Question of the Week

Do you have a family Christmas tradition?

December 13, 2019 By editor

Liz Naveau: Yes, we always aim to have a family Christmas. It can involve travelling to Dubbo, Orange, the Central Coast and more to get to see everyone, but it’s always nice to go out and have a great meal together.

Dan Fredericks: As children we always used to have croissants for breakfast. Not that we’re French, but it was seen as a special treat. We still do that when we go to my parents for Christmas. Mum also has a rule that Christmas CDs can only be played from 1st of December.

Zarna Gould: We love having Christmas crackers, but they have to be the ones with good jokes in them!

What is special about Christmas for you?

December 6, 2019 By editor

Chloe Magill: You get to see all your family and even the ones that live overseas and you get to have a nice dinner together.

Wira Thomson: It’s about spending time with family and friends. It’s about gathering. And it’s about celebrating the life of Jesus and Mary and remembering that Jesus died for our sins.

Kaitlyne Byrnes: It’s the one time of year when you get to put a tree up in your house and decorate it and it’s the reason why you get so many presents.

What does it mean to you to become an Australian citizen?

November 22, 2019 By editor

Edi Sartori: I am speechless. I feel a lot of emotions – happiness and pride. I want to give a lot of thanks to Australia and the wonderful experience I’ve had here so far. Parkes is a great community with lovely and friendly people.

Mohanned Islam: It means a lot and it is an honour to become a citizen. I feel now I can become a permanent member of the community.

Kate Anzia with Ricky and Abrielle (six months): It is a great opportunity and an honour to be a citizen in a beautiful country with wonderful people. Since my arrival I’ve felt part of Australian life.

Why do you think it is important to attend the commemoration of Remembrance Day?

November 15, 2019 By editor

Luka Parkin and Tia Dunn: (Parkes Public School Captains)
Luka: The soldiers fought so we don’t have to fight in wars, and we don’t have to experience that pain. Tia: It is important to commemorate all the people who have lost their lives and delivered freedom for us.

Nicayden Greenwood and Faith Hanstock: (Parkes High School Captains)
Nicayden: It is important to continue the legacy of the fallen Diggers and pay our respects to the lost generations. Faith: To pay our respects to the fallen, especially those from the Parkes district.

What do you enjoy the most about working at Parkes Early Childhood Centre?

November 8, 2019 By editor

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.

Why do you like playing bridge?

October 25, 2019 By editor

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.

What do you think of Pink Up Parkes and what else would you like to see organised for this event?

October 18, 2019 By editor

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.

As a nonagenarian (a person 90 – 99 years old) what do you do to keep fit and healthy?

October 4, 2019 By editor

Alan Somers: I drive to our family farm “Trel-awney” (I have my full driver’s licence) most week day mornings. I have my own quad bike that I use to inspect crops and livestock for my son Gary. I also help with other light farm jobs. I find the farm visits a great reprieve from town living! I have
a rose garden at my Southern Cross unit that I planted and look after! I also walk regularly. I am very lucky to have good health!

Val Worthington: I eat a healthy diet and have a life of keeping busy with gardening and hobbies since retiring from teaching.

Isabel Orange: I’ve worked hard all my life. I trained as a nurse, had four children and helped my husband working on the farm.

What was the highlight for you being part of the BushCat Building Team at AirVenture Australia?

September 26, 2019 By editor

William Greenland: Being able to get the plane finished. It was really cool learning about the plane’s engineering. Definitely a great experience!

Ethan Pay: I really enjoyed the past week and gaining all this valuable knowledge that will help me in my future as I have applied to study mechanical engineering.

Shaun Stewart: There has been a lot, but I enjoyed the co-operation between the whole team with everyone working together so well. We‘ve done it so quickly. I’ll definitely do this again!

What do you think of the new temporary library in the main street?

September 5, 2019 By editor

Margaret Tanner: It’s exciting and very inviting. I’d like to compliment the staff on a job done beautifully, especially the kid’s corner. As a former library teacher and casual working with Bob Thomas, I like the new space.

Warwick Tom: It’s beautiful, open and light and very inviting. It is also on the main street which is even better. The staff did a fantastic job relocating here.

Sara Trott with Frances (3): It’s great they managed to get something so good. We will definitely use it a lot. We’ve missed the library the past month!