Sports Archives - Page 3 of 115

Good Times At Goodnessgravel Parkes

November 6, 2025 By Roxane Manley

twowheeltours, has years of experience in the bike industry including events, tours and races both here in Australia and around the world. They created goodnessgravel to combine their passion for creating memorable riding experiences with the real need to support local Australian communities. Just last week they held their fourth event of 2025 right here in Parkes.

Last week, 180 riders were at Harrison Park ready for the 7:30am, 8:00am or 8:30am roll out. Then it was just them, gravel, open plains, heat, rolling countryside, rest stops, volunteers, and plenty of smile-time.

Over 50% of the riders had gold number rider cards, meaning that they had ridden at least one other goodnessgravel event in the past – this also means that there are many new faces in the goodnessgravel family.

Thanks to the many people involved in these events including the Parkes Action Group, Eugowra Mens Shed and the Parkes Tourism for their tireless work. Then there were the event medics, mechanics, photographers, support vehicles, event staff plus the lead out roaming motorbike riders.

Thanks also to all goodnessgravel sponsors including Shimano GRX, MidCoast Council, Shimano Aust, Bombtrack, Smoove Lube, Bowy Active, SCV Imports, Heaps Normal, Panaracer, Apidura, Ass Magic, Lead Out Sports and LazerEvent participant Ian, who has participated in eight past goodnessgravel events, said to Will Levy of goodnessgravel and twowheeltours: “Will, I just want to say thanks for the event – sure I paid for the privilege – but that one was a cracker. Just the right mix of tough yet excellent and flowing downhill….with a touch of cruel uphill.”

goodnessgravel continues to hold events to encourage tourism to support local communities like Parkes. $10 from each entry is donated to local charities. To find out more information just check out https://www.goodnessgravel.com/

$35,000 Boost For Local Sport

November 6, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Brooke Plunkett (NPM) and Mayor Neil Westcott pictured with the Rising Star RecipientsSienna Eve Taylor, Joselyne Folau, Malia Morrison, (Front): Emanual Townsend, Harlen Corney.

Parkes Shire Council and Evolution Mining Northparkes Operations are pleased to announce the successful applicants from Round 2 of the 2025 Parkes Shire Sports Grants Program.

In this round, a total of $30,000 in funding has been distributed to seven local sportingorganisations, and $5,000 has been awarded to seven outstanding young athletes through the Rising Star Grant Program.

Mayor Neil Westcott congratulated the recipients and acknowledged the important role these programs play in supporting the growth of sport and recreation across the Parkes Shire.

“Our community has such a strong sporting spirit, and these grants help keep that alive by supporting participation, improving facilities, and helping young athletes reach their potential,” Mayor Neil Westcott said.

“We’re proud to continue working alongside Evolution Mining Northparkes Operations to deliver programs that strengthen our clubs, encourage healthy lifestyles, and invest in the next generation of local talent.”

Round 2 – 2025 Sporting Organisation Grant Recipients were Parkes & District Amateur Soccer Association Inc., Parkes & District Netball Association Inc., Parkes Australian Rules Football Club, Parkes District Cricket Association, Parkes Tennis Club and the Peak Hill Roosters Rugby League Football Club.

Round 2 – 2025 Rising Star Grant Recipients were Noah Jayet, Sienna Eve Taylor, Tori Bennett, Emanual Townsend, Joselyne Folau, Harlen Corney and Malia Morrison.

The Rising Star Grant Program is a joint initiative between Evolution Mining Northparkes Operations and Parkes Shire Council, providing financial support to individual athletes who demonstrate potential and commitment in their chosen field. Each recipient is also automatically entered into the Parkes Shire Australia Day Sports Awards, where one will receive the Ron Harrison OAM Rising Star Award.

The next round of the Parkes Shire Sports Grants Program will open up in early to mid2026. For more information, visit Council’s Grants Programs page on the Parkes Shire Council website.

Sports Grant Recipients – Brooke Plunkett (NPM), Mitch Cudden (Parkes and District Amateur Soccer Association Inc), Ella McColl and Sam Rivett (Parkes Tennis Club), Graeme Bayliss (Parkes District Cricket Association), Mayor Neil Westcott.

First Edition Of Goodnessgravel Parkes This Weekend

October 30, 2025 By Roxane Manley

The goodnessgravel Parkes event is taking place this weekend, so you can expect to see a large number of cyclists in the area.

Currently there are 160 riders locked in with riders coming in from all over NSW, ACT and QLD. This event series is designed to bring riders to exciting locations to ride, see and cycleRiders had the choice of registering to cycle either 130km, 110km or 50km. The 130km, 110km and 50km courses are a challenge and riders are expected to have put in training.

It seems that the weather is going to be a bit warm, reaching 30C, but no rain is expected. Riders are excited to experience the rolling hills of Parkes. This loop has a little bit of everything, tarmac, ascents and descents, great rest stops, villages and of course plenty of good(ness) gravel.

Ricers will start departing from Harrison Park at 7.30am, 300m above sea-level (ASL) – riders will ride a bit of tarmac for the first 6km which is ‘flat’. Rest Stops will be positioned along the way at Cookamidgera and at Eugowra.

The great people from Parkes Action Group will be the suppliers of complimentary sausage sandwichs & cold drinks once the riders roll over the finish line.

On the Sunday 2 November in an effort to get out and explore more of the glorious Parkes Area, the group will enjoy a Social Pedal out to The Dish.

Motorist’s are advised to keep an eye out for Riders across both days. Riders will be following NSW Road Rules – it’s a ride, not a race.

Kath Hutchison Now An Honorary Member Of Parkes Croquet Club

October 30, 2025 By Roxane Manley

One hundred and one year old Kath Hutchison has been deemed an Honorary Member of Parkes Croquet Club.

When Beth Thomas of the Parkes Croquet Club called around to present Kath with the news, she noted that Kath was keeping busy, having just made date rolls for the Holy Family street stall, and a plum pudding for a friend who was having a family reunion. Plus she was preparing lunch for her son, Michael, who was coming to visit.

Kath has been a member since Parkes Croquet began playing at Parkes Tennis Club just over 3 years ago. At 101 Kath still plays occasionally and the members all love to see her turn up. The thing she enjoys the most is the friendships. “All the people who play are lovely and welcoming,” Kath said.

Kath was very touched to receive her honorary membership certificate. She said she felt thrilled to bits. “It’s just lovely.”

Kath recounted that her 100th Birthday last year was a wonderful day, with a beautiful Croquet themed birthday cake and celebration.

“All the croquet members attended as well as my son, Michael and daughter, Sherree Rosser. At 101 it’s so good to still be able to enjoy sport, and it’s special to be able to play alongside my daughter, Sherree.”

Kath said her secret to her youthful longevity is to: “‘Keep active and involved. Get yourself out and work and don’t sit around whinging. When you keep busy you have no time to worry or whinge.

“I’ve never had time to think about getting old. My husband Keith and I always worked hard. We also brought up two lovely children and spent 30 enjoyable years of caravanning, including a few times around Australia. I’ve always kept busy and active and I have always enjoyed such a wonderful life.”

Simmons And Venables Are Winners

October 30, 2025 By Short Putt

The Annual ‘Callaghan Shield’, sponsored by Todd Callaghan Painting, was held on Saturday 25 October. The field of 65 welcomed the fantastic conditions and produced many scores to match in the 4BBB Stableford Aggregate format.

The winners were Ann Simmons and Colleen Venables with 78 points. Their score was the highest recorded for many years and included many 3-pointers. Runners up were the pair of Jeff House and Matt Walton who managed 77 points. Their score was helped by a couple of 4-pointers.

The Individual Comp was won by Matt Walton by count back from Colleen Venables after both had scored 40 points.

The ball sweep to 68 points, with seven pairs being successful The NTP’s were well contested and went to: 9th Ladies: S Grierson, Men: P Grayson; 18th Ladies: A Simmons, Men: D Bernardi.

The 3rd hole Super Pin went to Jenny Fletcher (265cm) getting inside three other players and stumping the ‘guns’ that followed.

This Saturday, 1 November is Monthly Medal with the Mixed Foursomes Championships on Sun 2 November. Please be advised that the course will be closed until the afternoon.

By Short Putt

Athletes From The Region To Compete At PA Games

October 30, 2025 By Roxane Manley

PA Games combine competition with community spirit.

The 2025 PA Games will take place on Saturday, 1 November, at Parkes Athletic, 2/36 Boyd Circuit, Parkes. Athletes will compete across a range of functional fitness workouts inspired by HYROX, Gymnastics , Olympic lifting, and Strongman. Expect to see everything from barbell lifts and gymnastics work on the rig to running, rowing, and classic partner challenges.

Parkes Athletic (PA) is a communitybased fitness facility in Parkes focused on helping people of all ages and abilities build strength, confidence, and a love for movement. They offer a range of programs including Functional fitness-style training, Olympic lifting, HYROX, group classes, kids and teens fitness, and recovery services — all in a welcoming, team-driven environment.

The PA Games began in 2023 as a friendly in-house competition for our members, designed to challenge athletes across a variety of fitness domains — strength, endurance, and teamwork.

Since its first year, the PA Games has grown significantly — more competitors, more sponsors, and a bigger spectator crowd each time. Everyone is welcome to attend. Whether you’re a fitness fan, family member, or just curious to see the action, we encourage the community to come along, cheer on the athletes, enjoy a coffee, and soak up the atmosphere. Entry is free for spectators.

The PA Games will run from 8am to 3pm.

Spectators can grab a coffee, hang out or jump into a recovery session.

Shout out to local businesses who have come on board again as sponsors as well as some new ones, helping make the day possible. The Coachman Hotel, Worklocker, Yakka Solutions, Parkes Supplements, Specialised Plumbing and excavation, Standen building and M/PACC.

Serving Up A Day Of Tennis And “Fun”draising

October 23, 2025 By Roxane Manley

The 2024 event – people coming along this Sunday are encouraged to wear pink.

Seventeen year-old Parkes girl, and talented tennis player Asha Munodawafa hosted her first fundraiser for the McGrath Foundation last year. Asha wanted to find a way to support the incredible work the McGrath Foundation does and to make a difference within her own community while inspiring others to do the same.

Asha said “The event went really well. We had such a positive response from the community and managed to raise $1,594.05, which was actually over my original goal.

I was so proud of that achievement for a first-time event.”

This Sunday, Asha is excited to be hosting a second event, which includes a ladies and girls cardio session and the Doubles for a Difference tennis tournament.

The amazing Helen Magill will be running the ladies cardio tennis session, a fun, energetic workout that’s suitable for all fitness levels and all about getting active, connecting with others, and having a great time for a great cause.

Meanwhile, junior coaches Tia Dunn, Ella McColl, and Asha will be running the girls cardio tennis session. For the younger girls, the aim is to create an environment that’s less about competition and more about having fun, feeling confident, and making new friends while being part of something meaningful.

The Doubles for a Difference competition will be loads of fun, so grab a partner and register to play, or just come along in support and have some fun. Everyone is welcome to get involved, you don’t need to know how to play tennis to take part. The day is all about community, fun, and supporting a great cause.

To register, please contact Asha on 0466 417 716. It is just $5 per person, and you can also pay with cash on the day. Just come along, bring your friends and family, everyone is welcome!“The McGrath Foundation is such an important cause because of the vital role their cancer care nurses play in helping individuals and families navigate one of the toughest times in their lives.

“The message I’d love to share is that even small efforts can make a big impact, by coming together as a community, we can help ensure that no one faces cancer alone,” said Asha.

Donations can also be made directly through Asha’s fundraising page www.pinkisthecolour.com.au/s/7277/9508

“Every contribution, no matter how big or small, truly helps make a difference. I’m so grateful for the community’s support,” concluded Asha.

The talented and inspiring Asha Munodawafa, is pictured on the left.

Reel In The Fishing Fun This Gone Fishing Day

October 16, 2025 By Roxane Manley

A Free community event is being held at Forbes Lake Forbes Waterpark this Sunday, 19 October with activities kicking off at 9am.

Gone Fishing Day is the perfect opportunity to get outdoors, cast a line, and make the most of NSW’s world-class fishing locations.

Whether you are a first-time fisher or chasing your next big catch, we want everyone to get involved in Gone Fishing Day to enjoy the benefits and thrill of fishing.

Aspiring fishers are invited to come along to one of the free events hosted by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) this Sunday to take part in a beginner-friendly workshop, get your hands on some helpful resources from the Fishcare advisory trailer, and even a few free giveaways, to help build a lifelong hobby.

Gone Fishing Day is supported by the DPIRD and with funding from the Recreational Fishing Trusts, as part of the ‘Fish for life – Building a healthy fishing future’ initiative.

To find out more on the DPIRD Gone Fishing Day community event or book your place in one of the free fishing sessions, go to: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/resources/go-fishing-nsw

Parkes Croquet Spring Tournament Results

October 9, 2025 By Roxane Manley

All equal first at the tournament: L to R Bill Thomas, Parkes, Len Banks, Orange and Graeme Hunter, Parkes.

Fun activity winners: Len Banks, Orange, John Colebatch, Bathurst and Greg Cox, Parkes.

Over $1 Million Invested In Parkes Shire

October 9, 2025 By Roxane Manley

The upgraded Peak Hill Pool

The lives of residents in four townships across the Parkes Shire have been significantly enhanced thanks to more than $1million in upgrades delivered through funding from the NSW Government, co-funding from Parkes Shire Council and other grant funding.

The four projects – located in Trundle, Tullamore, Bogan Gate, and Peak Hill received a combined $493,759 in NSW Government funding. Parkes Shire Council worked in partnership with the Community Consultative Committees (CCC) of Trundle, Tullamore and Bogan Gate for funds that were only available to community groups, while the grant for Peak Hill was awarded to Parkes Shire Council. All four initiatives were completed with Parkes Shire Council supporting as Project Manager.

Parkes Shire Mayor Neil Westcott said “The improvements to our parks and pool facilities will have a lasting impact on the wellbeing and lifestyle of our residents.”

• Peak Hill Pool Rejuvenation: The public swimming pool in Peak Hill received a new fibreglass insert and concrete concourse, replacing the aging infrastructure.

Total Cost: $576,985 NSW Government funding: $160,000; Council Co-funding: $416,985.

• Berryman Park Upgrade, Trundle: Delivered in partnership with Trundle & District Progress Association Incorporated, this project included new fencing, solar lighting, a widened footpath, and a new long jump pit. Total Cost: $210,000 NSW Government funding: $160,000; Council Co-funding: $30,000; Other Co-funding: $20,000 (Stronger Communities Program).

• Memorial Park Upgrade, Tullamore: In partnership with Tullamore Inc, this project upgraded amenities and added a modular disabled toilet and connecting footpath. Total Cost: $163,759 NSW Government funding: $73,759 Council Cofunding: $90,000.

• Burrawang Park Accessibility Upgrade, Bogan Gate: Partnering with Bogan Gate Community Memorial Hall Incorporated, this project improved accessibility with new BBQ shelter furniture, footpaths, irrigation, and turf. Total Cost: $100,728 NSW Government funding: $100,000; Council Co-funding: $728

The new Long Jump Pit at Berryman Oval in Trundle.

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