Forbes Phoenix

Frost And Fire Artist Line Up To Heat Up Forbes

by

Supporting acts on the night will be Foxxy Cleopatra, Baker Boys (pictured) and EasyGoin.

Don’t miss the opportunity to see an up and coming Brisbane singer-songwriter in the making, Ripley Alexander, right here in the Central West at Frost and Fire in Forbes on Saturday 21June. Ripley describes his mu­sic as “a modern spin on a classic sound”. Ripley’s standout Australian Idol perfor­mance went viral around the world, racking up more than 100 million views on TikTok.

There’s no one like the Wolfe Brothers to warm up a crowd with their high energy per­formance of iconic truly Australian anthems.

The most awarded country rock duo ever, the brothers took away three Golden Guitars at the 2024 Country Music Awards bringing their total to 9 Golden Guitars to date.

Buy Your Frost & Fire Tickets: Tickets are essential. No ticket – no entry! Under 18’s are free entry. Over 18’s are $30 per person. Tickets are available via 123tix.

Book Your Accommodation: Plan your stay in Amazing Forbes with some great ac­commodation options.

Book Your Bus Transfer Tickets To The Event: Don’t forget to pre-purchase bus tickets before the event. Tickets are exclu­sively available via 123tix.

BYO Chair and Warm Winter Clothes: Keep nice and toasty with warm clothes. Enjoy the entertainment in comfort by bring­ing your own chair.

Plan The Rest of your Weekend: Amaz­ing Forbes has an abundance of exciting at­tractions and activities to see and do. Come for the night – stay for a weekend.

Getting to the Event: Frost & Fire is held at the Forbes Ski Dam. During our event there is no public parking onsite, so we have a variety of public transport options to get you and your family and friends here safely.

By Bus: There is a free shuttle bus ser­vice running to and from the event on the day, operating on a continuous loop.

Free Screenings Of Avarice And Q&A Session

by

Galari-River Arts Forbes Inc and Club Forbes are excited to bring free screenings of Avarice with Q&A Session Featuring Forbes Filmmaker Dane Millerd.

Fans of action thrillers are in for a treat as two special free screenings of Avarice will take place on Sunday, 13 April at Club Forbes. The screenings, at 4pm and 6pm, will be followed by a Q&A session with the film’s writer, local journalist, filmmaker, and screenwriter, Dane Millerd.

Forbes’ local talent behind the film, Dane Millerd, who wrote and developed the screenplay, will be available for a post-screening Q&A, providing insight into the creative process and sharing be­hind-the-scenes stories from the making of the film – suitable for anyone wanting an insight into a film making career.

About Avarice

Avarice is an action-packed thriller. Shot in stunning Australian lo­cations, the film combines heart-pounding action with an intricate, suspenseful storyline, starring the talented Luke Ford in a role that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Dane Millerd is an Australian journalist, filmmaker, and screen­writer with a passion for storytelling. Known for his unique perspec­tive and powerful narratives, Millerd’s work on Avarice brings to life a gripping tale of ambition, danger, and human nature.

Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to experience Avarice on the big screen. Admission is free, but seats will be limited. To reserve your spot, please visit https://events.humanitix.com/avarice-q-and-a

1,000 Bikes Ride Against Domestic Violence

by

Organiser of the 1,000 Bikes Against Domestic Violence Ride, Grant Nicholson pictured with Tony Ticehurst, father of the late Molly Ticehurst.

A group of Central West Riders will soon be departing Forbes on a very special ride – 1,000 Bikes Against DV. The ride or­ganised by Forbes local Grant Nicholson, was inspired by the tragic loss of beloved local woman Molly Ticehurst to domestic violence. The bikes will depart Forbes on Friday 11 April at 8:30am from Bunnings.

The group will be riding from Forbes to Parliament House in Canberra, and have been granted permission to hold a rally from 1pm – 2pm. All riders are welcome to join and riders are invited to wear a white ribbon in support of ending domestic vio­lence.

When speaking of the ride, Grant Nichl­son, said: “We want to show our disgust in the lack of action by our leaders in combat­ing domestic violence in our communities all over Australia. We’re going to be peace­ful, but loud, to show society that we can­not tolerate this any longer.”

