Roxane Manley

Mayoral Notes

February 6, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Thank you to all members of the community who completed the all-important Community Survey for our Community Strategic Plan (CSP). The CSP is a 10-year plan for the future of our shire and sets out the strategies Council will undertake to achieve each item in the plan. The survey was the first stage of updating the CSP, and this was the community’s chance to let Council know what it wants and expects for the future of Forbes.

To everyone who took the time to complete the survey and have their say, thank you for your effort. I’d also like to say a special “thank you” to the hundreds of local children who completed the survey – you are the future of our shire, and your input is so important.

Council will now collect all the data from the responses and let the community know “what we heard” as the next stage of updating the CSP. The community will now get another chance to provide more input, so stay tuned for the details. The final stage will see all information collated and the final CSP report created, which will be adopted by Council on 1 July 2025.

I am looking forward to welcoming new members of our community at our next Welcome to Forbes event on Thursday 27 February at the Vandenberg Hotel. If you have moved to Forbes Shire I would love to see you there. It’s a great way to meet other new residents and get to know more about Amazing Forbes, Forbes Shire Council, as well as the various community and sporting groups in town. The event starts at 5:30pm.

To RSVP please call Council on 6850 2300 or email events@forbes.nsw.gov.au.

For all residents impacted by the devastating 2022 floods, please do not forget to RSVP to the two-year flood recovery check-in event. It is completely free and will include Legal Aid NSW, NSW Reconstruction Authority and NSW Ambulance to give you the guidance you need, and even some free health checks. It will be at the Forbes Rugby Club from 5pm – 6:30pm on Wednesday 26 February. Please RSVP by texting Phil Worrad on 0436 921 076.

Until next week,
God blessPhyllis Miller, OAM
Forbes Mayor

Snippets…

February 6, 2025 by Roxane Manley

This shining winner from Parkes Christian School stopped by to express her thanks, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to be a part of her achievement.

Regional Business Supplies: Regional Business Supplies are proud to sponsor the Good Nature Award at schools across the Central West, helping to celebrate the amazing students in our community! Remember, where you shop matters. Local businesses like ours can continue supporting initiatives like this only with your help. Shop local and keep the good going.

ABC Central West: Posting back-to-school photos to social media is a popular way to mark students’ return to the classroom, so how can parents make sure they’re sharing safely? Get the news that matters to you straight from the source. Download the ABC NEWS app: https://ab.co/abcnewsapp.

Parkes Shire Council: Are you a local Parkes Shire not-for-profit or community based organisation looking for a helping hand? Round 2 of Parkes Shire Council’s Community Financial Assistance Program is now open. This round includes General grants of up to $1,000.00 for a specific purpose or event, and Leasing and Licensing grants to request a reduction in leasing and licensing fees on Council owned properties. For more information or to apply, visit:bit.ly/ParkesShireGrants.

TAFE NSW Forbes Campus: A great opportunity for a face to face course on campus starting 18th February. Places are limited so if you or someone you know would like to enrol, get in quick.

Certificate III Nail Technology SHB30321: Acquire skills to become a qualified nail technician as you learn how to make people feel their polished best.

Essential Energy Grants: Grants up to the value of $15,000 are available for community-based initiatives supporting the environment, education, resilience or related to the energy transition. Eligible groups include not-for-profit organisations, charities and community groups located within Essential Energy’s network area. Nominations will close on Monday, 31 March 2025. For further information and to apply, go to: www.essentialenergy.com.au/essentialgrants

Laps for Life: Could you swim 2km this March? That’s only 3 laps per day! Swim 2km this March, get a free swim cap, raise funds to help prevent youth suicide. Everyday one young person takes their own life. But you can help prevent this. By swimming and raising funds for ReachOut’s suicide prevention program. Swimming to save lives. Sign up today: https://www.lapsforlife.com.au

Dive in this March and raise money for youth suicide prevention.

Be Seen @ Red Bend Catholic College

February 6, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Deputy Principal Mr Martino, with School Captains Lachlan Kupkee and Ruby Arnott, and Principal Mr Dwyer welcomed students back to the College for 2025.

Mykel Coe and Aboriginal Education Officer, Miss Harris, conducted a traditional smoking ceremony.

The entrance of the cross, candles and Brass Heart by Cooper Holloway, Lara Smith, Camille Murru and Blake Reeves.

Crime Crisis In Country Communities

February 6, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The youth crime crisis is escalating across parts of regional NSW, with the Minns Labor Government’s limited bail reforms proving unsuccessful at keeping communities safe.

Shadow Minister for Police Paul Toole said a lack of leadership and action has led to a law and order breakdown.

