Roxane Manley

Four Days Of Double Demerits

October 1, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Double demerit points will be in force for four days commencing on Friday 2 October 2026 and ending on Monday 5 October 2026 (inclusive).

Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Mitchell Gage said there will be more police on the road which means a greater chance of drivers being caught if they are doing the wrong thing.

“Double demerits were implemented 20 years ago, in a bid to encourage drivers to obey road rules during busy traffic periods.

They occur on select holiday periods and long weekends and have proven to be an effective deterrent.

“No-one wants to get a fine, lose their licence or worse still be involved in a crash.

So, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to travel, don’t speed, drive to the conditions, wear your seatbelt, avoid distractions, make sure you’re well rested and if you’ve been drinking or have taken drugs – don’t drive” Sergeant Gage said.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, is encouraging all road users to stay safe this October long weekend.

“If you get caught speeding, using a mobile phone illegally, or not wearing a seatbelt or motorcycle helmet during double demerit periods, you’ll face double the points.

“Remember to slow down, schedule plenty of breaks during your trip, limit distractions in the car, don’t drink and drive and ensure all your passengers are wearing their seatbelt,” Ms Suitor said.

Mayoral Notes

October 1, 2026 by Mayor Phyllis Miller

What an amazing weekend we’ve just had here in Forbes. On Friday night, we saw around 2,000 people turn out for Street Dreams, filling the streets with energy, entertainment and a fantastic community atmosphere. Then on Saturday, the momentum continued with a huge crowd at the Forbes Rodeo – the first time it’s been held at the Multipurpose Centre. What a fantastic venue it is. It was great to see so many locals and visitors getting behind these events, supporting our community, our businesses and the volunteers who work so hard to make weekends like this happen. A big congratulations and thank you to everyone involved in making the weekend such a success.

And the events don’t stop there. The October long weekend will also see the return of the Forbes Sorting and Penning event. A highlight of the weekend will be the Sponsor Sort on Saturday 3 October, which raises funds for our local Can Assist branch.

Spectators can enjoy free entry, with food vendors and market stalls – all for a worthy cause. I encourage everyone to continue supporting our local events and make the most of the beautiful warm weather we’ve been having.

The section of footpath along the free camping area is closed for the next four weeks while Wheogo Park pathway upgrades are underway.

For your safety, and the safety of our staff and contractors, please stay clear of the worksite and follow all signage. We know it’s a bit inconvenient, but we promise it’ll be worth the wait.

Whether you’re travelling across the region or just heading a short distance, take your time, avoid distractions and drive to the conditions. Double demerits will be in place from 2 to 5 October, meaning tougher penalties for offences such as speeding, illegal mobile phone use, and failing to wear a seatbelt or helmet. A few extra minutes on the road is always better than taking unnecessary risks. Let’s all do our part to keep ourselves, our passengers, and other road users safe so everyone can enjoy the long weekend and return home safely.

Have a safe and enjoyable long weekend.

God Bless,
Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM

Snippets…

October 1, 2026 by Roxane Manley

NSW SES Forbes Unit: Last weekend, NSW SES members from Forbes, Parkes, Cootamundra, Cowra, Albury and Lake Cargelligo travelled to Cowra to participate in a Chainsaw Operators Course. It was a great weekend of hands-on training, building valuable skills and working alongside members from across the region. Congratulations to everyone who participated.

Clarinda Parkes Boutique & Henrys Pantry: Henrys Pantry wishes to publicly thank all donors for their incredible support and ongoing donations of eggs, cakes andslices, fruit and vegetables and more. We appreciate you so very much. Your kindness to our community pantry is awesome. Parkes and surrounds boast a population of tireless givers with big hearts that genuinely care for our community. From Kerrie and the Pantry Staff.

Parkes Shire Council: You may have noticed that the willow tree closest to the car park at Bushman’s Dam was removed. The removal is part of the reconstruction and flood resilience works currently underway. Willows are a significant environmental weed in NSW and are listed as a Weed of National Significance (WoNS). Garden beds with native plants and trees will soon be planted.

