Roxane Manley

Kath Hutchison Now An Honorary Member Of Parkes Croquet Club

October 30, 2025 by Roxane Manley

One hundred and one year old Kath Hutchison has been deemed an Honorary Member of Parkes Croquet Club.

When Beth Thomas of the Parkes Croquet Club called around to present Kath with the news, she noted that Kath was keeping busy, having just made date rolls for the Holy Family street stall, and a plum pudding for a friend who was having a family reunion. Plus she was preparing lunch for her son, Michael, who was coming to visit.

Kath has been a member since Parkes Croquet began playing at Parkes Tennis Club just over 3 years ago. At 101 Kath still plays occasionally and the members all love to see her turn up. The thing she enjoys the most is the friendships. “All the people who play are lovely and welcoming,” Kath said.

Kath was very touched to receive her honorary membership certificate. She said she felt thrilled to bits. “It’s just lovely.”

Kath recounted that her 100th Birthday last year was a wonderful day, with a beautiful Croquet themed birthday cake and celebration.

“All the croquet members attended as well as my son, Michael and daughter, Sherree Rosser. At 101 it’s so good to still be able to enjoy sport, and it’s special to be able to play alongside my daughter, Sherree.”

Kath said her secret to her youthful longevity is to: “‘Keep active and involved. Get yourself out and work and don’t sit around whinging. When you keep busy you have no time to worry or whinge.

“I’ve never had time to think about getting old. My husband Keith and I always worked hard. We also brought up two lovely children and spent 30 enjoyable years of caravanning, including a few times around Australia. I’ve always kept busy and active and I have always enjoyed such a wonderful life.”

Simmons And Venables Are Winners

October 30, 2025 by Short Putt

The Annual ‘Callaghan Shield’, sponsored by Todd Callaghan Painting, was held on Saturday 25 October. The field of 65 welcomed the fantastic conditions and produced many scores to match in the 4BBB Stableford Aggregate format.

The winners were Ann Simmons and Colleen Venables with 78 points. Their score was the highest recorded for many years and included many 3-pointers. Runners up were the pair of Jeff House and Matt Walton who managed 77 points. Their score was helped by a couple of 4-pointers.

The Individual Comp was won by Matt Walton by count back from Colleen Venables after both had scored 40 points.

The ball sweep to 68 points, with seven pairs being successful The NTP’s were well contested and went to: 9th Ladies: S Grierson, Men: P Grayson; 18th Ladies: A Simmons, Men: D Bernardi.

The 3rd hole Super Pin went to Jenny Fletcher (265cm) getting inside three other players and stumping the ‘guns’ that followed.

This Saturday, 1 November is Monthly Medal with the Mixed Foursomes Championships on Sun 2 November. Please be advised that the course will be closed until the afternoon.

By Short Putt

Athletes From The Region To Compete At PA Games

October 30, 2025 by Roxane Manley

PA Games combine competition with community spirit.

The 2025 PA Games will take place on Saturday, 1 November, at Parkes Athletic, 2/36 Boyd Circuit, Parkes. Athletes will compete across a range of functional fitness workouts inspired by HYROX, Gymnastics , Olympic lifting, and Strongman. Expect to see everything from barbell lifts and gymnastics work on the rig to running, rowing, and classic partner challenges.

Parkes Athletic (PA) is a communitybased fitness facility in Parkes focused on helping people of all ages and abilities build strength, confidence, and a love for movement. They offer a range of programs including Functional fitness-style training, Olympic lifting, HYROX, group classes, kids and teens fitness, and recovery services — all in a welcoming, team-driven environment.

The PA Games began in 2023 as a friendly in-house competition for our members, designed to challenge athletes across a variety of fitness domains — strength, endurance, and teamwork.

Since its first year, the PA Games has grown significantly — more competitors, more sponsors, and a bigger spectator crowd each time. Everyone is welcome to attend. Whether you’re a fitness fan, family member, or just curious to see the action, we encourage the community to come along, cheer on the athletes, enjoy a coffee, and soak up the atmosphere. Entry is free for spectators.

The PA Games will run from 8am to 3pm.

Spectators can grab a coffee, hang out or jump into a recovery session.

Shout out to local businesses who have come on board again as sponsors as well as some new ones, helping make the day possible. The Coachman Hotel, Worklocker, Yakka Solutions, Parkes Supplements, Specialised Plumbing and excavation, Standen building and M/PACC.

Three Mates Going The ‘Uncomfortable’ Distance For Homelessness

October 23, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Pictured about to cross the finish line after running 100km from Condobolin to Forbes is mates Sam Parish, Bill Ryan and Sam Johnston.

