PEOPLE, CULTURE CELEBRATED AT NAIDOC EVENT
New McDonald’s restaurant on the bypass
By CHRISTINE LITTLE
The new BP service centre on the Parkes Bypass opened its doors at 5am yesterday and will be accompanied by a McDonald’s restaurant by the end of the year.
The existing 24 hour BP Truckstop on the Forbes Road (near the rail line on the former highway) has now closed permanently as the new location opened. Its last day of trade was late
Tuesday afternoon, where there was no service overnight as equipment and its systems were moved to the new premises across from the Condobolin Road roundabout.
Site manager Tanya Wilson and her staff are looking forward to this new chapter as they said goodbye to the truckstop that has served locals, visitors and travellers for more than 30 years.
“Everyone is very excited,”
she said ahead of the open ing.
“We’re moving into a cen tre that’s bigger and better.”
State-of-the-art is how its developers Stevens Group and BP have described it, its official name the BP Parkes Gateway at 23 Westlime Road.
Named for its location at the SAP’s northern gateway that will connect the precinct with the Parkes town centre and Newell Highway.
BP service centre open
“It has so much potential for the future growth of
“With the bypass, the SAP and logistics hub surrounding it, there’s going to be phenomenal growth out there.”
The new restaurant will bring 65 local jobs, of which 25 new staff have already been hired in the last few
“This location will appeal Continued on page 2
The NAIDOC Family Fun Day and celebrations incorporated the town’s annual awards at Bushman’s Hill on Saturday. Kim Oliver was honoured with the 2025 Elder Award, she’s pictured with Parkes Mayor Cr Neil Westcott, Member for Orange Phil Donato and Cr Doug Pout. Meanwhile Lori-Jade Gee was not only presented with the Primary Youth Participant award but also the Annette Sloane Award for Individual Youth of the Year. PHOTOS: Jenny Kingham
Doors open to new highway service centre
■ From page 1. to the travellers and the truckies - there’s no room for that at Parkes or Forbes,” Jenny said.
“It will have something like 20 or so B double spots, there will be showers so people can make more of a planned stop.
“With McDonald’s we can tap into those travellers and truck-
ies, and then we’ll still have the one in town for locals.”
Jenny and Dave moved to Parkes and became the proud owners of Parkes and Forbes McDonald’s three years ago.
It was a dream come true to own a restaurant - or two - for the couple, with Jenny having started out as a McDonald’s crew member at 14 years old.
“I’m super excited to have a third restaurant,” she said.
The new McDonald’s is under construction, with the aim of opening to the public towards the end of the year.
There are plans for an official opening of the highway service centre in October.
The former truckstop will be demolished in the future with
no confirmed date as yet. There will be no changes to the BP East End service station in Clarinda Street, however management is expecting an increase in customers since it will become the only commercial petrol station on the southern side of town and is asking the community to bear with them as they adjust to the change.
Your council rates for this year have risen by 4 per cent.
Do you know that your rates, government grants, and council fees and charges are not enough revenue generation to balance the budget?
The budget is in deficit and Parkes Council is planning to run deficit budgets for the next 10 years. Combined total deficits of $63 million over the next decade.
Do you know that the $63 million of deficits are to be funded by running down cash reserves?
▶ David Ward, Stephen Nyman, site manager Tanya Wilson, Elaine Nicholson and Nicola Butler are some of the friendly faces you will see at the new BP highway service centre on the Parkes Bypass that opened its doors for the first time yesterday at 5am. It’s called the BP Parkes Gateway service centre. Staff said they had more customers before 9.30am yesterday than they did at their former premises the day before.
WHAT’S ON in and around Parkes
FASCINATING SCIENCE
1 September - 31 October
The touring exhibition ‘Fascinating Science’ from Questacon is open now at the Parkes Library. 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.
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.
KAREN RITCHIE WORKSHOPS
Sunday, 28 September
Parkes Shire Library and Cultural Centre is thrilled to have local artist Karen Ritchie back in the Marramarra Makerspace with her popular creative workshops. Mono printing with gel plates is the first workshop on Sunday, 28 September. For all enquiries please contact Karen on 0411 099 432. Please note workshops are limited to 10 participants so book your spot early.
SCIENTISTS IN TRAINING
Tuesday, 30 September
Think you have the skills to be a scientist? Come along to this free activity in the school holidays at the Parkes Library. These sessions
will engage primary school students’ natural sense of curiosity and wonder. Students will develop scientific inquiry skills, have a guided tour of the Fascinating Science Exhibition from Questacon and do some hands-on science activities. Years K-2 will be from 10.30am-12pm and Years 3-6 from 2pm-4pm. Register at humanitix.com.
ROBOTICS WORKSHOP AND BATTLE
1-2 October
The Marramarra Makerspace has its own LEGO Spike Essential kits, so Robotics is back these school holidays. If you are a student in Years 2 to 6, then the robotics workshop is for you - Wednesday, 1 October 10am-12pm. Work in pairs to build and code your robot. Cost is $10. Then on Thursday, 2 October 10am12:30pm the robo battles are back. If you are in Years 5 to 10, pair up to design, build and code your robot and prepare for the plank challenge. Will your robot be the last standing? Cost is $10. Book your place at Humanitix.
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
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session in the Makerspace at the Parkes Shire Library and Cultural Centre from 10am-11am. Book via Humanitix.
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, creative-packed 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.
HOMEGROWN PARKES
Saturday, 11 October
Homegrown Parkes is on again - markets, music, performances and demonstrations in Cooke Park. It’s all homegrown in Parkes.
At the 17 June, 2025 Ordinary Council Meeting, council rates were struck and all councillors voted for 10 years of deficits without any discussion. All councillors, including the mayor and deputy mayor voted yes.
Not one councillor commented or asked questions about the deficits.
Instead of funding deficits from cash reserves, the general expenses need to be systematically reduced and Parkes Council needs to be selffunded, so as to return to balanced budgets.
Parkes Council’s current operations are not sustainable.
Cash reserves are better retained for unforeseen expenditure or for maintenance of assets.
We have a huge backlog of infrastructure maintenance and asset construction that has not been funded nor programmed.
The depreciation of all assets has not been funded, and therefore are being degraded over time.
The future cost of repairs is always increasing.
Parkes Council will find it hard to maintain its assets to an expected level.
Remember that Parkes Council is the custodian of your assets.
Geoff Dunford, Parkes
We welcome your letters to the editor. Letters must be signed with the full name, address and contact phone number of the author provided for verification purposes. We reserve the right to edit letters for reasons of space, content or legibility. Nom de plumes will only be published at the editor’s discretion.
Email: clittle@midwestmedia.com.au
Post: Letters to the Editor
Parkes Champion Post 189 Clarinda Street, Parkes 2870
Two men charged after shots fired at home
Two men are in police custody after shots were allegedly fired into a house in Parkes over the weekend.
Police were called to an address in Glenburnie Close about 3am on Sunday following reports of an alleged domestic violencerelated incident, a NSW Police statement issued to media said.
Officers attached to Central West Police District attended and were told a man allegedly discharged a firearm towards the property, where a woman was inside.
No injuries were reported.
Following extensive inquiries, about 12.40pm on Monday, specialist tactical officers stopped a vehicle in Gidley Street in Molong and arrested two men, aged 30 and 34.
The younger man allegedly resisted arrest before being tak-
en to Orange Base Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
Upon release from hospital, he was taken to Orange Police Station where he was charged with:
• fire firearm at dwellinghouse disregard for safety (domestic violence)
• attempt stalk/intimidate intend fear of harm
• contravene prohibition/restriction in AVO (domestic); and,
• acquire etc prohibited firearm-subject prohibition order.