Vinnies Central & Far West NSW: What does it mean to be a Vinnies member? It’s showing up. It’s listening. It’s lending a hand. It’s doing what you can. Across NSW, Vinnies members and volunteers are making a difference every day. Whether you have a few hours to give, there’s a place for you at Vinnies. Call: 02 6862 5758 or email: wcfsvdp@vinnies.org.au

Forbes Shire Council: With spring underway, please be mindful of magpies in a couple of areas around Forbes where swooping activity has been noticed. Hotspot areas around the lake include: the ski dam end and Bundaburrah Crossing and the Dreaming Centre, behind the NAB building. Magpies are generally not aggressive, but during nesting season they can become protective of their territory.

NSW SES Parkes Unit: Members of the NSW SES Parkes Unit were at the recent Parkes Show when displaying their large animal rescue skills. You may have spotted them set up near the Victoria Street entrance, where attendees of all ages stopped to check them out. They also gave away starter emergency kits to those willing to sign a pledge promising never to drive, ride, walk, play or enter floodwater.

Be Seen @ Street Dreams

October 1, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Forbes White Ribbon Day: Gender Equality And The Role We All Play

October 1, 2026 by Roxane Manley

The Forbes community is invited to come together on Wednesday 25 November 2026 for the annual White Ribbon Day event, raising awareness and showing support for ending violence against women.

Observed on November 25 each year, White Ribbon Day is a national day of action, aimed at raising awareness and preventing violence against women and girls.

Member of the Forbes Domestic & Family Violence Committee, Sally Nayda said the statistics remain confronting.

“In Australia, every seven days, a woman is killed by her current or former partner.

One in four women have experienced violence by an intimate partner since the age of 15, and one in two women have experienced sexual harassment since the age of 15.

“Whether it’s challenging disrespectful behaviour, speaking up when something isn’t right, supporting someone who may be experiencing violence, or modelling respectful relationships – we all have a role to play,” Ms Nayda added.

The day will begin with a community march through the CBD, assembling at 9.45am in Spring Street, followed by an official ceremony in Victoria Park commencing at 10.15am.

Local services and community groups will host stalls and activities, providing valuable information and connections for attendees.

Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said this year’s theme, Gender Equality and the Role We Play, is about empowering individuals to help influence the people, relationships and communities around us.

“Sexist jokes, rigid gender expectations, disrespect, controlling behaviours and the dismissal of women’s experiences can all contribute to a culture in which violence is more likely to occur.”

“Creating change starts with recognising these behaviours and challenging them when we see them. By promoting respect, inclusion and equality.”

Vinnies Sees Increase In Food Assistance Requests

October 1, 2026 by Roxane Manley

More than half of Australians are buying less food than they would like because of rising grocery costs, according to new YouGov research commissioned by the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW.

Polling produced by YouGov for St Vincent de Paul Society NSW found that St Vincent de Paul Society NSW members supported 566 people in Forbes over the past year; 23% sought assistance for the first time and 50% requested food assistance.

Across the Central West, covering Condobolin, Forbes, Parkes, Peak Hill and Trundle, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW members supported 1,400 people with 66% requesting food assistance and 23% seeking assistance for the first time.

Food assistance remains one of the most common reasons people seek help from the Society, accounting for nearly three in four people (73%) assisted by local members in the past year.

St Vincent de Paul Society NSW State President Peter Houweling said the organisation continued to rely on community support to meet growing demand.

“In regional communities, we’re seeing people who never imagined they would need assistance now reaching out for help with basic essentials,” Mr Houweling said.

As demand for food assistance continues, the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW is encouraging people who can help to support its Hampers of Care appeal.

Making a donation is a small action that makes an immediate impact for someone in their time of need. Your donation means that someone will have food on the table tonight.

You can donate to the Vinnies Hampers of Care appeal at nsw.vinnies.org.au/hampersofcare

Market Day At Bogan Gate Community Memorial Hall This Weekend

October 1, 2026 by Roxane Manley

If you’re looking for something to do this long weekend then head out to Bogan Gate on Saturday 3 October and support their annual Market Day.

Held at the Bogan Gate Community Memorial Hall, the markets are entirely volunteer run, and will be held from 8am until 1pm, with the popular Devonshire Teas available from 9am until 12.30pm.

