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Forbes Phoenix

From Phil Donato MP

June 4, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Over recent sitting weeks, I have continued advocating strongly for the Orange electorate and Central West in the NSW Parliament.

I raised concerns about the ongoing closure of the Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass, calling for greater support for affected businesses and communities, increased tourism recovery funding, and urgent repairs to restore this vital transport link.

I also spoke against proposed renewable energy legislation changes that could further fast-track major projects without adequate community consultation, and questioned the Government over a reported $422 million shortfall in Restart NSW funding intended for regional infrastructure.

In addition, I lodged a Notice of Motion seeking a dedicated funding program for mining-affected regional councils to help address the significant infrastructure and service demands these communities face.

I remain committed to fighting for fair funding, stronger services, better infrastructure and practical outcomes for our regional communities.

Men’s Mental Months

If there’s one thing I’ve learnt over the years, it’s that most blokes are pretty good at looking after everyone else before they look after themselves.

Whether it’s work, family, sport, the farm, the business or helping out in the community, many men put their own health and wellbeing at the bottom of the list. Too often we ignore that niggling health issue, put off the check-up, or keep our struggles to ourselves because we think we should just get on with it.

Men’s Health Month is a timely reminder that there’s nothing weak about asking for help, talking to a mate, booking a health check, or taking the time to look after your physical and mental wellbeing. In fact, it takes strength.

Across Orange and the Central West, I regularly hear from men facing challenges with their health, access to services, mental wellbeing, isolation and the pressures of everyday life. That’s why I’m passionate about supporting initiatives that encourage connection, conversation and healthier communities.

It was the driving force behind the Gettin’-A-Grip Men’s Health Event, to bring together local health professionals, community organisations and everyday people for a morning focused on mateship, wellbeing and breaking down the stigma that too often stops men from speaking up.

My message this Men’s Health Month is simple: check in with yourself, check in with your mates, and don’t put off looking after your health. A conversation, a check-up or reaching out for support could make all the difference.

Because looking after yourself isn’t just important for you – it’s important for the people who care about you too.

Council Strengthens Advocacy Against Proposed EFW Facility

May 28, 2026 by Roxane Manley

The proposed energy-from-waste (EFW) facility, if approved would be built within the Parkes Special Activation Precinct (Precinct), which is located west of Parkes.

At its April Ordinary Meeting, Parkes Shire Council endorsed the Energy from Waste (EfW) Opposition Action Plan, in principle, reaffirming its commitment to opposing the proposed EfW facility and advocating for the interests of the local community.

The adoption of the Energy from Waste Opposition Action Plan is a framework that will guide Council’s advocacy, engagement and response activities relating to the pro­posed facility.

Mayor Neil Westcott said the endorse­ment provided a clear and coordinated di­rection for Council moving forward. “This Action Plan provides a structured approach for Council’s ongoing opposition to EfW”.The endorsed Action Plan outlines a coordinated approach to advocacy, com­munication and engagement, with Council continuing to work closely with residents, neighbouring councils, industry stakehold­ers and government agencies to ensure community concerns remain at the fore­front of discussions.

In a further step to strengthen commu­nity involvement, Council also adopted the Energy from Waste Community Working Party as a new Advisory Committee at its May Council meeting.

Expressions of interest for community representatives to join the Working Party will be sought in the coming weeks.

Mayor Westcott said the establishment of the Working Party would provide an im­portant avenue for community participation and collaboration.

“The Community Working Party will play a vital role in ensuring local voices continue to inform Council’s advocacy and decisionmaking,” Mayor Westcott said.

For more information about the proposed Energy from Waste facility, visit: www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/Development/Projects-and-works/Energy-From-Waste-Facility

Snippets…

May 28, 2026 by Roxane Manley

The Holy Family School students from class 1CT.

Holy Family School, Parkes: Students at Holy Family School came together to ac­knowledge and reflect on National Sorry Day. Students participated in creating In­digenous inspired scratch art hands, which were combined to form a beautiful col­laborative artwork. This meaningful activ­ity provided an opportunity for students to express their understanding, respect and empathy through art.

Forbes Children and Youth Hub: The YACC mural has grown. There are now even more vibrant, quirky creatures on the exterior wall of the Forbes Youth & Com­munity Centre, brought to life with the help of 15 local kids and mural artist James O’Hanlon. From scribble grids to spray paint, the workshop gave young creatives a hands-on role in shaping the design, cel­ebrating inclusion. Check it out the next time you’re passing by.

Central West Lachlan Landcare Inc: Are looking forward to supporting another Mental Health First Aid Course at Peak Hill on 5 and 6 August with workshop provider Rural Adversity Mental Health Program.

Registrations aren’t up as yet, but you can send through an expression of interest to cwllandcare@gmail.com For more infor­mation, check out the blog at: https://centralwestlachlanlandcare.org/2026/04/30/looking-at-landcare-30-4-2026-peak-hill-mhfa-training-under-building-healthy-communities-challenge/

Western NSW PHN: If your organisation is driving connected, sustainable primary care, nominate now for recognition at the 2026 Primary Health Excellence Awards.

There are several categories to recognise quality work in Aboriginal health, innova­tion, leadership and recognition of service across our region. Nominate today https://bit.ly/4wttudd

Parkes Shire Council: Due to low RSVP numbers, the Welcome to Parkes Event scheduled for Thursday 21 May has been postponed. We are hoping to reschedule the event later this year and will share new details soon. In the meantime, if you are new to town and looking to connect with lo­cal groups, clubs, services and activities, we encourage you to check out the Con­nect the Dots Project – our new social co­hesion community initiative. Find out more here https://bit.ly/4sXQIFA

St Laurence’s Parish School Forbes: St Laurence’s gathered as a school com­munity for our annual National Sorry Day Liturgy, marking the beginning of Recon­ciliation Week. As part of this special day, Aboriginal Representative Council (ARC) students Indi, Quinn, Ava, Oliver, Bella and Harry were formally recognised through a special badge ceremony.

Pictured are the Aboriginal Representative Students from St Laurences Parish School

Call For Regional Voices To Help Shape Healthcare Across NSW

May 28, 2026 by Roxane Manley

People passionate about improving health­care in regional, rural and remote areas of NSW are invited to apply to join the Re­gional Health Ministerial Advisory Panel.

The Panel is an independent advisory body that provides strategic advice to the Minister for Health and Regional Health, and the NSW Health Secretary.

Its role is to identify opportunities and solutions that improve healthcare access, outcomes and service delivery across hos­pitals and health support services in re­gional, rural and remote NSW.

The Panel also plays an important role in strengthening community engagement and ensuring local perspectives inform the design and delivery of healthcare services.

Applications are encouraged from people who can represent the interests of regional communities, including Aboriginal people, and those who have knowledge, experi­ence, or expertise in one or more areas, aligned with the NSW Government’s priori­ties for regional, rural and remote health.

The Panel members may be appointed for a term of up to three years and will meet at least every three months.

For more information, including how to apply, visit EOI Regional Health Ministe­rial Advisory Panel or contact MOH-ODS-Regional@health.nsw.gov.au. Applications close on Friday 29 May 2026.

New Bus Service Fired Up For Frost And Fire

May 28, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Forbes’ Frost & Fire is the ultimate winter party – rug up, fire up and get ready for Frost and Fire 2026.

Getting to Forbes’ most magical winter event just got even easier. For the first time, return bus services will operate from neigh­bouring towns, making it simple for visitors to travel to and from Topsoil Organics 2026 Frost & Fire without the hassle of driving orfinding a park.

New bus routes will run from:

• Parkes sponsored by Parkes Shire Council

• Cowra via Gooloogong

• Canowindra via Eugowra

Visitors travelling on these neighbouring town bus services will be dropped directly at the Forbes Ski Dam, making the journey seamless from start to finish.

For locals and those visitors staying in Forbes, a free hop-on, hop-off shuttle ser­vice will operate with 10 bus stops around town, running all night to and from the event site.

With no public parking available on site, the expanded bus network offers a safe and convenient way to enjoy the event – leaving more time to soak up the fire pits, food, en­tertainment and winter magic. Prams, camp chairs, picnic blankets and winter woollies are all welcome on board.

Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM says the new transport options improve ac­cess while reducing congestion around the event site. “Importantly, fewer cars on site also means safer roads and a safer festival experience for everyone” the Mayor added.

Gates open from 3.30pm, with live music and entertainment kicking off at 4pm until 10pm. Bus timetables and tickets are avail­able from 123tix.com.

Festival Friends are encouraged to se­cure their tickets, book accommodation and lock in transport now. Be sure to arrive early to snap a cosy spot near the bonfires.

Get in touch with the Forbes Visitor Infor­mation team on (02) 6852 4155 to help you plan your Frost and Fire weekend.

For more information about Frost and Fire 2026, visit www.amazingforbesnsw.com or follow @amazingforbesnsw.

Winter Soup, Pasta, And Slice Kitchen

May 28, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Plans are under way for the first Winter Soup, Pasta, and Slice Kitchen by the Forbes Evening Branch of CWA.

