“Our community is strengthened when every woman and girl is safe, supported and empowered. This event is a chance to celebrate progress while acknowledging the work still to be done,” said Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM.

Forbes Shire Council is inviting the com­munity to come together for a morning of inspiration, wellbeing and celebration at this year’s International Women’s Day event, to be held on Friday 6 March 2026 at Lions Park. The morning will begin with an invigorating Pilates session at 6.30am, open to all fitness levels, followed by a free community breakfast at 7am.

This year’s theme “Balance the Scales” is a call to action for a fairer and more in­clusive justice system for women and girls.

It emphasises the need to dismantle barri­ers to justice and ensure that every woman and girl can be safe, heard, and free to shape her own future. The theme is par­ticularly relevant for First Nations women, who face unique challenges and are dis­proportionately affected by violence and legal outcomes.

The event will feature an impressive line­up of guest speakers, each sharing their experience and leadership in the spirit of the theme: Maree Yapp, 2025 Forbes Citi­zen of the Year, Zoe Tyack, Owner of Rise Physiotherapy, Tess Bailey, Owner of La­chlan Valley Vets and Clare Pearson, CEO of Little Wings.

Attendees will also receive a complimen­tary gift bag, thanks to the support of local partners and organisations.

Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said Interna­tional Women’s Day is an important oppor­tunity to reflect, celebrate and advocate.

Everyone is welcome, and Council en­courages community members to bring

friends, colleagues and family for a mean­ingful and energising start to the day.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased via 123tix.com.au. The Forbes Interna­tional Women’s Day event is presented by Council in collaboration with the Forbes Business Chamber. For information about the event, visit www.forbes.nsw.gov.au

Member for Orange, Phil Donato, Forbes Deputy Mayor Chris Roylance, General Manager Stephen Dunshea and Mayor Phyllis Miller.

Forbes has been honoured with a Com­munity Recognition Award, presented by Member for Orange Phil Donato. This award has been recorded in the NSW Par­liament through a Community Recognition Statement.

Held over two days on the banks of Lake Forbes, the National BBQ Championships Forbes attracts teams from across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia to showcase their excep­tional grilling and smoking skills, contrib­uting to a festival atmosphere that drew strong community support and visitor inter­est.

The event featured live demonstrations, market stalls, children’s activities, music and an energetic celebration of Austral­ian barbecue culture. The championships highlight not only outstanding culinary tal­ent but also Forbes’ ambition to establish itself as a premier barbecue destination in Australia — a goal with promising potential to strengthen regional tourism and stimu­late local economic activity.

Community Recognition Awards cele­brate outstanding community service and positive contributions to the region, this award reflects the enduring impact local in­dividuals make through dedication, service and commitment to the wellbeing of the broader community.

Forbes Shire Council has played an im­portant role in driving and supporting the National Barbecue Championship, working with Council teams, community groups and industry partners to create a highly suc­cessful and engaging event.

The achievements celebrated across both the championship and the community awards underscore the strength, pride and collaborative spirit of the Forbes region.

The momentum generated in 2025 sets the stage for an even larger celebration on 17 and 18 October 2026.

The Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship is proud to announce the launch of its fourth annual program. The initiative from Façon Australia, proudly supported by Greater Bank, is dedicated to empowering emerging Indigenous creatives who are passionate about sharing their stories through diverse creative mediums.

Greater Bank will again award one out­standing recipient $10,000 to support their creative journey. For the second consecu­tive year, Greater Bank will also recognise the remaining eight finalists with $1,000 each.

All nine finalists will also receive invalua­ble mentorship from industry leaders across a wide range of creative disciplines, includ­ing writing, fashion design, accessory de­sign, art, music, dance, digital art, film and photography.

In 2026, the initiative is also proudly sup­ported by Orica, Regional Development Australia (Hunter) and Reconciliation NSW.

The Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship is open to Indigenous applicants aged 16 years and over, residing in NSW.

Applications close 7 May 2026, with the successful recipient announced at a special NAIDOC Week event on 9 July 2026. For full application details, visit Façon Maga­zine at www.faconaustralia.com/apply/ and Greater Bank at www.greater.com.au.