Madeline Swan.

Madeline Swan, originally from Parkes but now residing in Forbes, is a first time mum, and after working in marketing for the last eight years, she now has her own photog­raphy studio.

But she hasn’t stopped there, Madeline has been inspired by other markets like The Social Queen Markets in Wagga and Glebe Markets in Sydney and she has organised a Pre-Loved Pop-Up Market for Forbes.

“I love thrifting with my son and it’s a way I can contribute to the environment” said Madeline.

“The pre-loved markets are a sustainable, social way for people to buy and sell good quality second hand fashion instead of over consuming fast fashion. By choosing sec­ondhand options, you extend the lifespan of garments and contribute to reducing textile waste.”

The pre-loved markets will be held on 22 February at Madeline’s photography studio at 16 Camp St, Forbes. (Across from the new BWS). The markets start at 9am and will wrap up by 12pm to beat the heat. Over 20 stall holders will be selling high fashion brands, in a range of sizes and price rang­es. Car parking is available across the road, behind the cricket nets.

“Sellers will be equipped to accept cash or direct transfers via Pay ID. Some sell­ers may have eftpos facilities but I would encourage everyone looking to buy brings cash and their own reusable tote bag,” said Madeline.

If the day goes well there will be more pop ups. Make sure you are following @mad­lumcreates on instagram for more informa­tion about how to apply to be a stallholder at any of the possible future upcoming mar­kets.

Mayor Phyllis Miller welcomes new residents at a previous Welcome to Forbes event.

Are you new to Forbes? Forbes Shire Council invites you to connect with the community at the Welcome to Forbes Event on Thursday 19 February at The Lachie Cafe. Held biannually, the Welcome to Forbes event is an opportunity for new residents to meet the locals, learn about community services and activities, and discover every­thing that our vibrant town has to offer.

Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said, “Welcome to Forbes is one of our favourite events of the year – we have even won awards for it! It’s such a lovely experience for us to welcome new residents and help them feel more at home.”

“From vibrant cultural celebrations to thrilling sporting events and welcoming community gatherings, Forbes is a place where there’s always something happening and we really want our new people to feel included.”

Guests will be able to enjoy light refreshments while meeting friendly faces and find out how to get involved in local events, clubs and programs. Please RSVP by Thursday 12th February via QR code on the ad for free tickets, or email events@forbes.nsw.gov.au.

Reverend Steve Cimarosti pictured with hi wife Louise and children at the Parkes Radio Telescope.

The Anglican Parish of Parkes and Peak Hill will formally commission the Reverend Steve Cimarosti as its new minister at a special service on Saturday 7 February at 10.00am, to be held at St George’s Angli­can Church, Parkes.

The commissioning marks the beginning of Steve’s ministry across the Parkes and Peak Hill communities. The service will be attended by parishioners, local clergy, and invited guests, and will include prayers, readings, and the formal commissioning by the Diocesan Bishop, Mark Calder.

Parish representatives have welcomed Mr Cimarosti’s appointment, noting his commitment to pastoral care, community engagement, and faith expressed through service.

Mr Cimarosti commented, “Louise and I are looking forward to meeting you and serving our Lord together with you!” Members of the public are warmly in­vited to attend the commissioning service and join in welcoming Steve, Lou and their family to the district.

Cheer on the amazing School of Dance students as they perform across the Parkes Elvis Festival.

Get ready to shake, rattle, and yee-haw! as dancers aged three to adult bring a bootscootin’, hip-swivellin’ celebration to this year’s Parkes Elvis Festival.

Parkes School of Dance Inc is a commu­nity-run regional dance school established in 2013. Committed to providing ageappropriate dance education in various styles, fostering creativity, and celebrating cultural icons like Elvis Presley through performances at events like the Parkes Elvis Festival is part of its bespoke DNA.

Parkes School of Dance Inc will be per­forming across multiple festival locations, showcasing line dancing, feel-good fam­ily routines, and a whole lot of rhinestonesparked fun. With everyone from tiny tots to dance parents hitting the dance floor, it’s a true all-ages, all-in family shindig.

“Our performers have embraced the country vibes this year — expect plenty of line dancing, classic Elvis charm, and the biggest smiles in town,” says President Catherine McQuie.

“It’s such a joy to bring our community together in a celebration of music, move­ment, and pure festival fun.”

Audiences can catch the dancers throughout the weekend at several festival hotspots, adding colour, movement, and feel-good rhythm wherever they go.

Whether you’re a die-hard Elvis fan, a country-music lover, or simply chasing a good time, these local dancers are ready to make your festival experience better when you’re dancing.

You can see Parkes School of Dance performing across the Parkes Elvis Fes­tival during the following days and times, Wednesday 7 January 2026: Wall of Fame 9.30am-10am, Friday 9 January 2026: Memphis Stage 9am-9.25am, Saturday 10 January 2026: Street Parade 9am, Cooke Park Main Stage 11.15am-11.30am and the Dance Showcase Cooke Park Main Stage 4pm.

