PCP20250306

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MELVA CELEBRATES 99 TRIPS AROUND THE SUN

Go Back in Time to Trundle

Page 6

Floods change plans

By CHRISTINE LITTLE

Parkes Shire Council has provided an update to its 20year Housing Strategy which comes with four proposed amendments.

Most of the changes are in response to the devastating oods of November 2022 that heavily a ected homes and land in the town’s east.

Named the Housing Strategy 2021-2041 - 2025 Update, it’s now on public exhibition until 19 March a er councillors agreed to adopt the dra with the amendments at their February monthly meeting.

And residents are welcome to provide feedback. In his report tabled at the Council meeting, Director

Planning and Community Services Brendan Hayes said Council is actively planning for growth and since 2020 has developed the Parkes Local Strategic Planning Statement 2020, Parkes Housing Strategy 2021 and the Middleton Masterplan 2023.

The Middleton Masterplan was identi ed as ‘Priority 1’ in Parkes’ residential growth

area in the Housing Strategy, which has seen the construction and sale of a number of houses.

“In November 2022 Parkes experienced a major ood event that saw areas of Parkes inundated that had never been a ected in the past,” Mr Hayes said.

“This event has impacted greatly on the areas previous-

ly identi ed within the Housing Strategy for urban expansion and as such requires review and rationalisation to identify the impacted areas and bring forward identi ed land for next priority housing.”

Council is conducting a Flood Study funded by the state government and is updating its current Housing

Strategy to reevaluate residential growth priority areas outside ood a ected land.

“While Council is waiting on the nal ood mapping from consultants, Council must continue its strategic planning work to support the delivery of housing,” Mr Hayes wrote in his report. The amendments that ■ Continued on page 4

*CHOOSE FROM A KING, QUEEN, DOUBLE OR KING SINGLE MATTRESS FOR THE PRICE OF A SINGLE

Melva Job celebrated her 99th birthday at the Parkes Leagues Club with 35 family and friends on Saturday. She was surprised to see so many photographs on the wall. PHOTO: Christine Little

Good effort on Clean Up Australia Day but more hands needed

By CHRISTINE LITTLE

Despite the lack of numbers from members of the public, those who did volunteer for this year’s Clean Up Australia Day put in a fantastic e ort.

Thirty bags and two trailer loads of rubbish were collected across the day in Parkes on Sunday from the seven Rural Fire Service volunteers and just six members of the public.

Evolution Mining Northparkes Operations never fail to answer the call for its community and cleaned up areas around town with 15 of their members.

Parkes site supervisor Jack McGrath was shocked and surprised at the state of the bushland behind Vaucluse Heights in the Middleton area.

“It was ridiculous,” he said.

Jack and his team collected 15 bags of trash and one full box trailer of bulk rubbish from this area.

Ten bags and another box trailer were filled from the truck stop on the Forbes Road near Harvey Norman and five more from May Street and the Parkes Skatepark.

“I was quite surprised at how clean the parks were,” Jack said.

“There was a bit of rubbish at the skatepark but Council aren’t able to have bins there.”

While praising the e ort of those who did put their hand up to clean up, Jack would have liked to see more people involved.

He’s hoping, with the help of Parkes Shire Council, he can turn that around next year.

“There weren’t many from the public this year,” Jack said.

“I’ll be looking at boosting it up next year.”

Work with us on affordable housing: councils

The peak body for local government in NSW is advocating for actions to increase the supply of affordable housing for more people, including essential workers, across the state and cautioned that solutions must be tailored to suit local communities.

Local Government NSW (LGNSW) President and Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM addressed the NSW Parliamentary inquiry on options for essential worker housing.

More than one third of all submissions to the inquiry were from the local government sector, and Mayor Miller said that underscored the scale of the issue and the urgent need for solutions.

“Essential workers are fundamental to maintaining wellfunctioning, prosperous local communities and economies,” Mayor Miller said.

“These key workers need to be able to live in the communities they serve, and the planning system should play its part in facilitating that outcome.

“Firstly, the planning system could deliver much needed affordable rental housing in perpetuity in well-located areas through the NSW Government’s framework for affordable housing contribution schemes.

GREAT MOSCOW CIRCUS

6-9 March

At the Parkes Showground The Great Moscow Circus will be ready to entertain you and your family. With superstar international extreme acts this is a circus performance not to miss.

CHARITY WRESTLING

SUPERSHOW

Friday, 7 March

Australian Wrestling Superstars is proudly joining forces with Peak Hill Roosters Rugby League Club to raise funds for Parkes PCYC team to compete in the Nations of Origin tournament during NAIDOC week 2025. Head on down to the Parkes Leagues Club and show your support when the Superstars of AWS put it all on the line in a bone-crunching, body-slamming, high- ying night of live pro wrestling action. Doors open 6.30pm, show starts at 7pm and tickets can be found at https://events.humanitix.com/live-pro-wrestling-parkesleagues-club-charity-supershowfor-parkes-pcyc. Proceeds from ticket sales will go to Parkes PCYC team for Nations of Origin 2025.

SUPPORT GROUP

Friday, 7 March

The Adult Survivors of Child Abuse - Cowra Support Group

meets on the rst Friday of each month from 12.30pm to 14.30pm and is open to survivors of all communities. All details online via: recover.itmatters.com.au. Alternatively, call Pascale, the facilitator, on 0458 698 460.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY LUNCHEON

Sunday, 9 March

The International Women’s Day luncheon hosted by the Parkes Que Club at the Parkes Services Club is on Sunday, March 9 from 11.45am. There will be guest speakers, entertainment, a ra e, lucky door prizes and display/sales from local cra swomen. Tickets are $38 pp from 123tix.com.au/events. You need to be quick, there’s only a handful of seats le .

AUTHOR TALK

Tuesday, 11 March

Join bestselling author Nicole Alexander for an immersive conversation about her latest novel The Limestone Road at the Parkes Shire Library. The event begins at 6pm and is free but bookings are essential. Call the library on 6861 2309.

TRUNDLE BACK IN TIME

15-16 March

This celebration of heritage returns to Trundle with the theme

SEASON LAUNCH

Saturday, 15 March

WHAT’S ON in and around Parkes

Show Us Ya Tracks. There will be all the regular favourites - the tractor pull, sheaf toss, swap meet, market stalls and kids zone with live music too. 2025 also marks 100 years of John Deere tractors.

Add this date to your calendar, the Parkes Boars Rugby Union Club’s season launch and it’s always heaps of fun. Stay tuned the club will be sharing more details soon.

COMMUNITY FIBRE ARTS EXHIBITION OPENING

Saturday, 15 March

The opening of the Community Fibre Arts Exhibition will be held at 10am to 12pm on Saturday, 15 March in the Coventry Room at the Parkes Shire Library where entry is free. The exhibition will be opened until Saturday, 12 April. The exhibition will see art entries including applique, knitting, crochet, felting, sculptural, basketry, creative embroidery, collage, weaving and more. Make sure to check it out.

Tuesday, 18 March

ROBOTICS WORKSHOP

from 3:45 to 4:45pm junior robotics will be held for children in Years 2 to 5 and from 5-6:30pm internediate robotics will be held for children in Years 5 to 10. Use LEGO spike robotics kits and computers to build a robot and complete a coding challenge. To book your spot visit trybooking.com.au.

HOMEGROWN PARKES

Saturday, 29 March

Western Enrichment Learning Lab is excited to be back in Parkes. At the Marramurra Makerspace

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It’s back for 2025 - Homegrown Parkes is an opportunity for local and regional businesses to share their skill and products with the community in Cooke Park - it’s all homegrown in Parkes.

“But councils have told us that developing and getting these schemes approved is a challenging and lengthy process.

“Secondly, when the NSW Government is implementing widespread upzoning through its major planning changes it’s critical to have mechanisms in place to capture some of this development uplift for affordable housing.”

development uplift for affordroad renewable energy develop-

Cr Miller also said that while welcome, regional councils had additional concerns about the impact of major infrastructure projects, such as new regional hospitals, road upgrades, and renewable energy developments.

“Without adequate housing and services, the influx of workers for these projects places additional strain on existing essential workers, exacerbating the housing crisis, disadvantaging other vulnerable households and again forcing councils to bear the brunt of providing housing to essential workers like doctors and police,” she said.

“LGNSW urges the NSW Government to work closely with councils to address these issues in a way that balances the needs of essential workers, vulnerable communities, and the broader housing system.”

The inquiry is due to report back to Parliament by 16 June 2025.

Marshall Munn, Marcus Hughes, Seth Bartijn and Lehni Milford were ready to tackle the rubbish in Parkes on Clean Up Australia Day.

Street.

Brother and sister duo Riley and Holly Duncan weren’t afraid to get their hands dirty on Sunday.

15 bags of trash and one full box trailer of bulk rubbish were collected from behind Vaucluse Heights in the Middleton area.

Help get Trundle’s aspiring musician to Europe

By DAVID ELLERY

Trundle’s 15-year-old Carmel Kelly, a member of the NSW Regional Youth Orchestra, is about to embark on the greatest adventure of her life.

On 29 June she and 55 other members of the orchestra, who come from all parts of country NSW, will depart Sydney for a 15day European tour which will see them perform at historic venues in Salzburg, Wachau, Vienna, and Berlin and as part of the prestigious six day Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival.

The audition-only orchestra draws its members from 17 regional music conservatoriums as far afield as Albury, Lismore, Orange, Dubbo, Tamworth, Armidale, Goulburn, Coffs Harbour, Wagga Wagga and Young. It was established in 2016 and operates under the aegis of NSW Regional Conservatoriums, a peak body supported by the NSW Department of Education.

Carmel, who has been studying the violin and the viola for more than a decade, has been a member of the orchestra since her

By CHRISTINE LITTLE

In an e ort to improve safety in a pedestrian hot spot at the northern end of our main street, new LED pedestrian lighting has been installed and is now operating.