There will be a great variety of stalls ranging from plants, cordials, salami, home baking, preserves, craft, laser art, mirrors, jewellery, collectables and bric a brac, books and more.

Monies raised from the Devonshire Teas and the raffle will be divided between the Bogan Gate Hall and the Bogan Gate Community Workshops.

This year’s amazing raffle contains items donated by Powertools Plus, Kell Thomas, Jo Bartyn, Ros & Steve Edwards and Shelley & Colin Nutley. Tickets will be available for purchase at the Hall on Saturday morning, and will be drawn at 12.30pm.

So grab your friends and family and head to Bogan Gate for a drive to enjoy one of the fantastic Devonshire Teas and visit with many stallholders such as Bogan Gate Public School, Lauren Crocheted Toys, Tumbling Downs, Outback Rustic, Charlie’s Collectables, Vivid Heart, Rose’s Tablecloths, Teddy Goose and Co, By Danica Rose, Jo’s Bows and Things, Creative Chaos by Bec and more.

The Bogan Gate Community Memorial Hall which was built in 1953 as a public function space and community memorial hub and is now a volunteer run function and social venue. The Community Hall holds events regularly for Anzac Day, Australia Day, markets (once or twice a year), community and seniors workshops and many more.

In addition to being used for community events, the hall is also available for hire for private functions such as weddings and funerals. If anyone would like to book the hall please contact Shelley on 0428 738 172.

Be Seen @ Elvis Festival With Parkes Dance Co

October 1, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Medal Winners Decided On Count Backs

October 1, 2026 by Short Putt

Last Saturday the Forbes men’s golfers played the October Monthly Medal sponsored by Forbes Concrete. Most of the field of 67 participants struggled a bit off the longer tees but some players used their handicap well.

The A-Grade winner was Matt Roylance with nett 71, getting ahead of Daniel Bayley on count back. Matt’s best hole was a ‘2’ on the 3rd while Dan played par golf nearly all the way.

The B-Grade winner was Graham Newport who also won on count back. His nett 70 had a better back-9 than that of Dave Sly who missed out. They both scored the same split of 45-44 but on reversed halves.

The C-Grade was won by Steve McAlister with a nett 66, the best score of the day.

This was a day when it came together for him. Runner-up was Brett Woonton with 73 nett who continues his good form.

The ball sweep went to 73 nett on count back. NTPs went to: 9th G Hooper; 18th J Andrews (Mudgee) with both converting for a 2’s. The Super Pin went to Glen Hooper (270 cm) but he missed his ‘2’.

On Sunday 27 September the Club ran a Golf NSW 9-Hole 2-Person Ambrose, played in three Divisions. The prize was an opportunity to play at the Vintage GC ahead of the NSW Open in November.

The winners were: Mens Division Cooper Byrnes and Dylan Hood with 33 nett on count back; Ladies Division Brianna Duncan and Ann Simmons with 34.5 nett; Mixed Division Debbie Tilley and Terry Sharpe with 33.5 nett.

The competition on Saturday 3 October is a Canadian Foursomes sponsored by Peter Dawson. There will be Stableford Medleys on Sunday and Monday.

By Short Putt

Forbes Croquet Report

October 1, 2026 by Elvy Quirk President Forbes Croquet Club

Tuesday 15 September saw a roll up of 37 players who all enjoyed a great game of croquet.

All three games on the day were won by Sue Jolliffe who was fresh back from holidays, well done Sue. Winners of the other three games were Neville Spry, Peter West and Geoff Coles. A special shout out to Geoff who is beyond his 90 years and still playing a good game.

A total of 26 games were played with many good scores.

A reminder that membership subscriptions are due by 30 September and our Annual General meeting is set down for Tuesday 13 October in the shade area after the game. We have some positions to fill so please make yourself available as the Club doesn’t just run on its own merits.

A special thank you to the few members who show up every day of play to help set up the croquet lawns and put chairs out etc Many hands make light work! Remember we are all getting to the age where we move slower so extra hands are always needed.

By Elvy Quirk President Forbes Croquet Club

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