Ruth Clemens has celebrated her 100th birthday, surrounded by those she loves dearly.
Special guests including grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews joined her with guests travelling from Adelaide, Far North Queensland, Banora Point, Newcastle, Sydney and the South Coast to celebrate the milestone with this very special lady.
Ruth was born on 28 August 1925 to parents Pat and Mary Rawsthorne.
A sister to Ernie, Jack, Bill, Lelia, Clare, Allen, Joe, Evelyn, Stan, Mick, Viv, Neville, Dora and Pat, Ruth is the last surviving of her siblings.
Ruth married Ray Clemens and they had two daughters, Kath and Beth.
She’s lived her life in Eugowra and Forbes, residing at the family farm “Glenisla” until the age of 91 years when she moved to Eugowra to her little home in Bowler Street.
At the age of 99, in January this year, Ruth moved into the Eugowra Multi Purpose Service where she has settled in as a permanent resident surrounded by love, nurturing and amazing care from all the wonderful staff of the MPS.
The family will be forever grateful for the love and attention given to Ruth.
They hosted a beautiful celebration for her 100th birthday with staff and residents, with family arriving to celebrate on Saturday.
Here’s cheers to a wonderful, welllived 100 years!
World stage beckons
bark on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Switzerland this October where she will attend the prestigious CERNSolvay student camp.
The year 12 Red Bend Catholic
camp hosted by CERN, the world’s largest particle physics laboratory, and Solvay, a Belgian science company.
The program is designed to inspire high school students to pursue careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) by linking students to CERN’s research, hands on experiments and offering opportunities to engage with scientists.
From 5 to 11 October Leah will join 29 other students from around the world for a week of immersive scientific exploration at CERN’s campus.
Leah stumbled upon the fantastic opportunity by accident when she saw an advertisement for the program on Instagram.
“Something that they (CERNSolvay) posted popped up on Instagram and I thought that I might as well give it a try because otherwise if you don’t try things then you don’t get to find out,” Leah said.
■ To page 3
TREAT DAD TO SOMETHING SPECIAL THIS FATHER’S DAY FROM 12–3 PM
Ruth Clemens with her daughters Beth Dickens and Kath Collits, more photos page 6. PHOTO: Supplied
Council comment
By MAYOR PHYLLIS MILLER OAM
Our Multipurpose Equestrian Precinct has already proven its value and now we’re planning for Stage 2.
Council invites locals to provide feedback on the next stage of the precinct design at a community consultation session on Thursday 4 September at Forbes Council Chambers from 5pm until 8pm.
The Stage Two proposal features grandstand seating, extra amenities, canteen and bar facilities, a machinery and storage shed, a spectator access road, and ticketing facilities.
Whether you ride, compete, organise events or simply enjoy coming along as a spectator, your input will help us create a facility that works for everyone.
Scrap together: This week marks the launch of the Scrap Together campaign, a new initiative supported by the NSW EPA to help us make the most of our green-lid FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics) bins.
In Forbes, we collect around 1,300 tonnes of food and garden waste each year, turning scraps into compost instead of landfill. It’s a great result, but food waste is still one of the biggest items going into red-lid bins.
Head to Council’s social media pages for simple tips on how to keep food waste out of landfill. By working together, we can change that. Remember, every little scrap really does go a long way.
Youth connect: I’m excited to invite young people and families to a new youth event, designed to promote positive choices, wellbeing and community connection.
Youth Connect will be held at the Forbes Skatepark and Stephen Field on Tuesday 30 September from 12 pm to 3 pm, featuring inflatables, giveaways, food and activities like NRL clinics.
This free event is proudly supported by the Forbes Community Drug Action Team (CDAT). For nearly 25 years, CDAT has been working to keep our community safe and healthy, running programs, education campaigns, and events that help young people and families make positive choices.
Events like this help build stronger, healthier and more resilient young people, which benefits our whole town.
Youth Connect is part of our school holiday program, so keep an eye out for the lineup of activities coming soon!
WHAT’S ON in and around Forbes
COMMUNITY FETE
Saturday, 6 September
Forbes Uniting Church is excited to announce a community fete at the church in Browne Street. There will be community stalls, live entertainment, coffee and food as well as a silent auction between 9am and 3pm.
TRUNDLE BUSH TUCKER DAY
Saturday, 6 September
Season your camp oven and get your dancing boots ready for a day full of country music and bush cooking in Trundle. This year Casey Barnes will be headlining the popular event with The Bushwackers and The Alternators also gracing the Trundle stage. Get your tickets now at www.123tix. com.au/events/46970/trundlebush-tucker-day-2025
FORBES SHOW
Saturday, 13 September
Put Saturday 13 September in your diary, it’s the date of the 149th Forbes Show. The one-day show format introduced in 2024 is back in 2025, with plenty on. There will be entertainment and rides, animal nursery, fireworks, agricultural exhibitions and so much more. Get your entries ready, you can find information about the sections through their facebook page or in the schedule at the Forbes Handicraft Centre. Tickets are available online now through 123tix.com.au For more information visit their Facebook page www.facebook.com/ ForbesShowNSW
EUGOWRA SHOW
Saturday, 20 September
4.30pm this will be an afternoon of style, music, food and fundraising all in support of White Ribbon. Champagne on arrival, live music and a threecourse lunch. Bookings essential through 123tix.com.au
STREET DREAMS
Saturday, 27 September
Head to Eugowra Showground for a fun-filled day for the whole family. While the Show Society is organising all your favourite attractions and events, now’s the time to plan your entries in the pavilion sections! Have you got a top fleece, outstanding jam or artwork to bring along? Memberships will be available via 123tix or at the show office from Monday, 15 September. Tickets will be available via 123tix or at the gate.
AGEING WELL IN FORBES
Thusrday, 25 September
Join Western NSW Local Health District and local services at Club Forbes from 10am to 12.30pm to look at the services, programs and supports available to help you age well in Forbes. Chat about planning, speak with allied health professionals, meet with community services and volunteer groups and fine support to navigate the aged care system.
CLUB FORBES FIRST ANNUAL LADIES LUNCH
Saturday, 27 September
From 12.30pm through to
JOURNALISTS
Forbes is set to glow with colour and creativity when the brandnew Street Dreams Festival lights up the town this September. This free event, from 5pm to 9pm, will transform Harold Street, Victoria Park and Town Hall into cultural spaces filled with interactive light displays, creative installations, live performances and delicious food options.
YOUTH CONNECT
Tuesday, 30 September
Join Forbes Shire Council for Youth Connect, an event aimed at promoting youth services and providing opportunities for young people to build connections. It’s on at Stephan Field / the skatepark from midday to 3pm. There’ll be food vendors and barbecue, giveaways, NRL clinics, youth services and inflatables.
FORBES MOTOR SHOW
Sunday, 5 October
Save the date, the Forbes Motor Show is returning to South Circle Oval in on Sunday 5 October 2025. Plan your entries now in bikes, cars, boats, vintage machinery, trucks and tractors. Gates open 8am for registration. There will be food, drink and merchandise
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stalls. Entry will be just $2 an adult, $1 a child with monies donated to local and regional charity groups.
CANOLA CUP FAMILY
PICNIC DAY
Monday, 6 October
Eugowra Harness Racing Club knows how to host a great event and the Canola Cup is the pinnacle. This great family picnic day is back again on the October long weekend Monday. While the horses go round on the track, there’s live music, great prizes for fashions on the field, free dodgem cars, jumping castle, and face painting. It all happens at Eugowra Showground Paceway from midday.
MEET THE MAKERS
Sunday, 12 October
Join Forbes Visitor Information Centre for the second annual Meet the Makers event: go behind the scenes and enjoy a taste of locally-sourced delights, straight from the producers. it’s on from 10am to 1pm.
TRUNDLE PINK NIGHT
Friday, 17 October
Trundle will be turning pink this October. To celebrate their 10th anniversary Trundle Pink Night will be holding their biggest and boldest Pink Night yet! Join them for a night of fun, flair and fundraising as they celebrate a decade of coming together to support a cancer-free future. There will be prizes, raffles and an auction that you will not want
the Trundle Golf Club and make sure to dress in pink. If you can’t make it on the night support the cause by heading to www. doitforcancer.com.au/fundraisers/ trundlepinknight
BBQ CHAMPIONSHIPS
18 and 19 October
Join us for two days of competition - grilling and low and slow smoking.
There will be a bar, live music, food trucks, cooking demonstrations, celebrity chef - and major cash prizes for the winners.
Nominate your teams early: registration is available online through the Forbes Shire Council website forbes.nsw.gov.au
You can also put your hand up for a change to be a judge at the BBQ Championships Smoking Competition on Sunday 19 October.
CLUB FORBES TASTE ON TEMPLAR
Saturday, 1 November
Templar Street will be transformed for this special annual event, with three-course meal complimented by regional wines, boutique beer, cider, soft drinks and water.
Tickets are online now through 123tix.com.au so book a table, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the year with your team.
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EUGOWRA SHOW SATURDAY 20 SEPTEMBER
STREET DREAMS SATURDAY 17 SEPTEMBER
PHOTO: JESS THOMPSON
EfW inquiry now open
By CHRISTINE LITTLE
The parliamentary committee appointed to examine proposed Energy from Waste facilities, in Parkes and across the state, is calling for submissions.
The ‘Select Committee on Proposed Energy from Waste Facilities’ will examine the technology, emissions, health and environmental impacts, regional planning implications, international best practices and alternative waste management solutions.
A proposal to build the Parkes Energy Recovery facility, to be located within the Parkes Spe-
cial Activation Precinct west of the town, was launched in March.
There has since been a large push against the project by residents and farmers in the shire, with an advocacy group forming called the Parkes Clean Future Alliance.
The Select Committee consists of chair Nichole Overall (Nationals, MLC), deputy chair Dr Amanda Cohn (Greens, MLC), Dr Sarah Kaine (Labor, MLC), Natasha Maclaren-Jones (Liberal, MLC), Peter Primrose (Labor, MLC), Rod Roberts (Independent, MLC) and Emily Suvaal (Labor, MLC).
Chair Nichole Overall said
the inquiry, its motion passing in the Upper House on 6 August, was sparked by growing and unresolved concerns in communities like Parkes and Tarago, where a facility is also planned.
“It will provide a forum for residents to voice any concerns about these proposed developments,” Ms Overall said.
The inquiry is to consider alternative solutions for managing residual waste produced by Greater Sydney, ensuring a statewide and balanced approach. Sydney landfills are expected to run out of space by 2030.
“We absolutely need to tackle
the broader issue of waste, but regional communities should not be expected to bear the burden of Sydney’s waste without adequate and transparent consultation,” Ms Overall said.
“This inquiry is a chance to explore solutions that are fair, informed and inclusive.”
The committee welcomes submissions from stakeholders and community members.
The closing date for submissions is 31 October 2025.
For more information and to make a submission, see the inquiry webpage at www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/listofcommittees/Pages/ committee-details.aspx?pk=337
an
Man facing charges over alleged ATV theft
A man has been charged with allegedly stealing an all-terrain vehicle from a rural property in the Ootha area earlier this year.
Officers have been investigating the theft of an allterrain vehicle and s A man has been charged with allegedly stealing an all-terrain vehicle from a rural property in the Ootha area earlier this year.
Officers have been investigating the theft of an all-terrain vehicle and spot sprayer from a property on Ootha Road, Ootha, since March this year.
In April 2025, police attended a property in Tomboye, which is 430km away from Ootha and 30km north-west of Braidwood, where they located and seized an all-terrain vehicle and spot sprayer.
Police have now laid charges against a 26-yearold man, following inquiries.
He was charged with steal motor vehicle, dispose motor vehicle part – theft serious indictable offence, destroy or damage property, and unlawfully enter inclosed agricultural land damage property, to appear at Parkes Local Court on Thursday 9 October 2025.
Police will allege in court the man cut the fence and stole the vehicle before he traded it for a utility.
Firearm, theft charges after vehicle found
Leah’s love for science leads to Switzerland
■ From page 1
The application process was lengthy involving written responses, video submissions and academic reports which Leah admits did take a while.
When Leah found out she was accepted and was the only Australian to be selected to go to the student camp she felt honoured.
“I definitely think anyone in my physics class are capable to do this as well but I’m excited to represent Australia,” she said.
“It’s a very big opportunity and a very big honour.”
Leah’s love for science, especially astrophysics and space, has been a passion since she was little and while she is still undecided what exactly she wants to study at university next year she is considering a degree in science and arts.
“I want to do so many different things after school, originally I was very set on astrophysics but I want to help people and make a difference,” she said.
Looking ahead to her time in Switzerland Leah is excited for everything the experience has to offer.
“I’m really looking forward to meeting people, I think it will be good to get to know everyone there but I also love travelling. I’ve always wanted to go to Europe and Switzerland, it’s going to be beautiful,” she said.
“I’m also just looking forward to being in the field and getting to experience that.
“I think it will be good to give me an idea of what I want to do in the future and if that’s something I want to go into,” Leah added.
Despite a busy Year 12 schedule that includes English Extension, English Advanced,
Maths Advanced, and Physics, Leah encourages other students to apply for similar opportunities even if their grades aren’t perfect.
“I included my weaknesses in the application, and I think they’re looking for real people, not perfect. Don’t give up,” she said.
Leah thanks her teachers and friends who have supported her through the process and especially her mum.
“She’s been quite a big inspiration for me and teaching me ever since I was young to reach big,” Leah added.
Two people have been charged with firearms and theft offences after police found a vehicle allegedly stolen in May this year in Forbes.
Police have been investigating the theft of a van from Condobolin since 22 May this year.
About 11.30pm on Saturday 24 May 2025 the vehicle was located in Crouch Street, Forbes, NSW Police said in a statement released to media.
Following inquiries, police arrested a 24-yearold man at a property in Crouch Street about 8pm Thursday 28 August.
They then searched the property and - it’s alleged - located a backpack containing a sawn-off double barrel shotgun as well as live shotgun cartridges.
A 30-year-old woman was also arrested.
The man is now facing firearm charges including possessing an unregistered and shortened firearm, and relating to the theft of the vehicle.
He remained in custody on Friday to face court.
The woman is also facing charges relating to the vehicle, but was granted strict conditional bail to face Parkes Local Court in September.
Police have recovered
all-terrain vehicle allegedly stolen from Ootha. PHOTO: NSW Police
RED BEND STUDENT LEAH VAN DER MERWE WILL HEAD TO SWITZERLAND IN OCTOBER TO THE CERN-SOLVAY STUDENT CAMP.
PHOTO: MADELINE BLACKSTOCK
Offensive flag: Police appeal for information
Police are appealing for community assistance after a man was seen carrying an offensive flag on the side of the road near Parkes on the weekend.
An off-duty police officer observed a man carrying an offensive flag on the edge of Henry Parkes Way near Parkes about 6.30am on Sunday.
Officers attached to the Central West Police District attended and attempted to speak with the man before he retreated into Goobang National Park.
In an appeal to the public as police search for the man, he has been described as being of Caucasian appearance, believed to be aged in his 20s, with short blonde hair and a blonde moustache.
He was last seen wearing aviator style sunglasses, a navy blue polo shirt and blue jeans. Investigations are ongoing.
Anyone with information or who has dashcam/CCTV footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit https://nsw. crimestoppers.com.au
Information is managed on a confidential basis.
You can also report crime or suspicious behaviour to Forbes Police Station by phoning 6853 9999.
Mayor appeals to cat owners after inquiry stops short of enforcement
Council’s hands remain “tied” when it comes to roaming cats, says Mayor Phyllis Miller, who’s expressed her disappointment following a report from a NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into the management of cat populations.
Mayor Miller, who is president of Local Government NSW, said the Upper House inquiry missed an opportunity by not backing enforceable cat containment policies for councils.
“Councils are on the frontline, trying to improve animal welfare and environmental protection,” she said.
“But without having the option to choose enforceable containment, our hands are tied when cats are left to roam, become predators or just cause a general nuisance.
“We need mandatory cat containment measures and they must be accompanied by adequate funding and resources so that councils can enforce them.
“Australians have adapted to the legal requirement to keep dogs confined to residential premises. Local government seeks the same provision for cats.”
Mayor Miller also pointed to the need for better education of cat owners and carers to reduce the roaming of cats, particularly at night.
“Cats simply need to be kept indoors at night,” Mayor Miller said.
“As a cat owner myself, I know how important this is – not only to protect native fauna but also to protect my pet! It’s really not that hard and cat owners need to be better at getting on board.”
Mayor Miller acknowledged the Committee’s recognition of the urgent need for stronger cat management strategies, including funding for free and subsidised desexing, along with statewide education and behaviour-change programs.
“Those measures are welcome and essential,” she said.
trapping, and adequate funding for councils, welfare groups and rehoming organisations.
“To exclude containment is to ignore one of the most powerful tools we have.”
The NSW Government is also conducting a review of the Companion Animals Act and Local Government NSW, of which Mayor Miller is currently president, will continue to advocate strongly for councils to be able to adopt these policies.
“The Government must step in and deliver the legislative tools and also the funds and resources that councils need to effectively manage this problem,” Mayor Miller said.
In its inquiry submission, LGNSW highlighted the impact of cats on Australian biodiversity.
The submission noted that cats had already driven 27 species to extinction since colonisation and threaten at least 124 more species with the same fate.
The report’s 10 recommendations address multiple aspects of cat management, including the importance of desexing and behaviour change programs to encourage responsible cat ownership and reduce the overpopulation of cats.
“It is clear that the overpopulation
Proposed Road Closing Under Section 38B Roads Act 1993 (For an unformed Road off the Escort Way In accordance with the Roads Act 1993, notice is hereby given that Forbes Shire Council proposes to close the council public road being the unformed road adjoining Lot 1 DP 800042, west of Lot 204 DP 1296888 and south of Lot 4 DP 1088455 off The Escort Way. Upon closure of the road, council intends to vest the land in the Crown. Interested parties are invited to make submissions concerning the proposal to the General Manager, Forbes Shire Council, 2 Court Street, Forbes or emailed to forbes@forbes.nsw.gov.au
before deciding whether to continue with the road closure proposal. For further information please contact Council’s Manager Corporate Business on 6850 2300 (Option 4). EOI Market Stalls and Food Vendors Council is seeking Expressions of Interest from community groups, food vendors and interested organisations for food and beverage
of cats has serious impacts in New South Wales and that effective cat management strategies are urgently required,” Chair of the Animal Welfare Committee Emma Hurst MLC said.
“However, it is important that cat management programs are underpinned by sound scientific evidence to ensure that initiatives are effective and produce the desired outcomes.”
Ms Hurst said the committee found there wasn’t satisfactory evidence that containment and curfew laws would be effective.
“While the committee recognises that there are benefits to voluntary cat containment, the potential negative consequences of mandatory or punitive cat containment laws are likely to make them unworkable in New South Wales at present,” she said.
“It was apparent to the committee that there is currently insufficient evidence that mandatory cat containment and cat curfew laws are effective, and in fact they could have adverse consequences including on the costs imposed on councils and the local community during a cost of living crisis, and significant increases in euthanasia rates.
“The committee therefore encourages the use of education and behav-
iour change programs to foster the voluntary adoption of cat containment within the community.”
The report findings included:
- There is an urgent need to implement cat management strategies in NSW to address the overpopulation of cats in NSW, both in urban environments and in the wild
- Key threats to wildlife in NSW include not only introduced species, but also habitat destruction and fragmentation, and a holistic approach to native animals is required
- Desexing programs were broadly supported by the large majority of inquiry participants, and have been proved to be an effective cat management strategy
- That non-for-profit cat rescues and volunteers have played a critical and leading role in the desexing and rehoming of cats in NSW
- Educational and behaviour change programs which encourage and support people to voluntarily keep cats indoors were supported by a majority of inquiry participants, there is some early positive evidence to support the effectiveness of such programs
- There is insufficient evidence that mandatory cat containment laws or cat curfews at a state or local government level are effective in reducing the number of free roaming cats and reducing impacts on wildlife
- Mandatory cat containment laws are likely to create equity issues and have a disproportionate impact on people from lower socio-economic backgrounds and First Nations communities
- The killing of healthy cats has a severe impact on the mental health and wellbeing of pound, shelter, veterinary and rescue staff and volunteers
- NSW may not be ready to adopt mandatory cat containment laws, whether these laws are statewide or at a local government level
- NSW Government and councils should manage cats in a way that supports the health and wellbing of people, animals and the environment.
Lots 19, 20, 21, 24, 26, 27 and 28 DP 750157. Upon closure of the road, council intends to sell the land to an adjoining land owner. Interested parties are invited to make submissions concerning the proposal to the General Manager, Forbes Shire Council, 2 Court Street, Forbes or emailed to forbes@forbes.nsw.gov.au within 28 days of the date of this advertisement. Submissions close 5pm, Thursday 18 September 2025. Please note submissions made to Council are considered public information under the provisions of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009. Once the submission period is completed, Council will consider all duly made submissions before deciding whether to continue with the road closure proposal. For further information please contact Council’s Manager Corporate Business on 6850 2300 (Option 4).
2. Plant # 1594, 2019 4x4
14 April 2026 Rego
3. Plant # 1689, 2022 4x4 Nissan Navara ST Dual Cab Utility, Diesel, Towbar, Steel Bulbar, Approx 43,500 km, 14 April 2026 Rego
4. Plant #1704, 2023 4x4 Isuzu MUX LSM, Wagon, Diesel, Tow Bar, Steel Bulbar, Approx 86,000 km, 14th April 2026 April Rego
5. Plant # 1726, 2023 4x4 Isuzu D-MAX LSM, Dual Cab Utility, Diesel, Tow Bar, Steel Bulbar, Hardcover, Approx, 90,000 km, 14th April 2026 April Rego
Should you wish to lodge an expression of interest in the above vehicles forms are available from Town Hall or via Council’s website www.forbes. nsw.gov.au or by clicking here. Expressions, addressed to the General Manager, are to be lodged either by hand, post or email by 3:00pm, Friday 5th September - Friday 19th September 2025 . These vehicles are available for inspection by appointment only. For further information or to arrange an inspection please contact Council’s Manager Fleet, Anthony Davies on 02 6850 2875 or by email to forbes@forbes.nsw.gov.au. Please Note: All vehicles will be detailed prior to disposal.
The NSW Committee has released its report into cat management across the state following its inquiry.
SES and emergency services demonstrated what they do when they are called out to a car crash.
The annual mock crash demonstration returned this term and was viewed by more than 400 Year 10 students from across the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Council areas at Parkes High School’s Multi-Purpose Hall.
Seven local high schools are taking part in this year’s NOT A STATISTIC! Youth Driver Education Program, which includes a pre classroom lesson, the live mock crash demonstration and a follow-up classroom lesson.
Council’s Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said the purpose of the mock crash demonstration is to show young drivers what happens when a crash occurs.
“The mock crash demonstration started with a short video that set the scene about how the crash occurred and introduced the youth actors.
“Then the curtains opened, and the audience watched as the youth actors called ‘000’ for help,” Ms Suitor said.
“When emergency service personnel arrived, they were confronted with two severely injured trapped passengers, one dead passenger and an emotional driver.
“The mock crash demonstration concluded with recorded victim impact statements which highlighted what life has been like for the driver, her surviving passengers and their families
nine months on.
“The videos included point of view footage of what happened at the police station and hospital.”
This year’s youth actors were Abigail Heard (Parkes), Abbey Browne (Forbes), Logan Davies (Forbes) and Chloe Marskell (Parkes), alongside emergency services.
“The students were all glued to the car and the actors - you could hear a pin drop. I think the message really hit home to them about the trauma involved in car crashes because it was so very realistic,” Ms Suitor said.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in putting this mock car crash demonstration together - it’s a real team effort and I couldn’t have done this without your support and assistance.”
Ms Suitor acknowledged Parkes High School, Westlime, Regency Medical, Parkes Auto Wreckers, The McMasters, Bella Henry, Julia Sullivan, Halle Molloy, Senior Constable Emma Dyball, Acting Sergeant Jane Heffernan, Sergeant Philip Brown, Constable Anthony O’Brien, Madeline Elkhouri, Ebony
Domanski, Jeff Field, Matthew Hando, David Law, Mark Appleby, Leanne Field, Marshall Munn, Glen Morgan, Sherry Morgan, CCT Productions, Chloe Marskell, Logan Davies, Abigail Heard and Abbey Browne.
The program has been running since 2009.
Over that period there has been a 27 per cent reduction in crashes on local roads involving a young driver (17 - 25 years old).
Follow-up classroom lessons are being held in the participating schools over the next few weeks.
significant investment in staffing, equipment, financial resources and the use of external facilitators and contractors,” the report said.
“Despite strong registration numbers, there have been ongoing issues with no-shows, leading to wasted resources and limited opportunities for those who could have attended if spots had not been reserved by non-attendees.”
Only 19 of 30 registrations attended a free circus workshop in the July school holidays, 15 of 40 registrations came along to a free drop-in day at the Youth and Community Centre.
In contrast, everyone who registered and paid $20 for a trip to Dubbo to play mini golf attended on the day.
About 50 children did attend a free novelty sports day that didn’t require registration and importantly, the council will continue to offer free family fun for council-run events.
In September / October school holidays, the council will trial: $15 per person for events held offsite with contractors employed for the activity (eg the trip to Dubbo Putt Putt); $10 per person for events at a council facility run by contractors; No cost for council-run events or events with contractors that do not require registration and generally have high attendance in public places.
some free school holiday events.
Register your interest or find more information here:
PHOTOS: Madeline Blackstock
Family gathers for Ruth’s 100th celebrations
Ruth Clemens has celebrated her 100th birthday, surrounded by those she loves dearly.
Ruth was born on 28 August 1925 and has lived her life in Eugowra and Forbes.
Ruth celebrated her 100th
birthday on the day with a beautiful party hosted by hospital staff with residents and staff of the Eugowra MPS, with the family members and loved ones travelling from far and wide to celebrate on the weekend.
Roads, renewables and youth on agenda
By JAMIE CHAFFEY, FEDERAL MEMBER FOR PARKES
Last week, I shared with Parliament the frustration experienced by councils throughout the Parkes electorate with securing roads funding for roads network that have repeatedly been hit by floods.
Narrabri and Gunnedah shires have again had disaster declarations following flood events.
This might have been good news for those shires if they were not already completely disheartened by the fact they are still chasing roads flood funding from three years ago.
They are not alone.
I believe there is far more than $100 million in disaster funding outstanding for roads in New South Wales regional councils.
As well as having to wait for these funds, Councils are being advised by the NSW Government that they can only return those roads to their original condition – not improve them to safeguard against future floods.
The same roads will flood again – and again. This is not good financial management.
The disconnect between the available federal funding and the NSW Government’s role in the
They are families who contribute more than their share to the wealth and sustainability of our nation.
This is an insult to regional Australians that reveals the unseemly rush towards wind, solar and battery energy as nothing but a power move – and not one that will mean more power for Australians.
We are all now opening our power bills to find something that is not surprising – they have risen dramatically yet again.
Youth Parliament: Lastly, it’s my pleasure to encourage the young people of the Parkes electorate to put their hand up for National Youth Parliament in 2025.
One 16-17-year old representative from every electorate in Australia will be selected to travel to Canberra next year for a five-day hands-on learning program.
management of that funding must be fixed.
Our regional roads are critical.
At the other end of the spectrum are local government areas struggling with drought.
Next week, I will attend the 2025 National Drought Forum in Gawler in South Australia.
It is important to discuss the extreme challenges of drought at a policy level and bring together people from all sides of the table.
Drought can be crippling, affecting every part of the lives of farming families and many others.
I know this first-hand from living through several droughts as a farmer.
I hope this summit will look at what practical measures can be taken to help people plan, prepare and deal with drought conditions.
Renewable energy: While people throughout the Parkes electorate deal with floods and drought, they
are also falling under the wheels of Labor’s ambition and stubbornness in sticking to policy that is hurting regional Australians.
I was appalled to hear the Industry Minister Tim Ayres referring to regional Australians as the “big obstacle” to Labor’s renewable energy agenda.
These “big obstacles” are the same people who supply our country with food and fibre and so much more.
I spoke to the great students at West Wyalong High School about the program last week.
This is exactly what we need to teach our young people what the government of our country is all about – and how they can take their place in it.
If you are interested in this opportunity, or know someone who is, you can find out more online at https://nyp.houseofrepresentatives.gov.au/
Ruth Clemens with her grandchildren and great grandchildren Laura Collits holding Dougie Welsh, Zahli Hall, Hannah Hall holding Goldie Hall, Jarrod Dickens holding Oakley Dickens, Rubie Hall, Nellie Collits, Jono Collits (front) Aubree Hall, Porter
Forbes toasts State’s small winemakers
Small winemakers are the toast of Forbes after another successful NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show.
Friday’s public tasting night gave the community the chance to sample wines from across NSW, the volunteer organising committee hosting a great night at Forbes Town Hall.
Judges were impressed with the quality of entries in this year’s show.
Although the number of entries was down a little, the percentage that received medals was the highest ever at 63.35 per cent.
Judges awarded 52 gold - two more than last year, with an overall 10.77 per cent of entries receiving a gold medal.
There were 75 silver medals and 179 bronze awarded by the panel of
12 judges, comprised of winemakers from across NSW as well as style judges.
Returning chair of judges Mark Richardson said the show really gave the regional winemakers a chance to shine.
“It gets a little bit better every year and certainly the alternate whitesthe Italian, the Spanish varieties,” he said.
The pinnacle of this show is yet to come: the gourmet dinner on Saturday, 20 September, at Club Forbes.
This is the opportunity to enjoy trophy-winning wines matched to a five-course menu.
Tickets are $130 a person and now available online through 123tix.com. au
Shirley Hohnberg with Michelle and David Mahlo of Forbes.
JOSEPH ANDERSON AND KATE MELDRUM REGISTERING FOR FRIDAY NIGHT WITH SMALL WINEMAKERS WINE SHOW PRESIDENT MARK WATTS, COMMITTEE MEMBERS JENNY WATTS AND PAUL KAY. PHOTOS: JENNY KINGHAM
Forbes North students’ Book Week adventures
There were pirates and princesses, unicorns and wolves when Forbes North students celebrated Book Week with costumes and creativity.
“Book an adventure” was the theme of Children’s Book Week 2025 and students embraced the opportunity to get dressed up as some of their favourite characters. Well done, everyone, you look amazing!
Kennedy, Emily Cribb, Rachel Inches all dressed
River Parslow
Georgia Markwort and a couple of
ready
the Book Week parade.
Smurfy fun for Pearl Karaitiana, Bella Hoey and Freya Dumbrell.
Rogue Hamilton, Willow Mason, Kenley O’Leary and Jorja Nash as some of their favourite characters. PHOTOS: Forbes North Public School
On elephants and islands
By ROB WILLIS
It all started when well-known local raconteur, Grahame (Dorsey) Uphill and a few of his mates got together for a cuppa and to solve the problems of the world.
They also have a strong interest in the history of Forbes and their gathering raised a few questions about the Island in the middle of Lake Forbes, and an elephant! Dorsey sent me this email request:
The Island in the lake has always just been there, but how did it get there?
Someone thought it was built up from dirt excavated when the Olympic pool was built.
I think it is much earlier and may have been built from dirt excavated from within the lake to make it deeper, probably done with horse drawn scoops.
Someone also thought that a visiting circus buried an elephant on the island, I think this may be a furphy.
As with Dorsey and his mates I had just accepted that the Island was part of the Forbes landscape and never bothered to find out how, when, or why it got there.
But the mention of an elephant really captured me, was it a furphy or could there be an
element of truth in the story.
Apart from that I love a challenge.
Thanks to the National Library of Australia’s TROVE website and online copies of the Forbes Advocate my quest took me back to the economic depression era of the 1930s and a plan to beautify Lake Forbes. Does this sound familiar?
It all happened in 1937 in the era when many thousands were out of work and unable to find employment.
Unlike today Government assistance was limited, and many men were forced to take to the roads and travel in search of work.
With plenty of labour available several schemes were put into place in regional Australia, one of these was our previously mentioned plan to beautify the lake.
At the same time our new Olympic pool was being built and the park surrounding it, (King George V Memorial Park) which at that time was little more than a swamp, was also planned to benefit from the lake beautification.
The Forbes Advocate of Friday April 6 1937 reports.
“At the moment 100 men, 34
drays and six motor lorries are engaged in the filling of King George V Memorial Park with soil taken from Lake Forbes.
The area has been an eyesore for many years”.
The Lake had been drained previously in anticipation of this work.
Advocate papers of the same era also gave us the news that there were three islands constructed.
Yes, that is correct we have not just one but three.
These islands were constructed by deepening the lagoon around them and then “covering their surfaces with grass sods and planting them with grass”.
Two of the three have been positively identified and we are working on the third.
It is also interesting that these islands as well as being part of the lake beautification were primarily constructed as bird sanctuaries and breeding areas.
Did you know that the Lake was declared as a bird sanctuary in 1919?
I can hear you asking, “what about the elephant”, well there is an element of truth here and it’s a bit gory.
In 1937 (a very busy year) a bull elephant named Tom from
Tom was coaxed back to its cage on the circus train and moved on to the next venue, Forbes.
The decision was made to euthanise him and he was fed three poisoned apples - in the Forbes railway yards.
Without going into too much detail I will quote from the Forbes Advocate of Tues Sept 14 1937: “The four tons remains ... are now being cremated on the reserve three miles from Forbes on the South Condobolin Road”.
So here are your answers, Dorsey and mates:
We have three, not one, is lands that were constructed by digging out the Lake around them in 1937.
The dirt from the Lake went to build up the park that surrounds the swimming pool.
There was an elephant, but it was not buried.
This is but a very brief over view of these amazing events that all happened in 1937.
For the complete details on our islands and elephants please contact fellow researchers Cher yl and Rex Barton at the Forbes Family History rooms.
VIEW: Kirkcudbright adventure shared
By SUE CUNNINGHAM
The View Club lunch meeting held on 14 August had a somewhat international flavour, with guest speaker, Toni Edwards, taking members on a vicarious trip to Scotland and the town of Kirkcudbright (pronounced kir coo bree), about two hours’ drive (or 166km) south of Glasgow in her talk about a teacher exchange to Scotland she experienced in 2017.
Toni was on a teacher exchange program where she swapped her teaching position, home and vehicle in Australia with a teacher from Kirkcudbright. She spent a year in this community and during the school holidays she travelled. In her talk Toni described life in Kirkcudbright and some of the cultural differences she experienced there.
The focus of Toni’s talk centered on the many differences in the free Scottish Education system she experienced first-hand compared to the system in NSW.
She outlined the weather conditions, lifestyle and day-today living differences and the many misunderstandings, often humorous, due to the language barrier she encountered.
The members of View were very appreciative of her talk and asked her many questions about her experiences in Scotland.
Toni’s presentation seemed to be very appropriate due to the prominent position the role education plays in View Clubs’ Mission Statement and sponsorship of students to support their education through the Learning for Life Programs the Smith Family run.
View Club’s next meeting on 11 September will be a celebration to recognise the 65th birthday of View Clubs Australia.
It is also the 56th birthday of Forbes View Club.
Members are asked to wear blue on the day to celebrate the sapphire birthday event.
Remember to RSVP to your designated contact person by Friday 5 September 2025.
Perry’s Circus ran amok in Parkes trampling its keeper to death.
