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Forbes is located in Central West of NSW in Wiradjuri country on the banks of the Lachlan River. Forbes Shire covers 4,720 square kilometres, from Tichborne in the north, Ootha to the west, Pinnacle to the south and Eugowra to the east. The Forbes LGA consists of the main township of Forbes and a number of smaller localities namely Bedgerabong, Garema, Wirrinya, Corinella, Warroo and Ootha and neighbours the LGAs of Parkes, Lachlan, Bland, Weddin, Cowra and Cabonne.
Forbes is positioned on the Lachlan River, which is the centre of the shires diverse lifestyle and the foundation for our primary industry sector supported by the Central West Livestock Exchange. The primary industry sector is an important part of the Shire’s economy, with Forbes contributing $97m of Gross Regional Product from this sector and accounting for 18% of employment in the Shire. Forbes is well placed as a central location to major regional employers such as Moxey’s Dairy Farm, Red Bend Catholic College, Parkes Transport for NSW Regional Office, the Catholic Education office and various mines including North Parkes, Evolution and the future Sunrise Mine.
Forbes has a lively town centre that takes pride in supporting local businesses. The historic town centre and public art exhibited throughout the Shire draws visitors from across the region and beyond, and encapsulates our unique character with buildings and independent stores and boutiques. In 2018 the retail sector in Forbes recorded annual growth rates of 7.9% in total output despite drought and other impacts on the economy.
Forbes is supported by health services such as Forbes District Hospital, dental services alternative therapy and optometry and hosts a number of private, public and boarding schools drawing students from across the region. It has a full range of sports for all ages and seasons, from swimming and equestrian to netball and croquet and all football sports, and regularly hosts both National and World Hang Gliding Championship events. These are supported by a number of facilities including an outdoor and indoor heated pool, heritage tennis courts and a range of football and netball courts as well as the Lake Forbes Walking Trail. All of these facilities underpin a healthy lifestyle.
With a lively calendar, Forbes is quickly becoming to be known as the event destination of the Central West. Forbes various art and music events such as the Vanfest, Elvis Festival satellite events, Kalari Lachlan River Arts Festival, Grazing Down the Lachlan, Frost and Fire and the Forbes Eisteddfod as well as a number of community events such as the Forbes Farmers Market, Australia Day Festival and the Heritage Festival. Forbes is a safe place to live with a strong sense of community with over 90 social clubs and associations including five service clubs and an active business chamber.