Eugowra students’ flood warning wins national STEM challenge
A group of Eugowra primary school students has developed a flood sensor that sounds an alarm about rising waters, and it’s received national recognition.
Students at St Josephs Eugowra have worked with community members and engineers - and grappled with ultrasonic sensors, Microbits and programming to develop their prototype - which they presented this week to a national Catholic schools competition in Brisbane.
The STEM MAD competition is Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics challenging students to Make A Difference - and that’s something these students are determined to do after losing their school in the flood event that devastated their community on November 14, 2022.
Senior students Olivia, Belle, Sam and Zac have been charged with presenting the project, in a video you can watch on the school’s Facebook page.
“We wanted to create a simple warning system that would withstand extreme currents, and water depths, that could alert people to rising floodwaters,” Belle explains in the project video.
On Tuesday, they were announced the winners of the STEM National Student Showcase Making a Difference Primary overall winner.
Their work began with a look at past floods: how big they were and how people were warned.
“We surveyed the residents to answer some of our questions relating to flood history and created a timeline of all of our information,” Olivia said.
“We also drew graphs to show the differences in flood heights across the years.”
One of the things they learned was that the extreme wet conditions of 2022 had saturated the ground even before the severe storm of November 13, leading to the tragic events of the next morning.
Students looked at the catchment area to understand the volume of water that flowed into Mandagery Creek, then toured town to look at historic flood heights.
“We all wanted to use sen-
sors to set off the alarm, so we need to learn how to program the Microbit,” the students said.
“We decided to make a water turbine and a tilting alarm, but the prototypes were not successful, so we had to make changes to try and improve the result.”
Principal Cathy Eppelstun said students had worked closely with the Science and Technology consultant for the Bathurst Diocese Catholic Education Office Janice Mendham to develop their project, from concept
through to the prototype that finally delivered the result they wanted.
Engineers working Eugowra’s flood recovery committee also shared their expertise: the Rhelm team learned about the students’ work through Mrs Eppelstun at one of the regular meetings and immediately offered to come to the school.
By this stage students had developed two prototypes, which hadn’t been successful: Rhelm suggested either an ultrasonic sensor or laser, and these worked better.
The final design uses an ultrasonic sensor to measure water levels and sound an alarm at different heights, with solar panels added to make it more sustainable.
The importance of the project is close to home for the students presenting it.
“They lost every single thing you can think of,” Mrs Eppelstun said.
Students are back in their rebuilt classrooms this year but the work continues on the school, with the staffroom, staff toilets and library for repair next year.
Belle, Olivia, Zac and Sam presented their school’s flood warning prototype to a national competition this week and (right) students work on a prototype that uses an ultrasonic sensor to set off an alarm about rising water levels. PHOTOS: Supplied
What’s on in and around Forbes
LETTERS TO SANTA
The holiday season is almost here and it’s time to get your letters to Santa ready! You can pop into the Forbes Council to pick up your special Santa letter templates from the front office from 8:30am to 5pm or download templates from the Forbes Sire Council website. Once your little ones have written their magical wishes and heartfelt messages, bring them back and drop them into Forbes Shire Council’s Santa Box starting November 22. Last letters to be posted by Monday, December 16. Santa and his elves can’t wait to read them!
ALL ON BOARD
Friday, November 22
Wear boardies to work and school day. Celebrate the positive role models in our lives. All On Board day raises funds for Boys to the Bush MENtoring programs for kids in need. Pull on your boardies, make a donation and help give vulnerable kids a brighter future. www.allonboardbttb2024raisley.com
WHITE RIBBON DAY
Monday, November 25
Join the Forbes Domestic and Family Violence Committee for White Ribbon Day, a day to educate and raise awareness around the issue of men’s violence against women. At 9:30am assemble in Victoria Park for 10am march to Lions Park. Official opening will begin at 10:45am with attendees able to meet service at 11:15am. A gold coin donation BBQ will also be available. Everyone is welcome.
FORBES COLOUR RUN
Wednesday, November 27
Join Club Aruma for the Forbes colour run from 9:30am to 2pm at the Forbes Rugby Union Oval. There is a $10 entry fee and bring a bank t-shirt, sunscreen, hat and water bottle. Make sure to register your interest before Wednesday, October 30 by contacting Amy Morgan on 0427720523 or amy.morgan@aruma.com.au
INTERNATIONAL MEN’S DAY
Friday, November 29
Council is inviting the community to come down to Lions Park from 7am – 10am to hear from Guest speakers Cr Chris Roylance and Talk to Me Bro, enjoy a BBQ brekkie, participate in ice baths with Talk to Me Bro and enjoy a walk around the Lake.
ROTARY IPOMOEA CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL
Friday, December 6 to Sunday, December 8
Rotary Ipomoea invites you to make and decorate a Christmas tree, nativity or wreath for the 12th community Christmas Tree Festival. Contact Rotary Club of Forbes Ipomoea for more details.
BUILD FORBES TRADIES NIGHT
Friday, December 6
Forbes Shire Council invites everyone working or wanting to work in the building industry to their annual tradies night.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this event offers a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded tradespeople, expand your network, and gain valuable insights into the ever-evolving building and construction landscape. This is your chance to build valuable relationships, gain industry knowledge, and find out what’s shaping the future of construction in Forbes. Don’t miss out! Come along, discover new opportunities, and take your career and business to the next level. 6pm to 9pm at the Forbes Golf and Sportsman Hotel.
TRUNDLE CHRISTMAS MARKET
Friday, December 6
Trundle Christmas shopping night is coming up! From 3pm see all your favourite mar-
The Forbes Advocate welcomes your thoughts and feedback on issues in the Forbes community. If you have a story lead or prepared
and photographs you’d like published contact the senior journalist Renee Powell on 0448 238 023.
ket stalls and get your Christmas goodies along the way at Trundle Hotel.
CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL
Friday, December 13
You don’t want to miss out on the best party of the year! Evolution Mining presents the Find it in Forbes Christmas carnival from 5pm to 9pm. There will be giant games, kids rides, face painting, market stalls and food stalls.
CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
Saturday, December 14
Enjoy Carols by Candlelight in Victoria Park this year. Before the carols begin at 8pm there will be activities and Santa will make an appearance at 7pm. There will be talented
local performers, food, drinks and glow candles on sale. Make sure to bring a chair or blanket to enjoy the night in comfort.
EUGOWRA CAROLS BY THE CREEK Sunday, December 15
Carols by the creek is back again this year in Apex Park. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon surrounded by community and Christmas carols.
TRUNDLE TESTICLE FESTIVAL
Thursday, December 26
It’s time to look after the blokes! It’s time for the Testicle Test as in cricket, as Trundle hosts a Testicle Festival and a Super 8s cricket competition on Boxing Day, at Berryman Oval. Grab a team for a bit of fun from 2pm.
Journalists
Precision and integrity
Karl Lupis marks 60 years as a registered surveyor and he’s as committed to the task as ever
It has been 60 years since Karl Lupis first became a registered surveyor and the well-known local identity doesn’t show any signs of slowing down soon.
Why would he?
His skills are in demand and he enjoys the challenge of the job he’s been dedicated to for the past six decades.
The remarkable milestone was celebrated at Kneebone and Associates Solicitors with some of the people Karl Lupis Surveying has been closely associated with over many years.
Back at the work desk, Mr Lupis’s Certificate of Currency and of registration from 1964 hang on the wall.
He will never take them for granted - as the role of a surveyor is an important one.
From major roads to carports, surveyors are involved ahead of every development: getting levels, measurements, easements and all the necessary information.
They’re at the frontline of growth in our community.
“Surveyors are the barometer for the economy: if we’re busy, it means good times ahead,” Mr Lupis said.
“We’re the first ones on the job. If there’s a surveyor there, something’s going to happen.”
When Mr Lupis began,
his pathway into the role was to become articled to a registered surveyor: he worked in the heart of Sydney in those days.
“We had 12 subjects to pass exams in - over four years,” he said. He attended Tech and studied at night while working and gaining experience. Today surveyors study through university.
Mr Lupis came to Forbes in 1969, at the time to work for the shire.
“It was a wet show day,” he
remembered of his arrival.
“In 1970 we surveyed up the centreline of the Newell Highway from Woolshed Road to the mad mile at Tichborne - up the middle of the road - imagine trying to do that today.”
Yet the task was done, safely, with very simple instruments and the measurements and levels were returned to council to plan the reconstruction of the road.
It’s no surprise that technology has drastically
changed the way a surveyor’s work is done since those years.
Mr Lupis started his own business in 1981, and that continues today with long-serving team members Shayne Staines and Peter Yapp.
He still has a Gunter chain, its 100 links formerly the standard for a surveyor, as well as the wire measure that replaced it.
Electronic measuring followed, then global navigation satellite system
Miller, Beatty to lead Central Joint Organisation
Cabonne Mayor Kevin Beatty and Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM have been elected chair and deputy of the Central NSW Joint Organisation of councils.
The mayors of the region that form the Central NSW Joint Organisation Board met in Sydney last week for the election, and to have meetings with State Ministers coordinated by Phil Donato, Member for Orange.
The Joint Organisation seeks to speak with one voice on issues of importance to the region.
“The great thing about this re-
gion is how collegiate it is,” Cr Beatty said.
“To have the unanimous confidence of the ten other member councils on the Board to return me as Chair is very heartening.
“A good part of the meeting was discussing our key priorities on important matters to the region.
“Getting our message across to government is a big team effort and leveraging the knowledge, expertise and networks of 11 mayors will make all the difference.”
There was a great deal of discussion about the significant value the Joint Organisation delivers
to its members councils and their communities.
“In these financially hardpressed times it is important to note that for every one dollar spent by our member councils on membership fees, $9.30 is returned in cost savings and other value,” Cr Beatty said.
PICTURED RIGHT:
Cabonne Mayor Kevin Beatty and Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM have been elected chair and deputy chair of the Central NSW Joint Organisation of councils.
PHOTO: Supplied
which we commonly know as GPS.
Today work can be done with drones.
Mr Lupis can only describe the rise of technology as “exponential” and of course the regulations have to change with it. The pace has also picked up.
In the early days surveyors had to send to Sydney by mail for the documentation they needed and that meant a two-week turnaround.
It’s not just technology Mr Lupis has seen change, it’s Forbes itself.
“Opposite the high school, that was all wheat paddocks,” he recalled of the early years he was in Forbes and the now populated
streets he surveyed preconstruction.
Karl Lupis Surveying has a long-serving team: Shayne Staines has been there 37 years and Peter Yapp about 15 years.
They’ve covered a lot of country and seen a lot of change, but Mr Lupis’s commitment to the importance of their job is unwavering.
“One of the things people don’t realise that with the integrity of the registered surveyors, the Crown can guarantee title to anyone’s block of land,” he said.
“If you didn’t have that integrity then mortgagees could not lend money on that block of land.”
Karl Lupis was issued his Certificate of Competency and his registration in 1964.
From the historic surveyor’s boundary post Karl is holding to GPS technology of today and a ute that’s gone the miles ... Peter Yapp , Karl Lupis and Shayne Staines at Karl Lupis Surveying.
Salvos launch Toy Appeal
KHub Christmas Wishing Tree now taking donations
The Salvation Army Forbes and Parkes is organising Christmas toys for families in need.
This year the Salvation Army will be partnering with Khub in Forbes again as they host the 37th K-Mart Wishing Tree Appeal.
Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of the Australian Community the Appeal has collected more than 14 million gifts since it began in 1987, with an average 300,000 gifts donated annually.
Khub launched their Christmas Toy Appeal on Tuesday, November 12.
Brand new toys and gifts –unwrapped – can be donated at Khub Forbes or at the Forbes and Parkes Family Stores.
Whilst there is a need across all age groups, the Salvos see a particularly strong need for gifts among tweens and teenagers. Please consider buying a gift for all ages, including teenagers.
Christmas is the busiest time of the year for the Salvos.
This year the organisation expects the need to be the most significant we have seen due to the rise in cost of living.
for local families
The Salvos’ role is to ensure everyone experiences a little cheer at Christmas, irrespective of their circumstances.
Families can register for gifts for children in their care at the Forbes Family Store – 128 Rankin Street, between 9.30am and 3.30pm Tuesday to Friday. Application forms must be in by Friday, November 29.
Families will be contacted and given a day and time slot, in December, to come to the Family Stores to collect their gifts.
“Thanks Khub, and the generous public of this area for your support again this year,” Parkes and Forbes Corps leaders Wendy Broome said.
During the Christmas period last year, thanks to the generos-
ity of the Australian public, The Salvation Army nationally:
• received over 330,000 gifts and toys for families who might otherwise have gone without,
• provided over 184,000 meals to those experiencing homelessness,
• and provided more than 92,000 bed nights for families in need of accommodation.
Get your Christmas trees ready for festival
The 12th annual Rotary Ipomoea Christmas Tree Festival is fast approaching so now is the time to start planning your entries.
If you have a creative idea for a Christmas tree, wreath, Nativity, wall hanging or poster Rotary Ipomoea would love to see it come to life and exhibited in the Forbes Town Hall.
Trees can be commercially bought, a tree in a pot, a branch in a bucket full of wet sand or a painted tree branch.
Trees of all shapes and sizes are welcomed as long as it has a Christmas theme!
You can enter individually, as a school, club, family, community group, business or church and support this Rotary Ipomea project to provide a family experience for Forbes and District this Christmas.
Make sure you have a Christmas greeting placed on or under your tree from yourself, your class, family or business and local club and organisations are encouraged to display their
meeting times and venues under their tree.
