Forbes has once again excelled in sustainability and community leadership, being recognised at the 2025 Tidy Towns Awards in Parkes on Saturday 11 October. Forbes took out top honours as Winner of Overall Tidy Towns (Population Category C) and Community Spirit & Inclusion for the Welcome to Forbes events, while also receiving Highly Commended in Young Legends and Heritage & Culture for the Forbes Youth Action Team and Ben Hall Trial play.
These awards reflect the passion and pride our community shows every day.
Congratulations and thank you to everyone involved.
This week, our community is mourning the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Dr Greg Whittaker, a well-respected and much-loved local doctor and obstetrician.
Dr Whittaker was the first doctor recruited to Forbes through Council’s Doctor Relocation Incentive Program 26 years ago – a milestone moment that marked the beginning of a renewed era of local healthcare. Since joining our community, he has provided exceptional care to countless patients, supporting families through some of the most important moments of their lives
with skill, kindness and compassion.
His dedication to his patients, his professionalism, and his genuine warmth earned him deep respect among colleagues and the wider community. His contribution to healthcare in Forbes will not be forgotten.
On behalf of Forbes Shire Council , I extend our deepest condolences to Dr Whittaker’s family, friends, colleagues and patients during this very difficult time. Our thoughts are with you as we honour a life dedicated to helping others.
Council wishes to invite the community to celebrate the life of our General Manager, Steve Loane OAM, who passed away on Sunday 28 September. Steve was a valued leader and a much-loved member of our community who made a lasting impact on Forbes and the wider region.
A Memorial Celebration for Steve will be held on Friday 31 October at 2pm at the Central West Livestock Exchange, Forbes.
This will be a time for us to come together, reflect and honour his many contributions.
Steve’s legacy of leadership, kindness and community spirit will not be forgotten.
God Bless,
Phyllis Miller OAM