CAROLS and carnivals featured on a busy weekend of festive fun in Forbes and Eugowra.
Forbes Business Chamber’s annual Christmas Carnival got things under way on Friday afternoon, Carols by Candlelight was on Saturday and Eugowra’s Carols by the Creek on Sunday.
THE NSW Government has granted development consent to plans to extend the life of the Cowal gold mine.
Evolution Mining Limited has been advised that the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has reached a determination on the Cowal Gold Operations Open Pit Continuation Project with approval received and Development Consent granted.
The consent is for the extension of the E42 open pit and development of three new open pits, and continuation of ore processing at a rate of up to 9.8 million tonnes a year.
lution making a signi cant contribution to our business and our stakeholders,” Mr Conway said.
“The NSW Government’s approval will enable these bene ts to continue for decades to come. We thank the Government for their continued support of Evolution and the thorough and rigorous approval process undertaken.”
Cowal General Manager, Joe Mammen, said the team was delighted to receive development consent for the project.
dergone a robust assessment and would deliver real long-term economic benefits to the state and central west community.
“Importantly, this extension will be accompanied by a strong commitment to environmental outcomes and rehabilitation, ensuring a positive legacy,” he said.
The economic impact assessment submitted by Evolution Mining during the planning process estimated the expansion would result in an additional $910 million boost to the NSW economy over the life of the project.
The temperatures rose but so did the Christmas spirit with big numbers attending events, and local children from preschool aged up singing and performing at every event.
The project proposes to continue open pit operations by approximately 10 years to 2036 and extend total operation life by approximately two years to 2042.
The Advocate now closes for a holiday, with thanks and best wishes for the festive season from our team to our community.
Our first edition of 2025 will be on the news stands on Thursday, January 9.
Managing Director and Chief Executive O cer, Lawrie Conway, said the approval was an important milestone for Cowal operations.
“Since acquiring Cowal in 2015, the operation has been a cornerstone asset for Evo-
“I would like to acknowledge the input and support of our stakeholders in securing this approval - from the community of West Wyalong, the Bland, Forbes and Lachlan Shires and all our employees, and look forward to seeing the strong socioeconomic benefits it will bring to the Central West region, the State of NSW and more broadly across Australia,” he said.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the expansion had un-
In that time, it will produce approximately 1.6 million ounces of gold and 1.5 million ounces of silver.
Under the extension plan, the project will create three new smaller open-cut pits. It is expected to create an additional 64 full-time jobs during construction and contribute an additional $56 million in royalties for the NSW Government.
■ Continued page 3
Saturday, December 21
The last Forbes Farmers’ Markets for the year will be held this weekend from 8am to 12pm in Victoria Park. Check out the range of market stalls and even nd some last minute Christmas presents.
CHRISTMAS MOVIE SCREENING
Monday, December 23
Join the Forbes Youth Action Team from 1:30pm to 4:30pm at the Youth Centre for a ernoon of festive fun as they screen the heartwarming holiday movie “That Christmas”. Gather your friends and get comfy, and soak in the Christmas spirit with this delightful lm. There will be popcorn, snacks, and plenty of cheer to go around. This is a free event and you must be school aged to attend. Register via the Forbes Youth Action Team website.
Thursday, December 25
No one should spend Christmas alone or without a delicious Christmas Lunch! The Havannah House Group are welcoming local residents to join them at Forbes Town Hall for a beautiful Christmas Lunch at 12pm. For more information, book transport and RSVP please contact Havannah House on 6852 1366 or email havannahhouse@gmail.com
TRUNDLE TESTICLE FESTIVAL
Thursday, December 26
It’s time to look a er the blokes! It’s time for the Testicle Test as in cricket, as Trundle hosts a Testicle Festival and a Super 8s cricket competition on Boxing Day, December 26 at Berryman Oval. Grab a team for a bit of fun in the sun while they raise money for a really important cause, the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. Runs from 2pm until late and a barbecue and bar will be available.
NEW YEARS AT CALARIE HALL
Tuesday, December 31
The Calarie Hall Committee invites everyone to celebrate New Years and their Community Achievement Award. Bring the family out for a great a ernoon and night. Free entry, gates open at 5pm, there will be food vans jumping castle and live music from 8pm until late.
POOL PARTY
Tuesday, January 7
Dive into summer fun with the Forbes Youth Action Team. There will be music, games and a oating obstacle course at the Forbes Town Pool from 10am to 12pm. Get ready to splash, laugh and challenge yourself on the obstacle course! Whether you’re racing your friends or just chilling to the tunes, there’s something for everyone. Entry is free and all ages are welcome. Registration is essential via the Forbes Youth Action Team website.
PARKES ELVIS FESTIVAL
January 8-12
Celebrating it’s 32nd year, the Parkes Elvis Festival is back again with features artists,
Cote Deonath, Emilio Santoro and Riley Jenkins. The theme for the festival is Easy Come, Easy Go and there will be non-stop entertainment in both Parkes and Forbes. Check out the Parkes Elvis Festival website to view the program.
AMAZING FORBES STREET BREAKFAST
Friday, January 10
Elvis Festival-goers in Forbes can enjoy a relaxed breakfast from 7am in the heart of Templar Street. This free event will feature live entertainment from Paul Sun Duo and Elvis Roberts. The wonderful ‘Ray of Elvis’ is back by popular demand and don’t miss some swing dancing fun from the amazing Sydney Swing.
BIG SUMMER AT FORBES BAPTIST
January 13 to 16
Forbes Baptist Church’s Big Summer program is returning in 2025! Big Summer is an epic four-day holiday program for primary-
aged school children, welcoming kids from year 1 to year 7 as of 2025. Big Summer is on at Forbes Baptist Church from Monday January 13 to Thursday January 16, with the program 9am to 2pm each day. It costs just $10 per child for four days or $25 for three or more children. Bring your recess, lunch, water bottle and enclosed shoes. Register online using the QR code in the poster or https://www.trybooking.com/copwd For more information contact Nichole Austin 0428 744 111 or email fbcbigsummer@gmail.com
WANDERERS SOCCER CLINIC
Tuesday, January 21
AUSTRALIA DAY COMMUNITY BREAKFAST
Sunday, January 26
The annual Australia Day community breakfast will be held from 8am to 10am located on the picturesque Lake Forbes at Lions Park. This event includes the Rotary Citizenship Awards and will kick o the community celebrations on Australia Day. The o cial ceremony of the event will be held at 9:15am. Gold coin donations to Rotary Forbes are welcomed.
AUSTRALIA DAY FIREWORKS
Sunday, January 26
Looking for the perfect way to keep your young footballer active and entertained these holidays? The Wanders will be hosting a school holiday clinic at the Forbes Botanical Gardens Sporting Complex. A clinic will be held from 9am to 12pm for ages 5-8 and an a ernoon clinic will be held for ages 9-12 from 1pm to 4pm. Scan the QR code on the yer to register.
From 6pm food vendors will be at Lions Park on Australia with the event concluding with the annual reworks display o Battyes Bridge at 9pm. Come down to Lions Park with your family and friends and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of food options to choose from! Bring your chair and picnic blanket down and join in.
Journalists
THE weekend saw tragedy on the region’s roads, with two young people losing their lives in a crash near Grenfell and another near Tomingley.
IT’S a message of peace from Forbes to the nation, potentially the world.
Githmi Gamage’s artwork is one of the nal 18 in the country being considered to represent Australia at the Lions’ peace poster competition.
The Forbes Public School student’s poster was chosen as a winner by Forbes and District Lions, then of our district and State.
It’s now being considered at
what’s known as the multipledistrict level, with the winner of that to go to the United States.
Githmi’s poster shows an umbrella covered with international ags shielding the planet from bombs and missiles.
She said her design showed that everyone was equal.
“If everyone connects because of their similarities instead of di erences we can prevent war from happening because at the end of the day we are under the
same umbrella,” Githmi said.
“If we all come together as equals we can protect the earth and others with an umbrella of peace. We are all equal.”
The international Lions competition opens each year for 11 to 13-year-olds so Forbes and District Lions invite four local primary schools to submit entries.
It’s designed, Lions explain, to give children everywhere the chance to express their visions
of peace and inspire the world through art and creativity.
This year’s theme was peace without limits, Forbes and District Lions secretary Peter Bright said.
Lions enlist the assistance of Forbes Arts Society to judge entries at a local level, and the host club does the same at a district level (with 45 clubs in our district). There is also a peace essay competition for vision-impaired students in the age group.
Emergency services were called to the Henry Lawson Way at Ooma, about 25km north of Grenfell, on Sunday night where they found two people travelling in a ute had been killed in a crash.
Another driver was killed on the Newell Highway near Tomingley in the early hours of Sunday morning.
NSW Police said a truck and a ute had collided, with a 26-year-old man losing his life in the crash.
The driver of the truck was treated by NSW Ambulance and taken to hospital for mandatory testing.
NSW Police said investigations were under way into both tragic crashes, with the Newell Highway closed to traffic on Sunday morning.
Further north, a driver was killed when their ute crashed near Wee Waa.
Emegency services were called to Culgoora Road, about 41km north west of Narrabri, about 11.25am Sunday.
The driver and only occupant could not be revived and died at the scene. He is yet to be formally identified.
- -LOCALLY, a man was airlifted to Sydney for treatment after a crash in Forbes early last Wednesday morning.
Emergency services were called to the crash about 4.30am on December 10, Forbes police said.
They found a ute had hit a pole.
A 30-year-old male at the scene had sustained serious injuries, and he was later taken to Sydney for further treatment.
As inquiries into this crash continue, police are appealing for witnesses who may have been in the area at the time, or who have CCTV or Dash Cam footage of the incident, to contact Forbes Police on 6853 9999 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 with any information.
■ From front page
As part of the extension, Cowal has committed to using cutting-edge technology to reduce environmental impacts and enhance its rehabilitation e orts, ensuring a positive legacy for the mine for future generations.
The NSW Government recently updated the state’s Critical Minerals and HighTech Metals Strategy.
Gold is an essential component in the wiring and circuitry of many electronics, including solar panels and electric vehicles - and Cowal is the second most signi cant gold resource in NSW.
With deposits of 21 of the 31 nationally identi ed critical minerals, as well as identi ed resources of priority minerals and metals including scandium, copper, silver and cobalt, NSW is well placed to lead the race for critical minerals.
The updated strategy sets a vision for NSW to become a global leader in critical minerals, drive the clean energy transition and re-build domestic manufacturing.
The International Energy Agency estimates that over the next 20 years, the world will need six times the amount of critical minerals currently mined to reach
global net-zero carbon emissions.
Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said it was encouraging to see metals mining in NSW continue with the extension of the Cowal mine.
“This is a great decision for the Central West,” he said.
“It brings new jobs, secures existing roles and will further sustain the regional economy.
“With world-class deposits of critical minerals and high-tech metals, we want to realise more opportunities like this in NSW as we build towards the clean energy future.”
The early seagull gets the seafood Prawns, Oysters, Bugs, Lobster, Sides of Salmon
EUGOWRA - Monday 23rd December 7am
FORBES - Monday 23rd December 9am - 12:30pm
PARKES - Monday 23rd December 2pm - 4pm
There’s been an outpouring of disappointment a er the Christmas tree placed in Albion Park was badly damaged in a vandal attack late last week.
The tree, which lit up beautifully, was one of a number of decorations Forbes Shire Council purchased to transform our town centre for the festive season.
It’s been knocked to the ground and the lights ripped away from the frame.
“It’s ridiculous that people are ruining public infrastructure - especially for the happy season at Christmas,” Mayor Phyllis Miller said. “Fortunately we have CCTV footage and the police are reviewing that.”
There was an outpouring of disappointment on social media when the council broke the news last Friday morning, with people saying how much their families had enjoyed driving past the display.
“The children loved looking at that Christmas tree,” Mayor Miller said.
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will be undertaking a baiting program which will include the placement of ground baits stations containing Sodium Nitrite meSN poison for the control of feral pigs.
The program will be ongoing between 16 Decmeber 2024 to 13 January 2025 within Goobang National Park
All baiting locations will be identifiable by signs.
Please be reminded that domestic pets are not permitted on NPWS Estate. Pets and working dogs may be affected. Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity, and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.