The installation, in the form of ashing pedestrian signage, is located at the crossing outside the Broadway Hotel in Clarinda Street.

It’s part of a 12-month trial aimed at improving vehicle and pedestrian interactions and provides more warning of pedestrians to drivers.

first audition in 2021. She is already an accomplished musician who enjoys playing the classical repertoire that features heavily in the RYO’s programs. Carmel regularly makes the three-hour round trip to Canowindra to study with her viola teacher, Stefan Duwe. She has grown up in a musical family and, along with other

members of the “Kelly gang”, is to perform at a special concert in the Trundle Memorial Hall at 10 am on Friday, 28 March.

The event is to raise funds to cover the $10,000 up front cost of taking part in the European tour.

“I have already raised $5000 from a bushdance, concerts and running a pop-up co ee shop at Trundle’s ABBA Festival last year,” she said.

New pedestrian lighting on trial

Parkes Shire Council’s acting project engineer Liam Willoughby said the trial has come about a er safety concerns were raised by nearby residents and businesses about drivers not seeing pedestrians on the crossing.

It was also brought to Parkes’ Tra c Committee and Cr Ken McGrath has been a strong advocate for something to be done in the area.

The ashing lights are activated by detecting pedestrian movement and also feature a manual button, ensuring the lights only ash when required.

“This is what is called nonstandard tra c treatment which means it doesn’t ash all the time,” Mr Willoughby said.

The public is welcome to provide feedback on the pedestrian lighting during its trial period and can do so by contacting Council on 6861 2333 or email council@parkes. nsw.gov.au.

A er the trial Mr Willoughby said they’ll interact with the community, businesses and the Tra c Committee, and see what their next steps will be and if it will be permanent.

“It will mean so much to me to be a part of this unique and incredible musical adventure.”

Carmel said her elder sister had started teaching her the violin “seriously” when she was just four. She has since switched her allegiance to the viola, citing its relative rarity and mellower and richer tone.

When she departs for Europe, Carmel will be well armed with a viola given to her by her grandmother and a bow lent by her music teacher.

While admission to the forthcoming concert will be free Carmel has set up a “Go Fund Me” page she is asking people to use to make donations.

“I would be absolutely thrilled if people from across the region were able to contribute towards helping me get to Europe,” she said.

The link for the “Go Fund Me Page” is: https://www.gofundme. com/f/help-me-go-to-europe-withthe-regional-youth-orchestra?qid =b888f05633c8e62c73331462030de 4b0

Carmel Kelly is a member of the NSW Regional Youth Orchestra which will take part in a 15 day European tour. PHOTOS: Supplied

GEMMA ORR IS OUR STUDENT OF THE WEEK

Gemma Orr is our student of the week and attends Parkes Public School. Teacher Comment: Gemma is always conscious about her learning and actively contributes to discussions, sharing her ideas with con dence. She values the input of her classmates, listening attentively and respecting her perspectives. Her respectful demeanour, along with her patience and kindness, makes her a wonderful role model in our classroom. (Miss Wade) Favourite activities: Reading and writing because I get to use my imagination and playing sport- my favourite is netball.

What would you like to be when you grow up? I would like to explore being an author.

RUBY SMITH IS OUR STUDENT OF THE WEEK

Ruby Smith is the Star of the Week for demonstrating our Core Values (In Praise, Love, and Trust) and for always being attentive and responsible at Holy Family School.

What is your favourite subject? English (especially writing) In your free time, what do you like to do? Swim in my pool

What is your favourite food? Lamb cutlets

What do you like most about our school? The teachers

What are your strengths? Swimming and netball

What would you like to be when you grow up ? A professional netballer or swimmer

Floods change priority areas in housing strategy

■ From page 1. were adopted proposed to remove ood impacted land from the priority area and identify new priority areas.

Land around Goobang Creek such as Nash Street and Tanks Road was identi ed as suitable for urban expansion but a er the oods impacted these areas it’s no longer considered suitable.

“With that we’re bringing forward the urban housing investigation areas that identi es Harrowvale,” Mr Hayes told the meeting.

Council purchased 330 hectares of farmland on ‘Harrowvale’, between Henry Parkes Way (Orange Road), Military Road and Cookamidgera Road, in 2024 for future residential expansion.

Harrowvale has formally been identi ed in the updated Hous-

Parkes Bricks, Pavers and Tiles has a large display of all the popular brands. Come in and see our full range today or give us a call

Phone: 02 6862 2253

ing Strategy as an area for urban expansion.

“What we’re also doing is looking at the consideration of reducing a minimum lot size in our R5 area to the north-western (of Parkes) to allow further development similar to and to match what we know as the Jones Street development,” Mr Hayes said.

This is the fourth and nal amendment that refers to land in the residential area around Thomas and Farrer streets that is marked ‘Priority 5’.

Mr Hayes said expansion in the west is currently constrained due to the limitations of the reticulated sewerage system.

“Without signi cant investment in trunk reticulated sewerage infrastructure, development in the Thomas and Farrer street area can not progress,” he said.

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area is to re - duce the minimum lot size

Land around Goobang Creek was identified as suitable for urban expansion but after the floods impacted these areas it’s no longer condsidered suitable for expansion.

PLANNING, COMMUNITY SERVICES

DIRECTOR BRENDAN HAYES

to 6000m2, which he said is adequate to support an on-site sewerage management system, such

as septic tanks, composting toilet or aerated system, and have a connection to reticulated water service.

Mayor Neil Westcott said there had to be a “rethink” a er the November 2022 ood.

He also commended Mr Hayes and his department for highlighting the opportunities that Harrowvale presents.

Residents can view the dra strategy at Parkes Shire Council’s Administration Building in Cecile Street during business hours or on its website under the Your Say tab.

Anyone is welcome to make a submission relating to the strategy, these close at 5pm on Wednesday, 19 March. The dra update will come back to a Council meeting a er the exhibition period for further determination and formal adoption.

Casey Barnes heads to Trundle

Trundle Bush Tucker Day has made an exciting announcement about their muchloved September event.

This year, gracing the stage will be none other than Golden Guitar and ARIA winning country music artist Casey Barnes (right).

From the event beginning in 1987 with two mates cooking up a storm in their camp ov ens behind the local pub to now a fun- lled family day, the Trundle Bush Tucker Day seems to improve year a er year.

Casey will headline this year’s event, bring ing his high-energy show and chart topping hits for a performance that will be truly un forgettable.

Casey started his singing career in his home state of Tasmania, before relocating to the Gold Coast, which he now calls home.

The 2025 event will also see the muchloved Bushwackers back for another year.

As you wait to experience this great event for another year or for your rst year make sure to purchase your tickets as you don’t know when these are going to sell out.

“This is a Bush Tucker Day you do not want to miss,” organisers wrote on social media.

The Bushwackers rst made their Bush Tucker Day debut in the 90s and most recentby popular demand kicking the event o in legendary style.

Map of Parkes showing the areas for future housing growth in order of priority, as featured in Parkes Shire Council’s Housing Strategy. INSET: Several new homes have been built and land has opened up in Vaucluse Place in the Middleton area.

Community Newsletter

PROPOSED BRIDGE NAMING

Parkes Shire Council is inviting community feedback on proposed names for new bridges constructed as part of the Parkes Bypass and other recent infrastructure upgrades. The consultation period runs until 5pm on 14 March 2025, and we encourage residents to share their feedback by completing a survey. To complete the survey, scan the QR code above.

HAVE YOUR SAY - PARKES AIRPORT MASTERPLAN

Parkes Shire Council is excited to announce that the Draft Parkes Airport Masterplan is now on public exhibition. We invite community members to review the masterplan and provide your feedback.

The Draft Masterplan serves as a vital strategic roadmap for guiding future development and ensuring the efficient operation of the Parkes Airport. It will help anticipate and accommodate future passenger and air traffic demands.

The plan is on exhibition on Council’s website www.parkes.nsw.gov.au.

Any person may make a submission relating to the Draft Parkes Airport Masterplan during the exhibition period.

All submissions must be in writing and addressed to council@parkes.nsw.gov.au; or alternatively mailed to:

The General Manager, Parkes Shire Council, PO Box 337, PARKES NSW, 2870.

Submissions Close: 5pm, Tuesday 1 April 2025.

RURAL ADDRESSING CHANGES

As part of the proposed changes resulting from the construction of the Parkes Bypass project, Transport for NSW (TfNSW) has requested Council’s assistance with the road naming and addressing process, including changes to both existing and proposed roads. We invite the community to “Have Your Say” on the proposed changes by completing the surveys on Council’s website.

Alternatively, if you wish to provide a written submission these should be emailed to council@parkes.nsw.gov.au or addressed to: General Manager Parkes Shire Council PO Box 337 PARKES NSW 2870

All survey and written submissions will close at 10:00am 10 March 2025.

Should you require any further information on this matter, please do not hesitate to contact Council’s Director Operations, Mr Logan Hignett, on 02 6861 2333.

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTIFICATION OF TEMPORARY ROAD

CLOSURE - BACK TRUNDLE ROAD PARKES

Council would like to advise that a temporary road closure will be in place for reseal preparation and shoulder works on Back Trundle Road Parkes, between Freebairn Road and Nanardine Lane. Works are scheduled from 7:00am Monday 10 March 2025 until 5:00pm Friday 21 March 2025, weather permitting.

A full road closure will be in place Monday to Friday, 7:00am to 5:00pm to facilitate these works, with detours in place via Wyatts and Hopetoun Lane and Middle Trundle Road. The road will be reopened after 5:00pm and on weekends. Please note, there will be access to Nanardine Lane during dry weather only. Residents are requested to always exercise caution when driving into the work area and to follow the instructions of staff on site. Should you have any queries in relation to these works, please contact Parkes Shire Council’s Acting Project Engineer, Liam Willoughby, on 6861 2333.

ANIMALS FOR ADOPTION

AUTHOR TALK

Come and join us for a chat with prolific novelist, Nicole Alexander. Nicole Alexander is the author of twelve novels including The Bark Cutters, Absolution Creek, An Uncommon Woman and Stone Country. Come along and listen to Nicole speak and hear about her latest novel The Limestone Road. Tea, coffee and light refreshments will be provided.

Parkes Shire Library

Friday 14 March, 6pm

This event is free to attend, however bookings are essential. To book your place, call the Library on 6861 2309.

taking place Saturday 15 March,

Parkes

Library. Over 70

will be on display, showcasing the local talent in the Shire. To book your free ticket, contact the Library on 6861 2309.

For more info, visit Council’s website or contact the grants team at grants@parkes.nsw.gov. au

Council advertises any animals available for adoption on our website. Should you be interested in adopting an animal, please visit Council’s Animal Shelter at 56 Saleyards Road between 9am and 10am Monday - Friday or contact our Customer Service Centre on 02 6861 2333 8.30am to 5.00pm weekdays for any enquiries. To view animals available for adoption, scan the QR code.

www.parkes.nsw.gov.au

The Community Fibre Arts Exhibition official opening is

10am at

Shire

pieces

The year of the tractor pull for Trundle Back in Time

CELEBRATING MORE THAN 100 YEARS OF JOHN DEERE

By MADELINE BLACKSTOCK

It’s the year of the tractor pull for this year’s Trundle Back in Time.

With new events and the celebration of over 100 years of John Deere tractors, Trundle Back in Time 2025 is shaping up to be the best and biggest year yet.

Fourth generation district farmer and driving force behind the event since its inception, Digger Anderson, said the event has really grown over the years.

“Last year on day one, we had 1000 people through the gate,” Digger said.

“That’s probably doubled since the first year and with the interest shown this year we think that number is going to be increased fairly substantially again.”

For the tractor enthusiasts there will be a wide variety on display with the hopes of one of the first John Deere tractor models amongst the mix.

The John Deere Model D Spoker was the first John Deere tractor in 1923 with only 5846 produced.

The last tractor of this model was built in 1925.

You will also catch two steam engine tractors rolling around the Trundle Showground.

“There will be a smaller steam engine tractor pulling a little trailer that kids can ride in and big kids as well,” Digger said.

“They will be rumbling around the ground most of the day Saturday and Sunday morning.”

Another feature of the tractor display will be bulldozer tractors.

Most of the tractors on display will compete in the biannual tractor pull event but for those that are a bit too precious you will still have your chance to see them in action during Trundle Back in Time’s first precious parade.

The precious parade will feature tractors that are deemed too valuable, those that have had substantial work put into the restoration or just those special tractors that don’t want to risk any damage.

Hutcheon and Pearce have jumped aboard the event this

makeover to one of the tractor pull sleds painting it in John Deere colours for the occasion.

You can see the sled in action on Saturday a ernoon and Sunday morning.

Alongside tractors there will be vintage car and truck displays as well as market

zone.

At the conclusion of the tractor pull on Saturday afternoon enter try your hand at the sheaf toss and try and beat the Trundle record of 9.5m.

“We will have live music Saturday a ernoon with a band called, The Trac-

named,” Digger said.

“We try to design the day as a great family day out with lots of kids entertainment and it’s a very a ordable event with only $5 entry for adults and free entry for children.”

Trundle Back in Time is on Saturday, 15 March and Sun-

day, 16 March at the Trundle Showground with camping available at the showground over the weekend.

“This event and the tractor pull has been terri c, it’s enabled the Trundle Show Society to help fund improvements to the grounds and just make the show society more nancial,” Digger added.

TRUNDLE BACK IN TIME

Moscow Circus brings extreme acts to Parkes

By MADELINE BLACKSTOCK

The Great Moscow Circus has made its way back to Parkes a er seven long years, bringing with them a new and improved extreme performance.

Offering five performances over the week, you can expect to see BMX and scooter riders from the Nitro Circus, the globe of death in action, aerialists, a Charlie Chaplin-inspired clown called Gagic and a vocalist which stage manager and aerialist, Tahlia Weber, says brings a different aspect to the circus.

“We have brought our Extreme production to Parkes so last time we were here was a very long time ago and it was a completely di erent show,” Tahlia said.

“We are the biggest circus in Australia and an international brand, when you watch the show you’ll denitely see the level of skills from everyone as we have performers from all over the world.”

Great Moscow Circus performers include superstar international acts from Armenia, Ukraine, Brazil, Co-

lumbia, Greece, New Zealand and of course, Australia.

The circus hand picks only the best acts from all over the world to provide Australia and New Zealand with high quality performances.

“We love to go to smaller towns to give everybody a taste of live entertainment,” Tahlia said.

Tahlia is a seventh generation circus performer, being involved with the circus her whole life and has quite a big role in the circus at the moment.

You will see the talented stage manager in action performing solo trapeze and dancing during the five shows in Parkes which Tahlia said her favourite part of her job is performing.

“It sounds cliche, but even on a bad day, once you get in the ring, you just feel so good, especially when the audience is giving you energy back.

“It’s a feeling that you can’t really describe until you’re on the stage.”

Besides performing Tahlia also loves that the circus allows her travel around the country, saying it provides a really good lifestyle.

Lights and bells for Daroobalgie crossing

There are now boom gates and flashing lights at the Daroobalgie Road rail crossing as Inland Rail takes another step to wards completing works around Forbes.

The improvements are part of work to construct the passing loop on the Stockinbingal to Parkes section of Inland Rail.

The previous level crossing was passive, meaning it only had a stop sign and a “look for trains” notice, but the upgraded crossing is now active, with high-intensity LED flashing lights, bells and retro-reflective boom gates, with new signage and line marking for both the rail and roadway.

lance at the commissioning of the upgraded level crossing.

The change to an active level crossing will result in an increase in safety for both motorists and pedestrians by providing clear and reliable signals when trains are approaching.

Thanks to the active crossing road users can expect smoother traffic flows as vehicles will no longer need to come to a stop at the crossing unless the lights and booms are activated.

Representatives of Inland Rail joined staff from contractor Martinus Rail and Forbes Shire Council Deputy Mayor Chris Roy-

The change to an active level crossing was a key safety requirement to augment the new Daroobalgie Crossing Loop directly to the west of Daroobalgie Road.

Malcolm Clark, Inland Rail Project Director, Stockinbingal to Parkes, said the crossing now provided a safer way for road users to cross the rail line.

“Safety is at the heart of everything we do and so the level crossing upgrade became a key part of works to construct the Daroobalgie Passing Loop,” he said.

“We have been working closely with Forbes Shire

Council and the Forbes community, and I would like to express my thanks for the support we have received.

“We are close to completing this section of S2P, demonstrating our commitment to delivering Inland Rail south of Parkes by 2027.”

Forbes deputy mayor Chris Roylance said the upgrade would improve efficiencies, especially with continuing development.

Forbes Shire Council has established its industrial centre to be readily accessible to road and rail.

The crossing was an important part of opening the northern heavy vehicle bypass to the larger heavy vehicles.

“We love coming and putting on the show, it’s de nitely edge-of-your-seat entertainment and it’s de nitely something you don’t want to miss,” Tahlia added.

The Great Moscow Circus will be at the Parkes Showground for ve thrilling shows starting tonight with the last show on Sunday, 9 March at 11am.

You can book your tickets online now via thegreatmoscowcircus.com.au

STOLEN

On Tuesday morning one of the Moscow advertising blow up clowns was stolen around the Parkes area.

The Great Moscow Circus asks for everyone to please keep an eye out or if you’re the person who took it to please return it.

These clowns are a very important aspect of the Great Moscow Show’s advertising.

“Without our advertising, it makes it very hard for us to come and travel because people don’t know we’re here,” Tahlia Weber said.

There is a reward on offer for the safe return of the clown.

Forbes deputy mayor Chris Roylance with Inland Rail Stockinbing to Parkes project director Malcolm Clark at the Daroobalgie crossing.

Jacko relives his youth with purple EH van after 52 years

By JEFF MCCLURG

Jacko Kendall from Parkes is certainly reliving his youth with this 1965 EH Holden panelvan.

He missed the opportunity to own one back in the 1970s and he’s finally achieved his goal of owning a purple EH van.

“I was in my early 20s and working for Sid James Removals in Sydney when I saw a purple EH van for sale,” Jacko said.

“I knew I didn’t have the dough so I asked the boss for a loan and he flatly refused,” he laughed.

“Everyone had a panelvan in the 1970s so I eventually found a grey one that was cheap.

“It didn’t last long but I always wished I’d had that purple one.”

Many, many years went by and Jacko bought himself an EH van in 2006.

“There wasn’t much there for what I paid,” he laughed.

“Just a rolling shell, no doors or front guards and no engine: but it was a starting point.”

He’s been working on it on and off since then, sourcing parts and swapping out bits and pieces.

He and his 3 brothers worked on it at different times with different ideas and eventually they settled on a 186 six cylinder engine with a single carburettor mated to an Aussie 4 speed manual gearbox.

The brakes are still drums all round and it’s rolling on 15x7” old school Dragways.

The colour is modern thoughMorpheus from the VE Commodore range.

The interior is pretty simplejust the obligatory mattress in the back, custom door trims and a bench seat across the front.

“I wanted the style of the 70s,” Jacko said.

“So I’m still on the hunt for a pair of low back EH Premier bucket seats to complete the look.”

After it being painted 11 years ago, it’s taken a long time to get the mechanicals completed and sorted, and to have the van on the road, but after a 52-year wait, Jacko’s finally happy to be cruising in his purple EH. Jacko is a member of the Cen-

tral West Car Club which has members in Parkes and Forbes, and around the Central West.

