Sam Johnston

Where were you born? Forbes Hospital in 1995.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Starting the successful social media movement #ThankAFarmerForYourNextMeal or buying my own farm.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? Watching Craig Lowndes win Bathurst in 2018 for his seventh time.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? “The only thing you get from looking back is a sore neck.”

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Starting my own business at 19 with no experience.

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? Fishing Rod, lighter and a box of Great Northern.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Paint the outside of my house.

When are you happiest? When I am home on the farm spending time with my family and dogs. 

How old are you? 12.

What school do you attend and what year are you in? Parkes East Public School, Year 6.

Were you named after anyone? Middle name: Nan.

What three things would you like to pack in your lunchbox every day? Oreos, Tim Tams, Honey Soy Chicken Chips

If you could choose any job in the world, what would you do? An equestrian.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Buy a dachshund.

What is the scariest thing you’ve ever done? Going on a massive roller coaster.

If you could meet any historical person, who would that be? Pele.

What makes you feel like dancing? Listening to music.

If you had three wishes, what would you wish for? To have unlimited Sour Patch Kids, to open a Brazilian Restaurant and to visit family in Brazil when I like. 

Isabella Christina Ten Cate da Silva

Jack Charles Douglas Dunford

How old are you? 12.

What school do you attend and what year are you in? I am in year 6 at Parkes East Public School.

Were you named after anyone? Middle names: Pop and Pa.

What three things would you like to pack in your lunchbox every day? Oreos, LCMs, plain Smiths chips.

If you could choose any job in the world, what would you do? Professional cricketer.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Cricket bats and general sporting equipment.

What is the scariest thing you’ve ever done? Climbed Uluru.

If you could meet any historical person, who would that be? Sir Donald Bradman.

What makes you feel like dancing? Music.

If you had three wishes, what would you wish for? To have a big property, coach a sporting team and make my own cricket bats. 

Fiona Mary Dunn

Where were you born? Forbes.

Were you named after anyone? No.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Being a mum and grandmother.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? 911.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Treat everyone how you would like to be treated.

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Going to the underground mine-tool in Ballart. 

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? My toy poodle dog named Ruby, my knitting and an endless supply of Tim Tams.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? On an overseas trip.

When are you happiest? When I am with my family. 

Grahame Keith Grant

Where were you born? Goulburn NSW.

Were you named after anyone? Keith is my father’s name. 

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Travelling and snow skiing.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? Thredbo landslide. 

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Be respectful. 

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Arriving in Canada for a ski season without accommodation or a job. 

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? Music, dog and a knife.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? On a plane ticket. 

When are you happiest? In the sun surrounded by nature. 

Cathy Ryan

Where were you born: Wagga Wagga.

Were you named after anybody: My grandmother was Kathleen and there were several Catherine’s in my family tree.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Personally: my family as it grows and flourishes. Professionally – the difference I can make in woman’s pregnancy and birthing journeys.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? The bombing of the twin towers on 11th September 2001. Changed the face of global safety.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? “Be true to yourself”.

What is the greatest risk you have ever taken? I boarded a plane in 1985 headed to Europe with a one way ticket.

What are three things you would take to a deserted island? Fresh water, fire source and Allan.

If you had to spend $10,000 today how would you spend it? Replace our home air conditioner that drowned in the November floods.

When are you happiest? When the sun is out, my family are around me, the wine is chilled and the food is good.

Allan Ryan

Where were you born? Wangaratta, Victoria.

Were you named after anyone? I got my second name, Joseph from my grandfather who was killed fighting a bushfire when dad was six years old.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Finishing Uni (B.Sc (App Chem)) and my family.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? Landing on the Moon. We all got the afternoon off school to watch it – yes I’m that old!

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Reach for the stars but keep your feet on the ground.

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Moving the family to the Northern Territory.

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? Knife, matches and a water still.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? A holiday with my wife to New Zealand or the UK.

When are you happiest? When surrounded by the family – in particular the grandkids.