The Forbes Advocate has been serving the Forbes and district community since 1911. In all that time the paper has prided itself on the fact that all local events are covered from local government to community organisations and sporting events. With today’s technology the Advocate has grasped the initiative to make full use of colour in the presentation of major events. Another feature of the paper is the longevity of most employees who are always available to assist customers, big and small. With an average net circulation of 2203 the Advocate more than covers the Forbes Shire population of 10,142.


Forbes, situated on the banks of the Lachlan River is right in the heart of the Lachlan Valley. The Forbes Shire Council serves a town community of 8,500 while the entire shire enjoys a population of 10,142. Today Forbes has much to offer. Lachley Meat Abattoir with over 300 workers is the major employer in Forbes. An extremely well appointed shopping centre serves the shire while Lake Forbes adds beauty and an entertaining area. The opening of the One Great Solution centre which incorporates Mitre 10, Forbes Great Outdoors and Roylance Auto One has seen a retail increase. The town’s industrial base continues to grow. Recent additions have included pet food manufacturer Petchef and Modular Building Technologies. The Forbes Shire is strong in most areas of dry land and irrigation agriculture – including fruit and vegetables – due to its location along the Lachlan River. Dairying is seen as a viable proposition for the area with the recent construction of a 2,000 head diary and the movement of other dairies to the area. Forbes Shire Council has plans for a new saleyards complex by 2004 at Daroobalgie, just north of the town on the Newell Highway. The current Forbes Midstate Saleyards are the third biggest in NSW and last year had a turnover of over $100,000,000. More land is being rezoned at Daroobalgie in anticipation of further growth in the near future.