Roxane Manley

Be Seen @ Parkes Christian School

March 20, 2025 by Roxane Manley

During term one, Year 8 are continuing their study of Non Elective Music. Initially, Year 8 studied the various styles of Notation ranging from Graphic Notation to Traditional Notation.

The students are currently writing compositions and reflection statements for their first assessment task.

Over the last few lessons, Year 8 have started their Ukulele unit. Learning to play the C major scale, various melodies including Baby Shark and chordal patterns to accompany a variety of popular pieces such as, The Lion Sleeps Tonight.

Twelve Local Fighters Ready To Step In The Ring For Fight Night

March 20, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Local amateur boxers at Tommy’s Backyard Boxing Gym: Ace Hancock, Xaiver Ward, Linkin Anderson, Oliver Hayes, Riley Pizzi, Leon Michel and Lane Jones. Absent: Shellie McKiernan and Orin McDermott.

The much-anticipated ‘Boxing In Parkes’ fight night presented by Mayhem Fight Series is set to take place tomorrow night, Saturday 22 March at the Parkes Leagues Club.

This event is an Amateur boxing showcase, which will feature many local fighters from Parkes and the surrounding area. Mayhem Fight Series have previously hosted hugely successful fight nights in Parkes, and this weekend’s event will be no exception, so don’t miss out – grab some tickets or book a table now.

Ace Hancock

Ace Hancock from Tommy Ward Back Yard Boxing will face-off against Jake Doyle from Gulgong Boxing Club. Ace is new to the sport of boxing and at just 14 years of age he just made the cut, as that is the minimum age to start competing. After only five weeks of training Ace had his first fight in Dubbo, which ended with a split decision and he lost by only one point. He is confident coming into his second fight, saying that losing his first fight “was good” because it has given him the motivation to “step it up”.

Ollie Hayes

Olliver Hayes from Tommy Ward Back Yard Boxing will face-off against Jordan Smart from Fighting Arts Belmont. Sixteen year old Oliver is fighting a rematch against an opponent from Orange that he beat in their previous encounter. That fight was a split decision and was a close fight, Ollie said: “It’s a good match-up”. This will be Ollie’s first fight this year but he had 10 fights last year and two the year before, for nine wins and three loses. Ollie has been working on stepping up the pace since his last fight against Jordan.

Linkin Anderson

Linkin Anderson from Tommy Ward Back Yard Boxing will face-off against Lucas Millemaggi from Narrandera Boxing. Linkin is fresh off a fight last week in Sydney and is “feeling really confident” in the lead up to his fight against Lucas in Parkes. Linkin has been working on a lot of footwork and power punches on the bag, as well as doing a lot of sparring over at Orange, claiming he is the fittest he’s ever felt.

Shellie McKiernan

One of the women stepping in the ring this Saturday night is Shellie who has been boxing for approximately three years. Shellie likes the discipline and physical conditioning that she gets from boxing, claiming: “Boxing has helped me in my personal life, as well as allowing me to achieve a physical challenge. I also enjoy the camaraderie of Tommy’s Backyard Boxing.”

The doors open at 4pm and fights start at 5pm. For VIP tables and sponsor opportunities call John on 0411 648 890. There will be tickets available for purchase on the night at the door, but to avoid any disappointment and to be guaranteed a seat, please purchase your tickets beforehand. Tickets available through 123Tix at https://www.123tix.com.au/events/47343/mayhem-fight-series-presents-boxing-in-parkes

Inland Rail Closing In On Stockinbingal To Parkes Completion

March 20, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The Stockinbingal to Parkes section of the Inland Rail project will move further towards completion thanks to the work taking place during the March 2025 possession.

Inland Rail will use the upcoming rail possession from 22 March 22 to 24 March to apply some of the finishing touches to the Stockinbingal to Parkes (S2P) section of the project, with Inland Rail on course to finish S2P on schedule in mid-2025.

