Police have arrested two people after an alleged vehicle theft and police pursuit over the weekend.
It’s alleged a vehicle was stolen from Forbes and was twice involved in pursuits with police in the Parkes area over the course of Sunday.
But police do continue to investigate the theft of another vehicle as well as thefts from vehicles - where offenders smashed windows to gain access - from late last week.
The full story and police news inside on pages 3 and 5.
League derby demolition
Forbes Magpies have dominated a much-anticipated season opening contest with Parkes Spacemen at Spooner Oval in Round 1 of the rugby league season.
The Magpies won all four grades including their first game of their 2025 Peter McDonald Premiership campaign. The crowd packed Spooner Oval and both sides reflected on a rivalry that sees their teams lift to a new level every time they meet.
Full story on page 12.
Flood rebuild complete
Students and sta at Forbes Public School are celebrating as they return to their repaired and upgraded permanent classrooms two and a half years on from the destructive 2022 oods.
The ood rebuild features 14 refurbished classrooms, library upgrades, an upgraded school canteen, 12 new air conditioning units and two new bubbler stations – and makes way for the removal of dozens of demountables.
The school’s toilet facilities have also been upgraded with new water-saving toilets and taps, handbasins, and partitions.
“A er the devastation of the 2022 oods, it is fantastic that we are now welcoming students and teachers back to permanent, upgraded facilities at Forbes Public School,” Minister Car said.
“The oods have been particular-
Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said the government was committed to returning vital infrastructure to communities in the central west.
ly impactful for our regional communities, who have faced a di cult road to recovery.”
Forbes Public School principal Megan Staples acknowledged the impact the oods had on the school and wider community.
“The time since has been an incredible testament to the dedica-
tion of our sta , the resilience of our students and the wonderful support from our wider school community.
“Thank you again for your patience, understanding and support.
“We cannot wait for students to resume their learning journeys today and embark on an exciting new chapter for Forbes Public School.” To page 5
The riderless horse, led by Charlie Gallagher, made a moving image of remembrance as Forbes Diggers Harness Racing Club returned to the race track - and the club’s heritage - for their ANZAC Day meeting. This traditional event held extra meaning this year, the first time the club has been able to host it since the track was destroyed by flood. The full story on page 13 and more local ANZAC commemorations page 3.
PHOTO: Renee Powell
Mamma Mia! A show you haven’t seen
By CHRISTINE LITTLE
“This show will take the bar to a whole new level.”
That’s the message from director Lyn Townsend who eagerly awaits opening night of Parkes Musical and Dramatic Society’s latest production Mamma Mia, as do her cast and crew.
New microphones, new lights, brilliant artistic sets, amazing costumes, an incredible cast, with some of Parkes’ most talented musicians.
“Mamma Mia is a show full of promises that we intend to keep,” Lyn said.
It’s been a two-month wait since tickets rst went on sale, and vemonths since auditions, so it’s no wonder everyone is very excited to start show season this Saturday night.
And tickets have been selling extremely quickly.
“We haven’t even opened yet but opening weekend is two tickets o being sold out,” Lyn said, at the time of publication.
“The other shows are selling very fast with most Sunday matinees
having few tickets le .” Its story - a familiar one that’s more famously been adapted to the big screen - begins on a small Greek island, Sophie (played by Maddi Collits, now of Orange but formerly from Forbes) dreams of a perfect wedding - one which includes her
WHAT’S ON in and around Forbes
NATHAN “WHIPPY” GRIGGS AT CALARIE HALL
Thursday, May 1
Check out an Aussie banter whip cracking show from a Guinness world record holder Nathan “Whippy” Griggs at his Pass the Hat gig. This event is free entry and everyone is welcome for a fun night at Calarie Hall from 7pm.
GARDEN CLUB BUS TRIP
Forbes Garden Club is planning a bus trip to Tumbling Downs Olive Grove at Bogan Gate on Thursday 15 May, leaving at 9.30 am and also visiting three gardens in Parkes. We need 30 members and friends on the bus at a cost of $35, this includes a Devonshire tea. A packed lunch or food can be purchased at Parkes Services Club.
Our Treasurer Lloyd Gerdes can be contacted at ph 68 514 494.
FEDERAL ELECTION
Saturday 3 May
It’s polling day in the 2025 Federal election. Cast your votes at Forbes Town Hall, Forbes Tennis Club, Forbes High School or Bedgerabong Public School between 8am and 6pm. Eugowra voters can vote from 8am to 6pm at Eugowra Public School. Please note, pre-polling for Calare (Eugowra voters) is only available in Orange at St Barnabas Parish Hall and 24 Telopea Way. Pre-polling in Forbes is at Forbes Town Hall.
RUGBY UNION FAMILY DAY
Saturday 3 May
Join Forbes Rugby Union Club’s rst ofcial event of the season – family day. The club warmly invites all players, families, and supporters along for a fun- lled a ernoon celebrating the spirit of our rugby community with a jumping castle and face painting between 12.30 and 3.30pm.
SUNDAY SOCCER
Sunday 4 April
Soccer is back! Forbes Foxes host Grenfell Stingers at 1pm at Botanical Gardens. Bring your chair and your cheering voice as our 2024 premiers kick o their title defence.
MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND MARKET
Saturday 10 May
Rotary Ipomoea is hosting its Mother’s Day weekend market at Lions Park. Enjoy co ee and breakfast by beautiful Lake Forbes, enjoy a walk around the park and browse the markets between 8am and 12.30pm. To book a stall phone 0427 201 445.
DEVONSHIRE TEA AND CHRYSANTHEMUM SALE
Saturday 10 May
Riverside Community Gardens is hosting a pre-Mother’s Day Devonshire Tea and chrysanthemum sale from 9am to midday on Saturday 10 May.
There will be cut owers as well as a selection of pots and platters from Serendipity Studio for sale as well as a ra e with a rst prize of a large mosaic pot with a pot plant of your choice.
www.forbesadvocate.com.au
father giving her away.
The problem? Sophie doesn’t know who he is.
Her mother Donna (Kimberley Ryan), the former lead singer of the 1970s pop group Donna and the Dynamos, refuses to talk about the past, so Sophie decides to take matters into her own hands.
Sneaking a peek in her mother’s old diaries, she discovers three possible fathers: Sam (Neil Westcott), Bill (Greg Ballantyne), and Harry (Aaron Kingham).
She secretly invites all three to the wedding, convinced that she’ll know her father when she sees him. But when all three turn up, it may not be as clear as she thought.
The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, creating an unforgettable show.
Proceeds of the day will support CanAssist Forbes.
A MORNING OF MUSIC
Sunday 18 May
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.
RAISE THE WINGS DINNER
Saturday 31 May
Little Wings is bringing their Raise the Wings fundraising dinner to Forbes and you’re invited to be part of something special.
This event supports Little Wings as they provide free ight and on-ground transport to get children from regional and rural NSW to the specialist medical care they need.
Tickets are $120 or $800 a table of eight, which includes a delicious three-course meal; a three-hour drinks package; entertainment; auctions and a dance oor.
It’s all on at Club Forbes, tickets available now through events.humanitix.com
MEN’S TABLE ENTREE
Tuesday 3 June
This night is an introduction to The Men’s Table, an opportunity for locals to nd out how a Table works and whether you’d like to be part of it. The Men’s Table creates an environment for men to share about their lives, challenges, highs and lows, getting connected and creating community.
This “entree” will be hosted by a couple of long-standing members of other Men’s Tables, sharing their experiences from their Tables, and responding to questions, concerns and ideas. Book online now through events.humanitix.com
FROST AND FIRE 2021
SATURDAY
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
Want to add to this list? Email rpowell@midwestmedia.com.au
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
cgambrill@midwestmedia.com.au
The production also stars Shev Brown as Tanya, Cath Welsh (Eugowra) as Rosie and Matt Prow (who now resides in Bathurst but is formerly of Forbes) as Sky, with minor roles played by Thomas Glastonbury, Gracie Townsend, Loki Ramsay, Annabella Browne, Stephanie Hornery (Forbes) and Clara Welsh (Eugowra).
Other Forbes stars are Abigail Heard and Zoe Bilsborough.
Musical director is Anthony Leonard and choreographer, Gracie Townsend.
“I need to mention, our version of Mamma Mia promises to be different to any version - professional or otherwise - that anyone has seen,” Lyn said.
Mamma Mia opens on Saturday night, 3 May and runs to 25 May. Tickest and information www. parkesmandd.com.au/
This week from the mayor’s desk
By PHYLLIS MILLER OAM, MAYOR OF FORBES
First I would like to say thank you so very much to everyone in our community who marched and attended the services on ANZAC Day.
Honestly I am so proud of this town and the amazing number of people in attendance.
There were old and many, many young people – it was very inspiring. Thank you to everyone.
I would also like to acknowledge the anniversary of Molly’s passing last week and I remind everyone to keep her family in your prayers.
Council continues to work to make real changes to enhance and to continue to strive for DV prevention education from an early age.
Our community needs change and we need to keep having these hard conversations to make sure promises of change are kept.
Have you purchased your tickets to Frost and Fire 2025 – they are on sale now.
Better yet if you buy anything from the Visitor Information Centre you can go into the draw to win two free tickets and two free Frost and Fire stubby holders.
Keep an eye out for other local business offers, the Forbes Business Chamber had a meeting this week about how, we as a community, can collectively market and promote this key destination event.
This is our sixth year of Frost and Fire and we have another outstanding line up of acts including the internationally known Wolfe Brothers. I can’t wait. It is on Saturday 21 June 2025. See you there!
Another exciting date for the calendar is the 2025 National BBQ Championships.
Following the success of last year we will again be hosting a two day event for grilling and smoking events so start thinking of your team members and get grilling to perfect our barbecue skills.
It is on this year 18 and 19 October for two days of barbecue perfection.
A reminder to all to make sure you cast your vote in the Federal Election by Saturday 3 May.
You can vote at the Town Hall, Forbes Tennis Club, Forbes High School or Bedgerabong Public School from 8am to 6pm.
The cast having a ball in the wedding scene of Mamma Mia, which opens this Saturday night, 3 May. PHOTO: Supplied
Nathan ‘Whippy’ Griggs at Calarie Hall 1 May.
Forbes honours service, 110 years on from Gallipoli
By MADELINE BLACKSTOCK
ANZAC Day commemorations marked 110 years since the Australian and New Zealand soldiers landed on the Turkish coastline at Gallipoli.
In Forbes thousands gathered to mark the day on Friday at the midmorning march and service at the Cenotaph in Victoria Park.
The service saw Forbes High School captain Annaliese Green who was both honoured and humbled to deliver the ANZAC Day address.
“ANZAC Day is a day for service personnel and the nation to reconnect with our past, understand the present, and look to our future,” Annaliese said.
Annaliese re ected on why we gather on 25 April every year to remember those who have served to defend Australia during her commemoration address.
“We do this because it is the anniversary of the day when Australian and New Zealand soldiers landed on the beach at Gallipoli in Turkey on 25 April 1915.
“This was the rst major military campaign for soldiers from Australia and New Zealand.
“The Australians at Gallipoli came from all sorts of backgrounds, but they shared the terrible experience of war.
“Ever since then, for more than one hundred years, the men and women in our navy, army and air force have honoured the memory of our original ANZACs.”
Annaliese’s ANZAC Day address was made even more special as she took time to speak with her grandmother to research greater depth and detail into her own family history.
“My family has had four generations serve overseas and domestically and I have two cousins serving currently.”
Both of Annaliese’s great grandfathers on her mother’s side enlisted
and her grandfather’s father served as a royal engineer and served in Papua New Guinea.
“My grandmother’s father served in the AIF in the transport division. If he was still alive today I would ask him so many things but I think the rst would be how his legs felt when his feet hit unsteady ground.
“What the smoke felt like but I don’t think I could bring myself to ask him what it looked like and never would I want him to think again of what it must have sounded like.
“It pains me to know how those memories would forever follow him long a er the dust had settled.
“Each and every one of my family
members chose to enlist, and I am so proud of the bravery and commitment they have made for our country,” Annaliese said.
To Annaliese ANZAC Day is a reminder of the power and perseverance of Australians and our allies in New Zealand from the men in the front lines and the nurses healing and consoling their friends and family oceans away.
“On ANZAC Day I am reminded of this strength because I am also reminded of the fear that they all had to face.
