While the spring season of birth passes quietly for many Australian native species, a few, like the Magpie can make renewal a bit rowdier.

The magpie breeding season lasts until November and can be stressful for many people as dive bombing Magpies turn our favourite outdoor places into no go zones.

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Ranger Steve Woodhall says there are a few simple steps to take to avoid swooping magpies. “For most of the year Magpies are welcome additions to our lives, helping control garden pests, and filling our ears with their beautiful song,” Steve said.

“However, for around six weeks of the year, some male magpies become aggressive and swoop anyone who enters their territory where they are nesting.”

“This can be alarming but being tolerant and avoiding areas where Magpies are known to swoop is the best way to avoid conflict. They are only being responsible parents by protecting their young from perceived threats,” he said.

Some simple and effective steps people can take to help protect themselves and should teach children include:
• Never harass or provoke Magpies.
• Keep calm. Walk quickly but do not run.
• Try to keep your eye on the Magpie, they are less likely to swoop when they are being directly watched.
• Dismount your bicycle or horse.

Visit https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/animals-and-plants/native-animals/native-animal-facts/australian-magpie for information.

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.

The Forbes Railway Arts & Tourist Centre have long been a part of the Forbes community and this year the committee celebrates 30 years of servicing visitors from the Heritage railway building.

“I want to thank all of the amazing volunteers we have had at the Railway Station over the last 30 years,” says Forbes Shire Council Mayor Phyllis Miller. “Without their dedication and hard work Forbes would not have had such a wonderful service and local business in the Railway Arts and Tourist Centre.”

“Your support in selling Forbes to prospective tourists is greatly appreciated, and without your tireless dedication many would have driven through town and not stayed to spend money here.”

The relocation of the information service from its previous location in Lachlan Street, to accompany the arts and craft group was agreed upon at this inaugural meeting and so began the unique and successful union. The committee agreed the operating hours would be 9am to 5pm, and discussions were had regarding members teaching their craft to others in a designated room.

The committee thrived for three decades, with a total of 111 members, 83 of whom were “sitting” members of the committee in February 1991. A lot of hard work was put into getting the Centre off the ground. Members joined for multiple reasons, including social interaction, particularly with others of similar creative hobbies and interests, sale of goods and community pride to show the world, their wonderful town.

The committee was instrumental in organising, planning and planting the garden in the driveway. They also oversaw internal renovations of the building including the “baby” room, middle craft room and the Ben Hall Experience Room which includes a short DVD depicting Hall’s demise, local interviews and artefacts from the era. As well as the later addition of the Ben Hall Family Tree Panel put together by local history buff Kerry Neaylon.

“A special thank you to members, who have served since the very early days of inception of the committee for their extensive years of service. Danie Doolan, the driving force and dedicated founding member must also be acknowledged. Without her initial push the Forbes Railway Arts & Tourist Centre and its committee would not have come to fruition.”

Currently the Railway Arts Centre is closed due to COVID-19. The centre will be reopening in the coming weeks fully equipped with the necessary health requirements for staff and visitor safety.