The club meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Parkes Leagues Club at 7:30 pm and welcomes new members and guests.

For more about the club look them up on Facebook or go to their website www.centralwestcarclub.com.

Boost your budget with an energy rebate

Jacko Kendall from Parkes is finally happy to be cruising in his purple EH a er a 52-year wait.

PHOTO: Je McClurg

Poker run roars into Parkes

By CHRISTINE LITTLE

If you heard the CBD rumbling on Saturday afternoon, it wasn’t thunder.

It was the Grenfell Goannas 2025 Poker Run.

A er starting in Grenfell from the Grenfell Bowling Club at 9.30am and passing through Eugowra, a massive 220 riders roared into Parkes for lunch.

No wonder the CBD was shaking from those rumbling engines and tra c at the southern end of Clarinda Street at Cooke Park was brie y brought to a stand-still.

A er packing-out the Cambridge Hotel, they were back on the road at 1.30pm and o to Manildra and Gooloogong before returning to Grenfell.

A total of 288km covered.

As part of the fun, riders received a card at each stop and by the time they reached the end back in Grenfell, it’s the best hand that wins the $1000 prize money.

The poker run is a major fundraiser for the Grenfell Goannas Rugby League Club, started 11 years ago by Peter and Lorraine Harveyson when the club was on the brink of folding.

dar and has become an annual pilgrimage for riders across the Central West, Sydney, Newcastle, Melbourne, Canberra and even Adelaide.

“We didn’t want to see the footy club fold, imagine the footy club folding,” said Peter, whose son has been playing for the club from the juniors right through to the seniors now.

“The fundraiser helps boost the club with players, equipment, things like that.

“We also help each town we stop in with patronage, that way everyone gets a slice of the pie.”

On top of that there are sponsors of the run as well and lucky door prizes.

“It’s usually a $10,000 day at least,” Lorraine said, as they continue to crunch the numbers a er this year’s ride.

“All the accommodation was booked out in Grenfell and the Grenfell Bowling Club did well too with the night’s events.

“They stopped at the Eugowra Bowling Club, the Manildra Hotel and the Gooloogong Golf Club, so it has the knock-on e ect.

“We like to change it up every year (the route), this was our third year to Parkes.”

erated $15,000.

And community support is one of the main reasons why they keep coming back.

“It’s great, we see so many of the same faces each year and once they’re on board they stay on board,” Peter said.

“They come from all over, you name it, it’s state-wide.”

Matt Pyniw from Newcastle and Glen Presland from Paterson have been taking part in the ride for all 11 years.

It started for them a er a friend, who’s a Grenfell local, got them involved.

“We’ve been coming back every year because it’s all for the club and the communities,” Matt said.

“We usually come a few days early and go visit the towns around the area,” Glen added.

Greg Milne from Adelaide, who’s been coming for seven years, said it’s the mates and the fundraiser that draws him back.

Organisers shared on social media a huge thank you to all who participated, supported and helped to make the event possible.

“The energy, the community spirit and the generosity on display [on

what the day was all about, mateship.

BELOW: It certainly was a sight to see as 220 motorbike riders le Grenfell on Saturday

Saturday 8th March 2025

OPEN 12PM | NO BYO | BAR FROM 12-8:30PM 6PM LOCKOUT | FIRST RACE AT 2PM | 6 RACE PROGRAM FREE LUNCHEON 12PM-1:30PM | SKY CHANNEL

& AFTERNOON TEA | LIVE MUSIC - SAM McBRIDE

BUS FROM TOTTENHAM HOTEL CAMPING AVAILABLE | FREE CHILDRENS ENTERTAINMENT FASHIONS ON THE FIELD - APPROPRIATE FOR COUNTRY RACING NO EFTPOS ONSITE | ALL TICKET SALES AT THE GATE

Thankyou to our generous sponsors

from Paterson have been taking part in the Grenfell Goannas Poker Run for all 11 years.

Rider Steve Leer from Bathurst was on his third poker run, and current and former Grenfell players Lee Ryan, Jake Troth, Trent Harveyson and Tyler Stevens.

End of summer celebration

On the last day of summer, Parkes Bowling and Sports Club held an end of summer party to send of the season in style. With live music, a jumping

tained, ra es, food, drinks and barefoot/social bowls there was something for everyone to have a great last day of summer. Check out all of the smiling faces our photographer cap

Ireen Bonham and Carla Bishop.

Coady Hawkes holding Winnie, with Jen Jordan.

Social bowls was a hit for spotters Mark Dwyer and Ian Allen.

Kathryn Blackstock, Jade Alexander and Tricia Trim.

Rusty Gibbons and Sophie Wood.

Mia Townsend, Emmalyn Whitek, Mavis Jordan, Indi Sydenham, Aubrey Palmer, Tiah Sydenham, Tori and Mia Bennett.

Indrakala and Srijana Rezmi.

Avalyn and Mercy Stokes with Emmalyn White at the jumping castle.

Melva is living her best life at 99

Melva Job lives independently in her own home, attends to her veggie garden, watches sport on TV and knits every day.

Melva is a beloved member of the Parkes community, most would know her from her generous charity work knitting a range of items for those in need.

On Saturday, 1 March 35 family and friends gathered at the Parkes Leagues Club to celebrate Melva’s 99th birthday.

Guests included grandchildren and great-grandchildren, close friends and neighbours who all travelled from around Parkes and Dubbo, Sydney, Canberra and Queensland.

Melva is a long-time resident of Parkes, having been here since 1947 and only moving to Nambour in Queensland brie y a er the passing of her younger sister Gwen to be near her daughter Roslyn.

She made the decision to return to Parkes a er the sudden passing of her daughter Roslyn and son Graham 10 years later in 2021. Her youngest daughter Felicity passed away in 2022.

Born in Temora on 26 February, 1926, Melva was one of seven children and the middle girl of three girls.

family with her older sister passing at the age of 97 in 2023.

Melva’s family moved to the family homestead of Hillview in Tottenham when she was two years old.

“We moved from Temora to Tottenham in a Dodge with no windows and six kids under 10,” Melva said.

“I turned two on the way up there (in 1928).

“We got a new car a Plymouth during the war and it had windows.”

Melva drove a horse and sulky to primary school in Tottenham.

She remembers during the Depression her mother

boy growing up, going shooting rabbits with her brother Keith was one of her favourite pastimes.

It was Hillview where she developed her love for animals.

“We didn’t have electricity, we used kerosene lights and we didn’t have water, we had a dam and we would carry the water to the house,” she said.

“And we used a chick feed for a bath.”

Melva boarded in Parkes while attending secondary school.

She returned to Hillview a er nishing school and worked in a general store

‘WENDOUREE’ 2643 Back Trundle Rd, Cooks Myalls, NSW

Two Houses on 2,580 Acres – Estate Must Be Sold

35 main paddocks, excellent water with 8 dams, 20 troughs, three bores.

• 2000 ac leased with 20 years cropping. Red loam soils, avg rainfall of 548mm/PA.

• Improvements inc, shearing shed, lrg mach sheds, work shop, 8 silos plus more.

Approx 640 olive trees at maturity and approx 400 acres sown to lucerne.

2 x homes. Main being 4 BR brick homestead. Second 3 BR manages house/rental.

runs it now and it holds a special part of her heart.

Melva married Dudley Job on May 13, 1953 at St George’s Church of England in Parkes. Dudley passed away in 1995.

She was a corner store shopkeeper with her younger sister Gwen in High Street before she and Dudley took it over while raising their three children Roslyn, Graham and Felicity.

Melva also worked at Birchers, the cra shop and the Anglican op shop.

Many locals will have purchased fabric bunnies and dolls on a stick that Melva

and knitting, and has donated many quilts and bed socks to charities such as Parkes Can Assist and Georgie’s Boutique for cancer patients or fundraising over the years.

She also donates her quilts and bed socks to nursing homes for the residents.

When she lived in Queensland she knitted about 50 quilts, tting out a nursing home in Gympie with one for every bed.

“I’ve had a lot of help from my daughter-in-law,” Melva said.

Melva loves watching football, tennis and cricket, and credits keeping her mind active for her long life.

She can be found watching TV while knitting bedsocks most a ernoons.

She loves her garden and it ourishes under her care, keeping friends and family supplied with an abundance of squash, cucumbers, pumpkin, watermellon, tomatoes and spaghetti squash.

Melva has eight grandkids, 13 great-grandkids and as of a few months ago a great-great-grandchild.

She also has a wonderful group of friends and neighbours, and her dog who support her in living her best life.

Heavy patching on Newell north of Parkes

Traffic will be reduced to a single lane for a month for heavy patching work on the Newell Highway north of Parkes. The work began this week on Monday.

Transport for NSW workers will carry out the job between one kilometre from the Parkes Bypass and Tarcoma Road on weekdays between 7am and 5pm until Friday, 28 March, weather permitting.

Single lane closures and a reduced speed of 40km/h will be in place during work hours for the safety of workers and road users. The speed limit will return to 60km/h outside of work hours.

Transport for NSW said road users should follow the directions of traffic control and signs, and allow up to five minutes of additional travel time.

Meanwhile traffic on the Newell Highway north of Maguire Road will also be reduced to one lane for a week for the Parkes Bypass project. Under stop/slow conditions, workers will be installing barriers and environmental controls which began yesterday.

Once completed, the same work will take place at the southern end of the project. Work hours will be 7am to 6pm weekdays and 8am to 6pm on Saturdays, with the road to reopen to two-way traffic at night.

The work is expected to take seven days at each location, weather permitting.

Intermittent stopping and a reduced speed limit of 40 km/h will be in place during work hours and may affect travel times.

For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW app, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701. Tra ic will be reduced to a single lane for a month.

