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.

Regional Business Supplies: Regional Business Supplies is proud to support Roy­al Far West and their incredible work for children and families in rural communities. Royal Far West is Australia’s only national charity dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of our nation’s rural and re­mote children.

Flannery’s Pharmacy: Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is here – a time to edu­cate and spread awareness. Recognising the signs, like abdominal bloating, feeling full quickly, frequent urination, and unex­plained weight changes, can save lives. Talk to your pharmacist today. Early detec­tion makes all the difference.

Parkes Shire Council: Due to the con­struction of the Parkes Bypass, the com­pletion of East Street bridge and Brolgan Road upgrades, a number of new bridges have been built. Council is now seek­ing community feedback on the proposed bridge names. Find out more and complete the survey visit, bit.ly/3DcVHxS

R U OK? Some people find it easier to say ,’no I’m not OK’, when someone checks in. Asking ‘are you OK?’ isn’t about being nos­ey or probing someone with questions, but opening the door for them to talk about any challenges they’re facing. Find conversa­tions tips at ruok.org.au/how-to-ask

Lifeline Central West: Join the Lifeline Central West Charity Golf Day and play for a purpose! Gather your team, hit the greens, and enjoy great company—all while supporting mental health and crisis services in the Central West.
Location: Orange RSL Golf Club, The Wentworth Orange
Date: Friday, 14th March 2025
Time: 12pm lunch and 1pm Shotgun start
Format: Four-Person Ambrose
Register:https://events.humanitix.com/lifeline-central-west-charity-golf-day/tickets

Parkes Shire Council: Are you a local Parkes Shire not-for-profit or community based organisation looking for a helping hand? Round two of Parkes Shire Coun­cil’s Community Financial Assistance Pro­gram is closing soon. This round includes General grants of up to $1,000. For more information visit: bit.ly/ParkesShireGrants

Forbes Shire Council: We are excited to welcome the Sydney Course Angling Club to Forbes on the weekend for its first Forbes Fishing Festival 2025. The club has also very kindly offered to have a free ses­sion to learn more about Course Angling on Friday 28 February from 4pm – 5pm meet at lake Forbes behind Forbes Primary School.

Parkes Show Society: This week Parkes Show Society held their annual AGM at the Parkes Services Club. It was great to see all positions filled and a strong and vibrant committee for 2025 that are look­ing forward to organising the 144th annual Parkes show in August.

The Smith Family: Every child in Australia deserves the support they need to succeed n school and build a brighter future. But 1 n 6 children are living with poverty, and this imits their access to essential learning re­sources. When you sponsor an Australian child growing up in poverty, you’ll provide vital financial help and the extra learning support they need to create a better fu­ture for themselves. Sponsor an Australian child today. https://bit.ly/40DY6cC

Red Bend Catholic College: 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 Services Club: Calling all Elvis fans! Complete the Elvis 2025 survey for your chance to win a $150 Wish Gift Card. htt­ps://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6PHWHVB Survey closes 28 February at 10am.

Lachlan and Western Regional Services Inc: LWRS will be running two more Par­enting for Resilience workshops. These two 1.5hr workshops will focus on Confi­dence Building for Teens and Promoting your Teen’s Mental Health. The workshops will be held in the LWRS office and will be conducted via Zoom with a morning tea provided. To book your spot or get more info, reach out to the team on 02 6895 3301 or at hello@lwrs.org.au.

Women NSW: The NSW Women of the Year Awards have been a powerful platform to recognise and celebrate incredible wom­en and girls whose determination, courage, talent, and passion continue to inspire their communities and beyond. The NSW Wom­en of the Year Awards 2025 ceremony will be held on Thursday, 6 March as part of NSW Women’s Week (2–8 March). Learn more and watch the livestream here: nsw.gov.au/wotya25

R U OK? One of the kindest things you can do is check in with someone to see how they’re going. Not just today, but any day. Imagine the impact if we all reached out to those we care about and started a meaningful conversation.

New Spring Street Footpath Open: 12,500 pavers later, the footpath on the northern side of Spring Street is now open to pedestrians. The path now matches beautifully with other footpaths in the CBD, with the same coloured pavers used to re­place the old concrete path.

