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Forbes Phoenix

Our Gal – Katie Spence

February 3, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Katie Spence

Where were you born? Windsor, NSW. 

Were you named after anyone? No. 

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? My children, my husband and all that we’ve achieved together in 15 years. 

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? 9/11, COVID, Russia invading Poland…. There’s too many!! 

Whats the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Things always, always happen for a reason. Whether you need to process it in the moment or years that, you will look back and see and understand why things happen the way they do. 

Whats the greatest risk youve ever taken? Buying a butchers and being a farmer. 

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? Insulin, beer and nachos 

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Probably on my kids, or even a new bathroom. 

When are you happiest? Friday afternoons having a beer out the back with hubby and watching our kids play or going on hikes at the Blue Mountains. 

Be Seen in Forbes

February 3, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Spotted catching up for lunch at Isabels Place were Chloe Little and Addie Langham.

 

Barbara Godger and Margaret Huggett were grabbing a bite to eat on their break volunteering at Vinnies.

 

Maintaining the local sporting grounds to an impeccable standard was FSC employee Lleyton Jones.

What are you looking forward to most in 2023?

January 27, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Christine Lloyd: I have a baby arriving in June, so that’s exciting. I’m hoping to get straight back to work and focus on my goal of having my own business in hospitality or possibly even teaching cookery.

 

Thomas Simpson: This year I want to hang out with my mates as much as I can and I am also looking forward to travelling to Sydney with my brother Kurt to see Ezy-E in concert.

 

(L-R) Ruby Mcnally, Grace Mcgirr, Marley Spedding: Each girl agreed the most exciting thing happening this year is starting high school. Ruby and Grace will attend Parkes High School, while Marley will be attending Red Bend Catholic College.

Our Bloke – Brett Thomas

January 27, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Brett Thomas

Where were you born? Sydney.

Were you named after anyone? My initials BJ after my grandfather.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Getting married and having two great kids. 

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? The recent Eugowra flooding. Helping clean up over there and listening to the stories of survival. They are a strong community.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? There’s always a reason and there’s always a solution.

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Sky diving solo.

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? A boat, fishing gear and a pallet of beer.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Build a patio at the back of the house.

When are you happiest? Playing golf and having a few beers with the boys.

Our Gal – Ashleigh Smith (Miss Priscilla 2022)

January 4, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Ashleigh Smith (Miss Priscilla 2022)

Where were you born? I was born in Parkes. 

Were you named after anyone? No. 

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Giving birth to my son. 

What did you enjoy the most about being Miss Priscilla? I enjoyed being amongst the festival and meeting new people, it always is a fun time. 

What is your favourite Elvis song? Hound Dog. 

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

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? “Do something you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.”

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Starting my own beauty business back in 2018. 

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? I would use it to take my family on a big holiday overseas.

When are you happiest? I’m happiest when I’m at home relaxing with my family. 

Our Bloke – Santa Claus

December 25, 2022 by Roxane Manley

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.

Be Seen in Forbes

December 23, 2022 by Roxane Manley

Maxwell Hatch and good mate Tyson Mclennan were seen riding their bikes down to meet their mates for a spot of fishing. What a great way to spend the start of school holidays.

 

The Bracher-du Frense family were all road tripping together from Hurstbridge, Newport and East Melbourne to Tewantin, QLD. They were spotted stretching their legs in Victoria Park on a brief stop.

 

Leo Dwyer and Jack Bull were spotted in the main street of Forbes today and did not hesitate for a moment to pose for the camera. They suggested we remember both their names and they then offered and indeed did sign their autographs on the spot.

 

How is this for devotion? Dane Lundholm was spotted in the main street of Forbes heading to have lunch with his Girlfriend who works in Forbes. Dane came from Orange for the cute lunch date.

What message do you have for locals as we approach the holiday season?

December 23, 2022 by Roxane Manley

Adam MacGregor Club Forbes: Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous new year from the directors and staff at Club Forbes, we are looking forward to seeing all of you in the new year. Hope you have a safe and relaxed holiday!

 

David Giblett Forbes Police Sergeant: The NSW Police wish the community a happy and safe holiday, and remind everyone to drink responsibly during the festivities. We would also like to remind the community about being safe on our roads, with double demerits in force and a highly visible police presence during the holiday period. 

 

Hon Sam Farraway MLC: It’s been a really tough year for everyone on the back of covid and the floods, I just hope that people are able to take some time to recharge their batteries. I want to remind people how important it is to drive to the road condition, and enjoy the holiday festivities.

Are you preparing for a busy or quiet Christmas this year?

December 16, 2022 by Roxane Manley

Jimmy Clyburn: I am actually going to be working on Christmas eve, but then I’m pretty excited to head off to Bathurst on Christmas day. 

 

Jade Alexander: Our family is looking forward to a nice quiet Christmas. We will be having lunch and dinner at home and just enjoying our time with each other. 

 

Toby Collins: Fairly quiet I think. I will just be visiting family members and hanging out with cousins, maybe go for a swim if its nice and hot.

Our Gal – Roxanne Gallacher

December 16, 2022 by Roxane Manley

 

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.

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