For further information please call the NPWS Central West Area Office at Bathurst on (02) 6332 7640. NS0090
Come, bring in the new year at Calarie Hall!
There’ll be a jumping castle, live music and a great atmosphere at the rural hall just outside Forbes on December 31.
The volunteer committee just recognised at the 2024 Community Achievement Awards for NSW and ACT decided to host celebrations on the back of the honour.
“We wanted to invite the whole community because it’s the community that comes out and supports (the hall),” committee president Bill Holmes said.
So bring your camp chairs, esky and picnic blankets out to the hall, on Calarie Road just a couple of kilometres from town.
The jumping castle will go up from 5pm for the kids (but don’t worry, the hall is now air conditioned if it’s hot outside) and there’ll be live music from Todd Williams from 8pm.
There’ll be a food van on site for the night, just BYO drinks.
The rural venue will be set for the celebrations and to stream the Sydney reworks to celebrate the new year.
New on site is a Calarie mural celebrating the history and the characters of the community.
Bill said the committee put their heads together and put the call out through social media, before working with artist Renee Davis to design the feature.
With sheep on the stock route, a mining tower and gold
panner, the mural is an expression of local history.
Drover Matt O’Conner, described in a newspaper clipping the committee has as a muster master, was 72 when he was photographed and interviewed droving stock he’d brought to Forbes for sale.
The Calarie Hall, now renovated of course, is central to the mural with Annie and Bill Holmes (the current president’s grandparents) who were instrumental in having it brought from Daroobalgie to the site in the late 1970s.
Leaning on a 44 gallon drum in his red hat is Jack Bray, another Calarie character known for his hospitality.
“You’d never get out of the
house without having a feed rst,” Bill remembers.
“He was a great man, looked a er everybody in the village.”
Mural artist Renee has incorporated the truck that, repaired by Boys to the Bush to make a stage, and the landscape of the Crown Land site into the artwork.
She spent a week on site to complete the work - even adding the Crown Land Management Excellence Award the committee won for its work on the venue.
Join them for the new year’s eve party, and mark May 1, 2025 in your diary for a performance by Nathan ‘Whippy’ Griggs who’ll be returning to Calarie.
By MADELINE BLACKSTOCK
St Vincent de Paul with the help of Red Bend Catholic College and Bernardi’s are able to donate 150 hampers to local recipients this Christmas.
Vinnies highlighted the growing need for assistance in launching the annual Christmas appeal.
Forbes Sacred Heart Conference members supported 760 people over the last year, with one in four people reaching out for assistance for their rst time.
Red Bend students have been collecting food items to donate towards this year’s Vinnies Christmas Appeal.
“All of the students have brought in items of food and items that support families through whatever circumstances to just help them have a better Christmas,” Red Bend Catholic College principal Stephen Dwyer said.
On Monday, December 9, more than 20 Red Bend students were put to work to sort and pack the 150 hampers ready for the local Vinnies Conference to distribute to local households experiencing hardship this Christmas.
“The school has had a long, proud tradition of supporting St Vincent de Paul right back to the instigation of the college in 1926,” Mr Dwyer said.
“Ever since then it has been great as the students have a sense of outreach and how they can do things for the community.”
In Forbes one in ve people who reached out to Vinnies this year were experiencing housing stress and over half of people who reached out requested food assistance.
Each Red Bend class is assigned an object to bring in to donate towards the Vinnies Christmas hampers and students add a touch of Christmas to each hamper.
“The College makes a great contribution, they collect food from each class, that food then
goes to the Forbes Vinnies Conference pantry where it is stored and then given out to people who are in need of food and assistance but the most Christmassy thing that they do is to pack the bags,” St Vincent de Paul volunteer Helen Smith said.
“The bags go out to each of our recipients who receive a Christmas hamper and they contain puddings or cakes, a Christmas card made at the college, a voucher to Bernardi’s and the bag is decorated by the college with tinsel.”
Vinnies Christmas hampers is a part of the ongoing work that the students of the Red Bend St Vincent de Paul group does throughout the year.
On top of the hampers Red Bend also donated $1000 to Vinnies.
“They give a great donation as food assistance is needed throughout the year not just during Christmas,” Mrs Smith said.
One of the students who was busy packing hampers, Bridie Nadin, said she loves giving
back to the community and feels very happy and grateful that she gets to give back to families this Christmas.
“We really like to assist St Vincent de Paul in Forbes in joining with them to make a better Christmas to some people for what ever reason they have the support that they deserve,” Mr Dwyer said.
Vinnies is supported by the community and other agencies like the Salvation Army who give toys to Vinnies recipients and Catholic Care who direct people to Vinnies when they wouldn’t normally reach out.
“It’s all part of our Vinnies Christmas Appeal, we are always looking for donations to donate towards that,” St Vincent de Paul Regional Director, Kelly Morgan said.
You can donate now to the Vinnies Christmas Appeal by visiting www.vinnies.org.au, calling 131812 or visiting any Vinnies Shop.
Funds raised from the Vinnies Christmas Appeal enable the
Deposited Plan 750158 and Lot 2 Deposited Plan 532593 and east of Ooma Street. This notice has been placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days, extending until 5pm on Thursday 9 January 2025. All submissions must be received in writing by Council, addressed to the General Manager, by 5pm on 9 January 2025 either by email to forbes@ forbes.nsw.gov.au, via post: PO BOX 333, Forbes NSW 2871 or at Council’s Administration Office. For more information contact Forbes Shire Council’s, Manager Corporate Business on 6850 2300. Planning Proposal - Rezoning Council is proposing to amend the Forbes Local Environmental Plan 2013 (LEP) by changing the zoning, minimum lot size and height of buildings restriction on the Community Garden, Reymond Street, Forbes (formally identified as Lot 1618 DP 750158). The Planning Proposal is on public exhibition 4 December 2024 to 24 January 2025 and is available on Council’s website. Any submissions must be made in writing, addressed to the General Manager and detail clearly why you either support or oppose the proposal.
Your submission must include your full name, address and phone number. To make a submission you can either: • Email forbes@forbes.nsw.gov.au;
• Post to Forbes Shire Council, PO Box 333, Forbes NSW 2871; or
• Deliver your submission to Council’s
Community and Tourism Team on community@forbes.nsw.gov.au or 02 6850 2300.
Society’s members to distribute vital assistance through ood, clothing, household expenses, accommodation and much more.
To keep Vinnies great work going in the local community, Vinnies is always need of more volunteers.
Volunteering is one of the best ways to make new friends, build relationships and learn new skills.
The Society welcomes everyone of all ages and activities can include sorting of donated goods, serving at the counter, clerical duties, basic computer work or interviewing and listening to people in need and providing assistance to them.
If you are interested in volunteering and being able to give back to your community, call 6862 5758, email wcfsvdp@vinnies.org.au or call into the Vinnies Shop to enquire.
They would love to hear from you and have you join them in making a di erence in the community.
With the holiday period upon us, questions are being asked about Australia’s rising road toll and what can be done about it.
The national road toll rose for the last 12 months to October 2024 resulting in 1295 people losing their lives on our roads, of which 989 were males.
Just last month 129 Australians lost their lives on Australian roads, many of these deaths being avoidable.
According to some experts road safety in this country is not working.
Australian Automobile Association (AAA) director, Michael Bradely, said there are a range of factors affecting the road toll including divers’ poor judgment, speed, seatbelts not being worn, drugs, state of the roads, and where money is being spent on road maintenance.
State, national and municipal governments have access to road accident data collected by police and authorities and are guided by the Australian Road Assessment Program, a body that coordinates and assists road safely and trauma reduction.
However, governments of all persuasions retain vital data from this and other organisations on road risks, as well as vehicle condition at the time of the accident, road conditions, and drivers’ involvement.
The AAA maintains that while the national and state governments are discussing the road toll and funding, road accident information should be in the public domain and shared, so people can see where money is being spent on roads, and not be left to political party judgments.
As we approach the holiday season, which is sadly a hazardous period on our roads, it’s time that all governments committed to a full disclosure of the national accident data and roads funding.
This should result in a better focus on and response to road accidents to lower the road toll, and the stress on the families affected.
Double demerit points will be in force for 13 days over the Christmas and New Year period to improve road safety during the holiday season.
Council Road Safety and Injury Prevention O cer, Melanie Suitor, said that double demerit points would run from Friday December 20, 2024 to Wednesday January 1, 2025 inclusive for all speeding, seatbelt, motorcycle helmet and mobile phone o ences.
Ms Suitor said double demerit points had proven to be an e ective road safety initiative to make holiday travel safer for everyone on New South Wales’ roads.
“Since their introduction in 1997, double demerit points have proven to be an e ective deterrent to unsafe driving during busy holiday periods,” she said.
“Research has showed that casualty crashes (where someone is killed or injured) decreased 30 per cent when double demerit points were in operation.
“Tra c on roads to popular holiday destinations increases by up to 50 per cent during the Christmas and New Year holiday period, so it is important to obey all the road rules and drive safely.”
She urged drivers to check their vehicle is ready for the journey: check the brakes and tyres; the levels of your engine oil, coolant and windscreen washer reservoir; make sure your lights and indicators are working; and importantly that
you have a clear view around that holiday luggage.
“Drivers should ensure that they are well rested and not under the in uence of drugs or alcohol before they get behind the wheel,” Ms Suitor said.
“While driving, focus on driving.
Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Mitchell Gage is warning drivers that they are at greatest risk of losing their licence during this period.
“There will be more police on the roads which means a greater chance of drivers being caught if they are doing the wrong thing,” he said.
“Too o en we see the tragic aftermath of drivers making poor decisions. No-one wants to get a
“Don’t allow yourself to be distracted by your mobile phone, follow the road rules and drive at a speed suitable to conditions. Please make sure that you and your passengers are buckled up.”
ne, lose their licence or worse still be involved in a crash.
“So, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to travel, don’t speed, drive to the conditions, wear your seatbelt, avoid distractions, make sure you’re well rested and if you’ve been drinking or have taken drugs - don’t drive.
“We want everyone to make it to and from their holiday destinations safely this Christmas,” Sergeant Gage said.
Fees are set to increase for businesses using the indoor pool and people participating in their programs will also need to have membership for the duration of the program they’re participating in under a new fee structure.
The decision was made by Forbes Shire Council in November, six months into their management of the pool.
“It has become evident that the annual ‘group’ membership fee for the Forbes In-
door Pool requires an immediate review in line with the dramatic increase in commercial use of this membership category over the last six months that Council has managed the pool,” the sta report to councillors said.
The indoor pool can only be accessed by an electronic fob issued to members and group memberships only receive one fob.
Council sta reported their concerns about managing access to the pool under the current arrangements.
They raised the issues of risk liability and patronage numbers exceeding the membership income used to operate the pool, including costs for water management and cleaning.
They have released adjustments to the fee structure in response.
Only one fob is issued with a group membership and council proposes that remain the condition.
Each person or family accessing the pool for swimming lessons or to partici-
pate in other group activities will need to purchase their own membership for the term of their classes.
“For example, ve weeks fee based on the family tickets would be $46 (based on $9.20 per week),” the report said.
“The attendee would then have access to the facility at any time during the period the fob is activated for.”
The changes on exhibition are:
Business use fees increase to $1500 per annum;
Group memberships are limited to nine participants in the pool, excluding observers, for any 60 minute session;
Business users must not use the facility before 10am Monday to Friday;
All clients of a commercial business operating from the facility must pay for their own membership based on pro rata rate of the family fee category (for the number of weeks of the program).
The change is on exhibition through Forbes Shire
Council now - you can view the policy online at the website forbes.nsw.gov.au under public exhibitions.
Submissions on the proposal may be made in writing to The General Manager, PO Box 333, Forbes NSW 2871, by email to forbes@ forbes.nsw.gov.au or delivered to 2 Court Street Forbes by 5pm 13 January 2025.
The matter and any feedback provided will come back to Forbes Shire Council for nal determination at a future meeting.
Travellers with electric and hybrid vehicles can now stop and charge in Forbes - right in time for the summer holidays.
The Spring Street elec tric vehicle charging sta tion was o cially opened on Monday, with a range of electric vehicles on site and a chance to see how they connect.
Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said getting the EV charg ers installed and commis sioned had been a lengthy process, but an important one.
