AusAlert is a new national warning system that uses the latest technology to send emergency messages to compatible mobile devices.

It will be ready to use in October 2026, but before it launches, the system needs to be tested.

On Monday 27 July, your mobile devices, such as mobile phones, tablets and smart watches, may receive a test alert.

The test times across Australian time zones are:

• 2:00pm AEST (QLD, NSW, ACT, VIC, TAS)

• 1:30pm ACST (SA, NT, Broken Hill NSW)

• 12:00pm AWST (WA)

The message will vibrate and include a loud, siren-like sound that lasts about 10 seconds.

If this could disrupt you or cause you or a loved one to feel unsafe, please turn off your mobile devices or switch them to aeroplane mode before the scheduled test time in your location, and leave them off for at least one hour.

As this is just a test, you don’t need to do anything, but in an actual disaster you should follow the alert instructions to keep yourself and others safe.

To learn what an AusAlert sounds like, visit ausalert.gov.au

The Forbes Shire is set to burst into colour, rhythm, and song this August as the volunteer-led Galari River Arts Festival announces its biggest program yet.

Spanning ten spectacular days from Friday, 31 July to Sunday, 9 August 2026, this year’s expanded festival promises an unforgettable celebration of art, music, wellness, and community connection.

The festivities kick off on Friday, 31 July at Forbes Music Academy with the official Festival Launch and a bespoke Youth Art Exhibition led by Kathy Patterson. The Launch will also offer attendees a first look at the beginnings of a giant lantern goanna, destined to lead the festival’s signature lantern parade.

In a major coup for the region, renowned master lantern maker Phil Relf joins the festival team this year to facilitate the construction of this unique community asset. Phil will host a free, four-day community workshop at Forbes Music Academy from Friday, 31 July to Monday, 3 August. Members of the public are invited to drop in – whether for five minutes or five hours – come help bring the giant goanna to life.

“This is a totally free workshop designed for the whole community to take ownership of,” says Festival Director Monica Wren.

“We need everyone’s hands and hearts to bring this incredible creature to life, and no prior experience is necessary.”

Monica is deeply passionate about upskilling our region and creating opportunities for people to come together. To bring this vision to life, the festival features a packed lineup of workshops throughout the week. Attendees will have the unique chance to engage directly with artists and hosts, offering a forum for open conversation, meaningful networking, and hands-on skill-building.

The 2026 festival boasts an impressive lineup of visiting artists and workshop facilitators and the Galari River Arts Forbes Inc volunteer committee have been working hard to deliver this event to the community for free.

There is a new face among the bookshelves, with Brooke Whaley joining Forbes Library as its new Librarian. A passionate reader with a love of romance and true crime novels, Brooke is looking forward to helping residents discover their next great read while expanding the library’s role as a community hub.

“To me, libraries are much more than a quiet place to borrow books. They’re community hubs where people can connect, learn and discover new opportunities,” Brooke said.

Brooke is particularly passionate about delivering programs for all ages and abilities. “I’m always open to new ideas and suggestions from the community and would love to hear what people would like to see at Forbes Library.”

Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM welcomed Brooke to the role and said her enthusiasm for community engagement will be a great asset to Forbes.

“Libraries play a vital role in our communities, and Brooke’s passion for connecting people through programs, technology, learning and reading will help ensure Forbes Library continues to be a welcoming and vibrant place for everyone,” Mayor Miller said.

As part of the Central West Libraries Network, Forbes Library offers members access to thousands of resources beyond its own shelves, connecting the community to collections from libraries across the Central West region.

Locals are encouraged to drop into Forbes Library, meet Brooke and explore the wide range of services, programs and resources on offer. For more information or to become a library member, Forbes Library is located at 2 Victoria Lane, Forbes. You can call on 6852 1463 email forbes@cwl.nsw.gov.au or visit the Central West Libraries website www.cwl.nsw.gov.au

President Marg Dent welcomed 33 members to the June meeting which was held at the Riverside Community Gardens. Apologies were received from five members.

Our secretary Robin Lyell read the minutes of the last meeting with no business arising. Treasurer Lloyd Gerdes reported on our financial position.

It was noted that the Community Gardens are hosting a Craig Castree workshop on backyard farming on 25-26 July at a cost of $20.

Our guest speaker was Leo Curran who has been involved with the gardens since its inception. Leo started with one raised bed and still has it, recording all plantings and learning what works best. He brought along his box of seeds which he propagates for growing vegetables.

Flower of the month winners were first Marie Langfield – Rose, second Noel Hocking – Spider Chrysanthemum and equal third Anne Reade – Pink Begonia and Lee Sanderson – Rose.

The raffle was won by Lorraine Everest, second Anne Reade, third Noel Hocking, fourth Jo O’Conner and fifth Robin Lyell.

The next meeting will be held at the Men’s Shed on Tuesday 28t July at 2pm. Please bring along a chair, cup and a flower.

See you there!

By Green Thumb

Child safety will be in the spotlight this term with a new road safety campaign being rolled out across the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils that aims to educate parents and care givers about the rules and how to correctly use the ‘No Parking’ (drop off/pick up) zones at local schools.

The Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor said, “Drivers will notice the installation of the corflute pole wraps at each ‘No Parking’ (drop off/pick up) zone. They are brightly coloured, located at eye level when you are in a vehicle and remind you of the rules that apply.

“A ‘No Parking’ sign means that you can only stop on a length of road or in an area to which the ‘No Parking’ sign applies to drop off or pick up passengers.

“You can’t stay in the zone longer than two minutes and the driver has to be within three metres of the vehicle at all times. The sign will tell you what times the zone is operational,” Ms Suitor said.

Ms Suitor said it is also important to understand the rules for ‘No Stopping’ signs.

A ‘No Stopping’ sign means that the driver of a vehicle must not stop at any time on a length of road or in an area to which the ‘No Stopping’ sign applies – not for a minute, not for a second, not at all.

“‘No Stopping’ signs are installed in areas where clear sight is required for safety reasons, such as on the approach or departure to crossings or at intersections.

“Line of sight around schools is critical to both motorists and pedestrians alike.

Whenvehicles obstruct that line of sight, tragedies can occur, particularly with small children who are so difficult to see,” Ms Suitor said.

“So, help keep our local kids safe and abide by the parking signs,” Ms Suitor said.