There are seven weeks to go until a group of men from Parkes set out on another epic journey aboard vintage tractors, all in the name of prostate cancer awareness. On Saturday they hit the backroads to Bogan Gate for a shake-down run with trek organiser Richard Jefferay leading the way. PHOTO: Supplied
By CHRISTINE LITTLE
DOGS will soon be banned from at least three sporting fields in Parkes, with the possibility of more added to the list.
Parkes Sports Council has appealed to Parkes Shire Council to close its sporting fields to dogs, for the health, safety and dignity of athletes, after owners continue to ignore the rules to clean up after their dogs.
It’s an issue Cr Bill Jayet said that’s been ongoing for many years.
Sports council chairperson
Al Gersbach addressed Council’s ordinary monthly meeting in May during the public forum session, requesting the ban at three sporting grounds in particular - Harrison Park and its ParkerStone Field, Cheney Oval and Woodward Oval.
His reason: These are where most juniors play and train.
Mr Gersbach said the issue of dogs on fields is raised at almost every sports council meeting.
“The reason for that is because of the mess they do leave and unfortunately
we have people who handle their dogs don’t clean up after them,” he said.
“What we really look at is the health and safety of our junior sportspeople, we have nearly 5000 sportspeople in Parkes.
“It’s unfortunate our volunteers, which all of them are, have to go around each day they play sport to pick up dog droppings.
“If they miss one... some poor kid is going to come along and have to either run through it, dive on it, roll in it and it’s not a nice thing or impression you want to leave
on a sporting field.”
Mr Gersbach said everyday you see dogs running around at every park, some on a leash, some not, and that most people do the right thing.
“It’s the dogs that aren’t on a leash that’s become a problem,” he said.
“At the moment there are signs up but I feel, and a lot of other people on the sports council feel, they aren’t sufficient for what they’re there for.”
The sports council also believe ranger inspections haven’t been taking place.
“Our recommendation from the sports council, we’d like to see some grounds closed to dogs,” Mr Gersbach said.
There are some issues at other grounds, Mr Gersbach added, but he acknowledged taking “small steps” to combat the problem might be the best option for the time being.
Cr Louise O’Leary said she understood the issue involved a limited number of people but wondered whether it was worth including the sporting grounds in the shire’s villages too.
“Having been to several of those meetings and listened to the frustration from the sporting volunteers about cleaning up, I do understand the impacts that that has on them,” she said.
“I do know there’s a bit of an issue at Peak Hill, I’m not sure about Trundle or Tullamore.”
On-the-spot fines were also suggested.
“Most people are actually quite genuine and do use dog bags,” Cr O’Leary said.
“We have tried as Council to put it out there on social ■ Continued on page 8
SPARKLING like diamonds themselves, well known local couple Ian and Marion Unger have just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.
More than 50 family and friends joined the couple for lunch to celebrate their 60 years of marriage, also known as their diamond anniversary, at the Coachman Hotel on 7 June.
Biggest congratulations and best wishes to Ian and Marion.
20 and 21 June
Due to unforeseeable circumstances Parkes Show Society has had to cancel their planned movie nights for this weekend. Parkes Show Society has said the commit tee will look towards having another movie night later in the year. For those who have purchased tickets you will recive a refund over the next couple of days.
BREASTSCREEN VAN
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 breast screen.nsw.gov.au.
OLD BOARS DAY
Saturday, 21 June
main stage. Tickets now online through 123tix.com.au
MID YEAR SHOWCASE
Parkes Boars Rugby Union Club has announced their Old Boars Day is happening on 21 June at Spicer Oval. The men will be auctioning off their jerseys and all funds will go towards a new trophy cabinet in the clubhouse.
WRESTLING SUPERSHOW
Saturday, 21 June
Head on down to the Parkes Leagues Club to see Australian Wrestling Superstars put it all on the line in a bone-crunching, bodyslamming, high-flying night of live pro wrestling action. Doors open 6.30pm, show starts at 7pm and tickets can be found at https:// events.humanitix.com/live-pro-wrestlingparkes-leagues-club/tickets
FROST AND FIRE
Saturday, 21 June
Country rock artists the Wolfe Brothers, Ripley Alexander and the Baker Boys headline an incredible night’s entertainment for this annual festival. Cosy up by toasty
Sunday, 22 June
Parkes Dance Co will be holding its mid year showcase on Sunday, 22 June at the Parkes Leagues Club from 11am until 8pm. From preschoolers to senior students in Year 7 and beyond, local dancers are ready to dazzle audiences across the day. Secure your seats at midyear2025.parkesdanceco.com.au.
PCS PRESENTS MARY POPPINS
26-29 June
Parkes Christian School’s newest production is Mary Poppins and it is shaping up to be a production not to miss. Evening shows will be held from 26 and 28 June with the matinee being held on June 29. Tickets are available at 123Tix.
LADIES DAY
Saturday, 5 July
Dust off your denim, sparkle up those diamonds and join the Parkes Boars Rugby Union Club for the most glamourous event of the season - Ladies Day! Celebrate the
up your jeans with a little sparkle and dazzle everyone with your dressed-up denim! Tickets are $40 for adults and $20 for children, available via at 123tix.com.au.
NATIONS OF ORIGIN COMMUNITY EVENT
Tuesday, 8 July
The Parkes PCYC will be hosting its very first Nations of Origin community event to support their teams who will be competing in the original and main Nations of Origin tournament in Sydney a week later between 14-17 July. The PCYC wants to bring some of the excitement to the community so everyone can be a part of it. Between 11am and 2pm at Pioneer Oval, there will be some cultural fun with traditional dancing and tasty food, kids activities, gymnastics performance and watch our Under 16 Girls and Boys play Cowra in trial games. This event is for everyone.
Thursday, 17 July
Craft Corner invites all knitters and crocheters to their annual Knit and Natter in support of “Wrap with Love”. Wrap with Love
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Joanne Simpson 0448 241 917 jsimpson@midwestmedia.com.au
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JOURNALISTS
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supplies wraps, rugs and other warm items for distribution to needy people and people suffering the effects of cold and trauma in Australia and worldwide. Wrap with Love is run entirely by volunteers and receives no government funding, so Parkes Craft Corner will be helping out by knitting and crocheting squares for donation. Everyone is welcome.
Saturday, July 19
Test your wine tasting skills against expert judges and sample some of the best wines from Australia’s top wine-growing regions. The wine judges take a week to sniff, taste and spit their way through over 900 wines during the Cowra Wine Show and Cowra Winter Wanderlust celebrations. Takes place at the Cowra Showground Pavillion, 6pm9pm. Tickets $60.
Friday, July 25
Grab your group, pack the esky and help us raise some money for the show society to improve the annual show and maintain/ improve the facilities for years to come. Grazing boxes to start followed by delicious hot food from the Fat Parcel Food Van. K’nOath will having you rocking the night away. From 5:30pm-11:30pm. Tickets are $80.
Saturday, 30 August
Tickets on sale now via 123Tix! The Frontline Ball is coordinated by a working party which includes representatives from Evolution Northparkes Operations, Ronald McDonald House Charities Central West, the emergency service groups, local government representatives and external consultants. In 2025 the Frontline Ball is raising funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities Central West, and Birds in the Bush, supporting domestic violence awareness in rural communities. This will be a fabulous night, with band ‘Wobbly Boot’ performing on the night.
lights in the one location with the added benefit of having two more fields.
“With temperatures rising during summer, the new lights will also enable safer evening training sessions when it’s cooler.”
It could also lead to mid-week competitions and has the potential of making Cheney the club’s permanent home down games.
“Pioneer looks like a cattle field by the end of the weekend,” O’Bryan said.
“It’ll be easier for parents, having it in one spot.”
Some have to run between ovals when they have more than one child playing junior rugby league.
“It’s great news, the kids are going to be the ben-
upgrade is expected to begin soon, with completion scheduled for mid-2026.
Almost $3 million in separate funding from the state government has gone into Cheney Oval’s extensive rehabilitation from its salinity issues, and the redevelopment of the Turf 1 Hockey Field.
The NSW Government contributed $740,467
surface remediation now complete.
Cheney Park is home to the Parkes Pumas Touch Association and used to regularly host regional and state championships. They haven’t been able to hold their big touch footy carnival since the salinity problem arose.
The salt had taken hold and spread throughout,
A man is facing intimidation and firearm charges after he allegedly aimed a rifle at two other males on a property west of Parkes and Forbes.
Just after 9pm on Tuesday, 10 June, a 25-year-old man and an 18-year-old man were conducting contract pest control at a property on Marsden Road in Fairholme, about 73km west of Forbes, when they approached a Toyota Landcruiser for allegedly trespassing.
Police were told the two men confronted the driver of the Landrcruiser before he allegedly picked up a firearm and aimed it towards
the two men, asking them to leave.
The two men returned to their car, left the property and contacted police.
Officers attached to Central West Police District began inquiries into the incident.
Police were patrolling Bushman Street in Parkes about 3.30am the next morning when they stopped a Toyota Landcruiser that had been reported earlier for the alleged intimidation.
After speaking with the driver, officers arrested a 45-year-old man and took him to Parkes Police Station.
Police searched the vehicle and seized two bolt action rifles, five firearm bolts, ammunition and unauthorised prescription medication.
He was charged with stalk/intimidate intend fear of physical harm, not keep firearm safely-not pistol/prohibited firearm, possess loaded firearm in a public place, enter enclosed agricultural land possess/discharge firearm, and possess prescribed restricted substance.
The man was given conditional bail to appear at Parkes Local Court on 24 July.
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the project completions are good news for sports lovers and the broader community.
“Games bring people to stay, play and spend in Parkes and nearby towns, and the flow on effects of having top class facilities are good for everyone,” she said.
Police have charged nine people and seized six knives during a high visibility operation in the Orange CBD area last Thursday.
Operation Ares is a high-visibility operation and officers used handheld scanners – electronic metal-detecting ‘wands’ – to reduce knife crime and boost community safety.
Between 12pm and 7pm Central West Police District officers, with the assistance from Orana Mid-Western Police District and Chifley Police District, carried out a knife-scanning operation in the Orange CBD.
During the operation 259 people were stopped and scanned, and six knives were detected and seized.
Two person-searches were also conducted and three drug detections were made. In total nine people were arrested and charged for offences including drug and knife possession.
An investigation is underway after a recreational aircraft crashed near Tottenham, killing its pilot, on Monday afternoon.
Emergency services were called to Meadowview Road near Tottenham, about 140km north-west of Parkes, about 3.40pm when the aircraft was found crashed in a paddock.
The 48-year-old pilot, a local man to the area, died in the crash, NSW Police said in a statement issued to media on Monday night.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner, while an investigation into the crash is being conducted by Recreational Aircraft Australia.
