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Parkes Phoenix

Our Bloke – Jack Hodges-Lockwood

April 28, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Jack Hodges-Lockwood

Where were you born? Orange, NSW.

Were you named after anyone? My great grandfather.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Completing my apprenticeship.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? Covid-19.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Never put your hand where you wouldn’t put your willy.

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Swimming in waters with tiger sharks around Moreton Island.

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? My misses to cook, a fishing rod and a pallet of longnecks.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Upgrading my second love Barbara (my ute).

When are you happiest? Putting my feet up on a Friday arvo. 

Our Young Gal – Elizabeth MacGregor

April 21, 2023 By Roxane Manley

How old are you? 16.

were you named after anyone? No.

What three things would you like to pack in your lunch box every day? A banana, Cruskits with Vegemite and a muesli bar.

If you could choose any job in the world, what would you do? National Women’s Rugby League (NRLW).

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Buy a car or clothes and shoes. 

What is the scariest thing you’ve ever done? Everything scares me so I always end up chickening out.

If you could meet any historical person, who would that be? Rosa Parks.

What makes you feel like dancing? The music and vibes in the sheds before a footy game.

If you had three wishes, what would you wish for? To make NRLW, always be healthy and a safer world. 

Our Young Bloke – Charlie Mahon

April 14, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Charlie Mahon

How old are you? 17. 

What three things would you like to pack in your lunch box every day? A protein bar, apple and Caesar wrap. 

If you could choose any job in the world, what would you do? Underwater welder. 

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? On a new ute. 

What is the scariest thing you’ve ever done? Bunjee jumping. 

If you could meet any historical person, who would that be? Arthur Summons. 

What makes you feel like dancing? Scoring a try. 

If you had three wishes, what would you wish for? Unlimited money, to be the best NRL player and to own my own business. 

Our Young Gal – Rachel Bilsborough

April 6, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Rachel Bilsborough

How old are you? 11 years old.

What School do you attend and what year are you in? Forbes North Public School, Year 6.

Were you named after anyone? No.

What three things would you like to pack in your lunch box every day? Chips, muffins and sandwiches.

If you could choose any job in the world, what would you do? Professional goalkeeper.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Food, clothes, iPhone and a house deposit.

What is the scariest thing you’ve ever done? Sliding down a giant waterslide andsnorkelling with Banjo Shark and Flathead.

If you could meet any historical person, who would that be? The Queen.

What makes you feel like dancing? Music, with someone else, being happy.

If you had three wishes, what would you wish for? To be famous, to overcome my fears, write my wishes on a piece of paper and wish them all to come true.

Our Young Bloke – Benjamin Hodges

March 31, 2023 By Roxane Manley

 

Benjamin Hodges

How old are you? 11.

What School do you attend and what year are you in? Forbes North Public School, year 6.

Were you named after anyone? No.

What three things would you like to pack in your lunch box every day? Dominos pizza, Coke and chocolate.

If you could choose any job in the world, what would you do? Carpenter.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Lots of devices and a park for my back yard.

What is the scariest thing you’ve ever done? Snorkelling with sharks.

If you could meet any historical person, who would that be? Nathan Cleary.

What makes you feel like dancing? Hip Hop music. 

If you had three wishes, what would you wish for? I would write all my wishes on a piece of paper and then wish that every wish would come true. To be Captain at High School and to become famous in some way.

Our Young Bloke – Toby Collins

March 17, 2023 By Roxane Manley

How old are you? 17.

What School do you attend and what year are you in? I am in year 12 at Parkes High School. 

Were You Named After Anyone? No. Although my middle name is the same as my dad’s.

What three things would you like to pack in your lunch box every day? A block of chocolate, pizza and apple pie.

If you could choose any job in the world, what would you do? An actor in Outer Banks. 

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? I would buy a car.

What is the scariest thing you’ve ever done? I was snorkeling and saw a shark.

If you could meet any historical person, who would that be? Elvis Presley.

What makes you feel like dancing? Elvis music and a fun vibe.

If you had three wishes, what would you wish for? A billion dollars, perfect health and to compete in the Olympics. 

Our Gal – Imogen Steele

March 10, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Imogen Steele

Where were you born? Forbes.

Were you named after anyone? No. 

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? I have always had a strong work ethic since the age of 13, gaining lots of barista experience. I am now onto pursuing a career in Real Estate at Century 21 Central West.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? The first year of COVID19 in our town.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Don’t complain unless the issue can be resolved.

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Purchasing new horses, this is always very risky but also so rewarding.

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? 15L water bottle, lip balm, Birkenstocks.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Put a deposit down for a Hilux.

When are you happiest? Whenever a family member has a birthday, I love all of us being together. As well as when I’m adventuring with my dogs + friends whilst listening to my all time favourite country playlist. 

Our Bloke – Damian Walsh

March 3, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Damian Walsh

Where were you born? Parkes, New South Wales.

Were you named after anyone? No. However it’s a pretty awesome name hey!

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? The only accomplishment I’m proud of is being such an awesome person, 365 days per year.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? I’d have to say, living through two flood events, which were both one in 100 year floods, was the biggest historical moment I’ve ever come across. However, Messi winning the world cup last year was pretty big too.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, its about learning to dance in the rain.

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? I don’t take risks, Risks are risky.

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? A fishing rod, camping chair and an esky.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Well, Blue Sky would see a decent chunk of that.. but I’d probably buy the missus something nice too.

When are you happiest? When I’m with my kids. 

Our Gal – Barb Chislett

February 17, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Barb Chislett

Where were you born? Trundle. 

Were you named after anyone? No. 

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? My children. 

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? Man landing on the moon. 

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? To be honest. 

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Coming to Hay’s Hardware LOL! 

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? A boat, food, and water. 

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? On a nice holiday. 

When are you happiest? At home with my family. 

Our Bloke – Lorne “Bams” Cassidy

February 10, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Where were you born? Gods country, Penrith…raised out west here in Eugowra.

Were you named after anyone? Nah, mum just liked the name but a lot of people think it was after Lorne Greene from bonanza. Bams started as Bambi and that one is a long story!

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Probably making it this far alive or sharing the floor and stage with some of the country’s best barbers and hair dressers over my career.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? Probably 9/11, I was young and that was the first really big tradgedy that I remember, it changed the world…and there were no cartoons that morning either.

Whats the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? The three P’s, practice practice practice!

Whats the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Wayyyy too many to even choose!

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? A dog, a knife and a beer…or maybe just three dogs.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Tattoos, shoes, Zappos and Korean BBQ.

When are you happiest? On the floor behind the chair sharing a laugh!

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