Parkes Elvis Festival Founders Bob and Anne Steel pictured in a private sit down with the one and only Priscilla Presley.

In November last year, Parkes Elvis Festival founders Bob and Anne Steel had the privilege of a one-on-one meeting with Priscilla Presley, at the State Theatre in Sydney prior to her show “Life After Elvis.”

Bob said, “I thought she was very approachable and I quite enjoyed being with her.” We asked Bob if hugging Priscilla was allowed, but he assured us, “Oh no, she hugged me.”

Anne laughed when recalling Bob said to Priscilla, “Give me your hand,” to which Priscilla asked why? Bob simply told her, “Because I want to hold it.”

What did they chat abut with Priscilla? “She talked about Elvis’ popularity. She’s very aware of the Parkes Elvis Festival, she knows it, and she’s over the moon that we’ve done it,” said Bob.

Bob and Anne’s daughter Tiffany told Priscilla they would love to have her at the Parkes Elvis Festival. There was some family debate as to her response to the invitation, with both Tiffany and Anne claiming Priscilla said, “You never know,” while Bob is adamant she said “Never say never!” It was agreed to let Bob have the last word on this one.

After her star encounter, while waiting for the others at bottom of the stairs of the theatre, Anne smiled at those who seemed to recognise her. People started approaching her, to share their own stories of the Parkes Elvis Festival, further proving its appeal.

Acting Sergeant Joshua Tolley who said “There will be more Police on the roads which means a greater chance of driv­ers being caught if they are doing the wrong thing.”

Double demerit points will be in force for 12 consecutive days over the Christmas and New Year period to improve road safety dur­ing the holiday season.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Coun­cils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Of­ficer, Melanie Suitor, said that double de­merit points would run from Wednesday 24 December 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026, inclusive for all speeding, seatbelt, motorcy­cle helmet and mobile phone offences.

Ms Suitor said “Drivers should ensure that they are well rested and not under the in­fluence of drugs or alcohol before they get behind the wheel. While driving, focus on driving. Don’t allow yourself to be distracted by your mobile phone, follow the road rules and drive at a speed suitable to conditions.

And please make sure that you and your passengers are buckled up.

“Drivers should also check that their vehi­cle is ready for the journey too – check the brakes and tyres, check the levels of your engine oil, coolant and windscreen washer reservoir, make sure all your lights and in­dicators are working and ensure you have clear view,” Ms Suitor said.

Parkes Highway Patrol Acting Sergeant Joshua Tolley is warning drivers that they are at greatest risk of losing their licence during this period. “Too often we see the tragic aftermath of drivers making poor deci­sions. No-one wants to get a fine, lose their licence or worse still be involved in a crash.

Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller pictured on Monday evening in front of Forbes Town hall Christmas Projection which has become a cherished part of the festive season in Forbes.

The much-loved Forbes Town Hall Christ­mas Projection is once again illuminating the local Landmark, and this year’s projec­tion has debuted a heartwarming new story titled, ‘Nedd and the Late Santa Letter’.Each year in Forbes, children write let­ters to Santa and post them through the North Pole Mail Express. These treasured messages are collected at Forbes Shire Council and whisked away on their magical journey to the North Pole.

But this year, one special letter has been accidentally left behind, and it’s up to someone truly extraordinary to get it to Santa before Christmas Eve.

The 2025 projection is voiced by mem­bers of the Forbes Youth Action Team (FYAT) and features real letters written by local children, making this one of the most personal and engaging Christmas projec­tions ever showcased on the historic Town Hall façade.

Mayor Phyllis Miller said, “For four years, families have gathered in the heart of town to enjoy this magical storytelling experi­ence. We’re thrilled to bring a new chapter to life while also featuring the creativity and Christmas wishes of our youngest resi­dents,” the Mayor said.

Created by lighting artist Stephan de Wit, the projection will run nightly, 8.30pm until 11.30pm from Monday 8 December through to Boxing Day.

The narration will be broadcast locally on FM 88.7 so be sure to tune in via your car radio to enjoy the full audio-visual ex­perience of lights, colours and the magical Christmas story.

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

Parkes Elvis Festival Founders Bob and Anne Steel on the Nine Network set of Today Extra.

Parkes Elvis Festival Founders Bob and Anne Steel made an appearance on the Channel Nine morning talk show Today Ex­tra, Tuesday 25 November. On Today Ex­tra, hosted by David Campbell and Sylvia Jeffreys, Bob and Anne talked about the Parkes Elvis Festival and its long running success.

After their appearance on Today Extra, Bob and Anne, along with daughter Tiffany Steel and Parkes Elvis Festival Director Brendan Shipley had a scheduled one on one private sit down with Priscilla Presley, prior to her State Theatre show “Life After Elvis” at the State Theatre in Sydney.

We were curious how the meeting with Priscilla came about so we asked Festival Director Brendan who said it took a couple of months to organise with FANE Produc­tions, but once he got the go ahead, he de­livered the news to the Steel’s over lunch.

“Bob and Anne, myself and my fam­ily and their daughter Tiffany, got together for a BBQ, a couple of weeks ago, Anne cooked a lavish meal and welcomed us into her home, I stopped in the middle of lunch and said – Well, I have something to tell you, your going to Sydney to meet Priscilla,” said Brendan.

Bob and Anne were stunned to hear the news “We were in shock actually” said Anne.

And when asked if they were at all nerv­ous about meeting Priscilla or featuring on the Today Extra Program Anne replied calmly “Not at all, no good being nervous, that doesn’t do any good at all.”

