We’re here and we’re open
NEXT STEP FOR BYPASS IS SIGNAGE
By CHRISTINE LITTLE
THE bypass is open, more than a thousand trucks per day are gone from the centre of town, and now it’s time to focus on making Parkes a destination.
That’s the message from Parkes Business Chamber president Geo Rice.
And that’s the plan for the next stage of the project, said Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison - $3 million for signage to advertise Parkes. Mr Rice accompanied Minister Aitchison, State Member for Orange Phil Donato, Parkes Shire Mayor Neil Westcott, Transport for NSW Acting Regional Director West Holly Davies and MLC for Orange and Dubbo
Stephen Lawrence last Thursday to mark the opening of the $287.2 million Parkes Bypass, a new 10.5km section of the Newell Highway.
While recognising the signi cant change in how people will move in and around Parkes and through the Central West, Mr Rice said the business community wants drivers to know they are still here.
“With the support of Council we want to make this a huge bene t for Parkes,” he said.
“We want to make sure our businesses don’t lose out... That’s why we need to follow-up with signage making sure people know we’re still here and we’re open, and Parkes is beautiful.”
Mr Rice admitted businesses
questioned the timing of the bypass’ opening, being so close to the Easter break and school holidays when so many families hit the open road.
“There are still more things coming,” he said.
“There are positives and negatives... We want to make Parkes more of a destination instead of people being pushed through town.
“The bypass is built for trucks, the road through town isn’t.
“We really do think it will be a good thing... We’ve just got to see through the change.”
Minister Aitchison said Transport for NSW will work with businesses to help increase visitation to Parkes, with plans for short term messaging signs during the nal construction
of the bypass’ access roads over the next few months, long term signage and easy way nding maps in the works.
She believes the bypass will put Parkes on the map as a place people will be interested in and “will want to go in and explore”.
■ Condinued on page 6.
PICTURED ABOVE: MLC for Orange and Dubbo Stephen Lawrence, Transport for NSW Acting Regional Director West Holly Davies, Parkes Shire Mayor Neil Westcott, Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison, Deputy Mayor Marg Applebee, State Member for Orange Phil Donato, Parkes Business Chamber president Geo Rice. PHOTO: Christine Little
WE’RE no longer a highway town.
“Parkes is growing up” were the words Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison used when she was in town last week to mark the opening of the Parkes Bypass. She said towns have thrived when a highway has been shi ed from its centre, using Yass as an example, while at the same time its residents enjoy the safety and amenity that comes with a bypass.
Pre-poll opens on Saturday
As pre-polling in the Federal Election opens across the country this week, for Parkes Shire residents it will be taking place this Saturday, 26 April.
Those needing to cast their votes ahead of election day, Saturday, 3 May, can attend the Parkes PCYC from 9am Saturday.
Pre-poll voting will last right up until the night before the election.
The Parkes PCYC is also one of 10 locations within the Parkes Shire residents can attend to vote on election day, Saturday, 3 May.
■ Check dates and locations on page 5.
Six months in, flood assistance assessments continue for region
Five home buybacks have been o ered and 125 home assessments completed in the six months since the $40 million Central West Resilient Homes package opened for applications.
It’s now two-and-a-half years since the devastating 2022 oods, and the Reconstruction Authority says it is working closely with home owners and councils in the region to deliver the program.
Minister for Recovery Janelle Safn joined Member for Orange Phil Donato and Reconstruction Authority CEO Mal Lanyon in Eugowra on 15 April to provide an update on the Resilient Homes Program.
“The Reconstruction Authority has been on the ground undertaking home assessments and speaking with homeowners about resilient measures,” Mr Lanyon said.
“A er a home assessment, eligible homeowners will get a report with information on resilience options they may be eligible for.
“It’s then up to the homeowner to choose the option that works best for them.”
To date, 200 applications have been submitted.
There’s also more consultation to come for both home and business owners a ected by the ooding.
“We will be holding a Resilient Homes Forum in the region in the coming months to make sure the community gets its opportunity to
construction.
“They’ll also get a chance to meet resilience experts, builders, and council sta while working with the Resilient Homes team for guidance.”
Mr Lanyon encourages anyone who may be eligible for the Resilient Homes Package and hasn’t applied, to call the Reconstruction Authority Concierge Team.
Reconstruction is also planning Resilient Business brie ngs in Molong, Forbes and Canowindra.
Mr Donato, who chairs the Central West Community Leaders Forum, brought the matter back before NSW Parliament in March.
“Will the Minister advise the house on the progress of recovery for Central West ood victims, many of whom are still living in pods more than two years a er that natural disaster?” He asked.
Minister Sa n, who also visited Eugowra for the rst anniversary service of the fatal ood event in 2023, said at the time she had
WHAT’S ON in and around Parkes
ANZAC DAY
Friday, 25 April
Commemorative services are held across the Parkes Shire on ANZAC Day, including dawn services, marches and community commemorations. Services will be held in the township of Parkes, Bogan Gate, Alectown, Peak Hill, Trundle and Tullamore. Times, locations and details of these services appear on page 7 of this edition.
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.
NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRAL
SENIORS EXPO
Friday, 2 May
From 11am to 1pm Neighborhood Central will be hosting a Seniors Expo in the Starlight Lounge of the Parkes Services Club. The expo will be opened by Phil Donato MP at 11.30am. There will be lucky door prizes and information stands for Centrelink, NSW Police,
Red Cross, Legal Aid, Yoorana Gunya, Matthew Williams Lawyers, StandBy and more.
tact Gail from Bartley’s Barkers on 0408 968 175 or happydog.happylife14@gmail.com to register.
HEALTHY HAROLD COMMUNITY
asked the Reconstruction Author-
“There is always a caveat on them because we have some tradie issues and all sorts of things happening in the Central West, as elsewhere, but we can do it indicatively, and that helps communities,”
Ms Sa n said.
“We have to communicate with them because I know people are still living in pods.”
The Minister acknowledged that recovery takes time - and that governments historically have not communicated well during “the long tail of recovery” - but said she was intensely aware of the impacts in the Central West.
“We want to make sure homeowners in the Central West who face the greatest ood risk get the support and information they need to make the right decisions for them about their future,” she said on 15 April.
“I’m committed to working with councils, local leaders and communities across the region. I am here to listen, and I want to make sure that the programs we are delivering here are tailored to the needs of the Central West and informed by the community’s onthe-ground expertise and experience.”
The Resilient Homes package is part of a $100 million Central West ood recovery package from the State and Federal governments. It is available to ood-a ected residents of Cabonne, Forbes, Parkes and Lachlan shires.
Households needing assistance to understand their options and consider next steps can contact the program’s concierge service.
You can call 1800 844 085 or can make an appointment with a member of the Concierge Service team by calling 1800 844 085 or email resilienthomesprogram@reconstruction.nsw.gov.au
For more information on the Resilient Homes Program in the Central West visit https://www.nsw.gov. au/grants-and-funding/resilienthomes-program-central-west
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 o ce 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 con-
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.
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
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,
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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
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.
High time Parkes has a Catholic high school
Letter to the Editor
During a Channel 7 local news report (Thursday, 17 April), re: the opening of the highway bypass, a very wise lady, when interviewed, said that “Parkes is finally growing up”.
I very much agree and to expand on this comment, surely it is high time the catholic community of Parkes should seriously start lobbying for a Catholic high school here in Parkes.
With six to eight buses transporting our students to and from Red Bend every school day I would not want to subject my children to this bus travel on the Newell Highway every day.
I respectfully leave this thought to the appropriate people to consider. Boyd Chambers, Parkes
Want to share your thoughts on an issue or topic? Send a letter to the editor by emailing clittle@ midwestmedia.com.au
PHOTOS: File
ANZAC DAY 25 APRIL
Funding pledge for western gateway
Jamie Cha ey has announced a future Coalition Government will provide funding for the Westconnex Entry project that aims to create an inviting entry into Parkes o the new bypass.
The Nationals Candidate for Parkes said if he’s elected, and The Nationals help form government at the forthcoming election, $465,000 will be provided for e ective signage to encourage travellers to visit Parkes and create an attractive western entry into town on Condobolin Road from the newly completed $287.2 million Newell Highway Bypass.
“A lot of work has already gone into this space, and I’m proud that this pledge will build on that and help to mitigate any impacts the
CBD and local businesses may feel from the bypass,”
Mr Cha ey said.
“I believe in this project, the Council believes in this project and The National Party believes in this project and wants to see investment continue in Parkes.
“This is my commitment, and The Nationals commitment to the Parkes Shire, because we believe in regional communities and want to support projects that will make Parkes an even better place to live.”
The state and federally funded Parkes Newell Highway Bypass is connecting the Parkes Special Activation Precinct and other major developments to the Parkes urban area, making it worthwhile for travellers
to turn off the highway.
Parkes Shire Council is also contributing $1 million to the upgrades, bringing the total combined investment in the project to $1,465,000.
Mayor Neil Westcott said the Parkes Shire welcomes this commitment from Mr Cha ey as an acknowledge ment of necessary change and adaptation required with the opening of the Parkes By pass.
“Encouraging travellers to make Parkes their destina tion well ahead of arrival, as well as a spontaneous deci sion, will be enhanced by modern signage and street beauti cation already ob served in the PSC Entry Mas terplan,” Cr Westcott said.
He thanked Mr Cha ey for the commitment.
Towns thrive with a bypass: Roads Minister
By CHRISTINE LITTLE
We’re no longer a highway town.
“Parkes is growing up” were the words Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison used when she was in town last week to mark the opening of the Parkes Bypass.
She said towns have thrived when a highway has been shifted from its centre, using Yass as an example, while at the same time its residents enjoy the safety and amenity that comes with a bypass.
The new 10.5km section of the Newell Highway has been relocated two kilometres west of its former location to allow motorists, including 1200 trucks per day, to bypass Parkes.
Its initial announcement six years ago was met with fear from Parkes community members and businesses of what it would do to trade and tourism, the feeling lasting long into its construction and opening.
Minister Aitchison agreed it was challenging for towns but had no doubts it would greatly benefit Parkes.
She’s reassured those still worried that Transport for NSW is working closely with the town’s business community on signage to make sure Parkes is front-ofmind for drivers passing by.
“Towns like Yass which were bypassed many years ago by the Hume Highway... The bypass has worked so well for them I’m
hearing from Yass Shire Council ‘please bypass all of our local communities because we want the safety in our communities, we want the amenity’,” Ms Aitchison said.
“And we know that once we get those big heavy trucks out of town we get that upli in our local economy.
“Having all of that loud tra c go-
ing out of the main street is going to make life better for so many residents in Parkes.”
She also believes having so many big trucks passing through a town’s centre has a negative impact on trade and events.
“I worked in regional tourism for 20 years so I know how important those big events are but also the day-to-day activities... And we do
need to have great signage along the highway to tell us where to go,” Ms Aitchison said.
“We also have to remember back in the 1950s when highway towns lived and died on the transport and the tourism dollar, that’s a di erent scenario.
“People don’t always eat at home these days. There’s a lot more of our locals going out to experience lo-
cal cuisine and support local busi-
“If you go back to the 70s and 80s you had your map, you booked your motel - now GPS will pick up Parkes very quickly.
“We are looking at the internet to pre-book and we know drivers have more of a plan when they go out these days.”
Parkes Shire Mayor Neil Westcott, who was also present to mark the bypass milestone, said it was a great opportunity for Parkes.
“An opportunity to move on from here to really let Parkes grow in an organic way that will make a di erence to our community,” he said.
“I’ve been quite vocal lately in saying I believe Parkes Shire can’t continue to stay at 15,000 people, it needs to be a community that has growth as something high on its
He described the feeling of seeing and hearing less trucks down Bogan Street, the former Newell Highway, as beautiful.
“The mayor’s o ce which is only about 10 metres from the Newell Highway has a completely di erent sound,” he said.
“It’s a di erent vibe, it’s a relaxed vibe - you can feel the safety around town.
“The b triples rolling through town, they’re not meant to be there.
“One a minute, in 10-15 years it would have been one every 30 seconds going through Parkes, it just wasn’t tenable.”
MLC for Orange and Dubbo Stephen Lawrence, Parkes Shire Mayor Neil Westcott, Parkes Business Chamber president Geo Rice (obscured), Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison, and State Member for Orange Phil Donato. PHOTOS: Christine Little
Western Entry Master Plan.
Nathan Fell, the candidate for Labor
1. Brie y tell us about yourself and your background.
I’m Nathan Fell, I live in Broken Hill and have lived in the Parkes Electorate for 22 years. I’ve worked in mining for most of my adult life, starting as a labourer, then working as a laboratory technician, a metallurgist and now a lab manager.
2. Why have you put yourself forward as a candidate, and if elected, what principles would govern your representation as Parkes’ federal MP?
I decided to run because I felt that many of the elected o cials didn’t really represent myself and the people around me.
As a 30-year-old, working class person living in a relatively isolated community I wanted to show that people like me do care about the decision being made and want to be accurately represented in the decision making for the decisions that are going to a ect us for the next 40+ years
I would represent the people of Parkes by being open and honest, I don’t want to give people false hope or make empty promises.
I would endeavour to consult with the community as much as possible, I think the people feel that they are being told what their issues are by people that don’t know what life is like west of the mountains.
With a seat at the table in the next labor government I will show up for the people of our electorate and make sure that their voices are heard, we’ve been an a erthought for as long as I can remember and we need a representative that will work to get things done
3. What are your three key issues in Parkes and what action/policy/plan do you have to make a di erence?
The three key issues that I’ve come across during my travels over the last 2 weeks would be:
Healthcare, childcare and aged care all as one issue - I think they all need to be addressed to improve the others.
We need more childcare options in the smaller communities so that we can bring in healthcare professionals that would otherwise need to go elsewhere.
Many of the people I’ve spoken to, whether it is rst nations elder groups, truck drivers or just people in the pub, they all feel that the people making the decisions a ecting their lives have no idea what life is like out here.
Some elders groups have told me that any funding that Aboriginal services are receiving is not addressing the real issues and not making as much of an impact in the communities as they’d like.
Truck drivers are telling me it’s getting harder and harder for them to operate because their costs are so high and they feel they’re over regulated, due to the elected member not ghting for them and allowing the people bringing these to make decisions without knowing what their day to day work looks like.
The everyday people I’ve been speaking to feel forgotten.
Roads are a big issue - as someone who just spent 2 weeks driving on many of the roads in the electorate I can tell you that a few are really good, but most are in need of some dire help.
4. Explain how you would help create more opportunities for youth in Parkes –speci cally around employment and education – to help diminish the need for people to leave the area?
A perfect example of this came up when I was talking to a small freight company in Forbes last week.
We got on to the discussion how di cult it was for the owner to get new workers, he was
saying that he will get people who have done the 2-day MC course but have never really driven before come and ask for work.
That’s great, but the issues arise when they still need on-the-job training, and being so inexperienced can make insurance a night mare.
For the freight industry, driving trucks in particular, I think there should be some sort of traineeship or apprenticeship for people wanting to get into the industry.
5. Speci cally for the towns of Parkes and Forbes, what change would you like to see or actions implemented?
Forbes is in dire need of a 24 hour police station.
I would love to see Parkes become even more of a destination in and of itself. When I was there with Minister Jenny Aitchinson last week for the opening of the Parkes Bypass a lot of people were talking about how remov ing over 1200 daily trucks from the town will make it a much more desirable place for peo ple to visit, as they no longer need to worry as much about the noise and smells. I think the Parkes township will be an incredible desti nation for caravaners and people travelling through will want to stay longer because of this bypass
6. An Energy from Waste plant has been proposed to be built in Parkes NSW - while we understand this is a state matter, it is also the biggest issue in our region right now. Where do you stand on the Energy from Waste debate?
As this is a state issue I can’t give you an of cial response as a federal candidate.
As an individual with a background in sci ence in my daily work I will say that WTE incinerators have worked well in the past for other countries, namely Denmark, with dif-
Petrus Vandersteen standing for Trumpet of Patriots
1. Brie y tell us about yourself and your background.
Petrus Vandersteen, a professional musician with a diverse background in security and the tech industry, has been announced as the Trumpet of Patriots candidate for the NSW electorate of Parkes at the upcoming Federal Election.
Mr Vandersteen brings a strong voice for everyday Australians, calling for commonsense policies and a return to practical governance.
“Australians are crying out for leadership that understands real life - not the career politics of the Canberra bubble,” Mr Vandersteen said.
“Trumpet of Patriots is the real alternative to the ‘uni-party’ of Labor and the Coalition, who’ve become indistinguishable in their failure to address the core issues hurting our communities.”
With rsthand experience across
creative, technical, and security sectors, Mr Vandersteen says he will bring a no-nonsense, solutions-focused approach to Parliament.
“I’m standing for the people of Parkes who feel forgotten, who want their country back, and who deserve a representative who’ll speak plainly, act boldly, and always put Australia rst,” he said.
2. Why have you put yourself forward as a candidate, and if elected, what principles would govern your representation as Parkes’ federal MP?
I hate to be the sideline whinger, so I decided (again) to stand up for what I believe in and represent like minded souls. I stand for a practical problem solving approach, through transparency, accountability and integrity.
3. What are your three key issues in Parkes and what action/
policy/plan do you have to make a di erence?
1. Block with all means that toxic waste incinerator plan in Parkes, state or not. I’ll man the barricades!
2. Housing and cost of living issues. We can do a whole lot better than what’s happening now. Cap mortgages at 3%, put a moratorium on rent hikes.
3. In ation is a sign of a devaluing
dollar. Bring back manufacturing and self-su ciency as a nation, and consider cheap, clean and safe thorium based nuclear power, tried, tested and approved by a dozen of other nations. Low power prices bene t everything from families to corporations!
Earn it before we spend it. Put up a 15% excise (paid by other countries) on our mining exports like iron ore to pay for our national debt in record time.
4. Explain how you would help create more opportunities for youth in Parkes – speci cally around employment and education – to help diminish the need for people to leave the area?
Decentralised government, bringing back manufacturing and cheaper housing, cutting red tape and bureaucracy, stimulating entrepreneurship, cutting power
prices and stimulating a positive attitude, we DO have a bright future !
5. Speci cally for the towns of Parkes and Forbes, what change would you like to see or actions implemented?
All of the above.