“We know that everyone bene ts from the charging stations,” Mayor Miller said.
“By installing these in Forbes we’re encouraging more more electric vehicles and travellers in our com munity - to stay for a while.
“We understand that EV drivers plan their trips around charging stations, and will o en stop to eat, or shop in our local town while their car is charging and this is why they’re terribly important to the economy of a small rural town like Forbes.”
Mayor Miller said the charging station was used nearly 40 times in the rst four weeks, a sign of the need for the infrastructure with some 180,000 electric vehicles on the road in Australia and projections for that to rise.
“I was at Mount Panorama in 2010 in Bathurst when the rst electric vehicle was driven around the circuit ... I remember the excitement we all felt seeing this new technology in the central west,” Mayor Miller said.
“I drive a hybrid - I can drive to Wollongong and back and not even use three quarters of a tank of petrol so they’re pretty amazing.”
Krishna Thiers, business development manager from EVSE who installed the
charging stations, was very happy to show people how to charge the vehicles through the Exploren app and said electric vehicles could thrive in regional communities.
“As an EV driver and road trip enthusiast I rack up thousands of kilometres a year driving my EV around,” he said.
“Forbes has positioned itself for EV travellers like myself,” he said, as well as for locals looking at new energy vehicles.
ers as the demand increases,” Mr Thiers said.
Attracting a lot of attention on launch day was the BYD Shark 6 - a hybrid ute - driven to Forbes by Dan Sayers.
“It’s the rst true hybrid ute in the segment and it’s exciting to have it in the Australian market,” he said.
“It’s a 1.5L turbo petrol engine and a hybrid Blade battery, the latest Blade battery.
There are two types of chargers in Spring Street, providing both DC and AC charging.
“The DC charging is great for those who need to charge up and get back on the road quickly, while the AC chargers are better for those who want to plug in, spend the day here, spend some time in Forbes and explore the beautiful town,” Mr Thiers said.
The chargers are on the Exploren network, so driv-
COUNCIL OFFICES
CLOSED from 12pm Tues 24 Dec 2024 to 8.30am Thur 2 Jan 2025. Assistance available for emergencies, call Council’s afterhours service on 6850 2300.
FORBES WASTE DEPOT
INCLUDING RURAL LANDFILLS
Christmas | CLOSED For normal Wednesday kerbside pickup please put bins out on Tues 24 Dec for early morning
ers use that app to charge, and there are contact details on the chargers if you need them.
A er putting a great deal of thought into selection a location that could cater for the chargers in a location handy to our town for visitors, the site does have the capacity for more chargers in the future.
“This site not only meets the needs of today but it also designed to allow for the future roll out of more charg-
“We opened pre order online and sold over 2000 vehicles in the rst 24 hours.”
Dan, who has family here, was more than happy to make the road trip to Forbes for the event.
“I’ve come from Darlinghurst with one full charge and one full tank of fuel,” he said.
“It still had plenty of juice in the tank as they say and about 20 per cent on the battery.
“It was a spectacular drive.”
The charging station was funded by Forbes Shire Council and the Australian Government Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program, the mayor acknowledging the Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure, Transport, and Regional Development and Communications for also contributing to the project.
FORBES VISITOR
INFORMATION CENTRE
Christmas | CLOSED Boxing Day | CLOSED NYD | OPEN
FORBES LIBRARY
Christmas | CLOSED Boxing Day | CLOSED 27th Dec-31st Dec | CLOSED NYE | CLOSED NYD | CLOSED Jan 2nd ‘25 | OPEN
CWLE
2025 Stock Sales: Fri, 3rd Jan | Pigs Mon, 6th Jan | Cattle Tues, 7th Jan | Sheep Thurs 9th Jan | Cross Ewe (first)
FORBES OLYMPIC
SWIMMING POOL
Christmas | CLOSED
Merry Christmas from Forbes Sunshine Club
Hi to all our Sunshine Club members, We are closing for our Christmas break at 3.30pm on December 19, 2024, and reopening on January 8, 2025 at 9am.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us throughout our 100 year anniversary of supporting children of the Far West.
In 1924 a Superintendent of the Methodist Far West Region Mission, Reverend Stanley Drummond who was based in Cobar, came up with the idea for children who were unwell to recuperate on Manly Beach.
The desire to show the children of the far west the sea ie Manly Beach as those living in Western New South Wales rarely saw the sea.
This started a charity to support and offer
services for the children of the far west.
As this was our 100th year we are saying thank you.
The winner of our Christmas stocking was Terry Talbot, Goolagong, and dinner set was Rona Pritchard of Forbes.
Thank you Club Forbes, Bunnings, Bernardi’s, and our small band of loyal volunteers for all their hard work throughout the year.
Our birthday book is open for the final few weeks of the year: Sunny Top, Marko’s Bailey, Mickey Bill, The Runner, Darby.
Hope you all have a wonderful day.
From us all, this small band of volunteers, our Christmas wishes to you all and a happy new year.
Hope to see you all in the new year, Reenie
Forbes has been feeling the heat with temperatures in the high 30s through a busy weekend of festive fun and activity.
Although the temperature hadn’t officially hit 40 degrees at time of preparing for press, the mercury was getting closer with some windy conditions as well.
Forbes airport recorded a peak of 34.7 on Friday afternoon, 36.7 degrees on Saturday and 37.5 degrees Sunday and Monday.
Tuesday had peaked at 35.9 degrees as the Advocate prepared the final edition for press, but with conditions expected to ease today with a top of 32 degrees.
The forecast for the week ahead, including Christmas Day, is still quite mixed.
Temperatures are on the rise again, this weekend is again forecast to be a scorcher with the Bureau predicting top temperatures of 39 (Saturday) and 38 (Sunday) but Monday is forecast to be an entirely more tolerable top of 26 degrees.
The nights are expected to be balmy with morning lows of 16 (Saturday) and 18 (Sunday).
At time of preparing for press, Weatherzone had its Christmas Day forecast up and was predicting 36 degrees with the mercury on the climb again to hotter temperatures later in the week.
HOPE AND FUTURE
I love history-all kinds of history, ancient Egypt, ancient Greece, Bible History, English history, Australian history, War history.
We recently remembered our soldiers on November 11 who fought for our freedom.
As I remember those who had fallen, I was also reminded of those who are in our armed forces todayyoung men and women who are serving now.
I have friends whose youngest son has just graduated in the armed forces and now choosing which area he will serve.
As I looked at a photo of this young man, he was standing tall and handsome.
I remember the little boy who was cute and carefree who has now grown into a man who has chosen a career of service for his country.
Then I looked at his parents and the quiet concern and support for the boy they have brought up and nurtured to manhood. They now
must release him into the choice he has made. They now exercise their faith and prayers for the unknown future of this young man.
Each year my mind also goes back to the wives, mothers and fathers whose sons and daughters gave their lives in the service of our country and our freedom.
There is a verse in the bible that says, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends”
John 15:13
Now there was another son born 2000 years ago who was born in a stable.
His parents were not poor as such but could not nd accommodation “no vacancies” available in Bethlehem.
His mother Mary and stepfather Joseph had the same hopes and dreams for His life - to keep Him safe and happy in a world not unlike ours at this time, full of strife, crime, wars and danger.
This baby’s name is Jesus. His birth divided history because God became man for us, and this challenged the authorities of that time.
Jesus was born to change
our personal story from the inside out.
You see, it’s the individual sel shness, greed, lies, stealing, bullying, that creates a world full of strife.
Jesus came to change us to give us a hope and a future.
I confess I was once part of the problems of this world but accepting Jesus as my Lord and Saviour and allowing Him to change my heart from sel shness and other vices, enables me not to reect who I once was.
Oh, I am not perfect, however I aim to re ect what Jesus said in Matt 5:44 “But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.
Jesus did not just die for His friends He also died for His enemies.
To care for our fellowman is a very Christian concept rooted in the life and teaching of the baby who was born in that stable 2000 years ago.
If we all follow the teaching of Jesus we will live in a very di erent world, that will
be history changing.
So, the message of Christmas is not in the presents, it’s not in Santa, it’s in the message of Jesus to love our neighbour as ourselves.
Allow Jesus to change you from the inside, I can guarantee you will never be the same again.
Have a blessed Christmas.
- Pastor Julie Virtue
TAKE TIME TO RECHARGE
There is always a sense of hopeful anticipation at this time of year as we re ect on another busy year whizzing by and look forward to achieving our hopes and dreams in the New Year.
It is o en di cult to step back during what is always a feverishly busy time as everyone tries to tie up loose ends, but it is important to wind down and take some time to recharge.
Some will be more organised than others and will have already completed their Christmas shopping list but, if you’re still on the lookout for that perfect gi for loved ones, I urge and encourage you to think local, shop lo-
cal and buy Australian-made whenever you can.
Whilst there are always challenges to face, regional Australians have the resilience know-how to get things done despite the potential of nature’s wrath – particularly drought, oods and bushres – always lingering.
We must remember and thank our Veterans, who have served Australia faithfully and have given us this opportunity to celebrate Christmas in peace.
As I say every year, please take care if travelling on our regional roads over the holidays and, if you plan on using our beautiful waterways, please remember to be sun smart and water wise.
I would like to take the opportunity to thank those who give their time to support and serve others, o en having to work instead of spending time with loved ones –our volunteers, health care workers, emergency service and Defence Force personnel, childcare, aged care and disability workers. I express my gratitude to those kind and compassionate people
who spend time with the homeless and less fortunate. Thank you for your community-mindedness and your sel ess dedication.
Thank you to our farmers, who have been harvesting to ensure we have the best produce on our tables, not just on Christmas, but three times a day every day. Please be aware that this time of the year is di cult for many. It is important for us all to display compassion, understanding and patience. We never can fully understand what another person is going through. It is important to remember the reason for the season – the birth of Jesus Christ. It is about spending time with family and friends – winding back and focusing on the things which really matter –extending kindness and gratitude to those you care about the most.
Catherine, my family, my sta and I wish everyone a happy, restful Christmas period and a productive and safe 2025.
- Michael McCormack MP, Member for Riverina
Work to make the centuryold Lachlan River rail bridge on Lower Bathurst Street t for the future of Inland Rail is progressing well.
The bridge is currently behind sca olding, with modications taking place so it has enough height to cater for double-stacked freight trains.
As the bridge itself has just enough height for the planned new trains, the work involves removing some of the support structures that sit inside that frame and putting them outside, Malcolm Clark, Project Director for Albury to Illabo and Stockinbingal to Parkes, has explained.
The bridge is more than 100 years old - designed in 1912 and commissioned in about 1918.
“The whole rail corridor through there was done in the 1910s, early 1900s era so it’s over 100 years old now,” Mr Clark said.
On the whole, with some upgrades done in 1996, it’s holding up well and this next work will take it into the future.
Work on the bridge is being carried out in three stages, starting at the top of the bridge and currently concentrating on the middle section.
“In the new year that scaf-
folding will be removed and put onto the bottom deck,” Mr Clark said.
The project is actually ahead of schedule with crews commencing work that was planned for the new year.
Progress on the Forbes set of works, which also includes lowering the track at Wyndham Avenue and building a new crossing loop north of Daroobalgie road, is ahead of schedule overall, Mr Clark said.
The team had a ve-day window in September where trains were not running on the tracks and this allowed them to carry out major works that will allow the double-stacked trains to go under the bridge at Wyndham Avenue.
“The track below the bridge was commissioned in September,” Mr Clark said.
About 300m of track was lowered below the bridge, about 1.5m in rail height.
The site itself is getting close to completion, with the start of revegetation work.
The next track possession - where there are no trains running on the line and Inland Rail can carry out the major works it cannot while the line is operational - is scheduled for March 2025.
PICTURED: Wrapped in sca olding and sheeting, the Lachlan River Bridge now supports a safe working platform for Inland Rail workers to carry out modifications to the bridge’s bracing structure to provide clearance for doublestacked freight trains.
PHOTOS: Supplied
Can Parkes possibly bring more to its Elvis Festival? Yes, is the answer as the 2025 event approaches.
Six new ticketed shows will be introduced at the Parkes Services Club, featuring top Elvis tribute artists from Australia, New Zealand and Scotland.
