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Forbes Phoenix

Our Gal – Grace Fairley

June 9, 2023 by Roxane Manley

How old are you? I turned 12 this year.

What school do you attend and what year are you in? I am in Year 6 and currently attend Forbes Public School.

Were you named after anyone? My first name is not but my middle name is after my great grandma.

What three things would you like to pack in your lunchbox every day? I love to pack cheese, grapes and mandarines.

If you could choose any job in the world, what would you do? I would choose to be a professional WNRL player and would love to be able to play for Parramatta.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? I would give it all to my parents for them to hide away for me to spend later in life.

What is the scariest thing you’ve ever done? The scariest thing I have ever done is jump off a high bridge into the water.

If you could meet any historical person, who would that be? I would love to meet a female activist who was involved in the Stolen Generation but I cannot remember her name.

What makes you feel like dancing? Every time I hear our bell music playing at school I just have to dance.

If you had three wishes, what would you wish for? This is a very hard question to answer for me. I am happy with my life as it is and would not want to change anything!

Parkes Boars Player Of The Week – Michael Watt

June 9, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Michael Watt

Known as: Mick.

Where were you born: Orange.

What year were you born: 1995.

When and where did you play your first game of rugby: Canowindra Pythons, Canowindra 2013.

When did you come to Parkes: 2021.

What position do you play: 10/15 Fullback or Fylhalf.

Your go to food before a game: Coffee.

Interests outside of rugby: Beers with family and mates.

Where do you work: Carpenter/civil earthworks.

Married/in a relationship/single: In a relationship.

Kids: No.

What is it about rugby that keeps you playing: The team.

The team describes Mick as one of the hardest working players. Captain of 2nd grade and usually benches for 1st grade each week.

Our Young Bloke – William Northey

June 2, 2023 by Roxane Manley

How old are you? I am 11 years old turning 12 in the next few weeks.

What school do you attend and what year are you in? I am in Year 6 and currently attend Forbes Public School. 

Were you named after anyone? People often ask if I was named after Prince William of the royal family, but I was not named after anyone.

What three things would you like to pack in your lunchbox every day? If I had the choice I would pack a doughnut, a packet of plain chips and an apple, just to be healthy.

If you could choose any job in the world, what would you do? I would love to be a professional soccer player and play as the Manchester City goalkeeper.

If you had to spend $10000 today , how would you spend it? That is a difficult question to answer. I would buy a really nice bike and a brand-new set of goal keeping gloves. I would donate the rest of the money to charity.

What is the scariest thing you’ve ever done? The scariest thing I have ever done is watch a very scary movie with my grandma.

If you could meet any historical person, who would that be? If I was able to meet anyone it would probably be Captain Cook as he explored a lot of the world and would have a lot of interesting stories to tell.

What makes you feel like dancing? I am not really a dancer but when I make a great save in soccer, I jump around excitedly which is about as close as I get to dancing.

If you had three wishes, what would you wish for? A good, fun, and safe life for everyone in the world. To be the smartest person in the world so that I could help others. To have a lot of money. 

Our Gal – Cailin Westcott

May 26, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Cailin Westcott

Where were you born? Dubbo Base Hospital.

Were you named after anyone? My middle name was after my great grandmother (Amy) But Cailin is Irish to go with my maiden name (O’Connor).

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? My Son, Billy.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? COVID Pandemic.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Look after your own back yard.

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Going into business with our electrical company in Parkes, Electrical Maintenance and Construction.

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? My family, a ski boat, and some fuel.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Decking out our new office at 22 Forbes Road!

When are you happiest? When I’m having quality time with family. 

Parkes Boars Rugby Union Club Player Of The Week – Karsyn Blanco

May 26, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Karsyn Blanco. Photo by Allan Ryan.

Karsyn Blanco

Known as: Karsyn

Where were you born: Orem, Utah USA.

What year were you born: 2001.

Where and when did you play your first rugby match: Sandy City, Utah, 2017.

When did you come to Parkes: I moved here in from the USA in 2022.

What position/s do you play: Where ever they want me, often in the centres- I love wide open spaces and hard running.

Your go to food before a game: Usually a Red Bull and then a decent meal after I play.

Interests outside Rugby: Socialising, travel, people.

Where do you work: Advanced Global: Warehouse Assistant.

Married / in a relationship / single: In a new relationship.

Kids: No.

Rugby player you look up to: Alev Kelter (USA 7’s player).

What is it about the Parkes Rugby Club that keeps you playing: Great community and support around the club. All team members get on so well. Way better than anywhere I’ve ever played before.

Our Bloke – Mitch Westcott

May 19, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Mitch Westcott

Where were you born? Parkes Hospital.

Were you named after anyone? I don’t know, you’ll have to ask my parents that one. 

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? My son, Billy. 

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? Sydney Olympics – going to the big smoke as a young child to watch it.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Happy wife happy life, I’m yet to perfect that. 

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Going into business with my own electrical company, EMC.

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? A ski boat, beer and a boat driver.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Deck out the new shopfront. 

When are you happiest? In the shower after a game of rugby, or with my family. 

Our Gal – Maddy Hayes

May 12, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Where were you born? I was born in Forbes. 

Were you named after anyone? My name idea came from the cartoon of the French girl named Madeline. 

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? I feel most accomplished coming to work at Forbes Shire Council and being able to help the community, it is a very rewarding job.. 

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? Having my 18th birthday during COVID. 

Whats the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Don’t stress about things you can’t control. 

Whats the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? I am not a massive risk taker but I guess if I had to answer I would say everyday has its own risks and rewards. 

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? Food, a friend and a flashlight. 

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? I would spend it on a pamper day and shopping. 

When are you happiest? When I am at the beach. 

Our Bloke – Jack Hodges-Lockwood

April 28, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Jack Hodges-Lockwood

Where were you born? Orange, NSW.

Were you named after anyone? My great grandfather.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Completing my apprenticeship.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? Covid-19.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Never put your hand where you wouldn’t put your willy.

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Swimming in waters with tiger sharks around Moreton Island.

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? My misses to cook, a fishing rod and a pallet of longnecks.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Upgrading my second love Barbara (my ute).

When are you happiest? Putting my feet up on a Friday arvo. 

Our Young Gal – Elizabeth MacGregor

April 21, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Elizabeth MacGregor

How old are you? 16.

were you named after anyone? No.

What three things would you like to pack in your lunch box every day? A banana, Cruskits with Vegemite and a muesli bar.

If you could choose any job in the world, what would you do? National Women’s Rugby League (NRLW).

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Buy a car or clothes and shoes. 

What is the scariest thing you’ve ever done? Everything scares me so I always end up chickening out.

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

What makes you feel like dancing? The music and vibes in the sheds before a footy game.

If you had three wishes, what would you wish for? To make NRLW, always be healthy and a safer world. 

Our Young Bloke – Charlie Mahon

April 14, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Charlie Mahon

How old are you? 17. 

What three things would you like to pack in your lunch box every day? A protein bar, apple and Caesar wrap. 

If you could choose any job in the world, what would you do? Underwater welder. 

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

What is the scariest thing you’ve ever done? Bunjee jumping. 

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

What makes you feel like dancing? Scoring a try. 

If you had three wishes, what would you wish for? Unlimited money, to be the best NRL player and to own my own business. 

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