I’m delighted to invite everyone to join us for the second annual Meet the Makers, happening at the Forbes Visitor Information Centre on Sunday 12 October from 10am unitl 2pm.

This event is a wonderful celebration of local talent and regional produce, giving you the chance to go behind the scenes, discover the homegrown delights, and chat with our passionate producers.

There will be free samples, food tastings and giveaways, showcasing the best of what our local area has to offer. I encour­age everyone, locals and visitors, to come along, meet the makers, and enjoy a taste of our region.

Here in Forbes, we love nothing more than great food, good company, and a dash of healthy competition. The National BBQ Championships Forbes is returning to Grinsted Oval on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 October 2025 for two sizzling days of competition, entertainment and fun.

For the first time, the Grilling Prize Pool has been split into two exciting categories:

Local Legends Grilling for our homegrown talent, and General Grilling open to all BBQenthusiasts. This change creates even more chances for competitors to claim a share of the prize pool.

Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a backyard barbeque legend, there’s a chance you could be crowned this year’s BBQ champion. Head to Council’s website to sign up.

Our community is filled with people who go above and beyond, whether through volunteering, leadership, or offering a helping hand when it’s needed most. The Forbes Shire Australia Day Awards are a wonderful way to acknowledge and thank these remarkable individuals.

Nominations are now open for the Forbes Shire Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year, and Young Citizen of the Year.

Forms can be downloaded via Council’s website. Nominations close Friday 16 January 2026. Winners will be announced at the 2026 Australia Day celebrations in Forbes. It’s a simple way to say thank you and celebrate their incredible contribution to our community.

God Bless,
Phyllis Miller OAM

It is with a very heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of our General Man­ager, Steve Loane OAM. Over eight years of dedicated service to Forbes Shire Coun­cil, Steve became much more than a col­league – he was a mentor, a leader and a true friend to many in our community.

Steve’s commitment to Local Government and rural communities was unwavering. His passion for the livestock industry and his dedication to fostering a strong, connected community were recognised with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).Steve had a vision for Forbes Shire Council and guided our organisation with integrity, wisdom and care. His loss is deeply felt, but his legacy of leadership, service and community spirit will continue to inspire us all. Our deepest condolences to Lisa and his family. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him and in the lasting improvements he made to the community he loved. Rest in peace, Steve.

What an amazing weekend we’ve just had in Forbes! The first-ever Street Dreams brought thousands of people out to enjoy interactive light displays, live performances, market stalls, and activities for all ages. Vic­toria Park was buzzing with creativity, col­our, and community spirit.

A huge thank you to our talented local artists, performers, volunteers, Council staff, and everyone who came along to join the fun. We’re also grateful to Transport for NSW for their support in making it all pos­sible.

As we start planning next year’s festival, we’d love for you to share your feedback, favourite moments and ideas via a short survey on our website. Thanks again to everyone who helped make it such a magi­cal night.

As the October long weekend approach­es, motorists are being reminded to take care on the road. Police will be out enforc­ing road rules, focusing on speed, seat­belts, mobile phone use, and motorcyclists not wearing helmets.

Double demerit points will apply for four days, from Friday 3 October through Mon­day 6 October 2025 (inclusive). Please take your time, plan your trips, and make safety your top priority so we can all enjoy a safe and happy long weekend.

God Bless,
Phyllis Miller OAM

Get ready for an evening of art, light, and entertainment at Forbes’ newest event, Street Dreams, this Saturday, 27 Septem­ber, from 5 pm to 9 pm at Victoria Park.

The park precinct is going to be buzzing with light, colour, art, music and so many ways to get involved. You can drum, dance, make lanterns, have your hair braided or face painted, jump into a silent disco, or just wander through the stalls and soak up the atmosphere.

What I love most about Street Dreams is that it’s not just about watching, it’s about joining in. Whether you’re five or ninetyfive, there’s something here to spark your creativity and bring a smile to your face.

So, grab your friends, bring the family, and let’s light up Forbes together this weekend.

I’ll see you there!If your not-for-profit group has a project you’d like to bring to life, I encourage you to apply for the Forbes Community Funding Program. Grants of up to $5,000 are avail­able for projects in sport, arts, community services, or enhancing our rural villages.

With $150,000 available this year, this is a valuable opportunity to make a meaning­ful contribution to our Shire. Applications for this round close 31 January 2026.

For assistance with your application, please get in touch with our Grants Officer on 02 6850 2300 or community@forbes.

nsw.gov.au. For more information and to apply, visit Council’s website.