You can look forward to a Scottish Happy Hour with Mr. Johnny Lee Memphis, Happy Hour with Aaron Mas eld and Dean Vegas, Happy Hour with Charlie Gaylard and Gabe Phoenix, Easy Come, Easy Go with Jack Gatto, Easy Come, Easy Go with Dean Vegas, Toki and Stuey V and Kiwi Made with Che Orton and Brendon Chase.
The Miss Priscilla Dinner will return for the 32nd Parkes Elvis Festival on Thursday evening at the Parkes Services Club.
The Miss Priscilla Dinner will be a night full of entertainment with Brendon Chase and Amitie performing and a two course meal.
Watch the night unfold in anticipation to see who will be crowned the 2025 Miss Priscilla.
There will be some new photo opportunities too with stunning outdoor installations. A vibrant 250m canopy of umbrellas will provide the perfect photo op doubling as shade down town especially for Saturday morning’s main event, the parade.
During the night Vivid Elvis will come to life. This nightly display will illuminate the main drag projecting movie scenes and famous Elvis music videos.
There will also be a portrait of Elvis on display at the library made from rubix cubes for all to be amazed.
The highly anticipated Gates of Graceland will o cially be launched - these are located at the Parkes Visitors Information Centre and are a full-sized replica of the iconic Graceland gates.
The beautiful new attraction will honour key contributors to the much loved festival, with stars also commemorating the winners of the Parkes Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest.
In 2025 festival founders, Bob and Anne Steel will cut the ribbon to officially open the gates at the Wall of Fame event on Wednesday morning.
Staying connected at the 2025 Parkes Elvis Festival will be made easy with the introduction of the new mobile app, Elvis in Your Pocket.
From Wednesday, Janu ary 8 to Sunday, Janu ary 12, more than 25,000 Elvis fans are anticipated to gather in Parkes, for their yearly pilgrimage to pay tribute to the King of Rock and Roll.
This event marks the largest assembly of Elvis enthusiasts in the South ern Hemisphere, solidify ing Parkes as Australia’s o cial Elvis hometown.
The 2025 theme, “Easy Come, Easy Go”, cele brates Elvis’ classic 1967 musical comedy of the same name.
The festival boasts a thrilling lineup of Elvisthemed events, from new concerts and dance workshops to classic fan favourites like the Northparkes Mines Street Pa-
mances on the Cooke Park and Memphis stages.
During the festival, 20 top Australian and international Elvis Tribute
Artists will battle it out for the title of Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist on the Parkes Elvis Festival stage.
The Parkes Ultimate Elvis Tribute Concert is Australia’s top accolade for aspiring Elvis performers – part of a global competition for semiprofessional and professional artists who can best represent the Legacy of Elvis Presley, o cially endorsed by Elvis Presley Enterprises.
The 2025 contestants are:
From NSW: Darren Armstrong (Narellan), Ricky Ford “Ricky Graceland” (Sydney), Emilio Prince (Cambridge Park), Ross Mancini (Sydney) and Terry Leonard (Wellington).
This app will feature the full program of events, maps and most importantly realtime updates.
This year’s feature concerts will be see the addition of two shows per night to make sure no one misses out on the amazing entertainment on o er.
Not only that, tickets have been discounted with the announcement there’s a 7.5 per cent drop in prices across all shows this year in acknowledgement of the cost of living increases everyone is facing.
The 2025 Parkes Elvis Festival is promising to be bigger and better than ever.
For all programming and ticketing, visit www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au
From QLD: Andrew Bithell “Andy B” (Slacks Creek), Tristan James (Toowoomba), Elvis Roberts (Coolangatta), Douglas Mizzi “Doug Charles” (Sunshine Coast), Brendon Chase (Gold Coast) and Brad Nisbet “Dean Justice” (Gold Coast).
From VIC: Anthony Fenech (Fraser Rise) and Joe Ozzimo “Ozzi Elvis” (Melbourne).
From WA: Stuart Vieyra “Stuey V” (Ellenbrook) and Gerard Mascarenhas “Gerard As Elvis” (Perth).
From SA: Matthew Birse “Matt Birse” (Munno Para).
From New Zealand: Johnny Angel “Paci c Elvis (Auckland) and Tau-
rean K Mill (Wellington).
From Japan: Toyokazu Toki “TOKI” (Osaka). From Malta: Josuel Grech “Josuel As Elvi”.
Over two thrilling days, the 20 skilled Elvis experts will perform at the Parkes Leagues Club, dazzling both the audience and a panel of judges. However, it’s not just about their dance moves; contestants are evaluated on their stage presence, vocal talent, and the overall excellence of their performance.
Winners of this competition will be o cially endorsed to represent Australia in the semi- nal of the annual Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, in Memphis, U.S.A. in August of 2025.
Do you need inspiration for your 2025 Parkes Elvis Festival out ts?
Whether you stick with the 1960’s fashion or add a pair of scuba goggles, the ideas are endless but we recommend staying away from the wetsuits!
At the recent 2025 Parkes Elvis Festival launch out ts were on display to help get you thinking about dressing to the theme of Easy Come, Easy Go, thanks to Kassidy Martin for the following guide:
During the 1960s there was a dramatic shi in fashion which re ected the cultural revolutions of the time.
This era was all about primary coloured shi dresses, oversized sunglasses, go-go boots and statement jewelry.
The eyes became the focal point with so er lipstick hues and according to Vogue, never before in the history of fashion was the knee more on show.
This was the decade of the mini skirt and the mary-jane accompanied by short helmet-like hair or youthful bangs.
For the men, fashion embraced individuality, rede nding masculine style for future generations o ering a more easy-going way of dressing.
Men had more fun and more
options when it came to clothes incorporating the turtleneck, checked pants, bold colours, geometric patterns and collar-less outerwear.
Shirts were slim, with a necessary button down collar accompanied by slim tted trousers and accessories such as bold ties, scarves and statement glasses which added air.
Hair also got longer with hairstyles getting more adventurous.
Leading the fashion world at this time was Mrs Jackie Kennedy where she epitomized elegance and sophistication with her aesthetic of prim and proper
with a blend of youthfulness and formality.
She saw the rise of boxy but tailored silhouettes, so colours and chic accessories.
Icons such as Twiggy and The Beatles popularised mod fashion, characterized by clean lines, sharp tailoring, vibrant colours and geometric patterns.
This era was de ned by a youthful, rebellious spirit, with styles that celebrated individuality and broke traditional norms.
Fashion in the 60s was all about pushing the boundaries and overall, the 1960’s were a dynamic and transformative decade.
By MAYOR PHYLLIS MILLER OAM
It feels like another year has slipped by far too quickly. So I am really looking forward to stopping and savouring every single minute we have with our family and friends over this holiday break.
I think it is easy to get caught up in how hectic the year has been in the lead up to Christmas but I will making a big e ort to really enjoy the precious time we all have together and look back over the many, many things we have achieved in the year.
Here at Council we have com-
menced and nalised several major projects, maintained and improved a lot of infrastructure and continued to drive the culture of growth and development we are well known for here at Forbes Shire Council.
From a community perspective, it has been a tough year, we have had some tragic losses and we have all rallied to support each other, not overcoming them but getting through these times together.
It was pleasing to see our Council remain largely the same in the September election. The
minimal change re ecting the community’s con dence in our leadership and direction we are taking the Council in. Politically, it has been a busy year of advocating and working with the State and Federal Governments and making sure Forbes and regional LGAs have been represented and heard.
I am pleased to say we have further cemented our working relationships with our local members and a number of ministers we have welcomed to Forbes throughout the year. We have continued to work
with developers to maintain momentum and investment in our community, I am excited about the new opportunities for the Forbes community next year and beyond.
I wish all of our community and safe and happy holiday –we hope you all have an amazing Christmas and enjoy a well earned break. It is an opportunity to regroup and rest before we face another busy and achievement lled 2025.
Keep shopping locally, get entries in
Have you been getting your entries in to this year’s Evolution Mining Find it in Forbes Christmas promotion?
There’s $20,000 in local shopping dollars to be shared amongst winners, and the prizes are already being won!
Shop at any of the businesses below, scan the QR code and get your entries in:
Achesons Mitre 10
Allure On Main
Bernardis Marketplace
BlueSky Outdoors Forbes
Blush Organic Beauty
BWR Accountants
Cahills Footwear
God Bless – looking forward to working with and for you all in 2025.
You can now have your say on the Community Strategic Plan for Forbes.
This 10-year plan is a plan of the community’s aspirations, needs and priorities which sets strategies for achieving these goals.
It is a legislative requirement for Forbes Shire Council to maintain this plan, which will provide the community with strategies within a blueprint for long-term growth, community development and infrastructure renewal.
Consultation for the Community Strategic Plan commenced in November with the plan to be endorsed by July 1, 2025.
The survey is now live - see council’s social media and website - and all community members are encouraged to have
your say to plan for the the Forbes shire. You can nd out more about the Community Strategic Plan by attending one of Forbes Shire Council’s Town Hall drop in sessions in the new year. Sessions will be held on Monday, January 6 from 3pm to 5pm, Tuesday, January 14 from 9am to 11am and Thursday, January 30 from 11am to 1pm.
The community survey is one of three stages of developing the plan followed by an opportunity for Council to clarify any survey results and prioritise items before all data is collated and the new Community Strategic Plan is created.
For details contact Council’s Community and Tourism Team on 02 6850 2300 or email community@forbes.nsw.gov.au
ChapterTwo Boutique
Club Forbes
Euphoria Road
Flannerys Pharmacy
Forbes Central Butchery
Forbes Shire Council
Forbes Visitor Information Centre
Graces Hair Studio
Gunns Menswear
Jessicas Essential Beauty
Life Pharmacy
Little Extras Lifestyle
Loomzys FishNFix
MD Steel Fabrication
News On Rankin
Rise Pyhsiotherapy
Robbs Jewellers
Steel Technology
Terry. Bros Carpet Court Forbes
The Bakehouse Forbes
The Book Dispensary
Turners Furniture one
Undercover Sleepwear & Lingerie
Walkers AgnVET
Woolerina
Draws will take place right up to Christmas
RED Bend Catholic College students experienced the red dirt and big skies of the Northern Territory in an unforgettable Marist immersion.
The college has long held a tradition of sending selected Year 11 students to the Marist community of Santa Teresa, and in October nine students, accompanied by Mr Pat Cleal and Ms Tristin Nicholls, made the life-changing trip.
Santa Teresa is a remote indigenous community 80-kilometers from Alice Springs, where the students work alongside the Marist Brothers, engaging in community life, helping with daily tasks and attending classes with the local students.
“It’s an opportunity to gain insight into the lives of local people,” explains Red Bend
Catholic College Director of Faith Formation, Mr Matthew Pearce said.
“The immersion re ects our values of faith, community, service and personal growth.”
“The trip really fostered self-reliance. We saw so much spiritual insight and development within the students as they built connections within the indigenous community,” Ms Nicholls said.
“It was a deeply ful lling and rewarding journey, as we all stepped out of our comfort zones and embraced a simpler way of life. The Santa Teresa community spirit is amazing, and the memories we made will last a lifetime,” she said.
Ms Nicholls and Mr Cleal were overwhelmed by the Santa Teresa community’s
response to their visit; “So many people remarked on how beautiful and engaging our group was, highlighting the warmth and positivity we radiated. It was a nice reminder of the magic that happens when people come together.”
The 2024 immersion students included Ruby Arnott, Bronnie Searl, Mykel Coe, Leah Van der Merwe, Luke Todd, Imogen Ousby, Callie Godden, Cooper Toohey and Phoebe Morrison.
They would like to extend their gratitude to the college students who contributed to their fundraising e orts, along with the local businesses who generously donated goods: Bernardis Forbes, PFD Parkes, Blayney Foods and O ceworks Orange, and the assistance of Beth Betland at MTA Travel.
186mm(h) x 260mm(w) If you are unwell or injured call healthdirect for free on 1800 022 222. A registered nurse will help you access the health care you need from anywhere, day or night. health.nsw.gov.au/anywhere
By MARG APPLEBEE CENTRAL WEST LACHLAN LANDCARE
Crop Swap will be back at our March 2025 Homegrown Parkes event!
