BRENDON STEPS UP FOR RMHC
‘Fund our theatre’
MP’s call for local priorities in State budget
Forbes’ need for a new operating theatre is before NSW Parliament again as our local MP calls on the government to include funding in the next State budget.
Member for Orange Philip Donato said the need for a new, modern theatre was undeniable as he brought forward four priorities for the electorate for funding in the 2025/2026 NSW Budget on 13 May.
“The existing theatre is over 50 years old and is no longer t for purpose,” Mr Donato said in Parliament.
“It was used for approximately 770 procedures last year alone, which is a heavy load for a single, outdated theatre.
“During a visit, the Minister for Health and I both witnessed the ageing facility and heard directly from sta about the growing surgical demand.
“The need for a new, modern theatre at Forbes hospital is undeniable.”
Forbes Shire Council has been lobbying for a new theatre for a number of years now.
visited Forbes mid-2024, speaking with sta here while on a two-day tour of the region, and later acknowledged that in Parliament.
“It is a genuine issue,” he said on 13 August 2024.
“Obviously there are budget constraints at the moment.
“Budgets are always tight, particularly in health. But I am prepared to sit down with the member, the community, local representatives from Health Infrastructure and, of course, the local health district to see what we what we can do to upgrade the facility.”
Mr Donato’s budget priorities included the need to repair water infrastructure damaged in the 2022 central west ood events.
With oods now devastating the mid north coast and Hunter regions, Parkes Shire Council alone is still facing an estimated $20 million repair to its Lake Endeavour pipeline from 2022.
“The former government allocated $145 million to rebuild similar water assets in northern rivers following oods, therefore equity and fairness demands a compa-
rable commitment for the central west,” Mr Donato said.
Mr Donato also called for robotic-assisted surgery at Orange Health Service.
“This would be a transformative step for health care in western New South Wales and would bring clear bene ts for patients, facilities and medical practitioners,” Mr Donato said.
“Sydney currently has at least 25 robots serving a population of 5.18 million, which is a ratio of one robot per 207,000 people.
“The Orange medical catchment serves approximately 250,000 people, and this strongly justi es one robot.
“Installing this technology in Orange would signicantly enhance cancer care pathways in the region and bring regional health care up to modern standards.”
His nal budget call was to back the community’s longstanding call for improved passenger rail services, speci cally to extend the Bathurst Bullet to Orange.
A petition for this gained more than 10,000 signatures.
EUGOWRA RALLIES FOR BIGGEST MORNING TEA
EUGOWRA, you’re making a difference. Anne Bray, who is pictured with daughter Jess and husband Mark, was guest speaker at the Eugowra community’s 2025 Biggest Morning tea and thanked everyone involved for their support of the annual Cancer Council fundraiser. It’s 15 months since Anne was diagnosed with cancer, and she acknowledged the funding that has supported research to provide her with the treatments that have her where she is today.
Health Minister Ryan Park
Your top shots can help preschool
FORBES ROTARY IPOMOEA
Do you have a photograph that makes you think, “Hey that’s not too bad”?
Why not enter your photo or photos in the rst ever Rotary Club of Forbes Ipomoea’s July 5 amateur photography competition?
Rotary members recently visited the Forbes Preschool and director Amy Shine showed them around the preschool’s new therapy room where speech and language and occupational therapy sessions are conducted.
The photography competition has been arranged so that Rotarians can support this speech and
language therapy focus at the Preschool, as early intervention is vital leading into kindergarten.
Anyone can enter their photos. They can be printed o on a home computer. Rotarians ask that photos not be framed, just mounted onto cardboard for easy display.
There are no size restrictions. No entry fee for photography entries.
The exhibition is on Saturday 5 July, and will be held in the Club Forbes Function Room.
Rotary Ipomoea members will accept entries right up to the morning of 5 July.
You can book your entry in by
emailing or just bring them to the club between 9am and 11am.
Judging is from 12noon to 2pm. Rotarians have three independent judges for this event.
The ve sections are varied giving lots of options for nding a section for your favourite photos. The sections are: Landscape, Portrait, Animals/Birds, Travel, Focus on Active Forbes, Farm Life/ Machinery.
Rotarians really wanted to add the Focus on Active Forbes section so people out and about in our town can take some action shots, maybe on the footy eld or guarding the soccer goals or climbing the AMAZING sign or
marching on ANZAC Day. This section really will be hard to judge. We are hoping for great variety.
The exhibition will be open at 2pm for public viewing of the exhibits and sponsorship has been achieved for rst and second prize in each section.
The general public as well as photographers are invited to come along and view the sections from 2pm and be on hand for the presentation of awards at 5pm.
Find out more by PH: 0439 708 456 or 0427 201 445 E: mtnewell@ bigpond.com or look at the Rotary Club of Forbes Ipomoea Facebook page.
WHAT’S ON in and around Forbes
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
RECONCILIATION COMMUNITY
GATHERING
Thursday 29 May
CatholicCare Wilcannia Forbes presents a Reconciliation Community Gathering today (Thursday) from 11am to 1pm at the Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre. There will be music and activities, ochre face painting, curry soups and Johnny cakes.
The National Reconciliation Week theme is Bridging Now to Next and re ects the connection between past, present and future. For information or to RSVP contact Chrissy on 6850 1777.
TALK2MEBRO WORKSHOP
Friday30 May
While Talk2MeBro’s free community catch-ups provide a taste of what they o er, this workshop delves deeper, setting itself apart with its intensi ed focus and depth. Guided by their top-tier facilitators experience a comprehensive deep dive into breath, self-awareness, healing, and collective consciousness with Talk2mebro. This event is for both women and men and will be held at the Forbes Youth and Community Centre from 6.30pm to 9:45pm. Book your spot at Humanitix.
OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT
Friday 30 May
Forbes Youth Action Team is bringing Runt to the big screen at Nelson Park for a fun, family outdoor movie night. There will be popcorn, fairy oss, doughnuts, co ee and food vans.
THE GOLDEN PLOUGH
Saturday, 31 May and Sunday, 1 June
The Golden Plough is one of the most prestigious ploughing competitions in Australia which rst began in 1976. This year it will be held at the Peak Hill Showground. Gate entry is $15 which covers both days. Read the full story on page 15 for more insight and information.
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. 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
FLOOD RESILIENT BUSINESS FORUM
Tuesday, 3 June
This forum is for businesses who have, or are at risk of, over- ood ooding either from stormwater or a ood event. NSW Reconstruction Authority has organised experts from the Resilient Homes Program team to present to businesses about practical things they can do to prepare for and recover from ooding. Register online through events.humanitix.com
BEDGERABONG COMMUNITY CUPPA
Tuesday, 3 June
INDOOR MARKET
Saturday 14 June
The markets are moving indoors for June! Rotary Ipomoea’s market will be at Forbes Youth and Community Centre from 8am to midday. Phone to book a stall on 0427 201 445. If the weather is mild there will be stalls outdoors as well, including co ee and the Rotary breakfast caravan.
CANOWINDRA’S TWELVE-HOUR DANCE
22 June, 10am - 10pm - Tickets $15
The New Vogue and Social Dance Group presents the Twelve-Hour Dance at Canowindra Services Club. Featuring a special dance demonstration by well-known dancers and choreographers, Andrea and John Barwick. Music will be provided by Barry Whitty and Phil Redenbach, and the MC will be Doug Moorby. Further details contact Gail on 0417 747 338.
MOCK CRASH AUDITIONS
Thursday, 5 June
Calling all aspiring young actors from across the region, mock crash auditions for 2025 will be held at the Parkes SES Shed located in Clarke Street from 5pm to 8pm. You must be 16 or over. You must register to attend the auditions by calling our Road Safety O cer Melanie Suitor on 6861 2364 or email melanie.suitor@parkes.nsw.gov.au
PEAK HILL ARTS AND CRAFT EXHIBITION
Saturday and Sunday, 7-8 June
BYO chair and blankets - and don’t forget to rug up warm! It’s all on at Nelson Park from 4.30pm for a movie start time of 5.30pm.
HOPE IN SUFFERING
Saturday 31 May
All are welcome to attend an evening of re ection as Forbes Anglican Church tackles one of life’s most di cult questions: Why would a good God allow su ering and is there hope?
The event will be held on Saturday 31 May at 7pm in the Forbes Anglican Church Hall. All members of the community are warmly invited to attend.
Whether you’re grappling with your own su ering, supporting someone you love, or simply curious, this evening promises to be thoughtful, compassionate, and real. Light refreshments will be provided.
JOURNALISTS
Renee Powell 0448 238 023
rpowell@midwestmedia.com.au
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CLASSIFIEDS (02) 6342 1044
Are you new to Bedgerabong or have lived in Bedgerabong for decades? Head to the Bedgerabong Hall From 10am until midday for a community cuppa. Come along and get to know others in the community. Contact Anne Earney for more details on 0427 808 158.
MEN’S HEALTH CHECKS
Friday 13 June, Saturday 14 June
Rotary is bringing the MHERV - the Men’s Health Education Rotary Van - to Forbes offering free health checks.
If you don’t remember the last time you had a check up, then it’s time. They’ll check your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
The van will be in Harold Street, opposite Town Hall, on Friday 13 June from 9.30am to 4.15pm. It will be at the Rotary Markets at Forbes Youth Centre on Saturday 14 June from 9.30am to 4.15pm.
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ADVERTISING
Michelle Brown 0429 421 044
Peak Hill’s 52nd Annual Arts and Cra Exhibition returns on the June long weekend. There will be works on display and demonstrations at the Peak Hill Leisure Arts and Cra Centre as well as The Carrington.
PARKES PICNIC RACES
Saturday, 7 June
Are you ready for the 2025 Parkes Picnic Races? Wear your nest for Fashions on the Field and enjoy entertainment by Easy Goin.
TULLAMORE CENTENARY SHOW GALA
Saturday, 7 June
Help celebrate 100 years of the Tullamore Show at their Centenary Gala at the Tullamore Memorial Hall. Early bird tickets are on sale now at 123tix.com. This is a 18 years plus black tie event. Bring your own drinks and nibbles and enjoy music by Foxxy Cleopatra. This will be a night to remember, so get your tickets early.
www.forbesadvocate.com.au
mbrown@midwestmedia.com.au
think, “Hey that’s not too bad”? Enter it in the competition on 5 July.
FROST AND FIRE
SATURDAY 21 JUNE.
Brendon’s giving back
A home away from home is what many families in Forbes have called the Ronald McDonald House in Orange.
A home that has and continues to provide comfort, support and resources to 170 families in the Forbes Shire who travel far from home for the medical care their child needs.
Brendon Allegri and his family is one of those 170 Forbes families who have used the service and now Brendon wants to give back to the service that helped his family.
The Partner/Forbes Sales Specialist at Ray White Forbes will be taking part in the CEO Walk in My Shoes raising money and awareness for the Ronald McDonald House Charity.
“I want to give something back because it is such a good service,” Brendon said.
“I was discussing it (CEO Walk in My Shoes) with one of the managers in Orange.
“I came to know her because my son in 2020, when he was born we stayed in Ronald McDonald House for a while.”
Brendon and his family didn’t know this service was available to them or that it even existed.
“Like everything until you go through the process you don’t know it’s there but because we were over 100kms away from where we had to be they o ered that service because it is right next to the hospital, it was ideal,” he said.
“We could focus on what we were there for in hospital.”
By staying in the House Brendon was provided with meals and was able to duck backwards and forwards to visit his wife in hospital.
“The volunteers were really lovely, they were there looking out for everyone and it brings you down to earth when you see what some people are going through as some people are staying there for quite a while,” Brendon said.
By taking part in the CEO Walk in My Shoes Brendon will be staying 24 hours in Ronald McDonald House at Orange from 29 to 30 May.
He and other CEO’s fundraising for the House will be cooking and serving breakfast and dinner to families, understand what some families go through and gain a unique insight on what it takes to run the House and create a sense of empathy for the families that stay at the House.
Brendon has also been fundraising in the lead up to his 24 hour stay at the House in Orange.
“It’s exciting to raise a bit of money and help out in that way, it’s something we can do with not much trouble.
“There has been a lot of people reach out from my fundraiser that I know that I didn’t know have used the service recently or previously.
“What surprised me is there is more people that have used the facility than you know.
“Even a couple of doctors and medical professionals in town have reached out and they are keen to keep the service going because it obviously helps all their patients.”
Forbes families have stayed at the Ronald McDonald House in Orange 221 times for a total of 906 nights by the end of April 2025.
By staying at the house these 170 Forbes families have saved more than $134,700 in accommodation expenses.
“For those people who have been in care for six to 12 months the cost to stay somewhere else away from home would be astronomical if you were also paying your normal home situation. For people who are there for a long time it’s a massive advantage to them.
“We were there on a couple of shorter occasions but it was really good to have people (volunteers) there, be close to the hospital and if you’ve got kids they’ve got equipment so it’s a bit of a distraction.”
Brendon says if we don’t raise money for charities and facilities like the Ronald McDonald House they will fold.
“We used it, it was pretty easy for us to do that and we will try and give something back in that way,” Brendon added. If you want to help Brendon reach his goal of $5000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities you can donate to https://www. ceowalkinmyshoes.org.au/fundraisers/ brendonallegri/ceo-walk-in-my-shoesorange
Highway tragedy after car, truck crash
A woman has died after a car and truck collided on the Newell Highway, south of Forbes, on Thursday morning.
