The Forbes community is invited to come together on Wednesday 25 November 2026 for the annual White Ribbon Day event, raising awareness and showing support for ending violence against women.

Observed on November 25 each year, White Ribbon Day is a national day of action, aimed at raising awareness and preventing violence against women and girls.

Member of the Forbes Domestic & Family Violence Committee, Sally Nayda said the statistics remain confronting.

“In Australia, every seven days, a woman is killed by her current or former partner.

One in four women have experienced violence by an intimate partner since the age of 15, and one in two women have experienced sexual harassment since the age of 15.

“Whether it’s challenging disrespectful behaviour, speaking up when something isn’t right, supporting someone who may be experiencing violence, or modelling respectful relationships – we all have a role to play,” Ms Nayda added.

The day will begin with a community march through the CBD, assembling at 9.45am 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, providing valuable information and connections for attendees.

Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said this year’s theme, Gender Equality and the Role We Play, is about empowering individuals to help influence the people, relationships and communities around us.

“Sexist jokes, rigid gender expectations, disrespect, controlling behaviours and the dismissal of women’s experiences can all contribute to a culture in which violence is more likely to occur.”

“Creating change starts with recognising these behaviours and challenging them when we see them. By promoting respect, inclusion and equality.”

G’day,

Regional communities are built on the hard work of small business owners, farmers, primary producers and families who contribute so much to the strength and prosperity of our local area. In recent months, my advocacy in Parliament has focused on ensuring the voices of regional people are heard and that government decisions do not unfairly disadvantage those living and working outside metropolitan centres.

I recently stood alongside family-run licensed firearms dealers whose businesses have been severely impacted by recent fiream,s reforms. These are legitimate, law-abiding small businesses that have invested years of hard work and significant personal resources into serving their communities. Many have suffered substantial financial losses following reforms that were introduced with inadequate consultation, and some are now questioning the future viability of their businesses. I have called on the Government to provide fair support for those adversely affected and to ensure regional businesses are not left carrying the burden of poorly implemented policy changes.

At the same time, I have continued advocating for farmers, orchardists, vineyard owners and other primary producers who are facing growing regulatory and financial pressures. I have raised concerns in Parliament about uncertainty surrounding land tax exemptions for producers who diversify their operations through cellar doors, farm-gate sales and other value-adding activities. Farmers should be encouraged, not penalised, for finding innovative ways to keep their businesses sustainable.

I have also highlighted issues affecting regional landholders, including pest management regulations, delays in kangaroo management permits, rising water compliance costs, the impact of energy infrastructure developments on productive farmland and the increasing burden of bureaucracy on family farming operations. Regional communities need practical, common-sense policies that recognise the realities of operating a business, running a farm and raising a family in country New South Wales.

Another issue that demands continued attention is the scourge of domestic and family violence. Following a number of tragic domestic violence-related deaths, I have used my time in Parliament to advocate for stronger legal consequences for the most serious offences. This includes proposing the Crimes Amendment (Mandatory Life Sentences) Bill 2026, which would provide for mandatory life imprisonment without parole in carefully defined circumstances involving murders committed in the context of domestic and family violence.

The proposal was inspired in part by the tragic death of Molly Ticehurst from Forbes, whose murder sparked serious community discussion about whether current laws adequately protect victims and appropriately hold offenders to account. My position is simple: where an offender is already subject to bail conditions or an apprehended violence order designed to protect a victim, deliberately breaches those protections and then takes a life, the strongest penalties available under law should apply.

While tougher penalties are one part of the response, preventing domestic and family violence also requires investment in victim support services, early intervention programs, community education and effective justice system responses. Every victim deserves protection, every family deserves justice, and every preventable tragedy demands action.

Whether advocating for small businesses, supporting our farming communities or pushing for stronger protections for victims of domestic and family violence, my focus remains the same: standing up for regional communities, delivering practical outcomes and ensuring country voices are heard in Parliament.

Cheers Phil

 

Forbes Shire Council has reaffirmed its confidence in the leadership team, reelecting unopposed Councillor Phyllis Miller OAM as Mayor and Councillor Chris Roylance as Deputy Mayor at its September 2026 Council Meeting.

Mayor Phyllis Miller said she was honoured to continue serving the community and expressed her appreciation for the support of fellow councillors, staff and residents.

“In my 31 years on Forbes Shire Council, this is one of the best teams I have ever worked with,” the Mayor said.

“Our staff have never been better, and the culture has never been healthier. That makes our job so much easier.

“I would like to thank the Forbes community for its ongoing support and advice.

Community input is invaluable in helping Council make decisions that benefit the entire Shire.

“Congratulations to Cr Roylance on his re-election as Deputy Mayor. I am very grateful for your support and look forward to continuing to work together for the benefit of our community.”

Deputy Mayor Chris Roylance thanked his fellow councillors for their confidence and said he was excited about the opportunities ahead for Forbes.

“Thank you, Councillors, for your vote of confidence,” Cr Roylance said. “I enjoy working with you every day, and I am looking forward to a bright future for Forbes.”

The re-election ensures continuity in Council’s leadership, with Cr Miller serving until September 2028 and Cr Roylance serving a one-year term as Deputy Mayor.

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

Federal Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey MP has announced that 42 organisations in the electorate of Parkes have been successful in their applications for a 202526 Volunteer Grant.

Mr Chaffey said the grants were spread across the 400,000 sq km electorate and would benefit groups as diverse as show societies, football clubs, event organisations and Scouts.

“I’m pleased to announce that a total of $62,966 in 2025-26 Volunteer Grants has been awarded to 42 organisations across the electorate,” Mr Chaffey said.

“The Volunteer Grants support the work of community organisations that rely on volunteers – and we know there are many of them in the communities that make up the electorate of Parkes. So many people give their time, their talents and their resources to make regional communities wonderful places to live.

“There was strong interest in this program, and the results show just how motivated and determined our not-for-profit groups are to provide activities and services. It is inspiring to see these groups so engaged in their own communities and beyond.

“I congratulate all the successful applicants and look forward to seeing the funding put to use in the Parkes electorate.”

Grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 are available each year through the Volunteer Grants program. Grants can be used to purchase communication or insurance items and/or purchase items for the main purpose of supporting volunteer cohorts and volunteer-run activities.

Organisations were nominated by Mr Chaffey and applied through the Australian Government following an expression of interest process.

The successful 2025-26 Volunteer Grants Round applicants in the Forbes and Parkes Shire areas included:

• Bedgerabong Tennis Club – $1,200

• Forbes District Cricket Association Inc $1,000

• Galari River Arts Forbes Inc – $1,600

• Parkes QUE Club – $1,800

• Parkes School of Dance Inc – $1,200

• Parkes Little Athletics Centre Inc$1,200