International Women’s Day has been and gone, but not without recognising the wonderful women we have in our midst. Our guest speaker, for me reiterated the strength of our women and the pivotal role we have in the home, in the business sector and in the community. I wholeheartedly agree with Dr Neryl East that we as women need to believe in ourselves, in our skills, and not be afraid to trust in this. 

Next month we will be host to the annual Australian Local Government Women’s Association NSW branch conference which will draw amazing women from across the state. The two-day conference has a timely focus – from leadership and crisis management, it will highlight how important facing up to a crisis is and messaging during these times, one that Forbes and district residents are only too aware of. 

With the land returning to the traditional seasonal dry summer brown, it is almost hard to believe what our region looked like even three months ago and it remains heartening to know we are still in the hearts and minds of those further afield. The Visitor Information Centre recently fielded a phone call from a gentleman in Sydney, whose sole purpose for phoning was to ‘check in’ on the wonderful people of Forbes and area. He wanted us to know we were in his thoughts, and as soon as the days of high temperatures were gone, he was coming to Forbes to spend his money and help this wonderful and tough town back on its feet. 

Humanity – it makes everything we do and experience so worthwhile. 

Enjoy your week, and God bless. 

Phyllis Miller, OAM
Forbes Mayor 

I have been away at the Rural and Regional Summit this week, an amazing opportunity to shine the light on issues that are really affecting our areas, and to work together to find solutions and means of managing ways forward. 

The summit heard from those well-versed in topical issues such as the housing cri-sis, rural and mental health, damaged road infrastructure, and other such vitally important aspects of local government. 

It was also a great opportunity to discuss and pinpoint what our communities really need, and to learn from our success stories – some of which I was able to share with in a keynote speech delivered to this forum. 

I was truly moved this week by news that descendants of World War Two diggers from Warroo were amongst those to receive help from Disaster Relief’s Operation Simmonds following the flood disaster. 

Brothers, Corporal Edley and Private James Simmonds were killed minutes apart in Papua New Guinea, and are the namesakes of the DRA’s Operation Simmonds. Their descendants still farm at Warroo – Tom Simmonds and wife, Leanne, and they were grateful to receive assistance in the flood recovery operation. 

Forbes Shire Council has received numerous enquiries regarding work on the former ambulance building, site of the new home of Forbes Arts Society. We have been assured, and wish to pass on this confidence to you that despite a slight delay that work on the building is on track for completion as planned. 

Have a great week, and God bless.
Phyllis Miller OAM
Forbes Mayor 

I hope everyone has recovered from the magnificent Bedgerebong Picnic Races. What a day and what a wonderful way to embrace a community that has suffered so much. The surrounds as always looked magnificent,it is so hard to believe that it was all under water not that long ago. 

The push for your vote has well and truly started with the state election now just over a month away (25th March). While it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the amount of campaigning and the promises being made, now is such an important time to make sure your vote for whichever party best suits your ideals counts. After years of COVID, restrictions and lockdowns, months of flooding, interest rate rises, increasing electricity costs, a growing crisis in rural health and so on, make sure you do your homework – and most importantly, make sure you are registered to vote. 

It is heartening to see the growing health crisis taking centre stage at the moment. We have long known the effects of doctor shortages, allied health vacancies and the tyranny of distance for specialists. It will obviously take more than just offering to cover HELP debts for doctors to work rurally (with conditions of course), but this proposal could very well be the first of the steps in the right direction. 

Of course, myself and my fellow councillors continue to advocate on your behalf at all levels of government, industry and so on, on issues that affect our patch of paradise. If there is something concerning you, something that needs addressing or fighting for, please don’t hesitate to contact me. 

Enjoy your week, and God bless. 

Phyllis Miller, OAM 

I cannot impress how excited I am to welcome the Australian Local Government Women’s Association annual conference to Forbes in April. The impact of women in local government, and in leading recovery in the wake of disaster is immense, as we are only too aware. 

The women of Forbes have our own stories to tell, but it is going to be amazing to listen to the wisdom and expertise of others in our field. More information will be available as we get closer to the event, but I cannot wait to welcome these women to our town as they learn, explore, build networks and fall in love with Forbes. 

