Roxane Manley

Mayoral Notes

September 10, 2026 by Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM

Spring has arrived and with it comes a wonderful calendar of community events that showcase everything we love about living in Forbes.

This weekend, our community will once again come together for two of the region’s most highly anticipated events, the 150th Forbes Show and Grazing Down the Lachlan. Both events celebrate the rich agricultural heritage, local talent and strong community spirit that make Forbes such a special place.

The 150th Forbes Show remains one of the highlights of our annual events calendar. For generations, it has provided an opportunity for residents and visitors alike to showcase the very best of our region, from livestock competitions and equestrian events through to pavilion entries and exhibitions, entertainment and family fun. To celebrate the milestone year there will be special guests and entertainment including the biggest ever fireworks display on Friday night, the All Stars Wrestling Team, outback displays and much more.

Grazing Down the Lachlan has returned and celebrates our quality produce, regional wines and hospitality that our district is renowned for. This much loved foodie event attracts visitors from across the state and provides an important source of revenue for the Forbes Arts Society.

Looking ahead, I would also like to draw attention to an important community initiative taking place next month. On 22 October, Forbes Town Hall will host the Child Safe Roadshow, a free day of interactive workshops designed for organisations working with children and young people.

The program will provide practical information about the NSW Child Safe Scheme, risk management, recruitment practices, reporting obligations and creating safer environments for children and young people.

The roadshow aims to support local organisations in strengthening child safety practices and fostering a culture where children are protected from harm.

Whether you’re enjoying the excitement of the Show, sampling the local flavours atGrazing Down the Lachlan or participating in future community programs, there is noshortage of opportunities to connect, learn and celebrate all that Forbes has to offer.

God Bless,
Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM

Snippets…

September 10, 2026 by Roxane Manley

CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes: This week is National Child Protection Week, and the theme is ‘Every Conversation Matters: Shifting Conversation to Action’. At CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes, their ongoing pledge is to continue to promote and protect the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in the communities in which they work and live. What action you can take, big or small, to help children thrive?

Top Blokes Foundation: Some things are better together. Carry 10kg and walk (run, or roll) this October. The vest represents the weight many young men carry in silence. With your support, we’re building a stronger, more connected generation of young men. Are you in? Sign up today for the Lift the Load Challenge at https://join.lifttheload.org.au/challenge

Australian Cancer Research Founda tion: Bravery comes in all shapes, styles and colours. Sign up NOW to shave, cut or colour your hair and back brilliant research. Be brave and shave, cut or colour any day this September. Take bold action and choose to Colour your hair any colour, Cut your luscious locks from long to short or Shave it all off. Sign up at any time during September at https://fundraise.acrf.com.au/event/brave-shave-2026/home

Just A Farmer: Trundle and surrounding communities are invited to a free community screening of Just A Farmer at the Trundle War Memorial Hall on Thursday 17 September. Screening starts at 6pm and supper will be provided. The evening will include a discussion panel and an opportunity for conversations after the film. Please RSVP to cwllandcare@gmail.com or text 0418 611 053.

Nedd’s Uncomfortable Challenge: Nedd’s Uncomfortable Challenge is back! Complete an uncomfortable activity every day, for 10 days in a row, between 19 – 28 October to raise funds for We Are Mobilise, for those experiencing homelessness in Australia. Do something that makes you Uncomfortable and sign up today at: www.neddsuncomfortablechallenge.com/register/challenge-2026

R U OK? R U OK? Day 2026 was on Thursday 10 September. The day called for action, and is a reminder that any day is the day to check in with the people you care about. In 2026, the message is simple: ‘If you’re thinking it, Ask R U OK? Any Day’. Conversation tips and crisis support contacts can be found at ruok.org.au

Dive Into Street Dreams 2026

September 10, 2026 by Roxane Manley

The highly anticipated Street Dreams Festival returns to Forbes on Friday 25 September from 5pm to 9pm with a brand-new live music stage, interactive light installations and an expanded program of underwater-inspired creative experiences.

