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.

Mill’e Cornelissen: Drink hot Milo and just rug up at home watching movies with my son.

 

Greg Phillips: Stay inside by the warm heater and watch movies with my children.

 

Robert Male: Put extra blankets on the bed and watch NRL on TV.

Chris Auld: Fun! Fitness! Friendship! It has changed my life.

Louise Moore: An initially insecure venture into the unknown, which became a series of positive and enjoyable new experiences with a crew of wonderful people who fast became great friends working together in an environment of fun, friendship and achievement.

Isla O’Donoghue (7): At the moment I like reading the series of Thea Stilton about mice and the adventures they go on.

 

Matilda Baker (7): My favourite is the Billie B Brown series as there are a lot of good things in it and I enjoy reading it.

 

David Usher (6): I like reading Minecraft books, as I enjoy playing Minecraft. My favourite character is Steve.

What do you enjoy about Easter?

Dallas Snow: The excitement on the kids’ faces when they see that the Easter Bunny has been.

Daniel Taylor: As well as enjoying Easter for the true reason of the season, and spending time with family, I like hyping up my nieces on chocolate and then giving them back to their mother.

Casey Harding: I think the best thing about Easter is tons of chocolate!

Lyn Edwards (Tullamore): It makes such a difference for our trips to Parkes and further in terms of timing and safety as it cuts the trip by about 15 minutes. We’ve been waiting for this to happen for 42 years.

Tim Sander (farmer living on the road): I did not think I would ever see it happen. We are very thankful for the road improvements and it is a significant improvement for animal welfare. There is now only a small section of unsealed road left to the Central West Livestock Exchange.

Vivienne Bolam (Tullamore): It felt marvellous the first time I travelled on it! I am on the Parkes Shire Council Roads Committee and it’s been on and off the agenda since 1964, so I am very happy. I never used it before as it was just unbearably painful.

 

What would you like to see added to the cultural scene of Parkes?

Elly Tom: I think a picture theatre would be fabulous. I know a lot of teenagers would like a tenpin bowling alley as a great place to go.

Christa Radley: I would like much more of everything cultural. I think Parkes has a great range of sporting options, but for those who are not sporty cultural opportunities are very limited.

Warwick Tom: I have had a vision for a long time of having a combined culture groups’ centre setup in Parkes. We have actually had the first few meetings of the ‘Parkes Shire Cultural Advisory Committee’ to get this up and running.

What makes autumn special for you?

Aileen Ahearne: It is my favourite time of year, not only because my birthday is on the first day of autumn, but also because of the weather: it is not so hot and not very cold.

Craig Harry: Summer is too long and too hot and I can’t handle it. Autumn is the best time of year for me with its fresh nights; medium, beautiful clear days; the smells and the leaves – I love everything about it.

Mavis Jarrett: It is just a lovely time of year and so good to have summer over with and get cooler weather. Good to have a break from the extremes of summer, and before the really cold weather sets in.

Who do you look up to for inspiration?

Jade Wright: My mum taught me to treat people how I want to be treated and to show respect, my husband always supports my goals and adventures and my mother-in-law, who is also a florist, for helping me with my business.

Charles Pecenka: I like Rosie Batty for the strength and courage she has shown considering the circumstances under which she has become a very dignified public face for domestic violence.

Megan Heraghty: My great aunt Rita from Sydney, who will be turning 94 soon. She takes everything in her stride and nothing gets her down. She’s also got the best wit for an old girl!