6. An Energy from Waste plant has been proposed to be built in Parkes NSW, within the Parkes Special Activation Precinct - while we understand this is a state matter, it is also the biggest issue in our region right now. Where do you stand on the Energy from Waste debate?
See above.
7. In your nal pitch to the Parkes electorate, why should they vote for you?
Only vote for me if you agree with what I believe in. Because you are either going to love me or hate me, because I intend to deliver, come hell or high water, what is needed.
Pre-poll opens at PCYC Saturday
Local pre-polling in the Federal Election opens this Saturday, 26 April.
Those needing to cast their votes ahead of election day, Saturday, 3 May, can attend the Parkes PCYC from 9am Saturday.
The PCYC polling centre is open: Saturday, 26 April: 9am to 4pm Monday, 28 April to Thursday, 1 May: 8.30am to 5.30pm Friday, 2 May: 8.30am to 6pm
Residents can also vote early at Forbes Town Hall during these hours.
Election day is Saturday, 3 May and you can vote at:
Parkes East Primary School: 8am to 6pm
Parkes High School: 8am to 6pm
Parkes Public School: 8am to 6pm
Middleton Public School: 8am to 6pm
Parkes PCYC: 8am to 6pm
Alectown Soldiers Memorial Hall: 8am to 6pm
Peak Hill Central School: 8am to 6pm
Bogan Gate Public School: 8am to 6pm
Trundle War Memorial Hall: 8am to 6pm
Tomingley Memorial Hall: 8am to 6pm
Tullamore Central School: 8am to 6pm
Tottenham War Memorial Hall: 8am to 6pm
Eugowra voters are in the electorate of Calare and can vote from 8am to 6pm at Eugowra Public School.
er Je Pope said those who can vote on Saturday, 3 May need to do that.
“If you can’t then you can vote at one of our many early voting centres across the country,” he said.
“I encourage all voters to consider their circumstances and plan their vote.
“Just over half of all voters cast an early vote, including a postal vote in 2022, and we expect that number to be similar this year.”
The AEC has also begun visiting residential aged care, hospitals, mental health care, and other residential facilities and establishments to help people cast their vote.
Australian Electoral Commission-
“The bulk of our work still happens on election day, but for a variety of reasons it’s clear from past elections that more Australians are needing to access early voting options.
Bob Wilson: Indigenous - Aboriginal Party of Australia
I was born in 1955 in Wilcannia on the Darling River in NSW. I was the rst born of 10Wilson kids.
My dear old Mum and Dad raised us kids under the gum trees on that river.
My Dad is from the Dunghutti tribe from the east coast NSW and Mum was from the Barkindji tribe, and we originated from the Lake Mungo tribe.
The following are some Indigenous - Aboriginal Party of Australia policies in relation to the Parkes electorate.
Energy: The IAPA is totally opposed to nuclear power or the storage of nuclear waste anywhere on the continent. We are also opposed to the acquisition of nuclear submarines.
The IAPA is very supportive of renewable energy and ambitious targets for the reduction of greenhouse gases.
A major impetus for the formation of the IAPA was concern over the degradation of the sacred Baaka (Darling River) and all other rivers in the electorate.
While over-extraction is a major cause of that sad decline in the quality of the Baaka and other rivers, man-made climate change also plays a huge part.
The IAPA realises that Australia is only responsible for about 1% of global emissions produced at home but there are easily another 30 countries with similar ‘low’ emissions. Together, 30% is a considerable amount.
It is important for this country to be a responsible global citizen, but furthermore, trading blocs such as the EU will soon apply tari s on countries who are not attempting to reduce their emissions.
The IAPA also believes there are considerable economic and reliability advantages for the far west from the energy decentralisation which
justice.
It is obvious to the IndigenousAboriginal Party of Australia (IAPA) that the Electorate of Parkes has been taken for granted and neglected for decades.
We fail to see how the voter’s loyalty to one political party has been rewarded in any way. We are not proud that Parkes has the highest infant mortality rate in the state, comparable to, or worse than some third world countries, or that safety and education is compromised by a totally inadequate telecommunications network.
While Bob Wilson and the Indigenous - Aboriginal Party of Australia (IAPA) are ready and able to lead Parkes a er the election, it is also important, in general, that the Electorate of Parkes become more marginal in its voting patterns so that government takes notice of the dire needs in the west and that governments and intending governments have to bid to attract and maintain voter loyalty.
Youth crime: The IAPA agrees that no one wants violent crime to occur and reducing its occurrence is a goal all Parkes residents share. However, young Aboriginal people are already unfairly overrepresent-
ed in the criminal justice system due to disadvantage which is no
Well-resourced programs of prevention would both protect victims of crime, and also save the lives of young o enders at a cost far less than simply punishing crimes a er
The IAPA also believes that local Indigenous communities already have the answers to youth crime through empowering parents to care better for their own children.
Through a process of deep listening, governments can support and facilitate that process rather than undermining it by taking over and imposing its own, o en ine ective, strategies which take responsibility and control away from parents, extended family, Elders and the Traditional Owners.
Housing: Safe housing is a fundamental human right and we call on the government to ensure housing equity and prioritisation for vulnerable groups, particularly Aboriginal people.
We need a focus on community led solutions; listen to those most a ected by the crisis and understand one solution doesn’t suit all in regional and remote towns especially.
The government has the opportunity to make lasting changes to address the housing crisis.
The IAPA believes public housing for Aboriginal communities should be designed in deep consultation with those communities so the housing can be adaptable to unique needs such as including Elders but also allowing them space.
Any new housing plans should involve the training of community members to carry out maintenance on the housing. This would improve the pride and skills of the people but also mean repairs are carried out quicker and more cheaply.
Cost of living relief:
- Immediate increase in the level of unemployment bene ts especially for remote areas where the cost of living is so high. (This is just a stop gap measure - employment is the real solution.)
- Heavily subsidized photovoltaics and battery storage for remote areas, especially on public housing, to reduce electricity bills.
- Further reduction is fuel excise for remote areas where people are forced to travel huge distances for needs as simple as seeing a doctor. High fuel costs do not reduce consumption because remote residents have no other options.
Roads: The IAPA would like to see a revitalisation of the existing rail network to take wear and tear o roads and reduce the cost of living.
Domestic violence: The IAPA mostly sees Domestic violence in Parkes as a by-product of poverty and the stress caused by poverty. So as well as adequate services the IAPA would like to see an increase in employment and recreational opportunities in remote areas.
Water security: The IAPA would like to see the encouragement and subsidy of drinking water tanks, grey water systems and other water saving measures.
Connectivity: The IAPA is concerned about the over-reliance on satellite technology for telecommunications because of the risk of total blackout if satellites mal-function. the IAPA would like to see some redundancy in the system with land based systems still well maintained.
Health: The IAPA would like to see innovative solutions to attracting doctors to the regions. One used successfully elsewhere is to provide free childcare for Doctors; something which is scarce in the cities.
A local community can train and retain childcare workers a lot more easily than doctors.
Approximately 1.8 million postal vote applications have been made, and postal vote packs have already started to be dispatched to Australian voters here and overseas.
Mark Carter: One Nation
I moved to the town of Parkes in 2001-2002 but when I wasn’t able to nd full time work I moved back to Sydney.
I returned in 2010 and have been here ever since.
I worked at Manildra until 2019, then started a transport company one month later.
I’ve put myself forward because it just felt like the right thing to do.
I was sick of politicians doing nothing for the people, only looking a er themselves and the minorities making big noises.
Stop the waste from government so our in ation will drop quickly and everyone who has mortgage or loan will feel relief.
TAFE needs to be cheaper, and give incentives to nish the courses they start and penalties for those who don’t.
I thought everyone was looking for greener energy and not more toxic energy, and there are better places to put an Energy from Waste plant, not near towns or populated areas.
I am new bloke not here for myself, I’m here for the people of the electorate.
I will be a public servant, which means to serve the public for the majority.
Bypass signage to support businesses
■ From page 1.
“We know Parkes has a very proud tourism history, the Elvis Festival of course is the keystone anchor of that history,” she said.
“But there’s the Dish and there’s all the other aspects of Parkes that makes it such a beautiful place to visit all yearround.”
Minister Aitchison said it is impor tant to consider the impact the amount of trucks passing through the centre of Parkes had on not only the town’s major events but its day-to-day activities too.
“This is a project that’s been on the books for 60 years. This is a project that’s been of enormous bene t to the Parkes community,” she said, highlight ing the 350 jobs it had created during construction.
Mayor Neil Westcott said the bypass represented the next level for Parkes and thanked Transport for NSW for “staying true” to its original vision.
“It’s important for them [residents] and it’s important for us,” he said.
“It’s been six years of construction, this started the same time as the SAP [Special Activation Precinct], locals have had to detour and go around their own patch for so long.
“We wanted four key entry points [on the bypass] - a good entry in the south, a good entry in the north and an opportu nity to turn in the middle if they missed it, and the Victoria Street bridge to the Christian School and beyond.
“Transport for NSW has accommo dated that and we thank them.”
The 98-metre-diameter roundabout at the intersection of Condobolin Road is that middle entry, Minister Aitchison describing it as the centrepiece of the bypass which also lays claim to being the Central West’s largest roundabout.
It made its grand debut on 21 Novem ber.
Minister Aitchison added that big
Shot fired, two pursuits as police try to arrest man
A MAN surrendered to police when his car became immobile a er two pursuits and a collision with a police car, during which a shot was red.
About 6am on Tuesday police were called to Orange Street in Parkes following reports a 42-yearold man had allegedly threatened two other people.
O cers attached to Central West Police District attended and commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident, later locating the man at a service station on Peak Hill Road at Parkes.
He was seen entering a Holden Commodore that didn’t have any number plates.
Highway Patrol o cers attempted to stop the vehicle, and when it didn’t, a pursuit was initiated.
The pursuit was terminated a short time later due to safety concerns.
Police tracked the car to Keiths Lane in Tichborne where the man allegedly disobeyed police direction.
He was involved in a minor collision with the police car, a er which an o cer discharged their rearm towards the vehicle.
The vehicle, which was not struck, drove from the scene and no injuries were reported.
Police sighted the man again in Back Yamma Forest around 9.25am.
Another short pursuit began but was terminated when the Holden became immobile.
The man was arrested without incident, police said, and taken to Parkes Police Station.
O cers searched his vehicle and allegedly found a tomahawk and an amount of drugs inside, which were seized for forensic examination.
The 42-year-old was charged with an outstanding warrant, two counts of stalk/intimidate with intent to cause fear of physical harm (personal), two counts of police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously, drive motor vehicle during disquali cation period, drive unregistered vehicle on road, armed with intent to commit indictable o ence, possess prohibited drug, use uninsured motor vehicle on road and use class A vehicle with unauthorised number plate a xed. He was refused bail and attended Parkes Local Court on Wednesday.
Pause to remember this ANZAC Day
Community members across the Parkes Shire and the country will pause to remember on Friday 25 April as the nation marks ANZAC Day.
Across the Parkes Shire, important times to note at towns on ANZAC Day include:
Parkes
5:30am - Dawn Service on Memorial Hill
9am - Commemorative service at the Cooke Park Cenotaph. The wet weather venue is at the Parkes Ser-
vices and Citizens Club.
10:45am - Wreath Laying Pilgrimage at Parkes Cemetery War Graves. 12pm - ANZAC Day Luncheon at the Parkes Services and Citizens Club.
Peak Hill
6am - Dawn Service at the AIF School of Arts Memorial Gates
10:30am - March fall in. Children assemble at the Arts and Cra s Centre while Ex-Service personnel, Club directors, club members and Fire Brigade assemble at the
corner of Dugga and Caswell Street.
10:45am March procession commences along Caswell Street to the AIF Memorial Gates,
11am - Commemorative service begins, with guest speaker Sergeant Phillip van der Reyden, SAS (ret.).
Trundle
9:45am - March ‘fall in’ at the Central School.
10:30am - Commemorative Service at Trundle War Memorial Hall.
Bogan Gate
6am - Dawn Service and Commemoration of names. Following the Service a free complimentary breakfast will be available for the the community at the Bogan Gate Community Memorial Hall.
Tullamore
6am - Dawn Service at the Tullamore Memorial Park
10:45am - Commemorative Service at the Memorial Park.
Alectown
6am - Dawn Service at the Soldiers Memorial Hall.
Shocking road toll across NSW as Easter wraps up
Three people have died on NSW roads this Easter, including one in the Central West.
The state road toll has risen to a shocking 108 deaths this year.
While the three fatalities have been compared to the seven that occurred this time last year, it’s still three too many.
NSW Police wrapped up the Easter long weekend tra c operation with a warning to motorists to remain vigilant and safe on our roads ahead of the ANZAC Day long weekend.
O cers conducted a high-visibility presence
COME AND SEE OUR NEW CENTRE
across the state during Operation Easter 2025, which saw a signi cant number of people travelling to visit family and friends during the school holidays.
Double demerits were in place from 17-21 April for all speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone, and motorcycle helmet o ences and the Fours Ds – drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving.
Double demerits will be in force again this weekend from Thursday to Sunday, 24-27 April.
Across the state, police issued 4892 speeding infringements, conducted 268,274 breath tests with
340 people charged with drink-driving, and there were 802 positive detections for drug-driving.
O cers also attended 339 major crashes.
In the Western Police Region there were 581 speeding infringements, 27,803 breath tests conducted that saw 40 people charged with drinkdriving and 120 with drug-driving.
Police attended 15 major crashes, one a fatality at Canowindra on Sunday morning.
Acting Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Tara Moriarty said any life lost on the roads is one too many.
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“Three people lost their lives over the weekend - that’s three families now dealing with the unimaginable,” she said.
“While the majority of drivers are doing the right thing, it only takes a few risky decisions to change lives in an instant.
“These are preventable tragedies,” Ms Moriarty said.
“With the ANZAC Day long weekend coming up, I’m encouraging everyone to make safe choices - take your time, stay focused, and do not get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking or taking drugs,” she said.
ANZAC Day Commemorations will be taking place across Parkes Shire.
for another this weekend.
Diocese launches ‘The Wilcannia-Forbes Way’
Catholic Education Wilcannia-Forbes is thrilled to announce the launch of ‘The Wilcannia-Forbes Way’ at four significant cluster conferences across the diocese in Broken Hill, Cobar, Parkes, and Deniliquin.
This milestone highlights the dedication, unity, and collective commitment of the entire Catholic Education Wilcannia-Forbes community in its shared mission to serve students and families throughout remote and rural NSW.
The conference in Parkes was held on 10-11 April with all school staff from St Laurence’s Forbes, Holy Family Parkes, St Joseph’s Condobolin, St Patrick’s Peak Hill, St John’s Trangie, St Mary’s Warren and St Augustines Narromine attending.
While the diocese encompasses 52 per cent of the state, these conferences highlight the intimate connection, relationships, and shared responsibility that binds educators across vast distances.
This unity is driven by grounding values, understandings, and a deep commitment to inspiring horizons rich in faith, learning, and wellbeing for all students.
The foundation of these frameworks, including the Learning and Teaching Model and Wellbeing and Behaviour Response Framework, is the new Bishop’s Charter for Catholic Education.
“The Bishop’s Charter is entrusted to each of our schools, empowering them in their vital role of fulfilling the church’s mission to inspire and enrich the lives of our students through the gift of Catholic Education,” affirmed Bishop of the Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes, Bishop Columba-Macbeth Green. Driven by grounding values and shared accountabil-
ity, ‘The Wilcannia-Forbes Way’ empowers the 18 parish schools of the diocese to meet diverse student and community needs.
It references key knowledge collections while remaining flexible to each school’s unique context.
“’The Wilcannia-Forbes Way’ isn’t just a new initiative; it’s the powerful culmination of deep, evidencebased learning and the celebration of high-impact practices already flourishing within our schools,” Director of Catholic Education Mrs Paula Leadbitter said.
“This suite of documents
RORY IS OUR STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Rory Jelbart in class 1D at Parkes Public School is our student of the week.
Teacher comment from Mrs Deland: is extremely kind and shows empathy to all others. Rory tries his best at all activities and gives careful consideration and thought to all classroom tasks. He is a wonderful member of our class.
What are your favourite things to do? home I like to colour in and draw. At school I like maths lessons and handwriting.
What would you like to be when you grow up? would like to be a farmer
ANDERSON IS OUR STUDENT OF THE WEEK
represents our commitment to capturing and sharing the amazing, innovative approaches that make a real difference for our students and families across the diocese.
“It’s about codifying our collective wisdom and ensuring these successful strategies continue to thrive and inspire.”
Catholic Education Wilcannia-Forbes looks forward to nurturing ongoing collaborative work to continually celebrate and enhance the Catholic education landscape for students and families across the diocese.
Anderson Allen in year 2 at Parkes East Public School is our student of the week. What is your favourite colour? Red
What is your favourite food? Chicken nuggets
What would you like to be when you grow up? A worker at IT
What are your strengths? Soccer and technology
What do you like about your school? Lots of balls I can play with What do you like to do outside of school? Play my Xbox and play soccer at home
(Director of Catholic Education Wilcannia-Forbes) and Chris Kupkee (Head of Catholic Identity and Mission). PHOTO: Supplied
Community recognised
Member for Orange Phil Donato held his fourth annual Community Recognition Awards event at Borenore on January 30 where over 150 people from the Orange Electorate were honoured.
From the 150, 23 Parkes individuals, organisations and events were recognised for their achievements.
Mr Donato personally presented a certicate to each award recipient, endorsed with the speech he delivered in the NSW Parliament to o cially recognise them.
We continue the Parkes recipient list below, celebrating our incredible residents and all that they do and achieve.
Previous recipients have been published in the 20 February, 13 March and March 20 editions of the Parkes Champion Post.
SUE RANGER
Sue Ranger was recognised for her remarkable achievement of being award the NSW Service Recognition award for her over 50 years of service to Parkes East Public School.
“Mrs Ranger is the head of an administration sta of ve and oversees a budget of $4.3m. She has also been part of enormous change at the school as public education moved into the digital age and facilitated its rst server.
“Mrs Ranger describes the school community as ‘one big family’, a family she is now extending to the grandchildren of those kids she met in the early days of her career.”
MELAINE SUITOR
Melaine Suitor was recognised for being the recipient of the Senator Alex Gallacher Road Safety Award.
