Articles Archives - Page 3 of 405

New Speed Limit And Safety Upgrades For Gordon Duff Drive

January 29, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Studies show that at 30km/hour, a pedestrian’s survival likelihood is approximately 90 percent, whereas at 50km/hour it drops to only 10 percent.

Forbes Shire Council is improving road safety with the introduction of a new 30km/hour speed zone and the installation of speed cushions and signage along Gordon Duff Drive.

Three rubber speed cushions have been installed near the Camp Street pedestrian crossing, Apex Park and at the midpoint opposite the Forbes Rugby Clubhouse. Each of these locations were strategically selected to address key areas of activity and pedestrian movement.

Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said “Lowering the speed limit, adding speed cushions and clear signage creates a safer environment for everyone – especially children, lake walkers and users of South Circle Oval.”

Forbes Welcomes Two New Pharmacists To Flannery’s

January 29, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Life Pharmacy Group pharmacists and partners Jack Buckley (left) and Sarah Hazell (right) with new Forbes pharmacists Chris and Brooke Young, with daughter Lily.

Health services in Forbes have been bolstered with Life Pharmacy Group (LPG) welcoming two new experienced pharmacists to Flannery’s Pharmacy.

LPG pharmacists Chris and Brooke Young, together with their daughter Lily, have relocated to Forbes where Chris is the newest Pharmacist in Charge at Flannery’s Pharmacy. Brooke will join the team this year.

“I am looking forward to being a part of the pharmacy, and continuing to grow the services we offer, as well as being a part of the Forbes community. Hopefully I can get involved with the local Rural Fire Service, Landcare and church organisations,” Chris Young said.

It has been a busy period for Chris and Brooke, who have relocated from Canberra, via a stint at Life Pharmacy Orange. Having grown up in a farming family, Chris is no stranger to the region, having worked with LPG in Forbes and Parkes in the early stages of his career.

“Farming is still certainly my happy place, I’ve still got my wool classers stencil and sheepdog,” Chris said.

Partner at Flannery’s and Life Pharmacies, Sarah Hazell, has welcomed the Young family to Forbes and says they are a welcome addition to the local community.

“We are so pleased to have Chris, Brooke and Lily here in Forbes,” Sarah Hazell said.

“Both Chris and Brooke bring a wealth of pharmacy experience and expertise to Flannery’s, they’re such a wonderful addition to our team. They’re both country people who work hard and appreciate the importance of their role.”

Chris and Brooke are both so engaging and approachable so if you see them in store, don’t be afraid to say hello and welcome!

Talk2me Bro To Host Community Catchup In Forbes This Weekend

January 22, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Talk2MeBro is a grassroots NSW-based organisation dedicated to ending suicide in Australia through genuine conversa-tions about mental health, creating safe spaces where people can connect, heal, and support one another.

Mental health and suicide prevention charity Talk2MeBro will host another of its regular Community Catchups in Forbes at the scenic Ski Dam, this Sunday 25 January, from 7:30am.

The Community Catchups are casual gatherings specifically designed to bring people together to reconnect with themselves, share, and build meaningful connections. These events are dispersed between gender-specific Guys and Ladies Catch ups across the region, and have proven incredibly impactful in creating supportive networks among participants.

This Sunday’s Community Catchup will provide residents with mental health support through relaxed conversation, breathwork exercises, ice bath experiences, and connection in a safe, non-judgmental environment. The combination allows participants to find solace in knowing they are not alone in their journey while experiencing proven wellness practices that support both physical and mental wellbeing.

Community members from all walks of life are welcome, whether attending alone or with family members. No prior experience with breathwork or ice baths is necessary.

The Forbes Catchups represents the organisation’s ongoing commitment to making mental health support easily accessible to everyone in regional communities.

For those seeking stress relief, wanting to try new wellness practices, or simply looking to connect with other women in Forbes, this gathering offers a valuable opportunity to invest in wellbeing while building community connections.

Registration is essential: www.talk2mebrocatchups.org.au/forbescommunity/

Snippets…

January 22, 2026 by Roxane Manley

The Forbes Museum is open on Australia Day.

Forbes Museum: The Forbes Museum will be open extended hours on Australia Day, Monday 26 January 2026 from 10am to 5pm. Visit after breakfast or before the party in the Park. ‘The Streets of Forbes’ by Shane Wode is available for purchase. Visit the heart of Forbes this Australia Day.

