Forbes Phoenix

$35,000 Boost For Local Sport

by

Brooke Plunkett (NPM) and Mayor Neil Westcott pictured with the Rising Star RecipientsSienna Eve Taylor, Jose­lyne Folau, Malia Morrison, (Front): Emanual Townsend, Harlen Corney.

Parkes Shire Council and Evolution Min­ing Northparkes Operations are pleased to announce the successful applicants from Round 2 of the 2025 Parkes Shire Sports Grants Program.

In this round, a total of $30,000 in funding has been distributed to seven local sportingorganisations, and $5,000 has been award­ed to seven outstanding young athletes through the Rising Star Grant Program.

Mayor Neil Westcott congratulated the recipients and acknowledged the important role these programs play in supporting the growth of sport and recreation across the Parkes Shire.

“Our community has such a strong sport­ing spirit, and these grants help keep that alive by supporting participation, improving facilities, and helping young athletes reach their potential,” Mayor Neil Westcott said.

“We’re proud to continue working along­side Evolution Mining Northparkes Opera­tions to deliver programs that strengthen our clubs, encourage healthy lifestyles, and invest in the next generation of local talent.”

Round 2 – 2025 Sporting Organisation Grant Recipients were Parkes & District Amateur Soccer Association Inc., Parkes & District Netball Association Inc., Parkes Australian Rules Football Club, Parkes District Cricket Association, Parkes Ten­nis Club and the Peak Hill Roosters Rugby League Football Club.

Round 2 – 2025 Rising Star Grant Recipi­ents were Noah Jayet, Sienna Eve Taylor, Tori Bennett, Emanual Townsend, Joselyne Folau, Harlen Corney and Malia Morrison.

The Rising Star Grant Program is a joint initiative between Evolution Mining North­parkes Operations and Parkes Shire Coun­cil, providing financial support to individual athletes who demonstrate potential and commitment in their chosen field. Each re­cipient is also automatically entered into the Parkes Shire Australia Day Sports Awards, where one will receive the Ron Harrison OAM Rising Star Award.

The next round of the Parkes Shire Sports Grants Program will open up in early to mid2026. For more information, visit Council’s Grants Programs page on the Parkes Shire Council website.

Sports Grant Recipients – Brooke Plunkett (NPM), Mitch Cudden (Parkes and District Amateur Soccer Association Inc), Ella McColl and Sam Rivett (Parkes Tennis Club), Graeme Bayliss (Parkes District Cricket Association), Mayor Neil Westcott.

Your Last Chance To Submit To Energy From Waste Inquiry

by

A motion for a Parliamentary Inquiry into energy from waste proposals in NSW was successful after mounting opposition in Regional NSW. The Select Committee was established on 6 August 2025 and is chaired by Nationals MP Nicole Overall.

“I encourage anyone who hasn’t yet made a submission to consider doing so – this is the opportunity to formally raise any questions or concerns as we work to com­prehensively address these proposals.” said Nicole.

Parkes Clean Future Alliance are urging those who have not yet made submissions, to do so today, as submissions close at 5pm. Ben Stead of PCFA said “The pro­posed Sydney landfills are projected to run out of space over the next 5 to 10 years.

After thermal energy from waste was re­jected in Sydney, the NSW Government developed a framework that prohibits facili­ties in NSW as a precautionary measure to protect human health, but excludes Lith­gow, Goulburn, Parkes and Tomago from those health protections.”

“Submissions under 250 words will still be counted but will be grouped together. Submissions over 250 words are more im­pactful.” said Ben.

The deadline for submissions is today, 5pm Friday, 31 October. Both individu­als and organisations can make submis­sions, and you do not have to be located in Parkes. Anyone can make a submission and every submission counts.

To lodge a submission go to the Inquiry webpage www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/listofcommittees/Pages/committee-details.aspx?pk=337 and select the ‘Submissions’ tab.

Mayoral Notes

by

It is with immense pride that I received the Councillor Lilliane Brady OAM Award in the 2025 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government. This was presented by the Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig at Parliament House on Wednesday 22 Oc­tober.

I am deeply honoured to receive an award named after my dear friend and col­league, the late Mayor Lilliane Brady. Lil­liane was a trailblazer, a fierce advocate for regional communities and a woman of great strength and compassion. We shared many years of collaboration, friendship and mutual respect. I hope that my service to Forbes has reflected the same spirit of leadership and care that Lilliane embod­ied so powerfully. Several awards were presented recognising the dedication and tireless work of female elected representa­tives and council staff across NSW.

On Friday we will come together to hon­our the life and legacy of Steve Loane OAM, our former General Manager of Forbes Shire Council. Steve was a vision­ary leader, a mentor and a passionate ad­vocate for rural and regional Australia. Hisl

contributions to Forbes and the broader agricultural sector were profound and last­ing. A Memorial Celebration will be held on Friday 31 October at 2pm at the Cen­tral West Livestock Exchange. All are wel­come to attend and pay tribute to a man who gave so much to our region. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Dolly’s Dream, a cause close to Steve’s heart.

This weekend, I invite families across Forbes to join us for one of our most be­loved community events – the Teddy Bears Picnic to be held on Saturday 1 November from 10am to 1pm at Frogs Hollow (corner of Riley and Lawler Streets behind the for­mer Bowling Club).This free event promises a magical day of fun, games, live entertainment and plen­ty of surprises for children of all ages. Bring your favourite teddy, a picnic rug and enjoy the joy and imagination that this day brings.

It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate childhood, and enjoy the outdoors together in our community.

Until next week,
God bless
Phyllis Miller, OAM – Forbes Mayor

Snippets…

by

Thank you to the community for supporting us. We hope you enjoyed it – Forbes Ranch Sorting and Penning Inc.

CanAssist Forbes Branch: A huge shout out and thank you to Forbes Ranch Sort­ing and Penning inc for choosing CanAs­sist Forbes as their charity for their annual sponsors sort, raising almost $5,000 for CanAssist. And thank you as well to the brave riders (pictured) who took part in the sponsors’ sort, and to the sponsors, and the general public for their generosity.

Visit Parkes Region: The wait is almost over – this weekend, the goodnessgrav­el cycling event kicks off! Saddle up for this ride through Parkes Region’s stun­ning gravel roads. Are you ready to make memories? For more info visit: https://bit.ly/4oVY23m

Forbes Shire Council: Have your say, Forbes. The Regional Wellbeing Sur­vey is your chance to help shape the fu­ture of our community and regional Aus­tralia. Complete the survey https://tinyurl.com/3rhx42dd More information www.re­gionalwellbeing.org.au

Central West Lachlan Landcare Inc: Thank you to everyone that joined us at Homegrown Parkes on Saturday, 11 Octo­ber. Our feedback survey is open until Fri­day, 31 October 2025 and we would love to hear from you. Go to: https://centralwestlachlanlandcare.org/2025/10/23/looking-at-landcare-23-10-2025-fantastic-goodies-up-for-grabs-for-survey-responses/

NSW Reconstruction Authority: Do you live in the Central West, were impacted by the floods and need extra support? Free personalised support is available for indi­viduals, families, landholders through Re­covery Support Services (RSS). Get help with: Social and emotional support, Recov­ery info and resources. Can’t get into town? Access support remotely or an RSS can come to you. See what support is available in your area: https://www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/floods/recover/support-services

R U OK? Sometimes our thoughts can feel like a tangled mess. But sharing them with someone, bit by bit, can help loosen the knots. For conversation tips please visit ruok.org.au/how-to-ask

Ron Dunford Chemist Parkes: Thank you to our wonderful community for support­ing us in raising an amazing $920 for the McGrath Foundation, with all the proceeds raised going to such an amazing cause. Thanks to all our beautiful staff members who spent their weekend cooking up a storm. A big thank you also to Johnson’s Bakery for your kind donation. Congratula­tions to Anne H for being the delighted win­ner of our raffle! We hope you enjoy your gift basket.

CanAssist Forbes wishes to thank all involved for such amazing support.

Be Seen @ PHS Rural Fire Service Cadet Students

by

Parkes High School 2025 Rural Fire Service Cadet stu­dents have been out in the field conducting drills.

 


The students have completed several practical scenarios. Recently the cadets completed a victim rescue.

 


The Cadets were at the Airport recently, participating in a practical drill in grass fields.

National Ag Day Photo And Video Competition Is Live

by

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is excited to announce that the 2025 National Agriculture Day photo and video competi­tion is officially open. With Ag Day on Fri­day 21 November, people have the chance to win a share in $5,000 cash thanks to competition sponsors Syngenta.

Ag Day is all about celebrating the peo­ple, places, and produce that make Austral­ian agriculture unique. And what better way to share your story than through your own lens? Whether you’re a budding photogra­pher, a videographer, or just someone with a smartphone and a keen eye, we want to see your take on life on the land.

Entries are open to all ages and skill levels, with prizes up for grabs, including $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second, and $500 for four runners-up. The judges are looking for photos and videos that cap­ture this year’s theme, Stand with the Land.

To enter, upload your entries at agday.org.au/photography-video-competition and share your favourites on social media us­ing #AgDayAU. The competition closes 5pm AEDT on Ag Day, Friday 21 November 2025. For more information about Ag Day, visit agday.org.au.

Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller Is Awarded Highest Honour

by

Pictured is Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM being presented the Councillor Lilliane Brady OAM Award by Ron Hoenig MP

Forbes Shire Mayor and President of Lo­cal Government NSW, Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM has been recognised for her three decades of service to the people of Forbes and the Local Government sector in gen­eral with the Councillor Lilliane Brady OAM Award.

Mayor Miller received the highest honour at the 2025 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government held at Parliament House, Sydney.

“We desperately need to highlight the strong, fierce, determined and inspiring women doing incredible work in their com­munities. I really love that these awards recognise projects and initiatives that are aimed at increasing female participation in local government,” Mayor Miller said.

Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller was the first woman to be elected as President of the NSW Shires Association in its 100 year history, and is the only elected councillor to serve as the President of both the NSW Shires Association and Local Government NSW.

Mayor Miller was presented the award by Ron Hoenig MP, who said “I have known Cr Phyllis Miller, Mayor of Forbes Shire Council and President of Local Government NSW for many years. Phyllis joined Forbes Shire Council 30 years ago wanting to give back to the community that supported her through a family tragedy. Since then she simply hasn’t stopped.

Phyllis is one of the smartest people in local government and one of the most pas­sionate about advancing the sector – espe­cially for regional and rural councils. She isn’t afraid to tell it like it is and take on a fight to stand up for her community and the whole local government sector.

I was incredibly pleased to present Phyl­lis with the prestigious Lilliane Brady OAM Award at the 2025 Women in Local Govern­ment Awards. Her contribution to advancing women’s participation as councillors has been immense and she is truly deserving of this award.”

Meet Author Adam Courtenay At Forbes Library

by

Pictured is Adam Courtenay, son of beloved Australian Author Bryce Courtenay

Meet author Adam Courtenay, son of the late bestselling author Bryce Courtenay, at Forbes Library on Thursday 6 November 10.30am – 12 noon. Please book your place by calling Forbes Library on 6852 1463.

Dynamic, complex, driven: Bryce Cour­tenay was all of these as well as one of Australia’s most beloved authors. To his son Adam, he was larger than life, mercu­rial, and impossible to know completely. In this moving, unforgettable memoir, Adam searches for the real Bryce.

Bryce Courtenay was one of Australia’s highest-selling and most-loved authors as well as a larger-than-life character. From his first book, The Power of One, he captivated readers. With his third, the non-fiction title April Fool’s Day, he captured their hearts.

Many of his fans would have thought they knew him, and they did – they knew the ver­sion of him that he wanted to present to the world.

Bryce’s son Adam knew the Bryce the rest of the world only glimpsed, or never saw at all. His father was a natural born storyteller and occasional fabulist whose tales never quite felt true.

Several years after his death, Bryce still looms large in Adam’s life. In seeking to understand his father, who made so many people happy with his books, Adam re­counts his own 1960s and 1970s childhood, Bryce’s career in advertising and his meta­morphosis into a bestselling novelist.

In the years after The Power of One, Bryce became a household name even as his personal life was plagued by tragedy and heartbreak. All the while Adam did his best to love his father and hang on through the wild ride of his life.

Teddy Bears Picnic At Frogs Hollow

by

The much-loved Teddy Bears Picnic will be held this Saturday, 1 November from 10am to 1pm. With redevelopment works un­derway at Lions Park, the popular annual event has been relocated to Frogs Hollow in 2025.

Forbes Shire Council Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said the event continues to be an im­portant day on the community calendar.

“The Teddy Bears Picnic is a special tra­dition in Forbes, giving families the chance to come together and enjoy a day of joy, play and imagination with their children,” the Mayor said.

“While Lions Park is currently out of ac­tion, Frogs Hollow is a wonderful setting to host the event and we look forward to see­ing plenty of teddies out and about.”

The picnic will feature children’s enter­tainment, activities and story time, with families encouraged to bring their favourite teddy bear, picnic rug and snacks. Food and refreshments will also be available for purchase.

Come along to this free event on Friday 1 November from 10am – 1pm at Frogs Hollow, corner of Riley and Lawler Streets (next to Forbes Sports and Recreation Club bowling greens). For more informa­tion, visit www.forbes.nsw.gov.au.

Be Seen @ Forbes High School

by

Students have enjoyed the opportunity to reconnect with their classmates in the playground.

 


What a great way to engage with nature and each other after returning from the recent school holidays.

 


These interactions not only nurture friendships but also improve communication and collaboration skills.

Phoenix Office 7/113-127 Rankin Street, Forbes NSW 2871

Editor 0432 337 278
editor@forbesphoenix.com.au

Sales 0432 337 278
sales@forbesphoenix.com.au

View our Privacy Policy. View our Conflict Resolution Process. View our Ethics and Complaints Policy. Want to advertise with us? Information on our Community Promotions.

We are always looking for new articles of interest to the local community.

Please feel free to submit an article for possible inclusion in a future issue.

To submit an article, click here to use our online article submission form.

Subscribe

* indicates required