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!

If you could introduce a new subject to school, what would it be?

Phoebe Potts: Some kind of Outback survival course to teach students basic survival skills you would need in an emergency, like starting a fire and reading a compass.

Becky Wright: First Aid is very important. We all know to call 000, but not many know what to do after the call was made. You could save someone’s life if you have those skills.

Ethan Pay: I would like to see a subject in engineering and design as an introduction to all different types of engineering and explaining engineering processes, how products are designed and advancements in technology.

What are your thoughts on commencing the 2019 school year?

Virginia Rice (Holy Family Primary School): The new school year is a chance to set new goals for ourselves and our students. It’s an opportunity for new experiences, new friendships, new knowledge and new skills for all of us – approach each day with a flexible and accepting mind.

Helen Standen (Middleton Primary School): Always fired up to start a new year in the library at Middleton Public School. I have the dream job, I love to read books to students and watch their faces and reactions. I especially love term 1 when we get to be creative with our Waste 2 Art masterpiece. Looking forward to seeing all the kids, hearing holiday tales, finding out what class they are in for 2019 and meeting our new kindergarten kids. Exciting times ahead.

Jay Quince (Parkes Christian School): “2019 begins as a year full of possibilities for all, and opportunities for students to discover the joys of learning and living a life full of promise and hope.”

What’s your favourite way of keeping cool this summer?

Bobby Taylor with Kiesha and Sasha: We love playing on the slip and slide and sitting in the pool. Another favourite for the kids is having the sprinkler set under the trampoline.

Frances Scurfield (middle) with Nacho and Delfina Figueroa: My favourite way to cool down is hanging around Gold Coast beach in summer with Argentinian polo stars Nacho Figueroa and wife Delfina. But when in Parkes it is under my air cooler watching tennis and Big Bash League.

Margot Jolly: My favourite way of keeping cool this summer has been watching the magnificent tennis and catching up on my reading under the life-saving evaporative air conditioner.

What do you like the most about the Parkes Elvis Festival?

Graham Lawrence from the Gold Coast:
It is my 7th time here and this year I will be assistant Elvis Ambassador. I love the festival because it is a tribute to Elvis and the biggest in Australia. I went to Memphis last year with 135,000 other people and stood seven hours in a line to put a candle on Elvis’ grave – it was all worth it!

Cathy Gaylard from Brisbane:
I am here for the sixth time because I love Elvis, and we love the entertainment at the Parkes Showgrounds. It is also a very friendly town and we have friends here.

Elvis Singer from Adelaide:
It is my fist time here. I’ve been planning to come for a long time and will be busking this year. As a member of the Elvis Fan Club in Adelaide, I came for Elvis and to perform.

What do you want for Christmas?

Phoebe Usher: I want scoot boots for my horse. I have three horses, but one can’t wear metal horseshoes because she gets bruises and I want her to feel happy and comfortable.

Steven Su: To be honest I don’t exactly want anything. I’m already grateful for what I have.

Mia Coleman: I just want a happy Christmas and for everyone to have fun.

Why do you like to do your Christmas shopping in Parkes?

Sarah McMaugh: I like to shop locally as much as I can, Christmas time and all year round, because it keeps the town rolling.

Tim Baker: I don’t do Christmas shopping, but it’s easy and close for my wife when I send her shopping. Gai likes to support the people who support me in my business.

Suzie McNamara: I like to support the local shops. I like to see the money stay in Parkes and help improve the economy of my town.

Do you have a special Christmas decoration that goes up every year?

Tina Nash: I have little decorations that my kids, now 19, 24 and 26, made for me when they were in pre-school. They are perfect and they are beautiful and they always go at the front of the tree.

Lew Laing: We have an advent calendar Christmas tree, with handmade felt emblems, which we bought in Bangladesh when we lived there for a couple of years in the early 1980s. It still goes up every year.

Jenny Jewell: I have a collection of table decorations including trees and angels which belonged to my mother, Grandma Dot Green. They adorned our Christmas table every year and they still do. Wherever we meet for Christmas these decorations come along.