The older man was also charged with fire firearm at dwelling-house with disregard for safety (domestic violence)accessory before the fact to an offence and as an accessory after the fact to the offence.
Both men were refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 4 on Tuesday.
Rosedurnate facility sold and will reopen
The former Rosedurnate Aged Care Facility in Orange Street has been sold and will return to providing aged care services to the residents of Parkes.
Principal of Ray White Central West Group Tracie Robertson is pleased to confirm the successful sale of the site and said the new owners hope to reopen the facility for resident intake in the first half of next year.
“The team at Ray White CWG were thrilled to be part of the process that has secured the facility’s future for continued aged care use, subject to any necessary approvals the purchaser may require,” Ms Robertson said.
Rosedurnate Aged Care Centre and Retirement Village was sadly forced to close down mid-way through 2024 following a comprehensive strategic review by the Salvation Army Aged Care who deemed the site’s aging buildings no longer met the needs of its residents and
staff, and decided to divest services.
The property was sold through a highly competi tive expressions of interest campaign which attracted a wide range of proposed uses from prospective buy ers.
“We received interest from parties considering everything from short-term accommodation to medi cal rehabilitation centres, NDIS-related services and even integrated child and aged care facilities,” Ms Robertson said.
“Our national and inter national marketing cam paign, led by our specialist marketing team, generated strong enquiry from across Australia and even over seas.”
‘Every voice adds weight’: Don’t miss the inquiry submission deadline
Residents across Parkes and the wider region are being urged to make sure their voices are formally heard in the parliamentary inquiry into Energy from Waste incineration in regional NSW, with submissions due by Friday, 31 October.
While many people have been writing letters to local councillors and MPs, Parkes Clean Future Alliance is reminding the community that these do not count as official submissions to the inquiry.
Only submissions lodged directly through the NSW Parliament portal or uploaded on behalf of residents will be considered by the committee.
Parkes Clean Future president Ben Stead said he is concerned that some community members may miss out on having their views recorded.
providing aged care services to the residents of Parkes hopefully by next year.
“I have been talking to a few members of the community who have told me they have completed a submission into the inquiry when in fact they have only written to state MPs and councillors,” he said.
“While that is great, it’s not a submission to the inquiry.
“If you want to be heard and counted you must make a submission. Our guide, available on our website, is a great help.”
The alliance has produced a short guide that explains how to prepare and lodge a submission, with clear instructions and examples of what to include.
“Submissions do not need to be lengthy or technical, personal stories and concerns are equally powerful,” Ben said.
The committee has plans to provide assistance to those who would like it, with teachers and local residents offering their time to help anyone who would like support in preparing their submission.
Ms Robertson also expressed her appreciation for the vendors’ commitment to achieving a sale that aligned with community priorities.
“We’re very grateful to the vendors, who were determined to sell to a pur-
chaser with a strong focus on the needs of the Parkes community,” she said.
Settlement is scheduled for November, with works set to begin at the premises
shortly thereafter.
While the final sale price remains confidential, Ms Robertson said the exceptional level of interest and competitive bidding pro-
Ray White Central West Group
cess delivered a strong outcome for all involved.
“This is a great result for the community and we look forward to seeing the facility brought back to life.”
Parkes Clean Future stresses that every single submission adds weight to the voice of the community and could make a crucial difference in the inquiry’s recommendations to government. Information and the submission guide are available at www.parkescleanfuture.org, and the deadline is fast approaching.
“The message is clear: if you want your voice to be heard, it must be through a formal submission,” Ben said.
Specialist tactical officers stopped a vehicle in Gidley Street in Molong and arrested two men on Monday in relation to shots being fired at a home in Parkes the night before.
PHOTOS: NSW Police
return to
PHOTOS:
Wiradjuri pride and culture recognised
At this year’s Parkes NAIDOC celebrations and awards locals have been recognised for their continued dedication to sharing and preserving First Nations language and culture.
Incorporated into a family fun day with performances, arts and activities, and stalls at Bushman’s Hill on Saturday, award recipients were announced by Cr Doug Pout.
Elder Award: Kim Oliver
Kim is always assisting and helping out the Wiradjuri community. She steps in when needed and always has a bright disposition and encouraging nature. Kim is a staunch Wiradjuri Elder and pittifies what being a Wiradjuri elder means.
Primary Youth Award and Annette Sloane Memorial
Indigenous Youth of the Year: Lori-Jayde Gee
Lori has represented her school (Holy Family School) at AECG meetings and made it to the final of the Holy Family’s Got Talent for a dance she choreographed, a cultural dance which she has performed
at school and in the community.
She has represented locally, at district level and state for cross country making it to Sydney.
She also represented at district for six athletics events and state for 800m running in Newcastle, and was awarded senior girl champion at her school’s athletics carnival.
Lori plays touch football over summer and is achieving wonderful results in Year 6 and is a friend to anyone in need.
She has spent her weekends over the last few months visiting a drug and rehabilitation centre with her family where she lifts spirits and encourages residents to keep pushing themselves for a better life.
Secondary Youth Award: Jamieson Hodge Jamieson is the only young man at Parkes High School who is active in the Guwal dance group.
He is leading and mentoring many young students in BroSpeak, a special Indigenous program through his school where young men
listen and learn from other First Nations men, teachers and each other.
He is also teaching a group a new dance he has created, as well as other peers to dance.
Non-Indigenous Award:
Sharon Scott
Sharon has worked in the community services and government sectors in Parkes for many years recently finishing up as a foster care permanent program coordinator for our Western area.
She is dedicated and committed to Aboriginal children in the foster care space, ensuring they have trips to return to Country and keeping young people connected to their birth family, mob and their Country - as well as raising six children herself, three of them Aboriginal foster children for almost 18 years.
Sportsperson Award: Taj Lovett
Taj has excelled in rugby league, soccer, touch football, athletics, swimming and cross country. He was awarded the Parkes Space-
men’s Steve Sullivan Memorial Award at their presentation night and the 2025 Peter McDonald Premiership award for Try of the Year.
Creative Talent Award: Katlyn Turnbull
Katlyn has made outstanding contributions to arts, she is dedicated to celebrating and sharing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
Katlyn’s work demonstrates exceptional creativity weaving together traditional stories and contemporary expressions in a way that inspires, educates and connects the community.
Through her talent she is not only showcasing artistic excellence but also preserves and promotes cultural knowledge, empowering others and fostering pride in identity.
Her commitment to cultural integrity, innovation and community engagement makes her a truly deserving recipient.
Caring for Country and Culture: Parkes Aboriginal Community Working Party (PACWP)
PACWP is a group of local Aboriginal community volunteers which was established in March 2011.
PACWP advocates for the needs of the Aboriginal community in the areas of social justice, social inclusion, education, housing and cultural improvement in Parkes.
They have also been involved in many projects in the community which has seen health services improve and they were involved in the Bushman’s Hill Indigenous Precinct Project that saw the hill come together with an amphitheatre and Aboriginal art with local schools and the community.
They worked with Parkes Shire Council in raising the Aboriginal flag and engaged in countless companies ensuring Aboriginal employment opportunities.
The working party still consult and contribute and are a voice for our Aboriginal community today.
Education Award: Tyler Roberts
Year 8 student Tyler has been part of the Orana Young and Deadly Mob, a program
for high potential and gifted Aboriginal students in rural, regional or remote NSW public schools, and has excelled in many subjects including science, mathematics and English.
Innovation Award: Wayne Bloomfield
Wayne is a local Wiradjuri man and son of the late Uncle Lionel Bloomfield, an elder in our community.
