How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I actually live between Parkes and Dubbo, close to Yeoval. I grew up in Molong, married a farmer and moved here about five years ago. I’ve worked in Parkes for the last five years and I love it. It’s got a small-town community vibe, yet the conveniences of a large centre.

Where do you work or what do you do currently and what do you enjoy about it? I own Kerin Physio Co, which I started about three years ago. We now have a team of 12 amazing ladies and we offer physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and exercise physiology services. I absolutely LOVE what I do – I have a passion for rural healthcare and love seeing our clients receive high quality services from professionals who genuinely care.

What is your favourite thing to do when you have free time? I love a long bath with a wine and good book. Or being outside in the garden, there is nothing quite like the morning sun on your shoulders and the smell of freshly cut lawn. Or a stroll up the paddock during golden hour in the late afternoon, with my baby in the carrier, husband beside me and the dogs running around us excitedly.

What makes you proud? Seeing people go outside their comfort zones and achieve amazing things.

If you could be an animal which one would you choose, and why? I’ve always thought meerkats look like they have a lot of fun! Although if I’m being honest, all my Meerkat knowledge comes from the series, Meerkat Manor (which I was far too emotionally invested in…)

Tell us about your best holiday. South America: snorkelling with the incredible animals in the Galapagos Islands, hiking the ancient Inca Trail and overlooking Machu Picchu at sunrise, enjoying a delicious seven-course lunch with paired wines in Mendoza (Argentina) – the perfect holiday.

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I am from Tonga and have been in Parkes for approximately three years. I like Parkes because it is quiet and warm like my country. Most of all I like the people who have welcomed me in the community, especially members of the Parkes M&D Society and the Anglican Church. I feel comfortable in Parkes.

Where do you work or what do you do currently? I am looking for a job. I would like to work in aged care as I think my personality would suit a job in this sector.

What is your favourite thing to do when you have free time? I do like singing, and my involvement with the Parkes M&D has been great. I have been having singing/guitar lessons. I also love gardening and at the moment I am busy planting a lot of succulents because of the weather and lack of water in the future.

What makes you proud? I am proud of my heritage and my Tongan culture, and I am proud to be living in Australia with my Australian family.

If you could be an animal which one would you choose and why? I would like to be a cat – we have three in our house hold and they run the place.

What is your all-time favourite movie, song and/or book, and why? My favourite movie is “King Arthur” as it is about royalty and we have a royal family in Tonga.

Tell us about your best holiday? I went to Eden in 2017 with my Australian family. A lovely little town, but a long drive to get there, especially when I discovered I get car sick.

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I have lived in Parkes since 1983. The best thing about living here is definitely the people.

Where do you work or what do you do currently and what do you enjoy about it? I am a teacher at Middleton Public School. I used to be Assistant Principal but I now do release teaching. I enjoy the kids, and teaching art and science.

What is your favourite thing to do when you have free time? I love to catch up with friends (over a few wines), read, play golf (very badly though) or go for a walk.

What makes you proud? My family. When I look at my kids and the really good people they are, I know I have done something right in life! I’m also proud of my teaching career. I have always loved what I do!

If you could be an animal which one would you choose, and why? I would be a butterfly. They are colourful and free!

What is your all-time favourite movie, song and/or book, and why? My favourite movies are anything that has a ‘feel good’ ending. I love a good romance! My favourite book is ‘I Am Pilgrim.’ I couldn’t put it down and it has the most amazing story ever!

Tell us about your best holiday. I have loved going to Canada, USA and Alaska but I just love Europe, especially Italy! If I could afford it, I would travel overseas every year!

What is on your bucket list? My bucket list is getting longer every year. Mostly the places I want to visit…Europe (again), South America, Africa, Asia and, of course, travel around Australia, especially Western Australia.

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I have lived in Parkes for the past 37 years. The friendly atmosphere and pace of the town is great.

Where do you work or what do you do currently and what do you enjoy about it? I have worked at ORIGIN LPG (previously WESTGAS) for the past 36 years. Best part of the job is getting out dealing with our many and varied customers and great bunch of blokes I work with. Plus nightfill at Woolies.

What is your favourite thing to do when you have free time? Dragon boating with the Parkes Endeavour Dragons – a truly top group of people.

What makes you proud? My three daughters and their achievements in life.

If you could be an animal which one would you choose, and why? Eagle, so I can soar high and look down from above.

What is your all-time favourite movie, song and/or book, and why? The Castle, a truly Australian classic about life in general; any music by David Bowie and Animal Farm by George Orwell, which was my Year 12 text.

Tell us about your best holiday. Ten days exploring Perth with my late wife Lynne.

What is on your bucket list? Live long to annoy my daughters and grandchildren; ride the Indian Pacific; make an awesome home garden; restore an old car (I don’t hold a driver’s licence) and dragon boat in China.

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I was born in Parkes, but I grew up in Alectown for about 18 years. I moved away to university and this year has been my first year back.

Where do you work or what do you do currently and what do you enjoy about it? I work at Regional Business Supplies. I love chatting to customers and helping them find what they need. I’m also studying my master’s degree online through CSU.

What is your favourite thing to do when you have free time? Read books. Then read some more!

What makes you proud? Watching how our town sticks together through tough times. Drought brings people together in a positive way – support is never far away. I see this positive and faithful perspective in my parents.

If you could be an animal which one would you choose, and why? I would love to be a cat so I could sleep all day long.

What is your all-time favourite movie, song and/or book, and why? The Young Victoria is my favourite movie, I could watch it over and over. I love anything historical.

Tell us about your best holiday. Last year I spent a few weeks in the UK. Absolutely loved the scenery in Scotland. Bath was probably my favourite city to visit. Looking forward to going back there soon.

What is on your bucket list? I would love to write my own television show and direct it one day just for fun.

 

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I moved to Parkes nearly five years ago from Coffs Harbour. I like the country atmosphere and friendliness of the locals.

Where do you work or what do you do currently and what do you enjoy about it? At the moment I am looking for work.

What is your favourite thing to do when you have free time? I enjoy catching up with family and friends, the theatre and watching car races. This weekend I will be glued in front of the TV for the Bathurst 1000!

What makes you proud? How caring and supportive members of the Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society are, as well as the staff of Currajong Disability Services.

If you could be an animal which one would you choose, and why? I would love to be a koala as they are caring and cuddly, and an Australian animal!

What is your all-time favourite movie, song and/or book, and why? My favourite movies are Patch Adams and Mrs Doubtfire with Robin Williams as he was a genius comedian. My favourite book at the moment is Jamie Oliver’s Five Ingredients as I love cooking.

Tell us about your best holiday. I went to New Zealand and my favourite part was the Milford Sound on the South Island as it was so tranquil and peaceful.

What is on your bucket list? I am passionate about acting and would love to become an actor or a wildlife warrior like Steve Irwin. I would also like to visit Universal Studios in America.

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I moved to Parkes 31 years ago and attended school at Middleton Primary. I’ve lived at Alectown for 20 years. I love the rural lifestyle and the rural people.

Where do you work or what do you do currently and what do you enjoy about it? I help my husband John run our property, and I work for Craig Smith at The Dish Cafe and at Country Roads Motel at Peak Hill. I enjoy learning new cooking skills with Craig and I like the satisfaction of my motel job. I also love earning a wage because I don’t make any cash on the property.

What is your favourite thing to do when you have free time? Riding my horses and competing in competitions around the state.

What makes you proud? My achievements with my horses. I’ve just returned from winning my class in the Reining Cow Horse competition at Wattamondara.

If you could be an animal which one would you choose, and why? I would be a horse because they are such majestic animals.

What is your all-time favourite movie, song and/or book, and why? My all-time favourite movie is The Man from Snowy River. No need to ask why – it’s obvious.

Tell us about your best holiday? Phoenix in Arizona where I rode horses on a ranch owned by Lee and Mark Smith, where I saw what an amazing affinity they have with their horses. The other highlight of this holiday was riding mules in Medina, Texas.

What is on your bucket list? To learn to have the gift with horses that I’ve experienced with Lee in Phoenix and to help others find the same connection.