OCLife20221103

Spirit

Suite 3/241 Lords Place ORANGE

02 6361 3575

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EDITOR’S note

Every Tuesday as I go to write this, I swear to myself I’ll stop complaining about the rain… but to receive a whole month’s average rainfall on the �rst day of the month, is just too much!

But even Monday’s torrential downpour didn’t stop our local NAIDOC Week celebrations from going ahead, although with a hasty shift to the Orange Function Centre. Despite the weather and last-minute change of venue, there was a good crowd and it all seemed to run smoothly. We have photos and coverage of the o�cial opening on pages 12 and 13.

You’ll also see inside that our neighbours at PWM Advice are putting on a comedy night to raise money for our local Prostate Cancer Support Group. Orange City Life has come on board as a sponsor to promote the fundraiser, which will feature comedians Peter Berner and Tommy Dean. It’s a great cause and should be a fun night out. You can read more and �nd out how to grab a ticket on page 11.

Major capital works could be put on hold, Cr Peterson believes:

Capital works may be delayed to share the Council pie — Peterson

— DAVID DIXON —

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither should the Colour City, Councillor Steve Peterson believes.

Now might be the time for Council to slow its ambitious capital works program, Dr Peterson, one of the new team in the Chamber, added.

In�ationary e�ects that have already seen the estimated cost of the sports stadium at Bloom�eld blow-out by $10 million, could be the signal for Council to delay some major developments.

“I wonder if we’re approaching a time when the projects we have to have, face some consolidation. The Canobolas Mountain Bike Park is an example.

“Is it better to launch and do it now, or in a couple of years? The Mountain is not going anywhere.”

Cr Peterson said that marshalling �nite capital resources could also see staging-out of major works for the controversial $25 (now $35) million sports complex adjacent to

Brabham Sports Park.

“It may not have to all happen at once, perhaps the external �elds or other upgrades, that are secondary to the main stadium, could happen later.

“If the cost of some of these projects doubles, these are things we may choose to delay to a better time,” Cr Peterson added.

While large projects provide status to the city, normal maintenance work must still be carried out, he said.

“We’ve still got roads and footpaths that need seeing to, we cannot neglect those.

“Rather than a larger piece of the pie spent on these projects, we could still have a pretty high amount, but just a smaller piece of that overall pie.”

Size and scope of these �gurative pastries, has been one of the surprises for Cr Peterson since being elected late last year.

“There’s been the di�erences in an appreciation of what Council does, how many pies they have �ngers in.

“Just how many sta� we employ, it’s

de�nitely a bigger beast than I realised,” Cr Peterson said.

He added that the high number of new councillors in the current cohort, eight in total, has fostered a collegiate air of camaraderie in the Chamber.

“These councillors have been easy and professional to work with. We’ve got on and done the job, which is marvellous.

“The idea of party politics shaping our views, is irrelevant…. The fact is, that decisions have to be made that people will disagree with, but we have to make those decisions,” he added.

A quadriplegic after a bike-vehicle collision in 2018 when riding to his shift at Orange Hospital, Dr Peterson said that the issues that motivated him to run, are still central to his goals on Council.

“I suppose, from my point of view, accessibility issues, these don’t require a lot of money, but they do take time, they’re a work in progress. I still have things I’d like to see improve with the Ageing and Access Community Committee.

“Perhaps subsidised ramps for businesses with steps, that’s a pretty cheap solution.

I’m still pretty keen to see improved access to Mt Canobolas, but that’s been kicked into the long grass a little bit.”

With �ooding throughout NSW, now is also not the time to forget that recurring issue for Orange, water.

“That’s one of the things that I ran on in my little ticket, ‘water security’.

“I know these are not things that we are going to build in the next two years, or even two decades, but if would be good if we were closer to a plan.

With the current pandemic-abridged Council term of only three years, Cr Peterson is, at this stage, keen to go around for another spin.

“Yeah, I would mostly run again, I don’t think they should stay in power forever. But, for a single Council term, you’ve got used to it, and then you’re gone.

“I’ll make the decision a year out, probably,” Cr Peterson concluded.

I wonder if we’re approaching a time, when the projects we have to have, face some consolidation.”

Funding dry-up to condemn Mount bike track, opponents

It’s “no dough, no go” — opponents of the proposed mountain bike track at Mt Canobolas, believe.

Attending the NAIDOC Week launch in Orange recently, Orange Deputy Mayor, Councillor Gerald Power, said that recent Federal Budget cuts to regional spending had probably doomed the venture for now.

“At the moment, we don’t see it going ahead, we don’t have the funding,” he said, without indicating his support or otherwise for the controversial proposal.

Wiradjuri Elder, Uncle Neil Ingram, was far less equivocal, claiming that Orange Council had not taken enough consideration of local Indigenous concerns with the planned tracks.

He said that there is no conceivable way, that Indigenous locals will ever support the proposal for the 100km mountain bike network on the Mount.

“We don’t want a bike track up there to damage what’s there now,” he said emphatically.

“We, as Elders, oppose it in its entirety…. but they won’t listen to us.”

His comments follow a recent visit by Greens Legislative Council Member, Sue Higginson, who said that the unique

signi�cance of the Mount to Wiradjuri culture, was being ignored by the proposal.

“Any plan, needs to start with the recognition that this is a very sacred landscape… it’s about protecting Gaanha-bula (Mt Canobolas) for life,” she said.

“We clearly don’t want that bike track to go ahead, but this is an opportunity for a new look,” she added.

Ingram said that the Mount played a hugely signi�cant role in traditional Aboriginal belief systems that the consultants’ report completed for Council on the mountain bike proposal, simply did not give enough weight to.

“We were not consulted by Council’s archaeological consultants, the report does not recognise its sacred spiritual place in our beliefs.”

Wiradjuri Elder, Aunty Ellis Williams, also said that the Mount has speci�c spiritual associations for local Indigenous women — that have not been considered by the proposal — with recent establishment of a local group opposing the plans.

“No women were involved with the consultation… we were disappointed with the whole consultation process.

“That’s why we set up and got involved with the Gaanha-bula Women’s Consultation Group,” she concluded.

“Nice weather for ducks”, may not cover the latest weather for Orange and district with more than 75mm (three inches) of rain falling on parts of the district between Monday and Tuesday.

Wild winds joined the rain with gusts of more than 80 kilometres per hour (44 knots) recorded by the Bureau of Meteorology early on Tuesday morning at Orange Airport.

Indicating how hazardous the lashing wind and rain made local roads, a driver su�ered head injuries on Monday as his car was literally split in two by a falling tree on the Cargo Road.

With snow forecast down to 700 metres, temperatures, for a couple of days, felt more like mid-July.

For those looking for a break from our above average rainfall and below average temperatures, you’ll have to wait.

Current wet and mild conditions are expected to continue into December, says the Bureau of Meteorology.

Current La Nina (wet cycle) conditions, however, are �nally forecast to ease, with a return to more normal summer weather by January.

Lords Place south construction ramps up ahead of December deadline

Residents are being asked to be patient as Council steps up the pace of construction work in Lords Place south.

Following the installation of a new underground water main in the street last week, crews have begun installing the �rst of the new tree pits or cells, which will limit root damage as the new trees grow.

While work until now had been limited to a night shift, Council crews will also be working during the day, which will temporarily further

reduce parking in the street.

The street will remain open to tra�c, however, and 36 2-hour parking spots have been allocated in the Ophir Car Park while construction takes place.

Council’s Director of Technical Services Ian Greenham said the tree pits will be built progressively along the block.

“The tree cells are designed to prevent the problems caused when trees grow in heavilycompacted soil that is left behind by tra�c and parked cars,” Mr Greenham said.

“These problems come to light when the

tree’s root ball grows up out of the ground, causing damage to nearby roads and footpaths.

“By using a tree cell, we get a healthy beautiful tree, but the roots stay within the cell.”

The tree pits are about 1.5 metres deep and four by six metres in width.

A plastic structural framework is assembled inside the pit, which supports the weight of a parked car while leaving uncompressed soil where the trees can grow.

According to Council, each pit takes around

two to three days, weather permitting, to assemble the internal structures, install pipes and put a temporary road surface on top.

For the safety of the crews and the community, Council will cordon o� approximately two parking spaces on each side of a tree pit.

Once each pit is complete, nearby parking will return to normal.

Council hopes to complete the �rst stage of the upgrade by early December so as to have Lords Place free of disruption for the Christmas shopping period.

PET of the week... Woof Woof! Ahem Excuse me I was meant to say Hello.

Introducing Brandy!

My name is Brandy and I am a gorgeous 5 year old Red and Tan Kelpie who is now on the lookout for my new forever home.

Being a Kelpie I have high Energy levels and I am incredibly intelligent so a big backyard with regular exercise and plenty of toys to keep me stimulated.

I have had a previous injury to my right front leg, Different bone lengths but this has been checked by a vet and does not cause me any issues or pain.

I do have some restrictions this is to make sure that i go to the perfect home.

• Indoor/Outdoor Access

• Meet all Family

• Meet all Dogs

I would also love a nice warm Kennel with plenty of bedding to keep me warm or a nice warm bed inside.

71 William St, Orange NSW 6362 6171

https://www.rspcansw.org.au

Love Brandy xXx Adoption Application https://www.rspcansw.org.au/ who-we-are/locations/shelters/ orange-shelter/

ADOPTION PRICE $350

Opposed to mountain biking on Canobolas, Uncle Neil Ingram, MLC Sue Higginson, and Aunty Ellis Williams.

EVEN LOCAL DUCKS, MAY FINALLY, HAVE HAD ENOUGH!

Half-century remake provides a new Vista

Buena Vista is back in business; with a

help from their

The stalwart local “opportunity shop” opened again this week after the �rst-ever re�t in its 60-year history.

Structural issues from the installation of new electronics delayed the relaunch with volunteer sta� �at-out getting everything right for the big day.

“We had security cameras installed, and the roof started to bow,” Buena Vista spokesperson, Katherine Teideman said.

“They were simply a bit heavy for the pop-tiles on the ceiling, so we had to delay opening a week.”

A well-known trade supplier, however, came to their aid keeping the extra closure time — for which the local charity is not making money — to a week: “Tilston’s Building Exhibition Centre rushed to the rescue, donating their time and expertise

to �xing the roof inside when it started to bow,” Katherine said.

To keep work local, the not-for-pro�t utilised Colour City family-run businesses for the re�t ranging from removalists, �ooring specialists, painters, and signage.

“All the contractors UPA (United Protestant Association) utilised, went above and beyond and we couldn’t be happier with their service.

“Timeline hiccups meant juggling contractors’ days and times often at short notice, but they all worked it into their schedules, even if it meant working on top of each other some days. UPA is very grateful,” Katherine said.

With more than half a century under their belt, the two months’ shuttered was a novelty for the charity, that provides not only cheap clothes and other goods, but �nancial support for locals.

“This is the �rst time that we’ve shut to renovate since we moved here 50 years ago.

We actually started on 15 April 1961 at an old bakery building near the railway station,” Katherine said.

The shop now has a fresh clean feel, with old features also given a new lease on life. “It was painted throughout with new �ooring and all new �ttings also.

“We donated a lot of our old bookcases to the Resource Recovery Centre to use in their little shop.”

Originally established to support a children’s home of the same name in Orange, the store now funds a range of good works in Orange and district.

“All our money now gets donated to UPA Family Support,” Katherine said.

“We support people going through the courts, grandparents’ groups, and family groups.”

UPA also provides care for the elderly in our community via home care services, and accommodation including Ascott Gardens,

Astill Court, Kooronga Lodge, Sunset Vista, and Prunus Lodge at Molong, with supportive locals playing a key role in the store’s quick turnaround.

“None of this could be possible without our incredible volunteers, spending their time emptying everything out of the store, then �lling it back up a few weeks later.

“These ladies and gentlemen are a true gift from God, and we are so lucky to have them,” Katherine added.

With the shop also providing a friendly and regular contact point for many, the sta� and volunteers are anticipating a return rush of regulars to see the �t-out.

“All the tradies, they did a beautiful job, the painters worked weekends for no extra charges, we’ve been very lucky.

“We’re excited to show everybody what we’ve done, and they are invited to come and have a look at the new store,” Katherine concluded.

