Allan Ryan

Where were you born? Wangaratta, Victoria.

Were you named after anyone? I got my second name, Joseph from my grandfather who was killed fighting a bushfire when dad was six years old.

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Finishing Uni (B.Sc (App Chem)) and my family.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? Landing on the Moon. We all got the afternoon off school to watch it – yes I’m that old!

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Reach for the stars but keep your feet on the ground.

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Moving the family to the Northern Territory.

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? Knife, matches and a water still.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? A holiday with my wife to New Zealand or the UK.

When are you happiest? When surrounded by the family – in particular the grandkids. 

Grace Fairley

How old are you? I turned 12 this year.

What school do you attend and what year are you in? I am in Year 6 and currently attend Forbes Public School.

Were you named after anyone? My first name is not but my middle name is after my great grandma.

What three things would you like to pack in your lunchbox every day? I love to pack cheese, grapes and mandarines.

If you could choose any job in the world, what would you do? I would choose to be a professional WNRL player and would love to be able to play for Parramatta.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? I would give it all to my parents for them to hide away for me to spend later in life.

What is the scariest thing you’ve ever done? The scariest thing I have ever done is jump off a high bridge into the water.

If you could meet any historical person, who would that be? I would love to meet a female activist who was involved in the Stolen Generation but I cannot remember her name.

What makes you feel like dancing? Every time I hear our bell music playing at school I just have to dance.

If you had three wishes, what would you wish for? This is a very hard question to answer for me. I am happy with my life as it is and would not want to change anything! 

William Northey

How old are you? I am 11 years old turning 12 in the next few weeks.

What school do you attend and what year are you in? I am in Year 6 and currently attend Forbes Public School. 

Were you named after anyone? People often ask if I was named after Prince William of the royal family, but I was not named after anyone.

What three things would you like to pack in your lunchbox every day? If I had the choice I would pack a doughnut, a packet of plain chips and an apple, just to be healthy.

If you could choose any job in the world, what would you do? I would love to be a professional soccer player and play as the Manchester City goalkeeper.

If you had to spend $10000 today , how would you spend it? That is a difficult question to answer. I would buy a really nice bike and a brand-new set of goal keeping gloves. I would donate the rest of the money to charity.

What is the scariest thing you’ve ever done? The scariest thing I have ever done is watch a very scary movie with my grandma.

If you could meet any historical person, who would that be? If I was able to meet anyone it would probably be Captain Cook as he explored a lot of the world and would have a lot of interesting stories to tell.

What makes you feel like dancing? I am not really a dancer but when I make a great save in soccer, I jump around excitedly which is about as close as I get to dancing.

If you had three wishes, what would you wish for? A good, fun, and safe life for everyone in the world. To be the smartest person in the world so that I could help others. To have a lot of money. 

Cailin Westcott

Where were you born? Dubbo Base Hospital.

Were you named after anyone? My middle name was after my great grandmother (Amy) But Cailin is Irish to go with my maiden name (O’Connor).

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? My Son, Billy.

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? COVID Pandemic.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Look after your own back yard.

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Going into business with our electrical company in Parkes, Electrical Maintenance and Construction.

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? My family, a ski boat, and some fuel.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Decking out our new office at 22 Forbes Road!

When are you happiest? When I’m having quality time with family. 

Mitch Westcott

Where were you born? Parkes Hospital.

Were you named after anyone? I don’t know, you’ll have to ask my parents that one. 

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? My son, Billy. 

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? Sydney Olympics – going to the big smoke as a young child to watch it.

What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Happy wife happy life, I’m yet to perfect that. 

What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? Going into business with my own electrical company, EMC.

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? A ski boat, beer and a boat driver.

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? Deck out the new shopfront. 

When are you happiest? In the shower after a game of rugby, or with my family. 

Maddy Hayes

Where were you born? I was born in Forbes. 

Were you named after anyone? My name idea came from the cartoon of the French girl named Madeline. 

Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? I feel most accomplished coming to work at Forbes Shire Council and being able to help the community, it is a very rewarding job.. 

What historical moment stands out most in your memory? Having my 18th birthday during COVID. 

Whats the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Don’t stress about things you can’t control. 

Whats the greatest risk you’ve ever taken? I am not a massive risk taker but I guess if I had to answer I would say everyday has its own risks and rewards. 

What are the three things you would take to a deserted island? Food, a friend and a flashlight. 

If you had to spend $10,000 today, how would you spend it? I would spend it on a pamper day and shopping. 

When are you happiest? When I am at the beach.