PHOTO: File

Holy Family School 20 25

Captains & Vice Captains

House Captains

Kindergarten

Captains and Vice: Emerson Kaden (VC), Elizabeth Toomey (C), Jack Kaden (C), Max Dwyer Mulligan (VC).

House Captains: Poppy Lawryk and Stanley Drooger (Welcome), Harper Edmonds and Abel Medlyn (Bushman), Nina Jiang and Charls Chen (Phoenix), Mia Malherbe and Issac Allen (Currajong).

Back- Layla Al-Maliky, Joey Hazelton, Isabel Siju, Ted Dugan. Front- Elsie Galvin, Nate Calabro, Allegra Cronin and Finley Gibbons.

AECG: Lori-Jayde Gee, Bella Allen and Samuel Kaden. Absent: Addison and Bentley Murray.

AECG

Back Row (L to R): Harvey Williams, Riley Crowe, Jack McCabe, Arlo Stevenson, Colton Ingram, Wraith Sloane, Noah Al-Maliky. Second Row (L to R) : Abigail Smee, Mikayla Sibanda, Millie McIntyre, Olivia Jiang, Tennessee-Rose Lewin, Savannah Tarry. Third Row (L to R): Chelsea Spedding, Izak Malherbe, Jorawar Singh, Zoe Harris, Toby Slaven, Jackson Jordan, Kingston Fainga’a. Front Row (L to R): Isla Duong, Evie Acret, Cooper Culhane, Isla Barber, Lacey Armor, Arjun Jodder. Absent: Ranuga Lekam Ralalage

Parkes High School 20 25

Captains

Back L-R: Ewan Moody (prefect), Jacob MacRae (prefect), Matayah Guy (prefect), Cameron Lees (prefect), Lily Collins (VC), Ava Quade ( Indigenous prefect), Isabella Hughes (prefect)

Front L-R: Luka Parkin (C), Darcy Summerhayes ( VC), Blake Price (Special education prefect), Naomi Dunn (C)

Senior Leadership Team Sporting House Captain

•

Back L-R: Jamie-lee Fisher, Lilia Howard, Holly Duncan, Jake Dunn, Sam Rivett, Elly Thornberry

Front L-R: Isabella Hughes, Matayah Guy, Faith Clarke, Elsie Orr, Edie Seaman

L-R: Darcy Summerhayes (VC), Luka Parkin (C), Naomi Dunn (C), Lily Collins (VC)

Programs. 6.00 Flushed. 7.00 It’s Academic. 8.30 Get Arty. 9.00

6.00 Morning Programs. 11.30 GetOn Extra. 12.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Better Homes. 3.00 The Yorkshire Vet. 4.00 Escape To The Country. 5.00 Horse Racing. Randwick Guineas Day And The All-Star Mile. 6.00 Dog Patrol. 6.30 Bondi Vet. 7.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 10.30 I Escaped To The Country. 11.30 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 2.15 ER. 3.00 Doctor Who. 3.50 Penn & Teller: Fool Us. 4.30 MythBusters. 5.25 Love Your Garden. 7.00 Spicks And Specks. 7.30 QI. 8.00 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee (NZ) 8.50 Ab Fab. 10.20 ER. 11.05 Not Going Out. 11.35 Rage. 12.35 QI. 1.10 ER. 2.35 Late Programs.

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. 12.00 Horse Racing. Randwick Guineas Day And The All-Star Mile. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. 7.30 MOVIE: Jason Bourne. (2016) Matt Damon, Tommy Lee Jones. 10.10 MOVIE: American Made. (2017) Tom Cruise. 12.30 Late Programs.

6.00 Rage Charts. 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Wang Gungwu Lecture 2025. 1.30 Optics. Final. 2.00 Under The Vines. 2.45 Extraordinary Escapes. 3.35 The Role Of A Lifetime. 4.25 Muster Dogs: Collies And Kelpies. 5.25 Landline. 5.55 Australian Story. 6.30 Back Roads. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 Death In Paradise. 8.30 Vera. 10.05 The Newsreader. 11.00 Unforgotten. 11.50 Rage. 6.00 Kids’ Programs. 4.20 Odd Squad. 4.45 Gardening Australia Junior. 5.10 Thomas. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.30 Kids BBQ Championship. 8.10 Chopped Jnr. 8.55 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.35 Speechless. 9.55 Officially Amazing Goes Bunkers. 10.25 Dragon Ball Super. 10.50 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Silvia’s Italian Masterclass. 12.30 Farm To Fork. 1.00 10 Minute Kitchen. 1.30 Frugal Foodie. 2.00 Pat Callinan’s 4x4 Adventures. 3.00 What’s Up Down Under. 3.30 Roads Less Travelled. 4.00 My Market Kitchen. 4.30 Good Chef Bad Chef. 5.00 10 News First. 6.30

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Weekender. 10.30 Weekender. 11.00 Ed And Karen’s Recipes For Success. 12.00 Dream Home. 1.45 Holey Moley Australia. 3.15 Britain’s Got Talent. 5.05 The Goldbergs. 5.35 MOVIE: The Angry Birds Movie 2. (2019) 7.30 MOVIE: Ladies In Black. (2018) 9.45 MOVIE: The Bounty Hunter. (2010) 12.05 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 Motor Racing. NDRC Top Doorslammer. Nitro Slam. 4.00 Carnage. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Storage Wars. 7.30 Aussie Salvage Squad. 8.30 Heavy Tow Truckers Down Under. 9.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 10.30 Engineering Disasters. 11.30 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Destination WA. 12.30 My Way. 1.00 Let’s Eat With George. 1.30 Hybrid Horizons. New. 2.00 The Pet Rescuers. 2.30 Bondi Vet. 3.30 David Attenborough’s Mammals. 4.30 The Garden Gurus. Return. 5.00 9News First At Five. 5.30 Getaway. 6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Space Invaders. 8.30 MOVIE: Legally Blonde 2: Red, White And Blonde. (2003) 10.30 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Avengers. 12.00 Golf. Australian WPGA Championship. Third round. 5.00 Rugby Union. Super W. Round 2. NSW Waratahs v Western Force. 7.00 Rugby Union. Super Rugby Pacific. Round 4. NSW Waratahs v Western Force. 9.30 Super Rugby Pacific Post-Match. 9.45 MOVIE: Rocky II. (1979) 12.10 Late Programs.

12.00 Australian Survivor. 1.15 My Market Kitchen. 1.30 Cook With Luke. 2.00 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield. 2.30 To Be Advised. 4.30 Good Chef Bad Chef. 5.00 10 News First. 6.00 The Sunday

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) You find yourself making sheep eyes at someone who seems receptive. While the situation looks promising, you might not be ready for a long-term commitment.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) The delay in getting your task done leaves you pawing the ground in frustration. Be patient. The reason for the holdup will soon become apparent. Meanwhile, an opportunity to travel comes from an unexpected source.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Your usually sharp instincts about people should be right on the cutting edge in regard to a major decision. You might want to hold off on a commitment until (or unless) you feel like both the person and project are trustworthy.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Resist the impulse to tell tales about a co-worker. Even if your motives are sincere, they’ll be seen as self-serving. A personal situation remains unstable. Wait for things to settle down.

Home. 1.15 Home And Away. 3.00 Jabba’s Movies. 3.30 Australian Idol. 5.30 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters. 6.30 Puppy School. 7.30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent. 8.30 Law & Order: SVU.

10.00 AFL Sunday Footy Show. Return. 12.00 Golf. Australian WPGA Championship. Final round. 5.00 Getaway. 5.30 Customs. 6.00 Dad’s Army. 6.30 M*A*S*H. 8.30 MOVIE:

LEO (July 23 to August 22) You love to lap up compliments. But be wary of someone at work who is drowning you in an outpouring of praise. In your personal life, pay more attention to your spouse or partner.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) A perplexing romantic situation turns out to be less complex than you thought. A simple explanation soon clears up all misunderstandings.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Try to remain balanced as you cope with two emotional people. They want your advice -- but at a price to your equilibrium.

SCORPIO (October 23 to

anniversary.

Jewell to listen to some music on Friday.

George’s.

Beverley Grange, Lyn Pengilly and Bev and Bob Bokeyar enjoyed their dinner together celebrating 150 years of the Anglican Parish of Parkes and Peak Hill. PHOTOS: Christine Little, Madeline Blackstock and Reverend Ben Mackay

the best seats in the house for the fireworks in Cooke Park that were part of the Country Sounds event.

Organist Richard Morgan gave a organ recital.

The men’s breakfast that was part of St George’s 150th celebrations on the weekend.

marking 150 years of vision and ministry.

Jack redefining Australian cuisine

By MARG APPLEBEE CENTRAL WEST LACHLAN

LANDCARE

We look forward to welcoming Chef Jack Brown to Homegrown Parkes on 29 March.

Jack, who has spent some time in the Central West, will be a welcome inclusion at our Homegrown Parkes event.

He is an Indigenous chef trained in traditional French cuisine and he is on a mission to rede ne Australian cuisine by incorporating native Indigenous ingredients into everyday cooking. Born in Melbourne, Jack spent his childhood traveling with his family, experiencing a variety of cultures and international cuisines being in uenced by the street food scene in Singapore, where dishes were served that combined di erent cultures.

His interest in the culinary world started at the age of 17 as a kitchen hand at an Italian restaurant in Hornsby.

Jack then launched his culinary career, taking him to various restaurants in Sydney and Western New South Wales.

Brown seeks to empower Australian native ingredients by incorporating them into everyday cooking, not just in ne dining establishments.

He believes that many native ingredients, such as wattle seeds and warrigal greens, are underutilized despite their abundance.

Jack is rede ning Australian cuisine by embracing native ingredients.

His vision inspires chefs and home cooks alike to explore the possibilities of Indigenous ingredients and celebrate them.

