Youth Actor Mock Crash Auditions
Calling all amateur actors across the region! Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils are on the search for youth actors to star in this year’s NOT A STATISTIC! Youth Driver Education Program.
The Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, is encouraging local youth actors to audition to be part of this road safety initiative. The initiative seeing a 27% reduction in crashes involving young drivers since its inception more than 10 years ago.
“We are looking for four new actors to join our team and are holding auditions on Thursday 5 June from 5pm - 8pm at the Parkes SES shed in Clarke Street.
“The auditions will give participants an overview of all aspects of the project. The
youth actors will also undergo road crash rescue training to see what it’s going to be like being cut out of a car and removed on a spine board.
“We are hoping to uncover some undiscovered talent who will bring something new. So, if you are interested in getting involved and are over the age of 16, register and come along” Ms Suitor said.
The program offers experience with filming as well as a live performance. Dates are still being set for the live mock crash demonstration, but will likely be August.
Pre-registration for the auditions is essential. Contact Ms Suitor on either 6861 2364 or Melanie.Suitor@parkes.nsw.gov. au for more information and to book your place.
William Ellis recording his victim impact statement in 2023.
I am deeply moved by the outpouring of thoughts and prayers during my recent illness. Your support has been a beacon of hope and strength for me and my family during this challenging time.
I am grateful for each and every one of you who took the time to send well wishes, offer prayers, and provide comfort. Your kindness and compassion have made a profound impact on my recovery.
Thank you for standing by me and showing the true spirit of our wonderful community. Together, we have demonstrated that Forbes is not just a place, but a family that cares deeply for one another. Thank you.
I will be taking it slowly while I fully recover but am already feeling more myself since being back in Amazing Forbes.
Rug up and come along for a family movie night on Friday night at Nelson Park. Join the Forbes Shire Council team from 4.30pm for some pre movie fun – including face painting, giant garden games and food vendors. The Australian movie RUNT will be featured from 5.30pm.
Everyone is asked to BYO chairs and blankets. You can find more details on the Forbes Youth Action Team facebook page
POSITIONS VACANT
Permanent – Full Time positions Closing Date 15-06-2025
• Business Support Officer
• Supervisor Livestock Exchange
• Manager and Waste and Environment
• Water / Sewer Operator
or Council’s website.
Forbes businesses - NSW Reconstruction Authority is hosting a business forum to help Central West business owners who have experienced or are at risk of over-floor flooding. Reconstruction’s Flood-resilience experts will present practical ways business owners can restore their business premises quickly after a flood.
The presentation will include practical tips and advice about building materials which will help you open your doors and start trading as soon as possible after a flood. This business event will be held at Club Forbes, 41-45 Templar Street, from 68pm on Tuesday 3 June.
The colder weather has made me think of winter, fire buckets and heart food, which means Frost and Fire must be getting close. Tickets on sale now. We have sold a lot of tickets to people away so we don’t want the locals to miss out. This year’s live music is the Wolfe Brothers, Ripley Alexander, the Baker Boys Band, Easy Goin’ and Foxxy Cleopatra. It’s on Saturday 21 June starting at 4pm.
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
Editorial
Roxane Manley | Editor | 0432 337 278 editor@parkesphoenix.com.au
Advertising
Roxane Manley | Sales | 0432 337 278 sales@parkesphoenix.com.au sales@forbesphoenix.com.au
Advertising Deadline Tuesday 10am if you require design Tuesday 3pm for pre-designed ads
Editorial Deadline | Tuesday 3pm
community newspaper published every Friday
FORBES SHIRE COUNCIL
Sale on 30 May, 10am start at the
FREE OUTDOOR FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT
Friday, 30th May, 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM @ Nelsons Park
This community event is intended for families and will feature a family friendly movie screening of the film “Runt” and related entertainment happening throughout the event. As a result, there may be elevated noise levels in the surrounding area during the event hours. We appreciate the understanding of nearby residents and welcome all members of the community to attend and enjoy this family-friendly evening. Please note, if you are planning to attend that children MUST be accompanied by an adult at all times.
