After months of dry winds and thirsty pad­docks, the recent rain has breathed new life into our landscape, and the timing couldn’t be better as we move into sowing season.

We know conditions can still be unpredict­able, and there’s always a need to plan carefully and support each other where we can. But for now, it’s wonderful to enjoy the change. Here’s hoping the conditions continue to be favorable to set us up for a strong and productive year.

Sunday was a fantastic start to Sen­iors Week, with 150 people attending the Seniors Variety Concert in Town Hall. The Seniors “Give It a Go Festival” runs until 15 March 2026, with a full program of activities for our older residents to get involved in.

A highlight this week is Otto’s Seniors Singing for Seniors concert, a free after­noon filled with music, stories and charm with afternoon tea included. Register at events@forbes.nsw.gov.au or call 02 6850 2300.

This week we are celebrating NSW Women’s Week 2026, a time dedicated to celebrating, connecting with and honour­

ing the women and girls in our lives. The popular International Women’s Day event in Lions Park will round out the week. This is an uplifting and energising morning fea­turing a 6.30am Pilates session followed by a community breakfast at 7am.

We’re lucky to have an inspiring speak­er lineup, and thanks to our generous lo­cal partners, attendees will also receive a complimentary gift bag. I hope you can join us for a meaningful and uplifting morning.

Head to our website to get your tickets.

One of the great strengths of our Shire is the way we honour, preserve and share ourunique story. I’m pleased to share that nominations are now open for the 2026 Forbes Heritage Medal.

The Medal recognises a person or or­ganisation that has made an outstanding contribution to our environmental heritage or to the understanding of that heritage.

Head to our website to learn more and nominate, www.forbes.nsw.gov.au.

God Bless
Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM

Significant progress is underway as part of a major investment to secure Forbes’ long‐term water future. A total of $7.6 million is being invested in this important project, with $4.6 million contributed by the NSW Government and $3 million from Forbes Shire Council.

This work includes the construction of new bores and a 5.3‐kilometre duplication pipeline, both designed to increase our community’s access to reliable, high‐qual­ity water. Once completed, the upgrades are expected to boost capacity by up to 80%, providing a stronger, more resilient water network for residents.

These improvements will play a major role in strengthening Forbes’ drought re­silience, ensuring that during future dry periods our community has the secure, de­pendable water supply it needs.

March is shaping up to be a huge month of events in Forbes, and one of the high­lights is our Seniors Week Give It a Go Festival. It’s a wonderful chance for our older residents to “Live Life in Colour” and explore the many activities and services that help keep our community vibrant.

We’ll kick things off with the much‐loved Seniors Variety Concert on Sunday 1 March at 2pm in the Forbes Town Hall. It’s always a joyful afternoon of music, colour and local talent. Entry is a $5 donation, including afternoon tea, with all proceeds supporting the Vinnies Forbes Conference.

Register at events@forbes.nsw.gov.au or call 02 6850 2300.

Next Friday, we’ll come together at Lions Park to celebrate International Women’s Day. We’re starting with a 6.30am Pilates session, followed by a community break­fast at 7am. This year’s theme, “Balance the Scales,” encourages us to reflect on fairness, safety and equal access to justice for women and girls.

We’re lucky to have an inspiring speak­er lineup, and thanks to our generous lo­cal partners, attendees will also receive a complimentary gift bag.

I hope you can join us for a meaningful and uplifting morning. Head to our website to get your tickets.

God Bless
Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM

I recently had the honour of accepting a Community Recognition Award for the 2025 National BBQ Championships. Presented by the Member for Orange Phil Donato, this award acknowledges the incredible community spirit and positive contributions that help strengthen our region.

The recognition was formally recorded in the NSW Parliament through a CommunityRecognition Statement, now part of the of­ficial Hansard record. For me, this award reflects the dedication, hard work, and genuine care shown by so many local in­dividuals who continually strive to support and uplift our community. The momentum generated in 2025 sets the stage for an even larger celebration on 17 and 18 Oc­tober 2026.

Residents will notice changes to the parking layout in Cross Street this week, with the area transitioning to nose‐in park­ing as part of ongoing safety and accessi­bility upgrades. The improvements include new line‐marking for the disabled parking space near Medicine and Mind, ensuring clearer access for those who need it. Up­dated signage will also be installed to re­l

flect the new parking configuration. These changes follow recommendations from the Local Traffic Forum.

I’m delighted to share that we’ve received funding through the Federal Government’s2025-26 Saluting Their Service Commem­orative Grants Program to bring the Lest We Forget Illuminations project to life. For the seven nights leading up to our ANZAC commemoration, the historic Forbes Town Hall will be illuminated with ANZAC image­ry, stories and photos of locals who have served. The display will feature visuals from the Forbes RSL’s nightly ode, along with poppies and other commemorative im­agery, creating a meaningful public tribute that honours service and preserves our lo­cal history.

Our events calendar is absolutely packed, with Clean Up Australia Day, Sen­iors Week, and International Women’s Day all just around the corner. For all the details, visit our website or subscribe to our weekly “What’s On” to have upcoming events de­livered straight to your inbox.

God Bless
Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM

Our community has faced a difficult week with the devastating fire at the Forbes Inn.

Thanks to the rapid and professional re­sponse of NSW Police, Fire and Rescue NSW and volunteers from our Rural Fire Service, the damage was a lot less exten­sive than it could have been and no injuries were reported. I want to acknowledge the courage of all crews involved, our locals and those that travelled from around the region to assist.

The loss of the Forbes Inn is deeply felt — it served more than 4,000 meals a week, employed 66 staff and supported more than ten local sporting and commu­nity groups. The Hodge family, who have invested so much into this venue, have al­ready expressed their intention to rebuild and I know our community will stand firmly beside them as that journey begins.

While we navigate this setback, Coun­cil continues to look ahead. At the Central West Livestock Exchange, we have com­menced early scoping for a CWLE Master Plan — a long term strategy that will help secure funding and guide future upgrades, technology improvements and operational resilience. This will ensure the CWLE re­mains one of Australia’s leading livestock exchanges and continues to support our region’s agricultural strength.

Council hosted its first free weekly Youth Drop‑In Sessions at the Forbes Youth and Community Centre (YACC) from 4pm to 6pm. on Wednesday nights. These ses­sions offer a relaxed, safe place for stu­dents aged 12–18 to study, unwind and connect. These have been planned as a di­rect response to requests by young people.

Absolutely last call for RSVPs for our Welcome to Forbes event. This lovely night is our special Forbes way of welcoming new members of our community to tour town. It is on Thursday 19 February, from 5.30pm at the Lachie Café, 46 Mary Street.

This is a wonderful opportunity for new residents to meet locals, connect with com­munity groups and learn more about the services, activities and opportunities avail­able across our Shire. There will be light refreshments and plenty of friendly faces, if you have moved to town please come along. RSVP to events@forbes.nsw.gov.au or by phoning 6850 2300.

God Bless
Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM

If you’re new to Forbes, I’d love to person­ally welcome you. Council is hosting our next Welcome to Forbes event on Thurs­day 19 February at The Lachie Café from 5.30pm. It’s a relaxed, friendly evening where you can meet locals, learn what’s happening around town and start feeling right at home.

Forbes is a town where there’s always something happening. We want our new­est residents to feel included and confident about getting involved, whether that’s join­ing a local club, attending events or simply meeting friendly faces around town.

I encourage anyone new to our commu­nity to come along to this free gathering.

Please RSVP by Thursday 12 February to events@forbes.nsw.gov.au or (02) 6850 2300. I look forward to meeting you.

I’d like to let residents know about upcom­ing footpath works along Hill Street. From the Dreaming Centre to the Camp Street Bridge, the Hill Street footpath will be tem­porarily closed for around five weeks while a new pathway is constructed.

I understand this may cause some incon­

venience, and I sincerely thank everyone for their patience while the work is carried out. Anyone enjoying a walk around the lake is encouraged to use a different route during this time.

This new pathway is part of our Lake Forbes Activation Plan Footpath Resilience and Betterment Program, a project focused on making our shared spaces safer, more resilient and more enjoyable for everyone.

This upgrade has been made possible through funding from the NSW Community Assets Program, which supports councils in delivering lasting improvements for their communities.

While construction is in progress on the Apex Park redevelopment, the MLAK‐ac­cessible toilet at Apex Park will be una­vailable for the duration of the works. The nearest alternative MLAK facility is located at the Forbes Rugby Club. I look forward to sharing updates as the project progresses.

God Bless
Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM

Australia Day provided a wonderful oppor­tunity to recognise the outstanding individ­uals who have contributed to the strength, pride, and spirit of Forbes Shire.

The 2026 Forbes Shire Australia Day Awards were announced at the Citizen of the Year Gala Dinner on Sunday even­ing, where 150 people were in attendance.

We were proud to honour Young Citizen of the Year, Chloe Little, Senior Citizen of the Year, Maureen Field, and Citizen of the Year, John Schrader. Each recipient has made a meaningful contribution to our community, and it was a privilege to cel­ebrate their achievements together.

Forbes Shire is home to so many in­spiring people worthy of recognition, and these awards remind us of the dedication and generosity that make our region such a wonderful place to live. Congratulations once again to Chloe, Maureen, and John, as well as all of the amazing nominees – thank you for helping to make Forbes the vibrant and connected community we cher­ish.

I also wish to extend heartfelt congratula­tions to Nedd Brockmann, born and raised l

in Forbes, on being named the 2026 Young Australian of the Year. Nedd received this prestigious national honour in Canberra in recognition of his extraordinary efforts to combat homelessness, including his nationally celebrated endurance runs and fundraising work. Nedd’s dedication re­flects the strength, compassion and spirit that defines the Forbes Shire, and we are immensely proud of him.

Keeping our community safe is always a top priority. New advanced warning signs have been installed at rail level crossings across Forbes, funded by the NSW Check Point Threat Extraction secured this docu­ment Get Original Government’s Level Crossing Improvement Program.

These upgrades are designed to in­crease driver awareness and reduce the risk of collisions and near‐misses at rial crossings. You’ll now see the new signs at key approaches including Wandary Lane, Herbert Street and other important routes throughout the Shire.

God Bless
Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM

This year’s Australia Day Award nominees have now been announced, and their sto­ries are a reminder of just how much kind­ness, effort and passion exist in our own backyard.

Each of the 2026 nominees reflects the spirit that holds our community together.

I look forward to celebrating these amaz­ing humans at the Citizen of the Year Gala Night this Sunday at Town Hall.

I wish to invite everyone to come togeth­er next Monday to reflect on our shared history, connect with community, and cel­ebrate the spirit of mateship as part of the 2026 Australia Day celebrations.

Start the day with a community breakfast at the picturesque Lake Forbes. Enjoy a re­laxed morning by the lake with family and friendsFinish the day at Party in the Park in Li­ons Park, culminating in the spectacular Battyes Bridge fireworks display at 9pm.

All the event details can be found on Council’s website. I look forward to seeing you all there.

Apex Park is about to enter a new and exciting chapter, with transformation works l

scheduled to commence next week. The major upgrade of the “Aeroplane Park” will include new play equipment featuring an impressive 8.7-metre tower with three slides, rubber soft fall, new pathways, seating and landscaping, a new amenities block and improved drainage and car park facilities.

This upgrade aims to enhance acces­sibility, improve amenities and ensure the playground is designed to withstand major flood events.

The work is expected to take approxi­mately six months, ready in time for spring.

With more people enjoying the pathways and open spaces around our beautiful Lake Forbes, a new 30km/hour speed zone has been introduced along Gordon Duff Drive.

Additionally, three rubber speed cushions and new signage have also been added.

These traffic calming measures create a safer environment for everyone – especially children, lake walkers and users of South Circle Oval.

God Bless
Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM

It’s that exciting time of year again when our region comes alive with the unmistak­able sound of Elvis! On behalf of our com­munity, I extend a heartfelt welcome to everyone staying in Forbes for the Parkes Elvis Festival.

This iconic event draws thousands of vis­itors to our town each year, creating a fan­tastic atmosphere filled with music, fun and celebration. Beyond the entertainment, the festival provides a huge economic boost to our region, activating local businesses and showcasing the very best of what our region has to offer. From cafes and restau­rants to accommodation providers and re­tail shops, our local businesses truly come alive during this special weekend.

