The Avadale Community Hall ladies catered for our Parkes Antique Motor Club High Tea on Sunday 19 April.
Sandwiches, scones, hot finger food and scrumptious homemade slices along with tea and coffee, were enjoyed by all.
The mural designed and painted by the local community is amazing and is an absolute must see.
The Wangarang team upon arriving at Pioneer Oval in Parkes ready to compete
With ongoing concern over the impact of the fuel crisis on regional tourism, sporting events continue to have strong attendances, providing a much-needed uptick in visitation.
Shadow Minister for Tourism Kevin Anderson said “While many regional tourism operators are struggling, a bright spot continues to be the reliability and the frequency of regional sport tourism.”
“Sport continues to be a key pillar of the state’s tourism, keeping regional economies ticking over throughout the quieter months.
“Sports tourism already makes up one in every ten tourism dollars spent, and we want that to grow in regional NSW.
“Regional sporting events aren’t just about competition – they’re about filling hotel rooms, backing local businesses, and putting our communities on the map.”
“Parents are making the sacrifices they need to get their child onto the sporting field, and regional communities are welcoming them with open arms.
“Regional NSW is open for business, and I’m encouraging people to continue to make plans to get out and see what the regions have to offer.”
A recent Super Tag Gala Day held in Parkes on 14 April is a great example. Over 100 participants attended with teams travelling from Forbes, Orange and Dubbo and even from as far as Newcastle.
The team from Wangarang in Orange who attended the event said: “We hopped on the bus and made our way out for a day full of energy, teamwork, and plenty of laughs.
“The group took part in training drills, jumped into some friendly games of touch footy, and finished it all off with a wellearned sausage sizzle. It was a fantastic opportunity to get active, connect with others, and just enjoy being part of a supportive and inclusive sporting community.”
It just goes to show that sport and community is a huge draw card for our region.
What an unbelievable turn out for Forbes Pony Club’s April Rally with 29, riders across all levels attending Parkes Antique Motor Club High Tea on Sunday 19 April.
Focus was on preparing for the upcoming Gymkhana with beginners and more experienced riders levelling up their skills before the big weekend.
Thanks to everyone who came and made it such a wonderful event. On May 2nd and 3rd, FPC will hold their Annual Gymkhana and Charlie O’Connor Jump Day.
Upper House Select Committee members pictured at the conclusion of the public forum in Parkes. Nichole Overall MLC (Chair) is pictured in the centre.
The Upper House Select Committee on Proposed Energy from Waste Facilities visited Parkes on Tuesday, 14 April for a hearing and a public forum. Through this inquiry the committee is examining the potential impacts of the proposed facility in Parkes (and Tarago).During this week’s hearing, the committee heard evidence from stakeholders and during the afternoon’s public forum, the committee heard directly from members of the community.
Chair of the Committee Nichole Overall MLC said, “It’s incredibly important to be here with the community to hear from them directly. Receiving submissions as part of the inquiry process is one thing, but having that direct engagement, and the community having the opportunity to present their points of view, their questions, their concerns, is really powerful from the perspective of the inquiry.”
“I know the emotion around this issue, which is why we, the NSW Nationals called for the inquiry, we understand how important it is and it’s far better to be here, and present and listening, so that we can take that message back to Macquarie Street in Sydney and ensure that our regional voices are truly being heard.”
Local Parkes farmer Sarah Townsend, who attended the public forum had this message for the decision makers, “If it is so safe, just keep it in Sydney. Why waste the money sending it here.”
Find out more at https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/listofcommittees/Pages/committee-details.aspx?pk=337 The full hearing recording is available at: www.youtube.com/@NSWParliamentOfficial
I am proud to share that Forbes has been officially nominated for the 2026 Top Tourism Town Awards, recognising destinations that excel in welcoming visitors, delivering memorable experiences and showcasing what makes their community unique.
Forbes is nominated in the 2026 Top Tourism Town Awards in the category for towns with a population over 5,000, alongside Ballina, Moree, Shellharbour, Coffs Harbour, Kiama, Orange and Wollongong.
Tourism plays a vital role in supporting local businesses and jobs. I encourage everyone to get behind Forbes by voting. The winners will be announced on Wednesday 27 May 2026 at the Local Government NSW Destination & Visitor Economy Conference in Maitland. Head to Council’s website to vote.
It’s been fantastic to see such strong attendance at the first week of Council’s School Holiday and Youth Week program, with activities proving very popular among local young people and families.
There’s still plenty to look forward to, with a great range of activities coming up including a family movie night, interactive
makeup class, mural painting, Youth Leadership Summit and the Course Anglers Fishing Workshop. These activities offer opportunities for creativity, learning and connection, and are a wonderful way for young people to stay engaged during the holidays. Places are limited, so bookings are essential. Head to Council’s website to book in and secure your spot.
Young people aged 16+ from Forbes are invited to audition for this year’s Mock Crash Demonstration. Running since 2009, the program has helped reduce crashes involving young drivers by 27%, showing the real‐life consequences of unsafe driving.
Auditions will be held on Tuesday 12 May from 5pm to 8pm at the Parkes SES Shed on Boyd Circuit in Parkes. To register, contact our Road Safety Officer on 6861 2364.
If you’re successful, you’ll take part in both pre‐recorded videos and a live mock crash demonstration alongside local emergency services at Parkes High School on Monday 17 August 2026.
God Bless
Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM
Fuel supply in NSW remains secure.