This new approach encourages a greater appreciation

of Australia’s rich heritage and native culinary culture.

Jack will be providing a workshop in the Cooke Park Pavilion from 11am – 12pm and you are invited to join us.

Please reserve a seat for this free event during Homegrown Parkes at https:// www.stickytickets.com.au/ j5i7r/homegrown_parkes_ workshop_with_chef_jack_ brown.aspx

This will be an opportunity for local and regional businesses who are processing, repurposing, sewing, propagating or producing fabulous local products to share their skill and products.

Homegrown Parkes highlights processes for using locally produced food and products with the aim of encouraging locals to have a go and grow in their own backyard, your cupboard or your porch and make it yourself.

The Homegrown Parkes Committee, made up of members of Central West Lachlan Landcare, Parkes Community Arts and Parkes Shire Council contributors, are looking forward to delivering two fabulous, encouraging and inspirational events in 2025.

Make sure that you put the 29th of March in your calendar and join us at Cooke Park.

Bring your shopping bags, bring cash, bring your cards and invite your friends to share in the free entertainment, good regional food and produce and share in some of our learning opportunities.

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

Merino ewes sell from $81 to $179/head at Forbes sale

CATTLE SALE

Monday, 3 March

Yarding 1717 (up 254)

Numbers li ed this sale with agents yarding 1717 head.

Quality was once again very mixed with both well bred and secondary cattle penned.

The usual buyers were present and competing in a very variable market.

Middleweight yearling steers to feed were rm to a couple dearer to sell from 324c to 378c/kg.

Heavyweights sold from 345 to 376c/kg.

Finished types to processors received from 328 to 370c/kg.

The heifer portion uctuated with quality and types.

Those to feed ranging from 290 to 325c with processors paying from 285 to 330c/kg.

Heavy steers and bullocks were limited and reached

337c/kg.

Grown heifers sold from 310 to 328c/kg.

A large penning of cows lost last weeks gains slipping

20c and more.

Heavy 2 score sold from 255 to 300c and 3 score received 272 to 306c/kg.

The best heavy bull reached 323c/kg.

SHEEP SALE

Tuesday, 4 March

Yarding 37,000 (down 2850)

Numbers slipped this sale with agents yarding 37000 head.

There was 26700 lambs penned and quality was similar to that of previous sales with some good lines of trade and heavyweight sheep penned along with the plainer types.

The usual buyers were present and competing along with restockers in a dearer market.

Light lambs to restockers sold from $74 to $175/head.

Trade weight lambs 2024kg li ed $4 to sell from $150 to $212/head.

Heavy lambs to 26kg received from $205 to $230/ head.

Extra heavyweights over 26kg li ed $3 to $5 to range from $228 to $288/ head.

Carcase prices averaged 800 to 854c/kg.

Mutton numbers decreased with 10300 head offered.

Merinos continue to make up the majority and quality was very mixed.

Prices were rm to a couple dearer. Merino ewes sold from $81 to $179/head.

Crossbreds ranged from $84 to $169 with Dorper ewes

reaching $158/head. Merino wethers sold from $100 to $159/head. FROM MLA’S NATIONAL LIVESTOCK REPORTING AGENCY

PIG SALE

Friday, 28 February

A smaller yarding of sows saw rm prices on last fortnight’s sale. Boars improved 10c to 20c per kg, only a handful of boars saw rm prices on last month’s sale. Pork was also in short supply this sale but quality was excellent, prices jumped by $30 to $40 per head. Sucker numbers increased and prices remained rm. FROM VC REID SMITH LIVESTOCK

Scott Reid: 0428 521 481 admin@vcrlivestock.com.au Murray Reid: 0488 432 207 vcrlivestock.com.au Sam Smith: 0448 847 017 VC Reid Smith Livestock Office: 02 6852 1481 @vcreidsmithlivestock

Merinos continue to make up the majority and quality was very mixed. Prices were firm to a couple dearer. PHOTO: File

You will find chef, Jack Brown at Homegrown Parkes this month sharing his expertise in the kitchen. PHOTO: Supplied

IN PERSON BY PHONE

Annie takes bowling career to new heights

By MADELINE BLACKSTOCK

Mick Simpson Plumbing

Good Lamplan gures, Bruco free, Gudair vacc. Alan Sharrock 0427 511 397 or agsharrock@gmail.com

GARAGE SALE

5 Vaucluse Place, Parkes

Saturday, March 15 from 8am–1pm

quantity of household items, mirrors for Isuzu ute and much more!

Personal Notices

MORRISON, David William

Late of Railway Parade, Trundle, who passed away suddenly on Friday, February 21, 2025 at the age of 73 years.

Devoted husband of Sue.

Dearly loved father and father-in-law of Nathan & Emily, Sally & Brett, Tina & Greg, Joshua & Emma, Amy & Peter and Katie & Ben.

Adored Pop of Harry, Joel, Lacie, Charlotte, Lachie, Ned, Billy, Archie, Evie, Matilda, Lucas, Brock, Lara, Isabelle, Meg, Madeline, Ellie (Dec), Fern and Holly.

A service to celebrate David’s life, will be held at the Trundle Golf Club, commencing at 10.30am on Saturday March 8, 2025, followed by a private family cremation at the Central West Crematorium

In 2024 Annie Teague made her name known on every bowling green she stepped on and 2025 is already looking like it’s going to be no different for the young bowler.

In January Annie won the Under 16s South Pacific Lawn Bowls Tournament at the Warilla Bowling Club on the south coast.

The 14-year-old made history as she was the second girl to ever claim the title and the first since 2012.

“I was thrilled and so proud when I won,” Annie said.

“It’s a tournament that was on my bucket list to try and win before turning 18 but when it was pointed out that I was the second girl ever to win this event since 2012 and the other girl to win it was the brilliant Ellan Ryan who has played for Australia, was just an honour to have my name on the same shield as her.”

Annie competed in the singles tournament on 13 January where she played three games to advance through to quarter finals two days later.

Annie won her quarter final game 25-19 and said it was a battle as her opponent is a very good bowler.

Annie went on to win her semi final game 25-4 and followed it up with a 25-19 victory against Noah Jedrzejczyk which she said was a very proud moment.

In between theses days Annie competed in the pairs tournament with Jordan Sturgiss from the ACT.

The pair advanced to the quarter finals which were played on 16 January but unfortunately were beaten by one shot.

This was Annie’s second year competing in the South Pacific Lawn Bowls Tournament as she placed equal third last year.

“I always enjoy this tournament as it it the first tournament of the year and you get to catch up with mates and players,” Annie said.

“I wanted to go one step further than I did last year to make the finals but I am very honoured that I have won this prestigious tournament.

“The tournament is hosted by Warilla Bowls Club and coordinated by Corey Wedlock who is an Australian Jackaroo so not only will you see brilliant junior bowlers and the future of our great game at the tournament but we do get to meet and mix with a few famous faces as well.”

As Annie takes her bowling career to new heights at

says is an honour.

“I never thought I would be a member of any bowling club over the Blue Mountains so I am very grateful that Merrylands Bowling Club asked me to be part of their Magic family as they have a fantastic and supportive junior program.”

Annie now travels to Merrylands every weekend or whenever she has to play and represent.

“It’s long hours, especially the travel to and from.

“It’s a long hard commitment but I am so grateful that I get this once-in-alifetime opportunity.”

It is looking like a busy year ahead for the up and coming bowling star with plans to compete in the Australian Open for Under 18s girls with hopes to make the finals.

Annie is also planning to compete in the open women’s singles Champion of Champions, defend her title at the Under 15s girls singles NSW Junior Cham-

year. Annie has reflected on her bowling career so far and can’t believe where she is at now.

“When I first started bowling and I rolled up at the Parkes Railway Bowling Club with my pop I never thought I would be a member of a reputable bowling club such as the Merrylands Bowling Club.

“I joined Caragabal Bowling Club and with their support and encouragement I began to bowl in junior and open tournaments and this is where my dream began,” Annie said.

Annie would not have made it this far in lawn bowls if it wasn’t for the support of the Caragabal Bowling Club, West Dubbo Bowling Club and the Parkes Bowling and Sports Club.

“I can’t forget to thank my mum, dad and grandparents who help and are so supportive and encouraging. I can’t do this without them,” Annie added.

ACROSS

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

3 What is the national legislative body of the USA (8)

7 Name the head of a Muslim State (6)

8 Which military staff officer assists the commanding officer (8)

9 What, in the USA is a five-cent piece (6)

10 To inoculate, is to do what (8)

11 Name a renowned movie dog (6)

14 What are beginnings known as (6)

17 What is a radio or TV broadcast of news reports (8)

18 Name groups of fish crowded fairly close together (6)

19 Who often plays the music in a church (8)

20 Name a volcanic mountain in eastern Turkey, Mount ... (6)

21 What is a beginning or a development (8)

DOWN

1 Name a tropical climbing orchid (7)

2 Who wrote Oliver Twist, Charles ... (7)

3 Name a cup for the wine of the eucharist (7)

4 Name a French post-impressionist painter, Paul ... (7)

6 What are sofas also known as (7)

11 Name the 16th President of the USA (7)

12 What are waste matters that pass through sewers called (7)

13 Which aromatic substance is burnt for its fragrant odour (7)

E-QUATIONS 7

5 To be indirect, is to be what (7)

14 To remain too long, is to do what (7)

Letters have a number value

Some values are in the right hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.

E-QUATIONS

Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.

