The rugby community has raised $16,500 for domestic violence cause RizeUp on a ladies day that drew a crowd in the hundreds to the lake-side oval. In all, 200 were seated for a long lunch on the sideline as the Platypi took on Emus across all grades, before the ladies’ long-sleeve, striped rugby jerseys were auctioned for the cause. President Sam Parish said the day was above and beyond expectations, and thanked Emus rugby club as well as the entire community for their support.
FULL STORY WITH MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 14
Flood works budget cut
Planning to reduce the duration of Newell Highway flood closures is almost ready to move forward again after the project budget was revised down $109 million.
Transport for NSW in December 2023 confirmed a total funding commitment of $141 million - $50 million in Federal and $91 million in State funding – following independent reviews of Australian and NSW infrastructure programs, a Transport spokesperson said in response to inquiries
New plan to reduce Newell Highway closure now on the way
from The Forbes Advocate.
Earlier, a total $250 million had been flagged for it.
Since 2024 Transport has been investigating options that will shorten the closures, while maximising value for money.
“In early 2025, Transport identified a revised option that would fit within the available funding,” the spokesperson said.
“This option focuses on constructing culverts at
existing causeways in the Marsden section of the Newell Highway to reduce the number of days the road is inundated during and after a flood event.”
Transport is now progressing concept design and environmental assessment for the revised option and expects to display the Review of Environmental Factors in 2026 for community and stakeholder feedback.
Cr Chris Roylance, chair of the Newell Highway Taskforce, is looking forward to seeing progress on what he describes as vital work on this national highway.
Cr Roylance has been among those calling for action since the lengthy closure of the highway during and after the 1990 floods, those calls intensified after it was closed for six weeks in the 2016 floods.
It was again closed for
seven weeks in the 2022 flood events and while getting the highway open in time for school holiday and Christmas travel was a priority, speed limits did remain in place while work on the damaged sections of road continued for months.
Cr Roylance is eager to see detailed plans andimportantly - action.
“The culverts were the original vision now we’d like to see that put into place: we
just need a timeline now as to when we can do that,” he said.
“It will be good for Forbes and West Wyalong to get that finalised – it cuts off that road completely and being a national highway, that should never happen.”
Transport has identified the causeways that flood first and stayed closed the longest and – based on those findings – had begun preparing a concept design for some 11km of flood mitigation at Marsden.
■ Continued page 5
Pictured are Isabella Harding, Fionn Brown, Sarah Simmonds, Isobel Humphreys, Abbey Howell, Chelsea Turner and Matese Tyack.
PHOTO: Jenny Kingham
Warm up for Trundle Bush Tucker Day
Dust off your campovens and get your dancing boots ready as Trundle Bush Tucker Day is only two months away.
In what is a jam-packed Saturday of country music, bush cooking and activities, Trundle Bush Tucker Day has something to keep every member of the family entertained.
Boasting an incredible lineup of entertainment for the 2025 event featuring some of Australia’s biggest country music stars Casey Barnes and The Bushwackers and local music superstars The Alternators will
From the mayor’s desk
By MAYOR PHYLLIS MILLER OAM
If you’ve visited Lions Park these school holidays you may have noticed work underway around the playground and café area.
Contractors are preparing footings for new shade sails over both areas, the need for this identified by the community during consultation as part of the Lake Forbes Activation Plan. These improvements will create a more welcoming, user-friendly Lions Park for locals and visitors to enjoy year-round.
We appreciate your patience while these works are completed.
Council is proud to be joining Central West Lachlan Landcare to celebrate National Tree Day on Saturday 26 July. We’re inviting community members to come along from 10am to 12pm on the corner of Federation Boulevard and Olympic Street to help plant trees next to the Goldridge Housing Development.
This is a wonderful chance to get outdoors and make a lasting contribution to the environment. Please wear sturdy shoes, warm clothes, and bring a hat or beanie, along with water and snacks. Gardening tools will be provided.
To register, visit nationaltreeday. org.au. I hope to see many of you there lending a hand to make Forbes even greener!
This year marks 160 years since the death of Ben Hall, one of Australia’s most fascinating bushrangers. To commemorate this milestone, Council’s Heritage Advisory Committee is proud to once again present the unique event, The Trial of Ben Hall. Back by popular demand, this interactive play lets audiences explore an important chapter of our history in a creative and engaging way. Performances will be held on 2nd and 3rd August at St Andrews Church on Harold Street, with tickets available through 123tix.
I look forward to seeing you there supporting our local performers and enjoying this special piece of history. And finally, another stellar week at the Central West Livestock Exchange. A National Price Record broken for lambs with a sale of $454 per head for a pen. Huge congratulations to the vendors and agents – what a wonderful asset to our community the saleyards are.
have you dancing in the Trundle dust on Saturday, 6 September.
Casey will be bringing his highenergy show and chart-topping hits from powerhouse anthems to heartfelt ballads ensuring an unforgettable performance.
The Bushwackers are returning by popular demand for a memorable experience celebrating the songs and stories that capture our Australian spirit.
The Alternators will wrap up the action-packed day so be sure to pack your dancing boots, cowboy
hats and get ready to have the time of your life dancing the night away.
As well as entertainment that will having you kicking up the dirt there will also be bush cooking demonstrations, free kids’ entertainment, pig races, dog jumping, market stalls, food vans and so much more.
For those aspiring bush cooks and the adventurous chefs, dust off your camp ovens, get creative and join in on the fun of the famous nationally recognised Bush Tucker cook off.
Kids under six are free and chil dren aged six to 17 years are only
$5 so bring the family and enjoy the free kids’ corner with loads of activities and fun for the little ones.
Trundle Bush Tucker Day is a not-for-profit community run event with all proceeds going back into community groups.
For more information and to follow along with updates and an nouncements follow Trundle Bush Tucker Day on Facebook or visit www.trundlebushtuckerday.com.au
Tickets on sale now at www.123tix. com.au/events/46970/trundle-bush- Craig Morgan checking the camp oven at the 2024 event.
www.forbesadvocate.com.au
WHAT’S ON in and around Forbes
WORKING DOG AUCTION
Saturday, 19 July
The Forbes working dog club is back with its annual auction at Forbes Showground. The catalogue of dogs available is up now with two big days planned around the sale. Friday will see cattle, sheep paddock and goat demonstrations and Saturday sheep yard demonstrations before the auction.
BUSINESS CHAMBER AGM
Wednesday, 23 July
The Forbes Business Chamber invites all business and industry to its Annual General Meeting at Club Forbes at 6pm on Wednesday, 23 July. Please RSVP to info@ forbesbusinesschamber.com.au or phone 0436 316 868.
WILD WEST WRESTLING
Friday, 25 July
IWA Wild West Wrestling is coming to Club Forbes in July. It’s tipped to be an amazing night of action-packed live pro-wrestling for the family, with tickets available now through 123tix.com.au IWA is Australia’s longest running wrestling promotion, and IWA’s pro-wrestling is an interactive all-ages experience that has to be seen to be believed.
NATIONAL TREE DAY
Saturday, 26 July
National Tree Day volunteers will be working to provide a green buffer adjacent to the Goldridge Housing Development in Forbes. Central West Lachlan Landcare are pleased to host this event in partnership with Forbes Shire Council. They will be working at the corner of Federation Boulevard and Olympic Street, Forbes, from 10am to midday. For more information or to register online to volunteer, visit https://nationaltreeday.org.au/site/10031334
PARKES SHIRE
CONCERT BAND 30
YEARS
Sunday, 27 July
The Parkes Shire Concert Band
JOURNALISTS
FORBES CUP RACE DAY SUNDAY, 3 AUGUST
(PSCB) is turning 30 and they’re celebrating it with a momentous anniversary concert. The weekend of 26 and 27 July is not one to miss and it’s free. The historic Fire & Rescue NSW Band and Orange Regional Conservatorium Wind Ensemble are the featured guests. PSCB will collaborate with bands in Forbes, Orange, Griffith, Wellington and others in a workshop on the Saturday. The community concert will feature a total of 120 musicians performing - this also includes appearances from Subtonic Fusion and Divermento from Orange. It all gets underway at 2pm on 27 July in the Starlight Lounge, Parkes Services Club.
TRIVIA NIGHT
Saturday, 2 August
Eugowra Community Children’s Centre presents a trivia night fundraiser to support the rebuild of its service. There’ll be raffles, an auction and lots of laughs. Doors open 6pm for a 6.30pm start at the Showground Pavilion. It’s $160 a table for up to eight people, you can pre-order grazing boxes and slider boxes. Tickets on sale and food orders available through 123tix.com.au
AN EVENING WITH KELLY RIMMER
Wednesday, 30 July
The Book Dispensary is thrilled to be hosting Kelly Rimmer in store for the launch of ‘The Midnight Library’. Kelly Rimmer is the best-selling author of The
Renee Powell 0448 238 023
rpowell@midwestmedia.com.au
Brendan McCool 0448 238 254
bmccool@midwestmedia.com.au
CLASSIFIEDS (02) 6342 1044
classifieds@midwestmedia.com.au
ADVERTISING
Michelle Brown 0429 421 044
mbrown@midwestmedia.com.au
Wardsaw Orphan, The German Wife and The Paris Agent. You’ll love hearing about this haunting new mystery which is set in Forbes. It’s on from 5pm to 8pm, nibbles and drinks provided. Bookings essential, trybooking.com
ROY ORBISON MEETS THE BEATLES
Thursday, 31 July
A show that combines the music of two loved and legendary artists. It’s coming to Club Forbes from 7.30pm, tickets through the club or 123tix.com.au
THE TRIAL OF BEN HALL PLAY
Saturday and Sunday, 2 and 3 August
The Forbes Shire Council Heritage Advisory Committee will be presenting the play The Trial of Ben Hall written by Forbes solicitor Dominic Williams. Tickets online through 123tix.com.au
FORBES CUP DAY
Sunday, 3 August
Forbes Jockey Club’s 2025 Forbes Cup meeting is on! There’s a full afternoon of racing with feature races including The Big Dance qualifier and the Ben Hall Bullet sprint. There’ll be fashions on the field, bar, TAB and canteen facilities available.
Book your place in the President’s Marquee online through
ticket.bo.com.au or email forbesjockeyclub@bigpond.com to book your private marquee.
CENTRAL WEST BIRD EXPO
Saturday, 2 August
The annual Central West Bird Show will be at the Forbes Showground. Public entry is $2 per person with kids under 12 free. The bird sale is open to the public from 10am to 2pm unless sold out prior. Bird entry is $1 per bird with a minimum $10 entry fee and $3 per bird sellers fee. There will be trade stalls, food vans, raffles, education stands and more.
BEDGERABONG SHOW
Saturday, 16 August
The greatest little show in the west opens our show season on Saturday, 16 August. Start planning what you might enter from your veggie patch, kitchen or craft room. Stall holders are invited to register with site from $20, payment on the day. You can register your interest online - more information and links on the Bedgerabong Show Facebook page. Or contact the secretary 0427808158 or email bedgerabongshow@hotmail.com for more information.
SMALL WINEMAKERS WINE SHOW
Friday, 29 August
The NSW Small Winemakers Show has released 2025 dates and this year’s public tasting is on Friday, 29 August at Forbes Town Hall. The gourmet wine presentation dinner follows on Saturday, 20 September.
FORBES MOTOR SHOW
Sunday, 5 October
Save the date, the Forbes Motor Show is returning to South Circle Oval in on Sunday 5 October 2025. Plan your entries now in bikes, cars, boats, vintage machinery, trucks and tractors. Gates open 8am for registration. There will be food, drink and merchandise stalls. Entry will be just $2 an adult, $1 a child.
150 years of Bedgerabong school
Share your stories for milestone celebrations
Did you go to school at Bedgerabong?
The community is preparing to celebrate 150 years of public school and they’d love to hear from you.
Work to collate information on the history of the small school is under way, principal Paul Faulkner said, as they prepare for a big reunion weekend on Friday and Saturday 27 and 28 March, 2026.
As they make their plans, what Mr Faulkner is really keen to hear are the stories and recollections of people’s experiences of the school.
Generations have grown up through this small school at Bedgerabong – and the very special community it sits at the heart of.
Mr Faulkner is hoping to share word of the anniversary celebrations far and wide, to gather as many people with connections to Bedgerabong back to this beautiful part of the world.
