Parkes Public School Captain – Riley Fernando

How old are you? 12

Where do you go to school? Parkes Public

What is your favourite after school activity? Football.

What is your favourite food, movie and music? Food: steak; Movie: Godzilla vs Kong; Music: Ski Mask The Slump God.

What do you want to do when you grow up? I want to be in the military or be part of the service anywhere.

If you could have a super power what would it be? Invisibility, so I’m not seen all the time.

What makes you laugh the most? My baby brother.

If you were the ruler of your own country, what would be the first law you would introduce? No cars, people have to use motorbikes for transport.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself. I’ve been riding bikes for around four years now. I love mountain bike riding and BMX.

How old are you? 11

Where do you go to school? Middleton Public School

What is your favourite after school activity? Netball, physie and swimming.

What is your favourite food, movie and music? Food: curried sausages; Movie: Wonder – it has a lovely storyline and it shows that it’s OK to be different; Music: Dua Lipa.

What do you want to do when you grow up? I would like to be a paediatrician because I would like to be able to help sick kids.

If you could have a super power what would it be? Teleportation – it would be great to move from one place to another without moving.

What makes you laugh the most? My oldest brother Charlie and his jokes.

If you were the ruler of your own country, what would be the first law you would introduce? All shops would be closed on public holidays, especially Anzac Day.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself. I enjoy sewing as I find it relaxing, and I love swimming. My favourite event is the medley, doing one lap of every stroke.

Vice Captain Middleton Public School

How old are you? 11

Where do you go to school? Middleton Public School

What is your favourite after school activity? I like to play after school sports.

What is your favourite food, movie and music? My favourite food is steak, my favourite movie is Backtrack Boys and I like lots of different music.

What do you want to do when you grow up? I would like to become a barber.

If you could have a super power what would it be? To be able to fly.

What makes you laugh the most? My dad.

If you were the ruler of your own country, what would be the first law you would introduce? No fighting.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself. I play just about every sport.

The Late Jim Harper 3 RAR Infantry Korea attending an ANZAC parade in Parkes in 2010.

How long have you lived in Parkes and what is the best thing about living here? We (the Harper Family) moved here in 1965. I’m very fond of the community spirit in Parkes, and the surrounding countryside and available space to switch off.

Where do you work or what do you do currently and what do you enjoy about it? I established my own business in Parkes six years ago – Jo Laurie Healing Arts. I’m passionate about sharing Intentional Creativity workshops for people in my studio so that they remember the joys and benefits of creating with a mindful, process not product driven attitude. I also hold weekly Women’s Circles, and offer Lomi Lomi, Hot Stone Massages, and I’m a Reiki Master.

What is your favourite thing to do when you have free time? Dance with my paintbrush!

What makes you proud? Thinking about Anzac Day approaching, I’m proud and grateful to these men in our family:
• Uncle George Hamon killed in action aged 22 in 1917 in France;
• Poppo: Charles Harper Infantry WW1 and Intelligence WW2;
• Uncle Adrian Harper Rat of Toobruk, and 2nd Battalion WW2;
• Uncle Kelly Harper Rat of Toobruk, and 2nd Battalion WW2;
• Uncle Arthur Harper 3rd Battalion Ack Ack WW2 and 3rd Battalion Korea;
• Uncle Jack Harper 3 RAR Korea;
• Dad: Jim Harper 3 RAR Infantry Korea.

What will you do on Anzac day? I have never missed a Dawn Service, and always lay a wreath in gratitude for my family. I attended a Dawn Service in Bargara, Queensland and marched there for Dad one year – it was a memorable event. One of us will march for Dad this year and we’ll have a family bbq lunch.

Vice Captain Holy Family Primary School

How old are you? 11

Where do you go to school? Holy Family Primary School

What is your favourite after school activity? Art and sport

What is your favourite food, movie and music? Food: gelato; Movie: Airplane mode; Music: Rock – Pop.

What do you want to do when you grow up? A singer

If you could have a superpower what would it be? Teleportation

What makes you laugh the most? My friends.

If you were the ruler of your own country, what would be the first law you would introduce? Everyday you can get gelato for free!

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself. My middle name is Louise.

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? Our family moved from spending 2.5 years in Canada to Parkes in June 2019. We love being closer to our family and friends, and how close Parkes is located to other major regional centres.

What is your favourite thing about your working life? Working at the Parkes Pharmacy brings me joy in many ways. I love engaging with the community, and getting to know our customers whilst being able to help them for their medical needs at the same time.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be? I really enjoyed living in Canada, even though the winters were cold and long. I really enjoyed the people and the landscapes of the North.

What makes you laugh the most? I laugh a lot when I am with my children, but I think I laugh most when I make fun of myself for doing something silly.

If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? So many desires and thoughts flashed through my mind but I would want to spend my time with my parents (who currently are overseas) and just chat about life history to get to know them more.

If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to and why? I would go back to our wedding day in May 2010. It was such a special time and I could do it all over again.

If you were ruler of your own country what would be the first law you would introduce? Be kind to others.

Do you believe in random acts of kindness and which is your favourite one? Yes, it rings close to my heart. I appreciate ones when a person offers to pay for the next person’s coffee or even their groceries.

What is one thing you will never do again? Take things (or people) for granted.