Roxane Manley

Mock Crash Demonstration Helps Young Drivers To Not Become Road Statistics

September 4, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The annual mock crash demonstration returned last week and was viewed by over 400 Year 10 students from across the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Council areas. Seven local high schools are taking part in this year’s NOT A STATISTIC! Youth Driver Education Program, which includes a pre classroom lesson, the live mock crash demonstration and a follow-up classroom lesson.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said the purpose of the mock crash demonstration is to show young drivers what happens when a crash occurs.

“The mock crash demonstration started with a short video that set the scene about how the crash occurred and introduced the youth actors. Then the curtains opened, and the audience watched as the youth actors called ‘000’ for help.

“When emergency service personnel arrived, they were confronted with two severely injured trapped passengers, one dead passenger and an emotional driver.

“The mock crash demonstration concluded with recorded victim impact statements which highlighted what life has been like for the driver, her surviving passengers and their families nine months on. The videos included point of view footage of what happened at the Police station and hospital.

The program has been running since 2009. Over that period there has been a 27% reduction in crashes on local roads involving a young driver (17 – 25 years old).“It is a real team effort. Thanks to Parkes High School, Westlime, Regency Medical, Parkes Auto Wreckers, The McMasters, Bella Henry, Julia Sullivan, Halle Molloy, Senior Constable Emma Dyball, Acting Sergeant Jane Heffernan, Sergeant Philip Brown, Constable Anthony O’Brien, Madeline Elkhouri, Ebony Domanski, Jeff Field, Matthew Hando, David Law, Mark Appleby, Leanne Field, Marshall Munn, Glen Morgan, Sherry Morgan, CCT Productions, Chloe Marskell, Logan Davies, Abigail Heard and Abbey Browne,” Ms Suitor said.

Grains R&D Meeting Scheduled For Parkes

September 4, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Grain growers are invited to share their thoughts at the upcoming Grains R&D: Your levies, your views consultation, organised by GrainGrowers. Image: Farmpix Photography.(www.farmpix.com.au/)

Grain growers in the Parkes region are being urged to attend an upcoming grower meeting to discuss issues around grains research and development, levy rates and reviews and the impact on growers.

The Grains R&D: Your levies, your views consultation, organised by GrainGrowers as part of its representative organisation (RO) role with the GRDC, will take place in Parkes on Thursday 11 September at the Parkes Services Club, 10:30am – 12pm.

In total, meetings will be held in 18 regional centres across five states from 2 September through until 16 October. The Parkes meeting is one of four being held across NSW.

GrainGrowers CEO Shona Gawel said the meetings are an ideal opportunity for growers to consider the current situation, to put forward their thoughts on the issues and raise questions that they would like considered and answered.

Ms Gawel said in recent months there had been many discussions about grains research and development, and it was important to engage as widely as possible with growers.

“As a grower member organisation, direct engagement is in our DNA, and these meetings are designed to allow us to listen and to reflect carefully on the next steps.”

“While our members are free to contact us at any time, growers across Australia now have multiple opportunities to come together to discuss.

“The full schedule of consultations is available via our website. For anyone unable to attend, we will be holding a virtual session at a later date to encourage the widest possible consultation,” Ms Gawel said.

Further information and to register, at: www.graingrowers.com.au/events/grains-r-and-d-your-levies-your-views-parkes-nsw

Saturday’s 4bbb Stableford Medley

September 4, 2025 by By Short Putt

Forbes golfers were met with cold and drizzly weather at first but this gave way to a weekend of sunshine which was much more appealing.

The Saturday event was a 4BBB Stableford Medley, sponsored by Cahill’s Footwear. The field was reduced to 33 players with many others cancelling on Saturday due to weather.

The winners were Matt Duff and Stuart Thomas who entered the Golfie filled with excitement after playing well, but not sure if their score of 45 was good enough. They combined very well throughout.

The runners-up were Caleb Hanrahan and Ash Hogan who managed 44 points.

They had two 1-point holes which held them back.

The Individual comp was won by Caleb Hanrahan with 37 points. He started his round with four 3-pointers.

The ball sweep went to 40 points. There was one visitor who teamed with Brendan Hayes but unfortunately both were affected by the sharp breeze.

The NTP’s went to: 9th – ladies: nil, men:

Dan Bayley; 18th – ladies: C Venables, men:

Matt Walton, of whom only Colleen and Dan converted for a ‘2’. The 3rd hole Super Pin went to Stuart Thomas who steered his shot to 160cm proximity from the hole. He did convert for a ‘2’.The core holes made for some interesting putt results but after the spreading of the fine sand early this week the surface should be much improved.

Note: The Bogan Gate Open originally scheduled for this weekend has been movedto Sunday 14 September. This Saturday, 6 September is the Monthly Medal sponsored by McFeeters Motor Museum. Sunday will feature a Stableford Medley.

By Short Putt

Lachlan Valley Branch Bushwalkers Group Calendar: Spring 2025

September 4, 2025 by Roxane Manley

New walkers are always welcome with the Lachlan Valley Branch Bushwalkers group.

The walks are generally pretty leisurely, taking time to spot birds, plants, spiders and other animals. Walkers are reminded to bring along enough food and water for the entire day as well as suitable clothing, footwear, hat and sunscreen. A pair of good binoculars and a fold up chair for the post- walk cuppa is recommended.

Tuesday, 2 September: Gunning Gap NP. Meet Forbes Railway Station 9.30am Some off track but quite easy, 3-4kms walk in morning, lunch at lagoon nearby. Leader Peter Cannon 6866 1225.

Saturday, 20 September: Glen Echo trail towards Mt Taylor, starting from Juliet and Hugh’s property. Meet at 10am at Glen Echo, 305 Puzzleflat Lane, Eugowra (contact leader for directions if unsure) 5- 6kms medium – hard (different route than previous walk) Leader Juliet Hunt 0432 470 025.

Tuesday, 30 September: Monumea Gap Meet at Bushmans Dam, Kelly Reserve corner Thomas St and Peak Hill Rd at 9am. 5kms easy on track. Should be good for birds. Leader Martin Bell 0429 346 586.

Saturday, 18 October: Bumberry Ridge Meet 9am at Lions Park, Molong Rd, Parkes. 7kms medium, some off track Leader Martin Bell 0429 346 586Contact the listed walk leader the night before the walk if you intend to come. A $2.00 donation is appreciated.

There are three grades of walks:

Easy: (5 to 10 kilometres) Mostly flat to slightly undulating topography. Walks are mostly on tracks or fire trails and of moderate distance. Suitable for those with a minimum level of fitness.

Medium: (5 to 8 kilometres) May be over moderate hills or rough terrain. May involve some off track walking. Walk may involve shorter distance overall due to rougher conditions. Suitable for an average fitness level.

Hard: (5 or more kilometres) Walk may involve hilly or mountainous terrain, rough tracks, a trackless route or an extended distance. Walk suitable for above average fitness level.

Come Down To Halpins Flat For Croquet

September 4, 2025 by By Elvy Quirk

Frank Donohoe, Tony Bernardi and Kevin Rubie enjoying some social time.

Aussie Croquet was played on Saturday 30 August, with only 10 in attendance. Only the bravest played because of the cold winds. However those who played enjoyed the morning despite the cold.

All three games were won by Rex Toole whilst two game winners were Russell Anderson, Cheryl Toohey, Peter West and Elvy Quirk. Well done to those players.

On Tuesday 2 September Golf Croquet was played with 38 in attendance. It was a beautiful spring day, and it was great to see Marie Spry back playing after a break away.

A gentle reminder that the Annual General Meeting is coming around during October and please take time to think what positions you would like to hold for the coming year. Membership renewals of $20.00 are due before 30 September.

