How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I have lived in Parkes for nine years and I like the people the most. Parkes is full of interesting characters, people who are friendly and helpful with fantastic community spirit. It makes it an amazing place to live.

What is your favourite thing about your working life? They say when you love what you do you never work a day. There is nothing better than helping people to achieve their goals and my role as Country University Centre Manager allows me to do exactly that.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Much to my wife’s unhappiness somewhere sandy and warm!

What makes you laugh the most? Watching my two-year-old son learn about the world in only the way a toddler can, by placing it into his mouth to examine it.

If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? Hobbies. I have far more hobbies than I have hours in a week and to take a whole day with no other responsibilities to do any of them would be amazing.

If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to and why? May 17th, 1980 to be at the premier of Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back and be one of the first people to know that (SPOILER ALERT) Darth Vader is Luke Skywalker’s father.

If you were ruler of your own country what would be the first law you would introduce? Universal mental health leave for all workers. It’s such a prominent issue in society and needs to be tackled in its own right and not thrown in with other forms of leave.

Do you believe in random acts of kindness and which is your favourite one? I do! The pay it forward movement is something I find so interesting and I love seeing the stories. I only hope one day I can be in a position to help someone like that.

What is one thing you will never do again? Eat canned hotdogs! That idea should’ve been shut down before it ever went into production!

Meaghan Kempson
Coach, Trainer or Manager of the year, Australia Day Awards

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I have lived in Parkes for two years and love the sporting community.

What is your favourite thing about your working life? My colleagues make every day so enjoyable, not a day goes by without a laugh!

If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Adelaide

What makes you laugh the most? People tripping over (without injuring themselves)

If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? Go to the Australian Open, watch some live tennis and have some drinks with friends/family.

If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to and why? To 2015, my first year of university. Made so many friends and created some great memories!

If you were ruler of your own country what would be the first law you would introduce? School hours from 7am to 1pm!

Do you believe in random acts of kindness and which is your favourite one? Yeah definitely! I love the idea of visiting aged care facilities and socialising with the elderly.

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I’ve lived here for 23 years and I really like the easy-going country atmosphere. It is so very much home.

Where do you work or what do you do currently and what do you enjoy about it? I’m retired and spend my time caring for my home and family and, at the moment, preparing to celebrate our Diamond Wedding Anniversary (60 years).

What is your favourite thing to do when you have free time? Writing, gardening and walking with my dogs.

What makes you proud? My family. Seeing them achieve and watching them help to make the world a better place. Watching my family extend into several great-grandchildren

If you could be an animal which one would you choose, and why? A horse. I love the sense of exhilaration and freedom that comes from watching a horse stretch out and run and I would love to experience that.

What is your all-time favourite movie, song and/or book, and why? The Music Box Dancer is my favourite piece of music because it causes me to want to dance. My favourite book is ‘This was a Man’ by Jeffrey Archer.

Tell us about your best holiday. My husband and I spent a month travelling up the Red Centre via the Indian Pacific and the Ghan to Darwin and the Top End. The spoiling that we received on both trains was unforgettable, the side trips, the scenery, the mishaps and adventures made it totally memorable and a journey we will never forget.