WITH seven weeks to go until the start of their epic trek through outback Australia, our Fergie boys fired up their vintage tractors on the weekend and took them on a ‘shake-down run’.
They had an early morning start in Parkes on Saturday, hitting the backroads to Bogan Gate via Cooks Myalls and Blow Clear Forest at “break-neck speeds”, sometimes reaching 25km/h.
As expected with 75-year-old tractors that have been saved from their rusty demise in paddocks and sheds, there was an early break-down and Rodney Barnes ended up towing Jeremy Clark for more than 50km just to achieve their goal.
There were 12 tractors in total and participants said it was a beautiful, fine day despite the cold.
“We coordinated with our local car club (Central West Car Club) who met us at the Bogan Gate Pub for lunch and a few beers, with
some live entertainment and plenty of banter and chatter,” said trek organiser Richard Jefferay.
“As always we try to support our local businesses and the Bogan Gate Pub didn’t disappoint with great food and a great atmosphere.
“We sold plenty of merchandise and had a silent auction of sorts which was lots of fun and very successful, adding more to our funds for such a worthy cause.”
It’s full steam ahead for their planned departure from Bourke to Birdsville - a 1200km journeythat begins on Monday, 11 August and they’ll arrive in Birdsville on Saturday, 23 August.
The team of nine embarking on this trek has a goal of raising $100,000 for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and their tally now sits at $88,896 (prior to going to press). As always for anybody wanting to support their cause they can donate at fundraise.pcfa.org.au/tractortrek.
Motorists are just weeks away from having full access to and around the Newell Highway Parkes Bypass.
Member of the Legislative Council Stephen Lawrence says work crews are in the final stages of completing a number of activities linked to the bypass.
All weather permitting, the new Victoria Street bridge which will take local traffic over the bypass is ex pected to open at the end of this month.
It’s been a very long-time coming for residents and families who have had to take multiple detours to ac cess the Parkes Christian School and the north-west side of town for the last three and a half years.
Initially the closure of Vic toria Street was expected to be for up to 15 months when it was announced in January 2022. The northern and south ern tie-ins which will create additional accesses to the bypass and improve links between the bypass route and the Parkes town centre,
is expected to be completed by mid-July.
bout began on 2 June.
Called the halo, it features 24 columns that will have brightly-coloured panels
southern ends of the bypass to welcome motorists and acknowledges the bypass is on Wiradjuri land.
and Katlyn Turnbull.
Mr Lawrence said the mix of art installations will be welcome new landmarks
along a key regional route that runs from the Victorian border to the Queensland border, and will remind motorists of the opportunity to visit Parkes’ businesses and attractions.
“The opening of the Parkes Bypass route has already improved the amenity and safety for all road users and pedestrians in the Parkes town centre but the
ful art installations along the bypass route will help keep Parkes on the map in the minds of motorists,” he said.
“We expect the final touches to the halo artwork to be completed by the end of the month, with the entry signage and the Victoria Street bridge artwork to be in place in July.”
Work on the new shared user path is expected to be completed later in August, providing a safe and convenient path for cyclists and pedestrians between Brolgan Road and Back Trundle Road, and for children making their way to Parkes Christian School.
The new Link Road, that connects Brolgan Road on the east side of the bypass to Hartigan Avenue again, is expected to be open to traffic by late July, weather permitting.
Landscaping along the bypass will continue once all roads are open, Transport for NSW says, and this is expected to be completed by
“Parkes we’re coming your way!”
That’s the message from Ronald McDonald House Charities Central West.
Local business Parkes Caravans is turning 25 and as part of their silver anniversary celebrations this weekend, Troy Thomson and the team are hosting a Ronald McDonald House fundraiser.
And everyone is invited.
Join them for a massive three-day celebration from Friday to Sunday, 20-22 June, to mark 25 incredible years of Parkes Caravans.
Enjoy live music, free sausage sizzle, jumping castle, face painting and go for a ride in a pink Cadillac at their premises at 84–92 Forbes Road, Parkes all day Friday.
There’s also a two person ambrose golf competition at the Parkes Golf Course that afternoon from 2.30pm.
There will be bus tours of
Parkes attractions from 9am (bookings essential) and footy on the big screen with fire pits under the stars on Saturday. Those from out of town can stay the whole weekend too with free camping available onsite at Parkes Caravans (bookings also essential to manage numbers) and a camp oven cook-up.
Families from across the Parkes district have stayed at RMHC Central West for a total of 2243 nights while their child or a mum experiencing a high risk pregnancy was receiving treatment in Orange.
To be eligible to use Ronald McDonald House in Orange you must live 25km from Orange and have a sick or injured child under 18 years receiving hospital treatment or attending specialist appointments in Orange; if you have a high risk pregnancy or have a baby being treated in the special care nursery.
If you’d like to support Parkes Caravans’ fundraiser, head to cwnswfundraising.rmhc.org. au/rmhc-parkes-2025 to donate. It’s going to be a weekend to remember for Parkes Caravans.
It's become quite the annual tradition for Currajong Disability Services to host a Biggest Morning Tea, with the organisation missing only two in the last 15 years.
Staff, clients and friends of Currajong came together last Thursday for this year's event that saw about 60 people attend.
Together they managed to raise $419.
Australia's Biggest Morning Tea is a Cancer Council community event that raises vital funds to make a big difference for those impacted by cancer.
Almost one in two Australians will be di-
before the age of 85 and the Cancer Council want to change that.
"That's either you or the person sitting next to you that will be diagnosed with cancer," said Doug Pout from Currajong Disability Services.
The cause is becoming more and more personal for most - for Doug, he lost his father to cancer and his mother is a six-time cancer survivor.
Doug himself had a non-cancerous tumor the size of a sweet potato in his oesophagus that was removed in 2020, doctors discovering he had only 12 per cent use of the organ.
about organising and supporting fundraisers for cancer sufferers, having also participated in the World's Greatest Shave and fundraising for Can Assist, who helped him out a lot during his time of need.
Doug was thrilled with this year's Biggest Morning Tea turnout at Currajong's premises in Clarinda Street.
"It's been absolutely sensational," he said.
"We've missed two Biggest Morning Teas in the last 15 years and that was because of Covid.
"They've never been big but last year and this year have been, and next year will be
bigger and better.
"And that's what it's all about, inclusion and acceptance."
Currajong staff and clients spent the three days prior cooking and preparing for the morning tea, all made in-house from scratch. And some rose early the morning of to make sandwiches and cut up fruit.
Along with monetary donations, there were lots of laughs and com munity spirit.
Currajong Disability Services is now turning its focus to a big men tal health fundraiser it plans to hold in the next couple of months.
Stay tuned for more details to come.
Major works at Inland Rail’s Forbes sites including Wyndham Avenue are complete.
IT WAS an icy start to the week as temperatures across the Central West plummeted to as low as -5.6 degrees on Monday morning.
Of course that was recorded in Orange at its airport by the Bureau of Meteorology as its residents woke to their coldest morning in two years.
The frosty, foggy conditions were felt throughout the region, with temperatures in Forbes dropping to -3.1 and -2.3 in Mudgee.
In Parkes it was a fraction warmer at -1.4 but it wasn’t our first ‘below zero’ morning this winter so far.
There have been three previous mornings in the minuses this June.
And last June’s coldest day came in at -1.6.
Peak Hill went the other way and recorded a minimum of 1.4 degrees on Monday morning at its weather station at the Peak Hill Post Office.
And Cowra’s thermometer showed 0.3 degrees.
Minimum temperature readings at Dubbo and Bathurst were -0.3 and -0.5 degrees respectively.
THE latest employment figures from Inland Rail’s Stockinbingal to Parkes section illustrate how many people it takes to deliver a major rail project like Inland Rail.
Major works at the Daroobalgie Loop, Lachlan River Bridge, Forbes Station and Wyndham Avenue have now been completed and the number of people needed on site has reduced, reflecting the progress made.
With major works now completed on the section and only a few weeks of minor works remaining, February’s verified figures show it took 596 people to complete major works between Stockinbingal and Parkes.
This figure is the total number of people directly employed by contractor Martinus Rail working in the rail corridor to deliver the project.
From July 2023 to February
2025, Inland Rail from Stockinbingal to Parkes has led to:
596 people employed, of whom 55 are First Nations
184 local residents employed, of whom 34 are First Nations
60 women employed
39 tradespeople employed
129 local businesses engaged
$12.2 million spent with local businesses
$427,400 spent with First Nations businesses Australia-wide
Stephen Jones, Inland Rail Executive Director Program Health, Safety, Environment and Sustainability, said they had been able to complete major works on the Stockinbingal to Parkes section thanks to the workers and businesses.
“We have a stated goal of delivering Inland Rail south of Parkes by 2027 so it is important to be able to finish major works on S2P, and we can only be as successful
as the teams on the ground putting in the hard yards,” he said.
“It is demanding work to upgrade rail infrastructure - it requires accuracy, safety and physical effort, often in testing conditions and sometimes while wearing hot and heavy protective equipment.
“I would like to express my gratitude to the many locals who have worked on S2P, some of whom have joined the industry through the Inland Rail Skills Academy.
“The skills which have enabled these local workers to deliver S2P safely and on time will also be of enormous benefit on other parts of Inland Rail when they go into the construction phase later this year.”
Construction begins in the Albury to Illabo and Illabo to Stockinbingal sections of the project later this year.
A NSW Parliamentary committee has recommended that the state’s Rural Fire Service fleet be legally recognised as state assets in what’s being described as a significant win for local government.
The Public Accounts Committee has tabled the report for its “Inquiry into the assets, premises and funding of the NSW Rural Fire Service” with all 14 recommendations warmly welcomed by the local government sector.
President of Local Government NSW and Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM says the report’s recommendations strongly align with the positions advocated by LGNSW and councils.
“This significant win comes after years of strong advocacy from LGNSW and from individual councils,” Mayor Miller said.
“Of course, every council strongly supports the RFS and
the incredible work they do for our communities.
“But the reality is that coun cils have no say in the acquisi tion, deployment or disposal of the RFS ‘Red Fleet’ assets so it’s illogical that councils should be expected to account for these assets and manage associated audit obligations.”
“The truth is that the manage ment and oversight arrange ments of the RFS have gradually shifted over many years, and outdated ownership and ac counting arrangements need to be updated.”
Key recommendations of the inquiry report include: Transferring legal ownership of the Red Fleet assets to the RFS
Amending the Rural Fires Act 1997 to recognise that the NSW RFS – and not local government - is responsible for the mainte nance and repair of Red Fleet assets. and move without delay to wards implementation of these long overdue reforms.”
Students learn how to assess water quality by identifying water bugs.
vation day at Kokum, a local conservation area, as part of the Conservation Champions school program delivered by Pataurus Education Group.
