Forbes Phoenix

RAAF Roulettes Aerobatic Team At Parkes Airport

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Friday October 10th come along and see the RAAF Roulettes Aerobatic Team who will be at Parkes Airport from 11.15am and on arrival will practice their aerial routine for the performance at the Bathurst Car Races. They will depart around 3pm to do their display at Bathurst.

The Roulettes display will be best be viewed from the Terminal Car Park adja­cent to the Museum which will be open to all visitors.

Searching for a great place to take the kids to during the school holidays, why not take them to the Aviation Museum at Parkes Airport, located in a former RAAF hangar, where kids can sit in helicopters and aircraft and feel the experience of be­ing a pilot.

The Museum has a range of aircraft to view that range from a recently retired AP3-C Orion maritime reconnaissance air­craft to a replica Fokker Tri plane, the Red Baron from WW1.

The Museum will be open from 9.30am to 3.30pm on Friday and the remainder of the school holidays with admission cost of $30 for a family of 2 adults and 2 children and $5 for children under 16.

Plan Your Christmas Early With Buddy Boy Kitchen Parkes

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The calendar has a way of catching us off guard. One moment it is spring, and suddenly Christmas is here. At Buddy Boy Kitchen, we know how important it is to have a place ready for gathering, celebrating, and sharing meals.

That is why our Christmas Menu is available for groups of 15 or more, from 3 November to 20 December 2025. Whether it is colleagues toasting the end of a big year, or families coming to­gether before the holiday rush, our team makes planning simple and the celebrations effortless. Expect festive flavours, a warm atmosphere, and service designed to take the stress out of or­ganising. From Christmas ham and cured Salmon to filet mignon, pan-roasted turkey, and Christmas pudding.

A festive gathering is about more than what arrives at the table.

It is the laughter that lingers between courses, the conversations sparked over a glass of wine, and the small details that make a night feel unforgettable. At Buddy Boy Kitchen, we create the set­ting, you bring the people, and together the evening becomes a story worth remembering.

If you’re not ready to celebrate Christmas yet, we are also open for breakfast from 6:30am and dinner from 5:30pm, Monday to Sat­urday. Our restaurant serves Happy Hour everyday from 4:30pm to 6:00pm, there is no better way to raise a glass before a Christ­mas feast.

Do not wait until the calendar fills. Organise your festive gather­ing now. Christmas Menu bookings and details at buddyboykitch­en.com.au/christmas-functions-2025 or call 02 6862 5222.

The Little House

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On the way to work there is a little house. It sits off the side of the road, old brick chim­ney, nestled into the side of the house. It’s framed by large gum trees, glimmering in simple, understated beauty.

The kids are usually in the car, I point to it and tell them a story about who might have lived there, what life might have been like for them, it keeps them entertained for 5 minutes without an iPad so it’s a win.

Today, I drove by it alone, and I think about the woman who would have swept its floors every day, planted irises along the front, and cleaned out the fireplace. The stories it would hold.

Stories of a family sharing a bed, cud­dling to keep warm on a frosty morning. Of laughter, hot soup and tales being told be­side the glow of a fire.

The kids that grew up there wouldn’t have remembered if Mum rinsed the dishes or kept a clutter free house. But, they would remember her putting down the broom every now and then, running around out­side with them, peals of laughter echoing through the trees, making the gum leaves dance and glimmer with joy.

And so I drive home, ignore the dish­es, grab my boys and tickle them on the lounge, soaking up every laugh, smile and the sounds of their little voices. I ignore the ping of a new email coming in, the agitated beep of the washing machine’s completed cycle. And I think of the little house and its gum trees; smiling, nodding at me.

Bookings are now open for Kerin Health Mother’s Group, a place for new moth­ers and their babies to come together and share the adventure of Motherhood in a safe, supportive environment. To learn more, head to https://www.kerinhealth.com.au/mothers-group

What Do You Think About Inland Rail?

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Have you been keeping up with Inland Rail’s progress or would you like to know more about Australia’s largest infrastruc­ture project?Inland Rail Pty Ltd is constructing the Inland Rail project, a 1,600km freight line linking Melbourne to Brisbane via inland Australia. With a staged delivery approach, prioritising the construction between Bev­eridge, Vic, and Parkes. Regional NSW communities will continue to benefit from Inland Rail construction between now and 2027.

