PCP20250522

ESTABLISHED 1891

Story, more photos page 5

CHRISTINE NSW VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Watch history come to life

THE Golden Plough will be held in Peak Hill from 31 May to 1 June and Western Branch president of the Australian Draught Horse Stud Book Association Aleks Berzins says it is the best thing you could do on a weekend.

The Golden Plough is fast becoming Australia’s most prestigious single furrow competition and will be held in Peak Hill this year and next year, where the competition will celebrate its 50th year.

“The Golden Plough is the one you want to win for a ploughmen with horses,” Aleks said.

The competition is moved around throughout NSW spending a couple of years in the same area.

In recent years the competition has been held in Eugowra, Lyndhurst, Blayney and Wongarbon where it drew over 800 ploughmen and women across Australia.

Over the two days multiple competitions will be held.

On Saturday, 31 May the ladies, junior, novice and veterans plough will be held.

Also on Saturday there will be long reigning, wagon team rides, farmers

challenge, Australian draught horse talk, horse work demonstration, pairs and single log snig and the junior challenge.

On Sunday, 1 June the Golden Plough will run.

As well as being Western Branch president, Aleks is also a competitor and won the Golden Plough last year on his h attempt at the title in Lyndhurst.

“My grandfather was a horsemen and ploughed and farmed with horses so I was brought up into it.

■ Continued on page 2

Neil Cox and Tanya Godden (West Region Retail Manager) congratulate Christine Cox from Parkes on being named NSW Vinnies Volunteer of the Year. PHOTO: Supplied

WESTERN BRANCH PRESIDENT ALEKS BERZINS FROM EXETER.

Tickets on sale now for Picnic Races

THE countdown is ofcially on for one of the most anticipated events on the Central West social calendar - the Parkes Picnic Races, returning in full gallop on Saturday, 7 June at the Parkes Racecourse.

A er the unfortunate

“Last year’s cancella-

tion of the racing program due to weather was a huge blow, but we’re determined to make 2025 bigger and better than ever. We’re encouraging the whole community to come along, bring your friends, support local racing, and enjoy a great day out.”

This year’s event promises something for everyone, whether you’re dressed to impress in Fashions on the Field, dancing to live tunes from EasyGoin’, or simply relaxing trackside with a picnic.

Highlights of the day include:

A thrilling 5-race program Fashions on the Field

Live entertainment by EasyGoin’ Tent sites and picnic spots • Food, bar, and on-

course betting • Kiddies Corner to keep the little ones entertained Make sure you dress to impress for this year’s Fashions on the Field for this year’s two amazing judges Harry Parsons and Alexis Hay.

With an impressive career in fashion and lifestyle media, Harry has produced campaigns and editorial content for iconic titles like Marie Claire, InStyle, Men’s Health, Women’s Health, and GQ.

Now the Head of Advertising at Man of Many, Australia’s leading online men’s publication, Harry’s sharp eye for style and innovation will bring a fresh edge to our Fashions on the Field competition.

“It’s an honour to be part of such a spirited local tradition and see the style

WHAT’S ON in and around Parkes

FIRE STATION OPEN DAY

Saturday, 24 May

Parkes Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is hosting their annual open day on Saturday, 24 May from 10am to 2pm, and everyone is welcome. Meet our re ghters, see their specialised equipment, re trucks and re displays - all while learning about how a working smoke alarm can help save lives this winter. There will also be giveaways and a sausage sizzle.

HOME GAMES

Saturday, 24 May

Parkes Panthers will play their rst home game of the season this Saturday. They will be up against Orange Tigers at Northparkes Oval with the action set to kick o at 12pm. In soccer, Parkes Cobras have another home game at Woodward Park as they come up against Bathurst 75. The game is set to start at 3.30pm, make sure to come and support our local teams at home.

MEN’S GROWTH ROOM LAUNCH

Tuesday, 27 May

At the Pioneer Room in the Parkes Leagues Club from 6.30pm, join Lifeline Central West for the launch of a powerful new space for regional men to connect, re ect and grow. The Parkes Men’s Growth Room is a free monthly gathering where men come together to talk, listen, and support one another in a safe, judgment-free environment. It’s not therapy, it’s not formal-it’s real conversations among local men who show up for each other. Primary producers and rural men are encouraged to attend, recognising the unique pressures faced in farming and remote living. While the Growth Room is designed for men, this event is open to the broader community.

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.

PARKES EAST FETE

Saturday, 31 May

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

THE GOLDEN PLOUGH

Saturday, 31 May and

Sunday, 1 June

The Golden Plough is one of the most prestigious ploughing competitions in Australia which rst began in 1976. This year it will be held at the Peak Hill Showground. Gate entry is $15 which covers both days.

PANTHERS AFL FAMILY DAY OUT

Saturday, 31 May

Our Parkes Panthers will be hosting a family day out for round ve of their season. At Northparkes Oval there will be a free jumping castle from 1pm with Bathurst Bushrangers and Dubbo Demons kicking o the action at 3pm in a thrilling rst grade match. At 5pm Parkes Panthers will be up against Dubbo Demons in second grade. Make sure to come out and support our local AFL team during a fun lled day for the family.

MOCK CRASH AUDITIONS

Thursday, 5 June

Calling all aspiring young actors from across the region, mock crash auditions for 2025 will be held at the Parkes SES Shed located in Clarke Street from 5pm to 8pm. You must be 16 or over to take part. Actors will learn about the program, take part in acting exercises as well as road crash rescue training. This program aims to reduce the number of crashes that involve young drivers by showing them what can and does happen on the road and educate them about safe behaviours as drivers and passengers. You must register to attend the auditions by calling our Road Safety O cer Melanie Suitor on 6861 2364 or email melanie.suitor@parkes.nsw.gov.au

BOGAN GATE HALL MARKETS

Saturday, 7 June

The Bogan Gate Community Memorial Hall Markets will be held from 8am to 1pm. There will be handmade goodies, vintage nds, plants, cake stall, candles, jewellery, face paint and much more. Make sure to check it out.

PEAK HILL ARTS AND CRAFT EXHIBITION

Saturday and Sunday, 7-8 June

Peak Hill’s 52nd Annual Arts and Cra Exhibition will be held on the June long weekend. There will be works on display and demonstrations in junk journaling, crochet, patchwork fabrics and kits, embroidered reading cushions, bird houses and suncatchers and featuring artists in residence Jasmine Cole’s bright water colours at the Peak Hill Leisure Arts and Cra Centre.

At The Carrington there will be mosaics, photography, paverpol and Dirty Gloves plants and artist in residence Nathan Wright exhibiting upstairs with his paper/ stamp/thumbprint artworks. Refreshments will be available at both venues and the Country Cra Information Centre will have gi s, hand-made by local community members available for purchase. Visit Peak Hill for a weekend full of art.

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and character that make the Parkes Picnic Races so iconic,” Harry said.

A proud racewear enthusiast and past winner of Best Millinery at Parkes Picnics, Alexis brings her deep love for style, creativity, and the community spirit that de nes country racing.

A dedicated supporter of the Central West, Alexis has also been involved in fundraising e orts for ood recovery, and we’re so excited to welcome her back to celebrate fashion and fun trackside!

“A er over a decade of attending this special event, I’m beyond excited to be trackside as a Fashions on the Field judge, celebrating the creativity, air, and fabulous community that make this event truly one of a kind,” Alexis said.

Fashions on the Field categories include:

• Most Elegant Lady

• Most Stylish Man

• Best Dressed Couple

• Best Dressed Junior

• Best Millinery

• Styled Wearing Wool

• Best Decorated Tent

Tickets are now on sale for just $20 (+booking fee) on 123tix, or $25 at the gate.

Children under 16 get in free.

The Parkes Picnic Races are proudly supported by major sponsors Parkes Services Club and C and M Civil Earthworks, with race program sponsorship from AgriWest Rural, Central West Credit Union, Telescope Tyres and Batteries, McPhersons Parts and Service, plus support from Parkes Shire Council.

Gooloogong’s

Golden plough comes to

Peak Hill

■ From page 1.

“I travelled to the event (The Golden Plough) as a kid and watched lots of Golden Ploughs as a young bloke and have just always been in awe of it, so I really enjoy the opportunity to now compete in it.”

The competition honours a skill which is now done in a different format with tractors and pays tribute to the past.

“In the past competitions and ploughing started, not so much where we’re doing it as a passion for the people that are still doing it, but it was people actually working with their horses.

“It was a bit like saying my tractor is stronger than your tractor.

“These guys originally competed at their local shows as a way of comparing the hours, the work and the skills as horsemen and ploughmen.”

Make sure to travel out to the Peak Hill Showground to see the best horsemen skills in Australia.

It is $15 gate entry which covers both days of the event and Aleks says it is definitely worth coming and having a look.

“I think it’s a really good thing to see how the horses and the owners respond with each other.

“It’s nice to see something which you probably can’t get the opportunity to watch live and it sort of brings a black and white photo to life,” Aleks added.

Races Fashions on the Field judges.

Darren Gavin with horses Gracie and Barney was the 2023 Golden Plough winner at Wongarbon.

Double the target, double the distance: Tractor boys back at it

IT LOOKS like the Fergie tractor boys from Parkes are at it again with another fund raiser for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

In 2023 the group took eight 70-year-old Ferguson TEA 20 tractors on a 600km journey out of Bourke over six days to raise almost $40,000 for prostate cancer awareness.

It seems they had so much fun that they’ve upped the ante and are heading o again.

“We decided that if we li ed our game a bit we could aim high and try to reach $100,000 this time!” Laughed organiser Richard Je eray.

Between him, Brenton Trainor and Lindsay Wall they decided on Bourke to Birdsville for this year’s trek with the plan (weather per mitting) to travel through Louth and Wanaaring, then further west to Tibooburra and Innamincka, then north to Birdsville.

The planned route is just over 1200km, and with 12 days allocated to the trek and plenty of unsealed roads, there’ll no doubt be some sore bums and weary bodies a er an average of 100km per day.

As you can imagine, there’s no comfort in a 70-year-old tractor, but by all accounts the mechanics in the crew have been working tirelessly to have them running the best they can at a little over 20km/h.

between August 11 and 22 includes Richard Je eray, Lindsay Wall, Brenton Trainor, Rodney Barnes, Mitch Je eray, Dave O’Grady, Troy Parker, Al O’Grady and Daniel McIntyre.

The team of nine embarking on this epic journey

Most thankfully are mechanics and the rest are pretty capable, so they’re prepared for most things given their experience from 2023. There’ll be a small support team to help feed the crew and handle any mishaps, and with the route being so remote, the boys will all be sleeping rough in swags by

the side of the roads.

“Whenever we can we always try to support any local towns for meals and the occasional beer – just to be sociable,“ Richard laughed.

