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Forbes Phoenix

New Landfill Cell To Support Long-term Waste Management

August 20, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Construction has commenced on a new landfill cell at the Forbes Recycling and Waste Facility. The new cell is a critical component of the facility’s long-term waste management strategy and has been designed to provide additional capacity to meet the needs of the growing community while maintaining high environmental standards.

Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said the project represents an important investment in essential community infrastructure.

“This project will help secure the future of waste management services in Forbes Shire and ensure we can continue to provide residents and businesses with a reliable and sustainable waste disposal solution.”

The new cell is being constructed using modern engineering standards and environmental protection systems to ensure the safe and responsible management of waste across Forbes Shire.

Construction activities include earthworks, installation of liner systems, leachate management infrastructure and associated site works. Residents may notice increased construction activity. Council will work to minimise disruption to facility operations.

Once completed, the cell will increase the operational lifespan of the facility and support ongoing waste management needs across the Shire.

There are important changes for facility users: the former general waste drop-off point located at the top of the hill has now closed and the general waste drop-off area is now located at ground level. Council staff are available on site to assist customers and direct vehicles to the appropriate disposal areas. Council encourages users to follow signage, staff instructions and adhere to the site’s 10km/h speed limit to ensure a safe and efficient experience.

For more information visit www.forbes.nsw.gov.au or contact Forbes Shire Council on (02) 6850 2300.

Kids Don’t Know What They’re Missing

August 13, 2026 by Eyecare Plus

August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month, making it a great time to focus on one of the most overlooked parts of a child’s wellbeing: their vision.

Good vision is essential for learning, development, coordination, and confidence.

The problem is that children often don’t know when they’re not seeing well. They won’t tell you because they assume everyone sees the world the same way they do.

Instead, they adapt. They might sit closer to the television, tilt their head, avoid reading, or simply appear distracted or reluctant to engage with schoolwork. These changes can be subtle and easy for even the most attentive parent or teacher to miss.

Every child should have a comprehensive eye examination before starting school and then every one to two years after that.

At any age, it’s worth arranging an eye test if your child sits very close to screens or books, has one eye that drifts or turns, persistently tilts their head, squints, rubs their eyes when they’re not tired, loses their place while reading, complains of headaches after school, or suddenly develops a dislike of reading or schoolwork.

School vision screening programs can be helpful, but they don’t detect every eye condition and aren’t a substitute for a comprehensive eye examination. Some childhood eye conditions are genuinely time sensitive. Amblyopia, or “lazy eye”, is highly treatable when detected early, but becomes much more difficult to improve after about seven or eight years of age.

The safety side of the equation is just as important.

Encourage children to spend time outdoors. It’s one of the few measures proven to reduce the risk of children becoming short-sighted, with around two hours outside each day making a real difference.

With spring just around the corner, it’s also worth remembering that UV levels climb quickly at this time of year. Children’s eyes naturally allow more ultraviolet light to reach the retina than adult eyes, making good sun protection especially important. A broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses that meet the Australian Standard are simple, inexpensive ways to help protect their eyes.

The good news is that comprehensive eye examinations for children are covered by Medicare, and you don’t need a referral.

Be Seen @ National Tree Day In Parkes

July 30, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Central West Lachlan Landcare and volunteers in Parkes got together to plant trees at the Akuna Road Wetlands for National Tree Day.

A big thank you to our partners in environmental works Parkes Shire Council and especially Michael Chambers and Hannah Jayet.

Planting over 300 indigenous shrubs which will provide heaps of habitat for small birds and insects.

Life-saving AED Installed At Forbes Cemetery

June 11, 2026 by Roxane Manley

The new AED installed at the Forbes Cemetery is located at the toilet block adjacent to Attlee Street.

A new Automated External Defibrillator (AED) has been installed at the Forbes Cemetery, located at the toilet block adja­cent to Attlee Street, enhancing the com­munity’s ability to respond quickly to cardiac emergencies.

This installation is part of ongoing efforts to improve public safety and provide lifesaving equipment in accessible locations across Forbes. AEDs play a critical role in responding to cardiac arrest, significantly in­creasing the chances of survival when used promptly before paramedics arrive.

Additional publicly accessible AEDs are located outside the following:

• Lions Park barbeque shelter

• Taxi Rank, 32 Templar Street

• Forbes Handicraft Centre, 81-83 Lachlan Street

• Central West Insurance, 74 Rankin Street

All Council-owned, public-facing AEDs are registered on the GoodSAM app, ensuring they are visible to emergency responders and community members when needed.

The NSW Ambulance service, in partner­ship with the GoodSAM app launched in 2023, is helping connect communities with life-saving support. The app allows users to register an AED location, locate nearby AEDs and become a registered responder.

When someone nearby experiences car­diac arrest, the app can notify registered re­sponders to provide immediate, hands-only CPR in those critical first minutes before emergency services arrive.

Council encourages residents to download the GoodSAM app and consider becoming registered responders. For more informa­tion about the GoodSAM app and to reg­ister, head to www.ambulance.nsw.gov.au/get-involved/goodsam .

Call For Regional Voices To Help Shape Healthcare Across NSW

May 28, 2026 by Roxane Manley

People passionate about improving health­care in regional, rural and remote areas of NSW are invited to apply to join the Re­gional Health Ministerial Advisory Panel.

The Panel is an independent advisory body that provides strategic advice to the Minister for Health and Regional Health, and the NSW Health Secretary.

Its role is to identify opportunities and solutions that improve healthcare access, outcomes and service delivery across hos­pitals and health support services in re­gional, rural and remote NSW.

The Panel also plays an important role in strengthening community engagement and ensuring local perspectives inform the design and delivery of healthcare services.

Applications are encouraged from people who can represent the interests of regional communities, including Aboriginal people, and those who have knowledge, experi­ence, or expertise in one or more areas, aligned with the NSW Government’s priori­ties for regional, rural and remote health.

The Panel members may be appointed for a term of up to three years and will meet at least every three months.

For more information, including how to apply, visit EOI Regional Health Ministe­rial Advisory Panel or contact MOH-ODS-Regional@health.nsw.gov.au. Applications close on Friday 29 May 2026.

New Bus Service Fired Up For Frost And Fire

May 28, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Forbes’ Frost & Fire is the ultimate winter party – rug up, fire up and get ready for Frost and Fire 2026.

Getting to Forbes’ most magical winter event just got even easier. For the first time, return bus services will operate from neigh­bouring towns, making it simple for visitors to travel to and from Topsoil Organics 2026 Frost & Fire without the hassle of driving orfinding a park.

New bus routes will run from:

• Parkes sponsored by Parkes Shire Council

• Cowra via Gooloogong

• Canowindra via Eugowra

Visitors travelling on these neighbouring town bus services will be dropped directly at the Forbes Ski Dam, making the journey seamless from start to finish.

For locals and those visitors staying in Forbes, a free hop-on, hop-off shuttle ser­vice will operate with 10 bus stops around town, running all night to and from the event site.

With no public parking available on site, the expanded bus network offers a safe and convenient way to enjoy the event – leaving more time to soak up the fire pits, food, en­tertainment and winter magic. Prams, camp chairs, picnic blankets and winter woollies are all welcome on board.

Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM says the new transport options improve ac­cess while reducing congestion around the event site. “Importantly, fewer cars on site also means safer roads and a safer festival experience for everyone” the Mayor added.

Gates open from 3.30pm, with live music and entertainment kicking off at 4pm until 10pm. Bus timetables and tickets are avail­able from 123tix.com.

Festival Friends are encouraged to se­cure their tickets, book accommodation and lock in transport now. Be sure to arrive early to snap a cosy spot near the bonfires.

Get in touch with the Forbes Visitor Infor­mation team on (02) 6852 4155 to help you plan your Frost and Fire weekend.

For more information about Frost and Fire 2026, visit www.amazingforbesnsw.com or follow @amazingforbesnsw.

Building With Parkes In Mind: The Story Behind Bushmans Ridge

May 21, 2026 by Roxane Manley

On the edge of Parkes, just minutes from town, a new lifestyle estate has quietly taken shape.

Bushmans Ridge, developed by Giles Land Development, is more than a land release. It is the result of careful planning, local knowledge, hands-on work, and a simple idea: create large, practical lifestyle blocks where families can build with confidence and room to grow.

Located on Jones Street, Bushmans Ridge offers generous residential lifestyle lots with wide open space, big horizons, and the convenience of being close to the Parkes town centre. With seven lots currently available, priced from $310,000 to $360,000, the estate has been designed for buyers who want more than a small suburban block, but still want access to town services, schools, shops, sport, health services and community life.

For Peter and Nartayliah Giles, the project is also personal. We are a family building estates for families, Peter said.

Our background is in mining, engineering and property development, so we approach land a bit differently. We do not just look at a block and think about how it can be sold. We think about what it will be like for the family who builds there, what problems we can solve early, and how we can make the process easier for the next person. That mindset has shaped Bushmans Ridge from the start.

Giles Land Development’s first subdivision, Old Pine Estate, was a 29-lot lifestyle development that gave the team a strong understanding of what buyers are really looking for when they choose larger residential blocks in Parkes.

The lessons from that project have carried into Bushmans Ridge – particularly around access, services, drainage, fencing, compliance, and making the lots as build-ready as possible.

At Bushmans Ridge, the major groundwork has already been completed. giving buyers a clearer starting point when planning their future home. For many families, that preparation matters.

Buying land can feel overwhelming, especially when there are unknowns around services, drainage, approvals, site preparation and future building costs. Bushmans Ridge has been developed to reduce those unknowns as much as possible.

We have tried to do the hard thinking up front, Peter said. A lifestyle block should feel exciting, not confusing. Buyers still need to do their own due diligence and work with their builder, but our goal has been to present a clean, practical, well-prepared estate where people can see the opportunity clearly.

The estate sits within an R5 Large Lot Residential zoning, which supports the type of lifestyle many Parkes families are looking for – space for a shed, gardens, pets, room for children to play, and a bit more breathing room, while still staying connected to town. That balance is one of the key attractions of Bushmans Ridge.

Parkes continues to be a regional centre with strong longterm prospects. Major investment connected to Inland Rail, the Parkes Special Activation Precinct, transport, logistics, agriculture and local business is helping position the town for continued growth. As Parkes develops, housing choice becomes more important – not just more houses, but different types of housing and land options for different stages of life.

Large lifestyle lots play a role in that mix. Some buyers want a place to raise a family. Some want room for a workshop or shed. Some are looking for a quieter block with views and space around them. Others are thinking long term and want to secure land while Parkes continues to grow. Bushmans Ridge has been created with those buyers in mind.

The available lots range from approximately 3,081sqm through to 15,000sqm, giving buyers a range of options depending on the type of lifestyle they are looking for. While the estate is now sale ready, the project has taken significant work behind the scenes. Stormwater, boundary fencing, services, approvals, building pads and final compliance all form part of the development process, much of it unseen once the estate is finished.

Because we live here, our projects matter to us, Peter said. We drive past them. We see the families who buy in them. Our kids are growing up in this town. So we care about doing things properly and creating something we can be proud of in ten years’ time, not just on settlement day.

Bushmans Ridge is now open for enquiry, with seven lots available. For buyers considering building in Parkes, it offers a chance to secure land with space, services and a clear path forward.

Peter and Nartayliah Giles pictured with their children,River and Mila.