It says a lot that Bedgerabong has only had about five principals in some 125 years, Mr Faulkner will have served 25 by the anniversary celebration.
“It is a really strong community, there are really strong tries,” he said.
“People think of the place
fondly even though they might not have been here for 50 years.”
What he’d love is to sit down and share the stories of Bedgerabong school in days gone by: stories like those he heard early of kids stashing tea in the gully and rushing down there to boil the billy when the principal went home for lunch.
Whether these stories are presented as an audio collection or transcribed and collated in print form is still being worked out, he’d just love to start hearing from people and recording those stories soon.
“It’s the stories and connec-
tions that make it really rich,” Mr Faulkner said.
They’re also looking for photographs that will prompt people’s memories as well, they’re starting to share photos as they find them through a Bedgerabong150 facebook page and all of this will be part of a wonderful 150th anniversary next year. Because this is a very special school community.
“I love the fact that people embrace the school and seem to have the same respect for the school and its values that their parents held when they were at school,” Mr Faulkner said.
“It’s very much an extended
family and we all share the same goals for the kids, which really haven’t changed from the last 150 years.”
Respect, work ethic, and community are at the fore for all, which staff modelling with their own commitment to being part of events like the local show and the renowned picnic race meeting.
The reunion will have a school open day where visitors can see how the school is today, as well as a picnic day Saturday.
There is a time capsule to unearth and open, and the school will prepare another to bury on the occasion.
Bedgerabong Public School celebrates 150 years in 2026 and organisers would love to share your memories of the school and community. Register your interest by emailing 150bbong@gmail.com or by phoning 02 6857 1185. Follow Bedgerabong150 on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with reunion planning.
Working dogs put skills to test as auction day returns
The successful Forbes working dog auction is on again this weekend, with a catalogue of 38 dogs on offer.
Their skills will be on show in the paddock and the yards in the lead-up to the sale, with vendors given the opportunity to demonstrate their dogs’ abilities with goats, cattle and sheep across two days.
Elders auctioneer and president of the Forbes Working Dog Club, Jake LeBrocque, says it will all start midday Friday in the large sand arena where Forbes ranch sorting is based, adjacent to the showground.
Friday afternoon demonstrations include sheep, cattle and goat work
and are optional for vendors to participate in.
Every dog on offer will put their sheep work on show on Saturday morning, with demonstrations to begin at 8am at the showground yards. Bidding opens at 1pm Saturday, in person and interfaced with Auctions Plus.
This is the third year Lebrocque has been involved in this now annual event and it’s been a success for all involved.
Potential buyers can already see videos of this year’s dogs on the club’s facebook page and anticipation is building.
“They range from young starter dogs to fully broken-in going dogs, so from a buyer’s perspective there’s something there to suit everybody’s budget,” Lebroque said.
The club has also established itself as a supporter of community causes, with a special auction in 2024 raising funds for Forbes Domestic Violence.
A portion of this year’s proceeds will be donated to Rural Aid.
“We really thank everybody for supporting it, for coming along and bringing a dog,” Lebroque said.
“We thank our sponsors too - everyone who puts in something to be part of it.”
Vale Margaret Morrison
IN MEMORIUM
Florence Margaret Morrison was born 7 September 1931 in Lakemba NSW.
She was the fourth child to Edward and Florence Martyn, and called Margaret while still a baby because her mother didn’t like her being called “little Flo”.
Her siblings were Amanda, Richard, Phyllis, Ellen and Lenard who have all predeceased her.
The family moved to Parkes when Margaret was still an infant and she attended Parkes primary and high school.
On leaving school, she worked at the glove factory and Parkes railway station as a waitress.
She married Colin Morrison on 9 February 1952 and started married life at The Wilgas, Back Yamma.
It was a big change from town life as there was no electricity, but Margaret was a practical woman and managed well.
Their first child Trevor was born in 1953.
Margaret and Colin bought the Chiverton service station and general store at Cowra in 1957, Colin operated a truck business while Margaret operated the service station and store.
Their second son David was born in 1964 followed by Craig
in 1965 which rounded out their family.
Margaret’s sister Ellen and her husband Henry Wright brought a farm not far from them and become life long friends. They spent Christmases and
other holidays together with their families. In 1967 they moved back to Forbes after purchasing the property Tarlemara. Retirement came in 2001 and after selling the farm, they
moved to Lachlan St Forbes (opposite Forbes Bowling Club).
Sadly, Colin passed away in 2006 and Margaret sold the house and purchased a twobedroom unit in Clarence Street.
When Margaret’s health began to decline she moved into Jemalong Retirement Village in 2023.
Margaret enjoyed playing bowls and became the President of the Women’s Bowling Club for a number of years.
She loved Christmas and family get togethers.
Rugby league was another love and she would get excited when the State of Origin began - but very disappointed when NSW lost.
Margaret was an avid gardener with everyone commenting on her variety of beautiful roses.
She was a loving and devoted wife to Colin for 54 years, enjoying holidays with him and having many trips in their caravan.
Margaret loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren and loved having them around. She never had a bad word for anyone, treating everyone all the same.
Margaret passed away on Friday, 30 August 2024 and will be sorely missed.
Macrocarpa Landscapes shares native plant inspiration with garden club
By GREEN THUMB
The June meeting was held in the comfort of the Men’s Shed with President Marg Dent welcoming 29 with apologies from 11 members.
birthday wishes were extended to those who celebrated throughout the month.
Minutes and reports were read with Bev Gerdes thanked for filling the role of head steward for the flower section for the Forbes Show.
It was good to hear Pammie Thomson is out of hospital and recovering with family.
Our guest speaker was Kate Nixon from Macrocarpa Landscapes.
She last spoke to us as a gardener from Forbes Council on her designing of the native garden at the Tourist Information Centre. Now she has started her own business specialising in natives. Her knowledge of natives is in-
spiring and how they can be easily propagated.
It was noted that with all the frosty weather the natives planted at the Information Centre are doing well and she has suggested to Council that several working bees take place each year with volunteers.
Kate had brought many specimens along which are native to our area all with botanical names.
Marg Swift thanked her for her talk and presented her with a gift.
Marion Murray was the lucky raffle winner and the flower of the month saw many entries but resulted in: first Noel Hocking a chrysanthemum; second Max Swift a camellia; third Lee Sanderson an iris.
The next meeting will be held at the Men’s Shed on Tuesday, 22 July at 2pm.
Please bring along a flower of the month and a cup.
Our guest speaker is Jo Henley of Henley’s Rustics Garden Beds.
Council opens bi-annual community funding program
Community organisations are being urged to apply now for Forbes Shire Council's community funding program.
Council established the Community Funding Program in recognition of the vital contribution that community groups and organisations play in the development of the Forbes community and our quality of life.
The Community Funding Program is open twice annually and
a total of $150,000 is available across two rounds for projects (including programs, activities, events and capital works) in four categories: Sport and recreation; Culture and the arts; Community services; and Rural village enhancement. Not-for-profit community groups and organisations can access up to $5,000 in assistance for each project as either a cash
contribution, in-kind support, or a combination of both.
The Community Funding Program is extremely competitive and funding is limited, so community groups and not for profit organisations are encouraged to make use of the Forbes Shire Council Officers available Monday - Friday in the Forbes Shire Council administration building, by appointment only. Applications can be submit-
ted through the Council SmartyGrants portal.
For more information, contact Council’s Community Relations Officer on 02 6850 2300 or community@forbes.nsw.gov.au
To view the Community Funding Guidelines in full before submitting an application go online to Forbes Shire Council's website forbes.nsw.gov.au or click the link direct from their facebook page.
Guest speaker Kate Nixon from Macrocarpa Landscapes.
FORBES GARDEN CLUB
Call out to businesses to connect to Chamber
Forbes Business Chamber is connecting business and community in Forbes and this week’s upcoming AGM is an opportunity to be part of it.
Long-term member and vice president Marg Duggan is encouraging more business people, particularly younger people in business, to come to the AGM and connect with the Chamber.
“We’ve got to get people engaged,” she said.
“There are huge amounts of benefits from being involved in the business chamber.”
Those range from the practical advice and insight Business NSW offers around legal and workplace requirements that help businesses keep up to date, through to the partnerships with the local community, council and events.
Forbes Business Chamber is behind the extremely popular and successful Christmas carnival and promotion, raising awareness of our town as a great place to come and do your Christmas shopping, in partnership with the council and major business sponsors.
able on 1 August so if you haven’t already, save Saturday, 1 November for the big event.
million within Forbes and participating businesses.
They also started Taste on Templar, the extremely successful Spring dinner which pours support back into our community.
Tickets to this will become avail-
It’s a great opportunity to host your staff for your annual Christmas party ahead of the festive season rush.
Ms Duggan highlights Why Leave Town as one of the great ongoing programs: this has kept about $1.5
But the benefits of the Business Chamber go beyond being part of events and promotions.
Ms Duggan has been in business 24 years and involved in the Chamber - in some capacity - for probably 20 of those.
She highly recommends it for the
benefits of collaboration with other local businesses, and for those starting out to connect and find mentors in local business.
The Forbes Business Chamber AGM is on Wednesday, 23 July, 5.30pm for a 6pm start. Please RSVP to info@ forbesbusinesschamber.com.au
Cabonne to roll out text alerts
Cabonne residents will soon be able to receive SMS alerts of events like water outages or significant road closures.
The council has taken the next step toward introducing the service, adopting a policy around what can be sent out at the June council meeting.
Staff brought the proposal to develop an SMS communications system to councillors, with a view to opening up efficient communication between council and community members.
Ninety per cent of SMS messages get opened and are read within 90
seconds of arrival, the report to councillors said.
SMS communication will be used for emergency notifications and alerts, which may include water outages, significant road closures or disruptions to the road network, information aligning with emergency services (State Emergency Service alerts).
The system provides capability to be able to target specific user groups, such as towns and villages.
General manager Brad Byrnes said the system would be opt-in, but it would give the council an increased capacity to notify residents
very quickly of these sorts of incidents.
“Communication is the key to everything and anything we can do to enhance communication for these sorts of incidents when they occur, council’s willing to step into and try and make it better,” he said.
“Particularly when things go wrong, communication is the main thing we’ve got to get right.”
If approved by the executive leadership team, it can also include reminders for Council events, meetings, consultations, and deadlines; updates on Council services, projects, disruptions, and community
Proposed Voluntary Planning Agreements – Edify Energy Pty Ltd and Lawson Grains Pty Ltd
In accordance with cl. 204(3) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021, Council places on public exhibition the following Proposed Voluntary Planning Agreements (VPAs):
initiatives; important announcements and community notices. It won’t be used for unsolicited marketing or promotional content, or for two-way conversation or discussion of complex matters requiring context or documentation.
Ratepayers and residents will have to register to receive the SMS messages to ensure access to critical and timely information, and will have the option to opt out at any time.
Council staff will be launching a campaign to encourage people to register for the text message service.
Polystyrene recycling is now available at the Forbes Recycling and Waste Depot!
Council has partnered with Green Planet Recycling Solutions to offer polystyrene recycling to Forbes residents.
Newell flood fix on new budget
From front page
From early 2024, Transport has been working on a revised scope of works to meet the funding commitment confirmed for the project following the independent reviews of the Australian and NSW Government infrastructure programs in 2023. Counting the cost
The six-week closure of the Newell Highway in 2016 had an estimated total direct cost of $112 million (contingent valuation method), the National Institute of Economic and Industry Research calculated in a report published in August 2017.
The report, prepared for the Newell Highway Taskforce, government, primary producers and transport organisations, flagged:
$23.5 million for increased road freight transport costs;
$16 million from the loss of nearby service exports from the LGAs in the broader Bland Creek catchment;
$20 million loss of agriculture production, compared to the case of an upgraded highway with best practice drainage facilities;
$46 million loss of production from supply chain disruption elsewhere in Australia; and
$6.7 million from increased road maintenance expenditure. While they did calculate loss in tourism expenditure from the national perspective, the loss to affected areas was estimated at $14 million.
The flow-on impact for lost increases and household consumption on total gross regional product was modelled at a minimum $138 million, up to $153 million, the impact on the most-affected LGAs was “of the order of a conservative $36 million”.
