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Welcome readers to another edition of OC Life!

While the weather has been relatively kind for this time of year, give a thought to those sleeping rough. Food Care Orange is reporting and increase in people seeking their assistance and has put out an appeal for canned goods and other items to hand out in their emergency kits.

They are looking for donations of ready-to-eat canned meals as well as deodorant, soap, sanitary items, toothbrushes and toothpaste, and even bowls and cutlery. They are hoping a few schools of businesses might get behind them and organise their own can drive, but Ashcroft’s IGA has come on board and you can donate goods in the cages at both the Summer Centre and Peisley Street stores. You can also donate directly to Food Care at 142 March Street.

This weekend is the last you have to relive old memories in the Orange Adventure Playground before work begins on the revamp. The playground is set to close to the public at dusk on Sunday, June 2, and ontractors will then begin dismantling the old structure to make way for the new playground. Council has asked anyone who bought a commemorative personalised fence picket (part of the fundraising effort when the playground was built in 2002) and would like to keep it, to mark it before Sunday so it can be set aside. Unclaimed pickets will be reused if possible.

You have just one more week left to enter our ‘Let’s Feast’ competition. At midday on Tuesday, June 4 we will be drawing the final lucky winner of a $75 voucher to spend at your ‘Let’s Feast’ venue of choice. It has been a very popular competition and I can almost guarantee that it will be back. Just watch this space!

Change starts When No One’s Watching

BY EMILY MIDDLETON

Ensuring there’s a space where men don’t feel isolated in Orange, Ben Chiarella has launched a local chapter of When No One’s Watching (WNOW).

WNOW was created by former Sydney Swans player Tadhg Kennelly. After meeting up with a mate at a pub one evening, he came home realising he didn’t actually know how his friend was doing, or what was going on in his life.

Determined to create a community of men who feel more comfortable in their skin, the group’s aim is for men to feel supported and safe amongst like-minded people.

WNOW has spread from the inner suburbs of Sydney, right across the world and now, as of the beginning of the month, to Orange.

Ben saw reports of WNOW on TV a few weeks ago and proceeded to reach out to the organisers, who prompted him to start a group in Orange.

“I’ve been thinking about this for a while,” Ben explained. “The women of Orange

do phenomenal work in regard to the community, and all the things that the government is doing around it. So you’ve got these women, you’ve got Birds in the Bush, there’s mothers groups and book clubs. But one of the things I noticed when I moved here eight years ago with young children, there was… still a sense of isolation in regards to what I felt as a mid-30s-year-old bloke with a career.”

Ben saw the opportunity to start a weekly catch-up that doesn’t involve going to the pub, having beers, and not really connecting and communicating.

“It was more about, how do we do something that is actually really trying to address the mental health issues that we’re facing?” Ben said. “We’re really trying to destigmatise those types of things, and start a conversation.”

Orange’s WNOW started just weeks ago, but the group already has over 38 men registered who are catching up regularly.

These catch-ups start with members getting active for about 20 minutes to half

...We’re really trying to de-stigmatise those types of things, and start a conversation...

an hour, what they call ‘mindful moving’.

“We do the push-ups in a circle… we all do the push-ups together to really be fully aware,” Ben said.

“We’ve got all fitness ranges… so it’s not about getting your fitness back, it’s about getting together and doing something healthy that gets your endorphins going a little bit. So they’ve coined that mindful movement.”

From there, the group talks about challenges and other things going on in their lives.

“We just share, share things that possibly you don’t share with your mates at the pub, or that you possibly don’t share with your teammates on this side of the footy field,” Ben said.

The group then goes for coffee, which Ben pre-orders the night before.

Ben welcomes any new members and says you don’t have to come every week, but he hopes people are able to appreciate the safe space created.

Appeal for donations to feed the city’s homeless this winter

With temperatures plummeting and the cost of living rising it is making for a doubly difficult time for our city’s homeless.

With more and more people in need of assistance, local food relief charity Food Care Orange has launched an appeal for canned goods and other items to hand out to those doing it tough this winter.

Food Care Orange operates a shop on March Street where those experiencing financial hardship can get a range of foods and household items at a discounted rate, with bread, fresh fruit and vegetables offered free with purchases over $10.

It is a “hand up, not a handout,” says Food Care Coordinator Tim Mordue, who looks after the volunteer schedule and food ordering for the not-for-profit organisation.

Food sold or made available for free in the Food Care store is either

purchased from FoodBank or local stores, while some is donated from local supermarkets, bakeries and orchards.

“But we also have an emergency relief area where people come in with nothing, where we give our customers or our clients an emergency kit — canned spaghetti, baked beans and other canned goods, long-life milk, that sort of thing,” he said.

The emergency kits include ready-toeat canned meals as well as deodorant, soap, sanitary items, toothbrushes and toothpaste, and even bowls and cutlery.

“Bowls are a big thing; a lot of people who are suffering in silence and homeless in Orange, staying in motels or staying in their car, we can give them canned goods but they have nothing to eat it with,” Tim said.

“So we need cutlery and microwavesafe bowls… they don’t have cooking equipment so having some things like rice and pasta may not work for them.”

Tim said what they really need are simple, nutritious ready-to-eat stews, soups, spaghetti, baked beans and

SATURDAY 1ST JUNE

8PM - LATE FREE ENTRY

similar non-perishable food goods.

Also microwave-safe bowls, cutlery, can openers, cups, sanitary items, razors, soap deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste.

“So, that’s what we’re asking for with our winter appeal, to replenish those stocks for emergency purposes,” Tim said.

“We had a really good drive at the end of last year over Christmas… and we’re hoping a couple of schools can get on board and do the same sort of thing. We’ve had some come back already who are keen to do something in the next few weeks so that we can replenish our stocks.”

As well as donating directly to Orange Food Care at their March Street shop front, Ashcroft’s IGA have come on board and have dedicated the donation cages at the exit to their Summer Centre and Peisley Street stores to Food Care’s winter appeal for the next few months.

“The Ashcrofts have kindly offered them to us for the next three months over winter,” Tim said.

“We have our signage up on those cages, so when you do your shop at IGA if you get an extra tin of spaghetti, you can drop it off there and it’ll find its way to people in need.”

And the need is growing, Tim said, looking at the amount of food being ordered for the Food Care store and customers through their doors each month.

“We’re doing about a thousand transactions with customers a month; that’s about a 30 per cent increase on the same time last year,” he said.

If you would like to donate items to Food Care’s winter appeal, look out for the cages at Ashcroft’s IGA or visit their shop at 142 March Street.

FoodCare Orange is open every Tuesday to Friday morning from 10.30am to 1pm and Thursday afternoons from 4.30pm to 6pm.

To find out more, make a donation, or volunteer contact FoodCare Orange by emailing info@foodcareorange.org.au, or visiting www.foodcare.org.au

Jess March from IGA’s Peisley Street store with Food Care Coordinator Tim Mordue

Orange author is runner-up in new writing award

A short story that was first enjoyed by Orange City Life readers three years ago has won its author a major placing in a newly-created national writing competition.

The Ernestine Hill Memorial Short Story Award, for rural stories up to 4000 words, was established by the Fellowship of

Australian Writers Inc (NSW), and received 85 entries from across Australia in its inaugural event.

Local author Greg McFarland was one of five shortlisted writers to be invited to a presentation and luncheon at the Royal Automobile Club in Sydney earlier this month for the announcement of final placings, where he finished equal runner-up.

His fictional story ‘The Naming of the

Road’ was about a farming family’s loss of identity and history when the local council wrongly renames their rural access road, and how the family seeks justice, and the chaos that ensues when most of the town gets involved in the dispute.

Greg hopes the story will be bookpublished later this year.

At the Ernestine Hill Memorial presentation, Fellowship President Colleen Parker said the new award was able to be created through a $120,000 bequest intended to raise awareness of a little-known yet pioneering Australian writer.

The substantial bequest, from an admirer of Ernestine Hill’s work, means the competition will be able to be run annually for many years to come.

Speaking of where Ernestine Hill sits in the pantheon of Australian literature, Colleen said that some thirty years after Henry Lawson and Banjo Paterson began creating their legends about the Australian bush, Ernestine Hill followed – and went even further geographically, an adventurous woman travelling alone (with a handgun for protection!) into every corner of the Outback.

