Roxane Manley

Forbes High School Students Wet A Line For Sport

May 19, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Tara Morrison and Forbes High School students Wade Barter, Huntah Mckenzie, Charlie Newton, Shane Moxey, Adam Cuskelly and Blake Curran enjoyed fishing on Lake Forbes this week.

It was hard to miss all of the Forbes High School students making the most of a beautiful autumn afternoon and enjoying a spot of fishing on the river as part of the stage four (years seven and eight) organised sport activities.

Forbes High School Sports Co-Ordinator, Tara Morrison said, “Fishing is quite a popular choice for sports, we are incredibly lucky that we have the river. The new footbridge with the fishing pontoon is amazing and the kids really enjoy themselves and love fishing off there.”

Fishing is usually offered as a sport selection during terms two and term three as terms one and term four are generally too hot. The students can bring along their own fishing rods or use ones supplied by the school.

Tara, who grew up in Eugowra, also attended Forbes High School as a student. She moved away after school, but returned as a teacher and is happy to be able to teach at the same school she attended.

In terms of getting kids active, Tara explained, “We try to focus on the whole body, obviously physical activity is important but so are their minds and making sure the kids are relaxed is important. Fishing provides a great social aspect as the srudents all have it as a common interest they enjoy.”

Other popular sports with the FHS students currently are walking, as the students enjoy the walking track around the lake.Squash is quite popular in addition to other sports offered at school such as basketball, netball and touch football.

“Anything that gets kids outside, and moving, where the fresh air helps them clear their minds is good.” said Tara.

Our Bloke – Mitch Westcott

May 19, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Mitch Westcott

Where were you born? Parkes Hospital.

Were you named after anyone? I don’t know, you’ll have to ask my parents that one.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? My son, Billy.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? Sydney Olympics – going to the big smoke as a young child to watch it.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Happy wife happy life, I’m yet to perfect that.

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Going into business with my own electrical company, EMC.

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? A ski boat, beer and a boat driver.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Deck out the new shopfront.

When are you happiest? In the shower after a game of rugby, or with my family.

Regional NSW Set To Celebrate With Big Hearted Bashers

May 19, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Spectacular is an understatement, for the larger-than-life event that will see 130 mad-cap vintage vehicles roll into Eugowra, on day one of the 2023 NSW Bash on Sunday 21st May. They will also visit Eugowra Public School with a very special grant.

Now in its 31st year on the road, the Variety NSW Bash is set to be exceptional with more than 300 Bashers in 100 weird and wonderful cars set to visit 16 regional towns.

The colourful convoy of fun vehicles is set to delight little and big kids alike and will include nine NRL team themed cars, Team Tonka, Spongebob Squarepants, Toy Story Crocodile Dundee, Scooby Doo, Transformers, Shrek, Star Wars, Dark Lords, Minions, Trolls, Flintstones and Thomas the Tank Engine themed vehicles.

The convoy will roll into 12 schools along the way, delivering more than $80,000 in grants to meet each school’s wish list; ranging from a food van for hospitality training, chicken coop and chicken run, cubby house, sandpit, shade sail, netball and baseball tower and trikes to a 3D printer, podcast equipment, laptops, iPads, Lego, science apparatus and library refurbishment.

The bighearted convoy will start the seven day 2,160km journey in Dubbo and travel to Eugowra, Greenthorpe, Stockinbingal, Leeton, Conargo, Bunnaloo, Echuca, Lowesdale, Narrandera, Murrumburrah, Thirlmere, and St Marys before returning to Newcastle’s Foreshore for the Variety Family Fun Day. A special event where the public can welcome the Variety Bash cars back from their outback adventure, enjoy free live entertainment and for a small $5 cost, kids can enjoy unlimited amusement rides, face painting, petting zoo, fairy floss, balloon sculptures and plenty more.

2023 Variety NSW Bash route:

• Day 1: 21 May Dubbo, Eugowra, Cowra

• Day 2: 22 May Greenethorpe, Stockingbingal, Leeton

• Day 3: 23 May Leeton, Conargo,Euchuca

• Day 4: 24 May Bunnaloo, Lowesdale, Narrandera

• Day 5: 25 May Narrandera, Murrumburrah, Goulburn

• Day 6: 26 May Tirranna, Thirlmere, St Marys

• Day 7: 27 May St Marys, Newcastle Foreshore.

Budget A Disappointment For Forbes Region: McCormack

May 19, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack says this week’s Federal Budget will hurt those living in regional and rural communities, including those living in Forbes Shire.

The Labor Government’s Budget will introduce a new food tax on Australian families. Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack, said the new tax on farmers to pay for the biosecurity risk of international importers was senseless and would be passed on to consumers, which means even higher grocery prices Australians.

“It is quite rude that the Labor Government would ask farmers to pay for the biosecurity costs of importers from other countries, especially considering the power of work they do to keep our economy strong” Mr McCormack said.

The Albanese Government is also increasing the road user charge on truckies by 6 per cent, compounding each year, that will add to grocery bills for families, because transport companies can’t absorb that cost.

“The very popular Stronger Communities Program, which delivered $150,000 to every electorate for smaller-scale infrastructure projects – up to $20,000 – has been scrapped by this Labor Government,” Mr McCormack said.

Labor will also force local communities to wait two years to access regional grant programs, with funding that was available in 2022 under the Coalition now delayed until well into 2024.

Be Seen In Forbes

May 19, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Enjoying a BBQ and a play at Apex Park was Courtney Cassell with daughter Hadlee McGlashen.

Liana Bowd, Max Hancock, George Hancock and Billy Hancock enjoying the autumn sun at the Skate Park.

Charlie Dent enjoying a ride at the Skate Park.

Also enjoying a BBQ and a play was Candice Cassell and son Jameson Cassell.

Billabong Creek Challenge

May 19, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Saturday, 13th May saw the running of the annual Billabong Creek Challenge sponsored by Cooper’s Boys. This event celebrates the involvement that Cooper Thomson had with the PGC, and his playing partners keep that memory front and centre and we thank them for their sponsorship. There were 73 players contesting this 3 person event with a unique scoring system.

With a score of 87 points, Aaron Wilkie, Andrew Bourke and Peter Amor showed having a team heavy hitters meant that no hole was more than a driver and iron to get close in on the pin. The only disadvantage for this side was they didn’t get many holes where they had a shot to score with and therefore allowed a balanced side like Cody Hando, Jack Matthews and Brad Wales to utilise the holes where they had shots to score and only failed by a point in catching them.

The Nearest The Pins on Saturday were –The Idlerite 1 st by Max Keith at 333cm, the Harvey Norman 11th by Rob Parnell at 51cm and the 18th by Anthony Riach at 55cm. The lucrative 11th hole was won by visitor from Wellington Rob Parnell at 51cm. Ball winners were team Smith and Thomson plus David Stevenson, Rod Kiley and Rob Cheney on 83 and Nym Dziuba, Col Breadan and Reg Davison on 82.

This weekend, the Prostate Cancer 4 Person Medley Ambrose Sponsored by Prostate Awareness Day with $2,000 in prizes is on the Saturday and the Men’s and Ladies Foursomes will be on the Sunday as a 27 hole event. There are still time slots available at the ProShop.

“Cramorie” Offers A Refined Rural Lifestyle

May 12, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Forbes based rural and lifestyle property specialists Johnston Rural Group are excited to bring to market Cramorie – a refined rural lifestyle holding in an idyllic location on the edge of historic Forbes – with access to the Lachlan River.

Cramorie is a special rural lifestyle package that enjoys a prime location just 3km southeast of the historic Forbes town centre in an accessible albeit private and secluded setting. The focal point of the property is undoubtedly the stylish 4 bedroom weatherboard homestead (c.1900’s) which has commanding views out towards the Lachlan River over its small farming and grazing paddocks.

The property comprises of approximately 5.357 hectares (13.23 acres) of gently undulating and highly productive river flats which occupy five separate land parcels. Cramorie not only provides a wonderful place to live but is also a functioning small agricultural asset with a strong catalogue of ancillary improvements including a large fully enclosed machinery / storage shed with mezzanine, horse stable complex, set of cattle yards, three bay carport, workshop, dog kennel and chook run.

Marketing agent Sam Johnston stated that “Cramorie has already generated a significant amount of enquiry after being on the market for less than a week. Enquiry has come from a number of places including Forbes and its surrounding towns, Sydney, Melbourne, the South Coast and Central Tablelands.”

He then went on to say that “Given Forbes’ recently reported population growth projections and emerging business opportunities within the shire, it is clear that Forbes is now being seen as a ‘go to area’ with investment upside on the horizon.”

Cramorie is being offered for sale by Expressions of Interest (EOI) with expressions closing at 12 noon AEST Thursday 15th June 2023. A detailed information memorandum and price guide are available on request with inspections by appointment only.