“One of the state’s longest-serving road safety o cers with more than 22 years in the role, Ms Suitor has implemented many initiatives which have helped improve the road culture in her community.
“Rural communities rely on the road network to keep communities connected. The work Ms Suitor does to help keep drivers safe is invaluable and I thank her.”
ANDREA AUSTIN
An integral part of BaptistCare Niola Aged Care, Andrea Austin was recognised for her 35 years at the facility.
“With a policy of making residents feel like they have their ‘best day every day’, Ms Austin has become known as Niola’s go-to-girl by her colleagues and residents.
“Aged care is one of the most important, yet under-valued vocations in our country and in regional and rural NSW it is vital for communities to function. I thank Andrea for her empathy, loyalty and the unwavering care she has provided at BaptistCare Niola,” Mr Donato read in NSW Parliament.
Mr Donato believe it’s important to recognise locals for their remarkable accomplishments and contributions to our community and we congratulate all those who have been recognised.
Home renos now possible after lottery win
A Parkes man is laying the foundations for his dream home makeover a er pocketing a $100,000 prize in a Lucky Lotter ies draw.
The local held the rst prize winning entry in Lucky Lotteries Super Jackpot draw 10962, which was drawn on 17 April.
He also pocketed a consola tion prize, boosting his total win to $102,000.
“That’s pretty good news! Very good news!” He cheered when his prize was revealed by an of cial from The Lott.
“I never expect to win. I al ways just buy a ticket and hope for the best.
“I’ve come close to winning the big one on a few occasions. It feels surreal.
pensive, so this has come at the perfect time.
“It’s just great news. Today
consecutive numbers was purchased at newsXpress Parkes in Clarinda Street.
Can’t make it on Election Day?
newsXpress Parkes manager
Melissa Cowling shared she was thrilled to hear a local customer had won $100,000 from a ticket purchased at her outlet.
“We’re very excited to hear that a local might be the lucky winner,” she said.
“Our community is going to be over the moon to hear that our little town has scooped up a big
“We’ve already proudly put up signage notifying everyone of the good news out front.
“This marks our h major prize win in the past 10 years at our outlet. We’re so thrilled to have done it again.
“We wish our winning customer all the best with their future!”
If you can’t vote on Saturday 3 May, you may be eligible to vote early.
All Australian citizens aged 18 years and over are required by law to vote.
So, if you can’t make it to a polling place on election day, you may be eligible to: · vote early at an early voting centre, or · apply for a postal vote.
If you’re travelling, working or will be outside the electorate where you’re enrolled on election day, you can vote early.
To check early voting options and eligibility, visit aec.gov.au/early
Your vote will help shape Australia.
To learn more aec.gov.au/early 13 23 26
Authorised
by the Electoral Commissioner, 10 Mort Street, Canberra.
Sue Ranger was recoginsed for her achievement of being award the NSW Service Recognition award.
6.00 Get Clever. 7.00 It’s Academic. 8.30 Larry The Wonder Pup. 9.00 Shopping. 10.30 Rebel Wilson’s Pooch Perfect. 1.05 Dancing With The Stars. 3.30 The Goldbergs. 4.00 Jabba’s Movies. 4.30 Frogger. 5.30 The Amazing Race. 7.00 MOVIE: The Smurfs 2. (2013) 9.15 MOVIE: Wild Hogs. (2007) 11.15 MOVIE: Hollow Man. (2000) 1.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs.
v St George Illawarra Dragons. 6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 8. Melbourne Storm v South Sydney Rabbitohs. 9.55 Golden Point. 10.45 MOVIE: Criminal. (2016) 12.40 Tipping Point. 1.30 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. 12.00 Avengers. 1.00 Antiques Roadshow. 1.30 MOVIE: Against The Wind. (1948) 3.30 MOVIE: The Thousand Plane Raid.
Late
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Harry’s Practice. 11.30 GetOn Extra. 12.00 Impossible Builds. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 3.00 The Yorkshire Vet. 4.00 Escape To The Country. 5.00 Horse Racing. Saturday at the Valley, Charity Race Day and SA Oaks & Sangster Day. 6.00 Dog Patrol. 6.30 Bondi Vet. 7.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 11.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 In The Room: Leigh Sales With Lin-Manuel Miranda. 1.30 Darby And Joan. Final. 2.15 Extraordinary Escapes. 3.00 Megafauna: What Killed Australia’s Giants? Final. 3.50 A Life In Ten Pictures. 4.45 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli. 5.15 Landline. 5.40 Australian Story. 6.10 Father Brown. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 Vera. Return. 9.05 Midsomer Murders. 10.35 Unforgotten. Final. 11.20 Late Programs. 6.00 Kids’ Programs. 4.05 Grace’s Amazing Machines. 4.20 Odd Squad. 4.45 Gardening Australia Junior. 5.10 Bluey’s Big Play. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Rocket Club. 7.30 Harry
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. 12.00 Horse Racing. Saturday at the Valley, Charity Race Day and SA Oaks & Sangster Day. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The Americas. 8.00 MOVIE: Evan Almighty. (2007) Steve Carell, Morgan Freeman. 10.00 MOVIE: No Hard Feelings. (2023) Jennifer Lawrence. 12.15 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 1.30 Australia ReDiscovered. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 Watersport. Offshore Superboats. Replay. 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 7. GWS Giants v Western Bulldogs. 11.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Destination WA. 12.30 Drive TV: Launch Pad. New. 1.00 Innovation Nation. 1.15 Surfing Australia TV. 1.45 The Pet Rescuers. 2.15 Young Sheldon. 2.45 MOVIE: Yours, Mine And Ours. (2005) 4.30 The Garden Gurus. 5.00 9News First At Five. 5.30 Getaway. 6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 MOVIE: Midway. (2019) 10.10 MOVIE: The Man With The Iron Heart. (2017) 12.20 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 Weekender. 11.00 Ed And Karen’s Recipes For Success. 12.00 Dream Academy. 12.30 Dream Home. 2.20 Holey Moley Australia. 3.20 Zumbo’s Just Desserts. 4.30 Dodger. 5.35 MOVIE: The Angry Birds Movie 2. (2019) 7.30 MOVIE: Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody. (2022) 10.35 MOVIE: Spy. (2015) 1.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Everyday Gourmet. 12.30 Australia By Design: Architecture. 1.00 10 Minute Kitchen. 1.30 What’s Up Down Under. 2.00 Food Trail: South Africa. 2.30 Silvia’s Italian Masterclass. 3.00 Taste Of Aust. 3.30 Farm To Fork. 4.00 My Market Kitchen. 4.30 GCBC. 5.00 News. 6.30
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 My Favorite Martian. 11.00 Avengers. 12.00 MOVIE: The Captain’s Paradise. (1953) 1.55 MOVIE: Odette. (1950) 4.20 MOVIE: The Dam Busters. (1955) 7.00 Rugby Union. Super Rugby Pacific. Round 11. ACT Brumbies v Hurricanes. 9.30 Super Rugby Pacific Post-Match. 9.45 MOVIE: Law Abiding Citizen. (2009) 11.55 Late Programs.
Wellness. 11.00 Escape To The Country. 1.00 The Surgery Ship. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 Animal SOS Australia. 3.00 Harry’s Practice. 3.30 Cities Of The Underworld. 4.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Rosemary & Thyme. 8.30 Vera. 10.30 Great Rail Restorations. 11.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.30 Songs Of Praise. 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Australia. 2.30 Monty Don’s Paradise Garden. 3.30 Bill Bailey’s Wild West Australia. 4.15 The Telegram Man. 4.30 Restoration Australia. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Compass. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 Vera. Final. 9.05 Vera, Farewell Pet. 9.50 MOVIE: My Brother Jack – Part 1. (2001) Matt Day. 11.25 Late Programs. 6.00 Kids’ Programs. 4.20 Odd Squad. 4.45 Gardening Australia Junior. 5.10 MOVIE: Thomas And Friends: The Mystery Of Lookout Mountain. (2022) 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.
Morning Programs. 1.00 Fishing Addiction. 2.00 Fishy Business. 2.30 Al McGlashan’s Fish’n With Mates. 3.00 The Mightiest. 4.00 Deep Water Salvage. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Border Security: Int. 7.00 Border Security. 8.30 MOVIE: The Bourne Identity. (2002) 11.00 MOVIE: The Pope’s Exorcist. (2023) 1.15 Late Programs. 6.00 Hello SA. 6.30 A Current Affair. 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Wide World Of Sports. 11.00 NRL Sunday Footy Show. 1.00 Fish Forever. 1.30 Drive TV: Drive Car Of The Year. 2.00 Oz Off Road TV. 3.00 Rugby League. NRL. Round 8. Wests Tigers v Cronulla Sharks. 6.00 9News Sunday. 7.00 Travel Guides. 8.10 60 Minutes. 9.10 To Be Advised. 10.10 See No Evil. 11.10 The First 48. 12.00 Oz Off Road TV. 12.50 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Holey Moley Australia. 11.00 Dream Home. 12.40 Zumbo’s Just Desserts. 2.00 The Goldbergs. 2.30 Home And Away. 4.30 Baking It. 5.30 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters. 6.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. 7.30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent. 8.30 Law & Order: S.V.U. 10.30 Bones. 11.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Jamie’s Air-Fryer Meals. 1.00 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 Expedition: Raja Ampat And Spice Islands. 4.00 All 4 Adventure. 5.00 10 News First. 6.00 The Sunday Project. 7.00 MOVIE: Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning. (2023) 10.30 FBI. 11.30 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.40 Doctor Who. 3.25 Penn & Teller: Fool Us. 4.05 Would I Lie To You? 4.40 MythBusters. 5.30 Heartbreak High. 7.00 Spicks And Specks. Final. 7.30 QI. 8.00 Lucy Worsley Investigates. 9.00 Louis Theroux: Twilight Of The Porn Stars. 10.05 Offsiders. 10.35 The Weekly. 11.05 ER. 11.50 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 1.00 Motor Racing. ProMX C’ships. 4.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Amstel Gold
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 AFL Sunday Footy Show. 12.00 My Favorite Martian. 12.30 Getaway. 1.00 Edgar Wallace Mysteries. 2.20 MOVIE: Danger Within. (1959) 4.25 MOVIE: The Wonderful Country. (1959) 6.30 M*A*S*H. 8.30 MOVIE: Battle Of Britain. (1969) 11.15 The Closer. 12.15 Late Programs.
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Someone will try to pull the wool over your eyes. Trust your inborn sense of what’s right and what’s wrong to help you avoid getting fleeced.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Love dominates the Taurean landscape this week, but someone from the past doesn’t feel so kindly to the divine Bovine. Resist an attempt to goad you into a fight.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) A perplexing on-the-job situation that you thought was resolved reopens with a new twist. But this time, you’ll have more people willing to help you deal with it.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A major move could be good for your career, but you worry that it might cause problems for your loved ones. Before making a decision, talk things over with them.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) The Big Kitty’s glitter dazzles the right people who react to your charm. But they’ll want more proof that you can do the job they’re offering.
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Continue to assess both sides of a workplace situation before deciding which to support. An old friend brings potentially life-changing news. Listen well.
LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Your natural inclination for fairness might conflict with the special needs of a friend. Weigh both issues carefully and make your decision in your usual honest way.
SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) A
We won’t be silent
We won’t be silent on domestic violence.
Engines roared as the rst bikers le Forbes on Friday 11 April, bound for our nation’s capital with that message.
Around 25 bikers le Forbes where they were joined by another 15 in Cowra and another 50 to 60 bikers in Yass with majority of bikers coming from the Central West as well as some from Sydney and Wollongong.
Ride organiser Grant Nicholson said there was around 110 bikers in total.
“I would have liked more bikes but it was good, we got our point across and we had a lot of exposure on the news,” Grant said.
Domestic violence has been a taboo topic too long, Forbes Shire Councillor Aidan Clarke said as riders prepared to take the message to Parliament House Canberra.
He spoke not only as a councillor but as a friend of Molly Ticehurst, whose tragic death in April 2024 devastated our community.
The ride was on the eve of Molly’s birthday. Her former partner Daniel Billings remains before the courts on charges including murder.
“The time’s up,” Cr Clarke said.
“We need the support, we need the funding.
“I think that’s what today’s about: peacefully making as much noise as you can.
“Going there and saying this isn’t okay.”
Bail laws have been toughened in the past year, and governments have committed more funding to address domestic violence.
Still, too many women are dying at the hands of their partners, State Member for Orange Philip Donato said on Friday morning.
“On average more than one woman a week is killed as a result of domestic violence,” Mr Donato said.
“That’s far too many, and we need to do more as a community, as a state and as a nation to address that.”
Crisis facilities and
programs are just two of the areas he said funding was needed.
Mr Donato paid tribute to event organiser Grant Nicholson and all who were part of it, as well as every rider stepping up to be part of the event.
“As a biking community - and I’m stereotyping here - made up generally of tough males, you set an excellent example of leadership that men need to call out this type of behaviour,” he said.
“Men need to stand up and say it’s not okay for men to assault women.
“Rest assured it is sending a strong message to law makers at the highest level of government in this country.”
Grant thanks everyone who turned up.
“It’s horrible that we’ve got another two ladies who have been taken since we’ve done the ride and our politicians still aren’t talking about it,” Grant said.
“Until politicians start talking about DV, nothing much is going
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Grant Hennock and Jake Hennock ready to hit the road.
Ron Stace and Tony Ticehurst ready to ride.
How to Vote for
JAMIE CHAFFEY
THE NATIONALS for
Parkes
THE NATIONALS
Working
Providing
House of Representatives
Ballot Paper
Electoral Division of Parkes
CARTER, Mark
POPE, Stephen
FRAIL, Trish
VAN DER STEEN, Petrus
WILSON, Bob
FELL, Nathan
CHAFFEY, Jamie THE NATIONALS
DAVEY, Maurice
HOWE, Stuart
EDWARDS, Sally
Incredible result for worthy cause
By MADELINE BLACKSTOCK
The 2025 Never Late Femail Postie Bike Ride will help a number of regional families including those in our shire who utilise Wings 4 Kidz.
The charity ride nished in Parkes on Saturday, 12 April and since then donations have continued to roll in.
Ride organiser, Garry Rodgers was very happy with the ride overall.
“Apart from the ladies who got injured I was extremely happy with the result,” Garry said.
“I’m extremely proud of all the ladies that went to a lot of trouble with fundraising and we’re now up to around $433,000 and that’s just a wonderful result for the charity and the amount of families it will help.”
Garry was more than pleased with the ride as it saw some great roads and weather over the course of the four days and received
ride was day three which saw a big ride from West Wyalong to Irandra Castle for lunch.
“Those roads and our lunch destination was denitely the highlight and I knew when I found those roads given it was a longer ride to get to lunch they were very good roads of both tar and dirt.
“I think that along with announcing how much we raised was very good.”
The ride would not be possible without the generous support of the support crew and Garry said it was nice to see local Peak Hill girl, Anna Westcott pull support crew members up on stage in Forbes in appreciation.
“Nothing was a problem for the support crew and the whole event went really smoothly.
“I would really like to also thank Justcuts for their very valued support,” Garry added.
Over the three years that
our overall total to over $950,000, close to $1M over three years. That’s pretty special.”
The reason why Garry thinks the charity ride is so successful is because ladies of all ages take part and look out for each other.
“The friendships that are made, the sense of achievement of getting there and the camaraderie is why it’s getting bigger and bigger.
“I can only see it continuing to grow,” Garry added.
Wings 4 Kidz is a 100 per cent volunteer-run charity where all money that is donated to the charity goes towards keeping the planes ying.
All pilots and the team at Wings 4 Kidz volunteer their time to ensure our regional families make it to their medical appointments as comfortably and conveniently as possible ensuring families spend as much time together.
“I’m very, very happy with
The 85 ladies who collectively raised over $430,000 for Wings 4 Kidz.
Lennie Niven, Georgia Rice and Gertie Blackstock.
Action-packed Homegrown planned
By MARG APPLEBEE CENTRAL WEST LACHLAN LANDCARE
Homegrown Parkes is this weekend!
Make sure that you bring your recycled bags for purchases, goodies for Crop Swap, cash and cards.
With each workshop registration, you can go in the running to win some wonderful prizes from our local Homegrown Parkes businesses.
Of course….you need to attend the workshop on Saturday, 26 April at Cooke Park.
Chef Jack Brown will be providing a workshop from 11am. Jack is an Indigenous chef trained in traditional French cuisine.
Register for Jack’s workshop and go in the running to win a fabulous sculpture created by Glen Sloane from Sloaney’s Sculptures or some fabulous bush tucker plants.
Reserve a seat for this free event with Jack Brown via stickytickets. com.au/j5i7r/homegrown_parkes_ workshop_with_chef_jack_brown. aspx
Kath Whitchurch will be providing a workshop on Sourdough Making at 12.30pm.
Through her business Sourdough by Kath, she has been making arti-
We have ten $15 gi vouchers for Sourdough by Kath goodies for registered attendees that will be drawn at the workshop. Find out the process to create delicious, crusty sourdough with Kath.
You can register for her work-
Our third workshop commences at 2.00pm, with Elizabeth Briton speaking about landscape design. Elizabeth is a talented landscape designer, sharing her knowledge of local plant species and design concepts.
We also have four $50 gi vouchers from Dirty Gloves Nursery sign workshop.
Attendees have the opportunity to hear from Elizabeth and deepen our knowledge of garden design.
Register for the Landscape Design workshop through stickytickets.com.au/2kfwa/garden_design_with_elizabeth_briton_at_ homegrown_parkes.aspx
Clancy The Bee Man will provide informal workshops on the lawn in
He will be providing two formal presentations at 10.30am and
Register for The Bee Man Workshop 1 (10.30am) at stickytickets. com.au/9a7nj/workshop_1_with_ the_bee_man__clancy_lester_at_ homegrown_parkes.aspx
Register for The Bee Man Workshop 2 (1.30pm) at stickytickets. com.au/qyrn7/workshop_2_with_ the_bee_man__clancy_lester_at_ homegrown_parkes.aspx
Please feel free to bring along your own bee hotel materials to work with Clancy, including untreated bamboo, hollow stems, kangaroo paw stems, salvia stems, PVC pipe o cuts and big tin cans. We also have a live reptile display
Andrew will have reptiles on display during the day and with two formal presentations at 11am and 1.30pm.
