MADE OF CHRISTMAS CHEER: The team from Made Of Fridays have a number of boutique items in store ideal for any Christmas gift. Pictured is Vicki Roylance and Mel Hoey.

OUTDOOR CHRISTMAS COVERED: Mick Roylance from Blue Sky Forbes has your camping and outdoor needs covered this Christmas. Drop out on Parkes Road and check out all the latest stock including the latest Yeti products.

FISHING FOR CHRISTMAS GIFTS: Then look no further than Loomzy’s on the Bogan Road. Jon Cutler will be more than happy to help with all your fishing and camping needs.

NOTHING BETTA: Hamish Coles and the team from Betta Electrical have some of the best deals in town when it comes to white goods and even betta Christmas bargains! Come down and have a look for yourself on the Parkes Road.

BRAVE FRONT: Inspector Shane Jessep fronts media outside the local control centre at Forbes Council.

WATER UNDER THE BRIDGE: This spectacular aerial shot by Josh Gavin shows the gushing water marching it’s way like a dark army towards Forbes last Tuesday.

HARD AT IT: Forbes Unit SES volunteers David Law (hat) and Chris Hodge helping sandbag and flood proof a home in Renfree Street before the floods.

EVERY MAN AND HIS DOG: Benjamin Parslow and Greg Peasley hurriedly get the canoe ready as black lab Nacho watches on.

FINAL INSTRUCTIONS: Incident Controller Barry Griffith with NSW SES crew including Forbes Unit volunteers at Forbes SES HQ.

RFS CHECK IN: RFS like many other emergency service personnel did the rounds to over 800 homes in the two days leading into the flood peak to give evacuation orders and help residents get to safety – even the magpies!

FEDERAL SUPPORT: Member for Riverina and Nationals MP, Michael McCormack stopped over for a quick visit in Forbes to check on residents and inspect the floodwaters enroute to Parkes.

GROWING CONCERN: Forbes locals at the Cowra Road bridge watching the Lachlan River slowly climb.

EVACUATION CENTRE: an Evacuation Centre was set up next to the Forbes Council Chambers in the old church earlier this week. The centre has housed all social service providers making it easier for those impacted to access.

EVACUATION CENTRE: an Evacuation Centre was set up next to the Forbes Council Chambers in the old church earlier this week. The centre has housed all social service providers making it easier for those impacted to access.

BIGGEST FLOOD: The 1952 Forbes floods still remain the biggest with major flooding occurring in June 1952 with a peak of 10.8 metres however the next two greatest floods have both occurred within the last 5 years (2016 and 2021). Pic courtesy of Forbes History Museum.

LOAD ‘EM UP: Moving the sheep and getting organised before the rain. Pic courtesy of Amazing Forbes.

MORE TIME TO WINE AND DINE: Yarrabandai Creek Homestead is open and from all reports a fantastic experience for those who like to eat out but enjoy the serenity of nature. Pic courtesy of Yarrabandai Creek Homestead.

HSC CONTINUES: Forbes High School students as well as Red Bend last week sat the first exams in the 2021 HSC. Good luck one and all!

PAYING RESPECTS: Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM paying her respects at Remembrance Day last week.

STRONG TURNOUT: Despite the linger of COVID, many braved the blustery conditions for the 2021 Remem-brance Day memorial at the Forbes Cenotaph.

FIVE YEARS AGO: Five years ago Matthew Holmes epic Australian western The Legend Of Ben Hall premiered at Forbes Showground. Were you there for the event? Let us know your Ben Hall stories.

KIND DONATION: Domino’s Forbes donated pizzas to essential services Lachlan SES Forbes Unit who have been working overtime during the floods this past week.

WHO’S LAUGHING NOW: This friendly kookaburra recently dropped by to say hello and goodbye before the rain came. Send us some of your favourite pix to – editor@forbesphoenix.com.au

BY THE LAKE: This stunning pic by Rachael M. Prior at Lake Forbes is a canvas print if ever we saw one!