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.

Phil Wells Hits Form

April 30, 2026 By Short Putt

On Saturday 25 April, a field of 42 golfers enjoyed good conditions at the Forbes golf course as they participated in the Anzac Day comp. All the players seemed to enjoy their wander.

The contest was an Individual 18-hole Stroke, sponsored by J&J Ridley. While the numbers were reduced because of the Anzac activity around town the players all endeavoured to do their best.

The Div-1 Winner was Phil Wells with a nett 71 on count back. He enjoyed the day with only one hiccup on the 15th hole.

He finished each half with pars. Runner-up was Matt Walton with 71 nett. His was a similar game to Phil’s but his putter did not behave as required to earn a win.

The Div-2 was won by Tyson Franke, a previous member but now ensconced in Dubbo. His nett 68 was the best of the day and surprised even him, although he could have done better on the back-9. Runner-up was Max Haley with 72 nett. He felt lucky to be playing and made the most of his sojourn with two visitor from Victoria.

The ball sweep went to 75 nett on count back. NTPs went to two Juniors: 9th L Hodge, 18th L Iyer. Neither of them managed to convert for a ‘2’ of which there were only four all day. The Super Pin went to Peter Barnes (310 cm) but he missed his ‘2’.There is a busy golf period ahead with the Forbes Ladies Open to be played this Sunday 3 May, a major Ladies event on 12-14 May and the Forbes Men’s Open on Sunday 31 May.

The comp on Saturday 2 May is the May Monthly Medal, sponsored by Adept Plumbing.

Sunday is the Ladies Open for which the course will be closed until 2pm.

By Short Putt

NPA NSW Lachlan Valley Branch Walks

April 30, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Tuesday May 5 Cookamidgera NR: Meet at 9.00am at the reserve gate on Coonambro Way Easy 3km with visitors from Cumberland Bird Watchers Club (might only be a half day). Leader Martin Bell 0429 346 586.

Saturday May 16 Nangar NP: Nangar Tops, off track, 6kms medium. Meet at Pioneer Park Escort Way Eugowra. Leader Hugh Barber 0411 589 223

Thursday June 4 Goobang NP: East Boundary Trail (enter off Renshaw McGirr Way. Meet at 9am Lions Park Molong Rd Parkes Medium 6kms. Leader Martin Bell 0429 346 586

Saturday June 20 Hervey Trail: Creek loop, on and off trail Hard 9kms. Meet at Lions Park Molong Rd Parkes. Leader Liz MacRaild 0455 915 989.

Please contact the listed walk leader the night before the walk if you intend to come.

Our walks are generally pretty leisurely taking time to spot birds, plants, spiders etc.

Walkers are reminded to bring along food and water for the entire day as well as suitable clothing, footwear, hats and sunscreen.

A pair of good binoculars and a fold up chair for the post-walk cuppa is recommended.

Cost is a $2 donation for each walker.

For safety reasons those walking stay together as a group. Please consider bringing a companion if for any reason you are unsure of your ability.

Colonel Michael Robert Mudie Will Be Guest Of Honour At Parkes 2026 Anzac Day Celebrations

April 23, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Former Parkes resident, Colonel Mudie received his commission in the Australian Army in 2000, graduating from the Royal Military College of Australia as a Lieutenant in the Royal Australian Corps of Signals.

Special guests of honour at the Parkes Anzac Day 2026 commemorations this Saturday 25 April, will be Australian Army Colonel Michael Robert Mudie and his wife Kelly.

The day will commence with the traditional dawn service at 5.30am held at Parkes Memorial Hill. Colonel Mudie will lay a wreath on behalf of the Australian Army. This event will see students from the Parkes Christian School MC the morning’s event.

Following the dawn service, an Anzac Day breakfast will be held at the Parkes Services & Citizens Club.

The Anzac Day March will commence at 8.35am under the watchful eye of Parade Commander Sgt Wayne Skinner. The march will depart from the front of the club in Short Street and it progress up Welcome Street to Chamberlain Square in Clarinda Street, where it will then turn right and proceed down Clarinda Street, before turning right into Short Street and coming to a halt outside the Parkes Services & Citizens Club.

At 9am the Anzac Day commemoration service will be held in Cooke Park in front of the Cenotaph. Assisted by Parkes Shire Council, the commemoration service will feature an address from both local youth and the special guest of honour, Colonel Mudie. Wreaths will then be placed at the Cenotaph.

At approximately 10.30am a small delegation of returned service personnel and local dignitaries proceed to the war graves section at the local cemetery for a brief service and laying of wreaths.

Colonel Mudie will attend and address the traditional Anzac Day luncheon which is held at the Parkes Services & Citizens Club commencing at 12 noon.

The Colonel’s final duty on Anzac Day will be at 5pm for the “Retreat” and this event takes place once again at the Cenotaph in Cooke Park, with the Parkes Services Club to sound the ODE at 6pm.

Four Days Of Double Demerits This Anzac Day Long Weekend

April 23, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Double demerit points will be in place for four days this ANZAC Day long weekend.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, is encouraging people to drive safely and take care on the roads.

“Double demerit points will be in place for all speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences between Friday 24 April and Monday 27 April 2026 inclusive.

“This will be a busy period on local roads.

The increase in traffic leads to an increased risk of crashes occurring. We all have a part to play in keeping the roads safe.

“Watch your speed, drive to conditions, limit distractions in the car, ensure you and your passengers are wearing their seatbelt and don’t drive if you have been drinking or consuming drugs.

“Pay attention to your fatigue levels, plan your trip and if you are experiencing any of the early warning signs (tired eyes, yawning, poor concentration) stop and have a break,” Ms Suitor said.

Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Mitchell Gage is reminding drivers that there will be extra Police in the area over the four days.

“Police will be focusing on the fatal five – speeding, drink and drug driving, fatigue, mobile phones and seatbelts.

“People may think that a crash is never going to happen to them – but the statistics tell a different story. Driving is one of the most dangerous things that we do every day.

“Please take care on the roads, we want everyone to make it home safely,” Sergeant Gage said.

Snippets…

April 23, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Pictured is the Parkes Community Choir and The Reading Bug at Inkwood & Ivy.

Inkwood & Ivy Books & Curiosities: On Saturday 18 April, Parkes Community Choir, The Reading Bug and Inkwood & Ivy Bookstore performed a sing-along featuring songs from the war era, timeless melodies that honour courage, history and remembrance.

Central West Lachlan Landcare Inc: A massive thank you to our amazing Peak Hill volunteers who shared some of their experiences as part of the Peak Hill Building Healthy Communities Challenge, with Western NSW Local Health District staff. This project wouldn’t have come to life without your contributions. We can’t wait to see the finished product.

Neighbourhood Central: Parkes — don’t miss out on an upcoming two day community event for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. A Free Wills Workshop will be held on 13 and 14 May at Neighbourhood Central. Get your Will done at no cost. Bookings are essential, call 4704 0207. Plus: Free birth certificates and legal advice (no booking needed).

Talk2MeBro: Join us for our Guys Catch Up in Forbes on Sunday 3 May for a 7.30am start⁠ at the Forbes Youth and Community Centre⁠. Engage in soothing and invigorating breathwork, take a dip in our exhilarating ice baths and connect with others on a deeper level. ⁠Register at: www.talk2mebro.org.au/event/forbes-guys

Legal Aid NSW: The Legal Aid NSW Youth Hotline gives young people under 18 who are living in NSW free legal advice. Find out what to do if police want to speak with you, your right to stay silent, and options to avoid going to court. It’s open late and 24/7 on weekends. Save the number: 1800 10 18 10 Learn more about the hotline: https://loom.ly/p5vwG2c

Dolly’s Dream: Bullying doesn’t just hurt kids, it can devastate families, friends and whole communities. Stand with us against bullying – register now to fundraise on Do It For Dolly Day, Friday 8 May. Go Blue to end bullying, register at https://support.dollysdream.org.au/event/do-it-for-dollyday/register-your-fundraiser⁠

Forbes Automotive Services: How cool is this! A Forbes Automotive Services hat was not only on set for the filming of Balls Up, it was worn by director Peter Farrelly! Made in Queensland, the larger-than-life comedy follows rival employees, played by Mark Wahlberg and Paul Walter Hauser. Balls Up was released on Prime Video on 15 April.

Balls Up was released on Prime Video on 15 April.

Men’s Health Education Rural Van (MHERV) To Visit Parkes

April 23, 2026 By Roxane Manley

The MHERV Project has been operating for over six years, travelling regional and rural NSW offering free health checkups to people who haven’t seen the inside of a doctor’s room since they don’t remember when! ln that time, blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels may have reached seriously high levels and there are no symptoms, until it’s too late and a heart attack or stroke strikes.

Saving local lives is the objective of the Rotary Men’s Health Education Rural Van, and thanks to the Rotary Club of Parkes, MHERV is coming to our local area. MHERV is operated by the Rotary Club of Warners Bay in collaboration with local NSW Rotary clubs and other local community organisations.

