World-renowned live-fire chef Patrick De Leon will be joining the National BBQ Championships pit when the sizzling event returns to Forbes on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 October 2025.

Barbeque fans won’t want to miss the chance to see one of the world’s most dynamic chefs in action as the Central West heats up for another unforgettable weekend.

With over two decades of smoke and seasoning behind him, Chef Patrick is internationally recognised for his fusion of classic American BBQ, South American asado and South African braai. A favourite on the competitive circuit and a mentor to aspiring grill­ers, Chef Patrick is known for coaxing deep, layered flavours from flame, coal and hardwood smoke.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Chef Patrick De Leon to the National BBQ Championships in Forbes,” said Mayor Phyllis Miller. “His in­credible talent and dynamic live-fire skills will add something truly special to the event, celebrating the flavours and passion that make barbeque such a beloved tradition both here and around the world.”

Attendees can catch Chef Patrick in live demos throughout the weekend. Chef Patrick’s live-fire cooking, global BBQ fusion, coal and wood-fire control, and dry rub & condiment design will impress both seasoned pitmasters and backyard BBQ lovers.

This year’s event promises a full weekend of grilling, smoking, live demonstrations, music, market stalls, and kids’ entertainment – all in celebration of BBQ culture. The event is proudly presented in partnership with the Australasian Barbecue Alliance.

“This event brings our community together, attracts visitors from near and far, and showcases the incredible talent and flavours that make BBQ such a celebrated tradition, both here and around the world,” the Mayor added.

Parkes and Forbes Shire Councils are en­suring that children are safe and secure when travelling in vehicles, with free child restraint checks by Authorised Child Re­straint Fitters in Forbes on Wednesday 24 September and Parkes on Thursday 25 September 2025.

The Council’s Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, says that these free child restraint checking days are important in ensuring the safe travel of young children.

“Most of the restraints we have checked at previous events have had minor prob­lems that needed fixing to ensure the safety of the child – such as tightening and untwisting straps, fitting gated buckles and correcting the seatbelt’s path through the restraint.

“It is important to have your child restraint checked regularly after prolonged use and installed correctly before use to ensure that your precious cargo is safe” Ms Suitor said.

The child restraint checking days will be held in Forbes on Wednesday 24 Sep­tember from 11am – 3pm in the carpark at Forbes Rugby Club, and in Parkes on Thursday 25 September from 11am – 3pm in the carpark at Kelly Reserve.

Bookings are essential, phone 6861 2364 to secure your place.

Forbes Shire Council’s much-loved school holiday program is back with a new format, packed full of fun, creativity, and entertain­ment for children and young people of all ages.

As usual there will be a great variety of activities for our youth, including a circus workshop, skateboard painting, first aid training and art sessions. An exciting new Youth Connect event will also be part of the program.

For the upcoming school holidays, Coun­cil is introducing a small ticket fee for se­lected events as part of a new trial. The change aims to reduce no-shows and giv­ing more families the chance to enjoy these popular activities.

Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said the trial was about supporting fairness and ac­cessibility. “Our school holiday events are always in high demand, and when people don’t turn up, it means other children miss the chance to take part. By introducing a small ticket fee for selected activities, we’re hoping to encourage families to commit to their bookings and give more kids the op­portunity to take part.”

Families are encouraged to secure their spots early. For more information about booking head to www.forbes.nsw.gov.au.

Mental health and suicide prevention char­ity Talk2MeBro will host another of its regu­lar Ladies Catchups in Forbes at the scenic Ski Dam, this Sunday, 14 September, from 7:30am.

The Ladies Catchups are casual gather­ings specifically designed to bring women together to reconnect with themselves, share, and build meaningful connections.

These female-only events are dispersed between guys catch ups, and community catch ups across the region, and have proven incredibly impactful in creating sup­portive networks among participants.

This Sunday’s Ladies Catchup will pro­vide residents with mental health support through relaxed conversation, breath work exercises, ice bath experiences, and con­nection in a safe, non-judgmental environ­ment. The combination allows participants to find solace in knowing they are not alone in their journey while experiencing proven wellness practices that support both physi­cal and mental wellbeing.

The Forbes Ski Dam setting provides a beautiful, peaceful backdrop. Women from all walks of life are welcome, whether at­tending alone or with family members. No prior experience with breathwork or ice baths is necessary. The focus is on show­ing up for yourself and supporting others.

The Forbes Ladies Catchup represents the organisation’s ongoing commitment to making mental health support easily acces­sible to everyone in regional communities.

By maintaining regular catchups across Central NSW, Talk2MeBro ensures that residents have access to support and genu­ine connection right in their own backyard.

The organisation partners with councils, schools, workplaces, gyms and sporting clubs to help create safe spaces for gen­uine conversations about mental health.

Registration is essential: www.talk2mebrocatchups.org.au/forbesladies