Roxane Manley

From Phil Donato MP

May 7, 2026 by Roxane Manley

MAJOR FUNDING WINS

Two organisations in the Orange electorate have secured a combined $599,757 through the Clubgrants Category 3 Fund! Bogan Gate Recreation Reserve Land Manager has been awarded $299,757 to redevelop the Bogan Gate Sportsground. Forbes Rugby Union Club will receive $300,000 to install new lighting. Congratulations to both organisations on this fantastic achievement. These upgrades will support local sport, strengthen community connections, and deliver lasting benefits for years to come. Well done to all involved.

SIGN THE E-PETITION – FIX THE GREAT WESTERN HIGHWAY

The ongoing closure at Victoria Pass is hitting our region hard – disrupting freight, hurting local businesses, increasing safety risks, and adding pressure on families and volunteers. I’ve taken this directly to the NSW Government. This isn’t just an inconvenience, it’s exposed a major failure. A critical corridor carrying over 12,000 vehicles a day should never be this vulnerable.

I’m pushing for immediate support, proper transport alternatives beyond Bathurst, action on fuel costs, and a long-term solution, not a temporary fix.

Regional communities are tired of being an afterthought. We deserve safe, reliable infrastructure, and I will continue holding the Government to account. Sign the ePetition. Share it with others. Visit https://shorturl.at/GKly8

MEN’S HEALTH WEEK EVENT: GETTIN’ ·A·GRIP

Men’s health remains an issue that doesn’t get the attention it deserves and that needs to change. That’s why I’m launching Gettin’ a Grip, a major event to kick off Men’s Health Week in June, in Orange.

This isn’t just an event, it’s about starting conversations and saving lives. With highprofile participants, health professionals, and strong community engagement, the goal is simple:
Get men talking
Get men checked
Get men connected

This builds on years of work supporting mental health initiatives across our region, and I’m proud to continue that advocacy. For more details visit:
https://www.facebook.com/Gettinagrip

Forbes Pony Club 2026 Charlie O’connor Showjump Day And Gymkhana

May 7, 2026 by Roxane Manley

The Forbes Pony Club (FPC) has been running since 1965, with many successful riders starting their riding days at the club, Forbes has always been known as a competitive club that produces quality riders.

Last weekend was a huge weekend for the club. The Charlie O’Connor Showjumping event was held on Saturday 2 May and the FPC Gymkhana was held on 3 May.

The Charlie O’Connor Jumping event is a showjumping day held by Forbes Pony Club, where riders compete over jumps at different heights based on their skill level. It’s one of the club’s main competitive events of the year.

A gymkhana is a fun equestrian event, run by local clubs, with each Club hosting one annual gymkhana in their hometown. Riders of ages 3 – 25 take part in show events such as best rider, skilled based races, barrel races and games for beginners. Riders from clubs all over the central west came to Forbes to represent their club.

The Forbes Pony Club gymkhana features a very special event called the “John Stewart Memorial Barrel Race”. The riders with the five fastest barrel race times on the day compete in the finals for the title. Up for grabs was an embroidered prize rug sponsored by Flemings Property Services. The 2026 winner was reigning champ Abi Bembrick with a time of 19.748 seconds.

It was highly contested with the top three riders coming in just one point second apart, Mercadez Cartwright from Young Pony Club came in second with a time of 19.898 seconds closely followed by Forbes rider Jack White with a time of 20.637. The presentation was supported by John Stewart’s Family, mother Lois Stewart and sister Kathy Welsh.

Caitlin Lewis of the FPC said, “Overall the weekend was a huge success with many thanks to our hard working committee, it takes a huge amount of behind the scenes work to get an event like this running. We are grateful for anyone who gets in and helps out prior to or on the day. We had amazing Canteen ladies Jodi Bilsbrough and Leeanne Lewis who kept us fed all weekend.

“We also had three senior students from Red Bend Catholic College who came to help out, they were put to work helping score events, hand out ribbons and take orders in the canteen, they were an amazing help on the day.

“Our beginners ring was a hit which was evident by the many smiles from our little riders, this was made possible by Jenna Krakouer who organised and ran the beginners ring on the day, Jenna had 15 tiny riders and ponies to entertain, not an easy feat.”

If you want to be part of the FPC, they offer ‘Come Try’ memberships where a rider can attend a rally day with their horse to see if it is the right fit for them. See Forbes Pony Club on Facebook for more information.

Abi Benbrick on Manny. Photo Credit: Steve Krak’d Lens.

Get Ready, Get Set, And Dance At The 2026 Trundle Abba Festival

April 30, 2026 by Roxane Manley

The Trundle ABBA Festival is back, on Saturday May 2nd, and the buzz has been building in Trundle, the program is locked in, final details are being ticked off, and preparations are in full swing. Today (Friday May 1st), the main street will be closed and transformed into a glittering festival space.

Locals and organisers alike are pitching in – decorating, coordinating logistics, and getting their best flared outfits ready. It’s a mix of excitement, last-minute hustle, and plenty of sparkle.

Expect a sea of smiles and a whole lot of sparkle. The entire festival takes over Trundle’s main street, complete with a big stage, food vans, and a lively, welcoming atmosphere. This year’s lineup is exceptional, featuring a blend of local favourites, emerging talent, and the international ABBA tribute band ABBASBACK performing their full show with choir. It’s energetic, colourful, and a joyful escape from the everyday.

The festival is held along Forbes Street, from the hotel corner on Parkes Street through to Hutton Street. Parking is available on surrounding streets, but to make things easier, consider catching a bus from Parkes or Forbes via Western Roadliners.

A few tips: bring a chair, wear comfortable shoes and get involved.

Yes, tickets are available at the gate, but it’s best to buy online if you can – prices increase from $65 online to $80 at the gate and pre-purchased tickets mean faster entry. Grab your tickets https://trundleabbafestival.123tix.com.au/events

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.

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