It’s official - Forbes has been recognised as a standout among NSW’s regional communities, named the overall winner in our Tidy Towns population category.

The 2025 Keep Australia Beautiful NSW Tidy Towns Awards were announced on Saturday, October 12, hosted by our neighbours and last year’s titleholders, Parkes - and Forbes was in the spotlight.

The win capped off a strong showing for the day, with Forbes collecting one category award and two highly commended honours before being named the overall winner for towns with a population between 5,000 and 12,000.

Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said the results were a testament to the dedication and collaboration that make the Forbes community so special.

"These awards recognise the incredible teamwork that goes into making Forbes such a vibrant and welcoming place," she said.

"When community groups, young people, volunteers and council work together toward a shared goal great things happen, and these results are proof of that.

"Congratulations and thank you to everyone who played a role in these successes."

Orange, which also won its population category, was named the State winner overall and will represent NSW at the national awards in 2026.

Forbes won the community spirit and inclusion award for our population category, for Forbes Shire Council's welcome to Forbes events.

These biannual gatherings extend an invitation to anyone who is new to Forbes, bringing together community groups and services in one place where they can connect with locals.

Forbes Youth Action Team was awarded highly commended in the Young Legends category for towns our size.

FYAT was established to give young people a voice to issues that they feel are important and an opportunity to participate in developing activities and events - and the young volunteers do lead some fantastic initiatives.

There are a host of activities available to local children and youth through holiday periods and during Youth Week every year.

The Trial of Ben Hall was awarded highly commended in the heritage and culture category for towns our size.

The play was penned in 1986 by then Forbes solicitor Dominic Williams and brought back to life in 2025 by the Forbes Shire Council's Heritage Advisory Committee, with a cast of local talent.

A heritage building, the former Presbyterian Church, was transformed into a courtroom for the occasion and the play so well received the cast rallied again to present it on a second weekend.

KAB NSW CEO, Val Southam, congratulated all winners and finalists.

“The Tidy Towns Awards continue to inspire regional communities across the state to step up, collaborate and innovate for a more sustainable future," she said.

"The entries received this year reflect the passion, resilience and ingenuity of local councils, community groups, schools and individuals.”