Our leaders in language
By MADELINE BLACKSTOCK
Keeping the Wiradjuri language and culture alive for the next generation is what Charlie Oraha and Iesha Charlton strive for every day in their roles at Parkes East Public School.
As student learning and support officers both Charlie and Iesha wear many hats.
The pair both teach Wiradjuri language and culture, mentor students and lead cultural programs that are making a difference.
This week the pair travelled to Darwin to attend the Puliima International Languages Conference, a major
national event focused on the revitalisation and celebration of Indigenous languages.
Selected as Young Champions by First Languages Australia, Charlie and Iesha were among 20 young leaders from across the country chosen to participate in this prestigious opportunity.
The Parkes Champion Post caught up with the two educators before their departure to the Northern Territory.
“I’m just super excited to go and hope to bring back more information or more stories,”
Iesha said.
“Language is not just about the language, it’s about the history. History that hasn’t
been allowed to be spoken about or shared for such a long time.”
Iesha, originally from Canberra, has been on a personal journey of cultural discovery since moving to Parkes.
“I’ve been slowly learning what Aboriginal tribe I belong to.
“I have been learning more about culture with Mr [Geoff] Anderson and the language group, and whatever I can find online or in books.”
For Charlie, the trip to Darwin is more than just a professional opportunity.
Charlie runs the Bro Speak program at Parkes East, a safe space for Indigenous boys to
connect, learn and grow.
“Some of these boys don’t have male role models,” Charlie said.
“I try to be someone they can look up to. I’m big on mental health - letting them know it’s ok to talk, to cry and to be vulnerable.”
Charlie’s own experience in the same program when he was in school helped him turn his life around.
“I was always in trouble at school but learning about my culture gave me direction. That’s why I do what I do now. I want these boys to know there’s more out there for them.”
■ Continued on page 3
Legacy looking for local support
LACHLAN LEGACY
What is Legacy Australia?
It’s common knowledge the RSL supports returned servicemen and many know about the ‘Soldier On’ organisation which supports returned service personnel, but how many people know about Legacy and what it does?
Legacy Australia is there to support the families of Australian Defence Force personnel who have lost their life or health through service in conflicts overseas since 1923.
It was founded by an ex-serviceman, fulfilling a promise made to a dying mate in the trenches of World War 1.
This promise to look after his mate’s wife when he returned from war took on a greater meaning as the need for support for bereaved families of veterans was so great.
Today, Legacy has grown to include some 4,000 volunteers helping to support more than 40,000 widows and 1,800 children of veterans who have lost their lives or health due to active service overseas.
What does this mean locally?
Forbes Legacy was formed in 1947 to support the widows and families in communities across the Bland, Cabonne, Cowra, Forbes, Lachlan, Parkes and Weddin Shire Council areas. Today this area goes under the banner of Lachlan Legacy.
Lachlan Legacy President Jenny Friend said there are 72 beneficiaries within Lachlan Legacy, receiving support.
nancial hardship.
Caring for dependents with disabilities is another support service offered by Legacy by making sure there is enduring care; lifestyle and independence skills; social inclusion; and assist with the transition to residential care if needed.
Legacy Week is the main fundraising time for this uniquely Australian nonprofit organisation. This year Legacy Week is from 31 August to 6 September 2025.
So how does Legacy Australia support widows and families of veterans?
Legacy Australia provides support and or counselling for young families and
Forbes Legatee and Lachlan Legacy Vice President, Martin Cunningham, said, “In Forbes there are 18 beneficiaries being supported by Forbes Legacy volunteers, with another 12 in Parkes and four in Peak Hill that Forbes volunteers also look after.”
children through relief for financial hardship; advocating for entitlements; helping families to thrive despite their loss and assisting with children’s education and development.
Another service is to ensure support for aging and
vulnerable widows. Legacy is committed to ensuring no widow of a deceased veteran will ever face life’s challenges alone by protecting older widows; combating social isolation; living at home with dignity; health and security; and providing relief from fi-
WHAT’S ON in and around Parkes
NSW SMALL WINEMAKERS WINE SHOW TASTING
Friday, 29 August
Application for Appointment of Board Members
Dark Corner Public Recreation Reserve Land Manager
Ever wondered who is responsible for keeping Crown reserves operating?
Countless facilities like showgrounds, local halls and parks are run by Statutory Land Manager Boards, made up of people just like you. People who understand the need and have a desire to manage public land and assets for the benefit of the entire community.
Your role as a Board Member is voluntary, but the rewards of giving something back to the community are priceless. We are looking for a good mix of people with a variety of skills, however, sound business and financial management skills and objective decision-making expertise would be a distinct advantage.
Don’t let this opportunity to do something for yourself and your community pass you by – contact us today.
The Dark Corner Public Recreation Reserve Land Manager manages the Reserve No. 42393 at Dark Corner notified on 22-Jan-1908 for Public Recreation. The term of appointment will be for a period not exceeding 5 years.
Application for membership can be made via portal.crownland.nsw.gov.au
All applications are required to be lodged by 29 September 2025
For further information contact Natalie Wilkinson on (02) 6391 3674 or go to reservemanager.crownland.nsw.gov.au JL0042
The NSW Small Winemakers Show has released 2025 dates and this year’s public tasting is on Friday, 29 August at Forbes Town Hall. The gourmet wine presentation dinner follows on Saturday, 20 September.
FRONTLINE BALL 2025
Saturday, 30 August
This event has sold out but some final tickets might be available due to some guests now no longer able to attend. 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. Head to 123Tix for any possible final tickets. Also see the event’s Facebook page for updates.
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 for the community and surrounding towns to engage in scientific principles relevant to everyday life and experience Questacon right here in Parkes.
TRUNDLE BUSH TUCKER DAY
Saturday, 6 September
Dust off your camp ovens and get your dancing boots ready for a day full of country music and bush cooking in Trundle. This year Casey Barnes will be headlining the popular event with The Bushwackers and The Alternators also gracing the Trundle stage. As well as country music there will also be free kids’ entertainment, pig races, market stalls, food vans, dog jumping and so much more. Get your tickets now at www.123tix.com.au/ events/46970/trundle-bush-tucker-day-2025
FORBES SHOW
Saturday, 13 September
Put Saturday 13 September in your diary, it’s the date of the 149th Forbes Show. The one-day show format introduced in 2024 is back in 2025, with plenty on. There will be entertainment and rides, animal nursery, fireworks, agricultural exhibitions and so much more. For more information visit their Facebook page www.facebook.com/ ForbesShowNSW
NAIDOC CELEBRATIONS
Saturday, 20 September
Parkes NAIDOC celebrations will be held on Saturday, 20 September between 10am and 2pm at Bushman’s Hill Wiradjuri Amphitheatre. There will be free activities for families including face painting, weaving, jumping castles, performances and other activities as well as lots of food. A special part of the day will be the presentation of NAIDOC awards.
EUGOWRA SHOW
Saturday, 20 September
Head to Eugowra Showground for a funfilled day for the whole family. While the Show Society is organising all your favourite attractions and events, now’s the time to
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Volunteers will be selling promotional items (badges, pens and bears) across the country during Legacy Week. In Forbes volunteers will be selling items at Bunnings and Club Forbes.
Parkes Services Club, Peak Hill Ex-Services and Citizen’s Club, Trundle Services and Citizen’s Club and Condobolin RSL and Cowra RSL will have Legacy merchandise available.
plan your entries in the pavilion sections! Have you got a top fleece, outstanding jam or artwork to bring along? Memberships will be available via 123tix or at the show office from Monday, 15 September. Tickets will be available via 123tix or at the gate.
STREET DREAMS
Saturday, 27 September
Forbes is set to glow with colour and creativity when the brand-new Street Dreams Festival lights up the town this September. This free event, from 5pm to 9pm, will transform Harold Street, Victoria Park and Town Hall into cultural spaces filled with interactive light displays, creative installations, live performances and delicious food options.
CANOLA CUP FAMILY PICNIC DAY
Monday, 6 October
Eugowra Harness Racing Club knows how to host a great event and the Canola Cup is the pinnacle. This great family picnic day is back again on the October long weekend Monday. While the horses go round on the track, there’s live music, great prizes for fashions on the field, free dodgem cars, jumping castle, and face painting. It all happens at Eugowra Showground Paceway from midday.
ALL ROADS LEAD TO TRUNDLE 17-19 October
With the Trundle ABBA Festival unable to go ahead this year because Parkes Shire Council cannot continue to fund it in its current form, Trundle locals have banded together to bring a new event in its place for the time being. Save the date for All Roads Lead to Trundle, a weekend full of fun. It includes the famous Pink Ribbon Night on the Friday (see details below), as well as a fundraising golf afternoon and music all day and night over the weekend. For more information, check out its Facebook page.
Orange MP Phil Donato, Cr Joy Paddison, Holly Davies from Transport for NSW, Mayor Neil Westcott, Deputy Mayor Marg Applebee, Cr Bill Jayet and Director of Operations Logan Hignett.
Major upgrades on vital freight route complete
A series of major upgrades to The Bogan Way are complete, transforming more than 25 kilometres of this vital regional freight route and significantly improving safety and access across the Parkes Shire.
