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Forbes Phoenix

Local Talent And Local Produce On Show At Homegrown Parkes

March 19, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Cooke Park is where all the Homegrown Parkes action will be taking place this Saturday.

The Homegrown Parkes event in Cooke Park this Saturday, 21 March will feature two inspiring workshops in the Pavilion along with fabulous performances through­out the day.

Head along and meet local chef Monica Eric from Eric’s Table as she shares her love of Indian Cuisine. Her workshop will run in the Cooke Park Pavilion between 10.30am and 11.30am. Register at www.stickytickets.com.au/8SABFZThen Mark and Anne from Parkes Brew­house will be bringing things down a notch to teach us the basics of home brewing.

Their workshop will run between 12pm and 1pm in the Cooke Park Pavilion. Register at: www.stickytickets.com.au/8SABFZWhen you register for either of the work­shops, you will go into the running for some fantastic giveaways.

The musical line-up for the day will be kicking off with the Parkes Shire Concert Band at 9.10am in the Park followed by the Parkes School of Dance at 10am on the Pavilion main stage.

The Guwal Dance Group from Parkes High School will be joining the Homegrown fun for the first time at 11.30am, so please make them feel welcome.

Talented local singer, Cameron Sharp will be performing twice throughout the day on the Park stage, between 10.30am – 11.30am and 12pm and 1pm.

Rounding out the entertainment on the main stage, Parkes Music and Dramatic Society will be performing songs from Sis­ter Act the musical from 1pm.

Mayoral Notes

March 19, 2026 by Roxane Manley

As the temperature cools off, I am delight­ed to officially launch Frost and Fire 2026.

Now in its seventh year, the event prom­ises to be bigger, brighter and warmer than ever. We can’t wait to welcome locals and visitors to the Forbes Ski Dam on Saturday 20 June for a truly amazing night filled with fire pits, live music, roving entertainment, fireworks, hearty food, cozy brews and family‐friendly fun.

Frost and Fire continues to play an im­portant role in supporting our local econo­my while celebrating creativity, connection and community spirit. Council is proud to support events that make Forbes such a vibrant place to live and visit.

I encourage everyone to grab tickets to the ultimate winter party via 123tix.com.

Rug up, fire up and see you at Frost and Fire 2026!Council is committed to supporting posi­tive outcomes for children and young peo­ple. I am proud to introduce the Forbes Children and Youth Hub x Your Say plat­form – a new online space designed to am­plify the voices of our young people and ensure they play an active role in shaping

the future of Forbes.

This hub is all about listening. It provides locals with a place to have their say on youth programs, events and opportunities across our community.

You can get involved by sharing ideas on event locations, asking questions or pro­viding feedback at Youth Centre Drop‐In Sessions, signing up for updates, joining the Forbes Youth Action Team, and follow­ing the Forbes Children and Youth Hub on Facebook to stay connected. For more in­formation, head to yoursay.forbes.nsw.gov.

au/children-and-youth-hub.

I am pleased to advise that the resto­ration of Bates Bridge is now complete.

Bates Bridge is an important local connec­tion, and these works were essential to en­sure its ongoing safety and reliability.

I wish to thank the Australian Govern­ment’s Roads to Recovery Program and the NSW Government’s Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements for their support in delivering this important project.

God Bless
Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM

Snippets…

March 19, 2026 by Roxane Manley

The Parkes Leagues Club is supporting future stars of Rugby League.

Parkes Leagues Club: Parkes Leagues Club is proud to continue supporting the next generation of Rugby League players in our community, with a $10,000 donation to The Parkes Marist Junior Rugby League.

Supporting local sporting groups is some­thing the Parkes Leagues Club is passion­ate about, and they’re proud to help ensure these organisations can continue to grow, develop young talent and provide great op­portunities for local kids.