From the 1930s to 1950s, she wrote several books – factual and fictionalised – about remote regions including the

Northern Territory, the Kimberleys, and Far North Queensland. She focused on the loneliness and social hardship of the Outback of that era, but she just as strongly wrote about the stunning natural beauty and the new opportunities of the time such as gold mining and wild cattle grazing.

But Ernestine Hill, whilst a successful commercial author in her day, did not quite find the enduring fame of her male predecessors and many of her books have subsequently long been out-of-print.

However, the trend is starting to be reversed, with at least two of her groundbreaking titles reprinted so far and becoming available on book-selling sites such as Booktopia and now Dymocks.

And, interestingly, if you want to look at an original copy, you don’t have to travel any further than Orange City Library which houses the Mary Elizabeth Byrnes Memorial Library, specializing in Australian literature.

This heritage library has six Ernestine Hill treasures, which is believed to be one of the largest collections of her original work to be found outside of the State Library in Sydney. (Please note the Mary Elizabeth Byrnes Memorial Library is not for loan, but may be accessed with the assistance of Orange City Library staff.)

Orange author Greg McFarland, pictured with partner Gabriella Skrtic, was delighted to win a major placing in a new national short story competition.

FROM THE SCHOOL HALL TO THE NATIONAL STAGE

Harry Macpherson played trombone in the band all throughout his schooling in Orange. Now, he gets to live his dream of playing his instrument on a national stage.

This year, Harry has assumed the position of principal bass trombone with the Australian Youth Orchestra (AYO). The AYO has a reputation for being one of the world’s most prestigious and innovative training organisations for young preprofessional musicians. Instrumentalists who are part of AYO have the opportunity to work and train alongside industry professionals, as well as travel Australia and perform at a range of venues and events.

For Harry, learning the passion for music from his parents, and watching a number of concerts at the Orange Regional Conservatorium, prompted him to pick up the trombone.

“Through that I ended up picking up trombones and I loved the slide, that’s the main reason anyone picks up trombone,” Harry said. “I do remember the initial picking up of it. I just found it really fun.”

Harry played in the Orange High School band throughout his schooling, before graduating in 2018. He said his love for the instrument stemmed from the hours he spent playing there.

“I specialised specifically in the tenor trombone [at school], that’s the one everyone kind of knows, the normal one,” Harry explained.

“But then in the second year of my degree at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, which I just recently finished, I switched over to bass trombone, I’m in that full-time now.”

Harry auditioned for a role in the AYO six times before his successful attempt. With only one bass trombone in the orchestra, the position was incredibly competitive.

“I think the first time I ever auditioned for

it was in Year 11,” Harry said.

“There’s only one bass trombone in the orchestra, and only two tenors, so even that was relatively competitive. So in that regard, I suppose I was fortunate enough to get in.”

The experience has so far been nothing short of incredible for Harry.

“It’s been a good opportunity, I’ve been keen on doing it for a very long time. In the end, it worked well to pick it up,” he said.

“It was always one of the huge things to aim for, as an under 25-year-old.”

Harry has already completed two programmes with AYO, including their first season, which took him to Hobart earlier this year. Performing at Federation Concert Hall, Hotel Grand Chancellor, Harry said the concert titled ‘Turbulent Times’ was a spectacular display.

“It had excellent low brass tuba parts. That was a really amazing opportunity.”

But the world of music performance is not new to Harry.

For four years, Harry has been the principal bass trombonist for the Sydney Youth Orchestra. He has also previously made appearances with the Sydney Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra (including a 2022 European tour, the KuRing-Gai Philharmonic Orchestra, Sydney Concert Orchestra, Sydney Metropolitan Orchestra), the North Shore Wind Symphony, and a number of other groups around Sydney.

Currently performing and teaching around Sydney, Harry is looking forward to the upcoming AYO season to take place in Melbourne in July.

Until then, Harry wants aspiring musicians to realise just how important it is to just give things a go.

“Go and audition for these kinds of things,” he said. “I didn’t audition for a lot of this kind of stuff until I really got into years 11 and 12. And that was kind of when I really discovered I was passionate about continuing. I wish I’d really gotten into a lot of it a lot sooner!”

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BY EMILY MIDDLETON

An Illustrated Life

“I’ve always loved picture books,” says Lisa Stewart, the now Canowindra-based illustrator, whose name graces the covers of no fewer than 14 children’s books.

“The illustrations…., in a way you’re kind of getting an exhibition of whoever’s done the illustration and that inner child’s world — I just really love it.”

Lisa, an accomplished professional violinist who’s performed in concert halls throughout Europe and Australia, says her dream of becoming an illustrator began 28 years ago while walking with her newborn daughter through the streets of Newtown in Sydney.

“I fell in love with this wrapping paper and cards by an artist called Jane Ray,” says Lisa.

“And I ended up actually sending her some CD recordings of myself playing to say thank you to her because I’d had some difficult times and her pictures sort of made me feel better.

“So it was kind of a bit of a mad thing to do, but it was typical me, and lo and behold I got a package back with five of her picture books! And I just would write in a diary every day, sort of journaling, that I would love to be an illustrator like Jane Ray!”

It was then that Lisa started sketching and drawing a lot more, and she and Jane have since become close friends. She says she has been grateful for Jane’s inspiration.

“She always encouraged me with my artwork, I think being encouraged is really helpful,” says Lisa.

It was some years later, at the encouragement of another friend, that Lisa finally sent some of her work to publishers.

“I got an answer from Anna Vivas from Scholastic at that time and he said she’d love to meet me,” Lisa recalls, adding that she was somewhat intimidated due to the fact that it was Anna’s mother Julie Vivas who illustrated the Australian children’s classic Possum Magic.

“She just really liked this little tiny sketch of a mouse I’d done and so in a long roundabout sort of way, that’s how I actually got into it.”

Lisa’s first book was the bedtime lullaby Can I Cuddle the Moon by Kerry Brown, in which the character was originally to have been a child, but it soon became Lisa’s iconic fluffy baby owl that was looking for someone to cuddle.

...It’s amazing! Dream come true. So maybe it is worth having a little journal and writing out your dreams...

“It’s amazing! Dream come true. So maybe it is worth having a little journal and writing out your dreams,” says Lisa, who still dreams of illustrating some of her own stories one day.

“I would love to do the writing and illustrating. I’ve got all these stories,” she says, “ but maybe I’ll just keep practising writing them in that journal!”

From June 1 to July 3, Lisa will be holding an exhibition

of her work at Rosnay Organic Wines in Canowindra. Her first solo exhibition, it will feature original artwork, including pieces from all the various picture books she’s illustrated.

There will be an official opening for the exhibition ‘An Illustrated Life’, at 6pm June 1, with food created by Chef Doreen Cumming, wine by Rosnay Organic and a short official opening and Q&A session.

Following the opening, Lisa will perform as part of the Acacia Quartet Concert, who will be playing Tchaikovsky no.1 op 11, Lyle Chan Entering the Palaces and Borodin no. 2 string quartets.

Exhibition is free. Concert is $45 for adults, 18y and under are free.

Visit acaciaquartet.com/concerts/rosnay-organiccanowindra for details.

WHAT’S HAPPENING @

CADIA’S MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR INVESTMENT INTO THE REGION

Newmont Cadia (Cadia) has provided almost $6 million in support and assistance to the local community through its Community Investment Program from July 2022 to December 2023 according to the company’s annual 18-month report released last week.

The Community Investment Program encompasses several initiatives that help charities, community groups and organisations to make a difference across Central West NSW.

Cadia General Manager, Tom Lukeman, said collaboration and involvement with the local community remains a top priority for Cadia.

“I am incredibly proud of Cadia’s ongoing commitment to providing opportunities for the community through a range of programs and projects. Our Cadia Cares program enabled The Lake Canobolas Pumphouse to reopen to the public, while the Cadia Legacy Fund donation of world-class audio equipment to Orange Regional Conservatorium (ORC) will make the new ORC Recital Hall one of the most superior music spaces in regional Australia.”

The Cadia Community Partnership Program continues to support and enhance local community groups and

organisations, with over $1.8 million in donations.

