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.

Pictured are attendees at a recent Forbes Field Day

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.

Pictured is Craig Castree

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

Parkes Library and Cultural Centre is turn­ing up the volume these school holidays bycelebrating Youth Week with Rock Band Vibes, a high-energy, hands-on music ex­perience for young people aged 12–22, happening on Friday, 17 April 2026.

Whether you’ve never picked up an in­strument or already love to play, this begin­ner-friendly workshop is all about jumping in, trying new things, and making music to­gether.

Across the 2.5-hour session, participants will rotate through guitar, bass, drums, vo­cals and keys – before choosing a favourite and as a group, form an instant band.

Starting with the basics, you’ll have the chance to build confidence quickly and learn parts of a song that matches their skill level. Everyone will work as a group, piece together a popular song with a focus on timing, teamwork and performance skills – then wrap it up with a full run-through so the newly formed band is stage-ready.

“We’re excited to have Dave Cutler from Forbes Guitar Academy leading the ses­sions. He brings a wealth of experience and a real passion for making music accessible to young people,” said Creative Learning Coordinator Sharon Degeling.

Then it’s time to hit the stage at Jam Night! After the workshop, participants (and other young performers) will have the opportunity to perform in a fun, supportive live music setting. No pressure – just good vibes, crea­tivity, and celebrating local talent.

This event is part of NSW Youth Week from 16 – 26 April and is proudly supported by Parkes Community Arts and the Office for Youth (Department of Communities and Justice). For information contact Parkes Library on 6861 2309 or book your spot at https://events.humanitix.com/rock-band-vibes-youth-event