CURED ORANGE, NSW

“Where

— DAVID DIXON —

Hats off to Buena Vista’s refurbished “op-shop” in Orange; UPA spokesperson, Katherine Teideman; and store manager, Nisheta Tripura.

a

Drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), are today becoming just as much a part of farmers’ toolbox as tractors, working dogs or ag bikes.

Far more than just a way to get a few nice photos from the air, drones are beings used for everything from discretely monitoring livestock, quickly checking on fencing and other infrastructure to even spotting water leaks.

The opportunities for drones really are endless, says local farmer, drone manufacturer and educator, Ben Watts.

“If we went through the list you would have: checking �xed assets like fences, water, sheds, roads, boundaries; �nding stock; checking stock without interrupting or intruding their space in the paddock,

particularly calving cows and lambing ewes,” Ben said, explaining just a few of the many ways drones are being put to use on farms.

“Then you’ve got measuring plant health — we’ve got cherry farmers on Canobolas who are using it for plant health now, through to crops, viticulture, fodder production and silage.”

It was 13 years ago that Ben began looking into uses for drones in his own family-run mixed farming operations between Orange and Molong. First, just for checking pastures and watering points, but he quickly saw even greater potential.

With a background in corporate agriculture, where �nding e�ciencies and innovative ways to use technology and gather data are key, Ben started working with others in the

industry to develop new ways of putting drones to use.

“My background — and I’ve travelled the world looking at and bringing technology back to Australia, just to use ourselves — was to �nd a way to record data, transfer that data into a consumable product that directors could glimpse and go, ‘okay, this is where we’re charting’,” Ben said.

“I spent about eight years working with a tech company on ultrasound for animals and then we did individual stock management with EID (electronic identi�cation) and some other technologies.

“And then we started looking at camera technology in a paddock for identifying animals. So it was just the next step… put the camera on something that can then move around over a large parcel of land.”

But the real ‘x factor’ with drones, he said, is that it allows you to collect data from a paddock ten days before you’d see it in plants on the ground.

“That changes everything,” Ben said. “We can �y [a paddock] and look at that through a plant health re�ectance map and it will show us all of the variations in high-growth areas, low-growth areas.”

Armed with this data, he said, you can then do variable treatment rates when applying topdressing or fertiliser, targeting only the areas that need it, improving yield and saving money.”

And adding other sensors such as thermal cameras to drones opens up a whole new world of possibilities, Ben said.

“We use it mainly for identifying livestock in hard-to-access areas, or it’s good for the pest animals,” he said.

“But we’ve also just recently been working with some growers using it for irrigation monitoring, because they can check the water’s actually getting where it was supposed to be getting… Are we wetting up where we thought we were. Do we have seepage in banks?”

The thermal cameras can spot leaks in poly water pipes and even be used to map water-

�lled potholes in roads.

And in construction, drones can create real-time three-dimensional images of earthworks or a building in progress and cross-reference them with engineering drawings.

“Ultimately, the code drives what the drone can do,” Ben said, explaining that he works with a small, international group of software developers on new applications.

For his own part, Ben and his family-run business BRACLA work on the hardware; designing and building new airframes to expand the physical capabilities of what a drone can do.

“We’re sort of in the larger end,” he said. “There are some really good tech manufacturers who can do smaller and have big budgets to micro everything… we’re trying to work on that larger end. So working from a 25-kilo, three-and-a-half metre up to 120-kilo six-metre airframes. ... and the idea of that is it gives you payload capacity and range.

“What we’re looking at is drones that can stay in the air for upwards of three hours, and we’ve got some other projects working well beyond that — with reasonable payloads,” he said.

“Then we’ve got some other even larger airframes, which is really about can it deploy products — so if it’s an emergency response, whatever the emergency may require — if you’ve got a reasonable payload on board, somewhere in that sort of 15 to 35 kilos.”

While there is strong interest in drones from agriculture and other industries, Ben is still surprised that the uptake hasn’t been even greater.

“In my mind, this should be evolving much faster than it is; It’s such an opportunity!” he enthused.

“Hopefully, what’s happening is we’ve got some good people who are starting to come together in the central west who are like-minded, who can work together… Who knows, down the track, as this is changing, wouldn’t it be great if there was a regional manufacturing capacity.”

— JONATHAN ROE —

Every year, Cadia Valley Operations offers two tertiary scholarships and one Indigenous scholarship to assist local students in their studies and support industry areas that will benefit the wider community

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

To qualify for a Cadia Valley Operations Tertiary or Indigenous Scholarship you will need to:

• Live, or have your family home, in the local government areas of Orange, Cabonne or Blayney

• Apply for full-time study in an

undergraduate Mining Industry Related degree

• Plan to study next year (the scholarship cannot be deferred)

• Not already be studying at university

• Applicants for the Indigenous scholarship must be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent.

APPLICATIONS

Selection criteria for the scholarships focus on the applicants’ achievements, motivation and passion to work in a regional community.

Scholarships are open to Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM), business or other mining industryrelated degrees, taking into consideration current skills shortages in regional areas. Scholarship applications must be lodged by 11/12/22

JUDGING

A shortlist of successful applicants will be interviewed by a panel.

Scholarships will be o�ered to the preferred applicants who successfully complete their Higher School Certi�cate with an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank su�cient to enable admission to their nominated course.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Scholarship support will be to a maximum of $9,000/year for the minimum recommended course duration, up to a maximum of four years.

ONGOING SUPPORT

Scholarship recipients must maintain satisfactory progress in their chosen course and pass all subjects to receive

ongoing scholarship support.

Scholarship recipients will be required to undertake at least one work experience placement or internship in the Cabonne, Blayney or Orange Local Government Area throughout the duration of their degree. Adequate reasons must be provided if this is not possible.

Where possible, Cadia will provide a mentor in the scholarship recipients chosen �eld, to provide support throughout their course.

Upon graduation, scholarship recipients are encouraged to return to the Orange, Blayney or Cabonne Shires to work, however, there is no commitment to work in the area or for any organisation.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information please visit www.cadiavalley.com.au/scholarships or contact cvo.recruitment@newcrest.com.au

Visits to the vet are not just for when your pet is sick – we can work together all year round to protect your pet from dental pain, and from viruses, bacteria and parasites. This is especially important in the warmer months when parasites thrive. Regular checkups and the special offers at Mulberry Lane Vet Hospital make protecting your pet so easy – we help keep your pets as happy and healthy as they can be!

Cracked stained teeth? Smelly dog breath? There are well known links between poor dental hygiene and bad health in our pets, but they can not tell us when they’re suffering. Regular dental checkups are vital for the overall health of pets and to protect them from the pain of bad teeth. If any dental treatment is required, a gentle anaesthetic is given which allows our experienced vets to probe and examine each tooth, and xray if needed. In November, your dog, cat or rabbit can have a FREE dental check up, plus $50 off any dental treatment which might be required.

Parasites like fleas and worms love the warmer months and they love pets too! Fleas cause skin and health problems to our pets and can spread into our homes. Worms damage the health of cats and dogs, causing loss of weight, diarrhoea, loss of energy, anaemia and can affect humans. Vets are reporting that this will be a bumper year for paralysis ticks. These nasty bloodsucking parasites are widespread across coastal NSW and its essential that if your pet is travelling

outside Orange, then he or she is protected from ticks which suck blood, while secreting a toxin which affects the nervous system of your pet and can be fatal. Even if your pet doesn’t travel out of the Central West, tick protection is a wise idea as the parasites are spreading across the state. This month your dog receives a FREE flea and tick treatment when he or she visits for a vaccination. Cats are not left out – kitties receive a FREE flea and worm treatment at vaccination time!

Just one bite from an infected mosquito is all it takes to infect your dog with heartworm. Tiny larvae are injected from the bite into your dog’s bloodstream where they grow into adult worms in the heart and lungs. Heartworm used to be restricted to the warmer areas of the country but new research has found it in feral dogs and foxes in the Central West. Cases have been reported in Orange. Dogs can be protected with a range of treatments – chews, tablets, spotons or a course of injections followed by an annual booster injection. This month your new puppy can have the first Heartworm protection injection FOR FREE! We will plan the course of injections for you and send convenient reminders.

Remember that if your dog or cat is going to boarding kennels, doggydaycare or the cattery this summer, you will be asked to show proof of vaccinations. Please don’t leave it until the last minute - phone for an appointment or book online in November and choose ONE of these very special offers for your pet! We look forward to seeing you soon!

The goodenough parent

with Emily Thompson

Problem solving

“I’m going to ask you something, and I want you to promise that it won’t destroy us,” I say to my ever-patient husband, who has no idea what the grenade I’m about to toss into our lives is.

“Okay…” he replies cautiously while switching the TV o� after a lovely night of watching the cinematic masterpiece that is Cli� Hanger.

I take a deep breath and begin.

“I’m thinking of a movie that’s kind of like Cli� Hanger, but I think it’s set in a cabin and there’s a woman with her new husband and ex-husband and the ex is the bad guy and maybe there was a rafting or climbing accident? It’s bugging me. Any ideas?”

Now you might be thinking this is an easy solve, given so much information, and it would be, except for my number one character �aw: I just don’t remember movies.

I can give you a 5,000-word essay �lled with a detailed plot synopsis and in-depth character studies of every book I’ve ever read — and that is thousands! — but for some reason, I’ve seen Dante’s Peak �ve times and still think it’s about hairdressing challenges.

While this is very, very annoying to my beloved partner of 18 years, it means watching movies is a delight for me. I’ve been surprised by The Six Sense three times! (How did the Mum hire him anyway????)

But back to my mystery movie. The problem here is that I’ve obviously misremembered crucial plot elements and, in reality, it may even be set in Paris and be about models during fashion week. But still, we tried…Well, one of us did. I googled “what’s the movie I’m thinking of like Cli� Hanger but set in a cabin?” and then gave up 15 minutes later. (No, it’s not Cabin in the Woods).

Hubby also googled. Then went through every shelf of our �oorto-ceiling DVD cabinet. Then my Net�ix history.

“Look, it’s �ne,” I said at this point. He turned to me, one eye twitching.

“Are you insane?!? I HAVE to know!” he said, moving on to scrolling through my ‘liked’ movies on Facebook.

This is the di�erence between us and why we (usually) work well together. I will happily chalk things up as “unsolvable mysteries of the universe” and move on with my life (like where did all the toothpicks go? What is that weird smell? Why does one child suddenly have a new fringe?).

But he’s a problem solver. He �nds solutions to problems and I’m so, so grateful he does (the toothpicks were taken by Miss Eight and turned into throwing stars, the smell was, as it always is, the potatoes, and self-haircuts are �ne as long as it’s not the week before school photos).

Last week, I got burned sitting on the patio and this week there’s new shade cloth about to be installed. So much good comes from his desire to �x things.

“Are you sure it’s not like a Mission Impossible or Bourne movie?” he asks hopefully. “I’m not really sure of anything. What are those about?” I reply, as the desperation spreads across his face. As I watch him slowly descend into the madness of a keyword search on IMDB, I begin to realise that now, after 18 years, I’ve found the limit of things I can ask his help with and I vow never to do it again.

Until, of course, the next time I casually ask about the rafting/ rock climbing movie that, in my head, has Bruce Willis (or is it Stallone?) trapped in a cabin with his ex-wife and older new husband played by someone who isn’t John Lithgow but reminds me of him…

HOME COOKING

with RUBEN LOPEZ MESA

What to do with leftover bread

One of the things I love the most are leftovers! I’m not kidding, that’s the way I grew up eating at home. Now, in fancy cooking TV programs they call it a ‘Mystery Box’, but for me it was just the normal thing to do, the way we cook every time in my family!

In the coming weeks, I’ll be talking about di�erent types of leftovers, but let me start with one of the most common: bread.

I absolutely love leftover bread! But what can we do with an old or stale piece of bread, you may be thinking. Well, a lot of things.

Of course, it will depend on what type of bread we are talking about and how old it is, but here are a few ideas for you to play with:

1. First of all, breadcrumbs. Make sure your piece of bread is fully dried by putting it in the oven at low temperature, and then blitz it in a blender or food processor. The many ways in which you can use breadcrumbs are so plentiful that it deserves a whole write-up about it. So, another day I will talk about the art and options of crumbing food and what is known in culinary terms as ‘panada’.

2. Secondly croutons; either thin slices of bread roasted in the oven for a spring salad or cubes of bread with extra virgin olive oil and garlic in order to make a Caesar salad.

