What did you love about primary school, and what are you looking forward to when you start high school?

Molly Smith – Middleton Public School Year 6: Probably the best thing about my time at Middleton was being a prefect, and having that opportunity. I’ve loved how supportive the teachers are, and of course my friends. I’m going to Parkes High, and I’m excited about all the different subjects we’ll get to do.

Nick Glasson – Parkes Public School Year 6: I loved having the opportunity to meet new friends and be a leader at the school. All the teachers are friendly and it’s really fun. I’m going to Parkes High School, which will be an opportunity to learn more and meet new friends.

Sam Airey – Holy Family Primary School Year 6: I’ve really enjoyed primary school. All the teachers are really nice, and you’ve got a lot of your mates in your class. Next year I’ll be going to Red Bend Catholic College and it’ll be good to meet new friends from all around. I’m looking forward to doing new subjects, like woodwork and metalwork.

Why did you want to march for the White Ribbon Day?

Phill Kelly: I think it’s really important to show respect for women and to start leading the way against violence. I completely support what they’re trying to do.

Matt Hancock with Oliver Dagger: I haven’t got experience with domestic violence, but I’ve certainly heard about it. It’s good to come and show support for a good cause.

Connor Baillie: I’m mainly marching for my mother. This is really important to her, and I thought absolutely I’ll come down and show my support for women’s rights. It’s a great day.

What do you love about volunteering?
(Asked at Meals on Wheels luncheon for volunteers)

Veronica Sutton: I love helping out those less fortunate. It’s a great way to get out and meet other people, both the clients and the other volunteers.

Jo Tye: The joy of it. Meeting new people. It’s just fun.

Lionel Lyneham: I just love being able to help the community.

Why is Remembrance Day important to you?

Duncan Clement: I served in Afghanistan and East Timor. Remembrance Day is important because those people laid down their lives for the lifestyle we have today. Not all of it was voluntary.

Kevin Dunesny: This is the basis of our freedom, and we should honour their sacrifice.

Keith Woodlands: It’s important because it commemorates probably the greatest sacrifice Australian soldiers ever made.

What is a traditional festive dish from your culture?

Nancy Cayo: There are so many dishes from Peru. One special occasion dish is Ceviche which is raw fish with raw onion, marinated in lemon salt and secret ingredients, and eaten with lettuce and sweet potato. We’re also famous for potatoes and quinoa.

Epi Sadrodro: In Fiji we do the Lovo for special occasions. We put stones in a fire, and then dig a hole for the hot rocks. We use the rocks to cook meat, fish and veggies, which are wrapped in foil or covered with special leaves to keep the dirt off, and left to cook in the hole. Lovo can feed a lot of people.

Fareeda Baig: I’m a Muslim from Pakistan. After Ramadan we have the Eid-ul-Fider, which focuses on desserts and sweet things. We eat a special breakfast called Sheer Khurma, it’s made of thin wheat slices and dried fruit cooked in milk.

What was the best thing you’ve ever won?

Karina White: I won a bottle of rum when I was 16, which I had to give to my parents because I wasn’t old enough to drink.

Ben Forrest and his wife Kat: The best thing I won was my wife, or maybe it was a chocolate frog at the Melbourne Cup when I was a kid.

Ben Forrest and his wife Kat: The best thing I won was my wife, or maybe it was a chocolate frog at the Melbourne Cup when I was a kid.

How were you affected by the storm?

Troy Hutchings: I was lucky, I wasn’t affected by the storm much at all, but I am spending this week cleaning up after it.

Derrick Milling and dog Monty: It was just the most incredible wind, it twisted the crowns out of the trees. Most of the devastation was done in three minutes. It was mostly landscape damage. I had some hail through the skylights in the shed.

Liz Noakes: It was really scary – the wind was so intense. We have heaps of small animals and the wind threw their cages all over our property. Two of our rabbits didn’t survive, and some of our chooks were injured by flying debris. Our dog had puppies the day before, and sadly we lost one of them too. We’re still hoping to find our two geese. We’re lucky we didn’t have more damage, but I would have preferred for my animals to be okay.

What is your favourite car? (Asked at the Show and Shine Market Day)

Aaron Thomas with son Carter and wife Tereasa:
My favourite car is the Valiant E49 Charger. I grew up with them – they used to race in Bathurst. My pick of the show is Jeff McClurg’s pink Valiant, I just love the colour.

Oakley Fliendner: It’s hard to choose. I really like them all, but the old Rod’s Repairs truck reminds me of my poppy, so that one is special.

Ross MacDonald: I don’t know about my favourite of all time, but my favourite at the show is the old Chevrolet ute. There’s something about it that I just like. The rust appeals to me – imagine what it’s like under the bonnet.

Why do you think it is important to celebrate Mental Health Month?

Sheree Masling, Katie Cheney, Jen Morrison and Katrina Mudiman: We need to raise awareness and educate the community to reduce the stigma and normalise it. It also helps to get people talking and to promote available supports and services.

Di Gill: It raises awareness and by awareness we have support for others who need it.

Steve Smith: To reduce stigma and to educate the community.