“The men and women, so many close in age to myself, lost so much during World War One and through-
out all subsequent wars, con icts and peacekeeping missions.”
Annaliese has marched on ANZAC Day every year she has been at school and before that she would either be standing beside her grandmother or in the arms of her mother.
“From our place of peace and comfort, we can only imagine the atrocities of what our service men and women have seen and experienced,” she concluded.
“Those who did return can never unsee the brutality and the horrors of war.
“We must remain grateful for their sacri ce.”
Two charged after alleged vehicle theft, pursuits
A man and a teenage boy have been charged after a vehicle allegedly stolen from Forbes was allegedly involved in two police pursuits in Parkes and eventually rolled at Daroobalgie.
Police were initially called to the reported theft of an SUV from Wambat Street about 9.10am Sunday 27 April.
About two hours later highway patrol patrolling London Road, Parkes, attempted to stop the allegedly stolen vehicle, without number plates.
Police allege the vehicle failed to stop and they initiated a pursuit, which they then terminated on Park Street due to a safety concern.
Officers patrolling Grenfell Street about 3.40pm that afternoon attempted to stop the same vehicle and again initiated a pursuit when - it’s alleged - it failed to stop.
A short time later, the vehicle rolled on Ashburnham Road, Daroobalgie, between Parkes and Forbes.
The driver, a 20-year-old man, and his passenger, a 17-year-old boy, were taken to Parkes Police Station where they were treated for minor injuries by NSW Ambulance paramedics.
The man was charged with driver conveyance taken without consent of owner, police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly (two counts) and never licensed person drive vehicle on road.
He was refused bail to appear at Cowra Local Court during the week.
The boy was charged with be carried conveyance taken without consent of owner.
He was granted conditional bail to appear at a children’s court on Thursday 5 June 2025.
More police news page 5.
Let us live in a way that carries forward the spirit of those who gave so much for love, for peace, for each other.
On ANZAC Day in Eugowra, Afghanistan veteran Cindi Houlihan re ected on Australian service from those who took the rst steps onto the shores of Gallipoli 110 years earlier, to today.
“I had the privilege of serving and have seen the impacts of war rst-hand in Afghanistan, and there’s something I want to share with you about what it means to put on that uniform,” Ms Houlihan said in giving the commemorative address to the crowd gathered in Eugowra’s Memorial Park.
“Wearing it is not just about following orders, it’s about signing a blank cheque to your country - one that includes, if necessary, your life.
“It’s a silent promise that says if needed, I will go.
“I will protect, I will serve.
“That kind of service is not driven by politics or power, it’s driven by love.
“For those we love, we will sacri ce - in the hope that our children and future generations won’t have to - for a better tomorrow, for peace.”
What the young men of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps faced on 25 April 1915 was brutal and unforgiving, the toll of that campaign over the months that followed a tragedy.
Their legacy, the ANZAC spirit marked by courage,
mateship, endurance and sacri ce.
Since then Australians have served in every major con ict and peace keeping mission: World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Rwanda, East Timor and the Middle East – and they continue to serve today.
“To date more than 103,000 Australians have lost their lives in service to their country,” Ms Houlihan said.
“For those we love, we will sacrifice”: ANZAC Day in Eugowra
vice but also those who did.
“The truth is, many who return carry wounds we can’t see,” she said.
Afghanistan
“Behind every one of those names is a story, a family a future that never came to be.”
ANZAC Day remains so powerful, drawing thousands to solemn remembrance on 25 April each year right across Australia, because it is a recognition of humanity, Ms Houlihan said.
“Of what people are willing to do for each other, of how mateship can carry you through the darkest days,
of how courage sometimes looks like showing up even when every part of you doesn’t want to.”
Our service men and women are part of the living fabric of this nation, quietly upholding values we hold dear, and Ms Houlihan paid tribute to all those who serve and who have served.
ANZAC Day is a day to pay tribute to those who didn’t come home from their ser-
“The war doesn’t always end once the uniform comes o , for many it follows them home. In the silence, in the memories, in the struggle to nd peace long a er the sounds of battle have faded.” She also o ered her thanks to their families and loved ones - their sacri ce is o en quieter but signi cant - and acknowledged those who grieve.
“For some ANZAC day is not just a ceremony, it is personal and painful,” she said.
The day is also a reminder of the values we can live by now.
“Loyalty, kindness, service, respect and standing by each other especially when times are hard,” she said.
“Let us remember with humility, let us honour with gratitude, and let us live in a way that carries forward the spirit of those who gave so much for love, for peace, for each other.
“Lest we forget.”
veteran who has served for 12 years in the Royal Australian Corp of Signals in Eugowra.
Hazard reduction burn in Weddin Mountains NP
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) together with the Forestry Corporation of NSW will this week implement a prescribed hazard reduction burn within Weddin Mountains National Park near Grenfell.
The burn is at Black Springs Fire Trail which is a 1969-hectare prescribed burn, bounded by Stoney Creek Fire Trail and several management trails within both Weddin Mountains National Park and Bimbi State Forest.
This burn will protect forestry pine plantations and reduce fuel loads and will start around 10am on Tuesday 29 April and continue through to Friday 2 May, weather permitting.
The burn will also enhance the conservation and biodiversity value of the nature reserve by maintaining the floristic and structural diversity of vegetation communities, protect important wildlife habitat and help to mitigate the risk of wildfire on park neighbours by reducing the overall fuel hazard from high to low.
Mopping up operations will continue for several days and public access to the burn area and surrounding tracks will be restricted until a safety assessment is undertaken.
To support the hazard reduction burn, temporary road closures will be in place, and motorists should expect traffic delays and smoke in the area. Drivers are advised to follow all signage and adjust their driving to the conditions.
Get the JE vaccine free
MATTERS OF STATE By PHILIP DONATO MEMBER FOR ORANGE
NSW Health is further expanding and simplifying free access the Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine to ensure residents are protected as the mosquito season continues.
In NSW, A Japanese encephalitis virus vaccine is available for free for people aged two months or older who live or work (including volunteer deployment) in 60 Local Government Areas.
A full list of LGAs is available here: Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) vaccination: https:// shorturl.at/fUqXG (it does include Forbes).
MINISTERIAL VISITS
It was a pleasure to host Minister Janelle Sa n’s rst ministerial visit to the Orange electorate this month. The Minister for Recovery, along with Reconstruction Authority CEO Mal Lanyon, visited Molong to meet with representatives of Cabonne Shire Council and ood-impacted business owners to see how ood recovery e orts are progressing.
Minister Sa n, Mr Lanyon and I continued our tour of Central West ood-impacted communities, visiting Eugowra. We met community representatives at the recently opened Eugowra multipurpose community centre
and evacuation centre.
It was great to get locals’ perspectives and insights, and suggestions about responses to future ood events.
As Chair of the Community Leaders’ Forum and the Local Member for these ood-impacted communities, I’m highly motivated to see the Resilient Homes Program progressed as quickly as possible.
Funding for replacement of ood-destroyed critical water infrastructure is on the top of my 2025-2026 state budget submission list.
I appreciate both Minister Safn MP and Mr Lanyon for meeting with the leadership team of Parkes Shire Council on site at Lake Endeavour, to see the damaged water infrastructure for themselves. I hope this now yields the funding which Parkes,
and neighbouring local government areas of Cabonne and Lachlan, desperately need to repair or replace critical water and sewer infrastructure.
Minister Sa n and Mr Lanyon went on to meet councillors and directors from both Forbes and Lachlan Shires. Each council discussed their respective local ood recovery challenges and funding needs.
It was a wonderful opportunity for the councils to provide direct feedback and make suggestions for government to consider, and I believe there has already been some resolution on a few of the issues raised – making this a doubly bene cial ministerial visit.
Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison MP made another visit to our electorate.
Minister Aitchison is one of the most active and engaging state ministers, and it was a pleasure to welcome the minister once again, and her announcements.
I joined with Minister Aitchison, along with Mayor of Parkes Cr Neil Westcott and other Parkes representatives, for the o cial opening of the Parkes Bypass.
The Parkes Bypass has been a large infrastructure undertaking, and now that it’s o cially open it will certainly deliver enhanced road transport e ciencies and increased road user safety.
This new road will improve freight linkages to and from local industry developed in the Special Activation Precinct, as well as intermodal linkage with rail.
Thank you to all involved in making this Newell Highway upgrade a reality, and to Minister Aitchison and her departmental team for overseeing delivery of this project.
Later that day, Minister Aitchison and I attended the platform of the Orange Railway Station to address media.
Minister Aitchison o cially released the Orange Passenger Rail Community Consultation Report, and the next steps in progressing the report’s outlined improvements to passenger rail services.
Minister Aitchison has announced $2m in funding to investigate the viability of stabling some of the new regional rail eet at Orange.
I also wish to acknowledge those across our community who have contributed to the consultation process, which provided the essential weight to further e orts in improving passenger rail for Orange and the broader Central West.
I will continue to push for progress on this proposal until we see daily Orange-Sydney return rail services provided for our community.
VIEW Club gets scam-savvy thanks to March guest
VIEW CLUB NEWS
By SUE CUNNINGHAM
The March meeting of Forbes View Club saw Shannon Crowley, Manager of Westpac/ St George Bank Forbes, address members on the importance of staying alert when dealing with nances and personal information on digital devices or online.
The increasing sophistication of scammers is an ever-present threat to all who respond to unsolicited phone calls, emails or use the internet.
Shannon outlined many of the scams and phishing doing the rounds at present and gave some helpful hints and reminders to our members on how to avoid scams.
He suggested “to always think that if it sounds to good to be true then it probably isn’t true”.
In his talk Shannon related some experiences his clients have had with scammers and what the bank can do to assist clients who have
been scammed. In some cases, the bank has been able to prevent the loss of money while in other instances it has helped clients regain their losses.
“The most current scams”, he said, “use time pressure to buy
things, that there is something wrong with your bank account and you need to go to the link or phone number provided, the ATO or myGov accounts need updated information or suggesting there is a refund waiting.
“Others include FB messages or texts where scammers posing as friends request urgent help as they or a loved one are sick and need money for treatment, or a son/ daughter who have lost their phone and are asking for money to be transferred to their account”.
He went on to say, “one of the most common scams is the ‘romance scam’.”
Shannon suggested, “the best tips to deal with any of these is to remain calm and contact the bank, ATO, Centrelink via their o cial website contact details (not the ones o ered on the email or text message) and deal with the organisation directly. With romance scams its best to talk with family or friend(s) before acting. Don’t be ruled by your heart and remember ‘if it’s too good to be true it probably isn’t’.”
Shannon also gave out a resource called ‘The Little Black Book of Scams’ provided by the ACCC to help spot, avoid, and protect yourself against scams. If you receive
any emails, phone calls or text messages you think are scammers then report them to the business, bank, agency via their o cial website or contact them by phone or email.
Many thanks to Shannon and Westpac /St George Bank for his time and resources to talk about and raise awareness of a topic that causes stress and anxiety for many.
View Club members are reminded the Trivia night is on Friday 9 May and members with ra e books are asked to return them by 8 May.
Anyone wishing to join in the fun can contact Helen on 0427201445 or Judy on 0408426115 to book a table. Tables need to be booked by 5 May. Members attending lunch on 8 May need to RSVP to your designated contact person by Thursday 1 May please.
There will be a Bunnings Sausage Sizzle fundraiser held on the Saturday 31 May. Who will you meet there and catch up with … will it be your neighbour or a friend from across town. Come and nd out!
We are currently seeking passionate and experienced individuals to join our team in the following roles:
2 x Experienced Care Support Workers
Must have a genuine commitment to supporting people in a compassionate and professional manner.
1 x Experienced Community/Health Administration Officer
Strong organisational skills, experience in health or community services, and proficiency with administrative systems required. Join a dedicated team making a real difference in the community!
To apply or find out more, please contact Dayle Penny on 0425 411 122 or email: daylepenny@bigpond.com
Westpac St George Forbes Bank Manager Shannon Crowley with VIEW Club committee member Sue Cunningham.
MP Philip Donato.
Four month project to strengthen Paytens Bridge
Bridge strengthening work is to begin on Paytens Bridge next Monday 5 May.
Transport for NSW has advised of changed tra c conditions on the bridge, on Paytens Bridge Road 11 kilometres south-west of Eugowra for an expected four months.
Work will include installing sca olding under the bridge and assembling a strengthening structure called a Bailey bridge which will then be craned onto the bridge deck.
Work will be carried out between 7am and 6pm from Monday to Friday and is expected to take four months to complete, weather permitting.
Transport for NSW advises strengthening works will begin on Paytens Bridge on Monday 5 May and restrictions will be in place for another four months.
remain at 10 km/h.
Motorists in vehicles under 23 tonnes using Paytens Bridge Road are advised to allow 10 minutes of extra travel time.
Vehicles over 23 tonnes travelling between Eugowra and Lachlan Valley Way need to detour via Casuarina Drive to Gooloogong - they will not be able to use Paytens Bridge Road.
Police seek stolen ute, investigate affray
A Nissan Navara stolen from Forbes over the weekend was still missing at time of preparing for press.
Police NEWS
Police are appealing to anyone who sees the vehicle - registration BVH90Y - to report it to them.
It was stolen between Saturday evening and Sunday morning, 26 and 27 April.
Windows of two vehicles were smashed to gain entry while they were parked in William Street overnight last Thursday 24 April.
Until the work is nished, the existing 23-tonne load limit on Paytens Bridge will remain in place along with a reduced speed limit of 10 km/h on the bridge and barriers to direct tra c to the upstream side of the bridge.
area including intermittent stopping, single lane closures and a reduced speed limit of 40 km/h through the work area during work hours.
Motorists using the detour are advised to allow 30 minutes of extra travel time.
Temporary tra c changes will also be in place within the work
The speed limit within the work zone will return to 100 km/h outside of work hours, except on the bridge which will
Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience and reminds them to follow the directions of tra c controllers and signs.
A handbag containing a leather wallet and cash was stolen, and again anyone with information is urged to contact police who are reviewing available footage from the area.
BREAK-IN AND THEFTS
Police are investigating a break-in at local primary school over the school holiday period, reported on Thursday 24 April.
Offenders have accessed rooms and moved things around.
Live Tra c has the latest trafc updates online.
Students move back into their school
From page 1
The project included updating 11 school buildings with new doors, fresh paint, new carpet and laminate ooring, and essential electrical infrastructure upgrades. These improvements involved repainting and refurbishment of the shade structure, resurfacing the main sports court, landscaping of outdoor play areas, and the installation of new seating.
Overall, 1,050 litres of fresh paint was applied across interior and exterior walls and surfaces, and 1,080 square metres of new ooring was installed.
All demountables used for the temporary school will begin to be removed next month, and planning to remove all 26 demountables, including
those on the school oval, is underway and on track for completion by Term 3.
Once cleared, the oval will be topsoiled and turfed, returning outdoor space for students and the school community to enjoy.
Member for Orange Phil Donato said he was pleased to see the school upgraded and returned to the community. “This has been a dicult time for Forbes and the wider Central West community as we chart the long road to recovery from the 2022 oods,” he said.
Duty MLC for Orange Stephen Lawrence described the good news as a welcome boost for students, families and teachers in the long recovery.
Expression of Interest: Lease Opportunity - Forbes Visitor Information Centre, Café/Restaurant Operator
Council is seeking proposals from suitably qualified and experienced operators to lease the Forbes Visitor Information Centre Café/ Restaurant (the former Lachlan Vintage Village). With frontage to the Newell Highway at the southern entrance to Forbes, the café/ restaurant has an established local customer base plus a steady stream of travellers calling 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).
Bulky Waste Clean-Up 2025 The annual Bulky Waste Clean-Up will be held Monday 5 May –Friday 9 May 2025. Place your bulky waste items on the kerb on the weekend of the 3 – 4 May. Your waste may be collected at any stage throughout the week and may not be collected in-line with your normal bin service, so please remember to plan ahead. There are four categories of waste eligible for collection including scrap metal and white-goods, garden organics, e-waste, and general bulky waste.
Keep an eye on Council’s social media page and iRecycle App for more information.
EOI Frost and Fire: Food and Beverage Vendors
• Bar services; • Food and beverage services; and
• Pre-order food and beverage services
Organisations must be willing to obtain relevant licensing and insurance requirements as outlined in the expression of interest. Vendors must submit their EOI before Wednesday 30 April for consideration. For the Expression of Interest Form or more information, please contact Council’s Event Manager by email community@forbes.nsw.gov.au or visit www.amazingforbesnsw. com/frost-and-fire/
Frost and Fire Sponsorship Opportunities
Forbes is once again hosting our iconic Tourism Event, Frost and Fire on Saturday 21 June 2025. Taking place on the longest night of the year, Frost and Fire is an unforgettable outdoor celebration of the Winter Solstice. The night includes an electrifying mix of live Australian music, cultural performances, hearty winter treats from a range of food trucks, boutique brews by cozy fire buckets and a night sky scattered with stars. Attracting close to 3000 spectators, Frost and Fire has delivered a range of internationally renowned Australian artists such as Sneaky Sound System, Thirsty Merc and Vera Blue to the Central West.
This year’s event will be headlined by Country Music Legends The Wolfe Brothers. There are several new sponsorship opportunities now available including naming rights. We are currently seeking Gold, Silver and Bronze sponsors.
To find out more about sponsorship opportunities, please visit the Amazing Forbes website or contact Council’s Community Relations Officer, Sarah Savage on 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).
A green ladies Repco pushbike was stolen from outside a home on Saturday morning.
It has been seen once around town since and police do urge anyone who sees a bike matching that description to contact them.
Scrap metal, estimated to be worth about $200, has been stolen from the Daroobalgie waste disposal site, also between Thursday night and Friday morning. Police are pursuing lines of inquiry into this.
AFFRAY
Police expect to lay charges after an affray outside a licensed premises in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Police were called as a number of people were engaged in a fight about 1.30am Sunday 27 April.
A window of the hotel was smashed during the altercation.
SECURE YOUR VALUABLES
If you have any information that can help police with any of the above investigations, you can also contact local police on 6853 9999 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or through their online reporting tool at https://nsw. crimestoppers.com.au/
Police urge everyone to take security measures including securing vehicles and valuables, and to regularly check that CCTV and sensor lights are charged and working.
Please report suspicious behaviour to police by phoning the local station on 6853 9999.
If your property is broken into or damaged, they ask that you leave the scene undisturbed if it is at all possible so forensic material is not contaminated.
Forbes Public School students moved from the demountables back to their permanent classrooms for Term 2.
Fourteen classrooms have been refurbished and were ready for the return of students on Wednesday.
PHOTOS: Supplied
PHOTO: Transport for NSW
2025 FEDERAL ELECTION | MEET THE CANDIDATES
Jamie Chaffey for Nationals
1. Tell us about yourself. I’ve been a resident of the Parkes electorate for more than 35 years; My wife Judy and I have raised four children in Gunnedah. I’m a boilermaker by trade and joined the family engineering business 28 years ago. It now employs over 130 people, and late last year I handed it down to my children.
I have served my community as Gunnedah Shire Mayor for eight years as well as being an active member of community groups, including Gunnedah Rotary, RFS and the Anglican church.
2. Why have you put yourself forward as a candidate?
My experience as a mayor, working alongside Mark Coulton as my federal member, has given me the condence to know that you can make a di erence, if you are committed and you are determined to truly represent the needs and the dreams, and aspirations of people in our communities.
I want to focus on growing our regional communities by bringing investment to town, upgrading important infrastructure, be a part of a team that gets in ation under control to bring cost of living relief, and that will stabilise power prices.
3. Your three key issues. Through my experience
campaigning across the electorate over the last eight months, I have learned the most common issues are the three “C’s” healthcare, childcare and aged care. Once you leave the town boundaries it’s all about better roads and telecommunications.
In regards to making a difference to improve access to childcare, I have pledged a combined total of over $2.8 million for childcare and early learning in di erent centres across the electorate.
The Coalition has also announced that if elected, it will establish a new $100 million Raising the Regions Program to deliver exible and innovative approaches to early childhood education and care in areas where there is limited or no supply.
4. How would you help create more opportunities for youth?
I hope to lean on my experience in local government, the highest priorities of council and the community will become my highest priority with respect to infrastructure and development of the shire.
The Nationals in a Coalition Government will rollout a range of cost-of-living support measures and support for young homeowners.
5. What change would you like to see in Parkes/Forbes?
For Forbes, The Nationals has pledged $345,000 to construct a playground in the CBD, at Pitt Stop corner.
I visited Parkes and pledged $465,000 for e ective signage to encourage travellers to visit Parkes and create an attractive entry into town from the bypass. More work needs to be done to improve our road networks.
Housing is also an issue, as is health care, and more work needs to be done to attract and retain health care professionals. A solution is to invest in training youth from and in regional communities.
Safety of our communities is of most importance to me, domestic violence, sexual assaults, and youth crime need to be addressed. I would work closely with local and state governments to identify solutions.
6. Where do you stand on the Waste to Energy debate? I’ve only recently become aware of this project. If I’m elected on the 3 May, one of my rst actions would be to seek a meeting with council and the proponent to receive a brie ng to be more across the proposal. I will certainly take the concerns of the community on board and be an advocate where necessary.
7. Your nal pitch
A change of government at the last election in 2022 saw more than 50 projects across regional Australia, where funding was committed by the Coalition scrapped. In the Parkes electorate we lost more than $40 million worth of projects.
Trish Frail runs for Greens
1. Tell us about yourself. I’m a proud Ngemba woman who calls Brewarrina home. My mother’s family are from Gundabooka and Byrock. My achievements include being a published author, owning my own business specialising in native foods, and being elected as a councillor on Brewarrina Shire Council.
2. Why have you put yourself forward as a candidate? Parkes is in need of change and as a writer, small business owner, elected representative and hard-working member of community committees and boards, I’m well placed to represent the Parkes electorate.
As a member of The Greens, I believe strongly in our four pillars, ecological sustainability, grassroots participatory democracy, social justice and peace and non-violence.
3. Your three key issues. Climate change – it’s happening now and is impacting our land and rivers. We are seeing more frequent extreme weather events. The Greens will push for strong climate action in the Senate and the House of Representatives, regardless of who forms government.
Lack of a ordable housing – this is impacting both rent-
ers and rst home buyers in many communities, and this has many ow-on e ects. The Greens have the most comprehensive plan of any party to address the housing crisis. This includes building a lot more public and a ordable homes, stopping unlimited rent increases and establishing a National Renters Protection Authority.
Size of the Parkes electorate – it’s the biggest in NSW by far and parts of it are very remote. This makes transport and the provision of health and education services a challenge. At the same time, one in three big corporations pay no tax and this has to stop. They need to pay their fair share so that we can fund the services we need.
4. How would you help create more opportunities for youth?
We need to attract more businesses to the electorate and that o en involves working across di erent levels of government. And we need to ensure the businesses we attract are in sustainable industries that have entry level positions for our young people.
We also need to ensure that post-school education opportunities in the electorate are attractive to our young people and provide them with the skills that businesses need.
Increased funding is important but equally important is making sure we’re
doing the best job with the money we have. This comes down to working with councils and the state government to ensure we’re all working towards the same goal, and that is one of my strengths.
5. What change would you like to see in Parkes/Forbes? Parkes and Forbes are both beautiful regional centres with a lot going for them. We need to promote these centres and encourage people to come and stay. As a second-term councillor on Brewarrina Shire Council, I know the importance of listening to locals and I know what it takes to make a regional centre a success.
I’ll bring that experience to bear in supporting the Parkes and Forbes Shires to make the changes they need to ensure the long-term sustainability of their communities.
6. Where do you stand on the Waste to Energy debate?
The answer to our energy needs is renewable and waste to energy is not a renewable energy source. The answer to our waste is increased reuse and recycling, as well as making producers responsible for their products through the full life cycle.
7. Your nal pitch. Parkes is in need of change and we won’t get it unless we vote di erently from how we’ve voted before. I’m asking for your number one vote in this election to help create a better future for all of us.
Editor’s note: Every attempt was made to contact and invite all candidates standing for the Parkes electorate to take part in this Q and A, however we did not receive responses from all.
Maurice Davey: Family First
1. Tell us about yourself.
I’m a local fourth generation farmer, married with four children and nine grandchildren. I enjoy working with people and community. I adhere strongly to Judeo Christian ethics and endeavour to approach all issues with logic and common sense. I found it easy to align myself with Family First as strong families are the backbone of a prosperous society.
2. Why have you put yourself forward as a candidate?
The family unit is under great pressure. Family First will ght for families on many fronts. Radical agendas are taking precedence over biological science. Britain has just o cially acknowledged that humans are binary - male and female. We should do the same.
Parental rights are being eroded. We have to restore and strengthen the concept of parents being the principal caregivers and decision makers for their children.
3. Your three key issues.
• Cost of living:
- Bring back a ordable and reliable energy. Energy costs a ect pricing all through the supply chain.
- Pause net zero policies and consider all energy sources with a balanced and logical approach that isnancially and environmen-
tally sustainable.
- Halve the fuel excise for 12 months.
- Investigate possible price gouging by the major food outlets.
- Pursue taxation reform for families.
- Provide registration rebates for larger families requiring vehicles with seating capacity of 6 or more.
- Identify reasons leading to family breakdowns. Consequential splitting of households leads to more pressure on housing availability and a ordability.
• Health services:
In a Salvation Army survey in the Parkes electorate, ‘access to health care’ was voted the top social justice issue. Access to local GP’s and ED in the regional and remote areas of the Parkes electorate, without need for excessive travel, has to be a priority. We as a party will lobby for more rural doctor training, and a fairer distribution of the health budget.
• Welfare of families, and family breakdown/crime etc: We need to build strong families, and strong communities that will look a er those families. We need to build strong men who will look a er their women and children.
- Government needs to have bold policies that strengthen families.
- Address root causes of domestic violence, addictions,
crime and homelessness.
- Provide safe houses, simplify legal processes supporting victims of DV and bolster counselling services.
4. How would you help create more opportunities for youth? Support businesses and bolster apprenticeship programs and expand local TAFE and university options for young people.
5. Speci cally for towns of Parkes/Forbes, what change would you like to see?
- Operational maternity unit for Parkes Hospital.
- Better access to GPs.
- Prioritise funding for both main and council roads.
6. Where do you stand on the Waste to Energy debate?
If there is any potential risk to the health and well being of the Parkes township and surrounding areas, then I can’t support it. Any emissions of toxins at any level, from a large facility processing up to 600,000 tonnes of rubbish annually, in close proximity to a township and valuable farming land, poses unacceptable risk. Our national capital and other regional centres have rejected such a proposal, and so should we.
7. Your nal pitch.
I am ready to serve this electorate and the nation. My hope and ambition is to see strong families, freedom of speech and faith, enterprising business and healthy, vibrant communities caring for all.
Sally Edwards: Libertarian
1. Tell us about yourself. With my family, we run an agricultural business in the Warrumbungle
I am a long-time volunteer and have spent 15 years working in the rural community development space.
I am a passionate advocate for rural people, the land and water, and helping communities survive and thrive.
2. Why have you put yourself forward as a candidate?
A er 15 years working alongside community and local and state government, I believe it is time for honesty, transparency and accountability from our elected representatives that puts community and the people rst.
Collaboration and cooperation will help regional Australia thrive, not blame and responsibility shirking.
3. Your three key issues.
• Healthcare and education services that are in a worse delivery state than they were 30 years ago
• Safety – including roads, crime and access to mobile coverage
• Cost-of-living (which is in reality cost-of-government decisions) – includes taxes, energy, housing, immigration.
I believe that looking at these problems with a fresh, common-sense perspective
and through the Libertarian lens of “get government out of the way”, empower local communities to contribute knowledge and build local solutions, and consider potential market mechanisms, could help us make real progress in the bush.
Building rural communities from the ground up, creating strong and thriving communities by our design we can grow industry and business without government central-planning and attract professionals and families to towns that are buzzing and growing.
This is a long-term, multipronged solution that requires a level of thinking not demonstrated by previous governments.
4. How would you help create more opportunities for youth?
I believe the best way to support and retain the youth is to support communities and help them thrive by fostering an ongoing collaborative approach between all three levels of government and most-importantly, involving community.
Too o en impactful legislation becomes known by community when it is too late.
Thriving communities with abundant services and culture will attract the youth to stay or see them return to raise their families.
5. Speci cally for towns of Parkes/Forbes, what change
would you like to see? Parkes and Forbes deserve to see their future designed by them, the people who call the towns’ home, the people who care. It is time for elected representatives to represent the communities, not be there to advocate and defend government policy, plans and agendas.
6. Where do you stand on the Waste to Energy debate?
I oppose the Energy from Waste Incineration project and the central-planned Special Activation Precinct as it is currently presented. I oppose the importation and incineration of metropolitan waste in Parkes.
I fully support the community’s call for transparency, genuine consultation and community-led decisionmaking, and adherence to environmental and public health standards. I will commit to advocating for genuine, sustainable regional development that prioritises recycling, reuse and innovation over incineration.
7. Your nal pitch. If you can re ect on the last three decades, not just the last three years and you too believe we have got some serious changes to make and work to do, maybe for the rst time it might be worth considering a minor party candidate who is standing for communities and standing to protect families, small business and rural way of life.
Editor’s note: Some responses had to be shortened to fit the print space. You can read the full responses on our website, along with those published in print last Thursday 24 April.
COME AND SEE OUR NEW CENTRE
No matter what you are studying—whether it's a Certificate III or a Doctorate—we’re here to help. Use of our Centre and services is completely free for registered students, including:
printing Academic support Private study and exam rooms
Meeting rooms
Video conferencing High-speed internet
Desktop and laptop workstations for use in the Centre
Social and networking events
Opening hours: Registered students can access the Centre from 5am–1am, 7 days a week.
The Centre is staffed Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm. Got questions? Contact Jacob Cass on 0409 119 933 or email jacob.cass@cucparkes.edu.au.
We will remember them
Forbes North Public School led by Harry Bilsborough, Ila Kennedy and Pearl Karaitiana.
Forbes Town and District Band led by James Whalan and (inset) Bedgerabong Public School
Gorton and College captain Ruby Arnott.
Veterans were driven in vintage cars during the ANZAC Day march in Forbes. PHOTOS: Madeline Blackstock
captain Cooper Miller, school captains Flynn Acheson and Mae Dingwall and vice captain Aria Bernardi.
Claire Little and Frank Hanns at the Forbes service.
Macey Greenhalgh, who led the Eugowra service, with her parents Ben and Jodie.
Bruce, Janet and Melissa Noble in Eugowra on ANZAC Day.
wearing his great great pop’s medals.
PHOTOS: Jenny Kingham
ANZAC Day services and marches in Forbes and Eugowra, where thousands gathered for commemorations at the dawn and mid-morning services.
Flynn, Indi and Hattie Acheson with Bishop Columba Macbeth-Green in Forbes.
Gendered violence comes in many forms. All are OHS issues. All are unacceptable.
WorkSafe Gendered Violence
6.00
6.00 Get Clever. 7.00 It’s Academic. 8.30 Larry The Wonder Pup. 9.00 Shopping. 10.30 House Rules. 12.00 Angel. 3.00 Ed And Karen’s Recipes For Success. 4.00 Puppy School. 4.30 Frogger. 5.30 The Amazing Race. 7.00 MOVIE: Smurfs: The Lost Village. (2017) 9.00 MOVIE: Last Cab To Darwin. (2015) 11.35 MOVIE: Happiest Season. (2020) 1.45
MOVIE: RoboCop. (2014) 1.00 Young Sheldon. 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. 2.00 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 1.10 MOVIE: Please Turn Over. (1959) 3.00 Antiques Roadshow. 3.30 MOVIE: Tender Mercies. (1983) 5.30 The Travelling Auctioneers. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 West Coast Cops. 8.30 MOVIE: The Accountant. (2016) 11.00 MOVIE: Aces High. (1976) 1.05 Late Programs.
6.00 NBC
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.30 GetOn Extra. 12.00 Impossible Builds. 1.00 Escape To The Country.
3.00 Better Homes. 4.00 Horse Racing. Hawkesbury Cup Day, Caulfield Members Day, Guineas Day and SA Derby Day. 5.00 Escape To The Country. 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. 2.25 ER. 3.10 Doctor Who. 3.55 Penn & Teller:
7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. 12.00 Horse Racing. Hawkesbury Cup Day, Caulfield Members Day, Guineas Day and SA Derby Day. 4.00 7NEWS: Election Day. 5.00 7NEWS: Australia Decides –Election. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 7NEWS: Australia Decides – First Count. 8.00 7NEWS: Australia Decides – The Result. 11.00 MOVIE: Life. (2017) 1.05 The Black Donnellys. 2.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 Motor Racing. Night Thunder. Silver Cup. H’lights. 4.00 Counting Cars. 4.30 Motor Racing. SpeedSeries. Round 2. Day 1. 7.30 Aussie Salvage Squad. 8.30 Mega Mechanics. 9.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 10.30 When Big Things Go Wrong. 11.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Rage Charts. 7.00 Weekend Breakfast On Election Day. 11.00 Rage. 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 MOVIE: Sherpa. (2015) Russell Brice, Tim Medvetz, Pasang Tenzing Sherpa. 2.00 Extraordinary Escapes. 3.00 Living With Devils. 3.55 Landline. 4.25 Australian Story. 5.00 ABC National News On Election Day. 5.30 Australia Votes. 12.00 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli. 12.30 Rage. 6.00 Kids’ Programs. 10.00 Tiddler. 10.25
C’ship.
Chopped Jnr. 8.55 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.35 Speechless. 9.55 Officially Amazing. 10.25 Dragon Ball Super. 10.50 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Destination WA. 12.30 Drive TV: Launch Pad. 1.00 Great Australian Detour. 1.30 Young Sheldon. 2.00 Rugby League. NRL. South Sydney Rabbitohs v Knights. 5.00 Election 2025: Australia Decides – Polls Close. 6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 Election 2025: Australia Decides – Vote Count. 8.00 Election 2025: Australia Decides – Election Night Live. 10.00 Election 2025: Australia Decides – Analysis. 11.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.10 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield. 12.30 The Brighter Side: Save. Grow. Dream. 1.00 10 Minute Kitchen. Final. 1.30 What’s Up Down Under. 2.00 Food Trail: South Africa. 2.30 Silvia’s Italian Masterclass.
6.00 Morning Programs. 1.00 MOVIE: Brothers In Law. (1957) 3.00 MOVIE: Our Man In Marrakesh. (1966) 5.00 MOVIE: Kid Galahad. (1962) 7.00 Rugby Union. Super Rugby Pacific. Round 12. ACT Brumbies v NSW Waratahs. 9.30 Super Rugby Pacific Post-Match. 9.45 MOVIE: Mad Max: Fury Road. (2015) 12.10 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 8.30 Larry The Wonder Pup. 9.00 Drop Dead Weird. 10.00 Weekender. 10.30 Weekender. 11.00 Ed And Karen’s Recipes For Success. 12.00 Dream Academy. 12.30 Dream Home. 2.05 Zumbo’s Just Desserts. 3.15 Starstruck. 4.45 Dodger. 5.45 MOVIE: Flushed Away. (2006) 7.30 MOVIE: RED. (2010) 9.45 MOVIE: Missing. (2023) 12.10 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 Offsiders. 11.00 Compass. 11.30 Songs Of Praise. 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Australia. 2.30 Monty Don’s Paradise Garden. Final. 3.35 Bill Bailey’s Wild West Australia. 4.30 Restoration Australia. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Compass. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 The Piano. New. 8.30 Bergerac. New. 9.20 The Split: Barcelona. 10.20 MOVIE: My Brother Jack – Part 2. (2001) 11.55 Late Programs. 6.00 Kids’ Programs. 2.45 Fizzy And Suds. 3.00 Play School. 3.45 Tiddler. 4.20 Dino Dex. 4.45 Gardening Australia Junior. 5.10 Thomas. 5.50 Paddington. 7.05 Rocket Club. 7.35 Moominvalley. 8.00 Horrible Histories. 8.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.10 Abbott Elementary. 9.55 Speechless. 10.15 Merlin. 11.00 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 2.40 Doctor Who. 3.25 Penn & Teller: Fool Us. 4.05 Would I Lie To You? 4.40 MythBusters. 5.30 Heartbreak High. 7.00 Hard Quiz. 7.30 QI. 8.00 Lucy Worsley Investigates. 9.00 Planet America: Weekend Edition. 9.50 Offsiders. 10.20 The Weekly. 10.50 ER. 11.35 Late Programs.