3. Thirdly as a thickening agent for sauces. (What?? You may be thinking) Yep, that’s right! I’ll tell you all about it when we talk about Spanish cold soups like ajoblanco, gazpacho or even salmorejos.

4. Traditional Spanish recipes like the savoury migas and the absolutely delicious sweet Torrijas. What exactly are torrijas? Conceptually, it is a mix between French toast and a doughnut. Traditionally, it is prepared and eaten on Easter, but if you are like me… well, why wait! They are not the most healthy snack (I’m not going to lie) but they will WOW your family and friends for sure. Trust me when I tell you I have my whole neighbourhood addicted to them!

SPANISH TORRIJAS RECIPE :

INGREDIENTS:

1 day-old French stick

1 litre of milk

3 tbsp sugar

1 lemon peel

1 orange peel

1 cinnamon stick

2 cups sugar and pinch of cinnamon

4 to 5 eggs

Olive oil for shallow frying

PREPARATION:

- Slice bread 2cm wide.

- In a saucepan, infuse the milk with the citrus peels, 3 tbsp sugar and the cinnamon stick. Bring it to a simmer and then turn it o� and let it cool down completely.

- When cold, strain the milk, then soak the slices of bread one by one in the mix until soaked right through.

- In a second bowl, whisk eggs well.

- Pour oil into a large frying pan until it is about 1 centimetre deep. Bring to a medium heat. *Tip: If you �oat half an eggshell in the hot oil it will stop the oil from smoking.

- Coat each bread slice well with the egg mix. Then place them carefully into the hot oil. Shallow fry on each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.

- Carefully, using 2 forks, remove the bread from the oil and rest on a paper towel-lined dish. Allow to cool slightly.

- Finally, toss the ‘eggy’ bread in the sugar and cinnamon mix.

Note: Some like them hot, others prefer cold – you choose your own adventure! Remember torrijas can be kept in the fridge for a couple days (but they rarely last that long).

Got a cooking question you need answered?

Any suggestions on what topic Ruben should tackle next? Get in touch with us at OC Life or with Ruben directly @rubenlopezmesa

Peter Berner and Tommy Dean star at Comedy Cancer fundraiser

cancer is no laughing

An initiative of the team at PWM Advice, ‘Comedy for Cancer’ is a fundraising night of good food, music, and comedy to be held at Factory Espresso on Saturday, November 26 to support our local Prostate Cancer Support Group

“Prostate cancer is the cancer of greatest incidence, but the least funded cancer,” PWM Advice practice manager, Heather Biega said. “It’s something that needs to be addressed, we need to break the stigma with men’s health, as it’s something that seems to get pushed aside,” she continued, adding that it is something that has even touched the lives

of their employees and clients.

“So many people,” added director and cofounder of PWM Advice, Daz Tindall. “One of our clients has had two of his uncles and grandfather die from prostate cancer, and that was very sobering; that one disease can take so many people out of one family.

“It is a very serious topic, but we thought comedy was a really good way to get people involved, have a laugh and help raise money for prostate cancer for our local Prostate Cancer Support Group.”

Tickets to the ‘Comedy for Cancer’ fundraiser are just $60 and include a drink on arrival, canapes, and entertainment.

“There’s music from a local band called ‘The Wave’, and we’ve got comedy from two legends, Peter Berner, who’s had his own shows on TV and Tommy Dean, another great comedian who’s on ABC a lot and always doing comedy shows,” Daz said.

There will also be loads of ra�e prizes to give away and a number of donated items to be ra�ed on the night.

“We have had lots of generous support from businesses who have sponsored it and donated things so far and we really want to thank them,” Heather said.

Tickets for ‘Comedy for Cancer’ are available through trybooking.com, or you can

�nd the link at pwmadvice.com.au, or simply scan the QR code on this page.

Anyone interested in supporting or donating to the event is welcome to contact the PWM Advice o�ce on 63601232.

Looking forward, looking back: Orange celebrates NAIDOC Week

heavy rain may have cancelled Orange’s NAIDOC Week main street march, but it did little to dampen spirits as public celebrations return for the first time since 2019.

With torrential rain forecast, the organising committee made the call to cancel the street march and relocate

Monday’s o�cial NAIDOC Week opening ceremony from Robertson Park to the Orange Function Centre.

Despite the adverse weather conditions, a large number of community members crowded into the venue for the occasion.

Orange Deputy Mayor, Councillor Gerald Power, who is the city’s �rst Indigenous councillor, gave a passionate address to the attentive crowd, saying the past themes of NAIDOC Week tell the story of how much things have changed for Indigenous Australians in the past 50 years.

“In 1972, the actual theme was ‘Advance Australia Where?’ with a question mark,” Cr Power began.

“And when you look at where we are now in 2022 — ‘Get up! Stand up! Show Up!’ Over these many years we, as a nation, we as First Nations people, whether from the Torres Strait Islands or what I call the mainland people, Aboriginal people, we have been continually moving forward and, when you look at some of the themes, ‘Heal Country’ last year in the middle of a pandemic.... and then we look at ‘Voice, Treaty, Truth’

“Then celebrating all the amazing Aunties and my Mum and my grandparents — ‘Because of Her, We Can!’

“When we see all this stu�, we start to see Australia. We start to see First Nations people getting up, standing up, showing up. This is where we are. This is who we are. We are people that are proud. We are a people that have been part of this amazing continent for 40-50,000 years!” Cr Power concluded, then getting the crowd to chant with him, “Get up! Stand Up! Show Up!”

Jayanna Dixon

Tina, Karen, and Joyce Edwards

Mark Polly and Hayden Gibbs-O’Neill

Sharni Dixon, Jason French, Nikea Dixon, Danielle Annesley and Kylan Mitchell

Orange Mayor, Councillor Jason Hamling lamented the fact that the street parade had to be cancelled, but encouraged all the community to get out and enjoy the many other activities this NAIDOC Week.

“This is the �rst time we’ve had a NAIDOC Week since the pandemic, so it’s great to see us back going on again,” Cr Hamling said.

“There’s an array of events over the week that are available to attend and, so I encourage everyone to get out, enjoy what has been put on, and just mingle and get to know each other again.

“After the lockdown and not being able to do that, now is the time to really get out and celebrate our friends, family and all the rest,” he concluded.

Federal Member for Calare, Andrew Gee, used his address to speak to the school children in the room on the importance of NAIDOC Week and o� continuing the journey towards reconciliation.

“That word ‘reconciliation’ is a really long word, and sometimes it is hard to

understand, but it means learning from each other, listening to each other, it means coming together in friendship and moving forward together,” Mr Gee said.

“It is really important that we keep doing this, and that we come together as a community because, even though we have come a long way with reconciliation, the road is a long one, it can be a windy one sometimes, but we are on that road and it’s really important that we keep travelling down that road so that our nation achieves true and complete reconciliation.”

Junior winners of the NAIDOC Week Community Awards were then brought on stage and presented with their awards.

Jayanna Dixon was the popular winner of the Young Black and Deadly award. Paityn Klaare-Smith was named Junior Female Sportsperson of the Year, and Adam Gollan the Junior Male Sportsperson of the Year.

Orange’s NAIDOC Week program concludes on Saturday, November 5, with the NAIDOC Community Awards Night at the Orange Ex-Services’ Club.

We will be discussing this topic in two parts. This article is part 1 – with the second part to follow in a fortnight!

The decision to moveinto residential carecan be emotional and stressful. It usually occurs after diagnosis of an illness, after an accident or due to disability. There are many different types and levels of residential care available from independent living units, respite, home care to residential aged care. Here are some of the questions we are frequently asked:

The time has come for me to move into residential care, what do I do?

Before you can access any government funding towards care, you must be assessed by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). Your doctor can advise you how to contact ACAT.

The government pays towards the cost of aged care in Australia but, if you are assessed as being able to afford it, you may be asked to contribute.

ACAT works out your care needs and the types of care and services for which you are eligible. They will provide you with a report. This report is then referred to the care provider and Centrelink to determine the care and financial implications of your requirements.

It isimportant to have a good financial plan in place to manage the transition and ongoing cost of the care and services you will receive. It is sensible to talk with your financial planner (there are some who specialise in aged care services) and your accountant, if relevant, to achieve the best financial plan for you.

You may need legal assistance to go through the terms of the residential care contract and to manage the legal aspects of the transition if you are selling or renting your home. You should also take the opportunity to make sure you have your Power of Attorney, Appointment of Enduring Guardians and Testamentary documents in order.

If you need any assistance with your Estate Planning or if you have a friend or family member who you think could benefit from our assistance, please contact one of our Wills and Estates Team solicitors, Geraldine, Deirdre or George for an appointment at Blackwell Short on 02 6393 9200 or bsl.reception@blackwellshort.com.au.

Thisarticledoesnotconstitutelegaladviceandprovidesgeneralinformationonly.

Jayden, Saffie, and Sandon Gibbs-O’Neill

Greens Upper House MP, Sue Higginson, Councillor David Mallard, and Deputy Mayor Gerald Power

Jacob Young, Nathaniel Davis, and Thomas Davis

Locally sourced natives and exotics to spring life back into any garden

Friends of the Orange Botanic Gardens’ Spring plant sale this weekend, November 5–6, promises to be a green thumb’s delight, with a huge variety of exotic and native plants up for grabs at very reasonable prices.

“Thousands, I’d imagine!” exclaimed Friends volunteer, Libby West, in answer as to just how many plants will be up for sale this weekend.

“When it comes to what we have, we have a large selection of exotics — anything that aren’t natives, basically. We have quite a quite a good collection of salvias, all different

varieties, that brown one over there is really an unusual one,” Libby continued, walking through the packed tables of plants on display in the propagation area.

All the plants are propagated and looked after by volunteers, she said, and all are sourced for local gardens, the Botanic Gardens as well as nearby reserves — even from Mount Canobolas.

“The natives quite often are from out of town, but within the region, places like Mullion Creek, there’s a reserve out there,” Libby said.

“And Mount Canobolas, we are allowed to

collect seeds from some of the natives up there, with a licence, and there are a lot from seed gatherings as well as growing from cuttings.”

Friends of the Botanic Gardens host monthly bird-watching walks and also include the Heritage Rose Group, a subcommittee that looks after the Garden’s heritage roses.

But the Spring and Autumn plant sales are the main source of income for the volunteer group, all of which, goes back into developing or improving the Botanic Gardens in some way.

“It could be a new sculpture that we contribute towards. Recently, we put money towards the picnic seats that are up near the botanic room. So all sorts of projects over the years,” Libby said.

“Once this sale’s over we will be busy gathering seeds, waiting for seeds to form on the trees and planting stuff all over again!”

The Friends of the Orange Botanic Gardens Plant Sale will take place from 8.30am to 2.30pm on Saturday, November 5, and Sunday, November 6, at the Orange Botanic Gardens propagation area.

Libby West (right) with other volunteers from the Friends of the Orange Botanic Garden preparing for the weekend plant sale.

Andrew GEE MP

BUDGET BLUES FOR THE REGION!

Your Country Your Voice

The new government has handed down its first budget and it was a shocker for the regions.

These are the negatives:

• Cost of living pressures not eased. The average household will be $2000 worse off by Christmas.

• Soaring gas and electricity process not addressed. This threatens to decimate household budgets and our local industry and jobs.

•No extra places for regional childcare so desperately needed.

• Key regional infrastructure projects gutted.

•Country areas losing priority for overseas trained doctors.

While there were positives like the increase in uni places (which is the same rate of increase planned by the previous government) and also support for Ukraine, the Prime Minister promised that there would be “no-one left behind”. Tragically, this budget is leaving our region behind.

DIXONS LONG POINT CROSSING AXED!

- REGIONAL WRECKING BALL MUST BE STOPPED -

I am truly shocked that the federal government is axing the Dixons Long Point project without any consultation with the communities who’ve been working so hard on it.

This news is quite simply devastating. It is a disgraceful decision made by people who have made no effort to come out and see the project for themselves. To have come so far after 170 years of communities raising their voices and pushing for this crossing is heartbreaking.

Killing this game-changing project is a sad indictment on a government that is looking more city-centric every week. The lack of consultation is particularly galling. There wasn’t even the courtesy of a phone call to us before the government made this public.

While more money was needed for the project due to skyrocketing building costs, that’s the case with every building project in the country. If the government doesn’t want to put any more money in, there is actually still $27.8 million in unspent allocated funding sitting there in the kitty that could be used to carry out work on Dixons Long Point.