“Youth violence and street crime continues to wreak havoc and it’s hard to ignore the growing chaos in NSW. The police are stretched thin and it seems the Minns Government isn’t prioritising public safety,” Mr Toole said.

“Recent incidents highlight just how out of control things are. Public spaces and homes aren’t as safe as they used to be, leaving people questioning if enough is being done to address young reoffenders racking up rap sheets similar to hardened criminals.

“Our regional communities have had a gutful. Residents tell me they are scared and crime has never been as bad as it is right now under a weak Labor Government. How many more innocent lives will be turned upside down?“Community safety should be the number one priority – not the criminals.

The Opposition will continue to fight for stronger laws and interventions to protect communities.

Calling Emerging Aboriginal Artists

February 6, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The 2025 CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes Aboriginal Art Competition is open for entries. Pictured are the winning artworks in 2023 with judges Bishop Columba Macbeth-Green of the Catholic Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes (right), CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes CEO Anne-Marie Mioche (centre) and Red Bend Catholic College visual arts teacher Tracie Axton (left).

Aboriginal community members of western NSW are invited to put paint to canvas for the 2025 CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes Aboriginal Art Competition. A total prize pool of $4,000 is on offer for the best original works.

CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes has launched the competition to discover and recognise emerging Aboriginal artists in western NSW. Entries close on Monday March 31, 2025.

CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes provides a broad range of programs and services caring for the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities, especially the vulnerable and at risk, supporting our local community.

CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes Chief Executive Officer Anne-Marie Mioche said the organisation was pleased to hold the competition for the fourth time.

She is encouraging emerging Aboriginal artists living in the Diocese of WilcanniaForbes, or in communities where its services are available, to enter.

“Each time we’ve held this competition, we’ve received some truly awesome and inspiring entries,” Ms Mioche said.

“We started this competition in 2019 because we knew there was unrecognised talent in our vast region, and we wanted to showcase these artists.

“In 2023 the competition attracted 14 entries from across our region, and two impressive artworks tied for first place.”

The competition offers the prize pool to encourage emerging Aboriginal artists to create and share meaningful artworks that show the rich Aboriginal culture and artistry in western NSW.

The winner of first prize will receive $2,000, while second prize is $1,500 and third prize is $500.

Previous winning artworks have subsequently featured in CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes branding and publications.

Ms Mioche said the competition was warmly embraced by her team.

“I always feel excitement at the arrival of new entries, I know our team members do as well,” she said.

“We love viewing the artworks and learning the story behind them.”

The full information pack is available here https://tinyurl.com/mrck53an

Be Seen @ Generosity Church Parkes

February 6, 2025 by Roxane Manley

What a special time was had by all who attended this year’s Blessing Service.

It was a wonderful opportunity to bless and pray for people, and to be encouraged.

Everyone is welcome to come along on any Sunday, located at 25 Dalton Street, Parkes.

Forbes Golf – Low Scores Win Medals

February 6, 2025 by Roxane Manley

On Saturday a field of 68 players participated in the February Monthly Medal event sponsored by Terry Bros Carpets. Scores on the day were low while the temperatures were high.

The A-Grade Winner was Cam McMillan with a nett 68. He has been having good scores of late and capped his game off well.

The B-Grade was won by Sandy Paterson with a nett 66. This was his day when everything fell into place.

The C-Grade was topped by newcomer Anthony Boshoff with 65 nett. He was ecstatic with a par on the 15th but less cheerful to hear that he was ineligible for the Medal.

The ball sweep went to 74 nett on count back. Check in the Pro Shop to see if youwere successful. There was one visitor, being Kyle McGinty from Tally Valley GC in the Gold Coast. He played in company with Anthony and Lachlan Alley. The NTP’s went to: 9th A Dukes; 18th T Cogswell, with only Andy converting for a ‘2’.

The 3rd hole Super Pin went to Cam McMillan with a shot to 275 cm. He did not convert for his ‘2’.

Forbes Croquet Notes

February 6, 2025 by Elvy Quirk

Birthday girls Helen Lupis and Jill Rubie.

On Saturday, 1 February Aussie Croquet was played with 30 in attendance. It was a reasonably warm morning but not nearly as hot as last Tuesday when the temperature soared and exceeded 40. Some good scores were once again recorded.

We have a new player on Saturdays with Sally Perry taking up the challenge and getting to know the ropes of the game.

On Saturday, 1 February all three games were won by John Allegri, May Jones and David West. Congratulations to those players. David West is now a regular player on Saturdays and is fast becoming a master at the game. Of course he has youth on his side.

