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There were a couple of big announcements from Orange City Council on Monday, with the official opening of the new stretch of Brabham Way from Anson Street to Woodward Street, and news of a grant to explore the possibility of building a recycled water treatment demonstration plant. The plant would treat and recycle wastewater and could produce about 3.5 megalitres of water a day, which is apparently roughly a quarter of Orange’s daily needs. The water would be used by the Cadia Gold Mine for industrial purposes. It’s a great idea. We’ve been pretty fortunate with our water supply over the past few wet years, but there will be drought again soon enough, and any steps towards improving our water security are welcome.
It appears to be festival season in Orange with a run of community events coming up over the next few weeks: Orange Chamber Music Festival, March 6–9; Orange Running Festival, March 9 (we hear events are selling out, so register soon if you haven’t); Rainbow Festival, March 19-23, and then of course it’s Orange FOOD Week, March 28 – April 6.
But first up, we have Orange City Council’s annual Harmony Festival which gets underway this Friday and Saturday, February 21-22. The highlight will be the Harmony Day celebration from 2.30pm to 8pm on Saturday in the Civic Square South Court. There’ll be delicious multicultural food stalls and plenty of entertainment. Worth checking out!
Until next week!
The $14.7 million road project extending Brabham Way from Anson Street to Woodward Street and Orange’s southern outskirts was officially opened for traffic on Monday.
The new 1.7 kilometre section of road, extends what was formerly known as the Southern Feeder Road from the Mitchell Highway, passing through a new roundabout at Shiralee Road.
The project also includes a $3.1 million upgrade of a 809-metre section of Shiralee Road, stretching from Brabham Way to the railway level crossing and Woodward Street.
Representatives of the State and Federal Government joined Orange City Councillors and council staff in a ribboncutting ceremony on Monday morning to officially open the new road.
Eyecare Plus Orange
Optometrists 170 Summer Street Orange NSW 2800
Prior to the ceremony, one eager motorist, spying a seemingly open road, made their way east along the new section of Brabham Way towards the assembled group of dignitaries, Council staff and media, before nonchalantly veering off the side of the road and into Sharp Road.
“This is a very important occasion for Orange City Council,” Orange Mayor Tony Mileto said following the eventual ribbon cutting,
“[Brabham Way] plays an important part in our city because it now leads to our major health precinct and also the mines.
“It’s going to alleviate some of the traffic issues we do have in Anson Street… It also opens up other avenues for development, such as the Shiralee estate.”
Cr Mileto said the Council is ‘“shovel
ready” to further extend the road from the new roundabout to Pinnacle Road.
“This town needs to keep developing and we’re ready to do that because the way we’re going, we need to be in a position that we can start that work as soon as possible… Shiralee is developing really quickly and we need to continue that progress happening as we can.”
Joining Cr Mileto at the official opening were Senator Deborah O’Neil, representing the Australian Government, and Member for Calare Andrew Gee.
NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully, and Member for Orange Phil Donato gave their apologies as they were unable to attend.
Following the ribbon cutting, Senator O’Neil and Mr Gee took a ride along the new section of Brabham Way in Cr Mileto’s 1977 Holden HX sedan.
The newly named Brabham Way incorporates the previous routes of four roads—Dairy Creek Road, Blowes Road, Huntley Road, and Park Road.
The latest $14.7 million stage of the Brabham Way was funded by: Orange City Council – $4.4 million; NSW Government’s Resources for Regions program – $4.55 million; Australian Government’s Heavy Vehicle Safety & Productivity Program - $2 million; Australian Government’s Local Roads & Community Infrastructure Program – $3.55 million; and the NSW Government’s Low Cost Loans Initiative Program – $262,910.
The $3.1 Million upgrade of Shiralee Road between the new roundabout and the railway level crossing was funded by: Orange City Council – $1.7 million, and the NSW Government’s Regional Housing Fund program – $1.4 million.
www.hansenoptom.com
— By Emily Thompson —
What do you do for a living and what do you love about it?
I am a public relations and marketing expert, concentrating on strategic PR and communications and growth hacking. So, by growth hacking, I mean we actually look at businesses and determine how to use different strategies from our toolkit to help them improve their businesses and outcomes. It might be a technology pivot, or it might be a new partner or collaboration. It’s not solely or wholly about PR and marketing, its also about the value -add of business strategy as well. I’m also an awardwinning author, speaker, coach, and I’ve been in a founding team across six highly successful businesses of my own over time. And, I’m a mum!
But what do I love about it? I just love helping people- I think I was born to be a teacher, coach and mentor. I’m also a ballerina, and when I was learning ballet, I loved the performance aspect and the presentation. Ballerinas can be in the worst pain of their lives, or have a million other things going on through their head but they still show up with poise and grace. That’s what attracted me to PR- it’s giving businesses and people their best angles, and how to show the world their best angles. What fills your cup?
Oh, for me it’s a mix of things. I need people in my life. I’m a big believer in the power of five- you are the sum of the five people in your life who you spend the most time with. So, I’m very careful to curate who has access to me but also what is going into my mind, such as my wellness; and also, what goes into my body. Since my breast cancer diagnosis, I see the world very differently and in colour. My children are my biggest cup-fillers these days. Seeing them achieve at school, or that day when you realise
they’ve just grown up a little bit more. That’s the meaning of life.
Describe your ideal day out in Orange?
I actually had an ideal day out recently where I just spent time at Maquariedale Organic Wines. It’s a vineyard at very high altitude. And so, lying in the shade with a picnic and a bottle of wine and incredible company and conversation was perfect. And then from there we went for a walk around their stunning grounds. Pure magic. It’s just the most beautiful region to live in. The other aspect is I live in Millthorpe, and there’s something very special about being able to walk in our beautiful outdoors and see so many people you know, just to have that incredible sense of community.
What is your idea of the perfect holiday?
I’m not actually very good at holidays! I’ve just been really conscious of building a beautiful life I don’t need a holiday from. That might sound cliché, but we have the most amazing lifestyle here in Orange! I do love LA, because incredible things happen there, just by chance. I was recently in Bali, and it’s just the little moments and discoveries I love of travelling somewhere new.
What is a favourite parenting moment?
For me, it was watching my children deal with their mum’s cancer diagnosis. It’s a terrible thing for them to go through, but they had to dig deep in their resilience and it was beautiful to see how strong they are. As parents we often underestimate their capabilities.
If you were running for mayor what would your motto be?
“Just look at what we have here!”
Calling Orange lolly lovers! Allen’s is preparing to launch a new Snakes Alive flavour and you have the opportunity to taste it first.
According to Allen’s research, half of all Australians consider the orange snake their least preferred Snakes Alive flavour, even though a whopping 84 per cent don’t even know what flavour it is.
“Our orange snake has been a hot topic amongst Allen’s fans for years,” Nestlé Head of Marketing Confectionery, Melanie Chen said.
“As it ranks as the least popular flavour, we’ve listened to our loyal fans and have been working hard to perfect the flavour for our passionate lolly lovers, and we can’t wait to hear their feedback.”
Before the new flavour rolls out nationwide, local lolly
fans will have an opportunity to taste test the new orange snake right here in Orange’s Robertson Park.
“If you’re a Snakes Alive fan, be one of the firsssst to taste test the new flavour in Orange on March 1st and tell us what you think,” Ms Chen said
Allen’s has partnered with lolly enthusiast and Aussie comedian, Tanya Hennessy to host the Orange taste test. Early last year, Hennesy shocked her social media audience with the revelation that the orange snake was actually apricot flavoured.
“It’s no secret I’m a big Allen’s fan, but even I was surprised to find out the orange Snakes Alive is apricot flavoured,” Hennessy said. “After tasting a new flavour, I can’t wait to see what my fellow lolly lovers think and hope they love it as much as I do!”
But will the new flavour be orange? According to an Allen’s spokesperson, fans will have to come to the
tasting to find out for themselves.
“Our dedicated Allen’s team has conducted extensive research, gathering feedback from lolly lovers on multiple flavour options. The flavour we are sampling is the one that consumer research has shown to be the best, but we want to put it to the ultimate test with our passionate lolly enthusiasts,” the spokesperson said.”
“At our public taste test event, we are eager to hear feedback before it hits the shelves and give our fans the opportunity to ‘be the first to try’.”
The mystery new “orange” flavour will join the rest of the Snakes Alive staples, strawberry (red), blackberry (purple), pineapple (yellow), and green (lemon).
The Orange taste test event will be held in Robertson Park, Orange, from 10am to 1pm on Saturday, March 1.
— BY JONATHAN ROE —
Bowlers representing some 26 clubs from across NSW and Victoria will take to the greens on Monday, February 24, for the start of the Orange Motor Group City Of Orange Golden Eagle Pairs Tournament.
Now in its 55th year, the City of Orange Bowling Club’s Golden Eagle continues to attract some of the best bowlers in the country and the names of current and former Australian, Commonwealth Games and world champions can be found on the unique eagle trophy.
Once again, this year will see some
big names competing in the $20,000 tournament, including last year’s winners Lee Schragner and partner Dylan Essex. Lee Schragner is the current World Singles Champion and the pair are expected to be tough to beat.
“We didn’t think they were coming,” City of Orange Bowling Club Director Ray Wilson said, having only just received the nomination prior to speaking with Orange City Life last Thursday. “We thought they were already committed to another event, but this final nomination from him has really topped the number of really Top Line players coming this year.”
Runners-up Matt and Andrew Swann of Charlestown are also returning to
try and get their hands on the Golden Eagle and spearheading the local contenders is current City of Orange club champion Bernie Diduszko, who will be playing with Melbourne import Paul Gonzales.
From the very first year to today, winning the Golden Eagle tournament has been a highly coveted prize for bowlers, Ray said.
“There’s somewhat of a prestige associated with the Golden Eagle simply because it was probably one of the first really big pairs invitation tournaments,” he explained.
Then there’s the tournament’s truly grand and unique one-metre-tall trophy featuring a golden eagle with a wingspan of 95 centimetres.
The Orange Motor Group City Of Orange Golden Eagle Pairs Tournament will get underway on Monday, February 14, with bowlers competing for a $6,000 first prize. The tournament will reach its conclusion on Thursday morning, February 27, with the final getting underway at 9am.
Anyone wanting to see some worldclass bowls action is welcome to attend all four days of competition as well as the Calcutta auction on Sunday evening, February 23, prior to the tournament.
“That’s always a fun night,” Ray said, “because all of the guys that think they’ve got a chance, they start bidding pretty high, as you can imagine!”
A touring photographic exhibition that takes a nostalgic look at Australia’s roadside motels has shone a little light on Orange’s own pioneering tourism venture, the Bellair Motel.
Currently on exhibition at the Orange Regional Museum, Reception this way: motels – a sentimental journey with Tim Ross looks back on a time when the roadside motel was an integral part of the Australian holiday experience.
The exhibition was developed by the National Archives of Australia in collaboration with comedian Tim Ross, who describes it as a “pictorial love letter to a somewhat bygone era, capturing the glamour and convenience of the roadside motel…”
But when the exhibition launched last November, locals were left questioning why Orange’s own claim to motel history did not get a mention, as it’s often been said the Bellair Motel, now known as the Mid-City Motor Lodge, was the first in NSW.
“When we opened, we had lots of locals come in and kind of question why the Bellair Motel wasn’t featured,” Orange Regional Museum Manager, Dr MaryElizabeth Andrews, said.
“Obviously, locals really felt that it warranted it with this story going around that it was the first motel in NSW…. What’s lovely about that is it’s led us to do a little bit of digging and a little bit of research,
and we found a wealth of information about the opening of the Bellair Motel.”
When the Bellair Motel opened in July 1957, it was the ninth motel operating in NSW, with others already established in Bathurst, Albury, Canberra, Wagga Wagga, Goulburn, Dubbo, Gosford and Taree. Four more were also in the process of being built at Cowra, Tamworth, Wellington and Queanbeyan.
But the dream of an “American” motel for Orange had begun some years prior.
“I think what is really interesting that’s come to light, is the idea was really early in the piece,” Dr Andrews said.
“So the people who conceived of the motel here in Orange, Hugh McCarron and Malcolm Middleton, actually imported
that idea from the United States. Hugh McCarron had been in California and had seen a motel and stayed in a motel when there weren’t any in Australia at that time, that was 1952.”
At the time, McCarron and Middleton conducted the local tourist office in Summer Street. Over the next few years, the plan to build a motel in Orange took shape and attracted enormous interest from local backers.
“The idea took a little bit of time to get off the ground… but interesting that they started that discussion well before motels existed in New South Wales,” Dr Andrews said.
The story of how the idea for a motel was “sown in California” appears in a special newspaper supplement that
accompanied the official opening in July 1957. “Bellair” was chosen to reflect this origin story, being named for the thennew suburb of Hollywood. The problem was that locals apparently pronounced “Bel-Air” as “Blair” and so the owners had to settle on a different spelling.
The souvenir supplement details the modern features of the novel structure and its striking colour scheme of alternating doors painted skyline blue, poinsettia red, daffodil yellow, regal blue and dove grey.
“It was something that was just completely unheard of,” Dr Andrews said of the fanfare and excitement that surrounded the opening of these new motels in Australia.
“Car travel is obviously the thing that precipitates the idea, but it’s that shift away from staying in pub-style hotel accommodation in regional NSW to something that’s geared towards car travel and geared towards families as well — it was a totally novel idea.
“I think this exhibition really illuminates that well because it looks at the emergence and heyday of the motel… It’s a great exhibition topic. There’s that nostalgia and personal recollection, but it’s also about the history of design, and it’s about economic development, and it’s about the changing way in which we live our lives and we’re always interested in investigating that.”
Reception this way: motels – a sentimental journey with Tim Ross runs until March 2, 2025 at the Orange Regional Museum.
Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra
icole Fagan, a former Orange resident, relocated to Kununurra with her husband and daughter for his pilot career. While working as a family support worker in Western Australia, she often encountered women and children who had escaped domestic violence and substance abuse and were left with very little. Nicole then reached out to Nashdale CWA member Danielle Haase and mentioned there was an opportunity to donate appropriate clothing to the community. The group jumped at the chance, and started collecting immediately. The team in Kununurra are after summer clothes as there is no need for warm clothes, and often need clothes for non-residents who travel into town to attend funerals.
Donations are ongoing, and they kindly ask for the following most-needed items:
• Summer clothing (no winter apparel, please)
• Toiletries
• New, sealed packets of girls’ and women’s underwear
their community minded work, but their commitment to ongoing help. They proudly received an award honouring their dedication to helping others.
“I am proud to represent a community like ours with so many generous, community minded people. The actions of the Nashdale CWA typifies this Aussie spirit of compassion, support and generosity. Thank you for all you have done and the impact you have made to the community of Kununurra,” said Member for Orange Phil Donato.
How You Can Help:
You can contribute by sending donations directly to:
PO Box 1163, Kununurra WA 6743
Every contribution makes a difference— thank you for your generosity! Nashdale CWA clothing drive is an award-winning initiative making a meaningful impact.
Phil Donato’s community acknowledgement day saw the brilliant work these women have done, and recognised not only
Alternatively, you can support Nashdale CWA by covering postage costs. A $23.50 donation funds a 5kg prepaid satchel, which will be packed and sent directly to the community.
Nashdale CWA Donation Details: BSB: 062-587
Account Number: 900831
March 6 - 9
Orange | Nashdale | Belgravia | Millthorpe
60th anniversary of the first
This February marks the 60th
of the very first Orange Festival of Arts.
The festival ran every two years from its founding in 1965 until 1987 and was one of the first and largest of its kind to take place outside of an Australian capital city.
The Orange Festival of Arts brought creative arts and cultural events to the region, including experimental theatre, ballet, recitals, one-act plays and opera. It raised greater awareness and interest in the creative arts and was a major contributing factor in building Orange’s prominence as a vibrant cultural centre.
In 2023, a collection of 1300 photographs, posters, programs and documents relating to the were digitised and added to the Central West Libraries’ Recollect Central West website.
The Orange Regional Museum collection also holds posters and programs from Festivals, and staff are preparing an exhibition about the Orange Festival of Arts to open in April 2025.
Energyexperts,marketoperatorsandAustralia’sleading economistshavebeenclear:Australiacanachieveasecure, reliable,andaffordablepowersystemwithoutnuclear power.
Unlikethemajorparties,myapproachistodothingswiththe community- nottothem.
TheCoalition’snuclearplanisaneconomicwreckingballthatwill wastebillions,pushuppowerpricesandstalljobcreationin regionalAustralia. Iwillnotsupportit.
Iwillpushfor community-ledsolutions totransitionworkers fromfossilfuelstosecure,well-paidjobsinrenewableenergy andmodernmanufacturing.
Onelectionday, wehavethepower tochooseacleaner, moreaffordablefutureforourregion.
Changestartshere.
Orange City Council is overseeing a free program designed to remove barriers, address discrimination and promote equality for women and girls to participate in sport and physical activity.
The local program, named Let’s Move Together, has been made possible thanks to a $556,000 grant from the Australian Government’s $200 million Play Our Way program, which funds local initiatives and ideas to address participation barriers faced by women and girls.
Orange Deputy Mayor and Sport and Recreation Committee Chair, Cr Tammy Greenhalgh said the Council would use the funds over the next three years to provide greater opportunities for women and girls to access, participate and remain involved in local sport and physical activities.
“What that means for our community is
we’ll be able to. over the next three years remove some barriers with a focus on low socioeconomic backgrounds, LGBTQI+ , Indigenous, and people with a disability,” Cr Greenhalgh said.
“We all know the benefits that come from playing sport - physical, mental, social. I think it’s going to give women in our community a lot more confidence and just that wonderful feeling of community… that feeling of belonging, I think, is so important and it should be available to everyone.
“There shouldn’t be any barriers like financial barriers, discrimination or any of those things.
In Orange the program will target women and girls who have not had the opportunity to play sport or have not engaged in physical activity for 12 months or more, and will focus on mainstream sports such as netball, basketball, rugby league, touch football, league tag and AFL, as well as wellness programs such as yoga and pilates.
“We’d also like to increase women’s
...We all know the benefits that come from playing sport - physical, mental, social. I think it’s going to give women in our community a lot more confidence and just that wonderful feeling of community...
participation in the running of our local sporting clubs as coaches and officials, committee members and administrative roles,” Cr Greenhalgh said.
Kristen Hunter, Project Officer delivering the local program, said the money will be used to help pay for things like registration fees, equipment and even uniforms.
“So making sure that women have the right equipment that they need to be able to play that sport…that’s where the money will be spent,” Ms Hunter said.
“It’s very exciting,” she continued. “I’ve played sport all my life. I’ve got two daughters that are heavily involved in sports. I think this will just encourage more participation, which we all need, but also identify clubs that probably don’t always have that larger female participation.”
Women and girls wishing to take part in the program should contact Kristen Hunter at Orange City Council’s Community Services on 6393 8600 or visit www.orange.nsw.gov.au/ lets-move-together
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Iwanted to share with you an example of how INDEPENDENT financial advice is changing lives in Orange. Names and other identifying details have been changed for obvious reasons, and figures have been rounded to make them easier to read.
Phil and Denise are aged in their 50s. They have been married for 25 years and both work locally. They expect to continue working for the next 10 years.
Phil and Denise came to see me with a simple ambition: to be able to retire as comfortably as possible, when the time comes. They had got some advice from a financial planner some time ago but had noticed that the name of the person who is supposed to be their adviser kept changing at the top of their annual statement and they were getting no ongoing advice at all. A friend had recommended they come and see me.
Between them, Phil and Denise earn about $130,000 per year. They receive compulsory superannuation amounts of 11.5%, or $14,950 per year. Importantly, they own their home and they also have an investment property with a loan of approximately 30% of the property’s value. Combined, they have approximately $350,000 in superannuation.
Phil and Denise are sensible enough to understand
that they don’t have enough to retire as comfortably as they’d like and really want to try and do something about it.
They have never paid much attention to superannuation, but keep hearing they should. When they took out a loan years ago, they were encouraged by their bank to get some advice from the bank’s financial adviser and ended up in a retail super fund affiliated with that bank. As it turns out, they’ve been paying fees of 1.5% per year… the average in Australia is around 1% and I routinely put my clients in super investments with fees below 0.3%!
This means that Colin and Jenny are paying approximately $5,250 per year to manage their superannuation.
I worked with Phil and Denise to find a profit-formembers fund as an appropriate place for them to hold their superannuation. This fund charges a flat member fee of $1.50 per week, an admin fee of 0.10% and the recommended investments within the super fund have investment fees of 0.13%.
This means that Phil and Denise could have their existing $350,000 incurring fees of only $961 per year. Simply rolling their superannuation benefits over from the existing fund to the new fund will save Phil and Denise $4,289 every year! As more money goes
into their super, the saving will only increase over time. Given it’s likely that one or both of them will live well into their 90s, it’s not difficult to see that simply switching their superannuation benefits from a very expensive retail fund to a very low cost profit-formember fund may well save them a six-figure sum (and easily a six-figure sum for someone who does this in their 30s or 40s).
What’s more, because the benefits to Phil and Denise are in terms of an amount saved, the benefit will definitely happen – the point being that the benefit is not reliant on investment returns, it’s simply a saving in fees. Add into the mix some tax-effective super contributions that reduce tax, utilizing investment options that suit their needs and timeframe for accessing their funds, some budgeting advice, some help with estate planning and visual projections to show what the financial future may look like for these clients, it’s not hard to see how these clients are better off for seeking professional independent financial advice.
INDEPENDENT financial advice changes lives. If you think you might benefit from some, get in touch for a FREE financial health check.
Cheers, Daniel
Orange City Council is inviting owners of heritage buildings within the local government area to apply for the Local Heritage Assistance Fund 2025/2026.
The Local Heritage Assistance Fund is a joint program of Orange City Council and the NSW Office of Environment & Heritage. Projects should involve the repair, conservation or re-instatement of missing items on heritage buildings. This may include fences, verandas and decorative detail.
Copies of the Local Heritage Assistance Fund Guidelines and Application Form can be obtained by telephoning 6393 8120 or via email arussell@orange.nsw.gov.au or from Council’s website www.orange.nsw.gov.au/ heritage-support.
