What an amazing weekend we’ve just had here in Forbes. On Friday night, we saw around 2,000 people turn out for Street Dreams, filling the streets with energy, entertainment and a fantastic community atmosphere. Then on Saturday, the momentum continued with a huge crowd at the Forbes Rodeo – the first time it’s been held at the Multipurpose Centre. What a fantastic venue it is. It was great to see so many locals and visitors getting behind these events, supporting our community, our businesses and the volunteers who work so hard to make weekends like this happen. A big congratulations and thank you to everyone involved in making the weekend such a success.

And the events don’t stop there. The October long weekend will also see the return of the Forbes Sorting and Penning event. A highlight of the weekend will be the Sponsor Sort on Saturday 3 October, which raises funds for our local Can Assist branch.

Spectators can enjoy free entry, with food vendors and market stalls – all for a worthy cause. I encourage everyone to continue supporting our local events and make the most of the beautiful warm weather we’ve been having.

The section of footpath along the free camping area is closed for the next four weeks while Wheogo Park pathway upgrades are underway.

For your safety, and the safety of our staff and contractors, please stay clear of the worksite and follow all signage. We know it’s a bit inconvenient, but we promise it’ll be worth the wait.

Whether you’re travelling across the region or just heading a short distance, take your time, avoid distractions and drive to the conditions. Double demerits will be in place from 2 to 5 October, meaning tougher penalties for offences such as speeding, illegal mobile phone use, and failing to wear a seatbelt or helmet. A few extra minutes on the road is always better than taking unnecessary risks. Let’s all do our part to keep ourselves, our passengers, and other road users safe so everyone can enjoy the long weekend and return home safely.

Have a safe and enjoyable long weekend.

God Bless,
Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM

Last Thursday’s Council Meeting was a special occasion, and I was honoured to be re-elected as Mayor of Forbes Shire for a further two-year term. I would like to thank my fellow councillors for their confidence, our dedicated staff for their ongoing commitment, and the Forbes community for its support and valuable feedback. Congratulations to Councillor Chris Roylance on his re-election as Deputy Mayor. I look forward to continuing to work alongside him, our councillors and staff to help Forbes Shire thrive.

What I love most about Forbes is the way our community comes together to support local events. As the weather warms up, our calendar is packed with activities for all ages, providing plenty of opportunities to connect, celebrate and enjoy time with family and friends.

Street Dreams kicks off a huge weekend in Forbes, transforming the CBD with light projections, large-scale installations, roving performances, live music, art and food.

The free, all-ages event runs from 5pm to 9pm and promises a memorable night for the whole family.

The excitement continues with the firstever Forbes Rodeo at the Multipurpose Equestrian Centre (MEC) this Saturday 26 September. Featuring the notorious Big Al, a full day of rodeo action and live music afterwards.

Also on Saturday, music lovers can enjoy the Rotary Club of Forbes Ipomoea Piano Recital, featuring internationally respected pianist Aki Ogane.

This special performance promises an afternoon of exceptional music.

The October School Holidays Program is packed with activities designed to keep young people engaged, active and entertained. From a sports strapping workshop and clay-making sessions to a movie night and teen trivia, there will be something to suit a wide range of interests.

The October long weekend will also see the return of the Forbes Sorting and Penning event. A highlight of the weekend will be the Sponsor Sort on Saturday 3 October, which raises funds for our local Can Assist branch. Spectators can enjoy free entry, with food vendors and market stalls.

I encourage everyone to support our local events and make the most of what promises to be an exciting few weeks ahead.

God Bless,
Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM

We’re continuing the activation of Lake Forbes with upgrades to the Wheogo Park pathway. Stormwater works are underway near the Lachlan Street footbridge, which will be followed by preliminary work at the Bundaburrah Crossing end.

From next week, the pathway along the free camping area will be closed. Please avoid entering the worksite, as there will be dust and construction activity. The pathway alignment will remain largely the same, but the upgrade will deliver a smoother, more accessible route all users, improving the experience for those walking, cycling and enjoying the Lake Forbes precinct.

Temporary accessible and standard portable toilets are now available at the Forbes Ski Dam while construction of the new amenities block is underway. They are located near the entrance of the Aquatic Centre. The new amenities are on track to be completed in time for the upcoming ski season. Once the amenities building is finished, works will continue with upgrades to surrounding footpaths and landscaping, further enhancing the area for the community and visitors to enjoy.

As the weather warms up, our community calendar is bursting into life. Next Friday, Street Dreams will kick off a huge weekend in Forbes, transforming the CBD with light projections, large-scale installations, roving performances, live music, art and food. The free, all-ages event runs from 5pm to 9pm and promises a memorable night for the whole family.

The excitement continues with the firstever Forbes Rodeo at the Multipurpose Equestrian Centre (MEC) on Saturday 26 September. Featuring the notorious Big Al, a full day of rodeo action and live music afterwards. Also on Saturday, music lovers can enjoy the Rotary Club of Forbes Ipomoea Piano Recital, featuring internationally respected pianist Aki Ogane. This special performance promises an afternoon of exceptional music.

Our October School Holidays Program then gets underway, with activities including a sports strapping workshop, clay making, a movie night and a teen trivia night.

I am looking forward to making the most of the spring season and seeing everyone out and about in Forbes in the coming weeks.

God Bless,
Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM

Spring has arrived and with it comes a wonderful calendar of community events that showcase everything we love about living in Forbes.

This weekend, our community will once again come together for two of the region’s most highly anticipated events, the 150th Forbes Show and Grazing Down the Lachlan. Both events celebrate the rich agricultural heritage, local talent and strong community spirit that make Forbes such a special place.

The 150th Forbes Show remains one of the highlights of our annual events calendar. For generations, it has provided an opportunity for residents and visitors alike to showcase the very best of our region, from livestock competitions and equestrian events through to pavilion entries and exhibitions, entertainment and family fun. To celebrate the milestone year there will be special guests and entertainment including the biggest ever fireworks display on Friday night, the All Stars Wrestling Team, outback displays and much more.

Grazing Down the Lachlan has returned and celebrates our quality produce, regional wines and hospitality that our district is renowned for. This much loved foodie event attracts visitors from across the state and provides an important source of revenue for the Forbes Arts Society.

Looking ahead, I would also like to draw attention to an important community initiative taking place next month. On 22 October, Forbes Town Hall will host the Child Safe Roadshow, a free day of interactive workshops designed for organisations working with children and young people.

The program will provide practical information about the NSW Child Safe Scheme, risk management, recruitment practices, reporting obligations and creating safer environments for children and young people.

The roadshow aims to support local organisations in strengthening child safety practices and fostering a culture where children are protected from harm.

Whether you’re enjoying the excitement of the Show, sampling the local flavours atGrazing Down the Lachlan or participating in future community programs, there is noshortage of opportunities to connect, learn and celebrate all that Forbes has to offer.

God Bless,
Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM

What a fantastic weekend for our local business community. The Forbes Business Awards (BOSCARS) made a big comeback on Saturday night, returning after a seven year hiatus to celebrate the very best of local business. With more than 160 people in attendance, the event recognised excellence across 14 award categories and highlighted the innovation, diversity and dedication that make our local businesses so special. Congratulations to Jessica’s Essential Beauty on being named Business of the Year, and to all finalists and nominees.

It was a wonderful evening celebrating the people and businesses that continue to drive Forbes forward.

Our sporting community also had plenty to celebrate over the weekend. The Forbes Magpies First Grade side secured a home grand final after an extra-time win over CYMS on Sunday. They’ll be joined on grand final day by Reserve Grade, Under 18s and Senior League Tag, along with four junior league teams competing in their respective deciders. In rugby union, the Under 14 Platypi recorded an excellent grand final win over Mudgee, while in

soccer the Forbes Foxes narrowly missed a grand final berth, going down 1-0 to the Raptors in their preliminary final. Congratulations also to the Under 14 Boys Jones Family Farms team, who recorded a convincing victory in their grand final in Young.

We wish all of our teams the very best for the weeks ahead and congratulate every player, coach, volunteer and supporter on their efforts and flying the flag for Forbes.

As we head into spring, our events calendar is filling up fast. Grazing Down the Lachlan returns on Saturday 12 September, with limited tickets still available. The Forbes Show will celebrate a remarkable 150 years with a special two-day celebration on 11 and 12 September. Local talent and creativity will take centre stage at Street Dreams on Friday 25 September, from 5pm to 9pm in Victoria Park, before the Forbes Rodeo rounds out a busy month on Saturday 26 September.

For more information on these events, including ticket details and program information, visit Council’s website.

God Bless,
Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM

I would like to congratulate Donna Cain on being named Volunteer of the Year at the 2026 Western Local Health District Awards.

This well-deserved recognition reflects Donna’s dedication, compassion and commitment to supporting others at Lachlan Health Service. Volunteers play a vital role in strengthening our communities, and Donna’s contribution is a wonderful example of the positive impact one person can make.

