Andy McNaughton: The Lake is my favourite thing in Forbes, I’m from Port Stephens.
Carol McNaughton: The Lake here is just beautiful, and we are so lucky to be able to camp right by it.
Ross Hendry: Well, I’m originally from Parkes and Coffs Harbour, but I have been on the road for 13 years. What I love about Forbes is the scenery and that it is RV friendly with plenty of areas to camp for free.
Emily Jack: When I am with family, on the weekend at mum and dad’s place near the river.
Sophie Huckel: At work, when I have clients and I’m doing what I love.
Lisa Staines: I am happy when I’m with my family and have my kids all together. On holidays, when my kids are happy, I’m happy.
Jes Evans: Cauliflower and broccoli soup.
Laura Hassell: Beef Stroganoff, but it is a three-hour affair.
Judy Patton from Derriwong with grandsons Huxley and Kit Beard: French vanilla slice would be my signature dish.
Amy Draper: God no, definitely not.
Jodie Elliott: No. I work in social-emotional well being in Condo for Aboriginal health. I think that there are not enough professional services for youth. Once a month care is ridiculous when we are trying to support someone who is suicidal, a Skype video call with a psychologist doesn’t help much and does not encourage those who need help, to seek support. Also, if someone needs regular injections of antipsychotic medication, a once a month visit doesn’t help. There is a massive need for support in our community and the resources simply are not available.
Norm Haley: It means getting guys together for mateship which helps us to open up about health and find help, it also opens minds up about mental health and looking out for their friends. I think it’s about sharing and receiving experiences to learn.
Paul Anders: Mateship, something to do that gets me out of the house, it’s a community within a community. Being isolated on a property is hard on mental health, so it’s good to get together with others to talk.
Allan Hilder: Gets me out of mother’s hair for doing jobs at home, drinking tea and coffee, telling lies and telling yarns. Most important is the camaraderie and it’s pleasing to work in the new shed.
Holly Bradley: BBQ’s.
Ella Bennetts: Lakewalks.
Alliya Bradley: Going to the waterpark.
Ken Masters: The weather.
Natalie Robb: Everything, being outside, all of the flowers, It makes me happy.
Renae Sims: Nothing, I get hayfever and the magpies are out swooping in Spring.
Joyce Nash: No, no, I’m not concerned about it at all, it’s good to see.
Katherine Lance: I guess it’s good for local businesses, while everyone needs to be mindful of social distancing and hand sanitising, the extra business is needed in smaller towns.
Trudi Smart: A bit of both actually, I want our small businesses to thrive however, the concern of COVID-19 is still there, so I am on the fence.
Kristy Herford: Because I’m a country girl at heart, I’ve always loved it. I’d never go back to Sydney, it’s a lot cleaner and prettier out here.
Ruby Coote: It’s not busy and out here you know lots of people.
Kieren Mowbray: Because country towns feel safer, it’s a more relaxed atmosphere and kids have more freedom to run around.
Chief Inspector David Cooper, Central West Police District: This year has certainly been one of challenges – as we all battled our way through a devastating drought and then the catastrophic bushfires – we thought things were finally starting to look up. Then COVID-19 hit and life has not been the same since. What these things have really shown is that our communities are adaptive, strong and resilient. What was considered “normal” in our day-to-day lives may never be the same again, but we have all managed to adapt and change the way we do things.
Internationally the “Black Lives Matter” movement has come to the fore and has brought with it many conversations. The actions of some police from overseas, as portrayed in the media, appear abhorrent. What I can say is that the police support our community because they are part of the community. Our police and community relations are strong and have been built over many years. Police rely on the community for their support just as much as the community relies on police to maintain law and order. I look forward to continue working with the community as we move forward and face the challenges together.