Roxane Manley

Mayoral Notes

August 13, 2026 by Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM

This week, we had the privilege of hosting NSW Minister for Local Government, The Hon. Ron Hoenig MP. We were honoured to welcome him to officially open the new Spooner Oval grandstand and showcase some of the major projects and infrastructure investments underway across our region.

It was fantastic to have the Minister visit our community and see firsthand the progress being made. Opportunities like these are invaluable in highlighting the importance of continued investment in regional communities and strengthening relationships across all levels of government.

Council is continuing to invest in the maintenance and improvement of our road network, with work currently underway on South Condobolin Road. The project involves upgrading a 4.5-kilometre section of road approximately 35 kilometres west of Forbes. Works include shoulder repairs, road widening, a full-width bitumen reseal and new line marking to improve the condition and safety of the road.

Construction of the new barbeque shelter at Apex Park is now underway, marking an exciting milestone in the ongoing redevelopment of this popular community space. It is another important step in enhancing the park’s facilities and creating vibrant spaces for our community to connect.

A reminder that next week we will be hosting the second Welcome to Forbes event for 2026, and I encourage all new residents to come along. The event will be held on Thursday 20 August from 5.30pm at the Forbes Sport and Recreation Club, overlooking the picturesque Lake Forbes.

Whether you’ve relocated to Forbes for work, family or a change of lifestyle, this free community event is a great opportunity to meet fellow residents and learn more about the many clubs, organisations, businesses and services that make our town such a welcoming place to call home.

We look forward to welcoming our newest community members and helping them make valuable connections within Forbes.

God Bless
Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM

Snippets…

August 13, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Parkes Shire Council: Does your sporting club need an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)? Funding of up to $3,000 is available to help eligible sporting organisations purchase an approved AED package. The Parkes Shire Council Grants Team is ready to help with your application. Contact them at grants@parkes.nsw.gov.au. You can check eligibility requirements before applying here: https://bit.ly/4g6pbNB

Central West Police District: Due to recent changes in the firearms legislation, you will need to have passed a safe storage inspection in the last 10 years prior to applying for a permit to acquire (PTA). If you are in the Central West area and want to book a safe storage inspection, email your name, address, firearms licence number and phone number to CWPDFIREARMSENQ@police.nsw.gov.au or visit www.police.nsw.gov.au/online_services/firearms

Australian Cancer Research Founda tion: Stand with the brave this September for the Australia Cancer Research Foundation. Shave, cut or colour your hair and help raise vital funds for cancer research that saves lives. Do it for Australians affected by cancer – their bravery is worth celebrating. Sign up at https://fundraise.acrf.com.au/event/brave-shave-2026

Gotcha4Life: Rally your crew and join the 24 Hour Row for Mental Fitness on 12–13 September 2026. Whether you’re rowing from your gym, sporting club, school or workplace, this is a challenge anyone can take on. Show up for your mates. Strengthen your community. Champion mental fitness. Sign up now: 24hourrow.com.au

NSW Government: Have an old, inefficient top-loading washing machine? Eligible households can swap their top-loader for a water and energy efficient model for just $250, including delivery, installation and a 2-year warranty. It can help save around $300 each year on water, energy and detergent, plus roughly 20,000 litres of water. Check your eligibility and apply: water.dcceew.nsw.gov.au/washing-machines

Forbes Shire Council: Forbes residents can now enjoy a simpler, more user-friendly way to manage waste and recycling! Council is transitioning to a new platform, LoopedIn Councils. What you need to do: Download the new LoopedIn Councils app and delete the old iRecycle Waste App from your device. Stay up to date with Collection schedules, Bin reminders and Recycling tips and guidance.

Nominations Now Open For Australia’s 2026 Community Sports Dad Of The Year

August 13, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Australians are being encouraged to recognise the dads and father figures who keep local sport moving, with nominations now open for the 2026 Community Sports Dad of the Year.

The national award recognises the people behind community sport: the dads coaching from the sidelines, managing teams, fundraising, driving kids to training and taking on the countless jobs that keep local clubs running.

Nominations are open now and the winner will be announced ahead of Father’s Day on Sunday, 6 September 2026. The winning dad will receive a Philips Reverse Osmosis Water Station valued at $1,299 RRP, while their community sporting club will receive a $5,000 Rebel Sport voucher for new clothing or sporting equipment. The person behind the winning nomination will also receive a Philips Multi-groom 7000 grooming kit, valued at $229 RRP.

Community Sports Dad of the Year founder Paul Masluk said the award was created to recognise the people whose contribution to local sport often happens quietly.

Submissions close at midnight AEST on 27 August 2026. Nominate a deserving dad in 100 words or less via www.sportsdads.com.au/community.

Final Winter Walk In Soup And Slice Kitchen For 2026: 20 August

August 13, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Soup, soup, and more soup, and slices that’s what the public has been calling out for since the recent and very popular Winter Walk-in Soup and Slice Kitchen held in July.

