The Forbes & Parkes Phoenix - Issue 156

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Trundle Bush Tucker Day Now In Its 38th Year

Trundle Bush Tucker Day began in 1987 as a friendly bet between two mates to see who could cook the best bush tucker in a camp oven behind the local pub.

That spark of competition evolved into the Trundle Bush Tucker Day. Since the very first Trundle Bush Tucker Day in 1987, the Trundle Bush Tucker Committee has put $249,000 back into the Trundle community!

The Trundle Bush Tucker Day is now organised and run by a dedicated volunteer committee. This hardworking group is made up of passionate locals who volunteer their time year-round to plan, fundraise, and deliver the event.

The committee’s role goes far beyond just putting on a festival, they manage everything from securing entertainment and

sponsors, to overseeing logistics like market stalls, food vans, accessibility, and a fresh array of family-friendly activities.

Their aim is to preserve the original spirit of mateship and bush traditions, while also growing the event into one of the Central West’s most iconic celebrations.

Tickets online are $60 adult, $5 17yrs6yrs free under 6. On the day Gate tickets are $70 adults, $5 17yrs- 6yrs, free for under 6. Parking is available at the showground and out on the street until it’s filled. Camping available on site, sites still available Trundle Showground.

All proceeds from the event benefit local groups, your participation supports the region directly. Tickets on sale now, don’t miss out www.123tix.com.au/events/46970/trundle-bush-tucker-day-2025

If you’re planning to attend Trundle Bush Tucker Day, expect a family friendly day full of food, fun and entertainment.

Forbes is brimming with creativity, and our young people will soon have the chance to showcase theirs through the free Street Dreams Youth Art Workshop. Open to ages 8 to 13, the workshop will run on Saturday 20 September from 12:30pm to 2pm at the Forbes Youth and Community Centre.

Participants will be guided in creating original artworks that will be proudly displayed at the Street Dreams Festival on Saturday 27 September. With only 15 spots available, this is a special opportunity for our young creatives to shine. Register via Council’s website. I can’t wait to see their work on display.

This week marks the launch of the Scrap Together campaign, a new initiative supported by the NSW EPA to help us make the most of our green-lid FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics) bins.

In Forbes, we collect around 1,300 tonnes of food and garden waste each year, turning scraps into compost instead of landfill. It’s a great result, but food waste is still one of the biggest items going into red-lid bins. Head to Council’s social media

POSITION VACANT

Livestock Exchange Operator: Night Watchman

pages for simple tips on how to keep food waste out of landfill.

I’m excited to invite all young people and families to a new youth event, designed to promote positive choices, wellbeing and community connection.

Youth Connect will be held at the Forbes Skatepark and Stephen Field on Tuesday 30 September from 12 pm to 3 pm, featuring inflatables, giveaways, food and activities like NRL clinics.

This free event is proudly supported by the Forbes Community Drug Action Team (CDAT). For nearly 25 years, CDAT has been working to keep our community safe and healthy, running programs, education campaigns, and events that help young people and families make positive choices.

Events like this help build stronger, healthier and more resilient young people, which benefits our whole town.

Youth Connect is part of our school holiday program, so keep an eye out for the lineup of activities coming soon!

God Bless, Phyllis Miller OAM

phone l (02) 6344 1846

web l www.forbesphoenix.com.au www.parkesphoenix.com.au

Postal Address PO Box 203 Canowindra NSW 2804

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When does a joke become a dad joke? When the punchline becomes apparent.

FORBES SHIRE COUNCIL

Kick start your career at Forbes Shire Council at our state of the art Saleyards facility.

• Undertake a range of general maintenance and activities during Nightwatch shifts Work every second weekend/nightshift Saturday to Tuesday (41 Hours)

• Shift penalties all weekend. Casual weekly work also available for a motivated person Firearms License Essential Permanent – Full Time. Closing Date 14-09-2025

EOI – FUTURE USE OF THE WIRRINYA

PUBLIC SCHOOL SITE

Council seeks Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the future use of the Wirrinya Public School site at 3742 Wirrinya Road, Wirrinya, being Lot 972 DP 806978. The site is 0.66 Hectares (6678m2), is zoned RU1 Primary Production and features the original weatherboard schoolhouse and a second brick building. EOIs may be submitted in writing via email to forbes@forbes.nsw.gov.au, posted to The General Manager, Forbes Shire Council, PO Box 333, Forbes NSW 2871 or delivered to 2 Court Street, Forbes. Expressions of Interest will be accepted until 5pm, 30 September 2025. For further information please contact Council’s Manager Corporate Business on 6850 2300 (Option 4).