For many people swapping or giving away their produce without reimbursement takes a bit of getting used to, but we have found that it reinforces feelings of community building, sharing and learning.
Crop swapping is a great way for those who grow their own food to make sure nothing is going to waste. If you have an over-abundance of particular fruits or vegetables in the garden, preserves or homemade goods - they are all welcome!
Park Pavilion and they will be busy sharing the Crop Swap message.
Hannah Farrant-Jayet and Michael Chambers will be overseeing the Crop Swap Stall between 9am and 11apm in front of the Cooke
You are welcome to show up on the day with produce, we will just require your name and contact details etc.
Do you grow too much basil, have
too many seeds, or is your freezer not big enough for your end of season pesto?
Simply, Crop Swap it! Crop Swap builds the community, reduces food waste and helps people eat better, at a lesser cost.
Swap excess produce and fairly barter with like-minded people for fresh, local and delicious goods. It’s simple.
Our autumn event will be held on Saturday, March 29, so start planning your plantings ready for sharing.
Some suggestions for propagation are: Basil; Beans; Beetroot; Brussell Sprouts; Cabbage, Cauli ower; Chives; Celery; Chillies; Cucumber; Lettuce and Saland Greens; Parsley; Pumpkins; Radish; Corn; Spring Onions; Tomatoes and Zucchini.
Homegrown Parkes is an opportunity for local and regional businesses who are processing, repurposing, sewing, propagating or producing fabulous local products to share their skill and products with the community…..and hopefully swap for another item that
I would encourage potential stallholders to submit an Expression of Interest early.
You can nd the link to the registration via our facebook page or on our website.
We have already received over 20 EOI in the past week since applications opened.
Applications are reviewed by our Homegrown Parkes Committee to ensure that they t with the ethos of the Homegrown Parkes event.
Demonstrations are being planned for the day as well. We appreciate the feedback from the community and are hoping to cover o on most topics in October, but leaving some still for a possible follow up event in 2024.
For further information on this article, please go to www.centralwestlachlanlandcare.org, twitter, facebook or Instagram @cwlland-
Cattle numbers down for final sales of the year, prices mixed
MONDAY’S CATTLE SALE
Yarding 941 (down 502)
For the last sale of the year, numbers were back by 502 for a yarding of 941 cattle.
Quality was mixed with good supplies of feeder weights on o er, along with fair supplies of heavy prime cattle. Not all the regular buyers were operating.
Prime yearling steers were up to 20c cheaper, selling from 283c to 335c, while prime yearling heifers were rm to dearer, 260c to 347c/ kg.
Feeder steers dropped 15c, 289c to 370c, while feeder heifers were rm to cheaper, 288c to 333c/kg.
Lightweight restocker cattle were dearer, young steers sold from 310c to 395c, and heifers, 290c to 320c/kg.
Prime grown steers held rm, 300c to 335c while
prime grown heifers li ed 8c, 290c to 333c/kg. Cows were 3c better, 2 and 3 scores sold from 200c to 280c, and heavy prime cows, 276c to 287c/kg. Heavy bulls sold to 287c/ kg.
TUESDAY’S SHEEP SALE
Yarding 22,200 (down 4200)
Numbers were back and the quality was mixed and included runs of shorn trade and heavy weights but only a limited supply of extra heavy lambs.
There were plenty of light store lambs most were woolly new season lambs and only a scattering of trade and heavy weights.
Merino lambs were back in numbers and there was a good run of heavy hoggets.
The market sold to stronger trends.
New season store lambs
to 18kg were firm to $7 dearer selling from $47 to $140/head.
New season trades up $15 to $20/head selling from $210 to $243 and heavy weights reached $247/head.
Shorn trades were $15 to $25/head dearer rang ing from $188 to $243/head and heavy weights sold from $250 to $288/head av eraging between 930c and 995c/kg with plenty of sale well in excess of the aver age.
Extra heavy lambs reached $284 averaging 880c to 900c/kg cwt.
The best for trade Me rinos reached $194/head and heavy hoggets lifted around $10/head reaching $224/head.
Mutton numbers eased and the quality was better with less 1 and 2 score
light and medium weights sheep.
Prices were $5 to $10 dearer across most of the mutton.
Medium weight ewes sold from $73 to $132 and heavy crossbreds reached $166/ head.
forbeslivestock.com.au
Heavy Merinos with a big skin topped the mutton reaching $202/head and most ranged 400c to 480c/
FROM MLA’S NATIONAL LIVESTOCK REPORTING AGENCY
FRIDAY’S PIG SALE
Only a small yarding of backfatters today saw prices remain rm on last sale for both sows and boars. Bacon were also in short supply with only one pen dropping $60 to $70 per
A good run of quality pork, sow prices were also rm on last sale.
Suckers were again in good supply with a top quality yarding, prices improved $40 to $50 per head.
FROM VC REID SMITH LIVESTOCK
Friday was a night to celebrate at the Forbes Business Chamber’s 2024 Christmas Carnival.
Down town was transformed as the stores kept the doors open for those looking to get in some Christmas shopping and there was plenty of extra information in the market stalls that lined the streets.
There was free fun, rides and entertainment too.
Students from Forbes North Public School, Preschool, Forbes Public and Bedgerabong Public School provided great
entertainment, there was music from Forbes Town Band and Forbes Guitar Academy as well as dance from Kristen’s Dance Studio. Santa came on in to town to hear from the kids about their Christmas wishes and was happy to pose for some photos.
Don’t forget to shop local and to scan the QR code to get your entries in for this year’s Evolution Mining Find it in Forbes Christmas promotion.
There are still prizes to be won, with the nal draws to take place on Christmas Eve.
Many gathered in Victoria Park on Saturday, December 14 for the 54th annual Carols by Candlelight in Forbes. Judy Prior was the MC on the night and was joined by guest singers Ruther Barnes, James Whalan and Tiana Plywaski as well as the Forbes Town and District Band.
Many were seen taking photos with Santa, enjoying family picnics in the park and singing the night away to some beautiful Christmas Carols.
SANTA was given a very warm welcome at Eugowra’s Carols by the Creek on Sunday, with children delighted to see the man in red coming round the corner in the Rural Fire Service truck.
The community enjoyed a barbecue and carols performed by Mick Green and Vanessa, then many popped across the road for an ice cream from the newlyopened store.
Eugowra Events and Tourism Association acknowledged the winners of this year’s Christmas lights and decoration competition with thanks to Eugowra Community Bowls and Recreation Club for their generous sponsorship.
In a special combined e ort, children from the schools and childcare centre took the stage together to sing Christmas songs including Aussie Jingle Bells.
LEFT: Little Maya meeting the special guest at Eugowra Carols on the Creek.
6.00 Morning Programs. 1.00 I Escaped To The Country. 2.00 Escape To The Country. 5.00 Horse Racing. Royal Randwick Raceday, Pakenham Cup Day and Seven Members Mile Raceday. 6.00 Heathrow. 6.30 Bondi Vet. 7.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 9.30 I Escaped To The Country. 10.30 Australia’s Amazing Homes. 11.30 Late Programs.
A Current Affair. 7.30 Find My Beach House Australia. 8.30 MOVIE: Jingle All The Way. (1996) Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sinbad, Phil Hartman. 10.15 MOVIE: Parenthood. (1989) Steve Martin. 12.35 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Days Of Our Lives. 12.55 The Young And The Restless. 2.00 Dales For Sale. 3.00 MOVIE: Nickelodeon. (1976) 5.30 The Travelling Auctioneers. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Antiques Downunder. 8.30 MOVIE: The World Is Not Enough. (1999) 11.05 Police After Dark. 12.00 Late Programs. 6.00 Flushed. 7.00 It’s Academic. 8.30 Left Off The Map. 9.00 Shopping. 10.30 House Rules. 12.00 Big Brother. 1.45 My Kitchen Rules. 3.35 The Change Labz. 4.05 A Moveable Feast. 4.35 Bondi Vet. 5.35 Britain’s Got Talent. 7.00 MOVIE: Goosebumps 2:
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 News. 12.30 All Creatures Great And Small. 1.15 Miniseries: Douglas Is Cancelled. 1.55 Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker! 3.25 Solar System With Brian Cox. 4.30 Headliners. Final. 5.30 Landline. 6.00 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. 6.30 Muster Dogs: Where Are They Now. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 All Creatures Great And Small. 8.20 Vera. Final. 9.50 Miniseries: Douglas Is Cancelled. 10.30 Shetland. 11.30 Late Programs. 6.00 Kids’ Programs. 4.35
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. 12.00 Horse Racing. Royal Randwick Raceday, Pakenham Cup Day and Seven Members Mile Raceday. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. 8.00 Carols In The Domain. 10.30 NSW Schools Spectacular. 1.00 Taken. 2.00 Late Programs.
I Escaped To The Country. 6.00 Taste Of Aust. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Rosemary & Thyme. 8.30 McDonald And Dodds. 10.30 Great Scenic Railway Journeys. 11.15 The Highland Vet. 12.15 Late Programs.
4.00 Would I Lie To You? 4.30 MythBusters. 5.20 Amazing Spaces. 6.05 The Making Of David Attenborough’s Great Barrier Reef. 7.00 Spicks And Specks. 7.30 Would I Lie To You? 8.00
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 Drag Racing. NDRC Top Fuel C’ship. Spring Nationals. H’lights. 4.00 Desert Collectors. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Storage Wars. 7.30 Aussie Salvage Squad. 8.30 Heavy Tow Truckers Down Under. 9.30 Air Crash Investigations: Special Report. 10.30 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Today Extra Summer. 12.00 Drive TV. 12.30 Drive Safer. Final. 1.00 My Way. 1.30 Great Getaways. 2.30 MOVIE: Planes, Trains And Christmas Trees. (2022) 4.30 Helloworld. 5.00 9News First At Five. 5.30 Country House Hunters Aust. 6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 MOVIE: Central Intelligence. (2016) Dwayne Johnson. 9.40 MOVIE: Vacation. (2015) Ed Helms. 11.35 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.30 Good Chef Bad Chef. 1.00 10 Minute Kitchen. 1.30 The Yes Experiment. 2.00 Pat Callinan’s 4x4 Adventures. 3.00 Expedition Tasmania. 3.30 My Market Kitchen. 4.00 All 4 Adventure. 5.00 10 News First. 6.00 Jamie’s
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Jordie, Sam & Ted’s Adventures. 11.30 Bringing Sexy Back. 12.45 Rebel Wilson’s Pooch Perfect. 2.15 Blow Up. 3.15 Britain’s Got Talent. 4.40 Declassified: The Royal Scandals. 5.35 MOVIE: Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween. (2018) 7.30 MOVIE: Made Of Honor. (2008) 9.35 MOVIE: The Shape Of Water. (2017) 12.05 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 1.00 Hook, Line And Sinker. 1.30 Al McGlashan’s Fish’n With Mates. 2.00 Merv Hughes Fishing. 2.30 Fishing Addiction. 3.30 Heroes And Legends: Hall Of Fame. 5.00 Duck Dynasty. 6.00 Border Security: Int. 7.00 Border Security. 8.30 MOVIE: U-571. (2000) 10.55 MOVIE: Vertical Limit. (2000) 1.30 Late Programs.
Bananas In Pyjamas. 2.40 Beep And Mort. 3.15 Wiggle. 3.30 A Very Play School Christmas. 4.20 Odd Squad. 4.35 Little J And Big Cuz. 5.10 Thomas. 6.25 Stick Man. 7.05 Riley Rocket.
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Don’t be sheepish about asking more questions before making a major decision at your workplace. Meanwhile, your personal relationships continue to improve.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) You might be rushed into renewing an old, cold relationship. But do you really want a reheated romance when there’s a chance to warm up with someone new?
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Someone tells you something that could lead you to rethink your plans for the holidays. Get the full story before you make a decision.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A financial matter that had you in a dither is finally being sorted out as more facts become available. A perplexing personal matter also clears up.