Cities Of The Underworld. 10.00 House Of Wellness. 11.00 Escape To The Country. 1.00 The Surgery Ship. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 Animal SOS Australia. 3.00 Cities Of The Underworld. 4.00 Escape To The Country. 7.00 Vicar Of Dibley. 8.30 Vera. 10.30 Great Rail Restorations. 11.30 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 The Fishing Show By AFN: Best Of. 1.00 Fishing Addiction. 2.00 Motor Racing. Shannons SpeedSeries. Round 2. Day 2. 4.30 Deep Water Salvage. 5.30 Counting Cars. 6.00 Border Security: Int. 7.00 Border Security. 8.30 MOVIE: The Bourne Supremacy. (2004) 10.40 MOVIE: In Bruges. (2008) 12.55 Late Programs. 6.00 Hello SA. 6.30 A Current Affair. 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Wide World Of Sports. 11.00 NRL Sunday Footy Show. 1.00 Fish Forever. 1.30 Drive TV: Drive Car Of The Year. 2.00 Oz Off Road TV. 3.00 Rugby League. NRL. Round 9. Penrith Panthers v Brisbane Broncos. 6.00 9News Sunday. 7.00 Travel Guides. 8.10 60 Minutes. 9.10 The Killer Interview With Piers Morgan. New. 10.10 9News Late. 10.40 See No Evil. 11.40 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 8.00 Beyond Today. 8.30 The Incredible Journey. 9.00 Turning Point. 9.30 TV Shop. 10.00 AFL Sunday Footy Show. 12.10 MOVIE: Where No Vultures Fly. (1951) 2.25 MOVIE: Duel In The Jungle. (1954) 4.30 MOVIE: Lawman. (1971) 6.30 M*A*S*H. 8.30 MOVIE: Gone In 60 Seconds. (2000) 10.50 The Closer. 11.50 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 8.30 Larry The Wonder Pup. 9.00 Drop Dead Weird. 10.00 Dream Home. 11.35 Zumbo’s Just Desserts. 1.00 Starstruck. 2.10 A Moveable Feast. 2.40 Home And Away. 4.30 Baking It. 5.30 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters. 6.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. 7.30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent. 8.30 Law & Order: S.V.U. 10.30 Bones. 11.30 Late Programs.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Going to new places and meeting new people appeals to both the Taurean’s romantic and practical side. After all, you never can tell where these new contacts will take you, right?
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) A career-changing opportunity that didn’t work out when you first considered it could come up again. But this time, remember that you have more to offer and act accordingly.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) There could be some tensions in relationships -- domestic or workaday. But a calm approach that doesn’t raise anger levels and a frank discussion will soon resolve the problem.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 Pooches At Play. 11.00 My Market Kitchen. 11.30 Roads Less Travelled. 12.00 MasterChef Australia. 1.15 Good Chef Bad Chef. 1.30 Cook With Luke. 2.00 The Dog Down Under. 2.30 Pat Callinan’s 4x4 Adventures. 3.30 Expedition: Raja Ampat And Spice Islands. 4.00 All 4 Adventure. 5.00
LEO (July 23 to August 22) It’s a good idea to begin preparing for a career change that you’ve been thinking about for a while. Start to sharpen your skills and expand your background to be ready when it calls.
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Bless the VIRGO skepticism that has kept you from falling into traps that others seem to rush into. But you might want to give a new possibility the benefit of the doubt, at least on a trial basis.
LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Traveling- and careerrelated energy is strong in your aspect. Perhaps your job will take you to someplace exotic, or you might be setting up meetings with potential clients or employers. Whatever it is, good
Derby delivers for Magpies’ fans
The fans poured into Spooner Oval on Sunday for the opening contest of the 2025 rugby league season and they weren’t disappointed.
The contest between Forbes Magpies and Parkes Spacemen delivered the intensity and atmosphere everyone was hoping for.
But it was Forbes who dominated the scoreboard with wins in all four grades, capped with a 46-16 win in the rst grade with bursts of tryscoring momentum early and late in the game around some tougher sections.
“We kept turning up for each other,” captain Nick Greenhalgh in credit to his side.
Forbes ran in three tries before Parkes got on the board to set themselves up for success.
Mick Coady crossed the line just six minutes in to play but the second didn’t come until 15 minutes later when Jordan Hartwig went over in the corner, with plenty of back and forth play in between.
Chad Porter, in his rst match for Magpies, bagged the third of the day to see the hosts up 16-0.
Parkes responded when Cody Crisp put down a grubber and Mitch Wright’s kick added the extras to bring the scores in to 16-6.
The Spacemen looked hopeful of backing that up when captain Sam Dwyer broke away and bolted down the eld, but the Magpies’ defence rallied and pushed back.
“That rst half really set it up for us,” Greenhalgh said.
It was Forbes that crossed the line again before the break, this time through Jake Porter and Greenhalgh’s kick gave Forbes a 22-6 lead at half time.
“The last 20 – we had to defend our line a lot but we kept turning up for one another.”
The Spacemen returned to the eld with renewed energy and it was try-for-try for a spell.
Joe Dwyer scored for Parkes,
Nick Greenhalgh for Forbes and Jacob Smede for Parkes to see the scoreboard at 28-16 with 16 minutes of play le .
As the clock ticked down, the Magpies showed they were far from done.
Mitchell Andrews crossed in the corner, Jack Smith escaped Parkes’
clutches to put the ball down behind the posts, and Zeke Hartwig de ed the Spacies’ e orts to hold him up.
Greenhalgh acknowledged his side got plenty to work on with a long way to go in the season, but he couldn’t have been happier with his side’s e orts in Round 1.
“We stuck to what we know: we’re a skilful side, we’re not overly big but we work hard for each other,” he said.
“I’m very proud of the boys, great start to the year.”
The intensity and the energy were high from the outset and the Forbes captain credited Parkes for a tough game.
“They’ve had a big changeover of players, we knew they were going to through everything at us and they did that,” he said.
As expected, there was a huge crowd at Spooner Oval for the derby, with seating rearranged while construction of the new grandstand is under way.
“The crowd, the atmosphere, gets to you a little bit and it makes for a great game of footy,” Greenhalgh said.
“There were tough parts in that game but I’m happy to come away with the two points.”
Greenhalgh said the team had acknowledged the chatter around their recruitment, but knew what they had to do.
“Talk’s cheap,” he said.
“We’ve got to keep building week by week, getting the little things right, working on our defence and getting that right.
“There’s a long way to go in the year.”
Fans were pleased to see Mitchell Andrews, returning a er a season with Bathurst St Pat’s, back on eld a er being given a 50/50 chance of playing earlier in the week due to a knee issue.
As he headed for the ice postmatch he described the knee as tender but said he’d keep working on it.
“It was good – it was good to get the win,” he said.
“There was a lot of talk about the side that we’ve got but a lot of the boys are locals, that have come back here, that played through the 18s.”
He had the chance to watch the Porters, who made headlines transferring from Parkes, and said they were a real boost.
So is that Magpies’ crowd – there’s just nothing like it.
“It’s unreal, it’s the best crowd,” Andrews said.
“You’re kicking o , you hear people calling out your name. It just gets you buzzing.”
SUNDAY’S SCOREBOARD
League tag: Forbes 20 Parkes 10 Jada Hartwig (2), Janssen Moores and Miah Naden.
Under 18s: Forbes 24 Parkes 14 Tries to Brandon Dos Santos Hall, Jett Rudd, Nate Kennedy, Harry Staines and Jai Wheeldon.
Reserves: Forbes 28 Parkes 10 Tries to Mitchell Andrews (2), Henry Hodges and David White (2).
First grade: Forbes 46 Parkes 16 Tries to Jake Porter, Zeke Hartwig, Jack Smith, Mitchell Andrews, Chad Porter, Jordan Hartwig, Nicholas Greenhalgh and Michael Coady.
Magpies rush in to congratulate captain Nick Greenhalgh as he celebrates a try in Round 1.
Jett Rudd looking for a way through the Parkes defence in Sunday’s Under 18s win.
Braith Drady breaking away from the Spacemen in Sunday’s Under 18s 24-14 win over Parkes.
Courtney Hodges powering down the ground for Forbes in the league tag’s 20-10 win.
Jenssen Moores scores for Magpies in the league tag 20-10 win over Spacecats.
PHOTOS: Jenny Kingham
Lexy’s Sweet victory in Diggers Cup
HARNESS RACING
By CRAIG DUMESNY
The Forbes Diggers Harness Racing Club made a memorable return on Anzac Day a er a two-year absence caused by the devastating 2022 oods.
A huge crowd turned out to witness an a ernoon of rst-class pacing action highlighted by an almost unbelievable performance by locally owned three-year-old Sweet On Lexy in the Forbes Shire Council Diggers Cup.
Although the odds-on favourite was expected to win - it was the way in which he accounted for his older rivals, running them ragged over the 2470 metre stayer’s course, obliterating the track record by three seconds on his way to a hollow victory.
Trained and driven by Bernie Hewitt at Bathurst and owned by Club President Lex Crosby, Sweet On Lexy took his career earnings past $118,000 from his 16 race starts which has seen him win eight races.
An emotional Crosby was simply overwhelmed by the support his Club received that enabled the Forbes Club to get back to racing and then to see the vast numbers that turned out on Friday contributed to his emotions.
“Yes, winning a Forbes Cup rates up there as high as any big prizemoney races I have won, but it is the e orts of the people and organisations that have assisted in getting this facility up and going again that has made me emotional,” said Lex.
“To have the role as President, working with a fantastic band of people who toiled so hard to make it all happen, has simply blown me away and I just cannot thank them enough.”
The traditional Anzac Day ceremony led by Forbes sub-branch member Brian Jones was moving equalled by a rendition of the National Anthem beautifully sung by local girl Grace Neilsen.
Two novel human gig race challenges kept the crowd entertained with thrills and spills, the Forbes Magpies girls and guys teams taking home the spoils.
It was an a ernoon of multiples for many of the participants with Bernie Hewitt completing the day with a winning treble.
Earlier in the a ernoon Hewitt combined with Dubbo’s James Sutton whose pacers Yarraman Jolt (in the TAB Pace) and Yarraman Kaylou (the Neville and Doreen Pellow Memorial) were impressive winners, the latter raced by a group of Forbes locals.
Amanda Turnbull kicked o the a ernoon in the Robert and Rosemary Lee Memorial, scoring with Our Dance Monkey.
She then quinellad the Palmer Final with her stable Foreman Isabel Ross guiding A Lil Bit Of Love to an
all-the-way win to defeat a luckless Stay Foolish which found trouble at the start.
Lex Crosby’s memorable a ernoon was further bolstered by his mare Shes Some Lexy taking out the Win TV Clarrie, Val, and Peter Robb Memorial with Jye Coney in the gig for trainer Olivia Frisby.
It was then Mat Rue from Canowindra who joined the winner’s circle, rstly with Warrawee Flyer in the Dwyer Contracting Pace, completing his training double in the Forbes RSL Sub-Branch Les Find-
ley Memorial when Parkes driver Blake Medlyn got Mitchells Run home rst.
The only winner not to be involved in the multiples was Grenfell pacer Western Bill for trainer, driver Mark Hewitt, the gelding racing away with the Helloworld Travel & Forbes Livestock and Agency Pud Woods Memorial.
Sunday: The Forbes Club now look forward to conducting the second of their annual race meetings next Sunday, May 4 at the Forbes Showground paceway.
Lest we forget: Club’s moving tribute to diggers
The riderless horse created a powerful image of remembrance leading a solemn procession onto the track at Forbes Diggers Harness Racing Club’s ANZAC Day meeting.
Forbes Diggers Harness Racing Club was formed by diggers, for our returned service personnel - and that’s not lost on those who run the club today.
The ANZAC service is the centrepiece of every ANZAC Day race meeting, held before the feature race, the Diggers Cup.
Club President Lex Crosby thanked the Rusten family and Forbes Pony Club for representing so beautifully in uniform for the service.
Forbes RSL Sub Branch president Bryan Jones recited The Ode, and Grace Neilsen led the national anthem.
Returning racing to the local track for the rst time since it was destroyed in the 2022 oods, Crosby paid tribute to the generations who established and continued the club.
Everyone on course wore crocheted poppies hand cra ed by Bev Parsons.
Sweet on Lexy ahead of the pack in the final race of the Forbes ANZAC Day meeting, the Diggers Cup amd (inset) thrilled owner Lex Crosby holds the Diggers Cup high. PHOTOS: Renee Powell
Grace Neilsen led Advance Australia Fair at Friday a ernoon’s harness racing meeting.
Forbes RSL Sub Branch president Bryan Jones recited The Ode.
Laura and Jorja Rusten participated in the Bogan Gate and Forbes harness racing ANZAC Day services as part of the 6th Light Horse Trundle Troop.
Forbes Diggers Harness Racing, Forbes Pony Club and 6th Light Horse Trundle Troop enter the track.
ACROSS
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD
4 Who landed in NW Australia in 1688 and 1699, William ... (7)
8 Name an Australian painter and teacher, Thea ... (7)
9 If one receives superannuation, one is what, perhaps (2,5)
10 What is violation by a subject to one’s state (7)
11 What is a military commander (7)
12 To push forcibly, is to do what (6)
14 Name a renowned city in Texas (6)
18 Which cold, dry, northerly wind is common in southern France (7)
21 La Paz is a capital of which S American republic (7)
22 Which syrup is obtained in refining sugar (7)
23 What are uncommissioned sailors called (7)
24 What do we call the loud cry of an elephant (7) DOWN
1 Which term applied to a person expresses an attribute (7)
2 What, in golf, is a score of one over par (5)
3 Name an alternative word for hoards (7)
5 Which person works with stone (5)
6 To endanger, is to do what (7)
7 Which term implies country life (5)
13 Who was known for quotes, Jean Jacques ... (7)
15 What is competence in any field of action (7)
E-QUATIONS 7
4 What, colloquially, is a slow-witted person (6)
Letters
Some
16 Name the region of contact between processes of two or more nerve cells (7)
E-QUATIONS
cells.
Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
17 What was the given name of Einstein, the Germanborn physicist (6)
18 To have encountered something, is to have done what (3,2)
19 To replace a section of the tread of a tyre, is to do what (5)
20 Who explored the NSW Blue Mountains and Bathurst districts in the 1800s; George William … (5)
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 ARTHROSIS
(a) Connection by a joint (b) Gout
(c) A vegetative cell that has passed into a resting state
2 EXCIDE
(a) To leave out
(b) To cut off
(c) To lay bare by digging
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:
All the same: as ... (3)
Capital of Egypt (5)
Flashy young men (5)
Gravely culpable (7)
Local environment plan (3)
Precipitating (7)
Soft headdress (3)
Total (3)
Transparent refractor (5)
Written language (5)
Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.
Rain doesn’t stop Homegrown success
By MARG APPLEBEE CENTRAL WEST LACHLAN LANDCARE
Thank you to those who joined us at Homegrown Parkes on Saturday at Cooke Park.
Our Community Survey is now open. We would love to hear from you if you attended the Homegrown Parkes event on Saturday, 26 April 2025.
The link can be found on our Homegrown Parkes page on the Central West Lachlan Landcare website or via our Facebook page.
We have two lovely Homegrown Parkes gi s for two people drawn from the survey results.
Our stallholder survey has also been distributed. Both of the surveys close on Saturday, 10 May 2025 at 5pm.
A massive thank you to everyone who has already responded to our request for feedback.
We try to factor in your sugges-
CATTLE SALE
Monday, 28 April
Yarding 1098 (down 1419)
Numbers more than halved this sale with agents yarding 1098 head.
Quality continues to be mixed with some handy lines of feeder and nished cattle o ered along with the secondary types.
The usual buyers were present and competing in a better market.
Heavyweight yearling steers to feed li ed 3 to 7c/kg to sell from 367 to 426c/kg.
Finished steers to processors ranged in price from 370 to 405c/kg.
The heifer portion was 10c better and more on some.
Feeders paid from 310
tions moving forward, particularly around demonstrations, workshops, educational opportunities and stallholder suggestions.
This was the rst event where we have encountered signi cant rain
to 378c/kg. Those to processors sold from 330 to 392c/kg.
Heavy steers and bullocks ranged in price from 355 to 405c/kg.
Grown heifers reached 357c/kg. Cows were rm to a couple dearer with heavy 2 score from 270c to 298c and 3 score from 280c to 310c/kg.
SHEEP SALE
Tuesday, 29 April
Yarding 42,200 (up 10,050)
Numbers jumped this sale with agents yarding 42,200 head. Lamb numbers increased to 33,300 and quality continues to be mixed.
There were some quality lines of well nished trade and heavyweight
and we were so thrilled to see how the community still showed up for us.
Homegrown Parkes events aren’t about being bigger for every event.
The ethos behind the ‘home-
lambs penned along with the plainer types.
The usual buyers were present and competing strongly in a dearer market.
Trade weight lambs 2024kg li ed $6 to $12/head and more in places to receive from $173 to $228/ head.
Heavy lambs to 26kg sold from $220 to $249/ head.
Extra heavyweights lied $15 to $20 to range in price from $225 to $334/ head. Carcase prices averaged 822c to 898c/kg. There was 8900 mutton penned and quality was very mixed.
Prices skyrocketed liing $30 to $60/head and more.
Merino ewes sold from $130 to $274/head. Cross-
bred ewes received from $125 to $297.20/hd with Dorper ewes reaching $276/head.
Merino wethers sold from $126 to $246/head. Carcase prices averaged from 670 to 750c/kg with many sales more.
FROM MLA’S NATIONAL LIVESTOCK REPORTING AGENCY
PIG SALE
There was no pig sale on Friday, 25 April due to ANZAC Day. The next pig sale will be held on Friday, 9 May at the Central West Livestock Exchange.
STORE CATTLE SALE
The Forbes Store Cattle Sale will be held on Friday, 2 May at the Forbes Central West Livestock Exchange starting
10am.
grown’ concept is more about quality.
Whilst having 80 stalls in our park would provide a lot of diversity, it is really important that we maintain a standard that focusses on promoting local and regional businesses, not for pro ts etc.
These events would not be possible without many volunteers contributing on the day.
Thank you to our Central West Lachlan Landcare volunteers and Parkes Community Arts volunteers.
Thanks to the Parkes Shire Concert Band, Parkes Music and Dramatic Society and Spicy Mercury for providing our fabulous musical entertainment.
We love being able to showcase our local talent.
The Reptile Display and Bee Man were wonderful new inclusions.
Central West Lachlan Landcare have committed to delivering
next three years, twice a year. This is for our community.
We are supported by volunteers from our Committee, volunteers from the Parkes Community Arts Committee and with in-kind support from Parkes Shire Council and for this event, funding through the Open Streets program.
We will be holding our next event in conjunction with the NSW Keep Australia Beautiful Tidy Towns Awards, on Saturday, 11 October 2025 and look forward to sharing those details with you shortly.
If you would like to keep up to date with Homegrown Parkes and other Landcare activities, follow our social media or join our newsletter mailing list.
For further information on this article, please go to www.centralwestlachlanlandcare.org, twitter, facebook or Instagram @cwllandcare or contact Marg Applebee on
at
There was 8900 head mutton penned and quality was very mixed but prices li ed $30 to $60/head and more.
PHOTO: File
PHOTO: Parkes Camera Club
Eagles push Magpies to the final minutes
RUGBY LEAGUE
Eugowra’s Golden Eagles have toughed out a close contest with Cowra Magpies - just two points short at full time in a nail-biter.
A late try saw Cowra up 38-36 to claim the points in Round 3 of the Woodbridge Cup competition.
Cowra coach Phil Ingram paid tribute to the Eagles as a really tough side.
“They’d be one of our rst real tests for the year,” he said.
Cowra started well but gave Eugowra opportunities at times and the Golden Eagles - led by captain Curtis Wykampseized them.
Eugowra closed the gap right up until match was drawing to a close.
“You give any team an opportunity in this competition, with good eld positions, they’ll get a bit of con dence and score a couple of tries - Eugowra surely did that,” Ingram said.
“They scored a try with about ve minutes to go, putting Eugowra in front.”
Luke Kinsey crashed
over from dummy half at the end of the game, with Ricky Whitton able to kick a goal, scraping a victory by two points.
Mr Ingram said Cowra was fortunate to come away from the win, exploiting some ill discipline shown by Eugowra.
“They toughed it out, there was a lot of heavy hitting,” he said.
“Eugowra’s a really big side, very physical - and we matched them, giving as good as we got - but we do needed to be a bit smarter.
“When we were doing that, it was working really well for us, making metres and putting the pressure on. We did go away from that.”
Eugowra’s youth league side was also in a close but low-scoring contest.
Scoreboard for the day:
First Grade Eugowra 36 Cowra 38 League Tag Eugowra 6 Cowra 8 Youth League Eugowra 6 Cowra 50 Eugowra has another bye this weekend, then hit the road to Condobolin for the next games.
Golfers raise $3500 for Peter Murphy Memorial Fund
More than $3500 has been raised for the Peter Murphy Memorial Fund (PMMF) at the annual Forbes Rugby Union Club (FRUC) Charity Golf Day.
More than 70 golfers took part in the day (21 March) which honours the late Peter Murphy, who was a former player, club president and lifelong supporter of the Forbes Platypi.
The PMMF was established following the passing of the popular high-school teacher in 2017.
“Pete Murphy was such a big contributor to the local community, and there are countless stories of his generosity,
so this golf day has always been our small way of carrying on his legacy,” Life Pharmacy Group CEO, Michael Flannery, said.
“Over the last eight years, the PMMF has been helping disadvantaged youths in the Forbes region, by contributing to education fees or medical expenses and, just like Pete, it’s having a great impact on these young people. We’re happy to support the PMMF any way we can.”
Sponsors for the event included Life Pharmacy Group (LPG), Fugen Constructions, Green Grove Group, Causeway,
Bushman’s, Bernardi’s and The Book Dispensary.
The winners on the day were Tony Cogswell, Alf Davis, Andrew Cogswell, Andrew Dukes. Runners up were Troy Howe, Randall Grayson, Steve Betland, and Charlie Dwyer.
More than $650 in proceeds from the drinks cart was donated to support Forbes CanAssist.
“A special thank you goes out to the Bernardi family who again donated the drinks for the drinks cart which enables the taking to be donated to our local Can Assist volunteers,” Michael said.
EMAIL WHEN TO BOOK SELLING A CAR
Classifieds
Betland wins his ninth Golf Open
By SHORT PUTT
While the weather was certainly a major factor it was the better golf in the damp and very moist condi tions that provided the Champion Open golfer. And it was John Bet land who took the honours ahead of many fancied A-Grade players.
At the presentation, President Tony Cogswell thanked the spon sors (Forbes Shire, Golfie Hotel and Gunn Golf) and those visiting golf ers who had travelled from 16 clubs to participate.
The highest participation was by Condobolin (15), with West Wya long having 14 players and Young with 13 players. The travellers came from as far as Shelly Beach, Temora, Rich River, Trundle and Mudgee with many more within that expanse.
Overall, the Scratch results did not provide fanfares, probably a result of the heavy conditions and surprisingly faster greens than ex pected despite the moist surfaces. The Handicap results did produce some surprises.
The A-Grade Scratch and Open Trophy went to John Betland with a fine 72 score. His front-9 was im peccable with a birdie on the 2nd hole leading to a 1-under score at the turn. A blemish on the 13th with a bogey was countered by a birdie on the 15th but an untidy bogey on the last meant a 1-over back9 and an even par overall score. Finishing one shot back on 73 was Jarred Hunt (Goulburn) with the only difference being a par 36 on the front-9, along with a 37 on the back-9.
‘2’, with Adam Richards managing a 4-putt double-bogey. Overall there were fifteen 2’s with the 9th being the easiest for the A-Graders.
The Pro Shop Super-Pin went to Aaron Wilke (Pks) with a shot to 420 cm. There was no conversion for a ‘2’.
The B-Grade Scratch saw Aaron Leete (Mudgee) finish comfortably ahead on 87. He had an even spread across the halves but a couple of triple-bogeys hurt his score. Runner-up was Charlie Goodsell (Condo) on 89 nett who played well on the back-9 having started on the 10th tee but tripped up a bit on the front-9 heading for home.
The C-Grade Scratch went to Michael Haydon (Condo) with 93. He had a run of bogeys but a ‘triple’ on the 2nd hole was a major blow. Runner-up was Liam Fraser (Fbs) who was a distance back on 97.
The A-Grade Handicap results were close. Archie Quirk (Fbs) took the A-Grade with a nett 70 ahead of Tim West (Fbs) on nett 71. This was a fantastic effort by Archie who is flying down the handicap board with his Junior enthusiasm. Tim did well but little runs of bogeys just crept into his game.