There are a number of different building options still available:

• $19 million of that funding could be used to build a bridge with 20-year flood immunity at the existing crossing site instead of the new one, or • $16.6 million gets you lower-level bridge or you could even put in a culvert crossing. The balance could be spent on the roads.

All of this information has been provided to the government.

I call on the government to sit down with me and Mid-Western Regional Council and discuss how the $27.8 million already allocated can be spent. If the government doesn’t do this, it’s proof that this is part of a cynical regional money grab aimed at siphoning money from the country into city projects. Proof that they’re aiming to take the money and run.

I’m asking the Labor Duty Senator for Calare, Deborah O’Neill, and the Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Catherine King, to make an effort to get work on this project started, if not with new money than with the money that’s already in the bank. They need to tell us why the money already allocated can’t be put to good use on the project rather than simply being snatched away.

GREAT WESTERN HIGHWAY ROBBERY

The government needs to be transparent about the future of the game changing Great Western Highway (GWH) upgrade. The previous Coalition government committed $2.03 billion towards the project in the May 2021 Budget. There is still no word what will happen to that money. Communities in the Blue Mountains and road users from across Calare have been fighting for an improved crossing over the mountains for years. It’s vital for the growth and prosperity of our region.

I spoke about the need for both the GWH upgrade and the Dixons Long Point Crossing in Parliament last week and it’s shocking that we’ve been ignored!

I call on the Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Catherine King, to come clean about the future of this project.

With work on the project about to start, it’s hard to believe that the new government is considering snatching these billions of dollars away. As each day passes this is looking more and more like a case of highway robbery that will siphon money from the country to the city. Disgraceful.

BUILDING BETTER REGIONS FUND DISMANTLED

The new government has binned the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF), leaving many local councils and community groups with live applications in the lurch. For years, the BBRF did exactly as the name says – it backed projects in the bush that created jobs, drove economic growth and helped regions thrive. It has funded everything from domestic violence refuges to community halls, streetscape upgrades to regional sporting grounds. The decision by the new government to bump off the BBRF will devastate many projects in the pipeline across regional Australia.

Projects like the Orange Regional Sports Precinct, which had an $10 million application in to help get it done. Bathurst Regional Council also had a $10 million BBRF application in to help build a much-needed multi-storey car park linking the Bathurst RSL Club and the proposed new medical centre in the CBD.

If the government thinks we are just going to go quietly into the night on these key projects, they should think again. Our region makes an enormous contribution to the wealth and prosperity of our nation and we demand our fair share!

YOUR LOCAL COUNCIL AT WORK

LORDS PLACE SOUTH CONSTRUCTION RAMPS UP

Residents are being asked to be patient as Orange City Council steps up the pace of construction work in Lords Place south.

Council crews have been working at night in recent weeks as they replaced an underground water main in the street.

While the night work is set to continue, crews are now also be working a day shift as the first of the new tree pits are installed.

Council’s Director of Technical Services Ian Greenham said the tree pits will be built progressively along the block.

“The tree cells are designed to prevent the problems caused when trees grow in heavily-compacted soil that left behind by traffic and parked cars,” Mr Greenham said.

“These problems come to light when the tree’s root-ball grows up out of the ground, causing damage to nearby roads and footpaths.”

“By using a tree cell, we get a healthy beautiful tree, but the roots stay within the cell.”

The tree pits are about 1.5 metre deep and measure about 4 metres by 6 metres.

A plastic structural framework is assembled inside the pit, which supports the weight of a parked car while leaving uncompressed soil

where the trees can grow.

The pits will be installed gradually along the street over the next four weeks, until 1 December.

It takes around two to three days, weather permitting, to assemble the internal structures, install pipes and put a temporary road surface on top.

For the safety of the crews and the community Council are cordoning off approximately 2 parking spaces on each side of a tree pit.

Once each pit is complete, nearby parking will return to normal.

“We’re in daily contact with the business owners in the street and we’re working to minimise the disruption as much as we can. For example, we’ve been able to schedule some jobs on the days when restaurants are closed or aren’t as busy,” Mr Greenham said

“It’s important for local shoppers to remember that these local businesses are continuing to operate despite the work happening in Lords Place.”

The Council is planning to complete the first stage of the upgrade by early December so as to have Lords Place free of disruption for the Christmas shopping period.

ARCHITECT APPOINTED FOR SPORTS PRECINCT DESIGN

Plans to build the new Orange Sports Precinct and Parkland have reached a new milestone with Orange City Council appointing Brewster Hjorth Architects to design the next stages of the project.

Council has awarded the $1.6 million contract to the Sydney-based firm, which will become the Head Design Consultant responsible for the delivery of architectural services as well as the engagement, coordination and management of subconsultants required to complete the work.

The firm will conduct community consultation with local user groups to design the athletics track and main stadium. The firm would also obtain cost estimates during the design phases.

Brewster Hjorth Architects have completed two major projects in Orange including the design of the new Orange Regional Conservatorium and the dentistry building on the Orange campus of Charles Sturt University.

Orange Mayor Jason Hamling has welcomed the latest signs of progress.

“This is going to be a project that will leave its mark for generations of Orange residents and it’s crucial we get the best design that we can. I’m delighted that architects of this standing are involved in the project,” Cr Hamling said.

“I’m glad we’re tapping into a firm which has a lot of experience in designing contemporary sports facilities. They’ll be drawing on those insights when it comes to assembling the best ideas for our new stadium and the specialist athletics track.

“Local residents have noticed the on-site deliveries of pipe, and the start of earthworks late this month will be another sign of progress.”

Orange City Council Sport and Recreation Committee chair Cr Tammy Greenhalgh said the next round of consultation with sporting clubs will be important.

“In recent years we’ve been talking with the local sporting clubs who’ll be using these facilities about what they need.

It’s important too that the architects will be giving a priority to talking with the user-groups once

again, to see if anything has changed,” Cr Tammy Greenhalgh said.

“We will be exhausting every possible opportunity to ensure we get adequate funding to complete the project to best possible standard we can to provide first class facilities for our region.”

The project is being funded by $25 million, committed by the NSW Government in 2018.

Due to expected increasing project costs since then including material and labour, it is estimated the project has increased to $35 million.

The project’s earthworks and drainage construction, worth $8 million, are set to begin in November. To meet some of the expected cost escalations, Orange City Council has applied to the Federal Government for $10 million.

Preliminary cost estimates, based on detailed designs, are expected to be finalised in December 2022 to support any additional applications for funding.

The silly season is almost upon us and now is the time to ask yourself, do you have a Plan B to get home safely?

The Orange and Cabonne Road Safety Program is encouraging everyone to leave the car at home when celebrating the festive season at their work Christmas party.

Council’s annual taxi voucher campaign has begun for workplaces to register their staff Christmas party to go in the weekly draw for free $10 taxi vouchers. The campaign is designed to encourage

all drivers to leave the car at home and make a taxi your Plan B.

Orange Mayor Jason Hamling encouraged everyone to think ahead, plan to catch a taxi and get home safely to their family this Christmas.

“I’m sure everyone is looking forward to relaxing and celebrating at their work Christmas parties this year,” Cr Hamling said.

“Celebrating safely is simple, leave the car at home and make a taxi your Plan B. We’re all aware of the tragic consequences of drink driving for

families, and it’s only made more heartbreaking when it happens around the festive season.

“It’s so easily preventable. I urge everyone to ditch the car keys when celebrating this year and look out for your workmates, to make sure they get home safely as well.”

Register your workplace Christmas celebration to go in the draw to win taxi vouchers at https://www.orange.nsw. gov.au/road-safety/?tab=whats-yourplan-b

s TREE PIT: Orange’s first tree pits were installed outside the Quest Apartment building Kite Street.

s SPORTS: The concept plan for the precinct shows a new stadium, an athletics track and eight new sports fields.

s PLAN B: Orange Taxis Chairman Darryl Curran, Orange and Cabonne Road Safety Officer Andrea Hamilton Vaughan, Superintendent Brendan Gorman, Orange Mayor Jason Hamling and Detective Inspector Lauren Treweek encourage everyone to leave the car at home this Christmas.

Music Ma ers

SINGING THE PRAISES OF COMMUNITY MUSIC-MAKING

Making music is good for you —

you do it

According to Music Australia, a not-for-pro�t national representative organisation and champion of all things music, community music-making has tremendous bene�ts for its participants and their communities. It fosters a strong sense of belonging and connectedness and brings people together across ages, cultures and ability boundaries.

And that’s without even trying; community music need only have music-

making as its chief purpose and research shows that all these other outcomes will follow.

That everybody has the right and ability to “Inspire, create and enjoy” music is a key focus for the Orange Regional Conservatorium of Music, which has been a growing community music hub for over 30 years.

The not-for-pro�t organisation has over 1800 community members in its various programs, whether at the Con itself or in schools and outreach programs across the region.

In fact, the Conservatorium o�ers 41 weekly music groups where participants can learn and discover music of all styles,

periods and cultures.

Director of the Conservatorium, Donna Riles says they strive to encourage participants of all ages to enjoy the bene�ts of community music-making and o�er the community access to world-class musical experiences.

“One of the areas of growth for the Conservatorium is in adult learning and group participation,” says Donna.

“Twenty-eight per cent of conservatorium participants are adults who enjoy returning to music, engaging in meaningful group music-making ventures and revelling in the bene�ts of social connection.”

The monthly PubChoir at the Hotel

Canobolas, Ukuleles on Friday and Saturday mornings, Tuesday morning’s community choir — the Come Together Choir, small group singing classes, the Big Phatt Jazz Band, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Encore Orchestra, Symphonic Choir, and guitar ensemble are just some of the adult music groups running from the Con.

“Research continues to reveal the bene�ts of music making in community contexts,” says Donna.

“If you or someone you know might enjoy the bene�t of joining a music group for health and wellbeing, for fun, or you might just enjoy attending and listening to some of the world-class concerts in the intimate Conservatorium auditorium, don’t hesitate to call or enquire.”

Learn how to stay one step ahead of

We

discuss the

8 November 2022

10:00am - 12:00pm

virtual fencing

Phil DONATO MP State Member for Orange

Farming, as with any business in any sector, needs to keep up with technology for greater efficiency, productivity, profitability, safety and security. In NSW Parliament I asked the Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW whether his government will amend legislation to permit new virtual fencing technology.

Virtual fencing is high-tech ag technology that assists in autonomous animal control, especially useful for cattle, which will help to reduce farmers' costs on internal fencing whilst facilitating rotational grazing principles, improving animal performance and aiding in stopping stock theft. It can also assist with detecting if animals are sick or when they are cycling and

is a potential huge game changer for our farmers.

Given the inordinate and everincreasing cost of farm fencing, which is worsened with bushfire and flood damage, this technology would not only save money in the long run but would provide enormous benefits in farm management.

Unfortunately, due to our state’s existing animal welfare legislation, virtual fencing, which uses an electronic collar to deliver a tolerable shock to the stock animal as it nears the invisible pre-set internal boundary, is not yet permissible.

The Minister responded that he recognised the important role that this technology can play in safeguarding animal welfare and

opportunities for farmers. He went on to say that there is presently stakeholder engagement being undertaken, as well as other jurisdictions across Australia assisting the government to make an informed decision on virtual fencing.

Research will be a factor in the government’s decision to reform legislation, and the CSIRO have already undertaken research and development for virtual fencing since 2005.

Our government needs to be on the front foot with legislative reform, so as not to hinder the innovation and advancement of our livestock and agricultural industries. This is something I’ll be pushing for so that our farmers can reap the benefits it would certainly derive.

A Wonderful Woman

It was so sad to hear the news last week of Pauline’s passing and extend to her family and Orange’s music community, condolences for the loss of a woman who was truly a legend in Orange.

I would also like to extend the sincere condolences on behalf of myself and the community of Orange to Pauline’s family. Her generosity of spirit in the way she supported hundreds of young music students over the years endeared her to so many in the community.

Everyone who came in contact with Pauline admired her passion for music, her patience with students and performers and her wonderful contribution of many years as the official accompanist for the City of Orange Eisteddfod. For Pauline, teaching music wasn’t about making an income from music, and she would teach free of charge spending long hours at the keyboard, so her young students could share in the passion which was a big part of her life.

Pauline will be fondly remembered as a woman who has played a very big role in the development of music in Orange.

YIRIYIRIMBANG

I visited Orange Aboriginal Corporation Health Service’s Yiriyirimbang Out-Of-Home Care Permanency Support Program, to see the basketball court upgrade following a $20,000 Community Building Partnership 2021 grant I supported.

Yiriyirimbang aims to strengthen the connection of young people to family, community and country by establishing a sense of belonging for Aboriginal children in care.

The basketball court facility at Yiriyirimbang provides a conducive, informal setting to allow culturally appropriate mentor support for vulnerable Aboriginal children in Out-OfHome Care.

Our community has been saddened by the news of the passing of Pauline Arnold OAM.

PWM Advice is proud to present ‘Comedy for Cancer’ at Factory Espresso. Its an event to raise awareness and funds for the local Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia support & Health services.

in an evening of entertainment and supporting a fundraiser for prostate cancer, the Comedy for Cancer event is being hosted at Factory

in

on 26th November.

The Greenhouse is back!

— PHOTOS BY CEC TILBURG —

It’s been a long time between rooftop drinks, but the Greenhouse of Orange is back and open for business!

Orange Ex-Services’ Club’s much-loved rooftop dining and open-air entertainment venue officially opens this Friday, November 4, but Melbourne Cup Day punters got to enjoy a first look at the refurbished facilities and new cocktail lounge on Tuesday.

“The Greenhouse reopening has been a much-anticipated event,” said Orange Ex-Services’ Club Chief Executive Officer, Nathan Whiteside.

“The Board and team at OESC are proud to be reopening this weekend. The Greenhouse of Orange is a perfect location for a social gathering and gettogether, and we can’t wait to welcome our members and guests back to The Greenhouse.”

Opening every Friday, Saturday and Sunday this Summer, the Greenhouse will be serving up a new summer menu alongside its popular woodfired pizza, he said.

“While the lawn and outdoor rooftop space will feature live entertainment, our woodfired pizzas and the new smokehouse menu, you will also have to come and see the new cocktail bar, which has transformed our indoor dining space.

“A lot of hard work has gone into reopening our rooftop venue, and I want to thank everyone involved in making this happen. I also want to thank the local community and our member that have supported the Greenhouse while we have been closed, and I hope that we see you soon at The Greenhouse.”

To celebrate the much anticipated reopening, the Ex-Service’s Club held a special “welcome back” preview function in the new piano room last week and OC Life’s photographer was there to capture the occasion.

Michael Rudd, Ellie Eveleigh, Jessica Coster and Luke Wilson Derek Pigot, Roslyn Davidson, Fiona Pigot and Alex Ferguson

Gerald Power, Tony Boland and Isaac Power

Lindsay Wright, Terry and Judy Flood and Ken Quince

Emma Tyrie, with Alice and Pip Jarrett

Anna Windsor, Lindsay Wright, Josh Chambers, Graham Gentles, Tony Boland, Roslyn Davidson, Terry Flood and Ken Quince

Graham Gentles and James King

Jason and Tammy Greenhalgh and Paul McNamara

Local recording artists’ “night of nights”

Writing, recording and releasing your own music is a big deal, says Dotted Eight Studio owner and operator, Craig Honeysett, who conceived the idea of having a local awards night.

“There’s just a ton of the process… we sit in this room for ages and agonise over every single note, every single chord, to get it perfect,” he said.

“Then often when it goes out people like, ‘oh, that sounds cool.’ But I want to give an opportunity to really recognise that sort of e�ort and hard work that goes in… get everyone together to celebrate the achievement of writing and recording and releasing music.”

“And the other part is just to give them

a chance to get their friends and family in the room and see the name up on the big screen and kind of honour the work that they do because it can be a real slog.”

The Dotted Eight Music Awards will be held on Thursday, November 17 in the Coral Sea Room at the Orange Ex-Service’s Club. The night will see nine awards handed out in categories like “Best Single”, “Best Music Video,” and “Artist of the Year”.

“Everyone that I’ve worked with who’s released music over the last 18 months is eligible for an award, which left 27 artists nominated for nine di�erent award categories,” Craig said.

The judging panel will consist of other music producers from outside of Orange, who will look at technical aspects of

the recordings along with creativity and originality.

But there is also a “People’s Choice Award” and the nominated artists have been busy rallying fans to vote for them, according to Craig.

The Awards night will also include live performances from local artists: Ntys, Raptor County (Dubbo), Austin Logan, and Robbie Mortimer.

“Robbie’s going to come on at the end and probably do an hour-and-a-half set, just let loose, all the formalities will be over and it’s going to turn into some fun!” Craig said.

For all the nominated artists, tickets and “People’s Choice” voting, visit www.dottedeight.com

Dirty Dick’s brings a night of Old English fun and feasting to the Bowlo

Australia’s long-running theatre restaurant, Dirty Dick’s, is bringing its much-loved night of Medieval English fun and feasting to the Orange City Bowling Club on Saturday, November 12.

Enjoyed by more than �ve million people, over 50 years, Dirty Dicks is a night of Medieval mirth and merriment featuring a spectacular stage show with side-splitting comedy, witty and wacky songs, madcap parlour games and hilarious audience involvement.

Enjoy this highly comical stage show along with a magni�cent three-course banquet: fresh crusty bread with hearty home-style vegetable soup, followed by alternate served prime roast beef or tender chicken breast with jus, roast potatoes and seasonal vegetables, followed by sticky date pudding with succulent sauce.

Tickets are just $69 and that includes the stage show and delicious three-course dinner.

Bookings are essential. Call the Orange City Bowling Club on 6362 2533 or email functions@ ocbc2800.com.au

It’s Orange’s answer to the Grammys; local recording studio Dotted Eight is preparing to hold its own awards night to recognise and celebrate local music artists.

Dust off your cowboy boots…

November is the month to visit Mandurama with a celebration of all things country!

Kicking off on November 4, the Mandurama Country Music Muster takes over the Royal Hotel for a month-long program of events.

Scoot your boots in and learn to line dance, enjoy the sounds of Mickey Pye, Catherine Britt and Ashleigh Dallas, or discover a new talent at the Talent Showcase. With different events running each weekend, there really is something for everybody. For a complete guide to the jam-packed month, head to royalhotelmandurama.com

Nearby, at the Central Tablelands Livestock Exchange, The Working Dog Challenge and Trial is poised to draw the nation’s best dogs to Carcoar. Running from November 24-27, don’t miss out on the action with sheep and cattle yard trials, Sire Shootout, live auction and more. Food and bar facilities will be available with live music on Saturday night. More info is available at thewdc.com.au

What’s on around Blayney?

Every weekend in November: Mandurama Country Music Muster, Royal Hotel, Mandurama 5-6 November: Millthorpe Garden Ramble 12-13 & 19-20 November: Garage Sale Trail, across Blayney Shire 24-27 November: Working Dog Challenge – Trial and Auction, CTLX, Carcoar

WHAT’S ON

Friday November 4

ORANGE CIVIC THEATRE

Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase, 7:30pm

THE BLIND PIG Cletis Carr, 8pm

THE GREENHOUSE OF ORANGE Gary Johns and Co on the lawn from 7pm Henry Saxby in the Piano Bar from 4pm

Saturday November 5

ORANGE CIVIC THEATRE

The Beatle Boys 50 years on, 7:30pm

VICTORIA HOTEL 4 on the 4loor — Mell, The Dougies, B.C. and the Foot Falcons, Kenny Feather — 8:30pm

Saturday November 5

THE GREENHOUSE OF ORANGE James Sutherland in the Piano Bar from 11am Kent Eastwood on the lawn from 4pm Rough Diamond Band from 7pm DJ Elliegant from 10pm until late

Sunday November 6

CWA HALL

Sunday Session with Andy Baylor followed by the Wickes & Watts, 1pm -4pm

THE GREENHOUSE OF ORANGE

Chloe Swannell on the lawn, 11am - 2pm; Musical Bingo from 2:30pm; Kent Eastwood in the Piano Bar from 5pm

Upcoming Events

NOVEMBER 26

Bloom�eld Hall — November Shorn 40th Anniversary Agrestic Grocer — CJ Stanger with Eli Stanford Orange Ex-Services Club — Elton Jack

DECEMBER 7

Orange Civic Theatre — A Celtic Christmas

DECEMBER 10

Orange City Bowling Club — Girls Night Out Hypnosis from 7:30pm

JAM Orange presents ‘a feast of fiddle and song’

Andy Baylor | Wicks & Watts

This Sunday, JAM Orange presents a concert of fiddle music and songs from both sides of the Atlantic, when Andy Baylor and Wicks & Watts perform at the CWA Hall in Robertson Park.

Andy Baylor is a highly respected, in�uential Australian musician known for his multi-instrumental skills, songwriting and versatility.

Inspired by the Cajun music of Louisiana during a trip to the USA in the 80’s, Andy set about developing his own take on Southern blues, funky rhythms, Country/Cajun �ddle and Australian barroom music.

Returning to Melbourne, Andy formed the Dancehall Racketeers — a band playing a wide variety of music from rockabilly, country, and cajun to western swing and blues. The Racketeers played through the eighties, touring the country extensively, bringing to Australian audiences styles of music that they had never heard before.

Andy Baylor was personally chosen by Bob Dylan and Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin) as support on their Australian tours. He has played �ddle with Aussie country legend Slim Dusty and garnered many awards at the Tamworth Music Festival.

During his extensive musical career, Andy has independently released 18 albums showcasing a wide variety of musical styles. His last o�ering,

The Old Southern Line was released in 2019.

Wicks & Watts are a Celtic-inspired Australian duo featuring Simon Watts on �ddle and Gavan Wickes on guitar.

Simon was voted outstanding performer and instrumentalist three times at the Tamworth Music Festival and is highly regarded for his work with the newgrass-fusion trio String Theories. His repertoire is peppered with bluegrass, old-time, country, jazz and steamy tango in�uences.

At Sunday’s performance, Simon and Gavin will be highlighting selections from Simon’s solo album, The Weeping Tree Paddock.

Presented by JAM Orange, the Sunday Sessions will kick o� at 1.30pm Sunday, November 6 at the CWA Hall on Lords Place. Refreshments will be available.

Tickets are $30 and can be purchased by visiting: www.jamorange.com.au or at Landers Music (limited tickets available at the door).

This is a family-friendly event with food and refreshments available. Doors open at 1pm.

Cudal Musical and Dramatic Society presents… Out of Order

One small town is set to bring in a big act as Cudal Musical and Dramatic Society prepare to perform English playwright Ray Cooney’s hilarious play, Out of Order.

Out of Order is a hysterical farce about philandering politician, Richard Willey. The story follows Richard as his plans to spend an amorous evening with a member of Opposition’s secretary go disastrously wrong when a dead body appears on the scene.

Production team member, Joyce Whiley, says the play is not to be missed with “laughs from start to �nish.”

See Out of Order will be performed at the Cudal Community Centre at 7:30pm on the 2nd and 3rd of December, as well as a matinee show at 2pm on Sunday December 4.

BYO drinks and a basket supper to enjoy.

To book your tickets contact Joyce Whiley on 63642092 or 0411465663, or Jeanette on 63642072.

Only two Open Mics left in 2022!

JAM Orange’s second last Open Mic Night for 2022 will be held at The Royal Hotel on Wednesday, November 9.

Always popular, the monthly open mic features a mix of up-andcoming musicians and well-known local talent. For any new performer you'll �nd the PA, amps and drums all set up and ready to go and there's even a house band for those who want some backing support. But with limited spots, it is recommended that you book in advance by heading to the JAM Orange Facebook page or by emailing jamorange2800@gmail.com.

Weaving a new way to a Circle of Understanding

was at Forest High,” she recalled.

The healing power of traditional crafts can bridge the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, Geraldine (Gerri) Colless believes.

This is her motivation behind the Circle of Understanding Weaving Workshop being supported by Orange City Council.

Having worked as a missionary in Papua New Guinea, Ethiopia, Vanuatu, and Nepal, Gerri said that her interest in Aboriginal culture goes back to a school mentor while she was still only a teenager growing up in Sydney.

“I’ve always had a passion for Indigenous inclusion,” she said.

“I remember a high school teacher, English, who taught us Dreamtime stories while I

Moving to Orange in recent years, she felt that she had the opportunity to put her beliefs in true reconciliation into practice.

