Push for inquiry passes
By CHRISTINE LITTLE
There will be a parliamentary inquiry into waste to energy incinerators, not just on those proposed for Parkes and Tarago, but on such facilities statewide.
That’s the outcome from a debate in the Upper House on Wednesday after NSW Nationals MP Scott Barrett moved the motion for an inquiry and fellow Nationals MP Nichole Overall was appointed Chair of the NSW
Legislative Council Select Committee.
The National Party initially proposed to look into two large energy recovery facilities earmarked for Parkes and Tarago near Goulburn, but it’s now been expanded to cover other potential areas in NSW.
Greens spokesperson for Health and Waste Dr Amanda Cohn MLC was confirmed as the deputy chair of the Select Committee and successfully pushed for an amendment to
broaden the terms of reference of the inquiry to include all of NSW.
It will look at matters including the risk of potentially toxic emissions, the health implications of the projects and the impact they will have on agriculture.
The inquiry will also examine alternatives to reduce or manage residual waste produced by Greater Sydney, where the rubbish to be incinerated is expected to come from, more than
600,000 tonnes of it.
Along with Parkes and Tarago, the state government’s Energy from Waste framework permits facilities in Lithgow and Tomago in the Hunter region after similar projects were binned following community backlash in Sydney.
Dr Cohn has built on the Greens’ long-standing opposition to waste to energy incinerators since being elected in 2023, and was in Parkes on 26 July to speak at the
information night hosted by Parkes Clean Future Alliance which brought-out nearly 600 people.
Mrs Overall appreciated the support across the chamber.
“This provides the chance for community members to raise the many questions they have around potentially millions of tonnes of waste being dumped in their backyards,” she said in a Nationals statement issued to media.
“The objective is to fully
explore the issues and look at options and alternatives to the ever-growing Sydney waste problem that doesn’t leave some areas worse off than others.
“People have genuine concerns around the plan and they are coming from a place of wanting answers and information that they feel they just haven’t received.”
Mr Barrett is encouraging people to come forward and have their say.
■ Continued on page 12
Caroline Male (3), Hallie Allen (5), Norah Male (5) and Elsie Mannion (5) were ready to explore the 100th Tullamore Show on Saturday.
VIETNAM VETERANS DAY COMMEMORATION SERVICE
The President and Members of the Parkes RSL Sub Branch wish to extend an invitation to all serving and ex-service men and women and the people of Parkes to participate in and support Vietnam Veterans Day on Monday 18th August, 2025.
We are inviting you to the Commemoration Service that will commence at 11.00am at the Vietnam Memorial, Memorial Hill, Anzac Drive, PARKES.
Paul Thomas Hon Secretary
Forbes on the page as Rimmer launches her newest novel
Local readers will have the chance to hear from Kelly Rimmer following the release of her new novel, set against a familiar backdrop.
The Central West author sat down with Forbes’ Book Dispensary owner Deb Prior two weeks ago for a Q and A on the launch date of The Midnight Estate, with a capacity audience for the event.
The book shop is just one of the Forbes landmarks to feature in the book, described as a gothic epic or haunting tale that spans generations.
On Wednesday, August 27 Kelly will be at the Parkes Library to celebrate the novel’s release with an author talk from 6pm. Bookings are essential (6861 2309).
The Midnight Estate tells the story of Fiona Winslow, who comes home to Forbes after her life - in Kelly’s words - implodes.
Fiona finds solace in the decaying grandeur of the family estate, Wirumburra, and is intent on re-
storing it despite her mother’s objections.
Wirumburra isn’t real, but it is inspired by Kelly’s time in heritage consultancy as well as some of the grand old homes of this region.
The Midnight Estate is also a book within a book, an enjoyable writing experience for the author.
Like other books Kelly has written, it has a serious issue at its core and the author did invest time in researching coercive control as she prepared to weave the issue into the story.
“The conversation around domestic violence is as urgent as it ever was, and we cannot shy away from it,” she writes in the author letter included in the book.
The Midnight Estate is Kelly’s 14th novel. She is the author of historical and contemporary fiction, including The Warsaw Orphan, The Things We Cannot Say and The Secret Daughter, with three million books sold.
WHAT’S ON in and around Parkes
MACRAME WORKSHOP
Saturday, 16 August
Get involved in a hands-on, creative macrame craft session! In this workshop hosted by the Peak Hill Show Society you will learn the skills and techniques to create a macrame masterpiece. The workshop will be held at the Peak Hill Arts and Craft Centre on the Newell Highway at Peak Hill from 10am-2pm. Spots are limited. For bookings or more information contact the Peak Hill Show secretary Stephanie Williams on 0488 792 086 or email peakhillpaha@gmail.com.
BEDGERABONG SHOW
Application for Appointment of Board Members
Trundle Showground Land Manager
Applications are sought for appointment as Board members of the above mentioned Statutory Land Manager of Reserve No. 590139 at Trundle notified on 16-Jan-1931 for Showground. The term of appointment will be for a period not exceeding 5 years. Term of appointment will expire on 23-Jan-2031.
Successful applicants will be responsible for the care, control and management of the reserve(s) in a voluntary capacity. Application for membership can be made via portal.crownland.nsw.gov.au
All applications are required to be lodged by 11 September 2025
For further information contact Natalie Wilkinson on (02) 6391 3674 or visit reservemanager.crownland.nsw.gov.au Il0039
Saturday, 16 August
SThe greatest little show in the west opens our show season on Saturday, 16 August. Bring the family to enjoy the farmyard nursery, duck races and shows by Dane the Magician. Get your entries in to the pavilion to be part of the fun or bring along your furry friend for the dog high jump. It’s all happening all day, with fireworks to finish the night about 6.30pm. Under 16s enter free, adults $15.
VIETNAM VETERANS DAY
Monday, 18 August
A day to pay our respects to those who fought and lost their lives during the 10-year conflict of the Vietnam War. Parkes RSL Sub Branch is holding a service at its Vietnam War memorial at the base of Memorial Hill 10am11am.
MENTAL HEALTH EXPO
Tuesday, 19 August CatholicCare Wilcannia-
event for the community from 12pm to 1pm at the Cooke Park Pavillion. You will have the opportunity to hear from 2025 NSW Australian of the Year Kath Koschel, founder of the Kindness Factory and a survivour who has overcome incredible odds and unimaginable tragedy. There will also be wellness resources, local mental health organisations and support groups present at the event.
PEAK
HILL SHOW
19-20 August
Peak Hill Show will be celebrating 120 special years of tradition this August. The show will kick off with a horse show on Tuesday, 19 August, followed by a full day of events on Wednesday, 20 August. With something for everyone - from exciting rides to hands-on agricultural experiences - it’s the perfect day out for families, farmers, and visitors alike. For more information, sponsorship enquiries or to get involved, please contact Peak Hill Show Society secretary on email at peakhillpaha@gmail.com or
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PAINT PARKES READ
Friday, 22 August
Paint Parkes REaD will be holding their annual reading day at Cooke Park from 9.30am to 12pm to celebrate and promote reading to your child, from birth to kindergarten. This year’s theme is ‘Book an Adventure’. For more information call 6862 1872.
PARKES SHOW
25-27 August
The Parkes Show is fast approaching. Tickets will be available soon. The Parkes Show is filled with entertainment, side shows and trade stands and a spectacular display of fireworks. Save the date for the greatest show west of the Blue Mountains. For more information visit their website at parkesshow.org. au
KELLY RIMMER AUTHOR
TALK
Wednesday, 27 August
Hear from bestselling Central West author Kelly Rimmer at the
Parkes Library. At this free event celebrate the release of Kelly’s latest book ‘The Midnight Estate’ and chat with Kelly about her book and all things writing. To book, contact Parkes Library on 6861 2309 or head to humanitix. com to book online.
FRONTLINE BALL 2025
Saturday, 30 August
Tickets are on sale now! The Frontline Services Ball has evolved since it all began in 2022 and it continues to celebrate our local heroes while raising funds to support local Initiatives. The Frontline Ball is coordinated by a working party which includes representatives from Evolution Northparkes Operations, Ronald McDonald House Charities Central West the emergency service groups, local government representatives and external consultants. In 2025 the Frontline Ball is raising funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities Central West, and Birds in the Bush, supporting domestic violence awareness in rural communities. This event will be a fabulous night, with band ‘Wobbly Boot’ performing on the night. Get your tickets now before they sell out via 123Tix.
FASCINATING SCIENCE
1 September - 31 October
The Parkes Shire Library and Cultural Centre will be hosting the touring exhibition ‘Fascinating Science’ from Questacon. The exhibition will be in the Coventry Room gallery from 1 September to 31 October. This is a fantastic opportunity to experience Questacon in Parkes.
Kelly Rimmer launched The Midnight Estate, set in Forbes, two weeks ago and will be at the Parkes Library this month for an author talk.
THE PEAK HILL SHOW WILL CELEBRATE 120 SPECIAL YEARS OF TRADITION ON 19-20 AUGUST. PHOTO: JENNY KINGHAM
Access granted: Southern route to highway open again
It’s the news Parkes and Forbes residents have been waiting for - the southern access to the town off the Newell Highway is open.
The southern access opened to traffic on Friday evening and connects the former highway, now Forbes Road, to the Parkes Bypass/Newell Highway once again.
Transport for NSW staff were spotted peeling off the tape covering ‘Forbes’ on road signs along the route on Saturday morning.
Both the northern and southern roads to Dubbo and Forbes were closed when the bypass opened in April as crews worked to connect those roads to the new section of the highway.
The northern access opened a month ago.
Parkes Shire Council worked with Transport for NSW during the planning and design stages of the bypass with the aim of having four key entry points into Parkes - a good entry in the south, a good entry in the north and an opportunity to turn in the middle if drivers missed these roads, and the Victoria Street bridge to and from the Parkes Christian School and beyond.
There’s also a road directly to the Parkes Golf Club off the bypass and access to the
Show brings life-long joy
Saturday was one for reminiscing for most families in the area who have been attending the event for almost as long as it’s been running.
One such family is that of Alan Larkings’.
Alan has been involved in the Tullamore Show from a young age – he’s the third generation of his family to take part in one form or another since early last century.
But now that he’s about to turn 85 (on 19 August), there are five generations of his family that have ties with the show.
Alan is a former show president and to this day is still involved in the event.
covering ‘Forbes’ on road signs along the route on Saturday morning.
A renowned master with merinos, the semi-retired farmer is still a sheep steward and was a steward for the NSW Sheep Dog Trials at the start of the monththat’s part of the show program and which for the first time in its history at Tullamore saw a woman win the open final – one Julie Birkett from Boorowa.
Alan had the honour of officially opening the 100th Tullamore Show on Saturday afternoon, joining Parkes Shire Mayor Neil Westcott and show president Wayne McMahon in sharing their fondness for and memories of the event.
Alan’s first-ever show entry was a poem in the handwriting
rything,” he said, marking the start of his life-long participation.
“Though I haven’t tried cooking or needlework,” he laughed. He had also competed in the junior judging which took him all the way to the national titles at Sydney Royal Show.
Alan said during his speech to the crowd on Saturday that there are many families who would claim a similar association with the show.
“On a day such as this our minds drift back through the years taking part in events and meeting up with relatives and friends… many of them who are not with us anymore,” he said.
“Our society has seen difficult times years ago, during dry times, low commodity prices and high interest rates but Tullamore people do not give in – our show has continued.
“And today we have a ground with facilities we are very proud of.
“I would like to pay a tribute to the people who down through the years have worked tirelessly to stage our 100 shows, it has been a wonderful effort.”
For Alan, the biggest change he’s witnessed is the growth of and upgrades to the facilities at the showground.
