PCP20250410

Bypass opens Tuesday

By CHRISTINE LITTLE

Tra c will switch onto the new Newell Highway Parkes Bypass on Tuesday.

It’s been six years in the making since the project was rst conceived, added to Infrastructure Australia’s Priority List a year later and almost four years of construction a er the contract was awarded to Georgiou Group.

While some areas still require work, drivers will get their rst feel of the new section of the highway that’s been relocated two kilometres west of the centre of Parkes where it previous-

ly passed through.

It’s to improve freight e ciency and productivity, and the safety of drivers and pedestrians, particularly across Bogan Street.

Beginning at Barkers Road in the south and reconnecting at Maguire Road in the north, it’s 10.5 kilometres long with ve key intersections: Two T-intersections north and south between the existing Newell Highway and the bypass, split T-intersection at London Road, four-way roundabout at Condobolin Road, Tintersection with Bogan Road, and two bridges over rail lines and Hartigan Avenue, and over the bypass on Victoria Street.

also bypasses tight bends in town and two railway level crossings at Hartigan Avenue near KFC and the Welcome crossing in the south.

Large signs saying PARKES in the north and south tell drivers they are on the town’s doorstep.

There’s also been an extension of Hartigan Avenue to Henry Parkes Way/Condobolin Road which opened to tra c under its bridge on 21 November, as did the bypass roundabout.

Other work over the last four years has seen part of Moulden Street shi ed to the west,

■ Continued on page 9

Parkes Shire pipes are in urgent need of repair

As Parkes Shire’s damaged piping lay scattered around them, Member for Orange Philip Donato has joined mayors of the Parkes and Lachlan shires in calling on the NSW Government to urgently fund the repair of critical water infrastructure.

Eight kilometres of Parkes’ water pipes from Lake Endeavour were damaged in the 2022 Central West oods, while Lake Cargelligo was inundated with water, breaking the banks of its sediment ponds and damaging its sewerage treatment works.

Two and a half years on the pipes remain in the same state a er oodwaters washed them away, leaving Parkes Shire Council with an enormous repair bill it is unable to cover.

Parkes Mayor Neil Westcott said because the infrastructure is considered a council asset it is not covered by disaster funding.

“We are not asking for special favours, our assets are no less destroyed than the Northern Rivers and theirs were fully funded by the NSW Government,” he said.

“Water supply to a town is surely essential infrastructure.

“Our peak supply has been reduced by 30 per cent, we cannot a ord to x it. We need government help… This is a very serious issue.”

Cr Westcott would like to see the issue resolved while there’s time.

“I’d like to see it resolved before the next drought, which we will need it for - we have time to do it now,” he said.

“We’re relying on gravity-fed water at the moment.”

Mr Donato said he is extremely grateful to both state and federal governments for their rapid support and

■ Continued on page 3

It

AFTER YEARS OF WORK NEWELL BYPASS IS DAYS AWAY FROM OPENING

Barry steps in to be featured artist Parkes is the destination

By CHRISTINE COX

The Parkes and District Country Music Association is gearing up for another muster on Sunday, 13 April at 1pm, upstairs in the Starlight Lounge at the Parkes Services Club.

Chris Gorton from Dubbo was planned to be our featured artist this month but unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances Chris is no longer able to attend.

Parkes entertainer Barry Green has graciously stepped in to help out and will perform on Sunday.

Our St Patrick’s Day March

Muster attendance was a little disappointing with many of our supporters committed to other activities and the return of that unexpected heat and wind keeping many indoors. Can’t blame anyone for not wanting to travel or venture out that day. I’m sure the band, Stephen, Craig, Pam and Brian were dazzled on the stage by the wide range of greens worn among our audience out to celebrate St Patrick’s Day.

Craig Manderson did a sterling job of keeping everyone entertained during his feature spot and was

capably supported by our walk-ups Stephen R Cheney, Bill Little, Bill Dixon, Sweet Mahilun and Garry Hemming.

Due to the low number of walk-ups, each were asked to perform a few extra songs, so thank you to everyone who stepped up.

We are all looking forward to a more pleasant change in the weather and the return of familiar faces for our April Muster. Remember to pick up your newsletter at the musters to keep you abreast of what’s going on in the local country music scene.

See you all there.

COMMUNITY DROP-IN ENERGY RECOVERY

10-12 April

From 8am to 5pm each day at the Cooke Park Pavilion learn about the proposed Energy-From-Waste facility at the Parkes Special Activation Precinct, which will bring a reliable energy source to homes and businesses. Find more information at parkesenergy.com.au

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. At 6pm in the Parkes Christian School Hall you won’t want to miss this free event.

PAPER FLOWER WORKSHOPS

Saturday, 12 April

Come along to Marramarra Makerspace Studio for two di erent paper ower workshops - 10am12.30pm for a paper poppy workshop and 2pm-4.30pm for a paper iris workshop. Keryn from The Flower Fold will teach you how to create beautiful crepe poppies or cra beautiful paper iris owers. Discover the art of paper cra ing and create your own stunning owers to take home. Tickets can be found on www.eventbrite.com.au.

GENEROCITY CHURCH

EASTER EGG HUNT

Sunday, 20 April

Generocity Church Parkes will be hosting their annual Easter egg hunt followed by a short gospel service at Cooke Park. Stay tune for more information.

HOMEGROWN PARKES

Saturday, 26 April

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.

MAMMA MIA OPENING NIGHT

Saturday, 3 May

Parkes M and D have done it again and will be putting on a an exciting performance of Mamma Mia from 3 to 25 May. The storytelling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, creating an unforgettable show. A large cast, non-stop laughs and explosive dance numbers combine to make Mamma Mia! Tickets are on sale now and you can book through www.parkesmandd.com.au or at the box office at Parkes Little Theatre which opens Sundays from 10.30am to 12pm.

HAPPY DOG, HAPPY LIFE

Saturday, 3 May

Calling all dog lovers for a fun and interactive guide to being a pawsome dog owner. Join in for a tail-wagging good time tackling the most common challenges dog owners face. Must-know basic rst aid tips to keep your furry friend safe will also be covered. This is an engaging, hands-on event. Cost per person is $20 and $10 for pensioners with kids under 15 free. Spots are limited and registrations are essential so make sure to contact Gail from Bartley’s Barkers on 0408 968 175 or happydog.happylife14@ gmail.com to register.

HEALTHY HAROLD COMMUNITY EVENT

Wednesday, 7 May

Keast Park will light up in a sea of colour from 3.30pm to 5.30pm as the community gathers for Healthy Harold’s Colour Run. This free, family-friendly event, designed in consultation with the Parkes community aims to foster awareness of health and mental well-being, spark conversations, ignite interest in positive health outcomes and provide inclusive opportunities for community engagement.

EDITORIAL

By EDITOR CHRISTINE LITTLE

Parkes is just days away from no longer seeing the Newell Highway, the longest highway in NSW, run through its centre. On Tuesday the Parkes Bypass will open to traffic, two kilometres west of its former location, as work continues on its access points in the north and south of the town. Is it historic? It could be. Is it significant? Definitely. For almost four years, we have watched 10.5 kilometres of land transform into a new passageway that will remove as many as 1200 trucks per day, and quite possibly just as many cars, from our local

TRUNDLE MOTHER’S DAY MARKETS

Saturday, 10 May

Trundle War Memorial Hall will be hosting it’s annual Mothers Day markets from 8am to 1pm. Come out and spend a fun morning at the Trundle hall and see what the town has to o er.

PARKES GOLD CUP

Sunday, 18 May

WHAT’S ON in and around Parkes

From 11.30am the Parkes Racecourse will be a buzz with a eight race program featuring the Parkes Services Club ‘Parkes Gold Cup’. There will be free kids activities, live music by Robbi and Ben, market stalls, food and more. Adults are $10 with kids under 16 free. More information to come.

BEANIES AT THE CORNER

Friday, 30 May

KIDS CHIOR 10 APRIL

held at the Peak Hill Showground. Gate entry is $15 which covers both days.

PARKES PICNIC RACES

Saturday, 7 June

Parkes Cra Corner is excited to announce their much-anticipated ‘Beanies at the Corner’ competition is just around the corner. On 30 May a fabulous showcase of talent, colour and creativity will be on display to be judged. Whether you’re a seasoned knitting pro or new to the world of crochet, all entries and skill levels are welcome. Entries can be brought into Parkes Cra Corner from 5 May to 26 May. Categories include kids (0-12), classic, quirky and rainbow.

PARKES EAST FETE

Saturday, 31 May

The Parkes East Fete is back in all its glory with fun for young and old. The fete features home baked cake stalls, lamingtons, student performances, ra e draw, auction at 10.30am, garden stall, tombola, lucky dips, braids, trash and treasure, cupcake decorating, displays, student art gallery, BBQ and food, fun activities and much more.

THE GOLDEN PLOUGH

Saturday, 31 May and Sunday, 1 June

The Golden Plough is one of the most prestigious ploughing competitions in Australia which rst began in 1976. This year it will be

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Are you ready for the 2025 Parkes Picnic Races? Immerse yourself in the excitement of thrilling races and top-notch entertainment by talented band Easy Goin. Don’t forget the dazzling display of Fashions on the Field.

TULLAMORE CENTENARY SHOW GALA

Saturday, 7 June

Help celebrate 100 years of the Tullamore Show at their Centenary Gala at the Tullamore Memorial Hall. Early bird tickets are on sale now at 123tix.com. This is a 18 years plus black tie event. Bring your own drinks and nibbles and enjoy music by Foxxy Cleopatra. This will be a night to remember, so get your tickets early.

