Forbes Phoenix

Forbes Croquet Notes

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On Saturday 8 November Aussie Croquet was played with 29 in attendance. It was quite a warm morning however all who played enjoyed the game.

There were some long, hard-fought games. Two games on the day were won by Geoff Coles, Rex Toole, Neville Spry, David West, Fay Picker, Peter West, Har­ley Stewart, Elvy Quirk and Kevin Rubie.

Golf Croquet was played on Tuesday 11 November with 38 members in attendance.

As it was Remembrance Day all members showed respect by observing a minute’s silence.

There were many close scores of 7/6 on the day, Congratulations to all the winners on the day.

We have a few on the not doing so well list and best wishes are extended to them and as well to President Elvy who had un­dergone surgery in Sydney and is back home again.

The summer season has commenced with a new start time of 9am with players arriving at 8.45am to get their names in the draw. Notices in relation to holidays and Christmas arrangements are on the board at the Club.

Stay Safe. Stay well.

By Elvy Quirk

Nissan Classic Weekend A Success

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Classic 2025 Scratch Winner Caleb Hanrahan receives his trophy from major sponsor Mick Spice (Forbes Nissan).

It was a busy weekend for golfers with the holding of the Annual Forbes Nissan Clas­sic. The main event, on Sunday, was the Classic Stroke event, the field for which was 118 including men and women. The visitors, all 54, were drawn from 17 clubs.

The Men’s A-Grade Scratch event was won by Caleb Hanrahan (Fbs) with 69, fin­ishing ahead of Shane Sallaway (Fbs) on 74. The Ladies Scratch was won by HeatherDavidson (88) from Ev Uphill (94) both from Forbes.

Other results were (Forbes unless other­wise stated):

• Ladies Handicap: Winner S Crosby (73 nett), Runner-up R Fuller (74 nett: Wen­tworth)

• Ladies Stableford: Wnr J Fletcher (34 pts), R/up C Duncan (33).

• Men A-Grade Handicap: Wnr D Bayley (70), R/up A Leete (71: Mudgee).

• Men B-Grade Scratch: Wnr S Paterson (85), R/up G Hooper (88).

• Men B-Grade Handicap: Wnr M Walton 72 nett, R/up J Hemming 76 nett.

• Men C-Grade Scratch: Wnr P O’Connell (96), R/Up A Carlisle (96).

• Men C-Grade Handicap: Wnr J Tuovinen 72 nett: Cabramatta, R/up J Banks 76.

• Veteran Scratch: Wnr P Kirwan 77 (Parkes).

• Junior Scratch: WnrL Iyer (119).On Saturday the ‘Forbes Advocate’ 4BBB Stableford was played, with 116 players.

The Mens Scratch Stableford was won by S Betland/D Bayley (43 pts) from runners- up P Dawson/T Callaghan (38 pts). The Mens Handicap Stableford was won by C Alley/R Smith (47 pts), from K Sanderson/Alf Davies on 46 pts.

The Ladies results were: Scratch Stabl­eford B&C Duncan (24), H Davidson/J Hub­bard (24). The Handicap Stableford A-M Gaffney (42 pts), A Simmons/M Starkey (42 pts).

This Saturday, 15 November, is an 18hole Stroke and the ‘Medal of Medallists’. And a Stableford Medley on Sundau 10 No­vember.

By Short Putt

$35,000 Boost For Local Sport

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Brooke Plunkett (NPM) and Mayor Neil Westcott pictured with the Rising Star RecipientsSienna Eve Taylor, Jose­lyne Folau, Malia Morrison, (Front): Emanual Townsend, Harlen Corney.

Parkes Shire Council and Evolution Min­ing Northparkes Operations are pleased to announce the successful applicants from Round 2 of the 2025 Parkes Shire Sports Grants Program.

In this round, a total of $30,000 in funding has been distributed to seven local sportingorganisations, and $5,000 has been award­ed to seven outstanding young athletes through the Rising Star Grant Program.

Mayor Neil Westcott congratulated the recipients and acknowledged the important role these programs play in supporting the growth of sport and recreation across the Parkes Shire.

“Our community has such a strong sport­ing spirit, and these grants help keep that alive by supporting participation, improving facilities, and helping young athletes reach their potential,” Mayor Neil Westcott said.

“We’re proud to continue working along­side Evolution Mining Northparkes Opera­tions to deliver programs that strengthen our clubs, encourage healthy lifestyles, and invest in the next generation of local talent.”

Round 2 – 2025 Sporting Organisation Grant Recipients were Parkes & District Amateur Soccer Association Inc., Parkes & District Netball Association Inc., Parkes Australian Rules Football Club, Parkes District Cricket Association, Parkes Ten­nis Club and the Peak Hill Roosters Rugby League Football Club.

Round 2 – 2025 Rising Star Grant Recipi­ents were Noah Jayet, Sienna Eve Taylor, Tori Bennett, Emanual Townsend, Joselyne Folau, Harlen Corney and Malia Morrison.

The Rising Star Grant Program is a joint initiative between Evolution Mining North­parkes Operations and Parkes Shire Coun­cil, providing financial support to individual athletes who demonstrate potential and commitment in their chosen field. Each re­cipient is also automatically entered into the Parkes Shire Australia Day Sports Awards, where one will receive the Ron Harrison OAM Rising Star Award.

The next round of the Parkes Shire Sports Grants Program will open up in early to mid2026. For more information, visit Council’s Grants Programs page on the Parkes Shire Council website.

Sports Grant Recipients – Brooke Plunkett (NPM), Mitch Cudden (Parkes and District Amateur Soccer Association Inc), Ella McColl and Sam Rivett (Parkes Tennis Club), Graeme Bayliss (Parkes District Cricket Association), Mayor Neil Westcott.

Kath Hutchison Now An Honorary Member Of Parkes Croquet Club

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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

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editor@forbesphoenix.com.au

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sales@forbesphoenix.com.au

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