This month, I have continued advocating strongly for our region – focusing on improving local health services, strengthening community safety, and ensuring regional voices are heard at the highest levels.

I have raised a range of important issues affecting the Orange electorate, including access to healthcare, delivery of essential infrastructure, and the need for greater accountability and transparency in decisions that directly impact regional communities. My priority remains making sure our region is not overlooked and that government delivers where it matters most.

Encouragingly, this continued advocacy is delivering results, with the 2026-27 NSW State Budget securing key wins for Orange, Forbes and surrounding communities.

The budget includes significant investment in healthcare following ongoing engagement with local clinicians, including a new surgical theatre at Forbes Hospital and $9.9 million for a surgical robot at Orange Health Service. This world- class technology – a first for regional NSW – will allow patients to access advanced procedures closer to home instead of travelling to Sydney, improving outcomes and reducing stress for families.

The long-awaited upgrade at Forbes Hospital will modernise ageing facilities and enhance patient safety, while Orange·s expanded surgical capability will further strengthen its role as a leading regional medical hub and help attract and retain specialist staff.

The budget also delivers a 50% boost to domestic and family violence funding, totalling $184.1 million over four years, providing stronger support for frontline services assisting women, children and families across our region.

These outcomes show what strong, consistent advocacy can achieve. I will continue working hard to ensure our communities receive the investment, services, and attention they deserve.

A toy library is similar to a book library, but instead of borrowing books, families bor­row toys, puzzles, games, ride-ons, and educational play equipment for children.

The Forbes Toy Library was established more than 25 years ago by a dedicated group of local mothers who recognised the value of providing families with access to quality toys and play equipment. Since its inception, the Toy Library has been sup­ported by volunteers who generously give their time to ensure the service continues to benefit the community.

Sally Dobell, Forbes Toy Library Presi­dent said, “We would love to acknowledge and thank Forbes Machinery Centre for their generous donation of a New Holland pedal tractor to the Forbes Toy Library.

“Our previous pedal tractor was also do­nated by Forbes Machinery Centre back in 2012 and became one of our most popular toys, being borrowed more than 224 times over the years. It was enjoyed by count­less local children and created many happy memories.

“We are incredibly grateful for this new donation and look forward to seeing the new tractor bring just as much joy to fami­lies in our community for many years to come.”

Luke Collits, Parts Manager at FMC said “We are fortunate to have such a wonderful community resource in Forbes, and we’re pleased to be able to give something back.”

The Forbes Toy Library is based at the Youth and Community Centre, where it con­tinues to provide local families with afford­able access to more than 400 toys, includ­ing baby toys, construction sets, role-play items, outdoor equipment, and puzzles.

The Forbes Toy Library caters to 0-8 yr olds. Memberships extend beyond Forbes, with current members travelling from Parkes, Eugowra, and Fifield to access the service.

It is best to follow on Facebook to stay up to date with the latest Toy Library news.

A significant new investment in the future of young people across the Parkes Shire has been announced, with Evolution Mining Northparkes Operations and Parkes Shire Council partnering to deliver a new Youth Officer position.

The new part-time position, established for an initial three-year term, represents a major commitment to strengthening youth engagement, participation, wellbeing and opportunities across the entire Parkes Shire.

Funded by Northparkes Operations and managed by Parkes Shire Council, the role has been designed to provide a coordinated and flexible approach to supporting young people, responding directly to community feedback that identified youth activities and mental health as key priorities.

The Youth Officer will work closely with young people, schools, community organi­sations, sporting clubs, and service provid­ers to create meaningful opportunities for youth engagement, leadership develop­ment and social connection.

Parkes Shire Deputy Mayor Marg Apple­bee said the new position will play an impor­tant role in ensuring young people have a stronger voice in shaping the future of their communities.

The role will support youth-focused pro­grams and events, coordinate activities through Council facilities and community venues, establish partnerships across the region and deliver outreach initiatives to smaller communities throughout the Shire.

Importantly, the position has been de­signed with flexibility in mind, recognising that effective youth engagement often oc­curs outside traditional business hours.

Council is now preparing to advertise the position and is seeking an enthusiastic, in­novative and community-minded individual who can help make the role truly excep­tional.

The successful applicant will have the op­portunity to help guide the program from the ground up, develop strong community part­nerships and create lasting outcomes that support young people across the Parkes Shire.

The Parkes Camera Club traces its begin­nings back to 1958, when Alan Steel and Jim Watts each purchased their own camer­as, a Yashica 35mm and a Kodak 35mm, re­spectively. As they began comparing notes and experimenting with photography, they recognised there may be others in the com­munity interested in developing their skills and formed a photographic group.

In 1959, the Methodist Church Trust of­fered the group the use of meeting rooms in Court Street, on the condition that the club operate under the name “The Methodist Camera Club.” Under this banner, the club staged the very first Parkes National Photo­graphic Exhibition in March 1960.

Following the success of the inaugural exhibition, members voted to rename the organisation the Parkes Photographic Soci­ety. Early members included President Don McAlpine, who later became a world-re­nowned cinematographer, Vice Presidents Herb Pollock and Ken Field, Secretary Alan Steel, Treasurer Alan Bennett, along with 20 other club members.