Our monthly luncheon was held on Tuesday, 4 February at the Post Office Hotel with many celebrating their birthdays, namely Jill Rubie, Helen Lupis, Pam Thomson, Sue Waden and Kevin Wenning. Best wishes were extended to all those members.

Golf Croquet was played on Tuesday, 4 February with 35 players in attendance. It was a very warm morning and John Farah came to the rescue for many players who didn’t bring their water. John came with an esky with many bottles of water. Many thanks John.

All three games were won by Kevin Rubie, Bill Scott, Peter West and Wayne Wright. Wayne is a relatively new player and is now joining the ranks of the winners.

Well done Wayne.

Dominic Williams joined us for a game as he was in town for the launching of a book he has recently written. Best wishes on the launch of your book Dom. Croquet is played Tuesday and Saturday each week.

By Elvy Quirk

Wiradjuri Culture Recognised In Parkes Bypass Artworks

January 30, 2025 by Roxane Manley

In September 2024, Transport for NSW, in consultation with the local Aboriginal community, invited all local Aboriginal artists to submit artworks to be chosen to feature on two elements of the $287.2 million Parkes Bypass project – on safety screens on the Victoria Street Bridge and on signage at either end of the bypass.

Following a review of the submissions, Wiradjuri women and cousins from Parkes Kyah and Katlyn Turnbull’s design was selected to appear on the bridge’s safety screens and Wiradjuri local from Peak Hill, Scott ‘Sauce’ Towney’s artwork will feature on the signposts.

Kyah Turnbull said their design reflected Wiradjuri culture and the local environment by using symbols and patterns alongside a range of animals local to the Parkes area.

“We have used meeting place symbols and travelling lines to connect Parkes to its surroundings towns, essentially creating a map of the Parkes Shire. These include Peak Hill, Trewilga, Alectown, Cookamidgera, Bogan Gate, Trundle and Tullamore,” Kyah said.

Reflecting on his winning submission, Mr Towney said “Wiradjuri pattern symbols serve as a visual representation of the land while the people figures are a nod to our elders who have paved the way for us.”

“Parkes is depicted as the main meeting place, symbolising its importance as a cultural hub for the Wiradjuri people and its outreach to surrounding towns.”

Snippets…

January 30, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Pictured are the Parkes Shire Concert Band and friends in the 2018 Viva Vegas Parade. Did you capture a pic of them in the 2025 Easy Come, Easy Go Parade?

Parkes Shire Concert Band: The Parkes Shire Concert Band are putting a call out to anyone who may have taken a photo of the band leading the Elvis parade? If so they are asking you to send a copy via email gaveltom@hotmail.com

Lifeline Central West: Did you know we also have financial counsellors who provide information, support and advocacy to help clients overcome financial difficulties.

You can book a free phone, online or faceto-face appointment on 1300 798 258 or email info@lifelinecentralwest.org.au

Gooloogong Valentine’s Day Markets: The Gooloogong Park Valentine’s Markets will be held on Sunday, 9 February 2025, 9am to 1pm. To date they have over 30 stalls booked in with a wide range of products on sale. This an ideal opportunity to purchase a special gift for a loved one.

Don’t forget that EFTPOS facilities are not always available due to poor internet reception so bring along some cash just in case. For further information and stall bookings email gooloogongparkmarkets@gmail.com or text 0488 237 678.

Talk 2 Me Bro: The guys are catching up this Sunday 3 February from 7:30 at the Boys to the Bush office. Come along for ICE baths, connections and breathwork.

Come and enjoy a morning of Connection with yourself and others. This event will be facilitated by the Talk2mebro Team. Register here https://www.talk2mebrocatchups.org.au/forbes-guys/

Munch and Move SWS: Starting school can be exciting but also challenging for some children. Parents can help their children have a good start to school by joining this free and online Small Steps webinar.

Ask questions and learn about separation anxiety and how to help children face any worries with small steps. The free event runs on Tuesday 11 February from 6pm to 7.15pm. Families can register at: https://events.humanitix.com/small-steps-separation-anxiety-seminar

Parkes Chamber of Commerce: Calling for business feedback for the 2025 Parkes Elvis Festival. Closes midnight 2 February https://dnsw.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0VTsXdNNI3zB1X0

Forbes Shire Council: Calling all community groups, charities and not-for-profit organisations based in Forbes Shire. Could your organisation use some funding to help out with an upcoming event or project? You can apply for up to $5,000 in funding, with a total $75,000 available across four categories. Applications close midnight on Friday 31 January. For more information and to apply go to https://forbesshire.smartygrants.com.au

This is your last chance to apply for Round 2 of the 2024/25 Community Funding Program.

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