“Ending gendered violence will not just be a women’s issue, it’s a community issue, and a responsibility we all share.” said Stevie Darcy, Chairperson of the Forbes Domestic & Family Violence Committee.

The Forbes community is invited to once again come together on Tuesday 25 No­vember 2025 for the annual White Ribbon Day event, raising awareness and showing support for ending violence against women.

Chairperson of the Forbes Domestic & Family Violence Committee, Stevie Darcy said, “By joining together at this event, our community will stand united against vio­lence and show our commitment to support­ing one another.”

The day will begin with a community march through the CBD, assembling at 9.30am in Spring Street, followed by an offi­cial ceremony in Victoria Park commencing at 10.15am. Local services and community groups will host stalls and activities.

Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said White Ribbon Day is an opportunity to come together as a community, united in our stand to end domestic and family violence.

“As we march together, we will walk not just in solidarity, but with purpose. This is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to building a safer, more respectful future for everyone”, the Mayor said.

“I encourage everyone to continue the conversation – in our homes, schools, work­places, and throughout our community. To­gether, we will build a future where respect is the norm, and where every person can live free from fear and violence.”

To ensure the safety of participants, Spring Street and surrounding streets along the march route will be temporarily closed from 9.30am to 11.00am. Motorists are ad­vised to plan alternate routes during this time.

Nedd Brockman pictured after receiving the NSW Young Australian Of The Year award.

Nedd Brockman, born in Forbes and raised in Bedgerabong, has been named NSW Young Australian Of The Year for his con­tinued efforts to raise money and aware­ness for homelessness in Australia.

In 2020, Nedd decided to run 50 mara­thons in 50 days to raise $50,000 for home­lessness. Then in 2022, Nedd set himself the challenge of running 4,000km across the country from Perth (Cottesloe Beach) to Bondi (Bondi Beach), raising money and awareness for the homeless along the way.

But he didn’t stop there, he kept showing up for the cause, and in 2024, Nedd started “Nedd’s Uncomfortable Challenge” and set off again, with a 1,000 mile running chal­lenge at a track at Sydney Olympic Park.

Nedd and his team have so far raised over $8 million for Australians experiencing homelessness.

Upon being named 2026 NSW Young Australian of the Year, Nedd said, “I feel honoured and very grateful for the award, but I equally feel a little bit disheartened because I wouldn’t be getting the award if there wasn’t homelessness in this country.”

“I don’t love running, running is just the tool I use in order to push my limits and show people that if you’re willing to com­mit to something wholeheartedly and throw yourself in the fire good things will come of it if you’re willing to go all the way. It is my tool that allows me to champion the desire to help end homelessness in this country,” concluded Nedd.

Lana and Dan Nicholson pictured receiving Topsoil Organics award at a black-tie event at Sydney’s International Con­vention Centre on Wednesday evening.

The state’s most innovative and forwardthinking businesses have come together and been celebrated at the NSW State Business Awards. Topsoil Organics from Forbes won the Excellence in Large Busi­ness Award.

The Excellence in Large Business Award recognises a business with more than 20 employees that has effectively driven growth and is able to demonstrate the spe­cific strategies implemented to achieve business success and/or resilience.

Business NSW, Regional Director – Western NSW, Vicki Seccombe said “This is Topsoil Organics’ third win at the State Business Awards, having won Excellence in Small Business in 2022 and Excellence in Sustainability in 2023.

“Topsoil Organics is such an exciting and dynamic business and they are paving the way for our future. They have gone above and beyond in respect to innovation, sus­tainability and leadership. The initiatives being pursued demonstrates great ingenu­ity and it’s so exciting that it’s happening right here in Western NSW,” said Vicki Sec­combe.

Topsoil Organics is a family-owned busi­ness that launched the Central West Nu­trient Return Centre in 2021, diverting 200,000+ tonnes of organic waste from landfills into premium compost for broada­cre farming. By transforming waste into energy and regenerative solutions, they are creating lasting environmental, agricultural, and community benefits for a cleaner future.

“All three winners should feel incredibly proud to be named amongst the State’s leading businesses and business leaders for 2025 and this win truly highlights the strength of the Western NSW business community,” said Ms Seccombe.

Select Committee members with Chair Nicole Overall (centre) NSW National in the Upper House.

A motion for a Parliamentary Inquiry into energy from waste proposals in NSW was successful after mounting opposition in Regional NSW. The Select Committee was established on 6 August 2025 and is chaired by Nationals MP Nicole Overall.

“I encourage anyone who hasn’t yet made a submission to consider doing so – this is the opportunity to formally raise any questions or concerns as we work to com­prehensively address these proposals.” said Nicole.

Parkes Clean Future Alliance are urging those who have not yet made submissions, to do so today, as submissions close at 5pm. Ben Stead of PCFA said “The pro­posed Sydney landfills are projected to run out of space over the next 5 to 10 years.

After thermal energy from waste was re­jected in Sydney, the NSW Government developed a framework that prohibits facili­ties in NSW as a precautionary measure to protect human health, but excludes Lith­gow, Goulburn, Parkes and Tomago from those health protections.”

“Submissions under 250 words will still be counted but will be grouped together. Submissions over 250 words are more im­pactful.” said Ben.

The deadline for submissions is today, 5pm Friday, 31 October. Both individu­als and organisations can make submis­sions, and you do not have to be located in Parkes. Anyone can make a submission and every submission counts.

To lodge a submission go to the Inquiry webpage www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/listofcommittees/Pages/committee-details.aspx?pk=337 and select the ‘Submissions’ tab.