15 What is a metal urn for heating the water for making tea (7)

16 What is a picture, as of a scene (7)

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

WHICH WORDS

1 CHARLATAN

(a) A mere talking pretender

(b) The edible leaf stalk of artichoke

(c) A dance characterised by spasmodic knee action

2 DEBENTURE

(a) A contention in words

(b) A complete break-up or collapse

(c) A written acknowledgement of a debt

BIYWORD

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:

Bird: Jabiru ... (5)

Dark yellowish-brown (5)

Disease-transmitting organism (7)

Farm animal (3)

Means of access (7)

Movement of a dog’s tail (3)

Music: principal tonality (3)

Twist to remove fluid (5)

Unofficial vote: ... poll (5)

Was seated (3)

Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.

SPORT

Heart-breaking loss for Pirates

BOWLS

PARKES

By MARTY TIGHE

Pennants

The Pirates’ Grade 2 Pennants team were desperately unlucky in their loss to the powerful undefeated Dubbo City team, played on the Pirates’ home turf last Sunday.

The Pirates proudly flew the flag, putting in a great combined team effort, but were defeated by just 1 shot.

The heart-breaking loss virtually ends the top Pirates teams’ chance to advance to the Section playoffs.

Dubbo City defeated Parkes Pirates by 56 shots to 55, overall loss of 2 to 8 on the big board.

The Pirates Grade 5 team travelled to Canowindra and came away deserved winners with a 9 to 1 win on the big board against a very determined Canowindra team at home.

The Pirates won by 66 shots to 58, winning 2 of the 3 rinks.

Team Wright were seemingly in control of their contest, leading by a comfortable margin, until the 3rd last end.

The old heads from Canowindra scored 5 shots, to take the lead by 1 shot with 2 ends to play.

Steve Turner, Joanne Simpson, Jake Brown and big Wrighty regained their composure and won the 2 remaining ends in a tense and nervous nish, recording a win by 25 shots to 23.

Wilbur Harris’ team of Mark Glasheen, Marty Tighe

and Jock Townsend led from the very rst end and were too good for their fast- nishing Canowindra quartet, to win their match by 8 shots. It was a good even team performance from Mark, Marty, Jock and Wilbur with each bowler performing well

Ladies bowl up a storm

WOMEN’S BOWLS

By MAUREEN MILLER

Eighteen bowlers took to the greens that are running hot, thanks to ground control, who are working hard to get it ready for three Open Pennants Grades playing next Sunday.

If you want to watch some great bowls, come to the club at 11am.

Ann S, Kay and Cherie had a slow start against Irene A, Chris C and Lorraine in their game of turn around triples but slowly got some wind in their sails on the sixth end to bluster home with a narrow win over Lorraine’s team, great bowls played by all.

Irene T, Carol and Jan played Michele, Lynn and Maureen with Maureen’s team having the tail wind until the 9th end when Jan’s

team played up a storm and didn’t lose an end until the last had a win.

During a lull in the storm Michele discovered she was ambidextrous playing a great le -handed bowl surprising us all including herself!

In the last game Gwen, Lil and Marja played into the crosswinds of Betsy, Merilyn and Rhona.

This was a game that rained good bowls by all players.

Betsy was very blustery putting down the jack before the mat, but Marja’s team put up some sandbags and it was anyone’s game, Rhona’s team hung on to take the win.

Into the shelter of the club for our lunch and pancakes for dessert.

Thank you Rhona, you always have great food ideas. With full tummies the jackpot rink 4 was drawn and Irene T pressed for the num-

ber 7 but was one short, so the jackpot increases to $120 next week.

On to the hundred club and Jan, Maureen, Betsy and Lorraine were happy with their loot.

Don’t forget Gala Day on the 18 March, please put your name on the list if playing or if just coming for lunch.

We are asking our club players to bring a small plate of scones or slice, or cupcakes.

Semi nals of the club pairs will be played Thursday a ernoon at 4pm.

Liz Byrne and Nat Hancock v Jan McPhee and Maureen Miller - Cherie Frame and Betsy Johnstone v Jo Simpson and Elaine Miller.

To play next Tuesday ring the PB&SC on 6862 1446 between 9-930am. All visitors and new bowlers always welcome.

when it most mattered.

Gary McPhee’s team of Maureen Miller, Tony Riordan and Pete McPhee struggled all match, and at one stage were behind by 15

As the heat sagged the energy from all bowlers, team McPhee staged a remarkable recovery, and were trailing by just 4 shots on the last end.

Maureen, Tony, Pete and Gary bowled superbly on the last end, and held 4 shots in the head, and were eyeing o at least a draw result.

The Canowindra Skip bowled 2 terri c bowls to reduce the head to one shot for team McPhee, resulting in a 3 shot loss.

Team McPhee were brilliant in a remarkable comeback a er being a long way behind midway through the match.

The Pirates Grade 7 team had a strong win at home over Tullamore, winning all 3 rinks and the big board by 74 shots to 55, for an overall result of 10 to nil.

Social bowls Last week’s social bowls

were played at the earlier start time of 10am on both Thursday and Saturday in an attempt to play outside of the hottest part of the day.

Numbers were down, with 16 bowlers on Thursday and 18 bowlers on Saturday, with all games played over a reduced number of ends.

Slightly cooler conditions are anticipated this week, allowing a return to normal start time of 1pm on both days.

The Lucky Rink jackpot sits at $200 for next Thursdays’ social bowls.

A reminder to visitors or new bowlers that social bowls are played each Thursday and Saturday.

As always, the ‘Friendly Club’ welcomes all visitors to play social bowls.

Ladies bowls are played on Tuesday.

Two ra es are held each Friday, as well as the lucky 100 number wheel and picka-box, together with the members draw.

The members draw jackpot is now $2000. All the action starts from 7pm.

Massive day of hockey ahead of season

HOCKEY

Parkes Hockey is gearing up for an action packed day this Saturday.

With a come and try ses sion, coaching clinic and premier league games, there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy.

Kicking the day o will be a come and try session from 10am to 10:30am.

If you have never played hockey before or not sure if hockey is the sport for your child this is the perfect time to come and give it a try at the Parkes Hockey elds.

If you can’t make it to the come and try session this Saturday but still want to give hockey a try, don’t wor ry as two more come and try sessions will be held on 15 and 21 March.

These sessions are free, open to all ages and equip ment can be borrowed.

From 10:45am to 11:30am learn a skill or two from Parkes and Canberra pre mier league players at the coaching clinic before they take the eld and put their skills on show in a trial game.

This coaching clinic is free and open to all abilities.

Skills that will be taught range from basic hitting skills to goal scoring and drag icks.

Our Parkes United men and women will be playing against ANU premier league teams from 2:30pm.

Both Parkes mens and wo mens premier league teams boast a number of new, young and talented players. Make sure to come out and cheer on our Parkes teams on local turf for their rst hit outs of the season.

selling BBQ items and drinks for lunch.

REGISTRATIONS OPEN

The Parkes Hockey canteen will also be running,

The 2025 hockey season kicks o on 3 and 5 April with registrations now open.

If you are keen to have a

crack at hockey this season, returning to hockey or have a little hockey superstar in the making, make sure to jump onto Parkes Hockey Incorporated’s facebook page to register for the 2025 season today.

Eighteen bowlers took the green during women’s bowls.

PHOTO: File

Jim Blake from the Parkes Bowling and Sports Club looking in fine form of late.

PHOTO: Jenny Kingham

in a coaching clinic before they take the field against ANU in a trial game on Saturday, 8 March. PHOTOS: Supplied

Blistering round secures net win

GOLF

By PETER BRISTOL

March Monthly Medal: The February Telescope Tyres / Hankook Masters Monthly Medal was played on Saturday, and our day sponsor was Brian Collins Smash Repairs and Parkes Caravans.

The company has long been associated with the PGC and Troy and Jodie have been generous in all aspects of club support and the players appreciate their sponsorship.

There were 69 players attempting to get the medals for March.

In A grade the winner was James Ward, who has been steadily working his handicap to 1.8. He did get some relief playing o the blue markers but only to 3.

James had a birdie on the front but unfortunately a double and 2 bogeys.

Then he had 2 bogeys and 7 pars on the back to record a 77.

The only one to beat the score on the day was club Pro Zac Kelly, who managed an even par round.

Chasing James home was John Green, David Brown

and Wayne Powter who all fell just one stroke short.

In the net event, Tim Cowling blew the opposition away with a 66 net o his 14 handicap to win by 4 strokes. This will be a great launching pad for Tim’s A grade career.

Dave Brown had a 70 net and remains in great summer form as he prepares to y north for the winter.

Wayne Powter was a further shot back.

In B grade Phil Smith proved too good in the scratch event by a stroke.

His 87, with a 44/43 split proving 1 stroke too good for Ian Hendry, defending from last month, Jim O’Donoghue and Christine Porter, visiting from Tocumwal.

Phil was solid all day with a birdie matched by a double on the front and then 7 bogeys and 2 pars on the back.

It’s been a while since he’s been in the winners circle, but this could kick start a strong ’25 for him.

In the net it was a 4 way tie with king of the le ies, Dub Rodgers, getting up in the countback on 72, from Phil, Christine and Matt Knighton.

Once the premier le y Dub

has been in the wilderness for a while but showed there’s still ght in the old dog with this e ort.

In C grade it was a double to Nick Strudwick as he picked up the scratch and net with his 93.

He started o a bit rusty on the front 9 recording a 50 but came home strongly with 43.

Craig Dunn, who has a permanent spot on the podium these days, was a stroke back and James Mackenzie was a further stroke back.

In the net Nick had to go through a countback to claim the prize from James with Reg Davison a stroke further back.

The Gri ns Leading Edge putting competition was won by David Brown with 24 putts.

The Norman family sponsored Wally Norman Vets Medal was won by Joe Davies on a 70 net.

The Nearest The Pins on Saturday were – The Idlerite 1st was Idlerite Tyrepower not won, the Gri ns Leading Edge was Phil Smith at 250cm, the Parkes Ready Mixed Concrete 9th by Jordon Grosvenor at 50cm, the Harvey Norman 11th by

Wayne Powter at 367cm and the 17th by Gary Bryson at 39cm.