Parkes Shire Library 2023 Student Library Ambassadors Announced

May 12, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Standing are L to R are Isaiah Stokes and Lachlan Watt from Parkes Christian School, Ned Hewes from Holy Family school, Sam Hunt and Corban Cunningham from Middleton Public School, Jacob Swindle and Sophie Francis from Parkes East Public school. Sitting L to R are Mary Gray from Holy Family School, Isla McLeod and Beth Deland from Parkes Public School, Sarah Knowling from Home School Community.

Parkes Shire Library received a whopping 40 applications from eager year five students to become Library Ambassadors this year. All of the 40 applications received were extremely well written, making the decision very difficult.

This week, Parkes students attended a small presentation ceremony and afternoon tea at Parkes Library. Library staff also visited branch libraries and schools to present the 2023 Ambassadors with their official badges.

The role of a Library Ambassador is to inform their school community of upcoming events, programs, exhibitions and activities that are taking place at the Libraries in Parkes Shire and Marramarra Makerspace.

The Library Ambassador Program has successfully run in Parkes for several years, and this year, the smaller towns within Parkes Shire were invited to participate in the program. Interested students were asked to apply for the position of Library Ambassador for their town, and a total of 16 applications were received from four schools. As a result, Bogan Gate, Trundle and Peak Hill now also have their very own Library Ambassadors.

Parkes Shire Library Ambassadors for 2023

Lili Stephenson and Harry Quade from St Patricks School Trundle.

Billy Zerafa and Tom Walter from Trundle Central School.

Jawarn Read, Jodi Sant (Peak Hill Library) Kyanna Dargin from St Josephs at Peak Hill.

Marshall Roach from Bogan Gate Public School.

Micro Grants For Creative Sector Impacted By Floods

May 12, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Arts OutWest are offering micro grants to arts, heritage and creative industries practitioners, groups and businesses impacted by floods or other natural disasters.

The Arts OutWest Rescue Restart Micro Grants are to help affected artists and creatives to re-open doors, restart regular activities, reach new audiences or continue trading as creatives.

The funding comes from the NSW Government as part of a broader package to the arts sector to support audience development and recovery.

Arts OutWest has been in ongoing conversation with many across the region since the flooding events in 2022.

“We’ve identified the need for very flexible small grants to cover practical things that either physically help with rebuilding or in rebuilding audiences,” said Arts OutWest executive director Kylie Shead.

Grants are for up to $1000 each, open to those in the Arts OutWest service area.

“People might use funds for repairs, replacement of equipment, re-making or restocking of artwork but also for activities that bring back customers and visitors or build new audiences. The funding is open in terms of what people need cash for but is specifically targeted to those directly impacted by flood and natural disaster and to the arts, heritage and creative industries,” Ms Shead said.

Grant applications are now open and close on Monday 5 June 2023, with applications assessed regularly throughout this period. There is a very simple application process. Details on the Arts OutWest website at https://artsoutwest.org.au/pf/microgrants2023apply/ or call Arts OutWest on 02 6338 4657.

Arts OutWest is the Regional Arts Development Organisation of Central West NSW servicing the local government areas of Bathurst Region, Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Forbes, Lachlan, Lithgow, Mid-Western Regional, Oberon, Orange, Parkes and Weddin.

Arts OutWest is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW, the Australian Government through Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support and by Charles Sturt University.

May Monthly Medal

May 12, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Saturday was the May Monthly Medal and a field of 78 contested the Telescope Tyres and Batteries/Hankook Masters event with the daily sponsor being Parkes Courier Service and we thank them for their continued support of golf in Parkes.

In A Grade the very much in-form Wayne ‘Pup’ Parker had the after burners on as he scorched the course with his 72 off the stick, a clear 6 strokes in front of the runner-ups in Michael Dumesny, Phil Bishop and Michael Thomas and another 5 chasers on 79.

In B grade Mick Smith had a great round of 79 to take the scratch a clear 5 strokes clear of Richard Hamilton, who has been in consistent form of late and a further stroke back to Aaron Drabsch.

In C grade Rob Lea powered in a solid 85 to lead the field in and win the event by a clear 4 strokes from Col Breaden.

The competitive Griffins Leading Edge putting competition was won by Wayne Parkerwith 24 putts which obviously shored up his game on the day. In the ladies putting competition Sue Holman picked up the prize with 30 putts.

Parkes Shire Library Ambassadors for 2023

Subscribe