The focus might be on Christmas for many, but now's the time to put those Australia Day plans in place.

Forbes Shire Council has put the call out for buskers and food vendors for the Party in the Park, as they change their approach a bit in 2025.

Australia Day activities will commence in Forbes shire with the dinner celebrating our citizens of the year on January 25.

The council is planning a gala style, fancy barbecue dinner for nominees, nominators, community members and VIP’s, in the Forbes Town Hall, with the award presentations to be livestreamed.

This night is an opportunity to recognise the outstanding contributions locals make to our community, significant achievements and volunteer efforts.

Nominations are now open, details at the end of the story.

The community breakfast opens January 26, with this again planned for Lions Park, in partnership with community service organisations.

Citizenship ceremonies are a big part of Australia Day and there will be the opportunity for a ceremony in council's chambers in the afternoon.

Sunday night's party in the park is still planned, but with a relaxed format.

Council has stepped back from formalities on the evening that would require their staff to work into the night, but are inviting food vendors and music buskers to submit expressions of interest to provide food and entertainment to the crowd on the night.

It will absolutely still be the place for the community to gather on the night.

"Everyone loves the fireworks, the food vendors, it’s a really great night down there," Mayor Phyllis Miller said when the matter came to councillors for consideration.

"People come set up their food vans, fireworks go ahead, we go down with our families - have a great night with our families, and our staff are not having to work."

It will offer "the best of both worlds" where council's staff can also enjoy the event with their families, she said.

The fireworks, however, are locked in, with the display set for Bates Bridge from 9pm.

Food vendors or performers wanting to find out more are encouraged to contact the council's events team on community@forbes.nsw.gov.au or 6850 2300.

Nominations are open for the Australia Day awards in the following categories:

Forbes Shire Citizen of the Year

Senior Citizen of the Year

Young Citizen of the Year

For more information or a copy of the nomination form, phone council's community relations officer on 6850 2300 or email community@forbes.nsw.gov.au