The Bankstown Sports Group has had a wonderful relationship with the Forbes Jockey Club and the wider Forbes community for almost 30 years.  

What began as a friendly partnership between two clubs soon developed into one of support and comradery during times of natural disaster. 

When Forbes was declared a natural disaster zone in September 2016 after the largest flood in over 50 years, the jockey club reached out to Bankstown Sports for assistance and we were able to provide an immediate $10,000 donation to the local SES, to purchase a sandbagging machine and assist with recovery efforts. 

In November 2022, the town was inundated by devastating floods again. 

The Bankstown Sports Group decided it would do everything possible to support the residents and local businesses that had been impacted. 

Initially, the most practical way we could assist was to provide funding to disaster recovery teams on the ground, who were able to facilitate the bare necessities and help people get back on their feet. 

We contributed $100,000 to GIVIT, an online platform which works directly with registered charities assisting with disaster appeals, to determine what support they need and how best to get that support to them, without overloading evacuation centres and local depots with unwanted items. 

GIVIT has been working directly with Forbes locals impacted by the floods, providing them with funding for groceries, clothing, bedding, and other essential household items. 

Bankstown Sports Club Chairman John Murray has enjoyed many trips to Forbes for the annual race day and cherishes the friendships they have formed over the years. 

“We have built such a strong relationship with the people of Forbes over the years, not just the Jockey Club, and they deserve our help whenever we’re able to assist.  

“The committee that runs the Jockey Club and the race day are good salt-of-the-earth people. It is a great town, with great people”. 

Bankstown Sports continues to monitor the situation in Forbes and remains in regular contact with GIVIT, to ensure everyone impacted by the 2022 disaster is able to rebuild their lives.