EOI MARKET STALLS AND BEVERAGE VENDORS

Council is seeking Expressions of Interest from community groups interested organisations for beverage vendors, and market stalls at the Forbes Street Dream, Art and Culture event. This event will be held on Saturday 27 September 2025 from 4pm-9pm at Victoria Park. Expressions of Interest are now open for the provision of: Beverage services

• Market Stalls

Organisations must be willing to obtain relevant licensing and insurance requirements as outlined in the expression of interest. For the Expression of Interest Form or more information, please contact Council’s Event Manager by email community@forbes.nsw.gov.au or visit www.forbes.nsw.gov.au

Shire Council and the

for young people and linking young people with services available. This event is scheduled for Tuesday 30 September from 12pm-3pm at Stephen Field/Forbes Skatepark. This event also includes NRL Clinics, Inflatables, Giveaways and Food Vendors. For more information, please contact Council’s Community Relations Officer on commuity@forbes.nsw.gov.au or 02 6850 2300

2025 NATIONAL BBQ CHAMPIONSHIPS

Become the 2025 National BBQ Champion

National and Local teams competing | Grilling and Smoking

Date: Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 October

Venue: Grinsted Oval, Forbes

Join us for two days of competition - grilling + low and slow smoking. Bar + live music + food trucks + major cash prizes + cooking demonstrations + celebrity chef + BBQ stalls. Sponsorship opportunities, nominations for grilling and smoking teams, EOI for beverage vendor, stall holders, markets stalls and exhibitors - now all open! Or you would like to be a judge for the Australian Alliance Barbecue Smoking Competition? Please email events@forbes.nsw.gov.au for more information. Follow National BBQ Championships Facebook page for regular updates.

EOI SUPPLIERS OF LOCAL PRODUCTS/PRODUCE AT THE FORBES VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE

Forbes Shire Council is seeking Expressions of Interest for local goods to be sold at the new Forbes Visitor Information Centre, located at the former Lachlan Vintage Village. Local suppliers must have capacity to provide and deliver adequate stock and hold appropriate insurances licences, certificates and ABN. For consideration, Expression of Interest Forms are available to download. For further information please contact the Forbes Visitor Information Centre by email tourism@forbes.nsw.gov.au

JOKE

SNIPPETS...

Parkes PCYC: On Friday 29 August the Parkes Leagues Club proudly donated $5,040 to support the PCYC Safer Driver Course. This generous contribution will help 35 local young drivers gain essential road safety skills, making our roads safer for everyone.

Rural Women’s Network: Time to nominate someone you know for the NSW Community Hero Award. This category is part of the NSW Women of the Year Awards and shines a light on the accomplishments of an extraordinary woman who works tirelessly to contribute to the prosperity of those in her local community. Nominations close on 9 September. Give someone the recognition she deserves: nsw.gov.au/wotya26

Trundle Bush Tucker Day: This coming Saturday, 6 September will be a big day out in Trundle, full of family fun.

Casey Barnes & The Bushwackers performing LIVE Get your entry tickets now https://www.123tix.com.au/.../trundlebush-tucker-day-2025

R U OK? R U OK? Day is Thursday 11 September, but any day is an opportunity to check in with those you care about and ask how they are going. Learn more and access free resources at ruok.org.au/joinr-u-ok-day

Central West Police District: The NSW Police Force Academy Open Day will be held on 27 September in Goulburn. Explore interactive displays, meet specialist units, and discover if you’ve got what it takes to wear the badge. Entry is free but you can download your ticket at www.eventbrite. com.au/e/new-south-wales-police-academy-open-day-tickets-1579312890369

Forbes Shire Council: FSC, in partnership with the NSW Environment Protection Authority and NetWaste, wants to hear from you! They’re looking to better understand community awareness and attitudes around the Food Organics, Garden Organics (FOGO) service. Have your say by completing a quick survey, it only takes a few minutes: www.surveymonkey.com/r/ HTDQ2RM. Survey closes Sunday, 21 September.

Central West Is Best: The annual Regional Development Australia Photo Competition is back for 2025 with entries now open. This year’s theme - Central West in Colour - invites you to showcase the region in all its colourful glory. The competition is open to all residents across the RDA Central West region, with categories for Juniors (Under 18) and Opens. For more information and to submit an entry, visit: www.rdacentralwest.org.au

3rd Parkes Scout Group Receive Donation

On Friday 29 August, the 3rd Parkes Scout Group were excited to have a visit from Mr Paul Hennessy, NSW Honorary Branch Commissioner and Deputy Chair of NorthWest Scout Fellowship.

The purpose of Paul’s visit was to deliver a donation to the group from the SOCKS (Scout Outback Community Kids Support) Program. SOCKS donates items of uniform to regional scout groups to help kids in the country who cannot afford uniforms, as the cost for some families can be difficult.

The program has supported a number regional Scout Groups so far which includes 3rd Broken Hill Sea Scout Group and 1st Kandos Scout Group.

The Red Bend Catholic College Mountain Bike Team rolled into Glenwood State Forest for a Dig Day hosted by the Orange Mountain Bike Club.
Despite a frosty start , the dedicated crew, Archie Ryan, Bryce Tandy, Lenny Iyer, Will Tandy, Bodhi Lynch, and Jace Rudd, didn’t let the cold slow them down.

Parkes CBD Transformation Project Underway

Parkes Shire Council is thrilled to launch the Parkes CBD Revitalisation Project, an exciting initiative to invigorate the heart of Parkes to deliver a vibrant, welcoming destination for locals and visitors alike.

Council has secured $360,000 in funding from the NSW Government’s Community Improvement District Pilot Program (Round Two), to deliver a range of outcomes aimed at energising the town centre and futureproofing the local economy.

Key highlights include:

• Establish a collaborative governance model that brings together local businesses, property owners, and Council to shape the future of the CBD.

• Develop an updated Vibrancy Strategy for the CBD and branding strategy to position Parkes as a must-visit regional hub.

• Deliver tailored business training and workshops to strengthen local skills and competitiveness.

• Transform Cooke Park with a limitedtime lighting installation and a signature community activation event, creating a unique focal point for connection, celebration, and local engagement.

The revitalisation is about making the CBD more walkable, engaging, and connected. Community support for the project has been strong, with backing from the Parkes Chamber of Commerce, local business owners, and property stakeholders. This momentum follows extensive community consultation, ensuring the project aligns with local aspirations.

Hamish Ritchie, Economic Development Specialist at Parkes Shire Council, said the project is about creating a vibrant and inclusive town centre that reflects the com-

Celebrate Father’s Day

With Buddy Boy Kitchen Parkes

Step inside and you’ll find a menu that is unexpected in the best way. From crispy coconut prawns and slow-cooked massaman curry to pork belly with crackling perfection and fresh mediterranean salads, every dish delivers bold flavour with city-style finesse.

This Father’s Day, Buddy Boy Kitchen is serving up dinner with dishes for every dad, the outdoorsy dad, the sweet tooth dad, the snack-loving dad, the gourmet dad, and even the chocolate-loving dad, there’s something to make him feel celebrated.

On Friday 5 and Saturday 6 September, every dad will enjoy a complimentary dessert with the purchase of a two or three course meal, the perfect gift to celebrate fathers all around Parkes.

“We wanted to prove that great food isn’t just reserved for capital cities,” says CEO Liam Kelly. “There’s no reason a town like Parkes can’t enjoy a little bit of the unexpected at dinner, especially when celebrating the people who matter most.”

The psychology of a memorable meal isn’t just about taste, it’s about feeling. Buddy Boy Kitchen strikes that balance between comfort and curiosity. The menu is familiar enough to feel safe, yet adventurous enough to surprise.

With breakfast from 6:30am and dinner from 5:30pm Monday to Saturday, our restaurant is designed for real life, whether you’re up early, finishing late, or planning a special family occasion. There’s even Happy Hour from 4:30pm to 6:00pm.

Celebrate the dad in your life this Father’s Day at Buddy Boy Kitchen Parkes. Menus, booking details at buddyboykitchen.com. au or call (02) 6862 5222.

munity’s values.

“This project is about creating a CBD that people genuinely enjoy spending time in, a place that reflects how we live, connect, and support each other as a community,” Mr Ritchie said.

“Guided by what the community has told us they want and love about Parkes. A place where community, business, and creativity can thrive together.”

For more information about the Community Improvement District Pilot Program: www.transport.nsw.gov.au/CIDPilot

The project is focused on enhancing the Parkes CBD’s attractiveness, accessibility, and long-term economic resilience.

An Evening For Everyone: Men, Women And Local leaders

You are invited to a very special community event: the launch of the Forbes Men’s Growth Room, alongside a private screening of the powerful film Just A Farmer Come along on Wednesday 8 October, 6pm at the Forbes Town Hall.

Just A Farmer is a moving drama that authentically portrays the impact of suicide on a rural Australian family. It shines a light on critical mental health challenges in farming communities, while also celebrating resilience, community strength, and the power of connection. Tickets to the screening are limited – reserve your place via Humanitix. This screening marks more than a film night – it’s the beginning of something new for Forbes. Growth Rooms are communityled spaces where men can come together regularly for real conversations, mateship, and shared support. You don’t need to be struggling to attend – you just need to care about connection, wellbeing, and our com-

munity.

From November, the Forbes Growth Room will meet on the first Monday of every month — creating a safe and consistent space for ongoing support and connection.

We’re also excited to share that facilitator training will be held in October. If you’re interested in stepping up as a community facilitator, you can register your interest at lifelinecentralwest.org.au/growthrooms

Anyone who wants to be part of shaping what comes next, please come along to this event. We gratefully acknowledge Forbes Shire Council and GrainCorp for supporting this launch event, and the Mazda Foundation for funding the establishment of three new Growth Rooms in Parkes, Dubbo, and Forbes.

We would love to see you there as we take this important step towards building stronger, more connected communities across the Central West.

Forbes Hosts Youth Connect To Promote Safe, Healthy Communities

A new youth event to be held in Forbes this September, aims to celebrate young people and strengthen community connections. Youth Connect will take place at the Forbes Skatepark and Stephen Field on Tuesday 30 September from 12pm to 3pm. This free event will bring together services, activities, and opportunities for young people and their families, featuring: Food vendors and a BBQ, giveaways, NRL clinics, inflatables and information and engagement with local youth services.

Youth Connect is about creating a safe, welcoming space for young people to enjoy positive activities, while connecting them with the services and support networks

available in Forbes.

Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said “The event is proudly funded by Forbes CDAT, a subcommittee of the Forbes Interagency. Forbes CDAT has played an important role in building safe, healthy, and resilient communities through education campaigns and community events.

“Forbes CDAT has been making a real difference in our community for over two decades. Through education campaigns, youth programs and local events, we’ve worked to reduce the harms associated with alcohol and drug use and strengthen the health and wellbeing of our community,” the Mayor added.

Teddy Bears Picnic Moves To Frogs Hollow

The much-loved Teddy Bears Picnic will be held on Friday 1 November from 10am to 1pm, with a new venue at Frogs Hollow. With redevelopment works underway at Lions Park, the popular annual event has been relocated to Frogs Hollow in 2025.

Forbes Shire Council Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said the event continues to be an important day on the community calendar.

“The Teddy Bears Picnic is a special tradition in Forbes, giving families the chance to come together and enjoy a day of joy, play and imagination with their children,” the Mayor said.

“While Lions Park is currently out of action, Frogs Hollow is a wonderful setting to host the event and we look forward to seeing plenty of teddies out and about.”

The picnic will feature children’s entertainment, activities and story time, with families encouraged to bring their favourite teddy bear, picnic rug and snacks. Food and refreshments will also be available for purchase.

The Teddy Bears Picnic is proudly hosted by Forbes Shire Council, Forbes Youth Action team and Forbes North SaCC (a Schools as Community Centres).

So come along to the Teddy Bears Picnic on Friday 1 November 2025 from 10am –1pm at Frogs Hollow, corner of Riley and Lawler Streets (next to Forbes Sports and Recreation Club bowling greens). For more information, visit www.forbes.nsw.gov.au.

Council is calling for Expressions of Interest from food and beverage vendors to operate at the Teddy Bears Picnic. Interested vendors are encouraged to submit an EOI to community@forbes.nsw.gov.au by 5pm, Tuesday 30 September to be considered.

Come celebrate the launch of the Forbes Men’s Growth Room, and watch a screening of the 2024 film “Just a farmer”.
Frogs Hollow is located on the corner of Riley and Lawler Streets.

WHAT’S On

PARKES

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.

