How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I was born in Parkes and grew up in Young. I have been in Parkes on and off for around ten years and our family has decided that here is where we will stay.

Where do you work or what do you do currently and what do you enjoy about it? I am the Club Manager at PCYC Parkes. It is a fantastic place to work as we have a great group of staff and volunteers but it’s the effects that we can have on kids through our programs and building positive experiences which is really satisfying.

What is your favourite thing to do when you have free time? My favourite thing to do is to play with my two kids, Tilly and Edison.

What makes you proud? My family, in particular, my wife who does a great job raising our two kids.

If you could be an animal which one would you choose, and why? Honey badger, always up for a challenge.

What is your all-time favourite movie, song and/or book, and why? Days of Thunder – over dramatised racing, questionable acting, crashes, Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman – it’s a winning formula.

Tell us about your best holiday. Heading somewhere outdoors, camping with the family.

What is on your bucket list? Becoming a paramotor pilot.

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I actually live between Parkes and Dubbo, close to Yeoval. I grew up in Molong, married a farmer and moved here about five years ago. I’ve worked in Parkes for the last five years and I love it. It’s got a small-town community vibe, yet the conveniences of a large centre.

Where do you work or what do you do currently and what do you enjoy about it? I own Kerin Physio Co, which I started about three years ago. We now have a team of 12 amazing ladies and we offer physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and exercise physiology services. I absolutely LOVE what I do – I have a passion for rural healthcare and love seeing our clients receive high quality services from professionals who genuinely care.

What is your favourite thing to do when you have free time? I love a long bath with a wine and good book. Or being outside in the garden, there is nothing quite like the morning sun on your shoulders and the smell of freshly cut lawn. Or a stroll up the paddock during golden hour in the late afternoon, with my baby in the carrier, husband beside me and the dogs running around us excitedly.

What makes you proud? Seeing people go outside their comfort zones and achieve amazing things.

If you could be an animal which one would you choose, and why? I’ve always thought meerkats look like they have a lot of fun! Although if I’m being honest, all my Meerkat knowledge comes from the series, Meerkat Manor (which I was far too emotionally invested in…)

Tell us about your best holiday. South America: snorkelling with the incredible animals in the Galapagos Islands, hiking the ancient Inca Trail and overlooking Machu Picchu at sunrise, enjoying a delicious seven-course lunch with paired wines in Mendoza (Argentina) – the perfect holiday.

How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I am from Tonga and have been in Parkes for approximately three years. I like Parkes because it is quiet and warm like my country. Most of all I like the people who have welcomed me in the community, especially members of the Parkes M&D Society and the Anglican Church. I feel comfortable in Parkes.

Where do you work or what do you do currently? I am looking for a job. I would like to work in aged care as I think my personality would suit a job in this sector.

What is your favourite thing to do when you have free time? I do like singing, and my involvement with the Parkes M&D has been great. I have been having singing/guitar lessons. I also love gardening and at the moment I am busy planting a lot of succulents because of the weather and lack of water in the future.

What makes you proud? I am proud of my heritage and my Tongan culture, and I am proud to be living in Australia with my Australian family.

If you could be an animal which one would you choose and why? I would like to be a cat – we have three in our house hold and they run the place.

What is your all-time favourite movie, song and/or book, and why? My favourite movie is “King Arthur” as it is about royalty and we have a royal family in Tonga.

Tell us about your best holiday? I went to Eden in 2017 with my Australian family. A lovely little town, but a long drive to get there, especially when I discovered I get car sick.