Roxane Manley

Fraser Shoots Lowest Score

May 29, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Kailab Tyne, Brad Ashton, Tony Boshoff and Anthony Alley enjoy the sun on the 17th tee as they head for the ‘Golfie’.

On Saturday the Forbes golfers were led by junior player Liam Fraser in the Men’s Individual Stroke event. Liam finished ahead of a group of Div-1 players.

The Div-1 Winner was Terry Griffiths with 70 nett. He was well pleased with his score after a bogey, bogey start. Runner-up on count back was Dave Mylecharane also on 70 nett. He played early and watched his score remain on top until Terry posted his score.

The Div-2 was won by Liam Fraser with 69 nett. He had an unsteady start but then played consistently for his score. Runner-up was Nathan Roach on 71 nett. This was his first game for a while and showed he had not lost his touch.

The ball sweep went to 75 nett. The visitors included a big group from Dubbo on the annual ‘road trip south’. The equal best of these was Sam Letfallah and Hugh Graham on 71. Two of their group filled the last places in the field. Lost among those were Dave Naveau (Wellington) and Andrew Brownlow (Peak Hill).The NTP’s went to: 9th Paul Pymont; 18th Hamish Steel-Park. Neither of them converted for a ‘2’. The 3rd hole Super Pin went to Kailab Tyne with a shot to 190 cm. His conversion helped him to a nett par round.

On Sunday the Condobolin Mens Open was played as the last leg of the O’ConnorsTrilogy. Zac Mitchell (Condo) won the Open with 71 Scratch. Successful Forbes players included P Dawson (A-Gde Nett R-up), Archie Quirk (B-Gde Scratch Wnr), M Simmonds (B-Gde Nett R-up) and Sandy Paterson (C-Gde Scratch R-up).In the Trilogy the Scratch winner was John Betland (223) from Brendan Richards (Condo 227), while the Handicap winners were a tie with Archie Quirk and Adam Richards (Condo).By Short Putt

Restraint Checks Securing Child Safety In Parkes And Forbes

May 29, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor pictured at the recent child restraint checking events in Parkes and Forbes.

The recent free child restraint checking events, a service provided by Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils, discovered that 79% of the child restraints checked were incorrectly fitted.

The service provided free child restraint inspections in Parkes, Forbes and Condobolin, by local Authorised Child Restraint Fitters. Nineteen child restraints were brought in by parents and grandparents for checking – mostly rearward/forward facing converter child restraints or forward facing/booster converter child restraints. There were also two installations.

The Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said these bi-annual events continue to be popular.

“The child restraints that were incorrectly fitted had minor problems that needed fixing to ensure the safety of the child” Ms Suitor said.

“The correct fitting and adjustment of child restraints is vital. It is important to make sure that your precious cargo is safe and buckled up every time they are in the car – whether it’s a five minute or five-hour journey” Ms Suitor said.

While these safety checks were free biannual events, local Authorised Child Restraint Fitters can install and check child restraints all year-round for a small fee. The local fitters in Parkes are Col Fletcher Ford & Kia and Parkes Tyrepower. The local fitter in Forbes is Jelbart Dawson. The local fitter in Condobolin is Central West Tyre Service.

National child restraint laws have been in effect since 2010. All children must be safely fastened into the correct child restraint for their age and size. Children need to be at least 145cm or taller to use an adult lap sash seatbelt.

Research shows 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.

You can visit www.childcarseats.com.au for more information about child restraint rules.

Topsoil Organics Named 2025 Western Nsw Business Of The Year

May 22, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Forbes based business, Topsoil Organics was named Western NSW’s 2025 Business of the Year at a Gala event at Dubbo RSL Club, in front of 210 business leaders.

They also were awarded top honors in the categories of Excellence in Large Business and Excellence in SustainabilityTopsoil Organics is a family-owned business that launched the Central West Nutrient Return Centre in 2021, which diverts 200,000+ tonnes of organic waste from landfills into premium compost for broadacre farming.

Driven by a commitment to sustainability and the circular economy, they are expanding with the Topsoil Organics Regional Regenerative Energy Hub. This innovative facility will feature an anaerobic digester to generate renewable electricity, EV fastcharging stations, and a café and meeting space.

The independent judges praised Topsoil Organics for their business excellence which is grounded in environmental innovation, local economic development, and operational resilience.

“Topsoil Organic’s win showcases the incredible innovation, determination and ingenuity, by transforming waste into energy and regenerative solutions, they are creating lasting environmental, agricultural, and community benefits for a cleaner future” said Vicki Seccombe, Regional Director – Western NSW, Business NSW.

“This year, we recognised an incredible group of winners from across Western NSW, each business leader and business has showcased innovation and sustainability, with a focus on their teams and their local communities.”

Winners of the 2025 Western NSW Business Awards, will now go on to represent the region at the State Business Awards being held in October.

Council Comments With Cr Chris Roylance

May 22, 2025 by Roxane Manley

On Saturday the town celebrated that is had been 50 years since Gough Whitlam officially opened the Lachlan Vintage Village – you can watch the reel at the newly refurbished Visitor Information Centre on the site in Mary Street.

It is also very exciting as we commemorate this special event, we have launched several opportunities currently available at the site. Developers and accommodation providers are invited to review and apply to develop one of two prime sites (with Newell Highway Frontage) within the Forbes Visitor Information Centre precinct.

The two sites are for a motel/conference centre (2.31ha) and a caravan/holiday park (3.28ha). Council believes this is a unique opportunity to shape the future of accommodation in Forbes, to meet growing number of travellers visiting the area. Closing 30 June 2025.

Suitably qualified operators are also currently being invited to submit an EOI to lease the very popular Forbes Visitor Information Centre Cafe/Restaurant since the current operator has given notice. This is a very popular cafe, and we are hoping to atl

tract a skilled chef/operator to run the busy venue, possibly even seven days a week.

Finally, local producers are again invited to submit an EOI to supply and sell their local goods at the new Forbes Visitor Information Centre, located at the former Lachlan Vintage Village. See Tenders and Expressions of Interest on the Forbes Shire Council website for details about all current EOI opportunities.

NSW Reconstruction Authority is hosting a business forum to help Central West business owners who have experienced or are at risk of over-floor flooding. Floodresilience experts will present simple and practical ways business owners can restore their business premises quickly after a flood. The presentation will include practical tips and advice about building materials which will help you open your doors and start trading as soon as possible after a flood. It will be held at Club Forbes, 41-45 Templar Street, from 6-8pm on Tuesday 3 June.

By Chris Roylance,
Deputy Mayor of Forbes Shire Council

Snippets…

May 22, 2025 by Roxane Manley

A beautiful blast from the past.

Forbes Shire Council: Members of the Humber Car Club gathered at the Forbes Visitor Information Centre with their vintage treasures gleaming in the car park. Julie Ridley had the crowd captivated with tales of the Lachlan Vintage Village about its rich history and its enduring charm. What a way to celebrate 50 years of memories, heritage, and horsepower!

Parkes Shire Council: Parkes Shire Council advises that, effective Monday 2 June 2025, all customer enquiries and services relating to planning matters will be managed through Council’s main Customer Service area, located at Parkes Shire Council’s Administration Building, 2 Cecile Street, Parkes. This change is part of Council’s commitment to improving service delivery and ensuring a more streamlined experience for customers through a centralised point of contact. Council appreciates your cooperation and understanding. For further information or assistance, please contact Council during business hours on (02) 6861 2333

Trundle Bush Tucker Day: Trundle Bush Tucker Day 2025 is a highly anticipated family friendly event in the Central West. A day full of wholesome entertainment, delicious flavors, and unforgettable memories. Tickets on sale now for Trundle Bush Tucker Day 2025 on the 6th September: www.123tix.com.au/events/46970/trundlebush-tucker-day-2025

Philip Donato MP: Calling all teachers and principals! Take advantage of new travel subsidies for regional schools and bring your students to NSW Parliament for a free, hands-on learning experience. Visit the Parliament of NSW Education website to find out more: https://education.parliament.nsw.gov.au/

Forbes Domestic & Family Violence Committee: Western NSW Local Health District provide a number of amazing services for those affected by Family and Domestic Violence. – PARVAN (Prevention and Response to Violence Abuse and Neglect) – Community Health and Social Work. If you or someone you know needs help, call Parkes Community Health on 6861 2400 or Forbes Community Health on 6850 7300. If you are in immediate danger cal 000.

PCYC Parkes: Get 20 hours off your log book and be a step closer. In just 5 hours, get 20 hours off your log book and learn how to; Recognize hazards, Identify safe gaps in traffic, Reduce crash risk. Fully funded spots available for the Parkes Course being held on 23/05/25 – MUST email the club at parkes@pcycnsw.org.au for voucher number to use this offer.

Are you a learner driver?

