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.

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I was born in Parkes and have lived here my whole life. The best thing about living here is family and friends, and the many great people I’ve met over the years.

What is your favourite thing about your working life? I am a volunteer. I am licenced to rescue and rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned animals. It can be very demanding and heartbreaking at times, but to save lives and being able to release animals back to their home is my favourite thing.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be? The Hinterland of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. It is quiet, beautiful, near Australis Zoo Wildlife Hospital and the beach.

What makes you laugh the most? Road trips with friends.

If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? Turn off my phone, not worry about a thing and spend time away with my husband and kids.

If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to and why? I would go back to any Christmas day at my grandparents when my Nanna would cook an amazing hot lunch for everyone, no matter if it was 40 degrees. Being with my whole family were happy years I will never forget.

If you were ruler of your own country what would be the first law you would introduce? Much stricter laws for land clearing and habitat destruction.

Do you believe in random acts of kindness and which is your favourite one? Yes, my favourite is the simple everyday things, like holding a door open for someone, letting someone go before you in a queue, or checking on your elderly neighbour.

What is one thing you will never do again? Driving up Mount Hotham in Victoria in heavy snow conditions, fog and wind.

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I was born in Parkes, and went to school here and in Forbes. I moved away to study at several art colleges and worked abroad. I like bringing back what I’ve learnt to undertake art projects in the shire.

What is your favourite thing about your working life? I have always loved art, I have always wanted to do art. I am proud to have followed my passion. I have achieved a lot of my dreams. I’m lucky to feel resolved.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be? I would love to live in Boho, Northern Ireland where my great, great, great grandfather Thomas was sentenced to death, and later commuted to life transportation to the colony of NSW.

What makes you laugh the most? My nephews and my niece Arlo, Emrys and Tully Cassidy. They have answers for everything.

If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? Learn to play bass guitar adequately in 24 hours!

If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to and why? Parkes 1983. Music and films were better. The analogue years were as fun as they were simple, and there were more horses on the streets, ridden, and driven. I loved the sound of hoofbeats on the bitumen.

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

Do you believe in random acts of kindness and which is your favourite one? I believe nature will always create persons scattered throughout a community who have the ability to understand the experiences and feelings of others outside of their own perspective. The acts I love are the ones that need no audience, no ticks to names, no getting into publications, just help when your neighbour is not at their best.

What is one thing you will never do again? Run fast, my knees are done.

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? My family relocated from Lithgow to Parkes in October 1989 when the hay fever season was at its peak and a mini tornado caused considerable damage close to the CBD.

What is your favourite thing about your working life? Wow! So many favourite things as a teacher of young children! Being told by a 5 or 6-year-old their latest joke, family adventure, what they’d like to be when they grow up, displaying their most recently learned ball skill or gymnastic trick or just a huge smile and hug made every day special.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Being of an Italian background, I’d like to have an extended holiday along the Amalfi Coast, but would always want to return to my family and friends.

What makes you laugh the most? Kids always make me laugh with their honesty, innocence and excitement in sharing anything and everything.

If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? Relaxing and walking along the beach sounds like fun, exploring the rock pools, collecting shells, listening to the waves and smelling the fresh air.

If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to and why? I would like to go back to 1970 when I was completing my teacher training to allow myself more time at becoming more proficient at playing the piano and trumpet.

If you were ruler of your own country what would be the first law you would introduce? Not sure that I’d want more rules!!

Do you believe in random acts of kindness and which is your favourite one? Random acts of kindness enhance the wellbeing of both the giver ad the receiver. So, get out there each day and show kindness in some small way.

What is one thing you will never do again? I will never go caving again, besides being too old, I’d not want to be cold, wet and exhausted and have to drag myself to the exit point in a wetsuit and gumboots.