“Anni Gallagher and the Migrant and Refugee Support Services, were very supportive. They came on board and are helping organise the event,” she said.

“It’s about re-engaging traditional skills, many of which have been lost over the years.”

The two workshops run on Friday, November 18 between 10–3pm at the Winhanganha Aboriginal Learning Centre at Orange TAFE with both Indigenous and nonIndigenous locals invited to attend.

“We’ll be having both a morning and afternoon session, and there are limited places available.

“Anyone interested in the morning session

Bringing

The Circle of Understanding weaving workshop

Indigenous and multicultural community

Lanny Mackenzie,

November,

well known Naga Weaver and Fibre

would be great, we see it as a step forward in interracial understanding.”

Technical aspects of the classes will involve the three-stage fabric-making techniques that are commonly used by the Naga people of north-east India and Myanmar (Nepal).

“The weaving technique is a traditional method that will be taught by Lanny Mackenzie,” she said.

“She’s a well-known Naga Weaver and �bre artist, these are traditional skills that, in many places, have been lost,” Gerri explained.

While learning weaving skills is the craft, reconciliation, she said, is the aim.

“It’s about bringing together Indigenous and multicultural community members to share story and culture.”

“Friendship is the whole thing, we can be friends and learn so much from each other,”

she said of the Newcrest Mines at Cadiasupported event.

Co-founder of the Orange Women’s Forum, she said that the event is generally aimed at a female audience, with some local Indigenous representatives also expected to attend.

“We’re limited to 15-people for both sessions; from 10–12 noon and from 1–3, with the morning group free,” Geri explained.

“We are hoping that some Aboriginal Elders can also come, and they can discuss areas of Indigenous culture that are often overlooked,” she added.

For more information, call Orange Migrant and Refugee Support Service on 6393 8600, or Geri on 0402 437 319.

To book a place in one of the classes, go to: www.trybooking.com/events/ landing/965754

SOCIAL

Welcome lunch for new Orange residents

— CEC TILBURG—

The free lunch was open to all new residents and their families who have moved to Orange in the last couple of years. It was a fantastic opportunity for newcomers to meet new people, find out more about their new home and be “officially” welcomed to the Orange community.

Along with the light lunch, there were also activities for the children.

Orange City Council hosted a ‘Welcome to Orange Lunch’ at the Orange Botanic Gardens on Sunday, October 30.

Lou Harply, Tim and Allison Douglas, Carla Morgan and Kellie Wakeman

Kristine Hancock, Maureen Starr, Maria Bargwanna, Chris and Joan Lamb Tatiana and Lenah Gattarim, Juan Forias, and Maureen Starr

Anu Vishwaharma and Nicole Ash Tony Ringk and Doris Nykanen Claire O’Mahony and Kathy Snowball

Barbara Weisurlogi with Judy and Derek Francis

Helen Luna, Julie-Anne and Anthony Smedley

Kelly Cox with Andrew and Hayden Castledine

Together Again — OHS Class of ‘65

Orange High School’s class of 1965 held a reunion over the last weekend of October. This is about the eighth time the cohort have gathered for a reunion weekend. The event included a variety of activities over the weekend culminating with a reunion dinner on Saturday October 29 at DuntryLeague. There were approximately 45 past student and partners in attendance, including those that had travelled from as far as the Gold Coast, Adelaide, Moree and Yass.

Orange High class celebrate 45-year reunion

— CEC TILBURG —

The class of Orange High school from 1975-1977 held their 45-year school reunion on Saturday, October 29 at the Waratahs Sports Club. Old classmates travelled from all over to be at the big occasion, making it great night for all that attended to catch-up with school friends and partners.

Photos by EdithMay Gowing

Ken and Elaine Turner

Pam Keil and Peter Mackenzie Bill and Erica McLaren (nee Clyde)

Brian Carr and Ross Webstar

Carol McCallum, Trevor May and Wendy Egenes

Ted Evenden and Elizabeth Eassie

Philip and Kee Speet

Desley Burns and Anne Field

Phil Hodges, Greg Tom, Martin and Jo Regan

Robyn and Tim Hall

Reunion orgnanisers Judy Hansen, Beth Docksey and Kim Jamieson

Lynette Barrow, Sue Zarnow, Julie Thomson

Greg Gorham and Graeme Rodwell

ORANGE

PROPERTY MARKET

Four Bedrooms Plus a Granny Flat

This neat and tidy home is bigger than you think with four bedrooms plus a granny flat with big living area, bathroom, bedroom and plumbing ready to easily add a kitchenette to make it totally self-sufficient. The main home is bright and airy with a lovely open plan living area with timber floors and an updated kitchen. The bathroom has lovely modern fittings and there is not too much more to do to put your own stamp on the home. There is a big shed with a storeroom in the backyard which has good access and lots of space remaining on the 765.1 sqm block. The water tanks and solar panels are a real bonus too. Close to the pool and not far from town this home is really well positioned and has a lot to offer.

5 November, 12.45-1.15

GOLDEN

PLENTY TO PLEASE Well located on the north side of Orange and within easy and quick access to the CBD, this large family home has plenty to please with many bedrooms and living areas, plus a dedicated office area.

5 bedrooms have built-in-wardrobes, and the main bedroom has an ensuite bathroom. The living areas are well designed with a rumpus and lounge area at the front of the house and another family room at the back of the house ensuring family members have plenty of room to spread out in their own zone. There’s room to park

caravan

boat beside

OWNERS ON THE MOVE It looks like a sweet country cottage from the outside but looks are deceiving for this family home. Not only is this home close to Kinross Wolaroi School but it is also spacious and airy with something for everyone. The master bedroom is every parent’s dream, featuring a brand-new fully renovated ensuite and a ‘Kardashian-Level’ walk-in wardrobe. All of the bedrooms are enormous, able to accommodate large beds easily and can double as a second living area if required. In the heart of everything is a combustion wood heater which keeps the home toasty warm and there are two additional split systems. There is a lovely feeling of space towards the back of the home due to its elevated position which is also framed by a stunning elm tree, allowing for beautiful westerly sun in winter and shade in

You’ll love sitting out on the elevated deck enjoying your cuppa. The yard is very low maintenance,

plenty of shed space.

FALL IN LOVE Tucked away amongst other quality homes in an attractive block between Sale and Hill Streets,

for a family-sized

are

bedrooms,

of which

and would be a

and 2 split system air conditioners. The back yard is private and fully enclosed and has a pizza oven and double car accommodation plus workshop. Within walking distance of Bletchington School, the DPI and Hill Street Grab’n’Go, this is a great home in a great location. Come see it, you might just fall in love.

has

WELCOME HOME This attractive brick home with pretty trees and gardens is quietly tucked away in an

location

far from James Sheahan High School. There is little work to be done to the light filled home

kitchen,

and modern bathroom with a convenient 2nd toilet ready and waiting. The

windows

the front garden.

spacious bedrooms

Anson

HOME OF GENEROUS PROPORTIONS

grand home stands elevated in one of Orange’s most prestigious estates. A home of generous proportions,

boasts two living areas,

As a trusted regional �nancial services provider for almost 60 years, Orange Credit Union invites all of our valued members, customers and the wider community to join us for a free community Stay Safe Financial Wellness information forum to increase prevention of fraud and scams and highlight the importance of �nancial literacy in online banking.

Similar to previous educational forums, Orange is partnering with NSW Police as local security and crime prevention experts to explore the latest trends, types of scams, what to look out for and simple ways to stay safe online.

Chief Executive O�cer, Andrew de Graa� said Orange Credit Union is taking a leadership role to build con�dence amongst our community about �nancial issues such as, digital banking, budgeting, debt consolidation and lending to be better equipped to take control of their �nances and improve �nancial �tness.

“Being scammed is one of the most worrying �nancial issues of our time, and is only increasing in impact on the community. We want to help people stay one step ahead

Learn how to protect yourself and loved ones from Scams and Fraud

to avoid fraud and scams.”

“Unfortunately, it is not only the most vulnerable or elderly residents who are being targeted, our local experience at Orange Credit Union has shown it can happen to anywhere, anywhere and it is happening right here in the Orange community on a regular basis.”

Latest ACCC Scamwatch research reveals fraud and scams are becoming more common and sophisticated, costing the community hundreds of millions of dollars every year.

The most common scams people have experienced this year are ‘smishing’ text message scams with fraudulent links or phone numbers, ‘phishing’ phone calls impersonating organisations such as Telstra and Australian Taxation O�ce, remote access scams where people give access to their computer to fraudsters in an attempt to ‘repair’ or ‘help’ with computer troubles, and email link scams from �nancial providers.

Orange Credit Union ABN 34 087 650 477 AFSL & Australian Credit Licence 240768 orangecu.com.au

Mr de Graa� said: “We want the community to know they are not alone and there is no need to be embarrassed if you have been targeted or even scammed. Since Orange Credit Union started these forums over two years ago, we have helped raise awareness and opened the conversation to help others.”

Register now to reserve your seat at our next free community Stay Safe Forum. Join us for a cuppa to learn from the experts and locals who share their experiences.

Tuesday, 8 October 10:00 am – 12 noon

Hotel Canobolas – Summer Street, Orange Morning tea and light refreshments provided Free for members, customers and the community.

Register now via this link www.orangecu. com.au/stay-safe or call us on 6362 4466.

Limited seating available so be quick.

At Orange Credit Union, we take security seriously. We want to help our customers and community to keep each other safe from fraudsters and scammers who are taking advantage of people’s good nature and vulnerabilities. Anyone could be a target so it’s important to know how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

Visit our Stay Safe website page for more information - www.orangecu.com.au/stay-safe

Property Management

OLIVIA FERREIRA, PROPERTY MANAGER

Olivia joined Peter Fisher in February 2019 and is a valued member of the property management team. Olivia has established herself as an efficient property manager and uses her patience, empathy and good communication skills extensively to meet the day to day demands that arise when managing a busy property management portfolio. Olivia finds it particularly rewarding when a landlord is happy with her work and grateful for her efforts in looking after their investment.

TESTIMONIAL (5-STAR REVIEW):

We had a unique problem where we needed to get a house renovated and ready to rent but were unable to get to Orange due to covid. However, Olivia from Peter Fisher really stepped up, helping us with quotes and organising trades people. She went so far beyond what I would have expected from an agent. The results of her help were we managed to get a house fully renovated remotely, as well as a huge increase in value and rental return.

Trials and tribulations of a true tree-changer

After a career working in interior design that had taken him from Sydney to London and back again, Ian was on the hunt for somewhere to get away from the hustle of the city; a small property with a tranquil feel and rural outlook.

With a brother living and working in Orange, Ian spent quite a bit of time looking for a suitable property in the area.

“I’d been trying to get a property out here for years, but could never find anything,” says Ian, sitting across the dining table in his well-appointed country kitchen

“They were either too big on acreage, way too big, or they just didn’t have any charm and character… then, all of a sudden, this place turned up after 15 years of looking!”

The property in question is truly unique. Originally a Welsleyan/Methodist Church built in 1873, the small stone chapel has been attributed to well-known and prolific colonial architect, Thomas Rowe. Services were held in the chapel until 1975, after which local architect John Blackwood was tasked with adapting the century-old building into a new family home.

Sympathetically done, the extension has left the historic chapel largely untouched, adding a kitchen, living space, downstairs bedroom and two loft bedrooms. A second, later extension added a new master bedroom and walk-in robe on the southern side of the building, with an adjoining cloistered courtyard.

Ian says he knew this was the property for him, before he even stepped out of his car.

“I just drove in the driveway and there was just... it was odd, there was this feeling of calm and tranquillity about it,” he recalls.

“I’ve never had that feeling on a house before.”

But after purchasing what locals know as “The Old Church” in 2015, Ian had barely unpacked a box before he started noticing that a few things needed a bit of work.

“I think I was looking at it with rose-coloured glasses, because it had, as I said, it had this wonderful feel about it,” Ian says.

But, walking back in there was something else he now noticed.

“Everything was brown! All of the ceilings, the walls, everything was brown! It looked like Heidi’s house in the Alps, or a Swedish sauna! It was just too dark,” he says, shaking his head.

“I’d only been here for about three or four days, boxes everywhere, I put some of the kitchen stuff away and, then I thought, ‘no, I can’t live with this brown’.”

So, $30,000 later, the interior timber walls and thatch ceiling are painted white, with the added cost due to the sealant that had to be used to stop the stain from bleeding through.

