DAYLIGHT SAVING STARTS
Trundle Central a top 100 school
By CHRISTINE LITTLE
A rural school in the Parkes Shire has ranked in the top 100 of public high schools in the state.
The Daily Telegraph has compiled a complete rankings list of each state’s Top 100 Public High Schools, as well as a national list, based on Department of Education data.
Inner-city and selective high schools dominate the list for NSW but Trundle Central School has come in at 90.
New headquarters for SES take shape
By CHRISTINE LITTLE
It’s a sod turn that’s a little more advanced than we’re used to but work is progressing nicely on the new SES headquarters for Parkes. Flood and storm response in the town and further afield across the Central West is being bolstered by this $4.8 million facility that will soon be the new home of the NSW SES Parkes Unit.
Schools were ranked on Year 9 Naplan results including the value added between tests, level of parent contributions, student-teacher ratio, student attendance rates above 90 per cent and financial information.
Trundle is only one of two rural or isolated schools that have made this list, proving location is no barrier to academic success.
Last Thursday SES officials and volunteers, and dignitaries including NSW SES Commissioner Mike Wassing, Member for Orange Phil Donato, Mayor Neil Westcott and Labor MLC Stephen Lawrence came together for a special sod turning ceremony.
While more than a few sods have been turned already at the new site in Boyd Circuit, with half of the framing erected, there’s still so much more to come for this facility that will be fit-for-purpose and include a training and administration
centre, kitchen and locker room. It will replace the existing outdated and smaller SES shed on the corner of Clarke and Alluvial streets, which was also damaged by flooding.
The November 2022 floods are still fresh in people’s minds and were at
■ Continued on page 9
The other being Ungarie Central School, located about 42 kilometres north of West Wyalong.
Trundle Central is located about 60 kilometres west of Parkes, with just 103 students from kindergarten to Year 12.
Principal John Southon ■ Continued on page 4
NSW SES officials and Parkes volunteers, and dignitaries gathered last week to see the construction of the new $4.8 million Parkes SES Headquarters in Boyd Circuit.
PHOTO: Christine Little
Fine weather forecast for pool opening
By CHRISTINE LITTLE
With balmy conditions forecast for this October long weekend, temperatures couldn’t be finer to go for a swim.
The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting the mercury in Parkes will peak at 25 degrees on Saturday, 29 on Sunday and a sizzling 33 on the public holiday Monday.
Season tickets are $420 for a family, $260 for an adult, $140 for a child (5 to 17 years) and $100 for a concession/senior.
Check out the website parkespools.com for more information on all pools including opening times for the smaller facilities.
The Parkes Aquatic Centre will swing open its doors for the 202526 swimming season this Saturday morning after its winter hibernation.
New pool manager Shane Mann and his team have been working around the clock in the weeks leading up to the start of the season to ensure the facility is in tiptop shape for the community.
So make sure you dig out the sunscreen, hats and other sun protection this weekend.
The Parkes Pool will open from 10am Saturday and remain open seven days a week, except on Christmas Day.
Hours on weekdays are from 6am to 7pm (6am to 10am for lap swimming) and 10am to 7pm on weekends. Public holidays are 6am to 6pm.
Casual entry is $4.50 for an adult, and $2.50 for a child (5 to 17 years) and concession/senior. A child under five is free and must be accompanied by a paying adult.
The swimming season runs from the October long weekend until the end of March.
The shire’s pools - Peak Hill, Trundle and Tullamore - will open from early November for five days a week, until the end of March and all are free entry.
WHAT’S ON in and around Parkes
SENIOR STUDY LOCK-IN
Thursday, 2 October
Calling all HSC students. The Parkes Shire Library is hosting a fun after-hours study night. You can choose to hang out and play a board game, battle it out on Mario Kart or put your head down and study. Free pizza and snacks are included. You will have free rein of the library for study with library staff on hand to help with resources. The study night will be held from 5.30pm to 8.45pm. Bookings are essential via https://events.humanitix.com/senior-study-lock-in
LIVING LIBRARY INFO
SESSION
Friday, 3 October
Do you have a story to share? Parkes Library is embarking on a new project to connect people through ‘living books’. ‘Living books’ are people who are willing to sit and share their story with others who ‘borrow’ them for a short time. You can volunteer to be a ‘book’ or to help run the Living Library events. Lived in Parkes all your life? New to town? Or were you present at an extraordinary event? Learn about sharing your story and find out more at an information session in the Makerspace at the Parkes Shire Library and Cultural Centre from 10am11am. Book via Humanitix.
DAYLIGHT SAVING STARTS
Sunday, 5 October
The weather is warming up, the days are getting longer and this weekend is the time to bring our clocks forward. Daylight Saving Time will begin in NSW this Sunday, October 5 at 2am. Officially at 2am, the clocks go forward to 3am, which means we’ll have more daylight in the afternoons for the rest of the Spring and Summer. Many modern devices such as smartphones, automatically adjust for daylight saving. For your analog clocks, you’ll need to manually adjust the time. At the end of the season, we’ll turn the clocks back 2am Sunday, April 5, 2026.
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.
UPSTAGE WORKSHOP
9-10 October
Calling all theatre, music and dance lovers. UpStage Australia will be visiting the Parkes Library for two very special, creativepacked days. If you are a school
student in Years 3-12 and you love musical theatre, these workshops are made for you. Learn alongside industry professionals who are passionate about their craft for a free half-day workshop these school holidays: Thursday, 9 October primary Years 3-6 and Friday, 10 October high school Years 7-12. For more information and to book head to Humanitix.
FASCINATING SCIENCE
Now until 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.
WASTE 2 ART REGIONAL SHOWCASE
Now until 2 November
Congratulations to all our Waste 2 Art winners. Their work is in Dubbo for the Waste 2 Art Regional Showcase, which runs from 20 September to 2 November, at the Western Plains Cultural Centre. Entry is free. The annual community art exhibition and competition features winning artworks from local Waste 2 Art competitions held by participating coun-
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Council responds to budget letter
Contrary to the claims made in a letter to the Champion Post on the 25th of September (from Geoff Dunford), Parkes Council is not planning to run deficit budgets for the next 10 years.
The cash reserves of the council are planned to increase over this period.
It is true that the council will be running accounting losses over this period. That is due to an exponential increase in depreciation (a non-cash cost) during this period.
In the past 10 years the council’s depreciation has increased from $11m to $20.5m. Over the next 10 years it is planned to increase to $44m.
There’s just as much fun planned for out of the water at the Parkes Aquatic Centre as there is in this season, with birthday party packages available, movie and sports nights, and food trucks in the works.
There’s also a new games area coming, featuring air hockey and a volleyball court.
And don’t forget a dual gym and swim membership with Fitness 4 All is also available to the public.
cils across the NetWaste region, including Parkes, and this year’s theme is Toys.
HOMEGROWN PARKES
Saturday, 11 October
Homegrown Parkes is an opportunity for local and regional businesses who are processing, repurposing, sewing, propagating or producing fabulous local products to share their skill and products with the community. Markets, music, performances and demonstrations in Cooke Park - it’s all homegrown and a great family day out.
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
17 October-2 November
Opening night of Parkes Musical and Dramatic Society’s next horrifyingly exciting production - the Little Shop of Horrors - is Friday, 17 October. Running over three weekends at the Little Theatre, tickets are available now at www. parkesmandd.com.au. The meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names “Audrey II”. This foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to the down and out Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it, BLOOD. Over time, though, Seymour discovers Audrey II’s out of this world origins and intent towards global domination! This is going to be a show you won’t want to miss.
This increase is due to the accounting treatment of the council’s fixed assets which is held at fair value and not the historic cost.
In short, the assets get revalued (increased) every year and therefore depreciation increases every year.
This accounting treatment is prescribed by the Office of Local Government and not a choice of council.
Contrary to the allegations the accounting loss does not impact the council’s cash position, and the 10-year plan is cash positive. At the end of the 2024/25 financial year the council’s unrestricted reserves were the highest since 2019.
While it is true that the budget was adopted without any questions, it is important to note that these issues were critically reviewed and discussed in depth at numerous councillor workshops over months leading up to the council meeting. Parkes Shire Council
General Manager Kent Boyd
Is it time for a rethink?
Dear Editor
Concerned about our Parkes waste?
Of course. We all are.
At the present time our red bins’ contents are dumped at the town tip.
But did you know that landfills are responsible for the release of toxins and harmful substances into the atmosphere, in particular methane which is 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide and is associated with air and water pollution as well as biodiversity loss and degradation, and that at least 10 per cent of global greenhouse emissions come from the world’s landfills?
Doesn’t sound like the best thing to do, does it?!
Especially not when we can have a fully closed and totally safe waste to energy plant to use right here in Parkes, which will only send a small amount of water vapour into the air and provide us with a reliable source of power and heat.
Pam Nankivell, Parkes
THE NEW TEAM AT THE PARKES AQUATIC CENTRE GRACE MACGREGOR, TAJ LOVETT, ABIGAIL SIMPSON, ZACH BYRNES, GEOFF LEONARD, JAMIE ORAHA AND JOAN CAROLAN ARE READY TO WELCOME YOU. PHOTO: JENNY KINGHAM
Basin to safeguard CBD from floods
A new detention basin is being constructed to reduce flooding in the town’s CBD during storms.
It’s the first stage of significant stormwater mitigation work by Parkes Shire Council worth $2.7 million, taking place in what is known as Croaker Park which is located next to Pioneer and Spicer ovals.
Residents would have also noticed upgrades to Victoria Street’s drainage
system which is part of the work.
The basin will capture and manage overland flow from the surrounding catchment to mitigate the flooding in the CBD.
Surface works will also be done to direct water into the new basin, such as improving the entry points to Northparkes and Pioneer ovals, as well as reshaping the access road at Spicer Oval.
The Victoria Street roadworks will redirect stormwater away from the CBD and towards Bogan Street.
There will be further drainage works at the intersections of Currajong and Clarinda
streets in Victoria Street.
“These works will form the first stage of works resulting from a storm development control plan for this urban area and will significantly improve the localised flood protection for this area, and help reduce the impact on the local drainage system,” council said.
Water, sewer, power and communications services have been relocated to enable the construction and Croaker Park will be restored and rehabilitated once the works are complete.
The project is expected to be finished by 31 December.
Follow the roads to Trundle for a celebration
By MADELINE BLACKSTOCK
There isn’t a Trundle ABBA Fes tival this year but local business es and community groups have stepped up to ensure there’s still a reason to visit the town this Oc tober.
From 17 to 19 October, Trundle will come alive with All Roads Lead to Trundle, a weekend packed with music, markets, fun draising and country hospitality.
The idea was sparked by Kate Procopis, owner of the Trundle Hotel who saw an opportunity to bring the town together and keep the spirit of celebration alive.
“ABBA is a large income producer for the town,” Kate said.
“It started off with me just wanting to raise some funds to help keep the pub open for the next 12 months.”
With the 10th annual Trundle Pink Night already scheduled for the Friday, Kate saw a chance to build on the momentum.
“Pink Night always draws a great crowd so I thought, while
people are here, let’s give them more to do.”
Soon after, she learned that the Trundle Children’s Centre was planning a golf day fundraiser to raise money for a new daycare facility.
“ That’s when I realised we all needed to work together, not compete for people’s attention,” Kate said.
“We got together for a discussion and by the end of the conversation, we decided to build on the
hole concept and get as many people to town as possible.”
The cancellation of the ABBA Festival, after the announcement that Parkes Shire Council could no longer provide funding, it was a blow to the town’s morale.
“Everyone was really disappointed,” Kate said.
Events like ABBA, Bush Tucker Day and the Tractor Pull bring people to the town, and that’s what keeps places like the pub running.”
Rather than mourn over the loss of the festival, the community has come together to ensure people have a reason to still come to Trundle.
“This isn’t a formal committee,” Kate explained.
“It’s just a bunch of locals doing their own thing at the same time to bring people in.”
The Trundle Showground will be open all weekend for camping, so there’s no excuse not to stay the night.
Kate said the weekend is all about fun, reconnecting with old
friends and celebrating everything that makes Trundle special.
“It’s important for the town financially and emotionally. People love their pub and they love their town,” Kate added.
WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS:
Friday, 17 October
Trundle Pink Night fundraiser –5:30pm at the Trundle Golf Club Saturday, 18 October
Markets – 8am to 1pm at the Trundle Memorial Hall
Live music at Trundle Hotel –12 noon to midnight. Featuring: Gracie Denham-Jones, Amity (with a touch of ABBA), Blake Knoll (son of Shannon Knoll), and crowd favourite Balls and All from Cobar.
Trundle Children’s Centre Golf
Day: An Afternoon on the Green –1:30pm at the Trundle Golf Club
Sunday, 19 October
St Patrick’s School tour – 10am to 12pm
Live music at Trundle Services and Citizens Club – from 12pm
public places.
Over 100 knives seized during operation
A man was found carrying five knives in one of Dubbo’s main streets during a major police operation last week.
Police seized more than 100 knives in total and charged more than 200 people during Operation Foil, a high visibility statewide operation targeting violent offenders, knife crime and the possession of weapons in public places.
The operation ran from 1pm Thursday, 25 September to 1.30am on Saturday, 27 September and deployed more than 600 officers across metropolitan and regional areas of NSW.
During the operation police seized 127 weapons including knives, firearms and ammunition, made 258 drug detections, and charged 204 people with 408 offences.
Police attempted to stop a 32-yearold man who was wanted on an outstanding warrant, in Brisbane Street in Dubbo about 7pm last Thursday.
He was arrested following a short foot pursuit.
Officers searched the man and allegedly found five knives in his possession.
He was taken to Dubbo Police Station where he was charged with five counts of custody of knife in a public place.
He appeared before Bail Division Court 4 on Friday and was refused bail to appear before Dubbo Local Court on Wednesday, 1 October.
In the lead up Operation Foil, Youth Command ran Operation Pivot throughout the state, which is a prevention, early intervention and diversionary focused operation aimed at young people aged 10 to 17.
Between Monday to Friday, 15-26 September, Operation Pivot completed the following:
• 217 secondary school visits delivering anti violence presentations.
• 12,670 students engaged through education and outreach events.
• 174 welfare and engagement visits with at-risk youth.
• 146 high visibility patrols of youth crime hotspots.
weekend of 17 to 19 October as All Roads Lead to Trundle.
PHOTOS: NSW Police
Community can be part of Tidy Towns celebrations
By CHRISTINE LITTLE
Parkes is gearing up to stage the 2025 Tidy Towns Awards next week and co-hosts from Keep Australia Beautiful (KAB) NSW want the community and surrounding towns to know they’re invited too.
The event will be held over the weekend from 10 to 12 October and involves case studies and category presentations, attending Homegrown Parkes and special tours across the shire for the event’s attendees.
It all culminates with the awards gala dinner on the Saturday night at the Parkes Services Club.
KAB CEO Val Southam said they’d love to see community members and businesses come out to attend the dinner.
Parkes, which proudly held the title in 2024, was widely recognised
for demonstrating its strong heritage and innovative approach to environmental care.
The awards dinner highlights successful projects and initiatives across a broad range of categories, with a focus on environmental sustainability, social inclusion and community resilience.
Independent judge Doug McDonald, who travels to each finalist town, said the decision is never an easy one.
“Each town focuses their attention and resources on issues of particular importance to their community needs, which makes judging a particularly tricky task,” he said.
This year organisers noticed a surge in nominations for the Community Spirit and Inclusion category - the most highly entered awardwhich Ms Southam said reflected the strength and vitality of regional com-
She said the event plays an impor tant role in both celebration and in spiration.
“The awards dinner is such a great opportunity to recognise and reward the projects and achievements of all the entrants - and to inspire others to carry on the legacy.”
The Overall 2025 Winner is also announced on the night and these finalists are Coomba Park, Singleton, Forbes and Orange.
Tickets for the gala dinner are $170 and include a three course dinner and drinks.
The night’s entertainment will feature an appearance from Parkes girl Georgia Sidaris, and Elvis Trib ute Artist and a regular to the Parkes Elvis Festival Paul Fenech, who is a three-time winner of the Ultimate Elvis Contest in Australia.
Tickets can be purchased up until
Homes in east Parkes were inundated with water during the November 2022 floods.
