Today we welcome CMOC Northparkes executives to Forbes to see firsthand where their community funding is going. Northparkes recently celebrated its 25th birthday with a funding gift to us, and this money was put into barbecue, shade and seating facilities at Forbes Ski Dam, which we know will be well-used especially over the summer months! Their support of our community is greatly appreciated. 

We received the amazing feedback from a new-ish resident last week thanking Council for its commitment to its community, and I have to say that it is so gratefully received. Our staff put so much effort into events, service provision, asset maintenance and so on, knowing that as residents 

ourselves how wonderful it is to live in this community. So to our resident, thank you for your kind words, it has lifted our hearts, and we hope you continue to enjoy our community and all its magnificence! 

It is exciting every week to sit here and think about what is coming up for Forbes – both Council run and community driven! There never seems to be a dull moment. This weekend for example the renowned Grazing Down the Lachlan will return to the Goanna sculpture, more sports presentations will be held and on Thursday Council hosted its RUOK Day with special guest Robbie Farah, a former professional rugby league footballer. 

Next week an Industry Development Workshop introducing Destination Central West NSW is on Monday, a Sustainability Workshop for recycling warriors – and I truly hope I am not missing anything. Keep your eye on our website and socials for more details, or send an email to events@ forbes.nsw.gov.au to sign up for our weekly newsletter. 

Till next week, God bless, enjoy your weekend. 

Phyllis Miller, OAM
Forbes Mayor 

With the official arrival of Spring comes a calendar jam-packed with things to see and do. 

It is another case of so much to choose from in the coming weeks – Forbes Show, Wine Show Dinner, sporting presentations and a fundraiser for Little Wings. Grazing Down the Lachlan returns for another year, we get ready for school holidays and Open Gardens and so so much more. This week we have had NAIDOC Day and the Resilience Project was in town to address schools and the community. 

What a weekend just gone too of more grand finals – congratulations to all teams for your efforts over the past season. So now we gear up in preparation for the start of the summer sports! 

To stay on top of what is happening in our region, make sure you visit the Events section on our website; www.forbes.nsw. gov.au or to receive a weekly newsletter of events send an email to community@ forbes.nsw.gov.au 

The end of this year has the potential for a tough bushfire season; after the wet end to 2022 there has been lots of vegetation growth which is now drying out quickly. 

I encourage you all to make sure you are prepared for this year’s storm and bushfire season – take the time to plan with your family, housemates just what you need to do in an emergency, have an emergency kit ready and clear evacuation plans. Know your risk this summer and make sure on hot, dry and windy days you get informed through radio, television, RFS social media. 

We truly do live in Dorothea Mackellar’s magnificent sunburnt country … “of droughts and flooding rains”, the land that gives us all life. Visit the NSW Rural Fire Service website for more information – and stay safe this summer season. 

Until next week, God Bless. 

Phyllis Miller, OAM
Forbes May 

By now most of you will have noticed there has been activity around our beloved Vampire jet on Lake Forbes. Council has taken steps to ensure that this much-loved icon remains at its post, a permanent testament to the courage and sacrifice during years of war. Local tradespeople have been involved in this lengthy restoration of a jet that was essentially originally built to last between five and 10 years! And so Aeroplane Park gets to keep its aeroplane! 

Resilience is a word we hear so much of nowadays, and I fully believe it is not just the latest buzz word. Resilience can mean so many things to so many people, and in these times we all need whatever resilience we can muster. Everyone has their own story, will at some stage face their own battles and we need to learn how as individuals, communities, parents and friends, how we support those we know and love. 

Most people have heard of the Resilience Project and its approach to mental health and building resilience and happiness. Former Aussie Rules player, Martin Heppell will be in Forbes delivering his key messages to school students of all ages, and to the community. Definitely worth checking out – tickets are available at ticketbo.com.au 

Take the time out this week to enjoy the arrival of spring, and the beauty that it brings. Our phenomenal staff have been working hard to put on our best face for travellers and locals, including the installation last weekend of a shelter and bike rack at the BMX track down near the Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre! 

Until next week, God Bless. 

Phyllis Miller, OAM 
Forbes Mayor 

It is that time of the year … grand final season is upon us! There are a number of sporting codes holding grand and semi finals this weekend and all I can say is … Go Forbes!! I wish you all the best of luck, play hard and do yourselves proud! 

I quite often mention just how much there is to do in Forbes, it just never ceases to amaze me. This week to the NSW Small Winemakers Show has been based out of our Town Hall and will conclude with a public tasting on Friday and a dinner on Saturday night. And there is so much yet to come!! Do you believe in magic? We have just released early details of a magic festival on 7 October, and who can forget the National BBQ Championships at the end of October. 

How amazing does the new Forbes Visitor Information Centre look? For those of you who haven’t checked it out yet, I urge you to do so. The former Vintage Village has been lovingly restored and renovated, and there are still so many plans for the building that will be revealed as they come to fruition. What a stunning welcome to visitors to our town, and I cannot wait to see a café/restaurant operator take up residence in the fully renovated kitchen. If you know of any foodie looking to fulfil their dreams, point them in this direction. 

Finally, don’t forget to register for one of the free ‘Be Road Ready for Harvest’events being held in preparation for the harvest season. More information or to register your attendance visit our website or Facebook page. 

God bless, and enjoy your weekend. 

Phyllis Miller, OAM
Forbes Mayor 

Are you coming down to Town Hall on Saturday 12th August to see and be a part of the Big Map? Run by Disaster Relief Australia – the map will be about 10metres x 20 metres and is made up of drone photos ready for you to add information you witnessed during the 2022 floods. The purpose of this big map is to collect factual and visual accounts of the 2022 floods and will lead to better preparation, responses and resources in future emergencies. 

Just as this year has sped by, this season’s crops are coming in quickly with this weather, so Forbes Shire Council’s Road Safety officer Mel Suitor will be hosting the Be Road Ready for Harvest Field Days starting at the Central West Livestock Exchange on Thursday 17 August. Satellite events will be held at Bedgerebong on 29 August, Parkes 30 August, Derriwong 31 August and Trundle on 1 September. 

Council’s draft Sporting Field Masterplans have been completed and are available on our website for public exhibition until 4 September. Submissions must be in writing, or for any further enquiries please contact Manager of Town Presentation Patrick Woods on 6850 2300. 

Finally, it was our absolute delight to host over 100 primary school aged children during our celebrations of Local Government Week this week. Congratulations to all involved it was a fantastic day to help educate our future leaders about what is actually done here by council on a daily basis. 

Till next week, God bless and enjoy your weekend. 

Phyllis Miller OAM
Forbes Mayor 

I am looking forward to seeing firsthand the Big Map experience being brought to Forbes by Disaster Resilience Australia (DRA). The Big Map is literally that – a map that will cover the entire Town Hall floor and allows a community to take off their shoes, stand on their chosen location, whether it be home or business or area, and talk about their experiences. It will enable our community to be heard, feel valued and take ownership of the disaster and prepare for future events. More information about the Big Map is available on our Facebook page and website, so please take the opportunity to register and be a part of this cathartic experience. 

Nominations for the 2023 NAIDOC Awards have opened and provide the opportunity to recognise achievements of individuals within our Indigenous community and to foster greater understanding of Indigenous culture. I encourage you to make a nomination, forms are available on our website at; Wiradjuri Culture | Forbes Shire Council (nsw.gov.au). Once completed, these can be mailed to, or dropped off at, Council offices or emailed to community@forbes.nsw.gov.au 

Finally, there is a huge weekend ahead of us with something for everyone. Aside from all the traditional plans of sport, washing and garage sale spotting, take advantage of the Central West Bird Expo, the exciting first ever staging of Sundown Sounds at Lions Park and then the Forbes Cup races on Sunday – birds, music, food, horses, great company – it is all happening in Forbes!! 

Till next week, God bless, 

Phyllis Miller, OAM
Forbes Mayor 

As our ratepayers are all aware the NSW Valuer General recently undertook a revaluation of rated land, and for some landowners there have been some changes in value. Forbes is not alone in seeing a growth in this area as land values in the Central West have increased by 21 per cent. 

We as a Council are limited by legislation as to how much we can increase rates (currently pegged by IPART at 3.8 per cent), unless we seek a special rate variation, which we did not do this year. Rates are calculated on the value of your land. 

Landholders received notice of valuation results in February and were provided 60 days to submit an objection. This period has closed but I am urging any resident with concerns to write to the Valuer General and raise their objection. Some circumstances can allow for a review, so it is definitely worth trying. 

