Forbes Phoenix

Five New Farming Forecaster Probes In The Central West

by

Central West Local Land Services has in­stalled five new soil probe and weather stations as part of the Farming Forecaster Project. The sites at Mendooran, Geurie, Parkes, Jemalong (Forbes) and Grenfell, aim to equip graziers with predictive fore­casts on weather, soil moisture, and pasture production.

These sites will be incorporated into a wider network of soil probe and weather sta­tions across Australia. Rohan Leach, Mixed Farming Advisor at Central West Local Land Services, said the Farming Forecaster pro­gram operates by collecting data from the soil moisture probes and weather stations.

“The data is transformed into user-friendly weather and soil moisture data, which is readily available online” said Rohan.

“Farming Forecaster will also provide esti­mates of future pasture growth over the next 3-4 months, compared with historic seasons and climate forecasts.”

The website’s output will be a valuable re­source for landholders in the Central West, helping them make informed decisions about grazing management and understand the role of stored soil moisture in future pas­ture growth.

Paul Tognetti, the host of the Grenfell site, has found the probe and weather sta­tion extremely useful. “I’ve just started hav­ing a look at the data online and am really pleased with the info it is showing me” Paul said.

“The weather information is great with things like wind speed and direction great for spraying and the easy-to-read daily rain­fall chart great for my record keeping.

“This type of information will be invaluable for pasture management and livestock plan­ning in the Central West region, as well as managing risks associated with predicted declines in feed availability, such as con­serving fodder, purchasing fodder and/ or destocking.”

Learn more about the Farming Forecaster Project or to enquire about hosting a future site, please contact Rohan Leach on 0417 021 795 or via rohan.leach@lls.nsw.gov.au

Variety Nsw Bash: Delivering Grants To Kids In Need In Regional Nsw

by

On Day 5, Thursday 22 May, the group will travel through Euabalong West and on to Parkes. Day 6, Friday 23 May, the vehicles will be departing Parkes and heading through Bogan Gate.

The iconic Variety NSW Bash is back for its 33rd year, aiming to raise $1 million to support children who are sick, experienc­ing disadvantage or living with a disability.

From Sunday 18 May to Saturday 24 May, 78 colourful cars and 255 participants will embark on the exhilarating seven-day road trip, congregating at Mount Panorama and ending in Newcastle.

The Variety NSW Bash is a one-of-a-kind motoring adventure that unites car lovers from all walks of life in a colourful celebra­tion of community and cause. Spanning just over 3,000km, the event is packed with fun, friendship, and purpose — with $41,647 in grants to be awarded to rural schools and communities along the route.

Participants are encouraged to decorate and theme their vehicles; from Men in Black, Scooby Doo, SpongeBob SquarePants, Pokémon to Minions, all while raising criti­cal funds for Variety–the Children’s Charity NSW/ACT.

Stops along the way include Bathurst, Young, West Wyalong, Weethalle, Coleam­bally, Hay, Pooncarie, Broken Hill, Ivanhoe, Griffith, Euabalong West, Parkes, Bogan Gate, Yeoval, Mudgee and finishing with a Family Fun Day in Newcastle.

“We’re thrilled to bring the Variety NSW Bash back for another year,” said Tony Warner, CEO of Variety NSW/ACT.

“It’s more than just a road trip, it’s a pow­erful fundraising event that directly sup­ports kids who are sick, disadvantaged or living with disability right across NSW.”

This year, school beneficiaries include Weethalle Public School, Kalinda School, Coleambally Central School, Pooncarie Public School, Ivanhoe Central School, Euabalong West Public School, Yeoval Central School. Each school will receive between $3,000 and $5,000 for education­al resources and sporting equipment such as projectors, workbooks, sensory play equipment, EDU classroom drone kit, and even a Variety Sunshine Coach!For more information or to donate, visit: https://fundraise.varietynswact.org.au/event/nswbash25

Flock To Cowra For Sheep Muster

by

Central Tablelands Local Land Services is announcing Sheep Muster 2025 – an unmissable opportunity for sheep producers.

Taking place in Cowra, Sheep Muster is a free event that will focus on opportunities for improved performance and positioning pro­duction to meet demands driven by the consumer, with presenta­tions highlighting the future industry and market direction.

Senior Land Services Officer Peter Evans says local producers will be sharing how they’re adapting their businesses to tackle cur­rent industry challenges. In addition to presentations and panels, Sheep Muster will feature a range of trade stands and plenty of op­portunity to chat with industry specialists and innovative producers over morning tea and lunch.

Sheep Muster will take place at the Cowra Services Club on 5 June from 9am to 3pm. Bookings are essential – www.lls.nsw.gov.au/regions/central-tablelands/events For more information contact Peter Evans on 0438 496 851 or via peter.evans@lls.nsw.gov.au

Parkes Honoured At 2025 Australian Tidy Towns Awards

by

Parkes Shire has proudly brought home national honours from the 2025 Austral­ian Tidy Towns Sustainability Awards, with wins and commendations recognising the community’s commitment to sustainability, culture and local leadership.

Representing Parkes at the national awards held in Beechworth, Victoria, were Deputy Mayor Cr Marg Applebee, Coun­cillor Bill Jayet as well as Parkes Shire Council’s Manager Environment and Sus­tainability Michael Chambers, and Environ­mental and Biosecurity Specialist Hannah Farrant-Jayet. The event brought together finalists from across the country to cel­ebrate innovation, sustainability, and com­munity pride in regional towns.

Parkes received national recognition in the categories:

• Winner – Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: Raw Water Storage Lagoon

• Highly Commended – Heritage and Cul­ture: Wiradjuri Language Group

• Special Acknowledgement – Dame Phyl­lis Frost Local Hero Award: Deb Jones

Deputy Mayor Cr Marg Applebee said the accolades reflect the collective efforts of the Parkes Shire community. “Receiving these awards reflects the hard work of our entire community, from Council staff to vol­unteers, local businesses, and community groups. We are so proud to see projects like the Raw Water Storage Lagoon recog­nised on the national stage.”

Councillor Bill Jayet said he was proud to see the cultural contributions of the Wir­adjuri Language Group recognised. “Lan­guage is a living part of culture, and the work being done to share and preserve Wiradjuri language in Parkes is truly signifi­cant,” Cr Jayet said.

“It’s an honour to see that effort acknowl­edged alongside other incredible commu­nity initiatives” he added.

Snippets…

by

Free Printing is Back at CUC Parkes

CUC Parkes: Our printer has made the journey to our new Centre at 7–9 Court Street. We know everyone learns different­ly — for some, having hard copies of notes and study materials is essential. Come and check out our new Centre, register for free, and enjoy access to free printing

Forbes Blue Sky Outdoor Experts: Mick and Karen Roylance and all the Team at Blue Sky Forbes and their Families would like to thank all the emergency services involved in the devastating fire, which has sadly taken the entire inside of our store.

We would also like to thank the wonder­ful community of Forbes, Parkes and sur­rounds for the many well wishes, flowers and touching comments. We will keep eve­ryone updated with our next steps. We will come back from this stronger than ever.

Northparkes Oval Lighting Update: A light pole at the south-west corner of North­parkes Oval has been removed due to safety concerns. Power to all lights is cur­rently off, but a temporary solution will be in place within two weeks to support night training. Please avoid the area near the removed pole. For information, visit: bit.ly/3YrjMbT

Ronald McDonald House Charities Cen­tral West NSW: Jenni McGee, Nurse Man­ager – Parkes Hospital will be joining us for CEO Walk in my Shoes (CWIMS) Parkes is the number one town where our families come from. Since opening RMHC Central West has supported 356 families from the Parkes Shire, over 2,223 nights, represent­ing accommodation savings of $333,450.

