ESTABLISHED 1891
Day long overdue
By CHRISTINE LITTLE
THE 10 brave re ghters from Parkes have been recognised for their heroics in responding to a ferocious rail tanker fuel re, 41 years later.
“I hope it provides you with some closure.
“I’m sorry those brave re ghters [now deceased] are not with us today.”
On May 23, 1983 a rail tanker loaded with 33,000 litres of petrol that was being decanted into stor-
“I’m sorry it’s taken over four decades for this to happen,” said State Member for Orange Philip Donato, who hosted an award ceremony on Tuesday.
age tanks at the Mobil Depot in East Street in Parkes fully ignited in close proximity to millions of litres of more petrol.
The re, and the tanks had they erupted, threatened not only the lives of the re ghters ghting to control and extinguish the blaze but the lives of the entire town.
In very challenging conditions of
the time, it took re ghters three and a half hours to defeat the re.
It’s a day re ghters - the late Captain Gordon Northey, the late Rodney Bradley, Robert Tinker, Graham Dixon, Roger Larsen, Graham Thompson, the late Robert McDonald, Don Jewell, the late Bruce Shanks and the late John Ashcro - relive, and relived, every
day for the rest of their lives. Only ve of the 10 heroes are still alive today.
A er years of advocating for recognition for risking their lives to save their town from a catastrophic explosion, then advocacy from Parkes Shire Council and nally at a state level with Mr Donato ■ Story continues on page 14
WHAT’S ON in and around Parkes
CHRISTMAS PARADE AND FESTIVAL
Friday, December 6
The Parkes Action Club Christmas parade and carnival sees schools, community groups, and local businesses decorate oats for the annual parade at 6pm. Following the parade a range of market stalls will be set up in Cooke Park allowing you to get some Christmas shopping done from local businesses. If you would like to be part of the parade or set up a stall email parkesactionclub@gmail.com or contact their facebook page by Sunday, November 17.
TRUNDLE CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Friday, December 6
Trundle Christmas shopping night is coming up. From 3pm see all your favourite market stalls and get your Christmas goodies along the way at Trundle Hotel.
CROP SWAP
Saturday, December 7
Is your garden bursting at the seams with oranges and lemons? Then you need to Join Parkes Crop Swap with your excess Spring goodies for the nal crop swap for 2024. Trade your goodies for a variety of fresh produce brought in by fellow garden enthusiasts. This event will be held in the courtyard of Parkes Shire Library from 10am.
CAROLS IN THE PARK
Sunday, December 8
Beginning at 6:30pm, Carols in the Park sets the scene with local acts performing their favourite Christmas carols and songs on the Cooke Park stage. As the sun goes down, watch as the awe and wonder of the season lights up the park.
THE COMPASSIONATE FRIENDS
Sunday, December 8
Compassionate Friends Candle Lighting night to acknowledge children who aren’t here to share Christmas with us. Regardless of how old your child was or when we lost them, Christmas is the most di cult time. Everyone is welcome to join from 5:30pm at Lions Park. Candles will be lit and poems will be read at 6pm. BYO nibbles and drinks and stay for a chat.
EUGOWRA CAROLS BY THE CREEK
Sunday, December 15
Carols by the Creek is back again this year in Apex Park from 5:30pm. Enjoy a relaxing a ernoon surrounded by community and Christmas carols.
HAVANNAH HOUSE
CHRISTMAS LUNCH
Thursday, December 25
No one should spend Christmas alone or without a delicious Christmas Lunch!
The Havannah House Group are welcoming
local residents to join them at Forbes Town Hall for a beautiful Christmas Lunch at 12pm.
For more information, book transport and RSVP please contact Havannah House on 6852 1366 or email havannahhouse@gmail. com
TULLAMORE
CHRISTMAS
MARKETS
Friday, December 20
Mini Tullamore Christmas markets will be held on the green at the Tullamore Bowling Club from 6pm. Markets followed by live music by Sam and Anne.
TRUNDLE TESTICLE FESTIVAL
Thursday, December 26
It’s time to look a er the blokes! It’s time for the Testicle Test as in cricket, as Trundle hosts a Testicle Festival and a Super 8s cricket competition on Boxing Day, December 26 at Berryman Oval. Grab a team for a bit of fun in the sun while they raise money for a really important cause, the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. Runs from 2pm until late and a barbecue and bar will be available.
celebrating the end of the year, and welcoming the new year. There’s a full program of racing, activities for the kids and a fantastic reworks display about one hour a er the last race. Mark it in your calendar!
PARKES ELVIS FESTIVAL
January 8-12
NEW YEARS EVE HARNESS RACING
Tuesday, December 31
Join Parkes Harness Racing Club in
Celebrating it’s 32nd year, the Parkes Elvis Festival is back again with features artists, Cote Deonath, Emilio Santoro and Riley Jenkins. The theme for the festival is Easy Come, Easy Go and there will be non-stop entertainment in Parkes for everyone. Check out the Parkes Elvis Festival website to view the program.
Help Vinnies help those in need this Christmas
ST VINCENT de Paul is again doing their part this Christmas to provide support to locals who need it most but they need your help.
Vinnies has the help of local businesses including Elders Real Estate Parkes and Cun ningham’s IGA as well as local churches.
Elders Real Estate Parkes is again participating in the Give It Christmas Appeal for the fourth year.
Elders will be partnering with Vinnies to collect presents in hopes to bring some Christ mas cheer to kids this year to make their Christmas a little brighter.
Elders and Vinnies ask that you please bring in a gi for kids ranging up to 18 years and place it under the Elders Christmas tree at 296 Clarinda Street.
Once gi s are collected Elders, St Vincent De Paul and the local churches will distribute the gi s out to families.
Gi s can also be delivered to Vinnies no later than Friday, December 6 between 10am and 3pm.
Vinnies asks that only new toys are donated and are unwrapped due to safety reasons.
IGA will also be doing their bit to help Vinnies raise much needed donations for this year’s Christmas Appeal.
IGA will be selling $2 donation baubles until December 26 in e orts to raise money for community members who need support.
Help by buying a $2 Vinnies Bauble or any specially marked
IGA. Your spare change really matters.
In the last nancial year
Vinnies Central West (Parkes, Forbes, Condobolin, Peak Hill and Trundle) provided $356,000 worth of assistance to 1769 people on 2085 occasions.
Vinnies Parkes provided $88,000 worth of assistance to 615 people on 802 occasions.
“The Vinnies Christmas Appeal plays a critical role in ensuring our members and services are able to meet the need for assistance present in the community at a time when inequality is growing,” St Vincent de Paul Society NSW CEO, Yolanda Saiz said.
Close to 100,000 people were supported by Society NSW
which saw an increase of 14 per cent from the previous 12 months and over a third of people reached out for support for the rst time over the last year.
With Christmas just weeks away, the annual Vinnies Christmas Appeal is calling on the community to help address the ongoing hardship felt across the state.
Funds raised from the Vinnies Christmas Appeal will enable the Society’s members to distribute vital assistance through food, clothing, household expenses, accommodation and much more.
“The Christmas season is a celebration of love, giving and shared humanity. It is also the busiest period for our members
Wet week: 70mm of rain falls over shire
PARKES has seen a signi cant amount of rainfall across the Shire this past week and it is expected to continue throughout the week.
On Thursday, December 28 a late a ernoon thunderstorm kickstarted the week of rain to follow.
Although there was some rain in town the Parkes Airport only recorded 1mm of rainfall
for Thursdays storm.
From Friday, November 29 to Sunday, December 1 the Parkes Airport recorded just over 23mm for the weekend.
Residents in East Parkes recorded 46mm over the weekend weather event and up to 70mm was recorded in the surrounding area.
On Monday, Decem-
ber 2, 8.2mm of rainfall was recorded and on Tuesday, December 3 early morning rainfall didn’t stop until midday recording 10.6mm with light showers in the evening.
More rainfall is expected this coming week with a prediction of 10-20mm on Saturday, December 7.
SES has released a statement to expect
more severe weather over Friday and Saturday particularly in the Central West and South-western NSW.
Severe storms could bring heavy rainfall, damaging winds and large hail.
To stay up to date with the latest information and warnings make sure to download the Hazards Near Me app.
and services as families strive to manage competing expenses of housing and everyday living,” St Vincent de Paul Society NSW State President, Peter Houwel ing said.
“We ask that those who can, give generously to the Vinnies Christmas Appeal this season to support and bring comfort to the most vulnerable in our community. It is with this act of giving, that we all rea rm our shared commitment to care for one another, re ecting the true meaning of Christmas,” Mr Houweling said.
To donate to the Vinnies Christmas Appeal, visit www. vinnies.org.au or call 13 18 12.
All donations over $2 are taxdeductible.
To keep Vinnies great work going in the local community, Vinnies is always need of more volunteers.
Volunteering is one of the best ways to make new friends, build relationships and learn new skills.
