Book week is one massive celebration of books, stories and characters, and Book Week 2026 is scheduled to come to life from 22 to 28 August.

The theme for 2026 is “Symphony of Stories”, celebrating the diversity of stories and the creativity of Australian authors and illustrators, with artwork by Briony Stewart, known for her vibrant and imaginative illustrations.

Celebrate the Book Week theme “A Symphony of Stories” at Forbes Library. Join in for a Special Storytime to share one of the CBCA shortlisted books for 2026 and have fun making animal sounds with percussion instruments. Everyone will also make a special “froggy” craft to take home.

Children of all ages are welcome to attend this Storytime – but it is designed to best suit children ages 3-5 years.

Join in the Book Week “Symphony” Musical Storytime at Forbes Library on Tuesday 25 August from 10.30am.

If you would like to provide more details about your child’s needs, or would like to ask about inclusive options, please get in touch directly via aalmond@orange.nsw.gov.au. Register to book your spot at: www.eventbrite.com.au/e/1996936713466 or call 6852 1463

World renowned live fire Chef Patrick De Leon is returning to the National BBQ Championships for a second year when the event fires up in Forbes on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October 2026, at Grinstead Oval.

Barbeque fans who have seen Chef Patrick in action know he’s one of the world’s most dynamic chefs, making him a highlight of another unforgettable weekend in the Central West NSW.

Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said, “We’re delighted that Pat is returning to Forbes for this year’s National BBQ Championships.

“Pat was a crowd favourite last year. He brought great energy and enthusiasm to the event. We know attendees will be excited to see him back.”

Chef Patrick’s live fire cooking skills, global BBQ flavours and expertise with wood and coal fired cooking will impress both experienced pitmasters and backyard BBQ fans.

This year’s event will feature a weekend full of barbecue, with live cooking demonstrations, grilling and smoking displays, live music, market stalls and fun activities for the kids.

Start planning your winning recipes and contact events@forbes.nsw.gov.au with any questions or go to www.forbes.nsw.gov.au

Too many people don’t discover Can Assist until they’re already in crisis. This August, let’s change that.

Join the Parkes Can Assist branch and help raise funds and awareness, so more people know support is available before the financial pressure of cancer becomes overwhelming.

Every dollar you raise stays with your local branch, helping local people with the everyday costs of treatment, fuel, accommodation, travel, parking, medical expenses and more.

You don’t need to be the fastest. You don’t need to walk the furthest. You just need to take the first step to help make Can Assist visible in our community, because every person who hears about Can Assist today is one more person who knows where to turn tomorrow.

Walk for someone you love. Walk for a friend. Walk for a neighbour. Walk because no one in our community should face cancer alone.

On Sunday, 23 August, the neighbouring communities of Parkes and Forbes unite for the annual Can Do the Distance community event supporting Can Assist, walking and raising vital funds for rural cancer patients. Meet up with old friends and make a few new friends. Be part of this event knowing every step counts toward easing the burden for country patients.

Parkes Fun-Walk

Join in a walk, sprint or run around the Northparkes Oval.

Families, local volunteers, friends and survivors are invited for the 10:00 AM start, ready to put in the hard yards for people we love facing the long road of cancer treatment.

Morning tea will be served as an incentive to support Can Assist.

Forbes Lake Walk

Down the road in Forbes, a parallel wave of walkers will set off near the picturesque Lake Forbes, tracing the winding paths alongside the water.

No set start time, come along and enjoy a relaxed stroll, walk one lap or as many as you like. At midday a sausage sizzle will be held at Forbes Sport and Recreation Club All of the funds raised from the day’s strides will go directly to local Can Assist at Forbes and Parkes ensuring that rural families wrestling with cancer diagnosis and travel costs never have to walk alone.

Donations can be made on the day or through our website canassist.org.au

The Book Dispensary, together with Penguin Random House Publishers, is thrilled to host beloved Australian children’s author Jacqueline Harvey in Forbes for an inspiring day of literacy events. Jacqueline will engage students from our local primary schools and host a special evening session for parents.

As well as these events, The Book Dispensary is also delighted to announce donations of $1,000 to each of the libraries at Forbes Public, Forbes North and St Laurence’s Schools and $500 to Forbes Preschool. Debbie Prior from The Book Dispensary is hoping that this crucial funding will help update school and preschool libraries and ensure students have access to engaging, high-quality reading resources.

Debbie from The Book Dispensary said she is “Incredibly proud to welcome one of Australia’s most celebrated storytellers, Jacqueline Harvey, to our local community”.

Jacqueline Harvey—the internationally bestselling author of the Alice-Miranda, Clementine Rose, and Kensy and Max series—has sold over two million copies of her books worldwide. Known for her engaging, adventurous, and relatable stories, Jacqueline has an unparalleled ability to captivate young readers.

During her visit on 11 August, Jacqueline will host dynamic sessions with local primary students. These interactive presentations are designed to ignite a passion for storytelling, showing children that books are gateways to endless imagination.

The Book Dispensary is hosting an exclusive free parent evening with Jacqueline Harvey on Tuesday 11 August from 5.306.30pm at The Book Dispensary. Places are limited and bookings are essential. Go to: www.trybooking.com/DNSTP. For more information please contact Debbie on 1300 002 871, email debbie@thebookdispensary.com.au or call in store.

