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Forbes Phoenix

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.

How prepared are you for Christmas?

December 9, 2022 by Roxane Manley

Florence Samuels: I have finished all of our Christmas shopping so that we can celebrate an early Christmas here in Forbes before heading to the Central Coast to spend time with family over the holidays.

 

Debbie Prior: I have great intentions to be ready early but unfortunately life gets in the way! However, I have started my Christmas shopping and with such unique and beautiful stores in Forbes, it’s not hard to find something a bit different and out of the ordinary. The feeling at Christmas is always a positive and happy one and after the events of the last few weeks, it is good to have something special to look forward to.

 

Bri Cellendoni: I have all my parcels ready to post, I am stocked up with Christmas accessories to wear to work and help spread a bit of Christmas joy. I just really want to help spread a positive attitude and help make a few people smile.

Our Bloke – Ben Smith

December 9, 2022 by Roxane Manley

Ben Smith

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. 

Our Gal – Cassandra Tyack

December 2, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Cassandra Tyack

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. 

Do you have any advice for those who are preparing rental applications?

December 2, 2022 by Maggi Barnard

Jo Payseno from Ray White Parkes: I would highly recommend applicants pay close attention to the following three things when applying for a rental property 1. Make sure to fill in your form correctly 2. Upload all of the correct documents that have been requested 3. Please don’t take it personally if you miss out on a property, keep reapplying.

 

Janssen Mores from Century 21 Parkes: It is extremely important to double or triple check your application before you go ahead and submit it. Going back and forwards can take time and you don’t want to miss the perfect property because your application was not complete. Also alert your rental references and make sure they are contactable.

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