The Society welcomes everyone of all ages and activities can include sorting of donated goods, serving at the counter, clerical duties, basic computer work or interviewing and listening to people in need and providing assistance to them.
If you are interested in volunteering and being able to give back to your community, call 6862 5758, email wcfsvdp@vinnies.org.au or call into the Vin-
Police seize over 200 cartons of illegal cigarettes in Peak Hill
POLICE have seized hundreds of cartons of illegal cigarettes and vapes valued at more than $70,000 in Peak Hill.
About 4:30pm on November 27 , o cers attached to Central West Police District stopped a Renault Koleos on the Newell Highway at Peak Hill due to the manner of driving.
A search of the vehicle located 5.9kg of loose-leaf tobacco, 252 cartons of illegal cigarettes and 310 vapes with a street value of $74,000.
The tobacco, cigarettes and vapes were seized for forensic examination.
The 48-year-old male driver was charged with possess tobacco ve kilograms or above, convey tobacco products know of intent defraud, recklessly deal with proceeds of crime more than $5000, goods in personal custody
Police seized hundreds of cartons of illegal cigarettes and vapes on the side of the Newell Highway at Peak Hill. PHOTO: NSW Police
Cunningham’s IGA manager Steven Langlois, with Parkes Vinnies members Frances Scurfield, Trish Divies, Jenny Cornelissen and Paula Sutherland with the $2 Vinnie donation baubles available at IGA.
Bridie’s artwork recognised
By JOEL FAUNT
AS THE school year reaches its climax, the 2024 Year 12 Visual Arts class at Parkes High School proudly prepared to unveil their Bodies of Work, a culmination of creativity, hard work, and personal expression.
This year’s cohort has pushed the boundaries of traditional art forms, exploring themes that resonate with both their personal experiences and broader societal issues.
Throughout the year, students have engaged in a diverse range of artistic mediums, from traditional materials such as painting and drawing to digital images.
Under the guidance of their teacher, Mr Faunt, the students have developed their skills and techniques, transforming their ideas into compelling visual narratives.
Each young artist has embarked on a unique journey, allowing their individuality to shine through in their nal pieces.
One standout project comes from Bridie Lacey, whose series of drawings explores the animals of Australia.
Using intricate pencilwork, Bridie invites viewers to re ect on their own experiences and fond memories with the amazing creatures.
Bridie’s work was also nominated for the Art Express exhibition.
This exhibition showcases the amazing talent from across NSW and is the rst time in 20 years a student from Parkes
High has received a nomination, and if selected will travel across NSW for 2025 as part of this showcase of artistic talent.
Another notable project is by Makayla Sloane, who has chosen to focus on creating depictions representing her love for music, rendering a series of six images that demonstrate vibrant people caught in the moment of enjoyment with listening to their favourite songs.
While the class was full of amazingly talented individuals, a third notable stu dent is Lara Bennett, whose deeply per sonal work expressed her connection to the strong women in her life, her connec tion to country, and to her identity as an Indigenous woman.
In her work she faithfully represented herself while challenging established conventions.
Parents, friends, and community mem bers are encouraged to celebrate the amazing achievements of our talented students, which promises to be a celebra tion of youthful creativity and innovation.
Moving forward these young emerging artists will proudly represent Parkes and are a testament to the importance of crea tive expression in education, demonstrat ing that art can transcend boundaries and foster dialogue.
As these talented students prepare to take the next step in their artistic jour neys, their passion and dedication will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on our
Be part of the 2025 Elvis Festival action
ARE you a fan of Elvis or just love great music and community spirit?
Become a volunteer and be part of the team behind the 2025 Parkes Elvis Festival, meet fantastic people, and enjoy the thrill of this iconic event.
Volunteering o ers hands-on experience and a front-row seat to all the action and you’ll play a
vital role in bringing Elvis magic to life.
There is always a need for volunteers to help deliver the festival across the various venues.
There are so many ways you can help, from greeting at the train station to providing visitor information and directions. Volunteering is a rewarding experience and a way to give something
Mon - Fri 7am to 5pm
8.30am - 12.30pm
back to the community.
The Parkes Elvis Festival will be held from Wednesday, January 8, to Sunday, January 12, however volunteers will be needed between the period of Monday, January 6 to Monday, January 13 to assist with the setting up and packing down of the Festival. Applications have been extended until Sunday December 8
and you can register today at bit. ly/ElvisVolunteer2025
If you have any questions or require assistance please contact the Parkes Elvis Festival Team on (02) 6862 6000 or email elvis@ parkes.nsw.gov.au
The Parkes Elvis Festival Team would like to say a huge thank you to Central West Credit Union for supporting the volunteers.
Artworks by Gemma Yeo.
Asha raising awareness on the court
By MADELINE BLACKSTOCK
THE HEY Sis Project recently hosted a fundraising event for the McGrath Foundation and driving force behind the Project, Asha Munodawafu was proud to announce that $1594 was raised by the end of the day.
Some 80 people attended the event at the Parkes Tennis Courts to support Asha’s fundraiser raising money for the incredible cause.
“We had a fantastic day lled with music, delicious food, exciting ra e prizes, and plenty of tennis matches for everyone to enjoy. It was such a great opportunity for the community to come together and support a meaningful cause,” Asha said.
“The energy and support from everyone who attended was incredible, and together we ended up raising $1594.”
Local McGrath breast Care Nurse, Dianne Green, attended the day and supported Asha with her fundraising idea.
“Having Di there was so special. Her support meant so much to me, her guidance throughout the planning process was invaluable, and having her there on the day made it even more meaningful.
“It was such an honour to work with her and to see her passion for the McGrath Foundation in action.”
Layne Brownlow, a close friend of Asha’s, shaved her head on the day in support of one of her close friends who is battling cancer.
Layne said it was her way of standing with her friend and raising awareness for something that
touches so many lives.
“For me, having her do this at my event was such an emotional and inspiring moment.
“It perfectly captured the spirit of what the day was all about- supporting others and taking action to make a di erence,” Asha said.
Asha’s original goal was to raise $1000 for the McGrath Foundation.
“So to have raised $1594 was beyond what I could have hoped for.
“The McGrath Foundation makes such a real and touching impact. Their breast care nurses provide essential support to individuals and families going through incredibly tough times.
“By donating, you’re not just helping provide medical care; you’re helping people feel supported, cared for, and not alone in their journey.
“I just want to say a huge thank you again to everyone who supported the event, whether you attended, donated, or helped behind the scenes. Your support made all of this possible, and I’m so excited to see where this journey takes us next.”
Asha is hoping to expand the Hey Sis Project and involve even more young women next year.
“I’d love to host leadership workshops, tennis squads, mentorship programs, and events where we can connect, build con dence and grow as a community,” Asha added.
Keep an eye out for The Hey Sis Project with Asha on Facebook and Instagram as Asha continues to plan more amazing events to inspire all young women in the community.
Phone: 02 6862 2253
Email for free Quote Email: gary@pottsgroup.com.au
Website: pottsgroup.com.au
The Parkes tennis community and friends rallied together to raise funds for the McGrath Foundation.
Lions Park garden upgrades complete
IF YOU haven’t noticed yet, there’s something new at Lions Park.
Parkes Shire Council has officially completed a beautiful garden upgrade at the northwest end of the block.
The transformation was part of Council’s Open Space Assets Program and made possible thanks to council’s horticulture team led by Tim Gillogly and Geoff Finn, Kristy Davison and Alannah Skillicorn, who made the design and did soft landscaping.
Council also thanked local contractor Total
Parkes project’s flagship city
INLAND Rail CEO Nick Miller and the Inland Rail Board of Directors have visited the Parkes Special Activation Precinct, with Mr Miller declaring a er the visit that Parkes has established itself as the agship city on the Inland Rail project.
A er visiting the Parkes Special Activation to review the freight and logistics facilities at the 4800-hectare site, Mr Miller and the Inland Rail board held an o cial company board meeting in Parkes, the rst time the board has met in the town.
“What we are seeing happening in Parkes with the Special Activation Precinct is just a
taste of what is to come as Inland Rail gets built out further - there is no doubt that Parkes is the agship town on the project right now,” Mr Miller said.
“The Parkes Special Activation Precinct is home to the National Logistics Hub which will become Australia’s largest inland freight and logistics centre.”
Inland Rail will connect Melbourne to Brisbane via Parkes, while the Trans-Australian Railway connects Sydney to Perth via Port Augusta in South Australia and the Nullarbor Plain, with the Parkes Special Activation Precinct, sitting on the
only junction of Australia’s two rail spines.
“The Parkes Special Activation Precinct and Inland Rail complement each other to provide a compelling answer to questions of sustainable growth in Australia.
“Australia’s growing population and an anticipated increase in domestic freight of more than 20 per cent by 2040 emphasise the importance of Inland Rail.”
Inland Rail expects to be in full construction in every section between Beveridge and Parkes next year as it looks to complete the Beveridge to Parkes by sections by 2027.
“Rail freight is 16 times more fuel-e cient than road freight and we will cut rail freight travel time between Melbourne and Brisbane by almost a third, from 33 hours to less than 24 hours.
“These compelling aspects of Inland Rail underline why it is such an important project.”
Construction began on the Stockinbingal to Parkes section of the project in March this year, with 162 local residents employed on this section. Of this, 28 are First Nations people.
The section has also employed 54 women and spent more than $9 million with 97 local business.
PHOTO: Supplied
The design was developed by Parkes Shire Council’s horticulture team.
PHOTO: Bill Jayet
Rotary bringing cultures together
By PARKES ROTARY CLUB
PARKES recently welcomed a very special group of visitors.
Five Indigenous Americans from the Sioux (Lakota, Dakota, Nakota) nation in South Dakota, visited as part of a Rotary Group Study (Cultural) Exchange.
The visitors were from the Oceti Sakowin (Seven Council Fires).
The purpose of their visit was to observe and study another Indigenous culture, the Wiradjuri nation, to examine and understand how they were maintaining culture while progressing in the wider community.
A tour of the Rotary Peace Park at the base of Memorial Hill was to highlight a successful example of a collaboration between Rotary and Wiradjuri, and non-Indigenous artists, promoting peace and reconciliation.
The visit was initiated by Michael Milston, a past District Governor of Rotary, after discussions with Parkes Rotarian Ken Engsmyr and was hosted by Parkes Rotary.
“This exchange was vocationally based with the members selected because of their engagement in excellence in practice,” Michael Milston said.
“Across the group are representatives in the vocations of health, education, envi-
ronment, business and the arts and cra s.”
Parkes Mayor Neil Westcott and president of Parkes Rotary Graeme Hunter welcomed the group.
Wiradjuri artist and chair of the Parkes Aboriginal Community Working Party Irene Ridgeway, Parkes Wiradjuri Language Group president Geo Anderson, TAFE teacher of Wiradjuri cultural studies Everlien Gardner and artist and designer of the park Sean James Cassidy, guided the visitors through the landscape, explaining the signi cance of the natu-
ral forms and the art works.
“It was very exciting for me and other Indigenous Australians to meet Indigenous people from other parts of the world and to be able to create an awareness of Wiradjuri culture,” Irene Ridgeway said.
“I found it very interesting to discover how similar our cultures were particularly regarding our past histories and the loss of identity and culture.
“Being open to di erent ways of thinking provides the opportunity to create bridges.
“When you look up at the
stars you aren’t looking up but looking down into the universe.”
The visitors found the park “very intriguing and a special place.”
The carved installations with Wiradjuri iconography were the rst art works the visitors had seen in Australia. They were very interested to see language represented within the art works.
They felt that the local Wiradjuri culture was being woven into the wider community which was quite a di erent situation from their own.
During discussions at the
park, the visitors noted the importance of language, the evolution of language and the question was posed, do Indigenous peoples have a role in the designing of language technologies?
This re ects a question posed in the article in the Australian Physics magazine, Excavating Bridges for Future Streams, co-written by Kerrie Peden and Sean James Cassidy of Parkes.
”Is it time or possible, to create a new, universal language or is this already underway and will it provide an accessibility for a wider audi-
ence with a greater array of mindsets, intelligences and varied life journeys?”
The magazine was a gi to each visitor.
They were also given a range of other gi s, souvenirs of Parkes - a pen and notebook with a small Wiradjuri dictionary and a USB with the original song and lm clip, in language, Journey to Gulbalanha, created by locally based international art group Ub Ubbo Exchange.
”Bringing people together from di erent cultures around the world starts a conversation and through showing each other respect, develops trust,” Parkes Wiradjuri elder Robert Clegg said.
Following on from the great success of the Australian Philippines Friendship mural which highlighted the Wiradjuri word Yindyamarra (Respect), this recent visit by members of the Dakota Sioux nation helps to show that Parkes is able to lead the way towards a more accepting and peaceful future.”
Nicholas Dion, Corey Stover, Sean James Cassidy, young Mason, Dawn Marie Johnson and Tianna Yellow Hair. INSET: Sean James Cassidy showed how he designed the Peace Park to Nicholas Dion and Corey Stover. PHOTOS: Supplied
PARKES Shire Council has welcomed the $32 million ood resilience funding package announced last month for some of Parkes’ ood-a ected roads.
Students get a feel for the wheel in simulator
STUDENTS from Parkes
Christian School spent time learning about the e ects of alcohol, drugs, fatigue, and distractions when they participated in experiences provided on a driving simulator.
“Students organised in pairs were provided two experiences,” said Ken Engsmyr of Parkes Rotary Club.
With the “impaired driving” module, a participant rst drives for about ve minutes to experience normal driving conditions, a practice drive.
“Then they stop, the simulator screens blur, the screen image rocks, braking and steering become less responsive,” Ken said.
The participant drives again for about ve minutes.
Parkes has been allocated more than $6 million of the Regional Transport Resilience Fund for culvert and pavement upgrades.
“The experience provides a powerful demonstration of the potential e ects of drugs, alcohol, and fatigue on driving ability,” Ken said.
“It is an experience that cannot be responsibly provided ‘for real’ with real drugs or real alcohol in a real vehicle on a real road.”
The e ect of distraction is demonstrated by asking a driver to maintain control of a vehicle while being distracted by text messages, trying to pick up an object from the cabin oor such as a drink container, and taking sel es.
The participant experiences how di cult it is to maintain control when distracted.
“We also talk with participants about the detrimental
The di erence between normal and impaired driving is compared in a report (trafc violations) generated by the simulator.
e ect passengers can have on a driver’s ability to maintain control,” Ken said.
Research from the United States has revealed that, compared with driving alone, the risk of a young driver dying in a road crash increases fourfold per mile driven if the driver is carrying three young passengers.
And if a young driver is accompanied by one passenger aged 35 years or older, their risk death in a vehicle accident decreases by 62 per cent, according to American Automobile Association research.
“While the research comes from the United States, from talking with young Australian drivers it is not hard to see why a young driver conveying young passengers is at increased risk of being involved in a fatal accident,” Ken said.
These include, $5.65 million for a new bridge on The Bogan Way and Middle Trundle Road, and construction of culverts and/or concrete causeways along Middle Trundle Road.
And $1.08 million to upgrade culverts and causeways Bruie Plains Road, Brolgan Road and Dwyers Road.
“The devastating 2022 oods tested the resilience of our community and our infrastructure,” Mayor of Parkes Shire, Cr Neil Westcott, said.
“We welcome the $6.7 million funding support from the Australian and NSW Governments as it will help us deliver important infrastructure upgrades that enhance safety, support recovery, and provide long-term bene ts for our communities.
“Investing in transport infrastructure is vital for the strength and safety of our community.
“The new bridges and upgraded causeways will ensure our residents remain connected, even during challenging weather events.”
NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said every $1 invested in betterment would save up to $10 in recovery in future.
“The Regional Transport Resilience Fund is not just about repairing like for like,” she said.
“It will ensure vital infrastructure like bridges and roads are built back better able to withstand future disasters.”
Cabonne Council has received nearly $7.5million, with $3.67m of that for a package of bridge works and $3.78m for concrete oodways, table drains, pipe culverts, headwalls, and concrete decks at 65 locations throughout the council area.
Mayor Kevin Beatty said the funding represented a substantial a much-needed investment in Cabonne’s future.
Cr Beatty emphasised the importance of collaboration with local communities, which played a key role in identifying priority projects through the Cabonne Recovery Plan.
A practice drive on the simulator.
PHOTO: Supplied
Dog and Duck Crossing on Wirrinya Road under 700mm of water on October 28, 2022. PHOTO: Supplied
Flood recovery in focus, two years on
By PHILIP DONATO MP STATE MEMBER FOR ORANGE
TWO YEARS ON 14TH NOVEMBER marked the second anniversary of the devastating oods that hit central-western NSW.
The towns of Molong, Canowindra, Cudal, Forbes, Parkes and Eugowra were all signi cantly impacted by the event. Tragically, two local lives were lost in Eugowra on that fateful day.
More than 80 per cent of homes and businesses in Eugowra were damaged by the oods. One-third of the township, or approximately 150 people, had to be rescued and airli ed from their roofs due to the rising ood waters.
Seeing fellow citizens in need, spontaneous volunteers risked their own lives to rescue others. Truly remarkable stories of heroism and bravery have come from that fateful morning.
Stories of people being stranded on roo ops, scrambling up trees and holding on to anything they could to secure themselves to escape the inland tsunami that came through that morning are real stories of survival. It was reported as one of the largest air rescue operations in Australian history.
Two years on and where are things up to? The State and Federal governments’ $100 million support pack-
age for the four local government areas a ected by the oods, being Cabonne, Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan was broken down to $28 million for Community Assets, $32 million for transport infrastructure and $40 million for the Resilient Homes Program.
