Roxane Manley

Mayoral Notes

April 30, 2026 by Roxane Manley

ANZAC Day 2026 was marked by an impressive turnout across our community, with residents coming together in strong numbers to honour the service and sacrifice of defence personnel, past and present. Council was proud to support this important day of remembrance and reflection.

Seeing people of all ages attend dawn services and commemorations throughout the day was a powerful reminder that the ANZAC spirit of courage, mateship and service continues to be deeply valued within our community.

We extend our sincere thanks to the RSL sub-branches, veterans, service organisations and all who attended and paid their respects. Your presence ensured that the legacy of those who served and those who continue to serve was honoured in a meaningful and enduring way.

Our annual bulky waste collection is next week. Residents are encouraged to take the opportunity this weekend to do a mindful clean-out and responsibly dispose of unwanted household items. Please place your bulky items on the kerb this weekend. Collections will occur from Monday 4 to Friday 8 May, so having items out early

will help ensure they’re picked up. Please remember to separate items into the four accepted categories and keep the total amount to no more than 2 cubic metres.

Head to our website for more information.

You may have noticed work currently underway at the Johnny Woods Crossing. Funded by the NSW Community Assets Program, this final stage of the project will connect the southern footpaths to the Lake Forbes loop and includes drainage upgrades, new kerb and gutter, a new car park, safety median strips, line marking and site rehabilitation. The footpath in this area will be closed at times during construction.

Step back in time and celebrate the rich history of our region during Forbes Heritage Week 2026 running from 11 to 15 May.

Our Heritage Committee has put together an amazing program of special events designed to educate, entertain and connect the community with Forbes’ past.

Register via our website, drop into Council, or call our Events Team to be part of any of the activities. The full program is available on Council’s website.

God Bless
Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM

Snippets…

April 30, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Pop into Regional Business Supplies on 21 May for Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea.

Regional Business Supplies: On Thursday 21 May, Regional Business Supplies are taking part in Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, raising funds to support those affected by cancer. We all know someone.

A friend, a parent, a colleague, and that’s why this matters. Pop in on the day, donate and grab a morning tea goody box filled with homemade treats, or support the cause by donating using the link www.biggestmorningtea.com.au/fundraisers/regionalbusinesssupplies

Forbes Heritage Week Art and History Competition: Celebrate the rich heritage and history of Forbes by getting creative.

The art and history competition welcomes entries across four categories: Artistic (paintings or drawings), Literary (stories, poems or songs), Photos (photography), Video (video essays or short videos). Winners will be announced at the Forbes Heritage Awards evening. Download entry form at: www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/heritage-week-2026

Generocity Church Parkes: Join Generocity Church for bargains galore at their Op Shop from 9:30am to 12pm, this Saturday 2 May, at 25 Dalton St. All items are being sold for $2 each or just $20 to fill a bag.

There are a mountain of great quality items that need a home.

Central West Lachlan Landcare Inc: Save the Date for National Tree Day events in Forbes, Saturday 25 July and Parkes, Sunday 26 July. Note that if weather conditions are not conducive to planting events on National Tree Day, alternate events will be planned. For registrations, go to: https://centralwestlachlanlandcare.org/2026/04/23/looking-at-landcare-23-4-2026-save-the-date-for-national-tree-day-in-forbes-parkes/

Kerin Health Pre-employment Medicals: Parkes businesses no longer need to send workers hours away for essential pre-employment checks. Kerin Health now offer pre-employment assessments locally, including spirometry, hearing and vision testing, drug and alcohol testing, plus comprehensive functional and fitness assessments. To enquire or book, contact the Kerin Health team: www.kerinhealth.com.au/corporate-services-kerinhealth

Forbes Shire Council: Got bulky items taking up space? Place them on the kerb this weekend for collection. Collections run from 4 May to 8 May, so putting items out early will help ensure they’re picked up.

Please separate items into the four accepted categories: scrap metal & whitegoods, garden organics, e‑waste and general bulky items. Total amount must be no more than 2 cubic metres.

Get your bulky waste ready for kerbside collection

Handmade For Mum

April 30, 2026 by Lorraine Everest

Last minute gift ideas for Mother’s Day.

Are you looking to buy a small home created gift for your mum this Mother’s Day? You will be able to do just that on Saturday 2 May from the Forbes Evening Branch of CWA (FEBCWA) Mother’s Day Stall in the CBD of our Forbes Community.

Members of the FEBCWA will be creating beautiful items for you to browse and purchase. There will also be tickets available for three Mother’s Day Pampering Parcels with the lucky winners being drawn on Thursday 7 May.

The contents of the pampering pack prizes have been donated and presented by the Members of the FEBCWA. The first pampering pack will contain a hand created lap quilt, while the second contains a $50 gift voucher (to be spent in Forbes) and the third contains pampering treat similar to packs 1 & 2.

Forbes Evening Branch would also like to thank all members of the community and local businesses who supported our Christmas Raffle, especially Cahills for multiple vouchers, Serendipity Studio for the donated piece of pottery, and Spok Wooldridge for his artwork. A total of 18 prizes were drawn, with all winners receiving their surprises prior to Christmas.

By Lorraine Everest Publicity Officer, FEBCWA

Llew O’Brien MP Appointed Shadow Special Envoy For Men And Boys

April 30, 2026 by Roxane Manley

The Coalition is committed to addressing the unique issues facing men, boys and fathers, and is pleased to announce the appointment of MP Llew O’Brien as Shadow Special Envoy for Men and Boys.

Mr O’Brien said the new position was a privilege, enabling Australian men to overcome entrenched disadvantages and new and emerging challenges where men and boys are falling behind.

The announcement comes after The Nationals recently hosted a Men, Boys and Dads Forum to address the issues that are often overlooked.

Leader of The Nationals Matt Canavan said men and boys were facing real challenges in all aspects of life, such as health, family law, education and the workforce, but too often these issues go unaddressed in the public debate.

“There are issues across all areas and all ages – men’s health doesn’t discriminate.

“It is vital men and boys can access the services they need.

“This is why the Coalition appointed Llew O’Brien as the Shadow Special Envoy for Men and Boys. Llew will be tasked with developing a comprehensive approach that ensures that our brothers, sons and dads are not left behind.”

Help Your Community By Joining Vra Rescue Nsw

April 30, 2026 by Roxane Manley

See yourself in Green? VRA Rescue NSW is recruiting volunteers for squads in western NSW and a State Rescue Group.

VRA Rescue NSW State Rescue Team – western, celebrated its first birthday in February with some great achievements along the way. Members have worked hard to complete many skills that now see 14 members with State rescue Board accreditation as General land rescue operators and there are seven more in training.

Now is your chance to join this amazing team. VRA Rescue NSW is currently recruiting across western NSW in an effort to recruit Volunteers for Squads in the western area as well as a State Rescue Group.

VRA Rescue NSW is a leading volunteer-based organisation dedicated to providing emergency rescue services throughout New South Wales 24/7/365. The State Rescue Group consists of multi-skilled Volunteers from communities across NSW western area.

Formerly known as the NSW Volunteer Rescue Association, VRA Rescue plays a vital role in emergency management and response.

Focusing on community safety and support, VRA plays a crucial role in emergency management and response in the region.

Composed of volunteer members who dedicate their time and skills to assist the community in times of need. They offer a diverse range of rescue services, including motor vehicle accidents, maritime incidents, wilderness and cave searches, and more.

If you have ever thought about giving back to your community, learning real rescue skills, and being part of an awesome team, now is your chance. Full training is provided and no experience is needed.

People of ages 18 and over are welcome.

It doesn’t matter whether you are keen to get hands on or want to help behind the scenes, there is a role for you.

If you live in the western area and you are interested in finding out about becoming a volunteer then you can place an expression of interest by visiting the VRA website www.rescue.org.au

Stop Illegal Dumping

April 30, 2026 by Roxane Manley

If you see illegal dumping report it immediately.

Forbes Shire Council is urging the community to help curb illegal dumping after receiving 50 reports in 2025, costing ratepayers more than $8,000 for cleanup and disposal.

Last year, illegally dumped waste around the Forbes Shire included tyres, household waste, furniture, animal carcasses, green waste and even asbestos. These materials not only harm the environment but also divert valuable Council resources away from other important community services.

As part of a new campaign to help stamp out illegal dumping across the Shire, Council will install four CCTV cameras in known hotspots to help monitor and deter illegal dumping. Council Rangers investigate every report of illegal dumping. This often requires Rangers to sift through the dumped rubbish by hand to find any identifying information that may help locate the person responsible.

In instances where the person responsible is identified, Council prefers that they clean up the waste themselves and an official warning will be issued. When offenders are uncooperative, Rangers will issue fines or issue them with an invoice for the cost of cleanup and disposal.

Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM is urging residents to remain vigilant. Residents can report illegal dumping by contacting Forbes Shire Council or lodging a report through the NSW Environmental Protection Authority’s (EPA) Report Illegal Dumping online platform.

Forbes Shire residents have access to a wide range of recycling, reuse and disposal services through the Forbes Recycling and Waste Depot (FRWD) located at Lot 1 Calarie, Daroobalgie Road, open 7 days from 8.30am to 5pm.

For more information visit www.forbes.nsw.gov.au or contact Forbes Shire Council on (02) 6850 2300.

Forbes Garden Club Report

April 30, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Forbes Garden Club recently held a meeting at the Riverside Community Gardens.

President Marg Dent welcomed 38 members with eight apologies. In general business, it was suggested that the club donate $200 to the Forbes Show as this year which will be its 150th year – all members were in agreement.

Marg thanked Gail Irvine for allowing us to hold our meeting at the gardens and donating raffle prizes for the day. Gail extended an invitation to hold future meetings at the Riverside Community Gardens.

Diane Buckman then spoke on the history of the gardens. Originally owned by the Forestry Commission Department, the area was rezoned, allowing council to purchase it. A small band of volunteers formed a committee and by 2012, individual plots were started and developed into a meeting of like-minded gardeners growing their vegetables and meeting socially.

We had the largest display of flower of the month with Marie Langfield first with a Rose. Equal second went to Elvy Quirk with a Dahlia and John Browne with a Boganvillea and Pam Baass with a Bromeliad. Equal third went to Anne Reade with a Rose, Joy Hocking with a Salvia and Marion Murray with a Nerine. The raffle winners were first Jennifer Purdie, second Colleen Liebich and third Lorraine Everest.

Sometimes We Forget That Rest Matters Too

April 30, 2026 by Rachel Kerin

I made an impractical decision as a farmer’s wife. But I am too far in to let him know that he was right and I was wrong.

I bought a gorgeous outdoor furniture set for our verandah, with cream white cushions.

“How do you think that will stay clean?” he asked, eyeing it off as it arrived.

And so it began.

My ongoing mission to prove him wrong.

The work dogs would take full advantage of not being tied up at night, and I’d find them curled up there in the morning, their black bodies a stark contrast against the cream cushions.

But there was one kelpie I felt had earned the right to a little luxury.

Pete. He was retired, and my favourite.

He could shoot around a mob of sheep at record speed, then stand quietly while my baby sprawled all over him, using his back as a cushion.

He’d mustered goats in Queensland. Burnt his paws on hot ground moving thirsty stock closer to water. Found lambs alone

and hungry beside a creek bed. Taught pup after pup how to work. Then shared his kennel with them at night to keep them warm.

And so, I let him have his warm patch of sun on my outdoor lounge.

To sleepily gaze over hills he knew well.

The white dots of sheep he’d moved up the laneway.

The glimmer of dams he’d swum in at the end of a hot day.

At sunset, I’d often walk past the window and see a tired farmer and his trusty dog sitting together, on the outdoor lounge.

A hand gently stroking a soft ear. An easy silence.

A decade of shared moments between them.

A fading pink sky stretched above them.

Deep green hills before them.

And cushions, that used to be cream white, beneath them.