Be Seen @ Parkes Services Squash Courts

May 22, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Monday’s beach theme at Parkes Services Squash Courts did not disappoint.

When is the last time you had this much fun on a Monday night?

Come and join in the fun at the Parkes Services Squash Courts.

Australia Post’s Multi-Million-Dollar Investment In Regional NSW

May 22, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Australia Post is expanding its commitment to regional Australia with a major infrastructure investment across New South Wales, announcing the development of six new greenfield sites in Tumut, Leeton, Casino, Deniliquin, Forbes and Byron Bay.

Australia Post has announced a significant infrastructure investment in regional Australia, encompassing the development of several new sites impacting communities across regional NSW. This includes the construction of a new 1,796m² greenfield facility in Forbes, and will also consolidate parcel deliveries from the Parkes area.

The Forbes facility will have the capacity to handle up to 2,200 parcels per day, designed to improve delivery times and support the needs of both businesses and consumers in these communities. Construction will commence on the site in early 2026, with an expected opening towards the end of that year.

These sites will bolster capacity to support parcel volume growth and improve service across rural and regional communities.

These purpose-built facilities are designed to boost parcel processing capability – handling between 900 parcels to 2,200 parcels per day – and enhance service across rural and regional communities as well as improving operational safety and efficiency.

Sustainability is a key focus of the expansion, with all sites featuring 50kW rooftop solar power generation, and a number also investing in rainwater harvesting and EV charging capability.

Australia Post General Manager Network Development & Support Services, Shane Plant said the investment reflects Australia Post’s commitment to improving services for regional communities across Australia.

“Beyond speed and efficiency, we’re focused on providing safer workplaces for our team members and building environmentally responsible infrastructure that can serve communities well into the future,” Mr. Plant said.

Work Progresses On Gallery Forbes Exterior

May 22, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The Gallery Forbes site is a hive of activity as work is progressing on the exterior of the cultural and arts precinct. Construction is well underway on the exterior of the second storey extension, the roof is now on and some painting preparation is happening.

Chairperson of the Forbes Arts Society Trudy Mallick said, “the exterior will be a balancing act between preserving the old and incorporating the new. Having served as a key civic hub in its former life, first as a bank and then as an ambulance station, we can appreciate the amount of interest in this project.

“It’s heartening and reassuring to see the work being done on site to bring this beloved, prominent building back to life. It’s been a long time coming and we’d like to thank the Forbes community for its patience as we continue to progress this very exciting project forward.”

This stage of the project will take the building to lock up.

The Forbes Cultural Centre (Gallery Forbes) development is part of the ‘Boosting the Lachlan Valley Economy Art Project’ which is proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Regional Growth – Environment and Tourism Fund, the Forbes Arts Society, Forbes Shire Council, Lachlan Shire Council and Evolution Mining.

The ‘Boosting the Lachlan Valley Economy Art Project’ aims to foster visual arts throughout the Forbes Shire, grow the visitor economy and promote the Lachlan Valley region as a premier tourism destination.

The project also includes the Gum Swamp redevelopment and extension of the Sculpture Down the Lachlan trail.

For more information about the project and to view the proposed plans, visit www.forbesartssociety.com

Empowering Regional Youth To Connect And Thrive

May 22, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Young people, businesses and community organisations from across the Central West are invited to register for Connect and Thrive – Pathways, a dynamic, free youth event focused on building leadership skills, making real-world connections and preparing for future opportunities.

The event will take place at the Cooke Park Pavillion in Parkes on Tuesday 3 June and will equip young people aged 15 to 20 with the tools, networks and confidence they need to shape their futures.

Delivered by the NSW Office for Regional Youth, Connect and Thrive – Pathways is a direct response to feedback from the 2024 Your Voice, Our Future consultation and NSW Youth Summit, where young people called for more meaningful, face to face engagement in their own communities.

The agenda includes a youth-led networking session, a leadership and communication skills workshop and a Pitch It session featuring local businesses, councils and community groups sharing opportunities for youth employment and engagement.

Another highlight is the Think Tank session, where young people will collaborate with their peers to co-design solutions to challenges they face in their communities.

Registration is free, but it is essential. For local young people who would like to register to attend this event, go to: https://tinyurl.com/connectandthriveparkes

Be Seen Forbes High School Eisteddfod Performers

May 22, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Huge congratulations to the amazing Support Unit students for their fantastic participation in the Cowra Eisteddfod.

What an incredible display of talent – with singing, instruments, dancing, and a skit.

You all did yourselves and Forbes High School proud!

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