Forbes Phoenix

Registration Open For Heavy Vehicle Breakfast

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Registrations are open for this year’s Central West NSW Heavy Vehicle Breakfast Forum, which will be held at the Forbes Inn on Thursday 12 June. Local farmers, contract harvesters, couriers, truck drivers and transport company operators are invited to at­tend.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, who is organising the fo­rum said this year’s event will focus on higher productivity vehicles, safety, compliance and industry case studies and there will be a high productivity vehicle on display.

“Since its inception in 2012, the breakfast forum has brought to­gether the local freight industry to discuss issues affecting them.

“Come along to listen, learn and ask questions of industry ex­perts from NHVR, Transport for NSW, Parkes Shire Council, NSW Police, Essential Energy, Midland and Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds” Ms Suitor said.

You can register online with this link: https://forms.office.com/r/pkPN1Vt4Ji via the Councils’ Facebook pages or call Ms Suitor on (02) 6861 2364.

The forum will kick off at 6.30am with breakfast. The official pro­gram starts at 7am. The event will finish at 11.30am. The forum is free, but registration is required for catering purposes.

If you are unable to make it on the day, the event is being re­corded and the link to the video will be available to view on the Councils’ Facebook pages and in follow-up media articles or con­tact Ms Suitor on 0428 400 627 or via Melanie.Suitor@parkes.nsw.gov.au to register your interest in receiving the link.

Be Seen @ Forbes High School Horticulture Program

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It was a brilliant start to the YES Horticulture Program with Ms Matthews from Orange TAFE.

 


Students gained valuable insights into seed germination, seasonal planting, and the intricacies of growing from seeds.

 


Students potted snow peas, sweet peas, broad beans, and native grasses. There are four weeks remaining of this great program.

Wild Brothers Impress At Australian Junior Track Championships

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IMAGES: Mason Wild on the podium in third place; Mason pictured displaying his achievements; both brothers pictured with their parents; an action shot of younger brother Reed Wild on race day.

A huge congratulations to Mason and Reed Wild from Parkes for their stellar perfor­mances at the 2025 Australian Junior Track Championships, held over the weekend at Fairbairn Park in Canberra and hosted by the ACT Motorcycle Club.

Mason Wild claimed an impressive third place in the hotly contested 85cc 4-stroke Modified (7–Under 12) class, showcasing his speed and skill on the national stage.

This is Mason’s second podium finish on the big stage in 2 months – finishing with another third place over the Easter week­end at Kurri Kurri for the 2025 Australian Junior Dirt Track Championship.

Meanwhile, younger brother Reed Wild powered through the competition in ACT, to take a strong fourth place in the 65cc class, proving that talent runs deep in the family.

With over 100 junior riders from across the country, both events were a showcase of Australia’s best up-and-coming motor­cycle racers. The Wild brothers stood out with determination, consistency, and grit—two names to watch in the future of Aussie motorsport!

Grants Mission To Continue Ride Against Domestic Violence

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ABOVE: Phil Donato MP speaking to ride organiser, Grant Nicholson before the group departed from Bunnings carpark in Forbes to make the trip to Parliament House.

An estimated 4.2 million Australian adults (21 per cent) have expe­rienced violence, emotional abuse or economic abuse by a part­ner, according to information released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Women are more likely than men to have experienced this type of abuse by a partner, and when Forbes woman Molly Ticehurst was murdered by her ex-partner on 22 April, 2024, it didn’t just shake the Forbes community, it rocked the nation.

Forbes’ Grant Nicholson was inspired by the loss of Molly to lead 120 motorcycles on a Ride Against Domestic Violence. The ride kicked off on Friday 11 April from Bunnings carpark in Forbes, with local member Phil Donato MP in attendance to farewell the riders.

“There were many failures in the system that should have pro­vided Molly more safety and security,” said Mr Donato.

The group rode 280km, picking up riders along the way, to hold a meeting in the assembly area of Parliament House in Canberra to demonstrate their concern over “The lack of action by our leaders to combat DV in our communities,” said Grant. The date, 11 April was chosen as it was the day before Molly’s birthday.

Grant spoke in front of the crowd in Canberra, with the intent to be loud and peaceful, in an attempt to show society that domestic violence of any kind will not be tolerated.

The event was covered by television crews including Channel 7, Channel 9 and ABC, but Grant wont accept praise for raising awareness to this cause, humbly stating, “We’re trying to do some­thing, it’s the only thing I know how to do.”

Grant, who is part of the Central West Riders Forbes group, says in a few weeks he will meet up with fellow riders from Dubbo in an effort to start planning next year’s ride.

BELOW: One of the riders clearly demonstrating their support of this important cause.

Youth Actor Mock Crash Auditions

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William Ellis recording his victim impact statement in 2023.

Calling all amateur actors across the re­gion! Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils are on the search for youth ac­tors to star in this year’s NOT A STATISTIC! Youth Driver Education Program.

The Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, is en­couraging local youth actors to audition to be part of this road safety initiative. The ini­tiative seeing a 27% reduction in crashes involving young drivers since its inception more than 10 years ago.

“We are looking for four new actors to join our team and are holding auditions on Thursday 5 June from 5pm – 8pm at the Parkes SES shed in Clarke Street.

“The auditions will give participants an overview of all aspects of the project. The youth actors will also undergo road crash rescue training to see what it’s going to be like being cut out of a car and removed on a spine board.

“We are hoping to uncover some undis­covered talent who will bring something new. So, if you are interested in getting in­volved and are over the age of 16, register and come along” Ms Suitor said.

The program offers experience with film­ing as well as a live performance. Dates are still being set for the live mock crash demonstration, but will likely be August.

Pre-registration for the auditions is es­sential. Contact Ms Suitor on either 6861 2364 or Melanie.Suitor@parkes.nsw.gov.au for more information and to book your place.

Mayoral Notes

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I am deeply moved by the outpouring of thoughts and prayers during my recent ill­ness. Your support has been a beacon of hope and strength for me and my family during this challenging time.

I am grateful for each and every one of you who took the time to send well wishes, offer prayers, and provide comfort. Your kindness and compassion have made a profound impact on my recovery.

Thank you for standing by me and show­ing the true spirit of our wonderful commu­nity. Together, we have demonstrated that Forbes is not just a place, but a family that cares deeply for one another. Thank you.

I will be taking it slowly while I fully re­cover but am already feeling more myself since being back in Amazing Forbes.

Rug up and come along for a family movie night on Friday night at Nelson Park.

Join the Forbes Shire Council team from 4.30pm for some pre movie fun – includ­ing face painting, giant garden games and food vendors. The Australian movie RUNT will be featured from 5.30pm.

Everyone is asked to BYO chairs and blankets. You can find more details on the Forbes Youth Action Team facebook page or Council’s website.

Forbes businesses – NSW Reconstruc­tion Authority is hosting a business forum to help Central West business owners who have experienced or are at risk of over-floor flooding. Reconstruction’s Flood-resilience experts will present practical ways busi­ness owners can restore their business premises quickly after a flood.

The presentation will include practical tips and advice about building materials which will help you open your doors and start trading as soon as possible after a flood. This business event will be held at Club Forbes, 41-45 Templar Street, from 6- 8pm on Tuesday 3 June.

The colder weather has made me think of winter, fire buckets and heart food, which means Frost and Fire must be getting close. Tickets on sale now. We have sold a lot of tickets to people away so we don’t want the locals to miss out. This year’s live music is the Wolfe Brothers, Ripley Alexan­der, the Baker Boys Band, Easy Goin’ and Foxxy Cleopatra. It’s on Saturday 21 June starting at 4pm.

God Bless,
Phyllis Miller OAM

Snippets…

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Mr Martino, Mr Dwyer, Mykel Coe, Amelia Smith, Aunty Florence Onus, Skye Harris and Barry Merritt at the Red Bend Catholic College Sorry Day assembly.

Red Bend Catholic College: We were for­tunate to be joined by Aunty Florence Onus for our Sorry Day assembly. Florence is a Birrigubba, Bidjara and Jagalingu woman from North and Central Queensland and is a survivor of the Stolen Generation. Flor­ence spoke about our shared Australian history and her personal family story, and we thank her for her insight.