Wayne has been creative and is facilitating an Aboriginal men’s group implementing activities, outings and barbecues, bringing together men and leading a group that provides value and drives positive change, positive contributions and is sharing his love of culture.
He organises activities including ‘yarn-ups’ about men’s health, men’s mental health and employment opportunities.
While his target group is for Aboriginal men, it is open to all men in our community who just want to come and learn about culture or have a yarn and a bit of fun, and share what is happening in the community.
Wayne Bloomfield by Parkes Mayor Cr Neil Westcott and Member for Orange Phil Donato.
Parkes Mayor Cr Neil Westcott and Member for Orange Phil Donato.
Member for Orange Phil Donato.
Creative Talent award from Parkes Mayor Cr Neil Westcott and Member for Orange Phil Donato.
award from Parkes Mayor Cr Neil Westcott and Member for Orange Phil Donato.
Parkes Mayor Cr Neil Westcott and Member for Orange Phil Donato presented Jamieson Hodge with the Senior Youth Participant
for Orange Phil Donato presented the Non Indigenous award to Roseanne Jones, mother of winner Sharon Scott and niece Kirralee Oliver.
Sloane. PHOTOS: Jenny Kingham
Elvis Festival to pull at the heart strings
By CHRISTINE LITTLE
The program’s been launched, the international and headline acts revealed and there’s a new focus on young families at next year’s Parkes Elvis Festival.
Nostalgic is possibly the best word to describe the launch of the 33rd festival that took place at the Cooke Park Pavilion on Friday.
As special guests spoke - including Parkes Mayor Neil Westcott, Orange MP Phil Donato and Federal Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey - footage of the first street parade played on a screen in the background.
Festival founders Bob and Anne Steel almost stole the show as Bob entertainingly and endearingly reminisced about past Elvis Wall of Fame inductees and all the incredible talent they’ve been honoured to host.
And for the first time we watched a Miss Priscilla perform at the launch, our 2025 Face of the Festival and Parkes singer and dancer Gracey Denham-Jones.
Turning back the clock to Elvis’ earlier days, the 2026 theme is one that speaks to the heart: Love Me Tender.
Elvis made his acting debut in 1956 with the film Love Me Tender, a musical western renamed after the success of his song which featured in the movie 70 years ago.
Parkes locals and Elvis fans were
treated to some early reveals in the lead-up to the launch, such as the international headline acts Jay Dupuis from the US - the 2014 Ul timate Elvis Tribute Artist World Champion in Memphis and Louis Brown from the UK - the two-time world runner-up including in 2025, and Australian music icon Marcia Hines as next year’s Wall of Fame inductee.
Festival director Brendan Shipley announced the remaining high lights.
The festival program has been refreshed with exclusive theme shows with the feature artists at the Parkes Leagues Club and a new late night ‘After Dark’ performance.
The theme shows are Pure Elvis, If I Can Dream, Jukebox Heaven, That 70’s Show, The Lost Perfor mances and The Final Curtain.
“These are one night onlyonce they’re gone, they’re gone,” Brendan said.
And tickets are selling fast.
For the first time our international headline acts will perform live at Central Station before the Elvis Express departs for Parkes - a day earlier too next year on Wednesday - to give fans a taste of what’s ahead.
“The international feature artists have never performed at Central Station,” Brendan said.
“They’re in Sydney already, before they fly to Parkes, why not have them perform?”
coming to Cooke Park, an addition to the festival based on feedback from previous years, is as Brendan said dedicated to those younger rock ‘n rollers. It will feature live interactive experiences with none other than Bluey and Bingo and a show with Humphrey B Bear.
tion of Elvis like we’ve never seen before - Shake, Rattle & Rave featuring world premier Elvis DJ Tristan James - is debuting at the festival on the Thursday, 8 January. The world-famous Elvis street
Of course it wouldn’t be an Elvis Festival without the usual favourites - Gospel Service, Renewal of Vows, Miss Priscilla Dinner, Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist heats and finals, busking, look and sound alikes, rock ‘n roll dancing and more. There’s 103 days to go, see you at the Parkes Elvis Festival from 7-11
And the new family fun zone
FOR THE FIRST TIME MISS PRISCILLA PERFORMED AT THE LAUNCH, GRACEY DENHAM-JONES.
Special event planned for film’s 25th anniversary
October will mark the 25th anniversary of the release of The Dish, the iconic Australian historical comedy-drama film featuring Parkes’ very own Murriyang Parkes Radio Telescope and its role in relaying live footage of humanity’s first steps on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969.
It was the top-grossing Australian film in 2000.
The team at the Parkes Shire Library is plan-
ning a special event to celebrate the occasion and they are aware there were many locals involved as extras in the film.
The team would love to hear from anyone who was involved.
If you were involved in the film and are interested in sharing your experiences with a group, please contact the library on 6861 2309 or email them at library@parkes. nsw.gov.au.
Elvii Anthony McGrath, Neil Westcott and Al Gersbach dress to the occasion to help launch the 2026 Parkes Elvis Festival. PHOTOS: Terry Cunningham/Images Instantly and Christine Little
BRENDAN SHIPLEY
SEAN DOERING IS OUR STUDENT OF THE WEEK
“Sean is always trying his personal best and brings a positive attitude and a big smile to our school.”
What is your favourite subject?
Maths
What is your favourite thing about your school?
The good teachers
What are your hobbies?
Riding my bike
What do you want to be when you grow up?
A policeman
ZIGGY ANDERSON IS OUR STUDENT OF THE WEEK
What is your favourite colour?
Red
What is your favourite food? Steak
What do you want to be when you grow up?
A builder
What are your strengths?
Soccer
What do you like about school? The teachers
What do you like to do outside of school?
Draw
Winning innovations on show
The state’s Tidy Towns awards finalists, commu nity leaders, environmen tal champions, waste war riors and representatives from councils, businesses and community groups will be descending on Parkes in two weeks’ time.
The town is hosting the Keep Australia Beauti ful NSW 2025 Tidy Towns Awards from 10 to 12 Oc tober.
Last year Parkes won the prestigious NSW Over all Tidy Towns Award which also earnt us host ing rights for this year’s event.
Town to host Tidy Towns Awards weekend
Along with the overall win Parkes took out multiple categories.
This year visitors to Parkes for the awards will have the chance to tour the facilities and events that earnt last year’s titles.
On the Saturday attendees will browse and have lunch at Homegrown Parkes, the Community Spirit and Inclusion award winner.
Visitors will enjoy fresh, locally and regionally grown produce, unique homewares, creative artworks, be entertained by talented local performers and participate in engaging workshops.
After attendees witness the community spirit in Cooke Park, Parkes Shire
Council is providing three tours around the area.
Tour one will see guests travel to the 2024 Liveable Town Award joint winner, Lake Endeavour, our shire’s first freshwater recreational area.
There they will have the opportunity to check out the new facilities and even join the Parkes Dragon Boat Club on the water for a paddle.
Tour two is a trip to the Parkes Wetlands and splash park.
When touring the 2024 Biodiversity Conservation Award winner, the wet-
lands, attendees will learn about the design and construction process of the site and the next stages for the recreational space.
Then they will head to Parkes’ new splash park and 2024 Liveable Town joint winner to see its innovative design, which mimics typography and hydrology of the area surrounding Parkes, inspired by the rivers, dams, weirs and bores.
And of course attendees will have the option to check out the Dish in the third tour and learn about the history of one of Aus-
tralia’s most prominent landmarks.
To conclude a spectacular day discovering Parkes, guests will dress in their finest to celebrate all that they have achieved this year at the annual awards presentation dinner at the Parkes Services Club where the 2025 winners will be announced.
The weekend visit will end with the handover of the Tidy Towns flags from Parkes to this year’s overall winner and next year’s host on Sunday morning and a barbecue breakfast in Cooke Park.
Middleton Public School student Sean Doering is our student of the week.
Year one Parkes East Public School student Ziggy Anderson is our student of the week.
Lake Endeavour and its recreational area, joint winner of the 2024 Liveable Town Award, will be on show on 11 October as we host the 2025 NSW Tidy Towns Awards.
(Left) Cr Bill Jayet and Deputy Mayor Marg Applebee at last year’s NSW Tidy Towns Awards weekend where Parkes was announced overall winner and 2025 host.
PHOTO: Parkes Shire Council
Students dancing for a cause raise over $13k
dents danced their hearts out for one week to raise funds for Ronald McDon ald House through Dance for Sick Kids.
raised over $13,900 in the week placing Parkes Dance Co within the top 10 high est fundraising groups in the state.
sela said she was thrilled with the response from her students and the Parkes community to the chal lenge, raising funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities.
disco was the final event of the week long dancing fun draiser which saw over 90 students dancing the night away. See all the fun they
Shelby Adam and Mahalia were having fun dancing.
6.00 Rage Charts. 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. 12.00
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 9.00 AFL Grand Final Brunch. 10.30 AFL Grand Final Countdown. 12.00 AFL Grand Final Pre-Game. 2.00 Football. AFL. Grand Final. Geelong v Brisbane Lions. 5.00 AFL Grand Final PostMatch Presentation. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Healthy, Wealthy & Wise. New. 8.00 MOVIE: Die Hard. (1988) Bruce Willis, Bonnie Bedelia. 10.45 MOVIE: Contraband. (2012) 1.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Shopping. 8.30 Better Homes. 11.00 Harry’s Practice. 11.30 GetOn Extra. 12.00 Horse Racing. Yulong Golden Rose Day and Sandown Stakes Day. 5.00 World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys. 6.00 Dog Patrol. 6.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 11.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 1.30 The Great Australian Doorstep. 2.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 4.00 Richard Osman’s House Of Games. 4.30 MythBusters. 5.20 George Clarke’s Old House, New Home. 6.10 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent. 7.00 Spicks And Specks. 7.30 QI. 8.00 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee (NZ) 8.45 The Stand Up Sketch Show. 9.35 Changing Ends. 10.20 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 Motor Racing. NDRC Top Doorslammer. 4.00 Deep Water Salvage. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 AFL Grand Final Post-Match Show. 7.00 Storage Wars. 7.30 MOVIE: Spider-Man. (2002) 10.00 MOVIE: Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. (1994) 12.00 Late Programs.
Grand Designs New Zealand. 4.10 Bill Bailey’s Wild West Australia. 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. 6.00 Pilgrimage: The Road Through The Alps. Return. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 The Assembly. 8.15 Mystery Road: Origin.
Port Adelaide. 3.00 Football. AFL Women’s. Round 7. Adelaide v Sydney. 5.00 Football. AFL Women’s. Round 7. West Coast v GWS Giants. 7.00 Border Security. 8.30 MOVIE: Jurassic Park. (1993) 11.00 Border Security. 11.30 Late Programs.
PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.30 Paddington. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.35 MOVIE: The Boy In The Dress. (2014) 8.40 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.20 Abbott Elementary. 10.05 Merlin. 10.50 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 2.10 ER. 2.55 Heartbreak High. 3.40 A Bite To Eat. 4.10 Would I Lie To You? 4.40 MythBusters. 5.30 George Clarke’s Old House, New
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) While you prefer to meet troublesome situations head-on, you might want to stand back from this one until you know what (or who!) started it. Caution should be your watchword.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Once again, your common-sense approach to a problem helps you sort it out before it gets out of control. Expect to learn some startling facts as events continue to develop.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Positive influences dominate your sign, but you’ll have to work hard to get the great rewards that are out there. Meanwhile, personal relationships thrive on tender, loving care.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A friend seems to be drifting away. You might feel betrayed, but you need to know the facts before you pass judgment. Perhaps you made too many demands that couldn’t be met.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Surfing Aust. 1.00 Destination WA. 1.30 Find My Country House Aust. 2.00 Garden Gurus. 2.30 Rugby Union. The Rugby C’ship. NZ v Aust. 4.50 Test Rugby: New Zealand v Australia Post-Match. 5.30 Getaway. 6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. First semi-final. Sydney Roosters v Cronulla Sharks. 9.45 MOVIE: Swordfish. (2001) 11.45 Late Programs.
6.00 It’s Academic. 7.30 Larry The Wonder Pup. 8.30 Flushed. 10.00 Weekender. 10.30 Weekender. 11.00 Yummy Mummies. 12.00 My France With Manu. 1.00 Anh Does Vietnam. 2.10 Aust Got Talent. 3.50 MOVIE: A Hidden Life. (2019) 7.30 MOVIE: Downton Abbey. (2019) 10.10 MOVIE: Tully. (2018) 12.15 MOVIE: My Life With Caroline. (1941) 1.50 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 The Brighter Side. 12.30 4x4 Adventures. 1.30 Cannonball Run Down Under. New. 2.00 Everyday Gourmet. 2.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia. 3.30 The Dog Down Under. 4.00 My Market Kitchen. 4.30 Food Trail: South Africa.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Helping Hands. 10.30 Edgar Wallace Mysteries. 11.50 The Baron. 12.50 MOVIE: The Brain Machine. (1955) 2.30 MOVIE: Scott Of The Antarctic. (1948) 4.45 MOVIE: The Train. (1964) 7.30 MOVIE: Four Weddings And A Funeral. (1994) 9.55 MOVIE: Good Luck To You, Leo Grande. (2022) 11.55 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Wide World Of Sports. 11.00 NRL Sunday Footy Show. 12.30 NRLW Wrap. 1.15 Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. Second semi-final. Brisbane Broncos v Newcastle Knights. 3.00 Rugby League. NRL. Second preliminary final. Brisbane Broncos v Penrith Panthers. 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 Mobsters. 12.10 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 8.30 Exploring Off The Grid. 9.30 Farm To Fork. 10.00 Frugal Foodie. 10.30 The Brighter Side. 11.00 The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition. 1.30 Location, Location, Location Australia. 2.30 Basketball. NBL. Round 2.
6.00 Morning Programs. 9.00 Turning Point. 9.30 TV Shop. 10.00 AFL Sunday Footy Show. 12.00 Getaway. 12.30 My Favorite Martian. 1.00 Dad’s Army. 2.00 MOVIE: Cairo Road. (1950) 4.00 MOVIE: How To Murder Your Wife. (1965) 6.30 M*A*S*H. 8.30 MOVIE: The Shawshank Redemption. (1994) 11.20 Major Crimes. 12.20 Late Programs. 6.00 It’s Academic. 7.30 Larry The Wonder Pup. 8.30 Flushed. 10.00 Bringing Sexy Back. 11.15 My France With Manu. 12.15 Intolerant Cooks. 1.00 Home And Away. 4.00 The Voice. 5.40 Bondi Vet. 6.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. 7.30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent. 8.30 Law & Order: SVU. 10.30 Bones. 12.30 Quantico. 3.00 Burn Notice.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) New people start to come into the Lion’s life at this time. Some of them could influence important career changes. Keep an open mind and weigh all the possibilities.
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) It’s a good time for agreements, contracts, and other positive commitments, including one with Cupid. Also, expect good news about a health matter.
LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) A recent change of
city. Be open to any and all considerations.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Both attached and single Archers can expect to see a positive reversal in certain relationships that had seemed to be on a collision course to nowhere.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Family and friends take priority over everything else. Exercise a little more flexibility in your well-planned life so that you can spend more time with your kith and kin.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) A pesky person who caused you some problems recently will soon move out of your life. Meanwhile, an Aries is ready to help you get a fresh start romantically.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Yours is the sign of change and creation. This is a good time for you to experience changes that can open up new personal and professional opportunities.
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD
1 Name a domesticated camellike S American ruminant (6)
7 What is an alternative term for the cosmos (8)
8 Name some ovoid fruits of a tropical tree (6)
9 The letter “W” is the symbol for which rare metallic element (8)
10 A cashier is also known as a what (6)
11 What are artificial hips, or their like (8)
14 Name another term for a schemer (8)
18 What is a devout petition to one’s God (6)
19 To be in the open air, is to be what (8)
21 What are lumps of gold called (6)
22 Name another term for exits (8)
23 What is the capacity or habit of vigorous activity (6)
DOWN
1 To have confessed, is to have done what (8)
2 What is a diamondshaped pattern of two or more colours (6)
3 What was the nationality of Adolf Hitler (8)
Letters
4 Name the furnace that is used for baking bricks (4)
Some
5 What was the former official name of Iran (6)
6 Name another term for a facial expression (6)
12 What is a dolphinlike cetacean (8)
13 Name a building connected with a church (8)
15 What is another term for a speech of high praise or commendation (6)
16 Which Asian republic was formerly Palestine (6)
E-QUATIONS
Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
17 What is a bracelet in the form of a ring (6)
20 To be neither very good nor very bad, is to be what (2-2)
Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
1 RACONTEUR
(a) A dish of melted cheese and jacket potatoes (b) A teller of anecdotes (c) A radar beacon
2 WURLEY
(a) One who shows great talent at an early age (b) A toy that is spun rapidly around (c) An Aboriginal hut
Build it yourself using the clues and each of the twenty-four letters once only to form ten words: five across and five down. A key word (bold clue) builds on the letter set in the grid.
CLUES:
English as Additional Language (3)
Fear of spiders: ...phobia (7)
Female undergarment (3)
Glass for sparkling wine (5)
Grass leaf (5)
Seekers member: ... Guy (5)
Smaller printer’s measures (3)
Spanish: goodbye (5)
Title: Italian Friar (3)
Vitally necessary (7)
Landcare part of NAIDOC celebrations
LOOKING AT LANDCARE
By CENTRAL WEST LACHLAN
LANDCARE, MARG APPLEBEE
Thank you to those who joined us at the 2025 NAIDOC Family Fun Day at Bushman’s Hill on Saturday.
The day kicked off at 10am with a fabulous performance from Spicy Mercury, who brought everyone into the park and set the vibe for the event at the Wiradjuri Amphitheatre.
Student representatives from Parkes East Public School, Oscar Gosper and Piper Moore assisted Charlie Oraha with the Welcome and Smoking Ceremony.
Rose Jones provided support with Auslan.
This was followed by our Parkes NAIDOC Awards, with MC Doug Pout, presented by Philip Donato MP and Mayor Neil Westcott to the following people:
Primary Youth Award: Lori-Jayde Gee
Secondary Youth Award: Jamieson Hodge
Non-Indigenous Award: Sharon Scott
Sportsperson Award: Taj Lovett
Creative Talent Award:
Katlyn Turnbull
Caring for Country and Culture: Parkes Aboriginal Community Working Party (PACWP)
Education Award: Tyler
Roberts
Innovation Award: Wayne Bloomfield
Annette Sloane Memori -
al Indigenous Youth of the Year: Lori-Jayde Gee
Finally, congratulations to Kim Oliver, who was presented the Elder Award
We thank her for her contributions to the promotion and encouragement of indigenous culture in our community.
Awards are based on the National NAIDOC Awards, with the addition of our local Award in memory of Annette Sloane.
The crowd enjoyed free sausage sizzle, cooked by beon energy and Parkes Rural Fire Service (RFS).
The day was topped off with beautiful NAIDOC cupcakes, made by Johnson’s Bakery.
Thank you to the Parkes High School Guwal Dance Group for their beautiful performance, which was followed by talented musician Shane Riley.
This type of celebration is not possible without the support of Northparkes Evolution Mine as the major sponsor for the event.
We are also fortunate to have received funding through Aboriginal Affairs NSW.
Central West Lachlan Landcare (CWLL) were thrilled to be working with representatives from the Parkes Wiradjuri community to deliver the 2025 Parkes NAIDOC Celebration.
I would again like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the Parkes NAIDOC Family Fun Day organising committee who have contributed consistently to our meetings and contributed ideas to bring this event together.
Also a big shout out to our stallholders and contributors on the day. You helped to share resources and information and provide fun activities for visitors.
Thank you for contributing to this community event and sharing NAIDOC celebrations with us.
Extra heavies receive $320 to $428/head at Tuesday sale
CATTLE SALE
Monday, 22 September
Yarding 1562 (up 308)
Numbers lifted this sale with agents yarding 1562 head.
Quality was reduced from the previous sale with an increased number of secondary cattle penned though there was still some excellent lines of well bred cattle offered.
The usual buyers were present and competing in a cheaper market partly related to quality offered.
Yearling steers to feed slipped 10c with middleweights selling from 480c to 535c/kg and heavies receiving 470c to 531c/kg.
The heifer portion to feed sold from 440 to 496c with processors paying from 430 to 529c/kg.
Heavy steers and bullocks sold from 420 to 503c/kg. Grown heifers received from 426 to 493c/kg.
Cows held fairly steady with heavy 2 score from 360 to 397c and 3 score from 385 to 435c/ kg. The best heavy bull reached 429c/kg.
SHEEP SALE
Tuesday, 23 September
Yarding 51,850 (down 1750)
Numbers eased this sale with agents yarding 51,850 head. There was 39,750 lambs penned and quality was similar to that of previous sales with good numbers of finished lambs along with the larger percentage of plainer and secondary lambs.
The usual buyers were present and competing in another strong market.
There was 12,650 new season lambs penned and prices were firm to slightly better.
Restockers were active on the plainer lines paying from $198 to $250/head. Trade weights sold from $253 to $315/head.
Heavies ranged in price from $299 to $328 with extra heavies from $313 to $374/head.
Carcase prices averaged 1187c to 1270c/kg. Old lambs also remained fairly steady with trade weight from $245 to $288/head.
Heavies to 26kg sold from $293 to $326 with extra heavies receiving $320 to $428/head.
Carcase prices averaged 1023 to 1247c/kg. Mutton numbers
fell with 12100 head yarded. Quality was similar to previ ous sales and Merinos made up the majority.
Prices continue to be strong with merino ewes selling from $168 to $317/head.
Crossbred ewes received from $180 to $296 with Dorpers selling from $163 to $285/head. Merino wethers sold from $184 to $294/head.
FROM MLA’S NATIONAL LIVESTOCK REPORTING
STORE CATTLE SALE
Friday, 26 September
The Forbes store cattle sale will be held on Friday, 26 Sep tember at the Forbes Central West Livestock Exchange commencing at 10am.
Old lambs also remained fairly steady with trade weight from $245 to $288/head. Heavies to 26kg sold from $293 to $326 with extra heavies receiving $320 to $428/head.
THE HODDER FAMILY AT NAIDOC FAMILY FUN DAY: RILEY, EMILIE, JACOB, AMARLIE AND ELIZABETH HODDER.
Liz, Cherie secure spot in regional playoffs
WOMEN’S BOWLS
By MAUREEN MILLER
Even before the bowls began, it was very social, happy, NOISY atmosphere.
Nineteen bowlers took to the greens that was done to perfec tion by ground con trol.
On rink 17, Jan M, Janice and Valmai were too good for Maureen Lil and Nel.
Although the ends were mostly quite even, two drops of five decided the end story.
Rink 18 had Rhona/ Brenda, Ann T and Chris have a close game against Kim, Brenda/ Merilyn and Irene T.
Rhona ‘s team were slow to start but with Brenda (very versatile player) taking over on the 9th end getting a 6, caught up but not enough, with Kim’s team taking the win.
Rink 19, Marja, Jan G and Ann S had a very close game against Irene A, Lorraine and Gwenda.
Irene’s team was
only going up by ones until the 9th end but even winning the next few ends couldn’t get home with Marja’s team taking the win.
Chilled to the bone players moved to the club to wine and dine and try to win some money to take home.
Cherie, Jan, Valmai, Ann and Brenda got a win in the 100 Club, but alas rink 18, failed to get the number 7, so jackpot is $70 next week.
Congratulations to all who played in the
Midwest Regional Pairs at the weekend, but especially to Liz Byrne and Cherie Frame who won the section played at our club and will now play at Dubbo in the regionals playoffs on the 18/19 October.
This will be Liz’s third game at playoffs this year!
The Minor Singles draw was done today and is on the board, first round on or before 5 October please.
Don’t forget our trading table on 14 Oc-
tober which is raising money for Can Assist who help anyone with cancer of any type. Wear various bright colours on the day.
There will a spider, raffles and lots of fun. If not playing bowls, come and bring your lunch to enjoy the company, fun and laughter. Everyone is welcome.
To play bowls ring the club on Tuesdays between 9-9.30am on 6862 1446, new and visiting bowlers always welcome.
Pirates on a roll in regional pairs
BOWLS By COL MILLER
We had one game of the Men’s Major Singles on Saturday between Brian Townsend and Steve Turner.
Brian was off to a flying start and was never under threat winning the game 25 to 13. Marker Guy Ellery.
This ended the second round so now the serious bowls start with the semi finals which should commence in the next couple of weeks.
Thursday social bowls was played on a sunny spring afternoon.
Rink 16, Col Miller and Ian Simpson took on Bob Freeman and John Wright and had a big win 35 to 8.
Rink 18 Mick Valentine and John Corcoran won 18 to 11 over Lil Thomson and Col Mudie.
Rink 19 George Bradley and Mick Simpson had a solid win over John Ward and Bruce Orr 26 to 14.
Rink 20 Rob Irving and Gary McPhee managed a 1 shot win over Geoff Smith and Dave Parker.
Saturday social bowls we had 14 bowlers despite having so many
players away playing in Midwest Regional Pairs competitions.
Rink 8 Mathew Parker, Bob Freeman and John Ward had a big win 27 to 13 over Jim Blake, Rob Irving and Mike Valentine.
Rink 9 Ian Walsh and Mick Simpson won 21 to 12 over George Bladley and Gary McPhee.
Rink 10 Warren Bevan and Rhona Went had a narrow win over Jo Simpson and Colin Mudie 20 to 16.
In the Regional Men’s Senior Pairs at Dubbo Greg Townsend and Brian Townsend defeated Nyngan 25 to 5 in the morning game. Then in the afternoon in the semi final defeated Macquarie Club 20 to 19.
Mark Dwyer and Mark Fitzalan also in Dubbo played Macquarie Club and won 17 to 15. Then in the semi final they went down to West Dubbo 23 to 17.
The third game was played in Grenfell and Col Miller and Ian Simpson went down to Grenfell 18 to 8.
Back in Dubbo on Sunday Greg and Brian Townsend defeated West Dubbo to win the Sec-
tion 2 Final 21 to 12.
In the Men’s Regional Open Reserve Pairs at Canowindra on Saturday Geoff Smith and Bruce Orr were defeated by Caragabal.
Mark Glasheen and John Wright had a bye in the morning then in the afternoon they lost to Caragabal 14 to 13.
In the Men’s Regional Open Reserve Pairs at Peak Hill, Alec Bateson and Jake Brown defeated West Dubbo.
In their second game they defeated Peak Hill 21 to 12 in their third game they defeated another Peak Hill team 26 to 9.
Rob Lacey and Ethan Lacey played at Molong, game one they defeated Orange Ex Services 18 to 16. Then in their second game they defeated Majellan 16 to 15 and in their third game they defeated a second Orange Ex Services 20 to 11.
The Lucky Rink this Thursday is $170 and the members badge draw this Friday stands at $2800.
Don’t forget our annual general meeting is on Sunday at 11am so see you at the club.
0409 827 223. BBQ dinner and refreshments following.
Parkes Rugby League Football Club (Parkes Spacemen).
Date – Monday, October 13, 2025
Time – 6pm
Venue – Parkes Services Club in the Starlight Room.
PARKES
the Midwest Regional Pairs playoffs on Saturday. TO: Jenny Kingham
Dunn claims day with 40 point haul
PARKES
GOLF
By PETER BRISTOL
On Saturday Parkes golfers played in good conditions, albeit a little chilly early, for the Whites Electrical prize.
Whites have been associated with PGC for an extended time, and we appreciate their support as do the golfing fraternity.
There were 67 players and the course still in great condition post the Open preparation.
One of the earlier groups out hosted the winner of the day with Craig Dunn posting a solid 40 point haul, that was to carry all timeslots and prove unbeatable.
Craig had a 4 over front 9, including a birdie on the 9th. He did fade a bit on the back 9, with 3 double bogeys but the 22 points on the front carried him through.
Next in was Links Shell Cove golfer Marc McDonald with a 38 followed in by Mr Consistency, club Captain John Green with a 37, which was a 3 over par 75 off the stick.
This included a scintillating par
round on the front 9, with 2 birdies and 2 bogeys.
John always seems to play better when he has the club Pro in his group and he needs the win.
There were 3 golfers on 36 points with Brendan Simpson, Scott Winter and Wayne Powter having good rounds on the day.
One of the most pleasing aspects of the day was that both Peter Magill and David Stevenson shot 35s, so at last the fog may have lifted for them and they may get all the way back to having consistent decent scores.
The Nearest The Pins winners were – Bridgestone Mining 1st Rob Hey at 391cm, Griffins Leading Edge by Wayne Powter at 26cm, Parkes Ready Mixed Concrete 9th by Craig Dunn at 23cm, the Westlime 11th by Michael Bond at 431cm, the Gulf Western Oil 17th by Chris Downes at 276cm.
The lucrative money hole was won by Chris Downes at 276cm.
Ball winners were Marc McDonald 38, John Green 37, Brendan Simpson, Scott Winter, Wayne Powter 36.
Last weekend the LVDGA men’s
representative team, containing Aaron Wilkie from Parkes, contested the NSW Golf Country Week championships at Cowra.
The team comprising the Parkes Open winner John Betland, finished 8th overall out of the 12 teams there.
When you consider the depth of the other teams such as ACT, Central Coast, Hunter and Newcastle it was always going to be difficult to get to the top spot.
On day 1 the eventual winner Jye Hall from Mollymook shot a 65 and Cooper Giddings from Dubbo a 68.
These two young players fought out the event at Parkes last year. Caleb Hanrahan from Forbes was our best with a 69. Aaron shot a 74.
Unfortunately, from 5th spot on Saturdays the boys couldn’t keep the momentum going and faded on the Sunday.
Both the leaders finished with 69s to be 8 and 5 under respectfully.
Our team ranged from 5 over to 15 over so weren’t in the mix for individual honours nor team honours.
