Articles Archives - Page 19 of 424

Snippets…

February 19, 2026 by Roxane Manley

The Forbes Men’s Shed is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 9am to 12pm at 14 Union St, Forbes.

Forbes Men’s Shed: Looking for good company, a laugh, and something to do? The Forbes Men’s Shed is a place to connect, share skills, and have fun. Meet new mates and catch up over a cuppa. Work on hands-on projects — big or small. Learn, teach, or just chat. Open to all men whether retired, working, or looking for something new. Come along, get involved, and enjoy the company.

Parkes Shire Council NSW Seniors Festival Program: Explore our full line-up of free events including expos, films, art, wellbeing, workshops, performances and more across Parkes and Shire townships. For full program and to register for events at: bit.ly/SeniorsFestival2870. For more information, event registrations, or assistance, call the Parkes Shire Library on 6861 2309.

Forbes Medical Centre Bulk Billing: If you have a Medicare card, you will be bulk billed 100% of the time for eligible services at Forbes Medical Centre. With daily appointments available with both male and female GPs, phone the team on 6851 1300 to make an appointment or book online via Hotdoc. Forbes Medical Centre, caring for our community.

Central West Lachlan Landcare: Central West Lachlan Landcare are supporting the Peak Hill HEART (Healthy Eating, Activity & Resilience Together) Project as part of the Building Healthy Communities Challenge. This project will run until the end of April, but will have ongoing benefits to the community of Peak Hill. Join the Peak Hill HEART page to follow what is happening and find out more about the project at centralwestlachlanlandcare.org/projects-3/peak-hill-building-healthy-communities-challenge/

Forbes Youth Action Team Youth Drop‑in Sessions: Looking for a relaxed space to hang out, study or unwind after school? Head to Forbes Youth and Community Centre (YACC) Every Wednesday during the school term from 4pm – 6pm for ages 12 – 18. These free drop-in sessions offer quiet study areas, recreational activities and a safe, youth‑friendly space. No bookings required – just drop in! For information, visit www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/youth-drop-in

Parkes Men’s Shed: Parkes Mens Shed is a non profit shed designed for men to socialise and Do Projects for themselves or community. Come for a chat and a cup of coffee or be involved in some projects for the shed. Enjoy fellowship with other men in a friendly environment.

The Parkes Men’s Shed is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 8.30am to 12pm at the Parkes Showground

Patchy Mobile Services An Ongoing Concern

February 19, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Fed up farmers and families facing poor regional, rural and remote mobile services are being encouraged to keep complaining.

The latest report from the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) revealed an increase in complaints in NSW, with almost a quarter coming from regional areas.

Sarah Thompson from the NSW Farmers Rural Affairs Committee said the stats reflected what farmers were saying.

“A lot of people are fairly fed up with complaining about this long-running issue, and it’s clear enough isn’t being done to fix the problem,” Mrs Thompson said.

“We’re encouraging people who aren’t satisfied with their service or the resolutions from their providers to go to the TIO to try and get a better outcome and make sure the issues are reported on.”

Small businesses complaints about internet services increased 16.1 per cent to 483 complaints, with increases noted for slow data speed, up 17.6 per cent to 234 complaints, and no phone or internet service, up 17 per cent to 476 complaints.

“We need to keep being the proverbial squeaky wheel and keep complaining, but do it in a way that matters, and that’s to the TIO.”

Forbes National BBQ Event Honoured

February 19, 2026 by Roxane Manley

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.

Forbes Garden Club Needs Members To Continue To Flourish

February 19, 2026 by Green Thumb

We look forward to another year of gardening and fellowship with all members and friends supporting each other in growing beautiful flowers. It has been a challenging summer with little rain and very hot weather but we know how the fresh rain recently has revived us and our gardens.

The next meeting will be our AGM on Tuesday 24 February at the Men’s Shed at 2pm. We will be hoping all positions on the committee will be filled so that our club which has been active for over 70 years can continue.

We have all enjoyed all the activities of last year and the gardens we visited thanks to the many members that hosted our meetings.

We need people to put their hands up for positions to ensure the club keeps going. Lots of hands make light work, so old and new members are encouraged to come along and get involved.

President Marg and her committee have made 2025 an interesting year for our club ending the year with a great Christmas luncheon and lots of fun.

We look forward to seeing you all for our next meeting. If you have a lovely flower bring it along for our flower of the month competition also a cup as we will be having our usual cup of tea following the meeting and also something for the trading table.

Forbes Horticultural Society & Garden Club meet every fouth Tuesday of the month at 1.30pm, all are welcome. For further information you can contact Elvy on 0428 540 272

By Green Thumb

A $7.6 Million Boost For Forbes Future Water Security

February 12, 2026 by Roxane Manley

The NSW Government is investing in Forbes’ water security as construction begins on a $7.6 million critical infrastructure project. The funding includes $4.6 million from the NSW Government and $3 million from Forbes Shire Council to deliver two new production bores, two test bores and a 5.3km duplication pipeline.

NSW DCCEEW Director of Grants Programs, Kirsty Fenton said “Forbes was one of the many Central West communities hit hard by the last drought, the state’s worst on record, which is why we are working with Forbes Shire Council to help lock-in better water security.”

The new pipeline will run alongside the existing one that pumps water from the borefield to the Forbes Water Treatment Plant.

While the Lachlan River is the region’s main water supply, the town switches to bore water during dry periods when water in the river is too low or unsuitable for treatment.

The new infrastructure will significantly increase capacity by up to 80 per cent and provide a more robust water network that will ease pressure on the system and ensure residents have enough water to withstand the dry spells.

Forbes Shire Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller said “No one in our community will forget the last drought when water in the Lachlan River was so low we had to rely on two emergency bores for six months, which was a struggle. That’s why we’re doing everything we can to expand our existing network.”

Snippets…

February 12, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Do you need help finding or applying for grant funding?

Forbes Shire Council: Looking for funding to support a project, event or initiative? The latest edition of our Grants Guide is out now. View guide here: https://mailchi.mp/cf338fda6171/forbes-shire-council-grants-feed-17328312 To receive the latest funding opportunities straight to your inbox, email grants@forbes.nsw.gov.au. The GrainCorp Community Grants offer up to $20,000 financial support to organisations and projects that contribute to the development and promotion of the community. Closes 28 February

Sheep Producers Australia: Calling all future sheep industry leaders. Applications are still open for the 2026 Next Generation Program – Global Sheep Forum, a unique leadership opportunity for sheep producers and industry-connected individuals aged 18–35. Participate in online masterclasses, collaborate with peers from around the world, join the face-to-face program in Adelaide, South Australia, 5–10 July 2026 alongside LambEx 2026, travel to New Zealand. Applications close 16 February 2026. Apply here: www.sheepproducers.com.au/2026-leadership-opportunity

Parkes High School: Free community parent event with Dr Justin Coulson, one of Australia’s most well known parenting speakers. To be held in Parkes High School Hall, 3 March from 5.30pm-7pm. The Resilient Kids presentation focuses on helping parents understand how children develop emotional resilience, confidence and coping skills, and how everyday challenges can support healthy development when guided by supportive adults.

Native Vegetation Maps Information Session Series: NSW Farmers is hosting a series of free Native Vegetation Map Information Sessions in: Forbes, Nyngan, Dubbo, Cowra, and Young. Light meal provided and free for all attendees. Explore your property beforehand with the Check My Land NSW app. Registration required. Submit your questions when registering. Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/forbes-native-vegetation-map-information-session-2026.

Have Your Say On Our New Wetlands Name: There’s still time to vote on a name for the new wetlands site currently under development on Akuna Road. Parkes Shire Council are asking the community to choose from three proposed names: Wululu Wetlands, Parkes Wetlands, Akuna Wetlands. Each option reflects local place, history and the area’s natural environment. Consultation closes at 5pm on 6 March. For more information and to cast your vote, visit: bit.ly/4qYMi0E.

Help shape the identity of this important community and environmental space.

Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship Returns

February 12, 2026 by Roxane Manley

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.

Meet Indigenous Chef Mindy Woods At Forbes Crop Swap

February 12, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Bring along your excess produce and homemade goods, or join to catch up. The Forbes Riverside Community Gardens are providing breakfast for attendees.

CWLL will then be heading on to Trundle to the From Country to Community – A Morning of Food, Stories and Connection event at the Trundle Children’s Centre.

This event will include a delicious morning tea, an update on the exciting plans for the Centre and a Recipe Swap. All proceeds go to support the new Trundle Children’s Centre Garden.

From there, they head to Peak Hill to launch their first Crop Swap Event and Community Garden Open Day. This is part of the Peak Hill Building Healthy Communities Challenge, supporting the community with the Peak Hill HEART (Healthy Eating, Activity & Resilience Together) Project. The event will kick off at 12.30pm, with a BBQ lunch and a chance to catch up with Mindy, walk around the Garden and join up as a member. There will also be starter packs and giveaways for attendees.

That evening, CWLL will be celebrating Peak Hill and hosting a Landcare Dinner in the beautiful Carrington Hotel, with a three course meal, entertainment and an opportunity to showcase the Peak Hill Building Healthy Communities Challenge and Landcare.

For further information, and to register for any or all of the above events which all take place on Saturday 21st February please go to www.centralwestlachlanlandcare.org,

Forbes’ First Pre-loved Pop-up Market

February 12, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Madeline Swan.

Madeline Swan, originally from Parkes but now residing in Forbes, is a first time mum, and after working in marketing for the last eight years, she now has her own photography studio.

But she hasn’t stopped there, Madeline has been inspired by other markets like The Social Queen Markets in Wagga and Glebe Markets in Sydney and she has organised a Pre-Loved Pop-Up Market for Forbes.

“I love thrifting with my son and it’s a way I can contribute to the environment” said Madeline.

“The pre-loved markets are a sustainable, social way for people to buy and sell good quality second hand fashion instead of over consuming fast fashion. By choosing secondhand options, you extend the lifespan of garments and contribute to reducing textile waste.”

The pre-loved markets will be held on 22 February at Madeline’s photography studio at 16 Camp St, Forbes. (Across from the new BWS). The markets start at 9am and will wrap up by 12pm to beat the heat. Over 20 stall holders will be selling high fashion brands, in a range of sizes and price ranges. Car parking is available across the road, behind the cricket nets.

“Sellers will be equipped to accept cash or direct transfers via Pay ID. Some sellers may have eftpos facilities but I would encourage everyone looking to buy brings cash and their own reusable tote bag,” said Madeline.

If the day goes well there will be more pop ups. Make sure you are following @madlumcreates on instagram for more information about how to apply to be a stallholder at any of the possible future upcoming markets.

New Youth Drop-in Sessions Have Kicked Off

February 12, 2026 by Roxane Manley

A new initiative for local young people has been launched, aimed at providing a safe and welcoming space to unwind, learn and connect with friends.

The Youth Drop-in Sessions at the Forbes Youth and Community Centre (YACC) will take place each Wednesday afternoon from 4pm to 6pm.

These free sessions commence Wednesday 11 February 2026 and run for 10 weeks in line with the school term.

Developed directly in response to community feedback, the concept reflects what young people in the region say they need – a relaxed after‐school environment that supports both learning and wellbeing.

“Young people told us they wanted somewhere informal to study, hang out and feel supported during the week,” said Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM.

“We will use these first 10 weeks as a trial. We will try things out, listen to the kids and make the space suit what they need.”

Each session will offer flexible options including quiet study areas and recreational activities.

Students aged 12 to 18 years are welcome to attend these drop-in sessions.

For more information about the drop-in sessions, visit www.forbes.nsw.gov.au or follow @ForbesYouthActionTeam for updates.

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