Seven projects made up the $15.7 million Parkes Shire North South Link (MR350) Project, which all was officially ‘opened’ on Monday in Trundle.
The work included three projects funded by more than $4.5 million from the Australian Government under the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program, and more than $9 million from the NSW Government over the past four years.
The Bogan Way supports transport operators connecting producers to grain silos route through the Narromine, Parkes and Forbes shires and the Central West Livestock Exchange, and is a vital haulage and residential access route.
Parkes Mayor Neil Westcott said the funding enabled Parkes Shire Council to deliver works that would otherwise have taken many more years to complete.
“Grant funding was instrumen-
tal in delivering these significant upgrades to such a vital freight link that services not just our shire, but the wider region and the state,” Mayor Westcott said.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said they were proud to help deliver practical, targeted upgrades that will make a real difference to the region.
The completed works enable higher productivity vehicles, including AB Triples, to safely use the route, thanks to upgrades that addressed pavement rehabilitation, widening, realignment, culvert replacement, and the installation of wire rope barriers.
The seven projects along The Bogan Way include:
- The Bogan Way and McGrane Way intersection north of Tullamore was realigned and widened and major pavement reconstruction completed, widened two culverts, and installed a traffic island and lighting.
- Southern Tullamore - widened 14.1km of narrow seal, correcting poor pavement conditions and installing compliant road batter slopes, and five culverts.
- The Bogan Way at the entrance to Trundle widened a narrow road formation and completed pavement corrections, enhancing road reliability and safety.
- The Bogan Way from the railway crossing to Botfield Roadupgraded road shoulder works, widening road to allow for a more cohesive connection between road and railway crossing nine kilometres north of Bogan Gate.
- The Bogan Way at Bogan Gate township corrected poor pavement conditions, and completed shaping and drainage works.
- The Bogan Way south of Parkes between Nelungaloo Road to Monumea Gap Road included intersection upgrades for both Nelungaloo Road and Monumea Gap Road intersection to improve safety.
- The Bogan Way south of Parkes, north of Crooked Creek Bridge upgraded three kilometres of road network, widening the road pavement and addressing the stormwater issues in the localised area.
NSW Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said improving key freight routes like The Bogan
Way was helping local industries move goods more efficiently, reducing travel times and making journeys safer for everyone.
Parkes Shire Council Director of Operations Logan Hignett said this project has not only delivered a safer and more productive freight route, but it has also been a significant step forward in how they approach road construction across the shire.
“By introducing machine guidance technology, we upskilled our teams and delivered more precise outcomes, improving efficiency and reducing material wastage,” he said.
“The partnership between council and private contractors throughout the seven upgrades was a standout, working collaboratively allowed us to deliver works more efficiently.
“Just as importantly, community feedback played a key role in shaping the design at each location, particularly around drainage and flood resilience.
“Local knowledge was critical to getting those solutions right, which was an important lesson when delivering capital works of this magnitude.”
Young women crowned
Bridget Mrak is the Parkes Show’s Young Woman for 2025.
The prestigious honour was bestowed upon the 21-year-old during the official opening of the show on Tuesday afternoon.
During which the Parkes Show Miss Teenager was also announced, that title this year going to Laila McHattan.
Bridget is a qualified automotive electrician and bartender and holds the role of treasurer for both the Adavale Lane Community Centre and the Trundle Pony Club.
Her biggest goal currently is to own and run her family’s and partner’s family farms. Bridget also enjoys gardening, reading and baking.
Laura Kiel was an entrant alongside Bridget in this year’s Parkes Show Young Woman competition.
Laura is a nutritionist and pilates instructor whose interests include social netball, touch football, swimming and is also a strong supporter of health and fitness in rural landscapes.
Laura is involved with the community by conducting pilates classes for locals during Movember, pilates in the park in Forbes and Parkes, and also teaching swimming lessons at Yeoval and Parkes pools.
Laura entered into the Young Woman competition as she would like to make an impact individuals on and share her passion.
Meanwhile Stacey McMaster was named Peak Hill’s 2025 Young Woman at their show last week on 20 August.
Young champions in Darwin for prestigious opportunity
■ From page 1.
Both educators are passionate about the power of language.
“Language is everything,” Charlie said.
“It’s culture, it’s who we are. Why sit in class learning a foreign lan-
guage when you can learn the history of where you live?”
The Puliima Conference included intensive workshops, storytelling sessions and discussions on innovation in language conservation.
The Young Champions Gathering
was a one day immersive event designed to empower young leaders aged 18 to 35 who are dedicated to Indigenous language revitalisation.
For Charlie and Iesha, it was a chance to connect with others doing similar work across the country
and bring new ideas home.
“It’s really good that we get to talk to people who don’t have the same experiences but can still share different ways of teaching and communicating,” Iesha said.
“Everyone pulls upon their own
experiences and hopefully you learn something that will help you.”
As they represented Wiradjuri in the National Territory both Charlie and Iesha are proud to be part of a movement that is preserving Indigenous languages.
$15.7 million upgrades have been made to the Parkes Shire North South Link (MR350).
PEAK HILL YOUNG
Pauline nears 50 years with Peak Hill Show
By MADELINE BLACKSTOCK
For nearly five decades, Paul ine Gallagher has been an essen tial part of the Peak Hill Show Society dedicating her time to executive roles, and she’s not done yet.
With her sights set on reach ing the 50 year milestone next year, Pauline’s commitment to the town’s beloved annual event remains as strong as ever.
Pauline first took on the role of secretary in 1977 continuing for 29 years until 2006.
Since then, she has continued to lend her expertise as treasurer and even stepping back into the secretary role for an additional year.
Her dedication to the society is deeply rooted in family tradi tion.
As a third-generation volun teer and life member of the Peak Hill Show Society, Pauline car ries forward a proud legacy of community service.
Reflecting on what keeps her coming back to the Peak Hill Show year after year she said, “everybody has a good time, it’s a big celebration and I enter things into the pavilion”.
Highway patrol in heavy vehicle crackdown
Police have charged 12 people following a crackdown on heavy vehicles during a five-day police operation in and around Parkes and Forbes.
Over the years of being involved with the show, the dedicated volunteer has seen many
which she admits she is not very fond of, to the growing involvement of school children which she finds fantastic.
“I’ve seen the school children become more involved in the show over the years compared
For Pauline, it’s evident the show is more than just an event to her, it’s a celebration of community.
“It’s a community get-together. It’s a bit like the Sydney Show, I suppose. A lot of the kids are off
animals which is a great experi ence,” Pauline added.
As Pauline approaches 50 years with the Peak Hill Show Society, she is a shining example of the wonderful and dedicated volunteers in Peak Hill.
Ruby’s animal nursery steals the show
By MADELINE BLACKSTOCK
It’s never too early and you’re never too young to make a big impact at your local show.
Just ask 10-year-old Ruby Stanford who has once again captured hearts at the Peak Hill Show with her beloved animal nursery.
Returning for her second year with her mix of baby animals from her family’s farm including lambs, goats and dogs, Ruby creates a hands-on experience that’s become a highlight for kids and families alike at the Peak Hill Show.
Ruby’s Animal Nursey
was voted the most popular exhibit at last year’s show according to a survey which was conducted after the show by the Show Society.
This year she was back by popular demand and she didn’t disappoint.
“I love looking after the animals and playing with them,” Ruby said. She also enjoys seeing other kids get the chance to play and pat the animals as well.
Pauline Gallagher, treasurer of the Peak Hill Show Society admires Ruby’s efforts.
“It’s a really lovely little experience. Ruby brings
in animals from her family farm so kids have the chance to touch them. A lot of children don’t usually get that opportunity,” Pauline said.
While looking after the animals Ruby also entered the Junior Showgirl competition and walked away as the winner.
Ruby also has strong ties to the society with her dad, Benjamin Stanford, president of the Peak Hill Show.
With her passion for animals Ruby is showing that age is no barrier in getting involved with your local show and putting smiles on faces while she’s doing it.
Operation Convoy was launched from 11 August by officers attached to Traffic and Highway Patrol Command on the main roads of Parkes, Forbes, Condobolin and Tullamore and surrounding areas.
During the operation police conducted 489 heavy vehicles roadside breath tests, 332 drug tests, and issued 38 heavy vehicle infringement notices, detected 38 speed offences, and charged 12 people with 18 counts of offences.
One truck driver is to face court on a charge of drive / permit not comply with dimension requirementssevere.
Officers stopped the truck on Henry Parkes Way on the afternoon of 12 August, and the driver, a 56-year-old man – was issued a court attendance notice.
Inquiries under Operation Convoy continue.
One 46-year-old man was given a 24-hour driving prohibition following an alleged positive roadside drug test.
Police stopped a van at Daroobalgie, on the Newell Highway on 12 August, as checks alleged the registration was expired.
The driver was subjected to a roadside drug test, which allegedly returned a positive reading.
An oral fluid sample was obtained for further analysis at the scene.
You may be eligible for assistance from the Resilient Homes Program to increase the resilience of your home. Even if your home wasn’t severely damaged or destroyed, simple improvements could minimise the impact of future flood events.
