Community members gathered at the Grenfell Railway Station on Friday, 27 September to celebrate indigenous culture at Grenfell’s NAIDOC Day celebrations. With great weather on the day, Grenfell NAIDOC Committee’s Julie Gilmore said they were very happy with the turn up people and the participation from guests.
Ms Gilmore said they were also happy to welcome Forbes High School’s Nginhagu Dance Group to the event where they performed several dances.
■ Continues page 2
By REBECCA HEWSON
Police are continuing to investigate following an incident between a B-Double transporting sheep and a train on the Mary Gilmore Way near Bribbaree.
According to police the B-Double collided with the freight train at the level crossing causing it to derail.
“The truck was carrying sheep at the time,” police said.
“The train driver and the truck driver were uninjured.
“A passenger in the truck was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics for minor injuries.”
Police said they were assisted on scene by the NSW Rural Fire Service.
“An investigation is underway into the circumstances surrounding the crash,” police said.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke, who has been fighting for some time to have boom gates installed at railway crossings, spoke to Australian Rail Track Corporation to be updated on the incident.
“Unfortunately, several sheep have died, while the remaining have been moved to a nearby paddock, awaiting vet care,” Ms Cooke said. “The Australian Rail Track Corporation confirmed five wagons
were fully derailed and two were partially derailed during the incident, and they believe the track has sustained some damage.
“Crews are working to bring in a crane to clear the site.”
Ms Cooke also took the time to thank the emergency responders.
“I’d like to thank police, paramedics, RFS and SES for their rapid response and efforts to ensure everyone’s safety, and my thoughts are with the drivers, passenger and their families following this terrible ordeal,” she said.
The local member said the incident is yet another reason she is
continuing to fight for better visibility of trains at passive crossings.
“The crossing where the incident occurred is known to locals for the worst of reasons,” Ms Cooke said.
“It has been the site of numerous incidents and is one of several passive train crossings in our region where we have repeatedly called for the installation of boom gates and flashing lights to prevent accidents and save lives.
“In 2023, the crossing was upgraded with a radar-activated LED stop sigh and advanced warning signs as part of a NSW Government trial to improve driver awareness at passive crossings.
“However, it is clear that more needs to be done.
“The speed limit approach is 100km/h and multiple drivers have reported that the early morning sun makes visibility almost impossible.
“Without proper active warning systems in place, accidents like Friday’s will likely occur again,” she said.
“I have made urgent representations to the Minister calling for boom gates and flashing lights and have emphasised that this situation can no longer be addressed with band-aid solutions.”
Perhaps the best time to arrange a funeral is before it’s needed, without the emotion and stress that often accompanies a death. A pre-paid funeral plan is a service planned and paid for in advance. It is secured at today’s prices, which gives you total control over your funeral.
For more information about our pre-paid funeral options call Patricia on (02) 6343 2501
By TED PICKWELL
President Dennis welcomed 13 members and noted six apologies being received at the Grenfell and District Senior Citizens Welfare Committee’s monthly meeting on 23 September.
Business arising from the previous meeting had been attended to with the exception of the replacement computer which is commented on below.
The meeting was informed by the President that the change to the two units in George Street was not feasible as mentioned in the last meeting. After much discussion the previous motion was rescinded.
The Gardening Committee reported that mowing had been done and was acceptable due to the time of the year.
The garden at the BBQ in Emus units would be removed and replaced with a properly constructed
■ From the front page
Along with several stalls operated by ser vices from around the region, there were painting workshops, bush tucker and wild meat tasting featuring kangaroo and croco dile, and a workshop by didgeridoo player Murray Issard who shared some of his skills. These workshops proved to be a big hit once again this year.
With services from around the region sup porting the event including Landcare, Gren fell Lions, the Men’s Shed, CatholicCare and Cowra Information and Neighbourhood Cen tre, Ms Gilmore said it is really good to see an event like this supported by local services as well as by people from other shires.
Ms Gilmore said that is the whole thought behind NAIDOC Day, especially as this year was focused on the next generation and handing down culture to younger community members.
rockery; this will reduce weeding and reduce any tripping problems.
Quotes for Pest Control would be obtained due to the ever increasing cost of exterminators.
Unit 6 in Parke Street is now vacant but will require an overview by the committee as tidying up is needed before it can be re-let.
Margo gave an update on the replacement computer.
A motion was passed to purchase a revamped machine with suitable
software up to $500.
