Parkes Phoenix Editor

NSW Police Force’s Central West Police District has coordinated a modified Active Citizen Program this year to comply with COVID-19 restrictions.

The Active Citizen Program is run throughout Parkes, Forbes, Condobolin and Lake Cargelligo, and aims to build leadership skills, confidence, increase employability and awareness in being an active citizen in their local community whilst enhancing cultural knowledge.

The program is for Aboriginal students in Year 10, who are selected by their school executives each year. This year, the program hosted 13 students.

The highlight so far was an online link-up with former NRL star, Jonathan Thurston, where the students had the opportunity to ask questions.

Central West Police District Officer-in- Charge, Inspector Shane Jessep, said police were pleased to be able to offer the modified version of the program this year.

“The Active Citizen Program gives local police and businesses an opportunity to be involved in developing leadership qualities of young people in our community,” Shane said.

“Participants also have this exciting opportunity to build their skillsets and learn, not only from local identities, but also famous people, which will help them become the best versions of themselves as leaders.”

Central West Police District Youth Officer, Senior Constable Daniel Greef, said the student’s positive interest in their communities and culture is infectious.

“We are excited to be able to work with and build-up these future leaders of our communities and see them grow,” Daniel said.

This year’s Active Citizen Program is supported by Evolution Mining and Forbes Shire Council.

The Acheson’s team are getting ready to ‘turn blue’ as they commence a rebrand of their Oxford Street site to Mitre 10, as part of an overhaul to improve the shopping experience for locals.

The change will ensure a wide range of products at competitive prices through Australia’s largest independent home improvement and hardware wholesaler, while remaining proudly family-owned and operated.

Aaron Acheson and wife Jacinda who are both life-time Forbes residents, say it is an exciting new era for the family, who have proudly serviced the Forbes region with hardware and building supplies for over 40 years.

“I grew up in hardware. With our family store starting in 1970. Our longevity in the town is down to the value we place on local relationships and knowing what our customers want,” Aaron said.

Aaron’s mother Barb McKinnon also played an integral role in the success of the business, seeing its transformative years from A&B Building Supplies to Acheson’s Home Hardware in 2014. Barb played a significantroleinrunningthebusinessuntil her passing in 2015.

While the new design has been made to improve the layout and flow for customers, Aaron insists the same familiar faces and specialist knowledge that customers have come to expect at Acheson’s will not change.

“Our staff are genuinely excited for what the rebrand means for locals. We have a solid group of eight employees, many who have worked for the business for a long time.”

Allan Brockman is one such team member that has been working within the Acheson family business for over three decades.

“Allan has known me since I was in nappies and I’d say he also knows most of the people in Forbes too. He’s on first-name basis with every customer who walks in our door and personally sees that our customers get the help they need every time. It’s a trademark of a locally owned family business.”

Customers will also gain new services and convenience, such as Click ‘N Collect and the ‘Mighty Rewards’ loyalty program, as part of the revamp.

So, whether your plans are to build, to renovate or just decorate, have a chat with the knowledgeable and Mighty Helpful Acheson’s team about your next project.