Engines roared as the first bikers left Forbes on Friday morning, bound for our nation’s capital with that message.
Around 25 bikers left Forbes
where they were joined by another 15 in Cowra and another 50 to 60 bikers in Yass with majority of bikers coming from the Central West as well as some from Sydney and Woolongong. Ride organiser Grant Nicholson
said there was around 110 bikers in total.
“I would have liked more bikes but it was good, we got our point across and we had a lot of exposure on the news,” Grant said.
too
been
■ Continued page 4
Ten contest seat of Parkes
Ballot paper positions have been drawn across Australia for this year’s federal election.
As the Australian Electoral Commission o cially declared nominations at public events on Friday, 10 candidates contesting the seat of Parkes were revealed.
And so too the order in which their names will appear on the ballot.
These events involve a blindfold, numbered balls and what is effectively a double randomised ‘bingo’ system to keep the process fair.
The Parkes electorate candidates
for 2025 in ballot paper order are:
Mark Carter (Pauline Hanson’s One Nation).
Stephen Pope (Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party).
Trish Frail (The Greens).
Petrus Van Der Steen (Trumpet of Patriots).
Bob Wilson (Indigenous - Aboriginal Party of Australia).
Nathan Fell (labor).
Jamie Cha ey (The Nationals).
Maurice Davey (Family First).
Stuart Howe (Independent).
Sally Edwards (Libertarian).
The retiring national MP is Mark
Coulton who has represented this seat since 2007.
Parkes was contested at the rst federal election in 1901 and existed for 68 years as a Sydney electorate until being abolished at the 1969 election.
The name was revived on the expansion of the House of Representatives in 1984, but as a rural seat in western NSW.
Parkes has been a safe National seat since.
The Parkes electorate includes 50.1 per cent of the state making it the largest electorate in NSW and the
seventh largest in the country.
Major centres in Parkes include Forbes, Parkes, Condobolin, Moree, Walgett, Narrabri, Coonabarabran, Coonamble, Gilgandra, Dubbo, Cobar, Broken Hill, Bourke and Brewarrina.
Since Gwydir Shire moved to the New England electorate from Parkes and the addition of Forbes, Parkes and Bland Shires to the Parkes electorate last year the national margin increases from 17.8 per cent to 18.2 per cent.
The federal election will be held on Saturday, 3 May.
Domestic violence has
a taboo topic
long, Forbes Shire Councillor Aidan Clarke said as riders prepared to take the message to Parliament House Canberra.
Grant Hennock and Jake Hennock ready to hit the road.
Busy time on our roads this April
With Easter, the school holidays and ANZAC Day all in April this year, it’s going to be a busy month of travel on NSW roads.
NSW Police along with Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils are encouraging all road users to take care on the roads this April.
Last Easter, ve people died on NSW roads, down from seven in 2023.
Double demerits will again be in force for all speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet o ences from Thursday, 17 April to Monday, 21 April (inclusive).
There will also be a double demerit point period for the ANZAC Day weekend from Thursday, 24 April to Sunday, 27 April (inclusive).
The councils’ Road Safety and
Injury Prevention O cer Melanie
Suitor said we are expecting roads to be busy with people travelling across and through NSW during April and with this increased tra c comes increased risk of crashes occurring.
“Our message is to be patient, obey the road rules and drive to conditions. We want everyone to reach their destination safely and to enjoy the Easter break, school holidays and ANZAC Day without tragedy,” she said.
“I ask all drivers to play their part in reducing crashes and risks.
“Remember to slow down, schedule plenty of breaks, limit distractions in the car, don’t mix alcohol or drugs with driving and ensure you
Handicraft Centre ANZAC Day display
Do you have photos of family members who have served?
Forbes Handicraft Centre will be putting a photo display together in their shop window of local service men and women for ANZAC Day.
They encourage anyone who had family serving in any of the Services to bring your photos into the shop to add to the display.
The Handicraft Centre ensures all care will be taken of all items.
This year their ANZAC Day display will feature women who served.
If you have photos you would like to add to the display drop them at the Forbes Handicraft Centre at 83 Lachlan Street which is open Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 4pm, Saturday from 9.30am to 1pm and Sunday from 9.30am to 12pm.
and all your passengers are wearing seatbelts.”
Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Mitchell Gage is reminding drivers there will be extra police in the area.
ing, drink and drug driving, failure to wear seatbelts, driving while fatigued, and distraction o ences such as using a mobile phone while driving,” Sergeant Gage said.
ing it very easy to become relaxed and complacent on the roads.
“Just because you haven’t been involved in a crash before doesn’t mean it can’t happen to you.
“Please don’t take risks and take care on the roads. We want everyone to make it to their destination safely this Easter.”
There are also a number of websites that could help to keep drivers safe:
Test how tired you might be before heading out on the road at testyourtiredself.com.au.
Download and use the Speed Advisor App, a driver’s aid to help you stay under the speed limit.
“Extra police will be on the roads focusing on the fatal ve - speed-
“Driving is something most people do in their everyday lives, mak-
Visit livetra c.com for realtime updates on tra c conditions, including road closures.
WHAT’S ON
LEARN TO SKATE
Thursday 17 April
Come along to Forbes Skatepark to attend the free Learn to Skate Workshop hosted by Totem skateboarding. There’s a learn to skate beginner class and mentoring skate session. Registration is essential please book and register through www.eventbrite.com.au or go to forbes.nsw.gov.au to nd out more.
YOUTH WEEK GALLERY OPEN DAY
Thursday 24 April
Join us at the Forbes Town Hall for a special Youth Art Gallery Open Day, where young artists from our region will have their work showcased in a professional setting. This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the creativity and talent of our local youth. The gallery will be open from 10am to 4pm.Come along, explore the incredible artworks, and support the next generation of artists in our community.
ANZAC DAY SERVICES
Friday 25 April
Forbes RSL Sub Branch invites the community to ANZAC Day commemorations.
Marchers are asked to assemble at Club Forbes at 5.15am for a 5.20am march to the Cenotaph for the Dawn Service. Those participating in the mid-morning march are asked to assemble in Cross Street from 10.15am for a 10.30am step o . They will proceed to the Cenotaph for commemorations to commence about 10.40am.
NATHAN “WHIPPY” GRIGGS AT CALARIE HALL
A MORNING OF MUSIC
Sunday 18 May
CANOWINDRA INTERNATIONAL BALLOON CHALLENGE
26 April - 4 May 2025
Canowindra’s International Balloon Challenge returns and with it two big nights of entertainment for the region. Furnace and the Fundamentals, Big Night Out, and Nathan Lamont (and one other yet to be announced) will be the festival’s entertainment on Friday, 2 May 2025. The Cabonne Community Glow is the signature event of the Canowindra International Balloon Challenge - an amazing familyfriendly spectacle and should not be missed, it will take place on 3 May 2025. Tickets available online now.
JOURNALISTS
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
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. This event is free entry and everyone is welcome for a fun night at Calarie Hall from 7pm.
THE TRIAL OF BEN HALL
Friday 9 May
The Forbes Shire Council Heritage Advisory Committee will be presenting the play The Trial of Ben Hall written by then Forbes solicitor Dominic Williams in 1986. The play will be performed in the former St Andrews Church at 6pm. Tickets are free and booking out quickly online at 123tix. com.au
www.forbesadvocate.com.au
Enjoy the unique sounds of the pipe organ and electronic organ together as Maz Rees and Grant Barton take you on a musical journey. The Town Hall doors open at 10am for the concert to start at 10.30am. Entry is simply a donation to CanAssist Forbes.
FROST AND FIRE
21 June
Country rock artists the Wolfe Brothers, Ripley Alexander and the Baker Boys headline an incredible night’s entertainment for this annual festival. Cosy up by toasty re buckets, indulge in hearty treats from our food trucks, and savour boutique brews while being serenaded by internationally recognised Australian music acts on the main stage. Tickets now online through 123tix.com.au
cgambrill@midwestmedia.com.au
Double demerits will be in force over Easter and ANZAC Day in what will be a busy April on our roads. PHOTO: Supplied
Forbes Handicra Centre would love to display your photos. PHOTO: Forbes Handicra Centre Facebook page
Ben Hall on trial 160 years on
COME one, come all, to the Trial of Ben Hall.
This is, of course, the trial the bushranger whose name is forever connected with the Escort Gold Robbery never received.
It was imagined in 1986 by then Forbes solicitor Dominic Williams, who penned a play to look at Hall, “whose name continues to grow in Australian legend as a folklore hero, more wronged against than wrong himself.”
“I trust the Trial of Ben Hall will not only entertain and educate but lead to a better understanding of the enigma that was Ben Hall – it being the trial that Ben Hall never received,” Mr Williams wrote at the time.
Now Forbes Shire Council’s Heritage Advisory Committee is bringing it back to life.
Our historic former Presbyterian Church will be transformed into an 1860s courtroom for the occasion, on Friday 9 May.
This day will mark 188 year’s from Hall’s birth and
160 years since he was shot dead - without trial - on 5 May 1865. This imagined trial is an opportunity to open up discussion about our region’s history, says the committee’s Monica Wren.
Heritage advisory committee members and willing volunteers from our commu-
nity have put their hands up to feature in the play, with Lewis Wilde to take the lead as Hall.
Expect colourful characters from the past come to life, and a bit of fun as these locals look to make Hall a talking point again.
Mr Williams’ thorough research brings forward the
characters of the day and looks at the Escort Rock Gold Robbery that occurred just outside Eugowra, as well as the events that preceded it.
The play is for those who know Hall’s story, and also for those who don’t, for those who have an opinion about Hall and those who don’t - and it can be conten-
tious, Mrs Wren said.
There are those who see Hall as a local lad treated appallingly and forced into a life of crime, others who ask why we would glorify criminals.
“It’s our history - our colonial history,” Mrs Wren said.
“It’s only one part of the story but it tells the unique
Water infrastructure critical, mayors argue
“WATER infrastructure is critical” is the argument our region’s mayors and State MP are having to make as they call for it to be included in disaster recovery funding.
Member for Orange Philip Donato stood amongst pieces of broken pipeline as hewith regional mayors - asked the NSW Government to urgently fund repairs to Parkes’ water supply and other water infrastructure destroyed in natural disasters.
It’s a call backed by Cabonne Council, which has already paid for repairs to sewer infrastructure in the wake of the 2022 oods.
In Canowindra and Eugowra, as well as other Cabonne communities, sewer infrastructure managed by Cabonne Council and water infrastructure managed by Central Tablelands Water were damaged.
Faced with immediate risk to people’s health, the council had no choice but to get those repairs made.
“Due to human health concerns council did work quite quickly to get the system reinstated as quickly - as urgently - as possible and we covered the cost of those repairs in full,” Deputy Mayor Jamie Jones said.
“For small regional councils like Cabonne, it places greater pressures on ournancial situation.
“It isn’t feasible for councils in regional areas to continue to have to nd this funding for these emergency works for what we would say is essential infrastructure.
“That’s let potholes we can ll, less footpaths we can put in, and other services that have to be looked at.”
Cr Jones said Cabonne had made representations to State and Federal governments to recognise the cost they covered, and thanked Mr Donato for taking up the ght.
“We live in the 21st century
and we have communities that need normal, functioning, water and sewer infrastructure: we would say it is vital,” he said.
Mr Donato is the chair of the Central West Community Leaders Forum, whose charter is to direct federal and state government disaster funding through the NSW Reconstruction Authority to ood-impacted communities of the Central West following the November 2022 oods.
Mr Donato said it was identi ed that local government’s ood-damaged or destroyed critical water and sewer infrastructure did not t any existing criteria of funding.
Eight kilometres of Parkes’ water main from Lake Endeavour were signi cantly damaged in the 2022 Central West oods, while Lake Cargelligo was inundated with water, breaking the banks of its sediment ponds
and damaging its sewerage treatment works.
Two and a half years on the pipes remain in the same state a er oodwaters washed them away, leaving Parkes Shire Council with an enormous repair bill it is unable to cover.
Parkes Mayor Neil Westcott said because the infrastructure is considered a council asset it is not covered by natural disaster funding.
“We are not asking for special favours, our assets are no less destroyed than the Northern Rivers and theirs were fully funded by the NSW Government,” he said.
Mr Donato said he was extremely grateful to both state and federal governments for their rapid support and essential disaster funding so far delivered to help the region rebuild in the wake of this devastating natural disaster.
“The ood event of 14 No-
vember, 2022 ravaged communities across the Central West, causing unprecedented damage to property, including critical water infrastructure,” he said.
“Unfortunately existing ood recovery funding measures have failed to incorporate the repair or replacement of critical water and sewer assets that were damaged or destroyed in the 2022 Central West ood event.”
Mr Donato has met with Premier Chris Minns and key ministers, seeking allocation of funding for Parkes, Cabonne and Lachlan Shire Councils so they can undertake urgent repairs.
He’s also raised this issue on numerous occasions on the oor of NSW Parliament.
“Despite e orts I’ve made, along with those by representatives of a ected local government areas of Cabonne Shire, Lachlan Shire
story of what life was like for Forbes in the gold elds era.”
The play itself will leave the verdict up to the jury on the night.
“At the end we don’t know what’s going to happen: defence and prosecution will present an argument, the jury will deliberate - and we won’t know if he’s guilty or not guilty,” Mrs Wren said.
While a number of jury members have already been empanelled in Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM, Alister Lockhart OAM, Dr Untung Laksito, Laurel Hull and Bruce Adams, the remainder will be plucked from the audience on the night. Tea and refreshments will be served while the jury deliberates.
Want to know more?
Forbes Museum has an extensive Ben Hall exhibition and is open 2-4pm every day. Such is the popularity of the Ben Hall story, the 100 tickets to this show have booked out in a record 24hours.
Two vehicle accidents over weekend
Forbes Fire and Rescue NSW responded to two separate motor vehicle accidents over the weekend.
On Saturday at 5.14pm firefighters responded to a Triple Zero call for a single vehicle crash north of Forbes on the Calarie Road.
On arrival they were met by NSW Ambulance paramedics who were attending to the driver of the vehicle.
Crews disabled the vehicle’s electrical system and set up precautionary fire protection with the NSW Rural Fire Service. Central West Police attended and the road was closed for some time. The driver of the vehicle was transported to hospital due to their injuries. Shortly after 6.30pm the area was rendered safe and the road was reopened.
and Parkes Shire – funding has yet to be allocated for the $20 million-plus in essential repairs,” Mr Donato said.
“I’ve personally made a budget submission to NSW Treasury, seeking prioritising of electorate funding for these repairs.
“Our local councils arenancially stretched and cannot foot this massive cost on top of their existing commitments – Parkes’ critical water infrastructure damage bill is more than $20 million alone.
“The previous government committed $145 million in funding to repair critical water assets damaged in the Northern Rivers oods – an event which occurred earlier in the same year as the Central West ood.
“All we are asking for is equity of disaster recovery funding, for what is a vitally important asset for these country communities.”
On Sunday, 14 April at 6pm firefighters were dispatched to a motor vehicle accident on the Newell Highway north of Forbes.
On arrival crews found two cars had collided head-on just off the highway in Wyndham Avenue. Paramedics were on scene treating the drivers who were suffering from shock and minor injuries.
The road was closed for a short amount of time while Central West Police District officers investigated the cause of the incident.
Crews helped to remove both vehicles off the roadway and firefighters cleared the debris before the road was reopened. Thankfully no one was seriously injured in the incident.
Parkes Shire Mayor Neil Westcott, Member for Orange Phil Donato and Lachlan Shire Mayor John Medcalf OAM at the damaged water pipes running from Lake Endeavour on Monday.
Lewis Wilde is Ben Hall in the upcoming Trial of Ben Hall.
Blooming beautiful dahlias the focus of Garden Club meeting
By GREEN THUMB
AT our last meeting President Marg Dent welcomed 29 members with ve apologies.
Our hosts Pam and John Baass made us very comfortable seated under large trees in their beautiful well established garden
A er the reports and birthday wishes extended general business was discussed.
Denise Thurston has organized a bus trip for Thursday 15 May leaving at 9.30, visiting the Tumbling Downs Olive Grove at Bogan Gate where a Devonshire tea will be enjoyed and then proceeding on to Parkes to visit
RIDERS MAKING NOISE FOR DV VICTIMS
■ From page 1.
He spoke not only as a councillor but as a friend of Molly Ticehurst, whose tragic death in April 2024 devastated our community.
The ride was on the eve of Molly’s birthday. Her former partner Daniel Billings remains before the courts on charges including murder.
“The time’s up,” Cr Clarke said.
“We need the support, we need the funding.
“I think that’s what today’s about: peacefully making as much noise as you can.
“Going there and saying this isn’t okay.”
Bail laws have been toughened in the past year, and governments have committed more funding to address domestic violence.
Still, too many women are dying at the hands of their partners, State Member for Orange Philip Donato said on Friday morning.
“On average more than one
woman a week is killed as a result of domestic violence,” Mr Donato said.
“That’s far too many, and we need to do more as a community, as a state and as a nation to address that.”
Crisis facilities and men’s behaviour change programs are just two of the areas he said funding was needed.
Mr Donato paid tribute to event organiser Grant Nicholson
and all who were part of it, as well as every rider stepping up to be part of the event.
“As a biking community - and I’m stereotyping here - made up generally of tough males, you set an excellent example of leadership that men need to call out this type of behaviour,” he said.
“Men need to stand up and say it’s not okay for men to assault women.
“Rest assured it is sending a
strong message to law makers at the highest level of government in this country.”
Grant thanks everyone who turned up.
“It’s horrible that we’ve got another two ladies who have been taken since we’ve done the ride and our politicians still aren’t talking about it,” Grant said.
“Until politicians start talking about DV, nothing much is going to change.”
Polystyrene recycling is now available at the Forbes Recycling and Waste Depot!
Council has partnered with Green Planet Recycling Solutions to offer polystyrene recycling to Forbes residents.
You can now drop off polystyrene for free into specialised collection bins at the Forbes Recycling and Waste Depot, 7 days a week, from 8:30am to 5:00pm.
RFS:
‘Don’t be a fire risk to your
community’
Residents and landholders are reminded of the requirement to notify fire agencies before lighting hazard reductions and pile burns.
A Rural Fire Service (RFS) online portal provides NSW residents the ability to notify fire services quickly and easily when they are planning to use fire on their property.
Using their mobile phone, tablet or computer, residents and landholders can lodge their notification of a planned hazard reduction or burn off 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via the RFS portal.
RFS District Manager Superintendent Michael Robinson said that by notifying their neighbours and using the online tool at www.rfs.nsw. gov.au/notify, users can help prevent unnecessary emergency calls.
“Over coming months many landholders may take the opportunity to burn off – but they are responsible for ensuring it is done safely and let us and their neighbours know,” Superintendent Robinson said.
“While we are not currently in the official Bush Fire Danger Period, landholders still need to make sure they have obtained any required permits and permissions, as well as notifying neighbours and fire authorities 24 hours before lighting up.
“The online tool makes it easier to notify the RFS before conducting your burn. “If fire services know about a planned burn, it can help prevent unnecessary responses from local firefighters when we know it is planned and controlled.
By using the online notification tool, landholders will also be notified of any Total Fire Bans or restrictions and if so, will be advised to not proceed with their burn.
Superintendent Robinson said while landholders are encouraged to reduce fuel loads on their property, it is vital that it is done so safely and legally.
“Before lighting any fire, you need to have adequately prepared fire breaks and have firefighting equipment on hand to ensure the fire does not escape,” Superintendent Robinson said.
“Don’t forget there are also a number of effective alternatives to burning such as hand clearing, mowing, or slashing.
“Every landholder has a legal responsibility to prevent fire spreading from their property and there can be serious consequences if people light fires and leave them unattended.”
To notify of your intent to burn off, use the online burn notification tool at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/ notify. Landholders can still notify the NSW RFS by contacting their local Fire Control Centre.
Spooner Oval Grandstand Naming
into the Visitor Information Centre. Council is seeking a long-term lease (3+ years) with competitive terms. The Information Pack containing essential information and the EOI response form is available on Council’s website at Tenders and Expressions of Interest or call Kath Garland on (02) 6850 2300. EOI closes 6 May 2025
Expression of Interest – Short-Term Licence over Forbes Rifle Range
Council is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) for a short-term licence agreement over the Forbes Rifle Range, being Crown Land described as Lots 1710–1711 DP 728830, Lot 3 DP 750158 and Lot 1356 DP 750158, located off Rifle Range Road. The site is approximately 181,724 sqm (around 18.1 hectares) and does not have access to electricity or water.
EOI proposals are to be submitted using the EOI form available on the Tenders and Expressions of Interest page on Council’s website.
Completed forms, addressed to the General Manager, must be received by COB Friday 9 May 2025.
For further information, please contact Council’s Manager Corporate Business on (02) 6850 2300 (Option 4).
Only CLEAN polystyrene is accepted. Small foam materials, such as beads for bean bags, must be contained when placed into the collection bins. No labels or tape, No biodegradable foam kernels or natural plastic packaging materials (e.g., corn starch).
Once collected, the polystyrene is cleaned, processed, and melted into blocks or pellets. It is then prepared and ready to be sent away for recycling and repurposing into new products, such as picture frames, contributing to the circular economy.
Pre Lodgement Meetings
Council encourages any party planning to lodge a Development Application to book a pre-lodgement meeting first. Council offers pre-lodgement meetings to assist applicants and ensure they know what they need to have their application approved. These meetings give applicants the chance to meet with a member of Council’s Planning Department, introduce their project/plans to them, learn what they can and cannot do, and what they will need for a successful application.
By booking a meeting applicants will help avoid any delays during the lodgement process caused by lack of information. To book a pre-lodgement meeting please contact Council on (02) 6850 2300 (option 1) or development@forbes.nsw.gov.au .
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 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. To suggest a name, please visit the Council’s website, Forbes YourSay website or contact Council’s Community Relations Officer on (02) 6850 2300 or community@forbes.nsw.gov.au
Frost and Fire Heats up @ Forbes Saturday 21 June 2025
Celebrate the Winter Solstice in a beautiful country town in the heart of Central West NSW with friendly people, hearty food, fire buckets, boutique brews, fire performances and pyrotechnics, nationally renowned musicians, local artists, amazing live acts and Wiradjuri cultural performances. Come for the night – stay for a weekend! The fun doesn’t stop at the festival with plenty to see and do for everyone in this amazing place! Explore the historic and natural beauty of Forbes and surrounds. From historic buildings and museums to wildlife reserves and iconic country experiences – there’s something for everyone in Amazing Forbes.
Come celebrate the Winter Solstice under the starry skies of Frost and Fire in Forbes NSW!
Save the date: Saturday, 21 June from 4:00pm – 10:00pm at Forbes Ski Dam (Aquatic Centre).
PHOTO: Supplied
117 red hearts laid on the lawn of Parliament House representing the number of women lost in the last 12 months to domestic violence.
Three shortlisted in awards as business excellence celebrated
BUSINESS NSW is pleased to announce the nalists for the 2025 Western NSW Business Awards.
