On Saturday 8th July, only 27 players braved the cold, however the arrivals found the game enjoyable. Three wins were recorded by Merv Langfield, Joan Littlejohn, Neville Spry and Rex Toole. Well done to those players and particularly to Merv as he hasn’t been around for a while so great to see him back.
Forbes Junior AFL Club
We are looking forward to our home game on Sunday 23rd July 23 at Gaggin Oval. The day is set to be a beauty, with five junior grades. This will see the debut of our under 10’s side which will be made up of our senior Auskicker’s who will transition into junior footy for the first time. Get excited!
Cudal Testing Centre Making Roads Safer For Motorcyclists
Cutting-edge motorcycle detection testing technology has been introduced at Transport for NSW’s vehicle testing and research centre to help make our roads safer for both drivers and motorcyclists across the state.
The newest and most advanced testing technology is aimed at preventing motorcycle collisions and has been rolled out alongside the completion of a new 400 metre intersection at the Future Mobility Testing and Research Centre (FMTRC) in Cudal.
The new technology can assess how well a car detects and avoids collisions with motorcyclists. In NSW, motorcycle registrations have jumped by 20 per cent to nearly 280,000 in the last five years, and tragically, on average, 58 motorcyclists are killed and almost 1000 seriously injured on NSW roads every year.
“This new technology upgrade will allow ANCAP to advance to the latest, most sophisticated set of criteria for its vehicle safety ratings in NSW and cements this facility as a world-class autonomous technology testing site.
“The safety testing carried out at this site benefits all road users from families to freight operators, and importantly keeps jobs and knowledge in Australia.” Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said.
The NSW Government’s expansion of its testing capabilities and on-site expertise in Cudal is critical to the work of Australasia’s independent vehicle safety testing organisation, ANCAP.
The world-class site is helping the automotive industry and developers realise the next generation of safety enhancements that will benefit all road users.
The new crossroad intersects the existing 1.6-kilometre runway at the former Hazelton airport site. The $1.2 million intersection was constructed by TfNSW teams from across the Central West, along with a contractor’s local crews.
To date the Cudal site has delivered more than 80 test and research programs. Other recent upgrades to the FMTRC include the installation of EV charging facilities, refurbishment of the existing house with fit-for-purpose office spaces for testing teams, and an upgrade to 5G connectivity across the site to facilitate advanced vehicle testing.
Safe Haven: We Can All Help

Dan Wright and Que President, Kath Whitchurch. Dan left the meeting, loaded with teddy bears. There are now enough to put a couple of Que teddy bears in every ambulance in the area but, please, keep on knitting.
Parkes Safe Haven opened its doors on 15th March, 2022, and since then has had 1,100 presentations of people struggling and in need of help. Safe Haven helps identify further services for appropriate support that is both immediate and ongoing.
Safe Haven is a friendly, emotional support facility for people with problems, often despairing or very lonely, some even contemplating suicide.
Ambulance Officer, Dan Wright spoke to Que Club members about this amazing facility at their recent dinner meeting.
Dan and his wife, lost their son Luke to suicide four years ago. It was absolutely devastating for them, their family and friends. Another seven young people also committed suicide in the following months, while Dan also lost one of his own friends, a man with five children.
Dan decided something needed to be done and that he would create a place to catch people before they reached crisis point. After two years of extremely hard work, calling on everyone he knew to help, he finally raised $510,000 to set up the Safe Haven. It is doing a remarkable job and as a result, ambulance callouts and death numbers have dramatically decreased.
Safe Haven looks and feels just like a house inside – beautifully equipped with quiet places, others for just talking, games, art and craft needs, even massage chairs, and everyone with a problem is welcome.
Safe Haven can only help needy people if they know about it. That’s where we all can help. Tell your friends, your kids, your parents, everyone. We can all help save lives.
Safe Haven is located at 3/195-199 Clarinda Street, and is open on weekdays from 10am. You can contact Safe Haven on 0428 228 097.
Be Seen @ Forbes North Public School
Friendly New Faces At McDonalds