Since February this year I have been the Chair of the Central West Community Leaders Forum, along with
the four mayors and Federal MPs, to look at the distribution and rollout of that funding. On behalf of the community leaders forum and mayors, I thank the State and Federal governments for that funding commitment. But, without sounding ungrateful, I fear it will not be enough, especially the Resilient Homes Program. Applications are now open
for that program and to date, 116 applications have been received. The program will consider potential buybacks, retro ts and rise-ups of ood impacted homes. However, my concern is that it will be oversubscribed and some people will miss out.
I have sought consideration from both State and Federal governments for additional nancial support
to complement the homes package. I know the assessment of ood-impacted homes will commence shortly, which will be most welcome. The opportunity for experts to attend the properties and discuss resilience home measures with owners is certainly welcome.
However, time is of the essence so we must push on with those stages ASAP. Two years is a long time for people to wait. We still have 100 or so pods housing ood-impacted residents who cannot go back to their homes while they are waiting on repairs, and it’s taking its toll. I am acutely aware that those delays add a level of stress and anxiety on many of those people.
Critical water assets to the value of about $20 million belonging to Parkes Shire Council were damaged in the ood. They are not eligible for any funding. I have been lobbying the Government to fund repair of this essential infrastructure, and will continue until there is a solution.
REVIEW OF TRIBUNAL
I appreciate Minister Rose Jackson’s prompt response to the recent publicised incident relating to a forensic patient’s leave and access to social media.
I welcome the Minister’s decision to introduce proposed legislation to reform aspects of the Mental Health
Review Tribunal, which will ensure judicial o cers are the ones making important judicial decisions, and patients’ access to social media, which better re ect community expectations and providing additional measures to community safety.
ROBOTIC SURGERY FOR ORANGE?
Last week I addressed the NSW Parliament, to recognise the many of bene ts robotic surgery provides surgeons and their patients. Sydney-based patients and surgeons already have access to these innovative surgical instruments in some of their hospitals, so I’ve been lobbying government to install a da Vinci surgical robot here at the Orange Health Service, to support surgical services provided to our hospital’s patient catchment across Central and Western NSW. Robotic surgery has many bene ts, including greater surgical precision and control, minimally invasive procedures, faster recovery times and reduced hospital stay, reduced risk of complications – including blood loss and infections. State-ofthe-art medical equipment and infrastructure has other bene ts, too - such as attracting medical professionals to our healthcare facilities, which is important to increasing local access to specialist healthcare.
Member for Orange Philip Donato speaking with Red Bend 2025 leaders Lachlan Kupkee and Ruby Arnott. PHOTO: Supplied
Know what you’re up against
NSW Rural Fire Service urges families to make a bush fire plan this
A BUSH or grass re can happen at any time of the year, they can start easily and spread quickly, and they can catch people o -guard.
The risk is higher during the warmer months, when bush, grass or scrub is drier, producing enormous amounts of heat and threatening lives, property, crops and stock.
The safest place to be during a grass or bush re is well away from it.
But in the event where you may be near a re or threatened by one, do you know what to do?
Are you familiar with your surroundings? Do you have a bush re plan? Do you know the re danger ratings? Do you know what Total Fire Bans are and what not to do during one?
Thanks to the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS), there is an abundant of information, resources and fast facts at your ngertips at www.rfs.nsw.gov. au or by visiting your nearest Fire Control Centre.
Ours is the Mid Lachlan Valley Team at 26 Union Street, Forbes, 6851 1541.
The Mid Lachlan Valley area spans almost three mil-
lion hectares, incorporating the local government areas of Forbes, Parkes, Lachlan and Weddin.
It features national parks covering an area of 274,000 ha - 9.46 per cent of the zone, and state forests cover an area of 195,000 ha - 6.2 per cent of the zone, according to the RFS.
The Mid Lachlan Valley area has about 22 per cent bushland and 77 per cent grassland, with the balance being the built environment or wa-
ter bodies.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2021 Census Community Pro le, as detailed on the RFS website, there are 14,626 residential dwellings in the Mid Lachlan Valley area with an approximate population of 29,993.
The ABS data says there were 2369 businesses in the Mid Lachlan Valley and its last major bush re happened in the 2014/15 bush re season with 2220 hectares burned.
Things you need to know: FIRE DANGER RATINGS
Knowing the Fire Danger Rating may save your life: It gives you an indication of the consequences of a re if a re was to start.
A common misconception is people think they indicate the chances of a re occurring but this is not the case.
There are four levels, the higher the rating, the more dangerous the conditions will be.
1. Moderate Plan and prepare - most res can be controlled, stay up to date and be ready to act if there is a re.
2. High Be ready to act - there’s a heightened risk, decide what you will do if a re starts.
3. Extreme Take action now to protect your life and property - these are dangerous re conditions. Check your bush re plan and that your property is reready.
If a re starts, take immediate action. If you’re not prepared, go to a safer location well before the re impacts.
4. Catastrophic
For your survival, leave bush re risk areas - these are the most dangerous conditions for a re. Stay safe by going to a safer location early in the morning or the night before. Homes cannot withstand res in these conditions.
Ratings are declared based on local government areas on the RFS website, listening to/ reading local news and on the Fires Near Me app (which displays all bush and grass res attended by re services in NSW.
Report any res to 000.
TOTAL FIRE BANS
A Total Fire Ban means no res out in the open to help limit the potential of res developing, particularly when the weather is very hot, dry and windy.
Welding, grinding or gas cutting or any activity that produces a spark or ame) are not to be done in the open.
The RFS strongly recommends you reconsider activities such as using a tractor or slashing, to help reduce the chance of a re starting.
Under certain conditions,
summer
the NSW RFS may issue a Harvest Safety Alert. Electric and gas barbecues can be used for cooking as long as it is under the direct control of a responsible adult, who is present at all times, and no combustible material is allowed within two metres.
FIRE PERMITS
These help agencies such as the RFS know when and where landholders intend to burn, to ensure adequate and appropriate measures are in place.
Fire permits are automatically suspended during Total Fire Bans and typically when the Fire Danger Rating is high or above.
A re permit is required during the Bush Fire Danger Period (usually from October 1 to March 31 but this can vary).
Fire permits are not required for small recreational res used to cook or barbecue in the open or for reasons such as camping, as long as the re is in a permanently constructed replace, clear all combustible materials two metres away and the re is completely extinguished before leaving.
We have a range of special offers available to health fund members:
• 50% off a full second pair of glasses
• No gap glasses*
• $50 extra Above your Health Fund Rebate Entitlement
• Receive 30% OFF disposable contract lenses if ordering 12-month supply
www.hansenoptom.com.au
The Fire Danger Ratings have four levels, the higher the rating, the more dangerous the conditions will be. GRAPHIC: NSW Rural Fire Service
A message from NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner, Rob Rogers AFSM NSW Rural Fire Service
THE NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS), which I have the privilege of leading, is the world’s largest volunteer firefighting organisation, with more than 70,000 dedicated members working tirelessly to protect lives and property across the state.
When combined with the expertise of Fire and Rescue NSW, Forestry Corporation, and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, the bush fire management resources available through the NSW Government form a robust and highly capable force. These resources are a vital
line of defence, standing ready to assist communities during their time of need. However, no amount of preparation can substitute for individual and community vigilance.
After several years of wetterthan-average conditions, it is critical that we do not allow complacency to take hold as we continue through the 2024/25 bushfire season.
Every resident should take a moment to assess their personal risk. Ask yourself – am I, or is my property, at risk of bush or grass fires?
The reality is simple – if you live, work or travel near
bushland or grasslands, you are in a fire risk area.
The next step is to determine your level of preparedness. Our research indicates that only 70 percent of residents in bushfire prone areas have a plan in place, and of those, only half have actively prepared their homes. This is a concerning statistic.
The RFS strongly encourages all residents to develop a bushfire survival plan. Creating a plan is a straight-forward but crucial step in safeguarding your home, and loved ones. It can take as little as five minutes to start, yet the benefits can be life-saving.
For those who already have a plan, it is equally important to review and update it regularly.
Changes in family circumstances, property conditions, or the presence of pets and livestock can significantly impact your preparedness.
Bushfire safety is not something to ‘set and forget.’ Comprehensive resources and step-by-step guidance are available on the RFS website at rfs.nsw.gov.au. I strongly encourage every resident to use these tools to enhance their understanding of bush fire risks and improve their readiness.
This bushfire season, my hope is that all communities across NSW will remain safe and well. However, preparedness is your greatest defence against the unpredictability of bush and grass fires.
Let us work together to protect lives, property, and the communities we hold dear.
Commissioner Rob Rogers has served the NSW Rural Fire Service for 45-years, beginning as a brigade volunteer in 1979. A holder of the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM), he has been Commissioner since July 2020.