A treat for families as circus comes to town
Briella Stevenson, Bobby Stevenson, Lila Turner, Hunter Stevenson, Willow Turner, Kimberley Laneyrie and Bellah Turner ready for the show.
Chloe and Annie Thomas with Mia Smith.
Lewis and Ava Linsdell all set for the circus.
Magpies’ first grade in full flight for grand final glory
Forbes Magpies are grand final bound after defeating Mudgee 34-10 before a vocal home crowd at Spooner Oval.
The win sets up another main event with Dubbo CYMS, at Dubbo’s Apex Oval on Sunday 7 September, and anticipation is building in the players, the town and the club.
Sunday’s qualifier was fast and physical from the outset.
Mudgee had a player sent off in the first quarter and played the majority of the match with 12, but they never stopped coming.
Connor Greenhalgh opened the scoring for the Magpies in the first five minutes, putting the ball down in the corner and giving the
Magpies’ fans reason to roar.
Less than five minutes of game time later Jack Smith snatched the ball and ran around to dive down behind the posts, giving the hosts an early 10-nil lead.
Captain Nick Greenhalgh was sidelined after a hit and although he watched the rest of the game from the bench he was full of praise for his team.
“Our defence was unbelievable again: they just keep working for each other, they just don’t stop,” he said.
Mitch Andrews was next to score for Forbes, planting the ball down on the line even as the Mudgee defence piled on.
Mudgee put their first
points on the board when they scored in the corner from a grubber, but Zeke Hartwig was quick to respond for Forbes to see the scoreboard 18-4 at half time.
The Mapgies had to step up their defence in the second half as Mudgee came out firing.
They narrowed the gap to 18-10, but it wasn’t long before Jack Smith burst away to put on another four points for the Magpies, Traie Merritt adding the extras with a kick.
Then it was Mick Coady’s turn: he defied the Mudgee defence to plant the ball next to the post and Merritt’s kick extended that to 30-10.
The Dragons were on the attack minute after minute
Monday
but as the clock counted down it was Forbes who scored: Mitch Andrews sending the ball out to Connor Greenhalgh who slipped through Mudgee’s hands to see Magpies triumph 34-10.
There’s plenty of excitement in the squad as they count down to another meeting with Dubbo CYMS.
Andrews is looking forward to what this talentpacked squad can produce on grand final day.
“We haven’t played near our best yet, that’s the scary thing,” he said.
While a grand final against CYMS at Dubbo might feel like familiar territory, Andrews isn’t taking anything for granted.
This is a new squad and when it comes to finals footy, all bets are off.
He’s hoping Magpies supporters will hit the road with players to support them.
“The best thing is the crowd,” he said after Sunday’s match.
“I don’t know if you have better supporters in the comp. It gets you buzzing.”
Traie Merritt agreed.
“There’s nothing like playing here at Spooner Oval,” he said.
“You hear it the whole time you’re out on the field, and that’s the whole point of Forbes, we’re a tight knit community and we love rugby league.
“It’s great to see.”
Magpies stepped up right across the paddock on Sunday, but Merritt was one of those who had a huge game in defence and in making the tough runs.
The team’s put in the hard work since early in the preseason and honed their defence in the lead up to the finals series.
It showed on Sunday.
“We just had to work really hard, just connect,” Merritt said.
“We know we’ve got so much raw talent in our team that can score points.”
Forbes Magpies face Dubbo CYMS in the grand final at Dubbo’s Apex Oval on Sunday, 7 September, with kick off scheduled for 3pm.
Ben Maguire pushing through the Mudgee defence.
Charlie Lennon leaps high to celebrate a Magpies try.
JACK SMITH EVADES THE MUDGEE DEFENCE AND POWERS TOWARDS THE TRY LINE.
PHOTOS: RENEE POWELL
Meet your first grade Magpies
1 Jack Smith - Fullback
Electrifying fullback who has had an outstanding season at the back.
The competition’s leading try scorer who has amassed 24 tries. Can turn a game in a matter of seconds.
2 Connor Greenhalgh - Winger
A young man who has cemented himself in the top grade this year. He is as safe as houses under the high ball and knows his way to the try line.
3 Mitch Andrews - Centre
Back in the black and white this year and although he battled injury in the early part of the season he’s back to his devastating best at the right time of the season.
4 Farren Lamb - Centre
Another former Magpie who returned to the nest this year. Strong, fast excitement machine with the best fend in the game.
Your 2025 Peter McDonald Premiership grand final squad
5 Zeke Hartwig - Wing Big, tall athletic winger who is a great finisher and has X Factor written all over him. Watch him fly on Sunday.
6 Chad Porter - 5/8
First time Magpie who has fitted in effortlessly this year. Class player who brings a wealth of experience to the team and who will stand out in both attack and defence.
7 Nick Greenhalgh - Half Back Inspirational Captain of the team who gives his heart and soul every week. His combination with his halves partner has laid the foundation for many Magpie victories this year.
8 Jack Hartwig - Front Row Devastating front rower who is as tough as nails. Damaging ball run-
ner and defender who is very hard to get to the ground.
9 Hayden Bolam - Hooker/Lock
Former Magpie and two-time premiership winner and has returned to his best this year.
Look for him on Sunday as he will be involved in absolutely everything.
10 Nick Booth - Front Row
First time Magpie who has become a club favourite this season. Tough, hard-running player who would run through brick walls for the guernsey and his team mates.
11 Harry Leadbitter - Back Row Magpie 18’s premiership winner who has returned this year with devastating effect. Will be very hard to handle on an edge and will rattle teeth in defence.
12 Traie Merritt - Back Row
Three-time premiership winner who has had his best season. Looking to back his grand final qualifier performance up on Sunday.
13 Jake Porter- Lock Hooker
First-time Magpie who has had an outstanding season. Tough as they come and will go all day. Hits as hard as anyone in the competition.
14 Jordy Hartwig - Utility Jordy is the player every team wants on their bench. Will cover most positions with ease and tear tired defensive lines apart.
15 Mick Coady - Front Row
Workhorse who gives his all every time he steps on to the field. A young man who has got over much more experienced forwards this
year. Big future in the game.
16 Ben Maguire - Front Row
Three-time premiership winner who has returned to his best this season. Strong as an ox, he is a powerful runner of the football and very hard to get to the ground.
17 Aaron Mawhinney - Back row/Lock
Former under 18’s Premiership winning captain and 2018 first grade Premiership squad member. Skillful forward who knows his way around the footy field.
18 Jonah Little - Utility
Last year’s under 18 Captain who has had a great season in reserve grade. Another kid who has a big future and oozes class.
19 Dave White - Backrow / Centre Dave’s second year with the Magpies after the move over from Condobolin. Strong runner who runs as hard as anyone and will take a power of stopping.
(Back) Manager Jason Kennedy, club president Matthew Jack, Hayden Bolam, Aaron Mawhinney, Mitchell Andrews, Jack Smith, Connor Greenhalgh, Jonah Little, strapper Andrew Porter, trainer Ben Godden (middle) strapper Darren Butler, Charlie Lennon, Harrison Leadbitter, Mick Coady, Jordan Hartwig, Ben Maguire, Zeke Hartwig, Jake Porter, Farren Lamb, trainer Troy Hurford (front) Coopa Martin, Jack Hartwig, Chad Porter, manager Geoffrey Acheson, captain Nick Greenhalgh, coach Cameron Greenhalgh, Dave White, Nick Booth and Traie Merrit (seated in front) tee runner Logan Godden.
Lots to do at Homegrown Parkes
LOOKING AT LANDCARE
By CENTRAL WEST LACHLAN
LANDCARE, MARG APPLEBEE
We are pleased to welcome a new, young, business owner as a workshop presenter at Homegrown Parkes on Saturday, 11 October.
Leihn Mansley has been operating his business, The Folk Roaster, from Parkes since 2023.
He began with one goal, to create truly exceptional coffee at home.
Leihn invested in a roaster, sourced the finest beans, and spent ten months fine-tuning every variable to unlock the perfect brew.
The result was a first release - Saturday Light Roast - a clean, balanced, single-origin Australian coffee designed to celebrate clarity, flavour, and craft.
Since then, Leihn has continued to roast with one purpose in mind: to elevate the home coffee
experience and give every home barista the tools to become a coffee artisan.
Leihn will step workshop attendees through the process of bean selection, flavours, roasting, blending and storage.
All of the processes that have to be done well to obtain the perfect brew!
Leihn’s workshop will be held in the Cooke Park Pavilion at 11am.
We ask that attendees
book a spot so that we can cater for everyone and attendees can go in the draw to win one of several prizes at the end of the workshop.
If you would like to learn more about coffee bean types, roasting, blending and much more, register for this workshop via StickyTickets: Coffee Roasting with The Folk Roaster.
Our Homegrown Parkes
event will kick off at 9am, where we will welcome representatives from across NSW for the State Tidy Towns Sustainability Awards weekend.
This will be followed by the Parkes Shire Concert Band performance.
We are fortunate to be joined by the Parkes Music and Dramatic Society at 10am with excepts from their production Little Shop of Horrors.
Following the Parkes M and D performance, we will be joined by Parkes Dance Co at 10.30am, providing half an hour of performances.
Spicy Mercury are back! They will be knocking out some tunes from 11am.
Phil and Nadia Donato are going to wrap up our workshops for the day, with a special Tiramisu Workshop in Cooke Park Pavilion from 12.30pm… more info next week!
To finish up the day, we will have a very special performance from our local Fijian community, who will be singing up a storm to celebrate Fiji Day, officially acknowledged the day before Homegrown Parkes, but celebrated with us at Homegrown Parkes on 11 October at 1.30pm!
For further information on this article, please go to www.centralwestlachlanlandcare.org, Twitter, Facebook or Instagram @ cwllandcare
Middleweights sell to 566c/kg, heavies receive 540c/kg
CATTLE SALE
Monday, 1 September
Yarding 1587 (down 59)
Numbers eased this sale with agents yarding 1587 head.
Quality was fair with good numbers of well bred cattle penned along with the few secondary types.
Most of the usual buyers were present and competing in a dearer market.
Yearling steers to processors held firm to sell from 484 to 510c/ kg. Those to feed jumped 10 to 15c/ kg and more in places.
Middleweights sold from 462 to 566c and heavies received from 470 to 540c/kg.
The heifer portion showed an easier trend partly related to quality. Feeders paid from 440 to 495c with the better types to processors receiving from 447 to 499c/kg.
Heavy steers and bullocks sold from 420 to 490c/kg.
Grown heifers ranged in price from 352 to 474c/kg.
Cows lifted 7 to 14c with heavy 2 score from 360 to 380c and 3 score 378 to 428c/kg.
The best heavy bull reached 380c/kg.
SHEEP SALE
Tuesday, 2 September
Yarding 54,600 (up 8700)
Numbers jumped again this sale
with agents yarding 54,600 head.
Lamb numbers increased to 43,950 and quality was similar to previous sales.
There was a handy offering of well finished lambs penned along with the plainer and secondary lines.
Most of the usual buyers were present and competing in a dearer market.
There was 8150 new season lambs offered and quality was good with most fresh and finished.
Trade weights sold from $260 to $327 and heavies from $310 to $346/head.
Old lambs lifted $10 to $15/head and more in places. Trade lambs
20-24kg ranged from$241 to $316/ head.
Heavy lambs to 26kg ranged from $296 to $335 and extra heavyweights sold from $319 to $428/ head.
Carcase prices averaged from 1079 to 1253c/kg. Mutton quality continues to be mixed and Merinos made up the majority.
Prices lifted with Merino ewes selling from $176 to $266/head.
Crossbreds received from $170 to $280 with Heavy Dorper ewes ranging from $203 to $280/head. Merino wethers sold from $176 to $245/head.
FROM MLA’S NATIONAL LIVESTOCK REPORTING AGENCY
Grains research meeting in Parkes
Grain growers in and around Parkes are being urged to attend an upcoming grower meeting to discuss issues around grains research and development, levy rates and reviews and the impact on growers.
