FA20250206

On top of the world

JUSTIN Roylance and the V8 Superboat team have placed third in the World Jetsprint championships - with a boat they’ve built and got onto the racetrack in less than a month.

The Forbes driver has been on an incredible ride in the lead up to the world series, which was raced over two big weekends in New Zealand.

On Sunday he secured second for the weekend’s racing and third overall in the world championships - a remarkable achievement and even more so under the circumstances.

Justin and his daughter Macey escaped serious injury but the championship race boat was written o in a crash over the Christmas period.

It le Roylance, who was preparing to contest the world series with navigator Tracy Little, and the rest of the team, with big decisions to make and a big job ahead.

“We got our heads together, got our team together, and were able to secure a new boat,” Roylance said.

It took a team e ort to get the new boat body to New Zealand, put it together and get it on the water for testing in a matter of days.

Roylance came back to Australia and got the team together for the return trip for the championships.

“We went straight to Wanaka - a beautiful part of the world,” Justin said.

Despite early challenges in Round 1, the team secured a lap that got them through quali ers and they improved through the day to secure a third at the end of Round 1.

Then they were back on the road to Wanganui - where they’d crashed in local competition - for Round 2 of the championships.

Roylance had no time to let that

experience a ect his driving in the championships.

“The rst thing I did when I went past where we went out (of the track)

I had the boat absolutely at out and got it out of my system,” he said.

Again they progressed through the quali ers, with further ne tuning to the boat, to prepare for their last race of the series.

“Our last lap was de nitely our fastest and it felt absolutely fantastic,” Roylance said.

“It might look fast on the screen

but when you’re there and you can hear it and feel it, you can see how quick they’re actually going, it’s jaw-dropping.”

It’s hard to nd the words to capture the thrill of nishing that weekend second, and third overall.

“It was a pretty good comeback from where we were new year’s where we didn’t have anything,”

Roylance said.

“The journey’s been unbelievable.

“The biggest thing for us is not

just the racing it’s the whole journey - going away with your mates and your family, the relationships you build when you’re here as well.

“The hospitality has been unbelievable.”

Joining driver Justin on the team are navigator Tracy Little, crew chief Michael Little, Brett Thomas, Mitch Malthouse, Justin’s wife Bree Roylance and their three girls Mac-

the next world championships in Australia in 2027.

First steps are to continue their Australian titles campaign, where they’re currently second. The nals are to be held at Temora.

Justin Roylance and the Outlaw V8 Superboat team, including his family.

RIGHT: Justin Roylance drove the V8 superboat to third place in the 2025 world series.

PHOTO: Shot 360

ey, Eliza and Georgie - as well as their New Zealand friends. They’re now bound for home, happy that the boat is coming back in one piece as well, and anticipating

just the racing it’s the whole jour- ey, Eliza and Georgie - as well as

Meet the new committee as VIEW Club’s year begins

FORBES View Club December meeting was held on Thursday 12 with James Whalen joining the 45 View Club members for our Christmas celebration lunch.

He joined in the Christmas festivities by entertaining the ladies singing carols.

He also joined in helping to answer Christmas Trivia, judging the carol sing-o and enjoying a delicious meal. Thank you to Club Forbes for providing the venue.

We wish Helen Hurley, our past president, all the best for her new adventures in Queensland and hope she is enjoying her new lifestyle.

I’m sure we will be hearing from her o en. She has found a View Club within ve minutes of her new home, so she will continue to be an active supporter.

At our February meeting the new committee members for 2025 will be introduced.

It is exciting to have quite a few new committee members take up the challenge and help run our club.

A huge thank you to outgoing committee members, your e orts have been much appreciated.

Forbes Club has nine students to support at present and the committee appreciate the support from our members.

We were directed that we can contact our students by email to support them and Chris Phillips has done a wonderful job keeping contact with them.

We are being thrust into using computers more and more and some among us have even mastered Zoom, Skype, Facetime and Video messaging.

View Club is a club where new friendships develop and is open to any ladies to join. Maybe the mem-

bers could ask a friend along to a meeting and introduce her to the aims of View in supporting education of disadvantaged children. Forbes has just completed its 54th year and we still have inaugural members among our number.

On a sad note, Alison Lockhart along serving member, of Forbes View Club passed away. She will be missed as she contributed much to the Club and her Scottish brogue and many jokes were a delight for many.

WHAT’S ON in and around Forbes

ADULT SURVIVORS OF CHILD ABUSE

Friday, February 7

The Adult Survivors of Child Abuse - Cowra Support Group meets on the rst Friday of each month from 12:30pm to 2:30pm and is open to survivors of all communities. All details online via: recover.itmatters.com.au. Alternatively, call Pascale, the facilitator, on 0458 698 460.

MARKETS

Saturday, February 8

Forbes Club of Rotary Ipomoea markets are on again on February 8! Markets are on at Lion’s Park from 8am to 12.30pm. If you’d like to book a stall phone 0427201445, or head on down and browse on Saturday.

VARIETY NIGHT

Saturday, February 8

Michele Quigley and Leigh Bartholomaeus are preparing for the Abel Tasman Trek for Vision in New Zealand this year, and raising funds with what promises to be an evening full of fun, laughs and entertainment from local performers. This event is booked out.

BEDGERABONG

PICNIC RACES

Saturday, February 15

It’s on again! The best little race meeting in the west. Get your tickets online now for Bedgerabong

Picnic Race Day. The fashions on the eld, the fun, the entertainment and of course the racing all returns to this picturesque club in 2025. Tickets online at 123tix.com.au

COUNTRY SOUNDS

Saturday, February 22

Country Sounds returns in February! Robbie Mortimer, Tyla Rodrigues, Baeden Faint and Gracey Jones will be rocking the Cooke Park Stage. Make sure to mark your calendars and gather your friends for a night of amazing music and good vibes. Stay up to date with Parkes Shire Council for more exciting updates.

FLOOD RECOVERY CHECK IN

Wednesday, February 26

It is more than two years since the oods. This free session will help participants to manage thoughts and feelings commonly experienced two years a er a natural disaster, and identify potential risks during this recovery stage. For many, life is nding a new sense of normal, but for others, recovery continues to be a struggle. It can feel like things are getting harder. This night is presented by Phil Worrad from the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program with Legal Aid, Reconstruction NSW, NSW Ambulance and Council attending. It’s at the Forbes Rugby Club, Gordon Du Drive, from 5pm - 6.30pm. RSVP by text to Phil 0436 921 076.

JOURNALISTS

WELCOME TO FORBES

Thursday, February 27

The next welcome to Forbes event is on Thursday 27 February at the Vandenberg Hotel from 5:30pm. Welcome to Forbes welcomes new members of the Forbes community to the amazing town and locals. If your new to the town make sure to come and say hi.

The rst meeting for 2025 will be held on Thursday February 13 at 12 noon for 12.30 pm start at Club Forbes where the guest speaker will be representatives from the Salvation Army. Members are reminded to book early with your designated contact. Some contacts have changed and all members should have received a letter giving you the new contact details for your designated contact person.

From the mayor’s desk

THANK you to all members of the community who completed the allimportant Community Survey for our Community Strategic Plan (CSP).

The CSP is a 10-year plan for the future of our shire and sets out the strategies Council will undertake to achieve each item in the plan.

The survey was the rst stage of updating the CSP, and this was the community’s chance to let Council know what it wants and expects for the future of Forbes.

To everyone who took the time to complete the survey and have their say, thank you for your e ort.

I’d also like to say a special “thank you” to the hundreds of local children who completed the survey – you are the future of our shire, and your input is so important.

Council will now collect all the data from the responses and let the community know “what we heard” as the next stage of updating the CSP.

The community will now get another chance to provide more input, so stay tuned for the details.

www.forbesadvocate.com.au

WIRRINYA AQUATIC CLUB COCKTAIL EVENING

Saturday, March 1

Experience an incredible evening by the scenic Wirrinya ski dam! Savour delicious woodred pizza from Povey’s Pizza and enjoy live music by the talented Gracey Denham Jones. Your night will begin with a complimentary cocktail or beer upon arrival. A return bus service from Forbes will be available - be sure to purchase your bus ticket when booking, camping onsite is also welcome. Tickets online now at 123tix.com.au

CENTRAL WEST FARMING LUNCH

Friday, March 7

Central West Farming Systems is hosting a free ladies lunch & learn in Forbes. Presenters include Diana Fear - CEO of CWFS, Chiara Stommel - Trials Agronomist and Carbon Farming Outreach Trainers will partner with Emma Ayli e - a highly respected local agronomist to better understand carbon farming through

Renee Powell 0448 238 023

rpowell@midwestmedia.com.au

Brendan McCool 0448 238 254

bmccool@midwestmedia.com.au

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Courtney Gambrill 0448 248 080

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BEDGERABONG PICNIC RACES SAT, FEBRUARY 15

the support of the National Industryled Carbon Farming Outreach Program. Questions to Brooke on 0428 039 273 or Brooke.watts@dpi. nsw.gov.au Bookings are essential through trybooking.com

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Saturday, March 8

Save the date to celebrate International Women’s Day 2025March Forward with breakfast at Lions Park from 7am to 10am. Details to be announced.

TRUNDLE

BACK IN TIME

March 15 and 16

This celebration of heritage returns to Trundle with the theme Show Us Ya Tracks. There will be all the regular favourites - the tractor pull, sheaf toss, swap meet, market stalls and kids zone with live music too. 2025 also marks 100 years of John Deere tractors.

The nal stage will see all information collated and the nal CSP report created, which will be adopted by Council on 1 July 2025. I am looking forward to welcoming new members of our community at our next Welcome to Forbes event on Thursday 27 February at the Vandenberg Hotel.

If you have moved to Forbes Shire I would love to see you there.

Council on 1 July 2025. our community at our next other new residents and

It’s a great way to meet other new residents and get to know more about Amazing Forbes, Forbes Shire Council, as well as the various community and sporting groups in town. The event starts at 5:30pm. To RSVP please call Council on 6850 2300 or email events@forbes.nsw. gov.au.

For all residents impacted by the devastating 2022 oods, please do not forget to RSVP to the two-year ood recovery check-in event. It is completely free and will include Legal Aid NSW, NSW Reconstruction Authority and NSW Ambulance to give you the guidance you need, and even some free health checks. It will be at the Forbes Rugby Club from 5pm –6:30pm on Wednesday 26 February. Please RSVP by texting Phil Worrad on 0436 921 076.

God Bless, Phyllis Miller OAM

Connect at community check-in, two years on

Were you a ected by the 2022 oods in Forbes?

You’re very welcome at a community check-in this month.

The event is being organised by Philip Worrad from the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program, who’s bringing together representatives from Reconstruction NSW and Legal Aid, as well as council and NSW Ambulance.

The gathering is an acknowledgement that two years on from the disaster Forbes experienced in those prolonged ood events can be tough, Phil said.

People can be le exhausted, particularly if they’re experiencing the stress and uncertainty of not being back in their home.

“I think it’s a conversation that’s needed for a lot of people at this particular time of recovery,” Phil said.

The check-in is an opportunity to connect with services but also with each other.

Homes Program assessments in our region, Legal Aid has also been working with ooda ected central west residents.

“I always encourage people to speak to Legal Aid - they’re able to o er assistance in areas that people don’t even realise they have need in,” Phil said.

NSW Ambulance will be o ering blood pressure and glucose level checks, because if you haven’t had the capacity to go see a GP lately it’s worth checking.

“There’s stu that can shi as a consequence of going through this sort of disaster and that sort of recovery, that can take years.

“Research shows the typical time of recovery is between ve and 10 years.”

Phil is also very much aware that the central west experienced disasters backto-back.

“We’ve gone from one adversity to another - drought, COVID, mice, oods,” he said.

