Has the floods affected your business?

Lachlan Wright – Pitt Stop Café: Yes it has a bit. We are down on takings as many people could not get to town and roads were closed. I am glad the waters are receding so we can go back to normal.

Martin Cahill – Cahill’s Footwear: Yes it has for about two weeks. Although we’ve been selling lots of gumboots and workboots, people were more worried about stocking up on food and did not want to buy shoes. We have many customers from surrounding areas, and they could not get to town. Unfortunately the media sensationalised the flood saying the town was cut in two.

Shannon Birmingham – Forbes Central Butchery: Yes it has been pretty bad – no one came shopping for two to three weeks. It is still very quiet, but slowly picking up again.

What are your thoughts on the results of the Forbes Mayoral election?

Gordan Hurry: Overall the results are good due to the system, but I don’t necessarily agree with the system. In my opinion the first person past the post with votes from the people should be mayor.

Andrew Norton-Knight: I thought that both candidates were worthy of the job. Phyllis has been doing a good job but I can’t see why Graeme will not do equally as well. The community voted the counsellors and the majority of them had support for Graeme. If they all work together as a team they will achieve great things for the community.

John Cole: I was a little surprised by the results as I thought Phyllis may have retained her seat. Phyllis has done a great job but I expect the new mayor will continue to work to achieve the best results for the community.

What are your thoughts about the flooding in Forbes?

Lucy Graham: On a personal level the floods are a bit of a pain as I travel from Cowra everyday for work, but I feel sad for those who have been affected.

Andy Leslie: A situation like this goes to show you how well a small community such as this works together to prepare and minimise the damage caused to properties and possessions.

Jenny Watts : I am thankful that it was not as big as expected and I was really impressed with how well everyone was kept informed through text messages etc. I particularly love how the community has banded together to help each other

What did you enjoy most at the Show?

Brendan Morrison (middle) with Barry Read and Ken Sly : I am particularly interested in the Lawn Mower Races this year.

Naarah Childs (with Tim Childs and Belinda Separovic): Face painting was great. I am now a Spider Witch and I love winning toys – my favourite is a blue panda.

Emily Speers (with Dan, Cam & Peta Speers and Wendy Nicholls): The rides are the best part of the show for me especially the Gravatron.

What does Australian citizenship mean to you?

Bryan Huynh and Kelly Nguyen: We can start a new life as a family in Australia and feel more connected to the country and the people.

Hendri and Linda van Coller with their children Marno and Melandri: We are now part of the community, our children will fit in as Australians, and we can call people “mate” and eat Vegemite!

Erlinda and Virgilio Terrado with Riana (seven months): It means a lot to us as we will have better opportunities and a better future for our kids. We are very happy.

Why do you like supporting the Forbes Farmers Markets?

Leone Morrison & Barbara Waterhouse: We have always loved local produce. I was really impressed with the markets. (Barbara used to live in Forbes and is visiting from Queensland.)

Bailey Harrison, Brenda Robb & Linsey Scott: We love the fresh local produce on offer and it is a great meeting place to catch up with everyone.

Toby & Jess Dawes: The markets are a great local initiative and provide an opportunity for local producers to showcase and promote their produce.

Why do you like reading and what is your favourite book?

Henry McClennan, Kindergarten, St Laurence’s Primary School: I like looking at all the pictures and I like to read about different characters. My favourite book is The Magic Cat.

Maggie Duffy, Kindergarten, St Laurence’s Primary School: I like reading because it’s fun and good for you. My favourite book is Little Penguin Lost.

Jagger King, Kindergarten, St Laurence’s Primary School: Reading makes me laugh. I like funny books. My favourite book is Jack and the Beanstalk.

Does watching the Olympic Games motivate you to do sport?

Fiona Hayward, Eyewear Specs: It does actually. On the weekend we were watching the cycling and then we went for a big bike ride with my eight year old daughter. It is so inspiring to see the athletes so passionate about their sport.

Mylessa Ryan, Furniture One: No, as I am not a sports person. I have bad knees, but I do watch the Olympics and enjoy it as I have very sporty children. I love the athletics, gymnastics and swimming.

Amy Townsend, Anytime Fitness: Yes it does as I coach the Red Bend junior rugby league U16 girls, and I am also captain of the Forbes Magpies League Tag team. I loved the Women’s Rugby Sevens – their standard of playing is so inspiring.

Do you have a motto you try to live your life by?

Susan Farrell, Joblink Plus: Live life to the fullest by making the most of every day and not having any regrets.

Jacinda Horan, Banksia Grove Florist: Don’t worry, be happy!

Lyn Besgrove, News on Rankin: Live life to the fullest! You don’t know what tomorrow will bring.

 

Why do you think it is important to celebrate National Tree Day?

Michele Clifton, Lachland Laundry Service: It is necessary to keep people aware of the environment and how important it is to look after the environment for future generations.

Kim Herbert, Forbes TV & Video Repairs: We need to make up for all the trees getting chopped down, and we need oxygen to help stop the greenhouse effect.

Ashley Lebrocque, TSG: We need trees to breathe and we don’t want it to be just a concrete jungle everywhere.