Sports Archives - Page 4 of 162

Kath Hutchison Now An Honorary Member Of Parkes Croquet Club

October 30, 2025 by Roxane Manley

One hundred and one year old Kath Hutchison has been deemed an Honorary Member of Parkes Croquet Club.

When Beth Thomas of the Parkes Croquet Club called around to present Kath with the news, she noted that Kath was keeping busy, having just made date rolls for the Holy Family street stall, and a plum pudding for a friend who was having a family reunion. Plus she was preparing lunch for her son, Michael, who was coming to visit.

Kath has been a member since Parkes Croquet began playing at Parkes Tennis Club just over 3 years ago. At 101 Kath still plays occasionally and the members all love to see her turn up. The thing she enjoys the most is the friendships. “All the people who play are lovely and welcoming,” Kath said.

Kath was very touched to receive her honorary membership certificate. She said she felt thrilled to bits. “It’s just lovely.”

Kath recounted that her 100th Birthday last year was a wonderful day, with a beautiful Croquet themed birthday cake and celebration.

“All the croquet members attended as well as my son, Michael and daughter, Sherree Rosser. At 101 it’s so good to still be able to enjoy sport, and it’s special to be able to play alongside my daughter, Sherree.”

Kath said her secret to her youthful longevity is to: “‘Keep active and involved. Get yourself out and work and don’t sit around whinging. When you keep busy you have no time to worry or whinge.

“I’ve never had time to think about getting old. My husband Keith and I always worked hard. We also brought up two lovely children and spent 30 enjoyable years of caravanning, including a few times around Australia. I’ve always kept busy and active and I have always enjoyed such a wonderful life.”

Simmons And Venables Are Winners

October 30, 2025 by Short Putt

The Annual ‘Callaghan Shield’, sponsored by Todd Callaghan Painting, was held on Saturday 25 October. The field of 65 welcomed the fantastic conditions and produced many scores to match in the 4BBB Stableford Aggregate format.

The winners were Ann Simmons and Colleen Venables with 78 points. Their score was the highest recorded for many years and included many 3-pointers. Runners up were the pair of Jeff House and Matt Walton who managed 77 points. Their score was helped by a couple of 4-pointers.

The Individual Comp was won by Matt Walton by count back from Colleen Venables after both had scored 40 points.

The ball sweep to 68 points, with seven pairs being successful The NTP’s were well contested and went to: 9th Ladies: S Grierson, Men: P Grayson; 18th Ladies: A Simmons, Men: D Bernardi.

The 3rd hole Super Pin went to Jenny Fletcher (265cm) getting inside three other players and stumping the ‘guns’ that followed.

This Saturday, 1 November is Monthly Medal with the Mixed Foursomes Championships on Sun 2 November. Please be advised that the course will be closed until the afternoon.

By Short Putt

Athletes From The Region To Compete At PA Games

October 30, 2025 by Roxane Manley

PA Games combine competition with community spirit.

The 2025 PA Games will take place on Saturday, 1 November, at Parkes Athletic, 2/36 Boyd Circuit, Parkes. Athletes will compete across a range of functional fitness workouts inspired by HYROX, Gymnastics , Olympic lifting, and Strongman. Expect to see everything from barbell lifts and gymnastics work on the rig to running, rowing, and classic partner challenges.

Parkes Athletic (PA) is a communitybased fitness facility in Parkes focused on helping people of all ages and abilities build strength, confidence, and a love for movement. They offer a range of programs including Functional fitness-style training, Olympic lifting, HYROX, group classes, kids and teens fitness, and recovery services — all in a welcoming, team-driven environment.

The PA Games began in 2023 as a friendly in-house competition for our members, designed to challenge athletes across a variety of fitness domains — strength, endurance, and teamwork.

