The annual Forbes Rugby Club President's Lunch has been cancelled for this year following recommendations from the Australian government.
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To help reduce the transmission of COVID-19 in communities, the government advised on March 14 that all non-essential organised gatherings of more than 500 people should not be held.
President's Luncheon Committee Chair, Chris Sweeney, said it was a very disappointing outcome, but they would follow the advice to help protect the health and well-being of their guests and community.
Mr Sweeney says they are currently working through the response to cancelling the event so they can get the best outcome for everyone involved.
Along with limiting the cost to their patrons, Mr Sweeney says they are aiming to try and limit the cost to their suppliers who were understanding of their reasons behind cancelling the President's Lunch.
"We've talked to our suppliers who have been understanding and supportive of our decision," he said.
This year's President's Lunch was set to be one of the biggest yet, with some 1061 guests planning to attend.
Mr Sweeney said organisers will be releasing more information about the cancellation and refunds to the table captains, once they have all their facts and figures correct.
While the 2020 Forbes Rugby President's Lunch may have been cancelled, the Rugby Union Golf Day is set to go ahead on Friday, March 20.
The Forbes Rugby President's Lunch is expected to return next year on March 20.
Member for Orange, Phil Donato, has also postponed the planned community forum on maternity services in Forbes and Parkes which was to take place on Sunday, March 22.
Mr Donato said they will advise the community when a new date is planned.