WRESTLING SUPERSHOW

Saturday, 21 June

Australian Wrestling Superstars is coming to Parkes on 21 June. Head on down to the Parkes Leagues Club when the Superstars of AWS put it all on the line in a bone-crunching, body-slamming, high- ying night of live pro wrestling action. Doors open 6.30pm for 7pm show and tickets can be found at events. humanitix.com/live-pro-wrestlingparkes-leagues-club/tickets.

The community seems divided in its feelings about how much this will impact - or benefit - the town.

Fears that “this will kill Parkes” or Parkes will become a ghost town because of the bypass ring the loudest.

Just two weeks ago and only days apart dozens of cyclists came to Parkes, deliberately, as part of annual rides - one group stayed for a week.

A week later the town hosted a national convention of Corvettes, 110 of them each with a driver, quite possibly a passenger and they all were here for three nights.

Parkes Hockey will be hosting two state championships in May and it’s not the first time, they’ve been doing it for years.

Parkes Soccer hosted its Sixes Tournament over two days this year and the Parkes and District Kennel Club held its agility and jumping trial over three days for the first time on the weekend too.

And on Saturday more than 90 ladies from around the state will roll into Parkes on postie bikes after travelling over 800km in four days raising money for the Wings 4 Kidz charity.

All this just from the last few weeks and the days and month ahead - I haven’t even began to mention the annual events and weekends groups, clubs and committees host across the Parkes Shire.

The visitors were and are already coming to Parkes and it’s not because the highway travels through the centre of town.

Parkes is their destination. It’s all made possible thanks to you the community who have for a very long time seen how vital running an event is for the survival and growth of a town.

And history tells us that earlier by-passed towns have tended to do better economically, and locals enjoy a better quality of life.

HOPE

College continues to make a difference

By MADELINE BLACKSTOCK

Once every term, Parkes College for Seniors joined with the University of the Third Age gather for a social morning tea putting on display everything they have made to donate to Orange’s Ronald McDonald House.

This term the group will be donating everything from homemade blankets and face washers to jumpers, beanies socks and toys. Items that are donated are made from the college’s yarn group who meet every week to make items as well as donations from individuals from the community.

“It’s something the ladies do and people who aren’t part of the group donate because they see where the items go,” Yvone Rourke said.

As well as Ronald McDonald House the college also donates to Cancer Care West Lodge Orange and locally to Breast Care

Nurse Di Green.

This year marks 19 years of the college donating to Orange’s Ronald McDonald House.

From 29-30 May the Central West Ronald McDonald House CEO Walk in my Shoes will be held.

CEO Walk in my Shoes allows people to have a rst-hand understanding what parents and carers go through on a daily basis.

They will have the opportunity to see what it takes to create the best possible experience for a family and come to know the families staying at the House in Orange.

Jordan Grosvenor is the rst to be announced that he will be taking part this year.

“For me, this is personal. I’ve seen rsthand the incredible impact RMHC Orange has had on families in our community –providing care, comfort, and a home-away-from-home when it’s needed most,” Jordan said.

Appeals to government to fund repairs to pipes

■ From page 1. essential disaster funding they’ve so far delivered to help the region rebuild in the wake of this devastating natural disaster.

“The ood event of 14 November, 2022 ravaged communities across the Central West, causing unprecedented damage to property, including critical water infrastructure,” he said.

“Unfortunately existing ood recovery funding measures have failed to incorporate the repair or replacement of critical water and sewer assets that were damaged or destroyed in the 2022 Central West ood event.”

Mr Donato is the chair of the Central West Community Leaders Forum, whose charter is to direct federal and state government disaster funding through the NSW Reconstruction Authority to oodimpacted communities of the Central West following the November 2022 oods.

Mr Donato said it was identi ed that local government’s ood-damaged or destroyed critical water and sewer infrastructure did not t any existing criteria of funding.

“Although the Northern Rivers’ ood event bene ted from government funding for ood-damaged critical water and sewer infrastructure repair,” he added.

Mr Donato has met with Premier Chris Minns and key ministers, seeking allocation of funding for Parkes, Cabonne and Lachlan Shire Councils so they can under-

take urgent repairs to provide fresh water to their communities.

He’s also raised this issue on numerous occasions on the oor of NSW Parliament.

“Despite e orts I’ve made, along with those by representatives of affected local government areas of Cabonne Shire, Lachlan Shire and Parkes Shire – funding has yet to be

allocated for the $20 million-plus in essential repairs,” Mr Donato said.

“I’ve personally made a budget submission to NSW Treasury, seeking prioritising of electorate funding for these repairs.

“Our local councils are nancially stretched and cannot foot this massive cost on top of their existing commitments – Parkes’ critical water infrastructure damage bill is more than $20 million alone.

“The previous government committed $145 million in funding to repair critical water assets damaged in the Northern Rivers oods – an event which occurred earlier in the same year as the Central West ood.

“All we are asking for is equity of disaster recovery funding, for what is a vitally important asset for these country communities.”

Lachlan Mayor John Medcalf OAM said they were very disappointed the damage to the Lake Cargelligo Sewerage System was not recognised as eligible to receive state government ood damage funding to keep the system operational and upgrade it to prevent further damage in the future.

“Lachlan Shire is unable to recoup adequate income from the ratepayers to carry out essential improvements,” he said.

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The

Parkes

Bypass is nearing completion

On Thursday 10 April, we will be switching all traffic onto the new Parkes Bypass.

To enable the remaining construction activities to be completed, a number of traffic changes are expected to be in place for up to three months, weather permitting, including restrictions to the current Newell Highway accesses into Parkes. We encourage motorists to plan ahead and be mindful that there will be traffic changes in and around Parkes. Plan your trip accordingly and follow the directions of signage and traffic control. For more information on the Parkes Bypass visit nswroads.work/parkesbypass

If you have questions or concerns, please get in contact with our project team via phone 1800 741 636 (option 3) or email parkes.community@georgiou.com.au

Ladies a part of College for Seniors Yarn group who have made items to donate to Ronald McDonald House in Orange.

Parkes Shire Mayor Neil Westcott, Member for Orange Phil Donato and Lachlan Shire Mayor John Medcalf OAM at the damaged water pipes running from Lake Endeavour on Monday.

Ride keeps on giving

By CHRISTINE LITTLE

As dozens of cyclists rode into Cooke Park on 30 March, they were welcomed with applause.

They were 30km away from completing the rst leg of a 500km ride that raises hundreds of thousands of dollars for at-risk regional youth.

They also support the towns and the communities they pass through.

It’s called the FDC Ride to Give and on its 10th journey has just passed $500,000 of funds raised, $50,000 more than last year.

It began in Dubbo the morn ing of 30 March and travelled via Yeoval and Parkes to Forbes where they stopped at the new Boys to the Bush Shed that night.

On 31 March they were back on the road to Grenfell, then to Te mora, before making their way to Leeton over three big days.

The two big bene ciaries from this year’s ride is Boys to the Bush and BackTrack - both focus on supporting, and providing preventative and early intervention strategies for young people in our region.

Boys to the Bush, which now has a permanent presence in Forbes, creates a positive environment for boys that includes mentoring, a sense of belonging, builds self-respect, mateship, resilience and con dence with a number of di erent programs, including school based programs, all with the goal to turn boys into good men.

Boys to the Bush aims to reduce homelessness, addictions, juvenile incarceration, selfharm and suicide and build better men, partners, husbands, fathers, sons, brothers and employees.

On top of fundraising for these two causes, FDC director Cornelius Hart said this year they also split $24,000 between charities in the towns they visit including schools, CWA, Lions Clubs and even bush poets.

“We’ve just tipped $500,000, that will be split 50-50 for Boys to the Bush and BackTrack, which is incredible,” Cornelius said.

By the time the ride had reached Parkes and Forbes its fundraising total had already reached $380,000.

Local groups in each of the towns they stop in host them for morning tea, lunch or dinner.

Parkes CWA welcomed the 68 riders and their 30 support crew

With many of them being CEOs and businesspeople, the major ity of riders came from Sydney, while those remaining hailed from Canberra, Melbourne, Bris bane and the Central Coast of NSW.

“It’s a great gathering, it’s like friends coming together every year for something good,” Cor nelius said.

“When we’re hurting and the ride is getting hard, we tell our selves ‘it’s not about the bike, it’s about the kids’.

“That gets us home every day.”

Ann Olson from Parkes CWA said their core business is wom en and children.

They support Project Sprouts, a community initiative in partnership with Royal Far West that aims to address children’s developmental health in rural NSW.

Body found in burnt car

Police are continuing their investigations after a body was found in a burnt car in Parkes, but are not treating it as suspicious. Emergency services were called to a car fire in Tanks Road at 1.30am on Friday. They arrived to find the vehicle well alight and once it was extinguished, they discovered a body inside.

Police believe it was a man aged in his 50s. The road was closed for some time as police conducted their investigations.

Teen faces seven charges for break and enter

to the Bush,” Cornelius said.

“It was quite emotional to know our blood, sweat and tears went in part into buying this thing.”

“We all had a wonderful time, even though we’re hurting,” he laughed.

A man has been charged with numerous offences after a home in Parkes was broken into and a ute was stolen earlier this year.

Police allege that prior to 5.30am on the morning of 28 January two men broke into a residence in Nash Street, stole the keys to a white Ford Ranger utility and drove off in the vehicle.

They allegedly used a stolen bank card to buy fuel at a service station on Wiradjuri Way at Condobolin.

