Bill Jayet

How long have you lived in Parkes and why do you like living here? I arrived in Parkes in 1978 after eight years working in Sydney – I was born and raised in Forbes. I like the friendly country lifestyle. In fact we should have emblazoned on our number plates ‘’Parkes, The Friendliest Town In Australia’’.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy about your work? I retired as senior journalist with the Parkes Champion Post at the end of June 2016 after 36 years with the paper. As an elected Councillor, life has never been busier and I’m really enjoying being part of a progressive and cohesive Council.

What do you do to unwind after work or on weekends? If I’m not in the garden, I’m off with Lindy and close friends for a couple of days of relaxation, dining, wining, dining, dining and doing touristy things. Oh! Did I mention dining?

What are you really good at? I’m terrific at eating too much bread…ok, desserts too!

If you could have a super power what would it be? To morph into Superman and fly… after all I was often referred to as Jimmy Olson during my years at the Champion Post!

What is your pet hate? Tripe in any form – no matter the garnish!

Tell us about your best holiday ever? My favourite was a three week trip to Western Australia. We journeyed with with four close friends from Albany to Freemantle staying along the way at beautiful locations, eating great food where we would all order something different to share so none of us would end up with food envy!

Pam Symonds

How long have you lived in Parkes and why do you like living here? I have lived in Parkes for over 30 years and enjoy being part of this community. It is a great place to live and raise your family as it offers a  safe and friendly environment and has all the services and resources you need.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy about your work? I have worked for Neighbourhood Central for over 20 years and in the role as Executive Officer for 11 years. I love being part of a team who all have a shared interest in supporting members of the community in providing a range of services.

What do you do to unwind after work or on weekends? I enjoy taking time to catch up with family members and friends and I often travel out of town to meet up with our daughters and their partners.

If you could have a super power what would it be? It would be wonderful to be able to fly and feel free like a bird.

What is your pet hate? I cannot tolerate it when items are not put back in their original place and when people do not clean up after themselves. I also cannot stand clutter

Kevin Hartmann

How long have you lived in Parkes and why do you like living here? Only for 15 years – I am still only a visitor… I like living in country towns, especially western towns and was lucky to get a transfer here with my job.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy about your work? I am retired from the RTA, and have been volunteering for Meals on Wheels for about 10 years. It feels good to do something for somebody and I enjoy meeting with clients, having a yarn and to see how they are doing.

What do you do to unwind after work or on weekends? These days I spend a fair bit of time on the computer doing research or working on projects. Whenever I hear or see something on the radio or TV that interests me, I look it up online.

If you could have a super power what would it be? I can’t think of a specific superpower, but I would like to see more peace in the world and that people would get on with each other no matter their race or creed.

What is your pet hate? I can’t stand prejudice. I just can’t handle it when people don’t get along with everyone else. I think the postal marriage survey was a waste of money – they should have just done it.

Tell us about your best holiday ever? Before I retired, I started going on coach tours and saw a fair bit of Australia, but my favourite trip was down the 1,850km Canning Stock Route right through the middle of Western Australia. It was rugged, extremely interesting and for 18 days we did not come near a hotel or motel. We pitched our tents every night to camp.

Caitlin Hasse

How long have you lived in Parkes and why do you like living here? I’ve only lived in Parkes since April, though I have been working here for the past 18 months. I love the close-knit community, and how everyone is so welcoming.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy about your work? I’m the Retail Manager of Parkes Pharmacy and just enjoy all the fun we have as staff and with our customers. I also love getting as involved in the Parkes community as I possibly can.

What do you do to unwind after work or on weekends? Catch up with friends and have a beer… or a few.

What are you really good at? I’m quite creative. I make jewellery, cards (Xmas, birthday, etc), create wine/liquor bottle labels, burn pictures into timber, sew costumes and almost anything else people ask me to make (Facebook@handmadebycaitlin).

If you could have a superpower, what would it be? I would like the ability to morph into anything.

What is your pet hate? One thing that drives me batty is unorganised people that wait untill the last minute to do things.

Tell us about your best holiday ever. Holiday? What’s that? Haven’t had a real great holiday thus far but am heading to New Zealand next year to celebrate my 30th so I’m hoping that’ll be the one to beat.

David Thompson

How long have you lived in Parkes and why do you like living here? I was born in Parkes and then we moved to Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory for five years. We came back and I have been living in Parkes ever since.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy about your work? I work at McPhersons Parts and Service as a Dealer Principal. I enjoy working in the agriculture industry, our customers and our staff.

What do you do to unwind after work or on weekends? When we can, we take my boys camping – they love fishing and skiing. I know that sounds busy but I really enjoy that time with them.

What are you really good at? Reading peoples personalities.

If you could have a super power what would it be? Superman – I am learning to fly at the moment, so I suppose that would make it a bit easier.

What is your pet hate? People who abuse children, whether mentally or physically. I have no respect for them.

Tell us about your best holiday ever? My wife and I won a trip to Europe and got to drive vintage cars along the French Riviera! That was one of the best holidays.