Backing business to bring life to CBD

PARKES’ main street is among four to be selected for round two of a Community Improvement District (CID) pilot program through the NSW Government.

The pilot will provide $2 million to improve Clarinda Street in Parkes, as well as main streets in Gilgandra, Carlton and Guildford.

An improvement district, the government explained, allows businesses to contribute to a central pot and fund projects that bene t them all and the community around them.

“Currently it is possible to form a CID but the process has proven to be complex, cumbersome and slow,” said Minister for Transport, Minister for Music and the Night-Time Economy John Graham.

“The CIDs model has fostered business precincts overseas for 50 years, with

one example being the Times Square Alliance in New York that is made up of 2500 local businesses that have got together to improve street amenity and coordinate activations.

“Businesses generate four times more revenue in a street with an operating CID model, research has found, with businesses banding together to improve amenities like seating, lighting, street art and signage, or create unique place identities through marketing and communication.”

Individual businesses in a designated area would vote in a ballot to establish a CID.

If a two-thirds majority is achieved a CID would be established and a levy introduced.

Levies to fund agreed improvements are expected to cost between $400 and $700 approximately per business.

Under the Community Improvement Districts Act 2025, CIDs can raise levies without pursuing the more complex alternative of striking special rates under the Local Government Act 1993.

The rst round of pilot funding supported 10 communities with all monitored CID pilots reporting an increased average daily spend in the 12 months to February 2025, Mr Graham said.

“This puts local businesses in the box seat to drive the change they want to see in their community,” Mr Graham said.

“Local busineswses know what their communities need to thrive.

“This legislation and funding will enable them to coordinate and raise money to make the enhancements their main streets and town centres need.”

THE NSW Government is fast-tracking more than 5300 new homes across the Central West, including those in Parkes.

Councils are receiving $810,000 through round three of the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund for four housing projects.

And the East Parkes Masterplan and Servicing Strategy is among them, as are those in Orange and Dubbo.

The East Parkes Masterplan has been allocated $185,799.

This funding will help Parkes Shire Council unlock housing supply by developing and updating housing and planning strategies to bring forward more diverse and a ordable housing options. The total cost of the project in Parkes is $209,799.

Council updated its 20year Housing Strategy at its meeting in February, during which it made four amendments to the plan.

Among the amendments were to remove ood impacted land from the priority area and identify new priority areas.

Council also opted to bring forward the urban housing areas of ‘Harrowvale’, formerly farmland located in the town’s east between Henry Parkes Way (Orange

Closer to the cause though is Richard’s dad Dick Je eray who has survived his own battle with prostate cancer and knows all too well the value of support.

He’s still undergoing treatment but hopes to make the trek as part of the support crew.

Incredibly with more than two months still to go until they start their engines, the team has already raised $83,122.

Richard’s fundraising was recently supercharged by a charity auction at the Tyrepower International Conference, pulling in over $150,000 for prostate cancer research and support.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the response so far and look forward to hitting the road again,” Richard said. For those wanting to help out with sponsorship or donations you can talk to Richard at Tyrepower in Parkes or any of the other drivers too. Or if you would like to make a donation, large or small you can follow the link fundraise.pcfa.org.au/tractortrek or scan the QR code available.

“With Tyrepower having the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia as its major charity that helps to promote the fundraiser through my business as well.”

Funding to unlock East Parkes housing plans

of Parkes showing the priority areas for future housing growth in order that previously

in Parkes Shire Council’s Housing Strategy. Council has since brought forward Priority 3.

Road), Military Road and Cookamidgera Road, which initially had been marked as priority housing area 3.

Overall the NSW Government’s $4.4 million investment is expected to fast-track over 105,000 homes across the state.

In 2024, the Minns Government set new housing targets to rebalance housing delivery across the state, and regional NSW received a single target of 55,000 homes.

“More people are choosing to live in regional NSW but homes have become more

expensive and harder to nd, so delivering more regional housing supply is vital,” said Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully.

“This is all part of the Minns Government’s plan to build a better NSW with more homes and services, so young people, families and key local workers have somewhere to live and in the communities they choose.”

Funding through the rst two rounds of the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund allocated $6.88 million to 36 projects.

Some of the team, Troy Parker, Mitch Je eray, Lindsay Wall, Brenton Trainor, Richard Je eray, Al O’Grady and Dick Je eray, are ready to get rolling in this year’s tractor trek.

PHOTO: Supplied

Clarinda Street has been selected for the Community Improvement District pilot program.

Map

featured

Vet Hospital ready to service Parkes

By MADELINE BLACKSTOCK

AFTER nearly three years without a local veterinary service, the Parkes community is celebrating the longawaited return of a full-time veterinary service.

The doors of the brand new Parkes Veterinary Hospital o cially opened in April at 9 Clarke Street.

This opening has brought a wave of excitement and relief to pet owners across the community thanks to the work of Renea Chapman and Damien Jones.

For years Parkes has been without a full time veterinary service with pet owners having to travel to Forbes, Orange or Dubbo to get the pet care they need if they are lucky enough to secure an appointment.

Renea has been travelling to Parkes monthly on week-

ends operating under Coast to Country Vet and o ering vaccinations and consults out of Petstock Parkes.

“We decided to make the move to Parkes because we like the lifestyle here better than being on the coast,” Renea said.

Parkes Veterinary Hospital o ers a range of veterinary services including vaccinations, consultations, surgery and hospitalisation for sick pets.

The hospital is equipped with the industry’s best technology including digital x-ray, ultrasound, separate do and cat hospital wards to decrease stress, an isolation room, laboratory with inhouse blood machines and will be able to cater for large animals in-clinic and farm visits.

Parkes Veterinary Hospital already has two nurses

with a third coming and an additional vet, as well as Renea who has been a vet for 13 years.

“Being a vet it’s never the same it’s always di erent.

“The Parkes community has been really supportive, they can’t wait for a vet, they have been waiting just as long as we have and everyone has been great.

“The local tradies have been amazing. Whenever we have needed something done they have dropped everything for us because they know we are here for the community.”

The Vet Hospital will be operating from Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm with some occasional Saturdays.

To book appointments the hospital will utilise an online booking system for both consultations and surgeries.

Man on charges after police search in DV operation

POLICE have seized a weapon and what’s believed to be methamphetamine during a compliance search in Forbes under a state-wide operation targeting domestic and family violence.

It’s alleged police located a modified pole with a knife attached, ammunition and a bag of crystallised substance when they executive a firearm prohibition order compliance search last Thursday, 15 May.

A 44-year-old man was arrested and taken to Parkes Police Station where he was charged with contravene prohibition/restriction in AVO (DV), possess prohibited drug, acquire ammunition subject to prohibition order, and possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority.

He was refused police bail to face local court.

The search was part of a fourday, State-wide operation targeting domestic and family violence that has resulted in police charging 627 people with more than 1300 offences.

Police laid 1316 charges and conducted 1276 bail compliance checks and 12,926 apprehended domestic violence order (ADVO) compliance checks with a total of 535 breaches identified.

Officers conducted 125 firearms

prohibition order (FPO) searches, with 100 firearms and 16 weapons seized.

Domestic and Family Violence

Corporate Sponsor, Assistant Commissioner Peter Mckenna, said Amarok X had a focus on

violence and should be safe in

protecting young victims with officers from Youth Command attending schools and PCYCs to help educate and engage with young people.

“We know the psychological trauma caused by a child or

young person, when they are exposed to domestic and family abuse, can have a lasting effect,”

Assistant Commissioner Mckenna said.

“No one – and especially no child – should have to experience

The Domestic and Family Violence Command-led operation also involved officers from each regions’ Domestic Violence High Risk Offenders Team (DVHROT), along with specialaist officers from Raptor Squad, Youth Command, State Crime Command’s Child Protection Register, Traffic & Highway Patrol Command, and the Police Transport Command.

Police carried out 1276 bail compliance checks and 12,926 apprehended domestic violence order (ADVO) compliance checks under Operation Amarok.

Across NSW, police charged 627 people with more than 1300 o ences under Operation Amarok over four days.

PHOTOS: NSW Police

Vinnies volunteers shine bright

PARKES Vinnies retail team leader, Christine Cox is NSW Vinnies Volunteer of the Year.

She was bestowed the special honour at Vinnies Central and Far West NSW National Volunteer Week celebrations in Parkes.

Christine’s award was made even more special with the thought of her mother Frances Charlton, a former Vinnies volunteer of 37 years who passed away in March.

“Mum would be over the moon to see me receiving this,” Christine said.

“I’m still a bit stunned. It was lovely. I have a very good team of volunteers, and if I didn’t have them and my family, I couldn’t do it.”

Christine said there are plenty of rewards when it comes to putting up your hand to help.

“The company of volunteers and customers, and the opportunity to be able to make a di erence to the lives of others,” she said when asked why she volunteers.

Christine was nominated for this special award by Vinnies West Region Retail Manager Tanya Godden.

Tanya nominated Christine in recognition of her unwavering dedication, leadership and outstanding contribution to the Society for over three decades.

“Christine’s journey with the Society has been nothing short of extraordinary,” Tanya said.

“Throughout her time, she has sel essly devoted her energy, passion, and heart to supporting those in need.

“Her involvement spans multiple roles, including three terms as centre president and her service as auxiliary secretaryroles in which she was not only a strong leader but also a uni er of people.

“Christine brought warmth and joy to the community through events like linen and lace days, fashion parades, and the much-loved super sandwich days.

“These initiatives weren’t just fundraisers; they were celebrations of community and connection, driven by Christine’s belief in people and the power of togetherness.”

Parkes Conference Member and Retail Volunteer Krys Szabo also received a special award at the celebration.

She was awarded life membership for her active and dedicated 30 years of service with the Society.

Central Coast president Jim Rodgers nominated Krys and said she has always been a committed and helpful member with a very strong Vincentian spirit.

“She has been a tremendous

treasurer over the years and a great support to us all and always with a smile on her face,” Jim said.

Liz Jones who is a Parkes Conference member and retail volunteer received a Life Service Award recognising her 20 years of service with the Society.

When asked why she volunteers Liz said, “I like the company - it’s certainly better than staying home alone.”

Other awards included:

• Christine Curteis, Parkes retail volunteer - 25 Year Service Award.

• Marlene Freeman, Central Council statistician - 15 Year Service Award.

• Elaine Charlton, Parkes retail volunteer - 15 Year Service Award.

• Paula Sutherland, Parkes Conference president and retail volunteer - 10 Year Service Award.

• Irene Trueber, Parkes Conference member and retail volunteer - 10 Year Service Award.

• Brenda Davies, Parkes retail volunteer - 10 Year Service Award.

• Ruth Beuzeville, Parkes retail volunteer - 5 Year Service Award.

• Trish Prior, Parkes retail volunteer - 5 Year Service Award.

Congratulations and thank you to all of our wonderful and dedicated Vinnies volunteers.

New space to help men connect and grow

THERE’S a new space in Parkes coming for men where they can talk, connect and grow, and you’re invited to be part of it.

The Parkes Men’s Growth Room at the Parkes Leagues Club is about to launch and it’s for regional men who are doing it tough.

Lifeline Central West say loneliness, stress, relationship pressures, burnout, and the quiet weight of expectation are wearing men down.

Especially in regional towns where the silence around mental health can be deafening.

“We know the statistics. But behind every number is someone’s mate, someone’s dad and someone’s son,” said Lifeline Central West RAPID and Community Development Manager Andrew Greig.

“And in places like Parkes, the cracks can show up quietly - in withdrawn behaviour, unhealthy habits,

or just blokes disappearing from the community a little more each week.”

That’s where Lifeline Central West comes in, Mr Greig said, and where Growth Rooms o er something different.

A Growth Room is not therapy or a lecture, and it’s de nitely not a place to be judged.

Growth Rooms are free monthly gatherings where local men meet to talk honestly, listen respectfully, and support each other through whatever life’s throwing at them.

They’re low-key, practical and built around real conversations - about parenting, relationships, money worries, grief, resilience, and what it means to show up for yourself and your mates.

And now, thanks to the support of the Mazda Foundation, GrainCorp, Parkes Shire Council and the

Western NSW PHN, Lifeline Central West is launching a Growth Room in Parkes.

It takes place on Tuesday, 27 May at 6.15pm for a 6.30pm start in the Pioneer Room, upstairs at the Parkes Leagues Club and it’s free entry.

“This is more than just a launch. It’s a chance to come together as a community and be part of a new chapter for men’s wellbeing in Parkes,” Mr Greig said.

“You’ll hear what the Growth Room is all about, meet some of the team behind it, including me - I help build and support these rooms across the region - and have the chance to share what support you think Parkes men really need.

“There’ll be light food, some good yarns, and an open invitation to stick around, sign up, or just see what it’s all about.”

Women are welcome too - Mr Greig said the launch is also a broader community consultation to make sure the services they build re ect what the whole community needs.

There are Growth Rooms right across the Central West with spaces already established in Cowra, Orange, Bathurst, Rylstone, Lithgow and Mudgee and a new room in Katoomba.

Mr Greig said they’re also on the lookout for local men who want to step up as facilitators.

No special quali cations are needed, just a willingness to learn and a desire to support your mates.

Lifeline’s free training gives you skills in therapeutic listening, mental health awareness, de-escalation, and running a safe, inclusive room.

“If that sounds like you, or someone you know, come and chat to us on the night, or register at lifeline-

centralwest.org.au/growthrooms/,” Mr Greig said.

“At Lifeline Central West, we work across 40 per cent of NSW, with nearly 100 regional sta and deep ties in towns like Parkes, Canowindra, Cowra, and Blayney.

“We know solutions can’t be copypasted from Sydney. That’s why we build programs like Growth Rooms from the ground up, shaped by the people they’re meant to serve.

“If you’re a bloke who’s been wondering if there’s a space where you can be real, or someone who just wants to see things get better for the men in your life, come along.

“You’re not alone, and change starts with conversations like this.” RSVP at events.humanitix.com/ parkes-growth-room for Tuesday night’s launch.

Bring a mate, your story, or just yourself.

Parkes Vinnies volunteers Irene Trueber, Marlene Freeman and Paula Sutherland.

Parkes Conference Member and retail volunteer Liz Jones with her Life Service Award recognising her 20 years of service.

Krys Szabo was awarded life membership for 30 years of service. She’s with Central Coast president Jim Rodgers and Regional Director Kelly Morgan.

Funding facilitates connections at Bogan Gate

By MADELINE BLACKSTOCK

Have you heard the laughter and chatter echoing from inside the Bogan Gate Community Memorial Hall recently?

If you have you will nd it was coming from the many friendly locals who come together to participate in seniors workshops.

The Bogan Gate seniors workshops began last year and with their success are being held again this year.

Bogan Gate Seniors Workshops coordinator and Bogan Gate Hall secretary, Shelley Nutley said the workshops were established for people to pop in and get to know others.

“We have a great program arranged for this autumn, winter and spring ranging from felt cra , weaving, painting, bingo, low impact tennis and gentle exercise,” Shelley said.

“Looking a er your mental health and getting to know other people in the area is why we start-

ed these workshops.

“It’ important to know somebody else in the area and if you have a problem you can ring them up and say ‘hey I need help’.”

Ever since the workshops started last year there has been a group of seniors who haven’t stopped attending.

“Ros and I come because we have to but even on the days we’re not actually physically running the workshops ourselves we still come,” Shelley said.

“It’s good for the mental health and everybody is busy.”

Shelley said if she didn’t go to the workshops she would be working at home and not seeing anyone and that is the same for many Bogan Gate seniors who live on a property.

“So unless we come to things like this we just don’t see anyone.”

Lat year Evolution Mining Northparkes Operations funded the workshops together with Jemalong Irrigation and Bogan Gate Hall.

This year the seniors workshops

are backed by Australia Post, GrainCorp, Parkes Shire Council and Bogan Gate Hall (volunteers and venue).

With grants from businesses it means the group are able to pay people to come in and run workshops, buy supplies and supply morning tea.

“These grants enable these workshops to go ahead,” Shelley added.

The seniors who attended the rst workshop said attending the workshops gives them a chance to socialise, learn new skills, see a di erent four walls and catch up with people.

“It’s a good social time, the conversation is anything and everything and nothing in between,” Ros Edwards said.

Some ladies even said it’s a chance to get away from their

husbands but for others their husbands have seen how enjoyable the workshops are and join in on the fun.

Seniors workshops are exclusive to Bogan Gate postcode seniors only with all equipment and supplies for workshops included and no cost to participants.

To book your spot and for more information contact Shelley on 0428 738 172.

Chaffey: Nationals split from Liberals the right move

With Dominic Giannini AAP

The Nationals and Liberals have gone their separate ways, for now, a er a coalition pact between the two parties could not be made on Tuesday.

It’s the rst time since the 80s but the move may not be permanent, with the door le open for a reconciliation.

A er a disastrous result for the coalition at the federal election, party leaders failed to reach common ground as the Nationals stood rm on wanting to retain four key policies, including one on nuclear energy.

For Member-elect for Parkes Jamie Cha ey, he said he couldn’t walk away from policies they took to the election.

These included remaining committed to nuclear energy, divestiture powers to break up big supermarkets, a $20 billion investment fund that would disperse $1 billion a year on regional infrastructure and universal phone services.

“As a new member of The National’s Party Room, I couldn’t support a position to walk away from policies that we took to the election,

just weeks ago, that were supported by the Parkes electorate as shown by my resounding result, simply to stay in a coalition with The Liberal Party,” Mr Cha ey said.

tional Party members, supporters and those who voted for The Nationals.

this position a er such a long history with the Liberal Party but I rmly believe that The Nationals

have made the right decision, and we must stand by these policies to truly represent the people of the

term arrangement as the country needs a united opposition to hold the Labor Government accountable, but not at the cost of the people

Nationals Leader David Littleproud said his party was taking a

principled position.

Landlines and payphones must have service no matter where they are in Australia but this doesn’t extend to mobile phones, which the Nationals have been ghting to include.

Nationals Leader David Littleproud said the party didn’t want to have to re-prosecute the case to retain the policies it fought for under the previous agreement in opposition.

“It’s on a principled position of making sure that those hard-fought wins are maintained and respected and we continue to look forward,”

Mr Littleproud told reporters in Canberra on Tuesday.

The change in opposition doesn’t have a substantial impact on the government’s ability to pass legislation with Labor commanding a major majority in the lower house and only needing the Greens in the Senate.

The Liberals still have the numbers to pass legislation in the Senate with Labor without the Nationals.

Without a coalition agreement, Labor has a signi cant electoral ad-

vantage with the Liberals holding fewer than 30 of 150 lower house seats and the Nationals 15.

The Nationals won’t sit in shadow cabinet, meaning they won’t hold sway over policies and the half-dozen MPs who were around the table will take a paycut.

The coalition last broke up in 1987 for about four months.

Mr Littleproud le the door open for a future arrangement, saying the two parties would still work together to ght the Labor government.

The split will allow time for new leader Sussan Ley to rebuild the Liberal Party, the Nationals say. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS) Opposition Leader Sussan Ley faces the task of rebuilding the Liberals a er a wipeout at the May 3 election.

The break up would give Ms Ley the time and space she needed to rebuild her party, Mr Littleproud said.

“They are going on a journey of rediscovery and this will provide them the opportunity to do that without the spectre of the National Party imposing their will,” he said.

Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud with Jamie Cha ey, Deputy Leader Kevin Hogan, and Leader in the Senate Bridget McKenzie in The Nationals Party Room in Parliament House. PHOTO: Supplied

Ros Edwards, Shelley Nutley, Isobel Davis, Lorraine Dunn, Graham Davis and Kate Hardie enjoyed the first Bogan Gate seniors workshop for the year.

PHOTO: Madeline Blackstock

Plant’s next steps to ‘factor-in’ community’s suggestions

By CHRISTINE LITTLE

As the proposed Energy from Waste project in Parkes moves towards its next process, seeking environmental and planning approvals, its director says the community will have a chance to review their assessments.

Edward Nicholas and his team at Parkes Energy Recovery hosted community drop-in sessions in Cooke Park last month where they heard a range of views from residents.

He said many wanted to learn more about the technology and the process, but also that air quality, environmental protection and water use were three areas receiving speci c interest.

They also heard the concerns of those who are opposed to the facility.

“It’s clear to us the community want to know more about the NSW Government’s Energy from Waste policy and decision on identifying Parkes as a suitable location for one of these facilities,” Mr Nicholas said.

“The NSW Government has clear guidelines and regulations that must be followed to receive a development licence to build and operate an Energy from Waste facility.

“Over the next 18 months we will be developing robust technical assessments that cover many of these questions.

“The community will have a chance to review and comment on these assessments through the process.”

There will also be more community engagement opportunities with Parkes Energy Recovery in the future.

The sessions on 10-12 April were an opportunity to introduce Parkes Energy Recovery to the community, Mr Nicholas said, and to gather feedback and insight.

“Our intention was to speak with as many people as

possible over the three days,” he said.

“We heard suggestions on what the community would like from us, and we are factoring all of that into our next steps.

“This is just the beginning, and we look forward to more opportunities in the future.

“Pleasingly people overwhelmingly approached with a genuine desire to nd out more and inform their opinion accordingly.