Now in its 13th year, the Western NSW Business Awards recognise growth, entrepreneurship, and celebrates business success and resilience.
Forbes has three nalists.
Topsoil Organics, a past State winner, is a nalist for two categories: Excellence in Sustainability and Excellence in Large Business.
Henley’s Rustics is a nalist for the Outstanding New Business Award and Allwright Bourke Lawyers & Conveyancing has been named a nalist in the Excellence in Small Business category.
Henley’s is featured on this page, with more on our othernalists to come in future editions of The Advocate.
Winners will be announced at a gala dinner and awards celebration on Friday 16 May 2025 in Dubbo at the Dubbo RSL Club.
Vicki Seccombe, Regional Di-
rector – Western NSW, at Business NSW, said this year’s nalists showcase and highlight the incredible business talent that is based right here in Western NSW.
“I believe our business community is one of the strongest in Regional NSW,” Ms Seccombe said.
“It’s been an incredibly chal-
lenging year for many businesses and continues to be so, so these awards are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the ingenuity, strength and entrepreneurial spirit of our Western NSW business community.
“We are pleased that 123 Tix will again be joining Business NSW as our Major Partner for the 2025 Western NSW Business Awards.”
Winners of the 2025 Western NSW Business Awards, will then represent the region at the State Business Awards to be held in Sydney in October.
“Last year, Marathon Health won Outstanding Community Organisation at the State Busi-
ness Awards, and based on the calibre of this year’s nalists, I expect that our regional winners will again do very well,” Ms Seccombe said.
Award categories are: Outstanding employee; outstanding young business leader; outstanding business leader; employer of choice; excellence in diversity and inclusion; excellence in innovation; excellence in sustainability; excellence in international business; outstanding community organisation; outstanding visitor experience; outstanding new business; excellence in micro business; excellence in small business; and excellence in large business.
HENLEY’S RUSTICS: FROM RUST TO ROOTS
HENLEY’S Rustics is a father and daughter business that’s thriving by o ering connection through their raised garden beds made from reclaimed materials.
It’s not even two years since Jo Henley was visiting her parents in Ungarie and identi ed that there maybe a market for the reclaimed corrugated iron raised garden beds her dad had made her mum. Lindsay had been contracted to pull down an old building of bricks and corrugated iron in Ungarie - one with a family connection as it was a store Jo’s grandma had worked at decades earlier. Lindsay purchased an old water tank rolling machine and was able to roll the iron into garden bed designs.
Jo, who manages the business, marketing, sales and logistics from Forbes, nds it amazing as well as incredibly heartwarming just how organically this thriving business has developed.
A couple of her friends in Forbes were the rst to place an order from a markeplace post, but momentum grew quickly.
“The phone kept going ‘ding ding ding’ and all these orders just kept coming through,” Jo
said. It quickly became evident they needed a business structure for the venture.
“All of a sudden we were setting up systems around how fast it was moving,” Jo said.
Now they deliver their products to 80 towns across the Central West, Riverina and the ACT.
Lindsay hand makes their products also personally delivers to homes, schools and farms.
Sheila, Lindsay’s wife supports Lindsay on deliveries and has been a wonderful support to Jo and Lindsay on their garden bed jounrey.
Starting her own veggie patch with her two young children, Jo quickly realised just how much there was to learn in the garden - garden bed position with the sun, soil preparation, seasonal planting and more. She found a mentor in a landscape consultant named Keith Edwards from Victoria, who was willing to answer her many questions and continues to provide her guidance and support.
“The online gardening community is so supportive and generous with their information and I want to be that support person
enced gardeners online or with other businesses producing organic garden products.
“I’m just wanting people to succeed in the garden, to grow veggies, support their wellbeing through gardening and enjoy the gardening experience with their families,” Jo said.
Jo has been honoured to be a guest on three podcasts in the last six months discussing Henley’s Rustics and Jo’s gardening journey. Including being featured in gardening newsletters and newspapers.
Ultimately, this isn’t just about garden beds, it’s about connection and community.
Then there’s the sustainability side of the business. While it started with one old building, they’re continually nding the supply of old corrugated iron by sourcing falling-down sheds or old shearing sheds on local farms.
“Customers are not just buying a garden bed, they’re buying a
with a history.”
They’ve come so far in such a short time and the business keeps evolving.
Last June they launched wicking garden beds that are selfwatering, ideal for many of their customers providing freedom from needing to water regularly, including schools needing to manage school holiday periods, or farm families who need to prioritise water e ciency in dry times.
“Dad’s a very clever man and is brilliant at innovating systems,” Jo said.
“He’s now has two workers with him at the workshop in Ungarie which is so great to employ two local people in a town of 300.”
From a few sheets of old iron to a thriving, community-driven business, Henley’s Rustics is supporting people create their dream gardens using their raised garden beds.
THE RAISED GARDEN BEDS ARE MADE FROM RECLAIMED MATERIALS.
PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
LINDSAY HENLEY AND DAUGHTER JO OF HENLEY’S RUSTICS.
Region’s doctors join strike action
With ALEX MITCHELL AND FARID FARID FOR AAP
DOCTORS from Orange and Dubbo have joined their colleagues in rare strike action.
Doctors from dozens of NSW hospitals went on strike for the rst time in 27 years last Tuesday, 8 April, demanding a 30 per cent salary increase and guaranteed breaks.
Health Minister Ryan Park tried to have the rare threeday strike called o on Monday night by o ering a weeklong intensive negotiation focused on boosting junior doctors’ pay.
But that was knocked back by their union when the government wouldn’t put a speci c gure on a wage increase.
The union says NSW juniors are the worst paid in the country, earning up to 40 per cent less than their interstate counterparts.
One of the 3500 doctors from more than 30 hospitals who walked o the job on Tuesday told Australian Associated Press conditions were putting patients at risk.
Henry Crayton said he worked 135 hours in the past fortnight with just one day o , covering 150 patients per shi .
“That is a completely normal fortnight for me, and I’m over it,” he told AAP.
Doctors also want a guar-
anteed 10-hour break between shi s, to stem the exodus of colleagues to other states.
“They’re no longer able to tolerate conditions that essentially put our patients and even ourselves at risk through a lack of sta ng and poor working conditions,”
Westmead senior medical o cer Mark Priestley said while picketing his hospital.
“We’re here because we want to be there for our patients.”
CENTRAL WEST INDUSTRIAL PARK 10.96 HA (109,600 M 2 ) | FORBES NSW
Mr Park agrees junior doctors need a signi cant pay bump but says the 30 per cent request isn’t a ordable.
“We understand junior doctors need to be paid more and ... we will remain at the table and work through this as quickly and as e ectively as we can,” he said. His negotiation o er was the rst sign the government was prepared to improve its proposal of 10.5 per cent over three years for all doctors.
+ Central Location - prime position adjacent to the Newell Highway & Inland Rail line.
+ Well Serviced - Forbes 10km, Parkes 25km, Sydney 375km, Melbourne 700km, Brisbane 980km.
+ Green eld Site - 10.96 ha of General Industrial (E4) land ripe for commercial development.
+ Central West Industrial Park - access over 80% of Aus. population within 12 hr transport trip.
+ Forbes Livestock Exchange - close proximity to ‘state of the art’ cattle, sheep & pig sale yards.
+ Existing Infrastructure - large, renovated o ce building + 2 x enclosed open span sheds.
+ Value For Money - when compared to other established & emerging industrial precincts.
“We want to pay them more (but) we can’t do everything they want in a single year, given we’ve had wage suppression in this state for over a decade,” Mr Park said.
The previous coalition government capped public sector wage rises at 2.5 per cent per year from 2011 to 2022, adding exceptions for productivity gains in later years.
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman, who has long backed the wages cap, agreed the junior doctors deserved a
“signi cant” pay rise.
“The job of public hospitals is to keep patients well and safe,” he said.
“We’ve got to make sure that our professionals have appropriate support to do that.”
Hospitals are being sta ed at public holiday levels throughout the strike, with only procedures deemed “non-urgent” postponed.
That included at least 370 surgeries, 3000 outpatient appointments and 480 chem-
otherapy treatments for cancer patients, NSW Health said.
ASMOF President Dr Nicholas Spooner described the action as “just the beginning”.
“Thousands of doctors are standing together and saying the health system is not safe, and it must be xed,” he said.
Over three days, at 12 rallies in hospitals across the state, from Wollongong to Wagga Wagga, from Dubbo to Westmead, doctors turned out in force to demand change.
Throughout the strike, emergency departments and critical care services remained safely sta ed.
“Throughout the strike, we carefully maintained patient safety, just as we committed to from the outset,” Dr Spooner said.
“Services operated under the same sta ng model used on public holidays, ensuring urgent care remained available.
“Our actions are guided by our members’ deep commitment to our patients and the public health system.”
Dr Spooner said the campaign would now enter its next phase, with continued consultation among members to determine next steps.
“We want to thank the public - and especially our patients - for their support, understanding and solidarity,” he said.
Prime industrial land parcel on the market
FORBES-based property specialists Johnston Rural Group are pleased to bring to market for public sale 52 Back Yamma Road – a well located, fully serviced industrial land parcel primed for commercial development.
The green eld site is approximately 10.96ha (109,600 square metres) and boasts a central mid-state location a short drive north of historic Forbes in the new Central West Industrial Park (CWIP).
The property is conveniently positioned about 500 metres east of the Newell Highway, within 1.5km of both the Inland Rail line and Central West Livestock Exchange and an easy 20 minutes’ drive south of Parkes and its regional airport.
The property is currently operated as the national base and headquarters for Lachlan Commodities who specialise in the supply of identity-preserved high quality grains to the international and domestic food industries.
The main improvements include a large o ce building (renovated in 2020) that comprises six spacious o ces, large boardroom, reception / foyer and an array of amenities plus two nearby enclosed clear span sheds with concrete ooring and power connected.
As one of the largest lots in the industrial park, 52 Back Yamma Road is unique due to being one of the only allotments that has dual road frontage and access
as well as the capacity for subdivision into several smaller lots in the future (subject to Council approval).
The ability to access more than 80 per cent of the Australian population within a 12-hour transport trip highlights the area’s suitability to commercial and industrial business ventures which is further complimented by recent population modelling that predicts the Forbes population will grow by around 30 per cent by 2041, making it one of the fastest growing regional towns in the state over the next 15 years.
Originally Lachlan Commodities had plans and DA Approval to develop 52 Back Yamma Road into a modern grain receival depot with road train access and signi cant on-site storage capacity.
These plans unexpectedly came to a halt when the prospect of purchasing the nearby Linx depot at Forbes was made available.
The existing grain storage facilities and purpose-built infrastructure on the Linx site presented a ‘turnkey’ acquisition opportunity which was pursued by Lachlan Commodities with the Back Yamma Road site now being a surplus to requirement following this directional change.
Patrick Cogswell, who is the Head of Strategy and Business Development at Lachlan Commodities, says the family has lived and worked in Forbes for more than 40 years.
“We are very proud to be investing further into the local area and believe strongly in the growth opportunities this region presents,” he said.
“Our aim is to signi cantly boost the maize growing opportunities we can provide local farmers, increasing local production back to levels not seen in decades.”
Marketing agent Sam Johnston believes that it is an incredibly exciting time for the local region.
“Forbes is sure to provide a prosperous future for any incoming or expanding businesses and their sta which is reinforced by the Council’s vision of creating “a safe, connected and welcoming community that aspires to create job opportunities, improve infrastructure and support a diverse and thriving economy”,” he said.
Sam also believes that 52 Back Yamma Road represents a strong ‘value for money’ investment proposition – especially compared to some of the prices required to buy into the traditional and more established industrial and commercial precincts across the state.
52 Back Yamma Road is being o ered for public sale with o ers closing at 12 noon AEST Thursday 22 May 2025.
The price guide for the property is available for interested parties by request and can be obtained by contacting the marketing agents Johnston Rural Group.
Doctors in Dubbo and Orange joined their colleagues from hospitals across NSW in strike action for a pay increase and guaranteed breaks.
Doctors in Dubbo joined their colleagues across NSW in strike action. PHOTOS: ASMOF The Doctors Union on Facebook
Remote voter services for the 2025 federal election
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) will be visiting soon, so you can vote in the federal election. Check the remote voter services schedule below for the dates and times you can vote in your area. All Australian people aged 18 years and older must vote.
This schedule may change. To confi rm details, visit aec.gov.au, call 13 23 26 or look out for information on your community noticeboard.
DIVISION OF FARRER
BOOLIGAL Booligal Hall, Lachlan St
Tuesday 29 April 2pm-5pm
MAUDE Maude Hall, Yang Yang St Wednesday 30 April 9:30am-12:30pm
DIVISION OF PARKES
BOGGABILLA Toomelah Community Hall, 3395 Tucka Tucka Rd
BREWARRINA Brewarrina Information Centre, 50 Bathurst St
Tuesday 29 April 10:30am-2:30pm
Tuesday 22 April 12pm-4pm
BULLARAH Bullarah Public School, 6915 Gwydir Hwy Tuesday 22 April 1pm-4pm
CARINDA Carinda Public School, 4 McNamara St Tuesday 22 April 12:30pm-3:30pm
ENNGONIA Enngonia War Memorial Hall, Belalie St Thursday 24 April 9am-12pm
FIFIELD Fifield Hall, 32 Slee St Monday 28 April 11am-2pm
GARAH Garah Hall, 15 Midkin St Thursday 24 April 9am-12pm
GIRILAMBONE Girilambone Bushcraft Cafe Carpark, 10 Sydney St
HERMIDALE Hermidale Tennis Club, Cobar St
LOUTH Louth Tennis Club, Bloxham St
Monday 28 April 11:30am-2:30pm
Tuesday 22 April 11:30am-2:30pm
Tuesday 29 April 10am-1pm
MENINDEE Menindee Civic Hall, 30 Yartla St Wednesday 23 April 10:30am-2:30pm
MURRIN BRIDGE Murrin Bridge Pre-school, 1 Riverside Dr Tuesday 29 April 9am-1pm
NYMAGEE Nymagee Community Hall, Graham St
QUAMBONE Quambone War Memorial Hall, Mungie St
ROWENA Rowena Public School, 11 Shaw St
Thursday 24 April 9:30am-12:30pm
Thursday 24 April 10am-1pm
Wednesday 23 April 10:30am-1:30pm
SILVERTON Silverton Municipal Chambers Picnic and Rest area, Burke St Tuesday 22 April 11:30am-2:30pm
TIBOOBURRA Tibooburra CWA Room, Briscoe St
TILPA Tilpa Community Centre, Darling St
Wednesday 30 April 10:30am-1:30pm
Wednesday 23 April 10:30am-1:30pm
WANAARING Wanaaring and District Soldiers Memorial Hall, Bourke-Milparinka RdMonday 28 April 11am-2pm
WEEMELAH Weemelah Hall, Balarang St
WEILMORINGLE Weilmoringle Tennis Shed, 32 Post Office Rd
Wednesday 23 April 10am-1pm
Wednesday 23 April 10:30am-1:30pm
WHITE CLIFFS White Cliffs Community Hall, 46 Johnston St Tuesday 29 April 10am-1pm
WILCANNIA Wilcannia Central Darling Council Hall, 22 Myers St
federal election, Saturday 3 May
Thursday 24 April 10:30am-2:30pm
Parkes Bypass now open, changes ahead
By CHRISTINE LITTLE
NEWELL Highway tra c has now been switched onto the new Parkes Bypass.
The new section of the highway opened on Tuesday.
It’s been six years in the making since the project was rst conceived, added to Infrastructure Australia’s Priority List a year later and almost four years of construction a er the contract was awarded to Georgiou Group.
While some areas still require work, drivers will get their rst feel of the new road that’s been relocated two kilometres west of the centre of Parkes where it previously passed through.
It’s to improve freight e ciency and productivity, and the safety of drivers and pedestrians, particularly across Bogan Street in Parkes, by removing 1200 trucks per day from local streets.
For drivers coming from Forbes there will be some temporary changes if you’re travelling into Parkes.
Some tra c conditions will remain in place for up to three months as crews complete further work on the project including landscaping and completion of the north and south connec-
tions to the existing highway.
Transport for NSW says the main access between Parkes and the bypass will be the Condobolin Road roundabout, which opened to tra c in all four directions on Tuesday.
Access to and from the bypass will also be possible from London Road, however this access will be under temporary tra c controls
There will be restrictions to some sections of the existing Newell Highway north and south of Parkes.
In the north, the existing Newell Highway will be closed between the rest area and Maguire Road.
Southbound vehicles will be able to access Parkes via Bogan Road while northbound vehicles will use the bypass from the Condobolin Road roundabout.
And in the south, the existing Newell Highway will be closed between Saleyards Road and Barkers Road.
Heavy vehicles wishing to travel east will be required to travel on the Hartigan Avenue extension (state road network MR61).
“For the safety of workers and motorists, some single lane closures, reduced speed limits and intermittent stopping will be in place during this work,” said Transport for NSW.
Beginning at Barkers Road in the south and reconnecting at Maguire Road in the north, it’s 10.5 kilometres long with ve key intersections: Two Tintersections north and south between the existing Newell Highway and the bypass, split T-intersection at London Road, four-way roundabout at Condobolin Road, T-intersection with Bogan Road, and two bridges over rail lines and Hartigan Avenue, and over the bypass on Victoria Street. It also bypasses tight bends in the town and two railway level crossings at Hartigan Avenue near Parkes KFC and the Welcome crossing in the south.
Buy
your
tickets to support charity
Sunshine Club
Hello to all our Sunshine Club members.
A big thank you goes out to Stuart Thomas, Marco Carelli, Luke Randall and Terry Cuskelly who were waved off on their bike ride to Manly by Molly Neilsen, Nygarie Bilsborough, Lorraine Allen and Maureen Bale at 5am Friday morning.
After a very long day on Friday the men were joined by Sturat’s son Andrew for the ride across the mountain and through the city to Manly.
The riders were met at Manly by representatives from the Royal Far West.
After two very long days the men safely arrived at Manly at 5pm on Saturday. A very sincere thank you for your commitment to the cause.
A big thank you also goes to Harry at Terry Bros Carpet Court for the lino in our foyer.
The change of floor covering is greatly appreciated, thank you again.
Our next monthly meeting will be held on 2 May at 10am at our Op Shop in Templar Street, Forbes. Our raffles are on display in our front window of our Op Shop.
Raffles are a three piece bistro set setting kindly donated by Bunnings and a pamper pack.
Tickets are $1 each for both raffles and are only available at our Op Shop in Templar Street.
Both these raffles will be drawn on 7 May.
Our winter clothes is making an appearance in our Op Shop.
This clothing has a yellow tag and will be available at normal prices.
If you won’t buy it, don’t bring it it. We are not a dumping ground for dirty, stained and well worn clothes.
Please put it in your own bin as we have to pay for it to go to the tip which takes money from the kids.
Our birthday book is open from 8 April with best wishes to Marko’s Casey, Bruce Almighty’s mum, Gay Lady’s grand daughter, Marko’s Cindy Lee, Pentons Mate, Bruce Almighty’s Natalie, Sharyl Elizabeth, Fran, Lady of the lamp, Hank’s Chum. Best wishes to you all.
Hope you all have a happy and safe Easter. Till next time, Reenie
I don't know what I would have done without the CUC. I knew I wanted to study online but with three other siblings, it can be hard to focus at home. Having the CUC available to me has been pure gold.
Pathways Enabling Course University of New England
The new Parkes entry signage greets drivers at the northern end on the Parkes Bypass.
PHOTO: Transport for NSW
Chaffey backs greater support for families, businesses
Jamie Chaffey
The Nationals candidate for Parkes
WE know Parkes is by far the biggest federal electorate in NSW, with some of the most isolated communities in the country.
With Mark Coulton MP retiring at the next election, I’m standing as The Nationals Candidate for the Electorate of Parkes.
If I’m fortunate enough to be elected as the next Member for Parkes, I know I will have big shoes to fill, there’s no doubt about that.
Mark, with the support of Robyn, has been an outstanding Member of Parliament.
Since being preselected as The Nationals candidate last year, I’ve driven over 34,000 kilometres, knocked on over 24,000 doors, so I can listen to the issues that concern you the most.
What am I being told?
There’s a lot of anger about the impact of Labor’s policies on households and small businesses.
Front of mind is the rising cost of living, which doesn’t discriminate when doing the weekly shop, filling up at the fuel station, when the power bill comes in and when the
VOTE
mortgage payment goes out. Families need a hand. There are no two ways about that.
We need greater cost-of-living support and improved access to childcare.
I want young people to be able to buy a house, raise a family, have job security, get ahead, stay in the
communities where they grew up, and encourage economic develop to attract new people to town.
Businesspeople I’ve spoken to tell me about their power bills, the cost of employing staff – in a nutshell, the cost of doing business and staying in business.
That’s why I’m backing greater
support for the small business sector – the engine room of Australia - and a sensible energy policy, Australia needs affordable and reliable energy.
Rest assured I understand what you’re saying.
My wife and I ran our family business in Gunnedah for almost 30
years, but I worry about what the future holds for our kids.
I’m asking for your support at the election, so I can go into bat for you. I can’t promise to solve all these issues, but what I can promise is, that if I’m elected, I will put my heart and soul into standing up for the people of the Parkes electorate.
JAMIE CHAFFEY THE NATIONALS for Parkes
A resident of the Parkes electorate for more than 35 years, Jamie and his wife Judy have raised four children on their family grain and cattle farm.
With a strong business background and a boilermaker by trade, Jamie has led the growth of his family’s engineering business, supporting key regional industries. As Gunnedah Shire Mayor and an active member of community group Jamie understands the needs of rural communities. He is committed to securing greater cost-of-living support for families including improved access to childcare. He backs greater support for small business, and sensible energy policy.
The Nationals candidate for the seat of Parkes Jamie Chaffey was present at the announcement of plans for a playground on the Pit Stop corner in Forbes. PHOTOS: Submitted
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Death In Paradise. Final. 1.30 Darby And Joan. 2.15 Extraordinary Escapes. 3.00 Megafauna: What Killed Australia’s Giants? 3.50 A Life In Ten Pictures. 4.45 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli. 5.10 Landline. 5.40 Australian Story. 6.10 Father Brown. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 MOVIE: Made In Dagenham. (2010) 9.20 Midsomer Murders. 10.50 Unforgotten. 11.40 Late Programs.
6.00 Shopping. 8.30 Travel Oz. 9.30 Better Homes. 11.00 Harry’s Practice. 11.30 GetOn Extra. 12.00 Escape To The Country. 3.00 The Yorkshire Vet. 4.00 Escape To The Country. 5.00 Horse Racing. All Aged Stakes Day, Mornington Cup and WATC Derby Day. 6.00 Dog Patrol. 6.30 Bondi Vet. 7.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 11.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.35 Doctor Who. 3.25 Penn & Teller: Fool Us. 4.05 A Bite To Eat With Alice. 4.35 MythBusters. 5.30 Heartbreak High. 7.00 Spicks And Specks. 7.30 QI. 8.00 Live At The Apollo. 8.45 Gavin & Stacey. 10.15 ER. 11.00 Rage. 12.00 Heartbreak High. 12.45 Breeders. 1.10 QI. 1.45 ER. 3.10 Late Programs.
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend
10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. 12.00 Horse Racing. All Aged Stakes Day, Mornington Cup and WATC Derby Day. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The Americas. 8.00 MOVIE: Twister. (1996) Helen Hunt, Bill Paxton. 10.20 MOVIE: Anna. (2019) Sasha Luss. 12.50 The Black Donnellys. 2.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 Boating. Circuit Boat Drivers C’ship. Season preview. Replay. 4.00 Full Custom Garage. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Football. AFL. Round 6. Adelaide v GWS Giants. 9.00 Storage Wars. 9.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 10.30 When Big Things Go Wrong. 11.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Kids’ Programs. 5.10 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes. 5.50 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Rocket Club. 7.30 Harry Potter: Wizards Of Baking. 8.10 Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament Of Houses. 8.55 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.35 Speechless. 10.00 Officially Amazing. 10.25 Dragon Ball Super. 10.50 Late Programs.
Easter Special. 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 West Coast Cops. 8.30 MOVIE: Noah. (2014) 11.10 Hotel Chocolat: Inside The Chocolate Factory. 12.10 Late Programs. 6.00 Flushed.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Surfing Aust. 12.30 Destination WA. 1.00 Let’s Eat With George. Final. 1.30 MOVIE: Getting Even With Dad. (1994) 3.30 The Hundred With Andy Lee. 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 Torvill & Dean: Our Last Dance. 8.30 MOVIE: Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory. (1971) 10.35 MOVIE: Yes Man. (2008) 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 Dream Academy. 12.30 Dream Home. 2.30 Holey Moley Australia: Celebrity Special. 4.00 Black-ish. 4.30 Dodger. 5.30 MOVIE: The Angry Birds Movie. (2016) 7.30 MOVIE: Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway. (2021) 9.20 MOVIE: Father Stu. (2022) 11.55 Late Programs.
Australia. 6.00 Back Roads. 6.30 To Be Advised. 7.00 ABC
7.30 Darby And Joan. Final. 8.15 Unforgotten. Final. 9.05 Boat Story. Final. 10.05 MOVIE: Ten Canoes. (2006) Crusoe Kurddal. 11.35 Late Programs. 6.00 Kids’ Programs. 3.30 The Monster At The End Of This Story. 4.05 Grace’s Amazing Machines. 4.20 Odd Squad. 4.45 Gardening Australia Junior. 5.50 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Rocket Club. 7.30 Bluey’s Big Play. 8.20 Harry Potter: Wizards Of Baking. 9.40 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.25 Abbott Elementary. 10.45 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 2.40 Doctor Who. 3.25 A Bite To Eat. 3.55 Penn & Teller: Fool Us. 4.40 MythBusters. 5.30 Heartbreak High. 7.00 Spicks And Specks. 7.30 QI. 8.00 Lucy Worsley Investigates. 9.00 Louis Theroux: Altered States. 10.05 The
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Everyday Gourmet. 12.30 Australia By Design: Architecture. 1.00 10 Minute Kitchen. 1.30 Frugal Foodie. 2.00 Silvia’s Italian Masterclass. 2.30 Taste Of Aus: BBQ. 3.00 What’s Up Down Under. 3.30 Farm To Fork. 4.00 My Market Kitchen. 4.30 GCBC. 5.00 News. 6.30 Dog House Aust. 7.30 Love It Or List
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) You’re doing better on the flexibility
TAURUS (April
matters as well. A change of plans might occur by the weekend.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Excuses are not really needed for much of the confusion that occurs this week. However, explanations from all parties could help in working things out to everyone’s satisfaction.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A surprising (but pleasant) recent turn of events continues to develop positive aspects. But be prepared for a bit of a jolt on another issue that needs attention.
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Skippy. 11.30 Edgar Wallace Mysteries. 12.50 The Baron. 2.00 MOVIE: The Heart Of The Matter. (1953) 4.15 MOVIE: Dunkirk. (1958) 7.00 Rugby Union. Super Rugby Pacific. Round 10. Western Force v Hurricanes. 9.30 Super Rugby Pacific Post-Match. 9.45 MOVIE: The Jackal. (1997) 12.15 Late Programs.
6.00
3.00 Rugby League. NRL. Round 7. Newcastle Knights v Cronulla Sharks. 6.00 9News Sunday. 7.00 60 Minutes. 8.00 RBT. 8.30 The People V Michael Jackson. 10.30 9News Late. 11.00 See No Evil. 11.50 The First 48. 12.40 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 AFL Sunday Footy Show. 12.00 My Favorite Martian. 12.30 Getaway. 1.00 MOVIE: Time, Gentlemen, Please! (1952) 2.45 MOVIE: The Small Voice. (1948) 4.30 MOVIE: Foreign Intrigue. (1956) 6.30 M*A*S*H. 8.30 MOVIE: Gran Torino. (2008) 10.55 MOVIE: Son Of God. (2014) 1.40 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 8.30 Larry The Wonder Pup. 9.00 Drop Dead Weird. 10.00 Holey Moley Australia: Celebrity Special. 11.30 Dream Home. 1.15 My France With Manu. 2.05 Home And Away. 4.00 MOVIE: Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse. (2018) 6.30 Puppy School. 7.30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent. 8.30 Law & Order: S.V.U. 10.30 Bones. 11.30 Late Programs.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) Creating a fuss might bring you the attention that you want. But are you prepared for all the explaining you’d have to do? It’s better to use more subtle ways to make your bid.
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) With education continuing to be a strong factor this week, this could be the time to start learning some new skills that can later be applied to a bid for a potential career move.
LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) You might do well to reconsider some of your current time priorities before you get so deeply involved in one project that you neglect meeting a deadline on another.
SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) With an important decision looming, you need to be careful about the information you’re getting. Half-truths are essentially useless. Get the full story before you act.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Find out what everyone’s role is expected to be before accepting a workplace proposal. Getting all the facts now could prevent serious problems later on.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) A flexible position on a workplace matter could be the best course to follow during the next several days. A personal issue also benefits from an open-minded approach.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Involving too many people in your workplace problem can backfire. Remember, allegiances can shift. Ask trusted colleagues for advice, but don’t ask them to take sides.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Before submitting your suggestions, take more time to sharpen the points you want to make. The clearer the presentation, the more chance it has to get through when submitted.
Eugowra Public P&C Organising Committee members Rachel Miles, Tracey McKenna, Cath Welsh, Sally Nada and Katrina Noble.
Anthony Leonard and Alan Noble.
Rianna Reeves with her parents, James and Kylie PHOTOS: Jenny Kingham Roberts and Lisa and Michael Girdlestone.
Linda Smoman, Trish Starr, Erik Smoman, Chris Auld and David Potts.
Kevin Little with Lana Petherbridge.
Grant and Kayla Jones with Stacey Townsend.
Reanne and Steve McGuire with Nicole and Ashley Dolbel.
Ash Hall, Shell Horton, Kylie Rose, Meagan Goodlock and Sophie Cusack.
Ilona Chigness, Shayne Ogilvie and Jane Thompson.
JENNY MCLEOD AT THE DISPLAY.
Noah Dorin provided entertainment for the first part of the
Boots and bowties ball a hit - and it’s coming back
IT was such a great night, they’ve already decided to do it all again.
We’re talking, of course, about Eugowra’s Boots and Bowties Ball, hosted by the Eugowra Public School P&C.
Cath Welsh, one of the event organisers, said the night was about fun and fundraising to add to improvements to the school’s sporting facilities.
The school has already received
grant funding to upgrade its basketball and tennis courts, as well as its cricket nets. The group wanted to add to that.
“We thought, why not go big and have a ball?” Cath said. And what started as an ambitious idea quickly turned into a sold-out success.
“It was beautiful, the weather was beautiful, everything just came together perfectly,” Cath said.
Held at the Eugowra Showground
Hall, the night kicked o with entertainment from Central West musician Noah Doran, before the crowd danced under the stars with Foxxy Cleopatra keeping the party alive well into the night.
The event was backed by incredible community support, with generous donations to the ra e and auction, which was conducted by Luke Whitty.
More than $20,000 was raised for
the cause, and Cath extended a heartfelt thank-you on behalf of the P&C to all sponsors, donors, and attendees who made the night possible.
“People banded together and it ended up being a great community event,” she said.
Canowindra High students pitched in to make desserts, while Eugowra Public School students baked homemade brownies.
Organisers were so blown away
by the support, they’ve already locked in the date for the next ballApril 11, 2026 - a er overwhelming calls to bring it back.
And there’s one exciting change on the horizon: the event will now also support other local community groups and committees in need of a boost.
So, boots polished and bowties ready, Eugowra, we’ll see you in 2026. ■ More photos page 12
Tanya and Graeme Bayliss, Sue and John Pearce, Phoebe Smith, Joseph Pearce, Isabelle Pearce and Dylan Cheney. PHOTOS: Jenny Kingham
Foxxy Cleopatra took the stage and the party into the night. PHOTO: Supplied
ball before Foxxy Cleopatra took to the outside
One week until Homegrown Parkes
By MARG APPLEBEE
CENTRAL WEST LACHLAN LANDCARE
Homegrown Parkes is just over a week away.
With each workshop registration, you can go in the running to win some wonderful prizes from our local Homegrown Parkes businesses.
Of course….you need to attend the workshop on Saturday, 26 April at Cooke Park.
Chef Jack Brown will be providing a workshop from 11am.
Jack is an Indigenous chef trained in traditional French cuisine and he is on a mission to rede ne Australian cuisine by incorporating native Indigenous ingredients into everyday cooking.
Register for Jack’s workshop and go in the running to win a fabulous sculpture created by Glen Sloane from Sloaney’s Sculptures or some fabulous bush tucker plants. Make sure to reserve a seat for this free event with Jack Brown.
ing at 12.30pm. Through her business Sourdough by Kath, she has been making artisan sourdough, baked to order and
our communities.
We have ten $15 gift vouchers for Sourdough by Kath goodies for registered attendees that will
Find out the process to create delicious, crusty sourdough with Kath. make sure to register for her
Our third workshop commences at 2.00pm, with Elizabeth Briton speaking about landscape design.
Elizabeth is a talented landscape designer, sharing her knowledge of local plant species and design con-
We also have four $50 gi vouchers from Dirty Gloves Nursery and a fabulous sculpture by Glenn Sloane to be drawn for attendees who register for our Landscape De-
Attendees have the opportunity to hear from Elizabeth and deepen our knowledge of garden design. Register for the Landscape Design
Clancy The Bee Man will provide informal workshops on the lawn in front of the Pavilion.
He will bring his knowledge and
enthusiasm for Bees and Creating Bee Hotels to Homegrown Parkes. Clancy has some fabulous bee posters to give away through his workshops. He will be providing two formal presentations at 10.30am and 1.00pm.
Register for all workshops via StickyTickets.
Please feel free to bring along your own bee hotel materials to work with Clancy, including untreated bamboo, hollow stems, kangaroo paw stems, salvia stems, PVC pipe o cuts and big tin cans.
We also have a live reptile display free to the community.
Andrew will have reptiles on display during the day and with two formal presentations at 11am and 1.30pm.
For further information on this article, please go to www.centralwestlachlanlandcare.org, twitter, facebook or Instagram @cwllandcare or contact Marg Applebee on 0418 611 053.