Spring is here and the weather is getting much better so should you be interested in a game of croquet, then come down to Halpins Flat on a Tuesday by 9.15am and you can try your luck, whilst being paired with an experienced player to get to know the ins- and-outs of the game.

By Elvy Quirk.

Mayoral Notes

September 4, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Forbes is brimming with creativity, and our young people will soon have the chance to showcase theirs through the free Street Dreams Youth Art Workshop. Open to ages 8 to 13, the workshop will run on Saturday 20 September from 12:30pm to 2pm at the Forbes Youth and Community Centre.

Participants will be guided in creating original artworks that will be proudly displayed at the Street Dreams Festival on Saturday 27 September. With only 15 spots available, this is a special opportunity for our young creatives to shine. Register via Council’s website. I can’t wait to see their work on display.

This week marks the launch of the Scrap Together campaign, a new initiative supported by the NSW EPA to help us make the most of our green-lid FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics) bins.

In Forbes, we collect around 1,300 tonnes of food and garden waste each year, turning scraps into compost instead of landfill. It’s a great result, but food waste is still one of the biggest items going into red-lid bins. Head to Council’s social media pages for simple tips on how to keep food waste out of landfill.

I’m excited to invite all young people and families to a new youth event, designed to promote positive choices, wellbeing and community connection.

Youth Connect will be held at the Forbes Skatepark and Stephen Field on Tuesday 30 September from 12 pm to 3 pm, featuring inflatables, giveaways, food and activities like NRL clinics.

This free event is proudly supported by the Forbes Community Drug Action Team (CDAT). For nearly 25 years, CDAT has been working to keep our community safe and healthy, running programs, education campaigns, and events that help young people and families make positive choices.

Events like this help build stronger, healthier and more resilient young people, which benefits our whole town.

Youth Connect is part of our school holiday program, so keep an eye out for the lineup of activities coming soon!

God Bless,
Phyllis Miller OAM

Flying High For Mental Health – In Memory Of Corey Woodhouse

August 28, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The lives of Jason and Michelle Woodhouse, and their family were drastically changed when their son Corey Woodhouse (14) of Forbes unexpectedly took his own life in August 2023. It forever altered their lives and Corey’s father Jason Woodhouse said, “Our journey of pain will never end and nothing will change what has happened, but we wish to raise awareness of the services available for the families and youth of Forbes and surrounds.”

Since their loss, Jason and Michelle have been doing what they can to raise money and awareness for mental health. During the month of August they have been selling red paper planes at Bernardis Forbes and at Coles in Parkes, Dubbo, Lithgow, Orange, Bathurst, Katoomba, Wellington, Cowra, Mudgee and Narromine. They have already raised over $10,000 and the planes are still on sale until 31 August. Tag them @FlyHighforMentalHealth when you see the planes.

They also held a free mental health event and charity auction in Forbes on Saturday 23 August. The event raised over $2,000 and the Fly High for Mental Health Auction raised over $14,000. All funds will be equally donated between Kids Helpline and Headspace to help kids across Australia“We are grateful that so many people have supported us in time, effort and generous donations. Thank you to everyone involved, from helpers, friends and family to businesses that donated items and the community who made donations and attended the event,” said Jason.

There is still time to make a donation at: https://shoutforgood.com/fundraisers/flyhigh-for-mental-health

Mayoral Notes

August 28, 2025 by Roxane Manley

I am very proud to share that Forbes has been named a finalist in the 2025 NSW Tidy Towns Awards. Running since 1981, the Tidy Towns program recognises and celebrates the outstanding efforts of communities right across regional NSW. It shines a light on the projects and initiatives that not only improve the environment but also strengthen community pride and connection.

The winners will be announced at the 2025 Tidy Towns Awards Weekend hosted by Keep Australia Beautiful NSW from 10 – 12 October 2025 in Parkes.

I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has played a part in Forbes reaching this stage. Being named a finalist is a true reflection of your efforts and passion for our town.

