Roxane Manley

Call For Regional Voices To Help Shape Healthcare Across NSW

May 28, 2026 by Roxane Manley

People passionate about improving healthcare in regional, rural and remote areas of NSW are invited to apply to join the Regional Health Ministerial Advisory Panel.

The Panel is an independent advisory body that provides strategic advice to the Minister for Health and Regional Health, and the NSW Health Secretary.

Its role is to identify opportunities and solutions that improve healthcare access, outcomes and service delivery across hospitals and health support services in regional, rural and remote NSW.

The Panel also plays an important role in strengthening community engagement and ensuring local perspectives inform the design and delivery of healthcare services.

Applications are encouraged from people who can represent the interests of regional communities, including Aboriginal people, and those who have knowledge, experience, or expertise in one or more areas, aligned with the NSW Government’s priorities for regional, rural and remote health.

The Panel members may be appointed for a term of up to three years and will meet at least every three months.

For more information, including how to apply, visit EOI Regional Health Ministerial Advisory Panel or contact MOH-ODS-Regional@health.nsw.gov.au. Applications close on Friday 29 May 2026.

New Bus Service Fired Up For Frost And Fire

May 28, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Getting to Forbes’ most magical winter event just got even easier. For the first time, return bus services will operate from neighbouring towns, making it simple for visitors to travel to and from Topsoil Organics 2026 Frost & Fire without the hassle of driving orfinding a park.

New bus routes will run from:

• Parkes sponsored by Parkes Shire Council

• Cowra via Gooloogong

• Canowindra via Eugowra

Visitors travelling on these neighbouring town bus services will be dropped directly at the Forbes Ski Dam, making the journey seamless from start to finish.

For locals and those visitors staying in Forbes, a free hop-on, hop-off shuttle service will operate with 10 bus stops around town, running all night to and from the event site.

With no public parking available on site, the expanded bus network offers a safe and convenient way to enjoy the event – leaving more time to soak up the fire pits, food, entertainment and winter magic. Prams, camp chairs, picnic blankets and winter woollies are all welcome on board.

Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM says the new transport options improve access while reducing congestion around the event site. “Importantly, fewer cars on site also means safer roads and a safer festival experience for everyone” the Mayor added.

Gates open from 3.30pm, with live music and entertainment kicking off at 4pm until 10pm. Bus timetables and tickets are available from 123tix.com.

Festival Friends are encouraged to secure their tickets, book accommodation and lock in transport now. Be sure to arrive early to snap a cosy spot near the bonfires.

Get in touch with the Forbes Visitor Information team on (02) 6852 4155 to help you plan your Frost and Fire weekend.

For more information about Frost and Fire 2026, visit www.amazingforbesnsw.com or follow @amazingforbesnsw.

Winter Soup, Pasta, And Slice Kitchen

May 28, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Plans are under way for the first Winter Soup, Pasta, and Slice Kitchen by the Forbes Evening Branch of CWA.

The inclusion of pasta and sauce was suggested during 2025 Soup Kitchen. The soup and pasta menu will be prepared and served by members of Forbes Evening Branch CWA on Thursday 25 June, at the CWA Hall in Lachlan St, Forbes.

This event is presented to encourage members of our Forbes Community to gather to catch up with friends, meet new faces, and just enjoy a great chin wag with whoever is sitting at your table.

As a walk-in event, it is an open door to all who specifically venture out to attend, those who are in the Forbes CBD on the day and employees of our local business houses looking for a warm lunch.

The soup, pasta and slice kitchen will operate from 12pm to 2pm. The cost for this winter warming menu will be $15 for either soup or pasta with slice and a cuppa. Or $20 if you wish to enjoy soup and pasta with slice and a cuppa.

The Forbes Evening Branch of CWA encourage you to make note of three planned Winter Soup Kitchens, on June 25, July 23 and August 20.

Congratulations to the winner’s of the Mother’s Day Raffle (three Pampering Packs), drawn on 7 May 2026.

• 1st Prize – Matilda Bailey-King

• 2nd Prize – Robyn Kenny

• 3rd Prize – Jesse McLelland

And thank you to all those who supported the Forbes Evening Branch of CWA Raffle.