“That’s as much as we can ask at this stage.”

Parkes Energy Recovery has been engaging with the Parkes Chamber of Commerce for a few years, a re-

lationship Mr Nicholas really values.

“The more businesses are aware of the project, the more we can learn about how to do business here successfully, including activating local and regional supply chains for goods and services,” he said.

“Overall, this is new technology to NSW and we know people have questions and feedback. We want to hear all of them.

“Throughout this process, we remain available to answer questions at any time via our phoneline (02) 8405 7915 and email info@parkesenergy.com.au.

“If community members would like to subscribe to receive project updates, we encourage them to email us at info@parkesenergy.com.au.”

Those interested can also read more on their website at www.parkesenergy.com.au.

Residents’ comments on the drop-in sessions

Liesel Walters attended a drop-in session and said her questions were answered well.

She admitted that as she found out more information, she had more questions.

“I was already open-minded about the project as I believe we need to have facts before we can make a conscious decision,” she said.

“I will be seeking information from the ‘other point of view’ before I make my nal conclusion.

“The consultant Dr Jackie Wright was impressive with a deep knowledge of the health

aspect which was reassuring.”

Having been involved with community engagements for the new Parkes Hospital through the Hospital Auxiliary, Liesel said she is aware the consulting process takes time and patience.

Pam Nankivell

“I thought the sessions were excellent,” she said.

“I had already read up about waste to power systems and my only worry was how much water it would need.

“My concerns were fully addressed and I learned that very little water is used up in the process. It’s not only the waste that is recycled.

“The gentleman with whom I spoke explained the whole process clearly and simply, and I have no doubts at all that this plant will be a wonderful asset for our community.”

Forbes home to new Aus Post parcel processing hub

Australia Post has revealed plans to build a parcel processing facility capable of handling up to 2200 parcels a day in Forbes.

Construction on the 1796 square metre site is scheduled to begin in early 2026, with an expected opening towards the end of that year, Australia Post announced to media on Monday, 19 May.

It’s one of six green eld sites across NSW to support parcel volume growth and improve service across rural and regional communities.

Australia Post General Manager Network Development and

Support Services, Shane Plant, said the investment re ected Australia Post’s commitment to improving services for regional communities across Australia.

These purpose-built facilities are designed to boost parcel processing capability – handling between 900 parcels to 2,200 parcels per day – and enhance service across rural and regional communities as well as improving operational safety and e ciency.

Sustainability is a key focus of the expansion, with all sites featuring 50kW roo op solar power generation, and a number also investing in rainwater

harvesting and EV charging capability.

“In New South Wales, we’ve seen online purchases increase by 2.8 per cent year-on-year, with data indicating that 82 per cent of NSW households are now shopping online,” he said.

“Beyond speed and e ciency, we’re focused on providing safer workplaces for our team members and building environmentally responsible infrastructure that can serve communities well unto the future.”

The other sites are planned for Tumut, Leeton, Casino and Deniliquin, with Forbes the largest of the builds.

The community drop-in sessions of the proposed Energy from Waste plant in April saw about 275 attend.

Walters, project advisor Ian Wiskin and Pam Nankivell at the Parkes Energy Recovery drop-in

PHOTOS: Christine Little

Plea for SES volunteers during national week

TO MARK National Volunteer Week (19-25 May), the NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) is encouraging people living in regional and rural communities to consider volunteering.

With more than 11,000 volunteers across the state, the NSW SES plays an important role in helping communities prepare for and respond to emergencies, including storms and oods.

NSW SES Commissioner Mike Wassing AFSM said National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to recognise the vital contributions of volunteers and invite more people to get involved.

“Our volunteers are everyday people doing extraordinary things - they are part of the fabric of their towns and communities,” Mr Wassing said.

“Volunteering with the NSW SES is a rewarding way to connect with others, develop new skills, and be there for your community when it matters.”

Mr Wassing said volunteering can be tailored to t a variety of lifestyles, and that many people are surprised by the range of roles available.

NSW SES is calling on regional residents to consider volunteering. SES volunteers are trained and skilled in multiple areas of rescue.

“You don’t need previous experience - just a willingness to learn and a commitment to your community.”

As part of National Volunteer Week, the NSW SES is also reminding communities to add a splash of orange to their out ts this Wear Orange Wednesday (WOW Day), held on Wednesday, 21 May.

WOW Day is a national day of thanks, where Australians are encouraged to wear orange in recognition of SES volunteers and their service.

“WOW Day is a moment to show visible appreciation

“Whether you’re interested in hands-on eld work, community engagement, logistics, or support behind the scenes, there’s a role for you,” he said.

for the volunteers who give their time and heart to help others,” he said.

“We’d love to see our communities turn orange this Wednesday in support of their local NSW SES volunteers.”

With National Volunteer Week celebrating the theme of ‘Something for Everyone’, the NSW SES is highlighting the diverse opportunities and personal rewards that come with joining the Service.

To nd out more or to register your interest in volunteering, visit www.ses.nsw. gov.au/volunteer.

PPS celebrates Mother’s Day

PARKES PUBLIC SCHOOL

On Wednesday, 7 May, on a lovely sunny morning, Parkes Public celebrated Mother’s Day.

The hard-working P and C members held a very successful and well attended breakfast by inviting families into the school grounds so students could celebrate Mother’s Day with their mums, grandmas, carers and special women in their lives.

The canteen provided a delicious menu with bacon and eggs rolls, granola and yoghurt cups and pancakes on o er.

Breakfast was available from 7.30am and nished up at 9.05am, when the bell went for classes to begin.

This time frame allowed enough time for those who had to go to work be able to sit, relax, eat and be around great company before heading o for the day.

A er breakfast and when students were in class the P&C facilitated a Mother’s Day stall where students could purchase a gi to the value of $5 to give to a loved one on the Sunday of Mother’s Day.

Every student who purchased a gi had it wrapped up and ready to go.

All the students had to do was keep a secret until they gave the gi on Sunday and that for some was a little tricky as excitement took over and gi s were received a little early or the contents of the gi was revealed.

The feedback from those who attended was very positive and it was lovely to see the area lled with students and their loved ones.

Below: Sarah Wennerbom with her children at the Parkes Public School Mother’s Day breakfast.

LILLIAN IS OUR STUDENT OF THE WEEK

Lillian Mikita Townsend is the Star of the Week for demonstrating our Core Values (In Praise, Love, and Trust) and for always actively participating in all school activities.

What is your favourite subject? History

In your free time, what do you like to do? Play the bass guitar

What is your favourite food?

Grapes

What do you like most about our school? The friendly teachers

What are your strengths? Art, music and baking

What would you like to be when you grow up ? An astrono-

mer

MAHLI IS OUR STUDENT OF THE WEEK

Mahli O’Brien in class 1-2M at Parkes East Public School is this week’s student of the week.

What is your favourite colour?

Red

What is your favourite food? Boiled eggs

What would you like to be when you grow up? A dentist

What are your strengths?

Hanging on monkey bars

What do you like about your school? That my teachers are nice

What do you like to do outside of school? I like meeting up with cousins and playing with them and hanging out with dad.

Youth in Parkes to connect and thrive

A dynamic, free youth event focused on building leadership skills, making real-world connections and preparing for future opportunities is taking place in Parkes.

The NSW O ce for Regional Youth is inviting young people, businesses and community organisations from across the Central West to register for the event called Connect and Thrive – Pathways.

It’s due to take place at the Cooke Park Pavillion on Tuesday, 3 June with the aim of equipping young people aged 15 to 20 with the tools, networks and con dence they need to shape their futures.

NSW O ce for Regional Youth says the event is a direct response to feedback from the 2024 Your Voice, Our Future consultation and NSW Youth Summit, where young people called for more meaningful, face-to-face engagement in their own communities.

The agenda, which begins from 9am, includes a youthled networking session, a leadership and communication skills workshop and a Pitch It session featuring local businesses, councils and community groups sharing opportunities for youth employment and engagement.

Another highlight is the Think Tank session, where young people will collaborate with their peers to codesign solutions to challenges they face in their communities.

NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s Director for Regional Youth, Julia Ryan encouraged young people from across the Central West to register and take part.

“We’ve heard loud and clear from young people that they want us to meet them where they are and provide more opportunities to connect, lead and be part of shaping their future,” Ms Ryan said.

“Connect and Thrive is one

of the ways we’re doing just that.

“These events are about more than skills and jobs, they’re about creating a space where young people feel seen, heard and supported to lead positive change in their own communities.”

Registration is free, but essential. For local young people who would like to register to attend, go to https://tinyurl.com/connectandthriveparkes.

Businesses, councils and community organisations are also encouraged to register to connect with young people about local opportunities, mentoring and employment pathways. To register go to https://tinyurl.com/ connectandthriveparkesregister.

Connect and Thrive - Pathways Parkes is part of a series, with events also taking place in Kempsey on 22 May and Albury on 5 June, providing more opportunities for regional youth to engage and have their voices heard.

Rylee Fardell with mum, Brodie.

Kolton Strudwick with mum, Kylie Wakefield.

Sleepless. (2017) 12.35 Tipping Point. 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. 2.00 Late Programs.

6.00 Get Clever. 7.00 It’s Academic. 8.30 Get Arty. 9.00 Shopping. 10.30 House Rules. 12.00 Code Black. 3.00 Ed And Karen’s Recipes For Success. 4.00 The Goldbergs. 4.30 Frogger. 5.30 The Amazing Race. 7.00 MOVIE: The Karate Kid Part II. (1986) 9.30 MOVIE: Atomic Blonde. (2017) 12.00 MOVIE: Little Jungle Boy. (1969) 1.20 Late

6.00 Rage Charts. 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Call The Midwife. 2.30 MSO Beethoven’s Ninth. 3.40 Spicks And Specks. 4.10 The Piano. 5.10 Landline. 5.40 Australian Story. 6.10 Father Brown. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 Call The Midwife. 8.30 Midsomer Murders. 10.00 Bergerac. 10.45 Reunion. 11.50 Rage.