1.50 Iconic Australia. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow. 3.30 MOVIE: San Demetrio, London. (1943) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Antiques Downunder. 8.30 MOVIE: On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. (1969) 11.30 Late Programs. 6.00 Flushed. 7.00 It’s Academic. 8.30 Left Off The Map. 9.00 Shopping. 10.30 House Rules. 12.00 Buffy. 3.00 Modern Family. 4.35 Bondi Vet. 5.35 Aust Got Talent. 7.00 MOVIE: Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway. (2021) 8.50 MOVIE: Ghostbusters. (1984) 11.00 MOVIE: The Eyes Of Tammy Faye. (2021) 1.45
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.30 GetOn Extra. 12.00 Escape To The Country. 1.00 I Escaped To The Country. 2.00 Horse Racing. Country Classic Day, Ballarat Cup and Gateway Raceday. 6.00 Taste Of Aust. 6.30 Bondi Vet. 7.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 9.30 I Escaped To The Country. Return. 10.30 Australia’s Amazing Homes. 11.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.15 ER. 3.00 Penn & Teller: Fool Us. 3.40 Speechless. 4.05 Would I Lie To You? 4.35 MythBusters. 5.25 Merlin. 6.10 Car S.O.S. 7.00 Spicks And Specks. 7.30 Would I Lie To You At Christmas? 8.00 QI. 8.30 Live At The Apollo. 10.00 The IT Crowd. 11.15 ER. 12.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Horse Racing. Country Classic Day, Ballarat Cup and Gateway 2.00 Test Cricket: Pre-Game Show. 3.00 Cricket. Second Test. Aust v India. Afternoon. 5.00 Test Cricket: The Lunch Break. 5.40 Cricket. Second Test. Aust v India. Late arvo. 6.00 News. 7.00 Cricket. Second Test. Aust v India. Late arvo. 7.40 Test Cricket: Tea Break. 8.00 Cricket. Second Test. Aust v India. Evening session. 10.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 Australian V8 Superboats: Season Review. 4.00 Desert Collectors. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Cricket. Second Test. Aust v India. Late arvo. 7.00 Storage Wars. 7.30 Aussie Salvage Squad. 8.30 Heavy Tow Truckers Down Under. 9.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 10.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 News. 12.30 All Creatures Great And Small. 1.15 Miniseries: Douglas Is Cancelled. 1.55 Question Everything. 2.30 Spicks And Specks. 3.15 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery. 3.45 Solar System With Brian Cox. 4.45 Headliners. 5.35 Landline. Final. 6.00 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. 6.30 Muster Dogs: Where Are They Now. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 All Creatures Great And Small. 8.20 Vera. 9.50 Plum. Final. 10.45 Late Programs. 6.00 Kids’ Programs. 3.30 Play School. 4.00 Grace’s Amazing Machines. 4.20 Odd Squad. 4.35 Little J And Big Cuz. 5.20 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.05 Interstellar Ella. 6.25 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.30 Teenage Boss: Next Level. 8.00 The Crystal Maze. 8.45 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.30 Speechless. 9.50 Officially Amazing. 10.40 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday. 12.00 Cybershack. 12.30 Drive Safer. 1.00 Drive TV. 1.30 Helloworld. 2.00 The 58th Annual Country Music Association Awards. 4.00 Getaway Presents Antarctica. 5.00 9News First At Five. 5.30 To Be Advised. 6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 MOVIE: Bohemian Rhapsody. (2018) Rami Malek. 10.15 My Life As A Rolling Stone. 11.35 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Weekender. 10.30 Weekender. 11.15 Bringing Sexy Back. 12.45 Rebel Wilson’s Pooch Perfect. 2.00 Blow Up. 3.05 Aust Got Talent. 4.30 Declassified: The Royal Scandals. 5.30 MOVIE: The Angry Birds Movie. (2016) 7.30 MOVIE: Jerry Maguire. (1996) 10.30 MOVIE: Only The Brave. (2017) 1.20 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.30 10 Minute Kitchen. 1.00 Silvia’s Italian Masterclass. 1.30 The Yes Experiment. 2.00 Pat Callinan’s 4x4 Adventures. 3.00 Expedition: Australia’s West Coast. 3.30 My Market Kitchen. 4.00 All 4 Adventure. 5.00 10 News First. 6.30 Bondi Rescue. 7.00 Soccer. Women’s international friendly. Australia v Chinese Taipei.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Helping Hands. 10.30 My Favorite Martian. 11.00 MOVIE: Devil Girl From Mars. (1954) 12.35 MOVIE: Whisky Galore! (1949) 2.20 MOVIE: The Syndicate. (1968) 4.15 MOVIE: The Alamo. (1960) 7.30 MOVIE: Diamonds Are Forever. (1971) 10.00 MOVIE: Johnny English Reborn. (2011) 12.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Cross Court. 10.30 Fishing Australia. 11.00 Surf Boat Tsunami. 12.00 GolfBarons. 12.30 Drive TV. 1.00 Innovation Nation. 1.15 Great Getaways. 2.15 The Long Drive For Drought. 2.45 MOVIE: A Christmas Stray. (2021) 4.30 Helloworld. 5.00 9News First At Five. 5.30 RBT. 6.00 9News Sunday. 7.00 Tsunami: 20 Years On. 9.00 A Remarkable Place To Die. 11.00 The Brokenwood Mysteries. 1.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 News. 12.30 Nigella’s Cook, Eat, Repeat: Christmas Special. 1.30 Gardening Aust. 2.45 Nigella’s Christmas Kitchen. 3.15 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. 4.00 Restoration Australia. 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. 6.00 Grand Designs Aust. 7.00 News. 7.30 Muster Dogs: Where Are They Now. 8.00 Miniseries: Douglas Is Cancelled. 8.40 Love Me. 9.25 Take 5. 9.55 Spicks And Specks. 10.45 Late Programs. 6.00 Kids’ Programs. 10.00 MOVIE: Thomas And Friends: The Mystery Of Lookout Mountain. (2022) 10.55 Kids’ Programs. 4.20 Odd Squad. 4.35 Little J And Big Cuz. 5.10 Piney: The Lonesome Pine. 5.35 Peter Rabbit. 6.40 Pfffirates. 7.30 MOVIE: Get Santa. (2014) 9.10 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.55 Speechless. 10.15 Doctor Who. 11.00 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 2.15 ER. 3.00 Penn & Teller: Fool Us. 3.40 Speechless. 4.05 Would I Lie To You? 4.35 MythBusters. 5.25 Merlin. 6.10 Car S.O.S. 7.00 Spicks And Specks. 7.30 Would I Lie To You? 8.00 QI Christmas Special. 8.30 Lucy Worsley
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Pooches At Play. 12.30 Cook With Luke. 1.00 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield. 1.30 Good Chef Bad Chef. 2.00 Farm To Fork. 2.30 Basketball. NBL. Round 11. Melbourne United v Brisbane Bullets. 4.30
2.30 Better Homes. 3.30 Australia’s Amazing Homes. 4.30 The Highland Vet. 5.30 I Escaped To The Country. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Rosemary & Thyme. 8.30 McDonald And Dodds. 10.30 Great Scenic Railway Journeys. 11.15 The Highland Vet. 12.15 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 1.30 Al McGlashan’s Fish’n With Mates. 2.00 Cricket. Women’s One Day International Series. Australia v India. Game 2. 5.30 Duck Dynasty. 6.00 Cricket. Second Test. Australia v India. Day 3. Late afternoon session. 7.00 Border Security. 8.30 MOVIE: Transporter 3. (2008) 10.40 MOVIE: Transporter: Refueled. (2015) 12.40 Late Programs.
get it up and running. Your success leaves a highly favorable impression. Don’t be surprised if you get some positive feedback soon.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Spend time on practical matters throughout the week, then shift your focus to more artistic pursuits. Resist being overly self-critical. Just allow yourself to feel free to create.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Restarting those creative projects you had set aside for a while will help provide a much-needed soothing balance to your hectic life. Besides, it will be like meeting old friends again!
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A change in plans could make it tough to keep a commitment. But stay with it. You’ll get an A-plus for making the effort to do what’s right and not taking the easy way out by running off.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.30 Blow Up. 1.35 Zumbo’s Just Desserts. 2.45 Travel And Eat With Dan & Steph. 3.15 Modern Family. 4.15 The Voice. 5.30 A Year On Planet Earth. 6.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. 7.30 Law And Order: Criminal Intent. 8.30 Law & Order: S.V.U. 9.30 Law & Order. 10.30 Bones. 11.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Thunderbirds. 10.30 My Favorite Martian. 11.00 Getaway Presents Antarctica. 12.00 MOVIE: Hue And Cry. (1947) 1.40 MOVIE: Shalako. (1968) 4.00 MOVIE: Comes A Horseman. (1978) 6.30 M*A*S*H. 8.30 MOVIE: Live And Let Die. (1973) 11.00 Chicago Med. 12.00 Late Programs.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) The Lion’s enthusiasm for a workplace policy review is admirable. But be sure you know who is really behind the resistance to change before pointing your finger at the wrong person.
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) You can expect to have a lot of work throughout the first half of the week. Devote the rest of the week to checking your plans in case some need to be adjusted.
LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Try to avoid signing on the dotted line during the early part of the week. You need time to study issues that weren’t fully explored. The latter part of the week might be more favorable for decision-making.
SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) A new development could snarl travel schedules or other holiday-linked projects. Some flexibility might be called for, to deal with problems before they get too far out of hand.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Relatives seek your advice on a matter you’d rather not be involved in. If so, use your sage Sagittarian tact to decline the “offer” so that no one’s feelings are needlessly hurt.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) A shift in your planning direction might help you speed up your progress toward achieving a long-planned goal. Trusted colleagues are ready to offer valuable support.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) An unexpected demand for the settlement of an old loan could create some preholiday anxiety. But you might not really owe it. Check your records thoroughly before remitting payment.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20) It’s a good time to get involved with your social circle. Enjoy some well-earned fun and games with those closest to you before you have to resume more serious activities next week.
Look after your worm farm this summer
By MARG APPLEBEE CENTRAL WEST LACHLAN LANDCARE
WITH the onset of hot weather, a reminder to look a er your worms!
Worm farm worms that is!
Last year I divided our worms into two farms to basically reduce the possibility of losing them all through heat impact.
My new ‘farm’ is a bit more transportable, which will hopefully make life a bit easier when we head o to events.
Worm farms have always been a fascination for me for various reasons.
Both of my worm farms are mass-produced units that for my purposes (of being able to transport and use as an
educational tool – as well as consuming kitchen scraps) work well.
I have seen some of the most complicated worm farms, and pleasingly the most simple of worm farms. If a worm farm is operating properly it does not smell, it is not exposed to vermin and, you will hopefully have some fabulous vermicast to use at the end on your garden.
I am storing some up for the next Crop Swap event.
The basic concept is a box (or two boxes) with holes in the base (these can just be drilled in a plastic container) and a lid on the top and a container for storing your worm ‘tea’ on the bottom.
The important thing is to remember that it needs to be
kept in a cool space.
A garage or garden shed (if it is shaded) would be pretty fabulous!
Don’t put them in direct sunlight, or you will have
wasted a lot of time and energy, as well as killing your lovely worms.
You need to make sure that you have a porous barrier above the bottom layer so
that worms don’t fall through into the bottom container and drown.
You can purchase coir or coconut bre, newspaper or hessian to line the base of the
main tub.
You will be shocked at how quickly the worms can consume all of this bre.
Pop your worms in and grab some more damp newspaper or a ‘worm blanket’.
Check on them in a few days to see how they are going and then try (a few) scraps.
You will soon work out what they can handle. If things smell o , you will need to cut back on the scraps.
If things are ticking well, you might be able to add a layer on top!
For further information on this article, please go to www. centralwestlachlanlandcare. org, Twitter, Facebook or Instagram @cwllandcare
Wet and windy sale day saw larger offering of lambs
MONDAY’S CATTLE SALE
Yarding: 975 (down 453)
NUMBERS dropped by 453 for a yarding of 975 cattle.
Quality was mixed with feeder weights the best supplied.
There were limited numbers of heavy prime cattle and cows on o er.
All the regular buyers were present, and the market sold dearer.
Young cattle to the trade were 5c to 10c dearer, prime yearling steers sold from 328c to 348c, and prime yearling heifers, 243c to 330c/kg.
Feeder steers were 15c to 20c stronger, 270c to 389c, while feeder heifers were up to 30c better, 260c to 340c/kg.
Prime grown cattle were rm to 5c dearer, heavy steers sold from 290c to 340c, and heavy heifers, 300c to 323c/kg.
$3 to $4 and sold mostly from $164 to $208/head averaging 800c to 830c/kg.
Shorn trade lambs ranged from $150 to $210/head and most ranged from 780c to 830c with the shorn new season lambs up to 870c/kg.
Heavy weights ranged from $202 to $267 and extra heavy lambs topped at $290/ head and averaged 880c/kg with exporters looking for numbers.
Merino trades sold from $121 to $151/head.
Heavy Merino lambs reached a top of $265/head.
$10 to $15/head. Crossbreds sold to $167, Dorper ewes $170 and Merino wethers $171.20/head and most ranged from 380c to 450c/kg cwt.
FROM MLA’S NATIONAL LIVESTOCK REPORTING AGENCY
FRIDAY’S PIG SALE
Sows were fewer in numbers but saw prices rm on last sale, boars dropped by 60c per kg.
TUESDAY’S SHEEP SALE
Yarding: 26,050 (up 2000)
A wet and windy sale day
Cows were up 6c, 2 and 3 scores sold from 180c to 279c, and heavy prime cows, 272c to 282c/kg. Heavy bulls sold to 290c/ kg.
o ered a larger and plainer o ering of lambs.
The quality was back with a larger run of light and plainer lambs and there were not as many good shorn trade and heavy weights.
Extra heavy lambs were again limited and there were
fewer Merinos.
Heavy shorn new season lambs were again the strongest lambs but overall the market sold to a cheaper trend with most lambs slipping $6 to $10/head.
New season trade lambs went against the trend li ing
The best of the hoggets reached $209/head and most li ed $6 to $7/head.
Mutton numbers fell and the quality was good with plenty of heavy weights offered.
Medium weights were rm on limited numbers while heavy mutton li ed around
A very light yarding of bacon saw prices improve $30 to $40 on last months sale. Pork numbers were similar to last sale with prices dropping by $60 to $70 per head.
A much larger yarding of mainly lighter suckers saw a decrease in price by $40 to $50 per head.
FROM VC REID SMITH LIVESTOCK
$208/head averaging 800c to 830c/kg.
PHOTO: File
through heat impact.
PHOTO: Supplied
Standing together for change
AN ESTIMATED 1000 people marched down the main street of Forbes on White Ribbon Day in a community stand against men’s violence against women.
Men and young men then stood together at Lions Park, pledging to stand up, speak out and act to prevent men’s violence on women.
White Ribbon representative Guinevere Dickie said gathering on November 25 was one way to show you care, and to make change.
“Let’s make sure we never forget the women who have lost their lives,” she said.
“Let’s make sure we stand up for what is right and we continue to ght for a world where no one is made to feel afraid in their own home, or feel scared of someone that should be showing them love, care and compassion.
“Go away from today knowing inside that you’re going to commit to being part of the solution.”
Forbes Deputy Mayor Chris Roylance said the large turn out showed how strongly the community felt about the White Ribbon Day cause.
“Our community knows rst hand what it feels like when a woman tragically loses her life to violence perpetrated by a man,” Cr Roylance said.
“Our recent loss was not our rst - and hundreds of thousands of Australians know this painful feeling.
“This year alone, more than
55 women have been killed by a man in a gender-related violence - this is more than one a week and it has to stop.”
He encouraged people to have conversations that raise awareness and stop violence.
“We cannot lose any more grandmothers, mothers, daughters, wives or friends,” he said. “Let’s lead this charge.”
Friday was International Men’s Health Day where men came together in a community event at Lions Park in Forbes for a barbecue brekkie, ice baths, talks and a walk around the lake.
Member for Orange Philip Donato said governments had strengthened laws on domestic violence and serious domestic violence o enders, but more needed to be done.
“We need to call it out, we need to be role models, we need to talk to other men, we need to lead by example and stamp out this type of behaviour,” he said.
Barry Merritt led all men and boys in reciting the pledge, calling them to come forward and speak it together:
“I will stand up, speak out and act to prevent men’s violence against women. This is our oath.”
Many community members who walked in the march carried a memorial card for a woman who has lost her life in domestic violence, standing for her.
These were added to a me-
morial in the park in a moving service, before the community observed a time of silence.
The White Ribbon organisation has been talking with men and boys from all ages and stages of life and all different types of communities.
Ms Dickie said there were actions everyone could take to make change:
Attend events and rallies, showing your community and your mates that you care, that you’re here to listen and you’re here to help;
When you’re listening, listen without judgement if someone reaches out, whether women or men;
Become educated about the signs of domestic violence and how to respond appropriately;
Speak out when you see something happening: if you see someone who makes a sexist joke say “it’s not funny. It’s not on.”;
Support our local services, promote them, donating money and time to them;
Be a role model that demonstrates to everyone what appropriate behaviour is.
“They’re all really easy things that every single one of you can do,” Ms Dickie said.
Stevie Darcy from the Forbes Family and Domestic Violence Committee acknowledged the impact of family violence on individuals, families and our community, and the strength and resilience of the children and adults who
have and are still experiencing family violence.
She urged everyone to become aware of the services that are available in our community.
Catholic Care Wilcannia Forbes: provides a broad range of services across homelessness and domestic violence, mental health, families and relationships, parent and children and nancial counselling.
