AFTER a few false starts, the forecast rain nally arrived in Parkes.
But according to regional rain gauges it seems Parkes and Dubbo were the only areas to receive the bulk of it.
Over Saturday and up to 9am on Sunday, 27 April the Parkes Airport recorded 41.4mm, with reports of up to 45mm reaching other areas of town and the shire, including at Peak Hill which had 45.8mm 24 hours later.
Parkes had an additional 6mm from Sunday to 9am Monday.
Our neighbours weren’t so lucky with Forbes Airport recording just 7.4mm, Cowra Airport 4.4mm and Condobolin Airport 6.8mm.
The rain clouds were closer to Dubbo and Orange where their readings showed 40.8mm up to 9am Sunday in Dubbo and an additional 7mm the following day, and 23.2mm with an additional 10mm the next day in Orange.
Parkes’ last good downpour was recorded 37 days ago on 21 March with 22.6mm, and before that 75 days ago on 11 February with 38mm.
PROUD MOMENTS ON ANZAC DAY
HEADS were held high as footsteps marched to the solemn beat of drums in the main street on Friday morning.
Onlookers applauded the procession, children pointing, waving and smiling, and proud families honouring their loved ones past and present.
All these the scenes of what was another memorable ANZAC Day march in Parkes.
Veterans, local and visiting, led the march through the CBD that looped back to Cooke Park, followed by service men and women, and families and school students, many proudly wearing relatives’ war medals.
The annual community commemorations took place at the cenotaph a erwards.
■ See more of our coverage of ANZAC Day in Parkes on pages 12-13
Middleton Public School students joined a few hundred of their peers in the ANZAC Day march.
Day hits home for Dave
By CHRISTINE LITTLE
As Dave Wilson rose from his bed and put on his suit before dawn, he felt a little closer to his grandfather this ANZAC Day.
While he’s always proudly worn
his grandfather’s two World War I medals on his chest on these national days of remembrance, for the rst time he had around his neck was his grandfather’s dog tag.
For those not familiar with the term, a dog tag is a small, typically
metal, identi cation tag worn by military personnel.
In a lucky nd among his mother’s belongings, Dave’s brother found the dog tag and posted it to him so as to keep it all together in a collection with their grandfather’s
war medals - a King George Victory Medal and a British War Medal.
It arrived just in time for ANZAC Day.
The dog tag shows the service number of one Harold Ernest Cooke 3046 of the 45th Australian
Infantry Battalion.
The letters CE also imprinted on the tag stand for Church of England.
“His service number was 3046 which means he was among the ■ Continued on page 3.
Commitments to Rex, medical training
Labor and a Dutton-Littleproud Coalition Government have made commitments to keep Rex ying and invest in regional medical training facilities, respectively.
Both important areas for Parkes Shire residents.
Labor candidate for Parkes Nathan Fell joined his party to announce that it will provide crucial support to Rex Airlines, in order to maintain competition in the airline sector and ensure people living outside of metropolitan areas have access to the services they need through air travel.
Rex is the only airline accessible for some communities to connect to major cities.
Meanwhile a Coalition Government said it will invest $100 million towards upgrading regional medical training facilities across Australia and deliver 200 additional regional medical Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs), to fast track more health professionals living and working in regional, rural and remote Australia.
A CSP is a higher education place in Australia where the government subsidises a portion of the tuition fees.
The Nationals candidate for Parkes Jamie Cha ey said the regional funding injection would be supported by a new comprehensive Rural, Regional, and Remote Health Strategy and developed by the National Rural Health Commissioner.
Early voting is already underway in Parkes at the PCYC with election day taking place on Saturday.
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Mamma Mia! A show you haven’t seen before
By CHRISTINE LITTLE
“This show will take the bar to a whole new level.”
That’s the message from director Lyn Townsend who eagerly awaits opening night of Parkes Musical and Dramatic Society’s latest production Mamma Mia, as do her cast and crew.
New microphones, new lights, brilliant artistic sets, amazing costumes, an incredible cast, with some of Parkes’ most talented musicians.
“Mamma Mia is a show full of promises that we intend to keep,” Lyn said.
It’s been a two-month wait since tickets rst went on sale, and ve-months since auditions, so it’s no wonder everyone is very excited to start show season this Saturday night.
And tickets have been selling extremely quickly.
“We haven’t even opened yet but opening weekend is two tickets off being sold out,” Lyn said, at the time of publication.
“The other shows are selling very fast with most Sunday matinees having few tickets left.”
Its story - a familiar one that’s more famously been adapted to the big screen - begins on a small Greek island, Sophie (played by Maddi Collits, now of Orange but formerly from
Forbes) dreams of a perfect wedding - one which includes her father giving her away.
The problem? Sophie doesn’t know who he is.
Her mother Donna (Kimberley Ryan), the former lead singer of the 1970s pop group Donna and the Dynamos, refuses to talk about the past, so Sophie decides to take matters into her own hands.
Sneaking a peek in her mother’s old diaries, she discovers three possible fathers: Sam (Neil Westcott), Bill (Greg Ballantyne), and Harry (Aaron Kingham).
She secretly invites all three to the wedding, convinced that she’ll know her father when she sees him.
But when all three turn up,
it may not be as clear as she thought.
The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, creating an unforgettable show.
The production also stars Shev Brown as Tanya, Cath Welsh (Eugowra) as Rosie and Matt Prow (who now resides in Bathurst but is formerly of Forbes) as Sky, with minor roles played by Thomas Glastonbury, Gracie Townsend, Loki Ramsay, Annabella Browne, Stephanie Hornery (Forbes) and Clara Welsh (Eugowra).
Musical director is Anthony Leonard and choreographer, Gracie Townsend.
“I need to mention, our version of Mamma Mia promises to
be di erent to any version - professional or otherwise - that anyone has seen,” Lyn said.
“An invited guest commented ‘not only is this production visually spectacular but deeply moving. The new elements you’ve introduced give the show a fresh, resonant depth that really touches the heart’.”
Cast members performed at Homegrown Parkes on Saturday and there was a preview dress rehearsal on Sunday, and the responses, Lyn said, were incredible.
“We are thrilled and humbled to hear the reviews that are coming through,” she said.
Mamma Mia opens on Saturday night, 3 May and runs to 25 May.
WHAT’S ON in and around Parkes
AUTHOR TALK
Thursday, 1 May
Join Central West author Leesa Ronald for a conversation about her debut novel, Special Delivery at the Parkes Library from 6pm. This enemies-to-lovers novel is an entrancing, heartfelt story which follows Poppy nding love while stumbling from crisis to crisis in her hometown in country NSW. Please book by calling 6861 2309 or in person at Parkes Shire Library.
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.
SUPPORT GROUP
Friday, 2 May
The Adult Survivors of Child Abuse - Cowra Support Group meets on the rst Friday of each
month from 12:30pm to 2:30pm and is open to survivors of all communities. All details online via: heal.itmatters.com.au. Alternatively, call Pascale, the facilitator, on 0458 698 460.
HOME GAMES
Saturday and Sunday, 3-4 May
There are many home games for our local sporting codes across the shire this weekend. Kicking off the action will be our men’s Parkes United team in round 2 of the Central West Premier League Hockey on Saturday, 3 May.
They will be up against Bathurst St Pats at 12pm and Lithgow Workies at 2.50pm. Our women’s Parkes United team will also be in action at the Parkes Hockey Fields at 1.20pm.
Parkes Cobras will also be playing their first home game on Saturday against Orange Waratahs at Woodward Park at 3.30pm. On Sunday, 4 May the Woodbridge cup will be in action at Trundle and Peak Hill.
In Trundle at Berryman Oval Trundle Boomers league tag will kick off at 12.40pm against Canowindra Tigers followed by first grade at 2pm. In Peak
Hill at Lindner Oval league tag against Peak Hill Roosters and Manildra Rhinos will also begin at 12.40pm followed by first grade at 2pm.
MAMMA MIA OPENING NIGHT
Saturday, 3 May
Parkes M and D have done it again and will be putting on an exciting performance of Mamma Mia from 3 to 25 May. The story-telling 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.
BOGAN GATE GOLF DAY
Saturday, 3 May
Bogan Gate Golf Club will be holding a free family golf day. All are welcome to play 9 or 18 holes in a three person ambrose. Golf clubs and lunch is provided. For enquiries call 0457 709 829
INKREDIBLE EXPERIENCE
BIRTHDAY BASH
Sunday, 4 May
Join Inkredible Ink for a full day of fun, music, and community spirit - all in support of mental health awareness. Enjoy a jam-packed day featuring barbering, live music all day, food trucks, market stalls, face painting, jumping castle, car and bike show, raffles and giveaways. This event is all about coming together to raise awareness for mental healthbecause starting the conversation can save lives. Bring your friends, family, and good vibes starting from 9am.
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.
The cast having a ball in the wedding scene of Mamma Mia, which opens this Saturday night, 3 May.
PHOTO: Supplied
Dave’s sentimental moment
■ From page 1.
rst to sign-up,” Dave said.
“He was sent to Egypt but got gassed and was sent to a eld hospital in France and England, and then sent home.
“He returned home to become the mayor of Gerringong and Kiama.”
Harold enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force on 26 July, 1915.
A young farmer from Gerringong, he was 18 years and 11 months old.
Initially he was attached to the 18th Battal ion, then transferred to the 3rd Battalion, and nally the 45th Battalion.
Harold embarked troopship HMAT A29 Suevic with the 18th Battalion at Woolloo mooloo in Sydney on 20 December, 1915.
A er further training in Egypt, the 18th Battalion proceeded to France in March 1916 where it took part in the rst major battle at Pozieres.
Harold was admitted to hospital at Tell El Ke bir, located on the edge of the Egyptian desert, a week later, and rejoined his Battalion two weeks a er that.
He fell ill with the mumps two months later and remained behind with the 45th Battalion, stationed at the Serapeum Camp on the banks of the Suez Canal.
In a letter that was published in the Kiama Independent on 20 May, 1916, he said that while some district boys are experiencing the cold of the highlands in Flanders, others are sweltering in the tropics.
Harold also had a brother named George who was serving at the same time.
On 8 April, 1916 he wrote: “I am writing this on the very ground the Turks came over, when they tried to force the canal just a little over 12 months ago, and were so badly beaten.
“The Suez Canal is a great boon to us and the soldiers delight in a swim in it for the heat here in Asia is simply terri c.
“Next month it will be worse for the temperature goes up to 127 degrees in May, so you can imagine what a time we are in for guarding the Canal, for it is guarded entirely by Australian troops.
“Well mother, if you could see me now, you’d hardly know me as I am as brown as a coconut and as ‘fat as a fool’.
“If I get out of this I’ll be able to say I swam from one continent to the other for here we are camped in Asia, and when we swim across to the other side, are in Africa.
“...I expect mother dear you are very down hearted at George not getting home but the
day will come when we both will get home and then you’ll be very glad you let us both go to war, and you would not have liked to remember a er ward you had not a representative over here.”
Harold also mentioned it had been “great living in hospital” alongside the canal where he could watch the liners and battleships pass by like a procession one a er the other because it was only wide enough for one boat.
Harold returned to Australia in December 1917.
In the 1920s he was involved in football administration being president of the Illawarra League for several years.
He was Deputy Mayor of Gerringong from 1936-38, and Mayor from 1939-42, and was instrumental in having the new Gerringong railway station being built of brick.
Harold died in 1971 at 74.
Dave was around 13 at the time his grandfather passed.
He remembers that him and his grandmother Millie wouldn’t speak about the war.
“They never spoke about it with me - not like they do today - and I didn’t know what he’d done,” Dave said.
“And I had lots to do with them.
“They came back and just got on with it. That’s how they lived.
“Unless we talk about it and keep it going, future generations won’t know about it.
“It’s not glorifying war, it’s respecting the men and all that they did.”
Dave is originally from Gerringong himself.
He arrived in Parkes for duty as our Sheri on 8 August, 1988 and has been here ever since.
He nished up as a senior sergeant.
“It’s the best thing I ever did,” Dave said.
“I only came for two to three years,” he laughed.
Dave is a member of the Parkes RSL Sub Branch.
Breathe some new life into your old toys
WASTE 2 Art is on again in the Parkes Shire.
The community exhibition and competition is open to all residents of the NetWaste region and showcases creative works made from reused waste materials.
The aim is to challenge peoples’ perceptions about ‘rubbish’ and to celebrate the reuse and recycling of waste through arts and cra s.
Over the years many materials have been used including so plastics, tin cans, bottle tops, plastic bags, scrap metal and clothing, the options are endless.
In the lead-up to the competition, Parkes Shire Library is running a Community Workshop on Saturday, 10 May, facilitated by Waste 2 Art artist Helen Standen. With a focus on the Year of Toys, participants will use items like Minecra Cubeez and other supermarket collectibles to create their artworks. If you already have a project idea, this workshop is a great opportunity to gain creative input and expert guidance.
Tickets are available via Humanitix: https://events.humanitix. com/waste-2-art-toyworkshopwith-helen
Each year a speci c waste item will be featured, 2025 is the Year of Toys.
“That doesn’t mean that you have to use this material in your artwork, but we want to raise awareness each year of one particular problem waste stream,” Library Manager Kerryn Jones said.
The competition will include three categories including 2 dimensional, 3 dimensional and functional – furniture, cra works and wearable items made from recycled materials in the following groups: Early Childhood Education (local competition only), Primary School, Secondary School, Community and Open. Entry forms are available online - https://bit. ly/2025Waste2ArtEntryForm.
Two charged after alleged vehicle theft, pursuits
A MAN and a teenage boy have been charged a er a vehicle allegedly stolen from Forbes was allegedly involved in two police pursuits in Parkes and eventually rolled at Daroobalgie.
Police were initially called to the reported the of an SUV from Wambat Street about 9.10am Sunday.
About two hours later highway patrol patrolling London Road, Parkes, attempted to stop the allegedly stolen vehicle, without number plates.
Police allege the vehicle failed to stop and they initiated a pursuit, which they then terminated on Park Street due to a safety concern.
O cers patrolling Grenfell Street about 3.40pm that a ernoon attempted to stop the same vehicle and again initiated a pursuit when - it’s alleged - it failed to stop.
A short time later, the vehicle rolled on Ashburnham Road, Daroobalgie, between Parkes and Forbes.
The driver, a 20-year-old man, and his passenger, a 17-year-old boy, were taken to Parkes Police Station where they were treated for minor injuries by NSW Ambulance paramedics.
The man was charged with driver conveyance taken without consent of owner, police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly (two counts) and never licensed person drive vehicle on road.
He was refused bail to appear at Cowra Local Court on Monday 28 April.
The boy was charged with be carried conveyance taken without consent of owner.
He was granted conditional bail to appear at children’s court on Thursday 5 June 2025.
Parkes man Dave Wilson with his grandfather Harold Ernest Cooke’s World War I dog tag that was found among his mother’s belongings.
PHOTO: Christine Little
Group celebrates Mother Tongue Day for 15 years
Ub Ubbo Exchange celebrated Mother Tongue Day, something it has been doing for 15 years.
The day, held on 21 February every year, aims to encourage awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity.
Director of the Australian Chapter Sean James Cassidy marked the occasion by releasing onto the group’s social media, a range of ligree designs based on Wiradjuri iconography.
These designs draw from the shapes and scrollwork of ligree; an ancient metalwork technique used in jewellery making.
In more recent times, ligree shapes and designs have been used to enhance the decoration on vehicles, like the sides of horse carts, the borders of silent movie captions and advertising signage.
The Art Deco and Art Nouveau eras also made use of ligree work, and this style of decoration is still widely used today.
The Wiradjuri ligree designs arose from workshops designed by Cassidy and co-run with Elder Robert Clegg and Irene Ridgeway through the Parkes PCYC and the Parkes Wiradjuri Language Group.
It is envisaged these designs could be used on public signage throughout the Parkes Shire.
In conjunction, Cassidy facilitated the development of a Wiradjuri themed font with the Parkes Wiradjuri Language Group to be
possibly used for future projects.
Ub Ubbo also released an animation that’s linked to a QR code of a mural that adorns a wall at the Parkes PCYC, designed by Robert Clegg.
The third component was an original music release “A Song for Lope” composed by former Parkes man Jason Nacho Murchie, in honour of Lope Bosaing, the co-founder - along with Cassidyof Ub Ubbo Exchange, an art collective created between Australia and The Philippines.
The following day, Ub Ubbo Exchange, in collaboration with Sidney Allo, made a presentation at the Henry Parkes Museum.
Titled Excavating Bridges for Future Streams Bula (Bula is two in Wiradjuri), the group showcased di erent ways to present information using technology, which included hologram fans, interactive pdf’s with Gifs, and projection mapping.
Sidney’s skills in projection mapping allowed him to manipulate a projection onto a curved surface to produce a at image.
Mini silos were made by Allo and Cassidy to provide an example of what could be achieved.
“It was a privilege to work with someone as gi ed and talented as Sidney,” Cassidy said.
This display was particularly pertinent to the possible future of the Parkes silos where a range of projected art could be highlight-
ed, for example, shadow art and animations.
This could give an ongoing canvas to the Parkes Shire and form an everchanging artwork to celebrate the different events and festivals held in the area.
A suggestion was discussed at ed, for example, shadow art and
Community Newsletter
EVENTS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Council wishes to advise that applications for Round 1 of the 2025/2026 Community and Destination Events Financial Assistance Program are closing soon.
Council is committed to supporting the development, growth, improvement, and sustainability of local and destination events.
The Events Financial Assistance Program ensures a consistent, transparent and equitable approach to the consideration and distribution of financial assistance to event organisers.
Applications close 5pm, Friday 9 May 2025. For more information, or to apply visit Council’s website or scan the QR code above.
CULTURAL GRANTS PROGRAM
Do you have a creative idea for your community? Bring it to life with the support of Parkes Shire Council’s 2025 Cultural Grants Program.
We’re inviting local groups and organisations to apply for funding to help deliver artistic, musical, or cultural initiatives that strengthen community connections and enrich the cultural life of our Shire.
Grants of at least $2,000 are available, with a total funding pool of $10,000.
Applications close 5pm, Friday 23 May 2025. To learn more and apply, visit: bit.ly/ParkesShireGrants
ANIMALS FOR ADOPTION
Council advertises any animals available for adoption on our website. Should you be interested in adopting an animal, please visit Council’s Animal Shelter at 56 Saleyards Road between 9am and 10am Monday - Friday or contact our Customer Service Centre on 02 6861 2333 8.30am to 5.00pm weekdays for any enquiries. To view animals available for adoption, scan the QR code.
PLANNING PROPOSAL
Notice is hereby given that Parkes Shire Council is exhibiting a Planning Proposal No: PP2025/0001 for the proposed Reclassification of Community to Operational Land on land known as Lot 1 DP 119739, Armstrong Street, Parkes NSW 2870. Plans and supporting documentation can be viewed on Council’s website www.parkes.nsw. gov.au for the period 23 April 2025 to 3 June 2025.
Any interested person may, within the aforementioned period, make written submission to the Parkes Shire Council, PO Box 337, Parkes NSW 2870 with respect to the planning proposal.