The program is delivered on a conservation agreement established by local landholders with support from the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust.
Students made the 50km trip to Kokum owned by Alan and Elizabeth Gufficke boasting an impressive area of threatened woodland, riparian forests and floodplain forests.
The property is protected by a long-term conservation agreement with the NSW Biosecurity Conservation Trust and managed by the owners under an agreed plan, with annual payments from the Trust to support the conservation management of the site.
The free school based program, is aligned to the NSW curriculum and includes a mix of in-class and field based learning.
“We’ve got an incredible group of learners here who’ve spent time in the classroom learning about conservation and the environment, and now they’re out here, putting it into practice,” Middleton Public School teacher Melissa Roberts said.
“Being able to bring them here so they can learn about conservation in a place as special as this, where the landholders are really
dedicated to protecting what they’ve got, is really special.”
After a walk and talk around the property the students learned how landholders create habitat for native bees to maintain healthy and diverse ecosystems and learnt how water bugs can indicate the health of a waterway.
Middleton has been praised by Stephen Lawrence, duty MLC for the electorate of Orange for supporting students to learn about the environment.
“These are our future leaders and champi-
ons for the environment, growing the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust’s network of Conservation Champions,” Mr Lawrence said.
“We’ve got a big group of young people putting the environment at the centre of their learning in this program.
“They’re here to see firsthand from landholders who are actively protecting endangered species on their own land, and they’re taking that back to apply to their own learning,” he added.
■ From page 1.
media, we’ve done information handouts... We don’t want to fine people but we have a genuine consensus that this is the only way this is going to stop.
“There needs to be a strong plan forward... because at the moment nothing’s literally worked.”
Cr Jayet said this is a big wakeup call to people in the shire.
“You’ve only got to look at our dog park where dog bags are provided... I can remember one day I picked up 21 - I stopped counting after I picked up 21,” he said.
“I think by making this a way of stopping these particular dog owners... I support your proposal,” he told Mr Gersbach.
“People don’t seem to care.
“As far as having rangers go and police areas I just don’t
see how that will work because you can’t have rangers there 24 hours a day.”
Cr Jayet said at the 20 May meeting that he would have liked to have seen a decision made that day.
Councillors agreed to investigate the feasibility and requirements of closing sporting fields to dogs, suggested by corporate services director Anthony McGrath, with a report to come back to the Parkes Sports Council and Council.
“Because there will be some signage costs and other things we have to make sure we consider properly,” Mr McGrath said.
“Introduce it later on at a future meeting where we properly consider all the issues.”
Peak Hill’s Lindner Oval was included in the ban.
STATE Emergency Service volunteers have responded to 8895 incidents, completed 806 flood rescues and 416 resupply missions in response to heavy rainfall and severe flooding in the Hunter and Mid North Coast.
The numbers were released as the NSW SES concluded its operational response and handed over to NSW Reconstruction Authority.
Homes, businesses and infrastructure have sustained extensive damage in the natural disaster.
More than 2200 NSW SES volunteers mobilised to support communities affected by heavy rainfall and severe flooding from 14 May, working with volunteers and partner agencies including NSW Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Police, NSW Ambulance, Surf Life Saving NSW, Marine Rescue NSW, and VRA Rescue NSW.
During the response the SES carried out resupply operations to isolated communities, delivering essential supplies including food, water and medicine, as well as conducting hundreds of flood rescues.
Hundreds more emergency service partners and community members have tirelessly assisted with damage assessments, as well as undertaking cleanout and washout of damaged properties.
NSW SES Commissioner Mike Wassing thanked SES volunteers and emergency service colleagues from across Australia and New Zealand for their dedication and commitment during the crisis.
“As we transition into the recovery phase of this operation, our priority remains delivering essential supplies to residents who remain isolated,” he said.
“While the SES hands over the recovery operation to the Reconstruction Authority, I thank the thousands of community members who mobilised to support and assist with the clean-up.”
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said thousands of people had come together in support of the disaster-affected regions with many more putting their hand up to join volunteer ranks.
“I’ve met dozens of volunteers on the ground in Kempsey, Maitland, Port Macquarie, Taree and Wingham in the past week, and witnessed first-hand the exceptional support from across NSW, as well as interstate and internationally,” he said.
To find out more or to register your interest in volunteering with our State Emergency Service, visit www.ses. nsw.gov.au/volunteer
HERE are some more views of Parkes from above, aboard a beautiful 1942 DC3 “Hawdon”, thanks to the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society who took guests on a rare joy flight over the town in May.
And the Parkes Champion Post was very grateful to be among those invited.
The flight took-in familiar sights and landmarks such as the GrainCorp site on Eugowra Road, the Parkes silos, Memorial Hill, Parkes Showground, Parkes Christian School, the National 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 roundabout, the new service centre that’s under construction, upgrades to Brolgan Road, the Pacific National freight terminal and the dog food factory - all in or next to the Parkes Special Activation Precinct to the west of the town.
These photos have appeared in the Champion Post over multiple editions. The full story ofthe experience was published on 29 May.
▶ The township of Parkes with its showground just off centre. The new Victoria Street bridge can just be spotted at the base of the photo and Memorial Hill towards the top left corner.
PHOTOS: Christine Little
The Hartigan Avenue bridge over rail lines that’s part of the new bypass.
A closer view of the bypass roundabout at Condobolin Road and the new service centre that’s under construction. The new Hartigan Avenue can just be seen at the bottom of this photo.
By CHRISTINE LITTLE
THERE are some residents who may recall Parkes’ special connection to the 1972 British–Australian comedy Sunstruck. And then there are others who didn’t know such a connection ever existed.
Thanks to Parkes researcher Dan Fredericks, memories for some have been brought back to life, while the rest of us have been given a little film history lesson through Dan’s history blog.
In 2020 Dan wrote about Parkes’ connection to the movie after unexpectedly stumbling upon it.
Mr Fredericks told the ABC at the time that the more he delved into it, the more he realised they didn’t just film here.
“They really became involved in the fabric of society,” he said.
“They needed a location for Kookaburra Springs and fortunately for us Parkes, Nelungaloo and the school building of Wongalea all became part of it.”
Here are a few excerpts from Dan’s History Parkes blog titled ‘Wongalea and Sunstruck’:
Wongalea was one of many country towns to have a oneteacher school. That school was the first in the area to be on film, with Wongalea School being used as the fictitious school at Kookaburra Springs in the 1972 film Sunstruck.
While its legacy is preserved on film, Wongalea still holds a special place in the hearts and minds of former residents.
The Wongalea school building
Wongalea Public School’s building and outhouses were purchased by the production company and moved to Brolgan, near Nelungaloo. The production company also received permission to use a home in Brolgan – “Braeside” – which was converted into the pub that was adjacent to the school.
The Parkes district was filled with excitement at the prospect of an overseas film crew coming to their part of the world.
Locals were required by the film crew on a number of occasions. Local tradesmen helped build and paint the “Braeside” home and turn it into ‘Mayfair Hotel, Kookaburra Springs’ pub.
The art director, David Copping, also appealed to Parkes locals to provide props for the film.
While the main aim of films is to make a profit, this didn’t stop the stars of Sunstruck helping out the Parkes Advancement Corporation raise funds to develop Rosedurnate. A charity concert was staged at the Parkes Leagues Club on January 30 (1972).
...Despite the enthusiasm of the Parkes residents, the film did not do very well critically or commercially.
- - - - -
Dan said the production uncovered an accidental wealth of talent in the region and that cast and crew felt embraced, making the Coachman Hotel in Parkes their base.
SUNSTRUCK is about a Welsh schoolteacher named Stanley Evans, starring Welsh actor, comedian and singer Harry Secombe, who is very proud of the choir he’s formed with his pupils. But when the girl of his dreams – a new gym teacher – marries a fellow teacher, he decides to leave and migrate to Australia for a better life ‘in the sun’.
From Sydney, he is assigned to a small school in the fictional town of Kookaburra Springs, living in a small room over the local hotel. All the kids live in farms throughout the district. Homesick, and constantly playing recordings of his original school choir, he decides to form a choir of his new pupils, who haven’t been taking him seriously.
The film was inspired by a promotional poster used by the NSW government to attract teachers from Britain, where a teacher wearing swimmers and an academic board stands on Bondi Beach.
It also starred Australian actors John Meillon and Maggie Fitzgibbon, and was directed by James Gilbert. Sir Harry Secombe was a member of The Goon Show from 1951 to 1960, and was knighted in 1981. He died in 2001.
FIFTY-TWO years to the day, BaptistCare Niola Residential Aged Care residents, their families, and friends enjoyed an event celebrating the anniversary of the world premiere of the movie Sunstruck, which took place right here in Parkes.
The idea for the event came from a resident’s family member and quickly grew into a vibrant celebration.
The festivities on November 18 last year began with a delicious Aussie feast, featuring a barbecue, fruit punch, and pavlova for dessert.
Residents then had the chance to walk the red carpet into the movie screening, where they were treated to popcorn and jellybeans.
The event concluded with a special presentation from local researcher and history enthusiast Dan Fredericks, who shared fascinating insights into the era of Sunstruck and its many local connections.
Throughout the day staff dressed in era-appropriate costumes, while 70s music set the mood.
Volunteers also offered a mobile beauty trolley, helping residents to look their best for the occasion.
BaptistCare Niola extended its heartfelt thanks to the many volunteers who generously gave their time and resources to make this memorable event possible.
◀ The film’s stars Maggie Fitzgibbon and John Meillion arrived in a vintage car at the Century Theatre in Parkes on 18 November, 1972 for the world premiere of Sunstruck.
SOURCE: Parkes Champion Post, January, 2014
ABRAHAM AL-MALIKY IS OUR STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Abraham Al-Maliky is the Star of the Week for demonstrating our Core Values (In Praise, Love, and Trust) and for always being respectful and persevering.
What is your favourite subject? Mathematics
In your free time, what do you like to do? Read books
What is your favourite food? Mangoes (I love healthy food)
What do you like most about our school? There are really nice people here who are very welcoming
What are your strengths?
Maths and science
What would you like to be when you grow up? A policeman or builder
Year five student Ebony Sloane is Parkes East Public School’s student of the week.
What is your favourite colour? Purple
What is your favourite food?
Spaghetti
What would you like to be when you grow up?
A teacher
What are your strengths?
Sport and art
What do you like about your school?
When there’s lots of events
What do you like to do outside of school?
Spending time with my family
The Rotary Driving Simulator Program is designed to alert young drivers to the potential impacts of driving while impaired or distracted.
The simulator was recently used at Tullamore Central School and Forbes High School by around 30 students.
And in early June the simulator visited Trundle Central School.
Where schools approve, participants are encouraged to bring their mobile phones and use them for the distraction module.