And I think there’s something in that for us too.

We are very good at admiring hard work.

Especially in the country.

We respect grit.

We notice endurance.

We get on with it.

But sometimes we forget that rest matters too.

Not because all the work is done.

But because bodies need it. Minds need it.

Hearts need it.

Sometimes health looks like movement.

Sometimes it looks like strength.

And sometimes it looks like sitting on the verandah at sunset, beside someone who knows the road you’ve walked.

And so I am learning that;Maybe wellbeing isn’t always found in doing more.

Maybe sometimes it’s found in the pause.

Let’s make room for that kind of health too.

The kind that knows real rest is not laziness,It’s part of being well.

I hope you find a moment this weekend to sit, and just be.

By Rachel Kerin

Old Girls Nursing Provide Personalised In-home Support

April 30, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Pictured in pink are Elita Coughlan and Dayle Penny from Old Girls Nursing.

Old Girls Nursing aims to provide dedicated in-home nursing and support specifically for rural clients, with a mission to deliver high quality care through a team of highly trained, professional staff.

The business was started in April 2025, by Registered Nurse Dayle Penny. Based in Eugowra, this venture began after hearing many concerns throughout the region regarding the lack of available support services.

Dayle Penny is a registered nurse of twenty years; with the bulk of her nursing completed in residential aged care/nursing homes. Aged care is a specialised field of nursing and Dayle is extremely compassionate to the elderly.

“As a small business, we truly feel that we can make a positive impact by providing dedicated and personalised support.

We are committed to ensuring our clients receive the professional support, assistance and care the need, within the comfort of their own home,” said Dayle.

Elita Coughlan has worked in the aged care and NDIS sector for only a few years but finds it extremely rewarding.

“Aged care, NDIS and mental health support has been a very rewarding career choice emotionally. We have absolutely amazing clients and I love being able to help people as a job,” said Elita.

Old Girl Nursing services include medication management, complex clinical care, wound care, diabetes management, and support for those living with dementia, age related illnesses, behavioral challenges and mental health conditions.

They also provide respite care, giving families and carers peace of mind while ensuring their loved ones receive atten

tive, high-quality support and care. Support services extend to transport to and from appointments or social outings, domestic assistance, and personal care such as showering and toiletingContact Old Girls Nursing to discuss how they can help you. Call Dayle Penny RN 0425 411 122, Elita Coughlan 0423 910 011 or email oldgirlsnursing@gmail.com

Phil Wells Hits Form

April 30, 2026 by Short Putt

On Saturday 25 April, a field of 42 golfers enjoyed good conditions at the Forbes golf course as they participated in the Anzac Day comp. All the players seemed to enjoy their wander.

The contest was an Individual 18-hole Stroke, sponsored by J&J Ridley. While the numbers were reduced because of the Anzac activity around town the players all endeavoured to do their best.

The Div-1 Winner was Phil Wells with a nett 71 on count back. He enjoyed the day with only one hiccup on the 15th hole.

He finished each half with pars. Runner-up was Matt Walton with 71 nett. His was a similar game to Phil’s but his putter did not behave as required to earn a win.

The Div-2 was won by Tyson Franke, a previous member but now ensconced in Dubbo. His nett 68 was the best of the day and surprised even him, although he could have done better on the back-9. Runner-up was Max Haley with 72 nett. He felt lucky to be playing and made the most of his sojourn with two visitor from Victoria.

The ball sweep went to 75 nett on count back. NTPs went to two Juniors: 9th L Hodge, 18th L Iyer. Neither of them managed to convert for a ‘2’ of which there were only four all day. The Super Pin went to Peter Barnes (310 cm) but he missed his ‘2’.There is a busy golf period ahead with the Forbes Ladies Open to be played this Sunday 3 May, a major Ladies event on 12-14 May and the Forbes Men’s Open on Sunday 31 May.

The comp on Saturday 2 May is the May Monthly Medal, sponsored by Adept Plumbing.

Sunday is the Ladies Open for which the course will be closed until 2pm.

By Short Putt

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