And that was just the beginning.

“Then I wanted to change the light fittings, and then they said, ‘you’ve had some wire damage that has to be rewired… you’re having air conditioning put in, so you’ve got to upgrade the wiring and the power box’.

When retired interior designer, Ian Birrell first stepped inside “The Old Church” at Emu Swamp, he says he felt something akin to a spiritual awakening, but it wasn’t long before more worldly concerns started demanding his attention.

— JONATHAN ROE —

“Then all the pumps broke. Then the bore blocked up... It was just this constant list of things going wrong and stu� that you have to do,” says Ian.

“Then all of these stone walls had to be treated with BondCrete because, as you can imagine, 152-year-old mortar was �aking and falling.”

But Ian wasn’t ready to stop and enjoy a quiet retirement just yet. With the house (mostly) �nished, he turned his attention to the garden.

“It was unruly, there were vines, blackberry bushes everywhere. It was a mess,” he says.

“I decided I wanted a Southern Highlands garden... the locals were saying ‘best of British’ and I thought, well, you don’t say that to this little black duck, because I will get a Southern Highlands garden!

“So I planted about 500 spring bulbs, about 80 di�erent cool-climate trees and shrubs and �xed all the lawns up… tons and tons and tons of topsoil had to be brought in to bring up the level of the garden.

“It’s just been a huge, huge lot of work, huge and expensive!”

Seven years since moving into “The Old Church” and the work is just about complete, says Ian.

Sadly, it will almost be time for him to say goodbye.

“It’s just too much work,” he says. “You know, I’ve had spinal surgery, I’ve had everything under the sun, I’ve got eight coronary stents… seven years ago I think I was able to handle it a bit better. I just think it’s time to go,” Ian says.

But does he have any regrets?

“No, not at all!” he answers quickly. “You’ve got to live in something that makes you feel comfortable, that every time you walk around the house, you think, ‘this is lovely’ and ‘gee, I like that’ and ‘I love that stone wall’.

“I have enjoyed it, it’s been a good experience, it’s been hard work and it’s been very expensive!

“Would I do it again? Yeah, I’d do it again.”

Would I do it again? Yeah, I’d do it again.”

AUCTION

66 Giles Road, Orange

“Leighton“ is located in a sought-after district with excellent & secure water & Gosling Creek frontage, just 10kms* from the thriving regional centre of Orange with sealed road access. 50ha* that boasts rich, fertile, basalt, open country with reliable rainfall, shade & shelter. Pastures are exceptional.

Auction Friday 2nd December, 10.30am

Open By Appointment

Michael Kennedy 0428 243

AUCTION

180 Mt Macquarie Road, Carcoar

Located in the quiet village of Carcoar this stunning 3.57ha* (8.8ac*) property has views like no other. 260km* Sydney & 40min* Bathurst, Orange & Cowra. The perfect secluded & private retreat benefitting from a spacious kitchen & open plan dining & living. Entertainer’s area complete with a brick pizza oven.

Auction Friday 18th November, 10.30am

Open Saturday 5th November, 12pm -12.30pm

Lucy Nell 0400 726 897

12 Raylyn Road, Canobolas

Raylyn Road offers not only a tranquil hideaway but also the bustling business of ‘Towac Valley Cabins’. This exceptional property is hidden away on approximately 3acres* offers a large homestead and 3 additional self-sufficient cabin cottages with minimal maintenance. Just 10 km west of Orange.

Auction Forthcoming Auction

Open By Appointment

Kurt Adams 0428 747

18

Lot 202 Geraldton Street, Orange

Situated in an ever-growing estate in Orange, this desirable location offers endless potential on a 422m2* block. This property offers you the opportunity to build your dream home with your choice of builder and offers easy access to Botanic Gardens, Cafes, shopping centres and childcare.

Sale Contact Agent

Open By Appointment

James Taylor 0457 792 800

Ray White Emms Mooney

HOOKER

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Spring Hill, Mount

countryside of Huntley

fireplace and split system

The

provides

living spaces and ornate

design and craftsmanship,

designed and light-filled.

4

for

plenty of space for a boat, caravan or kids to run. There’s not a penny to spend, move in as is or put your own personal touches on this well-built home. The bedrooms are all generously sized, the kitchen is well-planned and boasts lovely natural light while the living and dining areas are spacious with plenty of room for visitors.

SCOTT MUNROVICTORIA MUNRO

a method of construction that has been used for thousands of years in some places around the world, but with increasing awareness of the need to reduce our environmental footprint and ever-rising energy costs, there are more and more Australian home builders looking at the many bene�ts of hemp.

The feature exhibit at this year’s Australian National Field Days, Hemp is a small but growing industry in Australia. A rapidly growing and versatile crop, hemp seeds can be used for oil, animal feed or human consumption, while the stalk of the plant can be used to produce �bre, paper, a plastic substitute and rope among many other things.

Combined with a lime binder and sand, hempcrete or hemp masonry, hemp is a building material that o�ers many advantages, says Tara Jones from the Australian Hemp Masonry Company.

“Oh, there’s so many. Let me go through a few of them,” says Tara.

“When you mix the hemp and the limebased binder and sand and water together, and you in�ll your formwork, you embed your frame in the middle of the wall,” she continues, explaining the construction method.

“What you’re doing is you’re creating a breathable walling product, This is going to give you excellent acoustic and thermal

The many benefits of building with hemp

insulation properties.”

Hemp masonry walls help moderate the internal humidity of a home inhibiting mould growth, she says, and are also �re retardant and resistant to termites.

Able to be recycled, Hemp masonry is also carbon neutral, and in some cases carbon

negative, unlike carbon-intensive concrete production.

“This is a carbonation process. So a chemical reaction occurs when those materials are exposed to the air and that’s how it keeps sequestering carbon over time,” Tara explains.

“It’s going to keep sequestering carbon as it cures for decades into the future. You can sequester a lot of carbon on your average residential build.”

While building hemp masonry is di�erent to building with bricks, it is not complex, Tara says.

“There is a learning curve... because it is important you know how to work with the material,” she says.

“Once you do, it’s very easy to work with, so you don’t have to completely retrain, more you add to your existing skill set and use all of those things you’ve been working with in the building industry.

“As a rough point of reference in comparison — depending on the complexity of your build, obviously — it’s comparable to a single skin of bricks.”

With the updated National Construction Code requiring energy e�ciency standards to increase from six to seven stars in October next year, Tara expects there to be even more interest in hemp as a building material.

“I think that’s just starting to come into play now, but certainly, this is a fantastic material for exceeding the six stars that are now required,” she says.

If you have a look on the Australian Hemp Masonry Company website, there are some beautiful builds and some of them are to maybe a 10-star rating.”

OPEN INSPECTIONS

with ORANGE PROPERTY MARKET

9.30-10.00 114 Margaret Street 4 1 2 $715,000

10.15-10.45 36 Maxwell Avenue 2 1 1 $419,000 10.15-10.45 21 Roselawn Drive 4 2.5 2 $859,000

10.15-10.45 2 Crinoline Street 4 2 2 $670,000-$700,000

11.00-11.30 5 Colonial Close 3 2 2 $655,000-$675,000

11.00-11.30 68 Icely Road 4 2 6 $745,000

11.00-11.30 9 Newport Street 4 2 1 $679,000

11.45-12.15 61c Sampson Street 3 1 1 $1,250,000-$1,350,000 11.45-12.15 29 McCarron Place 4 2 2 $759,000 12.00-12.30 2 Thoopara Place 5 2 2 $1,250,000 12.30-1.00 25 Moulder Street 4 2 1 $749,000

12.45-1.15 6 Kamdell Place 4 3 2 $849,000 12.45-1.15 20 Franklin Road 5 2 2 Contact Agent 1.30-2.00 7 Sepik Place 4 1 1 $670,000

11.00 - 11.30am 16 Fox Avenue 3 1 1 $630,000 12.00 - 1.00pm 99 Bathurst Rd Contact Agent 10.00 - 10.30am 12 Oak Street 3 1 1 Contact Agent 11.30 - 12.00pm 9/198 Byng Street 3 1 1 $550,000

11.00 -11.30am 26 Moresby Street 2 1 1 $385,000 12.00 - 12.30pm 14 Windamingle Pl 4 2 2 $739,000 10.15 - 10.45am 167 Woodward St 4 2 1 999,000 - 1,049,000

12.00 - 12.30pm 180 Macquarie Road 4 21 4 Auction 18.11.22

10.00 - 10.30am 3/96-98 Anson Street 2 1 1 $539,000 11.30 - 12.00pm 38 Kinghorn Lane 4 2 2 $1.15m

10.00-10.30 47 Sundew Circuit 4

10.00-10.30 279 Byng Street 3

10.45-11.15 46 Tynan Street 3

10.45-11.15 13 Eyles Street 3

Matthews Avenue 3

Taronga Avenue

Street 2

Way

“Trail of Awesomeness” gets off to soggy start

Wet conditions could not dampen the enthusiasm of mountain bikers celebrating the opening of a new riding track at Mount Canobolas last weekend.

The event commemorated completion of the 20km “Trail of Awesomeness” running from Lidster fire station to the base of Federal Falls and then in a loop back down the mountain.

For Steve Peterson, obtaining funding for the trail for Orange Mountain Bike Club, has been a long-term ambition.

“I basically did the application for the club for the grant. We had tried a few times previously, and eventually got through, so that was good,” he said of the $325,000 State Government funds to finish the work.

“It went well, despite the weather, it wasn’t too bad, but the tracks were a little bit muddy, but the joy of it is, is that it is complete,” he said.

The beauty of the trail, he added, is that it is in a State Forest and follows a strip of land largely unsuitable for logging.

“It’s fascinating really, you’ve got the State Forest at Boree Creek, where you are not allowed to log within 20 metres of the creek so you can’t use it, so the trail follows that course up the mountain.

“Another way that this is nice, is that it has an elevation of about 400 metres. This is great for experienced riders, but it also means, that if you’re still a rider learning and developing, you get to the top of the trail and have a scenic ride back down.”

National’s candidate for Orange, Cr Tony Mileto, did the honours on the day and, with increasing doubts over approval and funding for the controversial Mount Canobolas mountain bike tracks, this makes the new trail even more important for riders, Dr Peterson said.

“There’s no movement at the station for the mountain trails, it just doesn’t appear to be a hot-button issue, but now there’s some pretty good tracks at Mount Canobolas.

“And it’s not just bikers, runners, walkers, orienteerers, they can all use it, if they wish,” Dr Peterson concluded.

photos HENRY DEROOY

Scott Charleton (President), Jack Rahilly (Project Manager) and Alan Giumelli (Vice President)

Ainslee Wandel and Sam Fenech

Tony Mileto, Jack Rahilly, Scott Charleton and Alan Giumelli at the Trail of Awesomeness

The view at the top.

PaulTIERNEY

THE PAGES OF A BOOK

Sometimes, the old way is the best way

I’ve never really been a big reader. Unlike my lovely wife, who voraciously polishes o four or five hundred pages every few days, the times when the reading bug catches me have been far less frequent. However, with all of the private moments in ‘iso’ we’ve had these past few years, I’ve been making up for lost time when it comes to reading books.

It was about a dozen years ago that I bought my wife a Kindle. That certainly got me in the good books (see what I did there?

). Her Kindle has its account linked to both of our iPads (and phones), so once a book has been paid for and downloaded, it provides a much better option than emails or social media to while away the online hours. Purchasing a novel online is almost always much cheaper than a hardback or paperback too, so when there’s a bookworm in your family, the bookshelves don’t pile up with books that have been read and then just serve as some kind of strange display item. On the flip side, the honour of owning all seven or eight hardcover books in a collection comes with its own special feeling.

My better half is also a member of our local library, which gives her access to a free online library, where just about any book can be reserved, borrowed, downloaded and read in a period of about a fortnight before it disappears from your device. If you’re a slow reader like me, reborrowing it is simple. Downloading audiobooks also works through this system, which means listening to them being read whilst driving is also a great free pastime.

One thing I’ve come to really love since Covid took hold of the world is the option on my device to touch a word on the screen

and instantly be given its meaning or translation. My word power has increased markedly because of this. I recently read a book called American Dirt, which is largely set in Mexico, so being able to translate the Spanish references easily without losing track of the plot was huge.

