Our exclusive interview with Santa Claus just for the Children of Parkes and Forbes.

What is your name? Santa Claus – I have a few names however, I can also be called St Nick, Father Christmas or Kris Kringle.

Where do you live? I live at the North Pole in a beautiful village with all my elves and my wife, Mrs Claus.

What do you do for fun? Well, checking the naughty and nice list of course! But I also enjoy sleigh rides with Mrs Claus and playing hide and seek with all the elves.

What about the Children of Parkes and Forbes, how are they fairing on the list this year? Well, I know that the children of Parkes and Forbes are a very special bunch. They have all been pretty good all year, sometimes they can be a little cheeky but I feel that all the children will be on the nice list this year.

What time will you be coming over Parkes and Forbes? It’s always tricky to get it exactly right but if all the children are tucked up in their beds nice and early we should be heading over just after midnight.

What is your favourite food? Well, I like anything sweet! Mrs Claus is always baking delicious treats for me, but I love visiting Australian children the most as they always know exactly what I like.

Since you are very busy, what do you do to relax? I like to sit by the fire and sip hot cocoa.

Where do you go on holidays? Mrs Claus and I plan on visiting lots of wonderful places we see on our Christmas Eve present drop. Starting with somewhere warm of course!

Thank you Santa! We wish you a very very Merry Christmas.

 

Where were you born? I was born in Griffith Base Hospital – after a very quick drive over from Hillston. 

Were you named after anyone? Not exactly. My parents had a friend whose name was Roxanne and they liked it. My middle name is the same as my mum though. 

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? I have had many special moments and been a part of some great programs and events, but the highlight for me would be being part of the 5 person Cast Movement team for Schools Spectacular in 2018. 

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? The 9/11 tragedy and Bali Bombings are two that I will never forget. 

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? You can’t give from an empty cup. 

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? I think moving to Parkes actually. I came here for a temporary teaching contract in 2015 and have been here ever since. 

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? My painting gear, a hammock and a fishing rod. 

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? I’d square off my debts and book a holiday. 

When are you happiest? Curled up with a book, coffee and a bit of chocolate.

Where were you born? Forbes Hospital.

Were you named after anyone? No.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Our two children Tyson 10 and Ruby 7.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? The September 11 terrorist attacks and the Cronulla Sharks 2016 premiership.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? You can count your true mates on one hand.

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? There has been a few but one Saturday at Hawkesbury races is still etched in my memory (and nightmares).

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? My family, TAB app and a boat to get us back.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Book a family holiday overseas, go searching for the next winner then shout Chinese late.

When are you happiest? When my family is happy and healthy and when I’m having a beer, a laugh with my mates and backing a winner. 

Where were you born? Wollongong 

Were you named after anyone? No. 

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? My family. 

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? 9/11. 

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Never pass up an opportunity because you never know when you will get another one. 

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Working with Jared Demamiel. 

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? My hubby, ChapStick, and a good mattress. 

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Put it towards renovating my house. 

When are you happiest? When I’m with my family. 

Where were you born? Forbes. 

Were you named after anyone? My middle name is after my two pops. 

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Finishing my trades and working with Boys to the Bush. 

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? Forbes Floods. 

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? To be kind. 

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Working under Tim West! 

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? Candice, Phyllis for food and a boat. 

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Donate it to flood victims. 

When are you happiest? Working with young men in my job. 

Where were you born? Carlton, Victoria. 

Were you named after anyone? Yes, my great grandmother Ellen Mary Morris. 

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? My adult daughter, and son, to see their achievements and little families. 

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? The moon landing, the whole school watched it on one tv in the hall. 

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Trust yourself that you can do it. 

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Moving to Parkes, leaving behind family, friends, and where I grew up. 

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? My husband, a radio and books. 

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Share it around my family. 

When are you happiest? When with family and playing music. 

Where were you born? At Shoalhaven Hospital in Nowra.

Were you named after anyone? Not that I am aware of.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Progressing my career in hospitality to club management roles in a relatively short amount of time in the industry. 

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? The 2019 bush fires in NSW. I remember walking outside of work at the time, on a Saturday night with virtually no customers inside, and the sky was an eerie black colour, and oddly quiet.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Don’t be disheartened by trying to change the world overnight, and not being able to. Make positive, small steps and you will look back in the future and see the success. 

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Leaving my previous club, and moving to Parkes, to be the General Manager of the Leagues Club.

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? A fishing rod, matches and a (full) water bottle!

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? I would book flights to see my best friend who moved to the USA two years ago.

When are you happiest? Relaxing on the outdoor lounge with a cold beer in hand. 

Where were you born? I was born at Mater Misericordiae Hospital at Waratah in Newcastle.

Were you named after anyone? I was named after my Aunty Irene.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? My six sons are my proudest accomplishment.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? Marching down George Street in 1983 protesting John Pat’s death in custody. This protest became a symbol of injustice and oppression for Aboriginal people.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Just be you.

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? I’m not much of a risk taker, I think life is one big risk, it’s what we achieve daily that counts.

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? I’d take an umbrella, some water and a satellite phone.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? I would book a cruise somewhere.

When are you happiest? I’m happiest when I’m around the people I love and when I create art

Where were you born? Forbes Mater Hospital. 

Were you named after anyone? No, but I did adopt a nickname 45 years ago that has stuck. 

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Being married for 36 years, my four children and still refereeing rugby at 61. 

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? The Bali bombing. It had a huge effect on the whole community. 

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Don’t die wondering what you can achieve. 

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Jumping off the big board at the Forbes pool as a nine year old. 

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? My wife, a rum still, and a solar panel. 

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? At a party with my friends and family. I love parties! 

When are you happiest? At rugby or dragon boating with my mates. 

Where were you born? Caringbah, NSW. 

Were you named after anyone? Yes, my grandmother. 

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? My children. 

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? Granville train disaster and the Bali bombing. 

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Never think you are too old to learn something new. 

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Moving to Forbes away from my family. I have been here for 35 years, and I still love living here. 

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? Plenty of food, Scotch and friends! 

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? A holiday on the Ghan. 

When are you happiest? Being with my grandchildren.