Exciting things are happening in the north­ern CBD area around the old PittStop pre­cinct as Council prepares for the installa­tion of the new toilet block.

The toilet block will be craned in on Wednesday 19 June, it has a disability ac­cessible cubicle with a fixed adult change table, shower, and toilet as well as two am­bulant toilets and a community kiosk area.

This beautiful little green space is a love­ly improvement in our CBD and as we are successful in gaining more project specific funding for this area we have even more exciting plans.

The four new electronic vehicle charg­ing stations are being installed in Spring Street. Council received funding under the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program to sup­port this project – one key component of Council’s Energy Action Plan.

During the works, traffic control will be in place managing disruptions to traffic and parking. Once it is finished, we will have 2 x 1 hour = 120klm range and 2 x 1hr = 300klms chargers. So while visitors to our town leave their vehicles to charge they can head into the CBD and enjoy our shops and a friendly welcome from our community.

Have you got your Frost and Fire tickets yet? There are still some tickets available for this epic event. From our headline home grown act Vera Blue right through to Rae­chel Whitchurch, Gracie Denham-Jones, Cameron Sharpe and the ever popular Em, Cler and Jo. Honestly what can be better than live music, fire pits and excellent food and drink. Book your tickets quickly on 123tix.

Don’t forget if you have friends or family over for the weekend, make sure you book Chillfest tickets on the Friday night for chilly kids fun, ice skating and more to enjoy from 6pm-10pm.

Until next week,
God bless
Phyllis Miller, OAM – Forbes Mayor

What a productive and exciting few days at the Destination and Economy conference in Wagga last week – we connected with some great networks and gained great in­ sight and inspiration into upcoming events, destination trends and economic implica­tions.

From presenters and information gath­ered from Destination NSW and other ser­vice providers it gave us some great ideas to really ramp up our 2024 National BBQ Championships. We have some really ex­citing ideas and news for this event which is really going to put us on the map.

I cannot think of a better way to show­ case our top quality beef, lamb, chicken and pork produced in this region. If you are producer make sure you get in touch as we are just starting to call for brands and spon­sors for the event. I can guarantee this year it is going to be bigger and better than ever.

It has been a busy week but I was pleased to be able to officially welcome those attending the Local Land Services Regional Weed Committee meeting.

I am a passionate advocate for rural is­ sues and biosecurity.

Biosecurity protects the economy, en­vironment and our community from the negative impacts of pests, diseases, and weeds.

As such, it is vital to the health, wellbeing, and prosperity of our valley of production.

We have such a diverse landscape and that strong local knowledge – from our very own weeds officers right through to the weeds committee is critical to achieve the management and control of invasive weeds.

Currently there are very favourable sea­sonal conditions for a significant weed in­cursion so we need to take practical meas­ures and minimise or eliminate threats to our land, our community and our economy.

Until next week, God bless
Phyllis Miller, OAM – Forbes Mayor

I had the great pleasure to officially open the Local Government NSW Destination and Economy conference in Wagga this week.

There were around 200 Council staff and councillors in attendance from city and rural LGAs across NSW.

We had a really productive time addressing tourism attraction and the economy with great learning experiences from some inspiring speakers and site visits.

Talking tourism and major events, have you booked your tickets for Frost and Fire? It is another amazing line up of performers and entertainers. Frost and Fire never disappoints.

Remember Forbes Chillfest is on for the kids on Friday 21 June and then Frost and Fire is on Saturday 22 June. Book your tickets for both on 123tix before they are sold out.

Work will be starting next week on connecting sewer, water and power at the former PittStop Cafe site in preparation for the kiosk and toilets to arrive later this month.

There will be some traffic delays and parking spaces closed during this work.

That space has become such a lovely green oasis in our CBD. I’m looking forward to the next stage of construction.

We are very excited for the 50th celebrations of Arts Out West this weekend in Forbes. Arts Out West has been the peak arts body for regional arts development in the central west of NSW for over half a century.

It is an honour to celebrate this in Forbes – there is a sold out dinner on Saturday night but also four art exhibitions being opened in and around Town Hall on Saturday between 2-3pm.

The exhibitions will showcase recent work by Forbes Art Society members, Arts Out West staff, board, advisory council members as well as photography from Arts Out West media associates. See you there.

Until next week,
God bless Phyllis Miller, OAM – Forbes Mayor

The General Manager and I met with the NSW Premier and current Cabinet Ministers at Community Cabinet meeting in Orange last week. The first time since 2007, the NSW Premier Chris Minns and his Cabinet came to Orange for a host of private meetings with councils and organisations before hosting a community forum to address issues from members of the public.

I was very pleased with our meeting with the Treasurer, the Hon Daniel Moohkey, he was open and interested and really listened to our reports and recommendations.

There were community speakers from Forbes in the forum and it was great to hear the Premier acknowledge Forbes’ projected growth.

Volunteers Week

It’s been a lovely chance to focus on our community volunteers – we hosted a Volunteers Moring Tea in Victoria Park last week to express our heartfelt thanks to all our wonderful community volunteers.