The program is focussed on men because unlike women, they are not good at caring for their own health. The service is offered in a relaxed, confidential and informal setting and nobody is turned away. The MHERV registered nurse conducts the tests and discusses any health concerns seated in the privacy of the van.

You’re invited to take the opportunity to have a quick, free health check. Just ten minutes invested with MHERV can save your life or the life of someone you love. The MHERV will be located in Short Street opposite Parkes Services Club Monday 4 May and Tuesday 5 May from 9.30am – 3.30pm on both days.

Our Rotary team this year is proudly supporting DV Safe Phone.

All that is required is for people to drop their used phones into the box when MHERV is in town. Rotary will collect them at the end of the tour and send them on for refurbishment and distribution.

Refurbished phones are then provided to women’s shelters and similar organisations. Your old phone could save a life.

Applications Open For Variety Heart Scholarships

April 23, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Variety – the Children’s Charity NSW/ACT is calling on families to apply for a 2026 Variety Heart Scholarship, offering life-changing support for young people living with disabilities, chronic illness or financial hardship.

The scholarship provides practical, financial assistance to help children aged 8 – 18 years reach their full potential in sport, music and the creative arts.

Whether its funding for specialist equipment, competitions or training programs, the scholarship is designed to empower children to pursue their passions, build their talent and participate fully in their chosen field.

Variety NSW/ACT CEO, Tony Warner, said the program continues to deliver meaningful, long-term impact for families doing it tough.

“Every child deserves the chance to follow their dreams and feel included, regardless of circumstances,” he said.

“The Variety Heart Scholarship is about recognising potential and providing the support needed to help children thrive – on the field, on the stage, and beyond.”

Parents, carers and guardians of eligible children are encouraged to apply now with applications open until Thursday 21 May at 4pm. For information visit https://nsw.variety.org.au/variety-heart-scholarships/.

Be Seen @ Parkes Antique Motor Club

April 23, 2026 By Roxane Manley

The Avadale Community Hall ladies catered for our Parkes Antique Motor Club High Tea on Sunday 19 April.

Sandwiches, scones, hot finger food and scrumptious homemade slices along with tea and coffee, were enjoyed by all.

The mural designed and painted by the local community is amazing and is an absolite must see.

Sport Kicking Goals For Regional Tourism

April 23, 2026 By Roxane Manley

The Wangarang team upon arriving at Pioneer Oval in Parkes ready to compete

With ongoing concern over the impact of the fuel crisis on regional tourism, sporting events continue to have strong attendances, providing a much-needed uptick in visitation.

Shadow Minister for Tourism Kevin Anderson said “While many regional tourism operators are struggling, a bright spot continues to be the reliability and the frequency of regional sport tourism.”

“Sport continues to be a key pillar of the state’s tourism, keeping regional economies ticking over throughout the quieter months.

“Sports tourism already makes up one in every ten tourism dollars spent, and we want that to grow in regional NSW.

“Regional sporting events aren’t just about competition – they’re about filling hotel rooms, backing local businesses, and putting our communities on the map.”

“Parents are making the sacrifices they need to get their child onto the sporting field, and regional communities are welcoming them with open arms.

“Regional NSW is open for business, and I’m encouraging people to continue to make plans to get out and see what the regions have to offer.”

A recent Super Tag Gala Day held in Parkes on 14 April is a great example. Over 100 participants attended with teams travelling from Forbes, Orange and Dubbo and even from as far as Newcastle.

The team from Wangarang in Orange who attended the event said: “We hopped on the bus and made our way out for a day full of energy, teamwork, and plenty of laughs.

“The group took part in training drills, jumped into some friendly games of touch footy, and finished it all off with a wellearned sausage sizzle. It was a fantastic opportunity to get active, connect with others, and just enjoy being part of a supportive and inclusive sporting community.”

It just goes to show that sport and community is a huge draw card for our region.

Forbes Pony Club

April 23, 2026 By Roxane Manley

What an unbelievable turn out for Forbes Pony Club’s April Rally with 29, riders across all levels attending Parkes Antique Motor Club High Tea on Sunday 19 April.

Focus was on preparing for the upcoming Gymkhana with beginners and more experienced riders levelling up their skills before the big weekend.

Thanks to everyone who came and made it such a wonderful event. On May 2nd and 3rd, FPC will hold their Annual Gymkhana and Charlie O’Connor Jump Day.

Roxane Manley

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