All dollar values are contingent valuation method based on the 2014 / 2025 financial year.
inspection contact Logan Conway, Pickles Dubbo on 0429 578 849 or email logan.conway@ pickles.com.au Forbes Recycling and Waste Depot – Gatehouse System Upgrade Residents are advised that a new gatehouse system will be introduced at the Forbes Recycling and Waste Depot (FRWD) in early July 2025. This upgrade will see the FRWD transition from a paper-based process to a digital platform designed to capture waste data and streamline transactions. All vehicles will be required to stop at the gatehouse and speak with the operator upon arrival. For further information or enquiries, contact Council’s Waste and Environment Officer on 6850 2300.
1. Edify Energy Pty Ltd: $500,000 contribution to Council to be spent on projects identified in the Forbes Energy Action Plan; and 2. Lawson Grains Pty Ltd: Contribution of up to $300,000 for improvements to the corner of Ballandene and Wirrinya Roads. The proposed VPAs are available to inspect on Council’s website (public exhibitions page) or from Council’s Administration Office. All submissions must be received in writing by Council, addressed to the General Manager, by 5:00pm on 25 July 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.
For more information, please contact Forbes Shire Council’s Director Planning and Growth on 6850 2300. Please note that submissions may be made publicly available.
The Trial of Ben Hall Play
Come one, come all, to the Trial of Ben Hall, The Forbes Shire Council Heritage Advisory Committee will be presenting the play The Trial of Ben Hall written by Forbes solicitor Dominic Williams.
Dates: Saturday 2 August at 5pm and Sunday 3 August at 11am
Tickets: The Trial of Ben Hall Tickets - 123 Tix
You can now drop off polystyrene for free into specialised collection bins at the Forbes Recycling and Waste Depot, 7 days a week, from 8:30am to 5:00pm. Only CLEAN polystyrene is accepted. Small foam materials, such as beads for bean bags, must be contained when placed into the collection bins. No labels or tape, No biodegradable foam kernels or natural plastic packaging materials (e.g., corn starch). Once collected, the polystyrene is cleaned, processed, and melted into blocks or pellets. It is then prepared and ready to be sent away for recycling and repurposing into new products, such as picture frames, contributing to the circular economy.
EOI Market Stalls and Food Vendors
Council is seeking Expressions of Interest from community groups, food vendors and interested organisations for food and beverage vendors, and market stalls at the Forbes Street Dream, Art and Culture event. This event will be held on Saturday 27 September 2025 from 4pm-9pm at Victoria Park. Expressions of Interest are now open for the provision of: Food and beverage services
Market Stalls
Organisations must be willing to obtain relevant licensing and insurance requirements as outlined in the expression of interest. Vendors must submit their EOI before 01 August 2025 for consideration.
For the Expression of Interest Form or more information, please contact Council’s Event Manager by email community@forbes.nsw. gov.au or visit Home | Forbes Shire Council
further
by email
Please email events@forbes.nsw.gov.au for more information. Follow National BBQ Championships Facebook page for regular updates.
Looking forward to the annual Christmas carnival? Be part of it with the Business Chamber.
Sign up for Homegrown
LOOKING AT LANDCARE
By MARG APPLEBEE, CENTRAL WEST LACHLAN LANDCARE
Our Homegrown Parkes Expressions of Interest (EOI) for Stallholders and Food Vendors is open!
We have already received nearly 40 EOI for our 11 October event, which is going to be a wonderful Spring celebration, incorporating the NSW Tidy Towns Awards. Due to Homegrown Parkes winning the Community Spirit and Inclusion Award at the Keep Australia Beautiful Tidy Towns NSW Awards in 2024, we thought it was only fitting that when we host the Tidy Towns Awards in October, that we share our event with visitors as part of the weekend event.
This is your opportunity to demonstrate to our visitors what makes our community so fantastic. We look forward to welcoming visitors from across NSW and showing off the best that Parkes Shire and the Central West have to offer.
We have been thrilled with the response from the community, stallholders and food vendors for our October 2024 Homegrown Parkes event. Thank you for your feedback!
Homegrown Parkes is an opportunity for local and regional businesses who are processing, repurposing, sewing, propagating or producing fabulous local products to share their skill and products
with the community. I would encourage potential stallholders to submit an Expression of Interest early. You can find the link to the registration via our facebook page or on our website….or here.
Applications are reviewed by our Homegrown Parkes Committee to ensure that they fit with the ethos of the Homegrown Parkes event. All stallholders and food vendors are required to provide $20 million insurance Certificate of Currency and food vendors need to supply their Food Safety Certificate.
We will continue to place a fee on stallholders for our March 2025 event. We want to keep the event as accessible as possible, particularly for small stallholders. The fee of $30 will assist with covering the costs to sustain the event.
Demonstrations will again be one of the highlights of the next event on Saturday, 11 October 2025, highlighting processes for using locally produced food and products with the aim of encouraging locals to have a go and grow in their own backyard. We are thrilled to be welcoming back many of our regular entertainers and a few new inclusions. We also look forward to welcoming some special guests to this event.
For further information on this article, please go to www. centralwestlachlanlandcare. org, or follow them on facebook or Instagram.
FORBES LIVESTOCK’S TASH HURLEY WAS NAMED NSW RURAL ACHIEVER AS WELL AS CONDOBOLIN YOUNG WOMAN.
Opportunity awaits for our Young Woman
Do you know a young woman between 18 and 25 years of age you think could represent Forbes?
Our Forbes Show representatives would love to tell them more about the opportunities available through the Young Woman competition.
Tash Hurley, who works with Forbes Livestock, has been part of the Young Woman and Rural Achiever programs through her home show at Condobolin and encourages other young people to be part of them.
“I absolutely loved the show and it was something I was always very excited to enter once I got to the correct age,” she said.
The people she met and opportuni ties she gained through the competi
Are you part of a club, group or non-profit organisation in the Lachlan, Bland or Forbes Shires looking for a boost?
Evolution Mining’s Cowal Gold Operations (CGO) invite applications for round one of the 2025 Cowal Partnering Program for funding, in-kind support or material donations that deliver outcomes in the areas of:
tion absolutely delivered, starting at her local show but continuing with the development weekend at Dubbo where she met other Young Women from across the vast region.
“Obviously on paper you’ve got a lot in common and that’s how you got there to start with, so you hit it off straight away with those girls,” Tash said. “I’m still best mates with a lot of them and have spoken to them pretty much every day since.”
The competition and development weekend build your confidence with skills like public speaking and interviewing, but also just in being able to
ryday life - everyone gains a lot from it,” Tash said.
Tash had been part of her local show committee for about five years before she entered the competition, but she also highly recommends it as a great way to meet people and a great way to get involved in your show.
Judging for Forbes Young Woman will take place on Saturday, 26 July with interviews followed by afternoon tea for entrants and their families.
The 2025 Forbes Show is on Saturday 13 September.
Reach out through the Forbes Show NSW Facebook page or the dedicated
Community effort to help fight cancer
It’s Biggest Morning Tea season and individuals, businesses, community groups and institutions in Forbes have been banding together to help fight for a future without cancer.
Among them Forbes TAFE who held their fundraiser for Cancer Council at its premises in Browne Street.
They were thrilled with the TAFE community’s generosity.
“Attendance was great with staff, students and the general public involved and we had an abundance of lovely goodies to eat,” Forbes TAFE wrote on social media.
“An especially big thank you to Forbes High School for the support of students who cooked our barbecue, set up, cleaned and packed up.
“Your involvement was much appreciated. We were
able to raise some great [dollars] for the very worthy Cancer Council NSW.”
Forbes’ fundraising dollars were added to a regional tally that involved Parkes, Condobolin, Lake Cargelligo and Orange TAFE campuses as well.
The final fundraising tally for all these campuses came to $2383.80.
The smallest campus, Lake Cargelligo with a population under 1500 people, raised $924.
“A huge thank you to our amazing teams and communities for making this year’s Biggest Morning Tea such a success,” Parkes TAFE said sharing the regional news.
“A massive appreciation to our TAFE services coordinators and supporting staff whose hard work brought each campus to life, with do-
nations
at Forbes, and fantastic contributions from staff and students at Condobolin.”
Lexie from Forbes High School helping to prepare the Biggest Morning Tea at Forbes TAFE.
Clare was among the Forbes High School students who helped cooked the barbecue for the Biggest Morning Tea at Forbes TAFE.
for raffles and community spirit in Lake, classic cars and bikes at Forest Road, painting with students at March Street, team bonding and baking at Parkes, community support and a barbecue with the high school
Bringing medical training to region
By CHRISTINE LITTLE
Some said it couldn’t be done.
But here we are, gestured Dr Kerrie Stewart who is the Head of Campus of the Central West Clinical School that’s based in Parkes.
The doctor was referring to training medical students to become doctors outside of a city centre.
The clinical school, that’s run through Charles Sturt University (CSU) School of Rural Medicine, has been in Parkes for three years now but it hasn’t had a facility to call its own.
That is until now.
Thanks to a partnership that’s being described as groundbreaking, between Evolution Mining Northparkes Operations and CSU, a fully equipped facility has been developed in Currajong Street to allow regional medical students to be trained as doctors without having to leave regional areas - areas that so desperately need more doctors.
The project’s purpose is to create a pipeline of doctors for the Central West and provide more access to healthcare for the entire community.
A lack of doctors is all too familiar for Parkes and Northparkes Operations General Manager Rob Cunningham said they wanted to help.
“Over 30 years Northparkes has been here in Parkes and the persistent challenge over that time for staff and our community is accessing a doctor,” he said.
When the rural doctors program was seeking a space to train in, Mr Cunningham said Evolution Mining had an appetite to help with a solution.
Naming it the ‘Heart of Parkes’ the grand opening of the new premises at 24-28 Currajong Street was held on 1 July, in the company of Evolution and Northparkes staff, dignitaries, local businesses and organisations, CSU School of Rural Medicine representatives and the now 12 medical students involved in the doctors program.
What was first the Department of Main Roads, then the Parkes Business Enterprise Centre and afterwards leased office space for businesses, the building has been transformed and fitted-out to accommodate the medical students with a simulation lab, tutorial room with interactive features, multipurpose room to practise clinical skills, office space and student facilities such as a kitchen and loungeroom.
The building will also be home
to the new Northparkes Operations town office with a board room and 12 hot desks and a purpose-built training centre, as well as the Evolution Group Hub.
The refurbishment was completed in about four months thanks to the hard work and long hours devoted by more than 20 local tradies, which means the economic investment of the building has gone back into the local community.
Mr Cunningham had 1 July locked in as the official opening because he was determined to see it open and operating on his last day before retirement.
The idea for the facility came after conversations that initially began between Northparkes and Parkes Shire Council in Cooke Park in March last year about health in regional NSW.
Mr Cunningham said Northparkes was able to provide the facility but it was CSU and Dr Stewart who really brought it all together.
“Everyone plays their part,” he said.
“I really think this is groundbreaking as a facility and this is an idea that can be replicated in other rural communities throughout Australia.
Well managed vacant block located at 2594 Bedgerabong Road, Forbes.
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“This is an example of how other government areas can leverage businesses that have the capability to recreate this model.
“This is not just someone throwing money at something, this is a long-term sustainable partnership working with CSU to create a pipeline of doctors in the Central West for the future.”
Mr Cunningham said Northparkes had some staff with spouses who are doctors but who aren’t able to practise yet and this program could benefit them.
Dean of the School of Rural Medicine Professor Lesley Forster said Parkes played a big part in bringing the Central West Clinical School to town through lobbying and consultation.
“The whole idea of it is that we find people with a rural background, we bring them into the medical school where we teach them in a local rural community for all of their clinical training, and then they graduate and... hopefully stay in the local community,” she said.
Dr Stewart thanked Council for their ongoing support that began with offering students accommodation when they arrived in Parkes.
Friday 15th August, 10:30am 152 William St, Bathurst * Approximately
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“It’s nothing short of amazing for us, it’s a game-changer,” Dr Stewart said.
Of the 12 medical students in the program, four of them come from Parkes and one from Forbes.
“We’re bringing medicine to them, so to speak, so they can pursue medicine and reside here, and stay here long term,” Dr Stewart said.
Parkes Mayor Neil Westcott said the facility and partnership between Northparkes and CSU School of Rural Medicine was a foot in the door.
“Perhaps a very little foot in a very big door but it matters,” he said.
“Times have changed, we as a community need something like this.
“From little things big things do grow.”
State Member for Orange Phil Donato said we hear everyday the struggle people have to access health services and GPs.
