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

A new youth event to be held in Forbes this September, aims to celebrate young people and strengthen community connec­tions. Youth Connect will take place at the Forbes Skatepark and Stephen Field on Tuesday 30 September from 12pm to 3pm.

This free event will bring together servic­es, activities, and opportunities for young people and their families, featuring: Food vendors and a BBQ, giveaways, NRL clin­ics, inflatables and information and en­gagement with local youth services.

Youth Connect is about creating a safe, welcoming space for young people to enjoy positive activities, while connecting them with the services and support networks available in Forbes.

Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said “The event is proudly funded by Forbes CDAT, a subcommittee of the Forbes Inter­agency. Forbes CDAT has played an im­portant role in building safe, healthy, and resilient communities through education campaigns and community events.

“Forbes CDAT has been making a real difference in our community for over two decades. Through education campaigns, youth programs and local events, we’ve worked to reduce the harms associated with alcohol and drug use and strengthen the health and wellbeing of our communi­ty,” the Mayor added.

Forbes is set to glow with colour and crea­tivity when the brand-new Street Dreams Festival lights up the town this September.

Taking place on Saturday 27 September from 5pm to 9pm, Street Dreams is a cel­ebration of art, light, storytelling and com­munity spirit.

The free event will transform Harold Street, Victoria Park, and Town Hall into vi­brant cultural spaces filled with interactive light displays, creative installations, live performances, and delicious food options.

Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said the Street Dreams Festival strengthens Forbes’ grow­ing reputation as a regional hub for creativ­ity and culture.

“Street Dreams brings light, art and sto­rytelling together in an immersive and inti­mate experience unlike anything else in the region. A night of wonder that’s uniquely Forbes,” she said.

“The event offers locals and visitors a chance to experience the heart of Forbes in a whole new light – literally!”Minister for Transport, Arts, Music and the Night-Time Economy, John Graham said “We’re backing Forbes Shire Council to reclaim the streets for a night of food, art, and culture.”

“The NSW Government is proud to pro­vide more than $100,000 in funding to sup­port this new festival.”

Get ready to fire up the grill! Registrations are now open for the highly anticipated 2025 Forbes National BBQ Championships.

Returning to Grinstead Oval in Forbes on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 October 2025, this sizzling competition will once again bring together the best barbeque talent from across the country, with teams set to battle it out across four mouth-watering categories:

Chicken, Beef, Lamb Rack and Pork Loin.

Last year’s event drew teams from NSW, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia, along with more than 1,500 spectators who turned out to enjoy the smoky spectacle, food, live entertainment and family-friendly atmosphere.

“This event just keeps growing. It’s a real celebration of Australian barbeque culture and a fantastic way to showcase Forbes as a destination for food, fun and great commu­nity spirit,” Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said.

Sunday’s smoking competition is sanc­tioned by the Australian Barbecue Alliance, ensuring top-tier competition standards and judging, and adding extra prestige for those chasing points on the national circuit.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a passionate backyard grill master, the Na­tional BBQ Championships offer a chance to test your skills, showcase your flavours, compete for serious bragging rights, and $20,000 worth of prizes.

For more information and to register, head www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/events or follow National BBQ Championships Forbes on Facebook.

We are also putting on a vibrant market area, and we are on the lookout for stall­holders!If you sell handmade goods, arts, crafts, sweet treats, clothing, local produce, or any­thing fun and fabulous – this is your chance to be part of a bustling event that drew over 1,500 spectators last year…and growing.

Spaces are limited so don’t miss out on this smokin’ opportunity to showcase your prod­ucts. Submit your Expression of Interest: https://shorturl.at/C01lc

You are all invited to join Mr Phil Donato MP, Patron of the Henry Parkes Museum, for the official opening of the newly restored Black­smith Shop. Come along on Wednesday he 13 August from 10:30am to 11:30am at he Henry Parkes Museum, 66-78 Peak Hill Road. Entry is just a gold coin donation.

Step back into Parkes’ early foundry days as you explore some of the historical signifi­cance, such as, Earl Symonds, who estab­ished the original blacksmith shop on this very site, Richard Venables, of Venables & Co, a pioneering blacksmith engineer, Iron ounder John Westcott, Carriage & Coach­building Factory contributions to regional transport and many other local blacksmiths, foundries and carriage builders, including Arthur Cheney, Robert Turnbull and Charles Smart to name a few.

Our exhibit features authentic tools, pe­riod-correct machinery and the fascinating stories behind each artifact and the oppor­tunity to participate in an interactive ropemaking display.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the vol­unteers whose tireless efforts have brought the Blacksmith Shop back to life. Their dedication has made this project possible.

Please confirm your attendance by Friday, 8 August by email: shpm15@outlook.com