Brendan Thomas Doolan, 30, of Farnell Street, Forbes, was arrested at his home at 8.45pm on Saturday and was taken to Parkes Police Station where he was charged with murder.

On Monday, Doolan appeared in Orange Local Court via a video link from Dubbo Courthouse, where he appeared before a bail court on Sunday.

Doolan was arrested after a man was allegedly seen assaulting another man who was lying on the ground in Johnson Street, Forbes, about 4am on Saturday.

Officers from Central West Police District attended and started CPR before NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived, however, efforts to revive the man failed and he died at the scene.

The man has not been formally identified but is believed to be aged in his 40s.

A crime scene was established and detectives, assisted by the State Crime Command's Homicide Squad, began an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the man's death.

Solicitor Nico Rump said Doolan had a limited criminal record with some minor traffic matters and he would lose his job as a tyre fitter and mechanic if he was refused bail.

Mr Rump said due to the nature of the charge it could be years before Doolan faces court and he put forward suggested bail conditions including a curfew, not contacting any witness and reporting to police daily.

However, police prosecutor Sergeant Beau Riley said the police had a strong case with eye witnesses.

"The delay wouldn't be the same as if it was a circumstantial case," Sergeant Riley said.

Magistrate David Day said special circumstances for Doolan's release were not shown.

"It is a very strong prosecution case," Mr Day said.

He said even if Doolan met the "show cause" requirement there was a concern he would fail to appear in court due to the potential result upon prosecution.

No pleas have been entered and Mr Day officially refused Doolan bail and adjourned the matter to Parkes Local Court on February 1.