The Tullamore Show Society own the Tullamore Showground,
UP & COMING EVENTS
president Wayne saying they’re only one of three show societies in NSW who do.
Which means volunteers take care of the lot, all 35 acres, and what it has developed into today is the result of many years of hard work.
“[My favourite memory] would have to be all our families coming together, and they used to bring a turkey and put it on a blanket for a picnic. We all sat down and the kids came,” Alan said.
“It was a very picnic atmos phere.”
Like many others, he also remembers when there used to be trots at the show.
Alan Larkings had the honour of officially opening the 100th Tullamore Show on Saturday afternoon, joining show president Wayne McMahon and Parkes Shire Mayor Neil Westcott, the horse-drawn coach an appropriate backdrop.
A young Alan Larkings competing in the horse events at the Tullamore Show. Alan turns 85 on Tuesday.
Reader: Time to get positive, appreciate benefits of facility
How lucky we still are today that, despite great local opposition, our Parkes Shire Council built its new administration centre in the 80s.
The town has benefitted greatly from this well-designed building which not only enabled more efficient use of council‘s staff and resources but provided sufficient parking space for employees and visitors, gave us the Coventry Room for meetings and displays and, for the first time, a first-class library.
At the time the building’s opponents did not believe the old town hall was no longer fit for purpose, and a group of farmers who thought the money should be spent on rural roads, along with business people and other residents who believed their rates would rise enormously, stirred up tremendous fear and hatred throughout the community.
Of course, when it was completed, most people realised they had been led astray.
As Ian Chambers said in this paper (31 July):
“This was an example of vocal members of the community creating doubt in the minds of others and the inability of the protestors to foresee the potential benefits of expenditure on needed infrastructure.”
And now in 2025, here we go again, with another vocal group having townspeople fearing for their health and farmers fearing furan emissions will ruin their land.
Yet this facility is a completely sealed unit and will emit only a small amount of water vapour, and a very large amount of clean, green energy.
I would urge anyone who is currently against the waste proposal to either email info@parkesenergy.com.au or phone them on 8405 7915. You can ask questions about your concerns or, better still, get a copy of the questions that have been raised by the community and their answers.
It really is time to stop the hatred and the distrust.
It’s time to get positive and appreciate that the benefits this facility, and others like it, will bring not only to our community but also to the environment, are enormous.
It’s time to accentuate the positive.
Parkes is being given a great gift and it’s time to acknowledge it.
Pam Nankivell, Parkes
HAVE YOUR SAY
We welcome your letters to the editor. Letters must be signed with the full name, address and contact phone number of the author provided for verification purposes. We reserve the right to edit letters for reasons of space, content or legibility. Nom de plumes will only be published at the editor’s discretion.
Email: clittle@midwestmedia.com.au
Post: Letters to the Editor
Parkes Champion Post 189 Clarinda Street, Parkes 2870
A show of the century
By CHRISTINE LITTLE
“The highlight for me was when I hit the button to start the fireworks and I looked down the rail, there were a whole lot of kids sitting there, waiting for the fireworks,” show president Wayne McMahon said following the 100th Tullamore Show on Saturday.
“I think it made the day.”
Wayne, who’s been involved in the show his entire life, said he couldn’t remember the last time they had fireworks at the show.
“We haven’t had fireworks in a very long time,” he said.
“They reckon we’ve only ever had them once.
“They’re still talking about it!” He said on Tuesday.
The fireworks were made possible thanks to Parkes Shire Council and were one of many new and exciting additions to the centenary show this year.
There was also the dog jump, quick throw, camel rides and show rides like dodgem cars and a small pirate ship for the first time in about 10 years, showgoers said.
Perhaps the quirkiest was the human pull event – pulling a car or six tonne truck over 20 metres - suggested and organised by Tullamore’s very own strongwoman and new resident Sherrie Williams.
Just last month Sherrie broke the Guinness World Record for
the most weight lifted in an hour by a one arm deadlift (unofficially until it’s formally approved).
“They were looking for something to fill a hole in the schedule because the demolition derby had to be pushed back to run before the fireworks,” Sherrie said.
“So I suggested the human pull to introduce people to Strongman crazy stuff.
“We had a few fellas rock up and give it a go.”
There were five men and one
woman who took part.
Sherrie shared the event with her Strongman community on the NSW Strongman Facebook page.
“There was one guy who did it in 22 seconds and smashed everyone, he saw it on the Strongman Facebook page and came from Canberra,” Sherrie said.
“He thought he’d come and give it a go and attend a bush show.”
The crowds loved it all and big numbers flocked to the show-
ground, including many former residents coming home for the
“We’re really pleased with it (the show),” Wayne said.
And he praised his fantastic committee for their dedication.
“I’ve got a good committee behind me,” Wayne said.
“We have a girl in Brisbane who did the schedule, she moved up there and was still happy to put the schedule together.”
In a touching thank you message shared on social media from the Tullamore Show Committee, they thanked everyone from mums and dads and school children to the volunteers, sponsors, stallholders and entertainers, to even the animals for all that they contributed and the smiles they brought to so many
“To the visitors who were simply passing through town and decided to stop in to see what a country show is all about,” the committee said.
“To the mates who enjoyed some friendly competition in the events - and were just as happy to cheer on the winner.
“…to every helper - from Tullamore and beyond - your effort did not go unnoticed. This show could not happen without you, and we are so deeply appreciative.
“To everyone who made our 100th Tullamore Show possiblewe thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
A day to reflect, remember Vietnam veterans’ service
VIETNAM VETERANS DAY
On August 18 every year Vietnam Veterans Day is commemorated.
Remembering the service of some 60,000
Australians across army, navy and air force.
It is a day to remember the service and sacrifice of those who served in the Vietnam War and their loved ones.
Commemorated every year on the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, one of the largest engagements by Australian forces during the war.
An ‘encounter’ battle where 18 Australians were killed and a further 24 wounded.
Vietnam Veterans Day provides the space to remember all those who fought and re-
flect on the impact of their service.
This originated as Long Tan Day, following the raising of a cross by the men of 6RAR on August 18, 1969, at the site of the battle.
This day now marks not only the commitment of D Company, 6RAR, in their defence of the Task Force Base at Nui Dat in 1966, but of the service and support of all Vietnam veterans.
With the official keeper of Australia’s war record, the Australian War Memorial, making the dates for the war as 1962 to 1975, the length of the war and the impact on those who served and their families is profoundly felt, both emotionally and physically.
We are proud to thank veterans and their
families for their service, the day’s commemorative service will take place on Monday, August 18.
The president and members of the Parkes RSL Sub Branch wish to extend an invitation to all serving and ex-service men and women and the people of Parkes to participate in and support Vietnam Veterans Day.
The commemorative service will be held at the Vietnam War Memorial, at the base of Memorial Hill in Anzac Drive, commencing at 11am.
The event is being co-sponsored by Parkes Shire Council.
For more information, get in touch with the Parkes RSL Sub Branch.
strongwoman Sherrie Williams, tested her strength in the human pull - a new event - at the Tullamore Show, pulling a six-tonne truck.
Regional Drought Resilience Plan activated
A community-led Regional Drought Resilience Plan can move forward and be activated now that it has the backing of the Australian Government.
Parkes Shire Council, in partnership with Forbes and Lachlan shire councils, have successfully secured funding under the Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program, jointly funded by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the NSW Government.
The money will allow the plan, prepared by the consortium of three councils, to move into the implementation stage.
And one of the first actions required through the grant is to recruit an officer
to coordinate the delivery of the projects within the plan across the region.
The Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program requires councils to work at a regional scale to think about drought resilience beyond water security, considering environmental and social resilience needs.
were identified and submitted for consideration as part of the grant application process.
The drought resilience plan is available online via the Australian Government website: Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Regional Drought Resilience Plan.
during drought.
The plan for Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan shires was developed through stakeholder engagement across the region.
The second stage of the program, the implementation stage, focuses on delivering key projects identified.
The councils said a number of plans and strategies relevant to all three LGAs
The following projects are now well underway to be finished by the funding body deadline of November:
• Urban heat mapping: This project will use tree canopy data, aerial imaging and heat mapping to identify priority areas across the three LGAs for future urban greening and cooling measures that will help protect communities in times of drought.
• Drought asset and action plans: Each council will develop a plan identifying public assets that serve as community gathering spaces during drought. These plans will also address facility and equipment upgrades, prioritise rainwater-reliant localities, and identify public shower and laundry access points, along with green respite spaces.
• Drought management plan for key recreational water bodies: This project will focus on key water bodies across the region, outlining current recreational uses and water management challenges, and setting resilience and adaptation objectives to maintain or improve these conditions
• Drought operational plan for Forbes Livestock Exchange: Recognising the importance of the Exchange to all three LGAs during extended drought periods, this plan will guide operations and potential upgrades to better support drought-affected stock movements.
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program acknowledges that each region in NSW is different and requires its own approach to have a real impact.
“We know drought is challenging, so we want our communities to be prepared and ready to act with plans in place,” she said.
“Having community-led Regional Drought Resilience Plans that take into account each region’s unique needs, is allowing these communities to build meaningful plans that will make a big difference.”
Parkes Shire Council’s Manager of Environment and Sustainability Michael Chambers welcomed the funding.
“This funding will allow Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan shire councils to more readily implement actions and programs to help our communities during times of drought, while assisting us to build capacity to plan and act early to reduce, manage and respond to drought-related risks.”
Holy cow! SES rescues calf from four-metre pit
An adventurous calf took its exploring to new depths and found itself stuck in a 4.3 metre hole on Sunday afternoon.
A Parkes farmer called for help to rescue the animal that saw several volunteers from the Parkes SES Unit respond and happy to put their recently acquired large animal rescue skills to good use.
One of the volunteers didn’t even have time to wash his uniform after returning home just a few hours earlier from a week assisting with flood rescues and resupply efforts in flood-affected Wee Waa and Narrabri.
An expert excavator operator was called in and used plenty of finesse to carefully widen the hole to make it, and the trapped calf, more accessible.
With some skilled manoeuvring and a bit of creative problem-solving, the team was able to
safely attach a strap around the 200kg animal.
not-so-little Hereford to safety, and when its feet hit the ground it was thankfully able to walk free, the Parkes unit said.
AN EXCAVATOR HAD TO BE CALLED IN
PHOTO: CHRISTINE LITTLE
Siblings Taika (4), Toa (2) and Arihia (7) Samuels from Wagga cheered on their dad Jimmy in the Quick Shear competition. Jack and George (2) Pratten came from Molong for the Tullamore Show.
her junior cattle parade at the Tullamore Show on Saturday. She has a connection to the the little town with her dad Jeremy Walsh growing up in Tullamore.
PHOTOS:
DOM WHITE FROM PARKES CAME FIFTH IN THE QUICK SHEAR OPEN EVENT.
SANDY CLAYTON FROM TRUNDLE AND SUZIE STEVENSON FROM TULLAMORE
SABRINA FERGUSON (12) FROM TULLAMORE, KAILEARA KIRK (8) FROM FIFIELD AND SKYLAH KIRK (10) FROM CONDOBOLIN.
Showgoers talk about the good ol’ days
By CHRISTINE LITTLE
It’s a little local show enriched with history.
And it was on full display on Saturday and in the lead-up to the 100th Tullamore Show.
Families flocked to the Tullam ore Showground, with just as many former residents present as there was current, and every conversa tion stories were being told.
“We all rode horses together in the ring events,” said a beaming 89-year-old Frank Ward, 74-yearold Tom McMahon and 71-year-old Kevin McMahon.
This trio have spent their whole lives in Tullamore, growing up on family farms - though Frank now lives in Orange, but he wasn’t about to miss the centenary show in his home town.
