David Acheson

How long have you lived in or around Forbes? I’ve lived here on and off for what’s now 60 years. I’ve moved away a few times but I keep coming back.

Where do you work? I’m currently the chairman of the Forbes Aboriginal Working Party. I worked at TAFE for 12 years before that.

What do you do in your spare time? I used to be a builder by trade. I actually worked in four different trades, but I do enjoy fixing things. I’m still a handy man.

What makes your day? I would say helping people. It’s always a nice thing to do, and it’s what I like to do.

Skye Jordan

How long have you lived in Forbes? I have lived in Forbes for about 28 years.

What do you like the most about living in Forbes? What I love most about Forbes is the people – they are always friendly and welcoming. I especially love the staff at Forbes District Hospital whom I work with everyday.

What do you enjoy doing as a hobby? I do handicrafts with my mother, Jan. We make girls hair clips and ribbon craft. I also enjoy dancing, in particular Jazz.

Who, living, dead or fictional, would you like to have dinner with? I would love to have dinner with Oprah – she is an inspiration to women around the world.

What is your dream holiday? My dream holiday would be to lap around Australia with my family in the caravan.

What would you like to see change in the world? I would like everyone around the world to show a little more compassion to one another.

Sharon Schaefer
How long have you lived in Forbes? I have lived in Forbes for 49 Years.

What do you love most about Forbes? I really like the people in the Forbes community, they are friendly and welcoming.

What are your hobbies or interests? Gardening is not only a hobby but my passion, I love being outdoors enjoying the results.

How long have you been putting up a Christmas Light display? This would be the fourth year.

Why did you choose to raise money for charity and how much have you raised? The first year we raised $1000 for House With No Steps after a family member suggested it. The second year we chose CanAssist because we knew a little girl who had cancer and now my son Josh has cancer so have continued the tradition. We have raised $13,000 in the past three years from donations made by people visiting my home to look at the Christmas Display and at an Open Garden Day we have once a year.

Tim Westcott

How long have you lived in Forbes? I have lived in Forbes for 20 years on and off, I always seem to come back.

What do you love most about Forbes? I love the people of Forbes. The countryside in and around Forbes is great and the river is its biggest asset. The forest areas gives variety and interest to the area as well.

What are your hobbies or interests? My interests are riding motorbikes out in the bush, skiing and playing squash. I also enjoy having a beer with friends and family.

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world who would it be? I would love to have dinner with Rihanna because she is a good sort.

What would be your dream holiday? My dream holiday would be one that lasts forever but failing that I aim to travel the world.

What is the biggest change you would like to see in the world? The biggest change I would like to see in the world is that everyone lives in peace with each other.

Emily Bass

How long have you lived in Forbes? For two years, I came here after I got a job teaching at Forbes High School.

What do you love about Forbes? Forbes is a friendly community. I love to walk around the lake – it is a great asset to Forbes.

Do you have any hobbies or passions? I love being active and going to the gym, cross fit training and dancing.

Who would you love to have dinner with if you could have it with anyone? My grandfather who passed away. I was really close to him and would love the chance to have a final goodbye.

Describe your dream holiday: Bora Bora in an over-the-water bungalow.

What is the biggest change you would like to see in the world? An end to terrorism and a land where humans are compassionate and empathetic towards one another.

Greg Neems

Why did you sign up for Movember? Because it is a very worthwhile cause. Either my family or every second person you know has been affected by cancer in some way or another so it is a great cause to support.

Have you ever done Movember before? No, never.

Do the ladies love the facial fur? Let’s just say my wife is very excited to see the mo go!

Describe your dream holiday: Going somewhere up the coast with family and I’ve always wanted to go and see Canada.

Do you have any hobbies or passions? I enjoy photography, recreational shooting and I own a Labrador.

What is the biggest change you would like to see in the world? Number one would be no terrorism. I would love to see people working together more within communities and getting along and doing community work.

Nikki Patten

What do you love about Forbes? The biggest asset is the lake. It’s always a hive of activity with walkers, skiers and everyone you meet there is friendly.

What are your hobbies? I love sport and play netball, basketball and touch. I am passionate about all children having access to a loving, happy and caring environment, stimulating learning opportunities and education.

Who inspires you? Pinky Mckay or Petrea King. Pinky Mckay is an author of gentle parenting advice books. Petrea is the CEO and founder of the Quest for Life Foundation and inspires cancer sufferers.

Describe your dream holiday: As the children get older I would like to trek through Nepal, and possibly climb Mount Everest as a family.

What is the biggest change you would like to see in the world? Peace, peace, peace – starting with treating your neighbours with respect and kindness with the hope that it will cause a ripple effect.

Barry Merritt

How long have you lived in Forbes? I was born here and moved about a bit as a child but I’ve been here permanently for the past 35 years.

What do you love about Forbes? The community; knowing everyone personally, families support one another and sporting facilities are excellent.

What are your hobbies? Coaching Rugby League, I’m passionate about my current job as Aboriginal Education Officer, I love seeing Aboriginal children do well and I will continue dance.

Who inspires you the most? Ray Price – he is an absolute soldier on the Rugby League field and gives everything for his team mates.

Describe your dream holiday: Travelling the world with my beautiful wife, see the memorial of the Twin Towers, visit Vanuatu and stop off at the Antarctic on the way home.

What is the biggest change you wish to see in the world? Everyone to get along better and work together for the greater good.

Rosie Johnston

How long have you lived in Forbes? I was enticed by a farmer to move to Forbes in 1993, 22 years ago.

What do you love about Forbes? Apart from the community, I love the beautiful historic buildings in the town and the picturesque Victoria Park and Lake area.

What are your hobbies/passions? My love of horses is an inspiration for my artwork which is my passion. Graphic design is my profession, and more than a job to me. Another interest I have is decorating horses.

Who would you love to have dinner with? John Fairfax – I would love to discuss culture and art promoting rural towns and communities. Coming a close second and third are Ed Sheeran and Matthew McConaughey.

Describe your dream holiday: Get a group of like minded friends together and go horse riding in the Australian Highlands for a week.

What is the biggest change you would like to see in the world? To let every child born in the world have access to two poems: “The Desiderata” by Max Ehrmann and “Oh the Places You’ll Go” by Dr Suess.

Brett Rout

How long have you lived in Forbes? Most of my life.

What do you love most about Forbes? I love the general feel of the town. It is a
good community to live in.

What are your hobbies or other passions? Anything to do with the outdoors.

If you could have dinner with anyone, alive, dead or fictional, who would that be? Steve Jobs – I would love to pick his brain for tips on business success.

Describe your dream holiday: Anywhere, as long as I am outdoors and with family.

What is the biggest change you would like to see in the world? A cure for cancer and to get rid of illegal drugs