Approximately $10,000 worth of property was stolen in the break in, which committee members discovered last Saturday.

During the break-in, everything was stolen out of the canteen including all cooking utensils, food, drinks, gas bottles and cleaning products.

Two 12 volt batteries were taken out of their club vehicles and the water pumps were cut off the back of the club truck, which is required to run a dirt track meeting.

The club box trailer with hoses was also stolen and the toilet block was broken into which contained fire extinguishers and other supplies.

Forbes Auto Sports Club committee members said they are now in a position where they may have to fold until the club is able to finance what has been stolen.

“The club is not financial enough to carry the cost of replacing these items that were stolen,” the committee said in a letter to the Advocate. 

“With a total value of more than $10,000 taken from the club plus the labour to repair what has been destroyed, the club has no choice.

“All of the money to purchase these items has been made through our volunteers and any sponsors that came on board to help out with the cost of running a race meeting.”

The Forbes Auto Sports Club has been in operation for the last 20 years.

Over this time, the club has averaged more than 200 members from all over the state, half of which are juniors.

It is run by volunteers, parents and members who give up their time to put on six or seven race meetings throughout the year, with each meeting bringing approximately 200 to 300 people to Forbes from all over the state.

These visitors greatly benefit the town by supporting local motels, restaurants and businesses.

“Our club is run by volunteers who give up their time and put things to the side to help out when needed and allow our kids to race,” the committee said. 

“Not only does the club support a lot of local riders, it has also produced a number of Australian champions over the years and was planning on holding a national title in the not so distant future.”

Over the past three years, Forbes Auto Sports Club has been working hard to continue running, with the cost of permits, licences, levies and medical help becoming very expensive, as is the ground maintenance which is carried out by the club’s volunteers.

The club has had a number of sponsors over the last few years, however all money has gone directly into running race meetings including covering the cost of first aid or trophies for their competitors.

In recent years they have been able to make some upgrades, such as a new water tank for the truck and a concrete area for the canteen, which were possible through donations and fundraising.

The committee are now calling out for help from the wider Forbes community to avoid having to shut down.

“We are asking for our community to help us in our time of need,” the committee said. 

“We do not want to have to fold the club but if we are unable to raise enough money to replace what has been stolen we have no choice. 

“Please help support our club and the kids within our community. 

“Help in any form would be appreciated whether it be monetary, labour or even supplies. We thank you in advance for your donations.”

If you would like to donate to the Forbes Auto Sports Club or help out in any way, contact the club’s representative on 0404 486 101.

To donate, the Forbes Auto Sports Club bank account is BSB 012 625 and account number 202 704 495.

Use your name as a reference or stay anonymous if you wish. 

The club is hoping to be up and running again by the beginning of next year.  If anyone has any information in regards to the theft, they are urged to contact Forbes Police on 6853 9999.