The old computer would require a cleansing of old files before it is scrapped.
It was confirmed that we are still in the running for a grant towards the new units.
Our current DA had been rejected by Council due to some required changes.
The Drum Muster will be carried out in October and will be notified as to time and date in the usual way.
Unfortunately our explanation in our last report as to the procedure for drums was not adhered to and more dirty drums had been thrown over the cage wall at the tip.
This is a danger to our volunteers as they are not being cleaned and recorded. Please see the local paper where there is a notice on the Council Page as to expected procedures.
The next meeting is scheduled for 28 October, 2025.
By BRENDAN MCCOOL
After hosting their regular meetings on the second Wednesday of each month for the last 25 years, the Grenfell branch of the Combined Pensioners and Su-
JOURNALISTS
perannuants Association (CPSA) have changed their meeting days
The CPSA will now meet every second Tuesday of the month at the Melyra Street meeting rooms. Their next meeting will be hosted on Tuesday, 14 Octo-
Renee Powell 0448 238 023
rpowell@midwestmedia.com.au
Brendan McCool 0448 238 254 bmccool@midwestmedia.com.au
CLASSIFIEDS 02 6342 1044
classifieds@nemedia.com.au
ADVERTISING
Courtney Gambrill 0448 248 080 cgambrill@midwestmedia.com.au www.grenfellrecord.com.au
ber Grenfell’s Combined Pensioners and Superannuants is a nonprofit, non-party-political membership association which serves pensioners of all ages, superannuants and low-income retirees.
and they are calling for more members of the Weddin community to join the Grenfell Branch. For more information about the CPSA contact branch member Margaret Cuddihy on 6343 1237.
The weather is warming up, the days are getting longer and this weekend is the time to bring our clocks forward.
Daylight Saving Time will begin in NSW this Sunday, October 5 at 2am.
Officially at 2am, the clocks go forward to 3am, which means we’ll have more daylight in the afternoons for the rest of the Spring and Summer.
Many modern devices such as smartphones, automatically adjust for daylight saving. For your analog clocks, you’ll need to manually adjust the time.
At the end of the season, we’ll turn the clocks back 2am Sunday, April 5, 2026.
Double Demerits
As well as clocks going forward an hour this weekend, motorists are being reminded that double demerit points will be in place over the October long weekend with police targeting speed, seatbelts, illegal mobile phone use and motorcyclists not wearing helmets.
Double demerit points will be in force for four days commencing on Friday 3 October 2025 and ending on Monday 6 October 2025 (inclusive).
There will be more police on the road which means a greater chance of drivers being caught if they are doing the wrong thing.
A police spokesperson said double demerits were implemented 20 years ago, in a bid to encourage drivers to obey road rules during busy traffic periods, with statistics showing a 30% reduction in casualty crashes when double demerit points are operational.
Parking and loading zones in Grenfell’s Main Street were in focus at Weddin Shire Council September meeting with Council voting in favour of referring the matter of a loading zone and cen tral parking to the Local Traffic Committee for review and recommen dation.
Councillor Wezley Makin said this was a community concern raised to him recently, and the main concern raised was residents within Grenfell that can’t find a park or want to park a little bit closer to IGA or another shop along Main Street pull ing into the centre part to park and obstructing views.
Cr Makin said it makes it a little more difficult to park, and see oncoming traffic when pulling out.
He said he understands if that if they do put a loading zone in that area there will still be cases of trucks and vans there, but it may encourage more people to reconsider their parking if it is designated.
“At the moment that central parking, there’s no saying sign saying that there’s no parking and there’s no sign saying there’s no stopping and it’s not a loading zone.
“So, it’s sort of like a free for-all parking situation because it’s not lined. It’s not anything there,” Cr Makin said.
Councillor Gorman said for a long time she’s heard from a lot of people who are upset about
an issue, though not as much as it used to be.
Cr Gorman said she doesn’t know if a loading zone would be the answer as the rules for loading zones are that people using them are only meant to be there for around 15 minutes.
“However, anyone with a station wagon, a ute, a small truck, those sorts of vehicles can legitimately park in a loading zone,” she said. “Most of the vehicles that park in there now are tradies who go down the street for lunch.”
Cr Gorman said they do block the parking and view of oncoming traffic and makes it harder to park and get out safely, but the regulations
Mid West Media is thrilled to introduce the new Regional Extra to the pages of the Grenfell Record from today’s edition.