“You can train in the bush, live in the bush and have a rewarding career in the bush,” he said.
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been described as groundbreaking. Pictured are Northparkes staff with all who are involved in the rural doctors program in Parkes.
TOS: Christine Little
Thank you to our volunteers
“A morning of gratitude” is how a very special event was described when Forbes Shire Council honoured local volunteers with a recognition and morning tea.
From health support and service clubs to education, the arts, and community welfare, our volunteers generously give their time and talents to enrich life in Forbes.
With certificates of appreciation and plenty of heartfelt thanks, the council honoured the dedication, passion, and kindness that these community champions bring to every corner of our region.
Volunteers from community organisations honoured on the day included Forbes and District Lions, Evening Branch CWA and CWA day branch, Museum, Northside Chapel, Galari River Arts, the Royal Far West Sunshine Club op shop, Legacy, Friends of Forbes Hospital Auxiliary, and Meals on Wheels.
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Elaine and Peter Bright of Forbes and District Lions with Mayor Phyllis. PHO
Museum volunteers Don Rath and Lloyd Gerdes with Mayor Phyllis Miller.
Rotary Ipomoea celebrates a year of community support
Rotary Ipomoea has celebrated a busy and fun year that has seen thousands of dollars raised and poured back into our community at a changeover with a difference.
Rotary clubs have a changeover each year to swear in new office bearers and thank those who have served the previous year.
Our Forbes Ipomoea club does things a little differently - and this year thought they’d combine this formal function with a fundraiser.
Outgoing president Sueanne Nixon explained they had a desire to support Forbes Preschool, who had welcomed them to their centre and explained the progress they’re making with their speech and language programs.
So the club’s first photography competition evolved into a wonderful event held at Club Forbes.
Rotary club of Forbes Ipomoea new office bearers were applauded with Mrs Helen Pitt being wel-
comed as president for 2025/2026 and Mrs Nixon sharing some highlights of the year.
Monthly markets, held in warmer months, continue to grow and winter markets, in the Youth and Community Centre in June, July
and August, have started to provide a warmer market experience.
Major fundraising events as well have included the Vintage and Collectables Fair, annual Christmas Tree Festival, Australia Day breakfast and now the photography com-
petition.
Members of Rotary Ipomoea enjoy being able to support local projects that support children in our community, and recently provided donations to Eugowra’s primary and preschools.
Forbes North and Forbes Public Schools received funding for equipment for their support classes, and Forbes High students to attend a science experience in Sydney.
Havannah House received $5,000 to Havannah House following the Christmas Tree Festival for muchneeded infrastructure upgrades.
Ipomoea also donated $2000 to Forbes Hospital auxiliary, and to Care West Lodge in Orange for a new vacuum cleaner and kitchen appliances.
Rotary Ipomoea has long-term local projects, including maintenance of the memorial garden at JRV and sponsorship of a student at the school of Saint Jude that are
a constant reminder the power of community service.
Internationally, Rotarians support the Shelterbox program, which provides a tent with supplies including a water purifier to support a family in a time of crisis for three months.
Ipomoea accepts donations from their monthly market entry each month, with the aim of funding one Shelterbox a year.
Each time, they receive notification of where the boxes have been sent following natural disasters.
Forbes also supports Rotary projects including Polio Plus, working to eradicate polio throughout the world, and Rotary Health which funds medical research.
It is all made possible by the incredible support of the Forbes community every time an event is on, Mrs Nixon said, and members are so very pleased to chat with anyone about Rotary in our town.
Photo comp for cause a winner
An incredible 495 photos have been entered in the first-of-its-kind photography competition run by the Rotary Club of Forbes Ipomoea.
The club rallied sponsors and supporters to raise funds for Forbes Preschool’s speech and language program, and they made a sensational display at Club Forbes on Saturday, 5 July.
Judges had some tough decisions to make with some beautiful, quality work entered across the six categories: portrait, landscape, farm life / machinery, animal / bird, travel and focus on active Forbes.
Shearing sheds, muddy kids and cattle mustering were just a few of the local scenes captured and shared in the competition, right through to international landscapes and cultures in the travel section.
Even more special, it was an event children were able to participate in with numerous entries coming from preschool students.
It was free to enter the competition, funds were raised through the afternoon as visitors came to view the exhibition and paid $1 extra to vote for the people’s choice awards.
A good crowd was on hand for the announcement of the winners, with generous sponsorship making it all possible.
Club Forbes provided the function room free hire and sponsored two of the photography sections.
The attention to detail in making the venue ready by Club Forbes staff was very much appreciated by Ipomoea members.
Forbes Shire council supported the event by contributing $500 towards the cost of advertising and sponsorship of two sections.
Rotary members thanked Counsellor Michele Herbert present on the day of the event for the council’s support of our event and also for contributing herself to the event by being one of three judges.
Rotary Ipomoea members wish to thank our judges, Trina Toohey, Renee Powell and Michele Herbert Morley.
Rotary Ipomoea also thanked their sponsors: Forbes Shire Council, Club Forbes, Forbes Men’s Shed, J and K Glennan Transport, Michael Hanley Funeral Services, BWR Accountants, Forbes Lions Club, Peter Maher Shearing Services, Matt Bull Concreting, Newell’s Contracting and CWA Forbes Day Branch.
The winners of very competitive sections were:
Portrait: First Tayla Lennon, second Kate Hodges
Landscape: First Kathy Patterson, second Kim Wright
Farm Life/Machinery: First Tayla Lennon, second Samantha Noakes
Animal/Bird: First Natika Davey, second Tayla Lennon
Travel: First Kim Wright, second Coralie Crouch
Focus on Active Forbes: First Rex Barton, second Helen Field
photograph of these birds was the winner of the animal / bird section.
Farmers, have say on native veg code
Farmers are being urged to have their say on amendments to the Land Management (Native Vegetation) Code 2018 with the deadline extended for a month.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke put out a call to action last week to local farmers that was heard with consultation on the amendments now receiving a deadline extension for consultation.
Ms Cooke said she had been calling on the NSW Government for months to undertake genuine consultation with landholders and producers on matters that threaten the viability of the agricultural industry in NSW, especially relating to land management and native vegetation.
“The portal only opened on 6 June 2025, giving NSW residents just four weeks to read, understand and respond to an extensive list of proposed policy changes that will add red tape to simple land management activities, making it harder for farm ers to farm,” Ms Cooke said.
“If you haven’t heard about this, you’re not alone, as this consultation process was not properly advertised.
“Not by the Minister for Agricul
Entries open for Spirit of the Bush photos
Rural Aid is proud to launch the sixth annual Spirit of the Bush Photo Competition, inviting Australians to share striking images that capture the strength, resilience, and beauty of life on the land.
Running from 14 July to 31 August 2025, the muchloved competition provides a powerful platform for rural and regional Australians to tell their stories through the lens, stories of rugged beauty, resilience and community spirit in the face of hardship.
This year’s competition comes after another challenging season of natural disasters, with floods, fires, and droughts once again testing the resolve of the nation’s rural heartland.
“Every year, we are humbled by the entries we receive, each photo is a tribute to the unwavering spirit of our farming families and communities,” Rural Aid CEO, John Warlters, said.
“The Spirit of the Bush competition is more than a showcase of talent.
ture nor by her department, either online or through relevant media channels.”
Local Land Services has released a discussion paper on the changes and the executive summary raises issues including:
Strengthening the invasiveness test for invasive native species;
Increasing the area of set-asides by removing discounts for areas containing endangered ecological communities;
Reintroducing the application of a schedule of the code to limit the maximum equity clearing allowed under Part 5 (equity);
Introducing a landholder notification requirement for managing woody native regrowth in managed native pastures;
Reducing future authorisation periods down from 15 years to three years for higher risk parts of the code, and seven years for lower risk
manage your land, your farming business, your future and that of our communities,” she said.
“Now we need to make every submission count.”
Ms Cooke is still urging anyone with concerns to email consultation@lls.nsw.gov.au and to visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/have-yoursay/land-management-code-amendments to read through the proposed changes and make a submission.
“We can’t afford to sit this one out, we need to make sure our voice is heard,” Ms Cooke said.
“I am also crafting a submission, and if there are points you believe I should be making - no matter where you live in rural NSW - please let me know.
“I would love to read your submissions.”
Ms Cooke can be contacted via email at cootamundra@parliament. nsw.gov.au
Read the discussion paper and have your say online at: www.nsw. gov.au/have-your-say/land-manage-
Landholders have until 11.59pm, Friday 1 August 2025 to put in sub-
Some of the winning images from Spirit of the Bush 2024. TOS: Supplied
“It’s a reminder of the grit and determination that keeps rural Australia going, even through the toughest of times.”
Entrants are invited to submit a high-resolution, landscape photograph that represents the true Spirit of the Bush.
Photos can be submitted via Instagram or Facebook by tagging @ruralaid in the image and using the hashtag #SOTB2025.
PARKES SHOW
Entries can also be submitted, and the competition terms and conditions can be reviewed via our website at https://www.ruralaid.org.au/ spirit-of-the-bush/
A panel of judges will select 10 winning images, each of which will receive a $250 prepaid Visa card.
Winners will be announced on 15 September 2025.
Learn more or support at ruralaid.org.au
Canowindra to host NSW Yard Dog Championships
By BRENDAN MCCOOL
Working dogs and their handlers from around NSW and Victoria will be travelling to town this weekend for the Canowindra Yard Dog Championships - with State titles on offer at this event for the first time.
As of Thursday, 10 July, there were 70 dogs entered across the four classes, but event organisers were expecting more by the close of nominations.
Event organiser Josh Messina looks forward to seeing some of the best dogs in the state compete as Canowindra hosts a NSW State Championship trial this year.
Mr Messina said every year the NSW Yard Dog Association decide on where they will host their Championship events, and it’s fantastic to have it here.
“Canowindra has just had the numbers over the years and we run a good event, so we got voted to run it,” he said.
Mr Messina said with this being a State Championship event they are seeing a lot more dogs and better quality being entered from NSW and from northern Victoria.
There are four classes the dogs will compete in including Maiden and Novice com-
peting on Saturday and the Encourage and Open classes taking place on Sunday.
Both days will begin at 7am, with competitions wrapping up by 4pm.
Much of the highly competitive action will be in the Encourage and Open classes, with between 50 and 60 dogs in the Open section.
In the Open section, entrants will compete across several heats, with the top five contesting the final.
While the pinnacle of the dogs will compete in the Open category, Mr Messina said spectators will still see very good quality competitors in the Maiden and Novice categories.
“They’re very good handlers that operate these dogs. You’ll see a very, very good dog in the Maiden and Novice, it’s just the pinnacle of the dog will be in the Open,” he said.
Mr Messina said the dogs who have qualified for the Open category have won at least three times in the Novice category previously.
This year, the Open category will be judged by Kevin Howell from Karana Kelpies at Eugowra.
Some of the best working dogs and their handlers from around the state will be competing at Canowindra.
Lambs reach new $454 high at sale
An exceptional pen of heavy lambs out of Tullamore has set a new lamb price high at Forbes’ Central West Livestock Exchange.
The second-cross, Spring 2024 lambs sold for $454 a head at Tuesday’s sheep sale, with a second pen at $449 a head.
Director Matt Lennon from Kevin Miller, Whitty, Lennon and Co said vendor Ross McMahon and family - of KP and RL McMahon and Family - had done an exceptional job preparing these lambs for the market.
They’d been prepared through feedlot at the family-owned operation Ross and his young sons were at the sale to see them reach a record price.
“They’d done an exceptional job on the lambs and presented them the best they could,” Mr Lennon said.
It was an exciting day for Forbes, with more than 50,000 head yarded and three pens topping previous price highs.
“It’s great for our yards, we’re getting stock now from further afield all the time and that only helps,” Mr Lennon said.
It was only in June that lamb prices reach $400 a head for the first time at Forbes and expectations for Tuesday’s sale were again strong.
Southern sales had seen smaller yardings, but Dubbo and Forbes had bigger numbers coming in, Mr Lennon said.
“Expectations were high, sharping up to the sale everyone thought the job was going to be just as good if not a little bit better,” he said.
“Anything with condition is selling really well at the moment.”
Market buoyant: Three pens of lambs surpass national record
CATTLE SALE
Monday, 14 July
Yarding 1125 (down 500)
Numbers fell this sale with agents yarding 1125 head.
