What can you tell us about yourself? My Name is Craig Manderson. I have been president of the Orana Country Music Association for 17 years. Orana Country Music Association has been going for over 40 years. In 2002, I started as a roadie with Sam Wheatley. Over the years, we travelled to many different venues together. He taught me to play the guitar and I started playing a few songs with him at venues. Sam and his father were both involved in the Orana Country Music Association which is part of the reason why I became involved. We have around 40 members. We meet on the last Sunday of each month and play at different venues. On August 30, we will be playing at the Castlereagh Hotel from 12 to 4pm, then from September we’re back at the Macquarie Club. We have a core band playing together, and we welcome walk-up singers to sing with us each month.

Who or what was your inspiration growing up?

My parents Pat and George Manderson were my inspiration. I also admired the musicians Sam Wheatley, Robert Josephson (better known as Beeza) and Kevin Bargman. Robert was a Cobar boy and a great inspiration to me. Kevin was also a member of the Orana Country Music Association. He was made a Life Member for all his contributions to Country Music.

What advice would you give your younger self? Work hard and achieve your goals in life.

Do you have any pets? I have a kelpie named Bonnie and a chihuahua named Rusty.

What’s your favourite thing to cook? Beef stroganoff!

What do you love about our region? Living in the country. I’ve always been a Dubbo boy.

Where do you love to visit? The Central Coast. My wife and I go down there just to get away for a bit. Between both of our jobs and my wife helping with The Guides we don’t get much free time.

What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time? Lock myself in my music room and practice music or watch WWE on Netflix.

What new skills would you like to master? Learn to play Bm or F on guitar along with learning different chords.

What’s the best way to start the day? Hot chocolate from Maccas!