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PECC CELEBRATES 70

YEARS

PARKES’ first preschool centre is celebrating 70 years this November - and what an incredible place it is. Parkes Early Childhood Centre was built entirely by volunteer labour, opening in 1954 debt free as a two unit preschool.

NSW Premier J.J Cahill did the honours of officially opening the centre on November 6, as the Parkes Preschool Kindergarten. More page 10 and 11.

RFS HONOURS

Local volunteers recognised for their service at State awards

By MADELINE BLACKSTOCK

Two Parkes locals have been recognised for their dedication, leadership and commitment to community through their involvement with the Rural Fire Service.

Terry Job and Marshall Munn were awarded at the organisation’s 2024 Youth Awards at the RFS

Headquarters in Sydney Olympic Park.

It’s 20 years since RFS

volunteer Terry Job pioneered the Secondary School Cadet Program at Parkes High School and his service was celebrated at the awards.

A member of the service for 42 years now, he has used his vast knowledge and experience to shape future

generations of firefighters.

“It’s great to be recognised for all those years of service and the actual inaugural starting up of this cadet program,” Mr Job said.

Mr Job said the program all started at Parkes High School when the then principal saw a similar program up in Moree.

“He brought it back to

school and asked me as I was a group officer with the Rural Fire Service at the time, if we could start some sort of a program similar within the Mid Lachlan Valley area,” Mr Job said.

The program is designed for year 10 students providing them with an overview of the basic fire fighter training.

 Continued page 2

Cr Bill Jayet cut the 70 year celebration cake with Benjamin Hunter surrounded by councillors, board members, PECC Director Miss Amii Marchant and PECC kids.

What’s on in and around Parkes

BOARS OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT

Friday, November 15

Parkes Boars will be hosting an Outdoor Movie Night at Spicer Oval with gates opening at 6pm. There will be a canteen, bar, Packed Cones and a jumping castle also on the night. Sign up for you free tickets at 123tix to watch Despicable Me 4.

EUGOWRA CHRISTMAS SHOPPING NIGHT

Friday, November 15

Eugowra businesses will be open late and local markets and stall holders will be in attendance from 5pm to 8pm. For enquiries email hello@visiteugowra.com.au

JAC CLARK ART EXHIBITION

November 15 -30

In the Coventry Room an exciting art exhibition will be on display, featuring a collection of works by artist Jac Clark. His works focus on colour, style and shapes. Opening night is Friday, November 15 at 6pm. Entry is $10. The exhibition will run until Saturday, November 30 and is free after opening night. Bookings are essential, to reserve your spot call 68612309

BOGAN GATE SPRING MARKETS

Saturday, November 16

From 8am to 1pm in Bogan Gate Hall there will be a range of market stalls. You will be able to find handmade goodies, vintage finds, jewellery, plants, cake stalls, jams and chutneys, bric and brac, face painting, candles, Devonshire teas and more. To book a stall call Shelley on 0428738172.

KNIT AND KNATTER

Thursday, November 21

Calling all knitting enthusiasts and crochet lovers! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, Craft Corner would love to welcome you to join their warm and welcoming group at Craft Corner Parkes. Please bring a gold coin donation for morning tea.

THE PIANO MAN PRESENTS

Saturday, November 23

For one night only, join the Little Theatre, Parkes, where some of the regions finest musicians will come together to put on a fantastic evening of music, and to raise money for local Mental Health awareness charities. Tickets are now available via https://37819787740.sales.ticketsearch.com/ sales/sales

PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION AT THE CARRINGTON

Wednesday, December 4

The Carrington Peak Hill will host the opening launch for two photography exhibitions: ‘Peak in Focus’ and ‘Behind the Lens’. ‘Peak in Focus’ will feature local photographers showcasing a body of work on their selected photography genre. Arts Outwest will present their travelling exhibition ‘Behind the Lens’ with photography from their Media Associates. The event will take place at The Carrington, which has a rustic, ec-

lectic interior and a wide veranda overlooking the main street. The opening Launch on Wednesday, December 4 will begin at 5pm all welcome, $10 entry with raffle and door prizes. The exhibition will be on display until Wednesday, February 5 and is free entry.

ST PATRICK’S SCHOOL TRUNDLE MUSICAL

Thursday, December 5

St Patrick’s Parish School Trundle invites you to attend their upcoming musical “Once Upon a Time”. A rock fable involving all their favourite nursery rhyme characters. There will be two showing times, at 12pm and 7pm at the Trundle War Memorial Hall.

Senior Journalist

CHRISTMAS PARADE AND FESTIVAL

Friday, December 6

The Parkes Action Club Christmas parade and carnival sees schools, community groups and local businesses decorate floats 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 MARKET NIGHT

Friday, December 6

Trundle Christmas Shopping Night is coming up. From 3pm see all your favorite 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 final 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.

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 office is planned to open in Clarinda Street in the coming months.

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

Classifieds 02 6342 1044 mbrown@midwestmedia.com.au

Advertising Joanne Simpson 0448 241 917 jsimpson@midwestmedia.com.au

Marshall is our young volunteer of RFS year

FROM PAGE 1

“The students are given an insight into what volunteering for an emergency service is all about and what the expectations of being an active volunteer would mean in an emergency service because the RFS like others is a front line service and can be a very dangerous volunteering exercise,” Mr Job said.

Mr Job is hopeful now that the program has been established for 20 years that it will continue and get stronger throughout the next 20 years.

“Terry’s unwavering commitment and mentorship have made an invaluable impact on both the service and the community,” Commissioner of the RFS, Rob Rogers said.

“His dedication to training and inspiring young people has left a lasting legacy that will benefit the RFS and volunteerism for years to come.”

The cadet program began in Parkes and Forbes through the Mid Lachlan Valley team and the program has continued for 20 strong years in Parkes with Mr Job saying 18-20 students

participate each year.

“You’ve got to take your hats off to the students as well because the students have been absolutely brilliant in what they have been doing and how keen they are,” he said.

“At the end of each 10 week program I always get asked by the students quite regularly ‘why can’t we continue on?’ and ‘why do we have to stop now?’, but they can then go on and join a

Parkes Bricks, Pavers and Tiles has a large display of all the popular brands.

in and see our full range today or give us a call

Phone: 02 6862 2253

volunteer organisation and join RFS and become a basic fire fighter.”

The Secondary School Cadet Program has now been taken up by hundreds of public and private schools around the state and now Australia with more than 12,000 students involved in the program in NSW this year.

“It really has grown and got larger and larger as the years go on,” Mr Job said.

Man, 28, charged with murder

A man has been charged with murder after a death in Parkes on the weekend. Emergency services were called to Alluvial Street about 1.40pm on Sunday, November 10, when a 75-year-old man was found dead in his home, NSW Police said.

Central West Police established Strike Force Brentwood, with the assistance of State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad, to investigate.

On Monday, they announced they were treating his death as suspicious, and called for public assistance with information around the tragedy.

Police arrested a 28-year-old man at a home in Haylock Street, Tullamore, on Tuesday afternoon.

The man was taken to Parkes police station and charged with murder, NSW Police said in a statement released to media on Wednesday morning.

Bail was refused, with the accused to face Parkes local court on Wednesday, November 13.

More to come.

Child hospitalised after collision

A child was taken to Orange hospital after a collision with a vehicle on a busy street last Wednesday afternoon.

Parkes’ Marshall Munn was named the NSW Rural Fire Service Young Volunteer of the Year (12-15 years) at the award ceremony.

Marshall, who was earlier this year named Parkes’ Young Citizen of the Year, serves with Parkes Headquarters Brigade for the Mid Lachlan Valley.

He’s a dedicated member of the brigade, displaying a commitment to volunteering, actively training and attending incidents and local events to engage with the community.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib extended his congratulations to Marshall and to the other two major youth award recipients on the day.

“Congratulations to these exceptional young people who have been recognised for their outstanding accomplishments,” Mr Dib said.

“These awards recognise the achievements of young people at growing stages of involvement with emergency volunteering.

“With young members like these recognised today, we can see the future of the RFS and emergency services in this state is in safe hands.”

Emergency services rushed to the Clarinda Street intersection about 5.20pm on November 6, following reports a child on a pushbike had collided with a vehicle travelling along the street.

Parkes police said they had spoken with witnesses and no legal action had been taken against the driver.

The child needed surgery for serious injuries to their leg and our best wishes are extended for recovery.

Harvest time road safety reminder

Harvest has begun and we’re seeing the increase in trucks and machinery on our roads.

Drivers are being urged to take extra care on the roads as farm machinery and trucks mobilise for a big harvest.

Parkes Shire Council Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said “if you see a vehicle displaying an oversize sign, the vehicle will be wider, longer or higher than a normal vehicle.

“They may also be accompanied by a pilot vehicle with flashing lights and warning signs.

“When approaching an oversize vehicle you should: be patient, reduce your speed and wait for a safe opportunity to pass. Remember if you can’t see the vehicle’s mirrors, chances are they can’t see you.” Harvest will see increased train movements on lines where they may not often be seen.

Email for free Quote Email: gary@pottsgroup.com.au

Website: pottsgroup.com.au

Parkes’ Marshall Munn was named NSW RFS Young Volunteer of the Year (12 to 15 years).

PHOTOS: Supplied

Terry Job is congratulated by NSW RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers and Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib.

Flood study progress, two years on

Work on flood studies it’s hoped will inform future warning systems for Parkes shire is progressing, two years on from flood events that devastated the central west.

Draft flood study reports for Bogan Gate and Gunningbland and Cookamidgera are now on public exhibition.

Critically, an East Parkes study on the Goobang and Billabong Creek catchments is among five such studies now under way in our shire.

The flood event of November 14, 2022 saw homes inundated and livestock swept away as these creeks flooded in a way this shire hadn’t experienced.

The flood studies will lay the groundwork for future risk management, including recommendations for online catchment gauging to provide real-time information on flows, Parkes Shire Council has

said in an update to The Champion Post.

A study on the East Parkes areathe Goobang and Billabong Creek catchments including Tichborne - commenced in 2023, partially funded by the NSW Government.

Modelling for this area is being refined, with ground survey work continuing.

Once complete, the council will seek grant funding for the development of a risk management plan to identify options for the area.

Work on the Parkes town study will update existing flooding and stormwater models to current standards, progressing and confirming designs for infrastructure.

The modelling for East Parkes and the township will be overlaid by consultants to provide recommendations on locations for online catchment gauging to provide real-time feedback on catchment

flows, the council said.

“Council has met with the Bureau of Meteorology and will provide the outcomes of the study to the BoM through the SES to seek the installation of catchment monitoring to inform flood warnings through the BoM and SES,” the council said in a statement.

“Council are continuing to work with the SES and through the SES to the BoM to seek funding for gauging and for the BoM to manage the warning system.”

The other study is in Trundle, where current work is to develop details designs of options identified in the 2016 risk management plan, to deliver construction estimates.

