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Parkes Phoenix

Currajong Disability Services Hosts Successful Super Tag Gala Day

April 16, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Pictured are just a few of the Currajong Disability participants and staff who took part in the Super Tag Gala Day.

Currajong Disability Services, in part­nership with Parkes Spacemen and the NSWRL hosted a successful Super Tag Gala Day at Pioneer Oval on Tuesday 14 April.

Parkes players were joined by players who travelled from Orange, Forbes, Dubbo and even from as far as Newcastle.

The idea for the gala day began when Andrew Thomas, President of Parkes Spacemen was in Dubbo watching a Super Tag game and sent a video of it to Douglas Pout, from Currajong Disability Services.

The rest is now history.

Andrew Thomas said, “At the moment there are three clubs in the PMP playing Super Tag, and we are hoping Parkes will be the fourth.”

The participants were taken through warm ups and skill drills by NSWRL to start off, learning what you have to do, how to move the ball around and how you run with each other. After that players took part in a few games, running 15 minutes each way.

Douglas Pout from Currajong Disability Services said he hoped this event will be the first of many. “What I’d love to see is for this to become a multiday event, where we can have teams come from all over and come here to play.”

Brooke Mallison, NSWRL Club and Com­petition Co-ordinator said, “We will come out and support these days in co-ordinat­ing them and working with all the disability services in the local areas. We will get on board with the NRL guys that come out and they will run different skills and drills to the ability levels of all the participants.”

Thanks to everyone involved in making the day such a success, including major sponsor Parkes Fitness4All, BRITT Physi­otherapy, Parkes Shire Council and Evolu­tion Mining and all of the staff at Currajong Disability Services along with the other ser­vice providers who helped make the day possible.

Brooke Mallison, Douglas Pout, Andy Thomas and Toby Kable.


Volunteers from Parkes Spacemen and training staff from NSWRL.


The Lake Macquarie/Hunter Region team who travelled to Parkes to partake in the gala day.

Mason Wild Takes Home Australian Dirt Track Title

April 9, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Pictured is Mason Wild from Forbes on a victory lap after claiming the Australian Title.

A challenging weekend at the Australian Dirt Track Titles in Albury-Wodonga turned into a moment of triumph for young rider Mason Wild, who claimed the 80 Modified Australian Dirt Track Title after a hard-fought final.

The weekend didn’t start smoothly for the W15 rider, with gate starts proving dif­ficult across multiple classes from the out­set of practice. Wild struggled to get clean launches off the line throughout the early stages of the weekend, forcing him to fight from the back of the field in several races.

While the Albury Wodonga track had its challenges, Wild left with the ultimate prize and the Australian Title.

Adding to the team’s strong weekend was brother Reed Wild, who stepped up into one of the most competitive grids in the sport for his first race in the division. Reed impressed, taking third place in his open­ing heat and earning a direct transfer to the final in the 65cc class. His performance marked a significant milestone and high­lighted the depth of talent within the Wild racing team.

The Wild boys also acknowledged the amazing support network behind their rac­ing efforts, thanking their sponsors who help make competing possible, including Beard Brothers MC, JR Mechanical Ser­vices, ProMoto Suspension, Ringmaster Images, Little Ripperz, Extra Mile MC, White Race Tuning, Flemmings Roofing and Central West Funerals.

After a tough weekend of racing, one thing is certain the young W15 machine and Mason Wild delivered when it counted most.

Parkes Golf Club Results

March 26, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Well done to the winners of this weeks graded stableford sponsored by Blake Parker! Some red hot scoring once again this week.The greens are coming back great from renovations just two weeks ago.

 


Next week we have a single stableford sponsored by Dirt Drs Landscaping Yard. This will be followed by the Ladies’ Open on Sunday 29 March. Please not there will be no social play until 3.30pm on Sunday.

Parkes Dragon Boat Club Represents

March 19, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Pictured on their way to Canberra for the Canberra Regatta is David Potts driving, Linda Snyman riding shotgun and David Pelchen in the back

Saturday 14th March was Canberra Regatta (Western Region squad training day)

3 Parkes Dragon Boat Club members will compete at the AUSCHAMPS 2026 event in April on the Sunshine Coast:

David Pelchen, David Potts and Linda Snyman have been training with team mates from across the Western Region of NSW, from Narrabri, Dubbo, Bathurst, Orange, Forbes and Wagga Wagga.

Training in March included a regatta in Canberra where they competed in 2km and 200m races.

Linda Snyman said “I’m very proud to represent my region of the state at AUSCHAMPS, and have also been nominated as Captain of the women’s side. I have made so many wonderful friends over the years through dragon boating and it’s great to be able to compete alongside them in April on the Sunshine Coast.”

Dragon boating is a great way to get fit, have fun, make new friends, and paddle around the country. Are you keen to join the Parkes Endeavour Dragons? They meet at Lake Endeavor Saturdays at 2pm for a 2:30pm start on the water. But note Dragon Boating at Lake Endeavor is on hold till May due to council upgrades.

Young Boxer Olivia Hetherington Finds Confidence In The Ring

March 12, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Olivia Hetherington pictured in the centre with Luke Hughes on left and Beejay Ward on the right.

Sixteen-year-old Parkes girl, Olivia “Liv” Hetherington has shown incredible growth since joining Hillbilly Boxing just six months ago. Originally taking-up boxing simply for fitness, Liv had no plans of stepping into the ring. At the time she was extremely shy, and lacking in confidence, but with encour­agement from her coaches and teammates she began to grow more comfortable in the gym.

After gaining confidence through training and sparring, Liv took a big step on Satur­day, 8 March, competing in her very first bout at EXO Fight Night in Dubbo. Facing Tracey Swoden, a heavier and more expe­rienced opponent, Liv showed courage and determination throughout the fight.

Her efforts did not go unnoticed, with Liv receiving an Encouragement Award on the night for her determination and effort. The once-shy teenager left the ring stronger, more determined, and already looking for­ward to her next fight.

Olivia had a huge cheer squad in the crowd on the night and she said, “I’m not sure when it will be but I will keep training and I can’t wait for my next fight.”

She spoke of working on her defence and head movement and said, “Thank you to my coaches who believed in me and sup­ported me.”

Coaches at Hillbilly Boxing say they are extremely proud of how far Liv has come, from a shy beginner to a confident young boxer saying, “She’s come a long way from the shy girl who first walked through the doors.”

Outside of her own training, Liv is also known around the gym for helping younger members with their sessions, always willing to lend a hand and listen to her coaches.

Hillbilly Boxing says Liv has become a val­ued part of the gym community and a great example of what dedication and stepping outside your comfort zone can achieve.”

NPA NSW Lachlan Valley Branch Walks: Autumn Calender

March 5, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Wednesday 4 March Peak Hill Flora Reserve and Mine: 3kmeasy on track. Meet at Bushmans DamKelly Reserve cnr Thomas St and Peak HilRd at 9.00am. Leader Martin Bell 0429 346586.

Saturday March 21 Borenore Caves: Medium 5km. Mee9.00am at Lions Park Molong Rd ParkesLeader Martin Bell 0429 346 586.

Wednesday April 1 Bumberry Trail (off Renshaw McGirr WayGoobang NP: Hard 6kms. Meet 9.00amat Lions Park Molong Rd Parkes LeadeGraeme MacRaild 0436 966 819.

Saturday April 18Nangar NP Puzzleflat Creek: Medium 6kmsome off track. Meet at 305 Puzzleflat Lane9.30am (45mins travel time from Parkes directions google maps) Leader Juliet Hun0432 470 025.

Wednesday April 29 TBC likely Goobang NP Management Traiopposite Bumberry Ridge carpark. Meet aLion’s Park, Molong Road at 9.00am Leader Liz MacRaild 0455 915 989.

Contact the walk leader the night beforethe walk if you intend to come.

Henry Cross Selected To Represent Australia

February 26, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Henry pictured in full swing on the squash court.

Parkes High student Henry Cross was noti­fied by Sqaush Australia in early February of his selection in the Australian Squad to take on New Zealand in the 2026 TransTasman Test Match from 10-11 April 2026 in Melbourne, with the official announce­ment being made last week.

“Australia is looking to go three in a row for the first time ever in a Test Match against New Zealand. We will play in Mel­bourne in April, and I will be the Australian #1 Under 17 boy. This will then be followed on by the Australian Junior Open and Oce­ania Junior Championship – so I am looking at around 12 days straight of competition, plus an Aussie Squad training the day be­fore,” said Henry.

This will be Henry’s third time represent­ing Australia. Henry first represented Aus­tralia in 2023 in U/15 and competed in New Zealand, but the Aussie team lost overall.

Then again in 2024, where he won both his matches in the U/15 and the Aussie team won the test match.

When asked how he was planning to prepare in the lead up, Henry said: “Lots of fitness and on court work. I will work with my dad (who is my coach) and Jason at Parkes Athletic to make sure I’m ready.”

Henry has set himself some big goals for 2026, saying: “Making Australia Under 17’s was my first, but I also am aiming to make the All Schools Team and looking to trial for the Under 19 World Junior Team. I have also just started Year 11 at Parkes High, so am looking to keep my marks up to keep options open for after school is also a big focus this year.”

2026 Parkes Soccer Registrations Are Now Open

February 19, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Parkes District Amateur Soccer Associa­tion are looking forward to another suc­cessful and fun season.

Registrations for all juniors (5 – 17 years) and ladies are open with an opportunity to receive a 15% discount on each registra­tion before 14 March. Active Kids Vouch­ers are accepted and prices for registration have not changed from 2025.

All Junior players will receive a soccer ball included in their registration fees which will be distributed during the first few weeks of the season. The season will commence on Saturday 2nd May with more details to follow.

The club will have a face-to-face regis­tration day, this Saturday 21 February from 11am – 1pm. Head along if you are unsure how to register, purchase socks (cash and card accepted) or just want to ask a ques­tion about soccer or volunteering options.

The first meeting for all members will be on Monday, 9 March at the Parkes Servic­es Club (upstairs) from 7pm. This will be a compulsory meeting for all ladies delegates For more details, check out their Face­book posts, send a DM or visit the website https://websites.mygameday.app/assoc_page.cgi?c=0-7290-0-0-0

Pre-season Training Is Up And Running

February 12, 2026 By Roxane Manley

Pre-season has well and truly started over in the Magpies Nest. Plenty of new faces and seasoned ones.


Check out this bunch of legends, if you’re keen to give play, head up and meet the Parkes Spacemen at training.

Parkes Sporting Wrap Up

February 12, 2026 By Roxane Manley

The Parkes Sharks Swimming Club team who travelled to Lithgow to compete

Official Parkes Sharks Swimming Club

Parkes Sharks attended the Mountains and Plains Swimming summer champi­onship in Lithgow and they enjoyed great food, friends, and fun, with a little swim­ming on the side. An impressive 46 pbs, 6 gold medals, 15 silver and 18 bronze were won across only 20 swimmers. And a first assessment completed for Referee and Starter. What a cracking little club.

A massive thank you to all the parents jumping in with set up and pack down, timekeeping, and general good times.

Congratulations to Travis, Viv, Flo, Rup, Hudson, and Lincoln on competing and competing well at your very first Summer Champs. The first of many, no doubt, we are very proud of you.

Parkes Bowling And Sports Club

If you have arranged a game to be played, you must add this to the whiteboard at the club, so the green keepers are aware of these games being played. This is the player’s responsibility to add this to the whiteboard, if this is not added prior to your game, and once played, please send through results and any outstanding details of your game, so this can be shared.

Parkes Golf Club

The Coachman Hotel February monthly medal was held on Saturday. 82 players dodging a couple scattered showers. There was some great scoring, well done to all the winners on the day. It was great to see four members from Coolangatta tweed heads, where Zac used to be, fly down Friday and play the midweek comp and stayed for the monthly medal Saturday and left Sunday.

Great effort from them. We are sure they had a great time and loved the course.

Next Saturday Parkes Golf Club will have a 4 ball multiplier stableford and the 5th and final round of the summer comp sponsored by BWR Accountants.

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