He was riding horses at the show in the 1940s.
Of course during their time there’s been many changes and perhaps the biggest for a young man, and at least for Frank, has been the bar service.
“You can’t get full strength beer anymore,” he laughed.
There’s also no trots or show jumping events anymore, both used to be regular features at the Tullamore Show once.
Tom is also a former show president – in fact his family has had three generations of presidents.
His father Tom Snr was a president and now Tom’s son Wayne is
the serving president, who’s been privileged to see-out and celebrate the last century of the show and welcome the next under his leadership.
Tom said Wayne’s done a fine job as president, which has made him one proud father.
he had won a race in the last year
Ian still trains pacers to this day.
Interestingly one of the biggest changes for Ian has been the mobility of vehicles at the showground –the vehicles moving in and out for the show which otherwise was all done by horses in the past.
“There were a lot more locals who competed in events too [in the past],” he said.
“Nowadays there are many visitors who travel and enter the show.”
Adding to all the memories of course, was the wonderful history display in the main pavilion.
Former Tullamore woman Betty Berryman, who now lives in Narromine, was among the volunteers who spent all of last Thursday setting up the display for current and former residents to enjoy.
Ducky Clemens had a large framed photograph of his grandfather Sam Clemens with his horse Esters Pride at the Tullamore Show in 1938, featured in the history dis-
Ducky spent 70 years of his life in Tullamore, during that time he wrote the local history book.He now lives in Forbes.
The 82-year-old was thrilled to see how many people attended the event.
“There’s more people here than we expected,” he said.
Another Tullamore farmer Ian Williamson said his family has attended and been involved with the show over the 100 years.
ing to the show is being part of its history.
“I always attended the show with my father and mother, I competed in the show ponies and I had a lot to do with the trotting,” he said.
Saturday and the 100th Tullamore Show were extra special for Ducky and his family.
“My family have been here 100 years today,” he said on Saturday, proudly.
What Ian loves most about com-
Ian had been involved with the trotting at the show for about 40 years, one showgoer mentioning
“They moved here to Tullamore in 1925 on 9 August.”
Betty Berryman helped to set up the history display at the 100th Tullamore Show, while Helen and Ducky Clemens had pieces in the display including this photograph of Ducky’s grandfather at the Tullamore Show in 1938.
Williamson from Tullamore, who has fond memories of the show.
time competing and being heavily involved in the Tullamore Show.
PHOTOS: Christine Little
Tullamore Hall transformed into a magical enchanted garden, glowing under fairy lights and thrilling guests. David Lewis and Allan Flavel were the artists behind the decorations on the June long weekend. the Tullamore Centenary Show Gala Ball.
Lauren Flavel, Carey Carter, Maddie Porter, Georgia Male, Lucie McMahon, Kate Cummins, Breanna Durning, Tegan Boden and Kate Allen looking stunning in their outfits.
ANGUS PORTER, DONNA LEE HORSBURGH, JULIE PORTER AND SAM HORSBURGH, DRESSED IN THEIR FINEST.
ADRIANNA AND NATHAN STEVENSON
KEVIN AND ROBYN MCMAHON
Children discover pottery’s magic
A new generation of young artists has taken its first steps into the world of pottery, guided by passionate members of the Parkes Potters Group.
Since January, dozens of local children have had the chance to discover the joy of working with clay through a series of handson pottery workshops made possible thanks to funding from the Parkes Shire Cultural Grant Program.
Over four sessions the workshops welcomed more than 40 children from across the shire, many of whom were engaging with pottery for the first time.
Children of all backgrounds were given the opportunity to get handson with clay in a fun and inclusive space, creating their very own ceramic pieces using a wide variety of techniques and underglaze colours.
President of the Parkes Potters Group Janelle Faunt said the opportunity to share art with children is incredibly important.
“We’re very grateful for the support we received through the cultural grant program,” she said.
“Introducing children to clay gives them the chance to explore, experiment
and express themselves in ways that are so important to their development.
“It’s a joy to see their faces light up when they create something with their own hands.”
Established more than 50 years ago, the Parkes Potters Group is a longstanding community arts collective that draws members from across the Central West region.
The group plays an active role in promoting creativity across generations, working with everyone from preschoolers to people in aged care.
This recent grant, awarded by the Parkes
Shire Community, Liveability and Access Advisory Committee, has helped the group expand its reach and reinforce its commitment to enriching the cultural life of Parkes and surrounds.
It’s also allowed them to help nurture the next generation of artists by encouraging creative expression through clay.
“We hope this is just the beginning of their creative journeys,” Janelle said.
Parkes Potters extends its heartfelt thanks to council and its advisory committee for their ongoing support of arts and culture in the region.
New lease on life for old hospital site
After sitting dormant for almost nine years there’s movement once again on the old Parkes hospital site.
Earthworks have begun to make way for the start of stage one of what is now called the Rose Street Subdivision.
Overall it will include 32 residential lots, all given the greenlight two years ago when the development application came before Parkes Shire Council.
The land fronts Rose, Coleman and Ainsworth streets.
The project is scheduled to begin in October,
however council is undertaking some early works such as site establishment, casting of retaining wall components and stock piling of suitable fill for the new development.
There will be increased activity in the area, including vehicle movements near and within the site.
Stage one will create nine initial lots and provide servicing for future stages of the housing subdivision.
Stage one is estimated to be finished by 30 March next year.
“We appreciate your patience and understanding
lots,” council said in its notice on the project.
“We are committed to keeping the community informed through the construction process and will provide updates as the project progresses.”
The demolition of the former 110-year-old Parkes hospital was completed just before Christmas in 2016, taking four months.
The two community health buildings were retained on the site and converted into the Central West Family Day Care facility and head office (facing Coleman Street), and a community centre (facing Rose Street).
TILLIE GARDINER IS OUR STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Tilly Gardiner in year two at Parkes East Public School is our student of the week.
What is your favourite colour?
Purple
What is your favourite food?
Strawberries
What would you like to be when you grow up?
I want to be a scientist
What are your strengths?
Skipping and playing soccer
What do you like about school?
That we get to do science
What do you like to do outside of school?
Go to the skate park
IMOGEN ORR IS OUR STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Parkes Public School student
Imogen Orr is our student of the week. Imogen is in class 1P with Miss Patton.
Miss Patton comment: Imogen is an excellent role model for her peers. She comes to school every day with a smile and always tries her best. Imogen is a kind friend to others and is always respectful to staff. We are lucky to have her in 1P!
What are your favourite activities?
Computers, art, painting, lego and learning how to do stuff on my farm.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
A hairdresser and a teacher.
Register for National Tree Day now
LOOKING AT LANDCARE
By CENTRAL WEST LACHLAN LANDCARE, MARG APPLEBEE
Register for National Tree Day events in Forbes and Parkes this weekend and you could be enjoying a burger with the lot for lunch!
We have 20 beautiful, freshly cooked burgers with the lot to give away this weekend for National Tree Day participants who register and join us this weekend.
Ten burgers at Forbes on Saturday and ten burgers at Parkes on Sunday.
Don’t worry! If you miss out we will still have sausage sandwiches.
Central West Lachlan Landcare is once again working with Forbes and Parkes Shire Councils to deliver National Tree Day activities.
We are pleased to be heading out to a site off the Bogan Way in the Goldridge Estate on Saturday, 16
August to provide a green buffer for the site. We look forward to working with
Forbes Shire Council once again.
We are heading back out to the Parkes Wetlands for planting on
Sunday, 17 August.
This area has evolved beautifully since our last planting at the site.
Parkes’ former Sewage Treatment Plant maturation ponds are now taking shape as a high-value, hydrologically complex wetland, capable of supporting a diverse range of native fauna and flora.
Our plantings work in with the naturally occurring Fuzzy Box species that occur in the area surrounding Akuna Road.
Make sure that you take the time to find out about what you are
barbecue for lunch, so we would really appreciate registrations via the Planet Ark website.
Forbes National Tree Day will be held on Saturday, 16 August from 10am at a site in Goldridge Estate.
Find out more details via our social media or the Planet Ark website.
Parkes National Tree Day will be held on Sunday, 17 August from 10am at Akuna Road.
Find out more details via our social media or the Planet Ark website.
Medium and heavyweights to feed sell to
CATTLE SALE
Monday, 11 August
Yarding 1440 (down 335)
Numbers fell this sale with agents yarding 1440 head.
Quality was fair with some good lines of well bred cattle offered along with the secondary types.
The usual buyers were present and competing in a mostly stronger market.
Yearling steers to feed were stronger on a better run. Medium and heavyweights to feed sold from 440c to 561c/kg.
The finished lines to processors received from 460c to 482c/kg.
The heifer portion was 10c to 15c/ kg better with those to feed receiving from 407 to 474c/kg.
The better types to processors sold from 380 to 470c/kg. Heavy steers and bullocks ranged from 420 to 490c/kg.
Grown heifers reached 440c/kg.
Cows slipped 15 to 20c with heavy 2 score from 340c to 371c and 3 score 362 to 406c/kg.
The best heavy bull reached 397c/ kg.
SHEEP SALE
Tuesday, 12 August
Yarding 51,850 (down 3460)
Numbers fell this sale with agents yarding 51,850 head.
Lambs showed the decrease with 39,350 on offer and quality was reduced from previous sales.
There was fewer well finished and grain assisted lines offered and less weight penned than that of previous weeks.
Most of the usual buyers were present and competing in a cheaper market.
There were 4700 new season lambs penned and prices range from $252 to $312/head.
Old trade weight lambs slipped $5
to $10 to sell from $232 to $310/head.
Heavy lambs to 26kg were back $15 receiving from $293 to $340/ head.
Extra heavyweights were $20 easier with quality having an effect, prices ranging from $310 to $388/ head.
Carcase prices averaged 1083 to 1230c/kg. The best heavy hoggets reached $300/head.
There was 12,500 mutton penned and quality was similar to previous sales.
Merinos made up the major ity and prices were $10 to $15/hd cheaper. Merino ewes sold from $151 to $296/head.
Crossbreds received from $140 to $280 and Dorper ewes ranged in price from $155 to $264/head.
Merino wethers sold from $153 to $277/head.
FROM MLA’S NATIONAL LIVESTOCK REPORTING AGENCY
Yearling steers to feed were stronger on a better run. Medium and heavyweights to feed sold from 440c to 561c/kg.
CWLL Coordinator Marg Applebee with Committee member Darrin Kopp at the 2024 Forbes National Tree Day planting.
The Peak Hill Show is set to return for its main day on Wednesday, 20 August, bringing a full day of entertainment, competitions, and community spirit to the heart of the Central West.
From the moment the gates open, visitors will be spoiled for choice with a packed program including rides, sideshow alley, duck races, camel rides, livestock judging, pavilion exhibits, the ever-popular QuickShear, Ruby’s Animal Nursery, train rides, the Tiny Tots Competition, Young Stockman, dog jump, the Peak Hill Challenge, and roving appearances from Paw Patrol.
Packed program and plenty of excitement for 120th show in agriculture
By MADELINE BLACKSTOCK
Agriculture at Peak Hill Central School continues to go from strength to strength.
Four students ventured to the Yeoval Show where they exhibited five Peak Hill Cen tral School Peak Suffolk ewe lambs and rams and hosted a display of some of the school’s Peak Angora does.
The Peak Hill ewes took out Champion and Reserve Champion Suffolks with the Champion going on to win the Supreme Champion Ewe of the Show.
Students were able to ap ply knowledge from Deb bie Scattergood who runs 600 Angora does and is one of the best goat breeders in Australia.
Debbie drove from Bun gendore to educate Peak Hill Central about Angora goats mohair and the Angora junior judging competition.
The day will end with the drawing of our major and minor raffles followed by a spectacular fireworks display and live music from the Easy Goin’ band.
Families can browse market stalls, enjoy face painting and sample a wide variety of food and drink from local vendors.
The show is a cash-only event, so visitors are encouraged to bring plenty of notes and coins.
available at the secretary’s office on the day.
Debbie judged Peak Hill’s does and bucks part of their ongoing breeding program.
“Debbie made some wonderful comments about our animals and was full of praise for the work of Mr Horley, Mr Dunkley, Mr Neilsen, and Jacob in breeding and managing such a top-quality herd,” Peak Hill Central agriculture teacher Lauren Amor said.
The team have previously attended the Sydney Easter Show with their Suffolk, Angora goats and poultry.
“These competitions allow students to engage with agriculture and develop skills that they can use for future employment.”
With the school’s continued success with sheep and goats Peak Hill are now excitingly diversifying into cattle.
Peak Hill Central have received two Angus steers from Lyn and Ian Frecklington of Hollywood Angus.
“Lyn taught at Peak Hill Central and has had a connection over many years giving young people opportunities to learn about cattle by attending Ag Shows with her.”
Peak Hill Central will also be showing a Shorthorn steer from Kaloola Shorthorns in Narromine.
“Students will learn about
ior judging and herdsman.
Liam placed first in beef cattle junior judging, Henry placed third in paraders and Baileigh placed third in herdsman.
Steers also placed second and third in the commercial class and Peak Hill Central won the schools pair competition.
As well as success with their steers, Peak Hill students also had some outstanding results in junior judging at Tullamore.
Eva placed first in fruit and veg, grains and fleece, second in Merino and third in prime lambs which earnt her the overall highest point
Liam placed second in prime lambs, fruit and veg, fleece and grains and third in
Henry placed third in grains and fleece and Jailah was awarded encouragement
Students will now attend local shows in Peak Hill and Parkes with Ms Amor hoping to attend more.
This term the excitement continues at the Peak Hill Central agriculture farm with the addition of dairy heifers.
“We will also exhibit at Forbes and Cowra Shows in September and October with our final show at the Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza in Scone at the end of October,” Ms Amor added.
Two exciting raffles will be on offer this year: The major raffle features a first prize of a Japan ski holiday
This year’s program has been boosted by a grant from Parkes Shire Council, enabling four hands-on workshops in the lead-up to the show. These includble.
Mark Wednesday, 20 August in your diary, grab some cash and bring the whole family to experience the fun, tradition and community pride of the Peak Hill Show.
Baileigh, Sam, Liam and Eva with their many ribbons won at the Yeoval Show.
IAN AND LYN FRECKLINGTON WITH LAUREN AMOR.
Peak Hill Central School Year 8 student Baileigh Gavin in the Tullamore Show cattle parade. PHOTO: Christine Little
The NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show is back again for 2025 and entries for this year are at 488 wines from 90 wineries.
Popular wine show is back Calling all country music lovers
The 33rd show will commence judging on Monday 25 August and Mark Richardson, a Senior Winemaker from Tyrrell’s Wines in the Hunter Valley, is returning as chair of judges.
Judging will finish on Wednesday 27 August and the public tasting will be held at 6.30pm on Friday 29 August at the Forbes Town Hall.
NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show President, Mark Watts, said the judges and the committee are looking forward to another successful event.
“A team of 13 experienced judges will judge the wines across the three-day event,” Mark said.
“While numbers are slightly down this year, we have a high calibre of wines from across NSW and ACT that have been entered into the show this year.
“We also have several entries from new wineries and others who haven’t entered for a number of years.
The non-for-profit organisation
Mark Watts and Jenny Watts, presented the cheque to Julie Virtue this week.
Tickets are available for the public tasting on Friday 29 August. All of the wines entered in the show
at Club Forbes on Saturday 20 September and celebrates the trophy winners of the show.
The dinner will be held from 7pm with a four-course meal featuring trophy winning wines to
complement the meal. Tickets for
If you purchase your tickets to -
count, making attending both events $150 per person.
Tickets are available at NSW
Small Winemakers Wine Show
Tickets - online through 123tix. com.au
PARKES COUNTRY MUSIC
By CHRISTINE COX
Chris Gorton is a busy man and it’s not often we can tie him down to do a feature spot for us.
Our members are well acquainted with Chris, who comes from Dubbo, and his style of country.
We are happy to invite members of the public to come along and enjoy his performance, as well as that of our dedicated group of walk- ups.
In fact we’d love to see a wider range of talent take up the challenge to come along on the day and put your name down to perform.
We provide the live band or our sound manager can also hook you up to the various other implements used by performers these days.
I’m sure there’s lots of hidden talent out there waiting to shine.
For first timers at our Musters looking to perform we ask you to put your name down with the music co-ordinators who will include you on the program.
Hear about Kath’s inspiring journey at expo
NSW Australian of the Year and Kindness Factory founder Kath Koschel will share her extraordinary and uplifting story at a free event in Parkes this month.
CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes is thrilled to invite the whole community to hear from Kath at its Mental Health Expo 2025, a powerful day of connection, education and inspiration.
The event will be held on Tuesday August 19, from 12pm to 1pm at the Cooke Park Pavilion.
CatholicCare Wil cannia-Forbes Better Health and Wellbeing portfolio manager Kate Shambrook is encourag ing the community to come to the expo, organ ised to shine a spotlight on mental health aware ness, with a special key note address from the remarkable Kath Koschel.
A resilience and grati tude advocate, Kath’s story of overcoming immense personal challenges has touched hearts across the world – more than 8.4 million acts of kindness strength of the human
spirit – a talk not to be
“I truly believe this event is an opportunity for our community to come together, break down stigma, and have real conversations about mental health,” Ms Shambrook said.
“We’re incredibly honoured to have Kath Koschel join us, her journey will inspire and uplift anyone who hears it.”
In addition to the keynote address, there will be free refreshments, giveaways and local men-
tal health organisations to chat to.
“Whether you’re looking for tools to support your own journey, resources to help others, or simply a moment to be inspired, this expo is for you,” Ms Shambrook said.
“Come be part of the movement toward a more open, supportive and mentally healthy community.”
CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes is delivering this free event through its Family and Carer Mental Health Program.
Parliamentary inquiry on incinerators passes
■ From page 1.
“Initially this was a tough issue for me, I want to see our communities thrive and grow, but we don’t want the projects that will put them at risk,” he said.
“The proposed Parkes incinerator would divert 600,000 tonnes of waste from Sydney, so it’s common sense for that community to have their voices heard, which is something that was sorely missing from the consultation phase of this project.
“I recently took part in [the] information night and it was clear the community feels there are too many unanswered questions here,” Mr Barrett said.
“I look forward to working with the Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman and Dr Cohn on this matter, and the community members in Parkes who initially reached out to me,” Mrs Overall added.
Dr Cohn said waste management is a statewide issue and that the inquiry must have a statewide focus.
“It’s clear that communities such as Parkes have not been properly
consulted or even informed about the impacts of waste to energy incinerators,” she said, also in a statement to media.
“It is good to see the Nationals willing to have hard questions asked about a policy they supported when they were in government.
“For incinerator proposals to be taken off the table, the committee and the government must examine alternative solutions to reduce or manage waste.”
Parkes Shire Mayor Neil Westcott welcomed the inquiry, turning to social media to share a comment not long after it passed.
“It is encouraging to see that the EfW Parliamentary inquiry received bipartisan support,” he said.
“This united approach gives confidence the questions rightly being asked by the community can be thoroughly examined with the scientific rigour required.
“I thank Scott Barrett MLC, and the other members of the House, including Penny Sharpe MLC and Dr Amanda Cohn MLC for supporting this Inquiry.”
Cr Joy Paddison was also
pleased to hear about the success of the inquiry motion.
A farmer too herself, Cr Paddison has openly voiced her opposition to the Energy from Waste facility proposed for Parkes, sharing the same concerns as many others in the shire community that the project could have long-term impacts on our land, health and future.
“This (inquiry) is a crucial step in ensuring greater scrutiny, transparency and accountability around these projects,” she said on social media on Thursday morning.
“Our community has raised serious concerns and it’s encouraging to see those concerns being taken seriously at the highest level.”
The amended terms of reference for the parliamentary inquiry include:
(a) The performance of the technologies proposed for the Tarago and Parkes energy recovery facilities as compared to leading thermal technologies employed in “state of the art” facilities internationally, noting such technologies as proposed are not employed
anywhere else on the eastern seaboard;
(b) The spread of the emissions predicted and the quality of emissions to be generated;
(c) Health impacts from currently operating older technology waste incinerators as compared to the proposed newer technology;
(d) Impacts on human health including on regional town drinking water, rainwater harvesting and soil contamination;
(e) The impacts on agriculture locally and across the wider region;
(f) Alterations to the Parkes Special Activation Precinct specifically in relation to the proposed energy recovery facility in that region;
(g) Impacts of waste-dumping over a number of decades in the Tarago region;
(h) The methodology of emission monitoring employed by leading large scale waste to energy facilities in Australia and across the world;
(i) Alternative solutions to reduce and manage residual waste produced by Greater Sydney; and (j) Any other related matter.
As walk-ups you entertain the audience till around 3pm when we take a short break. This allows the band to have a quick rest.
During the break we finalise any competitions etc we have running and do our members draw.
Then after the break our featured artist performs for an allotted time followed by our walk-ups again who finish off the afternoons program. Sometimes we even fit in a bit of a fun finale. Mostly our walk-ups end up performing two songs, twice during the afternoon’s proceedings depending on how many performers we have.
It’s very exciting when we have new talent pop in.
It was an absolute pleasure to have Anthea Basha from Orange with us at our July Muster.
She was supported by walk-ups Garry Hemming, Craig Manderson, Joy Rice, Lindy Charlton and Vicki Walsh.
Our band included Craig Manderson, Stephen R Cheney, Ray Watts, Pam Byrne and Lindy Charlton. Thank you to all band members and performers.
Kevin Dumesny was the winner of our Members draw. Congratulations Kevin. You do have to be a paid-up member to be included in the draw and present at the Muster.
I do remind you that our newsletter is available at the Musters to keep you informed and up to date with what’s going on around the area.
Again, we ask you to have a think about whether you would like to be involved in our local country music scene.
Our Musters provide a great afternoon of entertainment, and we encourage anyone to come along and share your talent, get involved with the committee to help grow and maintain country music in our town where we provide the opportunity to have a go and experience performing to live music, or other.
We would welcome your input.
Let’s see who will take up the challenge at our next Muster to be held this Sunday, 17 August commencing at 1pm in the Starlight Lounge at the Parkes Services Club.
Know your signs, keep our kids safe
Parking rules around schools are in place to help keep children safe, however, many drivers don’t really understand what the most common signs mean.
Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said the most common parking signs in school zones are ‘No Stopping’ and ‘No Parking’ signs.
“The parking rules around schools protect sight distances, provide safe drop off opportunities and minimise confusion where children are crossing roads,” Ms Suitor said.
“A ‘No Stopping’ sign means that the driver of a vehicle must not stop at any time on a length of road or in an area to which the ‘No Stopping’ sign applies - not for a minute, not for a second, not at all.
“’No Stopping’ signs are installed in areas where clear sight is required for safety reasons, such as on the approach or departure to crossings or at intersections.
“Line of sight around schools is critical to both motorists and pedestrians alike.
When vehicles obstruct that line of sight, tragedies can occur, particularly with small children who are so difficult to see,” Ms Suitor said.
The penalty for stopping in a ‘No Stopping’ zone in a school zone is $423 and two demerit points.
