Celebrating 20 years with the Parkes Big W store is Micky Roffe and Lyn Kennedy who are still with the store since its opening.
Those who were celebrating various anniversaries with the store were invited to enjoy a special luncheon.
There is also a 20 year get together being planned for past and present staff. Partners may attend but no children.
RSVP by 13th June to Micky at mickymouse0381@ gmail.com or see Lyn Kennedy at the Parkes Store.
Along with more than 50 other organisations, the National Farmers Federation (NFF) is calling for the Federal Government to create bespoke options so families can overcome one of the biggest barriers to workforce participation.
NFF Chief Executive Tony Mahar said of endorsing an Early Childhood Education and Care policy earlier this month. “Childcare services in the regions are waning and, in some cases, they are non-existent, at a time when demand is growing and the agricultural sector is crying out for workers.” While better access to care could boost farm productivity and improve developmental, social and academic outcomes for regional children, Mr Mahar said it was essential to overcome this hurdle for women, who commonly bear the care burden.
“We’re proud to have a growing number of women employed in agriculture and women in leadership roles, but we need to support this trajectory through the child rearing years. Often when the patter of tiny feet arrives, leadership journeys are put on ice simply by a lack of care options.” To view the NFF’s Early Childhood Education and Care policy go to https://nff.org.au
Saturday’s Men’s Individual Stroke competition saw 53 men compete.
In the Men Div 1, Barry Parker compiled a nett 69 to take the honours. While the runner-up was Andrew Grierson with 71 nett. He was looking good after the front-9 but a couple of bogeys coming home dented his efforts.
In the Men Div 2 Laurie O’Connor played some good golf to score a 69 nett. His played well except for a calamitous 11th hole. Runner-up was Fons Melisi with an even par 72 nett. His was a day of steady golf. The NTP’s were: 9th – Stuart Thomas; 18th – Paul Pymont. The Pro Shop Superpin, played on the 9th hole, went to Stuart Thomas who was getting ready to celebrate but his ball stopped 80 cm short of the hole. The ball sweep went to 74 nett.
On Sunday the Final leg of the ‘Trilogy of Golf’ was played at West Wyalong. Again Forbes players figured prominently among the prizes. The Trilogy Scratch was a joint win by Caleb Hanrahan and Ecky Dawson, with Shane Sallaway taking 3rd. The Trilogy Nett had Forbes players in 2nd (Josh Coulthurst) and 4 th (Jordan Wright).
Josh Coulthurst also took the B-Grade Scratch honours, with Ecky Dawson the A-Grade Scratch runner-up and the Vets Scratch Runner-up.
This weekend the Men’s comp is the June Monthly Medal, sponsored by BWR Accountants & Advisors. There is a Stableford Medley on this Sunday.
Contributed by Short Putt
Thank you Parkes & Forbes SES Units.
NSW RFS – Parkes Headquarters Brigade: Last Wednesday was WOW day (wear orange Wednesday) . This is a day to celebrate and thank the work of the SES. We thank NSW SES Parkes Unit & NSW SES Forbes Unit for your continued efforts and dedication to the community. Thank you for all your assistance in the past and we look forward to working with you in the future.
Forbes TAFE Campus: We are currently taking expressions of interest for the following course – 800-000030 TAFE Statement in Basic Welding. Discover the fundamentals of welding in this course designed for students at any skill level. Kickstart your career in fabrication and welding, bring your existing skills up to date or develop basic skills for your own private use. Proposed 3 hours per night for 7 weeks on a Thursday. Starting 1st August 2024. Cost $940. Register your interest here: https://forms.office.com/r/0V5BrX3zZJ
Parkes District Hospital Retired Nurses Luncheon: Don’t forget that the retired nurses luncheon will be held at the Hong Loch restaurant on Monday 3rd of June at 12 midday. Anyone who has worked in any position at the Parkes district hospital is warmly invited along with their partners to join for a chat, lunch and catch up.
Eugowra Public School: On Friday last week, students enjoyed a visit from Toothie, Maddie and Michelle from Forbes Family Dentists. There were lots of big smiles all round.
Parkes Picnic Races: Gents… It’s time to take off those work boots and chuck on a suit, cause the Parkes Picnic Races is just around the corner. Don’t forget to purchase your tickets via the link https://bit.ly/Parkespicnicraces2024
Forbes Arts Society: Join us at the opening of our All Things ‘P’ exhibition this Saturday 1 June, 2pm at Forbes Town Hall. This exhibition is part of the Arts Outwest 50 year celebrations, and is one of four exhibitions on display this weekend.
Evolution Mining Northparkes Operations: You are looking at NSW Mining Health, Safety, Environment and Community (HSEC) Awards finalists for 2024. The Frontline Services Ball has been announced as a finalist in the Community Excellence category. We couldn’t be prouder of the hard work and dedication of the amazing committee members.
Finalists in the 2024 NSW Mining Health, Safety, Environment and Community (HSEC) Awards.