Have your say on flood studies
Parkes Shire Council is seeking community feedback on three different draft studies relating to flooding and flood management.
The Draft East Parkes Flood Study, the Draft Parkes Town Centre Flood and Drainage Study, and the Draft Trundle Flood Mitigation Feasibility Study are all on public exhibition now.
The East Parkes Flood Study aims to gain an understanding of flood risk within the study area.
No prior flood study has been undertaken for the catchment so flood intelligence has been limited to historical observation for council staff.
The study area covers the catchment of Goobang Creek with an approximate area of 900km2, to a downstream boundary about 10km south of the town centre and eight kilometres downstream of the confluence with Bartley Creek.
Trundle Central a top 100 public high school
■ From page 1.
was particularly pleased with the school’s ranking as it comes shortly after independent validation rated the school at the highest level for educational leadership, school resources and curriculum delivery he said.
“We realise the school is going well but it is nice to receive confirmation from other sources,” he said.
“High school attendance, especially Year 9 boys is a constant challenge.
Local
“The answer I believe is to provide a broad curriculum and an environment where students have a high degree of ownership of the school success, and as a result want to come to school.
The Draft Parkes Town Centre Flood and Drainage Study will build on previous modelling information and bring into line with the most recent methodologies outlined in the Australian Rainfall and Runoff 2019.
“The challenge for us now is to continue along the improvement pathway.”
Regional Impact
As reported by News. com.au, NSW has cemented its status as the premier state for education, claiming nearly half of Australia’s best 100 government public secondary schools at 48.
The state has secured six spots in the top 10 alone.
All schools in the national top 20 are selective, including 16 from NSW which has more public schools that require students to sit an academic entry test than any other.
Highway maintenance continues near Peak Hill
Maintenance work on the Newell Highway south of Peak Hill is continuing, an update from Transport for NSW says.
Pavement rehabilitation is under way at Hallinans Creek between the Claremont Lane intersection and Baldry-Peak Hill Road intersection, about 17 kilometres south of Peak Hill and is expected to take three weeks to complete, weather permitting.
The work is being carried out between 7am and 5pm on weekdays with changed traffic conditions, including single lane closures, intermittent stopping and a reduced 40km/h speed limit in place during work hours.
The speed limit is 60km/h outside of work hours.
Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions, follow the directions of signs and traffic control, and allow an extra five minutes of travel time.
Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience.
For more information about this work, visit livetraffic.com/ incident-details/250997 or download the Live Traffic app.
To receive updates to your phone, search the app for ‘Peak Hill – Claremont Lane’, select the incident and click ‘Follow’.
Submissions for both of these draft studies are open until 5pm on Monday, 13 October.
The Draft Trundle Flood Mitigation Feasibility Study too will build on previous modelling information and line with data from the Australian Rainfall and Runoff 2019.
The Trundle draft study is on public exhibition until 5pm on Wednesday, 22 October.
To view the documents head to council’s website and click on the Your Say tab: www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/ Council/Have-Your-Say Anyone can make a submission relating to these draft studies during the exhibition periods - submit in writing via email to council@parkes.nsw.gov.au; by post to The General Manager, Parkes Shire Council, PO Box 337, Parkes NSW 2870; or in person at council’s administration centre. Your feedback is important and will help shape future events and flood management in the Parkes Shire.
TRUNDLE CENTRAL SCHOOL’S STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL ARE PROUD LEADERS OF A NOW TOP 100 PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL IN THE STATE, AS RANKED BY THE DAILY TELEGRAPH.
Community Newsletter
FROM THE MAYOR’S DESK
It’s been a fortnight of positive progress for our Parkes Shire, as we continue to hope for some much-needed spring rain.
One of the most welcome announcements has been the sale of Rosedurnate. The new owners are experienced aged care providers, and we look forward to the opening of a refurbished facility in 2026. This is wonderful news for local families and will ensure our older residents can continue to access high-quality care, close to home.
WHAT’S ON
The 50th NAIDOC Week celebration at Bushman’s Hill was another highlight, proudly led by Landcare and Deputy Mayor Marg Applebee. This special event, held in partnership with local organisations, honoured our Wiradjuri culture through shared stories, music, and recognition of community contributions with NAIDOC awards. A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved.
We also kicked off the 2026 Parkes Elvis Festival with the official launch on 19th September, including the release of the festival program. The feature artists are sure to impress, and we’re proud to share the theme for the 33rd anniversary of the festival: “Love Me Tender.” I want to sincerely thank our dedicated volunteers, the festival committee, local businesses, community groups, and Council staff for their continued hard work. Let’s make this another unforgettable celebration of Elvis, community spirit, and the unique magic of the Parkes Shire.
We also marked an exciting milestone with the official sod-turning for the new Parkes SES facility on Boyd Circuit. This $4.8 million investment will replace the current ageing and flood-affected building. Funded by $3.5 million from the NSW Government and $1.3 million through the Community Assets Program secured by Council, this project will significantly enhance our region’s emergency response capabilities. Completion is expected by mid2026.
In further project news, work has begun on the manufacturing of retaining wall blocks for Rose Street – part of a major project to boost housing supply in Parkes. Councillors had the opportunity to visit the site last week and inspect the innovative building methods being used. This initiative is also funded by the NSW Government and will help meet future housing ment funding.
As always, I’d like to remind everyone to stay safe on our roads, especially over the long weekend.
Have a great week, Neil
HAVE YOUR SAY
Closing DateTopic
13 OctoberDraft East Parkes Flood Study
13 OctoberDraft Parkes Town Centre Flood and Drainage Study
22 October Draft Trundle Flood Mitigation Feasibility Study
24 OctoberDraft Open Spaces Strategy
3 November Draft Code of Meeting Practice
For more information, visit Council’s website.
AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS
NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN
Do you know someone who goes above and beyond for our community? Now’s the time to recognise their efforts! The Parkes Shire Australia Day Awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of individuals and groups across our towns in the areas of:
1. Community Awards
2. Cultural Awards
3. Sporting Awards
Nominations are open until 5 December 2025. Submit your nomination online or download a printable form by visiting: bit.ly/PSCAusDay
TRAINEE PROGRAM
Parkes Shire Council is seeking motivated and passionate individuals to join us through our 1300 Fresh Start Program. These positions offer real-world experience, mentoring, and nationally accredited training while contributing to projects that shape our community.
Applications close Sunday, 5 October 2025. Apply today and build your future with us: bit.ly/ParkesShireCareers
These positions are proudly funded by the NSW Government through the Fresh Start Program Round 1 and 2.
PROJECT UPDATE
Parkes Shire Council has started the first stage of important stormwater mitigation works to help reduce flooding in the main street.
This stage includes construction of a new detention basin in Croaker Park (near Spicer Oval and Spicer Caravan Park), along with upgrades to the Victoria Street drainage system.
Works will involve:
• Diverting stormwater away from Spicer Oval into the new basin
• Installing a bund wall and new pipework to improve water flow
• Relocating essential services (water, sewer, power and communications) to enable construction
• Restoring and rehabilitating Croaker Park once works are complete
These works are a key step towards protecting our community and businesses from future flooding. To learn more, visit: bit.ly/ParkesFloodMitigation
These works and proudly funded by the NSW Government.
EVENTS
Date Event
1 September31 October Questacon Exhibition
10 OctoberTidy Towns
11 OctoberParkes Homegrown
18 October Central West Car Club Show and Shine
1 November Cycling Event
8-9 and 15-16 November Garage Sale Trail
11 NovemberRemembrance Day
For more information, visit Council’s website. www.parkes.nsw.gov.au
PARKES NAIDOC FAMILY FUN DAY
In last week’s Parkes Champion Post we incorrectly named a person in a photo published on page 4 from the Parkes NAIDOC Awards that were held on 20 September. The correct name is Lionel Lovett and not the late Lionel Bloomfield as previously published. We apologise for any distress this might have caused. The correct caption for this photo is: Taj Lovett’s parents Lionel Lovett and Cherie Simpson accepted his Sportsperson Award from Parkes Mayor Neil Westcott and Member for Orange Phil
Ziemnick and Callum Morris standing behind Kyesha Dargan and Takerah Gray. Ivy and Janet O’Donoghue.