Since its first year, the PA Games has grown significantly — more competitors, more sponsors, and a bigger spectator crowd each time. Everyone is welcome to attend. Whether you’re a fitness fan, family member, or just curious to see the action, we encourage the community to come along, cheer on the athletes, enjoy a coffee, and soak up the atmosphere. Entry is free for spectators.

The PA Games will run from 8am to 3pm.

Spectators can grab a coffee, hang out or jump into a recovery session.

Shout out to local businesses who have come on board again as sponsors as well as some new ones, helping make the day possible. The Coachman Hotel, Worklocker, Yakka Solutions, Parkes Supplements, Specialised Plumbing and excavation, Standen building and M/PACC.

Serving Up A Day Of Tennis And “Fun”draising

October 23, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The 2024 event – people coming along this Sunday are encouraged to wear pink.

Seventeen year-old Parkes girl, and talented tennis player Asha Munodawafa hosted her first fundraiser for the McGrath Foundation last year. Asha wanted to find a way to support the incredible work the McGrath Foundation does and to make a difference within her own community while inspiring others to do the same.

Asha said “The event went really well. We had such a positive response from the community and managed to raise $1,594.05, which was actually over my original goal.

I was so proud of that achievement for a first-time event.”

This Sunday, Asha is excited to be hosting a second event, which includes a ladies and girls cardio session and the Doubles for a Difference tennis tournament.

The amazing Helen Magill will be running the ladies cardio tennis session, a fun, energetic workout that’s suitable for all fitness levels and all about getting active, connecting with others, and having a great time for a great cause.

Meanwhile, junior coaches Tia Dunn, Ella McColl, and Asha will be running the girls cardio tennis session. For the younger girls, the aim is to create an environment that’s less about competition and more about having fun, feeling confident, and making new friends while being part of something meaningful.

The Doubles for a Difference competition will be loads of fun, so grab a partner and register to play, or just come along in support and have some fun. Everyone is welcome to get involved, you don’t need to know how to play tennis to take part. The day is all about community, fun, and supporting a great cause.

To register, please contact Asha on 0466 417 716. It is just $5 per person, and you can also pay with cash on the day. Just come along, bring your friends and family, everyone is welcome!“The McGrath Foundation is such an important cause because of the vital role their cancer care nurses play in helping individuals and families navigate one of the toughest times in their lives.

“The message I’d love to share is that even small efforts can make a big impact, by coming together as a community, we can help ensure that no one faces cancer alone,” said Asha.

Donations can also be made directly through Asha’s fundraising page www.pinkisthecolour.com.au/s/7277/9508

“Every contribution, no matter how big or small, truly helps make a difference. I’m so grateful for the community’s support,” concluded Asha.

The talented and inspiring Asha Munodawafa, is pictured on the left.

Forbes Croquet Club Report

October 16, 2025 by Elvy Quirk

Morning tea is the social time at Forbes Croquet Club.

On Saturday 11 October Aussie Croquet was played with an attendance of 33 players. It was a very warm morning and all enjoyed the game. On Saturday we also welcomed Howard Hawke who enjoyed his first game of croquet. There were close scores of 14/13 when Geoff Coles and Harley Stewart trailed Kevin Rubie and Frank Donohoe, likewise John Browne and May Jones were behind to Tony Bernardi and John Farah. Congratulations to all the winners on the day.

Golf Croquet was played on Tuesday 14 October with only a small number in attendance. Some close scores were recorded on the day in addition to a runaway score. Recorded was a massive win for Peter West playing solo when he defeated Ray Martin and David Nock. On the day all three games were won by Bill Scott, Allan Jones, Sue Jolliffe, Rex Toole, Geoff Coles, Ray Burridge, Graham Falconer, Peter West and Kevin Rubie.

It was good to see David West come and enjoy a game of Golf Croquet as he normally is only able to play on Saturdays.

Croquet must have taken precedence over work commitments. Congratulations to all of our winners on the day.

