General Interest Archives - Page 10 of 326

Get Ready, Get Set, And Dance At The 2026 Trundle Abba Festival

April 30, 2026 by Roxane Manley

The Trundle ABBA Festival is back, on Saturday May 2nd, and the buzz has been building in Trundle, the program is locked in, final details are being ticked off, and preparations are in full swing. Today (Friday May 1st), the main street will be closed and transformed into a glittering festival space.

Locals and organisers alike are pitching in – decorating, coordinating logistics, and getting their best flared outfits ready. It’s a mix of excitement, last-minute hustle, and plenty of sparkle.

Expect a sea of smiles and a whole lot of sparkle. The entire festival takes over Trundle’s main street, complete with a big stage, food vans, and a lively, welcoming atmosphere. This year’s lineup is exceptional, featuring a blend of local favourites, emerging talent, and the international ABBA tribute band ABBASBACK performing their full show with choir. It’s energetic, colourful, and a joyful escape from the everyday.

The festival is held along Forbes Street, from the hotel corner on Parkes Street through to Hutton Street. Parking is available on surrounding streets, but to make things easier, consider catching a bus from Parkes or Forbes via Western Roadliners.

A few tips: bring a chair, wear comfortable shoes and get involved.

Yes, tickets are available at the gate, but it’s best to buy online if you can – prices increase from $65 online to $80 at the gate and pre-purchased tickets mean faster entry. Grab your tickets https://trundleabbafestival.123tix.com.au/events

Handmade For Mum

April 30, 2026 by Lorraine Everest

Last minute gift ideas for Mother’s Day.

Are you looking to buy a small home created gift for your mum this Mother’s Day? You will be able to do just that on Saturday 2 May from the Forbes Evening Branch of CWA (FEBCWA) Mother’s Day Stall in the CBD of our Forbes Community.

Members of the FEBCWA will be creating beautiful items for you to browse and purchase. There will also be tickets available for three Mother’s Day Pampering Parcels with the lucky winners being drawn on Thursday 7 May.

The contents of the pampering pack prizes have been donated and presented by the Members of the FEBCWA. The first pampering pack will contain a hand created lap quilt, while the second contains a $50 gift voucher (to be spent in Forbes) and the third contains pampering treat similar to packs 1 & 2.

Forbes Evening Branch would also like to thank all members of the community and local businesses who supported our Christmas Raffle, especially Cahills for multiple vouchers, Serendipity Studio for the donated piece of pottery, and Spok Wooldridge for his artwork. A total of 18 prizes were drawn, with all winners receiving their surprises prior to Christmas.

By Lorraine Everest Publicity Officer, FEBCWA

Llew O’Brien MP Appointed Shadow Special Envoy For Men And Boys

April 30, 2026 by Roxane Manley

The Coalition is committed to addressing the unique issues facing men, boys and fathers, and is pleased to announce the appointment of MP Llew O’Brien as Shadow Special Envoy for Men and Boys.

Mr O’Brien said the new position was a privilege, enabling Australian men to overcome entrenched disadvantages and new and emerging challenges where men and boys are falling behind.

The announcement comes after The Nationals recently hosted a Men, Boys and Dads Forum to address the issues that are often overlooked.

Leader of The Nationals Matt Canavan said men and boys were facing real challenges in all aspects of life, such as health, family law, education and the workforce, but too often these issues go unaddressed in the public debate.

“There are issues across all areas and all ages – men’s health doesn’t discriminate.

“It is vital men and boys can access the services they need.

“This is why the Coalition appointed Llew O’Brien as the Shadow Special Envoy for Men and Boys. Llew will be tasked with developing a comprehensive approach that ensures that our brothers, sons and dads are not left behind.”

Help Your Community By Joining Vra Rescue Nsw

April 30, 2026 by Roxane Manley

See yourself in Green? VRA Rescue NSW is recruiting volunteers for squads in western NSW and a State Rescue Group.

VRA Rescue NSW State Rescue Team – western, celebrated its first birthday in February with some great achievements along the way. Members have worked hard to complete many skills that now see 14 members with State rescue Board accreditation as General land rescue operators and there are seven more in training.

Now is your chance to join this amazing team. VRA Rescue NSW is currently recruiting across western NSW in an effort to recruit Volunteers for Squads in the western area as well as a State Rescue Group.

VRA Rescue NSW is a leading volunteer-based organisation dedicated to providing emergency rescue services throughout New South Wales 24/7/365. The State Rescue Group consists of multi-skilled Volunteers from communities across NSW western area.

Formerly known as the NSW Volunteer Rescue Association, VRA Rescue plays a vital role in emergency management and response.

Focusing on community safety and support, VRA plays a crucial role in emergency management and response in the region.

Composed of volunteer members who dedicate their time and skills to assist the community in times of need. They offer a diverse range of rescue services, including motor vehicle accidents, maritime incidents, wilderness and cave searches, and more.

If you have ever thought about giving back to your community, learning real rescue skills, and being part of an awesome team, now is your chance. Full training is provided and no experience is needed.

People of ages 18 and over are welcome.

It doesn’t matter whether you are keen to get hands on or want to help behind the scenes, there is a role for you.

If you live in the western area and you are interested in finding out about becoming a volunteer then you can place an expression of interest by visiting the VRA website www.rescue.org.au

Stop Illegal Dumping

April 30, 2026 by Roxane Manley

If you see illegal dumping report it immediately.

Forbes Shire Council is urging the community to help curb illegal dumping after receiving 50 reports in 2025, costing ratepayers more than $8,000 for cleanup and disposal.

Last year, illegally dumped waste around the Forbes Shire included tyres, household waste, furniture, animal carcasses, green waste and even asbestos. These materials not only harm the environment but also divert valuable Council resources away from other important community services.

As part of a new campaign to help stamp out illegal dumping across the Shire, Council will install four CCTV cameras in known hotspots to help monitor and deter illegal dumping. Council Rangers investigate every report of illegal dumping. This often requires Rangers to sift through the dumped rubbish by hand to find any identifying information that may help locate the person responsible.

In instances where the person responsible is identified, Council prefers that they clean up the waste themselves and an official warning will be issued. When offenders are uncooperative, Rangers will issue fines or issue them with an invoice for the cost of cleanup and disposal.

Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM is urging residents to remain vigilant. Residents can report illegal dumping by contacting Forbes Shire Council or lodging a report through the NSW Environmental Protection Authority’s (EPA) Report Illegal Dumping online platform.

Forbes Shire residents have access to a wide range of recycling, reuse and disposal services through the Forbes Recycling and Waste Depot (FRWD) located at Lot 1 Calarie, Daroobalgie Road, open 7 days from 8.30am to 5pm.

For more information visit www.forbes.nsw.gov.au or contact Forbes Shire Council on (02) 6850 2300.

Forbes Garden Club Report

April 30, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Forbes Garden Club recently held a meeting at the Riverside Community Gardens.

President Marg Dent welcomed 38 members with eight apologies. In general business, it was suggested that the club donate $200 to the Forbes Show as this year which will be its 150th year – all members were in agreement.

Marg thanked Gail Irvine for allowing us to hold our meeting at the gardens and donating raffle prizes for the day. Gail extended an invitation to hold future meetings at the Riverside Community Gardens.

Diane Buckman then spoke on the history of the gardens. Originally owned by the Forestry Commission Department, the area was rezoned, allowing council to purchase it. A small band of volunteers formed a committee and by 2012, individual plots were started and developed into a meeting of like-minded gardeners growing their vegetables and meeting socially.

We had the largest display of flower of the month with Marie Langfield first with a Rose. Equal second went to Elvy Quirk with a Dahlia and John Browne with a Boganvillea and Pam Baass with a Bromeliad. Equal third went to Anne Reade with a Rose, Joy Hocking with a Salvia and Marion Murray with a Nerine. The raffle winners were first Jennifer Purdie, second Colleen Liebich and third Lorraine Everest.

Sometimes We Forget That Rest Matters Too

April 30, 2026 by Rachel Kerin

I made an impractical decision as a farmer’s wife. But I am too far in to let him know that he was right and I was wrong.

I bought a gorgeous outdoor furniture set for our verandah, with cream white cushions.

“How do you think that will stay clean?” he asked, eyeing it off as it arrived.

And so it began.

My ongoing mission to prove him wrong.

The work dogs would take full advantage of not being tied up at night, and I’d find them curled up there in the morning, their black bodies a stark contrast against the cream cushions.

But there was one kelpie I felt had earned the right to a little luxury.

Pete. He was retired, and my favourite.

He could shoot around a mob of sheep at record speed, then stand quietly while my baby sprawled all over him, using his back as a cushion.

He’d mustered goats in Queensland. Burnt his paws on hot ground moving thirsty stock closer to water. Found lambs alone

and hungry beside a creek bed. Taught pup after pup how to work. Then shared his kennel with them at night to keep them warm.

And so, I let him have his warm patch of sun on my outdoor lounge.

To sleepily gaze over hills he knew well.

The white dots of sheep he’d moved up the laneway.

The glimmer of dams he’d swum in at the end of a hot day.

At sunset, I’d often walk past the window and see a tired farmer and his trusty dog sitting together, on the outdoor lounge.

A hand gently stroking a soft ear. An easy silence.

A decade of shared moments between them.

A fading pink sky stretched above them.

Deep green hills before them.

And cushions, that used to be cream white, beneath them.

And I think there’s something in that for us too.

We are very good at admiring hard work.

Especially in the country.

We respect grit.

We notice endurance.

We get on with it.

But sometimes we forget that rest matters too.

Not because all the work is done.

But because bodies need it. Minds need it.

Hearts need it.

Sometimes health looks like movement.

Sometimes it looks like strength.

And sometimes it looks like sitting on the verandah at sunset, beside someone who knows the road you’ve walked.

And so I am learning that;Maybe wellbeing isn’t always found in doing more.

Maybe sometimes it’s found in the pause.

Let’s make room for that kind of health too.

The kind that knows real rest is not laziness,It’s part of being well.

I hope you find a moment this weekend to sit, and just be.

By Rachel Kerin

Old Girls Nursing Provide Personalised In-home Support

April 30, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Pictured in pink are Elita Coughlan and Dayle Penny from Old Girls Nursing.

Old Girls Nursing aims to provide dedicated in-home nursing and support specifically for rural clients, with a mission to deliver high quality care through a team of highly trained, professional staff.

The business was started in April 2025, by Registered Nurse Dayle Penny. Based in Eugowra, this venture began after hearing many concerns throughout the region regarding the lack of available support services.

Dayle Penny is a registered nurse of twenty years; with the bulk of her nursing completed in residential aged care/nursing homes. Aged care is a specialised field of nursing and Dayle is extremely compassionate to the elderly.

“As a small business, we truly feel that we can make a positive impact by providing dedicated and personalised support.

We are committed to ensuring our clients receive the professional support, assistance and care the need, within the comfort of their own home,” said Dayle.

Elita Coughlan has worked in the aged care and NDIS sector for only a few years but finds it extremely rewarding.

“Aged care, NDIS and mental health support has been a very rewarding career choice emotionally. We have absolutely amazing clients and I love being able to help people as a job,” said Elita.

Old Girl Nursing services include medication management, complex clinical care, wound care, diabetes management, and support for those living with dementia, age related illnesses, behavioral challenges and mental health conditions.

They also provide respite care, giving families and carers peace of mind while ensuring their loved ones receive atten

tive, high-quality support and care. Support services extend to transport to and from appointments or social outings, domestic assistance, and personal care such as showering and toiletingContact Old Girls Nursing to discuss how they can help you. Call Dayle Penny RN 0425 411 122, Elita Coughlan 0423 910 011 or email oldgirlsnursing@gmail.com

Four Days Of Double Demerits This Anzac Day Long Weekend

April 23, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Double demerit points will be in place for four days this ANZAC Day long weekend.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, is encouraging people to drive safely and take care on the roads.

“Double demerit points will be in place for all speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences between Friday 24 April and Monday 27 April 2026 inclusive.

“This will be a busy period on local roads.

The increase in traffic leads to an increased risk of crashes occurring. We all have a part to play in keeping the roads safe.

“Watch your speed, drive to conditions, limit distractions in the car, ensure you and your passengers are wearing their seatbelt and don’t drive if you have been drinking or consuming drugs.

“Pay attention to your fatigue levels, plan your trip and if you are experiencing any of the early warning signs (tired eyes, yawning, poor concentration) stop and have a break,” Ms Suitor said.

Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Mitchell Gage is reminding drivers that there will be extra Police in the area over the four days.

“Police will be focusing on the fatal five – speeding, drink and drug driving, fatigue, mobile phones and seatbelts.

“People may think that a crash is never going to happen to them – but the statistics tell a different story. Driving is one of the most dangerous things that we do every day.

“Please take care on the roads, we want everyone to make it home safely,” Sergeant Gage said.

Forbes Marks Anzac Day With Services And Special Town Hall Tribute

April 23, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Forbes will come together this ANZAC Day to honour the service and sacrifice of Australia’s servicemen and women, with traditional commemorative services and a striking week‐long illumination projected onto the historic Forbes Town Hall.

ANZAC Day Services Residents and visitors are warmly invited to attend and take part in the commemoration events on Saturday 25 April.

Dawn Service

• 5.15am – Assemble at Club Forbes

• 5.20am – March to the Victoria Park Cenotaph, Harold Street

• 5.30am – Dawn Service commences

Mid‐Morning March and Service

• 10.15am – Assemble in Cross Street

• 10.30am – March commences

• Approx. 10.45am – Service and wreath laying at Victoria Park Cenotaph

• Approx. 11.30am – Service concludes

Lest We Forget Illuminations

Complementing the ANZAC Day services, the historic Forbes Town Hall will become a powerful symbol of remembrance through the Lest We Forget Illuminations, become a glowing tribute to our region’s servicemen and women this ANZAC Day, with a week‐long illumination project celebrating their stories and sacrifices.

Thanks to funding through the Australian Government’s 2025-26 Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program, Forbes Shire Council will deliver a moving night time projection honouring those who have served. The Town Hall façade will is illuminated with evocative ANZAC imagery and veterans from the Forbes community.

The illuminations will incorporate elements inspired by the RSL’s nightly ode, alongside symbolic visuals such as poppies and specially curated commemorative artwork. Council has worked closely with community groups, the Forbes Museum, the RSL Sub‐Branch and Club Forbes to curate the visuals featured in the illumination.

The display is complemented with music and broadcast on local radio, allowing residents to tune in for the complete experience.

Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said, “Honouring our ANZACs is not only an act of remembrance, but a commitment to preserving the stories that shaped our community.”

For more information about the ANZAC Day services and Lest We Forget Illuminations, visit www.forbes.nsw.gov.au or follow @ForbesShireCouncil for updates.

Subscribe