Three charged with alleged affray

Three men have been charged following an assault in Forbes last Wednesday evening.

About 7.30pm on January 29, emergency services received reports three men had been injured in an earlier fight in Conridge Street.

They were called to and attended Farnell Street, and Ambulance NSW paramedics treated the men, aged 30, 33 and 49. One man was taken to Forbes Hospital in a stable condition.

Three men were arrested at two Forbes premises the following afternoon, Thursday January 30. They were taken to Forbes Police Station and charged with affray while the 30-year-old man was also charged with resist officer in execution of duty and use offensive weapon with intent commit indictable offence. All three were granted bail to appear before Forbes Local court in February. Inquiries continue.

Police appeal for information after shooting

It’s happening on Wednesday, February 26 at the Forbes rugby union club from 5pm. It will involve a facilitated conversation led by Phil, then the opportunity to speak with him as well as the other services available.

Phil will be able to share strategies for managing stress and some of the difcult thoughts and feelings that can be associated with what people have been having to deal with since the ooding.

Disaster recovery is much more complex than physically rebuilding your home, Phil added.

“It’s a compounding e ect, we’re not dealing with just one thing - we’re dealing with another thing.

“In some rural communities, we’re doing it pretty bloody tough.”

He’s encouraging community members to take the opportunity to look a er themselves.

Reconstruction NSW is currently undertaking Resilient

“For a lot of people who have been signi cantly impacted ‘normal’ has changed,” he said.

In his role with RAMHP, Phil works from Orange to Condobolin, Eugowra to Tottenham.

RAMHP is also positioned to connect people to further support.

Police are appealing for information following a shooting in Forbes before Christmas.

No injuries have been reported but police found a single bullet hole in the boot of a vehicle after a loud bang was reported to police.

A man told police he heard a loud bang outside his home in Queen Street about 3.30am on Sunday, December 22, 2024.

Officers attached to Central West Police District attended and located a single bullet hole in the boot of the vehicle. The vehicle has been seized for forensic examination under Strike Force Goovigen.

Police are asking for anyone who was in the vicinity of Queen Street, Forbes, at the time, or anyone who believes they have relevant dashcam vision, to come forward. Contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au

Volunteer Annika Dukes is Forbes’ Young Citizen of the Year

Annika Dukes has been named our Young Citizen of the Year at Forbes shire’s 2025 Australia Day celebrations.

Annika has been volunteering in our community from sporting to community organisations for years, with four years with Forbes Youth Action Team through to helping with the elephants at Taronga zoo.

Joining a basketball team led her to join the committee, and she put her hand up to join the committee of Forbes Hockey Inc as soon as she was old enough.

Annika joined the team at our local pharmacy a er graduating from high school in 2022 and is working as a dispensary technician, looking to study pharmacy in the future.

One of the great volunteer roles she’s held was working

at Dubbo’s Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

Annika learned about the youth volunteering program on an excursion from school - and was very happy to be accepted.

“You start working in the cafes and bike shed and once you have a certain amount of hours you can go and be with a zoo keeper for the day,” she explained.

Annika got to work with the elephants - and loved it - for the three years she made the trip to Dubbo to volunteer.

Alongside a zoo keeper from 7am to 3pm, she got to be part of their routine - both the fun and the serious work of health checks.

They’d run a regular routine of checking the elephants every morning, and weigh them every morning as well to make sure they’re healthy.

“Just their personalities,”

Annika said of what she loved about them. “You could kick a soccer ball with them.”

Taronga has youth and adult volunteer program, all supporting the organisation’s critical conservation work.

The zoo has active involve ment in breed and release programs, habitat recovery and the rehabilitation and re lease of injured or orphaned wildlife.

Annika has followed her family example in giving her time to support her commu nity - stepping in as assistant steward for photography at the show to help her sister is another example - and she’d highly recommend it.

“Put your hand up if you can help, it’s great to give back to the community and keep things running,” she said.

If you’re looking for a sport, hockey will be on through the winter from Term 2.

Philip Worrad from the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program.

Scholarship opens doors for Alex to study aeronautical engineering

CORINELLA student Alex Caban has been awarded a prestigious scholarship to live and study at tSt Andrew’s College within the University of Sydney in 2025.

Alex Caban will study a Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Aeronautical Engineering) at the University of Sydney a er graduating from Kinross Wolaroi School in 2024.

The scholarship is one of just 40 awarded this year and is granted to exceptional students from rural and regional communities across Australia.

Alex aspires to become an aerospace engineer working in the international space industry.

“I feel privileged and grateful to be provided support to attend St Andrew’s College,” he said.

“It will allow me to attend one the Australia’s best universities and residential college, and grant me the opportunity to achieve my academic and career goals.”

An appealing part of St Andrews was the performing arts community, where he expects he’ll spend a large amount of time performing and practicing music.

Alex said living in a rural community taught him the value of resilience and hard work.

“My message to my community is to always work hard to achieve your goals even if they do seem unattainable due to our isolation,” he said.

“Everything is achievable if you give it a go.”

The scholarship will provide support for Mr Caban’s college expenses, encompassing accommodation, meals, and academic assistance.

“Alex Caban is a worthy recipient of a prestigious Scholarship at St Andrew’s College for 2025 and we look forward to him making a substantial contribution to the academic, sporting, artistic and cultural life of our college in the years to come,” St Andrew’s College Principal, Dr Daniel Tyler said.

“St Andrew’s recognises the unique challenges faced by many rural and regional students in accessing higher education, and our scholarships are strategically designed to ease these challenges and provide much-needed nancial support.

“These scholarships open doors to education for exceptional students from various backgrounds and also enrich our college community with their unique perspectives and talents.”

St Andrew’s College is renowned for its extensive scholarship program, o ering up to $2.2 million in scholarships annually, the most signi cant program of any Australian residential college per capita.

St Andrew’s College has been a residential college within the University of Sydney since 1867 and is today home to more than 380 male and female undergraduates, postgraduates and resident fellows.

For

Are you part of a club, group or non-profit organisation in the Lachlan, Bland or Forbes Shires looking for a boost?

Evolution Mining’s Cowal Gold Operations (CGO) invite applications for round one of the 2025 Cowal Partnering Program for funding, in-kind support or material donations that deliver outcomes in the

or

Letters in the mail about electoral boundary changes

THE AEC is notifying more than 360,000 households in NSW that they are enrolled in a di erent electoral division a er federal boundaries were redrawn in the state last year.

Forbes is one of the areas that will see a change in federal representation: our local government area has been moved to the Parkes electorate from Riverina.

AEC State Manager for New South Wales Rebecca Main said that a federal election must be held sometime in the next four months.

“With a federal election coming it is important that

Forbes and Parkes will vote in the federal electorate of

when we go to the polls this year.

PICTURE: Australian Electorate Commission

voters are familiar with the seat they’ll be voting in for the House of Representatives,” Ms Main said.

“Redrawn boundaries

POSITION VACANT

COWRA BUS SERVICE is seeking a Heavy Vehicle Mechanic to join our team. This position is based in Cowra and involves hands on mechanical duties including all aspect of bus repairs, maintenance & other duties involved with the daily operation of the business.

THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT MUST:

• Qualified Heavy Diesel Mechanic;

• Experience in Heavy vehicle maintenance;

• Be hands on;

• Work well under pressure;

mean a lot of people will be voting in di erent seats to last time, so we’re letting them know in a few ways including by sending letters and running ads on social media.

“It is an automatic change made on their enrolment record but the action required by voters is simply to know what their seat is ahead of time so they can be prepared when they’re thinking about who they might vote for.”

Eugowra remains in the Calare electorate.

Households can expect to see letters in coming weeks.

• Preferably be proficient in bus electronics;

• Preferable hold a airconditon ticket or experience;

• Preferably hold a MR drivers licence

• Preferably hold a NSW Bus Driver Authority;

Parkes

St Andrew’s College. PHOTO: Supplied

Alex Caban has interests in music as well as studying to become an aerospace engineer working in the international space industry.

PHOTO: Supplied

Nedd hailed a great ambassador for Forbes

Rotary has named Nedd Brock mann our local ambassador of the year, celebrating his over whelming sporting and fundrais ing achievements on Australia day.

Brockmann gained national and international attention in 2022 when he completed a 3952km run from Australia’s west coast to east coast, raising $1.47 million for homelessness.

In 2024 he embarked on an other feat of endurance: he ran 1600km in 12 days.

In doing so, the now 24-yearold raised a further $3 million for charity Mobilise to support peo ple experiencing homelessness.

Nedd’s “uncomfortable chal lenge” not only to himself but the rest of the country ended up rais ing $4.7million over the follow ing weeks.

President of Forbes Rotary Ipomoea Sue-anne Nixon said Forbes was incredibly proud of Nedd for his vision and his ac tions to help others.

Ambassador Ange Clarke had already spoken about what one person could achieve and Sueanne said Nedd exemplified that.

“He had a big, big idea and still has that big idea - and is still working towards achieving more,” she said in announcing the award.

Police make arrests in regional property crime spike

“Our awardee continues to raise funds for the homeless people and has a band of volunteers working with him as fundraiser.”

Nedd couldn’t be at the breakfast but his mum Kylie Brockmann accepted the award on his behalf.

The Australia day breakfast is hosted by Rotary every year and the Rotary Club of Forbes traditionally presents the awards.

Sue-anne explained the Rotary Club of Forbes had folded within the past year, and had asked Ipomoea to continue the tradition.

Two men found in Parkes have been charged with multiple break-in and stealing offences occurring in the state’s west. And further charges are expected as police continue their investigations into a spike in property crime across Parkes and other areas.

Just before 2pm last Thursday, Parkes police officers and others attached to Central West Police District executed a search warrant at a property in Thornbury Street in Parkes.

During the search of the home, police located a 20-year-old man and an 18-year-old man.

They also seized a number of clothing items allegedly worn by the two men in several break and enter, and motor vehicle offences.

Both men were arrested and taken to Parkes Police Station where they were charged.

The 20-year-old man was charged with take and drive conveyance without consent of owner (two counts), aggravated break, enter and steal and breach of bail. These offences occurred in Narrandera.

The 18-year-old man was charged with be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner from an offence that occurred in Condobolin.

Both were refused bail to appear before court in Orange on Friday.

Further charges are expected to be laid as forensic evidence is examined.

In what became a day for apprehending offenders, Parkes police officers arrested a further four people on that Thursday.

with s. 154 of the Roads Act 1993, Council places on public notice a call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the lease over a lane adjoining Lot 325 Deposited Plan 752962 and Lot 14 Deposited Plan 1117216 east of Claret Street. The lane is roughly 2,735 sqm and there is no access to electricity or water at this site. EOIs may be tendered using the Expression of Interest

Form available on the Tenders and Expressions of Interest page on Council’s website. Completed forms can be emailed to forbes@forbes.nsw.gov.au, posted to The General Manager, Forbes Shire Council, PO Box 333, Forbes NSW 2871 or delivered to 2 Court Street, Forbes. Tenders will be accepted until COB 28 February 2025. For further information please contact Council’s Manager Corporate Business on 6850 2300 (Option 4)

Flood Recovery Check In Forbes Shire Council invites all residents impacted by the 2022 floods to attend the Flood Recovery Check In. It is more than two years since the floods. This free session will help participants to manage thoughts and feelings commonly experienced two years after a natural disaster and identify potential risks during this recovery stage. For many, life is finding a new sense of normal, but for others, recovery continues to be a struggle. It can feel like things are getting harder.

DATE: Wednesday 26 February

TIME: 5pm-6.30pm

AT: Forbes Rugy Club, Gordon Duff Drive, Forbes

RSVP: Text Phil 0436 921 076

Presented by Phil Worrad from RAMHP - Rural Adversity Mental Health Program with Legal Aid, NSW Reconstruction Authority, NSW Ambulance and Forbes Shire Council attending.

ONLINE BUSINESS DIRECTORY - IS YOUR BUSINESSES LISTED? Forbes Shire Council invites all local businesses to list their business on Forbes Online Business Directory. This Directory is an excellent reference point for new residents and developers to make direct contact with your business. Scan the QR code to review or submit your business listing via the LIVE FORBES website https://liveforbes.com.au/live/ directory/ or email your business details to business@forbes.nsw.gov.au

Open Tenders, RFQs & EOIs Council invites submissions for the following tenders, request for

A 23-year-old Condobolin male was arrested after a brief foot pursuit at a unit block in Welcome Street in Parkes.

He was charged with child sex offences and was refused bail to reappear in Condobolin Court in February.

A 24-year-old female was arrested in relation to two warrants when located at the unit block in Welcome Street. She was granted bail by Orange Local Court.

There was a foot pursuit in PAC Park between police and a 36-year-old Parkes man, who was arrested and charged with break, enter and steal from a house in Belmore Street, two counts of goods in custody and resisting arrest.

Police bail was refused and he will appear in Orange Local Court.

A 35-year-old male will also appear in Orange Court after he was arrested for domestic violence intimidation and contravening an AVO.

Kylie Brockmann accepted the award for son Nedd from Rotary Ipomoea president Sue-anne Nixon.

Hooked on fishing, Russell’s giving back

Russell Spencer caught his first yellowbelly in the Lachlan River when he was just three years old – and in his own words, he’s been hooked on fishng ever since.

For 22 years he’s volunteered with Fishcare and a passionate advocate for the health of our waterways.

Mr Spencer was one of 150 locals formally recognised by Member for Orange Philip Donato in the NSW Parliament over the past year – and at a community acknowledgement last week.

He’s made a wonderful contribution on behalf of recreational anglers in the central west, Mr Donato said.

Mr Spencer logged more than 2000 hours of volunteer work and many more off the books before he stepped

down as a volunteer with the Department of Primary Industries Fishcare program.

It all stemmed from those early days on his grandfather’s property near Forbes, Mr Spencer still recalls going down to the river with his grandfather.

“We moved away when I was a child but I always came back with my cousins after that,” he said.

In the intervening years, he served in the army, moving around, but returned to Forbes in 1989.

“I saw the river had changed, because I remembered the water was fairly clear,” Mr Spencer said.

The fishing has changed with the conditions, too.

“Thirty years ago you couldn’t catch a

cod in the river, it was all yellow-belly,” Mr Spencer said.

“Now the cod are coming back … and that’s because of the closed seasons and size limits, but the yellow belly are disappearing.”

It was the early 2000s when a friend connected him to Fishcare, and since then Mr Spencer has spent time educating school children on sustainable river ecosystems and fish species and visited many inland waterways.

“I can remember 12-year-old kids, now they’re in their 30s, I see them on the river and they’re teaching their kids catch and release,” Mr Spencer said. His input earned him the title of Central West’s Senior Volunteer of the Year in 2013.

Making our community great

Achievements, contributions of our shire recognised in Parliament

Athletes, volunteers, community groups and professionals have all been recognised in NSW Parliament by Mr Donato, who hosted the fourth Annual Orange electorate Community Recognition Awards event to present them with certi cates acknowledging their achievements.

“It’s so important to recognise those quiet achievers from our community, and celebrate their remarkable e orts and accomplishments,” Mr Donato said.

“It’s amazing to discover the contributions made by individuals and organisations to our local community, as well as people’s remarkable personal or professional accomplishments.

“Most of these people do not do what they do for any recognition whatsoever, which makes this presentation so much more worthwhile when I see these humble individuals being recognised by members of their community.

“For me, recognising people from our community and celebrating their work, effort and accomplishments is one of the most rewarding parts of my job as the local Member of Parliament.

“We should all be proud of these people’s e orts, because their motivation and their values are what help to make our region bloom and such a great place to live,” Mr Donato said.

We share the rst of our Forbes and Eugowra recipients here, and many will be famliar to our readers, with more to come in a future edition:

Bill Holmes - Calarie Hall

Calarie Hall has been given a new lease on life and Mr Donato thanked the amazing volunteer committee for restoring the historic building.

The group has given countless hours of work to manage and then restore the circa 1920s hall into a thriving community centre which is now used for weddings, parties, bingo ... the list goes on.

The group applied for grants and did their own fundraising to ensure the hall, which was the original Daroobalgie School, continued as a community gathering space. It had fallen into disrepair before the group rallied in 2011, recognising the space’s importance as a place of connection.

Led by chairperson Bill Holmes the committee in those early days included Brooke Holmes, Ange Male, Linda Merritt, Allan Pritchard, Timmy Bray, Cassie Merritt, Ann Nicholson and Michael Fischer.

Wanita Smith - Central West Outstanding Out of School Hours Educator for 2024

Wanita was given the honour as an acknowledgement of her commitment and dedication to the children in her care and the support she gives to their families.

The Forbes Community Out of School

Hours Care coordinator, Wanita also runs vacation care, another invaluable service for working parents.

Reliable out of school hours care is indispensable to many parents and carers in our community, providing peace of mind that their children are in capable, caring hands while they manage work and other responsibilities. The tireless work of Wanita and her team has a profound impact on children and their families.

Jack Buckley - Pharmacist of the Year

Jack’s dedication to community health was recognised at the Independent Pharmacies of Australia annual Pharmacy Excellence Awards. Jack is a part owner of Flannery’s Pharmacy and Life Pharmacy in Forbes and he is also a pilot.

During the devastation and despair of the oods that hit the central west in November 2022, Jack combined his love of ying and health, delivering medical supplies and pharmacy sta to towns along the Lachlan River. This act of service highlights Jack’s commitment to community health care.

Life Pharmacy Group CEO, Michael Flannery states that Jack “has been a wonderful addition to LPG since joining us 12 years ago”. His impact on regional healthcare emphasises the power of an open mind and fresh perspectives, particularly in situations that are uncontrollable, such as the oods.

Forbes Probus

Forbes Probus has reached a major milestone: 40 years of keeping retired men connected and informed.

The Forbes Probus Club conducted its inaugural meeting at Forbes Golf Club on May 25, 1984, with parent club Rotary presenting inaugural president Les Hawke with his sash and badge of o ce.

Probus o ers its members a range of activities including trips away. It also provides a guest speaker at its monthly meetings, providing an opportunity to stay informed on community issues. Forbes Probus connects

the town’s elder members, for not only their bene t, but the community’s bene t.

Nedd Brockmann - Runner

Nedd Brockmann has achieved another feat of amazing endurance – again for the bene t of others. Less than two years a er running 4000km from Perth to Sydney to raise almost $2m for homeless people, Nedd has covered another 1600km, this time at the Sydney Olympic Park, with 12-and-a-half days of running.

In other words, Nedd ran more than two marathons a day around the 400m athletics track, smashing out the nal 158km in a gruelling 26 hours. Apart from the physical aspect, the mental endurance of covering the same blue surface hours on end is awe-inspiring – even for a man who has a life mantra of ‘get comfortable being uncomfortable’.

Along the way, Nedd again brought attention to Australia’s homelessness and raised more than $2.5 million for the charity We Are Mobilise. Nedd has the ultimate goal of raising $10m for charity.

Andrew Little - Forbes Show

Agricultural shows are part of the fabric of rural life and those who support them hold a special place in their communities. Described by Forbes Pastoral Agricultural and Horticultural Association president Pip Perry as a rock for the committee, Andrew has been chief steward of the antique machinery display for 17 years.

He has also been a willing and reliable volunteer across the board for the Forbes PA and H, highlighted by the countless hours he put in during the 2022 oods cleanup. Forbes has over 150 years invested in its show. People like Andrew play a huge role for their towns, and I thank him for his commitment to Forbes PA&H and its annual show.

Neil Lambert - Forbes Show

Neil Lambert was rewarded for his service to the Forbes Show with honorary life membership.

Described by Forbes Pastoral Agricultural and Horticultural Association president Pip Perry as ‘a champion around the ground’, Neil has been involved with the Forbes PA&H for more than 20 years as a reliable and able worker, never missing a working bee and lending a hand where needed.

People like Neil play a huge, yet largely unrecognised role in their towns and without dedicated workers like Neil, shows simply would not go ahead.

Celia Pavey, performing as Vera Blue Bursting on to the Australian music scene as a nalist on the television show The Voice in 2013, Celia has carried that momentum to establish a career not only nationally, but overseas.

Despite her success, Celia was delighted to return to her roots in 2024 as the headline act for Forbes Frost and Fire Festival, describing the invitation to play as ‘an honour’.

Forbes is where Celia cut her teeth musically, playing the violin and guitar with the Mitchell Conservatorium, but it’s been her exquisite and elegant voice that has set her apart.

She has gone on to record and tour successfully, worked with several renowned acts like Flume and has been nominated for a slew of industry organisation awards.

Darcy Howard - NSW young auctioneer Darcy Howard, an employee of Forbes’ stock and station agents MCC Chudleigh Dobell, brought NSW honour to the rm. One of three Forbes‑based auctioneers to make the state nals of Young Auctioneer 2024, contested as part of the Royal Easter Show in Sydney, Mr Howard was judged the best of a eld of 10 a er an intense sale. To earn the title of NSW Young Auctioneer for 2024, Mr Howard auctioned three steers from Molong farmer Stuart Hobbs and modestly credited their presentation as a big part of his success. He also paid tribute to Jack Whitty and Ryan Brown from Forbes rm who contested the nals admirably.

Health & Wellbeing Guide

Ability Network expands to support the region

ABILITY Network (AN) has undertaken an ambitious expansion project to address growing needs across the region. A cornerstone of support for individuals with disabilities in the region, the community driven organisation is dedicated to enhancing the lives of its 95 and counting clients, ranging from young adults to older individuals managing various developmental, acquired, and degenerative conditions.

The not-for-profit organisation is currently finalising the construction of a purpose-built facility at it’s Lyall Street site, designed to meet the unique requirements of people living with disabilities.

The $1+ million, 600-square-meter upgrade includes office space, staff training facilities, and a state-of-the-art open-plan day support area. This new facility will allow the organisation to run more extensive and effective programs, including enhanced cooking and life skills classes.

“This new facility is the result of over five years of work by the board and management, and we’re excited to move in at the end of February,” Shane Kruger, CEO said. “The entire facility is fully accessible and is designed specifically for people with disabilities. We even have wheelchair height benchtops and cooktop in the new kitchen, to allow everyone to participate” .

Along with the new facility opening this month, Ability Network has merged with Little Wren Co., Cowra’s leading disability support coordination business, and Erin Green will join the leadership team as General Manager Disability Services, bringing with her a wealth of disability sector experience, and 90+ clients who will continue to be managed with independent support coordination with the back office support of Ability Network’s administration team.

While the completion of this new facility and the merge with Little Wren Co are significant milestones, Ability Network’s

vision for the future extends far beyond these announcements. The organisation has identified two major priorities for the coming years: building long-term accommodation and constructing a heated hydrotherapy pool.

With an aging population, many of the organisation’s adult clients are cared for by elderly parents. The prospect of what happens to these individuals when their parents are no longer able to provide care is a pressing concern for many families. Ability Network plans to develop group homes or other longterm housing solutions to address this, offering clients and their family’s peace of mind into the future.

A hydrotherapy pool project is another critical initiative. Collaborating with other community organisations such as Carinya and Bilyara, Ability Network aims to create a facility that serves the therapy needs of its clients and the broader community. “We have the space to build on our site, and we’re eager to work with other community-led organisations to make this a reality,” Mr Kruger said. Collaboration is clearly a cornerstone of Ability Network’s approach.

of their clients. The organisation runs day programs that focus on vocational and practical life skills, such as cooking, banking, and internet use, and creative activities like painting and woodworking. On their five-acre property, clients participate in gardening and animal husbandry, caring for sheep and chickens as part of their engagement with nature and the broader world.

