The year is truly flying, I cannot believe that we have hit the halfway mark, the end of the financial year and term two for school! 

As many of you pack up and head to either warmer or colder climes for a break, I implore you to drive carefully. Please watch your speed and fatigue, wear seatbelts, and drive to the conditions. 

Next weekend will be an exciting one for Forbes as the town plays host to the Football NSW Country Cup for junior girls for the first time! It is exciting to see so many of our talented Forbes players selected in the Lachlan Under 12s, 14s and 16s teams. 

It is yet another opportunity for us to show 

off our amazing sporting facilities and our town; teams are coming from all over NSW – from as far south as Albury to the coast and in between. It is phenomenal to see the growth in female sport, and the talent that is coming through the ranks. 

There are plenty of organised activities for our kids these holidays – head to the Forbes Youth Action Team Facebook page for details, or take advantage of the new BMX track, fishing platform, or launch a kayak on the lake at our new fabulous beach at Lions Park. 

Finally, don’t forget to have your say in the Forbes Disability Inclusion Access Plan survey, which closes 30th June. If you have a disability, or are a carer, family member or service provider, we really want your input. To complete a survey head to our website pageand scan the QR code or download a copy. A hardcopy is available at Council, and links are also available on Facebook. 

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

What can I say, how amazing was Frost and Fire on the weekend? There is just something special about live music, fires, food and drink, and great company. I really have to congratulate our team for putting on such a wonderful event for our community and its visitors. Gatherings like these are what I really treasure about Forbes. 

I cannot wait to go to our next live music extravaganza – Sundown Sounds at Lions Park on the lake promises to be another great fun family event, and is free to attend. Keep your eye out on all forms of media in the coming weeks for more information on this. Details are already up on our website and you can buy tickets at 123tix.com.au 

I had the pleasure of attending our welcome to Forbes and thank you evening earlier this week. It was wonderful to meet some of our new faces to town, and at the same time show our appreciation to the army of volunteers who all help out in some way or another. Volunteers are a vital part of the true fabric of Forbes, the tight knit that keeps our community what it is, supportive, encouraging, welcoming, nurturing. Now is the perfect time to think about how you can volunteer and get involved. 

The end of the second school term is drawing near and while it may be cold outside, Council is hosting a number of activities to help keep the children entertained – movie night, craft sessions, AFL clinics, fishing workshops, and an excursion to Parkes PCYC. Contact our amazing Youth Action team for more information. 

Till next week, God bless. 

Phyllis Miller, OAM
Forbes Mayor

It was nice to see a fall of rain on Monday, although we could potentially do without the hail, as the region now starts to feel the effects of needing rainfall. 

Winter crops have been sown, and whilst there is an abundance of subsoil moisture we need the soft gentle seasonal rains to get them started. Hopefully there will be a few more smiling faces this week! 

As I write this, I am in Canberra with the Australian Local Government Association for the National General Assembly focusing on ‘Our communities, our future’. I did get the opportunity to have dinner with the Governor-General David Hurley and his wife Linda at Government House earlier this week which was wonderful. 

I am also pleased to say that though the waters have receded planning for the vulnerability of our town is not being ignored. Minister for Regional Roads and Transport Jenny Aitchison was in Forbes on Wednesday to discuss Forbes-West Wyalong flood mitigation, so it will be interesting to see what eventuates. It is so important that vital transport channels to and from our town remain viable during these trying times. 

Finally – who could forget Frost and Fire this Saturday – I’m excited. Don’t forget your tickets at 123tix.com.au 

Till next week, God bless, enjoy your weekend. 

Phyllis Miller, OAM
Forbes Mayor 

This week additional roadworks have started on Calarie Road, thanks to Blackspot funding from the National Government. This funding is allocated according to data gathered from accident data and is part of our ongoing target to make our roads safer. 

