Roxane Manley

Forbes Garden Club Needs Members To Continue To Flourish

February 19, 2026 by Green Thumb

We look forward to another year of gardening and fellowship with all members and friends supporting each other in growing beautiful flowers. It has been a challenging summer with little rain and very hot weather but we know how the fresh rain recently has revived us and our gardens.

The next meeting will be our AGM on Tuesday 24 February at the Men’s Shed at 2pm. We will be hoping all positions on the committee will be filled so that our club which has been active for over 70 years can continue.

We have all enjoyed all the activities of last year and the gardens we visited thanks to the many members that hosted our meetings.

We need people to put their hands up for positions to ensure the club keeps going. Lots of hands make light work, so old and new members are encouraged to come along and get involved.

President Marg and her committee have made 2025 an interesting year for our club ending the year with a great Christmas luncheon and lots of fun.

We look forward to seeing you all for our next meeting. If you have a lovely flower bring it along for our flower of the month competition also a cup as we will be having our usual cup of tea following the meeting and also something for the trading table.

Forbes Horticultural Society & Garden Club meet every fouth Tuesday of the month at 1.30pm, all are welcome. For further information you can contact Elvy on 0428 540 272

By Green Thumb

Be Seen @ Middleton PS Swimming Carnival

February 19, 2026 by Roxane Manley

It was a wonderful and warm day at the Parkes Aquatic Centre for the Middleton PS Swimming Carnival.

As always it’s great to see so many students participating in different races and cheering on their house.

At the end of the day the winning House was Hargrave and the Standen Shield: went to Kingsford.

Forbes Croquet Club To Hold Open Day For Seniors Week

February 19, 2026 by Elvy Quirk

Luncheon held in the shade area after a social game of croquet.

On Saturday 14 February we played a On Saturday 14 February we played a game of Aussie Croquet with 30 in attendance. It was a cooler morning to start and there were a total of 23 games played on the day.

A runaway score of 14/8 was recorded when Lyn Simmonds and Irene Riley trailed Barry White and Cheryl Toohey, Neville Spry and Noel Jolliffe also trailed David West and Allan Jones.

On 14 February Aussie croquet scores were also 14/10. On the day two games were won by Peter West, Lyn Simmonds, Harley Stewart, Enid Baker, Ray Burridge, Geoff Coles, Allan Jones, John Allegri, Kevin Rubie and David West. Whilst all three games were won by Barry White, John Farah, Fay Picker and May Jones.

Well done to all the players but special congratulations to one of our very mature members Barry White who has been in the winning circles of late.

In Aussie Croquet it is imperative that the clips be used on each hoop as many of us have short memories and if clips are used it gives a true indication as to whether each player has indeed been through that particular hoop.

On Tuesday 17 February Golf Croquet was played with 35 players in attendance.

All three games were won by Bill Scott, Peter West, Rex Toole and Mal Smith. Well done to those players.

A further reminder that Seniors Week is fast approaching and we are holding an Open day on Tuesday 3 March . There will be Golf Croquet played as well as some fun games. A scrumptious morning tea will be provided by Forbes Shire Council. We look forward to seeing you come down for a game and please wear closed in shoes, bring your hat, your bottle of water and wear your sunscreen. All are welcome to attend the Open Day.

By Elvy Quirk

A $7.6 Million Boost For Forbes Future Water Security

February 12, 2026 by Roxane Manley

The NSW Government is investing in Forbes’ water security as construction begins on a $7.6 million critical infrastructure project. The funding includes $4.6 million from the NSW Government and $3 million from Forbes Shire Council to deliver two new production bores, two test bores and a 5.3km duplication pipeline.

NSW DCCEEW Director of Grants Programs, Kirsty Fenton said “Forbes was one of the many Central West communities hit hard by the last drought, the state’s worst on record, which is why we are working with Forbes Shire Council to help lock-in better water security.”

The new pipeline will run alongside the existing one that pumps water from the borefield to the Forbes Water Treatment Plant.

While the Lachlan River is the region’s main water supply, the town switches to bore water during dry periods when water in the river is too low or unsuitable for treatment.

The new infrastructure will significantly increase capacity by up to 80 per cent and provide a more robust water network that will ease pressure on the system and ensure residents have enough water to withstand the dry spells.

Forbes Shire Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller said “No one in our community will forget the last drought when water in the Lachlan River was so low we had to rely on two emergency bores for six months, which was a struggle. That’s why we’re doing everything we can to expand our existing network.”

