Image (L-R): Craig McKinnon (Grandstand designer), Paul Adams (FSC Director Projects), Cr Brian Mattiske, Cr Chris Roylance, Cr Jenny Webb, Mr Phil Donato Member for Orange, Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM, The Hon. Ron Hoenig Minister for Local Government, Stephen Dunshea (FSC General Manager), Cr Marg Duggan and Cr Aidan Clarke.
Spooner Oval has been at the heart of the Forbes community for generations.
When it officially opened in 1939, it was regarded as one of the finest sporting facilities in country NSW. Nearly 90 years later, Forbes is proud to continue that legacy with the opening of the new Magpies Stand.
Forbes Shire Council, in partnership with Forbes Magpies Rugby League Club celebrated the official opening of the Spooner Oval Grandstand on Sunday 9 August 2026 at 12.45pm.
On the day we welcomed local champions, representative players, families and supporters to celebrate this exciting new chapter in the history of sport in Forbes.
The new grandstand provides seating for more than 500 people and ensures Spooner Oval remains one of the region’s great sporting and community gathering places.
A big thank you to The Hon. Ron Hoenig MP and Mr Phil Donato for joining us to officially open the Magpies Stand on the final home game of the regular season. Ron Hoenig MP and Member for Orange Phil Donato MP unveiled the plaque, between the end of the junior games and start of Reserve Grade game.
The project was funded by the Australian Government through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and the NSW Government through the Stronger Country Communities Fund and Regional Sport Facility Fund.
Here’s to many more games, celebrations and memories at Spooner Oval.