NSW Government: If you’re storing fuel at home, only store small quantities. Fuel vapours are highly flammable, it is best to keep only what you need for things like the mower or generator. Overbuying for any reason or use means friends, neighbours and regional communities could go without. Find out more about fuel security nsw.gov.au/fuel
Sheep Producers Australia: From concept to on-farm decisions, through the Green Sheep Project, Glenelg Hopkins CMA is helping producers understand their natural capital, improve grazing systems and access future market opportunities.
Need more Green Sheep Project information? Register for the Sheep Producers Australia newsletter: https://www.sheepproducers.com.au/updates
Parkes Shire Council: Parkes Shire Council advises there will be temporary road closures and parking restrictions in place for the Light Up Parkes Event and Fireworks Display on Saturday, 18 April 2026. Affected areas include parts of Clarinda Street and nearby carparks/laneways in the CBD. View the closure details here: bit.ly/4tuoHpo or contact Council on 02 6861 2333.
Cancer Council’s Do It For Cancer: Get fit and raise funds with just 31 minutes of exercise a day throughout the month of May. To support Aussies impacted by cancer sign up today to the F Cancer Fitness Challenge at www.doitforcancer.com.au/event/f-cancer-fitness-challenge.
The Forbes Inn: The Forbes Inn is now serving dinner 7 nights a week at Sylo. Head along for a relaxed evening, great food and good company.
Landcare Australia: Want to receive the next Landcare in Focus newsletter straight to your inbox? Subscribe to get your copy of this online publication and read inspiring stories from across the landcare movement. Subscribe today: https://landcareaustralia.org.au/subscribe/
R U OK?: You can care deeply and still worry about getting it wrong. But being there for someone isn’t about having the perfect words or solutions to their challenges. It’s about giving them the space to talk about what they’re going through and reminding them they’re not alone. For tips on how to have supportive conversations visit: ruok.org.au/how-to-ask
Let them know you’re there for them.
Sunday’s Easter service and egg hunt at Cooke Park was amazing.
A huge thank you to all who helped make this such a key event on our calendar.
It is such a joy to be able to share the love of Jesus in a real and practical way.
New data has revealed the impact the Albanese Labor Government’s disastrous energy policies are having on local families.
According to the Australian Energy Regulator, over 70,000 families in New South Wales were unable to pay their power bills over October to December 2025.
Since Labor was elected in 2022, 72,914 households have recorded hardship. Nationally, 230,000 households are in energy distress – up by nearly 70 per cent in just 3.5 years, the highest level of hardship on record.
Federal Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey said the energy crisis was heaping pressure on local households.
“It is heartbreaking to hear of the impact rising power bills, together with inflation, climbing interest rates and the fuel crisis, is having on families in the Parkes electorate. Many are at breaking point,” Mr Chaffey said.
“Behind this new data are people in our community who are really struggling to make ends meet, yet all they get from the federal government are broken promises.
“I’ll keep fighting for a more stable, reliable energy grid that puts the needs of Australians first, not one-size-fits-all mandates and targets that we can’t practically achieve.”
Pictured are two of Flannery’s Forbes Pharmacists : Pharmacy intern Sami Duggan and Pharmacist Brooke Young.
It’s hoped a new nasal spray influenza vaccine will provide a needle-free alternative for children and help increase the vaccination uptake.
The NSW Government’s Intranasal Influenza Vaccination Program, for children aged two years to under five years, commences in April for a short period of time.
NSW Health will assess whether a needle free alternative increases influenza vaccination coverage. FluMist is also available as a patient funded vaccine for patients 5-18 years old.
“Understandably many young children don’t like receiving vaccinations, so we hope this new nasal spray provides a needle free alternative,” Managing Partner at Life Pharmacy and Flannery’s Pharmacy Forbes, Sarah Hazell, said.
“We have already seen many cases of influenza in our community the past month and it was a severe flu season across Australia last year. Thousands of children under the age of five presented to emergency departments across NSW with the flu. Our priority is to help prevent this and ensure we’re protecting the youngest members of our community in the best possible way.”
Adult influenza vaccinations have now l also been updated following last year’s flu season, which saw Australia record the highest number of deaths involving influenza this century.
There were 1,701 deaths where influenza was the direct cause, or a contributor, registered for 2025 compared to 1,045 in 2024 and 611 in 2023. Flu vaccines have been updated for 2026 with two new A strains, and National Immunisation Program (NIP) vaccines will be available from April.
Both Life Pharmacy and Flannery’s Pharmacy are taking bookings and accepting walk-ins for influenza vaccination.
Sheep producers across NSW and Victoria facing increasing climate variability will benefit from a new $2 million project delivering demonstration sites, workshops and case studies showcasing climate-smart flock management.
Led by Central West Farming Systems (CWFS), in partnership with Riverine Plains, Holbrook Landcare Network, Monaro Farming Systems, Tablelands Farming Systems, Local Land Services, Birchip Cropping Group, and Agriculture Victoria, the initiative will engage more than 500 producers over the next three years.
The project will trial a range of precision livestock technologies including in-paddock livestock weighing and satellite-based pasture monitoring, which can provide producers with real-time insights into flock performance and feed availability.
Combined with strategic grazing and nutrition practices, these tools can support informed decisions on stocking rates and feed allocation, helping producers reduce methane emissions, improve soil health and water retention, enhance animal productivity, and build resilience in their businesses.
CWFS Executive Officer Diana Fear said the project is an important opportunity to bring the latest innovations directly to farming communities. “This project will establish demonstration sites across different farming systems, backed by workshops and extension activities that give producers the confidence to trial and adopt climate-smart practices themselves.”
“Ultimately, we hope this project empowers producers to improve productivity and resilience while contributing to a low-emissions future for the sheep industry.”
The project runs from October 2025 to June 2028 and is funded from the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program under the Natural Heritage Trust.