The supplement has been in the making for several months and includes a 7-day TV guide, plus a select preview of popular entertainment ahead of the week’s viewing.
The Regional Extra also features a first-look at several of the latest shows set to air on your favourite streaming services. Get a rundown of episodes ready to stream across platforms including Netflix, Prime Video, Disney, Binge, HBO Max and Foxtel. For those who love all things
cute and furry, there is a vet guide on how to best care for your beloved pets.
Get all the latest health tips and advice, with articles written by qualified practitioners.
Also test yourself each week with the puzzle pages including crosswords, sudoku and more.
permission to keep do ing it.
Cr Gorman said while she doesn’t know what the answer is, but she personally doesn’t like the idea of a line painted down the middle of the street which means you can’t cross over with cars only able to go left when they pull out of a spot.
Pointing to Cowra, who put a cement separation down their main street, Cr Gorman said she wouldn’t like to see that in Grenfell.
Cr Gorman said if people do park in the wrong place they don’t really have anyone monitoring it like traffic control or police who would also have other areas of higher need.
et for parking in the mid dle of the main street or a warning or something like that ,in many cases it’s ‘oh well it doesn’t matter we’ll keep doing it’,” she said.
Cr Gorman said if there is a loading zone stores like IGA don’t get much delivered via the Main Street directly, but rather through the back lane.
Cr Makin said the issue isn’t tradies and other delivery vehicles using that space, it is people that shouldn’t be using that space.
“The issue is for ongoing offenders that just pull up in front of IGA or pull up in front of the bank because they running in to get lunch or whatever,” he said.
Cr Makin said there will be some people who don’t care and will keep parking there, but he doesn’t really want to have a parking officer walking up Main Street checking because they would hope residents would do the right thing.
Councillor Simon Rolls asked if the Local Traffic Committee could explore the possibility of redesignating some unutilised areas of Main Street to loading zones, or extending the length of the loading zone along the opposite side of Teston
Councillor Jeanne Montgomery said several years ago they put parking in Forbes Street for caravans because they used to park in the middle of the street, and they now know not park in the
“So, I thought it was nobody was meant to park in the middle of the street. That’s why they made those zones down in Forbes Street,” she said.
Cr Gorman said there is also a lengthy loading zone outside of what used to be Moffit’s office, and the Medical Centre across the road from the centre there is a sign that says ‘motorbikes only’, with it being infrequently used by motorbikes.
Cr Gorman said it would have to be a priority for the traffic committee to remove the motorbike sign and remove the loading zone which would ease some of the parking in Main Street.
CAMP STREET, GRENFELL NSW 2810
PHONE: 6343 1212
Thursday 2 October 2025 - Street Stall | Royal Flying Doctors
Friday 3 October 2025 - Street Stall | Grenfell Museum
Saturday 4 October 2025 - Street Stall | Royal Flying Doctors
Monday 6 October 2025 - Labour Day | Public Holiday
Tuesday 7 October 2025 - Trade Waste Collection (instead of Monday 6 October 2025)
Wednesday 8 October 2025 - Garbage Collection | Villages
Friday 10 October 2025 - Street Stall | Weddin Community Native Nursery
Friday 10 October 2025 - Recycling Collection | East
Saturday 11 October 2025 - Street Stall | Grenfell Girl Guides
Monday 13 October 2025 - Recycling Collection | West
Latest Road and Traffic Conditions information for Weddin Shire Council is available from NSW Live Traffic see: https://www.livetraffic.com/ Weddin Shire Council staff regularly monitors and updates the information on Live Traffic NSW. Should any further information be required please contact Council’s Infrastructure Services Department on (02) 6343 1212.
Weddin Shire Council is pleased to advise that major upgrade works on Nowlans Road have been completed from Grimms Lane, Bimbi extending a further 1.5 km towards Bimbi Forest NSW and the road is open to traffic. This project is part of the NSW Governments Fixing Local Roads Program (FLRP) and Roads to Recovery (RTR), delivering a total upgraded road length of 7.5 km, extending from the Bimbi–Quandialla Road intersection through to Bimbi Forest. A formal road opening date will be announced by the end of September 2025.
The minor finishing works, including line marking, signage, and guidepost installation—will be carried out during October 2025. These activities will be clearly marked with temporary traffic signage for safety. Road users are requested to follow all temporary signage directions during this period. The Work will be undertaken between 7.00am and 5.00pm (Monday to Friday).
