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Parkes Phoenix

Our Gal – Katie Spence

February 3, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Katie Spence

Where were you born? Windsor, NSW. 

Were you named after anyone? No. 

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? My children, my husband and all that we’ve achieved together in 15 years. 

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? 9/11, COVID, Russia invading Poland…. There’s too many!! 

Whats the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Things always, always happen for a reason. Whether you need to process it in the moment or years that, you will look back and see and understand why things happen the way they do. 

Whats the greatest risk youve ever taken? Buying a butchers and being a farmer. 

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? Insulin, beer and nachos 

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Probably on my kids, or even a new bathroom. 

When are you happiest? Friday afternoons having a beer out the back with hubby and watching our kids play or going on hikes at the Blue Mountains. 

Our Bloke – Brett Thomas

January 27, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Brett Thomas

Where were you born? Sydney.

Were you named after anyone? My initials BJ after my grandfather.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Getting married and having two great kids. 

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? The recent Eugowra flooding. Helping clean up over there and listening to the stories of survival. They are a strong community.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? There’s always a reason and there’s always a solution.

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Sky diving solo.

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? A boat, fishing gear and a pallet of beer.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Build a patio at the back of the house.

When are you happiest? Playing golf and having a few beers with the boys.

Our Gal – Ashleigh Smith (Miss Priscilla 2022)

January 4, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Ashleigh Smith (Miss Priscilla 2022)

Where were you born? I was born in Parkes. 

Were you named after anyone? No. 

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Giving birth to my son. 

What did you enjoy the most about being Miss Priscilla? I enjoyed being amongst the festival and meeting new people, it always is a fun time. 

What is your favourite Elvis song? Hound Dog. 

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? 9/11. 

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? “Do something you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.”

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Starting my own beauty business back in 2018. 

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? I would use it to take my family on a big holiday overseas.

When are you happiest? I’m happiest when I’m at home relaxing with my family. 

Our Gal – Roxanne Gallacher

December 16, 2022 By Roxane Manley

Roxanne Gallacher

Where were you born? I was born in Griffith Base Hospital – after a very quick drive over from Hillston. 

Were you named after anyone? Not exactly. My parents had a friend whose name was Roxanne and they liked it. My middle name is the same as my mum though. 

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? I have had many special moments and been a part of some great programs and events, but the highlight for me would be being part of the 5 person Cast Movement team for Schools Spectacular in 2018. 

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? The 9/11 tragedy and Bali Bombings are two that I will never forget. 

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? You can’t give from an empty cup. 

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? I think moving to Parkes actually. I came here for a temporary teaching contract in 2015 and have been here ever since. 

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? My painting gear, a hammock and a fishing rod. 

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? I’d square off my debts and book a holiday. 

When are you happiest? Curled up with a book, coffee and a bit of chocolate.

Our Bloke – Ben Smith

December 9, 2022 By Roxane Manley

Ben Smith

Where were you born? Forbes Hospital.

Were you named after anyone? No.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Our two children Tyson 10 and Ruby 7.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? The September 11 terrorist attacks and the Cronulla Sharks 2016 premiership.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? You can count your true mates on one hand.

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? There has been a few but one Saturday at Hawkesbury races is still etched in my memory (and nightmares).

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? My family, TAB app and a boat to get us back.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Book a family holiday overseas, go searching for the next winner then shout Chinese late.

When are you happiest? When my family is happy and healthy and when I’m having a beer, a laugh with my mates and backing a winner. 

Our Gal – Cassandra Tyack

December 2, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Cassandra Tyack

Where were you born? Wollongong 

Were you named after anyone? No. 

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

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? 9/11. 

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Never pass up an opportunity because you never know when you will get another one. 

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Working with Jared Demamiel. 

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? My hubby, ChapStick, and a good mattress. 

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Put it towards renovating my house. 

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

Our Bloke – Nathan Corliss

November 25, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Nathan Corliss

Where were you born? Forbes. 

Were you named after anyone? My middle name is after my two pops. 

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Finishing my trades and working with Boys to the Bush. 

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? Forbes Floods. 

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

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Working under Tim West! 

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? Candice, Phyllis for food and a boat. 

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Donate it to flood victims. 

When are you happiest? Working with young men in my job. 

Our Gal – Elly Tom

November 11, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Elly Tom

Where were you born? Carlton, Victoria. 

Were you named after anyone? Yes, my great grandmother Ellen Mary Morris. 

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? My adult daughter, and son, to see their achievements and little families. 

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? The moon landing, the whole school watched it on one tv in the hall. 

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Trust yourself that you can do it. 

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Moving to Parkes, leaving behind family, friends, and where I grew up. 

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? My husband, a radio and books. 

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Share it around my family. 

When are you happiest? When with family and playing music. 

Our Bloke – David Brennan

November 4, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

David Brennan

Where were you born? At Shoalhaven Hospital in Nowra.

Were you named after anyone? Not that I am aware of.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Progressing my career in hospitality to club management roles in a relatively short amount of time in the industry. 

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? The 2019 bush fires in NSW. I remember walking outside of work at the time, on a Saturday night with virtually no customers inside, and the sky was an eerie black colour, and oddly quiet.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Don’t be disheartened by trying to change the world overnight, and not being able to. Make positive, small steps and you will look back in the future and see the success. 

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Leaving my previous club, and moving to Parkes, to be the General Manager of the Leagues Club.

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? A fishing rod, matches and a (full) water bottle!

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? I would book flights to see my best friend who moved to the USA two years ago.

When are you happiest? Relaxing on the outdoor lounge with a cold beer in hand. 

Our Gal – Irene Ridgeway

October 28, 2022 By Maggi Barnard

Irene Ridgeway

Where were you born? I was born at Mater Misericordiae Hospital at Waratah in Newcastle.

Were you named after anyone? I was named after my Aunty Irene.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? My six sons are my proudest accomplishment.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? Marching down George Street in 1983 protesting John Pat’s death in custody. This protest became a symbol of injustice and oppression for Aboriginal people.

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

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? I’m not much of a risk taker, I think life is one big risk, it’s what we achieve daily that counts.

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? I’d take an umbrella, some water and a satellite phone.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? I would book a cruise somewhere.

When are you happiest? I’m happiest when I’m around the people I love and when I create artPARKES6862 

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