Charlie Pecenka

How long have you lived in Parkes? I came here in 1972 so over 40 years.

Where do you work? I run Parkes Optical Services and The Coffee Pot. Interesting combination! Yes I bought
the coffee shop first and optical dispensing came afterwards.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? Ireland, I loved it when I was there last time.

What are your worst habits? I procrastinate and leave things until the last minute, much to the annoyance of my wife.

What do you like to do in your spare time? I don’t have much! I’m heavily involved in the Rotary Club, I used to coach basketball but lately I’m focussing on my family and grandchildren.

What do you enjoy about your work? I like dealing with people, the social aspect of it.

How do you take your coffee? I usually drink coffee with hazelnut flavouring topped with cinnamon.

Maggi Barnard

How long have you lived in Parkes? I have been here for five and a half years.

What made you move to Parkes and where did you live before? Northparkes Mine is what brought us here from Darwin. We moved to Australia from Swakopmund in Namibia in 2008.

Where do you work? I am a Reporter for The Parkes Phoenix.

What do you enjoy about reporting? I love the variety, meeting people, getting to know their stories and writing about it. I enjoy photography as well.

What do you like to do in your spare time? Reading, gardening, exploring new places, listening to music, yoga and walking.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be? Wolwedans in the Namib Desert.

What’s your worst habit? Forgetting names!

How do you start your day? Doing the 5 Tibetans.

What’s your favourite food? Fruit salad and ice cream!

Alan Ward

How long have you lived in or around Parkes? I was born in Parkes and have lived here all of my life, completing my schooling here. I wouldn’t live anywhere else.

Where do you work? I opened Totally Workwear 6 years ago in the current location and have gone from strength to strength since that time. I served the first 4 years on the national Board for TWW. I have been a councillor on Parkes Council for 8 years. My focus is on the future economic development of Parkes, particularly the Parkes airport.

What do you love most about working at TWW? Having a unique business that supplies to local tradesmen.

What do you do in your spare time? I enjoy going to the river and going fishing. I’m also a motoring enthusiast and love the Bathurst races.

How do you like your coffee? Cappuccino with one sugar.

What makes your day? Being part of a really happy community.

Anna Wyllie

How long have you lived in Parkes? I’ve lived here for ten years. My husband is in the mining industry so we decided to move here from Ontario, Canada.

Where do you work? I’ve worked at Parkes Shire Council for 5 years, with two and half years in my current role as Economic and Business Development Manager.

What do you enjoy about working for the Council? I love the diversity of the role and that I get the opportunity to work with the community and of course my team who are fabulous.

How do you start your day? With a beautiful small person (one of 3) giving me a cuddle then a strong black coffee.

What do you like to do in your spare time? I read children’s book and play lego with my kids and in my own time I love to read a good book and take my dog for a nice, quiet walk.

What makes your day? Working closely with the community is a job I’m passionate about and getting to visit my children at school when the occasion arises.

Michael Oakley

Hi Michael, thanks for being the first Our Bloke! No worries at all.

How long have you lived in or around Parkes? For approximately 10 months.

So you’re a newbie! Where do you work? I took up the position with SCU as Branch Manager, moving from Sydney where I had worked with CBA in management for 13 years.

What do you love most about working at SCU? I love meeting the people, interaction with our members and being able to provide real solutions to any problems our members may have.

How do you like to start your day? I head out for a 40-50 minute walk each morning.

What do you do in your spare time? I am heavily involved with the local Rugby League Club, the Spacemen, and have taken the role of Treasurer.

How do you like your coffee? Black.

What makes your day? Being able to make a difference.