When there was no local respite care for children with disabilities, the community of Forbes rallied and raised funds to form Lach Haven.
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The special school officially opened in September 1969 and now, after decades of service, has wrapped up.
The building has been sold, and proceeds have been shared back out between a number of local organisations that continue to serve the Forbes community.
Members of the final Lach Haven committee made official presentation of the funds in Victoria Park last week.
David Walker, the final committee president, paid tribute to the community members who had established Lach Haven and the staff who had worked with children over nearly 50 years.
"The money was raised through Art Unions and raffles," he said.
Mr Walker said the Forbes heated pool would be the main beneficiary of the proceeds of the sale, as it was similarly established with funds raised by the Forbes community about the same time.
It also continues to serve the needs of many people with disabilities from the district.
Heated pool committee president Dianne Decker said the committee was very excited to receive the generous donation from the Lach Haven committee.
"On discussions with Jacqui Coady we believe that making a ramp entrance into the pool will greatly help the disabled and the many people who use the pool for rehabilitation," she said.
"We are very thrilled and grateful that this money will be spent exclusively here in Forbes."
Funds were also shared between Forbes North Public School, Forbes Public School, Forbes Pre School, St Laurence's Catholic School and Red Bend Catholic College.
Jemalong Residential Village, Forbes Men's Shed, District Hospital and Rotary Club also received funds.
Forbes Men's Shed president Norm Haley thanked Lach Haven for the donation and said the funds would be used well in their new facility on Union Street.
"We would like to congratulate all the people (involved with Lach Haven) for what they did," he said.
The plaque from the Lach Haven building, which records that it was officially opened by the Hon GF Freudenstein and its first president was Ron Flannery, was removed before the sale.
Mr Walker said it would be placed in the Forbes Museum.