Forbes Riverside Community Garden (FRCG) are hosting three amazing workshops – Edible Gardens by Craig Castree (horticulturist), and you are invited! Craig Castree is an Australian horticulturist, educator and author who is focused on creating productive, sustainable home gardens. Craig himself says, “If you live in Forbes or the surrounding districts get on board with these events.

“The information I will share is new, which will help in growing healthy plants, reducing costs, increase yields and reduce insect pest and disease pressure.” The workshops will take place on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July, at a cost of just $20 per workshop. The program will be:

Saturday 25 July

• 9.30am Free public talk introducing Craig Castree and regenerative edible gardening.

• 1.30pm – 4pm “Soil is not a Dirty Word” workshop Sunday 26 th July

• 9.30am 12pm Regenerative Edible Gardening workshop

• 1.30pm – 4pm Bio-Stimulants Plus workshop

Bookings through Humanitix Craig Castree Workshops Forbes or at FRCG on Saturday 25 July from 9am. For enquiries contact Di 0427 511 831 or Nina 0424 410 594.

Farmers, contract harvesters, truck drivers, transport companies, pilots and agricultural machinery retailers are invited to attend this year’s Be Road Ready for Harvest Field Days in Forbes, Condobolin and Parkes.

The Forbes Field Day will be held on Thursday 23 July at the Forbes Central West Livestock Exchange with breakfast provided from 7.30am. The official program will run from 8am – 11.30am.

The Condobolin Field Day will be held on Tuesday 4 August at the Condobolin Showground from 3pm – 6.30pm followed by a free BBQ.

The Parkes Field Day will be held on Thursday 3 September at the Parkes Racecourse with breakfast provided from 7.30am. The official program will run from 8am – 11.30am.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said that this year’s events will deliver new content and focus on the rules and regulations for safely and legally moving agricultural vehicles, combinations and trucks on the road.

“Attendees will hear from experts from NHVR, Transport for NSW and Service NSW about a range of topics.

“There will be a deep dive into dimensions, signage and other travel conditions.

Plus a hands-on machinery display and other interactive activities.

“Safety and compliance during harvest is very important. Operators need to be aware of their responsibilities and ensure that all warning devices and travel requirements are adhered to.

“Regulations are constantly changing and events like this are important to ensure people are up-to-date on what’s required before the upcoming harvest period,” Ms Suitor said.

Registration is free but spaces are limited, so get in quick. Register via the Parkes, Forbes or Lachlan Shire Councils’ Facebook pages or: https://bit.ly/FieldDays26

Dust off your flannels, tease up your hair, and get ready for a night of pure fun and frivolity. Canowindra is set to play host to an unforgettable Bogan Bingo fundraising night, raising vital funds for Trek4Kidz, with all proceeds directly supporting the Star­light Children’s Foundation.

The night promises to be a hilarious, ac­tion-packed evening featuring a dedicated air guitar competition, plenty of games, lucky door prizes, and an impressive lineup of major raffles.

Punters can buy raffle tickets at $2 each or 3 for $5 to win incredible prizes, includ­ing a first-place hot air balloon flight for two donated by Balloon Aloft Hunter Valley, a high tea for two at Montrose House, and various local vouchers and merch packs.

Attendees are highly encouraged to grab their crew and dress up in their finest bogan attire to really lean into the theme.

Organised by Canowindra local, Michelle Fisher, the event will take place on Satur­day 25 July at the Canowindra Services Club Hall, kicking off at 6pm. Tickets are just $20 and are available now from Law­rence’s IGA in Canowindra or at the door on the night.

Residents of Forbes and surrounding com­munities will have the unique opportunity to learn practical, regenerative gardening skills when Craig Castree visits the Forbes Riverside Community Garden.

With more than 45 years of experience of growing his own food, Craig has built a reputation as a passionate horticulturist and educator who helps people produce healthy, nutritious food at home while im­proving the soil. His workshops focus on practical, real-world techniques that enable gardeners to work with nature rather than against it.

Saturday Workshop: Soil is Not a Dirty Word. On Saturday morning, 25 July at 9.30am, Craig will meet garden members, local growers, and friends of the commu­nity garden. Craig’s message is simple: healthy food starts with healthy soil. On Saturday afternoon, from 1.30pm – 4pm, Craig will present a workshop Titled “Soil is not a dirty word.”

Sunday Workshops: Edible Regenera­tive Gardening and Bio-Stimulants Plus 9.30am – 12pm Introduction to Edible Regenerative Gardening: This workshop introduces the principles of regenerative gardening and demonstrates how home gardeners can grow abundant food while improving the environment and building healthier soils. 1.30pm – 4pm Bio-Stimu­lants Plus: Participants will learn about bio-stimulants and natural methods that sup­port plant growth, improve soil biology and enhance garden productivity.

Both the Saturday and Sunday work­shops will be held at the Forbes Commu­nity Centre, located near the heated pool.

Craig’s books will be on sale at venues.

Morning tea, afternoon tea, and lunch are included on Sunday. Tickets cost $20 per workshop and are available through: https://events.humanitix.com/craig-castree