PCP20250327

ABBA Festival future uncertain

Parkes Shire Council is unable to continue funding the Trundle ABBA Festival in its current form it said in a statement released to the public on Friday a ernoon.

Increasing nancial constraints and competing essential services are the reasons behind the decision.

Council acknowledged the ABBA Festival is a much-loved event that has brought joy to the community, attracted visitors from across Australia and provided a signi cant boost to businesses, tourism, and hospitality.

The decision follows a twoyear funding trial a er the event’s cancellation in 2022 due to signi cant inclement weather.

Council has however indicated it is eager to see the event continue and is exploring all possible funding opportunities, including grant funding, to support the festival’s future.

Parkes Shire Mayor Neil Westcott said it was a di cult decision and expressed appreciation for the Trundle community’s willingness to collaborate on potential solutions.

“We are saddened to make this decision about an event that brings so much joy to the community and visitors who travel from near and far to attend,” he said.

“[Thursday] night I met with the Trundle community alongside my fellow councillors, and we are grateful for their

■ Continued on page 8

Powerful next step

By CHRISTINE LITTLE

An Energy from Waste facility could be up and running in Parkes by 2030.

It was on the agenda at Parkes Shire Council’s 18 March ordinary meeting a er an extensive market process by Regional Growth NSW Development Corporation (RGDC) appointed

a consortium led by Tribe Infrastructure Group to develop the project.

The anticipated $1.5 billion investment makes it the largest single investment in the history of Parkes.

Called the Parkes Energy Recovery, it will include a state-of-the-art Energy from Waste facility that will use globally proven technology

to recover non-hazardous residual waste material that cannot be recycled and turn it into electricity, heat and steam.

The proposed facility will be located within the Parkes Special Activation Precinct where waste will be delivered directly by rail from dedicated transfer stations in Sydney.

It will divert an estimated 600,000 tonnes of waste per annum from land ll and generate at least 60 megawatts of energy.

Enough to power 80,000 homes per year.

It will also create up to 400 jobs during construction, expected to take place in 2027, and 50 permanent jobs for the life of the facility.

Councillors and Council’s Executive Management Team met with representatives from Parkes Energy Recovery where questions and concerns on health, air emissions and the environment were raised.

This took place prior to the monthly meeting during which councillors voted ■ Continued on page 3

The proposed Parkes Energy Recovery, Energy from Waste facility to be located within the Parkes Special Activation Precinct.

Kick up your heels at bush dance

We all remember the fond tales our parents and grandparents would tell us of the days when country folk went to the local dance on a Saturday night with the family. Well the Adavale Lane Community Hall Committee is bringing back this favourite pastime and they’re inviting everyone to come and join them.

It’s a Bush Dance and Dinner at the hall at 90 Adavale Lane, Goonumbla, 20 minutes from Parkes o the Bogan Road this Saturday night, 29 March at 6pm.

er traditions in the country in a modern way,” committee secretary Daneille Diener said.

“There used to be a Coradgery Hall out there in our area which was demolished many years ago, and then they built the Adavale Lane Hall in the year 2000.

“I suppose we’ve always known of stories of the old Corradgery Hall and the balls they used to have and picnic races.

“It was just a lovely time and I suppose we’re just trying to improve the (Adavale

Five thousand fairy lights and hay bales will set the scene for an old style bush dance, with the Kelly Gang Bush Band providing the night’s entertainment. There will also be a jumping castle for the kids.

The event includes a barbecue dinner, bring your own drinks and everyone is asked to bring a plate of salad or dessert to share.

And of course there will be plenty of dancing, with the hall’s breathtaking wall mural painted square by square by members of the

“It’s a place for the community to meet, sort of like neutral grounds, and the opportunity to meet new people as well as friends and neighbours that are regulars out at the hall,” Daneille said.

“It’s something we’re putting on for the community, not wanting something from the community, but trying to give back.”

Cost is $5 per head and $10 per family. Organisers are looking to nalise numbers of guests as soon as possible so if you are in-

WHAT’S ON in and around Parkes

HOMEGROWN PARKES

Saturday, 29 March

It’s back for 2025 - Homegrown Parkes is an opportunity for local and regional businesses who are processing, repurposing, sewing, propagating or producing fabulous local products to share their skill and products with the community.

Markets, music, crop swap, performances and demonstrations in Cooke Park - it’s all homegrown in Parkes and it’s a great family day out.

SPACEMEN LAUNCH AND WORKING BEE

Saturday, 29 March

Lock in the 29 March for the season launch of the Parkes Spacemen Rugby League Club. Start the morning by heading up to Pioneer Oval to lend a hand to get the grounds ready for the season ahead.

There will be plenty of jobs to do, many hands make light work. Then freshen-up and head down to the Coachman Hotel for the Spaceman season launch.

First try scorer jersey auction will be the feature event of the night. All sponsors and supporters are invited to join.

CORVETTE NATIONAL

CONVENTION

Saturday and Sunday, 29-30 March

The Corvette National Convention is roaring back to life in 2025 and is headed to Parkes. On Saturday morning Corvettes from all over Australia will line the main street as they show o on the way to the Parkes Showground. At the showground the Corvettes will be there for all to see at their show ‘n’ shine during the day. In the meantime read about some local Corvettes on pages 6 and 7.

ADAVALE LANE BUSH DANCE AND DINNER

Saturday, 29 March

Adavale Lane Community Hall will be hosting a Bush Dance and Dinner on 29 March from 6pm. Full details in the story above.

PROJECT GOOBANG

PREMIERE

Friday, April 4

Join Parkes’ Sportsperson of the Year for an unforgettable night of celebrating adventure, resilience and the wild beauty of Goobang National Park. Sarah Hartin ran the entire length of Goobang last year and was followed by a camera crew who documented the journey. The premiere of the Project Goobang

film will be held at the Parkes Christian School Hall and you will have the chance to hear from guest speaker Kylie Brockmann. Don’t miss out and grab your tickets now at Humanitix.com

THE REAL RECONNECTIONS

TOUR

Saturday, 5 April

This free community event at the Tullamore Showground hosted by Tradies in Sight aims to bring the community together along with some delicious food from 5.30pm. The Real Reconnections Tour has been made possible by Foundation For Rural and Regional Renewal as part of their support of small regional communities reconnecting and coming together to learn and discover new ways in supporting each other during hard times. Tradies in Sight will also be highlighting services available for ongoing support if needed. RSVP is essential, contact 68925277 or 68925558.

PARKES PUBLIC EASTER FETE

Saturday, 5 April

Parkes Public’s School’s Easter Fete will be held on 5 April from 9am to 2pm. There will be games and activities, live music and en-

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tertainment, an animal nursery, food, emergency services, student artwork exhibition, an auction and the major ra e will be drawn. Don’t miss out on this great event at Parkes Public.

BOORI EASTER

Saturday, 5 April

From 10am to 2pm at Peak Hill Memorial Park, Neighborhood Central will be hosting a free community event for Easter. For more information contact 6862 1872.

WASTE 2 ART LAUNCH AND WORKSHOP

Saturday, 5 April

The Parkes Shire Waste 2 Art Exhibition and Competition is back starting with its launch on 5 April at the Parkes Shire Library and Cultural Centre from 10.30am1pm. Waste 2 Art is an inspiring initiative that challenges individuals, schools, and communities to rethink waste by transforming discarded materials into works of art. Bill Tink from NetWaste will explore all things Waste 2 Art in his talk with a focus on this year’s theme waste – Toys. Bill will cover topics like recycling, wish-cycling, and the many waste issues we face, especially in relation to toys. Tickets can be purchased via humanitix.com

EUGOWRA BOOTS AND BOWTIES BALL

Saturday, 5 April

This fundraiser ball has now been sold out.

HOPE KIDS CHIOR TOUR

Thursday, 10 April

Experience the vibrant energy of traditional acapella singing, lively dancing and African rhythm drumming, while hearing the heartwarming stories of courage and hope from the talented children of 100% Hope Uganda. Following visits to local schools, at 6pm in the Parkes Christian School Hall you won’t want to miss this free event.

Read the full story next week.

THIS STUNNING WALL MURAL IS THE MAIN FEATURE OF THE ADAVALE LANE COMMUNITY HALL THAT WAS OFFICIALLY UNVEILED AND OPENED LAST MARCH

State recognition for Elvis Festival

The Parkes Elvis Festival is among the rst to be named a NSW Foundation Event.

The Elvis Festival has been ranked among the state’s best events, with the likes of Syd ney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and Vivid, Bathurst 1000, Deni Ute Muster and Tamworth Country Music Festival.

There are 14 iconic events in total - eight in Sydney and six in regional NSW - that because of this new status the Minns Government says, will bene t from less red tape in recognition of their importance to the state’s identity.

The state government is introducing a new events framework, announcing this the rst round of Founda tion Events, to provide more security and certainty to organisers which will allow them to innovate with pro gramming, drive culture, connect communities and generate economic growth.

It will assess the social contribution and community bene ts, as well as social and cultural legacy of events.

And it will provide additional funding opportunities.

Events have become signi cant contributors to the NSW visitor economy.

In 2023-24 events supported by Destination NSW alone delivered $1 billion in visitor expenditure for the state, according to the government.

“In classifying these events as foundation, we not only protect them but also ensure their ongoing contribution to the NSW visitor economy, support for local businesses

and role as jobs creators,” the Minns Government said.

The event framework also recognises long-standing events as Foundation Events because of their cultural and traditional signi cance.

Parkes Shire Mayor Neil Westcott said the Foundation Event status was also an acknowledgement the Parkes

Elvis Festival is “indeed” one of the best festivals going in the state.

“We’re into our 33rd year, to have recognition with other festivals like the Mardi Gras and Bathurst 1000 is a proud moment for those who started the (Elvis) festival and those who continue the legacy,” he said.

The government will assess Foundation Events differently, and provide additional support:

* They will be prioritised for a minimum three-year Strategic Investment Agreement with Destination NSW with renewals negotiated one year prior to the last event. This gives events greater certainty and room to plan.

* A more favourable regulatory environment will support events to maximise bene ts for the community.

* An event assessment approach which provides greater consideration of strategic, economic, marketing and brand, social and cultural

Cr Westcott and Deputy Mayor Marg Applebee were delivered the good news about the Elvis Festival when they visited NSW Parliament last week.