The completion of this project marks a significant milestone for the Parkes community, enhancing recreational opportunities and promoting water education in a fun and engaging manner.
Parkes Shire Council is pleased to announce that the transformation of Kelly Reserve into the town’s first water play space is now complete.
Moduplay Commercial Systems, the project contractor, has created an engaging recreational space inspired by the natural features of the local Lachlan catchment.
The play space was designed to emulate the region’s water features, including rivers, lakes, dams, weirs, and bores. It offers a captivating educational experience with informative signage detailing Parkes’ water story—from source to consumption.
Councillor Jacob Cass expressed his delight at the project’s successful completion.
“We are thrilled to see this exciting addition to Parkes come to life, providing our community with a dynamic and accessible space for play, learning, relaxation and socialisation,” Cr Cass said.
“The water play space is the first of its kind in Parkes and includes some wonderful features such as a splash pad, interactive water fountains, bridges, streams, and sand play areas for all to enjoy,” he added.
Innovation, inclusivity, and accessibility was at the forefront of this project, ensuring that people of all ages and abilities can engage in play.
The water play space opened to the public on Saturday 25 May, with the splash pad to be activated in October to coincide with the opening of the Parkes pool for the summer season.
CCTV has been installed at the park with 24/7 monitoring to help keep it safe from vandals.
This project is jointly funded by the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, the NSW Government’s Places to Play grant program, Evolution Mining Northparkes Operations and Parkes Shire Council.
More information on this project at www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/Council/News-mediaand-projects/Projects-and-works/Kelly-Reserve-Water-Play-Space
L-R Ryan Cox for U18s, Joe Dwyer for 1st Grade and Nate Wilson for Reserves
The Parkes Spacemen travelled to Nyngan last Sunday and came home with a 3 grade win. We caught up with Paul Clyburn at training on Tuesday night and he said, “It was great to come away with a 3 grade win.
Scores on the day were as follows, League tag lost 8-12, but it was a close game that the girls should have won, Under 18’s won 34-16, Reggies won 56-20 and Firsts won 42-18 Nyngan is very hard to beat at home, to their credit they have the best crowd besides the Parkes crowd.
They are very vocal and always very hard to beat no matter where they are on the ladder, they could be leading the comp or coming last, to get a win out there you gotta earn it.” “First Grade had a good win. We were down a couple of players with Captain/ Coach Chad Porter and Sammy Dwyer out for the match. But the boys played great, the front rowers lead the way with Niko playing the first 40 minutes non stop”. Jacob Smede played well filling in at fullback for Chad, he did a great job, must have done 100 ups, Malakia Folou scored two tries on the wing and it was just a great overall effort by the whole pack.” This weekend is a home game at Pioneer Oval against competition leaders Orange Cyms who are leading the comp in all four grades so it is going to be a great day of footy.
Orange Cyms are coached by ex-NRL player Jack Buchanan who played for the Parkes Spacemen last year, and ex-NRL player Daniel Mortimer is also playing for Cyms in the halfback position. So get up to Pioneer Oval this Sunday to support the Parkes Spacemen in all four grades.
Judging the Fashions on the Field this year is Dr Jane Kaczmarek.
The June long weekend becomes the social highlight of the year with the Parkes Picnic Races. Loads of entertainment, a great day of racing, live music and Fashions on the Field. The racecourse provides full bar and betting, along with catering services available on the course throughout the day. Patrons are also welcome to bring along a hamper for a picnic on the grass.
The Picnic Races committee is excited to have Dr Jane Kaczmarek as judge for the Fashions on the Field this year. Dr Jane will be judging: Elegant Lady, Stylish Man, Best Dressed Couple, Millinery. There are some fabulous prizes that have been donated for the fashions this Year.
Dr Jane Kaczmarek, has recently returned to the CSIRO Parkes Observatory after three years at the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory in British Columbia, Canada.
Jane’s academic journey began with an undergraduate degree in astrophysics and physics from the University of WisconsinMadison in 2010, followed by a PhD in physics from the University of Sydney in 2017, focusing on magnetic fields in distant galaxies. Her dedication to radio telescopes and cutting-edge science has been a constant throughout her career, leading her back to Parkes Observatory in 2023 as the Senior Systems Scientist.
Jane brings her keen eye for detail to the fashion arena as a judge for the 2024 Parkes Picnic Races. Her scientific precision and creative flair promises to add a new dimension to the competition. You can also decorate your tent for a chance to win the best dressed tent prize.
Gates open 11:30am on Saturday June 8. Tickets are $20 per person via 123TIX or pay at the gates $25 with kids under 16 free.
The wetlands are situated on the site of Parkes’ old sewerage treatment ponds, which were converted into wetlands in 2023, thanks in part to funding secured through the NSW Environmental Trust.
Parkes Shire Council welcomes $943,000 in funding under the Federal Government Growing Regions Program which will deliver new community infrastructure at the Parkes Wetlands.