The rail possession, where the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) line from Forbes to Goobang Junction is closed, will permit our contractor Martinus Rail to carry out works on sites in the S2P section which would be hazardous if trains were still running. At the Lachlan River Bridge, plant and equipment will be delivered using heavy vehicles, after which there will be paint stripping, drilling existing beams to enable the addition of new strengthening plates, as well as the installation of new strengthening plates on the underside of the bridge.

Further south at Wirrinya, plant and equipment will be delivered using heavy vehicles, after which there will be drainage works, track tamping and track alignment.

Other sites on S2P such as the Daroobalgie Crossing Loop and Wyndham Avenue track lower will continue to undergo finishing work to access roads, landscaping and drainage during normal hours, meaning there will be no night work.

The rail possession will start at 6am on Saturday, 22 March and finish 60 hours later at 6pm on Monday, 24 March.

Malcolm Clark, Inland Rail Project Director, Stockinbingal to Parkes, said “The tight teamwork and integration of Inland Rail and contractor Martinus Rail has enabled us to make great strides towards completion of the Stockinbingal to Parkes section of Inland Rail.

“The lion’s share of the work has been completed and the March 2025 possession will help us perform tasks which require closure of the rail line to carry out safely.

For more information on the works, you can visit our works notifications page at inlandrail.com.au/where-we-go/projects/stockinbingal-to-parkes/works-notifications/

Forbes Croquet Club Notes

March 20, 2025 by Elvy Quirk

Head along and enjoy the social aspect of croquet.

Last week, on 26 February Sue Wade celebrated her 80th Birthday and everyoneenjoyed a lovely cake to celebrate at croquet. President, Elvy presented Sue withher O.B.E. and wished her fun, laughter,happiness and health for the future.

Aussie Croquet was played on a warmmorning on 15 March and 29 players werein attendance. Some good scores were recorded on the day with wins of 14/11 and14/13. It was lovely to see Belinda Faceycome down to watch the game and hopefully we will see Belinda take up the gamein the near future. Mark Toohey also camedown to have a game and will hopefully joinus again soon.

On Tuesday 18 March, Golf Croquetwas played with 32 in attendance. It wasa coolermorning. Three games were won by NoelJolliffe, Kevin Rubie, Peter West and KevinWenning. Well done to those players. Itwas great to see Mark Toohey join us againfor a game.

On 18 March we also held a Generalmeeting with 28 members in attendanceand there were 5 apologies. It was decided at the meeting that we would celebrateWorld Croquet Day on 1 May with a gameof Aussie Croquet and a luncheon to follow.

The luncheon will be held in the shade areaand it should be a nice opportunity to gettogether.

New members Peter Mackay togetherwith Irene and Neil Riley seem to be enjoying the sport.

Our next Birthday luncheon will be heldon 1 April at Isabel’s Place.

By Elvy Quirk

Council Funding For Local Events

March 13, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Back L-R Jolie O’Shannessy (PSC Events Trainee), Fiona Glasheen (Parkes Picnic Races), Kelly Spedding (Parkes Picnic Races), Mayor Neil Westcott, Tricia Trim (Parkes Picnic Races), Rhonda Redenback (Australia Day Committee), Alex Prout (Parkes Jockey Club), Kellie Thomas (Trundle Pastoral & Agricultural Society). Front L-R Megan Morrison (PSC Events Officer), Harry Turner (NSW Corvette Club), Megan Mortimer (Tullamore P A & H Association)

Parkes Shire Council is pleased to announce the recipients of Round 2 of the Events Financial Assistance Program (EFAP). Council has allocated $50,310 in funding to seven community events and one destination event throughout the shire.

The EFAP is designed to support both new and existing events that contribute positively to the Parkes community while striving for event sustainability.