Volunteers are such an important part of our town and our lives and we are grateful to each and every one of you for everythingyou do.

There are many so benefits to volunteering – you help the community and others, learn valuable skills and make new friends.

Here in Forbes we have volunteers and volunteer organisations covering all areas of our community from the arts, education, emergency services, sports and environment to health, community welfare, aged care and disability services.

Until next week, God bless
Phyllis Miller, OAM – Forbes Mayor

Forbes has attracted yet another national retailer to town with the Reject Shop officially opening its doors on Thursday morning. Welcome to Forbes, this is a great opportunity for more jobs and a broader retail selection for shoppers and it is wonderful to have you here. The Reject Shop has over 380 shops across Australia and identified Forbes as an exciting new growth area to open up its newest retail outlet.

I am very excited to announce we have several more blocks under offer at Goldridge Estate. These will eventually be offered as house and land packages. Services such as power, water, gas and sewer are in and available to the stage 2 blocks which are being released now. So if you had your eye on a block north of Federation Boulevard then contact a Forbes Real Estate agent today.

Forbes is perceived by investors as a good return on investment for families and investors. In recent market feedback analysis it consolidated what we know about Forbes. At the moment about 60% of enquiries for Forbes are from outside the central west.

Land in Forbes, particularly Goldridge, is considered still very affordable and when combined with excellent quality education and health facilities – it is no wonder our population is one of the fastest growing in NSW.

Thank you to everyone who came along on Sunday for the walk for Molly to show how very strong and resilient our community can be.

Sunday was about Molly Ticehurst – who was taken from her son, family and friends way too soon. We paid tribute to a beautiful young woman who made everything an adventure and we called for Cabinet to favourably consider the changes to bail laws which were introduced to parliament this week.

These changes were long overdue, and while they are too late for Molly, they will make it more difficult for high risk alleged domestic violence offenders to get bail and if they do, they will be monitored.

Until next week, God bless
Phyllis Miller, OAM – Forbes Mayor

On Tuesday I addressed the Federal Flood Inquiry public hearings in Cabonne. Despite assurances from insurance companies, many have had insurance policies fall well short of what is needed to build back or repair damage, others have been denied future policies or face untenable increases in cost.

We need clarity over rain, storm or flood rulings and insurance needs to be available and accessible for people who want to live in our beautiful town.

Forbes was able to say ‘thank you’ to our most valued community members on Wednesday at the annual Volunteers Morning Tea. We thank you all for the long days and nights, the endless support and for always being there. Thank you one and all. Our volunteers are what makes our community great.

The General Manager and I attended the Local Government NSW Rural and Regional Summit to review a financial model for Local Government. We also reviewed case studies showcasing excellence and participated in a panel discussion and update from the NSW Reconstruction Authority and key NSW Government Ministers.

Country Mayors also met this week with Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, the Hon Jenny Aitchison and representatives from Regional Futures, Planning, Local Government and Digital Analytics and Insights.

Thank you all so much for all the lovely messages and best wishes for my birthday this week. It was an absolute delight to receive messages from all over Australia.

See you all on Sunday for the Molly walk to honour the life of Molly Ticehurst. It will be a difficult day for many but is a lovely to way to show, we as a community will not stand for violence against women and will continue the fight for Molly’s Law to change bail laws in NSW. The walk starts at 8.30am from Lions Park and will loop back around at 10am. Please join us.

Until next week, God bless
Phyllis Miller, OAM
Forbes Mayor

The loss a young local Forbes woman has sent shockwaves through our community of Forbes leaving immense sadness.

As we come to terms with the loss of a young life, we reflect on her place in our community and her contribution to the fabric of life in Forbes.

We all knew her or knew of her. She was a young mother, a friend, a local woman who had her whole life in front of her. She played a vital role in our community as an early childhood educator, and she will be missed by the whole community.

Together, her memory will be honored by the whole community of Forbes as we stand up and speak out in the hope that no more lives are lost.

Council is working with Lifeline and Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMPHP) to provide services to those who need support.

This is another very difficult week for our community, we need to support each other and look after ourselves.

I am here and Forbes Shire Council is here to support our community as we are needed.

Our hearts go out to the families and friends who have funerals held this week. We are griveing your losses with you.

Whether you knew the families or not – our whole community is impacted by the tragic losses suffered.

Check on your mates, hug your families tight and look after yourselves, your neighbours and others our community.

We will continue our push for change with regards to bail and Domestic Violence laws.

The National Cabinet met on Wednesday and Premier Chris Minns has launched a review of Molly’s case and the decision to release her alleged killer on bail.

In NSW, it is estimated 23,000 AVOs were violated in the last 12 months. We need emergency and immediate changes such as digitally monitoring offenders locations and giving victims access to a mobile alert pendant to prompt an immediate response.

If you need support contact:

· Lifeline on 13 11 14

· Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800

· 1800 RESPECT – 1800 737 732 – family and domestic violence counselling

· Family Violence Response Line on 1800 015 188

· 13 Yarn – 13 92 76 for First nations support.