To make sure your tree is exhibited, deliver your tree to the Forbes Town Hall on Thursday, December 5 between 3pm and
5pm or Friday, December 6 between 7am and 10am.
The exhibition will open to the public Friday, December 6 from 1pm to 5pm. The exhibition will remain
open on the weekend with opening times on Saturday, December 7 being from 9am to 5pm and Sunday December 8 from 9am to 2pm.
Entry to view the Christmas Tree Festival will be $5 per adult and free entry for primary school children.
All funds raised will be donated to Havannah House, who provide accommodation and support to women and families who are homeless or at risk of being homeless.
If you are interested in taking part in the 12th Christmas tree festival, you’re encouraged to RSVP by calling a Rotary Ipomoea member on 0439708456 or 0427201445 or 0413274735 (please leave a message).
Members will be able to supply you with any further information and answer any questions you may have - as well as plan for this year’s festival.
We look forward to seeing your creative Christmas tree ideas at this year’s Rotary Ipomoea Christmas Tree Festival.
Jump on board for Boys to the Bush
On Friday November 22, Boys to the Bush are asking all workplaces, schools and organisations to jump on board and wear board shorts to work and school in a bid to raise funds to support the charities life changing work with disadvantaged and disengaged male youth.
The Inaugural fundraiser will celebrate the positive role models in our lives and help raise funds to support the not-for-profit organisation’s work.
Boys to the Bush CEO Adam DeMamiel said the day is all about acknowledging people in our lives who help support us and make our home and work lives better places to be.
“Having someone you can turn to for guidance and support is important for all of us,” he said.
“Unfortunately, not all kids grow up with someone like that in their life.
“Boys to the Bush work with disengaged and disadvantaged boys to be that person, to help them become good young men.
“Our organisation lives by the motto of it being easier to build a strong boy than repair a broken man.
“Our MENtors work with these young men to give them the tools, experience and guidance to make good decisions and basically become better people that make a positive contribution to their communities.”
By supporting ‘All On Board Day’, you’re supporting Boys to the Bush MENtoring programs that give boys the guidance, encouragement and self-confidence they need to navigate life’s challenges with greater resilience.
Boys to the Bush are helping build better sons, brothers, future husbands, dads and employees, making our communities a stronger, more positive place to be.
Since 2017 Boys to the Bush have impacted over 10,000 lives through their prevention and early intervention strategies.
For more information on how you can get involved, and to access a fundraising kit, please visit https://allonboardbttb2024.raiselysite. com/
Grace Horan, Tracy Little, Annabelle Cole, Jess Storm, Taylah Mackinnon, Katherine O’Mally from KHub Forbes and Wendy Broome Salvos Parkes and Forbes Corps Leader.
Wear your boardies to work or school this Friday and support Boys to the Bush.
Richard and Sue-Anne Nixon, Susan Stewart, Anna Dobbs and Deanna Williams at the Forbes Rotary Ipomoea stall.
PHOTO: Jenny Kingham
Day to take a stand together
March as community on Monday, White Ribbon Day
Forbes Shire Council and the Forbes Domestic & Family Violence Committee are encouraging the community to get involved in the White Ribbon Day march and community event on Monday November 25.
Part of White Ribbon Month in November, White Ribbon Day raises awareness of men’s violence against women and educates men and boys to be part of the solution.
The march will start at 10am from Victoria Park, proceeding along Court and Lachlan Streets, and arrive at Lions Park at 10:30am.
Selected participants in the march will be given a card displaying a victim of domes-
tic violence which they will carry with them and place on display at Lions Park.
Businesses along the route of the march are also being encouraged to stand along the side of the street while the march moves past them.
The main event at Lions Park will run from 10:45am until 12pm and include speeches from Forbes Shire Council Deputy Mayor Chris Roylance, Member for Orange Phil Donato, Guinevere Dickie and Barry Merrit.
There will also be stalls from service providers and a BBQ available for a gold coin donation.
During the event all male attendees will be asked to make a pledge to never com-
mit, condone or remain silent about men’s violence against women.
Forbes Shire Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM, said domestic violence is an issue the Forbes community holds dear.
“Our community knows all too well the devastating effects domestic violence can have, and this is a great opportunity to unite and take a stand against men’s violence against women,” she said.
“Everyone is welcome to march and attend the event, so please get involved if you can.”
Anyone interested in marching is being asked to meet at Victoria Park at 9:30am on the day.
Call out for performers, vendors for Party in the Park
The focus might be on Christmas for many, but now’s the time to put those Australia Day plans in place.
Forbes Shire Council has put the call out for buskers and food vendors for the Party in the Park, as they change their approach a bit in 2025.
Australia Day activities will commence in Forbes shire with the dinner celebrating our citizens of the year on January 25.
The council is planning a gala style, fancy barbecue dinner for nominees, nominators, community members and VIP’s, in the Forbes Town Hall, with the award presentations to be livestreamed.
This night is an opportunity to recognise the outstanding contributions locals make to our community, significant achievements and volunteer efforts.
Nominations are now open, details at the end of the story.
The community breakfast
opens January 26, with this again planned for Lions Park, in partnership with community service organisations.
Citizenship ceremonies are a big part of Australia Day and there will be the opportunity for a ceremony in council’s chambers in the afternoon.
Sunday night’s party in the park is still planned, but with a relaxed format.
Council has stepped back from formalities on the evening, but are inviting food vendors and music buskers to submit expressions of interest to provide food and entertainment to the crowd.
It will absolutely still be the place to gather on the night.
“Everyone loves the fireworks, the food vendors, it’s a really great night down there,” Mayor Phyllis Miller said when the mat-
ter came to councillors for consideration.
“People come set up their food vans, fireworks go ahead, we go down with our families - have a great night with our families, and our staff are not having to work.”
It will offer “the best of both worlds” where council’s staff can also enjoy the event with their families, she said.
The fireworks, however, are locked in, with the display set for Bates Bridge from 9pm. Food vendors or performers wanting to find out more are encouraged to contact the council’s events team on community@ forbes.nsw.gov.au or 6850 2300.
Nominations are open for the Australia Day awards: Forbes Shire Citizen of the Year; Senior Citizen of the Year; Young Citizen of the Year.
For a nomination form, phone 6850 2300 or email community@ forbes.nsw.gov.au
Street and Rankin Street from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Friday, 13 December 2024 for the purpose of the 2024 Forbes Christmas Carnival event.
Carols by Candlelight Forbes Shire Council and the Forbes Town Band wish to advise that Carols By Candlelight will be held in Victoria Park on Saturday 14 December from 7pm-10pm. There is expected to be additional traffic in the area during this time. The community is reminded to take care whilst in the area and is invited to attend this community event.
For additional information on this event, please contact Council’s Events Team on community@forbes.nsw.gov.au or 02 6850 2300
EOI: Australia Day Vendors and Performers
Expressions of Interest for Food Vendors and Buskers are now open! Food Vendors and local performers are invited to join the community on Sunday 26 January
02 6850 2300. The expression of interest can be downloaded from the Council Website or by emailing community@forbes.nsw.gov.au.
EOI’s close on: 5pm Monday 13 January 2025. Australia Day 2025
For more information on any of the below events please contact Council’s Community Relations Officer, at community@forbes.nsw.gov.au or 02 68502300.
Citizen of the Year Gala Dinner
Join us for the annual Citizen of the Year Gala Dinner, this year the Gala Dinner will
Forbes High students lead the White Ribbon march in 2018.
PHOTO: Forbes Shire Council
Council is calling for expressions of interest from food vendors and buskers for the party in the park on January 26, 2025.
Forbes Australia Day Award recipients Rex and Cheryl Barton, Deidre Quirk and Jessica Ashcroft. PHOTO: File
Caring for the land, caring for community
Green shoots of new growth are everywhere the eye can see along the banks of the Mandagery Creek in Eugowra.
Two years on from a flood described as an ‘inland tsunami,’ locals have launched the Eugowra Catchment Landcare group, their mission to preserve and improve the health of the catchment.
Supported by Mid-Lachlan Landcare, the Eugowra Catchment Landcare began with a few test sites in private paddocks, hoping to ‘Slow the Flow’ of rushing waters during wet seasons, and to maintain soil moistures during hot, dry summers.
Between sausage sizzles and locally-written songs presented by Nerida Cuddy and Adam ‘Dr Fish’ Kerezsy, the history of Eugowra’s plant and water life was shared and celebrated on a balmy spring evening.
This Landcare group has been a long time in the making for chair Therese Welsh, who shared what she’s been learning and putting into practice at home on the farm at the launch.
The fires of 2001, the drought of 2017-2019 and the most recent flood of 2022 are all drivers for the group, Mrs Welsh said.
“How do we help our landscape recover from fires, drought, and floods?” she asked.
““What interventions can we include to protect and nurture our land?
“How can we build resilience in a changing climate and understand the natural processes affecting all of us living here within the Eugowra catchment?”
Therese, with her husband Kevin and their neighbours, did a four-day course on natural sequence farming in 2019, confronted by the effects of drought on their farm.
“Having dry creek beds and only one dam standing during the drought we knew change had to occur to water the land and provide for the stock and family during the next drought,” she said.
“My passion is around slowing the flow of water in creeks and off paddocks and building biodiversity on our farm.
“As farmers, our family and our economic livelihood depends on the natural environment.
“The last drought was a time of awakening when we sought to create change to care for the living systems that were suffering.”
Therese applied for a grant to fence off a part of a creek on their property from livestock to start regeneration - and the effects she saw were remarkable.
“Our creek bed responded immediately after the first rains,
and since the stock had been excluded it began to naturally revegetate, and even more varieties of plants came back as identified by the Kangarooby Landcare group during their visit in 2023. We planted over 400 trees.”
Since the devastating floods of 2022 a new partnership has birthed, with the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy Australia and Papua New Guinea.
Sally Neaves from the Sisters of Mercy reached out to Therese, and they now have a number of partners and supporters working in the area.
Following community consultation and supported financially by the Institute, the Mulloon Institute ran a workshop at Reedy Creek in November 2023.
Property holders learned about increasing rainfall infiltration, reducing damaging run-off, and holding more water on farm to increase crop and pasture production.
Most recently, Sally organised a two-day “boot camp” where property holders learned about mapping their own property, changes in the landscape and regeneration.
On Sunday afternoon, some 50 people got together for the official launch of Eugowra Catchment Landcare.
The group has looked at the entire catchment, but the principals can be applied in the garden, and the aim of the group is to involve everyone.
Special guest at the launch was Adam Kereszy, better known as Dr Fish along the Lachlan River, who spoke about native fish in our river systems.
He then picked up the guitar and rounded out the evening with Canowindra’s Nerida Cuddy.
All three levels of government were involved in the launch, with Federal member for Calare Andrew Gee planting a tree on the bank of the creek with State Member for Orange Philip Donato. Cabonne Deputy Mayor Jamie Jones planted a second tree with two representatives of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy Australia and Papua New Guinea.
The committee is: Chair Therese Welsh; Vice chair Luke Dunn; Secretary/treasurer Tracee Burke; Publicity officer Annabel Dunn; Fundraising officer Marg Broadbent.
Committee members Kev Welsh, Mark and Kerstin Heinzel, Sally Neaves, Tim and Ash Wright, Tess Herbert.
Those interested in joining are encouraged to connect through Eugowra Catchment Landcare on Facebook or Instagram.
Mayor returned to local government leadership role
By FORBES MAYOR PHYLLIS MILLER OAM
It was an honour to be among the 150 mayors and executives present at the Country Mayors Association meeting on Friday in Sydney. It was an even greater honour to be elected on the Executive Board again to serve another two year term. While in Sydney I was able to catch up with several State Ministers, including Premier Chris Minns, Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig, Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison and Health Minister Ryan Park.
Are you coming along to our first ever International Men’s Day? It will be held on Friday 29 November. Council is inviting the community to come down to Lions Park from 7am – 10am to hear from Guest speakers Cr Chris Roylance and a representative from Talk to Me Bro.
Guests can enjoy a BBQ breakfast, dip in an ice bath and enjoy a walk around the lake.
For more information on this event, please contact Council’s Event’s Team on community@forbes.nsw.gov.au or 02 6850 2300.
It has been two years since the 2022 floods and I know there has been a bit of discussion about Forbes commemorating the event similar to other local communities. This time two years ago, Forbes had now suffered three major flood fronts, I was looking back on pics from October where some water levels over roads was already at 700mm. I am not quite sure, just as many in the community weren’t sure, when you would mark the date of the Forbes floods?
I am also proud that our community has diligently pressed on moving forward rather than looking back. As we have done since every flood event our community has endured.
As the busy season approaches please mark your calendar with Friday 6 December for our next Tradies night, this is a great night to celebrate our local trades who have been working hard all year on so many projects throughout the year. We hope to see you all there at the Golf Club from 6pm.
The date for the ever popular Carols by Candelight has been locked in for Saturday 14 December.
There will be live performances, Santa will be on site from 7pm and carols will begin at 8pm.
There will be food vendors and glow sticks available for purchase. Join us in Victoria Park from 7pm-10pm.
Celebrating the launch of Eugowra Catchment Landcare at Eugowra on Saturday (right) Federal Member for Calare Andrew Gee and State Member for Orange Philip Donato plant a tree together. PHOTOS: Dan Ryan
Mayor Phyllis Miller with Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison.
Parker wins tennis nationals
Forbes-born player wins singles, doubles titles
Anderson Parker has claimed singles and doubles wins in the Australian Wheelchair tennis national championships.
Parker, who spent his early years in Forbes, was thrilled with his championship campaign - and now has his sights set on climbing the rankings towards the Australian Open and the 2028 Paralympics.
Parker won the singles championship in two sets over his doubles partner Ben Weekes in a match where the players traded game for game in the first set.
Parker won the first 6-4 but it was Weekes who had the upper hand in the second, forcing Parker to fight back from 5-2 down.
But fight back he did, coming back 7-6 and then winning the tie-break 9-7.
“It was very intense coming back from that sort of deficit,” Parker said.
It’s the first time he’s beaten his doubles partner in straight sets but it wasn’t the only thing that was special
about the match.
The two gained wildcard entry to the Paris Paralympic Games and while Parker didn’t progress past his first round, the experience has changed his game and in the nationals his unforced errors had dropped right away.
“It was all about who could produce the better shots, it was a very different feeling,” he said.
The grand finalists from the singles then teamed up to win the doubles at the national championships and that was another thrill.
“At Paris Paralympics we managed to form a really good bond,” Parker said, that leading to a much more coordinated partnership at nationals.
“I personally think we both supplement each other’s game, we just need more time together. I think (the partnership) is on a good track.”
The Paralympics was a great experience personally as well: seeing the number and the calibre of athletes
with disability and then having a little bit of time to experience Paris with his family, including Forbes-based grandparents.
Since coming home, he hasn’t stopped working on his game.
Parker’s experience there has motivated him to continue to work not only on the physical side of wheelchair tennis - which he’s only been back in for a few years after a change in classification - but also the mental side.
Parker met Argentina’s Ezequiel Casco in the first round and had a good start in both sets before going down 7-5, 6-4.
The whole experience has fired him up to campaign to play in Los Angeles in 2028, and to gain direct entry to the Australian Open.
A new level of consistency throughout the match at nationals was a good sign of the progress he’s making, now Parker’s sights are set on a set of tournaments in Türkiye in coming weeks.
Christmas Carnival a party not to miss
Let the fun begin.
Evolution Mining presents the Forbes Christmas Carnival and it’s ready to roll and will open to the public at 5pm on Friday, December 13.
Forbes Business Chamber is pleased to bring the carnival festivities to the community and hope that lots of people will join in and celebrate.
“There are market stalls, giant games, bucking bull, bungee trampolines, jumping castles, Tea Cup merry-go-round and arts and craft activities,” Forbes Business Chamber president Aaron Acheson said.
“Food is provided by established Forbes businesses and food vans that will be dotted around the site.”
The carnival will be located in the central business area of Templar Street, Rankin and Battye streets.
The committee ask that vehicles are removed from the site no later than 12 noon on December 13 for the street closures to take place prior to set up beginning.
“Forbes and the surrounding
villages are well and truly due for a fabulous Christmas celebration. There will be so much to see and do such as face painting, free balloon hand outs and even a visit from Mr and Mrs Claus,” Mr Acheson said.
“The Forbes Business Chamber hosts this event as a thank you to our community for shopping and supporting locally.
“The Forbes Christmas Promotion and Carnival are about giving back to the community and promoting our local businesses. This event could not go ahead without the sponsorship of Evolution Mining, local businesses and the local community.”
Entertainment and music are on the stage located at the junction of the two streets.
The Forbes Business Chamber thanks those who have offered to assist and those who are participating.
Many businesses have been very generous with time and funds and have worked tirelessly to get the Christmas spirit alive and well in Forbes.
Don’t forget to keep clicking on the QR every time you make a purchase at a participating business in the Find it in AMAZING Forbes promotion to be in the draw to win a share in $20,000 in Why Leave Town cards between now and December 24.
Remember store owners can offer you a manual option to enter the draws if you need it, just ask.
The colourful Find It In Forbes Christmas tree will be displayed out the front of participating stores.
Slow down, there are roadworks ahead
Slow down, roadworks ahead. Transport for NSW is advising motorists of changed traffic conditions on Escort Way and Lachlan Valley Way for the next week or so.
Work including pavement rehabilitation and spraying bitumen to maintain the road will be carried out from Monday to Saturday between 7am and 6pm each day, weather permitting, in the following locations: • Escort Way between Forbes and Eugowra from Monday November 18.
• Lachlan Valley Way between Forbes and Paytens Bridge Road from Friday 29 November.
Changed traffic conditions including stop/ slow traffic control and a reduced speed limit of 40 km/h will be in place during work hours.
Outside of work hours a reduced speed limit of 60 km/h will be in place for around 48 hours at each location.
Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions, allow extra travel time and follow the directions of signs and traffic control. Motorists should allow up to five minutes of extra travel time and Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience.
For the latest traffic updates you can download the Live Traffic NSW app, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.
Anderson Parker won the Australian Wheelchair tennis national championships.
PHOTO: Patrick Jensen City Community Tennis
The Forbes Business Chamber Christmas carnival promises lots of family fun on December 13.
Physie dancers zone winners
By MADELINE BLACKSTOCK
LACHLAN Valley United Physical Culture Club has achieved outstanding results at the recent annual Western Area BJP Physical Culture School of Dance Zone Championships.
The championships were held in Bathurst on October 19 and 20 with clubs from around the Western area including, Wagga Wagga, Bathurst, Bourke, Dubbo, Orange and everywhere in between.
Lachlan Valley Physie walked away from the championships with seven of the possible nine overall zone champion titles.
The club had 57 dancers compete and 28 earn themselves a place in the National Physie grand finals this month at Sydney Olympic Park.
Zone Champions from Lachlan Valley Physie included Amity Dunn (5yrs), Lylah Smith (6yrs), Harper Taylor (8yrs), Aleigha Hornery (9yrs), Danielle Hornery (11yrs), Emily Riches (12yrs) and Maddison Hornery (12yrs).
Emily and Maddison are having a standout year after beginning the year competing in the semi finals of the national competition.
Since then both girls have won every competition they have competed in this year and are looking to make their mark again in the national competition.
“They’re doing extremely well this year, both girls have been working above their age groups,” teacher and Head Associate for the club Louise Donnelly said.
As well as zone champions there was also a number of second, third, fourth and
fifth place achievements at the zone championships for the club with each place also going through to nationals.
Ariah Smith (7yrs), Scarlett Barnes (9yrs), Lucy Miles (10yrs), Willow Frost (11yrs), Deniesse Donaire (12yrs) and Karla Osborne (15yrs) placed second in their age categories. Third place achievements saw Cammi Bridge (6yrs), Ava Charters (8yrs), Charlotte Miller (9yrs), Anabel Allen (10yrs), Grace McDonald (13yrs) and Lacey Osborne (15yrs).
In fourth place, Audrey Merritt (8yrs), Molly Betland (9yrs), Gemma Orr (10yrs), Stella Jarrick (11yrs) and Melinda Jean (novice ladies).
In fifth and the last place to make it through to nationals was Annabelle Barrass (8yrs), Cleo Whiley (11yrs), Ashleigh Donnelly (U/O33 open ladies) and Rachelle Hornery (novice ladies).
Thirteen members qualified for the finals, which saw them among the top 10 for their categories.
This included Sadie Markwort, Stephanie Hornery, Adella Slone, Addi Crammond, Lila Walsh, Rachel Bilsborough, Charlotte Orr, Tayla Venables, Zone Bilsborough, Kaylee Walsh, Beth Betland, Kate Bilsborough and Nakeria Clark.
Teams also competed at this event with Lachlan Valley placing first in three of the four competitions.
Physie is a safe and unique dance sport.
“The girls do jumps, lifts and spins but they never go past 180 degrees on their split lines and kick lines so it’s safe for developing bones and hips in kids,” Ms Donnelly said.
“What also makes physie unique is we actually do all
styles of dance. We do jazz, contemporary, hip hop and ballet. We also do a bit of pilates and yoga for strength and core as well.”
Each physie age group around Australia learn the same five dances.
“If you were nine, every nine-year-old in Australia learns the same five dances choreographed and they compete on the floor against each other and it’s about who’s go the best performance, technique and style,”
Ms Donnelly said.
The club have also just been away with their senior teams where the 13/14 team came away with first, their 15s first years came away with second.
Last weekend ladies went away to competed and this weekend senior champions girls away heading away to compete.
The junior national finals follow these events.
When the seniors and ladies head away to competitions like these they can be competing against up to 200 other dancers in their category.
The Lachlan Valley Physie Club is run by senior associate Lousie Donnelly who travels to Forbes twice a week as well as holding lessons in Condobolin.
The club is a not-for-profit organisation and is run totally by volunteers.
“Everyone has done really well this year, it’s pretty exciting especially for the size of the towns of Condo and Forbes,” Ms Donnelly said.
“These are tiny little towns compared to Bathurst, Wagga, Dubbo and Orange so for the size of the pool of kids we are pulling from for how well they did is pretty amazing.”
11-12 years team with Miss Louise (back) Anabel Allen, Deniesse Donaire, Hayley Small, Willow Frost (front) Cleo Whiley, Pippa Newell, Lucy Miles, Stella Jarick.
Danielle Hornery, Willow Frost, Stella Jarrick and Cleo Whiley all placed in the 11 years champion girl section.
Lucy Miles, Anabel Allen and Gemma Orr placed in the 10 years champion girl section.
Aleigha Hornery, Scarlett Barnes, Charlotte Miller and Molly Betland all placed in the nine years champion girl section.
(Back) Louise Donnelly, Sieanna Small, Addy Crammond and Kim Orr (front) Molly Betland, Aleigha Hornery, Charlotte Miller and Scarlett Barnes.
Emily Riches, Rachel Bilsborough, Deniesse Donaire and Hayley Small.
Louise Donnelly with Aleigha, Maddison, Stephanie and Danielle Hornery.
Miss Louise, Lacey Osborne, Tayla Venables, Karla Osborne, Emily Miles, Zoe Bilsborough and Kim Orr.
Louise Donnelly and Amity Dunn, zone champion five years girls.
Miss Louise Donnelly, Charlotte Orr, Maddison Hornery, Grace McDonald and Kim Orr. PHOTOS: Supplied
Six years zone champion Lylah Smith and five years zone champion Amity Dunn.
LVU Condo Forbes Physie 7-8 years team placed first. Aria Smith, Ava Charters, Audrey Merritt, Harper Taylor, Adella Slone, Annabelle Barrass, Lylah Smith, Chloe Quade.
Annabelle Barrass, Audrey Merritt, Ava Charters and Harper Taylor placed in eight years champion girl.
Ashleigh Donnelly and Nakeria Clark placed in open ladies champion.
Grand opening this weekend
There’s
more
to see at our new Furniture One
Turner’s Furniture One is in a brand new home at the Homemaker Centre and they’re inviting the community to their grand opening day Saturday, November 23.
The much-anticipated move is complete, with the doors open for a couple of weeks now and plenty of interest from locals and visitors.
The fresh new space has a much expanded range and beautifully laid out so you can imagine how it will look in your home, says owner Steve Turner.
“It’s incredible - it’s really nice to have something brand new and fresh,” he said.
“There’s a huge range and a lot more room settings so you can get a better idea what it’s going to look like in your home.”
“There’s a lot more variety in the home decor,” Steve said, that includes cushions, throw rugs, rugs, pots, plants and lamps.
“A lot bigger bedding range, a lot more mattresses on display, a lot more lounges, a lot more dining.”
The Furniture One location now stocks a larger range of bedroom suites, manchester, mattresses, dining suites and outdoor furniture, and has been able to expand to a La-Z-Boy Gallery space offering the largest selection of La-Z-Boy lounges in the central west. This Saturday is the perfect time to come and see the team, and talk to them about the range.
Mylessa Ryan has been with the Turners for 15 years, and with Furniture One with the Priest family in Forbes prior to that.
Darren Phillips has been with the Turners team since mid 2023 and Jordan Wilson joined them in April.
New to the team is Lisa Staines,
a well-known local with extensive retail experience. If you haven’t already been out to see just how spacious and impressive the new location is, this weekend is the time and even better, opening specials do continue across the whole floor.
Parkes bypass progress: Condobolin Road, Hartigan Avenue to open
It’s the news Parkes drivers who frequent Condobolin Road have been waiting for - the main thoroughfare is scheduled to reopen tomorrow after four months of constructing the Condobolin Road roundabout, a key feature of the Parkes Bypass project.
From Thursday traffic will be able to use the new roundabout to travel east-west between Condobolin and Parkes, and out to Bogan Gate, Trundle and Tullamore.
However, access to and use of the new bypass via the roundabout will not be available until the project is complete next year, Transport for NSW says.
Night work took place last night, between 6pm and 7am, to complete the road surfacing and line marking required to open the new roundabout.
And this isn’t the only progress on the Parkes Bypass.
Transport for NSW advises there is also changed traffic conditions on Hartigan Avenue.
From 7am on Friday, the Hartigan Avenue extension will be fully open and drivers will be able to travel under the new bridge over the rail line to access Condobolin Road.
This opening had also been delayed due to recent poor weather.
A spokesperson for Transport for NSW said to ensure the safety of their work crews, a number of traffic changes will be in place from Friday: Brolgan Road near Essential Energy will remain closed.
• Brolgan Road access will be via the new Hartigan Avenue extension.
• Link Road will be closed.
• The oversize overmass (OSOM) route will be via extended Hartigan Avenue.
• Access to Billy Mac Place will be via Hartigan Avenue.
To allow sealing, line marking and barrier installation, one night of work will take place along Billy Mac Place, Hartigan Avenue and associated intersections from 6pm to 7am on Thursday, weather permitting.
Traffic will be stopped at times to assist with this work.
Westlime Road remains closed between Brolgan Road and Condobolin Road for construction of the Parkes Bypass alignment.
“Transport for NSW thanks
motorists for their patience while this important work is carried out,” the spokesperson said.
The $287.2 million Parkes Bypass project will feature five key intersections and two new bridges, including the one over Hartigan Avenue and the rail corridor, and a second over the bypass on Victoria Street.
Preliminary work has seen the construction of the bridge ends and in October two giant cranes were mobilised to the bypass site to lift six girders into place at each of the bridges.
Each of the 60-tonne girders were hoisted high in the air and lowered into place on the bridge supports.
These girders that were installed near the northern end of the bridge add to the 30 girders lifted into place in October last year.
On November 5 the process was repeated to lift six more girders into place for the new Victoria Street bridge.
Early feedback has been wonderful, so pop out and see them next to Bunnings on the Newell Highway. Turners Furniture One is now open seven days a week: 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm Saturday 10am to 2pm Sunday
Storms lash region, damaging crops
Storms have lashed the region in the past week, with hail causing serious damage to crops in one storm that travelled around Parkes to the north of Forbes.
Hailstones larger than golf balls fell in a storm that cut around the south and east of Parkes on Wednesday afternoon, November 13.
Photos contributed from around town show hail from pea-sized to the size of a 10-cent coin in different areas - the largest a handful and photographed 5-10km out the Henry Parkes Way to the east.
It’s slashed canola crops that were ready to harvest, the Department of Primary Industries confirmed.
Growers in a 15km strip have reported damage to crops - with close to 2000 acres affected.
They describe a storm that lasted only minutes but caused significant damage to crops that were ready for harvest.
The follow up storm on Sunday afternoon has only added to the damage.
Forbes airport recorded wind gusts of 50 to 57km/hr between 3pm and 4.30pm, followed by 27mm of rain in the gauge.
Progress on the Hartigan Avenue bridge.
Come and see the team of Darren Phillips, Jordan Wilson, Mylessa Ryan and Lisa Staines at Turner’s Furniture One.
Christmas shopping in Eugowra
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas – and it did last Friday night in Eugowra as the community hosted the Christmas shopping night.
Local stores extended their hours while other businesses hosted stalls in the streets.
Eugowra Men’s Shed in partnership with a number of ventures filled the former café on the corner with their wares, everything from the men’s shed timber works to ice cream, candles and jewellery.
Drop in and visit them, Thursday to Sunday, 9.30am to 2.30pm.
Shopping in Cabonne this Christmas?
Keep an eye out for the QR codes to scan when you make a purchase.
When shoppers spend over $20 at a local Cabonne business, they can scan the QR code (there’s one at the RTC) to enter their purchase details and upload receipts for a chance to win a share of $1000 in vouchers!
First prize will recieve $500, second prize $300 and third prize $200.
There’s every reason to choose local this Christmas!
The campaign will run from Monday, November 11 to Friday, December 13, 2024.
The draw will be made on Tuesday, December 17.
Join Cabonne Council in celebrating and supporting local - because when we shop local, we all thrive.
Explore the range at Michael’s As Time Goes By.
Kerry O’Malley and Lalla Weekes holding baby Kobi seeing all that’s in store at Eugowra’s Craft on the Creek.
Kim Storey with her beautiful photographic books, cards and calendars, and Kate Langfield.
Peter Slaven from Eugowra Men’s Shed holding a vase made from a timber verandah post, surrounded by beautiful handmade items available at the store.
It’s the 74th National Cherry Festival
The 74th annual National Cherry Festival will be held in the Cherry Capital of Young from Friday November 30, 2024 to Sunday December 2, 2024.
The town will be alive with plenty of entertainment, fun, competitions, displays, exhibitions and more throughout the weekend.
With plenty of orchards opening their doors as well as art and photographic exhibitions there is plenty to take in throughout the area over the three days.
Events for the 74th National Cherry Festival will kick off from 5pm on the Main Stage at Anderson Park on Lovell Street with live entertainment on the main stage.
Easy Goin’, The Kirks and Birdee will keep the crowds entertained ahead of the National Cherry Festival Fireworks display at 9pm.
This year the National Cherry Festival once again offers a program packed full of fun events.
Marvel at the fireworks, enjoy the street parade, sing along with the live music, and get ready to shop at the many quality market stalls and local businesses and for the thrill seekers, amuse yourself on the rides in carnival alley.
There is lots to see and do as the Cherry Capital comes alive for the annual event.
Get ready for the explosion of colour and excitement that comes from the National Cherry Festival with the event promising not just a good time, but unforgettable moments that you’ll be talking about for years to come.
Will the record for the longest Pip Spit be shattered this year?
Who’s stepping up to claim the title of the 2024 Cherry Pie Eating Champion?
These important questions need to be answered!
So come dive headfirst into the festivity and make memories that will be reminisced about for years to come.
The countdown to action is on, and we’re eagerly awaiting the arrival to ignite the festivities and get the party started.
Sing your heart out, groove to the beats of live music, be awestruck by the dazzling fireworks, become a part of
the colourful parade and for those who are curious about cherries why not try your hand at cherry picking.
Or, if ‘do it yourself’ is not for you, then enjoy the freshly picked cherries available at our orchard stalls.
After all of the action on Saturday, don’t event think about hitting the snooze button or you will miss the Big Breakfast on Sunday morning in Anderson Park.
Share laughter and stories with the charismatic bush po-
ets, and witness the talent of the working kelpies.
The 2024 National Cherry Festival is more than an event - it’s an experience waiting for you to join the festivities, and be part of something special.
Your presence will be the cherry on top of an already amazing celebration.
See you there!
Pack up the family for a road trip to Young, in the heart of the beautiful Hilltops Region, and head for the National Cherry Festival.
Festive Treats Have Arrived
LEMON TARTS & MINCE PIES
- Friday 6.00am - 6.00pm
6.00am - 3.00pm
Welcome to Young, the cherry at the heart of the beautiful Hilltops Region, where we roll out the red carpet on the first weekend of December for our favourite event, the National Cherry Festival.
This year the National Cherry Festival is bigger and brighter, as we offer a program packed full of fun events.
Who can eat a cherry pie in the shortest possible time?
Who can spit a cherry seed the furthest distance?
You can marvel at the fireworks and the street parade, dance or sing along with live music, browse the many unique market stalls, exhibitions and local performers, and for the thrill seeker, amuse yourself on the rides in the fabulous Carnival Alley. Take a leisurely stroll around out amazing town to explore our local retailers and eateries and
enjoy a variety of unique shopping and dining experiences - you’ll be impressed by what we have to offer.
A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful visitors and our valued community.
We can’t wait to celebrate the 74th National Cherry Festival with you all - let the festivities begin!
NATIONAL CHERRY FESTIVAL COMMITTEE
While you are in town, why not go exploring?
Shuttle buses available for the 2024 Festival
There are a number of special transport arrangements for the National Cherry Festival. There will be a continuous courtesy bus looping between the Caravan Park, Showground, Old Library in Lynch Street, New Library and Carrington Park.
Thanks to Young Community Transport there will be a shuttle service between Boorowa and Young on Saturday November 30.
For times and bookings contact Young Community Transport. 133 Main Street, Young NSW 2594 | 02 63821518 | enquiries@youngboorowa. cccsl.org.au | youngcommunitytransport.org. au.
Get into the festive spirit and enjoy all that Young has to offer during the National Cherry Festival!
Stroll through our charming streets and discover local treasures, cosy coffee shops, bustling pubs and clubs.
Don’t miss the chance to visit our cherry orchards, where you can pick the freshest cherries straight from the trees - it’s an experience you won’t forget!
Take a break and unwind at one of our local wineries, where you can sip on award winning Hilltops Region wines.
And if you’d rather stay close to the heart of the festival, drop into the Visitor Information Centre at Anderson Park.
You’ll find a fantastic selection of local produce, local wines, and unique souvenirs.
DRIVE IN ORCHARDS
3494 Moppity Road Young NSW 2594 0433 245 134
WILLAYOUNG ORCHARD
191 Willawong Street Young NSW 2594 0427 102 169 02 6384 3289
TYRONE ORCHARDS
561 Wickham Lane Young NSW 2594 0438 825 136
STONY CREEK ORCHARDS 633 Spring Creek Road
Young NSW 2594 0438 987 933
BALLINACLASH ORCHARD AND CELLAR DOOR
4321-4335 Olympic Highway Young NSW 2594 0418 271 770
When living in your own home is no longer an option, you’re most welcome to make our home yours and live in safety and comfort.
We’ll arrange the services important to you
Every resident is unique. We’ll work with you to create a personal care plan for your exact needs. Those needs will be met by our team of carers, lifestyle officers, spiritual and wellbeing coordinators, registered nurses, and any specialists needed.
Dedicated to quality care
You will be treated with kindness, dignity and respect. We are dedicated to providing the best care possible to give residents their best life.
We’re for people, not for profit
Southern Cross Care has supported older people in NSW and the ACT for over 50 years. As a not-for-profit organisation, we’re solely focused on providing the best care we can.
Visit our home with a tour
We’ll be happy to arrange for a tour, please ask when you call.
FRIDAY 29 NOVEMBER
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
SATURDAY 30 NOVEMBER
SUNDAY 1 DECEMBER
What’s on during Cherry Season
YOUNG SOCIETY OF ARTISTS INC CHERRY HARVEST EXHIBTION | HILLTOPS PORCELAIN ART GROUP | BURRANGONG GALLERY
November 2 - December 14
Official opening November 2, 11am
Old Railway Building/Young Visitor Information Centre
Anderson Park, Lovell Street, Young
CHERRY FESTIVAL VETERANS GOLFERS ‘WEEK OF GOLF’
November 18 - November 22
Details and entry form on Young Golf Club website
www.younggolfclub.com.au
Pro Shop 02 6382 1543
CHERRY FESTIVAL BOWLS CARNIVAL
Young Sporties Bowling Club
November 20-21 Women’s Triples
November 23-24 Mixed Pairs
November 26-28 Mens Triples
Phone 02 6382 1112
HILLTOPS COMMUNITY HUB TWILIGHT MARKETS
November 28, 2024 2pm-8pm Gold coin entry
Uniting Church Grounds, 82 Lynch Street (Cnr Cloete and Lynch Streets), Young Hilltops Community Hub 02 6382 6328
NATIONAL CHERRY FESTIVAL YOUNG AND REGION FARMERS MARKET
Saturday November 30 and Sunday December 1
Anderson Park, Lovell Street, Young Bev 0491 150 940
Uniting Church Grounds, 82 Lynch Street (cnr Cloete and Lynch Streets), Young 02 6382 1519
THE SIR GEORGE CHRISTMAS MARKETS
The Sir George Riverside Drive, Jugiong Leonie 0411 155 024
ALLIED GRAIN SYSTEMS CHERRY FESTIVAL CUP
Two person Ambrose Young Golf Club 02 6382 1543 younggolfclub@gmail.com Barry Hazlegrove 02 6382 3704
New Cherry Twirl Competition starts in 2024
This year, we’re adding an exciting new element to our beloved National Cherry Festival.
Over the past few years, the National Cherry Festival Committee has been thrilled to see so many bright and delightful cherry-themed outfits popping up throughout the festival.
So we thought, why not turn it into a fun competition?
It’s the perfect chance to show off your best cherry-inspired outfit for kids aged 0-10 years.
Entry is free on Saturday, November 30 at 2.30pm on the main stage, with fantastic prizes up for grabs for the best-dressed cherry themed girl and boy in two categories, 0-4 years and 5-10 years age groups. The committee can’t wait to see all the adorable, creative outfits this year!
Our first Cherry Queen: Jean Thackeray
YOUNG WITNESS DECEMBER 6, 2013: PETER Thackeray was out of town when he heard the news.
Boarding at Barker College on Sydney’s North Shore, the Young native and his classmates had been let loose for the day and like so many in their early teens, his mates and he chose to spend their spare time in the dark, drinking pop and watching films.
They were settling in at Wynyard Newsreel Theatre on George Street, watching news of some country-fair outback, when a familiar face flicked onto the screen.
“That’s my sister!” Pete shouted, leaping to his feet. “That’s my sister!”
It was 1949 and Pete’s older sister, Joan, then 19, had been crowned queen of the first National Cherry Festival.
“She was in the parade,” Pete said, thinking back from the present day.
“On the back of a float of some kind.”
The camera remained on Joan, atop her royal stage, the sights and sounds ahead of her out of frame.
The Witness reported residents dressed as cherry pickers, dead royals and one as a man-sized, ‘well fed baby’.
There was a police float at the top of the parade, a brass band ‘looking smart in their new uniforms and a float for ‘the Grand United Order of Oddfellows.’
Trailing Joan were the Sports and Commerce Queens, then a Christmas float with a roguish, young Santa on board.
If Joan didn’t see Ross Goodman, dressed red, white and fat, then Ross almost certainly saw Joan.
In little longer than a year, Young’s first ‘Rural’ (later ‘Cherry’) Queen would marry that Santa, beginning a life long companionship that would see them face fire, hardship, divorce and old age together.
Born on May 14, 1930, Joan Makepeace Thackeray grew up on ‘Wootoona’, the family sheep station north of Young.
The eldest of three children, with two younger brothers, Joan lived much o her early life boarding at the Presbyterian Ladies College in Goulburn.
