Apex Park is next in line for a playful trans­formation as part of Forbes Shire Council’s commitment to creating modern, inclusive and flood-resilient play spaces for the com­munity.

The upgrade commenced in late Janu­ary and is expected to take six months to complete. This transformation will deliver a range of new features, including:

• New play equipment featuring an im­pressive 8.7-metre tower with three slides

• Rubber soft fall surface for improved safety

• Accessible and inclusive play options, including an all-abilities harness swing and a skippy swing

• New pathways, seating and landscaping

• New amenities block to enhance con­venience for visitors

• Improved drainage and car park facili­ties

The much-loved flying fox, accessible roundabout and nest swing will be retained as part of the upgrade. The existing shade sails and barbeque shelter will also remain, ensuring the park continues to provide comfort and functionality for families and visitors.

Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM said, “We’re excited to keep making im­provements to the spaces around our beautiful lake”.“The Apex Park upgrade is about giving some love to one of our favourite parks in town – the Aeroplane Park. We know that this park is well used for play, birthday par­ties and family fun and we are very eager to make it the best that it can be.

“It’s also a great park for visitors travel­ling through, being located just off the New­ell Highway.”

As part of Council’s commitment to sus­tainability, the existing playground equip­ment will be donated through the Rotary Overseas Relocated Playgrounds (RORP) program, giving it a second life in communi­ties abroad.

“It’s a great way to give these pieces a second life”, the Mayor added.

Member for Orange Philip Donato MP host­ed the Orange electorate’s annual Commu­nity Recognition Awards at the Australian National Field Days Function Centre, hon­ouring the dedication and achievements of local individuals and organisations.

Ninety seven Recognition Award recipi­ents were acknowledged for outstanding service to the community or for significant personal and professional accomplish­ments. Mr Donato personally presented cer­tificates to each award recipient.

“Our region is built on the strength of its people, and these awards are about recog­nising those who give their time, skills and energy to make our community a better place,” Mr Donato said.

“Whether through volunteering, leader­ship, service or personal achievement, each recipient has made a meaningful difference in the lives of others.”

Each certificate presented was formally endorsed with a speech delivered by Mr Donato in the NSW Parliament.

“Every year, this event highlights just how fortunate we are to live in a commu­nity where people genuinely care about one another.

“Many of those recognised go about their work quietly and without expectation of ac­knowledgement, which makes it especially important that their efforts are celebrated by the community they support.” Mr Donato said.

Families are being encouraged to put child safety first and hit ‘stop’ on oversharing as back-to-school time approaches.

Leading child protection organisation Act for Kids warns that the excitement of a new school year often prompts family members to post photos of children on social media – sometimes revealing far more information than they realise.

Images that include small details such as a child’s school uniform logo, age or first name can be used by online child sex of­fenders to build profiles and groom both children and their families.

Act for Kids Executive Director Tom McI­ntyre said the risks have intensified with the rapid advancement of generative artificial intelligence, which can be used to manipu­late innocent images into illegal child abuse material.

“The moment an image is shared publicly online, it is no longer within your control and you may never know where it ends up or who has access to it,” Mr McIntyre said.

“That’s why Act for Kids is encouraging families to snap the photo, save the memory and skip the overshare this back-to-school season,” Mr McIntyre said.

“Children’s safety should always come first, and parents and carers can play a pos­itive role by modelling safe online habits at home.”

The 2026 Forbes Shire Australia Day Awards were announced at the Citizen of the Year Gala Dinner on Sunday evening.

Each of the following award recipients has made a meaningful contribution to their community, embodying the strength, pride, and spirit of Forbes Shire.

Forbes Citizen of the Year, John Schrad­er: John has long been a pillar of numerous organisations in and around the Forbes re­gion. A dedicated volunteer, he contributes his time and expertise across a wide range of sporting, agricultural, and charitable committees.

He works tirelessly for many local organi­sations, including Forbes Junior and Sen­ior Rugby League, Veteran Car Rallies, CanAssist, Anzac Day ceremonies, and various Forbes motorcycle charity events.

John’s unwavering commitment, reliability and community spirit make him an invalu­able and deeply appreciated member of the Forbes community.

Forbes Senior Citizen of the Year, Mau­reen Field: Maureen joined CanAssist in 2001 and has served as Treasurer for an impressive 25 years. Her contribution ex­tends far beyond managing finances. Mau­reen works tirelessly to secure wider, fairer and more accessible benefits for country patients. Her efforts help ensure that rural residents, especially those who travel long distances for cancer treatment or other es­sential medical services, receive the sup­port they need.

Maureen is an active member of several local organisations, including the Parish of Forbes St Laurence O’Toole and the View Club, where she contributes generously to their ongoing work.

Forbes Young Citizen of the Year, Chloe Little: Chloe is an emerging young leader within the Forbes community. Chloe is a member of the Forbes Youth Action Team.

Since joining, she has taken on a natural mentoring role. Her leadership is evident through her willingness to step up for key responsibilities, including being nominated as the emcee for the Teddy Bears Picnic.

