• Home
  • Articles
    • Front Page
    • General Interest
    • Snippets
    • Letters to the Editor
    • Council Comments
  • Special Interests
  • Our Community
    • Our People
    • Question of the Week
    • Jobs in the Central West
    • Be Seen
    • What’s On
    • What’s Hot
  • Features
    • Women in Business
    • Rural Round Up
    • My Place
    • Loving Local Living
    • Wellness Wise
    • Just a Short Drive
    • Real Estate
  • Sports
    • Bowls
    • Cricket
    • Equestrian
    • Footy Tips
    • Golf
    • Netball
    • Rugby League
    • Rugby Union
    • Soccer
    • Touch Football
  • Classifieds
  • Competitions
  • Contact Us
    • Contact Page
    • Advertise with us
    • Testimonials
    • Submit an Article
    • Subscribe to the Forbes Phoenix

Forbes Phoenix

Peter Dawson Wins Out In Close Contest

May 26, 2023 by Short Putt

Greg Webb stands tall in his follow through on Saturday.

The Mens golf competition last Saturday, 20th May was an Individual Stroke event. The scores for the field of 62 players appeared to be affected by the grey conditions, but Peter Dawson seemed unaffected.

The Div-1 Winner was Peter ‘Ecky’ Dawson with 66 nett, helped along by a birdie blitz on the front-9. In close contention as Runner-up was Mugen Green (Parkes) with 67 nett. He matched ‘Ecky’ on the front-9 but faltered on the back-9.

The Div-2 scores reflected the general trend. Robert Scott won with a 72 nett, putting in an even and tidy display. Runner-up was Peter Tisdell with 74 nett, whose score was undone by the back-9.

The NTP’s went to: 9 th – P Maher; 18 th –T Morgan. The Pro Shop Super-pin wentto Mugen Green with a shot to 1.30 metres.He was well guided by Wayne O’Neill. Theball sweep went to 76 nett.

There were quite a few visitors from Parkes in the field, no doubt getting in some practice before the Mens Open.

The second leg of the ‘Trilogy of Golf’ was played at West Wyalong. Forbes players cemented their positions at the forefront of this competition. In the A-Grade John Betland won the day with 72 nett, Caleb Hanrahan was runner-up with 73 nett and Steve Betland completed the trio with 74 nett. Unfortunately the other Forbes players missed out on prizes.

This weekend we have the Mens Open on Sunday, with a 4BBB on Saturday. The field is fairly full but you may get a spot if you contact the Pro Shop.

By Short Putt

Parkes Boars Rugby Union Club Player Of The Week – Karsyn Blanco

May 26, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Karsyn Blanco. Photo by Allan Ryan.

Karsyn Blanco

Known as: Karsyn

Where were you born: Orem, Utah USA.

What year were you born: 2001.

Where and when did you play your first rugby match: Sandy City, Utah, 2017.

When did you come to Parkes: I moved here in from the USA in 2022.

What position/s do you play: Where ever they want me, often in the centres- I love wide open spaces and hard running.

Your go to food before a game: Usually a Red Bull and then a decent meal after I play.

Interests outside Rugby: Socialising, travel, people.

Where do you work: Advanced Global: Warehouse Assistant.

Married / in a relationship / single: In a new relationship.

Kids: No.

Rugby player you look up to: Alev Kelter (USA 7’s player).

What is it about the Parkes Rugby Club that keeps you playing: Great community and support around the club. All team members get on so well. Way better than anywhere I’ve ever played before.

Niel Duncan Finds Form

May 19, 2023 by Short Putt

Lachlan Alley plays his shot while Anthony watches the ball flight.

Last Saturday 13th May, the men’s golf competition was the Monthly Medal, sponsored by Adept Plumbing. The field of 58 players were all intent on utilising the green conditions to produce their best score.

The A-Grade was quite close, with the eventual win to Niel Duncan, who was quite

fresh and able to produce a 71 nett. Runner-up was Reggie Murray with 72 nett, and on count back from Josh Coulthurst.

The B-Grade winner had a ‘bit of a breather’, with Peter Grayson (67 nett) finishing ahead of playing partner Greg Webb (70 nett). 