Local lads Sam Parish, Bill Ryan and Sam Johnston were so inspired by Nedd Brockman’s thousand mile run in Oct 2024 that they set themselves the goal of doing 10% of his 161km a day (16.1km). After completing that goal, they started to think “what’s next?”.Sam Parish said, “Someone suggested, ‘how far is it from Condo to Forbes?’ It was pretty hard to back down from the crazy idea once it has been said out loud, so the preparations began.”

A lot of training was involved – 15 weeks of running three times a week, with various types of running including easy runs, long runs and tempo runs.

“On the day itself, the support we had from friends, family and partners was unbelievable and quite frankly the only way we finished,” said Sam.

The three are raising money and awareness for homelessness, through a charity called We are Mobilise. Sam said, “The three of us, with our close friends group also ran the Nedd Brockmann Gala Ball last year to really support Nedd from his hometown and celebrate the amazing movement he has started.

“Through that we all got to meet Noah Yang, Founder/CEO of We are Mobilise, so we got to form a personal connection to We are Mobilise and the amazing team.”

The trio have raised $18,800. You can still make a donation or even start your own challenge at: www.neddsuncomfortablechallenge.com/fundraisers/FRC.

Mayoral Notes

October 23, 2025 by Roxane Manley

What a weekend! The National BBQ Championships held right here in Forbes were nothing short of amazing. Our town came alive with the mouth watering aromas of barbecues, the buzz of excited visitors and the fun Forbes spirit of our community was on full display. From the moment the first BBQ was fired up, to the market stalls, live music and family friendly entertainment, the event showcased everything that makes Forbes a fantastic place to live and visit. A huge thank you to our sponsors, competitors, council staff and all the wonderful visitors —you made it all happen.

We had visitors from Newcastle, Melbourne, Perth, Tasmania and the Hunter Valley. We have had excellent reports from the many visitors who attended and local families who enjoyed the entertainment and activities. All on the lush green space of Grinsted Oval, which was filled with amazing BBQ food, laughter and fun all weekend.

Looking ahead, I’m delighted to invite families to our Teddy Bears Picnic on Friday 1 November, from 10am to 1pm at Frogs Hollow, corner of Riley and Lawler Streets (behind the former Bowling Club).

This free event promises a magical day of games, live entertainment, story time, and fun activities for children of all ages.

Bring your favourite teddy, picnic rug and snacks—or enjoy delicious food from local vendors. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with others and enjoy the outdoors in a safe, welcoming space.

Homeowners and community members are invited next week to the NSW Reconstruction Authority Resilient Homes Expo to help Resilient Homes Program make their homes more flood resilient. The Resilient Homes Expo will provide information about the Resilient Homes Program grant process, development approval processes and how successful resilient building and relocation projects can be delivered.

Homeowners and businesses can visit information stands and speak with representatives from council, Reconstruction Australia, SafeWork NSW, Building Commission NSW and various industry associations and businesses interested in resilient building services. The event is at Club Forbes from 4pm to 7pm on Wednesday.

Until next week,
God blessPhyllis Miller, OAM – Forbes Mayor

Snippets…

October 23, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Be sure to see JW in the sponsors tent in 2026.

Forbes Rodeo: Forbes Rodeo Committee honoured one of their original legends with a Life Membership. JW has been on the committee right from the beginning and has helped to make Forbes Rodeo what it is today. Forbes Rodeo are planning for the new year in the new MEC.

R U OK? Exam time can be tough. If a school or uni friend doesn’t seem themselves – maybe they’re stressing, procrastinating, or shutting down – check in with them. A simple ‘are you OK? can go a long way. For more tips and helpful study resources visit: ruok.org.au/academic-pressure Don’t forget, if it’s all feeling too much, support is available. ReachOut Australia provides peer support, or get in touch with Kids Helpline Official 1800 55 1800 (24/7) or headspace 1800 650 890.

NSW Government: From 10 December 2025, children under 16 won’t be able to create or keep accounts on platforms where age restrictions are likely to apply, such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X and YouTube. This is to help protect kids from harmful content and give them more time to learn safe online habits. Read the full FAQ here: bit.ly/social-media-age-restrictions

Parkes Clean Future Alliance: Check out the Parkes Plume Plotter. https://plumeplotter.com/parkes/ The Parkes plume plotter shows a prediction of the current amount of air pollution (at ground level) caused by emissions from the proposed incinerator at Parkes, NSW. This is an indicative plume plotter. Submissions to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Energy from Waste facilities in Regional NSW close on Friday, 31 October. More information at: www.parkescleanfuture.org

The Great Aussie Bird Count: Join Australia’s biggest citizen-science event – the Aussie Bird Count. This week, take part in the Aussie Bird Count and help track our feathered friends across the country! All it takes is 20 minutes in your backyard, local park, or favourite outdoor spot to count the birds you see. Submit your sightings via the Aussie Bird Count app or online. https://bit.ly/3Liyi1G

Local Spotlight – Great Inland Glossy Count: Want to do more? Join the Great Inland Glossy Count at Goobang National Park on Saturday 25 October. Help us monitor the stunning Glossy Black-Cockatoo and make a real impact. Learn more and register at https://bit.ly/47xLF6T

Let’s put our local birds on the map.