Now is the time for those in the areas covered by the Bogan Gate and Gunningbland draft flood study report and the Cookamidgera draft flood study report to re-

view those documents, they’re on public exhibition.

The Bogan Gate and Gunningbland Floodplain Study objective is to define flood behaviour from the Gunningbland Creek, Blowclear Creek, Botfields Creek and their tributaries.

The Cookamidgera Floodplain Study objective is to define flood behaviour from the Quart Pot Creek and Bartley’s Creek, also known as Flagstone Creek.

Both studies also define areas that are subject to major overland flow that occurs as a result of surcharge of the local stormwater drainage system.

Both can be viewed on the council’s website, the Bogan Gate and Gunningbland flood study will also be made available to view in person at the Bogan Gate Post Office and the Bogan Gate Pub.

Council staff will be at the

Parkes winner in Rural Aid photo competition

Parkes’ Sharon Woods has a winning photo in this year’s Rural Aid Spirit of the Bush competition.

Now in its fifth year, the Spirit of the Bush photography competition received over 450 entries, which were narrowed down to 16 winning photographs, which highlight the rugged beauty and vibrant community spirit of Australian communities.

Each winning photographer will receive a $250 pre-paid VISA card and have their photos featured in Rural Aid’s 2025 Spirit of the Bush calendar.

Rural Aid Chief Executive Officer John Warlters noted that the quality of submissions reached new heights this year.

“It was a challenging task to select the photos for next year’s calendar,” he said.

“Australia’s agricultural industry encompasses a diverse array of landscapes, practices, and communities, so it was essential for our calendar to vividly portray these stories and locations.”

Mr Warlters encouraged the public to support farmers by purchasing the calendar, as all proceeds will go to Rural Aid.

“As Australia’s most trusted rural charity, Rural Aid stands

by our farmers, offering lifechanging disaster relief, fodder and water supplies, and mental health services,” he said.

“Our farmers play a crucial role in putting food on our tables, and purchasing a Spirit of the Bush Calendar is a simple way to say thank you.”

The 2025 Calendar is available for pre-order on https://shop.ruralaid.org.au/

Cookamidgera Hall on Tuesday, November 26 from 11am to 3pm for anyone wishing to view the Cookamidgera Draft Flood Study.

All feedback must be in writing using Parkes Shire Council’s form which can be found on their website with each flood study.

The form can be handed in at Council’s Administration Centre in person or can be mailed to the General Manager at Parkes Shire Council, PO Box 337, Parkes NSW 2870, by 5pm on Thursday, November 28, 2024.

Parkes Shire also continues to seek funding for the reconstruction of the Lake Endeavour pipeline, which was destroyed in the flood event.

This $10 million project is not covered under disaster funding arrangements, and the council has met with State and Federal Ministers on this.

Strong early interest in flood housing help

More than 100 applications for support to make homes more flood-resilient - or for a buyback - have been received by the Reconstruction Authority.

It’s a little more than two weeks since the $40 million Central West Resilient Homes program opened, and two years since the flood events that devastated the region.

A NSW Reconstruction Authority spokesperson said there had been strong early interest in the program, and this followed extensive community consultation in the past year.

Maps of the areas prioritised for different types of support are now available online.

Areas of Parkes, Forbes and Eugowra are flagged for resilience measures, which include raising or relocating a home, rebuilding a more resilient home or retrofitting homes with more resilient materials.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority’s RHP team is currently assessing all applications.

As of Monday November 11, there had been a total of 104 applications received: 48 of those from Cabonne, 39 from Forbes shire, 12 from Parkes shire and five from Lachlan shire.

But residents still considering do have time.

“Applications remain open, with no close date published at this time,” the spokersperon said. “The RA’s focus is to ensure residents have the opportunity to apply for the program with enough time to best suit their recovery circumstances.”

To help, the customer engagement team will be in Parkes at the Rose Street Community Centre on November 28 and December 5, 12 and 19.

To find out where you can visit the Reconstruction Authority team, visit https://www. nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/nswreconstruction-authority/our-work/events or phone 1800 844 085.

Sharon Woods’ Golden Hour is a winner in the 2024 Rural Aid Spirit of the Bush photography competition.

PHOTO: Sharon Woods

Early entry for 18 Parkes High students

The HSC has come to a close for the Class of 2024 and our graduates’ eyes are already turning to their next steps.

Congratulations to these Parkes High School students, and best wishes as you make your choices for 2025.

By JUSTINE MORRISSEY

Parkes High School is dedicated to providing quality career education that is personal and designed to meet the individual needs of its students.

It has an outstanding reputation for securing further education and job securement for all its students and prides itself on wonderful success rates to help students achieve their chosen careers.

The school offers a range of opportunities for their students including Work Experience, Skills Training and Employment program, Vocational Education and Training courses, School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships and a very successful senior study program.

Every student in Year 10, 11 and 12, have two individual interviews with the school’s

Transition Officer, to track their interest and provide mentoring and advice to ensure they can make steps in gaining employment in their dream career.

The school also focuses on a Plan B for all students to ensure they have a positive experience after leaving school.

This year, like previous years, it has been exceptional for Parkes High School students wishing to gain early entry to university.

Eighteen Parkes High Students were successful in their application to gain university entry before they sat their HSC examinations, with over 80 course offers sent to the students from 14 universities from over four states in Australia.

Courses included were Bio Medical Science, Law, Sports Science, Education, Science, Arts, Business, Engineering, Animal Science, Marketing, Psychology, Criminology, Agriculture, and Physiotherapy.

Students were selected by a combination of Year 11 marks, question responses, school achievement and school recommendation.

Parkes High School is extremely proud of its accomplishments in helping local young people achieving their dream careers.

Jessica Towns and Kelsey Mann at the highly successful Parkes High School Senior study Program.

Shailey Butt far right received offers at the universities of New England and Newcastle, she is pictured with Jessica Towns, Jesse Woods, Evangeline Davy and Kelsey Mann.

Alexander MacGregor offers at universities of Wollongong and Newcastle and Evangaline Davy offers at the universities of Wollongong, LaTrobe, New England, Newcastle, Western Sydney, CSU and the Australian Catholic University.

universities of New England and Wollongong.

the University of New England and Charles Sturt University.

Thomas Burkitt offers at University of Wollongong, LaTrobe, New England, Newcastle, Canberra UNSW and CS, Jessica Towns offers at University of Wollongong, Newcastle, LaTrobe, Tasmania, UNSW, New England, Canberra and CSU, Kelsey Mann offers at New England, Western Sydney, CSU and the Australian National University and Brock Charlton offer at University of Wollongong.

PHOTOS: Supplied

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Frasier Beaton offer at the University of New England and Jesse Woods offers at

Federal Govt backs

Rex’s regional flights

With AAP

Regional airline Rex has been thrown an operations lifeline after the federal government earmarked up to $80 million to keep its regional routes running during an extension of the voluntary administration process.

Rex went into voluntary administration in July after its fleet of Boeing 737s operating between major metropolitan centres was grounded.

Its management was handed to administrators EY Australia, while Rex’s regional services continued as a buyer or financial lifeline was sought for the airline.

Transport Minister Catherine King and Workplace Minister Murray Watt announced on Tuesday the government would provide up to $80 million and grant early access to entitlements for Rex’s former employees.

The money will support the continuation of critical services for regional communities, they said in a joint statement.

Rex’s administrators plan to apply to the Federal Court to extend the voluntary administration to June 30, 2025.

If the application is granted the government will continue to guarantee ticket sales made throughout the administration period to that date.

“The guarantee has been effective so far, and has yet to be used with flight bookings holding up well,” the ministers said.

More than 600 workers were made

redundant as it was revealed Rex was struggling under the weight of $500 million of debt.

In August, the federal government stepped in to guarantee bookings on regional flights, but resisted calls for a bailout.

The administration process for Rex was progressing, the government said as it noted the recent sale of its Pel Air Aviation business to Helicorp Pty Ltd, which is part of Toll Aviation.

The sale proceeds will be used to repay secured creditors.

“My department continues to meet regularly with the administrators as they work to implement a strategy for the regional aviation business,” Ms King said. They encouraged passengers to continue to support Rex’s regional operations, with Rex having three flights a day between Parkes and Sydney on weekdays.

Inland Rail: Green light for new section of track

The Illabo to Stockinbingal section of Inland Rail has received Australian Government approval, green-lighting the project to move into the construction phase in 2025.

The 39-kilometre Illabo to Stockinbingal section of Inland Rail will create a new direct route from east of Illabo tracking north to Stockinbingal and is the only new section of track from Beveridge to Parkes.

The route will bypass the townships of Cootamundra and Bethungra and the winding, steep section of track known as the Bethungra Spiral on the Main South line, opening a more efficient way to transport freight.

Nick Miller, Chief Executive Officer Inland Rail, said it was an important step towards delivering Inland Rail south of Parkes by 2027.

“The approvals process has been a rigorous undertaking, with the NSW Government and Federal Government both giving their consent and confirming Inland Rail has met the expectations of all key stakeholders,” he said.

“The granting of approval means we can now start construction in partnership with our contractor, John Holland, which we anticipate will take place in the second half of 2025.”

The project was assessed under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, which focuses on the avoidance, minimisation and management of impacts on biodiversity matters of national significance.

The Commonwealth’s conditions of approval supplement the NSW approval to protect threatened species and habitats in the project area. The approval is available online in the EPBC public portal.

Works on the Illabo to Stockinbingal section will be carried out by construction partner John Holland, which has been awarded the Design and Construct contract.

The work will include the construction of several bridges and level crossings, numerous culverts, as well as a new crossing loop.

John Holland was selected based on experience including being part of the consortium delivering the Inland Rail Narrabri to North Star Phase 1 project last year and the North-East Rail Line Upgrade in Victoria in 2021.

John Holland is also delivering the second tranche of the Beveridge to Albury (B2A) Inland Rail section in Victoria, with construction works also starting in 2025. Work is well under way on the Stockinbingal to Parkes section.

• approx . 4.25ha

• Zoned large lot residential

• Approx. 8 kms on the North West side of town, via sealed road

• Fully fenced

• Elevated block with rural views

• Set amongst other prestigious semi-rural properties

• Ideal building site or recreational / hobby block

Rex flies out of Parkes airport daily.

PHOTO: FIle

Community pays respect to war heroes

The Parkes community and RSL SubBranch members gathered at the Cooke Park Cenotaph this Remembrance Day.

The commemorations began at 10:30am with MC RSL Sub-Branch secretary and trustee, Mr Paul Thomas.

President of the Parkes RSL Sub-Branch, Mr Keith Woodlands, provided an introduction before vice president Mr Ray Knights recited In Flanders Fields.

All Parkes schools had an important role in the Remembrance Day commemorations with students from Parkes High School, Parkes Christian school, Red Bend Catholic College, Parkes East Public School, Middleton Public School, Parkes Public School and Holy Family School reciting the names all of the town and district’s fallen heroes.

Holy Family School choir also performed and lead the town in the National Anthem.

