Story, more photos pages 8 and 9
Some very lucky locals were given a rare opportunity to hop aboard a 1942 historic aircra and soak up the view of Parkes from above. Here we are looking east at the town with the new Newell Highway bypass and service centre at the bottom of the image.
SIX years on Parkes is still no closer to seeing its maternity unit reopened.
Its closure in June 2019 continues to frustrate the community, families and Parkes Shire Council, who have been tirelessly lobbying government to reinstate the service ever since.
Because of a lack of obstetricians, Parkes mums have been forced to travel elsewhere to give birth - to Forbes, but only if they’re low risk, and to Orange and Dubbo. Parkes was promised a midwife-
ry-led birthing model would take its place at the hospital, with NSW Health going as far as declaring they would start accepting birthing mums from, initially August 2020, then it was moved to March 2021.
No model was ever introduced.
In a message issued to the public last month, Parkes Shire Mayor Neil Westcott asked if it was time for Parkes Hospital to standalone.
“We are constantly reassured that Parkes maternity reinstatement is high on the agenda of NSW
Health, however a er years and years, we do not seem to be any closer,” he said.
“When the Parkes and Forbes hospitals were being built, core services were to be retained and some services shared, such as chemotherapy and dialysis.
“Unfortunately what has transpired is a deterioration of services in Parkes.
“We now see maternity and pathology for example moved entirely to Forbes. That is not sharing, that is consolidating services to
the detriment of Parkes.
“Forbes has every right to have these services but likewise, so does Parkes.”
The mayor suggested if the hospitals were further apart “our communities would be fully serviced, and we would not be faced with splitting services between the towns”.
“Is it time to seriously consider the benefits of operating Parkes Hospital and Forbes Hospital as standalone entities, rather than shared as part of the Lachlan
Health Service? He asked.
“Surely both Parkes and Forbes deserve their own dedicated healthcare services, like other towns of comparable size.”
Cr Westcott’s message followed a meeting he and Deputy Mayor Marg Applebee had with the Minister for Health Ryan Park in March to once again ght for maternity services for Parkes.
“Maternity services across the state are in crisis,” Cr Westcott said.
■ Continued on page 3
LESS than two weeks out from her 101st birthday, none other than our Kath Hutchison was spotted having a hit of croquet over the weekend.
Parkes Croquet Club hosted a local tournament at its croquet courts at the Parkes Tennis Courts on Saturday.
And soon-to-be 101-year-old Kath was among the competitors.
Tournament organisers said she not only had a hit, she played a full game, which can last anywhere between 30 and 60 minutes.
“And she had a ball,” they said. Kath turns 101 on 6 June.
SEND US YOUR PHOTOS
Everyone is an amateur photographer these days with most having access to a camera in their pockets.
Spectacular and heart-warming moments, and landscape shots can be frozen in time at every opportunity.
If you’ve taken a beaut photo recently that you think is worthy of publishing, why not send it in to us.
We’d love to see it.
Send your hot shot photos to Madeline at mblackstone@midwestmedia.com.au.
Don’t forget to include the photographer’s name, location and details about the photo so we can share it with our readers.
Share your news:
Want to share news, achievements or sports with the Parkes community?
Email or call our Parkes Champion Post editorial team.
Contact details can be found on the bottom of this page (page 2).
Friday, 30 May
Parkes Craft 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 Craft Corner from 5 May to 26 May. Categories include kids (0-12), classic, quirky and rainbow.
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, raffle 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.
Saturday, 31 May and Sunday, 1 June
The Golden Plough is one of the most prestigious ploughing competitions in Australia which first began in 1976. This year it will be held at the Peak Hill Showground. Gate entry is $15 which covers both days.
Saturday, 31 May
Our Parkes Panthers will be hosting a family day out for round five of their sea-
son. At Northparkes Oval there will be a free jumping castle from 1pm with Bathurst Bushrangers and Dubbo Demons kicking off the action at 3pm in a thrilling first 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 filled 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 finds, plants, a 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
GET into the toasty winter spirit at ‘Frost and Fire’ in Forbes on Saturday 21 June as this year’s event will be bigger and brighter than ever.
Once again two huge effigy bonfires will light up the stunning ski dam location to live music from the event’s biggest line-up of bands.
Also new, local bars and hotels are getting into the chilly spirit and offering signature ‘Frost and Fire Cocktails’, ideal for a pre or post show drink in and around town.
Grab your friends and family, Frost and Fire is held from 4-10pm and is Forbes’ biggest cultural event with live music, fire dancers, toasty fire buck-
Peak Hill’s 52nd Annual Arts and Craft 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 Craft 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 Craft Information Centre will have gifts, hand-made by local community members available for purchase. Visit Peak Hill for a weekend full of art.
PARKES PICNIC RACES
Saturday, 7 June
Are you ready for the 2025 Parkes Picnic Races? Immerse yourself in the excitement of thrilling races and top-notch entertainment by talented band Easy Goin’. Don’t forget the dazzling display of Fashions on the Field. Gates open at 11.30am.
Saturday, 7 June
Help celebrate 100 years of the Tullamore Show at their Centenary Gala at the Tullamore Memorial Hall. Early bird tickets are on sale now at 123tix.com. This is a 18 years plus black tie event. Bring your own drinks and nibbles and enjoy music by Foxxy Cleopatra. This will be a night to remember, so get your tickets early.
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ets, hearty local foods and boutique brews. Now in its sixth year, the event celebrates the Winter Solstice under starry skies.
Iconic Australian bands set to warm up the crowd include The Wolfe Brothers, Ripley Alexander and regional talent such as Bake Boys Band, Easy Goin and Foxxy Cleopatra.
Enjoy incredible pyrotechnics display by Flux Entertainment and new cultural performances by Boganbila Culturals. For more information and to buy tickets go to www.amazingforbesnsw. com/frost-and-fire/ Tickets cost $30 and under 18s are free.
PARKES YARD DOG TRIALS
14 and 15 June
From 7.30am dogs from around NSW will be rounding up sheep at the Parkes Showground. Free entry for spectators to watch six categories including maiden, novice, junior, improver, local and open. There will be a co ee van on sight each morning as well as a barbeque run by Parkes Headquarters RFS available on both days.
20 June to 14 August
The BreastScreen mobile van returns to Parkes, in the Little Theatre car park on the corner of Dalton Street and Bogan Street, for two months. Hours of operation will be 8.30am-4.30pm Monday to Friday during this time. Take advantage of the opportunity and get yourself checked. Call 13 20 50 to book an appointment or visit the website breastscreen.nsw.gov.au.
been raising money through their fundraising pages and will spend 24 hours at Ronald McDonald House in Orange starting today (Thurs-
At the House Jenni and Jordan along with six other people taking part will gain a rst-hand understanding of what parents and carers go through on a daily basis.
They will have the opportunity to see what it takes to create the best possible experience for a family and come to know the families staying at the House in Or-
Jordan, who is Team Leader of Murrumbidgee/Far West at Department of Community Justice, Families, is taking part in the fundraiser to raise awareness of what the program is and that Parkes is actually the highest user of the Service in the
to raise awareness is to put people in the community in the House. It’s a conversation point.”
Ahead of the experience Jenni is looking forward to seeing what the House is like in a di erent place.
“For me having had a previous experience, I think it will be interesting to see what the experience is like in a di erent place.
“Because it’s 14 years ago for me, the reasons why you can use the house now are a lot di erent to what they were back then. Before it was just for oncology kids but now it’s really broad.
“We had to have a child staying with us to be able to stay in the House, now you don’t have to, you can just be there as a support mechanism for your child and that means the world for a lot of people.”
when there is not really nice news to talk about.”
Jenni hopes to take the stress away from people that are using the House through her participation.
“You don’t know when you’ll be in that situation or have a family member in that situation but I’d like to see, know knowing what it could do, it’s actually available to more people than know about it and I think it’s about raising money but it’s also about raising awareness,” she said.
“The awareness is huge because you could go up to a lot of people and say Ronald McDonald and they think Maccas and kids with cancer,” Jordan said.
“But when you go into the House, it’s food, it’s support, it’s transport and there’s an education component to it as well.”
“I lived in Ronald McDonald House in Sydney for eight months with him while he was having treatment.” of her own experience and knowing how valuable the service is to other families.
to help other people the better.”
“The more you talk to people the more people have used the service for so long,” Jordan said.
Jenni and Jordan both speak highly of the facility.
“When you walk in you just feel at ease,” Jordan said.
“There is always going to be people who need the ser-
By taking part in the CEO Walk in My Shoes fundraiser both Jenni and Jordan have
“Everybody has a connection to someone that uses the House and the only way
“It brings a nice sense of calm and every little detail within every beautiful space
If you want to help Jenni and Jordan reach their goal of raising $5000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities you can donate at https:// www.ceowalkinmyshoes. org.au/chapter-page/centralwestnsw-chapter
■ From page 1
He said he was heartened to hear the NSW Government has agreed to develop an action plan to tackle NSW’s rural and regional obstetrics crisis, a er rural health campaigner and independent Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr raised the issue in a Public Interest Debate in parliament in February.
Dr McGirr called on the government to restore, maintain and grow rural and regional obstetric services, and to deliver the action plan by the end of the year to ensure that networked obstetric services provide care as close to home as possible for rural and regional women and families.
“I am aware of at least 15 birthing services in rural and regional communities that have closed in the past decade or so,” Dr McGirr said at the time.
“At least another six birthing centres are facing closure, downgrades or bypasses.”
During the debate Shadow Minister for Regional Health Gurmesh Singh said since 1990 born-beforearrival births have doubled in northern NSW and tripled in western NSW, and recent cuts have further deepened the crisis.
Maternity services have ceased in Muswellbrook, Parkes, Cootamundra, Milton, Ulladulla and Woy Woy.
“Meanwhile communities like Gunnedah, Glen Innes and Kempsey are witnessing a reduction in essential services,” Mr Singh said.
“In places like Kempsey mothers can o en be transferred to a neighbouring hospital without their babies. I cannot imagine the stress and trauma that that brings to both mother and baby.”
Cr Westcott said an action plan
is certainly needed.
The topic of health services in Parkes, focusing on maternity, was also raised during Parkes Shire Council’s February monthly meeting.
In his Mayoral Minutes tabled at the meeting, Cr Westcott said: “There seems to be very little in the way of new approaches to solving this vexing problem, just constant reiteration of the problem.
“That is, ‘we have tried to recruit but we cannot get anyone’.
“One can only imagine how that might sit in our own circumstance if Council took that approach,” he said.
“That is, we cannot collect the waste because we cannot recruit truck drivers, we cannot supply water because we cannot recruit water plant operators, we cannot grade roads because we cannot recruit grader drivers - it would sim-
ply not be accepted, nor would we or have we allowed this to happen.
“It does however require great e ort, for example the constant training and nurturing of people into these roles.
“We know there is a shortage, it was foreseen well before 2019 when maternity closed.”
Parkes Shire Council made several representations to NSW Health encouraging a succession plan to be developed, Cr Westcott said.
“But there was no response and maternity inevitably closed.
“It is not one government or another, the problem has persisted for a decade.
“Somehow, we must encourage the government of the day to invest in the future, otherwise regional health outcomes will continue to plumet.”
During this meeting councillors
agreed to continue lobbying all levels of government on ve issues related to and impacting Parkes, such as:
* Address the declining health services in regional NSW.
* Develop expeditious methods to recruit and accredit immigrating doctors and other health professionals.
* Activate the Parkes Health Precinct masterplan.
* Provide accommodation for doctors and other health professionals in the Parkes Health Precinct.
* Support the training of health professionals by the provision of a training HUB at the Parkes Health precinct.
“We will wait and see the results of the called-for “action plan”, and in the meanwhile continue to ght for improved services for the Parkes Shire,” Cr Westcott said.
THE 61st Red Shield Appeal is here and you’ll see our friendly Salvos volunteers out and about.
Funds raised this week position the Salvation Army to be there for those in need in our community year-round - and our local Salvos know all too well the need.
Forbes / Parkes Corps leader Wendy Broome hears heartbreaking stories every day from people going with-
out heating, lights at night and meals.
Donations help our local Salvos meet those needs with food hampers, food, clothing and fuel vouchers.
They’ll also be ready to support families at Christmas time.
You can also donate goods to the Family Store, which is located in Church Steet, Parkes and in Forbes the Family Store is now located in the church
building in Rankin Street.
Please be assured all funds raised for Red Shield Appeal in the Central West stay right here.
Can you support the Red Shield Appeal? You can donate:
At the Forbes Family Store Monday to Friday 9.30am to 3.30pm.
You can also donate online by visiting salvationarmy.org. au or call 13 SALVOS.
PARKES Salvation Army Family Store will have a new look this time next month as the store undergoes major renovations.
Street will be temporarily closing from Thursday, 29 May at 2pm as the building begins major works.
CALLING all amateur actors across the region.
Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils are on the search for youth actors to star in this year’s Not a Statistic Youth Driver Education Program.
The Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention O cer, Melanie Suitor, is encouraging local up-andcoming youth actors to audition to be part of this road safety initiative which has seen a 27% reduction in crashes involving young drivers since its inception more than 10 years ago.
“We are looking for four new ac-
tors to join our team and are holding auditions on Thursday, 5 June from 5pm to 8pm at the Parkes SES shed in Clarke Street.
“The auditions will give participants an overview of all aspects of the project, then youth actors will take part in both lmed and live adlib exercises,” Ms Suitor said.
“The youth actors will also undergo road crash rescue training to see what it’s going to be like being cut out of a car and removed on a spine board.
“We are hoping to uncover some undiscovered talent who will bring something new to mock crash. So,
if you are interested in getting involved and are over the age of 16 be sure to register and come along,” Ms Suitor added.
The program o ers youth actors experience with lming as well as a live performance.
Dates are still being set for the live mock crash demonstration, but will likely remain in its August timeslot.
Pre-registration for the auditions is essential.
Contact Ms Suitor on either 6861 2364 or Melanie.Suitor@parkes. nsw.gov.au for more information and to book your place.
day, 26 June at 9am as a Salvos Store. This means there will be a new look for the store and lots of di erent prod-
Parkes Shire Council’s annual Kerbside Bulky Waste Clean-up is happening from 16–27 June 2025 for all residents in the Parkes Shire with a domestic waste and recycling service.
Please place your bulky waste neatly by the kerb (not on footpaths or in laneways) prior to Monday 16 June 2025.
Separate into two piles:
1. Scrap metal, white goods & E-waste
2. General bulky waste
Tie loose items securely or place them in sturdy boxes - no plastic bags.
The total volume of waste presented for collection must not exceed 2 cubic metres. Collection will take place once only at each property during the two-week period.
For more information, visit: https://bit.ly/4fP4DYG
Council is seeking community feedback on proposed changes to the parking arrangements adjacent to McGees laneway between Church Street and Court Street, Parkes.
Concerns have been raised regarding community safety related to the traffic flows and width of McGees lane due to waste facilities from business. A proposed plan has been developed, to include the widening and realigning a section of McGees laneway to allow two-way travel north and south. With this realignment of laneway carparking arrangement will also be affected, with the loss of 11 carparks.
We invite you to participate in the community consultation by completing the ‘Have Your Say’ survey, available by scanning the QR code above. Any written submissions should be emailed to council@parkes.nsw.gov.au or addressed to General Manager Parkes Shire Council PO Box 337 PARKES NSW 2870 All survey and written submissions will close at 5:00pm 5 June 2025. Should you have any queries in relation to these works, please do not hesitate to contact 02 6861 2333.
Council is seeking community feedback on proposed changes to the parking arrangements between the intersections of Clarinda Street and Currajong Street, Parkes. Concerns have been raised regarding community safety related to the 45-degree angle parking on Mitchell Street. This section is currently the only part of the area that does not feature parallel parking. A proposed signage plan has been developed, which includes the removal of 45-degree angle parking and the introduction of parallel parking on both sides of Mitchell Street. It also includes the installation of ‘No Stopping’ signage.
This proposal is now on public exhibition until 5pm Thursday 19 June 2025.
There are three ways to submit your feedback: email, mail or via the online survey.
The proposed signage plan and survey can be accessed on Council’s website
Should you have any queries in relation to these works, please do not hesitate to contact Council’s Senior Design Engineer, Ben Coultas, on 02 6861 2333.
Council advises that, effective Monday 2 June 2025, all customer enquiries and services relating to planning matters will be managed through Council’s main Customer Service area, located at Parkes Shire Council’s Administration Building, 2 Cecile Street, Parkes.
This change is part of Council’s commitment to improving service delivery and ensuring a more streamlined experience for customers through a centralised point of contact.
Council appreciates your cooperation and understanding.
For further information or assistance, please contact Council during business hours, Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm on (02) 6861 2333.
Are you 16 or older and passionate about acting? Come along to the Mock Crash auditions on Thursday 5 June, 5–8pm at the Parkes SES Shed, Clarke Street. You’ll take part in acting exercises (filmed and ad-lib), learn about road crash rescue, and experience what it’s like to be cut out of a car. This powerful program raises awareness about road safety. To register, call 6861 2364 or email melanie.suitor@parkes.nsw.gov.au.
A friendly reminder Waste 2 Art entry forms are due Wednesday 4 June. Waste 2 Art is open to all residents of the NetWaste region and showcases creative works made from reused waste materials. The purpose of Waste 2 Art is to encourage everyone to reduce, reuse & recycle, and change our attitudes about the things we throw away and this year’s focus theme is The Year of Toys. Entry forms are available online at bit.ly/2025Waste2ArtEntryForm.
Contact Sharon Degeling, Creative Learning Co-ordinator at Parkes Library and Cultural Centre on 6861 2309 for further details.
Council advertises any animals available for adoption on our website. Should you be interested in adopting an animal, please visit Council’s Animal Shelter at 56 Saleyards Road between 9am and 10am Monday - Friday or contact our Customer Service Centre on 02 6861 2333
Garage Sale Trail is back on 8-9 & 15-16 November 2025 for two big weekends of secondhand treasure hunting and community fun. Are you thinking of decluttering and making some extra cash? Whether you’re a household, school, or community group, it’s the perfect time to host a garage sale and give your pre-loved items a new life. Join the waitlist now: bit.ly/4j2flN1
By CHRISTINE LITTLE
TWO years on from a club that was on the brink of folding and an historic event disappearing, there are a whole lot of fresh new faces.
These faces have saved the Parkes Picnic Races.
Several women answered the call for help when Parkes Coradgery and Diggers Race Club president Tim Keith and his committee declared to the community in October 2023 that the races couldn’t continue if they couldn’t attract new members.
The response was almost immediate.
Some new members have even stepped into executive roles previously occupied by individuals for decades.
Mr Keith remains at the helm for his 15th year - he joined the club 17 years ago.
And vice presidents are existing members Ann Olson and Ian Brown.
Long-serving secretary with well over 20 years behind him, Mark Olson, has been able to
hand the baton over thanks to new member Tricia Trim.
Robyn Hawke is still looking a er the nances as treasurer, Mr Keith said she’s been there ever since he’s been involved.
And Christine and Gary Somers, and Sta ord Orange continue to support the club.
Among the new faces are Kelly Spedding, Kathryn Blackstock, Fiona Glasheen, Sommer Bishop, Elissa Gillingham, Gai Smith, Ti any Steel and KerrieAnn Francis.
Mr Keith is thrilled with the new recruits.
“It’s been really good, we’ve got a whole lot of new young ladies who have taken the bull by the horns, so to speak, and are doing a fantastic job,” he said.
“We’re doing things we’ve never done before.”
This includes adding a jumping castle and face painting to the social activities trackside at this year’s picnic races, to appeal more to families, and featuring a drinks tent in the picnic area, on the southern side of the racecourse grounds.
“We’re going with it,” Mr Keith said.
“We needed new blood with fresh ideas - not that we weren’t doing a good job - and to get more young people on board.”
It was a devastating blow to the club and its new team and businesses involved when last year’s picnic races were washed out.
The social scene went ahead but numbers were down.
“That’s life unfortunately, hopefully we can turn that around this year,” Mr Keith said.
“We are down on tents this year, we have no commercial tents but there’s still so much to enjoy.”
A erall it is one of our biggest social highlights of the year.
There will be a thrilling verace program, Fashions on the Field, live entertainment by Easy Goin’, picnic spots, food and bar, and a kiddies corner.
Tickets are now on sale for $20 (+booking fee) on 123tix, or $25 at the gate.
Children under 16 get in free.
AUDITIONS for Frozen JR have broken Parkes M and D records!
The upcoming junior production at the Little Theatre attracted a record-breaking 104 junior registrations for auditions, with its audition panel saying they were “well and truly spoiled for choice”.
“What. A. Week!” The Society posted to social media a er three four-hour days of auditions from 5 May to 10 May.
“We have our work cut out for us casting this show,” they said.
“We are blessed with so much talent.”
Three days later the Society announced a large cast for Frozen Jr, which will hit the stage from Friday, 25 July to 10 August.
Rehearsals will run from 1 June to 20 July.
While choosing the nal cast was extremely di cult for the direction team of Lyn Townsend, Angie Drooger and Ruth Virtue, as well as Andrew Cannon, with the amount of talent on show, they said they had a lot of fun.
“We loved meeting you all, and know the future of our Society is very bright, with the talent we saw,” they told those who auditioned.
The Frozen JR cast list is as follows:
Young Elsa/Townsperson: Stephanie Hornery. Young Anna/Townsperson: Giselle Higgins.
Middle Elsa/Townsperson: Winnie Hall.
Middle Anna/Townsperson: Chelsea Ray. Elsa: Lexie Herden.
Anna: Abigail Heard.
King Agnaar/Townsperson: Archie Higgins. Queen Iduna/Snow Chorus lead: Zoe
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Bilsborough.
Pabbie/Summer: Quinn McTiernan.
Bulda/Summer: Matilda Hurst.
Kristo : Harrison Rowbotham.
Sven: Oscar Hendry.
Olaf: Brodie Stephenson.
Hans/Oaken family: Curdie Butler.
Weselton/Oaken family: Archie Edmonds. Oaken/Townsperson: Coco Byrnes.
Housekeeper/Townsperson: Sophia Byrne. Bishop/Townsperson: Luke Bilsborough. Butler/Townsperson: Isla Miller.
Hand Maiden/Townsperson: Lucy Butler. Cook/Townsperson: Elizabeth Toomey. Guard 1/Townsperson: Riley Miller. Guard 2/Townsperson: Dan Crowley. Steward/Townsperson: Charlie Rose Messiter.
Snow Chorus: Danielle Hornery, Isla McLeod, Sophie Francis, Lily Phillips, Isla O’Donoghue, Lila Walsh, Anna Dingwell. Townsperson/Oaken family: Bryce Wilcox, Aleigha Hornery, Jayda Francis, Molly Betland, Samara Wood.
Hidden folk/Summer: Heidi Symonds, Alba Scully, Mary Drooger, Emily Francis, Niamh McTiernan, Holly Buckenhofer, Clara Welsh, Sasha Kingham, Birdie Jane White, Kiarah Edwards-Ellis, Pippa Wainwright.
Frozen Jr is the enchanting modern classic from Disney based on the 2018 Broadway musical, which brings the story of princesses and sisters Elsa and Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle to life, onstage.
The show features all of the memorable songs from the animated lm.
Motorists are being reminded to drive safely over the King’s Birthday long weekend as double demerit points come into force.
Double demerits will be in operation from Friday 6 June until Monday 9 June (inclusive) for all speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt and motorcycle helmet o ences.
School zones are in operation on Friday 6 June and additional penalties can apply for certain o ences committed in school zones.
Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Mitchell Gage has indicated that Police will also be targeting the ‘four Ds’ of road users including drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving.
“Around 95 per cent of crashes in NSW are the result of behaviour - like driving too fast for the conditions, falling asleep behind the wheel or being impaired by drugs and/or alcohol.
“Too o en we see the tragic a ermath of drivers making poor decisions.
“We want everyone to make it to and from their destinations safely this long weekend.
“There will be more Police on the road which means a greater chance of drivers being caught if they are doing the wrong thing,” Sergeant Gage said.
Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention O cer, Melanie Suitor, said that drivers should make sure that they are t to drive before getting behind the wheel, are focused on the driving task whilst on the road and that their vehicle is in good working condition.
“Drivers should ensure that they are well rested and not under the in uence of drugs
A woman has died after a car and truck collided on the Newell Highway, south of Forbes, on Thursday morning.
Emergency services were called to the Newell Highway, about 25km south of Forbes, around 9.25am on 22 May following reports of a crash.
Police attended and found a truck and a car had collided.
The driver of the car – a woman – died at the scene.
The driver of the truck – a 65-year-old man – was taken for mandatory testing.
The Newell Highway was closed south of Forbes for much of that day.
Police commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident, with assistance from officers attached to the Crash Investigation Unit.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
or alcohol before they get behind the wheel. While driving, focus on driving.
“Don’t allow yourself to be distracted by your mobile phone, follow the road rules and drive at a speed suitable to conditions.
“Please make sure that you and your passengers are buckled up.
“Drivers should also check that their vehicle is ready for the journey too - check the brakes and tyres, check the levels of your engine oil, coolant and windscreen washer reservoir,
make sure all your lights and indicators are working and ensure you have clear view,” Ms Suitor said.
Since their introduction in 1997, double demerit points have proven to be an e ective deterrent to unsafe driving during busy holiday periods.
By STEPHANIE GARDINER AAP
The man accused of the domestic violence murder of Molly Ticehurst has been ordered to face court, with a magistrate noting the case has been outstanding for a year.
Ms Ticehurst, a 28-year-old childcare educator, was found dead in her home in the early hours of 22 April 2024.
Her former boyfriend, Daniel Billings, is charged with her domestic violence murder, along with 16 other offences. Billings had been freed on bail a fortnight before the alleged murder on charges related to Ms Ticehurst, including three counts of sexual intercourse without consent and four counts of stalking and intimidating her.
He was also charged with destroying property at her house and aggravated animal cruelty against her 12-week-old dachshund puppy in 2023.
Four more serious charges, including one count of aggravated sexual assault, were laid in December 2024.
Legal documents before the court accused Billings of threatening to cause Ms Ticehurst further physical harm during the alleged sexual assault.
The 30-year-old has not entered pleas. Billings’ case was briefly mentioned in Forbes Local Court on Friday morning, though he was not required to attend.
Crown prosecutor Shaun Croner told the court the legal parties needed a fourweek adjournment.
Research has showed that casualty crashes (where someone is killed or injured) decreased 30 per cent when double demerit points were in operation.
A stolen company vehicle has been completely destroyed a er it was found engulfed in ames on Sunday morning.
The ute was reported stolen from a business in Matthews Street in Parkes the day prior, where it was le unlocked and the keys inside.
Inspector Adrian Matthews said a resident in Old School
Road, located north-east of the town, heard banging and then an explosion.
They stepped outside and found the vehicle fully alight.
Parkes Rural Fire Service re ghters were called at 5.50am and worked to quickly extinguish the blaze.
The scene was handed over to police who seized a number of items of interest to be
forensically examined.
Police investigations continue and Inspector Matthews said the incident could be linked to two trespassing offences.
“For both businesses and private residents, please lock your cars and don’t leave your keys in the car or any valuables,” he said. “And please lock your homes.”
“The parties are in negotiation and we just need to finalise negotiations,” Mr Croner said.
Magistrate Michael Maher said it was the third case conference mention and the next court date had to be a committal.
“This matter has been outstanding since last April,” Mr Maher said.
He ordered the legal representatives to appear in person at Parkes Local Court on June 20, while Billings can appear via audio-visual link from custody for the committal.
A committal is generally the first step in moving a case to a higher court.
Ms Ticehurst’s death intensified a national movement against gendered violence and sparked changes to NSW bail laws, including “show cause” thresholds for bail applications and electronic monitoring of accused offenders.
Several members of Ms Ticehurst’s family, including her parents, were in court to watch the brief proceedings.
Support services are available: Lifeline 13 11 14
Men’s Referral Service 1300 766 491 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
By CHRISTINE LITTLE
Some very lucky locals were given a rare opportunity to hop aboard a 1942 historic aircra and soak up the view of their home town from above.
Historical Aircra Restoration Society (HARS) committee and foundation members decided to hold held their regular monthly meeting for the rst time in Parkes on 16 and 17 May.
The committee travelled to Parkes in their DC3 “Hawdon”, and many witnesses and residents were thrilled to see its presence in the town over the two days.
One local even captured it landing at the Parkes Airport.
While here the aircra took Parkes HARS volunteers, the Society’s supporters and sponsors on ights over the town.
And the Parkes Champion Post was very grateful to be among those invited.
Boarding the plane at 3pm on the Friday (16th) and again Saturday morning, about 15-20 people took in the views and landmarks of Parkes and surrounding areas over the 30 minute ight.
Some they were very familiar with like the GrainCorp site on Eugowra Road, the Parkes silos, Memorial Hill, Parkes Showground, Parkes Christian School, the logistics hub, Northparkes mines, our glorious Dish and even the tip.
Others were new views like the two large solar farms, the Parkes Bypass and its bridges and rounda-
bout, the new service centre that’s under construction, upgrades to Brolgan Road, the Paci c National terminal and the dog food factory - all in or next to the Parkes Special Activation Precinct to the west of the town.
The large wingspan of the Hawdon at 29 metres allows it to y slow and low.
It was all thanks to HARS members, retired Qantas pilot of 50 years Bob Small - who nished school in 1964 to go ying - and Qantas freight pilot Captain Mark Durden.
“This keeps me happy and healthy,” Bob said.
Bernadette and Kevin Boneham were among those on board and found the experience very enjoyable and relaxing.
“It was slow enough I could have a good look at everything,” Bernadette said.
It was also a very smooth rideParkes’ location, farming properties and even back-burning helping with the turbulence, Mark said.
Parkes HARS volunteer Ray Watts has never own in an aircra like this and loved every minute of it.
“It was bloody terri c,” he said.
“What blew me away was the size of the solar farm.”
Young Gloria and George Hendry were also lucky to tag along with mum Kelly - their favourite moments were spotting their home and seeing Memorial Hill and the Dish.
“It’s the rst time the committee has brought a meeting outside
our main base in Shellharbour,” said Mike De La Hunty from Parkes HARS.
“It was to introduce the committee to Parkes, and take a look at our museum, its growth and walk the site.
“We also showed what our big plans are for the future of the Parkes Aviation Museum which includes a new facility.
“And the ights were to expose our volunteers to a ying aircra and to thank them for all of their support of our restorations.”
Mike’s brother Bob De La Hunty from the Illawarra is chief pilot and president of HARS and attended the visit to Parkes.
The DC3 “Hawdon” was built in 1942 for the United States Airforce and is the rst aircra to y a scheduled service with TAA in 1946.
The aircra was rst loaned in 1944 to Australian National Airlines (ANA) to y freight within Australia, later the aircra was issued to TAA for freight operations and later was approved for passenger ying.
The aircra ew the east coast routes for TAA for many years before heading to New Guinea to y the Sunbird Service for TAA.
The aircra returned to Melbourne and was repainted in TAA colours and then placed on a pole outside the Melbourne Terminal building for nine years.
A group of Australian Airlines and Qantas volunteers decided to restore the aircra to ying status and it has been ying with HARS ever since.
MIDDLE:
BOTTOM:
Parkes Library has been participating in the annual National Simultaneous Storytime for 20 years and their tradition of bringing the book to life did not disappoint in 2025.
More than two million children took part in the event reading The Truck Cat.
At 12pm on Wednesday, 21 May Parkes Library was one of 16,632 locations who read the book.
Written
by Deborah Frenkel and illustrated by Danny Snell, The Truck Cat tells the story of Tinka, a cat who lives with truck driver Yacoub and Mari who runs a bakery.
Tinka is lost and recused by Mari, which ultimately leads to Yacoub and Mari starting a family together.
Preschool students who attended the Library to read The Truck
Cat all enjoyed the story and the loved watching the story come to life by our talented library sta .
A main feature of the performance was the truck which was cleverly created by Deb Jones.
Many Parkes Shire primary schools also took part in the event with Peak Hill Central School also having an awesome cardboard truck to tell the story.
PARKES’ ANGLICAN LADIES ENJOYED A HIGH TEA DURING THEIR MAY MEETING AT ST GEORGE’S CHURCH. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Anglican
celebrated Mother’s Day at their May meeting and did so in style, coupling it with a high tea.
The women enjoyed one another’s company over the afternoon in the church hall at St George’s Anglican Church, while also planning their Street Stall event
for 19 September.
The annual Parkes Anglican Parish Street Stall continues to be a pleasant and popular occasion for the whole community to attend.
Here we have Jan Tanswell, Betty Somers, Lyn Pengilly, Marg Klien, Loraine Parker, Norma Garment, Carole Corbett, Sue Woods, June Cas-
sell, Shirley Westgarth and Mavis Moon, attending the meeting and all enjoying their a ernoon tea.
Share your news: Want to share news, achievements or sports with the Parkes community?
Email or call our Parkes Champion Post editorial team. See page 2.
gave way to blissful slumber, something their accompanying Visual Arts
Teacher Miss McLachlan and SLSO Mrs Pope were thankful of, as the bus drove through the early hours of the morning.
A brief breakfast stop at Lithgow McDonald’s revived everyone, before continuing to Sydney.
The drive through Sydney tra c towards the Art Gallery of New South Wales proved exciting for all.
Slow moving vehicles and tra c lights allowed everyone to take in some people watching and gaze at the many shops that lined the inner-city streets.
Before long the destination was in sight. Excited murmurs lled the bus as the beautiful sandstone
architecture of the gallery came into view.
Once inside the gallery, students marvelled at the thousands of artworks on display.
Miss McLachlan pointed out artworks to Year 12 students that would help them in the development of their HSC body of work.
Eager Year 11 students asked questions about works of art that caught their eye and phone cameras worked overtime to capture the excitement.
Everyone then made their way to the Art Express exhibition to view artworks created by the 2024 HSC Visual Arts students from across New
South Wales.
Students were in awe of the hard work and dedication that went into creating the artworks.
Excited discussions between students lled the exhibition, notes about artworks were made and photographs were taken.
A er lunch at the gallery’s outdoor cafe, the students, Miss McLachlan and Mrs Pope visited the Naala Badu building of the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
This part of the gallery contained artworks by Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander artists, along with artworks by contemporary Australian and international artists.
The students were intrigued by the size of each artwork and amazed by the ways artists used colour and patterns to represent country.
A er a long day of looking at artworks, it was time to make the trip back to Parkes.
Slow moving Sydney a ernoon tra c made for more people watching and window shopping.
Another restorative stop at Lithgow McDonalds for dinner, ensured a quite trip back to Parkes High School.
A big thank you to Chris McQuie at Western Roadliners for taking everyone to Sydney safely for this amazing opportunity.
JAVIERA
Javiera Milson in class 2O is Parkes East Public School’s student of the week.
What is your favourite colour?
Red
What is your favourite food?
Apple
What would you like to be when you grow up?
A doctor
What are your strengths?
Colouring
What do you like about your school?
The teachers are nice
What do you like to do outside of school?
Play footy
Parkes Public School’s Ryder Vidler-Bamblett in class KC is our student of the week.
Teachers comment from Mrs Churchill: Ryder is a very kind and caring member of our class. He is always respectful and shows a positive attitude towards all areas of learning. He is always eager to have a go and his enthusiastic approach towards learning should be commended.
What are your favourite activities? Colouring in and soccer
What do you want to be when you grow up? A police o cer
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, winter o ers a quiet, re ective pause - and the perfect opportunity to prepare your garden for a ourishing spring.
Whether you’re planning a patch of fresh herbs, vibrant blooms, or a backyard veggie haven, there’s no better time to lay the groundwork than now.
At Henley’s Rustics, we believe in building beautiful gardens from the ground up, using materials that tell a story.
Our handcra ed garden beds and woodstacks are made from reclaimed corrugated iron, bringing both sustainability and rustic charm to your outdoor space.
We o er a range of garden beds to suit every green thumb.
Our Standard Beds are perfect for gardeners who enjoy hand watering or are setting up an irrigation system.
If you’re short on time or simply want to ensure consistently moist soil, our Wicking Beds feature a self-watering system that keeps plants happy with minimal e ort - ideal for growing lush vegetables throughout the year.
And let’s not forget rewood season.
Our Rustic Woodstacks provide a charming and practical way to store your rewood, ready for
cozy winter nights.
cozy winter nights.
Winter prep is key to a thriving garden.
Take this time to map out your garden layout, clean and replenish your soil, and plan your plantings for the seasons ahead.
At Henley’s, we love to share our own garden journey.
Here are Jo’s Winter Tips from our garden to yours:
Feed your soil: Before planting anything new, nourish your garden beds. I recommend certi ed organic compost, worm castings, and rock dust to boost soil health.
Plant winter crops: This season, I’ve gone with onion, beetroot, carrot, broccoli, and cauli ower - all cold-loving veggies that thrive in winter’s embrace.
Stay pest-aware: Keep an eye out for cabbage moth caterpillars and aphids.
Use netting to protect plants, handpick caterpillars, and treat aphids early with a natural spray like eco neem.
Winter is your chance to get ahead. Invest in your garden space now and set yourself up for a season of homegrown beauty and bounty.
With Henley’s Rustics, you’re not just building a garden - you’re creating something timeless. Create something special this winter with Henley’s Rustics.
At Henley’s Rustics, we turn reclaimed corrugated iron into handcrafted garden beds and woodstacks — giving old materials new life and your garden a timeless, rustic edge.
Standard Beds – Perfect for hand watering or adding your own irrigation system.
Wicking Beds – Self-watering design keeps soil moist, ideal for thriving veggies and time-poor gardeners.
Woodstacks – Store your firewood neatly, with rustic style that lasts.
Discover handcrafted rustic garden beds, wicking garden beds, and reclaimed iron products.
SERVICING: Central West, Riverina, Yass Valley, &
By FIRE AND RESCUE NSW
Fire and Rescue NSW crews are urging households to test their smoke alarms for winter.
In the lead up to national Smoke Alarm Action Day on Sunday 1 June, re ghters are encouraging the public to check their homes are protected by with working smoke alarms.
A working smoke alarm will provide the earliest and most e ective warning of a re, giving you and your loved ones the chance to get out, stay out, and call Triple Zero (000).
Members of the public can book a re safety visit at www.fire.nsw.gov.au/visits. Local re ghters will come to your home, provide safety advice and, if required, install a new 10-year smoke alarm for free.
FRNSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell AFSM, said working re alarms were crucial as people can’t small re while sleeping.
“If your smoke alarm is a faded yellow colour or you’re not sure if it’s working properly, it’s time to replace it,” he said.
“This small, inexpensive device on the ceiling may mean the difference between escaping safely or a tragedy.
faded yellow colour or you’re not sure if it’s working properly, it’s time to replace it, Fire and Rescue NSW says. PHOTO: Supplied
“If you need help, we’re here for you.
“You can book a safety visit through the Fire and Rescue NSW website or by calling your local re station.”
Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said June 1 was chosen as Smoke Alarm Action Day as it marks the start of winter, when Fire and Rescue consistently sees an increase in house res.
“We want as many people as possible to take part in Smoke Alarm Action Day.
NSW legislation requires all residents to have one working smoke alarm on each level of their home.
This includes owner occupied, rental properties, relocatable homes, caravans and campervans or any other residential building where people sleep.