The ladies at the Forbes Evening Branch of CWA (FEBCWA) are bringing us one more open kitchen while we are still feeling the cold and craving some delicious hot soup.

The ladies found that despite replenishing the soup supply to keep up with customers, the demand for two old favourites continued right up until the last drop at the July ‘Winter Walk-in Soup and Slice Kitchen’.

Branch members wish to thank all patrons who attended in July. The soup creators are already planning the soup menu for the final ‘Soup and Slice Kitchen’ for the winter of 2026. This will include extra quantities of the two most popular choices to be available, creamy pumpkin soup and corn chowder with bacon.

The Forbes EBCWA wish to extend a very warm welcome to anyone who will be in the Forbes CBD on 20 August to partake in their final ‘Winter Walk-in Soup and Slice Kitchen’, from 12 midday to 2pm at the CWA Hall in Lachlan Street.

The same serve of soup, bread roll, slice and a cuppa, will be available for $15.

“In 2025 the Branch observed the ‘August Soup and Slice Kitchen’ to be the most popular of the three Winter Kitchens and for this reason the Branch is preparing for this possibility again.

“Come and enjoy a delicious meal and great company. We hope to see you there,” said Lorraine Everest Publicity Officer FEBCWA.

Women of all ages are welcome to attend Forbes Evening Branch CWA meetings at 6.30pm on the second Thursday of the month. For more information about the club you can call 0407 002 937 or email forbeseveningbranchcwa@gmail.com

Pat’s Back And Ready To Fire Up For The National BBQ Championships

August 13, 2026 by Roxane Manley

World renowned live fire Chef Patrick De Leon is returning to the National BBQ Championships for a second year when the event fires up in Forbes on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October 2026, at Grinstead Oval.

Barbeque fans who have seen Chef Patrick in action know he’s one of the world’s most dynamic chefs, making him a highlight of another unforgettable weekend in the Central West NSW.

Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said, “We’re delighted that Pat is returning to Forbes for this year’s National BBQ Championships.

“Pat was a crowd favourite last year. He brought great energy and enthusiasm to the event. We know attendees will be excited to see him back.”

Chef Patrick’s live fire cooking skills, global BBQ flavours and expertise with wood and coal fired cooking will impress both experienced pitmasters and backyard BBQ fans.

This year’s event will feature a weekend full of barbecue, with live cooking demonstrations, grilling and smoking displays, live music, market stalls and fun activities for the kids.

Start planning your winning recipes and contact events@forbes.nsw.gov.au with any questions or go to www.forbes.nsw.gov.au

Kids Don’t Know What They’re Missing

August 13, 2026 by Eyecare Plus

August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month, making it a great time to focus on one of the most overlooked parts of a child’s wellbeing: their vision.

Good vision is essential for learning, development, coordination, and confidence.

The problem is that children often don’t know when they’re not seeing well. They won’t tell you because they assume everyone sees the world the same way they do.

Instead, they adapt. They might sit closer to the television, tilt their head, avoid reading, or simply appear distracted or reluctant to engage with schoolwork. These changes can be subtle and easy for even the most attentive parent or teacher to miss.

Every child should have a comprehensive eye examination before starting school and then every one to two years after that.

At any age, it’s worth arranging an eye test if your child sits very close to screens or books, has one eye that drifts or turns, persistently tilts their head, squints, rubs their eyes when they’re not tired, loses their place while reading, complains of headaches after school, or suddenly develops a dislike of reading or schoolwork.

School vision screening programs can be helpful, but they don’t detect every eye condition and aren’t a substitute for a comprehensive eye examination. Some childhood eye conditions are genuinely time sensitive. Amblyopia, or “lazy eye”, is highly treatable when detected early, but becomes much more difficult to improve after about seven or eight years of age.

The safety side of the equation is just as important.

Encourage children to spend time outdoors. It’s one of the few measures proven to reduce the risk of children becoming short-sighted, with around two hours outside each day making a real difference.

With spring just around the corner, it’s also worth remembering that UV levels climb quickly at this time of year. Children’s eyes naturally allow more ultraviolet light to reach the retina than adult eyes, making good sun protection especially important. A broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses that meet the Australian Standard are simple, inexpensive ways to help protect their eyes.

The good news is that comprehensive eye examinations for children are covered by Medicare, and you don’t need a referral.

Hockey Star Daisy Rice To Represent Australian U15s All Schools Merit Team

August 13, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Parkes girl and Red Bend Catholic College student, Daisy Rice comes from a family of hockey players, who first started playing hockey at just four years of age. It explains her rise to selection in the Australian U15s All Schools Merit Team.

Daisy was first selected in the Combined Catholic Colleges (CCC) Hockey Team and then trialled in Newcastle and made the NSW All Schools team. NSW All Schools provides opportunities for secondary students from the Catholic, Government and Independent sectors to participate in representative sport at the national level.

Daisy Rice recently represented the NSW All Schools team at the School Sports Australia Games 2026 in Melbourne and made it to the final of the U15 All Schools Championship, going down in a shoot out with the QLD team.

Daisy said “My NSW team lost to Queensland in the Grand Final, through the game we fought hard scoring the first goal in the first quarter but Queensland equalised in the end of the third quarter, the game ended 1-1 and we went into shootouts going down 3-1.”

It was while representing NSW under 15s All Schools, where Daisy was one of 15 girls selected to be in the U15s All Australian hockey team. This is Daisy’s first time being selected in an Australian team.

Growing up with two older brothers means Daisy has always been competitive.

She started playing junior hockey in Parkes, playing on Saturday mornings and moving to playing senior hockey in year 7 for Crows Hockey Club. In 2025 Daisy played for the Parkes United Premier League team in the Central West Premier League competition and this year she is playing for Goulburn in the Canberra Capital League.

“I actually love the sport of hockey, it is fun and requires skill, fitness and strategy,” said Daisy.

From Phil Donato MP

August 13, 2026 by Phil Donato MP

It’s been a busy few weeks around the electorate and in Parliament. During last sitting week I raised serious concerns about the Government’s approach to feral pig management. Farmers across the region are already spending significant time and money trying to control feral pigs, which destroy crops, damage fences, attack livestock, contaminate water sources and devastate the environment.

Yet instead of providing greater assistance, the Government is threatening significant biosecurity penalties for landholders who cannot eliminate feral pig populations from their properties. I argued that farmers should be supported, not punished. I also raised concerns about unnecessary barriers being placed in front of farmers and professional pest controllers seeking access to practical pest-management tools already provided for under the law, including Category D firearm licences for coordinated pest control programs and firearm suppressors for occupational health and safety purposes. Importantly, I highlighted reports of significant feral pig activity within the Mount Canobolas State Conservation Area near Federal Falls, questioning why private landholders face penalties while feral pig populations continue to thrive on government managed land.

I called for practical and innovative solutions, including greater involvement of recreational hunters; a feral animal bounty program; competitive tendering for privately operated aerial culling services; and stronger partnerships between government, landholders and pest controllers. I will continue advocating for common-sense measures that help landholders protect their livelihoods, the environment and our agricultural industries.

River Arts Festival Returns This Weekend: Free Family Fun At Lions Park

August 6, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Lions Park is set to come alive this weekend as the biennial River Arts Festival brings a full day of free family entertainment, music, and creative celebration to our community.

With an action-packed program designed for all ages, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.

Festivities kick off at 9:00am with a vibrant performance by the town band right on Bates Bridge, alongside the opening of the festival markets. To make the most of the site, Bates Bridge will be closed to traffic all day, allowing visitors to safely explore the stalls and wander across to Wheogo Park, which has been transformed into a dedicated Wellbeing Space.

Throughout the entire day, the festival grounds will feature continuous live music and hands-on art activities. Families can pack a lunch or grab a bite from the local market stalls or food vendors, and join us for a giant community picnic at 12:00noon when The Hometown Boys take the stage.

The energy amps up at 3:00pm when popular local group Dirty Dark Horses takes the stage. At the same time, free lantern-making workshops begin with Phil Relf from Ikara Celebratory Events. Community members are invited to drop in and create something incredible to carry in the evening’s main event: the magical lantern parade at dusk. This year’s parade will showcase a brand-new goanna sculpture taking pride of place.

Gather your family, bring a picnic blanket, and celebrate the heart of our creative community this weekend!

Mayoral Notes

August 6, 2026 by Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM

This week, we are celebrating Local Government Week – a valuable opportunity to showcase the important role councils play in supporting and strengthening our communities every day.

A special highlight will be welcoming Year 5 students from our local schools to Council. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the different roles and functions of local government, meet Council staff and gain an understanding of how decisions are made and services are delivered across our region.

These visits are a great way to inspire young people and encourage them to take an active interest in their community. We look forward to sharing the important work of Council and showcasing the many career opportunities available in local government.

I thank our local schools for participating and helping make Local Government Week a valuable learning experience for our future community leaders.

I am pleased to invite our community to attend the official opening of the new Spooner Oval Grandstand on Sunday, 9 August at 12.45pm. The new grandstand and clubhouse represent a significant investment in our sporting infrastructure, providing modern facilities that will better support our local clubs while also helping us attract and host larger sporting events.

These improvements will enhance the experience for players, officials, volunteers and spectators, and deliver lasting benefits for our community.

I encourage residents to join us for this milestone occasion as we celebrate the official opening of a facility that will strengthen community sport and serve the Forbes Shire for many years to come.

One of my favourite events on the community calendar is Welcome to Forbes, and I warmly invite all new residents to join us on Thursday, 20 August from 5.30pm at the Forbes Sport and Recreation Club, overlooking beautiful Lake Forbes.

Whether you’ve recently moved to Forbes for work, family or a lifestyle change, this free event is a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and connect with local clubs, community groups, businesses and services.

God Bless
Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM

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