Representatives from our various teams enjoyed being out at the Bedgerabong Show over the weekend, speaking with residents and sharing information about Council’s latest projects and initiatives.

They’ll be back out in the community at the Forbes Show on Saturday 12 September. I encourage everyone to stop by the Council stand to learn more about current projects, upcoming events and infrastructure improvement works across the shire. It’s also a great opportunity to ask questions, share ideas and feedback.

I encourage everyone to visit the Forbes Visitor Information Centre this Sunday 30 August for the third annual Meet the Makers event from 10am until 1pm. I love this event because it is a real showcase of our region’s outstanding products and the talented people behind them.

Visitors can meet five local producers and watch two local makers share their skills through live demonstrations. This is a free event and a wonderful opportunity to connect directly with local producers and makers, sample outstanding regional products, and learn more about the passion, creativity and skill behind their work.

Another great opportunity to experience local talent is coming up with Street Dreams on Saturday 25 September, from 5pm to 9pm in Victoria Park. Now in its second year, Street Dreams is quickly becoming a highlight of our events calendar, bringing together local artists, performers and creatives for a vibrant evening of entertainment and connection.

This year, we’re excited to introduce a new live music stage, adding even more local talent to the program. Visitors can also enjoy an art exhibition featuring local artworks, interactive creative experiences, light installations, roving entertainment, market stalls, food and beverage vendors, an outdoor cinema and much more. Best of all, Street Dreams is a free event.

God Bless,
Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM

This week, Council undertook important maintenance works at our reservoir, with specialised divers carrying out underwater cleaning and inspection activities. Over time, naturally occurring mineral sediment can accumulate on the reservoir floor. To help maintain the highest standards of water quality and system performance, this sediment is removed as part of routine maintenance conducted every couple of years. This work plays a vital role in ensuring our communities continue to receive safe, reliable drinking water. These inspections also allow our teams to assess key infrastructure and address any issues before they become larger problems.

It’s exciting to see two significant community infrastructure projects getting underway this month. With the netball season now complete, work will commence on the Forbes Netball Court Redevelopment, featuring resurfaced courts, new lighting, seating, accessible referee seating and improved safety fencing. Council will also begin the Ski Dam Amenities Redevelopment, replacing the existing amenities block with modern public toilets, showers and accessible facilities which will include a baby change area. While there may be some temporary disruptions during construction, these projects will provide lasting benefits for our community and users. Both projects are proudly funded through the NSW Community Assets Program.

If you’re heading along to the Bedgerebong Show this Saturday 22 August, be sure to stop by and chat with Council’s Community Team. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the projects, events and infrastructure improvements happening across the Forbes Shire, and to ask questions about the things that matter most to you and your community. Council values community feedback, and these conversations help us better understand local priorities while keeping residents informed about the work being delivered across the Shire.

I encourage everyone to visit the Forbes Visitor Information Centre on Sunday 30 August for the third annual Meet the Makers event from 10am until 1pm. This free event gives visitors the chance to connect directly with local makers, sample regional products, and learn more about the passion and skill behind their creations.

God Bless
Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM

This week, we had the privilege of hosting NSW Minister for Local Government, The Hon. Ron Hoenig MP. We were honoured to welcome him to officially open the new Spooner Oval grandstand and showcase some of the major projects and infrastructure investments underway across our region.

It was fantastic to have the Minister visit our community and see firsthand the progress being made. Opportunities like these are invaluable in highlighting the importance of continued investment in regional communities and strengthening relationships across all levels of government.

Council is continuing to invest in the maintenance and improvement of our road network, with work currently underway on South Condobolin Road. The project involves upgrading a 4.5-kilometre section of road approximately 35 kilometres west of Forbes. Works include shoulder repairs, road widening, a full-width bitumen reseal and new line marking to improve the condition and safety of the road.

Construction of the new barbeque shelter at Apex Park is now underway, marking an exciting milestone in the ongoing redevelopment of this popular community space. It is another important step in enhancing the park’s facilities and creating vibrant spaces for our community to connect.

A reminder that next week we will be hosting the second Welcome to Forbes event for 2026, and I encourage all new residents to come along. The event will be held on Thursday 20 August from 5.30pm at the Forbes Sport and Recreation Club, overlooking the picturesque Lake Forbes.

Whether you’ve relocated to Forbes for work, family or a change of lifestyle, this free community event is a great opportunity to meet fellow residents and learn more about the many clubs, organisations, businesses and services that make our town such a welcoming place to call home.

We look forward to welcoming our newest community members and helping them make valuable connections within Forbes.

God Bless
Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM

This week, we are celebrating Local Government Week – a valuable opportunity to showcase the important role councils play in supporting and strengthening our communities every day.

A special highlight will be welcoming Year 5 students from our local schools to Council. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the different roles and functions of local government, meet Council staff and gain an understanding of how decisions are made and services are delivered across our region.

These visits are a great way to inspire young people and encourage them to take an active interest in their community. We look forward to sharing the important work of Council and showcasing the many career opportunities available in local government.

I thank our local schools for participating and helping make Local Government Week a valuable learning experience for our future community leaders.

I am pleased to invite our community to attend the official opening of the new Spooner Oval Grandstand on Sunday, 9 August at 12.45pm. The new grandstand and clubhouse represent a significant investment in our sporting infrastructure, providing modern facilities that will better support our local clubs while also helping us attract and host larger sporting events.

These improvements will enhance the experience for players, officials, volunteers and spectators, and deliver lasting benefits for our community.

I encourage residents to join us for this milestone occasion as we celebrate the official opening of a facility that will strengthen community sport and serve the Forbes Shire for many years to come.

One of my favourite events on the community calendar is Welcome to Forbes, and I warmly invite all new residents to join us on Thursday, 20 August from 5.30pm at the Forbes Sport and Recreation Club, overlooking beautiful Lake Forbes.

Whether you’ve recently moved to Forbes for work, family or a lifestyle change, this free event is a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and connect with local clubs, community groups, businesses and services.

God Bless
Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM

Haylee Redfern has once again brought gold back to Forbes, after competing at the 2026 World Kettlebell Sport Federation (WKSF) World Championships at Chisinau in Moldova from 4 – 7 June.

Haylee competed in the Elite Long Cycle (2 x 20kg kettlebells, 10mins), Elite Mixed Relay, Elite Women’s Relay, Masters One Arm Long Cycle (1 x 16kg, 10mins) and the Masters OALC half Marathon (1 x 16kg, 30mins).

Out of the five events that Haylee competed in, she was incredibly fortunate to podium in each event, coming away with three gold medals, a silver and a bronze.

Haylee’s motto is, “Be prepared to put in the extra work even when it’s not required.”

Unfortunately, there is no government or funding support for Individual adults in sport, whereas for team sports, like soccer or rugby etc, the opportunities are endless.

Haylee has to self-fund all of her travel and sporting requirements.

“Absolutely everything is self funded and that includes both in Australia and abroad. There is a lot of travel involved as there are requirements we have to meet each year to gain re-qualification for the Australian Team,” said Haylee.

Haylee has a few events coming up that are a requirement to make the Australian Team for 2027. State of Origin in August and the Australian Nationals in September. She is also hoping to represent Australia once again at the IUKL World Championships in October to be held in New Delhi, India.

Interested sponsors can contact Haylee directly via hayleeredfern@hotmail.com.

Keeping our school zones safe is a shared responsibility, and even small actions can make a big difference. This term, Council is delivering a regional education campaign to help parents and carers better understand how No Parking zones operate around local schools.

As part of this initiative, new signs have been installed near pick-up and drop-off areas at Forbes Public School, Forbes North Public School and Forbes High School to provide a clear reminder of the rules. I encourage all drivers to take a moment to familiarise themselves with the rules and do their part to keep our school communities safe.

You may notice increased activity at a the Forbes Recycling and Waste Facility as contractors begin work on a new landfill cell. The new cell is needed to ensure the facility has sufficient capacity to safely manage the community’s waste into the future and continue providing an essential service for residents. The project is expected to be completed by the end of January 2027, subject to weather conditions.

The previous drop-off point at the top of the old landfill cell is now closed. General rubbish can now be dropped off at the temporary disposal area at the bottom of the site. Our staff will be on hand to point you in the right direction.

I’m delighted to see Forbes Shire Council recognised as a finalist in the NSW Youth Week 2026 Awards following the success of our biggest-ever Youth Week program.

More than 260 local young people took part in a diverse range of activities, all shaped by feedback from the Forbes Youth Action Team and designed to reflect the interests and aspirations of our community’s youth.

This recognition is a testament to the enthusiasm of our young people and the dedication of Council staff and community partners who helped bring the program to life.

We are incredibly proud of this achievement and look forward to the awards announcement on 6 August

God Bless
Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM