Roxane Manley

Just $25 Will Help Support Families Like Henry’s

September 18, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Henry was born prematurely in 2021 and Ronald McDonald House has been helping him ever since. He often returns to Orange for medical appointments with specialists. Henry loves visiting ‘Hen’s House’ as he calls it – a comforting place for him that has been the family’s ‘home away from home’ for over 4 years.

Henry from Parkes has been staying with Ronald McDonald House, on and off, since before he was born.

During a routine antenatal checkup in Parkes, Lou and Gary were advised to travel to Orange hospital immediately where Lou was admitted that night and Garry was luckily offered a room at Ronald McDonald House Central West, within walking distance of the Hospital.

The next day Lou was asked to stay in Orange so that their baby could continue to be monitored. Lou was 22 weeks at this stage, and Ronald McDonald House in Orange became their ‘home away from home’.After two weeks the decision was made to transfer to Newcastle’s John Hunter Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit suitable for premature babies in anticipation of Henry’s arrival.

“The staff in Orange went out of their way to assist with travel and transfer arrangements,” said Garry. This also included booking them a room at Ronald McDonald House in Newcastle. “It eases the financial pressures and the physical toll of having to be a distance away.”

Henry didn’t keep Lou and Garry waiting long once they arrived in Newcastle – he was born the next day, at 24 weeks weighing 560 grams.

To help support Henry, and kids just like him, you can enter the Ronald McDonald House Central West raffle and go in the draw to win a Hyundai Kona.

Simply buy a $25 ticket to enter and you’ll be in the draw to win, plus you’ll also be helping Ronald McDonald House support sick kids from across the Central West.All proceeds from the raffle stay in the Central West at Ronald McDonald House Central West and help support families with sick and injured children from across the region.

To learn more about Ronald McDonald House Central West and buy a ticket in the raffle to win a Hyundai Kona visit their website at www.rmchcwnsw.org.au

Early Starters Win Event

September 18, 2025 by Short Putt

It was a good day on the golf course as the Forbes golfers enjoyed the conditions to score well. The early starters seemed to have all the advantages as they scored the best of all. The field of 60 players contested the event, an Individual Par sponsored by Everest Auto Repairs. There were several visitors who came for a look at the course before they take part in the KENO Regional Final to be held later this month.

The Div-1 winner was Tim West who finished on +4. He and partner Ash Hogan were the first onto the course. Tim turned at +1 but had his mojo going on the back-9.

The runner-up was Ash Hogan with +3. He had a quiet front-9 turning at -1 but played the back-9 without a ‘minus’ to finish strongly.

Many Forbes players participated in the Parkes Open, held over 36-holes on two days. Forbes talent shone through with John Betland winning 141 (72, 69) from runner-up Caleb Hanrahan 145 (70, 75). Full results to come.

Also being played was the Bogan Gate Open. A field of 58 kept the organisers busy.

The A-grade was won by Brad Hurley (Condo) with 75 from runner-up Tony Harding (Narromine) on 76. In B-grade Jim Carty (WW) won both the scratch (86) and the handicap (67).This weekend the NSW Country Championships are being held at Cowra at which our better players will be representing Lachlan Valley. And do not forget the ‘Naggers Cup’ to be held at Condobolin on Sun 21 September. This is a great chance to pick up some gossip. This Saturday, 20 Septemebr will be an Individual Stableford, sponsored by Roylances Tractor Replacements. Sunday will have a Stableford Medley.

By Short Putt

Jack Mill And His Car “Swifty” Win Young Street Machine Of The Year

September 11, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Parkes Auto Electrician and Mechanic, Jack Mill has just won the prestigious award of Young Street Machine of the Year.

The competition was run online by “Street Machine”, Australia’s largest Automotive platform for modified vehicles, and sponsored by Hare & Forbes Machinery House.

Jack has attended the Summernats since he was a young child and loves the burnout scene. Wanting to be part of the action, Jack hatched a plan to build a little burnout car, nothing flash – but that plan soon went out the window.

“We bought the swift for $500 in a poor state. We built it in the back shed after hours and finished it just before Summernats 35, but we weren’t ready for the attention it received,” said Jack.

The Young Street Machine competition was open nationally to car enthusiasts under the age of 24 years. Entrants were required to submit photos of their vehicle, along with a story about their car and what they had done to it. The next step was to promote themselves on social media, tag Street Machine and ask people to vote.

Thousands of vehicle entries were received, with the top 16 entries moving to the finals. The final vehicles were presented at the closest Hare & Forbes Machinery House venues for a final car show, where people voted for the best entry.

Jack was thrilled to take out his category in the final, and is now gearing up to get back out on the pad of Summernats 37.

Snippets…

September 11, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Stay tuned for all the rock’n’roll details.

Parkes Elvis Festival: The Parkes Elvis Festival is excited to invite volunteers to join them in delivering the 2026 Parkes Elvis Festival. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to gain hands-on experience in the events industry, meet new people and give back to the community. To become part of the festival family, visit: bit.ly/PEFVolunteers2026

PCYC Parkes Upcoming Safer Driver Courses: The next PCYC Safer Drivers Course will be held on 20 September. The course will teach you strategies so you can drive solo with more confidence. Thanks to Parkes Leagues Club, our Parkes courses have received funding via Club Grants. You must email the club to receive a code. https://pcycdrivweeducation.org.au

Forbes Youth Action Team Forbes Show Colouring Competition: Grab your colouring sheet here: https://shorturl.at/fumeV Bring your finished masterpieces along to the Show Office by 4pm Friday 12 September. Get ready for a huge day of family fun, events, competitions, rides and entertainment right here at the Forbes Showground. Tickets are on sale now https://www.123tix.com.au/events/49535/2025-forbes-show

Garage Sale Trail: Gather your crew for the Garage Sale Trail. Parkes Shire Council is calling for expressions of interest from schools, charities, sporting clubs, community halls and other groups keen to host a group garage sale on 8-9 or 15-16 November 2025. Whether it’s a boot sale, hall sale or school oval sale, give pre-loved items a new home. Learn more at www.garagesaletrail.com.au or contact Sharyn Ware on (02) 6861 2333.

Street Dreams: Be part of the magic of Street Dreams, a free youth art workshop on Saturday 20 September, 12:30pm – 2pm at the Forbes Youth and Community Centre for ages 8-13 years. Your masterpieces will feature at Street Dreams 2025 on Saturday 27 September. Register now to secure your place: www.123tix.com.au/events/49916/free-youth-art-workshop

National Child Protection Week: With children and teenagers spending more time online, including instant messaging, social media and gaming apps, it’s important to regularly talk to your child about online safety, what they are doing and who they are talking to. This week, and every week, we urge the community to be aware of the risks, and to do your part to help prevent online child sexual exploitation. For information visit: www.napcan.org.au

Every conversation matters.

September Is Prostate Cancer Month

September 11, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality in Australia. Prostate Cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men, with approximately 25,000 men diagnosed with the disease each year in Australia, September is Prostate Awareness Month and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia are encouraging men to take preventative action.

In Parkes, the Prostate Cancer Awareness and Support Group will be co-ordinating a number of outreach activities from 8-12 September, including an information table at Parkes Pharmacy. Community members are invited to consult with group representatives for further information.

Initial symptoms may include abdominal pain, blood in the urine, difficulty urinating or sometimes no noticeable signs. Men with a family history of cancer, especially those aged forty or even younger, are advised to consult with their doctor for appropriate testing on an annual basis. The same recommendation is made for all men aged fifty or over, as timely detection is important.

Many men are reluctant to undergo digital rectal examinations (DRE), but recent studies indicate that DRE is no longer the primary diagnostic tool, and alternative tests are available. Further information at: www.pcfa.org.au.

Be Seen @ Trundle Bush Tucker Day 2025

September 11, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Billy Boil results: 1st place Jim Lingier, 2nd place Sam Harmer and 3rd place- Blake Ridges.

All images credit: Images InstantlyBushman’s Relay results: 1st Junior Furious not Fast, 2nd Mudgee Weapons, 1st Adults Graceys, 2nd The Replacements. Thank you Luke and Georgia for coordinating this event.

Dog High-Jump results: Small Dog 1st Shane with Molly, 2nd Sarah with Rocco. Large Dog 1st Chris with Rover, 2ndMat with Alf. Rising Star Dog: Jennie with Sadie.

Talk2MeBro Ladies Catchup In Forbes This Sunday

September 11, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Event co-ordinators at a previous Talk2MeBro Forbes catch-up.

Mental health and suicide prevention charity Talk2MeBro will host another of its regular Ladies Catchups in Forbes at the scenic Ski Dam, this Sunday, 14 September, from 7:30am.

The Ladies Catchups are casual gatherings specifically designed to bring women together to reconnect with themselves, share, and build meaningful connections.

These female-only events are dispersed between guys catch ups, and community catch ups across the region, and have proven incredibly impactful in creating supportive networks among participants.

This Sunday’s Ladies Catchup will provide residents with mental health support through relaxed conversation, breath work exercises, ice bath experiences, and connection in a safe, non-judgmental environment. The combination allows participants to find solace in knowing they are not alone in their journey while experiencing proven wellness practices that support both physical and mental wellbeing.

The Forbes Ski Dam setting provides a beautiful, peaceful backdrop. Women from all walks of life are welcome, whether attending alone or with family members. No prior experience with breathwork or ice baths is necessary. The focus is on showing up for yourself and supporting others.

The Forbes Ladies Catchup represents the organisation’s ongoing commitment to making mental health support easily accessible to everyone in regional communities.

By maintaining regular catchups across Central NSW, Talk2MeBro ensures that residents have access to support and genuine connection right in their own backyard.

The organisation partners with councils, schools, workplaces, gyms and sporting clubs to help create safe spaces for genuine conversations about mental health.

Registration is essential: www.talk2mebrocatchups.org.au/forbesladies

Free Online Child Car Seat Safety Workshops

September 11, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Parents, carers and grandparents of young children are invited to attend one of two free online workshops being held next week to provide important safety information about child car seats.

The workshops are being conducted by Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils in partnership with Transport for NSW. The workshops will be held online via Microsoft Teams, on Wednesday 17 September at 10am and again at 7pm, and will run for about an hour.

The Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said the correct selection, installation and adjustment of child car seats is vital.

“The workshop will cover the National Child Restraint Laws, types of child car seats available, correct installation and adjustment, when to move to the next car seat, accessories, tips for secondhand car seats and much more.

“It will be a great refresher for grandparents, as child car seats and the rules have changed a lot since they had their children, but also for parents and carers as they are navigating their way through their child or children’s growth.

“Local checking day events show that around 80% of the child car seats we checked were incorrectly installed. Transport for NSW research shows that children who are not restrained correctly are seven times more likely to sustain life-threatening injuries in a crash than those who are properly secured. It is so important to ensure your precious cargo is safe,” Ms Suitor.

To book your place, use this link: https://bit.ly/SeptWkshopRego, or visit Councils’ Facebook pages or call Ms Suitor on (02) 6861 2364.

Mayoral Notes

September 11, 2025 by Roxane Manley

On behalf of Forbes Shire Council and our community, I would like to congratulate the Forbes Magpies on their incredible effort in Sunday’s 2025 Western Premiership Rugby League Grand Final. Going down 23 – 22 to the Dubbo CYMS in a nail-biting golden point finish was a heartbreaking way to end the season, but the courage, determination and sportsmanship shown by our Magpies was nothing short of inspiring.

Our players, coaching staff, volunteers and supporters should all be proud of the journey this season and the way the team has represented Forbes with pride and passion. Well done, Magpies – you’ve done our town proud!Last week I had the privilege of attending the Annual Conference of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA) in Griffith. ALGWA brings together women in local government from across the state, providing both new and returning councillors with an opportunity to reset, gain fresh perspectives, and build practical skills to strengthen their leadership.

This year’s theme, Taste the Inspiration, reflected the motivation and empowerment that comes from embracing fresh ideas and innovative approaches in today’s everchanging local government landscape. I was also honoured to be re-elected as an Executive Committee Member of ALGWA, and I look forward to continuing to support and advocate for women in leadership across local government.

I’m excited to announce the launch of our Spring School Holiday Program. There’s plenty on offer to keep kids busy, including circus workshops, skateboard painting, first aid training and more! We’ve even added a brand-new Youth Connect event, which I know will be a highlight.

We are trialling a small ticket fee for some activities to help reduce no-shows, so more families get the chance to join in the fun. Spots always fill fast, so make sure you jump online at www.forbes.nsw.gov.au to book your child’s place. I can’t wait to see our young people out enjoying another great holiday program here in Forbes!

God Bless,
Phyllis Miller OAM

Be Seen @ Forbes CWA Soup And Slice Day

September 11, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Lorraine Everest (member of Evening Branch of CWA) running and taping cords to ensure safety at the soup serving bench the day before the September Soup/Slice Kitchen.

The helping hands from Forbes Evening CWA: Robyn Miller (Vice President) and Nic Little (President).

Patrons enjoying soup and a chat at the September Soup/Slice Kitchen: Jessica and James Whalen, Rebecca Baynham and Sue-Anne Nixon.

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