Forbes Shire Council: Members of the Humber Car Club gathered at the Forbes Visitor Information Centre with their vintage treasures gleaming in the car park. Julie Ridley had the crowd captivated with tales of the Lachlan Vintage Village about its rich history and its enduring charm. What a way to celebrate 50 years of memories, herit­age, and horsepower!

Parkes Shire Council: Parkes Shire Council advises that, effective Monday 2 June 2025, all customer enquiries and services relating to planning matters will be managed through Council’s main Cus­tomer Service area, located at Parkes Shire Council’s Administration Building, 2 Cecile Street, Parkes. This change is part of Council’s commitment to improving ser­vice delivery and ensuring a more stream­lined experience for customers through a centralised point of contact. Council appre­ciates your cooperation and understand­ing. For further information or assistance, please contact Council during business hours on (02) 6861 2333

Trundle Bush Tucker Day: Trundle Bush Tucker Day 2025 is a highly anticipated family friendly event in the Central West. A day full of wholesome entertainment, delicious flavors, and unforgettable memo­ries. Tickets on sale now for Trundle Bush Tucker Day 2025 on the 6th September: www.123tix.com.au/events/46970/trundlebush-tucker-day-2025

Philip Donato MP: Calling all teachers and principals! Take advantage of new travel subsidies for regional schools and bring your students to NSW Parliament for a free, hands-on learning experience. Visit the Parliament of NSW Education website to find out more: https://education.parlia­ment.nsw.gov.au/

Forbes Domestic & Family Violence Committee: Western NSW Local Health District provide a number of amazing ser­vices for those affected by Family and Domestic Violence. – PARVAN (Preven­tion and Response to Violence Abuse and Neglect) – Community Health and Social Work. If you or someone you know needs help, call Parkes Community Health on 6861 2400 or Forbes Community Health on 6850 7300. If you are in immediate danger cal 000.

PCYC Parkes: Get 20 hours off your log book and be a step closer. In just 5 hours, get 20 hours off your log book and learn how to; Recognize hazards, Identify safe gaps in traffic, Reduce crash risk. Fully funded spots available for the Parkes Course being held on 23/05/25 – MUST email the club at parkes@pcycnsw.org.au for voucher number to use this offer.

Forbes Youth Action Team: Celebrating the incredible talent from the FYAT art com­petition. A big thank you to Kim Featherson and Katie Ragg, the ladies from the Forbes Art Society joined as judges. Kim and Ka­tie shared that they were blown away by the quality of entries across all categories! Winners: 5–10 years winner Willa Thorn­ton, 11–17 years winner Imogen Collits. Highly Commended Awards: 5-10 years Darby Edgerton, 11-17 years Saranchuluu Zorig.

Rural Women’s Network: The RWN is running a survey of people across rural NSW to answer these questions and more. Have your say at bit.ly/RWNSurvey2025 before the end of May 2025.

Parkes Shire Libraries: Storytime and Rhyme Time return for Term 2 next week at Parkes Library! Storytime is for pre-school children aged 3-5 and Rhyme Time is for babies ages 0-3. For bookings, please ring the Library on 6861 2309.

R U OK? As humans, we crave connec­tion. That’s why life’s ups and downs are better shared. Create space for your peo­ple to share the good and bad times. Fol­low our four steps: www.ruok.org.au/howto-ask

Dolly’s Dream: Bullying shatters lives, but together, we can create a kinder, safer world for everyone. This Do It For Dolly Day, let’s go blue and take action: Wear it, wave it, or bake it. Host a blue event. Fundraise to support Dolly’s Dream. Every donation directly supports programs that protect children and strengthen communi­ties across Australia. Go blue on 9 May and make an impact.

PCYC Parkes: Healthy Harold’s Colour Run is returning to Parkes. Come and join the fun. Wednesday 7 May, 3.30pm – 5.30pm, Keast Park, Parkes NSW. This free event is a great way for families to enjoy time together while learning about health, safety and wellbeing: Run, walk or skip your way through a colourful chalk course. Enjoy a free BBQ and fun givea­ways throughout the afternoon.

