FA20250313

Never give up

SOYA champions’ message for next generation in milestone year for awards

Four-time world champion and world record holder Haylee Redfern has been named our Sportsperson of the Year in the 50th year of the SOYA awards.

Haylee brought home four gold medals, one silver and one bronze from her six events at the WKSF kettlebell world championships in Poland last year.

She has quali ed - and is now preparing for - this year’s championships in Italy less than 90 days away.

But it’s no exaggeration to say

those achievements are hard-won for the 41-year-old mum of two and businesswoman.

Accepting the Forbes Advocate Sportsperson of the Year trophy on Saturday night, Haylee shared how her success has only come through determination and adaptation.

From athletics and equestrian as a junior, Haylee has always been a competitive sportsperson and as an adult she was competing in weightli ing and cross t when she was diagnosed with a degenerative bone

disorder in the middle ear.

Otosclerosis, accelerated by pregnancy, le her about 90 per cent deaf in one ear but also gave her vertigo.

“Rather than giving up on something that I absolutely loved I found a way around it and I altered the sport and took up kettlebell,” Haylee said.

“Changing my training - being an adaptive athlete I suppose - has led me to be a four-time world champion.”

With her sights set on another world championship in Italy in a

couple of months, her message to Forbes’ aspiring sports people was simple.

“Never give up on anything,” Haylee said, thanking those who nominated her and selected her for the award.

It was the resounding message of the night as guest speaker Justin Roylance shared footage of the superboat crash that destroyed his jet boat just weeks out from the world championships earlier this year.

Continued page 2

Determination key to success

From page 1

He also shared the footage of the lap - on that same track - that then secured third place in the world championship series.

Between the two mere minutes of footage Justin and the Outlaw V8 Superboat team had built a new boat in record time and made the deicision to get into that boat and drive it, at out, past that same point where they’d own from the track at 107km/hr.

Both Justin, the driver, and his daughter Macey who’d been navigating that day were okay - their full story can be read on the Advocate’s website and in our February 6 edition.

On Saturday night, Justin said there was so much more to sport than silverware.

“It’s not just the accolades: it’s the camaraderie; it’s shaking the hands of your peers and toughest competitors; looking a er your mates when their day doesn’t go as planned,” he said.

“It’s not just about being a graceful winner, but being a graceful loser.

“It’s being a coach, a volunteer, setting up and packing up, working in the canteen, carrying your weight and inspiring others to do the same, be a leader, listen and don’t just hear.

“Be there for your community and

WHAT’S ON

GIVE IT A GOSENIORS FESTIVAL

3-16 March

Seniors who are looking to reconnect with old friends, make new ones of simply enjoy a day out the give it a go seniors festival in Forbes is for you. With a range of events, activities, workshops and entertainment o ered, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to have fun, learn and be part of a supportive and lively community. Events, activities and workshop dates and times are in the 2025 seniors guide which can be found on Forbes Shire Council’s website or from their o ces.

PHONE SKILLS

Thursday 13 March

Friday 14 March

Hop on board a unique bus tour to see the Central West Livestock Exchange, and a visit to Woolerina for an exclusive tour. Departing Harold Street bus stop 9.30am. Limited spaces available and registrations essential: phone Council on 6850 2300.

TRUNDLE BACK IN TIME

March 15 and 16

FORBES RUGBY GOLF DAY

Friday 21 March

This Seniors Week, join Red Bend Catholic College students to learn the basics of managing smart phone noti cations, playing games and apps, setting up contacts and sharing photos and videos. This is on at Forbes Town Hall from midday to 2pm, registration is essential phone Council on 6850 2300.

LIONS MARKETS

Saturday, March 15

Lions markets by Lake Forbes are back and they have a new purpose: to celebrate our local heroes. All proceeds of the Lions Club BBQ at the regular markets will go to a nominated bunch of local heroes. It may be the SES, ries, maybe a kids footy club. This month it’s the Forbes SES and every cent will

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.

SENIORS VARIETY CONCERT

Sunday 16 March

Come to beautiful Town Hall for the annual Seniors Week Variety Concert presented by Forbes Shire Council and Forbes U3A. Featuring live music and a ernoon tea for a gold coin donation, with all proceeds donated to charity. Please register through 123tix.com.au or phone 6850 2300.

JOURNALISTS

ible e orts for the cause.

Nedd donated copies of his two books: Showing Up: Get comfortable being uncomfortable; and Fire Up: Live large, do tough stu and give back; to each of the award recipients.

“It’s amazing to see so many people doing amazing things in the community and in sport,” he said in a video message.

“You, the young people there especially: keep doing your sport, keep ghting, keep showing up, keep working up coz you never know where it might take you.

“Just to be announced as a nominee tonight is extremely amazing so you should all be excited, grateful and proud of yourselves.”

Justin Roylance encouraged everyone to start considering and making nominations for the 2025 awards, which will be hosted in early 2026.

He congratulated and thanked the small team of volunteers who run the Sportsperson of the Year Association and the annual awards.

“This is a team that volunteers tirelessly every year to put this on, your e orts for SOYA does not go unnoticed,” he said.

“50 years is a massive achievement so thank you.”

Nominations are available on the SOYA facebook page or from committee members.

From the mayor

International Women’s Day was celebrated in Forbes on Saturday with 80 amazing guests and inspiring keynote speakers Belinda Mawhinney, and Kelly Foran. Together, we explored the history of International Women’s Day, celebrated global progress in gender equality, and discovered our own leadership qualities.

We learned how to set boundaries in all aspects of our lives and turn life’s lemons into lemonade.

Forbes Seniors Give it a Go Festival for Senior’s Week is in full swing.

There are still plenty of fantastic events lined up. Don’t forget to register for the ones that interest you the most.

You can get the full program from the Council’s website front page events.

Forbes Shire Council needs your input for the Active Transport Plan. Open until 4 April we need the community to share ideas for pedestrians, prams, cyclists etc…

The annual Forbes Rugby Union Club is here for 2025, raising funds for the Peter Murphy Memorial Fund on the eve of the Rugby President’s Lunch. This is a four-person ambrose competition with registration open from 12.30pm and a shotgun start at 1.30pm. Cost is $25 per member or $50 non member. CanAssist will run the barbecue lunch with donations going to this local charity.

BEDGERABONG CHECK-

IN

Monday, 31 March

Care for your land and your wellbeing: The Rural Adversity Mental Health Program is coming to Bedgerabong Showground. Guest speakers are Guy Webb from SoilCQuest, natural capital advisor Chioma Igwenagu and Philip Worrad from RAHMP. It’s from 9.30am to 2pm. RSVP by text to Phil 0436 921 076.

EUGOWRA BOOTS AND BOWTIES BALL

Saturday, April 5

This is a fundraiser ball not to be missed presented by the

Renee Powell 0448 238 023

rpowell@midwestmedia.com.au

Brendan McCool 0448 238 254

bmccool@midwestmedia.com.au

CLASSIFIEDS 02 6342 1044

mbrown@midwestmedia.com.au

ADVERTISING

Courtney Gambrill 0448 248 080

VARIETY CONCERT MARCH 16

Eugowra Public School P and C at the Eugowra Showground Pavilion. There will be buses from Forbes, Parkes, Canowindra and Gooloogong. Tickets are now available at 123tix.com.au

AMAZING MOTOR FESTIVAL

Saturday, April 5

To be hosted by the Forbes District Historic Machinery Association, this event will bring together enthusiasts and families at the Multipurpose Equestrian Centre and Showground.

NATHAN “WHIPPY” GRIGGS AT CALARIE HALL

Thursday, May 1

Check out an Aussie banter whip cracking show from a Guinness world record holder Nathan “Whippy” Griggs at his Pass the Hat gig. Everyone is welcome for a fun night at Calarie Hall from 7pm.

www.forbesadvocate.com.au

So we can include it in our future planning, works and funding applications. We all want Forbes to be an abilities accessible and easy town to get around.

You can complete the short online questions at Your Say – at the bottom of the front page of council’s

Phase 2 is open for community members nominated by the

While you are in the Your Say section of the website –feel free to have your say on the Community Strategic Phase 2 is open for community members to prioritise the goals nominated by the community when we called for your input earlier in the year.

There have been some really well considered and great ideas – now let us know what your priorities are so we can establish some real community goals and outcomes.

Have you seen the plans and progress for the new grandstand at Spooner Oval?

It really is going to be a amazing amenity and as such we need to give a great name.

Council is currently inviting submissions to name the new grandstand at Spooner oval.

You can log your suggestion on the website online at forbes.nsw.gov.au

God Bless, Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM

cgambrill@midwestmedia.com.au

Cyclists’ big ride for Royal Far West

A group of local cyclists is preparing to pedal their way to the city to raise funds for a charity that brings children’s health services to the country.

Stuart Thomas, Luke Randall, Marco Carelli and Terry Cuskelly will ride nearly 400km - with 4000m of climb - on April 4 and 5.

They’re raising funds for the Royal Far West Children’s Charity, which specialises in supporting the health of country children.

The team was inspired to support the organisation’s work with both the local fundraiser op shop in Forbes, and the work of Stuart’s daughter as a speech pathologist with Royal Far West.

Megan is based in Manly but is on the team of health professionals that does outreach services to regional communities including Trundle and Tottenham.

The cyclists are planning a 5am departure from the Sun-

shine Club op shop in Templar Street on Friday 4 April.

They’ll be taking as many back roads as possible, which will add plenty of challenge to the journey as they go via Mount Canobolas and then south of Bathurst through towns including Millthorpe, Blayney, O’Connell and then Hartley Vale.

They’ll spend the night in Lithgow, again taking a quiet road through to Victoria Pass where they’ll rejoin the highway.

The ride will take them past the Opera House, over the Harbour Bridge as they make their way through to Manly and the beach on Saturday afternoon.

Support crew are Alison Lynch and Terry Hodges, who’ll be in the support vehicle.

Royal Far West is a specialist child development service providing vital support to improve the health and wellbeing of children in rural and

Inspiration to make change for all women

March forward for all women and girls was the theme of International Women’s Day 2025, and locals were inspired to do just that at Saturday’s breakfast by Lake Forbes.

Guest speaker Kelly Foran spoke about the serious health battles she and her family have faced - and how that gave her the vision for a charity foundation that would smooth the way for rural people having to navigate hospitals and health services.

Today, Friendly Faces Helping Hands is helping some 10,000 people a month with a website and free call phone number connecting families to services they need when they’re far from home for medical treatment.

“From our traumatic time we understand it doesn’t have to be so hard,” Kelly said.

The foundation’s website lists services near major hospitals as well as a lot of the supports that are available.

Kelly also hopes sharing her story and experience will inspire others to be the best they can to help and support others.

Guest speaker Dr Belinda Mawhinney,

business consultant based in Grenfell, gave women insights into the leadership skills they have and the ways they can do just that.

Sharing about authentic leadership and boundaries for sustainability, Belinda encouraged women to focus on what has changed in three decades of International Women’s Day and what needs action from us.

“Each of us has an opportunity to align our efforts with a cause that holds significance for each of us,” she said, whether that’s access to healthcare, access to quality education, small business sustainability, violence prevention, cultural preservation or aged care.

Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM acknowledged a lot had changed in the 30 years since the world committed to a vision for gender equality through the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

But there’s still a long way to go. The Federal Government’s Status of Women Report Card, released in 2024, showed women still earned on average $238 a week less than men and those approaching retirement had on average 25.1 per cent less superannuation.

International Women’s Day was an important day to speak about these issues.

“Let’s continue to march forward for all women and girls because it is time to turn promises into progress,” Mayor Miller said. Photos of the breakfast to come.

Proposed Amendments – Schedule of Fees and Charges

– Various

In accordance with s. 610F of the Local Government Act 1993, Council places on public exhibition proposed amendments to its Schedule of Fees and Charges (solar panel recycling fee, large-scale school holiday events). Details of the proposed amendments are available on Council’s website and its Administration Office at 2 Court Street, Forbes. Submissions may be made in writing to The General Manager, PO Box 333, Forbes NSW 2871, by email to forbes@forbes.nsw.gov.au or delivered to Council’s Administration Office at 2 Court Street. Submissions will be accepted until 5:00pm 28 March 2025. For further information, please contact Council’s Governance Officer on 6850 2300 (Option 4).

Forbes Active Transport Strategy 2025

Consultation

Forbes Shire Council has received funding under the NSW Get Active Program to prepare a new Active Transport Plan (ATP) to replace the Forbes Shire Council Pedestrian and Cycling Strategy 2017. Active transport refers to people walking, running and bike riding as well as other transport options such as e-bikes, e-scooters and mobility scooters, adults pushing prams and wheelchair use.

Your feedback will support our plans to deliver the new Forbes ATP 2025.

The online survey is now available via Council’s Website or by contacting Council’s Community Relations Officer on 02 6850 2300. This survey closes on 4 April 2025

Community Strategic Plan – Phase 2.

Council has reviewed responses received in phase 1 of the Community Strategic Plan Survey and now is asking the community to help prioritise the key directions for the Forbes Shire.

The community is invited to vote for their top 5 priorities via one of the following methods:

- By visiting yoursay.forbes.nsw.gov.au and completing the online survey

- By visiting the Forbes Shire Council Administration Office and completing a hard copy survey

- By visiting our friendly staff at one of the various face to face consultation. More information on this can be located on the Council Website.

Voting closes Saturday 15 March.

For more information, please contact Council’s Community Relations Officer on 02 6850 2300 or community@forbes.nsw.gov.au

Spooner Oval Grandstand Naming

The Spooner Oval Grandstand Project is kicking goals thanks to funding through the Australian Government Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program and the NSW Government Stronger Country Communities Fund and Regional Sport Facility Fund. The new grandstand will be two levels with lift access to the upper level, 210 seats, dressing rooms, a club room, bar and canteen and throughout facilities is expected to be completed by September 2025. Council now invites the community to help us choose a name for the new grandstand. This consultation closes at 5pm on Friday 18 April 2025 and will be reported to the May Council meeting.

remote areas. Throughout its 100-year history, Royal Far West’s ambition has remained unchanged: ensuring every country child has access to the services they need to support their early development and enrich their lives.

Royal Far West offers multidisciplinary developmental, mental health and disability support services for country children up to the age of 12 through their Centre for Country Kids in Manly, via virtual care and in-community.

They have a team of more than 130 clinicians, including paediatricians, psychologists, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, social workers, psychiatrists, nurses, dietitians and orthoptists.

You can donate online at https://give.royalfarwest.org. au/fundraisers/stuartthomas/forbes-to-manly-royal-farwest-ride

Man charged with grievous bodily harm, resist police

A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm after an alleged assault that resulted in a woman being airlifted to Sydney with serious head injuries. Emergency services were called to reports of an assault at Bedgerabong about 8.45pm on Sunday 10 March, NSW Police said in a statement to media. NSW Ambulance paramedics attended, and a woman was airlifted to Westmead in a critical condition.

A 54-year-old man was arrested at the scene.

He has been charged with cause grievous bodily harm to person with intent (DV) and hinder / resist law enforcement officer in execution of duty. He was refused bail to face Parkes Local Court that same day.

To suggest a name, please visit the Council’s Website, Forbes YourSay Website or contact Council’s

Luke Randall and Stuart Thomas are preparing for the ride to Sydney, cheered on by delighted Royal Far West Forbes volunteers (from left) Sally Bowen, Julie James, Pat McGrath, Molly Neilsen, Rona Pritchard, Ngarie Bilsborough and Maureen Bale.

Fees may apply to some school holiday fun

Council is looking to put a fee on some of its higher cost or large scale school holiday events this year.

Local families have been enjoying free events provided by the council for the youth community during school holidays for years now.

But some of them do require signi cant investment to run, a report to councillors’ February meeting explains, and when people book a place but don’t show up that is wasted.

Council’s busy and amazing youth team is still planning to run a range of free events in the holidays, but there will be a $20 fee on some of the more resource intensive programs.

The proposal is currently being displayed for community comment on the Forbes Shire Council website, with community members invited to submit feedback.

Silent discos, pool parties, excursions to other towns and workshops do have a cost with sta ng, equipment, nancial resources and external facilitators.

“Despite strong registration numbers, there have been ongoing issues with no-shows, leading to wasted resources and limited opportunities for those who could have attended if spots had not been reserved by nonattendees,” the team’s report to the council meeting says.

“The aim is to reduce last-minute cancellations and no-shows, which can negatively impact the allocation of resources and program e ectiveness. Implementing a fee will also enable better planning and operational e ciency.”

It’s hoped putting even the nominal $20 fee on will encourage families to inform council if they cannot attend, so waitlisted participants can take their place.

The rst event to incur the fee, which would be on a trial basis in April and July school holidays, will be an excursion to Dubbo or Orange.

It would come back to councillors with evaluation for consideration before the September school holidays.

Submissions may be made in writing to The General Manager, PO Box 333, Forbes NSW 2871, by email to forbes@forbes.nsw.gov.au or delivered to Council’s Administration during operating hours (8:30am to 5pm).

Submissions will be accepted until 5pm 28 March 2025. For further information, please contact Council’s Governance Ofcer on 6850 2300 (Option 4).

Peters added to names put forward for new streets

Padre White, Alan Perry, Ephrain Dunstan and now Frederick John Peters are among those put forward to have streets named for them in the new Homes NSW subdivision.

Forbes Shire Council has selected a number of names to be put to the Geographic Names Board for the development o Farnell Street in north Forbes.

Councillors had earlier selected the following names:

Padre White Street – which would go o Farnell Street into the new development; Dunstan Close - o Hurford Place; Perry Street - o Padre White Street; and Baxter Street.

At their February meeting they were asked to put forward an additional name as insu cient information could be found about the name Baxter.

Frederic John Peters was born in 1868 and became a coach painter and decorator. He settled in Forbes with his wife Sarah in about 1890, running a blacksmith and wheelwright business.

He was a member of Forbes re brigade for many years, serving as its captain from 1908 to 1917.

The State Government’s Homes NSW is developing about 10 acres of vacant Crown Land with access o Farnell Street and Dawson Street.

Homes NSW intends to subdi-

vide the site to create around 102 new lots to deliver around 132 private, social, and a ordable homes over the next three to four years.

Construction is on track to begin mid-year.

Once complete, the project is expected to deliver 40 social and affordable homes, including homes for key workers.

THE SEARCH FOR OUR FUTURE STREET NAMES

Forbes Shire Council will, in the near future, be developing a new street naming policy that will need more names, Director of Engineering Richard Jane told councillors’ February meeting. He said the council would be

looking for avenues to shortlist names suitable for future streets, anticipating calling for expressions of interest for those.

Councillors resolved to contact the Forbes Family History Group and Business Chamber to seek input.

HALL’S RUN

Streets in the new Hall’s Run subdivision will be named for birds of this region.

Osprey Street, Rosella Street and Corella Close are the names put forward by the proponent of the development, on the Bogan Way. They were rst put to Forbes Shire Council for consideration at their February meeting.

Council to seek funding for $344,000 playground

Council has received detailed designs for the Pit Stop playground.

Councillors have had their first glimpse of the playground planned for the Pit Stop corner.

Now that landscaping, gardens and amenities are in place, it’s time to plan the playscape that was always intended for this park on the northern entrance of Forbesat the intersection of Lachlan and Rankin streets.

Councillors at their February meeting were presented with designs for a $344,320 playground at their February meeting and resolved to seek funding to build it.

The design includes a mound activity with slide; bilby trampoline; activity panel; a bush wood mountain stream; handball / hopscotch area; garden and canopy.

The costing also includes fencing, structure and seating area, garden and canopy tree landscaping.

Councillors voted to accept the proposed design and to seek grant funding to develop the area.

Community to have a say on name of new

Council will call on the community to suggest names for the new Spooner Oval grandstand.

Construction is still under way - and will continue through this footy season - but council sta and councillors have acknowledged the decision on a name is not one to be taken lightly.

Councillors moved that they would put it out to the community through expressions of interest.

“It involves a mix of honouring history, engaging with the community, attracting sponsors, and

ensuring the name resonates positively over time,” the report from manager corporate business Kylie Grayson said.