NSW Reconstruction Authority: Don’t let outstanding efforts go unnoticed. If you have been inspired by a resilience pro­ject, refer them to AIDR to enter the Re­silient Australia Award across 8 categories: community, business, government, local government, school, photography, mental health and wellbeing, and research for im­pact. Information at www.aidr.org.au/raa

Parkes & Forbes Upcoming Safe Drivers Courses: Safer Drivers Courses will be held in Parkes on 28 March and 17 April, Forbes on 10 April. The course teaches young drivers strategies so they can drive solo with more confidence. Participants must be under 25 years of age, hold a cur­rent learners permit, have 50 hours on their log book. Those who hold a concession card may be eligible to pay nothing. Book­ings at: pcycdrivereducation.org.au

Multicultural NSW: Help your creative kids celebrate Harmony Week and Multi­cultural March with new printable colouring sheets. They can colour in a shared meal, discover beautiful flowers from around the world, and even learn how to say “hello” in different languages. Download the colour­ing sheets and start the fun at multicultural.nsw.gov.au/colouring-sheets-for-kids/

Western Local Land Services: Rates no­tices from the NSW Government’s Local Land Services will be in your mailbox soon.

To better understand your rates notice, visit https://bit.ly/3NRsRbl If you require further assistance, the customer service team is available to help on 1300 795 299.

Life Pharmacy Forbes: This March Life Pharmacy Forbes is proud to support the Share the Dignity Drive. Life Pharmacy Forbes is an official drop-off point, and the community is invited to get involved. Do­nate essential period products and help support women and girls experiencing period poverty. Every contribution makes a real difference. Drop your donations in-store throughout March, help support those in need and share the dignity with some­one in our community.

Life Pharmacy Forbes are encouraging residents to Share the Dignity throughout March.

DNCW Industry Update – Great Western Highway Disruption

March 19, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Destination Central West (DNCW) is con­tinuing to work with industry, councils and government partners to support the region following the diversion of the Great Western Highway.

Transport for NSW has advised that the closure is expected to remain in place for at least three months while stabilisation works are undertaken. During this period, the Cen­tral West remains open and accessible via several alternative routes, and businesses across the region continue to welcome visitors. We recognise that this situation is evolving quickly and that many businesses are already responding to visitor questions and travel concerns.

DNCW is continuing support industry during this period, including; Monitoring visitor economy impacts through industry feedback and survey data, Providing clear visitor messaging and industry communica­tions resources, Working with councils and regional partners to support coordinated messaging Advocating to Destination NSW and NSW Government on behalf of the re­gion’s visitor economy. DNCW will continue providing updates to industry as the situa­tion evolves.

Businesses are encouraged to continue promoting events, experiences and regional travel while sharing clear information about alternative travel routes. For the latest road conditions, visitors should check:Transport for NSW and Live Traffic NSW

Ministry’s New Headquarters Launch At Alectown A Success

March 19, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Last Saturday, over 70 people journeyed to celebrate the launch of the Promise Faith Centre Churches International Official Launch at its new headquarters at the for­mer Mamre Farm in Alectown.

Bishop Barry Cunnington, who leads this ministry, said he was thrilled with the day and the number of people who travelled far and wide, some from as far as Qld and Vic to celebrate their launch and learn more about the exciting things that are planned for the Central West.

“It was a wonderful day.” Bp Barry said.

“We were delighted to have the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Marg Applebee welcome us to this region and share her heart.”

He went on to share that this new head­quarters brings him back to his Central West roots, as he grew up in a farming fam­ily near West Wyalong.

“I have a real heart for the people of this region,” he said. “I’ve been there, in droughts, and dust storms, good crops and bad, and I know there are hurting people out there who need hope – hope that only Jesus Christ can truly give.”

Their first event coming up, however, is a 72hr, non-stop Prayer, Praise and Worship time in May with many coming from other states to join in worship and prayer to the Lord.

On the October Long Weekend, they are establishing an annual Camp Meeting with the focus to ‘Mobilise Aussies for Christ’ – to encourage and equip for mission – “To go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15

Interested in finding out more? Please head to their website www.promisefaith.com.au

40th Celebration And Open Day For Forbes Family History Group

March 19, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Pictured at the official opening of the extensions to Forbes Family History Group rooms by the then Premier, Bob Carr, which took place on Monday, 23rd February 1998. Names from left to right are – Mayor John Mahlo, Caryl Slattery (FFHG), Premier Bob Carr, Member for Lachlan Ian Armstrong, Tony Kelly MLC and Cr. Dianne Decker.

Forbes Family History Group will be cel­ebrating their 40th birthday this month, and invite everyone to their Open Day on Wednesday, 25 March from 10am until 3pm in the Family History Group rooms be­hind the Library.

Their first meeting held at the Jemalong Retirement Village on 26 March 1986 was attended by eight people – Marj Ticehurst, Dianne Lambert, Kim Smith, Hazel Mad­den, Jean Little, Leila Collits, Jill and Les Peasley. At the meeting, the following of­fice bearers were elected – President Jill Peasley, Vice-President Jean Little, Treas­urer/Secretary Kim Smith, Publicity Officer Dianne Lambert and Research/Librarian Mildred Churchill.

The group’s first few meetings were held at Jemalong Retirement Village, before the Forbes Historical Society allowed the group to use a spare room above the museum.

As membership grew, space became a problem, so the group approached Forbes Council for permission to use a room at the back of the Library which was being used for storage of library books. Permission be­ing granted, the group held working bees to clear the room and repair the floor to get the room ready for use. On 17 April 1987, the group moved from the room above the museum to their present location behind the library.

In 1997, Forbes Council completed ex­tensions to the group’s rooms and these extensions were opened on 23 February 1998 by the then Premier Bob Carr.

In 2026, Forbes Family History Group membership stands at 99 which includes five Life Members. Membership of Forbes Family History Group is open to any­one. Their rooms are open for research on Wednesdays and Saturdays between 11am and 3pm.

Nominations Open For The 2026 Forbes Heritage Medal

March 19, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Know a person, group or organisation mak­ing an outstanding contribution to preserv­ing, protecting or celebrating Forbes’ herit­age? Nominations are now open for the 2026 Forbes Heritage Medal.

Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM said, “Heritage is at the heart of who we are in Forbes”.“The Forbes Heritage Medal gives us the opportunity to honour the people and organ­isations who work tirelessly to preserve our stories, our places and our identity. I encour­age our community to put forward nomina­tions that shine a light on the outstanding work being done across the Shire.”

Awarded biannually, the Forbes Heritage Medal recognises excellence across two distinct award categories, celebrating both the protection of our physical heritage and the enhancement of community understand­ing.

1. Contribution to Environmental Heritage

2. Contribution to the Understanding of Her­itage

Nominations close Friday 1 May at 5pm, with the winner announced at the Heritage Presentation Evening on Friday 15 May at Lachlan Vintage Village Cafe (Forbes Visitor Information Centre).

The Forbes Heritage Medal forms a key part of Forbes Heritage Week taking place from 11 – 15 May 2026. The week‐long cel­ebration will feature a full program of events designed to celebrate, learn and preserve our rich history including a Heritage Trail Tour, Ghost Tour, a local heritage presenta­tion, special talks at the Forbes Museum, as well as the Presentation Evening.

Download a nomination form and view the Heritage Week program here: www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/forbes-heritage-week-2026

Flemings Expands Its Presence In The Central West

March 19, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Pictured from left to right is Justin Fleming, Tara Kelly, Chris Ryan, and Richard Fleming.

Flemings Property Services has expanded its footprint across regional New South Wales, entering the Central West through a new alignment with respected real estate leader Tara Kelly. Her established Forbes and Parkes offices are transitioning from the Century 21 franchise and will now oper­ate under the Flemings brand.

The move reflects Flemings’ continued confidence in the strength of regional prop­erty markets and its commitment to provid­ing greater opportunities for clients through stronger brand recognition, expanded re­sources and enhanced support for its coun­try-based teams.

Founded in Boorowa in 2000, Flem­ings has steadily grown its presence and now operates across Harden, Cootamun­dra, Young and Cowra. With the addition of Parkes and Forbes, the company now spans seven thriving regional communities and employs a team of more than 40 peo­ple.

Managing Director Justin Fleming said the expansion represents a natural next step for the business, which has always been built around the communities it serves.

“Our business has grown out of the places where we live and work and com­munities we care deeply about,” Mr Flem­ing said. “We’re proud of the business we’ve built, the service we provide and the way we contribute locally. The Forbes and Parkes offices are a perfect fit for our net­work and we’re proud to welcome Tara and her team to the Flemings family.”

Principal Tara Kelly said joining Flemings felt like a natural progression, with the com­pany’s values closely aligned with the way her team operates.

“This move allows our clients to continue working with the same local team they know and trust, now backed by a strong, country focused leadership and support network,” Ms Kelly said.

Over the coming weeks, locals will see new navy-and-white Flemings branding ap­pear across the Central West, representing trust, reliability and strong country values.

For information follow link https://linktr.ee/flemingspropertyservices

Forbes Dragon Boat Club Fun Day

March 19, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Dragon boating is more than just paddling a long, colorful boat—it’s a celebration of teamwork, athleticism, and cultural heritage.

Dragon Boating is a fast and furious, pad­dle driven water sport, it’s a celebration of teamwork, athleticism, and cultural herit­age that originated in China over 2000 years ago.

The Forbes Dragon Boat Club (Lachlan Dragons) will be holding a fun day on Sun­day the 22nd March 2026 on Lake Forbes, the action will be taking place behind the Sport and Recreation Club via Riley Street.

Spectators are encouraged to come along and watch all the action as teams battle it out on the water.

The event will include teams from across the western region who will come together to compete in a friendly and fun atmos­phere. Nine teams are expected to be on the water during the day with racing events over 200 metres, 500 metre turn races and other novelty events for paddlers to be in­volved in.

During the event the Forbes Dragon Boat Club will be running a BBQ, raffles and oth­er fundraising activities to support the club.

The first race will be on the water at 9am and all races should be finished by 1.30pm.

Well over 100 paddlers are expected to be involved in the event with crews trav­elling from as far afield as Wagga Wagga, Blue Mountains, Dubbo, Bathurst, Orange and Parkes.

If you are looking for something different to do on Sunday morning head along and watch an exciting, colourful and competi­tive sport in action and barrack for the local Forbes crew who hope to do us proud on the day.

Forbes’ Maree Yapp Named 2026 Orange Electorate Local Woman Of The Year

March 12, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Maree Yapp pictured in the centre and surrounded by her entourage of supporters. Local Member Phil Donato pictured on the left.

On Thursday, 5 March Member for Orange Philip Donato MP announced the recipi­ent of the 2026 Local Woman of the Year Award – Maree Yapp of Forbes.

“With so many women doing so many amazing things for their local communities across the electorate, it’s always a chal­lenge to single someone out,” Mr Donato said.

“It’s my absolute honour to officially name Maree Yapp as this year’s Local Woman of the Year for the Orange Electorate,” said Mr Donato.”

Maree received a call from Phil Donato MP the week before the announcement and could not believe what he was telling her. “I was “multitasking” when I answered the phone, juggling keys, unlocking gates and the excited chatter from students ar­riving for the school day surrounded me, making it harder to believe.” she said.

On the day of the announcement Maree still could not believe she was receiving this honor. “I read the certificate Mr Donato handed me just to make sure he had the right person and I glanced sideways at Mr Donato’s speech as he spoke in case it wasn’t written about me.”

“I am honoured. It was such a joy and a privilege to share the moment with my family and friends at a gathering of some amazing people who have guided me to become the person I have become. I have learned something from everyone present on the day and will continue to learn from going forward.” Maree said.

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