Roxane Manley

Mayoral Notes

October 7, 2025 by Roxane Manley

It is with a very heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of our General Manager, Steve Loane OAM. Over eight years of dedicated service to Forbes Shire Council, Steve became much more than a colleague – he was a mentor, a leader and a true friend to many in our community.

Steve’s commitment to Local Government and rural communities was unwavering. His passion for the livestock industry and his dedication to fostering a strong, connected community were recognised with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).Steve had a vision for Forbes Shire Council and guided our organisation with integrity, wisdom and care. His loss is deeply felt, but his legacy of leadership, service and community spirit will continue to inspire us all. Our deepest condolences to Lisa and his family. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him and in the lasting improvements he made to the community he loved. Rest in peace, Steve.

What an amazing weekend we’ve just had in Forbes! The first-ever Street Dreams brought thousands of people out to enjoy interactive light displays, live performances, market stalls, and activities for all ages. Victoria Park was buzzing with creativity, colour, and community spirit.

A huge thank you to our talented local artists, performers, volunteers, Council staff, and everyone who came along to join the fun. We’re also grateful to Transport for NSW for their support in making it all possible.

As we start planning next year’s festival, we’d love for you to share your feedback, favourite moments and ideas via a short survey on our website. Thanks again to everyone who helped make it such a magical night.

As the October long weekend approaches, motorists are being reminded to take care on the road. Police will be out enforcing road rules, focusing on speed, seatbelts, mobile phone use, and motorcyclists not wearing helmets.

Double demerit points will apply for four days, from Friday 3 October through Monday 6 October 2025 (inclusive). Please take your time, plan your trips, and make safety your top priority so we can all enjoy a safe and happy long weekend.

God Bless,
Phyllis Miller OAM

Four Days Of Double Demerits

October 7, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Mitchell Gage.

Motorists are being reminded that double demerit points will be in place over the October long weekend with police targeting speed, seatbelts, illegal mobile phone use and motorcyclists not wearing helmets.

Double demerit points will be in force for four days commencing on Friday 3 October 2025 and ending on Monday 6 October 2025 (inclusive).Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Mitchell Gage said there will be more police on the road which means a greater chance of drivers being caught if they are doing the wrong thing.

“Double demerits were implemented 20 years ago, in a bid to encourage drivers to obey road rules during busy traffic periods. They occur on select holiday periods and long weekends and have proven to be an effective deterrent. Statistics show that there’s a 30% reduction in casualty crashes when double demerit points are operational.

“No-one wants to get a fine, lose their licence or worse still be involved in a crash.

So, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to travel, don’t speed, drive to the conditions, wear your seatbelt, avoid distractions, make sure you’re well rested and if you’ve been drinking or have taken drugs – don’t drive” Sergeant Gage said.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor said “During double demerit point periods the penalties for breaking the road rules are Severe” and is encouraging all road users to stay safe this October long weekend.

Be Part Of The Magic Of Street Dreams

September 25, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The Forbes Youth Action Team getting ready for the Neon Street Dreams Festival.

Forbes’ newest event, Street Dreams is shaping up to be a hands-on night of creativity, culture and connection. On Saturday 27 September from 5pm to 9pm, Victoria Park will come alive with light, art, performance, and interactive activities designed for all ages. Step into a glowing wonderland of larger-than-life flowers, birds, bees, butterflies and dazzling garden archways.

A special feature of the event is that attendees can fully immerse themselves in a range of creative experiences, including; drumming workshops, lino printmaking, lantern making workshop, facepainting, hair braiding, photobooth, silent disco, short films, roving entertainment by CirqueUm Navigate, school-led imaginative displays by students from Forbes North, Forbes Public and Forbes High School and an outdoor youth art exhibition featuring artworks by local youth.

Alongside these interactive activities, the festival precinct will feature market stalls, food vendors and live entertainment, making it a vibrant community celebration for locals and visitors alike.

The Street Dreams Festival is the first of a three-year series that aims to strengthen social connection, support local creatives, and enhance the vibrancy of the Forbes community through inclusive, accessible arts programming.

Street Dreams Festival is proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Open Streets Program, led by Transport for NSW. Council was successful in receiving $108,550 through the program, enabling the event to be delivered over the next three years.

The initiative is designed to reimagine public streets as lively, welcoming spaces that support local businesses and community connection.

Mayoral Notes

September 25, 2025 by Phyllis Miller OAM

Get ready for an evening of art, light, and entertainment at Forbes’ newest event, Street Dreams, this Saturday, 27 September, from 5 pm to 9 pm at Victoria Park.

The park precinct is going to be buzzing with light, colour, art, music and so many ways to get involved. You can drum, dance, make lanterns, have your hair braided or face painted, jump into a silent disco, or just wander through the stalls and soak up the atmosphere.

What I love most about Street Dreams is that it’s not just about watching, it’s about joining in. Whether you’re five or ninetyfive, there’s something here to spark your creativity and bring a smile to your face.

So, grab your friends, bring the family, and let’s light up Forbes together this weekend.

I’ll see you there!If your not-for-profit group has a project you’d like to bring to life, I encourage you to apply for the Forbes Community Funding Program. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for projects in sport, arts, community services, or enhancing our rural villages.

With $150,000 available this year, this is a valuable opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to our Shire. Applications for this round close 31 January 2026.

For assistance with your application, please get in touch with our Grants Officer on 02 6850 2300 or community@forbes.

nsw.gov.au. For more information and to apply, visit Council’s website.

We’ve recently refreshed our internal structure under the Local Government Act, opening up some exciting new career opportunities at Council.

From youth engagement to town presentation, water services and business support, these roles are about more than just jobs, they’re about shaping the future of our Shire.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and make a difference in your community, I encourage you to explore the opportunities now available at Council.

Find out more via Council’s website, www.forbes.nsw.gov.au.

Until next week.

God Bless,
Phyllis Miller OAM

Snippets…

September 25, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Board Members for RMHC, Jenny Mcleod and Geoff Rice were presented with teddies from the Parkes College for Seniors.

Ronald McDonald House Charities Central West NSW: Thank you to the wonderful Parkes College for Seniors group for creating these incredible auction items for our Gala Ball. You can bid on an item even if you’re not able to go to the Ball being held on 8 November, it’s a great way to support Ronald McDonald House Central West from the comfort of your own home https://galabid.com/orange2025

Women NSW: Big news for rural women in NSW & ACT! Applications for the 2026 AgriFutures Australia Rural Women’s Award are now open. If you’re a woman leading a project, business or program that’s making a real impact in rural or regional Australia, this is your chance to be recognised and supported. With up to $35,000 in grants from Platinum Partner Westpac, it’s an incredible opportunity to grow your vision. agrifutures.com.au/opportunities/rural-womens-award

Central West Lachlan Landcare Inc: Are thrilled to once again have the support of local State member Philip Donato and his wife Nadia at the Homegrown Parkes event. This time they will be sharing their Tiramisu making skills. If you would like to be part of this workshop at Homegrown Parkes on Saturday, 11 October 2025, then follow the link to register: https://centralwestlachlanlandcare.org/2025/09/11/looking-at-landcare-11-9-2025-phil-nadia-donato-sharing-tiramisu-workshop-at-homegrown-parkes. Registrations forthe our coffee roasting workshop with The Folk Roaster can also be be found on the page.

NSW Agriculture: NSW Agriculture and Local Land Services NSW is inviting stakeholders to provide information on the electronic identification (eID) implementation for sheep and goats in NSW. Your feedback will help inform how the program is moved forward. To fill out the survey please visit: https://forms.office.com/r/i2WQrk3utC

Regional Development Australia Central West: Central West is Best is the theme for the 2025 RDA Central West Photo Competition and entries are now open via the website. Submissions are steadily rolling in – add your view of the Central West today. Entries are open to all https://rdacentralwest.org.au/projects/central-west-is-best-photo-competition/

anAssist Forbes Branch: Forbes branch of CanAssist would like to once again thank Red Bend JRL for the wonderful support they give. CanAssist members man the gate for donations at RBJRL’s gala day and Lou Grimmit day, and also supply helpers to assist in their canteen.

Collum Hopkins and Michelle Bentick presenting the cheque for $4,020 to Helen Westwood and John Schrader from CanAssist.

Be Seen @ Forbes High School RUOK Fishing Day

September 25, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The Strong Men Boys Group had the privilege of participating in a wellbeing fishing session led by Brett Smith from NSW Fisheries at Lake Forbes. This event was part of Forbes High School’s and NSW Fisheries’ commitment to RUOK?

The boys learned about caring for our waterways and the various fish species native to our local area. Additionally, several carp were caught, much to the delight of the pelicans nearby.

During the session, some of the boys borrowed a bucket from a nearby Forbes Shire gardening crew and took the initiative to clean up rubbish around the lake. Well done to the boys for giving back to the community.

Choose Clear Choice Septic Maintenance

September 25, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Born and raised in Yorkshire UK, Dave Rees now calls Forbes home after marrying a local girl. Three months ago Dave branched out and started his own business, Clear Choice Septic Maintenance.

What is a septic tank? A septic tank is an underground chamber made of concrete, fiberglass, or plastic through which domestic wastewater flows for basic sewage treatment.

After seeing so many septic tanks that in his opinion were being under-serviced, Dave decided to offer a premium service at a reasonable price.

Clear Choice Septic Maintenance offers a full septic tank service including air blower, all fixtures and fittings, with the ability to fit major components on the day should they need immediate replacement. Dave can also lodge the full system reports to the local council, saving his clients the hassle of having to do it themselves.

Dave prides himself on building relationships with his clients, and also offers a “training day” to occupants of homes with a septic tank who may not know the “do’s and don’ts” of having a septic tank.

Don’t delay, if you have a septic tank, call Dave today on 0431 005 180 and book in a service before any major issues occur.

Fire Meets Flavour In Forbes

September 25, 2025 by Roxane Manley

World-renowned live-fire chef Patrick De Leon will be joining the National BBQ Championships in Forbes on 18 and 19 October. Visit www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/2025-nationalbbq-championships.

World-renowned live-fire chef Patrick De Leon will be joining the National BBQ Championships pit when the sizzling event returns to Forbes on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 October 2025.

Barbeque fans won’t want to miss the chance to see one of the world’s most dynamic chefs in action as the Central West heats up for another unforgettable weekend.

With over two decades of smoke and seasoning behind him, Chef Patrick is internationally recognised for his fusion of classic American BBQ, South American asado and South African braai. A favourite on the competitive circuit and a mentor to aspiring grillers, Chef Patrick is known for coaxing deep, layered flavours from flame, coal and hardwood smoke.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Chef Patrick De Leon to the National BBQ Championships in Forbes,” said Mayor Phyllis Miller. “His incredible talent and dynamic live-fire skills will add something truly special to the event, celebrating the flavours and passion that make barbeque such a beloved tradition both here and around the world.”

Attendees can catch Chef Patrick in live demos throughout the weekend. Chef Patrick’s live-fire cooking, global BBQ fusion, coal and wood-fire control, and dry rub & condiment design will impress both seasoned pitmasters and backyard BBQ lovers.

This year’s event promises a full weekend of grilling, smoking, live demonstrations, music, market stalls, and kids’ entertainment – all in celebration of BBQ culture. The event is proudly presented in partnership with the Australasian Barbecue Alliance.

“This event brings our community together, attracts visitors from near and far, and showcases the incredible talent and flavours that make BBQ such a celebrated tradition, both here and around the world,” the Mayor added.

Lions Park Works To Enhance Popular Space

September 25, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Already one of Forbes’ most popular spaces for families, visitors and events, Lions Park is undergoing a major transformation, designed to improve access, usability and appeal for all ages.

The project will deliver new shade sails, an expanded playground with soft-fall rubber surfacing, and full restoration of the carpark to include all-abilities access from vehicles directly into the park.

The Lions Park improvement works are part of the Forbes Lake Activation Parks and Amenities Resilience & Betterment Project, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments under the Community Assets Program. The Lions Park shade structures are funded under the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership.

Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said the project builds on the park’s existing strengths and further positions it as a key community and events destination. “Lions Park is a favourite for family outings, weekend events, and community gatherings. This transformation will enhance what’s already great, making the space more inclusive, resilient, and welcoming,” Mayor Miller said.

“With better access, upgraded play spaces, and landscaping that complements the other improvement works being delivered around Lake Forbes, this park will be a true showcase of Forbes’ outdoor Forbes Shire Council lifestyle.”

Due to the level of construction activity and for public safety, areas of Lions Park will be closed to the public while works are underway. Access to walking paths and Oh So Sugar will remain open to pedestrians throughout the project.

Council looks forward to unveiling a refreshed, more inclusive and event-ready Lions Park later this year. For more information, visit www.forbes.nsw.gov.au.

Be Seen @ Parkes Christian School DOE Hike

September 25, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Duke of Edinburgh participants set out on their adventurous journey at Nangar National Park. Over two days, the students hiked an impressive 23km, set up camp, and prepared their own meals.

The hike was both challenging and rewarding, providing a wonderful opportunity for teamwork and personal growth and enjoy spotting local wildlife along the way.

All participants successfully completed the Adventurous Journey component of their Bronze Award and continue to work towards their individual goals in physical recreation, skills, and volunteer service.

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