Major donations were provided to Orange Aboriginal Medical Service (OAMS) Hydrotherapy Pool ($500,000), Newmont Orange360 Regional Tourism Event Fund ($257,127), Canobolas Zone Rural Fire Service Hot Fire Training Centre ($175,000), Orange Regional Conservatorium – Audio Equipment ($150,000), Cumnock General Store – Kitchen fit-out ($124,899), Canobolas Clontarf Academy - supporting Indigenous male students ($100,000), and the Wangarang Bulk Return & Earn ($72,000).

“The Community Partnership Program is just one of many initiatives that is making a positive impact across the Central West.”

“Over the past 18 months our community has faced adversity such as widespread flooding that has impacted many families,” said Tom.

Through its Workforce Engagement Program, Cadia mobilised more than 60 volunteers who contributed 772 volunteer hours to assist the communities of Eugowra, Cudal, Molong and Manildra.

Cadia’s $4$ program matched funds raised by the Cadia workforce towards charities and local causes close to their heart including floodimpacted communities and The Nappy Collective, with over $80,000 raised.

A key highlight of the reporting period has been the delivery of meaningful change through the Sustainability Fund, which has included support for the next cohort of regional doctors with a $1.4 million-

dollar rural health simulation centre in Orange to provide world-class training, while the partnership with Rural Aid helped deliver on-the-ground relief to local flood-impacted communities.

Cadia’s investment over the July 2022 to December 2023 period also contributed over $900,000 to the Cadia District Enhancement Project, a program which works collaboratively with local landholders, Community Infrastructure and local Tertiary Scholarships.

A full copy of Cadia’s Community Investment Report is available on Cadia’s website –www.cadiavalley.com.au

Amanda Schulz, Nicole Morris, Sarah Haynes, Phil Dodds, Bernadette Veljkovic and Cadia’s General Manager Tom Lukeman outside The Cumnock General Store.

Pride, Quality, and Innovation

Whittaker Contracting has built its success on a reputation established across more than 20 years of quality business practice, delivering repair and maintenance services to the mining industry.

The high standard of Whittaker Contracting’s work lies in being a family-owned company.

Founded by Chris and Penny Whittaker in 2003, Whittaker Contracting has grown to 120 team members. Whittaker Contracting also offers apprenticeships and facilitates work experience and local sponsorship programs to support the Orange community.

The business operates under five main service divisions, Diesel Plant Repair, Fabrication and Engineering, Machining, Highway Truck and

Labour Hire. Whittaker Contracting are located in Orange NSW with two workshop facilities in the Narrambla Business Estate but also carry out offsite works and labour hire at various locations across NSW including Cadia Valley, North Parkes, Tomingley, Hunter Valley, Cobar and the Gunnedah basin.

“Our vision is to be a leader in quality and reliability in our industry,” Whittaker Contracting Director Chris Whittaker said.

“We aim to provide quality services and products supported by the expertise of our industry trained professionals”.

“Working closely with our clients, we provide proactive engagement from our team in all aspects of the project.”

Chris ploughs on with his pleasing pastime

— By Emily Middleton —

This June Long Weekend Blayney Local Chris Chapman will once again be looking to conquer the nation’s best horse-drawn ploughing competitors and bring home the prestigious ‘Golden Plough’.

Chris has been participating in competitive horse ploughing for well over 30 years and is a multiGolden Plough title winner. The competition — considered Australia’s most prestigious horse ploughing championship — involves competitors skilfully guiding one or two draught horses, pulling a single furrow plough, to create a straight plot of eight runs (minimum) which are judged on

linear accuracy, depth, sharpness of cut, total width and how the soil is turned. Points are also heavily weighted towards the relationship between horse and competitor.

While these techniques of bygone days are of little use on a farm today, Chris finds it a pleasurable pastime and enjoys the test of skill that the Golden Plough provides.

Unlike many other competitors, Chris fell into the hobby by pure accident when he

was in his late 20s.

“I went out to shoe a draft horse for a friend of mine, and I sat down with him and had a few beers, and I came home with a draft horse,” Chris said.

Chris attended the Golden Plough for the first time as a spectator. The following year he entered in the novice category, which he won, and came third in the Golden Plough.

“Once I saw this ploughing I just thought,

this is for me, I’m going to try this,” he said.

“So I went on for many years with it, eventually winning (the Golden Plough) six times in a row. So it was quite a feat for me to be able to do that.”

Chris competed often in his early life, but then shift work forced him on hiatus for a number of years.

But now retired, he is back spending plenty of time behind his horses and looking forward to competing in yet another Golden Plough at Lyndhurst on June 8–9.

“I’ve only just got back into it, and I’m just training some horses up. It takes a fair while to get them going the way you want them to,” Chris said.

“You want them to be going nice and slow and steady, you’ve got to be able to train them up to do that. Because you can always make a horse go fast, but it’s very hard to make a horse go slow.”

Chris explained that the ploughs used in the competition range anywhere between two and three metres long, with a mouldboard that lays over the top.

Nice, neat, and straight rows that are four to five inches in depth are the key to a good

plough, says Chris.

“There’s a way that you need to plough with a horse, but in the early times without chemicals and that, they used to plough so that the grass would be facing down and the roots facing up to kill the weeds,” he said.

“So you shouldn’t have any grass growing

when you’re finished.”

Now with his own small block, Chris not only competes in ploughing, but uses it for yard work.

“I am retired now, but over the years I’ve had a team of up to eight (horses) that I used to plough with here,” he said.

“I put a crop in, probably four or five acres of wheat. That was cut with the horses, brought in with the horses, and then cut up with a shaft-cutter and fed to the horses.

Just like they used to do in the old days.

“It is a bit of fun, it’s a hobby of mine, and I just like being able to do it with the horses.”

The 2024 Golden Plough is being held at the Team Penning Grounds and the Lyndhurst Golf Club on Saturday and Sunday, June 8 and 9. Chris, who is also an organising committee member said he hopes to see a good crowd come along to spectate and enjoy the ancient craft.

“People think you’re silly just watching this little bit of ground all over a ribbon, but it’s not silly, it just mesmerises you sometimes!”

Tickets for the Golden Plough are available at 123tix.

Andrew GEE MP

$1.91 BILLION STILL MISSING FROM THE KITTY

Ididn’t attend last week’s announcement of the $116 million in federal funding for the Great Western Highway. This is simply because I find it hard to get excited about the return of $116 million when $2.03 billion was ripped away from the project in late 2023.

The axing of the Great Western Highway upgrade was one of more than 50 road and rail projects across Australia that were ditched by the Government.

To me, allocating $116 million means that the Federal Government still owes our region over $1.91 billion in funding which they swiped from the Great Western Highway upgrade last year — and I won’t rest until they have given it all back.

How much travel time to and from Sydney will this latest, piddly bit of funding actually cut? Who can blame us for being cynical?

Our communities deserve a safe and quick crossing over the mountains, but instead have endured years and years of dashed hopes and dreams of a first rate route from the Central West to the city — with both the Bells Line of Road and the Great Western Highway in a sorry state.

For decades we have watched as the Pacific Highway and projects all over Sydney have received billions of dollars in funding. All the while, the traffic jams and safety hazards over the mountains continue.

So, I think we can be forgiven if we don’t pop the champagne corks or turn cartwheels over this latest announcement which is a whopping $1.91 billion short. My mission is to get the Federal Government to give us our $2 billion back and get serious about a fast crossing over the mountains.

At a recent meeting of independent MPs and Senators in Parliament, I asked for support in blocking the highly unfair biosecurity levy — which amounts to a new tax on farmers.

They agreed! Jacqui Lambie and the independents in the senate have now stopped this appalling new tax dead in its tracks. Job done! A great win for our farmers.

ORANGE AIRPORT - GRANT HELPS WITH RUNWAY LIGHTING

It was great to be at Orange Regional Airport last week to celebrate the completion of a $660,000 runway lighting upgrade.

II hope you all had a brilliant time visiting our

Andrew at Hartley for the announcement of the $2 billion highway funding in June 2021

Janice Harris, Elizabeth Wiltshire, Cheryl Steward, Michelle Smith and Narelle Gordon

Lisa Gollner, Denise Lumsden, Debbie Kjoeller and Ann Morey

Deb Williamson, Lorraine Short, Rose Middleton and Sandra Longhurst

Tim Leahey and Lacey Healey

Brian Emanuel, Sue Lanser, Elaine Curll and John Campbell.

Hannah Fletcher, Liz Noakes, Julie Cox, Jamie and Jodie Stewart and Helen Ewin.

Jan Moad, Jade Williams, Marg Fisher, Lyn Ashwood, Janelle Gibson, Tonia Bariesheff and Fiona Watt

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE SAYS ‘THANKS’ TO VOLUNTEER

Photos by HENRY DEROOY

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Central West held a special function on Saturday, May 25, to thank the many volunteers who’ve generously donated their time to the not-for-profit. About 70 of the 130 RMHC Central West volunteers attended the function which was held at Bankia Orange as part of National Volunteer Week.

RMHC Central West CEO Rebecca Walsh said that volunteers have given more than 103,000 hours of their time to the Orange-based charity in the last ten years, but they could always use more help. Visit www.rmhc.org.au for more information.

RMHC Central West presented a special award to Barb Bloomfield on Saturday, May 25, who was named their inaugural Volunteer of the Year. Other long-serving volunteers were presented with awards recognising their hours and years of service. Pictured at Board members Geoff Rice and Jenny McLeod with Barb Bloomfield (centre)

Marian Bailey and Barb Bloomfield

Denise Schmich and Jenny McLeod

Rebecca Walsh and Bronwyn Cooper

ART REVIEW

By Bradley Hammond, Orange Regional Gallery Director

Laneway Transformed THROUGH PUBLIC ART

Amajor Future City public art project was recently completed in the laneway connecting Summer Street and the Orange Central Square Centre Carpark.

Proudly funded by the NSW Government and Orange City Council, with substantial support from Charter Hall, the laneway has been transformed through an innovative installation by artist Daniel Templeman.

Templeman creates striking and immersive artworks that have transformed urban spaces in significant sites around Australia and internationally, such as at the Olympic Sports Park, Suzhou, China.

The artist was immediately drawn to the laneway site in Orange and conceived of a simple, yet brilliant solution that consists of a ceiling-mounted installation. Through his artwork, ‘Aperture’ he invites us to explore the way geometric patterns and colours shift as we move along the laneway.

The geometric angles and relationships create new patterns and overlapping structures depending on our line of sight. Inspired by minimalist music composers, Templeman uses a simple set of four linear patterns that— repeated along the laneway—create many interesting and overlapping variations depending on our position.

Using unique materials the lights in the suspended structures are filtered through a honeycomb-like structure

and a specially-formulated film that changes the colour of the light in response to our particular viewpoint. This material, dichroic film, is commonly seen on highperformance sports cars where the colour of the paintwork appears to shift. You’ll notice in the image that the lights appear to be pink, but the light they are casting on the walls is blue.

This means that each of us is playing a central role in the completion of the artwork depending on how we choose to move through the laneway, and we each have a unique experience of it at any given time.

For more information please visit Orange Regional Gallery’s website: www.orange.nsw.gov.au/gallery

GOING OFFLINE

BY JILL BRODIE

In an age of “connectedness” through social media and smart phones we have access to anyone at any time, but yet there is an increase in loneliness, depression and suicide. Why is that? Does the number of “likes” we get on Instagram not fulfill us? Maybe binging on Facebook while ignoring our family members isn’t all it promises. Our brains crave that hit of entertainment but, not long after being online, we become bored or start to feel worthless as we compare our life to someone else’s (edited) life. Why do we crave such deep connectedness to an online world that is out there and not right beside us? Did you know, God knows the exact number of hairs you have? He knows the very moment you took your first breath and the exact moment you will take your last? He knows your deepest desire and your biggest fears and – despite how hard we try to hide our brokenness in both our online world and even our real world – he knows it. He knows it all and what blows my mind…He loves us more than we will ever know. My “connectedness” has a new perspective. I want to know God and so I’m going to read The Bible and spend time connecting with him instead.

NATIONAL SORRY DAY COMMEMORATION IN ORANGE — SUNDAY, MAY 26

Photos by HENRY DEROOY

Locals gathered in the Orange Civic North Court on Sunday, May 26 to commemorate National Sorry Day.

As in the past few years, the ceremony on Sunday included the lighting of the ‘Flame of Hope and Reconciliation’ cauldron symbolising the hope of reconciliation within our community.

“The flame is about bringing Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people together as a symbol of munity, healing and reconciliation,” Deputy Mayor Gerald Power explained.

“This commemoration is also about acknowledging the strength of Stolen Generation survivors and playing a part in the healing process and in reconciling with the past for a brighter future.”

Mayor Jason Hamling, Dale Carr, Kim Farrell and Deputy Mayor Gerald Power

Les Powell and Dale Carr

Toni Parker and Carmel Powell

Chris Gryllis, Dale Carr, Jason Hamling and Gerald Power, with dancers Milly Hunt, Jazzy Hunt and Madi Gwynne.

David Mallard, Liz Murrell, Melanie McDonell and Tabitha McBurney

David Waddell, Chris Gryllis, Katrina Hausia and Gerald Power

Jazzy Hunt, Madi Gwynne and Milly Hunt

Kim Farrell and Gerald Power

Welcome to Country by Dale Carr

Let’s Feast @ Alfio’s Pizzeria

Alfio’s Pizzeria: serving authentic food since since 1979

Alfio’s Pizzeria has been serving up delicious, authentic Italian food in Orange since 1979.

Proudly familyowned and operated, today three generations of the Sciuto family are continuing the tradition set by founder Giuseppe Sciuto in providing classic Italian dishes, friendly service and a great atmosphere.

When you sit down at Alfio’s Pizzeria, you become an extended member of the family, enjoying the same great dishes the Sciutos have shared with their own family for generations.

Alfio’s large, rustic pizzas are famous throughout Orange and a crowd-pleasing favourite with local families for decades. Their menu includes a range of classic toppings that are sure to please everyone. Can’t decide? Try them all on Alfio’s popular ‘The Lot’ pizza or grab a hearty “All Meats” for the carnivore in the family.

In the mood for pasta? Try the always popular Spaghetti Piccanti, served with a rich creamy sauce of bacon, mushroom, pepper and Parmigiano cheese. Or grab a classic Bolognese or Spaghetti Aglio E. Olio.

All of Alfio’s mouthwatering dishes can be enjoyed in the cosy warmth of their 60-seat dining room or at home as all items on the menu can be ordered as takeaway.

Alfio’s Pizzeria is fully-licensed and offers a range of local wines, beers and cider for you to enjoy with your meal.

Head along to Orange’s favourite dining spot — Alfio’s Pizzeria at 193 Lords Place, Orange — and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere, delicious food and great prices! To secure your reservation, call the friendly team on 6362 6720 today.

ALFIO’S PIZZERIA

LUNCH TUES-FRI: 11.30AM-2.00PM

DINNER TUES-THURS 6PM-9PM

FRI-SAT: 6PM TIL LATE

Phone: 6362 6720

what’s happening in orange

FAULTY TOWERS - THE ORIGINAL DINING EXPERIENCE

Become part of the action as Basil, Sybil and Manuel serve up mayhem on a plate alongside a three-course meal and two hours of non-stop laughter!

Expect nothing short of guaranteed fun and a brilliant night out as you climb inside the BBC’s iconic TV show and experience it from the inside out… With over 70 per cent of the show improvised, this is a completely immersive and highly interactive comedy spectacular where anything can happen… and usually does!

Come along to the Orange Ex-Services’ Club on Thursday, June 13 and see why this longrunning smash hit has been labelled “Immersive theatre at its startling best.” Door Open for pre-dinner drinks at 6.30 pm. Show gets underway at 7pm.

OFF THE TRACKS

It’s the first Saturday of the Month which means Off the Tracks returns to the Victoria Hotel this weekend.

Head on down to the Vic on Saturday, June 1, for another great music line-up from 8pm.

Kickstarting the evening of entertainment, young up-and-coming artists Lily Elliott and Talara Croaker will be performing together as a duo for the first time ever.

The Loose Munted Units are a Vic Hotel staple, where local drummer Jacob Pickett picks up the axe to support local rocker Lily on vocals).

