How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? For 17 years. I like living in the country, with wide open spaces, fresh air and no traffic.

Where do you work or what do you do currently and what do you enjoy about it? I am the office manager at Parkes Early Childhood Centre (PECC), and enjoy working with such a supportive, professional team and helping families settle in. I’m also involved in ministry at Parkes Presbyterian church, but my most important, challenging and rewarding job is being a mum.

What is your favourite thing to do when you have free time? I really enjoy getting outside as much as I can, whether it’s going for a run, going camping or just pottering about in the yard.

What makes you proud? My three daughters, especially when they’re working hard at overcoming challenges, obstacles or difficulties.

If you could be an animal which one would you choose, and why? An eagle – for the freedom, the view, catching those updrafts and thermals and soaring above the earth.

What is your all-time favourite book and why? I really enjoying reading about people’s lives and experiences. Three recent favourites are: Any Ordinary Day by Leigh Sales, Just a Little Run Around the World by Rosie Swale Pope, and My Island Home by Tim Winton.

Tell us about your best holiday. Walking the Milford Track in New Zealand over four days with my husband Craig, and getting helicoptered over an avalanche zone part way through. Spectacular!

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I was born in Parkes and lived and farmed at Alectown until moving into Parkes 23 years ago and starting the first Bed & Breakfast in Parkes on 8th May 1998. Parkes is a very friendly and progressive town and it is easy to be part of this community.

Where do you work or what do you do currently and what do you enjoy about it? I am very fortunate to still work with my nephew in his farming operation, and find it very satisfying. Helen and I have also enjoyed our years of running the B & B and meeting amazing people.

What is your favourite thing to do when you have free time? Visiting our two sons and their families, watching the grandchildren develop. We like to travel and look forward to being able to do that again. I remember my father saying ‘you don’t learn unless you travel’.

What makes you proud? Family and their achievements. I had great times with the M&D, and have been a member of about four choral groups and have really enjoyed these experiences.

If you could be an animal which one would you choose, and why? I have known a couple of dogs in my life time and they have wormed their way into my heart so I would hope if I was a dog my owner would spoil me and I could return the favour.

What is your all-time favourite movie, song and/or book, and why? If I start reading a Wilbur Smith book, I can’t put it down until it is finished. He is an amazing author. I also like Tom Clancy.

Tell us about your best holiday. We went to Japan recently and met up with two young ladies we hosted in the B&B and had the privilege of having them guide us around their country.

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? Two years. Country life and the friendly and caring community!

Where do you work or what do you do currently and what do you enjoy about it? I’m a qualified high school teacher, but just working casual at the moment to give me more flexibility with my kids. I enjoy being able to spend more time with my kids.

What is your favourite thing to do when you have free time? Go for a run and catching up on my favourite TV series.

What makes you proud? To see how far we have come (we had many obstacles to overcome); being able to do something for the community; and to be a mum to my amazing kids.

If you could be an animal which one would you choose, and why? Wolf – for the strength of the pack is the wolf, and the strength of the wolf is the pack.

What is your all-time favourite movie, song and/or book, and why? Dirty Dancing – I am a sucker for classic love stories!

Tell us about your best holiday. I don’t have a best. Given the opportunity to spend it with my family makes every holiday one to cherish and remember.

What is on your bucket list? To travel around the world, to go to the Greek islands, and participate in UTA (Ultra Trail Australia) in the Blue Mountains, but only the 22km!

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? 18+7+16 years… Moved away twice but came back. The thing I love the most about Parkes is the sense of community here.

Where do you work or what do you do currently and what do you enjoy about it? I own and operate Musica Arioso, a private music studio located in Parkes, but servicing up to 100km away. Since COVID-19 I can offer lessons to everyone who has access to the internet. I enjoy watching my kids and adult students achieve success, in competition or personal, because everyone deserves a little music in their life.

What is your favourite thing to do when you have free time? I love to cook for family and friends. If I didn’t have my music, I believe I would have pursued a career as a caterer.

What makes you proud? Lots of things, but although it’s rather cliché, I would have to say watching my three grown children reach their goals in life.

If you could be an animal which one would you choose, and why? A cat! Simply because they have the life.

What is your all-time favourite movie, song and/or book, and why? I enjoy a wide range of movies, music and books, which is ironic considering as a music teacher I listen to a variety of styles and artists. It’s too hard to choose, but Barbara Streisand is my favourite artist because she is so versatile.

Tell us about your best holiday. Rennes, France… I was fortunate to spend six weeks with the family of an exchange student who lived with me for 10 months, so managed to see this beautiful country as a local. Even got to practice my school girl French when buying groceries. Was a bit of a laugh.

What is on your bucket list? The list keeps changing and life keeps evolving. As long as I have my health, family and good friends, what else matters.