Taking place across Harold St, Court St and Victoria Park, the free event will once again bring thousands of people into the town centre to experience a vibrant evening of immersive art, entertainment, light and creativity.

A major new addition for 2026 is the Street Dreams Stage, which will showcase local musical talent throughout the evening.

Performances begin with students from the Forbes Guitar Academy from 6pm to 8pm. From 8pm to 9pm, local country artist Gracey Denham-Jones will headline the stage, delivering a special live performance for festival-goers.

The precinct will be illuminated with stunning visual displays and creative installations designed to inspire wonder and exploration. This year, Court St will come alive with expanded activations, including interactive light installations and a dedicated art exhibition space.

Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM said, “Last year’s Street Dreams Festival exceeded all expectations, attracting more than 2,000 people into the Forbes CBD.

And this year we’re elevating the experience even further”.

“Street Dreams is not only great for the local economy and community connection, it also allows us to activate and reimagine spaces that we don’t traditionally use for events.”

Forbes Shire Council received a $108,550 grant through the NSW Government’s Open Streets Program 2025-28, led by Transport for NSW.

For more information, visit https://www.forbes.nsw.gov.au

Talk2MeBro Ladies Catchup

September 10, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Calling all Forbes ladies – Talk2mebro is bringing you another Ladies Catch Up on Saturday 12 September at the Forbes Ski Dam (meet at grassed area). The event will start at 7am and run until approximately 8:30am.

Nine Australians die from suicide everyday, and Talk2MeBro are determined to bring that number to zero. Their purpose is to start and support healing. They deliver initiatives focused around giving men and women the tools to feel comfortable having effective, meaningful conversations around mental health.

On the day participants can expect to engage in soothing and invigorating breathwork, to connect with others on a deeper level, and take a refreshing dip in our exhilarating ice baths.

Don’t forget to bring along some warm clothes, swimmers (for ice baths), a towel or yoga mat (optional), and if you like bring a pillow (optional).

This event is dedicated to fostering wellness, connection, and mutual support. Whether you’re joining us alone or with family, we’re excited to welcome you. Let’s check in with ourselves and each other.

This event is sponsored by Evolution Mining, Forbes Shire Council and Bernardis.

Please be sure to register. Registration is available by following the link www.talk2mebrocatchups.org.au/forbesladies

If you are suicidal or there is immediate risk of harm, call 000. If you need to talk to someone reach out to a service provider such as Lifeline 13 11 14, Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636, Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800, 13YARN 13 92 76 or the Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.

Tis The Season: Tips For Itchy, Watery, Red Eyes This Spring

September 10, 2026 by Roxane Manley

If you’re one of the estimated 20% of Australians that suffer from hayfever, Spring is not a time for celebration but rather a time of sneezing, mucus and the dreaded itchy eyes! Allergic conjunctivitis is the bane of many hay fever sufferers so what is the best way to manage your itchy eyes?

1. Avoid your allergy triggers. Plants, grasses or pollens that trigger your allergy symptoms should be avoided. Try saving outdoor activities for the evening or just before dawn when the pollen count is lower.

2. Keep allergens away. Regularly washing your face, hair and around your eyes, frequently changing your clothing and linen can help to remove the little allergen particles that accumulate.

3. Treat your itchy eyes with medication. Over the counter antihistamine eye rops can provide relief for the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis. Avoid using the “red eye” drops. These temporarily hide the redness without addressing the cause of your red, itchy eyes. For persistent allergy, use a mast cell stabiliser eyedrop leading up to and during spring to act as a preventative. These are available as a combination drop alongside an antihistamine.

4. Treat any concurrent dry eye disease. Having dry eyes will exacerbate your allergic conjunctivitis symptoms and our tears act as a natural means of flushing allergens out of our eyes. Watch out with taking oral antihistamines as these can cause dry eyes.

Book an appointment at Hansens Optometrists where we can formulate a personalised plan. We can prescribe more effective eye drops and treat other eye problems that might be masquerading as allergy symptoms.

