OCLife20210819 re

ORANGE PROPERTY MARKET

YOUR ALL LOCAL PROPERTY GUIDE

View it online at www.orangecitylife.com.au

PROPERTY OF THE WEEK BROUGHT TO YOU BY

One Agency Orange

Agent’s Pick

Ash Brown

t. 0417 663 687

13 Benview Avenue, ORANGE 4

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contact agent Beautifully positioned on a generous 1518sqm block in a

tightly held, very quiet street. Featuring expansive light filled living areas, overlooking the north-facing, private

garden. This fabulous family home offers comfort with timeless period appeal. Ideal for a growing family, the flexible floorplan features four bedrooms with the option of a fifth bedroom or second living area.

An easy walk to the CBD, this is a beautiful piece of Orange’s history.

AUGUST 19 ­— 25, 2021 23

Ray White Emms Mooney Your Property | Our Agents | Great Results 18 Sale Street Orange NSW raywhiteemc.com 02 6362 0211

9 Limestone Lane Blayeny This 16-acre property will be the rural escape that you’ve always dreamt of. A gorgeous home purpose built on a north-easterly aspect for the stunning 180-degree views. Five-bedrooms, 2 bathroom, light-filled open planned kitchen & living is spacious enough for the entire family.

• 136,000 Litre tank, high rainfall - never ran out • 900mm gas cooktop & oven, granite benchtops & a butlers pantry • Huge shed, potential to build more • 3 phase power at the pole, town water available to lane

SALE

AUCTION

Sale Contact Agent Open Home: By Appointment Lucy Nell 0400 726 897

SALE

Mackeys Creek Road Orange

“Catombal Aggregation” Orange

Auction Friday 3rd September 2021 Open Home: By Appointment Kurt Adams 0428 747 050

Sale Expression Of Interest, Closing Monday 6th Sep at 12pm Ben Redfern 0457 770 062

“Balmoral Park” offers a unique opportunity to create a life of self- sufficiency. The property is sub-divided into 16 paddocks, and a recently renovated 4 bedroom 2 bathroom homestead.

Secure water with 5 tanks and 2 dams, & room to run sheep, cattle or horses. This property has everything you need to build a sustainable future.

24 AUGUST 19—25, 2021

• 2,912ha* (7,195* acres) of gently undulating volcanic red soils & protected valley grazing to beneficial timbered grazing offering a diverse enterprise mix suited to cattle or sheep breeding & finishing, combined with cereal & oilseed production • Central location 85km* Dubbo, 35km* Wellington & 80km* Orange

39 SALE STREET, ORANGE | 6363 1000 | PFISHER.COM.AU IN ADDITION TO OPEN HOMES, ALL PROPERTIES CAN BE VIEWED BY PRIVATE INSPECTION OR VIDEO CALL, JUST CONTACT THE AGENT.

Canobolas View Estate ALL INSPECTIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED UNDER STRICT HEALTH GUIDELINES.

Peter Fisher Real Estate

FULL PAGE AD – PAGE 3

NEW LAND RELEASE – SELLING FAST

FULL PAGE AD

CANOBOLAS VIEW ESTATE

NEW LAND RELEASE – SELLING FAST

These brand new blocks, ranging in size from 579 sqm to 1,536 sq from town and have elevated views across town to Mt Ca occupancy available on two of the blocks and there are block size

This is the perfect opportunity to build your dream home on a bloc own personal design and tastes. Close to the conveniences amenities of North Orange just a short drive away you will be modern living in a thriving regional centre.

With blocks of land in great demand, you know these will not last Wright or Ashleigh Bock to secure your desired block. Don’t delay final survey)

PHOTO: Estate Plan – Under Offer & Sold Plus if you need extra photos to fill space: Proposed Boundary, 23 Hon

These brand new blocks, ranging in size from 579 sqm to 1,536 sqm, are located just 5km from town and have elevated views across town to Mt Canobolas. There is dual occupancy available on two of the blocks and there are block sizes to suit everyone.

This is the perfect opportunity to build your dream home on a block of land suited to your own personal design and tastes. Close to the conveniences of town and with the amenities of North Orange just a short drive away you will be wonderfully situated for modern living in a thriving regional centre.