6.00 Morning Programs. 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Cross Court. 10.30 Fishing Australia. 11.00 Maritime Masters: Expedition Antarctica. 12.00 Drive TV. 12.40 Bondi Vet. 1.40 Find My Beach House Australia. 2.40 MOVIE: Unforgettable Christmas. (2023) 4.30 Helloworld. 5.00 9News First At Five. 5.30 RBT. 6.00 9News Sunday. 7.00 Christmas With Delta. 9.00 MOVIE: The Holiday. (2006) Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet. 11.40 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Farmer Wants A Wife. 11.30 Behave Yourself. 12.30 Blow Up. 1.35 Zumbo’s Just Desserts. 2.45 A Moveable Feast. 3.45 The Voice. 5.30 A Year On Planet Earth. 6.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. 7.30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent. 8.30 Law & Order: S.V.U. 9.30 Law & Order. 10.30 Bones. 11.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Helping Hands. 10.30 Avengers. 11.40 MOVIE: Poison Pen. (1939) 1.15 MOVIE: The Raging Moon. (1971) 3.30 MOVIE: Attack On The Iron Coast. (1968) 5.25 MOVIE: The War Wagon. (1967) 7.30
MOVIE: Die Another Day. (2002) 10.10 MOVIE: The Nice Guys. (2016) 12.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Pooches At Play. 12.30 Cook With Luke. 1.00 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield. 1.30 Expedition: Australia’s West Coast. 2.00 Farm To Fork. 2.30 Basketball. NBL. Illawarra Hawks v Perth Wildcats. 4.30 Good Chef Bad Chef. 5.00 10 News First. 6.00 The Dog House. 7.00 Mariah Carey:
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Thunderbirds. 10.30 My Favorite Martian. 11.00 Great Getaways. 12.00 MOVIE: Wonderful Life. (1964) 2.30 MOVIE: The Greatest Story Ever Told. (1965) 6.30 M*A*S*H. 8.30 MOVIE: Jason Bourne. (2016) 10.55 French And Saunders: Christmas Special French And Saunders Actually. 11.55 Late Programs.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) You face a slew of new tasks at home and work. So, as much as you love being a social Lion, be careful not to overdo it at those preholiday parties.
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Unexpected news could cause some minor adjustments in your holiday planning. Defer a decision about a financial matter until you have more facts.
LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) A project might not be bringing you the results you’d hoped it would by now. But stay with it -- things will soon begin to turn around.
SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) A budding personal relationship continues to develop. Things also improve in your career, although some problems still need close attention.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Mercury is
CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Allowing a misunderstanding to go unchallenged could jeopardize the plans you’ve made for the upcoming holidays. Clear the air now.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) While you should be open to suggestions on how to plan for the holidays, you should also be firm in saying “no” to anything you disagree with.
PISCES (February 19 to March
FORBES Men’s Probus Club held their November meeting at Club Forbes on Friday December 22.
President Neil Gilmour opened the meeting by welcoming 34 members and guest Je Williams.
Immediately a erwards asking Secretary Lloyd Gerdes to read the apologies from absent members and the minutes of the previous meeting a er which he read the correspondence in and out.
President Neil then asked treasurer John Bruce to read the nancial report which was seconded from the oor.
Neil then asked for a report on the upcoming arrangements for the half day tour of the aircra museum at Parkes Airport. Alister Lockhart was then invited to give the welfare report, a er which he read some anecdotal lines of interest to the members. There
being no more items of interest from the oor, President Neil called for morning tea. A er morning tea, President Neil invited Alister Lockhart to introduce our
guest speaker Gwen Barnard, the manager of the villas at Jemalong Residential Village. She also works at the Village itself in pastoral care and has done so for the past 25 years.
Gwen explained the ongoing costs for the units.
These costs cover everything pertaining to the units, eg rates, grass mowing, gutters maintained and all out-
door costs. There is also a bus to take the interested to the town for shopping.
Gwen was then inundated with questions which she handled in an exemplary fashion.
President Neil then invited John Gorton to accord the usual vote of thanks which was followed by acclamation from the members.
President Neil then announced that the next meeting will be on January 24, 2025 with the guest speaker Sara Tabb of NSW Police. He wished everyone the compliments of the season and then closed the meeting.
Alister Lockhart OAM Publicity
COME on down to the Community Garden in Reymond Street to buy seasonal fresh vegetables, fresh herbs, ower and vegetable seedlings, succulents and farm trees, six days a week.
The Garden is open Monday to Friday between 9am and 11am, and from 9am to midday on Saturday, depending on the weather and availability of volunteers. Look for the big, yellow open sign.
As well as maintaining their own individual plots, Garden members
participate in the communal growing of plants and produce, which are offered for sale.
At the moment harvest comprises sweet corn, beans, onions, garlic, silver beet, lettuce, beetroot, apple cucumbers, green cucumbers, zucchini and tomatoes.
We also stock local honey and free-range eggs and have a variety of summer crop seedlings.
The Community Gardeners share their love of gar-
dening, and at the same time enjoy the company of likeminded others.
A management committee guides the operation of the Community Garden and welcomes both experienced and beginner gardeners.
Come along and see if you would like to join our group.
Garden Membership Fees for the coming 2025-2026 year are:
“Plotter” Membership, $25 per annum for a small garden plot and $40 per annum for a large garden plot.
The Plotter fee includes the $10 Garden Membership Fee for one member.
“Plotters” are Garden members who rent garden beds for their own use and who agree to contribute to the upkeep of the Community Garden as a whole.
“Friend” Membership, $10 per person. “Friends” are Garden members who do not rent garden beds but who offer their support by joining in the activities of the garden and being part of the Community Garden family.
Membership forms are available at the Forbes Riverside Community Garden or by email, on request.
Follow us on our “Forbes Riverside Community Gardens” Facebook page or come for a visit and a tour at the site of the former Forestry Nursery, 59-71 Reymond St, Forbes. For more information contact the Secretary by email (preferred method): forbescommunitygarden@ outlook.com
PHOTO: Supplied
ACROSS
4 Which natural harbour forms the port of Sydney, Port ... (7)
8 What is a part of a kitchen set apart for meals (7)
9 Name an alternative term for an umpire (7)
10 Name the outer and thinner two bones of the lower leg (7)
11 To subjugate someone, is to do what (7)
12 What is a label or a ticket (6)
14 Which term describes keen insight (6)
18 What, in the US, is 25 cents (7)
21 What are antennae known as (7)
22 Which term describes the peak (7)
23 Name the studio of an artist (7)
24 What are subterfuges (7) DOWN
1 To have benefited morally, is to have done what (7)
2 What might we call social climbers (5)
3 Who is trained for track and field events (7)
4 Name the largest of the Channel Islands (6)
6 What is a sneering or cutting remark (7)
7 Who is the daughter of one’s sister (5)
13 To be in utter disorder, is to be what (7)
15 Name the son of Queen Elizabeth II (7)
16 What is a place set apart for young children (7)
5 Where are light refreshments served (5)
17 Which term describes plays (6)
Letters have a number value
Some values are in the right hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
18 To cite, is to do what (5)
19 Name a renowned London newspaper (5)
20 Name a herb of tropical and subtropical regions (5)
Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
1 APHAGIA
(a) Inability to express thought in words (b) Want of feeling
(c) Inability to swallow
2 BRUME
(a) Fog
(b) A wild horse (c) A wild climbing plant
Build it yourself using the clues and each of the twenty-four letters once only to form ten words: five across and five down. A key word (bold clue) builds on the letter set in the grid.
CLUES:
African snake (5)
Carved stone for necklet (5)
Dove’s call (3)
Farm birds (5)
Host (7)
Magazine (abb) (3)
Mined material (3)
Overindulges (7)
Overweight (5)
Unit of land area (3)
Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.
Notice is given in accordance with Section 13A of the Mining Act 1992 and clauses 15 and 89K of the Mining Regulation 2016 that exploration licence application number 6856 (Act 1992) for Group 1 (Metallic Minerals) has been lodged with NSW Resources by Magnet Exploration Pty Ltd (ABN 65 623 568 918), over an area of about 170 units (482 square kilometres) which is located about 17 kilometres West of the town of Young, as described on the plan below.
Information regarding this application can be obtained from EARTH AI, phone number 0450 071 194.
Information regarding landholder's rights is available at https://regional.nsw.gov.au/landholder-access.
Please note that exploration including early stage investigation of outcropping rocks, is only permitted once the application is granted and will only be sought in selected parcels where an access arrangement has been agreed to by the relevant landholders.
By TONY BRATTON
RESULTS of the Forbes
S.S.A.A. sporting shooters .22 calibre rimfire rifle shoot held on Sunday December 15, 2024.
100metre feral cat target shoot: John Dean, 116/120; John Dunkley, 116/120; Brian Neilsen, 112/120; Terry Knight, 106/120; David Carr, 104/120; Wayne Facey, 103/120; Anthony Bratton, 102/120; Steve Hindmarch, 84/120; and Mia Condon shot practice only.
75m fly target shoot: John Dunkley, 116/120; Brian Neilsen, 112/120; David Carr, 108/120; Steve Hindmarch, 105/120; Wayne Facey, 102/120; Terry Knight, 97/120;
thony Bratton, 91/120.
50m fox target shoot: Wayne Facey, 120/120; Steve Hindmarch, 120/120; Brian Neilsen, 118/120; John Dunkley, 118/120; Terry Knight, 116/120; John Dean, 113/120; David Carr, 109/120 and Anthony Bratton, 109/120.
25m Buffalo target shoot: Wayne Facey, 270/270; John Dunkley 270/270; Terry Knight, 267/270; John Dean, 262/270; Brian Neilsen, 261/270; Steve Hindmarch, 261/270; David Carr, 258/270 and Anthony Bratton, 258/270.
The weather was hot with a light breeze from the north east at 7kmph and a temperature of 37 degrees.
The range officers were Niki Bolam and Anthony
Scorers were Steve Hindmarch and Wayne Facey.
The Centre-fire rifle shoot was held after the Rim-fire shoot. The shooters in attendance were Steve Hindmarch, David Carr and Anthony Bratton. The temperature at the Centre-fire shoot was 38 degrees.
The range officer was; Anthony Bratton.
The next S.S.A.A. sporting shooters .22 calibre and other rimfire rifle shoot (.22 magnum or.17HMR), will be on Sunday December 29, 2024 starting at 10am. This shoot is for the rimfire shield for 2024.
The next Wednesday shoot will be on January 1, 2025 starting at 2pm. The Centrefire rifle shoots start at 2pm af
day, Centre fire shoots start at 2pm names in by 1.30pm so the targets can be placed on the Centre-fire range. All shoots are at the Bedgerebong road range, turn right off the Bedgerebong road onto Dr. Young Drive. All target shooters are welcome to attend these shoots.
Any person wishing to try Rim-fire or Centre-fire rifle or shotgun shooting can attend any of these shoots to take part after filling out a P650 form at the club, Junior shooters must be 12 years or over.
For all information on .22 calibre rimfire shooting contact: Wayne Facey 0414524059; Norm Brook 0458664541; Ben Smith 0427524151; David Coleman
The next shoot for the Forbes S.S.A.A. sporting clay’s will be their monthly shoot on Sunday January 12 starting at 10am. This shoot will be a 100 target, this shoot could be five stand or field depending on the weather.
For all information on clay target shooting contact: Norm Brook 0458664541; Tony Bratton (02) 68523349; Ben Smith 0427524151; Doug Davis (02) 68523249 & Phil Picker (02) 68516494.
Any person wishing to obtain a long arm firearm licence can contact Wayne Facey on 0414524059; Norm Brook on 0458664541; Tony Bratton on (02) 68523349 to do a firearm safe shooting
a requirement for a firearm licence application.
Members are reminded that Local Range rules apply to the Forbes SSAA range. SSAA members should check the facebook page for shoot details for dates and times.
Like us on facebook @ Forbes Sporting Shooters. SSAA members should check the facebook page or tune into the local community radio station 2LVR 97.9 FM for shoot details for dates and times and cancellation of shoots due to wet weather. Members are reminded the by-monthly meeting for December will be on Wednesday February 12 at the Forbes Sport & Rec Club
By SHORT PUTT
On Saturday the Forbes golfers returned to a full course, after a massive effort by course staff to prepare the fairways and greens following the effects of the recent storms. The forecast for the day was to be hot, and players indeed were hot with some scoring well and some needing liquid support.
The Saturday comp was an Individual Stableford, sponsored by Woolworths Forbes who generously provide two hams for the winners.
