Thanks to the equine and music stars, the 2024 Parkes Carnival Of Cups was a massive success.
Great tunes from The Living End, Shannon Noll, Sara Berki, Robbie Mortimer and Michael Green.
The amazing night that saw a record crowd at the Parkes Harness Racing Club. Thanks to all involved.
Timmy Duke in swing – where did that go?
The Men’s golf competition on Saturday was the Monthly Medal, sponsored by Forbes Concrete. The field of 69 relished the warm and sunny conditions, leading to low scores.
In the A-Grade Terry Griffiths did a repeat to both win a medal and have the same score as last month. His 68 nett was achieved with a new putter. Runner-up was Peter Dawson who was chasing Terry fast but his 69 nett was one shot adrift.
B-Grade was won by Peter Barnes with his 68 nett. His changes to his swing style, required after a lingering injury, seems to be working well. A little way adrift was Paul Pymont with a classic 72 nett. No dramas, just good steady golf.
C-Grade Medal was won by Archie Quirk, another repeat performance. He finished on 70 nett on c/b, and while he was Runner-up for the vouchers the winner was not eligible for the Medal. The unfortunate winner of the voucher was Adrian Cole who did the best in the field to score a nett 67.
The NTP’s were: 9th Steve Betland; 18th Steve Grallelis. The Pro Shop Super pin went to Todd Callaghan, finishing a comfortable 277cm away. The ball sweep to 74 nett on count back.
This weekend is the Labour Day Weekend, which brings some fun in the form of a ‘Canadian Foursomes’ event on Saturday.
Stableford Medleys are available on both Sunday and Monday.
A reminder that the Club Championships start on Sat Oct 12, with four rounds to be played on Sat and Sunday across two weekends. There are Daily comp prizes.
By Short Putt
On Tuesday 24th September Forbes Croquet Club celebrated their 12th anniversary at the present site, and unveiled the Honour Board.
President Elvy, welcomed Sue-Maree Radawyetz and her husband Peter, members, past members, Councillors and Sponsor Kevin Gunn and acknowledged an apology from Mayor Phyllis Miller and Colleen Gunn our joint sponsor.
The late Keith Crokers daughter Sue-Maree Radawyetz together with past President John Cole was given the privilege of unveiling the Honour Board. Our longest serving member, Robin Pols together with Bruce Field, our most mature member, were given the honor of cutting the Anniversary cake.
The Honour Board makes note of when the first game of croquet was played at the present site and of the Presidents who have served since establishing the Croquet lawns at Halpins Flat.
The late Keith and Dorothea Croker saw the need for establishing a new croquet play area and it was then in 2011 they started looking for a suitable site. Forbes Shire Council was approached to see if there was a suitable site and the late Ron Penny who was a Councillor at the time investigated various options and settled on Halpins Flat as a potential site.
With that in mind Keith Croker (who was President at the time) made representations to the Council and eventually was given permission to go ahead and plan the site.
The site was acquired and the first game of Croquet was played there on 29th May 2012. There were approximately 20 members at that time, membership now stands at around 70.
After the passing of Keith Croker in 2012, John Cole was elected President and continued in that role until Elvy Quirk was elected in September 2017. Elvy has held that position ever since.
By Elvy Quirk
Henry played at number 1 in the NSW Under 15 Boys Division 1 team and had some tough matches against quality opponents from all around Australia. He saved 11 Championship points to become the National Champion.
Well done Henry! Photo credit: Rogue Gun PhotographyAlso representing the 2024 NSW Bluetongues was Jay Cross who has stepped up to Head Coach to see the team through AJC. Max Jones – NSW Division 2 Under 15 Boys team and Cooper Jones – NSW Division 2 Under 13 Boys team.
The awning at Forbes Station was trimmed by 300mm and the track was slewed laterally by more than half a metre during the September possession to enable the safe passing of double-stacked freight trains.
