Newly released figures from Inland Rail show the project is creating jobs and driving economic growth in regional NSW commu­nities.

Delivering Inland Rail between Albury and Parkes has resulted in $7.4 million spent across 86 local businesses between July 2023 and August 2024 and 135 workers employed on the project this year, taking total numbers of workers employed to 434.

Construction has been progressing strongly on the section from Stockinbingal to Parkes (S2P) and the latest data shows how that is boosting employment and local economies. First Nations business across Australia are contributing to the S2P pro­ject, supplying more than $161,000 worth of services. Of the 135 local workers, 24 are First Nations people, making up more than half of the 40 First Nations people who have relocated to the area to work on Inland Rail.

And women make up almost 10% of the workforce, with 40 employed on the project in the period July 2023 to August 2024.

From July 2023 to August 2024, Inland Rail between Albury and Parkes

• 434 people employed, of whom 40 are First Nations

• 135 local residents employed, of whom 24 are First Nations

• 40 women employed

• 33 tradespeople employed

• 86 local businesses engaged

• $7.4 million spent with local businesses

• $161,860 spent with First Nations busi­nesses Australia-wide

Stephen Jones, Inland Rail Executive Direc­tor Program Health, Safety, Environment & Sustainability, said: “Inland Rail is bringing benefits to regional communities throughout construction, with local content key to the program’s success.

“A major focus of Inland Rail has been to build skills in communities along the align­ment, so local communities can participate and benefit from in this once-in-a-genera­tion project and others in the future.”

Did you or someone you know attend Forbes High School back in 1984? This year marks 40 years since the Forbes High School ‘class of 1984’ completed Year 10.

To help celebrate this milestone, some ex-students have gotten together to organ­ise a reunion so that everyone can reunite and have a chance to renew old, and dear friendships. The reunion is open to anyone who was in this school year – whether or not you completed Year 10 in 1984 or Year 12 in 1986 – or even if you were there for just part of it.

The hope is that as many people as pos­sible will attend and partners are more than welcome to come along, in fact it is encouraged. The weekend will kick off with casual drinks at the Globe Hotel in Dowling St from 6pm on Friday 15th November. The official reunion will be held on Saturday, November 16th from 6pm on the veranda of the Forbes Sport and Recreation (Bowl­ing) Club. The cost to attend is $15 per per­son, which covers a delicious grazing table which is being catered by Bec Tarrant and is payable on the night.

If anyone has their school uniform or any other memorabilia from back in the day then we would love for it to be brought along. To round off the weekend there will be a tour of Forbes High, our old stomping ground, on Sunday 17th November.

Help spread the word and if you plan on coming along please RSVP as soon as you can to Mark “Squizzy” Taylor on 0419 247 972.

There’s still time to throw your hat in the ring for the National AgDay photo and vid­eo competition.

You don’t have to be a farmer or own a patch of land to snap a roaring rural photo.

There are so many amazing country towns waiting to be captured; even driv­ing 30 minutes from a city can put you in sight of cute cows, photogenic fences and charming shopfronts.

Take a trip to the edge of town, pack your camera or phone and make sure to check out a famous country bakery while you’re on the road. There’s also farms open to the public that are well-worth checking out. You never know the pots of gold you’ll find.

Just remember to stay out of private property, even if there are no fences. For more tips on farm photography etiquette, check out this guide: https://farmers.org.au/lifestyle/the-ultimate-guide-to-the-best-farm-selfie/

There is no age limit in the AgDay photo comp, and it’s designed to attract all skill levels too; so don’t miss your chance to be in the running!Submit your entry at https://agday.org.au/photography-video-competition1/ and get involved in the celebration of every­thing that makes Aussie agriculture great.