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Forbes Phoenix

Our Bloke – Dr Richard Draper

September 3, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

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Dr Richard Draper

How long have you lived in the region? I was born in Parkes, left at 16 to go to Melbourne, then Newcastle, Gosford and Wagga and then returned to Parkes when I was 30.

What is your favourite thing about Forbes? The lake, and it has a more relaxed feel around the centre of town, I like the feel of the CBD.

What are your passions/hobbies? Road racing motorcycles.

What is your biggest fear? To be judged as overly normal.

Who inspires you the most? My mate Billy has had a kidney transplant, a heart bypass and a hip replacement and is still an incredibly active water ski racer who works super hard. He genuinely is my hero.

What do you love about your job? On the odd occasion, being able to make a difference to someone’s life.

What is the biggest change you would like to see in the world? A world where you have to earn the right to have a child.

Question of the Week

September 3, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

What are you doing for Dad this Father’s Day?

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“Might cook him breakfast in bed and get him a good present” – Grace Goodall

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“I haven’t thought about it. Maybe do a dinner for him and sit around the bonfire with a few home brews” – Sarah Hogan

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“Having a family lunch with Dad” – Alicia Sinclair

Our Gal – Rachael Morgan

August 27, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

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Rachael Morgan

How long have you lived in Forbes? Moved to Forbes in 2004 from Queensland, originally from Tarcutta.

What do you love most about living in Forbes? I have the best lifestyle here, a great job and my favourite man!

What are your hobbies/passions? It goes without saying – horses; riding, breeding and training them.

If you won the lotto, how would you spend it? Pay off my mortgage, buy a beef property, invest a little.
Describe your dream holiday: Probably too old to trek in South America or India now, so checking out America would be fun I think.

Who inspires you the most? Anyone that is fair, true and determined to do good in our world.

Where is your favourite place in the world? On horseback in the bush!

What is the biggest change you would like to see in the world? Don’t start me on that one – I couldn’t choose just one. In a nutshell I’d say ‘stopping all injustice’ as it covers thousands of systemic problems in the world.

Our Bloke – Luke Whitty

August 20, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

ray white kevin miller etc

How long have you lived in Forbes? I’ve lived in Forbes for 20 years and originated from Gooloogong.
What do you love most about living in Forbes? It’s a great country town with a very hospitable and welcoming community.
Who do you think will win the football grand final? The Broncos.
What are your hobbies? Enduro motorbike riding and camping.
What is the biggest change you would like to see in the world? A cure for cancer.
Describe your dream holiday? A camping trip around Australia.
What are your plans for the future? To work hard, raise my three boys the best I can and spoil my wife.
What do you love about your job? Working with a great team of people, working with livestock and servicing the rural community.

Question of the Week

August 20, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

Be savy with your savings! Research has shown Gen Y has less than $100 per week to spend on food and incidentals, how much do you live on per week?

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“I spend less than $100 per week” – Stacey Clarke, 20

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“I spend $300 per week” – Emma Gaffney, 26

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“I spend $150-$200 per week” – Nathan Murphy 21

Our Gal – Melissa Gaffney

August 13, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

mel gaff

Melissa Gaffney
How long have you lived in Forbes? I was born in Forbes and moved to Sydney when I was 4. We moved back to Forbes when I was 10.

What is your favourite thing about Forbes? How friendly everyone is. Forbes locals are always happy to help out.

What are your passions/hobbies? Beauty therapy, horse riding, netball, going to the Races and competing in fashions on the field.

What is your biggest fear? Heights.

What is your worst habit? Over thinking everything and worrying about little things.

What is your favourite music to listen to right now? Anything, I like all types of music.

If you won the lotto, how would you spend it? I would buy a property and a few more horses. I would also shout myself and my family on an overseas holiday.

Who inspires you the most? My dad. He is a hard working kind and generous man, everything I aspire to be.

Our Bloke – Daniel West

August 6, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

daniel west

How long have you lived in Forbes?
For about 30 years. I was schooled in Forbes at Forbes North and Forbes High, went to university, worked on the Queensland border for a time and then moved back to Forbes.

What is your favourite thing about Forbes?
My family, the community spirit and the river.

Do you have any hobbies or other passions?
Sport, fishing, gardening and punting.

What is your biggest fear?
People failing to realise their potential.

Where is your favourite place in the world?
My home which is just a few acres on the river. It’s always nice to travel but I am happy when I come home.

If you could have dinner with anyone, alive, dead or fictional, who would it be?
Provided they cook and clean up I would share a meal with almost anyone!

What is the biggest change you would like to see in the world?
Acceptance of all cultures/religions.

Question of the Week

August 6, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

With only four weeks until spring, what excites you most about the change of season?

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“It’s a nice time of year to go away and we get about three blossoms in the spring, but I do enjoy winter.” – Chris Finkel

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“The colour! The whole feel of everything coming to life again, the change of fashion, the sound of the birds, the
bull rushes by the lake, it makes me want to paint.” – Melody Ruhrmund

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“The weather changes and you can enjoy your day more.” – Nicole Skinner

Our Gal – Janet Callaghan

July 30, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

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Our Gal – Janet Callaghan
How long have you lived in Forbes? All my life.
Where do you love to eat? I can eat anywhere in Forbes but my special place would be the Forbes Inn for a Chicken
Stir Fry Cashew Nuts.
What are your passions or hobbies? I’m passionate about my business, love hearing that people love our town. I’m passionate about being a good mother, wife and friend and living life to the fullest. I enjoy boot camp and walking the lake with friends. My favourite hobby is water skiing in summer.
What is your favourite music to listen to right now? Love all music! I’m always on the dance floor.
If you won the lotto, how would you spend it? I’d buy a resort and go on a very long holiday with family, friends & Billie.
Who inspires you the most? My parents – they have helped me make something of myself & supported me in my
choices. I would want to follow in their footsteps with being compassionate and kind to others.
Who is your favourite football team? Bulldogs.
What’s your favourite thing about Forbes? The country lifestyle and the people.

Question of The Week

July 30, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

What do you think about NSW Premier Mike Baird’s proposed increase to the GST?

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“It shouldn’t be on. We don’t need it and it would just inflate the price of things.” – Peter Hayley

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“It’s inevitable that we’ll get some increase in GST. 12.5% is possibly acceptable, let’s hope the State Government puts that money back into health and education.” – Marg Duggan

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“I think we pay enough!” – Jayne and Lyn at News on Rankin.

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