Their “staying home leaving violence program” o ers support to women who wish to stay in their home - or a home of their choosing. While leaving domestic violence
Catholic Care can advocate for them with police, complete safety audits and plans, access to legal support, victim services and counselling as well as ongoing support.
If they need to leave the home CC can also seek other forms of accommodation.
Catholic Care’s men’s behaviour change program supports men who cause harm to change their behaviours.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero 000.
For con dential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN on 13 92 76.
Call the NSW Domestic Violence Line for free counselling and referral services on 1800 656 463 or Link2Home for homelessness support on 1800 152 152.
Classifieds
JOHNSTON, Donald Leo
‘Better known as Don’ Late of Clarinda Street, Parkes, who passed away peacefully on Thursday November 28, 2024, aged 61years.
Dearly loved father of Brigette. Cherished pa of Charlotte. Loving son of Marion & the late Norman Johnston. Beloved brother of Kerry, Glen, Scott, Andrew & Katherine. Loved by all his family and friends.
'Resting Peacefully' A service to celebrate Don’s life will be held graveside at The Parkes Lawn Cemetery commencing at 10.00am, on Friday December 6, 2024.
The family request that something blue be worn to the service in memory of Don.
MICHALK, Eileen June
Late of Trigg Hill Road, Parkes, who passed away peacefully on Saturday November 30, 2024, aged 98 years.
Much loved wife of Bill. Loving father of Philip & Wendy, David & Delene, Peter & Shirley, Jenny & John.
Loved grandmother of Josh, Ben, Doug, Lynette, William, Sarah, Katie, Matthew, Andrew and loved great grandmother, great great grandmother of their families
“In God’s Care”
A Service celebrating Eileen’s life will be held at Parkes Christian School Hall, commencing at 10:00am, on Thursday December 12, 2024 followed by interment at the Parkes Town Cemetery.
Parkes remembers four lives
lost, 25 years on from tragedy
EVOLUTION Mining Northparkes Operations marked 25 years since the tragic Northparkes Mines air blast which took the lives of four individuals.
Colin Lloyd Jones, Stuart Osman, Ross Bodkin, and Michael House were remembered at the memorial service held on Sunday November 24 at Cooke Park.
On November 24, 1999, Northparkes was in a maintenance shutdown with 65 workers underground.
At 2:50pm 14.5 tones of rock collapsed into the void creating the air blast which occurred
for over four minutes travelling through underground workings of the mine with wind speeds of over 1000km/h.
The force of the air blast bent roof bolts and metal mesh, destroyed motor vehicles and claimed the lives of four workers on One Level.
Workers on other levels felt the a ect of the blast but were not injured.
Now 25 years on Northparkes and the community came together to remember the lives of Colin Lloyd Jones, Stuart Osman, Ross Bodkin and Michael House.
impact the disaster has had on the way the mine now operates.
Jamie Pope laid a wreath.
Mark Ritchie spoke about the huge impact made by counsellor Bruce Schubert to help those involved on the day of the disaster.
four men who died in the mine accident in 1999.
Hank Cornellison and Tony Melhiush reflect on the event.
Flowers and a wreath were laid with the four miners helmets followed by a minute’s silence.
members of the Tech Team.
Kevin Francis and Jamie Pope, members of the rescue team at the disaster.
Deputy Mayor, Cr Marg Applebee, Therese and Craig Stedman, Tony
Darren Beer, Bev Rowe and Jo-anne Dudley. Mark Ritchie, Craig Stedman and Mitch Garside.
Wreath laying.
Great game of major singles on rain-affected weekend
By COLIN MILLER
WELCOME readers, bowls has been very disrupted this week due to the weather but we did have a game of Major Singles between Nathan Reynolds and Wilbur Harris on Sunday when the sun did shine.
The game was a tussle from the start 3-all on the third end and 11-all on the 13th end, with both bowlers putting down great bowls keeping the small crowd entertained.
Nathan was able to win the
Ladies ready for some festive fun
By LEA ORR
OUR SUPERIOR greens are the only thing benefiting from the recent rains when you’re thinking “lawn bowls”!
Little action and no results to report. Our resident willywagtail should be busy!
Next Tuesday, December 10, is our ladies Christmas Party Day.
Promises of oodles of Chrissy cuisine will sate our appetites, Mez’s games will amuse us, and Mick will cover our hydration needs!
Wear Christmas mufti to get in the spirit!
Social bowls first: call the club, 6862 1446, between 9am and 9.30am to play on the day. The heat will dictate the length of time in the sun.
Merry Christmas everyone, and a happy, safe and prosperous 2025 from all our women members!
Near perfect conditions
By BRIAN DRABSCH
LAST Sunday saw only three shooters attend the Deep Lead Shooting Complex and shot at buffalo targets at both 25 and 50 metres for a collective 520 points.
Although it was cloudy and looked like it could rain, conditions were nearly perfect with only a slight westerly wind blowing.
Results - 25m, 50m, total: John Davis - 270, 249, 519. Brian Drabsch - 268, 250, 518.
John Maddison - 269, 240, 518.
Our next shoot is at 10am Sunday, December 8 where it will be standard targets at both ranges.
Touch and go early for bowls minor singles winners
By PAUL LEWIN
TWENTY players rolled out on Wednesday, November 20 for social bowls.
Winners were Mike Valentine and Andrew Trotman winning 19+22.
Runners-up were Kev Hynds and Dave Littlewood winning 15+3.
Marble 7 came out and the Margins were 1, 1, 3, 3 and 22. The jackpot last week was $516.
Eighteen players enjoyed the Parkes Services Club Power Play Pairs on Thursday, November 21. Winners were High Rollers, Rhinos and Low Rollers. Leaving the High Rollers 5 points clear on the ladder ahead of the Rhinos.
Sixteen players enjoyed social bowls on Saturday, November 23. Winners were Dave Johnson, Junior Thorne and Dave Littlewood winning 14+11. Runners-up were Zac Weekes, Alan Curteis and Alan A eck winning 13+7.
Thirteen players braved the cooler conditions for social bowls on Wednesday, November 27. Winners were Rob Hill and Gene Rapp winning 16+19. Runners-up were Jake Brown and Ash Kirwan 16+11.
Marble 7 came out again and the Margins were 11, 12 and 19. The jackpot this week is $529.
The Parkes Services Club Power Play Pairs was washed out on Thursday, November 28.
Alan A eck’s St. Andrew’s Bowls Day was also unfortunately washed out on Saturday, November 30.
We thank Alan for his ongoing support and we look forward to next year.
Club Championships
In the Minor Singles Greg Howlett played Graham Thomson. It was touch and go early and Graham lead 9-8 a er 12 ends before going on with it to win 25-12.
In more Minor Singles action
Mike Valentine played Joey Van Opynen.
Joey led early and gradually crept out to win the game 25-14.
In the Major Pairs Geo Leonard and Mike Phillips took on Brenden Weekes and Joey Van Opynen. Geo and Mike led 5-2 a er 4 ends.
Brenden and Joey hit their straps and took o leading 21-8 a er 13 ends and went on to win 23-12.
In the Minor Pairs George Greenhalgh and Brian Smith played Terry
Clothier and Wally Grant.
It was 5 all a er 8 ends. George and Brian kicked out to a 17-7 lead a er 16 ends and went on to win 27-9.
In the Club Triples we saw Junior Thorne, Ray Gri th and Paul Lewin play Mark Frances, Steve Clegg and Pig Phillips.
Team Phillips led 9-3, then 12-7, before Team Lewin red back to win the game 23-16.
In the Club Fours. Jake Brown, Marty Fitzpatrick, Ray Gri th and Tony Bright played Steve Clegg, Mike Phillips, Mark Frances and Pig Phillips.
Team Bright led 13-2 before dropping a 7 but pulled it together to win 27-11.
Mid West Region Championships
We hosted the State Women’s section of the Mid West Region Singles this weekend and we have players represent the club all over the Region. We wish them all the very best.
We had our AGM on Saturday, November 30 with the following people taking up positions on the Board of Directors for 24/25.
President. Tony Bright Vice President. Greg Howlett
Secretary. Susan Hocking Bowls Secretary. Paul Lewin Ass Bowls Sec. Greg Howlett Club Committee Members. Mick Furney, Alan Curteis, Terry Clothier and Dave Ford. Match Committee Members. Phil Barnard, Joey Van Opynen, Michael Hackett, Dave Littlewood and Dave Ford.
Congratulations to the incoming Board and we wish you all the best.
We would also like to express our sincere thank you to the outgoing committee for their tireless e orts and outstanding dedication.
This week we have the Parkes Services Club’s Power Play Pairs on Thursday, December 5 at 6pm and social bowls on Saturday 7th or Sunday 8th December 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.
For those interested in having a roll at bowls, please note the following.
Social bowls means anyone and everyone is welcome to come have a game. If it’s your rst time this is where you start.
Just come to the club on the de-
sired day at least 45 minutes prior to the advertised start times and see one of our dedicated volunteers and we will assist with getting you sorted and some bowls, and point you in the right direction.
Social bowls is competitive without being too serious.
Players generally use this time as practice.
We have some experienced bowlers that are always happy to play with and help new learning bowlers.
We have our Thursday Evening Barefoot Twilight Bowls going now, that is a great way to start and learn the game.
Please feel free to call in to the club at anytime to have a chat.
Punters Club
The Quickshine Punters Club has nished for 2024.
Keep an eye out for the new comp coming up soon.
In the club on Friday, December 6 we have happy hour 5-7pm, Christmas ham ra es, meat tray ra es, badge draw ($150), joker draw ($2550) and the bistro serving up their amazing meals from 6pm.
See you at the Railway! Toot Toot!
Physie seniors’ success at nationals
LACHLAN Valley United Physie has been busy in Sydney with national competition all of November.
Our latest competitions have been our senior girls’ national team’s championships for the 13-14yrs and 15-1st years.
Teams travel from all over Australia, to compete at Olympic Park, Homebush.
We were lucky to be able to enter a team in each of these sections for the 2024 competition season.
With a very committed and dedicated group of girls from both Condo and Forbes, the girls had been training very hard and making the weekly commitment to travel in both directions so they could train together.
With members working up from the 12yrs to make up the required entry to eld the teams.
Deniesse Donaire, Emily Riches and Rachel Bilsborough all putting in the extra work all year to learn the new selection of choreography.
Our 13-14’s teams were the rst to compete, doing an exceptional job, competing in B grade section E, the girls came away with 13/14 champion team rst place.
Our 15/1st years were next on, this time competing in B grade section B, our girls again performed to an elite level, being awarded second place overall.
Such incredible results for these girls from the country.
We wish these girls all the best as they now prepare for senior individual champion girl.
Parkes Sharks dominating the pool
Rain doesn’t deter eager Saturday golfers
By
PETER BRISTOL SATURDAY’S results: Wow, what a tough bunch were the 11 PGC golfers that went out last Saturday to participate in Leone Stevenson’s sponsored golf day.
Huge thank you to Leone for again supporting the players and putting up a prize each year.
The upside is that the course will be in brilliant condition in a few weeks’ time and Logan and Brenton will have ‘tractor seat rears’ from sitting on the machines and cutting the kike that is going to go crazy.
The winner on the day was Cody Banks, from Forbes, with a very good 38 points. Not sure if it was his confidence around water
that got him home or the need to beat all his playing mates who were also from the southern village.
Best Parkes player in was Gary Bryson with a 30 point haul. There wasn’t much to report on the Nearest the Pins with only 2 going off.
The Idlerite 1st by Matt Spedding at 420cm and the 17th by Gary Bryson at 323cm.
The winner of the lucky 17th this week was Gary Bryson. Ball winners were Liam Whitfield on 36 pts and Jacob Reid on 35.
This week will hopefully stay dry enough for us to run the final Telescope Tyres and Hankook Masters Monthly Medal for the year.
Cook wins encouragement award, successful vets golf executive re-elected
VETS GOLF
ONCE again Forbes veteran golfers dominated the twintowns Thursday competition supplying 18 of the 26 players who took to the Forbes course, as well as taking all awards except for the encouragement award won by Parkes’ by Graham Cook.
Winner was a ‘foxy’ Ross Williams celebrating retirement with the score of 38 points from Alf Davies who is never far from the trophy table runner-up on 37.
Nearest-to-pins went to Forbes players, A grade Barry Shine and B grade Jeff Moon. Twin-towns shield saw Forbes score 209 points from their best best six individual scores to Parkes 175.
Ball sweep to 32 points: 34Red Staples (P), Barry Shine and
Morgan (F); 33 - Allan Rees, Jeff Moon and Steve Edwards (F); 32 - Ken Sanderson and Greg Webb (F).
Santa may not be present but Thursday will be a fitting end to the 2024 season with Parkes playing host to the twin-towns vets Christmas party where after play, lunch will be served and sure to be enjoyed.
Golfers are reminded that nominations will be taken from 8.15am for a shot-gun start at 9am and with a predicted temperature of 32 degrees all is in place for some good golf.
After play on Thursday Forbes vets held their annual general meeting where a successful executive from recent years was re-elected with Peter Barnes back as president, Jeff Haley captain while Beryl Roberts again holding the position of secretary/treasurer.
PARKES GOLF CLUB NEWS
Ted
Lachlan Valley Physie seniors (front)Emily Riches, Maddi Hornery and Deniesse Donarie (back) Lacey Osborne, Rachel Bilsborough, Grace McDonald, Charlotte Orr and Zoe Bilsborough.
PHOTO: Winkipop media
Parkes Sharks competed at the recent carnival.
Girls backstroke finish line at the Parkes Swimming Club swimming carnival.
Calantha Knott.
Community helps send Henry Kross to British Junior Open Bound for Birmingham
By CHRISTINE LITTLE
HENRY Kross is about to embark on the biggest journey of his young career and he’s doing everything in his power to make sure he has the funds to get there.
The British Junior Open is the highest level for a junior squash player under 19 and the 14-year-old from Parkes has the opportunity to be part of it.
Not just anyone can attend, it’s by invitation only.
Henry is one of three Australian players invited to compete and he couldn’t be more eager and nervous about it.
He’ll be in Birmingham, the second largest city in Britain, from January 2 to 6, travelling there with dad Jay Kross.
“I am a bit nervous since this will be my rst proper, big tournament overseas,” Henry said.
“Plus I’ll be playing players I’ve never played against before so I won’t know what their skills are.”
Mum Judy is feeling the nerves a little too since the British Junior Open will be furthest Henry’s travelled for squash, having only competed in New Zealand previously.
“They take the top ve kids per age group per country and look at their ranking,” she said, explaining how Henry was selected.
“There will be college scouts there which makes me nervous but Henry is super excited about it.
“And now that it’s an Olympic sport too.”
October 16, 2023 will go down as one of the most momentous days in the history of squash a er the sport was nally voted in to the Olympic Games program for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.
As one would expect, a trip overseas doesn’t come cheap and Henry’s been busy fundraising wherever he can, whenever he can since his selection.
Squeezing it in between school, training and tournaments, the teenager has been collecting bottles and cans generously donated to him from the community and
cashing them in at the Return and Earn station - a new one is conveniently located behind the Parkes Services Club.
So far he’s collected 25,000 bottles and cans.
“They’re coming from everywhere - local businesses, squash players and families, Northparkes Mines Christmas party, the club,”
Judy said.
His lamington drive was a huge success with 147 dozen lamingtons sold, totalling 1764 lamingtons. So was his longest drive competition at the Parkes Golf Club on November 10, drawing 30 golfers.
He’s been running online auctions, a ra e which will be drawn on December 14 and he’s hosting a
bowls day at the Railway Bowling Club also on December 14.
Locals and community groups have also donated funds.
Anyone interested in buying a ra e ticket or taking part in the bowls day can do so by calling into the Parkes Squash Centre or calling Jay on 0459 546 742.
Henry’s slowed down a bit on his other sports such as cricket and tennis at the moment to focus on his squash and more training.
He’s been on court with dad and senior squash players Paul Levick, Matt Swindle, Stuart Dearden and Geo Leonard, and doing a lot of work with Jason Montgomery at Parkes Athletic - all of whom Henry is very grateful for their time.
Senior Journalist
Renee Powell 0448 238 023 rpowell@midwestmedia.com.au
Journalists Brendan McCool 0448 238 254 bmccool@midwestmedia.com.au
Maddie Blackstock 0478 675 220 mblackstock@midwestmedia.com.au
The Parkes Champion-Post welcomes your thoughts and feedback on issues in the Parkes community. If you have a story lead or prepared article and photographs you’d like published contact the senior journalist Renee Powell on 0448 238 023. A new Parkes Champion-Post o ce is planned to open in Clarinda Street in the coming months.
“I’m looking forward to playing with new players from other countries and in a new tournament to build my con dence and experience,” Henry said.
“The more I play the better ranking I get if I play well.”
Henry is currently ranked 10th in the world for his Under 15 age group and number one in Australia.
He returned from the Australian Junior Championships in Sydney in September as the Under 15 champion following a gutsy performance that saw him ght back from 11 points to win.
He also spent last weekend in Sydney with the NSW Talent Squad completing tness tests, on-court
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Joanne Simpson 0448 241 917 jsimpson@midwestmedia.com.au
training with state coaches and recovery sessions involving saunas and ice baths.
He’s the second youngest in the under 19 squad of seven and the only regional rep.
It all caps o a stellar year for the junior which has included successful campaigns at the NSW State Championships, NSW Combined High Schools Championships and the Trans Tasman Test Match, and silvers in both the Australian Junior Open and the Oceania Junior Championships.
If you’d like to keep up to date with Henry’s fundraising and squash results, you can follow his FaceÂbook page called Henry Kross: Squash.