Attend the Resilient Homes Expo to find out more.
Resilient Homes Expo Location: Eugowra Showground 63 Oberon St, Eugowra
Date: Wednesday 3 September 2025
Time: 4 pm to 7 pm
PHOTO: Madeline Blackstock
Anvil rings again at museum
By BRENDAN MCCOOL
Almost like stepping back into the past, our Henry Parkes Museum celebrated the opening of an opera tional blacksmith shop at its prem ises on 13 August.
Naming it the Earl Symonds Blacksmith Shop, it was installed on the same site of the previous forge which Earl Symonds had set up after his return from World War II, with tools and machinery com monly used on display including the anvil, bellows and a tyre shrink er.
Parkes Historical Society’s Rose Jones said the drive behind the res toration was a desire to maintain and preserve the forge and equip ment, which belonged to and was used by a local historian, for future generations.
This was a big undertaking over the course of a year, Ms Jones said, with the historical society having to create a design they wanted, lay-in a new floor at the site, restore the roof, locate the equipment from around the museum to put the display together and restore what they could.
Parkes Shire Mayor Neil Wescott said “we are all products of what went before” and places like the Henry Parkes Museum show what was here in the Parkes Shire over Wiradjuri people.
He said the opening of the blacksmith shop is a great insight into days gone past, congratulating the volunteers at the museum for their efforts in putting it together.
“I encourage everyone to come up to the museum and rediscover
Westcott said.
State Member for Orange Phil Donato said it is significantly important to the community and Earl Symonds’ descendants to learn about the earlier history of Parkes.
Orange ED on list for Safe Staffing Levels
Orange hospital’s emergency department is on the State’s list to roll out Safe Staffing levels.
Recruitment is well under way for additional nurses in regional and rural NSW, the government announced last week, as they plan to introduce staff reform to another 27 hospital emergency departments including Orange.
Ms Jones credits Earl as one of the drivers behind collecting and displaying some of the farm equipment and machinery which were historically used.
She said volunteers really work hard on their displays to tell a story.
He said it was important to preserve that history and showcasing it to allow people to interact with it was very important.
The staffing boost enables the rostering of a one-to-one nursing care ratio for generally occupied ED resuscitation beds on all shifts, and one nurse to three generally occupied ED treatment spaces and ED short-stay unit beds on all shifts.
Health Minister Ryan Park said Safe Staffing levels were about delivering safer, better care for patients while making sure nurses have the support they need on every shift.
“For too long, hospitals across regional and rural NSW have been left behind, but this reform is changing that – with hundreds of additional nurses already recruited and more on the way,” Mr Park said.
“This is about building a stronger health system for patients, families, and staff, no matter where you live.”
The Safe Staffing Levels Taskforce was established to oversee the rollout of the Government’s commitment of 2,480 FTE over four years. It includes key leaders from the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA), NSW Health, and local health districts.
Phase one of Safe Staffing Levels commenced in the level five and six emergency departments, which treat the most critically ill patients, and is being implemented progressively across other key areas in a phased approach.
Erik Lensson pumped the bellows to keep the flames hot at the forge.
BELLA ALLEN IS OUR STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Bella Allen is the Star of the Week for demonstrating our Core Values at Holy Family Primary School and for always being hardworking and kind.
What is your favourite subject? Mathematics.
In your free time, what do you like to do? Hang out with friends
What is your favourite food? Pizza.
What do you like most about our school?
There are lots of fun activities at school and many children to hang out with.
What are your strengths?
Dancing and art
What would you like to be when you grow up ? A zoologist.
ELI MIRI IS OUR STUDENT OF THE WEEK
“Eli is always trying his personal best and brings a positive and happy attitude to the school.”
What is your favourite subject?
PE and maths.
What is your favourite thing about your school?
The playground .
What are your hobbies?
Playing hockey.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Work in the mine.
Student voices echo through Opera House
were once again part of the sound that filled the Sydney Opera House during this year’s Festival of Choral Music.
Since February, 16 students from years 3 to 6 have been learning 10 songs which they performed as part of the combined public schools choir at the Sydney Opera House.
The combined choir included over 600 students from primary schools around the state.
All students part of the choir have
been rehearsing their 10 songs for months for their one special night performing in the Opera House.
“The students did really wellstanding still while performing and remembering all their parts and words, and to be respectful and quiet while others performed,” teacher Erin Woolstencroft said.
“The students enjoyed the experience of being part of a larger choir and seeing a variety of other musicians perform as well.”
Parkes Public have been partici-
pating in the Festival of Choral Music for many years now.
One of the supervising teachers who went to Sydney with the students this year had participated in the festival herself with Parkes Public when she was younger.
Parkes Public School would like to continue participating in the festival for many more years but this is dependent on being selected through an audition tape which is sent to the Arts Unit of the Department of Education every year.
Worth doing well
TO: Parkes Public School
Parkes Public School students
Middleton Public School student Eli Miri is our student of the week.
From classroom to Canberra: Students urged to speak up
The floor is yours.
Students across the Parkes electorate are being challenged to imagine their first day as a Member of Parliament and deliver a 90-second speech on the issues that matter.
The winners get to take their words all the way to Canberra.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Milton Dick MP, and Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey have launched the “My First Speech” competition for students in the Parkes electorate.
This national competition challenges students in years 10, 11 and 12 to envision themselves as newly elected Members of the House of Representatives and what they would say when they have the floor for the first time.
The winning entrant from each year group, accompanied by a parent or guardian, will be flown to Canberra to deliver their speeches live at Parliament House and participate in an engaging program tailored to deepen their understanding of the legislative process.
The submission deadline for the competition is set for 11.59pm AEST on Monday, 15 September 2025.
To learn more about the competition and submit entries, students can visit the dedicated competition website: mfs. houseofrepresentatives.gov.au
For further information and inquiries regarding the “My First Speech” competition, please contact Mr Chaffey’s office on (02) 6882 0999.
“This is an exciting opportunity for students across the Parkes electorate to talk about the issues that matter the most to them – the things that might affect them every day, or those that might
Resilient Homes Expo on in Eugowra
impact on generations to come,” Mr Chaffey said.
“I know we have some of the most talented students in Australia here in regional New South Wales, and I’m excited to see what they have to say.
“This program offers a great opportunity to get a head start on a big future.”
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Milton Dick MP, said one of his
COWRA COWRA
key priorities as Speaker had been to promote Parliamentary education to students across the country.
“This competition will provide high school students with the chance to learn more about the way our nation’s democracy works, and how actively engaging with the parliamentary process can draw attention to the issues that are most important to them,” he said.
The NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) is hosting a Resilient Homes Expo to help homeowners and community members who are looking to make their homes more flood resilient.
The expo will provide information about the Resilient Homes Program grant process, development approval processes, and how successful resilient building and relocation projects can be delivered.
It will take place next week on Wednesday, 3 September from 4pm to 7pm at the Eugowra Showground, Oberon Street.
Homeowners and business representatives can visit information stands and speak with representatives from councils, RA, SafeWork NSW, Building Commission NSW, and various industry associations and businesses interested in resilient building services.
Breakout sessions on resilient measures, development approval processes, and relocation will also be on offer throughout the expo.
There will be opportunities on the day to book 15-minute one-on-one appointments with a member of the Resilient Homes Program team, or a council officer.
Residents who had flooding in or around their homes in November 2022 may be eligible for grants from the
Resilient Homes Program to help increase the resilience of their dwelling.
This includes if your home was surrounded or inundated by floodwater.
Even if your home wasn’t severely damaged or destroyed, making simple improvements could minimise the impact of future flood events.
You may be eligible for grants to assist with:
Home Retrofit – up to $50,000 to retrofit or repair your home, including raising power points, outdoor air conditioners and hot water systems.
Home Raising – up to $100,000 to elevate your home.
Home Rebuild or Relocation – up to $100,000 towards the cost of rebuilding or relocating a home. Planning and preparation costs – up to $20,000 to assist with planning, design and development costs.
Hardship provisions may also be available.
Find out more at the Resilient Homes Expo.
The annual Public Tasting will be held on Friday August 29 at the Forbes Town Hall. Tickets are $30 per person The Gourmet Wine Dinner will be held on Saturday September 20 from 7pm at Club Forbes and features a five course meal with trophy winning wines. Tickets are $130 per person.
If you buy your tickets for both events in one transaction, you will receive $10 off.
Member for Parke s Jamie Chaffey recently made his own first speech and is now eager to hear what the electorate’s senior students would say if given the floor.
Eventful 120th Peak Hill Show
While the weather didn’t cooperate for the 120th Peak Hill Show, the community spirit was shining through all day long.
There was a fantastic turnout of families, locals and visitors alike braving the rain to support the much loved community event.
The show was officially opened by Mike Sutherland from one of the event’s major sponsors, Alkane Resources, and from that moment on the action didn’t stop.
There was something for everyone: duck races, camel rides, sideshow alley, livestock judging, pavilion exhibits, food and drink vendors, train rides, the Miss Showgirl and Master Stockman competitions, visits from Paw Patrol, fireworks, face painting, markets, and live music from Easy Goin’.