“By considering these various factors, stakeholders can select a name that serves the grandstand’s purpose, celebrates its legacy, and enhances the venue’s prestige for future generations.”

Considerations include:

Historical signi cance, celebrating local rugby league history or honouring gures who have con tributed to its legacy;

Memorial or dedication to an individual, group or event, commemorating a respected gure in the community or historical event; Commercial sponsorship; and

grandstand

that resonates with community.

Consultation with community members, sports teams and organisations would be key to the choice, councillors voting to call for expressions of interest.

The new grandstand has been described as a game-changer for Forbes rugby league.

The project is set to deliver a state-of-the-art grandstand that will feature 210 seats, two levels with li access to the upper level, dressing rooms, a club room, bar

Beautiful, sustainable gardens

Macrocarpa Landscapes can design, install and maintain it for you

If you’re interested in a beautiful, sustainable garden featuring native plants, this new local business is your perfect match.

A love for Australian native plants and a desire to share their beauty has led Kate Nixon and Luke Hoey to form Macrocarpa Landscapes.

Theirs is a gardening business and so much more, weaving together a love of environmental science, agriculture and horticulture.

The business is named for the unique and beautiful Eucalyptus macrocarpa, with its incredible silver foliage and huge gum blossoms.

“Sustainability is a really strong focus for our design work,” Kate says.

This means spaces that are suitable to the climate, able to withstand our weather extremes, and use recycled materials.

Garden design

Macrocarpa Landscapes can design, install and then maintain your garden: a garden that works for you and thrives over time.

Kate and Luke understand the extremes of our climate, from frosts to extreme heats, drought and oods, and in their garden planning they focus on plants suited to our local environment.

They believe that with good design, your outdoor space can be beautiful, practical, and even a boost for local wildlife.

Locals and visitors to Forbes can already enjoy one of Kate’s designs in the Forbes Endemic Garden at the Lachlan Vintage Village Visitor

Information Centre.

“It’s a fully endemic garden showcasing species from the shire,” Kate said.

She would love to continue to share this garden by forming a Friends of Forbes Endemic Garden group, watch for more news on this space or contact them.

Garden maintenance Macrocarpa Landscapes o ers all garden and outdoor mainte-

nance services from mowing and clean up through to full garden renovation.

If your old garden beds are past their prime or areas are overgrown, they can get in and tidy everything up. They can o er services like pressure cleaning of your surfaces right through to cleaning the gutters.

Once you’ve got the old cleared away, they can help you develop a plan for the new.

On-farm environmental consultation

Growing up on a farm at Yarrabandai, Kate learned an appreciation for our natural environment and our seasons and works with landholders on environmental enhancement on-farm.

You may be able to use tactical plantings to reduce re risk or to manage ood-prone areas.

Treelines, remnant vegetation and erosion control are the sorts

of projects that can be eligible for grant funding - Kate can help advise on how to resolve issues or enhance your on-farm biodiversity. If plantings need to be local, Kate and Luke can also collect local seeds and propagate the tubestock. Kate and Luke are available in Forbes and the central west.

Find out more and book through their website //www.macrocarpalandscapes.com.au/ or follow them on social media to learn more.

Kate and Luke can design, install and maintain your garden as a place to enjoy.

PHOTOS: Supplied

Luke Hoey and Kate Nixon with their children Teddy and Mack and (inset) the unique Eucalyptus macrocarpa.

Join in the fun this National Playgroup Week

National Playgroup Week this March from 17 to 23 is a great time to celebrate.

Families and care-givers in Forbes with babies right up to ve-year-olds not attending school are encouraged to visit one of the many playgroups in Forbes.

Playgroups and groups for young children are available every day of the week in Forbes with a number of service providers delivering groups.

“A lot of playgroups in Forbes are supported,” says Forbes North SaCC’s Maree Yapp.

“Service providers do a lot of the work so families can take care of the important task of playing with their children.”

As parents return to work there is likely to be a group activity available for their child with a carer any day of the week, during school terms.

All playgroups and groups for children welcome a diverse range of care-givers from mums, dads, grandparents, friends and nanny’s.

Forbes North Family Playgroup on Wednesdays and Forbes Thursday Playgroup will be celebrating the theme “let’s play for our future” with activities for children and a special cake and cuppa for the grown ups.

PHOTO: Supplied

“Our sessions are free and we would like to see new and familiar faces,” Maree says. So much research is going on around the importance of reading, talking, singing and playing with children. If you are unable to get to a playgroup check out the webinars available at Playgroup NSW.

Visit the site https://www. nationalplaygroupweek.org. au/# for more information.

More information at: https://www.nationalplaygroupweek.org.au/

Regular events through Forbes North Schools as Community Centres weekly are:

Monday: Australian Breastfeeding Association Parkes / Forbes catchupsmeeting third Monday of the month from 10am, connect through Facebook for venue information

Tuesday: Thump Jump Rhyme is early childhood music singalongs for families with young children at the Forbes North School Hall. Enter at the York Street gate before 10am. Phone Maree on 6852 2187 for more information.

Wednesday: Forbes North family playgroup with Maree and Mel from 10am to midday at the Forbes North School hall. Free supported playgroup, phone Maree on 6852 2187 for more information.

Thursday: Playgroup at the Forbes Youth and Community Centre corner Battye and Press streets. Free supported playgroup sessions for families, carers, friends and grandparents with young children.

Friday: Rhyme time at Forbes town library. Free early childhood music and cra sessions welcoming families, carers, friends and grandparents with young children.

Local peaches inspire winning cocktail

Forbes peaches are the inspiration and the secret ingredient to the success of a cocktail that will represent Club Forbes in Brisbane tonight.

The Velvet Sunrise Margarita created by the club’s food and beverage manager Abbey Hodges-Lockwood is one of six chosen for the Australian Hospitality and Gaming expo, to feature on Thursday evening.

The key ingredient is peaches from Betlands Orchard, of course, and Abbey is delighted to be able to y the ag for Forbes and its wonderful stone fruit.

Abbey has been at Club Forbes for four years now and is the venue’s food and beverage manager.

Creating this peach margarita came only a er signi cant research into how she could put a new twist on a classic.

To qualify to make her cocktail for the nal, she had to submit both the recipe and photos of her creation to the competition.

The cocktail itself features peach schnapps and of course fresh peach. It’s then topped with a picturesque peach ower and a sprig of mint.

Cultural centre taking shape

Construction works at the Forbes cultural centre are progressing, with Forbes Shire Council announcing the completion of more key milestones in the historic building’s transformation.

Wall frames and re protection requirements have now been installed and the Gallery, on the modern side of the building, is prepared for external wall cladding.

Trusses and roo ng to the rst oor of the new building have also been supplied and installed.

Work does continue, with some tra c restrictions in that area of Lachlan and Court streets over the past week.

The historic building on the corner of

Lachlan and Court streets was severely damaged in res in 2001.

Forbes Arts Society has purchased the premises and Forbes Shire Council is managing its transformation - with grant funding - into a cultural centre for the community.

When complete, the Forbes Cultural Centre will provide the community with an architecturally designed ground oor and rst oor complex complete with art galleries, storage areas, meeting rooms, conference rooms and café with indoor and outdoor dining.

But at this stage the council continues to seek funding for the internal t-out works.

Emma Ratcli e all smiles on the baby mat at Forbes’ Thursday playgroup.

ABOVE AND LEFT: Work to transform the fire-damaged historic building on the corner of Lachlan and Court streets into a cultural centre continues.

ABBEY HODGES-LOCKWOOD AND HER VELVET SUNRISE COCKTAIL FEATURING LOCAL PEACHES.

Leo’s magic NRL moment

Young fan delivers game ball for kick-o in Round 1 of NRL 2025

By MADELINE BLACKSTONE

Young rugby league fan Leo Doyle was given an incredibly special opportunity during round one of the NRL.

While staying at Ronald McDonald House at Randwick the Doyle family were lucky enough to be given extra tickets to the Broncos vs Roosters game thanks to the Ronald McDonald House program.

While enquiring about the opportunity to attend the Roosters vs Broncos game, Leo’s dad Mitch was asked if Leo would like to to run the game ball out onto the eld before kick-o .

“He (Leo) jumped at the opportunity,” Nikki said.

The Doyle family were greeted at the stadium with Roosters merchandise and were taken down to the eld.

“We could watch all of the players warming up and Leo could stand in the tunnel as players ran in and out,” he said.

“The sta at the Roosters, they couldn’t have been any more nicer if they tried.”

Leo was instructed by Roosters sta what to do and was taken to the side of the eld before his big moment.

Leo ran the game ball out to the middle of the eld before kick-o .

“He was only shown on TV for about ve seconds when he was in the tunnel but we had a lot of messages come through as eve-

Leo’s favourite football team is the Panthers but his second and third favourites are the Broncos and Roosters.

“Leo is a kid that doesn’t care what team or who is playing, he just loves every part about football.”

ryone was looking out for him on the TV.”

Leo was diagnosed with conerod dystrophy meaning Leo’s eye sight will deteriorate over time.

“It was kind of emotional watching him because we kind of bittersweet,” Nikki said.

Leo has also had the opportunity to watch the Rabbitohs captains run thanks to Ronald McDonald House and Matt Cameron from the Panthers is always in contact with the Doyle family.

“Matt gets us tickets and we get to go on the eld and meet people.

and meet people.

“It’s a good experience but there’s a reason we get to experi-

“We wouldn’t be able to give Leo these opportunities unless people are very generous and

Chance to save at the servo as prices drop

Nikki said Leo still talks

Nikki said Leo still talks about the experience and thinks even Leo couldn’t describe how he was feeling that

The family ew down and back to Sydney with Little Wings who the Forbes and Town District Tennis Club held a charity day in October last year for in hopes to raise money for the

“Their service is phenome-

“Even with the circumstances surrounding everything we are very lucky.”

par with Orange prices: the NSW Government’s fuel check website revealing E10 costs 181.9 to 188.9 cents a litre there. Bathurst is still cheaper for those travelling further afield with prices from 167.9 to 170.9 cents per litre for E10 there.

