Stephen Lawrence MLC announced that Forbes has been awarded funding for Forbes Street Dreams – a brand-new im­mersive art and cultural festival that will transform Forbes into a vibrant celebration of creativity and community.

Planned for Saturday 27 September from 5:00pm to 9:00pm, the event will activate Harold Street, Victoria Park, and Town Hall into dynamic spaces filled with art installa­tions, interactive light displays, live perfor­mances, and delicious food.

Forbes has a strong and proud history of hosting art events and festivals and we will be working with these committees to de­liver a unique and completely funded night of culture and fun for the community. What a treat! Thank you to our local police who have conducted raids on local businesses four times in the last month – each time seiz­ing illegal products. As a result two people have been charged and some large fines have been issued.

I think you will agree there has been an increased police presence in our commu­nity – it is very much appreciated. Remem­ber to call 000 if you or your property is in immediate risk.

As the President of Local Government NSW, I spent some time this week with councils from the Northern Rivers of NSW.

These areas have again endured extreme flooding and it has been insightful and hopefully comforting for them to have rep­resentatives in the area who understand the plight of flooding. Our thoughts are with all those impacted.

Did you see the story about Ryan Glen­nan on the local news this week. It was a lovely story about Ryan, who first began working at the Central West Livestock Ex­change for council. He is now working for VC Reid and was selling at Monday’s cattle sale. Just a quick note in the last financial year, we have yarded over 78,000 cattle and calves, 1,738,394 sheep and lambs and over 6500 pigs. What an amazing live­stock selling centre.

God Bless,
Phyllis Miller OAM

What an amazing weekend of sport! On Sunday, Forbes played host to more than 3,000 junior athletes and supporters from across NSW for the annual Youth Soccer Gala Day. A total of 85 teams competed in over 180 thrilling matches throughout the day. Congratulations to Forbes District Soccer Club for organising an outstand­ing event. Days like this not only energise grassroots sport but also deliver a valuable boost to the local economy.

One of the standout moments was the official opening of the Youth Strength and Conditioning Gym. It’s the first of its kind in regional Australia and features cuttingedge equipment designed to support the development of young athletes.

The weekend also drew players and sup­porters to town for the Forbes Platypi and Forbes Magpies Juniors Home games.

On Monday, around 2,000 people attend the Catholic Schools Rugby Trials Day. All the sportsgrounds looked amazing and the crowds were very appreciative.

I wish to thank the Minns State Govern­ment for its commitment of $20.2 million for the Forbes Hospital Operating Theatre Re­development in the 2025/26 State Budget.

The new operating theatre will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology and built tothe highest modern medical standards.

The redevelopment ensures the continued delivery of essential services, expands the capacity to perform a broader range of sur­gical procedures, and delivers the health­care our community deserves.

This week I welcomed the launch of a new three-year partnership between Local Government NSW and the NSW Govern­ment to help councils tackle the root caus­es of domestic, family, and sexual violence.

The Pathways to Prevention Strategy will support the delivery of primary prevention programs like unconscious bias training, gender equality initiatives, and awareness resources.

Councils are central to our communities and, when well-resourced, are well-placed to lead on social issues. Violence of this kind is preventable. With the right tools, councils can help stop it before it starts.

God Bless,
Phyllis Miller OAM