Until next week, God bless
Phyllis Miller, OAM – Forbes Mayor

 

I had the pleasure of being involved in Women’s Association Electoral seminar in Orange last week – working towards greater participation of women in the Australian democratic and political process.

With over 20 years experience, it is my role to support and champion women to consider participating in political life at a Local Government level or just becoming better informed about Australia’s political systems.

This course was about informing and creating a supportive pathway for women into Local Government

Women are under-represented at every level of Government in Australia. We are only 37% across State and Territory assemblies, around 44% within Federal Parliament and 38% within councils across the country.

The next NSW Local Government elections will be held on Saturday 14 September.

Large scale flood repairs and with several major capital projects our expenditure is higher than normal. Council has not however received all the payment of flood monies and other grants.

The majority of funds owed to Council is for flood repair works that Council is carrying out on its own network where claims are delayed due to excessive bureaucracy and red-tape.

Council has been put in the difficult position where it must make a choice between:

1. Continuing to repair the road network post record floods even at Council’s own expense.

2. Stop works to remain financially viable but place rural residents who are still suffering post the floods at significant safety risk due to the roads being left in their flood damaged condition.

Council has had no choice but to continue road works, especially given the tight contractor market and significant capital works Council is currently completing meaning that if contractors were to be stood down Council would be unable to source resources once funding became available.

Of the $10.1m Council has spent on local and regional road flood repairs only $6m has been reimbursed and all of this was post significant political pressure.

Council is currently owed over $4.1m for flood damage works and this amount could easily increase by over $2m per month now that resources are being re-diverted to the local road network post completion of record flood repair works for Transport on the State Road Network.

Obviously this situation is very concerning, it is a crippling cost to councils, particularly when we have already been through a crisis.

I hope everyone has a safe second week of the school holidays, there are still plenty of school holiday activities to enjoy like the silent disco, BMX workshop, fishing, an activity day and ice skating. Enjoy

Until next week, God bless

Phyllis Miller, OAM – Forbes Mayor

I am very proud Forbes was host to Mayors, Councillors, General Managers and Executive staff from councils around NSW – ranging from Bega, to Byron and out to Bourke. It is an honour to host the Country Mayors Association event which focussed on the current housing crisis.

Forbes was selected as the location to show how we, as a council, activated the new housing market by developing Goldridge Estate, this single development of 221 future lots has now given private and commercial developers the confidence to further invest in our community with several other residential developments underway.

All great news for our growing population and also good insight for other councils and mayors to adopt the proactive stance of Forbes Shire Council. We had a host of excellent industry and State Government representatives including

Minister for Water, Housing, Homelessness, Mental Health and Youth, Rose Jackson, Shadow Minister for Planning, Public Spaces and Housing, Scott Farlow, Homes NSW Chief Executive Rebecca Pinkstone, local member Phil Donato, Sam Farraway MLC and more.

Organised by the Country Mayors Association, it was a great honour to welcome CMA Chair Jamie Chaffey and our fellow councils to visit key sites such as

the Central West Livestock Exchange – during the Tuesday sheep sale, Lions Park, the Central West Industrial Park, Moxey’s Dairy and more. There was high praise for our town, our council and our community.

I hope you all have your tickets booked for the old time drive-in movie on Friday night at the ski dam. This is the first of our Youth Week events and has been planned and will be run by our Forbes Youth Action Team. So pack up the car with loads of blankets and pillows and get ready to have fun watching the movie Tag with your family. I cannot think of a better way to start the school holidays and all relax on an end of term Friday night.

There are several events on during the school holidays – check them out on the Forbes Youth Action Team facebook page.

Until next week,
God bless.
Phyllis Miller, OAM – Forbes Mayor

I hope you all had a joyful and relaxing Easter break. It was wonderful to see so many people enjoying the Forbes outdoors over the long weekend.

The long weekend also saw our new Driver Reviver van open for all our visitors at Victoria Park. I would like to thank the volunteers with Forbes Lions and CWA for making sure everyone was caffeinated for their travels over the weekend.

It is important to schedule regular breaks when driving long distances to ensure you arrive safely to your destination.

This week we are hosting the Country Mayors Association forum from Sunday 7th to Tuesday 9th April. I am excited to welcome mayors from all around NSW to our beautiful town for this event. It is such an opportunity to be able to showcase the projects we are working on to this diverse group, and I am looking forward to further developing the strong relationships I already have with my fellow Mayors.

Coming up very soon are a few weeks of events for young people in our town for Youth Week and the school holidays.

Tickets are available for the drive-in movie at Forbes ski dam on Friday 12th April at 123tix. There is also a comedy workshop on Sunday 14th silent disco on the 19 th , creative community concepts on Monday 22 nd and ice skating on the 27 th. For more information on any of these events you can contact Council on 6850 2300 or youth@forbes.nsw.gov.au or head to Council’s website for the full program and registration.

Until next week, God bless
Phyllis Miller, OAM – Forbes Mayor