Mr Keith Woodlands recited the Solemn Act of Commemoration before Mr Duncan Clement played The Last Post followed by two minutes silence.

Parkes Shire Mayor Neil Westcott gave the mayoral address and Anglican Church RSL Chaplain Graham Lancaster led the town in prayers of thanksgiving and benediction.

Remembrance Day, November 11, commemorates the official signing of the Armistice to mark the end of World War I.

However since World War II it has been known as Remembrance Day - a day on which we remember the dead of all wars in which Australia has participated.

Monday’s Remembrance Day commemorations were supported by the Parkes Shire Council.

Rosemary Richardson placed a wreath.

Jacob Swindle and Lylah O’Brien from Parkes East Public School read names of the fallen.

Graham Cook placed a wreath.

President of the Parkes RSL Sub-Branch, Keith Woodlands beside MC Mr Paul Thomas.

Bill Shallvey placed a wreath.

Parkes Shire Mayor Neil Westcott placed a wreath.

Matilda Wilson and Marcus Moss from Parkes Christian School read the names of the fallen.

Lara Smith and Lachlan Kupkee from Red Bend Catholic College read names of the fallen.

Naomi Dunn and Luka Parkin from Parkes High School read names of the fallen.

There was a crowd at Cooke Park paying their respects on Remembrance Day.

Cam’s Commando 750 shines in show

HE’S NEW TO CENTRAL WEST CAR CLUB BUT NOT TO MOTORBIKES

By JEFF MCCLURG

Fresh from the Central West Car Club’s Show ‘n’ Shine held in October is the Norton Commando 750 of Cameron Scarce.

On the morning of the show the weather was dismal which unfortunately had the entrant numbers down significantly on previous years – especially the bikes.

When the sun eventually shone though, it made Cam’s bright red Norton even more of a stand-out, enough to gain the Shannons Sponsors Choice trophy so I used the opportunity to find out more.

Cameron is a fairly new member of the Central West Car Club but has been in Parkes all his life and messing around with bikes for most of it.

“I credit my passion and the skills and knowledge I’ve gained so far to my dad Tony,” Cameron said.

“He sat me for the first time on a bike just like this one when I was probably five years old, so maybe it was destiny that I’ve ended up owning one”.

This bike is a 1972 Norton Commando 750 Mk 4 and Cameron has owned it for about four years.

“I bought it as a complete bike from a fellow enthusiast and have spent some time tidying it up and getting it running again.”

The Commando is a British bike built from 1967 – 1977 In various formats. Such was its popularity

that in the UK it received bike of the year for five consecutive years from 1968 to 1972.

The 1972 Mk 4 featured a parallel twin cylinder 750 cc engine with twin carburettors, 4 speed gear shift, front disc brake and a rear drum.

Cameron’s is actually a US

import with a bigger set of handlebars.

“The US model was also lower geared which made them popular for drag racing against the Harley Davidsons of the day,” Cameron laughed.

Reportedly the 750 Com-

bat engine with its higher compression and bigger twin carburettors made the Commando the fastest of the Norton motorbikes at the time.

Cam hasn’t quite pushed it to its limit yet but is eager to take his Norton out on a few bike rallies when he can.

For anybody interested in the CWCC, they meet regularly on the first Wednesday of the month at Parkes Leagues Club welcoming new members and guests. You can find out more at www.centralwestcarclub. com or follow on Facebook.

Norton Commando 750 of Cameron Scarce.

PHOTO: Supplied

PECC celebrates 70 years of care

PARKES’ first preschool centre is celebrating 70 years this November - and what an incredible place it is.

Parkes Early Childhood Centre was built entirely by volunteer labour, opening in 1954 debt free as a two unit preschool.

NSW Premier J.J Cahill did the honours of officially opening the centre on November 6, as the Parkes Preschool Kindergarten.

Records show it opened with 60 children enrolled, with a fee of seven shillings and six pence per week for children to attend two half days a week, The Parkes Champion Post reported in 2014, with children from out-oftown attending one half day per week for four shillings and six pence.

1994 saw the preschool merged with the local occasional childcare centre in response to the changing needs of families, and additional long day care places were included in the new service.

This was made possible as the Parkes community participated in a pilot project and partnership between the State and Federal Governments.

The change came with extensive renovations and expansion of the existing building and the service became known as Parkes Early Childhood Centre Inc.

The new expanded centre opened on November 7, 1994, as a rural multi-purpose centre with both State and Federal funding providing preschool, occasional care and long day care.

To celebrate 70 years of PECC this year Parkes Shire councillors were treated to a tour of the centre by director Miss Amii Marchant and board members and families were invited for a celebratory morning tea.

The Parkes Early Childhood Centre community honour the continuation of this rich history and are dedicated to ensuring a strong commitment to high quality education and care for the children of Parkes well into the future.

Cr Bill Jayet, Samantha Bennett, Bianca Coster (PECC committee treasurer), Cr George Pratt, Deputy Mayor Marg Applebee, Bronnie Dean, Cr Joy Paddison, PECC Director Miss Amii Marchant and Sharnie (PECC committee vice president and secretary) and Elena Nagorcka.

Bryana and Hudson Green.

Codie and Christie Boehm.

Liam and Sarah.

Amy and Shailee enjoyed their cake.

Benjamin Hunter, Kane Harry and Oliver Britt.

August Grover and Henry Green.

Lara Morrison, Elsie Baker, Evie Acret and Isla Duong.

Theo Rathbone, Mason Watson and Benjamin Hunter.

70 years of smiling faces at PECC

Resilient Homes Program – Central West open for applications

Mon - Fri 7am to 5pm

Homeowners in Cabonne, Forbes, Parkes, Lachlan LGAs, as well as Euabalong in Cobar whose residential properties were impacted during the 2022 floods are now able to apply for the Resilient Homes Program.

Eligible Homeowners may receive support under three streams:

•Home Buybacks

•Resilient Measures (

•Home Assessments

NSW Reconstruction Authority will be hosting ommunity op-up to assist residents with applications and offer support for those who need it.

nsw.gov.au/ra/events 1800 844 085

Community is at the centre of the recovery effort in the Central West.

Everyone enjoyed the special morning tea thanks to Good Folk Food.

Bethany, Abigail and Jane Watt.

Sharnie and Elena Nagorcka.

Emilia Jones, Marnie Medlyn and Sahara Hourigan. PHOTOS: Madeline Blackstock

Leila-May and Charlotte Hall.

Cr Bill Jayet, Deputy Mayor Marg Applebee, Cr Joy Paddison and Cr George Pratt went back to preschool.

Applications open for Jack Scoble scholarships

Tullamore sees much needed improvements

Parkes Shire Council were pleased to share their latest progress photos of some exciting upgrades underway in Tullamore.

Works included the upgrade of amenities at Memorial Park.

The much needed improvements to this community space were jointly funded by the Stronger Country Communities Fund Grant and Parkes Shire Council.

The installation of a new footpath, jointly funded by Transport for NSW’s ‘Get NSW Active’ initiative and Parkes Shire Council, will link the Health Centre and school to the CBD. A learn-to-ride path was also constructed in Tullamore.

Supported by Parkes Shire Council’s Open Space assets upgrade, this area will include line marking, signage, shelter and a bike rack, creating a safe and fun space for our budding cyclists.

Community consultation on the draft Water Sharing Plan for the Lachlan Unregulated River Water

Sources 2025

The NSW Government has developed the draft Water Sharing Plan for the Lachlan Unregulated River Water Sources 2025.

The draft plan and supporting documentation are available for viewing on the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water website from Monday 11 November to Friday 20 December 2024.

Join us at one of the information sessions listed below to learn more about:

• the draft plan

• how to make a submission.

DateLocationEvent time

28 NovemberOnline webinar (entire plan) 2.00 pm – 3.00 pm

3 DecemberCrookwell Services Club 160 Goulburn Street, Crookwell NSW 2583

am – 12.00 pm

4 DecemberCowra Bowling and Recreation Club 27 Vaux Street, Cowra NSW 2794 10.00 am – 12.00 pm

From 18 November to 13 December 2024 staff from the department will also be available for 30 minute booked phone interviews.

, including how to make a submission, register and book a call please visit: water.nsw.gov.au/lachlan-water-sharing-plan or email water.enquiries@dpie.nsw.gov.au

Submissions close at 11.59 pm on Friday 20 December 2024. NS0046

All projects are due to be completed by early December, weather permitting. Make sure to stay up to date with Parkes Shire Council as they continue to work on these valuable projects around our shire.

Parkes Shire Council is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2025 Jack Scoble Scholarships.

The Jack Scoble Scholarship Fund is an annual initiative designed to support local students pursuing further education and training.

Named in honour of long-serving Councillor and community advocate Jack Scoble, the scholarships are a tribute to his legacy of fostering opportunities for young people across Parkes Shire.

The Jack Scoble Scholarships are open to students residing in the Parkes Shire who demonstrate a commitment to their studies and a passion for contributing to their community.

The scholarships provide financial assistance to help with the expenses of higher education or vocational training, empowering local youth to achieve their educational goals.

Mayor of Parkes Shire, Cr Neil Westcott, expressed his enthusiasm for the scholarships and encouraged eligible students to apply.

Eligible applicants can find more information and application details on the Parkes Shire Council website.

Applications will close on Friday, January 17, 2025 at 10am, and recipients will be announced in early 2025.

For more information or to apply, visit https://www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/Community/Awards-honoursand-scholarships/JackScoble-Scholarship-Fund or contact Parkes Shire Council at 6861 2333

Between 2006 and 2024, $146,000 has been awarded, with $15,000 available in 2025.

Northparkes Indigenous Scholarships Indigenous

Applications are now open for the 2025 Northparkes Indigenous encouragement to Wiradjuri students undertaking tertiary studies. Our Indigenous Scholarships: Successful recipients will receive $10,000 funding each year of their tertiary education.

a laptop to assist with their tertiary studies. You will be constantly work placement opportunities during your university holidays. This ensures scholarship holders can attend, enjoy and eventually

If you would like assistance with you’re application, access to a laptop to complete the survey or some interview tips, we will be holding information sessions on Thursday 21 November 2024.

Session 1 - 9AM to 10AM at Parkes Neighbourhood Centre. 80 Currajong Street, Parkes, NSW, 2870

Session 2 - 11:30AM to 12:30PM at Peak Hill Neighbourhood Centre. 108 Caswell Street, Peak Hill, NSW, 2869

How to apply:

To apply, students must complete a survey, please follow the below link, or scan the QR code: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BWFFYGS

For further information, please reach out to the Northparkes People & Culture team on 02 6861 3311 or via the NPO.recruitment@evolutionmining.com mailbox

Applications close Sunday, 24 November 2024

Parkes Shire Council has made progress on projects including a learn-to-ride path in Tullamore.

PHOTOS: Parkes Shire Council facebook

Dubbo country vocalist Rhonda Tomlinson to feature at Muster

PARKES AND DISTRICT COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION

Come along and join us for our next Muster on Sunday, November 17, 1pm in the Starlight Lounge at the Parkes Services Club.

