To The Editor,
The members of Forbes Historical Society were pleased to hear the Vandenberg Hotel has been resold to local people. We understand that it is to be reopened as a hotel with accommodation upstairs. The restoration of these facilities is essential as this particular building is of great significance to our town, not only because of its history but it is where, until its closure, many organisations held their meetings. It also provides unique accommodation for tourists overlooking Victoria Park and our unique heritage buildings.
We understand that the previous sale was legal, but it is the transfer of poker machine licences that concerns many of us. In the last 20 years we have lost five of our hotels in similar circumstances and apparently for similar reasons. This raises the question as to what has happened to these hotel licences?
Country pubs in country towns are part of our way of life in the bush. They are a meeting place for young and older people, a tourist attraction, our heritage and a vital component of the lifeblood of our town.
The Forbes community has worked very hard to make Forbes the wonderful tourist destination that it is today.
These business deals are not only happening in Forbes, it is also happening in other rural communities.
We are resolved to explore every avenue open to us to make other people aware of what is happening and hopefully gain the support of the state government to initiate an inquiry, maybe even legislate to prevent these poker machines from being sold or transferred.
We will support any efforts undertaken by Forbes Council to prevent these deals in the future.
Yours faithfully, Bruce Adams
Forbes Historical Society (President)