Please contact Council’s Planning and Community Services Department, on (02) 6861 2373 should you wish to discuss this matter further.
SYDNEY WRITERS FESTIVAL
Sydney Writers’ Festival is Australia’s largest celebration of books and ideas, bringing the world’s finest authors and esteemed thinkers together for insightful and exhilarating conversations and discussions. Listen to the live author talks and discussions at Parkes Library throughout the festival from 22-24 May. These are free events, however bookings are essential. Please call the Library on 6861 2309 for more information or to book your place.
HAVE YOUR SAY
ALCOHOL FREE ZONES
The Alcohol-Free Zones (AFZs) in both Parkes and Peak Hill will expire soon and Council needs to consider whether it is appropriate to re-establish the zones in accordance with the Ministerial Guidelines on Alcohol Free Zones, 2009, which provides a framework for the establishment of AFZs. At this stage the intention is to re-establish AFZs around the Parkes and Peak Hill Central Business Districts, with the exceptions of footpath areas adjoining café/restaurant licensed premises where the license extends into the adjoining footpath area. Events held in a public place can have a temporary suspension of the zone granted by the council. The proposed AFZs can be viewed on Council’s website. To submit your feedback email council@parkes.nsw.gov.au or mail The General Manager, Parkes Shire Council, PO Box 337, PARKES NSW 2870. Submissions close 23 May 2025.
WASTE 2 ART
Parkes Shire Council is pleased to be involved in the 2025 Waste 2 Art community exhibition and competition. Waste 2 Art is open to all residents of the NetWaste region and showcases creative works made from reused waste materials.
In the lead-up to the competition, Parkes Shire Library is running a Community Workshop on Saturday 10 May, facilitated by Waste 2 Art artist Helen Standen. With a focus on the Year of Toys, participants will use items like Minecraft Cubeez and other supermarket collectibles to create their artworks. If you already have a project idea, this workshop is a great opportunity to gain creative input and expert guidance. Tickets are available via Humanitix: https://events.humanitix.com/waste-2-art-toyworkshop-with-helen. Contact Parkes Library and Cultural Centre on 6861 2309 for further details.
WHAT’S ON
LAYERS EXHIBITION OPENING NIGHT
Join us at the Parkes Shire Library for the opening night of Layers, a ceramics exhibition featuring works by Elizabeth Briton, Pol Cruz, Susan Maddison, Nola Reeves and Dianne Sondermeyer. Friday 9th May, 6pm, Coventry Room. RSVP by calling the Parkes Library on 6861 2309. Entry for Opening Night is $10 and light refreshments will be served. The exhibition will be open until 31 May.
ADMINISTRATION HOURS
A friendly reminder Council’s Customer Service Centre located at 2 Cecile Street, Parkes is open from 9.00am to 5.00pm on weekdays. Counter payments are accepted until 4.30pm.
For emergencies relating to Council services, facilities and roads outside of business hours, please contact our After-Hours Service on 1800 648 585.
Homegrown Parkes shines on
Rain didn’t dampen Homegrown Parkes a er the rescheduled event was postponed last month due to predicted rain.
Cooke Park was lled with people stocking up on their homegrown goodies embracing the much welcomed rain with many attending informative workshops which were held throughout the day.
There was mroe than 40 stallholders with something for everyone to enjoy including our furry legged friends.
Parkes Musical and Dramatic Society even performed songs from their upcoming musical Mamma Mia as Crop Swap was a hive of activity.
Check out all of the fun that was had and don’t miss out on the next Homegrown Parkes event which is scheduled to be held on Saturday, 11 October.
Breanna Powell.
Shelby.
Rosie Austin with Bruno.
Katie Barton and Austen Hausler. Hannah Farrant-Jayet at the Crop Swap.
Do you know how to make your vote count?
Federal election, Saturday 3 May 2025
It’s important that you understand how to vote correctly.
On election day you need to complete two ballot papers:
• a green one for the House of Representatives
• a large white one for the Senate.
On the green ballot paper you are voting for a representative of your local area or electorate in the House of Representatives.
On the white ballot paper you are voting for representatives of your state or territory in the Senate.
Don’t worry if you make a mistake. Just ask for another ballot paper and start again.
Green ballot paper –number every box in the order of your choice
Vote above the line Number at least 6 boxes for parties or groups, in the order of your choice.
Vote below the line Number at least 12 boxes for individual candidates, in the order of your choice.
White
Maurice Davey: Family First
1. Tell us about yourself. I’m a local fourth generation farmer, married with four children and nine grandchildren. I enjoy working with people and community. I adhere strongly to Judeo Christian ethics and endeavour to approach all issues with logic and common sense. I found it easy to align myself with Family First as strong families are the backbone of a prosperous society.
2. Why have you put yourself forward as a candidate?
The family unit is under great pressure. Family First will fight for families on many fronts.
Radical agendas are taking precedence over biological science. Britain has just officially acknowledged that humans are binary - male and female. We should do the same.
Parental rights are being eroded. We have to restore and strengthen the concept of parents being the principal caregivers and decision makers for their children.
3. Your three key issues.
• Cost of living:
- Bring back affordable and reliable energy. Energy costs affect pricing all through the supply chain.
- Pause net zero policies and consider all energy sources with a balanced and logical approach that is financially and environmen-
tally sustainable.
- Halve the fuel excise for 12 months.
- Investigate possible price gouging by the major food outlets.
- Pursue taxation reform for families.
- Provide registration rebates for larger families requiring vehicles with seating capacity of 6 or more.
- Identify reasons leading to family breakdowns. Consequential splitting of households leads to more pressure on housing availability and affordability.
• Health services:
In a Salvation Army survey in the Parkes electorate, ‘access to health care’ was voted the top social justice issue.
Access to local GP’s and ED in the regional and remote areas of the Parkes electorate, without need for excessive travel, has to be a priority. We as a party will lobby for more rural doctor training, and a fairer distribution of the health budget.
• Welfare of families, and family breakdown/crime etc: We need to build strong families, and strong communities that will look after those families. We need to build strong men who will look after their women and children.
- Government needs to have bold policies that strengthen families.
- Address root causes of domestic violence, addictions, crime and homelessness.
- Provide safe houses, simplify legal processes supporting victims of DV and bolster counselling services.
4. How would you help create more opportunities for youth?
Support businesses and bolster apprenticeship programs and expand local TAFE and university options for young people.
5. Specifically for towns of Parkes/Forbes, what change would you like to see?
- Operational maternity unit for Parkes Hospital.
- Better access to GPs.
- Prioritise funding for both main and council roads.
6. Where do you stand on the Waste to Energy debate?
If there is any potential risk to the health and well being of the Parkes township and surrounding areas, then I can’t support it. Any emissions of toxins at any level, from a large facility processing up to 600,000 tonnes of rubbish annually, in close proximity to a township and valuable farming land, poses unacceptable risk.
Our national capital and other regional centres have rejected such a proposal, and so should we.
7. Your final pitch.
I am ready to serve this electorate and the nation. My hope and ambition is to see strong families, freedom of speech and faith, enterprising business and healthy, vibrant communities caring for all.
Jamie Chaffey for Nationals
1. Tell us about yourself.
I’ve been a resident of the Parkes electorate for more than 35 years; My wife Judy and I have raised four children in Gunnedah. I’m a boilermaker by trade and joined the family engineering business 28 years ago. It now employs over 130 people, and late last year I handed it down to my children.
I have served my community as Gunnedah Shire Mayor for eight years as well as being an active member of community groups, including Gunnedah Rotary, RFS and the Anglican church.
2. Why have you put yourself forward as a candidate?
My experience as a mayor, working alongside Mark Coulton as my federal member, has given me the confidence to know that you can make a difference, if you are committed and you are determined to truly represent the needs and the dreams, and aspirations of people in our communities.
I want to focus on growing our regional communities by bringing investment to town, upgrading important infrastructure, be a part of a team that gets inflation under control to bring cost of living relief, and that will stabilise power prices.
3. Your three key issues. Through my experience campaigning across the
Parkes electorate over the last eight months, I have learned the most common issues are the three “C’s” healthcare, childcare and aged care. Then once you leave the town boundaries it’s all about better roads and telecommunications.
In regards to making a difference to improve access to childcare, I have pledged a combined total of over $2.8 million for childcare and early learning in different centres across the electorate.
The Coalition has also announced that if elected, it will establish a new $100 million Raising the Regions Program to deliver flexible and innovative approaches to early childhood education and care in areas where there is limited or no supply.
4. How would you help create more opportunities for youth?
I hope to lean on my experience in local government, the highest priorities of council and the community will become my highest priority with respect to infrastructure and development of the shire.
The Nationals in a Coalition Government will rollout a range of cost-of-living support measures and support for young homeowners.
5. What change would you like to see in Parkes/Forbes? For Forbes, The Nationals has pledged $345,000 to construct a playground in the CBD, at Pitt Stop corner.
Sally Edwards: Libertarian
1. Tell us about yourself. With my family, we run an agricultural business in the Warrum-
I am a long-time volunteer and have spent 15 years working in the rural community development space.
I am a passionate advocate for rural people, the land and water, and helping communities survive and thrive.
2. Why have you put yourself forward as a candidate?
After 15 years working alongside community and local and state government, I believe it is time for honesty, transparency and accountability from our elected representatives that puts community and the people first.
Collaboration and cooperation will help regional Australia thrive, not endless blame and responsibility shirking.
3. Your three key issues.
• Healthcare and education services that are in a worse delivery state than they were 30 years ago
• Safety – including roads, crime and access to mobile coverage
• Cost-of-living (which is in reality cost-of-government decisions) – includes taxes, energy, housing, immigration.
