Image of the White Ribbon Day March in 2018.

Forbes Shire Council and the Forbes Do­mestic & Family Violence Committee are encouraging the community to get involved in the White Ribbon Day march and com­munity event on Monday 25 November.

As part of White Ribbon Month in Novem­ber, White Ribbon Day raises awareness of men’s violence against women and edu­cates men and boys to be part of the solu­tion.

The march will start at 10am from Victo­ria Park, proceeding along Court and La­chlan Streets, and arrive at Lions Park at 10:30am.

Selected participants in the march will be given a card displaying a victim of domestic violence which they will carry with them and place on display at Lions Park.

Businesses along the route of the march are also being encouraged to stand along the side of the street.

The main event at Lions Park will run from 10:45am until 12pm, including speeches from Forbes Shire Council Deputy Mayor Chris Roylance, Member for Orange Phil Donato, Guinevere Dickie, who has experi­enced domestic violence in her family, and Barry Merrit.

There will also be stalls from service pro­viders and a BBQ available for a gold coin donation.

During the event all male attendees will be asked to make a pledge to never com­mit, condone or remain silent about men’s violence against women.

Forbes Shire Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM, said domestic violence is an issue the Forbes community holds dear.

“Our community knows all too well the devastating effects domestic violence can have, and this is a great opportunity to unite and take a stand against men’s violence against women,” she said.

“Everyone is welcome to march and at­tend the event, so please get involved if you can.”

Meet at Victoria Park at 9:30am on the day. For more information you can email community@forbes.nsw.gov.au

Return and Earn has partnered with food relief organisation Food­bank NSW & ACT to raise $250,000 to help fund half a million meals to feed families in need this summer.

The six-month recycling appeal was launched this week. From now until 21st April 2025, every eligible bottle and can donated to the Foodbank NSW & ACT appeal at a Return and Earn machine or on the Return and Earn app at participating return points, will raise 10c toward the $250,000 goal to support their important work.

Foodbank NSW & ACT is the state and territory’s largest and most trusted food relief organisation, providing much needed food as­sistance to individuals and families across NSW and the ACT.

John Robertson, CEO of Foodbank NSW & ACT said: “At Food­bank, we believe everyone should have access to the food they need, and we are here for everyday Australians who are going without. We currently provide more than 26 million meals each year for those in urgent need.”

This year’s Foodbank Hunger Report reveals food insecurity in Australia has reached a critical point, with one in three NSW households facing hunger. This equates to one million households facing food-insecurity in NSW alone, with 75 per cent of house­holds saying cost of living is the primary cause.

“Donating just five bottles or cans helps fund one meal, so I en­courage everyone to get behind this cause and help us reach our target of $250,000,” said Danielle Smalley, CEO of Exchange for Change.

For more information visit www.returnandearn.org.au.

The 2023 Canowindra Christmas Night Market was a resounding success and organisers are hoping for even bigger crowds this year.

Get ready for a fun night out in Canowin­dra. On Friday, 29th November, the town will come alive with the Christmas Night Market, offering something for everyone in the heart of the community.

Local businesses will also be open, with special Christmas deals and discounts to make your Christmas season even brighter, while over 40 stalls will line Gaskill Street, offering a variety of unique goods perfect for Christmas shopping. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect gift or indulging in a little treat, there’s something for everyone.

Families will be entertained with plenty of fun activities for the kids, including face painting, a jumping castle, and more. The CWA will be on hand selling delicious Christmas cakes and other homemade goodies, while food trucks and stalls will serve up a variety of tasty eats to keep everyone fueled for the fun. To keep eve­ryone entertained, there will be live music performed by Nerida Cuddy, Sik As and more.

The Lions Club will have their popular BBQ sizzling and will also run a Choco­late Wheel, along with raffles offering the chance to win hams and meat trays—per­fect for your Christmas celebrations.

It’s not too late to book a stall, if you would like to be involved in the Canowindra Christmas Night Market you can register online at www.123tix.com.au. For further information please email canowindrapro­gress@gmail.com.

Gaskill Street will close at 3pm for setup, with festivities kicking off at 5pm and continuing into the evening. It promises to be a wonderful night filled with Christmas cheer, great food, and family fun.

Mark your calendars and come along to kick off the party season in style!

On Tuesday 22nd October the Forbes Garden Club held their last meeting for the year at the home of Evelyn Mahlo. Evelyn spoke on her garden and how she and her late husband Peter moved into their new home in 2007, started planning their garden, and with the help of the late Denis Irvine in some aspects it came together.

The garden consists of many rooms and is picture perfect with plantings of Buxus hedges etcElvy, spoke on the recent Friendship Day hosted by the Young Garden Club, held in the beautiful setting at Clifton Gardens. Four of our members Therese Davis, Janette Thomas, Joyce Morrison and Elvy Quirk attended. Our final speakers on the day were Mi­chelle and David Mahlo. Michelle firstly spoke on how she and her husband David have started their own business named Daves Yard Care which provides all aspects of garden maintenance, Da­vid later spoke on the control of weeds such as Winter grass etc.

Flower of the month was won by Anne Reade with a beautiful red rose, 2nd to Robyn Mattiske with a geranium and 3rd to Denise Thurs­ton with a bearded Iris. Raffle prizes went to Robin Lyell, Sylvia Glasson, Annette Thornton and Gail McKay.

Our final get together for the year will be the Christmas luncheon which will be held at the Vandenberg Hotel on Tuesday 26th November com­mencing 12pm. If you are wishing to attend the cost is $40 for a two course meal and you should have your mon­ey to Lloyd our Treasurer before or on 15th November.

By Elvy Quirk