The ‘Grains R&D: Your levies, your views consultation’ has been organised by GrainGrowers as part of its representative organisation role with the GRDC.
It will take place in Parkes on Thursday, 11 September at the Parkes Services Club from 10.30am–12pm and it is free.
In total, meetings will be held in 18 regional centres across five states that began from 2 September and run through until 16 October.
GrainGrowers CEO Shona Gawel said the meetings are an ideal opportunity for growers to consider the current situation, to put forward their thoughts on the issues and raise questions that they would like considered and answered.
Ms Gawel said in recent months there had been many discussions about grains research and development, and it was important to engage as widely as possible with growers.
“As a grower member organisation, direct engagement is in our DNA, and these meetings are designed to allow us to listen and to reflect carefully on the next steps,” she said.
“While our members are free to contact us at any time, growers across Australia now have multiple opportunities to come together to discuss.”
“The full schedule of consultations is available via our website.”
For anyone unable to attend next week’s meeting, GrainGrowers will be holding a virtual session at a later date to encourage the widest possible consultation.
To register for the Parkes meeting go online to https://events.humanitix.com/copy-of-grains-r-and-dyour-levies-your-views-dubbo
Leihn Mansley has been operating his business, The Folk Roaster, from Parkes since 2023 and will be at Homegrown Parkes on October 11 providing a workshop about coffee bean types, roasting, blending and much more.
6.00 Rage Charts. 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Beyond Paradise. 1.25 Professor T. 2.15 I, Jack Wright. 3.00 Inside Our Minds. 5.00 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery. 5.30 Landline. 6.00 Australian Story. 6.30 Back Roads. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 Beyond Paradise. 8.30 Midsomer Murders. 10.00 The Family Next Door. 10.50 I, Jack Wright. 11.35
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Harry’s Practice. 11.30 GetOn Extra. 12.00 Australia’s Best Drives. 12.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 1.30 The Yorkshire Steam Railway: All Aboard. 2.30 Horse Racing. Charter Keck Cramer Moir Stakes Day and Chelmsford Stakes Day. 5.30 Animal Rescue. 6.00 Dog Patrol. 6.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 11.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 4.40 MythBusters. 5.30 George Clarke’s Old House, New Home. 6.15 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent Specials. 7.05 Spicks And Specks. 7.35 QI. 8.05 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee (NZ) 8.50 The Stand Up Sketch Show. 9.40 Changing Ends. 10.00 Late Programs.
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. 12.00 Horse Racing. Charter Keck Cramer Moir Stakes Day and Chelmsford Stakes Day. 2.30 AFL Pre-Game Show. 3.00 Football. AFL. Second elimination final. GWS Giants v Hawthorn. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Football. AFL. Second qualifying final. Fremantle v Gold Coast Suns. 10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. 11.00 To Be Advised. 12.35 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 1.00 Football. AFL Women’s. Round 4. Gold Coast Suns v GWS Giants. 3.00 Rides Down Under: Aussie Truckers. Return. 4.00 Deep Water Salvage. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 AFL Post-Game. 6.30 AFL PreGame. 7.00 Storage Wars. 7.30 MOVIE: Back To The Future. (1985) 10.00 MOVIE: Ghostbusters. (1984) 12.15 Late Programs.
Next Level. 8.00 Kids Baking C’ship. 8.40 Chopped Jnr. 9.25 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.05 Abbott Elementary. 10.25 Speechless. 10.45 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 NRLW Wrap. 12.45 Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. Dragons v North Qld Cowboys. 2.35 Rugby Union. The Rugby C’ship. Aust v Argentina. 4.30 Test Rugby: Australia v Argentina Post-Match. 5.00 News. 5.30 Getaway. 6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 Rugby League. NRL. Canterbury Bulldogs v Cronulla Sharks. 9.25 NRL Saturday Night Footy Post-Match. 10.00 MOVIE: American Assassin. (2017)
6.00 It’s Academic. 7.30 Flushed. 8.30 Beat Bugs. 10.00 Weekender. 10.30 Weekender. 11.00 The Big Adventure. 12.30 My France With Manu. 1.30 Starstruck. 2.45 Aust Got Talent. 4.30 MOVIE: Close Encounters Of The Third Kind. (1977) 7.30 MOVIE: The Da Vinci Code. (2006) 10.30 MOVIE: Wild Things. (1998) 12.45 Burn Notice. 1.30 Late Programs.
Jamestown. 2.30
Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 Escape To The Country. 1.30 Harry’s Practice. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 The Great Australian Doorstep. 3.00 Your Money & Your Life. 3.30 Animal Rescue. 4.00 Escape To The Country. 7.00 Greatest Escapes To The Country. 7.45 Mrs Brown’s Boys. 8.30 Vera. 10.30 The Pembrokeshire Murders. 11.35 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 11.30 Fishy Business. 12.00 The Fishing Show By AFN. 1.00 Football. AFL Women’s. Round 4. Sydney v Fremantle. 3.00 Air Crash Inv. 4.00 Mt Hutt Rescue. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Border Security: Int. 7.00 Border Security. 8.30 MOVIE: Twister. (1996) 10.50 MOVIE: The New Mutants. (2020) 1.00 Late Programs.
Antiques Roadshow. 6.05 Growing Up Jewish. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 Austin. 8.00 The Family Next Door. 8.50 I, Jack Wright. 9.35 MOVIE: Sherpa. (2015) Russell Brice. 11.10 Anh’s Brush With Fame. 11.40 Late Programs. 6.00 Kids’ Programs. 3.30 The Gruffalo. 3.55 Odd Squad. 4.30 Little J And Big Cuz. 5.05 Zog. 6.10 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.30 Paddington. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.35 The Mysterious Benedict Society. 8.25 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.05 Abbott Elementary. 9.50 Speechless. 10.10 Merlin. 10.55 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 2.05 ER. 2.50 Heartbreak High. 3.35 A Bite To Eat. 4.05 Would I Lie To You? 4.40 MythBusters. 5.30 George Clarke’s Old House, New Home. 6.15 Phil Spencer: Secret
your colleagues, but you’ll have to present some hard facts and figures if you hope to persuade those who make big decisions to support you.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Keep your bright Bull’s eyes focused on the project at hand. Avoid distractions. There’ll be lots of time for fun and games later. Expect to get welcome news later on in the month.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) You might soon have to decide about moving a relationship from its current status to another level. Don’t let anyone influence your decision. It must be yours and yours alone.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) You can finally get off an emotional roller coaster and get back to focusing on your goals without interruptions through the rest of the week. A nice change is due later on in the month.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 The Brighter Side. 12.30 Everyday Gourmet. 1.00 The Yes Experiment. 1.30 4x4 Adventures. 2.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia. 3.30 Pooches At Play. 4.00 My Market Kitchen. 4.30 Food Trail: South Africa. 5.00 10 News. 6.30 The Dog House Australia. 7.30
6.00 Morning Programs. 1.00 Antiques Downunder. 1.30 Dad’s Army. 2.00 Rugby Union. The Rugby Championship. Australia v Argentina. 2.40 MOVIE: Follow That Dream. (1962) 5.00 Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. Round 10. Canterbury Bulldogs v Cronulla Sharks. 7.00 Customs. 7.30 TBA. 11.40 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. NZ Warriors v Broncos. 1.45 Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. Round 10. Newcastle Knights v Gold Coast Titans. 3.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 27. Parramatta Eels v Newcastle Knights. 6.00 9News Sunday. 7.00 The Block. 8.35 60 Minutes. 9.35 9News Late. 10.05 A Killer Makes A Call. 11.05 The First 48. 12.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 AFL Sunday Footy Show. 12.00 The Baron. 1.00 MOVIE: State Secret. (1950) 3.20 MOVIE: Sabata. (1969) 5.30 M*A*S*H. 6.00 Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. Round 10. Parramatta Eels v Wests Tigers. 8.00 M*A*S*H. 8.30 MOVIE: The Monuments Men. (2014) 10.50 The Closer. 11.50 Late Programs. 6.00 It’s Academic. 7.30 Flushed. 8.30 Beat Bugs. 10.00 Behave Yourself. 11.00 My France With Manu. 12.00 Starstruck. 1.30 Home And Away. 4.30 The Voice. 6.00 Gold Coast Ocean Rescue. 6.30 Puppy School. 7.30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent. 8.30 Law & Order: SVU. 10.30 Bones. 12.30 Quantico. 3.00 Burn Notice. 5.00 American Crime. 6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Good Chef Bad Chef. 10.30 The Brighter Side. 11.10 Survivor: Australia V The World. 1.30 Location, Location,
LEO (July 23 to August 22) Trying to make an impression on some people runs into a bit of a snag at first, but it all works out. Meanwhile, an old and almost forgotten personal matter once again needs attention.
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) A rise in your energy level helps you finish an especially demanding task. Take some time now to spend with family and friends before starting a new project.
LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) This is a good time to reestablish contact with trusted former associates who might be able to offer good advice regarding a career change you’ve been contemplating.
SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Your resourcefulness combined with a calm, cool approach can help you work your way out of a knotty situation and avoid a potentially serious misunderstanding.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) A calm, quiet period allows you to recharge your energies. But later on in the month, you’ll be ready to saddle up and gallop off in pursuit of your goals.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Family matters need your attention. Check things out carefully. There might still be unresolved tensions that could hinder your efforts to repair damaged relationships.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) It’s a good time to take a stand and show as much passion on your own behalf as you do when arguing for the rights of others. You might be happily surprised by the reaction.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20) You bring sense and sensitivity to a confusing situation. Things settle down later on, leaving you free to enjoy a weekend of fun and relaxation with friends and family.
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD
4 What are night clothes consisting of loose trousers and jacket (7)
8 Name a renowned Australian bushranger (3,4)
9 To captivate, is to do what (7)
10 What is a short cord for securing something (7)
11 Who were the Secret State Police of Nazi Germany (7)
12 Which British countryman cultivates his own land (6)
14 Name recently married women (6)
18 Which colour is deep purplish red (7)
21 To lift up, is to do what (7)
22 To make lively, is to do what (7)
23 To abrogate, is to do what (7)
24 When one infuriates, one does what (7)
DOWN
1 What is power or capacity to do or act in any relation (7)
2 To be silly, is to be what (5)
3 Kingston is the capital of which parliamentary State in the West Indies (7)
4 What is a solemn promise (6)
5 Which strong fibres are used for making fabrics, cordage, etc (5)
7 What is a discharge of artillery (5)
13 Name an English actor, producer and director, Laurence … (7)
15 To drive backwards, is to do what (7)
16 What are pieces of defensive handheld armour (7)
18 To desire eagerly, is to do what (5)
19 What is vulgar or abusive language (5)
20 Name the patron saint of Wales (5)
Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
1 KITSCH
(a) Pretentious or worthless art
(b) A colourless brandy distilled from wild black cherries
(c) A savoury custard tart
2 LEXIS
(a) A means of connection
6 Name an imaginary female marine creature (7)
Letters have a number
17 When one curls the lip, one does what (6)
Some values are in the right hand cells. Create remaining
E-QUATIONS
Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
(b) The vocabulary of a language
(c) The law of retaliation
BIYWORD
Build it yourself using the clues and each of the twenty-four letters once only to form ten words: five across and five down. A key word (bold clue) builds on the letter set in the grid.
CLUES:
Bath ’N’ Kitchen (abb) (3)
Fertiliser: ... & Bone (5)
Italian potato dumplings (7)
Odd (coll) (5)
Pair (3)
Sack (3)
Sadness (coll) (5)
Small nocturnal lizard (5)
Strident (7)
Timid (3)
Hardy and Cogswell battle out five-setter in squash
SQUASH By DROP SHOT
Squash returned to the courts after our annual championships; for the third week of our Spring comp, Wednesday night August 20.
Some highlights: Marcus Hardy and Christine Cogswell filled their score sheet over a five set feast.
Marcus was initial winner 1715 then lost two sets and took the fourth16-14 but Christine never to be ruled out claimed the fifth set win 15-12. Beth Cannon lost a close match to Noah Brown.