Rhonda Tomlinson, well known country music vocalist from Dubbo, will be our featured artist.

Rhonda is another of our great supporters of country music and performs with her own unique style many of the country classics.

An absolute pleasure to sit back and listen to.

October’s Muster was a great success with Garry Hemming as our featured artist.

Garry never fails to deliver a fantastic performance and is popular with both listeners and dancers.

There’re not too many places where you can enjoy a whole set of the one dance like the foxtrot or waltz, and he even looks after the line dancers.

Garry was supported by walkups, Craig Manderson, Bill Little, Keith Noakes, Grace Little, Bill Dixon, Freda Harvey, Gary Hollier, Sue Gillett, Bruce Toole, Joy Rice and Gavin Small (a visitor from Junee who had been attending the ABBA festival).

Remember without the willing support and time freely given by our great backing band, walkup and feature artists and, without comperes, stage hands, sound persons, committee members, and without you the audience we wouldn’t have such a strong local Country Music Association

Busting for a

so many thanks to everyone who comes along and helps to make our Musters so enjoyable.

With just two Musters left for the year, plans are already being made for dates for next year’s Musters so keep a look out for the calendar of events the committee has put together for you and collect it when you pick up your newsletter.

wee: Urinary

tract disease in cats

By PARKES VET

One of the most common emergency issues seen in general veterinary practice is urinary disease in cats.

In such cases, the critical point for any veterinary team to ascertain is whether the cat is simply having urinary-related discomfort or whether they are unable to pass urine (i.e. urinary blockage).

Urinary tract disease in cats commonly occurs due to a condition called feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC), where cats develop bladder inflammation without infection.

This condition is still not completely understood but is known to occur more often in cats susceptible to environmental stressors.

Obviously, cats don’t have stress like mortgages, but can find new people in the house, or cat boarding, to be stressful.

Cats may also develop urinary tract disease due to infection (more common in cats with an underlying problem such as kidney disease or diabetes), bladder stones, or bladder masses.

Cats with urinary tract disease can show symptoms including:

• An increased urge to urinate, which may cause them to strain out small volumes of urine frequently or pass urine in unusual places

• Discomfort during urination

• Pink or red-tinged urine

• Increased licking at their genital

When a cat develops urinary blockage, they become unable to pass urine and gradually develop a large, firm bladder, which is often painful to touch.

They will become generally unwell and lethargic due to dehydration and the build-up of toxins within their body.

Urinary blockage is most seen in male cats (due to their narrower urethras).

If you notice symptoms of urinary disease in your cat, due to the discomfort and distress associated with urinary disease, cats showing symptoms should re-

ceive prompt assessment by a veterinarian.

However, urinary blockage is a true emergency and necessitates immediate veterinary treatment.

Male cats with a urinary issue can fast become a genuine emergency and will be triaged appropriately.

Urinary issues that are causing problematic behaviours can become increasingly difficult to manage the longer the problems continue for- so jump on it!

If your cat has had urinary signs previously, then the chances are similar things can happen again without good management.

Whatever has worked for your cat previously is likely to work for your cat again.

Think back- dietary options, pheromones, supplements and medications all have a place, and different options work differently for different cats.

If you notice any symptoms in your cat, please phone us at Parkes Vet as soon as possible for further advice.

Keep in mind our last Muster for the year will be Sunday, December 15 with proceeds from door takings going to Can-Assist. In the meantime we look forward to seeing you this Sunday, November 17.

More support for country residents travelling for health

Do you have to travel for medical treatment? Do you know whether you could be receiving financial support for travel through the Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS)?

MLC Stephen Lawrence said more than 81,000 inland NSW residents received more than $48 million in reimbursements in the 2023 / 2024 financial year.

IPTAAS provides financial assistance to patients who need to travel long distances for specialist healthcare, not available locally.

NSW patients have also received more money back in their pockets thanks to increased subsidies, with the average reimbursement per patient higher than ever before at $482.

Those living in the Western NSW Local Health District shared in $8,517,307 in reimbursements.

Mr Lawrence said more people than ever were accessing IPTAAS, and receiving more money back thanks to increased subsidies.

“We know that people living in rural, regional and remote NSW sometimes have to travel a long way for specialist care,” he said.

“The financial assistance they get through IPTAAS not only helps cover the costs of travel and accommodation, it can mean the difference between seeking care or not.

“Through important initiatives like IPTAAS, we will continue to support residents of NSW to access high-quality, timely and appropriate healthcare, particularly those living in rural, regional and remote communities.”

Assistance is available for those who are referred for treatment at their nearest health service and have to travel at least 100km (one way) or 200km in a week for treatment.

To be eligible for IPTAAS, you must: be a resident of NSW; be enrolled with Medicare; be referred for treatment at their nearest health service; receive treatment at an approved health service not be receiving, or eligible for, financial assistance for travel and accommodation from third party insurance or other Australian government services.

Applications can be completed online through https://iptaas.enable.health.nsw.gov. au/ or phone 1800 478 227.

Dale Cowell and Frances Charlton at the country music stand set up for the seniors expo run by Australian unity last month.

PHOTO: Supplied

One of the most common emergency issues seen in general veterinary practice is urinary disease in cats. PHOTO: Supplied

LVU Physie make their mark

By MADELINE BLACKSTOCK

LACHLAN Valley United Physical Culture Club has achieved outstanding results at the recent annual Western Area BJP Physical Culture School of Dance Zone Championships.

The championships were held in Bathurst on October 19 and 20 with clubs from around the Western area including, Wagga Wagga, Bathurst, Bourke, Dubbo, Orange and everywhere in between.

Lachlan Valley Physie walked away from the championships with seven of the possible nine overall zone champion titles.

The club had 57 dancers compete and 28 earn themselves a place in the National Physie grand finals this month at Sydney Olympic Park.

Zone Champions from Lachlan Valley Physie included Amity Dunn (5yrs), Lylah Smith (6yrs), Harper Taylor (8yrs), Aleigha Hornery (9yrs), Danielle Hornery (11yrs), Emily Riches (12yrs) and Maddison Hornery (12yrs).

Emily and Maddison are having a standout year after beginning the year competing in the semi finals of the national competition.

Since then both girls have won every competition they have competed in this year and are looking to make their mark again in the national competition.

“They’re doing extremely well this year, both girls have been working above their age groups,” teacher and Head Associate for the club Louise Donnelly said.

As well as zone champions there was also a number of second, third, fourth and

fifth place achievements at the zone championships for the club with each place also going through to nationals.

Ariah Smith (7yrs), Scarlett Barnes (9yrs), Lucy Miles (10yrs), Willow Frost (11yrs), Deniesse Donaire (12yrs) and Karla Osborne (15yrs) placed second in their age categories.

Third place achievements saw Cammi Bridge (6yrs), Ava Charters (8yrs), Charlotte Miller (9yrs), Anabel Allen (10yrs), Grace McDonald (13yrs) and Lacey Osborne (15yrs).

In fourth place, Audrey Merritt (8yrs), Molly Betland (9yrs), Gemma Orr (10yrs), Stella Jarrick (11yrs) and Melinda Jean (novice ladies).

In fifth and the last place to make it through to nationals was Annabelle Barrass (8yrs), Cleo Whiley (11yrs), Ashleigh Donnelly (U/O33 open ladies) and Rachelle Hornery (novice ladies).

Thirteen members qualified for the finals, which saw them among the top 10 for their categories.

This included Sadie Markwort, Stephanie Hornery, Adella Slone, Addi Crammond, Lila Walsh, Rachel Bilsborough, Charlotte Orr, Tayla Venables, Zone Bilsborough, Kaylee Walsh, Beth Betland, Kate Bilsborough and Nakeria Clark.

Teams also competed at this event with Lachlan Valley placing first in three of the four competitions.

Physie is a safe and unique dance sport.

“The girls do jumps, lifts and spins but they never go past 180 degrees on their split lines and kick lines so it’s safe for developing bones and hips in kids,” Ms Donnelly said.

“What also makes physie unique is we actually do all

styles of dance. We do jazz, contemporary, hip hop and ballet. We also do a bit of pilates and yoga for strength and core as well.”

Each physie age group around Australia learn the same five dances.

“If you were nine, every nine-year-old in Australia learns the same five dances choreographed and they compete on the floor against each other and it’s about who’s go the best performance, technique and style,”

Ms Donnelly said.

The club have also just been away with their senior teams where the 13/14 team came away with first, their 15s first years came away with second.

Last weekend ladies went away to competed and this weekend senior champions girls away heading away to compete.

The junior national finals follow these events.

When the seniors and ladies head away to competitions like these they can be competing against up to 200 other dancers in their category.

The Lachlan Valley Physie Club is run by senior associate Lousie Donnelly who travels to Forbes twice a week as well as holding lessons in Condobolin.

The club is a not-for-profit organisation and is run totally by volunteers.

“Everyone has done really well this year, it’s pretty exciting especially for the size of the towns of Condo and Forbes,” Ms Donnelly said.

“These are tiny little towns compared to Bathurst, Wagga, Dubbo and Orange so for the size of the pool of kids we are pulling from for how well they did is pretty amazing.”

11-12 years team with Miss Louise (back) Anabel Allen, Deniesse Donaire, Hayley Small, Willow Frost (front) Cleo Whiley, Pippa Newell, Lucy Miles, Stella Jarick.

Danielle Hornery, Willow Frost, Stella Jarrick and Cleo Whiley all placed in the 11 years champion girl section.

Lucy Miles, Anabel Allen and Gemma Orr placed in the 10 years champion girl section.

Aleigha Hornery, Scarlett Barnes, Charlotte Miller and Molly Betland all placed in the nine years champion girl section.

(Back) Louise Donnelly, Sieanna Small, Addy Crammond and Kim Orr (front) Molly Betland, Aleigha Hornery, Charlotte Miller and Scarlett Barnes.

Emily Riches, Rachel Bilsborough, Deniesse Donaire and Hayley Small.

Louise Donnelly with Aleigha, Maddison, Stephanie and Danielle Hornery.

Miss Louise, Lacey Osborne, Tayla Venables, Karla Osborne, Emily Miles, Zoe Bilsborough and Kim Orr.

Louise Donnelly and Amity Dunn, zone champion five years girls.

Miss Louise Donnelly, Charlotte Orr, Maddison Hornery, Grace McDonald and Kim Orr. PHOTOS: Supplied

Six years zone champion Lylah Smith and five years zone champion Amity Dunn.

LVU Condo Forbes Physie 7-8 years team placed first. Aria Smith, Ava Charters, Audrey Merritt, Harper Taylor, Adella Slone, Annabelle Barrass, Lylah Smith, Chloe Quade.

Annabelle Barrass, Audrey Merritt, Ava Charters and Harper Taylor placed in eight years champion girl.

Ashleigh Donnelly and Nakeria Clark placed in open ladies champion.

House a home for families in need

Have you ever said “yes” to buying a helping hand for McHappy Day?

The Amery family is grateful.

The Amerys have spent about a third of the past year in Ronald McDonald House while their daughter Chloe has been having treatment for ewing sarcoma - a cancer where there is tumour in and around the bone.

Ronald McDonald House has been a blessed retreat, mum Emma said, through those long months of Chloe’s treatment at Westmead hospital.

“You walk across the road and you’re at Ronald McDonald House: you’re not in your own home but you almost feel like you’re home because you’re in a place that’s really comfortable, really welcoming, provides everything you need,” Emma said.

Chloe’s diagnosis was a real shock: the family of eight was on a caravan holiday to Western Australia when Chloe began to experience hip pain.

“Chloe’s not a complainer either,” her mum said. “She’s an active kind of farm girl, but we knew when she was really upset and in pain that Panadol couldn’t fix that there’s definitely a problem.”

They stopped by a hospital in Mt Isa, Queensland to get blood tests and scans.

genuinely understands the impact.

“I want to thank all the people who have donated before and who will donate in the future because they actually do make a really big difference,” Emma said.

“It’s hard to describe it unless you’ve been in it but I know everyone who’s there and who has used the service so appreciate it - this is a life saver.”

The Amerys are one of 2000 families who stayed at Ronald McDonald Family House Westmead from the total 10,200 families accommodated by RMHC each year.

Funds raised during McHappy Time and on McHappy Day, Saturday November 16 will help Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Chloe was treated by an oncology team, and was organised a stay at Ronald McDonald House Westmead.

Being told their stay was sponsored and there would be no cost for their accommodation was overwhelming.

And in the months that followed the family came to un-

To their dismay, Chloe was diagnosed with cancer and the doctor recommended they fly down to Sydney Children’s Hospital the very next morning.

derstand just how invaluable the charity’s work is.

Dad Jarrod and the other children were able to come to the House several times while Chloe was there.

“They fit your whoel family in, they want families to be together which is really great,” Emma said.

“Our younger kids particularly loved it - there was a great playground, it was fun, there was a bike track. We were just all together, it was great.”

For Chloe and Emma, the House was a place they could retreat away from the hospital environment, whether it was for necessities like washing or just to have a sit-down and something to eat in a non-hospital environment.

Chloe rang the bell after her final treatment in September and came home in time to undertake the first three of her senior school exams at Parkes Christian

School, where they complete the HSC as a compressed curriculum over two years.

She’ll now begin the next phase of Year 12 studies.

The family’s all home in time for harvest on the farm at Mulyandry.

Saturday is McHappy Day, and restaurants in Parkes and Forbes have already started selling helping hands to raise funds for the charity.

It’s a cause Emma has supported in the past - now she

You can: Pick up a pair of Silly Socks for $5.95, or Helping Hands for $2, $10, or $50, from Macca’s or via McDelivery from now and on McHappy Day; Buying a Big Mac from their local Macca’s or via McDelivery on McHappy Day (Saturday), with $2 from every Big Mac sold going directly to RMHC; Purchase Macca’s Makers, a 56-piece limited-edition brick building set for $36.95 with 100 per cent of profits being donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities; Make a donation in Macca’s restaurants, or online by visiting www.rmhc.org.au/give

Casual speeding is the biggest cause of trauma on NSW roads

Chloe with dad Jarrod, mum Emma, Clare, Lara, Zoe, Lucy and Caleb.

PHOTOS: Supplied

ACROSS

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

1 To be ready and willing, is to be what (6)

8 Name the capital of Finland (8)

9 Who was a king of England, Denmark and Norway (6)

10 To be free from imperfection, is to be what (8)

11 Name the Chief Justice of NSW 1974-88, Sir Laurence ... (6)

13 To once more express in words, is to do what (8)

16 What are apothecaries more commonly known as (8)

19 Name a particular switch in electronics (6)

22 Which term describes empty language (8)

24 To be impenetrable to light, is to be what (6)

25 What might we call a native of Venice (8)

26 What are currents at variance with the main currents (6)

DOWN

2 To respond in a particular manner, is to do what (5)

3 Which hand-held device controls the cursor of a computer (5)

4 What are operating rooms (8)

5 What does a beggar seek (4)

6 Name a renowned Australian cricketer, Keith Ross ... (6)

Letters

7 Which blades are used to glide on ice (6)

12 To be prevalent, is to be what (4)

14 To put off to a later time is to do what (8)

15 To be in a state of wonder, is to be what (4)

17 Name the Australian painter of watercolours, Jesse ... (6)

18 What is a rag doll called (6)

E-QUATIONS

20 Name a colloquial term for a thousand dollars (5)

21 What is a small, wingless, blood-sucking insect (5)

23 Name a more common term for precipitation (4)

Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.

1 FARRIER (a) A litter of pigs (b) A game of chance (c) One who shoes horses

2 GLAUCOUS (a) Sea-green (b) Slightly cupped (c) Gravelly

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:

Alphabetical listing (5) Any day of the week (7) Brand new (5) Common beverage (3) Friday (abb) (3) Inclination (5) Inquired (5) Made difficult journey (7) Parent (coll) (3) Word element: six (3)

Quality the focus for Homegrown Parkes

By MARG APPLEBEE CENTRAL WEST LACHLAN LANDCARE

It has been a busy month since our Homegrown Parkes event!

I am pleased to be able to provide some feedback from this event from 39 community responses and 20 Stallholder/Vendor responses.

We try to factor in your suggestions moving forward, particularly around demonstrations, workshops, educational opportunities and stallholder suggestions.

We don’t rate our events on the number of stallholders.

We rate the event on the quality of the event.

So for example, having 100 stalls in Cooke Park would be insane.

It is really important that we maintain a standard that focusses on promoting local and regional businesses, not for profits etc.

Bigger is not necessarily better…and not our goal.

So….if your only comment was that you thought it would be bigger, it was your first

event, rated it a 2, you never spoke to anyone or would never attend another event, but you spent up to $40 at the event, we’re not going to lose any sleep over it, but to everyone else, thank you for your constructive feedback!

General survey feedback for the event (including the 2), was 8.1 out of 10.

Location of vendors was rated 8.2 and the

mix of stallholders was rated at 8.4.

Overwhelmingly the feedback said that they would definitely attend a future event.

It was also good to see that we had some first-timers at the event as well as many who were returning.

Of the 20 Stallholder/Food Vendor responses the event was rated 9.2 our of 10, with 8.7

for location and spacing, 90% would definitely return, with a couple of ‘maybes’ as well.

We thank you and we were also pleased to see that you had such a fantastic day in terms of sales!

Central West Lachlan Landcare have committed to delivering Homegrown Parkes events until June 2025.

This is run for people in our local area.

We don’t have a team of paid people running the event, apart from a part-time contribution from my role, we are supported by volunteers from our Landcare Committee, volunteers from the Parkes Community Arts Committee and with support from Parkes Shire Council.

Please keep a look out on our social media and this column each week and get in early when we open our Stallholder/Food Vendor Expression of Interest (EOI).

We really appreciate everyone going through this process early.

For further information on this article, please go to www.centralwestlachlanlandcare.org, twitter, facebook or Instagram.

Mutton numbers lift and market sees mixed trends

MONDAY’S

CATTLE SALE

Yarding 1212 (down 52)

Numbers remained similar to last week with 1212 cattle yarded.

Quality was good with feeder weights the best supplied along with good numbers of heavy prime cattle.

Supply of cows was down with a yarding of mixed quality.

All the regular buyers were present.

Young cattle to the trade were firm to cheaper, prime yearling steers sold from 305c to 340c, and prime yearling heifers, 276c to 310c/kg.

Feeder steers lifted 10c selling from 300c to 369c, and feeder heifers were up 2c, 279c to 330c/kg.

Lightweight restocker cattle were firm to 5c cheaper, steers sold from 303c to 324c, and heifers, 290c to 315c/kg.

Prime grown cattle were 8c dearer and more in places, heavy steers sold from 289c to 359c, and heavy heifers, 270c to 345c/kg.

Cows held firm, 2 and 3 scores sold from 188c to 286c, and heavy prime cows, 287c to304c/kg.

Heavy bulls sold to 286c/ kg.

TUESDAY’S SHEEP SALE

Yarding 25,450 (down 2445) Lamb numbers eased and the quality was plainer overall but there still were limited numbers of prime trade and heavy weights.

There were plenty of dry lambs.

The new season lambs fell to only 3900 and there was not a lot of weight in most of the lambs.

The market sold to mixed trends with the better end of the lambs, mainly the heavi-

er and shorn lambs were $2 to $3 dearer while most trade and lighter weights were cheaper by an average of $10 to $15/head.

New season restocking lambs sold to $165/head.

Trade weights sold from $155 to $209 and heavy lambs $188 to $235/head.

Extra heavy weights topped at $245/head and most ranged from 770c to 810c/kg.

Old trade lambs sold from

$150 to $186/head averaging 720c to 780c/kg.

Heavy lambs $192 to $246/ kg for shorn new season lambs, most 780c to 820c/kg and extra heavies topped at $262/head.

The best priced Merino reached $167/head.

Best for heavy Merino hoggets was $184/head. Mutton numbers lifted and the quality was good with plenty of heavy weights penned.

The prices were steady with medium weight ewes selling from $65 to $82 and heavy crossbred reached $138/head.

Heavy Merino ewes sold to $140 and Dorpers $126/head. Most ranged from 300c to 360c/kg cwt. FROM MLA’S NATIONAL LIVESTOCK REPORTING AGENCY

Trade weights sold from $155 to $209 and heavy lambs $188 to $235/head. PHOTO: File

Representatives from the Parkes Potters group at Homegrown Parkes: Ebony Medlyn, Travey Byrnes, Janelle Faunt, Maddie Chandler, Kerry Davies, Jocelyn Moles. PHOTO: Supplied

6.00 Morning Programs. 1.00 The Yorkshire Vet. 2.00 Escape To The Country. 3.00 To Be Advised. 5.00 Horse Racing. 5.30 RSPCA Animal Rescue. 6.00 Taste Of Australia With Hayden Quinn. Return. 6.30 The Highland Vet. 7.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 11.30 Late Programs.

(2002) 12.20 Late Programs. 6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Dancing Through Christmas. (2021) 2.00 Pointless. 3.00 Tipping Point. 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. 5.30 WIN News. 6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 David Attenborough’s Planet Earth III. 8.40 MOVIE: Spencer. (2021) Kristen Stewart, Timothy Spall, Jack Farthing. 11.00 Inside Beverly Hills. 11.50 MOVIE: Dancing Through Christmas. (2021) 1.35 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 1.50 World’s Greatest Islands. 2.50 Antiques Roadshow. 3.20 MOVIE: Eureka Stockade. (1949) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Antiques Downunder. 8.30 Titanic: 25 Years Later With James Cameron. 9.30 The Fall Of Osama Bin Laden. 10.30 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Buffy The Vampire Slayer. 2.50 A Moveable Feast. 3.20 Modern Family. 3.45 Bondi Vet. 4.45 Sean’s Kitchen. 5.15 Australia’s Got Talent. 6.30 MOVIE: Abominable. (2019) 8.30 MOVIE: The Social Network. (2010) Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake. 11.00 MOVIE: Downhill. (2020) 12.50 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 Sort Your Life Out. 11.45 Entertainment

NSW Open. Final round. 5.00 RSPCA Animal Rescue. 5.30 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.