Parkes Rotary Club representative Ken Engsmyr said most require little prompting to act out what can happen when a young driver
has young passengers aboard with mobile phones: selfies, loud music, social media.
“Those things can create energy and laughter, and they spike danger,” he said.
A simulator roleplay makes it abundantly clear that neither young nor older drivers can do two things at once: that is pay full attention to the road and interact with a phone.
It’s for this reason Rotary has obtained the simulator to help best educate and build the skills of young drivers ahead of them gaining their driver’s licence.
The simulator program is managed by the Rotary Club of Parkes and Neighbourhood Central.
THE Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has announced it is provid ing additional support for new small business owners to ensure they understand and comply with their tax, super and registry obliga tions from the start.
The ATO’s campaign, coined ‘ready for business’, highlights that opening and running a small busi ness is “serious business”.
According to the Australian Bu reau of Statistics, about 50 per cent of businesses fail in the first three years, often because, ATO says, they don’t get their ATO obligations right when starting their small business journey.
In the coming months, Austral ian business number (ABN) holders will receive a series of emails from the ATO which include tips on ABN obligations, business structures, registering for goods and services tax (GST) and understanding employer responsibilities.
obligations and we are committed to helping them do so.
more, or when they provide taxi, limousine or ride-sourcing services they must register and collect GST, and then pay this to the ATO.
Small businesses who don’t un derstand their GST obligations can often be caught out when it comes time to pay.
Mr Day encouraged small busi nesses to set aside GST, as well as pay as you go (PAYG) withholding and super if they have employer obligations.
“Don’t be tempted to dip into GST, PAYG withholding or super to manage your cash flow – set up sep arate bank accounts for these funds so you’re always prepared when it’s time to pay,” Mr Day said.
The ATO knows while most small businesses try to do the right thing and comply with their ATO obligations there are some making genuine mistakes and others deliberately not complying.
“Our goal is to provide small businesses with guidance, tools and tips so new business owners can focus on growing their business with confidence,” said ATO Deputy Commissioner Will Day.
“Small businesses are vital participants in the tax and super system. As stewards for small businesses, our role in making it easy for small business owners to get their tax and super right is more important
“We also know that small businesses who engage a registered tax professional are more likely to stay on top of their tax and super obligations.”
Don’t get caught out by GST GST registration and payment is an ongoing area of concern for the ATO.
The ATO estimates the community is missing out on almost $8 billion in GST each year that hasn’t been collected due to non-compliance.
Small businesses failing to comply with GST obligations contribute significantly to this gap.
Not every small business needs to be registered for GST, but when their GST turnover is $75,000 or
In early 2025, the ATO wrote to ride-sourcing operators and taxi drivers announcing it was focussed on those operating outside the sys tem.
This action resulted in more than 3000 new GST registrations, Mr Day said.
“Ride-sourcing operators and taxi drivers who deliberately operate outside the system will face consequences,” he added.
Side hustles in the spotlight
More than 700,000 taxpayers are supplementing their income with ‘side hustles’, the ATO says, including ‘gig’ or sharing economy activities.
If your hobby has turned into a profit-making business, you are responsible for certain tax, super and registry obligations.
“Generally, a business involves continuous and repeated activities
aimed at making a profit,” Mr Day said.
“Visit ato.gov.au/areyouinbusiness to learn more about whether your activities qualify as a business and understand your obligations.”
Plan ahead with PAYG instalments
The ATO is also encouraging new small businesses to plan ahead to avoid a large tax bill when they lodge their first tax return.
To prevent this, new small business owners can voluntarily enter and prepay their estimated tax li-
ability through PAYG installments as soon as they start their business.
“Through transparent communication, including the support we have available for small businesses, small business owners are better equipped to keep up with their obligations and stay on top of their tax payments,” Mr Day said.
“The ATO’s role is to collect the correct amount of tax so the government can deliver services for the Australian community.”
SCAMMERS often pretend to be from trusted organisations like the Australian Tax Office (ATO).
But a range of ATO and myGov scams are continually emerging and the ATO warns people to be wary of emails, phone calls and text messages claiming to be from the ATO.
If you think a phone call, SMS, voicemail, email or interaction on social media claiming to be from the ATO isn’t genuine, don’t engage with it.
You should either phone the ATO on 1800 008 540, or go to ‘Verify or report a scam’ on the ATO’s website (ato.gov.au) to see how to spot and report a scam.
The ATO may use SMS or email to ask you to contact them, but it said it will never send an unsolicited message with a link asking you to return personal information or log in to its online services.
ATO has a Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn account, but it will never use these platforms to ask you to provide personal information, documentation or ask you to make payments.
Learn how to protect your personal informa tion and stay safe from scammers.
Take a sec to check
Scammers aim to take advantage of weak secu rity and plan on you being distracted with everyday life.
To keep yourself safe: Stop – Don’t share your personal information such as your myGov sign in details, Tax File Num ber (TFN), or bank ac count details, with anyone unless you trust the per son and they genuinely require your details.
Check – Take a sec to check. Ask yourself could the message or call be fake? Is it really the ATO contacting you?
Protect – Act quickly if something feels wrong or you’ve noticed suspicious activity on your ATO accounts.
Always be aware of what information you share. If a scammer gets your personal information they can use it to access your bank account, sign in to your myGov account, or steal money and commit fraud in your name.
Learn how to protect your personal information and stay safe from scammers.
If an interaction doesn’t feel right, don’t engage. Report the scam, check ATO’s latest scam alerts or phone them on 1800 008 540 to check.
If you are the victim of a data breach and your personal information has been accessed, go to the data breach guidance for individuals on the ATO website.
To commit identity crime or fraud, scammers only need some of your personal information. They can use this information in a variety of ways, such as to commit refund fraud in your name, access your myGov account to steal your tax refund, steal your superannuation or sell your identity to organised
• Qualified Accountant and Registered Tax Agent, with extensive experience in Australian Taxation to ensure your taxation obligations are met seamlessly and cost effectively. While ensuring you are correctly structured and your assets are protected.
• We understand the challenges faced by all growing businesses. We have helped many clients gain a clear understanding of their business and its financial health and gain the benefits.
ATO’s top tips to keep your personal information safe are:
1. Don’t give out your personal information to anyone unless you trust the person and they genuinely require your details.
2. ATO never sends unsolicited emails or SMS with QR codes or links to an online portal. Scammers often use these methods to steal your personal information or plant malware on your devices. If you receive a notification asking you do this, it is a scam.
3. Always access online services by directly typing the URL into a browser, not by clicking on a link.
4. Protect your TFN – only give your TFN to organisations or people who have a legitimate need for it, such as your tax agent, current employer or bank. It’s important to verify that the person you’re giving your TFN to is who they say they are.
5. Never share your passwords. Consider using passphrases instead of passwords, a password manager can help you generate or store passphrases. You should also consider updating them regularly.
PHOTO: File
crime groups on the dark web or via other means. If you suspect your personal information, such as your TFN, has been stolen, misused or compromised, phone ATO as soon as possible on 1800 467 033 between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday. They will investigate and can place extra protection on your ATO account.
6. Enable multifactor authentication. If scammers obtain your password, it will be significantly harder for them to access your account.
7. Keep your devices up to date. Scammers can use viruses, malware and programs to access or steal your personal information on your devices including phones, computers and tablets.
8. Use your Digital ID (such as myID), set to the strongest level you can achieve, to access ATO online services through myGov.
Most Accounting Firms are too busy to help you Strategically Plan - so instead, they “just” do your taxes.
• Are you looking for a business partner, who can work with you to grow your business to provide the lifestyle you desire?
• Are you sick of paying fees for work that is done months and months after the year end, for Financial Reports that are out of date just to comply with the ATO?
• Would you like to learn business skills to build the business of your dreams?
• Our ethos of personalised service, innovative solutions and unparalleled accuracy has seen us exceed the demands of businesses across a wide range of industries, from farming to rental. WHO WE WORK WITH: •
THE Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is reminding taxpayers that from 1 July interest charged by the ATO for late payments or underpayments will no longer be tax deductible. The Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Incentives and Integrity) Act 2025 is now law. This means any general interest charge (GIC) incurred on and after 1 July 2025, regardless of whether the debt relates to an earlier income year, will no longer be tax deductible.
Like any other commercial loan, interest is applied if an amount of tax or other liability remains unpaid after its due date, or if there is a shortfall of payment due to an amendment or correction. This is designed to encourage timely payment of tax and
compensate the community for the cost of late payments.
The change is designed to ensure that taxpayers who do the right thing and pay their tax in full and on time are not disadvantaged, relative to those who do delay payment.
ATO Assistant Commissioner Anita Challen reminded taxpayers to pay in full and on time to avoid general interest charge accruing on overdue debts.
“These changes will mean it will cost more to carry a tax debt and, while taxpayers won’t feel this change until next tax time, ATO general interest charge is currently charged at 11.17 per cent and compounds daily making it so important to get on top of your tax obligations,” Ms Challen said.
“If you have a tax debt you’ve been putting off paying – now is the time to pay.
“Setting aside your GST, Pay as you go (PAYG) withholding and super from your business’ cash flow in a separate bank account can help ensure you have the funds available when it’s time to pay.
“If you’re unable to pay
on time and in full, you may be able to set up a payment plan with the ATO using our online services, or you can contact your registered tax professional.
“While debts are under active management in an agreed payment plan with the ATO, you will avoid debt recovery actions.’
“Interest will continue to accrue if you are paying your ATO debt off through a payment plan, but as you make payments, the amount of interest you are charged will also decrease.”
If you cannot pay on time and in full, Ms Challen said you should also discuss your financial position with your accountant or finance provider to understand if there are alternative methods of funding payment of tax debts that might have a lower interest rate.
“If you are considering obtaining third party financing to pay your tax debt, you should discuss the tax implications with your registered tax agent or adviser,” she said.
The ATO website has a range of helpful tools
and free resources to help taxpayers and business owners to plan ahead and manage their cash flow to prevent a tax debt.
Interest charged by the ATO that was incurred before 1 July 2025 can still be claimed as a deduction this tax time.
“The interest that can be deducted is pre-filled in tax returns if taxpayers lodge online using myTax.
Taxpayers can also verify the accuracy of the pre-filled data by checking it against their account in ATO online services before lodging.
There has been no change to the laws about remission of GIC and taxpayers will still be able to request the ATO to remit interest charges.
Ms Challen said taxpayers should be aware that remission requests are carefully assessed to ensure a level playing field for those taxpayers who pay on time.
Taxpayers who need support or are experiencing serious financial hardship should reach out early to their registered tax professional or visit the ATO website to see what support options are available.
AS THE financial year draws to a close, small businesses across Australia find themselves at a familiar crossroads, navigating the complexities of tax time.