Jono Read was a well-known face on the local music scene many moons ago but now is based in Sydney. This Saturday night he will be bringing a few mystery guest to provide some succulent entertainment on the Vic stage.

Rounding out the evening will be special guests The Visor Guy, a duo that specialises in improvised fuzz freakouts. They are in the midst of a NSW tour and reached out for a show in Orange

Orange Ex-Services’ Club

June 13

Visit www.oesc.com.au/whatson for show details and tickets.

BELL SHAKESPEARE PRESENTS A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM

Orange Civic Theatre

Don’t miss a great night of music at the Off The Tracks at the Victoria Hotel this Saturday, June 1.

Thursday, May 30 @ 7.30pm

ROBERTSON BROTHERS 1960S VARIETY TV SHOW

Orange Civic Theatre

Saturday, June 1 @ 2pm

orange and surrounding regions

Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap is the world’s longest-running play.

This thrilling West End production is THE genre-defining murder mystery from the best-selling novelist of all time… case closed!

As news spreads of a murder in London, a group of seven strangers find themselves snowed-in at a remote countryside guesthouse. When a police sergeant arrives, the guests discover – to their horror – that a killer is in their midst!

One by one, the suspicious characters reveal their sordid pasts. Which one is the murderer? Who will be their next victim? Can you solve this world-famous mystery for yourself?

For over 70 years, Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap has kept millions of people from every corner of the globe on the edge of their seats. This year, the production is touring Australia’s regions, after its success in the big cities last year.

Produced by John Frost for Crossroads Live Australia and Shake & Stir Theatre Co, The Mousetrap will be directed by Australia’s Robyn Nevin with costume design and associate set design by Isabel Hudson and lighting design by Trudy Dalgleish.

See The Mousetrap at Orange Civic Theatre, June 27June 30. Tickets at Ticketek or call 6393 8111.

PHOTO: Brian Geach

BIGGEST MORNING TEA AT TALLWOOD HALL

Photos by HENRY DERROY

The Tallwood community hall was overflowing on Saturday, May 25, for the village’s annual Biggest Morning Tea Fundraiser. With no room in the 100-capacity hall, people were standing outside, all eager to give to the good work of the Cancer Council. The village’s annual fundraiser made an incredible $8,000.

Joan Whiley and Iris Knowles Terri Newman and Barbara Wicks

Mandy Rutherford, Jane Barnaby, Kerry Adams and Maureen Coleman

Peter Warnock and Mandy Rutherford Jo Krats with Denise Wilson

Margaret Pollard, Marci Henry and Lyn South

Jenny and Don Wright, Dinice Abra and Julie Hay

Noreen Clarke, Ruth Gott and Donna Cahill

‘FLYERS VALLEY’ AND ‘MAMBILLA’ QUALITY AESTHETICALLY PLEASING COUNTRY WITH SHELTER AND WATER

A rare chance to secure 386* acres a short distance from Orange in NSW. Flyers Valley (90.5 hectares) and Mambilla (66* hectares) offer prime grazing country with pasture, water, and shelter.

• Watered from 1.5*km of Flyers Creek frontage, 3 dams, another seasonal creek, and 34 to 36 inches of rain annually.

• 25%* arable and subdivided into 17 main paddocks, mainly basalt soils plus limestone outcrops, ranging from undulating to steeper country, and a carrying capacity of 90* to 100 cows.

• Fencing in good to sound condition with extensive tree lots and excellent native shelter for livestock, and a mix of quality pastures.

• A council approved building entitlement and electricity easement offers the opportunity to build your dream home, plus an existing silo and hayshed.

• Dual main road access 20*km from Orange, 22*km from Millthorpe, 62 km from Bathurst, 260 km from Sydney, and 270 km from Canberra.

* Approximately

lchemy is a unique real estate offering on Orange’s expanding southern boundary. A fully masterplanned estate featuring a collection of architecturally designed residences surrounded by parkland located just minutes from the Orange CBD and close to the future Shiralee Village Centre.

Privately owned development company Oakstand is just weeks away from initial civil works on the Alchemy site, which is located on the corner of Pinnacle and Shiralee Roads.

The first stage comprises of 14 luxury two-storey residences, part of an initial 71 homes and 4ha multi-purpose parkland planned for the site.

“The first 71 blocks will be a residential community masterplanned by ourselves and delivered by ourselves,” Oakstad founder and CEO, David Cullen said.

“So we’re delivering completed homes as opposed to house and land house packages… the intent is that we maintain a high-quality architectural aesthetics throughout the whole estate.”

Land sizes on offer vary from 324m2 to over 4,000m2 with homes architecturally designed for the size of the site. The design aesthetic will merge country themes into modern architecture, with light and airy open-plan living spaces and energy-efficient design including double-glazed windows throughout. Homes will also be delivered fully landscaped.

“It’s not your typical project home design,” Mr Cullen said, adding that they looked at developments across Australia, New Zealand

and Scandinavia for inspiration.

“We’ve tried to keep the design simple and costeffective, but obviously whilst also providing a point of difference,” he continued

“Over the next six to eight weeks we’ll be releasing various designs for each of those blocks and as we get market feedback, we’ll keep tweaking those designs.”

Mr Cullen said the development will also include homes designed specifically with over-60s buyers in mind.

“A lot of the feedback we got from over-60s buyers is that they want an over-60s quality product or design – a single level and all the things they’re looking for — but they didn’t want to feel like they were in a retirement village,” Mr Cullen said.

“They want the design to meet their requirements

for ageing in place, but that doesn’t necessarily mean compromising in size. They still want the capacity to have the grandkids over. They still want good bedroom sizes, good living areas… just a good functional house, single levels, but obviously in a safe secure environment.

“That’s one of the appealing things about Shiralee, there’s plenty of open space out there.”

Civil works are expected to begin on the Alchemy site in about two weeks, with construction of the first homes within six months.

To find out more, visit alchemyorange.au or call Monique on 0422 134 596 to visit their display suite located at 188 Anson Street, Orange.

...We’ve tried to keep the design simple and cost-e ective, but obviously whilst also providing a point of di erence...

4/67 Kenna Street, Orange

Charming Country Cottage

184 Belubula Way, Mandurama NSW

Discover the tranquility of rural living with this charming 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home set on a sprawling 2.51hectare parcel in the peaceful locale of Mandurama. Perfectly positioned to embrace the scenic beauty of the countryside, 184 Belubula Way offers a unique opportunity for those seeking space, privacy, and a relaxed lifestyle.

The home comprises three well-proportioned bedrooms, each offering comfortable accommodation and capturing plenty of natural light.

Outside, the property continues to impress with its vast expanse of land, providing a blank canvas for those looking to establish gardens, orchards, or even a hobby farm.

Enjoy the serenity of country living while being just a short drive 15 Minute drive to Blayney, 25 Minutes to Cowra and 40 minutes to Orange, Bathurst.

From the moment you walk through the front door, you are greeted with a large living area, containing high ceilings, fireplace and air conditioning keeping you comfortable and cozy. Freshly painted and brandishing new woodgrain vinyl flooring and carpeted bedrooms, all the work has been done. This newly refurbished 3bedroom home is ready to be added to your investment portfolio.

From catching the setting sun in the afternoon while unwinding with a cold drink on the front verandah, to sitting back and relaxing in one ofthe two living areas. There is nothing else to do in this amazing home.

Situated across the road from Yeoval Central School, the Billabong Cafe and Royal Hotel, this home is ideally located, and just a short walk to the local sporting facilities and swimming pool, you will find it easy to enjoy everything Yeoval has to offer.

Experience a rare opportunity to secure three adjoining properties in the Bathurst CBD, offering fantastic development potential. Positioned in a prime location, this unique offering comprises of two duplex dwellings and a standalone property, presenting a blank canvas for investors, developers, or those seeking a distinctive family compound.

92 Piper Street boasts four spacious bedrooms and two generous living spaces, providing ample room for customization or renovation. Meanwhile, 94 Piper Street offers three well-proportioned bedrooms and two separate living areas, ideal for flexible living arrangements or potential conversion.

96 Piper Street is a standalone property featuring four comfortable bedrooms, two modern bathrooms, a spacious living area, and a beautiful sunroom.