On the day, 117 red hearts will be laid on the lawn of Parliament House to represent the 117 women lost in the last 12 months to domestic violence. Members of the crowd will be asked to take one of 117 white car­nations and stand behind a red heart, the last carnation being carried by Nate who is Molly’s young son. Nate will carry Molly’s heart with her flower, during 117 seconds of silence.

Riders will meet at the general assembly point at the front of Parliament House Can­berra. Please head along and show your support against domestic violence. For more infomration follow the Facebook link: www.facebook.com/share/1BZRmk3RM7

Calls For Rural And Remote Healthcare To Be Prioritised

by

ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin.

With the federal election now set for 3 May, healthcare is a key issue for voters, the Aus­tralian College of Rural and Remote Medi­cine (ACRRM) is urging all political parties to prioritise the needs of rural, remote, and First Nations communities.

More than seven million people living in rural and remote areas face significant barri­ers to healthcare, including geographic iso­lation, limited infrastructure, and the higher costs of delivering services in these regions.

ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin as­serts that every community, no matter how remote, has an undeniable right to access high-quality healthcare without the barrier of cost.

“There is a $6.5 billion annual underspend on healthcare in rural and remote communi­ties, and that’s unacceptable. This chronic underfunding directly impacts the health and wellbeing of people outside major cit­ies, but there are solutions available.”

Dr Martin says ACRRM has welcomed major parties’ commitments to bulk billing and medical training but is calling for further detail and a stronger focus on rural, remote and First Nations healthcare.

“Without targeted investment, rural, re­mote, and First Nations communities will continue to experience critical healthcare shortages.

For more information: accrm.org.au

Snippets…

by

Carmen and Megan left the CSU Forum feeling inspired and grateful.

Kerin Health: Megan and Carmen rep­resented Kerin Health at the networking event and forum hosted by CSU Three Riv­ers Department of Health. The theme was Thrive 2025 ‘Innovations from the heart of rural health’. So many amazing things are happening within rural health and collabo­rating with other allied health providers to bridge the gap.

Calling All Youth Leaders: The NSW Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is looking for young people aged 12-24 from diverse backgrounds across NSW to help advise the NSW Government on issues that mat­ter. This is your chance to have your voice heard and represent children and young people across the state. Learn more and apply before 20 April at acyp.nsw.gov.au.

Young Farmer Business Program: Are you a tradie, farmer, or gardener aged 1825? The 2025 Global Footprints Scholar­ships is a chance to gain international work experience and make a real impact on the planet. If you’re passionate about sustain­ability and working in agriculture, horticul­ture, or trades, this is your opportunity to travel the world and make your mark! Ap­plications open 1 May 2025. Find out more and apply at www.globalfootprints.org.au

Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society: Tickets on sale now for Mamma Mia. Pur­chase your tickets online at www.parkes­mandd.com.au or pop in to the box office at Parkes Little Theatre on Sunday from 10.30am – 12pm.

Australian Schools Plus: Schools Plus Teaching Awards supported by Common­wealth Bank are closing in one week! Nominate or apply for the Awards before 9am on 8 April 2025. Twelve outstanding teachers or school leaders will receive a prestigious $20,000 award, including $10,000 for a high impact school visit pro­gram as well as a 12-month Teaching Fel­lowship. To nominate or apply, visit www.schoolsplus.org.au/teachingawards/

TAFE NSW Forbes: Statement of At­tainment in Aboriginal Site Works (90083366V01) ran from March 24 – 27 March. Students had the privilege of participating in a hands-on course, gaining valuable skills and knowledge from Uncle Victor. Students learned how to record informa­tion and knowledge on Country, while gain­ing insights from both the Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal perspectives. The course culminated in a BBQ lunch at the Dreaming Centre, where high school student danc­ers showcased their talents with the Yanu Mun-Yana dance, gifted to them by Uncle Stu McMinn.

If you are interested in learning more about this course contact Forbes TAFE.

A ‘Wheelie’ Big Ride For A Great Cause

by

Did you see large groups of Cyclists coming through Parkes and Forbes on Sunday 30 March?

National Construction and Fitout business, FDC hosted its annual charity bike ride at the weekend. The big 500km Ride to Give journey started in Dubbo on Sunday, with 70 riders making their way to Forbes, then Temora and finishing in Leeton on Tuesday.

