Ben Lovett is pictured front and centre at the Junior Spacemen presentation night with the Parkes Marist Under 16s Grand Final winning team.

Ben Lovett, who was once a local Parkes Junior, and now plays at the top level in the NRL for the Sydney Rabbitohs, received two prestigious awards at the annual Rab­bitohs Red and Green Ball last Friday night. He then flew back to Parkes the fol­lowing day to support the Junior Spacemen at their end of season presentation night.

Rabbitohs forward Ben Lovett has earned the Souths Cares Award for Most Outstanding Contributions to the Commu­nity for 2024. Ben stood out this year for his unwavering commitment to, and sheer vol­ume of, community activities he supported.

Ben has also won the Bob McCarthy Club person of the Year award for season 2024, being recognised for his contribu­tions to the team and the Club, both on and off the field.

Ben was also the Rabbitohs nominee for the NRL Ken Stephen Medal, nominated for going above and beyond in his involve­ment in charity work, youth development and community support.

Faced with a career-threatening injury, Ben’s response to adversity has been be­yond impressive. Whilst undergoing a dif­ficult rehabilitation process, Ben has never lost sight of his role within the team and has remained an exceptional teammate, providing support and encouragement, even when he couldn’t contribute on the field. His perseverance, positive attitude, and selfless dedication to others have truly set him apart.

In addition to his club commitments, Ben actively supports a wide range of commu­nity and educational initiatives. He serves as an Ambassador and Mentor for Goal College, participated in a regional trip to Brewarrina to support marginalised youth, and runs his own football clinics while pro­moting Junior League participation across regional NSW.

Congratulations to Ben Lovett on receiv­ing these two outstanding awards.

The Parkes PCYC delegation beforeboarding the bus to head to Sydney for the Nations of Origin Tournament.

In an unprecedented opportunity, Parkes PCYC have sent a delegation to participate in the Nations of Origin Tournament, which is held around NAIDOC week each year.

Parkes PCYC have sent two rugby league teams and a gymnastics team to Sydney to represent their nations and Parkes PCYC.

This prestigious event brings together ap­proximately 1,500 indigenous and non-in­digenous students to compete in a variety of sports.

Parkes PCYC Club Manager Kimberley Sherrett said, “This is an experience most children will likely not experience again, and for that we are thrilled to be a part of it.

“We have aimed to raise all funds need­ed to offset the costs associated with this event. Between donations, fundraising and sponsorship we raised a huge $20,000. We even secured funding to take the kids aqua golfing, which they are so excited for.”

In the lead up to the event, last Satur­day 13th July, the two under 16 rugby league teams headed to Peak Hill for the indigenous round of the men’s and league tag teams. The PCYC teams played a trial game against each other and were pre­sented with their new uniforms, that had been organised specifically for the Nations of Origin Tournament.

“We have had a helping hand from volun­teer coaches, who have come on board to prepare these teams. Ollie, Kate and Andy Thomas have prepared one football team, Torin Hando and Jordan McDougall have prepared the other football team and Sam Clark has prepared our gym girls,” said Kimberley.