Roxane Manley

Mayoral Notes

July 31, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Work on the Johnny Woods Crossing upgrade is progressing steadily, with the culvert replacement now complete. Crews have begun installing a new 3-metre-wide concrete footpath along the western side, replacing the original pathway. Once complete, both new pathways will connect seamlessly with the existing Lake Forbes trail network. Weather permitting, landscaping works are scheduled to take place over the next fortnight.

Funded through the NSW Public Spaces Legacy Fund, the redevelopment will improve flood resilience, enhance pedestrian access and safety, upgrade public amenity, and renew critical infrastructure. The project also complements broader improvements being delivered around Lake Forbes as part of the Lake Forbes Activation Plan.

I’m excited to share that Council has been named a finalist in two categories for the 2025 Youth Week Awards: Best Small Council with the Most Outstanding Youth Week Program and Most Inclusive Youth Week Program.

These awards celebrate the outstanding efforts of local councils across NSW in delivering Youth Week programs that champion youth involvement, inclusivity, innovation, community partnerships and meaningful impact. Winners will be announced at the Local Government Awards Gala in Sydney on August 7.

Next week marks Local Government Week (LG Week) 2025. The annual celebration is designed to showcase the full range of services, programs, and infrastructure provided by local councils. LG Week is also a chance to shine a light on the people behind the scenes – the dedicated staff who go the extra mile to support our residents. Keep an eye on our social media pages next week as we introduce you to some of those passionate staff members.

Local primary school students will be spending a jam-packed day with Council on Thursday 7 August from 9.30am to 2.30pm to see first-hand some of the activities we do.

Our goal is always to work in partnership with our community, delivering services and infrastructure that reflect your values, needs, and priorities.

God Bless,
Phyllis Miller OAM

Snippets…

July 31, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Tag your team, spread the word, and let’s fire up the grills.

National BBQ Championships Forbes: Calling all grill masters! Think you’ve got what it takes to be crowned BBQ royalty? Join the 2025 National BBQ Championships in Forbes this October and show off your grilling skills on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 October at Grinstead Oval, Forbes. Register your team here: https://shorturl.at/JmzU1

Parkes Shire Council: Let’s skip the bottled drinks and make a splash with reusable water bottles. Make the switch from singleuse plastic water bottles and choose reusable bottles. Every refill at a water station or tap means one less water bottle ending up in landfill or our rivers and bushlands. Imagine the collective impact if everyone made this simple switch.

NSW Fair Trading: Buying second-hand to save money? Keep in mind that most consumer guarantees don’t apply to private sales between two people. Refunds? No. Replacements? Unlikely. Repairs? Don’t count on it. Find out what consumer rights you have and how to check that second hand products are safe: https://www.productsafety.gov.au/consumers/knowyour-product-safety-rights/buy-safe-second-hand-products-online

Country Women’s Association (CWA) of NSW: For those who work full time, we have a number of branches that meet in the evenings or on weekends. But even if you can’t make it to meetings, CWA members are able to contribute in many different ways -you don’t have to attend every meeting. Search for your branch at: https://cwaofnsw.org.au/branches

Elders Limited: The Elders 2026 Calendar competition is back again, so get your cameras ready! From outback beauty to everyday brilliance on the land, it’s time to showcase the people, places, and moments that define rural Australia. Apply today: https://bit.ly/4aJWKA5

Rural Health Pro: Nominations closing soon. The Excellence in Rural/Remote Health Administration Award honours outstanding healthcare administrators who have made a significant impact in rural/remote healthcare. Visit the website for more information and to nominate yourself or another worthy individual: www.ruralhealthpro.org/s/awards/health-admin

AWN Parkes: Glen and Sharon Woods merino lambs sold to a new national merino lamb record of $420 per head on Tuesday 29 July at Forbes Central West Livestock Exchange. Cooper and the team at AWN Langlands Hanlon would like to congratulate the Cooks Myalls team on such an incredible achievement.

Sharon Woods and Ian Lovell (flock classer).

Grand Opening Of The Lachie Cafe

July 31, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Head along to Forbes’ newest eatery, The Lachie Cafe next Monday 4 August, and meet the owners Kenneth and Christine. The couple started Just Eat Me Grazing in November last year, with Christine saying: “It was purely because my baby was very attached and I needed to ensure our bills were getting paid. We expected so little, but it just blossomed to the point we needed to find a permanent shop.”

The Lachie Cafe is situated inside the Forbes Lachlan Vintage Village Information Centre. “The Lachie Cafe has always been a dream of mine. Driving past the Lachlan Vintage Village for the last three years after moving here from Canberra, I’ve always loved the space. So when the opportunity came up, we took it and ran with it! Opening the cafe door on Monday is beyond exciting and I’m eager to show Forbes what we offer,” said Christine.

Locals and visitors who experience The Lachie Cafe can expect friendly faces, freshly prepared food in the grab and go, a carefully thought-out menu, along with daily specials. Customer service is a priority for Kenneth, Christine and the staff, and serving spectacular food and beverages to customers is their first and foremost goal.

Cristine lives by the philosophy of ‘good food done well’ and that’s exactly what customers will find at The Lachie Cafe. Everyone is invited to the grand opening on Monday 4 August from 7am – 4pm, with 20% off everything on the day!

Forbes Evening Branch Of CWA Soup And Slice Kitchen

July 31, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Lesley Teale (member), Nic Little (President of Forbes Evening CWA Branch) and Lorraine Everest (member), will all be involved in the preparation for the upcoming walk-in soup and slice kitchen.

The first winter walk-in soup kitchen presented by the Evening Branch of CWA was received favourably by patrons and financially successful with $235 raised from soup sales. It was such a success that patrons requested the event be repeated, so a soup and slice walk-in kitchen has been organised for Wednesday, 6 August.

It was wonderful to see steady stream of patrons enjoy a bowl of soup and beverage over much chatter with known or new faces from our Forbes community. There was much warmth felt within the hall not only from the warm soup but also a friendly welcome and happy atmosphere.

The next walk-in soup and slice kitchen is to be held on Wednesday 6 August, 12pm at the CWA Hall in Lachlan Street, Forbes. The cost will be $10 per head, this will include: a bowl of soup of your choice with a bread roll, finishing with a beverage served with a home created slice or biscuit prepared by the CWA Evening Branch members.

The two most requested soup varieties from the July Kitchen, pumpkin plus potato, bacon and corn chowder will be repeated, along with several different varieties. This can also be prepared and sold as a takeaway serve. Funds raised from sales will be utilised by the Forbes Evening Branch to support further causes in our community.

Be Seen @ Parkes High School

July 31, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Some of our Year 9 and10 students attended a NSW Mining Virtual Reality session recently run by NSW Mining Representative Sharon Bushby.

Our students had the chance to hear about the mining industry, explore and do a research task about minerals that are mined in Australia.

The highlight of the session was when students had the chance to put on the VR headsets to explore different jobs in mining.

Be Seen @ Forbes High School Industrial Technology Class

July 31, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Mrs Carne’s Stage 5 Industrial Technology Timber class is well underway with the construction of their bedside table project.

To complement their hand tool work, Mrs Carne demonstrated the use of the bandsaw, a machine students will have access to in senior years.

Students are using a variety of hand tools and woodworking techniques to cut box joints, rebate joints, and half lap joints, all of which contribute to the carcass construction.

Push For Inquiry Into Energy From Waste Projects

July 31, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The Mayor of Parkes Shire, Neil Westcott, has expressed strong support for the NSW Nationals’ push to establish another Parliamentary inquiry into Energy-from-Waste.

The previous 2017 inquiry, which included participation from the current Environment Minister Hon. Penny Sharpe MLC along with representatives from the Greens and Liberals, led to several recommendations. One of the recommendations was for the Chief Scientist and Engineer to ensure that international best practices were followed in Energy-from-Waste initiatives, which was addressed in the subsequent Chief Scientists report. However, many of these recommendations appear to remain unaddressed.

The Mayor said; “While the 2017 inquiry provided a foundation, there remains important questions that are yet to be fully addressed. A renewed Parliamentary inquiry could help clarify these issues and provide the transparency our community is seeking.”

Mayor Westcott has raised the question about the rationale behind the proposed location of Energy-from-Waste facilities and that it needs to be clearly explained to the community. Further, Mayor Westcott applauded Geoff Rice’s call for respectful debate which was timely and necessary. “Whether someone holds a different opinion on EfW or simply is not ready to form a view at this stage, that position deserves to be respected. People should feel safe to ask questions, seek information and take the time they need to understand the issue without fear of judgement or pressure.”

To view all correspondence with the State Government on the concerns of Parkes Shire Council regarding this development, please visit https://www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/Council/News-mediaand-projects/Projects-and-works/Energy-From-Waste-Facility and refer to the State Liaison section.

Forbes Netball Fundraising For The Kids Cancer Project

July 31, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The Forbes Netball Association is excited once again to support The Kids Cancer Project this Saturday, 2 August 2nd. Fundraising in the form of a crazy hair and sock day will be held at the FNA NetSetGo session from 9:30am – 10:30am.

Netball Associations across the state have joined to make this an extremely successful day, with over $15,000 being raised to date.

Everyone is encouraged to dress up in their craziest socks and hair, and anything else they would like to do. Players are asked to please wear suitable joggers for their fun NetSetGo session.

Crazy socks will be available to buy for $5 with all money raised on the day to be sent to The Kids Cancer Project. A mini market stall will be available to purchase goodies like gifts, veggies, jams, pure wool knitted beanies, and the canteen will be selling pumpkin soup to warm people up. The stall will be cash only so make sure you bring along cash on the day. A 100 club will also be running, and will be drawn once all $2 numbers are sold.

Help from any parents would be greatly appreciated, please contact either Corrie ofr Robyn if you are available to help.

Last year the NetSetGo sessions raised $742 that was sent to headquarters in Sydney. The Kids Cancer Project funds vital scientific research to develop better treatments for all children with cancer.

The Forbes Netball Association gives back to the community in many ways and supports vital organisations that fight childhood cancer. If we all have a go, we can make a difference!

Parkes Clean Future Alliance Community Information Night

July 24, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The Parkes Clean Future Alliance (PCFA) is a local, community-led group that formed in April 2025 in response to the proposed (EfW) incinerator in the Parkes Special Activation Precinct which plans to incinerate 600,000 tonnes of red bin waste from Sydney per year right here in Parkes.

The Parkes Clean Future Alliance consists of farmers, business owners, professionals and residents, who are all concerned about the long-term health, environmental, agricultural and economic impacts of the proposed Energy-from-Waste project. Their goal as a committee is to inform the community, demand transparency, and advocate for better, safer alternatives.

The PCFA are hosting a free Community Information Night to be held at the Parkes Leagues Club on Saturday 26 July. Doors will open at 5:45pm and the event is for anyone who wants to try and understand what the Energy-from-Waste proposal really means for Parkes, our farms, environment, health and future.

Guest speakers on the night will include qualified professionals in health, science, agriculture, and policy who understand the risks of incineration. Dr Amanda Cohn MLC and Chris Hanson, a Chemical Engineer, will provide key insights, along with local farmer Geoff Rice and regenerative agriculture specialist Bruce Maynard.

Community presence will send a powerful message, and everyone is encouraged to attend. This is your chance to get the facts, ask questions, and stand together.

”We need to be the voice for the future of Parkes” said event organiser Ben Stead.

Mayoral Notes

July 24, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Forbes saleyards is on fire, smashing records again with a pen of heavy lambs selling for an incredible $460 a head — a new Australian record! This standout sale was part of one of the biggest sheep auctions held at the saleyards, with over 59,000 sheep sold. That included 43,250 lambs and hoggets, plus 16,800 mutton, attracting buyers and sellers from across the state.

These numbers are a huge testament to the quality of our local producers. Forbes saleyards to prove it’s one of the top facilities in the country and a key playerin the national sheep industry. A big shoutout to all the producers, agents, and the saleyards team — what an amazing result!As a community, we all have a role to play in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our pets – and that includes our feline friends.

Our Rangers are encouraging cat owners to microchip and register their pets to help ensure lost cats can be quickly returned home. Please also consider keeping cats indoors or within a secure outdoor enclosure, especially at night. This helps protect both your pets and local wildlife. Thanks for supporting a safe and pet-friendly community.

A reminder that National Tree Day is this Saturday 26 July. Join our community planting event from 10am to 12pm on the corner of Federation Boulevard and Olympic Street. Wear sturdy shoes, warm clothes, a hat or beanie, and bring water and snacks. Tools will be provided. Register at nationaltreeday.org.au. I hope to see many of you there lending a hand to make Forbes even greener!This week is your final opportunity to apply for Council’s Community Funding Program. Local not-for-profit groups can apply for up to $5,000 in cash or in-kind support for projects that support sport, culture and art, community, or rural enhancement. Applications close 31 July — don’t miss your chance to make a difference!

God Bless,
Phyllis Miller OAM

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