$330,000 - $360,000

for Inspection Saturday 1st June 11:00am-11:30am

Ideally Located just a short drive from Molong and a 30 minute drive from Orange, this 10 acre parcel of Land offers a unique opportunity to build your dream home or idyllic retreat.

Enjoy the tranquillity of rural living while having town amenities and services within easy reach. This property features an established tree line, a dam and ample space offering a productive and tranquil lifestyle.

If you have any questions or would like to book a private inspection of this property, please do not hesitate to contact Wade 0427 668 800 or Kurt 0428 747 050 today!

10 Forbes Street, Yeoval

92 - 96 Piper Street, Bathurst NSW

“The Retreat” Newell Highway, Parkes NSW

Discover "The Retreat" on the outskirts of Parkes. Incredibly well located with frontage to the Newell Highway 3.5km North of Parkes.

With 13 titles and R5 (Large Lot residential) zoning, this property of 15.975 Hectares (39 ½ acres) offers a myriad of possibilities for immediate development or a land bank. Situated along the Newell Highway, "The Retreat" offers an interesting mix of seclusion and accessibility, making it an ideal retreat or investment opportunity.

Other features and existing infrastructure include an old homestead, 2 silos and cattle yards.

Rural

20 Twynam Avenue, Windradyne NSW

Positioned in a beautifully established area, where comfort, accessibility, and natural beauty converge, this charming brick veneer property features four bedrooms, two bathrooms Step inside to discover generously sized bedrooms framed by breathtaking views of the nearby nature reserve, complete with a tranquil creek and newly built scenic walkways. Imagine waking up to the soothing sights and sounds of nature right outside your window and have a beautiful estate to enjoy your morning walk, this property has so much to offer.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to make this exceptional property your own. Contact Emma Chapman on 0423 658 101 to schedule a viewing today and experience the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and natural serenity.

‘Rockview’ 193 Cleavers Lane, Cookamidgera NSW

Open the gate to "Rockview" and find 197.66 hectares (488 acres)* of Cookamidgera district land, ripe with potential and all set to go for the right person to roll their sleeves up and reap the rewards.

With predominantly ironbark and pine, this land boasts a rustic charm and has potential for a diverse range of uses and activities.

"Rockview" boasts 8 dams, ensuring a generous water supply for both livestock and agricultural ventures. Whether you envision agricultural pursuits, forestry endeavours, or simply a secluded retreat, the possibilities are as boundless as the landscape itself.

Auction Thursday 6th June 2024 6:00pm at Cooke Park Pavilion, Parkes NSW Open for Inspection

By Appointment

Kurt Adams 0428 747 050

Paddy Ward 0456 953 364 Ray White Townsend Real Estate raywhitetre.com

Rural

“BillysGully”127AdairDrive, OrangeNSW

Ideallylocatedjust3.5hourswestofSydneyand10 minutesnorthwestofOrange."BillysGully"isamustsee,withasealedroadtothefrontgatethisproperty offersthepotentialtobuildyourdreamhome. 101-hectarefarmwithsoftrollinghillandundulating basaltgrazing Predominatelyopengrazingcountry,withplentyof shadeandsheltertrees Fullyfencedwithqualitywaratahfencing,sub-divided into3paddocks

Well-wateredwithfourdams

Numerousbuildingsiteswithbeautifulviews

raywhitetre.com

Sale ContactAgent OpenforInspection

ByAppointment

KurtAdams 0428747050 StephenTownsend 0427631957 RayWhiteTownsend RealEstate raywhitetre.com

OPEN INSPECTIONS

11:45-12:15  11 Elsie Street, Orange

12:30-1:00 55

12:30-1:00 321 Peisley Street, Orange

12:45-1:15 250 Byng Street, Orange

1:15-1:45 16 Morobe Place, Orange

1:15-1:45 342 Burrendong Way, Orange

2:00-2:3 66 Glasson Drive, Orange

Orange City Lions win rst-ever Lifeline SHIELD OF HOPE

In a fitting finale, Orange City Lions had an optimistic ending to an otherwise tough day when they won the first-ever Central West Lifeline Shield of Hope against Dubbo Kangaroos 34-17 at Pride Park on Saturday, May 25.

The Central West Lifeline Shield of Hope was held in conjunction with Lifeline Central West and Dubbo Kangaroos to promote awareness of Lifeline's support resources across the region. The Central West Lifeline Shield of Hope will be held annually in the middle round of the rugby union season. Next year, the match will be in Dubbo.

Dubbo Kangaroos won all four other fixtures (second grade 33-12, third grade 10-7, colts 15-14 and women 32-5) at Orange on Saturday, but the Lions took out the top grade and the Shield. For those requiring support during tough times, please contact Lifeline 13 11 14.

SPORTS CAM: JUNIOR HOCKEY ROUND 4

Orange City Life’s Cec Tilburg stopped by the Orange Hockey Centre on Saturday morning, May 25, to catch some of the action from the Open Primary Division 2 match between OAG Tiny Teddies and Cyms Rockets.

AROUND THE GROUNDS with DALLAS REEVES

Orange City Lions win first-ever Lifeline Shield of Hope

Discussions matter and can save people, so please take your chance to utilise services around you like Lifeline if in need.

That was the message from Orange City Lions in conjunction with Dubbo Kangaroos when the two Blowes Cup Rugby Union clubs held the first-ever Central West Lifeline Shield of Hope at Pride Park last Saturday, May 25.

Orange City took out the first grade fixture to hold the shield for the next 12 months, winning 34-17.

The two clubs will play for this shield annually in the middle round of the season.

In Blowes Cup, six teams feature with each side playing each other three times.

Next year, the match will be in Dubbo.

Orange City vice-president Darren Wooding said the event was created to promote support services like Lifeline for those in need.

“It’s about raising awareness of these services,” Darren said. “We have a lot of young people, male and female, at our club and we care very much for them.

“A lot of our older leaders talk openly about their mental health and it’s something people should feel comfortable doing.

“If you are having issues, there is no stigma attached to speaking out about them.”

Darren said Dubbo Kangaroos stood out as a good opponent for the Central West Lifeline Shield of Hope to stretch the geographic width of awareness.

However, down the line it’s something that the two clubs would be open to extending to other Blowes Cup clubs.

Lifeline Central West were in attendance at the fixture to promote their services. Lifeline has offices in Bathurst, Orange and Dubbo.

“Roos were a good choice … there are a lot of remote smaller towns outside Dubbo so hopefully this can spread some awareness to Dubbo and those areas,” Darren said.

“But there is no limit on it …. one day this may develop into a roundrobin or have more clubs involved.”

As for City’s start to 2024, the recent 45-7 loss to Emus in the derby hurt, but after the first five fixtures the Lions were competitive in all other matches to sit in fifth place with a 2-3 win-loss record and nine competition points.

Outside of Emus, their biggest loss was a 29-7 defeat against ladder leaders Bathurst Bulldogs with all other matches, including another loss and two wins, being decided by seven points or less.

The Central West Lifeline Shield of Hope win has City at 3-3 and in fourth place.

Orange City will need to win more games and pick up important bonus points as well to remain in the top four but that is a challenge they will relish.

“We’re building nicely … we have a lot of injuries, people being away and work commitments but we will continue to field a strong first grade side and strong sides in general,” Darren said. “The club is in a good place. We’re building momentum”

He added that new first-grade coach Greg Lee is doing a terrific job.

“Greg brings a wealth of knowledge and is very personable,” Darren said.

“He has been involved across the club and is helping with our juniors and across the grades. It’s very positive.”

The Lions were mid-table across the grades heading into the matches against Dubbo Kangaroos.

Dubbo Kangaroos won all four other fixtures (second grade 33-12, third grade 10-7, colts 15-14 and women 32-5) but the Lions took out the top grade.

Meanwhile, Orange Emus lost a first-grade thriller to Bathurst Bulldogs 45-41.

Emus scored seven-tries-to-six in the pulsating clash but the boot of Bulldogs halfback Kurt Weekes, who kicked six from six conversions and a penalty goal, got the undefeated Bulldogs home.