Emergency services were called to the Newell Highway, about 25km south of Forbes, about 9.25am on 22 May.
Officers attached to Central West Police District attended and found a truck and a car had collided, NSW Police said in a statement issued to media.
The driver of the car – a woman – tragically died at the scene.
The driver of the truck – a 65-year-old man –was taken for mandatory testing.
Police commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash, with assistance from officers attached to the Crash Investigation Unit.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
The Newell Highway remained closed in both directions for much of Thursday.
Man,
24, arrested after police surround home
Police have seized knuckle dusters and substances alleged to be MDMA and cannabis in a search on a Forbes home.
Acting on information provided, officers established a perimeter around the home on Tuesday morning, 27 May.
After five people left the premises, police were granted permission to search the home, arresting a 24-year-old man in a bedroom.
He was taken to Forbes Police Station where he was charged with two outstanding arrest warrants for offences including stalk/intimate, use offensive weapons with intent to commit indictable offence, and being armed with intent to commit indictable offence.
The man was refused bail to face Forbes Local Court.
BREAK-INS
Police are actively investigating another spike of break-ins and vehicle thefts after offenders struck on Monday night.
Chief Superintendent Scott Rayner said police were out canvassing neighbourhoods, seeking footage, and with forensics to attend after a busy night.
Offenders stole car keys from one home, and then stole the two vehicles from the property, between 9.30pm Monday and 6.30am on Tuesday.
Police continue looking for a 2017 grey Holden Barina and a 2023 White Isuzu DMax that were taken.
Forensic officers were also attending a Rankin Street business that had been damaged in a break-in, between closing Monday afternoon and returning Tuesday morning.
At least one more vehicle break-in had been reported at the time of the Advocate preparing for press.
Police do urge continued vigilence around home and vehicle security and encourage people to report suspicious activity to them by phoning 6853 9999.
Brendon Allegri of Ray White Forbes will be taking part in this year’s CEO Walk in My Shoes raising funds for Ronald McDonald House PHOTO: Madeline Blackstock
By MADELINE BLACKSTOCK
Royal Far West celebrates 100 years of support
During the month of May, the Royal Far West celebrated many milestones.
On 17 May a ball was held in Dubbo to celebrate the longevity of the charity.
100 years ago, the idea came from Reverend Stanley Drummond who was based at Cobar, to bring children from the Far West to Manly to visit the seaside.
There have been many changes within the charity from its humble beginnings in Cobar to what it is today.
Two of our volunteers, Ngarie and Lorraine, travelled to Dubbo to represent the Forbes branch of the Royal Far West.
The gala ball in Dubbo was a celebration of a successful fundraising ride by 100 cyclists who cycled from Bourke to Cobar to Narromine.
More than $845,779 was raised through the ride and the ball.
Over the 100 years many branches were opened to assist with fundraising and numerous ways were undertaken to assist with raising
funds. Betty Muzyczuk and her many followers raised a signi cant amount of funds to assist with the funding of the Royal Far West.
The opening of op shops was another way to assist with fundraising and a branch was opened at Port Macquarie in 1934.
The railway lines in western New South Wales in 1937 allowed a railway carriage to become a mobile baby health clinic with Sister Brooks in charge.
This was followed by the opening of an aerial baby clinic covering areas even further west.
Aviatrix Nancy Bird was ying clinic sisters even further west to remote outstations and settlements west of Bourke.
There was many changes and improvements over the next four decades as there were depression years, World War II, an outbreak of polio, and the charity has broadened its services to cover the community’s needs.
SUPPORT ROYAL FAR WEST IN FORBES
Our annual general meeting is taking place on 13 June 2025 at our op shop in Templar Street at 10am.
We are currently holding a sale on our ladies winter clothes. The ladies winter clothes are $2 each and ladies coats from $5.
All other clothing and items are normal prices.
Our local branch of the Royal Far West (Sunshine Club) here in Forbes has been operating for 86 years. Thank you for the donations and the support of Royal Far West.
Our birthday book is open and best wishes go out to Emma, Marko’s Kay’s TJay, Marko’s Danny’s Kate, Bruce Almighty’s Grace, Broadacres, Nut Nut, Tomato, Star Gazer, Marko’s TJay’s CJay, Traz, Marko’s Kay and Aussie Pinnay.
We also have to say a big thank you to our volunteers: for how you help, what you do, a big thank you.
‘Til next time, stay safe.
By REENIE
I am deeply moved by the outpouring of thoughts and prayers during my recent illness. Your support has been a beacon of hope and strength for me and my family during this challenging time.
I am grateful for each and every one of you who took the time to send well wishes, offer prayers, and provide comfort. Your kindness and compassion have made a profound impact on my recovery.
Thank you for standing by me and showing the true spirit of our wonderful community. Together, we have demonstrated that Forbes is not just a place, but a family that cares deeply for one another. Thank you.
I will be taking it slowly while I fully recover but am already feeling more myself since being back in Amazing Forbes.
Rug up and come along for a family movie night on Friday night at Nelson Park. Join the Forbes Shire Council team from 4.30pm for some pre movie fun including face painting, giant garden games and food vendors. The movie RUNT will feature from 5.30pm. Everyone is asked to BYO chairs and blankets.
Forbes businesses - NSW Reconstruction Authority is hosting a business forum to help Central West business owners who have experienced or are at risk of over-floor flooding. The presentation will include practical tips and advice about building materials.
This will be held at Club Forbes, 41-45 Templar Street, from 6 - 8pm on Tuesday 3 June. The colder weather has made me think of winter, fire buckets and hearty food, which means Frost and Fire must be getting close. Tickets on sale now. We have sold a lot of tickets to people away so we don’t want the locals to miss out.
By PHYLLIS MILLER OAM, FORBES MAYOR
Council making progress at Johnny Woods Crossing
Upgrade works around Johnny Woods Crossing as part of the Lake Forbes Activation Plan continue.
The crossing has been closing to road tra c during working hours since work began on Monday 5 May, and Forbes Shire Council has given a community update through social media.
So far, they have made progress on: Culvert extensions with an enhanced water gate to better manage water ow during oods; The new footpath on the eastern side of Johnny Woods Crossing; Early stages of enhanced landscaping around the area.
The council says upgrade works continue, with the goal improving access, safety and ood resilience with a more vibrant Lake Forbes.
The crossing remains closed to road tra c during working hours, opening outside those hours, with pedestrian access on the western side still open.
Draft Community Strategic Plan, Delivery Program, Operational Plan, Statement of Revenue Policy and Schedule of Fees and Charges 2025/26
In accordance with ss.405-405 of the Local Government Act 1993, Council places on public exhibition its draft Forbes Community Strategic Plan 20252035, Delivery Program 2025-2029 and Operational Plan 2025/26, Statement of Revenue Policy 2025/26 and Schedule of Fees and Charges 2025/26. For more information go to https://www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/council/tenders-publicexhibitions-and-expressions-of-interest/public-exhibitions. All submissions must be received in
by Council, addressed to the General Manager, by 5:00pm on 13 June 2025, either by email to forbes@forbes.nsw.gov.au, via post: PO Box 333, Forbes NSW 2871 or at Council’s Administration Office at 2 Court Street, Forbes.
FREE Outdoor Family Movie Night Friday, 30th May, 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Nelsons
weekend
caretaker role at the beautiful Apex Riverside Tourist Park, located on the banks of the Lachlan River. Council welcomes Expressions of Interest until 5:00pm Sunday 15 June 2025. For more information go to https://www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/council/tenderspublic-exhibitions-and-expressions-of-interest/tenders-and-eoi .
Eugowra’s emergency siren being restored
Eugowra has taken a step closer to restoring its ood siren as a local emergency warning system, with the successful sounding at 11am on Saturday 3 May.
The NSW State Emergency Services Commissioner was among those to gather on the ground for the occasion which Superintendent Joshua Clark, Deputy Zone Commander for Western Zone, said was a culmination of two years’ work and consultation with the community.
“People came into town to hear it - a couple of people came in to record it, because it’s the rst time in many years it’s actually gone o ,” Supt Clark said.
But it did work and it was heard right across the town.
For Danny Townsend, long-time Rural Fire Service volunteer and Eugowra Supermarket owner, it’s a critical part of the local disaster warning.
“People will take notice,” he said.
The history of the siren was recently prepared for the Eugowra News, kindly shared with The Advocate
Theo Wykamp and Vin Forest procured the siren from a mine, where it was used as a warning that a blast was about to occur.
Theo was re captain at the time, and they installed it at the Eugowra re shed.
The siren has been out of use for a number of years now, perhaps last used in the 2001 bush res.
The tragedy of the 2022 ood event has brought it back to the fore.
Supt Clark said the SES has been through a lengthy process of restoring the siren to its place locally – as well as hosting local information sessions around the Australian warning system and the Hazards Near Me app.
A survey last year asked the community whether the siren was to be used as early warning or nal call to action, with the siren to be sounded when it is time to get to high ground, a place of safety.
“We had about 160 respondents to that survey and the message was really clear that it was their last resort,” Supt Clark said.
The next steps include determining who will sound the siren – it’s community owned, not SES or council – and when.
“We know what it’s going to mean for the community when they hear it,” Supt Clark said.
“We’re now at that stage where we work through those questions with the community to ensure we have a number of people that are able to and capable of setting it o if and when it’s needed.”
Un-brrr-lievable response to Frozen auditions
Auditions for Frozen JR have broken Parkes M and D records!
The upcoming junior production at the Little Theatre attracted a record-breaking 104 junior registrations for auditions, with its audition panel saying they were “well and truly spoiled for choice”.
“What. A. Week!” The Society posted to social media a er three four-hour days of auditions from 5 May to 10 May.
“We have our work cut out for us casting this show,” they said.
“We are blessed with so much talent.”
Three days later the Society announced a large cast for Frozen Jr, which will hit the stage from Friday, 25 July to 10 August.
While choosing the nal cast was extremely di cult for the direction team of Lyn Townsend, Angie Drooger and Ruth Virtue, as well as Andrew Cannon, with the amount of talent on show, they said they had a lot of fun and
Cannon and Angie Drooger had a hard task of selecting their cast.
PHOTOS: Parkes M and D
there’s plenty of Forbes talent in the show.
The Frozen JR cast list is as follows:
Young Elsa/Townsperson: Stephanie Hornery.
Young Anna/Townsperson: Giselle Higgins.
Middle Elsa/Townsperson: Winnie Hall.
Middle Anna/Townsperson: Chelsea Ray. Elsa: Lexie Herden. Anna: Abigail Heard.
King Agnaar/Townsperson: Archie Higgins.
Queen Iduna/Snow Chorus lead: Zoe Bilsborough.
Pabbie/Summer: Quinn McTiernan.
Bulda/Summer: Matilda Hurst.
Kristo : Harrison Rowbotham. Sven: Oscar Hendry. Olaf: Brodie Stephenson.
Hans/Oaken family: Curdie Butler.
Weselton/Oaken family: Archie Edmonds.
Oaken/Townsperson: Coco Byrnes.
Housekeeper/Townsperson: Sophia Byrne.
Bishop/Townsperson: Luke Bilsborough.
Butler/Townsperson: Isla Miller. Hand Maiden/Townsperson: Lucy Butler.
Cook/Townsperson: Elizabeth
Toomey.
Guard 1/Townsperson: Riley Miller.
Guard 2/Townsperson: Dan Crowley.
Steward/Townsperson: Charlie Rose Messiter.
Snow Chorus: Danielle Hornery, Isla McLeod, Sophie Francis, Lily Phillips, Isla O’Donoghue, Lila Walsh, Anna Dingwell. Townsperson/Oaken family: Bryce Wilcox, Aleigha Hornery, Jayda Francis, Molly Betland, Samara Wood.
Hidden folk/Summer: Heidi Symonds, Alba Scully, Mary Drooger, Emily Francis, Niamh McTiernan, Holly Buckenhofer, Clara Welsh, Sasha Kingham, Birdie Jane White, Kiarah Edwards-Ellis, Pippa Wainwright. Frozen Jr is the enchanting modern classic from Disney based on the 2018 Broadway musical, which brings Elsa, Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle to life, onstage.
Special rate for indoor pool access
A discounted fee for government health and NDIS programs is proposed for the Forbes indoor pool.
Forbes Shire Council in February adopted a $1500 annual business membership fee for businesses bringing groups to the pool.
Now they’re looking at alternative arrangements for health and NDIS providers running public or community benefit programs such as health and disability.
Rather than charging the business rate, the council proposes charging operators the standard adult daily entry rate for each participant who is not a pool member.
Participating organisations would provide the council with a record of participant numbers - whether that’s weekly or monthly - and the council would issue an invoice.
This will be limited to government agencies, registered not-for-profits or charities, who are not operating for the purpose of generating commercial profit.
They must be directly related to healthcare or disability support, delivered by qualified health or disability professionals or trained support workers.
The proposal will go on exhibition through council’s website and at council’s Town Hall offices for 28 days for community feedback.
Road widening, works continue
Widening of the New Grenfell Road continues with 3.5km of shoulder widening and stabilisation completed, and a third section scheduled for resealing in mid-May.