Quality continues to be mixed with both well bred and secondary cattle presented though there was not as much weight as previous sales.
The usual buyers were present and competing in a firm to dearer market.
Yearling steers to feed lifted 10c to receive from 361 to 485c/kg for middle and heavyweights.
Finished steers to processors sold from 385c to 421c/kg. The heifer portion was firm to 5c better with feeders paying from 310c to 402c/kg.
Those to processors ranged in price from 330 to 395c/kg.
Heavy steers and bullocks sold from 366c to 411c/kg.
Grown heifers received from 350 to 390c/kg.
Cows were 3 to 10c better with heavy 2 score from 284c to 336c and better 3 score ranging from 338 to 365c/kg. The best heavy bull reached 340c/kg.
SHEEP SALE
Tuesday, 15 July
Yarding 50,150 (up 3150)
With sales continuing to be strong over the past week, numbers lifted with agents yarding 50150 head.
Lamb numbers increased to 36,500 and quality was improved from the previous weeks.
There was a good offering of finished and grain assisted lambs available and there was more weight yarded than the previous sale.
The usual buyers were present
and competing in another buoyant market.
A few pens of new season lambs sold from $232 to $312/head.
Trade weight old lambs were $4 to $8 better to sell from $230 to $318/head heavyweights were firm to $8 dearer with those to 26kg receiving from $301 to $338/ head.
Export lambs again attracted strong competition on an excellent yarding with 3 pens surpassing the previous record.
Prices ranged from $296 to a new national record of $454/head.
Carcase prices averaged from
1072c to 1240c/kg.
Heavy Merino lambs sold from $283 to $350/head. There was 13650 mutton penned and quality was very mixed but prices remained strong.
Merino ewes sold from $128 to $273/head.
Crossbreds received from $144 to $282 with Dorper ewes reaching $259/head.
Merino wethers sold from $134 to $230/head.
FROM MLA’S NATIONAL LIVESTOCK REPORTING AGENCY
Mortimer and Freddie McMahon and the vendor’s two record-breaking pens.
PHOTO: KMWL
LITTLE EXTRAS LIFESTYLE
Little Extras Lifestyle, located on Templar Street, is a boutique that brings together fashion, footwear, accessories, and homewares - all with a strong focus on comfort and quality.
This winter, the store is fully stocked with seasonal essentials: warm knits, coats, winter boots, scarves, and beanies - everything needed to rug up in style.
Popular clothing labels include ABrand, All About Eve, Country Road, Elk The Label, Minkpink, and Staple The Label, offering a blend of relaxed and polished looks.
Footwear from Django & Juliette, Billini, and Rollie Nation caters to a range of tastes, from everyday comfort to
THE BOOK DISPENSARY
The Book Dispensary hosts a wide range of books, games, jigsaw puzzles, toys, cards and stationery.
We have a big children’s section for babies through to young adults as well as biographies, self help, history, food, science fiction and fantasy, gardening and home décor and, of course, adult fiction.
The team at The Book Dispensary love reading so can recommend the perfect book to our customers and if we don’t have the book you want in store, we’ll order it in for you.
We host four bookclubs which provide an opportunity for people to read different types of books and to enjoy discussing what they’ve read. On the first Tuesday of each month we host preschool reading in conjunction with the Forbes Preschool for children aged 0-5 years and their parents.
Over the last four years we have hosted lots of events including book launches, trivia nights, games afternoons, art workshops and author events.
Our next event is a book launch with Kelly Rimmer on 30 July. Kelly is the author of “The German Wife” and “The Paris Agent” and her latest book, “The Midnight Estate” is set in Forbes. For those interested in keeping up to date with what’s happening at The Book Dispensary, call Debbie on 1300 002 871 or drop into the store to join up for our monthly newsletter. It features what events are coming up and recommends some great reads.
leather bags and wallets from Peta + Jain, Status Anxiety, and Stitch & Hide.
For the home, the boutique stocks luxe hand and body products from AL.IVE Body and iKOU, including calming oils and aromatic lotions.
Little Extras continues to be a key part of Templar Street’s retail mix - a one-
By ANNABEL CUSACK
Templar Street has long been one of Forbes’ most active thoroughfares, but recent years have seen it grow into a real destination - home to a mix of established shops, new enterprises, and community-favourite cafés, all benefitting from improved infrastructure and a central location.
The upgraded streetscape has made Templar Street more pedestrian-friendly and event-ready, without compromising its function as a key route through town.
To help showcase the street’s potential - not just as a place to trade, but as a space to gather - the Forbes Business Chamber launched Taste on Templar several years ago.
The event returns on Saturday, 1 November, bringing people together for a three-course meal, music, and a chance to celebrate the businesses that keep the street buzzing.
Catered by Eat Your Greens and featuring live music by Gabe Music, the evening is also a fundraiser, with proceeds this year going to Little Wings, an organisation that provides transport for seriously ill children from regional areas.
Previous years have raised funds for causes including Can Assist, Ovarian Cancer research, and Ronald McDonald House.
Many local employers take the opportunity to book a table for their staff as a lowkey Christmas celebration, while others attend simply to enjoy the atmosphere and support a good cause.
Templar Street’s growing
Call in and see Deb Prior at The Book Dispensary.
popularity is underpinned by the strength and variety of its businesses.
TYNAN SUSPENSION & AUTOMOTIVE
Tynan Suspension & Automotive is a well-established presence on Templar Street, offering a range of automotive services to Forbes and surrounds. Their workshop handles everything from scheduled vehicle servicing, wheel alignments and brake repairs to suspension upgrades and the supply and fit of 4X4 accessories and custom exhaust systems on all makes and
models, offering Australian made products for Australian conditions. They’re also authorised to carry out blue and pink slip inspections, including gas.
The business has earned a strong reputation locally, reflected in its 4.4star rating on Google.
Customers regularly praise the team for their professionalism, pricing, and approachable service.
One reviewer simply noted the “awesome service and nice staff,” while another, described the team as “friendly and professional.”
Known for their attention to detail and efficient turnaround times, Tynan Suspension & Automotive continues to be a trusted choice for local motorists - combining automotive expertise with down-to-earth customer service.
RAY WHITE FORBES
most distinctive historic buildings, Ray White Forbes blends local knowledge with national reach as part of the Ray White Central West GroupRay White Rurals’ number one agency.
While now a busy real estate office, the building has a colourful past - once home to the Victoria Hotel, a popular party pub in the early 2000s.
The upstairs rooms, once guest accommodation, remain intact, and the cellar - still accessible todaywas historically used to store bodies awaiting the coroner’s arrival by horse and cart.
It’s a building with layers of local history, now serving a very different role in the heart of Forbes.
Ray White Forbes continues to handle a wide range of residential, commercial and rural properties in the region.
As Forbes continues to grow, Templar Street stands as a solid example of what a well-supported local precinct can offer - not just in retail, but in connection, visibility, and pride in place.
Events like Taste on Templar reflect and strengthen that success, but it’s the everyday work of the street’s businesses that keep the heart of town moving.
Sales agent Brendon Allegri currently has a unique listing on Templar Streeta beautifully restored historic property operating as an Airbnb, offering a rare opportunity to own a piece of Forbes heritage.
With a strong team and a deep connection to the area, Ray White Forbes remains a cornerstone business in the evolving Templar Street precinct.
The beautiful, historic Anglesey House is on the market through Ray White. PHOTO: Supplied
Clubs and community rally for cause
The long lunch table stretched along the sideline and they stood shoulder to shoulder in the clubhouse as Forbes Rugby Union Club celebrated its ladies day and raised funds for a domestic violence cause.
The rugby and wider community of Forbes and visiting club Orange showed overwhelming support for the day, with 200 booked for lunch and $16,500 raised in a charity jersey auction.
Club president Sam Parish said the event went above and beyond expectations, with everyone having the best day and night.
Teams wore purple armbands to represent their stand against domestic violence as they took the field, and Parish thanked visiting club Emus for standing together with their hosts on this.
Our ladies team took the field in special long-sleeved,
RizeUp jerseys, which were auctioned to raise support for the service.
RizeUp Australia is a national organisation that works in partnership with domestic violence agencies to enhance the service options they provide.
They aim to drive awareness of domestic and family violence by generation practical support for the families affected, giving them the hope and ability to move on to a life free from violence.
It was a cause the community moved to support.
“You couldn’t move inside that club house, it was shoulder-to-shoulder front to back, side to side,” Parish said.
Beyond that, he said it was powerful to see the rugby community stand together for non-violence, showing their support and giving their voice to the movement together.
Eat Your Green catered for the Forbes Rugby Union Club ladies day lunch.
The long table lunch set-up for the Forbes Rugby Union Club 2025.
Forbes Platypi Daniel Walker and Diego Casaca selling raffle tickets for the prize jersey.
Bill and Babs from Orange entertained.
Heidi Stewart and Ellie Cowhan.
Trish Craft and Candice Morrison.
Claudia Johnston, Claire Nicholson, Nicole Leighton and Wendy Mitton. President.
Freya Lawless, Claire Phillips and Chloe Young enjoying ladies day at the rugby.
PHOTOS: Jenny Kingham
NAIDOC celebration of culture, community
This year’s Forbes community NAIDOC Week celebration was a display of community, culture and the strength of the next generation honouring this year’s NAIDOC Week theme, ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy’.
Proud Aboriginal women, Natasha Harris, was named Indigenous Person of the Year (over 18) Indigenous Person of the year (under 18) was awarded to Red Bend Catholic College year 12 student Mykel Coe and year seven Red Bend Catholic College student Eli Bowden-Boland was named Sportsperson of the Year.
The full story on the day and their achievements was in last week’s print edition and online at www.forbesadvocate.com.au
Lloyd Herbert, Abri Schwartz and Hunter Maxwell travelled from Bedgerabong to attend the Forbes NAIDOC celebrations.
Aunt Iris Reid who teaches the Wiradjuri language at Dubbo Tafe spends her free time weaving for NAIDIC events such as the Forbes event and teaches dreamtime stories to youth.
Alicia Boland, Indigenous Sportsperson of the Year Eli Bowden-Boland, Patrick Bowden and PHOTOS: Madeline Blackstock
Everyone who attended the community NAIDOC celebration participated in the smoking ceremony.
representing the NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG).
Georgia Pengilly, Hariett Herbert, Heidi Symonds, Hayley Hall and Kailei Coe with Norma Stevenson from Yoorana Gunya made bracelets at the Forbes NAIDOC celebration.
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. 12.00 Horse Racing. Winter Challenge Day, VRC Members Race Day and QFC Charity Raceday. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The Great Outdoors. 7.30 Mysteries Of The Pyramids. New. 8.30 MOVIE: The Da Vinci Code. (2006) Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou, Ian McKellen. 11.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Shopping. 8.30 Better Homes. 11.00 Harry’s Practice. 11.30 GetOn Extra. 12.00 The Zoo. 12.30 My Greek Odyssey. 1.30 Better Homes. 4.00 Harry’s Practice. 4.30 The Zoo. 5.00 Slow Train Through Africa. 6.00 Every Bite Takes You Home. 6.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 11.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 1.30 My Greek Odyssey. 2.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Aussie Truckers. 3.00 Motor Racing. NDRC Nitro Funny Cars. Riverbend Nationals. 4.00 Football. AFL. Round 19. Sydney v North Melbourne. 7.00 Storage Wars. 7.30 Pawn Stars. 9.30 American Pickers. 10.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 11.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.30 Aussie Mates, Their Lawns & Barbies. 12.00 The Fishing Show By AFN. 1.00 Fishing Addiction. 2.00 Fishy Business. 2.30 AFL Pre-Game. 3.00 Football. AFL. Round 19. Collingwood v Fremantle. 6.00 The Wash Up. 7.00 Border Security. 8.30 MOVIE: Taken 2. (2012) 10.30 MOVIE: The Rock. (1996) 1.20 Late Programs.
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Your honesty is, as always, admirable. But you might want to be more tactful when discussing a sensitive issue with a family member. Remember, you can give advice without giving offense.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) An unexpected workplace snag should be handled quickly and efficiently so that it leaves you time for family get-togethers. Also, you might soon get a long-sought apology.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Aspects favor family matters, especially where children might be involved. Spending time with loved ones helps restore some much-needed balance to your typically busy schedule.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A seemingly clear-cut agreement might not be quite so straightforward after all. Recheck for language that could make you liable for hidden costs and other unpleasant surprises.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.30 Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. Canberra Raiders v Eels. 2.30 NRLW Wrap. 3.15 Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. Canterbury Bulldogs v Dragons. 5.00 News. 5.30 Getaway. 6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 ACA. 7.30 Rugby Union. Aust v British & Irish Lions. 10.00 Test Rugby: Australia v British & Irish Lions Post-Match. 10.15 MOVIE: Sicario: Day Of The Soldado. (2018) 12.35 Late Programs.
