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Forbes Phoenix

Looking For A Real Conversation?

May 7, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Are you tired of the usual blokey banter? Hungry for real connect­ed conversation with trustworthy men? The Men’s Table is a safe place to share and be heard in a confidential and non-judgemental environment, creating a greater sense of belonging, camaraderie and connection.

The first Men’s Table (MT1) began in 2011 with twelve men who have met once a month for dinner ever since. Our vision is healthy men, healthy masculinities, healthy communities. We help men build meaningful male friendships and connection by creating safe places to share, overcoming the stigma that “men don’t talk”.It’s healthy to show emotion and share feelings, yet for many men in their relationships with other blokes, the talk is mostly about ‘footy and sh*t’. There has never been a better time to be in a community. 84% of men who attend a Men’s Table felt a stronger sense of community belonging, 95% of men who attend a Men’s Table felt it was a safe place to share and 80% of men who attend a Men’s Table reported a benefit to their mental health and wellbeing.

There is an upcoming Men’s Table event being run at the Van­denberg Hotel on Tuesday 12 May, arrive at 6:30pm for a 7pm start and the event will run till 9pm. Cost of your ticket covers your meal for the night.

If you want to attend or find out more, just visit themenstable.org or email hello@themenstable.org or for phone enquiries call Al Stratton 0401 863 367 or 1800 636 782.

Get Ready, Get Set, And Dance At The 2026 Trundle Abba Festival

April 30, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Haven’t organised your outfit yet? Think full disco glamour – sequins, glitter, flares, big hair, and heeled boots. Take inspiration from the ‘70s and ‘80s and don’t hold back. Dressing up is part of the fun – if you’re not in costume, you’ll definitely stand out.

The Trundle ABBA Festival is back, on Saturday May 2nd, and the buzz has been building in Trundle, the program is locked in, final details are being ticked off, and preparations are in full swing. Today (Friday May 1st), the main street will be closed and transformed into a glittering festival space.

Locals and organisers alike are pitching in – decorating, coordinating logistics, and getting their best flared outfits ready. It’s a mix of excitement, last-minute hustle, and plenty of sparkle.

Expect a sea of smiles and a whole lot of sparkle. The entire festival takes over Trundle’s main street, complete with a big stage, food vans, and a lively, welcoming atmosphere. This year’s lineup is excep­tional, featuring a blend of local favourites, emerging talent, and the international ABBA tribute band ABBASBACK performing their full show with choir. It’s energetic, colourful, and a joyful escape from the everyday.

The festival is held along Forbes Street, from the hotel corner on Parkes Street through to Hutton Street. Parking is avail­able on surrounding streets, but to make things easier, consider catching a bus from Parkes or Forbes via Western Roadliners.

A few tips: bring a chair, wear comfortable shoes and get involved.

Yes, tickets are available at the gate, but it’s best to buy online if you can – prices increase from $65 online to $80 at the gate and pre-purchased tickets mean faster entry. Grab your tickets https://trundleabbafestival.123tix.com.au/events

Stop Illegal Dumping

April 30, 2026 by Roxane Manley

If you see illegal dumping report it immediately.

Forbes Shire Council is urging the com­munity to help curb illegal dumping after receiving 50 reports in 2025, costing rate­payers more than $8,000 for cleanup and disposal.

Last year, illegally dumped waste around the Forbes Shire included tyres, household waste, furniture, animal carcasses, green waste and even asbestos. These materials not only harm the environment but also di­vert valuable Council resources away from other important community services.

As part of a new campaign to help stamp out illegal dumping across the Shire, Coun­cil will install four CCTV cameras in known hotspots to help monitor and deter illegal dumping. Council Rangers investigate eve­ry report of illegal dumping. This often re­quires Rangers to sift through the dumped rubbish by hand to find any identifying in­formation that may help locate the person responsible.

In instances where the person responsi­ble is identified, Council prefers that they clean up the waste themselves and an offi­cial warning will be issued. When offenders are uncooperative, Rangers will issue fines or issue them with an invoice for the cost of cleanup and disposal.

Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM is urging residents to remain vigilant. Resi­dents can report illegal dumping by con­tacting Forbes Shire Council or lodging a report through the NSW Environmental Protection Authority’s (EPA) Report Illegal Dumping online platform.

Forbes Shire residents have access to a wide range of recycling, reuse and disposal services through the Forbes Recycling and Waste Depot (FRWD) located at Lot 1 Ca­larie, Daroobalgie Road, open 7 days from 8.30am to 5pm.

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

Old Girls Nursing Provide Personalised In-home Support

April 30, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Pictured in pink are Elita Coughlan and Dayle Penny from Old Girls Nursing.

Old Girls Nursing aims to provide dedicat­ed in-home nursing and support specifical­ly for rural clients, with a mission to deliver high quality care through a team of highly trained, professional staff.

The business was started in April 2025, by Registered Nurse Dayle Penny. Based in Eugowra, this venture began after hear­ing many concerns throughout the region regarding the lack of available support ser­vices.

Dayle Penny is a registered nurse of twenty years; with the bulk of her nursing completed in residential aged care/nursing homes. Aged care is a specialised field of nursing and Dayle is extremely compas­sionate to the elderly.

“As a small business, we truly feel that we can make a positive impact by provid­ing dedicated and personalised support.

We are committed to ensuring our clients receive the professional support, assis­tance and care the need, within the comfort of their own home,” said Dayle.

Elita Coughlan has worked in the aged care and NDIS sector for only a few years but finds it extremely rewarding.

“Aged care, NDIS and mental health support has been a very rewarding career choice emotionally. We have absolutely amazing clients and I love being able to help people as a job,” said Elita.

Old Girl Nursing services include medi­cation management, complex clinical care, wound care, diabetes management, and support for those living with dementia, age related illnesses, behavioral challenges and mental health conditions.

They also provide respite care, giving families and carers peace of mind while ensuring their loved ones receive atten­

tive, high-quality support and care. Support services extend to transport to and from appointments or social outings, domes­tic assistance, and personal care such as showering and toiletingContact Old Girls Nursing to discuss how they can help you. Call Dayle Penny RN 0425 411 122, Elita Coughlan 0423 910 011 or email oldgirlsnursing@gmail.com

Forbes Marks Anzac Day With Services And Special Town Hall Tribute

April 23, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Everyone is warmly invited to attend and take part in the day’s commemorations on Saturday 25 April.

Forbes will come together this ANZAC Day to honour the service and sacrifice of Aus­tralia’s servicemen and women, with tradi­tional commemorative services and a strik­ing week‐long illumination projected onto the historic Forbes Town Hall.

ANZAC Day Services Residents and visi­tors are warmly invited to attend and take part in the commemoration events on Sat­urday 25 April.

Dawn Service

• 5.15am – Assemble at Club Forbes

• 5.20am – March to the Victoria Park Cen­otaph, Harold Street

• 5.30am – Dawn Service commences

Mid‐Morning March and Service

• 10.15am – Assemble in Cross Street

• 10.30am – March commences

• Approx. 10.45am – Service and wreath laying at Victoria Park Cenotaph

• Approx. 11.30am – Service concludes

Lest We Forget Illuminations

Complementing the ANZAC Day services, the historic Forbes Town Hall will become a powerful symbol of remembrance through the Lest We Forget Illuminations, become a glowing tribute to our region’s servicemen and women this ANZAC Day, with a week‐long illumination project celebrating their stories and sacrifices.

Thanks to funding through the Austral­ian Government’s 2025-26 Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program, Forbes Shire Council will deliver a moving night time projection honouring those who have served. The Town Hall façade will is illuminated with evocative ANZAC imagery and veterans from the Forbes community.

The illuminations will incorporate ele­ments inspired by the RSL’s nightly ode, alongside symbolic visuals such as poppies and specially curated commemorative art­work. Council has worked closely with com­munity groups, the Forbes Museum, the RSL Sub‐Branch and Club Forbes to curate the visuals featured in the illumination.

The display is complemented with music and broadcast on local radio, allowing resi­dents to tune in for the complete experience.

Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said, “Honouring our ANZACs is not only an act of remembrance, but a commitment to preserving the stories that shaped our com­munity.”

For more information about the ANZAC Day services and Lest We Forget Illumina­tions, visit www.forbes.nsw.gov.au or follow @ForbesShireCouncil for updates.

Celebrating Our Stories, Places And People

April 23, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Step back in time and celebrate the history of the region during Forbes Heritage Week 2026, running from Monday 11 May to Fri­day 15 May. The week features a diverse program of special events designed to ed­ucate, entertain and connect people with Forbes’ past.

The week begins on Monday 11 May with the Heritage QR Trail Tour, from 2pm to 5pm. This guided bus tour of the Forbes Heritage Trail will explore key historic sites, incorporating QR technology to bring stories to life. Afternoon tea will be provided.

On Tuesday 12 May, a Heritage Presenta­tion by Forbes’ Heritage Advisor will be held at the Forbes Town Hall from 12pm to 2pm.

The presentation will provide insights into local heritage and conservation, followed by afternoon tea.

The Forbes Heritage Awards will be held on Tuesday evening at the Forbes Town Hall concourse from 6pm to 8pm. The even­ing will celebrate outstanding contributions to heritage conservation, including the pres­entation of the prestigious Forbes Heritage Medal, with canapés and drinks served.

History takes a haunting turn on Wednes­day 13 May with the Forbes Cemetery Ghost Tour, from 5pm to 7.30pm. Participants will travel by bus from Town Hall for a lanternlit guided tour of notable graves, including bushranger Ben Hall and Kate Kelly. Cana­pés and guided commentary are included.

Forbes Historical Museum will wrap up Forbes Heritage Week, offering free entry from 11am to 2pm on Thursday 14 May, with guided tours showcasing the town’s history through artefacts, photographs and local stories. For more information go to www.forbes.nsw.gov.au or contact Council.

Applications Open For Variety Heart Scholarships

April 23, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Variety – the Children’s Charity NSW/ACT is calling on families to apply for a 2026 Variety Heart Scholarship, offering life-changing support for young people living with disabilities, chronic illness or financial hardship.

The scholarship provides practical, finan­cial assistance to help children aged 8 – 18 years reach their full potential in sport, mu­sic and the creative arts.

Whether its funding for specialist equip­ment, competitions or training programs, the scholarship is designed to empower children to pursue their passions, build their talent and participate fully in their cho­sen field.

Variety NSW/ACT CEO, Tony Warner, said the program continues to deliver meaningful, long-term impact for families doing it tough.

“Every child deserves the chance to fol­low their dreams and feel included, regard­less of circumstances,” he said.

“The Variety Heart Scholarship is about recognising potential and providing the support needed to help children thrive – on the field, on the stage, and beyond.”

Parents, carers and guardians of eligible children are encouraged to apply now with applications open until Thursday 21 May at 4pm. For information visit https://nsw.vari­ety.org.au/variety-heart-scholarships/.

Labor’s Energy Crisis Hits Families In Parkes Electorate

April 16, 2026 by Roxane Manley

New data has revealed the impact the Al­banese Labor Government’s disastrous en­ergy policies are having on local families.

According to the Australian Energy Regu­lator, over 70,000 families in New South Wales were unable to pay their power bills over October to December 2025.

Since Labor was elected in 2022, 72,914 households have recorded hardship. Na­tionally, 230,000 households are in energy distress – up by nearly 70 per cent in just 3.5 years, the highest level of hardship on record.

Federal Member for Parkes Jamie Chaf­fey said the energy crisis was heaping pres­sure on local households.

“It is heartbreaking to hear of the impact rising power bills, together with inflation, climbing interest rates and the fuel crisis, is having on families in the Parkes elector­ate. Many are at breaking point,” Mr Chaffey said.

“Behind this new data are people in our community who are really struggling to make ends meet, yet all they get from the federal government are broken promises.

“I’ll keep fighting for a more stable, reliable energy grid that puts the needs of Austral­ians first, not one-size-fits-all mandates and targets that we can’t practically achieve.”

Nominations Open For The 2026 Forbes Heritage Medal

March 19, 2026 by Roxane Manley

Know a person, group or organisation mak­ing an outstanding contribution to preserv­ing, protecting or celebrating Forbes’ herit­age? Nominations are now open for the 2026 Forbes Heritage Medal.

Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM said, “Heritage is at the heart of who we are in Forbes”.“The Forbes Heritage Medal gives us the opportunity to honour the people and organ­isations who work tirelessly to preserve our stories, our places and our identity. I encour­age our community to put forward nomina­tions that shine a light on the outstanding work being done across the Shire.”

Awarded biannually, the Forbes Heritage Medal recognises excellence across two distinct award categories, celebrating both the protection of our physical heritage and the enhancement of community understand­ing.

1. Contribution to Environmental Heritage

2. Contribution to the Understanding of Her­itage

Nominations close Friday 1 May at 5pm, with the winner announced at the Heritage Presentation Evening on Friday 15 May at Lachlan Vintage Village Cafe (Forbes Visitor Information Centre).

The Forbes Heritage Medal forms a key part of Forbes Heritage Week taking place from 11 – 15 May 2026. The week‐long cel­ebration will feature a full program of events designed to celebrate, learn and preserve our rich history including a Heritage Trail Tour, Ghost Tour, a local heritage presenta­tion, special talks at the Forbes Museum, as well as the Presentation Evening.

Download a nomination form and view the Heritage Week program here: www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/forbes-heritage-week-2026

Celebrating Seniors Week 1 – 15 March 2026

February 26, 2026 by Roxane Manley

This year’s Seniors Week “Give It a Go Festival” invites older resi­dents to Live Life in Colour as the community comes together to showcase the vibrant range of activities, social groups, and sup­port services available for seniors in town.

Held over the first two weeks in March, the Festival encourages local seniors to try something new, reconnect with peers and ex­plore the many opportunities that help them stay active, engaged and supported throughout the year.

This year’s program will shine a spotlight on:

• Hobby Groups – including art, craft, music, gardening and more

• Community Clubs – designed to help seniors stay connected and make new friendships

• Health and Wellbeing Activities – showcasing local exercise pro­grams, gentle movement classes and healthy living resources

• Technology and Learning – talks and workshops to help seniors build confidence and pick up new skills

• Support Organisations and Service Providers – offering infor­mation on transport, home support, safety, health services and community assistance programs.

The Festival will kick off with the much‐loved Seniors Variety Con­cert at Forbes Town Hall on Sunday 1 March from 2pm. Seniors are invited to enjoy an afternoon of colour, music and local tal­ent. Entry is a $5 donation at the door, which includes a delicious afternoon tea. All proceeds will be donated to the Vinnies Forbes Conference, supporting their vital work in the community.

Register via events@forbes.nsw.gov.au or by calling 6850 2300.

Community members of all ages are encouraged to join the cele­brations and show their appreciation for Forbes’ senior community.

For the full festival program, visit www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/events/events-2026/march-2026/seniors-festival-2026

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