Summer Water Safety Reminder: After a series of drownings this summer holiday, the Shadow Minister for Police Paul Toole and Shadow Minister for Water Steph Cooke are reminding everyone to take extra care around our waterways. Whether it be a trip to the beach, dam or river, the community is encouraged to always wear a lifejacket, don’t drink and drive, adhere to speed limits and passenger limits, and check all equipment and vessels before departing.

Planning a clean out this summer? It’s great to donate but to make sure your preloved goods have a second life, only donate good quality items to charity stores during opening hours. If they’re closed or their donation bins are full, please don’t leave them outside. Instead, try rehoming or selling goods via local community platforms and online marketplaces. Otherwise, check with council about their annual bulky waste collection service.

Calling All Young Artists: Parkes Shire Council is creating new signs for the Parkes Wetlands – and they want your artwork to help bring them to life! Children and teens are invited to draw their favourite native wetland animals, from birds and frogs to turtles and reptiles. Some drawings may be featured on the new signage. A drawing station available at Parkes Shire Library. Open until the end of summer.

Resilient Kids Presentation: CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes presents Resilient Kids – Building Stronger Kids Through Life’s Challenges delivered by Dr Justin Coulson. Don’t miss this free community event on Tuesday 3 March at Parkes High School, 5.30pm – 7pm or on Wednesday 4 March, Forbes North Public School, 5.30pm – 7pm. For more information and to RSVP please contact 1800 067 067 or go to ccwf.org.au.

Sticker Off! Fruit scraps and peelings get the tick of approval when it comes to disposing of correctly into our FOGO green bin. But the tiny little stickers that come on some fruits is a big no no. Before placing your food scraps into your FOGO green bin, take a second to peel off the sticker and dispose of into your general waste red bin to prevent contamination of the compost.

Small stickers on produce are made up of plastic and don’t belong in the FOGO green bin.

Nominees Announced For 2026 Australia Day Awards

January 22, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Forbes Shire Council is proud to announce the nominees for the 2026 Forbes Shire Australia Day Awards, celebrating outstanding contributions and achievements across the region. These awards recognise individuals who have gone above and beyond to make a positive impact in our community. Congratulations to the following nominees:

2026 Citizen Of The Year Nominees

• Paul Findley

• Sam Parish

• Greg Ridge

• John Schrader

• Shane Wode

• Kristen Woods

2026 Senior Citizen Of The Year Nominees

• Maureen Field

• Michael and Denise Jelbart

• Sue-Anne Nixon

• Susan Stewart

• Rex Toole

• Elvy Quirk

2026 Young Citizen Of The Year Nominees

• Chloe Little

• Elly Mackinnon

Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM said, “Australia Day is a time to celebrate the incredible people who make our community stronger, kinder and more vibrant. These nominees represent the very best of Forbes, and we look forward to honouring their contributions and achievements at the Gala Event.”

The winners will be revealed at the Citizen of the Year Gala Dinner on Sunday 25 January 2026 at Forbes Town Hall commencing at 6pm. This special evening will feature presentations, entertainment and an opportunity to honour the incredible efforts of our nominees.

Tickets are free but essential and can be booked via 123tix or by phoning Council on 02 6850 2300 by Wednesday 21 January 2026. For those unable to attend the Gala Dinner in person, the award ceremony will be live streamed to Council’s Facebook page.

For more information about the 2026 Australia Day program of events, visit www.forbes.nsw.gov.au or follow @ForbesShireCouncil for updates.

Resilient Homes Expos: Parkes, Forbes & Eugowra

January 22, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Did you have flooding in and around your home in the 2022 floods? Your home may be eligible for flood-resilient upgrades.

NSW Reconstruction Authority are holding free expos for Resilient Homes Program participants and community members to learn how to make their homes safer and more resilient with a Resilient Measures grant. The Expos will be held on the following dates:

• Parkes 28 January: Parkes Services Club, 9-17 Short St, 4pm to 7pm.

• Forbes 25 February: Club Forbes, 4145 Templar St, 4pm to 7pm.

• Eugowra 25 March: Eugowra Multipurpose Centre, Eugowra Showground, 63 Oberon St, 4pm to 7pm.

The Resilient Homes Program is also providing funding to support homeowners to raise, rebuild, relocate or retrofit homes damaged in the 2022 floods.

Homeowners looking for construction work need access to builders, building certifiers, engineers, designers, house removalists, architects, planners and project managers.

NSW Reconstruction Authority Free construction information sessions for building trades will be held on the following dates:

• Parkes 27 January: Railway Hotel & Hart Bar, 1-3 Caledonia St, 4pm to 5.30pm

• Forbes 28 January: Sylo Cafe, 23 Rankin St, 7am to 8.30am

• Orange 29 January: The Greenhouse of Orange, 231-243 Anson St, 5pm to 6.30pm.

Read more about the Resilient Homes Program at nsw.gov.au/resilienthomesprogram

Golden Rules Reminder For Summer Spraying

January 22, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Farmers spraying weeds this summer are reminded of the golden rules to prevent drift and avoid damage to neighbouring properties.

NSW Farmers’ Agricultural Science Committee Chair Justin Everitt said taking several key precautions remained essential when planning to spray.

“We’ve always got to monitor weather conditions closely when we’re spraying, and while we’re all on a time crunch, it’s important to stop spraying as soon as conditions change and are no longer suitable for spraying.

“Spraying as close to the target as possible and ensuring you’re using the appropriate spray nozzle also helps enormously in preventing spray drift.

“It never hurts as well to consult your agronomist on your spray mix and its impact, so you have all the information you need to spray safely this summer.”

Off-target spray drift can occur when agricultural chemicals or vapour become airborne and drift outside the intended area when sprayed. This can happen if chemicals are applied at the wrong time of day, or during the wrong weather conditions.

“We’ve seen significant damage to crops in the past as a result of off-target spray drift, so it’s critical we keep prevention top of mind this season,” Mr Everitt said.

“Our neighbours will thank us for it, and wouldn’t it be brilliant if 2026 was a stellar production year for us all.”

Parkes Elvis Festival Welcomes New Festival Director

January 7, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Parkes Elvis Festival Director Brendan Shipley.

A life-long passion for performing and live entertainment has led Brendan Shipley to his current position as Festival Director of the 2026 Parkes Elvis Festival.

At a young age, Brendan was inspired to join the school choir after first hearing them perform. Years later he attended Campbelltown Performing Arts High School, where he was heavily involved with the annual School Spectacular, before moving on to roles with Campbelltown Theatre Group.

His corporate career with Bunnings provided the opportunity to move to the Gold Coast, where Brendan then worked at The Australian Outback Spectacular. During this time, he also worked across a number of theme parks including Movie World, Sea World, Wet N Wild and Paradise Country, where Brendan’s team put together a Shaun The Sheep character suit show. Brendan even worked on the Gold Coast theatre production of “Wicked” the musical.

Brendan then landed a role with the Bluey and Bingo team, which for the next five years saw him tour around the country and overseas. He has also worked in the role of merchandising coordinator for The Wiggles.

Fast forward to 2025 and Brendan took on the prestigious role of Parkes Elvis Festival Director, saying with the national media coverage the festival has received, “It’s all eyes on us.”

According to Brendan the 2026 event is shaping up to be massive, with sales for shows well ahead of previous years in the weeks leading up to the five day Elvis extravaganza. “The numbers don’t lie,” said Brendan.

We asked Brendan what festival goers should be excited for this year, and his first response was “Everything!” He went on to say, “Marcia Hines, she is coming to be honoured on the Wall of Fame and to perform her Disco Inferno concert, which was one of the fastest selling shows we have ever done.

“Joshua and Toki with the Ultimate Tribute Show, the eight feature concerts at the Parkes Leagues Club, Elvis After Dark, UETA Competition, Elvis Express, Elvis Central for official merchandise, busking in the main street, the Memphis stage, market talls, Miss Priscilla, Poets Breakfast, Kidszone and the Parade which will kick off at 9am on Saturday in an effort to beat the heat.”

Skyward Bound – Canowindra’s Balloon Festival Delivers Biggest Program Yet In 2026

January 7, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the Canowindra International Balloon Challenge Festival, running from 11 April – 19 April, 2026, as hot air balloons take to the sky in a stunning display of colour and excitement. This week-long balloon festival is not to be missed, offering a mix of breathtaking aerial views, vibrant events, and a community atmosphere like no other.