6.00 Shopping. 8.30 Better Homes. 11.00 Harry’s Practice. 11.30 GetOn Extra. 12.00 Horse Racing. Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation Raceday, Sandown Saturday and Doomben Cup Day. 3.30 Medical Emergency. 4.00 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. 2.15 ER. 3.00 Doctor

4.35 MythBusters. 5.30 George Clarke’s

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Motorway Patrol. 12.30 Football. AFL. Carlton v GWS Giants. 3.30 Horse Racing. Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation Raceday, Sandown Saturday and Doomben Cup 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: The Lost World: Jurassic Park. (1997) 10.35 MOVIE: Con Air. (1997) 12.55 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 Motor Racing. NDRC Top Doorslammer. H’lights. 4.00 Storage Wars: Barry’s Best Buys. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Storage Wars. 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 Kids’ Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday. 12.00 Destination WA. 12.30 Find My Country House Australia. 1.00 Great Australian Detour. 1.30 Young Sheldon. 2.00 The Floor. 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 Holiday Home Makeover With Rachel & Ryan. 8.30 MOVIE: Skyfall. (2012) Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Javier Bardem. 11.30 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Weekender. 10.30 Weekender. 11.00 Ed And Karen’s Recipes For Success. 12.00 A Moveable Feast. 12.30 Dream Home. 2.15 Zumbo’s Just Desserts. 3.15 Starstruck. 4.25 Dodger. 5.25 MOVIE: A Dog’s Purpose. (2017) 7.30 MOVIE: Pitch Perfect. (2012) 10.00 MOVIE: Blockers. (2018) 12.00 Late Programs.

Morning Programs. 2.00 Are You Being Served? 3.00 Antiques Roadshow. 3.30 MOVIE: Alive And Kicking. (1958) 5.30 The Travelling Auctioneers. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Find My Country House Australia. New. 8.30 MOVIE: My Sister’s Keeper. (2009) 10.45 MOVIE: The Rebound. (2009) 12.45 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 12.10 Everyday Gourmet. 12.30 The Yes Experiment. 1.00 Roads Less Travelled. 1.30 What’s Up Down Under. 2.00 Buy To Build. 2.30 Food Trail: South Africa. 3.00 Silvia’s Italian Masterclass. 3.30 Farm To Fork. 4.00 My Market Kitchen. 4.30 GCBC. 5.00 News. 6.30 The Dog House Australia. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. 8.40 House Hunters

House, New Home. 6.15 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent. 7.05 Hard Quiz. 7.35 QI. 8.05 Dave Hughes: Ridiculous. 9.10 Gavin & Stacey. Final. 9.40 The IT Crowd. 10.30 ER. 11.15 Rage. 12.15 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Cycling. UCI ProSeries. Tour of Hungary. H’lights.

Club. 7.30 Kids Baking C’ship. 8.10 Chopped Jnr. 8.50 The Piano. 9.50 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.35 Dragon Ball Super. 10.55 Late Programs.

AFL Pre-Game. 3.00 Football. AFL. Round 11. Melbourne v Sydney. 6.00 The Wash Up. 7.00 Border Security. 8.30 MOVIE: Jason Bourne. (2016) 11.00 MOVIE: 2.22. (2017) 1.05 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 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. Final. 2.00 Adelaide Equestrian Festival. 3.00 Rugby League. NRL. Round 12. New Zealand Warriors v Canberra Raiders. 6.00 9News Sunday. 7.00 Travel Guides. 8.10 60 Minutes. 9.10 The Killer Interview With Piers Morgan. 10.10 9News Late. 10.40 See No Evil. 11.40 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Explore. 11.15 MOVIE: Champagne Charlie. (1944) 1.30 MOVIE: The Magic Box. (1951) 3.45 MOVIE: Hawaii. (1966) 7.00 Rugby Union. Super Rugby Pacific. Round 15. Western Force v NSW Waratahs. 9.30 Super Rugby Pacific PostMatch. 9.45 MOVIE: Mad Max: Fury Road. (2015) 12.10 Late Programs.

6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 Pooches At Play. 11.00 My Market Kitchen. 11.30 Roads Less Travelled. 12.00 MasterChef Australia. 1.10 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield. 1.30 Cook With Luke. 2.00 Good Chef Bad Chef. 2.30 All 4 Adventure. 3.30 Farm To

6.00 Morning Programs. 2.05 ER. 2.50 Doctor Who. 3.40 A Bite To Eat. 4.05 Would I Lie To You? 4.40 MythBusters. 5.30 George Clarke’s Old House, New Home. 6.15 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent. 7.05 Hard Quiz. 7.35 QI. 8.05 Lucy Worsley Investigates. 9.00 Planet America: Weekend Edition. 9.45 Offsiders. 10.20

Dino Dex. 4.45 Gardening Australia Junior. 5.10 Daniel Tiger’s. 5.30 Peter Rabbit. 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. 10.00 AFL Sunday Footy Show. 12.00 My Favorite Martian. 12.30 Getaway. 1.00 Edgar Wallace Mysteries. 2.20 MOVIE: Contraband Spain. (1955) 4.05 MOVIE: Comanche. (1956) 6.00 M*A*S*H. 6.30 French Open Tennis Pre-Show. 7.00 Tennis. French Open. Day 1. 12.00 Late Programs. 6.00 Get Clever. 7.00 It’s Academic. 8.30 Get Arty. 9.00 Kitty Is Not A Cat. 10.00 Dream Home. 12.00 Zumbo’s Just Desserts. 1.00 Starstruck. 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: SVU. 10.30 Bones. 12.30 Lie To Me. 1.30 Late Programs.

TAURUS

(June 21 to July 22) Unsettling news creates a difficult but not impossible situation. Continue to follow your planned routine, but keep your mind open to a possible change down the line. LEO (July 23 to August 22) Lick your wounded pride if you like,

ACROSS

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

1 What is a large New World vulture called (6)

7 Name a spine-bearing mammal (8)

8 Which skin marking is difficult to remove (6)

9 Name a region in Croatia along the east coast of the Adriatic (8)

10 What is a trite, stereotyped expression (6)

11 Which term describes malicious injury to work, tools, etc (8)

14 Which people rob houses (8)

18 What is a pendent tapering mass of ice (6)

19 Name an alternative term for marriage (8)

21 Which colour lies between blue and violet in the spectrum (6)

22 Which ocean lies to the west of southern Africa (8)

23 Name another term for summits (6)

DOWN

1 What is an underground cemetery called (8)

2 To discover a presence, is to do what (6)

3 What was the former name of Zimbabwe (8)

5 Which term describes one who possesses mere book learning without practical wisdom (6)

6 Which day follows Christmas Day (6)

12 Name an early Roman large rectangular building, used as a meeting place (8)

13 What do we call sovereigns of empires (8)

16 To be spherical, is to be what (6)

17 What, in golf, is a score of one stroke under par on a hole (6)

20 Name the area on which a building is to be situated (4)

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

TENACIOUS (a) Attractive (b) Holding fast (c) Pertaining to time

E-QUATIONS 7

4 What is a false god, as of a heathen people (4)

15 What are emotional disturbances (6)

Letters have a number value

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

E-QUATIONS

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

2 VOLANT (a) Flying (b) Willing (c) Erupting

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:

Box for holy objects (3)

Chart again (5)

December (abb) (3)

Demonstrations (abb) (5) Of the femur (7)

Salt (Latin) (3)

Similar sounding word (7)

Sodium borate (5)

Steal (3)

Water course (5)

Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.

Positive feedback for Homegrown

By MARG APPLEBEE CENTRAL WEST LACHLAN LANDCARE

Thank you to those of you who responded to our request for feedback for our April 2025 Homegrown Parkes event.

We try to factor in your suggestions moving forward, particularly around demonstrations, workshops, educational opportunities and stallholder suggestions.

We don’t rate our events on the number of stallholders.

We rate the event on the quality of the event.

It is really important that we maintain a standard that focusses on promoting local and regional small businesses, not for pro ts etc. Bigger is not necessarily better… and not our goal.

for the event, was 7.6 out of 10.

rated 7.6 and the mix of stallholders was rated at 7.3.

CATTLE SALE

Monday, 19 May

Yarding 1215 (up 1)

Numbers remained similar to last week with 1215 cattle yarded.

Quality was mixed with mostly lightweight cattle yarded suitable for feeders and restockers, along with a few pens of well nished cattle.

Most of the regular buyers were operating.

Young cattle to the trade were rm, prime yearling steers selling from 325c to 380c and prime yearling heifers, 320c to 366c/kg.

Feeder weights were also around rm steers selling from 325c to

Overwhelmingly the feedback told us that they would attend a future event.

who were returning a er several events. Of the stallholder/food

vendor responses the event was rated 8.76 out of 10, with 9.2 for location and spacing, 94% would de nitely return.

We will be sharing the names of the three winners from our survey responses on Friday via our social media.

Central West Lachlan Landcare have committed to delivering Homegrown Parkes events until June 2028.

This is run for people in our local area….and we are hoping to be in the position to be making Homegrown Parkes as a destination event for our region.

Apart from a part-time contribution from my role, we are supported by volunteers from our Landcare committee, volunteers from the Parkes Community Arts committee and with support from Parkes Shire Council.

425c, and heifers, 280c to 374c/kg.

Prime grown cattle were slightly cheaper, heavy steers sold from 250c to 340c, and heavy heifers, 268c to 355c/kg.

Cows li ed 5c, 2 and 3 scores sold from 124c to 264c, and heavy prime cows, 260c to 280c/kg.

Heavy bulls sold to 285c/kg.

SHEEP SALE

Tuesday, 20 May

Yarding 42,850 (up 4200)

Numbers li ed this sale with agents yarding 42,850 head.

Lamb numbers remained steady with

30,350 on o er.

Quality was once again mixed with some good lines of nished trade and heavyweights penned along with the secondary types. There was an extra buyers present and competing in a dearer market.

Light lambs back to the paddock sold from $147 to $176/head.

Trade weight lambs were $5 to $10 better with the 20- 24kg selling from $176 to $225/ head.

Heavy lambs to 26kg received from $225 to $258/head.

Extra heavyweights were also $10 better

selling from $235 to $337/head.

Carcase prices averaged from 865 to 918c/ kg.

The best heavy hoggets reached $213/ head.

Mutton numbers increased to 12,500 and quality continues to be very mixed.

Prices were again strong with Merino ewes selling from $107 to $233/head.

Crossbreds ranged from $105 to $235 with Dorper ewes selling from $112 to $225/ head.

Merino wethers reached $166/head.

FROM MLA’S NATIONAL LIVESTOCK

5.

REPORTING

PIG SALE

AGENCY

Friday, 16 May

A lighter yarding of sows saw prices drop 10-20c per kg.

No boars were yarded today. Bacon numbers li ed slightly, prices were rm on last fortnight.

Pork numbers dropped on the previous sale and prices improved by $10 to $15 per head.

Suckers numbers also reduced this sale, as did quality.

Prices for better, lighter suckers remained rm.

FROM VC REID SMITH LIVESTOCK

We are also thrilled to have a nancial contribution of support from Evolution Northparkes Mine through the Community Investment Program, that will support some of the additional inclusions and entertainment on the day. We already have a dra program for our next event and are pleased to be welcoming attendees for the Keep Australia Beautiful Tidy Towns State Awards to our event as well. We look forward to sharing more details in the months ahead.