It means Bathurst (30 points) are well clear of second-placed Forbes Platypi (22 points) with Emus (third, 17 points) and Orange City (fourth, 14 points) the next best on the Blowes Cup first-grade ladder. Bulldogs also won second grade (29-13), colts (43-19) and women’s (17-nil) while Emus won a third grade thriller (22-21).

Orange CYMS have held off Orange Hawks in another gritty rugby league local derby last Sunday (May 26).

CYMS prevailed 22-12 with back-rower Ethan Bereyne grabbing a double for the victors.

The 10-point win was enough to put Orange CYMS back on top of the Peter McDonald Premiership table.

CYMS (+74) lead on points difference from Mudgee (+60) and Parkes (+48) and Bathurst Panthers (+4), all those sides on eight points after five rounds, according to playrugbyleague.com.

Orange CYMS had two close wins (26-22 reserve grade and 21-18 in under-18s) in the other two male matches while their blues tag had a big 46-4 success.

It means the green-and-yellows have all their sides at the right end of the table with all lower-grade sides currently undefeated.

The closeness of the scores in first grade, reserve grade and under18s against quality opposition suggests Hawks aren’t far away.

Defending champions in the Tom Nelson Premiership under-18s, it was Hawks’ first loss of 2024 in that grade.

Orange Hawks will be looking for wins in all four grades when they host Nyngan at Wade Park on Sunday, June 2. CYMS are away this weekend, meeting Parkes at Parkes.

Meanwhile, Orange United met Cowra in Woodbridge Cup action at Wade Park and lost three thrillers. First grade went down 32-24.

In blues tag, Cowra prevailed 28-24, while in the youth league the Magpies snuck home 32-24 against the Warriors.

Those strong performances will give Orange United hope for this weekend when they meet Cargo in first grade and blues tag and Canowindra in youth league, all at Cargo.

Season 2024 is one of challenges for the Orange Tigers’ top side in Central West AFL but the tier one team keeps on battling away.

Facing a 102-9 deficit at half-time in its clash against Bathurst Bushrangers in Bathurst, it would have been easy for the Tigers to put up the white flag but they kept trying and kicked four second-half majors to eventually go down 28.16 (184) to 5.6 (36).

It was much better news for the Tigers’ tier two side who beat Dubbo Demons at home 11.10 (76) to 6.4 (40). That win kept the Tigers in third place with a 3-2 win-loss ratio in tier two.

In women’s action, Dubbo scored a 59-point win against Orange.

Fortunes reversed for Orange’s two women’s sides in Central West Premier League Hockey in the Breast Cancer Awareness Round at Bathurst last Saturday.

Orange United picked up their first competition points of 2024 when they scrapped their way to a 2-all with Souths in Bathurst. Lithgow Panthers pushed their way to the top of the table on points difference with an emphatic 4-nil win over the previously unbeaten Orange CYMS.

With Bathurst City scoring a 1-nil win over Bathurst St Pat’s, it means CYMS slipped from first to third in one weekend despite boasting a 3-1 win-loss record.

Both Lithgow Panthers and Bathurst City have three wins and one draw after four rounds, with Panthers’ (+7) goal difference edging them clear of Bathurst City (+5).

Men’s action returns this weekend at Parkes with the Orange Wanderers meeting Parkes and Dubbo in their double-header.

Waratahs FC have picked up an important Western Premier League soccer competition point in a 1-1 draw against defending champions Bathurst ’75 at Proctor Park in Bathurst last Saturday (May 25), but it could have been three league points.

The fact ’75 are unbeaten in 2024 also with five wins and two draws shows the type of football Waratahs FC are capable of at their best when they led 1-nil before conceding an own goal with just minutes left, according to the WPL Facebook Page.

With a bye this weekend and then the June Long Weekend the week after according to the Dribl platform draw, last Saturday’s draw and the fact it could have been a win against the best side on form in the WPL will give Waratahs FC some confidence going into a mid-season mini-break.

According to the table available on the Dribl platform, Waratahs FC sit in sixth place with two wins and a draw from its seven matches played.

Interestingly, while just 10 competition points separate ’75 and Waratahs (seven), Waratahs are seven points clear of Parkes Cobras in last.

Just three points out of the top four and with another three months of regular season action, if Waratahs play well enough, they have ample opportunity to qualify for September football.

KI D S ZON E

We have a voucher

Each week we’ll hide a small version of “Pinny” (pictured) somewhere in OCLife. It could be anywhere. To enter, simply nd him, write your name and phone number on the back of an envelope, along with the page number you found him on, and send in...

Kids Talk

Riley, age 7

✫ Who is your favourite teacher? Miss Press, she’s always funny. She does funny things.

✫ What is your favourite thing to do once you get home from school? Play with my dogs. I have two li le dogs, two chickens and a lizard. My mini dragon’s name is Bingo.

✫ What is something your parents always say to you?

Be quiet. They say that a lot when we’re watching a movie together.

✫ If you were principal for a day, what is the first thing you’d do? Not go to school! I’d stay home and play with my sister and my animals.

✫ What is your favourite toy? I don’t have a favourite toy - I like to play with my shells that I got from Queensland.

✫ What is your favourite food? Pizza. I help my Mum make it. Cheese and meat is the best.

✫ What do you want to be when you grow up? I want to be a cowgirl! I used to live on a farm.

✫ If you could open a shop, what would it sell? Loom bands. I make rings and bracelets.

✫ If you made the rules at your house, what is the first rule you would make? Be quiet... but not everyone, just my parents.

THE robus NOTES

with Keith Rawsthorne

Welcome to the chilly winds of autumn, and a warm welcome to recently inducted members, John Rae and Alan Taylor, who have joined us to enjoy the FUN, FRIENDSHIP and FELLOWSHIP of Probus.

John was born at Ashfield during WW2, the son of a Rat of Tobruk, and moved to Orange in 1980. Alan is a Parkes boy who studied at Sydney University and worked in Canada and the U.K. before recently making his home in Orange.

The trip to Wellington by XPT for lunch and a tipple at the RSL Club was enjoyed by a happy and satisfied group of travellers. Watch out for more such outings. John Read is investigating a fourday springtime tour to the south of NSW to see the interesting towns of Mulwala, Henty, Albury, with their interesting museums, and (hopefully) the Malt House at Whitton. You will be kept informed.

October is Probus Month and Forbes Probus has invited Probians to come and join them to celebrate their fortieth birthday on Friday, October 11. They promise a good day with entertainment as well as the usual friendship of Probus.

Brian Coyne introduced guest speaker Nathan Whiteside, who is CEO of Orange Ex-Services Club. Nathan’s family is from Eugowra, and he grew up in Yamba on the North Coast. He earned two business

degrees at Southern Cross University and began his career at Yamba Bowling Club. He came to Orange via CEO roles at Grafton and Newcastle, and supports the Roosters.

Nathan, with interesting photos, gave a detailed report on the development of Wentworth Golf Club from planning and financing to digging out rocks, which were then ground up and used in the building. The club with some unique features, is due to open in July.

TODAY’S WISDOM: “A ship in harbour is safe, but that’s not what ships are for.”

THE ORANGE VINNIES VAN MOVES TO A WEEKLY SERVICE FROM 20TH MAY

Doctor,

Councillor, Quadriplegic and Christian?

An interview with STEVEN PETERSON.

This Sunday, June 2, we will be asking Steven how life has changed since his bike accident left him permanently disabled 6 years ago and how he continues to take on challenging roles despite his limitations! We discuss all things family, medical, political, social but most of all about his faith in God amidst change and trauma. Steven will be speaking as part of our church service, but everyone, regardless of faith background is welcome.

Sunday, June 2, 10am at Orange Church of Christ, Cnr Burrendong Way/Rawle Avenue. Followed by coffee and a chance to chat with Steven and meet the church. Free event. A free-will offering will be taken.

In under four month’s time, on Saturday, September 14,, local government elections will be held in NSW. We will elect a new group of councillors to serve Orange for the next four years.

Court House). Traffic is frequently backed up to the Summer St intersection or even into the next block of Lords Place.

ORRA is still waiting for council administration to reply to our several requests (both written and in-person) made to the CEO and the director responsible for roads.

The Van will stop at the usual locations of Torpy Street, Kurim Complex, Cootes Estate and Spring Street each Monday and Wednesday from this date.

