Forbes

Distinguished and Famous people from Forbes

🐎 Ben Hall

Ben Hall’s connection with the Forbes district began before his notoriety as a bushranger, through work as a stockman and a leased run near Wheogo. His gang’s robberies became part of the violent history of the 1860s, later surrounded by romantic stories. Police shot him near Goobang Creek in 1865, and he was buried at Forbes. The local museum examines the myths behind his reputation. His place in the district’s history is substantial, but fame should not disguise the danger and disruption caused by bushranging.

✈️ Bob Henderson

Bob Henderson managed a tobacco factory at Forbes after returning to civilian employment following the Second World War. His earlier service included flying the Lancaster G for George, now famous as a preserved wartime aircraft. He completed demanding operations with his crew and later flew on food drops to Dutch civilians. Postwar work took him back into manufacturing, first at Forbes and then in larger management roles. The local association is a documented industrial job, connecting a decorated airman with the less dramatic but substantial task of returning to working civilian life.

📚 Anne Press

Anne Press taught at Forbes in 1924–25 before a farming and political life centred farther west around Condobolin and Tullibigeal. Her interest in education continued through parents’ organisations and support for children’s health services. Elected to the New South Wales Legislative Council in 1959, she became one of the Labor members expelled after opposing the government’s plan to abolish the upper house, and later joined the Liberals. Country people’s needs remained a recurring concern. Forbes belongs to her early classroom career, rather than being credited with every later community role she held elsewhere.