Acting Sergeant Joshua Tolley who said “There will be more Police on the roads which means a greater chance of driv­ers being caught if they are doing the wrong thing.”

Double demerit points will be in force for 12 consecutive days over the Christmas and New Year period to improve road safety dur­ing the holiday season.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Coun­cils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Of­ficer, Melanie Suitor, said that double de­merit points would run from Wednesday 24 December 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026, inclusive for all speeding, seatbelt, motorcy­cle helmet and mobile phone offences.

Ms Suitor said “Drivers should ensure that they are well rested and not under the in­fluence of drugs or alcohol before they get behind the wheel. While driving, focus on driving. Don’t allow yourself to be distracted by your mobile phone, follow the road rules and drive at a speed suitable to conditions.

And please make sure that you and your passengers are buckled up.

“Drivers should also check that their vehi­cle is ready for the journey too – check the brakes and tyres, check the levels of your engine oil, coolant and windscreen washer reservoir, make sure all your lights and in­dicators are working and ensure you have clear view,” Ms Suitor said.

Parkes Highway Patrol Acting Sergeant Joshua Tolley is warning drivers that they are at greatest risk of losing their licence during this period. “Too often we see the tragic aftermath of drivers making poor deci­sions. No-one wants to get a fine, lose their licence or worse still be involved in a crash.

Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller pictured on Monday evening in front of Forbes Town hall Christmas Projection which has become a cherished part of the festive season in Forbes.

The much-loved Forbes Town Hall Christ­mas Projection is once again illuminating the local Landmark, and this year’s projec­tion has debuted a heartwarming new story titled, ‘Nedd and the Late Santa Letter’.Each year in Forbes, children write let­ters to Santa and post them through the North Pole Mail Express. These treasured messages are collected at Forbes Shire Council and whisked away on their magical journey to the North Pole.

But this year, one special letter has been accidentally left behind, and it’s up to someone truly extraordinary to get it to Santa before Christmas Eve.

The 2025 projection is voiced by mem­bers of the Forbes Youth Action Team (FYAT) and features real letters written by local children, making this one of the most personal and engaging Christmas projec­tions ever showcased on the historic Town Hall façade.

Mayor Phyllis Miller said, “For four years, families have gathered in the heart of town to enjoy this magical storytelling experi­ence. We’re thrilled to bring a new chapter to life while also featuring the creativity and Christmas wishes of our youngest resi­dents,” the Mayor said.

Created by lighting artist Stephan de Wit, the projection will run nightly, 8.30pm until 11.30pm from Monday 8 December through to Boxing Day.

The narration will be broadcast locally on FM 88.7 so be sure to tune in via your car radio to enjoy the full audio-visual ex­perience of lights, colours and the magical Christmas story.

Pictured Is Ben Stead of the Parkes Clean Future Alliance and Aunty Frances Robinson who is a Traditional Owner from Peak Hill

Wiradjuri groups from across the area are concerned about the Energy From Waste Incinerator proposed for Parkes, and are inviting everyone to join the Parkes Solidarity Walk which will take place on Saturday, 6th December.

Traditional owner Aunty Frances Robinson, working within the Aboriginal Consulting Group, together with Parkes Clean Future Alliance, said after going to a meeting about the proposed incinerator and “not seeing any Koori people present. It was obvious that no-one had engaged with the Aboriginal community as to how this will affect our culture and heritage. We have too much that we are passionate about that we need to protect not only for our ancestors but for the continuation of our culture. Impact on our medicinal plants, bush tucker, song lines, our river systems, our air quality, our food and fibre industry, our general health and well being.”

Aunty Frances said the Parkes Solidarity Walk was organised for “Everyone and anyone who is concerned about the impacts that this incinerator will have on our environment and our health. United we stand. This is not just one community group, we are many community groups, all with our own concerns, all standing together to fight this.”

Get a group of friends, family, co-workers together, you can even get creative and make a sign and come along to the Parkes Solidarity Walk. Meet at 10.30 at Sir Henry Parkes Statue and the walk will conclude at Cooke Park