From all reports the Parkes Elvis Festival was a great success and our accommodation providers were fully booked giving Forbes a great economic boost during the festival. The shuttle bus service Council provided through Cenwestours was very popular with almost 1,000 people using the service over 56 trips, two buses and more than 2,600km driven. Forbes also had some wonderful Elvis events for residents
and visitors with the screening of Viva Las Vegas at the Youth and Community Centre, Elvis karaoke at the Forbes Services Memorial Club and Elvis tribute artist Ray of Elvis at the Forbes Golf and Sportsman’s Hotel.
Last Thursday, Minister for Justice and Police Troy Grant, announced $128,430 in funding for the Forbes SES Unit for a new shed and hard-stand area to support sandbagging operations and training. During times of flood, this will mean sandbagging can continue during wet weather and into the night. Already the SES do such a wonderful job along with the community members who volunteer to help sandbag in times of emergencies, but this funding will help our community be even more prepared.
Australia Day is on Thursday and I am looking forward to welcoming our Ambassador, Sandra Bates, to Forbes. We have received a number of nominations for the Forbes Shire Citizen of the Year and Forbes Shire Young Citizen of the Year and the recipients will be announced during the official ceremony from 7pm at Frogs Hollow. I look forward to seeing you all at the various Australia Day celebrations.
Mayor Graeme Miller