Heavy weight lambs $8 dearer, trade lambs $6 cheaper
CATTLE SALE
Monday, 14 April
Yarding 2517 (up 396)
Numbers li ed this sale with agents yarding 2517 head.
Quality continues to be mixed with some good lines of well bred cattle o ered along with the secondary lines.
The usual buyers were present and competing in a mostly easier market.
Yearling steers were the exception li ing 5 to 10c/kg to sell from 343 to 438c/kg for middle and heavyweights to feed. Those to processors received from 300 to 390c/ kg.
The heifer portion to feed ranged from 322 to 370c with nished lines
receiving from 300 to 390c/kg.
Heavy steers and bullocks sold from 343 to 400c/kg.
Grown heifers received from 290 to 371c/kg.
A large o ering of cows saw prices ease 10c with heavy 2 score from 259 to 286c and 3 score 281 to 335c/kg.
SHEEP SALE
Tuesday, 15 April
Yarding 31,150 (down 13,500)
Numbers were back by 5800 for a yarding of 22,450 lambs.
It was a pretty good quality yarding with good numbers of well nished heavy weight lambs along with a good selection of trade weights.
There were also fair numbers of lighter secondary lambs mixed throughout.
Most of the usual buyers were operating with the exception of a major southern processor.
Lightweight lambs to the processors were $5 cheaper with the 12kg to 18kg 2 scores selling from $88 to $134/head.
Trade lambs were $6 cheaper with the 20kg to 24kg lambs selling from $143 to $223/head to average between 790c and 845c/kg cwt.
Heavy weight lambs were $8 dearer with the 24kg to 30kg lambs selling from $203 to $240/ head to average between 825c and 870c/kg cwt.
Extra heavy weight
lambs sold from $252 to $276/head.
Merino lambs were also a little dearer with trade weights selling from $98 to $196 while heavy weight Merino lambs sold to $222/head.
Lambs to the restockers were rm with crossbreds selling from $50 to $156/head.
Hoggets sold to $211/ head. There were some outstanding sheep along with fair numbers of plainer types in a yarding of 8700 mutton where most grades were most grades were $8 to $10 dearer.
Merino ewes sold from $40 to $180 while crossbred ewes sold from $74 to $170/head.
Merino wethers sold
from $85 to $195/head. The restockers paid from $49 to $98/head for Merino ewes.
FROM MLA’S NATIONAL LIVESTOCK REPORTING AGENCY
PIG SALE
Friday, 11 April
A larger yarding of sows saw prices improve 10c to 20c per kg. Bacon were also well supplied with prices $20 to $30 cheaper mainly quality driven. Pork numbers also improved with prices slipping $10 to $15 per head. Sucker numbers were similar to last sale, prices improved $10 to $20 per head, mainly on the larger pigs.
FROM VC REID SMITH LIVESTOCK
Trade lambs were $6 cheaper with the 20kg to 24kg lambs selling from $143 to $223/head to average between 790c and 845c/kg cwt.
PHOTO: File
ACROSS
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD
3 What are prizes to be won in competitions (8)
7 Name a form of stylised exercises based on Chinese martial arts (3,3)
8 What is a body of troops stationed in a fortified place (8)
9 What is an angle in a golf-links fairway (6)
10 Name a group of eight related items (8)
11 Which term describes a warning or caution (6)
14 Name some nocturnal carnivores that feed chiefly on carrion (6)
17 What might we call a plasterer (8)
18 Who created a former method of hypnosis, Franz Anton ... (6)
19 Name an extended musical composition (8)
20 What is a type of long, narrow pasta (6)
21 What describes one deserving of distinction, especially for poetic merit (8)
DOWN
1 Name a cylindrical rocket-launcher (7)
2 What is an altar attendant of minor rank (7)
3 Which English jockey won the Derby nine times, Lester ... (7)
4 Which planet is nearest the sun (7)
5 Name the 20th letter of the Greek alphabet (7)
6 Which instrumental compositions are usually in several movements (7)
11 Who wrote Alice in Wonderland, Lewis ... (7)
12 Which Pacific republic was formerly New Hebrides (7)
E-QUATIONS 7
13 What is propanone also known as (7)
Letters have a number value
E-QUATIONS
Some values are in the right hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in
Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
14 Which substance is secreted by an endocrine gland (7)
15 Name the process by which the earth is worn away (7)
16 What is an alternative term for a halo (7)
Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
WHICH WORDS
1 INCALESCENT
(a) Increasing in heat (b) Not cautious or careful (c) Helplessly drunk
2 NOISOME (a) Clamorous (b) Unwilling (c) Injurious to health
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:
Bull-fighting cheer (3)
Eurasian bird: Jack ... (3)
Fearfully (7)
Military priest (5)
Nap: ... off (3)
Rewritable disk (3-2) Swedish auto maker (5) Vacation (7) Very Important Person (3) Wanderer (5)
Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.
Cooler start to a beautiful day for croquet
By ELVY QUIRK
ON Saturday 5 April 2025
Aussie Croquet was played with 28 in attendance and although it was a cooler start to the game it turned out to be a very pleasant morning.
Runaway scores recorded on the day were 14/9 as follows: David West and Noel Jolli e def Vince Roberts and John Farah, John Browne and Peter West def Bill Scott and Rex Toole, Marie Spry and Barry White def Neil Riley and Noel Jolli e; whilst closer scores of 14/13 were recorded by Kevin Rubie and Vince Roberts def John Allegri and Sally Perry, Rex Toole and Peter Mackay def Neil Riley and Sally Perry, Marie Spry (Solo) def Kevin Wenning (solo). 14/12 scores as follows: John Allegri and Kevin Wenning def Joan Littlejohn and Sally Perry, Elvy Quirk and Rex Toole def Colleen Liebich and Carolyn Neilsen, Lyn Simmonds and David West def Peter West and Frank Donohoe ( a little rivalry between Father and Son) Lyn Simmonds and John Farah def Irene Riley and Russell Anderson: 14/11 scores were Robin Pols and Marie Spry def Neil Riley and Fay Picker, Kevin Rubie and Colleen Liebich def Russell Anderson (solo), Rex Toole and Joan Littlejohn def Irene Riley and John Browne, Robin Pols and Russell Anderson def Bill Scott and Fay Picker, Elvy Quirk and Fay Picker def
Geo Coles and Noel Jolli e (a hard fought game), Vince Roberts (Solo) def John Allegri and Barry White, Colleen Liebich and Peter West def Robin Pols and Bill Scott: 14/10 scores as follows Elvy Quirk and Cheryl Toohey def Peter Mackay and Geo Coles, Carolyn Neilsen and Lyn Simmonds def Frank Donohoe and Irene Riley, Kevin Wenning and Geo Coles def John Farah and Peter Mackay, Neil Riley and David West def Kevin Rubie and Frank Donohoe.
On the day two games were won by Colleen Liebich, Robin Pols, Vince Roberts, Kevin Rubie, Cheryl Toohey, Rex Toole, Kevin Wenning and Peter West. Well done to those players. All three games were won
by Elvy Quirk, Lyn Simmonds, Marie Spry and David West. Well done to all and a special congratulations to Lyn Simmonds. Golf Croquet was played on Tuesday 8 April with 39 in attendance and we welcomed a visitor Lyn Miles who is visiting her parents Allan and Enid Baker.
On Tuesday we said “goodbye” to our very popular member, Shirley Chamberlain, who is leaving Forbes to go back to live in the city. Best wishes were extended to Shirley for the future. We will miss her smiling face.
On Tuesday three games were won by John Browne, Sally Perry, Fay Picker, Elvy Quirk, Vince Roberts, Lyn Simmonds and Rex Toole. Congratulations to those players.
Also two game winners were John Farah, Allan Jones, Noel Jolli e, Ray Martin, Robin Pols, Mal Smith, Lyall Strudwick, Peter West and Kevin Wenning. Well done to those players as well.
Runaway score was recorded by Noel Jolli e and Fay Picker who defeated Lyn Miles and Enid Baker with a score of 11/2: 10/3 scores were recorded as follows: John Farah and Roma Wicks def Ray Martin and Pam Thomson, John Browne and Sally Perry def Mal Smith and Helen Lupis, Rex Toole and Kevin Wenning def Marie Spry and Sue Jolli e, Roma Wicks and Bill Scott def Frank Donohoe and Bruce Toole, Lyn Simmonds and Fay Picker def Irene Riley and Russell Anderson:
9/4 scores as follows: Bill Scott and Peter West def Lyall Strudwick and Bruce Toole, Elvy Quirk and Ray Martin def Belinda Facey and Colleen Liebich, Lyn Simmonds and Mal Smith def May Jones and Sue Jolli e, Fay Picker and Bruce Toole def John Farah and Frank Donohoe, John Farah (solo) def Pam Thomson (solo):
8/5 scores were Elvy Quirk and Allan Jones def Robin Pols and Sue Wade, Irene Riley and May Jones def Marie Spry and Kevin Rubie, Rex Toole and Lyn Simmonds def Frank Donohoe and Belinda Facey, Kevin Wenning (solo) def Russell Anderson and Evelyn Mahlo, Neil Riley and Allan Jones def May Jones and Peter Mackay, Elvy Quirk and Sally Perry def Enid Baker and Lyn Miles, Lyall
Strudwick and Pam Thomson def Kevin Wenning and Belinda Facey, Vince Roberts and Russell Anderson def Allan Jones and Helen Lupis, Ray Burridge (solo) def Geo Coles and Marie Spry, Robin Pols and Rex Toole def Kevin Rubie and Irene Riley: There were also many 7/6 close scores recorded on the day. Again a reminder that Forbes Croquet Club are celebrating World Croquet Day on 1 May 2025 with a special morning of Aussie Croquet followed by a light lunch in the shade area.
Should there be some players who have not played Aussie Croquet and wish to play Golf Croquet on the day they will certainly be catered for. Of course daylight savings nished on Sunday 6 April and we put our clocks back one hour but Croquet will still start at 9am with 8.45 am arrival until the days get much cooler and then we will alter the time so as the members who set up certainly will not need to come as early.
Any members who feel they would like to help set up please come down at 8 am, your help would be much appreciated as some of us that have been setting up for many years are getting to a mature age where we don’t bounce around like we used. Croquet is a game for young and old. Age is no barrier. “Croquet players are happy people”.
Join Forbes Croquet Club for a game on Tuesday or Friday mornings at Halpins Flat.
Club prepares to host players for annual Easter bowling carnival
By Tara Shaw
EASTER CARNIVAL
This weekend we host our biggest carnival of the year, the annual Easter Carnival. Played over three days we have teams travelling from the big smoke to the central west and surrounding areas to try their luck at winning the overall prize money of $11,230. Returning this year, we have teams competing from Denistone, St Johns Park, Toongabbie, Yass, The Hills, Deewhy, Grenfell, Cowra, Tottenham, Orange and of course our locals.
We will see three greens full of bright club colour shirts, the atmosphere will electric as always and some exceptional bowls will be played over the weekend. 3 games a day and then quarter nals and nals to determine the winners of each category Pairs being played on friday, Fours to be played on Saturday & Triples and nals to be played on Sunday.
The club will be buzzing and live entertainment on Easter Saturday in the a ernoon. If you are looking for something to do this weekend come down to the club, watch some great bowls and join in the fun and good times. Everyone is welcome.
COMPETITIONS
The Major singles seminals were played on Sunday which saw Brian (Spro) Asimus play Mitch Andrews.
Mitch scored the early points on the board and Spro caught up by the 7th. 1 point the di erence 7-6 on 7 Mitch picked up a 4 to increase his lead to 11-6. Spro was not letting Mitch have it easy and took the next 3 ends to lead 16-12 on 15. Mitch levelled on 17 and Spro picked up a 4 on the 20th to lead 22-17. With only 5 points the di erence the game could go either way but Spro was the victor with 25-20 over 24ends.
Our second semi- nal game was played between Joe Nicholson and Geo Williams. Geo started out well and lead 7-3 on 7. Closing the
gap, Joe had a good run to level on the 14th 12 all. Joe was digging deep to try and hit the lead but it was Geo that scooted ahead picking up a 4. Trailing 15-20 on 19, Joe was not giving up. He won the net two ends to close the gap 1720 but Geo scored a 2 and 3 to win the game 25-17.
The nals will now be played a er Easter between Spro and Geo Williams.
SOCIAL BOWLS
WEDNESDAY
A battle of the ‘heavy weighs’ had card draw winners Cheryl Hodges and Lyall Strudwick just edging out Anne Nixon and John Kennedy winning 19-17 over 18 ends. A game of two sections, 13-4 to Cheryl and Lyall a er eight then 17-13 to Anne and John at the end of 14. The heat then told as Anne was more then happy to get back into the clubhouse.
She may have le a ‘loser’ but Angela Dent took home the encouragement trophy a er o ering play hits to opposition Barry White who was having all sort of problems with the extended arm.
“Get rid of it,” Angela said and he did for a big change in fortunate for him and his skip Barry Shine who were drawn as runners-up.
Angela and her skip Kerry Dunstan were if full control leading 11-4 a er 11 of 18 ends before the ‘coaching’ came into force. The B’s added 15 on the run home while the ‘coach’ and Kerry couldn’t muster a single score.
Peter ‘Sid’ Walker and Don Cra had a 16-11 win in 16 over Gail McKay and Geo Coles leading 4-0 a er ve before 10-all at the end of 12. Don called the shots for 6-1 on the run home.
A battle royal before a bowl was rolled for Anne and Peter Mackay to challenge as skips with ‘the man’ getting the best on the card as he and Leslie Dunstan won 18-15 in 18 over Robyn Mattiske and Anne with the score 11-10 at half time.
The draw proved close all morning with Irene Reilly and Paul Doust having to pull
out all stops winning 17-13 in 18 over Colleen Liebich and Bill O’Connell. 5-all a er six then 10-6 at the end of 10 before 12-all a er 13. 5-1 got Irene and Paul home in the last ve ends.
In the last Ron Thurlow and Cli Nelson combined like a good wine winning 14-13 in 16 over Bill Scott and Bill O’Connell having to come from 0-11 down a er six for victory. Come good they did, 14-2 in the second half for victory. In-club winners, opposition on the green but taking home the meat vouchers were Gail McKay and ‘Sid’ Walker. Wednesday morning bowls for all, noms in by 9.30am for a 10am start. Phone the club on 6852 1499 for a morning of social sport.
THURSDAY BOWLS
The weather was perfect for a great a ernoon of social bowls. 16 Bowlers took to greens for an a ernoon of fun.
Bobby Grant and Ivan Hodges played Noel Hocking and Dale Scott. Luck was not on Bobby and Ivan’s side as they were kept at zero until the 10th end. 16-1 on 10, Bob-
by and Ivan had to nd their groove and gel together. They managed to score another 8 points but Noel and Dale were the winners 27-9 on 22.
Joe McClinden played with Kerry Roach against Billy Cowell and Bruce (Posso) Jones. This was the closest game on the day with Billy and Posso leading 10-6 on 8. Increasing their lead Billy and Posso won the next 3 ends for the scoreboard to show 14-6. Joe and Kerry picked up a 3 on the next and started their comeback and comeback it was. Still trailing 15-18 on 19, Joe and Kerry sprinted to the nish line and won 19-18.
Ange Dwyer lead for Wayne Burton when they played John Baass and Al Phillips. John and Al stamped their position early lead 12-2 on 10. Picking up a 6 on the 12th John and Al had a handy lead 18-3. Ange and Wayne were able to win another 9 points on the back 10 but it wasn’t enough. John and Al won 23-12.
Our last game of the day was played between Terry Molloy and Peter Hocking coming up against Phil Hock-
ing and Viv Russell. Terry & Peter got rst points on the board but this was answered with Phil and Viv winning the next 2 ends. 8 all on 10 Phil and Viv picked up 3 on 11th to jump ahead 11-9. Not showing any signs of slowing down Phil and Viv stormed ahead to take the win 21-14.
Winning Rink: John Baass and Al Phillips. Losing Rink: Terry Molloy and Peter Hocking.
Resting touchers: Peter Hocking and Billy Cowell. Raspberries: Joe McClinden and Peter Hocking.
SUNDAY BOWLS
The weather was spectacular for Sunday morning bowls and it showed with 26 players taking to the greens. 5 games of pairs and 1 game of triples was played.
Nathan Suttie and Robert (Pooch) Dukes drew Pat O’Neill and Viv Russell. Pat and Viv picked up a 4 in the rst half and was answered by Nathan and Pooch picking up a 3 with the score board showing 8-6 at the break in favour of Pat and Viv. Nathan and Pooch came out and won 6 of the last 8 ends and won the game 18-10.
Joe McClinden and Al Phillips teamed up to take on Clint Hurford and Shayne (Sharka) Staines. 4 all on 6 Clint and Sharka picked up a 2 and 1 to go into the break just ahead 7-4. Joe and Al bounced back to level the score 7 all on 10. Winning 5 of the next 6 ends, Clint and Sharka won the game 18-8. Jax Murphy and Cli Nelson drew Tara Shaw and Lyall Strudwick. Jax and Cli o to a great start and scored a 4 to go into the half time break 6-5 infront. Tara and Lyall needed to pull out all the stops and that is what they did winning 18-8. Terry Murphy and Dale Scott played Noel Hocking and Ron Thurlow. Terry and Dale o to a ying start leading 10-3 on 8. Noel and Ron tried everything they had in their bag of tricks but it wasn’t enough to seal the deal. Terry and Dale came away with the win 25-7. John Markwort and James Johansson drew against Kelly Stringer and Peter Tisdell. 3 all on 4 Kelly and Peter picked up another 2 ends to go into the break 7-5 up. John and James took the rst two over the break to close the gap trailing 6-7. Kelly and Peter hung onto their lead to take the game 17-10.
Our triples was played by Darryl Burley, Jamie Dukes and Kerry Roach coming up against Tyler Murphy, Peter Mackay and John Kennedy. Johns team started strong and lead 7-5 at oranges. Kerry’s team fought back and won the game 10-8.
Winning Rink: Darryl Burley, Jamie Dukes and Kerry Roach. Losing Rink: Viv Russell and Pat O.Neill.
Jackpot rink drawn – 2. They needed a 17 and drew an 18. Jackpot not won.
Resting touchers: Nathan Suttie, Pooch Dukes, Sharka Staines, Terry Murphy, Dale Scott. Raspberries: Ron Thurlow.
Social bowls are also played every Thursday a ernoon and Sunday mornings. Phone the club for further details.
FORBES
Major Singles Semi-finalists Brian (Spro) Asimus and Mitch Andrews. PHOTO: Supplied
LAWN BOWLS
Strong competition in Grenfell
VETS GOLF
Grenfell played host to Lachlan Valley veteran golfers last Thurs day where most le happy with hospitality shown while some where not so due to the challenge of playing sand greens on a slop ing and testing course.
President of Forbes and LVVGA, Peter Barnes gave full credit to the energetic but small committee for putting on such a successful day.
“The course was presented in good shape, although not too much run while the greens were well sanded. Conditions were a bit hot and dry, however in the club a er we were well catered for,” Pe ter said.
Grenfell players dominated the two grades contested with Keith Cartman taking A grade with 39 points while club-mate John Grant took out B grade on 37 points.
Runner-up in A grade was Bar rie Toms from Condobolin with 36 points while in B grade it was Forbes ace Ross Williams also on 36 points.
Nearest the pins on both the 9th and 18th holes. A grade, Keith Cartman and Joe Davies (Parkes). B grade Peter Grayson (Forbes) and Leanne Young (Grenfell).
Ball sweep winners (t/t only) all from Forbes as no Parkes player had a collect. 34 points Peter Barnes and Alex Mackinnon, 33 Allen Rees, Niel Duncan and Ted Morgan, 31 Don McKeowen.
In the LV Shield Grenfell came out on top with 108 points from their best three scores out of 13 representatives followed by Forbes (15 reps) for 104 points, Condobolin (5) 100 points, West Wyalong (4) 96, Parkes (4) 77 then Cowra (2) 63.
This Thursday Forbes will play host to players from Forbes and Parkes in the weekly twin-towns 18 hole comp. Noms from 9.30am for a 10am shot gun start.
Forbes vets have unearthed a course designer with Ken Sanderson laying out 12 holes of competition for Tuesday social golfers of 1-3, then 17-18, followed by 10-12 to nish 6-9.
The new lay-out was well received by all, none more so then
4BBB Multiplier in which all players played a stableford round and a er each hole the stableford points for the pair were multiplied together.
There were many a good score, when both partners had good individual scores and some very disappointing scores when a zero popped up.
There were numerous holes that scored more than 8 points per
latter part of each 9 holes.
There were some very good individual scores most unaided by the Mulligans. A fun event.
Winners of the Wendy Simmons and Sharon Grierson sponsored event were Carolyn and Brianna Duncan with 49 points one point ahead of Sarah Black and Heather Davidson on 48 points.
Sarah and Heather and Veronica Rebellato and Ann Simmons
eford Event in one Division, for anyone who wants a game. Medleys on the other days.
Next Wednesday is an Individual Stableford sponsored by Acheson’s Mitre 10 in 2 Divisions. Forbes Ladies Tournament is on Saturday, May 3 4BBB and Sunday, May 4 Individual Events. Bathurst Ladies Tournament is on May 5 to 7 and Forbes “Vets Week of Golf” is on May 5 to 9.
Perfect conditions for monthly clay shoot at club
By TONY BRATTON
SSAA members should check the Facebook page for shoot details for dates and times and cancellation of shoots due to wet weather. Also check the local community radio station 2LVR
The Forbes sporting clay’s held their monthly shoot on 13 April.
The weather was warm with a temperature of 32 degrees and a light breeze from the north east at 12kph.
There were 21 members in attendance at this shoot, the shooters came from Forbes, Temora, Caragabal, Gooloogong and Parkes.
100 target field shoot; Stephen Cooper (Caragabal) 17-18-16-18 total 69; Andrew Sinclair (Temora) 16-18-16-19 total 69; Sean McCarthy 14-13-15-22 total 64; Laurie Redfern 19-17-1216 total 64; Phil Picker 15-14-14-16 total 59; Phil Cleal 18-14-13-14 total 59; Ben Smith 12-1411-16 total 53; Matt Duffy (Parkes) 14-15-17-12 total 52; Clinton Duffy (Parkes) 9-15-17-12 total 48; Mitch McGirr (Parkes) 12-11-11-11 total 45; Grant Neilsen 15-12-8-10 total 45; David Tanks (Parkes) 8-14-10-10 total 42; Brian Neilsen 12-98-11 total 40; Lee Boland (Gooloogong) 7-9-8-16 total 40; Josh Picker 6-8-8-6 total 28; Des Shead 9-10-10 total 29; David Coleman 8-9-9 total 26; Tim Picker 9 total 9 and Mia Condon 5-2 total 7.
The next shoot for the Forbes S.S.A.A. sporting clay’s will be their monthly shoot on Sunday, 11 May. This will be a 100 target five stand shoot starting at 10am.