1.35 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 1.00 Motor Racing. Supercars C’ship. Adelaide 500. Qualifying and 3.00 Motor Racing. Supercars C’ship. Adelaide 500. Prerace and race 23. 6.00 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Football. 9.15 MOVIE: Terminator 2: Judgment Day. (1991) 12.05 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Surfing Australia TV. 12.30 Our State On A Plate. 1.00 Great Australian Detour. 1.30 My Way. 2.00 20 Years Of Convoy. 3.00 David Attenborough’s Planet Earth III. 4.00 Helloworld. 4.30 The Garden Gurus. 5.00 9News First At Five. 5.30 Getaway. 6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 MOVIE: Gladiator. (2000) 10.35 MOVIE: Conan The Barbarian. (2011) 12.40 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 11.30 My Asian Banquet. 12.00 Australia’s Cheapest Weddings. 1.00 Australia’s Got Talent. 2.15 Wife Swap Australia. 3.30 Dancing With The Stars: All Stars. 5.00 Jabba’s Movies. 5.30 MOVIE: Surf’s Up. (2007) 7.30 MOVIE: The Karate Kid. (2010) Jackie Chan. 10.20 MOVIE: Jojo Rabbit. (2019) 12.25 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 9.30 The Drew Barrymore Show. 10.00 The Weekly Kick-Off. 10.30 Shark Tank. 11.40 Dessert Masters. 1.00 Silvia’s Italian Masterclass. 1.30 The Dog Down Under. 2.00 Charming China. 2.30 Buy To Build. 3.00 What’s Up Down Under. 4.00 My Market Kitchen. 4.30 Cook With Luke. 5.00

6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Edgar Wallace Mysteries. 12.25 MOVIE: Huckleberry Finn. (1974) 2.50 MOVIE: The Truth About Women. (1957) 5.00 MOVIE: How To Murder Your Wife. (1965) 7.30 MOVIE: When Harry Met Sally. (1989) Billy Crystal. 9.30 MOVIE: Mermaids. (1990) Cher, Winona Ryder. 11.45 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 1.00 Red’s Fishing Adventures. 1.30 Cricket. Women’s Big Bash League. Match 30. Melbourne Stars v Brisbane Heat. 5.00 Cricket. Women’s Big Bash League. Match 31. Sydney Thunder v Sydney Sixers. 8.30 MOVIE: Venom. (2018) Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams. 10.35 MOVIE: Zombieland. (2009) 12.25 Late Programs. 6.00 Hello SA. 6.30 A Current Affair. 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Cross Court.

things develop without pressure.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) It could be a problem dealing with unfamiliar people who do things differently from what you’re used to. But rely on your strong sense of purpose to get you through this difficult period.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) To avoid neglecting a personal matter because of a demanding new workplace schedule, start prioritizing immediately. Knowing how to apportion your time takes a little while to set up.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) It won’t be easy to avoid some of the pressures that come with change. Best advice: Take things a step at a time, and you’ll be less likely to trip up when things are in a chaotic state.

Helloworld. 5.00 9News First At Five. 5.30 RBT. 6.00 9News Sunday. 7.00 60 Minutes. 8.00 A Remarkable Place To Die. New. 10.00 9News Late. 10.30 See No Evil. 11.30 The First 48. 12.20 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 8.30 Kitty Is Not A Cat. 9.00 Get Clever. 9.40 Farmer Wants A Wife. 11.15 Behave Yourself. 12.15 Wife Swap Australia. 1.45 Home And Away. 4.00 My Kitchen Rules. 5.30 Gold Coast Ocean Rescue. 6.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. 7.30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent. 8.30 Law & Order: SVU. 10.30 Law & Order. 11.30 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 9.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. 10.00 Thunderbirds. 10.30 My Favorite Martian. 11.00 Getaway. 11.30 MOVIE: The Small Back Room. (1949) 1.40 MOVIE: Geronimo. (1962) 3.50 MOVIE: Run For The Sun. (1956) 6.00 M*A*S*H. 8.00 Tennis. 2.00 Late Programs.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) A much-talked-about workplace change could be coming up soon. Be sure to get all the details involved in the process, and once you have them, you can decide how you want to deal with it.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) You might still believe that your trust was betrayed, although the facts would appear to prove the opposite. But by the week’s end, you should learn something that will help set the record straight.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Holiday plans could be a challenge because of shifting circumstances. But a more settled period starts by midweek, allowing you to firm up your plan-making once and for all.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) The facts continue to be on your side. So, make use of them when dealing with any challenge to your stated position. Also, open your mind to an offer of help from an unlikely source.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) There still could be a communication problem holding up the resolution of a troublesome situation. Stay with it, and eventually, your message will get through and be understood.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) A possible change in your workplace schedule might create a chaotic situation for a while. But once things begin to settle down, you might find that this could work to your advantage.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) A recent job-linked decision might need to be reassessed because of the possibility of finding benefits that you might have overlooked. Check out all related data to help in the search.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) A personal situation you agreed to might not be as acceptable to the other person who is involved in the matter. Avoid pressuring and bullying. Instead, seek common ground by talking things through.

Forbes’ new centre to host horse sports challenge

Forbes’ new equestrian centre will host its first event at the end of this month, with the Australian Extreme Obstacle Racing Association championships over two big days.

The organisation’s championship show will be on November 30 and December 1 and founder Jodi Fuge is preparing for the event of the year - at the new multipurpose equestrian centre at the Forbes showgrounds.

The sport involves horse and rider navigating a series of obstacles, which could be anything from water boxes to bridges, gates, dragging objects and more.

It’s always different, never dull, and fast-paced fun for the horse and rider looking for a challenge.

Jodi has been riding for decades, but discovered how much she loved the horse obstacle course aspect when she was competing in Australia’s Greatest Horsewoman in Victoria.

Now the Australian association is growing.

Thanks to great sponsorship, there’s more than $8000 in cash and prizes for the weekend: nine championship buckles and a further nine championship high point buckles across the divisions.

In all there are 36 champion and reserve champion prizes, and more than 50 minor prizes, for the weekend’s winning riders.

There are nine divisions of competition to cater for all: green horse, young rider, junior, encouragement, rookie, masters, amateur, open and pro, with a

judge from Victoria attending.

Each division will have suitable obstacles for the skill level, with a walk-through before the event.

“There’s 13 obstacles in the open classes and 10 in the beginner and junior classes,” Jodi said.

“With the higher classes, they’re a higher degree of difficulty. Obviously for the juniors and beginners it’s more simple.”

Course designers have to set the course up to flow, and create a map as the tasks have to be completed in order.

There was a show in Forbes in September, with riders from around the region taking the opportunity to test their skills, and since then the association has been busy with practice days.

While senior riders need to have either competed or taken part in one of the practice days, juniors (aged seven to 17) can still register for the championships. It’s a great, fun challenge for riders doing Pony Club or sporting and challenge events, Jodi said.

Your horse does need to be fairly educated, so it’s great for the combination looking for a challenge and something new to work through together.

Entries close November 25, with all necessary information and forms available through the Australian Extreme Obstacle Racing Association Facebook page.

Spectators will be encouraged, with times to be confirmed closer to the event depending on numbers.

Questions remain as states agree on social media limit

A SOCIAL media ban for children younger than 16 is set to come into effect in 2025 after state leaders signed off on the “world-leading” measure.

Children younger than 16 could be kicked off social media before the end of 2025 but questions are still being asked about how that would work in practice.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the seven state and territory leaders signed off on the “world-leading” ban at a national cabinet meeting last Friday.

The government will introduce the legislation to parliament next sitting week and, with the coalition having previously flagged support, it could pass before the year is out.

The ban would come into effect 12 months later to give the industry, governments and the eSafety Commissioner time to implement it.

A current trial of age verification and assurance technologies is due to be completed in the first half of 2025.

But Monash University media expert Mugdha Rai said the legislation raised questions that would need answering.

“The legislation requires social media companies to take ‘reasonable steps’ to block people under 16,” Dr Rai said.

“What would these ‘reasonable steps’ look like? How exactly will age be verified? By the platforms themselves? By a third party? Privacy concerns will clearly need to be addressed in either case.”

The legislation would come with strong privacy provisions because it was designed to protect young people, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said.

Tech giants are wary of a social media age limit, saying it should be up to app stores, not them, to enforce the rules to ensure safety across the board.

Ms Rowland said exemptions could be made for educational and health platforms such as YouTube Kids.

- By AAP If you need support: Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 for people aged 5 to 25 or kidshelpline.com.au

Kim Parker of Woodstock on Hank - crossing the see-saw at the September Forbes event.

PHOTO: Jenny Kingham

Bowlers ready to contest the Mid-West sectional finals

PARKES BOWLING AND SPORTS CLUB

By COL MILLER

There was a big weekend of bowls at our club with the Mid West Men’s Open Pairs for 24/25 being played.

A total of 32 bowlers started out on Saturday morning in the knockout competition and by Sunday afternoon the final was between our club players D Reilly and B Frame and Orange City bowlers A Beadel and A Fisher.

The game was a tense struggle between two well matched teams. Frame and Reilly managed to hold their nerve to run out winners 23 to 20, they now play in the Mid-West Sectional Finals at the Railway Club this Sunday at 9am.

They play P McKechnie and R Clarke from Dubbo City. Head down that way and support our team and watch some great bowls.

On Saturday also at the Railway the Mid-West Triples Finals will be played.

At 11am the Railway team of B McNought, A Daley and P Barnard play V Brooks, B Sutton and R Clarke from Dubbo City. We also had a team of Rob and Ethan Lacey in the Men’s Open Reserve Pairs at Condobolin and the Men’s Senior Pairs of Gary McPhee and Tony Riordan at Dubbo City both teams played well but both lost their second round games. Well done to all.

Thursday social bowls just involved a few hardy bowlers played due to the threat of rain over the afternoon.

Social Bowls on Saturday saw 20 bowlers take to the green.

Rink 8 D Cassidy, Bob Freeman and Graham Dixon has a good win over A Markham, D Day and Bernie Mitchell 19 to 13.

Rink 9 Mick Valentine and Guy Ellery had a 6-shot win over Jim Blake and Steve Turner 19 to 11.

Phil Moran and Ray Jones came home against Mick Glasheen and Col Mudie 22 to 15.

Rink 11 Noel Johnstone, John Niddrie and John Ward proved to strong for Geoff Smith, M

Wessling and Rod Ford 24 to 17.

The lucky rink draw for this week starts at $140.00.

Do not forget to put your team in for the Prestige Triples on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17.

Entry Fee is $240 per team with morning tea and lunch provided each day. All players welcome, dress - bowls attire, entries close November 14.

Then the Eddie McPhee day on November 24 mufti dress bowlers and non-bowlers welcome have a great day out morning tea and BBQ lunch provided.

Entries close November 17.

Friday night badge draw is now $2,300.00 you have to be there to win so come on down Friday night.

RAILWAY BOWLS

By PAUL LEWIN

Only 18 players braved the damp conditions on Wednesday, November 6 for Social Bowls.

Winners were Ray Griffith, Rob Hill and Dave Littlewood winning 12+2.

Runners Up were Mick Furney, Bobby Freeman and Steve Parker winning 12+1. Marble 19 came out and the Margins were 1, 2 & 6. The Jackpot this week is $472.00.

With a lot of bowlers playing in the Region Pairs on the weekend we still managed 23 for Social Bowls on Saturday, November 9.

Winners were Roxanne Parker, Brad Parker and Dave Parker winning 18+19. Runners Up were Lorraine Baker, Warren Watson and Wally Grant winning 17+4. Third Place went to Zac Weeks, Dave Littlewood and Mick Furney winning 13+3.

Power Play Pairs: The always enjoyable Parkes Services Club Power Play Pairs our Thursday evening Barefoot Twilight Bowls Comp kicked off on Thursday, November 7. Winners were Benny, Juicy and Dave L. Tommy, Thomas and Shaun. Lewi, Grass and Dave J.

It’s not too late to join in, we will be playing again Thursday at 6pm.

Club Championships: In the

Major Singles Stevie Torrens played Frank Van Opynen. Stevie led 7-1 after 3 ends. Stevie led 12-4 after 6 ends. Stevie led 14-6 after 8 ends and went on to win comfortably 25-10.

In the Major Pairs Marty Fitzpatrick and Dave Ford played George Greenhalgh and Brian Smith. In a tight game it was 1 all after 2 ends and 4 all after 7 ends. George and Brian got out to a 7-5 lead after 10 ends. Marty and Dave got it back to 8 all after 14 ends. 9 all after 16 ends and 10 all after 18 ends. Marty and Dave grab a 3 and Goerge and Brian finish with a pair of singles and Marty and Dave win 13-12.

In the Minor Singles Dave Ford played Mike Valentine. Dave led 5-1 early, then 10-4 after 10 ends. Mike gets it back to 11 all after 14 ends. Then it’s 16 all after 22 ends. 19 all after 25 ends. Dave leads 21-19 after 27 ends. Mike gets out to 24-21 after 30 ends. Dave tries to fight back but Mike wins the game 25-23.

In more Minor Singles action Helen Clark played Myra Townsend. Mighty lead 4-1 after four ends before Helen kicked in to gear and leads 15-7 after 13 ends. Myra fights back to be down 15-14 after 17 ends. Helen stretches it out to 19-14 after 19 ends.

Myra gets back to 19 all after 22 ends but Helen goes on with it winning 25-20.

In the Minor Pairs we had Dale McGlone and Frank Van Opynen play Marianne Watson and Warren Watson. Marianne and Waz lead 7-1 early, then 12-7 after 10 ends. Dale and Frank get back to 15-12 down after 15 ends but Marianne and Waz keep it going and win 20-15.

In more Minor Pairs action, we had Clive Stibbard and Paul Townsend play Shane Hodge and John Chew. Clive and Paul started well leading 7 nil after 3 ends. Shane and Chewy got it back to 7-6 after 6 ends but Clive and Paul were too strong winning 27-11.

Mid West Region Pairs: Seven teams represented the club in the Men’s Open State Pairs at the Parkes Town Club over the week-

Carol Reed minor singles champion

PB AND SC WOMEN’S BOWLS

By LEA ORR

A warm, humid morning for bowls on Tuesday, but the forecast, Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs, made for bearable playing conditions.

Eighteen of us, all in our Wonder Years, managed to find our way to the club.

The Absolutely Fabulous news is that Carol Reed is our Minor Singles Champion for 2024, having defeated a gallant Nat Hancock in a nail-biting final, 25 – 23, congrats to you both!

In social bowls, Ann Tracy/Brenda Davies/Cherie Frame, with their opponents, Lil Thompson/Marja Iffland/Kim Evans, were Lost In Space on rink 16. Team Frame crashed to a 12 – 7 loss.

Valmai Westcott/Betsy Johnstone/Lea Orr enjoyed a Laugh-In with Gwenda Carty/Rose Mitchell/Jan McPhee on rink 17. Team Orr opened a good lead, leaving Team Mc in Jeopardy, as they went down 21 – 12.

end with the best performed team being Steve Clegg and Jake Brown who made it to the Semi Finals.

Two teams represented the club in the Open Reserve Pairs at Condobolin, with Lea Tanks and Peter Job making the Semi Finals and Stevie Torrens and Paul Townsend only going down by 3 shots in the Final.

Well done to all players and thank you for representing your club!

Mid West Region Singles: Nomination for the Mid West Region Singles close Sunday, November 17. Please get your names on the sheet on the board if you are interested in playing.

Mid West Region Finals: The Mid West Region Triples (Saturday) and Pairs (Sunday) are on at our club this weekend. With teams from all over the region attending to play in their respective Finals to earn a spot at the State Carnival in Ballina in March 2025. Action kicks off at 9am both days.

This week we have Social Bowls on Wednesday, November 13 at 1pm. The Parkes Services Club’s Power Play Pairs on Thursday, November 14 at 6pm and Social Bowls on Saturday, November 16 at 1pm.

Everyone is welcome and quality new loan bowls are available at the club.

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.

AGM: Notice has been given for the AGM on Saturday, November 30 at 10am. Nomination sheets are on the board in the club for those interested.

Nominations close Sunday, November 25 at 5pm.

The Golden Girls, Janice MacMahon/ Lynn Ryan/Lorraine Baker and Annie Smith/Kay Craft/Carol Reed, Bewitched the spectators with their neck and neck tussle. Team Baker Got Smart & took the match 18 – 14.

It was a Mission Impossible to draw out number 7 for rink 17, so the jackpot rises to $100 next week.

The First Wives 100’s Club rewarded Mez, KimmE, the Crafty one, Annie Oakley and Meadow.

Good luck to Brenda, Marja & Cherie as they vie for honours in the Mid-West Triples Playoffs this weekend.

Next Tuesday will see Round One of the Minor Pairs: L Ryan/J MacMahon vs L Thompson/A Smith

Don’t forget Christmas Trading Table on November 26. Don’t be a Grinch – join the fun!

Ladies Christmas Party, December 10 – a shared lunch.

To play social bowls next week, call the club on Tuesday, November 19, 68621446, between 9 – 9.30 & be ready for play at 10 am.

Change of time for SSAA shoot

By BRIAN DRABSCH

At last month’s shoot eight shooters shot in a 75 target day using six auto clay throwers set at various angles and heights etc and involving a number of events.

Brian Drabsch and David Tanks 70 each, Laurie Redfern 69, Brian Donnelly 65, Brett Dean 64, Jeff Hall 63, Clinton Duffy 61, Phill Cleal 59, and Mat Duffy 42 from 50 only.

Our next shoot is at 10AM on Saturday, September 16 in an effort to beat the heat. Last Sunday saw seven shooters attend the Deep Lead Shooting Complex on the Back Trundle Road and shot at standard targets at both 25 and 50 meters for a collective score of 500 points.

TARGET RIFLES 25M 59M TOTAL

• Brian Drabsch 249 248 497

• John Davis 249 246 495

• Jeff Charlton 250 245 495

FIELD RIFLES

• John Maddison 249 243 492

• Alan Britton 243 238 481

• Brett Cowling 245 233 478

• Walter Rudenko 241 213 454

Our next shoot is at 10am Sunday, November 17.

Parkes Club players D Reilly and B Frame took on Orange City bowlers A Beadel and A Fisher in the open pairs finals. PHOTO: Supplied

Winner Carol Reed.

Course hosts country golf’s best

PARKES GOLF CLUB

By PETER BRISTOL

Parkes Golf Club had the honour of hosting the NSW Golf Men’s Country Week Championship at Parkes Golf Club on the weekend.

There were 117 representatives from across NSW, excluding the Metropolitan area, represented in an event that plays as an Individual event and also a team’s event with 12 District represented by six team members.

Players had to have a GA handicap of 9.4 or less to contest the event.

Parkes is in the Lachlan Valley region, and we had Aaron Wilkie and Jack Elliott in the local side.

Parkes Golf Club received high praise from the event staff from NSW Golf, the visiting players and visitors to the event.

Our greens staff again received worthy praise for the presentation of the course and high recognition to all the volunteers who helped over an extended period to have the course in peak condition for the event.

Parkes Shire Council were the local sponsors for the weekend and were present for the event on both days and the final presentation and the club were grateful for their support.

The event was played without preferred lies which enabled us to have a course record set for the first time for the new course layout.

Day one saw benign conditions with an easier course setup and low winds and the players took advantage with 14 of them scoring under par and with Andrew Kirkman from Kempsey and Cooper Giddings from Dubbo setting the bar high and holding the new course record with 7 under par scores.

Colin Mitchell from Shell Cove shot a six under par score as well.

Our Lachlan Valley team

struggled somewhat with John Betland from Forbes the only standout with a 3 under round.

His brother Steve was next best on 3 over and back in 35th place. Unfortunately, Aaron shot an 8 over and was 83rd and Jack a 12 over and back in 111th position.

Day two saw Logan set the course a bit harder and the wind also blew a bit stronger, which the normal local golfer is used to.

Only 8 players managed to go under par on the 2nd day but Jye Halls from Mollymook did manage to create the new course record with an 8 under 64, and shot himself up the rankings big time.

The next best score was 3 back with Ethan Harvey from Kiama having a good day but the overall championship was claimed by Cooper Giddings who shot a 4 under 68 for a great 11 under total and a win by 2 strokes from Ethan with Jye a further stroke back tied with Andrew Kirkman who could only manage a 1 under on the final round.

In the teams event only John Betland fired an under par score again with a 70 to finish in 5th place, with brother Steve firing another 3 over to finish in 29 position overall. The Lachlan Valley side finished the tournament in 8th place and are looking forward to next years event in Cowra.

Jack settled for a pair of 84s for the weekend and Aaron had a solid 3 over round on the 2nd day to finish in 56 spot.

One noticeable local player for the weekend was Andrew Brownlow from the Peakk Hill club who won the net event contested in conjunction with his to par net score of 132 winning by a single shot. An excellent result off his playing handicap of 7.

Huge thanks to all who made this a memorable event and this has pushed the local layout to a prominent position in country golf, and

a special thanks to the PGC golfers who gave up their course for the promotion of golf.

On Sunday afternoon the PGC contested a 9 hole members Ambrose event and also there was a charity long drive event for squash player extraordinaire Henry Kross.