FROST AND FIRE HEATS UP @ FORBES SATURDAY 21 JUNE 2025
Celebrate the Winter Solstice in a beautiful country town in the heart of Central West NSW with friendly people, hearty food, fire buckets, boutique brews, fire performances and pyrotechnics, nationally renowned musicians, local artists, and Wiradjuri cultural performances. This year’s event will be headlined by Country Music Legends The Wolfe Brothers. Save the date: Saturday, 21 June from 4:00pm – 10:00pm at Forbes Ski Dam (Aquatic Centre)
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST – WEEKEND CARETAKER/PARK
HOST
APEX RIVERSIDE TOURIST PARK, FORBES NSW - 2-YEAR CONTRACT OPPORTUNITY
Forbes Shire Council is seeking a motivated person or couple to take on a weekend caretaker role at the beautiful Apex Riverside Tourist Park, located on the banks of the Lachlan River. For more information go to https://www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/council/tenders-public-exhibitionsand-expressions-of-interest/tenders-and-eoi . Council welcomes Expressions of Interest until 5:00pm Sunday 15 June 2025.
We are excited to continue implementing the projects of the Lake Forbes Activation Plan. During Construction, Johnny Woods Crossing will be closed to all road traffic during working hours but will reopen outside of working hours. Pedestrian access on the Western side of the crossing will remail unaffected.
2025 NATIONAL BBQ CHAMPIONSHIPS
Become the 2025 National BBQ Champion | National and Local teams competing | Grilling and Smoking. WHEN: Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 October. WHERE: 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, Food and Beverage Vendors, Stall holders, Markets Stalls and Exhibitors EOI - 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.
POLYSTYRENE RECYCLING IS NOW AVAILABLE AT THE FORBES RECYCLING AND WASTE DEPOT!
Council has partnered with Green Planet Recycling Solutions to offer polystyrene recycling to Forbes residents. You can now drop off polystyrene for free into specialised collection bins at the Forbes Recycling and Waste Depot, 7 days a week, from 8:30am to 5:00pm. Only CLEAN polystyrene is accepted. Small foam materials, such as beads for bean bags, must be contained when placed into the collection bins. No labels or tape, No biodegradable foam kernels or natural plastic packaging materials (e.g., corn starch). Once collected, the polystyrene is cleaned, processed, and melted into blocks or pellets. It is then prepared and ready to be sent away for recycling and repurposing into new products, contributing to the circular economy.
Red Bend Catholic College: We were fortunate to be joined by Aunty Florence Onus for our Sorry Day assembly. Florence is a Birrigubba, Bidjara and Jagalingu woman from North and Central Queensland and is a survivor of the Stolen Generation. Florence spoke about our shared Australian history and her personal family story, and we thank her for her insight.
Women NSW: Are you ready to return to work? Future Women Jobs Academy is a free, year-long virtual program designed to empower women with the knowledge and connections needed to return to work and thrive. The program begins on 4 August 2025 and concludes in June 2026. This program is free, flexible, and self-paced. Applications close on 21 July 2025. Learn more here: nsw.gov.au/fwja
Lock it or lose it! Central West Police District continues to see a spike in Steal from Motor Vehicle offences in the Forbes township. The majority are from unlocked vehicles, however there have been incidents where the window has been smashed. Please do not leave valuables in your vehicle overnight. Sensor lights and CCTV are also an excellent deterrent.
CUC Parkes: Did you know that the CUC offers a coffee machine, complete with flavoured syrups, tea, and hot chocolate in the kitchen for students? Every Monday at 10am, we invite students to join us for a Monday Morning Catch-Up at CUC Parkes. Our Centre Manager, Jacob, and Learning Skills Advisor, Brooke, will be present to engage in friendly, informal conversations.
Companionions Thru Cancer Inc: The Parkes Companions Thru Cancer Group held A Biggest Morning Tea on Wednesday 21 May at the Parkes Red Cross room raising an amazing $843.16. Thanks to all who supported this important event.
Henry Parkes Learning Community: Last term, staff from Parkes High School, Parkes Public School, Parkes East Public School and Middleton Public School, took part in a 10 week exercise challenge. Ninety-nine public school staff members took part and each donated $10 to join. The four schools then recorded their accumulative exercise hours each week to get an overall champion school. Congratulations to Middleton Public School who took out the honours this year. Middleton staff then chose Ronald McDonald House Orange to receive the funds raised.
Last Wednesday at Parkes Public School we celebrated National Simultaneous Storytime at Parkes Public School.
Classes tuned in to hear the book being read by the author, Deborah Frenkel, along with over 2 million people across Australia and New Zealand.
This year marked the 25th Anniversary of NSS and students participated in activities in the library and their classrooms to mark the event.
Mr Martino, Mr Dwyer, Mykel Coe, Amelia Smith, Aunty Florence Onus, Skye Harris and Barry Merritt at the Red Bend Catholic College Sorry Day assembly.
Mr Geoff Rice, Board member for Ronald McDonald House Orange, accepting the $1,000 raised.
Protect Yourself Ahead Of The Flu Season
Influenza cases are rising fast across Australia with many cases already confirmed across the country, a jump of more than 50 per cent from this time last year.
It’s a timely reminder for families and vulnerable members of the community to speak with healthcare providers about vaccination.
The best time to get vaccinated is from now, peak flu season is from June to September, so we want as many people as possible protected and vaccinated against influenza before that peak season hits to take pressure off our doctors and hospitals.
Quite often long weekends and school holidays are a time for family gatherings, you might be seeing the older relatives in your family, or those with babies, and we want to protect those individuals. It takes two weeks to get full protection from the vaccine so now is the opportune time.
The flu vaccine is recommended for all Australians over six months of age with modelling suggesting influenza cases may be higher than reported.
Those who are at more risk of serious illness and hospitalisation have access to free flu vaccinations under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
Vian
is
administering a flu vaccination to Teresa Knowles at Parkes Pharmacy. If you want to enquire about a flu
you can contact
Pharmacy (02) 6862 2411 or parkes@lifepharmacygroup.com.au
Little ones under five years, adults who are 65 and over, those people with chronic medical conditions that put them at risk of having more severe disease, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and pregnant women are the ones we really want to protect with vaccinations, so the government has a free vaccine for them to get that protection.
Funding To Empower Aboriginal Carers In The Central West
The Minns Labor Government is supporting more Aboriginal carers in rural and remote communities in Western NSW with a $300,000 funding boost Carers Investment Grant Program 2025-27.
The funding for the Regional Enterprise Development Institute’s Yadama Yoorayga project will drive greater awareness of support services available to Aboriginal people who care for family and friends.
Many Aboriginal people in New South Wales provide unpaid care to a person with a disability, health condition or due to old age, and account for 3.6 per cent of all carers in New South Wales. While they experience many of the same challenges as other carers, they say they felt less recognised as carers by service providers. In a 2024 National Carer Survey, 30.4% said they sometimes or never feel services are culturally safe.
The Regional Enterprise Development Institute is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation which has served Western NSW for more than 25 years. This funding will ensure that culturally safe services, which recognise Aboriginal carers’ history and needs are provided. The project includes ongoing education and training to service providers to better equip them to meet the needs of Aboriginal carers in Western NSW.
The Yadama Yoorayga project is one of seven projects funded under the NSW Government’s $3.1 million Carers Investment Grant Program 2025-27 to support carers across the state.
For more information about the grants and recipients, including a Carers NSW program to help Aboriginal Health workers better identify and support Aboriginal carers, you can go to https://dcj. nsw.gov.au/community-inclusion/carers/carers-investment-grantprogram.html
Patients who would like the flu vaccination are encouraged to speak with either their local pharmacist, or GP, to determine which vaccine is suitable and who qualifies for the NIP. For more information on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) you are encouraged to visit: https://www.health.gov. au/topics/immunisation/vaccines/influenzaflu-vaccine
Vee
Higgins
pictured
vaccination
Parkes
Forbes Garden Club: April Meeting Report
The Forbes Garden Club April meeting was held in the lovely gardens at the home of John Browne. President Marg Dent welcomed 28 present with six apologies. The guest speaker was Jan Diprose from the Weddin Community Native Nursery at Grenfell. This volunteer nursery started under the Landcare banner, where seeds are collected sorted and stored. They are grown in hot houses and sold to farmers and Shire Councils. John Browne also spoke on his garden which is home to many unusual plants.
Flower of the month winners were 1st Denise Thurston (Clematis), 2nd Elvy Quirk (Dahlia) and 3rd Marlene (Huf-Rose). Raffle winners were Joy Hocking, Elvy Quirk, Janette Thomas, Meg Scholefield and John Browne.
The recent bus trip to visit the Tumbling Downs Olive Grove at Bogan Gate started out with a bus filled with members and friends all eager for an outing in this beautiful autumn weather. Participants were welcomed by Colin and Shelley Nutley with a delicious Devonshire Tea. Shelley spoke of the history of their farm and how they pick and press the olives, before tasting the oil and a variety of jams relishes.
The next stop was visiting three gar-
dens at Parkes. The first garden was at the home of Leah Douglas, who had been inundated with the 2022 floods. The garden featured numerous advanced trees, a large area to explore and tend. The next garden was that of Nancy McColl - a large cottage type garden which led visitors along lots of paths around her home filled with trees and
shrubs. The last garden of the day the group visited was Fay and Kelvie Blackstock’s home. This garen featured all manor of creations from old machinery made by Kelvie with succulents planted everywhere. Garden Club members are very appreciative of Denise Thurston for planning this fantastic day.