Ball winners were James Mackenzie 70, Wayne Powter, Reg Davison 71, Wayne Parker, Rob Rea, Mark Kelly 72.

This coming weekend is an 18 hole medley Par event and it is the 2nd round of the Frank Donnelly Perpetual Trophy.

In the CWDGA Pennants, Parkes played their last games on Sunday with only the mighty Div 2 boys able to make the playo s in ’25. Unfortunately, they went down 4-1 to the strong Duntry League side thus ending their chance for this year. The club wishes to thank all the players who made themselves available for the Pennant season and we look forward to ’26.

Almighty Rhinos show their power in Parkes Services Club Power Play Pairs

George led 4 nil a er 3 ends

Toby gets it back to 7 all after 9 ends and takes the lead

Toby leads 22-10 a er 20 ends and 24-14 a er 24 ends. Toby goes on to win the game

In more Minor Singles action Frank Van Opynen played

Frank led 10-4 a er 6 ends.

Stretch got to back to 10 all a er 8 ends and led 16-13 a er

Frank led 23-16 a er 18 ends and went on to win the

In the Club Fours Dawn Parker, Ash Kirwan, Pauline Currey and Nev Kirwan played Cody Hando, Mick Dunn, John Corcoran and It’s 3 all a er 2 and 5 all a er

Team Strudwick takes the lead 15-9 a er 11 ends and 17Team Strudwick go on to

Grade 4 got up 8-2 to Con-

Grade 6.1 got up 9-1 over Grade 6.2 went down 8-2 to Grade 7 got up 8-2 over Con-

a er 8 ends and 15-5 a er 10. Cleggy and Dunny led 19-9 a er 17 ends and went on to win the game 26-10.

In Minor Singles Toby Tanks

This week we have Grade 4 hosting Manildra, Grade 6.1 away to West Dubbo, Grade 6.2 hosting Dubbo City and Grade 7 away to Manildra. This week we have Social

Bowls on Wednesday, 5 March at 1pm and social bowls on Saturday, 8 March at 1pm.

As always names in half an hour before start times, everyone is welcome.

Quality new loan bowls are available at the club.

For those interested in having a roll of bowls, please note the following.

Social bowls means anyone and everyone is welcome to come have a game.

If it’s your rst time this is where you start.

Just come to the club on the desired day at least 45 minutes prior to the advertised start times and see one of our dedicated volunteers and we will assist with getting you sorted and some bowls and point you in the right direction.

Social bowls is competitive without being too serious. Players 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.

Quickshine Punters Club

The Punters Club has been rolling along well and the results are put on the board as they happen.

Money can be placed in the tin on the bar at any point along the way. Giddy up.

In the Club on Friday, 7 March we have meat

Showing no signs of slowing down, now 83-year-old Ian Phipps can still be found on the Parkes Golf Course. PHOTO: Jenny Kingham

Despite leading his minor singles early, George Greenhalgh (pictured) wasn’t able to slow down opponent Toby Tanks once he got on a roll. PHOTO: Jenny Kingham

Bogan Gate sees off another Grinsted Cup challenge

An opening father and son partnership set the foundation for another Bogan Gate win and successful Grinsted Cup defence on Sunday.

The Rabbits have now held the historic Cup through two seasons and 15 challenges from around the region, this week’s contest played out in hot conditions at Parkes’ Woodward Oval.

Condobolin batted rst and well with Franklin Ross (44) and C Sloane (64) batting through a 36 over partnership as their side posted a total of 8/148.

Wickets were shared between Israel Syminton (3/19 o 11); Paul Dunford (3/30); and Andrew Britt (1/28).

In reply father and son duo of Paul and Jack Dunford got Bogan Gate o to a great start with an opening stand of 69.

Paul continued his ne form from last week and got the Rabbits home with his rst Grinsted cup century (101).

Tom Caldwell (7) and Paul Carty (17 not out) helped the hosts to the win with 2/150 in the 29th over.

Bogan Gate had denied a challenge from Forbes the week prior on February 23.

The Cup holders batting rst at Parkes’ Spicer Oval, Paul Dunford led the charge notching up 69 runs.

It was Forbes’ Ben Sey er (4/49 o 12) who eventually sent the bails ying to bring his innings to an end.

Captain Ryan Dunford added 25 as Forbes bowled their hosts out for 185 in the 49th over.

For the bowling side Dan Sweeney (1/31 o 15 overs) kept the pressure on and Jacob Reid who took 3/62 o 11 overs later in the innings to constrain Bogan Gate.

But the Rabbits showed how they’ve held this historic trophy for the past two seasons when they went to the eld: they took consistent wickets to have Forbes out for 40 runs.

Tommy Caldwell was sensational in the eld, taking four catches in gully.

Charlie Mitton (6) and Selwyn Bale (3) opened the batting for Forbes but Israel Symington (3/12 o seven) struck early in the innings.

Andrew Britt claimed 3/24 o eight overs; and Pete Thomas took 2/3 without even bowling a full over.

Dylan Sheady was Forbes’ top scorer with 10 not out.

Bogan Gate thanks the supporters and their sponsors Bogan Gate Pub, Foothills Mechanical, OTIA, BRITT physiotherapy and Kurrajong Angus.

Grenfell has booked the next challenge on Sunday, 9 March.

Alexis breaks two records in the pool at

swimming carnival

Alexis Gaut has broke two records at the St Patrick’s School swimming carnival which was held on 14 February in Condobolin.

Alexis broke the 10 years girls 50m freestyle record which was previously held in 2003 in a time of 43.06.

She then went on to break the junior 50m breaststroke record which was previously held in 2001 with a time of 43.03.

Alexis with her incredible swimming at the carnival claimed junior girl champion and quali ed for the WF Cluster swimming carnival.

Senior girl champion was won by Peyton Stevenson and senior girl runner up was Abby Quade.

Alexis was joined by Tilly Holloway, Peyton Stevenson, Abby Quade and Chelsea

Stephen at the WF Cluster swimming carnival competing against students from Forbes, Parkes and Condobolin.

At this carnival Alexis placed first in both the 10 year girls 50m freestyle and junior girl 50m breaststroke.

Abby also placed third in the 11 year girls 50m breaststroke with the St Patrick’s senior girl relay including Abby, Alexis Tilly and Peyton placing third.

At this carnival Alexis and Abby quali ed to compete in individual events at the Diocesan Carnival with the St Patrick’s School small school 50m relay team also qualifying.

These students will now travel to Parkes and compete on Friday, 7 March.

Alexis Gaut placed first in 10 year girls 50m freestyle and first in junior girls 50m breaststroke at the WF Cluster Swimming Carnival.

Abby Quade placed third in the 11 year girls 50m breaststroke at the WF Cluster Swimming Carnival.

Western Rams go down swinging

It wasn’t Western Rams’ day on Sunday as Parkes hosted two of the junior rugby league rep games at Pioneer Oval.

But the regional sides in the Under 16s and Under 18s went down swinging, putting on a show against Macarthur West Tigers.

While there were no Parkes players in either teams, there were two from Condobolin - Nate Vincent in the 16s and Zane Saunders in the 18s who plays for Parkes.

Kicking o at 10am, it was a tough rst half for Western’s 16s who went into the break down 30nil.

It must have been the half-time pep talk as these boys turned the game around for what could be the come-back of the season in the second half.

Western only lost 32 to Macarthur’s 48.

Macarthur also took the bragging rights in the 18s, but only beat the Rams by four points 30-26.

Parkes Marist Junior Rugby League Club who helped to host the matches praised a good day of footy.

Parkes Marist junior players Jaxon Clarke, Tyson Smith, Jack Robinson (back) and Billy White helped with hosting on the day.

Zayde Burns scores for the Western Rams on Sunday at Pioneer Oval in Parkes. PHOTOS: Jenny Kingham

ANNIE MAKES HISTORY ON THE GREEN

By MADELINE BLACKSTOCK

In 2024 Annie Teague made her name known on every bowling green she stepped on and 2025 is already looking like it’s going to be no different for the young bowler.

In January Annie won the Under 16s South Pacific Lawn Bowls Tournament at the Warilla Bowling Club on the south coast.

The 14-year-old made history as she was the second girl to ever claim the title and the first since 2012.

■ READ THE FULL STORY ON PAGE 18

Within arm’s length

Parkes Spacemen just one win away from taking West Wyalong Knockout

In their rst hit-out of the year, the Parkes Spacemen were just one win short of taking out the West Wyalong Knockout.

If the Friday-Saturday competition is anything to go by, it looks like we’re in for another cracker of a season in the Peter McDonald Premiership.

The 52nd Annual West Wyalong Rugby League Knockout involved teams from West Wyalong, Parkes, Forbes, Orange, Young, Wagga, Leeton, Yanco, Cooma, Woden Valley and Bombala for another sensational display of bush footy.

Eager to strap on the boots and get in their rst proper run ahead of the season, Parkes faced the hosts in the rst match on Friday night.

It was a bit of a nervous start to the knockout for the red, white and blue.

Described as a low-scoring a air, the Spacies drew 6-all against West Wyalong but were given the green light to move on as they scored the rst try of the match.

Next up was against fellow PMP team Orang Cyms in what they described as a physical game.

“The boys have come out on top, 8-6 win in the quarters on Saturday,” the Spacies reported on social media.

They stepped up to face arch rivals the Forbes Magpies at 7.10pm Saturday night.

“Not long now until the real stu kicks o .”

The 2025 Peter McDonald Premiership season kicks o on 27 April and what better way to start for Parkes than with a classic clash with Forbes at Spooner Oval in Forbes.

“Some individual brilliance, tough gritty play from the whole team and of the team on the e orts the past two days,” the Spacemen said on Saturday.

PHOTO: Tracey Robertson Videography