“JAY DUPUIS is the most authentic tribute of Elvis’ concert years.” Image: ELVIS PRESLEY ENTERPRISES – GRACE­LAND – THE ESTATE OF ELVIS PRESLEY –

Jay Dupuis won Elvis Presley Enterprises Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, beat­ing out over 300 of the best Elvis Tributes from around the world.

Jay was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Growing up in a house where his father was a professional musician made it easy for Jay to follow in his Dads footsteps. It was no surprise that Jay had an ear for music.

At the early age of three, his mum played a record of Elvis Presley singing ‘Hound Dog’. As he listened, his eyes lit up, he smiled with excitement and his hips started to move. Begging his mum to play it over and over again, Jay soon became a huge fan of the King of Rock “n” Roll.

“Because of the love that I have for the king, I knew very early on in life that I want­ed to perform as Elvis. I would perform for guests that would come to our house and pretend to be Elvis. At the age of 3 or 4, I would perform for anyone, pretending to be Elvis at any given chance” Jay said.

Awarded the Most Authentic and Closest Thing To The King Award from Graceland, Jay Dupuis is the only Elvis Tribute Artist in the world hand picked to perform as Elvis with members of Elvis’ TCB Band.

2026 will be Jay’s first visit to the Parkes Elvis Festival, performing in eight main shows on the main stage at the Parkes Leagues Club “Pure Elvis”, “Down in The Jungle Room”, “If I Can Dream”, “Jukebox Heaven”, “That 70’s Show”, “Elvis After Dark”, “The Lost Performances” and “The Final Curtain”. Jay said “I’m extremely excited to be at the Parkes Elvis Festival, it is my first time being there. I’m excited to be performing for the Australian Elvis fans”.

Damian first performed at the Parkes Elvis Festival in 2010 and has come back every year since.

Often described as “a brilliant entertainer”, Damian Mullin is widely regarded as one of Australia’s most engaging live entertain­ers. With a natural stage presence and ex­ceptional musical ability, Damian connects with audiences of all ages wherever he performs.

Damian was just seven years old when he first heard Elvis sing on the radio. “My mum loved his music, and I was instantly capti­vated not only by his voice, but by the way people reacted to him. There was a sense of awe around Elvis: his looks, his sound, his presence.”

Standing 6’2” and delivering the unmis­takable voice, energy and humour of the King himself, Damian continues to tour ex­tensively with his acclaimed Elvis Forever Tribute Show, sharing his passion for Elvis and timeless music with audiences across Australia and beyond.

Performing for 16 years at the festival now, and every single one of those years Damian has been proudly performing at The Parkes Leagues Club where he is one of the main attractions. “That kind of loyalty comes easy when you’re treated as well as I have been. I absolutely love the au­diences, the electric atmosphere, and the chance to entertain Elvis fans who travel from all over the country. Seeing everyone singing along, smiling and having the time of their lives gives me enormous pleasure and that’s what keeps me coming back year after year”

“One thing that truly shines at the Parkes Elvis Festival is the incredible sense of community. It’s amazing to watch everyone come together to ensure the festival runs smoothly, especially the dedicated volun­teers who work tirelessly so every patron leaves with a positive and memorable ex­perience. I’ve had the privilege of watching the festival grow year after year, and it just keeps getting better. Well done, Parkes, you should be incredibly proud.” said Damian.

The Sydney Swing Katz either attend or perform at almost any and every “50s” nostalgia festival, but they said “Elvis has to be the biggest and most fun festival we attend.”

The Sydney Swing Katz are a professional dance troupe who dance and perform 40s and 50s style dances. At the ages of 17 and 18 respectively, in January 2020, the Sydney Swing Katz officially started their dance troupe with just four members.

Years later, the troupe has grown signifi­cantly and still enjoys performing together, always taking the opportunity to encourage the vintage style to bright young talent.

The Sydney Swing Katz love perform­ing at The Parkes Elvis Festival and have been coming back every year since 2019.

Justin Agustino Dipaola, one of the found­ing members of the troupe said that The Parkes Elvis Festival is “Easily one of the most fun, carefree, unique festivals running in NSW. Plus we have made good friends with the locals and the volunteers, they are always a highlight too.”

“The crowd plays a significant role in how we perform. The dancers will lift the energy and intensity as the crowd does, it’s this circular concept of the more they give the more we will too.”

There is an incredible amount of time and effort that goes into preparing such amazing and energetic dance routines.

“We usually train 3 days a week all year round, but for Parkes specifically we start creating ideas, costumes and routines in September, and the really serious training starts four to six weeks out when we try to fine tune everything and get fitter to per­form in the Parkes heat,” said Justin.

The Sydney Swing Kats will be perform­ing at the Amazing Forbes Street Break­fast again this year. Arrive early to see the troupe perform at 7.30am and in a more casual set around 9am. Otherwise you can catch them in Parkes on Friday, Memphis Stage 1.40pm and Main Stage 2pm. Then on Saturday, Memphis Stage 12.30pm and Main Stage 3pm.