The event funding was awarded to the following: Australia Day Committee 2025 Parkes Shire Australia Day Activities $10,000, Parkes Jockey Club Parkes Cup $9,100, Adavale Lane Community Centre Inc Bushdance and Dinner $1,110, Trundle Pastoral & Agricultural Society Inc. Trundle Back in Time $8,600, Tullamore P&A Association Inc Tullamore Show Ball $6,880, Life Education NSW/ACT 2025 Healthy Harold Parkes Festival of Health $7,270, Parkes Coradgery & Diggers Amateur Race Club Inc. Parkes Picnic Races $2,350, NSW Corvette Club National Corvette Convention $5,000.

Mayor of Parkes Shire, Cr Neil Westcott, said: “The Events Financial Assistance Program continues to deliver important support to a diverse range of events that bring our community together and showcase the vibrancy of our region. From major sporting events to beloved local traditions, these initiatives enrich our social and cultural offerings while also providing economic benefits to businesses and tourism”.

Further details and application forms can be found on Parkes Shire Council’s website: www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/Community/Grants-and-funding/Councils-Grants-Programs

Mayoral Notes

March 13, 2025 by Phyllis Miller OAM

International Women’s Day was celebrated in Forbes on Saturday with 80 amazing guests and inspiring keynote speakers Belinda Mawhinney, and Kelly Foran.

Together, we explored the history of International Women’s Day, celebrated global progress in gender equality, and discovered our own leadership qualities.

We learned how to set boundaries in all aspects of our lives and turn life’s lemons into lemonade.

Forbes Seniors Give it a Go Festival for Senior’s Week is in full swing. There are still plenty of fantastic events lined up.

Don’t forget to register for the ones that interest you the most. You can get the full program from the Council’s website front page events.

Forbes Shire Council needs your input for the Active Transport Plan. Open until 4 April we need the community to share ideas for pedestrians, prams, cyclists etc.

So we can include it in our future planning, works and funding applications. WE all want Forbes to be an abilities accessible and easy town to get around.

You can complete the short online questions at Your Say – at the bottom of the front page of the council’s website.

While you are in the Your Say section of the website – feel free to have your say on the Community Strategic Plan. Phase 2 is open for community members to prioritise the goals nominated by the community when we called for your input earlier in the year. There have been some really well considered and great ideas – now let us know what your priorities are so we can establish some real community goals and outcomes.

Have you seen the plans and progress for the new grandstand at Spooner Oval? It really is going to be an amazing amenity and as such we need to give a great name.

Council is currently inviting submissions to name the new grandstand at Spooner oval.

You can log your suggestion on the website.

God Bless,
Phyllis Miller OAM

Snippets…

March 13, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Let us know what is most important to you when it comes to moving around Forbes.

Forbes Shire Council: Councillors and community members are having their say on the Active Transport Plan. Do we need more bike paths safer, pedestrian crossings, wider footpaths? You can complete the plan online https://yoursay.forbes.nsw.gov.au/forbes-active-transport-plan-2025

Black Dog Institute: Rock a mullet this April for Mullets for Mental Health! Earn incredible rewards – like the exclusive Mullets party shirt. Your mullet can be long or short, it’s up to you. If you’re down for the Mullets for Mental Health vibe, join the challenge today and show your support. Register for free today at www.mulletsformentalhealth.org.au

Parkes Shire Council: Local sporting groups and talented individuals have the opportunity to apply for a grant, through Round 1 of the Parkes Shire Sports Grants Program. Round 1 has $30,000 available for a Sports Grant and $5,000 for a Rising Star Grant, which can assist sporting clubs and organisations with programs, equipment, facilities, and development opportunities, or individual sportsperson. For more information and eligibility criteria of the grant program, visit: http://bit.ly/ParkesShireGrants. Applications close Midnight 30 March 2025.

The Grenfell Henry Lawson Festival of Arts: The 2025 Grenfell Henry Lawson Festival offers Art Prizes in the following Sections: painting and local artist (any media). For more information and to enter, go to: https://bit.ly/3XmWFOT. Applications will be accepted until Midnight (AEST) on 23 May 2025.