But 2025 brings with it more than just routine paperwork.
This year a suite of policy changes and compliance crackdowns signal a clear message from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO): adapt, digitise, and stay ahead-or risk falling behind.
A lifeline extended: The $20,000 instant asset write-off
The federal government has extended the $20,000 instant asset write-off until 30 June 2025.
For businesses with an annual turnover under $10 million, this measure offers a valuable opportunity to invest in productivity-boosting equipment and technology.
But the clock is ticking.
Assets must be installed and ready for use by the deadline, and the deduction applies per asset, not in aggregate.
This initiative is more than a tax break; it’s a strategic lever for growth.
For many small businesses, it could mean the difference between stagnation and innovation.
At MBC Group Services we embrace innovation and technology, if you need help to do the same get in touch.
- MBC GROUP SERVICES
ATO tightens the reins on GST compliance
In a less generous turn, the ATO has ramped up its compliance efforts, shifting thousands of businesses with poor lodgement histories from quarterly to monthly GST reporting.
This move, while aimed at improving tax integrity, places additional administrative pressure on already stretched small business owners.
The message is clear: timely and accurate reporting is no longer optional.
Businesses must invest in robust bookkeeping practices
or risk penalties and cash flow disruptions.
No more deductions on ATO interest
Another significant change is the removal of tax deductibility on ATO interest charges from 1 July 2025.
This seemingly small adjustment carries big implications.
Businesses that fall behind on tax payments will now face a double hit-interest charges and no tax relief to soften the blow.
It’s a stark reminder of the importance of proactive financial management.
For those struggling, early engagement with the ATO and a trusted advisor is essential.
Digital tools are no longer a luxury
The digital transformation of tax reporting continues at pace.
Cloud-based accounting platforms are now indispensable, offering real-time GST tracking, automated BAS preparation, and seamless integration with ATO systems.
For small businesses, embracing these tools is not just about compliance, it’s about survival in a fast-evolving regulatory landscape.
Superannuation and payroll: No room for error
With the superannuation guarantee rate holding steady at 11 per cent and Single Touch Payroll (STP) Phase 2 now fully enforced, payroll compliance remains a critical focus.
Errors here can be costly, not just financially, but reputationally.
The bottom line
Tax time in 2025 is more than a deadlinem it’s a defining moment for small businesses.
The rules are changing, the expectations are rising, and the margin for error is shrinking.
But with the right tools, timely advice, and a commitment to compliance, small businesses can not only weather the storm, they can prosper.
This tax season let’s not just tick boxes. Let’s build resilience, embrace innovation, and set the stage for a stronger, smarter small business sector.
At MBC Group Services we embrace innovation and technology, if you need help to do the same get in touch.
We have a proven track record across the Central West and our bookkeeping team can help you set-up software, undergo training, provide bookkeeping and payroll administrationk, ensuring you and your business adapt and stay ahead.
Wealth arm we provide holistic financial services across the Central West, including our new office in Parkes.
CENTRAL WEST LACHLAN
LANDCARE
By MARG APPLEBEE
Now is time to start planning for our October 2025 Homegrown Parkes event!
We are thrilled to be welcoming back many of our regular entertainers and a few new inclusions.
We also look forward to welcoming some special guests to this event.
Have you thought about joining Crop Swap at Homegrown Parkes?
For many people swapping or giving away their produce without reimbursement takes a bit of getting used to, but we have found that it reinforces feelings of community building, sharing and learning.
Crop swapping is a great way for those who grow their own food to make sure nothing is going to waste.
If you have an over-abundance of particular fruits or vegetables in the garden, preserves or homemade goodsthey are all welcome!
Hannah Farrant-Jayet and Michael Chambers will be overseeing the Crop Swap Stall in front of the Cooke Park Pavilion and they will be busy sharing the Crop Swap message.
You are welcome to show up on the day with produce, we will just require your name and contact details etc.
Do you grow too much basil, have too many seeds, or is your pantry not big enough for your end of season preserves?
Simply, Crop Swap it! Crop
Swap builds the community, reduces food waste and helps people eat better, at a lesser cost.
Our Spring event will be held on Saturday, 11 October, so start planning your plantings ready for sharing.
Some suggestions for propagation are: spring onions, beetroot, broccoli, cabbage, kale, lettuce, onion, parsnip, peas, potato, pumpkin, radish, rhubarb, carrots, silverbeet, turnips and spinach.
Homegrown Parkes is also an opportunity for local and regional small businesses who are processing, repurposing, sewing, propagating or producing fabulous local products to share their skill and products with the community.
Previous stallholders will be receiving a link to the Expres-
sion of Interest form on Friday, 20 June.
We will then open EOI if spaces aren’t filled. All EOI are reviewed by our Homegrown Parkes Committee to ensure that they fit with the ethos of the Homegrown Parkes event.
We look forward to hosting another fantastic Homegrown Parkes event, promoting our wonderful communities and region.
We will be encouraging people from across the State to be involved in this event as they join us for the NSW Keep Australia Beautiful Tidy Towns Sustainability Awards.
For further information on this article, please go to www. centralwestlachlanlandcare. org, twitter, facebook or Instagram @cwllandcare
Monday, 16 June
Yarding 1259 (up 67)
There was a slight lift in numbers and the quality was good with plenty of grain assisted trade cattle and several big drafts of large framed feeders.
Weaners were limited and there was only a few well finished grown steers and bullocks and the grown heifer run was lighter.
A mixed run of around 330 cows were offered and the market sold to stronger trends than the last sale 2 weeks ago.
There was plenty of breeds represented and this caused the spread in prices.
Weaner steers reached 440c and heifers 342c/kg. Medium weight feeder steers sold up to 15c stronger reaching 468c and heavy weights ranged from 350c to 454c/kg.
Feeder heifers lifted 10c with the medium weights 321c to 381c and heavy feed er heifers reached 413.6c/kg.
A lovely run of grain fed trade cattle lifted 30c with most selling from 360c to 404c/kg.
Prime grown steers and bullocks ranged between 360c and 370c and a lighter run of grown heifers sold to 370c to process.
Heavy cows were 5c to 10c stronger selling from 265c to 319.2c and the leaner me dium weight 2 scores 220c to 272c/kg the latter for PTIC cows.
Tuesday, 17 June
was firm to $3 or $4 cheaper.
Restocking lambs to 18kg sold from $115 to $210/head and the light Merino $65 to $160/head depending on the
The trade lambs sold from $200 to $277 and most sold from 1000c to 1050c with the ideal 23 to 24kg lambs 1100c/
Medium weight ewes sold from $106 to $180 and heavy crossbred ewes reached $280/head.
The best of the Merino sold to $271/head and most averaged between 650c and 700c/ kg.
FROM MLA’S NATIONAL LIVESTOCK REPORTING AGENCY
Yarding 50,800 (up 13,650)
Lamb numbers jumped and the quality was good with plenty of heavy and extra heavy weights penned but there was a limited number
5.
Another Forbes sale record was set at Tuesday’s sheep sale with this pen of heavy Dorper cross lambs selling for $410 a head. Forbes Livestock and Agency Co congratulates vendors, the Rigney family of Tottenham. The lambs weighed 75kg plus with an average carcass weight of approximately 39kg. Pictured is Forbes Livestock agent Sam Mackay with the top-priced lambs.
of lambs over 36kg. Trade weights were limited and there were several good drafts of shorn store lambs.
Forbes Livestock
The light Merinos under 16kg were also back in volume and noticeable softer while the rest of the market
Lambs 24 to 26kg sold from $249 to $289 and averaged 1060c and the heavy lambs to 30kg, $275 to $342/head also averaging 1050c to 1060c/kg. The extra heavy weights topped at $364/head. Extra heavy Dorpers reached $410/ head and the best of the Merinos $288/head and averaged 920c to 950c/kg.
The best priced hogget reached $253/head. Mutton numbers were similar and the quality was mixed.
One exporter was not operating and prices were solid.
PIG SALE
Friday, 13 June
A much larger yarding of sows saw prices improve 40c to 60c per kg, due to a couple of extra buyers. Bacon numbers improved also, and quality was excellent, prices improved $30 to $40 per head. No pork were yarded today. Sucker numbers were similar to last fortnight, but prices slipped $5 to $10 per head.
FROM VC REID SMITH LIVESTOCK
forbeslivestock.com.au
Email us info@forbeslivestock.com.au Phone us 02 6852 2299
6.00 Rage Charts. 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Call The Midwife. Final. 1.30 Jane Austen: Rise Of A Genius. 2.30 Singapore Symphony Orchestra. 4.25 Spicks And Specks. 5.00 Anh’s Brush With Fame. 5.30 QI. 6.00 Landline. 6.30 Australian Story. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 Classic 100 Concert 2025. 9.00 Bay Of Fires. 9.55
6.00 Shopping. 8.30 Better Homes. 11.00 Harry’s Practice. 11.30 GetOn Extra. 12.00 Horse Racing. Racing For Good Charity Raceday. VRC Community Race Day. Ipswich Cup. 5.00 Escape To The Country. 6.00 Dog Patrol. 6.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 11.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 1.30 The Great Australian Doorstep. 2.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.40 Doctor Who. 3.25 A Bite To Eat. 3.55 Penn & Teller: Fool Us. 4.40 MythBusters. 5.30 Remarkable Renovations. 6.20 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent. 7.05 Hard Quiz. 7.35 QI. 8.05 Guy Mont Spelling Bee. 8.55 Geraldine Hickey: Don’t Tease Me About My Gloves. 10.05 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Motor Racing. Supercars C’ship. Darwin Triple Crown. Qualifying. 2.00 Motor Racing. Supercars C’ship. Darwin Triple Crown. Pre-Race and 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. 6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. 7.30 MOVIE: Jurassic World Dominion. (2022) 10.40 MOVIE: Black Hawk Down. (2001) 1.40 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.30 Timbersports. 1.00 Blokesworld. 1.30 Australia ReDiscovered. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 American Pickers. 4.00 Football. AFL. Round 15. Port Adelaide v Sydney. 7.00 Storage Wars. 7.30 Pawn Stars. 9.30 American Pickers. 10.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 11.30 Late Programs.
Dex. 4.45 Gardening Australia Junior. 5.10 Octonauts: Over Under Adv. 7.00 Andy And The Band. 7.30 Kids Baking C’ship. 8.10 Chopped Jnr. 8.50 Dance Life. 9.45 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.25 Dragon Ball Super. 10.50 Late Programs.
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. 4.05 The Goldbergs. 4.35 America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League. 6.25 MOVIE: Matilda. (1996) 8.30 MOVIE: Couples Retreat. (2009) 10.55 MOVIE: Flightplan.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 Surfing Aust. 12.30 Destination WA. 1.00 Great Australian Detour. 1.30 Find My Country House Aust. 2.00 LEGO Masters: Grand Masters Of The Galaxy. 4.30 Explore TV. Return. 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. Final. 8.30 MOVIE: The Vow. (2012) 10.35 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Jordie, Sam & Ted’s Adventures. 11.30 Ed And Karen’s Recipes For Success. 12.30 America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League. 2.35 Australia’s Cheapest Weddings. 3.35 Zumbo’s Just Desserts. 4.45 Dodger. 5.45 MOVIE: Open Season. (2006) 7.30 MOVIE: The Breakfast Club. (1985) 9.40 MOVIE: Unbreakable. (2000) 11.40 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 12.10 GCBC. 12.30 Everyday Gourmet. 1.00
6.00 Morning Programs. 11.00 Skippy. 11.40 Edgar Wallace Mysteries. 1.00 MOVIE: Home At Seven. (1952) 2.50 MOVIE: Murphy’s War. (1971) 5.00 MOVIE: Run For The Sun. (1956) 7.00 Rugby Union. Super Rugby Pacific. Final. 9.30 Super Rugby Pacific Post-Match. 9.45 MOVIE: Lethal Weapon 2. (1989) 12.05 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Australia. 2.30 Joanna Lumley’s Danube. 3.15 Nigella Bites. 3.40 Martin Clunes: Islands Of America. 4.40 Walking With Dinosaurs. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. 6.30 Compass. 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 Spicks And Specks. 8.00 Bay Of Fires. 8.55 Little Disasters. 9.45 MOVIE: Wake In Fright. (1971) Donald Pleasence. 11.30 Late Programs. 6.00 Kids’ Programs. 1.40 Ben And Holly. 2.05 Paddington. 2.45 Fizzy And Suds. 3.00 Play School. 3.30 Daniel Tiger’s. 4.20 Dino Dex. 4.45 Gardening Australia Junior. 5.10 Stick Man. 5.55 Octonauts. 7.00 Andy And The Band. 7.35 Moominvalley. 8.00 Walking With Dinosaurs. 8.50 Super Shark Highway. 10.30 Abbott Elementary. 10.50 Late Programs.
6.00 Morning Programs. 10.30 Holistic Living. 11.00 Behave Yourself. 12.00 Australia’s Cheapest Weddings. 1.00 Baking It. 2.00 Home And Away. 3.45 Dancing With The Stars. 5.30 Extreme Animal Transport. 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
Under. 3.00 Rugby League. NRL. Round 16. Sydney Roosters v North Queensland Cowboys. 6.00 9News Sunday. 7.00 LEGO Masters: Grand Masters Of The Galaxy. 8.40 60 Minutes. 9.40 The Killer Interview With Piers Morgan. 10.40 9News Late. 11.10 The First 48. 12.00 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 7.30 In Touch. 8.00 Beyond Today. 8.30 The Incredible Journey. 9.00 Turning Point. 9.30 TV Shop. 10.00 AFL Sunday Footy Show. 12.00 Getaway. 12.30 Dad’s Army. 1.00 Avengers. 2.00 MOVIE: The Syndicate. (1968) 4.00 MOVIE: The Way West. (1967) 6.30 M*A*S*H. 8.30 TBA. 11.00
6.00 Morning Programs. 2.05 ER. 2.50 Doctor Who. 3.35 A Bite To Eat. 4.05 Would I Lie To You? 4.40 MythBusters. 5.30 Remarkable Renovations. 6.15 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent. 7.05 Hard Quiz. 7.35 QI. 8.05 The Piano UK. 8.55 Louis Theroux: The Ultra Zionists. 9.55 Planet America: Wknd Ed. 10.40 Late Programs. 6.00 Morning Programs. 1.00
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Family and friends rally around as you confront an unexpected challenge. Some plans will have to be changed until all the fuss and fluster settle down.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Your creative gifts find new outlets for expression this week. Someone has ideas that you might find surprisingly appealing. Pay attention!
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) You’ll soon be able to restart your delayed travel plans. In addition, a financial matter you thought was closed could suddenly reopen. Be prepared to take swift, decisive action.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A romantic relationship takes an unexpected turn. You might be confused about how to react. It’s best not to be rushed into a decision that you’re not ready to make. LEO (July 23 to August 22) Don’t let your pride stand in the way of resolving an emotionally painful situation. This is a good time to deal with it and let the healing finally begin.
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) A workplace problem that you’ve been handling so well suddenly spins out of control. Don’t panic. You can rely on your good sense to help you restore order.
LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Wearing rose-colored glasses won’t solve a thorny personal situation.
ACROSS
1 When one turns aside, one does what (6)
8 Which gland secretes important digestive fluid (8)
9 That which has a harsh, disagreeable taste is called what (6)
10 Which city was formerly Constantinople (8)
11 What is something to be learnt or studied (6)
13 Name another term for wolfram (8)
16 To be deeply regretted, is to be what (8)
19 What is a person from whom a place takes its name (6)
22 Which key starts a car (8)
24 To make beloved, is to do what (6)
25 What are military commanders known as (8)
26 When one walks with a vain, pompous bearing, one does what (6)
DOWN
2 What is a sound uttered through the mouth of a human being (5)
3 What are council charges (5)
4 Name a full-speed runner (8)
5 What is a single thing (4)
6 What are enclosures for sports contests (6)
Letters
Some
7 Name a renowned European river (6)
12 Which pit, well, or the like, collects liquid (4)
14 Name an alternative term for nakedness (8)
15 What is larger than a village, but smaller than a city (4)
17 What, in golf, are scores two below par (6)
18 To linger idly, is to do what (6)
Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in
20 To be of greater age is to be what (5)
21 Name a singlecelled fungus (5)
23 Baghdad is the capital of which Asian republic (4)
Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
(b)
(c)
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:
Affirmative vote (3)
Bridle mouthpiece (3) Discard (5) Giant (5)
Indefinitely long period (3) Italian bowls (5) Of yoga (5) Solo musical performance (7) Unrefined iron (3,4) Upper limit (3)
Parkes Panthers held a fun family day out in May for round five of Central West AFL.
There was a jumping castle, raffle, colouring in and lolly bags for the kids to enjoy at Northparkes Oval while the ac tion took place on the field.
First grade was held against Dubbo and Bushrangers be fore second grade kicked off with Parkes Panthers against Dubbo Demons.
It was a tough day on the field for the Panthers going down 2.5.17 to 4.9.33.
Check out all of the smiling faces who enjoyd the day.
Date:
TOWNEY, Yvonne Rhonda Jean. “Rhonda” 25/4/1947 - 26/5/2025 Wife of Dave.
Much loved mother of Darryl, David, Scott, Malcolm and Warren. Reunited with her sisters and brothers in the dreaming.
Family and friends are invited to attend Prayers of a Christian Burial, commencing at 11.30am, TOMORROW Friday, June 20, 2025 at St James' Catholic Church, 153 Caswell Street, Peak Hill, NSW, 2869. Interment will follow at the Peak Hill General Cemetery.
By PAUL LEWIN
Wednesday, 11 June we had 16 players for Social Bowls. Winners were Ray Griffith and Terry Hetherington winning 19+28.
Runners up were Jan Griffith and Andrew Trotman winning 17+19.
Marble 12 came out and the Margins were 7, 14, 19 and 28. The Jackpot this week is $62.
Saturday, 14 June we had 23 players for Social Bowls.
Winners were Alan Affleck, Gene Rapp and Geoff Leonard winning 18+18.
Runners Up were John Corcoran, Clive Stibbard and Craig Cusack winning 17+21.
Club Championships
In the Minor Pairs Final we had Joey Van Opynen and Blake Strudwick play Chris Harrison and Robbie Hill. Chris and Robbie lead 3 nil after 1 ends.
Joey and Blake lead 5-3 after 3 ends and 10-4 after 6 ends. Joey and Blake lead 13-9 after 9 ends.
Chris and Robbie lead 14-13 after 12 ends. It’s 15 all after 14 ends.
Joey and Blake lead 1915 after 17 ends and go on to win the game 23-16 and become the Minor Pairs Champions.
In the Club Triples Semi Final we saw Jan Griffith, Dave Littlewood and John chew play Michael Hackett, Mick Furney and Tony Bright.
Team Chew shot out to an 11 nil lead after 5 ends.
Team Bright pick up 10 shots and it’s 11-10 after 10 ends.
Team Bright take the lead 15-12 after 14 ends. It’s 15 all after 16 ends.
Team Bright lead 17-15 af ter 18 ends and 26-16 after 23 ends.
Team Bright win the game 26-17 and proceed to the Final.
In the Club Fours we had Cody Hando, Mick Dunn, John Corcoran and Blake Strudwick play Alan Cameron, Stevie Torrens, Benny McNaughton and Juicy Daley.
Team Strudwick leads 10 nil after 5 ends and 13-2 after 8 ends. Team Strudwick lead 18-5 after 10 ends and 19-6 after 12 ends.
Team Strudwick leads 21-12 after 15 ends and 24-14 after 17 ends. Team Daley fight hard but Team Strudwick goes on to win the game 24-20 and pro gress to the Final.
Mid West Region
The Mid West Region Triples nominations sheets are on the board for all disciplines. These nominations close on Sunday, 15 June. The Mid West Region Fours nominations are up on the board now too so 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 different clubs), State Over 40’s Pairs (must be from same club), State Rookie Singles and State Rookie Pairs (can be from different clubs).
BPL Cup
Qualifying rounds will be run on Friday nights at 6pm. The next round will be held on Friday, 27 June at 6pm.
BPL the fast paced and exciting way to bowl!
Nominations through Bowlslink.
Carty/Price Shield
The annual Carty/Price Shield will be contested this weekend between Manildra and us at Manildra.
Please let Lewi know if you are interested in playing.
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!
This week we have Social Bowls on Wednesday, 18 June at 1pm and Social Bowls on Saturday, 21 June at 1pm.
As always names in half an hour before start times, everyone is wel
come and quality new loan bowls are available at the club.
For those interested in having a roll of bowls, please note the following.
Social bowls means anyone and everyone is welcome to come have a game. If it’s your first time this is where you start.
Just come to the club on the desired day at least 45 minutes prior to the advertised start times and see one of our dedicated volunteers and we will assist with getting you sorted and some bowls and point you in the right direction.
Social Bowls is competitive without being too serious. Players general use this time as practice.
We have some experienced bowlers that are always happy to play with and help new learning bowlers.
We have our Thursday Evening Barefoot Twilight
PARKES BOWLS
By COL MILLER
Social bowls on Thursday in the cool conditions we had 18 hardy players.
Rink 17 Geoff Smith, Mike Valentine and Jake Brown had a solid win over Col Hayward, John Ward and Geoff Freeman 23 to 10.
Rink 18 Ash Kirwan and Bruce Orr had a monster of a win over Dave Parker and Warren Bevan 39 to 10.
On some days in bowls every thing goes your way and you have a good win.
Rink 19 Graham Davis and Gary McPhee won 22 to 17 over George Bradley and Colin Mudie.
WOMEN’S BOWLS By LEA ORR
Wishing Betsy a bonza of a milestone birthday!
Tuesday’s bobby-dazzler of a Trading Table, gifts beginning with B, was just the beginning of the celebrations.
The day began with a parade of bulky botanists from Ground Control performing a blitz on any tree branches that were misbehaving. Well done, gentlemen. Take a bow.
The boss of the roller today, Mark, did the business and blessed us with the perfect green for play.
The blue-ribbon match was a Fours Championship Match on Rink 19 between seasoned bowlers Kim, Rhona, Jan, Jo (Team Jo) and almost-beginners Janice, Sue, Ann, Carol (Team Carol).
Team Carol made a good start, bagging points steadily, baffling the onlookers near and far.
With a strong lead of 9, the result looked predictable.
Team Jo put their brains and bowls into action and scored bundles of points over the final 5 ends, resulting in one of the most bizarre final bowl wins in recent club history. They move on to the semi-final.
a great way to start and learn the game. Please feel free to call in to the club at anytime to have a chat.
Quickshine Punters Club
The Punters Club has been rolling along well and the results are put on the board as they happen. Money can be placed in the tin on the bar at any point along the way. Giddy up.
Trivia
Trivia is on every second Thursday evening from 6pm. Not at our club this week.
Single or team entries. Lots of prizes. See the flyer on the board for full details. Game Show Style Interactive Trivia.
In the Club on Friday, 20 June we have Happy Hour 5-7pm, Meat Tray Raffles, Badge Draw ($1300), Joker Draw ($3750) and the Bistro serving up their amazing meals from 6pm.
Congrats Jo and team, commiserations Team Carol. Well played everyone!
A basically similar game was evolving on Rink 17.
Chris C, Lynn R, Merilyn R boldly scored several big scoring ends to blast their way to an 18 – 4 lead half-way through the game. Their foes, Lil T, Annie S, Marja I braced themselves, blessed their bowls and scored every point from then on.
They fell short by just one point.
Betsy J, Kay C, Maureen M were burdened with an out-of-practice Lea for part of their game, barely scoring 4 points over 11 ends on Rink 18.
Evergreen Joan S, Michelle McP, Cherie F all played brilliantly and earned their bonus win.
The ladies jackpot rises to $230, not won by rink 19.
Broad smiles on Carol, Joan and Cherie as they bagged some 100’s club cash.
Bigger smile on lucky Cherie – winning the raffle bucket of goodies.
The B Trading Table was a blast as bags, boxes, buckets and bargains were shared around the room.
There are barrels of biscuits, bags of lollies, bottles of cheer and boxes of beauty creams being enjoyed around the town this week!
To play social bowls next Tuesday, 24 June, call the club, 6862 1446, between 9am–9.30am with play at 10am.
Newcomers always welcomed.
The Lucky Rink went off to Rink 20.
Social Bowls on a sunny winters Saturday saw 32 bowlers turn up. Rink 15 Noel Johnstone, Graham Dixon and Mark Dwyer came out in front of Arthur Corbett, Steve Turner and Gary McPhee 31 to 11.
Rink 16 Jo Simpson and Bruce Orr had a win over Jim Blake and Mick Simpson 24 to 20.
Rink 17 Rod Ford, Rob Lacey and Guy Ellery had a win over Geoff Smith, John Wright and Col Mudie 23 to 16.
Rink 18 Phil Moran and
Rink 20 John Carr and John Wright were too strong for Noel Johnstone and Col Miller 21 to 17.
John Davies had a one shot win over Mike Valentine and Geoff Freeman 19 to 18.
Rink 19 George Bradley and Ian Simpson went down to Mal Porter and Rhona Went 15 to 26.
John Carr and Dave Reilly had a good match winning 23 to 18 over Bernie Mitchell and Liz Byrne.
Rink 21 in a tight game saw Ethan Lacey and Col Miler win 22 to 17 over Maureen Miller and Tony Riordan.
The Lucky Rink went off again to Rink 21 so its back to $100 next Thursday.
The Men’s Major Triples will be held this weekend games start at 10am Saturday and 10am Sunday.
By PETER BRISTOL
On Saturday we had the PRP Real Estate sponsored stableford that also doubled as round 2 of the Handiskins competition for ’25.
Tony Dwyer and team have long been supporters of the PGC and golf in general and we thank them for their continued involve ment.
There were 62 golfers in attend ance with the shotgun start being undertaken after the PGC’s AGM, which was well attended and well received.
A notable outcome was the election of Rod Luyt to the Life Members club, a honour that was supported by all in attendance.
Coming out on top on Saturday was Col Breaden, returning to the winner’s circle.
It’s been a while since Col has saluted the Captain but it was also stressful to the end with his 37 points being equal with James Ward and a count back being re quired.
Col was slow out of the blocks and his playing partners thought there wasn’t any chance of him picking up the Barry Hall trophy contested by the group each week.
But he grew a leg on the 2nd nine with a 21 point haul 3 clear of James on the count back.
James hit a very good 37/37 split to record his 37 point haul and his GA is now down to 2.5, a great effort.
There were a number of chasers including Aaron Gaffey and the back in form Nym Dziuba both on 36.
Aaron has set his sights on a slice of the Parkes Open in a few months and is crunching the ball to great effect currently.
Nym on the other hand was in the wilderness, similar to his next golfing odyssey, but now is returning to the monotonous regularity of hitting his handicap on each outing.
The Nearest The Pins winners were – Bridgestone Mining 1st Richard Hamilton at 790cm, Griffins Leading Edge by Nick Kelly at 280cm, Parkes Ready Mixed
The lucrative money hole was won by Riall Harrison 83cm, confirming his accuracy and ball striking on the day.
Ball winners were Aaron Gaffey, Nym Dziuba 36, Brent Jenkins, Jack Elliott 35, Phil Smith, Dave Stevenson 34 c/b.
Next week is an 18 hole Medley Advice for Life, Dusty Powter, sponsored event.
It also doubles as a the 3rd round of Handiskins and 3rd round of the Bridgestone Australia Mining Services shootout.
LACHLAN VALLEY GOLF
The Lachlan Valley District Golf Association held the 2025 Championships and Pennants at the challenging Trundle sand green layout on Sunday.
While the morning started with a few scuddy showers it cleared so all golfers had a good crack at the course and the small testing greens.
More than 100 players were in the draw with Trundle, Grenfell
on the 66 rated course.
The slope rating is only 109 at Trundle so all golfers were playing below their normal handicaps.
The runner-up in A grade was the ever present Steve Betland from Forbes on a count back on 69.
Greg Denver from Peak Hill picked up the B grade, 7-11 handicap, with a 75 one stroke in front of Michael Duval from Grenfell.
In C grade, above 12 handicap, Glen Pepper from Bogan Gate won the day with 77, 4 in front of Karl Turner from Trundle.
The junior winner was Zac Mitchell from Condobolin with a great 70.
The Sand Green Championships was won by Johnny Baker from Caragabal.
Ross Noble, not the comedian, from Caragabal won the veterans handicap and the Gordon Moulder Cup was won by Brett Rosser from Peak Hill.
The A grade pennants was won by the strong Forbes contingent
on 203, 4 clear of the Condobolin side.
In B grade Peak Hill on 144 beat home Condobolin on 134.
The juniors was won by Condobolin.
The veteran pennants was won by Condobolin from Grenfell in the A grade, and Grenfell from Peak Hill in the B grade.
The only consolation on the day for the Parkes Golf Club was president Peter Magill winning the Nearest the Pin in A grade.
VETERANS GOLF
Only a small field for veterans twin towns golf in Forbes last week despite the weather not all that bad considering the recent run of wet and miserable conditions.
While not able to collect the vets winners envelope best score for the day went to Reggie Murray with a one over scratch round for 38 points.
Not that it worried local leftie Barry Parker who collected first with 35 points.
Due to the small field no runner-up trophy was presented. Encouragement award to the ‘hot and cold’ Alex Mackinnon.
Nearest the pins, all grades. 9th Tony Cogswell (F), 18th Nym Dziuba (P).
Ball sweep to 32 points. 34 Nym Dziuba (P), Bruce Chandler (F), 33 Ralph Baker (F), Neal Herbert (F), Frank Hanns (F), 32 Kim Herbert (F).
Nothing unusual in the twin towns shield with Forbes, best six from 22 players for 200 points to Parkes’ 85 from only three representatives.
Prior to presentations on Thursday a minute’s silence was absorbed in respect to the passing for popular Parkes member Graham Cooke whose grave side funeral will be held on Friday, 4 July.
This week will see the Lachlan Valley monthly 18 hole comp heading to the green fields of the Condobolin Golf Club where if the golf isn’t the best, hospitality, morning tea and lunch will be.
Nominations from 9.15am for a 10am shot gun start.
PARKES SSAA
By JOHN DAVIS
Last Sunday saw 11 shooters attend the Deep Lead Sooting Complex on the Back Trundle Road and shoot at round targets at both 25 and 50 metres for a total of 500 points.
Conditions weren’t great but it was pleasing to have full benches as time is running out for shooters to get their required shoots in.
TARGET RIFLES: 25m, 50m, TOTAL
• Steve Mitchell 248, 248, 496.
• John Davis 250, 243, 493. Ben Gibson, 243, 235, 478. FIELD RIFLES
• John Madderson 246, 341, 487.
• Ron Cunningham 250, 250, 486.
• Alan Briton 242, 231, 473.
• Jaxan Whitley 225, 224, 449.
• Blair MacDonald 240, 205, 445. Two shots for practice only.
The AGM was held before the shoot. David Tanks was elected president, Jeff Charlton elected secretary and Alan Briton joins the committee.
Next shoot is Sunday 22-6-25 at 10am, targets will be foxes at both disciplines.
Brian Drabsch, the club secretary for many years, has stepped down for a well-earned break. He has been the backbone of our club and I feel I can speak for all of the members saying Brian, a job well done.
By BRIAN DRABSCH
At last month’s shoot 6 shooters participated in a 75-target day using 6 auto clay throwers set at various speeds, heights and angles etc.
Greg Buckley 71, Brian Drabsch and Dave Tanks 66 each, Brett Dean 62, Ben Smith 47, Elizabeth Kean 45. Sporting clays tries to duplicate the flight of game birds, whereas ordinary clay target shooting, the target comes from one spot only.
Why not come along and try this type of shooting, even if you are not a member.
Any type of shotgun can be used but the shot size must not be bigger than no.6.
