The much-loved Teddy Bears Picnic will be held this Saturday, 1 November from 10am to 1pm. With redevelopment works un­derway at Lions Park, the popular annual event has been relocated to Frogs Hollow in 2025.

Forbes Shire Council Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said the event continues to be an im­portant day on the community calendar.

“The Teddy Bears Picnic is a special tra­dition in Forbes, giving families the chance to come together and enjoy a day of joy, play and imagination with their children,” the Mayor said.

“While Lions Park is currently out of ac­tion, Frogs Hollow is a wonderful setting to host the event and we look forward to see­ing plenty of teddies out and about.”

The picnic will feature children’s enter­tainment, activities and story time, with families encouraged to bring their favourite teddy bear, picnic rug and snacks. Food and refreshments will also be available for purchase.

Come along to this free event on Friday 1 November from 10am – 1pm at Frogs Hollow, corner of Riley and Lawler Streets (next to Forbes Sports and Recreation Club bowling greens). For more informa­tion, visit www.forbes.nsw.gov.au.

The large crowd that attended last year’s Pink October Ladies Night at Flannery’s Pharmacy.

Everyone is invited to join the Flannery’s Pharmacy team for their annual Pink Octo­ber Ladies Night on Thursday 30 October, 6pm at Flannery’s Pharmacy. There will be something for everyone, so head along and get some information, whether it’s for yourself, a friend or loved one.

Information on the evening will cov­er heart disease – the leading cause of death for women worldwide, osteoporosis, healthy living to help in these areas,in addi­tion to breast cancer.

All attendees on the evening will receive a free pink goodie bag packed with infor­mation, samples and pamper goods to take home. There will be merchandise for sale, and nibbles and bubbles from 5.30pm, so arrive early.

Forbes’ Flannery’s Pharmacy Pink Oc­tober Ladies Night started in 2023 when a NSW Women’s Health Nurse was visiting the store periodically and Flannery’s Phar­macy wanted to get the word out about how she could support the female commu­nity throughout the different stages of life.

In order to cover a wider range of health issues, they also invited Physiotherapist, Matiese Byrnes and Naturopath, Alice Flannery. The aim was also to discuss the importance of Pink October, so breast cancer nurse Di Green also joined in to discuss the importance of regular breast screening and self checks. Di will be there to explain it all again this coming Ladies Night on 30 October. There’s no cure for cancer and early detection is key as this dramatically improves survival rates and treatment optionsCustomers can call to put their name down or head to www.eventbrite.com.au to book online. Bookings are preferred as refreshments will be provided on the night.

There are just 100 spots available.

Flannery’s are also running a raffle through the month of October with an evergrowing hamper of goods, head in store to purchase your tickets.

Find out how a clear-out can give you more space, less stress, and even help the planet.

Following last year’s success, plenty of garage sales are expected across the Parkes Shire this November, as locals join over 400,000 Australians taking part in this year’s Garage Sale Trail – one of the country’s biggest second-hand shopping events.

Held over two weekends (8–9 and 15–16 November), the event sees thousands of garage sales pop up in streets, schools, front yards and community spaces around the country. Locals can host their own sale or join a market, taking part on one day or across both weekends.

Over 2,700 Parkes Shire residents par­ticipated in the two big weekends last No­vember extending the life of almost 8,500 pre-loved items.

“It’s a fun and meaningful way for locals to take climate action, meet their neigh­bours and make some extra cash,” said Parkes Shire Council’s Waste Manage­ment Coordinator, Sharyn Ware. “Garage Sale Trail makes it easy to give your stuff a second life – and keep it out of landfill.”

Registration is free and includes access to downloadable signs, how-to guides and promotion tools – making it easy to take part. Last year, the average seller made $499, proving that selling second hand is as good for the wallet as it is for the planet.

“There’s something for everyone – from designer fashion and retro homewares to kids’ toys, tools, plants and books,” said Sharyn.

NSW EPA Executive Director of Pro­grams and Innovation Alexandra Geddes said, “Garage Sale Trail is a fantastic cam­paign that supports the NSW Government’s target to reduce waste and illegal dumping.

“By taking part, you’ll be part of contribut­ing to a more circular economy by getting as much use out of products and materials as possible and helping us generate less waste.”

Participation is free thanks to the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and Parkes Shire Council. Register now at bit.ly/GarageSaleTrailParkesShire.