We’ve recently refreshed our internal structure under the Local Government Act, opening up some exciting new career op­portunities at Council.

From youth engagement to town pres­entation, water services and business sup­port, these roles are about more than just jobs, they’re about shaping the future of our Shire.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and make a difference in your community, I encourage you to explore the opportunities now available at Council.

Find out more via Council’s website, www.forbes.nsw.gov.au.

Until next week.

God Bless,
Phyllis Miller OAM

I’m thrilled to share that world renowned fire chef Patrick De Leon will be joining theNational BBQ Championships pit when this sizzling event returns to Forbes on Satur­day 18 and Sunday 19 October 2025. This is a great opportunity for BBQ fans to wit­ness one of the world’s most dynamic chefs in action right here in the Central West.

I want to extend a special invitation to lo­cal teams – gather your crew and register tocompete via our website. Whether you’re seasoned pros or just passionate about barbeque, this is your moment to shine, learn from the best, and be part of a truly unforgettable weekend.

I’m also counting down the days until Street Dreams on Saturday 27 September.

It’s going to be a night full of creativity, mu­sic, art and fun for everyone. I encourage you to roll up your sleeves and join in – try your hand at drumming, make a lino print or explore the amazing school-led installa­tions.

With market stalls, food and live perfor­mances too, there’s something for every member of the family. It’s a wonderful chance to connect with your community, try something new, and be part of a celebra­tion that’s uniquely Forbes. I can’t wait to see you there!Do you fish, kayak, swim, water ski, bushwalk, picnic, camp or simply enjoy tak­ing photos by the water? Whatever your fa­vourite way to experience our local water­ways, we want to hear from you. This week is your last chance to let Council know how you use and enjoy these spaces.

Forbes Shire Council, together with Parkes and Lachlan Shires, is developing drought management plans for our rivers, lakes, and dams as part of our Regional Drought Resilience strategy, funded by the National Drought Fund.

Your feedback will help shape how we manage these water bodies now and into the future. Share your feedback on the Recreational Waterbodies – Drought Man­agement Plan via www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/have-your-say.

Until next week.

God Bless,
Phyllis Miller OAM

On behalf of Forbes Shire Council and our community, I would like to congratulate the Forbes Magpies on their incredible effort in Sunday’s 2025 Western Premiership Rug­by League Grand Final. Going down 23 – 22 to the Dubbo CYMS in a nail-biting golden point finish was a heartbreaking way to end the season, but the courage, determination and sportsmanship shown by our Magpies was nothing short of inspiring.

Our players, coaching staff, volunteers and supporters should all be proud of the journey this season and the way the team has represented Forbes with pride and passion. Well done, Magpies – you’ve done our town proud!Last week I had the privilege of attending the Annual Conference of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA) in Griffith. ALGWA brings togeth­er women in local government from across the state, providing both new and return­ing councillors with an opportunity to reset, gain fresh perspectives, and build practical skills to strengthen their leadership.

This year’s theme, Taste the Inspiration, reflected the motivation and empowerment that comes from embracing fresh ideas and innovative approaches in today’s everchanging local government landscape. I was also honoured to be re-elected as an Executive Committee Member of ALGWA, and I look forward to continuing to sup­port and advocate for women in leadership across local government.

I’m excited to announce the launch of our Spring School Holiday Program. There’s plenty on offer to keep kids busy, includ­ing circus workshops, skateboard paint­ing, first aid training and more! We’ve even added a brand-new Youth Connect event, which I know will be a highlight.

We are trialling a small ticket fee for some activities to help reduce no-shows, so more families get the chance to join in the fun. Spots always fill fast, so make sure you jump online at www.forbes.nsw.gov.au to book your child’s place. I can’t wait to see our young people out enjoying another great holiday program here in Forbes!

God Bless,
Phyllis Miller OAM

Forbes is brimming with creativity, and our young people will soon have the chance to showcase theirs through the free Street Dreams Youth Art Workshop. Open to ages 8 to 13, the workshop will run on Saturday 20 September from 12:30pm to 2pm at the Forbes Youth and Community Centre.

Participants will be guided in creating original artworks that will be proudly dis­played at the Street Dreams Festival on Saturday 27 September. With only 15 spots available, this is a special opportunity for our young creatives to shine. Register via Council’s website. I can’t wait to see their work on display.

This week marks the launch of the Scrap Together campaign, a new initiative sup­ported by the NSW EPA to help us make the most of our green-lid FOGO (Food Or­ganics and Garden Organics) bins.