Our next shoot is on Saturday 21 June 2025 at 1pm.
Ten Holy Family School athletes represented the Wilcannia/Forbes Diocese at Polding Cross Country held at the Sydney Equestrian Centre.
All students ran their hardest with three earning a spot on the podium.
Nate Calabro placed first in the 11 years boys in a time of 11.42 minutes.
Nate was closely followed by Arlo Cassidy who placed second in the 11 years boys with a time of 11.50 minutes.
At the finish line both Nate and Arlo were proud of each other's efforts acknowledging their achievements with a hug.
In the 8/9 years boys Emrys Cassidy ran his best to place second with a time of 7.55 minutes.
Nate, Arlo and Emrys will now compete at the NSWPSSA Cross Country Championships on 23 July in Sydney against public and independent school students.
If the boys place within the top six of their age group they will then be selected to represent NSW in the School Sport Australia Cross Country Championships at the Gold Coast in September.
We wish the boys the best of luck competing in Sydney.
HERE are the scores and draws for Parkes Shire teams in competitions across the Central West.
SOCCER
Western Premier League
Round 9 draw: Parkes Cobras v Panorama at Parkes.
RUGBY LEAGUE
Peter McDonald Premiership
Round 8:
First grade: Parkes Spacemen 36 def Lithgow Workies 14.
Reserve grade:Parkes Spacemen 24 def Lithgow Workies 20. Under 18s: Lithgow Workies 16 def Parkes Spacemen 10. League Tag: Parkes Spacecats 24 def Lithgow Workies 0. Round 9 draw: Parkes Spacemen sides and Parkes Spacecats v Dubbo CYMS at Parkes.
First grade:Orange CYMS v Lithgow Workies. Bathurst Panthers v Orange Hawks. Mudgee Dragons v Bathurst St Pats. Parkes Spacemen v Dubbo Cyms. Forbes Magpies v Nyngan Tigers. Dubbo Macquarie Raiders v Wellington Cowboys.
Woodbridge Cup
Round 8:
First grade: Manildra Rhinos 28 def Eugowra Golden Eagles 12. Cowra Magpies 32 def Orange United Warriors 20. Peak Hill Roosters 30 def Cargo Blue Heelers 12. Trundle Boomers 47 def Blayney Bears 0. Canowindra Tigers 66 def Grenfell Goannas 6. Oberon Tigers 40 def Molong Bulls 0.
League tag: Manildra Rhinos 38 def Eugowra Golden Eagles 8. Cowra Magpies 34 def Orange United Warriors 0. Trundle Boomers 58 def Blayney Bears 10. Cargo Blue Heelers 50 def Peak Hill Roosters 0. Canowindra Tigers 24 def Grenfell Goannas 14. Molong Bulls 22 def Oberon Tigers 20.
Round 9 draw:
First grade and league tag: Oberon Tigers v Grenfell Goannas. Trundle Boomers v Cowra Magpies. Manildra Rhinos v Cargo Blue Heelers. Blayney Bears v Eugowra Golden Eagles. Molong Bulls v Orange United Warriors. Canowindra Tigers v Condobolin Rams.
RUGBY UNION
Round 8:
First Grade: Parkes Boars 90 def CSU Mitchell 0.
Second grade: Parkes Boars 40 def CSU Mitchell 12.
Women’s: CSU Mitchell 19 def Parkes Boars 12.
Colt’s under 19s: bye Round 9 draw: All Boars teams at Spicer Oval for Old Boars Day.
First and second grade: Parkes Boars v Narromine Gorillas
Women’s: Parkes Boars v Blayney Rams
Round 6: Cowra Blues 10.4.64 def
Panthers 5.6.36
Round 7 draw: Parkes Panthers v Bathurst Bushrangers at Parkes. HOCKEY
Central West Premier League Hockey
Women’s:
Round 6: Bathurst City 2 def Parkes United 0.
Round 7 draw (28, June): Parkes United v Bathurst Souths at Parkes.
Men’s: Round 5 draw:
Orange Wanderers v Parkes United at Orange Parkes United v Lithgow Workies Storm at Orange
■ From page 28
Annabelle said this was a hard game both physically and men tally but she was able to overcome this struggle and secure a 25 vs 22 win advancing her to the semi fi nals.
Up against national ranking bowler Sarah Boddington, Anna belle’s semi final game was again physically and mentally tough as Sarah could draw within an inch of the jack.
“I was able to come away with another win 25 vs 17 advancing to the finals.
“I did not expect to make finals at all, with the talent and strong women bowlers in NSW, my goal was to make my section and may be make top 32. To make finals was just the cherry on top and I was thrilled when I was told by Bowls NSW I was the youngest to ever make the Women’s Singles final.”
Annabelle recalls the grand fi nal as an overwhelming experi ence and something she will not forget.
Playing against a fellow Merrylands bowler Natalie Lewis, Annabelle was unable to come home with the win with Natalie proving too good with a 14 vs 25 win over the young bowler.
“I was a little disappointed to come runners up, but then I realised, that I am the youngest to have made the final in history, and I am the second-best women’s singles player in NSW for 2024/2025. So, I think that’s a great accomplishment and nothing to sneeze at considering I am only 14.
“The support from back home that I received when I returned, especially from Caragabal members, West Dubbo members and Parkes Bowling and Sports club
was just brilliant and made me feel really special.”
Annabelle will now join forces with Natalie in the Merrylands Club Women’s Pairs.
“I can’t wait to bowl with Natalie as she has so much experience, and I can’t wait to learn more from her.”
Annabelle says she will be trying her best to win the Merrylands Club Women’s Singles so she can compete at the competition again but says there is some great bowlers at Merrylands and the competition will be tough.
The young bowler is not slowing down the momentum anytime
Parkes and District Netball Association sent two representative sides to Senior State Titles in Campbelltown, Sydney over the June long weekend.
The open girls team had a strong campaign over the three days of competition placing third overall in division three, one win away from placing second overall.
Playing 15 games over the championships the girls worked together to secure 12 wins, winning all of their games on the second and third day of competition.
This team consisted of two girls still eligible for under 17s and all players playing their junior netball in Parkes with the committee saying is a testament to the local association and coaching.
Open’s coach Christine Watson and manager Tracey Dunford were very proud of the teams achievements and the quality of sportsmanship displayed by all of the girls.
The under 15s team played 18 games over the course of the championships placing sixth overall in division four.
This is a massive achievement for the team coming back from second last in the division after the first day of competition.
Under 15s coach Kelly Donnelly was super proud of the girls attitude and achievements over the weekend.
The under 14s representative team is now the next team to represent Parkes at State Titles.
The u14 girls are training three days a week to be as ready as possible for State Titles in Penrith starting 4 July.
soon with a busy few weeks ahead of her.
Annabelle will be travelling to Queensland to compete in the Australian Open under 18s this week before competing in the Golden Nugget at Tweed Heads on 26 and 27 June.
“The Golden Nugget is a very prestigious tournament not only in Australia but the world as there will be international juniors also competing.”
Inbetween these two competitions Annabelle will be off to Canberra trialing for the under 25s Blues Women’s Side for NSW.
“I have just found out that I have
been selected to trial which was a surprise considering I am 14.”
In August she will then be off to Sunbury Victoria competing with the Bowls NSW Junior Tri Series team playing against Victoria and Queensland with seven other girls and eight boys in the junior NSW team.
Through the Champion of Champions competition Annabelle kept telling herself, “It’s just another game of bowls.”
“I love the sport, I love playing bowls and when you love doing something that makes you happy, its amazing how far you can go,” Annabelle added.
■ From page 28.
“It was rough and a bit faster than the under 18s footy game I’d been playing before. They’re obviously grown men so a bit stronger and a bit harder to get around in attack.”
I’ll always throw my hand up for another run because it was good fun.
-
HOCKEY
Sonny played as a wing recalling he only had to catch two kicks but thought he was going to get hammered with kicks all day but was pretty happy with that outcome.
“It was good out on the wing, I’d much rather be there than in the middle of the field in first grade.”
Sonny said he was pretty happy with his performance saying he did his job and had a few good defensive efforts.
Sonny almost scored a try but unfortunately it was disallowed and the Spacemen went down 34-28 to Dubbo.
Parkes Spacemen were proud to congratulate Sonny on Facebook for making his debut and were confident to announce that it definitely won’t be Sonny’s last appearance on the side.
“It’s definitely something that I want to keep doing whenever they need me.”
months of training and playing with the Illawarra Steelers, an opportunity which Sonny said was beneficial to his development as a rugby league player.
Last November Sonny began training with the Illawarra Steelers 40 man squad with hopes to be picked in the team and represent the Steelers in the Harold Matthews
structured down there and higher match fitness,” Sonny said.
The final rounds were a different story for the team losing in week one and two of the finals which ultimately lost their spot in the grand final.
“We finished on a bit of a shitty run in the finals we just had a couple losses and it ended the season
the country so I was pretty happy about that and it was just a fun experience with my new mates from the team.”
Now Sonny has his sights set on making the team to represent in the SG Ball Cup.
“I will go back down at the end of the year and try out for SG Ball teams and see sort of where I’m at.
BOWLS
By MADELINE BLACKSTOCK
Annabelle Teague is making waves in the lawn bowls world proving she is one to watch in the sport.
Competing at the Champion of Champions Singles competition at Club Merrylands, Annabelle made history by becoming the youngest bowler at 14 years to make the competition’s grand final and by doing so was no easy feat.
The talented athlete qualified for the competition when she won the 2024/2025 Women’s Major Singles at West Dubbo therefore representing Dubbo at the competition.
“I was proud to wear their club colours again and represent a club from the bush,” she said.
Her first day of competition was sectional with three bowlers in her section.
Annie was able to secure her section with three wins.
This advanced Annabelle to the top 32 in the second day of competition playing one game in the morning which she won and advancing to the top 16 where she played another game in the afternoon which she again won going through to the quarter finals the next day.
“Quarter Finals was an exciting day as I versed Jackaroo Natasha Van Eldik who is also a brilliant bowler for NSW and Australia who has represented and won gold in the Commonwealth Games.”
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“We were training three to four times a week and the coaches and facilities down there are great so I reckon it has improved and developed my skills as a player a lot.
“I’ve come back to Parkes and tried implementing the things that I learnt down there as well with a few of the boys.”
The Parkes Spacemen have ob-
As the big day came closer Sonny said he was starting to get nervous but the nerves went away as soon as he stepped onto the field.
“I just had a crack and had fun.”
Sonny made his debut with the Parkes Spacemen against the Dubbo Macquarie Raiders in round 4 on 18 May.
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Parkes Harness Racing Club will race again this coming Friday night June 20th 2025. We have 8 races scheduled with the first race to start at 6.42. Gate will open from 5.30pm
Sponsors for the meeting