Town Hall Christmas Projection Returns With A New Festive Story
The much-loved Forbes Town Hall Christmas Projection is once again illuminating the local Landmark, and this year’s projection has debuted a heartwarming new story titled, ‘Nedd and the Late Santa Letter’.
Each year in Forbes, children write letters to Santa and post them through the North Pole Mail Express. These treasured messages are collected at Forbes Shire Council and whisked away on their magical journey to the North Pole.
But this year, one special letter has been accidentally left behind, and it’s up to someone truly extraordinary to get it to Santa before Christmas Eve.
The 2025 projection is voiced by members of the Forbes Youth Action Team (FYAT) and features real letters written by local children, making this one of the most
personal and engaging Christmas projections ever showcased on the historic Town Hall façade.
Mayor Phyllis Miller said, “For four years, families have gathered in the heart of town to enjoy this magical storytelling experience. We’re thrilled to bring a new chapter to life while also featuring the creativity and Christmas wishes of our youngest residents,” the Mayor said.
Created by lighting artist Stephan de Wit, the projection will run nightly, 8.30pm until 11.30pm from Monday 8 December through to Boxing Day.
The narration will be broadcast locally on FM 88.7 so be sure to tune in via your car radio to enjoy the full audio-visual experience of lights, colours and the magical Christmas story.
Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller pictured on Monday evening in front of Forbes Town hall Christmas Projection which has become a cherished part of the festive season in Forbes.
Keeping our roads safe, smooth and wellmaintained is one of Council’s core responsibilities, and over the past few weeks our teams have been hard at work preparing for the upcoming Urban Reseal Program. You may have noticed crews undertaking heavy patching throughout town. This essential step ensures that we can deliver high-quality, long-lasting road surfaces in the months ahead.
Sections of key state-managed routes are scheduled for resealing in February 2026, including Newell Highway, Escort Way, Lachlan Valley Way and Henry Parkes Way. This will significantly improve driving conditions on these major travel corridors.
I want to thank our community for your patience while these works take place. These upgrades ensure our road network remains safe and can support the continued growth of our Shire.
I’m delighted to share that the magical Christmas projection on Forbes Town Hall went live this week, bringing festive cheer to the heart of our community.
This year’s projection tells the charming
POSITIONS VACANT
All positions below are closing on Friday 16 January 2026.
tale of “Nedd and the Late Santa Letter” and features a very special guest.
To experience the full magic, simply tune your radio to 88.7FM between 8.30pm and 11.30pm each night while you watch the projection come to life on the Town Hall façade. The show will run nightly until 27 December. I encourage everyone to take a moment this festive season to enjoy this unique local tradition.
This Friday, our Forbes Youth Action Team (FYAT) will be out in full force at the Forbes Business Chamber Christmas Festival, hosting their very own Fun Zone featuring fairy floss and snow cones, giant games, and Christmas craft.
I’m proud of these young leaders and their commitment to our community. Events like the Christmas Festival show why Forbes is such a great place to live.
I encourage everyone to head down on Friday evening from 5pm until 9pm, support local businesses and stop by the Fun Zone to say hello to the FYAT Team.
God Bless Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM
phone l 0432 337 278
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Postal Address PO Box 203 Canowindra NSW 2804
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What happens if you
FORBES SHIRE COUNCIL
1. Many Traineeships Available! Earn while you learn and work with mates and gain an industry qualification – there are a lot of exciting opportunities for a traineeship at Council currently: Trainee Civil Construction, Trainee IT Officer, Trainee Sewer Treatment Plant Operator, Trainee Water Operator and Trainee Storeperson.
2. Supervisor Projects: Responsible for ensuring compliance and high-quality work outcomes including compliance with specifications as well as contribute to the strategic planning, direction and management.
3. Visitor Services Officer (Part -Time): Responsible for representing Council through high-quality customer service at the Forbes Visitor Information Centre, promoting the Shire’s tourism offerings and campaigns, with varied work hours and days for the suitable candidate.
4. Expression of Interest to work with Forbes Shire Council (always open – no close date) Interested in working at Forbes Shire Council? Submit your application through our EOI, this is always open and reviewed regularly! Select as many options as you wish and answer the questions provided, telling us more about you! Visit our website – www.forbes.nsw. gov.au / Forbes Shire Council - Career - View Job - Expression of Interest to Work with Council (EOI)
APEX CARAVAN PARK - CASUAL OFFICERS
$35-$40 per hour. Main duties include office and reception services and facilities cleaning. Must have Australian Working Rights, pass a pre- employment medical. Commence before Christmas. Apply via Councils EOI on ‘positions vacant’ on our website.
CHRISTMAS EVENTS
Forbes Christmas Festival – Friday 12 December 2025
• Carols by Candlelight – Saturday 13 December 2025
2026
13 January 2026
14 January 2026
16 January 2026
20 January 2026
21 January 2026
22 January 2026
SNIPPETS...
Yoorana Gunya Family Healing Centre Aboriginal Corporation: A friendly reminder before the Christmas break, that the last day of 2025 is Friday 19 December. We reopen on Monday 5 January 2026. Please make sure if you require an appointment call us on 6850 1222.
Parkes Shire Council: Feedback on the Draft Central West and Orana Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan closes this Sunday, 14 December. Don’t miss your opportunity to help shape the future of transport across our region. Last chance to have your say https://bit.ly/4hOvTIi
R U OK? When someone is struggling you might be tempted to try and cheer them up. But sometimes what they really need is for you to show that it’s safe to be sad. Remember to check-in and ask how you can best support those you care about.
Forbes Youth Action Team: Free Holiday Movie. Join for a fun screening of Elf these school holidays on Monday 22 December, from 2pm – 4pm (Movie starts 2:10pm), Ages 6+, Free Zooper Doopers. Seats are free, but tickets are required - https:/// www.123tix.com.au/events/50750/christmas-movie-afternoon
Parkes Elvis Festival: The countdown is on - just 1 month to go until the 2026 Parkes Elvis Festival kicks off. Get ready for unforgettable shows, iconic tribute artists, competitions, parades, and more. Don’t miss out on being part of this rockin’ celebration of The King. Grab your tickets, plan your outfits, and make your travel arrangements now - let’s make this festival the most electrifying one yet. https://www.123tix.com.au/ events/parkeselvisfestival
Lifeline: If you find the holiday season challenging, you’re not alone. For many people this time can bring up a range of difficult thoughts and feelings. Explore tips and support for coping with loneliness this holiday season: ll.org.au/holidays
Forbes Flying Club: Why stay on the ground when you can take to the skies? Turn school break into a real flying adventure at Forbes Flying Club. Perfect for teens, parents or anyone who wants to fly. Holiday intro flights are now open, call 0428 343 866 to book your flight!
Georgie’s Hub - Anglican Parish of Parkes and Peak Hill: Christmas spirit is alive and well at Georgie’s Boutique. Lots of laughter and fun with our great customers. Drop in between 10am - 4pm and pick up fabulous bargains.
LAST PAPER FOR 2025 Friday, 19 December
FIRST PAPER FOR 2026 Friday, 23 January 2026
Yoorana Gunya Family Healing Centre Aboriginal Corporation is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service.
Georgie’s Boutique is located at 275 Clarinda St, Parkes. Drop in between now and Christmas for a bargain.
Thanks to all those who supported the annual Parkes Action Club Parade and Carnival.
Entertainment was fantastic with the Parkes Town Band, School of Dance, Parkes Dance School and Easygoin.
Despite the heat everyone had a great time in the cool of Cooke Park.
Neighbourhood Central Celebrates Volunteers At Annual Christmas Party
Neighbourhood Central recently hosted its annual Volunteer Christmas Party which was a festive and heartfelt evening dedicated to honouring the outstanding contributions of its volunteer team.
Executive Officer Dianne Scott warmly welcomed everyone, expressing sincere gratitude for their commitment throughout the year.
She gave a special mention to the 14 new volunteers who joined in 2025, adding to the organisation’s strong team of dedicated volunteers.
Together, these volunteers achieved some remarkable milestones, they delivered over 4,000 hot meals in Parkes, supported aged clients through social groups, activities, and excursions, they assisted the reception team at Parkes, offered comfort and care to those who are lonely, socially isolated, or are in their final stages of life and provided more than 35,000 transport trips across the Central West and Riverina/ Murray regions
Dianne also acknowledged the Board of Directors, who graciously volunteer their
time to govern and guide the organisation.
The celebration coincided with International Volunteer Day (5 December), a global occasion to honour those who give their time and energy to make a difference.
“Each of you does exactly that,” Dianne said. “Your generosity and spirit of service strengthen our community and bring kindness and connection where it’s needed most. You are all amazing.”
Chairperson Graeme Dean, recently
Parkes Congratulates Alan Ward On Appointment As Chair Of Skillset Board
Parkes Shire Mayor, Councillor Neil Westcott, has extended warm congratulations to respected local businessman and former Parkes Shire Councillor and Deputy Mayor Alan Ward on his election as Chair of the Skillset Board - a prestigious leadership role within one of the region’s foremost organisations for education, training and employment.
“Alan has been a tireless advocate for our community and brings an exceptional level of business acumen to this position,” Mayor Westcott said. “His experience serving on national boards across both business and not-for-profit sectors demonstrates the depth of leadership and strategic insight he offers.”
Mr Ward served the Parkes Shire community for 13 years as a councillor, including three years as Deputy Mayor, and has continued to champion regional growth through his business interests and community involvement. His appointment as Chair of Skillset will help strengthen programs that create pathways to skills development, training and employment across the Central West.
Skillset is a not-for-profit organisation committed to empowering individuals through education, training and workforce solutions. Parkes Shire Council is proud to have been a founding member and shareholder of Skillset, reflecting the Council’s long-standing commitment to building opportunities for the region.
“Skillset’s work is vital for our future, and having someone with Alan’s experience and passion at the helm is a tremendous asset,” Mayor Westcott said. “On behalf of Parkes Shire Council and our community, I congratulate Alan and wish him every success in this important role.”
elected for his sixth term, also extended his thanks and appreciation to the volunteers for their unwavering support.
The evening was filled with festive cheer, laughter, and gratitude - a fitting tribute to the people who make Neighbourhood Central’s work possible.
Can you spare a little time and are keen to be a volunteer? Contact Neighbourhood Central to find out more by calling 02 6862 3757 or emailing admin@ncentral.org.au
There was plenty of smiles amongst the crowd at the Neighbourhood Central Christmas Party. Left: Paul Hocking, Ray Brown and Jim Jennings. Right: Chris Duffy and Kittie Dwyer.
Hidden No More Shines The Light On Domestic Violence In The Bush
CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes has brought together frontline workers, community advocates and leading voices to explain the realities of domestic violence in regional, rural and remote NSW.
Hidden No More: shining the light on domestic violence in rural communities brought together more than 100 committed people as an important step towards lasting and practical change.
Its keynote speakers were NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner Dr Hannah Tonkin, the Hon. Stephen Lawrence MLC, author, professor and investigative journalist Jess Hill, NSW Police Incident and Emergency Management Commander Superintendent Greg Moore, and Magistrate Aaron Tang, Local Court of NSW.
CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes team members from Forbes and Parkes were part of the program’s panel discussions, joined by other community leaders, frontline workers and advocates.
Orana and Far West continues to record domestic violence-related assault rates more than three times the NSW average. In remote areas, women experience assault-
related hospitalisations at 43 times the rate of women in major cities.
“Those are statistics, but for our team, we see real women and children, and the damage domestic violence does,” CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes CEO Anne-Marie Mioche said after the symposium.
“We’re trying to protect women and their children in areas with very few services,” Ms Mioche said.
“Services that are available in rural communities are often seeing two to three times the number of women they are funded to support.
Ms Mioche said she wanted both the federal and state governments to reassess funding allocations for regional and remote communities.
CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes is a provider of the Men’s Behaviour Change Program, which Ms Mioche describes as having “huge potential to transform behaviour”.
“For the men who really embrace the program, it is not unusual for them to participate again by choice,” she said. “We need more programs like this, giving men the tools and strategies to stop that behaviour.”
As Christmas Draws Near, There’s A Particular Kind Of Hush
Church lawns fill with folding chairs for carols, kids rehearse their nativity lines with tea towels on their heads, and once again we pause at the old, beautiful story of a baby born in a stable — God choosing the simple and the small to show us He is with us.
At Kerin Health, the lights are still on. The tinsel on the front desk is slightly crooked. Someone’s brought in shortbread. The tree in the corner is looking a little droopy after a month of being “reorganised” by many toddlers – mostly my own two-year-old, a tiny interior decorator with very big opinions.
Most mornings begin the same way — a deep breath at the door, mustering energy for another day amidst the juggle of school presentation nights and Christmas parties.
We wouldn’t have it any other way. Because between the carols and the chaos, there are quieter moments. A farmer coming in straight from the paddock, hat in hand, finally making time for his sore shoulder. A Mum in thongs and a messy bun, baby on one hip, whispering that she’s not just tired, she’s overwhelmed. An older gent who “hates a fuss”, leaving his appointment standing taller, with a joke for the girls at the front desk.
These are the stories of this year. Of bodies worked hard and hearts stretched thin. Of neighbours checking in. Of country people doing what they’ve always done — showing up for each other.
Christmas, for Kerin Health, is less about perfect tables and more about full ones. Less about having everything “sorted” and more about being together, sharing food, stories and second helpings.
Our team will be taking a break over Christmas to rest with our own families, so the clinic will be closed for appointments during that time, reopening in early January refreshed and ready for a big year ahead.
Behind the scenes, there are plans on whiteboards, new faces joining the staff, and some exciting announcements coming in the new year — more support for rural families, more women’s health and pregnancy services, more ways to care for the bodies that carry our stories.
From all of us at Kerin Health: thank you for trusting us with your aches, your tears, your hard days and your hopeful ones. We can’t wait to show you what’s next.
Community leaders, frontline workers and advocates participate in the panel discussion topic ‘Men must be part of the solution’.
Serendipity Studio recently held an open day to show off their pottery wares, and they also had stall holders all promoting their wares and talents. Throughout the day they raised money for CanAssist. Pictured are Corallie and Laurie Crouch and Michelle Herbert presenting $400 to John Schrader from CanAssist.
Once again the Forbes Sport and Recreation Club have shown what great supporters of CanAssist they are. Pictured is John Cutler, one of the main organisers of the recent Legends bowls day presenting $1,000 to CanAssist. CanAssist relies heavily on donations from the wonderful community of Forbes to provide the level of assistance that we do for residents undergoing treatment for cancer.
WHAT’S On
BE SEEN@ Forbes Rotary Club Christmas Tree Festival CLASSIFIEDS
PARKES
Ongoing Parkes Croquet 9:00 start every Saturday at Parkes Tennis Club.
Ongoing Parkes Garden Club Meetings are held the second Saturday of each month. Various venues, 2pm. For further information phone Joy on 0429 801 168.
Ongoing Parkes Probus Club meet the second Friday of the month at Parkes Leagues Club at 10.30am. New members welcome. Contact Robyn 6862 1548.
Ongoing Parkes Rotary Club meets each Monday night at Parkes Services Club at 6pm. New members welcome, contact Colin on 0458 439 075
Ongoing Parkes Que Club meets the first Wednesday of the month at Parkes Services Club at 6:30pm. New members welcome. Contact Karen on 0411 099 432.
Ongoing Parkes Day VIEW Club meets the first Tuesday of each month, 11:30am Coachman Hotel. Contact Wendy for more information 0497 017 459.
Ongoing Parkes Community Choir meet weeks 1-8 of each school term at Parkes Public School Hall (off Hill Street) Thursdays 7 - 8:30pm.
Ongoing Parkes Multicultural Art Group meet on the first Tuesday of the month at 10.30am. Marramarra Makerspace, Parkes Library. Contact Sonia 0400 990 001.
Ongoing Alcoholics Anonymous - Meetings are AA and NA. Every Tuesday at 6pm at the Uniting Church Meeting Room
Ongoing Parkes Red Cross tea rooms open first Friday of every month. Mixed sandwiches, slices and tea or coffee.
Ongoing Parkes Shire Concert Band rehearses every Tuesday 7pm - 9pm during school term in the music room above the pool complex in Dalton Street. Contact music director Duncan Clement on 0405 035 164.
Ongoing Parkes CanAssist at 33 Court St is open at 9am, Tuesday to Saturday. Meeting 3rd Tuesday of month, 2pm at the Red Cross rooms. CanAssist Bingo 2nd Wednesday of month, 1pm Town Bowling Club.
Ongoing Parkes Prostate Cancer Awareness & Support Group meets the 4th Tuesday of the month at 6.30pm at Neighbourhood Central. All welcome. Contact Michael 0408 975 643.
Ongoing Parkes Ukelele Players Tuesday 7pm-9pm. Community Hall, Rose St. FORBES
Ongoing Peak Hill Men’s Shed Located at 66 Derribong St, Peak Hill. Open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9am-12pm.
Ongoing Forbes Garden Club meet 4th Tuesday of each month 2pm at different venues. Further enquiries Contact 0428 540 272.
Ongoing Painting Group every Thursday 11am - 3pm at Northside Chapel, 59 Johnson St. Artists of all ages and abilities are welcome to come along. Bring your own art supplies. $5 per week and includes morning tea. www.forbesartssociety.com
Ongoing Forbes Men’s Probus Club Meeting 4th Friday every month 10.30am, Club Forbes. All Welcome.
Ongoing Rotary Club of Forbes Ipomoea meets for breakfast on the first Tuesday of the month at Isabel’s Place from 7am-8am. Find us on Facebook.
Ongoing Forbes CWA meets on the first Friday of each month at the CWA Hall at 132 Lachlan Street at 1:30pm. Anyone is welcome to pop in and join us.
Ongoing Winter Season Croquet starts 9.30am with arrival 9.15am to get names into the draw. Membership only $20, morning tea included. Contact Elvy Quirk on 0428 540 272.
Ongoing Forbes CWA Evening Branch meets the second Thursday of each month at Club Forbes. Time is 6pm for dinner and meeting begins at 7pm. All welcome. Contact: forbeseveningbranchcwa@gmail.com
Ongoing Forbes Town Band rehearsals every Monday night during school term. Learners from 6 - 7pm. Main band 7pm to 9pm. Band Hall, Rankin Street.
Ongoing Painting Group every Thursday 11am - 3pm at Northside Chapel, 59 Johnson St. Artists of all ages and abilities are welcome to come along. Bring your own art supplies. $5 per week includes morning tea. www.forbesartssociety.com
Ongoing Rhyme Time every Friday at Forbes Town Library 10:30am.
Ongoing Forbes Dragon Boat Club trains every Sunday on Lake Forbes from 8.15am for 8.30am start. Contact via Facebook or forbesdragonboat@gmail.com
Ongoing Friends of Forbes Hospital Auxiliary meet on the first Friday of every second month at Club Forbes at 2:30pm. Meeting Feb, April, June, Aug, Oct, Dec. New members very welcome. Contact 0407 235 326.
Ongoing Forbes Community Playgroup every Thursday, 10am at Forbes
Members of the Rotary Club of Forbes Ipomoea would like to thank the Forbes Community for once again supporting our annual Christmas Tree Festival.
Several people commented that this annual Festival is a great way to commence the Christmas Season in Forbes.
Currajong Participants Shine In Inclusive Croquet Coaching Program
Croquet has become the highlight of the week for participants from Currajong Disability Services (CDS) thanks to a new inclusive coaching program delivered by the Parkes Croquet Club.
Around 30 participants and staff attended eight coaching sessions from May this year, quickly embracing the sport and asking for more once the program concluded.
“It has been a great success, and our participants absolutely loved it,” said Douglas Pout, Day Services Coordinator at Currajong Disability Services.
The initiative began after Parkes Croquet Club member Graeme Hunter attended a grant-writing workshop at Parkes Shire Council. The idea came to life when the club secured a Parkes Shire Sports Grant to deliver the coaching sessions and provide morning tea for Currajong participants.
“It was a privilege for our club members to run this program,” said Graeme. “It was wonderful to see some partici-
pants showing exceptional talent and being able to play a proper game at the end of the program.”
He also praised the participants for their strong team spirit and willingness to help pack up after every session.
Currajong plans to return to the croquet courts in March next year. “Our lads and ladies are missing it already,” Douglas said.
“Participants stepped into something new with confidence and quickly connected with the members of the Parkes Croquet Club. The partnership has been positive for everyone involved, and by the end some of our crew were matching it with the more experienced players.
This has opened the door and given our participants another space where they feel welcomed and included.
“CDS is not defined by limitation. We are a group of people with different strengths, and when opportunities like this come along, our participants show exactly what they can do.”
Finance Officer – Join a Growing, Supportive Team!
Austasia Animal Products Pty. Ltd. (AAP) is a long‑established, proudly Australian, and rapidly growing manufacturing company specialising in high‑quality animal nutrition products.
We are excited to offer a full-time Finance Officer position at our Forbes NSW office. This is an excellent opportunity to join a friendly, supportive, and professional team where your contribution to our company’s operations will be highly valued.
In this position, you will support the finance and administration functions of the business, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely processing across all aspects.
What You’ll Bring:
• Relevant certifications and/or proven experience in accounts receivable/payable, or general bookkeeping
• Strong attention to detail and a high level of numerical accuracy
• Ability to prioritise tasks, meet deadlines, and manage competing demands
• Confident communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively
• Strong computer literacy, including MS Office (Excel essential)
• Experience with accounting software (e.g., MYOB, Xero, or similar)
• Professionalism, discretion, and initiative when handling financial information
Why You’ll Love Working with Us:
• A stable, long standing company with opportunities for growth
• Supportive team culture within a business that values its people
• A generous employee bonus scheme and additional company benefits
• A role where your financial skills and attention to detail make a meaningful impact
If you’re looking for a long-term role within a growing and supportive organisation, we’d love to hear from you.
To apply, please submit your cover letter and CV by email to lena@rbac.com.au on or before 16/01/2026.
Remuneration will be negotiated based on experience.
Showcasing impressive skills that have inspired a return to the courts next year.
The Parkes Elvis Festival Is Back In 2026 With A King Sized Celebration
The Parkes Elvis Festival 2026 is gearing up to be one of the most exciting celebrations the town has ever seen, bringing five unforgettable days of music, energy and pure Elvis magic to Parkes, from 7–11 January. Each year, tens of thousands of fans travel from across Australia and the world to honour the King, and this year’s theme, Love Me Tender, promises a heartfelt and immersive tribute to Elvis Presley’s most iconic ballads.
Across the festival, visitors can expect a vibrant program packed with world-class concerts, street parades, competitions, workshops, family activities and late-night entertainment. From the sparkling performances of renowned tribute artists to the charming retro atmosphere that transforms the town, the experience is unlike anything else in the country. In 2026, new additions including expanded Family Fun Zone and enhanced fan experiences will give both first-timers and returning festival-goers more to explore than ever before.
The official program will be available for purchase from Elvis Central, the Parkes Visitor Information Centre, and several local retailers.
What makes the Parkes Elvis Festival
truly special is its sense of community, celebration and shared nostalgia. Whether you are singing along to the classics, browsing the themed markets, or soaking up the electric energy on the famous Elvis Festival Street Parade route, you will feel part of something bigger, an annual tradition that continues to grow.
With demand increasing each year, tickets are selling fast. If you want the best
seats at headline shows, exclusive experiences or accommodation close to the action, now is the perfect time to secure your place.
Do not miss the chance to start your year with five days of music, memories and pure joy. The King is calling, grab your tickets today and be part of the 2026 celebration. https://www.123tix.com.au/events/parkeselvisfestival
Recognised as one of the top three Festivals and Events in Australia, the Parkes Elvis Festival attracts over 25,000 fans with a global reach of 188 million.