The PDNA Opens team who played three days of playing high level netball against teams from all around the state. The Opens team managed to finish 3rd on the ladder. Just one win away from being runners-up.
The15s team finished 6th out of 10 teams, they had to play each team twice. This means they played a total of 18 games and managed to climb the ladder from second last place after day one, to 6th place at the end of day three, which is an amazing effort!
Pictured is Sergeant Mitchell Gage who wants to send a clear message to drivers over the long weekend.
Motorists across the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Council areas are being reminded to drive safely over the King’s Birthday long weekend as double demerit points come into force.
Double demerits will be in operation from Friday 6 June until Monday 9 June (inclusive) for all speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt and motorcycle helmet offences.
School zones are in operation on Friday 6 June and additional penalties can apply for certain offences committed in school zones.
Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Mitchell Gage has indicated that Police will also be targeting the “four Ds” of road users including drink, drug, dangerous and distracted driving.
“Around 95% of crashes in NSW are the result of behaviour – like driving too fast for the conditions, falling asleep behind the wheel or being impaired by drugs and/or alcohol.
“Too often we see the tragic aftermath of drivers making poor decisions. We want everyone to make it to and from their destinations safely this long weekend.
“There will be more Police on the road which means a greater chance of drivers being caught if they are doing the wrong thing” Sergeant Gage said.
Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said that drivers should make sure that they are fit to drive before getting behind the wheel, and that they are focused on the driving task whilst on the road and that their vehicle is in good working condition.
Students enjoyed a full term of the Nginhgau Students Art Workshop.
Forbes High School: Nginhgau Students are very appreciative of the Art Workshop delivered to them by Kiesha-Lee Bowden, Local Wiradjuri artist and former student of Forbes High. Throughout the workshop, students learnt about Traditional Aboriginal art and how to create stories through art. This engaging workshop spanned the term.
Parkes Picnic Races: Enjoy a day full of fun, flair and fantastic country racing! Saturday 7 June, 11.30am at Parkes Racecourse. Tickets cost $20 online (+ booking fee) at https://bit.ly/parkespicnicraces or $25 at the gate. Free entry for kids under 16. Thanks to all of the fantastic sponsors for their support.
The Grenfell Henry Lawson Festival Of Arts: Get ready to line the streets of Grenfell, for the Henry Lawson Festival: 5– 9 June. Featuring art and writing competitions, food stalls, market stalls, live music, events, street parade and a street party. All in honour of Henry Lawson and to promote and recognise his works. For more details go to: henrylawsonfestival.com.au
PCYC Parkes: Book a Safer Drivers Course on 28 June to get 20 hours off your log book and be a step closer to your P plates. In just 5 hours you can get 20 hours
off your log book. Fully funded places are available for the Parkes course by emailing the club at parkes@pcycnsw.org.au for a voucher number to access this offer.
Country Women’s Association (CWA) of NSW: We’ve released $250,000 from our Disaster Relief Fund for drought relief for primary producers in NSW or the ACT in drought or drought affected areas. Drought in South West and Western regions of NSW is leaving many farmers facing a long and difficult winter. CWA of NSW will help with household expenses up to $3,000 for eligible applicants. Find out more or apply at: https://www.cwaofnsw.org.au/droughtaid
Beanies At The Corner: Craft Corner in Parkes extend a massive thank you to all the fantastic participants in their “Beanies at the Corner” competition. The incredible entries are on display at Craft Corner, showcasing the vibrant creativity of our community. Congratulations to the winners, Kids: 1st Maralyn Wise, 2nd Sharyn Preisig, 3rd Sarah Hankinson. Classic: 1st Liz Mulligan, 2nd Mary Ewin, 3rd Sue Ridley. Quirky: 1st Sharyn Preisig, 2nd Melissa McIntyre, 3rd Keira Bartrop. Rainbow: 1st Melissa McIntyre, 2nd Keira Bartrop, 3rd Elizabeth Kay. Encouragement: Sarah Hankinson.
Visit Craft Corner and find a handmade treasure at 237 Clarinda St, Parkes.
On Saturday 31 May Parkes East Public School held their much anticipated annual fete.
Thanks to everyone who came along and had a great time supporting the school.
Shout out to the P&C, all the families and local businesses for their amazing support.
Registrations are open for this year’s Central West NSW Heavy Vehicle Breakfast Forum, which will be held at the Forbes Inn on Thursday 12 June. Local farmers, contract harvesters, couriers, truck drivers and transport company operators are invited to attend.
Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, who is organising the forum said this year’s event will focus on higher productivity vehicles, safety, compliance and industry case studies and there will be a high productivity vehicle on display.
“Since its inception in 2012, the breakfast forum has brought together the local freight industry to discuss issues affecting them.
“Come along to listen, learn and ask questions of industry experts from NHVR, Transport for NSW, Parkes Shire Council, NSW Police, Essential Energy, Midland and Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds” Ms Suitor said.
You can register online with this link: https://forms.office.com/r/pkPN1Vt4Ji via the Councils’ Facebook pages or call Ms Suitor on (02) 6861 2364.
The forum will kick off at 6.30am with breakfast. The official program starts at 7am. The event will finish at 11.30am. The forum is free, but registration is required for catering purposes.
If you are unable to make it on the day, the event is being recorded and the link to the video will be available to view on the Councils’ Facebook pages and in follow-up media articles or contact Ms Suitor on 0428 400 627 or via Melanie.Suitor@parkes.nsw.gov.au to register your interest in receiving the link.
African boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum) is one of the most invasive and damaging weeds threatening the region’s environment, agriculture, and biodiversity.
Parkes Shire Council is calling on residents to be vigilant in identifying and reporting African boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum), one of the most invasive and damaging weeds threatening the region’s environment, agriculture, and biodiversity.
Native to southern Africa and introduced to Australia in the mid-1800s, African boxthorn has become a widespread and destructive pest species. It forms dense, thorny thickets that can reach up to five metres in height, hindering access for both livestock and people, outcompeting native plants, degrading bushland, and providing shelter for invasive animals such as rabbits and foxes.
Michael Chambers, Environment and Sustainability Manager at Parkes Shire Council said “This plant is extremely versatile and thrives in a wide range of climates and ecosystems.”
“African boxthorn is one of the worst weeds in Australia due to its invasiveness and the serious economic and environmental impacts it causes.”
African boxthorn is a listed Weed of National Significance (WONS) and is considered a Priority Weed in New South Wales. It reduces agricultural productivity, is toxic to humans and animals, and spreads rapidly through birds, water, vehicles, and dumped garden waste.
The plant is easily identified by its pale lilac to white tubular flowers with purple blotches, bright green teardrop-shaped leaves, and small orange to red berries about one centimetre in diameter.
“We’re here to support the community in managing this weed, but lasting success depends on all of us working together,” Mr Chambers added.
Residents are urged to report any sightings of African boxthorn, especially along roadsides, creek lines, and public reserves.
For assistance with weed identification, contact Council’s Biosecurity Team on 02 6861 2343. For information, visit https://www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/Services/Biosecurity.
With a national focus on road safety this month, researchers from The George Institute for Global Health are asking locals to share their thoughts on driving in an anonymous online survey.
The survey is part of a larger road safety project known as Community Action for Safe Speeds (CASS). Taking place across New South Wales, the CASS study will help researchers understand attitudes toward safe speeds on our roads, with the aim of finding innovative ways to reduce speeding-related road trauma.
Road trauma can have a devastating and long-lasting impact on everyone involved. In 2023 alone, there were 33 casualties from 44 crashes on Parkes Shire roads, with speeding listed as a contributing factor in 25% of these crashes.
Parkes Shire Council’s Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said speeding is the highest contributor to injury crashes in our region and the most complex road safety issue in our community and many others.
“We’re committed to improving road safety in our region and working with global researchers on the topic of speeding, to help us shape ideas for making our local roads safer for everyone,” Ms Suitor said.
To participate, you must be aged 18 years or older, be willing to complete two surveys 6 months apart, live or work in the Parkes Local Government Area, and be able to complete the survey in English.
Upon completing both the initial and 6-month follow up surveys, participants will enter a draw to win one of four $250 e-gift vouchers. The survey can be accessed via https://bit.ly/3SHAwbl
It was a brilliant start to the YES Horticulture Program with Ms Matthews from Orange TAFE.
Students gained valuable insights into seed germination, seasonal planting, and the intricacies of growing from seeds.
Students potted snow peas, sweet peas, broad beans, and native grasses. There are four weeks remaining of this great program.
Clockwise from top left: Mason Wild on the podium in third place; Mason pictured displaying his achievements; both brothers pictured with their parent; an action shot of younger brother Reed Wild on race day.
A huge congratulations to Mason and Reed Wild from Parkes for their stellar performances at the 2025 Australian Junior Track Championships, held over the weekend at Fairbairn Park in Canberra and hosted by the ACT Motorcycle Club.
Mason Wild claimed an impressive third place in the hotly contested 85cc 4-stroke Modified (7–Under 12) class, showcasing his speed and skill on the national stage.
This is Mason’s second podium finish on the big stage in 2 months – finishing with another third place over the Easter weekend at Kurri Kurri for the 2025 Australian Junior Dirt Track Championship.
Meanwhile, younger brother Reed Wild powered through the competition in ACT, to take a strong fourth place in the 65cc class, proving that talent runs deep in the family.
With over 100 junior riders from across the country, both events were a showcase of Australia’s best up-and-coming motorcycle racers. The Wild brothers stood out with determination, consistency, and grit—two names to watch in the future of Aussie motorsport!
ABOVE: Phil Donato MP speaking to ride organiser, Grant Nicholson before the group departed from Bunnings carpark in Forbes to make the trip to Parliament House.
An estimated 4.2 million Australian adults (21 per cent) have experienced violence, emotional abuse or economic abuse by a partner, according to information released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Women are more likely than men to have experienced this type of abuse by a partner, and when Forbes woman Molly Ticehurst was murdered by her ex-partner on 22 April, 2024, it didn’t just shake the Forbes community, it rocked the nation.
Forbes’ Grant Nicholson was inspired by the loss of Molly to lead 120 motorcycles on a Ride Against Domestic Violence. The ride kicked off on Friday 11 April from Bunnings carpark in Forbes, with local member Phil Donato MP in attendance to farewell the riders.
“There were many failures in the system that should have provided Molly more safety and security,” said Mr Donato.
The group rode 280km, picking up riders along the way, to hold a meeting in the assembly area of Parliament House in Canberra to demonstrate their concern over “The lack of action by our leaders to combat DV in our communities,” said Grant. The date, 11 April was chosen as it was the day before Molly’s birthday.
Grant spoke in front of the crowd in Canberra, with the intent to be loud and peaceful, in an attempt to show society that domestic violence of any kind will not be tolerated.
The event was covered by television crews including Channel 7, Channel 9 and ABC, but Grant wont accept praise for raising awareness to this cause, humbly stating, “We’re trying to do something, it’s the only thing I know how to do.”
Grant, who is part of the Central West Riders Forbes group, says in a few weeks he will meet up with fellow riders from Dubbo in an effort to start planning next year’s ride.
BELOW: One of the riders clearly demonstrating their support of this important cause.