What are you going to learn in Kindergarten?

Ruby Hackett – Holy Family Primary School: I can already write my name, and I am going to make friends and play with dress ups.

Matthew Moon – Holy Family Primary School: I don’t know yet, the teachers haven’t told me. I’m still learning to write my name because I’m the littlest person in the family, but our dog, Borris, is even littler than me.

Alfie Rosser – Parkes East Public School: I’m going to learn writing and counting. I’m the biggest in my family. I have a baby sister and she bites, but I will read her stories when I learn to read.

What do you love about the Elvis Festival?

Colin McGillivray – Swan Hill, Victoria: It’s really in my era. He was our idol, like Lady Di, he left us with a memory we can’t forget. This is my 2nd Elvis Festival. I came for the first time on his 80th birthday which was two years ago.

Kay Avery – Gladstone, Queensland: This is just such a great place to be. I just love Elvis. He’ll never be gone. We came last year, and had to come back when we found out it was going to be the 25th festival!

Jeff Hancox – Kingaroy, Queensland: It’s all about Elvis, and everyone has a great time. This is my 3rd year at Elvis, I won the busking competition three years ago, and have been coming back ever since.

What is your favourite Christmas tradition?

Paula Shearer with Poppy: We have a family roast lunch on Christmas Day. It is special for me as I live more than five hours away from my family and getting together with everyone is the best part of Christmas.

Nessie Holley with grandson Romeo: I am originally from New Zealand and my father always got us a real Christmas tree and in those days we decorated it with crepe paper. I love the smell of the tree and hope to carry on this tradition.

Angela Lister with Levi and Rachel Ridley: Getting a real Christmas tree. We have always been doing it in my family and it is good fun. Rachel: I love the presents, cuddles and when the whole family gets together.

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.