After more than 100 hours of round-the-clock activity, Inland Rail has completed a gruelling schedule of work which puts the Stockinbingal to Parkes section well on the path towards completion.
Starting last Saturday, 13 September, at 6am and finishing on Thursday 19 September, at 10am, teams from Inland Rail and principal contractor Martinus Rail completed work at four key sites during a 100-hour shut down of the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) line from Forbes to Goobang Junction.
To get this work finished on time, up to 240 rail workers across the four sites completed shifts which began ahead of the shutdown and finished after the line reopened.
James Kennedy, Delivery Director, Albury to Parkes (A2P), Inland Rail, said “The work we have carried out this week can only be done safely when the line is closed.
“Safety is our highest priority and so we make the most of the two available track possessions which take place each year.
“To do that we undertake rigorous and methodical planning, working hand in hand with Martinus Rail, to ensure we complete our work and return the line to the operators on time.
“I would like to thank the community for their patience and understanding while we carried out these construction tasks.”Treaven Martinus, Martinus Rail CEO and founder, said “The successful completion of this super possession is a testament to the dedication and planning of both the Inland Rail and Martinus teams.
“Across multiple locations, from the installation of turnouts to extensive earthworks and track formation reconstruction, every task was executed with safety and efficiency as our top priorities.
“We are grateful for the community’s support and patience.
“Martinus remains steadfast in our mission to deliver this landmark project safely, effectively, and with a focus on creating lasting value for Australia’s future.”
A tamper packs down the ballast supporting the newly installed rails at the Wyndham Avenue road bridge, where the rail line was lowered by two metres during the September possession to enable the safe passing of double-stacked freight trains.
Members of the Parkes Branch NSW Nurses and Midwives Association pictured in the main street of Parkes trying to rally support an increase in pay.
NSW Public Health is in the midst of a staffing crisis, which is why you may have seen members of the Parkes Branch, NSW Nurses and Midwives Association, gathered on Tuesday morning in the main street of Parkes from 10am to 12pm. These members were part of an organised strike that also took place at various locations across the state.
Our nurses and midwives are burnt-out and exhausted. Shockingly, NSW nurses and midwives are the lowest paid in Australia, with other states paying nurses a significant 18 per cent more. NSW nurses are asking the NSW government for an immediate 15 per cent pay increase, so they can afford to stay in the professions and the towns they love.
Tracy Boney, President of the Parkes Branch, NSW Nurses and Midwives Association, said: “We love our profession, we care, we want to make a difference for our patients and our communities.”
Tracy wants people to know that they aren’t just striking for more money. The increase in pay will also help with other worrying factors such as unsafe staffing levels, nurse to patient ratios and staff retention.
“We are living in 2024 on 2008 wages,” said Tracy, who is outraged that NSW has lost around 16,000 nurses last year alone.
To show your support for our amazing nurses and midwives, go to: https://www.nswnma.asn.au/campaigns/ratios4nsw/
Jordan is pictured here handing Leo our donation with his inspiring mum Nikki.
Parkes Services Club: On Sunday morning Parkes Services staff Jordan and Chloe attended a charity event in support of Little Wings and Leo Doyle. Leo was diagnosed with cone-rod dystrophy in April 2023 at six years of age. Leo’s medical needs are quite extensive and he is unable to receive the care he requires close to home. Parkes Services Club were more than proud to donate $1,000 to this heartwarming cause, with the hope that others who are able, can support the journey of Little Wings and Leo. Learn more about Leo’s story at https://rarevoices.org.au/personal-story/leos-story
Forbes Toy Library: Committee meeting will be held at 7pm on Wednesday 25th September, Forbes Golf Club. If you’ve been interested to join the Toy Library Committee please join us. All welcome.
PCYC Safer Driver Courses: Shave 20 hours off your log book and learn essential road safety while you’re at it. Courses will be held in Forbes on 30th September with fully funded places available. Contact Forbes Shire Council directly for voucher codes to use at the check out. Then in Parkes on 10th October 10th. Book at www.pcycdrivereducation.org.au
Boys To The Bush: Dust off those fishing rods and get ready to cast a line, all while supporting young and at-risk boys in need.
Boys to the Bush has hooked a great catch, hosting the inaugural catch and release fishing competition at the picturesque Lake Burrinjuck on 16th and 17th November. It will be a great chance to gather the family or a few friends and enjoy two wonderful days of fishing. And the best part? All money raised will go towards supporting boys in our programs. Register at: https://boys-to-the-bush-woolgarlo-fishing-competition.raiselysite.com/
Evolution Mining Northparkes Operations: We have some amazing local businesses and food vans ready to feed the crowds next Saturday. Stay tuned for our food van lineup dropping this Friday. Don’t forget to secure your free tickets at: https://www.123tix.com.au/events/44118/northparkes-cheers-to-30-years-festival
Forbes Town & District Tennis Club: What a fantastic day! A massive thank you to all the sponsors, auctioneers and those who attended the Charity Day for Leo Doyle and Little Wings on Sunday, 22nd September. It was a huge success, and on behalf of Forbes Town & District Tennis Club and the Doyle Family we say thank you to our community for their generosity and heartfelt support.
A big shout out to everyone who helped out in any way.
What are you doing to celebrate the end of the school term? There is a family fun movie night at Bedgerabong Public School on Friday 27 September. Starting at 4pm, families can enjoy playing soccer darts, a jumping castle and a giant slide before the movie the Bad Guys starts at 7pm. Bring your own chairs and blankets to enjoy the outdoor movie screening.
There are plenty of holiday activities on as usual, check the Forbes Youth Action Team facebook page for details.
Do you own or work in a small business in Forbes? Have you booked your free ticket to the Forbes Business Chamber’s Small Business Network Night on Tuesday, 1st October at Club Forbes?
October is NSW Small Business Month, it includes a month program for small businesses across New South Wales to attend events aligned to their individual business interests. This program has been designed to provide small businesses with quality opportunities to network, develop skills and gain knowledge.
The Forbes Business Chamber is hosting and supporting events through the month, starting with the networking and learning event. Beginning at 6pm and finishing at 8pm the night includes guest speakers, including leadership consultant and executive coach Belinda Mawhinney, then attendees can network with other businesses, managers and staff from the Forbes business community.
It is free to attend the event, you can reserve a ticket at 123TIX. This event is for all Small Businesses in the community, members and non-members of the Business Chamber.
Until next week
Phyllis Miller, OAM – Forbes Mayor
Applications are now open for all young people aged 16-24 who are interested in representing their state as a UNICEF Australia Young Ambassador.
The 2025 Young Ambassador program is an 18-month initiative for aspiring young advocates, where they will be trained in leadership and advocacy, while engaging in meaningful consultations with other young people on issues that impact them.
Current Young Ambassador, Luke McNamara said the program has been “an amazing experience on all fronts”, especially the opportunities to advocate to the highest levels of government.
Along with his fellow Young Ambassadors, Luke presented the National Child and Youth Statement on Climate Change to MPs and Ministers in Canberra. But this advocacy also went beyond Australian borders.
“Another key – and almost unbelievable – moment was officially launching that Statement at COP28 (the United Nations Climate Change Conference) in Dubai at the Australian Pavilion,” Luke said.
UNICEF Australia will select at least one Young Ambassador from each state and territory to amplify the voices of their peers, with nine positions up for grabs across the nation.
Applications close on Sunday 6th October 2024. To apply, go to https://www.unicef.org.au/our-people/young-ambassadors
Well done to the Alphas who won the Amazing Race with first time teacher Mr Fredericks driving them around town and getting in the spirit.
All the teams were fantastic, and the Year 11s and staff put on a wonderful dinner afterwards.
A big thank you to everyone who was involved, it was a really fun afternoon and evening.