Crowd favourites made a big splash again too, including the always-entertaining Quick Shear, the adorable animals at Ruby’s Animal Nursery, and the side-splitting Peak Hill Bogan Challenge.
In the lead-up to the show, the committee were thrilled to offer a series of free community workshops, thanks to the support of Parkes Shire Council.
Their generous grant funding allowed the committee to fully subsidise four hands-on sessions including cheese making, Viking knit bracelet crafting, macramé, and flower arranging.
These workshops were a huge success, encouraging locals to learn something new and take part in the show in ways they may never have considered before.
The results were clearly on display in the pavilion, with an impressive number of entries proudly submitted by first-time exhibitors.
Danial Day cleaned up in the poultry section at the Peak Hill Show with two champions, one reserve champion and Bird of Show entries. The poultry section has not run at the Peak Hill Show since 2022 and stewards were happy with the 120 entries.
“It’s initiatives like these that bring us together, celebrate our skills, and strengthen the fabric of our community,” said Peak Hill Show Committee secretary Stephanie Williams.
The committee sends a huge thank you to all the vendors, rides, and stallholders who joined in on the fun of the Peak Hill Show, and to every competitor and entrant across the entire show.
“It is also important to recognise the incredible show committee, whose behind-thescenes efforts ensured the day ran smoothly,” Ms Williams said.
The major raffle was another highlight of the day:
First prize winner: Jake Green, who is off to Japan with his lucky lady, thanks to a Flight Centre voucher and accommodation provided by generous sponsor Chalet Madarao.
Second prize winner: Kieran Taylor, who’s sharing the joytaking his barbecue prize and meat pack from Dubbo Meat
Centre to work for a team lunch, and using his Cross Roads Hotel beverage voucher to treat his mates.
Another crowd favourite was the racing ducks, which had audiences giggling and cheering trackside.
The show committee thanked Norah from Gilmore Family Entertainment for bringing them to life.
Congratulations to Cooper Dart, winner of the final Duck Race Calcutta, and to Ellie Unger and her family, who had the honour of pressing the plunger to ignite the spectacular fireworks display.
Behind every success at the show are the volunteers.
“The committee would like to thank the many hands who helped bring the day together,” Ms Williams said.
“And finally, to the generous sponsors: your support ensures the Peak Hill Show continues to grow, year after year.
“It was a huge day and the committee are already looking ahead to even bigger things.”
Ms Williams said plans are well underway for the 121st Peak Hill Show in 2026.
The Peak Hill Show Society can’t wait to welcome everyone back again!
Ava Hayes and Shaun Kopp at the Peak Hill Show last week.
pavilion on show day.
Peak Hill ladies Ellen Wilkie and Leonie Alessio.
Troy Brewin and Alice Carr with Hunter and Georgia Brewin from Peak Hill.
Joyce Zeidler, Ann McIntyre, and Anne and Bill Byrne from Peak Hill.
PHOTOS: Madeline Blackstock
Becky Wykes 2024 Peak Hill Show Young Woman with 2025 Peak Hill Show Young Woman entrant Makayla McMaster, 2025 Peak
Peak Hill Central School were awarded the Supreme Beef Exhibit. Pictured is judge Andrew Hall with Eva Jenna and Peak Hill Central School principal Peter Neilsen. PHOTO: Peak Hill Central School
Eva Jenner and Jala Solomon. PHOTO: Peak Hill Central School
Paige Newbigging with Fletcher, Josie, Angus, George and Archer Newbigging enjoying their ice creams at the Peak Hill Show.
Sarah Townsend, Sally Wright, Becky Wykes and Brianna Green with six to seven-year-old boy entrants in the tiny tots competition.
Sue Strahorn from Tomingley with Wes and Valmai Westcott from Peak Hill.
GRACE WESTCOTT WITH HER WINNING BEST BACKYARD FEMALE CHOOK, PECCY, WITH CHARLIE AND HUGH WESTCOTT.
TUESDAY
The president and committee of the Parkes
P. A. & H. Association Inc would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank the following sponsors and donors for their support of the 2025 Parkes Show.
PLATINUM SPONSORS
Evolution Mining
Northparkes Operations
McPhersons Parts & Service
MAJOR SPONSORS
A.A. Blatch
Agriwest
AWN Langlands Hanlon
BOSMAC Pty Ltd
C & S Stockfeed
Supplies
Dwyer Contracting
Glassplace
Hutcheon & Pearce
Janlin Agribusiness
Medlyn Auto Services
Moss Transport
Nutrien Ag Solutions
Oils Plus
Ostini Wool
Parkes Décor Shoppe
Parkes Diesel
Parkes Ford & Kia
Parkes Mitre 10
Parkes Steel Products
Parkes Toyota Parkes Veterinary Hospital
Ray White Rural Rio Tino
RMB Matthews
Williams Lawyers
Sunrise Energy Metals
Steve Magill
Earthmoving Tanswell Transport
Telescope Tyres Group Westlime Win Network
Worklocker
GENERAL SPONSORS
Adele’s Salon
Advice4Life Financial
Planning
Allflex Coopers
Annie Boo & Lulu
Arnold’s
Australian Hunter & Show Horse Association
Australian National Show Horse Association
Australian Saddle Pony Association
Australian Wool Network
Bartley’s Creek Partnership
Be Café
Blackwattle Pottery
Body Express
Bowman’s Radiators
Buckwheat
Enterprises/Bio Oz
Bunnings Group
Cahills Footwear
Cake Decorators Guild
Capped Cakes
Central West Credit Union
Central West Fluid Power
Colouby Creations
Corner Office Co
Craft Corner
CSIRO Parkes Radio
Telescope
CWA Parkes
Dariwell Stud
Decra
Dirty Gloves Nursery
Dunford Chemist
Double J Angus
Forbes Livestock & Agency Co
Former Arts Council of
Australia
Goodsell Machinery
Griffins Leading Edge
Gundarimbah Horse & Pony Stud
Gundarimbah Merino & Poll Merinos
Hood Family Trust
Janice Cassidy Hair
Salon
J H Rice & Co
Kerlea Stud
Kevin Miller, Whitty, Lennon & Co
Kiah Merino Stud
Kindred Beauty Salon
Kingham Agriculture
La Bella
Laura Jelbart
Photography
Little Bloom
Arrangements
Mapperson Mechanical
Marcelle’s Patchwork
Cottage
McDonald’s
Nangar Gems
NSW Stud Breeders
Association
NSW Farmers Associa-
tion Parkes/Forbes
NSW Arabian
Association
Olsons
Overland Merino Stud
Packed Cones Gelato
Parkes Bearings N
Parts
Parkes Bricks and Pavers
Parkes Coffee Pot
Parkes Embroiderer’s
Guild
Parkes Floral Art Group
Parkes Garden Club
Parkes Historical
Society
Parkes IGA
Supermarket
Parkes News & Gifts
Parkes Painting Group
Parkes Pharmacy
Parkes Photography Society
Parkes Potters Group
Parkes Shire Council
Parkes Top Town
Traders
Pat Kinsela
Motorcycles
Pet Care Kitchen
Quality Wool
QuickShine Car Wash
Rabobank
Rice Livestock & Property
Roasted Kombi Café
RSL (Parkes Sub Branch)
Seed Hoppers Parkes
Sew & Go
Subway
The Whyte Room
Totally Workwear
Trelawney Pastoral
Company
Troy Animal Healthcare
Virbac
XYTOVET
Yarn Etc Kelly McGirr
Zemzem Arabian Stud
Zoetis
OTHER VALUED
SPONSORS
Bicket Family
Charlton Family
Don Buchan Family
Margaret McRae Family
Mr & Mrs C Armstrong
Mr M Armstrong
Mr B Ash
Mr & Mrs T Baker
Ms W Baker
Mrs V Boyd
Mrs D Brooke
Mrs R Bromley
Mr & Mrs W Burke
Mr S Buttle
Mr A Carlton
Mr B Charlton
Mr P Charlton
Mr W Dunford
Mrs D Field
Mrs B J Freebairn
Mr T Gardiner
Mrs L Gosper
Mr & Mrs D Hawken
Mr P Hocking
Mr R Hood
Mr J Jelbart
Mr & Mrs K Keith
Mr T Keith & M Harris Mrs M Lewis
Mrs G Littlewood
Mrs H Unger
Parkes High School agriculture teacher Natasha Shankelton, agriculture assistant Brett Davis and Charlotte Orr with their Supreme Champion British Breed Ewe ribbon.
PHOTOS: Madeline Blackstock
Parkes Christian School show team Anna Davis, Hayley ence, Saxon Guess and Lezaan Schwartz.
FINLEY, HUXLEY AND RHIANNON GUESS WATCHING SAXON GUESS IN THE CATTLE RING.
MEGHAN, LOUIS AND CAMERON KOPP.
BLAIRE AND BRIGHTON CRISP.
TOM CLARK, GLEN FORD AND JACQUI CLARK.
Yards, rooftops and a bowling green become a winter scene
By CHRISTINE LITTLE
Like scenes out of a Christmas movie set in Europe or some winter wonderland, many residents were a little thrilled to see a bit of white dusting on their doorsteps, window sills and rooftops last week.
