Roxane Manley

Forbes Croquet Notes

February 12, 2026 by Elvy Quirk

Jill Rubie recently celebrated her Birthday at Forbes Croquet Club luncheon.

Aussie Croquet was played on 7 February with only a small number in attendance, mainly due to the warmer conditions. However all who played and took part enjoyed the 19 games played.

All three games were won by Rex Toole, Ray Burridge and May Jones. Well done to those players.

A close score of 14/13 games were played by Fay Picker who trailed Colleen Liebich, Young Tony Bernardi (solo) was defeated by Peter West (solo).

On Tuesday 10 February we played Golf Croquet with 33 in attendance and we welcomed Robert Priest who had come down to try a game. Welcome Rob and we hope you come to like the game and will join us on a permanent basis.

There were 26 games played on the day and the winners of all three games were Neville Spry, Mal Smith and John Allegri. Congratulations to those players.

All are welcome to come and try a game of Croquet. Croquet is played on Tuesday and Saturday each week. Arrival 8.15am to get your names into the draw. Closed in shoes are to be worn, bring your hat, your bottle of water and wear your sunscreen. Mallets provided.

As mentioned earlier we will be celebrating Seniors week with an Open Day on Tuesday, 3 March. Any person young or mature are welcome to come and try a game. There will also be some fun games and a scrumptious morning tea provided by Forbes Shire Council. Closed in shoes are to be worn, bring your hat, a bottle of water and wear your sunscreen. Mallets will be provided.

By Elvy Quirk

Mark 2 May On Your Calendar For The 2026 Trundle Abba Festival

February 5, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Get ready for glitter, groove and good times at the 2026 Trundle ABBA Festival presented by Trundle & District Progress Association. The duo behind the Festival’s inception, Gary Crowley and his wife will be back on deck coordinating the event this year, following their successful involvement during the first 10 years of the Festival.

Festival highlights will include International ABBA tribute sensation ABBASBACK®, returning with a full orchestra and choir. There will be a world dancing record attempt to Dancing Queen and Waterloo – right here in Trundle, and an exclusive sneak peek of Parkes M&D’s new smash hit, Sister Act.

The I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do wedding vow renewals will be led by Parkes’ very own musical minister, Rev Craig Bland accomanied by a choir. Enter the singing competition, with the top three finalists performing live on the main stage, or strut your stuff down Trundle’s main street in the Fashions of the Festival catwalk competition.

The festival features a stellar live music lineup, including the legendary Handpicked band featuring Orange’s most prominent rock musicians, plus local crowd-favourites and rising stars Easy Goin’ and Dirty Dark Horses – get down and giddy up!The 2026 ABBA Festival kicks off on 2 May at 11am and finishes up at 8pm. Festival goers are then encouraged to continue the festivities by enjoying entertainment provided by the Trundle Services Club who will have a cracking band and also the Trundle Hotel.

Tickets are now on sale so head to the website for information www.trundleabbafestival.com.au

Mayoral Notes

February 5, 2026 by Roxane Manley

If you’re new to Forbes, I’d love to personally welcome you. Council is hosting our next Welcome to Forbes event on Thursday 19 February at The Lachie Café from 5.30pm. It’s a relaxed, friendly evening where you can meet locals, learn what’s happening around town and start feeling right at home.

Forbes is a town where there’s always something happening. We want our newest residents to feel included and confident about getting involved, whether that’s joining a local club, attending events or simply meeting friendly faces around town.

I encourage anyone new to our community to come along to this free gathering.

Please RSVP by Thursday 12 February to events@forbes.nsw.gov.au or (02) 6850 2300. I look forward to meeting you.

I’d like to let residents know about upcoming footpath works along Hill Street. From the Dreaming Centre to the Camp Street Bridge, the Hill Street footpath will be temporarily closed for around five weeks while a new pathway is constructed.

I understand this may cause some incon

venience, and I sincerely thank everyone for their patience while the work is carried out. Anyone enjoying a walk around the lake is encouraged to use a different route during this time.

This new pathway is part of our Lake Forbes Activation Plan Footpath Resilience and Betterment Program, a project focused on making our shared spaces safer, more resilient and more enjoyable for everyone.

This upgrade has been made possible through funding from the NSW Community Assets Program, which supports councils in delivering lasting improvements for their communities.

While construction is in progress on the Apex Park redevelopment, the MLAK‐accessible toilet at Apex Park will be unavailable for the duration of the works. The nearest alternative MLAK facility is located at the Forbes Rugby Club. I look forward to sharing updates as the project progresses.

God Bless
Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM

Snippets…

February 5, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Welcome Year 7 2026 Red Bend Catholic College.

Red Bend Catholic College: Day 1 for 2026, and it was a fantastic day welcoming Year 7 students to the College.

NSW Government – Free Learn To Swim Classes: Those who are the most at-risk of drowning including people from lowincome households, multicultural communities, First Nations people and people in regional areas can access 10 free swimming lessons at participating providers. These lessons will not only save lives, but help build community and lifelong skills. Find your local program and dive in bit.ly/NSWLearnToSwim

The March Charge: Ready to feel good and do good this March? Join Cancer Council’s The March Charge and walk 85km. Join an amazing community and fundraise for life-saving cancer research. Sign up today: https://www.themarchcharge.com.au/

Office For Youth: Applications are now open for the NSW Government’s Holiday Break Autumn and/or Winter 2026 program. Applicants are encouraged to design high quality, fun and engaging activities for the exclusive participation of young people aged 12-24 years. Applicants can deliver the activities in the autumn and/or winter holidays. Eligible organisations can apply for $1,500–$10,000, which can be split across the autumn and/or winter school holidays. Please email grants@officeforyouth.nsw.gov.au with any questions, or find out more by visiting nsw.gov.au/HolidayBreak.

Cancer Council NSW: It’s more than a night in – it’s a moment to support the women who matter most. Get your friends together, stay in, and fundraise for people affected by cancer. Make it fun. Make it meaningful. Make it happen. Sign up now. www.doitforcancer.com.au/event/a-girls-night-in

Your Mental Health Matters Just As Much As Your Physical Health: Looking after your mental health doesn’t have to mean big changes. It can start with something simple, like checking in with yourself or someone you care about. Staying connected, keeping active, and reaching out when you need support can make a big difference. If things feel hard, you don’t have to wait. Support is available 24/7 across NSW: Call the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511 (free and confidential) or Visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/support

Parkes High School Welcome Year 7 2026: We were so thrilled to see all of Year 7 start their High School journey.

Welcome Year 7 2026 Parkes High School.

School Is Back – Remember Road Safety

February 5, 2026 by Roxane Manley

The new school year has resumed for thousands of local students in Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils are reminding local drivers and parents about children’s safety around schools.

The Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said that road crashes account for over half of all accidental deaths among children aged 5-14 years old.

“Children are vulnerable road users. They are at risk in the traffic environment because of their size, their inability to judge speed and distance, as well as the fact that they may behave unpredictably.”

“Drivers are reminded to slow down, pay extra attention and be patient when schoolresumes as there are more cars, buses and cyclists on the road and young pedestrians crossing the streets. Over the long summer break it is easy to forget just how busy and congested the streets around schools can get.”

Obey the parking signs around schools.

They are there to keep children safe. There are 40km/h school speed zones around all schools in NSW. Most school zones are operational between 8am – 9.30am and 2.30pm – 4pm on school days, when the lights are flashing.

Advanced Warning Signs Rolled Out At Rail Level Crossings

February 5, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Wandary Road advance warning signage.

New advanced warning signs have been installed at rail level crossings aimed at improving road safety. The new signage is designed to reduce the risk of collisions and near misses at level crossings by increasing motorist awareness.

The upgraded signage can now be seen at key approaches, including Wandary Lane, Herbert Street and several other locations across the Forbes Shire.

Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said, “Safety is our top priority. These new warning signs are a simple but effective way to protect drivers at rail crossings. We encourage everyone to stay alert and take extra care when approaching these areas.”

Back To School: Don’t Forget Their Eyes

February 5, 2026 by Roxane Manley

As families prepare for the new school year, many parents work through the usual checklist: new shoes, new pencils, sticking labels on everything. But there’s one important item that’s often overlooked: an eye test.

Children’s vision plays a crucial role in learning, behaviour and confidence at school. Yet many kids don’t realise they have a vision problem. To them, the way they see the world is “normal,” even if the board is blurry or reading is uncomfortable. That’s why parents need to be strong advocates for their children’s eye care.