PARKES HIGH SCHOOL GUWAL DANCERS
LYLA BAILLIE AND BAILEE DAHLER.
ELLA CARPENTER, RONDA AND BRYANNA MOORE WEAVING BRACELETS.
Teresa celebrates milestone with Parkes Pharmacy
Parkes local Teresa Knowles knows that in today’s fast-paced world, it’s rare to stay in the same workplace for long.
That’s why she is so proud to have reached a 15-year milestone at Parkes Pharmacy.
The senior pharmacy assistant joined the Life Pharmacy Group back in 2010 and today is a familiar and trusted to face to those in the community.
“I love engaging with my customers, talking to the community and helping them feel just a little bit better,” Teresa said.
“The beauty of community pharmacy is we have a close connection to our staff and customers – at the end of the day, it really is the people who make this role so rewarding.”
Teresa said some of the highlights over the past 15 years include winning the Parkes Business Awards Excellence in Retail Award in 2017 and representing Parkes Pharmacy in the popular Elvis Festival.
Managing Partner and Pharmacist in Charge at Parkes Pharmacy, Lochie Pettiford, said this milestone is reflective of Teresa’s passion and loyalty.
“Teresa’s dedication to both Parkes Pharmacy and the wider community over the years has been truly outstanding,” Managing Partner at Parkes Pharmacy, Lochie Pettiford, said.
“Teresa is well known for her bubbly and vibrant personality and goes above and beyond to ensure our customers and staff are treated well. We’re incredibly grateful for Teresa’s commitment - she is a wonderful attribute to LPG.”
The team at Parkes Pharmacy held a special morning tea to celebrate Teresa’s milestone.
Regional Extra coming to pages of your local paper
Mid West Media is thrilled to introduce the new Regional Extra to the pages of the Parkes Champion-Post from today’s edition.
The supplement has been in the making for several months and includes a 7-day TV guide, plus a select preview of popular entertainment ahead of the week’s viewing.
The Regional Extra also features a first-look at several of the latest shows set to air on your favourite streaming services.
Get a rundown of episodes ready to stream
across platforms including Netflix, Prime Video, Disney, Binge, HBO Max and Foxtel.
For those who love all things cute and furry, there is a vet guide on how to best care for your beloved pets.
Get all the latest health tips and advice, with articles written by qualified practitioners.
Also test yourself each week with the puzzle pages including crosswords, sudoku and more.
Look out for the Regional Extra every week in the Parks Champion-Post.
Four days of double demerits
Motorists are being reminded that double demerit points will be in place over the October long weekend with police targeting speed, seatbelts, illegal mobile phone use and motorcyclists not wearing helmets.
Double demerit points will be in force for four days commencing on Friday, 3 October 2025 and ending on Monday, 6 October 2025 (inclusive).
Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Mitchell Gage said there will be more police
on the road which means a greater chance of drivers being caught if they are doing the wrong thing.
“Double demerits were implemented 20 years ago, in a bid to encourage drivers to obey road rules during busy traffic periods,” Sergeant Gage said.
“They occur on select holiday periods and long weekends and have proven to be an effective deterrent.”
Statistics show that there’s a 30 per cent reduction
in casualty crashes when double demerit points are operational.
“No-one wants to get a fine, lose their licence or worse still be involved in a crash.
“So, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to travel, don’t speed, drive to the conditions, wear your seatbelt, avoid distractions, make sure you’re well rested and if you’ve been drinking or have taken drugs - don’t drive,” Sergeant Gage said.
PHOTO: Life Pharmacy Group
The front cover of the first Regional Extra supplement.
HARRIET ROSSER IS OUR STUDENT OF THE WEEK
four
What is your favourite colour? Pink
What is your favourite food? KFC
What would you like to be when you grow up? A teacher
What are your strengths?
Dancing
What do you like about school? My friends
What do you like to do outside of school? Dance and hang out with my friends
BRAITH STEVENSON IS OUR STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Braith Stevenson is the Star of the Week for demonstrating our Core Values (In Praise, Love, and Trust) and for always being well mannered and thoughtful.
What is your favourite subject? Mathematics
In your free time, what do you like to do? Play with my train set
What is your favourite food?
Chicken nuggets
What do you like most about our school? The fun stuff we do in class and lunch orders
What are your strengths?
Playing soccer
What would you like to be when you grow up?A train driver or professional soccer player
NSW SES urges communities to create a plan this storm season
With the 2025–26 storm season now officially underway, the NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) is urging communities across the state to take proactive steps to prepare for severe weather.
Following a year where we’ve already seen recordbreaking flooding, a cyclone and damaging winds wreak havoc across the state, the NSW SES is reinforcing the importance of early planning and community readiness.
NSW typically experiences increased storm activity between the beginning of September and the end of
April, with risks including heavy rainfall, damaging winds, and flash flooding.
Last Storm Season, the NSW SES responded to more than 29,000 stormrelated incidents across the state.
You are encouraged to know your risk, know the warnings and make a plan before the first storm strikes. Having a plan will help you prepare, respond and recover better from storms.
Create your emergency plan now using the NSW SES Emergency Planning Tool available at www.ses.nsw.gov.au
Year
Parkes East Public School student Harriet Rosser is our student of the week.
New SES headquarters take shape
■ From page 1.
the forefront of a number of speeches last week.
“How grateful we are to have this almost $5 million facility for little old us to help the community in Parkes,” said NSW SES Parkes Unit Commander Inspector Geoff Field.
He said when the November 2022 floods hit and they had been out helping the community, they came back to four inches of water in their shed.
“People were sleeping on lounges, equipment had to be moved, we had no power or lights - to move from that to this is an amazing feeling,” he said.
The four vehicle bays for the new generation of advanced SES rescue vehicles and boats, and storage shed for specialist rescue equipment, are the first to take shape on the site, with its cladding soon to follow.
The new facility is being built by Joss Construction and has a completion date of April 2026.
It will also provide improved safety standards for volunteers and be equipped with the latest technology to access emergency operation systems more seamlessly.
In partnership with Parkes Shire Council, the project is funded by a $3.5 million
lion through the Community Assets Program under the jointly funded Australian and NSW Governments Disaster Recovery Funding Arrange ments.
Parkes Mayor Neil West cott recalled watching weath er radars at 11.30pm the night before November 14, 2022 when widespread rain quite nearly washed away Eugowra, Molong, Cudal and Canowindra, and 140 homes in the Parkes Shire were in undated.
“We were totally cut off, Parkes people could not get out of Parkes,” he said, turn ing to the volunteers present and adding that the town had to rely on “you” and other volunteers.
“This is far from a sod turn, this honours a role.”
Cr Westcott said council is proud to partner with the NSW SES to deliver the new headquarters.
“Securing $1.3 million through the Community As sets Program, along with council’s contribution of land and project management, has made this important pro ject possible,” he said.
“With the increasing de mand for SES assistance dur ing emergencies, this new facility will ensure our com munity, and those around us, are supported in their great est times of need. made it happen.”
“Our community has been hit hard by storms and floods in recent years, and I wel-
come this investment from the Australian and NSW Governments to help us repair and restore our facilities,” he
“When it floods, the Parkes SES unit would flood - the irony I know. Volunteers are also dealing with rising damp and mould.
“We want to make sure they have the best possible equipment, resources and
“It’s time to raise the bar and establish a precinct here to serve the community for generations to come.”
The NSW SES Parkes Unit has had a busy few years, responding to significant storm and flooding events, along with road crash res-
Volunteer veteran watches Parkes SES enter new era
By CHRISTINE LITTLE
NSW SES volunteer Allan Draper remembers a time when they were self-funded, built their own equipment and had next to no training.
“We made more lamingtons than we trained,” he recalled.
Now the 81-year-old is about to witness a new chapter for the local organisation he’s been so passionate about for 42 years and he’s thrilled.
That is, to see the construction of a new $4.8 million purpose-built Parkes SES headquarters and training facility.
Allan joined what was then called the Parkes Rescue Squad in 1983 - he couldn’t
remember why exactly, just that he was a bushfire captain at Tichborne at the time and asked them if they needed any help with rescues.
They operated out of an old Methodist Church in Webb Street before moving to their current premises on the corner of Clarke and Alluvial streets.
The new facility in Boyd Circuit will be the third station Allan has operated out of.
“We made our own equipment... some of that equipment is still in the old shed,” Allan said.
“There was a time they gave us the jaws of life and said ‘now Parkes is safe’they said that.
“That went on the front page of the Champion Post.”
Allan described them teaching the volunteers how to use the tool which lasted “about 10 seconds” he said.
“And that is all the training we had.”
It was only about 18 months ago Allan slowed down and became a little less active in the service.
He was around for the November 2022 floods, helping where he could, and said it was the biggest he’d ever seen.
“[I’ve] never seen anything like it,” he said.
“It’s been a great journey. I’m a bit inactive now but I’m going to hang in there.
“I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t enjoy it.”
cues, general land rescues and supporting numerous interagency missions.
Parkes has 23 active SES members with five new recruits joining in just the last few months.
NSW SES Commissioner Mike Wassing said its dedicated volunteers in Parkes have answered nearly 500 calls for assistance in the last five years.
“This fit-for-purpose facility will allow the local volunteers to train, maintain equipment and respond to incidents even more effectively,” he said.
“Compared to the old building, this is a modern, healthy and safe facility we’ve not had before.”
NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib and Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said locals rely on SES volunteers when emergencies strike in Parkes.
“Our Parkes SES volunteers have continued protecting their community despite overcoming flooding in their own headquarters, and we want to ensure they have a base with the tools and equipment they need to grow, plan and train for the next disaster so they can continue their vital work to keep everyone safe,” Mr Dib said.
Following the sod turn, keys to a new boat and trailer for the Parkes unit were also handed over.
Westcott, Stephen Lawrence MLC officially marked construction last week.
ALLAN DRAPER WITH NSW SES COMMISSIONER MIKE WASSING
One week until Homegrown Parkes
LOOKING AT LANDCARE
By CENTRAL WEST LACHLAN
LANDCARE, MARG APPLEBEE
There is just over a week from our next Homegrown Parkes event.
Our new sign is up, thanks to Parkes Community Arts and we will be sharing all of the fantastic stallholders and events over the next week in the lead up to this community event in Cooke Park.
We will also be welcoming at tendees of the Keep Australia Beau tiful NSW Tidy Towns Sustainabil ity Awards to Homegrown Parkes.
Because Homegrown Parkes won the Community Spirit and In clusion Award at the Keep Australia Beautiful Tidy Towns NSW Awards in 2024, we thought it was only fit ting that when we host the Tidy Towns Awards in October, that we share our event with visitors to our
Yearling
CATTLE SALE
Monday, 29 September
Yarding 1639 (up 77)
Numbers lifted this sale with agents yarding 1639 head. Quality continues to be mixed but fair with both well bred and secondary cattle yarded.
The usual buyers were present and competing in a mostly steady market.
Yearling steers to feed lifted 10c with middleweights selling from 455 to 561c/kg.
Heavyweights sold from 480 to 545c/kg. Finished lines to processors sold from 478 to 510c/kg.
The heifer portion held firm to slightly dearer with feeders paying from 450 to 495c/kg.
Those to processors sold from 470 to 516c/kg. Heavy steers and bullocks sold
supporting our local performers.
Educational workshops will again be one of the highlights of the next event, highlighting processes for using locally produced food and products with the aim of encouraging locals to have a go and grow in their own backyard….or have readily available in the pantry.
We have two fabulous free workshops to share with you.
The first is with Leihn Mansley, The Folk Roaster, who will be teaching us all about coffee roast-
Our other workshop with Phil and Nadia Donato, will be held at 12.30pm. Join us to learn how to
attendees an opportunity to join one of three bus trips leaving from Cooke Park at 2pm.
The First trip will visit the Galing Gindhay water play park at Kelly Reserve and then on to the Parkes Wetlands.
The second trip will head out to Lake Endeavour.
The third trip will head to the Parkes CSIRO Telescope (The Dish).
You can book for these tours via StickeyTickets.com
This event is made possible with funding and in-kind support from Parkes Shire Council, Evolution Mining Northparkes operations and Central West Lachlan Landcare.
steers lift 10c, heavy steers, bullocks sell to 510c/kg
from 487 to 510c/kg. Grown heifers ranged in price from 430 to 488c/ kg. Cows slipped 14c with heavy 2 score from 351c to 389c and 3 score 377 to 418c/kg.
The best heavy bull reached 385c/kg.
SHEEP SALE
Tuesday, 30 September
Yarding 52,000 (up 150)
Numbers remained steady this sale with agents yarding 52,000 head.
There was 37,500 lambs penned and quality was reduced with a larger percentage of lambs showing dryness.
The usual buyers were present and competing in a firm to easier market that fluctuated with quality.
There was 11,600 new season lambs penned and
prices were fairly steady. Trade weight 20- 24kg sold from $256 to $316/head.
Heavy and extra heavyweights received from $297 to $345/head. Carcase prices averaged 1168 to 1237c/kg.
Old lambs slipped $4 to $6/head with trade weights selling from $250 to $310/ head.
Heavy lambs to 26kg ranged from $298 to $324 with extra heavies selling from $323 to $348/head.
Carcase prices averaged 1042 to 1232c/kg. Mutton numbers increased and quality continues to be very mixed.
Prices remain strong with Merino ewes selling from $173 to $317/head.
Crossbred ewes received rom $175 to $309 with Dorper ewes reached $305/
head. Merino wethers sold from $171 to $283/head.
FROM MLA’S NATIONAL LIVESTOCK REPORTING
PIG SALE
Friday, 19 September Yarding 323 (up 25)
A good quality yarding of backfatters saw sow and boar prices firm on last fortnight.
A larger, better qual ity yarding of bacon saw prices improve $50 to $60 per head.
Pork also improved $30 to $40 per head on a better quality offering.
Suckers were well sup plied, mainly the lighter types and prices slipped $10 to $15 per head.
FROM VC REID SMITH
SNAPSHOTS OF THE PAST ON THIS ANNIVERSARY OF PARKES’ CENTENARY
They don’t make floats like this anymore!
On these first two days of October 42 years ago Parkes came together for a monumental celebration of its centenary - 1883 to 1983.
A street parade of a grandscale on 1 October and a Parkes High School reunion for as many years as possible, 1921-1982, on 2 October were two of a number of key celebrations in the town in 1983.
There was also a centenary ball at the Parkes Leagues Club in March.
Parkes woman Jill Crisp wanted to share some of these special memories of the centenary with our readers and brought pages of her photo album into the Champion Post office in Clarinda Street.
More than 100 floats (104 to be precise) participated in what was described as a giant parade down Clarinda Street and one for the history books.
And as reported in the Champion Post at the time, it looked to be a mammoth task to organise - the article even listing the name of every float that took part in order.
The procession progressed to the Parkes Showground for the Centenaryfest celebrations.
Prior to its start participants in the annual Parkes Antique Motor Club motorcycle rally paraded down the main street on their way out to the Dish and on their return, vintage and veteran motorcycles were on display at the Centenaryfest.
There were even ‘Centenary Princesses’ for the big celebration, they were: Carmel Reilly - Parkes District Hospital, Zoanne Mill - Parkes Shire Council, Carolyn Westcott - Parkes Show P A and H Association, Pam McPhee - Parkes Chamber of Commerce and Kathy ten Cate - Parkes Hockey.
Square during the Parkes Centenary celebrations in October 1983. The names of the children are, front, Angela and Roger Crisp, and Kim Freebairn; back, Margo
And according to Jill’s photos there was also a time capsule buried in Chamberlain Square, before the days of the Henry Parkes statue, with Jill and her sister Joy Freebairn and their families posing for photos during the occasion.
More of Jill’s photos from the 1983 centenary, including those from the centenary ball, will be published in a later edition of the Champion Post.
EXPLORATION LICENCE APPLICATION
Notice is given in accordance with Section 13A of the Mining Act 1992 and clauses 15 and 89K of the Mining Regulation 2016 that exploration licence application number ELA 6961 (Act 1992) for Group 1 (Metallic Minerals) has been lodged with NSW Resources by Magnet Exploration Pty Ltd (ABN 65 623 568 918), over an area of about 151 units (453 square kilometers) which is located about 50 kilometers southwest of the town of Parkes, as described on the plan below. Information regarding this application can be obtained from EARTH AI, phone number 0436 405 956.