The club’s new meeting place was the old library meeting rooms in Currajong St. The club continued to meet there until the end of 1986. In January 1987, the club moved to the Parkes Neighbourhood Centre in Cur­rajong Street, where it still proudly meets twice a month today. If you are interested in joining the Parkes Camera Club please contact cameraclubparkes@gmail.com.

The Rotary Club of Forbes Ipomoea will be hosting an information night on Tuesday, 30 June at Club Forbes starting at 6pm.

Forbes had two Rotary Clubs, until 2025 when the evening Club Forbes Rotary Club folded. Past President of The Rotary Club of Forbes Ipomoea Sue-anne Nixon said “We feel the community of Forbes needs to know that they do still have a functioning Rotary Club.”

Rotary Ipomoea has been in operation for just over 20 years. This club is a morn­ing meeting club where members meet the first Tuesday of the month for a breakfast meeting at 7am at the Vandenburg Hotel and conclude the meeting at 8am so those members that work can get to work on time.

Ipomoea members want to share in an in­formal way why they enjoy Rotary and com­munity service and what that looks like for them in an informal setting, just a chat and light refreshments. Wine and finger food will be provided to ensure a pleasant and infor­mal atmosphere.

The Rotary Club of Forbes Ipomoea cur­rently has 14 members and Friends of Ro­tary and always welcome and encourage new members.

Rotary Ipomoea members enjoy provid­ing experiences for our community includ­ing Monthly Rotary Markets, Annual Christ­mas Tree Festival, Bi-annual Vintage and Collectables Fair, Bi-annual Photography Competition, Community support at Carols, Eisteddfod, Forbes Show, Australia Day, hosting concerts and guest speakers and monthly club breakfast meetingsThe club donates much needed funds to various causes across the community.

Sue-anne said, “Rotary has often been described as a pivotal force, and we are eager to share with the Forbes Community the meaningful work we are doing within the Forbes community and across the globe.”

Please confirm your attendance by con­tacting 0427 201 445.

On Tuesday 16 June, Parkes Shire Council proudly welcomed nine new Australian citi­zens during a citizenship ceremony held at the Cooke Park Pavilion.

The ceremony was attended by General Manager Kent Boyd, Mayor Neil Westcott, Deputy Mayor Marg Applebee, and Coun­cillors Bill Jayet, Ken McGrath and George Pratt, who joined family and friends in cele­brating this important milestone.

Introducing our newest citizens:

KOTCHAWAN GORHAM (Jye)

Jye was born in Thailand and arrived in Australia from Thailand in 2014. Jye then moved from Forbes to Parkes in August 2025. Jye lives with her husband and works in Accounts in Forbes.

BRIGITTE JAEHNE (Bridget)

Bridget was born in Germany and arrived in Australia from Hamburg in 1960 and then moved to Parkes in December 2017 from Brisbane. Bridget is living in Parkes with her husband.

WINFRIED JAEHNE (Win)

Win was born in Germany and arrived in Australia from Hamburg in 1960 and then moved to Parkes in December 2017 from Brisbane. Win is living in Parkes with his wife, Bridget; and has a daughter.

DENNIS ROUX KUUN (Dennis)

Dennis was born in South Africa and arrived in Australia from New Zealand in 2012 and moved straight to Parkes. Dennis has his mum, dad, sister and brother who immigrat­ed together. Dennis is a Process Technician for Solar Mining Services in Bogan Gate.

BRADLEY WADE McCONNELL (Wade)

Wade McConnell was born in Canada and arrived in Australia in 2007, arriving in Parkes from Dubbo in 2013. Wade and his wife, Kerrie Stewart live in Parkes with their three children – Maggie (13), John (11) and Cooper (6). Wade has worked at North­parkes since 2011.

KATHARINE JEAN CUMMINS (Kate)

Kate was born in the United States and moved to Australia in 2011, moving to Tul­lamore from Sydney in mid 2011. Kate lives in Tullamore with her partner, Chris and two children, Eliza (5) and Casey (2). Kate works as the SLSO at Tullamore Central School as well as an Educator at the Trun­dle Preschool.

LUCIENNE MAXINE McMAHON (Lucie)

Lucie was born in England and moved to Australia in 2011 from the United Kingdom, moving to Tullamore in May 2011. Lucie and her husband and three children live on a farm in between Tullamore and Fifield in the Lachlan Shire. Lucie works as a School Administration Officer at Tullamore Central School three days a week.

ANDREW MARTYN THOMAS (Andy)

Andy was born in Wales, UK and arrived in Australia on 22 June 2018 from the UK, ar­riving in Parkes in June 2024. Andy and his wife, Tracey live in Parkes. Andy’s parents, son and daughter live in the UK. Andy is working as a Technician which involves work throughout Australia but mainly in NSW.

CAMERON JAMES IVEY-DRAYTON (Cameron)

Cameron was born in Great Britain having moved to Australia from the United Kingdom in 2021, moving straight to Parkes. Camer­on has one child living with him in Parkes.

Cameron works as a Train Driver for Pacific National Parkes.