Keeping our roads safe, smooth and wellmaintained is one of Council’s core respon­sibilities, and over the past few weeks our teams have been hard at work preparing for the upcoming Urban Reseal Program.

You may have noticed crews undertaking heavy patching throughout town. This es­sential step ensures that we can deliver high-quality, long-lasting road surfaces in the months ahead.

Sections of key state-managed routes are scheduled for resealing in February 2026, including Newell Highway, Escort Way, La­chlan Valley Way and Henry Parkes Way.

This will significantly improve driving condi­tions on these major travel corridors.

I want to thank our community for your patience while these works take place.

These upgrades ensure our road network remains safe and can support the contin­ued growth of our Shire.

I’m delighted to share that the magical Christmas projection on Forbes Town Hall went live this week, bringing festive cheer to the heart of our community.

This year’s projection tells the charming

tale of “Nedd and the Late Santa Letter” and features a very special guest.

To experience the full magic, simply tune your radio to 88.7FM between 8.30pm and 11.30pm each night while you watch the projection come to life on the Town Hall façade. The show will run nightly until 27 December. I encourage everyone to take a moment this festive season to enjoy this unique local tradition.

This Friday, our Forbes Youth Action Team (FYAT) will be out in full force at the Forbes Business Chamber Christmas Festival, hosting their very own Fun Zone featuring fairy floss and snow cones, giant games, and Christmas craft.

I’m proud of these young leaders and their commitment to our community. Events like the Christmas Festival show why Forbes is such a great place to live.

I encourage everyone to head down on Friday evening from 5pm until 9pm, sup­port local businesses and stop by the Fun Zone to say hello to the FYAT Team.

God Bless
Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM

I’m pleased to let our community know that work is well underway to replace the foot­path along Grenfell Street, between Ren­free Street and Lawler Street. This stretch is an important pedestrian corridor and a key route into our CBD, and it’s fantastic to see it getting the upgrade it deserves.

The old, narrow 1.2-metre path is being transformed into a new, safer, and more accessible 2.5-metre-wide footpath. Once complete, it will make getting around on foot easier and more comfortable for eve­ryone, while improving connectivity across the area.

I’m proud that Council can deliver this project through our annual footpath main­tenance and renewal program. It’s all part of our ongoing commitment to keeping Forbes’ streets safe, accessible, and wel­coming for our community.

Council has installed four new CCTV cameras at the Forbes Indoor Pool. This decision comes in response to several recent incidents of vandalism, something I know has been deeply disappointing for both staff and pool users.

These cameras will help us better protect this much-loved facility, deter further dam­age, and ensure the pool remains a safe, clean and enjoyable space for everyone.

I’d like to thank our community for continu­ing to respect and care for our shared plac­es. When we look after them together, they remain great assets for all of us.

As we near the end of the year, it’s a great time to start thinking about your next career step.

Council is excited to open applications for our 2026 Trainee Program. This pro­gram is a change to earn while you learn, gain hands-on experience, and receive na­tionally recognised training with a support­ive team behind you. Council is offering six amazing traineeship opportunities in Civil Construction, IT, Sewer, Water, Storeper­son, and a Cadet / Graduate Building Sur­veyor role. If you’re ready to learn, grow, and make a real impact in your community, this is your moment! Applications close 16 January 2026.

God Bless
Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM

I’m pleased to share that important safety upgrades along Lachlan Valley Way (South Condobolin Road) are now nearing com­pletion, with the final seal scheduled for this week. This project has delivered 3.3 kilo­metres of widening, providing an 8.5-metre seal width and a one-metre sealed shoul­der on both side.

As part of the works, a narrow culvert has also been widened by 4.8 metres, remov­ing a known pinch point. These upgrades have been funded through the NSW Re­gional Roads Block Grant, which provides Councils with annual support to maintain vital regional road networks. I’m proud to see these improvements helping keep our road network safe for all users, particularly during this busy harvest period.

We are fast approaching the festive sea­son, and we’ve plenty of exciting things planned to celebrate.

