Forbes will come together this ANZAC Day to honour the service and sacrifice of Aus­tralia’s servicemen and women, with tradi­tional commemorative services and a strik­ing week‐long illumination projected onto the historic Forbes Town Hall.

ANZAC Day Services Residents and visi­tors are warmly invited to attend and take part in the commemoration events on Sat­urday 25 April.

Dawn Service

• 5.15am – Assemble at Club Forbes

• 5.20am – March to the Victoria Park Cen­otaph, Harold Street

• 5.30am – Dawn Service commences

Mid‐Morning March and Service

• 10.15am – Assemble in Cross Street

• 10.30am – March commences

• Approx. 10.45am – Service and wreath laying at Victoria Park Cenotaph

• Approx. 11.30am – Service concludes

Lest We Forget Illuminations

Complementing the ANZAC Day services, the historic Forbes Town Hall will become a powerful symbol of remembrance through the Lest We Forget Illuminations, become a glowing tribute to our region’s servicemen and women this ANZAC Day, with a week‐long illumination project celebrating their stories and sacrifices.

Thanks to funding through the Austral­ian Government’s 2025-26 Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program, Forbes Shire Council will deliver a moving night time projection honouring those who have served. The Town Hall façade will is illuminated with evocative ANZAC imagery and veterans from the Forbes community.

The illuminations will incorporate ele­ments inspired by the RSL’s nightly ode, alongside symbolic visuals such as poppies and specially curated commemorative art­work. Council has worked closely with com­munity groups, the Forbes Museum, the RSL Sub‐Branch and Club Forbes to curate the visuals featured in the illumination.

The display is complemented with music and broadcast on local radio, allowing resi­dents to tune in for the complete experience.

Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said, “Honouring our ANZACs is not only an act of remembrance, but a commitment to preserving the stories that shaped our com­munity.”

For more information about the ANZAC Day services and Lest We Forget Illumina­tions, visit www.forbes.nsw.gov.au or follow @ForbesShireCouncil for updates.

Step back in time and celebrate the history of the region during Forbes Heritage Week 2026, running from Monday 11 May to Fri­day 15 May. The week features a diverse program of special events designed to ed­ucate, entertain and connect people with Forbes’ past.

The week begins on Monday 11 May with the Heritage QR Trail Tour, from 2pm to 5pm. This guided bus tour of the Forbes Heritage Trail will explore key historic sites, incorporating QR technology to bring stories to life. Afternoon tea will be provided.

On Tuesday 12 May, a Heritage Presenta­tion by Forbes’ Heritage Advisor will be held at the Forbes Town Hall from 12pm to 2pm.

The presentation will provide insights into local heritage and conservation, followed by afternoon tea.

The Forbes Heritage Awards will be held on Tuesday evening at the Forbes Town Hall concourse from 6pm to 8pm. The even­ing will celebrate outstanding contributions to heritage conservation, including the pres­entation of the prestigious Forbes Heritage Medal, with canapés and drinks served.

History takes a haunting turn on Wednes­day 13 May with the Forbes Cemetery Ghost Tour, from 5pm to 7.30pm. Participants will travel by bus from Town Hall for a lanternlit guided tour of notable graves, including bushranger Ben Hall and Kate Kelly. Cana­pés and guided commentary are included.

Forbes Historical Museum will wrap up Forbes Heritage Week, offering free entry from 11am to 2pm on Thursday 14 May, with guided tours showcasing the town’s history through artefacts, photographs and local stories. For more information go to www.forbes.nsw.gov.au or contact Council.

Know a person, group or organisation mak­ing an outstanding contribution to preserv­ing, protecting or celebrating Forbes’ herit­age? Nominations are now open for the 2026 Forbes Heritage Medal.

Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM said, “Heritage is at the heart of who we are in Forbes”.“The Forbes Heritage Medal gives us the opportunity to honour the people and organ­isations who work tirelessly to preserve our stories, our places and our identity. I encour­age our community to put forward nomina­tions that shine a light on the outstanding work being done across the Shire.”

Awarded biannually, the Forbes Heritage Medal recognises excellence across two distinct award categories, celebrating both the protection of our physical heritage and the enhancement of community understand­ing.

1. Contribution to Environmental Heritage

2. Contribution to the Understanding of Her­itage

Nominations close Friday 1 May at 5pm, with the winner announced at the Heritage Presentation Evening on Friday 15 May at Lachlan Vintage Village Cafe (Forbes Visitor Information Centre).

The Forbes Heritage Medal forms a key part of Forbes Heritage Week taking place from 11 – 15 May 2026. The week‐long cel­ebration will feature a full program of events designed to celebrate, learn and preserve our rich history including a Heritage Trail Tour, Ghost Tour, a local heritage presenta­tion, special talks at the Forbes Museum, as well as the Presentation Evening.

Download a nomination form and view the Heritage Week program here: www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/forbes-heritage-week-2026

This year’s Seniors Week “Give It a Go Festival” invites older resi­dents to Live Life in Colour as the community comes together to showcase the vibrant range of activities, social groups, and sup­port services available for seniors in town.

Held over the first two weeks in March, the Festival encourages local seniors to try something new, reconnect with peers and ex­plore the many opportunities that help them stay active, engaged and supported throughout the year.

This year’s program will shine a spotlight on:

• Hobby Groups – including art, craft, music, gardening and more

• Community Clubs – designed to help seniors stay connected and make new friendships

• Health and Wellbeing Activities – showcasing local exercise pro­grams, gentle movement classes and healthy living resources

• Technology and Learning – talks and workshops to help seniors build confidence and pick up new skills

• Support Organisations and Service Providers – offering infor­mation on transport, home support, safety, health services and community assistance programs.

The Festival will kick off with the much‐loved Seniors Variety Con­cert at Forbes Town Hall on Sunday 1 March from 2pm. Seniors are invited to enjoy an afternoon of colour, music and local tal­ent. Entry is a $5 donation at the door, which includes a delicious afternoon tea. All proceeds will be donated to the Vinnies Forbes Conference, supporting their vital work in the community.

Register via events@forbes.nsw.gov.au or by calling 6850 2300.

Community members of all ages are encouraged to join the cele­brations and show their appreciation for Forbes’ senior community.

For the full festival program, visit www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/events/events-2026/march-2026/seniors-festival-2026

Madeline Swan, originally from Parkes but now residing in Forbes, is a first time mum, and after working in marketing for the last eight years, she now has her own photog­raphy studio.

But she hasn’t stopped there, Madeline has been inspired by other markets like The Social Queen Markets in Wagga and Glebe Markets in Sydney and she has organised a Pre-Loved Pop-Up Market for Forbes.

“I love thrifting with my son and it’s a way I can contribute to the environment” said Madeline.

“The pre-loved markets are a sustainable, social way for people to buy and sell good quality second hand fashion instead of over consuming fast fashion. By choosing sec­ondhand options, you extend the lifespan of garments and contribute to reducing textile waste.”

The pre-loved markets will be held on 22 February at Madeline’s photography studio at 16 Camp St, Forbes. (Across from the new BWS). The markets start at 9am and will wrap up by 12pm to beat the heat. Over 20 stall holders will be selling high fashion brands, in a range of sizes and price rang­es. Car parking is available across the road, behind the cricket nets.

“Sellers will be equipped to accept cash or direct transfers via Pay ID. Some sell­ers may have eftpos facilities but I would encourage everyone looking to buy brings cash and their own reusable tote bag,” said Madeline.

If the day goes well there will be more pop ups. Make sure you are following @mad­lumcreates on instagram for more informa­tion about how to apply to be a stallholder at any of the possible future upcoming mar­kets.