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.
Strong prices continue for mutton showing another lift
SHEEP SALE
Tuesday, 22 April
Yarding 31,250 (up 100)
Numbers remained fairly similar this sale with agents yarding 31,250 head.
There was 23,600 lambs penned and quality was similar to that of previous sales.
There were some good lines of grain fed and finished trade and heavyweight lambs penned along with the plainer and secondary types.
The usual buyers were present and competing.
Trade weight lambs 2024kg held fairly steady to sell from $164 to $212/ head.
Heavy lambs to 26kg ranged in price from $202 to $233/head.
Extra heavyweights were $5 to $7 easier to sell from $222 to $268/head.
Carcase prices averaged from 792 to 865c/kg.
The best heavy hoggets reached $200/head. There was 7650 mutton penned and quality was very mixed.
Prices continue to be strong and showed an-
other lift.
Merino ewes sold from $105 to $205/head. Crossbred ewes received from $95 to $217/head.
Dorper ewes reached $168/head.
Merino wethers sold from $101 to $175/head.
FROM MLA’S NATIONAL LIVESTOCK REPORTING AGENCY
STORE CATTLE SALE
The Forbes Store Cattle Sale will be held on Friday, 2 May at the Forbes Central West Livestock Exchange starting at 10am.
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD
1 Which horse won the 2009 Caulfield Cup (6)
8 Which horse won the 1945 Melbourne Cup (8)
9 Name an inflammatory disease of the skin (6)
10 Which geometrical plane curve is formed by an intersection (8)
11 Name a blood-sucking African fly (6)
12 What was the Kon-Tiki (4)
13 Which term indicates 12 dozen (5)
16 What are some British noblemen called (5)
19 To expel from a place, is to do what (4)
21 Name the natives of Baghdad (6)
22 Which persons avoid traditional conventions of behaviour (8)
23 What are farewells called (6)
24 Who discovered X-rays in 1895, William ... (8)
25 How many players are there in a cricket team (6)
DOWN
2 Which tooth is adapted for cutting (7)
3 What are circular bands of flowers left at graves (7)
5 Which musical direction suggests moderately slowly and evenly (7)
6 Which mental disorder is marked by alternating periods of excitation and depression (7)
7 Name the US film director known especially for the Pink Panther films, Blake ... (7)
14 What are narcotics also known as (7)
15 Which poems have 14 lines (7)
17 Name an alternative term for insatiable greed for riches (7)
18 What is unoccupied time called (7)
Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
1 RAMATE (a) Difficult to control (b) Chaffy (c) Branched
2 VITIATE
E-QUATIONS
4 Who deals in textiles and cloth goods (6)
Letters
Some
13 Who collaborated with Sir Arthur Sullivan, Sir William ... (7)
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.
20 What is herbal tea known as (6)
(a) To make lifelike
(b) To use abusive language (c) To render faulty or defective
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:
Fire fighter (7)
Guardedly cautious (7)
Mix of original tracks (5)
Railway carriage (3)
Refurbishment (5)
Top student (3)
Travel costs (5)
Tree (3)
Was concerned (5)
Was seated (3)
Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.
Kirkman claims vets golf win
Twin towns veteran golfers enjoyed a change in scenery playing on a well manicured Forbes course last Thursday, a er facing the challenge of playing on the equally well presented sand greens layout in Grenfell the week prior.
While conditions were perfect, scores were only reasonable with Scott Kirkman who took major honours winning with a par handicap round for 36 points winning on a count-back from fellow Forbes members Peter Barnes.
Parkes did have success to some degree with John Fowler travelling back home with the encouragement award.
Twins town shield, Forbes with their best six scores from 21 players 205 points to Parkes (seven players) 157. Nearest the pins, 9th A grade Scott Kirkman (F), B grade Gordon Pritchard (P), 18th A grade Ken Sanderson (F) , B grade nil.
Ball sweep to 29 points, all from Forbes except John Grant from Grenfell with 31 points.
From Forbes - 35 Allan Rees, 33 Niel Duncan, Ken Walton, 32 Steve Uphill, Frank Hanns, Peter Scho eld, Kim Herbert, 31 Peter Grayson, Don McKeowen, 29 John Milton, Graham Newport.
Was it the Easter break coming up as brilliant outdoor weather last Tuesday only had nine players for the 12 hole social comp where the BG scribe reported that the ‘grouchy’ Parker (Barry that is) won with a creditable 27 points.
Hot on his heels were Peter Scho eld and Andrew Norton-Knight.
For anyone interested Tuesday golf ball toss at 9am, all invited to play.
While on invitations, it is hoped that all twin towns vets get behind the Veterans Golf Tournament scheduled for play in Forbes from Monday, May 5 to Friday, May 9.
Schedule for play starts with a 2-ball ambrose medley on the Monday to nish with individual stableford on the Friday for play in the NSWVGA Medal.
There is plenty in between with a full schedule of play with nomination forms available from the Pro Shop in Forbes.
Enquiries can be directed to tournament o ce on 0435 585 460 or Pro Shop on 6851 1554.
ANZAC
this Friday, ANZAC Day, in an incredibly special event for the volunteers of the Forbes Diggers Harness Racing Club.
A moving ANZAC tribute, family fun day and great racing on track are all part of the plans as this historic annual meeting returns to feature on the local calendar, representing countless hours of volunteer work to restore the track and facilities since the destructive ood of November 2022.
Canowindra trainer Mat Rue has two pacers quali ed in one of the day’s features, The Palmer, a er success in the heats at Parkes last Friday night.
Rue was one of the trainers to attend the first trial as the Forbes club got back on track earlier this year, and paid tribute to the club’s volunteers and their work.
Their dedication to har-
excellent standard.
“To be honest, they had it prepared so you could have held a race meeting that day,” Rue said of the trial day.
Forbes trainer Jason Gaffney also plans to have a couple of starters in Sanders and Devils Bling for his first home track meeting in more than two years.
“It’s pretty awesome to be back racing again,” he said.
“As a club, we’ve really knuckled down since the flood and put a lot of effort into getting where we are.”
Gaffney too says the track is in outstanding condition.
“We’ve got a real solid base under it now,” he said. “Just by the few trials we’ve had over the past couple of months there seems to be plenty of speed in the track so we can only hope that it’s a great day and the rain stays
are hoping the community will join them in it.
While the elds weren’t released in time for press, it’s anticipated gates will open at midday and Forbes Diggers Harness Racing Club president Lex Crosby is encouraging the community to come along and enjoy the a ernoon track-side.
Entry is free but the club is accepting gold coin donations for ANZAC Day poppies crocheted by volunteer Bev Parsons and they hope to see everyone on course wearing one to honour our service men and women.
A new feature of the event will be the Forbes Diggers sporting challenge, with local sporting clubs urged to nominate runners for a relay around the track.
The pacers have nominated teams in both llies and colts divisions, with the
in the year, so it’s hoped we’ll see them out to cheer on their runners on Friday.
The ANZAC service will be a feature of the a ernoon, with racing to conclude with the main race, the Forbes Shire Council Diggers Cup. It’s one of a series of special tribute races on the day, with others honouring those who have contributed to harness racing in Forbes over the club’s 70-year history.
2025 will again see the running of the Neville and Doreen Pellow, Pud Woods, Clarrie, Val and Peter Robb, Les Findlay and Robert and Rosemary Lee Memorials. It will also feature the nal of The Palmer honouring legendary central west race caller Bill Palmer who will be on hand to present the trophy. There is a canteen and bar, free children’s entertainment on course on the day.
VETERANS GOLF
Teen duo win state pairs
Two teen bowlers, one from Parkes and the other from Forbes, have each won the boys and girls junior state pairs.
Bowls NSW held their 2024-25 State Junior Championships this April at Club Sapphire Merimbula. Annie Teague, who’s from Forbes and plays in Parkes, won the State Junior Girls Pairs Championships with Sophie Payne who were both representing Merrylands.
On top of this, Annie was also awarded a Commonwealth Games Grant.
The talented bowler is one of 36 recipients of the 2025 Commonwealth Games NSW Athlete Grant Program where each recipient will receive a $1000 grant to support their sporting journey.
Annie was awarded this grant alongside fellow young bowler Tim Thorning.
Bowls NSW said this is incredible recognition of their hard work and dedication.
Fellow Parkes bowler Cooper Fliedner won the State Junior Boys Pairs Championship with West Dubbo bowler Cooper Dart. The Junior Championships were held from 14 to 17 April where all NSW junior bowlers were able to complete.
Congratulations to Annie and Cooper on their amazing e orts at the NSW Junior Championships.
Championships.
Here are the scores and draws for Parkes Shire teams in competitions across the Central West.
SOCCER
Western Premier League
Round 3 draw: Parkes Cobras v Orange Waratahs in their first home game for the season at Woodward Oval on 3 May at 3.30pm.
RUGBY LEAGUE
Round 1
Begins 27 April
Peter McDonald Premiership first grade: Parkes Spacemen v Forbes at Forbes.
Pleasant afternoons for social bowls at club
PARKES BOWLS
By COL MILLER
Social bowls on Thursday 26 bowlers had a great afternoon.
On rink 1 Ron Hornery and Col Mudie had a small win over Gra ham Davis and John Corcoran 21 to 18.
Rink 2 John Ward and Brian Townsend 23 held John Carr and Mark Dwyer to 14.
Rink 3 Graham Dixon and Gary McPhee managed to get up 18 to 15 over Martin Tighe and Warren Bevan.
Rink 4 a triples game Noel John stone, Ray Jones and Al Affleck 20, George Bradley, Col Hayward and Warrick Parker 18.
Max Tomkins and Steve Turner came home against Col Woods and Mike Valentine 21 to 14.
Pauline Curry and Geoff Smith had a one shot win over Ash Kirwan and Ian Simpson 15 to 14.
Saturday social bowls we had 20 bowlers take to the green.
Rink 1 Ray Jones and John Ward
gained a one shot win 17 to 16 over Bob Freeman and Col Mudie.
Rink 2 George Bradley and Col Hayward came out in front 19 to 12 over John Carr and Rod Ford.
Rink 3 Mike Valentine and Guy Ellery had an easy win over Nat
Hancock and Tony Riordan 23 to 11.
Rink 4 Ron Hornery and Geoff Freeman had a narrow win 18 to 16 over Mal Porter and Steve Turner.
Darryl McKellar and Mark Dwyer raced home late in the game 24
Triples semi-final this ANZAC Day
WOMEN’S BOWLS
By LEA ORR
A beaut autumn day for bowls, with just a handful of ladies enjoying their favourite game.
Continued thanks to Ground Control for preparing the greens to perfection.
Some of us just can’t perform with an audience.
Ann T’s mother-in-law was not treated to a nailbiter when Ann and Betsy J played Kay C and Annie S, going down in their social pairs game, 16 – 9. A few more points accu-
mulated in the triples game next door, where Gwenda/ Irene T/Marja enjoyed a win over Therese G/Irene A/Sue W, 20 – 14. A whisper that Therese is looking into early retirement to play more bowls.
The much-anticipated semi- nal of the Triples will be played on ANZAC Day afternoon.
Might be a pleasant way to celebrate this special day. Team Frame vs Team Simpson. Why not stay on for happy hour, the end-of-month mega-meat ra e, Dev’s kitchen
bistro meal and the members’ draw?
Nominations are open for the club Fours and 3-bowl Pairs. Close 6 May at noon. Teams on the board please.
The ladies express their condolences to Kim and Jan on the passing of their dad Bruce, a keen bowler and good bloke.
Bowling must be in the genes. A champion family.
To play social bowls on Tuesday, 29 April, ring the club, 6862 1446, between 9–9.30am, arrive by 9.45 and play at 10am. All welcome.
to 16 over Gary McPhee and Brian Townsend.
On Easter Monday we had 30 bowlers who decided to relax and have a game of bowls.
Rink 1 George Bradley, Rob Lacey and John Corcoran had a win over Noel Johnston, Bob Freeman and Jake Brown 22 to 16.
Rink 2 Terese Glasheen, Nat Hancock and Rhona Went had a solid win over Ann Smith, Ash Kirwan and Jo Simpson 30 to18.
Rink 3 David Law, Rob Hill and Mick Dunn had an easy win 28 to 11 over Kerry Bowrey, Brad Parker and Liz Byrne.
Rink 4 Mark Glasheen and Warwick Parker came home in front 22 to 12 over Mick Simpson and Matt Parker.
Rink 5 Steve Turner and Gary McPhee won 18 to 13 over Mike Valentine and Nathan Reynolds.
Rink 6 Col Mudie and Geo Smith won a tight game 18 to 17 over Bruce Orr and John Ward.
The lucky rink has been won so this Thursday it is back to $100.
Bathurst St Pats v Bathurst Panthers (26 April).
Wellington Cowboys v Nyngan Tigers.
Lithgow Workies v Orange Hawks.
Orange CYMS v Mudgee Dragons.
Dubbo Macquarie Raiders v Dubbo CYMS.
Reserve grade: Parkes Spacemen v Forbes at Forbes at 12.40pm. Under 18s: Parkes Spacemen v Forbes at Forbes at 11.30am.
League tag: Parkes Spacecats v Forbes at Forbes at 10.30am.
Woodbridge Cup
Round 3 draw:
Manildra Rhinos v Blayney Bears.
Trundle Boomers v Molong Bulls.
Eugowra Golden Eagles v Cowra Magpies.
Peak Hill Roosters v Canowindra Tigers.
RUGBY UNION
New Holland Cup
Round 2 draw: First and second grade: Bye. Colts Under 19s: Parkes Boars v Forbes Platypi at 7pm Thursday, 24 April at Spicer Oval.
AFL Central West AFL Tier 2 Begins 3 May
Men’s: Parkes Panthers v Bathurst Giants at Bathurst.
HOCKEY
Central West Premier League Hockey
Women’s - begins 26 April: Parkes United v Bathurst Souths at Bathurst.
Round 2 draw: Men’s: Parkes United v Bathurst St Pats, and Parkes United v Lithgow Workies on 3 May at Parkes.
Special jerseys
The season begins for our Spacemen and Spacecats this weekend and they’re kicking it off with an ANZAC jersey auction.
Clear your calendar for Sunday, says the club, as it’s going to be a big day with a fierce derby with Forbes in all four grades.
First grade will be sporting special edition ANZAC Spacemen jerseys on Sunday, which will be auctioned off after the games at the Coachman Hotel back in Parkes.
Don’t miss your chance to snatch up one of these.
Cooper Fliedner competing.
Annie Teague competing.
NSW Athlete Grants.
Junior
PHOTOS: Bowls NSW
John Ward won both of his social pairs games on Thursday and Saturday.
PHOTO: Jenny Kingham
Anne Smith enjoyed a win in her social pairs game on Tuesday.
PHOTO: Jenny Kingham
Parkes celebrates 200th parkrun
Northparkes Oval parkrun celebrated its 200th run over the Easter weekend.
It was the perfect morning for a parkrun on Saturday, 19 April with the sun shining and cooler temperatures as 93 people completed the two lap course.
The 200th event saw visitors from Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane, Yarra Glen and Germany take part in the Northparkes parkrun.
These visitors made up part of the 22 Northparkes Oval parkrun rst timers on the day.
The 200th event also saw a massive 14 personal records by Ryker, Lincoln, Sunil, Sass, Jamie, Chris, Lucy, Naomi, Brianne, Carolyn, Emily, Hannah, Kayla and Lesley.
Milestones were also reached by Lucy, Chloe and Lyn.
Lucy achieved a 50 run milestone.
Of these 50 she has completed two runs at Northparkes
Oval with other runs at Penrith Lakes, Werrington Lakes Reserve, Whalan Reserve, Port Macquarie, East Rich-
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.
This match was shot under strong winds continually changing direction from south/ westerly to north/westerly and back again, catching out everyone at both ranges.
TARGET RIFLES: 25M, 50M, TOTAL Brian Drabsch 247, 242, 489. Steve Mitchell 246, 242, 488. John Davis 249, 235, 484. Greg Neemes 246, 235, 484. Zack Gibson 247, 227, 474. Craig Gibson 242, 227, 469.
FIELD RIFLES
Edwin Briton 246, 238, 484. Alan Briton 247, 237, 484. Tim Nyman 246, 222, 468. Peter Nyman 239, 211, 450. And two shot for practice only to make up their shoot before the cut off of 30/6/25 to avoid loosing their license, be warned it can happen!
Our next shoot is at 10am Sunday 27/4/2025. It will be a feral animal target at both ranges.
Northparkes Oval parkrun volunteers.
EUROPEAN TOUR FOR JETT
Young hockey talent, Jett Johnstone had the incredible opportunity of playing in the Six Nations European Easter Tournament in Leuven Belgium.
Representing Australia in the U16 Joey’s Jett was selected to be part of the team from his performance in the 2024 U16 National Championships in Hobart.
The Six Nations Tournament was held over four massive days where Jett and the Joey’s had the chance to play against the top young hockey athletes from around the globe.
Before the tournament Jett and the
team had the opportunity to visit Amsterdam Holland and Antwerp Belgium where they participated in training and trial games.
In trial games Joey’s won 4-1 against Dutch club team Houten, 3-1 against U16 Netherlands at Kampong and 3-2 against U16 Belgium at Antwerp High Performance Centre.
Parkes Junior Hockey’s last update about Jett’s incredible opportunity was that Jett and the Joey’s were playing in the bronze medal match at the Six Nations European Easter Tournament in Leuven.
Henry claims national silver
Boys Final of the national titles in Melbourne, where he faced a tough opponent
Henry came runner-up in
“I had a pretty good week in Melbourne for the Australian Junior Open, coming away with a silver medal,” he
“I had some tough competition along the way with Pierre and Zen in the rounds, before a quarter nal against Joel which is always close.
“In the semi I got to play Stanley where I was down 2-0 before I clicked in and found some length on the glass court to get away with the win in 5.
“The nal wasn’t my best squash, not being as aggressive as I usually am but Azan is tough.
“I’m happy with second in my rst year up in the 17s.” Henry was thrilled to be awarded by a couple of world champions in Rachael Grinham and David Palmer.
JETT JOHNSTONE PLAYED IN THE SIX NATIONS EUROPEAN TOUR IN BELGIUM OVER EASTER.
PHOTO: PARKES JUNIOR HOCKEY FACEBOOK PAGE