It is satisfying to see the confidence organisations have in Forbes, its people, and our council in bringing major events such as this to our region. It is timely in rejuvenating our town and region, and promoting what we have to offer. 

CENTROC (the Central NSW Regional Organisation of Councils) will be meeting in Forbes at the end of this month, so again bringing representatives of the member councils: Bathurst, Blayney, Boorowa, Cabonne, Cowra, Harden, Lachlan, Lithgow, Oberon, Orange, Parkes, Upper Lachlan, Weddin, Wellington, Young and Central Tablelands Water, to our town. 

Finally, please be aware as work has recommenced on the former Pitt Stop Café site for remediation and demolition of the building. Barricades, detours and signage will be installed. 

Enjoy your week, and God bless. 

Phyllis Miller, OAM
Forbes Mayor 

We are celebrating our seniors with the 2023 Give it A Go Festival here in Forbes. We have coordinated a really busy itinerary to encourage our seniors to ‘Give it a Go’ – to learn a new skill or revisit an old one, meet new people and see new places. So give it a go – I don’t think you will be disappointed! See our website for all the events and details. 

Just a reminder – we are still very much in recovery or reconstruction phase. We are waiting on parts and components for barbecues, pool surrounds and more, so please be patient. We will advise as soon as facilities are functioning again. 

A shout out this week to the wonderful organisations Blaze Aid and Disaster Relief Australia here to help us get on our feet again after the floods. Blaze Aid is well known to Forbes and the surrounding communities. They have been a massive help to farmers with fencing and debris removal. 

DRA is a wonderful organisation, many ex-service personal, who are here to help individuals and home owners with with any post flood assessments and repairs. They can help with general flood clean up, removing furniture and walls, debris management and removal. If you see any of these volunteers around – thank them from the bottom of our hearts, they are helping us to make our community great again. 

Enjoy your week, and God bless. 

Phyllis Miller, OAM
Forbes Mayor 

Welcome to the new year, although it is hard to believe we are already more than halfway through the first month. 

What a way to bring in the new year than with all the Elvis celebrations in Forbes and Parkes. The Elvis breakfast in Templar Street on Friday morning was so energetic and it was wonderful to see an even bigger crowd than last year, jiving, slipping on their blue suede shoes and enjoying our boutique retail centre. 

The Lakeside Luau on Lake Forbes absolutely rocked – perfect weather, perfect location, perfect food and drinks, and of course perfect company and entertainment. I cannot wait to see what next year’s festival brings, make a note in your diary not to miss it. 

A special congratulations to our Amazing team for all their hard work, and innovation in celebrating visitors in what could be considered one of the quieter times of the year. 

Make sure you look up this week as the Forbes Flatlands Hang Gliding Championships grace our skies once again. We welcome the return of our national, international visitors – competitors, drivers, organisers, support crew to our beautiful town and wish them all the best in their endeavours. The competition kicked off with a practice run on Wednesday (17 January), and the last day of competition is on Thursday, January 26, Australia Day. Australia Day celebrations were enjoyed by all. 

Enjoy your week, and God bless. 

Phyllis Miller, OAM
Forbes Mayor 

Hello, can you believe it is less than two weeks until Christmas, how the year has flown by. 

It was absolutely wonderful to see the crowd in attendance at Saturday’s Carols in the Park, so wonderful to see the spirit of the season and the community shining so bright throughout the evening. I have to take my hat off to our fantastic staff for creating a Christmas wonderland. So many positive comments, so good to see a happier ending to the year. 

The Christmas carnival was also amazing with a great crowd in attendance – so many faces, so much joy. There were also many people making one of their first trips to town since the flooding has eased and what a great way to welcome them back with open arms. It is also heartening how many people are supporting our region by shopping locally. As the region rebuilds and recovers from so many losses, it is important to keep these businesses in town for so many reasons. 

As the year does wind up, I also ask you to consider taking the time to look at the Forbes Housing Strategy, which will allow us to plan for the future of Forbes. Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years? This sort of information can help guide Council in its future planning of resources, and development. You are able to have your say on the strategy until 20th December, for more information please visit our wonderful website; www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/council/tenders-public-exhibitions-and-expressions-of-interest/public-exhibitions 

Enjoy your week, stay safe, and God bless. 

Phyllis Miller, OAM