The events included in the rst round of Foundation Events are Bathurst 1000, Biennale of Sydney, Bluesfest in Byron Bay, Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash, NRL Men’s and Women’s Grand Final, Parkes Elvis Festival, Sydney Festival, Sydney Fringe Festival, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, SXSW Sydney, Tamworth

Green light for Energy from Waste facility

■ From page 1.

to endorse the Environment Protection Authority’s Energy from Waste Options Paper that was tabled and with it nine summarised points.

Some of these include supporting the permissibility of the facility and the value in a state level education campaign to help communities understand the impacts of an Energy from Waste plant, ensuring compliance, and proposing a state government hosting levy of about $10 per tonne on waste diverted - 50 per cent of which to go to Council.

“We are pleased to see progress on this important project and support the principle of the Parkes Energy Recovery facility, as part of a sustainable waste management solution for the future,” Parkes Shire Mayor Neil Westcott said.

“Council’s role of course is to represent the community and en-

sure the facility is safe to humans and the environment.

“We will also work with the consortium and the state govern ment to ensure the impact on the community is satisfactorily ad dressed.”

The proposed facility has been met with uneasy feelings from the community since it was rst announced by RGDC at the end of 2020.

Land allotted for the Parkes Special Activation Precinct.

Parkes Energy Recovery is a group of companies led by Tribe and includes Tadweer Group, HiQ Group and Kanadevia Inova, who will design, fund, own and operate the facility on land leased from RGDC.

RGDC is delivering the Parkes Precinct.

“One of the most exciting things about this facility is that it may be a catalyst for businesses within the Parkes Precinct, with 60 megawatts of available baseload power and high-pressure steam

and heat available to interested o -takers,” Cr Westcott said.

“Businesses will surely be interested to co-locate with this development.”

The consortium will now begin engaging with the Parkes community and seek rigorous planning and environmental approvals with the EPA and the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, all required for the facility to go ahead.

During this process, Parkes Energy Recovery will produce

technical studies as part of its development approval to ensure any technology adheres to high standards for human and ecosystem health.

The facility will require a licence from the NSW EPA before it can begin operating.

“We wish to reassure the community that we are dedicated to taking all necessary steps to educate ourselves on these facilities and ensuring that Parkes Energy Recovery places the safety of the community as a top priority,” Cr Westcott said.

Parkes Energy Recovery will be hosting three drop-in sessions to inform and gather feedback from the community about its Energy from Waste facility.

They will run from 10-12 April from 8am to 5pm at the Cooke Park Pavilion.

For more information on the proposed facility, visit www. parkesenergy.com.au.

Country Music Festival, TCS Sydney Marathon and Vivid Sydney.

The government said this list will be reviewed periodically, and more events will be announced in the future.

“These events light up the calendar, they have become part of who we are, and it’s time we give them the recognition and certainty they deserve,” said Minister for Arts, Tourism, Music and the Night-Time Economy John Graham.

“The Foundation Events framework gives these festivals certainty so they can keep producing these important experiences for us all to share.”

There are three new event categories:

* Foundation Events are regular, recurring events that may grow in size and signi cance over time. These events are o en essential to NSW’s identity and visitor economy.

*Major Events and Local Events.

Cr Westcott, Cr Applebee and Parkes Shire General Manager Kent Boyd prompted the Elvis Festival’s application through State Member Phil Donato’s o ce six months ago.

Men before court for inappropriate behaviour

A man has been charged after allegedly approaching two teenage girls in the rear Woolworths carpark in Parkes. On 20 March at 9pm the adult male approached the girls and allegedly made some inappropriate comments and gestures to the teens. They ran from the area to nearby tradies and the police were notified.

A 31-year-old man was charged with procure child under 14 for unlawful sexual activity.

He was granted strict conditional bail which includes surrendering his passport and residing in another location and will appear in Parkes Local Court on 10 April. In a separate incident four days earlier, also in the Woolworths carpark but in daylight, a 62-year-old Parkes man allegedly sexually touched a female adult without consent.

He was charged with the offence and will appear in Parkes Local Court on 10 April.

Local families benefit from charity

By MADELINE BLACKSTOCK

Wings 4 Kidz has helped more than 50 families in need, covering over 250,000 kilometers and helping kids attend more than 200 medical appointments.

This service provides families in regional NSW with free air transport to attend medical appointments in the city.

Many of these families who utilise this service are from or around the Parkes Shire.

For one Bogan Gate family, it is priceless.

Young Chloe Thomas has to make the trip to the city to visit the transplant clinic in person four times a year.

“This takes its toll on the family having to make our way back and forth in the car,” Chloe’s mum Kell Thomas said.

“Every time I get the conrmation back from Wings 4 Kidz that says “your ights are booked” the tears stream down my face.

“The raw emotion that comes from this kind of help was unimaginable until we received it.”

Mongan, Renae

Children requiring specialist treatment for heart conditions, blood disorders, cancer, congenital disorders, burns treatment or the many other conditions which can only be treated at major hospitals, Wings 4 Kidz is there to support them throughout their treatment journey.

We all know for families in rural, remote and regional NSW it can take several hours or days by car to reach major hospitals. This trip is sometimes needed on a weekly basis and it can take several years before the treatment is complete.

This travel is not only stressful for parents, but it’s detrimental for children, both physically and emotionally as well as detrimental to their health, and has a signi cant impact on the family unit.

“Replacing this with a comfortable one hour ight reduces thenancial stress, is safer, less fatiguing, and something kids really look forward to,” Wings 4 Kidz said.

This service wouldn’t be available to regional families if it wasn’t for donations and community fundraising such as the Never Late Fe-Mail Postie Bike Ride.

For the third year this ride will be held in April.

The 2025 event will see more than 90 ladies from around the state travelling over 800km in four days in hopes to raise money for Wings 4 Kidz to help more

families like the Thomases in Bogan Gate.

It starts in Bathurst on Wednesday, 9 April with a lap around Mount Panorama, then they will venture down to Young.

At Young the ladies have a fun masquerade night and will hear from local families who use the Wings 4 Kidz service.

The next day the ladies will be on backroads on their way to West Wyalong via Temora.

On the way they will stop at Iandra Castle.

On the second last day of riding they will stay in Forbes before they ride to Bogan Gate and then finish

in Parkes around 3pm on Saturday, 12 March.

Organiser Garry Rodgers encourages the whole Parkes community to head down to the main street at this time to welcome the ladies to Parkes where they will ride down the main street nishing at Cooke Park.

Lat year when the ride ended in Mudgee, the main street was packed with people cheering the ladies into town.

There are two groups of ladies from Parkes who will be taking part in this year’s ride including the Parkes Postie Chicks and The Wild Sows.

“Our family alike to many

Insurance hikes top list of business concerns

The state’s peak business body warns insurance premiums are spiralling out of control, with 85 per cent of businesses in Western NSW reporting double-digit increases over the past year.

Business NSW’s latest quarterly Business Conditions Survey reveals a staggering one in three businesses saw premiums rise by 30 per cent or more - well above the 2.5 per cent inflation rate for the year to January.

Business NSW, Regional Director – Western NSW, Vicki Seccombe said businesses are fed up with having the highesttaxed insurance premiums in mainland Australia.

“The NSW Government is col-

lecting more than ever through the Emergency Services Levy (ESL) and stamp duty,” Ms Seccombe said.

“This leaves businesses to either foot the bill or simply go without insurance and hope for the best. Many others have been at-out rejected by insurance companies.”

Alarmingly, a December survey of Business NSW members found that 64 per cent of respondents were not fully insured against catastrophic events.

This leaves businesses exposed and underscores the urgent need for systemic reform.

Ms Seccombe said insurance premiums have been the topnancial concern for businesses

for nearly two years.

“The state and federal governments need to step up and do something now,” Ms Seccombe said.

“Businesses are struggling because of rising premiums, and it’s simply unsustainable.

“Many Western NSW businesses now nd themselves either uninsurable or unable to a ord the soaring cost of insurance.

“You can’t run a business when your premiums increase by 30 per cent or more in a year.”

Other localised ndings from the Business Conditions Survey include:

• We are seeing green shoots locally and across NSW, with the Business Con dence Index ris-

ing to -44.7 for the March quarter of 2025, the highest reading in almost three years.

• 75 per cent of Western NSW businesses plan to maintain the same headcount or hire additional sta .

• More businesses are investing in technologies like Arti cial Intelligence (AI) to boost productivity.

• More businesses now view regulatory requirements as excessive, and

• Key factors that would boost Western NSW business condence in 2025 include further interest rate cuts, slowing ination, easier access to skilled workers and more domestic visitors.

others in a similar situation, we’re terribly humbled to know there’s a local fundraising team right here in Parkes,” Kell said.

The Wild Sows are a group of women from Parkes, Young and Eugowra and they recently supported Chloe where she competed in the Parkes Elvis Festival Busking Competition and were accompanied by her at Trundle Back in Time where the Thomas family were o ering rides in their late 1920’s Chev for a small donation to Wings 4 Kidz.

Chloe and her family’s appreciation of all the ladies’ fundraising e orts are one of the many reasons why this ride is so important and makes it all worthwhile for many of the ladies.

“The women who take to the country roads on their bikes are the shining lights in our hearts and we are unbelievably thankful,” Kell said.

Wings 4 Kidz is very proud to be 100 per cent volunteer based which enables every cent that is raised from the Never Late Fe-Mail Postie Bike Ride to be put towards keeping the Wings 4 Kidz plane ying.

Welcome these riders back to town on Saturday, 12 April and support the amazing work of Wings 4 Kidz.

“Wings 4 Kidz has really been a game changer for us, the stress alleviates instantly knowing we can get that help,” Kell added.

Business NSW Regional Director for Western NSW Vicki Seccombe says rising insurance premiums have topped financial concerns for businesses for nearly two years.

PHOTO: Supplied

Amanda

Smith, Kylie Blackstock, Monique Rice, Katie Mapperson and Madeline Blackstock supported Chloe Thomas at the Parkes Elvis Festival busking compeition and will be taking part in the Never Late Fe-Mail Postie Bike Ride. (Inset) last year’s ride saw 67 ladies participate in the ride.

Dog trial expands into third day

The Parkes and District Kennel Club is set to host its annual Agility and Jumping Trial from Friday, 4 April to Sunday, 6 April.

