What an absolute honour to be recognised by Fire and Rescue NSW as part of its spe­cial event to celebrate St Florian’s Day, also known as International Firefighters Day.

Forbes Shire Council was recognised at a special presentation at City of Sydney Fire Station on Sunday. We were recognised for supporting FRNSW on call firefighters for more than 50 years and received a Com­missioner’s Primary Employer Recognition Award. The award recognises employers who support on call firefighters – provid­ing flexibility to enable on call firefighters flexibility to respond to incidents to protect our community. We currently have nine employees who are on call firefighters and have a proud history of many others serv­ing over the past 50 years.

As the President of Local Government NSW, we hosted the NSW Rural and Re­gional Summit this week at the State Li­brary. The summit is a focal point for the challenges faced by rural and regional communities. The day event addressed the NSW Government’s response to the parlia­mentary enquiry into Council infrastructure and funding. I was on the panel to outline the success and challenges during disaster and we also talked emerging invasive spe­

cies threats. Mayors, Councillors, Council staff and NSW Government ministers and representatives attended the event foster­ing collaborative solutions to bolster the socio-economic landscape in rural and re­gional areas.

Tradies and businesses it is time for an­other BUILD Forbes Tradies Night – this time we will be at the Forbes Inn on Fri­day 23 May 6pm. Join us for a network­ing night for tradies, builders and industry professionals. You can come along to meet with other trades, learn about Forbes de­velopment trends and planning and find out about job tendering opportunities. Forbes businesses and services are invited to host a free trade table call 6850 2300 to book your space. Tickets available on 123tix.

Now that the amazing acts have been locked in for the 2025 Frost and Fire, have you all invited friends and family and purchased your tickets? Acts like the Wolfe Brothers, the Baker Boys, Foxxy Cleopatra, Easy Goin’ and Ripley Alexan­der will draw some big crowds and we don’t want the locals to miss out. So secure your tix now on 123 tix and get ready for another amazing night of live music on Saturday 21 June 4pm to 10pm.

First I would like to say thank you so very much to everyone in our community who marched and attended the services on Anzac Day. Honestly I am so proud of this town and the amazing number of people in attendance. There were old and many, many young people – it was very inspiring.

Thank you to everyone.

I would also like to acknowledge the an­niversary of Molly’s passing last week and I remind everyone to keep her family in your prayers. Council continues to work to make real changes to enhance and to continue to strive for DV prevention education from an early age. Our community needs change and we need to keep having these hard conversations to make sure promises of change are kept.

Have you purchased your tickets to Frost and Fire 2025 – they are on sale now. Bet­ter yet if you buy anything from the Visi­tor Information Centre you can go into the draw to win two free tickets and two free Frost and Fire stubby holders. Keep an eye out for other local business offers, the Forbes Business Chamber had a meeting this week about how, we as a community, can collectively market and promote this key destination event. This is our sixth year of Frost and Fire and we have another out­standing line up of acts including the inter­nationally known Wolfe Brothers. I can’t wait. It is on Saturday 21 June 2025. See you there! Another exciting date for the calendar is the 2025 National BBQ Championships.

Following the success of last year we will again be hosting a two day event for grill­ing and smoking events so start thinking of your team members and get grilling to per­fect our BBQ skills. It is on this year 18 and 19 October for two days of BBQ perfection.

A reminder to all to make sure you cast your vote in the Federal Election by Satur­day. You can vote at the Town Hall, Forbes Tennis Club, Forbes High School or Bedg­erabong Public School from 8am to 6pm.

Until next week,
Phyllis Miller OAM
Mayor Forbes Shire Council

It has been beautiful weather for the start of the school holidays and we have had so many activities available for the community for the kids.

From art and mindfulness to fishing and first aid, it would be a big call for anyone to say there is nothing on for young people these school holidays. There are still some places available so if you are looking for something for the kids to do, head to the Forbes Youth Action Team facebook page for the details.

Things are heating up for Frost and Fire – if you’ll pardon the pun – with all artists locked in for what promises to be a great night as always. I’m really looking forward to the antics of our town’s MCs – Dooley and Shell Bell – who are very well known to most of the Forbes community. It’s so great to be able to involve locals in this event – I really think that’s what gives Frost and Fire its extra sparkle!We have had a few pre polling enquiries at Council so I wanted to let you know that the dates of pre polling are Saturday 26

April and Monday 28 April through to Sun­day 3 May 2025.

Easter is of course a great time to take a break and with that there are many people on the roads. Please be safe out there – as we say all the time here at Forbes Shire Council, you really need to “drive so that others survive’”. Take a break and don’t be in a hurry. If you do have friends and family coming it’s a great chance to get them out to see the Sculpture Trail, walk the lake and head out to the Bird Hides at Gum Swamp. Fishing on the lake or in the river is always fun for the kids – and if you have a kayak there is nothing better than a paddle. If you need any hints for what to do with your visitors go and see our amazing staff at the Visitor Centre – as locals they have all the goss on the good spots!I would like to wish everyone a very safe and Happy Easter with your friends and family.

God Bless,
Phyllis Miller OAM
Forbes Shire Mayor

I am really delighted to be a part of a small but enthusiastic group of people who will be presenting the play The Trial of Ben Hall written by Forbes solicitor Dominic Wil­liams. To be held on Friday, 9 May – 188 years after the notorious Hall was born and 160 years since his death on 5 May. The play will be presented in the former St An­drews Church at 6pm.

Dominic’s play was originally written for the inaugural Ben Hall Festival and rewrit­ten for Law Week in 1986. Ben Hall was of course shot dead without a trial and is buried at Forbes Cemetery.

Forbes Shire Council Heritage Advisory Committee were the inspiration for bringing Ben Hall back to commemorate 160 since his death. Several other committee mem­bers and community volunteers will be in the play. Ben Hall will be played by Lewis Wilde.

We will also be encouraging our audi­ence to fully participate in the evening. We need you to react to the good and bad, to the police bias and inequity in the court process. It will be a great night out for the whole family to enjoy.

Free tickets are available on 123tix. Due to the space there will only be 100 tick­ets available. Tea and refreshment will be served while the jury deliberates – no one knows the outcome of the judgment until the night. The cast has prepared for both guilty and not guilty findings.

I encourage everyone to come along and find out the imagined past if Ben Hall had been given a trial and discover more about our notorious Mr Hall, who was in fact the first person in Australia to be declared a bushranger.

In Dominic’s words, “…Ben Hall whose name continues to grow in Australian legend as a folklore hero, more wronged against than wrong himself. I trust the Trial of Ben Hall will not only entertain and edu­cate but lead to a better understanding of the enigma that was Ben Hall – it being the trial that Ben Hall never received. (April 1986).

Don’t miss Saturday’s Amazing Motor Fes­tival all day at the Multipurpose Equestrian Centre and Forbes Showground. Organ­isers are promising an action packed day showcasing everything on wheels, from shiny new vehicles to classic vintage treas­ures.

Highlights of the day include an array of tractors, bikes, trucks and cars on display, Skid Row, Ute Barrel Races and a tractor pull – featuring an exciting “new vs old” competition. Organisers are encouraging everyone to bring the whole family for a day of fun, excitement and incredible displays.

School holidays start next week and with that is our always exciting school holidays programs including a wellness workshop, fishing, painting and a Family Fun Day on Saturday 12 April from 9am to noon.

There will be jumping castles, face paint­ing, craft, pedal boats and more – this is a free event and a great chance for the whole family to relax and have some holiday fun.

Some other fun events during the school

holidays include Youth First Aid training, learn to skate sessions, an excursion to Putt Putt Mini Golf in Dubbo as well as a Gallery Open Day where young artists from our region will have their work showcased in a professional setting. See our website for all the details.

Councillor Steve Karaitiana

Doesn’t the Youth and Community Centre (YACC) look amazing! How lucky were we to have artist James O’Hanlon work with school students from Forbes to create the vibrant mural on the side of the YACC.

You can view the transformation which took place over the weekend on our social channels or YouTube www.facebook.com/share/v/15ZppGeSt3/. It all began with the students adding their flair which inspired James’ fantastical and quirky design show­casing diversity and how individuals from all backgrounds come together to form a fun, inclusive and connected community. The mural was a celebration of Harmony Week which recognises our diversity and brings together Australians from all different back­grounds. It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.