Peter Thackeray, born five
years after his sister, remembers those early years away from home.
“I always though I’d been sent to boarding school just to get out of their hair,” he said.
“They always had parties out on the farm and the kids were in the way. And I’ve never forgiven them for that.”
An intelligent young woman with a love of reading, Joan wanted to go to Sydney and study architecture.
But her father, happy to have her home after years lived away, was not willing to support her.
Diane Goodman, her eldest daughter remembers a talk she had with her mother about the time.
“Don’t you ever let anyone tell you that you can’t do something you really want to,” Joan said to Diane, then a girl in the first stages of woman-hood.
“And don’t ever let a man.”
Instead, Joan was to stay near home, settle down, start a family. And with Ross Goodman, she did.
The pair married on March
17, 1951, with families Goodman and Thackeray drinking and dancing in a great marquee by the house at “Wootoona’.
Pete, then 16, remembers the party - and the marriage’s rocky beginnings.
“So everybody’s having a great time when we discover Ross has disappeared,” he said.
“He’d got drunk, went walkabout and was heading towards town.
“When they found out she blew a fuse.”
Ross was outgoing, four years older than Joan and, like many men of his generation, a veteran of World War II.
He wrote home of ‘square miles of battleships’, ‘hundreds of planes’ and was one of the first Australian sailors to see the atomic ruins of the atomic bomb at Nagasaki.
Once home, Ross got a job at Hammond and Hanlon’s department store in Young. And in 1956, he took this experience and his wife’s needle skills to Leura, in the Blue Mountains, where the family opened a men’s wear business on the main street.
Bushfires blazed through Leura the following year, gutting the family’s home, shop and savings.
The family struggled on for a year, but hard times forced Ross and Joan to Lake Illawara in 1959, and then they moved to Wollongong in 1967.
As the kids grew older, moved out and made their lives, the couple divorced but kept close contact.
Once retired, Joan kept herself busy, gardening, reading and attending classes at the Workers Educational Association Centre in Wollongong.
“She did every course under the sun at WEA,” Diane said.
“She was just constantly reading and doing.”
But as time slipped by, so did memories of the recent past.
“It was really tough,” Pete said.
“I’d go and see her two and three times during the day, and she’s say, ‘Hello Peter, I haven’t seen you for years.”
Despite the divorce, Ross lived with and cared for Joan in her final years.
“He couldn’t have done more,” Pete said.
“He just devoted that last bit of his life to her.”
Due to ongoing ill health, Joan passed away in Wollongong Hospital on February 1, 2008. Ross followed four months after her.
7 days a week during the cherry season. Open 8.30am-5pm Short drive off the highway rewarded with export quality cherries and a lovely views as our orchard is on a higher aspect.
633 Spring Creek Rd Young
more info: Call 0438 987 933
Joan Makepeace Thackeray was Young’s first ever Cherry Queen in 1949.
Forbes High students of 1984 reunite
Dozens of Forbes High students who graduated 40 years ago have reconnected at a reunion over the weekend.
The class who finished Year 10 in 1984 – or went on to Year 12 in 1986 – got together at the bowlie on Saturday night and then toured their old school on Sunday.
Former classmates, some who had gone right through their schooling together and others who’d spent a few years with the group, travelling from all over NSW as well as Brisbane and Melbourne.
Some of their teachers, including year advisor Brendan Lowe, even returned for the occasion.
Rachael Chandler and Karen Wright welcoming their former classmates to the reunion.
Heidi Andrews, Mark Cheney, Jo Hodges, Jack Clarke, Nick Frangos and Vivenne Frangos.
Darren Stockings, Barry Le Cornu, Duncan Sharpe, Karen Frost (nee Haley) and Merryn Woods.
Libby Noble, Andrew Nobby, Darren Taylor, Neil Morrison and Grant Bartholomaeus.
Jane Tomlinson, Anita Morrison and Tracey Bolam at the reunion night at the bowlie.
Danielle Spalding and Raewyn Molloy catching up.
Maree Yapp, Janelle Smith, Anne Maree Dwyer, Michelle Canbulat, Jen Malcolm and Marg Davie at the reunion. PHOTOS: Renee Powell
6.00 Rage Charts. 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 The Larkins At
6.00 Home Shopping. 8.30 Travel Oz. 10.00 Harry’s Practice. 10.30 I Escaped To The Country. 11.30 GetOn Extra. 12.00 Horse Racing. Cranbourne Cup Day, The Gong Raceday and Tattersall’s Classic Raceday. 6.00 Horse Racing. From Western Australia. 9.30 Escape To The Country. 11.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 12.30 Impossible Builds. 1.30 Late Programs.
v India.
2.
3.20 Test Cricket: The Lunch Break. 4.00 Cricket. First Test. Australia v India. Day 2. Afternoon session. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. First Test. Australia v India. Day 2. Late afternoon session. 9.00 MOVIE: 65. (2023) Adam Driver, Ariana Greenblatt. 11.00 MOVIE: Tears Of The Sun. (2003) 1.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 1.30 On Tour. 2.00 Rides Down Under. 3.00 North Melbourne v Port Adelaide. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Test: Tea Break. 6.20 First Test. Aust v India. Late afternoon. 7.00 Brisbane Lions v Adelaide. 9.15 MOVIE: Miami Vice. (2006) 11.55 Late Programs.
7.00 Border Security. 8.00 Women’s BBL. Heat v Sixers. 9.00 MOVIE: Venom: Let There Be Carnage. (2021) 11.00 Late Programs.
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) A long-sought workplace change could be happening soon. Consider reworking your ideas and preparing a presentation just in case. Meanwhile, a personal relationship takes a new turn.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Your persuasiveness doesn’t really start to kick in until midweek. By then, you can count on having more supporters in your camp, including some who you doubted would ever join you.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Your workload is still high, but good news! You should start to see the daylight by the week’s end. Reserve the weekend for fun and games with friends and loved ones. You deserve it!
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Regardless of how frustrating things are, keep that “Crab” under control. A cutting comment you might think is apt right now will leave others hurting for a long time to come.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 House Rules. 12.00 Buffy The Vampire Slayer. 3.00 Modern Family. 3.45 Bondi Vet. 4.45 Australia’s Got Talent. 6.00 MOVIE: Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse. (2018) 8.30 MOVIE: Phenomenon. (1996) John Travolta, Kyra Sedgwick, Forest Whitaker. 11.00 MOVIE: The Empty Man. (2020) 1.55 Late Programs.
News. 6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 David Attenborough’s Planet Earth III. 8.40 MOVIE: U.S. Marshals. (1998) Tommy Lee Jones, Wesley Snipes, Robert Downey Jr. 11.20 Inside Beverly Hills. 12.15 Tipping Point. 1.05 Helloworld. 1.30 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 Pointless. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. 12.00 Golf. Australian PGA Championship. Second round. 5.00 Keeping Up Appearances. 5.30
6.00 Getaway. 6.30 A Current Affair. 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday. 12.00 Golf. Australian PGA Championship. Third round. 5.00 9News First At Five. 5.30 Getaway. 6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 MOVIE: The Wizard Of Oz. (1939) Judy Garland, Ray Bolger. 9.35 MOVIE: Hairspray. (2007) Nikki Blonsky, Zac Efron, John Travolta. 11.45
MOVIE: The Sun Is Also A Star. (2019) 1.30 Getaway. 2.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.30 Sean’s Kitchen. 11.55 Bringing Sexy Back. 1.10 Australia’s Cheapest Weddings. 2.25 Australia’s Got Talent. 3.40 Dancing With The Stars: All Stars. 5.25 MOVIE: Spies In Disguise. (2019) 7.30 MOVIE: The Bounty Hunter. (2010) Gerard Butler. 9.50 MOVIE: Palm Beach. (2019) Bryan Brown. 11.55 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 The Weekly Kick-Off. 10.30 Shark Tank. 11.30 Dessert Masters. 12.30 Buy To Build. Final. 1.00 Silvia’s Italian Masterclass. 1.30 The Dog Down Under. 2.00 Pat Callinan’s 4x4 Adventures. Return. 3.00 What’s Up Down Under. 4.00 My Market Kitchen. 4.30
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 My Favorite Martian. 11.00 MOVIE: Two Way Stretch. (1960) 12.50 MOVIE: Golden Ivory. (1954) 2.40 MOVIE: Comanche. (1956) 4.30 MOVIE: The Hallelujah Trail. (1965) 7.30 MOVIE: The Vow. (2012) Rachel McAdams. 9.35 MOVIE: The Five Year Engagement. (2012) Jason Segel. 12.00 Late Programs.
Morning Programs. 12.00 Dessert Masters. 1.00 Healthy Homes. 1.30 10 Minute Kitchen. 2.00 Pooches At Play. 2.30 The Yes Experiment. 3.00 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield. 3.30 Good Chef Bad Chef. 4.00 Farm To Fork. 4.30 Luxury Escapes. 5.00 10 News First. 6.00 The Sunday Project. 7.00
60 Minutes. 8.00 A Remarkable Place To Die. 10.00 9News Late. 10.30 See No Evil. 11.30 The First 48. 12.20 World’s Greatest Natural Icons. 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. 4.00 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 The Baron. 11.30 Getaway. 12.00 MOVIE: Where No Vultures Fly. (1951) 2.20 MOVIE: Invitation To A Gunfighter. (1964) 4.20 MOVIE: Sitting Bull. (1954) 6.30 M*A*S*H. 8.30 MOVIE: The Day Of The Jackal. (1973) Edward Fox, Michael Lonsdale, Cyril Cusack. 11.30 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 9.45 Farmer Wants A Wife. 11.15 Behave Yourself. 12.20 Australia’s Cheapest Weddings. 1.30 Home And Away. 3.50 To Be Advised. 5.30 Gold Coast Ocean Rescue. 6.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. 7.30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent. 8.30 Law & Order: SVU. 10.30 Law & Order. 11.30 Late Programs.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) Be more sensitive to the emotions of loved ones who might feel left out while you’re stalking a new opportunity. Be sure to make it up to them this weekend. A nice surprise could be waiting.
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) The gregarious Virgo rarely has a problem making new friends. But repairing frayed relationships doesn’t come easily. Still, if it’s what you want to do, you’ll find a way. Good luck!
LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) A misunderstanding with a partner or spouse needs to be worked out before it turns into something really nasty. Forget about your pride for now and make the first healing move.
SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Communication dominates the week. Work out any misunderstandings with coworkers. Also, get back in touch with old friends and those family members you rarely see.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) As busy as your week is, make time for someone who feels shut out of your life. Your act of kindness could later prove to be more significant than you might have realized.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Congratulations! Your busy workweek leads to some very satisfying results. Sports and sporting events are high on your weekend activities aspect. Enjoy them with family and friends.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Your generosity of spirit reaches out once again to someone who needs reassurance. There might be problems, but keeping this line of communication open eventually pays off.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20) You are among the truth-seekers in the universe, so don’t be surprised to find yourself caught up in a new pursuit of facts to counter what you believe is an insidious exercise in lying.
ACROSS
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD
4 To be bold or intrepid, is to be what (6)
7 To be reluctant to give, is to do what (8)
8 Name the short, thick inner digits of the human hands (6)
9 What is a deep cleft in the ice of a glacier (8)
11 When one walks laboriously, one does what (7)
13 Which blue mineral is a gem of moderate value (7)
15 Name an earlier Australian painter and sculptor, George Washington ... (7)
17 To be the least rapid, is to be the what (7)
20 Which device controls the amount of fuel being fed to an engine (8)
23 What is a chest in which to stow things (6)
24 Which portable shade is used for protection from rain (8)
25 What is a young swan called (6) DOWN
1 Which term describes an inheritor (4)
2 To be more courageous, is to be what (6)
3 What are bookmakers’ prices known as (4)
4 To discourage from acting, is to do what (5)
Letters
5 What are boxing matches split into (6)
6 To be imposing in appearance, is to be what (5)
9 Which devices are used for fastening objects together (6)
10 What is surreptitious procedure (7)
12 Name an agricultural implement for mowing grass, etc (6)
14 To rouse from sleep, is to do what (6)
E-QUATIONS
16 Who is the head male servant of a household (6)
18 To be extremely foolish, is to be what (coll) (5)
19 To walk pompously, is to walk how (5)
21 Name a red variety of corundum, highly prized as a gem (4)
22 To which plant group does the fleur-de-lis belong (4)
Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
1 HACHURE
(a) A chopping block (b) A hill-shading line on a map (c) An American tree allied to the elm
2 IATRICAL
(a) Related to medicine or physicians (b) Satirical in verse (c) Of Spain and Portugal
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:
Cotton twill fabric (5)
Fuel-carrying transports (7)
Indian stringed instrument (5)
Prefix: grandfather’s father (5)
Quote: “to ... is human” (3)
Sleeveless garment (4,3)
Soiled wool piece (3)
Category (5)
US: auto fuel (3)
Witty remark (3)
Seedy Encounters workshops impress all
By MARG APPLEBEEL CENTRAL WEST LACHLAN LANDCARE
We are fortunate to welcome Nathan Emery and Laura Watts from the Botanic Gardens of Sydney to provide workshops in Parkes and Forbes last month.
Nathan, a Research Scientist, is the Manager of the Seedbank and Conservation Collections for the Botanic Gardens of Sydney.
His colleague, Laura Watts, works as the Collections Development Coordinator.
They are both based at Mount Annan.
Nathan and Laura discussed seed collecting strategies such as preserving genetic diversity, how to collect seeds, process collections, and seed germination strategies.
There was also an opportunity to check out some of the tools of the trade that are used in the field for seed collecting.
The Botanic Gardens of Sydney conducts seedbanking as a core activity, with the statewide conservation seed program having operated for over 20 years.
With around 13,000 collections and 5,200
species the seed collection is the largest of its type in Australia and provides the essential seed collections which forms the ‘heart’ of conservation and restoration activities and outcomes.
Attendees had the opportunity to take home tubestock for plantings.
Parkes attendees undertook a field walk to look at the diversity of native plantings that we have surrounding the town.
In Forbes, the workshop was held at the Forbes Riverside Garden and this was an opportunity to also walk through the tree plantings that are adjacent to the Garden that are native, but not necessarily local species.
There was overwhelming support for a return visit to the Central West from the Botanic Gardens team, hopefully with an opportunity to undertake some collection.
These events are possible thanks to the
shared work of the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust and Landcare NSW under the Private Land Conservation Matters project.
Protecting biodiversity on private lands also plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, improving land productivity, and enhancing water quality, all of which directly benefit both the landowners and the broader community.
Private Land Conservation Matters (PLCM) is Stage 2 of Landcare NSW’s partnership program with the BCT, building on the success and lessons learned from the 2020-22 Project, including increased awareness of the BCT’s roles and responsibilities amongst the Landcare community.
If you are interested in being part of future events and projects, please make sure that you register to receive our newsletter that will provide information on upcoming events.
For further information on this article, please go to www.centralwestlachlanlandcare.org, twitter, facebook or Instagram.
Lamb numbers continue to fall but quality remains
MONDAY’S CATTLE SALE
Yarding 1046 (down 166)
Numbers dropped by 166 for a yarding of 1046 cattle.
Quality was good with feeder weights the best supplied and good supply’s of heavy prime grown cattle along with limited numbers of cows.
All the regular buyers were present.
Prime yearling steers gained 2c, selling from 300c to to 345c, while prime yearling heifers lifted 15c, 250c to 338c/kg.
Feeder steers were firm to slightly cheaper selling from 288c to 360c, and feeder heifers were 10c cheaper, 243c to 320c/kg.
Prime grown steers were down 5c, 250c to 347c, while prime grown heifers were firm to dearer, 250c to 338c/ kg.
Cows fell 20c, 2 and 3
scores sold from 180c to 268c, and heavy prime cows, 267c to 277c/kg. Heavy bulls sold to 290c/kg.
TUESDAY’S SHEEP SALE
Yarding 19,950 (down 5500)
Lamb number continue to fall but the quality was good with good numbers of shorn new season lambs which covered most of the trade and heavy weights. There were a few woolly new season lambs and most were very dry in the skin. There were a few run of trade Merinos. The crossbreds were stronger but Merinos were softer.
New season store lambs reached $169/head for an estimated 23kg while the slightly fresher trade lambs were firm to $6 dearer on limited numbers and ranged from
$162 to $184/head.
Heavy weights reached $238/head or 825c/kg.
Shorn trade lambs ranged from $166 to $208/head with the woolly lambs averaging around 780c and the shorn lambs 860c/kg.
Heavy weights sold from $200 to $250/head or 850c/kg for the shorn lambs.
Extra heavy weights reached $266/head and heavy Aussie white ewe lambs reached $245/head.
Trade Merinos were
cheaper selling from $123 to $158/head to average around 600c/kg.
Mutton numbers eased and the quality was a little more mixed.
Prices were stronger lifting $4 to $5/head.
Medium weight ewes sold from $56 to $110 and heavy crossbred ewes reached $127 while heavy Merino ewes reached $149/head. Most ranged from 340c to 400c/kg.
FROM MLA’S NATIONAL LIVESTOCK REPORTING AGENCY
FRIDAY’S PIG SALE
A much larger yarding of sows saw firm prices on last sale.
Boars improved 20c to 30c a kg, there was no bacon yarded today and pork numbers were similar to last fortnight.
An extra buyer saw prices improve dramatically by $80 to $90 per head. Sucker numbers improved as did quality with prices lifting $60 to $70 per head.
FROMVC REID SMITH LIVESTOCK
Lamb numbers decreased but the quality was good with good numbers of shorn new season lambs which covered most of the trade and heavy weights. PHOTO: File
Nathan Emery and Laura Watts from the Botanic Gardens of Sydney. PHOTO: Supplied
Squash club rounds out year with social competition
By DROP SHOT!
Forbes Squash Club has returned to the courts for the year’s final comp, a short social affair to unwind and just have a run and hit.
Two separate competitions are played on Wednesday and Thursday evenings for five weeks. Play hits off at 6pm.
Results thus far: Wednesday October 30:
Hardys v C Coopers 19 points to 16. R Jones v Markworts 22 to 13. Chudleighs v Wrights 22 to 13.
Highlights; Bilsborough boys Hunter and Luke 9-15, 15-11, 15-8 and 16 14. Riley Jones and Will Markwort were neck and neck till Riley grasped the fifth set win 15-13. At a set each, Adam Chudleigh lost the second then bounced back in the fourth to 14 all but Jordan Wright made it to 16 first.
Thursday October 31: Jones v Pipers 25 to 16. Millers v Shaws 15 to 27. Bayleys v Hornerys 15 to 27. Nathan Roach and Lawry Brayne had a long, tight match but Nath was strong in the fifth 15-9. Sam Hornery was two up but succumbed to Jake Shaws relentless campaign of low tight drives in
Olie Dawes,
presentation.
the fifth 12-15. Deb Bryant and Greg Ridge entertained us with a full bodied match. Deb lost the fifth 13-15.
Wednesday Nov 6: C Jones v Wrights 18 points to 17. R Jones v Chudleighs 21 to 14. Hardys v Markworts 17 to 18.
Jono Webb and Matt Wright were even set wise until Jono won the fifth 15-13. Billy Myall took set one from Adam Cuskelly but lost in set four 15-11. At two sets down, Marcus Hardy turned things
around to take the next three sets from Louise Webb.
Thursday November 7: Pipers v Hornerys 26 to 16. Millers v Bayleys 29 to 13. Jones v Shaws 18 to 24.
After lasting four sets, Oliver Paterson lost the fifth 11-15 to Weivan Huang’s lethal backhand drives. Danny Bilsborough and Jake Hennock had a solid three setter with few shots wasted. Danny placed the ball well with accurate length and had the win.
Wednesday November 13: Markworts v Chudleighs 13 to 22. Wrights v Hardys 19 to 16. R Jones v C Jones 11 to 14. Adam Cuskelly had a seesaw match with Charlie Newton, but Charlie managed the win; 7-15, 15-12, 7-15 and 1115. After a concerted effort by both ladies Kimberley Chudleigh won the fifth set 17-15 against Lindy Cowhan. Riley and Cooper Jones hit through five solid sets until Riley won 15-12. Thus far; Wednesday’s
leading team is Chudleighs, RJones, Hardys, Wrights, CJones and Markworts follow.
Thursday November 14: Shaws v Bayleys 24 to 17. Hornerys v Jones 21 to 14. Millers v Pipers 25 to 8. Alex Bayley was on her comeback trail well and truly when defeating Jordan Wright 7-15, 11-15, 15-10, 16-14, 16-14. Amazing effort. Austen Brown was as determined as Jono Cannon in their big fifth set decider
where Austen won those last crucial points 15-9 and Shanna Nock was in top form with a three set defeat of touch master Lawry Brayne. Thursday’s top team is Shaws then Millers, Hornerys, Jones, Pipers and Bayleys. For any enquiries regarding local squash, contact club President Darryn Piper 0417 084 594, Registrar Graham Coombs 0437 522 808 or Kimberley Chudleigh 0429 857 783.
Kendal Street Cowra, NSW, 2794
Riley Jones, Darryn Piper and Mark Webb. PHOTOS: Supplied
Mark Webb,,
Lockie Jones and Dave Brinckley celebrating success at the Forbes Squash Club
Barnes carries form to medallist win
MEN’S GOLF
By SHORT PUTT
The ‘Medal of Medallists’ was played last Saturday with 30 players eligible to compete for the title. The field of 71 enjoyed a hot and blustery day that resulted in more even scores than expected.
The ‘Medal of Medallists’ (MoM), sponsored by Tony Cogswell, is contested by all those winners of the Monthly Medals through the year. The range of scores was surprisingly broad, but at the sharp end it was a good contest. Peter Barnes carried his winning form from being the B-Grade Medallist for the last two months into the MoM contest and carried the day.
Peter’s 71 nett was one shot ahead of Todd Callaghan and Randall Grayson with the next best being Andrew Dukes and Barry Parker on 74 nett. Peter cab credit his win to a tidy back-9, although did have a blemish on the 17th with a doublebogey.
The Daily comp was an 18Hole Stroke event sponsored by Loomzy’s Fish N Fix. In the field of 71 there were five visitors, but most encouraging there were seven Junior players enjoying the competitive play.
The Div-1 was won by Paul Kay, with 71 nett on count back. By his own admission he was happy with his day but did have a couple of stumbles. Both of these came on the back-9 where a ‘triple’ on the 11th and ‘double’ on the 17th hurt an otherwise par score.
Runner-up was Peter Barnes with his 71 nett. Peter had a very similar day to Paul, matching him on the front-9 but scoring one more on the back-9. Peter thought he had ruined his day with a ‘triple’ on the 4th hole but he recovered well and played below his handicap on the back-9.
The Div-2 winner was Brett Woonton with a very satisfying 68 nett, but also on count back. This was Brett’s best game for quite a while, no doubt aided by his big feet keeping him stable on the ground in the blustery conditions. His only blemish on the front-9 was a ‘double’ on the 7th hole. His back9 was a little untidy with a ‘triple’ on the 11th and ‘doubles’ on the 13th and 18th.
The Div-2 Runner-up was Charlie Howe with 68 nett and who capitalised on some recent junior coaching by Head Pro Will. Charlie did especially well on the front-9 with only four bogeys. His back-9 was untidy by comparison but he still kept it below ‘50’. Of particular joy was the fact that this was the first time he had beaten his dad, Troy, ‘off the stick’.
The ball sweep went to 75 nett on count back, going to: 69 – C Read; 71 – W Judge, D Hodder; 72 – R Grayson, T Callaghan, C Alley; 73 – K Tyne, P Duke, G Hooper, P Maher; 74 – B McCarthy, NJ Morrison, S Kirkman, A Dukes, B Parker; 75 –D Mylecharane, P Wells.
The visitors included – Ben McCarthy & Rob Downton (Wellington), Lewis McCarthy (Dubbo) and John Green & Mark Kelly (Parkes).
The NTP’s went to: 9th – Dave Hodder; 18th – Dave Mylecharane, with only Dave H a ‘2’. It was easier to find hens teeth on the course than any 2’s with only three being scored all day. Apart from Dave H, Anthony Alley salvaged his day with ‘2’ on the 18th and Phil Duke finished his front-9 with a ‘2’ on the 9th.
The Pro Shop Super-Pin, held on the 3rd hole, went to Nick J Morri-
son. His shot finished at 251 cm distance, which is pretty standard for a range of unknown reasons. Unfortunately this was outside his ‘holing distance’ so he did not record a ‘2’.
The conditions were real summer stuff with high temperatures and blustery winds. One member when asked about his game was heard to say ‘the conditions were hotter than his golf’, from which can surmise that it was a day he best forget.
This did not deter our Juniors, seven of whom were keen to play. Charlie Howe did well in Div-2, but he was closely followed by Chet Read who posted a 69 nett. Four others finished with nett scores below 80, while the seventh had a ‘blip’ day, with two 8’s and three 7’s spoiling what otherwise would have been a contending score in the low 70’s.
The course did affect some scores. Tim West was keen to grab the ‘MoM’ but he found that the course had changed since he last played and he had no idea where to go. Troy Howe became a victim of the weather his front-9 was played in acceptable weather but he found quite a few trees on his back9, claiming it was the wind that pushed his ball ‘every which ways’.
It was good to see a new member out there. Joel Anderson is recently into town, and after a period of time settling in he was keen to play
He was paired with Bruce Chandler against Pete Grayson and Greg Webb. Pete and Greg were looking good for the Keno with two holes to play, but Joel’s game came together and he dragged them back to all square at the finish. If his driver had been under control earlier in the game he and Bruce may have won. Welcome Joel.
There was no Stableford Medley on Sunday, with players mindful of the forecast strong winds. It was so strong that it blew over a dead tree in my front yard. Now the neighbourhood pigeons have nowhere to go.
Here is the news:
The Callaway Golf Equipment Day arranged by H/Pro Will last week was affected by the stormy weather. However, he was brought up-to-date with the new Callaway equipment and has some in the Shop for demo use. If you are a Callaway fan, or even mildly interested drop in and talk to him.
A reminder to all to be sure to ‘slip, slap, slop’ and all the other things. There is sunscreen provided at the 1st hole, and soon the 10th hole, and plenty available in the Pro Shop. The Cancer Council has issued some updated posters so view those in the locker rooms. Heed the word of two great Aussie golfers –Cam Percy and Adam Scott. They both underwent surgery for skin cancer removal last year, with each attributing the disease to their long exposure during golf activities. And for those interested start thinking about ‘The Longest Day’ event. This is where players in groups try to play 72 holes in one day, with sponsored money going to the Cancer Council. More info is available in the Pro Shop.
It is crystal ball time:
This Saturday, November 23, is a 4BBB Medley vying for the ‘Deacon Dwyer Trophy’. This is sponsored by T&M Tyres. Sunday has the Stableford Medley for those that want an extra game.
SUMMER SIXES
By SMOOTH SWINGER
Round 4 of the sponsored Forbes
Golf Club Summer Sixers competition saw a number of the early leading teams stumble with a loss, or sometimes scrape through with a narrow victory.
Essential Energy, Murray’s Mates and Still Trying all suffered losses, while Blackridge Hire and Sandbaggers each had very narrow wins by 1.5 and 0.5 points respectively. All other matches were pretty clear. There are now only one team in each group who so far have not lost a match.
Conditions were definitely tougher during the week with only three teams shooting below 100. The team ‘Up to Par’ really fired with a team total of 92 points. We shall see what happens this week once the handicaps settle in.
A highlight for the week was a tremendous round carded by Cam McMillan. He shot 3-under for 9-holes, then with his handicap finished on 29.5 nett.
The big winners in the 4th round were Bogey Boys (95.5) over Essential Energy (110), Flip Floppers (95.5) over EHAG (109), and Up to Par (92) over Part Time Putters (105).
The Rnd 4 Best member nett score was made by Shane Nielson (Up to Par) with 28 nett. The Best non-member nett score was made Toby Browne (Bogey Boys) with 26.5 nett. The ball sweep went to 36 nett. Balls for members will go onto their account while Non-members can get theirs from the Pro Shop. Thanks to all the players who are entering their ID number and team on the card. Unfortunately one card was returned that had been signed but had no name, team, ID or handicap on it. It was ‘binned’, which was unfortunate for whichever team it belonged to as it was a pretty good score.
The next target for players is to do well in the ‘Bonus Round’, where points scored are doubled. Keep your ears open for when this will be.
VETS GOLF
The sun was shining and the scores were hot when five players posted 40 points or better at last week’s twin-towns veteran golf competition played at Parkes.
Leading the way was Parkes veterans president Peter Bristol who put together a well compiled 42 points for the 18 holes to finish a stroke better than Forbes’ Ken Walton who survived a count-back
from John Creith (Parkes) and Wauchope visitor John Keiley.
The two players on 40 points were Tom Delmenico from Parkes and Alex MacKinnon from the visiting team.
A big field of 40m players - including six visitors - contested the event which saw Parkes win to twin-towns shield with 233 points to Forbes’ 198.
Nearest-to-pins went to Forbes’ Alf Davies and Kath Kelly from Parkes on the fourth hole and Bede Tooth from Forbes on the par three 11th hole.
Tenterfield visitor Brett Adams won the encouragement award with 25 points.
The ball sweep went to 36 points and winners were: 41 points - John Creith (P); 40 - Tom Delmenico (P) and Alex MacKinnon (F); 38 - Andrew Grierson (F); 37 - Tony Hendry, John Fowler and Dale Stait (P); 36 - Lindsay Elliott and Rob Staples (P) and Barry Parker and Ken Sanderson (F).
This week Forbes will host the final Lachlan Valley Veterans 18-hole competition for the year. Nominations will be taken from 9am for a 10am start.
Last Tuesday winner was the big hitting (when he finds the fairway they fly) Alex MacKinnon with a very handy 30 points for the 12 hole comp. New handicap this week Mr Mac!
Runner-up was Ken Sanderson who is in the news each week concerning results on 28 points while Peter Barnes is also getting bit of form back into his game finishing with 27 points.
All welcome to have a hit on Tuesday, ball toss at 9am for a pleasant 12 holes in good company, coffee after if interested.
LADIES GOLF
By THE BIRDIE
Wednesday November 13 was Stableford with play in two divisions, our sponsors being Flint Street Butchery and Forbes’s Central Butchery.
Linda Cowan was the Division 1 winner carding 38 well clear of Ev Uphill with 33.
Division 2 had two ladies carding scores of 35, our winner needed a count back to take the bacon home, congratulations Jill Cripps commiserations Julie Wood.
Ball sweep winners were Julie Wood, Jenny Hubbard and Alison Kingston.
Nearest to the pins were both won by Heather Davidson.
Saturday November 16 was Stroke sponsored by Kate Steel-Park and the Medal of Medallists sponsored by Walkers Ag-N-Vet.
Division 1 winner was Heather Davidson carding 69 net and Deborah Dingwall winning Division 2 with 75 net.
Ball sweep winners were Jennifer Fletcher, Ev Uphill and Jill Cripps. Our Medal of Medallists winner was Heather Davidson.
Nearest to the pins were Jennifer Fletcher on the 9th and Sally Perry on the 18th.
Matches set down for play this week include on Saturday November 23 the Deacon Dwyer Day 4BBB Medley. Wednesday 27 is Mulligan Sponsored by Deborah Dingwall. Cake Day. Shot gun start. This day coincides with Golf NSW State Finals. Saturday 30 is Individual Stableford Sponsored by Lindy Pollock in one division.
Good golfing everyone, see you out there.
Heather Davidson is our ladies Medal of Medallists.
PHOTO: Jenny Kingham
Division 1 winner Paul Kay enjoying the shade as he plays a shot.
PHOTO: Short Putt
Competition for bowls minor fours title begins
IN a recent development at the Sports and Recreation Club lawn bowls is now being managed by a committee headed by convener Brian Asimus who as they say has ‘been there, done that’.
Also on the committee is Tara-Lee Shaw, Sue White, Cherie Vincent, Scott McKellar, Billy Cowell, Paul Doust and Max Vincent. It all points to more success on the greens at the Bowlie.
More games in club champion matches featured last week with Minor Fours taking centre stage where Mick, Merritt, Clint Hurford, Paul Doust and Scott McKellar proved too strong for Pat O’Neill, Shayne Staines, Mick Kelly and Shane Bolam 2313 over the 21 ends played.
Scott had his ‘boys’ on song from the outset leading 10-0 after only five ends and it did not get much better for Shane’s combination, 18-6 after 12 then 22-10 at the end of 18.
Also cruising through the next round are Angie Dwyer, John Gorton, Jason Howell and Peter Mackay 29-7 over Allan Hilder, Cheryl Hodges, Ray Dunstan and Ron Thurlow. With reports that Jason was ‘on song’ the presidents four also jumped like a greyhound to led 9-0 after six prior to 11-5 after 11. That was it, all Mackay in the run home with fours and threes featuring.
SOCIAL BOWLS
Wednesday morning sunshine again attracted a good roll-up of 28 players where card draw winners where a couple of ‘cagey’ seniors in John Baass and Lyall Strudwick who had all the answers toppling the ladies in Leslie Dunstan and Kerry Roach 2814 in 20 ends due to a strong finish. Only 9-8 at the end of eight ends.
Runners-up Bill O’Connell and Jeff Nicholson had fewer problems winning 30-8 over Therese Davis and Alf Davies leading 10-4 after 10 of 20 ends.
Bill Scott and Peter Barnes did it slightly harder winning
18-17 over Ray Dunstan and Paul Doust in 22. They can count their start as the difference in the end, 7-0 after three then 13-7 after 11. A two on the last to Ray and Paul also upset the apple cart.
Ron Thurlow continues to play good bowls leading for Noel Jolliffe winning 20-15 in 18 over Geoff West and Don Craft just in front 11-8 at half time.
The same score had Peter Mackay and Kerry Dunstan home over John Browne and Irene Riley in 20 having to come from 5-10 down at the end of 10 ends.
Garry James was happy with his recent improvement leading for John Gorton winning 17-13 in 16 over Sandra Priest and Ann Mackay sharing lead for Gail Mackay. It was ‘even stevens’ after eight, 8-all.
In the last Billy Cowell was the on song leading for Barry Shine winning 17-14 over an equally top efforts from Fred Vogelsang leading for John Kennedy in 18 ends. 8-all after eight, 11-all after 12 and 14all after 16 showed how close it was. In-club winners Don Craft and Kerry Roach.
The heat is starting to catch up with Thursday afternoon players who again missed the
$600 jackpot where only four games were played.
Winning rink, Billy Cowell and Viv Russell 26-6 in 22 over Angie Dwyer and Scott McKellar, 7-1 at the end of seven set the scene.
Phil Hocking and Denny Byrnes won 23-18 over Paul Atkins and Lyall Strudwick, 3-all after six, 6-all after 11, 12-16 after 17 before Phil and Denny stood tall highlighted by a five on the last.
Sydney visitor Steve Hobbs led for Al Phillips winning 21-18 over Jason Howell and Bruce Jones. Another to finish best as they were behind 11-17 after 17. A five also featured, on end 21 of 22.
Bob Grant and Kerry Roach won 18-16 over Wayne Burton and Glenn Kearney. Yet another to finish best winning the last two ends 4-0 after it was 11-all at the end of 16 and 14all after 19 of 22 ends.
Resting touchers, Glenn Kearney, Denny Byrnes. Raspberries Paul Atkins, Phil Hocking and Bruce Jones.
Sunday morning saw the first games in the Bentick Trophy played on handicap featuring with Laurie Crouch 27 taking out Clint Hurford 17. The score does not entirely reflect the result, 11-10 after 16, 17-15 after
24, 24-17 after 30 of 33 ends.
Jason Howell again played brilliantly reaching his target of 32 playing ‘Spock’ Woolridge in 20 ends while Billy Cowell was similar reaching his target of 31 without too many hassles playing Jax Murphy.
As the Bentick trophy heats up there are sure to be games worth talking about. As they say, ‘stay tuned’.
Playing for the $600 jackpot winning rink had Allan Hilder and John Kennedy winning 2411 over Bob Grant and Al Phillips in the scheduled 16 ends, 13-5 at drinks.
In triples, Christian Markworth, Trish Todd and Tyler Murphy won 16-8 playing Jax Murphy, Jackson Ridley and Terry Murphy leading 8-4 at the end of six in a 12 end game.
In the last, Peter Besgrove and Shayne Staines lowered the colours of Tara-Lee Shaw and John Cutler 18-15 who made it interesting last behind 7-18 with three to go. A five followed by a two and one made it interesting but all to late.
The only raspberry for the day went to the organiser, Mr John Cutler. Chooks Peter Besgrove, Jason Howell, ‘Spock’ Woolridge, Terry Murphy and Mitch Andrews.
Good scores in windy conditions at croquet
By ELVY QUIRK
ON Saturday November 16, a very gusty, windy morning, when Aussie Croquet was played with a small number of 25 players however some good scores were once again recorded.
All three games were won by Kevin Rubie and David West.
A score of 14/13 by John Cole & Enid Baker who def Elvy Quirk & Cheryl Toohey (just pipped on the peg not the post) 14/12 scores recorded by Cheryl Toohey & May Jones def Carolyn Neilsen & Russell Anderson, 14/11 as follows: Joan Littlejohn & May Jones def Jane Hanbury & Bill Scott, Frank Donohoe & David West def Bruce Field & David Williams, Kevin Rubie & Marie Spry def Enid Baker & Fay Picker, John Browne & Marie Spry def Frank Donohoe & John Farah, David West (solo) def Carolyn Neilsen & Allan Jones, John Farah & David West def Russell Anderson & Vince Roberts, David Williams & Frank Donohoe def John Browne & May Jones. Many 14/10 scores also recorded.
Once again Golf Croquet was played on November 19 on rather a warm day with a good number in attendance.
Two games were recorded by Bruce Field, Evelyn Mahlo. Ray Martin, Carolyn Neilsen, Robin Pols, Kevin Rubie, Bill Scott, Lyall Strudwick and Rex Toole. Well done to those players.
Three games were won by John Cole, John Farah, Mal Smith & May Jones. Congratulations.
Scores were as follows: 11/2 Ray Martin & Lyall Strudwick def Sue Wade & Irene Ford, ( the runaway score for the day) 10/3 Evelyn Mahlo & John Cole def Colleen Liebich & Peter West, Peter West (solo) def Allan Jones (solo).
9/4 May Jones & John Farah def Colleen Liebich & Wayne Wright, Marie Spry & Frank Donohoe def Sue Wade & Kevin Rubie, John Farah & Mal Smith def Colleen Liebich & Kevin Wenning, David Williams & Bill Scott def Fay Picker & Marie Spry, Carolyn Neilsen & May Jones def Sue Wade & Frank Donohoe. 8/5 Fay Picker (solo) def Peter West (solo), John Cole & Robin Pols def Rex Toole & Allan Jones, John Cole & Rex Toole def Irene Ford & Sally Perry, Bruce Field & Mal Smith def Rex Toole & Kevin Wenning, John Farah (Solo) def Marie Spry (solo), Kevin Rubie & Bill Scott def Allan Jones & Wayne Wright.
Our Croquet lawns are looking good after the extra watering given as well as the lovely fall of rain.
A special thank you to the workers of Forbes Shire Council who tend to the mowing and marking of our lawns. A great job, well done.
Forbes Croquet Club members extend their deepest sympathy to Bruce Toole one of our valued members who recently lost his son, Neil. To you Bruce and to your family our thoughts are with you.
The Christmas season is almost with us and we are having a luncheon in the shade area on 10th December after play. Also our special Christmas luncheon and prizegiving day will be held on Tuesday 17th December at the Vandenberg Hotel, 12 pm.
The last day of play for 2024 will be December 14 with play to resume on January 7, 2025.
“Croquet is a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels, and it provides a great opportunity for socialising and spending time outdoors.”
News and results from Forbes Sporting Shooters
By TONY BRATTON
RESULTS of the Forbes S.S.A.A. sporting shooters .22 calibre rimfire rifle shoot held on Sunday November 17.
