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Upgraded Forbes Public School Returned To Community

May 1, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Images of some of the flood rebuild indoor and outdoor spaces at Forbes Public School.

Students and staff at Forbes Public School are celebrating as they return to their upgraded school two and a half years on from the destructive 2022 Central West floods, with school improvements making way for the return of play space and the removal of demountables.

Forbes Public School’s flood rebuild project, delivered by the Minns Labor Government, features 14 refurbished classrooms, library upgrades, an upgraded school canteen, 12 new air conditioning units and two new bubbler stations.

The school’s toilet facilities have also been upgraded with new water-saving toilets and taps, handbasins, and partitions.

The project also included updating of 11 school buildings with new doors, fresh paint, new carpet and laminate flooring, and essential electrical infrastructure upgrades. These improvements involved repainting and refurbishment of the shade structure, resurfacing the main sports court, landscaping of outdoor play areas, and the installation of new seating.

Overall, 1,050 litres of fresh paint was applied across interior and exterior walls and surfaces, and 1,080 square metres of new flooring was installed.

The 25 demountable classrooms used to support the school during the works will begin to be removed next month, including those on the school oval, with works on track for completion by Term 3.

Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said “After the devastation of the 2022 floods, it is fantastic that we are now welcoming students and teachers back to permanent, upgraded facilities at Forbes Public School.

Snippets…

May 1, 2025 by Roxane Manley

A showcase of creativity, passion, and imagination.

Forbes Youth Action Team: Celebrating the incredible talent from the FYAT art competition. A big thank you to Kim Featherson and Katie Ragg, the ladies from the Forbes Art Society joined as judges. Kim and Katie shared that they were blown away by the quality of entries across all categories! Winners: 5–10 years winner Willa Thornton, 11–17 years winner Imogen Collits. Highly Commended Awards: 5-10 years Darby Edgerton, 11-17 years Saranchuluu Zorig.

Rural Women’s Network: The RWN is running a survey of people across rural NSW to answer these questions and more. Have your say at bit.ly/RWNSurvey2025 before the end of May 2025.

Parkes Shire Libraries: Storytime and Rhyme Time return for Term 2 next week at Parkes Library! Storytime is for pre-school children aged 3-5 and Rhyme Time is for babies ages 0-3. For bookings, please ring the Library on 6861 2309.

R U OK? As humans, we crave connection. That’s why life’s ups and downs are better shared. Create space for your people to share the good and bad times. Follow our four steps: www.ruok.org.au/howto-ask

Dolly’s Dream: Bullying shatters lives, but together, we can create a kinder, safer world for everyone. This Do It For Dolly Day, let’s go blue and take action: Wear it, wave it, or bake it. Host a blue event. Fundraise to support Dolly’s Dream. Every donation directly supports programs that protect children and strengthen communities across Australia. Go blue on 9 May and make an impact.

PCYC Parkes: Healthy Harold’s Colour Run is returning to Parkes. Come and join the fun. Wednesday 7 May, 3.30pm – 5.30pm, Keast Park, Parkes NSW. This free event is a great way for families to enjoy time together while learning about health, safety and wellbeing: Run, walk or skip your way through a colourful chalk course. Enjoy a free BBQ and fun giveaways throughout the afternoon.

Forbes Evening Branch CWA: On 29 April Forbes CWA and Forbes CWA Evening Branch participated in the ACWW Walk the World Day with friendship, to raise awareness of their work and to support their charity. Some of CWA values include supporting each other, advocating on community issues, sustainable development and the protection of the environment and social Issues. CWA gives women a voice to help make change.

Some of the work CWA does in our community can be viewed on the Facebook page: Forbes CWA Evening Branch.

Don’t Forget To Vote On Saturday 3 May

May 1, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Election day is Saturday, 3 May. You can vote at any polling place on polling day, just don’t forget to vote. Polling places are usually located at local schools, churches and community halls, or public buildings. Voting locations can be found at aec.gov.au On election day you’ll receive two ballot papers: a green one for the House of Representatives and a white one for the Senate.

On the white ballot paper you can choose to vote either above or below the line. On the green ballot paper, you need to number every box for your vote to count.

