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Forbes Phoenix

Exciting Opportunity In Central West Industrial Park

April 23, 2025 by Roxane Manley

For additional commentary, a detailed information memorandum or more photos please contact Sam Johnston 0412 896 602 sam@johnstongroup.com.au Gary Johnston 0427 574 270 gary@johnstongroup.com.au

Johnston Rural Group is excited to present for sale: 52 Back Yam­ma Road: a 10.96 hectare (109,600m) industrial land parcel primed for commercial development – boasting a central mid-state location adjacent to the Newell Highway and Inland Rail line in the new Cen­tral West Industrial Park.

The property, which comprises a large, renovated office building and two enclosed sheds, is currently operated as the national base for Lachlan Commodities who specialise in the supply of identity preserved high quality grains to the international and domestic food industries.

Originally, Lachlan Commodities planned to develop the land into a modern grain receival depot however, this project unexpectedly came to a halt when the prospect of purchasing the Forbes Linx de­pot which already had a large amount of purpose-built infrastructure was made available.

The successful acquisition of the Linx site has now meant that 52 Back Yamma Road is surplus to their requirement and therefore be­ing offered for public sale with offers closing on Thursday the 22nd of May 2025.

Head of Strategy and Business Development at Lachlan Com­modities Patrick Cogswell states that: “Our family has lived and worked in Forbes for over 40 years, we are very proud to be invest­ing further into the local area and believe strongly in the growth op­portunities this region presents”.Marketing agent Sam Johnston believes it’s an incredibly excit­ing time for the local region and comments that: “Forbes is sure to provide a prosperous future for any incoming or expanding business and their staff which is reinforced by the local Council’s vision of creating “a safe, connected and welcoming community that aspires to create job opportunities, improve infrastructure and support a di­verse and thriving economy”.For more information, please contact marketing agents Johnston Rural Group who can provide a price guide and detailed information memorandum on request.

Coalition Commits $10 Million To Support Veterans

April 23, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Sam Farraway The Nationals candidate for Calare said “Our veterans have given so much for our country – we owe them more than just thanks,”

Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud was happy to make an announcement for Veterans and their families in the Central West, who will receive a much-needed boost in support under a Dutton-Littleproud Government, with the Coalition committing $5 million to establish a new Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in Bathurst and $5 million to expand the Veterans’ Wellbeing Centre in Dubbo.

David went on to say “They will deliver integrated support to veterans and fami­lies, by improving access to local services such as wellbeing, advocacy, employment and housing advice, social connection and physical and mental health.”

The Nationals candidate for Calare Sam Farraway said the funding commitment would provide a critically important space for veterans’ services and advocacy organ­isations to co-exist and deliver integrated support to current and ex-service person­nel and their families.

“The commitment will bring services to­gether under one roof so that veterans and their families across the Central West can access the support they need, when they need it.

“Too many veterans slip through the cracks because help is too far away or too hard to find. I hope this will make a lasting difference to those who’ve worn the uni­form and their families.”

The Nationals candidate for Parkes Jamie Chaffey said “We must never forget the sacrifices made by our local veterans and always act to ensure that they and their families have the support they deserve.

“This investment will not only provide further support for veterans in Dubbo (and Bathurst) but a regional base for surround­ing areas. Support services like today’s announcement will build on the support already available for veterans. There is no doubt more work needs to be done, but it’s a start.”

Resilient Homes Program Hits Next Stage Across Central West NSW

April 16, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Making the announcement at the Eugowra Showground is Deputy Mayor of Cabonne Council Jamie Jones, Janelle Saf­fin MP, Minister for Recovery, Member for Orange Phil Donato, and Reconstruction Authority CEO Mal Lanyon.

Residents across the Central West of NSW impacted by the 2022 floods have begun to receive their free home assessment reports from the NSW Reconstruction Authority’s $40 million Resilient Homes Program.

Since applications for the Resilient Homes Program opened on 28 October 2024, the Reconstruction Authority has received 200 applications and undertaken 125 home assessments, with more to be scheduled.

The Resilient Homes Program supports resilience and safety so that people can continue to live in the communities they love. The program has three streams:

Home Buybacks – eligible homeowners in highest risk areas may receive a pay­ment for the purchase of their home and land in areas that have a very high risk of future floods.

Resilient Measures – grant funding of between $50,000 and $100,000 to eligible homeowners to raise liveable areas of their home, relocate their home, rebuild a more resilient home or retrofit their home with more resilient materials and innovative de­sign features.

Free Home Assessments – a flood resil­ience expert will help identify opportunities with eligible homeowners to increase the resilience of a home.

Eligibility for the Program takes people’s individual circumstances into account, with priority given to those facing additional barri­ers and challenges that could increase their vulnerability or risk in future flooding events.

For more information on the Resilient Homes Program in the Central West visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-fund­ing/resilient-homes-program-central-west or call the Reconstruction Authority Con­cierge Team on 1800 844 085

From The Mayor’s Desk

April 16, 2025 by Phyllis Miller OAM

It has been beautiful weather for the start of the school holidays and we have had so many activities available for the community for the kids.

From art and mindfulness to fishing and first aid, it would be a big call for anyone to say there is nothing on for young people these school holidays. There are still some places available so if you are looking for something for the kids to do, head to the Forbes Youth Action Team facebook page for the details.

Things are heating up for Frost and Fire – if you’ll pardon the pun – with all artists locked in for what promises to be a great night as always. I’m really looking forward to the antics of our town’s MCs – Dooley and Shell Bell – who are very well known to most of the Forbes community. It’s so great to be able to involve locals in this event – I really think that’s what gives Frost and Fire its extra sparkle!We have had a few pre polling enquiries at Council so I wanted to let you know that the dates of pre polling are Saturday 26

April and Monday 28 April through to Sun­day 3 May 2025.

Easter is of course a great time to take a break and with that there are many people on the roads. Please be safe out there – as we say all the time here at Forbes Shire Council, you really need to “drive so that others survive’”. Take a break and don’t be in a hurry. If you do have friends and family coming it’s a great chance to get them out to see the Sculpture Trail, walk the lake and head out to the Bird Hides at Gum Swamp. Fishing on the lake or in the river is always fun for the kids – and if you have a kayak there is nothing better than a paddle. If you need any hints for what to do with your visitors go and see our amazing staff at the Visitor Centre – as locals they have all the goss on the good spots!I would like to wish everyone a very safe and Happy Easter with your friends and family.

God Bless,
Phyllis Miller OAM
Forbes Shire Mayor

Snippets…

April 16, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Lewis Wilde will play Ben Hall in the upcoming play The Trial of Ben Hall, and Rodney Morrison will play the Sheriff.

Forbes Shire Council: Forbes Shire Council’s Heritage Advisory Committee will be performing The Trial of Ben Hall, a play written by Forbes solicitor Dominic Williams on Friday, 9 May at 6pm at the former St Andrews Church, Forbes. Don’t miss this chance to delve into the legend of Ben Hall and experience the trial he never had. It will be a fun night of history, drama, and community spirit that the whole fam­ily will enjoy! Secure your free tickets for a night to remember at www.123tix.com.au/events/47902/the-trial-of-ben-hall

Dolly’s Dream: Go blue on 9 May for Do It For Dolly Day – speaking up for young voices silenced by bullying, from bustling cities to the furthest corners of the outback.

From country towns to remote stations, we’ll paint our communities blue. We’ll bake, we’ll dress up, and we’ll stand united, because in rural Australia, we look after our own. Join us on 9 May for Do It For Dolly Day! Wear blue, raise awareness, and give a voice to those silenced by bullying. Every donation goes directly to Dolly’s Dream’s vital anti-bullying programs in schools across Australia, even in the most distant rural communities.

Kerin Health: Did you know Kerin Health are running four days of intensive swim­ming lessons these school holidays? There are limited spaces still available if you’re quick! Call reception on 0437 749 746 or book via their website: https://www.kerinhealth.com.au/swimming-lessons

NSW Government: Got five minutes? Your feedback can help shape how essen­tial services are delivered in regional com­munities. Tell us what’s working and what could be improved. bit.ly/HYS-essential-services

50% Off Elvis Festival Merch: Now is your chance to grab official Parkes Elvis Festi­val merchandise for half the price! No code needed – discount applied automatically at checkout. But hurry, this offer is only valid until 30 April. Shop now: bit.ly/ShopPEF

The Wild Sows: An incredible $429,260 was raised by over 80 ladies as part of the 2025 Never Late Fe-mail Posite Bike Ride raising money for Wings4Kidz. The Wild Sows are proud to announce that we raised just over $44,500! We couldn’t have done this without the generous support of you, our community. There is still time to donate to Wings4Kidz to help our regional families

An amazing effort by The Wild Sows raising much needed fund for Wings4Kidz.

Let’s Get The Bush Connected This Election

April 16, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has called for commitments from all sides of politics to bridge the digital divide for ru­ral and regional Australians in this election.

NFF President David Jochinke said that while significant investment has been made, we’re still a long way from fixing the rural and regional connectivity problem.

“Whether it’s calling for help in an emer­gency, coordinating logistics during har­vest, or simply staying connected with loved ones – bush connectivity is not a lux­ury, it’s a lifeline,” Mr Jochinke said.

