What a fantastic National Day of celebration Forbes experienced this year! A big thank you to our amazing staff who did an excellent job with the organisation of the day. It was lovely to welcome our ambassador, Bob Fitzgerald to our town for the celebrations. He is a very humble, kind man and mixed so well with everyone he met along the way. He thoroughly enjoyed his time in Forbes.
I must congratulate our Australia Day Award recipients; Kim and Wendy Muffet for their wonderful contribution to our community over many years. Our Senior Citizens of the year; Allan and Pamela Toole for their incredibly long contribution to our community and our Youth Citizen, Lilyann Mason-Spice who was on her way to Sydney to start training with the NSW Waratahs women’s team, but made a special effort to be in Forbes on Australia Day to accept the honour.
The Parade, though small, was a big hit! Everyone is talking about it and already planning next year’s float, which is great.
Thanks to the committee, ably lead by Cr Steve Karaitiana, Deputy Mayor Jenny Webb and Cr Grant Clifton and me.
On Tuesday the General Manager, Steve Loane and Director of Engineering, Richard Jane and myself travelled to Orange for discussions regarding the ongoing drought. We had an opportunity to speak with the Prime Minister, Scott Morrison and Minister David Littleproud about the drought assistance and its complicated application process. We also requested rates assistance be considered as a way to help our struggling community through the drought. I smelt a bit of “political football” nonsense when this was mentioned but let’s hope common sense prevails.
I want to congratulate our latest new Australian resident, Kirsty Coombes who became a citizen on the 26th January. Our very best wishes to you and your family.
KFC is advertising for positions at the soon to open Forbes store. Keep a look out for when these are advertised. The owners are the most amazing people, Prashant Changela, one of the Principal owners is relocating to Forbes early February. We are very pleased to welcome him and his family and wish them well in this endeavour.
On that note I will leave it there.
God Bless.
Your Mayor, Phyllis Miller