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Forbes Phoenix

Henry Smashes The Competition And Earns State Selection

July 9, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Henry pictured with Stanley Chung who he beat 3-0 in the final. The trophy Henry won was first won back in 1967, and features many names of people Henry looks up to.

Parkes Squash star Henry Kross recently competed at the NSWCHS Squash Championships. NSWCHS Squash is open to all public school students in NSW. It involves playing as a team for your region, before you split into either Opens or Under 15’s for an individual championship. The top 5 finishers in each division make the NSW team.

As a team Henry played for Western, where Western claimed a Silver medal. In the individual championship, it was his first year up in Open’s and Henry has taken out the win in that division.

“I have played under 15’s for the last four years (year 7 – 10) and managed to win three out of four in that competition. All four World Juniors were meant to compete, but one pulled out the week prior, so the competition is really strong,” said Henry.

Henry will now compete as part of the State team later in the year. “This will be my first year competing in Opens, after playing Under 15’s for NSW from year 7-10. Last year I competed in Cairns at the NSW CHS and was lucky enough to make the Australian All Schools, which I hope to do again this year in Opens.”

“I’ve been working really hard as I have State Champs in Bega this coming weekend, and fly out to World’s in Canada next week and so far my preparation has been really good. I want to make a career out of Squash, so training to keep getting to the next level motivates me,” said Henry.

Henry thanks Parkes High for their support and sponsors Dunlop and Grip X, Parkes Athletic and Parkes Squash, and everyone who has helped with his fundraising, it all counts and makes it possible.

Jade Page Best Of Medal Winners

July 9, 2026 by Short Putt

 

On Saturday 4 July, 72 Forbes and visiting golfers found the course conditions difficult.

However, Jade Page did well to produce the lowest score of the Medal winners.

The A-Grade was won by Jade Page with 70 nett built on the back of a flawless par front-9.

Runner-up was Harry Callaghan with 74 nett where his back-9 let him down.

The B-Grade needed a count back to decide the winner, going to Allan Rees with a 72 nett. His was a steady round with no blow-out holes.

Runner-up on count back was Matt Walton (72 nett) who did very well on the front-9 but struggled to find his rhythm on the back-9.

The C-Grade also needed a count back for the voucher prize with Henry Nash and Brett Slack-Smith finishing on 74 nett.

The ball sweep went to 77 nett. NTPs went to: 9th H Callaghan, 18th D Burton, with only Harry converting for a ‘2’. The Super Pin went to Jack Dobell (78 cm) who missed his ‘2’.

The comp on Saturday 11 July is an Individual Stroke sponsored by the B&M Tooth.

Stableford Medley on Sunday.

By Short Putt

Men’s Foursomes Tightly Contested

July 2, 2026 by Short Putt

On Saturday the field of 52 Forbes golfers contested the Men’s Foursomes Champi­onships, a 2 day event proudly sponsored by FINDEX (Forbes). The pairing of Caleb Hanrahan and Ar­chie Quirk dominated the event, winning both the Scratch (152) and Handicap (148 nett) Championship and defending their 2025 Scratch Championship.

Runners up in both were John Betland and Andrew Dukes who were two shots be­hind in both events.

The Day 1 Handicap was won by D Page and A Grierson (73 nett) but they faltered badly on Day 2.

The Day 1 Handicap runners-up were T Howe and S Betland (73.5 nett) but they also faltered on Day 2.

The ball sweeps were: day 1, 78 nett and day 2, 78.5 nett. NTPs were shared across the field but the excitement was with the 3rd hole super pin. Day 1 was won by S Kirkman (890 cm), while day 2 was won by C Hanrahan (257 cm).The competition coming up on Saturday 4 July is the Monthly Medal, sponsored by Walkers Ag-n-Vet. Sunday will be a Stabl­eford Medley.

By Short Putt

Forbes Croquet Report

July 2, 2026 by Elvy Quirk

Wayne Denyer, Helen Lupis, Evelyn Mahlo and Irene Riley enjoy their game of croquet.

On Saturday 20 June Aussie croquet was played with only a small number in attend­ance, however those members who par­ticipated enjoyed the morning. A total of 18 games were played on the day with winners of all three games being Kevin Wenning, Noel Jolliffe, John Browne, Fay Picker and David West. Well done to those players.

On Tuesday 23 June Golf croquet was played with 36 members in attendance. It was a very foggy morning when setting up, however all cleared later and it was indeed quite a lovely morning even though it was cooler.

Winners of all three games on the day were Darryl Burley, Elvy Quirk, Noel Jolliffe and Fay Picker. Congratulations to those players. A total of 26 games were played in total.

Our croquet lawns are looking good at the moment with the cooler weather and the constant falls of rain.

The game of croquet has been played since the 1800 when it was played in An­cient Egypt (played with a stick and a wooden ball) and at that time didn’t have a name. Later played across England and Europe when it was given a name. It is now played all over the world and has become a very popular sport. It is suitable for all age groups. It is a game of skill, hand and eye co-ordination, gentle exercise and a great social activity.

If you are interested in giving croquet a try, everyone of all ages and all abilities is welcome, come and join our group, Forbes Croquet Club members meet every Tues­day and Saturday for a game. Enquiries can be made by calling 0428 540 272.

By Elvy Quirk, President

Forbes Golfers In The Wet

June 25, 2026 by By Short Putt

Despite a very wet course the field of 44 Forbes golfers managed to produce some good scores. Dale Page took out the Div-1 with a 74 nett. He finally had his irons work­ing but they did not produce the goods until the back-9.

Runner-up, on count back, with 76 nett was Phil Wells who matched Dale for scores on each half. But he chided himself after carding an ‘8’ on the 9th hole.

The Div-2 was won by Cody Banks with 71 nett. He also needed 9-holes to warm up, but after that played very well until the last.

Runner-up was Steve Rogers with 72 nett.

The ball sweep went to 78 nett on count back. NTPs went to: 9th N Duncan, 18th P Dawson with neither converting for a ‘2’. The Super Pin went to Glen Hooper (282 cm) who also missed his ‘2’.The comp on Sat 27 June is the 1st Round of the Men’s Foursomes Champion­ships, with the second round to be played on Sunday. Thanks to FINDEX (Forbes) for their sponsorship. Sunday may have a Sta­bleford Medley later in the afternoon.

By Short Putt

Can-assist Charity Golf Day Success

June 11, 2026 by Short Putt

Handicap Winners Jack Cole, Stuart Thomas, Alister Carlisle, Ryan Dunn.

Last Saturday, a field of 84 Forbes and vis­iting golfers turned out for the Annual CanAssist Charity Golf Day. The sun shone but could not compete with the sparkle of the play on the course.

Can-Assist Forbes President John Schraeder thanked all the participants and especially the sponsors for making this another successful day. He presented the prizes amidst much jocular banter which was a common theme throughout the day.

The Scratch Winners, on count back, were the group of L Hurford, C Hurford, D Fairley and J Geppart who finished on 61 Scratch. They stormed home with seven birdies.

The Handicap Winners, also on count back, were Alister Carlisle, J Cole, R Dunn and S Hayes who managed 58.37 nett.

They scored under par on each half and used a very handy handicap.

Other prizes were presented down to Handicap 5th along with a ‘Bradman’ prize.

NTP’s for both Men and Ladies were played on all four par-3’s as well as the ‘2nd shot on 12th’.Can-Assist Forbes would like to thank the following business houses and people for their support of the day: Pat Duncan, Wendy Simmons, Flannery’s Pharmacy, Hair with style, Farm House, Central West Lighting, Jelbarts Tyrepower, Isabel’s Place, Cahills Footwear & Euphoria Road, Jessica’s Essential Beauty, Vandenburg Hotel, News on Rankin, Little Extras, Sylo, Abundance (Ann Simmons), Forbes Bake­house and Flint St Butchery. Thanks to Steve at the Pro shop for all his assistance, and a special thank you to the Grierson family, this is the 24th year they have or­ganised this golf day.

This weekend’s competition coming up on Saturday 13 June is the Monthly Medal, sponsored by BWR Accountants and Advi­sors, and Sunday will be a Stableford Med­ley, all are welcome.

By Short Putt

Little Athletics

June 11, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Great news for local sport in Forbes with Forbes Little Athletics recieving a grant for $3,430.67 for equipment.


This funding will help support participation and provide better opportunities for local young ath­letes.


Funding from the Active Kids Grant will go towards training equipment for the club to benefit the athletes.

The Challenge Sporting Clubs Face In Attracting Volunteers

June 5, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Under 8’s Coach Cameron Moore who has come straight from his role at Northparkes Mines to coach his side. Many coaches volunteer their time regularly and most coaches would volunteer a minimum of 5 hours a week.

The majority of volunteers who step up each week to help run junior sporting games are mostly parents who work fulltime, have families of their own, and on top of that still dedicate countless hours each week to coaching, team manage­ment, ground preparation, administration, fundraising, canteen duties and game-day operations.

When you add those hours up across a season, it’s a considerable commit­ment. For the Parkes Marist Junior Rugby League Club to have a successful home game, at least 5 volunteers are needed per team, Coach, Leaguesafe, Fao, Table and Ground control. These are compulsory vol­unteers legally required by NSWRL if these positions are not filled then kids can not take to the field. Over the course of the day across the whole operation it’s easy to add up to over 80 volunteers to get the day off the ground.

Tina Morrison, Treasurer for the Parkes Marist Junior Rugby League Club said “Un­fortunately, it can be quite disheartening when calls for assistance go unanswered.

The reality is that junior rugby league, or that of any sporting club doesn’t just hap­pen on its own—it relies entirely on volun­teers.

“It’s also important for people to know that volunteering isn’t something they need to be intimidated by. All volunteer roles are fully supported, with clear processes in place and plenty of help available. We have a fantastic committee and group of volunteers who make volunteering enjoy­able, rewarding and, at times, a lot of fun.

It’s also a great way to meet other parents and become part of the club community.

“Some parents put their hand up to help, and return week after week, year after year, simply because they enjoy being in­volved and seeing the enjoyment in the kids’ faces. We simply couldn’t do it without them and can never thank them enough for their dedication and commitment.”

Every sporting club recognises the sacri­fices made by those volunteers, sponsors and community members who continue to step up year after year to ensure local kids have the opportunity to play.

“All we ask is for one parent per partici­pant to give an hour of their time at a home game during the season weather it be help­ing set up, on canteen duty or packing up at the end of the day, if every parent with a player registered fulfilled this obligation then the impact it would have would be a great outcome for the club.”

“Without volunteers junior footy simply would not be possible- it’s not an organi­sation that cannot rely solely on committee members or Coaches to get the day off the ground we need parents of players to step up and assist at any opportunity they can,” said Tina.

For any one who wants to volunteer but doesn’t know what they can do to help they can chat to any of the committee members or contact the coach of their child’s team who can point them in the direction of where help is needed.

Multi-Million Dollar Try For Rugby In Western NSW

June 5, 2026 by Roxane Manley

FRUC female players and coaches to benifit.

Local rugby union in the Orange electorate is set for a major boost, with three commu­nity projects sharing in a $2.15 million Minns Labor Government investment through the NSW Rugby World Cup Legacy Program.

The announcement is great news for rugby clubs, players and families across the Orange electorate, delivering real fund­ing for local facilities, participation programs and player pathways.

Three projects were among 38 to receive funding during Round 1 of the Program which supports upgrades to facilities and in­frastructure as well participation and player pathway programs.

Grants range from $5,000 to $150,000, with every dollar directed at developing the game, increasing inclusion and boosting participation, particularly among under- rep­resented groups.

The NSW Rugby World Cup Legacy Pro­gram is part of a $10 million investment in rugby union — a commitment to ensuring that hosting one of the world’s greatest sporting events delivers something lasting for communities right across NSW.

Among the Round 1 recipients Forbes Rugby Union Club for the Development of female player participation and coaches.

The project will benefit women and girls (in­cluding First Nations and Pasifika groups) by providing greater access to rugby union competitions and skilled coaches, as well as equipment and other supporting resources.

The project will also develop Coaches to support women and girls teams, including developing a female coach.

Round 2 of the Program will open shortly with $2.15 million funding available. For fur­ther information on the NSW Rugby World Cup Legacy Program visit: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/nsw-rugby-worldcup-legacy-grant-program

Terry Griffiths Shines

May 28, 2026 by By Short Putt

Pictured is Cam Herbert, Pat Murphy, Brad Ashton, Harry Callaghan and Caleb Hanrahan were the last group in the field and looking to enjoy the sun.

On Saturday a field of 71 Forbes and visit­ing golfers enjoyed the sunny weather and delighted in their game of golf. Terry Griffiths could do no wrong producing the best score of the day while a couple of the visitors did well but failed at the last hurdle.

Terry took out the Div-1 with a 70 nett, having polished off the front-9 with a par 36.

He had a lack-lustre back-9 by comparison.

Runner-up on count back was David Naveau, a visitor from Wellington GC and part of a group of visiting players from Dubbo. He was well pleased to score a nett 72 with this his first run on the course.

The Div-2 was won by Isaac Page with 71 nett. He played a conservative game man­aging to restrict his errors to a ‘triple’ on the 16th . Runner-up on count back was Joshua Dunn (Dubbo) who used his high handicap to good effect.

The ball sweep went to 76 nett on count back. NTPs went to: 9th P Dawson, 18th P McQuillan (Dubbo) with neither converting for a ‘2’. The Super Pin went to Cam Herbert (275 cm) who also missed his ‘2’.The competition on Saturday 30 May is a 4BBB Stableford sponsored by the Forbes Livestock Agency. Sunday has the Forbes Men’s Open with the course closed until lateMembers are encouraged to register inter­est for the Lachlan Valley District Champion­ships, to be held Sunday 14th June 2026 at West Wyalong Golf Club.

By Short Putt

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