How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? All my married life apart from 13 years in the middle in Wagga Wagga. People are so friendly and you can do just about anything from Parkes.

What is your favourite thing about your working life? My work has always been voluntary. I am proud of the way Mal and I reorganised the Learn To Swim Free in the early sixties which hugely increased the numbers of locals who could swim, and now, as a member of Que I get great satisfaction helping so many people in our community whilst making great friends and having lots of fun.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Mal and I chose to return to Parkes when he retired and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. It’s a wonderful place to live.

What makes you laugh the most? My four sons are all extremely quick witted and when they are all home together it’s an absolute riot.

If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? I love Iive theatre and, so I’d like to enjoy a beautiful meal and see a really good show with my husband and good friend Liesel.

If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to and why? In 1968 we took our young family travelling the world for a year. It was just wonderful and I’d love to do it again.

If you were ruler of your own country what would be the first law you would introduce? I’d mandate the phasing out of coal and LPG in Australia, ensuring new jobs for the displaced workers, and actively supporting renewables – solar, wind, wave, hydro and green hydrogen – to ensure future generations have a liveable world.

Do you believe in random acts of kindness and which is your favourite one? Yes of course. I believe most humans are wired to want to help others and so both giver and receiver appreciate kindness.

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I was transferred to Parkes by the then Department Main Roads in October 1980. I really like the moderate pace of life in Parkes, the community attitude, the fresh air and the abundance of native birds on our 11 ha block.

What is your favourite thing about your working life? I was involved in monitoring traffic and transport movements and conducting road safety audits throughout Western NSW. This required a lot of travel and enabled me to enjoy the landscape, as well as carrying out interesting work.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Central West NSW.

What makes you laugh the most? British Comedy, although much of it, such as Benny Hill and the series It Aint Half Hot Mum would be regarded as politically incorrect by some these days.

If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? Spend it in the company of Jesus Christ, Leonardo da Vinci, Rudyard Kipling, and Louis Chevrolet. These were leaders in humanity, art, literature and motoring.

If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to and why? The late 18th and early 19th centuries when the Industrial Revolution really hit its straps. It would be a wonderful experience to be part of massive changes in the way the world’s technologies, workplaces and practices changed for the better.

If you were the ruler of your own country what would be the first law you would introduce? At least 80% of media reporting to be of the positive achievements and experiences of governments and people, rather than the negative or harmful experiences.

What is one thing you will never do again? Turn 80.

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I have lived in Parkes for 30 years. I love living in a town that has such a strong sense of community and safety raising children here. People genuinely look out for one another.

What is your favourite thing about your working life? I have an amazing and challenging job with Service NSW where I get to work with fantastic people and get to be part of some great projects.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be? I have no intention of moving somewhere else. I have great friends, my family are happy here, and we have the benefits of country life with easy access to bigger towns and Sydney.

What makes you laugh the most? Being tickled lol!

If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? Have a long, long lunch in the Greek Islands with family and friends with lots of wine, awesome views and fabulous food.

If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to and why? 1997 – I travelled to Europe and in hindsight would love to have taken a year off work and travelled.

What is one thing you will never do again? Lots of things, but you have to have these experiences in order to learn never to do it again.

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I have lived in Parkes for almost 30 years and I enjoy the fresh air and friendly people.

What is your favourite thing about your working life? When working in the Department of Community Services, protecting children, and in retirement, visiting people.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Among the green fields of Ireland.

What makes you laugh most? Making four putts on the first tee. Maybe that should be ‘cry’!

If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? Swim, read and spend time with family.

If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to and why? I have a difficulty with that one. I would choose two events; 16th June 1963, the day I was ordained a priest, and 26th March 1978, the day I married my beautiful, Peg.

If you were ruler of your own country what would be the first law you would introduce? Ecology awareness, peace and justice.

Do you believe in random acts of kindness and which is your favourite one? Yes I do, and I enjoy visiting and listening to people.

What is one thing you will never do again? Walk out on the Burrendong Dam retaining wall.