Isla, Leo and Louie with the Sydney Roosters mascot, Rocky the Rooster and (inset) Leo ready to run the ball on.

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. 12.00 Horse Racing. Coolmore Classic and Peter Young Stakes. 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: RED. (2010) Bruce Willis, Mary-Louise Parker. 9.45 MOVIE: Atomic Blonde. (2017) Charlize Theron, James McAvoy. 12.05 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 11.30 GetOn Extra. 12.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Better Homes. 3.00 The Yorkshire Vet. 4.00 Escape To The Country. 5.00 Horse Racing. Coolmore Classic and Peter Young Stakes. 6.00 Dog Patrol. 6.30 Bondi Vet. 7.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 10.30 I Escaped To The Country. 11.30 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Destination WA. 12.30 My Way. 1.00 Let’s Eat With George. 1.30 Hybrid Horizons. 2.00 The Pet Rescuers. 2.30 Bondi Vet. 3.30 David Attenborough’s Mammals. 4.30 The Garden Gurus. 5.00 9News First At Five. 5.30 Getaway. 6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Space Invaders. 8.30 MOVIE: San Andreas. (2015) Dwayne Johnson, Carla Gugino. 10.45 MOVIE: Volcano. (1997) 12.40 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 2.35 Doctor Who. 3.25 A Bite To Eat. 3.55 Penn & Teller: Fool Us. 4.35 MythBusters. 5.30 Heartbreak High. 7.00 Spicks And Specks. 7.30 QI. 8.00 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee (NZ) 8.45 Ab Fab. 10.15 ER. 11.00 Ghosts. 11.30 Rage. 12.35 Heartbreak High. 1.20 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Surf Life Saving. Surf

6.00 Morning Programs. 1.00 Blokesworld. 1.30 Cool Cars & Bikes. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 Motor Racing. National Drag Racing Championship. Round 2. New Year Nitro. 4.00 Carnage. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Football. AFL. Round 1. Sydney v Brisbane Lions. 9.00 MOVIE: Total Recall. (1990) 11.25 Late Programs.

6.00 Rage Charts. 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Death In Paradise. 1.30 Poh’s Kitchen. 2.00 Under The Vines. 2.45 Extraordinary Escapes. 3.40 The Role Of A Lifetime. 4.30 Muster Dogs: Collies And Kelpies. Final. 5.30 Landline. 6.00 Australian Story. 6.30 Back Roads. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 Death In Paradise. 8.30 Vera. 10.00 The Newsreader. Final. 11.00 Unforgotten. Final. 11.50 Rage. 6.00 Kids’ Programs. 4.05 Grace’s Amazing Machines. 4.20 Odd Squad. 4.45 Gardening Australia Junior. 5.10 Thomas. 5.50 Paddington. 6.40 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.30 Kids BBQ Championship. 8.10 Chopped Jnr. 8.55 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.35 Speechless. 10.00 Officially Amazing Goes Bunkers. 10.25 Dragon Ball Super. 10.50 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 8.30 Beat Bugs. 9.00 Get Clever. 10.00 Weekender. 10.30 Weekender. 11.00 Ed And Karen’s Recipes For Success. 12.00 Malaysia Kitchen. 12.30 Dream Home. 2.10 Holey Moley Australia. 3.40 Britain’s Got Talent. 5.40 MOVIE: Stuart Little. (1999) 7.30 MOVIE: A Knight’s Tale. (2001) 10.15 MOVIE: The Count Of Monte Cristo. (2002) 12.55 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 1.00 MOVIE: Mr Forbush And The Penguins. (1971) 3.10 MOVIE: Fire Over Africa. (1954) 4.50 MOVIE: Kings Of The Sun. (1963) 7.00 Rugby Union. Super Rugby Pacific. Round 5. Queensland Reds v NSW Waratahs. 9.30 Super Rugby Pacific PostMatch. 9.45 MOVIE: Rocky III. (1982) 11.45 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Aust. 2.30 Monty Don’s Adriatic Gardens. Final. 3.30 Sue Perkins’ Big Adventure: Paris To Istanbul. 4.15 Extraordinary Escapes. 5.05 A Dog’s World With Tony Armstrong. 6.00 Antiques Roadshow. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 Darby And Joan. Return. 8.20 Unforgotten. Return. 9.05 Boat Story. New. 10.05 MOVIE: The Turning. (2013) 1.00 Late Programs. 6.00 Kids’ Programs. 4.20 Odd Squad. 4.45 Gardening Australia Junior. 5.10 The Monster At The End Of This Story. 5.50 Paddington. 6.40 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.35 Moominvalley. 8.00 Horrible Histories. 8.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.10 Abbott Elementary. 9.55 Speechless. 10.20 Merlin. 11.00 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 3.50 Doctor Who. 4.40 MythBusters. 5.30 Heartbreak High. 7.00 Spicks And Specks. 7.30 QI. 8.00 Louis Theroux: Drinking To Oblivion. 9.00 Planet America: Weekend Edition. 9.50 ER. 10.30 Ghosts. 11.00 Rage. 12.05

6.00 Mass For You At Home. 6.30 Key Of David. 7.00 Joseph Prince: New Creation Church. 7.30 Farm To Fork. 8.00 The Yes Experiment. 8.30

Football. AFL. Round 1. Melbourne v GWS Giants. 6.00 The Wash Up. New. 7.00 Border Security. 8.30 MOVIE: A Good Day To Die Hard. (2013) 10.35 MOVIE: Big Trouble In Little China. (1986) 12.45 Late Programs.

Off Road TV. 3.00 Rugby League. NRL. Round 2. Parramatta Eels v Wests Tigers. 6.00 9News Sunday. 7.00 Married At First Sight. 8.40 60 Minutes. 9.40 9News Late. 10.10 See No Evil. 11.10 The First 48. 12.00 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 8.30 The Incredible Journey. 9.00 Turning Point. 9.30 TV Shop. 10.00 AFL Sunday Footy Show. 12.00 Getaway. 12.30 Avengers. 1.30 Dad’s Army. 2.00 MOVIE: West Of Zanzibar. (1954) 4.00 MOVIE: What Did You Do In The War, Daddy? (1966) 6.30 M*A*S*H. 8.30 MOVIE: The Fugitive. (1993) 11.10 The Closer. 12.10 Late Programs. 6.00 Flushed. 7.00 It’s Academic. 8.30 Beat Bugs. 9.00 Get Clever. 10.00 Holey Moley Australia. 11.30 Dream Home. 1.10 Zumbo’s Just Desserts. 2.20 Home And Away. 4.20 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 The Blacklist. 1.30 Ordinary Joe. 2.30 Prison Break.

where problems might exist and how they can be overcome. Keep the lines of communication open.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) It’s not easy to bring order to a chaotic situation, whether it’s in the workplace or at home. But if anyone can do it, you can! A pleasant surprise awaits you by week’s end.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Be careful that you don’t make an upcoming decision solely on the word of those who might have their own reasons for wanting you to act as they suggest. Check things out for yourself.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A personal relationship that seems to be going nowhere could be restarted once you know why it stalled. An honest discussion could result in some surprising revelations.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) An unexpected attack of self-doubt could be a way of warning yourself to go slow before making a career-changing decision. Take more time to do a closer study of the facts.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) A workplace problem needs your attention now before it deteriorates to a point beyond repair. A trusted third party could be helpful in closing the gaps that have opened.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) A recent family situation could give rise to a new problem. Keep an open mind and avoid making judgments about anyone’s motives until all the facts are in.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Rely on your always-sharp intuition to alert you to potential problems regarding someone’s attempt to explain away the circumstances behind a puzzling incident.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Although you still need to do some snipping off of those lingering loose ends from a past project, you can begin moving on to something else.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) With your self-confidence levels rising, you should feel quite comfortable with taking on a possibly troublesome but potentially well-rewarded situation.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Travel is favored, both for business and for fun. The end of the week brings news about an upcoming project that could lead toward a promised career change.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) You might feel suddenly overwhelmed by a flood of responsibilities. But if you deal with each one in its turn, you’ll soon be able to hold your head above water and move on.

School expands with growing demand

Parkes Christian School is now welcoming enrolments for the 2026 and 2027 academic years in response to increasing student numbers.

With enrolments open now until the end of May 2025, parents are encouraged to apply early to secure a place for their child at this growing school.

Over recent years, Parkes Christian School has experienced significant growth, particularly in Kindergarten and Year 7.

The school now has over 400 students across all year levels, reflecting its strong reputation for providing quality education within a supportive community.

School Principal, Mr Glen Westcott, highlighted the school’s commitment to maintaining a small-school environment while managing this growth.

“Some time ago we made the decision to limit our class sizes, including capping enrolments and splitting year groups across two classes,” Mr Westcott said.

He also urged parents considering enrolment for any year level to apply as soon as possible, as several classes are nearing capacity. Enrolments for all year groups are now open, and demand continues to rise.

Mr Westcott emphasised that while the school is expanding, it remains dedicated to retaining its close-knit, community-focused feel.

“We are still small enough to get to know each student individually and cater to their unique needs,” he said.

“At the same time, we are large enough to offer a full range of HSC

subjects, competitive classroom environments, sports teams, musicals, and so much more.

“This balance ensures that every student has the opportunity to participate and feel a strong sense of belonging.”

Parkes Christian School is also excited to invite prospective families to its School Expo on Monday, March 17.

This event is open to anyone interested in learning more about the school, so come along and see what Parkes Christian School has to offer. A sausage sizzle will be available during the evening, providing a great opportunity to meet staff and experience the school’s welcoming community first hand.

Parents interested in enrolling their child at Parkes Christian School should act quickly to secure a spot, as some year groups are already full and have waitlists. For more information about the application process or to arrange a school tour, contact the school office at 02 6862 4164 or email enrolments@parkescs.nsw.edu.au.

An online enrolment application form is also available on the school’s website at www.parkescs.nsw.edu.au/ enrolment.

With its strong commitment to nurturing a welcoming and supportive school community, Parkes Christian School continues to provide outstanding education for its students. As enrolments for 2026 and 2027 open, parents are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to become part of the Parkes Christian School family.

A big thank you to everyone who has made donations in clean and good condition.

We appreciate your thoughtfulness as it has become a necessity for us to check your donation before you leave.

We are currently running two raffles: one a three-piece bistro setting kindly donated by Bunnings and two a pamper pack for mother’s day. The tickets are $1 each and only available at the front desk in our shop on Templar Street. We have an extensive array of crockery available.

Our furniture comes and goes. We have a delivery driver who will pick up and deliver goods by arrangement through our op shop in Templar Street.

Our sale on ladies summer clothes is still 50 cents an item and our ladies evening wear is half marked price.

We are accepting donations of clean and good quality clothing, linen, books, glassware and furniture and we would prefer you deliver during our opening hours 9am to 3.30pm Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 11-13 Templar Street Forbes.

Our birthday book is open so many happy returns to Macka, Just Dot’s Kevin, Lead Slinger, Lance’s Val, Sweet Narelle’s Angela, Bev’s Cindy, Kerry, Malaya’s Daughter, Fran’s

Until

Jackson, Bongee Beauty, Markos, Monty’s Jacinta, Lady Cat, Dry Andrew’s Daughter, Bruce Almighty’s Mrs.

next time, Reenie

Chloe Arnott enjoying music at Parkes Christian School.

Seth Austin, Mrs Barton and Hannah Farrell. PHOTOS: Supplied

Homegrown Parkes is nearly here

By MARG APPLEBEE CENTRAL WEST LACHLAN LANDCARE

Have you seen the sign? Our Homegrown Parkes sign is up.

We have a fantastic line up of speakers lined up for our event on Saturday, 29 March.

We have three fabulous work shops that we are providing for free to our community.

Chef Jack Brown will be provid ing a workshop from 11am.

Jack is an Indigenous chef trained in traditional French cui sine and he is on a mission to redefine Australian cuisine by in corporating native Indigenous in gredients into everyday cooking.

Join us in welcoming Jack to provide a workshop in the Cooke Park Pavilion from 11am to 12pm.

Please reserve a seat for this free event during Homegrown Parkes.

Kath Whitchurch will be proHomegrown Parkes. Make sure to register for Kath’s at 2pm. We will welcome Elizabeth Brit-

Prices

CATTLE SALE

Monday, 10 March

Yarding 681 (down 1036)

Numbers more than halved this sale with agents yarding just 681 head.

Quality was very mixed with both well finished and secondary cattle penned.

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

Yearling steers to feed lifted 4 to 5c/kg to sell from 320 to 382c/kg.

Finished types to processors received from 330 to 380c/kg.

The heifer portion also improved with those to feed selling from 293 to 330c/kg.

Processors paid from 290 to 350c/kg for better types.

Heavy steers were limited and reached 360c/kg.

Grown heifers sold to 296c/kg.

Cows were rm to 3c easier with heavy 2 score from 255 to 271c and 3 score from 276c to 298c/kg.

The best heavy bull reached 312c/kg.

SHEEP SALE

Tuesday, 11 March

Yarding36,500 (down 500)

Numbers remained steady this sale with agents yarding 36,500 head.

There was 26,300 lambs penned and quality was similar to that of previous sales with good numbers of nished trade and heavy lambs penned along with the secondary types.

The usual buyers were present and competing in a fairly steady market that uctuated with quality.

Trade weight lambs 2024kg held rm to $3 better to sell from $156 to $215/head.

Heavy lambs to 26kg received from $201 to $230/ head.

Extra heavyweights were also rm to range from $225 to 299.60/head.

Carcase prices averaged from 790c to 849c/kg.

The best heavy Merino hoggets reached $210/head.

Mutton numbers were made up of mostly Merinos and quality was fair with good numbers of heavy sheep available.

Prices were strong with Merino ewes selling from $78 to $178/head.

Crossbreds received from $83 to $178 with heavy Dorper ewes reaching $142/ head.

Merino wethers sold from $74 to $150/head.

FROM MLA’S NATIONAL LIVESTOCK REPORTING AGENCY

on to speak about landscape de-

Elizabeth is a talented landscape designer, with a fantastic knowledge of local plant species and design concepts.

As the Homegrown day draws to an end, we have the opportunity to hear from Elizabeth and deepen our knowledge of garden design so make sure to register for the Landscape Design workshop.

Lastly but not least, we are thrilled to welcome The Bee Man to provide more informal workshops on the lawn in front of the

Clancy Lester will bring his knowledge and enthusiasm for Bees and Creating Bee Hotels to Homegrown Parkes.

We hope that you will make him very welcome.

Homegrown Parkes highlights processes for using locally produced food and products with the

aim of encouraging locals to have a go and grow in their own backyard, your cupboard or your porch and make it yourself.

The Homegrown Parkes Committee, made up of members of Central West Lachlan Landcare, Parkes Community Arts and Parkes Shire Council contributors, are looking forward to delivering two fabulous, encouraging and inspirational events in 2025.

Make sure that you put 29 March in your calendar and join us at Cooke Park.

Bring your shopping bags, bring cash, bring your cards and invite your friends to share in the free entertainment, good regional food and produce and share in some of our learning opportunities.

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

heavy sheep available.

Points add up as squash comp hits half way mark

By DROP SHOT!

Famous Forbes Squash Open on the horizon folks, scheduled for the last weekend of March, stay tuned.

EUGOWRA

RURAL TRANSCATION CENTRE (RTC)

The Eugowra RTC is seeking a new staff member to join our team. As a part of your duties you would be required to attend to the day to day running of both our Reliance Bank and Australia Post Agencies. For further information on this role please visit our website at https://www.eugowrartc.com

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In memory of our son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, uncle, and husband.

They say there is a reason, They say that time will heal. But neither time nor reason, Will change the way we feel. For no one know the heartache, That lies behind our smiles. We have broken down and cried, We want to tell you something. So there the won’t be any doubt, You’re so wonderful to think of. But so hard to live without, Sadly missed but never forgotten. 16/3/1998 - 15/3/2014

From your loving family

Week 5 of Summer comp, played Wednesday 5 March: Half way mark teams, still plenty of time to play catch up.

Big team scores were: Hardy’s grabbed a big 24 points and Webb’s gained 19.

Showdowns and comebacks: Sam Webb went set for set for four sets with Robey McMillan til 12 points all in the nal set when Robey nailed three points in a row and won the match.

Matt Wright was two sets ahead of Ellie Cowhan when Ellie regrouped, won set three and never looked back taking the match to ve sets then taking the win also.

Court one: RJones v Benticks 18 to 17 points.

Riley v sub C Jones 4-3, Lindy Cowhan v sub H Bilsborough 2-5, Lucy Robinson v Hunter Bilsborough 1-6, Cam Webb v Noah Bentick 6-1 and sub L Jones v Charlie Newton 5-2.

Court two: Webbs v CJones 19 to 16.

Harry Bilsborough v Bec Jones 4-3 and Lucas Jones v sub C Newton 5-2.

Court three: Hardys v Markworts 24 to 10.

Marcus v Will 1-6, Jono Webb v Noah Brown 6-1, Luke Bilsborough v sub N Brown 6-1, Rachael Bilsborough v Nate Markwort 5-2 and Lucas Bentick v Adam Cuskelly - forfeit to Lucas.

Team spots now: Hardys lead with 95 points, CJones next on 89, Webbs follow for 86, Benticks a smidgeon behind on 85 points then it’s RJones for 84 and Markworts out back with 69.

Thursday night

Big team scores: Shaws tallied a whopping 34 points and Pipers totaled a he y 28 points.

Showdowns and comebacks: young Will Markwort and Garry Dempsey rode a seesaw for four sets, then at 10 all in the h Garry hit consecutive winners to clinch that set 15-10 and take the match, which was Garry’s rst win in quite some time I hear.

BEND) BETWEEN 1965 - 1970

If so, please contact Judy Courtin Legal at admin@judycourtinlegal.com or call (03) 9521 2265

Weivan Huang was two sets up and ahead 13-11 in the third but his opponent Al Carlisle said that’s it, and hit back taking that set 1513 and the next two 15-11, 15-6 for the win.

By ROBYN KENNY

The Forbes Netball Association held the AGM recently, with a new committee elected for 2025.

The committee is a mix of young ladies, plus experienced and returning committee.

Heading the FNA is President Matiese Byrnes, and Vice President Zoe Tyack.

Our new Secretary is Corrie Barklimore, and Treasurer is Lyn Ford.

Coach/Umpire Convenor is Robyn Kenny, with the positions of both umpiring and coaching joined into one position.

Registrar is Monice Morrison, and Representative Convenor is Gabe McMillan.

Minute Secretary is Zoe Tyack, and Publicity O cers (Social media) will be shared between Corrie Barklimore and Carmen Du y.

Assistant Treasurer is Robyn Kenny, and Carnival Convenor is Mon Morrison.

gradually

Ol-

daredevil dives brought ashbacks of the great Gordo. Fantastic effort guys. Nathan Roach v Jono Cannon 1-6, Scott Webb v Brett Thomas 6-1 and sub T-J Markwort v Tim Welsh 3-4.

Court two: Jones v Pipers 21 to 28. Max v Darryn 1-6, Dan Bayley v Bren Allegri 6-1, Lawry Brayne v Lockie Jones 2-5, Adam Chudleigh v Pete Cowhan 2-5, Deb Bryant v Claire Bayley 1-6 and Josh Haley v Henry Willis 6-1. Court three; Shaws v Hornerys 34 to 15. Jake v Sam 6-1, Jake Shaw v Wayne Bilsborough 6-1, sub L Jones v Shanna Nock 5-2, Max Ridley v Tim Coombs in a four set feast which Max won 5-2, Alex Bayley v John Ridley 1-6, Dennis Haynes v Greg Ridge 6-1 and T-J Markwort v Ken Bryant 5-2. Team spots now: Pipers up front for 133 points, Shaws nipping their heels with 127, Dawes and Jones equal third sporting 114, Millers next with 113 and Hornerys at the rear on 100.

This week’s team draw, both nights: 6 v 3, 4 v 2, 1 v 5.

Discipline Convenor is Carmen Du y, and Selection Convenor is Corrie Barklimore.

Wardrobe will be covered by Carmen Du y, and Safety O cer will be covered by Lyn Ford.

Unfortunately, the position of Canteen Convenor has yet to be lled.

Anyone interested in joining the committee and volunteering for this position is urged to contact Secretary Corrie asap.

The Committee is extremely busy at the present time with lots of netball on the calendar.

The Junior and Senior competitions are just starting, and anyone looking for a team is urged to contact the FNA via Facebook.

Wednesday evenings are a great way to join in and get active with lots of netball.

The FNA representative teams of 14 years, 13 years and 12 years are all training hard.

The Open team is looking forward to their representative time on the court when the West/Central West Regional League will be played in Orange on March 29/30.

The FNA 11Under squad has just started their trainings which are held on Tuesdays from 6pm till 7.30pm. There is still time to join the squad, with 19 players aged from 11 years to 9 years 2025 attending training and have the opportunity to play in regional carnivals.

Any boys or girls interested in joining the squad should just attend next Tuesday. Everyone is welcome, and new beginners to netball are also very welcome.

The younger ages of NetSetGo will take to the court on Saturday mornings starting on May 3 from 9.30am till 10.30am. There’s lots to pack into the season, and keep up to date with notices on the Forbes Netball Association Facebook page.

Court one: Millers v Dawes 20 to 22. Sub Regan Acret and Ollie had a hugely entertaining match which

slid

lies way 4-3. Rego’s

Scott Stephenson “Rooki”

Alley, Fraser pair for 4BBB win

MEN’S GOLF

By SHORT PUTT

On Saturday the sunny weather coupled to a gentle breeze ensured the Forbes golfers were comfortable in their play.

This undoubtedly contributed to very good scores that cluttered the top of the leader board with many teams on the same scores in the high 40’s.

The men’s competition on Saturday was a 4BBB Stableford event, sponsored by SGB Designs. The eld of 67 players included three juniors and a plethora of steadfastly focused players.

The winners were the pair of Clayton Alley and Liam Fraser with 49 points. Individually they played to their handicaps but their success was in their combination.

They managed no less than two points on each hole with two 4-pointers and nine 3-pointers proving very bene cial.

But their success was in their combination. For example, Clayton did not score on the 6th or 7th holes but Liam carded a 3 and 4 pointer there. Liam scored best on the front-9 with 18 points while Clayton took charge on the back-9 with 21 points.

Runners-up were Je House and Steve Grallelis who arrived home with 47 points.

The winner of the Individual Stableford comp run in conjunction with the 4BBB comp was Je House. His 41 points was a testament to his good play all day and headed a promising junior in Archie Quirk by three points.

The ball sweep went to 42 points, going to: 46 – S Paterson/D Quirk, C Byrnes/A Bosho ; 44 – P Murphy/c McMillan, J Reid/M Simmons; 43 – L Whit eld/C Neilsen; 42 – C Banks/H Callaghan, D Burton/D Mylecharane, S Betland/T West. There was one visitor – Cooper Neilsen (Bathurst) who enjoyed his day by picking up a ball in the sweep and an NTP.

The NTP’s went to: 9th – G Hooper; 18th – C Neilsen. Cooper managed his ‘2’ from ‘a bit of a distance’ but Glen watched his attempt slip past.

Overall there were eleven 2’s, with the 9th being easy meat and the other par-3’s sharing the rest. The two 2’s on the 3rd came from the same group, while the two on the 1st went to Caleb Hanrahan and Brad Ashton to cap o very ne tee shots.

The 3rd hole Super-Pin was a ‘you don’t have to draw a picture’ experience for those in the group watching.

Tony Cogswell still needed a few

holes to warm up and arrived on the tee a bit tight. His tee shot struck the ground not far ahead of the tee, avoided the dam and bounced its way onto the green. The resulting shot nished only 98 cm from the pin. His putt for a ‘2’ was under pressure to halve the hole when one of his opponents sunk a long range putt also for a ’2’. But Tony was successful.

The best Individual Scratch score was 71 scored by Steve Betland and Caleb Hanrahan.

There were some excellent shots to rival the ‘chip-ins’ played by Aussie’s Min Jee Lee in the recent LPGA tournament.

Bruce Chandler found himself on the hillock to the right of the 10th green with his ball in thick grass. No worries for a chip-in par.

Then there was the eagle scored by Je House. He was beside the 6th green in two and in the longish grass.

A smooth swing resulted in the ball popping out, landing on the green and smoothly running into the hole. Not to be outdone Caleb Hanrahan found the same green in two and slotted the putt.

As a last word we say farewell to Digit McAuli e. He heads to Cowra for time with his son before heading back to Thailand.

There was no play in the Sunday Stableford Medley.

Here is the news: On Sunday 16 Mar H/Pro Will is running a ‘Jack Newton Junior Golf – Juniors on the Move’ event. This is intended for those junior players aged between 9 and 12 who do not have a handicap, commencing at 9 am.

The event will be played over nine modi ed holes with rules to foster enjoyment. Any parent with a child who is interested in playing golf should get them along. Contact

Will at the Pro Shop for details.

The Finals of the CWDGA Mens Pennants were on Sunday and proved a bonanza for the Mudgee Club. They won the Div 1, 2 and 3 Finals with Dubbo snaring the Div 4 Final.

A Callaway Equipment Demo day was held on Wednesday 12 Mar. Head Pro Will was pleased with the attendance while the players were impressed with the new gear.

It is crystal ball time:

This Saturday, 15 March, will be a 4-Ball Ambrose Medley, sponsored by Forbes Rugby Union Club.

This is the Sanderson Memorial event which is now part of the regular Club competitions. Non-handicap players are welcome to play but under handicap limits.

Sunday has a Stableford Medley comp and the JNJG event.

VETS GOLF

With a host of players away only 23 took to the Parkes golf course for the twin towns weekly competition last Thursday.

A er enjoying winning the twin towns shield the week prior the host club was brought back to earth with their best six individual scores from 12 reps totalling 205 points to Forbes’ 216 points out of 11 visitors. There were two visitors.

The course was well presented, however the sandy greens due to maintenance tested most. Winner with a creditable 39 points was Ted Morgan from Ken Sanderson next best on 38.

Nearest the pins - 9th A grade Ken Sanderson (F), B grade Gordon Pritchard (P), 11th A grade Rob Cheney (P), B grade nil.

Ball sweep to 33 points – 36 points Rob Cheney (P), Barry Parker (F),

Alex Mackinnon (F), 35 Gordon Pritchard (P), Barry Shine (F), 34 Lindsay Elliott (P), John Fowler (P), Peter Grayson (F), Alf Davies (F), 33 Brian Bourke (P), Rob Staples (P), Nym Dziuba (P), Dale Stait (P), Peter Jackson (Port Macquarie).

Twin Towns 18 holes on Thursday in Forbes, 8.30am noms for 9am shot gun start. More vets the merrier, see you there.

As mentioned above a dozen Forbes ‘senior’ golfers were testing their skills on South Coast courses which took away from the Tuesday 12 hole social comp with only nine facing the day’s starter, the one and only Alex Mackinnon, that’s Mack….

The BG scribe reports winner was Barry Parker with 27 points who also faced testing his tness with the remote buggy breaking down a er playing the rst hole.

Thank goodness for motorised buggies. Next best Ken Sanderson and Barry Shine on 25 points from Reggie Murray 24, The rest only a shot or two behind.

Tuesday ball toss at 8.30am, ‘comp fee’ only $3. Everyone invited to play.

Brief results from the trip to the rich 36 hole Murray Downs Senior Golf Tournament which attracted over 200 players contested two weeks ago. Best out of 14 representatives was Alf Davies runner-up in the 36 hole 74 years and over division.

Our reps took in their own comp played over ve days. Day 1, Murray Downs - Peter Jackson (brotherin-law to Alf Davies) with 34 points. Day 2, Murray Downs – Alf Davies two over par for 40 points. Day 3, Tocumwal – Brian Doyle, 34 points. Day 4, Tocumwal – Niel Duncan and Peter Dawson 36 points. Day 5, Narrandera – Steve Uphill 36 points. Overall for the ve days play, Peter Dawson and Peter Jackson.

LADIES GOLF

The rst Wednesday comp day for 2025 saw a good turnout of ladies including one visitor despite the conditions still being quite warm. An early start saw the eld beat the heat with most players being in by midday.

The Individual Stableford event was sponsored by Acheson’s Mitre 10 and Garden Centre and Loomzy’s Fish and Fix in two divisions.

Ev Uphill was the winner of Division 1 with 33 points while Debbie Dingwall was the winner of Division 2 with a very good 36 points.

Ann-Maree Ga ney, Lyn Kennedy and Jenny Fletcher were winners in the Ball Sweep which went to 31 points. NTP’s went Heather Davidson on the 9th and Debbie

Dingwall on the 18th.

Saturday May 8 was a Stroke Event and rst round of the Golf NSW Medal and the Mabel Mackenzie Brooch. The Event was sponsored by Blush in 1 Division.

Winner was the in-form AnnMaree Ga ney with a nice round of Nett 69.

Robin Lyell was the winner of a ball in the Ball Sweep while Veronica Rebellato on the 18th was the only NTP.

Well done to all players and thankyou to our sponsors.

The Sanderson 4 person Medley Ambrose is on Saturday March 15.

Next Wednesday March 19 is an Individual Stableford in two divisions sponsored by News on Rankin.

SUMMER SIXERS

By

SMOOTH SWINGER

The nal round, being round 17 of the round robin competition in the sponsored Forbes Golf Club Summer Sixers was played with the leading teams in each group cementing their position for the Major draw of the nals.

The leading contenders in Group 1 had wins with Bogey Boys (102.5) recording the best score to push the Dragoness down to fourth spot. Group 2 had a similar situation with Gunn Golf (102.5) having the best score and pushing Flip Floppers into fourth spot.

Group 3 had an upset when fourth placed HD&SI (101) returned the best score in defeating second placed LIV. Murray’s Mates and Southside Swingers had comfortable wins.

The lowest score in Group 4 was made by Part Time Putters (93.5) which held Still Trying in third place.

The bottom placed team Top 5 (101.5) shocked second placed Six Appeal (104.5) with a win, and h placed Up to Par held F Troop back in fourth place.

The Rnd 17 Best member nett score was made by Jett Rudd (Bogey Boys) with 31. The Best non-member nett score was made Jackie Davenport (Part Time Putters) with 27.5 nett.

The ball sweep went to 35 nett.

The nals draws commenced this week with the top four teams in each group contesting the Major Draw and the bottom teams contesting the Plate Draw. Details are available at the Pro Shop but basically it is a knockout format where you can play as many games as you like to ensure the best score.

Details are at the Pro Shop, remember to advise if you are attending the dinner.

Close contests on the courts on a cooler morning for croquet club

On Saturday 8 March 2025 Aussie Croquet was played with 32 in attendance. It was a cooler morning which was a vast difference to the last couple of weeks. Three games were won by Cheryl Toohey and David West. Congratulations to those players.

We again welcomed Glenn Toole who has been visiting his parents Bruce Toole and Judith Toole.

Scores on the day: 14/13 recorded by the following: Robin Pols & Marie Spry def Barry White & Allan Jones, Cheryl Toohey & Vince Roberts

def Irene Riley & Bill Scott; 14/12 scores recorded as follows: Rex Toole & John Farah def Fay Picker & Ros Rennick, Bruce Field & David West def Joan Littlejohn & David Williams, Glenn Toole & Marie Spry def Fay Picker & Harley Stewart, Robin Pols & Bill Scott def Kevin Rubie & Peter West; 14/11 scores Barry White & Bruce Field def Marie Spry & David Williams, Cheryl Toohey & Kevin Rubie def Harley Stewart & Kevin Wenning, Vince Roberts & Bill Scott def Joan Littlejohn & John Farah, Glenn Toole & Neville Spry def Sally Perry & Fay Picker, Neil Riley &

Peter West def Lyn Simmonds & Rex Toole, Irene Riley & Noel Jolliffe def Enid Baker & Elvy Quirk, Sally Perry & Peter West def May Jones & Neville Spry, Neville Spry (solo) def Bruce Field & Noel Jolliffe, Frank Donohoe & Ros Rennick def Lyn Simmonds & David Williams, Irene Riley & David West def Russell Anderson & Rex Toole, Barry White & Sally Perry def Elvy Quirk & Vince Roberts. There were also a number of 14/10 and 14/9 scores recorded.

On Tuesday 11 March Golf Croquet was played with 29 in attendance. It was a warm

morning with the croquet lawns in good playing condition.

It was lovely to see Roma Wicks again playing. Shirley Chamberlain is fresh back from her overseas trip of about 10 weeks. Shirley no doubt will have many stories to tell.

11/2 wins recorded by Allan Jones & Peter West; 10/3 wins were by Unknown & Ray Martin, Noel Jolliffe & Sally Perry; 9/4 scores as follows: Frank Donohoe & Mal Smith, Rex Toole & Irene Riley, Peter West & Bill Scott, Allan Jones & Rex Toole;

8/5 scores recorded by Geoff Coles & Neil Riley def Sally Perry & Jill Cripps, Kevin Rubie & May Jones def Bill Scott & Vince Roberts, John Browne & Mal Smith def Marie Spry & Lyn Simmonds, Noel Jolliffe & Sally Perry def Neil Gilmour & Peter West, Kevin Rubie & Elvy Quirk def Vince Roberts & Ray Martin. There were also many 7/6 scores.

Forbes Croquet Club will hold a General meeting on Tuesday 18 March after croquet. Your attendance is recommended. The next birthday luncheon will be on 1 April at Isabels Place.

cake at croquet.

Schatz memorial bowls a great day out

By TARA SHAW

The weather really turned it on for the annual Donny Schatz Memorial Bowls Day on Saturday. Bowlers travel near and far to attend this day in support of the family and to raise money for our Local CanAssist team to continue their great work across our area.

20 Teams of Triples took to our greens, some dressed up as a team and others dressed up individually.

Each year the costumes get bigger and better which makes for a fun day on the greens.

Quotes throughout the day from everyone were “what a great atmosphere”, “how can he bowl in that out t”, “I have never bowled before but I will give it a go”.

The memorial day is not only to share great memories of Donny but also supporting his family and friends that Donny’s fun loving, down to earth, have a go and have fun attitude still remains in to this day.

Overall winners on the day were Jason Howell, Phil Hocking and Dale Scott. Runners up were Ange Dwyer, Clint Hurford and Mick Merritt. The famous wooden spoons for last place were awarded to Heidi Nicholson, Amy Slessor and Jason Nicholson.

Overall funds raised on the day were $3192.00 by our great community.

A big thank you the CanAssist team who always work tirelessly on the day collecting money, selling ra es and 100 club tickets and also the head chefs of the BBQ lunch. We appreciate your dedication not only to CanAssist but to assist in fundraisers like this and many more is outstanding.

Also a shout out and thank you to Ryan Schatz for organising the day, hats and stubbie holders, Tara Shaw for doing the draw for us and thank you to Grant Roberts. Grant is a great friend of the family and supports this day every year. Grant not only dressed to the nines in a three-piece tuxedo suit with top hat to brave the warm weather but Grant was also responsible for donating the food for the day. So thank you again Grant, your support and assistance is greatly appreciated by all.

PENNANTS

Forbes once again hosted Condobolin for the fourth round of Pennants on the weekend. It was a great win for Forbes with not only

winning the overall points on the big score board but each rink also winning their respective games.

New to pennants and on debut, Billy Cowell lead for Je Nicholson, Robert Dukes and Mitch Andrews. A couple of multiples throughout the game certainly gave them great lead on the board to win the game 27-11.

Another debutant for Forbes was Mick Merritt who lead for Ian Hodges, Brian Asimus and Shane Bolam. This was the closest game of all with Forbes being down 7-0 for 6 ends. Picking up 3 & 4 on the last 3 Forbes was able to come away with the victory 18-16.

A change around in the line up saw Bruce Williams, Geo Williams, Bert Bayley and skip Greg Gunn y out of the starting boxes to lead 11-5 on 10. Forbes was able to pick up a valuable 6 as well as winning the last 5 ends to storm home 28-18.

This week will be the last of the home games for Forbes which they will take on Parkes Railway on Sunday. Two more rounds to go we hope Forbes can hang in there against Parkes to face Manildra on their last game.

MAJOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

Major Pairs Semi Final was played on Saturday between Alf Davies & Christian West vs Brian (Spro) Asimus and Mitch Andrews. This game was never going to be an easy win for either team. Alf and

Christian holding 6-3 on 3. 10-5 on 11, 14-8 on 17. With only 4 ends to go Alf and Christian picked up 5 points to win the game 19-14.

Our Major Singles games keep rolling through with Robert (Pooch) Dukes vs Bert Bayley. Bert with the rst points on the board leading 4-0, Pooch certainly answered picking 5 points over the next 5 ends. 1 point the di erence on 9 Pooch won the next 5 ends again to lead 13-6.

If anyone knows Bert Bayley, Bert does not give in which showed to close the gap on the 21st end only trailing by 2 13-15. Neck and neck with each gaining 1 point per end Bert hit the lead 18-17 on 26. Both giving it their all, going point for point to get to 24 all. Bert was able to pick up 1 point to win 25-24.

In our second Major Singles game played this week was between Joe Nicholson and Dale Scott. Joe, our youngest competitor in our major events started a little slower then Dale however caught up on 11 to level the score 8 all. Dale picking up a 3 put him just in front 11-8.

Joe wasn’t giving up and won 10 points in the next 4 ends to lead 2213. Dale was able to win 5 of the last 7 ends but Joe came away the victor 25-20.

SOCIAL BOWLS

Wednesday: Excellent weather for a good roll-up last week with the Retirement Village ‘bowls expert’ in Ann Nixon leading for Laurie

Crouch winning 27-12 in 18 ends over ‘good night’ Irene Riley and Eddie Gould. Few problems for the card draw winners leading 15-3 after nine before Irene and Eddie made some head-way in scoring on the way home. Runners-up, and only just, 2019 in 20 with John Baass and John Gorton best over Phil Hocking and Paul Doust. The card showed how close it was, 8-all a er ve, 16-all at the end of 14 then 18-all a er 17 and 19-all before the last. Another with only one shot separating the pairs, 15-14 in 18 to Ann Mackay and ‘welcome back’ Terry Molloy winning over the two Bill’s, Looney and Cowell. A er 5-all at the end of four the lead changed with the B’s were behind 5-10 a er seven to level at 10-all a er 11. They hit the lead 14-11 a er 15 but stalled losing the run home 4-0.

The long arm of the law in many ways with the extended arm saw Don Cra skipping for Bill O’Connell winning 23-15 in 20 over Sid Morris who also made a welcome return leading for Noel Jolli e. A blistering nish got them home, 7-all a er seven then 14-all 16. 9-1 in the last four told the story.

Cheryl Hodge and Kerry Dunstan 22-14 over Robyn Mattiske and Dale Scott in 22 leading all journey.

As Lesley Dunstan and Peter Mackay kept telling all they shared the ends won but kept quite the score, a 20-12 loss playing another

on the come-back trail, Peter ‘Sid’ Walker leading for Barry Shine over 20 ends.

In the last, 34-4 to Sue Smith and Lyall Strudwick in 20 over Ray Dunstan and Lyn Simmons. Wednesday bowls for all, phone in noms on 6852 1499 for a 9.30am start.

Thursday: Still a little warm for some of our Thursday afternoon bowlers but the weather didn’t concern 12 of our regulars.

Alan Hilder and Laurie Crouch drew against Dale Maynard and Viv Russell.

This was a close game from start to finish. 4 all on 4, 10 all on 11. Alan and Laurie skipped to lead when they picked up 5 points in 3 ends 16-13. The race to the finish line was on but Alan and Laurie held on to win the game 19-18.

Tara Shaw and Cherie Vincent took on Terry Molloy and Scott McKellar.

The girls were definitely off to a slow start with down 7-1 on 6. Gaining a 3 and 4 in the next two ends helped score to trail by 1 8-9. 11 all on 14, the boys gained a 6 on the 16th and they sprinted to the finish line 23-14.

