Firstly I must pay tribute to the amazing work the Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue crews have done in this most tragic fire season.

Any loss of life is too many and the devastation for all of those people that lost their homes, really saddens me.

On behalf of the Forbes community we send our thoughts and prayers to all concerned.

We at Council are offering our assistance where ever possible.

There have been many fight fighters from the Forbes area who have gone into battle at the fire front and on your behalf I truly thank them for doing so.

The Elvis Festival was once again a huge success and we must thank the Parkes Council and Mayor, Ken Keith for their hard work over the years that has extended the Festival to be a huge part of the Forbes Calendar as well.

It is an enormous economic boost to our Shire and for this we wholeheartedly say thank you Parkes Council and community.

Australia Day festivities are shaping up to be another fun day by the Lake.

With the Street Parade returning we hope you all get in and participate.

I would like to congratulate the Forbes Arts Society on the successful purchase of the old Forbes Ambulance Station.

We can't wait to see the transformation of this space to take place over the next couple of years.

2020 is shaping up to be a great year for Forbes.

Some major developments will be completed with many others on the way.

Let's all start the year off by working together to make Forbes the greatest place to work, live and play!

God Bless.

Your Mayor Phyllis Miller