The B-Grade Handicap went to Charlie Goodsell (Condo) who used his tall stance to also snare the BGrade longest drive. His score of 70 nett could have been better if he had carried his starting form on the back-9 into his homeward front-9. Runner-up was Jake LeBrocque (Fbs) with a nett 74. His calamity was on the front-9 where he three double-bogeys in a row to seriously dent his front-9 score.
The C-Grade Handicap went to Liam Fraser Fbs) with 76 nett. He had the usual story with a tidy front-9 but a few problems on the back-9 where two ‘triples’ and two ‘doubles’ caused him pain. The runner-up was Daniel Wallace (Trundle) with 77 nett. A tidy front-9 was looked good but a ‘Bo Derek’ to start the back-9 was a real stumbling block.
Other prizes went to: Veterans Handicap – Pat O’Connell (Fbs67 nett); Junior Handicap – Levi French (Young – 76 nett) and playing off a 1 handicap); Visitor Handi-
John Betland was nonchalant in his Winners speech. Having won the Forbes Open for the 9th time and stretching across 23 years of play he was well used to the limelight. Other multiple winners are well back on the sheet with K Giddings on four wins. S Beattie and S Betland tied on three wins and a handful on two wins.
Overnight rain and a few slight showers in the morning made for barely any run on the fairways. Some players showed the hallmarks of wet weather players while others seemed quite at odds. A couple of broken brollies were left stranded in rubbish bins while there was many a wet shoulder due to a lack of rainproof clothing.
A few players thought their golf ball needed more exposure to the water conditions. Of those starting on the 10th tee, two players in the first three groups had each put two balls into the water. The result was an ‘8’ or worse on that hole and generally a poor start to the round.
There were few birdies scored but some good individual results on individual halves. Jeremy Dickson (Dubbo) managed an ‘eagle’ on the 6th hole and consolidated that with a par on the 7th and a ‘2’ on the 9th. Then there were the hiccups where a good score was followed by a forgetful score.
Aaron Wilkie (Parkes) managed a birdie on the 6th but shot himself in the foot with a triple-bogey on the 7th. He still managed to finish with a scratch 74.
Jake LeBroque was pleased with a birdie on the 5th. But he was less pleased with double bogeys on the next two holes some of which were created from close proximity to the green. Another see-saw event was by Quintyn Fisher (Duntryleague) who started on the 10th with a double bogey but then started his ‘back-9’ with a ‘2’ on the 1st.
On Saturday a 4BBB Stableford was played, with 75 players par-
rain through the afternoon. But the scores were quite good without being remarkable. However, it was a home-grown success. The Handicap Stableford winning pair was Paul Pymont and Liam Fraser who managed to round up 45 points. Liam was certainly the dominate partner on the front-9 with his individual 23 points which would have been better but for a ‘miss’ on the 6th hole. But Paul covered that with a 2-pointer.
Handicap Runners-up were Brett Slack-Smith and Brian Clarke with 44 points, on count back from two other pairs. Brian was a ‘swinger’ and picked up a voucher prize as well as a ball with his other partner.
The Scratch Stableford went to Swayde Honeman and Levi French from Young GC. They had 41 points built on a good combination where they covered each other’s back Individually they did not score well but meshed very well.
Scratch runners-up were Peter Dawson and John Betland with their 40 points. Theirs was a classy par-golf with numerous 2-pointers and only a few 3-pointers as highlights. Much as you would expect from scratch and below golfers.
The NTP’s went to: 9th – Brien Hodges (Dubbo); 18th – Brad Hurley (Condo). The 3rd hole super pin went to Cooper Byrnes (Fbs) who plonked his ball a mere 200 cm from the hole. And yes he did get his ‘2’ which was one of the eight scored on the day.
Here is the news:
The Forbes Vets ‘Week of Golf’ begins on Monday 5 May with a 2-Person Ambrose. Individual competition is played on Tue and Wednesday with a ‘special’ 18-holes on Friday. Numbers are looking good with over 90 nominated. There are still a few spots in the field so if you want a game at the last minute then contact the Pro Shop.
The Forbes Ladies Open will be played on Sunday 4 May. Numbers for this are good with over 70 in the field plenty of visitors on the sheet. Late entries may be acceptable. But please contact Captain Sarah Black (0425 236096) or Sec Robin Lyell (0428 635558).
The course will be closed for
duly rolled back down the slope to where Frank played the shot - ah the joys of golf.
Also a cheerio call to Parkes member Graham Cook who is recovering after having leg surgery early last week at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital last week. We wish him a speedy recovery.
Next week Forbes will host the twin-towns competition and this will set the scene for the club’s Veterans Week of Golf to be played from Monday, May 5 to Friday, May
The week will start with a 2-ball Ambrose medley on the Monday and finish with an individual stableford on the Friday for play in the NSWVGA Medal.
President Barnes said there are still spots available and inquiries can be directed to the tournament office on 0435 585 460 or Forbes Pro Shop on 6851 1554. Nominations will also be taken on the day.
Forbes players are asked to bring a plate for each day’s play.
Last Tuesday 11 players took to the 12 hole social comp where Barry Shine was best with 24 points on a count-back from Max Haley while hot on their heels were Ross Williams and Peter Schofield.
cials on outgoing summers stock. Or you could merely by some new clubs.
It is crystal ball time: Sat 3 May has an Individual Stableford for the Men and a 4BBB Stableford for the Ladies. Sunday 4 May has the Ladies Open.
On the following weekend, the men’s comp on Sat 10 May will be the May Monthly Medal, while the ladies play a Stroke event. Sunday has a Stableford Medley.
VETS GOLF
Despite a one-two finish by Parkes’ Nym Dziuba and Dale Stait it was still not enough for the locals to claim the twin-towns shield in last week’s veterans golf competition.
Dziuba was confident of playing well prior to start time and he backed this up with a round of 42 points which should attract the attention of the handicappers.
Dale Stait was also in good form to finish a clear second on 39 points in the field of 30 which included south coast visitors Rod and Yvonne Sullivan and Brisbane based Richard Barnes - brother of Lachlan Valley and Forbes veterans president Peter Barnes - who picked up the encouragement award.
In the twin-towns shield for the best six scores from each club, Forbes players proved more consistent with a score of 210 points to Parkes’ 203.
The Forbes pair of Alf Davies and Kim Herbert were the A grade nearest-to-pin winners on the fourth and 11th holes respectively, while no B graders hit these greens in one.
Ball sweep winners – 37 points, Ted Morgan (F), Alex Mackinnon (F), 35 Kim Herbert (F), 34 Alf Davies (F), Peter Barnes (F), Don McKeowen (F), 33 John Fowler (P), Ken Walton (F), Steve Edwards (F), Steve Uphill (F), Barry Shine (F).
Forbes’ Frank Hanns had an unusual experience on the par four 16th - “I played the ball from the same spot twice and didn’t have an air swing,” Frank said. What did happen was Frank chipped on the green and as he was making his way to mark his ball it decided it didn’t like that position and
All are invited to play Tuesday morning and what value, for only a ‘comp fee’ of $3 you get to play with talent rarely seen in a social atmosphere after ball toss at 9am. And after quite a few take the opportunity to ‘do’ coffee which is a winner all round.
LADIES GOLF
Last Wednesday was a nice day for golf even though it was a bit windy at times.
The stableford event was sponsored by Acheson’s Mitre 10 and Garden Centre in two divisions. Division 1 scores were a little better this week with the result again being decided on a countback which saw Debbie Tilley come out the winner with 35 points.
Division 2 was won by a very excited Lindy Pollock with 33 points. NTP on the 9th went to Jean Judge with no one managing to stay on the 18th.
Balls went to Heather Davidson, Meg Scholefield, Ev Uphill and Jill Cripps to 30 points on a countback. On Saturday most of the ladies were out early and managed to avoid the rain which was very welcome.
A few played later but weren’t too bothered by the conditions. The Stableford Event in one division sponsored by Debbie Dingwall saw some good scores posted despite the fast greens, prepared for the men’s open on the Sunday, making the putting tricky.
Ev Uphill came out on top again on a countback with 37 points from Jill Cripps.
Balls went to Jill, Lindy Pollock and Rose Carroll to 35 on a countback. NTP went to Ev Uphill on the 9th and K Stirling on the 18th. This weekend is the ladies annual tournament with a 4BBB on the Saturday and an Individual Scratch, Handicap and Stableford event on the Sunday. The fields are looking good so far. Thankyou to our large group of sponsors.
Wednesday May 7 is an 18 Hole Stroke Event, Monthly Medal, Putting and Golf NSW Medal Round plus dropout Stableford for those not wanting to play Stroke. The sponsors are Colleen Venables and Teresa Armitage in two divisions. Don’t forget the “Vets Week of Golf” is also on from May 5 to 9.
Close contests in minor singles
LAWN BOWLS
By TARA SHAW
COMPETITION GAMES
Things are de nitely ramping up with the Minor Singles matching continuing through, not even the wet weather is deterring the dedicated bowlers from the greens.
First cab of the rank mid week last week was Mick Merritt and Pat O’Neill.
Being a dynamic duo in the Major Pairs they had to rely on their individual skills in this game.
Mick stamped his position early and won the game 26 to 11.
Geo Brown and Kerry Dunstan played on Thursday.
Neck and neck all the way until the 9th when Geo put his foot on the throttle and sprinted to the nish line winning 26-19.
Wet weather did not deter Clint Hurford coming up against Terry Molloy. 11-3 on 8, 14-9 on 13, Terry tried hard to ght back but Clint was to good and won 26-14.
Scott McKellar and Robert (Pooch) Dukes also played in on Saturday with the showers of rain. 7-5 on 8 this was shaping up to be close.
Pooch skipped ahead on 13 to lead 13-8 and held his lead until the end.
Pooch moves forward with a score of 25-14.
Our newest and youngest player to club championships Jax Murphy played John “The Gun” Cutler on Tuesday. The gun showing his experience leading 9-3 on 8.
Luck just wasn’t on Jax’s side that day but he tried his best. John won the game 27-3.
Playing his second round game, Mick Merritt drew Dale Scott. Dale leading early keeping Mick at zero points until the 11th end. Score board showing 20-1. This was a big score for Mick to chase but not impossible. Mick dug deep but couldn’t catch Dale, Dale taking the win 25-2.
Minor singles games continue throughout this week and weekend but we are all anticipating the playo for the Major Singles Championship played between Brian (Spro) Asimus and Geo Williams. Stay turned for date and time ...
SOCIAL BOWLS
WEDNESDAY BOWLS – Six games of pairs and one of triples played last week where ‘chief’ organiser Don Cra was slightly put o having to pay out four times instead of the two where card draw winners were Ross Williams and Laurie Crouch with an 18-all draw in 20 ends playing Bill Scott and Alf Davies.
It wasn’t only a drawn score as both won 10 ends each. It was the same with scores, 7-all a er 10 prior to 13-11 to Ross and Laurie a er 15 then 17-11 at the end of 17 looking good. Not so, Bill and Alf added ve on the next two ends to lead 1817. To nish Ross and Laurie drew with a single.
Jamie Dukes and Lyall Strudwick were runners-up winning 21-14 in 18 over Anne Nixon and Noel Jolli e.
The winners also looked good, 11-4 a er nine before 13-all at the end of 14 for 7-1 to Jamie and Lyall in the last four ends.
Another drawn game was triples with Bill O’Connell, Barry White and Kerry Dunstan having a 16-all result playing Lyn Simmons, Cheryl Hodges and Peter Mackay in 16. 3-all a er four, 6-all a er nine, and 14-9 at the end of 13 to Peter’s crew before 7-2 to Kerry’s trio in the last three ends.
Angela Dent and Paul Doust won 26-10 in 18 over Geo Coles and Don Cra leading 13-4 at the end of nine.
Closer for Irene Riley and Bob Grant winning 17-14 in 18 over Therese Davis and Billy Cowell having to come from 0-8 down at the end of ve and 7-12 down at the end of 11.
The run home for Irene and Bob to win with 10-2 in the last seven ends.
Garry James and Major Singles nalist Geo Williams got the better of Gail McKay and Barry Shine winning 18-11 in 20 ends. 7-4 a er eight then 12-7 a er 15.
Brisbane visitor Richard Barnes led for his brother Peter to win 2418 in 20 over Terry Molloy and John Gorton. 11-0 to the Barnes brothers a er ve and 22-8 a er 14 but they did let in a six on end 17. In-club winners, John Gorton and Barry Shine.
THURSDAY BOWLS – 18 players took to the greens for Thursday Social bowls.
Alan Hilder and Laurie Crouch drew Noel Hocking and Cherie Vincent. Alan and Laurie won 20-10
The long Wayne Burton and the short Max Vincent teamed against John Baass and Glen Kearney. John and Glenn took out the win 28-10.
Our triples games was played between Hayden Milne, Jamie Dukes and Bobby Grant drawing Joe McLinden, Terry Molloy and Bruce (Posso) Jones. Bobby Grant’s team coming away with the win 16-10.
Ben Parslow and Dale Scott played Dale Maynard and Viv Russell. The closest game of the day but the victors of the day were Dale Maynard and Viv Russell.
Resting Touchers: Viv Russell. Raspberries: Bobby Grant & Joe McLinden.
Winning Rink: Alan Hilder and Laurie Crouch
Losing Rink: Joe McLinden, Terry Molloy and Posso Jones. Jackpot was rink 15, they needed a 18 but drew a 16. Not won. No Sunday Social bowls this week due to inclement weather.
Croquet club on the courts and in our community
CROQUET
Aussie Croquet was played on Saturday 26 April 2025 with only a very small number of 24 in attendance.
The only visitor was Ben Wahl from Sydney and a rst time player he so enjoyed the game.
All three games were won by Noel Jolli e, Bill Scott, Lyn Simmonds and Barry White. Congratulations to those players. Whilst two games were won by Russell Anderson, John Browne, Geo Coles, Allan Jones, Elvy Quirk, Kevin Rubie, John Farah, Frank Donohoe and David West. Well done also to those players.
14/12 scores were recorded by Geo Coles & Noel Jolli e def Irene Riley & Vince Roberts, Barry White & Lyn Simmonds def Fay Picker & Russell Anderson, Frank Donohoe & Marie Spry def Ben Wahl & David West: 14/11 scores as follows: Lyn Simmonds & Bill Scott def Allan Jones & John Farah, Elvy Quirk & May Jones def Kevin Wenning & Peter Mackay, Frank Donohoe & Barry White def Neil Riley & Cheryl Toohey, Allan Jones & John Farah def May Jones & Vince Roberts, Rex Toole & Bill Scott def Cheryl Toohey & Peter Mackay, Geo Coles & Noel
day 29 April with 35 in attendance. It was quite a damp morning on the grass early.
All three games were won by Frank Donohoe, Kevn Rubie & Mal Smith whilst two games were won by Belinda Facey, Neil Gilmour, Noel and Sue Jolli e, May Jones, Colleen Liebich, Helen Lupis, Irene Riley, Elvy Quirk, Peter West & Kevin Wenning. Well done to all those players. Belinda Facey is only relatively new to the game and is playing some good croquet.
West def Sally Perry & Noel Jolli e, Frank Donohoe & May Jones def Fay Picker & Rex Toole, Kevin Rubie & Helen Lupis def Neil Riley & Neil Gilmour.
Vale Bruce Field: Sadly last week we had to say a nal goodbye to one of our very valued members. Bruce Field passed away in the Forbes Hospital last Wednesday.
Jolli e def Elvy Quirk & Vince Roberts, Barry White & Kevin Wenning def John Browne & Peter Mackay, Lyn Simmonds & Bill Scott def Ma-
rie Spry & Fay Picker: 14/10 scores as follows: John Browne & Russell Anderson def Marie Spry & Kevin Rubie, David West & Ben Wahl def Fay Picker & Rex Toole, John Browne & Elvy Quirk def Irene Riley & Geo Coles, Kevin Rubie & Noel Jolli e def Kevin Wenning & Neil Riley, Russell Anderson & Kevin Rubie def May Jones & Neil Riley, Allan Jones & John Farah def Frank Donohoe & Rex Toole,: 14/9
David West & Ben Wahl def Irene
Riley & Rex Toole: Golf Croquet was played on Tues-
On the day 10/3 scores were recorded by Mal Smith (solo) def Lyn Simmonds & Kevin Wenning, Bill Scott & Mal Smith def Sue Wade & John Farah: 9/4 scores Kevin Rubie & Neil Gilmour def Neil Riley & Helen Lupis, Kevin Wenning & Bill Scott def Ray Martin & Allan Jones: 8/5 scores as follows: Helen Lupis & Noel Jolli e def Fay Picker & Graham Falconer, Kevin Rubie & Ann Mackay def Irene Riley & Barry White, Frank Donohoe & Sue Wade def Belinda Facey & Lyall Strudwick, Kevin Rubie & Irene Riley def Elvy Quirk & Margaret Dent, Sue & Noel Jolli e def Sally Perry & Barry White, Ray Martin & Neil Gilmour def Helen Lupis & Irene Riley, Kevin Wenning & Roma Wicks def Lyall Strudwick & Russell Anderson, Frank Donohoe & Marie Spry def Graham Falconer & Evelyn Mahlo, Elvy Quirk & Peter
7/6 close scores were recorded as follows: May Jones & Neil Riley def Sue Wade & Bill Scott, Elvy Quirk & John Browne def Peter West & Ray Martin, Colleen Liebich & Russell Anderson def Neil Gilmour & Rex Toole, Evelyn Mahlo & Peter Mackay def Roma Wicks & Marie Spry, Allan Jones & John Farah def Sally Perry & Margaret Dent, Colleen Liebich & Peter West def May & Allan Jones, Rex Toole & Belinda Facey def Lyn Simmonds & Peter Mackay, Fay Picker (solo) def Ann Mackay(solo). Belinda Facey & Margaret Dent def Evelyn Mahlo & Sue Wade, Irene Riley & Mal Smith def Sue Wade & John Farah:
ANZAC Day: On ANZAC Day a wreath was laid for and on behalf of the Croquet Club by President Elvy, with the wreath having been made by John Browne, Thank you to John.
ANZAC Day in Forbes was celebrated with a large gathering for the Dawn Service as well as the march and the o cial proceedings at the cenotaph. It was so wonderful to see the large number of school students, pre school students etc take part in the March.
He was 97 years of age and lived a very full life.
Bruce joined the Croquet Club in 2009 and I am told he fast became an accomplished player.
He and his late wife Lorna quickly became involved in the sport and a er the Croquet lawns were established at Halpins Flat in 2012 both Bruce and Lorna played an active role.
Bruce could be seen marking the croquet lawns, mowing and being the general odd job man.
The very reason Bruce was awarded Life Membership of the Club in 2017. His quick sense of humour always prevailed and it was unusual to hear Bruce complain as he always valued the companionship of others at Croquet giving credit when credit was due.
We will miss seeing his smiling face and to the family, the Executive and members of the Croquet Club extend their deepest sympathy.
Croquet Members are preparing to celebrate World Croquet Day on Thursday 1 May with a fun day, a game and a light lunch at the end. Until next week, stay well, stay safe.
By ELVY QUIRK
Alf Davies on the Forbes Sports and Recreation Club greens. PHOTO: Jenny Kingham
Netball to host hundreds for carnival
By ROBYN KENNY
The Forbes Netball Association is planning a huge weekend of netball this weekend to kick o the start of the winter season.
The annual all age and representative carnival will be held on Sunday, where over 500 players and o cials will travel to Forbes to play some great games of netball.
A crowd of around 2,000-3,000 is expected on the Stephan Field grounds during the day.
Teams from the Central West, Far West and Riverina will compete for a full day of games, in what is one of the leading carnivals in the Central West Region.
Representative and club teams will travel from Blayney, Orange, Young, Bathurst, Cowra, West Wyalong, Parkes, Yass, Warren and Forbes.
Ages will range in age divisions from 9-11 years mixed, 12 years mixed, 13 years, 14 years, 15 years and open ladies, with games starting at 8-30am
and teams competing throughout the day in a round robin of games.
The FNA would like to thank Forbes Shire Council for their continued support in the preparation of the Stephan Field grounds.
The committee is looking forward to organising the carnival, with lots of preparation to be done before the day as well as on Sunday.
Forbes teams will be represented by two teams in 11U, 12 reps, 13 reps and 14 reps, with the three representative teams preparing for the NNSW Junior State Titles to be played in July at Penrith.
The day for Forbes families will start at 6am, with the grounds prepared for the teams, by erecting Forbes team gazebos, nal touches to the courts and post pads, and the preparation of the food to be served from the canteen during the day.
Approximately 250 games of netball will be played on 12
courts during the day in a round robin of games.
NetSetGo for Saturday Saturday will see the start of the NetSetGo season for all players aged from 5/6 years to 10 years and over.
The sessions will run for one hour each Saturday morning at 9-30 till 10-30, during school terms.
NetSetGo is a fun session where boys and girls learn the fundamentals of the great game of netball, including balance, team work and ball skills.
Registrations for NetSetGo are now open on Forbes Netball PlayHQ or help will be provided on Saturday.
May 10 will be a free Come and Try day for anyone who wants to come along and try the fun sessions before they register.
NetSetGo is run by accredited coaches creating a fun and safe environment for the young boys and girls to learn lots while having fun with old friends and meeting new friends.
FootyNRL TIPPING
Lucy Webb with the ball, with goal attack Madi West and goal shooter Polly McMillan at the 2024 carnival.
MAGPIES SWOOP IN SENSATIONAL SEASON OPENER
A 46-16 win in first grade put the icing on a four-grade blitz as Forbes Magpies opened the 2025 rugby league season at home at Spooner Oval on Sunday.
Anticipation for the first contest of the Peter McDonald Premiership has been building with the recruitment talk around the club’s off-season recruitment.
But talk’s cheap, captain Nick Greenhalgh acknowledged post-match on Sunday.
His star-studded side knew they had to put in the work, and the way they showed up for each other on the field was what counted.
FULL STORY PAGE 12
Captain Jack’s 2025 vision
RUGBY UNION
By CHRISTINE LITTLE
New Platypi rst grade
captain Jack Hogan is a club man and believes it’s good to surround yourself with likeminded people.
That’s why he ts in so well at the Forbes Rugby Union Club he says, who have welcomed him with open arms.
The 25-year-old is originally from Bathurst and moved to Forbes at the start of the year to work as a livestock agent.
He’s been playing rugby since he was 10 and has had on-and-o stints in Sydney since he was 13, and last year played in Crookwell while he was working in Goulburn.
This is his rst senior captaincy and despite their 23-48
round one of the Blowes Cup competition, he’s feeling optimistic.
“The club has a lot of ticker,” Hogan said.
“If we can bring our heads together and have a good crack, we’ve got a good chance at causing an upset.”
But he’s not complacent, he knows there’s a lot of work ahead of them.
Especially with a new-look side a er the Platypi lost some players in the o season but gained some younger talent.
“Every game is going to be a tough one,” he said, adding that this can be overcome through good
“I thought our rst half [in round one] was pretty bloody unreal.
“It was 15-17 at half time.”
And Hogan was feeling con dent.
“But then we piggy-backed them up the eld in the second half which was frustrating,” he said.
Hogan believes the Dubbo Kangaroos are the competition’s biggest threat.
Dubbo’s round one clash with the Bathurst Bulldogs was rated the ‘match of the round’ by Central West Rugby Union.
It said “it’s not o en you get the previous year’s wooden spooners knocking o
champions in round one after all, and doing it on the road to boot”.
“I think Dubbo is the strongest team,” Hogan said.
“Bathurst have been on top for the last three years, they’re a very good team but Dubbo has been doing a lot of work and you can see it.
“But I think if we work well together we might be able to surprise them.”
For Hogan, a stand-out player for the Platypi is the one they call Big Jerry - Seremaia Nakala.
“He’s a big man who makes a big impact and he’s hard to move,” Hogan said.
“He played the full 80 min-
Also keep your eye on Sam Parish - Hogan’s co-captain and the Forbes Rugby Union club president - he has a “good footy head”.
“He knows what he’s doing and he’s good with the boys and the younger players,” Hogan said.
“He knows how to talk to them.”
Family day Saturday 3 May Platypi are at home and hosting their family day at the lake-side ovals.
On field they’re taking on Orange City, off field there’s face painting and jumping castle fun from 12.30 to 3.30pm. Vote and head to the footy!