This proved an exceptional incentive for the 51 players in the field, a reduced field due to family and business commitments for festive activities. What was also reduced was the bothersome flies which seemed to be avoiding the heat.
The Div-1 was a case of the leader romping away for a win. Harry Callaghan was not too early but from the outset he was keen to do well.
Harry scored 41 points, a result of his scratch par score. He started and finished with 2’s and while he had ups and downs on the back-9 his front-9 was littered with birdies.
Runner-up was Troy Howe with 38 points, on count back. He also had a good day, with pars on the 1st and 18th holes to bookend his round.
Steady play throughout with but a few hiccups, and a strong finish gave him the edge over the luckless Brad Ashton.
The Div-2 Winner was Barry Parker whose 38 points matched the runner-up but his inspirational back-9 gave him the prize.
He also bookended his round with the same score on the opening and closing holes, but this time it was 4’s.
His mediocre front-9 was offset by his back-9 in which he scored five 3-pointers and no misses.
The Div-2 runner-up was Nick J Morrison, also on 38 points. His round was the reverse of Barry’s with an enlightened front-9 and mediocre back-9. But he did not have a miss all day and although he had fewer 3-pointers than Barry he had more consistent scoring.
The ball sweep went to 34 points on count back, going to: 38 – B Ashton; 37 – A Alley, R Hey; 36 –D Quirk, T Griffiths; 35 - K Tyne, C Howe, K Sanderson, G Webb, P Kay, S Tekely; 34 – P Pymont.
The visitors included – Rob Hey and Wayne Powter (Parkes) and Stephen Tekely (Links Shell Cove). Rob had a wonderful day managing to par both halves after starting with a double bogey on the first hole. Stephen Tekely fell victim to the ‘back9 curse’ after a good front-9, as did Wayne Powter.
The NTP’s went to: 9th – Stephen Uphill; 18th – Harry Callaghan, with them both converting for 2’s. Their early mark on the NTP sheet ensured the latter plays had no chance.
Overall there were seven 2’s with Harry C grabbing one on each of the 1st and 18th and the 9th yielding a few. Liam Fraser was the only Div-2 player to grab a ‘2’ with that on the 3rd where he sunk a monster putt.
The Pro Shop Super-Pin, held on the 3rd hole, went to Sean Brindle. His shot finished at 110 cm distance, which is a very fine shot under any circumstances.
It did make for an easy, albeit nervous conversion for a ‘2’. His shot was only one third in length of the next closest of the previous three names on the card.
The conditions were real summer stuff with high temperatures and gentle breezes which made for hot golf.
A couple of players did play hot golf to match the hot temperature but most were happy enough to finish and seek the refuge of the ‘Golfie’.
The Juniors in the field did well with Charlie Howe (35 points) keeping his dad honest and Liam Fraser only one shot back on 34.
Among the good scores there were some definite highlights.
Notable was an ‘Eagle’ and 4 points by Rob Hey on the 6th hole along with a string of birdies by Harry from 5th to 7th holes, one of which earned a 4-pointer.
In fact, 4-pointers were not common, being recorded by Brad Ashton, Kim Herbert, Les Little, Richard Smith, and Liam Fraser who snared two of them.
Sometimes when playing in adverse conditions it sometimes helps to change something in your game. Niel Duncan changed from his driver to a 4-iron to tee off with some success.
As usual there was a mix of fortunes. Peter Grayson was determined not have any 3-putts after the 1st hole but captured another couple. However, he thought his luck had changed when his approach shot to the 4th hole fell short of the log on the fairway but jumped over it.
Stevie G, playing from the left side of the 15th fairway, managed to keep his ball low and below the branches and proceeded to skip it four or five times over the water and onto the fairway.
One group had a good day, if it was an eclectic comp. Taking the best drives, fairway shots, chips and putts from each of them would
have finished with a competitive score, but individually they were ‘also rans’.
There was no Stableford Medley on Sunday, with players avoiding the heat.
Here is the news:
Head Pro Will is running a Wednesday Stableford Medley Comp all through the summer. Players can return a card any time on Wednesday, with the results collated on the Thursday and announced thereafter. All you need is a partner and some good luck.
The Mens Pennants 2025 are being played over 6 weeks from Sun 2 Feb, culminating in the finals on Mar 9 at Mudgee. If you are keen to play then put your name on the list in the Pro Shop.
During the Christmas -New Year break there are Stableford Medley comps scheduled on Thu 26 Dec 2024 and Wed 1 Jan 2025, as well as the usual Stableford Medleys on Sun 22 and 29 Dec 2024.
It is crystal ball time:
This Saturday, 21 December, is the December Monthly Medal, sponsored by Stephen Uphill, rescheduled from Dec 7 when it was washed out. Sunday has the Stableford Medley.
On Sat 28 December there is an 18-Hole Stableford, sponsored by John & Jenny Ridley. This will be a good chance to try out the Xmas presents and then gear up for the New Years Day comp.
Out of 25 veteran golfers who played the twin towns comp in Parkes last Thursday most scored near to their handicaps where Forbes member Andrew NortonKnight was best with one over handicap, 37 points.
Runner-up was the ever consistent Nym Dziuba from Parkes while fearless Frank Hanns from Forbes returned home with the encouragement award.
Even without registering as a ‘yearly’ TT comp Forbes with 15 players for their best six individual scores posted 213 points to Parkes’ (10 players) 204 points.
Nearest the pins, 4th A grade Niel Duncan (F), B grade Joe Davies (P), 11th A grade Alf Davies (F), B grade nil.
Ball sweep to 34 points. 36 Joe Davies (P), 35 Barry Parker (F), Alf Davies (F), Ross Williams (F), 34 Robert J Lea (P).
A big day is scheduled for twin towns vet golfers on Thursday with a couple of members from the Forbes club sponsoring a 2-person ambrose ham day.
Co-sponsor Allan Rees forwarded a couple of simple rules for the day which is expected to be well supported with the Forbes course open after days shut due to the recent heavy rains.
Prizes – 1st ham each; 2nd sleeve of golf balls each. Nearest the pins 9th and 18th, one grade each hole, sleeve of balls.
Other points of note
1) Pick own partner;
2) 5 drives each (mark on card);
3) Printed card with partner will be done showing handicap deduction at end, re quarter combined handicap;
4) No ball sweep for the day;
5) Lowest nett score will be declared the winner and then next lowest runner-up.
“Come and enjoy the day of golf and friendly company,” co-sponsor Alf Davies added.
BG scribe noted that seven Tuesday social golfers attended last week who attempted to play rather then under water croquet.
Andrew Norton-Knight started the week well winning with 29 points with a gaggle of players on 24 points.
Play each week on Tuesday over the holidays, be at the Pro Shop for ball toss if you are interested in a game.
PATRICK O’Neill has won the 2024 Forbes Sport and Recreation Club pool championship.
The pool comp is held at the club every Friday night, and this is the rst year of the championships.
Every Friday night the pool comp is held at the Forbes Sports and Recreation Club starting at 7pm.
Each weekly winner will play o on the last Saturday of each month to secure a spot for the yearly champion playo - for the chance to vie for the honour of winning the Stephen O’Neill trophy.
Contenders in 2024 were Warwick Howell, Stephen O’Neill, James Johansson, John Markwort, Patrick O’Neill all of Forbes, Robbie Hill and Trevor Collison of Parkes.
All games were very close leading up to the nal game between Robbie Hill and Patrick O’Neill.
Patrick won the overall champion of 2024 and Robbie runner-up.
Stephen O’Neill with the trophy named in his honour and finals
and Robbie Hill.
Supplied
“IT’S a privilege to be voted in as president of the ‘Bowlie’ and I hope I can do it justice,” newly elected president of the Forbes Sports and Recreation Club said over the weekend. Like most in the district the Forbes ‘Bowlie’ with its reputation as a friendly community club is the main aim for the newly elected leader to continue.
“Before anything I would like to see the club continue as one for all. We have amenities to suit all, the perfect venue for all ages, excellent staff, catering for all occasions and with recent works a very modern looking club,” Michael said.
“Hospitality in and out of the club is also high on my agenda.
“Over the past few years a lot of work has gone into the club with around $400,000 spent in recent years and we are in very good financial position thanks to out past committees. Peter (Mackay) and his committees have done an excellent job in this regard and deserve to be congratulated.
“Like most clubs and organisations today voluntary help would be welcomed as works to present greens and surrounds is a major task,” Michael said.
BENTICK Trophy games are still underway coming down to the pointy end of the competition with only a few games to go until thenals.
Lyal Strudwick and Billy Cowell played o with Lyal needing to reach 30 and Billy 25. A close game at the start was had with the board showing Lyal in the lead 6-4 on 7 until he won the next 4 in a row to lead 11-4.
Billy picked up 8 points over the next 5 to Lyalls 2 to level the playing eld.
Billy hit the lead on 18 to show 5 in front and never slowed down. Final scored board showing Billy the victor 26 to 18.
A show down between two favourites Je Nicholson and John Cutler. With the handicap di erence of 3 it was sure to come down to the wire.
Je got early runs on the board to have a handy lead 7-1 on 5. John was lucky enough to pick up 7 points over the next 4 to equal at 8 all. Je nudging slightly in front by 2 on 11. Shot for shot but John was not giving up. Down 14-15 on 17 Nicho put the pedal to the metal and sprinted home to win 21-14.
SOCIAL BOWLS: Wednesday morning bowlers le the club last week well satis ed, not play on the greens but due to the magni cent prawns and salad/sweets lunch served a er play.
Organiser Kerry Dunstan, who was thanked for his involvement also took the time to pass on his gratitude to Peter Mackay and Rob Priest for starting Wednesday bowls and naturally to the ladies for their untiring help in presenting the usual magni cent spread bringing in Christmas.
In a change from the usual announcement of winners and runnerup Kerry spoke of the support bowls receives and more so last week’s Wednesday bowls where 17 draws were conducted from the chocolate wheel, that is until Lyall Strudwick gave it one he y spin bring the use of the wheel to an end.
Also noted was that there will be no play December 25 (for obvious reasons) and most likely January 1.
on 14 to steal the win 16-9 at 18.
Our newest bowler Noel Hocking teamed up with Bruce (Posso) Jones to take on Phil Hocking and Laurie Crouch. A close game with 4 all on 6, 10 all on 13 and 15 all on 21. Coming down to the last end Phil and Laurie gained a 3 to lead 18-15.
Resting touchers: Ron Thurlow Raspberries: Ron Thurlow, Wayne Burton
Winning Rink: Rink 5 Billy Cowell and Glen Kearney
Losing Rink: Rink 4 Bobby Grant and Denis Byrnes
Not only has the club welcomed a new president there is also a different looking committee which includes re-standing directors Kerry Roach, Ron Thurlow and Peter Greenhalgh with newly elected directors Phyllis Miller, AnneMaree Howell, Aiden Clarke, Jason Howell and Ben Parslow.
“I feel it is a strong committee, some returning and some newly elected which I’m sure will do the club proud. I’m looking forward to working with them into the future,” Michael said.
Roach was one of the
However, anyone wanting a game just turn up at 9am for the 9.30am start on any Wednesday. Due to support two greens were put into play last week. Some were real close, one involved had Colleen Liebich and Kerry Dunstan winning 23-22 in 22 ends over Cheryl Hodges and Lyall Strudwick. They did it the hard way, behind 7-15 at half way then 15-21 a er 16. 7-1 home was the winner.
While a card wasn’t present for publication a draw was played between Geo Coles and Alf Davies 18-all over 20 ends against Bill Scott and Ross Williams. It came down to the last few ends with Geo and Alf gaining the upper hand for the draw highlighted by a single on the last.
Super Sue Smith was on ‘ re’ and did what is impossible to beat, a resting toucher in the ditch while leading for Peter Mackay winning over Leslie Dunstan who also had a strong game with excellent length leading for Barry Shine 20-18 in 22.
The ladies stole the show where a ve on end eight to the winners shot them out to a lead of 10-4 which was dwindled down to 18-all prior the S and P winning the last two ends with singles.
Angela Dent and Ron Thurlow won 18-14 in 18 over Ann Nixon and Geo West leading 11-3 a er eight before 11-all a er 12 for a 7-3 nish.
