"The Australia Day Parade always capped off the Australia Day celebrations in Forbes," says Mayor Miller, "and we have received lots of feedback that bringing it back will provide the community with a much needed boost in these tough times. What better way to cheer us all up than with a spectacular display of our town's creativity and spirit!"

Council is now seeking applications from community groups, local businesses, schools and other organisations for floats of all shapes and sizes. There are huge prizes to be won, including first prize of a $2,000 Why Leave Town card.

"Imagine what that size prize could do for your community group," says Mayor Miller "So please get creating and we can bring the wonderful parade that we all remember, back for the whole community to enjoy. It's just what we need right now, so grab the balloons and the crepe paper and see what you can do!"

Participants will need to register but this process is very easy - just call into the front counter of Council or head to the website to grab a copy of the forms. Any group requiring assistance with any of the paperwork can contact Council's Community Relations Officer Kimberley Ryan on 0268 502300. Applications for the parade close on the 17th of January.