I believe that looking at these problems with a fresh, common-sense perspective and through the Libertarian
lens of “get government out of the way”, empower local communities to contribute knowledge and build local solutions, and consider potential market mechanisms, could help us make real progress in the bush.
Building rural communities from the ground up, creating strong and thriving communities by our design we can grow industry and business without government central-planning and attract professionals and families to towns that are buzzing and growing.
This is a long-term, multipronged solution that requires a level of thinking not demonstrated by previous governments.
4. How would you help create more opportunities for youth?
I believe the best way to support and retain the youth is to support communities and help them thrive by fostering an ongoing collaborative approach between all three levels of government and most-importantly, involving community.
Too often impactful legislation becomes known by community when it is too late.
Thriving communities with abundant services and culture will attract the youth to stay or see them return to raise their families.
5. Specifically for towns of Parkes/Forbes, what change would you like to see?
Parkes and Forbes deserve
to see their future designed by them, the people who call the towns’ home, the people who care. It is time for elected representatives to actively represent the communities themselves, not be there to advocate and defend government policy, plans and agendas.
6. Where do you stand on the Waste to Energy debate?
I oppose the Energy from Waste Incineration project and the central-planned Special Activation Precinct as it is currently presented. I oppose the importation and incineration of metropolitan waste in Parkes.
I fully support the community’s call for transparency, genuine consultation and community-led decisionmaking, and adherence to environmental and public health standards.
I will commit to advocating for genuine, sustainable regional development that prioritises recycling, reuse and innovation over incineration.
7. Your final pitch. If you can reflect on the last three decades, not just the last three years and you too believe we have got some serious changes to make and work to do, maybe for the first time it might be worth considering a minor party candidate who is standing for communities first and standing to protect families, small business and the rural way of life.
I visited Parkes and pledged $465,000 for effective signage to encourage travellers to visit Parkes and create an attractive entry into town from the newly completed bypass. More work needs to be done to improve our road networks.
Housing is also an issue, as is health care, and more work needs to be done to attract and retain health care professionals. A solution is to invest in training youth from and in regional communities.
Safety of our communities is of most importance to me, domestic violence, sexual assaults, and youth crime need to be addressed. I would work closely with local and state governments to identify solutions.
6. Where do you stand on the Waste to Energy debate?
I’ve only recently become aware of this project. If I’m elected on the 3 May, one of my first actions would be to seek a meeting with council and the proponent to receive a briefing to be more across the proposal. I will certainly take the concerns of the community on board and be an advocate where necessary.
7. Your final pitch
A change of government at the last election in 2022 saw more than 50 projects across regional Australia, where funding was committed by the Coalition scrapped. In the Parkes electorate we lost more than $40 million worth of projects.
Trish Frail runs for Greens
1. Tell us about yourself. I’m a proud Ngemba woman who calls Brewarrina home. My mother’s family are from Gundabooka and Byrock.
My achievements include being a published author, owning my own business specialising in native foods, and being elected as a councillor on Brewarrina Shire Council (now in my second term).
2. Why have you put yourself forward as a candidate?
Parkes is in need of change and as a writer, small business owner, elected representative and hard-working member of community committees and boards, I’m well placed to represent the Parkes electorate.
As a member of The Greens, I believe strongly in our four pillars and I’m guided by them.
The four pillars are ecological sustainability, grassroots participatory democracy, social justice and peace and non-violence.
3. Your three key issues. Climate change – it’s happening now and is impacting our land and rivers. We are seeing more frequent extreme weather events. The Greens will push for strong climate action in the Senate and the House of Representatives, regardless of who forms government.
Lack of affordable housing – this is impacting both renters and first home buyers in many communities, and this has many flow-on effects.
The Greens have the most comprehensive plan of any party to address the housing crisis. This includes building a lot more public and affordable homes, stopping unlimited rent increases and establishing a National Renters Protection Authority.
Size of the Parkes electorate – it’s the biggest in NSW by far and parts of it are very remote. This makes transport and the provision of health and education services a challenge. At the same time, one in three big corporations pay no tax and this has to stop. They need to pay their fair share so that we can fund the services we need.
4. How would you help create more opportunities for youth?
We need to attract more businesses to the electorate and that often involves working across different levels of government. And we need to ensure the businesses we attract are in sustainable industries that have entry level positions for our young people.
We also need to ensure that post-school education opportunities in the electorate are attractive to our young people and provide them with the skills that businesses need.
Increased funding is important but equally impor-
tant is making sure we’re doing the best job with the money we have. This comes down to working with councils and the state government to ensure we’re all working towards the same goal, and that is one of my strengths.
5. What change would you like to see in Parkes/Forbes? Parkes and Forbes are both beautiful regional centres with a lot going for them. We need to promote these centres and encourage people to come and stay. As a second-term councillor on Brewarrina Shire Council, I know the importance of listening to locals and I know what it takes to make a regional centre a success.
I’ll bring that experience to bear in supporting the Parkes and Forbes Shires to make the changes they need to ensure the long-term sustainability of their communities.
6. Where do you stand on the Waste to Energy debate? The answer to our energy needs is renewable and waste to energy is not a renewable energy source. The answer to our waste is increased reuse and recycling, as well as making producers responsible for their products through the full life cycle.
7. Your final pitch. Parkes is in need of change and we won’t get it unless we vote differently from how we’ve voted before. I’m asking for your number one vote in this election to help create a better future for all of us.
Candidates urged to support local news
COUNTRY Press Australia wants candidates at the 3 May federal election to support a policy demanding a fairer share of government advertising be allocated to regional and local newspapers.
Country Press Australia president Andrew Schreyer said there was an overwhelming need for the next federal government to do more to address the challenges faced by producers of essential public interest journalism, and for the government to do so more swi ly.
“It’s extremely disappointing to our industry to see major city-based media entities and overseas owned tech giants such as Meta receive such a signi cant share of government advertising, especially when the government openly recognises the role our papers play in our democracy,” he said.
try Press Australia have rightfully earned a high level of trust within the communities they serve, and that social media platforms cannot o er the same levels of truth, integrity or accountability that local media does.
sues, to hold candidates and government organisations accountable and to be a voice for local communities in regional, rural and other local communities across Australia,” Mr Schreyer said.
Canberra’s Digital News Report has consistently found that local newspapers are among the most trusted news sources, yet our government continues to direct tens of millions of Australian taxpayer dollars to overseas-owned social media platforms that don’t operate to the standards we expect of local media and of ourselves.”
Country Press Australia has called on the next federal government to adopt a policy that re ects the Victorian government model of an average one-page per week of government advertising in all eligible regional and rural newspaper as part of a ra of policies that also include tax credits for journalist labour costs and funding for cadet journalists in regional and rural areas.
WILLOW MOORE IS OUR STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Willow Moore is in year 3 at Parkes East Public School and is our student of the week.
What is your favourite colour? Black and white
What is your favourite food? Quiche
What would you like to be when you grow up? hairdresser
What are your strengths? Kindness, love and no selfishness
What do you like about your school? The marimbas
What do you like to do outside of school? Go watch my cousins play footy and play with my sister.
TOBY SLAVEN IS OUR STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Toby Slaven is the Star of the Week for demonstrating Holy Family School’s Core Values and for always being kind and honest.
What is your favourite subject? Music
“And it is even more alarming when you consider these same social media platforms provide a haven for mis and dis information, for mistruths, and for scams that have caused great distress to many vulnerable Australians.”
Mr Schreyer said the more than 240 regional and local papers that are part of Coun-
He said it was also important to realise that local papers continue to provide a beacon of truth for local issues and candidates, and in many cases the local paper is the sole provider of hyperlocal place-based public interest journalism.
“Our papers have an important responsibility to report on local candidates and is-
“Local papers generally rate highly for trustworthiness compared to other news sources, with many studies con rming people tend to trust local news more than national or social media because it is closer to their communities and less in uenced by political or corporate agendas.
“Here in Australia, research by the University of
“Country Press Australia has briefed both major parties on the policies it believes need to be incorporated into reforms to better support public interest journalism in this country,” Mr Schreyer said.
“If our politicians truly value the important role of local newspapers, then they must also do more to ensure that this overdue support is delivered as soon as possible.”
COME AND SEE OUR NEW CENTRE
In your free time, what do you like to do? Play on my iPad
What is your favourite food? Apples and strawberries
What do you like most about our school? The art in my classroom
What are your strengths?
Running What would you like to be when you grow up ? policeman
No matter what you are studying—whether it's a Certificate III or a Doctorate—we’re here to help. Use of our Centre and services is completely free for registered students, including: Free printing
Academic support
Private study and exam rooms
Meeting rooms
Video conferencing
High-speed internet
Desktop and laptop workstations for use in the Centre
Social and networking events
Opening hours: Registered students can access the Centre from 5am–1am, 7 days a week.
The Centre is staffed Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm. Got questions? Contact Jacob Cass on 0409 119 933 or email jacob.cass@cucparkes.edu.au.
government advertising support for local papers remains critical to maintain local public interest journalism.
6.00 Get Clever. 7.00 It’s Academic. 8.30 Larry The Wonder Pup. 9.00 Shopping. 10.30 House Rules. 12.00 Angel. 3.00 Ed And Karen’s Recipes For Success. 4.00 Puppy School. 4.30 Frogger. 5.30 The Amazing Race. 7.00 MOVIE: Smurfs: The Lost Village. (2017) 9.00 MOVIE: Last Cab To Darwin. (2015) 11.35 MOVIE: Happiest Season. (2020) 1.45 Late
RoboCop. (2014) 1.00 Young Sheldon. 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. 2.00 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 1.10 MOVIE: Please Turn Over. (1959) 3.00 Antiques Roadshow. 3.30 MOVIE: Tender Mercies. (1983) 5.30 The Travelling Auctioneers. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 West Coast Cops. 8.30 MOVIE: The Accountant. (2016) 11.00 MOVIE: Aces High. (1976) 1.05 Late Programs.
6.00 NBC
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.30 GetOn Extra. 12.00 Impossible Builds. 1.00 Escape To The Country.
3.00 Better Homes. 4.00 Horse Racing. Hawkesbury Cup Day, Caulfield Members Day, Guineas Day and SA Derby Day. 5.00 Escape To The Country. 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. 2.25 ER. 3.10 Doctor Who. 3.55 Penn & Teller:
7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. 12.00 Horse Racing. Hawkesbury Cup Day, Caulfield Members Day, Guineas Day and SA Derby Day. 4.00 7NEWS: Election Day. 5.00 7NEWS: Australia Decides –Election. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 7NEWS: Australia Decides – First Count. 8.00 7NEWS: Australia Decides – The Result. 11.00 MOVIE: Life. (2017) 1.05 The Black Donnellys. 2.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 Motor Racing. Night Thunder. Silver Cup. H’lights. 4.00 Counting Cars. 4.30 Motor Racing. SpeedSeries. Round 2. Day 1. 7.30 Aussie Salvage Squad. 8.30 Mega Mechanics. 9.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 10.30 When Big Things Go Wrong. 11.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Rage Charts. 7.00 Weekend Breakfast On Election Day. 11.00 Rage. 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 MOVIE: Sherpa. (2015) Russell Brice, Tim Medvetz, Pasang Tenzing Sherpa. 2.00 Extraordinary Escapes. 3.00 Living With Devils. 3.55 Landline. 4.25 Australian Story. 5.00 ABC National News On Election Day. 5.30 Australia Votes. 12.00 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli. 12.30 Rage. 6.00 Kids’ Programs. 10.00 Tiddler. 10.25
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Destination WA. 12.30 Drive TV: Launch Pad. 1.00 Great Australian Detour. 1.30 Young Sheldon. 2.00 Rugby League. NRL. South Sydney Rabbitohs v Knights. 5.00 Election 2025: Australia Decides – Polls Close. 6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 Election 2025: Australia Decides – Vote Count. 8.00 Election 2025: Australia Decides – Election Night Live. 10.00 Election 2025: Australia Decides – Analysis. 11.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.10 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield. 12.30 The Brighter Side: Save. Grow. Dream. 1.00 10 Minute Kitchen. Final. 1.30 What’s Up Down Under. 2.00 Food Trail: South Africa. 2.30 Silvia’s Italian Masterclass.
6.00 Morning Programs. 1.00 MOVIE: Brothers In Law. (1957) 3.00 MOVIE: Our Man In Marrakesh. (1966) 5.00 MOVIE: Kid Galahad. (1962) 7.00 Rugby Union. Super Rugby Pacific. Round 12. ACT Brumbies v NSW Waratahs. 9.30 Super Rugby Pacific Post-Match. 9.45 MOVIE: Mad Max: Fury Road. (2015) 12.10 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 8.30 Larry The Wonder Pup. 9.00 Drop Dead Weird. 10.00 Weekender. 10.30 Weekender. 11.00 Ed And Karen’s Recipes For Success. 12.00 Dream Academy. 12.30 Dream Home. 2.05 Zumbo’s Just Desserts. 3.15 Starstruck. 4.45 Dodger. 5.45 MOVIE: Flushed Away. (2006) 7.30 MOVIE: RED. (2010) 9.45 MOVIE: Missing. (2023) 12.10 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 Offsiders. 11.00 Compass. 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. Final. 3.35 Bill Bailey’s Wild West Australia. 4.30 Restoration Australia. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Compass. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 The Piano. New. 8.30 Bergerac. New. 9.20 The Split: Barcelona. 10.20 MOVIE: My Brother Jack – Part 2. (2001) 11.55 Late Programs. 6.00 Kids’ Programs. 2.45 Fizzy And Suds. 3.00 Play School. 3.45 Tiddler. 4.20 Dino Dex. 4.45 Gardening Australia Junior. 5.10 Thomas. 5.50 Paddington. 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. 2.40 Doctor Who. 3.25 Penn & Teller: Fool Us. 4.05 Would I Lie To You? 4.40 MythBusters. 5.30 Heartbreak High. 7.00 Hard Quiz. 7.30 QI. 8.00 Lucy Worsley Investigates. 9.00 Planet America: Weekend Edition. 9.50 Offsiders. 10.20 The Weekly. 10.50 ER. 11.35 Late Programs.
Of The Underworld. 10.00 House Of 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 Cities Of The Underworld. 4.00 Escape To The Country. 7.00 Vicar Of Dibley. 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 Motor Racing. Shannons SpeedSeries. Round 2. Day 2. 4.30 Deep Water Salvage. 5.30 Counting Cars. 6.00 Border Security: Int. 7.00 Border Security. 8.30 MOVIE: The Bourne Supremacy. (2004) 10.40 MOVIE: In Bruges. (2008) 12.55 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 9. Penrith Panthers v Brisbane Broncos. 6.00 9News Sunday. 7.00 Travel Guides. 8.10 60 Minutes. 9.10 The Killer Interview With Piers Morgan. New. 10.10 9News Late. 10.40 See No Evil. 11.40 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. 12.10 MOVIE: Where No Vultures Fly. (1951) 2.25 MOVIE: Duel In The Jungle. (1954) 4.30 MOVIE: Lawman. (1971) 6.30 M*A*S*H. 8.30 MOVIE: Gone In 60 Seconds. (2000) 10.50 The Closer. 11.50 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 8.30 Larry The Wonder Pup. 9.00 Drop Dead Weird. 10.00 Dream Home. 11.35 Zumbo’s Just Desserts. 1.00 Starstruck. 2.10 A Moveable Feast. 2.40 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.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Going to new places and meeting new people appeals to both the Taurean’s romantic and practical side. After all, you never can tell where these new contacts will take you, right?
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) A career-changing opportunity that didn’t work out when you first considered it could come up again. But this time, remember that you have more to offer and act accordingly.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 Pooches At Play. 11.00 My Market Kitchen. 11.30 Roads Less Travelled. 12.00 MasterChef Australia. 1.15 Good Chef Bad Chef. 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
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Bless the VIRGO skepticism that has kept you from falling into traps that others seem to rush into. But you might want to give a new possibility the benefit of the doubt, at least on a trial basis.
LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Traveling- and careerrelated energy is strong in your aspect. Perhaps your job will take you to someplace exotic, or you might be setting up meetings with potential clients or employers. Whatever it is, good luck!
(October
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) There could be some tensions in relationships -- domestic or workaday. But a calm approach that doesn’t raise anger levels and a frank discussion will soon resolve the problem. LEO (July 23 to August 22) It’s a good idea to begin preparing for a career change that you’ve been thinking about for a while. Start to sharpen your skills and expand your background to be ready when it calls.
AQUARIUS (January
PISCES (February
Community shows love and support
THE Parkes community continues to strongly show its love and support for Australian service men and women on ANZAC Day.
A big crowd came out as it does every year to watch the march through the CBD, many staying on for the community commemorations that followed in Cooke Park.
The service saw hymns played by Parkes Shire Concert Band, an o cial welcome by Mayor Neil Westcott, a new prologue written and spoken by Parkes RSL Sub Branch member Bill Shallvey, addresses by modern youth - Parkes Christian School and Parkes High School captains - and a speech from guest speaker Major Robert Freebairn from Scotts Head.
There were also a wreath laying ceremony and sounding of the Last Post.
Here are our photos from the day. There are two parts to this photo gallery.
There are more photos and stories on our website.
Sunrise backdrop for a moving dawn service
IT’S been said before and it’ll be said again, there is nothing quite like experiencing a dawn service atop Memorial Hill.
With the best view in town, the 33-metre-high Shrine of Remembrance recognising all wars, towers over Parkes and all who stand at its base. It is one of the most moving moments when the sun rises while the Last Post is sounded from within the monument.
The handknitted red poppies, made by volunteers 10 years ago for the centenary of
the ANZAC landings at Gallipoli, were planted near the entrance of the memorial to add to the scene.
And for the first time in many years, the morning and the rest of the day wasn’t too bitterly cold either.
The day started at 14.4 degrees, peaking at an unseasonably balmy 27.2 degrees.
Here are some of those breathtaking moments our photographer captured during this year’s dawn service in Parkes.
Day march in Parkes.
Parkes Shire Concert Band director Duncan Clement and student Sam Hunt (13) sound the Last Post at the dawn service.
Four-year-olds Dominic Cafe and Dustin Tanswell were very excited to see a particular someone marching on ANZAC Day.
Wreath laying ceremony in Cooke Park.
Keith and Margaret Longhurst, Christine Cenedo and Dwayne Woods came out to watch Friday’s ANZAC Day march.
Rain doesn’t stop Homegrown success
By MARG APPLEBEE CENTRAL WEST LACHLAN LANDCARE
Thank you to those who joined us at Homegrown Parkes on Saturday at Cooke Park.
Our Community Survey is now open. We would love to hear from you if you attended the Homegrown Parkes event on Saturday, 26 April 2025.
The link can be found on our Homegrown Parkes page on the Central West Lachlan Landcare website or via our Facebook page.
We have two lovely Homegrown Parkes gi s for two people drawn from the survey results.
Our stallholder survey has also been distributed. Both of the surveys close on Saturday, 10 May 2025 at 5pm.
A massive thank you to everyone who has already responded to our request for feedback.
