Kristy Yeo: The sense of community – I’ve been here 20 years and it’s like a big family and very supportive environment. I love seeing the delight in the children’s faces as they come through the door every day.
Amanda Dean: I enjoy the children and playing with them every day. I love watching them grow.
Jenni Harding: I love building relationships with the families and children, and watching them progress and their achievements as they come through the centre.
Karly Lane is a popular Australian fiction author with 14 bestselling novels including her latest release Mr Right Now. Having grown up and lived in country towns and communities across NSW, including Parkes, Karly Lane is often referred to as rural fiction’s favourite daughter. In a mini tour of our shire, Karly will be speaking at Peak Hill, Trundle and Parkes libraries. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to meet Karly and hear her talk about her writing, novels and characters.
Peak Hill Library: Wed 6 November, 6pm Trundle Library: Thurs 7 November, 2pm Parkes Library: Fri 8 November, 6pm RSVP: 6861 2309 or library@parkes.nsw. gov.au
(Enter the competition on this page to win two of Karly’s latest books!)
Parkes Library
Tuesday 5th November @ 6pm
There’s no time like the write time! Author-Rised meets monthly to support and encourage teen and adult writers from beginners through to accomplished writers. Poets, creative fiction, all types of writers come together to work on achieving their writing goals. Whether you want to simply improve your writing or whether you are working toward publishing your work, this network of like-minded people provides a fun, enjoyable and supportive atmosphere for releasing your inner writer.
How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I have lived in Parkes since 1983. The best thing about living here is definitely the people.
Where do you work or what do you do currently and what do you enjoy about it? I am a teacher at Middleton Public School. I used to be Assistant Principal but I now do release teaching. I enjoy the kids, and teaching art and science.
What is your favourite thing to do when you have free time? I love to catch up with friends (over a few wines), read, play golf (very badly though) or go for a walk.
What makes you proud? My family. When I look at my kids and the really good people they are, I know I have done something right in life! I’m also proud of my teaching career. I have always loved what I do!
If you could be an animal which one would you choose, and why? I would be a butterfly. They are colourful and free!
What is your all-time favourite movie, song and/or book, and why? My favourite movies are anything that has a ‘feel good’ ending. I love a good romance! My favourite book is ‘I Am Pilgrim.’ I couldn’t put it down and it has the most amazing story ever!
Tell us about your best holiday. I have loved going to Canada, USA and Alaska but I just love Europe, especially Italy! If I could afford it, I would travel overseas every year!
What is on your bucket list? My bucket list is getting longer every year. Mostly the places I want to visit…Europe (again), South America, Africa, Asia and, of course, travel around Australia, especially Western Australia.
Bishop Harry Westcott was at the Parkes Library to sign copies of his autobiography last Saturday. With him are (L-R) Marg Price, Helen Westcott, Mal Westcott, Rhonda Brain, David Price, Kevin Stone, Harry Westcott and Joyce Mulligan.
The Pink Golf Day last Saturday raised over $1,000 for the McGrath Foundation. Here is Jackie Charlton (right), the 9 hole winner with 23 points, getting her prize from Breast Cancer Nurse Di Green.
Parkes Dragon Boat Club members dressed up on Sunday for their Pink Paddle event to raise funds for the McGrath Foundation. David Potts and Al Gersbach came as princesses!
Jill Peterson: I enjoy playing cards, and I’m a bit competitive. I also enjoy playing a card game that makes you think and provides a challenge. The company is good and it is fun too.
Greig Ball: Bridge is a great game as it stimulates the mind, and every day is different. The fascinating thing is that you can never beat the game, which makes it addictive as you always try to beat it.
Suzie McNamara: I enjoy bridge as it keeps my mind active, which is important for my stage in life. I also enjoy the interaction with other people.
How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I have lived in Parkes for the past 37 years. The friendly atmosphere and pace of the town is great.
Where do you work or what do you do currently and what do you enjoy about it? I have worked at ORIGIN LPG (previously WESTGAS) for the past 36 years. Best part of the job is getting out dealing with our many and varied customers and great bunch of blokes I work with. Plus nightfill at Woolies.
What is your favourite thing to do when you have free time? Dragon boating with the Parkes Endeavour Dragons – a truly top group of people.
What makes you proud? My three daughters and their achievements in life.
If you could be an animal which one would you choose, and why? Eagle, so I can soar high and look down from above.
What is your all-time favourite movie, song and/or book, and why? The Castle, a truly Australian classic about life in general; any music by David Bowie and Animal Farm by George Orwell, which was my Year 12 text.
Tell us about your best holiday. Ten days exploring Perth with my late wife Lynne.
What is on your bucket list? Live long to annoy my daughters and grandchildren; ride the Indian Pacific; make an awesome home garden; restore an old car (I don’t hold a driver’s licence) and dragon boat in China.
The MLAHMC (Aboriginal housing management organisation) office in Parkes has turned pink too for Pink Up Parkes. Office staff at the display are Seth Toomey, Rachel Hoy and Sue McGrath.
Pink angels Jenine Sloane and Anita Beddowes took part in the Pink Up Parkes Landcare Motley Crew Walk and Wellness morning on Saturday morning.
Beth and Bill Thomas not only took part in the annual open garden event last Sunday, but turned their garden ‘pink’ to help raise funds for the McGrath Foundation.
Cathy McPherson: It is an excellent idea and brings awareness to the community. I think a fun run of 5km would be good to get lots of people involved.
Jason Wynstra: Lots of towns get behind the Pink Up initiative. At Mudgee they have markets and many businesses and shops get involved.
Dianne Sondermeyer: It is a lovely idea. It would be good to see more advertising for Pink Up Parkes events other than on social media as many people do not have daily access to the internet or none at all.
How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I was born in Parkes, but I grew up in Alectown for about 18 years. I moved away to university and this year has been my first year back.
Where do you work or what do you do currently and what do you enjoy about it? I work at Regional Business Supplies. I love chatting to customers and helping them find what they need. I’m also studying my master’s degree online through CSU.
What is your favourite thing to do when you have free time? Read books. Then read some more!
What makes you proud? Watching how our town sticks together through tough times. Drought brings people together in a positive way – support is never far away. I see this positive and faithful perspective in my parents.
If you could be an animal which one would you choose, and why? I would love to be a cat so I could sleep all day long.
What is your all-time favourite movie, song and/or book, and why? The Young Victoria is my favourite movie, I could watch it over and over. I love anything historical.
Tell us about your best holiday. Last year I spent a few weeks in the UK. Absolutely loved the scenery in Scotland. Bath was probably my favourite city to visit. Looking forward to going back there soon.
What is on your bucket list? I would love to write my own television show and direct it one day just for fun.
Rhys Forrestal
How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I moved to Parkes nearly five years ago from Coffs Harbour. I like the country atmosphere and friendliness of the locals.
Where do you work or what do you do currently and what do you enjoy about it? At the moment I am looking for work.
What is your favourite thing to do when you have free time? I enjoy catching up with family and friends, the theatre and watching car races. This weekend I will be glued in front of the TV for the Bathurst 1000!
What makes you proud? How caring and supportive members of the Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society are, as well as the staff of Currajong Disability Services.
If you could be an animal which one would you choose, and why? I would love to be a koala as they are caring and cuddly, and an Australian animal!
What is your all-time favourite movie, song and/or book, and why? My favourite movies are Patch Adams and Mrs Doubtfire with Robin Williams as he was a genius comedian. My favourite book at the moment is Jamie Oliver’s Five Ingredients as I love cooking.
Tell us about your best holiday. I went to New Zealand and my favourite part was the Milford Sound on the South Island as it was so tranquil and peaceful.
What is on your bucket list? I am passionate about acting and would love to become an actor or a wildlife warrior like Steve Irwin. I would also like to visit Universal Studios in America.