If you have concerns regarding your rates it is so important for you to reach out – via phone or make an appointment to see one of our staff members and we can discuss matters personally with you. If you are 

having trouble paying your rates you can speak with our rates officer to discuss hardship and support. We also have a great deal of information on our website, www. nsw.gov.au/council/rates-fees-and-charges which outlines the facts and the process used by the Valuer General to value land. 

Many of you may not be aware that rates form less than a quarter of Council’s income, and we too are facing the same inflationary pressures, both as a Council and as ratepayers ourselves. 

Until next week, take care and God bless 

Phyllis Miller OAM
Forbes Mayor 

 

I cannot express how excited I am to see earthworks get underway at the Multipurpose Equestrian Racecourse Road site.We truly appreciate the support of the government in getting behind our regional communities. It is anticipated that this multipurpose equine sports centre is going to be very beneficial to the horse community and to the town itself with the potential of competition at all levels, training and educational courses. 

Last week we hosted a visit from the NSW Reconstruction Authority and the National Emergency Management Agency. 

People in our region are still recovering from last year’s devastating events, both physically and emotionally. We are compiling a proposal to put to the government so that we can rebuild better or buy back land that is at highest risk. With this in mind I am looking forward to the Disaster Relief Australia’s Big Map exercise being conducted here in Forbes on 11th and 12th August. This big map will collect factual and visible accounts of the 2022 floods to identify risks, share experiences and to better prepare for the future events. 

Finally, I hope you have got your tickets to Sundown Sounds planned for Saturday 5th August. This is a free event, thanks again to the NSW Government aimed at making sure we stay connected. There will be great music, a mechanical bull for the brave and plenty of food vans. Book your tickets at 123tix.com.au and head to Lions Park. It will be a busy weekend with the 2023 Forbes Jockey Club Cup on Sunday. 

Until next week, God Bless. 

Phyllis Miller OAM, Forbes Mayor 

It is almost hard to imagine that eight months ago so much of Forbes was under water. Finally this weekend the doors to the Forbes Museum will be thrown wide open to the public for the first time since November last year. I know we have recognised the roles of volunteers in making this happen in recent months, but I can honestly say that this is the ultimate dedication. Congratulations to everyone involved. 

The lengthy closure of the Newell Highway last year had many flow-on effects, and flood mitigation plans are needed to work towards preventing this happening again. Transport NSW is undertaking community consultation for floodproofing the Newell Highway in Forbes on 18th July. Please make sure you register for your say via Newell Highway Flood Mitigation – West Wyalong to Forbes | Have your say NSW. 

Also in flood related news, the General Manager and I met this week with the NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO, Simon Draper, and the NEMA Coordinator-General Brendan Moon to further discuss flood recovery. We are very keen to use every forum available to us to highlight the needs of our town. 

Council is hosting Forbes and Bedgerebong Year 5 students for Local Government Week next month, and I can’t wait. Students will gain insight into Council and its departments. They will meet with myself and move a motion in the Council Chambers. I am certain those who will lead, build and guide our town in the future will be in this group of youngsters! 

Until next week, God Bless.
Phyllis Miller OAM, Forbes Mayor 

I am honoured to announce that I have been selected as a torch bearer in a relay that will cover 50,000kms over six months to mark 100 years since Legacy was founded. The torch will pass through Forbes on 31 July and I am so looking forward to remembering and honouring those whose loved ones fought for our country and freedoms. My family has a special connection to Legacy and I am very proud to be part of the relay – my father died at a very young age (37) leaving my mother with five children to raise. Legacy stepped in and was very kind and supportive. I congratulate the other torchbearers on their selection. 

Continuing with the theme of gratitude, this week I was able to show our appreciation to vital emergency services for volunteering their time and efforts at our Frost and Fire event. I presented cheques to the three fire brigade units; Yarragong, Forbes and Parkes HQ and a gas cooker with fittings to the Forbes SES unit. Without the service of these volunteers we would not be able to provide such amazing opportunities for our community, so thank you. 

We at Council recognise NAIDOC Week 2023, a chance to learn, celebrate and the history culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Forbes (in collaboration with our NAIDOC Committee) will hold local celebrations later in the year. Yoorana Gunya has an event at the Sports and Recreation Club (the Bowlie!) on 7 July and all the details are on their Facebook page. 

Till next week, God bless, enjoy your weekend. 

Phyllis Miller, OAM
Forbes Mayor