We have officially launched Frost and Fire 2024 and I am so excited that Vera Blue is headlining this year’s event. It is so heartwarming to see a well-loved local girl who is so successful in her music career come back and perform in her hometown.

Along with Vera Blue, we have other fantastic artists to serenade us under the stars including Raechel Whitchurch, Cler, Em & Jo, Gracey Denham-Jones and Cameron Sharp. And, of course, we can’t forget about our other entertainment for the evening including fireworks, Cirque Um Navigate fire dancers and Ice

Queen on stilts to help us celebrate this year’s Winter Solstice.

Tickets are on sale now via 123 tix so make sure you purchase yours to ensure you don’t miss out on our 5th annual Frost and Fire event.

This week is Harmony Week – a celebration of diversity in our community. This year’s focus is on belonging and bringing together Australians from all different backgrounds.

Forbes has a long history of diversity in our community, and Harmony Week provides the perfect opportunity for us to reflect on this and to celebrate the amazing people who have decided to call Forbes, and Australia, home.

Almost half our nation was either born overseas or has a parent who was and, according to the 2021

Census, 13.4% of Forbes residents were born overseas and 10.5% of us have at least one parent who was.

I am really proud of the way our community welcomes newcomers to town and ensures they feel the sense of belonging that Harmony Week is all about.

I would also like to remind anyone who has been affected by the 2022 floods that you can still provide feedback through the housing survey from NSW Reconstruction Authority. This survey will help the NSW Government understand the community’s needs to help them allocate their funding to assist in the Central

West’s flood recovery response. Even if you were only slightly affected, I would encourage you to complete the survey – you’ll be able to help yourself and others too!

Hard copy Surveys are available via Council’s office, or you can complete the survey online via www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/Central-West-Recovery or by calling 133 003 227. Council’s Community Recovery Officers will be available to help you complete this survey in Town Hall on Tuesday 26 March between 9am and 4 pm and Wednesday 27 March between 1pm and 4pm.

Until next week, God bless

Phyllis Miller, OAM – Forbes Mayor

This week the Central West Livestock Exchange is getting an upgrade, with readers for the new sheep and goat electronic identification devices being installed. This makes the Central West Livestock Exchange the first saleyards in New South Wales to have this technology installed. We are so proud of this facility and our involvement with the livestock industry.

The new sheep and goat electronic identification devices, or eID’s, are the same as those that have been used for cattle for over 10 years and are a key tool in animal health and biosecurity.

The use of eIDs has now been mandated for sheep and goats, with all saleyards and depots required to have scanning and upload capabilities by next January and all farmed sheep and goats to have eIDs prior to leaving any property by 2027.

This is a big change for our saleyards, and one that will make a difference for the protection of our livestock industry in New South Wales, increasing peace of mind for producers.

The Lachlan Street trees have taken a little bit longer than anticipated due to supply issues with the cement, our team is making sure the soil levels are correct and irrigation systems are working. We apologise to anyone who has been inconvenienced by this work, we look forward to seeing this project completed properly for the future of our CBD.

To celebrate International Women’s Day, we are hosting a luncheon event on Saturday 9 March at the beautiful Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre.

The event will run from 12pm to 2pm and feature a talk from the inspiring Natalie Bramble, a Community Leader, Author and Keynote Speaker. Natalie will talk about improving the equity of access to peer and expert knowledge, tools and support for our community volunteers, boards, non-profits and social enterprises.

Tickets for this event are just $25 per head; with all proceeds going to Ronal McDonald House in Orange for their work in continuing to support our Forbes community and families in times of need. I hope to see many of you there.

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

In collaboration with Parkes and Lachlan Shire Mayors, Neil Westcott and Paul Phillips, I am proud to say Rex Airlines has recently announced changes to their regional flight network, which will come into effect at the beginning of April. The airline has been under continued pressure due to supply chain issues and staff

shortages brought on by COVID-19.

The network changes will see a new flight schedule for services coming in and out of Parkes Airport, with two return services each weekday. These flights will depart from Parkes in the morning and middle of the day and depart Sydney in the middle of the day and evening.

Rex Airlines has been servicing the region since the commencement of the airline and we are very appreciative of their continued support as it is so important to our residents.

Isn’t the former Pitt Stop site looking fresh and enticing now that the turf and gardens are in? The temporary fencing will be coming down very soon; with the grass growing nicely it won’t be long before everyone can enjoy this bright new space. The new seating is being built as we speak and will be installed over the next couple of weeks.

You may also have noticed the new sculpture which has taken up residence in this space. Waiting for Rain was created by Jimmy Rix in 2019 and went on display at the Sculptures by the Sea exhibition in Bondi where Jimmy won the Waverley Council’s Mayor Award for the piece.

Waverley Mayor, Paula Masselos, described the piece as “an uplifting depiction of the strength of the Australian bush against the backdrop of a land ravaged by drought.” I am so happy to see yet another beautiful art piece placed on display – what wonderful work is undertaken by the Forbes Arts Society for the

Somewhere Down the Lachlan Sculpture Trail!

Our Welcome to Forbes event took place on Thursday 15 February at the Forbes Inn and I am glad to announce that it was once again a wonderful success. It would have to be one of my favourite events as it really brings our community together and makes newcomers feel so welcome.

This event takes place twice a year, so keep your eye out for the next one and make sure you join in on the festivities.

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

We have some exciting progress at the Multipurpose Equestrian Centre, which is coming together very nicely. The trusses have been lifted and the roof sheeting will be added in the next couple of week. A huge effort to the teams on the ground, we can’t wait to start using this space.

This project will provide an exciting addition to our sporting facilities in town, filling a hole in the racecourse precinct that will cater for many fun events in the future, both existing and new to our town.

Housing is a huge issue for Forbes and as you know Council is working hard on this front. In a massive project for the Shire, the Land and Housing Corporation is seeking feedback on their master plan for the development of private, social, and affordable housing on vacant Crown Land located off Farnell and Dawson Streets. This project is set to provide over 100 new homes which will help ease housing pressures and provide more options to accommodate our growing population.

I would like to encourage everyone to attend the community feedback sessions next week to view the master plan in person, speak with the project team, and find out about the next steps for this exciting project.

The sessions will be held in the Town Hall on Wednesday 14 February between 4pm and 6pm, and Thursday 15 February between 9:30am and 11:30am.

How exciting to see the scaffolding down from around our beloved Vampire Jet. In even more exciting news, Oral Historian Rob Willis has produced an updated video outlining the history of the aircraft. This video is a part of the Digital Heritage Trail, which includes extensive information about many of our wonderful historic sites around town. I would like to thank Rob for his work on such a valuable resource to our community and visitors.

If you would like to view the Trail, information can be found on the Forbes Shire Council website or there are brochures available at the Visitor Information Centre. These brochures will be receiving an exciting update soon as well, so keep your eyes peeled!

Until next week, God bless

Phyllis Miller, OAM – Forbes Mayor

AUSTRALIA DAY

Australia Day was another fantastic day to celebrate our amazing town and community.

More than 1000 people attended one or all of the events held on the day, including the Rotary Community Breakfast, the Citizenship Ceremony and the Party in the Park.

The night before Australia Day we celebrated with our 2024 Citizens of the Year. Young Citizen of the Year – Jessica Ashcroft, Senior Citizen of the Year – Deirdre Quirk and Citizens of the Year – Cheryl and Rex Barton. It really was a lovely day to celebrate our town and our community.

VAMPIRE JET

I am so pleased to finally report the scaffolding is down and our beloved Vampire Jet has never looked better. It is now as solid as can be and after several new coats of paint and new decals is looking as good as it did the first day it wheeled onto the runway.

Oral Historian Rob Willis, has thoroughly researched the actual history of the jet and will be recording it for another QR video and audio history for our Digital Heritage Trail.

WELCOME TO FORBES EVENT

Are you new to town? Please come along to our Welcome to Forbes event. You can meet Councillors, connect with other families and meet the dedicated volunteers of our service and community groups.

It is a lovely evening and such a great way to find out more about your new community. Please invite anyone you know who is new to the area – we only have these events twice a year so it’s lovely to catch up. It will be on Thursday 15 February, starting at 6pm at the Forbes Inn – you can RSVP or ask any questions to Council’s events officer by 9 February. We look forward to meeting you there.

It is that time again – brush off your blue suede shoes and start swivelling your hips with the best! We’ve put 2023 to bed, it’s time to get your groove on for some Jailhouse Rock and welcome 2024 in style – let’s get this joint swingin’!Forbes Shire Council is a proud co-sponsor of the annual Elvis Festival which draws so many to our region and completely books out all accommodation providers – bringing our streets to life with colour and music and happy, smiling Elvis-loving faces. We welcome our visitors with open arms and know that they will love the area as much as we do. So much so that we invite you back again and again… keep in mind the amazing bonfire-night atmosphere of Frost and Fire on the beautiful foreshores of Lake Forbes each June – brought to life with an impressive musical line-up, entertainment and masses of fire buckets to keep away the winter chills.

Forbes is proud to host a breakfast in Templar Street each year and this is going to be another fantastic one with a huge line-up of Elvis’ Jailhouse Rock inspired music, including a performance by local artist Georgia Sideris. I am so excited that the always popular Sydney Swing Katz dance group is back and will be doing a workshop as well!! You’ll want to stick around awhile and get your kicks for this!!

Thank you to all our vendors and cafes for getting behind the Elvis breakfast. There really is no better start to the day than enjoying the delights on offer. We urge you to finish off your morning with a stroll around the ‘whole cell block’ – also known as the central business district! Take your time to stop and enjoy the amazing unique retail shops, stretch your circuit a little wider and take a closer look at our heritage buildings, museums and our newly renovated Visitor Information Centre.

Locals and visitors alike – check your programs and social media throughout the festival, Forbes’ clubs and pubs will be joining in the Jailhouse Rock spirit, with plenty of Elvis inspired action to liven up your evenings.

To find out more about the breakfast visit Amazing Forbes website or Facebook page. For more information on the overall festival or the times of the Forbes Shire Council sponsored bus transport for all you ‘jailbirds’ between Forbes and Parkes visit wwww.parkeselvisfestival. com.au or their Facebook page. Everybody let’s rock … come on and do the jailhouse rock in Forbes!

God bless
Phyllis Miller, OAM – Forbes Mayor

To all the wonderful resident of Forbes shire, Merry Christmas. I wish you and your family peace and joy and all of God’s blessings. 

This past 12 months has seen our beautiful Forbes Shire rise up from the flood devastation of the end of last year. It is with such pride that I watch as our community face up to its challenges with dignity, resilience and compassion, lending helping hands to others who need it and continually working on making Forbes its best. 

It has been a year of joy and achievement at Council as well, as so many projects starting and taking shape or reaching completion – just for example the start of works at the Multipurpose Equestrian centre and Spooner Oval redevelopment, the ongoing growth of new homes at Goldridge Estate, all of the action at the Central West Industrial Park and the relocation of the Visitors Information Centre and the now the much-anticipated opening of a cafe at that very location in the very near future. 

Forbes has welcomed influencers, dignitaries, television crews, and staged events that have drawn thousands over the 12 months to our piece of paradise, and will continue to do so, showcasing ourselves on the wider stage. 

As we inch closer to 2024 I wish you all the sparkle and joy of Christmas, may your hearts and homes be full this season and pave the way for a 2024 that is brighter and better. This time of year can mean so many things to so many and can be a difficult time for others, so however you choose to celebrate the following weeks make sure you take the time to relax, remember what is special and important to you and those you love. Please, please if you are travelling at all this holiday season, please do so safely, we want to spend this next 12 months making 2024 the best 12 months. Don’t be tempted to take any unnecessary risks on the road. 

I also invite you all to a full calendar next month – including the much-loved and very colourful Elvis Festival breakfast in Templar Street on Friday 12 January. Our amazing events team has also put together a calendar of holiday activities that are not to be missed – including the much-loved paddle boats on Lake Forbes and lots more school holidays fun. All the details, as always, can be found on our website or Facebook pages (also featured on the Forbes Youth Action Team and Amazing Forbes pages). 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

God Bless,
Phyllis Miller, OAM – Forbes Mayor 

 

This week was a huge week for our community as the first sod was turned signalling the construction phase of the Spooner Oval redevelopment. A larger grandstand will be warmly welcomed by spectators at sports and events staged there, and new changeroom facilities is a definite nod to the growing popularity of, and recognition for, females in sports. Early earthworks should be completed by Christmas and tenders will be called for the remainder of the work to start next year. 

Council is proud to support development of facilities like these in Forbes – it is well supported by studies that sports and the sense of community is so important to mental and physical health and wellbeing, and we love that Forbes is so active! 

Congratulations and thank you to all involved in the running of last week’s Christmas Carnival and Carols by Candlelight, especially the dedicated Events team here at Council. It was exceptionally hot and trying conditions on both days, but the events were, as always, amazing and was a true celebration of the season and our community. So many people out enjoying the entertainment, catching up with friends, shopping and supporting local. 

Investigation works by Martinus on the Inland Rail expansion between Parkes and Stockinbingal have also started at Forbes’ Wyndham Ave, and will continue into February next year. Anyone looking for further information can contact Martinus directly or check out their socials. Such a massive project that will only bring further development and transport solutions to our regions – a boon to farmers, graziers, manufacturers and the like, and also for Council’s Central West Industrial Park development. 

We are running the last of our employment recruitment campaigns to fill positions in a Council that is growing with the town. This is a great time for you to kickstart your career in local government, there are always opportunities for growth and learning, we are a flexible employer and our staff are second to none. 

For more information on the positions that are available head to our website. Until next week, God bless 

Phyllis Miller,
OAM – Forbes Mayor

It should really start to feel like Christmas this week – not only as the weather heats up for the traditional Aussie Christmas feels, but also as we celebrate the annual Christmas Carnival put on by the Forbes Business Chamber and Carols by Candlelight hosted by Forbes Town & District Band. 

The Street carnival is being held in Templar and Rankin Streets on Friday December 8, from 5pm to 9pm. 

Do a spot of Christmas shopping at the market stalls, entertain the children with amusement rides, see who is the latest to win a Why Leave town cash draw, watch the live performances and of course, see Mr and Mrs Claus in person!! 

The following evening is Carols by Candlelight in Victoria Park, which looks absolutely stunning at night with all the decorations ablaze. This is the 53rd year of carols in Forbes and for so man it is a much-loved season tradition, a time for the community to gather and celebrate not just the birth of Jesus, but the close knit community we have. Relax and enjoy the evening’s entertainment which kicks off at 7pm. Santa will make an appearance, and food, drinks and glow sticks will be available for purchase. 

I love Christmas time, and I especially love the interactive festive scene on Forbes Town Hall at night. I love that you can pull up, tune your radio to 88.7FM and listen while the North Pole comes alive in your car. 

Did you know that the iRecycle Forbes app has been updated? This is an extremely handy app that you can use to make your life so much easier – work out which bins go out on what days for your street (even better, set a notification to alert you), keep up to date on holiday collection arrangements, put in enquiries or report stolen bins – so much more. Make sure you download – or update – the app today, it is just another wonderful tool Council offers our residents. 

Until next week, God bless 

Phyllis Miller,
OAM – Forbes Mayor