What message will you be taking away from the Mock Crash demonstration today?

Jake Green: It is a good example of what actually happens. The message for me is to never get into a car with drunk people.

Ashlee Unger: It was pretty good to see what will happen in an accident. I will remember to not drink and drive and to always have another plan.

Bailey Boland: It was amazing. It is really great to have all the services in our area. I will never drink and drive and make sure to always have a back-up plan.

James Haddin: The mine has made the town much more stable in economic terms, and it has brought in a large range of skills to the community because of all the different types of jobs in the mine.

 

Maree Welsh: It has definitely provided more employment opportunities for people. The mine is also very supportive of our community through its donations and grants programs. They do a lot for the local community.

 

Alan Ward: As a business owner and a councillor I recognise the benefit that the mine has not only brought to Parkes, but our surrounding areas as well. Not just as an employer, but the whole region has benefitted economically through local supply. I’ve always found Northparkes to be a good corporate citizen.

Dean Wythe: We learnt how spiders can climb walls because they have sticky stuff on their feet.

 

Emily Molloy: In science we learnt about neutrons and electrons and how they combine in elements.

 

Kalvin Dargin: In maths we learnt how to do times tables and fractions on the computer.

Sharlia White (11): We’ve done this for many years. I want to plant trees because of deforestation. We need to plant more trees for animals and humans.

 

Michael Dong: I think it is an exciting campaign as we need more greenery. It is also an opportunity for me to meet local people. I have been in Parkes for five months and the people here are very kind and helpful. I wanted to give something back to the community by planting trees.

 

Addison Summerhayes (9): It is good for the environment, and trees give us oxygen! I’ve done it before and really enjoy planting trees.

Melissa Beddie: Parkes Telescope has remained relevant and an important part of Parkes’s tourism and history. The telescope represents in this modern world, the tremendous amount of knowledge yet to be learnt and explored. The reality that there is so much yet to be discovered beyond our own lives. It is a pinnacle of the possibility of unknown to become known.

Alex Rawsthorne: I think it’s important to use the Dish in the modern day because we know so little about the universe and the Dish helps us to discover more.

Kasie Ferguson: I believe the Dish is extremely important from a tourism perspective. It really puts Parkes on the map!

Christine Ivey: I was working in Sydney at the GPO. I was on a lunch break and saw the broadcast on a television screen that was in the ANZ Bank. I was mesmerised that it was possible to put a man on the moon.

Doreen McKenzie: I lived in Inverell but was in Parkes at the time. I had come down to babysit for my sister who was having her sixth baby at the time and remember watching the broadcast.

 

Andrew Tom: I was in Sydney at the time with Mum and Dad. I remember Mum saying how powerful it was. Our family knew some of the people who worked at the Dish, which made it all the more special.

What are your thoughts about the proposed Bypass in Parkes?

Laurie Ashcroft: Overall, I’m in favour, however there are some modifications that need to be made. Happy with the consultation, the RMS seem to be listening, lets hope they follow up with action to help those directly affected.

Leonie Guymer: I think it’s a great idea. I don’t know what it will do for business. The only thing against it is whether it will affect the already declining business in the main street, and therefore potential job losses.

Isaac Westcott: Hopefully it will lessen the trucks in town and therefore reduce the noise they make. Hope that its quicker than the Orange bypass!

Jessica Farrar: Staying clean and warm. Staying away from people who are sick.

 

Lindy Charlton: I had my flu shot. Keeping warm.

 

Elizabeth Naveau: Taking vitamins and Aloe Vera juice to build up my immunity. Keeping healthy.

Eliza Carr with Declan Ross: It’s a bit ridiculous. I know lots of people who don’t want to go to Forbes or Orange because it’s too far away from their families.

 

Jacob and Tiffani Townsend with Creed: We think it’s a bit silly. Why couldn’t maternity staff be on call – only operating when needed. Some births are really quick and it could be difficult to get to Forbes or Orange, and very hard for the mum if she’s having contractions in the car.

 

Jess Elliot holding Ruby, Lola in front and Isabelle Evans (right): Jess: I had to have Ruby in Forbes. It was a bit overwhelming and didn’t feel right not to have her in my home town where family is close and surroundings are familiar. Isabelle: It just makes me cranky. It’s a waste of money to have the facility and not use it.