Mayoral Notes

February 12, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Our community has faced a difficult week with the devastating fire at the Forbes Inn.

Thanks to the rapid and professional response of NSW Police, Fire and Rescue NSW and volunteers from our Rural Fire Service, the damage was a lot less extensive than it could have been and no injuries were reported. I want to acknowledge the courage of all crews involved, our locals and those that travelled from around the region to assist.

The loss of the Forbes Inn is deeply felt — it served more than 4,000 meals a week, employed 66 staff and supported more than ten local sporting and community groups. The Hodge family, who have invested so much into this venue, have already expressed their intention to rebuild and I know our community will stand firmly beside them as that journey begins.

While we navigate this setback, Council continues to look ahead. At the Central West Livestock Exchange, we have commenced early scoping for a CWLE Master Plan — a long term strategy that will help secure funding and guide future upgrades, technology improvements and operational resilience. This will ensure the CWLE remains one of Australia’s leading livestock exchanges and continues to support our region’s agricultural strength.

Council hosted its first free weekly Youth Drop‑In Sessions at the Forbes Youth and Community Centre (YACC) from 4pm to 6pm. on Wednesday nights. These sessions offer a relaxed, safe place for students aged 12–18 to study, unwind and connect. These have been planned as a direct response to requests by young people.

Absolutely last call for RSVPs for our Welcome to Forbes event. This lovely night is our special Forbes way of welcoming new members of our community to tour town. It is on Thursday 19 February, from 5.30pm at the Lachie Café, 46 Mary Street.

This is a wonderful opportunity for new residents to meet locals, connect with community groups and learn more about the services, activities and opportunities available across our Shire. There will be light refreshments and plenty of friendly faces, if you have moved to town please come along. RSVP to events@forbes.nsw.gov.au or by phoning 6850 2300.

God Bless
Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM

Snippets…

February 12, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Do you need help finding or applying for grant funding?

Forbes Shire Council: Looking for funding to support a project, event or initiative? The latest edition of our Grants Guide is out now. View guide here: https://mailchi.mp/cf338fda6171/forbes-shire-council-grants-feed-17328312 To receive the latest funding opportunities straight to your inbox, email grants@forbes.nsw.gov.au. The GrainCorp Community Grants offer up to $20,000 financial support to organisations and projects that contribute to the development and promotion of the community. Closes 28 February

Sheep Producers Australia: Calling all future sheep industry leaders. Applications are still open for the 2026 Next Generation Program – Global Sheep Forum, a unique leadership opportunity for sheep producers and industry-connected individuals aged 18–35. Participate in online masterclasses, collaborate with peers from around the world, join the face-to-face program in Adelaide, South Australia, 5–10 July 2026 alongside LambEx 2026, travel to New Zealand. Applications close 16 February 2026. Apply here: www.sheepproducers.com.au/2026-leadership-opportunity

Parkes High School: Free community parent event with Dr Justin Coulson, one of Australia’s most well known parenting speakers. To be held in Parkes High School Hall, 3 March from 5.30pm-7pm. The Resilient Kids presentation focuses on helping parents understand how children develop emotional resilience, confidence and coping skills, and how everyday challenges can support healthy development when guided by supportive adults.

Native Vegetation Maps Information Session Series: NSW Farmers is hosting a series of free Native Vegetation Map Information Sessions in: Forbes, Nyngan, Dubbo, Cowra, and Young. Light meal provided and free for all attendees. Explore your property beforehand with the Check My Land NSW app. Registration required. Submit your questions when registering. Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/forbes-native-vegetation-map-information-session-2026.

Have Your Say On Our New Wetlands Name: There’s still time to vote on a name for the new wetlands site currently under development on Akuna Road. Parkes Shire Council are asking the community to choose from three proposed names: Wululu Wetlands, Parkes Wetlands, Akuna Wetlands. Each option reflects local place, history and the area’s natural environment. Consultation closes at 5pm on 6 March. For more information and to cast your vote, visit: bit.ly/4qYMi0E.

Help shape the identity of this important community and environmental space.

Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship Returns

February 12, 2026 by Roxane Manley

The Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship is proud to announce the launch of its fourth annual program. The initiative from Façon Australia, proudly supported by Greater Bank, is dedicated to empowering emerging Indigenous creatives who are passionate about sharing their stories through diverse creative mediums.

Greater Bank will again award one outstanding recipient $10,000 to support their creative journey. For the second consecutive year, Greater Bank will also recognise the remaining eight finalists with $1,000 each.

