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Forbes Women Gather To Celebrate

March 13, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller was one of the keynote speakers at the IWD event.

International Women’s Day was celebrated in Forbes on Saturday, 8 March at Lions Park, with 80 amazing guests who enjoyed breakfast and listened to the inspiring keynote speakers: Cr Phyllis Miller OAM, Belinda Mawhinney, and Kelly Foran.

Together, all the attendees explored the history of International Women’s Day, celebrated global progress in gender equality, and discovered their own leadership qualities and discussed how to set boundaries in all aspects of our lives and turn life’s lemons into lemonade.

A huge thank you to each of the wonderful keynote speakers and to the amazing women of Forbes for attending.

Mayhem Fight Series Presents: Boxing In Parkes

March 13, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Two of the fighters from Tommy Wards Backyard Boxing in Parkes, Riley Pizzi (left) and Xavier Ward (right).

Mayhem Fight Series is hosting Boxing In Parkes on Saturday 22 March at the Parkes Leagues Club. This amateur boxing event which will feature many local fighters from Parkes and the surrounding area.

The Forbes & Parkes Phoenix caught up with Tommy, and a couple of the fighters preparing for the upcoming fight night, at Tommy Wards Backyard Boxing Gym.

For Tommy Ward it is just another fight night, and with 40 years in the game, he expects the same work rate week in week out from his fighters. “I teach them how fit they have to be, how they have to perform and where their skill set is,” said Tommy.

“They have all been working hard, but it’s not about winning or losing, it is about competing at your best and walking out of the ring happy.”

Xavier Ward vs Brodie Brown

Fourteen year old Xavier Ward, training under Tommy Ward Back Yard Boxing, will face off against Brodie Brown from Orange.

Xavier is actually Tommy Ward’s grandson and has been hitting the bag since he was just six years old. He has been patiently waiting to reach 14, which is the age you need to be to start fighting competitively.

Xavier has fought two exhibition matches before, but this will be his first real fight, and he says: “I am feeling confident, but also nervous to fight in front of my home crowd.” In the lead up to the fight Xavier has been working on a bit of fitness but mostly footwork.

Riley Pizzi vs Noah Savage

Fifteen year old Riley Pizzi, training under Tommy Ward Back Yard Boxing has been matched up against 17 year old Noah Savage from Steel City Boxing, Newcastle.

This is a big fight for Riley who is fighting on the night for the NSW Junior Middleweight title against the current belt holder, Noah Savage.

Riley started boxing training in early 2023 and stepped into the ring for his first fight in September 2023. He has definitely progressed rapidly in the sport, recently attending the NSW League Boxing Amateur Boxing Titles held in Gosford in November 2024, where Riley came second and walked away with a silver medal.

At training in the lead up to the title fight, Riley has been working on fitness, throwing combos and trying to read the opponent. His strengths in the ring are his power and his work rate.

We asked Riley what it is like to compete as an individual sportsman but be able to train in the team environment at Tommy’s Gym, and he said “It’s a good environment and so welcoming, Tommy gives you opportunities and makes time for you. You’re in the ring by yourself but you’re a team outside of the ring, helping each other train.”

Don’t miss out on the action of Boxing in Parkes. Doors open at 4pm and the first fight is scheduled for 5pm, book your tickets now at: www.123tix.com.au/events/47343/mayhem-fight-series-presents-boxing-in-parkes

Pictured in the black headgear is Riley Pizzi, sparring one of his training partners.

Tracie Robertson Celebrates A Quarter Century With Ray White

March 6, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Tracie Robertson pictured with Ray White Rural CEO Stephen Nell who said that “Tracie is one of the most resilient people I have ever met. Her ability to never give up is something I deeply admire”.

Tracie Robertson has been part of the Ray White Rural business since 1999 and has grown the business to now have four agencies, over 30 staff and almost 1000 properties under management.

Tracie is being celebrated after 25 years with Ray White, from student to sales woman, from a pioneering young woman in a male-dominated industry to a respected leader and mentor.

“When I started, there were essentially no women in real estate sales in our area,” Tracie recalls. Studying real estate at TAFE by night, she was given an opportunity to help at the local Ray White agency in Parkes. “I filled in when a salesman went overseas, and I ended up selling 16 houses in my first month. It was a whirlwind start,” she said.

The early years were a steep learning curve and in 2006, Tracie took a bold step by purchasing Ray White Parkes. The road ahead was fraught with challenges. “After the GFC hit, I was juggling seven credit cards to pay my staff’s wages. I was close to selling our family home and moving into a flat above our office,” she said.

But Tracie’s grit and determination paid off. She expanded the business by venturing into rural markets and opening in 3 nearby towns, which propelled the business into new heights.

Ray White Rural CEO Stephen Nell said “You don’t stay in business for 25 years unless you possess something special, which Tracie does.”

Tender Submissions Open For Long Term Grazing Permits

March 6, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Livestock producers in NSW are invited to apply for long term grazing access to select Travelling Stock Reserves (TSR). Tender submissions are now open for Long Term Grazing Permits, which are valid for up to five years from July 2025. Permits are allocated via a robust tender process led by Local Land Services. Submissions close at 11:59pm on Sunday 30 March 2025.

Program Lead TSR, Sam Hand, said strategic grazing played an essential role in effective TSR management. “Long Term Grazing Permits allow producers to make long-term business decisions and access TSR for extra fodder to support healthy livestock, particularly during times of drought, feed shortages and other emergencies.

Applicants are required to inspect the TSR before making a submission, to ensure it is fit for their intended grazing usage.

In NSW, there are more than 6,500 TSR on Crown land, covering an area of around two million hectares. Local Land Services manages about 30 per cent of the state’s TSR network, which is approximately 578,000 hectares.

All submissions must be lodged online at https://www.nsw.gov.au/regional-nsw/primary-industries-nsw/travelling-stock-reserves/tsr-permits/long-term-grazing. Applicants can call on 1300 795 299 or visit the website for more information.

The Forbes Thai Massage Centre Reopens At 20 Spring Street

March 6, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Come and enjoy a rare and totally new unique massage experience with senior masseuse Honey.

The Forbes Thai Massage Centre has commenced trading and has employed an experienced Traditional Thai Masseuse with over eight years practising and honing her skills by not only working in leading International Resorts in Phuket but practising in a range of different massage outlets in Thailand. Places such as Pattaya, Bangkok and Phuket. She has also worked internationally for one year in Korea.

Her name is Honey, and her skills are in all the Traditional Thai Massage as well as foot massage. We offer the full range of accepted Thai massage products including Herbal Ball heated treatments and few in Forbes have experienced this unique treatment. We note for your interest it is rare to find these as few in Australia have the skill of using Herbal Balls. Honey’s foot massage is normally done in a large comfortable chair, and I’m sure you will find this a unique experience.

The Forbes Thai Massage Centre was built as a complete Traditional Thai Massage experience, you will see and experience the attempts we have made to replicate this unique Thai Experience. Our goal here is to have you experience peace and serenity not only is this created by the masseuse but often it is the little things we do.

Such as the soft Thai massage music, the aromas, from the washing of your feet at the start, to warm tea or a simple piece of candy at the end. This is a unique Thai experience without going to Thailand .

Amongst our many features is we have the massage mat on the floor exactly how it is done throughout Thailand. Please note you’re more than welcome to have a massage on the table.

View Club Set For A Productive Year

March 6, 2025 by Roxane Manley

2025 VIEW Committee members are L to R: Sue Pietch, Noelene Toohey, Pat Phillips, Therese Davis, Carol Whatling and Heather Mackinnon, Di Finlay, Judy Kerr and Helen Pitt. (Absent: Loris Malloy, Diane Huggett and Sue Cunningham.

At the first View Club lunch meeting for 2025 held on 13 February at Club Forbes, members were welcomed back after the Christmas break by new President, Helen Pitt.

During the meeting, Helen introduced the incoming committee for 2025 to View Club members. There are 12 committee members comprising a combination of experienced members and those new to the committee, to help guide the club through the coming year.

Judy Kerr, a past District Councillor, presented long service badges to three members, with Helen Lupis and Helen Pitt receiving their twenty-year badges and Jennifer Purdy receiving her thirty-year badge.

Congratulations to these three ladies for a combined total of 70 years of service to the community.

After a tasty meal provided by Club Forbes, members listened to an interesting and informative presentation from guest speaker, Wendy Broome, from Forbes Salvation Army. Wendy spoke about her background and provided a little history about the Forbes Salvation Army, her role and experiences in the community and how their programs support people needing assistance.

Forbes View is one of 280 clubs around Australia and its members add to the 13,000 members Australia wide who support children’s education and the Smith Family.

The next View Club lunch will be held on 13 March at Club Forbes at 12 noon for 12.30pm start. Guest speakers for this meeting are Trish Humphries who will provide information about Forbes Meals on Wheels. The second speaker will be Pauline O’Neill, talking about home modifications and maintenance services available. These ladies have a wealth of experience in supporting the community, they work at Forbes HaCC (Home and Community Care) Centre in Harold Street.

All members are requested to please RSVP to their new contact member on or before Thursday 6 March.

Local Talent Ready To Showcase Boxing In Parkes

March 6, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Tommy Ward Backyard Boxing will feature 10 fighters in an upcoming amateur fight night to be held at the Parkes Leagues Club on Saturday 22 March.

Two teams have been formed under different banners but both representing Parkes on the night, as they battle it out in the ring against opponents from varying other towns. The Forbes and Parkes Phoenix caught up with the three fighters for “Hillbilly Boxing”.

Tyler Everingham, 15

Tyler will step into the ring for his first ever fight at the upcoming fight night in Parkes.

Being inspired by his Pa and uncle who boxed, Tyler has been training for the past four months and is feeling some nervous excitement ahead of his debut fight. Tyler enjoys the fitness side to boxing and meeting new people in the sport. His opponent on the night hails from Nyngan and Tyler will be supported in the crowd by his parents and brothers.

Jayden Monaghan, 17

Jayden started out boxing as a small child and then gave it up, only to return to the sport about two years ago. Boxing also runs in the family for Jayden. This upcoming fight will be Jayden’s first for this year, having a 2L-1W record from 3 fights last year, he is feeling very confident ahead of his fight and says he’s been working on “more combos and powershots”.

Montana Walker, 24

Montana started out in Martial arts before boxing in an exhibition fight in Cowra, and after relocating to Parkes two years ago and discovering Tommy Ward’s Backyard Boxing, Montana has found a passion for the sport. Last year Montana fought four fights for a 2W-2L record. Her opponent in this fight is an old sparring partner of Montana’s from back in Cowra. Montana has been focusing at training on a lot of footwork and head movement.

‘Welcome To The Parkes Shire’

February 27, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The ‘Welcome to the Parkes Shire’ event will take place at the Cooke Park Pavillion .

Parkes Shire Council is welcoming new residents with a special event designed to connect newcomers with the local community.

The Welcome to the Parkes Shire event will take place on Wednesday 5 March 2025, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at the Cooke Park Pavilion in Parkes. Doors will open at 5:00pm.

This free event provides an opportunity for new residents to learn about local services, meet Councillors and Council staff, and engage with community groups in a relaxed and friendly environment. Attendees will also have the chance to win exciting prizes and raffles throughout the evening.

Deputy Mayor of Parkes Shire, Cr Marg Applebee, said the event is a fantastic way to help new community members feel at home.

“Moving to a new town can be both exciting and overwhelming. We want to ensure our newest residents feel welcome and connected by introducing them to the many wonderful services, opportunities, and friendly faces that make Parkes Shire such a great place to live,” Cr Applebee said.

Council encourages all new residents to attend and take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about our shire. So if you are new to the Parkes area or know someone who is, then this will be a great event to attend. To rsvp, complete the online form at https://bit.ly/WelcomeToTheParkesShire2025 or you can email council@parkes.nsw.gov.au or call our office on 02 6861 2333.

Snippets…

February 27, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Remember, where you shop matters. Shop local and keep the good going.

Regional Business Supplies: Regional Business Supplies is proud to support Royal Far West and their incredible work for children and families in rural communities. Royal Far West is Australia’s only national charity dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of our nation’s rural and remote children.

Flannery’s Pharmacy: Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is here – a time to educate and spread awareness. Recognising the signs, like abdominal bloating, feeling full quickly, frequent urination, and unexplained weight changes, can save lives. Talk to your pharmacist today. Early detection makes all the difference.

Parkes Shire Council: Due to the construction of the Parkes Bypass, the completion of East Street bridge and Brolgan Road upgrades, a number of new bridges have been built. Council is now seeking community feedback on the proposed bridge names. Find out more and complete the survey visit, bit.ly/3DcVHxS

R U OK? Some people find it easier to say ,’no I’m not OK’, when someone checks in. Asking ‘are you OK?’ isn’t about being nosey or probing someone with questions, but opening the door for them to talk about any challenges they’re facing. Find conversations tips at ruok.org.au/how-to-ask

Lifeline Central West: Join the Lifeline Central West Charity Golf Day and play for a purpose! Gather your team, hit the greens, and enjoy great company—all while supporting mental health and crisis services in the Central West.
Location: Orange RSL Golf Club, The Wentworth Orange
Date: Friday, 14th March 2025
Time: 12pm lunch and 1pm Shotgun start
Format: Four-Person Ambrose
Register:https://events.humanitix.com/lifeline-central-west-charity-golf-day/tickets

Parkes Shire Council: Are you a local Parkes Shire not-for-profit or community based organisation looking for a helping hand? Round two of Parkes Shire Council’s Community Financial Assistance Program is closing soon. This round includes General grants of up to $1,000. For more information visit: bit.ly/ParkesShireGrants

Forbes Shire Council: We are excited to welcome the Sydney Course Angling Club to Forbes on the weekend for its first Forbes Fishing Festival 2025. The club has also very kindly offered to have a free session to learn more about Course Angling on Friday 28 February from 4pm – 5pm meet at lake Forbes behind Forbes Primary School.

NSW Course Anglers from all over NSW will be attending this social event at Lake Forbes.

One Giant Leap For Rural Australia

February 27, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO) will secure new mobile coverage across regional Australia.

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed an announcement that the Federal Government has committed to introducing a Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO).

If enshrined by legislation, the world-first proposal means telecommunications companies will be legally bound to guarantee basic, outdoor voice and text mobile coverage across every corner of Australia.

NFF President David Jochinke, who had attended the announcement at the NSW Rural Fire Service HQ, said the obligation would both create and safeguard a right for every Australian to access basic calls and text services from any location.

This announcement is made possible due to Low Earth Orbit Satellites (LEOSats) and the arrival of ‘Direct to Device’ technology.

“Mobile black spots are a huge source of frustration for people in the bush. Coverage gaps can compromise safety and make it harder to run a business,” Mr Jochinke said.

“This new obligation will ensure that the safety of rural Australians, and their access to basic mobile services, cannot be put in the too-hard basket.

The obligation would secure new mobile coverage across an estimated 5 million square kilometres of land, including more than 37,000 kilometres of regional roads.

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