Some limited noise and dust may occur due to these minor construction activities; however, every effort will be made to minimise impacts on residents. Note: Work is subject to satisfactory weather conditions.
Should you require further information, please contact Infrastructure Services Department on 02 6343 1212 during normal business hours or via email to mail@weddin.nsw.gov.au
Lifeline Central West is inviting local residents to take part in face-to-face conversations about how drought impacts life in rural areas, and what support would make a difference during future droughts. This important project is part of the Central West NSW Regional Drought Resilience Plan, being delivered in partnership with five local councils: Weddin, Cowra, Cabonne, Orange, and Blayney. Contribute your lived experience to help shape better drought support in your community via participation in small informal group discussions. Weddin Shire Focus Group Sessions are being held at the following locations:
Monday 14 October 2025
3:00pm – 6:00pm Grenfell Bowling Club
Tuesday 15 October 2025
10:00am – 1:00pm Quandialla Soldiers’ Memorial Hall
Tuesday 15 October 2025
2:00pm – 5:00pm Greenethorpe Soldiers’ Memorial Hall Register for a focus group or participate in the online survey: www.regionalcommunity
The Taylor Park redevelopment and inclusive playground is nearing completion. The park and facilities, excluding the public toilets, will remain closed to the public until further notice.
Lawns have been reseeded to help restore the park to a vibrant green space. Council asks all visitors to remain on the footpaths and avoid walking on the newly seeded areas to allow the grass to establish properly.
Council thanks the community for its ongoing patience as the project reaches its final stages. We understand there is strong interest in the reopening of the playground and can confirm that work is progressing as efficiently as possible, while maintaining appropriate safety standards on site. Please be aware that workers and equipment remain onsite. Further updates will be shared here and on Council’s Facebook page.
The official opening of the new area will be taking place on Saturday 1 November at 10:00am, further information will be released closer to the date. For more information on the project, visit: www.weddin.nsw.gov.au
SERVICE NSW | OPENING HOURS
Council wishes to advise that the Service NSW Counter opening hours are:
Monday 8:30am – 12:30pm & 1:30pm – 4:00pm
Tuesday 8:30am – 12:30pm & 1:30pm – 4:00pm
Wednesday 8:30am – 12:30pm & 1:30pm – 4:00pm
Thursday 8:30am – 12:30pm & 1:30pm – 4:00pm
Friday 8:30am – 12:30pm & 1:30pm – 4:00pm
The Council Cashier is open Monday to Friday from 8:30am – 12:30pm & 1:30pm – 4:00pm.
COUNCIL | ON PUBLIC EXHIBITION
Council wishes to advise of the following document currently on Public Exhibition:
• Draft | Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy Council welcomes any input or submissions to mail@ weddin.nsw.gov.au by 5:00pm Monday 6 October 2025. Further information can be found at: https://www.weddin.nsw.gov.au/Council/Public-Exhibition
COUNCIL | EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
BOGOLONG DAM PRECINCT COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
Weddin Shire Council is seeking expressions of interest from members of our community to join the Bogolong Dam Precinct Committee. The functions of the Committee are to provide key stakeholder input and advice on the use of Bogolong Dam; to review operational activities of Bogolong Dam; to assist Council with all Dam activities in accordance with relevant WHS legislation including providing strategic direction of the Bogolong Dam.
Nomination Forms are available on Council’s website at: https://www.weddin.nsw.gov.au/Council/Forms with nominations closing 5:00pm Friday 3 October 2025.
ON PUBLIC EXHIBITION | DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION
ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING & ASSESSMENT ACT 1979
DA 27/2025, (NSW Planning Portal No: PAN-572013)
Council has received an Application for a New Shed (14m x 9m) on LOT: 1 DP: 539267, known as
10 Glasson Street QUANDIALLA NSW 2721. Inspection: Development Application (DA) 27/2025 for a New Shed may be viewed online through the NSW Planning portal from 18 September 2025 to 2 October 2025. If any technical issues are experienced on the NSW Planning Portal preventing the development application being viewed, please contact Council via email mail@weddin.nsw.gov.au or by phone on 02 6343 1717 and details of the development will be forwarded to you. Submissions: Any person may make a submission via the NSW Planning Portal https://www.planningportal. nsw.gov.au/daexhibitions within the advertised period. Submissions objecting to the development are required to specify the grounds for objection.
