Earlier this year, the public were asked to suggest names for six ferries that were coming to Sydney Harbour. 

There were more than 15,000 suggestions for the competition, some making perfect sense, but one not so much.

There are reasonable names, Parade thinks, such as Victor Chang and Fred Hollows, but she can't say she would want to be ferried across the harbour on 'Ferry McFerryface'.

But, as transport minister Andrew Constance said, it's one for the kids. 

PARADE realised this week just how influential teachers can be.

She had the pleasure of witnessing an exchange between a former student and a teacher he happened to spot when he was walking past.

Parade can only guess the man's age, estimating he would be around his late 30s or early 40s, but he instantly struck up a conversation with his former teacher.

The pair reminisced on their time at school and joked about how hard it is to call a former teacher by their first name.

It made Parade think about some of the teachers she had over the years and how wonderful it would be to see them again and have a chat as adults. 

PARADE was delighted to see Bathurst Youth Council doing its bit to help out a local organisation.

The youth council has organised a Christmas raffle, with all the proceeds going to support the work of Veritas House.

There are some great prizes up for grabs, the major being a signed Penrith Panthers jersey that has been donated by the NRL team.

Tickets are $2 each or three for $5 and can be purchased from Bathurst Regional Council or Veritas House. 

Stalls will be set up over the coming weeks to sell tickets. 

The raffle will be drawn on December 8.