As travellers break out of the cities during the mid-year school holidays, Forbes will see an increase in tourists visiting and passing through town.

“We welcome tourists back to our beautiful part of Australia,” said Forbes Shire Council Mayor, Phyllis Miller OAM. “Reports from our accommodation providers in Forbes are that numbers have been increasing already, and they are not just the grey nomads, but young families and couples as well. When travel restrictions were eased, the beginning of June, our roads did see a steady increase of traffic.”

Forbes Shire Council was unable to hold one of its major tourism events this year, Frost and Fire, due to the restrictions. Last year’s event saw over 2000 people in attendance and provided much needed relief for many providers in town.

“Tourism is so important to regional towns, particularly after what has been many years of drought. Forbes Council has partnered with ten other local government areas in a campaign called “We Want You Back”. The campaign will air three 30 second adverts across the Prime 7 network and feature personalities from across the regions tourism and culinary industry.

“The campaign shares stories on what to see and do. We can’t wait to share our piece of NSW with everyone!”

The towns included in the Central West campaign include Orange, Bathurst, Blayney, Oberon, Grenfell, Cowra, Eugowra, Parkes and as far west as Lake Cargelligo.

“Forbes is so lucky to be in such a central location to all of these areas and with so many accommodation options available, from camping through to luxurious B&Bs it makes sense to set up camp here,” said Phyllis.

Bek Salmon and Alex Gibb with the City Project for the school holidays.

Build cities and dip into history and heritage these school holidays. Central West Libraries is offering take home Rock, Paper, City Craft and Activity Packs to stimulate creative minds. The two main activities on offer are:

• Rock, Paper, City: Cardboard City Project. Children can don their architect’s hats and design either their own house, or other buildings, vehicles, and neighboured adornments for a cardboard version of their town that will be on display, and grow as the entries come in. There will be several levels of difficulty involved in the construction of these buildings and structural pieces, so the activity will be applicable to a wide range of ages. Organisers are hoping to talk about the concept of a child’s identity within their community, and how all community members have a special place in our town. Children are also being encouraged to get creative, and let their imaginations run wild, with possible town improvements such as “make a unicorn stable, a slip n slide, or a giant jumping castle”. Some crafty goodness is included in the pack for building embellishments and decorations.

• Lego Challenge: Central West Iconic Buildings. Wherever you live in the Central West, you will find iconic buildings. They may be historic or modern. They can all be created in Lego. Children are being challenged to recreate Central West iconic buildings in Lego. Take photos of the original building and the Lego version. Submit them together via email to library@cwl.nsw.gov.au and go into the prize draw.

Children have until Wednesday, 29 July to submit their entries to either of the competitions, and winners will be drawn on Saturday, 1 August. To reserve a Rock, Paper, City Craft and Activity Pack, please book through Eventbrite and collect from your local library.

The beloved Forbes Bakehouse began in 1990 with one baker and three staff. They offered the traditional products of an artisan bakery, including cakes, pies, breads, and drinks. In the late 1990’s alfresco dining increased in popularity Australia-wide and The Bakehouse was quick to act and meet the demands of their customers, growing their business to include freshly brewed coffee, a salad bar and alfresco dining.

Thirty years on, The Bakehouse operates as a bakery and café that seats 60 and offers an extensive all-day menu, with options to suit all tastes. Whether customers choose to dine in, order online for takeaway or delivery or book for large groups, they can be confident that they are in the capable hands of the friendly team at The Bakehouse.

The Bakehouse currently employs a team of 21 staff, including bakers, chefs, cooks, baristas and wait staff. While employing an enthusiastic and friendly team of local staff members, The Bakehouse has ensured that their staff members are trained through apprenticeships and in-house training.

As the only business in Forbes to host theme nights, including open mic nights, Indian tapas, Mexican fiestas and more, The Bakehouse has transformed into an irreplaceable venue for entertainment and culinary adventures. You can hear Templar Street ringing with the sound of live mu- sic and laughter on their famously festive theme nights.

Staying true to their own style in evolving to cater to the needs and desires of their customers, The Bakehouse boasts funky, modern décor, with European Graffiti art and a comfortable space for customers of all ages, from nine-days-old to 99-years- old, their customers enjoy high quality, traditional and international cuisine with locally sourced ingredients.

Owned and operated by Kerry Hodder and her family, The Bakehouse takes immense pride in what they offer to their customers. The Bakehouse celebrated their 30th birthday on 19 June 2020.