Police believe the pair engaged in what is called “post and boast” activities in relation to the incident.

Officers attached to Central West Police District located the stolen vehicle in Lake Cargelligo that same day.

Investigators from Strike Force Soteria, along with officers from the Central West Police District Proactive Crime Team arrested an 18-year-old man at Condobolin Local Court about 11am on Tuesday.

He was taken to Condobolin Police Station where he was charged with aggravated break, enter and steal, be carried in conveyance (two counts), Section 154A offence (Post and Boast), larceny, fraud, and enter vehicle without consent of owner.

Once the rst couple of pelotons had nished treating themselves to sandwiches, home made pumpkin soup and slices, Cornelius announced they were donating $2000 to Parkes CWA and Project Sprouts.

Ann thanked the group for their generosity and said such actions continue to help reduce the division between city and country when it comes to access to services for our children.

Riders nished that day in Forbes and it was their rst time seeing the new Boys to the Bush Shed in Rankin Street, which part of the funds raised from last year’s ride went to.

“$240,000 from what we raised last year went to buying a property to use and renovate for Boys

Cornelius described the shed as an asset that will start a legacy for the community.

“It was a lovely way to nish the rst day,” he said.

“It’s somewhere positive for vulnerable boys to be, among friends where they can play pool, learn life skills and job skills... and slowly talk and share their worries and troubles.”

As the riders celebrated another mission complete at a nale dinner and auction at the Boys to the Bush depot in Leeton on 1 April, Cornelius said the feeling all-round was exhaustion and elation.

“It was a very successful night and it was what helped us get to that magic half-a-million-dollars mark,” he said.

“It’s so wonderful to meet the country folk, to get that wave in the street and toot of the horn.

“It may not seem like muchmany of us have country ties but we don’t get out there much.

“We hope that when they see us they know we’ve raised half a million dollars for kids in the country, which is pretty signicant.”

Ride to Give began 12 years ago as a then one-o ride to raise money for Royal Far West, a charity dedicated to connecting kids in rural and remote communities to the care and services they need.

The Covid pandemic put the ride on hold for a couple of years.

It’s been through Parkes twice in that time which Cornelius said they’ve always had wonderful support from the town.

The man was refused bail and reappeared before Condobolin Local Court on Tuesday.

Man charged after firearms check

A man in Parkes has been charged following a firearms compliance check.

Parkes Detectives completed a Firearms Prohibition Order compliance check on a 49-year-old man at a house in Gap Street on Monday. During a search officers located a shotgun, as well as a side-handled baton and a small amount of cannabis.

The man was taken to Parkes Police Station where he was charged with possess firearm, possess prohibited weapon (baton), breach of Firearm Prohibition Order, breach of Weapons Prohibition Order and possess prohibited drug.

He was refused bail and appeared in Condobolin Local Court the next day.

Major Freebairn returns to Parkes

Major Robert Freebairn RAR (retired) is no stranger to the Parkes community and he’ll be making the trip to town from Scotts Head once again, this time for ANZAC Day.

He will be this year’s guest speaker during the official commemorations in Cooke Park and at the Parkes RSL Sub Branch’s ANZAC Day luncheon.

Meanwhile Peak Hill local Sergeant Phillip van der Reyden SAS (retired) will be the guest speaker at the commemorative service in Peak Hill on April 25.

Major Freebairn is a retired Australian Army officer who saw action as an infantryman in three wars.

He is a qualified Paratrooper including night jumps, has been awarded the Infantry Combat Badge four times and the 1945-74 Active Service Medal four times.

He served a total of two and a half years on active service.

Major Freebairn was born in Sydney and as a young boy was raised in a foster home.

He was the Senior Under Officer of Cadets at Manly High before being selected to enter the Royal Military College Duntroon in 1960.

This was when his close friendship with Captain Anatoly Danilenko MID, ”the Boy from Parkes”, began.

After graduating in 1963 he was allotted to infantry and posted to 2RAR.

In May of 1964, a Platoon Commander in 3RAR was killed on active service on the Thai border and he was sent as the replacement.

He saw active service at the tail end of the Malay Emergency Campaign hunting down Chin Peng’s Communist Terrorists during operations on the border between Thailand and Malaya.

In June of ’64 Indonesia initiated the first of 41 air and seaborne incursions into the Malay Peninsular as part of the “Konfrontasi” campaign and Major Freebairn, commanding 10PL 3RAR participated in these operations.

In Particular, after an all night exchange of fire, his platoon captured 29 of 52 Indonesian Marine Commandos that landed at the

Kesang River just 20km south of the 3 RAR Married Quarters.

In March of 1965 Major Freebairn then saw service as a Platoon Commander in Borneo, in the state of Sarawak conducting operations repelling Indonesian incursions.

During that service he commanded three covert “Claret” Operations deep into the Indonesian State of Kalimantan.

In May of 1965 he was attached for a short familiarisation to the United States Army Special Forces operating in the central Highlands of Vietnam.

While there he was involved in a number of actions in the area of KonTum. These included clandestine ops into Cambodia.

In October 1965 he was promoted to Captain at the age of 23 and appointed to the HQ 1st Division Staff.

In early 1967 he was posted to the newly formed 7RAR and saw a further 12 months active service in Vietnam as an Infantry Company Second in Command and with the Headquarters 1 Australian Task Force as OC HQ Company which he commanded in action at fire support base “An-

dersen” (named after his Comduring the TET Offensive of 1968. Shortly before returning home

Captain Danilenko was killed a few weeks later on ANZAC Day

dersen” (named after his Commanding General at HQ I Div) during the TET Offensive of 1968. Shortly before returning home he caught up with his mate, Captain Danilenko, when they were both members of a Court Martial. Captain Danilenko was killed a few weeks later on ANZAC Day 25 April, 1968 in the area of Kon-

Major Freebairn was promoted to Major in 1971.

On leaving the army he was granted the title of ‘Major’ by the Queen and the right to wear the uniform of.

He then pursued a career in

He and his wife Louise have been married for 36 years and both of his daughters have served in the army.

His youngest Alexandra served in Timor with Major Freebairn’s friend General Peter Cosgrove as his Signals Detachment Com-

Major Freebairn has made multiple trips to Parkes over the years, all for his mate Captain Danilenko, to visit his hometown and his grave, and take part in commemorations on occasions like ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day.

He also helped to instigate the Tony Danilenko Memorial Prize at Danilenko’s former school Parkes High School that’s presented to a Year 12 student annually at the end of year presentation - which Major Freebairn personally presents on the years he’s able to make the trip to Parkes.

Busy time on our roads this April as Easter and ANZAC Day approach

With Easter, the school holidays and ANZAC Day all in April this year, it’s going to be a busy month of travel on NSW roads.

NSW Police along with Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire councils are encouraging all road users to take care on the roads this April.

Last Easter, five people died on NSW roads, down from seven in 2023.

Double demerits will again be in force for all speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences from Thursday, 17 April to Monday, 21 April (inclusive).

There will also be a double demerit point period for the ANZAC Day weekend from

Thursday, 24 April to Sunday, 27 April (inclusive).

The councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention O cer

Melanie Suitor said we are expecting roads to be busy with people travelling across and through NSW during April and with this increased tra c comes increased risk of crashes occurring.

“Our message is to be patient, obey the road rules and drive to conditions. We want everyone to reach their destination safely and to enjoy the Easter break, school holidays and ANZAC Day without tragedy,” she said.

“I ask all drivers to play their part in reducing crashes and risks.

“Remember to slow down,

schedule plenty of breaks, limit distractions in the car, don’t mix alcohol or drugs with driving and ensure you and all your passengers are wearing seatbelts.”

Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Mitchell Gage is reminding drivers there will be extra police in the area.

“Extra police will be on the roads focusing on the fatal ve - speeding, drink and drug driving, failure to wear seatbelts, driving while fatigued, and distraction o ences such as using a mobile phone while driving,” Sergeant Gage said.

“Driving is something most people do in their everyday lives, making it very easy to become relaxed and complacent on the roads.

“Just because you haven’t been involved in a crash before doesn’t mean it can’t happen to you.

“Please don’t take risks and take care on the roads.

“We want everyone to make it to their destination safely this Easter.”

There are also a number of websites that could help to keep drivers safe:

• Test how tired you might be before heading out on the road at testyourtiredself.com.au

• Download and use the Speed Advisor App, a driver’s aid to help you stay under the speed limit.

• Visit livetra c.com for realtime updates on tra c condi-

Double demerits will be in force over Easter and ANZAC Day in what will be a busy April on

PHOTO: Supplied

Major Robert Freebairn with his wife Louise on Remembrance Day in Parkes in 2023, marking 60 years since he and Anatoly Danilenko from Parkes graduated from the Royal Military College. PHOTO: Christine Little

Lt Freebairn returning from Claret Op in Borneo. PHOTO: Supplied

There

Will Barnett helped sell donuts at the canteen.

Veronica Taylor with her grandson Spencer Nolan patting goats at the Animal Nursery.

Stella Rogers loved her Easter

Don’t be a fire risk to your community: RFS

Residents and landholders are reminded of the requirement to notify re agencies before lighting hazard reductions and pile burns.

A Rural Fire Service (RFS) online portal provides NSW residents the ability to notify re services quickly and easily when they are planning to use re on their property.

Using their mobile phone, tablet or computer, residents and landholders can lodge their noti cation of a planned hazard reduction or burn o 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via the RFS portal.

RFS District Manager Superintendent Michael Robinson said that by notifying their neighbours and using the online tool at www.rfs. nsw.gov.au/notify, users can help prevent unnecessary emergency calls.

