The facility will serve as an evacuation centre for Eugowra and surrounds in times of emergency, and provide a venue for concerts, conferences, arts and tourism activities.

Funding was also allocated to refurbish the community's medical centre.

Water rising: The water level at Wyangala Dam has risen from a low of 8.4 per cent of capacity in February to 16.7 per cent of capacity.

Wyangala had received 323.8mm of rain up until June 23 with 12.4mm recorded in January, 39.2mm in February, 63.2mm in March, 107.6mm in April, 57mm in May and 44.4 so far in June.

Above Wyangala Dam, Crookwell has received 464mm of rain so far this year, 90mm above the long term average of 373mm.

Flu cases down: Figures from the health district showed a substantial decrease in the number of confirmed cases of influenza - none in Forbes - due to the lockdowns.

The health district had had 67 cases, compared to 704 the year before.

We want you back: The region launched a new domestic tourism campaign, and 'amazing' Forbes featured.

Stories and scenes from Orange, Bathurst, Blayney, Oberon, Grenfell, Cowra, Eugowra, Parkes and Lake Cargelligo were captured by videographer Andrew Barnes, a former Forbes and Eugowra local.

Restrictions on travel within NSW were easing, but the border with Victoria had closed, as the mayor acknowledged the impact of COVID-19 on our local retail sector and said the town would welcome trade.

"We have been working with the Business Chamber to ensure retailers have all got their COVID Safe Plans in place to keep both staff and customers safe," Mayor Phyllis Miller said.

First residents move in to retirement living: Stage One of the Jemalong retirement living village in Forbes was completed, and the first residents moved in to the brand new independent living units.

Nineteen new free-standing villas, two and three-bedroom homes, have now been built on Edward Street.

The Jemalong Aged Peoples Association donated the land and $1.25 million towards the construction of the retirement living village, to be built and managed by Catholic Healthcare.

Sculpture trail grows: Varanus, the goanna, stands 5.5 metres tall and 20 metres from tip to tail - and he holds his head high in his new home near Gum Swamp.

The steel sculpture is the result of 3500 hours of work by Glen Star, and years of vision and planning by a team of locals.

No show: Forbes, Eugowra and Bedgerabong shows are all cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions on public events.

Village's new life: The former Lachlan Vintage Village is set to become Forbes' new visitor information centre.

Forbes Shire Council is to receive $450,000 from the Drought Stimulus Package for the first stage of works to give the iconic site on the Newell Highway south of Forbes a new life.

Camp Street Bridge: The $12.1 million Camp Street bridge opened to traffic 11 months after the old one was closed.

More than 2000 tonnes of concrete and 221 tonnes of steel were required to build the new 70-metre-long bridge. It replaced one built in 1927 that no longer met the requirements of today's heavy vehicle use.

In pictures: A box of slides found in the former Vintage Village is returned

Sanctions: The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission sanctioned Forbes' residential aged care facility after conducting an unannounced audit.

Jemalong Residential Village, operated by Catholic Healthcare Limited, paused new admissions for six months, the period given by the Commission to take action on non-compliance with industry standards.

Catholic Healthcare said they had engaged clinical and training specialists, and were meeting with residents, families and staff.

Rugby league: Forbes triumphs in a twin town rugby league contest, thrashing Parkes 44-nil on the Spacemen's home ground.

It was clear from the opening whistle Forbes had pep in their step, before an incredible second half performance that no spectator who was there to witness would ever forget.