Forbes Garden Club Report

May 21, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Forbes Garden Club held their April meet­ing at the home of Neil and Jane Gilmour with a great attendance of 38 members and apologies from ten. President Marg Dent welcomed all, with birthday wishes extended. Secretary Robin Lyall read the minutes of the previous meeting with Treasurer Lloyd Gerdes informing us of the financial situation. A big thank you was giv­en to Elvy Quirk for making the Anzac Day wreath that was laid by Marg.

Guest Speaker at the April meeting was Kylie Matthews who spoke on Dynamics.

She had everybody amazed at some of her methods to improve the soil on her proper­ty at Wirrinya using cow horns and manure buried as rich fertiliser, watered down and spread on the pastures with the use of Bio products, she has visibly noticed the dif­ference this has made to her farm. Robyn Mattiske presented a gift of thanks to Kylie.

Host Neil Gilmour then spoke on the preparation he had to do to his property to establish a healthy lawn with trailer loads of manure from the farm.

Flower of the month winners were 1st Marie Langfield Alec Red Rose, 2nd Elvy Quirk (Magenta), equal 3rd Joy Hocking (Petunia), John Browne (Pope Paul Rose), and David Sanderson (Yellow Gerbera). The raffle was won by Pam Baass, 2nd place went to Meg Butler and 3rd place to John Browne.

Forbes Garden Club’s next meeting will be at 34 Wambat Street on Tuesday 26May at 2pm. Please bring a chair, a hat and cup and also a flower for the competition. The guest speaker will be Tony McManus who is an Arbourist.

Healthy Vision Month

May 14, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Eye health is not just about seeing clearly, it’s also about protecting your long-term eye health. Many eye con­ditions such as glaucoma, macular de­generation, and diabetic retinopathy, often develop without obvious symptoms in the early stages. By the time vision changes are noticeable, damage may already have occurred.

That’s why regular eye examinations are so important, even if your vision seems “fine.”

A comprehensive eye test doesn’t just check if you need glasses; it allows us to assess the overall health of your eyes and detect early signs of disease.

Simple habits can also support lifelong eye health:

• Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect against UV damage

• Take regular breaks from screens.

• Maintain a healthy diet rich in leafy greens and omega-3s.

• Stay up to date with your eye examina­tions.

• Good general health has a positive flow on effect for our eyes.

At our Parkes practice, we provide ad­vanced imaging technology that allows us to look deeper into the eye than ever before enabling us to detect issues before they affect vision.

Book an eye examination, encourage a family member to do the same, and re­member early detection is the best protec­tion.

Warm Your Winter At Frost And Fire 2026

May 14, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Gearing up for its seventh amazing year, the Central West’s hottest winter event will turn up the heat at the Forbes Ski Dam on Satur­day 20 June 2026 from 4pm to 10pm.

Expect crackling fire buckets, roaring bonfires and an atmos­phere that promises warmth, excitement and unforgettable memo­ries. This year’s Frost & Fire will feature live music all night long, roving entertainment and fire performers, kids activities and fam­ily‐friendly fun, fireworks lighting up the winter sky and hearty food, cosy brews and endless ways to warm up.

Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM said, “Frost & Fire is Forbes’ most loved winter traditions, bringing our community to­gether and showcasing the very best of our town”.“Year seven promises to be bigger, brighter and warmer than ever, and we can’t wait to welcome locals and visitors to the Ski Dam for a truly amazing night.”

A huge shout‐out goes to our major sponsor, Topsoil Organics – proudly helping us fire up the coolest experience for all ages.

It’s the ultimate winter party – rug up, fire up and get ready for Frost and Fire 2026! Come for the night, stay for the weekend.

Festival Friends are encouraged to secure their tickets, book accommodation and lock in transport early. To make your night even smoother, we’re expanding transport options with: 10 local bus stops, plus Bus transfers from Parkes, Cowra via Gooloogong and Canowindra via Eugowra.

Pack your camp chairs, blankets and beanies and make sure you arrive early to snap a cosy spot near the bonfires. For more information, you can visit www.amazingforbesnsw.com

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