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

It has been a busy week with a host of meetings with NSW Government Ministers including MLA Member for Penrith Karen McKeown, Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison, Water Minister Rose Jackson, Planning and Public Spac­es Minister Paul Scully and Local Govern­ment Minister Ron Hoenig.

Also in my role as Local Government NSW President, I have been working with several LGAs which have had significant rate variations. Forbes Shire Council is very fortunate we have had a consistent plan of developing our own source rev­enue. Own source revenue prevents us from being solely reliant on rate revenue.

It is good to have other revenue streams rather than having to raise rates over and above rate pegging.

Next week, the Business Chamber is hosting a Networking Night in Forbes on Monday 24 February at Club Forbes.

This event is a fantastic opportunity for Forbes business owners to connect, share ideas, and build valuable relationships- speakers from the Forbes Advocate and 2PK Radio.

All businesses are welcome to attend and be a part of the vibrant Forbes busi­ness community. For more information, contact the Forbes Business Chamber 0436 316 868 or email info@forbesbusi­nesschamber.com.au.

Thank you to the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program for hosting a Flood Recov­ery Check in on Wednesday 26 February at the Rugby Club from 5pm. Our community is still recovering and on the night you will find out coping mechanisms and also have the chance for a FREE physical check up.

Contact Phil Worrad on 0436 921 076 to RSVP.

Remember to come along to one of my favourite nights of the year – the Welcome to Forbes event at the Vandenberg Hotel on Thursday 27 February. Please every­one come along to welcome our newest residents, make sure you invite your new neighbour, colleague or friends.

It is such a fun night and we always get great feedback from our new residents. If you are new to town, please come along and meet our council, staff, community and sporting groups and other new residents.

Until next week,
God blessPhyllis Miller,
OAM

It is great to see some of the many pro­jects we have happening in our town hit­ting milestones in their development. If you have driven past Spooner Oval recently you would have seen the structural steel of its new grandstand going up. This marks a significant milestone in the project, and we will now start seeing the rest of this facil­ity take shape, including the exterior of the building, interior fit outs and the installation of the seats. The project is on track to be completed by September this year and is going to be literally game-changer for sport in Forbes once it’s done.

We are pleased to be a partner in the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program event on Wednesday 26 February at the Forbes Rugby Club. The aim of this event is to check in with our community on how we are tracking two years after the floods.

Come along and have a chat to the servic­es attending and get a free blood pressure and glucose check.

We have our Welcome to Forbes event the next day on Thursday 27 February at the Vandenberg Hotel. This is for all new residents of Forbes and is a great chance to get to know your councillors, other new residents, local community groups and sporting organisations. Welcome to Forbes events are lovely occasions as we really enjoy welcoming new people to town.

We will be celebrating International Women’s Day on Saturday 8 March with a breakfast at Lions Park. We are excited to announce we will have two inspirational guest speakers – Kelly Foran and Belinda Mawhinney. Kelly is the founder and CEO of Friendly Faces Helping Hands, which helps rural families through health crises, and Belinda is a leadership consultant who strives to improve workplace culture. It’s sure to be another inspiring occasion – make sure to book your ticket! Please see our website for details about all these events.

God Bless,
Phyllis Miller OAM

Thank you to all members of the commu­nity who completed the all-important Com­munity Survey for our Community Strategic Plan (CSP). The CSP is a 10-year plan for the future of our shire and sets out the strategies Council will undertake to achieve each item in the plan. The survey was the first stage of updating the CSP, and this was the community’s chance to let Council know what it wants and expects for the fu­ture of Forbes.

To everyone who took the time to complete the survey and have their say, thank you for your effort. I’d also like to say a special “thank you” to the hundreds of local chil­dren who completed the survey – you are the future of our shire, and your input is so important.

Council will now collect all the data from the responses and let the community know “what we heard” as the next stage of updat­ing the CSP. The community will now get another chance to provide more input, so stay tuned for the details. The final stage will see all information collated and the final CSP report created, which will be adopted by Council on 1 July 2025.

I am looking forward to welcoming new members of our community at our next Wel­come to Forbes event on Thursday 27 Feb­ruary at the Vandenberg Hotel. If you have moved to Forbes Shire I would love to see you there. It’s a great way to meet other new residents and get to know more about Amazing Forbes, Forbes Shire Council, as well as the various community and sporting groups in town. The event starts at 5:30pm.

To RSVP please call Council on 6850 2300 or email events@forbes.nsw.gov.au.

For all residents impacted by the dev­astating 2022 floods, please do not forget to RSVP to the two-year flood recovery check-in event. It is completely free and will include Legal Aid NSW, NSW Recon­struction Authority and NSW Ambulance to give you the guidance you need, and even some free health checks. It will be at the Forbes Rugby Club from 5pm – 6:30pm on Wednesday 26 February. Please RSVP by texting Phil Worrad on 0436 921 076.

Until next week,
God blessPhyllis Miller, OAM
Forbes Mayor