After four sets and ‘evens stevens’ in the fifth at 14 all, Noah grasped victory with two crucial points to 16-14.
Results
Court one: B Hardys v Cowhans 7 points to 7. Bec Jones v Lindy Cowhan 6-1, Shane Moxey v Nate Markwort 1-6.
Court two: M Hardys v Cogswells 11 to 10. Lucy Robinson v Kimberley Chudleigh 3-4, Robey McMillan v Bella Henry 5-2.
Court three: Jones v Markworts 9 to 5. Cooper v Will 6-1.
Week four August 27
Highlights: Brothers Marcus and Bradman Hardy ‘mixed and matched’ through five sets of ripper squash but Marcus tasted victory taking the final sets 15-5, 15-13.
Results
Court one: Jones v Cogswells 12 points to 2. Cooper v Christine 6-1, Lucas Jones v sub R McMillan 6-1.
Court two: Markworts v Cowhans 2 to 12. Hannah Nixon v Lindy Cowhan 1-6, Noah Brown v Nate Markwort 1-6.
Court three: M Hardys v B Hardys 11 to 9. Lucy Robinson v Bec Jones 1-6.
Team places: Jones first with 57 points, M Hardys next 41, Cogswells third 33, Cowhands follow on 33 also before B Hardys 28 with Markworts last for 27.
Thursday evening August 21
Highlights: In a match that seemed to go on longer than the red lights at the Iron Bridge, Jake Shaw and sub Alex Doyle used every shot known until Alex nailed the last four points to win the fifth 15-11.
Will Markwort and Lawry Brayne used any and every shot also to gain advantage then after four solid sets and two sets all Will pulled away to a 15-10 win and a big set for set match involving Tony Trotter and Tim Welsh had everything that makes a great match great but only one can win and it was Tony this time 15-12 . Week four August 28
Highlights: Max Ridley and Uncle John entertained all with a phenomenal five set match and not much in it but Max won the two last points and match.
Results
Court one: Millers v Acrets 22 points to 13.
Sub J Shaw v Regan 1-6, Mark Webb v Lawry Brayne 5-2, Claire Bayley v Alex Bayley 6-1, Anthony Trotter v sub G Coote 6-1.
Court two: Dawes v Hornerys 23 to 18.
Oli v Sam 6-1, Brendon Allegri v Alex Doyle 1-6, Shanna Nock v Cam Dale 6-1, Peter Cowhan v Scott Webb 1-6, Tim Welsh v Greg Ridge 3-4.
Court three: Jones v Shaws 19 to 9. Jono Cannon v Dan Bayley
2-5, Adam Chudleigh v sub Tim Coombs 5-2.
Team places now: Hornerys lead with 88 points, Dawes follow on 82, Acrets next 80, Jones fourth 71, Millers 67 then Shaws trail on 51.
Next draw: Team 1 v 3, 5 v 2, 6 v 4 both nights.
See the dark side of the moon Monday
By MARK SIMPSON
Star gazers will be hoping for a clear night next Monday to see a total eclipse of the moon.
While not a rare event, the last total lunar eclipse seen in Australia was in 2022 and the next will be in March 2026.
A lunar eclipse occurs when the full moon passes through earth’s shadow.
Earth will be directly between the sun and the moon, and the earth’s shadow is cast out into space.
When everything lines up the moon passes through it.
Sometimes called a “blood moon” the moon takes on an orange to red or brown colour as the eclipse progresses.
This is due to the refraction of the sun’s light passing through the earth’s atmosphere.
The same way as sunsets and sunrises look orange here on the ground.
The light is bent to show the red end of the spectrum as it passes at a shallow angle through the earth’s atmosphere.
If you are on the moon on Monday morning it would look like an orange sunrise coming up over earth.
The bad news is this eclipse is not particularly convenient viewing as it starts at about 1am and goes until after 5am with
the main peak of the eclipsewhen the moon is entirely in the darkness of the earth’s shadowat 4.10am.
The good news is that you don’t need any special equipment at all to watch the eclipse.
It is quite clear to the naked eye and is just like watching the moon on any other night.
If you’re keen enough to get
out of bed and brave the cold you will be quite stunned at how the night goes from a bright, full moon night to full darkness.
It’s a bit spookier than it sounds if you’ve never seen it before.
All this assuming the weather is not cloudy.
The eclipse will start at 1.30am on Monday when the
By TONY BRATTON
Results of the Forbes S.S.A.A. sporting shooters .22 cabilre rimfire rifle shoot on Sunday 31 August 2025.
This shoot started with a 25metre B300 target shoot with a maximum score of 300 points, a 50metre Fox target shoot with a maximum 250 points, a 75metre Bear target shoot with a maximum 120, a 100metre Fly target shoot with a maximum 120 points.
25m B300 target shoot: John Gorman, 300/300; John Dunkley, 299/300; John Dean, 296/300; Anthony Bratton, 292/300; Chris Parris, 290/300; Steve Hindmarch, 290/300; Norm Brook, 290/300; Lee Boland, 285/300; Tony Grant, 282/300; Brian Neilsen, 274/300; Barbara Brook, 270/300; Josh Walding, 240/300 and Joey Reedy, 214/300.
50metre Fox target: John Gorman, 250/250; John Dunkley, 250/250; John Dean, 249/250; Steve Hindmarch, 249/250; Brian Neilsen, 248/250; Chris Parris, 245/250; Tony Grant, 239/250; Anthony Bratton, 237/250; Lee Boland, 216/250; Norm Brook, 216/250; Barbara Brook, 197/250; Joey Reedy, 120/250 and Josh Walding, 117/250.
75metre Bear target: John Dean, 118/120; John Gorman, 118/120; John Dunkley, 118/120; Brian Neilsen, 113/120; Anthony Bratton, 112/120; Steve Hindmarch, 110/120; Norm Brook, 106/120; Chris Parris, 102/120; Lee Boland, 94/120; Barbara Brook, 93/120; Tony Grant, 93/120; Joey Reedy, 89/120 and Josh Walding, 88/120.
100metre Fly target: John Dunkley, 107/120; John Gorman, 105/120; Steve Hindmarch, 102/120; Anthony Bratton, 95/120; Tony Grant, 93/120; Norm Brook, 81/120; Brian Neilsen, 76/120; John Dean, 76/120; Chris Parris, 72/120; Barbara Brook, 68/120; Josh Walding, 59/120; Lee Boland, 59/120 and Joey Reedy, 55/120.
The 100metre Fly target shoot was the third round for the Rimefire Shield.
The weather was fine and cold with a breeze from the south east at 8kph and a temperature of 15 degrees.
The range officers were Norm Brook, Chris Parris, Anthony Bratton and Brian Neilsen. Scorers were Steve Hindmarch and John Dunkley.
The Centre-fire rifle shoot was held after the Rim-fire shoot.
Shooters in attendance were Steve Hindmarch, Tony Grant, Chris Parris, John Dunkley, John Dunkley, Norm Brook and Anthony Bratton. The range officers were Anthony Bratton and Norm Brook.
This was the third round for the 200metre Centre-fire Shield and there was only two scores recorded: Steve Hindmarch, 90/120 and John Dunkley, 90/120.
The next S.S.A.A. sporting shooters .22 calibre and other rimfire rifle shoot (.22 magnum or.17HMR), will be held this Sunday 7 September 2025 starting at 10am.
The next Wednesday shoot will be on Wednesday 17 September 2025 starting at 2pm. Wednesday shooters, could you try and be at the range by 1.30 pm to start 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 Centre-fire range. All shoots are at the Bedgerebong road range, turn right off the Bedgerebong road onto Dr. Young Drive.
All target shooters are welcome to attend.
For all information on .22 calibre rimfire shooting contact: Wayne Facey Mobile 0414524059; Norm Brook 0458664541; or Ben Smith mobile 0427524151.
moon enters the semi-shadow of earth.
The total eclipse begins at 3.30am when the moon enters full shadow and reaches totality at 4.10am when the moon will appear almost totally dark.
The total eclipse ends at 4.50am with the semi-shadow continuing into the morning twilight.
The next shoot for the Forbes S.S.A.A. sporting clays will be their monthly shoot on Sunday 14 September at 10am. This shoot will be a 100 target field shoot, if wet a five stand shoot will be held.
For all information on clay target shooting contact: Norm Brook 0458664541; Ben Smith 0427524151; Tony Bratton (02) 68523349; Doug Davis (02) 68523249 or Phil Picker (02) 68516494.
Check the facebook page or local radio 2LVR 97.9 FM for any changes to the schedule.
The by-monthly meeting for October 2025 will be held at the Forbes Sport and Rec Club on Wednesday 8 October 2025 at 8pm.
Oli Dawes and Henry Kross after their semifinal match which was a highlight of our recent championships. PHOTO: Forbes Squash
Spring has sprung with good turn out for croquet
CROQUET
Aussie Croquet was played on Saturday 30 August 2025 with only 10 in attendance. Only the bravest played because of the cold winds.
However those who played enjoyed the morning despite the cold.
All three games were won by Rex Toole whilst two game winners were Russell Anderson, Cheryl Toohey, Peter West & Elvy Quirk. Well done to those players.
Scores on the day were as follows: Cheryl Toohey & Rex Toole defeated Tony Bernardi & Elvy Quirk 14/8; Cheryl Toohey & Frank Donohoe defeated Tony Bernardi & Kevin Rubie 14/9: Elvy Quirk & John Farah defeated Kevin Rubie & Frank Donohoe 14/10; Peter West (solo) defeated Kevin
Rubie (solo) 14/10:Elvy Quirk (solo) defeated Cheryl Toohey & Russell Anderson 14/10; Rex Toole (solo) defeated Bill Scott(solo) 14/11: Russell Anderson & Cheryl Toohey defeated Peter West & Tony Bernardi 14/11; Russell Anderson & Bill Scott defeated John Farah & Frank Donohoe 14/11.
Congratulations to those winners on the day.
On Tuesday 2 September Golf Croquet was played with 38 in attendance. It was a beautiful spring day.
It was great to see Marie Spry back playing after a break away. Two games on the day were won by Tony Bernardi, May Jones, Neil Riley, Noel Jolliffe, Robin Pols, Lyall Strudwick, Pam Thomson, Bruce Toole, Margaret Dent, Peter West, Noel Jolliffe and Elvy Quirk whilst all three games were won by Wayne
Wright, Fay Picker, Sue Jolliffe, Kevin Rubie, John Browne & Neville Spry. Congratulations to those winners.
On the day a runaway score was recorded by Barbara Bruce and Kevin Rubie who defeated Peter Mackay & Peter West 10/3. I believe our beginner Barbara played extremely well. Well done.
9/4 scores were as follows: Neil Riley & Margaret Dent def May Jones & Mal Smith, Neil Riley & Sue Wade def Enid Baker & Rex Toole, Kevin Rubie & Elvy Quirk def Frank Donohoe & Rex Toole, John Farah & Sue Jolliffe def Neil Riley & Sue Wade, Mal Smith (solo) def Pam Thomson & Bruce Toole, Robin Pols & May Jones def Belinda Facey & David Williams; 8/5 scores on the day Bruce Toole & Fay Picker def Robin Pols & Sally Perry, John Browne & Sue Jolliffe
def John Farah & David Williams, Noel Jolliffe & Peter West def Bill Scott & Barry White, Noel Jolliffe & May Jones def Colleen Liebich & Sally Perry, Neville Spry & Margaret Dent def John Farah & Mal Smith, Bruce Toole & John Browne def Roma Wicks & Marie Spry, David Williams & Robin Pols def Sue Wade & Tony Bernardi. Close scores of 7/6 as follows: Neville Spry & Tony Bernardi def Colleen Liebich & Evelyn Mahlo, Russell Anderson & Peter Mackay def Lyn Simmonds & Lyall Strudwick, Wayne Wright & Ray Martin def Barbara Bruce & Belinda Facey, Marie Spry & Pam Thomson def Roma Wicks & Frank Donohoe, Pam Thomson & Peter West def Evelyn Mahlo & Russell Anderson, Lyall Strudwick & Wayne Wright def Barbara Bruce & Peter Mackay, Carolyn Neilsen (solo) def Belinda
Facey (solo), Neil Riley & Sue Jolliffe def Lyn Simmonds & Ray Martin, Fay Picker & Bill Scott def Enid Baker & Barry White.