Jenni said: “I am doing this because I know how much it means to have support when you need it most and to make sure that no-one feels like they have to go through things alone.” Learn more and show Jenni your support – visit https://www.ceowalkin­myshoes.org.au/fundraisers/jennimahon

The Forbes Historical Museum: Longstanding and dedicated volunteer, Shane Wode will be selling his book “The Streets of Forbes” on Friday night at The Trial of Ben Hall. If you are one of the lucky 100 people to have secured tickets for this hotly contested trial, please consider bringing some cash to buy a copy of Shane’s book. We will also have CD’s and DVD’s for sale. These items are for sale every day at the Museum.

Author of “The Streets of Forbes” Shane Wode.

Radio 2pk Welcomes New Station Manager

by

Greg Magnus is the new Station Manager at 2PK/ROK FM.

There has been an official appointment with a restructure for Parkes Broadcasting, 2PK/ROK FM.

Greg Magnus has taken over the Station Managers role from Paul Batchelor follow­ing his appointment to the Managers po­sition for the networks group of QLD sta­tions. Greg has been involved in both print and radio media since he left school in mid 1980’s and originally started his radio jour­ney at 2PK in 1989.

Having worked at many and varied sta­tions across NSW, QLD and WA in roles from on-air, Production Manager, Music Director, Sales, Greg has now been wel­comed to the position of Station Manager at 2PK/ROK FM.

Greg’s first on-air job was on 2PK as a night/evening announcer from 6pm. Greg said “It seemed to be the timeslot where all of the newbies started.”

With such a long spanning career in the industry, Greg found it hard to pick a high­light because there were so many, but he said: “I suppose landing that first radio job was the biggest highlight, but also to be able to wake everyday to go to work in a job that is fun is a bonus. The listening au­dience also makes everyday a highlight.”

Greg has been lucky enough to work with some big names over the years, from co­medians to politicians and musicians, but when we asked him to drop some names he said “To be honest the local people have always been the best to talk to or interview because they keep it real.”

Farmer To Face Court After Allegedly Pumping Water With Faulty Meter

by

The Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) has begun a prosecution against a Condobolin region farmer who allegedly pumped water from a creek when the me­ter wasn’t working, and in breach of licence conditions.

The farmer faces a total of six charges in Condobolin Local Court, including:

• one count of taking water when the me­ter was not working

• one count of taking water when the me­ter was not working, while having rea­sonable grounds

• to believe the meter was not working

• three counts of contravening terms and conditions of water access licences

• one count related to failing to supply documents to NRAR investigatorsThe potential maximum penalty the Lo­cal Court can impose for the offences is $132,000.

The offences are alleged to have taken place between April 2022 and March 2024, involving water allegedly taken from Island Creek, a tributary of the Lachlan River.

NRAR will allege that the farmer took water on two occasions without having obtained an exemption to take water when the meter wasn’t working.

NRAR will allege that the second offence was despite repeated reminders and warn­ings even though they knew that there was a requirement to report the faulty meter to WaterNSW within 24 hours of discovering it.

NRAR will further allege that the farmer also failed to place orders with WaterNSW before pumping, a breach of licence condi­tions.

NRAR Director Investigations and En­forcement Lisa Stockley said rules requir­ing reporting faulty water meters were tak­en seriously by the regulator.

Ms Stockley said licence holders could continue to use the water while repairs were undertaken by submitting a section 91I exemption form.

“Once notified that a meter is not work­ing, WaterNSW will email the customer an exemption authority with an expiry date and advice that the customer must follow very carefully,” she said.

Free Online Child Car Seat Safety Workshop

by

Parents, carers and grandparents of young children are invited to attend one of two free online workshops being held next week to provide important safety information about child car seats.

The workshops are being conducted by Parkes, Forbes and La­chlan Shire Councils in partnership with Transport for NSW. The workshops will be held online via Microsoft Teams, on Tuesday 13 May at 10am and again at 7pm, and will run for about an hour.

The Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Mela­nie Suitor, said the correct selection, installation and adjustment of child car seats is vital to ensure children’s safety when travelling in vehicles.

“The workshop will cover the National Child Restraint Laws, types of child car seats available, correct installation and adjust­ment, when to move to the next car seat, accessories, tips for sec­ondhand car seats and much more.

“It will be a great refresher for grandparents, as child car seats and the rules have changed a lot since they had their children, but also for parents and carers as they are navigating their way through their child or children’s growth.

“Local checking day events show that around 80% of the child car seats we checked were incorrectly installed. Transport for NSW research shows that children who are not restrained correct­ly are seven times more likely to sustain life-threatening injuries in a crash than those who are properly secured. It’s so important to ensure your precious cargo is safe,” said Ms Suitor.

To book your place, use this link: https://bit.ly/WorkshopRegoMay25 or call on (02) 6861 2364.

Slope Assessments Taking Place Across The Central West

by

Transport for NSW will carry out geotechnical slope assessments at multiple locations across the Central West as part of ongoing efforts to maintain a safe road environment.

From Monday 12 May, crews will assess slopes on the Great Western, Castlereagh and Mitchell highways as well as on So­fala Road, The Escort Way, Chifley Road, Trunkey Road, Jenolan Caves Road and Duckmaloi Road.

A Transport for NSW spokesperson said the work is crucial for identifying potential issues and informing decisions about risk management and mitigation.

“Assessors will be looking for slope instability and the potential for landslides. This routine work helps provide a safe road environ­ment now and into the future,” the spokesperson said.

“Slope management is vital for the upkeep of our road network and to maximise safety for all road users.

“Motorists may notice our assessment teams working on foot in these areas and we ask that they drive with added awareness and caution.”

Work will take place between 7am and 5pm on weekdays and is expected to take five days to complete, weather permitting. For the safety of workers and motorists, single lane closures, intermittent stopping and a reduced speed limit of 40 km/h may be in place during work hours. Access for residents and emergency services will be maintained at all times.

Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions and follow the di­rections of signs and traffic control. Transport for NSW thanks road users for their patience. For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW app, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

Thousands Of Pre-loved Items Saved From Landfill

by

Buying and selling second hand items is a great way to generate some extra cash or save money on everyday items.

Parkes Shire residents turned their unwant­ed items into cash on the annual Garage Sale Trail last November, extending the life of over 8,478 pre-loved items, 42% of which would otherwise have gone to landfill.

Results of a recently released report by Garage Sale Trail and Taverner Research Group highlighted the outcomes of the waste reduction initiative made possible by Parkes Shire Council and the NSW Envi­ronment Protection Authority (NSW EPA). It showed a win-win for locals, with the av­erage garage sale organiser taking home $499 and shoppers saving money too with access to cheaper, second-hand products.

Parkes Shire Council’s Acting Director Infrastructure & Sustainability, Mr Graeme Bayliss, said the research highlighted the local community’s commitment to reduce waste.

“Programs like Garage Sale Trail are im­portant in shifting perceptions of secondhand and getting more people reusing items rather than sending them to landfill,” Mr Bayliss said.

Across Parkes Shire over 2,700 people participated in the two big weekends of ga­rage sales which aim to provide a fun way for residents to reduce waste, make some money and get to know their neighbours.

Looking across the state, 132,691 people participated in the council-powered circular economy event in NSW, with over 320,000 pre-loved items sold and $1.6 million gener­ated for the local economy.

“More and more people are looking for ways to generate some extra cash or save money on everyday items. Buying and sell­ing second-hand is one easy way we can all do this, whether it’s hosting a garage sale or selling items online”, said Barbara Gill, General Manager of Garage Sale Trail.

Locals who are keen to clear out and cash in can now register their interest in the 2025 event, which will take place on the 8 – 9 and 15 – 16 November, 2025 at www.garagesaletrail.com.au

Phoenix Office 7/113-127 Rankin Street, Forbes NSW 2871

Editor 0432 337 278
editor@forbesphoenix.com.au

Sales 0432 337 278
sales@forbesphoenix.com.au

View our Privacy Policy. View our Conflict Resolution Process. View our Ethics and Complaints Policy. Want to advertise with us? Information on our Community Promotions.

We are always looking for new articles of interest to the local community.

Please feel free to submit an article for possible inclusion in a future issue.

To submit an article, click here to use our online article submission form.

Subscribe

* indicates required