Parkes Christian School Year 9/10 Commerce class ran their annual Market Day in which they have to come up with a food

market it and run it dur-

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 first Friday of every month. 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 at 9am, Tuesday to Saturday. 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 True Blue Line Dancing Classes Monday morning,10am-12noon. Parkes Services Club upstairs.

Ongoing Parkes Camera Club meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday night of the month at 7pm at Neighbourhood Central. All welcome, contact cameraclubparkes@gmail.com

FORBES

6 Sep Forbes Uniting Church Fete at 27 Brown Street, Forbes from 9am to 3pm. All are invited to come along.

17 Sep Meals on Wheels Forbes and Parkes Information Morning Tea: 10.30am –11.30am, Forbes Town Hall, Concourse room, 2 Court Street, Forbes.

Ongoing Peak Hill Men’s Shed Located at 66 Derribong St, Peak Hill. Open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9am-12pm.

Ongoing Forbes Garden Club meet 4th Tuesday of each month 2pm at different venues. Further enquiries Contact 0428 540 272.

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 Winter Season Croquet starts 9.30am with arrival 9.15am to get names into 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 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 Rhyme Time every Friday at Forbes Town Library 10:30am.

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

truck style business,
ing lunch time.
They did a wonderful job and fed the masses, who enjoyed loaded fries, cinnamon and pizza scrolls, nachos, and ice cream!
Well done Miss Oates and all of the students who were involved in the success of the annual Market Day

Mock Crash Demonstration Helps Young Drivers To Not Become Road Statistics

The annual mock crash demonstration returned last week and was viewed by over 400 Year 10 students from across the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Council areas. Seven local high schools are taking part in this year’s NOT A STATISTIC! Youth Driver Education Program, which includes a pre classroom lesson, the live mock crash demonstration and a follow-up classroom lesson.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said the purpose of the mock crash demonstration is to show young drivers what happens when a crash occurs.

“The mock crash demonstration started with a short video that set the scene about how the crash occurred and introduced the youth actors. Then the curtains opened, and the audience watched as the youth actors called ‘000’ for help.

“When emergency service personnel arrived, they were confronted with two severely injured trapped passengers, one dead passenger and an emotional driver.

“The mock crash demonstration concluded with recorded victim impact statements which highlighted what life has been like for the driver, her surviving passengers and

their families nine months on. The videos included point of view footage of what happened at the Police station and hospital.

The program has been running since 2009. Over that period there has been a 27% reduction in crashes on local roads involving a young driver (17 - 25 years old).

“It is a real team effort. Thanks to Parkes High School, Westlime, Regency Medical, Parkes Auto Wreckers, The McMasters,

Bella Henry, Julia Sullivan, Halle Molloy, Senior Constable Emma Dyball, Acting Sergeant Jane Heffernan, Sergeant Philip Brown, Constable Anthony O’Brien, Madeline Elkhouri, Ebony Domanski, Jeff Field, Matthew Hando, David Law, Mark Appleby, Leanne Field, Marshall Munn, Glen Morgan, Sherry Morgan, CCT Productions, Chloe Marskell, Logan Davies, Abigail Heard and Abbey Browne,” Ms Suitor said.

Grains R&D Meeting Scheduled For Parkes

Grain growers in the Parkes region are being urged to attend an upcoming grower meeting to discuss issues around grains research and development, levy rates and reviews and the impact on growers.

The Grains R&D: Your levies, your views consultation, organised by GrainGrowers as part of its representative organisation (RO) role with the GRDC, will take place in Parkes on Thursday 11 September at the Parkes Services Club, 10:30am – 12pm.

In total, meetings will be held in 18 regional centres across five states from 2 September through until 16 October. The Parkes meeting is one of four being held across NSW.

GrainGrowers CEO Shona Gawel said the meetings are an ideal opportunity for growers to consider the current situation, to put forward their thoughts on the issues and raise questions that they would like considered and answered.

Ms Gawel said in recent months there had been many discussions about grains research and development, and it was important to engage as widely as possible with growers.

“As a grower member organisation, direct engagement is in our DNA, and these meetings are designed to allow us to listen

Grain growers are invited to share their thoughts at the upcoming Grains R&D: Your levies, your views consultation, organised by GrainGrowers. Image: Farmpix Photography.(www.farmpix.com.au/)

and to reflect carefully on the next steps.”

“While our members are free to contact us at any time, growers across Australia now have multiple opportunities to come together to discuss.

“The full schedule of consultations is available via our website. For anyone un-

able to attend, we will be holding a virtual session at a later date to encourage the widest possible consultation,” Ms Gawel said.

Further information and to register, at: www.graingrowers.com.au/events/grains-rand-d-your-levies-your-views-parkes-nsw

The mock crash demonstration took place at Parkes High School’s Multi-Purpose Centre.

Lachlan Valley Branch Bushwalkers Group Calendar: Spring 2025

New walkers are always welcome with the Lachlan Valley Branch Bushwalkers group. The walks are generally pretty leisurely, taking time to spot birds, plants, spiders and other animals. Walkers are reminded to bring along enough food and water for the entire day as well as suitable clothing, footwear, hat and sunscreen. A pair of good binoculars and a fold up chair for the post- walk cuppa is recommended.

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 10am 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: Monumea Gap Meet at Bushmans Dam, Kelly Reserve corner Thomas St and Peak Hill Rd at 9am.

5kms easy on track. Should be good for birds. Leader Martin Bell 0429 346 586.

Saturday, 18 October: Bumberry Ridge Meet 9am at Lions Park, Molong Rd, Parkes. 7kms medium, some off track Leader Martin Bell 0429 346 586

Contact the listed walk leader the night before the walk if you intend to come. A $2.00 donation is appreciated. There are three grades of walks:

Easy: (5 to 10 kilometres) Mostly flat to slightly undulating topography. Walks are mostly on tracks or fire trails and of moderate distance. Suitable for those with a minimum level of fitness.

Medium: (5 to 8 kilometres) May be over moderate hills or rough terrain. May involve some off track walking. Walk may involve shorter distance overall due to rougher conditions. Suitable for an average fitness level.

Hard: (5 or more kilometres) Walk may involve hilly or mountainous terrain, rough tracks, a trackless route or an extended distance. Walk suitable for above average fitness level.

Come Down To Halpins Flat For Croquet

Aussie Croquet was played on Saturday 30 August, with only 10 in attendance. Only the bravest played because of the cold winds. However those who played enjoyed the morning despite the cold.

All three games were won by Rex Toole whilst two game winners were Russell Anderson, Cheryl Toohey, Peter West and Elvy Quirk. Well done to those players.

On Tuesday 2 September Golf Croquet was played with 38 in attendance. It was a beautiful spring day, and it was great to see Marie Spry back playing after a break away.

A gentle reminder that the Annual General Meeting is coming around during October and please take time to think what positions you would like to hold for the coming year. Membership renewals of $20.00 are due before 30 September.

Spring is here and the weather is getting much better so should you be interested in a game of croquet, then come down to Halpins Flat on a Tuesday by 9.15am and you can try your luck, whilst being paired with an experienced player to get to know the ins- and-outs of the game. By Elvy Quirk.

Saturday’s 4BBB Stableford Medley

Forbes golfers were met with cold and drizzly weather at first but this gave way to a weekend of sunshine which was much more appealing.

The Saturday event was a 4BBB Stableford Medley, sponsored by Cahill’s Footwear. The field was reduced to 33 players with many others cancelling on Saturday due to weather.

The winners were Matt Duff and Stuart Thomas who entered the Golfie filled with excitement after playing well, but not sure if their score of 45 was good enough. They combined very well throughout.

The runners-up were Caleb Hanrahan and Ash Hogan who managed 44 points. They had two 1-point holes which held them back.

The Individual comp was won by Caleb Hanrahan with 37 points. He started his round with four 3-pointers.

The ball sweep went to 40 points. There was one visitor who teamed with Brendan Hayes but unfortunately both were affected by the sharp breeze.

The NTP’s went to: 9th – ladies: nil, men: Dan Bayley; 18th – ladies: C Venables, men: Matt Walton, of whom only Colleen and Dan converted for a ‘2’. The 3rd hole Super Pin went to Stuart Thomas who steered his shot to 160cm proximity from the hole. He did convert for a ‘2’.

The core holes made for some interesting putt results but after the spreading of the fine sand early this week the surface should be much improved.

Note: The Bogan Gate Open originally scheduled for this weekend has been moved to Sunday 14 September. This Saturday, 6 September is the Monthly Medal sponsored by McFeeters Motor Museum. Sunday will feature a Stableford Medley. By Short Putt

Frank Donohoe, Tony Bernardi and Kevin Rubie enjoying some social time.
Group walks are generally pretty leisurely taking time to spot birds, plants and spiders.

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