Forbes Evening Branch CWA: On 29 April Forbes CWA and Forbes CWA Evening Branch participated in the ACWW Walk the World Day with friendship, to raise aware­ness of their work and to support their char­ity. Some of CWA values include support­ing each other, advocating on community issues, sustainable development and the protection of the environment and social Issues. CWA gives women a voice to help make change.

Her Name Is Molly: Forbes and Parkes residents left their lights on for Molly on Tuesday 22 April. Molly Ticehurst lost her life to domestic violence in April 2024. A year on from Molly’s passing, and the hashtag #hernameismolly has lit up facebook with photos of people from all across Australia leaving a light on for Molly. Households, businesses, councils and sporting grounds all paid tribute to Molly by leaving a light on and shining a bright light on domestic violence issues.

1800RESPECT: Support is available for people experiencing violence and abuse.1800RESPECT is the national do­mestic, family and sexual violence coun­selling, information and support service. Call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, chat online or video call via the website https://1800respect.org.au

Visit Parkes Region: The town with a heart of gold is calling! Wander the leafy main street, discover hidden gems in charming antique stores and the charm of the Carrington Hotel, and don’t miss the breathtaking views from the open cut gold mine walking trails. Peak Hill is the perfect place to stop, explore and soak up history, nature, and small-town charm. Learn more at bit.ly/4idL4cB

Forbes Garden Club: The Forbes Gar­den Club bus trip to Tumbling Downs Ol­ive Grove at Bogan Gate is on Thursday 15 May, leaving at 9.30 am and also visit­ing three gardens in Parkes. We need 30 members and friends on the bus at a cost of $35 each which includes a Devonshire tea. Pack lunch or food can be purchased at Parkes Services Club. Ask your friends or family to join us we need numbers for this to go ahead. Treasurer Lloyd Gerdes can be contacted on 6851 4494.

Parkes Shire Council Need Your Help: The 2025 National Awards for Local Gov­ernment are underway, and we need your support to help Parkes Shire take home the win. Our entry is Fleet Optimisation and Innovation: A Smarter Approach to Asset Management. Parkes Council is a final­istsin two categories: Productivity through Infrastructure and Outstanding Rural and Remote Council. Want more information? Go to www.infrastructure.gov.au/nalg/

Early Voting In Forbes: If you wish to vote before the Federal Election Day on Sat­urday 3 May 2025, simply pop into Town Hall for pre-polling. For further information about the 2025 Federal Election visit www.aec.gov.au

Forbes Shire Council: Forbes Shire Council’s Heritage Advisory Committee will be performing The Trial of Ben Hall, a play written by Forbes solicitor Dominic Williams on Friday, 9 May at 6pm at the former St Andrews Church, Forbes. Don’t miss this chance to delve into the legend of Ben Hall and experience the trial he never had. It will be a fun night of history, drama, and community spirit that the whole fam­ily will enjoy! Secure your free tickets for a night to remember at www.123tix.com.au/events/47902/the-trial-of-ben-hall

Dolly’s Dream: Go blue on 9 May for Do It For Dolly Day – speaking up for young voices silenced by bullying, from bustling cities to the furthest corners of the outback.

From country towns to remote stations, we’ll paint our communities blue. We’ll bake, we’ll dress up, and we’ll stand united, because in rural Australia, we look after our own. Join us on 9 May for Do It For Dolly Day! Wear blue, raise awareness, and give a voice to those silenced by bullying. Every donation goes directly to Dolly’s Dream’s vital anti-bullying programs in schools across Australia, even in the most distant rural communities.