Sparkling Forbes Library Children’s Area

May 28, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Check out the revamped children’s area at Forbes Library to spark a lifelong love of reading. Forbes Library has purchased new tubs on wheels with clear acrylic sides to make finding your next read much easier. Children will love looking at and choosing books for themselves

Forbes Library also have easy-to-reach book tubs on wheels and more face out books on display, so you will quickly find all your favourites on any topic. Whether you are looking for board books, picture books, junior fiction, or graphic novels, they have them all!

Be Seen @ Amazing Forbes Breakfast With The Birds

May 28, 2026 by Roxane Manley

What a morning for the inaugural Breakfast with the Birds event at Gum Swamp. With attendees aged from 2 to 92 and from as far away as Ariah Park!

Huge thanks to the guest experts on all things plants and birds – Mikla and Chaddy – and of course to partners Central West Local Land Services.

The event was fully booked – sorry to those who missed out. If you are keen to attend next time just shoot us an email at tourism@forbes.nsw.gov.au

Terry Griffiths Shines

May 28, 2026 by By Short Putt

Pictured is Cam Herbert, Pat Murphy, Brad Ashton, Harry Callaghan and Caleb Hanrahan were the last group in the field and looking to enjoy the sun.

On Saturday a field of 71 Forbes and visiting golfers enjoyed the sunny weather and delighted in their game of golf. Terry Griffiths could do no wrong producing the best score of the day while a couple of the visitors did well but failed at the last hurdle.

Terry took out the Div-1 with a 70 nett, having polished off the front-9 with a par 36.

He had a lack-lustre back-9 by comparison.

Runner-up on count back was David Naveau, a visitor from Wellington GC and part of a group of visiting players from Dubbo. He was well pleased to score a nett 72 with this his first run on the course.

The Div-2 was won by Isaac Page with 71 nett. He played a conservative game managing to restrict his errors to a ‘triple’ on the 16th . Runner-up on count back was Joshua Dunn (Dubbo) who used his high handicap to good effect.

The ball sweep went to 76 nett on count back. NTPs went to: 9th P Dawson, 18th P McQuillan (Dubbo) with neither converting for a ‘2’. The Super Pin went to Cam Herbert (275 cm) who also missed his ‘2’.The competition on Saturday 30 May is a 4BBB Stableford sponsored by the Forbes Livestock Agency. Sunday has the Forbes Men’s Open with the course closed until lateMembers are encouraged to register interest for the Lachlan Valley District Championships, to be held Sunday 14th June 2026 at West Wyalong Golf Club.

By Short Putt

Athletics Star

May 28, 2026 by Roxane Manley

A huge congratulations to Vashti Williams of Parkes who represented NSW on the national stage back in April. Vashti Williams (U16) competed in Javelin and threw 33.67m to land in 9th place. A fantastic performance, and incredible achievement!

More recently, Vashti Williams competed at the Oceania Athletics Championships in Darwin, representing Australia. She threw her way to a Bronze Medal in the Women’s U16 Javelin—an amazing result on the international stage.

Former Mayor Recognised For Leadership And Service

May 21, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Former Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith OAM has been formally recognised as the inaugural Patron of the Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) during a reception atNSW Parliament House this week.

Hosted by President of the NSW Legislative Council the Hon Ben Franklin, the eventbrought together country mayors and general managers from across regional NSW todiscuss the challenges and priorities facing rural and remote communities.

Mr Keith served as Chairman of the Country Mayors Association of NSW from 2020 to2022 and was later appointed the association’s first Immediate Past Chairman in 2022.

Mr Keith served as Mayor of Parkes Shire Council for 17 years, from July 2008 until September 2023, after previously serving 17 years as Deputy Mayor following his election to Council in 1983.

Parkes Shire Mayor Neil Westcott said “Ken Keith has dedicated decades of service to not only the Parkes Shire community, but also to regional and rural communities right across New South Wales.”

“This recognition as the inaugural Patron of the Country Mayors Association is a fitting acknowledgement of his tireless advocacy, strong leadership and unwavering commitment to ensure country communities have a strong voice at the state and national level.

“Ken has always championed the issues that matter most to regional communities – from roads, infrastructure and housing to health services, workforce shortages and disaster recovery. His leadership has helped shape important conversations and outcomes for councils across regional NSW,” Mayor Westcott said.

Mayoral Notes

May 21, 2026 by Roxane Manley

National Road Safety Week (17–24 May) is underway, a timely prompt to check in on our own driving habits. Road safety isn’t just about big changes; it’s the small choices every day that make the difference – slowing down, staying focused and planning ahead so you’re not driving tired or distracted.

Across the week, you’ll see Council showing support in the community, with yellow ribbons on Council vehicles, staff wearing lapel ribbons, and Forbes Town Hall lit up in yellow throughout the week. To learn more or to take the Drive So Others Survive pledge, head to roadsafetyweek.com.au.

This week is also National Volunteer Week, celebrating the contributions of volunteers under this year’s theme, “Your Year to Volunteer.”

On Wednesday, Council hosted a Volunteer Recognition Event at Apex Caravan Park to thank our local volunteers. It was a relaxed and enjoyable evening, bringing volunteers together and acknowledge the time, care and skills they generously give to our community every day. Council remains committed to supporting volunteer

ism into the future and encourages anyone to consider getting involved in the many rewarding opportunities available.

Work continues on the southern end of the Johnny Woods Crossing. Our crews have now moved to the western side, focusing on connecting the existing Lake Forbes pedestrian loop to the crossing, while also delivering additional car parking for the area. This project forms part of the Lake Forbes Activation Plan Footpath Resilience and Betterment Program and is proudly funded by the NSW Community Assets Program.

Council has announced its biggest-ever food and beverage line-up for Frost & Fire 2026. Held at the Forbes Ski Dam on Saturday 20 June, this year’s event will feature four bars, 13 food vendors and a pre-order option. We are delivering more choice than ever, from hearty comfort food to sweet treats and warming drinks for the longest night of the year. Check out the full food and drink line-up at amazingforbesnsw.com. Get your tickets now at 123tix.com.

God Bless
Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM

Snippets…

May 21, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Lake Endeavor has reopened following upgrades.

Parkes Shire Council: Did you know Lake Endeavour has reopened ahead of schedule? Works are now complete, including dredging and construction of the new launch area, plus an expanded swimming area with an extra 10 x 20 metres of beach sand and a realigned swimming buoy. PSC looks forward to welcoming the community back to enjoy the improved facilities.

National Breast Cancer Foundation: GO PINK starts next month, and we need you to make a Pink Pledge, because every day, 56 people in Australia are diagnosed with breast cancer. But you can help save lives by making a pledge to either Wear it, Shave it, or Colour it, to raise vital funds for breast cancer research. Help us achieve zero deaths from breast cancer. Register now at fundraise.nbcf.org.au/event/go-pink/home

Legal Aid NSW: Do you know what you’re legally allowed to do at your age? Growing up comes with new rights and responsibilities but it’s not always clear when you can make certain decisions for yourself or get into trouble for doing them too soon. Learn more: https://loom.ly/ztjtVWw

Australian Cancer Research Foundation: Bring your community together and help fund cancer research. Host a special event in your local area, fund lifesaving research for the 2 in 5 Australians that will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85.

Your event could be a luncheon, themed party, sports tournament or anything you choose! Sign up today and register your interest to host at www.acrf.com.au/hostinterest.

Western Local Land Services: Sheep and goats require different eID tags. If you’re ever unsure which species an eID device is designed for, just check the NLIS ID printed on the tag. The secret is in the 10th digit. Here’s what each letter means:
S = Sheep breeder T = Sheep post‑breeder (pink tags) K = Goat breeder L = Goat post‑breeder (pink tags). Visit the webpage for information https://bit.ly/3JEurvo

Forbes SES Unit Request: The Forbes SES Unit is looking for good quality pallets to place sandbags on during flood operations. If you have any pallets you would like to get rid of, please feel free to leave them outside the unit gates. Your support helps Forbes SES Unit to prepare and respond during flood events and is appreciated by the volunteers who serve the community.

Donations needed of good quality pallets

Subscribe