Completed application forms should be received by the General Manager, Orange City Council, PO Box 35, Orange NSW 2800 no later than 4pm on Friday 14 March 2025.
www.orange.nsw.gov.au
Find us on social media @ Orange City Council
Orange City Council’s annual Harmony Festival will be held on February 21-22 to celebrate our multicultural community.
The Harmony Festival celebrates the message ‘Everyone Belongs’ highlighting inclusiveness, respect and recognising the contribution of Australians from different backgrounds.
Orange City Council Services Policy Committee Chair, Cr Marea Ruddy encouraged everyone to join in the celebrations to recognise our region’s cultural diversity.
“We want to celebrate and show a sense of belonging for everyone,”
Cr Ruddy said.
“Cultural diversity is one of our region’s greatest assets and we are stronger because of it. We want everyone, no matter who they are or where they’re from, to come along and have fun and appreciate that our differences make our community a great place to live.”
A highlight of the Harmony Festival is Harmony Day, which will be held from 2.30pm to 8pm on Saturday 22 February in the Civic Square South
The Rainbow Festival will be held in Orange from March 19-23 celebrating inclusion and acceptance within our community.
This year the city’s LGBTQIA+ festival will build on the success of last year’s inaugural celebration with a five-day program of events, including signature events, the Rainbow Walk and the 18+ Street Party, hosted by Orange City Council.
Orange Mayor Tony Mileto encouraged residents to get involved in the celebration with our local LGBTQIA+ community.
“It’s exciting to see the festival
Court.
has developed into a five-day event that really embraces and promotes our diversity as a community, Cr Mileto said.
Orange City Council’s Services Policy Committee Chair, Cr Marea is pleased local businesses have come on board to host their own fringe events as part of the festival program.
“I hope the expanded program of events draws visitors from all across the region and the state to join in a colourful celebration that shows what a welcoming and inclusive community we are.”
Orange City Council’s signature
This year’s celebration will feature a citizenship ceremony for the first time, as well as cultural stalls and multicultural food including Indigenous dishes, Indonesian, Filipino, Sri Lankan, Romanian and Cambodian food.
The day will also feature a wide range of entertainment including dancer, choreographer and visual artist Lucky Lartey, Javier and the Wave, Ukrainian soprano Larissa Kovalchuk, circus performer Justin Buchta and cultural performances
by local residents from a variety of backgrounds.
The Harmony Cup Soccer Gala Evening will begin at 5.30pm on Friday 21 February at Sir Jack Brabham Park with 20 teams competing.
The Harmony Cup is a seven-a-side round-robin soccer competition for men, women and under 16s teams.
Spectators are welcome.
Harmony Day is supported by Multicultural NSW.
events are:
• Rainbow Walk and Community Gathering: Saturday 22 March, 10am to 1pm, Robertson Park and South Court
• Rainbow Festival 18+ Street Party: Saturday 22 March, 5pm to 10pm, McNamara Street. Fringe events will be held throughout the festival and include the Queer Screen film festival, Drag Queen Bingo, 50 Year of Pride and Mardi Gras Anthem dance party, Comedy Night featuring Rhys Nicholson and Kristy Webeck, Blind Pig after party, Agrestic Raoinbow Recovery
Breakfast, Doggie Drag Queen Day out at Heifer Station, Rainbow Garden Lunch at The Oriana and Last Drinks at Hey Rosey.
The 2025 Rainbow Festival is funded by Orange City Council ($30,000), Destination NSW ($20,000) and Newmont ($20,000), and supported by Orange360, along with sponsors Cheney Suthers and Yallungah Boutique Hotel and Access Life Support Services
For more information about events and ticket bookings, visit www. rainbowfest.com.au
Regional Development Australia (RDA) Central West is thrilled to announce the launch of its Business Masterclass Program, backed by seed funding from Newmont Cadia.
This exciting new initiative will deliver a series of workshops aimed at equipping small business owners and entrepreneurs in the Cabonne, Orange, and Blayney Local Government Areas with essential skills to accelerate growth.
Cadia Social Performance Lead, Melissa O’Brien said “We’re excited to partner with RDA Central West to help local businesses in our region grow
and thrive. The program aligns with our commitment to build long-term prosperity across the Central West.
“RDA Central West Director, Josh Gordon, said, “The Business Masterclasses aim to bridge the digital skills gap for regional businesses, focusing on digital marketing and improving business systems. These workshops will empower local businesses to enhance their strategies, boost competitiveness, and strengthen community resilience, while also providing valuable networking opportunities.”
RDA Central West Project Manager,
Kirsten Cunningham, said, “This funding enables us to offer practical, high-impact workshops on topics such as LinkedIn, Canva branding and design,financial management systems, farm succession planning, iPhone photography, digital marketing strategies, and more. It’s about empowering local businesses with
specific skills they need to succeed in today’s competitive environment.”
For more details and to register, visit www.rdacentralwest.org.au
aIntroduced Bill into Parliament to ban foreign buying of residential property for two years. The Coalition and the Labor Party voted against it and then they both announced it as their policy!
aBacked Independents’ Bill to reduce dominance of big supermarkets. All major parties voted against it and then Coalition announced it as their policy!
aIntroduced Bill to keep cash transactions in Australia. Lets Keep Cash King!
a$100 million flood recovery funding for Central West
aSuccessfully fought for Parliamentary Inquiry into behaviour of insurers following 2022 floods
a$2 billion for Great Western Highway upgrade
a$54.8 million for the new CSU medical school and research centre
a$54 million in water security pipelines around the Central West
a$1.9 million for The Orchard crisis accommodation centre
a$3.8 million for the raising of Suma Park dam wall at Orange aFederal Regional Investment Corporation established and based in Orange a$12 million for the Southern Feeder Road project
aDept of Infrastructure branch moved to Orange
a$2 million for the Forest Road Bridge duplication
a$14.7 million for Mission Australia’s Benjamin Short Grove
Aged Care facility
a$100,000 for new stadium seating at Wade Park
a$3 million for a second radiotherapy unit at Orange Health Service
a$10 million for the Orange Conservatorium & Planetarium
a24 hour rescue helicopter service for Orange and region
a$14 million for highway upgrades between Lithgow and Orange
aBat/hail netting funding for local orchardists
a$1.2 million for CCTV in Orange, Bathurst and Wellington
a50 mobile phone towers, base stations and wi-fi across Calare
It was terrific to join Senator Deb O’Neill and Orange City Council to officially open the new section of the Southern Feeder Road, Brabham Way!
The Southern Feeder now connects Anson Street to Shiralee Road. This will cut congestion along some of Orange’s busiest streets and make travelling through Orange safer, easier and quicker. It will also
Gloves were off at the Cargo Inn recently as poets from across the state stepped up to the mic to share their bush prose & woes at the 2025 Banjo Patterson Festival!
Michael Garrity and I had a great time judging the competition.
A big shout-out to the one and only Neil Gill, for hosting an unforgettable evening that supported our local businesses and celebrated all things Cargo!
Neil and I sang Banjo’s
Good
a
Congratulations to John Moyes
Clarence Town for winning the 2025 Cargo Poetry Cup, and a special mention to 89-year-old Ted Webber from Young, NSW (Wombat Bush Poets) for taking home the People’s Choice Award! Thank you for an awesome night Cargo!
You can’t make it up. Last year I introduced into Parliament the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Foreign Entities
Last week in Parliament
I once again put a national spotlight on the devastating rural doctor shortage crisis facing the Central West.
I put forward a parliamentary motion calling on the House of Representatives to acknowledge the disgraceful rural doctor shortage crisis and its devastating impacts and also to take urgent action to end the crisis and deliver equality in access to doctors and medical services for country residents and country communities.
Put simply, our communities are at breaking point. The situation can only be described as catastrophic.
Country people have shorter life expectancies than city people. It's both tragic and utterly unacceptable, but it's true, and there is no end in sight as this health crisis worsens every day.
Our smaller towns such as Gulgong are being left without doctors and those doctors that remain in our region are closing their books to new patients.
Book closures are happening in smaller communities, such as Molong and Canowindra, but also larger ones, such as Mudgee, Orange and Bathurst.
The waiting time to see a GP in Wellington is now about two months. The pressure on our doctors, emergency departments and communities is immense.
I’ve again brought this issue to Parliament because urgent action is needed now. This rural doctor shortage crisis is a disgrace.
Country people are being treated as secondclass citizens.
Immediate action is needed, and that’s why I called on the House of Representatives to take it as a matter of urgency.
I am again insisting that the Minister for Health visits the region to witness the impact this crisis is having on the ground.
The Health Minister needs to get out here on the double and give country people the equality in medical services they deserve.
Late last year I introduced my Doctors for the Bush Bill into Parliament which would have seen thousands of new doctors working in country areas. None of the major parties supported it, which is very disappointing.
I intend to keep raising this crisis in Parliament and shaming all these political parties into action.
In a recent speech to Parliament I recognised some of our region's outstanding small businesses, who took out honours in the recent New South Wales Tourism Awards.
The Black Sheep Inn at Borenore took out GOLD for Hosted Accommodation and The Oriana Retro Hotel & Resort in Orange won GOLD for 4 to 4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation.
Small business is the backbone of our region and our country.
Our local businesses do an amazing job contributing to our local economy, employing local residents and attracting thousands of tourists every year to our beautiful region.
Our nation needs to support and value our small businesses and all they do for our communities and we congratulate all of our award winners from around our region in the New South Wales Tourism Awards.
Last week in Parliament, I brought on a vote on my Keeping Cash Transactions In Australia Bill.
My Bill would have legislated that businesses operating in face to face settings must accept cash payments for transactions that do not exceed $10,000.
This groundbreaking legislation would have preserved the use of cash in our national economy.
But disappointingly, the major parties failed to support it and the many Australians who use cash every single day.
I’m going to continue fighting to keep cash king in Australia.
Waratah Sports Club is your destination for delicious dining where you’ll find everything from club bistro classics, to tasty traditional pizzas and modern gastropub cuisine.
Since taking over the kitchen at Waratah Sport Club in November, Chef Hamish Goff has put his mark on the revitalised menu, with a focus on quality meals made using the freshest ingredients available.
You’ll still find all you club meal classics like Chicken Schnitzel, Crumbed Lamb Cutlets or Steak
from the grill served with your choice of sides, Grilled Barramundi or Beer Battered Whiting served with chips and salad, Seared Atlantic Salmon, Thai Beef Salad or the tasty Tahs Double Cheeseburger.
For something a little out of the ordinary, look out for the delicious weekly specials like this week’s Slow Cooked Lamb Rump Served With Fondant Potatoes, Romesco Sauce And Green Beans. Or the crispy Pork Schnitzels With Colcannon Mash And Honey Mustard Sauce.
Be tempted by Waratah Sports Club’s new range of traditional pizzas made fresh to order with a house-made Napoli Sauce.
Waratah Sports Clubs has extended their kitchen
hours which means their tempting range of $18 lunchtime specials are now available from Tuesday to Sunday.
Or you can spend a lazy Sunday afternoon at the club with the kitchen open until 5pm serving a Bar Menu of Snacks to Share and their tasty pizzas cooked to perfection.
WARATAH SPORTS CLUB kitchen opening hours: Tuesday to Friday: Lunch 12–2pm, dinner 5.30–8.30pm Saturday: 12–8.30pm; Sunday: 12–5.30pm
Photos by HENRY DEROOY
More than 100 members of the Gorham family, descendants of Septimus and Jessie Gorham, held a family reunion at the Towac Park Racecourse in Orange on Sunday. Some four generations of the Gorham family attended the event, with people travelling from Sydney, Tamworth, Wagga Wagga, Port Macquarie and interstate for the occasion.
THUR 20 12.45, 3.30, 8.45 FRI 2112.45, 3.30, 8.45
SAT 223.30, 8.45
SUN 23 12.45, 2.45, 8.00 MON 2412.45, 3.30, 8.45
TUES 25 12.45, 3.30, 8.45 WED 2612.45, 3.30, 8.45
THUR 20 10.00, 12.45, 3.30, 6.15, 8.00 FRI 2110.00, 12.45, 3.30, 6.15, 8.00
SAT 2210.00, 12.45, 3.30, 6.15, 8.00
SUN 23 10.00, 12.45, 3.30, 6.15, 7.15
MON 2410.00, 12.45, 3.30, 6.15, 8.00
TUES 25 10.00, 12.45, 3.30, 6.15, 8.00 WED 2610.00, 12.45, 3.30, 6.15, 8.00
THUR 20 10.30, 6.15 FRI 2110.30, 6.15 SAT 2210.30, 6.15 SUN 23 10.15, 5.45 MON 2410.30, 6.15
25 10.30, 6.15 WED 2612.00, 6.15
THUR 20 10.00*, 12.30*, 3.00*, 5.30*, 8.00* FRI 2110.00*, 12.30*, 3.00*,
25 1.15, 4.00, 8.45 WED 261.15, 4.00, 8.45
The Orange Chamber Music Festival returns this March 6–9 with a diverse program of events to delight music lovers and showcase our city’s thriving cultural and culinary scenes.
Now in its fifth year, the 2025 Orange Chamber Music Festival has built a reputation for presenting a program of highquality music in a variety of unique venues ranging from churches to cellar doors and farm stables. It’s a recipe that sees increasing numbers of music lovers return year after year.
“This year we are bringing 17 di erent events in 13 venues, showcasing not only Orange but Nashdale and Millthorpe…we’ve got two churches, a barn, horse stables, concert halls, the library and gallery!”
Festival Director Carmen Nieves said.
“It’s what I think makes it a very unique festival… People are excited to see what’s next and what new venue they are going to discover. At the Orange Chamber Music Festival, they get a lot of fine dining and great wine, great experiences and great music!”
“It’s really important for us to showcase our town in the festival,” added festival producer, Jay Byrne.
“We’re local residents ourselves and we love the town. We want to showcase the high-quality music and everything that Orange has to o er as well.”
The 2025 festival program gets underway on Thursday, March 6, with returning favourites the Orava Quartet, who will be performing in the Derek Pigot Auditorium at Kinross Wolaroi School. The opening night concert is one of several featured performances, with tickets still available for the general public.
“We’re hoping to fill the auditorium for that performance,” Carmen said. “The Orava Quartet are returning for their third year here and they’re festival favourites. A lot of people come especially to hear them play.”
A key feature of the Orange Chamber Music Festival is the community event, Cultured, a full day of music in the cultural precinct, with performances held in the library, gallery and Orange Civic Theatre.
Cultured begins 10am Saturday, March 8, in Orange City Library with Elemental Resonance, an interactive performance for all ages by harpist Paul Nicolaou, using sensorial elements to enhance the audience’s perceptions of sound, music and colour.
“We’re very excited about the sensorial concert at the library,” Carmen said. “It’s a style of performance more targeted to neurodivergent people.. music in that setting is more relaxed and they can touch and they can feel and smell, rather than sitting there for an hour quietly.”
Cultured then continues with the newly established Cultured Youth Orchestra, featuring young local musicians who will be performing a program titled ‘Australiana’ at the Orange Civic Theatre, a celebration of Australian themes by Australian living composers.
The final event sees alumni of the acclaimed Australian Chamber Orchestra present a specially curated performance in the Anne Thomson exhibition at Orange Regional Gallery.
“The exciting thing for me is that everything is free, so it’s open to absolutely anybody that wants to come along and experience these performances in unique settings,” Jay said.
“Part of the mission of Cultured is to show that classical music isn’t scary and it isn’t elitist; it can be for everybody. We know that classical music has a little bit of a stigma about it, and we’re trying to break that barrier because we don’t think it should
have that stigma. So including all these events that are accessible for everyone, I think, is a really great thing.”
The climax of the 2025 Orange Chamber Music Festival is a very special Festival Gala celebrating International Women’s Day on Saturday March 8.
Curated by Carmen Nieves, Opus. Her, weaves together archival footage, narrative and melody, in a tribute to women composers, singers and leaders from a diverse range of eras and backgrounds.
“It will be an all-women performance and mostly women composers as well,” Carmen said. “It’s an evening of high-calibre performances telling the story of women throughout time and it will be an audiovisual sort of show, so a little bit di erent from what we normally do – it’s a really interesting show!”
The Orange Chamber Music Festival takes place March 6–9. For the full program of events and links to tickets visit www.ocmf.com.au
Cultured is the flagship community event of the festival, delivering free performances in the Orange Civic Theatre, the Orange City Library and the Orange Regional Gallery on March 8.
Photos by CEC TILBURG
BORN JOVI, Australia’s premier Bon Jovi tribute band, rocked the Orange Ex-Services’ Club on Friday, February 14. The performance included all the classic hits: “Livin’ On A Prayer,” “You Give Love A Bad Name,” “It’s My Life” and more!
Photos and words by EMILY THOMPSON
Every year the staff and students celebrate the life of their school champion, the late Yvonne “Toot” Keegan with colour, fun and smiles. This year was extra special, after this amazing woman Yvonne received Australia’s highest honour, the Order of Australia Medal for her unmatched dedication to Orange community and sports this January. The students enjoyed face painting, outdoor games, an explosive colour run and bubbles at the finish line. Her legacy lives on, and her life is celebrated with unmitigated love from those she inspired.
Land Area: 20.2hect (approx)
‘BARTER BLOCK’ - A LIFESTYLE AND INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY
Located on the edge of Cumnock, ‘Barters Block’ offers the perfect canvas for building your dream rural lifestyle home. This undulating 50-acre property is ideal for those seeking space, privacy, and the ability to create a rural lifestyle.
The block is fully fenced, with newer internal fencing in place, making it ready for you to run a small herd of sheep or cattle, or even produce lucerne. Whether you are looking to farm, run livestock, or simply enjoy the tranquility of country living, this property provides endless possibilities.
Zoned R5 Large Lot Residential allows for a variety of residential developments, including single dwellings, dual occupancies, and certain types of secondary dwellings, subject to council approval. • 3 bay shed, workshop with
Job satisfaction is high and job quality is assured if you use Orange’s latest gardening service Ole Skool Mowing & Gardening.
Brian Meyers started off the business thinking it would be solely-mowing, but he said the city of Orange needed more gardening providers so he pivoted immediately. Starting his business last October, it has been a successful move.
“Gardening is my speciality,” Brian commented.
“I absolutely love it … the customers I’ve had in the last three or four months have made my day.
“They thank me, they get me back, they are all regulars.
“I really like it … and I’m excited about what I can do next.
“I’ve only been going for a short time, but I’m so confident about what I can do now. Everything I’ve done has been perfect.”
Business is going so well he is about to hire someone.
He is hopeful of working with aged care clients in the future.
“It’s all about appreciation and the respect you get off your customers,” he said.
Ole Skool Mowing & Gardening specialises in hedges, all types of pruning (during late autumn and winter) and mowing a lawn perfectly. He loves working with hedges to trim and design for a smart look.
“I absolutely enjoy it … I don’t think about the hard work part. I think about the finish and how I will feel when a customer tells me I’ve done a good job,” Brian said.
He has pruned apple trees for around 30 years, including working for Ian and Ross Pearce for 13 years and five years with Kim and Peter West.
He then worked at Barnes Prestige Landscaping and Gardening
for two years and said he appreciated all the help of Dave Farr and the team at the business of Russell Barnes.
Barnes Prestige Landscaping and Gardening encouraged him to start his own business, so he did.
He went into business in October 2024.
Brian was on a government program with VERTO Orange to start his Ole Skool Mowing & Gardening, which included payment of his public liability insurance.
VERTO’s Workforce Australia program was able to turn Brian’s dream of starting business into a reality.
His Workforce Australia case manager connected him with Deanne Wade from APM – Advanced Personnel Management
providing the Self-Employment Assistance Program.
Deanne at APM is Brian’s business mentor, where Brian qualifies his eligibility to receive the financial support of the program and loves the training, support, coaching and guidance that is provided through this Self-Employment Assistance Program.
He has also been referred to Many Rivers to gain additional business startup support.
“Both VERTO and APM kept coming up with ideas to help me and I just kept working,” he said.
“It’s a growing company, I think it’s going to go places and I’m excited. I’m hoping I’ll be able to connect with VERTO to find a new employee as my business expands. “
In 2024, Brian Meyers, a lifelong labourer from Orange, NSW, turned his dream of starting a business into reality with the support from VERTO’s Workforce Australia program and the APM’s Self-Employment Assistance, a story published on the VERTO website reads.
“With years of hands-on experience and a strong work ethic, Brian always aspired to be his own boss but didn’t believe he had the ability or resources to make it happen,” the story continues.
“Brian’s Workforce Australia case manager connected him with APM’s Self-Employment Assistance program, where he sat down with Deanne Wade where they discussed his business idea, ‘Ole Skool Mowing & Gardening’, followed by together creating a business plan and financial forecast to establish his business with a strong plan, focusing on planning to succeed.
“They determined that his idea was viable and helped him develop a solid business plan.”
With the support of VERTO and APM, Brian has a flourishing business.
To get in touch with Ole Skool Mowing & Gardening, please contact Brian on 0475 081 343 or via email meyersb353@gmail.com
Kurt Waterford 0439 642 390 eldersem.com.au * Approx. 1325 Eurimbla Road, Cumnock NSW 3 A 2 B Rural Lifestyle Opportunity
Located on the edge of Cumnock, ‘Barters Block’ offers the perfect canvas for building your dream rural lifestyle home. This undulating 50-acre property is ideal for those seeking space, privacy, and the ability to create a rural lifestyle.
Auction Wed 26th March, 10:30am Venue 152 William Street, Bathurst
Ben Redfern 0457 770 062
Marty Lyden 0404 070 391 eldersem.com.au * Approx.
North’ 942 Belgravia Road, Orange NSW 3 A 2
Scenery from Every Angle
Welcome to Belgravia North, beautifully nestled into the hillside, surrounded by an established country garden and trees.
• 122 Ac (49 Ha) with excellent water, previously used for horticulture production with an 18 meg irrigation licence
For Sale $1,680,000
Ben Redfern 0457 770 062
• Zoned RU5, the block offers flexibility for both singular or multiple building opportunities
• Town water is connected and services the block
• A small set of steel cattle yards is located for ease of transport
• Three bay shed, workshop with concrete floor.
• 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and an office, the weatherboard home oozes charm and character
• Galley style kitchen, with dishwasher and generous storage, leads to a formal dining room, then on to the large sitting room with picture windows, “that view” and an open fire.
Golden
•Successfully run as an air bnb previously
•Highly productive country for livestock.
This charming 2-bedroom cottage is cradled in a lovely location Discover your dream home in this centrally located gem! This beautifully designed property combines modern amenities with timeless charm, offering a lifestyle of comfort and convenience.
3 Spacious bedrooms, multiple living spaces, large modern kitchen with lots of storage, recently renovated bathroom, freshly painted throughout, polished floorboards, secure double lock up garage with internal access, two covered outdoor entertaining areas, second toilet and three R/C air conditioners plus wood heater.
An ideal choice for first-time buyers, downsizers, or investors seeking an opportunity.
- Great for Families: Close to Orange High School and Calare Public School, making school commutes a breeze.
- Easy Access to CBD: A short drive to the CBD and Orange Aquatic Centre, keeping work and leisure activities within reach Don’t let this opportunity pass you by—come and see what makes this property truly exceptional!
“Colonsay”,
The Olde Stone School House
Built in 1870, this renovated 3 bedroom home had its beginnings as a schoolhouse for Guyong district. Characterised by its Bluestone build, “Colonsay” sits majestically amongst thoughtfully landscaped gardens on a 2.3 Acre block.
• A home showing wonderful character and presentation
• Classic Bluestone 1870 renovated Mid Victorian build
• Beautifully landscaped surrounds
• Close to the townships of Millthorpe, Orange and Blayney
• Complete with period style furnishing
Auction Onsite - Saturday 29th March – 11 am
Open homes - Saturday 1st and 8th March from 2 pm to 3.30 pm
9.00 - 9.30 14b Hill Street
My mother’s kitchen had yellow benchtops, orange tiles, and pine cabinetry. The curtains were lace, the saucepans copper and it smelled like her endless cups of tea, apricot chicken and the most delectable sweet baked goods.
I spent my childhood baking with her; as a toddler, she’d sit me on the bench and smile with the incredible patience that only primary school teachers like her possess, as I cracked eggshells into her chocolate cake. As I grew, so did my cooking skills. Although I have quite a reputation for being a bit of a disaster in the kitchen now, I have to assure you this isn’t entirely true. Given
a clear mind, no distractions and her incredible instructions I can easily recreate her simple but wonderful 1980s treats.
Those instructions came in the form of her bright orange (to match the kitchen tiles obviously) recipe box and, sitting on her lap while thumbing through it searching for something fun to cook together, was my favourite thing to do.
After she passed away, I was lucky enough to hold onto that box, and found it filled with not only her recipes, but my grandmother’s, my aunts’, and all of her friends’. Each time she’d have cake at their house she’d ask them to write down the recipe for her, and they were filed away, to become a part of our written story of her kitchen adventures.
She’d cut out exotic sounding chicken recipes from her Women’s Weekly magazine and she had been known to steal pages from doctor’s surgeries waiting rooms. And now, that box of kitchen heirlooms is mine.
And so welcome to my new column, where I will share old-fashioned recipes that are easy to make and taste like your childhood. First up is Mars Bar slice, my mum’s favourite “bring a plate” dish for school events and Sunday school. This is actually a terrible recipe to start with because I don’t follow her recipe – only two Mars bars is insane, Mum! But I use her trick of honey and brown sugar, which gives it a floral caramel taste that is unique and amazing. Trust me!
Ingredients:
Slice: 110g butter
5 Mars bars
2 tablespoons honey
55g brown sugar
4 cups rice bubbles
Topping: 180g milk chocolate
1 tablespoon canola oil
2 Mars bars sliced thinly
Method:
• Melt butter, honey, Mars bars, and brown sugar together.
• Mix in Rice Bubbles
• Press into slice tin that’s lined with baking paper
• Set in fridge for an hour
• Melt milk chocolate and oil together, pour on top of slice.
• Place pieces of Mars bar on top
• Set in fridge for an hour, slice into pieces with a warm knife
with Bob Taylor
Quite a bit happening this week, so let’s get going with a look at the Tuesday Scratch Singles where Steven McConnell was 178 over average, to be followed by two from the Thursday 7.30pm league and these were Liam Whitton with 136 over average and Lauren Mason with 114 over average, and they were followed by another two from the Wednesday 7.30pm league where Jayden Christoff scored 127 over average and Steven McConnell scored 101 over average for the series.
Trying hard was also Mason Southwell from the Junior Singles Challenge with 122 over average and he was followed by Matt Bryant from the Monday 7.30pm league with 117 over average and he was followed by Alan Westendorf from the Wednesday 6.20pm league who scored 104 over average for the series.
Star Bowler of the week and winner of the Auto Wash compliments of Race Track Car wash was Steven McConnell who scored that wonderful 178 over average for the series.
This week’s High Roller champion and winner of the three free practice games was Justin Smart who scored a fantastic 290 (PB). As this score was 100 over average Justin was named the second Man of the Moment for February and next in line hoping for the voucher from Guys Cuts.
Others trying hard to defeat Justin included Andrew Johnson 217, Greg Shapter 203, Matthew Woodham 204, Connor Muir 225, Matt Bryant 219 (PB), Blake Frecklington 229, Mason Southwell 219, Steve Eslick 212, Travis McMahon 258, Nathaniel Mason 223,
Nick Gaeta 201, Steve McConnell 244, Sam Bennett 226, Jayden Christoff 277 (PB), Joseph Talidong 200, Darius Thurtell 258, Ben Berry 245 and Ben Lees 231.
The Almost Made it hero and winner of the open order from Kings Takeaway at Greengate was Yvonne Daniels who scored a great 185 (PB). AS this score was 64 over average, Yvonne was named the second Female of Note for February and next in the queue hoping for the gift certificate from MJ’s All HairAll Occasions.
And there were plenty hoping to beat Yvonne and among these hopefuls were Hugo Bugden 122, David Jameson 193, Lucas Fisher 177, Matt Bryant 179, Paul Chate 157, Matthew Harris 177, James Roberts 130, Sheree Ryan 149, Damien Barrett 179, Lani Gouge 175, Frances Patton 142, Lesley Murphy 142, Lyn Butterfield 102, Richard Saunders 156, Barbara Coull 147, Bentley Losanno 149and Noah Ferrier 133.
Not to be left out there were also Ava McGregor 92, Sophie Jones 173, Nick Millar 178, Tyrone Howarth 178, Gary James 188, Kevin Heng 199, Tahilia Brown 160, Denneka Beath 167, Nathaniel Hunt 134, Gae Claydon 177, Jordan Trenholm 192, Tori Downey 179, Natalie Corby 172, Michael Selmes 165, Dale Lovett 112, Liz Weston 136, Sue Pagett 193, Warren Taylor 187 and Bec Wolkam 143.
Junior of the week and winner of the three free games compliments of the tenpin bowl was Tyson Morris who scored 179 (PB) which was 62 over average.
A great day on the green today with 16 bowlers keen to get out and play. We had two triples and a pairs game again this week. All three games were tight with one of the games ending in a draw and the two other games with 3 shots or less in it. Some great bowls played by all players.
We welcomed Trish and Yvonne back after recovering from injury.
Tuesdays are our coaching and practice day starting at 10:30am. It is also the day that we encourage any potential new bowlers to come along. No special uniform or bowls required. The club can lend bowls to get you started and there are always experienced players and coaches available. Don’t hesitate to come along and find out more about the game and how you can also enjoy the benefits of lawn bowls.
Please contact Trish - 0400379294, or Phoebe0408223843 for further information.
Follow us on Instagram oesc_womensbowls or Facebook Orange Ex-Services’ Country Club Womens Bowls
Twilight bowls are a great evening of bowls on Wednesday nights. Names in by 5pm for 6pm start.
Three social games of triples were also played last week. The overall winners of the day were Mary Carr and marker Toosje
Free coaching by an accredited coach on Wednesday mornings for anyone interested in playing lawn bowls. Please text Sue on 0409 522 099 or contact Orange City Bowling Club.
With a last-minute move to the pool after Lake Canobolas was declared not safe for swimming due to algae, we commenced grading our age groups from 3 to 18-year-olds, with each group reaching important training milestones, in particular for our youngest nippers, the Nemos and Seahorses – that means lots of practice floating.
Other key areas we look at are entry and exit from a body of water as well as treading water, ‘flagging’ for attention in an emergency and never swimming alone!
These skills, when learnt at a young age, can put our littlest kiddos in the best possible position for swim success and safety.
All groups spent the weekend visiting our sister club in Dee Why for some surf sessions.
We always look forward to the weekend adventures at Dee Why as swimming in the surf is a big change of pace for our group!
As always, swim to the conditions and Slip Slop
Photos by CEC TILBURG
The Nashdale P&C Committee’s family cricket game took an unexpected turn on Saturday when a sudden downpour drenched participants, leading to a swift relocation to the local hall. Despite the weather’s curveball, the community’s spirit remained unbowed, turning a soggy setback into a memorable indoor gathering. As they say, when life gives you rain, move the game!
The Orange Small Schools Association (OSSA) consists of 11 local schools and was founded approximately 40 years ago. It sees students from small schools throughout the region coming together for various sporting and cultural activities during the year. This allows children from smaller schools to develop relationships and network so that when they attend high school, they already know a large number of fellow students, far more than just in their school or area. The relationships are developed early, and whether they are on the field, in the pool or on the stage together they are experiencing the same socialisation and competitiveness that larger schools provide, in a truly unique rural setting.
Several of these small schools are geared towards success in these events, with swimming programs during the week to ensure the children have the best chance possible of succeeding. Spring Hill public students swim each Friday afternoon, and have been training hard to represent their school with pride. “The goal is to be able to represent their school at the swimming carnival” says Principal Ann-Marie McAnaulty.
The camaraderie is something that is nurtured in
our small schools and every single child wants to represent their school and do it well.
It’s not only a competitive sporting event but a very social event. It’s a great opportunity to catch up- not only for the students but also for the teachers, SLSOs and teaching principals. Staff love getting to see each other, networking and catching up with our fellow educators!
And it’s due to the hard work of the teaching staff, the support staff and the parent volunteers that these schools are able to come together and make this magic happen- it’s a whole community event.
The other thing these schools do really well? Inclusivity! Children with disabilities thrive in this environment, with these para-athletes smashing their events. Last year Spring Hill Public had four paraathlete children compete at the state level.
The OSSA swimming, athletics and cross country are stepping stones, every child, no matter the size of their school should be able to say “I’m going to keep swimming, keep running, or keep doing what I’m good at”. This is the path they can take to represent at state, and hopefully one day at the Olympics. They dream big at small schools!
27 Funeral or burial rites (9)
28 Arabian gazelle (5)
29 Young cat (6)
30 Southern Asian country (8) DOWN
1 Corrosion (4)
2 Heights (9)
3 Part of flower’s calyx (5)
4 Asserting positively (8)
6 Japanese emperor from 1989 (7)
7 Indigenous people (NZ) (5)
8 German parliament (9)
9 Smooth-spoken (4)
14 Conglomeration of fabric scraps (9)
16 Lab worker (9)
17 Country divided by the South China Sea (8)
19 Relic (7)
22 A useful quality (5)
23 Go by ship (4)
25 Florida city (5)
26 Plot (4)
ACROSS
1 Bliss (8)
5 Gavel (6)
10 Arrangement (3-2)
11 Peninsula in Türkiye (9)
12 Roma is its capital (6)
13 From the UK (7)
14 Fussy (8)
15 Shaping garment (6)
18 From Tuscany (6)
20 Providing food and drink for an event (8)
21 Furnace parts (7)
24 Oval, edible nut-like seed (6)
4 LETTERS
5 LETTERS
8
6
Photos by CEC TILBURG
On Friday, 14th February 2025, the Orange Legacy North branch hosted its annual charity golf day at Duntryleague Golf Club with over 60 participants enjoying a round of golf, followed by the presentation of the prestigious Pat Bridges Award, along with ra es and prizes. The event successfully raised funds to support Legacy’s ongoing work in assisting the families of veterans.
When making important decisions it is best to think as long term as possible in order to make the best choice. A good way to measure the importance of any decision is to ask yourself how long the consequences of that decision will last. Deciding what movie to watch is very minor. An hour or two later it won’t have any lasting consequence for your life. Buying a car, that might have a lasting influence of 5 to 10 years. Buying a house, that decision could echo for decades.
Unfortunately deciding the truth about Jesus is a decision that many people put off, saving what seems like a complex topic for another day. Worse still we may never want to think about it. I am convinced that deciding the truth about Jesus is the single biggest thing anyone can consider in their whole life. The action you take could completely change your life and the consequences WILL last into eternity. Do everything you can to find the truth! Your decision about Jesus is too important to get wrong!
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THUMBS UP to Dr Zorba and his assistant at Joanne Lee Dental Surgery who treated an elderly patient with patience and empathy throughout his procedure. A thumbs up also to the receptionist who was also very helpful and understanding of his needs when booking the appointment.
THUMBS UP to the Orange Ex-Services Club for having Neil Gill play on Tuesday morning. The residents that came from Ascott Gardens really enjoyed and appreciated it. Neil, your selection of songs and the way you sang and played was terrific. Thanks.
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THUMBS DOWN to the Thumbs Down referring to council’s bulk waste pick up. Not everyone has access to a car let alone a car and trailer to transport unwanted items to a drop-off point at the recycling centre on a particular day or week, and it can prove costly to have items transported there by other means. Many people appreciate the annual waste pick up. Orange may look disgusting at the moment but it will be back to normal in a couple of weeks.
THUMBS DOWN to the woman tailgating drivers on Anson Street in front of the courthouse, who then proceeded to road rage drivers.
THUMBS DOWN to the few drivers who don’t know what the white line is for at school crossing, and drive over it and don’t wait behind the line until the kids are off the crossing.
THUMBS UP to Paul and Emily at Beaumont Tiles for exceptional customer service and being so friendly and helpful.
THUMBS UP and thank you to Jennifer who is often on the check-out at Coles supermarket. She always greets me with a smile and asks how I am. Nothing is too much trouble for her.
THUMBS DOWN Is council liable when I’m hit by a car while walking on McLachlan Street? Because the footpath between Byng and March streets has deteriorated to the extent that a mountain goat would not feel sure-footed.
THUMBS UP and huge thanks to Justin and Reece of Kennards Hire for delivering prompt service at late notice to supply required equipment for a renovation. They were so great to deal with. Job well done.
THUMBS UP to the wonderful volunteers at the café at the hospital, who work tirelessly to give back to their community.
THUMBS DOWN to the people who let their dogs off leash at Wentworth Golf Club. The signs clearly say it’s dogs on leads only. It’s a privilege to walk dogs on such a beautiful course. The rule is there for a reason –please respect it.
THUMBS UP to Tennessee Tucker for their delicious and well-priced Valentine’s Day dinner. The food was excellent and the service outstanding