More children are becoming shortsighted than ever before. Compared to previous generations, today’s kids spend far more time doing close work, particular digital devices and far less time outdoors. This shift is contributing to a rise in vision problems at younger ages.

Undetected vision issues can quietly affect a child’s ability to concentrate, read, follow instructions and participate confidently in the classroom. They can also impact behaviour, as children who struggle to see may become frustrated, tired or disengaged. Often, these problems aren’t obvious, and it takes more than a parent’s keen eye to pick them up.

The good news is that early detection makes a real difference. Identifying vision problems early allows for timely treatment and better long-term outcomes, particularly as a child’s eyes are still developing.

We recommend a comprehensive eye test before starting kindergarten, and then every two years throughout school or sooner if concerns arise. As part of your back-to-school routine, adding an eye test to the checklist is a simple step that can have a lasting impact on your child’s learning and wellbeing. Book your child’s eye appointment on 6963 5577 or www.hansenoptom.com

Apex Park Set To Level Up

February 5, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Apex Park is next in line for a playful transformation as part of Forbes Shire Council’s commitment to creating modern, inclusive and flood-resilient play spaces for the community.

The upgrade commenced in late January and is expected to take six months to complete. This transformation will deliver a range of new features, including:

• New play equipment featuring an impressive 8.7-metre tower with three slides

• Rubber soft fall surface for improved safety

• Accessible and inclusive play options, including an all-abilities harness swing and a skippy swing

• New pathways, seating and landscaping

• New amenities block to enhance convenience for visitors

• Improved drainage and car park facilities

The much-loved flying fox, accessible roundabout and nest swing will be retained as part of the upgrade. The existing shade sails and barbeque shelter will also remain, ensuring the park continues to provide comfort and functionality for families and visitors.

Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM said, “We’re excited to keep making improvements to the spaces around our beautiful lake”.“The Apex Park upgrade is about giving some love to one of our favourite parks in town – the Aeroplane Park. We know that this park is well used for play, birthday parties and family fun and we are very eager to make it the best that it can be.

“It’s also a great park for visitors travelling through, being located just off the Newell Highway.”

As part of Council’s commitment to sustainability, the existing playground equipment will be donated through the Rotary Overseas Relocated Playgrounds (RORP) program, giving it a second life in communities abroad.

“It’s a great way to give these pieces a second life”, the Mayor added.

Newcomers Invited To Meet And Mingle

February 5, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Mayor Phyllis Miller welcomes new residents at a previous Welcome to Forbes event.

Are you new to Forbes? Forbes Shire Council invites you to connect with the community at the Welcome to Forbes Event on Thursday 19 February at The Lachie Cafe. Held biannually, the Welcome to Forbes event is an opportunity for new residents to meet the locals, learn about community services and activities, and discover everything that our vibrant town has to offer.

Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said, “Welcome to Forbes is one of our favourite events of the year – we have even won awards for it! It’s such a lovely experience for us to welcome new residents and help them feel more at home.”

“From vibrant cultural celebrations to thrilling sporting events and welcoming community gatherings, Forbes is a place where there’s always something happening and we really want our new people to feel included.”

Guests will be able to enjoy light refreshments while meeting friendly faces and find out how to get involved in local events, clubs and programs. Please RSVP by Thursday 12th February via QR code on the ad for free tickets, or email events@forbes.nsw.gov.au.

New Anglican Minister Commissioned For Parkes And Peak Hill

February 5, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Reverend Steve Cimarosti pictured with hi wife Louise and children at the Parkes Radio Telescope.

The Anglican Parish of Parkes and Peak Hill will formally commission the Reverend Steve Cimarosti as its new minister at a special service on Saturday 7 February at 10.00am, to be held at St George’s Anglican Church, Parkes.

The commissioning marks the beginning of Steve’s ministry across the Parkes and Peak Hill communities. The service will be attended by parishioners, local clergy, and invited guests, and will include prayers, readings, and the formal commissioning by the Diocesan Bishop, Mark Calder.

Parish representatives have welcomed Mr Cimarosti’s appointment, noting his commitment to pastoral care, community engagement, and faith expressed through service.

Mr Cimarosti commented, “Louise and I are looking forward to meeting you and serving our Lord together with you!” Members of the public are warmly invited to attend the commissioning service and join in welcoming Steve, Lou and their family to the district.

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