“Over coming months many landholders may take the opportunity to burn o –but they are responsible for ensuring it is done safely and let us and their neighbours know,” Superintendent Robinson said.

“While we are not currently in the official Bush Fire Danger Period, landholders still need to make sure they have obtained any required permits and permissions, as well as notifying neighbours and fire

authorities 24 hours before lighting up.

“The online tool makes it easier to notify the RFS before conducting your burn. “If fire services know about a planned burn, it can help prevent unnecessary responses from local firefighters when we know it is planned and controlled.

By using the online notication tool, landholders will also be noti ed of any Total Fire Bans or restrictions and if so, will be advised to not proceed with their burn.

Superintendent Robinson said while landholders are encouraged to reduce fuel loads on their property, it is vital that it is done so safely and legally.

“Before lighting any fire, you need to have adequate-

ly prepared fire breaks and have firefighting equipment on hand to ensure the fire does not escape,” Superintendent Robinson said.

“Don’t forget there are also a number of e ective alternatives to burning such as hand clearing, mowing, or slashing.

“Every landholder has a legal responsibility to prevent re spreading from their property and there can be serious consequences if people light res and leave them unattended.”

To notify of your intent to burn o , use the online burn noti cation tool at www.rfs. nsw.gov.au/notify. Landholders can still notify the NSW RFS by contacting their local Fire Control Centre.

JOEL IS OUR STUDENT OF THE WEEK

Joel Hazelton is the Star of the Week for demonstrating our Core Values (In Praise, Love, and Trust) and for always being kind and thoughtful.

What is your favourite subject?

Mathematics

In your free time, what do you like to do?

Play with the dress ups and colour in What is your favourite food?

Spaghetti

What do you like most about our school?

Lots of things to do around the school

What are your strengths?

Writing

What would you like to be when you grow up ?

EDWARD IS OUR STUDENT OF THE WEEK

Year 5 Parkes East Public School Student, Edward Robinson is our student of the week from class 5/6R.

Favourite colour: Blue

Favourite food:

Taco

What would you like to be when you grow up?

A professional basketball player

What are your strengths?

Athletics

What do you like about your school?

Sports

What do you like to do outside of school?

Basketball, rugby, league tag and touch footy

6.00 Morning Programs. 2.05 ER. 2.50 Doctor Who. 3.35 A Bite To Eat. 4.05 Would I Lie To You? 4.40 MythBusters. 5.30 Heartbreak

9.55 Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament Of Houses. 10.40 Late Programs.

12.40 Tipping Point. 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. 2.00 Late Programs.

6.00 Flushed. 7.00 It’s Academic. 8.30 Beat Bugs. 9.00 Shopping. 10.30 House Rules. 12.00 Dance Boss. 1.15 Dancing With The Stars. 3.05 Ed And Karen’s Recipes For Success. 4.00 Black-ish. 4.30 Frogger. 5.30 The Amazing Race. 7.00 MOVIE: Matilda. (1996) 9.00 MOVIE: Glass. (2019) 11.40 MOVIE: Bad Times At The El Royale. (2018) 2.20 Late

6.00 Rage Charts. 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. 12.00 Horse Racing. The Star Championships Day, Golden Mile Race Day and PKF Italian Day. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. 7.30 MOVIE: The Day After Tomorrow. (2004) Dennis Quaid. 9.55 MOVIE: The Book Of Eli. (2010) Denzel Washington. 12.20 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Destination WA. 12.30 Young Sheldon. 1.00 Let’s Eat With George. 1.30 MOVIE: Oddball. (2015) 3.30 The Hundred With Andy Lee. 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: Mrs Doubtfire. (1993) Robin Williams, Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan. 11.00 MOVIE: The Birdcage. (1996) 1.15 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 1.00 Antiques Roadshow. 1.30 MOVIE: Are You Being Served? (1977) 3.30 MOVIE: Elizabeth Of Ladymead. (1948) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 West Coast Cops. 8.30 MOVIE: Monster-In-Law. (2005) 10.30 MOVIE: Moonstruck. (1987) 12.35 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Everyday Gourmet. 12.30 Australia By Design: Architecture. 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. 3.30 Farm To Fork. 4.00 My Market Kitchen. 4.30 GCBC. 5.00 News. 6.30 Dog House Aust. 7.30 Love It Or

6.00 Morning Programs. 3.00 The Yorkshire Vet. 4.00 Escape To The Country. 5.00 Horse Racing. The Star Championships Day, Golden Mile Race Day and PKF Italian Day. 5.30 Medical Emergency. 6.00 Dog Patrol. 6.30 Bondi Vet. Return. 7.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 10.30 I Escaped To The Country. 11.30 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 2.15 ER. 3.00 Doctor Who. 3.55 Penn & Teller: Fool Us. 4.40 MythBusters. Final. 5.30 Heartbreak High. 7.00 Spicks And Specks. 7.30 QI. 8.00 Live At The Apollo. 8.50 Melbourne Comedy Festival Allstars Supershow. 10.50 ER. 11.35 Rage. 12.40 Heartbreak High. 1.25 Breeders. 1.50 QI. 2.20 ER. 3.05 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Figure Skating. ISU Synchronised C’ships. H’lights. 3.30 Cycling. UCI World Tour.

6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 Motor Racing. NDRC Top Doorslammer. H’lights. 4.00 Full Custom Garage. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Storage Wars. 7.30 Aussie Salvage Squad. 8.30 Heavy Tow Truckers Down Under. 9.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 10.30 Late Programs.

The Boat. 9.35 Speechless. 9.55 Officially Amazing. 10.25 Dragon Ball Super. 10.50 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Weekender. 10.30 Weekender. 11.00 Ed And Karen’s Recipes For Success. 12.00 Dream Academy. 12.30 Dream Home. 2.00 Holey Moley Australia: Kids Special. 3.30 My France With Manu. 4.25 Dodger. 5.25 MOVIE: Turbo. (2013) 7.30 MOVIE: Look Who’s Talking. (1989) 9.35 MOVIE: The Dilemma. (2011) 12.00 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Tennis. Billie Jean King Cup. Qualifying round. Group D. Australia v Colombia. 6.00 Dad’s Army. 7.00 Rugby Union. Super Rugby Pacific. Round 9. Queensland Reds v ACT Brumbies. 9.30 Super Rugby Pacific Post-Match. 9.45 MOVIE: Broken Arrow. (1996) 11.55 Late Programs.

1.30

12.30

2.30 Monty Don’s

4.30

5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Compass. 7.00

7.30 Darby And

8.15 Unforgotten. 9.05 Boat

I Escaped To The Country. 12.00 Escape To The Country. 1.00 The Surgery Ship. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 Cities Of The Underworld. 3.30 Better Homes. 4.30 I Escaped To The Country. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Rosemary & Thyme. 8.30 Vera. 10.30 Great Rail Restorations. 11.30 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 The Fishing Show By AFN: Best Of. 1.00 Fishing Addiction. 2.00 Fishy Business. 2.30 AFL Pre-Game. 3.00 Football. AFL. Round 5. St Kilda v GWS Giants. 6.00 The Wash Up. 7.00 Football. AFL. Round 5. Port Adelaide v Hawthorn. 10.30 AFL PostGame. 11.00 MOVIE:

10.05 MOVIE: Windrider. (1986) Nicole Kidman. 11.35 Late Programs. 6.00 Kids’ Programs. 3.50 Andy’s Prehistoric Adv. 4.05 Grace’s Amazing Machines. 4.20 Odd Squad. 4.45 Gardening Australia Junior. 5.50 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Rocket Club. 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. 2.35 Doctor Who. 3.25 QI. 3.55 MythBusters. 5.30 Heartbreak High. 7.00 Spicks And Specks. 7.30 QI. 8.00 Louis Theroux: America’s Medicated Kids. 9.00 Planet America: Weekend Edition. 9.50

Drive Car Of The Year. 2.00 Oz Off Road TV. 3.00 Rugby League. NRL. Round 6. Newcastle Knights v Wests Tigers. 6.00 9News Sunday. 7.00 60 Minutes. 8.00 RBT. 8.30 The People V Michael Jackson. 10.30 9News Late. 11.00 See No Evil. 11.50 The First 48. 12.40 Late Programs. 6.00 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 Edgar Wallace Mysteries. 1.45 MOVIE: Tonight’s The Night. (1954) 3.45 MOVIE: The Train. (1964) 6.30 M*A*S*H. 8.30 MOVIE: U.S. Marshals. (1998) 11.10 The Closer. 12.10 Late Programs. 6.00 Flushed. 7.00 It’s Academic. 8.30 Beat Bugs. 9.00 Drop Dead Weird. 10.00 Holey Moley Australia: Kids Special. 11.30 Dream Home. 1.00 My France With Manu. 2.00 Home And Away. 4.00 TBA. 5.40 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. 10.30 Pooches At Play. 11.00 My Market Kitchen. 11.30 Buy To Build. 12.00 Australian Survivor. 1.10 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield. 1.30 Cook With Luke. 2.00 The Dog Down Under. 2.30 Pat Callinan’s 4x4 Adventures. 3.30 All 4 Adventure. 4.30 Farm To Fork. 5.00 10 News First. 6.00

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) You might be too close to a perplexing personal situation to even attempt to make a rational decision about it right now. Stepping back could help you gain a wider perspective.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Being asked to choose between the positions of two friends is an unfair imposition on you. It’s best to reject the demand and insist that they try harder to work things out on their own.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A change of mind about a workplace decision might be called for, once you hear more arguments -- pro and con. A personal event suddenly takes an unexpected (but pleasant!) turn.

(July 23 to

change.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) A surprise gift with no strings attached could happily come just when you need it to avoid a delay in getting your project done. Expect education to dominate the week.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Someone close to you might ask for your support as they face a demanding

SCORPIO (October

your determination to get to the truth should save the day!

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) A recent agreement appears to be coming apart over the surfacing of unexpected complications. You might need to get expert advice on how to resolve the situation.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Your keen business sense helps you get to the truth about a suspicious business deal. Expect to have many colleagues rally to support your efforts in this important matter.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Someone who once moved in and out of your life through the years might now want to come back in on a more permanent basis. Give yourself a lot of time to weigh your decision.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Showing frustration over a delayed workplace decision might get someone’s attention -- but not necessarily make them move any sooner. The best advice would be to be patient and wait it out.

Adavale Lane bush dance one to remember

The Adavale Lane committee recently worked together to hold a bush dance and dinner for all of the community to attend.

The Kelly Gang Bush Band provided music and entertainment on the night while everyone danced around the Adavale Lane Hall.

The idea behind the event was to bring back some of the older traditions in the country in a new and modern way.

The Hall was filled with five thousand fairy lights and hay bales and boots set the scene for an old style bush dance.

There was also a jumping castle for the kids.

The Adavale Lane committee were grateful to Parkes Shire Council who provided funding for this wonderful event.

Many bush dances were danced.

The Adavale Lane Hall was filled with bush dancers.

Bush dancing at Adavale Lane Hall.

PHOTOS: Jenny Kingham

Lea Oram holding Greg Littlewood, Scott Bicket, Rob Wood, Dennis Riley, Jane Oram, Angus and Courtney Westcott. Townsend.

Ruth Meacle, Carmela Limen, Kiira Richards, Astaria

The Adavale Lane Committee - Greg and Daneille Diener, Heather Green, Becky Wykes, Richard Sharpe, Stacey Townsend, Albert Wykes, Lisa Michet and Bridget Mrak.

One month until National Awards

By MARG APPLEBEE

CENTRAL WEST LACHLAN LANDCARE

There is just under a month to go until the 2025 Australian Tidy Towns Awards.

The National Awards will be hosted in Beechworth, Victoria and will be an opportunity for us to showcase our projects that have been submitted as part of the Award.

As you may be aware, Central West Lachlan Landcare was acknowledged as the winner of the Community Spirit and Inclusion Award for Homegrown Parkes at the Keep Australia Beautiful NSW Awards last year.

As part of our 2025 National submission on behalf of NSW, we have showcased some of our other projects, including Schools Eco Day category.

Homegrown Parkes, Council’s Lake Endeavour Project and the Kelly Reserve Splash Park were entered in the Liveable Com -

mission including the following projects: Crop Swap and the Garage Sale Trail (Circular Economy and Waste Reduction); Who is Parkes Exhibition, Multi -

egory); Parkes Wetlands (Biodiversity Conservation Category); the Raw Water Storage Lagoon project (Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Category);

and finishing off with our local hero nomination for Deb Jones in the Dame Phyllis Frost Award.

The application from Parkes, representing NSW was brought together by Michael Chambers and Hannah Farrant-Jayet from Parkes Shire Council.

Regardless of whether we win the National Award or not, this is still an opportunity to showcase Parkes and our Shire, through the fantastic projects that have been delivered that build our community and community spirit.

Central West Lachlan Landcare’s contribution to the State and National Award is not possible without funding for the Local Landcare Coordinator role through the Landcare Enabling Program, which builds partnerships, engagement, contributions back into our community,

encouragement of new small business, increased social cohesion and educational opportunities.

Thanks to the dedicated volunteers from Central West Lachlan Landcare and Parkes Community Arts who support our Homegrown Parkes Events and of course, Parkes Shire Council staff who have delivered and profiled these projects. We look forward to Parkes hosting the 2025 NSW Keep Australia Beautiful Awards on 11 October, which is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our local projects and our communities. Our Spring Homegrown Parkes event will coincide with this weekend.

For further information on this article, please go to www.centralwestlachlanlandcare.org, twitter, facebook or Instagram @cwllandcare or contact Marg Applebee on 0418 611 053.

Cattle market mostly dearer, sheep hold fairly steady

MARKET REPORTS

MEAT AND LIVESTOCK

AUSTRALIA’S NATIONAL

LIVESTOCK REPORTING

AGENCY

CATTLE SALE

Yarding 2121 (up870

Monday, 7 April

Numbers li ed at Monday’s cattle sale at Forbes’ Central West Livestock Exchange with agents yarding 2121 head.

Quality was mixed with a good o ering of well bred cattle along with a large percentage of secondary types.

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

Yearling steers were 10 to 15c/kg better with

feeders paying from 340 to 457c/kg for middle and heavyweights.

Those to processors ranged in price from 300 to 396c/kg.

The heifer portion was also dearer on an improved o ering.

Feeders paid from 334 to 370c with those to processors receiving from 290 to 374c/kg.

Heavy steers and bullocks reached 386c/kg. Grown heifers sold from 305 to 368c/kg. An increased yarding of cows saw prices slip 15 to 20c/kg.

SHEEP SALE

Tuesday, 8 April

Numbers jumped this sale with both lamb and mutton showing the increase.

Lamb quality was again mixed and similar to that of previous sales with good numbers of well nished lambs o ered along with the secondary types.

The usual buyers were present and competing in a fairly steady market.

Trade weight lambs 20-24kg were rm to $2 easier to sell from $155 to $224/head.

Heavy lambs to 26kg

Heavy 2 score sold from 276 to 320c with 3 score ranging from 290 to 336c/ kg. The best heavy bull reached 330c/kg.

sold from $190 to $230/ head. Extra heavyweights were $2 to $5 easier to receive from $224 to $282/ head. Carcase prices averaged from 805 to 880c/kg.

The best heavy hoggets reached $195/head.

Mutton numbers more than doubled and quality continues to be mixed.

Prices slipped $10-$20/ head a er last weeks exceptional sale.

Merino ewes sold from $86 to $196/head.

Crossbreds ranged in price from $94 to $188 and Dorper ewes reached $174/head.

Merino wethers ranged in price from $100 to $174/ head.

ACROSS

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

3 Which small animal and plant organisms float in the water (8)

7 What was a given name of the composer, Berlioz (6)

8 Name an animal of the Proboscides order (8)

9 What is any of a group of steroid alcohols derived from plants or animals (6)

10 To be too young, is to be what (5-3)

11 What is one thousandth of a kilogram (6)

14 What are sacred songs of hymns (6)

17 Which term describes the dying of tissue as from interruption to circulation (8)

18 Name a socialist society favouring the gradual spread of socialism by peaceful means (6)

19 To recover or regain, is to do what (8)

20 What are short appearance by celebrities (6)

21 To be the poorest, is to be the what (8)

DOWN

1 Which legendary monster is part man and part horse (7)

2 Name another term for the breastbone (7)

4 Who are the sons of one’s sisters (7)

5 What is a physical or mental toil, especially when painful (7)

6 Which hard aromatic seeds of the fruit of an East Indian tree are used as spices (7)

11 Who made the first flight in space, Yuri ... (7)

13 Name a cocktail made of gin and vermouth (7)

14 Which senior pupil has the authority for maintaining order (7)

15 Montgomery is the capital of which US State (7)

16 Name the principal bullfighter (7)

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

WHICH WORDS

1 CORRODE

a) To wrinkle or draw into folds

b) To rust

c) To destroy the purity of

2 DUODENARY

a) Relating to twelve

b) Twofold

E-QUATIONS 7

3 What is the overture to an opera (7)

Letters have a number

12 What is the second given name of Sandra Bullock (7)

c) Of a dark colour

E-QUATIONS

Some values are in the right hand cells. Create remaining

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

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:

Blood-sucking parasite (5)

Daylight saving time (3)

Headband (5)

Mottos (7)

Revulsion (7)

Sick (3)

Silurian (abb) (3)

Smallest amount (5)

Thermal noise effect (3)

To set in (5)

Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.

Bridge lessons for beginners attract new players to club

Parkes Bridge Club has had an interesting start to the year.

We have several new players thanks to Suzie McNamara’s lessons.

Most of the new players started playing on the Tuesday afternoon session which is a more relaxed setting where you draw for partners.

Several of these players are now playing on the Monday night session which is still quite relaxed but more of them are also playing Thursday which is

a little more serious.

However even Thursday has a ernoon tea and people still chat quietly while playing.

The third Thursday of the month we also stay for drinks, nibbles and presentations.

We have two major competitions during the year but needed to cancel our March Congress.

We had over 60 players registered to play and it was very disappointing to have to cancel.

Our next congress is in

August and we have managed to secure a director from Sydney to run the day and we are sure it will be very successful.

Suzie McNamara will be having more lessons in a few weeks.

If anybody is interested in learning bridge please call Suzie on 0419 460 585 or email: parkesbridgeclub@ gmail.com

We play in the Lutheran Church Hall and if any bridge players would like a game please call Tim on 0429 912 430.

Rat poison in pets: know the signs

By PARKES VET

Rat poison impacts our pets in the same way it affects rodents, it acts as an anti-coagulant which prevents the blood from clotting, and it does this by depleting the body’s supply of vitamin K.

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin which is essential in the formation of clotting agents in the blood stream. Unlike typical poisons that act quickly, the signs of rat poisoning may take anywhere from one to ve days to appear and without treatment, the result can be fatal.

If you see your pet eating rat bait, it is important to take them straight to your local veterinarian so they can induce vomiting.

If you are unable to do this, ring your veterinarian for advice immediately.

If you haven’t seen your pet ingest rat bait but they are showing signs that may relate to ingestion, please book an appointment with your vet immediately as time is of the essence, you do not want to leave your animal untreated.

Rat poisoning causes internal bleeding in our pets, resulting in lethargy and/or weakness and these tend to be the initial symptoms their owners will notice.

Whilst external signs of bleeding may not always be visible, there are several critical symptoms to watch out

poison impacts our pets in the same way it a ects rodents.

for including lethargy, weakness, pale gum colour, low body temperature, coughing (can cough up blood), difculty breathing, vomiting/ Diarrhoea (can have blood in it), bloody urine, bleeding from nose, mouth, penis or vulva.

If your dog presents to a veterinary clinic with symptoms of rat bait poisoning, blood will be collected, and clotting tests will be run to establish whether there are any clotting abnormalities.

If the diagnosis is conrmed to be rat bait poisoning, the normal treatment is Vitamin K1.

In hospital, this will be given as an injection and when the animal goes home, it will be given in a tablet form.

In severe cases, some animals may need a blood trans-

fusion to help replenish the blood lost.

A three-week course of Vitamin K must be taken when the animal goes home, and it is essential they are on strict rest as the animal needs time to rest and recover.

At the end of the Vitamin K treatment, a follow-up clotting test will be conducted to assess whether the dog’s clotting factors have returned to normal.

If the results are within normal limits, the treatment can be discontinued. However, if clotting factors remain elevated, a second course of Vitamin K may be necessary.

If you suspect rat bait poisoning in your pet, contact your local veterinarian immediately as early intervention is key to ensuring a full recovery.

Classifieds

BERKELEY, Jennifer Gai

17/09/1942 to 03/04/2025.

Loved daughter of Douglas and Linda Berkeley, both deceased.

Sister of Grantley, Brian (dec) and Anne.

Aunt of Christopher, Geo rey, Rodney, Alister, Charlotte and Charles. ‘Rest in Peace’

Privately cremated.

Beloved wife of Patrick.

Dearly loved daughter of Colleen and Rex (Dec) Sense.

Much loved sister of David and Margaret. Loved sister-in-law of Sharon, Debbie, Judy and Susan.

Late of Weston, ACT but always of Parkes, who passed away on Wednesday April 3, 2025 aged 58 years.

A service to celebrate Therese’s life will be held at The Holy Family Catholic Church, Parkes,commencing at 2.00pm on Tuesday April 15, 2025, followed by a private cremation at the Central West Crematorium.

CHRISTIE, Merle

Late of Southern Cross Village, Parkes who passed away peacefully on Thursday April 3, 2025, at the age of 98 years.

Dearly loved wife of the late Cli Christie

Much loved step-mother of Colin Loved twin sister of the late Marie Mullin (Nee: Hornery) Cherished by all her nieces and nephews “In God’s Care”

The cortege is appointed to leave the St George’s Anglican Church, Parkes, a er a service commencing at 10:00am on Thursday April 10, 2025, for interment in the Lawn Portion of the Parkes Cemetery.

Rat

PHOTO: Supplied

Parkes Forbes

CUNNINGHAM, Therese Catherine

Group flies flag at state titles

RAILWAY BOWLS

By PAUL LEWIN

Wednesday, 2 April we had 28 players for social bowls.

Winners were John Chew and Gene Rapp winning 20+24.

Runners-up were Mick Dunn and John Taylor winning 18+25.

Third place went to Mark Frances and Pig Phillips winning 16+11.

Marble 8 came out and the margins were 3, 7, 9, 11, 24 and 25.

The jackpot this week is a mind-blowing $890. See you Wednesday.

Saturday, 5 April we had 14 players for social bowls.

Winners were John Chew and Shirley Lamb winning 17+8.

Runners-up were George Greenhalgh and Steve Clegg winning 16+21.

Club championships

The 2025 Minor Singles Semi Finals and Final were played last week.

In the rst Semi Graham Thomson played Helen Clark. Helen led 3 nil a er 2 ends and 5-2 a er 5. Helen led 8-4 a er 8 ends and 11-8 a er 13 ends.

Grass took the lead 13-11 after 16 ends and 18-15 a er 20 ends.

Grass led 20-17 a er 23 ends. Helen takes the lead 2221 a er 26 ends and goes on to win the game 25-21.

In the second Semi Andrew Trotman played Frank Van Opynen.

It’s 1 all a er 2 ends. Trotty leads 6-1 a er 6 ends and 10-2 a er 11 ends.

Trotty leads 20-4 a er 19 ends and goes on to win the game 25-10.

In the Final of the Minor Singles we have Andrew Trotman playing Helen Clark. Trotty led 2-1 a er 2 ends and 3-2 a er 4.

Trotty kicks out to lead 8-3 a er 8. Helen gets back to 8-7 down a er 10 ends.

Trotty takes o and leads

to become your 2024/25 Minor Singles Champion winning the game 25-10.

Open Gender Pennant

Our 6.1’s headed to Grenfell Sunday, 6 April to play Cowra in round 1 of the Open Pennant Region Finals.

With the Big Board all tied up on the last end it came down to a measure of millimetres, we went down by 1 shot 52-51, 8-2.

We are o to Dubbo next weekend for the conclusion of the Region Finals.

NSW State Championships

Aaron Thorne, Ray Grifth, John Corcoran and Tony Bright are in Ballina playing in the NSW State Fours Championship. Unfortunately the boys su er a loss in their rst round but they were hoping to bounce back on Tuesday with 2 more games.

This week we have social bowls on Saturday, 12 April at 1pm.

As always names in half an hour before start times, eve-

new loan bowls are available at the club.

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

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

If it’s your rst time this is where you start. Just come to the club on the desired day at least 45 minutes prior to the advertised start times and see one of our dedicated volunteers and we will assist with getting you sorted and some bowls and point you in the right direction.

Social bowls is competitive without being too serious.

Players 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.

Bowlers in top gear for quarter finals

By LEA ORR

Reminder to self: You’re too old to drive long distances on consecutive days in the rain!

Lennox Head is almost in the next state, but what a treat to be there supporting our triples girls – Liz, Cherie and Brenda – as they played their hearts out in the State Championships.

No trophy this time but champs just to attain that level.

Back on our home tarmac, the volunteers of Ground Control were on the job even earlier than the council workers. Go the hi-vis!

Quarter nals of the Club

Triples are in progress: Nat Hancock/Brenda Davies/Liz Byrne cruised to a win over Irene Allen/Naomi Hancock/Tasha Allen at the weekend.

Today, we witnessed a Bathurst 1000 Classic as Betsy

Johnstone/Marja I and/Cherie Frame took the chequered ag just a wheel-length away from Kim Evans/Maureen Miller/Jan McPhee, 22–21. The kind of race where you wish there could be two winners as they started the playo end.

In the next lane, Kay Cra / Merilyn Rodgers/Lorraine Baker moved straight into top gear, rolling along the highway, leaving Ann Tracy/Janice MacMahon/Carol Reed battling with the potholes that impeded their progress. They conceded at the nal hairpin bend.

Final match in the triples this Friday: Team Simpson vs Team Orr.

On the social back roads, the action was like a Sunday drive.

Joan/Sue W/Lea accelerated away but hit some mid-game tra c, allowing Valmai/Irene A/Rhona to draw level.

Team Orr changed gear and pulled away to enjoy a com-

fortable win 17 – 11.

Irene T/Lynn/Robyn’s engine mis red over in lane 5, all they could see were the taillights of Chris C/Annie/ Brenda as they found traction. They weathered a few more twists and turns, before a service stop halted progress, 25 – 13, a er this marathon. Semi- nals start next week.

Merilyn fastened her seatbelt, gloves on, visor down, fuel topped up, but still she could not draw lucky 7.

The jackpot rises to $160.

100 club fuel dollars won by Lynn, Irene T, Carol, Merilyn and Kim.

Next Tuesday we move into Easter territory – the Easter Trading Table will be worth the trip to the club. Gi s to the value of $15 please, Easterthemed. Non-players please come and say hello.

To play bowls next Tuesday, 15 April, call the club 6862 1446 between 9am–9.30am, arrive by 9.45am, play at 10am.

anytime to have a chat.

The Punters Club has been rolling along well and the results are put on the board as they happen. Money can be placed in the tin on the bar at any point along the way.

Please call in to the club at

In the club on Friday, 11 April we have happy hour 5-7pm, meat tray ra es, badge draw ($750), joker draw ($3300), the bistro serving up their amazing meals from 6pm and the mega Easter rafes with $1000 worth of seafood and Easter eggs.

See you at the Railway! Toot Toot!

Rams run riot with nine-try win

The Western Rams made it back-to-back Women’s Country Championships titles with a dominant ninetry 46-6 victory over the Northern Rivers Titans at Canberra’s GIO Stadium on Sunday.

Head coach Kevin Grimshaw said the focus by his players had been on backing up the premiership they won against North Coast Bulldogs (28-12) last year.

For Forbes’ Maggie Townsend, one of a handful of players who’s played with the women’s rugby league side on and o since its inception, the win was a thrill.

“(The squad) were just really strong from one to 17there was no weakness anywhere,” she said.

Townsend credited the coach with getting the team - from across a wide geographic area - to buy in early.

“It was intense at parts with the training and the commitment but then the results speak for itself,” she said.