“A ‘No Parking’ sign means that you can only stop on a length of road or in an area to which the ‘No Parking’ sign applies to drop off or pick up passengers. Around schools these are commonly called ‘kiss and drop zones’.
“You can’t stay in the zone longer than two minutes and the driver has to be within three metres of the vehicle at all times,” she said.
“At our local schools these zones are timed in the morning (same as the 40km/h school speed zone times) from 8am to 9.30am - the peak drop off time.
“Of an afternoon the zone reverts to parallel parking.
“If motorists use the ‘No Parking’ zones correctly it will improve traffic flow, relieve congestion and create a safer environment.”
The penalty for not using a ‘No Parking zone correctly in a school zone is $235 and two demerit points.
“So, help keep our local kids safe and abide by the parking signs,” Ms Suitor said.
What do 'No Stopping' and
'No Parking' signs mean?
'No Stopping' zones are located on the approach and departure of most schools to ensure motorists can clearly see pedestrians crossing the road. It is illegal to park or stop in 'No Stopping' zones. The fine for stopping in a 'No Stopping' zone is $423* and 2 demerit points.
'No Parking' zones are located near the entrances of most schools to ensure the safe drop off of passengers. You cannot stop for more than 2 minutes and you must stay within 3 metres of your vehicle. The fine for illegally using a 'No Parking' zone is $235* and 2 demerit points.
Correct as of
Igniting students’ potential
Parkes High School is cel ebrated Education Week, em bracing the 2025 theme of ‘Ig nite Your Potential’.
It is important to celebrate and reflect on the journey of our students and what part our local secondary public educa tion school plays in creating fulfilling futures for our stu dents.
From the first day in year 7, to the last day at the year 12 graduation and beyond, PHS is preparing young people to be agile thinkers and lifelong learners, with the ultimate goal of helping students to ignite their potential.
Each PHS lesson is embedded with rich, challenging content that creates interest for each and every student, to light a spark to help set the motion towards success.
At our Education Week assembly, Deputy Principal Mr Pigram, reflected on some of our very successful graduates.
Mariah Williams - Hockey Olympian, Monique Dixon and Lisa Phipps - Doctors, Kelly Yoon - Lawyer, Tom – Australian Defence Force, Dianna Corcoran – International Musician, Sarah Hartin – Physiotherapist, Ethan Pay – V8 Super Car Engineer, and Yasmin Potts who went to London to the International Youth Science Forum, which ignited her science career, and numerous success-
ful business owners in Parkes and the surrounding district.
He discussed that each of the students started at Parkes High, that they engaged in their education and embraced all the wonderful opportunities we have to offer, and that each student ignited their potential to succeed.
This year already, we have seen students excel in their chosen areas; Our Guwal Indigenous Dancers have danced at primary schools and local events and will be performing again at this year’s school spectacular, Rhys Hutchins placed in the CWA public speaking competition, dancer, Isabella Hughes performed at Pulse Alive and two of our talented musicians attend the Western Rock Camp.
This year already Parkes High has produced Austral ian, State and Western Region sporting representatives in squash, athletics, swimming, cross country, hockey, lawn bowls, soccer, rugby union, rugby league, touch and chess. Community service and leadership is also an area we celebrated this year, our school ignites the potential to give to others in our community, whether it is volunteering at primary schools, the Parkes Show, ANZAC Day events or organising fund raising events for charities, Parkes High provides our students the chance to thrive.
successful and give many of our students the opportunity to get experience in the work place.
We would like to take this op portunity to thank all our local and surrounding businesses who consistently support our local students in the pursuit to find their dream career.
This year during Education week we celebrated our Work Experience, Skills Training and Employment Program (STEP)
PARKES HIGH SCHOOL SAFE
RESPONSIBLE RESPECTFUL
The PHS community con tinually works closely together to deliver a rich public educa tion curriculum which is aca demic, sporting and cultural, where all staff and students learn together in a positive en vironment to ignite the sprk for amazing futures.
Parkes High School is a welcoming and friendly comprehensive high school where every student has:
• Opportunity for academic excellence, leadership development and social responsibility.
• Access to outstanding, exciting and diverse education programs that challenge and inspire enquiring minds.
• Access to specialist Gifted and Talented programs, Learning and Support teachers, Transition and Careers Advisors. Bro Speak and Sista Speak Cultural Programs.
• Contact with challenging and diverse learning experiences that inspire lifelong learning and opportunities for success.
• Experienced and dedicated teaching staff who are all accredited with the NSW Institute of Teachers, providing individual learning programs that cater for their needs and talents.
• Parents who are valued partners in their education and achievements of the school.
For more information:
PARKES HIGH SCHOOL
2a Albert Street, Parkes NSW 2870
Ph: (02) 6862 1844 | Fax: (02) 68625046
Email: parkes-h.admin@det.nsw.edu.au
GUWAL INDIGENOUS DANCERS.
LOCHIE JONES, HENRY KROSS AND MAX JONES REPRESENTED WESTERN IN SQUASH.
HAYDEN LAMOND, RHYLEE QUIGG AND CALEB RIXON REPRESENTED WESTERN IN SOCCER.
ALANA MURRAY DURING WORK EXPERIENCE AT THE PARKES HOSPITAL.
MEG SKINNER AND OLIVIA HETHERINGTON VOLUNTEERING FOR ANZAC DAY.
Empowering minds, inspiring futures
A large crowd of parents, grandparents, friends and supporters joined the Public Education Week celebrations at Parkes East Public School.
Commencing with a school assembly where student merit winners were recognised, School Principal Mr Michael Ostler delivered a brief message on the Education Week theme of “Empowering Minds, Inspiring Futures” with the partnership between students, families and school staff being highlighted as foundational to student success.
Mr Ostler emphasised the great privilege that teachers have in working with their students and the enormous trust that families place in Parkes East Public School.
To this end, he thanked the entire staff for their dedication to their work as they help shape lives who will be the future of our local community and our nation.
Following the assembly, visi tors moved through the class rooms of their children, admir ing the work that is undertaken daily.
The students of Parkes East PS were especially proud to be able to showcase their learn ing to parents, grand parents and friends. During lunch time families and friends stayed to enjoy a picnic lunch (in what is a Parkes East tradition when celebrations are undertaken).
The activities of the day were rounded out with a 15 minute performance by the school’s well renowned marimba troupe who not only played familiar pieces but presented new mate rial to an audience for the first time.
Parkes East Public School is a school that is proud to be part of the NSW Public Education sys tem that provides opportunities for all its students irrespective of their life circumstance.
Grandmother and PEPS staff member Lyn Cassell with Rosie, Henry, ex-student Emma and Freddie Rootes.
Jaxon Lynch proudly showing off his work to his grandmother Jenine Sloane, sister Ruby and ex-PEPS student mother Sasha McGrath.
Middleton,
Middleton Public School was buzzing with excitement last week as we celebrated Education Week 2025 with the inspiring theme Ignite Your Potential.
The week was a wonderful opportunity for our students, staff, families, and commu nity to come together and celebrate the joy of learning.
One of the highlights was our open classrooms event.
Parents, grandparents, car ers, and community mem bers were warmly welcomed into our learning spaces to see what a day at Middleton really looks like.
Visitors watched students tackle maths problems, share stories they had writ ten, work on art projects, and collaborate in groups.
There was a real buzz of pride as our students showed off their skills, and plenty of smiles as families joined in with activities. Many visitors commented on the calm, positive atmosphere and the way our teachers bring learn ing to life.
Throughout the week, stu dents took part in a variety of Ignite Your Potential activi ties designed to encourage creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, and self-belief.
Each experience gave stu
with the theme ‘Ignite your Potential’ on Wednes day, 6 August, with excited students hosting parents, grandparents and carers in their open classrooms where they proudly showed off their workbooks, art works and STEAM projects.
Parents and caregivers helped students complete a checklist of activities that took them on a tour of the amazing school facilities and allowed them to see the opportunities offered every day. Before open classrooms, families were able to enjoy a picnic lunch in the playground.
There was also an amazing assembly which show-
ent of students, including a wonderful performance given by the K-2 Choir and our school band. The school hall was decorated with students’ artwork representing this year’s Educa-
enjoyed the opportunity to strengthen connections with parents, grandparents, carers and families during this year’s Education Week celebration.
Book an adventure with the Reading Bug
Cooke Park will become a sea of red as Paint Parkes REaD gets ready to go on an adventure.
The reading celebrations will align with the Children’s Book Council of Australia’s annual book week embracing the theme ‘Book an Adventure’.
This year, instead of activities lining Clarinda Street, stations will be in Cooke Park but the main street and businesses will still be part of the special annual occasion.
A highlight of this year’s reading activities will be a very adventurous play called ‘The Adventure of Finding Reading Bug’.
The play will feature none
other than Sir William Schweitzer Jayet and Dr Neil Livingstone Westcott and of course our favourite Reading Bug.
The adventure of reading and learning will kick off from 9.30am in Cooke Park.
This will be Paint Parkes REaD’s 27th year of encouraging people to read with children from birth so they start school ready to learn.
Parents are urged to read, sing, talk and rhyme to their babies all the time from day one.
Every time this is done brain connections grow and build the foundations for learning.
Children with good foundational early literacy skills arrive
at school able to communicate their needs, understand conversations, are able to take direction and are ready to learn, read and write with a healthy brain.
Since 1998 the Paint the Town REaD movement has been promoting the importance of early literacy and this year will be no different.
Join in on the adventure of reading and learning at Cooke Park with Paint Parkes ReaD on Friday, 22 August.
▶ Charlotte Tanswell, Paisley Harvey and Emmelyn Whites had a lot of fun at last year’s Paint Parkes REaD morning full of activities.
Innovative curriculum in a caring environment at Trundle
Trundle Central School provides an innovative cur riculum that allows every student to reach their po tential and feel valued at school.
Our core values of re spect, excellence and care are reflected in the com passion and care staff and students display for each other, and the inclusive na ture of the school.
High standards of student behaviour and effort are a feature of Trundle Central School.
All students understand the high expectations of the school and work consist ently to achieve or exceed these standards.
Our school is lucky to have been fully staffed for several years with teachers experienced and trained in the area they are teaching.
This stability allows for a consistent message to be given to all students and our high standards to be maintained.
Our school is dedicated to fostering literacy and numeracy development through a wide range of ex tension activities and learn ing and support programs.
and partnerships with government and non-government agencies is custom and practice at our school.
An example is our school was a leader in integrating therapy animals into the school environment.
A recent addition to our school program is providing professional driving lessons to Stage 6 students and selfdefence classes to female High School students.
The infants/primary classes have lower numbers.
This gives students the best start in their educational journey especially in terms of literacy and numeracy development.
These smaller classes are made possible with additional funding through the Resource Allocation Model.
Student access to technology is a feature of the school.
Our school is constantly upgrading our technology resources with additional laptops and tablets.
All classrooms have at least one interactive television for enhanced lesson delivery.
Each student has individual access to a laptop across both primary and secondary.
The school also has enough computers in our two computer labs to allow individual access.
The school has virtual reality headsets, 3D printers, photography and short film making facilities.
Connected classrooms are a feature of the school allowing students to interact with their peers locally and internationally.
Year 11 and 12 is delivered via Microsoft Teams through the Western Access Program.
This is a partnership involving four other central schools.
This partnership allows our students to study a wide range of subjects, often more than what is available at stand-alone High Schools in a supportive local environment.
Each student is allocated a co-teacher at the school that either works with students individually or in small groups to ensure students have the maximum opportunity for success.
Access further information about our school from our school website, Facebook page or arrange a visit by calling the school.
Snow much fun at Frozen Jr
Last weekend saw the last shows of the popular Parkes Musical and Dra matic society’s production of Frozen Junior.