Information regarding landholder’s rights is available at: www.regional.nsw.gov.au/landholder-access.
Please note that exploration, including earlystage investigation of outcropping rocks, is only permitted once the application is granted and will only be sought in selected parcels where an access arrangement has been agreed to by the relevant landholders.
Peak Hill Local Aboriginal Land Council
Notice of Annual General Meeting To be held at Peak Hill LALC, 88 Caswell Street Peak Hill.
Date: Thursday, October 9, 2025.
Time: 4.30pm.
At the meeting the Peak Hill LALC will:
1. Receipt the 2024/2025 Annual Report
2. Receipt the 2024/2025 Audited/Certified Financial Statements.
3. The conduct of any other business placed on the agenda before the commencement of the meeting.
All enquiries about this meeting should be directed to the CEO of the Peak Hill LALC during business hours.
Authorised by: Toni Bell, CEO.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Parkes Rugby League Football Club (Parkes Spacemen).
Date – Monday, October 13, 2025 Time – 6pm
Venue – Parkes Services Club in the Starlight Room.
Mick Simpson Plumbing
ALLEN, Lucy.
Late of Callaghan Street, Parkes. Passed away peacefully at Homestead Care Community, Dubbo on Friday, September 19, 2025. Aged 102 years.
Dearly loved wife of the late Douglas Allen. Loving mother and mother-in-law of Lorraine, Ian and Irene, Kevin and Kathy, Heather and Les, Steven and Lynne. Cherished nan of her 13 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. Resting peacefully. The cortege is appointed to leave The Parkes Uniting Church
The Parkes Agricultural and Horticultural Association float and its participants. The name of this woman is unknown.
Ladies lead the way on the green
PARKES GOLF
PETER BRISTOL
On Saturday our mem bers and guests played for the time honoured Coops Boys sponsored trophy in the Stoney Creek style for mat event.
Coops Boys were the sup port show to Cooper Thom son as he held court at the course every Saturday af ternoon.
Father Troy Thomson, David Stevenson, Brendan Simpson, Rob Cheney, Pe ter Magill and Michael Del laca have Coops memory front and centre in spon soring of this event and his antics will ever remain in the memory as fun to watch and be part of.
There were 78 players in the unique Ambrose for mat where 1 to 3 scores are counted on the hole de pending on if you took the lowest or highest handicap per, with all 3 players hav ing to equally hit 6 drives.
The winning combina tion was the team compris
Duo to contest Regional Playoffs after Mid West win
RAILWAY BOWLS
By PAUL LEWIN
Social Bowls
Wednesday, 24 September saw 28 players for social bowls. Winners were Mark Frances and Steve Turner winning 16+16.
Runners up were Zac Weekes, Pig Phillips and Robbie Hill winning 16+10. No Marble was drawn out and the margins were 1, 2, 7, 8, 10 and 16. The Jackpot this week is $402.
We had 22 players for social bowls on Saturday, 27 September. Winners were Mick Furney and Jake Brown winning 17+22.
Runners up were Marty Fitzpatrick, Ash Kirwan and Andrew Trotman winning 15+8.
This week we have social bowls on Saturday, 4 October at 1pm. As always names in half an hour before start times, everyone is welcome and quality new loan bowls are available at the club.
Club Championships
In the Major Singles we had Craig Cusack play Frank Van Opynen. Craig got off to a great start leading 8-1 after 5 ends and 17-3 after 12 ends.
Frank knuckled down but the experience of Craig shone through and he went on to win 25-11.
In more Major Singles action Tony Bright played John Corcoran. Corco led 4 nil after 2 ends and 6-3 after 5 ends.
Corco leads 7-6 after 8 ends. Brighty grabs a 3 and takes the lead 9-7 after 9
ends and leads 12-7 after 12 ends.
Brighty keeps the pressure on and leads 17-9 after 17 ends and goes on to win the game 25-11.
In the Minor Singles Pauline Currey played George Greenhalgh. George led 3-1 after 2 ends and Pauline got it back to 3 all after 4 ends.
George found his rhythm and won the next 9 ends to lead 20-3. Pauline regrouped but the damage was done and George wins the game 25-5.
In more Minor Singles action Nev Kirwan played Joey Van Opynen. Joey led 7-1 after 4 ends and 10-1 after 6 ends.
Nev gets a pair of 3’s but Joey keeps finding and leads 22-8 after 14 ends.
Nev again fires up stringing 3 ends together with a 2 and two 3’s but Joey picks up a 3 and wins the game 25-16.
All the draws are out for the club Championships for 2025/26.
Please get in and get your games played asap. Beautiful greens and beautiful weather should see beautiful bowls. What a great time of year!
Mid West Region
The Mid West Region Pairs were played last weekend, 8 teams from the Railway contested the event, with 4 teams making the quarter finals.
Only to unfortunately come up against each other.
Alan Curteis and Peter Job defeated Aaron Thorne and Tony Bright 17-14 and Andrew Trotman and Blake
as they all scored well.
Next team in 3rd place were Kris Smith, Colleen Staples and Jill Crisp with
Again, these players gelled well on the day and were just shy of the major prize on the day.
The Nearest The Pins winners were – Bridgestone Mining 1st Mick Smith at 265cm, Griffins Leading Edge by John Green at 220cm, Parkes Ready Mixed Concrete 9th by Garry Phipps at 171cm, the Westlime 11th by Leone Stevenson at 80cm, the Gulf Western Oil 17th by Lindsay Elliott at 48cm.
The lucrative money hole was won by Leone Steven -
Ball winners were Stephen and Michael Riley, Tony Jackson 90, John Fowler, Michael Lynch, John Pearce 87, Zac Kelly, Jack Matthews, Mick Kelly
Next weekend the mem -
VETERANS GOLF
By JOHN DWYER
Forbes’ Barry Parker defied the testing conditions with a round of 41 points to win last week’s twin-towns golf competition played at Parkes.
The Parkes greens were cored only days earlier and officials did consider using the “two-put” rule because of the unevenness of the putting surface, however the decision was made to play as normal and the high scoring was a revelation.
In a field of 31 players, 14 scored par or better in a performance that ranked the best for many years.
Runner-up on a countback was Don McKeowen from Forbes who got the nod over team mate Ted Morgan, both posting 40 points.
In the twin-towns shield Forbes continued its domination defeating Parkes by 235 points to 223.
Parkes dominated the
ning A and B grade respectively on the fourth hole and Richard Hamilton the B grade winner on the 11th. Stuart French from Forbes won the A grade.
The encouragement award was won by Greg Diener from Peak Hill.
Parkes vets also played for the annual Mick Dunne memorial trophy and this was won by club stalwart Rob Lea who had a good day scoring 39 points. Mick was a former treasurer and a popular member of the Parkes veterans.
Given the hot scoring on the day the ball sweep went to 37 points with the winners as follows: 40 points - Ted Morgan and Don McKeowen (F); 39 - Rob Lea (P) and Steve Edwards (F); 38 - Lindsay Elliott and John Fowler (P) and Bruce Chandler (F); 37 - Kim Herbert (F) and Kevin Watts (Kew Country Club).
This week it’s back to Forbes with registrations
Strudwick defeated Craig Cusack and John Chew 1918.
That leaving the winners to play off in the Semi’s where Trotty and Blake proved too strong winning 26-8 over Joby and Al. Trotty and Blake then went on to win the Final and will now contest the Regional Playoffs at West Dubbo on 19 October for a spot in the State Finals.
Bowls NSW
We hosted the State Rookie Pairs for BowlsNSW last weekend and the Cowra pairing of Braydon Chew and Shane Beasley proved too strong for the town pairing of Alectown Bateson and Mark Glasheen who played some great bowls over the two days.
BPL Cup
PARKES BOWLS
By COL MILLER
Thursday social bowls
On Rink 2 Graham Davis and Steve Turner had a win over Bob Freeman and Bruce Orr.
Rink 19 Mick Valentine, Gary McPhee and John Davies had a good win over Rob Irving, Brenda Davies and Geoff Freeman 24 to 17.
competition, Janice McMahon and Ann Tracy being new bowlers.
We had Helen Clark, Robbie Hill and Mick Dunn represent the club and Mount Lewis last Sunday in the State Finals of the BPL Cup. Unfortunately they went down without a win but what a great experience for them and hopefully they can go one better next year.
Coming Up
The Annual Champagne Triples is fast approaching on 25 and 26 October with the Calcutta on Friday, 24 October at 6pm. Teams are filling quickly so don’t miss your spot.
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.
Rink 3 Mark Glasheen and Geoff Freeman went down to Jim Blake and Brian Townsend 19 to 14.
Rink 5 Geoff Smith and John Corcoran won over Peter Fisher and Warwick Parker 17 to 13.
Rink 6 Dave Parker and Col Miller had a one shot win over Mick Valentine and Ian Simpson 18 to 17.
Rink 7 Warren Bevan and John Wright had a solid win over Col Hayward and Gary McPhee 19 to 13.
Social bowls on Saturday
On Rink 16 Col Hayward, Maureen Miller and John Ward had a runaway win over Jim Blake, Bob Freeman and Graham Dixon 31 to 12.
Rink 17 Col Miller and Dave Reilly won 25 to 18 over Geoff Smith and John Wright.
Rink 18 Rob Lacey and Mark Dwyer won 26 to 14 over Brian Townsend and Guy Ellery.
Over the weekend sections of Bowls NSW Rookies Pairs (qualifying) were played at the Services Railway Club.
Our club had a number of players involved.
Shawn Dunn and Jacob Townsend teamed up to play
Joshua Antill and Ethan Lacey, winning 12 to 6.
The Townsend team played Dubbo City and went down 15 to 5.
Joshua and Ethan then defeated Dubbo City.
Alec Bateson and Mark Glasheen defeated Condobolin in their first game and had a bye in the second game.
Their third game they defeated West Dubbo.
They made the Semi Final only to come up against Joshue Antill and Ethan Lacey but were too good winning 14 to 6.
Alec and Mark moved onto the final but went down to Cowra Eagles 9 to 5.
Two of our lady bowlers were also involved in the
They played well but lost their games to Dubbo City 14 to 5 and then Cowra 13 to 7.
On Tuesday afternoon in the wind Warwick Parker and Brian Townsend played their Semi Final game in the Men’s Major Singles.
The game was even to start being 6-all.
Brian seemed to get stuck on the number 7 which allowed Warwick to take the lead 17 to 7.
Brian managed to break away from the number 7 and put the pressure back onto Warwick to be only down 2 shots 17 to 19.
Warwick won 2 of the next 3 ends to take the game 25 to 18. Our AGM was held last Sunday and a new board was elected.
Chairperson Wilbur Harris; vice chairpersons Naomi Hancock, Mackenna McGuire; directors Scott Allen, Liz Byrne, Merilyn Rodgers and Ann Smith. Congratulations to those members. The lucky rink is $180 this Thursday.
Troy Thompson and Zac Kelly with Leone Stevenson who was part of Saturday’s winning team. PHOTO: Parkes Golf Club
MARK GLASHEEN (PICTURED), WITH HIS PARTNER ALEC BATESON MADE IT INTO THE FINAL OF THE BOWLS NSW ROOKIE PAIRS.
PHOTO: JENNY KINGHAM
Jeffries trained Phils Colours wins in Grenfell
Sharon Jeffries stable at Parkes last year, she was intrigued to learn it had been contesting of ficial barrier trials for Warwick Farm trainer Bjorn Baker under the name Phils Colours.
In a strange coincidence, Sha ron Jeffries for several years be fore then, had trained numer ous winners for Phil Easman from Parkes and when he died, in his Will, he left his racing colours to Sharon Jeffries.
Carrying those black and white striped jacket, red sleeves and red cap colours, Phils Colours won the 1400 me tres Maiden Plate on Saturday at Grenfell.
Now owned by Lorraine McPhee from Forbes and part ners, Phils Colours ($2.50) was ridden by the highly promising apprentice Jacob Stiff for Sharon Jeffries and led throughout to beat the Victorian trained Matter Most (Cory Parish, $4) and Impending Harmony (Shayleigh Ingelse, $2.30 equal favourite).
for the win by Obsesive Nature in the $12,000 Benchmark 58 Handicap (1000 metres). Right: Teresa Cooper and Riley Prout.
jockey Cory Parish won the 2018 Caulfield Cup on Boom Time and at Grenfell he rode San Marco ($1.30 favourite) for Wangaratta (VIC) trainer Andrew Dale to beat stablemate Parabellum (Richard Bensley, $2.10) by just over a length.
Hot winds, hot contest: Extra ends decide pairs thriller
WOMEN’S BOWLS
By LEA ORR
With a hot, northerly wind howling across the green, conditions couldn’t have been more trying for our favourite sport on Tuesday.
Thanks Ground Control for all you do, pity you sometimes can’t temper the weather too.
All eyes were on the Major Pairs Semi-Final between Maureen Miller/Jan McPhee and Tash Allen/Irene Allen.
What a cracker of a match from a spectator’s point of view.
So close that two extra ends were necessary to decide the result.
Team McPhee the victors, 18–17, over 20 ends.
Congratulations to all four ladies on your fabulous match play.
Maureen Miller/Jan McPhee meet Marja Iffland/Brenda Davies next Tuesday in the Major Pairs Championship Final.
In social games, Lil Thomson/Janice MacMahon and Michelle McPhee/Merilyn Rodgers/Kay Craft played out a friendly draw, 13 points each, over 18 ends in the wild and woolly conditions. (It was actually Michelle that looked wild and woolly!)
It was one of those days for Narelle Lynch/ Lorraine Baker/Marja Iffland, a day where you got stuck on a score for several ends and couldn’t budge, no matter what.
Jacob Stiff (18) only started race riding in late August and already has three winners in-
Picnic Championship Final at Dubbo on Sunday when looking doubtful of getting a run as an Emergency and instead went to Grenfell on Saturday and very well ridden by Jacob Stiff won the $12,000 Benchmark 58 Handicap (1000 metres) as the $2.20 favourite.
Bathurst jockey Ashleigh Stanley is riding very well and
in the feature race the 1400 metres Loaded Dog-Benchmark 58 Handicap she crossed quickly from a wide barrier to lead on the Maree Hopkins trained Mystic Flame ($3.80) which won by over a length from Kiss The Outcast (Shayleigh Ingelse, $3.60) and Lockadente (Richard Bensley, $5).
A winner and placegetter during August and September in New Zealand, the 5 year old gelding San Marco arrived in Australia less than a fortnight ago and on Saturday won the
The only horse in the stables of Cooma trainer Clare Mansell is the recent $600 on line purchase Our Lady Rockstar (Carly Frater, $3) which came from last to win the 1000 metres Maiden Handicap while the John Rolfe, Canberra trained A Book Of Days ((Carly Frater, $2.50) finished fast for a photo finish win in the 1200 metres Class 2 Handicap.
Grenfell is renowned for the outstanding treatment of owners, trainers and jockeys and prominent trainers from Wangaratta and Seymour in Victoria returned again for the 2025 meeting.
Racing at Dubbo on Friday, Mudgee (Saturday) and Mungery Picnics on Sunday.
(Photo above) Sharon Jeffries trained Obsessive Nature, ridden by Jacob Stiff.
PHOTOS: Brendan McCool
Family fun meets top racing at Eugowra
HARNESS RACING
Eugowra Harness Racing Club is gearing up for one of its biggest days of the year, with top-class racing, family entertainment and a program that pays tribute to some of the sport’s longstanding local supporters.
Sunday’s $30,000 Kriden Farms Canola Cup will headline the action, with local hopes pinned on Sweet on Lexy, bred by Forbes and Eugowra local Lex Crosby and trained by Bathurst horseman Bernie Hewitt.
Sweet on Lexy, who stormed home to win the Forbes Diggers Cup earlier this year, earned his spot in the final with a strong heat performance last weekend.
Barrier draws haven’t
always been kind to Sweet on Lexy - he’s come up with nine this time - but for Crosby it’s a thrill to have a runner in the race he’s got a long-standing connection to.
“It’s very exciting to have a runner in the Canola Cup final - that’s what everyone strives for,” Crosby said. “What happens after that we don’t know.”
The Crosby connection runs deep. Sweet on Lexy is the ninth generation from the mare Crosby’s father purchased 70 years ago. His dam, I’m With Lexy, won the Canola Cup in 2017, while his greatgrandmother Lexy Lobell won her heat back in 2003.
It promises to be a big day for the stable, with
Lexy Longstockings contesting the Canola Cup Gold Consolation after narrowly missing a finals berth, and Lexy’s On Song entered for the $15,000 John Greenhalgh Memorial.
Second to Sweet on Lexy in his heat and also flying the flag for Forbes in the final is the Jason Gaffney-trained Denver Colorado.
The race program also includes the $15,000 Don Tildsley Memorial and $10,000 Ken Sharp Memorial, ensuring the past is honoured alongside today’s racing stars. Away from the track, Eugowra Harness Racing Club is making sure it’s a true family day out. Kids are catered for with free dodgems, free jumping castles and face painting, while fashions
on the field, live music from Cath Adams and Shane Kerr, and novelty events like the ladies’ and gents’ dash for cash and bouncing pony races promise plenty of fun for all ages.
Fun starts midday with food, coffee, ice cream and lolly vans on site for the afternoon.
Your 2025 Canola Cup field is:
1 Jewel Heaventrained by Bernie Hewitt, driven by Bernie in the heat
2 Rudimentarytrained by Scott Hewitt, ridden by Harrison Ross in the heat
3 Dougs Tribe (first emergency) - trained by Mitch Turnbull, driven by Jye Coney in the heat
4 Elite Georgetrained by Nathan Turnbull, driven by Jye
Coney in the heat
5 Denver Colorado - trained by Jason Gaffney, driven by Mat Rue in the heat
6 Cavalletta - trained by Jackson Painting, driven by Jackson in the heat
7 Aromet Girltrained by Gary Harpley, driven by Harrison Ross in the heat
8 This Time NZtrained by Jackson Painting, driven by Jackson in the heat
9 Sweet On Lexy - trained by Bernie Hewitt, driven by Bernie in the heat
10 Limousine Tommy - trained by Bernie Hewitt, driven by Bernie in the heat
11 El Franco De - trained by Nathan Turnbull, driven by Jett Turnbull in the heat
However, they did manage to score 11 shots to the 21 points of Gwenda Carty/Annie Smith/ Ash Kirwan. Blame the wind, girls!
Lyn Chambers/Chris Curteis/Helen Clarke and Irene Trueber/Fran Dixon/Brenda Davies added extra aerobic exercise to the morning by chasing hats across rink 18.
Once into the rhythm of bowling, Team Clarke retained a slight advantage and won 16–11. The lucky rink jackpot was not won by the Major Pairs rink and rises to $80.
Lucky 100’s club winners: Chris, Annie, Nell, Merilyn, Tash.
Don’t forget to support the “colour” trading table on Tuesday, 14 October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Gifts to the value of $15 and mufti dress in any of the bright cancer-support colours, not just pink. Proceeds to Can Assist.
Friday twilight bowls commences 10 October, 6.30–8.30. Teams of three, or singles catered for if names down by 6pm.
Get your team together now. A very social night.
Sunday, 12 October – Eddie McPhee Memorial Bowls day. Names on the board.
Sunday morning social bowls begins 19 October, 10–12noon. Put your name down Saturday pm. This will continue weekly.
To play social bowls next Tuesday, 7 October, call the club 6862 1446 between 9–9.30am, play at 10am. Visitors welcome.
October Table: Liz Byrne and Rhona Went.
Ideal conditions for Sunday’s shooters
SSAA
By GRAEME DAVIS
Last Sunday saw seven shooters attended the the Deep lead shooting complex and shot at small round targets at the 25 metre range and crows at the 50 metre range for a total of 550 points. Ideal conditions were on hand though no one seriously threatened the points available. TARGET RIFLES 25M 50M TOTAL
John Davis 295, 244, 539
• Steve Mitchell 300, 247, 547
• Brian Drabsch 298, 232, 530
FIELD RIFLES
• Alan Briton 297, 246, 543
• Brett Cowling 294, 243, 537
• Ron Cunningham 293, 242, 535
Edward Britan 284, 241, 525
Next Sundays shoot will be buffalo’s at both ranges commencing at 10am.
SOCCER GRAND FINALS
GO DOWN TO THE WIRE
■ From back page
Sam Yelland for team Victory was awarded Player of the Grand Final for his performance.
Open ladies rounded out the day of grand final competitions with the Coachmen Cougars up against the Leagues Club Raptors.
Raptors came into the game as minor premiers but the Cougars fought for the win with a 2-1 victory.
Cougars player Merryn Unger was named Player of the Grand Final.
Junior best and fairest awards were announced at the completion of games.
Under 12 best and fairest winners were Bea Thompson and Lawson Roberts.
Open juniors best and fairest was awarded to Anabelle Cottier and the boys award went to joint winners Peter McIntyre and Manny Little.
Parkes and District Soccer volunteer Chad Hamood was recog nised for his help with the Parkes and District Soccer committee and coaching of both Parkes and Lachlan teams over the season and was pre sented with the Presi dent’s Award. Congratulations to everyone who was in volved with this year’s
These recipients are determined by the ref points after each game during the season.
BEA THOMPSON AND LAWSON ROBERTS WERE AWARDED U12 BEST AND FAIREST.
CHRISTIAN SCHOOL’S U16’S CROWNED STATE CHAMPIONS
RUGBY LEAGUE
Parkes Christian School’s Under 16s boys rugby league team are state champions after a dominant performance in Bathurst.
Their 2025 campaign began back in Term 2 at the Dubbo Gala Day where PCS secured three-straight wins to progress to the semi finals.
Earlier last term the boys faced
a tough battle against Holy Trinity Inverell, edging out a nail-biting 28–26 victory to earn their place in the state final which took place on 10 September.
PCS lined-up against St Anne’s Temora, previous winners in 2012 and 2013, in the NRL NSW Small Schools final, where they played in heavy rain in Bathurst.
Despite the challenging condi-
tions, PCS started strongly, crossing the line first.
Temora responded quickly but PCS held their nerve and went into the break with a narrow 16–10 lead.
The second half, however, was all Parkes Christian School.
The boys dominated the field, piling on the points thus showcasing their skill and teamwork, securing them a commanding 48-10 victory.
Oliver Neilsen was also outstanding with the boot, kicking seven goals from nine attempts.
Team members included: Byron Tanswell, Saxon Guess, Oliver Neilsen, Matthew Fredericks, Benji Redfern, Max MacGregor, Judah
The team expressed their gratitude to Mr Steve Hooper for coaching them and supporting them throughout the season, and to Mr Glen Westcott and Mr Shannon McCutcheon for their encouragement during the final.
Grand final showdowns
SOCCER
The soccer season has wrapped up for another year with some exciting grand final games and extra time and shootouts a common occurrence at Harrison Field.
To kick-off this year’s grand finals were the Rovers and Forbes Cubs in the open juniors with Forbes Cubs coming into the game as minor premiers.
Both teams were just as good as each other with the score even at 3-all after regular game time and extra time.
This saw the game head into a penalty shoot-out to determine the 2025 open junior winners.
Rovers dominated the shootout with four successful goals to Forbes Cubs’ one as Rovers goal keeper Lee Piercy proved too good.
Lee’s penalty shootout performance saw him awarded Player of the Grand Final.
The next big game of the day was the U12 which saw minor premiers Magic up against Victory.
There was no winner after regular game time and extra time so the U12 soccer stars too went to a penalty shoot-out to decide the champions.
Team Victory lived up to their name with a close 3-2 shootout win to claim the season.
■ Continued on page 15
▶ Angela Botaro-Porter with Lee Piercy from the winning Rovers team was awarded Player of the Grand Final for open juniors.
PARKES CHRISTIAN SCHOOL’S UNDER 16S BOYS RUGBY LEAGUE TEAM HAS BEEN CROWNED STATE CHAMPIONS IN THE NRL NSW SMALL SCHOOLS COMPETITION.
Try scorers were Riley Pizzi (3), Max MacGregor (2), Judah Pearce (2), Oliver Neilsen (1) and Rhyley Moore (1).
Pearce, Riley Pizzi, Leo Monkerud, Riley Jones, Lane Jones, Noah Angus, Caleb Drew, Rhyley Moore, and Angus Border.