Major centres in the Parkes Electorate include Moree, Walgett, Narrabri, Coonabarabran, Coonamble, Gilgandra, Dubbo, Forbes, Parkes, Condobolin, Cobar, Broken Hill, Bourke and Brewarrina.

Candidates for the Parkes electorate will appear on the ballot paper in the following order:

Mark Carter (Pauline Hanson’s One Nation)Stephen Pope (Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party)Trish Frail (The Australian Greens Party)Petrus Van Der Steen (Trumpet of Patriots)Bob Wilson (Independent)Nathan Fell (Australian Labor Party)Jamie Chaffey (National Party of Australia)Maurice Davey (Family First Party)Stuart Howe (Independent)Sally Edwards (Libertarian Party)

Driving With Purpose For Beyond Blue

May 1, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Life Pharmacy Group CEO Warwick Marx and Chief Operating Officer Michael Flannery.

Heavy rain and challenging conditions didn’t deter the Life Pharmacy Group (LPG) team from hitting the road for the 10th annual Beyond Bitumen Rally, raising funds and awareness for Beyond Blue.

The Beyond Bitumen Rally entourage of 72 vehicles travelled almost 2000 kilometres from Taree to Port Stephens via Grafton and Armidale (March 27 to 31).The Cavaliers, which includes LPG CEO Michael Flannery (Originally from Forbes) and Chief Operating Officer Warwick Marx (From Dubbo), raised more than $34,000 for the charity this year, taking out the highest fundraising honours for an individual participating car. “We’ve been taking part in the Beyond Bitumen Rally for seven years now,” Life Pharmacy Group CEO, Michael Flannery, said.

“It all started after a mate of mine shared his mental health battles and the role Beyond Blue played in supporting him during his darkest times. It didn’t take us long to find ourselves a car and The Cavaliers were formed.”

Did you know men are three times more likely to take their lives in Australia? and remoteness is a major contributing factor.

Growing up in regional Australia, The Cavaliers understand the importance of checking in on friends and seeking the appropriate support. “Most of us grew up in the bush and this rally is a great opportunity to hit the road with our mates, see parts of the country we may not have experienced previously, support communities along the way, and raise money for Beyond Blue,” Michael said.

“As a team we’re very proud to have raised more than $200,000 for the rally over the past seven years, and we’re thankful for the support we’ve received from our colleagues, friends, and families along the way.”

Since its inception, the Beyond Bitumen Rally has raised more than 3.5 million dollars for charity.

The Outdoor Gym: Digging, Planting, and Growing Together

May 1, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Pilates is back for Term 2 in Parkes and Forbes. TGo book, go to: www.kerinhealth.com.au/pilates

Nestled at the base of the hill our home sits on, is an old abandoned homestead.

In its front yard, recently dozens of beautiful bulbs spring up from the neglected garden beds. I piled the kids in the ute and we drove down, shovels on the back. We dug out bulbs and they played in the old house.

I liked the sound of their childish laughter.

Our hands dug deep into the dirt. The sun warmed our backs as we pulled, shoveled and lifted; carting loads back to the ute. I was sweating, my legs ached and my heart rate was up.

We drove home, cheeks flushed pink, eyes bright from the exercise, arms and legs happily sore from the exertion.

We worked quickly. We transplanted the bulbs into our garden, the kids dug holes haphazardly, shoving them into the warm soil. They turn the hose on the transplanted bulbs briefly, then on each other. They ran, they played, blood pumping, muscles growing, and bones getting stronger.

Could exercise get any more enjoyable? I once asked a client what she did for exercise. “Oh nothing really, I don’t go to the gym, I don’t go for walks. I’m just in the garden most of the day”. I asked what she did in the garden. She listed a range of activities, including using a push mower up steep hills, mulching and lifting heavy branches.

“That’s all great exercise,” I reassured her.

I catch a glimpse of the new plants through the window. Sunning themselves in their new home, a happy reminder of a day at our very own outdoor gym.

Are you not a gardener, but are looking for ways to exercise? Join our pilates classes or senior exercise classes at Kerin Health.

Head Along To Cooke Park This Saturday For Homegrown Parkes

April 23, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Register to enjoy one of the many workshops on offer or just head along to Cooke Park from 9am to 2pm to check out the locally grown and made products and produce.