Our lakes, rivers and wetlands are among our community’s greatest treasures. But we know drought can have a big impact on how we use and enjoy them. With support from the Future Drought Fund, Council is developing Recreational Waterbodies Drought Management Plans to help protect these special places during dry times.

To make sure these plans truly reflect community needs, we want to hear from you. Tell us how you use our waterbodies, how drought has affected those activities and your ideas for keeping them thriving.

I encourage everyone to take a few minutes to complete the survey at www.forbes.

nsw.gov.au and help shape the future of our much-loved waterbodies.

The National BBQ Championships is returning to Forbes this October, and team registrations are now open!Last year more than 1,500 people joined us for great food, entertainment and the friendly Forbes atmosphere, with teams travelling from across NSW, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia.

This year we’d love to see even more local teams take part. Whether you’re a pitmaster or a backyard barbeque fan, it’s your chance to showcase your skills and be part of a fantastic community event.

Spots are limited. Register now via Council’s website and help make this year’s competition the best yet!God Bless, Phyllis Miller OAM

Snippets…

August 28, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Di Buckman and Gail Irvine from Forbes Riverside Gardens presenting a cheque for $1,500 to Cheryl and Rex Barton from CanAssist.

CanAssist Forbes Branch: Another great supporter of CanAssist is Forbes Riverside Gardens. The group recently donated $1,500 from the proceeds of their mothers day morning tea. CanAssist Forbes branch thank them for their generous support.

Parkes Elvis Festival: Declare your love at the Parkes Elvis Festival with the popular Renewal of Vows ceremony. Held under the ‘Love Me Tender’ arch, this is a once-ina-lifetime opportunity to renew your vows before an Elvis wedding celebrant.For more information and to register, visit: bit.ly/PEFvows

NSW Government: As of 15 August 2025, it is a crime in NSW to incite hatred against someone because of their race. This includes colour, nationality, ethnicity, descent, or ethno-religious background. Public acts done intentionally to encourage racial hatred, whether in person, online, or in public spaces, can result in fines or imprisonment. You can still share your views, have discussions, and ask questions, as long as it doesn’t encourage others to hate people based on race. Learn more about the law here: bit.ly/law-against-racial-hatred

Galari River Arts Forbes inc: Just Ad Kids is a 3-day filmmaking program for kids aged 10+. Come along as we make a TV ad and play your part in our production! Club Forbes, 29 and 30 September and 1 October 2025. This free event is the perfect start to the school holidays https://events.humanitix.com/just-ad-kids

R U OK? You don’t have to fix their problem. Just sit, listen and be there. Remember, sometimes actions speak louder than words.

Uniting Church Monday Monthly Meal: enjoy the free Monday monthly meal at the Uniting Church Hall in Parkes, 1 September. Doors open at 5.45pm for 6pm serving of a delicious two course meal. All are welcome to attend.

Central West Lachlan Landcare Inc: CWLL was at Peak Hill for the official announcement from Western NSW Local Health District’s Health Promotion team that Peak Hill and Gilgandra are the two finalists for the 2025-26 Building Healthy Communities Challenge. The Challenge, which will run between 1 September 2025 and 3 April 2026 aims to empower towns with fewer than 5,000 people to take control of their health by providing funding and assistance to implement a community-led health initiative.

Central West Lachlan Landcare are looking forward to contributing to further initiatives at the Peak Hill Community Garden to increase health and well-being in the community.

Be Seen @ Parkes High School Agriculture Team

August 28, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Mrs Shankleton was super excited to announce that the Parkes High School Agriculture Team has had a very successful 2025 Parkes Show.

In the sheep section the PHS Poll Dorset Ewes won champion (led by Milo) and reserve champion female (led by Xavier) and then went on to win Supreme British Breed Female.

This is a brilliant result for the Parkes High School Agriculture team. Congratulations to the entire team on their efforts!

Subscribe