How long have you lived in Parkes and what do you like most about living here? I was born in Parkes, and went to school here and in Forbes. I moved away to study at several art colleges and worked abroad. I like bringing back what I’ve learnt to undertake art projects in the shire.
What is your favourite thing about your working life? I have always loved art, I have always wanted to do art. I am proud to have followed my passion. I have achieved a lot of my dreams. I’m lucky to feel resolved.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be? I would love to live in Boho, Northern Ireland where my great, great, great grandfather Thomas was sentenced to death, and later commuted to life transportation to the colony of NSW.
What makes you laugh the most? My nephews and my niece Arlo, Emrys and Tully Cassidy. They have answers for everything.
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? Learn to play bass guitar adequately in 24 hours!
If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to and why? Parkes 1983. Music and films were better. The analogue years were as fun as they were simple, and there were more horses on the streets, ridden, and driven. I loved the sound of hoofbeats on the bitumen.
If you were ruler of your own country what would be the first law you would introduce? Mandatory injection of the arts.
Do you believe in random acts of kindness and which is your favourite one? I believe nature will always create persons scattered throughout a community who have the ability to understand the experiences and feelings of others outside of their own perspective. The acts I love are the ones that need no audience, no ticks to names, no getting into publications, just help when your neighbour is not at their best.
What is one thing you will never do again? Run fast, my knees are done.