Parkes Shire Libraries: The 2025 Waste 2 Art Exhibition and Competition is back with this amazing launch and creative workshop to kickstart your creative project. Join Bill Tink from NetWaste who will explore all things Waste 2 Art in his talk with a focus on this year’s waste theme – Toys. Bill will cover topics like recycling, wish-cycling, and the many waste issues we face, especially in relation to toys. Followed by a creative workshop with multidisciplinary artist Jac Davies from Orange. Bookings essential: https://events.humanitix.com/waste-2-art-launch-and-workshop

The Forbes Men’s Shed: Do you have a wood or metal project that you might need some help on? Something that needs fixing? Or are you just curious about what the Mens Shed is all about? Maybe you would like to join? Forbes Men’s Shed open every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am – 1pm.

Head along to the Forbes Men’s Shed to see the wonderful projects they are working on for the community. New members welcome.

Be Seen @ Parkes Que Club LWD Luncheon

March 13, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Parkes Que Club Inc held a two course luncheon on Sunday, 9 March to celebrate International Women’s Day.

The luncheon was held at the Parkes Services Club, where there was entertainment, guest speakers, prizes, raffles and event stall holders.

Que Club meets the first Wednesday of every month for a dinner meeting. Contact Karen Ritchie for further information: parkesqueclub@gmail.com

2025/26 Regional Event Fund Now Open

March 13, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Event organisers from Parkes, Forbes and surrounds are invited to apply for funding to help stage events in regional NSW that enrich the state’s diverse calendar of event experiences, drive increased overnight visitation and boost local economies.

Managed by Destination NSW, the fund provides support to regional events via three streams: Incubator Event Stream, Flagship Event Stream and the Event Development Stream.

Applications to the 2025/26 Event Development stream will remain open until 31 December 2025, or until funds are exhausted, whichever comes first. All applications must be for eligible events that will be staged between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026.

For more information on the Regional Event Fund, you can visit the Destination NSW website or contact the Grants Administration team via email grants.admin@dnsw.com.au

Please note, Destination Central West cannot provide a letter of support for your application, however our team can provide advice on eligibility requirements and alignment with the Central West NSW Destination Management Plan.

Get in touch with your local Industry Development Manager Kate Catterson kate.catterson@dncw.com.au

Preparations Are In Full Swing For Annual FRUC Charity Golf Day

March 13, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Life Pharmacy Group CEO Michael Flannery with winners of the 2024 FRUC Charity Golf Day Troy Howe, Randall Grayson, Steve Betland, Charlie Dwyer, and Club President Tony Cogswell.

The annual Forbes Rugby Union Club (FRUC) Charity Golf Day is coming up on Friday 21 March, and the aim of the day is to raise money for the Peter Murphy Memorial Fund (PMMF).

Peter Murphy was a lifelong supporter of the Forbes Platypi Rugby Union Club, a former player and club president. The PMMF was established following the passing of Peter Murphy, the popular high-school teacher, in 2017. The aim of the Peter Murphy Memorial Fund is to assist young people, with financial limitations, to pursue their dreams.

The concept behind the golf day was to capitalise on the influx of people travelling to Forbes for the annual FRUC Lunch, by hosting an event on the day prior, to raise money for the Peter Murphy Memorial Fund.

The Forbes Rugby Union Club Golf Day is a four person Ambrose with registrations opening at 12.30pm on Friday 21 March.

There will be a briefing at 1pm and a shotgun start at 1.30pm. All proceeds from this year’s FRUC Charity Golf Day will go towards the Peter Murphy Memorial Fund, so register a team and help raise some money for a great cause.

Players of all abilities and experience are encouraged and welcome to attend.

Can Assist will be running a charity BBQ between 12pm – 1.15pm and all money raised from the BBQ sales will go towards Can Assist.

For further information about registering for the FRUC Charity Golf Day, contact Will Gunn on 0475 765 840 or the Forbes Golf Club and Pro Shop on 6851 1554. If you require a pull buggy or cart please make contact early as there is numbers limited available.i

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