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.

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.

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.

James Rollo from the Navy (right): We are about 50 members of the Navy, while the Air Force has about 40 members helping the community in Forbes to get back on their feet. This week we have been at Forbes Public School to help the kids get back to school. We are very happy to help out, and the community spirit is great. Everyone has been so accommodating. We will be helping as long as required and until the job is done. 

Duane Burke and Bob Callow from Fire and Rescue Perisher Valley 426: We are part of strike team November and have been here for five days. Today we are helping out at Forbes Public School. We have been given specific tasks to wash out all the mud and debris, and also to get rid of any hazardous material.

Verlissity Mill: I am motivated to want to help people and communities because I find it is so rewarding to be able to help people in their time of need. I am currently an aged care nurse. I have been with the SES for three years and was previously with the RFS for 12 years. 

Matthew Hando: I’ve been with the SES for eight years because I love helping people. I am a level 3 diving tech and I do vertical water rescues amongst other things. I have worked at some major flooding events at Moree, Forbes and the recent Lismore event. I am motivated to inspire more young people to join the SES.

Alice and Michele Clifton at Lachlan Laundry Services:

Michele: It is the third time in 12 months that we’ve taken out all the machines and we are very happy we did. The water came in the front at about 700mm and higher at the back. We had to rip out all the carpets today, and paint is coming off the wall in the back. It looks like the sandbags stopped most of the mud and debris from coming in. We consider ourselves lucky, as there are people who’ve had a lot more damage. We are not sure yet when we can reopen as we’d have to check all the electricity.

The community has been so supportive and people just walking past are asking us if they can help. We would also like to give a huge thumbs up to Lee and staff members from Ray White who came in to help rip up the carpets and get all the dry cleaning out.

Alice: I was eight years old in the 1952 flood and we were evacuated to Parkes. In 1974 I was in hospital having a baby. I’d say this flood was on par with the 1990 flood.

Marie Walker, Sister Anette, Pam MacRae and Beryl Searl: The connection with people and being able to help a lot of people. Everyone was happy and smiling, and it felt like we were doing our bit to help others. We had some wonderful days at Vinnies chatting away while working at the back. The atmosphere was just wonderful.

A Family of Volunteers: It has become a bit of a family tradition and together they have volunteered over 100 years at Vinnies in Parkes. Mum Francis Charlton (second left) with cousin Elaine Charlton on her right and her two daughters Christine Cox (left) and Maree Mulligan (right). Christine is the current Retail Team Leader in Parkes, and also filled the role from 2011 to 2016. 

Rachel Pace: Tasmania for its bush walks, wineries and just road tripping around. Cradle Mountain is just amazing. I’ve been there once and would love to go again. 

Sophie Huckel: I visited a friend in Wellington, New Zealand and found it to be very beautiful.

Mel Hoey: I just love Italy – the buildings, landscapes, food – all of it. I would go there again and again. 

Helen Smith – St Vincent de Paul Society Conference president Forbes: Vinnies shops do a wonderful job by providing a cheaper option to find good and quality goods. The conference and shop are like a community where people care for each other.

Tanya Godden – Vinnies NSW Regional Retail Manager: Vinnies shops have become sought after for treasure hunters and those after expensive labels but at a bargain price. Also, the volunteers need Vinnies as much as Vinnies need volunteers.

Bev Parsons – volunteer for over 20 years: Volunteering brings me fulfillment and enjoyment. We are a great bunch of people and have lots of joy and lots of laughs. It is a pleasure to be here, listen to people’s stories and feel like you’ve made some difference.