With blocks of land in great demand, you know these will not last long. Contact Michael Wright or Ashleigh Bock to secure your desired block. Don’t delay! (Land areas subject to final survey)

LOT 31 LOT 32 LOT 33 LOT 34 LOT 35 LOT 36 LOT 37 LOT 38 LOT 39 LOT 40 LOT 41 LOT 42 LOT 43 LOT 44 LOT 45 LOT 46 LOT 47 LOT 48 LOT 49 LOT 50 LOT 51 Stage 1 Lot 13

581m² 854m² 1536m² 956m² 848m² 797m² 772m² 808m² 849m² 890m² 929m² 927m² 849m² 997m² 802m² 710m² 710m² 797m² 579m² 579m² 747m²

$260,000 $275,000 $329,000 $299,000 $275,000 $278,000 $319,000 $325,000 $325,000 $325,000 $329,000 $329,000 $329,000 $339,000 $320,000 $290,000 $290,000 $320,000 $280,000 $280,000 $319,000

Available Available Under Offer Under Offer Under Offer Under Offer Available Under Offer Available Under Offer Under Offer Under Offer Under Offer Under Offer Under Offer Under Offer Under Offer Under Offer Under offer Available Available

751m²

$295,000

Under Offer

Block availability correct at the time of printing

CONTACT: MICHAEL WRIGHT & ASHLEIGH BOCK 0421 + PHOTOS: MICHAEL, ASHLEIGH

CONTACT: MICHAEL WRIGHT & ASHLEIGH BOCK

0421 360 948 AUGUST 19—25, 2021 25

39 SALE STREET, ORANGE | 6363 1000 | PFISHER.COM.AU IN ADDITION TO OPEN HOMES, ALL PROPERTIES CAN BE VIEWED BY PRIVATE INSPECTION OR VIDEO CALL, JUST CONTACT THE AGENT.

ALL INSPECTIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED UNDER STRICT HEALTH GUIDELINES. 3

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56 BLETCHINGTON STREET

PRICE RANGE: $500,000-$529,000

YOUR FAMILY WILL LOVE IT This much-loved family home of almost 50 years is being sold for the 1st time. The versatile floor plan allows for either 3 bedrooms/2 living areas, or 4 bedrooms/1 living area and would ideally suit an extended family or a family wanting a teenager’s zone. All 3 bedrooms are spacious with 2 of them with built in wardrobes.

The kitchen has had a makeover with smart looking granite benchtops and a glass splashback while the bathroom has been very nicely renovated. A large 1031m2 block provides plenty of space in the backyard with an oversized single garage, and a huge area for kids or pets to run or perhaps you fancy a large vegie garden, another shed or both. This lovely home has been beautifully maintained and is ready for its next chapter – will you be the lucky new owner?

CONTACT: ADAM SAVAGE 0419 232 416

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$149,000

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“WARRINGAH” 917 BURRENDONG WAY

$1,869,000

LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE Set amongst a stunning garden with lovely vistas towards the North is this state-of-the-art home on 50 arable acres. This large four-bedroom homestead is not only a showpiece home with quality, high-end finishes but is only 10 minutes from the heart of Orange. The homestead is impressive with four large bedrooms all with built-in wardrobes, master bedroom with ensuite in its own wing, family bathroom with spa, a large library and a formal lounge.

The open-plan kitchen/living/dining area offers a beautiful northerly aspect overlooking the manicured gardens. The kitchen has gorgeous Caesarstone benchtops with waterfall edging, butler’s pantry and Miele appliances. The covered alfresco area is designed to entertain with a built-in wood-fire pizza oven and BBQ as well as space for a large outdoor setting. There is an additional three-bedroom cottage in fabulous condition, the property is well fenced and set up for cattle production and there are many other improvements and reliable water.

CONTACT: MICHAEL WRIGHT 0421 360 948

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24 BANK STREET, MOLONG

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14 COPELAND STREET, STUART TOWN

$499,000

NEW PRICE

HISTORICAL BUILDING WITH MAIN STREET FRONTAGE This property represents a unique opportunity to become the owner of a piece of Molong history right in the main street, nestled amongst the other historical buildings that line the streetscape. Molong is enjoying a time of growth and now is the perfect time to invest in small town business and take advantage of the relaxed country town lifestyle Molong has to offer. The gorgeous art deco façade of this building, ready and waiting to be preserved and restored with its heritage in mind, could be truly beautiful. With some imagination and hard work there is plenty of scope within the blank canvas of the interior of the building, which is set on a long, narrow block of 708.2sqm, to custom create a fresh and functional space to run your business from. This is a must see property that lends itself to many types of business ventures, so if you have ever dreamed of opening your own business then take a look at this one. CONTACT: JACOB EVANS 0428 130 789

26 AUGUST 19—25, 2021

GORGEOUS HOME AND GARDENS This lovely home is nestled amongst gorgeous established gardens and trees in the quiet village of Stuart Town. It has a light filled interior with gorgeous garden views from every window. There is an abundance of living space with a formal lounge and dining room as well as an open plan kitchen, meals and family area.

