Parkes PCYC are excited to welcome their amazing gymnasts back for term two.
The energy, determination, and smiles brought to the gym make every session something to look forward to.
Flipping into another term full of fun, progress, and plenty of new skills.
Early education is critical and this investment will also support mums and dads to get back to work, rebuild and plan for the future.
A Coalition Government will triple capacity at the new Eugowra Children’s Community Centre in long day care, increasing available places for 0-5 year-olds from 15 children to 45 children.
Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud said the Coalition would deliver $1 million to fully fund the long day care component of the new Eugowra Children’s Community Centre, ensuring local families have childcare availability and affordability.
“This exciting announcement is about making sure Eugowra families – who’ve already been through so much – can access quality childcare close to home,” Mr Littleproud said.
“We know regional childcare isn’t just about affordability but availability. Increasing placements to an extra 30 children in long day care is significant and will help many families in Eugowra.
The new facility will replace the temporary modular building that’s been in use since the devastating 2022 floods and marks a major step forward in Eugowra’s recovery.
The Nationals candidate for Calare Sam Farraway said the announcement was a huge win for local families. “I’m proud to announce that the final million dollars has been secured to fully fund the long day care component of the new Eugowra Children’s Centre.
“Access to childcare shouldn’t be a barrier for any family. This investment means Eugowra’s youngest residents have a safe, modern place to learn and grow, while giving local parents the chance to work, study and contribute to their community. Getting Eugowra back on track means backing families,” Mr Farraway said.
Liam Fraser putts while Richard Smith and Paul Pymont watch on.’ Unfortunately the shady hats tend to obscure things.
On Saturday the Forbes Golf men’s event held was the Monthly Medal sponsored by ‘The Roadies’, a group composed of members Grayson, Earl, French and Haley. The field of 59 players enjoyed the comfortable conditions but were left floundering by the inspired golf played by Brett Slack-Smith.
The A-Grade winner was again a visitor, this time Jack Sharkey (Dubbo) with a nett 70. He started his round 2-under after three holes and maintained his form with only one blemish on the 4th. Runner-up and medal winner was Jacob Reid with an even par 72 nett. He did well on the back-9.
The B-Grade was won by Mark Simmonds with a nett 69 derived from steady golf throughout playing alongside Jacob Reid. Unfortunately, he was not eligible for the medal. Runner-up and medal winner was Paul Pymont with 71 nett. He was an early starter and relished the cool conditions to have 44 scratch ‘each way’.The C-Grade was where the fireworks were had. Brett Slack-Smith was ‘in the zone’ which led to his 66 nett. He turned only 4-over but showed fatigue towards the end of the back-9. The runner-up was Jake Banks with his 73 nett. He was disappointed with his front-9 but settled to finish well on his back-9.
The ball sweep went to 78 nett on count back. There were two visitors, being Jack Sharkey (Dubbo) and Andrew Bayley (The Rock). Both enjoyed their outing with Jack especially pleased.
The NTP’s went to: 9th B Thomas; 18th Jack Sharkey, with neither converting for a ‘2’. The 3rd hole Super Pin went to Jeff House with a shot to 153 cm.
This Saturday, 12 April will be an 18-Hole Stroke event, sponsored by J&J Ridley.
Sunday will have a 3-Person Ambrose.
By Short Putt
Everyone is invited to join the Forbes Croquet Club in celebrating World Croquet Day on 1 May with a special morning of Aussie Croquet followed by a light lunch in the shade area. Should there be some players who have not played Aussie Croquet and wish to play Golf Croquet on the day they will certainly be catered for.
Of course daylight savings finished on Sunday 6 April and we put our clocks back one hour but Croquet will still start at 9am with 8.45am arrival until the days get much cooler and then we will alter the time so as the members who set up certainly will not need to come as early.
Any members who feel they would like to help set up please come down at 8am, your help would be much appreciated as some of us that have been setting up for many years are getting to a mature age where we don’t bounce around like we used to.
Croquet is a game for young and old.
Age is no barrier. “Croquet players are happy people.”
By Elvy Quirk
Organiser of the 1,000 Bikes Against Domestic Violence Ride, Grant Nicholson pictured with Tony Ticehurst, father of the late Molly Ticehurst.
A group of Central West Riders will soon be departing Forbes on a very special ride – 1,000 Bikes Against DV. The ride organised by Forbes local Grant Nicholson, was inspired by the tragic loss of beloved local woman Molly Ticehurst to domestic violence. The bikes will depart Forbes on Friday 11 April at 8:30am from Bunnings.
The group will be riding from Forbes to Parliament House in Canberra, and have been granted permission to hold a rally from 1pm – 2pm. All riders are welcome to join and riders are invited to wear a white ribbon in support of ending domestic violence.
When speaking of the ride, Grant Nichlson, said: “We want to show our disgust in the lack of action by our leaders in combating domestic violence in our communities all over Australia. We’re going to be peaceful, but loud, to show society that we cannot tolerate this any longer.”
On the day, 117 red hearts will be laid on the lawn of Parliament House to represent the 117 women lost in the last 12 months to domestic violence. Members of the crowd will be asked to take one of 117 white carnations and stand behind a red heart, the last carnation being carried by Nate who is Molly’s young son. Nate will carry Molly’s heart with her flower, during 117 seconds of silence.
Riders will meet at the general assembly point at the front of Parliament House Canberra. Please head along and show your support against domestic violence. For more infomration follow the Facebook link: www.facebook.com/share/1BZRmk3RM7
https://yoursay.forbes.nsw.gov.au/forbes-active-transport-plan-2025
Don’t miss Saturday’s Amazing Motor Festival all day at the Multipurpose Equestrian Centre and Forbes Showground. Organisers are promising an action packed day showcasing everything on wheels, from shiny new vehicles to classic vintage treasures.
Highlights of the day include an array of tractors, bikes, trucks and cars on display, Skid Row, Ute Barrel Races and a tractor pull – featuring an exciting “new vs old” competition. Organisers are encouraging everyone to bring the whole family for a day of fun, excitement and incredible displays.
School holidays start next week and with that is our always exciting school holidays programs including a wellness workshop, fishing, painting and a Family Fun Day on Saturday 12 April from 9am to noon.
There will be jumping castles, face painting, craft, pedal boats and more – this is a free event and a great chance for the whole family to relax and have some holiday fun.
Some other fun events during the school
holidays include Youth First Aid training, learn to skate sessions, an excursion to Putt Putt Mini Golf in Dubbo as well as a Gallery Open Day where young artists from our region will have their work showcased in a professional setting. See our website for all the details.
Councillor Steve Karaitiana
A huge congratulations to our Parkes Opens team who competed at Regional League over the last couple of days in Orange.
These ladies played hard all weekend with some close scores, and earned themselves a place in the finals.
The team played well and placed fourth overall – a massive accomplishment. Well done ladies!
ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin.
With the federal election now set for 3 May, healthcare is a key issue for voters, the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) is urging all political parties to prioritise the needs of rural, remote, and First Nations communities.
More than seven million people living in rural and remote areas face significant barriers to healthcare, including geographic isolation, limited infrastructure, and the higher costs of delivering services in these regions.
ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin asserts that every community, no matter how remote, has an undeniable right to access high-quality healthcare without the barrier of cost.
“There is a $6.5 billion annual underspend on healthcare in rural and remote communities, and that’s unacceptable. This chronic underfunding directly impacts the health and wellbeing of people outside major cities, but there are solutions available.”
Dr Martin says ACRRM has welcomed major parties’ commitments to bulk billing and medical training but is calling for further detail and a stronger focus on rural, remote and First Nations healthcare.
“Without targeted investment, rural, remote, and First Nations communities will continue to experience critical healthcare shortages.
For more information: accrm.org.au
Carmen and Megan left the CSU Forum feeling inspired and grateful.
Kerin Health: Megan and Carmen represented Kerin Health at the networking event and forum hosted by CSU Three Rivers Department of Health. The theme was Thrive 2025 ‘Innovations from the heart of rural health’. So many amazing things are happening within rural health and collaborating with other allied health providers to bridge the gap.
Calling All Youth Leaders: The NSW Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is looking for young people aged 12-24 from diverse backgrounds across NSW to help advise the NSW Government on issues that matter. This is your chance to have your voice heard and represent children and young people across the state. Learn more and apply before 20 April at acyp.nsw.gov.au.
Young Farmer Business Program: Are you a tradie, farmer, or gardener aged 1825? The 2025 Global Footprints Scholarships is a chance to gain international work experience and make a real impact on the planet. If you’re passionate about sustainability and working in agriculture, horticulture, or trades, this is your opportunity to travel the world and make your mark! Applications open 1 May 2025. Find out more and apply at www.globalfootprints.org.au
Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society: Tickets on sale now for Mamma Mia. Purchase your tickets online at www.parkesmandd.com.au or pop in to the box office at Parkes Little Theatre on Sunday from 10.30am – 12pm.
Australian Schools Plus: Schools Plus Teaching Awards supported by Commonwealth Bank are closing in one week! Nominate or apply for the Awards before 9am on 8 April 2025. Twelve outstanding teachers or school leaders will receive a prestigious $20,000 award, including $10,000 for a high impact school visit program as well as a 12-month Teaching Fellowship. To nominate or apply, visit www.schoolsplus.org.au/teachingawards/
TAFE NSW Forbes: Statement of Attainment in Aboriginal Site Works (90083366V01) ran from March 24 – 27 March. Students had the privilege of participating in a hands-on course, gaining valuable skills and knowledge from Uncle Victor. Students learned how to record information and knowledge on Country, while gaining insights from both the Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal perspectives. The course culminated in a BBQ lunch at the Dreaming Centre, where high school student dancers showcased their talents with the Yanu Mun-Yana dance, gifted to them by Uncle Stu McMinn.
If you are interested in learning more about this course contact Forbes TAFE.
Did you see large groups of Cyclists coming through Parkes and Forbes on Sunday 30 March?
National Construction and Fitout business, FDC hosted its annual charity bike ride at the weekend. The big 500km Ride to Give journey started in Dubbo on Sunday, with 70 riders making their way to Forbes, then Temora and finishing in Leeton on Tuesday.
The event has already raised more than $473,000 for two incredible charities supporting regional youth – Boys to the Bush and BackTrack Youth Works, with some employees even participating in the ride. Both charities are making a real difference in the lives of disadvantaged and disconnected youth across NSW.
Boys to the Bush was established in Albury in 2017 by three school teachers who were noticing common issues in youth men with similar backgrounds – disconnected, vulnerable and often from a home without the presence of good male role models.
Boys to the Bush has positively impacted more than 7,000 lives through a range of programs, including one-on-one mentoring, camps and school programs. The charity focuses on prevention and early intervention strategies for boys between eight and 20 years old, on a mission to assist boys to become good men.
In 2022, Boys to the Bush were recognised with “The Most Outstanding Community Organisation” award by Business NSW.
The organisation supports every aspect of a young person’s life – from helping them connect with the community and supporting individual wellbeing to helping their personal development and providing learning and employment opportunities.
Donations for the ride are still welcome and every dollar – big or small – makes a real difference and goes directly to improving the lives of at risk youths in regional communities.
To donate, visit www.fdcridetogive.com.au/event/rtg/donate and help us continue making a difference.