This time next week we will be warming up for our amazing Frost and Fire event. I really hope you have bought your tickets already (123tix.com.au) and with the opportunity to either pre-order or purchase from food vans on site – you will be well and truly covered. Free buses running between town and the event make it even easier to relax fully in the atmosphere – get carried away by the music and performances. Warm up those beanies! 

Finally, to all our men out there, young and old, International Men’s Health Week runs all of next week, from June 12th to 18th. This year the week is focusing on Healthy Habits. Men’s Health is something the Council takes very seriously – and our staff will attend a dedicated event with an influential and down to earth guest speaker who will focus on ‘Healthy habits of the mind’. The aim of our awareness event is to increase awareness of male health issues and support the health and wellbeing of men and boys in our community –mental health as well as physical health. Talk it over with the males in your life – start the discussion about making healthy habits, whether it be to start a fitness program, lose weight, or spend more time with the family. 

Till next week, God bless, enjoy your weekend. 

Phyllis Miller, OAM
Forbes Mayor 

Forbes Shire Council has received $2 million from the NSW Government under the NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program to rollout planning undertaken for the Lake Forbes Activation Plan.

The $250 million NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program is the biggest injection of funding for public spaces in a generation and is supporting councils to deliver additional public spaces and improvements to existing spaces across the state.

This funding is a huge boost to Council in its delivery of the Lake Forbes Activation Plan for the community and includes projects like the refurbishment of the BMX track, creation of a beach at Lions Park and better footbridges and pedestrian access around the lake. 

“Development of this plan was undertaken with lots of community consultation –the Forbes community and visitors alikelove our lake and this provides Council withdirection for this asset moving forward,”Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said.

“Public spaces are the heart of our communities.They connect us, inspire us and make us healthier and happier, public spaces shape who we are and greatly enrich our lives, public spaces support our health and well-being” Mayor Miller said.

I received some exciting news this week from our marvelous volunteers that the museum should be throwing its doors back open to the general public in the middle of this month after painstaking hours spent restoring the multitudes of historical relics. It has been a mammoth job; the floodwaters that came through the building have left their mark, and it is poignant now that these marks themselves have become a part of history. We just cannot thank the many museum volunteers enough for their tireless dedication. 

I have to take my hat off to the fabulous staff at the Forbes Central West Livestock Exchange who on Tuesday raised around $1,500 for the Cancer Council from donations and breakfast sales. As CWLE Manager Cassi Walmsley said, we have all been touched in some form by this disease. It also warms the heart to see a pen of 300 donated sheep auctioned off on the day to raise much funds for a young Tullamore wife, mum and teacher who is undergoing treatment for breast cancer. The sheep fetched $180/head. Bless all who supported both of these events. 

I was in Sydney earlier this week at a tourism conference. The value of the tourism industry to regional areas such as ours can never be underestimated. There is always so much to learn, to share and new ideas to develop. As I love to say, we are proud of our town, and we love bringing in visitors to show off our amazing way of life. 

Till next week, God bless, and enjoy your weekend. 

Phyllis Miller, OAM
Forbes Mayor 

This will be a brief column this week – as I mentioned in my previous column I am away attending various conferences and meeting with new ministers, and taking full advantage of this opportunity to raise issues affecting us with them personally. 

Before I left, however, I was thrilled to see the reaction of our first adventurous ‘BMX bandits’ as they tackled the newly redeveloped BMX track over the weekend. 

The track is in its original location behind the Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre, and whilst there are some finishing touches yet to be done, it is an amazing new asset for the youth of our town. 

We as a Council are so dedicated to looking after our youth, and funding from the NSW Government through programs such as the Public Spaces Legacy fund make these projects possible. If you haven’t already, grab your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and head on down to the track. 

Forbes recognised National Sorry Day this week at Forbes Bowling Club. Held each year on May 26, National Sorry Day acknowledges the strength of Stolen Generations Survivors, and reflects on how we can all play a part in the healing process for our peoples and nation. 

Locally, this was marked by guest speakers, performances, artworks, lawn bowls and food – including johnny cakes. 