For all information on clay target shooting contact: Norm Brook on 0458664541, Tony Bratton on 68523349, Ben Smith on 0427524151, Doug Davis on 68523249 or Phil Picker on 68516494.
Anyone wishing to obtain a long arm firearm licence can contact Wayne Facey on 0414524059, Norm Brook or Tony Bratton to do a firearm safe shooting assessment course which is a requirement.
The next S.S.A.A. sporting shooters .22 calibre and other rimfire rifle (.22 magnum or .17HMR) will be held this Sunday, 20 April starting at
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 just after 1.30pm.
The next Wednesday shoot will be held on 30 April starting at 2pm at the Bedgerabong road range.
All target shooters are welcome to attend these shoots.
Members are reminded that Local Range rules apply to all Forbes SSAA ranges.
Warmer weather greets 31 croquet players
By Elvy Quirk
Aussie Croquet was played on 12 April 2025 with 31 in attendance. A much warmer morning. All three games were won by John Allegri, Elvy Quirk, Neil Riley & Peter West, whilst two games were won by Enid Baker, John Browne, Geo Coles, Frank Donohoe, John Farah, Fay Picker, Robin Pols, Vince Roberts, Kevin Rubie, Bill Scott, Kevin Wenning & David West. Congratulations to all those players.
On Saturday there were some good scores recorded and a few runaway scores recorded as follows; Peter West & Fay Picker def Ros Rennick & Vince Roberts 14/8. 14/9 scores went to Kevin Rubie & Robin Pols def Lyn Simmonds & Peter Mackay, Frank Donohoe & David West def Barry White & Cheryl Toohey: 14/10 scores recorded by Kevin Rubie & John Farah def Lyn Simmonds & Irene Riley, Elvy Quirk & John Browne def Cheryl Toohey & David West, Geo Coles & Peter Mackay def Russell Anderson &
Noel Jolli e and Elvy Quirk & Robin Pols def Peter Mackay & Cheryl Toohey.
14/11 scorers as follows: Neil Riley (solo) defeated May Jones (solo), Geo Coles & Bill Scott def Irene Riley & Rex Toole.
There were many 14/12 scores as follows: Noel Jolli e & Fay Picker def May Jones & Rex Toole, Allan Jones (Solo) def Ros Rennick (solo), Vince Roberts & Enid Baker def Marie Spry (solo), Vince Roberts & Lyn Simmonds def Colleen Liebich & Kevin Wenning, Frank Donohoe & May Jones def Fay Picker & John Farah, Barry White & Peter West def Geo Coles & Allan Jones. Irene Riley & David West def Ros Rennick & Noel Jolli e, Enid Baker & Bill Scott def Rex Toole & Suzanne Theums, John Allegri & John Farah def Enid Baker & Suzanne Theums, Elvy Quirk & Kevin Wenning def Colleen Liebich & Allan Jones.
14/13 scores as follows: Colleen Liebich & John Allegri def Bruce Field & Frank Donohoe, Kevin Wenning & Peter West def Bill Scott & Robin Pols, John Allegri (solo)
defeated Russell Anderson (solo), John Browne & Neil Riley def Kevin Rubie & Marie Spry, Russell Anderson & Noel Jolli e def Marie Spry & John Browne:
Golf Croquet was played on Tuesday 15 April on a reasonably warm morning. There were 40 in attendance including visitor Barbara Smith and her husband who are visiting Ray and Cheryl Burridge as well as Janelle Berger the daughter of Enid Baker.
All three games of Golf Croquet were won by John Browne, Ray Burridge, Noel Jolli e, Kevin Rubie, Bill Scott, Mal Smith & Peter West. Congratulations to those players. There was one run away score by John Browne & Elvy Quirk who defeated Sue Wade and Russell Anderson 13/Nil.
10/3 scores recorded by Ray Martin & Mal Smith def Peter Mackay & Geo Coles, John Farah & Mal Smith def Graham Falconer & Russell Anderson: 9/4 scores recorded by many as follows: Neil Riley & Noel Jolli e def Graham Falconer & Wayne
Wright, Margaret Dent & Mal Smith def Robin Pols & Neil Riley, Kevin Wenning & Noel Jolli e def Helen Lupis & Rex Toole, Kevin Rubie & Allan Jones def Fay Picker & Graham Falconer, Neil Riley & Peter West def Colleen Liebich & Frank Donohoe, Fay Picker & Noel Jolli e def Enid Baker & Janelle Berger, Kevin Rubie & Helen Lupis def Irene Riley & Geo Coles.
8/5 scores recorded as follows: Rex Toole & May Jones def Carolyn Neilsen & Kevin Wenning, Marie Spry & Lyall Strudwick def Roma Wicks & Belinda Facey, Ray Burridge & Barbara Smith def John Farah & Allan Jones, Peter West & Frank Donohoe def Elvy Quirk & Fay Picker.
Peter Mackay & Sue Jolliffe def Irene Riley & Bruce Toole, Ray Burridge & Barbara Smith def May Jones & Lyall Strudwick, Ray Martin & Bill Scott def Enid Baker & Janelle Berger, Geoff Coles & John Farah def Wayne Wright & Vince Roberts, John Browne & Neil Riley def Ray Martin & Margaret Dent, Kevin Wenning & Peter West def
Lyalll Strudwick & Wayne Wright, Rex Toole (solo) def Bruce Toole & Peter Mackay: There were many 7/6 scores also recorded on the day.
Please note your diary for Thursday 1 May when we will celebrate World Croquet Day. Aussie Croquet will be played but if there are a few who wish to play Golf Croquet they will be catered for as well. There will be some fun games on the day with a light lunch served a er in the shade area. A list will be available this week for those wishing to come so that we can get an idea of catering.
Croquet has been played since about the year 1800 and it is played in about 28 di erent countries in the world. Australia was early in adopting the game. I have been told that there are approximately 12,000 players with about four thousand in New South Wales but I am not sure how they arrive at the accuracy of the numbers. It is been described as a nasty game played by nice people.
Take care, happy Easter to all.
Back on Mountain for great cause
WHERE else will you nd Peter O’Donnell on the Bathurst 6 Hour weekend other than behind the wheel of a car.
This Parkes man is about to conquer his eleventh Bathurst enduro this Easter Sunday and he’s once again doing it in the name of Ronald McDonald House.
He’s teaming up with Garry Mennell and Scott Turner, and thanks to the return of major sponsor Spinifex Recruiting who are thrilled to be back on board, they’re proud to be competing and raising money for the Central West charity.
The car will display the same sponsors as last year, all of whom are great ongoing contributors to Ronald McDonald House Central West.
In addition to their returning sponsors, Spinifex Recruiting is pleased to welcome new supporters from Parkes, who now have a branch in Orange, Blatch’s.
The team will proudly wear their hat on race day.
They are also joined by Ten Tops, one of the Bernardi’s businesses operating across NSW.
Spinifex’s BMW 335i will again sport a striking new orange livery instead of the traditional white, adding a fresh and vibrant look to the grid.
O’Donnell can’t wait to strap on the helmet and take on The Mountain again.
“I have to pinch myself every time I get the privilege to do a Bathurst event - particularly
enduro ones,” he said.
“Along with the enjoyment, we also like to include helping a great cause.
“This year we are again teaming up with Ronald McDonald House Charities Central West NSW.
“I am in awe of the work they do and the enormous di erence they make for kids and their whole families when they need to be in Orange for important treatment.
“To keep the family together can be extremely tough without support, which is why Ronald McDonald House o ers accommodation for parents with ill or injured kids who need to travel to Orange.”
The dedicated team of sta at Ronald McDonald House Central West in Orange is guid-
ed by executive o cer Rebecca Walsh and relies on a committed group of volunteers who generously give their time.
“We are incredibly excited to be partnering with Peter and Spinifex Recruiting for the 2025 Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour, with all funds staying in the Central West,” said board member Geo Rice.
This year funds raised will go towards the CEO Walk in My Shoes initiative for Ronald McDonald House.
Many local companies have shown their support including Blatch’s Parkes and Orange, Bernardis - Ten Tops, Ficus, Elders InsuranceWestern Plains, Telescope Tyres, Moxey Farms - Australian Fresh Milk Holdings, Steve Magil Earthmoving, Goodsell Machinery, Agricultural Equipment Holdings, NuPoint Management System, Kustom Car Wash, McDonald’s Mudgee, Parkes and Forbes, and Ray White Parkes.
Signs-You-See has donated time and product for the stickers.
The 2025 Bathurst 6 Hour will feature a record-breaking 72-car grid, the largest in the event’s history.
This diverse eld includes professional teams and drivers, as well as passionate amateurs living their dream of tackling the iconic Mount Panorama circuit.
The competition promises to be erce, with 14 di erent brands and more than 20 models represented across eight classes.
Tough start to season for our Platypi
RUGBY UNION
WINTER footy is here.
It was a big day of rugby at home for the Forbes Rugby Union Club on Saturday.
Round one of the Blowes Cup in first and second grade and Ferguson Cup in the women kicked off in spectacular fashion as the Platypi hosted the Orange Emus.
Forbes’ women showed plenty of grit in what was a tough game, going down 57–3.
Second grade came out strong with a 40–17 win with the club praising a great team effort across the paddock.
First grade wrapped up the day with a hard-fought game, finishing 48–23 the Emu’s way.
Stay tuned, we’ll be catching up with new first grade captain Jack Hogan next week to talk about the season ahead.
Forbes will head to Cowra following the Easter break, on Saturday, 26 April for round two.
The Eagles first grade also lost their first round game to Orange City Lions 23-7.
Toby breaks records and meets idol at nationals
By MADELINE BLACKSTOCK
TWO Red Bend Catholic College athletes competed in Perth last week at the Australian Junior Athletics Championships.
Toby Morgan and Ryker Moore made the trip to Western Australia representing Parkes Little Athletics and NSW.
This was Toby’s second time competing at the championships competing in the para u15’s and he was extremely happy to come home with a bronze medal for the 1500m smashing his PB by an incredible 35 seconds.
Toby was even more excited when he realised that he had ran faster than the world record for his para classi cation in the 200m by one second.
This record has been held since 1992. Unfortunately, Toby can’t be ofcially recorded for this, as while he has national classi cation he needs international classi cation which he can’t apply for until he is 14.
Toby is still just as happy with his this huge achievement which came with great determination.
Toby ran the 200m two seconds faster than his PB and placed h.
Over the ve days of competition Toby competed in an event each day.
In addition to the 1500m and 200m he ran the 800m which he placed fourth beating his PB and national record by two seconds.
In the 100m Toby placed seventh and shaved 0.2 seconds o his PB which is also the national record for his para classi cation and placed h in the 400m with a good run.
As well as smashing records and winning medals Toby was also extremely happy to meet his idol Gout Gout and have a photo with him shortly a er receiving his medal from Paralympian Jaryd Cli ord.
Toby has said Gout Gout is his inspiration making this encounter even more exciting for the young athlete.
Toby and his family managed to enjoy a couple of short trips to
won a bronze medal in U15 javelin and fellow Parkes athlete Ryker.
Ryker compete in the U15 400m event.
Ryker had a very strong start to the race however he was not able to run at his peak and placed seventh in his heat.
Ryker trains with great determination and will aim to go away and come back stronger next year.
Qualifying for Nationals is an amazing achievement and Ryker and his parents enjoyed exploring Western Australia and catching up with family while at the championships.
The whole week of competing at the Australian Athletics Championships in Perth was a great experience for all athletes.
MOORE, VASHTI WILLIAMS AND TOBY MORGAN WHO COMPETED IN PERTH AT THE AUSTRALIAN JUNIOR ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS.
