The “supporting Forbes’ young families” project has received a NSW Government Stronger Communities grant, which will be used to install a new children’s bike riding track as well as modernise the youth centre.

Forbes Playgroup’s Beth Betland is delighted. 

The community-run playgroup provides a meeting place for parents with young children every week and they have long wanted a space for the children to ride their bikes in good weather. 

They approached Council for help to build “a little bike track” and the project has grown from there.

The bike track to be installed will include signage to help young children learn the road rules in a safe environment.

The improvements will allow the youth centre to become home to the Forbes Toy Library and Sarah Hazell is also delighted. 

The Toy Library has been hosted at the back of Forbes Livestock and while Mrs Hazell is incredibly grateful to the business, she says the library has grown a lot in 15 years and she is very excited it will have its own space.

“I can’t believe it, we are thrilled,” Mrs Hazell said.

“It will be a great facility for families.”

The toy library is currently open Saturday mornings with membership for $40 a year.

Playgroup is on at the youth centre 10am to midday Thursdays.

Both groups thanked Forbes Shire Council’s grants officer Andrew Rawsthorne for his work on the grant applications. 

Forbes Mayor Graeme Miller welcomed the news, along with funding for the Forbes Men’s Shed (in last Friday’s Forbes Advocate) and Bedgerabong Recreation Grounds (more to come).

“While the Youth and Community Centre is a practical venue it has become somewhat dilapidated due to the high level of activity and use,” Mayor Miller said.

“This funding will see a modern new facility to support ongoing growth and will allow us to continue to support young families in Forbes.”