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.
BE SEEN @ PHS Cross Country Run
Radio 2PK Welcomes New Station Manager
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.”
Greg Magnus is the new Station Manager at 2PK/ROK FM.
During the last week of term Parkes High School held thier annual Cross Country.
The students participated on a new course this year and they all had a great time.
Thank you to Mrs Norquay, the PDHPE staff and Year 11 SLR for organising the event.
Free Printing is Back at CUC Parkes
Author of “The Streets of Forbes” Shane Wode.
BE SEEN @ Round 3
Rugby Union Club
It was another big weekend of footy for the Platypi! Our teams showed grit, heart, and teamwork across all grades.
May the Platypi Travel to Bathurst to take on last year’s 2024 Blowes Cup Grand Final winners Bathurst Bulldogs.
WHAT’S On
PARKES
10 May Southern Cross Care Village Parkes Annual Fete 10am to 2pm, Middleton Street Parkes.
21 May Meals on Wheels Volunteer Morning Tea at Parkes Services Club,10am. All meals on wheels volunteers are invited to attend this FREE event.
Ongoing Parkes Garden Club Meetings are held the second Saturday of each month. Various venues, 2pm. For further information phone Joy on 0429 801 168.
Ongoing Parkes Probus Club meet the second Friday of the month at Parkes Leagues Club at 10.30am. New members welcome. Contact Robyn 6862 1548.
Ongoing Parkes Rotary Club meets each Monday night at Parkes Services Club at 6pm. New members welcome, contact Colin on 0458 439 075
Ongoing Parkes Que Club meets the first Wednesday of the month at Parkes Services Club at 6:30pm. New members welcome. Contact Karen on 0411 099 432.
Ongoing Parkes Day VIEW Club meets the first Tuesday of each month, 11:30am Coachman Hotel. Contact Wendy for more information 0497 017 459.
Ongoing Parkes Community Choir meet weeks 1-8 of each school term at Parkes Public School Hall (off Hill Street) Thursdays 7 - 8:30pm.
Ongoing Parkes Multicultural Art Group meet on the first Tuesday of the month at 10.30am. Marramarra Makerspace, Parkes Library. Contact Sonia 0400 990 001.
Ongoing Parkes Red Cross tea rooms open every Friday. Mixed sandwiches, slices and tea or coffee.
Ongoing Parkes Shire Concert Band rehearses every Tuesday 7pm - 9pm during school term in the music room above the pool complex in Dalton Street. Contact music director Duncan Clement on 0405 035 164.
Ongoing Parkes CanAssist at 33 Court St is open Tuesday to Friday 9am - 1pm; Saturday 9am - 12.30pm. Meeting 3rd Tuesday of month 2pm at the Red Cross rooms.
Ongoing Parkes Ukelele Players Tuesday 7pm-9pm. Community Hall, Rose St.
Ongoing Parkes True Blue Linedancers Service’s Club 10am-12noon.
Ongoing Parkes Prostate Cancer Awareness & Support Group meets the 4th Tuesday of the month at 6.30pm at Neighbourhood Central. All welcome. Contact Michael 0408 975 643.
Ongoing Parkes Ladies Lounge Tuesday 1-3pm. Community Hall, Rose St. FORBES
Ongoing Forbes Garden Club meet 4th Tuesday of each month 2pm at different venues. Further enquiries Contact 0428 540 272.
Ongoing Forbes Neighbourhood Watch Meetings every 2nd Wednesday of the Month at The Vandenberg Hotel 6.30pm new members always welcome.
Ongoing Painting Group every Thursday 11am - 3pm at Northside Chapel, 59 Johnson St. Artists of all ages and abilities are welcome to come along. Bring your own art supplies. $5 per week and includes morning tea. www.forbesartssociety.com
Ongoing Forbes Men’s Probus Club Meeting 4th Friday every month 10.30am, Club Forbes. All Welcome.
Ongoing Rotary Club of Forbes Ipomoea meets for breakfast on the first Tuesday of the month at Isabel’s Place from 7am-8am. Find us on Facebook.
Ongoing Forbes CWA meets on the first Friday of each month at the CWA Hall at 132 Lachlan Street at 1:30pm. Anyone is welcome to pop in and join us.
Ongoing Forbes Croquet Club Meets every Tuesday and Saturday at 9am for a game. Please arrive at 8:45am to get your name in the draw. Membership only $20, morning tea included. Contact Elvy Quirk on 0428 540 272.
Ongoing Forbes CWA Evening Branch meets the second Thursday of each month at Club Forbes. Time is 6pm for dinner and meeting begins at 7pm. All welcome. Contact: forbeseveningbranchcwa@gmail.com
Ongoing Forbes Town Band rehearsals every Monday night during school term. Learners from 6 - 7pm. Main band 7pm to 9pm. Band Hall, Rankin Street.
Ongoing Forbes Dragon Boat Club trains every Sunday on Lake Forbes from 8.15am for 8.30am start. Contact via Facebook or forbesdragonboat@gmail.com
Ongoing Painting Group every Thursday 11am - 3pm at Northside Chapel, 59 Johnson St. Artists of all ages and abilities are welcome to come along. Bring your own art supplies. $5 per week includes morning tea. www.forbesartssociety.com
Ongoing Friends of Forbes Hospital Auxiliary meet on the first Friday of every second month at Club Forbes at 2:30pm. Meeting Feb, April, June, Aug, Oct, Dec. New members very welcome. Contact 0407 235 326.
Ongoing Forbes Community Playgroup every Thursday, 10am at Forbes North Public School Hall.
Thousands Of Pre-Loved Items Saved From Landfill
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
Buying and selling second hand items is a great way to generate some extra cash or save money on everyday items.