Due to the increasing popularity of the Parkes trial, the club has expanded the event to three days, with competition kicking off at 1pm on Friday.

Dog agility is a thrilling sport where handlers guide their dogs through an obstacle course, testing both speed and accuracy.

With no food or toys as incentives and no physical contact allowed between handler and dog, success in agility relies on clear communication through voice commands, movement and body signals.

The sport demands toplevel training and coordination between dog and handler.

This year’s event promises to be a record-breaking competition, with 181 dogs entered and 1304 runs scheduled throughout the weekend - the largest trial the Parkes club has ever hosted.

Kennel Club president Denise Gersbach is

thrilled with the growing success of the event.

“Our Parkes events are very popular on the NSW Agility calendar,” she said.

“We have received great support from the agility community, with competitors traveling from all over NSW, ACT, SA, and even TAS.

“Our two fully fenced competition rings are a major drawcard for this trial.”

Local competitors will be strongly represented, with Parkes Club members participating in Novice, Excellent, and Masters divisions.

Among them Lynn Madden’s Border Collies Drift and Rain have been training hard in preparation.

Denise Gersbach will compete with her two Border Terriers Vesper and Pinky, aiming for consistency in the Masters and Excellent events.

Fiona Watts will showcase her fast Border Collies Tucker and Indie.

Meanwhile Virginia Rice with Nellie and Tanikah Fenech with Mia are shaping up well for the Novice events.

Belinda Bruce and her

Kelpie Ranny are strong contenders in the Excellent jumping division.

The weekend promises to be a fantastic spectacle for the local community, with the action starting at 1pm on Friday and continuing from 8.30am on both Saturday and Sunday at the Kennel Club grounds in Victoria Street.

Spectators can enjoy a great selection of homebaked goods and meals from the canteen while also taking part in a weekend-long raffle featuring excellent prizes.

“We have received great support from Parkes Shire Council with the maintenance of our grounds and are very appreciative of their ongoing support of our club,” Gersbach said.

“The event brings plenty of visitors to town, and we expect campgrounds and caravan parks to be at full capacity for the weekend.”

With competitors traveling from far and wide, and a packed schedule of runs, the Parkes and District Kennel Club’s Agility and Jumping Trial is shaping up to be a mustsee event on the local sporting calendar.

Local Inland Rail works closer to completion

PHOTO: Supplied

Inland Rail teams took advantage of a track closure to apply some of the nishing touches to the Stockinbingal to Parkes section of the project.

The Australian Rail Track Corporation line from Forbes to Goobang Junction closed from March 22 to 24, allowing contractor Martinus Rail to work on sites that would be hazardous if trains were running.

At the Lachlan River Bridge, plant and equipment was delivered using heavy vehicles, a er which there was paint stripping, drilling exist-

ing beams to enable the addition of new strengthening plates, as well as the installation of new strengthening plates on the underside of the bridge.

Further south at Wirrinya, plant and equipment was delivered using heavy vehicles, a er which there was drainage works, track tamping and track alignment.

Other sites on S2P such as the Daroobalgie Crossing Loop and Wyndham Avenue track lower will continue to undergo nishing work to access roads, landscaping and drainage during normal

Malcolm Clark, Inland Rail Project Director, Stockinbingal to Parkes, said great strides towards completion of the Stockinbingal to Parkes section had been made due to teamwork and integration of Inland Rail and contractor Martinus Rail.

“The lion’s share of the work has been completed and the March 2025 possession [helped] us perform tasks which require closure of the rail line to carry out safely,” Mr Clark said.

ing forward to seeing S2P completed by the middle of this year.

“We are grateful to all of the businesses and communities who made contributions to this section of the project and who have enabled us to achieve so much during our time here.”

For more information on the works, visit the Inland Rail works noti cations page: go online to inlandrail.com. au and select Stockbingal to Parkes region.

The Stockinbingal to Parkes section of the Inland Rail project moved further towards completion thanks to the work taking place during the weekend track possession.

Fiona Watts will showcase her fast Border Collie Indie.

PHOTOS: Supplied

the Novice events.

Owning a Corvette a childhood dream

TO mark the start of the 2025 Corvette National Convention in Parkes we’ve delved into our archives to bring you a past Central West Car Club story of a Corvette that used to cruise through our region, which was published in the Parkes Champion Post in November 2018.

While Andy Hardy no longer owns this Corvette or lives in Forbes, Corvettes are the hot topic in town this week and Corvette lovers from around the country will be here to celebrate this beloved American icon.

With just over 100 Corvettes rolling through Parkes and Forbes, there will be multiple opportunities to catch a glimpse of these beauties around from Friday through to Sunday.

They will parade down Clarinda Street and around Cooke Park on Saturday morning, passing the Homegrown Parkes event taking place there, before heading to the Parkes Showground for a show ‘n shine from 8.30am to 3.30pm that’s open to the public.

On Sunday one group of Corvettes will visit The Dish and another will stop in at McFeeters Motor Museum in Forbes before all congregating at Lions Park in Forbes for lunch.

Published November 2018

By JEFF MCCLURG

FOR Andy Hardy from Forbes it was a childhood dream to one day own a Corvette.

He’d always liked the stylings of the Chevrolet produced sports car and particularly the C3 body shape

which ran from 1968 through to 1982.

Although there were only very subtle changes over the C3 range, Andy ended up with exactly what he was a er when he bought this 1978 model earlier this year.

Ironically, it was the Disney Pixar movie Cars that revived Andy’s desire for a Corvette a er seeing the animated cartoon versions. Things got serious when he saw a Corvette at this year’s Parkes Elvis Festival and with the passion reignited it wasn’t long before he’d

tracked one down for sale.

“It really didn’t take long to nd this one,” Andy said.

“The car came from an importer in Brisbane and eventually after some issues with repairs and transport I nally picked it up from Sydney in October.”

A er years of dreaming and waiting for the opportunity Andy wasted no time in getting the Corvette on the road.

The 1978 Corvette is the 25th Anniversary model and gained popularity a er appearing as the pace

car at the famous Indianapolis 500 of the same year.

With an all breglass body it’s a light weight car which allows it to take full advantage of the 350 cubic inches of V8 under that long nose.

Andy’s Corvette has a 3 speed automatic transmission and runs the original 15 inch mag wheels on big 235/75 pro le tyres.

“It’s got a removable targa-top roof and the pop up headlights that I always loved as a kid,” Andy said.

“Being pretty tall it was a bit of a

squeeze getting into the passenger seat.

“So I was a bit worried about driving the Corvette but thankfully there’s actually more room behind the steering wheel and I’m getting used to driving it from the le now.

“It sits low too, so I get that race car feel every time I drive it.”

While based in Parkes the Central West Car Club has members in Forbes as well as surrounding towns in the Central West. You can nd out more at www. centralwestcarclub.com

Andy Hardy formerly of Forbes with his 1978 Chevrolet Corvette in 2018.

PHOTO: Je McClurg

DUSTY’S ‘LITTLE RED’ A TRUE BARN FIND

CLUB

CENTRAL WEST CAR

By JEFF MCCLURG

With the Corvette Nationals coming to Parkes this weekend it was timely to run a local story, and the timing couldn’t have been better, with Parkes man Dusty Powter getting his own car back from the workshop with only days to spare.

For those who already know Dusty, or who regularly read these stories, you’ll know that he is already passionate about his Shelby cars, having featured with his

Cobra, GT 40 and Daytona coupe.

But his other boyhood dream, to quote the artist formally known as Prince, was the “Little Red Corvette”.

“I remember as a kid in the late 60’s and the 70’s absolutely drooling over the styling and the lines of the early Chev Corvettes,” Dusty said.

“And then there was the performance, the power and the sound of them, so it’s safe to say they’ve been on my radar for quite a long time.”

In October 2024 Dusty’s boyhood dream finally came true when he

bought this 1963 Chevrolet C2 Corvette Sting Ray which had only two years earlier undergone a full two-year nut and bolt restoration at the hands of a specialist Corvette company here in Australia.

Prior to that it had been imported in 2019 after being discovered in storage in Southern California for some 30 years – a true ‘barn find’ as they call it.

“The standout feature for me, and for many others, is definitely the split rear window,” Dusty said.

“With the Sting Ray name coming

from the centre spine down the bonnet, over the roof and down through that iconic rear window.”

Dusty’s car features the original 327 Chevrolet L76 V8 with 4 speed manual transmission, power steering and power assisted drum brakes.

It’s a designated two seater and as was always Dusty’s want – it’s finished in Riverside Red.

Dusty is a member of the Central West Car Club based in Parkes, but if you can’t wait until their annual car show in October to check out his Sting Ray, you

will have the chance to see it, and a host of other amazing Corvettes, at the four-day Corvette Nationals right here in Parkes this weekend.

For the general public the best time to see the cars is Saturday morning when they’ll be cruising Clarinda Street and Cooke Park around 8.30am and then at their show ‘n shine from 9:30am at the Parkes Showground.

For more details about the Central West Car Club, you can find us on Facebook, or look up our website www.centralwestcarclub.com.

PHOTO: JEFF McCLURG

ANNABELLE IS OUR STUDENT OF THE WEEK

Year 6 Parkes East Public School student, Annabelle Dunn-Taylor in 5-6T is our student of the week.

What is your favourite colour? Blue

What is your favourite food? Pasta

What would you like to be when you grow up? I would like to be a doctor or a teacher.

What are your stengths? Touch football and dance.

What do you like about your school? I like all the roles you can be. E.g. House captain. What do you like to do outside of school?

MIMI IS OUR STUDENT OF THE WEEK

Michal (Mimi) Sibanda is the Star of the Week for demonstrating our Core Values (In Praise, Love, and Trust) and for always being responsible and organised.

What is your favourite subject? Science In your free time, what do you like to do? Play with play dough

What is your favourite food? Fried rice What do you like most about our school? The canteen

What are your strengths? Drawing What would you like to be when you grow up?

Library ambassadors welcomed to new role

By MADELINE BLACKSTOCK

Parkes Shire Library has inducted their new library ambassadors for the 2025 school year.

From 37 applications in Parkes, program o cer Debbie Gould said it was very di cult to choose just 11 library ambassadors.

“We found it very hard to choose two from each school, if we were allowed to we would let everybody be a library ambassador,” Debbie said.