The inclusion of pasta and sauce was suggested during 2025 Soup Kitchen. The soup and pasta menu will be prepared and served by members of Forbes Evening Branch CWA on Thursday 25 June, at the CWA Hall in Lachlan St, Forbes.

This event is presented to encourage members of our Forbes Community to gather to catch up with friends, meet new faces, and just enjoy a great chin wag with whoever is sitting at your table.

As a walk-in event, it is an open door to all who specifically venture out to attend, those who are in the Forbes CBD on the day and employees of our local business houses looking for a warm lunch.

The soup, pasta and slice kitchen will op­erate from 12pm to 2pm. The cost for this winter warming menu will be $15 for either soup or pasta with slice and a cuppa. Or $20 if you wish to enjoy soup and pasta with slice and a cuppa.

The Forbes Evening Branch of CWA en­courage you to make note of three planned Winter Soup Kitchens, on June 25, July 23 and August 20.

Congratulations to the winner’s of the Mother’s Day Raffle (three Pampering Packs), drawn on 7 May 2026.

• 1st Prize – Matilda Bailey-King

• 2nd Prize – Robyn Kenny

• 3rd Prize – Jesse McLelland

And thank you to all those who supported the Forbes Evening Branch of CWA Raffle.

Sparkling Forbes Library Children’s Area

May 28, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Check out the revamped children’s area at Forbes Library to spark a lifelong love of reading. Forbes Library has purchased new tubs on wheels with clear acrylic sides to make finding your next read much easier. Children will love looking at and choosing books for themselves


Forbes Library also have easy-to-reach book tubs on wheels and more face out books on display, so you will quickly find all your favourites on any topic. Whether you are looking for board books, picture books, junior fiction, or graphic novels, they have them all!

Former Mayor Recognised For Leadership And Service

May 21, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Left: Former Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith receives his honour of Patron from the current CMA chair, mayor Rick Firman OAM of Temora Shire. Right: Former Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith, Parkes Deputy Mayor Marg Applebee, and former Governor-General of Australia General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK AC (Mil) CVO MC (Ret)

Former Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith OAM has been formally recognised as the inau­gural Patron of the Country Mayors Asso­ciation of NSW (CMA) during a reception atNSW Parliament House this week.

Hosted by President of the NSW Legisla­tive Council the Hon Ben Franklin, the eventbrought together country mayors and gen­eral managers from across regional NSW todiscuss the challenges and priorities facing rural and remote communities.

Mr Keith served as Chairman of the Coun­try Mayors Association of NSW from 2020 to2022 and was later appointed the asso­ciation’s first Immediate Past Chairman in 2022.

Mr Keith served as Mayor of Parkes Shire Council for 17 years, from July 2008 until September 2023, after previously serving 17 years as Deputy Mayor following his election to Council in 1983.

Parkes Shire Mayor Neil Westcott said “Ken Keith has dedicated decades of ser­vice to not only the Parkes Shire community, but also to regional and rural communities right across New South Wales.”

“This recognition as the inaugural Patron of the Country Mayors Association is a fitting acknowledgement of his tireless advocacy, strong leadership and unwavering commit­ment to ensure country communities have a strong voice at the state and national level.

“Ken has always championed the issues that matter most to regional communi­ties – from roads, infrastructure and hous­ing to health services, workforce shortages and disaster recovery. His leadership has helped shape important conversations and outcomes for councils across regional NSW,” Mayor Westcott said.

Snippets…

May 21, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Lake Endeavor has reopened following upgrades.

Parkes Shire Council: Did you know Lake Endeavour has reopened ahead of sched­ule? Works are now complete, includ­ing dredging and construction of the new launch area, plus an expanded swimming area with an extra 10 x 20 metres of beach sand and a realigned swimming buoy. PSC looks forward to welcoming the community back to enjoy the improved facilities.

National Breast Cancer Foundation: GO PINK starts next month, and we need you to make a Pink Pledge, because every day, 56 people in Australia are diagnosed with breast cancer. But you can help save lives by making a pledge to either Wear it, Shave it, or Colour it, to raise vital funds for breast cancer research. Help us achieve zero deaths from breast cancer. Register now at fundraise.nbcf.org.au/event/go-pink/home

Legal Aid NSW: Do you know what you’re legally allowed to do at your age? Grow­ing up comes with new rights and respon­sibilities but it’s not always clear when you can make certain decisions for yourself or get into trouble for doing them too soon. Learn more: https://loom.ly/ztjtVWw

Australian Cancer Research Founda­tion: Bring your community together and help fund cancer research. Host a special event in your local area, fund lifesaving re­search for the 2 in 5 Australians that will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85.

Your event could be a luncheon, themed party, sports tournament or anything you choose! Sign up today and register your interest to host at www.acrf.com.au/hostinterest.

Western Local Land Services: Sheep and goats require different eID tags. If you’re ever unsure which species an eID device is designed for, just check the NLIS ID printed on the tag. The secret is in the 10th digit. Here’s what each letter means:
S = Sheep breeder T = Sheep post‑breed­er (pink tags) K = Goat breeder L = Goat post‑breeder (pink tags). Visit the webpage for information https://bit.ly/3JEurvo

Forbes SES Unit Request: The Forbes SES Unit is looking for good quality pallets to place sandbags on during flood opera­tions. If you have any pallets you would like to get rid of, please feel free to leave them outside the unit gates. Your support helps Forbes SES Unit to prepare and respond during flood events and is appreciated by the volunteers who serve the community.

Donations needed of good quality pallets

Building With Parkes In Mind: The Story Behind Bushmans Ridge

May 21, 2026 by Roxane Manley

On the edge of Parkes, just minutes from town, a new lifestyle estate has quietly taken shape.

Bushmans Ridge, developed by Giles Land Development, is more than a land release. It is the result of careful planning, local knowledge, hands-on work, and a simple idea: create large, practical lifestyle blocks where families can build with confidence and room to grow.

Located on Jones Street, Bushmans Ridge offers generous residential lifestyle lots with wide open space, big horizons, and the convenience of being close to the Parkes town centre. With seven lots currently available, priced from $310,000 to $360,000, the estate has been designed for buyers who want more than a small suburban block, but still want access to town services, schools, shops, sport, health services and community life.

For Peter and Nartayliah Giles, the project is also personal. We are a family building estates for families, Peter said.

Our background is in mining, engineering and property development, so we approach land a bit differently. We do not just look at a block and think about how it can be sold. We think about what it will be like for the family who builds there, what problems we can solve early, and how we can make the process easier for the next person. That mindset has shaped Bushmans Ridge from the start.

Giles Land Development’s first subdivision, Old Pine Estate, was a 29-lot lifestyle development that gave the team a strong understanding of what buyers are really looking for when they choose larger residential blocks in Parkes.

The lessons from that project have carried into Bushmans Ridge – particularly around access, services, drainage, fencing, compliance, and making the lots as build-ready as possible.

At Bushmans Ridge, the major groundwork has already been completed. giving buyers a clearer starting point when planning their future home. For many families, that preparation matters.

Buying land can feel overwhelming, especially when there are unknowns around services, drainage, approvals, site preparation and future building costs. Bushmans Ridge has been developed to reduce those unknowns as much as possible.

We have tried to do the hard thinking up front, Peter said. A lifestyle block should feel exciting, not confusing. Buyers still need to do their own due diligence and work with their builder, but our goal has been to present a clean, practical, well-prepared estate where people can see the opportunity clearly.

The estate sits within an R5 Large Lot Residential zoning, which supports the type of lifestyle many Parkes families are looking for – space for a shed, gardens, pets, room for children to play, and a bit more breathing room, while still staying connected to town. That balance is one of the key attractions of Bushmans Ridge.

Parkes continues to be a regional centre with strong longterm prospects. Major investment connected to Inland Rail, the Parkes Special Activation Precinct, transport, logistics, agriculture and local business is helping position the town for continued growth. As Parkes develops, housing choice becomes more important – not just more houses, but different types of housing and land options for different stages of life.

Large lifestyle lots play a role in that mix. Some buyers want a place to raise a family. Some want room for a workshop or shed. Some are looking for a quieter block with views and space around them. Others are thinking long term and want to secure land while Parkes continues to grow. Bushmans Ridge has been created with those buyers in mind.

The available lots range from approximately 3,081sqm through to 15,000sqm, giving buyers a range of options depending on the type of lifestyle they are looking for. While the estate is now sale ready, the project has taken significant work behind the scenes. Stormwater, boundary fencing, services, approvals, building pads and final compliance all form part of the development process, much of it unseen once the estate is finished.

Because we live here, our projects matter to us, Peter said. We drive past them. We see the families who buy in them. Our kids are growing up in this town. So we care about doing things properly and creating something we can be proud of in ten years’ time, not just on settlement day.

Bushmans Ridge is now open for enquiry, with seven lots available. For buyers considering building in Parkes, it offers a chance to secure land with space, services and a clear path forward.

Peter and Nartayliah Giles pictured with their children,River and Mila.

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