How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I moved with my family to Parkes 27 years ago (on Australia Day, 1995). I like the strong sense of community that exists in a country town (that you just don’t find in Sydney, where I grew up).

What is your favourite thing about your working life? As a schoolteacher, I feel privileged to help prepare our next generation of leaders and citizens. The future is in good hands. When I am working at the Parkes Radio Telescope, I also feel privileged to work at such a world-famous scientific facility, and to be able to share my passion for astronomy.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Although there are some wonderful places in the world, I honestly cannot think of another country that I would rather live in besides Australia.

What makes you laugh the most? Episodes of Hard Quiz, a good comedy movie or a good joke.

If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? Lots of things, but one would be to visit Sir Douglas Mawson’s historic hut in Antarctica.

If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to and why? Although we often complain about life, it seems to me that we are privileged to live in Australia in the late 20th and early 21st Centuries. I suspect that a lot of people living in developing countries would agree.

If you were ruler of your own country what would be the first law you would introduce? I’d make it compulsory for every school student to learn a second language. Learning another language develops a greater empathy for other cultures.

Do you believe in random acts of kindness and which is your favourite one? I certainly do. Above all, I try to behave towards others in the same way that I would hope that they would behave towards me.

What is one thing you will never do again? I love eating olives…but will never again eat an olive straight off the tree…..urrggghhh!

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I moved to Parkes from Germany in 1986. I love the countryside around Parkes and live on a farm very close to The Dish!

What is your favourite thing about your working life? I work at the Visitors Centre at the Parkes Radio Telescope and it’s perfect! Awesome colleagues, amazing science and many friendly and enthusiastic visitors from all over the world!

If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Right here, it’s as good as it gets!

What makes you laugh the most? Mr Bean and some scenes in The Dish movie.

If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? Trip to space to get a glimpse of our beautiful home in this universe.

If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to and why? To 1961 when The Dish was brand new. It must have been an amazing era.

If you were ruler of your own country what would be the first law you would introduce? Make all existing medicines available for free to anybody whose life depended on it.

Do you believe in random acts of kindness and which is your favourite one? I definitely do! Best if they are spontaneous in any given situation. I like sending people virtual flowers/cakes for their birthdays and try to be a very courteous driver.

What is one thing you will never do again? Give someone a haircut.

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I’ve been here for almost 27 years. It’s a great place to raise a family, with wide open spaces and good people! I especially enjoy the easy access to the airport and the great conditions for flying!

What is your favourite thing about your working life? They’re a great bunch at the Parkes radio telescope, and I feel lucky to be part of the team. The scientists who come from all over the world often operate on a different plane to the rest of us, but even so, it’s great to know we’ve contributed in some way to their important work by keeping the observatory up to date and running as it should!

If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Right here, right now (in Parkes)!

What makes you laugh the most? Time spent with good friends.

If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? Dancing to live music with my bride.

If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to and why? My dad died when I was pretty young and I feel like I never really got to know him. I’d return to 1982 and my childhood home and have a long talk with him – I have so many questions.

If you were ruler of your own country what would be the first law you would introduce? Free craft beer for all!

Do you believe in random acts of kindness and which is your favourite one? Nah, I just think if you see someone having a bad day or in need of help, you should respectfully offer a hand.

What is one thing you will never do again? I once found myself alone on a cliff face, just holding on with my fingers and toes. When I decided I couldn’t go any further forwards, I looked back and decided I definitely couldn’t go that way either. That’s when I started thinking about my wife and kids waiting at home…