“Everybody wrote very good applications this year, they were very well written.”

It is a library ambassadors’ job to share with their school community about what is happening in the library.

This includes events the library holds during school holidays or a er school, workshops in the Murramurra Makerspace, exhibitions, and when the library has new books.

There are 11 Parkes Library ambassadors for 2025.

From Middleton Public School: Kiarah Edwards-Ellis and Scarlett Gosper-Chambers.

From Parkes Public School: Cooper Handcock and Matilda Baker.

From Parkes Christian School: Adelaide Watt and Avalyn Stokes.

From Parkes East Public School: Joel Turnbul and Avah McNeil.

From Holy Family School: Harvey Gray and Aava Dhakal.

From the home school community: Lucy Butler.

Trundle, Bogan Gate and Tullamore schools will also once again have library ambassadors for 2025 with seven applications across these schools.

The library ambassador program started with one school in Parkes as a trial by librarian at the time, Andrea Lovell.

“From there it grew to include all of the local schools in Parkes and then the last three years we’ve stretched it out to our branch libraries and the little towns in our shire,” Debbie said.

Council explores options to save ABBA Festival

■ From page 1.

cooperation and openness to exploring alternative options.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has played a part in making this festival a success, including organisers, volunteers, sponsors, performers, and attendees.

“Your passion and dedication have created something truly special, and we deeply appre-

‘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.

ciate your efforts,” he added.

Council said it is hopeful the festival can return in some form, whether that is through grant-funded Council support or as a community-led event backed by Council’s Events Financial Assistance Program.

Council will continue working closely with the Trundle District Progress Association to explore all viable options and determine the

best path forward.

The ABBA Festival returned to Trundle for the first time in four years in 2023 after Covid and bad weather prevented it from going ahead. Prior to that it had been running every year since 2012.

It’s Australia’s only and original ABBA festival, founded by then Trundle residents Gary and Ruth Crowley.

Harvey Gray.

PHOTO: Madeline Blackstock

Make some noise to stop DV

Central West Riders are ready to make some noise to end domestic violence.

Forbes’ Grant Nicholson is rallying bikers from across the country to gather in Can berra.

Mr Nicholson’s vision is 1000 bikes at Parliament House calling for further toughening of bail laws for domestic violence o end ers, and protection for their victims.

“We want to make some noise and I don’t know any thing that makes noise bet ter than a massive amount of Harleys and bikes,” he said.

He hopes the roar of those bikes will take that message to the nation’s leaders as a Federal election looms.

“I’ve been riding for a long time and when you’re riding out the road, when there’s 100 bikes and you’re riding with them - that’s the noise,” Mr Nicholson said.

The ride has been sched uled for Friday, 11 April.

While the date has been promoted for a little while through social media, it has been pending the appropriate approvals to gather in the parliamentary precinct.

Central West Riders formed a er White Ribbon Day in Forbes in 2018, connecting riders through social media.

Their social rides had

been put on the backburner through COVID-19 restrictions and the repeated ood events Forbes experienced, but when Mr Nicholson proposed this event through the group’s Facebook page it quickly spread. It was clear it was something that resonated with many people.

“I’ve got interest from Dubbo to Wagga, Sydney, Canberra, all over the place,” he said, although numbers won’t be known until the day arrives.

He’s also had many people getting in touch and o ering to help by designing t-shirts, posters and videos - it’s all just been pending approval

of the date.

The idea for this ride has been in the making since the night of Molly Ticehurst’s funeral, a er some 120 bikes escorted Molly through Forbes.

Molly’s former partner Daniel Billings, 29, was on bail at the time of her tragic death and remains before

the courts on charges includ ing her alleged murder.

The NSW Government has since passed laws to better protect victim-survivors of domestic violence, including making it tougher for alleged serious domestic violence offenders to get bail and electronic monitoring for those who are released.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described domestic violence as a national emergency, with one woman dying every four days to the end of April, 2024.

One organisation - The Red Heart Campaign’s femicide watch - numbered more than 100 women lost to violence for the 2024 year.

It’s a clear sign for Grant Nicholson, speaking with Molly’s dad Tony Ticehurst and her mum Kate, that more needs to be done.

That more must be put in place so victim-survivors feel safe enough to reach out for help, their homes must be forti ed and made safe before alleged o enders are released.

Riders from this region will gather at Forbes Bunnings carpark from 7.30am on the Friday morning and travel to the nation’s capital together.

Stands up in Forbes at 8.30am before the bikes head to Cowra.

Riders can meet near McDonalds Cowra with stands up planned for 9.45am. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence: Call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via www.1800RESPECT.org.au, or text 0458 737 732. In an emergency call 000.

‘Going to lock you up’: cop warning for regional youth

By FARID FARID, AAP

Dozens of police o cers will be deployed in several regional centres to tackle rising youth crime, including serious incidents from violent break-ins to car the . Young o enders stealing cars or holding the elderly at knifepoint are being put on notice with dedicated police o cers posted in hotspots to tackle a surge in regional crime.

Launching the police operation in Dubbo, which has experienced an uptick in juvenile crime, NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said up to 60 o cers would be dispatched for dedicated units in the north and west of the state.

Their mission is to address an escalation of violence in o enders

community, nobody deserves to be frightened in their own home and in regional NSW that has been the case, it has to stop,” Ms Webb said.

Deputy Commissioner Paul Pisanos said high-visibility police operations would try to stop crime from happening in the rst place, but he also had a tough message for anyone caught o ending.

“This is about sending a clear message to these young criminals that we are going to nd you and lock you up,” he said.

Police Minister Yasmin Catley told parliament the operation would focus on recidivists and ringleaders, as well as diverting young o enders from criminal behaviour.

It is being rolled out in areas such as Moree, Tamworth, Tweed

Over 25 children under the age of 16 had been arrested in the past year since “post and boast” laws penalising o enders for airing their crimes on social media were implemented, Ms Catley said.

But NSW Nationals leader Dugald Saunders said crime sprees would not abate unless tougher legislation was on the books.

“Our local police always feel it’s a bit of a revolving door,” he told AAP.

“They are arresting young people and a couple of days later those young people are out again committing the same or very similar serious o ences.”

He criticised changes to bail laws that were before parliament for a three-year extension, saying they needed to go further.

The state Labor government introduced the controversial chang-

es in 2024, making it harder for children aged 14 and older to be released on serious charges while out on bail for similar o ences.

Data has since revealed a signi cant rise in the bail refusal rate for young people in cases covered by the laws.

Legal bodies and advocacy groups such as the NSW Bar As sociation and the Aboriginal Legal Service opposed the government’s changes, fearing they would jail more vulnerable children and do little to reduce crime in the longterm.

Opposition police spokesman Paul Toole said the changing na ture of crimes necessitated a hardline stance.

“Youth crime has always been there but communities are saying it is the worst it has ever been over the past two years,” he said.

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb. PHOTO: AAP

6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Harry’s Practice. 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. Stakes Day and Australian Cup Day. 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. 2.10 ER.

2.55 Doctor Who. 3.55 Penn & Teller: Fool Us. 4.40 MythBusters. 5.30 Heartbreak High. 7.00 Spicks And Specks. 7.30 QI. 8.00 Live At The Apollo. 8.45 Melbourne Comedy Festival Gala. 10.40 ER. 11.30 Rage. 12.30 Ab Fab. 2.00 Heartbreak High. 2.45 Extras. 3.15 Late Programs.

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. 12.00 Horse Racing. Stakes Day and Australian Cup Day. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Athletics. Maurie Plant Meet. 9.00 MOVIE: Apollo 13. (1995) Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, Kevin Bacon. 11.50 Motorway Patrol. 12.20 We Interrupt This Broadcast. 1.20 Harry’s Practice. 2.00 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 Motor Racing. National Drag Racing C’ship. Top Fuel C’ship. 4.00 Full Custom Garage. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Storage Wars. 7.30 Aussie Salvage Squad. 8.30 Football. AFL. Round 3. Hawthorn v GWS Giants. 11.30 Late Programs.

6.00 Rage Charts. 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Death In Paradise. 1.30 Darby And Joan. 2.15 Under The Vines. 3.00 Extraordinary Escapes: Christmas Special. Final. 3.50 A Life In Ten Pictures. 4.40 Poh’s Kitchen. 5.10 Landline. 5.40 Australian Story. 6.10 Father Brown. Return. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 Death In Paradise. 8.30 Vera. 10.05 Unforgotten. 10.50 Boat Story. 11.50 Rage. 6.00 Kids’ Programs. 5.10 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 5.50 Paddington. 6.40 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.30 Harry Potter: Wizards Of Baking. New. 8.10 Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament Of Houses. 8.50 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 Destination WA. 12.30 My Way. 1.00 Let’s Eat With George. 1.30 Hybrid Horizons. Final. 2.00 Mr Mayor. 2.30 Bondi Vet. 3.30 David Attenborough’s Mammals. 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 Space Invaders. 8.30 MOVIE: San Andreas. (2015) Dwayne Johnson, Carla Gugino. 10.45 MOVIE: Volcano. (1997) 12.40 Late Programs.

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 Black-ish. 3.45 Britain’s Got Talent: The Ultimate Magician. 5.45 MOVIE: Open Season. (2006) 7.30 MOVIE: The Sound Of Music. (1965) 11.10 MOVIE: The Aftermath. (2019) 1.25 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Australia By Design: Architecture. 12.30 Intrepid Adventures. 1.00 10 Minute Kitchen. 1.30 Frugal Foodie. 2.00 Silvia’s Italian Masterclass. 2.30 Taste Of Aus: BBQ. 3.00 What’s Up Down Under. Final. 3.30 Farm To Fork. 4.00 My Market Kitchen.

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Australia. 2.30 Monty Don’s French Gardens. 3.30 Grand Designs: 25 Years And Counting. 4.30 The Jubilee Pudding: 70 Years In The Baking. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Compass. Return. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 Darby And Joan. 8.15 Unforgotten. 9.05 Boat Story. 10.05 MOVIE: Two Hands. (1999) 11.35 Late Programs. 6.00 Kids’ Programs. 3.00 Play School. 3.25 Octonauts And The Caves Of Sac Actun. 4.45 Gardening Australia Junior. 5.10 Tiddler. 5.50 Paddington. 6.40 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.35 Moominvalley. 8.00 Horrible Histories. 8.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.10 Abbott Elementary. 9.55 Speechless. 10.15 Merlin. 11.00 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 3.05 Doctor Who. 4.10 A Bite To Eat. 4.40 MythBusters. 5.30 Heartbreak High. 7.00 Spicks And Specks. 7.30

9.40 9News Late. 10.10 See No Evil. 11.10 The First 48. 12.00 Oz Off Road TV. 1.00 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Avengers. 12.00 MOVIE: Carlton-Browne Of The F.O. (1959) 2.00 MOVIE: Angels One Five. (1952) 4.00 MOVIE: Sayonara. (1957) 7.00 Rugby Union. Super Rugby Pacific. Round 7. Queensland Reds v Western Force. 9.30 Super Rugby Pacific Post-Match. 9.45 MOVIE: Rocky V. (1990) 11.50 Late Programs.

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) The week promises a calmer aspect. Although there might be some lingering effects from a

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) If you feel uneasy about a colleague’s suggestion, it might be that your wise inner Taurean guide is alerting you to a potential problem. Stepping away could turn out to be the right thing to do.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) A family get-together opens up new opportunities for renewing ties. It can be especially effective in dealing with disagreements that should have been resolved but never fully were.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) You might be surprised at the response you get to a recent decision. You might be even more surprised by the reasons behind it. In any event, you’ll learn something important.

Morning Programs. 8.00 Beyond Today. 8.30 The Incredible Journey. 9.00 Turning Point. 9.30 TV Shop. 10.00 AFL Sunday Footy Show. 12.00 Getaway. 12.30 Avengers. 1.30 Dad’s Army. 2.00 MOVIE: Cairo Road. (1950) 4.00 MOVIE: Midway. (1976) 6.30 M*A*S*H.

The Closer.

Late Programs. 6.00 Flushed. 7.00 It’s Academic. 8.30 Beat Bugs. 9.00 Get Clever. 10.00 Holey Moley Australia. 11.30 Dream Home. 1.15 Zumbo’s Just Desserts. 2.30 Home And Away. 4.30 Australian Idol. 5.30 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters. 6.30 Puppy School. 7.30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent. 8.30 Law & Order: SVU. 10.30 Bones. 12.30 Conviction. 1.30 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Farm To Fork. 10.30 Are You RV Safe? 11.00 My Market Kitchen. 11.30 Buy To Build. 12.00 Australian Survivor. 1.30 Cook With Luke. 2.00 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield. 2.30 Pat Callinan’s 4x4 Adventures. 3.30 Expedition Cape York and Torres Strait. 4.00 All 4

LEO (July 23 to August 22) Your aspects favor resolving any tensions left over from a recent incident. You might want to consider having a “clear the air” talk as soon as you can. A call can lead to a change of plans.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Avoid repeating yourself. If your first few efforts fail to connect, maybe it’s because you haven’t found the right way to get your message across. Try changing your approach.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Good intentions plus a strong resolve to succeed can take you where you want to go. Don’t give up just because someone suggests you might be pursuing an impossible cause.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) An unexpected setback can be a blessing in disguise. Use it to recheck your facts and how you’ve presented them. Meanwhile, look for ways to expand your contacts.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) You should finally be seeing a positive change in a recent personal situation. However, an on-the-job matter might need more attention than you realized. Stay with it!

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) While you should be close to completing an important matter, you still need to maintain your focus. Things will ease up in time for weekend fun with family and friends.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) A certain matter might take an unexpected turn. Don’t simply accept it; ask for an explanation. What you learn might be helpful in shifting the situation around to your benefit.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Projecting a positive attitude helps restore calm, even when you’re confronting some pretty stormy situations. Stay the course! The outcome will be well worth your efforts.

Cycling tourists love exploring Parkes

By CHRISTINE LITTLE

A group of senior cyclists are using the Parkes Shire as their backdrop this week as they explore and enjoy a beautiful part of our country.

Every year these cyclists, who on this occasion total 50 men and women aged in their 70s and 80s, pick a rural town to visit and gather for a week of daily rides, visiting tourist attractions and doing whatever they like really.

At night they come together at their camp for a community-style dinner.

They’re on their sixth ride and this year is Parkes’ turn.

They arrived in town on Sunday and will be here until Saturday, staying at the Spicer Caravan Park.

Months out from the trip, organiser Bruce Manning searches and visits towns that may be suitable for their annual ride.

He said he purposely picked Parkes because of its roads - and the camp kitchen at the caravan park.

“We come from Lismore to Melbourne and all in between,” he said.

“You guys have lovely roads here, they’re very consistent and easy to ride on.

“We don’t like gravel and some riders get scared of bitumen but we show them there’s nothing to be scared of.

“And the camp kitchen at Spicer Caravan Park, there’s enough space there you can have 50 people for dinner.

“We self cater and there aren’t too many towns that have space like that.”

The group consists of old friends

They also have a support crew of about eight people and some partners have tagged along too.

They’ve travelled from Lismore, Northern Rivers and the Central Coast, Northern Beaches and Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne.

They cover 50km each day - Monday it was along Eugowra Road before heading to the Parkes Visitor Information Centre seeking areas

Cate enlightened the group with his in-depth knowledge and a tale or two of the shire he’s called home since he was a baby.

On Tuesday the cyclists rode out to the Parkes Radio Telescope, fondly known as The Dish for morning tea and Wednesday they headed to the bush, taking in the surroundings of Gunningbland State Forest. They also had the opportunity to

group said.

Another man said the visit to Parkes has been wonderful.

“We’re loving it here,” Bruce said.

“We’d like to thank Roel for his time on Monday and Sharon at the visitor centre too, she’s been great.

“And to the courteous drivers, they all have been beeping their horns and moving over to the other side of the highway for us.

“It’s a bit di erent to down on the coast where they wished you

The annual ride grew from one person to then a small group from the Central Coast called the Retired and Telsta Surplus, the RATS. Now it’s 40-50 riders.

“We try and do it every year around this time before winter,” a support crew member said.

The ride has previously stopped in Mudgee twice, Cowra, Corowa, Beechworth in Victoria and now Parkes.

Homegrown Parkes this weekend

By MARG APPLEBEE

CENTRAL WEST LACHLAN LANDCARE

The Final Countdown is on to Homegrown Parkes this weekend.

The forecast temperature is 26 degrees, with a possi bility of a small amount of rain, but hopefully nothing that will dampen the day.

With each workshop reg istration, you can go in the running to win some won derful prizes from our local Homegrown Parkes busi nesses.

Of course….you need to attend the workshop on 29 March at Cooke Park.

Chef Jack Brown will be providing a workshop in the Cooke Park Pavilion from 11am.

Jack is an Indigenous chef trained in traditional French cuisine.

Register for Jack’s work shop and go in the running to win a fabulous sculpture created by Glen Sloane from Sloaney’s Sculptures or some fabulous bush tucker plants.

Kath Whitchurch will

be providing a workshop on Sourdough Making at 12.30pm.

Through her business Sourdough by Kath, she has been making artisan sourdough, baked to order and providing sourdough work-

shops to share her love of sourdough with our communities.

We have ten $15 gift vouchers for Sourdough by Kath goodies for registered attendees that will be drawn at the workshop!

Our third workshop commences at 2.00pm, with talented landscape designer Elizabeth Briton, sharing her knowledge of local plant species and design concepts.

We have four $50 gift vouchers from Dirty Gloves Nursery and a fabulous sculpture by Glenn Sloane to be drawn for attendees who register for our Landscape Design workshop.

Clancy The Bee Man will provide informal workshops on the lawn in front of the Pavilion.

He will bring his knowledge and enthusiasm for Bees and Creating Bee Hotels to Homegrown Parkes.

Clancy has some fabulous bee posters to give away through his workshops.

He will be providing two formal presentations at 10.30am and 1.00pm.

Register for these events via the links on our website. We also have a live reptile display free to the community.

Andrew will have reptiles on display during the day and with two formal presentations at 11am and 1.30pm. Funding has been granted to Parkes Shire Council under the Open Streets Program, funded by Transport for NSW to support this event, in addition to support from Central West Lachlan Landcare and volunteers from Parkes Community Arts.

Chef Jack Brown is providing a workshop at Homegrown Parkes with the support of Landcare NSW. For further information, please go to www.centralwestlachlanlandcare.org, twitter, facebook or Instagram @cwllandcare

Yearling steers 5c dearer to sell from 355 to 405c/kg

CATTLE SALE

Monday, 24 March

Yarding 1236 (down 894)

Numbers fell this sale with agents yarding 1236 head.

Quality was mixed but fair with some good lines of well bred cattle o ered along with the secondary types.

The usual buyers were present and competing in a mostly dearer market.

Yearling steers to feed were rm 5c dearer to sell from 355 to 405c/kg. Finished lines to processors ranged from 360 to 380c/kg.

The heifer portion to processors sold from 300 to 365c/kg with plainer

types to feed receiving 295 to 340c/kg.

Heavy steers and bullocks reached 380c/kg. Grown heifers sold from 275 to 326c/kg. Cows li ed 3c to 4c with heavy 2 score selling from 259 to 277c and 3 score sold from 275c to 295c/kg.

The best heavy bull reached 297c/kg.

SHEEP SALE

Tuesday, 25 March

Yarding 36,700 (down 7000)

Numbers fell this sale with agents yarding 36,700 head.

Lamb numbers decreased to 29,400 and quality was very mixed. There was a handy

offering of well finished and shaped trade and heavyweight lambs penned along with an increased offering of secondary types.

There was an extra buyer present and competing in a market that was dearer on the better types but firm to easier on the secondary lines.

Trade weight lambs 20- 24kg were $2 to $4 better to sell from $152 to $295/head.

Heavyweights to 26kg received from $292 to $227/head.

Extra heavyweights were $5 to $10 better with prices ranging from $225 to a top of $320/head for a pen

with an estimated car case weight of 41kg. Carcase prices aver aged 770c to 840c/kg.

A large run of Merino lambs sold from $136 to $178/head.

Mutton numbers showed the biggest de crease and quality was mixed.

Prices were very strong with Merinos ewes selling from $84 to $175/head.

Crossbreds received from $82 to $175 with Dorpers reaching $156/ head.

Heavy wethers sold to a top of $179/head.

FROM MLA’S NATIONAL LIVESTOCK REPORTING AGENCY

forbeslivestock.com.au

Email

Yearling steers to feed were firm 5c dearer to sell from 355 to 405c/kg.

PHOTO: File

ACROSS

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

1 When one believes in, one does what (6)

8 What is a mathematical formula (8)

9 To impart knowledge, is to do what (6)

10 Name a poisonous evergreen shrub with handsome flowers (8)

11 Name an alternative term for conventional (6)

13 What is something that deceives by producing a false impression (8)

16 To explode, is to do what (8)

19 What are light plain cakes (6)

22 Which level area is used for the operation and maintenance of aircraft (8)

24 Name a bird of the Old World passerine family (6)

25 What is a dressed salad of finely sliced white cabbage (8)

26 XC is the symbol for which number (6)

DOWN

2 Name the drummer for The Beatles, ... Star (5)

3 A Victorian NRL club is known as the Melbourne ... (5)

4 Name the large, hard parts of wheat grains (8)

5 Who accompanied the Australian explorer, William Hovell (4)

6 What are swindles often called (coll) (6)

7 Name a lively Spanish dance in three-four time (6)

12 What, loosely, is ferric oxide (4)

14 When one is tired, one does what (4,4)

15 Which metallic element has the symbol Fe (4)

E-QUATIONS 7

Letters have a number

17 Who checks material for publication (6)

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

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.

18 To compensate for, is to do what (6)

20 Name a plant having an edible succulent bulb of pungent taste and smell (5)

21 What is ostentatious or elaborate display (5)

23 Name a fashion magazine (4)

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

Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.

LECTERN

(a) A church reading desk

(b) A priest or minister in one of the minor orders

(c) An endowed lectureship

2 NEBULA

(a) The sharp point of anything

(b) A fawn skin worn by Bacchus

(c) A cloud of gas and dust in outer space

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:

Because (coll) (3)

Collision of pool balls (5)

CTRL key (7)

Elaborate (5)

Fibre optic cable (3)

Ionian island (5)

French: me (3)

Part (7)

Pronoun: second person (3)

Science fiction (abb) (5)

Classifieds

THORNTON JUDITH MAVIS

15 December 1937 – 28 February 2025

Yuranigh’s Aboriginal Grave Historic Site Interpretation Discussion

‘Yuranigh’s Grave’ is located near Molong, NSW on Wiradjuri country and is the resting place of Major Sir Thomas Livingston Mitchell’s (Magy Magy) main guide on his 4th inland expedition into the interior of tropical Australia in 1845. Yuranigh’s iportance as a guide grew as the party travelled northward, coming across other First Nations people where Yuranigh negotiated camping and safe passage.

National Parks and Wildlife Service – Central West Area wishes to invite Wiradjuri, First Nation’s people and historically interested community members to discuss facilities, interpretation and signage for Yuranigh’s Aboriginal Grave – Historic Site. Upcoming consultation dates are:

Fri 28 and Sat 29 of March 2025

8am – 11am Private bookings

12pm – 4pm General walk ins

‘West Room’, Orange Regional Art Gallery, 149 Byng Street, Orange, NSW, 2800 (Wiradjuri Country)

The family and friends of the late Judith Mavis Thornton of Mountain View Nursing Home, Canberra and formerly of Parkes, are invited to attend a thanksgiving service for her in St George’s Anglican Church Parkes on Wednesday 2nd April at 12noon. A er this service Judith will be laid to rest with her parents in the Anglican portion of the Forbes Cemetery at 1.30pm.

Sat 5 and Sun 6 of April 2025

8am – 11am Private bookings

12pm – 4pm General walk ins

‘Mitchell Room’, Cabonne Community Centre, Bank Street, Molong, NSW, 2866 (Wiradjuri Country)

For bookings on the above days or on other days please contact: Ranger Jack Fry on npws.centralwest@environment.nsw.gov.au or call (02) 6332 7640.

Who are we looking for?

Mid West Media’s Parkes office is looking for a driven and committed individual to join our advertising sales team, responsible for managing existing clients while growing your own sales for the Forbes Advocate and other group newspapers and special publications. The ideal candidate will have:

• The capacity to see opportunities and market trends and a drive to achieve results to help our business grow

• Effective communication skills (verbal and written), enabling connection with a wide range of people across various industries

• The capability to sustain existing relationships and continuously build new ones

• An excellent work ethic and organisational skills (including maintaining current records in our company CRM program) enabling you to consistently meet deadlines and achieve your sales targets

• The ability to collaborate (including with your manager, sales colleagues, our editors and graphic designers) to ensure seamless execution of advertising campaigns

• A motor vehicle and a current driver’s licence

What are we offering?

A full-time position with an attractive remuneration package comprising a base salary, commission and employer superannuation contributions.

About Mid West Media

Mid West Media is an independent family-owned media company with community and farming newspapers in Central West and Hilltops region of NSW including the Young Witness, Boorowa News, Cowra Guardian, Canowindra News, Forbes Advocate,

Mid West Media is a division of North East Media which publishes over 25 newspapers across Central West and Southern NSW and North East Victoria. How to apply

If you are self-motivated, results-orientated and looking for a challenge in the media environment, then please forward your resume and covering letter

1st time in Parkes. Pretty - Friendly - Shapely

Masters return to the Mandagery

RUGBY LEAGUE

Masters of the Mandagery is back and to be hosted in Eugowra.

Some of the region’s rugby league legends will be lacing up the boots for a run in the name of fun at the Ian Walsh football eld this Satur day, 29 March.

It’s pretty exciting to have this carnival back where it began and with a full program of games from 10.30am through to 6.30pm, says organiser Andrew Barnes.

The club has been rebuilding and looks forward to having a canteen and bar running out of new facili ties on the day - thanks to the work of club members and generous sup porters.

Eugowra itself will eld a team with the likes of Eugowra Gold en Eagles captain coach Curtis Wykamp to play alongside Da vid Norris, Allan Myors, Warren Welsh, Guy Parker, Peter Newell and Alex McMillan.

It’s expected Drip’s Tigers, the side formed in memory of Andrew ‘Drip’ Dwyer, will boast plenty of local names as well.

The day is genuinely one for

fun: games are 20 minutes and no scores are kept - well certainly not by anyone on the sidelines. It all came about a er Barnes and his mates attended a masters footy

day in Orange.

“We went ... this was really good fun, we’ll do it again,” Barnes said, but the next year’s tournament was cancelled just days out.

Trio cruise to the coast for state playoffs

WOMEN’S BOWLS

By LEA ORR

Cowabunga! All our positive vibes are channelling to our girls – Liz Byrne, Cherie Frame and Brenda Davies - who have surfed their way into the State Playo s of the NSW Senior Women’s Triples to be held at Lennox Head next week. We expect perfect 10’s as you enter the impact zone.

But seriously, it’s just awesome you’ve qualied.

Good luck, hitch-up the boardies and enjoy the experience, but please avoid those “men in grey suits”.

Let’s hope it’s a ‘big Wednesday’ and you reach the nal. Safe travels to all those heading north, to play or spectate. Our lifesavers, Ground Control, had the beach swept and debris-free by 10 o’clock. Cheers gents.

In social action out on the beach, Team Gilmore (Janice and Jan) met close rivals Team Beachley (Merilyn and Betsy) on an epic set of waves, taking turns scoring the available points, but bailing out by just 2 points on the bell. Score 10 – 8. Team Young (Irene T, Carol and Brenda) took all the swells, waves and barrels in their stride, amping up the action as Team Burridge (Ann T, Lynn and Lorraine) found the gnarly conditions difficult, paddling hard for their 6 points.

Final score: Team Young won 20 – 6. It was a case of two unique sessions on middle beach as Team Carroll (Irene A and Maureen) went shing for the early points against Team Abberton (Ann S and Marja), bagging a good lead,16 – 3.

Positions changed at the halfway point as Lea subbed for Maureen,

who was heading for the shade.

Marja took her role as lead surfer seriously, perfecting her action and ripping into the points’ de cit.

Luckily Team Carroll was saved by the bell, literally, as their rivals had the ride of their life and closed the gap, 19 – 16.

We’re still all hanging loose waiting for the jackpot to be won, rising to $140.

Shaka signs all round as Brenda, Ann T, Janice and Lil found treasure among the 100’s of sandcastles on the shore.

Newly-retired Liz was buoyed up by her rst real sleep-in in 25 years.

Congrats on a wonderful career of caring for the residents of Southern Cross Village. Hip Hooray!

The draw for our Triples’ Championships is on the board. Please read.

Easter Trading Table –15 April.

“Well, we’ll just do it then,” was the response from the Eugowra

So they did. They started with a handful of teams in 2019 and have held onto the vision and the good times despite all that the last few years have brought from COVID to devastating flooding.

They got back on field with a great day in Forbes in 2023 - playing through blistering heat - but they’re thrilled to be bringing it home to Eugowra for 2025.

The ground was restored to host Eugowra rugby league matches through the 2024 Woodbridge Cup season but the club, with the backing of generous supporters, continues to make improvements.

Saturday will be a great time for players to catch up with old teammates as well as people they used to play against - and a chance in many cases for the next generation to watch their parents take the field.

“(It’s) Good fun, no scores, everyone’s just smiling and laughing,” Barnes said.

It’s also another chance for Eu-

gowra locals to get out and enjoy the day and the games.

The club’s Woodbridge Cup season is just a week away, with the rst home game to be hosted at the Ian Walsh eld on Saturday 5 April.

Saturday’s schedule

10.30am Manildra vs Tuggeranong

11.am Trundle vs Peak Hill (League Tag)

11.30am Canowindra vs Dubbo Macquarie

Midday Parkes vs Trundle

12:30pm Cargo vs Condobolin

1pm Forbes vs Cargo (League Tag)

1.30 Drip’s Tigers vs Burrangong

2pm Trundle vs Manildra

2:30pm Trundle vs Eugowra (League Tag)

3pm Canowindra vs Eugowra

3:30pm Tuggeranong vs Cargo

4pm Peak Hill vs Cargo (League Tag)

4:30pm Condobolin vs Parkes

5pm Dubbo Macquarie vs Burrangong

5:30pm Forbes vs Eugowra (League Tag)

6pm Eugowra vs Drip’s Tigers

Clive, Paul are Major Pairs champions

Wednesday, 19 March we had 24 players for social bowls.

Winners were Nev Kirwan and Andrew Trotman winning

Runners-up were Cody Han do and Geo Leonard winning Third Place was Mick Furney and Bruce Jones winning 16+29.

Marble 7 came out and the Margins were 1, 11, 12, 17, 23

The jackpot this week is a ludi

Saturday, 22 March we had 14 players for social bowls.

Winners were Myra Townsend and Mick Furney

Runners-up were Dawn Parker, Alan A eck and Geo Leonard winning 14+2. Club Championships

In the Major Pairs Quarter Final we had Dave Johnson and Blake Strudwick play Steve Clegg and Mick Dunn.

Dave and Blake led 11-1 a er 5 ends and 13-8 a er 10 ends. Dave and Blake led 15-10 a er 12 ends and. 17-13 a er 17 ends.

Dave and Blake led 18-15 a er 19 ends and went on to win the

In the Major Pairs Semi Final we had Rob Hill (sub) and Blake Strudwick play Ray Gri th and Tony Bright.

Gri and Brighty led 7-2 a er 6 ends and 14-4 a er 11 ends. Gri and Brighty led 15-5 a er 13 ends.

Rob and Blake pick up a 1, 5, 4, 4, 3 and 3 to take the lead 2515 a er 19 ends and go on to win the game 26-17.

In the Major Pairs Final Rob Hill (sub) and Blake Strudwick play Clive Stibbard and Paul Townsend.

It’s 2 all a er 3 ends and 3 all a er 5. Clive and Paul lead 6-3 a er 6 ends and 8-4 a er 9 ends.

Rob and Blake take the lead 12-8 a er 13 ends. Clive and Paul get it back to 12 all a er 15 ends and lead 16-12 a er 18 ends.

Rob and Blake pick up a 2 but

Clive and Paul win the game 1914 and are our 2025 Major Pairs Champions.

In the Minor Singles Toby Tanks played Pauline Currey. Toby led 3-1 a er 2 ends. Pauline led 8-3 a er 6 ends. Toby led 13-8 a er 11 ends and went on to win the game 25-10.

In the Minor Pairs Chris Harrison and Rob Hill played George Greenhalgh and Brian Smith. Rob and Chris led 4-1 after 4 ends.

Brian and George got it back to 5 all a er 8 ends. Rob and Chris led 14-5 a er 12 ends and 21-7 after 15 ends.

Rob and Chris led 24-8 a er 17 and went on to win the game 28-12.

Open Gender Pennants

Grade 4 got up 9-1 over Condobolin.

Grade 6.1 got up 10 nil over Mudgee.

Grade 6.2 went down 8-2 to Trangie.

Grade 7 went down 9.5-0.5 to Condobolin.

Our amazing 6.1’s nished on top of their pool and now head to Dubbo City for the Region Finals on April 12 and 13.

We wish them the best of luck and we thank each and every member that pulled on a club shirt for these pennants, for all their e orts and dedication to our great club.

Parkes Masters Games

The Annual Parkes Masters Games starts this Friday, 28 March and run through Saturday, 30 March for over 40’s Triples, culminating in a BPL style game on Saturday evening.

Please get your teams sorted and nominate online at www. parkesmastersgames.com.au or speak to Lewi 0419 126 465. 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.

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 general 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 running through daylight savings, that is a great way to start and learn the game.

tournament. Curtis Wykamp, who’ll lead the Eugowra Golden Eagles into their 2025 Woodbridge Cup campaign, enjoyed his run in the last masters event.

Cody Hando was runner-up in last Wednesday’s social bowls.

PHOTO: Jenny Kingham

Our Boars women won’t settle for anything less than a premiership

RUGBY UNION

By CHRISTINE LITTLE

Given the special connection Parkes Boars stalwart Kevin Oliver has with the club’s women’s team, it’s only tting to see him as their coach for 2025.

In fact it’s his second year in the role, which he was very happy to take on.

Oliver had a vision for a women’s side to have a permanent place among the Boar pack and he made 2020 the year he was going to in stigate it, when he was club presi dent.

“I approached Mitch Westcott and asked if he could start coach ing a women’s side,” he said.

Wondering where the women were going to come from, Oliver told him not to worry and if he would be coach they’d be set.

Oliver rallied to nd players - he must have been pretty convincing because he managed to form a side fully equipped to take on the Westfund North Cup competition.

“It does give you a di erent perspective.”

number of years.

PHOTO: Christine Little

Oliver laughed, speaking of their

Five years’ on they’ve gone from strength to strength he said.

“The girls are just loving it,” he said.

The Boars women have cemented themselves as an ongoing threat in the competition.

Last year they were minor pre-

The jewel in the crown, the premiership, has been just beyond reach but this season Parkes won’t settle for anything less.

“To get the Cup, then I can retire,”

Oliver said the players give everything they have each game and are always looking to better themselves.

“They’re always asking questions to improve their style and techniques,” he said.

Medley Stableford the Blake Parker show

PARKES GOLF CLUB

By PETER BRISTOL

Saturday’s results

Saturday was a medley Stabl eford in honour of past mem bers Terry Sheridan, Charlie Allen and Owen Crowley who were prominent members and supporters of the golf club over an extended period.

The memorial trophies were sponsored by the Cornerboys, who are regular squatters at the corner of the club bar and who Owen, Terry and Charlie were past revered members of.

There were 3 grades played for on the day.

The only downside for the day was there were only 59 players enjoying the rejuvenated course following the rain and also calm and slightly cooler conditions.

game, 4 points in front of Luke Clyne.

In A grade it was the Blake Parker show.

Blake came out and shot a 2 under 70, with a triple birdie run on 2, 3 and 4 and a bogey on 6 for a 2 under front, then bogey, birdie back for a 36 total and 41 points off his 3 handicap.

As has been stated before, Blake is a real chance in A Club Champs if he can maintain this form and be able to play the 4 rounds.

Craig Matthews and Rob Rea both had solid 39 rounds and would have cleaned up any other day.

In B grade Justin Middleton shot 39 point round to take the prize.

Justin struggled a bit to get it going on the front 9 with a 44 off the stick but came home with a sizzle with a 39 back.

Craig Dunn, as always, was hanging around the podium and his 38 point haul was one better than Matthew Skinner.

In C grade young gun Taj Har-

Taj is obviously listening to dad Riall and turning the wisdom into points.

Luke has settled into PGC now and is also found on the podium stairs.

On Sunday the club, via a great initiative by Zac and Maddi Kelly, who hosted a 2 person Ambrose for members and non-members alike with a midday shotgun start.

The event was well supported with 23 pairs contesting.

The winners in the scratch were the well performed pairing of Mickey Thomas and Max Keith with a smashing 65 o the stick. Mick Kable and Riall Harrison were next in on 67, the same as David Hodges and Steve Jenkins, a visitor from Duntry.

The net event was the same story with Mickey and Max recording a 61.5 to take out the prize, just beating home Dave Hodges and Mitch Cambourn on 62.

The pleasing aspect of the day was to see golfers who haven’t been able to make the Saturday comp out in force for this event.

ning these when they can be fitted in with other competing events on Sundays in the future.

The New Nearest The Pins winners were – Bridgestone Mining 1st not won, Griffins Leading Edge by Cath Kelly at 120cm, Parkes Ready Mixed Concrete 9th by Bruce Symonds at 113cm, the Westlime 11th by Rob Lea at 180cm, the Gulf Western Oil 17th by Wayne Tucker at 410cm.

The lucrative money hole was won by Wayne Tucker at 410cm.

Ball winners were Craig Matthews, Rob Rea 39 A Grade, Craig Dunn 38, Matthew Skinner 37 B Grade, Luke Clyne 36, Bruce Symonds 34 C Grade.

We also had 15 members from Barham Golf Club drop in for a social game on Saturday which filled the course up and we appreciate their patronage.

They also had good reviews on the layout which they hadn’t played previously.

Next week is a Medley Stableford sponsored by Dirt Doctors Landscaping Yard.

VETERANS GOLF

By JOHN DWYER

Host club Parkes survived a blanket finish to win the Coles/ Miller Shield at last week’s monthly Lachlan Valley veterans golf competition.

Decided on the best three individual scores from each club, Parkes finished with 109 points to win by one from equal runners-up Forbes and Grenfell.

Forty-three players from Parkes, Forbes, West Wyalong, Grenfell and Condobolin contested the event with Grenfell’s Barry Green and Gordon Pritchard from Parkes the A and B grade winners respectively.

Green posted 39 points to win by two from Bogan Gate’s Don McKeowen, while Pritchard’s 40 points will have the handicapper knocking, finishing four better than runner-up Paul Gavin (36 points) from Grenfell.

In the nearest-to-pins Steven Uphill (Forbes) and Paul Gavin were the A and B grade winners on the fourth hole, while Parkes veterans president Peter Bristol was on target to take A grade honors on the 11th and John Milton (Forbes) the B grade winner.

The encouragement award winner was Leanne Young from Grenfell.

The ball sweep went to 34 points with recipients as follows: 36 - Ken Sanderson (F); 35 - Alf Davies (F), Greg Nagle (Condo), Andy Taylor (West Wyalong) and Peter Bristol; 34 - Peter Barnes, Ken Walton and Allan Rees (F) and Joe Davies (P).

This week the twin-towns competition returns with Forbes the host club.

Players should also note that the dates for Lachlan Valley events at Grenfell in April and West Wyalong have changed.Grenfell is now April 10 and West Wyalong is now May 29.

He’s feeling pretty positive about the season ahead.

“We’ve lost a few and we’ve gained a few,” Oliver said.

“We’ve had some old girls come back and some new recruits which is great.

“They’ve gelled as a team, considering we’ve only had a few runs at training.

“They’re clicking well.”

While the Parkes women didn’t get a chance to put those skills into action during the club’s season launch on Saturday at Spicer Oval, their moment will come this weekend when they head to Boorowa for the Beer and Rugby Festival.

They’re among the 10 women’s teams who will play three games over the course of Saturday.

“That’ll be a really good test for us,” Oliver said.

“I’m very proud to see where the club is now, having gone from men only in 2019 to men and women.

“They bring a di erent perspective and energy.”

The women train Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6.30pm at Spicer Oval for anyone interested in joining them.