Till next week, God bless, enjoy your weekend. 

Phyllis Miller, OAM
Forbes Mayor 

Have you seen the three new murals at the skatepark and adorning the walls of amenities blocks at two of our popular public spaces, Apex Park and Forbes Ski Dam? It is amazing to see these murals bring new life and colour to these popular areas, each bringing their own meanings and stories. Hats off to our artists for a fantastic job. 

This week has seen the national spotlight on Road Safety as we keep striving to reduce the deaths and injuries on our roads. Forbes Shire Council as always supports such an important campaign to keep those we love safe on our roads. To mark National Road Safety Week our staff are wearing yellow lapel ribbons and our vehicles bear a yellow sticker – free lapel ribbons and stickers are available at the front counter for the general public. Our beloved Town Hall has also changed colour – to yellow of course. 

Our team was also invited to take part in railway level crossing safety sessions held during the week at Town Hall. We encourage you to take the pledge to ‘drive so others survive’ at www.roadsafetyweek.com.au 

Next week, the NSW Joint Organisations will meet in Canberra with Federal ministers to discuss various issues vital to regional areas I will also be attending the Country Mayors Association general meeting at Parliament House in Macquarie Street, another opportunity to meet new government ministers and members of the opposition. I will bring news of these meetings once we return. 

Till next week, God bless, enjoy your weekend – and drive safely. 

Phyllis Miller, OAM
Forbes Mayor 

How disappointing was it to wake up on Monday morning and see the damage to our beloved Gaggin oval? The fields were looking amazing again after last year’s flooding. If you know anything or have any information contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 or Forbes Police on 6853 9999. 

Damage such as this is so costly – in emotions, in costs of redirecting staff and funds for repairs, and the effects on the various sporting and community groups that use these facilities. 

At the moment there are range of career and job opportunities available at Council closing this Sunday and another recruitment campaign with many project, capital and major road repairs works being undertaken. At a time when the cost of living is climbing, a job at Council offers so much – security, attractive wages, opportunities for career advancement, most positions are for a nine-day working fortnight, and flexible work schedules/school hours will be considered for excellent local candidates. More information is on Council’s website. 

The cooler months are upon us, definitely time to retire the shorts and whip out the winter woollies. Speaking of cold – have you bought your tickets to Frost and Fire yet? I can’t wait for this annual celebration of winter and the solstice, for the fantastic entertainment and the chance to catch up with family and friends. All the details are on the Amazing Facebook page. 

Finally, I wish all our mothers – past, present and future – a happy Mother’s Day for Sunday. 

Enjoy your weekend, and God bless. 

Phyllis Miller, OAM
Forbes Mayor 

Well what a week we have had! The staging of the annual NSW branch of the ALGWA conference here in Forbes was nothing short of amazing. We hosted a line-up of phenomenal speakers and emcee, but perhaps it was the heart- wrenching personal accounts of last year’s flooding disaster from locals that made a lasting impression. Over the three days, delegates shared and learned so much about leadership through disasters of all realms. Let’s pray that we don’t have to put this shared knowledge to use any time soon. 

A massive congratulations to volunteers of the Forbes Historical Museum for their well-deserved Forbes Heritage Medal win. To think of the hours of backbreaking work that they have already undertaken and the hours that are left ahead of them to repair the damage done to great historical items by last year’s devastating floods.Suffice to say that these physical memories are in very safe hands. 

I cannot let the other nominee, Forbes Family History Group, go without a mention – their work is just as amazing and just as much a labour of love, and we know that they too are safe custodians of our shared stories. 

As for the remainder of Heritage Week activities, it is not too late to sign up to the Cemetery Ghost Tour which starts at 5.30pm Friday (contact council to register), or attend Saturday’s Collectables Fair or St John’s Anglican Church open day. 

Enjoy your weekend, and God bless. 

Phyllis Miller, OAM
Forbes Mayor