A Warm Welcome Awaits
The festivities kick off on 11 April with the Canowindra Welcome Street Party, a fantastic evening to meet locals, fellow visitors, and enjoy the market stalls and live entertainment. Participate in the much anticipated BBQ Masters Competition and pitch your BBQ skills among the region’s best BBQers.

As the balloons begin to rise in the early mornings and late afternoons, you’ll witness one of the most visually captivating spectacles, as dozens of hot air balloons fill the skies, creating a kaleidoscope of colours against the rural landscape. It’s a sight to behold!

Festival Highlights – More Than Just BalloonsWhile the hot air balloons are undoubtedly the stars of the show, the Canowindra Balloon Festival offers so much more. Flicker Fest, a celebration of short films, will light up the screen at Rosnay Organic Winery, test your trivia knowledge with a fun trivia night, and enjoy the warm, friendly atmosphere as the town comes alive throughout the week. Along with art shows, the boutique stores of Canowindra and the array of other events during the week – it is truly a festival not to be missed.

Thursday 16 April – come along to a star studded evening with NRL greats as they tell their stories from playing at the highest Rugby League level in Australia.

Friday, 17 April is set to be one of the festival’s standout nights with the Home Ground Sounds Live Music Concert. Featuring incredible live performances, this event promises to be a great way to enjoy the evening under the stars with friends and family. The music will have you dancing the night away.

On Saturday, 18 April, the festival will host a spectacular Street Parade that will wind its way through Canowindra’s vibrant historic main street – Gaskill Street. Be sure to grab a front-row seat for the parade, and then get ready for the highlight of the weekend – the Cabonne Community Glow on Saturday evening. Gates open at 3pm, so come early to secure your spot and enjoy the festivities.

The Glow will light up the night sky as over 100 stallholders set up shop with delicious food, handcrafted goods, and unique finds. Live music, entertainment for the kids along with an array of other activities will entertain throughout the afternoon and into the night. As dusk falls, the hot air balloons will take part in a glowing display, lighting up the evening sky – an absolute spectacle for all ages.

Convenient Camping and Caravan Areas
Festival fans travelling with caravans will love the Tilga Street camping area, conveniently located close to the Main Street – Gaskill Street, offering a comfortable base for the entire festival. The area is available for 10-day bookings, so you can fully immerse yourself in the festival’s offerings without missing a moment of the action.

Tickets – Don’t Miss Out!
With so much to see and do, tickets for the festival events are available through www.canowindrachallenge.org.au, where you can secure your spot at the most popular events. Whether you’re attending a concert, the Cabonne Community Glow, or any other event that is part of the festival, be sure to grab your tickets early to avoid disappointment.

Dancers Saddle Up For An Elvis-Inspired, Country-Flavoured Festival

January 7, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Cheer on the amazing School of Dance students as they perform across the Parkes Elvis Festival.

Get ready to shake, rattle, and yee-haw! as dancers aged three to adult bring a bootscootin’, hip-swivellin’ celebration to this year’s Parkes Elvis Festival.

Parkes School of Dance Inc is a community-run regional dance school established in 2013. Committed to providing ageappropriate dance education in various styles, fostering creativity, and celebrating cultural icons like Elvis Presley through performances at events like the Parkes Elvis Festival is part of its bespoke DNA.

Parkes School of Dance Inc will be performing across multiple festival locations, showcasing line dancing, feel-good family routines, and a whole lot of rhinestonesparked fun. With everyone from tiny tots to dance parents hitting the dance floor, it’s a true all-ages, all-in family shindig.

“Our performers have embraced the country vibes this year — expect plenty of line dancing, classic Elvis charm, and the biggest smiles in town,” says President Catherine McQuie.

“It’s such a joy to bring our community together in a celebration of music, movement, and pure festival fun.”

Audiences can catch the dancers throughout the weekend at several festival hotspots, adding colour, movement, and feel-good rhythm wherever they go.

Whether you’re a die-hard Elvis fan, a country-music lover, or simply chasing a good time, these local dancers are ready to make your festival experience better when you’re dancing.

You can see Parkes School of Dance performing across the Parkes Elvis Festival during the following days and times, Wednesday 7 January 2026: Wall of Fame 9.30am-10am, Friday 9 January 2026: Memphis Stage 9am-9.25am, Saturday 10 January 2026: Street Parade 9am, Cooke Park Main Stage 11.15am-11.30am and the Dance Showcase Cooke Park Main Stage 4pm.

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