Seniors look ahead with positivity

■ From page 20.

this season will be those stepping up from Colts into rsts like Tye Toomey and Malakai Folau.

The seniors will get another opportunity this weekend to test themselves before the 2025 New Holland Cup season kicks o on 12 April, when they travel to Boorowa for the Beer and Rugby Festival.

It’s set to bring a massive day of hardhitting action for both men and women.

With 16 men’s teams and 10 women’s teams converging on the small town, this festival is all about celebrating the best of grassroots rugby.

The action kicks o at 11am, with thenal game wrapping up at 5.30pm.

Each team will play three games, giving them the chance to hone their skills before kicking back with some beverages perhaps.

Teams taking the eld include:

The men’s competition will see Boorowa Goldies, Cooma Red Devils, Cowra Eagles, Gri th Blacks, Harden Red Devils, Parkes Boars, Taralga Tigers, Uni Norths Owls, Wagga Ag College, Young Yabbies, and Queanbeyan Whites battle it out in 20-minute, 15-a-side games.

In the women’s division, Boorowa Goldilocks, Cooma Red Devils, Gri th Blacks, Parkes Boars, Uni Norths Owls, Wagga Ag College, Wests Canberra Rugby Club, Young Yabbies, Queanbeyan Whites, and Cowra Eagles will compete in 15-minute, 10-a-side matches.

Green has returned to the helm of the Parkes Boars Rugby Union Club for his second year as president.

He’s joined by vice president and women’s coach Kevin Oliver, club coach Moody and Colts coach Kieran Duncan.

Also returning are secretary Kimberley Ryan, treasurer Christopher Parker and junior president Chris Summerhayes. And stepping up for her rst run as the women’s president is Natalie Caruana.

Athletes successful at State Championships

There were lots of great results by seven representative Parkes Little Athletics athletes on the weekend at the Little Athletics State Championships in Sydney.

Harlen Corney and Emily Wild quali ed for the Australian Athletics Championships in Perth next weekend.

Harlen quali ed for U12 Javelin with a PB throw of 30.71m which also earnt him a bronze medal.

Emily Wild placed third in U12 high jump which quali ed her for Australian Championships.

With an amazing jump of 1.45m Emily also earnt herself a new PB by 7cm.

For his rst year of Little Athletics, Huxley Guess saw some amazing results at State Championships.

Competing in para 9’s-10’s Huxley placed third in 800m with an almost 13 second new PB.

He also placed third in shot put, fourth in 400m and h in 100m all will new PB’s.

Emrys Cassidy was also a Parkes Little Athletics athlete who scored

ple PBs.

With a new PB, Emrys placed third in U9’s 800m and 10th in 400m setting a new PB.

Seth King competed in para 11’s-12’s and placed fourth in 200m with a new PB, fourth in discus and shot put and fifth in long jump and 100.

The highlight of Seth’s weekend was catching up with friends he has made over the years at these events.

Nate Calabro placed eighth in 11’s 400m setting a new PB and Arlo Cassidy had a great run in the 11’s 200m heat with some fierce competition.

Parkes Little Athletics also had representation within the events officials.

Kim Robinson was an official at both State Little Athletics Championships and State Junior Championships the weekend prior.

“Kim always does a great job at these events with her wisdom, professionalism, calm manner and supportive and encouraging

approach,” Parkes Little Athletics said.

Over the two massive weekends, Kim was proud to be associated with the Parkes athletes.

“It was absolutely awesome to see our Parkes athletes on the track and eld,” Kim said.

“Everyone knows I’m from Parkes and comments on their achievements and sportsmanship.”

Over the last two weekends, ve out of 11 athletes who have competed have quali ed for the Australian Athletics Championships.

The minimum age for this event is 12 years so if the past weekend’s results are anything to go by, there will be more quali ers amongst the younger athletes in years ahead.

“Over the past two weekends, you have all done an amazing job and should all be proud of yourselves,” Parkes Little Athletics Committee said.

“It’s great to see so many Parkes shirts at these State Championships. Thank you also to the parents- none of the kids would be where they are without you.”

Ten Parkes High students selected to compete at next level

■ From back page butterfly and 50m backstroke.

Meg Skinner 16yrs girls 1st in 100m backstroke and 200m freestyle and 3rd in 100m freestyle and 100m butterfly. Anderson Ball 15yrs boys 2nd in 100m backstroke, 200m freestyle, 50m freestyle and 3rd in and 100m backstroke.

Phoebe Forbes senior girls 2nd in 200m freestyle.

PHS 16yrs girls 2nd in freestyle relay (Savannah Latu, Meg Skinner, Charlotte Orr, Katie Forbes)

PHS open boys 2nd in freestyle relay (Thomas Ball, Anderson Ball, Josh Ball, Blake Price)

Josh Ball, Blake Price)

In addition to school success, two of our students have achieved swimming accolades at a recent Mountain and Plains swimming meet and one swimmer has gained qualification to swim at nationals.

Meg Skinner was the under 15’s girls age champion for the

while Blake Price was the age champion for the 17yrs multi class event.

Thomas Ball will be representing Orange Swim Club at the National Swimming Titles in Brisbane this April.

Thomas will be swimming as part of a relay where he will be swimming the freestyle leg.

staff, parents and carers who assisted with the organisation and running of the annual school carnival with special mention to Grant Skinner for officiating on the day.

We wish those students who are heading to the State CHS Championships next month every success and are very proud of their achievements.

Huxley Guess won two bronze medals at the Little Athletics State Championships.

PHOTOS: Supplied

Parkes are bush hockey masters

HOCKEY

By DENISE GERSBACH

The Parkes Women’s Masters Hockey Team has emerged vic torious, claiming the Division 1 title at the Masters in the Bush Carnival in Dubbo from 14-16 March.

Competing in sweltering 37-degree heat across three intense days, the Parkes team showcased outstanding endur ance, skill and teamwork to se cure the championship.

Parkes played seven matches throughout the tournament, demonstrating consistent and disciplined hockey.

Their round matches yielded impressive results, including a 3-0 win (Wendy Huppatz, Tracey Harrison, Naomi Spark), a nar row 0-1 loss, a dominant 4-0 vic tory (Wendy Huppatz, Louise Hawken, Naomi Spark, Casey Miles), another strong 3-0 win (Casey Miles, Louise Hawken, Jane Mattiske), a hard-fought 2-1 win (Casey Miles 2), and a tightly contested 0-0 draw. These performances secured their spot in the Division 1 grand nal.

to the dedication and commitment of the team, who train year-round to maintain their competitive edge.

Coach David Mike praised the

The Masters in the Bush Carnival was once again a resounding success, drawing teams from across NSW and the ACT.

The tournament provided a

team will now begin to prepare for the Western Masters League Competition and the NSW State Championships later in the year.

Latest from Parkes Sporting Shooters

SSAA

By BRIAN DRABSCH

Last Sunday saw eight shooters attend the Deep Lead Shooting Complex on the Back Trundle Road and shoot at standard targets at both 25 and 50 metres for a collective score of 500 points.

We are still having trouble getting good ammo and most are resorting to using very old ammo at 25 metres and paying the penalty, but rationing their good stuff for 50 metres.

TARGET RIFLES: 25M, 50M, TOTAL

• John Davis 249, 248, 497.

• Brian Drabsch 247, 246, 493.

• Paul Hocking 248, 244, 492.

FIELD RIFLES

• Ron Cunningham 239, 246, 485.

• Brett Cowling 248, 234, 482.

• Jarod Jones 239, 226, 465.

• David Shanks 244 for 25 metres only. And one shot for practice only.

Warning letter should soon be sent out to all those shooters who do not have their required shoots up, be warned the firearms registry have the power to cancel your license and if this happens good luck getting it back again.

Our next shoot is at 10am Sunday 30/3/2025 where it will be a feral animal target.

Footy

Promising first run for Boars

By CHRISTINE LITTLE

There are promising signs of a good season ahead for the Parkes Boars, according to club president and rst grade player Mackenzie Green.

He said Saturday’s season launch for the rugby club at Spicer Oval which included a trial match in rst grade against the Geurie Goats showed it.

“We played well,” Green said.

“They were tough... They’re a quality side but a really promising rst run for the year.”

Green found the side gelled really well at times and club coach Paul Moody said he was very happy with the performance.

“We executed a few things from training, that’s the beauty of preseason matches,”

areas of the game and make improvements and adjustments where necessary.

The Parkes Colts side too had a run in Orange the same day.

“They played good, they won two out of their three games and a few of those players backed it up and came back and played with us,” Green said.

It’s exciting times actually for the Colts and those moving up to seniors a er the Parkes under 18s returned to the competition in 2024 for the rst time in about six years.

“We have our rst converts,” Green said, thrilled.

“We’re de nitely seeing the bene ts of that now and it’s bene cial in two ways - it provides depth in our squads and in converting too.”

MARCUS SMASHES 46-YEAR RECORD AND MORE

By PARKES HIGH SCHOOL

A very successful Parkes High School swimming carnival saw students display great sportsmanship, participation and encouragement to other students.

Students of all levels and abilities participated in a range of races at the Parkes Pool, with many students entering all available events in their age group.

The standout of the event was Year 7 student Marcus Skinner, who broke not one, but three long standing school swimming records.

Marcus broke the Boys 13 years 50m butter y, a record that has been held by B Gosper for 46 years.

The star swimmer also broke K Thornhill’s 25-year-old records for Boys 13 years 50m backstroke and Boys 13 years 50m freestyle.

Marcus’ incredible day was capped o

with him winning ve of his races and competing in all age division relays.

Congratulations Marcus.

Following the Parkes High School carnival, a group of 10 students went on to represent the school at the Western Combined High Schools (CHS) Swimming Trials in Dubbo.

All 10 of these students were successful on gaining selection to attend the State CHS Championship at Sydney Olympic Park in April; an incredible achievement.

The results from these trials are as follows:

Marcus Skinner 1st in 13yrs 100m breaststroke,100m freestyle, 100m buttery, 100m backstroke, 200m freestyle, 50m freestyle and 2nd in 200 medley 12-14yrs. Blake Price senior boys MC 1st in 100m freestyle, 100m backstroke and 2nd in 50m breaststroke, 50m freestyle, 50m

■ Continued on page 18

RUGBY UNION

Marcus Skinner broke three swimming records at the Parkes High School Swimming Carnival.