Australian Rural Leadership Founda­tion: Are you ready to embrace the courage, collective spirit, and hope of changemak­ing? Join us for a two-day Changemaker Workshop to create a positive, lasting im­pact on your community. This workshop is fully subsidised with thanks to the Austral­ian Government’s Future Drought Fund. For more information and to register, visit rural-leaders.org.au

Parkes Shire Libraries: Hooray, our chil­dren’s programs for 2025 have started. Join us for Story Time on Tuesdays at 10.30am and Rhyme Time on Thursdays at 10.30am. We look forward to seeing you all soon. Contact the library on 6861 2309 for more information and to book a spot.

R U OK? Welcoming a new child into the family is a happy occasion, but the momen­tous change that it brings can also impact a parent’s emotional wellbeing. Get tips for supporting new parents: https://ruok.au/Ash

Parkes Chamber of Commerce: Provide feedback to Parkes Shire Council on what our business community needs. Survey closes Sunday 16th Feburary 2025. If we do not provide feedback, then decisions will be made without understanding the ex­act needs of our businesses in the Parkes Shire https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LocalBusinessSurvey

Central West Police District: Our com­munity are our eyes and ears. If you have information or if you see something that doesn’t make quite seem right Crime Stoppers NSW on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au

Art of Hope Australia: Healthcare Heroes these are for you! For each and every one of you who give everything of yourself to others – often for very little pay, reward and acknowledgement. There are so many in­credible people who support our health­care systems – I don’t want to mention any in particular because then I’ll leave other just as important ones out! But you know who you are extraordinary humans and so do your colleagues. A Heart of Hope is a small way to acknowledge someone who goes above and beyond. Get yours today at https://artofhope.com.au

Regional Business Supplies: Regional Business Supplies are proud to sponsor the Good Nature Award at schools across the Central West, helping to celebrate the amazing students in our community! Re­member, where you shop matters. Local businesses like ours can continue support­ing initiatives like this only with your help. Shop local and keep the good going.

ABC Central West: Posting back-to-school photos to social media is a popular way to mark students’ return to the classroom, so how can parents make sure they’re shar­ing safely? Get the news that matters to you straight from the source. Download the ABC NEWS app: https://ab.co/abcnews­app.

Parkes Shire Council: Are you a local Parkes Shire not-for-profit or community based organisation looking for a helping hand? Round 2 of Parkes Shire Council’s Community Financial Assistance Program is now open. This round includes General grants of up to $1,000.00 for a specific pur­pose or event, and Leasing and Licensing grants to request a reduction in leasing and licensing fees on Council owned proper­ties. For more information or to apply, visit:bit.ly/ParkesShireGrants.

TAFE NSW Forbes Campus: A great op­portunity for a face to face course on cam­pus starting 18th February. Places are lim­ited so if you or someone you know would like to enrol, get in quick.

Certificate III Nail Technology SHB30321: Acquire skills to become a qualified nail technician as you learn how to make peo­ple feel their polished best.

Essential Energy Grants: Grants up to the value of $15,000 are available for com­munity-based initiatives supporting the en­vironment, education, resilience or related to the energy transition. Eligible groups include not-for-profit organisations, chari­ties and community groups located within Essential Energy’s network area. Nomina­tions will close on Monday, 31 March 2025. For further information and to apply, go to: www.essentialenergy.com.au/essential­grants

Laps for Life: Could you swim 2km this March? That’s only 3 laps per day! Swim 2km this March, get a free swim cap, raise funds to help prevent youth suicide. Every­day one young person takes their own life. But you can help prevent this. By swim­ming and raising funds for ReachOut’s suicide prevention program. Swimming to save lives. Sign up today: https://www.lapsforlife.com.au

Forbes Shire Council: Congratulations to Forbes Shire Council Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM, who recently became the new Presi­dent of Local Government NSW. LGNSW is the peak body representing and advocat­ing for local councils across NSW. She will remain in the role until the next LGNSW general election in November 2025.

Trundle Bush Tucker Day: Save the date for Saturday 6 September. Excitement is brewing in Trundle, and the fantastic com­mittee is gearing up to deliver the ultimate Trundle Bush Tucker Day experience, with traditional bush games, kid’s entertain­ment, and incredible artists to entertain crowds throughout the day – there is some­thing for everyone!

Inland Rail Update: We’re making good progress in Forbes. Inland Rail contractor, Martinus Rail, have been working on impor­tant upgrades for the Lachlan River Bridge.