We try to factor in your sugges-
CATTLE SALE
Monday, 28 April
Yarding 1098 (down 1419)
Numbers more than halved this sale with agents yarding 1098 head.
Quality continues to be mixed with some handy lines of feeder and nished cattle o ered along with the secondary types.
The usual buyers were present and competing in a better market.
Heavyweight yearling steers to feed li ed 3 to 7c/kg to sell from 367 to 426c/kg.
Finished steers to processors ranged in price from 370 to 405c/kg.
The heifer portion was 10c better and more on some.
Feeders paid from 310
tions moving forward, particularly around demonstrations, workshops, educational opportunities and stallholder suggestions.
This was the rst event where we have encountered signi cant rain
to 378c/kg. Those to processors sold from 330 to 392c/kg.
Heavy steers and bullocks ranged in price from 355 to 405c/kg.
Grown heifers reached 357c/kg. Cows were rm to a couple dearer with heavy 2 score from 270c to 298c and 3 score from 280c to 310c/kg.
SHEEP SALE
Tuesday, 29 April
Yarding 42,200 (up 10,050)
Numbers jumped this sale with agents yarding 42,200 head. Lamb numbers increased to 33,300 and quality continues to be mixed.
There were some quality lines of well nished trade and heavyweight
and we were so thrilled to see how the community still showed up for us.
Homegrown Parkes events aren’t about being bigger for every event.
The ethos behind the ‘home-
lambs penned along with the plainer types.
The usual buyers were present and competing strongly in a dearer market.
Trade weight lambs 2024kg li ed $6 to $12/head and more in places to receive from $173 to $228/ head.
Heavy lambs to 26kg sold from $220 to $249/ head.
Extra heavyweights lied $15 to $20 to range in price from $225 to $334/ head. Carcase prices averaged 822c to 898c/kg. There was 8900 mutton penned and quality was very mixed.
Prices skyrocketed liing $30 to $60/head and more.
Merino ewes sold from $130 to $274/head. Cross-
bred ewes received from $125 to $297.20/hd with Dorper ewes reaching $276/head.
Merino wethers sold from $126 to $246/head. Carcase prices averaged from 670 to 750c/kg with many sales more.
FROM MLA’S NATIONAL LIVESTOCK REPORTING AGENCY
PIG SALE
There was no pig sale on Friday, 25 April due to ANZAC Day. The next pig sale will be held on Friday, 9 May at the Central West Livestock Exchange.
STORE CATTLE SALE
The Forbes Store Cattle Sale will be held on Friday, 2 May at the Forbes Central West Livestock Exchange starting
10am.
grown’ concept is more about quality.
Whilst having 80 stalls in our park would provide a lot of diversity, it is really important that we maintain a standard that focusses on promoting local and regional businesses, not for pro ts etc.
These events would not be possible without many volunteers contributing on the day.
Thank you to our Central West Lachlan Landcare volunteers and Parkes Community Arts volunteers.
Thanks to the Parkes Shire Concert Band, Parkes Music and Dramatic Society and Spicy Mercury for providing our fabulous musical entertainment.
We love being able to showcase our local talent.
The Reptile Display and Bee Man were wonderful new inclusions.
Central West Lachlan Landcare have committed to delivering
next three years, twice a year. This is for our community.
We are supported by volunteers from our Committee, volunteers from the Parkes Community Arts Committee and with in-kind support from Parkes Shire Council and for this event, funding through the Open Streets program.
We will be holding our next event in conjunction with the NSW Keep Australia Beautiful Tidy Towns Awards, on Saturday, 11 October 2025 and look forward to sharing those details with you shortly.
If you would like to keep up to date with Homegrown Parkes and other Landcare activities, follow our social media or join our newsletter mailing list.
For further information on this article, please go to www.centralwestlachlanlandcare.org, twitter, facebook or Instagram @cwllandcare or contact Marg Applebee on
at
There was 8900 mutton penned at Forbes’ Central West Livestock Exchange on Tuesday. Prices li ed $30 to $60/head and more. PHOTO: File
PHOTO: Parkes Camera Club
ACROSS
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD
4 Who landed in NW Australia in 1688 and 1699, William ... (7)
8 Name an Australian painter and teacher, Thea ... (7)
9 If one receives superannuation, one is what, perhaps (2,5)
10 What is violation by a subject to one’s state (7)
11 What is a military commander (7)
12 To push forcibly, is to do what (6)
14 Name a renowned city in Texas (6)
18 Which cold, dry, northerly wind is common in southern France (7)
21 La Paz is a capital of which S American republic (7)
22 Which syrup is obtained in refining sugar (7)
23 What are uncommissioned sailors called (7)
24 What do we call the loud cry of an elephant (7) DOWN
1 Which term applied to a person expresses an attribute (7)
2 What, in golf, is a score of one over par (5)
3 Name an alternative word for hoards (7)
5 Which person works with stone (5)
6 To endanger, is to do what (7)
7 Which term implies country life (5)
13 Who was known for quotes, Jean Jacques ... (7)
15 What is competence in any field of action (7)
E-QUATIONS 7
4 What, colloquially, is a slow-witted person (6)
Letters
Some
16 Name the region of contact between processes of two or more nerve cells (7)
E-QUATIONS
cells.
Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
17 What was the given name of Einstein, the Germanborn physicist (6)
18 To have encountered something, is to have done what (3,2)
19 To replace a section of the tread of a tyre, is to do what (5)
20 Who explored the NSW Blue Mountains and Bathurst districts in the 1800s; George William … (5)
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 ARTHROSIS
(a) Connection by a joint (b) Gout
(c) A vegetative cell that has passed into a resting state
2 EXCIDE
(a) To leave out
(b) To cut off
(c) To lay bare by digging
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:
All the same: as ... (3)
Capital of Egypt (5)
Flashy young men (5)
Gravely culpable (7)
Local environment plan (3)
Precipitating (7)
Soft headdress (3)
Total (3)
Transparent refractor (5)
Written language (5)
Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.
Nail-biting minor pairs
PARKES BOWLING AND SPORTS CLUB
By COL MILLER
This week we had three games of Minor
Pairs.
One game was on Wednesday and was between Alec Bateson and Jake Brown, and D Parker and Rod Ford.
Alec and Jake started strongly and by the 9th end were leading 11 to 2.
They kept up the pressure winning the game 22 to 8.
The other two games were played in the afternoon on ANZAC Day.
Game 1 Greg Townsend and Jock Townsend took on Ian Simpson and Brian Hampton.
The Townsend pair took the early lead and by the 7th end leading 8 to 6, the next end they won by five shots.
They then got stuck on the devil’s number 13 allowing Ian and Brian to take the lead 18 to 13 in the 13th end.
The Townsend pair got their act together and won the next 7 ends to win the game 28 to 18.
The next game Ethan and Rob Lacey played Geoff Smith and Mark Glasheen. By the 8th end the Lacey’s were just in front 9 to 8.
In the 13 end they went down 4 shots but still held the lead 19 to 13.
They then won 6 of the last 7 ends to run out winners 26 to 14.
Well done to all the players.
The next round is the semi-finals Jake Brown and Alec Bateson play Ethan and Rob Lacey.
The other game Greg and Jock Townsend play Mick Simpson and Warrick Parker. Date of play to be advised.
Social bowls on Thursday
Rink 1 Terese Glasheen, Bob Freeman and Col Mudie had a tough day against Al
Affleck, Lorraine Baker and John Ward going down 29 to 12.
Rink 2 Max Tomkins and Gary McPhee had a win over Col Woods and Brian Townsend 21 to 12.
Rink 3 Noel Johnstone, Graham Dixon and Geoff Freeman won their game 23 to 10 over George Bradley, Ray Jones and John Corcoran.
Rink 4 Mike Valentine and Mark Dwyer had a easy win over Geoff Smith and Mark Glasheen 36 to 12.
Rink 5 Ron Hornery and Warren Bevan had a win 20 to 12 over Mal Porter and Ian
When? During daylight hours from April to June 2025, weather permitting. What? Vibrator trucks will generate seismic waves that bounce off rock formations under the ground. The reflected signals are collected by geophones at ground level.
More information Visit: resources.nsw.gov.au/ central-lachlan-seismic Free call: 1800 960 522 Email: geo.projects@regional.nsw.gov.au Who? Velseis P.L., contracted by the Geological Survey of New South Wales
Third ISDE ride for Danielle
For the third year in a row Parkes enduro talent Danielle McDonald has been named in the Australian Women’s World Trophy team to compete in the International Six Day Enduro (ISDE).
Danielle will again be alongside Jess Gardiner and Tayla Jones.
Simpson.
Rink 6 Ash Kirwan and Col Miller had a hard fought win over Graham Davis and Col Hayward 18 to 15.
A special thank you to all our volunteers and a special mention to our green keepers Mark Dwyer and Brett (Baldy) Frame who spend many hours keeping our greens in tip top condition
The lucky rink is $120 on Thursday and the Friday night badge draw is $1000 so come on down to the club to enjoy a game of bowls and a social evening on Friday night.
The trio will be competing coming o brilliant second places at the last two ISDEs.
In Danielle’s rst year of competing at the ISDE she placed second individually and h in her second year with an injured ACL which are two incredible feats for the young rider.
The 2025 ISDE will be held in Bergamo, Italy from August 24 to 29.
The ISDE is the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) longest running oroad event and will be celebrating it’s 99th year in the scenic and challenging terrain of Italy.
Plumber
Danielle McDonald, Tayla Jones and Jess Gardiner have claimed second place at the last two ISDEs. PHOTO: Supplied
Strudwick claims 2025 Championship
RAILWAY BOWLS
By PAUL LEWIN
Welcome back to bowls news after a safe and healthy Easter holiday.
Social bowls
On Wednesday, 16 April we had 34 players for social bowls.
Winners were Andrew Trotman, Dave Ford and Craig Cusack winning 20+26. Runners-up were Col Boehm, Alan Affleck and Dave Littlewood winning 16+10.
Third Place went to Mick Dunn, Rhonda Bromley and Mick Furney winning 14+12.
Marble 8 came out and the margins were 2, 5, 7, 10, 12 and 26. The jackpot went to a mind blowing $958.
On Saturday, 19 April we had 22 players for social bowls.
Winners were Graham Thomson and Mick Dunn winning 14+1. Runnersup were Ray Griffith and Terry Hetherington winning 13+1.
On Wednesday, 23 April we had 36 players for social bowls.
Winners were Ray Griffith, Junior Thorne and Geoff Leonard winning 19+19. Runners-up were Peter Hocking, Phil Hocking and Rhonda Bromley winning 18+12.
Third Place went to Joey Van Opynen, Steve Clegg and John Taylor winning 18+8.
Marble 9 came out and the margins were 7, 7, 8, 12, 17 and 19. The jackpot this week is a monster $994.
On Friday, 25 April we had Anzac Day Social Bowls. Winners were Juicy Daley and Lorraine Baker winning 16+25. Runners-up were Junior
Thorne and Dave John son winning 14+14.
Club Championships
In the Major Singles semi final Tony Bright played Blake Strudwick. Brighty led 3 nil after 2 ends and 9-2 after 8 ends. Blake gets it to 12 all after 13 ends. Blake leads 15-12 after 16 ends and 20-13 af ter 20 ends. Blake goes on to win 25-14.
In the Major Singles final Blake Strudwick played Joey Van Opynen. Blake led 7 nil after 5 ends and 12-4 after 7 ends. Blake led 16-8 after 13 ends and 19-10 after 16 ends. Blake led 21-11 after 19 ends and went on to win 25-14 to be your 2025 Club Champion.
In the Minor Pairs we had Helen Clark and Peter Job play Joey Van Opynen and Blake Strud wick.
Joey and Blake led 8 nil after 4 ends and 11-3 after 9 ends. Joey and Blake led 15-5 after 13 ends and 20-7 after 17 ends and went on to win 24-9.
In the Minor Pairs Chris Harrison and Rob bie Hill played Steve Clegg and Mick Dunn. Chris and Robbie led 2 nil after 2 and 6-2 after 4 ends. Chris and Robbie led 12-5 after 8 ends and 14-8 after 11 ends. Chris and Robbie led 21-11 af ter 15 ends and 23-14 af ter 19. Chris and Robbie went on to win 26-17.
Some Club Champion ships are falling behind if we can make a conscious effort to get these played please to avoid forfeits.
This week we have so cial bowls on Saturday, 3 May at 1pm. As always names in half an hour before start Toot Toot!
On ANZAC Day the club had a 2 Person Ambrose event with a shotgun start after the commemoration services in town and 42 players came out for a swing.
The event was sponsored by the smiling team of Maddi and Zac Kelly from the ProShop.
The winning team with a hot score of 62.5 were Matt Lawryk and Jim O’Donoghue and they showed a clean pair of heels to their rivals.
Matt was the steady hand with his distance and precision whilst Jim added the unknown factor with boundless ability but a little less control.
Runners up were Leyton and Frank Crowley on 65 with Luke Wirth and Dustin Littlewood on 65.25 and followed in by Blake and Myles Smith on 65.5.
On Saturday we went close to having to abandon the day as the skies opened up and the rain settled in for a good 24 hours.
The negative was a Saturday with only 26 hearty players but the upside the course got a deserved long drink and will now flourish as the tractors go to work cutting the kikuyu as it springs back to life.
Zac Kelly again stepped up to sponsor the day and save the QuickShine day to a later date.
Thanks to the Kelly’s again. The event was a 4BBB with an Individual Stableford as well.
The winning team was Lindsay Elliott and Wayne Tucker who paired best on the day with a solid total of 44 points.
The 4 Ball format requires both players to make sure they are playing well so if one misses on the hole the other strikes, which is exactly what Lindsay and Wayne did.
They were chased all day by the Davison family in Reg and Lyn, who just needed 2 points to catch them but couldn’t manage it, they were matched by John Dwyer and Peter Bristol who just needed to hit a few more greens to get there.
Whilst conditions weren’t great the individual scores were still very competitive.
Wayne Tucker proved to be the one to beat amassing a 39 point haul and his voice could be heard from the outside club area well after lunch as he recanted shot by shot to anyone who cared to listen.
Naturally his regular group of
playing partners headed home straight after golf.
Nonetheless it was a hot round with a 43/40 split off the stick in the virtually continuous rain and included a birdie on the back 9.
Michael Williamson from Dubbo, trying to escape the rain, missed by a point in catching Wayne but did ace the 9th, then it was 2 further back to Lyn Davison and Peter Bristol on 37.
The Nearest The Pins winners were – Bridgestone Mining 1st Denis Howard at 470cm, Griffins Leading Edge by John Green at 119cm, Parkes Ready Mixed Concrete 9th by Michael Williamnson – hole in one, the Westlime 11th by Col Braeden at 477cm, the Gulf Western Oil 17th by Lindsay Elliott at 402cm.
The lucrative money hole was won by Lindsay Elliott at 402cm.
Ball winners were John Dwyer and Peter Bristol, Lyn and Reg Davison 42, Tom Delmenico and John Pearce 41.
VETERANS GOLF
By JOHN DWYER
Despite a one-two finish by Parkes’ Nym Dziuba and Dale Stait it was still not enough for the locals
to claim the twin-towns shield in last week’s veterans golf competition.
Dziuba was confident of playing well prior to start time and he backed this up with a round of 42 points which should attract the attention of the handicappers.
Dale Stait was also in good form to finish a clear second on 39 points in the field of 30 which included south coast visitors Rod and Yvonne Sullivan and Brisbane based Richard Barnes - brother of Lachlan Valley and Forbes veterans president Peter Barnes - who picked up the encouragement award.
In the twin-towns shield for the best six scores from each club, Forbes players proved more consistent with a score of 210 points to Parkes’ 203.
The Forbes pair of Alf Davies and Kim Herbert were the A grade nearest-to-pin winners on the fourth and 11th holes respectively, while no B graders hit these greens in one.
Ball sweep winners – 37 points, Ted Morgan (F), Alex Mackinnon (F), 35 Kim Herbert (F), 34 Alf Davies (F), Peter Barnes (F), Don McKeowen (F), 33 John Fowler (P),
had an unusual experience on the par four 16th - “I played the ball from the same spot twice and didn’t have an air swing,” Frank said. What did happen was Frank chipped on the green and as he was making his way to mark his ball it decided it didn’t like that position and duly rolled back down the slope to where Frank played the shot - ah the joys of golf.
Next week Forbes will host the twin-towns competition and this will set the scene for the club’s Veterans Week of Golf to be played from Monday, May 5 to Friday, May 9.
The week will start with a 2-ball Ambrose medley on the Monday and finish with an individual stableford on the Friday for play in the NSWVGA Medal.
President Barnes said there are still spots available and inquiries can be directed to the tournament office on 0435 585 460 or Forbes Pro Shop on 6851 1554. Nominations will also be taken on the day. Forbes players are asked to bring a plate for each day’s play.
PARKES GOLF CLUB
Ken Walton (F), Steve Edwards (F), Steve Uphill (F), Barry Shine (F). Forbes’ Frank Hanns
won his Minor Pairs of the Club Championships.
PHOTO: Jenny Kingham
Panthers kick off season
By MADELINE BLACKSTOCK
Parkes Panthers are kicking o their Central West AFL Tier 2 sea son campaign this weekend in Ba thurst against Bathurst Giants.
Panthers had a strong season last year nishing the competition in fourth and are looking to build on their momentum this season.
“We have a lot of new guys who have never played AFL before so we are looking to build on skills and knowledge of the game,” Pan thers player Dylan Sheedy said.
This year’s Panther team is a mix of new and returning players which Dylan says is a very youth ful side who are very t and are keen to run.
The teams strength is their abil ity to get along on and o the eld.
“I think we just get along really well so that’s going to make footy a lot more fun and easier on the weekends.”
The Panthers had the opportunity to test out their preseason training in games against Gunnedah and Dubbo at a gala day in Dubbo recently.
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
Peter McDonald Premiership
Round 1:
“Peter brings 200 games of experience to the team, he is extremely experienced, level headed and skillful and Robert is a fresh avour.
“That was really good. We won against Gunnedah and were beaten by Dubbo so that was a is Peter Webb alongside Robert Newton as coach.
“This is Robert’s rst year as coach. He didn’t expect to be lan said.
Also supporting the team is club president Mark Salau who Dylan says is taking the club in a really good direction.
The Panthers are looking for a win to start their season this Saturday but are looking forward to getting their new players out on
so it should be a good little social outing for the boys,” Dylan added.
We wish the Panthers good luck and look forward to watching their rst home game which will be held on Saturday, 24 May at Northparkes Oval where they will take on the Orange Tigers in round 4.
First grade: Forbes Magpies 46 def Parkes Spacemen 16. Bathurst St Pats 30 def Bathurst Panthers 10. Wellington Cowboys 20 def Nyngan Tigers 0. Orange Hawks 26 def Lithgow Workies 10. Orange CYMS 20 def Mudgee Dragons 18. Dubbo CYMS 20 def Dubbo Macquarie Raiders 18. Round 2 draw: Nyngan Tigers v Lithgow Workies. Dubbo CYMS v Bathurst Panthers. Mudgee Dragons v Dubbo Macquarie Raiders. Bathurst St Pats v Parkes Spacemen. Forbes Magpies v Orange CYMS. Orange Hawks v Wellington Cowboys. Round 1:
“We had good sections of the game where we were playing good footy and we did have momentum - but probably silly mistakes let us down and it’s quick to shi when you’re playing a good team.”
Forbes ran in three tries before Parkes got on the board to set themselves up for success.
Mick Coady crossed the line just six minutes in to play but the second didn’t come until 15 minutes later when Jordan Hartwig went over in the corner, with plenty of work by both teams in between.
Chad Porter, in his rst match for Magpies, bagged the third of the day to see the hosts up 16-0.
Parkes responded when Cody Crisp put down a grubber and Mitch Wright’s kick added the extras to bring the scores in to 16-6.
The Spacemen looked hopeful of backing that up when captain Sam Dwyer broke away and bolted down the eld, but the Magpies’ defence rallied and the visitors were denied.
It was Forbes that crossed the line again before the break, this time through Jake Porter, and Greenhalgh’s kick gave Forbes a 22-6 lead at half time.
Forbes captain Nick Greenhalgh credited the Spacemen for a tough contest, acknowledging his side’s efforts to pile on the points early and late.
The Spacemen returned to the field for the second half with renewed energy and it was try-for-try for a spell.
Joe Dwyer scored for Parkes, Nick Greenhalgh for Forbes and Jacob Smede for Parkes to see the scoreboard at 28-16 with 16 min -
utes of play left. As the clock ticked down, the Magpies showed they had plenty le in the tank.
Mitchell Andrews crossed in the corner, Jack Smith escaped Parkes’ clutches to put the ball down behind the posts, and Zeke Hartwig de ed the Spacies’ e orts to hold him up.
There are lessons that’ll go into the training program as the Spacemen prepare for another road trip, this time
“I was really proud of him, he didn’t take a backward step and put in the whole game,” Dwyer said. League tag: Forbes 20 Parkes 10 Lillian Gosper and Grace MacGregor. Under 18s: Forbes 24 Parkes 14 Tries to Taj Lovett (2) and Sonny MacGregor. Reserves: Forbes 28 Parkes 10 Tries to Tye Toomey and Zachary Reimer. First grade: Forbes 46 Parkes 16 Tries to Cody Crisp, Jacob Smede and Joseph Dwyer
Spacemen reserve grade, under 18s and league tag v Bathurst St Pats at Bathurst.
Woodbridge Cup
Round 3:
First grade: Oberon Tigers 30 def Condobolin Rams 18. Orange United Warriors 38 def Grenfell Goannas 8. Manildra Rhinos 66 def Blayney Bears 6. Molong Bulls 16 def Trundle Boomers 14. Cowra Magpies 38 def Eugowra Golden Eagles 36. Canowindra Tigers 22 def Peak Hill Roosters 14. League tag: Grenfell Goannas 18 def Orange United Warriors 12. Oberon Tigers 32 def Condobolin rams 6. Manildra Rihons 66 def Blayney Bears 6. Trundle Boomers 22 def Molong Bulls 14. Cowra Magpies 8 def Eugowra Golden Eagles 6. Canowindra Tigers 58 def Peak Hill Roosters 0. Round 4 draw: Grenfell Goannas v Cowra Magpies. Oberon Tigers v Orange United Warriors. Trundle Boomers v Canowindra Tigers. Cargo Blue Heelers v Molong Bulls. Blayney Bears v Condobolin Rams. Peak Hill Roosters v Manildra Rhinos.
Old mates, now rivals, as new Spacemen captain-coach Sam Dwyer comes faceto-face with former team mate Chad Porter on the field for the first time since he
Junior Igilia, supported by Sam Dwyer and Jacob Smede, charges through the Forbes defence.
Perfect pitch makes way for great play at women’s bowls
Light bulb moment. I’ve worked out why the Yanks call autumn “fall”!
Dedication-plus from our fall guys at Ground Control last Saturday. Brett out spreading fertiliser during a heavy downpour. We tip our hats.
A slightly cooler autumn morning had 18 players out on the green – and “green” it is after the beautiful rain.
On rink 20, Sue, Chris C and Marja were raking in the acorns as well as Merilyn, Ann T and visitor, “Colleen” M, until the handle fell o on the 12th end, resulting in easy work for Col’s team to gather a stack of 20, twice the amount of their rivals.
Gwenda’s red wheelbarrow was put to good use on rink 19, as she, Carol and Brenda amassed a pile of 22 leaves for their bonfire, while Kay,
Janice and Robyn saw their 8 blow away in a gust of wind.
On rink 18, Valmai, Lorraine and Jan were feeling pleased with their successful
harvest of 20 apples, as their rivals, Irene T, Lynn and Maureen, were a bit browned off to only pluck fruit on five of the 20 ends.
They’d eaten their small handful of 7 before they fin-
The jackpot has risen to $180 after rink 18 failed to draw lucky 7.
Happy chipmunks, Sue, Irene, Maureen, Valmai, Kay and “Colleen” all stashed some cash in the 100’s club.
Nominations for Club Fours close next Tuesday, along with 3-bowl Pairs teams.
The highly anticipated final of the Club Championship Triples will be played this Sunday, 4 May, at 2pm, as Team Byrne takes on Team Simpson. Good luck to you
A new month, new table girls: Lorraine and Annie take the reins during May.
To play social bowls next Tuesday, 6 May, call the club, 6862 1446, between 9–9.30, arrive by 9.45 and play at 10am. Visitors always welcome.
Heavy rain doesn’t falter Mitchell’s near perfect score
PARKES SSAA
By BRIAN DRABSCH
Last Sunday saw 10 shooters attend the Deep Lead Shooting Complex on the Back Trundle Road and shoot at fox targets at both 25 and 50 metres for a collective score of 530.53 points.
This match was shot under heavy rain falling but the only ones who got wet were the people who set up the targets and bringing them back in again. Thanks boys. All shooting was from under cover.
TARGET RIFLES: 25M, 50M, TOTAL
• Steve Mitchell 280.26, 250.24, 530.50.
• Greg Neemes 280.28, 250.19, 530.47.
• Jeff Charlton 279.24, 250.23, 529.47.
• Brian Drabsch 280.26, 249.18, 529.44.
• John Davis 279.18, 250.23, 529.41.
FIELD RIFLES
• Alan Briton 280.25, 250.16, 530.41.
• Brett Cowling 279.22, 249 17, 528.39.
• Tim Nyman 276.15, 247.18, 523.33.
• Peter Nyman 272.14, 242.11, 514.25.
And one shot for practice only. The figure given after the decimal point is the number of central bullseyes shot.
Our next shoot is at 10am on Sunday 4/5/2025 where it will be standard round targets at both ranges.
Any person who wants to get a shooters license can ring Brian on 6862 1969 for an appointment and we have two people who can do it for you.
FootyNRL TIPPING
Lyn Symonds in action on a Tuesday with the Parkes Bowling and Sports Club women.
PHOTO: Jenny Kingham
SPACIES FACE TOUGH OPENER
THE way Parkes’ young players stepped up was a highlight of a tough day at Forbes for the Spacemen in Round 1 of the 2025 rugby league season.
The Magpies dominated four grades of footy but new first grade captain Sam Dwyer couldn’t fault his team’s effort: the intensity expected of this derby was there from the opening minutes.
“It’s a pretty handy rivalry – one of the best you’ll find around bush footy,” Dwyer said.
“You know it’s going to be a tough game.
“These are the sort of games you love to play: good crowds and plenty of banter.”
The new Parkes captain coach had led his team into the contest expecting nothing less than what they met: a quality team.
“But in saying that there was a lot of positives we can take out of that,” Dwyer said.
■ Continued on page 18.
Five veterans Cairns-bound
Players ready to compete at Trans Tasman
FIVE Parkes players are set to head to Cairns from 10 May to 17 May to compete in the Oceania Trans Tasman Challenge.
Casey Miles (over 34s), Denise Gersbach (over 50s), Ian Westcott (over 50s), Dusty Powter (over 60s), Maureen Massey (over 70s) were selected to play within Australian Masters Hockey Teams during the challenge
All ve players were selected from the Women’s and Men’s Nationals in 2024 held in Sydney and Hobart respectively.
“To have ve players from our country association make an Australian team is a great achievement for Parkes Hockey,” Denise Gersbach said.
This is the second time Casey Mile has been selected to play in an Australian team a er her rst representation in the Australian A team at last year’s World Cup. Casey has been selected as a utility player which enables her to play across either the defensive, mideld or striker line.
This is Denise Gersbach’s eighth time she has been selected for an Australian team. Selected as the vice-captain of the Over 50s team, Denise will play an
attacking mid elder during the tournament.
This will be the second time Ian Westcott will play in an Australian team a er representing Australia in the World Cup winning Over 45s team last year. Ian will play in the striker line.
Dusty Powter will be playing for Australia for the second time at the Trans Tasman Challenge, a er representing Australia A at the World Cup last year. Dusty will play as a defensive mid elder.
This is the ninth time Maureen Massey will be playing for Australia. Maureen will play as a goalkeeper in the Over 70s team.
All Australian players will arrive in camp on Saturday, 10 May before training with their respective teams for three days. All teams will then play a three test series against the competitive New Zealand teams.
“All players have been training hard in the lead up to this tournament to ensure they are at peak tness levels,” Gersbach said.
“All players are excited to be able to support one another in Cairns.”
Five hockey veterans, Maureen Massey, Denise Gersbach, Ian Westcott, Casey Miles and Dusty Powter will be flying the flag for Parkes and Australia.