Just a reminder, the Forbes Croquet Club General meeting will be held on Tuesday 21 October after play in the shade area. Members be sure to attend so that you have a say in who is looking after your Club for the next year. All positions are declared vacant.

The upcoming Christmas and holiday arrangements have been discussed by the Committee at a recent meeting and the dates and places are displayed for viewing on the notice board at the Club.

By Elvy Quirk

Reel In The Fishing Fun This Gone Fishing Day

October 16, 2025 by Roxane Manley

A Free community event is being held at Forbes Lake Forbes Waterpark this Sunday, 19 October with activities kicking off at 9am.

Gone Fishing Day is the perfect opportunity to get outdoors, cast a line, and make the most of NSW’s world-class fishing locations.

Whether you are a first-time fisher or chasing your next big catch, we want everyone to get involved in Gone Fishing Day to enjoy the benefits and thrill of fishing.

Aspiring fishers are invited to come along to one of the free events hosted by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) this Sunday to take part in a beginner-friendly workshop, get your hands on some helpful resources from the Fishcare advisory trailer, and even a few free giveaways, to help build a lifelong hobby.

Gone Fishing Day is supported by the DPIRD and with funding from the Recreational Fishing Trusts, as part of the ‘Fish for life – Building a healthy fishing future’ initiative.

To find out more on the DPIRD Gone Fishing Day community event or book your place in one of the free fishing sessions, go to: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/resources/go-fishing-nsw

Bathurst Supercars Experience An Eye Opener For Zac

October 16, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Described as a typical “out-west country lad”, third-year agricultural machinery apprentice, Zac Payseno, took his skills to the fast lane when he joined the Red Bull Ampol Racing team at the Repco Bathurst 1000 last weekend (9-12 October).Zac’s dedication through his apprenticeship at McPhersons Parts and Service in Parkes earned him top honours and the opportunity to experience motorsport action up close at one of Australia’s most iconic events.

Zac joined the pit lane crew on the tools as part of New Holland’s apprenticeship program that recognises the exceptional contributions and work ethic of its service apprentices.

Zac said it was a big personal achievement to be recognised as part of New Holland’s apprentice program.

“I felt pretty honoured to be named, and joining the Red Bull pit crew for the weekend was a massive eye opener,” he said.

“Their attention to detail and professionalism was mind blowing, I can see why they are one of the top teams, everything is done 100 percent effort at 100 percent speed.”

Zac said he had always been interested in becoming a mechanic and started by doing after-school work. “I found out that I really liked it, and just thought that’s what I wanted to do as a career.

“I really enjoy working on combines. I’m doing header repairs at the moment, which means doing header checks at the start of the year, identifying what needs replacing, and carrying out preseason repairs to get the machines ready for harvest.

“Getting ready for harvest is like getting ready for race day, but on a much bigger scale.”

Zac is one of six apprentice service technicians that experienced race day action at Supercars races across Australia and New Zealand this year thanks to New Holland’s sponsorship of the Red Bull Ampol Racing team.

Low Scores In Canadian Foursomes

October 9, 2025 by Short Putt

Jake Banks about to send his drive down the 12th hole.

The long weekend brought great golfing weather which contributed to the low scores returned by the Forbes golfers in Saturday’s competition.The event was a Canadian Foursomes sponsored by Peter Dawson.

Most of the field of 66 players got off to an early start with only a few late starters.

The winning pair were Niel Duncan and Stephen Uphill who came in with a nett 66.

They turned at 1-over and despite a few hiccups on the back-9 used their handicap well.

The runners-up were the pair of Sam Williams and Jarrod Andrews who just missed out with their 66.5 nett but got through on count back. They had an even card of 40- 40 but needed a few birdies.

The ball sweep went to 68 nett on count back. Two visitors were in the field – Jarrod Andrews (Mudgee GC) and Jack Sharkey (Dubbo GC). Both were pleased with their games. The NTP’s were well contested and went to: 9th Allan Rees; 18th Shane Sallaway. Both of them converted for a ‘2’. The 3rd hole Super Pin went to Ecky Dawson with a shot to 62 cm which made for an easy ‘2’. He looks to be in form for the Championships.

Our Club Championships begin this weekend with rounds on 11 and 12 October.

The final rounds will be played on 18 and 19 October. Players please note that the Mixed Foursomes Championships originally scheduled for Sunday 26 October has been shifted to Sunday 2 November. This Saturday, 11 October is Round 1 of the Championships with Round 2 played on Sunday 12 October.

By Short Putt

Lachlan Valley Branch Spring Walks Calendar

October 9, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The Lachlan Valley Bushwalkers Group have a number of upcoming walks:

• Tuesday 2 September – Gunning Gap NP: Meet Forbes Railway Station 9.30am. Some off-track but quite easy, 3-4kms walk in morning, lunch at lagoon nearby. Leader Peter Cannon 6866 1225.

• Saturday 20 September – Glen Echo Trail: Towards Mt Taylor, starting from Juliet and Hugh’s property. Meet at 10.00am at Glen Echo, 305 Puzzleflat Lane, Eugowra (contact leader for directions if unsure) 5- 6kms medium – hard (different route than previous walk). Leader Juliet Hunt 0432 470 025.

• Tuesday 30 September – Wombin State Forest: Meet at Bushmans Dam, Kelly Reserve cnr Thomas St and Peak Hill Rd at 9.00am 5kms easy on/off track. Should be good for birds. Leader Martin Bell 0429 346 586.

• Thursday 16 October – Bumberry Ridge: Meet 9.00am at Lions Park Molong Rd, Parkes. 7kms medium, some off track Leader Martin Bell 0429 346 586.

Please contact the listed walk leader the night before the walk if you intend to come.

A $2 donation for each walker is hugely appreciated. Walkers are reminded to bring along enough food and water for the entire day as well as suitable clothing, footwear, hat and sunscreen.

Alf Davies Scores Repeat

October 7, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The Forbes golfers enjoyed the sunny weather for their competition play on Saturday and as a welcome to the KENO Regional Finalists on Sunday. The Saturday Men’s Competition was the October Monthly Medal, sponsored by Forbes Concrete. The field of 71 players used the conditions to good effect.

The A-Grade Winner was Alf Davies with a nett 69. A double-bogey start gave him incentive to fire up, to score well and to win consecutive Monthly Medals. Runner-up was Jono Roylance with 71 nett. He played solidly but had a few too many hiccups.

The B-Grade was won by Ash Hogan with a nett 68, although he was ineligible for the Medal. He played the back-9 well under his handicap. Runner-up was Pat Murphy with nett 70. After a shaky start he played the back-9 tidily.

The C-Grade went to Lachlan Alley with 69 nett. He scored well on the holes he hadmultiple shots on. Runner-up was Frank Hanns with 73 nett. He relished the return to his glory days.

The ball sweep went to 74 nett on count back. There were four visitors, two from Parkes and Wayne Ford (Wagga Wagga) and Steve Pike (Temora). The NTP’s went to: Anthony Alley; 18th: Brian Everest. Neither of them scored a ‘2’. The 3rd hole Super Pin went to Robert Hey (Parkes) with a shot to 220 cm, but he also missed his ‘2’.On Sunday, Forbes hosted a KENO 2-Person Ambrose Regional Final with 70 players participating. Forbes success came through the Mixed Division win by Niel and Carolyn Duncan with a score of nett 63. In the Ladies Division Veronica Rebellato andAnn Simmons were runners-up on 70.5 nett. The Men’s Division was won on count back by James Smith and Ben O’Loughlin (Cootamundra) with 61.5 nett.

This Saturday, 4 October will be a Canadian Foursomes, sponsored by Peter Dawson. Sunday and Monday have Stableford Medleys and the start of Daylight saving.

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