90th Birthday Celebration At Forbes Croquet Club

September 10, 2026 by Elvy Quirk

Aussie Croquet was played on Saturday 5 September with 25 in attendance. It was a very warm morning and we welcomed visitors Ross Rubie who is visiting his brother Kevin and sister in law Jill. in addition to Kathy Coles and her husband Robert Kimble who are visiting Kathy’s parents Geoff and Gwen Coles. It was lovely to see them all visit again.

It was also special that Robin Pols is still able to join us for a game and social chat.

Robin limits herself to one game these days but we enjoy seeing her come play and partake in the social atmosphere.

There were 18 games played in total with some good scores.

All three games on the day were won by David West, Bill Scott, Neville Spry, Elvy Quirk and Peter West. Congratulations to those players.

On Tuesday 8 September, Croquet was a celebration for the 90th birthday of our member Kevin Rubie. Some of his local family were able to join us. Pictured is Kevin cutting his birthday cake and with family members, wife Jill, daughter Janine, son Glen and his wife Margot, together with brother Ross and his wife Marlene. Ross and Marlene are visiting from Lockyer Valley. I’m sure Kevin enjoyed his celebration and the celebration cake.

What an amazing milestone! We hope there are many more years of fun, laughter, health and happiness.

Croquet is a game for all age groups and it would be great to see some more younger players take part. We are a progressive Club and we have all the facilities in place for years to come.

Membership is $20, and it only costs $5 to play, which includes morning tea. For any enquiries please contact the club on 0428 540 272.

Take care. Stay safe.

By Elvy Quirk

Tickets On Sale Now Ahead Of Parkes Elvis Festival Launch

September 3, 2026 by Roxane Manley

The 2027 Parkes Elvis Festival will be festival number three for Festival Director Brendan Shipley and his message is “By purchasing a ticket you are supporting the Parkes Elvis Festival, whether it be the Elvis Express, the shuttle bus, a feature concert, Dean Z, Poets Breakfast, or the Miss Priscilla Dinner, whatever it is it goes a long way to supporting the festival”.

Parkes will host over 25,000 festival goers in 2027 from January 6th-10th and Brendan said “We want to put on as many shows for people as possible to really give the opportunity to go see something, whether its a paid show or free entertainment in Cooke Park, or the Memphis Stage in Clarinda St.”

One of the hot ticket items on offer is local performer and former Miss Priscilla Gracey Denham Jones in her Miss Priscilla Concert “It’s great to support locals where we actually can” said Brendan.

Also, in a first for the festival, Spicer Oval will be used as an outdoor venue for Dean Z’s Epic concert where he will be performing with an orchestra, “never before seen across the world at this scale and this caliber and not with this technology” said Brendan

The official festival launch will take place on October 1st where multiple surprises will be announced including shows, experiences and celebrities. To keep up to date with announcements as they happen follow Parkes Elvis Festival on www.facebook.com/ParkesElvisFestival

To check out the program and buy tickets head to the Parkes Elvis Festival website www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au

Mayoral Notes

September 3, 2026 by Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM

What a fantastic weekend for our local business community. The Forbes Business Awards (BOSCARS) made a big comeback on Saturday night, returning after a seven year hiatus to celebrate the very best of local business. With more than 160 people in attendance, the event recognised excellence across 14 award categories and highlighted the innovation, diversity and dedication that make our local businesses so special. Congratulations to Jessica’s Essential Beauty on being named Business of the Year, and to all finalists and nominees.

It was a wonderful evening celebrating the people and businesses that continue to drive Forbes forward.

Our sporting community also had plenty to celebrate over the weekend. The Forbes Magpies First Grade side secured a home grand final after an extra-time win over CYMS on Sunday. They’ll be joined on grand final day by Reserve Grade, Under 18s and Senior League Tag, along with four junior league teams competing in their respective deciders. In rugby union, the Under 14 Platypi recorded an excellent grand final win over Mudgee, while in

soccer the Forbes Foxes narrowly missed a grand final berth, going down 1-0 to the Raptors in their preliminary final. Congratulations also to the Under 14 Boys Jones Family Farms team, who recorded a convincing victory in their grand final in Young.

We wish all of our teams the very best for the weeks ahead and congratulate every player, coach, volunteer and supporter on their efforts and flying the flag for Forbes.

As we head into spring, our events calendar is filling up fast. Grazing Down the Lachlan returns on Saturday 12 September, with limited tickets still available. The Forbes Show will celebrate a remarkable 150 years with a special two-day celebration on 11 and 12 September. Local talent and creativity will take centre stage at Street Dreams on Friday 25 September, from 5pm to 9pm in Victoria Park, before the Forbes Rodeo rounds out a busy month on Saturday 26 September.

For more information on these events, including ticket details and program information, visit Council’s website.

God Bless,
Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM

Snippets…

September 3, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Bernardi’s Marketplace: Bernardi’s present CWA Eugowra Branch with $2,500 as the 1st Place Winner of Round 1 of their Building Better Communities program. Thanks to the incredible support of customers and local community members, this funding will help support the valuable work the branch does for Eugowra and surrounding areas. The Country Women’s Association has a long history of bringing people together, supporting those in need, and strengthening rural communities. More information on Building Better Communities: https://bernardis.com.au/community

Visit Parkes Region: Are you ready to ride The Dirty Dish? Mark your calendar for 19 September and get set to explore the Parkes Region on two wheels at the Dirty Dish cycling event. With great riding, country roads and plenty of spectacular Central West scenery, it’s the perfect way to experience the region from a different perspective. For more info and registrations visit: bit.ly/4oVY23m

WIRES: Become a WIRES volunteer and help rescue native wildlife in need. Join local volunteers in Orange on Saturday 12 September for a face-to-face wildlife rescue workshop. Sign up today at www. wires.org.au/wildlife-training/rescue-andimmediate-care-course

Trundle Bush Tucker Day: Country storytelling with a bit of rock energy, Scarlett Gee is bringing her sound to Bush Tucker Day. Hailing from Orange, NSW, Scarlett Gee is known for a high-energy live show that mixes crowd-favourite covers with her own original music. Saturday 5 September 2026 at the Trundle Showground. Tickets are on sale now https://bit.ly/4gH9myI

Beyond Blue: Make your club a gamechanger for mental health. Any sport, any size can take part. Sign up for a Mental HealthMatch with Beyond Blue andAustralia Post -breaking stigma and supporting our communities together. Sign up and host a match at www.mentalhealthmatch.com.au

Vinnies Parkes: We wanted to let you know that the blue Vinnies donation bins have been permanently removed. Moving forward, we kindly ask that all donations be brought directly to Vinnies Parkes during the following hours: Monday to Friday: 10am to 3pm. Donations can be dropped off either through the front door or the back door—whichever is most convenient for you. Donating outside of these hours contributes to illegal dumping which volunteers are forced to clean up. Dumping can attract fines of up to $4,000.

Forbes Uniting Church Fete

September 3, 2026 by Roxane Manley

The people of Forbes are invited to the Uniting Church 2026 Fete to be held in the church grounds and church hall on Saturday 5 September. The church is on Brown Street near Forbes Public school. The fete will be held from 9am to 2pm.

With Father’s Day on the 6 September organisers hope families will come along to the fete and have an early Father’s Day BBQ lunch, coffee and cake or find a bargain on one of the stalls onsite.

Available on the day will be a silent auction held in the church hall, fresh coffee and cake, a cake stall and produce stall with a great supply of citrus and garden produce.

Also for sale will be jams and preserves.

There will be a book stall with an extensive range of children’s and adult books at very low prices. A white elephant stall will be loaded with donated goodies including soft toys and children’s toys. Kitchenalia is always fun to hunt through at a fete. A new stall will be a pick-a-box stall and the plant stall will be enormous.

A big welcome will be extended to all who attend.

Subscribe