The kitchen has a huge walk-in pantry, lots of bench space and stylish stainless steel appliances. The main bedroom has an ensuite and there are three other bedrooms with built-ins and a handy three way bathroom. On a big block of 2,470sqm, the outside is a treat as well with a huge covered entertaining area, a big double shed and a feeling of space and tranquillity as you wander around the garden. Only 7km from Burrendong Dam you can easily fish, ski, kayak or fossick for gold in your spare time. This is a special property that has been much loved by its owners. Perhaps it’s time to make it yours?

CONTACT: JACOB EVANS 0428 130 789

39 SALE STREET, ORANGE | 6363 1000 | PFISHER.COM.AU IN ADDITION TO OPEN HOMES, ALL PROPERTIES CAN BE VIEWED BY PRIVATE INSPECTION OR VIDEO CALL, JUST CONTACT THE AGENT.

ALL INSPECTIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED UNDER STRICT HEALTH GUIDELINES. 3

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15 BUNDARRA CRESCENT

PRICE RANGE: $345,000-$375,000

FLEXIBLE FLOORPLAN This home has a very flexible floorplan that allows either a 3 bedroom with 2 living areas or a 4 bedroom with 1 living area configuration. The bedrooms are a generous size with built in wardrobes in 2 of them and both the lounge and family areas are spacious as well. The kitchen has a gas stove and good cupboards, heating is a reverse cycle system in the lounge room and a gas bayonet heater outlet in the family room keeping both ends of the house covered.

The bathroom has a shower over bath, a toilet and there’s another handy second toilet adjacent to the laundry. Outside you’ll find a private Al-fresco area, garden shed and carport. Call and inspect today.

CONTACT: ADAM SAVAGE 0419 232 416

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338 SANDY CREEK ROAD, MOLONG

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13 HALLARAN WAY

$670,000

ONLY FIVE YEARS OLD If you’re looking for something new that requires little maintenance, then look no further than this lovely brick home that is only five years old. Located in North Orange this property is only a hop, skip and a jump away from the North Orange Shopping Centre, Waratah Wetlands, Dr Surgeries and Waratah Sports Club. There is four bedrooms, three of which have built-ins and with the master boasting a walk-in robe and ensuite. There is ducted gas heating throughout, a reverse cycle air conditioner in the lounge room, galley style kitchen and large double door pantry.

The home boasts a secure, low maintenance back yard which is ready for your special touch or makes maintenance easier for the investor. Currently rented to a wonderful tenant who is happy to stay on. This beauty won’t last long!

CONTACT: MICHAEL WRIGHT 0421 360 948

PRICE GUIDE: $799,000 - $849,000

20-22 JONES STREET, CARCOAR

$139,000

UNDER OFFER

COUNTRY LIVING IN MODERN STYLE If your family is looking for more space to enjoy the outdoors and soak in the serenity of rural living every day, then this could be your dream home. A mere 7 minutes from Molong and an easy 30 minutes from Orange, this beautifully modern homestead sits on 12.3 acres (approx.) with the verandah nicely framing the view of peaceful rural surrounds. There is room for all the family to live life and relax in comfort with two living areas, four big bedrooms and two bathrooms. The large kitchen with its stunning island bench will make mealtimes a delight every day.

The spacious living area is wonderfully open and light with views of the gorgeous vista from every window. It opens onto the verandah and al-fresco area perfect for enjoying BBQ’s and soaking up the peace and quiet that comes with having no close neighbours. The outside features are a real asset with big shed, solar panels, water tank, bore and pump and sheep yards already in place making it easy for you to run some sheep or have a horse or two. Don’t miss out on your dream home, inspections are easily arranged. CONTACT: JACOB EVANS 0428 130 789

VACANT LAND IN THE BEST KEPT SECRET IN THE CENTRAL WEST With sweeping views over the historic village of Carcoar and only 10 minutes west of Blayney is this 1 acre (4,000 sqm block). Carcoar is described as “the town that time forgot”. It is saturated in charm and has an abundance of old buildings, nestled in a picturesque river valley.

It seems untouched since 1901 yet there is much to discover in the surrounding villages, boutique shops and lovely local country pub. This vacant land allows you the opportunity to build your forever home and have the lifestyle you’ve always dreamed about. There is space here for extra sheds, room for animals and plenty of land for the kids to run around. Living here is an opportunity to escape the stress of modern life whilst still being close enough to the big hubs of the Central West.

CONTACT: MICHAEL WRIGHT 0421 360 948

AUGUST 19—25, 2021 27

IN A P SP PO EC IN TIO TM N EN BY T

20-22 Obley Street, Cumnock

MARK HOWES: 0427 668 800

This charming double brick home has all the features that you would expect. Front bullnose veranda, wide central hallway, high pressed metal ceilings, 4 open fireplaces with original timber mantles, spacious formal and casual living areas. The house was originally built in 1913 as a residence for Dr Aird and the local hospital for the Cumnock district.

If you are looking for a spacious family home that has plenty of room for the entire family consisting of 4-5 bedrooms, multiple living areas, open plan kitchen and family room, great shed and office space, this is perfect for someone looking to start or has an existing business.

The first shed is approx 14m x 7m with office space, front reception area and storage out the back, there is also a shower & toilet. Currently tenanted with a livestock agent who would like to continue the lease.

• 2nd shed is approx 12mx 7m with 3m x 7m skillion parking area

$480,000 - $510,000

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Control your destiny Having been owned and operated for over 21 years this company has long list of high-profile organisations that consider this business as one of their preferred service providers.

Currently managed with a minimum number of staff the owners have been quite selective and run the operation with a work/life balance in mind. The reputation of this business is such that demand for their services far outweighs supply. Business growth has been predominately wordof-mouth and the owners are well aware that exponential growth is available to the incoming owner if they wish.

The owners’ motivation is retirement and offer the business is for sale on a walk-in walk-out basis with a long and comprehensive inventory. An in-going training and introductory period could be available to the new owners.

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Stephen Townsend: 0427 631 957

67 MOLONG STREET, MOLONG

42 HILL STREET, MOLONG

Opportunity for first home buyers 2/3 bedroom home in quiet location Comfortable lounge room with reverse cycle air conditioning Neat and tidy updated kitchen with electric cooking and dishwasher Sun drenched north facing sunroom Single garage and carport Set on a generous block of over 1000m2 Easy walk to schools, main street shops and cafes

$280,000-$298,000 MARK HOWES: 0427 668 800 28 AUGUST 19—25, 2021

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This home has all the features of a classic 1900's period home Wide hallway, pressed metal ceilings, wide skirtings, large rooms with plenty of room to move for the entireFOR family.SALE CONTACT AGENT Good size lounge & dining with French doors to the veranda Sunny northern sitting room with a fully enclosed front veranda Large eat in kitchen with good storage Modern bathroom with bath & separate shower Reverse cycle to kitchen/dining & lounge. Wood heating to the lounge room Great sheds space with a single garage & double carport Large level yard with established gardens approx. 990m2

$339,000 - $359,000

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MARK HOWES: 0427 668 800

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TRADES AND SERVICE BUSINESS PROFILE

OCLife

GOOD PLUMBING MEANS… NEVER HAVING TO SAY SORRY Good plumbing means… never having to say you’re sorry, Michael Green believes.

The local family man — his company, Greenjet Plumbing, incorporates the initials of his three children, Joel, Esther, and Tahlia — believes in doing the job once and for all “It’s about taking pride in your work and making sure you get it right the first time,” Michael said.

“I say to my customers, if you’re happiest with the end-result, there’ll be no need to come back for the rest of my life,” he added.

Because much work by plumbers is carried-out either underground or behind fixed features such as walls and roofs, it is one trade that you don’t want to have to rectify six-months after completion.

“With plumbing, it is so important to get it done correctly when you first do the job," he said.

Michael applies the same high-standards of

his work and attention to detail with his young apprentice, Lincoln.

“I try and ensure that Lincoln gets the widest-variety of work imaginable, teaching skills like welding, while many plumbers now just use crimping and plastic pipes to save cost,” Michael explained.

“It’s also faster than the electric eel and, because the hose doesn’t lose pressure as it moves down the pipe, it is more powerful and effective,” Michael said.

“Because the eel is further from the engine as it traverses the pipe, it loses power and is often unable to remove the whole of the tree roots,” he added.

With much of his work now revolving around repairs and maintenance of older pipes, Michael has a secret weapon for that perennial Orange problem; tree roots growing through underground pipes.

Michael originally grew-up in outer western Sydney, but decided to make the Colour City his home after seeing the lifestyle benefits of the tree-change that is becoming increasingly-popular.

“It’s a high-pressure hose that produces 5000 pounds per square inch pressure, I mean, this can cut through a piece of four-by-four timber, that’s the pressure we’re talking about,” Michael said.

"It will cut right through a tree-root without any problems at all.”

“I was paying about $500 a week for the vehicle and tolls, leaving for work at 6am and getting home after seven,” he said.

“Now I’m living in the country with my family and loving it, why wouldn’t you live in Orange?” he concluded.

AUCTION 17th SEPTEMBER 11.00AM 73 / 29 Elsham Avenue Orange Huge growth potential with existing income stream.

Leaving a large area of developable space.

14,000 square metres of land with 2250 Square metres of building.

Enormous frontage to the southern distributor.

BLOWESRE.COM.AU

contact

Chris Tyack 0438 258 590 Gary Blowes 0418 635 248

cnr lords place + kite street 02 6362 1233 AUGUST 19—25, 2021 29

BLUE RIBBON COMMERCIAL LAND TO BUILD ON

IDEAL LOCATION FOR AN ENTERPRISE

COMMERCIAL BUILDING IN BUSY FIVEWAYS PRECINCT

A commercial premises located on a high traffic corridor close to the CBD currently run as the iconic Bissy’s Café.

With several dining areas, a modern kitchen and a delightful outdoor sitting area, this premises is perfectly set us as café/restaurant.

At the rear is a studio and an abundant fruit garden.

Surrounded by a variety of commercial enterprises are these last remaining blocks in the prestigious Gateway Business Park positioned with easy access to the Mitchell Hwy at entrance to Orange.

The blocks are zoned B6 Enterprise Corridor and are level and ready to develop for your successful business or investment.

Land sizes available from 2,045 m2 to 3,559 m2 Please contact our office for further details.

Prime Summer Street site with busy highway frontage.

Former 50 seat restaurant with plenty of potential.

Room for on-site parking at rear.

Zoned: B6 Enterprise Corridor, Land size: 508.1 m2

*The premises to be sold with vacant possession and the registered business name Bissy’s Café not included

PRICES RANGE FROM $510,000 + GST TO $925,000 + GST

CONTACT OUR OFFICE FOR FURTHER DETAILS

$790,000 + GST

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IDEAL LOCATION FOR RETAIL SHOP OR OFFICE

A FANTASTIC RETAIL OPPORTUNITY

POPULAR SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET

• Don’t miss out on securing this spacious shop of around 120 m2 in floor area that is positioned in the busy core of Orange’s CBD in Summer Street.

• On-site parking • Available now.

Located in a very busy section of Summer Street on the favoured sunny side of the street.

Ideal position and set up for for a busy retail outlet.

Total floor area: 249.6 m2 approx. (including a 77.4 m2 storage area).

Approx. 300 m2 of floor space in this well presented commercial shop in Summer Street.

Currently set up as an office complex this premises would also be ideal as a retail shop.

Has good staff amenities and reverse cycle air conditioning though out.

$880 PER WEEK + GST & OUTGOINGS

RENT: $112,000 P.A. + GST & OUTGOINGS

RENT: $90,000 P.A. + GST & OUTGOINGS

During these difficult times caused by COVID-19 we would like to wish that you all keep safe and well.

Please remember that we are all resilient enough to overcome this adversity and let’s all look forward to brighter times ahead.

With our warm regards from Chris and the team

IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR PROPERTY 6362 5999 or John 0417 887 738 / Chris 0417 626 361 30

AUGUST 19 ­— 25, 2021

SOLD

SOLD

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50 CARCOAR STREET, SPRING HILL | FOR SALE $620,000

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12 TORULOSA WAY, ORANGE | FOR SALE $430,000

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• Perfect first home buyer or Investment opportunity.

