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Forbes Phoenix

Parkes Solidarity Walk: One Community, One Voice, No Incinerator

December 4, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Pictured Is Ben Stead of the Parkes Clean Future Alliance and Aunty Frances Robinson who is a Traditional Owner from Peak Hill

Wiradjuri groups from across the area are concerned about the Energy From Waste Incinerator proposed for Parkes, and are inviting everyone to join the Parkes Solidarity Walk which will take place on Saturday, 6th December.

Traditional owner Aunty Frances Robinson, working within the Aboriginal Consulting Group, together with Parkes Clean Future Alliance, said after going to a meeting about the proposed incinerator and “not seeing any Koori people present. It was obvious that no-one had engaged with the Aboriginal community as to how this will affect our culture and heritage. We have too much that we are passionate about that we need to protect not only for our ancestors but for the continuation of our culture. Impact on our medicinal plants, bush tucker, song lines, our river systems, our air quality, our food and fibre industry, our general health and well being.”

Aunty Frances said the Parkes Solidarity Walk was organised for “Everyone and anyone who is concerned about the impacts that this incinerator will have on our environment and our health. United we stand. This is not just one community group, we are many community groups, all with our own concerns, all standing together to fight this.”

Get a group of friends, family, co-workers together, you can even get creative and make a sign and come along to the Parkes Solidarity Walk. Meet at 10.30 at Sir Henry Parkes Statue and the walk will conclude at Cooke Park

Mayoral Notes

December 4, 2025 by Roxane Manley

I’m pleased to let our community know that work is well underway to replace the foot­path along Grenfell Street, between Ren­free Street and Lawler Street. This stretch is an important pedestrian corridor and a key route into our CBD, and it’s fantastic to see it getting the upgrade it deserves.

The old, narrow 1.2-metre path is being transformed into a new, safer, and more accessible 2.5-metre-wide footpath. Once complete, it will make getting around on foot easier and more comfortable for eve­ryone, while improving connectivity across the area.

I’m proud that Council can deliver this project through our annual footpath main­tenance and renewal program. It’s all part of our ongoing commitment to keeping Forbes’ streets safe, accessible, and wel­coming for our community.

Council has installed four new CCTV cameras at the Forbes Indoor Pool. This decision comes in response to several recent incidents of vandalism, something I know has been deeply disappointing for both staff and pool users.

These cameras will help us better protect this much-loved facility, deter further dam­age, and ensure the pool remains a safe, clean and enjoyable space for everyone.

I’d like to thank our community for continu­ing to respect and care for our shared plac­es. When we look after them together, they remain great assets for all of us.

As we near the end of the year, it’s a great time to start thinking about your next career step.

Council is excited to open applications for our 2026 Trainee Program. This pro­gram is a change to earn while you learn, gain hands-on experience, and receive na­tionally recognised training with a support­ive team behind you. Council is offering six amazing traineeship opportunities in Civil Construction, IT, Sewer, Water, Storeper­son, and a Cadet / Graduate Building Sur­veyor role. If you’re ready to learn, grow, and make a real impact in your community, this is your moment! Applications close 16 January 2026.

God Bless
Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM

Snippets…

December 4, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Pictured on The Morning Show Couch with Larry and Ky­lie are Elvis tribute artists Anthony Petrucci, Paul Fenech and Charlie Gaylard.

Parkes Elvis Festival: Elvis fever is start­ing to ramp up. The Parkes Elvis Festival celebrated all things Elvis on national TV on Tuesday, 2 December on Channel 7’s The Morning Show. Hosted by Larry Em­dur and Kylie Gillies, the segment featured interviews and a performance from three popular Elvis Tribute Artists Paul Fenech, Anthony Petrucci, and Charlie Gaylard. Parkes Elvis Festival tickets available here: https://www.123tix.com.au/events/parke­selvisfestival

R U OK? ‘Tis the season to remember that some of us find this time of year tough. Our free Calendar of Connection has ideas to help you reach out and lend support to friends, family and colleagues. Download now ruok.org.au/holiday.

Legal Aid NSW: The Legal Aid NSW Do­mestic Violence Unit is here to help. They’re a compassionate team of lawyers, case workers, mental health professionals and financial counsellors working together to support people impacted by domestic and family violence. They can help with Family law (parenting, divorce, financial matters), Child protection, ADVOs and DFV-related legal issues and Emotional and financial support If you would like more informa­tion about the services we provide, please phone 1800 979 529. Read more here: www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/my-problem-is-about/my-family-or-relationship/domestic-and-family-violence/domestic-violence-support-services/domestic-violence-unit

NSW Government: New laws make it eas­ier to find ethical, accountable dog breed­ers in NSW. Breeders must have an official breeder ID number, ads must include the puppy’s microchip and breeder ID, female dogs can only have up to 5 litters (up to 3 by caesarean) in their lifetime, limits on the number of dogs per premises, breeders need enough staff to give all dogs proper care. These changes help protect animals and give everyone confidence when buy­ing a puppy. More info: https://bit.ly/NSWDog-Welfare Apply for a breeder ID here: https://bit.ly/NSW-Breeder-ID

TAFE NSW Forbes: TAFE NSW Forbes campus are looking for expressions of in­terest in some new courses they are look­ing to offer in 2026 should they get suffi­cient interest. These will be short courses that will run for several weeks and may lead to further study options. The courses are: Automotive, Animal Studies and Com­puting for Seniors. If you would like to ex­press your interest in any of these courses, ring the campus on 0438 565 918 or call in to the campus.

Drop into the TAFE Forbes campus and ask about courses on offer for 2026.

Be Seen @ Parkes Christian School

December 4, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The final Parkes Christian School MADD Night of 2025 was chaotic and fun.


As usual, there were some great groups in bands, duets and trios.


Even art took the stage this year, with some awesome upcycled and wearable art.

Storytime Came To Life For Reading Downtown Day

December 4, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Audiences build confidence and emotional resilience with the highly engaging adaptation of Anna Walker’s awardwinning book, Mr Huff.

The Forbes community had so much fun celebrating Reading Downtown Day on Monday 24 November at the Forbes Town Hall, with a special live performance of Mr Huff.

The performance was brought to life by Meerkat Productions, Mr Huff is an awardwinning children’s book about the clouds and the sunshine in each of our lives.

Through music, movement and storytell­ing, children discover positive coping skills and practical wellbeing Strategies. This adaptation of Mr Huff supports schools in creating a strong wellbeing culture and aligns with the Australian Curriculum focus on Personal and Social Capability.

The program is designed to help stu­dents recognise, name and manage their emotions, building resilience, self-aware­ness and emotional intelligence in ways that stick.

The special event was a partnership be­tween Forbes Shire Council, Forbes North Schools as Community Centres (SaCC) and Forbes Birth to Kinder, bringing the community together to celebrate literacy, learning and wellbeing.

Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said it is won­derful to see local partnerships supporting fun and meaningful events for families.

“Reading Downtown Day is such a spe­cial event because it inspires children to discover the joy of reading. It’s so wonder­ful to be able to do something different this year for the community that’s interactive and fun,” Mayor Miller said.

Hosted annually, Reading Downtown Day aims to raise awareness about the im­portance of reading to children from a very young age.

This year marked the 21st year of the event in Forbes. Forbes North Schools SaCC committee member, Maree Yapp, said the group is proud to be celebrating over two decades of encouraging early lit­eracy.

“It’s amazing to see how the event con­tinues to grow,” Mrs Yapp said.

“Reading Downtown Day is all about showing families how powerful reading with children can be. It builds connection, confidence and a lifelong love of learning.”i

It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas In Forbes

December 4, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The festive season has officially begun in Forbes, with Christmas lights now illumi­nating the CBD. This year, Lachlan Street comes alive with a vibrant canopy of twin­kling lights and a festive installation on the Templar Street roundabout. Victoria Park shines with four large-scale displays, includ­ing a brand-new three-metre star. And over at Town Hall, a refreshed Christmas tree de­sign now graces the iconic balcony.

Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said “There’s nothing quite like seeing the town centre come alive with Christmas spirit. The lights bring a wonderful sense of excitement to Forbes, and they’re a reminder of the magic this time of year brings,” Mayor Miller said.

“The lights create a warm and welcom­ing atmosphere for family outings, seasonal celebrations and late-night shopping.”

The decorations complement the range of festive activities scheduled throughout December, including the Rotary Ipomoea Christmas Tree Festival, Forbes Christmas Festival, Carols by Candlelight, as well as the Town Hall Christmas Projection.

Forbes Shire Council wishes everyone a joyful and safe Christmas season and in­vites the community to enjoy the festive at­mosphere throughout December.

For information, visit www.forbes.nsw.gov.au or follow @ForbesShireCouncil for updates.

Thirteenth Christmas Tree Festival

December 4, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Rotary Club of Forbes Ipomoea members are delighted to be coordinating their 13th annual Christmas Tree Festival, to be held once again at Forbes’s majestic Town Hall.

Held annually on the first weekend of De­cember, the event has been a great way to start the Christmas season each year. The Town Hall was a Christmas wonderland in 2024 with over 120 entries.

A big difference this year, will be $300 prize money on offer for both best Nativ­ity and best Christmas tree. Judging of the best nativity and tree will take place for the first time by an independent judge.

Members of the public will be able to vote for their favourite entries within the hall, with the entry that has the most votes by the end of the weekend also receiving a $300 prize.

The proceeds raised from this event in 2024 were donated to Havannah House in Forbes, enabling the installation of a secu­rity system throughout Havannah House.

This year Havannah House will again be the beneficiary of funds raised from the three day festival.

Entries for the Festival can still be deliv­ered to the Town Hall on Friday 5 Decem­ber from 7am to 12.30pm.

This year the doors open for viewing 1pm to 5pm Friday 5th December, 9am to 5pm Saturday 6 December and Sunday 7 De­cember from 9am to 2pm.

This year’s event has been made pos­sible thanks to sponsorship from Forbes Shire Council and a Club’s grant from Club Forbes.

More information available on the Rotary Club of Forbes Facebook page.

Be Seen @ Forbes High School

December 4, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Forbes High School recently had the pleasure of welcom­ing Year 6 students from various primary schools for Year 7 Transition.

 


This was a fantastic opportunity for them to explore our school over three days and prepare for their exciting journey into high school.

 


Staff and students are eagerly looking forward to welcom­ing the new Year 7 students to Forbes High next year.

Forbes: Low Scoring In Golf

December 4, 2025 by Short Putt

Steve Rogers heading for a win in Saturday’s competition.

On a day with changeable weather and blustery winds the Forbes golfers battled hard but the scores were kept low.

The Saturday competition was an Indi­vidual Stableford sponsored by Knights Fabrications. The field was down a bit at 53 with players possibly deterred by the fore­cast of bad weather. At one stage it was ‘Melbourne’ weather but if passed quickly with the winds remaining.

The Div-1 Winner was decided on count back when three players finished with 37 points. Shane Sallaway got the nod ahead of Warwick Judge while Clayton Alley missed out. It was Shane’s strong back-9 that got him the win while Warwick played to his handicap and Clayton could not find his front-9 form.

The Div-2 had a one point win by Steve Rogers who quietly achieved 39 points.

But for an errant putter he may have had a higher score.

The Div-2 Runner-up was Allan Rees who used his front-9 to good effect, finish­ing with 37 points. His back-9 was steady all the way without any sparkle.

The NTPs went to: 9th C Hanrahan; 18th S Sallaway. The 3rd hole Super pin went to Fons Melisi whose shot rode the wind to within 263 cm from the pin.

This Saturday, 6 December, is the Monthly Medal, sponsored by Stephen Up­hill. There is a Stableford Medley on Sun 30 November.

By Short Putt

Try Dragon Boating For Free For Four Weeks

November 28, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Pictured are the Lachlan Dragons. Dragon boating will broaden your horizons and introduce you to a healthy lifestyle.

Forbes Dragon Boat Club recently competed at the Masters Games in Weston ACT. The 3-day event included 200m races and 1km turn races in both small and full boats. Forbes combined with four other clubs for this competition. Team Forge included paddlers from Forbes, Geelong Vic, Parkes, Adelaide Survivors abreast and Powerblades SA.

In November FDBC also competed in the Western Region Regatta this year held in Orange. Races included 10’s and 20’s crews over 200m and “a dash for cash “over 100m. We combined with Parkes and Blue mountains on that day.

Forbes Dragon Boat Club is offering a 4 week introduction to paddle plan, aimed at recruiting some new members. Dragon pass is a free program to trial dragon boating before joining a club.

We aim to run sessions on Sundays from 30th November until 21st December. Sessions will be for 30-40mins from 9am. It’s all about fitness, friendship and fun. There is no requirement to attend all sessions. You are also welcome to join our regular training sessions during the dragon pass period.

Paddles and life jackets are provided. All you need to bring is a bottle of water, a cap and closed in shoes.

So, if you have ever wondered about giving dragon boating a try – this is your chance. We challenge businesses, sporting teams, anyone looking for something new, who loves the water, to come along and give it a try. Minimum age 11 yrs.

Paddling with Forbes Dragons can be social or competitive – you decide on your level of participation.

For more information search Forbes Dragon Boat Club on Facebook and register to attend.

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