Fourteen students from across the Central West, Riverina and the wider region participated in the public speaking competition. The winner was Bella Starr from Scots All Saints College, Bathurst, who spoke on the topic ‘Chasing Windmills’. Bella is the daughter of our very own Forbes & Parkes Phoenix designer, Lisa Brien.

The joint runners-up were, Rhys Hutchins (pictured) from Parkes High School and Jonah Grimshaw from Condobo­lin High School, who both spoke on the topic ‘Unread’.

All students displayed remarkable confidence and insight.

School Captain Gabriella Periela represented Red Bend Catholic College.

Parkes hosted the NSW PSSA U12s Rugby League Boys Championships from 16 -18 June. Pictured is Parkes Mayor Neil Westcott with team captains at a special din­ner held at Cooke Park Pavilion.

Pictured is a group of Parkes Marist Junior Rugby League 12-year-old boys who were invited to play on the final day of competition.

The Parkes team, consistied of boys from both the 2026 PMJRL U12 Blues and PMJRL U12 Whites teams.

Parkes U12s and the visiting team were pictured together after the match were the visitors took away the win 10-0.

Last week the SRC and Ms James organised a Do It For Dolly day for Parkes High students.

Students wore blue and farm shirts to raise aware­ness to end bullying and spreading kindness.

Many thanks to those who supplied yummy treats for the bakesale. $450 was raised for this impor­tant cause.

Chandra and his team from Green Microbes, Forbes, changed their workplace for the morning to volunteer and help with some much needed jobs at the garden.

Need some flowers or fruit and vegetables? Pop down to 59-71 Reymond St, Forbes and check out whats avaliable. Freshly picked for you. Open Mon­day to Friday 9am-11am and Saturday 9am-12pm.

Save the date – Craig Castree will be the guest of the Forbes Riverside Community Garden over the weekend of the 25 and 26 July and will be presenting workshops.

Keast Park was bursting with colour, energy and community spirit as families, kids and local organisations came together for an unforgettable afternoon of fun and wellbeing.

From rainbow powder flying through the air to huge smiles at every turn, the day was a celebration of connection, healthy living and community pride.

Healthy Harold’s Parkes Festival of Health brings together families and local health services to con­nect in an accessible, community-led setting.

What a morning for the inaugural Breakfast with the Birds event at Gum Swamp. With attendees aged from 2 to 92 and from as far away as Ariah Park!

Huge thanks to the guest experts on all things plants and birds – Mikla and Chaddy – and of course to partners Central West Local Land Services.

The event was fully booked – sorry to those who missed out. If you are keen to attend next time just shoot us an email at tourism@forbes.nsw.gov.au

Last Friday, Forbes High School participated in Do It For Dolly Day to raise awareness about bullying and promote kindness and inclusion. Students and staff wore a touch of blue to show support, and held a bake sale.

Throughout the day, students participated in engaging activities both in the classroom and out in the playground. Forbes High School honoured Dolly’s legacy by sharing her powerful message: “Be kind and speak, even if your voice shakes.” Thank you to everyone who contributed.

In what can only be described as a resounding success, a fantastic crowd travelled from across the Central West and beyond for the Trundle ABBA Festival.

From young families to the young at heart, festivalgoers embraced the spirit of the occasion, stepping out in daz­zling disco outfits they wouldn’t dare wear anywhere else.

The Trundle ABBA Festival will return on Saturday, 1 May 2027 – so mark your calendars, start planning your outfits and get ready to do it all again.

The Charlie O’Connor Jumping event is a showjumping day held by Forbes Pony Club, where riders compete over jumps at different heights based on their skill level.

16 riders competed all spread across different grades. A clean round means no poles and knocked down, a rider takes the correct line of course and doesn’t take too long to complete the course.

It’s one of the club’s main competitive events of the year .

The Avadale Community Hall ladies catered for our Parkes Antique Motor Club High Tea on Sunday 19 April.

Sandwiches, scones, hot finger food and scrumptious homemade slices along with tea and coffee, were enjoyed by all.

The mural designed and painted by the local community is amazing and is an absolute must see.