Grey skies on 19 August just before 4pm made way for a small hail storm that made a lot of noise, but thankfully had stones that weren’t large enough to cause any damage.
The temperature dropped almost three degrees in two minutes after 4pm, from 11.3 degrees to 8.6 - one resident commenting on social media that it got down to 6.2 at one point.
The hail seemed scattered though as some areas reported only getting rain, while others received dumps big enough to make mini snowmen - or hailmenand to flawlessly blanket open spaces such as a bowling green.
The Bureau of Meteorology recorded 9.6mm of rain falling over the afternoon and some of the hail was even still spotted in yards, streets and alleyways the next morning.
We reached out to our readers on Facebook to see if they captured any photos of the moment and scene afterwards, and they certainly didn’t disappoint.
We love these photos so much we’re going to be publishing them over a few editions of the Champion Post, so stay tuned.
Thank you to everyone who shared a photo on our Facebook page.
Support for our country kids’ vital education
MATTERS OF STATE
By PHILIP DONATO, State Member for Orange
WOMEN OF THE YEAR NOMINATIONS OPEN
Do you know a woman making a difference? She could be the next NSW Woman of the Year!
The NSW Women of the Year Awards recognise and celebrate women and girls who inspire us with their actions, whether they are ground-breaking thinkers, everyday heroes, social reformers or innovative role models.
Nominations are open for the following categories:
• NSW Premier’s Woman of Excellence Award.
• NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year Award.
• NSW Community Hero Award.
• NSW Regional Woman of the Year Award.
• NSW Young Woman of the Year Award (ages 16-30 years old).
Ones to Watch (ages 7-15 years old).
Nominations close 11.59pm, Tuesday, 9 September 2025.
The recipients of the awards will be announced at the NSW Women of the Year Awards ceremony on Thursday 5 March 2026, as part of NSW Women’s Week 2026 which will run from Monday 2 March to Sunday 8 March.
Nominate now https://shorturl.at/5PFDJ
WESTERN ACCESS PROGRAM
It was a delight to meet Peak Hill Central School’s leaders Mackenzie Pabis and Lateekah Stanley at my Forbes office recently.
The student leaders were seeking my support for further funding of the Western Access Program, an important initiative that delivers quality education to students in some of the most remote parts of western NSW.
Students in geographically isolated areas face unique challenges that can impact
their educational outcomes.
The Western Access Program plays a critical role in bridging these gaps through a collaborative, multi-school model that ensures continuity of curriculum delivery, peer connection, and access to specialist teaching staff.
These young ladies pointed out that targeted funding is urgently needed to improve many aspects of support and development, not just for students but also their educators.
This investment is about more than resources - it is about fairness.
Students living in remote and rural areas should have the same opportunities as their urban peers.
I don’t need any persuading to support our country kids’ vital education and development, so I’ve given my undertaking to pursue this with the office of the Minister for Education. It’s also great to see young people like Mackenzie and Lateekah actively engage on important issues.
PHOTO: Nick Lees
Hail scattered, mid-storm, in the Little Theatre carpark.
PHOTO: Keith Turk ◀ It was a winter wonderland following a small hail storm in Parkes on 19 August.
PHOTO: Glenda Ackley ▼ Seeing was almost believing when
PHOTO: Margaret Marshall
A white sheet of hail in Court Street.
PHOTO: Steve N Kelly Hay
Peak Hill Central School leaders Mackenzie Pabis (left) and Lateekah Stanley met with Phil Donato to talk about further funding for the Western Access Program.
PHOTO: ALISHA RILEY
6.00 Morning Programs. 1.00 The Real Seachange. 1.30 Animal Rescue. 2.00 Better Homes. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 The Yorkshire Vet. 5.00 Horse Racing. Caulfield Spring Opener and ClubsNSW West Metro San Domenico Stakes Day. 5.30 Animal Rescue. 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. 4.05 Richard Osman’s House Of Games. 4.35 MythBusters. 5.30 George Clarke’s Old House, New Home. 6.15 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent. 7.05 Spicks And Specks. 7.35 QI. 8.05 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee (NZ) 8.50 The Stand Up Sketch Show. 9.40 Changing Ends. 10.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Australia. 2.30 David Attenborough’s Galapagos. 3.25 Grand Designs New Zealand. 4.10 Martin Clunes: Islands Of The Pacific. 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. 6.00 First Communion. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 Austin. 8.00 The Family Next Door. 8.50
6.00 Morning Programs. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. 12.00 Horse Racing. Caulfield Spring Opener and ClubsNSW West Metro San Domenico Stakes Day. 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 MOVIE: Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle. (2017) Kevin Hart. 10.00 MOVIE: Jumanji: The Next Level. (2019) 12.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.30 Teeing Off With Daisy Thomas. 1.00 Football. AFL Women’s. Round 3. GWS Giants v Adelaide. 3.00 Football. AFL Women’s. Round 3. Geelong v Sydney. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Storage Wars. 7.30 Pawn Stars. 9.30 American Pickers. 10.30 Air Crash Inv. 11.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 News. 12.30 Beyond Paradise. 1.30 Professor T. 2.15 All Creatures Great And Small. 3.00 Great Southern Landscapes. Final. 3.30 Killer Whale: Australia’s Megapod. 4.30 Would I Lie To You? 5.00 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery. 5.30 Landline. 6.00 Australian Story. 6.30 Back Roads. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 Beyond Paradise. 8.30 Midsomer Murders. 10.00 The Family Next Door. 10.55 I, Jack Wright. 11.40 Late Programs. 6.00 Kids’ Programs. 4.20 Millie Magnificent. 4.45 Gardening Australia Junior. 5.10 Fireman Sam. 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 Abbott Elementary. 10.25 Speechless. 10.50 Late Programs.
6.00 Flushed. 7.00 It’s Academic. 8.30 Beat Bugs. 10.00 Weekender. 10.30 Weekender. 11.00 Guitar Gods Goes Cosmic. 11.30 The Big Adventure. 1.10 Take Me Out. 2.25 Starstruck. 3.40 Aust Got Talent. 5.20 MOVIE: Blue Crush. (2002) 7.30 MOVIE: Titanic. (1997) 11.35 Honour. 1.35 Shopping. 2.35 Guitar Gods Goes Cosmic. 3.00 Burn Notice. 5.00 American Crime.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Drive TV: Launch Pad. 12.30 Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. Canberra Raiders v Tigers. 2.30 NRLW Wrap. 3.15 Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. Dragons v NZ Warriors. 5.00 News. 5.30 Getaway. 6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 Rugby League. NRL. North Qld Cowboys v Broncos. 9.35 Soccer. English Premier League. Matchweek 3. Chelsea v Fulham. 11.30 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 2.30 Rugby Union. Shute Shield. Grand Final. 5.00 Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. Round 9. North Queensland Cowboys v Sydney Roosters. 7.00 Keeping Up Appearances. 7.30 MOVIE: Wedding Crashers. (2005) 9.55 MOVIE: Ghosts Of Girlfriends Past. (2009) 12.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs.
3.30 Animal Rescue. 4.00 Escape To The Country. 7.00 Greatest Escapes To The Country. 7.45 Mrs Brown’s Boys. 8.30 Vera. 10.30 Manhunt: The Night Stalker. 11.30 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 The Fishing Show By AFN. 1.00 Football. AFL Women’s. Round 3. Collingwood v Melbourne. 3.00 Mighty Planes. 4.00 Mt Hutt Rescue. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Border Security: Int. 7.00 Border Security. 8.30 MOVIE: Central Intelligence. (2016) 10.45 MOVIE: Miami Vice. (2006) 1.25 Late Programs.
And The Whale. 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. 8.25 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.10 Abbott Elementary. 9.50 Speechless.
eager to get ahead. But don’t rush into making decisions until you’ve checked for possible hidden problems.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Some light begins to shine on professional and/or personal situations that have long eluded an explanation. Best advice: Don’t rush things. All will be made clear in time.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Although you might want to protest what seems to be an unfair situation, it’s best to keep your tongue and temper in check for now. The full story hasn’t come out yet.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Work prospects are back on track, but watch what you say. A thoughtless comment to the wrong person -even if it’s said in jest -- could delay or even derail your progress.
6.00 Flushed. 7.00 It’s Academic. 8.30 Beat Bugs. 10.15 Jabba’s Movies. 10.45 Sean’s Kitchen. 11.25 Take Me Out. 1.40 Home And Away. 4.25 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
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.45 Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. Round 9. Cronulla Sharks v Newcastle Knights. 1.45 Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. Round 9. Brisbane Broncos v Canterbury Bulldogs. 3.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 26. Dolphins v Gold Coast Titans. 6.00 9News Sunday. 7.00 The Block. 8.40 60 Minutes. 9.40 9News Late. 10.10 A Killer Makes A Call. 11.10 The First 48. 12.05 Late Programs. 6.00 Tennis. US Open. Day 7 Late. 3.00 Are You Being Served? 3.30 Poirot. 4.30 Dad’s Army. 5.30 M*A*S*H. 6.00 Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. Round 9. Gold Coast Titans v Parramatta Eels. 8.00 M*A*S*H. 8.30 MOVIE: The Sentinel. (2006) 10.45
LEO (July 23 to August 22) A colleague might goad you into saying or doing the wrong thing. It’s best to ignore the troublemaker, even if they rile up your royal self. Your supporters will stand with you.
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Careful not to let your on-the-job zealousness create resentment with co-workers who might feel like you shut them out. Prove them wrong by including them in your project.
LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Although it’s not quite what you hoped for, use your good business sense to make the most of what you’re being offered at this time. Things will improve down the line.
SCORPIO (October
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Continue to keep a tight hold on the reins. This way, you don’t charge willy-nilly into a situation that might appear attractive on the surface but lack substance underneath.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) You still need to demand answers to your questions. Remember, your wise counseling earns you respect, but it’s your search for truth that gives you wisdom.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) You’ll find people who are happy to help you deal with some difficult situations. And, of course, knowing you, you’ll be happy to return those favors anytime. ... Won’t you?
PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Give the special someone in your personal life a large, loving dollop of reassurance. This will go a long way in restoring the well-being of your ailing relationship.
Celebrate NAIDOC in Parkes
LOOKING AT LANDCARE
By CENTRAL WEST LACHLAN LANDCARE, MARG APPLEBEE
Nominations are open for the 2025 Parkes NAIDOC Awards.
A special inclusion for the event will be the presenta tion of NAIDOC Awards to local people who have been supporting and encourag ing building a rich cultural framework within our com munity as well as celebrating young and emerging leaders within our community.
Nominations in the following categories are open: Youth (Primary); Youth (Secondary); Elder; Non-Indigenous; Sportsperson; Creative Talent; Caring for Country and Culture; Education; and Innovation.
Nominations can be made online at https://form.jotform.com/252171270354046.
riginal culture and achievements.
We are also fortunate to have received funding through Aboriginal Affairs NSW and much in-kind support from our local community.
NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.
You can support and get to know your local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities through activities and events held across the country.
Torres Strait Islander Australians.
The Parkes NAIDOC event will provide free activities for families, including face painting, weaving, jumping castles, performances and other activities.
We will also have lots of food to share on the day. To top off our day, we will be sharing beautiful NAIDOC cupcakes made by Johnson’s Bakery.
We are seeking involvement from local organisations to be involved in the day.
Central West Lachlan Landcare (CWLL) are thrilled to be working with representatives from the Parkes Wiradjuri community to deliver the 2025 Parkes NAIDOC Celebration.
Nominations close on Friday, 29 August at 5pm. Paper copies are available at Parkes Shire Library.
The Parkes NAIDOC event will be held on Saturday, 20 September 2025, between 10am and 2pm at Bushman’s Hill Wiradjuri Amphitheatre.
CWLL are pleased to be able to contribute coordination support to bring
the event together with the fabulous committee of contributors lead by the Parkes Wiradjuri representatives. Northparkes Evolution Mine are the major sponsor for the event, which will welcome all members of the community to celebrate abo-
NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee.
Its origins emerged with Aboriginal groups in the 1920′s, seeking to increase awareness in the wider community of the status and treatment of Aboriginal and
Pork prices improve $180-200 selling
CATTLE SALE
Monday, 25 August
Yarding 1646 (up 172)
Numbers lifted this sale with agents yarding 1646 head.
Quality was mixed with both well bred and secondary cattle penned.
There was some handy lines of feeder cattle available along with the better processing types.
The usual buyers were present and competing. Middleweight yearling steers to feed held steady to range from 450 to 540c/kg.
Heavies lifted 10 to 15c to sell from 480 to 537c/kg. Finished steers to processors received from 470 to 514c/kg.
Yearling heifers lifted 15c with
those to feed receiving from 440 to 501c/kg. Better types to processors ranged from 400 to 509c/kg.
Heavy steers and bullocks sold from 460 to 514c/kg.
Grown heifers received from 375 to 430c/kg. Cows held fairly steady with heavy 2 score selling from 350 to 386c and 3 score 370 to 396c/kg.
The best heavy bull reached 380c/ kg.
SHEEP SALE
Tuesday, 26 August
Yarding 45900 (down 7150)
Numbers fell this sale with agents yarding 45,900 head.
Lamb numbers dropped to 30950
and quality was again mixed.
There were some handy lines of grain assisted and finished lambs available along with the secondary types.
Most of the usual buyers were present and competing in a dearer market.
There was 4950 new season lambs penned with trade and heavyweights selling from $235 to $340/head.
Old lambs lifted $10 to $12/ head and more in places. Trade weight 20-24kg sold from $233 to $306/head.
Heavy lambs to 26kg received from $290 to $325 while extra heavyweights sold from $306 to $420/head.
If you are part of an organisation that provide a service locally that would be relevant to the ethos of the event, please make contact with me.
For further information on this article, please go to www.centralwestlachlanlandcare.org, twitter, Facebook or Instagram @cwllandcare
up to $446/head
Carcase prices averaged from 1074 to 1211c/kg. There was 14950 mutton penned and Merinos made up the majority. quality was fair but mixed and prices lifted. Merino ewes selling from $155 to $280/head. Crossbreds received from $170 to $288 with Dorper ewes reaching $270/head. Merino wethers ranged from $164 to $252/head.
FROM MLA’S NATIONAL LIVESTOCK REPORTING AGENCY
PIG SALE
Friday, 22 August
A much larger yarding of sows saw prices fall 10-15c/kg, mainly on the lighter types. Boars also
fell 40-50c/kg on a much larger offering.
Bacon were too few to quote. The highlight of the day was pork prices which improved by $180$200 per head, selling up to $446 per head.
Sucker numbers were on par to last fortnight and prices improved by $10-$20 per head.
FROM VC REID SMITH LIVESTOCK
STORE CATTLE SALE
Friday, 29 August
The Forbes store cattle sale will be held on Friday, 29 August. The sale will be held at the Forbes Central West Livestock Exchange commencing at 10am.
members of the Parkes NAIDOC Family Fun Day Committee: Kerryn Jones, Kelly Thompson, Gail Smith, Pat Oliver, Marg Applebee, Rose Jones, Jolie O’Shannessy, Callum Morris, (front) Iesha Charlton and Chloe Allen. Missing from the Photo are Geoff Anderson and Michael James.
Parkes Christian School show team Anna Davis, Hayley Lawrence, Pheobe Longhurst, Saxon Guess and Lezaan Schwartz were spotted at the Peak Hill Show on 20 August.
PHOTO: Madeline Blackstock
The Fleece Wool team - Gary and Christine Somers, Scott Bicket, judge Brett Douglas, Steve Chester, Ken Keith, Eamon Moody and Tom Rix had a big task ahead of them on the Monday of the Parkes Show.
Mikaela Weber had the sweetest job of all at the Parkes Show. PHOTOS: Jenny Kingham
Boars women eye elusive title
■ From page 20.
The women won eight of their 12 round matches, finishing the regular season third on the ladder with 51 points - the same as the Molong Magpies in second who had better for and against, and 10 points behind minor premiers Mudgee Wombats.
Parkes narrowly won its minor semi final against CSU Mitchell, 33-31, on 17 August, backing that up with a very convincing win over Molong 55-5 in the preliminary final a week later.
They head to Cale Oval in Narromine this Saturday for the big dance.
They’ll certainly have their work cut out for them this year - Mudgee has been a dominating force across the board.
But everyone loves an underdog.
“The girls are excited, they’re keen to jump in and have a crack, and get the job done,” coach Kevin Oliver said.
“They have been stepping up each game and are really working together as a unit.” Oliver said the women’s team
work has been outstanding this year and they haven’t let the challenges they’ve faced affect them.
Their preliminary final last Saturday was a prime example.
“What was good and bad for us was that one of the girls broke her wrist at the gym (a few days before the game) but it made way for other girls to step up and take control,” Oliver said.
The forwards played well, paving the way for some great rugby.
And there were no standouts in Oliver’s eyes either.
“It’s the hardest question to answer,” he said.
“I really struggle to single out one [player] because they’re do ing so well as a team, which is really good.
“It just means they’re all work ing together.”
Oliver is all too familiar with the strength of Mudgee, this year and in previous seasons, in both the men’s and women’s competitions.
The men have regularly met Mudgee in grand finals and just on the weekend the Wombats
ended the first grade Boars’ hopes of a 2025 grand final berth, cruising to a 68-14 victory.
“We need to shut down their
THE TEAM
Front row, captain: Jordan Gaffney
Front row, co-captain: Emma Evans
Front row: Chloe Smith
Front row: Shanna Nock
Front row: Caitie Sole
Second row: Matayah Guys
Second row: Cameron Lees
Second row: Joselyne Folau
Second row: Kate Marchinton
Second row: Paige Duncan
Second row: Kristin Lennox
Centre, co-captain: Meaghan Kempson
Centre: Ash Watts
Centre: Madi Barclay George
Centre: Indi Heard
Centre, winger: Leanna Downie
Fly half: Cailin Westcott
Scrum half: Tiarne Hamam
Scrum half, assistant coach: Tess Woods
Winger: Brittney May Ryan
Winger: Hanna Evans
Winger: Ella Macgregor
outside backs to force them through the middle,” Oliver said.
“If we can do that we’ve got a good chance, that will be our focus.”
Coach: Kevin Oliver
Assistant coach: Tonga Folau
Manager: Bronwyne Lowe
Women’s president: Natalie Caruana
Joselyne Folau scored a double on Saturday in the preliminary final against the Molong Magpies. PHOTOS: Allan Ryan TESS
Parkes Boars Rugby Union Women’s side will face Mudgee in the big dance this Saturday in Narromine.
Four to represent club at Mid West finals
RAILWAY BOWLS
By PAUL LEWIN
Wednesday, 20 August saw 18 players for social bowls.
Winners were Dave Ford, Ray Griffith and Ben Mc Naughton winning 16+9.
Runners-up were Peter Fisher, Ray Jones and Michael Hackett winning 15+2.
Marble 10 came out and the margins were 2, 2 and 9. The jackpot this week is $282.
We had 24 players for social bowls on Saturday, 23 August.
Winners were Mick Furney, George Greenhalgh and Billy Dodd winning 13+9.
Runners-up were John Cor coran, Dave Johnson and Lea Tanks winning 13+2.
Club Championships
Nomination sheets are on the board for the 2025/26 Club Championships.
These will close this weekend so please get your teams sorted or talk to Lewi if you need some assistance.
Mid West Region
The Mid West Region Triples Finals were held on the weekend with Phil Barnard, Joey Van Opynen and Benny McNaughton going down narrowly to the eventual winner and Rob Hill, Aaron Thorne and Paul Lewin went down narrowly to Andrew Trotman, Blake Strudwick and Tony Bright, who had a convincing win in the semi final to make the final against a very strong home side from West Dubbo.
All the boys should be very proud of themselves as I know the club is.
The Mid West Region Fours
finals draws are out for 30 and 31 August (this weekend) at West Dubbo.
Geoff Leonard, Mick Furney, Craig Cusack and John Chew will represent our club. We wish them the best of luck.
The Mid West Region Pairs nominations are up on the board now too so please get your teams sorted and placed on the sheets.
We are also hosting a section of the Open Men’s Pairs.
The town are hosting a section of the Open and Senior Lady’s Pairs along with Manildra and Peak Hill have the Reserve Pairs section.
Bowls NSW
event, State Mixed Pairs (can be from different clubs).
BPL Cup Qualifying rounds will be run on Sundays. The next round will be held on Sunday, 31 August, starting at 10am.
BPL the fast paced and exciting way to bowl! Nominations will be available soon through Bowlslink.
Quickshine Punters Club
The Punters Club has been rolling along well and the results are put on the board as they happen. Money can be placed in the tin on the bar at any point along the way. Giddy
bowls on Saturday, 30 August at 1pm and the fast paced BPL CUP Qualifier on Sunday, 31
As always names in half an hour before start times, everyone is welcome and quality new loan bowls are available
For those interested in having a roll of bowls, please note the following. Social bowls means anyone and everyone is welcome to come have a game. If it’s your first time this
Just come to the club on the desired day at least 45 minutes prior to the advertised start times and see one of our dedicated volunteers and we will assist with getting you sorted and some bowls and point you in the right direction.
Social Bowls is competitive without being too serious. Players general use this time as practice. We have some experienced bowlers that are always happy to play with and help new learning bowlers.
We have our Thursday Evening Barefoot Twilight Bowls running through daylight savings, that is a great way to start and learn the game. Please feel free to call in to the club at anytime to have a chat.
In the club on Friday, 29 August we have happy hour 5-7pm, meat tray raffles, badge draw ($1900), joker draw ($1500), the bistro serving up their delicious meals from 6pm and the Parkes Ford and Kia, Daniels Auto Group free monthly mega raffles.
What a show! Liz comes from behind to
WOMEN’S BOWLS
By LEA ORR
Roll up! Roll up! To the greatest show west of the mountains!
An eye-catching display of twists and turns, ups and downs, by our most talented female bowlers.
The semi-finals of the Major Sin gles – played upon the surest arena in the southern hemisphere, right here in Parkes.
The match of the day, played over a total of 38 ends and almost four hours on Arena 3, was a true exhibi tion of matchplay bowls, with Mau reen Miller leading narrowly for most of the time, reading the gusty wind to perfection, with Liz Byrne staying just a shot or three behind.
Would you believe it, with 4 ends remaining, Liz raised the bar and performed like the champion she is, keeping her cool and winning 3 of those ends to accept her sash 25–23. Congratulations to you both.
The other semi also kept the crowd on the edge of their seats.
Kim Evans and Marja Iffland took it in turns to lead as they paraded on Arena 2. Again, the final 4 ends proved the difference.
Kim bolted away to take the blue ribbon, 25–17. Congrats for making the semis, girls!
Townsend, Irving first winners in major singles
PARKES BOWLS By COL
MILLER
Thursday social bowls
Eight bowlers turned up to have a social game in the cool conditions with dark clouds and showers threating.
Saturday social bowls
We had 20 bowlers, a great number considering we had 12 bowlers playing at Dubbo along with supporters.
Rink 3 Noel Johnstone, Lil Thompson and Maureen Miller had a narrow win over George Bradley, Bob Freeman and Ethan Lacey 17 to 13.
Rink 4 Mal Porter and Col Miller had a good win over Tommy Davis and Brad Parker 28 to 10.
Rink 5 Col Hayward and Geoff Freeman came home to strong for Rob Irving and Mick Simpson 18 to 15.
Rink 6 Rob Lacey, Martin Tighe and Jo Simpson had a win over Bernie Mitchell, Mick Valentine and Col Mudie.
The teams that travelled to Dubbo last Saturday had a tough day. Darryl McKellar, Gary McPhee and Brett Frame went down to Mudgee.
Guy Ellery, Mark Dwyer and Mark Fitzalan had two wins and returned to Dubbo on Sunday but went down to Mudgee.
The other team of Rod Ford, Nat Hancock and Tony Riordan went down to Gilgandra.
The women’s team of Marja Iffland, Cherie Frame and Elizabeth Byrne went down to Dubbo City.
Well done to all these players and what a great effort.
We had two games of Men’s Major Singles on Tuesday which represented the start of the competition. Game one Bruce Orr played Brian Townsend.
Bruce started off well and had a lead of 13 to 5. The number 13 must have been Bruce’s Achilles’ heel as he was stuck on it for 8 ends allowing Brian to take control of the game to win 25 to 15.
The second game was between Geoff Smith and Rob Irving.
This was a struggle from start to finish with Rob winning 25 to 24. Thanks to Col Mudie marking. Do not forget our presentation night on 30 August.
The lucky rink is $110 this Thursday and the members badge draw if $2400 this Friday, and being the last Friday of the month there will be extra meat trays and vouchers to win.
See you as the club.
like your chances in sideshow alley – you never knew where
Lynn, Kay and Brenda all 9.45am with play to begin soon af ter. All welcome.
Ben McNaughton represented Parkes Services Railway Bowling Club at the Mid West Region Triples final with Phil Barnard and Joey Van Opynen in Dubbo last weekend.
PHOTO: Jenny Kingham
Latu and Cambourne claim win with 63.75 net
PARKES GOLF
By PETER BRISTOL
On Saturday Finne Latu and Jim O’Donoghue were the day sponsors for their featured 2 Person Ambrose.
Finne and Jim put on an excellent day each year and the players are appreciative of their generosity.
There was a spit cooked meal after play that had a shotgun start so all players were back in the clubhouse together and enjoying the camaraderie that golf provides.
It was a great day for playing golf with a bit of a breeze but Spring like temperatures and the course getting greener by the day. There were 70 starters.
With the golfing gods looking down on him Finne was able to combine with Mitch Cambourne to win the days prize with a 63.75 net.
It was a great round of golf with each player requiring 9 drives, it evened up the landscape and made all team members a bit more accountable.
Finne doesn’t get the long bombs out too often these days, but he kept on or near the short grass all day while
PARKES WEEKEND SCOREBOARD
HERE are the scores and draws for Parkes Shire teams in competitions across the Central West.
RUGBY UNION
Preliminary finals:
First grade: Mudgee Wombats 68 def Parkes Boars 14
Parkes Boars first grade are now out of the Central West Rugby Union New Holland Cup.
Women’s: Parkes Boars 55 def Molong Magpies 5. Grand final:
Women’s: Parkes Boars v Mudgee Wombats at Narromine.
HOCKEY
Central West Premier League Hockey
Men’s: Semin final:
Parkes United 3 def Lithgow Workies Storm 1. Grand final:
Parkes United v TBD at Parkes 6 September.
Mitch was lobbing them just in front of the down wind par 4’s which made scoring a bit easier.
Runners up were the regular team of Matt Lawryk and the other sponsor Jim O’Donoghue.
These boys played out of their socks just falling 0.75 of a shot short on the day.
Matt played his normal finesse game matched by the power drives and Jim was keeping it all intact and providing great support.
These 2 teams were clear winners with the next best pairings of Craig Dunn and Michael Williamson back on 66 followed in by the Matthews team of Craig and Mel on 66.25 and 3 teams tied back on 66.75.
In the scratch scores for the day, the best was Nick Kelly teamed up with Aaron Wilkie.
It was a bombers delight on the down wind holes and Aaron was presenting plenty of opportunities for birdies.
Nick was very tidy around the greens as they combined for a 68.
Matt and Jim had a very good scratch score of 69 followed in by Mark Kelly and
John Green who combined well on the day a stroke fur ther back.
The Nearest The Pins win ners were – Bridgestone Min ing 1st Jim O’Donoghue at 410cm, Griffins Leading Edge by Aaron Wilkie at 255cm, Parkes Ready Mixed Con crete 9th by Andrew Huntly at 375cm, the Westlime 11th by Chris Goodie at 100cm, the Gulf Western Oil 17th Troy Thomson.
The Longest Drive by Mi chael Williamson at cm. The lucrative money hole was won by Phil Bishop at 128cm. The Money Hole was won by Troy Thomson.
Ball winners were Craig Dunn and Michael Williamson 66, Mel and Craig Matthews 66.25, Gordon Pritchard and Joe Davies, John Green and Mark Kelly, Dylan Hood and Justin Middleton 66.75.
This week is the time honoured Bob Smith Memorial Day sponsored by the Smith family.
VETERANS GOLF
By BARRY SHINE
Successful Forbes farmer Stuart French took this atti-
tude to the Parkes Golf Club last Thursday blitzing all playing the Lachlan Valley Veterans Golf Association monthly 18 hole competition with a score of 41 points.
At the same time Stuart was crowned winner of the LVGA district final for the NSWVGA Medal from those who qualified after rounds played earlier this season.
Keeping it in the twin town competition was runner-up Don McKeowen from Bogan Gate who plays the weekly T/T comp out of the Forbes club posting 36 points. They also shared spoils in the monthly A grade competition.
Visiting players took B grade honours with Cowra’s Elwyn Ward best registering 40 points from Peter Howarth of West Wyalong next on 36 points.
Forty five players took part in overcast but dry condition where Forbes again ruled supreme in the teams event with their best three scores from 12 players posted 109 points.
Next Parkes (14 players) 106, Grenfell (8) 105, West Wyalong (4) 97, Condobolin (3) 88, Cowra (2) 71, Bogan Gate (2) 63.
Nearest the pins - 4th A grade Nym Dziuba (P), B grade Elwyn Ward (Cwa),
Forbes
to collect balls in the
36
This week Forbes will host the twin towns weekly competition with nominations from 9.30am for a 10am shot gun start. Be there or be ‘square’.
For the diary the next LVGA 18 hole comp is scheduled for West Wyalong on Thursday, 18 September.
Historic grand final calls for huge crowd
■ From page 20. effort throughout the year and now everyone’s getting some rewards out of it,” Elliott said.
He said having a home grand final is a huge advantage to the team and is not only massive for Parkes United but for Parkes hockey as a whole.
“The last time Parkes was in a grand final was two years ago (2023) but we’ve only ever won the competition once and that was in 2011, and there is three of us still in the team from that 2011 side.”
Previously the men’s side had only reached the grand final once before that in the competi tion’s 27-year history.
“It was so important for us that we won that, (major semi final) it’s huge for us,” Elliott said.
What makes the Parkes Unit ed team so strong is their fitness and their pace.
“We’re fit and we’re fast and we are able to move the ball around fast,” Elliott said.
“We’re a good squad, we’re all great mates, we get along off the field and we’re all local juniors, we’ve all played a lot of hockey with each other for a long time.
“We just want to be out there working hard for each other and trying to win for each other.”
Looking ahead the team will be working on their game plan and staying disciplined.
“We just need to keep doing what we’re doing and we should be fine,” Elliott said.
“It’s a grand final but it is just another game of hockey, who
11th A grade Ian Phipps (P), B grade nil.
and Parkes players
sweep –
points Phil Smith (P), 35 Barry Parker (F), Linday Elliott (P), Rob Staples (P), 34 Nym Dziuba (P), 33 Les Little (F), Kim Herbert (F), Ian Phipps (P), 32 Phil Smith (P), Alf Davies (F), John Pearce (P).
Tyson Spence tees off on the Parkes Gold Course which is getting greener by the day as Spring nears.
PHOTO: Jenny Kingham
Big boost for juniors thanks to leagues club
Junior rugby league is alive and well in Parkes.
And thriving.
The Parkes Leagues Club has presented a cheque for $10,000 to the Parkes Marist Junior Rugby League Club.
The money will support the next generation of rugby league stars, by helping to fund the running costs of game day and ground fees.
“We’re committed to backing local sport and giving young players in Parkes the opportunity to grow, learn and shine both on and off the field,” said Parkes Leagues Club manager Henry Stockman-Ellis.
“Together we’re building a stronger sporting future for our community.”
Parkes Marist said the
funds will help further develop their growing club enormously.
Jason O’Bryan hit the ground running in his first year as president of Parkes Marists, taking over the reins from Andrew Thomas.
With 300 players amounting to a total of 15 teams - five in blue and 10 in white - he had to.
The junior club had to triple the size of its committee this year to help out with the volume of work.
Of course it’s all be worth it, and then some.
Five Parkes Marist teams made it into week one of the Lachlan District Junior Rugby League finals series.
Week two of the elimination finals were held in Ca-
bonne on 23 August, where the atmosphere was described as electric and the weather near perfect.
After winning 26-12 against Red Bend, Parkes Boys Under 16s are into their grand final to face-off with arch-nemesis Forbes.
While our Under 14s tackle minor premiers Parkes White also defeated Red Bend 30-22 and will meet Canowindra in the grand final.
Grand finals take place this Saturday in West Wyalong.
The club is calling on the community to spread the word and “pack the sidelines with colour, pride and community spirit” as we cheer these boys to a 2025 premiership.
PARKES SSAA By
GRAEME DAVIS
Perfect conditions last Sunday saw eight shooters attend the Deep Lead small bore rifle range and shoot at buffalo targets at both the 25m and 50m ranges for a total of 520 points.
The shortage of quality ammunition has sent members scout far and wide to obtain anything half
TARGET RIFLES: 25m, 50m,
John Davis 270,
267, 243, 510.
Bernie Hethrington 252 only.
Next Sunday’s shoot will be a mixed bag on both ranges with a 10am start.
FootyNRL TIPPING
249, 519.
Brian Drabsch 270, 248, 518. Steve Mitchell 267, 249, 516. FIELD RIFLES
Ron Cunningham, 270, 247, 517. Dave Tanks 266, 248, 514. Alan Briton 265, 246, 511. John Maddison
Parkes Leagues Club manager Henry Stockman-Ellis presents a $10,000 cheque to Parkes Marist treasurer Tina Morrison. PHOTO: Madeline Blackstock
History beckons Support for next generation of footy stars
By MADELINE BLACKSTOCK
In what has already been a historic year for Parkes United continues to write history.
points on the board.
The men’s side competing in the Central West Premier League Hockey competition have claimed their first ever minor premiership, first home major semi final and now their first ever home grand final.
On Saturday the side defeated reigning premiers Lithgow Workies Storm 3-1 to claim their most significant historic first of the season yet, a home grand final.
By quarter time in the major semi final both Parkes and Lithgow had been unable to get some
Parkes Premier League Facebook page said the boys were showing great patience against a strong defence from Lithgow in the first quarter.
By half time Parkes managed to score with an outstanding deflection by one of their younger players Tom Rix, this followed with a deflection to Declan Daley in the third quarter.
Heading into the fourth quarter, the score was 2-1 Parkes’ way, with Lithgow also managing to score in the third quarter.
The boys needed to put one more goal on the scoreboard and that they did with a goal to Tom Searl who also captained the side
BOARS WOMEN READY FOR THE BIG DANCE
By CHRISTINE LITTLE
The Parkes Boars Women’s Team has booked their spot into the grand final of the Central West Rugby Union North Cup competition. They’ve been here before, twice, and on both occasions the title has just been out of reach so they already know they need to go the extra mile to get there. And they’ve never been hungrier for it.
◀ Centre Madi Barclay George claimed a hat trick in the Boars’ preliminary final against the Molong Magpies, contributing to their GRAND FINAL FEATURE CONTINUES PAGE 16
for his first time and earnt himself players player for the match.
Jack Elliott who has been the captain of the side for the whole season but was unfortunately out for the major semi final due to injury said, “Tom to step up in a major semi to captain for his first time and win is a good result”.
“It probably wasn’t our greatest game but semi finals hockey is a bit like that, you don’t have to play your best you just have to do enough to win and that’s what we did,” he said.
Parkes’ major semi final win adds to the outstanding year the team has had this season.
“We’ve had a really good season, to go undefeated is a massive effort
and we’ve had a really big squad this year of about 26 so it hasn’t just been the same 16 guys each week playing,” Elliott said.
“The whole squad has contributed in a massive way.”
It all hasn’t come without a massive effort with the team beginning training in January for the April to September competition.
“Everyone has put in a lot of ■ Continued on page 18
▶ Tom Searl captained the Parkes United side to a win in their most important game of the season.
PHOTO: Parkes Premier League