6.00 Flushed. 7.00 It’s Academic. 8.30 Get Arty. 10.00 Weekender. 10.30 Weekender. 11.00 Holistic Living. 11.30 The Big Adventure. 1.00 Wife Swap Australia. 2.20 My Ireland With Colin. 3.20 America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League. 5.20 MOVIE: Pixels. (2015) 7.30 MOVIE: Bridesmaids. (2011) 10.05 MOVIE: Bombshell. (2019) 12.20 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.10 GCBC. 12.30
6.00 Morning Programs. 1.30 Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. Round 3. Brisbane Broncos v Sydney Roosters. 3.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 20. Newcastle Knights v New Zealand Warriors. 6.00 9News Sunday. 7.00 Travel Guides. 8.10 60 Minutes. 9.10 Australian Crime Stories: The Investigators. 10.10 9News Late. 10.40 See No Evil. 11.35 Late Programs.
6.00 Flushed. 7.00 It’s Academic. 8.30 Get Arty. 10.00 Behave Yourself. 11.20 America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League. 1.15 Home And Away. 4.00 Dancing With The Stars. 5.30 Extreme Animal Transport. 6.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. 7.30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent. 8.30 Law & Order: SVU. 10.30 Bones. 12.30 Lie To Me. 1.30 Alias. 2.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 3.00 Rugby Union. Shute Shield. Randwick v Gordon. 5.00 Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. Round 3. Cronulla Sharks v North Queensland Cowboys. 7.00 Keeping Up Appearances. 7.30 MOVIE: The Blind Side. (2009) 10.10 MOVIE: The Bodyguard. (1992) 12.45 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 10 Minute Kitchen. 11.00 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield. 11.30 Roads Less Travelled. 12.00 MasterChef Australia. 1.10 My Market Kitchen. 1.30 Charming China. 2.00 Good Chef Bad Chef. 2.30 Farm To
6.00 Morning Programs. 1.00 Getaway. 1.30 The Baron. 2.30 MOVIE: Revolt At Fort Laramie. (1957) 4.00 MOVIE: The War Wagon. (1967) 6.00 Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. Round 3. Newcastle Knights v New Zealand Warriors. 8.00 M*A*S*H. 8.30 MOVIE: Arrival. (2016) 10.50 The Closer. 11.50 Late Programs.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) Careful, Kitty! It’s better to deal with someone with proven reliability than a big talker who promises much but can’t confirm that they will deliver. Meanwhile, your social life really zings this weekend.
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Your matchmaking skills are at peak performance levels -- both in helping to staff workplace teams for upcoming projects and for bringing people together on a more personal basis.
LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) You’re finally seeing some progress with your new venture, but be prepared for it to continue at a slower pace than you’re used to. Meanwhile, a loved one could be preparing a surprise.
SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) A family member’s success pulls you into the spotlight as well. Enjoy it, but don’t let it overshadow or otherwise obstruct what you’re doing with your own creative projects.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Using what you already know might not be quite enough to get a proposed project off the ground. Look for any new information that might help tilt the scales in your favor.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Good news! While a changing workplace environment can be daunting for some, it could be the challenge you’ve been hoping for. If so, confront it with confidence and move on.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) It’s a good time to recheck travel arrangements for any changes that could work to your advantage. Aspects also favor strengthening and restoring old, fraying relationships.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Using your intuitive reasoning helps you cut right through the double talk and straight to what’s really going on around you. Stay the course until all your questions are answered.
ACROSS
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD
1 Which is the seventh major planet in order from the sun (6)
8 Name another term for an allergy (3,5)
9 Who makes or repairs barrels (6)
10 To have made beloved is to have done what (8)
11 To be in great plenty, is to be what (6)
12 What is deposited as a sediment (4)
13 Who escorts persons to theatre seats (5)
16 What are rough structures, built for shelter (5)
19 Name the second son of Adam and Eve (4)
21 What is a railway locomotive known as (6)
22 Which word suggests a piece of nonsense (4-4)
23 What is a looking glass (6)
24 What was the former name of Zimbabwe (8)
25 Name a disunion, especially into mutually opposed parties (6)
DOWN
2 What is an oblique-angled equilateral parallelogram (7)
3 Which planet lies between Pluto and Uranus (7)
4 What are bits, or scraps (6)
Letters have a
Some values are in the right
5 Which term describes consequences (7)
6 Name another word for insatiable greed (7)
7 Which harness parts are used to restrain and guide horses (7)
13 What is worn by a policeman (7)
14 Name an alternative term for the skyline (7)
15 Who founded Singapore in 1819, Sir Thomas Stamford ... (7)
17 Name an English painter and engraver, noted for his moral and satirical works, William ... (7)
18 What are Australian native dogs known as (7)
20 What are arguments, themes, or subjects (6)
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
4 DYSPHAGIA
(a) Intense dislike (b) Difficulty in swallowing (c) Morbid anxiety
5 EXCORTICATE
(a) To strip the bark off (b) To deprive of church privileges (c) To irritate greatly
E-QUATIONS
Create remaining values using clues in
cells.
Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
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:
Audience (abb) (3)
Examines using a machine (5)
Formula: copper (ii) sulfide (3)
German design school (7)
Label (3)
Puccini opera (5)
Pad (7)
Short street (5)
Temporary shelters: lean-... (3)
Work: the daily ... (5)
Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.
SSAA news: Redfern tops 100 target field shoot
SPORTING SHOORTERS
By TONY BRATTON
The Forbes sporting clays held their monthly shoot on Sunday, 13 July.
The weather was cool with a temperature of 17 degrees and a light breeze from the north west at 8kph.
There were 12 members in attendance at this shoot, the shooters came from Forbes, Griffith and Wagga Wagga.
The results of the 100 target field shoot were: Laurie Redfern 19-21-19-20 total 79; Greg Allen (Griffith) 16-
17-21-21 total 75; Sean McCarthy 17-16-21-20 total 74; Joey Reedy 17-19-18-16 total 70; David Mitton 18-18-19-13 total 68; Brian Neilsen 1113-15-17 total 56; Phil Cleal 12-13-17-19 total 51; Mathew Mitton (Wagga Wagga) 12-1414-7 total 47; Ben Smith 9-1010- 7 total 36; Adrian Hodges 14-14 total 28; Mia Condon 2- 3 total 5 and Norm Brook 7 total 7.
The next shoot for the Forbes S.S.A.A. sporting clay’s will be their monthly shoot on Sunday, 10 August. This will be a 100 target
field shoot starting at 10am. This shoot will be for the Tim Lynch Memorial Shield. If wet a five stand shoot will be held.
For all information on clay target shooting contact: Norm Brook 0458664541: Tony Bratton (02) 68523349; Ben Smith 0427524151; Doug Davis (02) 68523249 and Phil Picker (02) 68516494.
Any person wishing to obtain a long arm firearm licence can contact Wayne Facey on 0414524059; Norm Brook on 0458664541; Tony Bratton on (02) 68523349 to
do a firearm safe shooting assessment course which is a requirement for a firearm licence application.
The next S.S.A.A. sporting shooters .22 calibre and other rimfire rifle (.22 magnum or.17HMR).
The next Sunday will be held this Sunday, 20 July 2025 starting at 10am, the centrefire shoot will take place at 2pm on Sunday after the rimfire shoot.
Centre-fire shooters, names in by 1.30pm so the targets can be placed on the Centre-fire range.
The next Wednesday shoot will be on Wednesday, 30 July 2025 starting at 2pm.
All events are at the Bedgerebong road range, turn right off the Bedgerebong road onto Dr. Young Drive.
All target shooters are welcome to attend these shoots.
Any person wishing try rifle or shotgun shooting can attend any of these shoots to take part after filling out a P650 form at the club, Junior shooters must be 12 years or over.
For all information on .22 calibre rimfire shoot-
ing 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. SSAA members should check the facebook page for shoot details for dates and times and cancellation of shoots due to wet weather also check the local community radio station 2LVR 97.9 FM.
Rotary markets move indoors for winter
In a move that’s proving popular, Rotary Ipomoea have moved their monthly markets indoors for the winter months.
Forbes Youth and Community Centre is the warm, sheltered venue for the markets through June, July and August, with stalls indoors and room for the Rotary hot food van, coffee and other providers outdoors.
TOOLE, Denise Yvonne.
The family of the late Denise Toole wish to thank all family, friends and colleagues for their kind thoughts, flowers, cards, phone calls and attendance at Denise’s funeral.
We extend our appreciation to Hanley Funeral Services for their support during this difficult time.
Thank you all to all the doctors, nurses and staff who took care of Denise during her stay in hospital.
Sadly missed.
Please accept this as our personal thanks.
Market stall holders Shelley Nutley and Lauren Badman with Ian MacRae of Parkes and Melody Ruhrmund of Forbes.
Tammy and Rod Schoppema of Forbes’ Sweet Crystals by TNR celebrated their first business anniversary at the markets.
Flynn, Sarah and Frankie Hower of Albury with Mary Laksito and Deanna Williams of Forbes Ipomoea Rotary Club.
Ross Williams and Chris Finkel serve Lloyd Gerdes his sausage sandwich. PHOTOS: Jenny Kingham
Winners score well in sunshine
MEN’S GOLF By SHORT PUTT
Saturday did not beckon well for the Forbes golfers with clouds greeting the early players, but they cleared soon enough and provided sunshine that encouraged good play although it was not all that warm. And the golfers responded.
The Saturday men’s competition was an Individual Stroke, sponsored by B&M Tooth.
The winners in the field of 64 players produced some very good scores but many of the rest of the field did not cope well and challenged the arithmetic capability of the markers.
The Div-1 was won by Peter Dawson with a nett 70.
His front-9 was a bit ‘upand-down’ with two birdies and two bogeys to finish on even par 36.
He started his back-9 with a birdie and was more consistent throughout with his display of ‘par’ golf.
His final 71 Scratch was the best all day and his nett the equal best all day.
Runner-up was Dan Bayley (71 nett) who struggled a bit on the front-9 and was glad to have parred all the par-5’s.
An unfortunate ‘triple’ on the 9th was not encouraging. It was a different player on the back-9.
Dan reeled off three pars and a bogey then started on a ‘birdie extravaganza’. But a bogey on the last hole cost him the winner’s rights.
The Div-2 also returned an equal best nett score with Mark Watts showing unrecognised form to score 70 nett.
His front-9 was very ordinary with too many shots dropped, although a par on the 9th encouraged him into the back-9.
It was a much better performance there where he scored below his handicap to finish the day well.
The Div-2 runner up was Laurie O’Connor a little way back with 73 nett.
His was a mixed round with pars on awkward holes and bogeys or worse on easier holes. But at least he was consistent throughout the day.
The ball sweep went to 76 nett on count back, going to: 71 – N Duncan; 73 – A Ruperto, B Tooth, C McMillan, R Smith, S Sallaway; 74 – T Howe, W Nash, C Banks, S Uphill, D Mylecharane, H Steele-Park; 75 – P Wells, F Hanns, P Grayson, B Ashton; 76 – J LeBrocque.
There were two visitors, namely: Gary Nicholson (Temora) and Charlie Goodsell (Condo) who takes every chance to play the course when his work is nearby.
They both found the greens challenging.
The NTP’s went to: 9th – B Slack-Smith; 18th – S Betland.
Only Brett managed to convert albeit from a very, very close distance which
knocked the stuffing out of the rest of the field. There were five 2’s overall with the 3rd being most prolific.
The 3rd hole Super-Pin went to Shane Sallaway.
His shot to 168 cm was one of the better ones in recent weeks. His effort could be described in eloquent words but Shane is content to say ‘it was a good shot’.
Overall the nett scores were higher than what would have been expected given the sunny conditions.
Maybe it was the greens as there were a number of stories about ‘too many putts’, except of course for Dan Bayley.
The best that could be said was it was an inconsistent day for most.
