Where were you born? I was born in Brisbane. My parents lived in Tumbarumba but mum had to go to a large hospital for the birth so she went and stayed with an uncle in Brisbane.

Were you named after anyone? My middle name is Campbell. It the family name on my mother’s side.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? My four daughters, proud of each of them. Playing rugby for 43 years. Photographing 800 birds in Australia. Writing a book.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? As an historian many stand out, but as a kid I remember the 1967 referendum and the landing on the moon.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? “Don’t touch that!”

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Too hard to choose one: Photographing birds in the mangroves at Cape Leveque, Western Australia – there were big crocodiles in there! Being in a small boat in a cyclone and micro-chipping lions in South Africa come pretty close. It was also scary being charged by elephants, but the scariest of all was being driven on mountain roads in the Himalayas in Nepal. That was a time I really thought I was about to die.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? A new camera.

When are you happiest? Travelling around Australia photographing wildlife.

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I moved back to Parkes about three and a half years ago. I like being close to my ageing mum. I also like the usual dry climate of Parkes, and quiet of country life.

What is your favourite thing about your working life? Feeling useful and meeting community members.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be? A quiet corner in the countryside, surrounded by nature.

What makes you laugh the most? I love a good joke, clever memes, people who can laugh at themselves, and films that make me laugh even after having seen them half a dozen times, such as Back to the Future and the Bud Spencer and Terence Hill spaghetti westerns.

If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? Magically learn to play piano in a day.

If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to and why? I would willingly peek into the early 20th century, to experience what it was like growing up then.

If you were ruler of your own country what would be the first law you would introduce?

The protection of human basic freedoms for all.

Do you believe in random acts of kindness, and which is your favourite one? Kindness always moves the heart, doesn’t it? Courtesy is kindness. Kindness received has the ability to open the heart and make one want to share that kindness with others.

What is one thing you will never do again? Never stop trying.

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I’ve been here over ten years. I just love the Parkes climate, people and country atmosphere.

What is your favourite thing about your working life? I feel very fortunate in finding employment in my favourite areas of science and technology. Working for CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science is the best job I’ve ever had, challenging yet personally engaging and rewarding.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Here in Parkes is good, on 11 acres close to town and the airport, the Parkes Aero Club and Aviation Museum, with excellent Rex connection to Sydney and the world…including my arctic hometown.

What makes you laugh the most? The reactions I get when I translate Aussie jokes to ’foreigners’.

If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? Skydiving … I love motorcycles, aerobatics, and Michelle and I scored a hot air balloon ride at 50th anniversary of ‘The Dish’ (Murriyang) Open Day. But yeah, skydiving for a day should not tempt fate too much.

If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to and why? I would avoid going back in time, that could lead to problems. But if I could quickly duck forward in time to peep at next week’s Lotto results that would be awesome!

If you were ruler of your own country what would be the first law you would introduce? Free Tim Tams!

What is one thing you will never do again? ‘Never say never’…climb the summit of Cradle Mountain.

Do you believe in random acts of kindness and which is your favourite one? When you reach the checkout with one or two items and the stranger in front with a full supermarket trolley says ’you go first’, but of course you incur a future debt… to return the favour to someone else.

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I moved with my family to Parkes 27 years ago (on Australia Day, 1995). I like the strong sense of community that exists in a country town (that you just don’t find in Sydney, where I grew up).

What is your favourite thing about your working life? As a schoolteacher, I feel privileged to help prepare our next generation of leaders and citizens. The future is in good hands. When I am working at the Parkes Radio Telescope, I also feel privileged to work at such a world-famous scientific facility, and to be able to share my passion for astronomy.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Although there are some wonderful places in the world, I honestly cannot think of another country that I would rather live in besides Australia.

What makes you laugh the most? Episodes of Hard Quiz, a good comedy movie or a good joke.

If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? Lots of things, but one would be to visit Sir Douglas Mawson’s historic hut in Antarctica.

If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to and why? Although we often complain about life, it seems to me that we are privileged to live in Australia in the late 20th and early 21st Centuries. I suspect that a lot of people living in developing countries would agree.

If you were ruler of your own country what would be the first law you would introduce? I’d make it compulsory for every school student to learn a second language. Learning another language develops a greater empathy for other cultures.

Do you believe in random acts of kindness and which is your favourite one? I certainly do. Above all, I try to behave towards others in the same way that I would hope that they would behave towards me.

What is one thing you will never do again? I love eating olives…but will never again eat an olive straight off the tree…..urrggghhh!

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I moved to Parkes from Germany in 1986. I love the countryside around Parkes and live on a farm very close to The Dish!

What is your favourite thing about your working life? I work at the Visitors Centre at the Parkes Radio Telescope and it’s perfect! Awesome colleagues, amazing science and many friendly and enthusiastic visitors from all over the world!

If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Right here, it’s as good as it gets!

What makes you laugh the most? Mr Bean and some scenes in The Dish movie.

If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? Trip to space to get a glimpse of our beautiful home in this universe.

If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to and why? To 1961 when The Dish was brand new. It must have been an amazing era.

If you were ruler of your own country what would be the first law you would introduce? Make all existing medicines available for free to anybody whose life depended on it.

Do you believe in random acts of kindness and which is your favourite one? I definitely do! Best if they are spontaneous in any given situation. I like sending people virtual flowers/cakes for their birthdays and try to be a very courteous driver.