At our council meeting last week, Coun­cillors invited members of the Bernardi fam­ily to acknowledge the family’s commitment to commerce in our region, upon Tony’s retirement. The Bernardi family has been a cornerstone in our community, supplying our groceries and fresh produce for seven decades. Bernardi’s is the epitome of com­munity and family business and will con­tinue to be in Forbes. Congratulations Tony.

Can you believe we are talking about April School holidays already? Well it is al­most upon us and we have another event filled program for you all to enjoy. Go to the Forbes Youth Action Team page on face­book or our website to find out about the wellness workshops, leadership retreat, Youth Gallery and so much more.

This is your final week to be able to contribute to the Forbes Active Transport Plan (ATP) 2025. Active transport refers to people walking, running and bike rid­ing as well as other transport options such as e-bikes, e-scooters and mobility scoot­ers, adults pushing prams and wheelchair use. The new Forbes ATP 2025 will assist in programming active transport infrastruc­ture improvements such as new footpaths, shared paths, street crossings, end-of-trip facilities and wayfinding signage.

For more information on this project, and to complete the online survey please visit: www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/council/community-engagement/community-input-and-engagement

God Bless,
Phyllis Miller OAM

After consulting with all 537 Local Govern­ment Areas, the Australian Local Govern­ment Association (ALGA) has developed a framework for a national advocacy cam­paign for Local Government to be run in the lead up to the Federal Election. The elec­tion must be held by 17 May 2025.

The “Put Our Communities First” cam­paign is to secure additional federal fund­ing needed by Australian LGAs to support our growing role delivering local solutions to national priorities.

The campaign will advocate for new fed­eral funding to be distributed to all councils on a formula-basis, similar to the Common­wealth’s Roads to Recovery Program, or the previous Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.

This will ensure that every council and community benefits and supports local de­cision making based on local needs.

The five national funding priorities are:

1. Enabling infrastructure to unlock hous­ing supply; 2. Community infrastructure; 3. Safer local roads; 4. Increased local government emergency management capability and capacity; 5. Climate change adaption to help meet Federal targets.

A reminder for all to have your say for our Active Transport Plan and naming the Spooner Oval Grandstand. There has been a lot of interest and suggestions for this new sporting landmark, consultation will close on Friday 18 April so make sure you have your say. Council will consider all the submissions at its May meeting.

It’s been a big week at the saleyards this week with around 40,000 sheep up for sale on Tuesday. It was a mixed yarding with plenty of trade lambs and some heavy­weights, there were around 11,000 mutton and a large number of exotic lambs which sold for up to $217 a head.

Over 2,126 cattle were sold on Monday.

We still have plenty of buyers from away providing a competitive market for the in­creased numbers being sold until we get some rain.

God Bless,
Phyllis Miller OAM

International Women’s Day was celebrated in Forbes on Saturday with 80 amazing guests and inspiring keynote speakers Be­linda Mawhinney, and Kelly Foran.

Together, we explored the history of International Women’s Day, celebrated global progress in gender equality, and discovered our own leadership qualities.

We learned how to set boundaries in all as­pects of our lives and turn life’s lemons into lemonade.

Forbes Seniors Give it a Go Festival for Senior’s Week is in full swing. There are still plenty of fantastic events lined up.

Don’t forget to register for the ones that interest you the most. You can get the full program from the Council’s website front page events.

Forbes Shire Council needs your input for the Active Transport Plan. Open until 4 April we need the community to share ideas for pedestrians, prams, cyclists etc.

So we can include it in our future plan­ning, works and funding applications. WE all want Forbes to be an abilities accessible and easy town to get around.

You can complete the short online ques­tions at Your Say – at the bottom of the front page of the council’s website.

While you are in the Your Say section of the website – feel free to have your say on the Community Strategic Plan. Phase 2 is open for community members to pri­oritise the goals nominated by the commu­nity when we called for your input earlier in the year. There have been some really well considered and great ideas – now let us know what your priorities are so we can establish some real community goals and outcomes.

Have you seen the plans and progress for the new grandstand at Spooner Oval? It really is going to be an amazing amenity and as such we need to give a great name.

Council is currently inviting submissions to name the new grandstand at Spooner oval.

You can log your suggestion on the web­site.

God Bless,
Phyllis Miller OAM

Last chance for you to book last minute tickets to our International Women’s Day Breakfast on Saturday. Find the link on our website or through the 123 tix website. We have two very inspiring speakers and all the usual treats and entertainment to en­joy. Hope to see you there to celebrate the 2025 March Forward for all Women and Girls celebrations.

Don’t forget to Give It A Go for our 2025 Seniors Festival extravaganza of events.

Activities started on Monday and will go until 16 March. You can get a copy of the jam packed guide from the front office of Council or download one from the website.

Have you heard about the Forbes Ac­tive Transport Plan? Active transport is walking, running and bike riding as well as other transport options such as e-bikes, e-scooters and mobility scooters, adults pushing prams and wheelchair use. The Forbes Active Transport Plan (ATP) 2025 will assist in active transport planning and infrastructure improvements such as new footpaths, shared paths, street crossings, end-of-trip facilities and wayfinding sig­nage. If you would like to have your say, come along to our Community Informa­tion and Feedback Sessions at the Forbes Council Chambers on Monday 10 March from 12:30pm-1:30pm or 5.00pm-6.30pm or complete an online survey at Forbes Ac­tive Transport Plan Survey on the website.

If you require additional information, please contact Michael Carter from Currajong on 0428 254 299.

Phase Two of the Forbes’ Community Strategic Plan Consultation is now open.

The Forbes Community Strategic Plan is the 10 year plan that sets the goals and aspirations of the whole community. The review of this strategy is being completed in three phases:

• Phase 1 Community Survey: CLOSED.

• Phase 2 What we heard: help us priori­tise what’s important. Closes 15 March.

• Phase 3 Collate all Data and create the new Community Strategic Plan!

You can complete the phase 2 survey on­line on our website, download a hard copy survey or get a copy from the Forbes Shire Council Administration Office. Our staff will also be hosting face to face pop- ups at:

• International Women’s Day Event, Lions Park: Saturday 8 March

• Central West Livestock Exchange: Tuesday 11 March, 9am-11am

• Jenny Murphy Park Pop Up and BBQ: Saturday 15 March, 12pm-2pm

For more information you can contact Council’s Community Relations Officer, Sarah Savage on 02 6850 2300 or com­munity@forbes.nsw.gov.au

God Bless,
Phyllis Miller OAM

A reminder for all that Sunday is Clean Up Australia Day. Join us at Victoria Park at 9am to help out and then stay to enjoy a FREE bbq. Did you know more than 22 mil­lion helpers have pulled on their gloves and donated their time to help out in the past.

Congratulations to the Forbes Business Chamber for its networking night on Mon­day – several new and existing businesses attended to gain a great insight into radio and print advertising.

It was also a great opportunity to network with other business owners, the Chamber hosts several business network events and regular coffee catch ups for the business community to stay updated and connected.

On Tuesday, Deputy Mayor Chris Roy­lance, attended the Daroobalgie Road Level crossing. Work has now been com­pleted to install reflective boom gates, high intensity LED flashing lights and bells with new signage and line marking for both road and railway users.

Cr Roylance welcomed this increased safety measure for road users and pedes­trians. Inland Rail is a great opportunity for increased freight demands to keep pace with our growing population. It will be an

excellent link for businesses, manufactur­ers and producers to access markets to buy and sell.

This rail link will generate new opportu­nities for regional Australia, just as Forbes shire Council has established new industri­al opportunities at the strategically placed Central West Industrial Park – readily ac­cessible by road and rail.

Thank you to all our amazing commu­nity groups and volunteers who attended our Welcome to Forbes event on Thurs­day night. What a lovely night for people to meet and find out more about the heart and soul of our amazing community.

We are excited to welcome the Sydney Course Anglers fishing club here on the weekend for their first ever fishing event on Lake Forbes. It is quite an unusual sport with very long fishing poles and no reels.

The Club Members are happy to share their unique knowledge and love of the sport, so they are hosting a free kids workshop on Friday afternoon (behind the primary school) from 4-5pm. No RSVP needed.

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