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Nominate A Local Legend For Community Sports Dad Of The Year 2025

August 21, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Nathan Butler – President of Blue Lake Soccer Club – was the 2024 Community Sports Dad of the Year. Recognised for his tireless commitment to coaching, refereeing, and keeping the club running.

Australians are being called upon to nominate local dads making a difference in grassroots sport for the annual Community Sports Dad of the Year, thanks to Philips Water – a national initiative now in its twelfth year, celebrating the unsung heroes who go above and beyond to support their local sporting teams.

With nominations now open until 27 August via www.sportsdads.com.au/community, the prestigious award shines a spotlight on the dads doing it all – from coaching and refereeing to fundraising, carpooling, and cheering from the sidelines. It’s a chance to honour their dedication in time for Father’s Day on Sunday, 7 September 2025.

The winner will receive a Philips Reverse Osmosis purification water station valued at $1,299 RRP, along with a $5,000 Rebel Sports voucher to purchase new clothing or sporting equipment for their chosen community sports club. And in recognition of their efforts to nominate a local legend, the person who submits the winning entry will also receive a Philips Multigroom 7000 grooming kit, valued at $229.00 RRP.

Paul Masluk, founder of the Community Sports Dad of the Year Award, said the initiative was created to recognise the everyday dads who keep grassroots sport alive.

“Every year we’re blown away by the stories of dads who give so much of their time and energy to their local clubs. These are the people who quietly keep grassroots sport running – not for recognition, but because they care. This award is about shining a light on those efforts and saying thank you in a meaningful way.”

Whether it is a dad who is always first to arrive at training or quietly keeps the club running behind the scenes, now is the time to say thank you. Nominations are closing soon. Enter at www.sportsdads.com.au/community.

The NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show Is Celebrating Its 33rd Year

August 14, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Entries are now in for the NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show and judging is ready to commence on Monday 25th August.The 33rd show has received 488 entries from 90 wineries and Mark Richardson, a Senior Winemaker from Tyrrell’s Wines in the Hunter Valley, is returning as chair of judges.

NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show President, Mark Watts said the judges and the committee are looking forward to another successful event.

“While numbers are slightly down this year, we have a high calibre of wines from across NSW and ACT that have been entered into the show this year,” Mark said.

“We also have several entries from new wineries and others who haven’t entered for a number of years.”

Tickets are $30 for the Public Tasting on Friday 29th August at the Forbes Town Hall.

All wines entered in the show will be available for patrons to taste and finger food will be provided.

The next event is the Gourmet Wine Dinner, which will be held at Club Forbes on Saturday 20th September. The dinner will be held from 7pm with a four-course meal featuring trophy winning wines to complement the meal. Tickets for this event are $130 per person.

If you purchase your tickets to both events in the same transaction, you will receive a $10 discount, making attending both events $150 per person. Tickets are available for purchase now at NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show Tickets – 123 Tix.

Mayoral Notes

August 14, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Drought remains one of the biggest challenges facing our communities. That’s why I’m proud that Forbes Shire Council, alongside Lachlan and Parkes Shires, has secured vital funding to deliver projects that build resilience across our region.

This funding will help us implement key initiatives including map urban heat and guide future greening efforts, create strategies for managing community assets during drought, establish management plans for key recreational water bodies to maintain their use and health, and design an operational plan for the Forbes Livestock Exchange to better support drought-affected livestock movements. These projects are about protecting our environment, supporting our people, and ensuring our local economy can withstand future droughts.

Together, we are taking important steps to plan ahead, reduce risks, and secure a stronger, more resilient future for all residents.

Lions Park is about to get an exciting refresh, making it an even more welcoming place for families, friends and visitors to enjoy. You’ll soon see new shade sails going up, an expanded playground with softfall rubber surfacing, and improvements to pathways, drainage and landscaping.

These changes will make the park more accessible, more comfortable, and more inviting all year round. While work is underway, areas of park will be closed for everyone’s safety. We can’t wait to share the finished space with you in time for the summer season, weather permitting.

This project is part of a bigger vision for Lake Forbes, complementing other upgrades that will make our foreshore a place we can all be proud of. Thank you for your patience while we bring this special community space to life.

Our Community and Tourism team will be at the Bedgerabong Show this Saturday, ready to chat with you about all things Forbes Shire. From major projects and upcoming events to general works and services, it’s a great opportunity to find out what’s happening in our region and share your ideas. I encourage you to drop by, say hello, and have a yarn with the team. The Bedgerabong Show is always a fantastic day out, and we look forward to seeing you there.

God Bless,
Phyllis Miller OAM

Snippets…

August 14, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Georgie’s Pantry volunteers, Shirley and Gary.

Georgie’s Hub – Anglican Parish of Parkes and Peak Hill: Huge thanks and blessings to the anonymous provider of goods for the Pantry. It is because of exceptionally generous donations that we keep going. Georgies Pantry is located at 275 Clarinda St, Parkes.

Resilient Homes Expo – Eugowra: The NSW Reconstruction Authority is hosting a Resilient Homes Expo in Eugowra on Wednesday 3 September, 4pm-7pm. The Expo is for Resilient Homes Program homeowners and community members who want to make their homes more flood resilient. Homeowners and business representatives can visit information stands and speak with representatives from councils, RA, SafeWork NSW, Building Commission NSW, and various industry associations and businesses interested in resilient building services. Register online for this free event at https://comms.reconstruction.nsw.gov.au.

National BBQ Championships Forbes: The 2025 National BBQ Championships Forbes isn’t just about smoky meats and sizzling grills – they are also putting on a vibrant market area, and are on the lookout for stallholders! If you sell handmade goods, arts, crafts, sweet treats, clothing, local produce, or anything fun and fabulous – this is your chance to be part of a bustling event that drew over 1,500 spectators last year… and growing. Submit your Expression of Interest now: https://shorturl.at/C01lc

Parkes NAIDOC Family Fun Day: Nominations are being taken for the 2025 Parkes NAIDOC Awards, which will be presented at the Parkes NAIDOC Family Fun Day on 20 September at Bushman’s Hill. The day kicks off at 10am, with awards being presented during the morning. Nominate at: https://form.jotform.com/252171270354046 Paper copies will be available from the Parkes Shire Library. Nominations close Friday, 29 August at 5pm.

NSW Local Woman of the Year Awards 2026: We all have that one friend who spends her free time volunteering, leading with kindness or uplifting her community. Now’s the time to celebrate her. Nominations close 9 September! Nominate someone special and make their day bit.ly/WOTYA26

R U OK? We can show people we care and we’re there through more than words. If you know someone is going through a difficult time, practical help and kind gestures can be comforting.

Contact a crisis service: www.ruok.org.au/findhelp

Forbes And Parkes Recycle Over 284 Tonnes Through Return And Earn

August 14, 2025 by Roxane Manley

New South Wales’ love affair with Return and Earn recycling has reached a new high, with the 14th billion container officially returned.

The positive environmental impact of returning 14 billion bottles and cans for recycling instead of making new containers with virgin materials includes: Water savings equivalent to 32,840 Olympic swimming pools, energy savings equivalent to powering 191,100 homes for an entire year, carbon emission savings equivalent to taking 1,017,400 cars off the road annually. This impressive milestone means over $1.4 billion in container refunds has gone back into people’s pockets, helping with the cost of living” said James Dorney, CEO of network operator TOMRA Cleanaway.

Danielle Smalley, CEO of scheme coordinator, Exchange for Change, said over $82 million has been raised for charities and community groups through donations and return point hosting fees, supporting their important work from providing food and shelter to environmental conservation.

The 14 billion milestone coincides with Return and Earn releasing the latest Local Government Volume Report, which shows the enthusiastic community participation in container returns by council area in the last six months. For information visit returnandearn.org.au.

Registrations Now Open For 2025 Forbes National BBQ Championships

August 14, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Get ready to fire up the grill! Registrations are now open for the highly anticipated 2025 Forbes National BBQ Championships.

Returning to Grinstead Oval in Forbes on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 October 2025, this sizzling competition will once again bring together the best barbeque talent from across the country, with teams set to battle it out across four mouth-watering categories:

Chicken, Beef, Lamb Rack and Pork Loin.

Last year’s event drew teams from NSW, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia, along with more than 1,500 spectators who turned out to enjoy the smoky spectacle, food, live entertainment and family-friendly atmosphere.

“This event just keeps growing. It’s a real celebration of Australian barbeque culture and a fantastic way to showcase Forbes as a destination for food, fun and great community spirit,” Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said.

Sunday’s smoking competition is sanctioned by the Australian Barbecue Alliance, ensuring top-tier competition standards and judging, and adding extra prestige for those chasing points on the national circuit.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a passionate backyard grill master, the National BBQ Championships offer a chance to test your skills, showcase your flavours, compete for serious bragging rights, and $20,000 worth of prizes.

For more information and to register, head www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/events or follow National BBQ Championships Forbes on Facebook.

We are also putting on a vibrant market area, and we are on the lookout for stallholders!If you sell handmade goods, arts, crafts, sweet treats, clothing, local produce, or anything fun and fabulous – this is your chance to be part of a bustling event that drew over 1,500 spectators last year…and growing.

Spaces are limited so don’t miss out on this smokin’ opportunity to showcase your products. Submit your Expression of Interest: https://shorturl.at/C01lc

$3 Million To Help NSW Landholders

August 14, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Central West Landholder Ian Chapman at his property in Stuart Town.

The Minns Labor Government is investing $3 million to help farmers improve their farming operations, profitability and environmental sustainability through developing natural capital projects.

In farming, natural capital refers to the stock of natural resources—like soil, water, plants, animals, and ecosystems—that farmers rely on to produce food, fibre, and other goods.

Ian Chapman is a cattle farmer with a 1000-acre property in Stuart Town, Central West NSW.

While the concept of natural capital is new, Ian has been practicing sustainable agriculture since the 1990s, taking an interest in P.A. Yeomans’ keyline farm design principles, and then managing his property holistically since 2006.

Ian started planting trees on his property in the late 90s, and in 2021. Since then, he has planted more than 32,000 trees and shrubs across 40 hectares – more than 20 species of eucalypts, acacia, and more.

Ian said “Local Land Services helped us identify our native plant community type and I went to a few workshops and field days.

“At one stage we were having issues with waterlogged areas of the farm, and Local Land Services helped us come up with some solutions.

Ian can now apply for carbon credits under the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme to generate an income from this project.

Local Land Services’ natural capital advisors can help landholders understand what environmental market opportunities may be available to them.

Landholders are encouraged to contact their Local Land Services office on 1300 795 299 or visit the website for more information.

New Youth Biosecurity Training Hub Empowers The Next Generation

August 14, 2025 by Roxane Manley

A new national online platform is now live, providing educators, students and community groups with engaging, age-appropriate tools to build biosecurity awareness across Australia. The Youth Biosecurity Hub offers a centralised library of curriculum-aligned lesson plans and interactive resources.

The development of the platform follows the success of the National Biosecurity Training Hub, an online library of biosecurity training resources developed by PHA in collaboration with the Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Animal Health Australia, NSW Department of Primary Industries, and Agriculture Victoria in 2023.

Sarah Corcoran, Chief Executive Officer of PHA, said early education is key. “A strong biosecurity system starts with awareness and shared responsibility. By equipping young Australians with the knowledge and tools they need from an early age, we’re helping to build a more resilient, informed future.

The Youth Biosecurity Hub is a national resource that empowers teachers, students, and communities to take part in protecting what matters most.”

With accessible, ready-made materials tailored for primary and secondary schools, the Youth Biosecurity Hub makes it easy for teachers to bring biosecurity education into the classroom and for parents and community groups to reinforce learning at home or in local programs.