Homegrown Parkes events are supported by volunteers from our committee, volunteers from Central West Lachlan Landcare, Parkes Community Arts committee and with in-kind support from Parkes Shire Council. For further information on this article, please go to www.centralwestlachlanlandcare.org, twitter, facebook or Instagram @cwllandcare

forbeslivestock.com.au

Email us info@forbeslivestock.com.au Phone us 02 6852 2299

Numbers li ed this sale with agents yarding 42,850 head. Lamb numbers remained steady with 30,350 on o er.

PHOTO: File

PHOTO: Supplied

Keast Park bursts with colour

KEAST Park was bursting with colour as Healthy Harold’s Colour Run returned for its second year.

The event held on 7 May became a vibrant celebration of health and wellbeing which helped to launch the 2025 Healthy Harold Parkes Festival of Health.

Running from 5-16 May, the festival is uniting the Parkes community in support of positive health outcomes, mental wellbeing, and inclusive community engagement.

Hundreds of participants of all ages walked, ran and danced through clouds of colourful powder, while exploring interactive booths hosted by local organisations.

These booths provided valuable resources and sparked important conversations about health, safety and wellbeing - igniting interest in healthier lifestyles for all and a stronger understanding of the local health services available.

The event, hosted by Life Ed NSW, was made possible through the generous support of local community organisations including Parkes Shire Council, Western NSW Local Health District, Transport for NSW, Parkes Rotary Club, Evolution Mining Northparkes Operations, Parkes Que Club, PCYC Parkes, Neighbourhood Central, and the Country Women’s Association.

Healthy Harold, Life Ed’s iconic gira e mascot, was a crowd favourite, with families and friends capturing countless sel es throughout the afternoon.

A complimentary barbecue was provided with the support of Woolworths Parkes and served by Rotary members.

“The colour run is a cornerstone event within Healthy Harold’s Parkes Festival of Health, which unites local schools, families, health services, and organisations in a collaborative e ort to enhance community engagement, while amplifying the health and safety messages that mean the most to Parkes,” Chair of Life Ed NSW Ken Keith OAM said.

A highlight of this year’s festival was the introduction of a free peer support program webinar for teachers, educators and support sta in Parkes.

Wellbeing and education expert at Peer Support Jill Pearman hosted the session which provided practical ways to build wellbeing across school communities.

Life Ed’s specialist health educators deliver engaging lessons on topics such as nutrition, physical activity, personal safety, respectful relationships, cybersafety, and making positive decisions around drugs and alcohol, including vaping.

PHOTOS: Jenny Kingham

Max, Allie and Henry Gersbach emerged from Healthy Harold’s Colour Run on May 7 looking like they had just bumped into a rainbow.

Who? Velseis P.L., contracted by the Geological Survey of New South Wales

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.

The Geological Survey of NSW is coordinating a seismic survey along 500 km of existing roads and tracks in Central Western NSW. It will take around 6 to 8 weeks to complete.

Why? The information will be used to help map geological features up to 40–60 km deep, which will help explorers identify potential groundwater and mineral resources.

central-lachlan-seismic

Free call: 1800 960 522

Email: geo.projects@regional.nsw.gov.au

TENT OF PROMISE coming to Grenfell Showgrounds sponsored by Grenfell Family Church 29th May – 1st June 6.30pm meeting every night 10am-4pm open to visitors Sunday morning church 10am All welcome

& SERVICES

GARAGE SALES

Garage Sale Furniture, beds, crockery, tv cabinets and clothes. 22 Armstrong Street, Parkes. Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 9am – 5pm.

Parkes PCYC’s tug of war.

Brianna Best and Healthy Harold from Life Education with Freya-Mae Davis, Thor and Remi

Karen Ritchie didn’t let this little munchkin escape without any colour.

Kaleb, Anita and Eli Beard with Lorella and Julia Holman at the Healthy Harold Colour Run.

Parkes Rotary cooked the free sausage sandwiches at the colour run - Phillipa O’Donnell, Graeme Hunter, Paul Hocking, Mark Ritchie and Pam Symonds.

CLARA SLADDECK AND WYATT TOWNEY

WAYNE SARGENT

As a way to try and attract more fe males to soccer the Parkes Soccer As sociation held their inaugural open ladies season launch.

Committee members remember when they started playing soccer the Parkes Soccer Association boasted a strong open ladies competition with up to 16 teams in multiple divisions.

Now Parkes Soccer struggles to eld ve ladies teams.

“We want to try and attract more fe males, especially the older women to soccer,” the Parkes Soccer committee said.

“We want to encourage the women to get together and the event was re ally well received and all the ladies loved it.”

The committee received lots of posi tive feedback and are keen to keep the event occurring.

“Next year we would like to try and hold it earlier so we can get extra women who are interested in playing.”

This Saturday is round four of a 15 round competition for the open ladies.

If you are interested in playing, it’s not too late.

Head down to Harrison Park on Sat urday and the committee will help you register and nd a team.

Well done to the Parkes Soccer Asso ciation committee who organised this exciting new annual event.

PARKES GOLF

By PETER BRISTOL

On Saturday we had the annual running of the Prostate Awareness 4 Person Ambrose event.

This event is important to the male population in aiding in the education and awareness of the cancer and other support services in support of its management.

Huge thanks to the Parkes branch of the Prostate group who organise and run the day, and the Parkes Ac tion Club who sponsored the day.

We had 61 players on a good day for golf.

The team coming out on top on the day were Mel and Craig Mat thews and the odd couple, John Ivey and John Creith playing o a 10 handicap.

Good turn out for Prostate Awareness day at Parkes Golf Club

Ball winners were Scott Winter, Nathan Johnston, Tom Medcalf, Mick Dellaca 58.87; Andrew Bourke, Aaron Wilkie, Blake Smith, Myles Smith 59; David Stevenson, Troy Thomson, Peter Magill, Brendon Simpson 59.87; Ben Coultas, Jimmy Kuntze, Trevor Chatman, Craig Dunn 60.5; Anita Medcalf, Judith McCabe, Mick Smith, Melissa Russell 60.87; Lex Hodges, Luke Hodges, Jonathan King, Nathan Suringa 60.87.

Next week is the 3 person Medley, based on the Stoney Creek for-

VETERANS GOLF

By JOHN DWYER

They teamed extremely well to record a 55 net, 3 clear of their nearest rivals in Scott Winter, Nathan Johnston, Tom Medcalf and Mick Dellaca playing o a 9 handi-

On the scratch side, the gun side of Aaron Wilkie, Andrew Bourke and the Smith twins Blake and Myles shot a 61 playing o a 2 handicap and beat home the Matthews, Ivey, Creith team by 4 shots.

The Nearest The Pins winners were – Bridgestone Mining 1st not

Lea at 200cm, Parkes Ready Mixed Concrete 9th by Nick Strudwick at 54cm, the Westlime 11th not won, the Gulf Western Oil 17th Rob Lea at 195cm.

The lucrative money hole was won by Rob Lea at 195cm, con rming his accuracy striking on the day.

Forbes’ Barry Parker made it two competition wins in three days when he was won last week’s twintowns veterans golf event played at Parkes.

In what was a disappointing eld of 24, Parker followed on from his

success in a 12-hole competition at Forbes on Tuesday to record an easy win on the Parkes layout.

He put together a great round of 42 points to nish six clear of Nym Dziuba from Parkes.

In the twin-towns shield Forbes had an easy win over Parkes by 214 points to 185.

Michael Lynch from Parkes picked up the encouragement award, while Parker added to his prize haul winning the nearest-topin on the 11th hole and Parkes’ Lyndsay Elliott the closest on the fourth hole.

The ball sweep went to 31 points with the winners as follows: 35 - Ken Walton, Les Little, Peter Barnes, Alan Rees and Kim Herbert from Forbes; 34 - Lyndsay Elliott; 31 - Robert Lea and John Fowler (P) and Steve Edwards (F).

This week Parkes and Forbes golfers travel to West Wyalong for the May monthly Lachlan Valley veterans competition.

THE LADIES WHO ATTENDED THE 2025 LADIES SOCCER SEASON LAUNCH.

Nine off to regionals

Parkes Christian School students took to the greens at the Parkes Bowling and Sports Club for its rst lawn bowls competition.

Fourteen students played games of triples in March, with the team skipped by Annie Teague winning over Mila Ballantyne’s team.

All teams displayed great skill and sportsmanship throughout the matches, making for an exciting day of competition.

“It was especially great to see the improvement of students who have never played before,” the school reported.

This event serves as both a friendly contest and an important selection process.

Results from this competition helped teachers to determine the teams that will proceed to the Let’s Play Lawn Bowls Competition Regionals in Dubbo, with the hope of making it to the State Finals which will be set to take place in Sydney in Term 4.

“A massive thank you to

Sports Club and Sam Teague for organising our school competition,” the school said.

“And a huge congratulations to all participants for their e orts, and best of luck to those progressing to the next stage.”

Since then nine students have been selected, who will make up three teams to represent the school at regionals, which takes place around the end of June.

Ethan Lacey, Luke Bilsborough, Saxon Guess, Rafa Thomson, Annie Teague, Mila and Charlotte Ballantyne, Laila McHattan and Briley Farrell.

ple of bowls teams to regionals last year, with one making it to state, but it’s the rst time the school has hosted its own competition.

cause it didn’t have the numbers of willing participants.

2025.

Sports Club and Sam Teague competition in order to de-

competition in order to determine who would make it to the next level,” the school said.

The team that quali ed for state last year - Mila Ballantyne, Annie Teague and Ethan Lacey - were runnersup out of 10 teams from all over NSW.

This trio is among those who have been selected again to head to regionals.

“This year we had many students wanting to par-

Triples has spectators on edge of their seats

RAILWAY BOWLS

By PAUL LEWIN

Wednesday, 14 May we had 28 players for social bowls.

Winners were Marianne Hilbrink-Watson and Junior Thorne winning 20+22.

Mixed Pairs day success with 56 bowlers

PARKES BOWLS

By COL MILLER

We had one game of minor singles this week between Mike Valentine and Nat Hancock.

This turned out to be a one-sided game with Mike having one of those days where he could do no wrong with his bowls taking out Nat’s bowls continually. Mike had an easy win.

Social bowls on Thursday we had 24 bowlers.

Rink 1 Bob Freeman and Geoff Freeman had a close win over Dave Parker and Warren Bevan 23 to20.

Rink 2 Al Affleck and Gary McPhee had an easy win 29 to 19 over Colin Woods and Colin Mudie.

Rink 4 Graham Davis and Steve Ryan took on John Carr and Tony Riordan with the Ryan team coming out on top 23 to16.

Rink 5 Graham Dixon and John Corcoran won 17 to 11 over Mal Porter and Bruce Orr.

