Roxane Manley

Mayoral Notes

August 14, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Drought remains one of the biggest challenges facing our communities. That’s why I’m proud that Forbes Shire Council, alongside Lachlan and Parkes Shires, has secured vital funding to deliver projects that build resilience across our region.

This funding will help us implement key initiatives including map urban heat and guide future greening efforts, create strategies for managing community assets during drought, establish management plans for key recreational water bodies to maintain their use and health, and design an operational plan for the Forbes Livestock Exchange to better support drought-affected livestock movements. These projects are about protecting our environment, supporting our people, and ensuring our local economy can withstand future droughts.

Together, we are taking important steps to plan ahead, reduce risks, and secure a stronger, more resilient future for all residents.

Lions Park is about to get an exciting refresh, making it an even more welcoming place for families, friends and visitors to enjoy. You’ll soon see new shade sails going up, an expanded playground with softfall rubber surfacing, and improvements to pathways, drainage and landscaping.

These changes will make the park more accessible, more comfortable, and more inviting all year round. While work is underway, areas of park will be closed for everyone’s safety. We can’t wait to share the finished space with you in time for the summer season, weather permitting.

This project is part of a bigger vision for Lake Forbes, complementing other upgrades that will make our foreshore a place we can all be proud of. Thank you for your patience while we bring this special community space to life.

Our Community and Tourism team will be at the Bedgerabong Show this Saturday, ready to chat with you about all things Forbes Shire. From major projects and upcoming events to general works and services, it’s a great opportunity to find out what’s happening in our region and share your ideas. I encourage you to drop by, say hello, and have a yarn with the team. The Bedgerabong Show is always a fantastic day out, and we look forward to seeing you there.

God Bless,
Phyllis Miller OAM

Snippets…

August 14, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Georgie’s Pantry volunteers, Shirley and Gary.

Georgie’s Hub – Anglican Parish of Parkes and Peak Hill: Huge thanks and blessings to the anonymous provider of goods for the Pantry. It is because of exceptionally generous donations that we keep going. Georgies Pantry is located at 275 Clarinda St, Parkes.

Resilient Homes Expo – Eugowra: The NSW Reconstruction Authority is hosting a Resilient Homes Expo in Eugowra on Wednesday 3 September, 4pm-7pm. The Expo is for Resilient Homes Program homeowners and community members who want to make their homes more flood resilient. Homeowners and business representatives can visit information stands and speak with representatives from councils, RA, SafeWork NSW, Building Commission NSW, and various industry associations and businesses interested in resilient building services. Register online for this free event at https://comms.reconstruction.nsw.gov.au.

National BBQ Championships Forbes: The 2025 National BBQ Championships Forbes isn’t just about smoky meats and sizzling grills – they are also putting on a vibrant market area, and are on the lookout for stallholders! If you sell handmade goods, arts, crafts, sweet treats, clothing, local produce, or anything fun and fabulous – this is your chance to be part of a bustling event that drew over 1,500 spectators last year… and growing. Submit your Expression of Interest now: https://shorturl.at/C01lc

Parkes NAIDOC Family Fun Day: Nominations are being taken for the 2025 Parkes NAIDOC Awards, which will be presented at the Parkes NAIDOC Family Fun Day on 20 September at Bushman’s Hill. The day kicks off at 10am, with awards being presented during the morning. Nominate at: https://form.jotform.com/252171270354046 Paper copies will be available from the Parkes Shire Library. Nominations close Friday, 29 August at 5pm.

NSW Local Woman of the Year Awards 2026: We all have that one friend who spends her free time volunteering, leading with kindness or uplifting her community. Now’s the time to celebrate her. Nominations close 9 September! Nominate someone special and make their day bit.ly/WOTYA26

R U OK? We can show people we care and we’re there through more than words. If you know someone is going through a difficult time, practical help and kind gestures can be comforting.

Contact a crisis service: www.ruok.org.au/findhelp

Be Seen @ CWCU Forbes Monthly Sports Achievers

August 14, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Taylah Duggan – Motorbike Racing.

Ruby Coote – Rugby 7s and Rugby League.

Jedd Smith – Swimming.

Forbes And Parkes Recycle Over 284 Tonnes Through Return And Earn

August 14, 2025 by Roxane Manley

New South Wales’ love affair with Return and Earn recycling has reached a new high, with the 14th billion container officially returned.

The positive environmental impact of returning 14 billion bottles and cans for recycling instead of making new containers with virgin materials includes: Water savings equivalent to 32,840 Olympic swimming pools, energy savings equivalent to powering 191,100 homes for an entire year, carbon emission savings equivalent to taking 1,017,400 cars off the road annually. This impressive milestone means over $1.4 billion in container refunds has gone back into people’s pockets, helping with the cost of living” said James Dorney, CEO of network operator TOMRA Cleanaway.

Danielle Smalley, CEO of scheme coordinator, Exchange for Change, said over $82 million has been raised for charities and community groups through donations and return point hosting fees, supporting their important work from providing food and shelter to environmental conservation.

The 14 billion milestone coincides with Return and Earn releasing the latest Local Government Volume Report, which shows the enthusiastic community participation in container returns by council area in the last six months. For information visit returnandearn.org.au.

Registrations Now Open For 2025 Forbes National BBQ Championships

August 14, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Get ready to fire up the grill! Registrations are now open for the highly anticipated 2025 Forbes National BBQ Championships.

Returning to Grinstead Oval in Forbes on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 October 2025, this sizzling competition will once again bring together the best barbeque talent from across the country, with teams set to battle it out across four mouth-watering categories:

Chicken, Beef, Lamb Rack and Pork Loin.

Last year’s event drew teams from NSW, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia, along with more than 1,500 spectators who turned out to enjoy the smoky spectacle, food, live entertainment and family-friendly atmosphere.

“This event just keeps growing. It’s a real celebration of Australian barbeque culture and a fantastic way to showcase Forbes as a destination for food, fun and great community spirit,” Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said.

Sunday’s smoking competition is sanctioned by the Australian Barbecue Alliance, ensuring top-tier competition standards and judging, and adding extra prestige for those chasing points on the national circuit.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a passionate backyard grill master, the National BBQ Championships offer a chance to test your skills, showcase your flavours, compete for serious bragging rights, and $20,000 worth of prizes.

For more information and to register, head www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/events or follow National BBQ Championships Forbes on Facebook.

We are also putting on a vibrant market area, and we are on the lookout for stallholders!If you sell handmade goods, arts, crafts, sweet treats, clothing, local produce, or anything fun and fabulous – this is your chance to be part of a bustling event that drew over 1,500 spectators last year…and growing.

Spaces are limited so don’t miss out on this smokin’ opportunity to showcase your products. Submit your Expression of Interest: https://shorturl.at/C01lc

$3 Million To Help NSW Landholders

August 14, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Central West Landholder Ian Chapman at his property in Stuart Town.

The Minns Labor Government is investing $3 million to help farmers improve their farming operations, profitability and environmental sustainability through developing natural capital projects.

In farming, natural capital refers to the stock of natural resources—like soil, water, plants, animals, and ecosystems—that farmers rely on to produce food, fibre, and other goods.

Ian Chapman is a cattle farmer with a 1000-acre property in Stuart Town, Central West NSW.

While the concept of natural capital is new, Ian has been practicing sustainable agriculture since the 1990s, taking an interest in P.A. Yeomans’ keyline farm design principles, and then managing his property holistically since 2006.

Ian started planting trees on his property in the late 90s, and in 2021. Since then, he has planted more than 32,000 trees and shrubs across 40 hectares – more than 20 species of eucalypts, acacia, and more.

Ian said “Local Land Services helped us identify our native plant community type and I went to a few workshops and field days.

“At one stage we were having issues with waterlogged areas of the farm, and Local Land Services helped us come up with some solutions.

Ian can now apply for carbon credits under the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme to generate an income from this project.

Local Land Services’ natural capital advisors can help landholders understand what environmental market opportunities may be available to them.

Landholders are encouraged to contact their Local Land Services office on 1300 795 299 or visit the website for more information.

Be Seen @ Parkes Little Athletics

August 14, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Parkes Little Athletics Club was supported through the Parkes Shire Council Evolution Mining Northparkes Sports Grant. The funding they received helped the organisation upgrade their high jump mats.

The new high jump mats are safer and usable by the older age groups part of Little A’s. How fun do these new high jump mats look?! Even the adults are keen to test them out.

Be sure to get your sports grant applications submitted before they close on 30 September! www.parkes.nsw.

New Youth Biosecurity Training Hub Empowers The Next Generation

August 14, 2025 by Roxane Manley

A new national online platform is now live, providing educators, students and community groups with engaging, age-appropriate tools to build biosecurity awareness across Australia. The Youth Biosecurity Hub offers a centralised library of curriculum-aligned lesson plans and interactive resources.