In addition to the minimum requirement of one smoke alarm per level, Fire and Rescue NSW research recommends installing smoke alarms in all bedrooms and living spaces (including hallways and stairways) and even the garage. Avoid tting smoke alarms in or near your kitchen or bathroom. The ideal position is on the ceiling between sleeping and living areas.
Fire and Rescue NSW recommends wherever possible, hard-wired and interconnected smoke alarms.
If your alarms cannot be hard-wired, FRNSW recommends smoke alarms that rely on 10-year lithium batteries. Inbuilt 10-year lithium batteries last as long as the smoke alarm so you don’t need to worry about replacing them every year – you simply replace the entire unit every 10 years.
The seconds you use to test your smoke alarm could save your life,” he said. “Please, be smart, take part, and test your smoke alarm.”
Established in the 1960s, this family-run business has operated in the Central west as more than just a car dealership or repair shop.
Frank Spice Autos o ers an impressive selection of mowers, chainsaws, and side-by-side utility vehicles – brands and models chosen for their reliability and suitability to local conditions.
Over the years, their commit-
ment to quality workmanship and friendly, knowledgeable service has earned them a loyal customer base that stretches across generations.
As the weather cools and the woodcutting season approaches, Frank Spice Autos o ers a range of chainsaws and log splitters. Come in and see Brett, and the team at Frank Spice Autos.
We understand the importance of reliable equipment o ering thorough servicing and advice to help customers get the most from their tools with local knowledge and personal service.
As the woodcutting season gets underway, a sharp, well- tted chain is crucial for e cient and safe woodcutting. The guys here can t high-quality
chains and o er professional chain sharpening services to keep your equipment performing at its best, for a “sure re” way to through this winter season.
Every new chainsaw is pre-delivered and started here in store before pickup.
“We stock a wide range of replacement parts and accessories, ensuring that you can quickly nd
exactly what you need to get your gear started and cutting smoothly,” Brett says.
Whether you’re preparing for a big season of rewood or just need a quick tune-up, Frank Spice Autos is your one-stop shop for reliable parts, expert advice, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing your equipment is ready to tackle any job this winter.
PARKES is getting a new $4.8 million purpose-built State Emergency Services headquarters and training facility.
It will feature four vehicle bays and a storage shed, attached training and administration centre, kitchen, locker room, amenities, car park and landscaping.
The concept design has been approved and the successful construction contractor will begin their work from June.
The town’s existing SES facility on the corner of Clarke and Alluvial streets is outdated, undersized for today’s demands and was a ected by the 2022 oods.
The new facility will be located in Boyd Circuit and will provide our SES volunteers the headquarters they need to respond to natural disasters in a timely manner.
Parkes Shire Council is aiming for its construction to be completed by March next year.
The proposed development was allocated $1.3 million in ood recovery funding from the Australian and NSW Governments, announced last September, and $3.6 million has been set aside in Council’s dra operational plan and budget for 2025-26.
An artist’s impression of the concept design of a new $4.8 million purpose-built State Emergency Services headquarters and training facility in Parkes.
NSW Health has free access to the Japanese encephalitis Virus (JEV) vaccine to ensure residents are protected as the mosquito season continues.
In NSW, a Japanese encephalitis virus vaccine is available for free for people aged two months or older who live or work, including volunteer deployment, in 60 local government areas.
Parkes is among those that have been named as an LGA of high concern, as has Forbes, Orange, Dubbo and Cowra. It’s important people throughout the state protect themselves and their families from mosquitoes.
Here are some simple actions you can take:
• Apply repellent to exposed skin. And reapply repellent regularly.
• Use repellents that are safe for children. Most skin repellents are safe for use on children aged three months and older. Always check the label for instructions.
• Wear light, loose-fitting long-sleeve shirts, long pants and covered footwear and socks.
• Avoid going outdoors during peak mosquito times, especially dawn and dusk.
• Use insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units and mosquito coils to repel mosquitoes (mosquito coils should only be used outdoors in well-ventilated areas).
• Cover windows and doors with insect screens and checking there are no gaps.
• Remove items that may collect water such as old tyres and empty pots from around your home to reduce the places where mosquitoes can breed.
• Protect infants aged less than three months by using an infant carrier draped with mosquito netting, secured along the edges.
For further information and ways to protect yourself visit the NSW Health website.
By MARG APPLEBEE CENTRAL WEST LACHLAN LANDCARE
Hi Landcarers,
Now is the time to plan for Plastic Free July.
In 2025, Plastic Free July participants will again be taking their own small steps to turn off the plastics tap by choosing to refuse single-use plastics.
Plastic Free July kicks off on 1 July with an invitation to join millions of people worldwide taking steps towards ending plastic pollution.
Even if you don’t think you are up for a challenge in July, going through the Pesky Plastics quiz on their website certainly makes you reflect on what you are doing to reduce plastic use and recycle… and what you could be doing better.
Throughout the campaign they will be sharing ideas and solutions to reduce plastic waste.
Some people are avoiding soft drinks and water in plastic bottles, some are avoiding pre-pack-
Others are choosing reusable
Just some simple steps that I take….I bring my coffee cup to get my takeaway coffee….I just make it part of my morning routine.
My everyday reusable cups that are made of plastic and have sili-
work or play from home.
By taking steps to reduce waste such as taking a reusable cup to a café or simply dining in, or shopping at a farmers market and butcher with our own bags, we can start conversations and inspire others as well.
We have so many options to recycle now.
There is no excuse to not be recycling….but, the challenge of just not purchasing or consuming products in the first place that are going to be thrown away is a deep-
CATTLE SALE
Monday, 26 May
Yarding 1041 (down 174)
Numbers eased this sale with agents yarding 1041 head.
Quality was mixed but fair with some good lines of well bred cattle o ered along with the secondary types.
The usual buyers were present and competing in a dearer market.
Yearling steers li ed 10c with those to feed selling from 355c to 434c/kg.
The nished lines to processors sold from 355 to 394c/kg.
The heifer portion was also dearer more noticeably on the better end.
Feeders paid from 330 to 385c/kg while the nished types received from 350c to 380c/kg.
Heavy steers and bullocks reached 379c/kg. Grown heif-
ers sold from 300 to 385c/kg.
Cows showed the biggest change jumping 20c with heavy 2 score from 263c to 285c and the better 3 score from 270c to 317c/kg.
The best heavy bull reached 331c/kg.
SHEEP
Tuesday, 27 May
Yarding 29,350 (down 13,500)
Numbers fell this sale with agents yarding 29,350 head. Lambs numbers were back to 23,650 and quality was again mixed.
There were some handy lines of nished trade and heavyweights penned along with the plainer secondary types.
The usual buyers were present and competing in a signi cantly dearer market.
Trade weight lambs were
$25 dearer with 20- 24kg selling from $195 to $274/head.
Heavy lambs to 26kg sold from $244 to $284/head.
Extra heavyweights were up to $40 dearer to receive from $258 to $363/head.
Carcase prices averaged 985 to 1070c/kg. The best heavy hoggets reached $240/ head.
Mutton numbers slipped to 5700 and quality was very mixed.
Prices remained strong with Merino ewes selling from $122 to $234/head.
Crossbred ewes ranged in price from $130 to $260 with Dorper ewes reaching $240/ head.
Merino wethers sold from $143 to $255/head.
FROM MLA’S NATIONAL LIVESTOCK REPORTING AGENCY
6.00 Rage Charts. 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Call The Midwife. 1.40 Picasso. 2.40 TSO Strauss’ Four Last Songs. 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. 10.05 Bergerac. 10.50 Reunion. 11.50 Rage.
6.00 Shopping. 8.30 Better Homes. 11.00 Harry’s Practice. 11.30 GetOn Extra. 12.00 Escape To The Country. 3.00 Better Homes. 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 The Yorkshire Vet. 12.30 My Greek Odyssey. 1.30 The Great Australian Doorstep. 2.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.40 Not Going Out. 3.10 Doctor Who. 3.55 Penn & Teller: Fool Us. 4.40 MythBusters. 5.30 George Clarke’s Old House, New Home. 6.15 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent. Final. 7.05 Hard Quiz. 7.35 QI. 8.05 Celia Pacquola: I’m As Surprised As You Are. 9.10 The IT Crowd. 10.30 ER. 11.15 Rage. 12.15 Late Programs.
5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. 7.30 Football. AFL. Round 12. Sydney v Adelaide. 10.30 MOVIE: Safe House. (2012) 12.55 Nurses. 2.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 1.00 Blokesworld. 1.30 Australia ReDiscovered. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 Watersport. Offshore Superboats. Replay. 4.00 Football. AFL. Round 12. GWS Giants v Richmond. 7.00 The Americas. 8.00 MOVIE: Jurassic Park III. (2001) 10.00 Storage Wars. 10.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 11.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Kids’
Kids Baking C’ship. 8.10 Chopped Jnr. 8.55 The Piano. 9.50 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.35 Late Programs.
With Cosi. 2.30 Animal SOS Australia. 3.00 Better Homes. 4.00 Harry’s Practice. 4.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Vicar Of Dibley. 8.30 Vera. 10.30 The Yorkshire Steam Railway: All Aboard. 11.30 Late Programs.
