Forbes is looking amazing after it was an­nounced as the winner of Tidy Town (Cat­egory C) award.

Forbes was awarded several wins and highly commended for its heritage, youth and community spirit. The honour reflects the town’s commitment to community pride and environmental excellence. Forbes has taken two wins and two Highly Commend­ed awards in the 2025 Tidy Towns Sustain­able Communities Awards in Parkes.

• Winner – Overall Tidy Towns (Population Category C: 5,001–12,000)

• Winner – Community Spirit and Inclusion award for the Welcome to Forbes events (population category C).

• Forbes Youth Action Team received High­ly Commended in the 2025 Tidy Towns Young Legends (population category C).

• The Ben Hall Trial play was also awarded Highly Commended in the Heritage and Culture category.

The program celebrates the incredible councils, communities, schools, business­es, and individuals leading the charge for a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.

This achievement celebrates the amaz­ing collaboration, creativity, and commu­nity pride that make Forbes such a special place to live, work, and visit.

ABOVE: Phil Donato MP speaking to ride organiser, Grant Nicholson before the group departed from Bunnings carpark in Forbes to make the trip to Parliament House.

An estimated 4.2 million Australian adults (21 per cent) have expe­rienced violence, emotional abuse or economic abuse by a part­ner, according to information released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Women are more likely than men to have experienced this type of abuse by a partner, and when Forbes woman Molly Ticehurst was murdered by her ex-partner on 22 April, 2024, it didn’t just shake the Forbes community, it rocked the nation.

Forbes’ Grant Nicholson was inspired by the loss of Molly to lead 120 motorcycles on a Ride Against Domestic Violence. The ride kicked off on Friday 11 April from Bunnings carpark in Forbes, with local member Phil Donato MP in attendance to farewell the riders.

“There were many failures in the system that should have pro­vided Molly more safety and security,” said Mr Donato.

The group rode 280km, picking up riders along the way, to hold a meeting in the assembly area of Parliament House in Canberra to demonstrate their concern over “The lack of action by our leaders to combat DV in our communities,” said Grant. The date, 11 April was chosen as it was the day before Molly’s birthday.

Grant spoke in front of the crowd in Canberra, with the intent to be loud and peaceful, in an attempt to show society that domestic violence of any kind will not be tolerated.

The event was covered by television crews including Channel 7, Channel 9 and ABC, but Grant wont accept praise for raising awareness to this cause, humbly stating, “We’re trying to do some­thing, it’s the only thing I know how to do.”

Grant, who is part of the Central West Riders Forbes group, says in a few weeks he will meet up with fellow riders from Dubbo in an effort to start planning next year’s ride.

BELOW: One of the riders clearly demonstrating their support of this important cause.

Shed with FSA Firecoat paint vs shed without in controlled real life burn situation.

With Australians being warned about one of the deadliest Bushfire seasons approaching, residents are being urged to get their homes bushfire ready now. 

The top tips to protect Australian homes from Chartered Professional Fire Engineer Ben Ignis are: 

Clear vegetation and trees – Reducing the vegetation around your home is one of the most important things you can do. The best place to start is to remove dead branches, leaves and undercoat. Depending on where you live though permits may have to be obtained. Contacting your local council is the best way to determine what you can clear. 

Use the world first fireproof paint, FIRECOAT – Use FIRECOAT, the first paint to protect in extreme bush fire conditions. Paint you your house, sheds, decking, fences or any other property you need to protect. This product has been created in Australia in conjunction with world leading scientists and engineers from the University of New South Wales (UNSW). 

Pre-pack for an emergency and know your location – Pack an emergency survival kit for yourself and your family. This may include fresh clothing, which include portable battery-operated radio and waterproof torch with spare batteries, candles and waterproof matches, first aid kit and manual, at least 3 litres of water per person, waterproof bags ready for valuables, cash and ATM or credit cards, medications, and toiletries, mobile phone charger. Also, draw up an evacuation plan for family and pets. 

Check windows and screens – Your home is your safe haven and a place that does not welcome fire. Fire can creep in though, quite literally through cracks in window and door fittings. Assuage unwanted cinder with wire screens that are not only fire resistant but also block impinging fire threats. A good screen installation company will be able to fit out your windows and doors within a day.