The scores, in comparison to last week and played in similar conditions, were at least two shots worse overall.
There were numerous incidents where putts were not making it to the hole and probably as a result of the players enjoying themselves so much they wanted to stay out there longer. But then again, maybe not.
One way of reducing the putts was to chip in. Niel Duncan did this exception-
ally well twice. On both occasions a couple in the group missed seeing the shot so anxiously waited for him to do it again.
His chip-in on the 4th was exceptional and earned him a birdie. He chipped in again on the 11th for a good result.
This helped he and his partner to challenge handsomely for the “KENO’ ticket.
The two NTP prize winners classed those shots as the highlights of their day. Both of them did not return a very good Nett score although the difference in ability between them was quite marked. But at least they were smiling.
One who was smiling vaguely was Jake Banks. His tee shot off the 13th tee finished in the red penalty area alongside the 14th hole.
He recovered to score a ‘6’ but the three ‘Bo Dereks’ on his card did not help.
Another in that group needed a transfusion. Brad Ashton was only 1-over after 10 holes and had not hit a fairway on any of them.
His birdie putt on the 11th missed and triggered a few stumbles with a run of bogeys on the last three holes although he began to hit the fairways.
Maybe that was the problem.
As is often the case, last week’s Medal winners suffered their ‘Medal Blues’.
Adam Ruperto fared the better of them with a nett 73 but Charlie Howe and Allan Rees were back in the bunch. Neither of them had any blow-out holes but then pars were rare. But it was fun.
There was some good play out there. Kim Herbert was pleased to have parred the 2nd and 3rd but his 1-under (under ‘10’ that is) on the 4th did not do him well. Liam Fraser earned a ‘prize’ again. This time for the highest score on a hole. His ‘13’ on the 7th pipped Steve Rogers and Jeremy Auld who carded 12’s elsewhere. Steve Betland almost cleaned the par-3’s up by scoring pars on all except the 3rd.
It was pleasing to see some returning payers do well and especially pleasing to see the sponsor earn a ball.
Here is the news:
A reminder of the 2025 Trundle Men’s Open which is scheduled for Sunday, 3 August commencing at 9am.
Entry fee is $50 cash only ($20 for Juniors) which includes lunch. Breakfast is available from 7:30 am. There is a 4BBB Medley to be played on Saturday, 2 August.
We also have notification of the Caragabal Open, scheduled for Sunday, 17 August.
The fee is $50 per player which includes lunch. This year the format is changed to an Individual Stroke and Handicap event but the trestle tables laden with food will still be the same.
Refer to the Flyers at the Pro Shop for details on registration for both of these.
Some of our players travelled away over the last few weekends to play in Opens on the coast.
Caleb Hanrahan took Reggie Murray to his old stomp-
loaded with the best of ‘goodies’ for morning tea. While unlikely to match the ‘spread’ offered at Condobolin at least make an effort to welcome our guests on these chilly mornings with a smothering snack and cuppa.
Coffee after play last Tuesday was the No 1 hit for social players over 12 holes but Peter Scholefield did enjoy his round winning with 24 points followed by Barry Shine 23 then ‘Bogan’ Steve on 22 with the unassuming Alex Mackinnon next best of 21 points.
Play on Tuesday with ball toss at 9am, all welcome to play then enjoy a cuppa after.
LADIES GOLF
ing grounds where both had mixed results.
The results may have been better for Caleb if he had significantly reduced his number of putts down from the average 39 per game he had. We cannot all sink them like Grace Kim.
It is crystal ball time:
This Saturday 19 July is a 2-P Ambrose Medley, sponsored by Hassall Trading P/L. And Sunday has the usual Stableford Medley comp.
VETS GOLF
It was a case of only the brave turned up when 19 golfers took on the arctic conditions which prevailed for last week’s twin-towns veterans golf competition played at Parkes.
As well as the cold, gusting winds prevailed throughout the day with Parkes’ Ken Keith returning the best score of 34 stableford points.
Hot on his heels with 33 points were Forbes’ Ted Morgan and Lindsay Elliott from Parkes with Ted claiming second spot on a count-back.
Parkes had 13 players to Forbes’ six and had to fight hard for a win in the twintowns shield 187 points to 175.
Ken Keith completed a good day winning the A grade nearest-to-pin on the 11th hole and Bruce Chandler from Forbes the B grade winner.
The ball sweep went to 30 points with Parkes players Lindsay Elliott, John Fowler (32) and Gordon Pritchard (30) the recipients.
On a day where no-one played to their handicap, Parkes’ John Pearce won the encouragement award.
This week Forbes will host the monthly Lachlan Valley competition where registration will be taken from 9.15am for a 10 o’clock shotgun start.
Forbes members are reminded to come with a plate
Wednesday July 9 was a Stroke Round. It was the July Monthly Medal and Putting as well as Golf NSW 5th round and the Goodwill Plate. The sponsor was Bernardis Marketplace in 2 Divisions. Robin Lyell was the winner in Division 1 with a nice round of nett 70 continuing her good form of recent weeks. She also won the putting with 30 putts. Kate Steele-Park was the winner of Division 2 with a nett score of 74.
Well done ladies. Balls went to Ev Uphill, Sarah Black and Lindy Cowhan while the NTP’s went to Jenny Hubbard on the 9th and Lindy Cowhan on the 18th.
Monthly Medals went to Robin Lyell Division 1, Kate Steele-Park Division 2 and Sarah Black Division 3.
Last Saturday there was a good field for the Fran Smith Memorial Trophy Par event sponsored by Ethel Coombs. Winner of Division 1 was Jenny Fletcher with a score of plus 1 and the winner of Division 2 was Jenny Hubbard with a score of plus 3. Balls went to Robin Lyell and Carolyn Duncan with a score of 0. NTP’s went to Brianna Duncan on the 9th and Colleen Venables on the 18th.
Golf NSW runs two Charity Golf events, the Goodwill Plate (Individual) and The Golf NSW Bowl (4BBB). The best card from both competitions played locally is submitted to Golf NSW for the chance to become the State Champion. Robin Lyell is our entry in the Goodwill Plate with a nett 69 while Wendy Simmons and Ann Simmons are the 4BBB Bowl entry with 43 points.
This Saturday is a Two Person Medley Ambrose. The Far West Bowl is also on at Cobar with two ladies attending. Wednesday July 23 is a Stableford Event sponsored by Ev Uphill in 2 Divisions. The Dot Coady Matchplay is under way with several matches completed already.
The Ladies Pennants Team has made it to the last 8 and will play Warren at Wellington on Friday July 25.
West Wyalong tournament is on the weekend of the 2nd and 3rd of August. Info is on the board.
Paul Kay on the Forbes course.
PHOTO: Jenny Kingham
Welcome back to croquet news and results
CROQUET
Well, hello again after I have had a break.
Aussie Croquet was played on 12 July 2025 with only a small number in attendance however those who played enjoyed the game.
Three games on 12 July were won by Noel Jolliffe and Kevin Rubie. Congratulations.
Scores recorded were as follows: 14/12 close scores recorded by John Farah (Solo) defeated Peter West (Solo), David West & Colleen Liebich def John Farah & Bill Scott, John Allegri & Geoff Coles def David Williams & Robin Pols; 14/11 scores as follows: John Allegri & Colleen Liebich def John Farah & David Williams, Kevin Rubie & Tony Bernardi def Cheryl Toohey & Anne Stewart; 14/10 scoring as follows: Cheryl Toohey & Geoff Coles def Elvy Quirk & David West, Frank Donohoe & Peter West def Bill Scott & May Jones, Kevin Rubie & Bill Scott def David Williams & Neil Hawke, Rex Toole & May Jones def Colleen Liebich
& Robin Pols, Elvy Quirk & Harley Stewart def Anne Stewart & Tony Bernardi, Cheryl Toohey & David West def Enid Baker & Kevin Wenning, John Allegri & Noel Jolliffe def Geoff Coles & John Farah, Elvy Quirk (solo) def Rex Toole (solo), Noel Jolliffe & Enid Baker def Neil Hawke & Frank Donohoe; 14/9 scoring saw Harley Stewart & Peter West defeating Kevin Wenning & May Jones.
Well done to all those players who recorded winning scores.
Golf croquet was played on 15 July with only a small number in attendance and perhaps it was due to the inclement weather.
All three games were won on the day by Tony Bernardi, Noel Jolliffe, Mal Smith and Rex Toole.
Congratulations to all those players but a special
mention to Tony Bernardi as Tony is getting in form after only a short stint at croquet. Well done Tony.
Scores recorded on the day as follows: 9/4 Bill Scott (solo) defeated Neil Hawke (solo), Colleen Liebich & Tony Bernardi def Evelyn Mahlo & Geoff Coles, May Jones & Noel Jolliffe def Kevin Rubie & Allan Jones, Rex Toole (solo) def Sue Jolliffe (solo); 8/5 scores as follows: Mal Smith (solo) defeated Colleen Liebich (solo), Tony Bernardi & Geoff Coles def John Farah & Graham Falconer, Robin Pols & John Farah def Neil Hawke & Peter West; 7/6 close scores as follows: Robin Pols & Noel Jolliffe def May Jones & John Farah, Sue Jolliffe & Mal Smith def Peter West & Graham Falconer, Sue & Noel Jolliffe def Kevin Rubie & Neil Hawke, Rex Toole Frank Donohoe def Evelyn Mahlo & Bill Scott, May Jones & Peter
West def Allan Jones & Robin Pols, Tony Bernardi & Mal Smith def Colleen Liebich & Graham Falconer.
There were also some runaway scores on the day where Allan Jones & Rex Toole defeated Kevin Rubie & Frank Donohoe 10/3, Geoff Coles & Bill Scott defeated Evelyn Mahlo & Frank Donohoe 10/3.
Congratulations to all those players.
Welcome back to John Allegri who has been on an overseas trip where he became quite ill and was hospitalised but since coming home is slowly recovering.
Our new player Tony Bernardi is enjoying his game and the social atmosphere.
Our very valued member Fay Picker has had knee reconstructions and recuperating at home now with good results. We hope it will not be too long before we see Fay
back enjoying a game. Best wishes Fay.
Another of our members and a very valued committee man, John Browne, had quite a long stint in Nepean Hospital after undergoing major back surgery. John was finally transferred to Orange and is now home in Forbes and doing amazingly well. Best wishes John and hope we soon see you back having a game of croquet.
The Vandenberg Hotel has announced that they will be catering for seniors on Monday nights each week with a half cost discount for all meals. Make up a party and go along.
A special thank you must go to the small number of members who help set up for croquet each day of play.
To all our members stay warm stay safe.
By ELVY QUIRK
Major triples contest heats up
BOWLS
By TARA SHAW
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS
Saturday the big guns of bowls were out in force with two Major Triples championship games being played.
Playing their first game of the comp due to having a bye in the first round were Bruce Williams (filling in Christian Wests absence), Brett Davenport and Brian ‘Spro’ Asimus taking on Ian Hodges, Shayne Staines and Robert ‘Bert’ Bayley.
Team Asimus started our strong holding Team Bayley to only 3 shots against 11 on 10.
Team Bayley started their comeback and closed the gap by 4 points the difference on 17.
Team Asimus regrouped and picked up a much needed 6 points over the next 3 ends to lead 21-11.
These points were certainly needed as Team Bayley picked up a 5 and 2 2’s to only trail by 1, 20-21 on 23.
Down to the wire, Team Asimus took the last two to win the game 28-20.
Playing the first semi-final game for the Major Triples were father verse son when Laurie Crouch, Peter Besgrove and Scott Andrews played Clint Hurford, Pooch Dukes and Mitch Andrews.
Scott’s Team were stamping their position early and hoping not to let Mitch’s team in.
Scott’s team led 9-1 on 5, Mitch’s team picked up 4 for the board to show 5-9 on 7.
Each team took their time and taking an end each to 12, Mitch’s team hit a streak.
19-14 to Mitch’s team on 19 they could not afford to slow down yet and flat to the floor they sprinted to the finish line with an overall win 2519.
SOCIAL BOWLS
Wednesday bowls – It’s been miserable weather but last Wednesday morning the sun did shine with a few of the 20 bowlers who took to the green shedding their jumpers.
A day where everyone who wanted to leave a winner with a freeby, a pumpkin, courtesy of the organisers for the hard working greens maestro Terry Molloy leading for Billy Cowell winning 22-15 in 18 ends over Ann Mackay and Dale Scott adding to their days as double winners. They led 5-0 after only two ends then 12-5 before an even finish.