At Inland Rail, we need your feedback to make sure that what we say and do is meeting the needs and expectations of project communities. All we ask is 10 min­utes of your time to complete the survey at https://survey-au.yoursurveynow.com/sur­vey/selfserve/53b/2509241?list=0 Please complete this survey before Tuesday 7 Oc­tober 2025.

This survey is administered by independ­ent market research company, Veracity. All feedback is confidential with only summary responses reported to Inland Rail.

If you would like to complete the survey by phone, or if you have any questions re­garding this survey, or about Inland Rail in general, please call us on 1800 732 761 or visit inlandrail.info/learn-more for more information

Cash In On Clutter At The Garage Sale Trail

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Find out how a clear-out can give you more space, less stress, and even help the planet.

Following last year’s success, plenty of garage sales are expected across the Parkes Shire this November, as locals join over 400,000 Australians taking part in this year’s Garage Sale Trail – one of the country’s biggest second-hand shopping events.

Held over two weekends (8–9 and 15–16 November), the event sees thousands of garage sales pop up in streets, schools, front yards and community spaces around the country. Locals can host their own sale or join a market, taking part on one day or across both weekends.

Over 2,700 Parkes Shire residents par­ticipated in the two big weekends last No­vember extending the life of almost 8,500 pre-loved items.

“It’s a fun and meaningful way for locals to take climate action, meet their neigh­bours and make some extra cash,” said Parkes Shire Council’s Waste Manage­ment Coordinator, Sharyn Ware. “Garage Sale Trail makes it easy to give your stuff a second life – and keep it out of landfill.”

Registration is free and includes access to downloadable signs, how-to guides and promotion tools – making it easy to take part. Last year, the average seller made $499, proving that selling second hand is as good for the wallet as it is for the planet.

“There’s something for everyone – from designer fashion and retro homewares to kids’ toys, tools, plants and books,” said Sharyn.

NSW EPA Executive Director of Pro­grams and Innovation Alexandra Geddes said, “Garage Sale Trail is a fantastic cam­paign that supports the NSW Government’s target to reduce waste and illegal dumping.

“By taking part, you’ll be part of contribut­ing to a more circular economy by getting as much use out of products and materials as possible and helping us generate less waste.”

Participation is free thanks to the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and Parkes Shire Council. Register now at bit.ly/GarageSaleTrailParkesShire.

Nominations Open For 2026 Forbes Shire Australia Day Awards

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Image (L-R) – Councillor Aiden Clarke, Acting General Manager Richard Jane, Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM, 2025 Forbes Shire Citizen of the Year Maree Yapp, 2025 Australia Day Ambassador Ange Clarke, Councillor Brian Mattiske and Deputy Mayor Chris Roylance.

Do you know someone who goes above and beyond for our community? Now is the time to give them the recognition they deserve with nominations open for the Forbes Shire Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year Awards.

These prestigious awards celebrate locals who show a consistent record of excellence, have made outstanding achievements and contribute significantly to our community.

Forbes Shire Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM said the awards are an important way to shine a light on the people who make Forbes such a strong and vibrant commu­nity.

“Our community is full of people who go the extra mile. Whether it’s through vol­unteering, leadership, or simply lending a hand when it’s needed most. This is a won­derful opportunity to recognise the remark­able people around us. Nominating them is a simple but meaningful way to show your gratitude and celebrate their efforts,” the Mayor said.

The 2025 Forbes Shire Citizen of the Year, was Maree Yapp who received her award atthe 2025 Australia Day Gala Dinner. Ma­ree was recognised for her volunteer work supporting young families, championing the arts and environment.

Any resident is eligible for Citizen of the Year, while Young Citizen of the Year is open to residents aged 25 or younger. Anyone aged 65 years or older is eligible for Sen­ior Citizen of the Year. Nominations close Friday 16 January 2026. Nomination forms can be downloaded from Council’s website or collected from Forbes Shire Council’s of­fice at 2 Court Street, Forbes. Completed forms can be returned by email to communi­ty@forbes.nsw.gov.au or posted to PO Box 333, Forbes NSW 2871. Award winners will be chosen by a judging panel made up of community representatives and announced at the 2026 Australia Day celebrations in Forbes.

Special Thanks To Parkes College For Seniors

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Jenny McLeod, Parkes and Forbes McDonalds Fran­chisee owner and Board Member Ronald McDonald House Central West, Geoff Rice, Board Member Ronald McDonald House Central West and Rebecca Walsh, Executive Officer Ronald McDonald House Central West.

The Parkes College for Seniors generous­ly donated a collection of knitted items for Ronald McDonald House Charities Central West. Ronald McDonald House Central West has been receiving support from the Parkes College for Seniors Group for many years knitting items for our families such as blankets, teddys, booties and beanies. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of Ronald McDonald House Central West the Group created dolls of Ronald McDonald, Gri­mace, Hamburglar and Birdie the Early Bird.

You can bid on an item even if you are not able to go to the Ball. Follow link to bid htt­ps://galabid.com/orange2025

Four Days Of Double Demerits

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Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Mitchell Gage.

Motorists are being reminded that double demerit points will be in place over the Oc­tober long weekend with police targeting speed, seatbelts, illegal mobile phone use and motorcyclists not wearing helmets.

Double demerit points will be in force for four days commencing on Friday 3 Octo­ber 2025 and ending on Monday 6 October 2025 (inclusive).Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant Mitch­ell Gage said there will be more police on the road which means a greater chance of drivers being caught if they are doing the wrong thing.

“Double demerits were implemented 20 years ago, in a bid to encourage drivers to obey road rules during busy traffic peri­ods. They occur on select holiday periods and long weekends and have proven to be an effective deterrent. Statistics show that there’s a 30% reduction in casualty crash­es when double demerit points are opera­tional.

“No-one wants to get a fine, lose their li­cence or worse still be involved in a crash.

So, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to travel, don’t speed, drive to the con­ditions, wear your seatbelt, avoid distrac­tions, make sure you’re well rested and if you’ve been drinking or have taken drugs – don’t drive” Sergeant Gage said.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Coun­cils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor said “During dou­ble demerit point periods the penalties for breaking the road rules are Severe” and is encouraging all road users to stay safe this October long weekend.

Be Part Of The Magic Of Street Dreams

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The Forbes Youth Action Team getting ready for the Neon Street Dreams Festival.

Forbes’ newest event, Street Dreams is shaping up to be a hands-on night of crea­tivity, culture and connection. On Saturday 27 September from 5pm to 9pm, Victoria Park will come alive with light, art, perfor­mance, and interactive activities designed for all ages. Step into a glowing wonderland of larger-than-life flowers, birds, bees, but­terflies and dazzling garden archways.

A special feature of the event is that at­tendees can fully immerse themselves in a range of creative experiences, including; drumming workshops, lino printmaking, lan­tern making workshop, facepainting, hair braiding, photobooth, silent disco, short films, roving entertainment by CirqueUm Navigate, school-led imaginative displays by students from Forbes North, Forbes Pub­lic and Forbes High School and an outdoor youth art exhibition featuring artworks by lo­cal youth.

Alongside these interactive activities, the festival precinct will feature market stalls, food vendors and live entertainment, mak­ing it a vibrant community celebration for locals and visitors alike.

The Street Dreams Festival is the first of a three-year series that aims to strengthen social connection, support local creatives, and enhance the vibrancy of the Forbes community through inclusive, accessible arts programming.

Street Dreams Festival is proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Open Streets Program, led by Transport for NSW. Coun­cil was successful in receiving $108,550 through the program, enabling the event to be delivered over the next three years.

The initiative is designed to reimagine pub­lic streets as lively, welcoming spaces that support local businesses and community connection.

Choose Clear Choice Septic Maintenance

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Born and raised in Yorkshire UK, Dave Rees now calls Forbes home after mar­rying a local girl. Three months ago Dave branched out and started his own business, Clear Choice Septic Maintenance.

What is a septic tank? A septic tank is an underground chamber made of concrete, fiberglass, or plastic through which domes­tic wastewater flows for basic sewage treat­ment.

After seeing so many septic tanks that in his opinion were being under-serviced, Dave decided to offer a premium service at a reasonable price.

Clear Choice Septic Maintenance offers a full septic tank service including air blow­er, all fixtures and fittings, with the ability to fit major components on the day should they need immediate replacement. Dave can also lodge the full system reports to the local council, saving his clients the hassle of having to do it themselves.

Dave prides himself on building relation­ships with his clients, and also offers a “training day” to occupants of homes with a septic tank who may not know the “do’s and don’ts” of having a septic tank.

Don’t delay, if you have a septic tank, call Dave today on 0431 005 180 and book in a service before any major issues occur.

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

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