Vinnies is also looking for new volunteers to help deliver the service. For more information on the van or to volunteer please contact 0403 102 681.

It is vital that voters are kept informed of the actions and performances of the councillors and council staff.

Those that waved through the approvals of some ill-conceived and money wasting ideas need to be held to account, along with some members of council staff who promoted them. Two examples are the ‘Golden Balls’ (previous council), and the Lords Place ‘upgrade’ (previous and current council). There are still some contentious and concerning issues within the ‘Future Cities’ proposed reforms, which will need to be revisited and addressed before our council proceeds to make more mistakes. One such mistake is the unnecessary and unsafe traffic congestion caused by the removal of one of the exit lanes from Lords Place into Byng St (the corner adjacent to the

ORRA has a history of endorsing a candidate for election to council. Frances Kinghorne is our most recently endorsed councillor. She has been thorough in her scrutiny of proposals put before council and has consistently raised questions about investment returns and policies. Cr Kinghorne, not being affiliated with a political party, is able to focus on the core issues and not political agendas. The next election will provide an opportunity for residents and ratepayers to choose councillors endorsed by ORRA, who will, like Cr Kinghorne, ask the necessary questions and obtain answers to help ensure that appropriate decisions are made by council.

If you have any concerns relating to council’s performance in any areas then you are welcome to attend our monthly meetings held at the Orange Ex-Services’ Club on the first Wednesday of each month at 7pm.

• President David Cuming, Guest speaker Nathan Whiteside, and Director Brian Coyne.

CLASSIFIEDS 6361 3575

Memories

Brunhilde Srejic 1928 ~ 2021

In memory of our beautiful Mother She will be sadly missed by Her children, grandchildren and all the family

26.5.2016

8 years has passed since you left us. A cherished husband, father, grandfather and friend. You are forever in our thoughts and sadly missed.

Loved and Remembered by Julie, Darren, Kylie, Melissa, Pam and Paul

Missing you always

Love Sharon & Don, Paul & Stacey, Dylan, Ryan, Lilliana

To hear your voice, to see you smile, to sit and talk to you a while. To be together in the same old way, would be our dearest wish today.

June Elizabeth Marshall

03.07.1953 – 10.06.2007

Violet Eileen Marshall

21.09.1917 – 17.06.2000

Robert Charles Marshall

04.10.1908 - 05.08.1968

Missing you always

Love Don & Sharon, Paul & Stacey, Dylan, Ryan Lilliana. Barbara & Alan, Lisa, Summa, Aidan, Grant & Kelly, Brianna, Larni.

PUZZLES…. PUZZLES…. PUZZLES….

PUZZLES

QUICK QUIZ

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27 Guitarist, – Paul (3)

4 LETTERS

THUMBS UP to the staff at the Orange Aquatic Centre and the pool users for starting to read and obey the written instructions.

THUMBS UP To Dudley Hospital staff. They took the tension out of being in a hospital and made you feel welcome. To the nurses who looked after Charlie, you were great and you looked after my special needs with dignity and compassion. Thank you.

THUMBS UP to Victoria at Just Cuts. Super friendly and a great haircut! You are doing a great job, thank you.

THUMBS UP and thank you to the three gentlemen who are working around the streets of Orange sucking up all the leaves. What a mammoth task you have! But I, for one, am very grateful as last Autumn I had a nasty fall on the slippery road near my house when walking into town. There are still so many areas to do but you are all so friendly and helpful, you put a smile on the face of an old lady living alone. Your cheery disposition makes me feel happy, if only for a short time, so thank you whoever you are. God bless you.

THUMBS UP to the wonderful staff at the Orange Railway Station who are always happy, extremely helpful, patient and who give wonderful advice on travel. It is always a pleasure to deal with them and visit the station. Thank you for being there for the residents of Orange.

HUGE THUMBS UP to all the wonderful teachers at the Dance Theatre of Orange. With a special mention to Isabelle whose kindness is always appreciated!

HUGE HUMBS UP to Elyse at Service NSW, Orange. She was extremely helpful and considerably patient in ratifying and confirming the medical information required for the continuation of a driver’s licence. Fantastic customer service and people skills.

THUMBS UP and a big thank you to the supporters of the Orange Women’s Shed’s recent raffle. The muchneeded funds raised will contribute to the replacement cost of their stolen defibrillator.

THUMBS UP to all the guys out at the Orange Men’s Shed at Lucknow who volunteer their time and hard work fixing furniture and making lots of toys and other things. You’re doing a wonderful job plus supporting each other out there.

THUMBS UP to Neil and Beth at Speciality Paint Repairs for their outstanding customer service and for doing a stellar job on the back of my old ute!

THUMBS UP to Penny at Blayney Vet. You are so gentle and kind. Thank you, Bubbles and Clyde.

THUMBS UP to Whitney’s Restaurant out near the Orange Hospital. They have an amazing buffet breakfast with all the hot and cold food you could imagine. The staff and food were so great. They made my wife feel so special on Mother’s Day.

THUMBS UP to the staff at Anson Street Woolworths who helped my wife when she had difficulty standing. They got her an ice pack, water, and helped us to the taxi. Thank you very much, I really appreciated it.

THUMBS DOWN to the young kids riding small motorbikes near dark! No helmet, no lights, and wearing black pants and black hoodies!

THUMBS UP to My Car who not only replaced a bulb in my Subaru in no time at all but when I offered to pay told me, “Don’t worry”. Thank you so much for the quick service, and pleasant office to wait – definitely above and beyond what I expected!

THUMBS UP To OCLife,Thank you so much for your response to my request for a change to the printing under photos etc, it was very much appreciated to see the change you have already made.You all do such a great job. (Ed’s note: Thank you, we appreiate the feeback)

General disclaimer: Whilst every care is taken in preparing this publication, we cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions. The publisher accepts no responsibility for letters, notices and other material contributed for publication. The submitter accepts full responsibility for material, warrants that it is accurate, and indemnifies the publisher against any claim or action. All advertisers, including those placing display and classified or advertorial material, warrant that such material is true and accurate and meets all applicable laws and indemnifies the publisher against all liabilities that may arise from the publication of such material. Opinions expressed in the publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. Senior Journalist, Jonathan Roe, accepts responsibility for election comment. Articles contain information of a general nature – readers should always seek professional advice relevant to their particular circumstances. Complaints: Orange City Life has a policy of correcting mistakes promptly. If you have a complaint about published material, contact us in writing. If the matter remains unresolved, you may wish to contact the Australian Press Council.

© Copyright 2024 Orange City Life Pty Ltd. Copyright in all material – including photographs and ads – is held by Orange City Life Pty Ltd or its providers and must not be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from the Publisher. Printed for the publisher at the News Print Centre, 26-52 Hume Highway, Chullora 2190.

The Thumbs represent thoughts and opinions of readers and do not necessarily reflect those of Orange City Life. Every care is taken not to publish thumbs that are considered derogatory or defamatory in nature . Please note that thumbs may be edited for clarity, space or legal reasons.

JUMPING FROM GREAT HEIGHTS

Low cloud and high winds didn’t deter keen parachutists from flocking to Orange for the NSW State Parachuting Championships in March 1963. Competitors from throughout NSW, Canada and New Zealand battled the elements, some sustaining injuries because of heavy landings. The event was organised by the Orange branch of the Air Force Association and Orange Lions Club.

Photo courtesy CWD Negative Collection, Orange & District Historical Society. Volunteers from the society carry out various tasks each Wednesday at their headquarters at 148 March Street from 10.30am to 4pm. Members of the public are welcome to call in with queries on local and family history.

12.30, 6.00 SAT 1 10.30, 12.15, 3.30, 6.00 SUN 2 10.30, 12.15, 3.30, 6.00 MON 3 10.00, 12.30, 6.00

TUES 4 10.00, 12.30, 6.00 WED 5 10.00, 12.30, 6.00

30 10.00, 3.00, 5.30 FRI 31 10.00, 12.30, 5.30

1 10.15, 12.45, 5.30 SUN 2 10.15, 12.45, 5.30 MON 3 10.00,

THE FALL GUY

10.00*, 1.15*, 4.30*, 6.00*, 7.45*

10.00*, 1.15*, 4.30*, 6.00*, 7.45*