A game of triples were runners-up with Tara-Lee Shaw, Bill Scott and Lyall Strudwick showing no mercy winning 24-9 in 14 over Geoff Coles, Sue White and Peter Mackay. After coming from 3-4 down at the end of five it was one way street home 21-5. Closest of the rest had Bill
O’Connell and Don Craft cruising home late for a 27-14 win in 20 over Wayne Wright and Noel Jolliffe.
They only led 15-12 after 15 but with the sun out won 12-1 in the run home.
The last two games were completely one -sided with Phil Hocking and Laurie Crouch crushing Phil Bayley and Tim Everest in 20. They did lose the first two ends, 5-0, but we will leave the rest to your imagination.
The same where Colleen Liebich and Barry Shine only lead 5-3 after six against the husband and wife pairing of Lesley and Ray Dunstan to then answer all challenges in the run home home of 20 ends.
Next week hopefully different.
In-club raffle and reward for filling in late to one of the club’s hardest workers in Tara-Lee with Barry Shine the other heading to Flint St Butchery.
Thursday – The weather certainly was not as kind on Thursday afternoon as it was on Wednesday and scared all of our bowlers off.
There were no Thursday afternoon bowlers.
Sunday – A much nicer morning for some banter, coldies and of course bowls in between.
Four games of pairs and one triples saw 22 bowlers take to the greens to try their best at winning the game, gaining a resting toucher or throw their hat in the ring for the jackpot draw.
They say sometimes the half time break can completely change the change game and that is certainly the case for Kelly Stringer who led for Kerry Roach when they played Tara Shaw and Jax Murphy.
Jax having another go at skip, brought his team home to victory 19-11 against his mum.
The triples game was
played between Trish Todd, Tyler Murphy and Dale Scott coming up against Dick Sharkey, Ross Williams and Alan Hilder.
Dales team leading 11-3 on 8, Alan’s team was able to win 4 of the last 6 ends but couldn’t quite catch them going down 9-13.
Ange Dwyer led for Scott McKellar against Billy Cowell and John Cutler. What started out a onesided card in the first 8, Ange and Scott took the foot off the accelerator a little to early and were only leading by 2 at the break.
Billy and John came out strong in the second half but wasn’t enough to seal the deal. Ange and Scott won 1513. Another close game was played by Peter Greenhalgh and Ron Thurlow verse Terry Molloy and John Kennedy.
1 point the difference at oranges in favour of Terry and John, they needed to keep
their momentum going. Winning 8 points in the back 8 they just scraped in 16-14. Our last game of the morning was between Joyce Gray and Mick Merritt playing Terry Murphy and Peter Tisdell. Joyce and Mick flew out of the gates and played like a well oiled machine until the break.
Terry and Peter refueled and came out scoring 2 4’s in the next two ends and won overall 21-15.
Resting touchers: Jax Murphy.
Raspberry for wrong bias: Dale Scott.
Winning rink: Terry Murphy and Peter Tisdell. Losing Rink: Billy Cowell and John Cutler.
Jackpot Winner: Joyce Gray
Chicken raffle winners: Trish Todd, Terry Murphy, John Cutler, Pete Hodge x 2, Woodsy, Joyce Gray, Ange Dwyer and Tyler Murphy.
Impenetrable: Magpies hold Macquarie to nil
RUGBY LEAGUE
Forbes Magpies kept Dubbo Macquarie scoreless as they powered to a 60-point win on their home ground on Sunday.
The hosts had a 26-0 lead at half time and burst away in the second half to see the mercy rule imposed with more than three minutes left on the clock in Round 11 of the Peter McDonald Premiership.
It wasn’t necessarily as one-sided as the scoreboard looked: both coach Cameron Greenhalgh and captain Nick Greenhalgh were pleased the side had been able to hold off the Macquarie attack.
“It was tough early I guess - Macquarie are like thatand we got a little bit scrappy but we spoke at half time about cleaning up a few little areas and hanging onto the football, (because) we’ve got points in us,” Cameron Greenhalgh said.
Forbes’ focus had been on their defence: although they’ve been winning games they have leaked a few points and were determined to shut that down.
“One of the real good
we kept Macquarie to zero and they’ve got some good attacking players there too,”
Cameron said.
“It was nice to score 60 but we said in the sheds the most pleasing part about it was keeping them to zero,” Nick Greenhalgh added.
“Credit to them, they kept coming even though the scoreline was blowing out.
“It wasn’t like we were just having to make easy tackles, they were throwing a bit at us.
“They kept coming, they never gave up, our attack just shone through at the end there.”
With a solid effort through the middle, three tries to Chad Porter and two to Jack Smith who was excellent at fullback, there were so many players who contributed to the success it was hard to pick a stand-out.
But Harry Leadbitter, at 13, was named players’ player and deservedly.
Leadbitter, in his first year back with the Magpies after being away and playing rugby league with university sides, has been solid for Forbes but on Sunday he
He scored two tries and was key in more big plays.
“If he stays at that level he’ll be one of the most damaging in the competition,” Greenhalgh said.
It’s now nearly a month until the Magpies come back to the nest: they hit the road this week to take on Bathurst Panthers, have a bye in Round 13, then have another road trip to Lithgow to play the Wolves in Round 14.
Forbes hosts Wellington in the final round of the regular season - Round 14 - on Sunday, 10 August.
There are just three games left for the Magpies, so talked about through the pre-season, and both captain and coach know they need to be on for each of them.
“There’s no easy game,” Cameron Greenhalgh said.
“f you don’t turn up you get beat in this competition, you’ve got to turn up every week.”
MAGPIES 60: Zeke Hartwig, Chad Porter (3), Harrison Leadbitter (2), Nick Greenhalgh, Jack Smith (2), Charlie Lennon, Connor Greenhalgh. Nick Greenhalgh 8 conversions. DUBBO
Historic year for Bulldogs and Elizabeth MacGregor
NRLW
By MADELINE BLACKSTOCK
It’s being hailed as “one of the most highly anticipated years in Canterbury Bulldogs Club’s proud history”, 18-year-old Elizabeth MacGregor is at the heart of it.
The Red Bend Catholic College graduate from Parkes is the youngest member of the club’s inaugural NRLW side, in the club’s milestone 90th year.
“This is honestly such a privilege,” Elizabeth said.
“To come into the first ever women’s team for the Bulldogs in their 90th year in the NRL, it’s crazy, exciting and such an honour. I’m so grateful.”
After impressing in the Tarsha Gale Cup earlier in the year with the Bulldogs, Elizabeth was a key player in the side scoring many tries over the nine round competition.
“The competition was really good, it was tough but I really enjoyed it. I was with a new team so it was cool to meet new girls and just
learn from a new club.”
Now she looks towards the NRLW season which is a massive step up, but one which Elizabeth has embraced wholeheartedly.
The training is definitely more intense and the level up from Tarsha Gale just for the intensity and physicality,” she said.
“It feels so professional, and being around the girls every day builds that team bond. It’s been really good for my confidence.”
Elizabeth made the side for the Bulldogs’ firs ever NRLW trial match resulting in a 24-18 win over the Parramatta Eels and says it was the perfect way to shake off the nerves.
“I was definitely nervous going into it but getting through that first game gave me so much more confidence and was my first experience of what NRLW is going to feel like.
“I ended up playing nearly the whole match which was really cool.”
Elizabeth said there has been one moment in the lead up to the season which
has made this experience feel very real.
“We got brought out onto the field at the men’s games and they introduced us all individually on the big screen and then we did a walk of honour around the field.
“Just signing all these little kids’ jerseys and stuff was so cool, it was awesome and felt so surreal.”
Joining the Bulldogs NRLW side alongside experienced players such as Tayla Preston and Holli Wheeler has brought new opportunities for Elizabeth.
“I’m looking forward to figuring out who I am as a player and just learning from the more experienced girls who have been in the NRLW for around five or six years now. I want to soak up everything I can from them.”
Elizabeth is passionate about the importance of creating opportunities for young girls in rugby league especially in the country.
“Those chances in the country are what got me into footy in the first place.
It’s why I’m here now,” she said. Despite being the youngest in the squad, Elizabeth said the team dynamic is strong and inclusive.
“It’s obviously cool to be the youngest, but I feel like everyone’s treated the same. The energy in the squad is amazing, it’s serious, it’s professional, but we all support each other.”
The Bulldogs officially launched their NRLW campaign on Friday, 4 July against the Newcastle Knights in a historic double header at Accor Stadium alongside the men’s side. The Bulldogs were able to claim their first victory of the season against the Knights 26-12. This game marks the beginning of an 11 round season that will end in the first ever three week top six NRLW finals series.
“I’m definitely nervous but so excited for what’s ahead.
“I just hope I can make my debut and keep building from here,” Elizabeth added.
On the attack ... Harry Leadbitter was mighty for Forbes first grade on Sunday as he evaded the grasp of Dubbo Macquarie and ran in two tries on Sunday.
PHOTOS: Renee Powell
Millers are our Thursday champions
The highly anticipated Thursday night finals for our Autumn comp didn’t entirely disappoint but unfortunately not all matches were played.
The top liners were unavailable but the enthusiasm showed by all other players certainly made up for it.
The weeks of squash leading up to week 11 finals were full on and in the team places Millers were ahead with 227 total points, Dawes and Pipers next with 213 each.
A revision of previous scores placed Dawes as the finalist opponents for Millers who had led the comp from early on.
Highlight matches: Max Ridley and sub Will Markwort entertained us with a no nonsense effort of five full sets.
Marathon runner Max was down two sets 10-15, 7-15 but he returned fire and brought the match back to two sets all 15-11, 16-14.
Will was adamant though and at 10 points all or something similar he went on to win the fifth set 1511.
Claire Bayley subbed to play Mum Alex and another five set thriller ensued to enhance the evenings squash.
The scores tell the story of the effort both girls put in: Claire achieved 14,15,15,11,15 and Alex 16,13,5,15,7.
Earlier, Dan Bayley and Jake Shaw both ran and hit well but Jake claimed the fourth set win 15-8; Tim Welsh was on form in a three set defeat of T J Markwort.
And it was touché 5-2, for Dennis Haynes against Anthony Trotter reversing the result of their last encounter.
By the end of the fifth match Millers were 20 points to Dawes’ 15 but the 15 points meant Dawes were still in with a chance all be it by a countback.
Just to make it interesting Lawry Brayne and sub Will Markwort hit the court with a display of Will’s good length shots and Lawry’s amazing touch, volley drops.
But their first set 15-7 to Lawry ensured Millers a good victory.
So Millers became crowned the Autumn Comp Thursday night’s reining champs.
FootyNRL TIPPING
22
Drane takes the lead
Tom Drane is leading the progressive American Flat Track singles as the championship series reaches the mid-way point.
A win in the Du Quoin Mile puts the 18-year-old from Forbes, now racing professionally in the United States, 20 points ahead of his closest competitor on the ladder. They’re now eight rounds in, with eight to go. The AFT has never been taken out by an international rider.
Drane described the ride as an emotionally charged victory on the famed Magic Mile.
“After a close call with another rider that nearly ended my race, I managed to regroup and push through for the win,” he said on his racing facebook page.
“Emotions were running high after that one.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better setup - my Estenson Yamaha per-
formed flawlessly. Huge thanks to my entire team for their relentless effort and dedication.”
The win on the first mile of the AFT season followed success at the iconic Lima Half Mile, where Tom won two of three main events to take the overall victory.
The American Flat Track season started early March, and competitors contest 16 rounds, spread across the breadth of the country,
through to mid-September.
Drane, who took to the racetrack here when he was about seven years old, racked up titles including 17 Australian Dirt Track Championships and 23 State Dirt Track Championships before debuting on the American Flat Track circuit when he turned 16 half way through the 2022 season.
In 2024, he finished runner up in the championship with seven wins for the
season – more than any other rider.
Back at home in Forbes last December, he shared his intense training, travel and competition schedule as a member of the Estenson racing team.
Every round includes a short track, a half mile, a mile and a TT, and in between meets the riders seeking out turn track, motocross and extra flat track racing at every opportunity.
Tom Drane is leading the American Flat Track championship ladder half way through the season.
PHOTOS: Estenson Racing
Tom Drane celebrating his win at the Du Quoin Magic Mile.
