Roxane Manley

Roxane is a true local to the Forbes and Parkes areas. Having been with the Phoenix for a number of years, she is passionate about her region and loves being involved with the local community.

Forbes Magpies Take The Main Game On Derby Day

June 13, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Forbes Magpies took the two points on Derby Day with a 22-18 win over Parkes Spacemen. Image credit: Parkes Spacemen Facebook page.

The biggest day on our local rugby league calendar is the June long weekend Parkes versus Forbes Derby Day, which has become a long standing tradition between the twin towns.

A massive crowd flocked to Pioneer Oval in Parkes on Sunday 7th June, to witness the clash between Parkes Spacemen and Forbes Magpies.

Parkes started the day strong, and were off to a thrilling start, taking out the League Tag 10-4, 18s 20-18 and Reserves 20-16, but it was Forbes who were victorious in the first grade battle, winning 22-18.

Forbes Magpies Coach Cameron Greenhalgh said, “We haven’t beaten Parkes on Derby Day since 2018, it was good to get the win over there. We let a substantial first half lead slip away, it was 22-4 at half time and they came back to 22-18, but we hung on and got the two points.”

Each year, a massive Forbes crowd travels across to Parkes to support the team, and always get the players pumped up.

Parkes Spacemen President Tony Dwyer said, “This particular round between Parkes and Forbes is known as one of the best local derbies in country rugby league.

It’s great to see Forbes enjoy it as much as us, you see how many people it brings over and how pumped up they get for it, they just love beating us over here.”

Snippets…

June 13, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Matty Price to swim at Schools Australian Championships.

Parkes High School: There is exciting news for Parkes High School Yr 12 student Matty Price, who has qualified to swim in the NSW All Schools Swimming team, after coming second at the qualifying meet.

He will swim at the Schools Sports Australian Championships on the Gold Coast. We wish him the best of luck.

Amazing Forbes NSW: Celebrate 50 years of Arts Outwest with The Plinth Show.

Come along and discover the unique works of artist Ronda Sharpe at the Forbes Visitor Information Centre this June. Ronda’s art intertwines Wiradjuri culture and contemporary environmental themes, showcasing the beauty of repurposed materials and traditional weaving. Visit us and experience history and modernity through Ronda’s stunning art pieces.

Trundle ABBA Festival: Want to arrive at the Trundle ABBA Festival in absolute style? Step on board the Railway Adventures ABBA Express and experience a fun 5-day, flamboyant, fully escorted tour of Central NSW and the Trundle ABBA Festival by private heritage train. Trip details are 18th – 22nd October: Sydney, Orange, Parkes, Trundle, Dubbo, Wallerarang,The Great Zig Zag Railway, four breakfasts, three lunches, three dinners. For more information you can visit railwayadventures.travel or call 1300 800 977.

Woodfired Eugowra: Woodfired Eugowra is returning in 2024, and we’re thrilled to announce that applications for stallholders are now open. Join us on Saturday, August 3rd, for a spectacular free event supported by the Eugowra Events & Tourism Association. With over 1,000 visitors expected, it’s the perfect opportunity to showcase your products and connect with our vibrant community. Interested? Register your interest by emailing secretary.etta@gmail.com Don’t miss out on being part of this exciting day.

Forbes Shire Council: Forbes, Parkes and Lachlan Shire Councils are working together to develop a Regional Drought Resilience Plan and we want your valuable insights and ideas to help prepare the plan. The purpose of the plan is to consider the opportunities available to mitigate and alleviate the impacts of drought now, (QR code below) before drought is upon us. An online survey is open now and a series of local drop-in sessions and workshops will be held in:

• Bedgerabong Public School drop in session on Thursday 4 July 8.30am – 9.30am.

• Forbes at the Town Hall for a workshop on Friday 5 July from 9am – 11am.

Have your say in the Regional Drought Resilience Plan.

Be Seen @ Forbes Country Music Club

June 13, 2024 By Roxane Manley

The Forbes Country Music Club June muster was held Sunday 9th June and was an afternoon of fun and great entertainment for all.

The club welcomed five new Forbes Country Music Club Members; Steph Sargent, Amanda and Brian Williams, Rosemary Parker and Robert Chriscoli.

The next muster will be held Sunday 14th July at 1pm at Club Forbes. All welcome to come along. Photos credit to President Wendy Dixon.

Mental Health In Young Men – More To Do

June 13, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Kids Helpline is encouraging boys and young men to take time to prioritise their mental health this week, as part of International Men’s Health Week.

yourtown CEO Tracy Adams says this week is important for all members of the community, but particularly young men and those with young men in their lives, to build a positive culture around mental health and emotional wellbeing.

Data from Kids Helpline highlights that young males are less likely to engage in help-seeking for mental health concerns compared with females. On average during May Kids Helpline recorded 57 responses a day from young males compared with 195 females.

Counsellors at Kids Helpline respond to 21% males and 79% females on any given day, with males aged between 19 to 25 years of age representing the largest (37%) male help-seeking group.

Kids Helpline offers boys and young men a safe, inclusive space to connect with professional support 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Kids Helpline is Australia’s only national 24/7 counselling service specifically for children and young people aged 5 to 25 years – free call 1800 55 1800 or www.kidshelpline.com.au

Be Seen @ PMJRL Coaching Clinic

June 13, 2024 By Roxane Manley

It was great to see the boys hanging off Ben’s every word. Ben said how proud he was to come back as a role model.

The U10S U8s and U7s sat down with South Sydney Winger Haizyn Mellars did a Q&A with the kids.

After the clinic Ben handed out Rabbitohs merchandise and signed kids footy gear for them.

The Best Dressed Event In Parkes

June 13, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Left to right: Best Dressed Couple Sally Martin and Trevor Dhu, Mc Natalie Perin, Stylish Man Jared Child, Elegant Lady Bryana Green, Millinery Judy Hannah, Judge Judy Dr Jane Kaczmarek and Picnic Races President Tim Keith.

Rain, hail, or shine, on the June long weekend every year, the gates open for one of the premier events on the Parkes social calendar, the Parkes Picnic Races. Despite the horses not running this year due to the wet conditions, the crowd still turned up in droves, to enjoy the atmosphere out at the Parkes Racecourse.

The Parkes Picnic Races is a must attend event for locals, beginning its long history at the Parkes Racecourse back in 1886, with the first Parkes Cup held in 1887. Since then, the cup has been held annually, except during World War Two (between 1939 and 1945).

The event is always a great day of racing, live music, children’s entertainment, and the ever popular Fashions on the Field. For more images from this year, check out their socials #parkespicnicraces.

Lachlan Valley Golf Championships & Pennants

June 13, 2024 By Roxane Manley

This Sunday 16th June, Condobolin Golf Club will host the 2024 Lachlan Valley Golf Championships and Pennants. The Championships will be contested over 18 Holes with the Blue Ribbon event being the A Grade 18 Hole Championship for the Moulder Cup. Other grades being contested are the respective B and C Grades and the Junior and Veterans Championships.

All grades will have Handicap sections run in conjunction.

It is anticipated the Blue Ribbon event will be a battle between the Forbes contingent including the Betland brothers, John and Steve, reigning Parkes Club Champion Aaron Wilkie and the Condobolin duo of Brad Hurley and Steve Beattie.

All competition fees to be paid for by the club, the Championships entry fee is $15 or $12 for students. Members of the Lachlan Valley District which includes Bogan Gate, Condobolin, Forbes, Grenfell, Peak Hill, Parkes and Trundle, who have not already nominated may do a post entry with nominations being accepted at the Condobolin Golf Club prior to 10.30am on the day.

NRL Player Ben Lovett Returns To His Old Stomping Ground To Run Junior Clinic

June 13, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Parkes Marist 10s, 8s and 7s pictured with Ben Lovette (South Sydney), Haizyn Mellars (South Sydney) and Harrison Leadbetter.

On the June long-weekend, a lucky group of Parkes Marist Juniors were thrilled to be invited to a Coaching Clinic with former Parkes local, and current South Sydney Rabbitohs player Ben Lovett.

The Coaching Clinic was run for the PMJRL U10, U8 and U7 players. PMJRL U10s Coach Jason O’Bryan said: “The kids were pumped when they were offered the opportunity, it’s been a really great experience. To see a local guy who has made it in the NRL come back and offer his time is a credit to Ben and to Souths for wanting to do it.”

There was definitely a buzz around town once the kids found out Ben would be in Parkes to run a clinic. “My dad owns Sportspower in town, and he said kids were coming in saying ‘Ben’s coming Monday to do a training clinic’. It was so great to hear that, and it just made me even more excited to come back,” said Ben.

Ben has been very busy of late, recently returning from Papua New Guinea. Knowing he would be heading home to Parkes on the long-weekend, Ben approached the Parkes Senior League Club who put him in contact with the PMJRL to help facilitate the Clinic.

Ben said, “I wanted to do something for the local community, and get out here with the kids back where it all started for me. I was here in Parkes 10 years ago, running around the same as these kids here.”

“I still feel like I have a long way to go with my footy career, so for these kids to look up to me is massive. To be able to give back to them and hopefully inspire their dreams, to think that they can do what I have done, and hopefully they can have goals and aspirations to do the same thing.”

Ben was joined by fellow NRL player Haizyn Mellars and Harrison Leadbetter. Haizyn is a South Sydney Rabbitohs team mate of Ben’s, who plays winger/centre, and Harrrison is currently playing for the Belconnen Sharks in the Canberra region rugby league competition.

When Ben asked Haizyn if he would like to head back to Parkes with him and see his home town, he was more than happy to tag along, saying, “It’s great to come hang with the kids and play a little footy.”

At the end of the clinic, the NRL players handed out Rabbitoh’s merchanise and were very obliging, signing the kids headgear, boots and shirts, and taking photos with anyone who asked.

Can-assist Field Enjoy Good Weather

June 13, 2024 By Short Putt

The Winning Team of Peter Mitchell, Andrew Grierson, Grant Tranter and Cindy Hillier.

Saturday 8th June saw the staging of the annual ‘Can-Assist Charity Golf Day’. This is a 4-person Ambrose event open to golfers and non-golfers alike, with a field of 116, comprising 85 golfers and 31 non-golfers.

The Scratch winners on the day were the team of Clint Hurford, Shane Sallaway, Damien Kennedy and Kell Becquet, with a score of 62.

The Nett Winners were Peter Mitchell, Andrew Grierson, Cindy Hillier and Grant Tranter, who managed a nett 51 5/8 off their 8 3/8 handicap, and who started the day with four birdies.

As usual, the community were generous in their sponsorship, so the prize list was quite extensive. Other Nett prizes included:

• R-up: C Banks, J Banks, N Morrison, J Sharkey.

• 3rd: D Ashton, Ash Davies, M Inder, N Inder.

• 4th: P Cowhan, L Cowhan, B Robinson, N Greenhalgh

• 5th: P Duke, M Duke, T Duke, Alf DaviesThe NTPs went to:

• Men: 1st J House, 3rd S Brindle, 9th S Sallaway, 18th P Mitchell

• Ladies: 1st nil, 3rd B Duncan, 9th G Bayley, 18th S Grierson.

• 2nd shot on 12th: Men Liam Fraser, Ladies Sharon Grierson

• Super Pin on 9th Shane SallawayAt the presentation, organiser Andrew Grierson thanked those who sponsored prizes, and the many players, both golfers and non-golfers, who had travelled to participate in the event. He also thanked the Can-Assist committee who ran the Halfway House and lunch BBQ and attended to all the other bits and pieces. The money raised amounted to over $3,000 which will help the work of the Forbes Can-Assist branch.

By Short Putt

Over $36,000 Awarded To Local Sporting Clubs

June 13, 2024 By Roxane Manley

Recipients of Sports Grants are: Kim Sherrett (Parkes PCYC), Joel Cowling (Parkes Soccer), Chloe Allen (Evolution Mining Northparkes Operations) Lyn Madden (Parkes Kennel Club), Denise Gersbach, Alex Prout (Parkes Jockey Club), Parkes Mayor Neil Westcott and Curtis Arndell (Parkes Tennis Club) Absent – Parkes Marist Junior Rugby League.

Evolution Mining – Northparkes Operations (Northparkes) and Parkes Shire Council are pleased to announce the successful applicants from the latest round of the Sports Grants Funding Program, which included the new Rising Star grants program. In this round a total of $31,102.36 was distributed to six sporting groups and $5,000 to five rising stars. Northparkes Communication and Engagement Superintendent, Brooke Plunkett, expressed pride in the new program.

Mayor of Parkes Shire, Cr Neil Westcott, was pleased to see the new Rising Star program well supported. “What a wonderful opportunity the Rising Star grants provide to our emerging sports stars who can be hampered by the high cost of travelling to higher level training sessions and sporting events,” Mayor Westcott said.

The first group of Rising Stars included Ryker Moore and Toby Morgan. Both recently returned from the Australian Little Athletics championships in Adelaide with gold medals in the 400m and 800m events respectively. The other very impressive Rising Star recipients were:

• Ryker Moore, athletics, Parkes $1,000

• Toby Morgan, athletics, soccer and swimming, Trundle $1,000

• Aaryab Gautam, football, Parkes $1,000

• Mason Wild, motorcycle racing – dirt track Parkes $1,000

• Henry Kross, squash, Parkes $1,000Under the Sports Grants round, the Parkes PCYC was allocated $4,209 towards the purchase equipment for a Parkour-style program targeted at young boys. “We’re thrilled to be able to offer a new Parkour program,” said Kim Sherrett, Parkes PCYC Manager.

The next round, opens on 1st September 2024, will include $32,548 for sporting groups and $5,000 for Rising Stars. Application forms will be available from Parkes Shire Council’s website.

Roxane Manley

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