How long have you lived in or around Forbes and what do you like about living here? I arrived in December 2011 from Queensland, aiming to get closer to my family in Canberra. I was attracted to Forbes by the rural life style, the open scenery and the friendly atmosphere. The friendliness of the people makes it a good place to live. 

Where do you work and what do you enjoy most about where you work? I am now retired but used to work for the Forestry Corporation. It took me all over the countryside and into some amazing rural landscapes. Since retirement I spend far too much time at the golf course, or so my wife thinks. 

What do you do to unwind on weekends? Weekends are usually golf orientated, although the recent addition of a granddaughter to our family and the re-location of our sons closer to us means more family time. 

What are you really good at? Perhaps, making a nuisance of myself to my friends? No, I enjoy volunteer work and try to help out as much as possible. 

What makes you laugh the most? A good joke told amongst family and friend groups. 

What’s on your bucket list? Travel to Greece, and to St Andrews Golf Course in Scotland. And finally do an Aussie desert trip with my two sons. 

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself….My paternal heritage is Greek. When my paternal grandfather arrived in Australia, he changed his surname to the current form so there are only 15 of us worldwide with our surname! 

If money was no object, what would you do with your time? Take my wife travelling, help the kids with their lifestyles, make our own life more comfortable, and assist the struggling sporting clubs around town. 

How long have you lived in or around Forbes and what do you like about living here? I’ve lived in Forbes since 2016. I like that our community looks out for one another. I love living by the river and the beautiful natural environment. 

Where do you work and what do you enjoy most about where you work? I work for the Forbes Arts Society. I enjoying working with a passionate group of volunteers who are dedicated to generating opportunities for locals and visitors to create, share and experience art and culture. We are currently working on a number of really exciting projects including building a new art gallery at 110 Lachlan Street (old ambulance station), the Sculpture Down the Lachlan trail expansion, and the Gum Swamp redevelopment project. 

What do you do to unwind on weekends? Spend time with friends and family. 

What are you really good at? I am good at finishing everything I start. 

What makes you laugh the most? My husband and my seven-month-old son are quite entertaining. 

What’s on your bucket list? Seeing more of Australia. 

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself….I wanted to be an artist when I was little, so I guess I’ve come full circle working for the Forbes Arts Society. 

If money was no object, what would you do with your time? Renovate our home and go on more travel adventures with my family. 

What was your first job? I worked at a pharmacy during high school. 

How long have you lived in or around Forbes and what do you like about living here? I have lived in Forbes most of my life. I love the fact Forbes is a close-knit community who help each other out.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy most about where you work? I work at Boys to the Bush and enjoy helping kids who need a hand. We can either whinge about the young people in our community or HELP them become better people.

What do you do to unwind on weekends? Hang with my kids and family or play sport.

What are you really good at? I am very good at annoying people, especially people I work with.

What makes you laugh the most? Funny things my kids say.

What’s on your bucket list? Go to the US Masters golf at Augusta.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself…. I am actually Mum and Dad’s favourite child!

If money was no object, what would you do with your time? Open a café on the river that does amazing food and coffee.

What was your first job? Working for Dad in the family ag business.

How long have you lived in or around Forbes and what do you like about living here? I lived in Parkes most of my life and moved to Forbes three years ago. I love the lake, walking around it and barbeques. I love the fact I met my soon to be husband here, and bringing up our beautiful daughter in a lovely town.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy most about where you work? I run my own family day care two days a week with Cabonne FDC. I love all my beautiful families and children, love watching them play, grow and learn. I also work at Bright Beginnings Childcare Centre, love the team, the children and the beautiful environment.

What do you do to unwind on weekends? I love spending time with my partner and Tilly our daughter, we love walks around the lake and just being around each other.

What are you really good at? I believe I’m good at my job as an early childhood educator, good at listening to the children, caring and teaching them new and exciting things.

What makes you laugh the most? My partner Hamish.

What’s on your bucket list? Travel to Greece.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself….I own three silkie chickens named Fettuccine, Penny and Baba.

If money was no object, what would you do with your time? Spend quality time with my baby all day every day.

What was your first job? Working at Woolworths.

Where were you born? Born, raised and stayed in Forbes.