The development of the platform follows the success of the National Biosecurity Training Hub, an online library of biosecurity training resources developed by PHA in collaboration with the Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Animal Health Australia, NSW Department of Primary Industries, and Agriculture Victoria in 2023.

Sarah Corcoran, Chief Executive Officer of PHA, said early education is key. “A strong biosecurity system starts with awareness and shared responsibility. By equipping young Australians with the knowledge and tools they need from an early age, we’re helping to build a more resilient, informed future.

The Youth Biosecurity Hub is a national resource that empowers teachers, students, and communities to take part in protecting what matters most.”

With accessible, ready-made materials tailored for primary and secondary schools, the Youth Biosecurity Hub makes it easy for teachers to bring biosecurity education into the classroom and for parents and community groups to reinforce learning at home or in local programs.

Whether it’s protecting Australia’s precious wildlife, safeguarding agricultural industries, or ensuring future food security, biosecurity awareness starts with education.

The Youth Biosecurity Training Hub is available at youthbiosecurityhub.com.au.

Count Back Win The Four-Ball

August 14, 2025 by Roxane Manley

‘Dave Mylecharane gets started with a fine shot.’

On Saturday the Forbes golfers were greeted by sunny skies with a cool breeze. Scoring was even through the field but the prize winners did have a clear margin.

The event was a 4BBB Stableford Medley, sponsored by the Francis family. A good field of 74 included both men and ladies and four juniors.

The winners were decided on count back after two pairings tied on 46 points. Trevor Williams has recently returned to golf looking for some relaxation. He teamed with visitor Ian Coombs to produce a scintillating back-9 that had no ‘misses’ and no 4-pointers.

The runners-up were Simon Martino and Brett Woonton who played a more even game of two halves with 23 points on each.

They teamed well and did not have a ‘miss’ all day but did cover the gamut of points from 1 to 4.

Terry Sharpe and Veronica Rebellato (42 pts) were the best mixed team and Sarah Black and Ann-Maree Gaffney (41 pts) were the best ladies team.

The ball sweep went to 41 points on count back. The lone visitor was Ian Coombs (Bogan Gate) who enjoyed his day on the course.

The NTP’s went to: 9th Ladies: S Grierson, Men: T Willams; 18th Ladies: A Simmons, Men T Morgan, none of whom converted for a ‘2’. The 3rd hole Super Pin went to Jeff House with a shot to 140cm. It was an easy ‘2’.Do not forget this weekend is the Caragabal Open on Sunday 17 August. This will be an Individual Stroke and Handicap and does promise trestle tables laden with food.

Check in the Pro Shop for details.

This Saturday, 16 August will be an Individual Stableford, sponsored by MTA Travel.

Sunday will have a Stableford Medley.

Junior golf classes have started, call 6851 1554.

By Short Putt

A Big Weekend Of Netball In Forbes

August 14, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Susan Pettitt former Australian Diamond at last year’s Forbes Netsetgo and junior mixed gala day.

The Forbes netball community will have a busy weekend ahead, when they will host the Club Forbes NetSetGo and Junior Gala Day on Sunday.

The weekend will start on Saturday when the boys and girls who have been playing Woolworths NetSetGo every Saturday will have their end of season presentations.

NetSetGo is played every Saturday morning at 9:30am to 10:30am, allowing boys and girls from 5 years to 10 years enjoy the fun and skills of learning to play netball.

The Woolworths NetSetGo Forbes sessions have been growing in numbers every year.

The Junior Gala Day will be a celebration of grassroots junior netballers from ages 7 years to 12 years.

Approximately two hundred boys and girls will start the day with the skills warm up, coached by former Australian Diamond Susan Pettitt. Susan is now a regular for Forbes netball, and she brings her fun skills to start the day.

The day has been fully funded by Club Forbes, which allows all Forbes boys and girls to enjoy the day with no costs involved.

Forbes will have around 100 junior players taking to the courts, other teams will also be travelling from Young, Dubbo, Condobolin, Narromine, Ungarie, Orange Waratahs and Orange Life Studios.

No representative teams are able to enter the day, making it a full celebration of junior netball. The Forbes Netball Association is the only association in the West/Central West region to run such a day.

The program for the day will be 9am to 10am Susan Pettitt’s skills warm up then at 10:30am the round robin of games will start and continue throughout the day.

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