Weddin Shire Council invites submissions for the following Request for Tender:
• RFT 09/2025 | Stabilisation and Sealing for Natural Disaster Works P5 | Closes 12:00noon –
• Thursday 2 October 2025.
• RFT 4/2025 | Deep Lift Asphalt Work at Grenfell & Quandialla Intersections | Closes 12:00noon Tuesday 28 October 2025.
Further information can be obtained from Council’s website: https://www.weddin.nsw.gov.au/Council/ Tenders-Quotations-and-Expressions-of-Interest
CAREER WITH COUNCIL | POSITION VACANT
Council is seeking applications from suitably qualified and/ or experienced staff to meet Council’s Operational Plan requirements for the following position:
• General Labourer – Full time
Further information can be obtained from Council’s website: https://www.weddin.nsw.gov.au/Council/About-OurOrganisation/Employment/VACANY-GENERAL-LABOURER
STEP UP FOR RURAL ROAD SAFETY THIS SEPTEMBER | DRIVING ON COUNTRY ROADS
Stepping up for rural road safety starts with the choices you make every day. The small decisions behind the wheel can be the difference between a safe journey and a tragedy. Everyday actions save lives – yours, your passenger’s and those of strangers sharing the road. This Rural Road Safety Month, take a moment to think about how you can step up. Because every choice matters, and every life matters. Further information can be found at: https://arsf.com.au/ rural-road-safety-month/ PUBLIC NOTICE | POOL SAFETY
Does your pool meet the safety standards? The NSW Government have a Pool ‘Self Assessment’ Checklist for pools built or installed after 1 May 2013. For further information see: https://www.swimmingpoolregister.nsw.gov.au/checklists
GAMBLEAWARE WEEK 2025 – 20–26 OCTOBER
Gambling should always be a choice, not a risk. This GambleAware Week, Weddin Shire Council encourages our community to stay informed and make safe decisions around gambling.
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties with gambling, support and resources are available. Learn more and access helpful tools here: https://www. gambleaware.nsw.gov.au/resources-and-education/ awareness-campaigns/be-aware-visit-gambleaware Let’s work together to keep gambling safe and responsible.
The NSW Government’s 2025/2026 Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program is now open.
Eligible sport and active recreation organisations across NSW can apply for grants of up to $3,000 to help purchase and install Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) at local facilities.
Key Information: Applications open: 25 September 2025
Closing date: 1 December 2025 at 1:00 PM, or earlier if funding is exhausted
Total funding available: $500,000
Grant amount: Up to $3,000 per AED package
Allocation: First-in, first-served
This program supports increased access to life-saving equipment at community sporting venues.
To view the program guidelines, check eligibility, and apply, please visit: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/localsport-defibrillator-grant-program
FROM THE MAYOR’S DESK
I would like to extend my congratulations to the Weddin NAIDOC Committee on a very successful NAIDOC Celebration at the Grenfell Railway last Friday. It was pleasing to see so many people come and join the celebrations and get hands on experience at the workshops, with the art and Didgeridoo playing very popular as was the Dance Troupe from Forbes High School.
The Grenfell Jockey Races were held last Saturday and I would like to thank the Committee for their efforts in getting the track in great condition and securing horses from as far as Wangaratta. There was plenty of highlights from Fashions on the Field to competitive racing with a number of locals and visitors enjoying the beautiful weather. A reminder the Weddin Mountain Muster continues this week and will conclude on Saturday 4 October 2025. Keep an eye out for the riders along the road and follow any traffic control instructions to keep the participants safe. I hope all riders and visitors have enjoyed their visit, experiencing the many hidden gems the Weddin Shire has on offer. Yesterday’s Main Street Parade did not disappoint, just seems to get better each year. Thanks again to the Weddin Mountain Muster Committee and all volunteers who bring this major annual tourism event to our Shire.
The School Holidays are in full swing, and the Grenfell Library this afternoon has Balloon Rocket Racing, bookings are essential at Eventbrite.com.au
If you are looking for something to do or want to showcase our Shire to visitors, pop into the Visitor Information Centre or check out Weddin Mountains Region Facebook to see what’s happening in Weddin.
Enjoy your week Paul Best
Quandialla Public School have released their newsletter for week 10 on Tuesday, 29 September.
Relieving Principal’s Report
We can’t believe we’re at the end of Term 3! We have had an extremely busy term with sporting carnivals, sports gala days, excursions, other special events and of course our Bland School Fridays.
The last couple of weeks however have been fairly uneventful with minimal excursions/interruptions. Our staff have very much enjoyed the time in the classroom as our students work busily to finish off the term. Bribbaree Show coming up
Our students have been completing a number of art entries into the
Bribbaree Show. Keep an eye out for some of the wonderful works.
A big thank you to Mrs Dixon and Mrs Millar for all your efforts with these. And thanks in advance to all the parents volunteering their time on the gate at the show.
Bush Fire season approaching
While not a school matter, please be reminded that bushfire season is approaching. It is a great time to be bushfire ready, clear any fire hazards around your homes and have the conversations with your children around bushfire/emergency plans.
Term 4 Pupil Free Day
The first day back is a staff development so there will be no students at school. Our staff will be busy with
There’s lots to see and do at the Library during these school holidays. Rocket into the Library during the school holidays.
The theme for this holidays is Rocket Action.
While it is a little late notice, on Thursday 2 October (today) at 2pm, the Grenfell Library are making balloon rockets.
The rockets will be raced to see how fast and far they will go.
On Thursday 9 October at 2pm the Library will be making Flying Rockets - this time seeing how high they will fly.
A Lego building table will be set up every open day.
professional learning and preparing for a new school term.
Bland Sports Bland Sports is scheduled for Wednesday Week 2 (22 October) at Bribbaree Public School. Students have nominated for their various events.
Due to the decreasing size of our schools, some minor changes have been made to events to allow events to be more inclusive of our students and cohorts.
Be safe these school holidays and have a great time.
See you back here, happy and well rested Tuesday next term.
By Brady Pudya Relieving Principal.
The Henry Lawson High School have released their newsletter for week 10 on Friday, 26 September.
School leaders announced It is with great pleasure that we announce our 2026 School Captains and Vice Captains. We warmly congratulate Jethro Fenton and Bridie Forde, who have been appointed as our School Captains. Our Vice Captains are Ryan Toole and Ella Mitton. We have every confidence that these outstanding students will provide a strong and inspiring student voice, helping to further enrich our school culture.
Principal’s Report
As we conclude a successful Term 3 and enter the final term of the academic year, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to our students, staff, and families for their ongoing commitment, enthusiasm, and active participation in our school community.
This term has been marked by significant achievements and meaningful engagement, and I look forward to the exciting opportunities and events that Term 4 will bring.
Highlights from Term 3: Congratulations to our Boccia team for placing 13th out of 24 finalists at the School Sport Unit
Boccia State Finals in Homebush, winning three of six games and enjoying a memorable trip exploring Sydney despite the soggy weather.
Year 12 travelled to Wollongong to discover the endless possibilities at he University Of Wollongong.
Year 9 and 10 students commenced a Statement of Attainment in Automotive at TAFE Forbes this semester, attending one day per week.
A big thank you to Sharon from NSW VR Mining for visiting our school and delivering an engaging and interactive VR mining session, where students enjoyed
hands-on activities and gained a deeper understanding of the mining industry, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.
Thomas Vonthein proudly represented Central West Rugby, earning selection for the 2025 U14 NSW Junior Extended Squad and playing Number 8 for the Country team in the closely contested Country vs. City match. Last week, we celebrated our Year 12 students as they wrapped up their final week at school with a fantastic Spirit Week.
Year 12 also planted a tree on the school grounds as a lasting reminder of their time here.
By BRENDAN MCCOOL
The summer swimming season is almost here and the Grenfell Amateur Swimming Club are excited for the 25/26 season ahead.
Club nights are held on Friday nights from 6:00 pm when the pool is open for the season.
They commence with a feature race first and these alternate each week. After the feature race, the rest of the races follow all the way from the 15m races to 100m races across all strokes.
Club nights finish up around 8:00 pm, though this could be earlier depending on how many entries for
the night.
Swimmers who wish to further their swimming technique can sign up for the afternoon squad training at the pool (run seperately via Leann Logan).
The Grenfell Amateur Swimming Club is a non-profit committee that is always looking for volunteers on club nights.
President of the Grenfell Amateur Swimming Club, Lorene Hazell said people can help out across a range of areas from timekeeping and marshalling of the junior swimmers to raffles and learning how their software runs in the clubhouse.
“All of this sounds scary but the
committee is here to guide and support all volunteers wanting to learn and help on club nights. As they say, the more the merrier,” she said.
No experience is needed to volunteer with the club. The committee and seasoned families are more than willing to help support new volunteers.
For the Club’s swim nights to run effectively, they rely on people volunteering their time and skills. In swimming, all the amazing volunteers out on pool deck are called Technical Officials or TO’s for short.
These TO’s, along with other volunteers, are the backbone of swimming competitions everywhere not
just in Grenfell. Becoming a technical official is rewarding and an excellent way to contribute to the sport, spend time with your children, create great friendships and gain professional development.
New Technical Officials are always welcome and there are a variety of different roles that Technical Officials play at swim nights such as Timekeeper, Judge of Stroke, Referee or Starter. If you want to begin your journey in officiating head to https://nsw.swimming.org.au/technical-officials-nsw.
In the build up to the season, Mrs Hazell said numbers are look-
ing good which is wonderful for the club. “It’s also great to see so many active, supportive participants in our community”.
Dates to note, opening of the pool on 13 October, and the first swim club night on 17 October. These dates may change depending on works currently being carried out at the pool.
People can get in touch with the Grenfell Amateur Swimming Club by calling 02 6343 1756, sending an email to: grenfellascsec@gmail. com, reaching out to their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ share/1CNe6R4Lsh/ or popping in to the pool and speaking with Leann.
■ From the back page
Mystic Flame ridden by Ashleigh Stanley won by over a length from Kiss The Outcast (Shayleigh Ingelse, $3.60) and Lockadente (Richard Bensley, $5). A winner and placegetter during August and September in New Zealand, the 5 year old gelding San Marco arrived in Australia less than a fortnight ago and on Saturday won the 1670 metres Cultiv8Financials Grenfell Cup.
Formerly from New Zealand, jockey Cory Parish won the 2018 Caulfield Cup on Boom Time and at Grenfell he rode San Marco ($1.30 favourite) for Wangaratta (VIC) trainer Andrew Dale to beat stablemate Parabellum (Richard Bensley, $2.10) by just over a
length.
The only horse in the stables of Cooma trainer Clare Mansell is the recent $600 on line purchase Our Lady Rockstar (Carly Frater, $3) which came from last to win the 1000 metres Maiden Handicap.
The John Rolfe, Canberra trained A Book Of Days ((Carly Frater, $2.50) finished fast for a photo finish win in the 1200 metres Class 2 Handicap. Grenfell is renowned for the outstanding treatment of owners, trainers and jockeys and prominent trainers from Wangaratta and Seymour in Victoria returned again for the 2025 meeting.
Racing at Dubbo on Friday, Mudgee (Saturday) and Mungery Picnics on Sunday.
■ More photos on page 6
By Colin Hodges.
When a horse arrived at the Sharon Jeffries stable at Parkes last year, she was intrigued to learn it had been contesting official barrier trials for Warwick Farm trainer Bjorn Baker under the name Phils Colours.
In a strange coincidence, Sharon Jeffries for several years before then, had trained numerous winners for Phil Easman from Parkes and when he died, in his Will, he left his racing colours to Sharon Jeffries.
Carrying those black and white striped jacket, red sleeves and red cap colours, Phils Colours won the 1400 metres Maiden Plate on Saturday at Grenfell.
Now owned by Lorraine McPhee from Forbes and partners, Phils Colours ($2.50) was ridden by the highly promising apprentice Jacob Stiff for Sharon Jeffries and led throughout to beat the
Victorian trained Matter Most (Cory Parish, $4) and Impending Harmony (Shayleigh Ingelse, $2.30 equal favourite).
Jacob Stiff (18) only started race riding in late August and already has three winners including a Grenfell double for Sharon Jeffries on Obsessive Nature and Phils Colours.
Obsessive Nature was scratched from the $50,000 Picnic Championship Final at Dubbo on Sunday when looking doubtful of getting a run as an Emergency and instead went to Grenfell on Saturday and very well ridden by Jacob Stiff won the $12,000 Benchmark 58 Handicap (1000 metres) as the $2.20 favourite.
Bathurst jockey Ashleigh Stanley is riding very well and in the feature race the 1400 metres Loaded DogBenchmark 58 Handicap she crossed quickly from a wide barrier to lead on the Maree Hopkins trained Mystic Flame ($3.80).
■ Continues on page 7