“If you put that e ort in you’ll get the results.”

The lock had thought the score would be a lot closer - especially in the wet conditions they faced - but the Rams got around the Titans’ big mobile forward pack.

“It was a great win,” Townsend said.

The coach was also pleased.

“It’s the journey I started two years ago to get the commitment out of them all – commitment to train and to turn up to games with the right attitude,” Grimshaw said.

“I know we scored nine tries but the thing I liked most was our defence.

“We tackled really well

and that’s improved weekin, week-out.”

There was a sense of inevitability about the win when the Rams posted ve tries in the rst half to take a 24-0 lead into the break.

Anderson scored two, with hooker Xanthe Booth cra y around the ruck leading to tries for her skipper Rebecca Trethowan and prop Grace Blackmore a er she scored one of her own in the 14th minute.

The Titans were doing a tonne of defence with the relentless go-forward of the Rams.

In the second half the scoreline blew out to 36-0 a er Booth and Blackmore collected their second fourpointers.

But then the Titans luck turned when prop Taharni Roberts burst onto another Karri Williams pass from 10 metres out and dragged Rams defenders with her to score her team’s rst points (36-6).

However, the rampaging Rams were not done yet. They scored their eighth try of the a ernoon with a rehearsed le -edge move ending with winger Alahna Ryan spinning out of a tack-

le and over the white line (40-6).

Townsend continues a huge week of rugby league in the NSW Police competition this week.

She’s playing with the Country South Steelers, representing a region which stretches from Wollongong to Parkes and Forbes. The side has a solid history in the tournament - runners up on debut and making the semi- nals every year - but there are six very even sides in the competition this year.

“There’s lots of new girls coming in,” Townsend said.

“You don’t know who’s going to win or lose, which is the exciting part about it.” Teams contest a game a day so there’s a very real possibility Townsend will play ve games for the week, although in the back row rather than up front.

“I’m just trying to make the most of it because I’m not going to play club football this year, I’ve just got too many other commitments,” Townsend said, explaining this will be the rst time she doesn’t line up for the local rugby union women’s team for the winter.

Parkes Bowling Club

Women’s Bowls

Aaron Thorne, and three others (Ray Gri ith, John Corcoran and Tony Bright), have been representing the club in Ballina at the NSW State Fours Championship.

PHOTO: Jenny Kingham

Jan McPhee and her team fell agonisingly short by just one point in the quarter finals of the Club Triples.

PHOTO: Jenny Kingham

Maggie Townsend with the Western Rams women’s team who won the Country Championship on Sunday.

PHOTO: NSWRL

With MARGIE MCDONALD NSW RUGBY LEAGUE

Wilkie is the man to beat

By PETER BRISTOL

April Monthly Medal

The April Telescope Tyres / Hankook Masters Monthly Medal was played on Saturday, and our day sponsor was Terry Bros Furniture and Floor Coverings.

This also doubled as our 1st round of the Men’s Club Championships which the Terry family have a long association with, and we are grateful for their continued support of the member’s premium event.

There were 82 players attempting to get the medals for April and the course couldn’t have looked or played any better thanks to Logan, Brenton and Rob and our band of volunteers.

There was a gusty breeze from the south east but the weather was fine otherwise.

In A grade the best scratch round was recorded by our leading player Aaron Wilkie.

Aaron has led the playing ranks in the club for an extended period now and this doesn’t appear to be changing at all.

Aaron had a 2 over round, recording 2 birdies, 2 bogeys on the front but a double bogey ruined that temporarily.

On the back Aaron recorded a birdie and a bogey for a square on that 9. He was challenged, by now club stalwart, Rob Hey who was 1 shot behind having similar difficulties on the front and square round on the back.

Max Keith fired a great round of round 76 off his 9 handicap to be 1 better than Jack Matthews who was also firing.

In the net event Max was too good with his 67, 2 clear of Jack and a further 3 back Rob Hey.

In B grade Matthew Skinner came our firing with a great 85 including a birdie on each side.

Matthew is working hard on fine tuning his game and it looks like its working.

Matthew was chased in by Ian Hendry who met the scorer with an 87, after a sizzling 41 on the front, he encountered some fatigue and wilted a bit with a 46 on the back.

The net event was tight with Matthew converting his good round into a 67 beating home the field with Tony ‘Scrubber’ Evans 3 strokes in arrears.

In C grade Aaron Huppatz with a solid 88 was the winner with Joe Davies a stroke back.

Aaron is starting to spend more time on his game, so the talent is starting to shine through.

Col Braeden was a further 3 shots back.

Aaron’s converted net 68 gave him the double for the day. Ahead of Col by a stroke.

The Griffins Leading Edge putting competition was won by John Green with 26 putts.

The Norman family sponsored Wally Norman Vets Medal was won by Mick Smith with a 73 net.

The Nearest The Pins on Saturday were –The Idlerite 1st was Idlerite Tyrepower Peter Amor at 390cm, the Griffins Leading Edge was David Stevenson at 99cm, the Parkes Ready Mixed Concrete 9th by Rob Hey at 72cm, the Harvey Norman 11th by Wayne Parker at 107cm and the 17th by Richard Hutchinson at 150cm.

Ball winners were Col Breaden, Jack Matthews 69, Tony Evans 70, Matt Lawryk 72, Aaron Gaffey, Ian Hendry 73.

Sunday saw the 2nd round of the Terry Bros Furniture and Floor Coverings Men’s Club Championships, where again the weather was good, the course great and 62 players backing up to contest the ongoing champs.

In the A grade scratch, there were 3 players on 76, with Rob Hey ahead on a countback from Aaron Wilkie and John Green, with Blake Parker a further 2 back.

All 3 players managed a birdie each side but had some errors stopping them from recording better rounds.

In the net Max Keith again got the chocolates with a 70, 2 in front of John Green and Peter Amor.

This then leaves Max Keith 5 shots clear of Jack Matthew in the net side and 3 back to the chasing pack.

In the scratch Aaron Wilkie remains 1 shot ahead of Rob Hey and a further 3 back to John Green.

In the B grade scratch Mitch Cambourn holds the lead at 174 and is 2 strokes in advance of Matthew Skinner and Mick Smith on 176 and Jimmy Kuntze lurking a further stroke back.

This will be an enticing battle with the match hardened Smith against the new generation of stars wanting the top spot.

In the net Matthew Skinner is building an unassailable lead and is on 140, 8 shots clear of Mitch Cambourn.

In C grade this year is like all others, and this is where the lead fluctuates the most.

Cart buddies Tony ‘Scrubber’ Evans and Peter Boschman are ‘neck and neck’ on 188 and 189 respectfully.

This bragging rights contest will be the highlight of the champs this year.

Big-hitting Finne Latu is chasing hard on 191 and Matt Knighton still a real show on 193 alongside Ian Ward and with the podium man himself, Craig Dunn, on 194.

In the net it’s the boys again, with Evans a stroke in front of Boschman – 148 to 149. Finne is on 153 with newcomer Luke Clyne on 154.

The Ladies commenced their Club Championships on Wednesday, with long term sponsors returning to

support them in Archwell Construction, Mark Kelly and Lyn Davison in the scratch stakes and Parkes Services Club supporting the net side of the event.

In A grade the scratch winner was Dale Matthews who shot a solid 93 to finish a stroke in front of Kristine Smith, backing up from her Open success.

Leone Stevenson and Anita Medcalf were lurking a stroke further back.

In the net event Christine Stait swooped in to take the event by a stroke from Dale, Leone and Kaye Jones.

In B grade Sue Holman struck a round of 107 to take out the day with Lyn Davison in hot pursuit on 109.

In the net Lyn reversed the result to beat Sue by 2 shots.

In the Putting Competition Kaye Jones showed the rest of the ladies how it was done recording 29 putts for the round.

For the nearest the pins on the Dunfords Pharmacy hole Dale Matthews was the winner.

The Parkes Services Club hole was won by Sue Holman, the Telescope Tyres hole was won by Marg Hogan and Anita Medcalf picked up the Parkes Caravans hole.

Ball winners for the day were Dale Matthews, Leone Stevenson and Lyn Davison. The Ladies will play on Wednesday then join the men for a Saturday/Sunday finish to this year’s champs.

By JOHN DWYER

Forbes continued its recent dominance in twintowns veterans golf when the ever-consistent Ted Morgan won the money at last week’s event in Parkes.

Morgans one-under round of 37 points had him two ahead of Forbes’ Ken Walton who was runner-up from team mate Steve Uphill on a count-back.

Twenty-six players contested the event and despite Forbes only having 11 players to Parkes’ 15 they were comfortable winners of the twin-towns shield by 205 points to 188.

No B grade players hit the greens for one on the designated fourth and 11th nearest-to-pin holes, while A grade winners were Parkes’ Peter Bristol (11th) and Ken Sanderson from Forbes on the fourth.

The encouragement award was won by the likeable John Pearce from Parkes.

The ball sweep went to 31 points and winners were: 35 - Steve Uphill; 34 - Tom Delmenico (P) and Peter Barnes (F); 33 - Dale Stait (P); 32 - Steve Edwards and Don McKeowen (Bogan Gate); 31 - Rob Lea and Rod Luyt (P) and Alf Davies (F).

This Thursday Grenfell will stage the April Lachlan Valley veterans 18-hole competition. Registrations from 9.15am for a 10am shot-gun start.

Zillions a winner for Jeffries at Tomingley

RACING

By COLIN HODGES

As an experienced jockey, Julia Presits came to Australia from Sweden and rode successfully at tracks in New South Wales including Tomingley in the central west.