Work has involved replacing the existing bracing and installing strengthening plates, to ensure the bridge will be ready to han­dle the increased loads of double-stacked freight trains. Stay up to date with work happening across Stockinbingal to Parkes here: https://inlandrail.info/3Wm0wvq

Parkes Shire Libraries: Get your tickets now! This workshop is going to be fun and is one not to be missed. Inspired by the art of Sheila Hicks, Deb Jones and Hel­en Standen will guide you to make some beautiful pods from yarn and other recy­cled fabrics. You will also have the oppor­tunity to submit your pod in the Fibre Arts Exhibition, as part of a collaborative, com­munity installation. For tickets to all Fibre Arts workshops, click here: https://collec­tions.humanitix.com/fibre-arts-workshops

Forbes TAFE Campus: Begin your path into engineering and manufacturing and gain the skills in welding by enrolling in MEM20422 Certificate II in Engineer­ing Pathways (Welding). This exciting new night course begins 12 February at TAFE NSW Forbes Campus and will run every Wednesdas from 6pm-10pm for 12 months. This course is eligible for the feefree TAFE initiative (conditions apply). For more information Contact Forbes TAFE.

Kids Helpline: Heading back to school can be a tough time for some young peo­ple, especially if bullying is a concern – but you’re not alone. We’re here to support you with free, confidential counselling, self-help tools, and downloadable resources to sup­port you. Get tips on how to tackle bullying at: https://kidshelpline.info/4jjEkvB

Parkes Rotary Club: Rotary Club will once again be operating their BBQ at the Parkes Elvis Festival. The Club will be cooking steak and sausage sandwiches, chips and cold drinks. The Club’s site will be lo­cated opposite the Parkes Services Club in Cooke Park next to the War Memorial, they are looking forward to serving you.

Festival Street Closures: We’d like to re­mind Parkes locals and visitors that street closures will be taking place from Wednes­day 8 January 2025 to Sunday 12 Janu­ary 2025 to make way for the 2025 Parkes Elvis Festival.

Sean Luke Spiteri As Elvis: Sean is be­yond excited to kick off celebrations at the Parkes Elvis Festival in style to mark his 25th Anniversary as an Elvis Tribute Artist – performing one exclusive show only! On Saturday, 11 January from 9pm, Sean will take to the Main Stage at Cooke Park in the Feature Show of the night, performing in front of thousands of amazing Elvis fans. This will be his first performance of 2025 and he can’t wait to share his energy, pas­sion, and love for the King with you all. Don’t miss out—mark your calendars for this free event.

Utlimate Elvis Tribute Artists: We are su­per excited to announce the 20 contestants in the 2025 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist contest in alphabetical order are; Andrew Bithell, Anthony Fenech, Brendon Chase, Darren Armstrong, Dean Justice, Doug­las Charles, Elvis Roberts, Emilio Prince, Gerard Mascarenhas, Joe Ozzimo, Johnny Angel, Josuel Grech, Matthew Birse, Ricky Ford, Ross Mancini, Stuey V, Taurean K Mill, Terry Leonard, Toyokazu Toki, Tristan James. Congratulations to these perform­ers and thank you to those who were un­successful.

Parkes Harness Racing Club: Elvis at the Trots 2025 will be held on Wednesday 8 January featuring leading Elvis tribute artist Damian Mullin. Race 1 will be at 6.37pm, and gates open at 5.30pm, with free entry for all. Don’t miss the chance to win one of two, $1,000 fuel vouchers up for grabs on the night – ticket $10 each.

Gospel Show: Mike Hague, Kahlia Mar­tin, Phil Grove and John Coker have been busy charting and organising songs in time for The Parkes Elvis festival Gospel Show on Sunday 12 January with The C.C Band. Mike claims, “The band must have covered over 300 Elvis songs in the last 20 years but there are always more – over 700 of them I’ve been told.”

 

Northparkes Mines Street Parade: with Elvis-themed floats, vintage and classic cars and motorcycles the annual North­parkes Mine Street Parade is a spactacle like no other. Head along and join Elvis and Priscilla look-a-likes, and marching bands as they head from Bushman Street to Cooke Park down the length of Clarinda Street. The parade will be held on Satur­day, 11 January, beginning at 10am and will last approximately 1.5 hours.

Parkes Shire Libraries Photography Competition: Everyone is invited to visit the annual Elvis Photography Competition running from 8 – 31 January in the Coven­try Room of the Parkes Shire Library. The announcement of winners will take place on Friday 10 January at 4pm. Everyone is welcome and light refreshments will be available.