On the South Condobolin Road, 15km of heavy patching resealing has been completed as flood damage repairs continue.
The work is repairing significant pavement deterioration in past flood events - the last in late 2022 - which Forbes Shire Council said had compromised the structural integrity and safety of the pavement. Works were prioritised based on severity of damage, traffic volumes, and safety considerations, a report to councillors’ May meeting said.
Repairs form a part of the regional road flood recovery effort, but also reinforce key transport routes against future weather events.
At the same time, heavy patching final sealing works are currently underway across various sections of the State Road network in our shire.
Conducted by sealing contractor Downer, these works finalise Transport for NSW’s Road Maintenance Council Contract annual heavy patching program.
New reflective pavement markets and line marking are happening in parallel, to enhance visibility and road safety, with guardrail maintenance and repair also scheduled to occur by the end of the financial year.
Eugowra SES member Michael Myles, Cabonne Council Deputy GM Matthew Christensen, NSW SES Supt Joshua Clark and NSW SES Commissioner Mike Wassing AFSM. PHOTOS: Supplied
Search for next mock crash actors
Timber bridge dismantled in final step of project
Bridge construction contractor, Murray Constructions, have completed the dismantling of the old Boyd Creek Bridge at Garema as part of the final phase of the bridge replacement project.
The dismantling of the bridge is the final stage of a more than $1.7 million project to replace the 70-year-old bridge on Wirrinya Road, a report to Forbes Shire Council’s May meeting said.
The new Boyd Creek Bridge has no load limits and was installed to replace the aging timber bridge.
In December, Forbes Shire Council sealed approaches to Boyd Creek Bridge on Wirrinya Road and reopened it to traffic.
The project was completed in partnership with Transport for NSW with funding from the Fixing Country Bridges program.
Calling all amateur actors across the region.
Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire councils are on the search for youth actors to star in this year’s Not a Statistic Youth Driver Education Program.
The Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention O cer, Melanie Suitor, is encouraging local up-and-coming youth actors to audition to be part of this road safety initiative which has seen a 27 per cent reduction in crashes involving young drivers since its inception more than 10 years ago.
“We are looking for four new actors to join our team and are holding auditions on Thursday, 5 June from 5pm to 8pm at the Parkes SES shed in Clarke Street.
“The auditions will give participants an overview of all aspects of the project, then youth actors will take part in both lmed and live ad-lib exercises,” Ms Suitor said.
“The youth actors will also undergo road crash rescue training to see what it’s going to be like being cut out of a car and removed on a spine board.
“We are hoping to uncover some undiscovered talent who will bring something new to mock crash.
“So, if you are interested in getting involved and are over the age of 16 be sure to register and come along,” Ms Suitor added.
The program o ers youth actors experience with lming as well as a live performance.
Dates are still being set for the live mock crash demonstration, but will likely remain in its August timeslot.
Pre-registration for the auditions is essential.
Contact Ms Suitor on either phoning 6861 2364 or by emailing Melanie.Suitor@parkes.nsw. gov.au if you would like more information and to book your place in auditions.
Double demerits on long weekend
Motorists are being reminded to drive safely over the King’s Birthday long weekend as double demerit points come into force.
Double demerits will be in operation from Friday 6 June until Monday 9 June (inclusive) for all speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt and motorcycle helmet o ences.
School zones are in operation on Friday 6 June and additional penalties can apply for certain o ences committed in school zones.
Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Mitchell Gage has indicated that Police will also be targeting the ‘four Ds’ of road users including drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving.
“Around 95 per cent of crashes in NSW are the result of behaviour - like driving too fast for the conditions, falling asleep behind the wheel or being impaired by drugs and/or alcohol.
“Too o en we see the tragic a ermath of drivers making poor decisions. We want everyone to make it to and from their destinations safely this long weekend.
“There will be more Police on the road which means a greater chance of drivers being caught if they are doing the wrong thing,” Sergeant Gage said.
“Drivers should ensure that they are well rested and not under the in uence of drugs or alcohol before they get behind the wheel. While driving, focus on driving. Don’t allow yourself to be distracted by your mobile phone, follow the road rules and drive at a speed suitable to conditions. Please make sure that you and your passengers are buckled up.
“Drivers should also check that their
Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention O cer, Melanie Suitor, said that drivers should make sure that they are t to drive before getting behind the wheel, are focused on the driving task whilst on the road and that their vehicle is in good working condition.
vehicle is ready for the journey toocheck the brakes and tyres, check the levels of your engine oil, coolant and windscreen washer reservoir, make sure all your lights and indicators are working and ensure you have clear view,” Ms Suitor said. Since their introduction in 1997, double demerit points have proven to be an e ective deterrent to unsafe driving during busy holiday periods. Research has showed that casualty crashes (where someone is killed or injured) decreased 30 per cent when double demerit points were in operation.
AUDITIONS*
Thursday 5 June, 5pm - 8pm
Parkes SES Shed (Clarke Street)
*Participants must be 16 years old and over.
Parkes Highway Patrol has indicated that police will also be targeting the ‘four Ds’ of road users including drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving over the June long weekend. PHOTO: Supplied
PHOTO: Supplied
Eugowra raises a cup and $4446
By JUDY SMITH
What a wonderful result we achieved with our Biggest Morning Tea in Eugowra.
The community has raised the amazing sum of $4,446 for the Cancer Council.
The event was held in the local Bowling Club where more than 60 people were in attendance to hear our wonderful guest speaker, Anne Bray, relate her story of her cancer journey.
The day was very enjoyable with an amazing array of tasty food to be enjoyed and much chatter among those present.
The results of the ra es and 100 clubs are on notice boards around town.
Thank you so much to all those wonderful people who baked all the goodies, those who packed, those who did deliveries to the business houses and schools, to all those who worked in the kitchen and to have everything ready on time, the ticket sellers and to the Bowling Club for the use of their facilities.
Huge thank you to the very generous donations made on the day.
Big thank you to all those who went along on the day and who purchased ra e tickets and 100 clubs. You have all helped to achieve the wonderful result of $4,446.
We will be back next year once again raising funds for the Cancer Council.
Kathy Cooper, Margaret Broadbent, Liz Adams and Joy Anthes joined the crowd at the club for Eugowra’s Biggest Morning Tea. PHOTOS: Renee Powell
Margaret Swi , Ruth Nielsen and Dorothy Jones.
Margaret Tildsley, Judy Smith, Wendy Greenhalgh and Marie Noble welcoming guests and selling the tickets to raise funds at the Biggest Morning Tea.
Heartfelt thanks to Vinnies volunteers
St Vincent de Paul Society NSW is recognising National Volunteer Week as an opportunity to celebrate the immense contribution made by its members and volunteers.
The theme of this year’s National Volunteer Week is ‘Connecting Communities’ - something Del Butler has been doing as a Vinnies volunteer in Forbes for 45 years now.
“We didn’t get the help that we probably needed when we were growing up and just had to do the best that we could,” Del said.
“I don’t need anything now and get more pleasure from helping other people.
“It is lovely when I am able to put a smile on someone’s face.”
Del was one of a number of Forbes Vinnies volunteers who were this week formally thanked for their service to our community.
Emma Francis and Beverley Parsons have each given 25 years of service; Cheryl Shirvington and Janice Whittaker 20 years each.
Ann Davis, Colleen Dean, Lynette Elliott, Dietmar Franke, John Gorton and Sandra Priest were all recognised for 15 years service.
Ten years has been given by Dianne Larson and Val McMahon; ve years by Al-
bert Borg, Elen Brown, Dale Haynes, Rhonda Keane, Helen McGroder and Barbara Thomas.
Volunteering through Vinnies is a way to show care and help to others, Forbes conference president Helen Smith, our Senior Citizen of the Year, said.
“Giving assistance is a way for me to follow my faith,” Helen said.
“Our celebration was an enjoyable get together and I thank everyone who volunteers with us and a special thank you to our service award recipients.”
St Vincent de Paul Society NSW has a presence in close to 400 communities throughout NSW, providing volunteering opportunities through Vinnies Shops, specialist services and o ering assistance to people facing hardship through its members.
This impact is made possible thanks to the e orts of:
• 6,300 volunteers supporting Vinnies Shops
• 1,700 volunteers giving their time at Vinnies services and programs
• 4,200 members based in local communities
“We’re able to positively impact so many lives each year because of the dedication and generosity of our
members and volunteers,” said Kelly Morgan, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW West Regional Director.
“Across the West region, our members have supported 8,500 people over the last year, providing $775,000 in nancial and material assistance.
“This level of support is only possible because of our members and volunteers.
“Our volunteers give so much of themselves to support local communities, but they also gain a lot from the experience by building connections and developing skills for the greater good.
“We’re always on the lookout for people who want to give back and join the Vinnies NSW community –whether it’s as a member, volunteering at a shop or service, there’s a place for you here.”
According to Volunteering Australia, over six million Australians spend time volunteering across the nation, along with millions more who informally give back to their communities.
Research conducted by Volunteering Australia also found improved self-assessed psychological wellbeing, self-esteem, happiness, and satisfaction with life for people who volunteer.
Speakers share on sombre but vital topic
FORBES VIEW CLUB
By SUE CUNNINGHAM
THE May meeting of Forbes View Club was held on Thursday 8 at Club Forbes.
Guest speakers for the lunch were our very own View Club members, Judy Kerr and Loris Malloy. The topic of their presentation centred around “what happens when you’re gone or unable to make decisions for yourself.”
Judy Kerr commented, “This may be a sombre topic but a very practical one that can help the family and loved ones in getting the deceased’s a airs in order or they are unable to make decisions for themselves”.
When someone dies o en there are so many small things, but im-
VIEW president Helen Pitt and members Loris Malloy and Judy Kerr who were guest speakers. PHOTO: Supplied
portant things, that family members are in the dark about. For example, where’s the Will, paperwork for share portfolios, what are the
passwords for nancial accounts etc, insurance information for house or car or how and when electricity and phone bills are paid?
This presentation o ered a solution to make it easier for family members when they are dealing with these situations, o en, in a heightened emotional state.
Judy and Di shared their ideas on organising a folder to collecting all these bits and pieces of information and either giving a family member a copy or telling them where they can nd it in case of an emergency. What a simple but effective and practical idea! Thanks Judy and Loris.
Also, at the meeting Di Hutton outlined two of the Smith Family
‘Learning For Life Education Program’ students Forbes VIEW Club supports.
Through the students’ letters, members gained an idea of the students’ likes and dislikes, how our support has assisted them in their education and their parents’ appreciation for our ongoing support.
Forbes View Club would like to thank the many supporters who attended the Trivia Night held on 9 May.
Taylor Hodges-Lockwood from Club Forbes and Judy Kerr o ciated on the night entertaining approximately 100 guests and raising funds for the students we sponsor.
“It’s been wonderful to see so many guests and it has been a very
successful night raising funds to help us continue to support our nine students,” Judy Kerr said.
Members also travelled to Parkes to a performance of Mumma Mia presented by Parkes Amateur Dramatic Society this month. All enjoyed the outing. Another fundraiser will be held on 31 May at Bunnings and you guessed it … it’s a BBQ! So, head over and say hello to the View ladies and grab a sandwich!
The next lunch will be held on 12 June and members are asked to contact their designated contact person to RSVP by 5 June. Visitors are welcome too, so if you’d like to attend, contact Helen on 0427201445.
Eugowra VIEW’s newest member shares her story with club
EUGOWRA VIEW CLUB
MEMBERS met at the CWA Rooms for their May meeting.
President Irene welcomed members and introduced the guest speaker Margaret Broadbent.
Margaret was born in Melbourne in 1947 her father was a city man and her mother a country girl o a sheep farm near Benalla.
She le home at 17 years of age and joined the Sisters of Mercy in Melbourne and has been in the Institute of Sisters for 60 years.
Margaret spent time teaching both in Primary and High School and had two years
teaching in the Desert School on Billiluna Cattle Station in WA.
From 1996 Margaret spent nine years in the Mercy Art and Creativity Community Art Centre, enjoyed teaching Iconography classes and working with her Russian friends in Sacred Murals Studio and the Centre for Science, Religion and Philosophy, both of which were located in St. Petersburg Russia.
‘Viriditas Contemporary Art Studio, Margaret’s new art business, started in 2014 and closed during COVID. For the last year, Margaret has been with the Unit-
ing Church Disaster Relief as a Chaplain. Communities
Margaret has been involved with include multicultural, Indigenous, Russian (St Petersburg), South Sudan, homeless women, North Melbourne, residents of prisons, Australian Catholic University Melbourne, Permaculture Hub in Blayney, Mercy Sisters in Melbourne.
Margaret came to the central west with the Sisters of Mercy Integral Ecology Strategic Plan, and came to Eugowra with ‘Slow the Flow Project in September 2023.
Helen Watchorn moved a vote of thanks to Margaret for her very interesting talk
and presented her with a lovely bunch of owers.
Following lunch, the meeting resumed with the following points of interest:
• VIEW Convention in September - voting on resolutions
• Easter gi s sent to Learning for Life students
• Murals markets feedback - very successful and to hold again next year
• Birthday party plans - will be held on 19 July at the St Joseph’s Hall with a sapphire theme as it is 65 years for VIEW. A ernoon tea, ra es etc,
• Birthdays for April/May are Kay, Carol, Nola, Helen,
Ros and Esther.