Jan Diprose was guest speaker at the April meeting.
BE SEEN @ Forbes Public
WHAT’S On
PARKES
2 June The FREE Monthly Meal in the Parkes Uniting Church hall will be held again on Monday from 6pm to 7pm and doors will open at 5.45pm. Everyone is welcome.
7-8 June Peak Hill 52nd Annual Arts and Crafts Exhibition. Official Opening Friday 6 June, 6pm Leisure Centre.
18 June Companions Thru Cancer Soup Day at the Red Cross rooms start 12 - 2pm approx soups and slices for sale.
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.
Ongoing Parkes True Blue Line Dancing Classes Monday morning,10am-12noon. Parkes Services Club upstairs.
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 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.
Fraser Shoots Lowest Score
On Saturday the Forbes golfers were led by junior player Liam Fraser in the Men’s Individual Stroke event. Liam finished ahead of a group of Div-1 players.
The Div-1 Winner was Terry Griffiths with 70 nett. He was well pleased with his score after a bogey, bogey start. Runner-up on count back was Dave Mylecharane also on 70 nett. He played early and watched his score remain on top until Terry posted his score.
The Div-2 was won by Liam Fraser with 69 nett. He had an unsteady start but then played consistently for his score. Runner-up was Nathan Roach on 71 nett. This was his first game for a while and showed he had not lost his touch.
The ball sweep went to 75 nett. The visitors included a big group from Dubbo on the annual ‘road trip south’. The equal best of these was Sam Letfallah and Hugh Graham on 71. Two of their group filled the last places in the field. Lost among those were Dave Naveau (Wellington) and Andrew Brownlow (Peak Hill).
The NTP’s went to: 9th Paul Pymont; 18th Hamish Steel-Park. Neither of them converted for a ‘2’. The 3rd hole Super Pin went to Kailab Tyne with a shot to 190 cm. His
conversion helped him to a nett par round.
On Sunday the Condobolin Mens Open was played as the last leg of the O’Connors Trilogy. Zac Mitchell (Condo) won the Open with 71 Scratch. Successful Forbes players included P Dawson (A-Gde Nett R-up), Archie Quirk (B-Gde Scratch Wnr), M Simmonds (B-Gde Nett R-up) and Sandy Pater-
son (C-Gde Scratch R-up).
In the Trilogy the Scratch winner was John Betland (223) from Brendan Richards (Condo 227), while the Handicap winners were a tie with Archie Quirk and Adam Richards (Condo).
By Short Putt
Kailab Tyne, Brad Ashton, Tony Boshoff and Anthony Alley enjoy the sun on the 17th tee as they head for the ‘Golfie’.
Restraint Checks Securing Child Safety In Parkes And Forbes
The recent free child restraint checking events, a service provided by Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils, discovered that 79% of the child restraints checked were incorrectly fitted.
The service provided free child restraint inspections in Parkes, Forbes and Condobolin, by local Authorised Child Restraint Fitters. Nineteen child restraints were brought in by parents and grandparents for checking - mostly rearward/forward facing converter child restraints or forward facing/ booster converter child restraints. There were also two installations.
The Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said these bi-annual events continue to be popular.
“The child restraints that were incorrectly fitted had minor problems that needed fixing to ensure the safety of the child” Ms Suitor said.
“The correct fitting and adjustment of child restraints is vital. It is important to make sure that your precious cargo is safe and buckled up every time they are in the car - whether it’s a five minute or five-hour journey” Ms Suitor said.
While these safety checks were free biannual events, local Authorised Child Restraint Fitters can install and check child re-
straints all year-round for a small fee. The local fitters in Parkes are Col Fletcher Ford & Kia and Parkes Tyrepower. The local fitter in Forbes is Jelbart Dawson. The local fitter in Condobolin is Central West Tyre Service.
National child restraint laws have been in effect since 2010. All children must be safely fastened into the correct child restraint
for their age and size. Children need to be at least 145cm or taller to use an adult lap sash seatbelt.
Research shows children who are not restrained correctly are seven times more likely to sustain life-threatening injuries in a crash than those who are properly secured. You can visit www.childcarseats.com.au for more information about child restraint rules.
Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor pictured at the recent child restraint checking events in Parkes and Forbes.