Be Seen @ Generocity Church Forbes

October 23, 2025 by Roxane Manley

An honorary service was held as Pastor Andrew and Michelle head into their next chapter.

Pastor Andrew and Michelle are moving on after serving faithfully in Forbes. They have been an absolute blessing.

Everyone is welcome to attend Northside Chapel at 59 Johnson St, Forbes.

Fresh Fight For Right To Repair

October 23, 2025 by Roxane Manley

NSW Farmers has welcomed calls from the Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury Andrew Leigh to introduce a legislated right to repair for agricultural machinery.

NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said commitment to legislate this was long overdue. “Right now, much of our modern farm machinery can only be fixed by an ‘authorised repairer’, but this often costs a fortune and there’s the likelihood of costly delays,” Mr Martin said.

“We can choose who fixes our cars and trucks, but can’t choose who fixes the ag machines that help us feed and clothe the nation – and that’s costing our industry time, money and productivity.

“Farmers should be able to choose to use and support a qualified local repairer or do repairs and maintenance work themselves if they’re qualified, so they can get their machinery fixed without huge costs or wait times.”

According to the Productivity Commission, legislating a right to repair agricultural machinery would boost agricultural productivity by $97 million annually.

“We need our tractors, headers and other machines to be fixed efficiently if we’re to keep putting clothes on backs and food on tables,” Mr Martin said.

Forbes Garden Club: September Report

October 23, 2025 by Green Thumb

Noel and Joy Hocking were hosts for the September meeting.

Forbes Garden Club President Marg Dent welcomed 42 members to the September meeting with nine apologies. The minutes of the previous meeting were read by Secretary Robin Lyell, and Treasurer Lloyd Gerdes presented us with his report.

Michelle Mahlo informed members that we have two Facebook pages and encouraged members to share their pictures on the Forbes Garden Club page. Show flower convenor, Bev Green acknowledged many members who had won prizes at the recent Forbes Show which added to make a beautiful display.

Our hosts were Noel and Joy Hocking who made their garden open for our meeting. Members were amazed to see this beautiful garden of irises, roses and flowers in bloom of all colours. Several times it has been hit with floods and is very well cared for with lots of fertilizer. Noel gave us tips on pruning and white fly control. Noel and Joy will also be opening their garden twice more during the month of October for those wishing to view more iris flowers in bloom. Janette Thomas thanked our hosts with a small gift.

Flower of the month winners were first Denise Thurston (Ranunculi), second Lee Sanderson (Freesia) and third Robyn Liebich (yellow Tulip).There was plenty of raffle winners drawn, winners included Lee Sanderson, Meg Scholefield, Loris Stewart, Denise Thurston, Marian Murray and Robin Lyell.

Our next meeting will be held in the garden of Jane and Darryl Burley at 11 Church Street on Tuesday 28 October at 2pm. Our guest speaker on the day will be Elsie Mahon. Everyone is invited to come along, and new members are always encouraged. Please bring along a chair, hat and cup and have a cuppa with members after the meeting. See you all there.

By Green Thumb

New Stock Management Tool For Farmers

October 23, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are continuing to ensure regional communities are able to thrive with a new powerful online tool to help NSW farmers better prepare for, respond to and recover from natural disasters including fire, flood, and drought.

The agriculture industry is the engine room of the New South Wales economy, contributing around $20 billion each year. This tool will help farmers safeguard their livelihoods during the climatic variations impacting their farming operations.

The platform, called myStockPlanner, enables farmers to provide details of their farm, risks and resources so they then in return can access tailored actionable response options to consider and implement with their feed and livestock.

myStockPlanner enhances and brings together the functions that previously existed in a suite of existing tools so they are upgraded into a smarter and single platform. The old tools such as the Drought and Supplementary Calculator, DroughtPack, Feed Cost Calculator and Drought Feed Calculator have been collated into a one stop shop myStockPlanner.

This platform is designed to empower farmers with real-time insights, scenario planning, and recovery tracking so they can make better and quicker decisions. Importantly, myStockPlanner allows users to save their business information to a farm profile, which they can access and update anywhere, anytime even if their business records are destroyed in floods or fires.

Farmers use the free platform to calculate livestock requirements, develop feed plans and evaluate projected annual costs of livestock sale and retention options to improve the farm’s performance. To learn more or sign up – myStockPlanner – https://mystockplanner.dpi.nsw.gov.au

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