Santa’s North Pole Mail Express has ar­rived at Council’s Administration Office! Post your letter in the special red mailbox by Wednesday 10 December 2025 to re­ceive a personalised reply. Letter templates and envelopes are available from Council or can be downloaded from the website.il

The CBD Christmas lights will be switched on from Sunday 1 December. Don’t miss the magical Christmas projection at Forbes Town Hall, launching Monday 8 December with a very special guest narrator.

Finally, the annual Forbes Carols by Candlelight is on Saturday 13 December 2025 at Victoria Park – a magical evening filled with music and festive cheer.

As we head into the busiest shopping weeks of the year, it’s a good time to re­member the two-hour timed parking zones throughout Forbes CBD. To keep things moving smoothly, Council’s Parking Rang­ers will increase patrols – not to catch peo­ple out, but to ensure everyone has fair ac­cess to parking.

Many streets have a two-hour limit, so please take a moment to check the sig­nage. If you need longer-term parking, the Lawler Street carpark offers all-day options just a short walk away. Infringements will be issued for vehicles overstaying restric­tions. Thank you for helping keep our CBD flowing as we enjoy a wonderful festive season in Forbes.

God Bess
Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM

November signals the beginning of a busy events season in Forbes. Pop these dates into your calendar.

Next Monday 24 November at 11.15am, bring the family to Town Hall for Reading Downtown Day and enjoy a free live perfor­mance of Mr Huff.

On Tuesday 25 November, we’ll come together for White Ribbon Day. Assemble at 9.30am in Spring Street for a march through the CBD, followed by a ceremo­ny in Victoria Park. Let’s stand together to support the movement to end violence against women.

We then head into the festive season, with plenty of exciting things planned to celebrate.

Santa’s North Pole Mail Express has ar­rived at Council’s Administration Office! Post your letter in the special red mailbox by Wednesday 10 December 2025 to re­ceive a personalised reply. Letter templates and envelopes are available from Council or can be downloaded from the website.

The CBD Christmas lights will be switched on from Sunday 1 December. Don’t miss i

the magical Christmas projection at Forbes Town Hall, launching Monday 8 December with a very special guest narrator.

Finally, the annual Forbes Carols by Candlelight is on Saturday 13 December 2025 at Victoria Park – a magical evening filled with music and festive cheer.

With harvest now well underway across our region, I’d like to remind all motorists to take extra care on our roads. Harvest brings a significant increase in heavy ve­hicle movements, with trucks and farm ma­chinery travelling between properties and grain receival sites. These vehicles are of­ten large, slow-moving, and require more space to safely manoeuvre.

Trucks have much larger blind spots than the average car, which means the driver may not always be able to see you.

By staying aware, being patient and giv­ing heavy vehicles the room they need, we can help ensure a safe harvest season for everyone on our roads.

God Bless
Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM

It is with immense pride that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Nedd Brock­mann on being named the 2026 Young Australian of the Year for NSW.

It’s not every day that someone from our own community captures the attention of the entire nation, but Forbes’ very own Nedd has done just that. Nedd, and the community he has inspired, have raised nearly $10 million to support people ex­periencing homelessness through Nedd’s Uncomfortable Challenge and his charity partner, Mobilise.

Nedd’s compassion, courage and drive embody the very best of Forbes. As he now goes on to represent NSW at the National Young Australian of the Year 2026 ceremo­ny in Canberra on Sunday 25 January, we wish him every success.

November marks the start of a busy and exciting event season in Forbes. So, be sure to mark these dates in your calendar.

On Wednesday 19 November, we’ll cel­ebrate International Men’s Day in Victoria Park from 7.30am. This free community event is all about supporting men and boys, with guest speakers, wellness activi­

ties, ice baths and breakfast.

On Monday 24 November at 11.15am, bring the family to Town Hall for Reading Downtown Day and enjoy a free live perfor­mance of Mr Huff.