Pull on your Blue Suede Shoes and show some Burning Love for the King of Rock n Roll at our Amazing Forbes Street Break­fast in Templar Street on Friday 9 January from 7am until 11am. This year’s breakfast features three renowned Elvis tribute acts – Sean Luke Spiteri, Gavin Chantelier and Paul Fenech – alongside incredible perfor­mances from the Blues Brothers, Sydney Swing Katz, and local trio Amitie. With free entry, it promises to be a morning full of music, dancing, food, and entertainment for all ages.

The festival offers a wonderful platform for local performers, giving them the oppor­tunity to shine and share their talents. It’s inspiring to see our community’s passion and talent celebrated on such a big stage.

Events like this also strengthen the con­nections between our communities, high­lighting the vibrant creativity and energy of our region.

While you’re in town, be sure to visit the Forbes Visitor Information Centre. Stocked with local produce, art, souvenirs, and festi­

val information. The friendly team are ready to help make your experience in Forbes ex­ceptional, whether you’re looking for insider tips, directions, or a keepsake to remember your visit.

Thank you, Thank you Very Much to eve­ryone who chose to stay in Forbes during the festival. So come on, let’s Rock Around the Clock and make this festival weekend one to remember!

Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM

Welcome to the 2026 Parkes Elvis Festival! It is a great pleasure to welcome Elvis fans from across Australia and around the world to our vibrant community. Now in its 33rd year, the Festival continues to shine as a premier event on the Australian calendar and is proudly recognised as a NSW Government Foundation Event. Each year, thousands gather in Parkes to celebrate the enduring legacy of Elvis Presley.

This year is especially meaningful as we commemorate what would have been Elvis’ 91st birthday. Our 2026 theme, Love Me Tender, inspired by his 1956 film debut and iconic song, sets the tone for a heartfelt celebration of devotion, joy and timeless charm. From western flair and familyfriendly activities to dancing competitions and live entertainment, there is truly something for everyone.

We are delighted to welcome back popular festival favourites, including the Miss Priscilla Dinner, the Evolution Mining Northparkes Operations Street Parade, and the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, with the winner earning the chance to compete in Memphis. The Elvis Wall of Fame induction at the Gates of Gracelands will honour Marcia Hines, followed by her spectacular Disco Inferno show.

On behalf of Parkes Shire Council, I sincerely thank our volunteers, sponsors, local businesses, staff and community for their passion and support. To our visitors, enjoy the Festival and explore all that the Parkes Shire has to offer.

Enjoy the 2026 Parkes Elvis Festival!
Mayor Neil Westcott

The final touches are nearing completion on Johnny Woods Crossing. The extension of the footpath, connecting the new section with the existing pathway, creates a seam­less link for walkers, runners and cyclists to enjoy.

Funded through the NSW Public Spaces Legacy Fund, the redevelopment has en­hanced pedestrian access and safety, as well as improved flood resilience.

I’m excited to share that the Lions Park playground reopened on Saturday, just in time for the school holidays. A huge thank you to our Projects Team for planning, de­livering, and testing the new equipment to ensure everything was ready for families to enjoy.

This upgrade was part of the Forbes Lake Activation Parks and Amenities Resil­ience & Betterment Project, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments under the Community Assets Program.

Council has recently seen a rise in nonflushable items entering the sewer net­work. Items like baby wipes and “flushable” wipes, sanitary products, nappies, cotton buds, and even cutlery and sprinkler heads have been causing serious blockages.

These items lead to costly repairs and increased staff exposure to raw sewage when manually clearing the blockages.

Please help us keep the sewer network running smoothly by only flushing the three P’s – pee, poo, and toilet paper. Everything else belongs in the bin.

There will be a number of changes to Council’s operations heading into the fes­tive season.

Forbes Waste Facility will be closed on Christmas Day. If your usual roadside bin collection day is Thursday, please place your bins out on Christmas Eve. The driv­ers will start extra early on Christmas morning to complete their rounds so that they can spend the remainder of the day with their families.

Forbes Visitor Information Centre will close on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Council’s Administration Office will close from midday on Christmas Eve and reo­pen at 8:30am, Monday 5 January 2026.

Essential services will continue to oper­ate during this period. We wish everyone a safe, happy, and relaxing festive season!

God Bless
Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM