I am proud to share that Forbes has been officially nominated for the 2026 Top Tourism Town Awards, recognising destinations that excel in welcoming visitors, delivering memorable experiences and showcasing what makes their community unique.
Forbes is nominated in the 2026 Top Tourism Town Awards in the category for towns with a population over 5,000, alongside Ballina, Moree, Shellharbour, Coffs Harbour, Kiama, Orange and Wollongong.
Tourism plays a vital role in supporting local businesses and jobs. I encourage everyone to get behind Forbes by voting. The winners will be announced on Wednesday 27 May 2026 at the Local Government NSW Destination & Visitor Economy Conference in Maitland. Head to Council’s website to vote.
It’s been fantastic to see such strong attendance at the first week of Council’s School Holiday and Youth Week program, with activities proving very popular among local young people and families.
There’s still plenty to look forward to, with a great range of activities coming up including a family movie night, interactive
makeup class, mural painting, Youth Leadership Summit and the Course Anglers Fishing Workshop. These activities offer opportunities for creativity, learning and connection, and are a wonderful way for young people to stay engaged during the holidays. Places are limited, so bookings are essential. Head to Council’s website to book in and secure your spot.
Young people aged 16+ from Forbes are invited to audition for this year’s Mock Crash Demonstration. Running since 2009, the program has helped reduce crashes involving young drivers by 27%, showing the real‐life consequences of unsafe driving.
Auditions will be held on Tuesday 12 May from 5pm to 8pm at the Parkes SES Shed on Boyd Circuit in Parkes. To register, contact our Road Safety Officer on 6861 2364.
If you’re successful, you’ll take part in both pre‐recorded videos and a live mock crash demonstration alongside local emergency services at Parkes High School on Monday 17 August 2026.
God Bless
Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM