Forbes Historical Society officially opened its centenary of Anzac exhibition on Friday night and it will remain open to the public for the next several months. 

The display, at 9 Cross Street next to the existing museum, includes a timeline of key World War I but also tells the story of Forbes’ involvement.

More than 600 young men from this town of 4500 signed up to the war effort and 69 died in conflict. 

The display features their photographs, their uniforms, their medals and diaries. 

Historical Society president Bruce Adams said the work to put the exhibition together had helped the organisers realise how important it was that the local stories be told. 

“Thank you everybody for your support,” he said at the opening. 

Member for Calare John Cobb officially opened the exhibition and congratulated the historical society. 

“The amount of work that has been done is amazing and incredibly impressive,” he said. 

“What happened has been recreated here in the most amazing way.

“It’s an effort that will never be wasted.” 

Mayor Phyllis Miller said she was sure people would enjoy the exhibition.

“Thank you for the wonderful work you have done, a lot of hard work and research,” she said.