The event has already raised more than $473,000 for two incredible charities sup­porting regional youth – Boys to the Bush and BackTrack Youth Works, with some em­ployees even participating in the ride. Both charities are making a real difference in the lives of disadvantaged and disconnected youth across NSW.

Boys to the Bush was established in Al­bury in 2017 by three school teachers who were noticing common issues in youth men with similar backgrounds – disconnected, vulnerable and often from a home without the presence of good male role models.

Boys to the Bush has positively impacted more than 7,000 lives through a range of programs, including one-on-one mentoring, camps and school programs. The charity focuses on prevention and early interven­tion strategies for boys between eight and 20 years old, on a mission to assist boys to become good men.

In 2022, Boys to the Bush were recog­nised with “The Most Outstanding Commu­nity Organisation” award by Business NSW.

The organisation supports every aspect of a young person’s life – from helping them connect with the community and supporting individual wellbeing to helping their person­al development and providing learning and employment opportunities.

Donations for the ride are still welcome and every dollar – big or small – makes a real difference and goes directly to improv­ing the lives of at risk youths in regional communities.

To donate, visit www.fdcridetogive.com.au/event/rtg/donate and help us continue making a difference.

Not All Multifocal Lenses Are Created Equal

by

Multifocal lenses are a game-changer for those needing vision cor­rection at multiple distances, but not all multifocal lenses are the same. Many people assume that any multifocal lens they purchase will provide clear, comfortable vision, yet there can be vast differ­ences in design, quality, and lens technology that can have a huge impact for the wearer.

Off-the-shelf or budget multifocal lenses often use outdated technology, leading to smaller reading zones, more distortion, and difficulty adapting. High-quality, modern multifocal lenses—espe­cially when selected and fitted by an experienced optometrist and optical dispenser team, offer a much smoother transition between distances, wider vision zones, and more comfortable viewing ex­perience overall.

This is where choosing an independent optometrist, like Hansen Eyecare Plus Parkes makes all the difference. Unlike chain stores that may offer a limited selection and only use one brand of lenses which is the best one for their bottom line, we have access to a wide range of premium multifocal designs from many different lens manufacturers that can be tailored to your lifestyle. We take the time to understand your unique vision needs, ensuring you get lenses that provide the clearest, most comfortable vision possible.

We also offer a 3 month non adaptation warranty on your new multifocal, so if you’re one of the small number of people that can’t adjust to a multifocal lens, then we will happily exchange them for something else. If you’re sick of taking glasses on and off or have been waiting to take the plunge and try multifocal lenses then what better time than now?

Need Planning Approval For Your Next Project?

by

Town Planner Eliza Noakes can help with your next development project.

If you’ve ever required planning approval for a development pro­ject, you know it is not always smooth sailing. Whether it’s zoning issues, confusing planning rules and regulations, or delays in ap­provals, getting the green light for a project can be overwhelming.

That’s where Acre Town Planning can help.

With over 36 years combined experience, Acre Town planning is skilled at cutting through the red tape, making the process sim­pler and faster. Acre has become a trusted name in navigating the complexities of town planning for projects ranging from residential developments to large-scale commercial and industrial develop­ments. After five years operating in southern NSW, Acre has re­cently expanded into central west NSW appointing Parkes local, Eliza Noakes to provide planning consultancy services to develop­ers and landowners in the region.

Eliza served as the Manager of Development and Planning at Forbes Shire Council, managing an array of complex develop­ment applications and strategic planning projects. From significant greenfield subdivisions to childcare centres, rural and manufactur­ing industries, as well as various rezonings and strategic planning projects, Eliza has a proven track record of delivering thoughtful and efficient solutions that support community growth and sustain­ability.

Acre’s reputation for excellence is built on a strong commitment to understanding each project’s unique needs and objectives.

Their comprehensive services include:

• Preparation of Development Applications

• NSW planning portal assistance

• Due diligence advice for new property purchases

• Planning Proposals and rezonings

• General planning advice

Acre’s extensive planning knowledge ensures that all Council re­quirements are met,ensuring a smooth and streamlined approval process. If you’re feeling stuck or unsure about how to move for­ward with your development plans, contact Acre Town Planning to discuss how they can assist with planning approvals on your next development project. Phone Eliza on 0447 314 359, email admin@acretp.com.au or visit www.acretp.com.au

Learn Something New This Saturday At Homegrown Parkes

by

Register to attend one of the workshops at Homegrown Parkes this weekend, and you will go into the running to win some won­derful prizes from local Homegrown Parkes businesses.

Chef Jack Brown will be providing a work­shop in the Cooke Park Pavilion from 11am.

Jack is an Indigenous Chef trained in tra­ditional French cuisine, who is redefining Australian cuisine by embracing native in­gredients.

Kath Whitchurch will be providing a pop­ular workshop on Sourdough Making at 12.30pm in Cooke Park Pavilion.

The day concludes with the final Pavilion Workshop at 2.00pm, with 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. He will be providing two formal presen­tations at 10.30am and 1.00pm.

There will also be a free, live reptile display throughout the day, with two formal presen­tations by Andrew at 11am and 1.30pm.

Funding has been granted to Parkes Shire Council under the Open Streets Pro­gram, funded by Transport for NSW to sup­port this event, in addition to support from Central West Lachlan Landcare and volun­teers from Parkes Community Arts.

Chef Jack Brown is providing a workshop at Homegrown Parkes with the support of Landcare NSW.

For further information, please go to www.centralwestlachlanlandcare.org or follow the Homegrown Parkes Facebook page.

Snippets…

by

Please reserve a seat for Chef Jack Browns Workshop which is a free event scheduled for Homegrown on Saturday 29 March.

Homegrown Parkes: Help us welcome Chef Jack Brown to Homegrown Parkes this Saturday, 29 March. Jack, who has spent some time in the Central West, is an Indigenous chef trained in traditional French cuisine. Jack will be providing a workshop in the Cooke Park Pavilion from 11am – 12pm and you are invited to join in. For further information please go to www.centralwestlachlanlandcare.org twitter, fa­cebook or Instagram @cwllandcare

Forbes – It’s Your Turn For A Plot Twist! Young people aged 8 – 14 years are invited to choose the books they want to go into Forbes Library. There will be snacks, prizes and games! Be prepared to have fun. It is all happening on Friday 4 April from 4pm – 5pm at The Book Dispensary in Forbes, 4 Templar Street. Please note this location for the event. Choose the books you’d like to read for your local library and get first dibs on your selection. So come along and bring your parents for supervision if under 12 years of age or be signed in by a parent or carer for Plot Twist. Bookings essential online through Try Booking: www.trybook­ing.com/events/landing/1368351 or by call­ing Forbes Library on 6852 1463 or The Book Dispensary on 1300 002 871.

NSW Farmers: Farmers must not be left without the funding needed to put Aussie grown food on tables, NSW Farmers has warned as the Albanese Government deliv­ers its latest federal budget. Poor infrastruc­ture, telecommunications and biosecurity are just some of the challenges farmers will be left to face alone if federal funding is not increased, NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said. “Our government keeps talking about a future made in Australia, but how about a future grown in Australia? As we head to the polls, our politicians can’t for­get the fact that people need fresh, Aussie grown food at fair prices. We need to keep our farmers farming.”

Charles Sturt University Health Forum: CSU is hosting a forum in Parkes today, Friday 28 March, 8am to 3.30pm for health students. Dive into a full day of insightful talks and presentations on ‘Innovations from the heart of rural health’ from health professionals working in speech pathology, physiotherapy, pharmacy, health promo­tion, paramedicine, First Nations health, dementia care, and research. The day in­cludes an incredible line-up of speakers. Find more details at: https://threerivers.csu.edu.au/news-and-events/events/2025/thrive-2025-parkes

Forbes Pharmacist Jack Buckey (The flying pharmacist) will be a guest speaker at the CSU forum on Friday 28 March.

Phoenix Office 7/113-127 Rankin Street, Forbes NSW 2871

Editor 0432 337 278
editor@forbesphoenix.com.au

Sales 0432 337 278
sales@forbesphoenix.com.au

View our Privacy Policy. View our Conflict Resolution Process. View our Ethics and Complaints Policy. Want to advertise with us? Information on our Community Promotions.

We are always looking for new articles of interest to the local community.

Please feel free to submit an article for possible inclusion in a future issue.

To submit an article, click here to use our online article submission form.

Subscribe

* indicates required