Roxane Manley

C-Graders Shine In Medal Scores

August 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Pictured is Dave Bernardi putting out on the 9th hole.

On Saturday the Mens golf competition was the August Monthly Medal, sponsored by Bernardi’s Marketplace. The scoring by the field of 71, including five Juniors, was mediocre except for a couple of players on fire.

The A-Grade Winner was Alf Daves with a 71 nett, on count back. A bogey-par-bogey-par start did not look good but he was good coming home. Runner-up was Reggie Murray, also on 71, but a ‘7’ on the 15 th caught him out.

The B-Grade had similar scores with Laurie O’Connor the winner on 72 nett, also by count back. He played alongside Alf and in many cases mirrored the scoring. Runner-up was Mike Livingston (72 nett). His good start was marred by the 7th hole and a faltering back-9.

The C-Grade scores provided inspiration to all players. Stevie G took the Honours with a nett 65, with only one double-bogey the result of poor putting. Runner-up was Harry Quirk with 67 nett. He excelled on the back-9 playing below his handicap.

The NTP’s went to: 9th S Grallelis; 18th R Murray. The Pro Shop Super-pin went to Jack Dobell with a shot to 2.4 metres, but he got his ‘2’. The ball sweep went to 75 nett on count back.

The lone visitor was Stuart Hayes (Murrumbidgee GC, Vic) who had not been seen for a while but used his memory to good effect. We also welcomed a new Junior in Cooper Papp who joins us from Wingham GC.

The Sunday Stableford Medley was an Alley family affair with Anthony taking the honours and Clayton runner-up. They only managed one NTP, being Anthony on the 18th .

This weekend we have a 4BBB Stableford Medley playing for the ‘Bob & Daine Doolin Memorial’ Trophy. And Sunday has a Stableford Medley.

By Short Putt

Our Bloke – Sam Johnston

August 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Sam Johnston

Where were you born? Forbes Hospital in 1995.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Starting the successful social media movement #ThankAFarmerForYourNextMeal or buying my own farm.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? Watching Craig Lowndes win Bathurst in 2018 for his seventh time.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? “The only thing you get from looking back is a sore neck.”

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Starting my own business at 19 with no experience.

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? Fishing Rod, lighter and a box of Great Northern.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Paint the outside of my house.

When are you happiest? When I am home on the farm spending time with my family and dogs.

Be Seen @ Parkes School of Dance

August 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Being a ballerina or dancer is just like being an artist.

Creating shapes and lines that are beautiful to the eye.

Lots of line work #parkesschoolofdanceinc

Parkes Golf Club August Monthly Medal

August 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Saturday was our Monthly Medal round sponsored by our great partners Telescope Tyres and Batteries/ Hankook Masters with our daily sponsor being AA Blatch and we sincerely thank Allan and Susanah for continuing the Blatch family support of the club.

In A Grade there were two very good rounds of two over recorded with the inform Jack Elliott defeating Rob Hey, coming back to near his best, on a countback to claim the award. Jack’s handicap demands that he shoot these rounds, but it still requires full concentration and great ball striking to accomplish. Rob is capable of shooting low and although he’s been in the mid 70’s of late this was an excellent round.

Other good scores on the day were from Aaron Wilkie with a 74 and David Stevenson still maintaining his purple patch with a good 75. In the nett event Rob managed to take out the event with his 64, 3 better than David on the day.

The competitive Griffins Leading Edge putting competition was won by a slick Rob Hey with 23 putts which again proved the winners of the day are always prominent in the putting count.

The Norman family sponsored Wally Norman Vets Medal was taken out by David Stevenson, who’ll remind his playing partners about being the only trophy winner on the day.

The ladies medal trophy winner was Cath Coates on 76 and she won the overall prize this month.

The Nearest The Pins on Saturday were –The Idlerite 1st by Peter Boschman at 220cm, the Harvey Norman 11th by David Stevenson at 63cm and the 18th by Nym Dziuba at 75cm. The lucrative 11th hole was won by David Stevenson at 63cm this week.

Ball winners were Jim O’Donoghue, Nym Dziuba 68, Matt Lawryk, Ben Howard, Jim Kuntze 69, Rob Lea, Matt Knighton, Jack Matthews, Charlie Kaehler, Andrew Bament, Col Breaden 70.

In the Captain verse President this week Cath triumphed yet again 173 to David’s 163.

This coming Saturday is a two person medley Stableford Aggregate – with an Individual in conjunction with local legend Phil Barnard Painting being the sponsor.

Croquet News

August 10, 2023 by Pegging Out

Play did eventually get underway after a drizzly morning on Saturday 5th August, with 31 players waiting to play. There were three players who won three games; John Browne, Kevin Rubie and Geoff Coles. The big winners on the day were:

• 14 – 7 Joan Littlejohn and John Browne, Kevin Rubie.

• 14 – 8 Joan Littlejohn and Peter West, John Browne and Barry Whjte.

• 14 – 9 Bruce Field and Bill Scott, John Cole and Rex Toole, Bruce Field and John Cole.

It was a beautiful winter morning for 39 players to play Golf Croquet on Tuesday 8th August.There were four players who managed to win three games, Ray Burridge, Bill Scott, Mal Smith and Alex Todd.The big winners on the day were:

• 10 – 3 Kevin Rubie and Ray Burridge, Sandy Hepburn, Fay Picker and Tony Thomson, Elvy Quirk and May Jones.

• 9 – 4 Colleen Liebicch and Allan Jones, Kevin Rubie and Geoff Coles, John Allegri and John Cole.

If anyone is interested in enjoying a game of croquet come down to Halpins Flat at 9.15am Tuesday or Saturday and you will be teamed with an experienced player to show you the ropes. Stay safe, stay warm. That’s it until next week.

By Pegging Out

Mayoral Notes

August 10, 2023 by Phyllis Miller OAM

Are you coming down to Town Hall on Saturday 12th August to see and be a part of the Big Map? Run by Disaster Relief Australia – the map will be about 10metres x 20 metres and is made up of drone photos ready for you to add information you witnessed during the 2022 floods. The purpose of this big map is to collect factual and visual accounts of the 2022 floods and will lead to better preparation, responses and resources in future emergencies.

Just as this year has sped by, this season’s crops are coming in quickly with this weather, so Forbes Shire Council’s Road Safety officer Mel Suitor will be hosting the Be Road Ready for Harvest Field Days starting at the Central West Livestock Exchange on Thursday 17 August. Satellite events will be held at Bedgerebong on 29 August, Parkes 30 August, Derriwong 31 August and Trundle on 1 September.

Council’s draft Sporting Field Masterplans have been completed and are available on our website for public exhibition until 4 September. Submissions must be in writing, or for any further enquiries please contact Manager of Town Presentation Patrick Woods on 6850 2300.

Finally, it was our absolute delight to host over 100 primary school aged children during our celebrations of Local Government Week this week. Congratulations to all involved it was a fantastic day to help educate our future leaders about what is actually done here by council on a daily basis.

Till next week, God bless and enjoy your weekend.

Phyllis Miller OAM
Forbes Mayor

Snippets…

August 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Parkes local and karting legend John Pizzaro.

Vale John Pizarro OAM: It is with a heavy heart that we report well known Parkes resident and widely celebrated karting legend, John Pizarro OAM, recently passed away. It is a great loss to both the Parkes community and to the sporting and Karting communities that have been grieving since the news was shared. Our condolences to John’s family and friends and colleagues.

Get Ready for Book Week: Book Week will be held 19th – 25th August and this year the theme is Read, Grow, Inspire. The Child Book Council Of Australia (CBCA) has been bringing children and books together across Australia through Children’s Book Week since 1945. During this time schools and public libraries spend one glorious week celebrating books and Australian children’s authors and illustrators.

Don’t Repeat Mistakes In Bush Push: According to research commissioned by NewsCorp Australia, more than three million people living in capital cities intend to move to a rural or regional area to escape soaring rents and constant congestion.

NSW Farmers Rural Affairs chair Deb Charlton said they were sometimes ill-equipped to handle an influx of new neighbours. “Smaller towns are already crying out for essential infrastructure and the people to deliver those services, and without a deliberate effort to address these shortfalls we risk making things worse.

Mrs Charlton said the remote working trend, which was accelerated by the pandemic, opened up a number of opportunities for people who no longer needed to be in ‘the rat race’. But if decision makers failed to adequately prepare country communities, they risked repeating big city mistakes.

The state’s peak farming body says country communities need to be better equipped to deal with an increasing number of ‘tree changers’.

What’s On @ the Parkes Shire Library & Cultural Centre

August 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

FRIDAY FLICKS

This 2022 rom-com follows the blossoming romance between two writers brought together in Mexico. With its beautiful scenery, this fish-out-of-water story where opposites attract, makes for a mini romantic getaway.

Friday 25 August, 6pm. Bookings essential.

JUNIOR BUILDERS

Bookings are now open for the Junior Builders workshop on Tuesday August 22 from 4-5pm. Students in Years 3-6 are invited tocome any enjoy a free after-school activitycreating and contributing to a communityart project. Spaces are strictly limited – call6861 2309 to book.

CURL UP THIS WINTER WITH ONLINE WINTER-READS

This winter join libraries throughout the state to read the gripping, fast-paced crime thriller The Other Side of Her by B.M. Carroll. Login to indyreads to start now! Need help accessing our online collections? Our staff are happy to help! Winter-Reads runs from Tuesday 1 August – Thursday 31 August

GET INVOLVED IN THE CARDBOARD SHOW

Got an empty box at your house? Across the month of September the Coventry Room will be hosting an ever-changing and expanding community exhibition of art work made from CARDBOARD. Get involved and enter a piece – build with it, paint on it, create a sculpture or piece of furniture from carboard. All entries to be delivered to the Coventry Room on 4th or 5th September.

Need some inspiration? Join one of the FREE cardboard workshops in the Marramarra Makerspace & Coventry Room:

• Friday 8th September @ 6pm: Workshopand wine (especially for adults)

• Saturday 9th September @ 10am: Cordialand cardboard (especially for kids andparents welcome)

• Saturday 16th September @ 10am: Continue with cardboard (everyone welcome)

Friday 29th September @ 6pm will be the celebration and grand finale event (a free event where artworks will be sold by donation). To book into any of the workshops or events contact Parkes Library 6861 2309.

First Temporary Pod Resident Returns Home As Central West Recovery Continues

August 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Eugowra resident Grace Katon celebrates returning to her home and also her 83rd birthday.

Long-term Eugowra resident Grace Katon is the first Central West resident to move out of a temporary housing pod and back into her own home. She was met by Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully and Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib who were able to welcome her home.

Following catastrophic floods last year, Grace and her dog Honey lived in the temporary housing pod while her home’s kitchen, bathroom and walls were repaired.

As part of the free Pods on Private Property Program across the Cabonne, Forbes and Parkes Local Government Areas, 98 temporary pods were installed by the NSW Reconstruction Authority.

As of today, 88 households have been able to take advantage of the program, with another 10 pods in the final stages of fit-out.

The pod program provides people with a safe and comfortable place to live in their own community, while they rebuild or repair their homes, relocate or secure a rental property.

More than 130 pods in total are expected to be installed across the Central West by the end of August, while decommissioned pods will be used again in the area or across NSW as part of future disaster recovery efforts.

The NSW Government has also established an At-Home Caravan Program for eligible Central West residents with 129 caravans delivered and in use.

The NSW Government has provided more than $42 million in grants and subsidies to individuals, households, small businesses and primary producers across the Central West impacted by last year’s devastating floods.

Almost 3,000 people have received practical assistance at Recovery Assistant Points across the Central West since November 2022 including accommodation assistance, mental health support and access to clean-up services.

Danielle McDonald Is Riding High Following International Selection

August 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Danielle McDonald has just been selected to compete in the International Six-Day Enduro (ISDE) in Argentina.

Local Parkes girl, 16 year old Danielle McDonald has been dominating the junior girls division in Australian offroad and motocross for many years now. She has just been selected to step up to the senior category and compete in the International Six-Day Enduro (ISDE), being held from 6th- 11th November in San Jaun, Argentina.

Each year, three women from Team Australia head overseas to compete against the best women in the world. Each riders time is accumulated to score a team result, fighting for the top step on the podium.

The Team Australia women have won six world ISDE titles, they have scored multiple podiums over the years and are in a great position for 2023.

Joining Danielle McDonald in Argentina to represent Australia will be Tayla Jones and Jessica Gardiner, who have both been a part of the previous six consecutive ISDE wins.

We met up with Danielle and her dad Jason at their family property in Parkes where Jason has set up a mini motocross track for training purposes. Danielle is only 16 years old but she has already been riding motorcycles for 14 years and competing for 11 years.

“I was two years old when I first started riding, and about five years old when I started racing against the boys at our local track over at Condobolin,” said Danielle.

To say Danielle is dominating the Junior Girls competition in Australia it is no understatement; Danielle has won four Junior Girl HATTAH Titles, one of the biggest desert races in Australia. She won the MX Junior Title and has also won two Offroad Championships.

“My major goal is to get to the world stage, and hopefully win it one day,” said Danielle.

Racing motorcycles is a family affair for the McDonalds, with Danielle’s brother Dylan also a competitive rider who is currently placed second in the Australian Offroad competition.

Proud dad and number one supporter, Jason McDonald said, “She was picked up a few years ago by champion rider Jessica Gardner, and since then Danielle has gotten quicker and quicker. We’ve just returned from the Australian Junior Motocross in Darwin where Danielle won, so that means she is the Australian Junior champion.”

Danielle races with YAMAHA JGR Ballards Offroad Racing and is set to compete in the last round of the World Enduro Series, the competition that Jessica Gardner is currently placedsecond. Danielle will be competing in the last round of that competition as a taste-test to her debut on the international stage for the ISDE.

Tayla, 27 and Jess, 30, are both extremely accomplished in the sport are excited to race alongside Danielle who is the future of the sport. As a team, their goal is to represent the Australian colours to the highest standard and level in Motorcycling and showing that women in sport are powerful. The team are focussed on continuing to achieve great results and once again return to Australian soil with the perpetual ISDE women’s cup trophy.

A Go Fund Me page is currently being set up to to help get the team get to South America. Details will be published when available.

Danielle pictured out on the track doing what she loves, riding and competing.

FRIDAY FLICKS

JUNIOR BUILDERS

CURL UP THIS WINTER WITH ONLINE WINTER-READS

GET INVOLVED IN THE CARDBOARD SHOW

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