Current world number one, Gold Coaster Jonny Durand, won the Forbes Flatlands hang gliding competition against pilots from 16 nations.

Austria’s Gerolf Heinrichs took second place and Brazilian Andre Wolf placed third.

Forbes SES headquarters was promised a $128,430 upgrade to make filling and shifting sandbags during flooding a whole lot easier. 

SES and community volunteers filled thousands of sandbags to keep water out of homes and businesses during last year’s major flood, but the movement of machinery and vehicles took its toll on the yard at the headquarters.

Terry Tweedie released a book on his father, Forbes local Don Tweedie.

“Don Tweedie Fighting Bandsman’s Last Stand” is Terry Tweedie’s tribute to his dad and other POWS along with the families, friends, mothers, wives and girlfriends who suffered with them.

It was a story his father wanted to tell, but found it difficult to voice. The war left more than physical scars.

Young Forbes bowler Darcy Leadbitter took 10 wickets for Western Region to be named the top bowler in junior cricket’s Kookaburra Cup.

He went on to be selected for the Western / Riverina combined team to contest the NSW Under 14s state challenge. 

Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) fire officer Captain Brian Clarke’s long and dedicated service in leading emergency response and educating residents about fire safety in the Forbes area was recognised in today’s Australia Day Honours.

He was awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal.

Rob Willis was named Forbes Citizen of the Year for his life’s work recording and sharing the untold stories of Australia, particularly the bush and Forbes.

Aiden Clarke was named Forbes’ Young Citizen of the Year for his leadership throughout his schooling and in his profession. 

The question was raised after the Mary Street campus looked set to be transferred back to Crown Lands.

Two former staff expressed their wishes that the campus, which includes a carpentry workshop and other classrooms, be repurposed.