“Reliable connectivity is critical to keep­ing people outside major population cen­tres safe and connected, both in times of natural disasters, and in daily farm life.”

Mr Jochinke said rural, regional and re­mote constituents deserved reliable and resilient connectivity, and he acknowledged productive discussions with telecommuni­cation providers, but it’s time for the Fed­eral Government to step up.

“This election, we’ve put all parties on notice: rural voters are tired of buffering, dropouts and excuses. They want to be connected” Mr Jochinke said.

The NFF has compiled a list of actions that would continue to improve bush con­nectivity.

The NFF’s Election Platform can be found here keepfarmersfarming.org.au

Be Seen @ Eugowra – Village Of Murals

April 16, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Eugowra’s Murals Committee, would like to extend heart­felt gratitude to all the incredible artists who contributed their talents this past weekend.

 


The team of amazing artists spent the weekend revital­izing the town’s murals, including the bushfire mural and the NSW Farmers Mural.

 

Thanks goes to the Murals Committee, artists, vol­unteers, sponsors, billets and everyone who visited Eugowra and supported our community throughout the weekend.

Forbes Garden Club Report

April 16, 2025 by reen Thumb

Pam Baass hosted our garden club meeting.

At our last meeting President Marg Dent welcomed 29 members with five apologies. Our hosts Pam and John Baass made us very comfortable, seated under large trees in their beautiful, well estab­lished garden.

After the reports and birthday wishes, extended general busi­ness was discussed. Denise Thurston has organised a bus trip for Thursday 15 May leaving at 9.30am to visit the Tumbling Downs Olive Grove at Bogan Gate where a Devonshire tea will be en­joyed, before proceeding on to Parkes to visit three gardens and a picnic lunch at Cooke Park. At least 30 members will be needed to make this a success and the cost will be $35. Families and friends are all welcome. Money will need to be collected at the April meet­ing in an envelope, or given to Treasurer Lloyd at 7 McMillan Place if you are unable to attend the meeting. Enquiries can be made by calling 0428 540 272 or emailing forbesgardenclub@gmail.com

Our guest speaker was Yvonne Tracey from Orange who spoke on Dahlias. Her collection of different varieties was outstanding and her knowledge takes her overseas as a judge to many coun­tries, although she said Australia has the best dahlias in the world! She provided valuable tips on growing them that were much ap­preciated. Denise presented Yvonne with a thank you gift.

In the flower of the month competition, first went to Denise Thurston (Dahlia), second was Janette Thomas (Rose ‘Bloomfield Abunda’) and third was John Browne (Canna Lily).The raffle was won by Jan Stewart with Lee Sanderson second.

President Marg thanked Pam and John for making their garden available for our meeting. The next meeting will be held at 111 Flint Street at the home of John Browne on Tuesday 22 April and don’t forget a chair, hat and a mug, and flower of the month.

By Green Thumb

Heavy Long Weekend Traffic Expected On The Great Western Highway

April 16, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Motorists travelling on the Great Western Highway over the Easter and Anzac Day long weekends are urged to plan their trips and allow extra travel time, with high traffic volumes and delays ex­pected.

The Great Western Highway has several known pinch points for travel connecting the Greater Sydney area with the Central West.

Historical traffic data shows the busiest day for westbound travel towards Lithgow will be Friday 18 April and Saturday 19 April, and for those heading east towards Greater Sydney the busiest day will be at the end of the long weekend on Monday 21 April.

Delays are also expected on Friday 25 April (Anzac Day) for mo­torists travelling across the Blue Mountains, with significant traffic volumes also anticipated eastbound on Sunday 27 April as holiday makers return to Sydney.

The Govetts Leap Road intersection at Blackheath can be a pinch point where there are often queues for motorists heading east. Traffic queueing also often extends west from Blackheath to Hartley and beyond.

When queueing begins eastbound at Mount Victoria, a traffic management plan is put in place with motorists held at Hartley to prevent further congestion and a start/stop movement up Victoria Pass. Vehicles are then released in small groups, allowing them to travel up the Pass to prevent further delays in the event of break­downs and to avoid nose-to-tail crashes.

For more details about predicted delays on the Great West­ern Highway see the NSW Holiday and Journey planning web­site. For information, visit https://www.livetraffic.com/incident-de­tails/230828, or download the Live Traffic NSW app.

Be Seen @ Parkes Generosity Church

April 16, 2025 by Roxane Manley

It was another great Sunday at Generosity Church Parkes.

 


We love seeing the smiles and new faces.

 


This Sunday come to Cooke Park from 9am for our Easter Egg Hunt and Church Service. Bring your deck chairs, blankets and picnic basket.

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