The cars and their owners were in Forbes since Friday and by all accounts had a fantastic weekend. 

“The rally has been absolutely tremendous,” Morris Register of NSW president John Baguley said.

“It was a happy rally and that’s the way we want it.”

Rally director Greg Kean thanked Forbes Shire Council and the people of Forbes, who were so welcoming.

“Thank you to council – without their help it would have been a struggle to put this rally on, and especially to Sarah [White]…she was such a big help,” he said.

“Also thank you to the people of Forbes – the way we’ve been treated all around town, at motels, restaurants and even service stations…it’s the little things that let us know we’re welcome.”

A number of events were held throughout the weekend, including a welcome event at Town Hall on Friday, an appearance at the Forbes Camel Races on Saturday and a display day on Saturday at South Circle Oval.

There was also an official dinner and presentation for the guests on Sunday night at the Forbes Services Memorial Club, and finally a farewell at Town Hall yesterday.

Forbes mayor Ron Penny made a special appearance at the farewell yesterday and said it was fantastic that Forbes was chosen as the location of the 19th National Rally.

“I just want to say thank you for picking Forbes and coming here,” he said.

“I’m extremely proud of this town and the people in it.

“We want the word to go out that Forbes is actually a nice place and that we do actually have nice things here.”

Forbes Shire Council worked hard to get this rally to come to Forbes, but council’s marketing manager, Sarah White, said all the work over the last two years was definitely worth it.

“Thank you to everyone for coming to Forbes, it really does make a big impact on our town,” she said.

“Having so many positive comments makes our job worthwhile.”

Morris car club members are now gearing up for the 20th National Rally, which will be held at Warrnambool, Victoria in 2016.