In addition to her work with FYAT, Chloe serves as School Captain of Forbes High School, further reflecting her strong lead­ership qualities. She has also represented the Youth Action Team at the Tidy Towns Awards. Chloe’s combination of leader­ship, mentorship and initiative makes her an inspiring role model for young people.

Forbes Shire Council is proud to announce the nominees for the 2026 Forbes Shire Aus­tralia Day Awards, celebrating outstanding contributions and achievements across the re­gion. These awards recognise individuals who have gone above and beyond to make a positive impact in our commu­nity. Congratulations to the fol­lowing nominees:

2026 Citizen Of The Year Nominees

• Paul Findley

• Sam Parish

• Greg Ridge

• John Schrader

• Shane Wode

• Kristen Woods

2026 Senior Citizen Of The Year Nominees

• Maureen Field

• Michael and Denise Jelbart

• Sue-Anne Nixon

• Susan Stewart

• Rex Toole

• Elvy Quirk

2026 Young Citizen Of The Year Nominees

• Chloe Little

• Elly Mackinnon

Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyl­lis Miller OAM said, “Australia Day is a time to celebrate the incredible people who make our community stronger, kinder and more vibrant. These nomi­nees represent the very best of Forbes, and we look forward to honouring their contributions and achievements at the Gala Event.”

The winners will be revealed at the Citizen of the Year Gala Dinner on Sunday 25 January 2026 at Forbes Town Hall com­mencing at 6pm. This special evening will feature presenta­tions, entertainment and an op­portunity to honour the incred­ible efforts of our nominees.

Tickets are free but essential and can be booked via 123tix or by phoning Council on 02 6850 2300 by Wednesday 21 Janu­ary 2026. For those unable to attend the Gala Dinner in per­son, the award ceremony will be live streamed to Council’s Facebook page.

For more information about the 2026 Australia Day program of events, visit www.forbes.nsw.gov.au or follow @ForbesShire­Council for updates.

Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the Canowindra International Balloon Challenge Festival, running from 11 April – 19 April, 2026, as hot air balloons take to the sky in a stunning display of colour and excitement. This week-long balloon festi­val is not to be missed, offering a mix of breathtaking aerial views, vibrant events, and a community atmosphere like no other.

A Warm Welcome Awaits
The festivities kick off on 11 April with the Canowindra Welcome Street Party, a fan­tastic evening to meet locals, fellow visi­tors, and enjoy the market stalls and live entertainment. Participate in the much an­ticipated BBQ Masters Competition and pitch your BBQ skills among the region’s best BBQers.

As the balloons begin to rise in the early mornings and late afternoons, you’ll wit­ness one of the most visually captivating spectacles, as dozens of hot air balloons fill the skies, creating a kaleidoscope of col­ours against the rural landscape. It’s a sight to behold!

Festival Highlights – More Than Just BalloonsWhile the hot air balloons are undoubtedly the stars of the show, the Canowindra Bal­loon Festival offers so much more. Flicker Fest, a celebration of short films, will light up the screen at Rosnay Organic Winery, test your trivia knowledge with a fun trivia night, and enjoy the warm, friendly atmos­phere as the town comes alive throughout the week. Along with art shows, the bou­tique stores of Canowindra and the array of other events during the week – it is truly a festival not to be missed.

Thursday 16 April – come along to a star studded evening with NRL greats as they tell their stories from playing at the highest Rugby League level in Australia.

Friday, 17 April is set to be one of the festival’s standout nights with the Home Ground Sounds Live Music Concert. Fea­turing incredible live performances, this event promises to be a great way to enjoy the evening under the stars with friends and family. The music will have you danc­ing the night away.

On Saturday, 18 April, the festival will host a spectacular Street Parade that will wind its way through Canowindra’s vibrant historic main street – Gaskill Street. Be sure to grab a front-row seat for the parade, and then get ready for the highlight of the week­end – the Cabonne Community Glow on Saturday evening. Gates open at 3pm, so come early to secure your spot and enjoy the festivities.

The Glow will light up the night sky as over 100 stallholders set up shop with deli­cious food, handcrafted goods, and unique finds. Live music, entertainment for the kids along with an array of other activities will entertain throughout the afternoon and into the night. As dusk falls, the hot air balloons will take part in a glowing display, lighting up the evening sky – an absolute spectacle for all ages.

Convenient Camping and Caravan Areas
Festival fans travelling with caravans will love the Tilga Street camping area, con­veniently located close to the Main Street – Gaskill Street, offering a comfortable base for the entire festival. The area is available for 10-day bookings, so you can fully im­merse yourself in the festival’s offerings without missing a moment of the action.

Tickets – Don’t Miss Out!
With so much to see and do, tickets for the festival events are available through www.canowindrachallenge.org.au, where you can secure your spot at the most popular events. Whether you’re attending a con­cert, the Cabonne Community Glow, or any other event that is part of the festival, be sure to grab your tickets early to avoid dis­appointment.