Forbes Phoenix

A $7.6 Million Boost For Forbes Future Water Security

by

The NSW Government is investing in Forbes’ water security as construction be­gins on a $7.6 million critical infrastructure project. The funding includes $4.6 million from the NSW Government and $3 million from Forbes Shire Council to deliver two new production bores, two test bores and a 5.3km duplication pipeline.

NSW DCCEEW Director of Grants Pro­grams, Kirsty Fenton said “Forbes was one of the many Central West communities hit hard by the last drought, the state’s worst on record, which is why we are working with Forbes Shire Council to help lock-in better water security.”

The new pipeline will run alongside the existing one that pumps water from the borefield to the Forbes Water Treatment Plant.

While the Lachlan River is the region’s main water supply, the town switches to bore water during dry periods when water in the river is too low or unsuitable for treat­ment.

The new infrastructure will significantly increase capacity by up to 80 per cent and provide a more robust water network that will ease pressure on the system and en­sure residents have enough water to with­stand the dry spells.

Forbes Shire Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller said “No one in our community will forget the last drought when water in the Lachlan River was so low we had to rely on two emergency bores for six months, which was a struggle. That’s why we’re do­ing everything we can to expand our exist­ing network.”

Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship Returns

by

The Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship is proud to announce the launch of its fourth annual program. The initiative from Façon Australia, proudly supported by Greater Bank, is dedicated to empowering emerging Indigenous creatives who are passionate about sharing their stories through diverse creative mediums.

Greater Bank will again award one out­standing recipient $10,000 to support their creative journey. For the second consecu­tive year, Greater Bank will also recognise the remaining eight finalists with $1,000 each.

All nine finalists will also receive invalua­ble mentorship from industry leaders across a wide range of creative disciplines, includ­ing writing, fashion design, accessory de­sign, art, music, dance, digital art, film and photography.

In 2026, the initiative is also proudly sup­ported by Orica, Regional Development Australia (Hunter) and Reconciliation NSW.

The Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship is open to Indigenous applicants aged 16 years and over, residing in NSW.

Applications close 7 May 2026, with the successful recipient announced at a special NAIDOC Week event on 9 July 2026. For full application details, visit Façon Maga­zine at www.faconaustralia.com/apply/ and Greater Bank at www.greater.com.au.

Meet Indigenous Chef Mindy Woods At Forbes Crop Swap

by

Bring along your excess produce and homemade goods, or join to catch up. The Forbes Riverside Community Gardens are providing breakfast for attendees.

CWLL will then be heading on to Trun­dle to the From Country to Community – A Morning of Food, Stories and Connection event at the Trundle Children’s Centre.

This event will include a delicious morning tea, an update on the exciting plans for the Centre and a Recipe Swap. All proceeds go to support the new Trundle Children’s Centre Garden.

From there, they head to Peak Hill to launch their first Crop Swap Event and Community Garden Open Day. This is part of the Peak Hill Building Healthy Communi­ties Challenge, supporting the community with the Peak Hill HEART (Healthy Eating, Activity & Resilience Together) Pro­ject. The event will kick off at 12.30pm, with a BBQ lunch and a chance to catch up with Mindy, walk around the Garden and join up as a member. There will also be starter packs and giveaways for attendees.

That evening, CWLL will be celebrating Peak Hill and hosting a Landcare Dinner in the beautiful Carrington Hotel, with a three course meal, entertainment and an oppor­tunity to showcase the Peak Hill Building Healthy Communities Challenge and Land­care.

For further information, and to register for any or all of the above events which all take place on Saturday 21st February please go to www.centralwestlachlanlandcare.org,

Forbes’ First Pre-loved Pop-up Market

by

Madeline Swan.

Madeline Swan, originally from Parkes but now residing in Forbes, is a first time mum, and after working in marketing for the last eight years, she now has her own photog­raphy studio.

But she hasn’t stopped there, Madeline has been inspired by other markets like The Social Queen Markets in Wagga and Glebe Markets in Sydney and she has organised a Pre-Loved Pop-Up Market for Forbes.

“I love thrifting with my son and it’s a way I can contribute to the environment” said Madeline.

“The pre-loved markets are a sustainable, social way for people to buy and sell good quality second hand fashion instead of over consuming fast fashion. By choosing sec­ondhand options, you extend the lifespan of garments and contribute to reducing textile waste.”

The pre-loved markets will be held on 22 February at Madeline’s photography studio at 16 Camp St, Forbes. (Across from the new BWS). The markets start at 9am and will wrap up by 12pm to beat the heat. Over 20 stall holders will be selling high fashion brands, in a range of sizes and price rang­es. Car parking is available across the road, behind the cricket nets.

“Sellers will be equipped to accept cash or direct transfers via Pay ID. Some sell­ers may have eftpos facilities but I would encourage everyone looking to buy brings cash and their own reusable tote bag,” said Madeline.

If the day goes well there will be more pop ups. Make sure you are following @mad­lumcreates on instagram for more informa­tion about how to apply to be a stallholder at any of the possible future upcoming mar­kets.

New Youth Drop-in Sessions Have Kicked Off

by

A new initiative for local young people has been launched, aimed at providing a safe and welcoming space to unwind, learn and connect with friends.

The Youth Drop-in Sessions at the Forbes Youth and Community Centre (YACC) will take place each Wednesday afternoon from 4pm to 6pm.

These free sessions commence Wednes­day 11 February 2026 and run for 10 weeks in line with the school term.

Developed directly in response to com­munity feedback, the concept reflects what young people in the region say they need – a relaxed after‐school environment that supports both learning and wellbeing.

“Young people told us they wanted some­where informal to study, hang out and feel supported during the week,” said Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM.

“We will use these first 10 weeks as a trial. We will try things out, listen to the kids and make the space suit what they need.”

Each session will offer flexible options in­cluding quiet study areas and recreational activities.

Students aged 12 to 18 years are wel­come to attend these drop-in sessions.

For more information about the drop-in sessions, visit www.forbes.nsw.gov.au or follow @ForbesYouthActionTeam for up­dates.

Major NBN Fibre Upgrade Milestones Reached In Parkes And Peak Hill

by

Important milestones in Parkes and Peak Hill to lift digital connectivity as households are consuming more data than ever for the things they love, like streaming 4K on multiple devices, online education, next-level gaming, conference calls, and uploading and downloading large files for work.

The 1000th premises in Parkes recently upgraded to full fibre via nbn Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) and in Peak Hill more than 250 homes and businesses have recently become eligible to upgrade to nbn full fibre.

Upgrading to full fibre can enable access to a faster, more reliable nbn broadband service, delivering a range of benefits, in­cluding smoother, higher-resolution video calls, enhanced streaming, faster down­loads, and the ability to connect more de­vices simultaneously.

In Australia, data demand and usage have doubled in the last five years, with the aver­age household consuming 443 gigabytes per month across 22 internet-connected devices.

Marg Applebee, Central West Lachlan Landcare said “With more and more health and community services accessible online, it’s really important for community members across the Parkes and Forbes region to en­sure they are optimally connected at home.

This means being on the best technology available, on a suitable plan and with the right in-home set-up.”

“Being able to access health services and stay in touch with friends and family online are new, but important, ways to do this. Es­pecially for our older residents who can feel more isolated at times”

Come and talk with nbn local at:

• Forbes Crop Swap, Saturday 21 February 2026 between 8am and 10am, Riverside Garden, 59-71 Reymond St, Forbes

• Trundle From Country to Community, Saturday 21 February, between 10.30am and 12:30pm, Trundle Children’s Centre, 1 Railway Parade, Trundle

• Peak Hill Community Garden Open Day, Saturday 21 February, from 12.30pm, Peak Hill Community Garden, 93 Caswell St, Peak Hill

• Homegrown Parkes, 21 March, 9am – 2pm, Cooke Park,158-176 Clarinda Street, Parkes

Mark 2 May On Your Calendar For The 2026 Trundle Abba Festival

by

Get ready for glitter, groove and good times at the 2026 Trundle ABBA Festival present­ed by Trundle & District Progress Associa­tion. The duo behind the Festival’s incep­tion, Gary Crowley and his wife will be back on deck coordinating the event this year, following their successful involvement dur­ing the first 10 years of the Festival.

Festival highlights will include Interna­tional ABBA tribute sensation ABBAS­BACK®, returning with a full orchestra and choir. There will be a world dancing record attempt to Dancing Queen and Waterloo – right here in Trundle, and an exclusive sneak peek of Parkes M&D’s new smash hit, Sister Act.

The I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do wedding vow renewals will be led by Parkes’ very own musical minister, Rev Craig Bland ac­comanied by a choir. Enter the singing com­petition, with the top three finalists perform­ing live on the main stage, or strut your stuff down Trundle’s main street in the Fashions of the Festival catwalk competition.

The festival features a stellar live music lineup, including the legendary Handpicked band featuring Orange’s most prominent rock musicians, plus local crowd-favourites and rising stars Easy Goin’ and Dirty Dark Horses – get down and giddy up!The 2026 ABBA Festival kicks off on 2 May at 11am and finishes up at 8pm. Festi­val goers are then encouraged to continue the festivities by enjoying entertainment provided by the Trundle Services Club who will have a cracking band and also the Trun­dle Hotel.

Tickets are now on sale so head to the website for information www.trundleabbaf­estival.com.au

School Is Back – Remember Road Safety

by

The new school year has resumed for thou­sands of local students in Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils are reminding local drivers and parents about children’s safety around schools.

The Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said that road crashes account for over half of all accidental deaths among children aged 5-14 years old.

“Children are vulnerable road users. They are at risk in the traffic environment because of their size, their inability to judge speed and distance, as well as the fact that they may behave unpredictably.”

“Drivers are reminded to slow down, pay extra attention and be patient when schoolresumes as there are more cars, buses and cyclists on the road and young pedestrians crossing the streets. Over the long summer break it is easy to forget just how busy and congested the streets around schools can get.”

Obey the parking signs around schools.

They are there to keep children safe. There are 40km/h school speed zones around all schools in NSW. Most school zones are operational between 8am – 9.30am and 2.30pm – 4pm on school days, when the lights are flashing.

Advanced Warning Signs Rolled Out At Rail Level Crossings

by

Wandary Road advance warning signage.

New advanced warning signs have been installed at rail level crossings aimed at improving road safety. The new signage is designed to reduce the risk of collisions and near misses at level crossings by in­creasing motorist awareness.

The upgraded signage can now be seen at key approaches, including Wandary Lane, Herbert Street and several other lo­cations across the Forbes Shire.

Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said, “Safety is our top priority. These new warning signs are a simple but effective way to protect drivers at rail crossings. We encourage everyone to stay alert and take extra care when approaching these areas.”

Back To School: Don’t Forget Their Eyes

by

As families prepare for the new school year, many parents work through the usual checklist: new shoes, new pencils, sticking labels on everything. But there’s one important item that’s often over­looked: an eye test.

Children’s vision plays a crucial role in learning, behaviour and confidence at school. Yet many kids don’t realise they have a vision problem. To them, the way they see the world is “normal,” even if the board is blurry or reading is uncom­fortable. That’s why parents need to be strong advocates for their children’s eye care.

More children are becoming shortsighted than ever before. Compared to previous generations, today’s kids spend far more time doing close work, particular digital devices and far less time outdoors. This shift is contributing to a rise in vision problems at younger ages.

Undetected vision issues can quietly affect a child’s ability to concentrate, read, follow instructions and participate confidently in the classroom. They can also impact behaviour, as children who struggle to see may become frustrated, tired or disengaged. Often, these prob­lems aren’t obvious, and it takes more than a parent’s keen eye to pick them up.

The good news is that early detec­tion makes a real difference. Identifying vision problems early allows for timely treatment and better long-term out­comes, particularly as a child’s eyes are still developing.

We recommend a comprehensive eye test before starting kindergarten, and then every two years throughout school or sooner if concerns arise. As part of your back-to-school routine, adding an eye test to the checklist is a simple step that can have a lasting impact on your child’s learning and wellbeing. Book your child’s eye appointment on 6963 5577 or www.hansenoptom.com

Phoenix Office 7/113-127 Rankin Street, Forbes NSW 2871

Editor 0432 337 278
editor@forbesphoenix.com.au

Sales 0432 337 278
sales@forbesphoenix.com.au

View our Privacy Policy. View our Conflict Resolution Process. View our Ethics and Complaints Policy. Want to advertise with us? Information on our Community Promotions.

We are always looking for new articles of interest to the local community.

Please feel free to submit an article for possible inclusion in a future issue.

To submit an article, click here to use our online article submission form.

Subscribe

* indicates required