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Forbes Phoenix

OUR Gal

August 31, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Ainslie Toole

How long have you lived in Forbes and what do you like about living here? I have lived in the Forbes district for most of my life. I love the lake, the river and the people. I love that you can walk down the street and feel part of the community.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy about your work? I work at Landmark Harcourts selling farms. I have been doing this for almost 20 years. I really enjoy the excitement of selling properties.

What do you do to unwind after work or on weekends? I go Dragon boating – training and competing in some regattas. I spend most weekends at kids sport and enjoy catching up with friends, family and travel.

What are you really good at? At rolling my sleeves up and giving a hand.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? To have the ability to make people tell the truth. It would be really entertaining.

What is your pet hate? That fit healthy people are unemployed. I would love to

have the ability to fix that.

Tell us about your best holiday ever. I had two and a half years on a working holiday in England. I travelled through Europe through to the Arctic in my 20’s.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OUR Bloke

August 24, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Paul Faulkner

How long have you lived in Forbes and what do you like about living here? I moved to Corinella from Campbelltown in 1991, and then into Forbes in 2001. I really enjoy the genuine friendships my family and I have been fortunate to form since then.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy about your work? The best small school in the world – Bedgerabong Public School. Great kids, great community and great staff.

What do you do to unwind after work or on weekends? Love to watch the rugby league on the weekends in winter, drop a line in summer and those that know me might say I’m partial to a drink or seven all year round.

What are you really good at? Procrastinating.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? To bring back the Bears!

What is your pet hate? When people speed up on overtaking lanes on the highway.

Tell us about your best holiday ever. Way back when the kids were young we did plenty of road trips and camping and I think our Fraser Island road / camping trip stands out the most. Slow pace, plenty of great places to explore and fish.

Our Gal

August 17, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Kate Small

How long have you lived in Forbes and what do you like about living here? I attended primary school here but it never felt like home until now. I love it here!

Where do you work and what do you enjoy most about your work? I’m an advertising executive with the Forbes Phoenix, and I think it’s my dream job! I work with amazing people and chat to locals all day!

What do you do to unwind after work and on weekends? Enjoy a glass of wine with family to unwind after work. On Saturdays, I can usually be found supporting the Forbes Platypi.

What are you really good at? Singing! Or so I have been told. I love to sing anywhere anytime!

If you could have a super power, what would it be? To fly!

What is your pet hate? I don’t like unmotivated people. If you are able to do something with your life – do it, because there are others that can’t.

What was your best holiday ever? Visiting Malaysia with my family. My mother was born there and my uncle buried there so it was wonderful to see the country and its people.

Question of the Week?

August 10, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

What would you like to see, or see more of, in the Forbes Phoenix?

Martin Cahill: Personal histories and stories of the older generations of locals.

Eliza Acret – From Hair with Style: More fashion, hair and beauty articles.

Julie Dawes: More Indigenous news stories within the Phoenix.

Our Bloke – Steve Grallelis

August 10, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Steve Grallelis

How long have you lived in Forbes and what do you like about living here? We came here five and a half years ago to be closer to family. The people are welcoming, and it has been easy to get involved in community groups.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy most about your work? I work with Forestry Corporation NSW, based at Forbes. I enjoy the staff, the variety, and the chance to see the countryside as I travel around.

What do you do to unwind after work and on weekends? I’m a golf tragic, and spend a lot of time at the golf course. I also have a large, neglected garden in which I spend time in the afternoons.

What are you really good at? Finding humour in most situations. Laughter can dispel tension in difficult moments, and then we can look for resolutions.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? To wave a wand and immediately undo the harsh words, accidents, and so on, that can change lives in a moment.

What is your pet hate? My wife says there are many. Perhaps it’s people who dither about what they say. Just say it and get on with it.

Our Gal – Amy Townsend

August 3, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

 

Amy Townsend

How long have you lived in Forbes and what do you like about living here? I have lived in Forbes for 3 and a half years. I like that everyone here is so community minded and friendly. I have only lived here for a short time but I really do feel like a local.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy most about your work? I am the manager of Anytime Fitness and I love the fact that every single day I get to help people accomplish their goals.

What do you do to unwind after work and on weekends? After work I like to have a nice dinner with my boyfriend, and on weekends I love to play football.

What are you really good at? I am really good at organising, which I put into practise in not only my work but the Forbes Magpies as the club secretary.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? It would be to have super speed.

What is your pet hate? Where do I start?

What was your best holiday ever? We went on a family holiday to Darwin, to visit my cousin who was there for his first army posting.

Question of the Week?

August 3, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

What is your number one tip for healthy teeth?

Caitlin Herbert – Oral Health Therapist: Good home care, and a visit to the dentist every six months.

Dr Danny Demosthenous – Dentist: Avoid drinks that bubble, eat more cheese, and drink tap water.

Tabitha Blake – Senior Dental Assistant: Clean your teeth morning and night. Especially at night!

Question of the Week?

July 27, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

What’s your favourite thing about school?

Charlie Gallagher: I like that you get to see your friends. My favourite subject is maths, and I like adding.

Georgia Gallagher: I love to do art – drawing and painting. And I like seeing my friends.

Our Bloke – Bill Dolle

July 27, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Bill Dolle

How long have you lived in Forbes and what do you like about living here? I went to school in Forbes and left when I was about 18 but came back in 1974. Other than a short six month stint in Brisbane I’ve lived here ever since. What I enjoy most is being able to get involved in community organisations and be appreciated.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy most about your work? I am retired and have been for about seven years but am still very active with volunteer work which is most rewarding.

What do you do to unwind after work and on weekends? Go caravanning.

What are you really good at? Nothing in particular.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? To be able to read people’s minds.

What is your pet hate? People not parking at 45 degrees and other driving faults – like talking on the phone while driving.

What was your best holiday ever? A four-month caravanning trip in 2013 of the top end of Australia, although a week around Tasmania one year was pretty good as well.

Our Gal – Ro Burns

July 20, 2017 by Maggi Barnard

Ro Burns

How long have you lived in Forbes and what do you like about living here? I grew up here, left for 20 years, and returned 12 years ago. I love the sense of community and it’s a great place to raise our children.

Where do you work and what do you enjoy most about your work? My husband, Brady, and I have ZAP Pest Services. I also work at being an Artist, and freelance for Arts Out West, which often sees me at Jemalong Retirement Village doing art appreciation and workshops.

What do you do to unwind after work and on weekends? Hanging out with my family.

What are you really good at? I love working with community. I’ve been involved for 7 years with the River Arts Festival, which aims to connect and strengthen our town by celebrating country creativity.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? To twitch my nose like Bewitched and have the housework done!

What is your pet hate? Racist or Xenophobic jokes.

What was your best holiday ever? I went to Tibet and China a couple of months ago. Tibet is breathtaking!

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