A gentle reminder that the Annual General Meeting is coming around during October and please take time to think what positions you would like to hold for the coming year.
Membership renewals of $20 are due before 30 September next. Spring is here and the weather is getting much better so should you be interested in a game of croquet come down on a Tuesday by 9.15 am and you can try your luck whilst being paired with an experienced player to get to know the ins and outs of the game. Age is no barrier, young and old alike can play the game.
Stay safe.
By ELVY QUIRK
Team Andrews v Bayley in major fours
Majors: Our second semi-final has been played and we now have our two final teams that will battle it out for the championship bragging rights.
Super sub Viv Russell, filling in for Brian Spro Asimus and leading his team, Jax Murphy, Scott Andrews and Mitch Andrews to their victory on Saturday.
The result does not reflect the calibre of bowls that was shown by both teams.
Leading 8-3 in the first 5, Brett Davenport, Ian Hodges, Shayne (Shark) Staines and Bert Bayley definitely had their game faces on. Team Andrews were starting to get their game back on track on 6th. Taking the lead on 7 with a handy 5 points, this game was going to go down to the wire.
Sitting 21 to 10 in front on 12, Andrews’ team could not slack off as Bayley’s team came through and took the next 5 ends to trail by 3 1721.
They say it only takes 1 point to make a difference and Andrews’ team picked up 3 ends, scoring singles until the end and won the game 24-18.
Spro, Jax, Scott and Mitch will now come up against Clint Hurford, Geoff and Bruce Williams and Robert “Pooch” Dukes in the finals.
Minors: Two games played on Sunday morning to kick off our Minor Triples Championships for the 2025 season.
Billy Cowell, Posso Jones and Cherie Vicent gave it their all when they played Brett Davenport, Shayne (Shark) Staines and Pooch Dukes. Brett and Shark backing up from the day before and carrying their outstanding form into this game, didn’t let their skip down.
It was 14-all on the 19 with two ends to go, both teams were going to go down fighting to the end. Pooch’s team was lucky enough to pick up 3 on the last and secured the win 17-15.
The second game was played by Phil Hocking, Tim Everest and Laurie Crouch against Tara Shaw (filling in for Ange Dwyer), Max Vincent and Sue White.
Starting out strong, Sue’s team found their groove early and led 11-3 on 8.
Laurie’s team started to get their
eye in and started their comeback. Picking up a 5 on the 12th, this was certainly handy for their score board to only trail by 1, 11-12.
Laurie’s team continued their streak and could smell victory, sprinting across the finish line with the win 25-14.
SOCIAL BOWLS
Due to inclement weather on Wednesday there were no games played for social Wednesday bowls.
Thursday – As the weather temperatures start to increase so do the number of bowlers for Thursday afternoon. 24 bowlers took to the greens endure the cool breeze but the sun was still out and so were great bowls.
Playing her first “comp/social” game was 14-year-old Harmony Hocking teaming up with her Pop, Phil Hocking to play against Tara Shaw and Bobby Grant.
Harmony put down some cracking bowls and was able to read the greens quite early. They dug deep but couldn’t come away with the
win, Tara and Bobby winning the game 23-14.
Eddie Gould and Wayne Burton started out a little slower then Dale Maynard and Viv Russell who played like they have been playing together for years. Eddie and Wayne, despite gaining a 5 only trailed by 4 on the 17th 13-17.
In Viv’s words “read em and weep” being the winner on the card 21-15.
Terry Molloy and Cherie Vicent had a great game against Wayne Wright and Scott McKellar. Despite the 9 all score on the 11th, Terry and Cherie were lucky enough to pick up a 4 a 5 and another 4 to increase their lead 22-11 on 15.
Wayne and Scott tried to claw back some points but couldn’t match the board, Terry and Cherie won 25-16.
Our biggest margin card for the day was Tim Everest and Sue White against Dennis Byrnes and John Kennedy.
The one-sided card showed Tim
and Sue were a well oiled machine and led 16-3 on 9.
They weren’t taking it easy on Dennis and John and put their foot flat to the floor and crossed the finish line with a 27-8 victory.
Max Vincent and Laurie Crouch were also celebrating their win over Noel Hocking and Cliff Nelson 33-11.
Max and Laurie kept their opponents to single figures until the last end when Noel and Cliff gained a 2. Max and Laurie had lady luck on their side gaining 2 5’s and a 6 during their game.
Our last game was played between John Baass and Jeff Nicholson teaming up against Jason Howell and Dale Scott.
John and Jeff flew straight out of the starting boxes and won 10 of the first 12 ends with the scoreboard showing 16-3 lead. Jason and Dale took the next two but John and Jeff did not slow down. Taking the 5 of the last 6 ends and the victory, John and Jeff won 22-7.
No resting touchers recorded. Jackpot winner – John Kennedy Winning rink – Dale Maynard and Viv Russell. Losing rink – Harmony and Phil Hocking.
Sunday – What a morning it was to be on the greens, that’s what 20 bowlers said. Five games of pairs and their chance to win the winning rink or the jackpot.
Peter Tisdell and John Kennedy drew Dale Scott and late Al Phillips after a late scratching. Dale and Al led 9-6 at oranges and came out and picked up 2 4’s straight of the back of half time.
Peter and John couldn’t quite close the gap with Dale and Al winning 18-11.
Pat O’Neill and Viv Russell were too good for Juss Scifleet and Cliff Nelson.
Juss and Cliff only managed 1 point on the board in the first 8 and had to talk tactics in the break. They were able to gain a further 7 points in the back 8 but wasn’t enough against Pat and Viv’s 17 runs on the board.
Terry Molloy and Mick Merritt had a closer games against Trish Todd and Bobby Grant. 8-4 in favour of Terry and Mick at the break, Trish and Bobby had to refuel and take the second half.
They gave it their best and only trailed by 1 point on the 11th but Terry and Mick proved too good taking the victory 15-10.
The dynamic duo of brothers Tyler Murphy and Jax Murphy won 2212 against Daryl Burley and Jason Howell. 11-4 the brothers were in front on 8, Daryl and Jason scored a 3 on the next.
Tyler and Jax answered with a 4 and sprinted to the finish line.
The closest game of the day was between Dennis Byrnes and John Cutler against Terry Murphy and Lyall Strudwick. 5 all on 8 Terry and Lyall pulled out all the stops, winning 5 on the last 8 ends to secure the win by 1, 13-12.
Winning rink – Terry Molloy and Mick Merritt. Losing rink – Juss Scifleet and Cliff Nelson.
Resting touchers: Bobby Grant. Jackpot winner: Tyler Murphy Chicken raffle winners: Jim Dukes, Pat O’Neill, Geck Acheson, Debbie Brown, Dick Sharkey, Shark Staines, Al Phillips, Billy Cowell and Nick Bolam.
Major fours semi-finalists (back) Shane Bolam, Shayne Staines, Scott Andrews, Ian Hodges, Bert Bayley (front) Viv Russell, Jax Murphy. PHOTO: Tara Shaw
LAWN BOWLS
4BBB scores warm the day
MEN’S GOLF
By
SHORT PUTT
The Forbes golfers were initially baulked by the early drizzly weather but those who did venture out enjoyed sunny weather albeit accompanied by a cutting breeze. But the enjoyment was high even if the scores were not.
The Saturday event was a 4BBB Stableford Medley, sponsored by Cahill’s Footwear. Because of the poor weather outlook the field was reduced to 33 players with a few swingers among them.
The winners were the pair of Matt Duff and Stuart Fraser who managed a tidy 45 points.
They welcomed the refuge of the ‘Golfie’ and while pleased with their score were not confident of a win although were happy to be ‘clubhouse leaders’.
Theirs was a well-played game where they combined well to keep the score counter ticking over.
Their score comprised of 2- and 3-pointers only with the front-9 producing the best outcome. They started that with four 3-pointers and scattered five more through the remainder of their game.
While neither of them shined individually they did produce the goods.
The runners-up were Caleb Hanrahan and Ash Hogan. Their 44 points did include a couple of 1-pointers which if they had converted would have nipped them into first place. But they did score 22 points on each half.
sweep to 32 points.
Caleb started the day well with four 3-pointers and managed others on the 10th and 15th holes.
Ash played a steady game, chiming in with his own contribution when needed. His 3-pointer on the 11th, a 4-pointer on the 13th, and steady 2-pointers to bring them home were priceless.
The Individual comp went to Caleb with his 37 points. He bookended his game with 3-pointers at the front and 1-pointers at the back but did enough in-between to score well.
The ladies were not outdone with Heather Davidson and Sally Perry scoring 43 points and Colleen Venables and Kate SteelePark only three shots back. They all picked up a ball each.
The ball sweep went to 40 points, going to: 43 – A & L Alley, H Davidson/S Perry; 40 – C Venables/ K Steele-Park. There was one visitor – Phil Edwards (Albert GC) who teamed with Brendan Hayes.
The NTP’s went to: 9th – Ladies: Nil, Men: Dan Bayley; 18th –Ladies: Colleen Venables, Men: Matt Walton. Colleen and Dan got their 2’s but Matt was a bit wayward. There were seven 2’s overall with the 3rd yielding three and the 18th yielding two.
The 3rd hole Super-Pin went to Stuart Thomas who steered his shot to 160 cm from the hole. It was a difficult shot for him having not yet warmed up and did require quite a bit of ‘body-english’ to draw it in close. But the putt was easy to reward him with a ‘2’.
The weather was most uninviting at the start of the day. Stevie G opted for a cart to stay dry.
The wettest he got was when he jumped into the cart and dislodged
a shower of raindrops upon himself.
Once that was dried there was no more rain. So those who had cancelled missed out on some bright conditions.
The key to success in this format is complementing each other well. This the leaders certainly did.
The recent maintenance work on the greens did present some interesting challenges in reading the line of the putt. And there were some sharp influences on what otherwise would have been easy putts.
But some players did manage to putt with success. Stevie G drained a monster putt, the distance is growing with each telling, from off the edge of the 14th green to record a par. And of course the winners had no problems with the putting, showing how easy it was.
Another to have a successful day was Lachlan Alley.
While he had a bit of trouble on the 7th hole he scored well on every other hole to amount 16 points for the front-9.
His round include two 3’s on each half, with each time providing a good score to complement his dad’s not so good score.
But there were many a story where a shortish putt struck with the intent of going into the cup was suddenly diverted away by the core holes. For some players it just was not fair after all their good work from tee to green.
And then there was the wind. One player was putting on the 6th green trying to earn a point. As the ball slowed down in sight of the hole a gust of wind blew
it sideways and it edged past the hole.
Here is the news:
The FGA AGM is set for Tuesday 28 October. More information will be distributed soon.
A reminder of the Titleist Equipment Demo Day scheduled for Wed 10 Sep. Contact H/Pro Will to book in or find out more details.
A junior player, Archie Quirk, headed down to Catalina GC on the weekend to play in a Golf NSW Junior event.
He had played there before but this time could not ‘get into sync’ on the course and did not do as well as he had hoped.
The Parkes Men’s Open is scheduled for Sunday 14 September.
The club has managed an extension of support to include the Vets golf on Thursday 11 September and make that day something special also. You may consider playing the Vets on Thursday and Bogan Gate on Sunday for some variety in your golf.
Upcoming events are: The ‘Australian Naggers Cup’ at Condo GC on 21 September, and the NSW Country Champs at Cowra on 20 and 21 September.
Also, advice that the “Roylances Tractor Replacement Cup” scheduled for Saturday 20 September will now only be a daily event. The Roylances contingent are unable to participate this year but still want to support Forbes golf.
Please note: The Bogan Gate Open was originally scheduled for Sunday 7 September but has been moved to the following Sunday,
Interesting to note that due to damp fairways and fast greens 11 of the 30 starters finished with less then 30 points.
This Thursday twin towns vets play in Forbes prior to what is being planned as a ‘monster’ day in Parkes the following week (September 11).
Forward thinking Parkes president Peter Bristol has big plans for 11 September which is the Thursday prior to the annual Parkes Open.
“Sponsors for the Open are Bridgestone Mining Solutions Australia and we have them on board to sponsor our weekly twin towns vets, but with a slight difference,” Peter said.
“We will be going up a bit in ‘class’ playing the day on the same format as the Lachlan Valley in the hope of getting a few coming for the Open to play a couple of days earlier.
being the 14 September.
This avoids any clash with Father’s Day celebrations and of course the rugby league grand final where the Forbes Magpies are in contention for another trophy.
It is crystal ball time: Saturday 6 September has the Monthly Medal, sponsored by McFeeters Motor Museum. And Sunday has the usual Stableford Medley comp.
VETS GOLF
He’s very likeable, rough and tough all with soft hands as Forbes veteran golfer Les Little displayed last Thursday winning the twin towns competition with 39 points.
As playing partners commented after over a BBQ sanger the ever popular Les did all possible to loose ‘throwing out the anchor’ on the last hole.
However, Les had the paper work up to date winning on a count-back from fellow club member, Ken Walton.
Recently joined Parkes member Ron Hetherington also found the trophy table with the encouragement award also being the most popular after play manning the barbecue with chief cook Lindsay Elliott.
Nearest the pins, 4th A grade Kim Herbert (F), B grade Bruce Chandler (F), 11th A grade nil, B grade Rob Staples (P).
Little changed in the twin town challenge with Forbes (18 players) scoring 222 point to Parkes (11 players) 196 points.
There was one visitor in Peter Mawhinney from Grenfell enjoying the testing conditions despite being drawn to cart by himself.
“And besides it is Alf’s (Davies) birthday so a cake, if I remember, will be ordered,” Peter added. A word of warning, Peter who has been off the scene for a few weeks, had no hesitation in stating last week he is ready to ‘collect’ so if thinking of a win, get it in now. No casual 12 hole comp in Forbes last Tuesday due to course closure with green renovations well underway. However, back in the swing this week with ball toss at 9am for all interested.
LADIES GOLF
Due to work on the greensand no sand, ladies golf was cancelled last Wednesday.
Weather conditions were not the best Saturday 30th for the 4BBB Stableford Medley with a brave few choosing to play the event.
Heather Davidson and Sally Perry combined well to place themselves 4th in the mix with 43 points.
Kate Steel-Park and Colleen Venables scored 40 points and finished 5th with the girls winning a ball each.
In the single comp Sally Perry carded 35 followed by Kate SteelPark carding 32 points.
Two of our road trippers drove to Narromine Sunday August 31 to play the ladies tournament.
Both girls finished well with Heather Davidson placing runner up in Division 1 Scratch.
Heather also netted the straightest drive in Division 1. Robin Lyell took out division 1 Handicap. Reports were that Narromine had lovely wide fairways and consistent sand on the greens.
Matches set down for play this week include on Saturday September 3 the Lindy Pollock and Jenny Hubbard sponsored 4BBB Par.
Sunday September 7th is the Trangie annual Ladies Tournament.
Wednesday September 10 is Individual Par sponsored by Sally Perry and Margaret Woodburn. Until next week fingers crossed for lovely weather and good golf.
Laim Fraser and Matt Walton are dressed for Saturday’s weather and keen to get going.
PHOTO: Short Putt
Ball
38 Niel Duncan (F), 37 Bruce Chandler (F), 35 Richard Hamilton (P), Mick Bond (P), Kim Herbert (F), 34 Stuart French (F), 32 Lindsay Elliott (P), Joe Davies (P), Warwick Judge (F).
Magpies 16s fly high in grand final
to come together as the team they needed to be.
Forbes Magpies 16s have secured the Lachlan District junior rugby league premiership and it’s a special one, with a significant number of the team to age out of the junior competition next season.
Coach Jason Kennedy said the side had their sights set on that win all season. talent, he was just looking for them
“We only lost one game all year but it was a very big wake up call that we got that day,” he said.
“From that day we got better and better and better.
“The goal was to win the grand
Forbes players were eager as they lined up against Parkes at West Wyalong on Saturday and the Magpies supporters who had made the trip to support the juniors couldn’t have been more thrilled when Dylan Bray scored the side’s first try off their first set.
From there, the team settled in.
Fullback Thompson Hurford and lock Ash Kennedy scored two each
as Magpies pulled away to a 26-4 win.
Hurford was named man of the match for his efforts, Kennedy was sensational and captain Rydah Hancock “unbelievable” in his efforts.
But the coach said everyone stepped up to do their bit to make Saturday a success.
“Everyone did what they had to
do and it ended up a really good day,” he said.
On behalf of the players, Kennedy thanked all those who travelled to West Wyalong to support the Magpies 16s as well as the Under 17s league tag who contested the grand final against Red Bend.
“It was really good to see so many people there cheering,” he said.
LEAGUE TAG 17S’ DISPLAY OF SKILL, DETERMINATION
Red Bend has claimed the 17s league tag premiership in conditions made tough by the wind at West Wyalong.
The grand final came down to one last game between our two Forbes clubs and Red Bend coach Nick Jones said it was a show of the strength of the sport here.
An early break by Ruby Jones set up a runaway try for Izzy Nicholson to get Red Bend away to a good start despite running into the wind.
Magpies hit back quickly, with a great try to Matilda Stitt levelling the scores.
They took the lead when Charlotte Hoey picked up a loose ball to score in the corner to make it 8-4 at half time.
Ruby was named player of the grand final for her efforts.
Red Bend league tag coach Nick Jones said the final 16-8 score was not a true indication of how close the game was.
“Both teams showed great skill and determination in extremely tough conditions,” he said.
“(Red Bend) based our game on teamwork and effort in defence; I am so proud of what this group has been able to achieve.
“It has taken months of hard work and commitment, and they deserved the win on Saturday.”
Jones said Red Bend knew in advance the Magpies would be tough competition and
Red Bend U14s pass ultimate test in league
Red Bend’s Under 14s have secured their league tag premiership with an 18-8 grand final win over Canowindra’s Tigers in West Wyalong.
Coach Hannah De Mamiel described the grand final as the ultimate test - a fast-paced, highintensity match that showcased the best of what the team has to offer. Every player stepped up, delivering a performance to be proud of, and in the end, their efforts were rewarded with a welldeserved victory.
tag final
Throughout the season, the players developed both individually and as a unit, overcoming tough opponents and challenging conditions with determination and heart. Their hard work at training and on game days paid off, finishing the regular season strong as minor premiers and earning their spot in the finals. Congratulations to the entire team, coaching staff, and supporters for an unforgettable season.
The Jason Kennedy-coached Forbes Magpies 16s celebrate their 2025 premiership win at West Wyalong. The team members are 1 Thompson Hurford, 2 Archie Keane, 3 Dylan Bray, 4 Jack Schrader, 5 Haidin Hodge, 6 Hudson Gunn, 7 Brock Maynard, 8 Brett Jones, 9 Jaggar King, 10 Rydah Hancock, 11 Ollie Scott, 12 Charlie Taunton, 13 Ash Kennedy, 14 Ace Hancock, 15 Darby Morris, 16 Jedd Smith, 17 Laine Jackson, 18 Jackson Dukes, 19 Lockie Adams, 20 Lukcas Jones.
PHOTO: Krak’d Lens
2025 Red Bend Sky team of Ruby Heraghty, Ruby Coote, Molly Ticehurst, Sarah Price, Bailee McAneney, Lucy Irvine, Charlee Woodhouse, Meghyn Ruhmann, Bree Charlton, Ruby Jones (Captain), Izzy Nicholson, Ruby Miller, Ella Goodsell.
Our future stars of NRLW and NRL
By MADELINE BLACKSTOCK
Red Bend Catholic College students Grace MacGregor, Ruby Coote, Malia Morrison and Jagger King are all aiming to one day represent in the NRLW and the NRL premierships.
The young footy athletes have been busy competing in NSW representative teams and touring with development teams.
Malia and Ruby were part of the NSWCCC U16s rugby league team at the Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League competition in Townsville.
Malia was awarded player of the match for one their games with Ruby scoring a try for NSWCCC.
“I didn’t think I would get that, I was shocked but happy,” Malia said.
The girls said the competition was very tough up in Townsville but they leant a lot.
NSWCCC went down to a strong Queensland Representative School Sport (QRSS) team in the semi finals 22-10. QRSS went on to win the competition.
Before Ruby headed to TownsLeague carnival at Coffs Harbour. Grace and the team battled on the last day of competition in a
said. “It was a really good experi ence.”
Jagger has the opportunity to be
playing against the Newcastle and Penrith teams as they were people he hasn’t played against before.
“Playing with different people, not the same people I play with every weekend definitely improved my skills as a player,” Jagger said.
Jagger had the opportunity to tour the training grounds and gyms of the Rabbitohs, Knights, Bulldogs and Raiders and said the highlight of this experience for him was meeting new people.
Earlier this year Grace MacGregor was part of the Bulldogs Lisa Fiaola Cup side which finished the season minor premiers undefeated with seven wins and one draw.
The team made it to week three of finals where they were knocked out by Bulldogs with a 22-20 win.
Malia was part of the Western Rams in the Westpac Regional Lisa Fiaola Cup.
The team’s hopes of a grand final were put to bed by the Northern Tigers who won the semi final 2812.
These four athletes are looking to improve their skills in both rugby league and union over the coming years with hopes to one day reach the NRLW and the NRL.
FootyNRL TIPPING
GRACE MACGREGOR, MALIA MORRISON, RUBY COOTE AND JAGGER KING.
PHOTO: MADELINE BLACKSTOCK
Drane makes history
By RENEE POWELL
Tom Drane has made history as the first international rider to win the American Flat Track singles series.
The Forbes-born talent was making headlines on the weekend, after he secured the series win with two rounds still to race.
It’s a dream come true for the young Australian who arrived in the US with a dream just three short years ago, Drane said on his racing Facebook page.
“It’s hard to put my feelings into words after this weekend,” he posted.
“Becoming a Singles Champion is something I’ve worked toward for as long as I can remember.
“When I first came to the USA in 2018, I dreamed of one day earning that title, just like so many racers before me.
“In 2022, I showed up with my bike packed in an esky (cooler), simply hoping someone would give me a chance - and they did.
“To Tim and Traci Estenson and the entire Estenson Racing Monster energy Yamaha team: you’ll never know how much I truly appreciate everything you’ve done for me.”
This is Drane’s third full professional season on the US racing circuit and with team Estenson.
Drane started racing in Australia when he was about seven years old, racked up titles including 17 Australian Dirt Track Championships and 23 State Dirt Track Championships before debuting on the American Flat Track
circuit when he turned 16.
In 2024, he finished runner up in the championship with seven wins for the season – more than any other rider.
This season, Drane had taken the lead in the 16-round championship by its mid-way point, with a win on Du Quoin’s famed Magic Mile.
Racing was at Springfield on the weekend and Drane dominated all three mains to clinch the singles championship.
Drane again paid tribute to the team for the work they’ve put in to ensure he’s got the best bike, week in and week out.
“A special thank you to my crew chief, Dustin, for all of his hard work and support throughout the year - I couldn’t have done this without you,” he wrote.
“To my family, the sacrifices you have all made to allow me to chase my dreams I will be forever grateful.
“It still doesn’t feel real, but I couldn’t be prouder of what my team and I have achieved together - bringing home the 2025 American Flat Track Singles Championship.”
Drane immediately followed up by making his Supertwin debut - fulfilling another lifelong dream of racing a twin on the iconic Springfield Mile.
