Young Citizen of the Year: Kirbie Mongan. Whether leading the 2024 ANZAC Day service, lifeguard­ing at the local pool, or excelling in representative rugby league and league tag teams, Kirbie demon­strates outstanding leadership and teamwork.

Citizen of the Year: Sean Haynes. Sean exempli­fies unwavering dedication and leadership.From heading recovery efforts after the devastating 2022 floods to securing grants for community projects, Sean’s tireless work has significantly advanced Eugowra’s recovery and growth.

Community Group of the Year: Eugowra Junior Sports Club Committee. Through soccer and swimming initiatives, the committee has created opportunities for children to engage in healthy ac­tivities, fostering teamwork and community spirit.

Those who attended the Amazing Forbes Street Break­fast on 10 January were warmly welcomed by Parkes Mayor Neil Westcott, Parkes Deputy Mayor Marg Ap­plebee, Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller and Federal Member Michael McCormack.

It was a bright and early 7am start for breakfast but the fun went on for hours. if you have never attended the AMAZING Forbes Street Breakfast during Parkes Elvis Festival week, then it is a must for next year.

The Forbes Shire Council do an AMAZING job each year to put on this great event. A big shout out to all who helped plan the morning and those who were on hand to help it run smoothly.

Well Done Parkes, you put on another fun filled festival. Festival goers flooded Parkes from 8 – 12 January as anticipated. We captured this local family strolling down Elvis Presley Boulevard, do you recognise them?

The time and effort that goes into planning outfits for each day of the festival must be phenomenal, but what a treat it is each day to see everyone celebrating the different eras and themes each year with such amazing attire.

Thanks firstly, always, to Bob and Anne Steel the founders of the festival, and a massive shoutout to Parkes Shire Council for such a well organised and well run festival that could not be any more jam packed full of fun and everything and anything Elvis.

Band members were privileged to perform for Southern Cross residents, with beautiful Mia dancing. The appreciation they were shown was overwhelming.

A few members experienced the amazing Nine Lessons and Carols Orchestra. Gratitude is extended to band member Kirsty Cairney for organising and leading at Parkes Anglican Church, thanks to Rev. Ben Mackay.

The Parkes Shire Concert Band Christmas party was a wonderful time for all thanks to Rhonda who organised the event. You can see the PSCB’s at their next gig which is the Parkes Elvis Festival.

The Forbes community got into the Christmas spirit at Carols by Candlelight in Victoria Park on Saturday 14 December.

The community came together to sing along to the carols and enjoy music from the Forbes Town & District Band and enjoy a great night with their families and friends.

The Forbes heat did not stop Santa from making a special visit from the North Pole and bringing joy to the children.

Generocity Church held a lovely service on Sunday, as we move towards Christmas.

Everyone got into the spirit, singing some classic Christ­mas carols.

Everyone is looking forward to the thankfulness service and nativity play this Sunday.

It was all hands on deck for Red Bend Catholic College students.

The students packed 150 Christmas hampers for families in need.

Donations made possible thanks to St. Vincent de Paul and Bernardi’s Marketplace.

More than one hundred people turned out today for the first ever International Men’s Day event held at Lions Park on Friday, 29 November.

The event was to celebrate men and boys, aiming to start an important conversation about the social and health issues faced by many.

There was a free breakfast, ice baths, guest speakers and a walk around the lake. Thanks to Talk2MeBro, Flan­nery’s Pharmacy, CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes, Ser­vice NSW, Forbes Meals On Wheels and Carer Gateway.

Thank you to leaders on the SRC and Ms O’Leary for organising pink and white ribbon day.

It was a day to start important conversations about breast cancer and domestic violence.

It was also a day to raise funds for two important causes. A total of $680 raised, Thanks to all.

Forbes Shire Council invited Phil Donato MP and local equestrian groups to help officially open the brand new Multipurpose Equestrian Centre (MEC) on Tuesday 26 November

The MEC is designed to host all sorts of equestrian events, from pony club all the way to rodeos and camp­drafts, and is expected to make Forbes a drawcard for equestrian groups right across NSW.

The project was funded by a $3.6 million grant from the NSW Government Office of Sport Multi Sport Community Facility Fund. It features an 80m x 60m covered sand arena, grandstand seating and road access for cars, floats and trucks