If you like the idea of locally grown markets, or perhaps fancy yourself as a homegrown producer, head along to Cooke Park Pavillion this Saturday 26 April for Homegrown Parkes. This community gathering celebrates local produce, crafts, and sustainability initiatives. There will be plenty of new tips and tricks to learn with an exciting program of workshops and with each workshop registration, you will go in the running to win some wonderful prizes from the local Homegrown Parkes businesses.

Chef Jack Brown, an Indigenous chef who is trained in traditional French cuisine, will be providing a workshop in the Cooke Park Pavilion from 11am. Then at 12.30pm, Kath Whitchurch will be providing a workshop on Sourdough Making. The final Pavilion Workshop at 2.00pm, willfeature talented landscape designer Elizabeth Briton, sharing her knowledge of local plant species and design concepts.

Clancy The Bee Man will provide informal workshops on the lawn in front of the Pavilion at 10.30am and 1.00pm. There will also be also a free, live reptile display throughout the day, with Andrew providing two formal presentations at 11am and 1.30pm.

Funding for this event has been granted under the Open Streets Program, funded by Transport for NSW, in addition to support from Central West Lachlan Landcare and volunteers from Parkes Community Arts. Chef Jack Brown is attending thanks the support of Landcare NSW.

For further details on the full program, please go to www.centralwestlachlanlandcare.org or follow the Homegrown Parkes Facebook page.

Canowindra Balloon Festival Ready To Take Off

April 23, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Balloons taking off at the 2024 Canowindra International Balloon Festival. Image Credit: Farmpix Photography

The skies over Canowindra are set to dazzle as the beloved Canowindra Balloon Festival returns from 26 April to 4 May.

This vibrant week-long celebration of hot air balloons, music, art, food, and community spirit offers something for everyone.

Festivities lift off with the Welcome Street Party on 26 April, featuring live music from Nerida Cuddy and the Neil Gill Band, alongside a sizzling BBQ competition, delicious food, and market stalls. Throughout the week, enjoy Flicker Fest at Rosnay, creative Paint and Sips, inspiring workshops from The Creative Cure, and Sue Hodges’ art exhibition at the Canowindra Services Club, just to name a few of the offerings for the week.

Test your trivia knowledge at the Trivia Night hosted by the Canowindra Public School P&C. Then, don’t miss the Home Ground Sounds Concert on 2 May, headlined by country star Casey Barnes, with performances by Furnace and The Fundamentals, Big Night Out, and Nathan Lamont.

Saturday, 3 May, begins with the thrilling Balloon Key Grab, followed by the CWA All Day Breakfast, a colourful street parade, and the spectacular Cabonne Community Glow—gates open from 3pm.

Whether you’re here for the balloons or the beats, the Canowindra Balloon Festival is an unforgettable autumn escape. Balloons fly from 27 April to 2 May mornings and afternoons, weather permitting.

Tickets and more information available at Balloon HQ located on Gaskill Street and 123tix.com.au.

Snippets…

April 23, 2025 by Roxane Manley

Lights were left on across Forbes and Parkes for Molly on the evening of 22 April.

Her Name Is Molly: Forbes and Parkes residents left their lights on for Molly on Tuesday 22 April. Molly Ticehurst lost her life to domestic violence in April 2024. A year on from Molly’s passing, and the hashtag #hernameismolly has lit up facebook with photos of people from all across Australia leaving a light on for Molly. Households, businesses, councils and sporting grounds all paid tribute to Molly by leaving a light on and shining a bright light on domestic violence issues.

1800RESPECT: Support is available for people experiencing violence and abuse.1800RESPECT is the national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service. Call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, chat online or video call via the website https://1800respect.org.au

Visit Parkes Region: The town with a heart of gold is calling! Wander the leafy main street, discover hidden gems in charming antique stores and the charm of the Carrington Hotel, and don’t miss the breathtaking views from the open cut gold mine walking trails. Peak Hill is the perfect place to stop, explore and soak up history, nature, and small-town charm. Learn more at bit.ly/4idL4cB

Forbes Garden Club: The Forbes Garden Club bus trip to Tumbling Downs Olive Grove at Bogan Gate is on Thursday 15 May, leaving at 9.30 am and also visiting three gardens in Parkes. We need 30 members and friends on the bus at a cost of $35 each which includes a Devonshire tea. Pack lunch or food can be purchased at Parkes Services Club. Ask your friends or family to join us we need numbers for this to go ahead. Treasurer Lloyd Gerdes can be contacted on 6851 4494.