Bill Looney and Irene Riley showed no Christmas spirit thumping Robyn Mattiske and Ray Dunstan 18-5 in 18 but they did have
some bragging rights winning the rst with a single.
John Baass and Laurie Crouch also red winning 27-14 in 22 over Bill O’Connell and Geo Williams highlighted by 8-0 in the last three ends.
Eddie Gould and Billy Cowell won 31-19 in 22 over Phillip Hocking and Barry White who had to be excused for part as he le his ‘arm’ at home. 16-4 at half time then 20-19 with three to play.
Lyn Simmonds and Paul Doust also played 20 winning 20-15 over Deanna Williams and John Kennedy in a tight game for most, 11-9 a er 10, 13-all a er 15 for a 7-2 nish.
On Thursday 16 bowlers braved the warmer conditions to enjoy an a ernoon of bowls and laughter.
Billy Cowell & Glen Kearney came up against Ron Thurlow and Wayne Burton. Billy & Glen stamped their position early leading 12 to 5 on 7. 20-10 on 14 Ron and Wayne had to dig deep. Picking up the next 3 ends unfortunately wasn’t enough with Billy and Glen 23-14 over 20ends.
The girls did it again. Kerry Roach and Cherie Vincent gave Bobby Grant and Denis Byrnes a run for their money. The girls leading 9-2 on 7. Bobby and Denis picked up a 2 but Kerry and Cherie scored 14 points over the next 6 ends. Final score 32-11.
Ange Dwyer and Al Phillips drew Max Vincent and Kevin Hodge. Neck and neck with 1 point di erence on 9 Max and Kevin li ed to gain a 4. Full steam ahead Max and Kev 14-4
Jackpot Rink drawn was Rink 5, unfortunately did not go o so it will jackpot again next week.
Sunday: Not much in the scoreboard when Kelly Stringer and Bert Bayley played Terry Murphy and Lyall Strudwick. Terry and Lyall sitting comfortably at hal ime 8 to 3. Kelly and Bert refueled and it showed. Kelly and Bert taking the win 13-12.
Tyler Murphy and Peter Besgrove drew Christian Markwort and Shayne Staines. Tyler and Shayne having a handy lead 9-4 at the break. Tyler and Peter won 6 of the next 8 ends to nish strong and end with a draw 13 all.
Peter Greenhalgh and Brian (Spro) Asimus did not take it easy on their opponents Ron Thurlow and Robert (Pooch) Dukes. Spro picking up 11 points in the rst 8 Peter and Pooch had to climb back. Peter & Spro showed no mercy and won 5 of the next 8 and win the game 21-8.
Our triples game was played between Jax Murphy, John Cutler and John Kennedy coming up against Joyce Gray, Trish Todd and Laurie Crouch. A close game with only 1 point di erence at hal ime. 7 all on 9 it was anyone’s games. Laurie was fortunate to pick up 2 on the last to win 11-8.
Resting Touchers: Laurie Crouch, Winning Rink: Rink 4 Shayne Staines and Tyler Murphy
Losing Rink: Rink 1 Ron Thurlow and Pooch Dukes
Jackpot lives another day as not won and will jackpot again next week.
In his report retiring president Peter Mackay said the last 12 months had been a highly successful time for the club.
He said while over $500,000 had been spent over the past four years toilet works are scheduled to commence thanks to financial support from ladies, men’s and mixed bowls committees.
As retiring treasurer, Peter (Mackay) who has held the position for the past 16 years said he has seen many changes while reporting a record profit of $189,173 less deprecation of $65,075 for a nett profit of $124,098.
Happy with the schedule of sports currently being played at the club Michael feel more can be added. More so Petanque (similar to Bocce).
“Originated in France it’s a good game and I feel could be played and shared on the green currently occupied by croquet,” he said.
He should know having played the game at the World titles in Perth last year and national Games in Canberra in August this year. He is now setting his sights on the upcoming World Transplant Games in Germany during August next year.
“I would like to see more sports played at the club while supporting others when possible,” Michael said.
Eugowra has dived back into the Cabonne small town swimming challenge.
It seems it’s been a number of years since the Eugowra had a competitive swimming club but the Eugowra Junior Sports committee has got the kids back in training at the local pool on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons each week.
Swimmers range in age from five to 14, and can join in training from when they can swim
across the pool. They are having time trials every month which they finish with a barbecue.
Now they’re back in competition, contesting the Cabonne Small Towns Shield and doing their club proud at their first two meets.
Katrina Noble from the junior sports committee said or ganisers understood Eugowra was one of the founding towns in the Shield competition more
Anglers across NSW are invited to return to the water, with Murray Cod season ofcially starting in December.
About 60,000 cod were transported to Wyangala Dam ahead of the summer holidays and shing season.
“The annual closure, which runs from September 1 through to November 30 and applies to all inland waters except for Blowering Dam and Copeton Dam, is a key conservation measure designed to safeguard Murray Cod during their vulnerable spawning period,” NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Acting Executive Director Fisheries Peter Turnell said.
“The seasonal closure, implemented nearly two decades ago, along with successful breeding and stocking initiatives, has played a crucial role in improving the health of Murray Cod populations.
“In the 2023–24 stocking season alone, more than 450,000 Murray Cod were released into waterways across inland NSW, with another bumper production season at our Narrandera Fisheries Centre native sh hatchery already underway”.
Mr Turnell said the reopening of the Murray Cod shing
About 60,000 Murray Cod were transported to Wyangala. Wyangala Waters
season is a great opportunity for anglers to target this great native sport sh, however it is important to follow the regulations designed to protect the species.
“We encourage all shers targetting Murray Cod to adhere to the legal bag and size limits along with all other shing rules that apply,” he said.
Endemic Murray Cod are also crucial to the health of waterways, Mr Turnell added, with protections in place.
“Protecting iconic native species like Murray Cod is crucial for ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy them. A daily bag limit of two Murray Cod per person and a total possession limit of four applies when shing in any inland waters,” he said.
“Fishers are required to carefully release Murray Cod which are smaller than 55cm, or bigger than 75cm”.
than 50 years ago.
The club attended its first carnival at Cudal this month, with swimmers as young as five putting in a massive effort. They even came away with five first places!
Manildra hosted the second carnival of the season, with more Eugowra swimmers
Craft on the Creek, they were able to don new club swimming caps for this meet.
February 1 is the next exciting date for the club when Eugowra hosts Manildra, Cudal and Molong in a home carnival. The club will run a raffle on the day to raise funds for Eu-
On Saturday December 14 Aussie Croquet was played with 27 in attendance. It was a very warm morning.
All three games were won by May Jones, Elvy Quirk, Kevin Rubie and David West whilst two games were won by John Allegri, Geoff Coles, Ray Burridge and Kevin Wenning. Kevin is already showing his style as he is relatively new to the game.
Scores recorded as follows:
14/13: Geoff Coles & Ray Burridge def Joan Littlejohn & Cheryl Toohey, John Allegri & Allan Jones def Fay Picker & Russell Anderson, Barry White & Geoff Coles def John Cole & Bill Scott, John Farah & John Cole def Bill Scott & Kevin Wenning, Lyn Simmonds & John Browne def Allan Jones & Fay Picker.
14/12 scores as follows: Elvy Quirk ( solo) def John Browne & Noel Jolliffe, Elvy Quirk & Carolyn Neilsen def Phillip Moran & Lyn Simmonds, Phillip Moran & John Allegri def Noel Jolliffe (solo) May Jones & Kevin Wenning def Ray Burridge & Peter West.
14/11 scores recorded by Fay Picker & Marie Spry def John Browne & Russell Anderson, Elvy Quirk & Kevin Rubie def John Farah & Marie Spry, May Jones & David West def Joan Littlejohn & Peter West.
14/10 scoring was by Kevin Wenning & Kevin Rubie def Colleen Liebich & Lyn Simmonds, May Jones and David West def Marie Spry & Harley Stewart, David West (solo) def Robin Pols & John Cole.
14/9 scoring as follows: Frank Donohoe & Peter West def Carolyn Neilsen & Robin Pols, Kevin Rubie & Noel Jolliffe def Geoff Coles & Allan Jones.
On Tuesday December 17 Forbes Croquet Club held their annual Christmas luncheon, Trophy and Prize giving awards. A really lovely scrumptious meal was served in the bar area at the Vandenberg Hotel where 54 members were in attendance. Full particulars will be in the next edition in the new year. Forbes Croquet Club members extend their best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all.
Take care, stay safe over the holiday period.
Contributed by Elvy Quirk
A er some wet and wild weekends resulting in back to back washouts, there was some fantastic cricket weather and with that come some great cricketing results in the Forbes and District Cricket Association senior competition on Saturday.
Forbes Battapi defeated Condo/Kiactoo
The Battapi went in to bat rst and were 9/128 a er 30 overs.
Top scorers were K. O’Byrne 39 and O. Patterson 31* while N. Turner was dangerous for the bowling side taking 3/10 o 2.0 overs and C. Venables claimed 3/21 o 6.0 overs.
Condo/Kiactoo headed to the middle but were bundled out for 68 in 19.0
overs. T. Ross was best with bat with 22, G. Johnson added 16.
O. Patterson did the damage for Battapi taking 4/7 o 3.0 over, and R. Graham 2/10 o 4.0 overs.
Trundle Ducks defeated VCR. The Ducks batted rst and were 7/119 a er 30.0 overs.
Top scorers were P. Williams 34 and B. Watt 25.
Taking the wickets for VC Reid were M. Wright 2/19 o 3.0 overs and J. Wright 2/22 o 6.0 overs.
VCR headed to the centre but despite a 52 by an in-form J Wright supported by a 10* by J Smith they were 9/103 for their 30.0 overs.
Best bowling for Trundle was by J.
Liesegang 2/13 o 3.0 overs and P. Williams 2/18 o 6.0 overs.
The Vandenberg Colts defeated Tigers.
Tigers batted rst but were bundled out for 72 o 21.0 overs.
J. Sherritt scored 27 and H. Willis 12, but the bowling of M. Hazel 3/7 o 3.0 overs and A. Flick 2/2 o 1.0 overs took care of the competition.
In reply Vandenberg Colts achieved the required runs with the loss of just two wickets in 17 overs.
T. Glasson top scored with 33 and J. Ellison was 30 not out.
Best with the ball for the Tigers were J. Skinner 1/15 o 4.0 overs and H. Hodges 1/23 o 5.0 overs.
HAYDEN DUGGAN LAPS WITH THE CHEQUERED FLAG AFTER LEADING ALL THE WAY TO WIN THE AUSTRALIAN DIRT TRACK TITLE.
HAYDEN Duggan has nished the year with an Australian Dirt Track Championships title to his name.
A er success in the heats, Hayden led throughout the nal at the at track championships to claim the win in the nine to 13 years on the Honda CRF 150cc. It was a great way for the local 13-year-old to nish
what’s been a busy and successful year on the race track, with plenty of travel to race.
Hayden claimed third place in the NSW titles and in the Victorian titles, second in the Central Coast Cup and the win in the Casey Stoner Cup at Kurri Kurri.
He had high hopes ahead of Forbes Auto Sports Club
hosting the Australian Junior Track Championship, but came down with in uenza A for the meet and was pleased under those di cult circumstances to nish h.
Hayden competes regularly at Forbes, Cowra, Condobolin, Canberra to get his laps in, and travelled to Gosford a few times this year ahead of the national titles there.
The road trips were worth it, dad Joel Duggan said, with Hayden gaining the experience to dominate that track at the championships.
There were more than 30 riders in a very competitive class of nine to 13-year-olds, with Hayden winning three of his four heats and taking third in the other.
The top 12 riders battle it out in the nal, with the top
10 earning their place with top points through the heats and the nal two selected from a repecharge.
Hayden got away to an excellent start but the race came under a red ag due to a crash just one lap in.
“I locked in and went again - and got rst to the corner again,” Hayden said.
He led through the six laps - the race tough but crossing
the nish line a triumph. It’s an achievement to celebrate before Hayden goes up to the 13 to 16 year age group and KTM 250cc bike in 2025.
He thanks his sponsors Roylances Tractors Replacements, Moto Tech Canberra, Maslins Concrete Pumping, Dunc Insurance, Jelbarts Tyrepower, Craig and Melissa’s Detailing.