Were you named after anyone? Not that I know of. All I know is my initials were always going to be AJC whether I was a girl or a boy.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Definitely the 2021 council elections and having the opportunity to lead a fantastic team of educators at the Learning Ladder.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? Without a doubt Kevin Rudd’s national apology to the stolen generation.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Never expect someone to do something you wouldn’t do yourself.

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? I’m not a big risk taker. I would be called a very cautious and planned person. Biggest risk would have to be buying my first home. It’s always to know if the time is right.

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? A fridge full of food, my family and a bucket load of sunscreen.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? I would head straight to the TAB… in all seriousness I would be buying lots of useful things.

When are you happiest? When I’m surrounded by my family (or watching horse racing)

What is your favourite Elvis song? Burning Love. I’ve only started to enjoy Elvis in the past few years.

Where were you born? Wellington NSW.

Were you named after anyone? The name Shania came from my Mum being a Shania Twain fan, and the midwife who helped to deliver me was also named Shania.

What did you enjoy the most about being Miss Priscilla? It’s so hard to pick just one, but visiting the nursing homes warmed my heart. Overall, I enjoyed my role as the Elvis fans are very passionate and it’s amazing to see how it brings everyone together to celebrate!

What is your favourite Elvis song? I get asked that a lot, and I’m pretty sure the answer changes every time! There are so many great songs, and it just depends on what I’m feeling at the time. At the moment I’ve been jamming to “All Shook Up”.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? I’m very proud of being crowned Miss Priscilla and so grateful for the experience, but another accomplishment is that I’m in my last year of studies to become a registered nurse and I cannot wait to go out into the world and start my career.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? The fight for social equality and women’s rights. Women in NSW gained the right to vote in 1902. This moment has guided women closer to equality in all aspects of life. From a time when women weren’t even able to drink in a bar!

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? A hammock, a good book and a lychee mojito!

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? I would probably send it to the flood effected families.

How long have you lived in or around Forbes and what do you like about living here? I moved here in 1987. I love the community vibe, always ready to help each other in times of need.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy most about where you work? I work at Club Forbes. I love the atmosphere at the club, the staff are the best and the patrons are lovely.

What was your first job? Tomato Picking.

If money was no object, what would you do with your time? Travel, buy a huge farm so I can have all the animals.

What makes you laugh the most? My kids and my grandbabies.

What’s your pet hate? People who are cruel and intolerant to others.

What’s on your bucket list? Las Vegas, see the northern lights in Canada, swim with the great white sharks in South Australia.

If you would live in any time and place, when and where would it be? Present day in the Colorado Mountains.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why? Talking to animals – would love to know what they are thinking.

What’s your favourite childhood memory? Learning to figure skate.

What’s your favourite quote? Leave a little sparkle wherever you go.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself… I was the first girl born on my father’s side of the family in two generations.

How long have you lived in or around Forbes and what do you like about living here? For 66 years. I like that I am living here.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy most about where you work? I work as a community advocate. I enjoy teaching and sharing Wiradyuri language and culture.

What do you do to unwind on weekends? I read a lot and go for walks.

What are you really good at? Teaching.

What makes you laugh the most? Childrens’ antics.

What’s on your bucket list? I would love to see a united community (Ngumbaaydyil: Together as one).

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself…. I am a qualified builder.

If money was no object, what would you do with your time? I would buy a large building by the lake to donate to the community as a meeting place.

What was your first job? Shop assistant at GJ Coles.

How long have you lived in or around Forbes and what do you like about living here? My husband and I moved to Yarrabandai in 1979 from the Albury area. We sold our farm in 2000 and moved to Forbes.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy most about where you work? I have been teaching since 1979. I have taught in 12 different school in 43 years. I have been Learning and Support Teacher at Forbes North Primary School since 2013. Wonderful children and super awesome team of staff.

What do you do to unwind on weekends? I love spending time with my sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren. Anything where I can be out of doors, although I love playing the euphonium in the town band – it’s a bit of an addiction.

What are you really good at? I love recycling things, being crafty, gardening and travelling with my family.

What makes you laugh the most? Children – big or little they give such joy.

What’s on your bucket list? I would like more time to catch up with friends. It is hard to balance work, family and interests sometimes.