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? Just over 27 years. The expression of community here is excellent and so evident in the midst of the social distancing rules. We greatly appreciate the high quality education system provided here, which is such a huge blessing to our extended family.

Where do you work or what do you do currently and what do you enjoy about it? I am the pastor of Parkes AOG Church and I especially enjoy watching people grow and making spiritual and character progress.

What is your favourite thing to do when you have free time? Walking, hiking in the bush and jogging.

What makes you proud? When friends and family do good, show kindness, excel in their work, especially when they are under pressure.

If you could be an animal which one would you choose, and why? An eagle to catch thermal updrafts, scale the heights and see the beauty of the mountains and the hidden valleys. Eagles are legendary for renewing their youth.

What is your all-time favourite movie, song and/or book, and why? Amazing Grace song and movie. No book can compare with the Bible which I have read through over 45 times and the gospels nearly 100 times. I also love the Chronicles of Narnia for the rich insight each story gives on life.

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I was born and raised in Parkes, then moved overseas where I lived most of my life. I returned to Parkes two years ago. I like Parkes. It’s a pretty town, and the people are friendly. I love the community spirit of this town.

Where do you work or what do you do currently and what do you enjoy about it? I work at Neighbourhood Central. The team here is great. I see a lot of dedication and care, both with staff and our team of volunteers.

What is your favourite thing to do when you have free time? I enjoy reading and walking, and enjoying nature.

What makes you proud? I am proud of my children.

If you could be an animal which one would you choose, and why? I like elephants for their size and gentleness. I like horses for their beauty and strength. Sheep are so cute; it’s funny how they’ll stand and stare at you for so long. I wonder why. But to answer the question, I really am happy that I’m a human being.

What is your all-time favourite movie, song and/or book, and why? My favourite book is by an Italian mystic, Maria Valtorta. It is very compelling reading. I’ve read it several times. And then, of course, I just love Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. I first read the trilogy in my teens and couldn’t put it down. I’ve since read it several times and watched the films three times.

Tell us about your best holiday. Holidaying with family. Family is special.

What is on your bucket list? I’m not very musical, but wish I were. Wishing to have some musical talent is “ideally” a bucket list item destined to remain on the list.

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I moved to Parkes in December 1992 after a year in Sydney. Before that I lived in Broken Hill. Parkes is a good location, with many other towns nearby offering something different. It’s great to go for a drive and look around.

Where do you work or what do you do currently and what do you enjoy about it? I work for Transport NSW. Our region covers 55% of NSW so we get to work across a broad range of land, from the Blue Mountains to arid climates.

What is your favourite thing to do when you have free time? Exercise, socialise, and travel with the wife.

What makes you proud? People of all ages who step up and do the hard yards when it counts.

If you could be an animal which one would you choose, and why? Years ago I was lucky enough to camp on a waterhole in far west Queensland, and observe a pack of dingos at night under a full moon. They were amazing, something you don’t forget.

What is your all-time favourite movie, song and/or book, and why? Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels – slick British comedy at its best.

Tell us about your best holiday. I’ve done a few trips to Thailand to train in Muay Thai. The training is hard, the people and culture are fantastic.

What is on your bucket list? I got married in mid-2019; it would be nice to have a honeymoon! Once travel bans are lifted, we plan to do something.

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I moved from Dubbo in 1976 soon after finishing year 12 so that is about 44 years. I like the laid back lifestyle and the ability to readily partake in activities that I enjoy.

Where do you work or what do you do currently and what do you enjoy about it? I retired after 42 years on the railway as a train driver. Retirement has turned out to be the best job I’ve ever had as it has allowed me even more time to do those things I enjoy and more time with the family, something that driving trains always made difficult.

What is your favourite thing to do when you have free time? I enjoy a range of activities including bushwalking and bird watching with my friends in the National Parks Association as well as cycling and swimming for fitness. Riding my motorcycle with family and friends is my favourite.

What makes you proud? My wife, Maureen who is simply amazing and both my children who have grown up to be wonderful human beings with a great attitude to life and each with a beautiful family.

If you could be an animal which one would you choose, and why? An Eagle. To be able to soar on the wind far above the earth, though I suppose having to eat raw rabbit may not be so great.

What is your all-time favourite movie, song and/or book, and why? My favourite movie – Jurassic Park as ever since I was little, I had a fascination for dinosaurs and to see species recreated reasonably faithfully by CGI was a buzz.

Tell us about your best holiday. My wife and I spent five months last year travelling the ‘half lap’ (SA, NT and WA) in a caravan. It was a steep learning curve but the freedom it allowed us was fantastic. We can’t wait to head off again.

What is on your bucket list? In the immediate future, visit the Queensland Gulf Country for a few months.