The winners of the Ambrose were Helen, Phil and Cameron Standen with a 22.5 net, leading home Peter and Zoe Magill and David Hodges with a 23.23 net.

VETS GOLF

In one of the closest finishes for some time only one point separated five players at last week’s twin-towns veterans golf competition played at Forbes.

Three players finished on 37 points and another two on 36 with local Peter Barnes getting the decision on a count-back from team mate Ken Sanderson. Another Forbes player Adam Andrews was the unlucky one of the trio and had to settle for a ball in third place.

On a good day for golf only 26 players competed - 15 from Forbes and 11 from Parkeswith Forbes taking the team honors by 216 points to 198. Forbes dominated the nearest-to-pins with Kim Herbert the A grade winner on the 18th hole and Frank Hanns the best in B grade on the ninth.

Parkes’ Graham Cooke won the encouragement award.

The ball sweep went to 34 points and the winners were: 37 points - Adam Andrews; 36 - John Dwyer (P) and Les Little (F); 35 - Barry Parker (F); 34 - Rob Lea and Nym Dziuba (P) and Scott Kirkman, Alf Davies and Frank Hanns (F).

After play Forbes players voted to join Parkes vets in starting all twin-towns events over Spring and Summer at 9am with registrations taken from 8.30.

This week it is back to Parkes for the 18 holes.

Deputy Mayor Marg Applebee and Mayor Neil Westcott congratulate winner Cooper Giddings from Dubbo.

PHOTO: Courtesy Marg Applebee

Colin Mitchell putts, watched by Jye Halls and Steve Betland. PHOTO: Jenny Kingham

Parkes’ Jack Elliot putts, watched by Nathan White. PHOTO: Jenny Kingham

Jye Halls tees off. PHOTO: Jenny Kingham

Colin Mitchell tees off on the 10th hole. PHOTO: Jenny Kingham

Brad Foster. PHOTO: Jenny Kingham

Nick Crundall of Merimbula. PHOTO: Jenny Kingham Bill Eppelstun. PHOTO: Jenny Kingham

Mark Johnstone. PHOTO: Jenny Kingham

Jarred Hunt.

PHOTO: Jenny Kingham

First Parkes Athletics Games a success

and runner up Max Jones with Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM.

Parkes winners in Forbes Junior Squash Open

COWRA’S Liam Saunders has won the 2024 Forbes Squash Junior Open from Parkes’ Max Jones after five hard-fought sets.

The two battled it out on court for Division 1 honours in the annual tournament on Sunday afternoon, capping a big weekend of squash at the club.

Division 2 was won by Cooper Jones in another five-setter from Lockie Jones, while Forbes’ own Harry Bilsborough took the Division 3 win in a finals

match-up with Lucas Jones.

Division 4 was an all-Cowra final with the win to Jaxon Foley and runner up Ruby Moriarty, Division 5 a local contest with the winner Robey McMillan and runner up Billy Myall.

The weekend began with a Saturday coaching clinic with Forbes’ Darryn Piper, Parkes’ Jay Kross and Cowra’s Alex McFarland with the assistance of Henry Kross, thanks to the major sponsorship of Forbes Shire Council.

The tournament also had

By PARKES ATHLETICS

AS the athletes stand in the shed on Saturday morning at 7am, with a cool breeze at their backs, anticipation is high for the start of the inaugural Parkes Athletic (PA) Games.

The briefing is quick but crucial, with the organisers outlining the day’s schedule, the requirements for each event and the scoring process.

More than 80 athletes and 20 volunteers disperse to prepare for the first events.

It is clear this event will be a mix of competition and camaraderie.

The five events for the day

consist of stationary skiing, running, tyre flips, athletic movements, olympic style weightlifting, gymnastic movements and high aerobic output.

The crowd of athletes and local supporters cheers’ echo as athletes in each event and category push themselves throughout the day to their limits, fuelled by adrenaline.

By the time the last event finishes late in the day, the athletes have tested their physical capabilities, are thoroughly exhausted yet completely euphoric.

A huge congratulations to all the teams for their incredible performances and sportsmanship.

support from Bega and Forbes Bakehouse.

There are multiple tournaments through the year, the Forbes tournament is a bronze event.

Adding the training day to it was a great opportunity for local players to get the sort of coaching their city counterparts have regular access to, club president Darryn Piper said.

Anyone who’s interested in junior squash can go to Forbes Squash Club on Facebook or contact Piper on 0417 084 954.

Lachlan

Special shout-outs to the podium winners in each category - your hard work and dedication truly shone. The PA Games were a fantastic showcase of talent, teamwork, and community spirit.

PA would like to thank each of the key sponsors such as The Worklocker, Littles Power, Standen Building , Specialized plumbing and excavation, Yakka solutions, EM earthmoving, Laura Jelbart Photography and other organisations such as the Parkes Shire Council.

We can’t wait to hold an even bigger and better event and look forward to seeing everyone again next year!

Parkes Sharks carnival time

PARKES Sharks will be holding their annual qualifying carnival on Saturday, November 23 and Sunday, November 24. The 50m pool will be closed to the public on Saturday from 1:30pm with the whole Parkes Pool closed to the public on Sunday. To enter the the carnival you must belong to a swimming Club affiliated with Swimming NSW.

The Parkes Club is anticipating to host around 14 clubs at the carnival with a range of events for all swimmers to compete in.

Parkes Sharks has had a great start to the season with 106 members, welcoming 26 new members at the start of the season.

If you are looking to improve your swimming, swimmers can join the club at any time.

in western women’s grand finals

IT’S grand final time in the Western women’s rugby league and Lachlan has two teams in the big dance.

Lachlan’s Under 12s take on Panorama Platypi in the first match of the day of the deciders, which is to be hosted at Ann Ashwood Park on Saturday November 16.

Our Under 16s meet the Vipers, after defeating the Platypi 26-0 in the semi-final last weekend.

Grace MacGregor scored three tries, Amber Griffin and Malia Morrison one each as the team bolted away to the win in the qualifier.

Vipers Under 16s qualified with a 30-12 win over Mudgee Dragons 16s.

Lachlan’s Under 12s continued their unbeaten run into the final with a 30-18 win over Goannas in the semi-final, played at Pride

Park last Saturday.

Try-scorers included Rubie Haworth, captain Indy Maynard, Lucy Fairley, Kitarna Atkinson and Payton Reid.

Lachlan’s Under 14s qualified for semi-finals but met the Vipers Under 14s, and went down 12-30, while in the other semifinal Goannas 40 defeated Cougars 10. Western Women’s Rugby

League grand finals Saturday, November 16 at Ann Ashwood Park, Bathurst Under 12s Lachlan v Platypi 10.30am Under 14s Goannas v Vipers 11.50am Under 16s Vipers v Lachlan 1.20pm Under 18s Platypi v Goannas 2.50pm Opens Platypi v Goannas 4.30pm

Grace MacGregor scored three tries for Lachlan as the Under 16s qualified for this weekend’s grand final.

Tyler Edgcumbe from Dubbo Crossfit.

PHOTO: Supplied

Parkes Sharks have welcomed 26 new members for a total 106 this summer.

Forbes Squash Junior Open Division 1 winner Liam Saunders

Division 2 runner up Lockie Jones and winner Cooper Jones .

Division 3 runner up Lucas Jones and winner Harry Bilsborough.

True spirit of an enduro rider

By MADELINE BLACKSTOCK

Two junior riders have seen amazing results on tracks around the state this year and have been rewarded for their commitment to their sport.

Priya and Kye Kinsela represented their local club, Condobolin Auto Sports Club, in this year’s NSW Off Road championships supported by McDonald Racing.

Priya raced in the JJ Class earning herself an achievement award and winning the Jan Waldon Sportsmanship Award.

The young racer enjoys riding motorbikes as she gets to spend time with her family and she gets to go awayand see different towns and places.

“I like riding motorbikes because I am getting faster, and I get to compete against the boys,” Priya said.

“I also like all the tracks and trying all the different terrains. This year I rode in my first Hattah Desert Race in Mildura, it was so much fun.”

Priya was chosen out of all the junior NSW riders for the Jan Waldon Sportsmanship award for “showing the true spirit of the enduro rider”.

“I feel lucky to get the award, I just went out there and tried my best all year and had lots of fun so I’m glad that the NSW Off-Road committee chose me to receive it out of all the Juniors that ride all year.”

Her brother Kye stepped up classes this year and raced in the J2 Class and finished the year fourth overall.

“This year I stepped up into the older class which was with the 13- to 15-year-olds,” Kye said.

“Some of the boys who I was competing against were 16, so I am pretty happy with getting fourth in NSW.”

Kye enjoys the speed and freedom he feels when riding his motorbike and when racing he likes feeling pressured to go faster and do better.

“I like it even better when I get on the podium,” Kye added.

“I’ve made heaps of friends over the years, and I love catching up with them every few weeks, we all have a good time.”

Both Priya and Kye plan to race again next year.

“I’ll keep riding my Yamaha 65cc for another year against the boys and then when I am 12 and old enough to race in the Junior Girls class I will race an 85cc,” Priya said.

“Absolutely racing next year,” Kye said.

“I will be hoping for top five but will be chasing top three, and hopefully if I train hard on and off the bike I can achieve my goal.”

This year NSW riders raced in ten rounds all over the state including Appin, Nabiac,

Kempsey, Nowra and Gersford. Priya loved riding at all of the locations but her favourite was round five and six at Kempsey.

“I loved that the 7km track was different with lots of trees and it was raining so we had to go through heaps of puddles which was fun. Dad spent all day getting mud off my bike before each heat, thanks Dad,” she said.

Rounds three and four at Nabiac were Kye’s favourite as he said it was a sandy track and fast.

Kye hopes to one day go over seas and ex-

perience an Enduro GP Championship in Europe.

“I also really enjoy riding in the sand so riding more in events like ‘Hattah Dessert Race’, ‘Finke Desert race’ and ‘Grand National Cross Country” would be my long term goals.

“I hope that I never stop racing and riding motorbikes,” he added.

A number of local riders are also up for awards at the upcoming Motorcycling NSW Awards this Saturday.

Danielle McDonald has been nominated for Female Rider of the Year (enduro finalist)

and her brother Dylan is nominated for Junior Male Rider of the Year (enduro finalist). Jade Chellas is also nominated for Junior Female Rider of the Year (enduro finalist) in her last year of junior competetition.

Jade is no stranger to this award being a finalist and winning in 2022.

Condo Auto Sports Club Inc, which is the local club for our enduro riders, has also been nominated and is a finalist for Club of the Year.

We wish all of our local finalist the best of luck this weekend in Bankstown.

PARKES HARNESS RACING CLUB

Kye and Priya (middle) pictured with teammates Rowley and Sonny Lister.

Kye stepped up classes this year and raced in the J2 Class and finished the year fourth overall.

Priya and her dad Mitch with the Jan Waldon Sportsmanship of the year award for “showing the true spirit of the enduro rider”. PHOTOS: Supplied