Jenny posted this photo of her name badges to show her career progression on Linkedin, it received over 6,000 views before someone posted it on TiTok where it has since gone viral with over 11 million views worldwide. Pictured is Jenny with her daughters Isla (10), Lilly (14) and husband Dave.
New licensee of Forbes and Parkes McDonalds, Jenny Parfitt, together with her husband Dave and two daughters Lilly and Isla packed up their lives in the Blue Mountains to take on a new challenge in Parkes.
Jenny’s career progression through the ranks of the fast food giant, McDonalds is an inspiring story.
Raised in a working class, middle income family, Jenny had always been of the belief that if you want something, you work for it. Her first job was at Emu Plains McDonalds when she was just 14 years old. Jenny worked there for six months before moving to the Penrith Leagues restaurant and spending the next 23 years with the same licensee.
Jenny took a break from work for six months at 25 when her first daughter Lilly came along. Within six months of returning from maternity leave, Jenny was promoted to Operations Supervisor.
Fast forward four years, and Jenny was offered the opportunity to buy a share and become an equity partner. By the time she left Penrith to relocate to Parkes, they jointly owned nine stores.
Since moving to Parkes, Jenny has been overwhelmed by the amazing local support she has received. “The people of Forbes and Parkes are just so kind and lovely, we have felt very welcomed,” said Jenny.
The Forbes and Parkes McDonalds stores have also come on board as the brand new sponsors of our extremely popular Tradie of the Month feature. For details on how to enter please refer to the ad on page 8 of this week’s paper.
Skip The Que And Get Your Vote In Early
The upcoming NSW State Election will be held on Saturday, 25th March. However, early voting will be taking place from this Saturday, 18 March to Friday, 24th March.
If you are in Parkes or Forbes, and would like to avoid the huge crowds and long lines on election day, then you are encouraged to get out and vote early.
Early voting in Forbes will be available at the Forbes Town Hall in Harold Street, Forbes at the following times:
• Monday – Wednesday 8:30am – 5:30pm
• Thursday 8:30am – 8:00pm
• Friday 8:30am – 6:00pm
• Saturday 9:00am – 6:00pm
Early voting in Parkes will be available at the Parkes Early Voting Centre, 30 Welcome Street, Parkes at the following times:
• Monday – Wednesday 8:30am – 5:30pm
• Thursday 8:30am – 8:00pm
• Friday 8:30am – 6:00pm
• Saturday 9:00am – 6:00pm
If you are an Australian citizen aged 18 years or more, you are required to vote in federal, State and local government elections and by-elections. Ensure your voting registration details are correct.
A full list of local election cadidates will be available in next week’s edition of The Forbes & Parkes Phoenix.
Captain Starlight Lands In WNSWLHD

Captain Starlight will be virtually beaming into to our services, through the Planet Starlight platform.
The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) is extremely excited to welcome the Starlight Children’s Foundation into its hospitals with the launch of Planet Starlight.
Anne Field WNSWLHD Acting Director of Integrated Care, said it will be wonderful for children throughout the district to have access to Starlight and their resources.
“Captain Starlight will be virtually beaming into to our services, through the Planet Starlight platform. The virtual service will mean children have an engaging positive distraction while in our facilities,” Anne said.
Imogen Aitken, Starlight National Manager Program Development said distraction and fun, as well as feeling a sense of achievement, recognition and connection are important for hospitalised kids. “Our goal is that any child spending time in hospital can benefit directly from Captain Starlight experience anywhere, anytime.”
“We’re excited to expand the reach and impact of our Captain Starlight program into regions like the Western NSW LHD to bring happiness to even more sick kids, especially when we can’t always be there face-to-face,” said Immogen.
Planet Starlight was officially launched this week at Dubbo Health Service, while concurrently being rolled out at Bathurst and Orange Health Services.
“Being in hospital can be a scary and stressful time, especially for kids. We hope Planet Starlight will be able to ease this for them while they’re with us,” Anne said.
Mum of four, Amie Gough said Starlight has played a positive role in their hospital stays in Sydney. “The Starlight Express Room has always been a ‘happy escape’ for Millie away from the ward, operating theatre and clinics.”
The virtual platform is available on any smart device.
Weekend Golf Report

The team of Neil McMillan, Brianna Duncan, Niel Duncan and Stephen Uphill enjoy the sun during the PGA Scramble on Sunday at the Forbes Golf Club.
The Saturday competition was the ‘Albie Callaghan’ 4-Person Ambrose, contested by 64 players. This was won by Reg Murray, K Herbert, J Bernardi and Alf Davies with a score of 57 ¼ nett. Runners-up were N Duncan, C Duncan, B Duncan and N McMillan with 57 3/8 nett.
On Sunday the Forbes club’s Scramble event saw players from all around the Central West with 20 teams, or 80 players. The winners were P Amor, A Bourke, J Elliott and B Horner (Parkes) who finished with 57 1/8 nett. Runners-up were T Howe, R Grayson, P Grayson and S Betland on 58 ¾.
By Short Putt
Draft Middleton Masterplan Needs Your Input

There is a draft masterplan for the future development of the Middleton area of Parkes, and the community is invited to give their input on the plan.
Parkes is growing and the draft plan for the future development of the Middleton area of the town is on public exhibition to gain input from the community.
There is a new residential release area planned for Middleton and the draft masterplan will guide future development. This will ensure the new residential area not only supports population growth but integrates with the existing residential area and enhances the liveability of the Middleton community.
It will also set out a plan to provide a high quality, sustainable, accessible and coordinated delivery of public infrastructure.
Earlier this year Parkes Shire Council invited the community to share their ideas to assist with the development of a masterplan with a total of 46 surveys completed and 163 visitors used the ‘Map It Tool’ during the exhibition phase.
All feedback was collated to develop the draft plan, and Council is now seeking further feedback from the community to ensure they have captured the feedback received correctly, before presenting it to Council later in the year for consideration for adoption.
“There is so much potential for the Middleton area and this is reflective in the feedback we received from the community,” said Council’s Director Planning & Community Services Brendan Hayes.
The masterplan focuses on areas of development, including recreational and open spaces, sewage and water infrastructure, roads and walkways, vegetation, hazards, access to public facilities and commercial usage.
“We are encouraging our community to review the draft plan and provide any further feedback you may have,” said Mayor of Parkes Shire Cr Ken Keith.
Visit www.yoursay.parkes.nsw.gov.au, submit your comments in writing via email to council@parkes.nsw.gov.au or by mail to: The General Manager, Parkes Shire Council, PO Box 337, Parkes NSW 2870. Feedback closes Friday, 7th October.
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