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Forbes Phoenix

Beauty & Soles

November 13, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Owner and operator of Beauty & Soles in Forbes, Cath­erine Maloney.

Catherine Maloney is a Forbes local, born and raised. She worked in a local salon for 13 years before moving on. Catherine, who was trained at Eleebana Beauty Academy, in Canberra and has over 35,000 hours ex­perience in her trade, is now the owner of Beauty & Soles located in Forbes.

Beauty & Soles specialise in advanced pedicures, all things nails, brows and lash­es. Catherine is constantly updating her skills and takes great pride in delivering high-quality services.

The services at Beauty & Soles are adapt­ed to each client’s uniqueness to guarantee a perfect outcome every time.

“I pride myself on attention to detail and providing high-quality services for very rea­sonable prices. I endeavour to find a solu­tion to every problem and include Home Care advice as prevention is better than a cure,” said Catherine.

Catherine uses and sells high-quality medical grade products, including Foot­logix, Young Nails, Madame Glam, Born Pretty, V Lash, Brow code, Boo Beauty and HD Brows.

Beauty & Soles provides services to both men and women with a quiet, private space. “I also have a nursing background, and when combined with my beauty train­ing I believe I offer a very unique range of beauty/health treatments that are all adapt­able to ensure the clients needs are met.”

“My advanced pedicures use high qual­ity, medical grade products, it’s more than a beauty treatment – my pedi’s also ensure foot health, lots of home care tips and edu­cating the client on how to care for their feet between appointments,” said Catherine.

You can find and follow Beauty & Soles on Facebook and Instagram, contact Cath­erine via Messenger or call 0457 125 146.

Topsoil Organics Wins Top Honours Again

November 6, 2025 by Roxane Manley

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.

Sam Parish Announced As Finalist For 2026 Ras Rural Achiever Award

November 6, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Forbes local Sam Parish.

The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) has named its 2026 RAS Rural Achiever Award finalists, celebrating eight young agricultural leaders who will now go on to participate in a life-changing develop­ment program at the 2026 Sydney Royal Easter Show.

Held each year at Australia’s largest ag­ricultural show, the RAS Rural Achiever Award consists of an eight-day personal and professional development program that takes young leaders behind the scenes of the iconic event, providing vari­ous hands-on opportunities and network­ing with leaders from across the Australian agriculture industry.

Finalists are judged on their conduct throughout the program, and a winner is selected to represent NSW at the National Rural Ambassador program.

Among the future leaders being recog­nised is Sam Parish who is a passionate agribusiness professional based in Forbes, NSW. As a Project Support Officer with Wise Repro, Sam brings a strong back­ground in cattle genetics, reproduction, and rural enterprise development.

He plays a key role in advancing inno­vative agricultural services across Aus­tralia and connecting producers with prac­tical solutions and emerging technologies.

Through podcasting and a wide range of media, Sam actively promotes the value and diversity of agriculture globally. Deeply involved in local initiatives such as Forbes Rugby, agricultural shows, and charity events, he strives to strengthen the link be­tween the general population and the peo­ple, places, and possibilities of agriculture.

RAS Rural Achiever Program Councillor in Charge, Yvette McKenzie, congratulated this year’s finalists and said the program is a fantastic way for finalists to expand their networks.

“Our RAS Rural Achiever Award final­ists represent eight young leaders who are passionate about agriculture, rural and regional NSW, and the agricultural show movement, and who wish to become am­bassadors and a voice for our industry.”

“I look forward to watching this year’s fi­nalists grow and thrive through this experi­ence,” shared McKenzie.

Applications Open For Forbes Community Funding Program

November 6, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Calarie Hall Recreation Reserve Chairperson, Bill Holmes testing out the new zero-turn mower.

Are you ready to bring your community pro­ject to life? Applications are now open for Round 2 of the 2025/26 Forbes Shire Com­munity Funding Program.

Grants of up to $5,000 are available to support projects in sport and recreation, cul­ture and the arts, community services, and rural village enhancement.

The Calarie Hall Recreation Reserve Trust was one of the successful applicants in last year’s program, with the grant cover­ing half the cost of a new zero-turn mower.

“Our old mower was constantly in need of repairs, which was costly. The new Ferris mower is much faster on our large grounds, saving our volunteers significant time while providing a more even cut,” Calarie Hall Recreation Reserve Chairperson, Bill Hol­mes said.

Applications for this round close 31 Janu­ary 2026. Groups requiring assistance with their application can book an appointment with Council staff by calling 6850 2300 or emailing community@forbes.nsw.gov.au.

For more information and to apply, visit: www.forbes.nsw.gov.au.

Genuine Conversations About Mental Health

November 6, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Mental health and suicide prevention charity Talk2MeBro will host another of its regular Ladies Catchups in Forbes at the Ski Dam, this Sunday, 9 November, from 7:30am. The Ladies Catchups are cas­ual gatherings specifically designed to bring women together to re­connect with themselves, share, and build meaningful connections.

This Sunday’s Ladies Catchup provides mental health support through relaxed conversation, breathwork exercises, ice bath ex­periences, and authentic connection in a safe, non-judgmental en­vironment. All elements of the session are optional. Participants can do as much or as little as they feel comfortable with.

This gathering offers an opportunity for any women seeking stress relief, wanting to try new wellness practices, or simply looking to connect with other like-minded women in Forbes.

Women from all walks of life are welcome, whether attending alone or with family members. Register at talk2mebro.org.au

Clean Up Australia Day Registrations Are Now Open

November 6, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Clean Up Australia Day returns on Sunday 1 March 2026, and we’re calling on indi­viduals, families, schools, and community groups across the country to register now and get in on the action to be part of Aus­tralia’s largest environmental movement.

Since its inception, over 23 million vol­unteers have joined the Clean Up effort.

In 2025, over 800,000 people volunteered across 8,000 events nationally during the Clean Up Australia Day campaign period.

Registrations for Clean Up Australia Day 2026 are now open. Volunteers can receive a free Clean Up kit, containing gloves, bags and other resources, with packs for indi­viduals, families, community groups and schools available (businesses are asked to pay a small fee to cover costs).As an added bonus, if you register your Clean Up Australia Day event before 31 December, you will automatically be en­tered into an early bird competition to win one of five donated $500 Coles vouchers.

Terms and conditions apply.

With Business Clean Up Day on Tuesday February 24, 2026 and Schools Clean Up Day on Friday February 27, 2026.

Register now at cleanup.org.au for Clean Up Australia Day March 1, 2026

Forbes Ski Dam Nature Playground Expansion Ready For Play

November 6, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The new play equipment and 3 metre picnic table at Forbes Lake Ski Dam.

Completed just in time for summer, the expanded Lake Forbes Ski Dam Nature Playground is now open and ready to explore.

Forbes Shire Council invites the community to come along and celebrate the completion of this exciting project, which has trans­formed one of Forbes’ favourite recreation spots into an even more engaging and family-friendly destination.

The project included drainage improvements, installation of new play equipment and bark chip soft fall, refurbishment of existing equipment, new seating, and landscaping.

The space now offers more fun, age-appropriate play experi­ences for young children and is expected to attract more families and visitors to enjoy the Ski Dam and its surrounds.

Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said the project is another great exam­ple of investing in spaces that enhance liveability and community wellbeing.

“The Ski Dam is such a special place for our community – a spot where families gather, children play, and visitors enjoy the outdoors,” the Mayor said.

“This expansion has made it even better, offering more ways for everyone to enjoy this beautiful space.”

The project was proudly funded by the NSW Government through the Local Small Commitments Allocation Program and de­livered by Forbes Shire Council.

To celebrate, Council will be hosting a community opening event on Friday 7 November at the Ski Dam, commencing at 12 midday.

For more information about the Ski Dam Nature Playground, visit www.forbes.nsw.gov.au.

$35,000 Boost For Local Sport

November 6, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Brooke Plunkett (NPM) and Mayor Neil Westcott pictured with the Rising Star RecipientsSienna Eve Taylor, Jose­lyne Folau, Malia Morrison, (Front): Emanual Townsend, Harlen Corney.

Parkes Shire Council and Evolution Min­ing Northparkes Operations are pleased to announce the successful applicants from Round 2 of the 2025 Parkes Shire Sports Grants Program.

In this round, a total of $30,000 in funding has been distributed to seven local sportingorganisations, and $5,000 has been award­ed to seven outstanding young athletes through the Rising Star Grant Program.

Mayor Neil Westcott congratulated the recipients and acknowledged the important role these programs play in supporting the growth of sport and recreation across the Parkes Shire.

“Our community has such a strong sport­ing spirit, and these grants help keep that alive by supporting participation, improving facilities, and helping young athletes reach their potential,” Mayor Neil Westcott said.

“We’re proud to continue working along­side Evolution Mining Northparkes Opera­tions to deliver programs that strengthen our clubs, encourage healthy lifestyles, and invest in the next generation of local talent.”

Round 2 – 2025 Sporting Organisation Grant Recipients were Parkes & District Amateur Soccer Association Inc., Parkes & District Netball Association Inc., Parkes Australian Rules Football Club, Parkes District Cricket Association, Parkes Ten­nis Club and the Peak Hill Roosters Rugby League Football Club.

Round 2 – 2025 Rising Star Grant Recipi­ents were Noah Jayet, Sienna Eve Taylor, Tori Bennett, Emanual Townsend, Joselyne Folau, Harlen Corney and Malia Morrison.

The Rising Star Grant Program is a joint initiative between Evolution Mining North­parkes Operations and Parkes Shire Coun­cil, providing financial support to individual athletes who demonstrate potential and commitment in their chosen field. Each re­cipient is also automatically entered into the Parkes Shire Australia Day Sports Awards, where one will receive the Ron Harrison OAM Rising Star Award.

The next round of the Parkes Shire Sports Grants Program will open up in early to mid2026. For more information, visit Council’s Grants Programs page on the Parkes Shire Council website.

Sports Grant Recipients – Brooke Plunkett (NPM), Mitch Cudden (Parkes and District Amateur Soccer Association Inc), Ella McColl and Sam Rivett (Parkes Tennis Club), Graeme Bayliss (Parkes District Cricket Association), Mayor Neil Westcott.

Your Last Chance To Submit To Energy From Waste Inquiry

October 30, 2025 by Roxane Manley

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.

National Ag Day Photo And Video Competition Is Live

October 30, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is excited to announce that the 2025 National Agriculture Day photo and video competi­tion is officially open. With Ag Day on Fri­day 21 November, people have the chance to win a share in $5,000 cash thanks to competition sponsors Syngenta.

Ag Day is all about celebrating the peo­ple, places, and produce that make Austral­ian agriculture unique. And what better way to share your story than through your own lens? Whether you’re a budding photogra­pher, a videographer, or just someone with a smartphone and a keen eye, we want to see your take on life on the land.

Entries are open to all ages and skill levels, with prizes up for grabs, including $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second, and $500 for four runners-up. The judges are looking for photos and videos that cap­ture this year’s theme, Stand with the Land.

To enter, upload your entries at agday.org.au/photography-video-competition and share your favourites on social media us­ing #AgDayAU. The competition closes 5pm AEDT on Ag Day, Friday 21 November 2025. For more information about Ag Day, visit agday.org.au.

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