The organisation also provides one on-one community-based supports, helping clients with daily tasks such as shopping, banking, and attending medical appointments.

Our focus has always been on the needs of our community.

- SHANE KRUGER, CEO

These individualised services ensure that each client’s needs are met with care and attention. In addition to these day support programs, Ability Network operates short-term accommodation and respite care facilities. Respite is an invaluable service for participants and their families, especially when caregivers need a break from their care responsibilities, or participants need to travel to other centres for medical and specialist appointments.

challenges shared by other community-run organisations in Cowra. With the organisation supporting over 95 clients (and an additional 90+ clients in support coordination) spread across a wide geographic area, including towns like Grenfell, Forbes, and Blayney, finding enough staff is an ongoing concern.

“We provide over 1,100 hours of support per week, so we must continually strive to recruit and retain skilled workers passionate about this line of work. We are always looking for new staff to join our busy team and a career in disability support is incredibly rewarding” Mr Kruger said.

The organisation’s commitment to working closely with other not-for-profit, communityled groups ensures that resources and expertise are pooled to benefit the region.

For example, once the new Lyall Street facility is operational, the current Berowra Street property will be offered to another community organisation. “This house is a community asset,” Mr Kruger said.

“We’re excited to see it continue to serve the community meaningfully, with an announcement expected soon about the new use for that building.”

As Ability Network grows and evolves, its core mission remains steadfast: enhancing individual abilities through choice.

With over 45 staff, the organisation provides a wide range of services to foster independence, improve life skills, and encourage community engagement. “We’re Cowra’s oldest and only dedicated not-forprofit disability support organisation,” Shane Kruger, CEO, said. “As a registered charity, we are entirely focused on meeting the needs of our community.”

Ability Network’s services are comprehensive and tailored to the needs

Group activities are another cornerstone of the organisation’s offerings. From trips to the local pool to social events, and even outings to football games in Canberra or bowling competitions in Bathurst, these activities allow clients to enjoy social and recreational experiences that most of us take for granted.

A Friday night social club further enhances this sense of community, giving participants the opportunity to enjoy outings to local venues and fostering connections with others in the community.

Despite its successes, Ability Network faces

With over 20 support programs available, clients can select the activities and services that best suit their needs and aspirations. The organisation’s focus on fostering independence and community engagement is unwavering, from life skills classes to employment opportunities.

“Our focus has always been on the needs of our community,” Mr Kruger said. “This is an exciting time for us, and we look forward to continuing to make a positive impact.”

Ability Network’s dedication to innovation and collaboration ensures that it will remain a vital resource for individuals with disabilities and their families for years to come.

Ability Network is Cowra’s leading not-for-profit disability support service, with a committed team of support staff providing services to adults and children with disabilities.

Working with participants and their support coordinators/family, our team build a range of individually-tailored supports based on every participants goals and individual needs. Supports can be arranged for both short term or longer term enrolment with Ability Network, helping to provide assistance for both Cowra’s permanent disability community, as well as those visiting for a shorter time.

SERVICES WE OFFER:

In-home/Personal Care Supports

Respite/Short Term Accommodation (both in our facility, or in the home)

Centre and Community-Based Group and Day Program Activities

Therapies including Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Allied Health, Counselling

Ability Network has Cowra’s only purpose-built day program facility (due to open end February 2024), providing over 400m2 of space to provide a range of day and group programs for our participants.

The facility is located on the site of our Respite/Short Term Accommodation house in Lyall Street Cowra. The house is situated on 5 acres with chickens and gardens for our participants to enjoy a unique “farm” experience while in our care.

Local and Interstate Travel Support (where approved by NDIS or privately funded)

Skills Development, including life and vocational skills

Support Coordination (via Little Wren Co – an independent business of Ability Network)

Operated by our team at Ability Network, the Cowra Livestock Saleyards Kiosk offers a unique opportunity for our participants to develop vocational and life skills in food preparation and hospitality. It also serves as a valuable fundraising initiative for Ability Network while delivering delicious food to the community!

OUR TEAM

Our holistic approach to disability support ensures that both participants and family members are our focus – we are here to help provide meaningful participation in community for those with disabilities, as well as support the family network surrounding the participant with guidance about compliance with NDIS requirements and assist in building independence for their family members.

Program Facility

Cowra Livestock Saleyards Kiosk

Holistic Approach to Disability Support

Allied health professionals here to help you

Find a local service for physiotherapy, podiatry, occupational therapy and so much more

Allied health in Australia is represented by 200,000 allied health professionals who deliver more than 200 million health services annually.

As demand grows across aged care, mental health, disability and health sectors the allied health workforce is growing rapidly - and in our regional communities as well.

Allied health professionals provide a broad range of diagnostic, technical, therapeutic and direct health services to improve the health and wellbeing of the consumers they support with specialised expertise in preventing, diagnosing and treating a range of conditions and illnesses.

In many cases allied health interventions can reduce or remove the need for medical interventions.

Allied health professionals are not part of the medical, dental or nursing professions.

Key areas of allied health practices include aged care, chronic disease, disability, mental health, musculoskeletal health and rehabilitative care but the allied health sector is extremely diverse.

Local allied health professionals from Kerin Health and Central West Allied Health Services provide a range of allied health services in our communities, supporting locals.

Kerin Health provides reformer pilates, physiotherapy, early intervention services, swimming lessons, speech pathology, occupational therapy, women’s health services, allied health assistance, exercise physiology, massage therapy, lactation consultations, nutritionist services, Parkes mother’s group and sensory playgroup.

Kerin Health is based in Parkes but also service Canowindra, Grenfell, Cowra, Forbes, Peak Hill, Trun-

dle, Yeoval, Cudal, Condobolin, Dubbo, Narromine and surrounding areas.

Central West Allied Health Services, also based in Parkes provide a range of services to surrounding communities.

At Central West Allied Health Services you can nd physiotherapy, podiatrist, exercise physiology, 1:1 rehabilitation and group classes, clinical psychologist, on-site rehabilitation gyms, physiotherapy for children and pre-employment medicals.

You can book an appointment now at Kerin Health online at kerinhealth.com. au/book-an-appointment or call in to make an appointment at 28 Armstrong Street, Parkes.

You can also book online at Central West Allied Services at central-west-physio. cliniko.com/bookings or book in person at 91 Clarinda Street, Parkes.

PHOTO: Supplied

Squillari, Jack and Francesca Riddington

School holiday fun

FORBES Shire Council and Youth Action Team had another absolutely packed schedule of free family fun through the summer holidays, and events proved really popular.

A silent disco, in atable fun day, pool party, painting workshops and Christmas movie a ernoon were among the activities on o er giving kids the chance to get active and creative.

BATHURST

PHOTOS: Supplied

CENTRAL WEST AND HILLTOPS

Silvas Newsagency

Shop 3 / 177 Howick St Bathurst NSW 2795

BOGAN GATE

Bogan Gate Licensed

Post Office 31-33 Lachlan St Bogan Gate NSW 2876

BOOROWA

Boorowa News and Post

16 Marsden St Boorowa NSW 2586

CANOWINDRA

Canowindra Post Shop

54 Gaskill St Canowindra NSW 2804

CARGO

Cargo General Store

2 Forbes St Cargo NSW 2800

CONDOBOLIN

Condobolin Newsagency

76 Bathurst St Condobolin NSW 2877

COOTAMUNDRA

Cootamundra Newsagency

103 Wallendon St Cootamundra NSW 2590

COWRA

Coles Supermarket (5749)

VEN# 6017130 / 19771 Kendal & Macquarie St Cowra NSW 2795

Cowra Guardian office - Filing, Staff, Client

Copies & Mail Subscriptions

Shop B 50 Kendal St Cowra NSW 2794

Kendal Street Newsagency

65 Kendal St Cowra NSW 2794

North Cowra Supermarket

70 Redfern St Cowra NSW 2794

Woolworths Supermarket (1268) VEN# 88117011 / 3 Railway Lane Cowra NSW 2794

CUDAL

Cudal Post Office

10 Main St Cudal NSW 2864

DUBBO

Peter Snare Lockup

Unit 5 / 54 Mountbattan Dr Dubbo NSW 2830

EUGOWRA

Eugowra Newsagency

32 Broad St Eugowra NSW 2806

FORBES

Bernardi’s Forbes

159-173 Lachlan St Forbes NSW 2871

Loomzys Fish N Fix

60 Johnson St Forbes NSW 2871

News on Rankin

70 Rankin St Forbes NSW 2871

Shell Forbes

34 Sherriff St Forbes NSW 2871

Woolworths Supermarket (1307)

134 Rankin St Forbes NSW 2871

GOOLOOGONG

The Goolee Mart

9 King St Gooloogong NSW 2805

GREENTHORPE

Greenthorpe Café & Post Office

2 Edward Square Greenthorpe NSW 2809

GRENFELL

Grenfell Newsagencey

42 Main St Grenfell NSW 2810

KELSO

Kelso Newsagency

KOORAWATHA

Koorawatha Post Office

PARKES

Coles Parkes (5757) C/- Parkes Newsagency 284 Clarinda St Parkes NSW 2870

Shop 5 Centre Point Plaza Kelso NSW 2795

7 Boorowa St Koorawatha NSW 2807

MANDURAMA

Mandurama Post Office, Café & General

Store Store 11-13 Olive St Mandurama NSW 2792

MANILDRA

Coffee on Kiewa

3 / 73 Kiewa St Manildra NSW 2865

Manildra Newsagency

Lot 2 Kiewa St Manildra NSW 2865

MOLONG

Molong Post Office & Newsagency

25 Bank St Molong NSW 2866

ORANGE

GM News Distribution

3 Cameron Place Orange NSW 2800

Nextra Orange

Shop 17 Orange City CT Summer St Orange NSW 2800

Orange Central Newsagency

Shop 23 Metro Pl 227 Summer St Orange NSW 2800

TJS Downtown Newsagency

300 Summer St Orange NSW 2800

Joanne Simpson C/- Parkes Newsagency 284 Clarinda St Parkes NSW 2870

Parkes Newsagency 284 Clarinda St Parkes NSW 2870

Woolworth Supermarket Parkes Clarinda St Parkes NSW 2870

PEAK HILL Peak Hill News

90 Caswell St Peak Hill NSW 2869

TOTTENHAM Tottenham Newsagency

69 Umang

PHOTOS: Supplied

 Hudson and Theo with their creations at the tie dye workshop.

 Lyra Bisho and Amaira Nand had a great time at the silent disco.

ACROSS

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

4 What are the titles of emperors of Japan (7)

8 Name another term for lucerne (7)

9 Which radioactive element is the basis of nuclear reactors (7)

10 Name that part of the skull that encloses the brain (7)

11 Which name is popularly used to refer to the USA (7)

12 What is a written summary, note, or memorandum (6)

14 Who is the treasurer of a college or university (6)

18 To be harsh in manner, is to be what (7)

21 Name a mythical tribe of female warriors in South America (7)

22 To be more mirthful, is to be what (7)

23 Name a colourless, flammable liquid obtained in the distillation of petroleum (7)

24 Who was the Biblical disciple and companion of the apostle Paul (7)

DOWN

1 Name a silver-white divalent metal occurring in limestone, gypsum, etc, symbol Ca (7)

2 Which term describes anything worthless or discarded (5)

3 That which is unlawful is considered to be what (7)

4 Name a political movement among the Kikuyu of Kenya, aimed at driving out European settlers (3,3)

5 What is an alternative name in cards for the Jack (5)

6 What are small ornamental table napkins (7)

7 Apia was formerly the capital of which group of islands in the Southern Pacific (5)

E-QUATIONS

13 What is a patent medicine known as (7)

Letters have a number value

Some values are in the right hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.

