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.
How do you feel about Peak Hill being placed in the top 50 best small towns?
David Cornish: Great! Really good to see Peak Hill get some publicity.
Georgia Sharkey: Encouraging that our town has been recognised for its township and scenic surroundings.
Dianne and David Hewett: Really lovely that our small community with ‘a heart of gold’ has been seen and recognised for its qualities.
What are you doing these school holidays?
Elsie Mansley: I should be studying for the HSC, but I’m enjoying the sun at Bushman’s Dam instead.
George Ward with grandchildren Jacob, Isaac and Olivia Mitchell: Next week the family is going to Coffs Harbour to watch Jacob play soccer in the FFA National Youth Championships.
Erin Hardey (back), Bridie Lacey (front) with Hunter Hardy, Lachlan Pfaff, Charlie Lacey, Kelly Lacey and Ashton Lacey: We celebrated Pop’s birthday with a BBQ, and have been having a great time catching up with cousins.
What is your favourite thing about Spring?
Hayley Wade: It’s not too hot, it’s not too cold, it’s the perfect weather. It is also nice with all the pretty flowers starting to come out.
Codie Wakefield: The days are getting longer and warmer, the nights are cool, not cold. And maybe now my flower garden will start to flower, it’s been getting plenty of water.
Courtney James: I love the canola (because I don’t get hay fever), I love driving and seeing the fields full of yellow with the sun coming out. It’s the perfect time of year.
What does Australian citizenship mean to you?
Clarence Goh and Yee Wern Teh: We are now part of something big giving us a sense of belonging in society and opportunities to contribute to society. It also means a better future.
Aswin Rajendran: It means taking one big step ahead as Australia gives me lots of opportunities to further my career.
Aruna Swamy: It means a lot to me. I am grateful to become a citizen. I love this country and its people, the rules and regulations.
What do you like the most about the Parkes Show?
Rachael Hancock and Lucas Bennie: The thing we love the most about the show is the food – show food is a real treat!
Jill Fiels and her son Bill: Jill: I love admiring my grandchildren’s craft.
Michelle and David Bicket, and Cody Hall: The thing we love about the Show is the exhibitions. Michelle loves the art, flowers and cakes; David enjoys the variety of things on display. Cody loves the cattle, and participated in a parade.
What do you love about Op Shops?
Beryl Watson & Carol Schmidt: We like finding good clothing, sometimes a little bit of china. It’s affordable and you never know what you’ll find.
Dianne Stuart: The clothes are affordable, and you can usually find what you want. It’s especially great for things like book week at school, where you need to find something a bit different.
Brett Lamb: I work at the Salvo’s store because I really enjoy being able to help people out. There’s no competition between the local op shops, they’re all really supportive of each other.