Last Saturday she returned to Tomingley but this time as a trainer and won the 1500 metres Alkane Resources Tomingley Picnic Cup with Avoid Me.

Based at Muswellbrook, Julia Presits is the long time partner of Leandro Ribeiro

formerly from Brazil and now the champion jockey on the Picnic circuit. Sent to the early lead by Ribeiro, Avoid Me ($4.60) was a convincing winner of the Cup by nearly three lengths from Boys Cry (Tamsin Gough, $13).

The late George Wright was not only a very popular personality but also well known in the Peak Hill, Tomingley and Parkes area as a successful racehorse trainer and harness racing trainer-driver and it was an emotional occasion when his colours were carried to

victory by Ilikesooboogie in the opening event. Owned by the family of George Wright and trained at Coonamble by Joe Hodgson, Ilikesooboogie (Ashley Boyd, $1.80 favourite) was in a line of three turning for home and finished best to win the 800 metres Peak Hill Post Office Maiden Plate by almost two lengths from Stromness (Leandro Ribeiro, $2) and Completely Package (Arthur Pollock, $5).

Without a win after more than 30 starts, Zillions has won four races in succession since coming to the

Sharon Jeffries stable at Parkes.

Following wins at Gilgandra, Bedgerabong and Tottenham, Zillions (Ashley Boyd, $3.20) led throughout when beating Rebel Love (Leandro Ribeiro, $3 favourite) and Real Salty (Anaelle Gangotena, $7) in the 800 metres JDP Heavy Diesel Class 2 Trophy Handicap.

Owned and bred by Sue McMaster from Bathurst and trained at Forbes by Peter Kirby, Orcym Busby (Leandro Ribeiro, $4.40) tracked the leaders in the 1500 metres Dubbo City Toy-

The winter sporting season has officially begun in the Parkes Shire and further afield.

While Parkes Hockey has had a spectacular start to its local competition with a rivalry round, our Woodbridge Cup teams and Parkes Cobras have also hit the ground running, the first off the rank for our football codes.

And our rugby league, rugby union and Premier League Hockey teams will be following suit in the weeks to come.

We’re kicking off the Parkes scoreboard to bring you the scores (where possible) of our teams each week competing in competitions this season across the Central West.

Here are scores for the start of the season from 5-6 April.

SOCCER

Western Premier League Round 1

Bathurst 75s 8 def Parkes Cobras 0. Round 2 draw: Parkes Cobras v Macquarie United at Apex Oval, Dubbo.

RUGBY LEAGUE

Woodbridge Cup Round 1

First grade: Peak Hill Roosters 66 def Condobolin Rams 6. Manildra Rhinos 48 def Trundle Boomers 22. Eugowra Golden Eagles 40 def Cargo Blue Heelers 18. Round 2 draw: Peak Hill Roosters v Orange United Warriors. Trundle Boomers v Condobolin Rams.

Eugowra Golden Eagles v Grenfell Goannas.

League tag: Manildra Rhinos 34 def Trundle Boomers 0. Cargo Blue Heelers 6 def Eugowra Golden Eagles 4. Condobolin Rams 32 def Peak Hill Roosters 12.

Youth league: Manildra Rhinos 52 def Eugowra Golden Eagles 4.

Western Begins 27 April

Peter McDonald Premiership first grade: Parkes Spacemen v Forbes at Forbes.

Reserve grade:Under 18s:League tag: -

RUGBY UNION

Begins 12 April

New Holland Cup first grade: Parkes Boars v Dubbo Rhinos at Spicer Oval. Second grade: Parkes Boars v Dubbo Rhinos at Spicer Oval. Colts Under 19s: Parkes Boars v Orange Emus at Spicer Oval.

Women’s - begins 26 April: Parkes Boars v Blayney.

ota Class B Handicap then finished well to account for Vita Amorosa (Arthur Pollock, $3 equal favourite) and Yet Tobe A Cod.

The other winners were the Connie Greig trained Chookster (Paul Zerafa, $8) and Quiet Approach (Arthur Pollock, $2 favourite) trained by Nikki Pollock.

Tomingley is a progressive club with very good facilities and a big crowd attended the 2025 meeting.

Orange Cup on Friday with Grenfell Picnics and the Queen Of The West meeting at Dubbo Saturday.

HOCKEY

Central West Premier League

Hockey

Men’s - begins Saturday with a double header: Parkes United v Bathurst and Parkes United v Dubbo in Lithgow.

Women’s - begins 26 April: Parkes United v Bathurst Souths at Bathurst.

AFL

Central West AFL Men’s Tier 2 Begins 3 May

Parkes Panthers v Bathurst Giants.

The picturesque Parkes golf course.

PHOTO: File

GOLF

Parkes Golf Club

Veterans golf

Meet the coaches for 2025

■ From page 20

“It’s a young side so we have a lot of learning to do,” he said.

“As we go through the season I’m sure we’ll nd areas to ne tune.”

Players, including league tag also had a chance for a trial match with fellow PMP team Orange on the weekend.

While the loss of the Porter brothers might hit the Spacies hard, they’ve manage to secure Lake Cargelligo talent 22-yearold Tom Phillips, who’s played for Forbes and a couple of years with St George Illawarra’s Jersey Flegg Cup side.

“He’s a big signing, he has good leadership skills, he’ll be leading from the front,” Dwyer said.

The club has also signed ve New Guinea players who are happy to be in Parkes and who Dwyer hopes will make an impact.

Meanwhile Tony Dwyer is about to start his h year as president, he was pleased with the turnout at their launch on 29 March at the Coachman Hotel.

“It’ll be a di erent year this year, we’ve lost a few players but you

PHOTO:

Latest from Parkes Sporting Shooters

PARKES SSAA

By BRIAN DRABSCH

Last Sunday saw 12 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.

TARGET RIFLES: 25m, 50m, TOTAL

Jeff Charlton 250, 244, 494.

Steve Mitchell 250, 243, 493.

Paul Hocking 250, 242, 492.

Brian Drabsch 248, 243, 491.

John Davis 249, 241, 490.

FIELD RIFLES

Brett Cowling 248, 243, 491.

Peter Nyman 248, 240, 488.

Ron Cunningham 247, 240, 487.

Tim Nyman 248, 235, 487.

Alan Briton 239, 233, 472.

like a bit of change,” he said.

He’s con dent Sam will do well as captain-coach.

“He’ll be right, he’s coached the 18s before. He had a good time

with them and took them to the semis,” Tony said.

“It’ll be di erent with rst grade but he gets along with everyone.”

Tony said they have a good,

hard-working committee, who’s managed to get the club’s Old Boys involved again.

“We’ve had a bit of a changeover, hopefully it’ll be good,” he said.

And two shot for practice only to make up their required shoots to hold a shooters license - 4 for target and 2 for hunting, and you only have a couple of months left.

Our next shoot is at 1pm on Sunday 11/4/2025 where it will be a feral animal at both ranges.

Footy

John Crisp (Reserve Grade coach), Brent Wood (Under 18s coach), Sam Dwyer (First Grade coach), Jim Clyburn (League Tag coach) and president Tony Dwyer at the Parkes Spacemen season launch.

Jenny Kingham

Golden girls from Trundle return from State titles

Leadership in his blood

Sam Dwyer steps up to be captain-coach

RUGBY LEAGUE

By CHRISTINE LITTLE

When it comes to country footy Sam Dwyer is quite the journeyman.

But there’s been one role he’s yet to ticko and 2025 has been calling his name.

Dwyer has stepped up to be captain-coach of the Parkes Spacemen in the Peter McDonald Premiership a er his predecessor and long-time key player Chad Porter decided not to take up the position this season.

In fact regional footy critics are predicting the Parkes-Forbes derbies will hit new heights this year with both Porter brothers Chad and Jake, 2024’s best and fairest, making the switch to the Magpies.

And fans from both sides will get to witness it rst-up as round 1 of the competition on 27 April is a derby at Forbes.

“There’s no animosity, we’re all still mates,” Dwyer said.

“Obviously it’s a big loss for us, they were an integral part of the team for a long time.

“[The derbies] are always a grudge match, there’s a lot of excitement behind it.”

Dwyer said being a captain-coach is something he’s always wanted to do.

The now 31-year-old has been a Spacemen all this junior life - he’s gone from a ve-year-old Parkes Marist to his teenage footy years in the seniors to having stints with the Bathurst St Pats, Wests Devils in Wollongong and in Newcastle.

All to, as the Spacemen put it, “ultimately end up right back where it all began for him”.

Dwyer has captained Western Division and represented Group 11 multiple times.

He was awarded the Group 11 Player of the Year in 2017 and has had previous experience coaching the under 18s.

“Sam is a true club man through and through, whether it’s selling tickets at the Coachy on a Friday, giving a hand at juniors training or pumping up his team on the eld, you can rely on Sammy,” the Spacemen wrote in their announcement.

“We are excited to see him follow in the footsteps of his dad, our president Tony Dwyer, who previously captain-coached over in Eugowra.

Preseason for the Spacies began at the end of January and Dwyer’s really happy with how he and the team are progressing.

“It’s going great so far,” he said.

“A lot of people are helping me out which is great.”

The club boasts a young side this year with a number of players aged in their early 20s and others stepping up from 18s.

“It’s good for them, they’re training really well,” Dwyer said.

Their rst hit-out for the season, the West Wyalong Knockout in March, was extremely promising - they were runners-up.

Dwyer was thrilled with the result, saying they’ve had a good approach to their training and there’s a lot of eagerness.

■ Continued on page 19