Then, on Tuesday 25 November, we’ll come together for White Ribbon Day. As­semble at 9.30am in Spring Street for a march through the CBD, followed by a ceremony in Victoria Park. Let’s stand to­gether to raise awareness and support the movement to end violence against women.

Harvest season is here, and agricul­tural machinery owners and operators are encouraged to get road ready. Council is providing free ‘Moving Harvest Machinery’ USBs, packed with all the notices, guides and links needed for safely and legally moving machinery on our roads.

You can pick up a USB from agricultural machinery retailers, rural supply stores, and Council’s Administration Office. A limit­ed number of windscreen stickers are also available as a handy travel reference.

Stay safe and compliant this harvest.

God Bess
Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM

Last Friday, we gathered at the Central West Livestock Exchange to celebrate the life of former Forbes Shire Council Gen­eral Manager, Steve Loane OAM. It was the perfect setting for a man who loved our saleyards, cared so deeply for our commu­nity, our people and our region’s future.

Around 200 attended in person and on­line to pay their respects for a man who was very well known around rural and re­gional Australia. Speakers told beautiful stories about Steve’s leadership, his dedi­cation to communities he worked in and the genuine kindness and respect he showed to everyone he met. On behalf of Council and the Forbes community, I want to ex­tend heartfelt thanks to everyone who con­tributed to the memorial and to those who came to celebrate Steve’s life.

The community is invited to join us this Friday at 12 midday for the official opening of the Forbes Ski Dam Nature Playground Expansion Project. This important upgrade has revitalised one of Forbes’ favourite rec­reation areas. The project includes drain­age improvements, installation of new play equipment and softfall, new seating and landscaping.

A big thank you to the NSW Government for supporting this project, with funding pro­vided under the Local Small Commitments Allocation Program.

November is a time for connection in Forbes, with three important community events coming up. On Wednesday 19 No­vember, we’ll celebrate International Men’s Day at Victoria Park from 7.30am. A free community event dedicated to supporting men and boys. Enjoy guest speakers, well­ness activities, ice baths, a hearty break­fast and coffee.

On Monday 24 November at 11.15am, join us at Town Hall for Reading Downtown Day. Families will love Mr Huff, a free live performance helping children learn positive coping and wellbeing skills through story­telling and fun.

Finally, on Tuesday 25 November, we’ll unite for White Ribbon Day. Assemble at 9:30am in Spring Street for a march through the CBD, followed by a ceremony in Victoria Park. Let’s stand together to raise awareness and show support for end­ing violence against women.

God Bless
Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM

It is with immense pride that I received the Councillor Lilliane Brady OAM Award in the 2025 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government. This was presented by the Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig at Parliament House on Wednesday 22 Oc­tober.

I am deeply honoured to receive an award named after my dear friend and col­league, the late Mayor Lilliane Brady. Lil­liane was a trailblazer, a fierce advocate for regional communities and a woman of great strength and compassion. We shared many years of collaboration, friendship and mutual respect. I hope that my service to Forbes has reflected the same spirit of leadership and care that Lilliane embod­ied so powerfully. Several awards were presented recognising the dedication and tireless work of female elected representa­tives and council staff across NSW.

On Friday we will come together to hon­our the life and legacy of Steve Loane OAM, our former General Manager of Forbes Shire Council. Steve was a vision­ary leader, a mentor and a passionate ad­vocate for rural and regional Australia. Hisl

contributions to Forbes and the broader agricultural sector were profound and last­ing. A Memorial Celebration will be held on Friday 31 October at 2pm at the Cen­tral West Livestock Exchange. All are wel­come to attend and pay tribute to a man who gave so much to our region. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Dolly’s Dream, a cause close to Steve’s heart.

This weekend, I invite families across Forbes to join us for one of our most be­loved community events – the Teddy Bears Picnic to be held on Saturday 1 November from 10am to 1pm at Frogs Hollow (corner of Riley and Lawler Streets behind the for­mer Bowling Club).This free event promises a magical day of fun, games, live entertainment and plen­ty of surprises for children of all ages. Bring your favourite teddy, a picnic rug and enjoy the joy and imagination that this day brings.

It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate childhood, and enjoy the outdoors together in our community.

Until next week,
God bless
Phyllis Miller, OAM – Forbes Mayor

What a weekend! The National BBQ Cham­pionships held right here in Forbes were nothing short of amazing. Our town came alive with the mouth watering aromas of barbecues, the buzz of excited visitors and the fun Forbes spirit of our community was on full display. From the moment the first BBQ was fired up, to the market stalls, live music and family friendly entertain­ment, the event showcased everything that makes Forbes a fantastic place to live and visit. A huge thank you to our sponsors, competitors, council staff and all the won­derful visitors —you made it all happen.

We had visitors from Newcastle, Mel­bourne, Perth, Tasmania and the Hunter Valley. We have had excellent reports from the many visitors who attended and local families who enjoyed the entertain­ment and activities. All on the lush green space of Grinsted Oval, which was filled with amazing BBQ food, laughter and fun all weekend.

Looking ahead, I’m delighted to invite families to our Teddy Bears Picnic on Fri­day 1 November, from 10am to 1pm at Frogs Hollow, corner of Riley and Lawler Streets (behind the former Bowling Club).

This free event promises a magical day of games, live entertainment, story time, and fun activities for children of all ages.

Bring your favourite teddy, picnic rug and snacks—or enjoy delicious food from lo­cal vendors. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with others and enjoy the outdoors in a safe, welcoming space.

Homeowners and community members are invited next week to the NSW Recon­struction Authority Resilient Homes Expo to help Resilient Homes Program make their homes more flood resilient. The Re­silient Homes Expo will provide information about the Resilient Homes Program grant process, development approval processes and how successful resilient building and relocation projects can be delivered.

Homeowners and businesses can visit information stands and speak with repre­sentatives from council, Reconstruction Australia, SafeWork NSW, Building Com­mission NSW and various industry asso­ciations and businesses interested in resil­ient building services. The event is at Club Forbes from 4pm to 7pm on Wednesday.

Until next week,
God blessPhyllis Miller, OAM – Forbes Mayor

Forbes has once again excelled in sustain­ability and community leadership, being recognised at the 2025 Tidy Towns Awards in Parkes on Saturday 11 October. Forbes took out top honours as Winner of Over­all Tidy Towns (Population Category C) and Community Spirit & Inclusion for the Welcome to Forbes events, while also re­ceiving Highly Commended in Young Leg­ends and Heritage & Culture for the Forbes Youth Action Team and Ben Hall Trial play.

These awards reflect the passion and pride our community shows every day.

Congratulations and thank you to everyone involved.

This week, our community is mourn­ing the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Dr Greg Whittaker, a well-respected and much-loved local doctor and obstetrician.

Dr Whittaker was the first doctor re­cruited to Forbes through Council’s Doc­tor Relocation Incentive Program 26 years ago – a milestone moment that marked the beginning of a renewed era of local health­care. Since joining our community, he has provided exceptional care to countless pa­tients, supporting families through some of the most important moments of their lives

with skill, kindness and compassion.

His dedication to his patients, his profes­sionalism, and his genuine warmth earned him deep respect among colleagues and the wider community. His contribution to healthcare in Forbes will not be forgotten.

On behalf of Forbes Shire Council , I extend our deepest condolences to Dr Whittaker’s family, friends, colleagues and patients during this very difficult time. Our thoughts are with you as we honour a life dedicated to helping others.

Council wishes to invite the community to celebrate the life of our General Manager, Steve Loane OAM, who passed away on Sunday 28 September. Steve was a valued leader and a much-loved member of our community who made a lasting impact on Forbes and the wider region.

A Memorial Celebration for Steve will be held on Friday 31 October at 2pm at the Central West Livestock Exchange, Forbes.

This will be a time for us to come together, reflect and honour his many contributions.

Steve’s legacy of leadership, kindness and community spirit will not be forgotten.

God Bless,
Phyllis Miller OAM