Whether it’s protecting Australia’s precious wildlife, safeguarding agricultural industries, or ensuring future food security, biosecurity awareness starts with education.

The Youth Biosecurity Training Hub is available at youthbiosecurityhub.com.au.

The Parkes Tractor Trekkers Go Full Throttle For Prostate Cancer

August 7, 2025 by Roxane Manley

The Parkes Tractor Trekkers are ready to rev up their engines From August 11 to 22. Contributions, big or small, will go a long way. Together, we can support the PCFA’s life-saving work and show our support for the men in our lives.

Parkes local Richard Jefferay is gearing up to drive more than 1,240km from Bourke to Birdsville on a Massey Ferguson tractor with a top speed of just 23km/h. He’ll be joined by eight mates, navigating remote dirt tracks and stopping in small towns to spark life-saving conversations about early detection and prostate cancer awareness.

With just days to go until the trek kicks off on 11 August, Richard has smashed his $100,000 fundraising goal – and still climbing. “We’ve been overwhelmed by the support. Every kilometre counts in raising awareness and saving lives,” says Richard.

This is a deeply personal mission for Richard, whose father was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Over the past two years, he’s raised over $90,000 for Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. This year Richard’s father and his son are both trekking alongside him.

The Tractor Trek is proudly backed by Tyrepower, which has raised over $1.3 million for PCFA over the past 11 years.

At their recent International Conference, a charity auction in support of the trek pulled in more than $150,000.

Richard would like to thank local sponsors Potts Removals and Storage, Steve Magill Earthmoving, Magill Transport, Hoys Heavy Haulage, Oils Plus, Parkes Liquid Nitrogen, Wrights Farming, Moss and Sons, Power Tools Plus, Signs U See, Tyrepower, Parkes Auto Wreckers and Central West Car Club.

Follow the Parkes Tractor Trekkers and donate at https://fundraise.pcfa.org.au/fundraisers/richardjefferay

Snippets…

August 7, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Are you new to town?

Forbes Shire Council: Come along to our Welcome to Town event – a great chance to connect with locals, learn about services and activities, and discover everything our town has to offer. Please RSVP by Thursday 14 August to events@forbes.nsw.gov.au or 6850 2300.

Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia: Join Oceans to Outback and walk 87km to keep the Flying Doctor flying. That’s just 2.8km a day. It’s a rewarding fitness challenge that saves lives. Walk 87km during October to keep the Flying Doctor flying to Aussies in remote, rural and regional areas. Plus, they’ll send you a free t-shirt as a reward for fundraising. Imagine how incredible you’ll feel. Sign up today: www.oceanstooutback.org.au

Rural Women’s Network: Know an inspiring woman making a real difference? Now’s the time to shine a spotlight on them! Nominations are open for the NSW Women of the Year Awards 2026. Celebrating trailblazers, change makers, quiet achievers and role models from every walk of life. Nominate someone for one of these categories: NSW Premier’s Woman of Excellence, NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year, NSW Community Hero, NSW Regional Woman of the Year, NSW Young Woman of the Year, Ones to Watch. Nominations close 9 September 2025. The recipients of the awards will be announced at the NSW Women of the Year Awards ceremony, Thursday 5 March. Don’t miss the chance to recognise someone extraordinary: nsw.gov.au/wotya26

RSL NSW: The RSL NSW Wellbeing Support Officer Program is a statewide strategic initiative to reach more veterans and families than ever before, providing connection, camaraderie and support services to the community. More than 350 people have completed their WSO training, with more than 150 being authorised by their sub-Branch to work in their local community. Here are the five steps to become a WSO: https://rslnsw.org.au/news/infographic-5-steps-to-become-a-wellbeing-support-officer/

Parkes Elvis Festival: Entries are now open for the Busking Championships. Come and cheer on your favourite busker while they are being scored on Friday & Saturday afternoon. The top three buskers perform for the title of Busking Champion in the finals on the Cooke Park Main Stage on Sunday afternoon. Enter here: bit.ly/PEFbusking

Calling all local musicians.

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