Women NSW: Are you ready to return to work? Future Women Jobs Academy is a free, year-long virtual program designed to empower women with the knowledge and connections needed to return to work and thrive. The program begins on 4 August 2025 and concludes in June 2026. This program is free, flexible, and self-paced. Applications close on 21 July 2025. Learn more here: nsw.gov.au/fwja

Lock it or lose it! Central West Police Dis­trict continues to see a spike in Steal from Motor Vehicle offences in the Forbes town­ship. The majority are from unlocked vehi­cles, however there have been incidents where the window has been smashed.

Please do not leave valuables in your vehi­cle overnight. Sensor lights and CCTV are also an excellent deterrent.

CUC Parkes: Did you know that the CUC offers a coffee machine, complete with fla­voured syrups, tea, and hot chocolate in the kitchen for students? Every Monday at 10am, we invite students to join us for a Monday Morning Catch-Up at CUC Parkes.

Our Centre Manager, Jacob, and Learning Skills Advisor, Brooke, will be present to engage in friendly, informal conversations.

Companionions Thru Cancer Inc: The Parkes Companions Thru Cancer Group held A Biggest Morning Tea on Wednesday 21 May at the Parkes Red Cross room rais­ing an amazing $843.16. Thanks to all who supported this important event.

Henry Parkes Learning Community: Last term, staff from Parkes High School, Parkes Public School, Parkes East Public School and Middleton Public School, took part in a 10 week exercise challenge. Nine­ty-nine public school staff members took part and each donated $10 to join. The four schools then recorded their accumu­lative exercise hours each week to get an overall champion school. Congratulations to Middleton Public School who took out the honours this year. Middleton staff then chose Ronald McDonald House Orange to receive the funds raised.

Mr Geoff Rice, Board member for Ronald McDonald House Orange, accepting the $1,000 raised.

Be Seen @ Parkes Public School

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Last Wednesday at Parkes Public School we celebrated National Simultaneous Storytime at Parkes Public School.

 


Classes tuned in to hear the book being read by the author, Deborah Frenkel, along with over 2 million people across Australia and New Zealand.

 


This year marked the 25th Anniversary of NSS and students participated in activities in the library and their classrooms to mark the event.

Forbes Garden Club: April Meeting Report

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Jan Diprose was guest speaker at the April meeting.

The Forbes Garden Club April meeting was held in the lovely gardens at the home of John Browne. President Marg Dent wel­comed 28 present with six apologies. The guest speaker was Jan Diprose from the Weddin Community Native Nursery at Gren­fell. This volunteer nursery started under the Landcare banner, where seeds are collect­ed sorted and stored. They are grown in hot houses and sold to farmers and Shire Coun­cils. John Browne also spoke on his garden which is home to many unusual plants.

Flower of the month winners were 1st Denise Thurston (Clematis), 2nd Elvy Quirk(Dahlia) and 3rd Marlene (Huf-Rose). Raf­fle winners were Joy Hocking, Elvy Quirk, Janette Thomas, Meg Scholefield and John Browne.

The recent bus trip to visit the Tumbling Downs Olive Grove at Bogan Gate start­ed out with a bus filled with members and friends all eager for an outing in this beauti­ful autumn weather. Participants were wel­comed by Colin and Shelley Nutley with a delicious Devonshire Tea. Shelley spoke of the history of their farm and how they pick and press the olives, before tasting the oil and a variety of jams relishes.

The next stop was visiting three gar­dens at Parkes. The first garden was at the home of Leah Douglas, who had been in­undated with the 2022 floods. The garden featured numerous advanced trees, a large area to explore and tend. The next garden was that of Nancy McColl – a large cottage type garden which led visitors along lots of paths around her home filled with trees and shrubs. The last garden of the day the group visited was Fay and Kelvie Blackstock’s home. This garden featured all manor of cre­ations from old machinery made by Kelvie with succulents planted everywhere. Gar­den Club members are very appreciative of Denise Thurston for planning this fantastic day.

Be Seen @ Forbes Public

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On Sorry Day we acknowledged a significant occasion to reflect on the impact of the past and promote healing and reconciliation within our community.

 


We honoured Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture through engaging activities centred around Aboriginal literature.

 


Students also attended Forbes High School and St Lau­rence’s Parish School for their Sorry Day events.

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