Parkes Shire Council Need Your Help: The 2025 National Awards for Local Government are underway, and we need your support to help Parkes Shire take home the win. Our entry is Fleet Optimisation and Innovation: A Smarter Approach to Asset Management. Parkes Council is a finalistsin two categories: Productivity through Infrastructure and Outstanding Rural and Remote Council. Want more information? Go to www.infrastructure.gov.au/nalg/

Early Voting In Forbes: If you wish to vote before the Federal Election Day on Saturday 3 May 2025, simply pop into Town Hall for pre-polling. For further information about the 2025 Federal Election visit www.aec.gov.au

If you can’t vote on Saturday, 3 May then vote early on the above dates.

ANZAC Day In Parkes And Forbes

April 23, 2025 by Roxane Manley

On Friday 25 April 2025, Australian’s will mark the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, as well as commemorating all Australians who have served in times of peace and war. Parkes and Forbes residents are invited to attend the ANZAC Day Commemorative Services to be held across the Parkes and Forbes Shires:

PARKES ANZAC COMMEMMORATIONS

• Dawn Service 5:30am at Memorial Hill

• Breakfast Bistro 6:30am at Parkes Services Club

• Church Service 7am at Holy Family Catholic Church

• Church Service 7:30am at Parkes Anglican Church

• ANZAC Day March 8:30am at Welcome Street, Chamberlain Square and Clarinda Street to Cooke Park

• Commemorative Service am at Cooke Parkes

• Wreath Laying Pilgrimage 10:45am at Parkes Cemetery War Graves

• ANZAC Day Luncheon 12pm at Parkes Services Club

• Sound Retreat 5pm at Cooke Park

• The Ode 6pm at Parkes Services Club

FORBES ANZAC COMMEMMORATIONS

• Dawn Service 5:20am Harold Street, form up 5.15am Templar Street, adjacent to Club Forbes

• ANZAC Day March 10:15am Cross Street, Cross Street, Lachlan Street, Harold Street terminating at Cenotaph

• Commemmorative Service 10:30am Harold Street

Exciting Opportunity In Central West Industrial Park

April 23, 2025 by Roxane Manley

For additional commentary, a detailed information memorandum or more photos please contact Sam Johnston 0412 896 602 sam@johnstongroup.com.au Gary Johnston 0427 574 270 gary@johnstongroup.com.au

Johnston Rural Group is excited to present for sale: 52 Back Yamma Road: a 10.96 hectare (109,600m) industrial land parcel primed for commercial development – boasting a central mid-state location adjacent to the Newell Highway and Inland Rail line in the new Central West Industrial Park.

The property, which comprises a large, renovated office building and two enclosed sheds, is currently operated as the national base for Lachlan Commodities who specialise in the supply of identity preserved high quality grains to the international and domestic food industries.

Originally, Lachlan Commodities planned to develop the land into a modern grain receival depot however, this project unexpectedly came to a halt when the prospect of purchasing the Forbes Linx depot which already had a large amount of purpose-built infrastructure was made available.

The successful acquisition of the Linx site has now meant that 52 Back Yamma Road is surplus to their requirement and therefore being offered for public sale with offers closing on Thursday the 22nd of May 2025.

Head of Strategy and Business Development at Lachlan Commodities Patrick Cogswell states that: “Our family has lived and worked in Forbes for over 40 years, we are very proud to be investing further into the local area and believe strongly in the growth opportunities this region presents”.Marketing agent Sam Johnston believes it’s an incredibly exciting time for the local region and comments that: “Forbes is sure to provide a prosperous future for any incoming or expanding business and their staff which is reinforced by the local Council’s vision of creating “a safe, connected and welcoming community that aspires to create job opportunities, improve infrastructure and support a diverse and thriving economy”.For more information, please contact marketing agents Johnston Rural Group who can provide a price guide and detailed information memorandum on request.

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