1.00 Young Sheldon. 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. 2.00 Late Programs. 6.00 Danger Man. 7.00 Creflo. 7.30 Skippy. 8.00 TV Shop. 10.30 Pointless. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. 12.00 Midsomer Murders. 2.00 Antiques Roadshow. 2.30 MOVIE: Crooks In Cloisters. (1964) 4.30 The Travelling Auctioneers. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 French Open Tennis Pre-Show. 7.00 Tennis. French
6. 12.00 Late Programs. 6.00 Get Clever. 7.00 It’s Academic. 8.30 Get Arty. 9.00 Shopping. 10.30 House Rules. 12.00 The Resident. 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 III. (1989) 9.30 MOVIE: The Sweetest Thing. (2002) 11.20 MOVIE: Breakthrough. (2019)
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Surfing Australia TV. 12.30 Find My Country House Australia. 1.00 Great Australian Detour. 1.30 Young Sheldon. 2.10 Torvill & Dean: Our Last Dance. 3.10 The Floor. Final. 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: Spectre. (2015) Daniel Craig, Christoph Waltz. 11.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Weekender. 10.30 Weekender. 11.00 Jordie, Sam & Ted’s Adventures. Return. 11.30 Holistic Living. 12.00 Dream Home. 1.35 Zumbo’s Just Desserts. 2.45 Starstruck. 4.15 Dodger. 5.15 MOVIE: A Dog’s Journey. (2019) 7.30 MOVIE: The Green Mile. (1999) 11.20 MOVIE: The Aftermath. (2019) 1.35 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.10 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield. 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 Good Chef Bad Chef. 5.00 10 News First. 6.30
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.00 Gymnastics. International Gymnastics. H’lights. 3.30 Gymnastics.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.30 MOVIE: Young Wives’ Tale. (1951) 2.05 MOVIE: San Demetrio, London. (1943) 4.05 MOVIE: The Secret Of Santa Vittoria. (1969) 7.00 Rugby Union. Super Rugby Pacific. Round 16. Queensland Reds vs Fijian Drua. 9.30 Super Rugby Pacific Post-Match. 9.45 MOVIE: Sicario. (2015) 12.10 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Wide World Of Sports. 11.00 NRL Sunday Footy Show. 1.00 Fish Forever. 1.30 The Pet Rescuers. 2.00 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo. 3.00 Rugby League. NRL. Round 13. Penrith Panthers v Parramatta Eels. 6.00 9News Sunday. 7.00 LEGO Masters: Grand Masters Of The Galaxy. Return. 8.40 60 Minutes. 9.40 The Killer Interview With Piers Morgan. 10.40 9News Late. 11.10 See No Evil. 12.00 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 All 4 Adventure. 3.00 Good Chef Bad Chef. 3.30 Farm
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.55 Doctor Who. 3.40 A Bite To Eat. 4.10 Would I Lie To You? 4.40 MythBusters. 5.30 George Clarke’s Old House, New Home. 6.15 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent Specials. 7.05 Hard Quiz. 7.35 QI. 8.05 Lucy Worsley Investigates. 9.00 Planet America: Weekend Edition. 9.45 Offsiders. 10.20 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 1.00
Morning Programs. 2.00 Fishy Business. 2.30 Al McGlashan’s Fish’n With Mates. 3.00 The Mightiest. 4.00 Deep Water Salvage. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Border Security: Int. 7.00 Football. AFL. Round 12. West Coast v Geelong. 10.30 AFL Post-Game. 11.00 MOVIE: F9: The Fast Saga. (2021) 1.50 Late Programs.
1.30 Gardening Australia. 2.35 The Piano. 3.35 Grand Designs UK. 4.40 The Kimberley. Final. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Compass. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 The Piano. 8.30 Bergerac. 9.15 Reunion. 10.15 MOVIE: Van Diemen’s Land. (2009) 12.00 Late Programs. 6.00 Kids’ Programs. 3.30 MOVIE: Thomas And Friends: The Mystery Of Lookout Mountain. (2022) 4.35 Kids’ Programs. 5.10 Daniel Tiger’s. 5.55 Octonauts. 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.
could be in for a pleasant shock when someone finally sends a reply to a request you made so long ago that you almost forgot about it.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) It’s a time to expect the unexpected. So, don’t be surprised if a decision that just recently seemed final suddenly opens up and leaves you with another chance to make an important choice.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Taking a different tack on a work project might rankle some colleagues. But the positive results of your innovative course soon speak for themselves. Celebrate with a fun-filled weekend!
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Meeting new associates can be awkward, even if you’re in a high, positive phase right now. Best advice: Make them feel comfortable, and you’ll soon forget your own discomfort.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.00 Jordie, Sam & Ted’s Adventures. 10.30 Holistic Living. 11.00 Dream Home. 12.35 Starstruck. 2.05 Jabba’s Movies. 2.35 Home And Away. 4.30 Baking It. 5.30 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters. 6.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly. 7.30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent. 8.30 Law & Order: S.V.U. 10.30 Bones. 11.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 9.00 Turning Point. 9.30 TV Shop. 10.00 AFL Sunday Footy Show. 12.00 Getaway. 12.30 Explore. 12.45 My Favorite Martian. 1.15 MOVIE: South Of Algiers. (1953) 3.15 MOVIE: On The Beach. (1959) 6.00 M*A*S*H. 6.30 French Open Tennis Pre-Show. 7.00 Tennis. French Open. Day 8. 12.00 Late Programs.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) It’s a good time for you social Lions to blow-dry your manes, polish your claws, and look like the Fabulous Felines you are as you make new friends and influence the influential!
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Expectations run especially high this week, and you should feel confident in your abilities to take advantage of what might be offered. Meanwhile, a colleague has some advice you might find helpful.
LIBRA (September
SCORPIO (October 23 to November
AQUARIUS
PISCES
ACROSS
3 Name an earlier English stage and film actor, Charles ... (8)
7 What do we call a flock of geese (6)
8 What are large systems of stars held together by gravitation (8)
9 Which court game for two players uses light rackets and a small rubber ball (6)
10 Name a poisonous evergreen shrub with handsome white or rose-coloured flowers (8)
11 What was the given name of a president of South Africa ... Mandela (6)
14 Which term relates to financial matters in general (6)
17 What are conceited dandies (8)
18 Which zone lies between the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn (6)
19 To equip or array, is to do what (8)
20 Name another term for a halo (6)
21 Name small Pacific flatfishes often eaten as food (4-4) DOWN
1 What is a large tentlike shelter (7)
3 Name a breed of domestic fowl (7)
4 Name an important central South American tribe of Tupian family and affiliation (7)
5 Which term implies a group of three (7)
6 What is one of the external openings of the nose (7)
12 Name another term for a dictionary (7)
13 To be pompous or bombastic, is said to be what (7)
14 When one fixes something firmly, one does what (7)
15 Which term describes the highest in rank or authority (7)
16 What might we call an object of art of a former period (7)
Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
1 BIBULOUS (a) Book-loving (b) Addicted to strong drink (c) Relating to the Bible
2 Name some tropical American lizards (7)
11 Which drinks are said to be the food of the gods (7)
Letters have a number value
Some values are in the right hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.
2 DOUGHTY (a) Not confident (b) Brave (c) Dull-looking
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:
Arid zones (7)
Blue-flowered plant (7)
Consumed (3)
Disorganised skirmish (5)
Do it yourself (3)
Lean and sinewy (5)
Lips (5)
Looped knot (3)
Lunar excursion module (3)
Stationed (5)
Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.
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
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
are sought for short term casual and long-term temporary School Learning Support O icer at Parkes High School in 2025
Please direct enquires and resume to Chris Quigg by email to christine.towers@det.nsw.edu.au or phone (02) 6862 1844
Applications close 4pm Wednesday, 12 June 2025
Council is calling for Expressions of Interest for use of grazing only of Council property listed below:
• Vacant Land – Airport Land - East of Muzyczuk Drive (Portion of Lot 12 DP 1254543) - Area – approx.13 acres.
Please note that the vacant land is o ered in its current ‘as is’ condition.
EOI packages are available on Council’s Website www.parkes.nsw.gov.au under Public Notices or by contacting Council’s business support o cer, Taylah Burt on 02 6861 2333.
EOI will close Thursday 19 June 2025. at 10.00am and can be lodged via Email council@parkes.nsw.gov.au
Kent Boyd GENERAL MANAGER
Council is calling for Expressions of Interest for use of grazing only of Council property listed below:
• Vacant Land – Golden Bar Hill (Lot 20 DP 1006244) - Area – approx.89.5 acres.
Please note that the vacant land is o ered in its current ‘as is’ condition.
EOI packages are available on Council’s Website www.parkes.nsw.gov.au under Public Notices or by contacting Council’s business support o cer, Taylah Burt on 02 6861 2333.
EOI will close Thursday 19 June 2025. at 10.00am and can be lodged via Email council@parkes.nsw.gov.au
Kent Boyd
GENERAL MANAGER
Council is calling for Expressions of Interest for use of grazing only of Council property listed below:
Vacant Land – Corner of Henry Parkes Way and Hartigan Ave (Lot 5 DP 1303016) - Area – approx.57.7acres.
Please note that the vacant land is o ered in its current ‘as is’ condition.
EOI packages are available on Council’s Website www.parkes.nsw.gov.au under Public Notices or by contacting Council’s business support o cer, Taylah Burt on 02 6861 2333.
EOI will close Thursday 19 June 2025. at 10.00am and can be lodged via Email council@parkes.nsw.gov.au
Kent Boyd
GENERAL MANAGER
Council is calling for Expressions of Interest for use of grazing only of Council property listed below:
Vacant Land – Airport Land -West of Muzyczuk Drive (Portions of Lot 6 and 7 DP 1103691) - Area – approx. 30acres.
Please note that the vacant land is o ered in its current ‘as is’ condition.
EOI packages are available on Council’s Website www.parkes.nsw.gov.au under Public Notices or by contacting Council’s business support o cer, Taylah Burt on 02 6861 2333.
EOI will close Thursday 19 June 2025. at 10.00am and can be lodged via Email council@parkes.nsw.gov.au
Kent Boyd
GENERAL MANAGER
The Parkes Jockey Club hosted a big field of entries for this year’s Gold Cup meeting on 18 May.
The entertainment trackside also brought couples, families and friends out to the racecourse for what was a pleasant day of racing and being social.
Alongside the eight-race program, there was refreshing live music by Robbi and Ben - Robbi Morgan and Ben Gillard, who were the Best of the Buskers at the 2024 Tamworth Country Music Festival. Ben, the young guitarist, has even had lessons from acclaimed Australian guitarists including our own Tommy Emmanuel.
Here are some of the scenes from the day.
PARKES GOLF
By PETER BRISTOL
On Saturday the Parkes Golf Club sponsored an Individual Stableford event for members.
Once again, the course had rebounded from some good rainfall and was in great condition for the 63 members and visitors that played the event.
The course wasn’t playing that easy, although there was a northerly assisting, so the clubhouse leaders were sitting around the midthirties, but we knew that wouldn’t hold.
True to form a 37 was
posted and that was the day’s benchmark.
Garry Bryson was the rst to post it with a good front nine of 21 points but couldn’t match it on the back with a 16 point haul.
It was a couple of hours before he was caught but Dylan Hood did manage it, also recording a 37 and oddly enough the exact same split across the nines but he claimed Garry on a countback.
Dylan has been in and around the nishes over the last month and had nally put the best round forward. But the drama wasn’t complete.
Jake Thompson hitting o in the a ernoon shot an even par 36 on the front 9 to also record a 21 point haul.
But again, he faded on the back with his 43, again only amounting to 16 points but unfortunately he also went under in the countback with Dylan.
Luke Clyne, a er winning the trophy within his playing group, just missed the big prize with his 36, a good score on the day.
Eight players nished in the peloton chasing home the leaders sitting on 35 points.
The Nearest The Pins winners were – Bridgestone
Mining 1st Wayne Powter at 230cm, Gri ns Leading Edge by Craig Dunn at 138cm, Parkes Ready Mixed Concrete 9th by Ian Phipps at 66cm, the Westlime 11th by Trevor Chatman at 156cm, the Gulf Western Oil 17th by David Brown at 47cm.
The lucrative money hole was won by David Brown at 47cm.
Ball winners were Garry Bryson, Jake Thompson 37, Luke Clyne 36, Richard Hamilton, Tony Evans, Ron Hetherington, Ian Phipps 35.
This week we have the Telescope Tyres / Hankook
Masters Monthly Medal with Parkes Courier Service sponsoring the day.
VETERANS GOLF
By JOHN DWYER
While happy with the rain on Thursday, o cials of the West Wyalong Golf Club had no option but to call o the monthly Lachlan Valley Veterans Association 18-hole competition.
Neville Kelly who wears caps as secretary and treasurer for all golf in WW said on Friday they had no option but to cancel the event about 8am, a er looking at the weather map.
“Good thing we did, it rained all day, good gentle soaking rain,” he said.
“We got in early before travellers started their journeys and it was good as no visitors turned up.
“While our course is in good shape the rain will denitely do it good.”
While there is a spare date for Lachlan Valley vets golf later in the year, a decision will be made at a later date regarding re-scheduling to West Wyalong.
Twin-towns golf returns this week with Forbes the host club.
Registrations from 9.15am for 10am start.
PARKES BOWLS
By COL MILLER
The Major Singles Final has nal ly been played.
The game was between Mark Fit zalan and Nathan Reynolds.
It started o even with Nathan holding a 2 shot lead in the 8th end and a 1 shot lead in the 11th end.
The game changed dramatically from this point with Mark winning end a er end to take the game 25 to 10.
Thanks to marker Dave Reilly.
There were no social bowls on Thursday due to that magic stu falling from the sky.
Parkes Bowling and Sports Club celebrated the success of Baldy Frame, Michael Went, Mark Dwyer and Mark Fitzalan who quali ed for the Inter-Region Championships in Cabramatta and Cabra-Vale Diggers Club.
The senior men’s titles were held on 20–22 May and the men’s championships were the 24–26 May.
Blake Strudwick from the Railway Bowling Cub also competed in the tournament on the weekend. Social bowls on Saturday saw 28
bowlers take to the green.
Rink 1 George Bradley, Geo Smith and Guy Ellery had a win 22 to 16 over Bob Freeman, Graham Dixon and Jake Brown.
Rink 3 Col Hayward and Mark Glasheen won over Col Woods and
John Wright 24 to 17.
Rink 4 Bruce Orr, Arthur Corbett and Jo Simpson had the bragging rights over Graham Davis, Gary McPhee and Mike Valentine 28 to 8.
Rink 5 Dave Law and Martin
Tighe scraped home against Ian Simpson and John Ward 23 to 21.
Rink 6 there was an 18 all draw between Ash Kirwan and Warren Bevan and John Carr and Col MudRink 7 Therese Glasheen and Mick Simpson had a solid win over Ron Hornery and Tony Riordan 25
The 2025-26 Bowls NSW Championships, Men’s State Triples, Men’s Senior Triples and Open Reserve Triples are now open with entries closing 15 June.
Information sheets are on the notice board.
Our 24/25 Men’s Major Triples is now open and will be played over 1 weekend being 21 and 22 June so get your entry in now.
The lucky rink is at $180 this Thursday and the badge draw Friday night is $1000 so come on down to the club.
Six young talented athletes and eight sporting organisa tions will receive a share of over $30,000 in round one of the 2025 Parkes Shire Sports grants Funding Program.
Parkes Shire Council and Evolution Northparkes Op erations were pleased to an nounce the successful appli cants.
A total of $5,000 has been awarded to six outstanding young athletes through the Rising Star Grant Program, and $30,000 in funding has been distributed to eight sporting organisations.
Cr Louise O’Leary congrat ulated the recipients and ac knowledged the vital role the grants play in fostering local talent and supporting community sporting groups.
“Our Shire has a proud sporting tradition, and these grants help to build on that by supporting grassroots initiatives, upgrading facilities, and assisting our rising stars to achieve their goals,” Cr O’Leary said.
“These grants will make a real di erence by helping sporting groups improve their venues and enhance the quality of their sport or events.
“They also provide vital support to our Rising Stars, young athletes competing above the local level, and
their families, who o en travel thousands of kilometres to help them pursue their sporting dreams,” she added.
The Rising Star Grant Program is a joint initiative of Evolution Mining and Parkes Shire Council, with both organisations contributing $5,000 per year to fund two rounds annually.
The program provides nancial assistance to individual sportspersons, particularly juniors, who demonstrate potential and a need for support to develop their sporting careers.
Each recipient of a Rising
Star Grant is automatically entered into the Parkes Shire Australia Day Sports Awards, where one will be selected to receive the perpetual Ron Harrison OAM Rising Star Award.
In round one of the 2025 Rising Star Grant Program, the successful recipients were:
Annabelle Teague who represents in lawn bowls and Huxley Draper who plays soccer were both awarded $834 each.
Little Athletics super stars Emily Wild (high jump) and Emrys Cassidy (running) both received $834 each.
Rugby league player
George Thomas and hockey player Jett Johnstone were both allocated $833.
In the Sporting Grants Program, Evolution Mining and Parkes Shire Council each contribute $30,000 per year to deliver two rounds of funding.
These grants support local sporting clubs and organisations to grow participation and enhance sporting infrastructure across the Shire.
Successful sporting organisations in round one included:
Holy Family Parents and Family Association who
were awarded $2470 to purchase sporting equipment, shade gazebos and a starter pistol.
Parkes and District Amateur Soccer Association was allocated $5173.32 to purchase training equipment for the Peak Hill Pheonix team and $2778 to purchase a Veo sports camera for match recording and analysis.
Parkes and District Kennel Club received $505.44 to purchase ACC55 GALICAN Tunnel Huggers.
For training and coaching sessions with Currajong Disability Services, Parkes
By PAUL LEWIN
Wednesday, 21 May we had 24 players for social bowls.
Play was washed out early so we made three teams winners and they were:
Kevi Hynds, Nev Kirwan and Alan Curteis.
Dale Scott, Luke Ramsay and Dave Littlewood.
Trish Allen, Andrew Trotman and Dave Johnson.
No marble was drawn.
The jackpot this week is $122. Friday, 23 May we had the second round of the BPL Cup Quali ers with 3 sections of 4 teams.
It was an exciting night of bowls in cool conditions.
Three teams quali ed for the Regional Final on the 14 September.
Those teams were locals Paul Lewin, Geo Leonard and Junior Thorne 6+13. The Forbes team of Mitch Andrews, Shane Bolam and Brian Asimus 9+3 and the Dubbo team of Trevor Tink, Peter McKechnie and Richard Clarke 6+13.
Thank you to all the player that travelled for this and at night, much appreciated, and we hope it was as good as you expected and you had safe travels home.
Saturday, 24 May we had 24 players for social bowls.
Winners were John Corcoran, Shirley Lamb and Ray Grifth winning 15+2.
Runners-up were Ray Jones, Kevi Hynds and Lorraine Baker
winning 14+7.
Club Championships
In the Club Triples we saw Mick Hackett, Mick Furney and Tony Bright play Terry Hether ington, Marty Fitzpatrick and Tameaka Hedges.
Team Bright led 10 nil a er 6 ends and 15-2 a er 11 ends.
Team Bright lead 19-6 a er 14 ends and 20-7 a er 16 ends.
Team Bright lead 23-8 a er 18 ends and go on to win the game 27-12.
In the Club Fours we had Marty Fitzpatrick, Terry Heth erington, Tameaka Hedges and Mick Furney play Jan Gri th, Dave Johnson, Junior Thorne and Paul Lewin.
Team Furney led 5-1 a er 4 ends. Team Lewin lead 7-6 af ter 6 ends and lead 19-8 a er 12 ends.
Team Lewin went on to win the game 33-8.
Mid West Region
Croquet Club were awarded $1840.
Parkes Spacemen Rugby League Club received $9353.24 for the purchase of training and game day equipment.
Parkes Little Athletics Centre were successfully awarded $7500 to purchase new high jump mats and Parkes PCYC were allocated $380 for pickleball equipment for program introduction. The next round of grant funding will open later this year. For more information, visit Council’s website at www.parkes.nsw.gov.au
The Mid West Region Triples nominations sheets are on the board for all disciplines.
Please get your teams sorted and placed on the sheet.
Bowls NSW
We have nominations open for the following Bowls NSW events:
State Mixed Pairs (can be from di erent clubs).
State Over 40’s Pairs (must be from same club).
State Rookie Singles .
State Rookie Pairs (can be from di erent clubs).
BPL Cup
Qualifying rounds will be run on Friday nights at 6pm. Keep
an eye out for the next round of 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 a ernoons 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.
This week we have social
bowls on Saturday, 31 May at 1pm.
As always names in half an hour before start times, everyone is welcome and quality new loan bowls are available at the club.
In the club on Friday, 30 May we have happy hour 5-7pm, meat tray ra es, badge draw ($1450), joker draw ($3600), the bistro serving up their amazing meals from 6pm and the Parkes Ford & Kia and Daniels Auto Group free mega monthly rafes.
See you at the Railway! Toot toot!
Did you see Parkes Panthers’ impressive win over Orange Tigers on Saturday? If you didn’t don’t worry as our Panthers will be hosting a family day this Saturday at Northparkes Oval before their game at 5pm. Over the coming weeks get to know the Parkes Panthers players through their player pro les. First up we have Peter Webb.
With more than 200 games under his belt, Webby is a Panthers stalwart and is no stranger to a best on ground and best o eld performance. He brings experience and is a great mentor to younger players.
Webby’s celebrity doppelganger is Webby once took a speccy on Lance Webby is known for his dry wit and o
HERE are the scores and draws for Parkes Shire teams in competitions across the Central West.
SOCCER
Western Premier League
Round 6:
Bathurst 75 11 def Parkes Cobras 1. Round 7 draw: Parkes Cobras v Macquarie United at Parkes.
RUGBY LEAGUE
Peter McDonald Premiership
Round 5:
First grade: Wellington Cowboys 58 def Parkes Spacemen 18. Bathurst St Pats 30 def Bathurst Panthers 16. Forbes Magpies 19 def Dubbo CYMS 18. Mudgee Dragons 34 def Orange CYMS 24. Dubbo Macquarie Raiders 38 def Nyngan Tigers 28. Orange Hawks 42 def Lithgow Workies 6. Reserve grade: Wellington Cowboys 30 def Parkes Spacemen 4. Under 18s: Parkes Spacemen 38 def Wellington Cowboys 12. League Tag: Bye Round 6 draw:
Parkes Spacemen first grade, reserve grade, under 18s and Parkes Spacecats v Orange CYMS at Orange.
First grade: Dubbo CYMS v Mudgee Dragons. Nyngan Tigers v Orange Hawks. Forbes Magpies v Bathurst St Pats. Lithgow Workies v Wellington Cowboys. Bathurst Panthers v Dubbo Macquarie Raiders.
Woodbridge Cup Round 6:
First grade: Peak Hill Roosters 30 draw Molong Bulls 30. Cargo Blue Heelers 34 def Trundle Boomers 32. Eugowra Golden Eagles 32 def Orange United Warriors 24. Canowindra Tigers 47 def Blayney Bears 0. Condobolin Rams 42 def Grenfell Goannas 22. Oberon Tigers 22 def Manildra Rhinos 16.
League tag: Molong Bulls 32 def Peak Hill Roosters 12. Cargo Blue Heelers 34 def Trundle Boomers 12. Eugowra Golden Eagles 52 def Orange United Warriors 0. Canowindra Tigers 32 def Blayney Bears 0. Grenfell Goannas 56 def Condobolin Rams 6. Manildra Rhinos 42 def Oberon Tigers 0.
Round 7 draw:
Trundle Boomers v Oberon Tigers. Orange United Warriors v Cargo Blue Heelers. Peak Hill Roosters v Blayney Bears. Molong Bulls v Grenfell Goannas. Condobolin Rams v Cowra Magpies. Canowindra Togers v Eugowra Golden Eagles.
RUGBY UNION
Round 6: First grade: Parkes Boars 31 def Dubbo Rhinos 17.
Second grade: Dubbo Rhinos 36 def Parkes Boars 5.
Women’s: Parkes Boars 38 def Molong Magpies 22.
Colts under 19s: Dubbo Roos 55 def Parkes Boars 3.
Round 7 draw:
Parkes Boars first, second and women’s grades bye.
Colts under 19s: Parkes Boars v Orange City Lions at Parkes.
Round 4:
Parkes Panthers 16.10.106 def Orange Tigers 0.1.1
Round 5 draw:
Parkes Panthers v Dubbo Demons at Parkes for family day.
HOCKEY
Central West Premier League Hockey
Women’s:
Round 5 draw:
Parkes United v Lithgow Panthers at Lithgow.
Men’s:
Round 4 draw:
Parkes United v Bathurst St Pats at Bathurst.
By LEA ORR
Around the clubs, bars and co ee shops of Parkes, you o en hear fuel prices discussed.
Some of us go across to Forbes for a ll, and it’s been known people have driven all the way to Orange in one morning just to ll up with a cheaper brew.
Ground Control’s gauges are in working order as they keep producing the best greens for us to play our fave game. Vouchers to you, boys.
Match of the day on Tuesday was the Fours Semi-Final with Team Byrne (Kay Cra , Merilyn Rodgers, Lorraine Baker, Liz Byrne) pulling in beside Team Frame (Annie Smith, Marja I and, Brenda Davies, Cherie Frame) at bowser no 3.
Everyone contributed well to the outcome, despite a kinked hose or two by Merilyn disrupting the ow, the by-product of this match was a close win by Team Byrne, 21–19.
The atmosphere was electric at bowser 2, when Irene Trueber, Irene Allen and Kim Evans met Gwenda Carty, Michelle McPhee and Robyn Morgan in a social game.
The needle was wavering back and forth, as did the lead, until Team Evans capped it o with a 5
guest Toni Riordan released the fast ow nozzle at bowser 6, opening up a quick lead in their game against Lynne McBeath, Lynn Ryan and Rhona Went.
However, they were forced to put their score of 7 in storage for sev eral ends, while Team Went red up to increase the volume of their points until they led, and remained there, 19–16.
Joan Simpson and Carol Reed were nding the ow from bowser 5 a bit erratic and were “not happy, Jan” when they saw their oppo nents, Janice McMahon and Jan McPhee, start to ll their tank.
The Macs lled theirs to capacity, taking the match, 18–12.
Lucky for the 100’s club each week, topping up the tanks of lucky winners. Irene T, Rhona, Annie and Lynn were today’s lucky gals.
The jackpot was not won by bows er 3 and the level of the pot rises to an exciting $220.
Our very ‘best of luck’ wishes go to Jo Simpson as she contests the Champion of Champions Singles playo s, to be held at Cabra-Vale on Monday. All the best!
June Table Roster: Janice and Kim.
To play social bowls on Tuesday, 3 June, call the club 6862 1446 be tween 9–9.30am, arrive by 9.45am
HOCKEY
Congratulations to Sam Yelland from Parkes who has been named in the NSW PSSA Hockey Team for 2025. It’s not the rst time this Parkes Public School student has made the squad, he has previously competed for the School State side.
Sam’s selection comes from his outstanding performance in Newcastle last week for the Western side.
Both his school and Parkes Junior Hockey were thrilled to share his news on social media.
Parkes High School was also excited to share on social media that year 10 student Tom Rix who was originally selected as rst shadow for the Open NSW CHS Hockey Team has been called up to join the side.
Congratulations to Sam and Tom on this achievement.
PARKES SSAA
By BRIAN DRABSCH
Last Sunday saw nine shooters attend The Deep Lead Shooting Complex on the Back Trundle Road and shoot at bu alo targets at both 25 and 50 metres for a collective score of 520 points.
TARGET RIFLES: 25M, 50M, TOTAL
• Steve Mitchell 270, 250, 520.
• Ron Cunningham 270, 250, 520.
• John Davis 270, 249, 519.
• Brian Drabsch 249, 249, 518.
• David Shanks 250 for 25 metres only.
FIELD RIFLES
• Alan Briton 270, 250, 520.
• Brett Cowling 268, 245, 513.
• Wally Rudenko 266, 233, 499.
And one shot for practice only to make up his four shoots before 30 June 2025, the cut o period for attendances. Time is quickly running out with only ve shoots le now, use it or lose it: your license that is.
Our next shoot is at 10am Sunday 1 June where it will be standard targets at both ranges.
Our boys and girls under 18 hockey teams proved to be too strong for Newcastle at the recent U18 NSW Hockey Field State Championships with both teams bringing home gold against their city counterparts.
Parkes boys began their campaign with a winning streak in division one at Box Hill, Sydney.
On day one the boys defeated New England 4-1 and Tamworth 2-1.
They then went on to beat Illawarra South Coast 4-1 on day two before Metro South West put an end to the boys winning streak with a 3-1 win over Parkes.
Day three saw the boys in the semi final against North West Sydney.
There was no stopping Parkes as they put goal after goal away winning 5-0 and advancing to the grand final.
The grand final saw Parkes up against a strong Newcastle side who had not lost a game with four wins and one draw.
Despite their impressive run leading up to the grand final, Newcastle couldn’t stop Parkes who proved they wanted the U18 boys division one title winning 3-1.
To end an impressive championship campaign the team was awarded the Play the Whistle award while captain Will Rix was awarded player of the Tournament for the U18 Boys Championships.
On the other side of Sydney in Narellan our Parkes U18 girls were having an impressive championship of their own.
On day one Parkes defeated Lithgow 2-0 followed by a strong 3-0 win against Albury Wodonga.
Day two started with a narrow lost against Newcastle 2 1-0 and a draw to Albury Wodonga 1-all.
On finals day the girls managed to add a third win to their championship campaign in semi finals against Albury Wodonga 3-2 which earnt them a spot in the grand final.
The Parkes girls were back up against Newcastle 2.
In what was probably the closest game of the championships the full time buzzer went with no score on the scoreboard which meant the girls had to battle it out in a penalty shootout.
Parkes goal keeper, Elly Thornberry, kept Parkes’ goal mouth clean while Parkes was able to knock in one goal by captain Ellie Parker which ultimately won them the division three championship.
The Parkes U18 team will now move up into division two for next year’s championship.
The boys were led by coaches Jack Elliot and Declan Daley and manager Jim Daley and the girls were coached by Matt Searl and manager Amy Thornberry.
■ Team photos can be found on page 22