Rink 6 Ron Hornery and Darryl McKellar had an easy win over George Bradley and Martin Tighe 27 to 18.

Rink 7 Col Hayward and Ian Simpson came home too strong 23 to 9 over Noel Johnstone and John Ward.

Twenty bowlers turned up to have a roll at social bowls on Saturday.

Rink 1 Jo Simpson and Tony Riordan had a win 22 to 13 over Bob Freeman

and Gary McPhee.

Rink 2 Nathan Reynolds and Mark Dwyer won over Guy Ellery and Baldy Frame 21 to 13.

Rink 3 Col Woods and John Ward had a close win over Ron Hornery and Martin Tighe 19 to 17.

Rink 4 Graham Dixon and Steve Turner came home to strong for George Bradley and Mike Valentine 21 to 16.

Rink 5 Therese Glasheen and Col Mudie won 19 to 17 over John Carr and Mick Simpson.

On Sunday our club held a Mix Pairs Day with both greens full, 56 bowlers.

A great day was had by all and the winners on the day were David Reilly and Liz Byrnes.

A big thank you to our Major Sponsor the Parkes Services Club and PFD Food Services who sponsored the very enjoyable lunch.

As you read this, we have four of our bowlers in Sydney in the NSW InterRegion Championships.

Mark Dwyer, Mark Fitzalan and Brett Frame are playing Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in the Senior Section at the Cabra-Vale Diggers Bowling Club and Michael Went is playing in the Open Section at the Cabramatta Bowling Club on the Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

The Thursday lucky rink draw is $180 and the Friday night badge draw is $1000 so come on down to the club.

Runners-up were Terry Hetherington, Jan Griffith and Shirley Lamb winning 18+12.

Third place went to Mick Furney, John Corcoran and Alan Curteis winning 16+9.

Marble 23 came out and the margins were 3, 8, 9, 12 and 22. The jackpot this week is $98.

Saturday, 17 May we had 12 players for social bowls.

Winners were Ben McNaughton and Ray Jones winning 15+13.

Runners-up were Alan Affleck and Andrew Trotman winning 14+8.

Club Championships

In the Club Fours we had Cody Hando, Mick Dunn, John Corcoran and Blake Strudwick play Tameaka Hedges, Dave Littlewood, Craig Cusack and Andrew Trotman.

Team Strudwick led 3 nil after 2 ends. It’s 3 all after 4 ends. Team Strudwick lead 5-3 after 6 ends.

Team Trotman Led 7-5 after 8 ends and 9-6 after 10 ends. Team Trotman lead 11-7 after 13 ends and 12-11 after 16 ends.

It’s back to 14 all after 19 ends. Team Strudwick win the last two ends and the game 1714.

In the Club Triples we saw George Greenhalgh, Alan Curteis and John Corcoran play Pe-

ter Creith, Lea Tanks and Peter Job.

Team Job led 3 nil after 2 ends. It’s 4 all after 5 ends.

Team Corcoran led 11-4 after 8 ends and 12-6 after 10 ends.

Team Corcoran led 13-9 after 13 ends.

Team Job hit back and led 1513 after 15 ends. It’s 15 all after 16 ends.

Team Job lead 17-15 after 17 ends. Team Corcoran lead 19-17 after 19 ends and 20-18 after 21 ends. Team Job get it back to 20 all after 23 ends. It’s 22 all after 25 ends and we are off to an extra end. Team Corcoran hold shot and win the game 23-22.

Some Club Championships are falling behind, can we make

a conscious effort to get these played please, to avoid forfeits. BPL Cup

Qualifying rounds will be run on Friday nights starting next Friday, 23 May at 6pm. Keep an eye out for this exciting event. BPL the fast paced and exciting way to bowl. Nominations through Bowlslink. School Students

We have the pleasure of having the Parkes Christian School students coming for bowls on Wednesday afternoons from 1.40pm. If you have a spare hour or a desire to help these rising stars please let Lewi know.

This runs for 11 weeks and you do not need to commit to every week, just when you can.

BOWLS

Skipper Annie Teague helped to cement her team’s win in the local competition.

winning team.

PHOTO: Jenny Kingham

Parkes Christian School bowlers Saxon Guess, Rafa Thomson, Riley Hood, Briley Farrell, Annie Teague, Laila McHattan, Charlotte Ballantyne, Mila Ballantyne, Ciane Marks, Luke Bilsborough, Ethan Lacey and Riley Jones. PHOTOS: Supplied

PARKES WEEKEND SCOREBOARD

HERE are the scores and draws for Parkes Shire teams in competitions across the Central West.

SOCCER

Western Premier League

Round 5:

Dubbo Bulls 4 def Parkes Cobras 2 Round 6 draw: Parkes Cobras v Bathurst 75 at Parkes.

RUGBY LEAGUE

Peter McDonald Premiership Round 4:

First grade: Dubbo Macquarie Raiders 34 def Parkes Spacemen 28. Mudgee Dragons 10 def Lithgow Workies 4. Wellington Cowboys 46 def Forbes Magpies 24. Dubbo CYMS 2o def Nyngan Tigers 8. Orange CYMS 24 def Bathurst Panthers 16. Bathurst St Pats 26 def Orange Hawks 14. Reserve grade: Dubbo Macquarie Raiders 36 def Parkes Spacemen 4. Under 18s: Dubbo Macquarie Raiders 54 def Parkes Spacemen 14. League Tag: Dubbo Macquarie Raiders 48 def Parkes Spacecats 0. Round 4 draw: Parkes Spacemen first grade, reserve grade and under 18s v wellington Cowboys. Spacecats bye.

First grade: Bathurst Panthers v Bathurst St Pats. Mudgee Dragons v Orange CYMS. Forbes Magpies v Dubbo CYMS. Orange Hawks v Lithgow Workies. Dubbo Macquarie Raiders v Nyngan Tigers.

Woodbridge Cup

Round 6 draw:

Peak Hill Roosters v Molong Bulls. Cargo Blue Heelers v Trundle Boomers. Eugowra Golden Eagles v Orange United Warriors. Blayney Bears v Canowindra Tigers. Grenfell Goannas v Condobolin Rams.

Round 5:

RUGBY UNION

First grade: Mudgee Wombats 36 def Parkes Boars 19. Second grade: Mudgee Wombats 22 def Parkes Boars 19.

Women’s: Mudgee Wombats 28 def Parkes Boars 15.

Colts under 19s: Mudgee Wombats 17 def Parkes Boars 14.

Round 6 draw:

First and second grade: Parkes Boars v Dubbo Rhinos at Dubbo.

Women’s: Parkes Boars v Molong Magpies at Dubbo.

Colts under 19s: Parkes Boars v Dubbo Kangaroos at Dubbo.

AFL

Central West AFL Tier 2

Round 3: Cowra Blues 8.4.52 def Parkes

Panthers 5.9.39.

Round 4 draw:

Parkes Panthers v Orange Tigers at Northparkes Oval.

HOCKEY

Central West Premier League

Hockey

Women’s:

Round 4:

Parkes United 3 def Orange CYMS 1. Bathurst St Pats 4 def

Parkes United 1.

Round 5 draw (31 May): Parkes United v Lithgow Panthers at Lithgow.

Men’s:

Round 3: Parkes United 7 def Dubbo Lions 0.

Round 4 draw (31 May): Parkes United v Bathurst St Pats at Bathurst.

Cup Day near capacity

By CHRISTINE LITTLE

Sunday’s field at the Parkes Gold Cup races were near capacity - baring four places - and the Parkes Jockey Club couldn’t be happier.

The meeting received 175 racing nominations for its eight-race program, with 132 of them acceptances, including emergencies.

Jockey club president Alex Prout said there were 100 starters on the day.

“The maximum possible starters would have been

104 so most races were at capacity or a full field,” Prout said.

“Some races had 30 nominations alone, our biggest field is 14, with six emergencies.

“It was a good success, we had a really good day with a big field.”

And while it was hoped the new $100,000 Xtra Bonus Country Boosted Maiden Handicap (race 1) would be a great incentive to attract horses from country areas across the state, it did draw

entries from areas that don’t usually attend Cup Day. Like Tamworth.

Owner of the Inglis Maiden Handicap winner Amoruso, James Carolan from Tamworth, said the Inglis race was definitely a main attraction for him and his team to travel to Parkes.

“The track’s racing really well today,” he said on Sunday.

Carolan’s horse Knife’s Edge also won the $40,000 Parkes Services Club Parkes Cup, and jockey who raced

both horses Shannen Llewellyn won three races on the day - the third being the 1300m Parkes Courier Services|Parkes Farm Centre BM58 Handicap.

Prout said they felt very privileged to have hosted the Inglis Maiden here in Parkes.

The club was happy with the crowd turnout too, they’re hoping it’ll only grow as they continue to host the range of social activities trackside each year.

The entertainment in-

cluded live music and markets, and for the kids jumping castles, face painting and miniature golf.

“It’s a big space at the racecourse so it’s hard to tell numbers,” Prout said.

“When I thought it was getting quiet, I’d look around and it would pick up again so it looked like people were coming and going over the day.

“We’ll keep it going if we get the support, that determines what you can put on and the amount you put on.”

Tamworth team cashes in at Parkes Mini carnival just brilliant

RACING

By COLIN HODGES

For owner James Carolan from Tamworth it was a lucrative and memorable day at Parkes on Sunday when Knife’s Edge won the $40,000 Parkes Services Club Parkes Cup and Amoruso the opening race which carried a huge bonus.

Luke Morgan shares ownership of the Garry Lunn, Dubbo trained Knife’s Edge while Troy Cooper is part owner of Amorusu trained at Tamworth by Craig Martin.

The much travelled 8 year old gelding Knife’s Edge had been racing in Queensland last spring and resumed from a spell when fifth in the recent Diggers Cup at Narromine.

Sonic Tycoon led the field in the 1600 metres Parkes Cup with Knife’s Edge allowed to settle well back by leading apprentice Shannen Llewellyn.

Bursting through the pack in the straight, Knife’s Edge ($25 to $15) raced clear to win by over a length from Loose Love (Jake PraceyHolmes, $4.80 to $3.40 favourite) with the 2024 Cup winner Just A Brother (Clayton Gallagher, $8.50) a fast finishing third.

First prize for the 1000 metres Telescope Tyres GroupInglis Maiden Handicap was $16,750 however Amoruso picked up a $100,000 bonus as a qualified horse for the Inglis Xtra Bonus series.

Leading all the way, Amoruso (Shannen Llewellyn, $2.15) won by almost 2 lengths from Spring Prospect (Clayton Gallagher, $3.50) and Bounding Bon (Ken Dunbar, $151).

Completing a winning treble and collecting the D’Aquinos jockeys point score trophy, Shannen Llewellyn won the 1300 metres Parkes Courier Service/ Parkes Farm Centre Benchmark 58 Handicap on the Connie Greig, Dubbo trained Miss Capricorn.

Shannen Llewellyn thought she had been beaten however Miss Capricorn ($7) gained the verdict by a nose from the fast finishing Wasted Days (Shayleigh Ingelse, $19) with D’Arpano (Tilly McCarroll, $18) a neck away third.

Mikayla Weir also thought she had been beaten in the 1200 metres McMahon Building/Zac Kelly Golf Class 2 Showcase Plate but the photo finish showed the Dean Mirfin, Bathurst trained Turned Down (Mikayla Weir, $6.50) the winner by a nose from Cougars (Jean Van Overmeire, $3 favourite).

Success for a local when Billabong Rose owned and bred by John Davis from Tichborne , near Parkes, won the 1400 metres McPherson’s Parts & Service /AEH Group Super Maiden Plate.

Leading for home, the Brett Thompson, Gulgong trained Billabong Rose (Nick Heywood, $2.40 favourite)

scored by nearly a length from Codonas (Jean Van, Overmeire, $13 ) and Turning Circle (Grant Buckley, $4.60).

Following a fast finishing win over 1700 metres at Wellington the previous Tuesday, the astute Wellington trainer Jim McMillan backed up Naval Officer for the 1600 metres D’Aquinos Grand Hotel/Standen Building Class 2 Handicap at Parkes.

From midfield, Naval Officer (Grant Buckley, $4 favourite) surged to the front at the top of the straight and kept going strongly to win in a close finish from Remadosi (Jean Van Overmeire, $8) and Trust A Kitty (Siena Grima, $13).

Winner of the 1200 metres Coachman Hotel Punters Club Satellite Handicap in 2024 when trained by Brett Robb, Blitzar now trained by Troy Lorback at Wagga Wagga won the same race this year.

Getting a late rails run, Blitzar (Nick Heywood, $19) won by a long neck from Water Lad (Jake Pracey-Holmes, $14) and Keikoku (Jack Baker, $5.50).

A very good ride also by Ken Dunbar to push the Michael Lynch, Cowra trained The Mooch ($4.40 to $3.30 favourite) through a narrow opening to beat Princess Halo, Grant Buckley, $11) and Media Coverage, Clayton Gallagher, $7) in the 1000 metres MCA Engineering/ Tanswell Transport Benchmark 58 Handicap.

WOMEN’S BOWLS By LEA ORR

No better week than National Volunteer Week to recognise all the work of our members who give so much time and effort in and around our club.

You know who you are, thank you!

Special kudos to the guys at Ground Control – we have the best bowling greens in the west, and all tended by volunteers.

A quick wrap up of Sunday’s ladies mini carnival: Very special thanks to our amazing sponsors – Parkes Services Club and PFD Food Services.

Without your support, the day would not have been such a success.

Winners of the day: Liz Byrne/Dave Reilly, with Col Miller/Marja Iffland 2nd, and Steve Turner/Elaine Miller 3rd.

Well done to every player and especially to Maureen Miller and her fantastic team of volunteers who organised the day and ensured the smooth running of a brilliant carnival day.

A lot of “give and take” was evident on rink 2 during social bowls today.

Gwenda/Lea/Lynn/Carol took, took, took the early points and then swapped it around, giving chunks of points to Lil/Irene/Lorraine until they came up with the win 17 – 14. A friendly, enjoyable game.

Winning ends were fairly sparse for Kay/Annie/Robyn, but they were grateful to be playing on such a beautiful day.

Rink 3 proved to be a winning arena for Team Byrne, Liz/Ann/Janice, as they coordinated well, and followed their skip’s suggestions. Score: 25 – 12.

A good balance of talent on rink 5 as new bowlers Lynnie Beath and Michelle McPhee took it in turns to roll jack in the ditch; seconds were tried and true veterans in-form Marja and Merilyn; while skips Rhona and Kim played their vital roles to the letter.

Team Evans took the win 17 – 11.

A spirited part of any social bowls day is the 100’s club: Gwenda, Robyn, Ann and Carol communicated their thanks with wide grins.

Rink 5 did not make an impact with lucky number 7 and the ladies jackpot rises to $210.

To play social bowls on Tuesday, 27 May call the club 6862 1446 between 9am–9.30am, arrive by 9.45am and play at 10am.

Visitors and interested newcomers are always welcome.

State selections for junior athletes Latest from Parkes Sporting Shooters

Five of our very own talented hockey athletes were seen competing in Parkes over three days in the NSW CHSSA Secondary Girls Hockey Championships.

Elly Thornberry, Lily and Sienna Collins, Addison Summerhayes and Leni Constable represented Western who placed fourth overall just missing out on a place in the grand nal.

By all reports the girls played amazingly well over the three days with Elly and Sienna being picked in the CHS NSW side which will play in the Tri Series against Combined Catholic Schools and Combined Independant Schools.

NSW selection

Multiple Parkes junior hockey athletes were recently named in NSW U18 teams.

Jett Johnstone and Sam Quince were named in the NSW U18 Boys State team, Archie Daley was named in the NSW U18 Boys Blues team and Jordan Grosvenor

was named as NSW U18 Boys team manager. In the girls representative side Parkes’ very own talented goalkeeper, Elly Thornberry, was named in the NSW U18 Girls Blues side.

James Robinson was also named as a shadow for the boys representative teams.

Perth, Western Australia for Girls

Jett, Sam, Archie, Elly and Jordan will now head to Perth, Western Australia for the 2025 Hockey Australia U18 Boys and Girls Championships which will be held from 4 to 14 July, 2025.

A er the U14 Boys Hockey State Championships which were held in Parkes, four Parkes junior hockey athletes were named in the U14 Boys Pathways and Performance Squad for NSW.

Charlie Rix, Cooper Kelly, Isaac Hoy ad Jack Dunford will now attended two trials were a team will be picked to represent NSW at the Australian U14s Championships in Brisbane later in the year.

PARKES SSAA By

BRIAN DRABSCH

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

TARGET RIFLES: 25M, 50M, TOTAL

• John Davis 250, 247, 497.

• Brian Drabsch 250, 242, 492.

• Steve Mitchell 250, 240, 490.

• David Tanks 246, 228, 474.

FIELD RIFLES

• Ron Cunningham 249, 242, 491.

• Jeff Charlton 249, 241, 490.

• John Maddison 248, 237, 485.

• Alan Briton 248, 236, 482.

• Blair MacDonald 224 for 50M o-nly. Time is running out to get your four shoots up before 30/6/25 with only 6 shoots left now, you are cutting it fine or risk loosing your license. The club can’t help you if this happens, so be warned.

Our next shoot is at 10am Sunday 25/5/2025 where it will be a feral animal at both ranges.

Footy

SIENNA COLLINS PLAYING IN PARKES WITH WESTERN. (INSET) ELLY THORNBERRY

SAVES A GOAL FOR WESTERN. PHOTOS: MADELINE BLACKSTOCK

50 NRL games for Billy

By CHRISTINE LITTLE

FROM kicking a footy around Pioneer Oval at ve years old, who would have thought Billy Burns would be running out for his 50th NRL match.

At one point in his career Billy didn’t.

But now he wouldn’t be anywhere else.

The Parkes Marist junior and Spacemen was named to play for the Sharks in round 11 against the Storm on Saturday night, in what was his fourth consecutive week and h appearance overall this NRL season.

It marks 50 NRL games for Billy and prior to the match he said he was feeling good about it.

He’s also scored 10 NRL tries in total over his career.

“I wasn’t really sure I was going to make it for a period there,” the now 26-year-old said.

“It’s only a little milestone in the NRL but it’s still pretty exciting.”

It’s Billy’s second year with the Cronulla Sharks and NSW Cup feeder club Newtown Jets, a er making his NRL debut with the Penrith Panthers in 2019 and a three-year stint with St George Illawarra Dragons.

He’s been captain of the Jets since mid-season last year, a role he carries out with great pride.

He led the side to victory in the grand nal over North Sydney last year.

“I hadn’t been there long but the former captain got injured so I put my hand up and took on the role,” Billy said.

“I’m at that point where I can make an impact in my career now.”

He’s very focused on supporting the younger players coming through, and being someone they can look to for leadership and guidance.

“I want to help out where I can,” Billy said.

According to the Jets, Billy’s been in scintillating form in the 2025 NSW Cup season too.

“He’s going really well, he’s picked up from where he was last year,” said Newtown Rugby League

Football Club head coach George Ndaira.

“He played really well in the NSW Cup last year, his form led us the way and his leadership.

“It’s really pleasing to see him performing consistently at such a high level playing in the NRL too.”

For Billy - and we’re sure for most - winning is among the most exhilarating feelings in rst grade.

“I guess I didn’t know how hard it is to win a game in the NRL,” he said.

“You’re up against all NRL players and it doesn’t matter how good you are, on the day it’s anyone’s game.

“But de nitely getting a win is such a good feeling, a er all the hard work you put in during the week.”

Billy got to experience that feeling once again in his 50th game

when the Sharks held o the Storm to post a 31-26 win.

Re ecting on his time in the NRL, Billy said each experience has taught him what he needs to bring to the game.

And he’s grateful for the opportunity to play again this season.

“The more you play the more you can understand the ow and get used to the speed,” he said.

And playing rst grade sends him back to reserve grade with a whole lot of con dence.

Billy spent all his junior years with the Parkes Marists and Spacemen under 18s, making a few appearances in Group 11 rst grade.

He made the bold move to Penrith just before his 17th birthday, leaving Red Bend Catholic College to nish his schooling in Emu Plains.

And was it all worth it?

“Absolutely,” Billy said.

“It was tough in the beginning, there were moments where you just wanted to go home and be with mum.

“But mum and dad made the effort to come up so I wasn’t going long periods without them.”

Mum and dad are of course extremely proud of their son and all that he’s achieved.

“He’s made many sacri ces over the years,” mum Margie Burns said.

“He’s been passionate about football since he was a young boy and we’ve all supported him in that.

“He’s not just a talented footballer, he’s a lovely bloke, a kind soul.”

While there have been hard moments for the back rower, there’s been many good too.

And for Margie, nothing will top

her son’s NRL debut six years ago.

“[That] was de nitely a special moment,” she said.

“Last season too he was captain of the Newtown Jets and they won the grand nal.

“His transition with clubs, he just gets on with ease and gets on with everyone.

“Whenever he scores a try we’re just very excited.

“If I’m not there in person, I’m jumping up and down on the couch at home,” she laughed.

2025 is a special year for Billy in more ways than one, he’s getting married in October to Bronte Pearce, who he met when he was in Penrith.

The couple have bought a home in Tullimbar in Shellharbour City and Billy travels to Sydney everyday for training and games.