E-QUATIONS

Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.

15 Kyiv is the capital of which eastern European republic (7)

16 Name the male of the domesticated fowl (7)

17 To be close at hand, is to be what (6)

18 To confess is to do what (5)

19 What is a decree issued by a sovereign or other authority (5)

20 Name a specific poisonous product that might cause tetanus, diptheria, etc (5)

Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.

Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.

1 FATUOUS (a) Prophetical (b) Silly (c) Obese

2 NUPTIAL

(a) That may be numbered or counted (b) Pertaining to marriage (c) Nourishing

BIYWORD

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:

Causing pain (7)

Companion animal (3)

Engaged an employee (5)

Mouse genus (3)

Prefix: one millionth (5)

Recall: ... To mind (5)

Sale by bidding (7) Unity (3)

Vertically hung fishing net ( 5) Wheel centre (3)

Protecting wetlands for our future

By MARG APPLEBEE CENTRAL WEST LACHLAN LANDCARE

World Wetlands Day is acknowledged each year on February 2.

With an emerging wetland on our doorstep at Akuna Road in Parkes and with many wetlands within our region, if you haven’t checked them out, now is the time to get amongst it!

Whether following the Lachlan or taking a Central West Regional trip there are some lovely spaces to stop.

Gum Swamp at Forbes has excellent access for walking and bird watching and then further on to Lake Cowal and the Lake Wilbertroy Wetlands.

West Wyalong also have a wetland space that they have been developing on the northern end of town.

If you are heading down the La-

chlan there are smaller ephemeral areas that respond to ooding and of course the Booligal Wetlands, heading west and the Great Cumbung Swamp.

We have the Macquarie Marshes only a few hours away, which I had

the pleasure of visiting a couple of years ago.

Of course, we are lucky that to a large degree, we recognise the importance of wetlands in Australia, but Dr Musonda Mumba, Secretary General, Convention on Wetlands

highlights said that this is not the case across the world in her 2025 address below:

“Life thrives in wetlands, and human life depends on them.

Wetlands provide the home or breeding ground of many endangered and threatened species and a multitude of endemic plants and animals can only survive in certain wetland locations. Beyond the clean water and food that wetlands provide, they help protect against natural disasters by mitigating the impact of storm surges, oods and droughts.

“Healthy wetlands are critical for climate mitigation, adaptation, biodiversity and human health. Yet, unsustainable development, pollution and climate change continue to threaten these essential ecosystems. Protecting wetlands for our common future requires collaboration on poli-

cies, regulations and community initiatives that spur effective conservation and sustainable wise use.

“World Wetlands Day is celebrated each year on 2 February. The commemoration raises awareness and increases people’s understanding of the critical importance of wetlands. In every corner of the world, human beings have depended on wetlands for centuries - drawing sustenance, inspiration and resilience from these important environments.”

The theme for the day World Wetlands Day is Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future. I think we all know the value that our natural spaces add to our wellbeing.

For further information on this article, please go to www.centralwestlachlanlandcare.org, twitter, facebook or Instagram @cwllandcare

Monday’s sale saw best heavy bull reach 285c/kg

CATTLE SALE

Monday, February 3

Yarding 1852 (down 517)

Numbers fell this sale with agents yarding 1852 head.

Quality was again mixed but fair with both well bred and secondary cattle penned.

Yearlings made up the majority of the yarding.

The usual buyers were present and competing in a cheaper market.

Yearling steers slipped 15c with processors paying from 320 to 350c/kg.

Plainer types to feed received from 320 to 378c/kg.

The heifer portion was 15 to 20c easier with those to feed selling from 295 to 355c/kg.

Finished lines to processors received from 289 to 340c/kg.

Heavy steers and bullocks sold from 320 to 345c/kg.

Grown heifers ranged in

price from 275 to 330c/kg.

Cows were back 15 to 18c/ kg.

Heavy 2 score sold from 255 to 278c with 3 score 275 to 288c/kg.

The best heavy bull reached 285c/kg.

SHEEP SALE

Tuesday, February 4

Yarding 35,000 (up 10,500)

Numbers lifted this sale with both lamb and mutton showing the increase.

Lamb quality was similar to the previous sale with good numbers of well finished and secondary lines penned.

The usual buyers were present and competing along with restockers in a firm to dearer market.

Restockers were active on some large lines of store lambs paying from $130 to $170/head.

Trade weights were firm

to $4 better with prices ranging from $154 to $213/ head.

Heavy lambs to 26kg received from $205 to $226/ head.

Extra heavyweights were also firm to $3 better receiving from $223 to $277/ head.

Carcase prices averaged 768c to 844c/kg.

There was just under 12000 head of mutton penned with Merinos making up the majority.

Prices jumped $5 to $10/ head with Merino ewes sell-

ing from $74 to $170/head. Crossbreds sold from $66 to $175 with Dorper ewes reaching $155/head.

Merino wethers ranged from $84 to $158/head.

FROM MLA’S NATIONAL LIVESTOCK REPORTING AGENCY

PIG SALE

Friday, January 31

Only 3 sows yarded today which saw prices improve 10c a kg.

Bacon were also in limited supply, prices improved by $40 to $80 per head mainly quality driven.

A smaller yarding of pork also saw prices improve $20 to $30 per head.

Suckers made up the majority of the yarding with prices dropping $20 to $30 per head mainly on the lighter weight pigs.

FROM VC REID SMITH LIVESTOCK

Scott Reid: 0428 521 481 admin@vcrlivestock.com.au

Murray Reid: 0488 432 207 vcrlivestock.com.au

Sam Smith: 0448 847 017 VC Reid Smith Livestock Office: 02 6852 1481 @vcreidsmithlivestock

The usual buyers were present at Monday’s cattle sale and competing in a cheaper market. PHOTO: File

6.00 Rage Charts. 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Beyond Paradise. 1.30 Optics. 2.00 Hippo Watch With Steve Backshall. 2.45 Mozart: Rise Of A Genius. 4.00 Eat The Invaders. 4.30 Muster Dogs: Collies And Kelpies. 5.30 Dr Karl’s How Things Work. 6.00 Australian Story. 6.30 Back Roads. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 Beyond Paradise. Final. 8.30 Vera. 10.05 The Newsreader. 11.00 Unforgotten. 11.45 Rage.

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 My Greek Odyssey. 11.00 Escape To The Country. 1.00 Better Homes. 2.00 Escape To The Country. 3.00 Horse Racing. Inglis Millennium Day and Caulfield Family Day. 6.00 Dog Patrol. 6.30 Bondi Vet. 7.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 9.30 I Escaped To The Country. 11.30 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Horse Racing. Inglis Millennium Day and Caulfield Family Day. 3.00 Sri Lanka Vs Australia: Pre-Game Show. 3.30 Cricket. Second Test. Sri Lanka v Aust. Morning. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. 7.30 MOVIE: The Bourne Identity. (2002) 10.00 MOVIE: Taken. (2008) 12.00 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 NDRC Top Doorslammer. Spring Nationals. 4.00 Counting Cars. 5.00 Second Test. Sri Lanka v Aust. Morning. 5.30 Lunch Break. 6.10 Second Test. Sri Lanka v Aust. Afternoon. 8.10 Sri Lanka Vs Australia: Tea Break. 8.30 Second Test. Sri Lanka v Aust. Late arvo. 11.00 Late Programs.

9News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo. 8.30 MOVIE: The Equalizer. (2014) Denzel Washington, Chloë Grace Moretz, Marton Csokas. 11.10 MOVIE: The Founder. (2016) 1.15 Innovation Nation. 1.30 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Days Of Our Lives. 12.55 The Young And The Restless. 1.55 Keeping Up Appearances. 3.15 Antiques Roadshow. 3.45 MOVIE: The Blue Lamp. (1950) 5.30 Our Yorkshire Farm. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Yes Minister. 8.30 MOVIE: Letters To Juliet. (2010) 10.40 The Closer. 11.40 Late Programs. 6.00 Flushed. 7.00 It’s Academic. 8.30 Get Arty. 9.00 Shopping. 10.30 House Rules: High Stakes. 12.00 Buffy. 3.00 Ed And Karen’s Recipes For Success. 4.00 Bondi Vet. 4.50 The Goldbergs. 5.50 Britain’s Got Talent. 7.00 MOVIE: Evolution. (2001) 9.00 MOVIE: Erin Brockovich. (2000) 11.35 MOVIE: Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo. (2005) 1.15 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Destination WA. Return. 12.30 My Way. 1.00 Let’s Eat With George. New. 1.30 MOVIE: Buckley’s Chance. (2021) 3.30 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo. 4.30 Explore TV. 5.00 9News First At Five. 5.30 Country House Hunters Australia. 6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Space Invaders. Return. 8.30 MOVIE: The Blind Side. (2009) Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw. 11.10 MOVIE: Stronger. (2017) 1.20 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Australia By Design: Innovations. 12.30 Exploring Off The Grid. 1.30 Frugal Foodie. New. 2.00 4x4 Adventures. 3.00 What’s Up Down Under. 3.30 Roads Less Travelled. Return. 4.00 My Market Kitchen. 4.30 GCBC. 5.00 News. 6.30

6.00 Morning Programs. 2.30 ER. 3.15 Doctor Who. 4.00 A Bite To Eat. 4.30 MythBusters. 5.20 Love Your Garden. 6.10 Amazing Spaces. 7.00 Spicks And Specks. 7.30 QI. 8.00 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee (NZ) 8.50 Live At The Malthouse. 9.45 Ab Fab. 11.15 ER. 12.00 Rage. 1.00 Not Going Out. 1.30 QI. 2.00 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 3.00 Sailing. SailGP Sydney. 4.30 Cycling. AlUla

6.00 Kids’ Programs. 4.05 Grace’s Amazing Machines. 4.20 Odd Squad. 4.45 Gardening Australia Junior. 5.10 Zog And The Flying Doctors. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.30 Kids BBQ Championship. 8.15 Chopped Jnr. 9.05 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.50 Speechless. 10.10 Officially Amazing. 10.40 Late Programs.

3.25 Long Lost Family. Final. 4.15 Extraordinary Escapes. 5.00 Maggie Beer’s Big Mission. 6.00 Antiques Roadshow. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 Muster Dogs: Collies And Kelpies. 8.30 The Newsreader.

Boy From The Bush. 11.55 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 I Escaped To The Country. 12.00 Escape To The Country. 1.00 My Greek Odyssey. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 Better Homes. 3.30 Cities Of The Underworld. 4.30 Steam Train Journeys. 5.30 I Escaped To The Country. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Rosemary & Thyme. 8.30 Vera. 10.30 Extreme Railways. 11.30 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 3.00 Fishing Addiction. 4.00 Hustle & Tow. 5.00 Second Test. Sri Lanka v Aust. Morning. (Alt schedule may be shown). 5.30 The Lunch Break. 6.10 Second Test. Sri Lanka v Aust. Afternoon. 8.10 Sri Lanka Vs Australia: Tea Break. 8.30 Second Test. Sri Lanka v Aust. Late arvo. 11.00 Late Programs.

Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge. 6.05 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.35 Moominvalley. 8.00 Horrible Histories. 8.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.10

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) All that flattery and fawning shouldn’t affect any decision you have to make. Keep your focus on the facts and ignore all the hyperbole, especially if it gets uncomfortably personal.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Your Bovine instincts are on the mark about a “favor” that you’re being asked to do. Agree to nothing unless you get a full explanation, which you would check out first, of course.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) A somewhat-unsettled recent period should give way to a smoother time going through the week. Use this quieter time to catch up on matters that you might have had to let slide.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Feeling a little confused is understandable with all those mixed messages. Take time to list the questions you have. Then present them and insist on answers that make sense.

6.00 Morning Programs. 8.30 Tomorrow’s World. 9.00 Turning Point. 9.30 TV Shop. 10.00 Helping Hands. 10.30 MOVIE: Sailors Three. (1940) 12.15 MOVIE: Hobson’s Choice. (1954) 2.30 MOVIE: The Courtneys Of Curzon Street. (1947) 4.50 MOVIE: Khartoum. (1966) 7.30 MOVIE: Chariots Of Fire. (1981) 10.00 TBA. 12.30 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Weekender. 10.30 Weekender. 11.00 Ed And Karen’s Recipes For Success. 12.00 Rebel Wilson’s Pooch Perfect. 1.15 Dream Home. 2.20 Holey Moley Australia. 3.50 Britain’s Got Talent. 5.00 The Goldbergs. 5.30 MOVIE: Evolution. (2001) 7.30 MOVIE: West Side Story. (2021) 10.40 MOVIE: The French Dispatch. (2021) 12.50 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Golf. Jack Newton Celebrity Classic. 11.00 For The Love Of Pets. 12.00 Fishing Australia. 12.30 The Pet Rescuers. 1.00 MOVIE: The Cutting Edge. (1992) 3.00 Space Invaders. 4.00 David Attenborough’s Green Planet. 5.00 9News First At Five. 5.30 RBT. 6.00 9News Sunday. 7.00 Married At First Sight. 8.30 60 Minutes. 9.30 9News Late. 10.00 See No Evil. 11.00 The First 48. 11.50 Late Programs.

6.00 Flushed. 7.00 It’s Academic. 8.30 Get Arty. 9.00 Get Clever. 10.00 Holey Moley Australia. 11.30 Dream Home. 12.30 Home And Away. 3.45 TBA. 5.30 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters. 6.30 Puppy School. 7.30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent. 8.30 Law & Order: SVU. 10.30 Bones. 12.30 Monk. 1.30 Alias. 2.30 S.W.A.T.

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! 1.30 Cook With Luke. 2.00 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield. 2.30 Farm To Fork. 3.00 10 Minute Kitchen. 3.30 All 4 Adventure. 4.30 Good Chef Bad Chef. 5.00 10 News First. 6.00 The Sunday Project.

6.00 Morning Programs. 8.00 Invictus Games: Opening Ceremony. 10.30 MOVIE: Daleks’ Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. (1966) 12.20 MOVIE: Quiet Weekend. (1946) 2.15 MOVIE: Pacific Destiny. (1956) 4.15 MOVIE: Sabata. (1969) 6.30 M*A*S*H. 8.30 MOVIE: Rambo: First Blood. (1982) 10.25 The Closer. 11.25 Chicago Med. 12.25 Late Programs.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) Cupid can be very helpful for Lions seeking a love connection. The chubby cherub also brings warm and fuzzy feelings to paired Leos and Leonas who already share a special love line.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Travel is favored this week, whether you’ll be globe-trotting or taking a trip to a nearby getaway. You might be surprised (or maybe not) by the person who wants to be your traveling companion.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Getting advice on your next business-related move is a good idea but only if your advisers are trustworthy. Get references you can check out before

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Make time to deal with family matters, especially where they concern your elderly kinfolk. Being there for them from the start can help resolve problems sooner rather than later.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Getting a project started can often be difficult, but the good news is that you won’t want for lack of assistance from colleagues who would like to work with you. So, let them!

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) A lot of workrelated issues might be raised this week, and you need to be prepared for whatever comes along. Things should be easier when it comes to matters in your private life.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) What might appear to be a very much unwanted change in your life right now could turn out to be a very welcome event after all. Give yourself a chance to see where it might take you.

Croquet welcomes new players

On Saturday February 1 Aussie Croquet was played with 30 in attendance. It was a reasonably warm morning but not nearly as hot as last Tuesday when the temperature soared and exceeded 40.

Some good scores were once again recorded.

14/13 scores as follows: May Jones & John Farah def Geoff Coles & John Browne.

14/12 John Browne & Marie Spry def Elvy Quirk & Sally Perry, Lyn Simmonds & John Cole def John Farah & David Williams, David Williams & Russell Anderson def John Browne & Sally Perry, Robin Pols & John Allegri def Bill Scott & John Cole, Bill Scott (solo) def David Williams & Allan Jones, Rex Toole & John Allegri def Bruce Field & Cheryl Toohey.

14/11 scores as follows: Vince Roberts & Barry White def Robin Pols & Peter West, , Harley Stewart & Marie Spry def Elvy Quirk & Lyn Simmonds, Kevin Rubie & Cheryl Toohey def Geoff Coles & Rex Toole, May Jones & Frank Donohoe def Fay Picker & Barry White, Colleen Liebich & Kevin Wenning def John Cole & Vince Roberts, Sally Perry & Robin Pols def Peter West & Harley Stewart.

West. Congratulations to those players.

There were also quite a number of 14/10 scores.

We have a new player on Saturdays with Sally Perry taking up the challenge and getting to know the ropes of the game.

On Saturday February 1 all three games were won by John Allegri, May Jones & David

David West is now a regular player on Saturdays and is fast becoming a master at the game. Of course he has youth on his side.

Our monthly luncheon was held on Tuesday February 4 at the Post Office hotel with many celebrating their birthdays during February namely Jill Rubie,

Helen Lupis, Pam Thomson, Sue Wade and Kevin Wenning. Best wishes were extended to all those members.

Golf Croquet was played on Tuesday February 4 with 35 players in attendance. It was a very warm morning and John Farah came to the rescue with an esky with many bottles of water. Many thanks John.

Scores on the day recorded 10/3 Lyn Simmonds & Wayne Wright def Jennifer & Kevin

9/4 Bill Scott & Mal Smith def Sue Wade & Graham Falconer, Kevin Rubie & unknown def John Cole & Fay Picker, Kevin Rubie & Bruce Field def Helen Lupis & Sue Wade, , Kevin Rubie & John Allegri def Marie Spry & Helen Lupis.

8/5 Geoff Coles & Sally Perry def Dominic Williams & May Jones, Lyall Strudwick & Margaret Dent def Marie Spry & Colleen Liebich, John Browne & Peter West def Helen Lupis & Phillip Moran, Spry & Margaret Dent def Sally Perry & Colleen Liebich, Wayne Wright & Peter West def Robin Pols & Dominic Williams, Marie Spry & Rex Toole def Russell Ander-

All three games were won by Kevin Rubie, Bill Scott, Peter West and Wayne Wright. Wayne is a relatively new player and is now joining the ranks of the winners. Well

Today Dominic Williams joined us for a game as he is in town for the launching of a book he has recently written. Dominic of course is well known in Forbes having practised as a solicitor for many years before heading to the smoke to become a barrister. Best wishes on the launch of your book Dom. Croquet is played Tuesday and Saturday each week.

Contributed by Elvy Quirk

Penrith Panthers are bringing their grand final trophy tour to Forbes! Young rugby league players across the central west are invited to join free clinics as part of the NRL Development teams NRL Panthers Trophy Tour. They’re coming to Forbes’ home of rugby league at Spooner Oval next Tuesday February 11.

All kids aged between 5-16 are welcome to attend and must bring along their own water bottles.

The clinic will start at 4pm and finish at 5pm.

If you can arrive 10-15 minutes early that would be appreciated.

The clinic involves a lot of fun and safe activities for all kids of all abilities and there will be no contact involved in this clinic.

Organisers are asking participants to register online at https://www.playrugbyleague.com/league-stars/ Type Forbes into the search bar to bring up the details of the local event.

Join a fun afternoon of football and grab a photo with the trophy!

The tour will be in Parkes on Monday, and in Cowra on Wednesday.

Hendry scores hole-in-one

VETS GOLF

WHAT is considered a rst in twin towns vets golf surfaced last Thursday with Parkes member Ian Hendry scoring a hole-in-one on the 192 metre 1st in Forbes but more likely 175 metres from the white marker played o last week.

When asked did he see the ball go into the hole, Ian had a simple answer, ‘yes, it landed short then one bounce and roll into the hole’. Simple.

It wasn’t all good news for the newly crowned ace as he nished with an eight on the 15th hole a er playing the 16th as his rst hole due to the ‘shot gun’ start. This time Ian scored an ace except it was in the ‘puddle’.

And it told, read on.

Adding to the excitement of the playing group involving Ian were fellow club member Peter Bristol along with Forbes representatives Andrew Grierson and Bruce Chandler, who collected the encouragement award.

It did not stop there.

Bruce stopped what could would have been another record as six of the Parkes players sat at the bottom of scoring before his late arrival.

One of these, ‘The Rooster’ from New Zealand wasn’t sure who should collect the ‘burner’ for last as he was one in the count-back sitting on a solid 23 points.

All in good fun during Thursday twin towns vets golf.

There was a winner, none other then hard working Forbes president Peter Barnes who spoil a good day for Ian Hendry beaten on a count-back a er both played to their handicaps scoring 36 points.

Nearest the pins to Forbes reps in A grade - 9th Scott Andrews and 18th Kim Herbert.

No B grade player was able to nd the surface on either green.

With 21 players to choose their best six individual scores Forbes on top in the twin shield shield 209 points to Parkes’ 186 from 10 representatives.

Balls weep to 30 points - 35 Andrew Norton-Knight, Barry Parker, Niel Duncan, Alex Mackinnon (all Forbes), 33 Lex Hodges (P), Alf Davies (F), 32 Rod Staples (P), Ross Williams, Steve Uphill, Scott Andrews (F), 31 John Dwyer (P), Frank Hanns (F), 30 Allan Rees, Barry Shine, Steve Edwards, Je Moon (F).

Thursday’s play will be in Parkes with noms from 8.15am for a shot gun start at 9am.

All vets invited to play.

On membership to vets golf

Peter Barnes stated on Thursday that 72 shirts engraved with the Forbes logo and vets membership have been ordered and will be seen around the course sooner than later.

A positive for the game locally and beyond.

MEN’S GOLF

By SHORT PUTT

ONCE again hot, sunny weather bathed the Forbes golfers on the weekend and once again the golfers rose to the challenge and produced some very low scores.

On Saturday, the Mens Competition was the February Monthly Medal, sponsored by Terry Bros Carpets.

The eld comprised 68 players with most keen to utilise the

cooler conditions early on to give themselves the best chance of a good score.

The A-Grade was won by Cam McMillan whose nett 68 was just reward for a few weeks of good scores knocked down by the occasional blemish.

Cam recorded 38-38 showing no favours for either half, although a ourishing nish with a ‘2’ was well received.

This round he had no big blunders with his worst hole being the 4th where he recorded a double-bogey, a er starting with three pars.

Runner-up was Brad Ashton (69 nett) in what has become a regular ‘bridesmaid’ e ort.

He scorched around the front-9, making birdies on both the 6th and 7th holes. And he was travelling comfortably on the back-9 sitting square with the card a er 17 holes.

comments suggesting it was his mode of transport which assisted his game.

Pete Grayson shared some limelight in the C-Grade with Brian Clarke not far back.

Shane Sallaway had a good day with he sticks shooting a par round alongside Pete Dawson and H/Pro Will Gunn.

Clouds do have silver linings. Pete Barnes did well in the early stages of the front-9 being only 3-over a er six holes.

Then he ‘did his handicap’ in just two holes. His 8’s on both the 7th and 8th were huge stumbling blocks.

On the 15th he hooked his tee shot away onto the 10th fairway. Then with no care in the world he played an outstanding shot over the trees to prime position on the 15th fairway and ready for a shot at birdie.

There was no birdie but the sh had to swallow a large white orb. There were not enough players to hold a Stableford Medley on Sunday.

Here is the News:

The men’s Pennants teams began their quest in the CWDGA Pennants for 2025. Both of our teams this week were playing Parkes at Duntryleague.

But a few mind games ensured he wildly hooked his tee shot o the 18th to near the 15th green, ultimately nishing with a bogey and missing the Medal.

The B-Grade was a case of everything coming together for Sandy Paterson.

His 66 nett was his best score for some time, and this time there were no helicopter shots.

What was out of character were double-bogey and bogey on the 6th and 7th holes.

But other than those it was a delightful day of handicap golf with the occasional par nuggets to bring a smile to his face.

The B-Grade runner up was Terry Sharpe with his nett 70. He enjoyed his outing and the company which ensured he was relaxed throughout his game.

He was so relaxed that on the 15th he attempted an ‘Alf Davies special’ by playing driver o the deck – and it worked!

The result was a mere par but nevertheless he had a broad smile on his face.

The C-Grade produced the best score of the day when early player Anthony Bosho posted a 65 nett.

He won the voucher but unfortunately was not eligible to win the Medal but was unperturbed.

Anthony has recently moved to Forbes and joined the club.

He is relishing the challenge and determined to improve week by week.

He had a tidy round helped by nishing both halves with pars.

The C-Grade runner up was Rob Scott with 73 nett.

While seemingly a long way back it was a case of three bad holes otherwise marring a sound performance.

Triple-bogeys on the 6th and 7th holes, coupled to a double-bogey on the 15th, were most de nitely blemishes on the card.

The ball sweep went to 74 nett on count back, going to: 70 – J Anderson, S Sallaway, C Byrnes; 71 – B Everest, S Betland, B Parker, A Dukes; 72 – S Uphill, P Dawson, S Kirkman; 73 – A Alley, D Bayly, Alf Davies; 74 – T Morgan, T Callaghan, A Quirk, W Gunn and J Coulthurst.

The visitor was Kyle McGinty

from Tally Valley GC in the Gold Coast.

He was well used to the temperatures if not the lack of humidity.

The NTP’s went to: 9th – A Dukes; 18th – T Cogswell. This was the second month that Andy nabbed an NTP and this time he converted for a ‘2’, unlike Tony Cogswell who missed his.

There were eight 2’s with a nice one on the 1st hole by Joel Anderson and a smooth one by Pete Barnes on the 18th whose shot nished barely centimetres outside Tony’s.

The 3rd hole Super-Pin went to Cam McMillan to cement a good day for him.

His shot to 275 cm went unrewarded unlike that of Barry Parker who was outside Cam but snaked his long put for a ‘2’, the only one on that hole for the day.

There were a number of regular players who usually do not feature but this week enjoyed and excelled themselves.

Brian Everest featured among the B-Grade leaders, with unkind

SUMMER SIXES

By SMOOTH SWINGER

ROUND 12 of the sponsored Forbes Golf Club Summer Sixers competition was played under conditions very similar to the past few weeks.

But for whatever reason the scoring this week was quite di cult.

Most teams managed to record a score but many of them would have hoped for something better. This gave the chance for a few other teams to grab the limelight. In Group 1 the best score was made by The Du ers who managed 103, who took revenge on Blackridge Hire.

Dragoness had a comfortable win as did Globe Hotel. Group 2 had a few close results. Gunn Golf (106.5) edged past GHAE (109.5) while The Foxes (104.5) nudged out Forbes Auto (1-8.5).

EHAG had an easy win and Flip Floppers had the bye.

Group 3 had four scores within a point of each other.

Murray’s Mates (110) ousted LITT and Southside Swingers )110.5) were too good for Midpro. Liv (109) were very lucky to head o HD&SI (110). The lowest score in Group 4 was made by Sandbaggers (103) who knocked o F-Troop. The other winners were Six Appeal (108), Still Trying (103.5) and Part Time Putters (110) also recorded wins.

The Rnd 12 Best member nett score was made by Sarah Black (Du ers) with 31.5 and on count back from Ricky Nikolic.

The best non-member nett score was made Dylan Biles (Top 5) with 28 nett. He is certainly a hot player.

The ball sweep went to 35 nett. As usual balls for members will go onto their account while Nonmembers can get theirs from the Pro Shop.

Maybe playing in hot weather is taking its toll, but then good uid intake and much team member support will raise the performance levels once again. Remember, swing easy.

Terry Sharpe sizing up his approach to the 15th green. PHOTO: Short Putt

Bowlers warm up for Pennants

By TARA SHAW

CARAGABAL – Well what a wonderful bowls day on Thursday January 30 four teams travelled to Caragabal as a warm up to the Pennants games commencing in February.

Starting at 7pm was a different experience for our Bushranger bowlers but the opportunity to play on a terri c synthetic green was an opportunity not to be missed.

“We played against a very strong Grenfell side which may I say they were the strongest of all the teams to play including Forbes and Caragabal,” said Greg Gunn.

“Our game was close with the rst 12 ends going both ways, however something went wrong in the last few ends. We managed to hold a very strong side to 20-14 loss.

“The paperwasp attack at the start of the game wasn’t the best but they seemed to attack the good, the bad and the ugly but they le Baassy (John Baass) alone.”

Christan West skipped one of the team and said the Armstrong foursome was o to a hot start under lights. Weight was the key on the beautiful synthetic surface and the cold beets had no e ect on the goldminers (Grenfell).

A minor injury to Brian (Spro) Asimus saw Big Gus

from Caragabal ll in for him. The team was shu ed around and saw Clint Hurford move into the skip role to stage a great comeback and got within two o getting the win.

Je Nicholson skipped for Joe Nicholson, Dennis Byrnes and Laurie Crouch.

Je said the green was a little tricky for Joe to start with and Forbes started to nd their way on the 11th end.

Dennis and Laurie hit their straps to have the gold diggers in panic mode. Trailing by one on the 16th, Forbes won the next nine ends to put them in the lead 20-14.

Consensus across the teams was that it was great night, possibly one of the best bowls say/night some have had in a while.

Caragabal club were outstanding hosts with plenty of cold beer and sausage sangas for the bowlers following the game.

Major pairs: Major Pairs Round 1 one Major Pairs has kicked o with eight teams getting in early to get their rst game over and done.

Robert (Pooch) Dukes skipping for Brett Davenport played Bobby Grant and Denis Byrnes. A tight game played with Pooch and Brett winning the game 20-18 to advance through to Round 2.

Cherie Vincent and Lyall

Strudwick drew against Greg Gunn and Geo Williams. Greg and Geo stamped their position early keeping their opponents at bay until the 10th end. Greg and Geo were the victors of the game 26-6.

New to Major Pairs, Billy Cowell lead for Laurie Crouch who played the Hodge Duo (Chris & Russell). Billy & Laurie took the win 23-14 to advance through.

Shayne Staines and Shane Bolam came up against Christan West and Alf Davies. Very close game that kept everyone on their toes with Alf and Westy coming away with the win 19-14.

Wednesday social bowls

It was supposed to be cooler last Wednesday than previous days but was it? Some may not think so amongst the 14 who turned up for a roll where card draw winners were the two B’s, Bill O’Connell and Barry Shine from a ‘hot’ Irene Riley who was one to fell the heat leading for Billy Cowell. They scraped home 18-17 in 18 ends giving away three on the rst three ends before hitting the lead 13-6 a er eight. They were never headed but did loose the run home, 5-0 over the last three ends.

In a battle over 20 ends Sue White and Alf Davies won 1812 over Sue Smith and Lyall

Strudwick. Only a shot or two separated the pairs, 8-all after 10, 11-10 at the end of 15 for Sue and Alf to win the last ve ends 7-2.

In a game of triples featuring the Dunstan clan ... Bill Scott, Ray Dunstan and Bob Grant won 15-10 in 14 ends over Leslie Dunstan, John Gorton and ‘one down the back’ in skip Kerry Dunstan. Kerry and Co must have felt it was to be their day leading 6-0 a er only two ends to then let in 13 over the next seven ends to be behind 13-6. All over ‘red rover’.

Wednesday bowls for all, noms no later than 9am for a 9.30am start. Play before the heat sets in.

Thursday bowls

The heat kept the numbers down for Thursday social bowls with only 10 players braving the warmer conditions.

In the triples game Ange Dwyer, Max Vincent and Cherie Vincent played against Noel Hocking, Dale Maynard and Wayne Burton.

Ange and the husband and wife team were to good and won the game 21-8.

Tara Shaw and Christian West drew Billy Cowell and Al Phillips. Tara and Westy were o to a ying start but Billy and Al fought back. Tara and Christian were victors of the game 15-13. No resting touchers or

Raspberries reported.

Sunday bowls With four Major Pairs comp games played at the same time there were two full greens of bowlers including 28 social bowlers which was great to see.

Ange Dwyer lead for Jamie Dukes taking on Dale Maynard and the injured Brian (Spro) Asimus. The injury didn’t slow Spro down with the scoreboard showing Dale and Spro leading 15-5 at half time. Ange and Jamie got a few more points on the board but it wasn’t enough going down 11-22.

Pat O’Neill and Al Phillips teamed up against Peter Greenhalgh and Jason Howell. 3 points the di erence at hal ime, Peter and Jason just in front 8-5. Pat and Al picked up a 6 on the 11th and stormed home for the win 20-11.

Trish Todd and John Gorton paired against Terry Murphy and Ron Thurlow. Trish and John leading 13-2 at oranges, Terry and Ron won 5 on the next 8 ends but couldn’t match with score. Trish and John won 16-9.

Jax Murphy who is improving every week lead for Al Hilder to be drawn against Christan Markwart and Peter Mackay. Christan and Peter in front by 1 on 8, Jax and Alan picked up a 3 and 4 to win the game 18-13.

Kelly Stringer and Mitch Andrews drew Tara Shaw and Peter Tisdell. A slow start for Tara and Peter who had no runs on the board until the 6th. Peter and Tara started their comeback tour a er the break to gain valuable points but couldn’t win the game going down 9-17.

Tyler Murphy and Mick Merritt played Cheryle Hodge and Ross Williams. Eight all on 8 the game was anyone’s. Cheryle and Ross won 6 of the next 8 ends to win the game 18-10. The last pairs game for the day was Max Vincent leading for John Cutler taking on Paul Bray and Bruce Jones. Neck and neck all the way 8 all on 8, 9 all on 10. Max and John just skipped ahead picking up a 3 on the last to win 17-16.

Winning rink went to Mitch Andrews and Kelly Stringer. Losing Rink was won by Ange Dwyer and Jamie Dukes. Resting touchers were award to Mitch Andrews, Dale Maynard, Peter Greenhalgh and Pat O’Neill. No raspberries were recorded. Jackpot did not go o so will jackpot next week.

Chicken Ra e winners were: Peter Besgrove, Jax Murphy x 2, Clint Hurford, Al Phillips, Mitch Andrews, Scott Andrews, Ross Williams and Spro.

Hindmarch presented with SSAA shields

By TONY BRATTON

RESULTS of the Forbes S.S.A.A. sporting shooters .22 calibre rim re ri e shoot held on Wednesday January 29, 2025.

The weather was hot with breeze from the south west at 12kph and a temperature of 38 degrees.

This shoot started with a 100metre Fly target shoot with a maximum score of 120 points, a 75m Bear target shoot with a maximum score of 120 points, a 50m Fox target shoot with a maximum score of 250 points and a 25metre Fly target shoot with a maximum score of 200 points.

The results of the 100metre Fly target shoot were: John Dean, 85/120; Bruce Runchel, 77/120; Loinel Redfern, 75/120; Lyall Studwick, 73/120; David Coleman, 67/120.

75metre Bear target: David Coleman, 117/120; Bruce Runchel, 114/120; Lyall Studwick, 106/120; Benji Redfern, 106/120 and John Dean, 101/120.

50metre Rabbit target: John Dean, 225/250; Bruce Runchel, 223/250; Lyall Studwick, 217/250; David Coleman, 215/120 and Benji Redfern, 202/250.

25metre Fly target: David Coleman, 169/200; John Dean, 169/200; Lyall Studwick, 168/200; Benji Redfern, 163/200 and Bruce Runchel, 153/200.

The range o cer was Norm Brook. Scorer was Norm Brook.

Results of the Forbes

S.S.A.A. sporting shooters .22 calibre rim re ri e shoot held on Sunday February 2, 2025.

The weather was very warm with a light breeze from the north east at 15 kph and a temperature of 35 degrees.

A presentation was made to Steve Hindmarch who won both the Rim re and Centrere shields with scores of Rim re shield 402/480, Centre re shield 380/480.

The results of the 25metre Bu alo target shoot were: Bruce Dent, 270/270; John Gorman, 269/270; Wayne Facey, 269/270; John Dean, 267/270; Steve Hindmarch, 267/270; Chris Parris, 265/270; Niki Bolam, 264/270; David Coleman, 250/270; Barbara Brook, 243/270; Jane Coleman, 236/270; Mia Condon, 234/270 and Anthony Bratton, 233/270

50metre Rabbit target: John Gorman, 246/250; Bruce Dent, 244/250; Wayne Facey, 243/250; John Dean, 236/250; Steve Hindmarch, 231/250; Niki Bolam, 228/250; Chris Parris, 227/250; Anthony Bratton, 226/250; Norn Brook, 221/250; Mia Condon, 218/250; Barbara Brook, 217/250; David Coleman, 207/250 and Jane Coleman, 183/250.

75metre Feral Cat target shoot: Bruce Dent, 118/120; John Gorman, 116/120; Niki Bolam, 116/120; Steve Hindmarch,116/120; David Coleman, 110/120; John Dean, 106/120; Chris Parris, 103/120; Wayne Facey, 102/120; Anthony Bratton,

99/120; Norn Brook, 88/120; Barbara Brook, 85/120; Jane Coleman, 53/120 and Mia Condon shot practice only.

100metre Bear target shoot: David Coleman, 120/120; Bruce Dent, 118/120; Steve Hindmarch,118/120; John Gorman, 116/120; Wayne Facey, 116/120; Chris Parris, 114/120; John Dean, 113/120; Anthony Bratton, 110/120; Niki Bolam, 104/120; Norm Brook, 98/120; Barbara Brook, 82/120; Mia Condon, 70/120 and Jane Coleman, 54/120.

The range o cers were Norm Brook, David Coleman, Niki Bolam and Chris Parris.

Scorers were Wayne Facey and Bruce Dent.

The Centre- re ri e shoot was held a er the Rim- re shoot. There were six members in attendance: Steve Hindmarch, Chris Parris, Stephen Pietsch, David Coleman, Norm Brook and Anthony Bratton. The temperature at the Centre- re shoot was 38 degrees. The range o cer was; Norm Brook.

The next S.S.A.A. sporting shooters .22 calibre and other rim re ri e shoot (.22 magnum or.17HMR), The next Sunday shoot will be held on Sunday February 16, 2025 starting at 10am. The Centre-

re ri e shoots start at 2pm a er the Rim- re shoots on Sunday, The next Wednesday shoot will be on Wednesday February 19, 2025 starting at 2pm. Centre re shoots start at 2pm names in by 1-30pm so the targets can be placed on the Centre- re range just a er 1.30pm.

All events are at the Bedgerebong road range, turn right o the Bedgerebong road onto Dr. Young Drive. All target shooters are welcome to attend these shoots. Any person wishing to try Rim- re or Centre- re ri e or shotgun shooting can attend any of these shoots to take part a er lling out a P650 form

at the club, Junior shooters must be 12 years or over. For all information on .22 calibre rim re shooting contact: Wayne Facey 0414524059; Norm Brook 0458664541; Ben Smith 0427524151; David Coleman 0427401263.

The next shoot for the Forbes S.S.A.A. sporting clay’s will be their monthly shoot this Sunday 9th February this shoot will be a 100 targets ve stand or eld depending on the weather shoot starting at 10am. At the Bedgerebong road range. 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 rearm licence can contact Wayne Facey on 0414524059; Norm Brook 0458664541; Tony Bratton on (02) 68523349 to do a rearm safe shooting assessment course which is a requirement for a rearm licence application.

Members are reminded that Local Range rules apply to the Forbes SSAA range. SSAA members should check the face book page for shoot details for dates and times and cancellation of shoots due to wet weather also check the local community radio station 2LVR 97.9 FM. Members are reminded the by-monthly meeting for December will be on Wednesday February 12 at the Forbes Sport & Rec club starting at 7.30pm.

Steve Hindmarch won the Rimfire and Centrefire shields.

Read rides to finals success

KOBY Read has had cracking ABCRA nationalnals campaign, nishing equal h in the 14 to 18 years steer ride.

Koby rode all three of his steers to time across three big days of nals at Tamworth to secure equal h - his best result at nationals to date.

The young Forbes talent’s consistency across the three rounds saw him gain points of 68-67-65 for the placing, he would just have looked for a bit more action out of his steers to put on more points.

Riders have to be ranked in the top 15 in the country for the year to qualify for the nationals and both Koby and fellow Forbes quali er Josiah Klingner have had a busy year travelling the circuit gaining points.

For both, the sport is a passion shared through their families and they’ve been competing for years.

More than 210 competitors competed at the Australian Bushmen’s Campdra and Rodeo Association’s (ABCRA) National Finals Rodeo at the Australian Equine Livestock and Events Centre (AELEC) in Tamworth across the three-days in junior and senior events.

With the start of a new competition year, Koby will be turning his attention to the junior bull ride and the novice bull ride in preparation for transition to the senior ranks.

Koby was straight back in the car to travel on to Taralga, where he claimed a third in the junior bull ride.

Josiah’s nationals campaign got away to a tough start but he placed in Round 2 with a good ride.

The nal morning of competition didn’t go his away - knocking his leg on the gate as the steer came out of the chute, and then getting trod on.

Josiah has had surgery to repair the injury to his

knee, that’s gone well and when he can get back in the arena he’ll begin his new year campaign in the 14 to 18 years steer ride.

“It was tough, but it was fun,” Josiah said of his year travelling and riding to nationals.

“I’m in this brace for four weeks and we’ll just see from then when I’m allowed to hop back on.”

Once he can get back into the arena, Josiah will be competing in the 14 to 18 years steer ride

“From the rst ride I loved it and kept on doing it,” Josiah said.

Stevee champion cowgirl as sisters shine at nationals

AS school returns this week, Red Bend welcomes back a couple of national champion cowgirls.

Stevee Besant has been named overall champion cowgirl of the 2024 season following a solid performance at the ABCRA national nals, and her sister Lacey the champion cowgirl of the nals.

Stevee, who competes in 11-14 years, led the pointscore into the national nals, at Tamworth on the Australia Day weekend, following a stellar competition season in barrel racing and solid performance in breakaway roping.

But taking out the title for the year was still going to take good results over the three days of competitionand Stevee delivered.

Stevee was riding a comparatively young and new horse in Harry Highpants, who wasn’t even bought for the sport but who had adapted quickly and well to the sport of barrel racing.

“My dad actually bought him for himself to go and check his cows,” mum Jenise said.

“We picked him up and said no, we like him too much.”

Lacey, riding in the 14 to U18years, won the nal round of the breakaway roping with a personal best time of 1.98 seconds to cap an outstanding three days and win the title of champion cowgirl of the competition.

She’d quali ed in the top 15 of the country for both barrel racing and breakaway roping to earn her place at the nals.

Three excellent runs, including a place, in the barrel racing and roping two of three calves in the breaka-

way gave her the points for the championship.

Connie, who took a new horse to Tamworth, was placed fourth in the average in the 14 to U18srounding out a sensational rodeo for the three sisters.

Jenise said the event was an incredibly rewardingnale to a busy but brilliant season for the family.

Rodeo competitors amass points from November to November for a chance to compete at the ABCRA nationals each January, and the Besant sisters have been regulars at the nals since they were each about 10 years old.

Horses and rodeo are entrenched in the family, Jenise also a barrel racer and dad Jason a pick-up man in the arena.

The sport is incredibly competitive and requires real commitment, but they love it.

Training and care for the horses is daily, whatever the weather or whatever else might be going on.

“Dedication is key: looking a er your horse, having the connection with your horse,” Jenise said.

“From rst to sixth placing (in barrel racing) there can be a few hundredths of a second di erence, it is so competitive.”

There have been a lot of late nights and early mornings, but it’s also opened the doors to wonderful experiences for them as a family, as they’re all involved.

They’re travelling just about every weekend - and even hit the road a er nationals to Taralga to compete

there with success as well.

One of the highlights of 2024 was laoding the family, seven horses and two dogs up for a huge road trip up north to compete, all the way to Cape York.

Harry Highpants was one of the horses they took on that road trip, and Jenise recognised he was ready to compete a er a few weeks spell on their return.

“Stevee came back and won 10 rodeos in a row,” she said.

“It wasn’t expected, he picked it up really really well.”

Connie Besant roping with three-year-old Bobby Rey.

Lacey Besant in the barrel racing.

Josiah Klingner qualified for national finals in the 11 to 14 years steer ride. PHOTOS: Supplied

Koby Read placed equal fi h in the ABCRA national championships 14 to 18 years steer ride.

Riding high

Locals represent with success at rodeo national finals

FORBES was well represented at the rodeo national championships, with two young local cowboys qualifying in the top 15 in the country for the year to earn their place in the finals.

The Australian Bushmen’s Campdraft and Rodeo Association finals were hosted at Tamworth on the Australia Day weekend and Forbes’ Koby Read locked in a top five place with three solid rides in the 14 to 18 years steer ride.

Josiah Klingner, competing in the 11 to 14 years steer ride, placed in Round 2 but unfortunately was injured in the final round.

We also have champion cowgirls, with the Besant sisters who attend Red Bend

Catholic College having an outstanding championship campaign.

Stevee Besant was named overall champion cowgirl of the season and her sister Lacey champion cowgirl of the finals event.

■ Full stories page 19

PICTURED RIGHT: Koby Read rode consistently across three big rounds to secure equal fi h in the ABCRA finals and (inset) Red Bend Catholic College student Stevee Besant was named national champion cowgirl of the season a er an outstanding campaign with her horse in the barrel racing.

PHOTOS: Supplied

Lachlan Dragons paddlers selected for national championship campaign

Squads have been named and the Western region side will feature five local paddlers as well as team manager Marg Lambert.

Neil May, Warren Edwards, Donna Edwards, Chris Favelle and Weivan Huang are on the list of 10 men, 10 women, two sweeps and two drummers selected.

who competed at last year’s big event in Perth.

Western has been competitive, May says, earning a silver medal, but they’re preparing for a quality campaign.

trains on picturesque Lake Forbes on Sunday mornings, and on Thursday evenings through daylight saving time. New members are welcome, and if you’d like to learn more or support the club they’re running the barbecue at Bunnings on February 8.

They’re from as far afield as Dubbo, Bathurst, Orange and Wagga Wagga but they’ll gather at Lake Canobolas for training in the next three months.

as Dubbo, Bathurst, Orange

Selections were made after on-water and fitness tests, and they’ve already begun weekly benchmarking on 500m sprints on the paddling erg in the gym.

Western will compete in the State vs State day of the ve-day national competition on Monday, April 28 and

The club will host a regional training day on April 6 and that will be an opportunity to see the boats in action on Lake Forbes.

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Chris Favell, team manager Marg Lambert, Donna Edwards, Warren Edwards and Neil May and (inset) Weivan Huang.