What a wet welcome to Spring we are having. There is a lot of water around and it is important we do prepare for flood, particularly if you are in low lying areas of town, should a flood come. This may involve tiding around your yard, talk to neighbours about what the flood was like last time and gather those important numbers like the SES 132 500, just in case you need them. The flood can behave differently every time and it is important we are prepared whichever way it decides to come. Rocky from Forbes SES has been busy preparing sandbags should you need them, just give them a call on 132 500.

I want to thank Deputy Premier, John Barilaro, for the amazing job he is doing for us in rural and regional NSW during this pandemic. He is ensuring we are not forgotten in Sydney and the community feels safe and very grateful for all that you are doing.

Work continues down at Lions Park constructing the new stage area and the Lachlan Vintage Village conversion to our new Visitor Information Centre is looking great. The wet weather has slowed up some of the road works and development up at the new Goldridge Estate but with this fine weather on the radar, we can get back into it. We will keep you updated through Facebook as we know you can’t get out and about to see.

Take care and God Bless.

Your Mayor,
Phyllis Miller

I am proud to say we are now having our sewage tested for COVID-19! Our first test was a negative last Friday with more testing to do. It did take a bit of commotion to get our NSW Health Department CHO to understand.

I want to thank the community for coming out this week to get tested for COVID-19, and for all abiding by the Stay-at-Home order set by the NSW Government. This is a short sharp lockdown and it will be over before we know it. We must do it now to ensure the virus doesn’t spread throughout the community. Whilst we have amazing medical facilities we do not have the resources to handle a large amount of cases.

You cannot have visitors to your home from outside your household, including family and friends. One visitor at one time to fulfill carers’ responsibilities is allowed.

I do encourage everyone to get vaccinated if they can. This advice comes from our health professionals, we need widespread vaccination to help ease the pressure on our hospital system.

The Forbes Visitor Information Centre remains closed as does the Council administration office to the public. I can assure you Council staff are busy working inside. We will reassess the situation later in the week to see if all can re-open again next week.

The Central West Livestock Exchange remains open for registered buyers, agents and council staff only.

Take care. God Bless.

Your Mayor,
Phyllis Miller

It has definitely been a tumultuous week with COVID postponing and cancelling many events in our area. The local government elections are not happening in September as previously stated, they are being moved to 4th December 2021. The COVID situation in NSW has many Council’s under an immense amount of pressure and to hold an election in a safe way does seem like a difficult task to achieve. I do believe this is an awful time of year and would be better in February 2022.

I want to thank all the potential candidates for showing interest in becoming a Councillor. We have had to postpone our briefing session this week. We will hold it closer to the new election date. Stay tuned.

You will see there is a lot of movement down at Lions Park at the moment. This is a continuation of the Lake Forbes Activation work we have going on. A permanent stage area is being installed near the Bates Bridge end of the park. This park is home to various events in the calendar year and the well patronised Sweet Three by the Lake food vendor.

Have you had a chance to see the new lights in Templar Street yet? They look amazing. With the paving work complete and the fairy lights in we are just waiting on the pergolas and street furniture and we are done.

Till next week. God Bless.

Your Mayor,
Phyllis Miller

Another week has passed and the COVID-19 situation in NSW is still a very real concern. I want to thank everyone for wearing their masks and signing into every venue they enter, hopefully we manage to remain COVID-free. Our neighbours in the Cabonne Shire have gone into a 7-day lockdown. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they go through this.

Last week’s Council meeting was very productive with a lot of important decisions made for the future of Forbes. Council was presented with the Energy Action Plan for the Shire and it was very interesting. The plan is on exhibition for all of you to read and make comments. It is great to see Council are planning to reduce its energy consumption whilst still meeting the needs of the community, we would like to hear what you think about it. We discussed the letters I have written to the NSW Health Minister regarding the need for a new operating theatre for our hospital and all our Councillors agreed, this is very important for our community and we will continue to fight for this.

I again welcome anyone thinking of putting their hand up to be on Council to get in touch and come to the Candidate session being held on 28th July. You can join the

It looks like we will be in the current Cov-id-19 restrictions for a while longer with the numbers still quite high in the State. Thanks again to all of you who are trying really hard to abide by these rules.

I met with the NSW Health Minister, Brad Hazzard this week regarding our request for a new operating theatre for the Forbes hospital. We saved the NSW Government $20-$30 million dollars when we built our hospital, we chose to have the old hospital converted to house the Ambulatory services. Here we are looking for a couple of million dollars to build a new operating facility. This is such an important asset for our community, we will not accept a renovation to the existing one! I have made this very clear to the minister and I wait to hear the Health Department’s response.

Can I remind everyone to put your pets on a leash whilst in a public space. Also please pick up after your dogs. We are giving pet owners free bags. Just pop into reception at Town Hall and ask for one.

Council Elections are fast approaching and the deadline for nominations is Wednesday 4th August 2021. There will be an information session 6pm 28th July at Council Chambers if you would like more information on what is required to be a Councillor. Contact Council on 6850 2300 if you would like to attend.

Till next week. God Bless.

Your Mayor,
Phyllis Miller