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.

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.