• Thank you to Ros and Helen for organising the ANZAC wreath.
• Next meeting 16 June at CWA Rooms.
• Contact Esther by the Thursday before the meeting to indicate your attendance and where you wish to purchase lunch - the Fat Parcel or Bozena.
Irene Sharp presents badges to new Eugowra VIEW members, Margaret Broadbent, Jeanie Fordham and Carol Blackwood.
PHOTO: Supplied
Call goes out for SES volunteers
TO mark National Volunteer Week (19-25 May), the NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) is encouraging people living in regional and rural communities to consider volunteering.
With more than 11,000 volunteers across the state, the NSW SES plays an important role in helping communities prepare for and respond to emergencies, including storms and oods.
NSW SES Commissioner Mike Wassing AFSM said National Volunteer Week was an opportunity to recognise the vital contributions of volunteers and invite more people to get involved.
“Our volunteers are everyday people doing extraordinary things - they are part of the fabric of their towns and communities,” Mr Wassing said.
“Volunteering with the NSW SES is a rewarding way to connect with others, develop new skills, and be there for your community when it matters.”
Mr Wassing said volunteering can be tailored to t a variety of lifestyles, and that many people are surprised by the range of roles available.
“Whether you’re interested in hands-on eld work, community engagement, logistics,
or support behind the scenes, there’s a role for you,” he said.
“You don’t need previous experience - just a willingness to learn and a commitment to your community.”
Forbes knows all too well the value of our local SES and its volunteers, so many put up their hands to help in the lead up to and during oods like the 2022 events.
There’s a role for everyone from sandbagging to communications - and our SES crews welcome more volunteers too.
Forbes SES members train regularly at our local depot, and also pursue further opportunities like the recent Road Crash Rescue Challenge.
The Road Crash Rescue Challenge presents teams with the most realistic training scenarios possible: crushed cars, entrapped people who have been scripted to communicate the sorts of injuries and complications that might arise in an emergency.
For Ryan Jones, who joined the SES in the Hawkesbury in 2005 and came to Forbes ve years ago, these competitions are important opportunities, especially for our relatively isolated crews.
The skills they learn and the feedback they bring back to lo-
cal training prepares them to better serve our community.
“It’s going on 20 years that I’ve known these people and it’s an awesome feeling in that room with all those people because you know they’re all going back to their little patch of the world to keep doing what they do and try and do it better,” Ryan said.
With National Volunteer Week celebrating the theme of ‘Something for Everyone’, the NSW SES is highlighting the diverse opportunities and personal rewards that come with joining the service.
To find out more or to register interest in volunteering, visit www.ses.nsw.gov.au/volunteer
Forbes SES volunteers participating in the Road Crash Rescue Challenge in Dubbo.
NSW SES is calling on regional residents to consider volunteering.
PHOTOS: Supplied
Create something special with Henley’s Rustics
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, winter o ers a quiet, re ective pause - and the perfect opportunity to prepare your garden for a ourishing spring.
Whether you’re planning a patch of fresh herbs, vibrant blooms, or a backyard veggie haven, there’s no better time to lay the groundwork than now.
At Henley’s Rustics, we believe in building beautiful gardens from the ground up, using materials that tell a story.
Our handcra ed garden beds and woodstacks are made from reclaimed corrugated iron, bringing both sustainability and rustic charm to your outdoor space.
We o er a range of garden beds to suit every green thumb.
Our Standard Beds are perfect for gardeners who enjoy hand watering or are setting up an irrigation system.
If you’re short on time or simply want to ensure consistently moist soil, our Wicking Beds feature a self-watering system that keeps plants happy with minimal e ort - ideal for growing lush vegetables throughout the year.
And let’s not forget rewood season.
Our Rustic Woodstacks provide a charming and practical way to store your rewood, ready for
cozy winter nights.
cozy winter nights.
Winter prep is key to a thriving garden.
Take this time to map out your garden layout, clean and replenish your soil, and plan your plantings for the seasons ahead.
At Henley’s, we love to share our own garden journey.
Here are Jo’s Winter Tips from our garden to yours:
Feed your soil: Before planting anything new, nourish your garden beds. I recommend certi ed organic compost, worm castings, and rock dust to boost soil health.
Plant winter crops: This season, I’ve gone with onion, beetroot, carrot, broccoli, and cauli ower - all cold-loving veggies that thrive in winter’s embrace.
Stay pest-aware: Keep an eye out for cabbage moth caterpillars and aphids.
Use netting to protect plants, handpick caterpillars, and treat aphids early with a natural spray like eco neem.
Winter is your chance to get ahead. Invest in your garden space now and set yourself up for a season of homegrown beauty and bounty.
With Henley’s Rustics, you’re not just building a garden - you’re creating something timeless. Create something special this winter with Henley’s Rustics.
CORRUGATED IRON GARDEN BEDS & WOODSTACKS
At Henley’s Rustics, we turn reclaimed corrugated iron into handcrafted garden beds and woodstacks — giving old materials new life and your garden a timeless, rustic edge.
Standard Beds – Perfect for hand watering or adding your own irrigation system.
Wicking Beds – Self-watering design keeps soil moist, ideal for thriving veggies and time-poor gardeners.
Woodstacks – Store your firewood neatly, with rustic style that lasts.
Discover handcrafted rustic garden beds, wicking garden beds, and
Winter’s time to test your home smoke alarms
By FIRE AND RESCUE NSW
Fire and Rescue NSW crews are urging households to test their smoke alarms for winter.
In the lead up to national Smoke Alarm Action Day on Sunday 1 June, re ghters are encouraging the public to check their homes are protected by with working smoke alarms.
A working smoke alarm will provide the earliest and most e ective warning of a re, giving you and your loved ones the chance to get out, stay out, and call Triple Zero (000).
Members of the public can book a re safety visit at www.fire.nsw.gov.au/visits. Local re ghters will come to your home, provide safety advice and, if required, install a new 10-year smoke alarm for free.
FRNSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell AFSM, said working re alarms were crucial as people can’t small re while sleeping.
“If your smoke alarm is a faded yellow colour or you’re not sure if it’s working properly, it’s time to replace it,” he said.
“This small, inexpensive device on the ceiling may mean the difference between escaping safely or a tragedy.
faded yellow colour or you’re not sure if it’s working properly, it’s time to replace it, Fire and Rescue NSW says. PHOTO: Supplied
“If you need help, we’re here for you.
“You can book a safety visit through the Fire and Rescue NSW website or by calling your local re station.”
Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said June 1 was chosen as Smoke Alarm Action Day as it marks the start of winter, when Fire and Rescue consistently sees an increase in house res.
“We want as many people as possible to take part in Smoke Alarm Action Day.
NSW legislation requires all residents to have one working smoke alarm on each level of their home. This includes owner occupied, rental properties, relocatable homes, caravans and campervans or any other residential building where people sleep.
In addition to the minimum requirement of one smoke alarm per level, Fire and Rescue NSW research recommends installing smoke alarms in all bedrooms and living spaces (including hallways and stairways) and even the garage. Avoid tting smoke alarms in or near your kitchen or bathroom. The ideal position is on the ceiling between sleeping and living areas.
Fire and Rescue NSW recommends wherever possible, hard-wired and interconnected smoke alarms. If your alarms cannot be hard-wired, FRNSW recommends smoke alarms that rely on 10-year lithium batteries. Inbuilt 10-year lithium batteries last as long as the smoke alarm so you don’t need to worry about replacing them every year – you simply replace the entire unit every 10 years.
The seconds you use to test your smoke alarm could save your life,” he said. “Please, be smart, take part, and test your smoke alarm.”
Winter is your chance to get ahead. Invest in your garden space now and set yourself up for a season of homegrown beauty and bounty. INSET: Rustic Woodstacks provide a charming and practical way to store your firewood, ready for cozy winter nights. PHOTOS: Supplied
Frank Spice Forbes: Powering the Central West for generations
Established in the 1960s, this family-run business has operated in the Central west as more than just a car dealership or repair shop.
Frank Spice Autos o ers an impressive selection of mowers, chainsaws, and side-by-side utility vehicles – brands and models chosen for their reliability and suitability to local conditions.
Over the years, their commit-
ment to quality workmanship and friendly, knowledgeable service has earned them a loyal customer base that stretches across generations.
As the weather cools and the woodcutting season approaches, Frank Spice Autos o ers a range of chainsaws and log splitters. Come in and see Brett, and the team at Frank Spice Autos.
We understand the importance of reliable equipment o ering thorough servicing and advice to help customers get the most from their tools with local knowledge and personal service.
As the woodcutting season gets underway, a sharp, well- tted chain is crucial for e cient and safe woodcutting.
The guys here can t high-quality
chains and o er professional chain sharpening services to keep your equipment performing at its best, for a “sure re” way to through this winter season.
Every new chainsaw is pre-delivered and started here in store before pickup.
“We stock a wide range of replacement parts and accessories, ensuring that you can quickly nd
exactly what you need to get your gear started and cutting smoothly,” Brett says.
Whether you’re preparing for a big season of rewood or just need a quick tune-up, Frank Spice Autos is your one-stop shop for reliable parts, expert advice, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing your equipment is ready to tackle any job this winter.
Brett Davenport at Frank Spice Autos Forbes with the Redgum Splitter.
Manager Michael Spice with the STIHL MS 500i, world’s first fuel injection chainsaw.
PHOTOS: Supplied
Plastic free July around the corner
By MARG APPLEBEE CENTRAL WEST LACHLAN LANDCARE
Hi Landcarers,
Now is the time to plan for Plastic Free July.
In 2025, Plastic Free July participants will again be taking their own small steps to turn off the plastics tap by choosing to refuse single-use plastics.
Plastic Free July kicks off on 1 July with an invitation to join millions of people worldwide taking steps towards ending plastic pollution.
Even if you don’t think you are up for a challenge in July, going through the Pesky Plastics quiz on their website certainly makes you reflect on what you are doing to reduce plastic use and recycle… and what you could be doing better.
Throughout the campaign they will be sharing ideas and solutions to reduce plastic waste.
Some people are avoiding soft drinks and water in plastic bottles, some are avoiding pre-pack-
Others are choosing reusable
Just some simple steps that I take….I bring my coffee cup to get my takeaway coffee….I just make it part of my morning routine.
My everyday reusable cups that are made of plastic and have sili-
work or play from home.
By taking steps to reduce waste such as taking a reusable cup to a café or simply dining in, or shopping at a farmers market and butcher with our own bags, we can start conversations and inspire others as well.
We have so many options to recycle now.
There is no excuse to not be recycling….but, the challenge of just not purchasing or consuming products in the first place that are going to be thrown away is a deep-
Cattle and sheep market dearer, extra heavyweights up $40
CATTLE SALE
Monday, 26 May
Yarding 1041 (down 174)
Numbers eased this sale with agents yarding 1041 head.
Quality was mixed but fair with some good lines of well bred cattle o ered along with the secondary types.
The usual buyers were present and competing in a dearer market.
Yearling steers li ed 10c with those to feed selling from 355c to 434c/kg.
The nished lines to processors sold from 355 to 394c/kg.
The heifer portion was also dearer more noticeably on the better end.
Feeders paid from 330 to 385c/kg while the nished types received from 350c to 380c/kg.
Heavy steers and bullocks reached 379c/kg. Grown heif-
ers sold from 300 to 385c/kg.
Cows showed the biggest change jumping 20c with heavy 2 score from 263c to 285c and the better 3 score from 270c to 317c/kg.
The best heavy bull reached 331c/kg.
SHEEP
SALE
Tuesday, 27 May
Yarding 29,350 (down 13,500)
Numbers fell this sale with agents yarding 29,350 head. Lambs numbers were back to 23,650 and quality was again mixed.
There were some handy lines of nished trade and heavyweights penned along with the plainer secondary types.
The usual buyers were present and competing in a signi cantly dearer market.
Trade weight lambs were
$25 dearer with 20- 24kg selling from $195 to $274/head.
Heavy lambs to 26kg sold from $244 to $284/head.
Extra heavyweights were up to $40 dearer to receive from $258 to $363/head.
Carcase prices averaged 985 to 1070c/kg. The best heavy hoggets reached $240/ head.
Mutton numbers slipped to 5700 and quality was very mixed.
Prices remained strong with Merino ewes selling from $122 to $234/head.
Crossbred ewes ranged in price from $130 to $260 with Dorper ewes reaching $240/ head.
Merino wethers sold from $143 to $255/head.
FROM MLA’S NATIONAL LIVESTOCK REPORTING AGENCY
Watch a black and white photo come to life
By MADELINE BLACKSTOCK
The Golden Plough will be held in Peak Hill from 31 May to 1 June and Western Branch president of the Australian Draught Horse Stud Book Association Aleks Berzins says it is the best thing you could do on a weekend.
The Golden Plough is fast becoming Australia’s most prestigious single furrow competition and will be held in Peak Hill this year and next year where the competition will celebrate its 50th year.
“The Golden Plough is the one you want to win for a ploughmen
with horses,” Aleks said.
The competition is moved around throughout NSW spending a couple of years in the same area.
In recent years the competition has been held in Eugowra, Lyndhurst, Blayney and Wongarbon where it drew over 800 ploughmen and women across Australia.