Parkes Elvis Festival Eats: Fuel up fans, you’ll need plenty of beans to get you through the coming week. Find out where you can get your caffeine fix, a hearty pub meal, a snack or dine in a restaurant with our online directory of where to eat. Check out the restaurants, bars, clubs and cafes at bit.ly/PEFeat

Parkes Shire Council: Parkes Shire Council is thrilled to announce their suc­cess at the 2024 Local Government NSW Excellence in the Environment Awards, where they took home: Division A (popu­lation < 30,000) and Overall Winner of the Natural Environment Protection & En­hancement: On-Ground Works Award for the Parkes Wetlands Development. These awards recognise the outstanding achieve­ments of councils across NSW in protect­ing and enhancing our environment.

Forbes Shire Council: Recycle your blister packs for free right here in Forbes. Forbes Shire Council has partnered with Life Pharmacy Forbes, Flannery’s Phar­macy and Pharmacycle to make it possi­ble for residents to recycle their medicinal blister packs. Blister packs are the pack­aging most medicinal tablets and capsules come in and they cannot be recycled in the yellow lid curbside bin, meaning they often end up in landfill. This is because the aluminum and plastic in them are bound together. Pharmacycle separates these two materials and recycles them to make a range of products such as fences, building and construction materials. Recycle your blister packs by using the blue Pharmacy­cle bins located at both pharmacies instead of placing them in your red lid bin.

Parkes Elvis Festival: Ready to roll? Ap­plications for the Northparkes Mines Street Parade are open! The Northparkes Mines Street Parade is a Festival-fan favourite. Kicking off 10am Saturday, 13 January along Festival Boulevard. Sign up to walk, ride, drive or float at: bit.ly/ElvisParade

1800RESPECT: Violence of any form is never okay. If you or someone you know is affected by domestic, family or sexual violence, support services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Na­tional services include: 1800RESPECT and www.1800respect.org.au. You can also contact the Men’s Referral Service at https://ntv.org.au/mrs/. Always remember, that you are not alone and that there is sup­port available.

Forbes Little Athletics: In partnership with Coles, Little Athletics NSW gave away eight $500 vouchers during Coles Com­munity Round. To enter, you had to post a photo on either Facebook or Instagram in your best Coles Community Round outfit.

Well done to the Forbes Athletics club who pulled together, got dressed in their best in the Coles Community Round outfits and were one of the eight winners announced.

Thank you to Little Athletics NSW and Coles for allowing great opportunities for our communities.

Forbes Shire Council: Forbes Central West Livestock Exchange is proving to be one of the best centres to sell sheep with an incredible 721,473 sheep being herded through between July and October. This is a jump of 40% from last year, with more vendors from Victoria and Queensland making the trip to Forbes due to its central location and high prices per head. Cattle sales rose 32%, with 30,099 sold at CWLE in the same period. Read more at https://www.forbes.nsw.gov.au

Country Women’s Association of NSW: If you would like to donate to the CWA of NSW Disaster Relief Fund, go online at www.cwaofnsw.org.au/donate. The CWA of NSW Disaster Relief Fund has been used for disasters such as floods, drought and bushfires, as well as other disasters such as the recent power outages in the Broken Hill region. As members help to cover our admin costs, all your donation will go to those in need.

Australian Rural Leadership Foundation: Are you ready to embrace the courage, col­lective spirit, and hope of changemaking? Join us for a two-day Changemaker Work­shop to create a positive, lasting impact on your community. Join a network of change­makers across rural, regional and remote Australia. This workshop is fully subsidised with thanks to the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund. It is delivered by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation, as part of the Helping Regional Communi­ties Prepare for Drought Initiative.

Please note that fully subsidised tickets are limited, highly valued and wait lists exist for most regions. Before registering, please ensure you can commit to attending the two days and should you unexpectedly be unable to attend, please notify us so your ticket can be transferred to another local changemaker. Registrations close either when fully booked or 7 days before the workshop. For more information and to register, visit rural-leaders.org.au.

Parkes Shire Libraries: Last Thursday, members of the monthly Thursday Book Club wrapped-up the year with delightful conversation about their latest read “The Tea Ladies”. Fittingly, participants celebrat­ed with a sophisticated cup of tea and a plate of sweet treats! Thursday Book Club meets monthly on the last Thursday of the month at 5:30pm in the Parkes Library. Head along and enjoy.