Our last game for the day was played between Max Vincent and Bruce (Posso) Jones taking on Ange Dwyer and John Kennedy. Ange and John stamping their position early leading 8-3 on 6. Max and Posso started to fight back but went down 18-21.

Resting Touchers: Laurie Crouch and Dale Maynard. SUNDAY BOWLS – Our Triples game was played by Peter Greenhalgh, Pat O’Neill and Lyall Strudwick vs Joyce Gray, John Hepworth and Peter Mackay. Lyalls team winning the game 13-6. Tyler Murphy lead for Cliff Nelson against Trish Todd and Peter Tisdell. 11-3 at oranges Tyler and Cliff were feeling pretty good,they came away with the win 22-7.

Visitor Andrew Iggo lead for John Kennedy when they played Jax Murphy and Alan Hilder. Going into the halftime break it was 7 all and anybody’s game.

Jax and Alan put their feet flat to the floor to lead 13-9 on 15 until again, Andrew and John drew a 4 to level the game 13 all.

Winning Rink went to Rink 11 –Andrew Iggo, John Kennedy, Jax Murphy and Alan Hilder.

Losing Rink went to Trish Todd and Peter Tisdell.

SSAA news: Sean McCarthy wins Cliff Bradley Memorial

By TONY BRATTON

Results of the Forbes S.S.A.A. sporting shooters .22 calibre rimfire rifle shoot on Wednesday 5 March 2025.

25metre Buffalo target shoot: David McCue, 269/270; John Dean, 267/270; Lionel Redfern, 262/270; Wayne Burton, 261/270; Dennis Christey, 256/270; Jennie Carpenter, 245/270 and David Sanderson, 229/270.

50metre Crow target: David McCue, 246/250; John Dean, 242/250; Lionel Redfern, 227/250; Dennis Christey, 224/250; Jennie Carpenter, 220/250; Wayne Burton, 208/250 and David Sanderson, 116/250

75metre Fly target: John Dean, 107/120; David McCue, 106/120; Dennis Christey, 85/120 and David Sanderson, 85/120.

100metre Bear target: David McCue, 111/120; John Dean, 100/120 and David Sanderson, 85/120.

The range officer was Bruce

Runchel. Scorer was Bruce Runchel.

The Forbes sporting clays held their Cliff Bradley Memorial Trophy shoot on 9 March. It was a 25 target DTL point score shoot and the results follow.

The winner of the Cliff Bradley Memorial trophy was Sean McCarthy, 64/75.

The other scores were: Ben Smith, 53/75; Cameron Smith, 47/75; Nick Ridley, 38/75; Greg Allan, 37/75; Phil Creal, 34/75; Doug Davis, 27/75; Des Shead, 18/75 and Craig Ridgy, 9/75.

The weather was warm with a temperature of 31 degrees and a light breeze from the north east at 12kph. There were 10 members in attendance, from Forbes, Griffith, Condoblin and Dubbo.

The results of the 75 target field shoot were: Greg Allen(Griffith) 2220-22 total 64; Nick Ridley, (Condoblin)20-17-16 total 53; Sean McCarthy, 21-16-12 total 49; Cameron Smith, (Dubbo) 16-17-16 total 49; Phil Creal

19-11-15 total 45; Ben Smith 12-14-17 total 43; Craig Ridgy,(Condoblin) 10-11-13 total 34; Des Shead, 8-11-11 total 31 and Doug Davis, one round for 12 total12.

The next shoot for the Forbes S.S.A.A. sporting clays will be their monthly shoot on Sunday 13 April 2025 this will be a 100 target field shoot starting at 10am. If wet a five stand shoot will be held 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 and Phil Picker (02) 68516494.

The next S.S.A.A. sporting shooters .22 calibre and other rimfire rifle (.22 magnum or.17HMR).

The next Sunday shoot will be held this Sunday 16 March 2025 starting at 10am.

The centre- fire shoot will take place at 2pm on Sunday after the

rimfire shoot.

Centre-fire shooters names in by 1.30pm so the targets can be placed on the Centre-fire range.

The next Wednesday shoot will be held on Wednesday 19 March 2025 starting at 2pm.

All events at the Bedgerebong road range, turn right off the Bedgerebong road onto Dr. Young Drive.

All target shooters are welcome to attend these shoots.

For all information on .22 calibre rimfire shooting contact Wayne Facey 0414524059; Norm Brook 0458664541; Ben Smith 0427524151); David Coleman 0427401263.

Members are reminded that Local Range rules apply to all Forbes SSAA ranges.

SSAA members should check the facebook page for shoot details for dates and times or cancellation of shoots due to wet weather also check the local community radio station 2LVR 97.9 FM.

McCarthy.

PHOTO: Forbes SSAA

Magpies celebrate the best start to league tag season Honours at 50th SOYA awards

Kettlebell world champion and world re cord holder Haylee Redfern was named the Forbes Advocate Sportsperson of the Year at the 50th annual Sportsperson of the Year As sociation awards on Saturday night.

The night was one to celebrate the many achievements of local sports people from junior to senior, across all sports codes.

Winners of each category were:

Sportsperson of the Year runner up: Claire Bayley (squash, netball)

Senior Sportsperson of the Year: Andrew Lit tle (dragway car racing)

Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Annabelle Teague (lawn bowls)

Team of the Year: Forbes Foxes (soccer)

All Round Sports Achiever: Leo Dwyer

Administration Award: Sheryn Davie (ranch sorting and team penning, jockey club)

Coach / trainer of the Year: Peter Clifton (tennis) Umpire / referee / official of the Year: Andrew Glasson (cricket)

President’s Award: Harper Piggott (soccer)

Terry Wade Award: Kerry and the late Ian Bown Phillip Adams Award: Eli Bowden-Boland (all rounder)

Merit awards: Hayden Duggan, Lochie Duggan,

Bowden-Boland.

There are so many outstanding achievements represented on this list that major award recipients will be featured in coming editions of The Advocate.

From the back page

They then dominated their semi- nal 28-nil to set up the nal against a St Pat’s side considered the competition benchmark with talent, skills and experience.

Magpies were down 4-nil early when they lapsed and let St Pat’s through for a try, but they rallied to level the scores and crossed the line again in the second half for the win.

Their coaches couldn’t have been happier.

“This was our rst hit-out as a team,” Hartwig said.

“We were extremely pleased (even a er the three pool games): we’d trialled a number of positions and combinations, the team had come together beautifully and played together beautifully.”

To see them hold together their self belief and stay in the game against St Pat’s

was a thrill and a sign of a promising season.

Experienced Magpie

Courtney Hodge led the team into Sunday’s win as captain, she’s been with the Forbes club since league tag was introduced, rising up through the junior ranks.

The side has retained Janssen Moores and Elysse Merritt, also invaluable for the experience and positivity.

Magpies are delighted to welcome to the nest Erin and Mia Naden: Erin well known in regional sports circles and coming over from St Pat’s, Mia joining her in the senior ranks.

Jada Hartwig is another welcome addition to the club: fast, fit and with recent experience in the Wagga Wagga competition.

The squad also boasts a good number of juniors

who held their own and did everything asked of them on Sunday.

“We’ve got a beautiful combination of experienced players that have been playing senior league for a few years with juniors coming through,” Hartwig said.

“A few people who have joined the club that have brought strength and speed and depth.

“And they’ve been training really well. We’ve started preseason, we train twice a week, we put a lot of effort into fitness and that really paid off yesterday.”

Not only that, it’s showing in the club culture and cameraderie.

“Everyone’s been really supportive,” Hartwig said.

“It’s really looking good for the season ahead as well as the club, its culture and our players.”

FootyNRL TIPPING

Magpies top the 2025 western league tag challenge

Forbes Magpies have taken out the Western league tag challenge in a cracking start to the 2025 footy season.

The Magpies scored an 8-4 grand final win over Bathurst St Pat’s to hold the silverware high at the end of a very competitive day of league tag at Canowindra on Sunday.

Top cap a great day, Erin Naden was named player of the tournament.

Kristy Hartwig, who’s coaching the side with Anthony Davies, said it was a perfect way to start the season.

Forbes won their first two pool games 10-nil and 28-4, then toughed out a 6-6 draw against Manildra Rhinos.

“Again they are very strong competition,” Hartwig said.

“There was phenomenal tagging, defence was amazing, both teams were throwing a heap of attack and both teams were holding up.”

Magpies scored on the buzzer, the kick that followed was good, and the side was through to the finals on forand-against.

To page 15

Battapi our cricket victors

CRICKET

The Battapi are celebrating an A Grade grand nal win after an undefeated season in the Forbes and District Association cricket competition.

In a contest worthy of a grand nal, Condobolin’s Boomerangs headed out to bat rst on Forbes’ lake-side oval on Saturday a ernoon, and set a total of 4/130 o their 30 overs.

It was only within the nal balls of their innings that the Forbes side chased down that total.

Condobolin opener Adrian Milne contributed 38 to his team’s total before he was run out but it was the visitors’ number ve batsman Scott Bell who top scored with 52 not out.

The Battapi struck in the fourth over catching H Cartwright out for six, then had to wait until the 18th over to claim their next.

Eli He ernan (17 ) and T Ait-

kinson (14) were both caught behind.

Wicket takers for Forbes were Rhys Graham 1/17 (6.0 overs), Sam Jarrett 1/31 (5.0 overs) and Brenton Howarth 1/32 (4.0 overs).

Charlie Mitton and W Gordon headed to the centre with a job to do for the Battapi and Charlie made steady progress to the team’s top score of 60 before he was caught out.

Hudson Cartwright (11/13 o six) took the rst of the wickets, bowling W Gordon out, but the Battapi didn’t go any easier than the Boomerangs had before them.

Adrian Milne (2/27 o six) bowled the dangerous Harry Leadbitter out for 6 and Eli Heffernan then struck to take 3/18 including Mitton, captain Dan Sweeney and Kye O’Byrne.

Captain Dan Sweeney added 24 and John Monk 14 not out as the team batted their way to 6/133 - only a er 29.6 overs.

HGH Motor Group Young