Over the two days multiple competitions will be held.
On Saturday, 31 May the ladies, junior, novice and veterans plough will be held.
Also on Saturday there will be long reigning, wagon team rides, farmers challenge, Austral-
ian draught horse talk, horse work demonstration, pairs and single log snig and the junior challenge.
On Sunday, 1 June the Golden Plough will be held.
As well as being Western branch president, Aleks is also a competitor and won the Golden Plough last year on his h attempt at the the title in Lyndhurst.
“My grandfather was a horsemen and ploughed and farmed with horses so I was brought up into it.
“I was a little bit stuck so I travelled to the event (The Golden Plough) as a kid and watched lots of Golden Ploughs as a young bloke
and have just always been in awe of it so I really enjoy the opportunity to now compete in it.”
The competition honours a skill which is now done in a di erent format with tractors and pays tribute to the past.
“In the past competitions and ploughing started not so much where were doing it as a passion for the people that are still doing it but it was people actually working with their horses and it was a bit like saying my tractor is stronger than your tractor.
“These guys originally competed at their local shows as a way of comparing the hours, the work and
the skills as horsemen and ploughmen.”
Make sure to travel out to the Peak Hill Showground to see the best horsemen skills in Australia.
It is $15 gate entry which covers both days of the event and Aleks says it is de nitely worth coming and having a look.
“I think it’s a really good thing to see how the horses and the owners respond with each other.
“It’s nice to see something which you probably can’t get the opportunity to watch live and it sort of brings a black and white photo to
Young artists at forefront of Grenfell’s Henry Lawson Festival
SHAPING and showcasing the young artists of the future will be at the forefront of the 2025 Henry Lawson Festival of the Arts to be held in Grenfell from Thursday 5 to Monday 9 June 2025.
President of the Henry Lawson Festival Committee, Belinda Power, explained the program is gearing up to be one of the best yet for the June long weekend with a focus on nurturing artistic talent. Features include an all new busking competition with both youth and open categories along with an exciting Bioluminescence Project providing the opportunity to get hands on creative experience within the festival program.
“The Bioluminescence Project is providing young people aged between 13 and 24 with the awesome opportunity to learn video skills, video editing, digital sound design and recording, event management and video projection mapping over two days of workshops ending with a live audiovisual installation at the Grenfell Showgrounds on the Friday of the festival,” Belinda said.
“Anyone who is interested in technology, learning new skills in a creative industry, being part of the region’s premier event, or simply creating something unforgettable - should take advantage of these free workshops. Spots are limited and can be booked via Humanitix.”
Bioluminescence is supported by the Regional Arts NSW and is in partnership with the Henry Lawson Festival Committee and Arts Out West. This project was made possible by the Australian Governments Regional Arts Fund, which supports the arts in regional and remote Australia.
“We are also looking forward to unearthing some great new
talent with local music legend and the Voice Australia contestant, Josh Maynard, heading up an all new busking competition on the Saturday of the festival,” Belinda said.
“An outstanding guitarist, singer and songwriter, Josh grew up on a property west of Cowra. He has been travelling throughout eastern Australia performing for the past few years and is excited to head home to see some local talent. Josh will also be performing and it’s sure to be great entertainment for all.”
The busking competition will be held on the Bromar Busking stage between 2-4pm and will include $250 prize for the winner in each category along with a People’s Choice Award where the crowd decides.
Anyone interested should register via the festival website before 26th May. Accepted enter-
tainers will be noti ed no later than 1 June.
Local music talent will also be centre stage on the Friday night of the festival with the popular country rock group - Elk Mountain Band - set to bring the house down at the Grenfell Showground Pavillion. This three piece crew has been setting dance oors on re recently throughout the Central West performing everyone’s favourite rock hits and country classics.
“The World is Full of Kindness” is the feature poem and theme for the 2025 festival competitions. These include Art, Short Story and Verse, Busking and prizes for entrants in the Street Parade with many categories and excellent prize money up for grabs, these competitions are sure to attract a selection of talented artists exploring Lawson’s satirical re ection on the
idea of kindness in society.
The poem this year aligns with Lawson’s broader themes of hardship, injustice, and the challenges faced by ordinary people. The key message is as relevant today - that true kindness transcends di erences promoting a belief in the inherent goodness of humanity.
Don’t miss the cut-o date for the 2025 Grenfell Henry Lawson Festival Art Prize closing soon. Applications will be accepted until midnight, 23rd May. Art prizes will be o ered in the Painting and Local Artist (any media) sections with $1,500 on o er for both the Open Art and the Acquisitive Art sections including painting, watercolour, drawing, pastel and print making. A People’s Choice Award for $250 is also up for grabs. More information is available via the festival website.
GET into the toasty winter spirit at ‘Frost and Fire’ in Forbes on Saturday 21 June as this year’s event will be bigger and brighter than ever.
Once again two huge effigy bonfires will light up the stunning ski dam location to live music from the event’s biggest line-up of bands.
Also new, local bars and hotels are getting into the chilly spirit and offering signature ‘Frost and Fire Cocktails’, ideal for a pre or post show drink in and around town.
Grab your friends and family, Frost and Fire is held from 4-10pm and is Forbes’ biggest cultural event with live music, fire dancers, toasty fire buckets, hearty local foods and boutique brews.
Now in its sixth year, the event celebrates the Winter Solstice under starry skies. Iconic Australian bands set to warm up the crowd include The Wolfe Brothers, Ripley Alexander and regional talent such as Bake Boys Band, Easy Goin and Foxxy Cleopatra. Enjoy incredible pyrotechnics display by Flux Entertainment and new cultural performances by Boganbila Culturals. For more information and to buy tickets go to www.amazingforbesnsw.com/frost-andfire/
PHOTO: Supplied
Gooloogong’s Darren Gavin with horses Gracie and Barney was the 2023 Golden Plough winner at Wongarbon.
Three time Golden Plough winner Jason Gavenlock with horses Jiggy and Tom.
Western Branch president Aleks Berzins from Exeter. PHOTOS: File
PHOTO: Supplied
Fire in Forbes on Saturday 21 June.
Tipping Point Australia. 5.30 WIN News. 6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 13. St George Illawarra Dragons v Newcastle Knights. 9.55 Golden Point. 10.45 MOVIE: Toy Soldiers. (1991) 1.00 Young Sheldon. 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. 2.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Rage Charts. 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Call The Midwife. 1.40 Picasso. 2.40 TSO Strauss’ Four Last Songs. 4.10 The Piano. 5.10 Landline. 5.40 Australian Story. 6.10 Father Brown. 7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Call The Midwife. 8.30 Midsomer Murders. 10.05 Bergerac. 10.50 Reunion. 11.50 Rage.
6.00 Shopping. 8.30 Better Homes. 11.00 Harry’s Practice. 11.30 GetOn Extra. 12.00 Escape To The Country. 3.00 Better Homes. 4.00 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 The Yorkshire Vet. 12.30 My Greek Odyssey. 1.30 The Great Australian Doorstep. 2.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.40 Not Going Out. 3.10 Doctor Who. 3.55 Penn & Teller: Fool Us. 4.40 MythBusters. 5.30 George Clarke’s Old House, New Home. 6.15 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent. Final. 7.05 Hard Quiz. 7.35 QI. 8.05 Celia Pacquola: I’m As Surprised As You Are. 9.10 The IT Crowd. 10.30 ER. 11.15 Rage. 12.15 Late Programs.
5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. 7.30 Football. AFL. Round 12. Sydney v Adelaide. 10.30 MOVIE: Safe House. (2012) 12.55 Nurses. 2.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 1.00 Blokesworld. 1.30 Australia ReDiscovered. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 Watersport. Offshore Superboats. Replay. 4.00 Football. AFL. Round 12. GWS Giants v Richmond. 7.00 The Americas. 8.00 MOVIE: Jurassic Park III. (2001) 10.00 Storage Wars. 10.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 11.30 Late Programs.
6.00
Kids Baking C’ship. 8.10 Chopped Jnr. 8.55 The Piano. 9.50 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.35 Late Programs.
With Cosi. 2.30 Animal SOS Australia. 3.00 Better Homes. 4.00 Harry’s Practice. 4.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Vicar Of Dibley. 8.30 Vera. 10.30 The Yorkshire Steam Railway: All Aboard. 11.30 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Fishy Business. 2.30 Al McGlashan’s Fish’n With Mates. 3.00 The Mightiest. 4.00 Deep Water Salvage. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Border Security: Int. 7.00 Football. AFL. Round 12. West Coast v Geelong. 10.30 AFL Post-Game. 11.00 MOVIE: F9: The Fast Saga. (2021) 1.50 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Surfing Australia TV. 12.30 Find My Country House Australia. 1.00 Great Australian Detour. 1.30 Young Sheldon. 2.10 Torvill & Dean: Our Last Dance. 3.10 The Floor. Final. 4.30 The Garden Gurus. 5.00 9News First At Five. 5.30 Getaway. 6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Holiday Home Makeover With Rachel & Ryan. 8.30 MOVIE: Spectre. (2015) Daniel Craig, Christoph Waltz. 11.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Weekender. 10.30 Weekender. 11.00 Jordie, Sam & Ted’s Adventures. Return. 11.30 Holistic Living. 12.00 Dream Home. 1.35 Zumbo’s Just Desserts. 2.45 Starstruck. 4.15 Dodger. 5.15 MOVIE: A Dog’s Journey. (2019) 7.30 MOVIE: The Green Mile. (1999) 11.20 MOVIE: The Aftermath. (2019) 1.35 Late Programs.
of
you could be in for a pleasant shock when someone finally sends a reply to a request you made so long ago that you almost forgot about it.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) It’s a time to expect the unexpected. So, don’t be surprised if a decision that just recently seemed final suddenly opens up and leaves you with another chance to make an important choice.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Taking a different tack on a work project might rankle some colleagues. But the positive results of your innovative course soon speak for themselves. Celebrate with a fun-filled weekend!
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Meeting new associates can be awkward, even if you’re in a high, positive phase right now. Best advice: Make them feel comfortable, and you’ll soon forget your own discomfort.
Day 6. 12.00 Late Programs. 6.00 Get Clever. 7.00 It’s Academic. 8.30 Get Arty. 9.00 Shopping. 10.30 House Rules. 12.00 The Resident. 3.00 Ed And Karen’s Recipes For Success. 4.00 The Goldbergs. 4.30 Frogger. 5.30 The Amazing Race. 7.00 MOVIE: The Karate Kid Part III. (1989) 9.30 MOVIE: The Sweetest Thing. (2002) 11.20 MOVIE: Breakthrough.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Wide World Of Sports. 11.00 NRL Sunday Footy Show. 1.00 Fish Forever. 1.30 The Pet Rescuers. 2.00 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo. 3.00 Rugby League. NRL. Round 13. Penrith Panthers v Parramatta Eels. 6.00 9News Sunday. 7.00 LEGO Masters: Grand Masters Of The Galaxy. Return. 8.40 60 Minutes. 9.40 The Killer Interview With Piers Morgan. 10.40 9News Late. 11.10 See No Evil. 12.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Jordie, Sam & Ted’s Adventures. 10.30 Holistic Living. 11.00 Dream Home. 12.35 Starstruck. 2.05 Jabba’s Movies. 2.35 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.
Danger Man. 7.00 Creflo. 7.30 Skippy. 8.00 TV Shop. 10.30 Pointless. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. 12.00 Midsomer Murders. 2.00 Antiques Roadshow. 2.30 MOVIE: Crooks In Cloisters. (1964) 4.30 The Travelling Auctioneers. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 French Open Tennis Pre-Show. 7.00 Tennis. French
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.10 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield. 12.30 The Yes Experiment. 1.00 Roads Less Travelled. 1.30 What’s Up Down Under. 2.00 Buy To Build. 2.30 Food Trail: South Africa. 3.00 Silvia’s Italian Masterclass. 3.30 Farm To Fork. 4.00 My Market Kitchen. 4.30 Good Chef Bad Chef. 5.00 10 News First. 6.30
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Gymnastics. International Gymnastics. H’lights. 3.30 Gymnastics.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.30 MOVIE: Young Wives’ Tale. (1951) 2.05 MOVIE: San Demetrio, London. (1943) 4.05 MOVIE: The Secret Of Santa Vittoria. (1969) 7.00 Rugby Union. Super Rugby Pacific. Round 16. Queensland Reds vs Fijian Drua. 9.30 Super Rugby Pacific Post-Match. 9.45 MOVIE: Sicario. (2015) 12.10 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 Pooches At Play.
1.30 Gardening Australia. 2.35 The Piano. 3.35 Grand Designs UK. 4.40 The Kimberley. Final. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Compass. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 The Piano. 8.30 Bergerac. 9.15 Reunion. 10.15 MOVIE: Van Diemen’s Land. (2009) 12.00 Late Programs. 6.00 Kids’ Programs. 3.30 MOVIE: Thomas And Friends: The Mystery Of Lookout Mountain. (2022) 4.35 Kids’ Programs. 5.10 Daniel Tiger’s. 5.55 Octonauts. 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. 2.55 Doctor Who. 3.40 A Bite To Eat. 4.10 Would I Lie To You? 4.40 MythBusters. 5.30 George Clarke’s Old House, New Home. 6.15 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent Specials. 7.05 Hard Quiz. 7.35 QI. 8.05 Lucy Worsley Investigates. 9.00 Planet America: Weekend Edition. 9.45 Offsiders. 10.20 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 1.00
6.00 Morning Programs. 9.00 Turning Point. 9.30 TV Shop. 10.00 AFL Sunday Footy Show. 12.00 Getaway. 12.30 Explore. 12.45 My Favorite Martian. 1.15 MOVIE: South Of Algiers. (1953) 3.15 MOVIE: On The Beach. (1959) 6.00 M*A*S*H. 6.30 French Open Tennis Pre-Show. 7.00 Tennis. French Open. Day 8. 12.00 Late Programs.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) It’s a good time for you social Lions to blow-dry your manes, polish your claws, and look like the Fabulous Felines you are as you make new friends and influence the influential!
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Expectations run especially high this week, and you should feel confident in your abilities to take advantage of what might be offered. Meanwhile, a colleague has some advice you might find helpful.
LIBRA (September
to
SCORPIO (October 23 to
AQUARIUS
PISCES
ACROSS
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD
3 Name an earlier English stage and film actor, Charles ... (8)
7 What do we call a flock of geese (6)
8 What are large systems of stars held together by gravitation (8)
9 Which court game for two players uses light rackets and a small rubber ball (6)
10 Name a poisonous evergreen shrub with handsome white or rose-coloured flowers (8)
11 What was the given name of a president of South Africa ... Mandela (6)
14 Which term relates to financial matters in general (6)
17 What are conceited dandies (8)
18 Which zone lies between the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn (6)
19 To equip or array, is to do what (8)
20 Name another term for a halo (6)
21 Name small Pacific flatfishes often eaten as food (4-4) DOWN
1 What is a large tentlike shelter (7)
3 Name a breed of domestic fowl (7)
4 Name an important central South American tribe of Tupian family and affiliation (7)
5 Which term implies a group of three (7)
6 What is one of the external openings of the nose (7)
12 Name another term for a dictionary (7)
13 To be pompous or bombastic, is said to be what (7)
14 When one fixes something firmly, one does what (7)
15 Which term describes the highest in rank or authority (7)
16 What might we call an object of art of a former period (7)
Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
WHICH WORDS
1 BIBULOUS (a) Book-loving (b) Addicted to strong drink (c) Relating to the Bible
E-QUATIONS 7
2 Name some tropical American lizards (7)
11 Which drinks are said to be the food of the gods (7)
Letters have a number value
Some values are in the right hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
E-QUATIONS
Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
2 DOUGHTY (a) Not confident (b) Brave (c) Dull-looking
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:
Arid zones (7)
Blue-flowered plant (7)
Consumed (3)
Disorganised skirmish (5)
Do it yourself (3)
Lean and sinewy (5)
Lips (5)
Looped knot (3)
Lunar excursion module (3)
Stationed (5)
Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.
Hardys, Millers in squash top spots
By DROP SHOT
Results of Week 4 of the Forbes Autumn squash competition.
Wednesday May 21
Team ladder is now: Hardys lead the chase comfortably with 83 well earned points, Jones follow on 69, Markworts closing the gap at 60 and Cogswells trail with 53 points.
Highlights: Lucy Robinson and Lindy Cowhan squeezed 106 total points into four sets and Lindy doubled Lucy’s h set points plus one more for 15-7.
Hunter Bilsborough did well to take a set from Josh Haley but Josh
won the match winning set 15-10 and keen squash boys; Luke Bilsborough v Lucas Jones played three tight sets; 16-14, 13-15 and 15-12 but Luke grabbed the fourth 15-5 for the win.
Court one: Jones managed a win over Hardys 19 points to 16. Cooper v sub Christine Cogswell 6-1, Noah Brown v Nate Markwort 2-5 and Robey MvMillan v Shane Moxey 6-1. Court two: Cogswells v Markworts 12 to 9. Bec Jones v Harry Bilsborough 6-1.
Thursday
Ladder: Millers lead on 102 points, H Krosses next, then Pipers and J Krosses, Dawes and Jones on 77.
Highlights: Jono Cannon snuck a set from sub J Shaw 18-16 but Jake was back on track for set four 15-8, Garry Dempsey lost two sets to John Ridley 7-15, 9-15 but Gaz bounced back with a 15, 16, 15 trio to John’s 11, 14 and 12.
Then All rounder, Alex Doyle and Speedster, Jake Shaw nally met on court and what a show down that was; four furious sets that went on and on and on then for the nale, Alex nailed the h 15-11 for the big match win.
Court one: H Krosses v Pipers 23 to 19. Henry v Darryn 1-6, Cam Dale v Lockie Jones 1-6, sub A Bayley v Pete
Cowhan 2-5, Claire Bayley v Oli Paterson 6-1 and Deb Bryant v Kim Chudleigh 6-1.
Court two: Millers v Jones 21 to 20. Lockie v Max 6-1, Dan Bayley v Regan Acret 1-6, Lawry Brayne v sub C McQuie 6-1 and ‘pocket rocket’ Max Ridley v ‘volley drop master’ Sandy Paterson for a 4-3 win.
Court three: J Krosses v Dawes 19 to 13. Shanna Nock v sub C McQuie 3-4, Adam Chudleigh v Alex Bayley 5-2, Steve Allegri v Tony Trotter 6-1 and Ken Bryant v T J Markwort 1-6. This week’s draw: Team 1 v 3, 5 v 2, 6 v 4 both nights.
Aussie Croquet was played on Saturday 24 May 2025 with only a small number in attendance.
All three games were won only by Kevin Rubie. Well done Kevin.
Two games were won by 12 people, John Browne, Frank Donohoe, John Farah, Noel Jolli e, May Jones, Elvy Quirk, Neil Riley, Marie Spry, Neville Spry, Harley Stewart, Rex Toole & Kevin Wenning. Well done to those players also.
Cheryl Toohey & Noel Jolli e who defeated Rex Toole & Irene Riley 14/7; Elvy Quirk & John Browne defeated Fay Picker & Cheryl Toohey 14/8 and Kevin Wenning & John Farah who also defeated Geo Coles & Irene Riley 14/8.
14/10 scores were: May Jones & Frank Donohoe def Fay Picker & Ray Burridge, Kevin Wenning & Kevin Rubie def Harley Stewart & Cheryl Toohey, May Jones & Peter West def Peter Mackay & Noel Jol-
li e; 14/11 recorded as follows: John Browne & Neil Riley def Peter West & Kevin Wenning, Neville Spry (solo) def Peter West (Solo),: 14/12 Kevin Rubie & David West def Robin Pols & John Farah, Harley Stewart & Noel Jolli e def Marie Spry & May Jones, Elvy Quirk & Marie Spry def John Browne & Neville Spry; 14/13 scores Rex Toole & Noel Jolli e def Peter Mackay & Robin Pols, Marie Spry (solo) def Peter Mackay (solo)., John Farah & Fay Picker def Robin Pols & David West, Rex Toole & Frank Donohoe def Ray Burridge & Geo Coles and Kevin Rubie & Ray Burridge def Frank Donohoe & David West: On Tuesday Golf Croquet was played with a good number in attendance.
We welcomed a new player, Jan Palmer, and we hope that Jan will enjoy the game and come and join
our Club. On her rst day of play she teamed with some of our well established players and she won all three games. So well done Jan. All three games on the day were won as well by three John Farah, May Jones and Kevin Rubie. Well done to those players.
10/3 runaway scores were recorded by May Jones & Neville Spry who defeated Marie Spry & Margaret Dent, John Browne & Lyall Strudwick who also defeated Graham Falconer & Kevin Wenning 10/3; 9/4 scores were achieved by the following players: Mal Smith (Solo) def Evelyn Mahlo & Wayne Wright, Peter West & John Farah def Sue Jolli e & Sue Wade; 8/5 scores as follows: Robin Pols & Noel Jolli e def Ray Burridge & Neil Gilmour, Bill Scott & Rex Toole def Sally Perry & Frank Donohoe, Evelyn Mahlo & Lyall Strudwick def Kevin Wenning & Wayne Wright,
Rex Toole & John Farah def Bill Scott & Graham Falconer, Ray Burridge (solo) def Peter West & Sue Wade, Neville Spry & Ray Martin def Frank Donohoe & Sally Perry, Elvy Quirk & May Jones def John Browne & Sue Jolli e, Jan Palmer & Peter West def Rex Toole & Sue Wade;
7/6 close games of which there were many as follows: Kevin Rubie & Jan Palmer def Elvy Quirk & Ray Martin, Marie Spry & Neil Gilmour def Margaret Dent & Mal Smith, Kevin Rubie & Jan Palmer def Noel Jolli e & Robin Pols, John Farah & Wayne Wright def Ray Martin & Elvy Quirk, Mal Smith & Robin Pols def Marie & Neville Spry, Kevin Rubie (solo) def Bill Scott (solo), Kevin Wenning & Graham Falconer def Neil Gilmour (solo): Our next bi-monthly luncheon will be held at the Post O ce Hotel on Tuesday 3 June. The sheets for
you to record your choice of meals are available and if you intend going please complete your name and choice of meals on the sheet. The winter season is again with us as the mornings close in and get colder so we have reverted back to a 9.30am start with a 9.15am arrival to get names in the draw. Please make sure that you arrive those 15 minutes earlier than the start time as it helps us to get the numbers system organised. For those people who are able and wish to help with the set up of the croquet lawns etc the time of setting up is 8.30 am.
I must say a special thank you to the few members who come to help set up and a thank you also to those who give a hand to pack away, as we are all a mature age every pair of hands make a lighter load for others. Many thanks to all.
By ELVY QUIRK
Jake Shaw and Max Ridley relaxing a er squash.
PHOTO: Drop Shot
MEN’S GOLF
By SHORT PUTT
On Saturday the Forbes golfers settled into their task on a refreshed course a er some recent rain. While there were some sparkling results it was intriguing how most of the scores were bunched within a few shots.
The golf competition was an Individual Stroke sponsored by B&C Automotive. Unfortunately, neither of the sponsors could participate but the eld of 71 did their best to produce their best in their absence.
The eld was boosted by a group from Dubbo who were travelling on their annual trip south. And they were most welcome.
The Div-1 was won by Terry Grifths, on count back from Dave Mylecharane a er both nished on nett 70.
Terry did not have the best of starts with bogey, bogey on his opening holes. He then steadied into a run of pars that saw him turn at only 4-over. His back-9 saw another chorus of pars with bogeys on the 11th and 16th to provide a di erence.
Dave Mylecharane played earlier and was sitting comfortably in the ‘Gol e’ as he watched other scores being recorded behind him.
He re ected on his 1-over play on the front-9, and his 1-over play on the back-9. While he mused on the possible birdies he may have had it was the bogey on the last that brought him unstuck in the count back.
The Div-2 players, and indeed the eld, were le oundering by Liam Fraser as he returned another gun performance, nishing with nett 69 and taking the Div-2 honours.
Like Terry Gri ths he started with bogeys, but then settled into steady play with a mix of pars and bogeys to match his handicap. Double bogeys on the 7th, 11th and 17th holes did not uster him.
The Div-2 runner-up was taken by Nathan Roach with 71 nett. This was his rst outing for many months and he expected to be a bit rusty. But that rust blew o quickly as he traversed the course.
A ‘9’ on the 7th hole followed by a ‘triple’ on the 11th hole were his eventual undoing but nevertheless he was well pleased with his overall game, nishing with a par.
Note that the second best score in Div-2 was returned by a Dubbo player. But alas neither he nor his marker signed his card so he could not be awarded any prize.
The ball sweep went to 75 nett, going to: 71 – A Ruperto, P Pymont, A Rees, H Graham (Dubbo); 72 –K Tyne, N Duncan, P Dawson, H Steele-Park, A Dukes; 73 – S Kirkman, R Smith, J Anderson, M Murray (Dubbo), H Callaghan; 74 – R Hawksworth, J Cutler, I Wheeler (Dubbo); 75 – J Ridley, C McMillan.
The visitors included the Dubbo group and David Naveau (Wellington) and A Brownlow (Peak Hill).
The best of the Dubbo boys were Sam Letfallah and Hugh Graham both on 71 nett.
However, two of their players propped up the eld, along with Andy Brownlow, who is returning a er a long absence.
The NTP’s went to: 9th – Paul Pymont; 18th – Hamish Steele-Park. Neither of them managed to convert for a ‘2’.
Hamish beat o a posse to win his. There were nine 2’s overall with all scored by Div-1. This week the 3rd was the most vulnerable.
The 3rd hole Super-Pin went to Kailab Tyne. He was in the rst group of the day where his shot to 190 cm was enough to put o the rest of the eld, although many managed to score a ‘2’ from their ‘close but not quite’ shots. And yes, Kailab got his.
It must be something in the air, or maybe some very receptive greens, but ‘eagles’ seem to be landing quite regularly on the course. This time it was Peter Dawson on the 15th. He struck each shot so well it looked so easy that anybody could do it. Well, maybe.
Consistency can be a good thing in golf, but sometimes the wrong consistency is not good. For example, how many times do you consistently almost shank a chip shot with an 8-iron?
One player who has been very consistent, in the wrong way, is Andrew Dukes. For a long stream of games he has consistently bogeyed or double-bogeyed the 17th hole. This time a du ed chip was the culprit. Quite a dilemma when you are putting together a good score only to stumble at the end.
Another unwanted consistency is ‘lip out putts’. Tony Cogswell had too many of those. And count Archie Quirk in that group where his horse-shoe putt robbed him of an eagle. But they are in good company as Alex Ferguson had a lip out to ultimately lose the Belgium Open on the DP World Tour.
Golf can throw up many challenges, although Terry Gri ths seemed to overcome nearly all of them.
He had a quandary on the 15th when he arrived at his second shot near to the 15th green. Somehow, his ball had settled atop a wooden tee which was quite bemusing.
Cries of ‘Play the lie, play the lie’ were heard from Ecky Dawson’s group as they meandered to the 16th tee.
Players must be careful of being a ‘magnet’ on the course. In this case
Stevie G was a ’ball magnet’. Playing the 11th he had to take severe and athletic evasive action as a ball dribbled towards his feet,
Liam leads the way to win
Remember ball toss on the stroke of 9am. Young and old, in fact anyone who wants a hit welcome. Some go further with co ee a er, it all happens Tuesday at the Gol e.
LADIES GOLF
By THE BIRDIE
Ladies golf results begin with the Stableford match played on 21 May with play in two divisions.
Robin Lyell was our Division 1 winner carding 34 points from next best Heather Davidson with 32 points.
Colleen Bratton hit her straps with a win in Division 2 amassing 37 points from Rose Carroll who also had 37 points with the dreaded count-back system deciding the win in Colleens favour.
Ball Sweep winners were Rose Carroll, Megan Schole eld and Jen Hubbard.
Nearest to the pin winners were Janet Smith on the 9th and Heather Davidson on the 18th.
Friday 23 May our Pennants team headed to Cobar.
having been struck by a lady o the 12th tee.
Then while he walked o the 15th green such action was needed again as another ball touched his toes. Cam McMillan explained later that it was his best shot of the day, towards a sterling target.
It was good to see Joel Anderson (Forbes Holiday Park) out again, and of course Nathan Roach. And both John Ridley and Pat Murphy are enjoying the competition play. Here is the news:
The Condobolin Men’s Open was held on Sunday 25 May. It was a good eld, no doubt encouraged by the good food on o er and the excellent range of prizes coupled to the Trilogy.
This year local players dominated the prize list with Zac Mitchell (71) and Jordan Smith (72 c/b) took out the A-Grade honours. But Forbes was well represented with: P Dawson (A-Gde H-cap R/up), Archie Quirk (B-Gde Scr Wnr), Mark Simmonds (B-Gde H-cal R/up) and Sandy Paterson (C-Gde Scr R/up).
Three Forbes players also took away Longest Drive and NTP prizes. Another plus for Forbes was being awarded the ‘Most Represented Visiting Club’. It is good to see such support for all of our local clubs.
The ‘Trilogy of Golf’ is played over three events and was concluded at the Condo Open. The support for this event has steadily grown since its inception in 2021. And the Forbes dominance for the winners continues.
This year John Betland took the Scratch honours with 223, ahead of B Richards 227 (Condo), C Hanrahan 228 (Forbes) and L French 229 (Young).
The Handicap winner was shared with Archie Quirk (Fbs) and Adam Richards (Condo) both nishing on 216 nett. Third place went to W Steele 222 (W/W) and 4th place to T West 226 (Fbs).
The Men’s ‘Wallace Cup’ Handicap Matchplay event is underway and despite a promising start there has been a lull in game splayed. Get into action to complete the rst round by 15 June and the second round by 30 June. The draw is on the noticeboard in the Pro Shop. Have a look and arrange your matches as soon as you can.
Players are advised that we have had a problem with the O ce PC, which has a ected the running of competitions and membership management.
This should be xed soon with a primary task the collation and sending of the Annual Membership Renewal Invoices.
It is crystal ball time:
This Saturday 31 May, the event is a 4BBB Stableford Multiplier, sponsored by Forbes Tuesday Golfers. And Sunday has the usual Stableford Medley comp.
VETS GOLF
While happy with the rain on Thursday o cials of the West Wyalong Golf Club had no option but to call o the monthly Lachlan Valley Veterans Association monthly 18 hole competition.
Neville Kelly who wears caps as secretary and treasurer for all golf in WW said on Friday they had no option but to call golf o around 8am a er looking at the weather map.
“Good think we did, it rained all day, good gentle soaking rain,” he said.
“We got in early before travellers started their come and it was good as no visitors turned up. While our course is in good shape the rain will de nitely do it good,” he added.
While there is a spare date for Lachlan Valley vets golf later in the year a decision will be made at a later date regarding re-scheduling to West Wyalong.
They were last in but they had the best score a er the ‘Mayoress’ of BB had earlier handed out the best score for the day in last Tuesday’s 12 hole social comp.
It was the Je Moon foursome which had the top score with JM leading the way with 28 points to win the ‘burner’ from ‘Pencil’ Pete Schole eld who looked good early until the late arrivals but had no hesitation telling next week, only if he can score.
Others to rate in the nish were another coming in late Andrew Norton-Knight on 25 point along with the earlier big hitting Neil Herbert.
Last week 15 played and it is hoped to build on this.
Our team was Heather, Ev, Robin, Kerry and Sally Crosby. Great but long trip.
The weather was cold but dry after a little rain that settled the dust.
Our girls struggled with the very sandy greens leaving their putts a few centimetres too short which was common compared to their opponents.
Forbes lost 4/1 with Kerry Stirling getting a win on the 19th hole.
I’m told the hospitality was great and the girls are looking forward to the return visit on June 6.
Saturday 24 May had ladies teaming up to play American Foursomes.
Our winners were Debbie Tilley and Robin Lyell who came into the clubhouse with a 71.5.
Jenny Hubbard and Jill Cripps had earlier came into the clubhouse also with a 71.5.
The Duncan girls Brianna and Carolyn also came into the clubhouse with a 71.5, and like a house of cards the countback system knocked the Duncans and then team Hubbard and Cripps out of contention. It was all Jill’s fault, her partner put her on the green with a two foot putt and she missed.
Nearest to the pins were Brianna Duncan on the 9th and Kerry Stirling on the 18th.
Sunday 25 May six of our road trip girls headed to Trundle.
Kerry Stirling was the Stableford winner in Division 1.
Division 2 was where our girls had most success. Ann Maree Ga ney was the scratch winner with a nice 94.
Lindy Pollock had mixed fortunes beaten on count-back for runner up in scratch with 99 but ended up runner up in handicap with an amazing 67 nett.
Rose Carroll was a Stableford winner with 36 points and Deborah Dingwall was the winner of the 9 hole Stableford winner.
Matches set down for play this week include on Saturday 31 May an Individual Stableford sponsored by AM Ga ney and Lindy Cowhan with play in 2 Divisions. Wednesday 4 June is 4BBB v Par + NSW Bowl 4BBB Stableford Comp sponsored by Bernie Horan Builders. Until next week, good gol ng everyone.
Sporting shooters news: White, Dean right on target
FORBES SSAA
By TONY BRATTON
Results of the Forbes S.S.A.A. sporting shooters .22 calibre rim re ri e shoot held on Wednesday 21 May.
The results of the 25metre .22 target shoot were: Damien White, 250/250; John Dean, 247/250; Charlotte White, 245/250; Brian Neilsen, 243/250; Wayne Burton, 242/250; Lyall Strudwick, 240/250; Jennie Carpenter, 232/250; Max Vincent and Bruce Runchel shot practice only.
50metre Crow target: John Dean, 250/250; Damien White, 238/250; Brian Neilsen, 237/250; Charlotte White,
223/250; Lyall Strudwick, 220/250; Wayne Burton, 220/250; Jennie Carpenter, 212/250, Bruce Runchel, shot practice only.
75metre Bear target: John Dean, 118/120; Brian Neilsen, 116/120 and Lyall Strudwick, 103/120.
100metre Rabbit target: John Dean, 120/120.
There were 10 members in attendance at this shoot.
The weather was cold with light breeze from the south west at 5kph and a temperature of 26 degrees.
The range o cer was Norm Brook, scorer was Norm Brook.
The Forbes sporting clays held their monthly shoot
on 25 May. The weather was warm with a temperature of 19 degrees and a light breeze from the north east at 3kph. There were 11 members in attendance at this shoot, the shooters came from Forbes, West Wyalong, Narromine and Parkes.
The results of the 100 target ve stand shoot were: Troy Armstrong (Narromine) 21-22-21-24 total 88; Anthony Cahill (Parkes) 22-21-22-21 total 86; Laurie Redfern 1822-20-17 total 77; Sean McCarthy 16-18-17-17 total 68; Gabby Kirk (L)(Parkes) 109-12-16 total 47; Joey Reedy 22-24-20 total 66; Craig Hopkins (West Wylong) 16-11-15total 41; Brian Neilsen 12-14-
11 total 37 and Mia Condon 7-8 total 15.
The next shoot for the Forbes S.S.A.A. sporting clays will be their monthly shoot on Sunday 8 June 2025 this will be a 100 target ve stand shoot starting at 10am.
For all information on clay target shooting contact: Norm Brook 0458664541; Tony Bratton (02) 68523349; Ben Smith 0427524151; Doug Davis (02) 68523249 & Phil Picker (02) 68516494.
Any person wishing to obtain a long arm rearm licence can contact Wayne Facey on 0414524059; Norm Brook on 0458664541; Tony Bratton on (02) 68523349 to do a rearm safe shooting
assessment course which is a requirement for a rearm licence application.
The next S.S.A.A. sporting shooters .22 calibre and other rim re ri e (.22 magnum or.17HMR) will be held this Sunday 1 June 2025 starting at 10am.
The centre- re shoot will take place at 2pm on Sunday a er the rim re shoot. Centre- re shooters names in by 1.30pm so the targets can be placed on the Centre- re range just a er 1.30pm.
The next Wednesday shoot will be on Wednesday 4 June starting at 2pm.
All events are at the Bedgerebong road range, turn right o the Bedgerebong road
onto Dr. Young Drive. All target shooters are welcome to attend.
Any person wishing try rie or shotgun shooting can attend any of these shoots to take part a er lling out a P650 form at the club, Junior shooters must be 12 years or over.
For all information on .22 calibre rim re shooting contact: Wayne Facey 0414524059; Norm Brook 0458664541; Ben Smith 0427524151; David Coleman 0427401263.
Members are reminded that local range rules apply to all Forbes SSAA ranges. Like us on facebook @ Forbes Sporting Shooters.
Jax contests first championship
LAWN BOWLS
By TARA SHAW
Championship games are continuing with another minor pairs played on Sunday. No strangers to championship games, Lyall Strudwick led for Scott McKellar when they came up against our energizer bunny and greenkeeper, Terry Molloy and playing his rst ever pairs championships, Jax Murphy.
Jax and Terry starting out strong leading 7-4 on 6 with Lyall and Scott taking the next 3 ends to make it 7 all on 9. Lyall and Scott gained a 4 on the 12th which put them in front 13-8. Hitting back, Jax and Terry scored a 3 to close the gap only trailing by a 3 which was very achievable. Lyall and Scott won 3 of the last 5 ends to take the win 22-17.
Minor Singles games being played this weekend to round out the fourth round are: Robert (Pooch) Dukes playing Je Nicholson on Saturday at 1pm with the winner playing Dale Scott on Sunday. The second minor singles also being played on Saturday at 1pm is Geo Brown and Bobby Grant.
By the end of this week-
end we will have the results of the nal two players going through to play for the crown of Minor Singles Champion by 14 June 2025.
Minor Pairs games this week kick o on Thursday at 10am with Ben Parslow and Dale Scott playing Bobby Grant and Alan Hilder. Saturday at 10am are Brett Davenport and Clint Hurford playing Cli Nelson and John Baass.
Sunday at 10am we have Phil Hocking and Laurie Crouch facing o with Cherie Vincent and Bruce (Posso) Jones.
SOCIAL BOWLS
Wednesday – Threatening weather may have been the reason for only 26 players last week who in the end enjoyed a pleasant morning where card draw winners were a cagey couple in Eddie Gould and Bill O’Connell.
They nished like a Melbourne Cup champions to score 12-0 in the last four of 20 ends accounting for Gail McKay and Kerry Dunstan 20-18 who were cruising early at 17-7 a er 14. As they say, ‘never over until that lady sings’.
With only four games no runner-up but one thing all
pairs games had in common, all played over 20 ends while a game of triples had 14 ends.
Goodnight Irene Riley and Paul Doust put out the ame of Colleen Liebich and Billy Cowell with a 25-16 win. Another to come from behind down 10-14 at the end of 14 dominating late.
A bit more social next door where the two Barry’s, White and Shine, had a 18-14 win over Ron Thurlow and Peter Mackay. The B’s always in front except for 9-all at the end of 12.
In triples Terry Molloy, Therese David and in-form skip Don Cra won 16-13 over Ann Mackay, Bill Scott and Geo West mainly due to a four on the last. It was 9-all at the end of nine. Inclub winners Paul Doust and Barry Shine.
Wednesday morning bowls for all, noms in by 9.30am for a 10am start. Phone the club on 6852 1499 for a morning of social sport. Also remember social bowls are also played every Thursday a ernoon and Sunday mornings. Phone the club for further details.
Thursday - no bowls due to inclement weather.
Sunday – 24 bowlers took
to the greens enjoying the glorious weather, a few laughs, great banter and cold beverages.
Jax Murphy and Terry Murphy got bragging rights this week when they beat Jayden Hartwig and Kelly Stringer 28-6. Jax got in some early practice before his championship game that a ernoon and was pulling out all the stops.
Leading 13-4 a er 8, nothing was slowing Jax and Terry down.
Keeping Jayden and Kelly from scoring any points in the second half, Jax and Terry certainly rubbed it in especially their 5 on the 2nd last end.
Terry Molloy and Mick Merritt drew Max Vincent and Alan Hilder. Keeping things nice and friendly to start, 3 all on 5, Mick and Terry took the lead into the break 6-3 on 8. Max and Alan fought back taking the rst 3 in the second half to edge infront 8-6. Mick and Terry did not give up and gained a 5. This boosted morale a little and they sprinted to the nish line taking the win 17-9.
Ange Dwyer and Al Phillips teamed up against Juss Sci eet and Cherie Vincent.
Ange and Al were a well oiled machine straight from the blocks scoring 10points in the rst 8. Juss and Cherie needed to re-group at the break and pull out all the tricks for their comeback tour, but it just wasn’t their day. Ange and Al taking 7 of the last 8 ends and taking the game 27-5.
John Cutler led for Scott (Scooter) Andrews when they drew Tara Shaw and Bert Bayley. Tara and Bert gelled well, and everything was going their way up until the 8th. Not sure what was in John and Scooter’s half time fuel, but it worked. Taking control in the second half John and Scooter took 6 of the last 8 making it 1 point di erence in the end and John and Scooter the victors of the day.
Unfortunately, there was no card available at time of reporting, but Ron Thurlow and Dale Scott won 15-10 against Cheryle Hodges and Bobby Grant.
Our last game of the morning saw Billy Cowell and Robert (Pooch) Dukes take on Peter Mackay and Viv Russell. Billy and Pooch had the rst runs on the board leading 3-0 when Peter and Viv answered and levelled on 4.
Two points the di erence at oranges and Billy and Pooch in the lead, their condence had to remain in tack if they wanted to win. 9 all on 10, 11 all on 13, this could swing either way. Billy and Pooch were lucky enough to pick up a 4 and a 3 to win the game 18-13.
Winning rink – Rink 17, John Cutler and Scooter Andrews. Losing Rink – Rink 14, Peter Mackay and Viv Russell.
No resting touchers or raspberries recorded.
Jackpot – new format for Thursday social bowls and Sunday social bowls jackpot was rolled out on Sunday with the jackpot going o every week to one lucky player.
The draw is done randomly from the number of players. $5 is contributed to the jackpot pool each week from each player and the lucky winner takes all.
First lucky winner for this week was Cheryle Hodges –congratulations Cheryle. Chicken ra e winners: Brett Zanni, Scooter Andrews, Laurie Crouch, Mick Merritt, Pooch Dukes, Ron Thurlow, Al Phillips, Jayden Hartwig, Terry Molloy.
Scott Mackellar in Sunday’s minor pairs match.
PHOTOS: Jenny Kingham
Jax Murphy at 10 years old is the youngest member of Forbes Bowling Club.
Platypi gutsy against Roos
Saturday was a tough day at Grinsted Oval but a gutsy Platypi rst XV, their squad depleted by injury, did their club and coach proud.
Dubbo Roos won 5-29 but the Platypi showed plenty of determination to hold them out for much of the match.
The visitors took an early lead, the Platypi scoring late in the rst half for a half-time score of 5-17.
It wasn’t until late in the second half the Roos crossed the try-line two more times to extend their lead.
Captain Will Sey er praised his side’s heart and grit.
“It was a win for us today I think,” he said of their e orts.
“We’ve got that many people stepping up, people playing two games, I’m pretty happy with the boys.”
Jack Cole within a couple of weeks. Both captain and coach were pleased with the team’s defensive e orts in the Round 5 contest.
Roos couldn’t move the scorers through a long stretch of the middle of the match and the Platypi just kept turning up.
“Our talk in defence, we’ve been working on that trust in defence,” Sey er said.
“Every week it’s getting better - we’re playing with di erent people every week and it’s getting better so I think that’s a positive.”
Forbes’ colts and juniors had started a huge day of rugby at Grinsted Oval with success.
The Under 16s were dominant, winning 47-14 over Dubbo, and the Under
NetSetGo a hit in busy netball season
NETBALL
By ROBYN KENNY
The Forbes Netball Committee, players, parents and families have been very busy lately with lots happening.
A great deal of future planning will be undertaken for all members and their families.
NetSetGo bring-a-friend Saturday
NetSetGo is proving a hit with all boys and girls aged from 5/6 years to 10/11 years.
The sessions are held every Saturday morning from 9-30 till 10-30 through the school terms.
There is still plenty of time to join in the fun and skills with full programs suitable for all ages of junior players.
This Saturday will be “Bring a Friend day” where boys and girls already having fun will bring their friends to show them what the program is all about.
Anyone can come along and see what happens at NSG, and players don’t need to register before they experience the sessions.
NetSetGo is action packed where children learn skills to start them on their netball journey.
Beginner umpiring sessions
Toby impresses at national championships
Toby Morgan has finished the Little Athletics season on a high after competing at the Australian Little Athletics Championships in Adelaide during the ANZAC Day weekend.
The talented Red Bend athlete competed in under 13 multiclass events and was one of two para U13 athletes representing NSW.
Toby spent two days at Sydney with the NSW squad before the championships where they prepared and bonded as a team.
On ANZAC Day the squad were part of a dawn service before they traveled to the
airport to fly to Adelaide together for two days of competition.
Toby won gold in javelin throwing an impressive 16.32m which is three metres further than he threw in March at the NSW Junior Championships.
He didn’t stop their winning another gold in the 400m running a personal best of 1:35.71.
Toby then went on to claim silver in the 100m, 200m and 800m.
As well as his individual success Toby was proud to be part of the NSW squad who won their 37th Australian Lit-
tle Athletics Championship.
The 2025 U13 championship went down to the last two events with NSW holding off Queensland 778 to 753 points.
Toby was named by Athletics New South Wales as one of five athletes who led NSW to victory with his multi medal results.
NSW claimed the prestigious Trevor Billingham Trophy which is named after the founder of Little Athletics in Australia.
As well as achieving great results, Toby had an amazing athletics experience and made many new friends.
Forbes NA is extremely lucky to have the services of National A badged umpire, Shelley Hutchinson, who will travel to Forbes to hold a beginner umpire session.
This day will be held on Sunday June 22, and is free to all FNA members who will be put through the procedures and knowledge of learning how to umpire.
This session will be extremely valuable to anyone from school aged members to adults members, parents and families.
Everyone is invited to come along, with the day time frame still to be set.
Please all put this date in your calendar as not to be missed.
Registration link will be set up on the FNA Facebook page, so numbers are known for Shelley to prepare for the free day of learning how to umpire.
Club Forbes NetSetGo and Junior Gala Day
The FNA is extremely grateful for the support of Club Forbes who is sponsoring the Club Forbes NetSetGo and Junior Gala Day to be held on Sunday August 17.
This day will begin with another visit by the extremely popular former Australian Diamond Susan Pettitt, who will run her combined player warm up at the beginning of the day.
The warm up is very popular with about 100 boys and girls participating.
The warm up will be free to all players,
thanks to the generous grant from Club Forbes.
Teams aged from 7/8 years (NSG) to 12 years will be playing, with teams invited from all partes of the West/Central West and Riverina for a day of fun netball.
No rep teams are able to enter the day, with the emphasis on fun, and junior games for all.
Thus giving everyone an opportunity to play in a regional gala day.
Representative news
The representative season is well underway with teams aged 14, 13 and 12 years all training consistently through the week, plus playing in regional carnivals on Sundays.
This is in preparation for the upcoming Netball NSW Junior State Titles to be held in Penrith in July school holidays.
The 11-9 years squad is also training hard through the week, and the squad has just competed in their sixth regional carnival for the season.
Five teams representing FNA played in the Orange carnival Sunday week, with rain soaking players in their last games for the day.
Last Sunday the weather was clear and perfect for netball, where four teams played in a very enjoyable day of netball.
Our representative coaches were given a treat when experienced coach James Mulcare travelled from Sydney representing Netball NSW, and spent the day with the three rep teams and their coaches.
The feature of the day was James working with the FNA coaches and their teams, in competition at the Orange rep carnival, giving his experience and knowledge to all our rep players and coaches over the full day.
The day was an outstanding success, and the FNA coaches will take this knowledge gained into their preparation and competition at NNSW Junior State Titles in July.
A huge thank you to James for his dedication to regional netball and in particular the Forbes Netball Association.
Winning 1975 Magpies to reunite
It’s the sort of game that can still get rugby league fans talking 50 years on.
Forbes’ 13-11 win in the 1975 reserve grade Group 11 grand nal involved 20 minutes extra time and three disallowed tries - the referee had a police escort to leave the ground.
“Astute judges later described the game as one of the most absorbing and entertaining grand nals in group history,” newspaper clippings of the day reported.
“As a spectacle the match contained everything so characteristic of rugby league, with players from both sides li ing their games immeasurably in the colourful atmosphere that was grand nal football.”
This June long weekend, the Magpies of that era will be reuniting in Forbes with the chance to reconnect and to enjoy what’s typically a great weekend of footy.
Reunion organiser Alan Rees said Group 11’s reserve grade competition was a tough one in the 1970s with Eugowra and Canowindra strong teams. But Dubbo Mac-
quarie and Dubbo CYMS were the sides to beat in those days as well and Forbes had a few grand nal berths against them in the era.
The Magpies had had a close 20-17 grand nal loss to CYMS in the 1973 grand nal before they earned their place in the big dance again in 1975 and this time held the trophy high.
Captain Walker produced a gutsy, captain’s e ort and coach Norm Cook praised the team.
“Team spirit, such an important sporting commodity, was the main reason why we prevailed,” the Advocate reported.
Twelve months later, a hungry Macquarie side got their own back over Forbes, winning the 1976 premiership 11-10.
The feature night of this reunion weekend will be a dinner at Club Forbes on Saturday 7 June, with a meet and greet at The Vandenberg Hotel the Friday night before and the option to head to Parkes to cheer Forbes on in the long weekend derby on Sunday.
FootyNRL TIPPING
The premiership-winning 1975 team of (back) Strapper L Martin, Manager C Shine, B Jelbart, T Roberts, S Holloway, G Rousell, J Acheson, P Baker, S Kirkman, coach N Cook, strapper B Parker (middle) R Harrison, G Everest, J Burchett, Captain M Walker, M Smith, A Rees (front) P Watts, P Corliss, T Allen, B Clarke, G Smith. Absent
Corney, P Seaton.
PHOTO: Supplied
Late goal breaks tie
RUGBY LEAGUE
A eld goal in the nal minute gave Magpies the rst grade win over Dubbo CYMS in a thrilling game before a big home crowd in Round 5 of the Peter McDonald Premiership.
Scores were locked at 18all with the clock ticking down at Spooner Oval on Sunday before the host side was awarded a penalty that put them in the right place for Nick Greenhalgh to kick the one-pointer to take the two points.
The captain was delighted to give the home crowd a reason to cheer.
The Fishies ran in two early tries to have a 12-nil lead just 10 minutes into the xture, Magpies ghting back over the next 20 minutes to level the scores.
But the visitors scored again right before half time to head to the sheds with an 18-12 lead they maintained well into the second half.
It was Jack Smith who broke the deadlock with a try under the posts to see the scores once again levelled.
Greenhalgh was very happy with the win against the side he describes as the benchmark in a tough competition.
Magpies had su ered their rst defeat of the season in Round 4, downed by a redhot Cowboys team on re before their own home crowd o the back of their own defeat by Dubbo CYMS.
“It was good for us to bounce back,” Greenhalgh said.
“We spoke about xing a few things, worked on a few things at training.
“It was a big occasion, a big crowd playing at home – everyone got behind us.”
The early de cit wasn’t
ideal, but Greenhalgh was pleased with the way his side stayed in the grind and recovered.
It gives Magpies four wins from ve this season, pleasing for a side that was the talk of the pre-season for the returning players and recruits all now working together.
“We’ve still got a long way to go but we needed two points yesterday and we got them,” Greenhalgh said.
“And they’re probably the benchmark so it was nice to know that we can beat them.”
Hooker Hayden Bolam had a huge game, brilliant in attack and doing a mountain of work in defence.
“Jack Hartwig also had a big game: he got through a mountain of work,” his captain said.
“He’s been one of our best forwards, as well as Nick Booth
“Those boys really played really well.”
Magpies back up with another home game this Sunday to Bathurst St Pat’s and they’ll be looking to continue to build momentum for the long weekend derby with Parkes Spacemen.
No doubt Parkes will be looking to get their own back a er Forbes dominated the two clubs’ Round 1 meeting on Magpies’ turf.
Farren Lamb gains ground for the Magpies in a hard-fought game against Dubbo CYMS on Sunday.