The C-Grade saw Les Little with a tidy 72 nett, streets ahead of Runner-up Dave Rhodes with 78 nett. He in turn snuck ahead of Frank Hanns on count back.

The NTP’s went to: 9th – Tom Toohey; 18th – Wayne Powter (Pks). The Pro Shop

Super-pin went to Brett Thomas, who was tardy in not getting a ‘H-in-O’ after his ball finished 74cms short of the hole.

The ball sweep went to 77 nett on count back, so check in the Pro Shop if you think you deserve one.

This weekend we have Individual Stroke on Saturday with Stableford Medley on Sunday. Sunday also has the West Wyalong Open, and is the second leg of the ‘Trilogy of Golf’.

Preparations are in hand for the Forbes Mens Open on Sunday 28 May, with a 4BBB on Saturday 27th May. Players are advised that there is a power disruption planned for Sunday 28th May but arrangements are in hand for an alternative power supply to enable the ‘Golfie’ to be open and the event to continue.

By Short Putt

Croquet Results

May 19, 2023 by Through The Hoop

There were 28 players on a lovely sunny morning for Aussie Croquet. The day was our first day starting on our winter time table.

Five players won three games, including F. Picker, A. Jones, G. Coles. R. Burridge and J. Browne. 

The big winners on the day were: 

• N Spry and S Hepburn 14, D Rodgers and E Hunt 8

• D Scott and J. Littlejohn 14, H Stewart 9.

A total of 35 players enjoyed a beautiful autumn morning at Golf Croquet. There were seven Players who won three games, including Geoff Coles, Irene Ford, John Farah, Noel Jolliffe, Elvy Quirk, Kevin Ruby and M. Spry. 

The big winners on the day were: 

• J Browne and B Scott 10, D Scott and L Todd 3, 

• R Toole and M Smith 10, M Jones and P Moran 3, 

• P Moran, and J Cole 10, A Jones and B Field 3, 

• M and N Spry 9, M and A Jones 4, 

• L Liebich and M. Smith 9, C Nielson and S Chamberlain 4, 

• N Spry and I Ford 9, M Langfield and L Todd 4. 

If you would like to play croquet, please arrive by 9:15am to put your name in so play can start at 9:30am. 

By Through The Hoop

Use Your Active Kids Vouchers Before It May Become Too Late

May 19, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway has today called on Chris Minns and Labor to reinstate funding for the $100 ActiveKids vouchers. The vouchers, which provided $100 for parents, guardians and carers of school-enrolled children to use towards sport and active recreation costs each year, are currently subject to Labor’s ‘Comprehensive Expenditure Review’ and are facing the axe.

Mr Farraway said the vouchers had significantly increased participation in sport across the central west, with more than six million vouchers provided to families across NSW since 2018.

“I’ve seen first-hand the difference these vouchers have made, particularly as the cost of living has increased,” he said.

“This program is the biggest grassroots sport funding initiative in Australia and has driven huge increases in participation in all sports – it is worthy of funding. Sport plays such an important role in social cohesion in rural and regional communities and is an essential part of regional life,” explains Mr Farraway

Mr Farraway called on the Labor government to save the ActiveKids vouchers to make sure regional kids can access opportunities in sports. “What Labor must understand is that regional areas have a higher cost of living than the city,” he said. 

“I’ve had contact from many local central west families, and they’ve told me that if the ActiveKids voucher is scrapped, they won’t be able to afford sport for their kids anymore – it’s as simple as that.”

With registrations for winter sports upon us, now is the time to use the vouchers before they may be cut.

Dan Ryan Plays 150th Game For The Parkes Boars

May 19, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Dan Ryan running the Boars out onto the field on Saturday surrounded by friends, family and team mates.

Nine year old Dan Ryan had no idea that his stint in the Under 10s Parkes juniors, back in 1999, would see him go on to play his 150th game for the Boars First Grade team last Saturday at Spicer Oval against Bathurst CSU. 

This milestone was even sweeter, with the Parkes Boars taking a convincing win against CSU with the final score of 96 – 7. 

“It was really cool to have my family there and to also play alongside (brother) Ben. he’s always been there and has been my biggest supporter,” said Dan. 

Dan had nothing but praise for the support he has always received from his mum and dad, Cathy and Allan Ryan. 

“Mum and dad are always there, it doesn’t matter where I play, they seem to find their way there. I remember one time I played down in Melbourne for NSW Country and dad drove down with Ben to watch the game and then drove straight back to Parkes.” 

In addition to his 150 games for the Parkes Boars, Dan has a long list of representative football experience. Dan has played for the Central West Blue Bulls for almost 11 years and has also been fortunate to be selected to play for the Country Cockatoos for six years. 

Of his representative matches, Dan said, “Probably the most memorable game was when we played Queensland Country. It was the opener before the British and Irish Lions played in Newcastle. Getting to play football at the big stadiums is always exciting.” 

The Ryan family have been with the club through the good times and the hard times. Dan commends his dad and the entire community for their dedication to building the new Club House at Spicer Oval. 

Dan doing what he does well, securing the ball for Parkes in the lineout.

Forbes High School Students Wet A Line For Sport

May 19, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Tara Morrison and Forbes High School students Wade Barter, Huntah Mckenzie, Charlie Newton, Shane Moxey, Adam Cuskelly and Blake Curran enjoyed fishing on Lake Forbes this week.

It was hard to miss all of the Forbes High School students making the most of a beautiful autumn afternoon and enjoying a spot of fishing on the river as part of the stage four (years seven and eight) organised sport activities.

Forbes High School Sports Co-Ordinator, Tara Morrison said, “Fishing is quite a popular choice for sports, we are incredibly lucky that we have the river. The new footbridge with the fishing pontoon is amazing and the kids really enjoy themselves and love fishing off there.”

Fishing is usually offered as a sport selection during terms two and term three as terms one and term four are generally too hot. The students can bring along their own fishing rods or use ones supplied by the school.

Tara, who grew up in Eugowra, also attended Forbes High School as a student. She moved away after school, but returned as a teacher and is happy to be able to teach at the same school she attended.

In terms of getting kids active, Tara explained, “We try to focus on the whole body, obviously physical activity is important but so are their minds and making sure the kids are relaxed is important. Fishing provides a great social aspect as the srudents all have it as a common interest they enjoy.”

Other popular sports with the FHS students currently are walking, as the students enjoy the walking track around the lake.Squash is quite popular in addition to other sports offered at school such as basketball, netball and touch football. 

“Anything that gets kids outside, and moving, where the fresh air helps them clear their minds is good.” said Tara.

Regional NSW Set To Celebrate With Big Hearted Bashers

May 19, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Spectacular is an understatement, for the larger-than-life event that will see 130 mad-cap vintage vehicles roll into Eugowra, on day one of the 2023 NSW Bash on Sunday 21st May. They will also visit Eugowra Public School with a very special grant.

Now in its 31st year on the road, the Variety NSW Bash is set to be exceptional with more than 300 Bashers in 100 weird and wonderful cars set to visit 16 regional towns.

The colourful convoy of fun vehicles is set to delight little and big kids alike and will include nine NRL team themed cars, Team Tonka, Spongebob Squarepants, Toy Story Crocodile Dundee, Scooby Doo, Transformers, Shrek, Star Wars, Dark Lords, Minions, Trolls, Flintstones and Thomas the Tank Engine themed vehicles.

The convoy will roll into 12 schools along the way, delivering more than $80,000 in grants to meet each school’s wish list; ranging from a food van for hospitality training, chicken coop and chicken run, cubby house, sandpit, shade sail, netball and baseball tower and trikes to a 3D printer, podcast equipment, laptops, iPads, Lego, science apparatus and library refurbishment.

The bighearted convoy will start the seven day 2,160km journey in Dubbo and travel to Eugowra, Greenthorpe, Stockinbingal, Leeton, Conargo, Bunnaloo, Echuca, Lowesdale, Narrandera, Murrumburrah, Thirlmere, and St Marys before returning to Newcastle’s Foreshore for the Variety Family Fun Day. A special event where the public can welcome the Variety Bash cars back from their outback adventure, enjoy free live entertainment and for a small $5 cost, kids can enjoy unlimited amusement rides, face painting, petting zoo, fairy floss, balloon sculptures and plenty more. 

