Wally Norman Vets Medal was taken out by Wayne Parker with his 72 nett, making sure he got something on the day.

This coming week we have on Friday a 9 and 18 Hole Medley Stableford Sponsored by ProKonnect, the ‘Shootout’ Sponsored by Cameron Standen, Saturday an 18 Hole EPIROC 4BBB Stableford and on Sunday- 27 Hole SCT Parkes Open Tournament.

Frankie Cock, Reg Davison and Lyn Davison.

Parkes Railway Bowling Club

September 14, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Nominations are now open for the Thursday evening twilight Power Play Pairs event starting on 19th October at 6pm. All information is on the board or speak to Lewi and we will get you sorted. Everyone is welcome and this is a great way to try bowls. Loan bowls are available at the club.

Forbes Netball – Coaches Needed For 2024

September 14, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The Forbes Netball Association is calling for nominations for the 2024 representative coaches and assistant coaches. Are you interested in becoming a coach or assistant coach, or increasing your involvement? Nominations are now open. 

All representative teams and development teams will attend regional carnivals for training. Nominations close at the FNA Meeting on 21st September or can be emailed to the Secretary email secretary.forbesnetball@gmail.com. 

Please state coaching and or playing experience and accreditation if completed, and WWCC number. Coaches must be working towards NNSW accreditation with Assistant coaches required to hold Foundation Accreditation and Coaches required to hold Development Accreditation by the time the State Titles Divisions 3 and 4 are held. 

For enquiries contact FNA Coach/Umpire Convenor Robyn Kenny 0407 235 326.

NAIDOC Celebrations Underway

September 14, 2023 by Roxane Manley

NAIDOC 2023 celebrations kicked of at The Cooke Park Pavillion with performances by local groups and guest speaker, Australian Elder of The Year Aunty Dr Matilda House-Williams, pictured with General Manager of MLAHMC Seth Toomey.

The Parkes NAIDOC celebrations were launched last week at the Cooke Park Pavilion, with special guest, Australian Elder of The Year, Dr Matilda House-Williams. The day featured awards, performances and speeches, with a focus on bringing the youth and the elders together and showcasing the many talents of the local indigenous groups. 

This year’s theme, “For Our Elders,” is a beautiful way to acknowledge and show gratitude for the older generation’s wisdom, guidance, and resilience in preserving and passing on the cultural heritage to future generations.

NAIDOC celebrations will continue with a Family Fun Day this Saturday, 16th September at the Wiradjuri Amphitheatre on Bushman Hill. It will be a fantastic event that celebrates the Wiradjuri people’s rich Indigenous culture and heritage and is expected to be bigger and better than ever.

The day will showcase various cultural activities, including local performances, a smoking ceremony and Wiradjuri artefacts on display, providing insight into the rich heritage and craftsmanship of the Wiradjuri people. This display serves as a reminder of the rich history that continues to shape the local community. There will also be service information stalls, a free sausage sizzle, and children’s activities.

The Parkes NAIDOC Family Fun Day promises to be a joyful and inclusive event for anyone interested in learning more about indigenous traditions, supporting the community, and having a great time with family and friends.

Parkes Dragon Boat Club

September 14, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Parkes Dragon Boat Club having fun out on the water.

Another lovely Sunday morning, 10th September, on Lake Endeavour and another good session of paddling with some race practice added in. Strokes Damien and Chris set a good pace, with Linda exercising her coaching skills and all the crew keeping in time and doing a great job. Join us any Sunday morning. We’d love to welcome you into the boat!

Be Seen @ Generosity Church Parkes

September 14, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Children had a fantastic weekend recently at Generosity Church in Parkes.

 

The children enjoying a stirring service and evening prayer gathering.

 

Everyone enjoyed the beauty of God’s creation at a bbq in Goobang National Park.

Croquet News

September 14, 2023 by Pegging Out

There were 26 players for Aussie Croquet on a very pleasant morning on Saturday 9th September. There were five players who managed to win three games. John Browne, Elvy Quirk, Kevin Rubie, Lyn Simmonds and Neville Spry. 

The big winners on the day were 14-9 Robin Pols and Vince Roberts. The mid winners on the day were 14-10 Elvy Quirk and Bruce Field, John Allegri and Kevin Rubie, Marie Spry and John Browne, John Browne, Elvy Quirk and Kein Rubie.

It was another nice but chilly morning for Golf Croquet when 36 players turned up on Tuesday 12th September. We welcomed two visitors, Karyn Epskamp and Maryanne Kent. There were five players who managed to win three games, Elvy Quirk, Phillip Moran, Lyal Strudwick, Lorraine Todd and Tony Thomson. The big winners on the day were 11-2 Lyal Strudwick and Neville Spry, 10-3Karyn Epskamp and Tony Thomson. Themid winners were 9-4 Mal Smith and JohnBrowne, Alex Todd and Mal Smith.

On Tuesday 5th September croquet members journeyed to the Forbes Sportsman Hotel for their monthly luncheon. The meal was absolutely superb and congratulations to the management and staff there. It was a beautiful roast meal, well done.

That’s it till next week.

By Pegging Out

Mighty Score Wins

September 14, 2023 by Short Putt

Laurie O’Connor gets his round underway.

Last Saturday Forbes golfers played a 4BBB Stableford Medley event, sponsored by Cahill’s Footwear. The field comprised of 66 players who produced some good scores.

The Winners were the pairing of Ken Sly and Matt Walton. Matt could do no wrong, while Ken contributed with some timely scores. Runners-up were Phil Duke and Fons Melisi with 45 points. They each contributed well but a couple of one pointers did not help.

The NTP’s went to: 9th Men: S Kirkman, Ladies: B Duncan; 18th Men: C Hanrahan, Ladies: S Black. The Pro Shop Super-pin went to Brianna Duncan with a shot to 1.65 metres. The ball sweep went to 41 points, so check in the Pro Shop.

The visitors included Peter Chatillon (Tuncurry GC), Charlie Goodsell (Parkes) and John Zannes (Bathurst), all of whom needed better partners.

On Sunday the new format 9-Hole Stableford Medley comps was contested over the

front-9 by eight players. The winner was Brianna Duncan (18 pts) with Wayne O’Niell getting a ball in the ball sweep on count back from Jake LeBrocque when both finished on 16 pts.

Two special events are on the horizon with the Elders Golf Day on Friday 22nd September and Roylances Cup on Saturday 23rd September, raising funds for Can-Assist. Contact the Pro Shop for details.

Head Pro Will has organised a Titleist Equipment day on Wednesday 27th September. 

Summer 6’s is here! Get a team together for the 2023/24 Summer 6’s competition. Registration forms are now available.

This weekend the mens comp is a 4BBB Stableford Multiplier event, sponsored by Forbes Tuesday Golfers.

By Short Putt

Be Seen @ the Forbes Show

September 14, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Lexi and Violet Millerd holding some baby chicks at the Forbes Show.

 

Ready for the show was Erica Reid, Jacinta Reid, Alex Reid and baby Melody Christensen at the Forbes Show.

 

Jolene Jones and Nina Hooper of Forbes Shire Council watching the Council stand.

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