All nine finalists will also receive invaluable mentorship from industry leaders across a wide range of creative disciplines, including writing, fashion design, accessory design, art, music, dance, digital art, film and photography.

In 2026, the initiative is also proudly supported by Orica, Regional Development Australia (Hunter) and Reconciliation NSW.

The Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship is open to Indigenous applicants aged 16 years and over, residing in NSW.

Applications close 7 May 2026, with the successful recipient announced at a special NAIDOC Week event on 9 July 2026. For full application details, visit Façon Magazine at www.faconaustralia.com/apply/ and Greater Bank at www.greater.com.au.

Meet Indigenous Chef Mindy Woods At Forbes Crop Swap

February 12, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Bring along your excess produce and homemade goods, or join to catch up. The Forbes Riverside Community Gardens are providing breakfast for attendees.

CWLL will then be heading on to Trundle to the From Country to Community – A Morning of Food, Stories and Connection event at the Trundle Children’s Centre.

This event will include a delicious morning tea, an update on the exciting plans for the Centre and a Recipe Swap. All proceeds go to support the new Trundle Children’s Centre Garden.

From there, they head to Peak Hill to launch their first Crop Swap Event and Community Garden Open Day. This is part of the Peak Hill Building Healthy Communities Challenge, supporting the community with the Peak Hill HEART (Healthy Eating, Activity & Resilience Together) Project. The event will kick off at 12.30pm, with a BBQ lunch and a chance to catch up with Mindy, walk around the Garden and join up as a member. There will also be starter packs and giveaways for attendees.

That evening, CWLL will be celebrating Peak Hill and hosting a Landcare Dinner in the beautiful Carrington Hotel, with a three course meal, entertainment and an opportunity to showcase the Peak Hill Building Healthy Communities Challenge and Landcare.

For further information, and to register for any or all of the above events which all take place on Saturday 21st February please go to www.centralwestlachlanlandcare.org,

Forbes’ First Pre-loved Pop-up Market

February 12, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Madeline Swan.

Madeline Swan, originally from Parkes but now residing in Forbes, is a first time mum, and after working in marketing for the last eight years, she now has her own photography studio.

But she hasn’t stopped there, Madeline has been inspired by other markets like The Social Queen Markets in Wagga and Glebe Markets in Sydney and she has organised a Pre-Loved Pop-Up Market for Forbes.

“I love thrifting with my son and it’s a way I can contribute to the environment” said Madeline.

“The pre-loved markets are a sustainable, social way for people to buy and sell good quality second hand fashion instead of over consuming fast fashion. By choosing secondhand options, you extend the lifespan of garments and contribute to reducing textile waste.”

The pre-loved markets will be held on 22 February at Madeline’s photography studio at 16 Camp St, Forbes. (Across from the new BWS). The markets start at 9am and will wrap up by 12pm to beat the heat. Over 20 stall holders will be selling high fashion brands, in a range of sizes and price ranges. Car parking is available across the road, behind the cricket nets.

“Sellers will be equipped to accept cash or direct transfers via Pay ID. Some sellers may have eftpos facilities but I would encourage everyone looking to buy brings cash and their own reusable tote bag,” said Madeline.

If the day goes well there will be more pop ups. Make sure you are following @madlumcreates on instagram for more information about how to apply to be a stallholder at any of the possible future upcoming markets.

New Youth Drop-in Sessions Have Kicked Off

February 12, 2026 by Roxane Manley

A new initiative for local young people has been launched, aimed at providing a safe and welcoming space to unwind, learn and connect with friends.

The Youth Drop-in Sessions at the Forbes Youth and Community Centre (YACC) will take place each Wednesday afternoon from 4pm to 6pm.

These free sessions commence Wednesday 11 February 2026 and run for 10 weeks in line with the school term.

Developed directly in response to community feedback, the concept reflects what young people in the region say they need – a relaxed after‐school environment that supports both learning and wellbeing.

“Young people told us they wanted somewhere informal to study, hang out and feel supported during the week,” said Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM.

“We will use these first 10 weeks as a trial. We will try things out, listen to the kids and make the space suit what they need.”

Each session will offer flexible options including quiet study areas and recreational activities.

Students aged 12 to 18 years are welcome to attend these drop-in sessions.

For more information about the drop-in sessions, visit www.forbes.nsw.gov.au or follow @ForbesYouthActionTeam for updates.

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