Kerin Health: Did you know Kerin Health are running four days of intensive swim­ming lessons these school holidays? There are limited spaces still available if you’re quick! Call reception on 0437 749 746 or book via their website: https://www.kerinhealth.com.au/swimming-lessons

NSW Government: Got five minutes? Your feedback can help shape how essen­tial services are delivered in regional com­munities. Tell us what’s working and what could be improved. bit.ly/HYS-essential-services

50% Off Elvis Festival Merch: Now is your chance to grab official Parkes Elvis Festi­val merchandise for half the price! No code needed – discount applied automatically at checkout. But hurry, this offer is only valid until 30 April. Shop now: bit.ly/ShopPEF

The Wild Sows: An incredible $429,260 was raised by over 80 ladies as part of the 2025 Never Late Fe-mail Posite Bike Ride raising money for Wings4Kidz. The Wild Sows are proud to announce that we raised just over $44,500! We couldn’t have done this without the generous support of you, our community. There is still time to donate to Wings4Kidz to help our regional families

Forbes Youth Action Team: We are so excited to celebrate Youth Week 2025 with an awesome line-up of events and activi­ties happening across Forbes during Youth Week and the April school holidays. From workshops and creative sessions to fun social events and hangouts. This is your time to connect, create and celebrate what makes young people in our community so amazing. To register go to: www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/community/community-services-and-information/families-and-youth-services/youth-programs

Parkes Shire Council: With Easter, school holidays, and Anzac Day all in April, our roads will be busier than ever. Parkes, Forbes, and Lachlan Shire Councils, along­side NSW Police, are urging all road users to take extra care. Double demerits apply for speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone, and helmet offences apply druing the following periods: Easter 17-21 April Anzac Day 2427 April. Expect extra police patrols focus­ing on speeding, drink and drug driving, seatbelts, fatigue, and distractions. Stay alert, obey the road rules, and drive to con­ditions. Read more at: bit.ly/4cgrdIn

Rural Women’s Network: The Hidden Treasures Honour Roll for 2025 is now open. Established in 2010 the Honour Roll has to date enshrined 1,348 women and girls as a lasting acknowledgement of their volunteer work. Whether it’s a fam­ily member, friend, colleague, community leader or yourself, now is the perfect time to nominate unsung heroes who go above and beyond. Find out more, check the eli­gibility criteria and nominate a volunteer in your life today to shine a light on their in­credible contributions at: hiddentreasures.awardsplatform.com

R U OK? April is Stress Awareness Month. Someone that you know could be deal­ing with stress or going through a difficult time. Financial pressures, relationship dif­ficulties, change at work or home, parent­ing struggles, health issues and grief can all take a toll. Check in with the people in your life. Talking things through can really help. For conversation tips, visit ruok.org.au/how-to-ask

PCYC Parkes: Book a Safer Drivers Course this School Holidays in Parkes on 23 April and Forbes on 14 April. In just five hours, get 20 hours off your log book and get one step closer to your P-plates Fully funded spots available for the Parkes Course, simply email the club for a voucher number: parkes@pcycnsw.org.au.

Kerin Health: Megan and Carmen rep­resented Kerin Health at the networking event and forum hosted by CSU Three Riv­ers Department of Health. The theme was Thrive 2025 ‘Innovations from the heart of rural health’. So many amazing things are happening within rural health and collabo­rating with other allied health providers to bridge the gap.

Calling All Youth Leaders: The NSW Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is looking for young people aged 12-24 from diverse backgrounds across NSW to help advise the NSW Government on issues that mat­ter. This is your chance to have your voice heard and represent children and young people across the state. Learn more and apply before 20 April at acyp.nsw.gov.au.

Young Farmer Business Program: Are you a tradie, farmer, or gardener aged 1825? The 2025 Global Footprints Scholar­ships is a chance to gain international work experience and make a real impact on the planet. If you’re passionate about sustain­ability and working in agriculture, horticul­ture, or trades, this is your opportunity to travel the world and make your mark! Ap­plications open 1 May 2025. Find out more and apply at www.globalfootprints.org.au

Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society: Tickets on sale now for Mamma Mia. Pur­chase your tickets online at www.parkes­mandd.com.au or pop in to the box office at Parkes Little Theatre on Sunday from 10.30am – 12pm.

Australian Schools Plus: Schools Plus Teaching Awards supported by Common­wealth Bank are closing in one week! Nominate or apply for the Awards before 9am on 8 April 2025. Twelve outstanding teachers or school leaders will receive a prestigious $20,000 award, including $10,000 for a high impact school visit pro­gram as well as a 12-month Teaching Fel­lowship. To nominate or apply, visit www.schoolsplus.org.au/teachingawards/

TAFE NSW Forbes: Statement of At­tainment in Aboriginal Site Works (90083366V01) ran from March 24 – 27 March. Students had the privilege of participating in a hands-on course, gaining valuable skills and knowledge from Uncle Victor. Students learned how to record informa­tion and knowledge on Country, while gain­ing insights from both the Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal perspectives. The course culminated in a BBQ lunch at the Dreaming Centre, where high school student danc­ers showcased their talents with the Yanu Mun-Yana dance, gifted to them by Uncle Stu McMinn.

Homegrown Parkes: Help us welcome Chef Jack Brown to Homegrown Parkes this Saturday, 29 March. Jack, who has spent some time in the Central West, is an Indigenous chef trained in traditional French cuisine. Jack will be providing a workshop in the Cooke Park Pavilion from 11am – 12pm and you are invited to join in. For further information please go to www.centralwestlachlanlandcare.org twitter, fa­cebook or Instagram @cwllandcare

Forbes – It’s Your Turn For A Plot Twist! Young people aged 8 – 14 years are invited to choose the books they want to go into Forbes Library. There will be snacks, prizes and games! Be prepared to have fun. It is all happening on Friday 4 April from 4pm – 5pm at The Book Dispensary in Forbes, 4 Templar Street. Please note this location for the event. Choose the books you’d like to read for your local library and get first dibs on your selection. So come along and bring your parents for supervision if under 12 years of age or be signed in by a parent or carer for Plot Twist. Bookings essential online through Try Booking: www.trybook­ing.com/events/landing/1368351 or by call­ing Forbes Library on 6852 1463 or The Book Dispensary on 1300 002 871.

NSW Farmers: Farmers must not be left without the funding needed to put Aussie grown food on tables, NSW Farmers has warned as the Albanese Government deliv­ers its latest federal budget. Poor infrastruc­ture, telecommunications and biosecurity are just some of the challenges farmers will be left to face alone if federal funding is not increased, NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said. “Our government keeps talking about a future made in Australia, but how about a future grown in Australia? As we head to the polls, our politicians can’t for­get the fact that people need fresh, Aussie grown food at fair prices. We need to keep our farmers farming.”

Charles Sturt University Health Forum: CSU is hosting a forum in Parkes today, Friday 28 March, 8am to 3.30pm for health students. Dive into a full day of insightful talks and presentations on ‘Innovations from the heart of rural health’ from health professionals working in speech pathology, physiotherapy, pharmacy, health promo­tion, paramedicine, First Nations health, dementia care, and research. The day in­cludes an incredible line-up of speakers. Find more details at: https://threerivers.csu.edu.au/news-and-events/events/2025/thrive-2025-parkes

Forbes Shire Council: Councillors and community members are having their say on the Active Transport Plan. Do we need more bike paths safer, pedestrian cross­ings, wider footpaths? You can complete the plan online https://yoursay.forbes.nsw.gov.au/forbes-active-transport-plan-2025

Black Dog Institute: Rock a mullet this April for Mullets for Mental Health! Earn incredible rewards – like the exclusive Mul­lets party shirt. Your mullet can be long or short, it’s up to you. If you’re down for the Mullets for Mental Health vibe, join the challenge today and show your support. Register for free today at www.mulletsfor­mentalhealth.org.au

Parkes Shire Council: Local sporting groups and talented individuals have the opportunity to apply for a grant, through Round 1 of the Parkes Shire Sports Grants Program. Round 1 has $30,000 available for a Sports Grant and $5,000 for a Ris­ing Star Grant, which can assist sporting clubs and organisations with programs, equipment, facilities, and development op­portunities, or individual sportsperson. For more information and eligibility criteria of the grant program, visit: http://bit.ly/ParkesShireGrants. Applications close Midnight 30 March 2025.

The Grenfell Henry Lawson Festival of Arts: The 2025 Grenfell Henry Lawson Festival offers Art Prizes in the following Sections: painting and local artist (any me­dia). For more information and to enter, go to: https://bit.ly/3XmWFOT. Applications will be accepted until Midnight (AEST) on 23 May 2025.

Parkes Shire Libraries: The 2025 Waste 2 Art Exhibition and Competition is back with this amazing launch and creative workshop to kickstart your creative project. Join Bill Tink from NetWaste who will ex­plore all things Waste 2 Art in his talk with a focus on this year’s waste theme – Toys. Bill will cover topics like recycling, wish-cy­cling, and the many waste issues we face, especially in relation to toys. Followed by a creative workshop with multidisciplinary artist Jac Davies from Orange. Bookings essential: https://events.humanitix.com/waste-2-art-launch-and-workshop

The Forbes Men’s Shed: Do you have a wood or metal project that you might need some help on? Something that needs fix­ing? Or are you just curious about what the Mens Shed is all about? Maybe you would like to join? Forbes Men’s Shed open every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am – 1pm.

Welcome To Forbes: Forbes Shire Coun­cil were pleased to welcome over 30 new residents to our amazing town. Guests min­gled with community and sporting groups, Councillors and Council staff to learn more about what our town has to offer. Welcome once again! We hope you love Forbes, as much as we do.

Red Bend Catholic College 2026 Enrol­ments: A reminder that applications for 2026 enrolments close on Thursday, 10 April. If you would like to enrol your child, please head to the website for information www.redbendcc.nsw.edu.au/enrolments

Parkes Shire Libraries: There’s so much happening at Parkes Shire Libraries this March. Take a look!

• Community Fibre Arts Exhibition: Of­ficial Opening 15 March 10am

• Author Talk: Bestselling Australian au­thor Nicole Alexander will be at Parkes Library on Friday 14 March, from 6pm. Bookings essential.

• Movement and Motion Lego in the makerspace: For students in years 1 – 4. Bookings essential.

• Expressive Drawing and Mark Making Workshop with Karen Ritchie – Sunday 16 March.

For further information and bookings for any of the above events, call the Parkes Library on 6861 2309.

NSW Government: You are seeing this for a reason. Breast cancer doesn’t wait for a reminder in your notebook. For women aged 50 to 74, a breast screen is the best way to find breast cancer early before you notice a change or feel a lump. Book your free breast screen today. Visit bit.ly/Breast­Screen_NSW or call 13 20 50.

International Women’s Day Breakfast: Tickets are selling fast for the 2025 Inter­national Women’s Day breakfast in Forbes.

Don’t miss your chance to hear from guest speakers Kelly Foran, CEO of Friendly Fac­es Helping Hands and Belinda Mawhinney, Leadership Consultant and Founder of The Collective Grenfell. Tickets cost $30 and include breakfast by the lake, guest speak­ers and local entertainment. We hope to see you there! For more information and bookings go to: www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/events/events-2025/march-2025/interna­tional-womens-day

TAFE NSW Parkes: Last week, TAFE NSW Parkes hosted an information ses­sion with Jordan, from Services Australia, on-hand to discuss services and payments available to students. Participants enjoyed a lovely morning tea, beautifully put togeth­er by Leanne Riley. If you are a student that was unable to make the session, and you have some questions around Centrelink payments while studying, please reach out and we can put you in contact with the right people.