Roxane Manley

Parkes Boars Player Of The Week – Michael Watt

June 9, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Michael Watt

Known as: Mick.

Where were you born: Orange.

What year were you born: 1995.

When and where did you play your first game of rugby: Canowindra Pythons, Canowindra 2013.

When did you come to Parkes: 2021.

What position do you play: 10/15 Fullback or Fylhalf.

Your go to food before a game: Coffee.

Interests outside of rugby: Beers with family and mates.

Where do you work: Carpenter/civil earthworks.

Married/in a relationship/single: In a relationship.

Kids: No.

What is it about rugby that keeps you playing: The team.

The team describes Mick as one of the hardest working players. Captain of 2nd grade and usually benches for 1st grade each week.

Mayoral Notes

June 9, 2023 by Roxane Manley

This week additional roadworks have started on Calarie Road, thanks to Blackspot funding from the National Government. This funding is allocated according to data gathered from accident data and is part of our ongoing target to make our roads safer.

This time next week we will be warming up for our amazing Frost and Fire event. I really hope you have bought your tickets already (123tix.com.au) and with the opportunity to either pre-order or purchase from food vans on site – you will be well and truly covered. Free buses running between town and the event make it even easier to relax fully in the atmosphere – get carried away by the music and performances. Warm up those beanies!

Finally, to all our men out there, young and old, International Men’s Health Week runs all of next week, from June 12th to 18th. This year the week is focusing on Healthy Habits. Men’s Health is something the Council takes very seriously – and our staff will attend a dedicated event with an influential and down to earth guest speaker who will focus on ‘Healthy habits of the mind’. The aim of our awareness event is to increase awareness of male health issues and support the health and wellbeing of men and boys in our community –mental health as well as physical health. Talk it over with the males in your life – start the discussion about making healthy habits, whether it be to start a fitness program, lose weight, or spend more time with the family.

Till next week, God bless, enjoy your weekend.

Phyllis Miller, OAM
Forbes Mayor

Don’t Miss The Social Event Of The Year

June 9, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Who will win the coveted Coradgery Cup in 2023? Pictured is last years winner Neon Moon with jockey Tony Cavallo. Inset: Local band Foxxy Cleopatra will once again be entertaining the crowds this Saturday.

It is once again that time of year, and all the elements are coming together for the premier event of the Parkes social calendar. The Parkes Coradgery and Diggers Picnic Races will be held this Saturday 10th June. So, dust off your fascinators and race gear and be sure to get involved in this great local event.

Fashions on the Field is one of the highlights of the day offering an array of prizes and prestige to the glamourous colts and fillies. The Fashions on the Field categories this year will once again include: Elegant Lady, Stylish Man, Millinery and Best Dressed couple.

The spectator area is looking great and the track is in top notch condition for the day’s five-race program. The renovated grandstand and covered bookies rink complete the excellent facilities for punters and a relaxed environment offers something for everyone, making this venue one of the best in the Central West.

The June long weekend has long since become a ‘back to Parkes’ weekend, with many residents opening their homes to friends and relatives who return to Parkes to celebrate for the weekend.

The event attracts visitors from all over the state, as well as from interstate.

There will be food on offer from the Quota ladies, who are back in the saddle driving the canteen in the newly renovated grandstand space. There will also be full bar facilities on course.

Several commercial and private marquees will be providing food and alcohol, so gather your friends and join a group for an afternoon of fun and entertainment.

Much loved local band, Foxxy Cleopatra, has been invited to perform on the day to provide entertainment for all to enjoy.

Organise a group and head along for a great day out. Gates open at 11.30am and entry is $20 for adults, under 16 years are free. Get your tickets before the event from 123tix or at the gate on the day.

History Making 250 First Grade Games For Ben Ryan

June 9, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Boars first grade bring home the points in a tough encounter against Dubbo Rhinos.

Ben Ryan recently played his 250th senior game for the Parkes Boars Rugby Club, and in doing so became only the sixth player in Boars history to play 250 games.

Ben is a Boars junior commencing in the under 15s in 2002. He played his first senior game in 2005 in third grade against Orange Emus, and his first grade debut was in 2007 against Narromine.

Now in his 18th year of seniors, Ben is a four time premiership player, was best and fairest in 2014, a three time players player and has represented Central West for five seasons.

Ben was coach of last year’s premiership team, is a former Clubman of the Year and Vice President. Congratulations on your 250th Ben, well done.

The achievements don’t stop there, with Mackenzie Green recently playing his 100th senior game for the club.

Mackenzie is a Boars junior commencing in the under 11s in 2008. He played his first senior game in 2016 in colts against Orange City. His first grade debut was in 2017 against Forbes.

Mackenzie is a two time premiership player, was second grade most improved in 2020 and received the first grade coaches award in the 2021 premiership year. Mackenzie played every game possible for three consecutive seasons from 2020 to 2022. Well done on your 100th Mackenzie.

Last Saturday 3rd June, Parkes Boars also celebrated the win over Dubbo – final score Boars 28 Rhinos 24.

Mackenzie Green in his 100th senior club game, Will Smith and Mitch Westcott were among the best. Ben Ryan led from the front and came off with nothing left in a crucial win for the Boars.

Two weeks off now as the teams take time out to rest recover and reset. On June 24th we travel to Bathurst for round 10.

Western NSW Public Hospitals Sees Busy First Quarter Of 2023

June 9, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The most recent Bureau of Health Information (BHI) Healthcare Quarterly report (January – March 2023) shows that hospitals across Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) continued to perform well – improving in a number of key performance measures throughout the first quarter of 2023, despite sustained high demand for hospital care.

The District continues to work incredibly hard to ensure patients requiring planned surgery procedures receive them as soon as is possible. WNSWLHD performed 2,267 planned surgeries during the January to March 2023 quarter, with almost all urgent planned surgeries (97.6 per cent) performed on time.

Patients who feel their condition has deteriorated while waiting for their procedure are encouraged to contact their treating doctor for a clinical review and they can be placed in a higher urgency category if required.

There were 833 babies born during the first quarter of 2023.

FORBES HOSPITAL

Forbes Hospital performed well in the first quarter of 2023. There were 1,975 attendances at Forbes Hospital ED throughout the January to March 2023 quarter.

Almost 9 in 10 patients (87.1 per cent) started their treatment on time, which is significantly better than the average for hospitals of a similar size in NSW (78.4 per cent).

Nearly all patients (98.7 per cent) were transferred from paramedics to the ED staff within the 30- minute benchmark, which is also better than the average for comparable hospitals in NSW (93.9 per cent).

The majority of patients (87.6 per cent) left the ED within four hours, also better than the average for hospitals of a similar size in NSW (79.3 per cent).

Be Seen @ Parkes U8s League Tag Training

June 9, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Boys To The Bush Striving To Fund 100 Days Of MENtoring

June 9, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The donation drive kicks off today, 9th June and aims to provide kids from the most challenging backgrounds with role models to help them build resilience, develop self-belonging, and implement practical life changes.

In 2017, school teachers Adam DeMamiel, Richard Leahy, and Tim Sanson stepped out of the classroom, deciding there were more important lessons to be taught in their community.

The trio formed Boys to the Bush, a charity committed to curbing the growing cohort of disengaged young males in regional Australia through camps and MENtoring programs.

Now located in seven regional communities, including Forbes, Boys to the Bush are launching an online donation drive to raise money to fund 100 days of free MENtoring across its sites.

The donation drive starts on 6th June and aims to provide kids from the most challenging backgrounds with role models to help them build resilience, develop self-belonging, and implement practical life changes.

Adam DeMamiel, CEO and Co-Founder of Boys to the Bush said, “Boys to the Bush has worked with over 6,000 kids, and the support of our communities has been pivotal to the positive outcomes reached by the youth.”

“We are launching 100 days of MENtoring to ensure access to such a life changing program is in reach of the kids that desperately need it. Any contribution is much appreciated and will go directly to the youth that need it most,” said Adam.

Boys to the Bush is a not-for-profit, community-based charity, and donations to the 100 days of MENtoring campaign are fully tax deductible. To donate, go to https://boystothebush.org.au/donate

Uphill Takes Medal

June 9, 2023 by By Short Putt

Lachlan Ally following his successful putt.

On Saturday, 3rd March the Mens golf competition was the June Monthly Medal, sponsored by BWR Accountants & Advisors. The field of 59, including two juniors, produced the whole range of scores, both good and bad.

The A-Grade Winner was Stephen Uphill with a 68 nett. He was pleased to finally earn the Medal, having finished as bridesmaid a few times previously. Runner-up was Ken Sanderson with 69 nett, who unlike man did well on the back-9.

The B-Grade Winner was Brett Thomas with 66 nett, the best score of the day. Runner-up was Matt Coles with 69 nett, who rued the triple-bogeys on three holes.

The C-Grade Winner was David Rhodes with 70 nett, who was well pleased with his

steady all-round game. Runner-up was Harry Quirk with a 74 nett. A few rough hole

son the back-9 brought him undone.

The NTP’s went to: 9th N Duncan; 18th M Coles. The Pro Shop Super-pin went to Andrew Dukes with a shot to 35 cms, which only just missed a hole-in-one. The ball sweep went to 76 nett on count back.

The visitors included Bob Hansen (Shoalhaven Heads) and Andrew Brownlow (Peak Hill). Also among the field was new Head Pro William Gunn, who admits he has a lot of work to do before he masters the course.

There were too few players to hold a Stableford Medley on Sunday.

This weekend we have the CanAssist 4-Person Ambrose on Saturday, 10th June, and the Scramble on Monday, 12th June. There is a Stableford Medley on Sunday if numbers allow, so come along.

By Short Putt

Snippets…

June 9, 2023 by Roxane Manley

RDA Central West Chair Ruth Fagan has announced Steve Bowman as new director.

RDA Central West Welcomes New Director: Regional Development Australia Central West (RDA Central West) has welcomed Mr Steven Bowman as their new director. Mr Bowman is excited about his new role at RDA Central West, having already been a board member for the not-for-profit organisation for two years. “I have a great understanding of how this space operates and bring with me a breadth of economic development experience,” said Mr Bowman.

Prior to joining RDA Central West, Mr. Bowman was the Business Engagement Lead for Southeast and Central NSW at nbn Co. “It feels very natural to step into this role, and I am excited to continue championing for our region’s economic growth through new and existing projects and initiatives.”

Community Choices $250k Funding Pool Now Open: Essential Energy’s fifth Community Choices Program has opened for nominations, with community groups encouraged to nominate for their chance to win part of a $250k funding pool.

Essential Energy Community Relations Manager, Bronya Pressler said “This year we have increased funding to a total of $250,000 to be shared between eligible groups across 20 zones in our network Netball Training

footprint. This means $5,000 is now available to groups that get the most votes in their region”.

Groups from small communities with populations less than 10,000 will be able to nominate and get their community voting to help them access $1,250 funding for the group with the most votes.

Nominations are open through to 5pm on 26th June 2023. Community voting opens Monday, 3rd July and closes Monday, 17th July 2023 at 5pm AEST. Visit essentialenergy.com.au/choices to learn more or register to make a nomination.

Two Historic Steam Locomotives Return To Bathurst This June Long Weekend: Two former NSW Government Railways steam locomotives will operate 1.5-hour shuttle rides from Bathurst Station, including a day trip to Orange this June long weekend, the 10th and 11th of June.

Over 3,000 people are expected to travel behind historic locomotives 3526 and 3642, as they make a welcome return to the Central West. “This is a fantastic opportunity for families and heritage enthusiasts alike to step back in time and connect with our State’s rich rail history,” said Mr Moritz.

For information and tickets, visit www.thnsw.com.au/bathurst

Transport Heritage NSW is once again partnering with Bathurst Museums to deliver this year’s event, with all ticket holders receiving 20% off entry to the Bathurst Rail Museum.

Be Seen @ Forbes Junior Netball Training

June 9, 2023 by Roxane Manley

These dedicated Forbes Junior Netball players didn’t let the cold weather deter them, turning up for a great time at training on Wednesday night.

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