The show has been historic for the Parkes Musical and Dramatic Society with all 11 shows selling out in record time.
In the Society’s history, Frozen Junior also breaks the record for most tickets sold and is the highest grossing of any junior production.
Parkes Musical and Dramatic Society said this is a testament to the talent of the amazing cast and supporting team.
Check out all the fun that was had at opening night of the production which was captured by our photographer Jenny Kingham.
Parkes M and D stars Maddi Collitts, Kimberley Ryan, Matt Prow and Gracie Townsend. PHOTOS: Jenny Kingham
QUEEN (ZOE BILLSBOROUGH), KRISTOFF (HARRISON ROWBOTHAM), YOUNG ELSE (STEPHANIE HORNERY), OLAF (BRODIE STEPHENSON), SVEN (OSCAR HENDRY), ANNA (ABIGAIL HERD) AND ELSA (LEXIE HERDEN).
CHLOE PHILLIPS, LILY MCLEOD AND PAMELA PARFITT OF PENRITH CAME TO WATCH ISLA MCLEOD.
JENNY MCLEOD WITH ALEXANDRA COLEMAN AND TOM PARFITT OF PENRITH.
PAT CAINES, MARGOT RUBIE, DANIEL, RYAN, THOMAS AND BETH HEARD OF FORBES WITH CHERYL GEORGE.
Ace Byrnes, Klay Milson, Kash McKellar and Sol Rauchle.
LARA MESSITER, LYN TORRENS, DEAN AND FRANKI MESSITER AND STEVE TORRENS.
Luke Billsborough (the Bishop) and Lily Phillips (Snow Chorus) greeted guests at the door on opening night.
ACROSS
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD
1 Name a pioneer in hypnosis, Franz Anton ... (6)
7 What is the science of being, as such (8)
8 Which term describes someone new to the work, etc (6)
9 What is a state of sleep or drowsiness (8)
10 To feel self-reproach, is to do what (6)
11 Which term suggests something revolting (8)
14 What are constituent parts of a whole (8)
18 To set on fire, is to do what (6)
19 What do we call the last work of a composer (4,4)
21 What is a lump of native gold (6)
22 Name the smallest particle of a substance capable of independent existence (8)
23 Which term describes “of two parts” (6)
DOWN
1 Name a renowned magician (8)
2 Name an unmarried woman (6)
3 Who discovered X-rays in 1895, Wilhelm Konrad ... (8)
4 What is a colloquial term for a prison (4)
5 When one jostles, one does what (6)
6 Which attitude stereotypes an elderly person according to age, other than individual abilities (6)
12 To not have a signature, is to be what (8)
13 Which term describes that which is selected from diverse sources (8)
E-QUATIONS
15 Name a renowned Australian writer of verse and prose, Henry ... (6)
Letters have a number value Some values are in the right hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
E-QUATIONS
Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
16 What is a stable trough from which cattle eat (6)
17 What is something puzzling or inexplicable (6)
20 Which term implies a burden or a responsibility (4)
Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
1 QUIDDITY
(a) A confection of quince juice and sugar (b) Chewing tobacco (c) The essence of anything
2 SPISSITUDE
(a) Density
(b) Lasting ill will (c) Flashiness
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:
Blood fluid (5)
Cow’s stomach (5)
Deserve (5)
Increase in breadth (5)
Males (3)
Number (3)
Opening in bone (7) Pig (3)
Public processions (7) Ruin (3)
of Kim and Michael Horan, David and Mandy. Cherished Nan of Chelsea, Geordie, Isaac and Sefton. ~ Resting peacefully
anniversary concert at the Parkes
Jayet and Ken Keith OAM attended the anniversary concert.
Parkes Shire Concert Band memorabilia past and present was on display at the event.
Lajos and Kryz Szabo sat back and enjoyed the wonderful community concert. PHOTOS: Jen Kingham
Band master Duncan Clement and Rhona Redenbach with the original band uniform.
Parkes Shire Concert Band performed a number of items during their 30th anniversary concert on 27 July. Here Duncan Clement is conducting.
PARKES SHIRE CONCERT BAND
9.55 Golden Point. 10.45 MOVIE: Man On A Ledge. (2012) 12.40 Tipping Point. 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. 2.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. 12.00 Midsomer Murders. 2.00 Dalgliesh. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow. 3.30 MOVIE: Quiet Weekend. (1946) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Police Rescue Australia. 8.30 MOVIE: San Andreas. (2015) 10.45 MOVIE: Collateral Beauty. (2016) 12.45 Late Programs. 6.00 Flushed. 7.00 It’s Academic. 8.30 Get Arty. 9.00 Shopping. 10.30 House Rules: High Stakes. 12.00 Revenge. 3.00 First Dates Australia. 4.05 Sean’s Kitchen. 4.35 MOVIE: Stuart Little. (1999) 6.25 MOVIE: Nanny McPhee. (2005) 8.30 MOVIE: Easy A. (2010) 10.30
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Harry’s Practice. 11.30 GetOn Extra. 12.00 Horse Racing. The Rosebud Day, Caulfield P.B. Lawrence Stakes Race Day and Mekka Raceday. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 The Yorkshire Vet. 5.00 The Yorkshire Steam Railway: All Aboard. 6.00 Every Bite Takes You Home. 6.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 11.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 3.35 You Can’t Ask That. 3.55 Penn & Teller: Fool Us. 4.40 MythBusters. 5.30 Car S.O.S. 6.15 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent. 7.05 House Of Games. 7.35 QI. 8.05 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee (NZ) 8.50 The Stand Up Sketch Show. 9.40 Extras: Xmas Special. 11.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Australia. 2.30 Griff’s Great American South. 3.15 Nigella Bites. 3.40 Martin Clunes: Islands Of The Pacific. 4.30 Joanna Lumley’s Spice Trail Adventure. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Compass. 7.00 ABC
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Border Security: International. 12.30 Football. AFL. Gold Coast Suns v GWS Giants. 3.30 Horse Racing. The Rosebud Day, Caulfield P.B. Lawrence Stakes Race Day and Mekka Raceday. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The Great Outdoors. 7.30 Ron Iddles: The Good Cop. 8.35 MOVIE: The Martian. (2015) Matt Damon. 11.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.30 NFL. NFL. Preseason. Week 2. Seattle Seahawks v Kansas City Chiefs. 3.30 Teeing Off With Daisy Thomas. 4.00 Motor MythBusters. 5.00 Counting Cars. 5.30 Football. AFL Women’s. Round 1. GWS Giants v Essendon. 7.30 Pawn Stars. 9.30 American Pickers. 10.30 Air Crash Inv. 11.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Rage Charts. 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Grantchester. 1.15 Professor T. 2.05 All Creatures Great And Small. Final. 2.50 Great Southern Landscapes. 3.25 Earth. 4.25 Would I Lie To You? 4.55 Dr Ann’s Secret Lives. 5.30 Landline. 6.00 Australian Story. 6.30 Back Roads. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 Grantchester. Final. 8.20 Midsomer Murders. 9.50 The Family Next Door. 10.40 Miss Austen. 11.35 Rage. 6.00 Kids’ Programs. 4.45 Gardening Australia Junior. 5.10 Super Monsters. 5.40 Peter Rabbit. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.30 Paddington. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.30 Teenage Boss: Next Level. 8.00 Kids Baking C’ship. 8.40 Chopped Jnr. 9.25 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.05 Speechless. 10.45 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Destination WA. 12.30 Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. Cronulla Sharks v Titans. 2.30 NRLW Wrap. 3.15 Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. Broncos v Eels. 5.00 9News First At Five. 5.30 Getaway. 6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 Rugby League. NRL. Round 24. South Sydney Rabbitohs v Parramatta Eels. 9.25 Soccer. English Premier League. Matchweek 1. Aston Villa v Newcastle United. 11.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.40 My Asian Banquet. 1.15 Jabba’s Movies. 1.45 My France With Manu. 2.40 Starstruck. 3.55 Aust Got Talent. 5.45 MOVIE: Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs. (2009) 7.30 MOVIE: Evan Almighty. (2007) 9.30 MOVIE: Fun With Dick And Jane. (2005) 11.20 MOVIE: The Favourite. (2018) 1.40 Late Programs.
10.00 Harry’s Practice. 10.30 Escape To The Country. 1.30 Discover. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 The Great Australian Doorstep. 3.00 Your Money & Your Life. 3.30 The Zoo. 4.00 Escape To The Country. 7.00 Greatest Escapes To The Country. 7.45 Mrs Brown’s Boys. 8.30 Vera. 10.30 Manhunt: The Night Stalker. 11.30 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 8.30 Sound FX: Best Of. 9.00 NFL. NFL. Preseason. Week 2. Los Angeles Rams v Los Angeles Chargers. 12.00 The Fishing Show. 1.00 Fishing Addiction. 2.00 Fishy Business. 2.30 AFL Pre-Game. 3.00 Football. AFL. Round 23. Sydney v Geelong. 6.00 The Wash Up. 7.00 Border Security. 8.30 MOVIE: Gladiator. (2000) 11.40 Late Programs.
Lie To You? 4.40 MythBusters. 5.30 Car S.O.S. 6.15 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent. 7.05 House Of Games. Final. 7.35 QI. 8.05 The Piano UK. 8.55 Planet America: Wknd Ed.
Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge. 5.25 We’re Going On A Bear Hunt. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.30 Paddington. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.35 The Mysterious Benedict Society.
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) A more harmonious aspect favors all relationships. Family ties with mates and children are strengthened. Libra is Cupid’s choice to win the amorous Arian’s heart.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) The bold Bull is ready to take on fresh challenges. Expect some opposition as you plough up new ground, but supporters will outnumber detractors.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) An upcoming job change could mean uprooting your family to a far-distant location. Weigh all considerations carefully before making a decision one way or the other.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A long-standing problem is resolved by a mutually agreed upon compromise. You can now focus on getting the facts you’ll need for a decision that you’ll soon be asked to make.
6.00 Morning Programs. 1.45 Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. Round 7. Sydney Roosters v Newcastle Knights. 3.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 24. North Queensland Cowboys v Newcastle Knights. 6.00 9News Sunday. 7.00 The Block. 8.40 60 Minutes. 9.40 9News Late. 10.10 Body In The Suitcase. 11.10 The First 48. 12.05 Late Programs.
6.00 Flushed. 7.00 It’s Academic. 8.30 Get Arty. 10.00 Behave Yourself. 11.00 Take Me Out. 1.35 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 Lie To Me. 1.30 Alias. 3.00 Burn Notice. 5.00 American Crime.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.10 GCBC. 12.30 Expedition Tasmania. 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 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield. 5.00 10 News. 6.30 The Dog House Australia. 7.30 Selling Houses Australia. 8.30 Ambulance Australia. 9.40
6.00 Morning Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 3.00 Rugby Union. Shute Shield. Finals. Week 1. 5.00 Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. Round 7. New Zealand Warriors v Canberra Raiders. 7.00 Keeping Up Appearances. 7.30 MOVIE: You’ve Got Mail. (1998) 9.55 MOVIE: Magic Mike’s Last Dance. (2023) 12.10 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 8.30 Pat Callinan’s 4x4 Adventures. 9.30 Good Chef Bad Chef. 10.00 MasterChef Australia. 1.30 Location, Location, Location Australia. 2.30 House Hunters Australia. 3.00 Australia By Design: Architecture. 3.30 Wheel Of Fortune. 4.00 Lingo. 5.00 10 News. 6.00
Up Down Under. 10.00 4x4 Adventures. 11.00 Navigating The World. 12.00 JAG. 4.00 Pooches At Play. 4.30 Bondi Rescue. 5.00 IFISH. 5.30 JAG. 7.30 NCIS.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.30 The Baron. 1.30 MOVIE: The Hallelujah Trail. (1965) 4.30 Dad’s Army. 5.00 M*A*S*H. 6.00 Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. Round 7. North Queensland Cowboys v Canterbury Bulldogs. 8.00 M*A*S*H. 8.30 MOVIE: The Silence Of The Lambs. (1991) 10.55 The Closer. 11.55 Late Programs.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) The Big Cat needs to be wary of what appears to be a golden investment opportunity. This “sure thing” could turn out to be nothing more than a sack of kitty litter.
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) You give of yourself generously to help others, but right now, you must allow people to help you. Confide your problems to family and trusted friends.
LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Relationships benefit from a strong harmonious aspect. Things also go more smoothly at work. Someone you thought you’d never see again asks for a reconciliation.
SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) A minor distraction interferes with travel plans, but the delay is temporary. Meanwhile, expect to play peacemaker once again for feuding family members.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Keep positive momentum going on the home front. Arrange your schedule to spend more time with your family. You’ll soon have news about a certain job change.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Control your possessive tendency that sometimes goads you into an unnecessary display of jealousy. You could be creating problems where none currently exist.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) A new project holds some challenges that you hadn’t expected. But don’t be discouraged; you’ll find that you’re more prepared to deal with them than you realized.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Yours is the sign of the celestial chemist, so don’t be surprised if you experience a pleasant “chemistry” betwixt yourself and a new Leo in your life.
Dubbo put an end to Spacemen’s season
RUGBY LEAGUE
Parkes Spacemen’s hopes for a 2025 finals appearance have been squashed by Dubbo Macquarie Raiders who have claimed the last spot in the finals series of the Peter McDonald Premiership.
Parkes Spacemen hosted the Dubbo side on Sunday where their aim was to beat Dubbo and claim a place in the finals series after a hard fought season.
The Spacemen were off to a perfect start with Junior Igila crossing the try line in the first minute.
Dubbo Macquarie Raiders responded with a try in the sixth minute before Junior made it two tries for the Spacemen in the eleventh minute.
Three minutes later Joseph Silas crossed the line again for Spacemen.
Matthew Wauwe was on his best kicking game with all conversions successful as Parkes Spacemen led 18-8.
Lilan, Troy and Rafa Thomson sitting at Joan Settree’s memorial on the hill - Lilian’s mum Joan was a well recognised figure among the Spacemen, a keen supporter who hosted the boys after many games at her house back in the day. Lilian is holding Joan’s squeaker - the unique sound of the horn was a feature
Dubbo added more points to the scoreboard with two tries and one successful conversion.
Jacob Smede then crossed the try line adding another four points for the Spacemen in the thirty first minute with Matthew kicking another successful conversion.
The Parkes Spacemen were up 24-16 and unfortunately the Parkes Spacemen’s score stayed at 24 for the rest of the game.
Dubbo scored another not long after Jacob and unfortunately Dubbo added another try and a successful conversion to the score board, ultimately winning them the game a spot in the finals.
The final score was 24-26 to Dubbo Macquarie Raiders.
The Parkes Spacemen are now out of the 2025 Peter McDonald Premiership.
Parkes Spacemen reserve grade and Parkes Spacecats league tag also did not claim a spot in the finals series but our U18 Spacemen still have hope.
The U18 side has clung onto the eight spot on the ladder earning themselves a game in the first week of the finals series.
Parkes Spacemen U18 will come up against fifth place Lithgow Workies at Wade Park, Orange in the elimination final at 11.30am.
Many of the old boys watching the game from the Old Boys stand.
Macquarie Raiders.
TOS: Jenny Kingham
Evans wins individual off countback
By PETER BRISTOL
On Saturday the club contested a Zac Kelly Golf sponsored 2 Per son Aggregate Stableford with an Individual in conjunction.
Huge thanks to Zac and Maddi who have the golf side humming at the club and getting us ready for the oncoming spring season.
There were 61 players out and about on a great day for golf.
Winning team on the day was Dustin Littlewood and Chris Downes who fired a very credible 79 total.
Dustin is just starting to get some extra rounds in, and Chris has got to the podium again after recently joining the club.
They were followed in by Sean Sloane and Mick Smith who amassed 72 points.
Chris had a 40 point individual haul and Dustin a 39 point round.
Sean also managed a great 39 round but Mick was struggling a bit with that left handed swing and only managed 33 points.
A couple of other notable scores were Kaye Jones with a 39 point
round paired up with Sue Holman who had 34 points for 70 points and the Matthews, Mel and Craig, who a 70 point round as well. Sue and Kaye are coming out of hibernation and prepping for the
In the Individual stakes Tony Evans got the prize with a great 39
He opened with a stock standard 46 off the stick but flew home
The 39 point was the benchmark for the day with 3 players reaching that mark with Tony get-
Phil Bishop walked off the course with a large Bulldog smile after hitting a closing 39 off the stick on the back 9 – his best score
The Nearest The Pins winners were – Bridgestone Mining 1st not won, Griffins Leading Edge by Dylan Hood at 392cm, Parkes Ready Mixed Concrete 9th by Brent Jenkins at 36cm, the Westlime 11th by Beau Tanswell at 73cm, the Gulf Western Oil 17th by Phil Bishop at 128cm.
The lucrative money hole was won by Phil Bishop at 128cm.
Ball winners were Sean Sloane 39, Phil Bishop 37, Kaye Jones, Richard Hamilton, Melissa Matthews 36.
This week is 2 Person Ambrose
Hayward and Reilley claim narrow win on the green
PARKES BOWLS By COL MILLER
Social bowls on Thursday
Rink 16 Lil Thompson, Jim Blake and Geoff Freeman went down to George Bradley, Bob Freeman and Jake Brown 23 to 16.
Rink 17 Ash Kirwan, John Ward and Col Mudie had a win over Graham Dixon, N Kirwin and Rob Hodge 25 to 18.
Rink 18 Col Hayward and Mark Dwyer had a big win over Mal Porter and Liz Byrne.
Rink 19 Mike Valentine and Gary McPhee won 20 to 15 over Ian Simpson and John Corcoran.
Rink 20 Brenda Davies and John Wright went down to Geoff Smith and Brian Townsend 23 to 7. On Saturday we had social bowls along with three games of the Women’s Major Singles games so we had both greens in use which was great to see.
Rink 1 Ian Poole and Mick Simpson had a 21 to 12 win over Col Miller and Steve Turner.
Rink 5 Col Hayward and Dave Reilly had a narrow win over Warren Bevan and Geoff Freeman 25 to 22.
Rink 6 Bernie Mitchell and Tony Riordan shot away to a big win over Graham Davis and John Ward
30 to 11.
Rink 7 Martin Tighe and Mark Dwyer were way too strong for Ian Simpson and Jo Simpson 34 to 8.
Rink 9 Geoff Smith, Bob Freeman and John Wright had a 1 shot win over Therese Glasheen, Mal Porter and Graham Dixon.
Rink 10 Mike Valentine and Bruce Orr and a good win over George Bradley and Rob Irving 25 to 12.
The lucky rink this Thursday stands at $230 and Friday nights badge draw is $2200.
Do not forget to put your name down for our presentation night on 30 August. See you at the club.
sponsored by Jim O’Donoghue and Finne Latu.
VETERANS GOLF By BARRY SHINE
Players from the Lachlan Valley Veteran Golfers Association who have qualified for the NSWVGA District Final to be played in Parkes on Thursday, 21 August have been announced.
It will be played in conjunction with the Parkes Invitation Day.
Players from:
February – S French (Fbs), A Mackinnon (Fbs) and F Hanns (Fbs)
March – G Pritchard (Pks), B Green (G’fell), D McKeowen (Fbs)
April – K Cartman (G’fell), J Grant (G’fell), R Williams (Fbs), B Toms (Condo)
June – I Myers (Condo), K Herbert (Fbs) and D Norris (Condo)
Last Thursday 31 players in twin towns vets converged on the Forbes course where local players dominated with Scott Kirkman the only player able to break handicap winning with 39 points.
It was all Forbes where the
day’s organiser Allen Rees may have been the ‘gentleman’ beaten for runner-up on a count-back by Bruce Chandler after both recorded 35 points while nearest the pins also went to Forbes players with Ross Williams (9th) and Steve Rogers (18th) collected the winnings.
Parkes did have success with Ken Keith OAM taking home the encouragement award.
Nothing changed in the twin towns shield with the best six individual scores from 20 players representing Forbes posting 208 points to Parkes’ 177 points (11 players).
Ball sweep to 31 points – 35 Allan Rees (F), 33 Ross Williams (F), Steve Rogers (F), Alf Davies (F), Don McKeowen (F), Barry Parker (F), John Milton (F), 32 Gordon Pritchard (P), Ted Morgan (F), Barry Shine (F), 31 Phil Bishop (P), Kim Herbert (F).
This week Parkes host the twin towns comp while the following Thursday they have the Lachlan Valley Invitation Day.
Nominations from 9.15am for 10am shot gun start.
Massive games of singles at ladies bowls
WOMEN’S BOWLS
By MAUREEN MILLER
What a bonza day for bowls after so many Tuesdays of miserable weather.
The sun was warm the birds was chirping, and the greens were running great. Thanks, green keepers.
The Club Singles Championships are in full swing with some great close games played.
Last Saturday there were 3 singles games. Maureen Miller had a win against Nat Hancock, who had a long day of bowls, Ash Kirwan had a ripper of a game against Jan McPhee, winning 25/23 and Liz Byrne and Tash Allen had a marathon game with Liz winning 25/23.
On Sunday it was Jo Simpson and Irene Allen’s turn to do battle with Jo ending up the victor.
On Tuesday it was another 3 singles games, Kay Craft found it hard yakka against Kim Evans, with Kim coming home with a good win.
Brenda Davies and Marja Iffland, mates from way back, had a close tussle, with
it being 23 all it was anyone’s game, Marja won the last end to take the match.
Cherie Frame and Rhona Went also got their monies worth of bowls today, a very even game with a nail-biting finish where the umpire had the job to decide who had the winning bowl.
Also on Tuesday, we had games of social pairs and triples, Gwenda, Nell and Michelle played Joan/Fran, Irene T and Annie in the triples game, a close match with Anni’s team starting out strong but Michelle’s team had a couple of “you beauty” ends to get a win.
Janice and Lil played Irene A and Valmai in a game of pairs, fair dinkum it was a close game with a 14 all draw.
After all the excitement it was time for a sanga and coldie.
In the first of our fun events, the poor spider was hammered by Janice, who received some goodies for her effort (thanks Marilyn).
Valmai, Irene A, Liz, Brenda & Cherie, were all stoked to take home some cash and
the raffle of fruit and veg (thank you Chrissy) was won by a rapt Annie and Irene T won the scrumptious pave to be made by Lea.
On to our trading table with an Australiana theme, where lots of bowlers were happy to win, Tim Tams, MinTies, milo, a mouse that magically turned into a koala and many other Australian memories.
Club Pairs have opened today so get a partner and put your name on the board, next Tuesday’s singles games are, Lil Thomson playing Maureen Miller and Kim Evans playing Cherie Frame. Don’t forget to put your name down and pay at the bar for the presentation night on the 30 August, if there are insufficient numbers this night will not go ahead, so please come and support your bowling committee. RSVP is need by 26 August.
To play bowls next Tuesday please ring the club between 9-9.30am on 68621446. New players and visitors are always welcome, and bowls can be supplied.
PARKES GOLF
Rob Ehsman tees off where 61 players were out for a great day of golf. PHOTO: Jenny Kingham
Mike Valentine on the greens at the Parkes Bowling and Sports Club.
PHOTO: Jenny Kingham
PARKES WEEKEND SCOREBOARD
HERE are the scores and draws for Parkes Shire teams in competitions across the Central West.
SOCCER
Western Premier League Round 15: Parkes Cobras 2 draw Dubbo Bulls 2. Finals draw: Parkes Cobras did not make the finals. Panorama v Dubbo Bulls. Bathurst 75 v Macquarie United. RUGBY LEAGUE
Peter McDonald Premiership
Round 15:
First grade: Dubbo Macquarie Raiders 26 def Parkes Spacemen 24. Forbes Magpies 48 def Wellington Cowboys 32. Dubbo CYMS 58 def Nyngan Tigers 8. Orange CYMS 22 def Bathurst Panthers 20. Mudgee Dragons 14 def Lithgow Workies 6. Orange Hawks 34 def Bathurst St Pats 16.
Reserve grade: Dubbo Macquarie Raiders 24 def Parkes Spacemen 0. Under 18s: Dubbo Macquarie Raiders 32 def Parkes Spacemen 26. League tag: Dubbo Macquarie Raiders 12 def Parkes Spacecats 0. Finals draw:
First grade: Dubbo CYMS v Mudgee Dragons. Forbes Magpies v Orange CYMS. Wellington Cowboys v Dubbo Macquarie Raiders. Orange Hawks v Bathurst St Pats.
Under 18s: Lithgow Workies v Parkes Spacemen.
Woodbridge Cup
Elimination final:
Fist grade: Orange United Warriors 34 def Peak Hill Roosters 10. Molong Bulls 26 def Trundle Boomers 18. Manildra Rhinos 20 def Cowra Magpies 16. Oberon Tigers 45 def Canowindra Tigers 10.
Qualifying final:
League tag: Orange United Warriors 22 def Trundle Boomers 6. Cargo Blue Heelers 19 def Cowra Magpies 0. Manildra Rhinos 34 def Eugowra Golden Eagles 8. Canowindra Tigers 26 def Grenfell Goannas 8.
Elimination finals draw:
First grade: Canowindra Tigers v Orange United Warriors. Cowra Magpies v Molong Bulls.
League tag: Eugowra Golden Eagles v Orange United Warriors. Cowra Magpies v Canowindra Tigers.
Round 16:
RUGBY UNION
First grade: Mudgee Wombats 55 def Parkes Boars 5.
Second grade: Mudgee Wombats 22 def Parkes Boars 17.
Women’s: Mudgee Wombats 43 def Parkes Boars 0.
Round 17 draw:
Colts U19s: Parkes Boars v Bathurst Bulldogs.
Finals draw:
First grade: Parkes Boars v Dubbo Rhinos. Narromine Gorillas v Mudgee Wombats.
Second grade: Narromine Gorillas v Parkes Boars. Mudgee Wombats v Dubbo Rhinos.
Women’s: Parkes Boars v CSU Mitchell. Mudgee Wombats v Molong Magpies.
AFL
Central West AFL Tier 2
Round 13: Orange Tigers forfeited to Parkes Panthers.
Finals round 1 draw: Cowra Blues v Parkes Panthers.
HOCKEY
Central West Premier League Hockey
Women’s: Round 12: Parkes United 3 def Orange CYMS 0. Parkes United did not make the finals.
Men’s:
Round 8 draw (16 August at Parkes): Parkes United v Bathurst St Pats.
Sharks back Billy for another season
“Billy Burns isn’t going anywhere!”
That’s the announcement from the Cronulla Sharks who say they’ve given the back-rower a “well-deserved extension” until at least the end of 2026.
According to Sharks Media, the boy from Parkes is “arguably the club’s most improved player this season”.
Burns seized his chances at NRL level once again after captaining the Newtown Jets –Cronulla’s feeder team – to the NSW Cup premiership in 2024.
The 26-year-old has featured in 11 top-grade games so far in 2025, scoring two tries and contributing heavily to several victories.
He also reached a milestone this season, playing his 50th NRL match in round 11 on 17 May. And he’s appeared six more times since.
“I’m thrilled – the club believed in me a couple of years ago and I definitely believe in the club and where we’re going,” Burns has told Sharks Media.
“I’m stoked to stick around, be with this group another year and get after it again.
“The level of coaching is great. I’ve got plenty of trust in Fitzy (Craig Fitzgibbon) and what we learn off him and the
Roosters, during which he scored his second try of the season.
there’s plenty of enjoyment playing with these guys.”
In their announcement last Friday, Sharks General Manager Football Darren Mooney highlighted Burns’ value.
“Billy has worked hard to make the most of every opportunity that’s come his way this year, not only holding his own in the NRL but having a genuine impact,” Mooney said.
“He’s a positive character around the locker room and is very popular with his teammates. It’s great to have him at
PHOTOS: NRL Imagery
and Dragons.
played four matches for the Sharks in his first campaign while steering the Jets to a his toric grand final victory over North Sydney, earning a place in the NSW Cup Team of the Year in the process.
coaches and the boys. It allows me to play my game and fol low the structures they put in,” Burns said.
much NRL as I can – that’s al
U14 Parkes White are minor premiers
Parkes Marist Junior Rugby League boasts five teams in week one of the Lachlan District Junior Rugby League finals series. Of the five teams U14 Parkes White are this year’s U14 tackle minor premiers and are looking to turn that title into 2025 premiership winners. On Saturday, 16 August the team
will come up against Canowindra in the first week of finals at Jock Colley Field, Parkes.
This will be the fourth game of the day with game one expected to start at 9am with the remaining games to follow consecutively.
Game one will see Parkes Blue also come up against Canowindra in U14 league tag.
Parkes will then run back out onto the field in game five in the
U12 exhibition girls tackle game against Canowindra.
Following the girls tackle will be an all Parkes U17 league tag match with Parkes Blue up against Parkes White.
The last run out for Parkes will be in game nine where Parkes will face Condobolin in U16 tackle.
Teams from Parkes, Forbes, Red Bend, Canowindra and Con-
dobolin will all be competing to make it to the next round of finals.
To enter Jock Colley Field to watch the first week of finals for junior rugby league there will be a $5 entry fee.
All tickets must be purchased prior to entry at https://www.123tix.com.au/ events/49591/parkes-finalsweek-1
RUGBY LEAGUE
Duo bowl through Tri-Series
Two of our lawn bowl superstars, Annabelle Teague (Parkes Christian School student) and Cooper Fliedner (Parkes High School student) have been competing in Sunbury Victoria.
The pair have been representing NSW at the Under 18 Tri-Series against Queensland and Victoria.
Going back-to-back in the Under 18 Tri-Series the NSW girls won the series for a second year.
The NSW boys team placed second with NSW also finishing second overall.
The Tri-Series kicked off with fours for round one.
Victoria was too strong for the NSW teams Annabelle and Cooper competed with.
Round two saw Annabelle wrangle a win against Queensland with team mate Sophie Payne 21-13.
Unfortunately Cooper’s winning streak did not kick in losing 11-17 with team mate Cooper Dart again against Victoria.
Round three saw Annabelle’s winning streak continue against Queensland 21-13 in singles and Cooper along with Cooper Dart and Sam Rich were just defeated by Queensland 16-17.
Round four for Cooper was another close loss against Queensland with Travis Moran 17-18 followed by a loss from Annabelle and Ella Cameron against Victoria 12-18.
Round five saw Cooper’s first win of the series with Sam Griffith, Travis Moran and Cooper Dart in fours against Queensland, this time a close win 13-12.
Cooper’s winning streak continued in the last round with Jacob Martin and Sam Griffith in a huge win against Queensland 23-9.
Unfortunately Annabelle’s last round saw a close loss against Queensland with team mates Sophie Payne and Tahlia Kennedy 19-20.
Final results brought the boys team up to second and the girls back into top place.
Sporting shooters news, results
Last Sunday was an absolutely beautiful day that saw only seven shooters attend the Deep Lead Smallbore Rifle Range and shot at round targets at both the 25 and 50 meters for a for a total of 500 points. The round targets are the most difficult to score well as the 25m bullseye is only 8mm and the 50mts is 10mm in diameter, this coupled with the shortage of reliable ammunition led to very average scores. That takes care of the excuses.
TARGET RIFLES: 25M 50M
TOTAL
John Davis 250, 242, 492.
Brian Drabsch 250, 227, 477.
FIELD RIFLES:
Ron Cunningham 250, 231, 481.
Walter Rudenko 248, 209, 457.
Jim Nash 238, 202, 440.
Two shot for practice only.
Next Sundays shoot is a 10am start and will be foxes at both ranges.
SSAA SPORTING CLAYS By
BRIAN DRABSCH
At last month’s shoot 8 shooters attended the Deep Lead Shooting Complex on the Back Trundle Road and shot in a 75-target day with a number of events using 6 automatic clay throwers set at various heights, angles and speeds, etc.
The first event was 25 targets using the gun clubs High Tower and this is a new event we have just started using.
Kevin Hawke 70, Brett Dean 65, Thomas Sheridan and Jeffery Charlton 63 each, Brian Drabsch 58 from 60, Noel Cleal 53, David Tanks (retired hurt) and John Tomlinson 42 each from 60 targets only.
Our next Shoot is at 1pm on Saturday, 16 August and again we will be using our clay throwers as well as the high tower.
An invitation is extended to all licensed shooters to come along and try this type of shot gunning even if you are not a SSAA member.
FootyNRL TIPPING
Cooper Fliedner added some valuable wins to the NSW side.
Annie Teague claimed the win with the NSW girls. PHOTOS: Bowls NSW
On the sidelines on Old Boys Day
Page 24
Moody’s kicking goals
Multi-sport star ready for finals campaigns
By MADELINE BLACKSTOCK
Ewan Moody isn’t one to shy away from a sporting field competing in as many sporting teams and codes as he possibly can.
This year alone Ewan was selected for not one, not two but four Western representative teams including hockey, rugby league, rugby union and touch football.
He was also selected for the Western rugby union schoolboys team, the NSW CHS rugby union team and Central West U18s rugby un ion team.
Most recently Ewan was part of the NSW All Schools 2’s rugby union team which placed second in the Australian Schools Rug by Union Championships in Queensland.
This was Ewan’s first time competing in a national championship and he really valued the experience.
“We definitely expected to be in the finals, we probably could have won but just a couple of things sort of let us down,” Ewan said.
Ewan’s team lost to the NSW All Schools first team and before finals both the first and second team had won all of their games for the whole championships.
Ewan was also part of the Central West Rugby Union U18s team which competed at the 2025 Rugby Union State Championships.
Half of the U18’s team was made up of Parkes Boars players which Ewan said made the experience really fun.
The team ended up placing third in Country NSW and ninth in the state.
Looking ahead Ewan is focusing on finals for both Parkes Boars colts under 19s and first grade sides and Parkes Spacemen under 18s side.
The year 12 Parkes High School student is also looking ahead to next year where he hopes to be in Sydney further developing his sporting career in rugby union.
“Hopefully I can go and play somewhere in Sydney next year and just see what opportunities arise from that,” Ewan added.
When asked what is it about sport the young athlete loves so much he said, “it just feels right, it feels normal.”
PARKES HARNESS RACING CLUB
Parkes Harness Racing Club will race again this coming Friday night August 15th 2025.
We have 8 races scheduled with the first race to start at 6.22.pm, gates will open to the public at 5.30pm with free entry to all patrons. Full TAB, Bar & Canteen facilities will be available on course. The racing will feature heats of the Garrards Loyalty Series. Sponsors for the meeting
Ewan Moody represented NSW at the Australian Schools Rugby Union Championships in Queensland.
PHOTOS: Supplied
Western hockey representatives Ewan Moody and Jake Dunn.