Forbes welcomed an international delega­tion from Kazakhstan this week, providing a valuable opportunity to showcase our strong agricultural industry and build inter­national connections.

As a major wheat producer, Kazakhstan shares a deep agricultural foundation with our region. During their visit, the delegation explored local facilities, including the Cen­tral West Livestock Exchange, highlighting the scale, efficiency and professionalism of our livestock sector.

Council was pleased to share insights into our thriving agricultural sector and the partnerships that support it. We look for­ward to continuing discussions and explor­ing future opportunities for growth, innova­tion and collaboration.

Next week is National Road Safety Week (17–24 May), reminding us of the impact ofroad trauma and the simple steps we can take to stay safe.

Council has proudly supported the initiative since 2017, encouraging everyone to take the Drive So Others Survive pledge – avoid distractions, slow down and never drive un­der the influence.

You’ll see our support across the com­munity, with yellow ribbons on Council vehicles, staff wearing lapel ribbons, and Forbes Town Hall lit yellow for the week.

As driving remains a key workplace risk, our staff will also take part in driver fatigue awareness sessions.

It’s officially bonfire season, which means Frost & Fire is just around the corner. Tick­ets are now on sale for Forbes’ favourite winter celebration on Saturday 20 June.

Leave the car at home and hop on a shut­tle, with 10 stops across Forbes running to and from the Ski Dam.

For the first time, return bus services will also run from Parkes, Cowra (via Gooloo­gong) and Canowindra (via Eugowra), making it easier for our neighbours to join in. Bus tickets are just $10, and with a new family pass available, there’s even more reason to round up your crew.

Secure your tickets from 123tix.com, rug up and get ready for a night of fire, food and winter fun.

God Bless
Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM

Wasn’t that rain a great way to start the week. We have had reports of between 30–70mm across the shire, it was such a relief and great timing for those who have dry sown and for those yet to crop. After a dry start to the year, this rainfall has made a real difference and lifted spirits right across our community. There were a lot of smiles on the street on Monday.

In town, the rain has also delivered a much needed boost to our sporting fields, parks and green spaces.

There are lots of home games this week­end, so it will be great to see a nice fresh green flush on the grounds at the Red Bend Junior League, croquet, rugby and soccer on Saturday.

The Rotary Markets will be on at Lions Park and the Fire and Rescue open day at Rotary Park, near the lake are also on.

On Sunday it will be Magpies first home game at Spooners – I can’t wait to enjoy it from the new grandstand. Don’t forget – entry is in Linda Street. A formal opening

of the new grandstand and facilities will be held later in the season.

Council has had number of questions about the temporary fencing in place on Templar Street. The fence needs to stay in position while demolition work is completed at the Forbes Inn.

As soon as this work is finished and the precinct is declared safe, the fencing will be removed and normal traffic flow and ac­cess will resume.

Finally, I was proud to represent Forbes Shire Council at the LGNSW Rural and Regional Summit, on Thursday. The 2026 Summit brought councils and community leaders together to discuss key issues for rural and regional NSW, including health, water security, Special Rate Variations and strengthening community resilience. It is important that Forbes has a voice in theseconversations to represent our commu­nity’s interests.

God Bless
Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM