Judging of the awards will take place on Wednesday, September 28, 2016.

Dr Mullette moved to Forbes following his retirement in 2005.

During a career spanning from 1964 to 2005 he rose from being a High School Science teacher to the Chief Scientist firstly for National Parks and Wildlife and then Sydney Water.

Since moving to Forbes Keith has been instrumental in the formation of the Forbes Arts Society in 2012, serving as President for the last five years.

During his tenure as President he has spear headed six major art projects at Forbes including:

● The Somewhere Down the Lachlan Sculpture Trial. The Trial once complete will run 80kms along the Lachlan River from Forbes to the Utes in The Paddock art project at Ootha.

● The Platypus Art Gallery. The Platypus Art Gallery is located at a prominent central location in the Forbes CBD. It is Forbes first art gallery and has served to help lift the profile of arts in the Forbes community. The gallery hosts regular exhibitions of local artists.

● Expansion of the Forbes Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre. Located on the banks of Lake Forbes the Forbes Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre is a major focal point for the Wiradjuri community. He has been working with the Wiradjuri community to develop a major expansion of the Centre to include a new cultural hub, bronze sculptures, interpretive signage, additional art works and a small amphitheatre. The project is expected to cost $364,000.

● Sculpture Forbes. He has been the driving force behind Sculpture Forbes, a week long celebration of Sculpture at Forbes with $20,000 in prize money.

● The Forbes Sculpture Park. The Forbes Sculpture Park is located in the Forbes Main Street on the site of the former Albion Hotel. The Albion Hotel burnt down in 2009 leaving a gaping hole in the Forbes Main Street.

Dr Mullette has worked with the Forbes Shire Council to create a park dedicated to sculpture. The Park is now home to many sculptures including the famous Pyramid Sculpture.