The weather was warm with a strong breeze from the north east changing to the north west at 28 to 36kph and a temperature of 30 degrees. This shoot was shot in reverse order starting with a 100metre Rabbit target shoot with a maximum score of 120 points, and a 75metre Bear target shoot with a maximum score of 120, and a 50metre Fly target shoot with a maximum score of 100 points, and a 25metre Buffalo target shoot with a maximum score of 250 points.
Results were:
100metre rabbit target: Kris Gorman, 105/120; David Coleman, 100/120; Steve Hindmarch, 94/120; Niki Bolam, 87/120; John Gorman, 82/120; Anthony Bratton, 82/120; Mia Condon, 79/120; Norm Brook, 76/120; Brian Neilsen, 71/120; Bara-
bara Brook, 69/120; Michael Buttriss, 63/120; Chris Parris, Geoff Payne and Jane Coleman shot practice only.
75m Bear target: John Gorman, 115/120; Anthony Bratton, 108/120; Geoff Payne, 104/120; Kris Gorman, 104/120; Brian Neilsen, 103/120; David Coleman, 101/120; Norm Brook, 96/120; Niki Bolam, 89/120; Steve Hindmarch, 86/120; Barabara Brook, 80/120; Jane Coleman, 63/120; Michael Buttriss, 60/120; Chris Parris, 54/120 and Mia Condon, 16/120.
50m Fly target: Kris Gorman, 93/100; Niki Bolam, 92/100; John Gorman, 91/100; Steve Hindmarch, 90/100; Geoff Payne, 88/100; Norm Brook, 87/100; Chris Parris, 85/100; Anthony Bratton, 85/2100; Brian Neilsen, 84/100; Michael Buttriss, 79/100; Jane Coleman, 68/100; Barabara Brook, 63/100; David Coleman, 53/100 and Mia Condon, 33/100.
257/270; Brian Neilsen, 255/270; Anthony Bratton, 252/270; Norm Brook, 249/270; Barbara Brook, 246/270; Chris Parris, 246/270; David Coleman, 230/270; Michael Buttriss, 226/270; Steve Hindmarch, 221/270; Jane Coleman, 202/270 and Mia Condon shot practice only.
The range officers were; Norm Brook, Niki Bolam, David Coleman and Anthony Bratton.
Scorers were; Steve Hindmarch and Anthony Bratton.
The Centre-fire rifle shoot was held after the Rim-fire shoot. There were five members in attendance: Steve Hindmarch, Chris Parris, Geoff Payne, Anthony Bratton and Norm Brook.
The range officer was; Norm Brook.
The next S.S.A.A. sporting shooters .22 cabilre and other rimfire rifle shoot (.22 magnum or.17HMR), will be on Sunday December 1 starting at 10am.
The next Wednesday shoot will be on December 4 starting at 2pm.
The Centre-fire rifle shoots start at 2pm after the Rim-fire shoots on Sunday, Centre fire shoots start at 2pm, names in by 1-30pm so the targets can be placed on the Centrefire range.
All events held at the Bedgerebong road range, turn right off the Bedgerebong road onto Dr. Young Drive. All target shooters are welcome to attend.
Any person wishing to try Rimfire or Centre-fire 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 shooting contact: Wayne Facey 0414524059; Norm Brook 0458664541; Ben Smith 0427524151; David Coleman 0427401263 AH.
The next shoot for the Forbes
S.S.A.A. sporting clay’s will be their monthly shoot on Sunday December 8. This shoot will be a 100 target five stand shoot starting at 10am. If wet a five stand shoot will be held.
For information on clay target shooting contact: Norm Brook 0458664541; Tony Bratton (02) 68523349; Ben Smith 0427524151; Doug Davis (02) 68523249 or 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.
Members are reminded that Local Range rules apply to the Forbes SSAA range.
SSAA members should check the face book 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.
Members are reminded the ByMonthly meeting for December will be on Wednesday December 11 at the Forbes Sport & Rec club starting at 7.30pm.
Dale Maynard on the bowling greens.
PHOTO: Jenny Kingham
‘Absolute
bunch of champions’
Lachlan under 12s are our western region women’s
“An absolute bunch of champions” - that’s how coach Adam Maynard described Lachlan District’s Under 12s who won their Western Women’s Rugby League premiership on Saturday Young players from Forbes, Parkes and Condobolin had an early start to get to Bathurst in time for kick off against the home team, the Panorama Platypi, and the grand final contest was a tough one.
But the side couldn’t be beaten through the Spring competition and they held firm, despite being down at half time, for a 10-8 victory in
the decider.
“It was pretty tough, pretty close,” Maynard said.
“It pretty much came down to us getting one of the conversions.”
Jinxxi Piggot’s kick proved the difference for Lachlan, who had been untouchable throughout the season.
This side has come a long way in a short time, 11 of the squad learning to tackle only in the weeks leading up to this competition.
It’s a side loaded with sport and athletic talent: representative touch football and soccer players, State Athletics runners, and even a few State rugby nines com-
rugby league premiers after undefeated season
it up to full speed and they killed it.”
Their spirit and willingness to learn paid off
“They’re such a great bunch of girls,” Maynard said.
“I’ve coached a lot of football and girls are so easy to coach ... unless I just got lucky with this bunch of girls because they were pretty determined and switched on.
“They were very passionate and determined bunch of girls.”
The crew around them was second to none, with Maynard’s son Brock bringing all he’s learned through clinics at Red Bend into play as well.
“Stevie Jackson, Jess Ashcroft, Brock Maynard, Matt Corliss - we wouldn’t have got to where we did without them,” Maynard said. It’s been a fantastic season for all associated with this group.
petitors, but there were a number making their debut into tackle rugby league.
“At the start of the season we started off very slowly,
teaching them on their knees how to tackle,” Maynard said.
“Slowly we went to standing up walk throughs, then jog-throughs, then we took
The Condobolin players in particular have shown their dedication travelling for training - and adding an hour of travel time to every match.
“They’re an absolute bunch of champions, the best group of girls,” Maynard said.
“And the friends that they’ve made now ... it’s been great in all aspects for all the girls.”
Stellar soccer juniors set for playing tour of Philippines
A team of talented regional soccer juniors is headed to the Philippines for an incredible tour - on and off field.
Locally-based coach Doug Mckenzie is bringing together the group of girls aged 12 to 15 from regional NSW and Canberra, and they’ll fly out later this month to train and play in some of the country’s key stadiums and against its rising stars.
Forbes’ Josie Mckenzie, Lily Browne and Katie Schulze, with Parkes’ Bella Batt and Young’s Ruby Schofield, are among the exciting local talents taking the tour.
Lilly, Katie and Bella compete with Forbes’ Under 17s and ladies sides through the soccer season.
Ruby is goalkeeper for Canberra Croatia’s Under 14s and
Under 15s teams and Josie has now been selected for the senior women’s squad in the Canberra competition, playing with Gungahlin United Reserve. She will trial for the Cambodian national team in January.
Their experience begins with the chance to train at the Rizal national stadium and an indoor stadium before beginning their travel and taking on teams from Beach Hut FC and high school teams.
They’ll face teams from Clark Academy - in the 26,000 seat Clark International Stadium where the South Sea Pacific Games were held.
There’ll be some incredible travel and cultural experiences as they travel to the volcanic region of Tagaytay, and into the mountains to visit Clark Acade-
my’s coaching and life academy.
A four-wheel-driving tour will take them to Pinnang hot springs, but there’s also time to visit the Mall of Asia and other major shopping centres.
The team includes Taylor Brayshaw from the Yass area, who plays for Canberra Croatia and her teammate Isabelle Cain with younger sister Paige.
Promising Dubbo talent Zoe Reys, Alyssia Laing from Tahmoor who plays for Nepean, as well as Orange representatives Zoe and Claudia Jones with Emma Dowsett (Blayney).
Although geographically scattered, the girls had the opportunity for a warm up game against Orange last month and secured a comfortable win, there’s one more scheduled before they fly out.
Local winners from a huge weekend
Forbes punches above its weight when it comes to sporting achievements and there are many from the weekend to celebrate - so many we’ll have to include some in next week’s edition.
Harness racing owners and breeders are cheering after Mac Bon won the IRT Breeders Crown for two-year-old colts and geldings’ final in Victoria.
Mac Bon is owned by locals Jason Gaffney, Mark Hartwig, Greg Hartwig and Bailey Hartwig.
But it doesn’t stop there: Mac Bon was also bred in Forbes by Phil and Denise Thurston.
Congratulations to all delighted Forbes connections, the full story to come.
On the motorcycle track, Holly HopeHodgetts has been named Motorcycling NSW Junior Dirt Track Rider of the Year, we can’t wait to catch up with her and hear about her successes.
Forbes also had riders competing in the final rounds of the Australian Flat Track at Gunnedah over the weekend. Lockie Duggan claimed the number one plate in the Junior 85 series and Forbes was very well represented on the track all weekend.
These to feature in future editions!
Bronze at the Gold Coast for Lachlan Dragons
Forbes’ Lachlan Dragons are back in action.
Recently 10 members of the local dragon boat club partnered with Dubbo Outback Dragons to attend the Pan Pacific Masters Games on the Gold Coast.
The games are held every two years with clubs from Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.
The Outback Lachlan Dragons, as they were called, had three big days of paddling 500m and 200m races and “Around the Island” paddle at Varsity Lakes on the Gold Coast, approximately 4.8km.
There was some very exciting racing, close results and a whole lot of fun.
Don’t forget if you would like to have a try at dragon boating, Lachlan Dragons are now training Thursday evenings at 6pm as well as their regular Sunday mornings at 8:30am. They would love to welcome new paddlers and show them the sport.
Meet at the club on Lake Forbeson the path behind the Forbes Sports and Recreation Club.
Follow them on Facebook at Forbes Dragon Boat Club home of the Lachlan Dragons.
Two finals were reached by the over 40’s open crews in both the 500m and 200m races resulting in Bronze medal in both.
Bella Batt (Parkes), Lily Browne (Forbes), Ruby Schofield (Young), Josie Mckenzie (Forbes) and Katie Schulze (Forbes) after a warm up game for the Philippines tour.
PHOTO: Supplied
Louise Moore, Neil May, Chris Favelle, Trevor Whitaker, Marg Lambert, Warren and Donna Edwards and (front) Deb Abela. Absent Jane Burley and Colleen L’Estrange. PHOTO: Supplied
Lachlan District Rugby League’s Under 12s celebrating with the 16s after both won. PHOTO: Supplied
OUR CHAMPIONS
LACHLAN District has taken out two premierships in the 2024 Western Women’s Rugby League competition.
A mighty effort in the last 10 minutes of Saturday’s grand final saw our 16s clinch a hard-fought win over Orange’s Vipers, while the Under 12s finished their season undefeated when they held out a determined Panorama Platypi side (their story inside).
There was just 10 minutes left in Saturday’s Under 16s decider and Lachlan were two points down when they lost a player to the sin bin, but they were never going to give up on their goal.
“The girls lifted enormously, they went to another level and we eventually got a try with about three or four minutes left, kicked a goal to go up to 16-12,” coach Nick Jones said. They then lifted their defensive efforts to hold Orange out to the final whistle.
It was a thrilling finale to the season for a side that always had all the promise, but had a slow start to the season.
“We lost our first two games, but really put it together from there and went undefeated for the rest of the season - capped off obviously by a great win Saturday,” Jones said.
Saturday’s final was a tough contest in warm conditions in Bathurst, with Orange opening the scoring.
Lachlan responded through Joan Carolan, and Ruby Jones added the extras to give Lachlan the advantage.
But it was Orange who led into the half time break with another try putting them up 8-6.
Knowing the size and strength of the Vipers, it was a scenario Jones and his team had prepared for.
“That’s what we spoke about before the game: if we just stayed positive and held the ball and hung in there and hung in there, our fitness
and determination would bring us over the top,” the coach said.
And they did, Lachlan holding the premiership trophy high in just their second year in the competition.
Player of the match honours were awarded to Grace MacGregor, who’s been a star throughout the short season.
“She’s a great player and a great kid,” Jones said, acknowledging the huge amount of work the representative has been doing travelling to Sydney for pre-season training with the Bulldgos under 17s.
“A great effort by her, she’s our captain as well and she’s a great leader - an inspiration to the other girls.”
MacGregor was one of a number of players who brought rugby league experience to the Lachlan District club when it formed in 2023.
There were some outstanding performances in Saturday’s grand
final including from hooker Joan Carolan and front rowers Meg Mahon and Jocelyn Folau.
Ruby Jones’ successful kicking proved the difference in points with three tries apiece for the contest.
But the coach was pleased with the entire squad.
“It’s tough to say any one player - across the board they all did what they had to do,” Jones said.
“It was definitely a team effort that’s for sure.”
It’s an exciting time for women’s rugby league and this Spring competition a great opportunity for the region’s talent, but you have to be impressed at Lachlan winning two premierships in their second season.
“To bring Forbes, Parkes and Condobolin to form a team - we still wouldn’t match the numbers that Orange and Bathurst and Dubbo have to draw from.
“It’s great to compete let alone to win,” Jones said.
“Every season more girls give it a go, the game’s just going from strength to strength I think.”
The fans were certainly out in force on Saturday to show their support - Lachlan’s 12s first to take the field and staying to support the older team.
“When we lifted, the crowd lifted, and the vibe was just awesome,” Jones said of the final minutes of play. “From a player point of view I know that that really helped them.”