Next year the Champs are in
Tamworth.
This weekend is the Stoney Creek 3 Person Event. A reminder also that the course is having renovations on Monday and Tuesday so the greens will need a few weeks to recover.
VETERANS GOLF
By JOHN DWYER
“Is there a Bradman trophy today,” asked Forbes’ Barry Shine after five holes at the Lachlan Valley Veterans monthly 18-hole golf competition played at West Wyalong last week.
Playing off a 13 handicap a disgruntled Shine had only posted five points at this stage but the golfing gods were on his side when his fortunes turned and he went on to win
A grade with a score of 37 points.
Adopting a positive mindset when putting on the tricky greens and some solid general play saw his fortunes turn to record seven pars and a birdie over the remaining 13 holes to win by a point from West Wyalong’s Ben McCormick.
It was a different story in B grade
with local John Hudson (26 handicap) relishing the near perfect conditions to street the field with a sixunder par handicap round for 42 points. Alan Logan from Grenfell (38 points) was runner-up.
A solid field of 60 faced the starter with West Wyalong prevailing in the teams event (best three scores) with 114 points followed by Forbes (103), Grenfell (99), Parkes (97) and Condobolin (91).
Parkes players Pup Parker (A grade) and Joe Davies (B grade) were on target to win two of the three nearest-to-pins. Jock Mayberry from West Wyalong was the other sharp shooter.
Ball winners from Parkes were Mick Smith, John Dwyer and Gordon Pritchard, while Allan Rees, Steve Edwards, Niel Duncan and Alf Davies from Forbes each picked up a Bridgestone.
It was announced that Condobolin will host the October Lachlan Valley event.
Parkes will host the twin-towns weekly competition on Thursday, nominations from 9.30am for 10am shot-gun start.
BATTLE OF THE BEST AS PARKES OPEN DRAWS BIG NUMBERS
The SCT Parkes Golf Open is fast becoming a premier event on the regional and even state golfing calendar with this year’s tournament drawing 171 individual players.
They line-up for 18 holes over both Saturday and Sunday, followed by a championship round - it all took place on 13-14 September and gave the local economy a nice little boost too.
There were 37 different clubs represented that weekend.
Coming into the championship round there was high expectations of a tight
finish in the A grade and perhaps another of those playoffs.
John Betland from Forbes wasn’t having any of that as he stamped his class on the field and fired a 3 under 69 to seal yet another Betland PGC SCT Open win.
John had a regulation front nine with a single birdie on the 8, then bogeyed the 10th only to pick up birdies at 13,15 and 16. He won by 4 shots from Caleb Hanrahan also from Forbes, 145, and a further 4 back to Parkes’ Aaron Wilkie.
A full report of the championships ran in last week’s edition.
Andrew Marshall from Wollongong.
Scott Della-Pietra from Asquith, Ken Keith of Parkes and Steve Rodda of Dubbo about to tee-off on day one of the Parkes Golf Open.
Brad Stratton, Luke Malcolm, Nugget Wadwell and David Malcolm from Asquith at the Parkes Golf Open on Saturday.
Dan Mackay from Yarrawarrah.
Cricket only weeks away
CRICKET
The 2025/26 cricket season is just around the corner, with junior and senior competitions in Parkes set to begin on Saturday, 11 October.
Junior players will again have the chance to take part in Cricket Blast (ages 6–10), along with structured competitions in Under 12s, Under 14s and Under 17s.
These age groups will feature teams from Parkes, Forbes and Condobolin, providing fantastic opportunity for strong contests across the district.
This season also brings an exciting first which will
face off against teams from Condobolin for the very first time, adding a fresh challenge for the youngest competitive age division.
The association is encouraging all juniors both boys and girls to get involved this season as teams are rebuilt and strengthened for the future.
Teams will be coached and managed by highly regarded cricketing identities, offering a fantastic opportunity for skill development, learning and fun.
On the senior front, the association is calling for more team nominations for the 30-over senior competition, with numbers cur-
Teams can be nominated until Friday, 26 September and individual registrations also remain open.
Individual nominations will be assigned to teams by the association executive, ensuring everyone has the chance to take part.
Parkes and District Cricket Association President Peter Yelland said the leadup to the season is a crucial time for players, clubs and the community to get involved.
“We’re really encouraging players to register, whether individually or through a team, so that we can get as many people out on the park as possible this summer.
book page or email parke scricket.1@gmail.com
She’s still got it: Williams joint leading goal scorer for Hockeyroos
HOCKEY
Mariah Williams has added another goal to her name in a test match series against New Zealand Black Sticks in the Oceania Cup.
With the Hockeyroos, Williams came up against the New Zealand team in the heat of Darwin over three games. Both teams were not only competing for the Oceania Cup but also qualification into the 2026 FIH Women’s World Cup.
The Black Sticks took charge of the series with a 1-0 win in a hard-fought opener against the Hockeyroos.
Hockey Australia said de
DANIELLE AMONG THE BEST IN ITALY
■ Continued from back page
Constant light rain produced some tricky conditions for riders on the clay-based special tests but luckily for the Aussie girls they were able to remain trouble-free holding onto second position comfortably with five minutes ahead of team France.
Danielle said she had a cracking start to day five with a win in the first test earning her a third place for the day and by the end she was second overall in the individual standings, only two-minutes behind USA’s Brandy.
Day six of the ISDE was a motocross test with USA’s Korie Steede slipping past Danielle in the individual standings by three seconds to claim runner-up in the women’s individual standings.
Team Australia managed to hold onto their second place standing to claim the silver medal.
“A week full of ups and downs but us girls pushed through claiming another second for team Australia,” Danielle posted on social media
“Happy with my riding, some very close racing all week and lots of positives to take away. A few test wins and an overall win on day three.
“A massive thanks to the whole of team Australia, it’s always a massive effort by all involved.
“It was so cool to see so many Aussies cheering us on the sidelines this year. I already cannot wait until next year for the 100th edition in Portugal.”
The ISDE doesn’t just require riders to ride each day.
Each rider also has to do all of their own mechanical and bike work at the end of each day, adding to the difficulty that is the ISDE.
Danielle was straight back on a plane after her third ISDE to America where she shifted her focus to round 10 and 11 of the Grand National Cross Country where she earnt her fifth and sixth third-place finish of the season.
Danielle now sits fourth in the WXC class with two rounds remaining.
spite sustained pressure, a clear territorial edge and significant circle advantage, the Hockeyroos couldn’t find the finishing touch to turn dominance into goals.
The Hockeyroos and the Black Sticks brought the same fighting energy into game two where this time the Hockeyroos claimed the win.
It was nil-all for the majority of the match before Williams knocked in a goal for Australia in the 56th minute during the Hockeyroo’s tenth penalty corner.
series into a high-stakes decider.
Williams’ performance in game two also earnt her Player of the Match.
Both the Hockeyroos and the Black Sticks found the back of the net in game three, locking the score at 1-all resulting in a shootout to decide the Oceania Cup winner and 2026 Women’s World Cup qualifier.
Unfortunately the Black Sticks proved too good for the Hockeyroos claiming the third game win dominating
the World Cup early next year. Adding to Williams’ success, she was named one of Hockeyroo’s highest goal scorers for the year. It was a three-way tie for the title with Williams, Courtney Schonell and Jade Smith each knocking in five goals for the Hockeyroos.
Williams will now pull on the NSW Pride jersey to commence the 2025 Hockey One League which kicks off on 10 October.
NSW Pride will be up against Canberra Chill in Canberra before their first home game on 18 October at Narellan against the Tassie
Parkes U14 opening batsman Isaac Squires in last year’s competition against Forbes Livestock. PHOTOS: Jenny Kingham
Danielle had to do all of her mechanical work on her bike during the six days under timed conditions. Italy was the backdrop for Danielle’s third ISDE. TOS: Danielle McDonald Facebook
COURTNEY SCHONELL, JADE SMITH AND MARIAH WILLIAMS.
DANIELLE TOOK PART IN MANY DIFFERENT TESTS OVER THE SIX DAYS OF COMPETITION.
Bogan Gate Bunnies rule the court TWO WINS, 14 YEARS APART
HOCKEY
By MADELINE BLACKSTOCK
This year’s premiership winning Parkes United hockey team had three previous title winners among them.
Pete Amor, Jack Elliott and Andrew Bourke are now two-time Central West Premier League hockey winners.
The trio were part of the first Parkes men’s team to win the competition back in 2011.
Now in the competition’s 27-year history the trio have been by each other’s side to help put Parkes on the premiership trophy twice.
Now Parkes United captain, Elliott was
only 17 when he was part of Parkes’ first victory which was a close 3-2 grand final win.
This year the team won with a comfortable 6-2 score line.
“It’s still an awesome feeling both times but just a little bit different,” Elliott said.
“The last one was obviously a lot, lot closer and this one, once we were up 5-2 and then got it to 6-2 we sort of knew the game was finished.
“Back in 2011 when it was 3-2, it could have quite easily gone either way, all the way until the end of the game.”
Despite both grand final wins being very different from each other Elliott said both were very special.
Seven shooters test their skills
By GRAEME DAVIS
Well, only seven shooters attended the Deep Lead shooting complex and shot at foxes at both ranges, with the acute shortage of quality ammunition and what is available has seen the prices rise between 2 to 3 hundred percent for a brick of ammo. So what do you do? You go through your ammo safe and try to find the absolute rubbish and throw it down range and hope you get something on the paper. The fox targets at both ranges have a total of 530.53 points.
TARGET RIFLES 25M 50M TOTAL
• Brian Drabsch 280.25, 249.20, 529.45
• John Davis 276.25, 250.20, 526.45 FIELD RIFLES
• Alan Briton 281.28, 248.19, 529.47
• Brett Cowling 279.20, 250.18, 529.45
Three shot for practice only, next Sundays shoot will be 10am and will be small round targets at 25mts and crows at the 50mts, hoping you have some luck finding something decent to throw down range.
NETBALL
By MADELINE BLACKSTOCK
For three years teams of ladies from Bogan Gate, Trundle, Tullamore and Tottenham have been coming together to play netball.
The four teams make up the Western Netball Competition which was first sparked by an idea from Tullamore’s Adriana Stevenson.
Adriana was looking for a local competition for her high school daughter to participate in.
She posted her idea to the town’s community Facebook noticeboards to see if anyone would be interested and three years later the competition is thriving.
It was originally intended for the T-towns of Trundle, Tullamore and Tottenham but Bogan Gate saw the competition idea and couldn’t miss out, jumping right on board and have dominated the competition since.
The Bogan Gate Bunnies have won the competition each year with their most recent competition campaign ending in a 42-21 grand final victory over the Trundle Gems.
But the Western Netball Competition is much more than just winning.
Bogan Gate Bunnies player Katie
Britt said the competition is an opportunity for local women to connect within their local community.
“It’s also an opportunity to work on fitness and be active. Most other sporting competitions require us to drive to either Parkes or Condobolin,” she said.
The winning Bogan Gate team is made up of girls who either reside within or around Bogan Gate.
“A few of the girls have many years of netball experience which has helped,” Katie added.
The competition is run over 12 weeks with each round taking place on a Sunday morning.
All four teams play in the same town each week playing two games back-to-back which are 40-minutes and are self-umpired.
The Western Competition is not affiliated with Netball NSW making it more accessible for everyone as membership fees do not apply.
But not being affiliated with Netball NSW also means it is hard for some towns to apply for funding to improve their courts.
Bogan Gate has been lucky enough to utilise the Bogan Gate multi-purpose courts for as long as the competition has been running.
“It’s been awesome that we’ve been able to have those facilities
Like most sporting competitions the Western Netball Competition is run off volunteers and community support.
“Lots of people volunteer their time to make the competition work,” Katie said.
A family-run Parkes business, team. As another senior competition
“We’re trying to upskill the young kids and give them an opportunity
TWO-TIME CENTRAL WEST PREMIER LEAGUE PREMIERSHIP WINNERS PETE AMOR, JACK ELLIOTT AND ANDREW BOURKE. PHOTO: JENNY KINGHAM
Cricket season only a bowl away
SAM YELLAND REPRESENTED NSW AT THE SCHOOL SPORTS AUSTRALIA HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIPS. PHOTO: PARKES PUBLIC SCHOOL
SAM CLAIMS GOLD WITH NSW
Year 6 student Sam Yelland has returned home with a gold medal around his neck after an incredible performance at the School Sport Australia 12 and Under Hockey Championships in Bendigo, Victoria.
Sam represented NSW Primary School Sports Association (PSSA) for his second consecutive year after having competed in Cairns last year alongside fellow Parkes hockey player Charlie Rix.
This year Sam earnt his place on the
team after impressing selectors at the NSW PSSA Hockey Carnival in Newcastle where he played for Western.
Western placed seventh in the carnival but Sam’s performance stood out with the only Western player to be selected to represent at the next level.
NSWPSSA proudly announced on social media that both the boys and girls team claimed gold in Bendigo showcasing exceptional skill, determination and teamwork throughout the week-long competition.
The association praised all players for their efforts.
Silver streak
By MADELINE BLACKSTOCK
At 18 years old Danielle McDonald has claimed her third International Six Day Enduro (ISDE) silver with team Australia in Bergamo, Italy. For two years Danielle has competed alongside Jessica Gardiner in the biggest enduro event of the year and in her third ISDE it was no different.
Jessica competed in her thirteenth ISDE with their third team mate, 21-year-old Madison Healey who competed in
After a knee injury slowed Danielle down at last year’s ISDE in Spain she returned to this year’s ISDE better than
She was the fastest Aussie in the women’s individual standings placing third overall, just one place shy of her best ISDE individual standing in her first
Over the six days of competition rain poured over the already difficult Italian terrain creating challenging conditions for riders.
Danielle documented the six days on her social media and said day one was not the best for herself or the team with a few too many mistakes made.
After the first day the girls sat second in the Women’s World Trophy behind USA who nearly had a seven-minute lead over the Aussie girls, with France a close 12 seconds behind in third.
Danielle placed seventh in the women’s individual standings for the day.
On day two the young rider said she finally found her flow on the bike placing second individually while team Australia slipped down to third in team standings as ISDE rookie, Maddison, lost a chunk of time when she became bogged in ruts that
reached above her knees.
Day three presented some challenges for team Australia but for Danielle she made it her day.
A day full of new tests and trials, Danielle claimed the overall win in individual standings over her American rival Brandy Richards who had been dominating the competition. France increased their lead in second to over one minute ahead of third-placed Australia but it didn’t last long.
In more new tests through the Val Seriana Valley in Bergamo on day four, the Aussie girls claimed back their second place standing in the Women’s World Trophy.
Danielle said it was a solid day for herself and the team making up good time and Danielle placing third individually for the day.
An extreme weather warning was issued on day five. ■ Continued on page 14
HOCKEY
JESSICA GARDINER, MADI HEALEY AND DANIELLE MCDONALD ON THE PODIUM IN BERGAMO, ITALY.
PHOTO: DANIELLE MCDONALD FACEBOOK PAGE