In Forbes, we collect around 1,300 tonnes of food and garden waste each year, turning scraps into compost instead of landfill. It’s a great result, but food waste is still one of the biggest items going into red-lid bins. Head to Council’s social media pages for simple tips on how to keep food waste out of landfill.

I’m excited to invite all young people and families to a new youth event, designed to promote positive choices, wellbeing and community connection.

Youth Connect will be held at the Forbes Skatepark and Stephen Field on Tuesday 30 September from 12 pm to 3 pm, featur­ing inflatables, giveaways, food and activi­ties like NRL clinics.

This free event is proudly supported by the Forbes Community Drug Action Team (CDAT). For nearly 25 years, CDAT has been working to keep our community safe and healthy, running programs, education campaigns, and events that help young people and families make positive choices.

Events like this help build stronger, healthier and more resilient young people, which benefits our whole town.

Youth Connect is part of our school holi­day program, so keep an eye out for the lineup of activities coming soon!

God Bless,
Phyllis Miller OAM

I am very proud to share that Forbes has been named a finalist in the 2025 NSW Tidy Towns Awards. Running since 1981, the Tidy Towns program recognises and celebrates the outstanding efforts of communities right across regional NSW. It shines a light on the projects and initiatives that not only improve the environment but also strengthen com­munity pride and connection.

The winners will be announced at the 2025 Tidy Towns Awards Weekend hosted by Keep Australia Beautiful NSW from 10 – 12 October 2025 in Parkes.

I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has played a part in Forbes reaching this stage. Being named a finalist is a true reflection of your efforts and pas­sion for our town.

Our lakes, rivers and wetlands are among our community’s greatest treasures. But we know drought can have a big impact on how we use and enjoy them. With support from the Future Drought Fund, Council is devel­oping Recreational Waterbodies Drought Management Plans to help protect these special places during dry times.

To make sure these plans truly reflect community needs, we want to hear from you. Tell us how you use our waterbodies, how drought has affected those activities and your ideas for keeping them thriving.

I encourage everyone to take a few min­utes to complete the survey at www.forbes.

nsw.gov.au and help shape the future of our much-loved waterbodies.

The National BBQ Championships is re­turning to Forbes this October, and team registrations are now open!Last year more than 1,500 people joined us for great food, entertainment and the friendly Forbes atmosphere, with teams travelling from across NSW, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia.

This year we’d love to see even more lo­cal teams take part. Whether you’re a pit­master or a backyard barbeque fan, it’s your chance to showcase your skills and be part of a fantastic community event.

Spots are limited. Register now via Coun­cil’s website and help make this year’s com­petition the best yet!God Bless, Phyllis Miller OAM

Council is continuing its commitment to maintaining critical infrastructure, with sew­er main relining works soon underway in North Forbes. From 19th August, specialist contractors Interflow will inspect, clean, and rehabilitate the sewer network across Sam Street, Calarie Road, Stonham Street, Mc­Donnell Street, and Honeysuckle Street.

These essential works help restore the sewer system to peak performance, im­prove service reliability, and protect our lo­cal environment. Some residents may need to provide access to backyards where sewer access chambers are located. If this applies to you, please contact Interflow on 0403 651 562 to arrange a suitable time. During the cleaning phase, residents are also encour­aged to keep toilet lids closed with a small weight on the lid (around 2kg).Thank you for your patience while this important work is completed.

Forbes is a great town for events and the countdown is on until Forbes comes alive with colour, light, and creativity at the brand-new Street Dreams Festival this September!This free community event will transform Harold Street, Victoria Park, and Town Hall with interactive light displays, creative installations, live performances, and delicious local food. Supported by the NSW Government’s Open Streets Program, this festival is part of a three-year series cel­ebrating our community spirit and showcas­ing the talent and energy that make Forbes a vibrant place to live.

The recent ‘Be Road Ready for Harvest’ Field Day at the Forbes Central West Live­stock Exchange was another highlight for the community, attracting 90 attendees.

Farmers, transport operators, machinery retailers, government agencies, and council staff came together to hear presentations on load restraint, fatigue, fire safety, and pow­erline awareness.

Hands-on demonstrations, including ma­chinery measurements and load restraint tri­als, gave participants practical insights into safe road travel during harvest. The presen­tations and other useful information will be available on a USB free for you to collect at ag resellers and machinery dealerships. If you missed the field day, free satellite ses­sions will be held next week at Tullibigeal, Jemalong and Alectown. Visit Council’s website to register and secure your spot.

God Bless,
Phyllis Miller OAM