• Large family home in village setting, 15 minutes from Orange.

• Generous size bedrooms, all with built ins.

• Multiple living areas, large kitchen with breakfast bench and lots of cupboard space.

• Two large living areas and ducted gas heating throughout and a reverse cycle spit system.

• 1200 square metre block with sheds, gardens sheds.

• Modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances, glass splashback and gas cooking.

• Separate studio with kitchenette and bathroom.

• You could retain the current tenant or move in and make it your own home.

MARTY LYDEN 0404 070 391 marty@williamsmachin.com.au

KATIE CHRISTOPHERSON 0400 637 559 katie@williamsmachin.com.au

FOR LEASE

FOR LEASE

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183 SALE STREET, ORANGE | FOR LEASE $490

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105 LORDS PLACE, ORANGE | FOR LEASE $525

• Centrally located within walking distance to town.

• Centrally located double brick

• Three bedroom home, Separate lounge, quaint kitchen and large sunroom

• 3 blocks from CBD, fully renovated.

• Double Garage with automatic door

• Three bedrooms, new bathroom, open plan kitchen.

• Gas heating and Split system AC

• Central heating as well as a split system A/C.

NATALIE GOW 63626966 propertymanagement@williamsmachin.com.au

NATALIE GOW 63626966 propertymanagement@williamsmachin.com.au

Thinking of selling your home?

NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT IF YOU ARE THINKING OF SELLING! If you’re interested to see what your home could sell for in today’s active market, please give us a call for a confidential, obligation free chat Marty Lyden 0404 070391

Katie Christopherson 0400 637 559

WILLIAMS MACHIN FIRST FOR REAL ESTATE IN ORANGE PH 02 6362 6966

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37 SALE STREET, ORANGE

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WWW.WILLIAMSMACHIN.COM.AU AUGUST 19 ­— 25, 2021 31

HistoryTALKING with HELEN McANULTY

WHEN I WAS A CHILD, I LIKED NOTHING BETTER THAN TO LISTEN TO MY AUNT’S STORIES OF HER TRAVELS ON THE RAILWAYS. She was a young teacher just after the First World War and, in 1919, she left her home in Orange to teach at a school in far-western New South Wales.

Her stories of how she arrived at her destination were filled with adventure and excitement.

Those were the days of box carriages and huge fires in station waiting rooms on cold frosty nights, and, if you could entirely believe my aunt, (and she did have a lively imagination,) card sharps and petty crooks escaping through train windows with someone’s money.

About forty years before my aunt travelled on those trains, the railway line had replaced the bullock wagons and the Cobb and Co coaches which had previously transported both passengers and freight from the coast to the west.

It had been a formidable task building a track over the Blue Mountains.

The great engineering feat that was the Zig Zag was completed in 1869, and finally the city and its ports were linked to the bush.

Orange was to become a hub for railway activities in the western area of the State, and by the end of the century it was the junction of the main western line to Bourke.

On April 1877, the railway station

32 AUGUST 19—25, 2021

struggle to open the window for fresh air, the cinder in the eye and the freezing nights when, unable to afford a sleeper, you sat up trying to warm your feet on the tiny foot warmers so thoughtfully provided by the railway?

RAILWAY NOSTALGIA in Orange was officially opened by the Premier, Sir Henry Parkes, and, for a period, that saw flourishing growth, Orange was the terminus until the steel rails reached Dubbo and opened-up the western plains.

The railways remained the largest source of employment in Australia for more than 100 years and the growth of the country followed the spread of rail transport.

The navvies and fettlers who built and maintained the rails across the country, camped near their work and townships grew-up around the settlements.

These men were in many ways the pioneers of the outback and, by sheer hard-work in extreme conditions, they conquered the landscape.

By the time I began to travel in trains, I found that they had not changed much from my aunt’s day.

It seemed to me that every railway station, both big and small, proudly-displayed gardens carefully cultivated by the Station Master and his staff.

rooms where you could rush-in and buy a pie and a cup of tea or even, if you were especially hungry, bacon and eggs and toast.

There were still blazing coal fires in the waiting rooms, and at night you could find a sleeping car with spotless sheets on what was perhaps a rather hard bed.

But to make up for this, in the morning you would be woken by a guard with a steaming cup of tea.

There was also the plaintive sound of the whistle as the train rushed by in the night and the sight of a puffing little engine in the distance hauling its load over the flat plains.

Little boys often expressed ambitions to be a train driver as they glimpsed those stalwart men shovelling coal into the glowing furnace.

There was the nostalgic smell of the railway stations too.

Was it the coal dust and soot that led you on imagined journeys to faraway places?

Were these things as romantic There were wonderful refreshment as I thought, or had I forgotten the

Some years ago, I talked to a man who, during his long career in the railways, had seen many changes.

The late Mr Tom Hetherington had a fund of stories of his early years on the railway. These experiences meant that, when he reached the position of District Supervisor, he was aware of every aspect of railway work.

When he told me the stories it was with much humour but there were many difficult situations..

One night in a cold Orange winter, he was roused from his warm bed by a call from the Assistant Stationmaster.

“We’re in trouble-it’s snowing,” he announced. “Every set of points in Orange yard is snowed under.”

With magnificent self-control, Tom went to the yards where they melted the snow with hot water from the engine.

He was no more back in bed than the call came again.“The Forbes Mail is at Orange East Fork and the points are frozen there too.”

Fortunately history doesn’t record Tom’s reply, but he told me feelingly: “It was a busy night.”

Tom Hetherington retired in 1984 after a long and successful career.

Among his favourite memories, was when Queen Elizabeth visited Orange in 1970.

Fittingly, she came by train.

Copyright Helen McAnulty 2021

OCLife

Newey’s new owners see business as usual Newey’s Drive-Thru Cleaners has been, simply, one of the best-run businesses in Orange for decades.

New owners, Mike Chambers and Kylie Robinson, want to keep it that way.

Recently taking-over this Colour City Institution after nearly four decades of continuous service from John and Karen Colgan, Mick says, it’s business as usual.

“That’s the reputation that Newey’s has, that it’s a very reliable and well-run business, and that was a big part of the attraction to us,” Mike said.

“Totally, for us, it’s business as usual, it’s been a well-run operation for a long-time,” he added.

He pointed-out that out of the three staff on hand, two had 20 years’ service with the company with that stability a sign of the smooth running of the enterprise.

While dry-cleaning is, for most people, a very specialised field and with both Mike and Kylie coming from business and marketing backgrounds, the loyalty and support of the staff

has been essential.

type of stain we are treating.”

“We felt comfortable taking on a business where the staff have all stayed for long periods, it’s a good sign,” he said.

Like any good operator, Mike and Kylie are prepared to learn as they go.

and we’ve just got to come-out the other side,” he said. “We just need to do our piece, follow the rules, and we’ll all get through this.”

“They really are a great team, they’ve been here a long-time and they really know their stuff, which we are grateful for,” he added.

“The first thing, I’d say, is that it’s a learning curve we are on. We’re relying of course on the processes and systems that John put in place,” he added.

One of the areas where he sees potential growth, is in reaching a younger market who buy less-traditional clothes but, for whom dry-cleaning can have a range of benefits.

“We only took-over eight weeks ago… my background was as an insurance broker, project manager, and farmer. Kylie was in marketing for 20 years,” he said.

The various stop-start pandemic lockdowns, however, have made their first two-months an interesting experience for the couple, with first the flood of business, and then the dry…

“There is a technical, front-of-house part of the business that is to do with the processes we use, different types of chemical and mechanical processes,” he said, adding, “it is a specialised field.”

“The first month that we were here, the driveway was full, I mean it was fast-paced, we were flat-out,” he said.

“We need to reach-out to younger people, help them understand the benefits. That, if they dry-clean something, it will be brighter, we can get out the oils and stains and inks that washing won’t.”

“We use various techniques, steam, gas, chemical and water and a combination of them at different levels, depending on the material and

“But since the new lockdown, look for yourself, it’s quiet as,” he added, saying that they view the business as a long-term investment with this, their first lean period.

“From a farming perspective, this is our drought

Post-pandemic lockdown, Mike says he and Kylie are looking forward to getting back to the same seamless, hassle-free service that Newey’s has always provided.

“It’s a good business, that’s why we bought it, we’re going to be here for the long-term,” Mike concluded.

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AUGUST 19 ­— 25, 2021