Roxane Manley

Lachlan Valley Golf Championships & Pennants

June 13, 2024 by Roxane Manley

This Sunday 16th June, Condobolin Golf Club will host the 2024 Lachlan Valley Golf Championships and Pennants. The Championships will be contested over 18 Holes with the Blue Ribbon event being the A Grade 18 Hole Championship for the Moulder Cup. Other grades being contested are the respective B and C Grades and the Junior and Veterans Championships.

All grades will have Handicap sections run in conjunction.

It is anticipated the Blue Ribbon event will be a battle between the Forbes contingent including the Betland brothers, John and Steve, reigning Parkes Club Champion Aaron Wilkie and the Condobolin duo of Brad Hurley and Steve Beattie.

All competition fees to be paid for by the club, the Championships entry fee is $15 or $12 for students. Members of the Lachlan Valley District which includes Bogan Gate, Condobolin, Forbes, Grenfell, Peak Hill, Parkes and Trundle, who have not already nominated may do a post entry with nominations being accepted at the Condobolin Golf Club prior to 10.30am on the day.

NRL Player Ben Lovett Returns To His Old Stomping Ground To Run Junior Clinic

June 13, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Parkes Marist 10s, 8s and 7s pictured with Ben Lovette (South Sydney), Haizyn Mellars (South Sydney) and Harrison Ledbetter (Former Canberra Raider).

On the June long-weekend, a lucky group of Parkes Marist Juniors were thrilled to be invited to a Coaching Clinic with former Parkes local, and current South Sydney Rabbitohs player Ben Lovett.

The Coaching Clinic was run for the PMJRL U10, U8 and U7 players. PMJRL U10s Coach Jason O’Bryan said: “The kids were pumped when they were offered the opportunity, it’s been a really great experience. To see a local guy who has made it in the NRL come back and offer his time is a credit to Ben and to Souths for wanting to do it.”

There was definitely a buzz around town once the kids found out Ben would be in Parkes to run a clinic. “My dad owns Sportspower in town, and he said kids were coming in saying ‘Ben’s coming Monday to do a training clinic’. It was so great to hear that, and it just made me even more excited to come back,” said Ben.

Ben has been very busy of late, recently returning from Papua New Guinea. Knowing he would be heading home to Parkes on the long-weekend, Ben approached the Parkes Senior League Club who put him in contact with the PMJRL to help facilitate the Clinic.

Ben said, “I wanted to do something for the local community, and get out here with the kids back where it all started for me. I was here in Parkes 10 years ago, running around the same as these kids here.”

“I still feel like I have a long way to go with my footy career, so for these kids to look up to me is massive. To be able to give back to them and hopefully inspire their dreams, to think that they can do what I have done, and hopefully they can have goals and aspirations to do the same thing.”

Ben was joined by fellow NRL players Haizyn Mellars and Harrison Ledbetter.

Haizyn is a South Sydney Rabbitohs team mate of Ben’s, who plays winger/centre, and Harrrison played with the Canberra Raiders for a number of years, and is currently playing for the Belconnen Sharks in the Canberra competition.

When Ben asked Haizyn if he would like to head back to Parkes with him and see his home town, he was more than happy to tag along, saying, “It’s great to come hang with the kids and play a little footy.”

At the end of the clinic, the NRL players handed out Rabbitoh’s merchanise and were very obliging, signing the kids headgear, boots and shirts, and taking photos with anyone who asked.

Can-assist Field Enjoy Good Weather

June 13, 2024 by Short Putt

The Winning Team of Peter Mitchell, Andrew Grierson, Grant Tranter and Cindy Hillier.

Saturday 8th June saw the staging of the annual ‘Can-Assist Charity Golf Day’. This is a 4-person Ambrose event open to golfers and non-golfers alike, with a field of 116, comprising 85 golfers and 31 non-golfers.

The Scratch winners on the day were the team of Clint Hurford, Shane Sallaway, Damien Kennedy and Kell Becquet, with a score of 62.

The Nett Winners were Peter Mitchell, Andrew Grierson, Cindy Hillier and Grant Tranter, who managed a nett 51 5/8 off their 8 3/8 handicap, and who started the day with four birdies.

As usual, the community were generous in their sponsorship, so the prize list was quite extensive. Other Nett prizes included:

• R-up: C Banks, J Banks, N Morrison, J Sharkey.

• 3rd: D Ashton, Ash Davies, M Inder, N Inder.

• 4th: P Cowhan, L Cowhan, B Robinson, N Greenhalgh

• 5th: P Duke, M Duke, T Duke, Alf DaviesThe NTPs went to:

• Men: 1st J House, 3rd S Brindle, 9th S Sallaway, 18th P Mitchell

• Ladies: 1st nil, 3rd B Duncan, 9th G Bayley, 18th S Grierson.

• 2nd shot on 12th: Men Liam Fraser, Ladies Sharon Grierson

• Super Pin on 9th Shane SallawayAt the presentation, organiser Andrew Grierson thanked those who sponsored prizes, and the many players, both golfers and non-golfers, who had travelled to participate in the event. He also thanked the Can-Assist committee who ran the Halfway House and lunch BBQ and attended to all the other bits and pieces. The money raised amounted to over $3,000 which will help the work of the Forbes Can-Assist branch.

By Short Putt

From The Mayor’s Desk

June 13, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Exciting things are happening in the northern CBD area around the old PittStop precinct as Council prepares for the installation of the new toilet block.

The toilet block will be craned in on Wednesday 19 June, it has a disability accessible cubicle with a fixed adult change table, shower, and toilet as well as two ambulant toilets and a community kiosk area.

This beautiful little green space is a lovely improvement in our CBD and as we are successful in gaining more project specific funding for this area we have even more exciting plans.

The four new electronic vehicle charging stations are being installed in Spring Street. Council received funding under the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program to support this project – one key component of Council’s Energy Action Plan.

During the works, traffic control will be in place managing disruptions to traffic and parking. Once it is finished, we will have 2 x 1 hour = 120klm range and 2 x 1hr = 300klms chargers. So while visitors to our town leave their vehicles to charge they can head into the CBD and enjoy our shops and a friendly welcome from our community.

Have you got your Frost and Fire tickets yet? There are still some tickets available for this epic event. From our headline home grown act Vera Blue right through to Raechel Whitchurch, Gracie Denham-Jones, Cameron Sharpe and the ever popular Em, Cler and Jo. Honestly what can be better than live music, fire pits and excellent food and drink. Book your tickets quickly on 123tix.

Don’t forget if you have friends or family over for the weekend, make sure you book Chillfest tickets on the Friday night for chilly kids fun, ice skating and more to enjoy from 6pm-10pm.

Until next week,
God bless
Phyllis Miller, OAM – Forbes Mayor

Funding Announced For Community Building Partnership Projects

June 13, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Phil Donato MP pictured with students from Eugowra Public School.

Member for Orange Phil Donato is looking forward to Eugowra Public School students training and playing on refurbished sports courts following the allocation of funding through the Community Building Partnership program.

Mr Donato was delighted to announce $297,658 for the electorate with Eugowra P and C heading the list, securing $131,450 to repair the school’s tennis and basketball/netball courts and cricket pitch with resurfacing and the installation of lighting.

In all, Mr Donato was pleased to announce 13 projects covered by the 2023 Community Building Partnership Program funding.

“The State Government funds will deliver much-needed improvements to local facilities and it’s great to see the kids of Eugowra are among those to benefit,” Mr Donato said.

“I congratulate all the organisations that were successful in their application and look forward to seeing how these projects make a real difference for community groups in the area.”

Along with Eugowra P and C, successful projects in the local area for the 2023 round were:

• Trundle Children’s Centre, Shade Sail installation – $11,770

• Forbes Shire Council, Lions Park Shade Sale – $37,692

• Sporting Shooters Association Forbes, Clay Target Trap Replacement Program – $5,000

• Tullamore Inc, Tullamore Preschool Kitchen Refurbishment – $16,185

• Parkes Shire Food Service Inc, Kitchen Equipment Upgrade – $25,000

• Parkes Musical and Dramatic Society Inc, Upgrade to Stage Curtains and Lighting Equipment – $14,000

• Trundle War Memorial School of Arts, Trundle War Memorial Hall Hearing Loop Installation – $10,000

For more information, visit nsw.gov.au/cbp.

Nominate A Local Community Champion

June 13, 2024 by Roxane Manley

NSA CEO Chris Grice with Everald Compton.

National Seniors Australia (NSA) has proudly launched the Inaugural Everald Compton Community Champion Medal to acknowledge older unsung heroes while also recognising NSA’s Founding Father.

NSA Chief Executive Officer Mr Chris Grice said the medal honours NSA’s Founding Fathers’ long standing and outstanding contribution to the Australian community while celebrating everyday champions whose grassroot experiences and selfless contributions make a significant difference to their communities.

“At NSA, we are constantly reminded of the amazing, yet humble members of our older community. Whether they’re volunteering, donating time and skills, or caring for others – what they do and how they do it is often so selfless and inspiring,” Mr Grice said.

“The Everald Compton Community Champion Medal is a distinguished accolade that acknowledges these unsung heroes among older Australians. It also reflects NSA’s values of fairness, excellence, and respect exemplified by Everald’s own experience and achievements.”

“Too often and too easily, older Australians get cast aside. But they’re an asset and shouldn’t be ignored. At 92 I am proof age brings with it experience, wisdom and a spirit that should be appreciated and celebrated.”

Mr Grice said he’s keen to learn about and celebrate the inspiring stories of older Australians and encourages people who know an older unsung hero to check for eligibility criteria and apply.

To nominate for the Everald Compton Community Champion Medal, visit nationalseniors.com.au/stories/everald-compton-community-champion-medal.

Nominations open on 23rd May=, close on 15th August and the winner will be announced on 1st October 2024.

Forbes Garden Club Report

June 13, 2024 by Elvy Quirk

The Club’s monthly meeting was held on 28th May at the home of Peter and Meg Scholefield, where beautiful weather was the order of the day.

President Margaret welcomed members and Secretary Robin bought along the Garden Clubs of Australia magazine to show members that we had an article in the magazine about our 70th Birthday luncheon which was written by past President Elvy.

David was a very informative speaker and on behalf of the Garden Club David was thanked and given a small token of appreciation by Robyn Mattiske.

Flower of the month was won by Denise Thurston with a Chrysanthemum, second to Sylvia Glasson for a Rose, and third to Marie Langfield for a Rose.

At the conclusion of the meeting a discussion was held and Elvy Quirk has been nominated to buy the raffle prizes, vouchers and/or gifts for the host gardens and the guest speakers.

Our next meeting will be at the Men’s Shed on 25th June at 2pm. Members are encouraged to support Flower of the Month, and bring one stem of a flower along with your name and the name of the flower underneath the container.

By Elvy Quirk

Double Demerits This June Long Weekend

June 6, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Motorists across the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Council areas are being reminded to drive safely over the King’s Birthday long weekend as double demerit points come into force.

Double demerits will be in operation from Friday 7th June until Monday 10th June (inclusive) for all speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt and motorcycle helmet offences.

Parkes Highway Patrol Acting Sergeant, Joshua Tolley has indicated that Police will also be targeting the “four Ds” of road users including drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving.

“Around 95% of crashes in NSW are the result of behaviour – like driving too fast for the conditions, falling asleep behind the wheel or being impaired by drugs and/or alcohol.

“Too often we see the tragic aftermath of drivers making poor decisions. We want everyone to make it to and from their destinations safely this long weekend,” said Act ing Sergeant, Joshua Tolley Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said, “Drivers should make sure they are fit to drive before get ting behind the wheel, are focused on the driving task whilst on the road and that their vehicle is in good working condition.” Ensure you are well rested and not un der the influence of drugs or alcohol, focus on driving. Do not allow yourself to be distracted by your mobile phone, follow the road rules and drive at a speed suitable to conditions. Please make sure that you and your passengers are buckled up.

Be Seen @ Kath Hutchison’s 100th Birthday Celebration

June 6, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Snippets…

June 6, 2024 by Roxane Manley

Power Tools Plus Show Support For Tradies Under Construction In Parkes: Congratulations to the official Parkes High School Year 10 RIEP crew for completing your 5 week Introduction to Construction course. All the best for your future tradie careers. A recent article in The Parkes Phoenix about the course inspired us to drop in on their last day with a surprise bag of goodies to support the students as they consider their futures as apprentices. A dedicated, focused and well behaved bunch, the future is sure looking bright.

Professional Development Day – Central West NSW: Central West tourism and hospitality operators are invited to discover how to position their business as an employer of choice at a free, one-day seminar.

The seminar will be held at The Remington, Orange, on Monday 17th June, 9am to 5pm which includes one hour of networking.

Australian College of Physical Education: The Australian College of Physical Education’s Open Day on 22nd June is your chance to explore your child’s potential in the sports industry. Register your child now to start their sport career journey. For more information visit acpe.edu.au/openday

Amazing Forbes NSW: 2024 Frost & Fire Food Foodies, you’re in for a treat! From smoked meats to gourmet desserts, what ever your heart desires, we assure you that this year’s Frost and Fire won’t disappoint. Stalls include Smoking Brothers, The Cheesecake Co, Trang Hue, Cameron Herbert, Forbes Netball Association, The Frisky BriskeT, Sweeet Street, Mr Pizza Van, Dip N Dots, Cook Wook Wong, Spuddy Buddy, Ridgeys Delights, Simply k8terinG. Tickets are on sale now, but hurry, they won’t last www.123tix.com.au/events/42630/frostandfire

Cheers To 30 Years Festival: To celebrate 30 years of Evolution Mining Northparkes Operations, we want to thank the community for their support. So we are hosting a free festival with Daryl Braithwaite as the headline act. More acts will be announced soon. You can register for your free tickets at https://www.123tix.com.au/events/44118/northparkes-cheers-to-30-years-festival

Forbes High School P&C Association: The transformation of the school canteen space has been exciting to watch, and the students now have an inviting area to sit and eat, while catching up with their mates. The Forbes High School P&C Association can celebrate their fundraising efforts knowing the new space benefits all students.

Subscribe