This funding will see the installation of a boardwalk and viewing platforms at the wetlands and the construction of two all-abilities access bird hides, as well as habitat creation, revegetation, interpretive signage, and public art. The funding enables delivery of the next stage of Council’s larger wetlands restoration project, following completion of earthworks and revegetation activities last year, and the construction of a shared walking track around the wetlands this year.
Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack announced the funding last week, visiting the wetlands site to gain a first-hand appreciation of the project.
“I’m really looking forward to the boardwalks and bird hides, elevating the Parkes Wetlands project to support habitat creation and promote tourism,” Mr McCormack said.
“I’m always interested to see innovative uses of defunct facilities, particularly when land can be reclaimed for environmental purposes that benefit the whole community as well as ecological diversity,” Mr McCormack said.
Parkes Shire Mayor Cr Neil Westcott has described the announcement as “wonderful news.” “Residents and tourists alike will benefit from this project, with the transformation of this site into an educational, cultural, and recreational space. This will provide an accessible outdoor experience for all and a unique opportunity for tourists seeking ecotourism experiences, particularly birdwatching,” Mayor Westcott said.
Minister of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Local Government, Catherine King, said: “The Albanese Government is committed to investing in regional Australia to create jobs, build opportunity and unlock economic growth and productivity – ensuring that our regions remain great places to live, work and play.” This project is set to be completed by December 2025. https://www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/Council/News-media-and-projects/Projects-and-works/Parkes-Wetlands
Friday 31 st May marks the 2024 Fatality Free Friday. A community driven initiative where all drivers in NSW are encouraged to focus on their own individual behaviour in an effort to reduce road trauma.
The Australian Road Safety Foundation (ARSF) has released new data to mark the occasion showing that almost 2 in 3 (64%) New South Wales drivers admit to breaking road laws, with 1 in 4 (25%) drivers committing an offence at least monthly 1 .
Shadow Minister for Police Paul Toole said safety should be front of mind.
“One day of conscious driving resulting in no fatalities could turn into one week, one month and even one year of no deaths on our roads,” Mr Toole said.
“NSW Police are present on all our streets, highways and back roads but it is you as the driver who can end preventable fatalities and injuries.
“Despite our best efforts, road trauma is still on the rise and it is our family, friends and communities who suffer the most from these tragedies.
“We have seen 17 road deaths in NSW in the past 13 days alone. This steering NSW towards one of the deadliest years on record.”
2023 ended with shocking road statistics that labelled 2023 as one of the deadliest years on NSW roads.
The NSW road toll for 2023 was 353. Already in 2024 we have seen 147 lives lost on NSW roads, 23 more than this time last year.
NSW Police Inspector Peter Foran said road safety is everyone’s responsibility.
“One death on our roads is one too many, NSW Police are doing everything we can to keep road users safe but the key to reducing accidents lies in taking responsibility for yourself, your family, your passengers, and every other road user,” Mr Foran said.
“This is a fresh chance for drivers to reevaluate their driving and rectify some bad habits.
“Whether it be doing a few kilometres over the speed limit or glancing at a mobile phone, each and every driver needs to think about the consequences these simple mistakes can have.”
According to the ARSF research, over 8 in 10 New South Wales residents say road safety messages have had a positive impact on their behaviour.
ARSF Founder and Chief Executive Officer Russell White said the research reiterated that a future free from road fatalities could only be achieved if people acknowledged their role within the bigger picture.
“At the end of the day, the fatal five – speeding, driving inhibited, driving fatigued, not wearing a seat belt and being distracted – are choices that an individual makes,” Mr White said.
“Fatality Free Friday works to tackle the big picture vision of a New South Wales where not one person has their life cut short because of a preventable road crash.”
Forbes Croquet News
Rain was again the winner on Saturday 4th May for Aussie Croquet. We had 40 players for Golf Croquet on a very comforting morning on Tuesday 7th. We had two visitors, Robin Polss daughter Catriona and granddaughter Emily Hunt. There were six players who managed to win three games: Ray Burridge, John Cole, Irene Ford, Kevin Rubie, Neville Spry and Peter West. The big winners were: 11-2 Neville Spry and Mal Smith and 10-3 Elvy Quirk and Catriona Hunt.
Forbes Junior AFL Club
Auskick and Superkick is back on and it kicks off today, 24th May! Sign up your kids and head down to Gaggin Oval every Friday 4.30pm to 5.30pm. Come meet the other kids, kick pass, run lots of fun.
Forbes Rugby Union Club
There were plenty of positives to take away from last Saturday. It was the first time the FRUC have had eight grades take the field on one day. Third grade is back after a 15 year hiatus. It was a big win for first grade, cementing them in 2nd place on the ladder after defeating Dubbo Roos 35-22.
Forbes Sports Person Of The Year Association
The CWCU Monthly Sport Achiever has been awarded to Sage King who recently competed at the NSW State and National Water Skiing titles with some great results and PBs. Sage came first in the Slalom and second in the Trick competitions and placed first overall in the Under 10 Girls division. Great effort and a worthy recipient of the Central West Credit Union Monthly Sports Achiever Award for February.