What is one thing you will never do again? Give someone a haircut.

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I’ve been here for almost 27 years. It’s a great place to raise a family, with wide open spaces and good people! I especially enjoy the easy access to the airport and the great conditions for flying!

What is your favourite thing about your working life? They’re a great bunch at the Parkes radio telescope, and I feel lucky to be part of the team. The scientists who come from all over the world often operate on a different plane to the rest of us, but even so, it’s great to know we’ve contributed in some way to their important work by keeping the observatory up to date and running as it should!

If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Right here, right now (in Parkes)!

What makes you laugh the most? Time spent with good friends.

If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? Dancing to live music with my bride.

If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to and why? My dad died when I was pretty young and I feel like I never really got to know him. I’d return to 1982 and my childhood home and have a long talk with him – I have so many questions.

If you were ruler of your own country what would be the first law you would introduce? Free craft beer for all!

Do you believe in random acts of kindness and which is your favourite one? Nah, I just think if you see someone having a bad day or in need of help, you should respectfully offer a hand.

What is one thing you will never do again? I once found myself alone on a cliff face, just holding on with my fingers and toes. When I decided I couldn’t go any further forwards, I looked back and decided I definitely couldn’t go that way either. That’s when I started thinking about my wife and kids waiting at home…

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? All my married life apart from 13 years in the middle in Wagga Wagga. People are so friendly and you can do just about anything from Parkes.

What is your favourite thing about your working life? My work has always been voluntary. I am proud of the way Mal and I reorganised the Learn To Swim Free in the early sixties which hugely increased the numbers of locals who could swim, and now, as a member of Que I get great satisfaction helping so many people in our community whilst making great friends and having lots of fun.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Mal and I chose to return to Parkes when he retired and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. It’s a wonderful place to live.

What makes you laugh the most? My four sons are all extremely quick witted and when they are all home together it’s an absolute riot.

If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? I love Iive theatre and, so I’d like to enjoy a beautiful meal and see a really good show with my husband and good friend Liesel.

If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to and why? In 1968 we took our young family travelling the world for a year. It was just wonderful and I’d love to do it again.

If you were ruler of your own country what would be the first law you would introduce? I’d mandate the phasing out of coal and LPG in Australia, ensuring new jobs for the displaced workers, and actively supporting renewables – solar, wind, wave, hydro and green hydrogen – to ensure future generations have a liveable world.

Do you believe in random acts of kindness and which is your favourite one? Yes of course. I believe most humans are wired to want to help others and so both giver and receiver appreciate kindness.

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I was transferred to Parkes by the then Department Main Roads in October 1980. I really like the moderate pace of life in Parkes, the community attitude, the fresh air and the abundance of native birds on our 11 ha block.

What is your favourite thing about your working life? I was involved in monitoring traffic and transport movements and conducting road safety audits throughout Western NSW. This required a lot of travel and enabled me to enjoy the landscape, as well as carrying out interesting work.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Central West NSW.

What makes you laugh the most? British Comedy, although much of it, such as Benny Hill and the series It Aint Half Hot Mum would be regarded as politically incorrect by some these days.

If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? Spend it in the company of Jesus Christ, Leonardo da Vinci, Rudyard Kipling, and Louis Chevrolet. These were leaders in humanity, art, literature and motoring.

If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to and why? The late 18th and early 19th centuries when the Industrial Revolution really hit its straps. It would be a wonderful experience to be part of massive changes in the way the world’s technologies, workplaces and practices changed for the better.

If you were the ruler of your own country what would be the first law you would introduce? At least 80% of media reporting to be of the positive achievements and experiences of governments and people, rather than the negative or harmful experiences.

What is one thing you will never do again? Turn 80.

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I have lived in Parkes for 30 years. I love living in a town that has such a strong sense of community and safety raising children here. People genuinely look out for one another.

What is your favourite thing about your working life? I have an amazing and challenging job with Service NSW where I get to work with fantastic people and get to be part of some great projects.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be? I have no intention of moving somewhere else. I have great friends, my family are happy here, and we have the benefits of country life with easy access to bigger towns and Sydney.

What makes you laugh the most? Being tickled lol!

If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? Have a long, long lunch in the Greek Islands with family and friends with lots of wine, awesome views and fabulous food.

If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to and why? 1997 – I travelled to Europe and in hindsight would love to have taken a year off work and travelled.

What is one thing you will never do again? Lots of things, but you have to have these experiences in order to learn never to do it again.

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I have lived in Parkes for almost 30 years and I enjoy the fresh air and friendly people.

What is your favourite thing about your working life? When working in the Department of Community Services, protecting children, and in retirement, visiting people.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Among the green fields of Ireland.

What makes you laugh most? Making four putts on the first tee. Maybe that should be ‘cry’!

If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? Swim, read and spend time with family.

If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to and why? I have a difficulty with that one. I would choose two events; 16th June 1963, the day I was ordained a priest, and 26th March 1978, the day I married my beautiful, Peg.

If you were ruler of your own country what would be the first law you would introduce? Ecology awareness, peace and justice.

Do you believe in random acts of kindness and which is your favourite one? Yes I do, and I enjoy visiting and listening to people.

What is one thing you will never do again? Walk out on the Burrendong Dam retaining wall.