2023 Variety NSW Bash route:

• Day 1: 21 May Dubbo, Eugowra, Cowra

• Day 2: 22 May Greenethorpe, Stockingbingal, Leeton

• Day 3: 23 May Leeton, Conargo,Euchuca

• Day 4: 24 May Bunnaloo, Lowesdale, Narrandera

• Day 5: 25 May Narrandera, Murrumburrah, Goulburn 

• Day 6: 26 May Tirranna, Thirlmere, St Marys

• Day 7: 27 May St Marys, Newcastle Foreshore. 

Billabong Creek Challenge

May 19, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Saturday, 13th May saw the running of the annual Billabong Creek Challenge sponsored by Cooper’s Boys. This event celebrates the involvement that Cooper Thomson had with the PGC, and his playing partners keep that memory front and centre and we thank them for their sponsorship. There were 73 players contesting this 3 person event with a unique scoring system. 

With a score of 87 points, Aaron Wilkie, Andrew Bourke and Peter Amor showed having a team heavy hitters meant that no hole was more than a driver and iron to get close in on the pin. The only disadvantage for this side was they didn’t get many holes where they had a shot to score with and therefore allowed a balanced side like Cody Hando, Jack Matthews and Brad Wales to utilise the holes where they had shots to score and only failed by a point in catching them. 

The Nearest The Pins on Saturday were –The Idlerite 1 st by Max Keith at 333cm, the Harvey Norman 11th by Rob Parnell at 51cm and the 18th by Anthony Riach at 55cm. The lucrative 11th hole was won by visitor from Wellington Rob Parnell at 51cm. Ball winners were team Smith and Thomson plus David Stevenson, Rod Kiley and Rob Cheney on 83 and Nym Dziuba, Col Breadan and Reg Davison on 82. 

This weekend, the Prostate Cancer 4 Person Medley Ambrose Sponsored by Prostate Awareness Day with $2,000 in prizes is on the Saturday and the Men’s and Ladies Foursomes will be on the Sunday as a 27 hole event. There are still time slots available at the ProShop. 

May Monthly Medal

May 12, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Saturday was the May Monthly Medal and a field of 78 contested the Telescope Tyres and Batteries/Hankook Masters event with the daily sponsor being Parkes Courier Service and we thank them for their continued support of golf in Parkes. 

In A Grade the very much in-form Wayne ‘Pup’ Parker had the after burners on as he scorched the course with his 72 off the stick, a clear 6 strokes in front of the runner-ups in Michael Dumesny, Phil Bishop and Michael Thomas and another 5 chasers on 79. 

In B grade Mick Smith had a great round of 79 to take the scratch a clear 5 strokes clear of Richard Hamilton, who has been in consistent form of late and a further stroke back to Aaron Drabsch. 

In C grade Rob Lea powered in a solid 85 to lead the field in and win the event by a clear 4 strokes from Col Breaden.

The competitive Griffins Leading Edge putting competition was won by Wayne Parkerwith 24 putts which obviously shored up his game on the day. In the ladies putting competition Sue Holman picked up the prize with 30 putts.

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 34
  • 35
  • 36
  • 37
  • 38
  • …
  • 160
  • Next Page »

Click here to download the recent issue (176) of The Forbes & Parkes Phoenix (1.6MB PDF) – 13th February 2026

SEARCH THE PHOENIX

STAY CONNECTED

The Forbes Phoenix would like to thank you, our Facebook friends, for your continued support and readership!

Recent Articles

  • A $7.6 Million Boost For Forbes Future Water Security February 12, 2026
  • Mayoral Notes February 12, 2026
  • Snippets… February 12, 2026
  • Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship Returns February 12, 2026
  • Meet Indigenous Chef Mindy Woods At Forbes Crop Swap February 12, 2026

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

Copyright © 2026 · Magazine Pro Theme On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in