Our holiday up north saw me visit a second-hand shop, and I found one of the best supplies of recycled paperback books I’d ever seen. The sign on the wall said ‘All books, $1’, but the amount had been crossed out and replaced with 50c. I was now on a mission. The collection of pre-read tomes I put together was large, including some sporting biographies, Stephen King’s, JK Rowling’s, James Patterson’s and the complete Hunger Games series.

My tally came to five bucks, but I gave the lady a tenner, feeling guilty that my stash was worth way more. Sitting on the beach up north for an entire day (this pasty-skinned kid under an umbrella, of course) saw me polish o a book and a half, with the reading bug well and truly caught again.

A sports statistics book I picked up in this haul not only looked like it hadn’t ever been read, but it also smelt that way too. You may not agree, but I think there’s really nothing like the smell of a new book, which is something that certainly cannot be matched or emulated by any online reading application. That smell also makes the book ‘read’ better, don’t you think? A novel on the beach or in daylight hours is perfect, but the need to leave a light on at night-time when you’re curled up under the covers, sees the iPad and the Kindle earn their brownie points.

Whilst I am very late to the party, my new-found reading obsession is sure to grow, especially if I can find another shop selling action thrillers at 50c a pop.

LIFEandTIMES

with ANGUS GIBB

A CENTURY:

When I played cricket in high school, my ba ing average was around 0.7. I was your typical bunny who ba ed at number 11. My chances of making a century were nearly impossible. When I played hockey, there was no chance that I would ever score a hundred goals. Why? I was the goalkeeper. I have not visited a hundred countries or climbed a hundred mountains either. I will probably not live to a hundred years. But I have reached a century today. It is probably not the kind of century that will be remembered. It is probably not the kind of century that will change the world, but it is a century nonetheless. This is my one hundredth column that I have wri en. It has snuck up on me and I did not realise that I had reached this milestone until simply out of curiosity (and with a bit of spare time), I counted the number of columns I had composed over the last 3 years and found out that I was on 99. As I have thought about what I have tried to do with these columns, I have found myself going back to the initial conversation I had when I was first asked to contribute to OC Life in early 2020. The brief was quite simple - reflect on our life and times. It was certainly a broad brief, but also challenging. During the season

of lockdowns and COVID-19 there was certainly a lot to reflect on, as well as the expectations and hope we had as we emerged from our time of being shut in at home. But since then, there has been a lot to reflect on. As I have lived in Orange since the beginning of 2020, this column has been a space where I can reflect on what I see around me. And this is why I write. I write because I want to help people reflect on who they are, where they have come from, what it is that shapes who they are. But as I do this, I also want to be able to share a bit of who I am and what it is that makes me tick. And who am I?

In 1 Corinthians 6, the Apostle Paul says this: You are not your own; you were bought at a price. That is who I am. I am a Christian. And this shapes how I perceive and interact with the world around me. You may see the world differently to me. You may disagree with what I write. That is ok. What I do want to say, however, is that this does not mean that we do not still take the time to reflect on who we are. This is what these last one hundred columns have been all about. About ge ing you to pause and think and hopefully show that your perception of what a Christian is, is perhaps not what you first thought. That is my hope anyway. So thanks for following these ramblings each week and here’s to another hundred in the years ahead.

YOUR

reception@oclife.com.au Have something of interest to share?

Spooky, wet, and windy for “All Hallows Eve”

While many decry it’s aping of American commercialism — though it’s origin is actually in Celtic mythology — there’s no doubting that Halloween, in the past 20 years, has become a regular celebration among Australia’s annual events calendar.

From All Hallows Eve, (“All Saints Day” in the Catholic Church calendar), Halloween was traditionally believed, in more superstitious times, to fall on the day when the spirit and the corporeal worlds were at their closest.

The aim of dressing-up and carving pumpkins, was supposed to protect children from evil spirits that would migrate from the world of fairies and demons.

While last Monday night with lashing winds was certainly eerie enough, it did not stop the fun for parents and supporters of Bloomfield Junior Rugby League Club who held a Halloween event at an Orange venue.

Arabella Gronoff and Anabelle Groves were two locals who got into the “spirit” of the event with a couple of terrifying outfits as the rain and wind heralded a dark evening descending on the Colour City.

Millthorpe Ramble is back on this weekend

Millthorpe’s famous Garden Ramble is back after a two-year absence years this weekend.

Ramble Committee President, Lyndall Harrison said that it’s allsystems-go for the November 5–6 return event.

“We’ve got a nice mix of intimate town gardens, and larger rural properties,” she said.

“Out of the 10 gardens we’re featuring, six are new to the Ramble… we’ve had over 106 gardens in it over the 17-years.”

Gardens featuring this year include the property, “Canberra”, originally a small dairy holding established in 1911 featuring rose gardens, an

orchard, and vegetable beds.

Other featured properties include the property “Amesbury” with ornamental grape vines, a Boules court, and extensive pines and firs; and the new “old” farmhouseEnglish cottage “Little Springvale” established in 2016 in a bare, rural landscape with views of Mt Canobolas.

Gardens are open from 10–4pm on both the Saturday and the Sunday with tickets $25 each, children are free.

While tickets will still be available on the day at venues, attendees are encouraged to buy online via the event homepage at: www. millthorpegardenramble.com.au/

Halloween, Heroes and Hot Dog Day

It was ghosts, skeletons, witches and superheroes who took over Spring Hill Public School this week.

Students participated in a variety of ‘spooktacular’ activities such as Daredevil Disco, Eyeball Pong, Spider Headbands, Creepy Crunchy Chocolate Spiders and Witches Cauldron. Students also enjoyed delicious hot dogs for lunch.

a WINNER?

sponsored by

We have a voucher for Orange Tenpin Bowl

each week, so the

Each week we’ll hide a small version of "Pinny" (pictured) somewhere in OC Life. It could be anywhere. To

simply find

of an envelope, along with the

write your name and phone number on the

number you found him on, emails are also welcome at reception@oclife.com.au

Put in an entry and we’ll draw a winner from among correct entries each week.

ENTRIES CLOSE 12.30PM TUESDAY EACH WEEK.

Nov 3: Roy Emerson, tennis star, 86. Lulu, British singer-actress, 74. Anna Wintour, US magazine editor, 73. Roseanne Barr, US comedienne-actress, 70. Adam Ant, British pop singer, 68. Sam Pang , comedian, Have You Been Paying Attention, 49. Gemma Ward, Aussie model, 35. Courtney Barnett, singer-songwriter, 35. Angus McLaren, actor, 34. Ellyse Perry, soccer player, 32. Nov 4: Loretta Swit, US actress, 85. Laura Bush, former US first lady, 76. Rod Marsh, cricketing legend, 75. Jacques Villeneuve, Canadian racing driver, 69. Tony Abbott, former Prime Minister, 65. Tony Burke, federal politician, 53. Matthew McConaughey, US actor, 53. Sean “Pu Daddy” Combs, US rapper, 53. Curtis Stone, chef, 47. Nathan Ross, footy player, 34. Nov 5: Elke Sommer, German-born actress, 82. Art Garfunkel, US musician, 81. Kris Jenner, TV personality, 67. Bryan Adams, Canadian singer, 63. Tatum O’Neal, US actress, 59. Famke Janssen, Dutch actress, 58. Penny Wong , politician, 54. Luke Hemsworth, actor, 41. Kate DeAraugo, singer, 37. Nov 6: Jean Shrimpton, English model, 80. Sally Field, US actress, 76. Graeme Wood, cricketer, 66. Cory Bernardi, former politician, 53. Ethan Hawke, US actor, 52. Rebecca Romijn, US supermodel-actress, 50. Thandie Newton, Zambian actress, 50. Megan Jones, Olympic equestrian, 46. Emma Stone US actress, 34. Isaah Yeo, Dubbo-born footy player, 28. Nov 7: Helen Garner, novelist, 80. Joni Mitchell, Canadian folk singer, 79. Christopher Knight, Peter on The Brady Bunch, 65. David Guetta , French DJ, 55. Mark Philippoussis, tennis player, 46. Ben Austin, Wellington-born swimming champ, 42. Matt Corby, singer-songwriter, 32. Lorde, NZ singer-songwriter, 26. Nov 8: Guus Hiddink , soccer coach, 76. Bonnie Raitt US singer, 73. Andrew Wilkie, politician, 61. Gordon Ramsay, UK chef, 56. Courtney Thorne-Smith, US actress, 54. Tara Reid, US actress, 47. Brett Lee, cricketer, 46. Brent Webb, footy player, 43. Sam Sparro, performer, 40. Nathan Reardon, cricketer, 38. Nov 9: John Singleton, businessman, 81. Lou Ferrigno, US actor, 71. Kevin Andrews, politician, 67. Michael Robotham, crime fiction writer, 62. Pepa , US rapper, 53. Nick Lachey, US musician, 49. Jana Pittman, Aussie athlete, 40. Delta Goodrem, singer-actress, 38.

TRIVIA TEST

advertising campaign

the grim reaper?

historian wrote “A History of Australia”?

noisome

is viognier?

is

“ology”

A4s

is Oxbridge an

Italian breed of dog is used to

is missing from unleavened bread?

TQ659. SEE THE TV+ GUIDE FOR ANSWERS

TRIVIA TEST ANSWERS #659

1 AIDS awareness campaign, 2 Manning Clark, 3 offensive, 4 grape variety, 5 small owl, 6 etymology, 7 four, 8 Oxford and Cambridge universities, 9 marem ma, 10 yeast.

smallowl,6etymology,7four,8Oxford andCambridgeuniversities,9marem ma,10yeast.

Clark,3offensive,4grapevariety,5

1AIDSawarenesscampaign,2Manning

TRIVIATESTANSWERS#659

TQ659.

10Whatismissingfromunleavened bread?

Delta Goodrem

Quick CrosswordQuiz

ACROSS

1 Plant cultivated for its grain-like seeds (9)

6 Main actor (4)

10 Goop (3)

11 Accusations of subversion or treason (11)

12 Advantageously (8)

13 Overseas (6)

14 Nerd (4)

DOWN

No. 056

1 Resent someone’s pleasure or good fortune (8)

2 Schools of a university (8)

3 Native American beads (6)

4 Capital (9)

5 Teaching period (4)

7 Greek sea-god (6)

8 Fix (6)

9 Reddish stalk used in pies (7)

1 How many limestone pillars currently make up the Twelve Apostles on the Great Ocean Road in Victoria?

2 Is limestone an igneous, sedimentary or metamorphic rock?

3 In which US city is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame located?

4 Which river connects the Great Lakes of North America to the Atlantic Ocean?

5 What was the full name and rank of T.E. Lawrence, known famously as Lawrence of Arabia?

6 Which Islamic holiday is celebrated earlier in the year, Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha?

7 Who wrote the 1958 novella on which the film Breakfast at Tiffany’s is based?

8 Who played James Bond in 1971’s Diamonds are Forever?

9 From which part of the UK is singer Dame Shirley Bassey (pictured)?

10 Which species of whale has the scientific name Monodon monoceros?

15 Waitstaff (7)

20 Mythical horse-man (7)

21 Scheme (4)

25 A spice (6)

26 Any place (8)

28 Extreme conservatism or rightism in politics (11)

29 Siesta (3)

30 Yin counterpart (4)

31 The world’s largest island (9)

16 Grant (9)

17 Token (7)

18 European country (8)

19 Dauntless (8)

22 Power (6)

23 Lineage (6)

24 Coloured pencil (6)

27 Shallow bell (4)

Down

the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words

in “s”.

Fond Memories

Kerry William Nonnenmacher

17.2.1942 ~ 1.11.2013

In loving memory of Kerry

Nine years have passed by and our lives go on without you. Time may pass and fade away but memories of you will always stay, They grow more precious in our hearts, that we treasure everyday.

Loving wife Pauline, Nadine, Bradley, Darren, Carol and families.

Harold Sidney Boaden (Sid)

1.11.2007

The family chain is broken now And nothing seems the same, But as God takes us one by one, That chain will link again

Your loving family ��

Darling Cindie

14.1.1971 ~ 3.11.2020

Two years have passed so quickly, and we miss you so much...

It doesn’t get any easier, our hearts have been broken into tiny pieces and cannot be mended. We love you so much ��

Time slips by and life goes on, But from our hearts you’re never gone.

We always think about you and talk about you too. We have so many memories but we wish we still had you. ��

All our love

Mum, Belinda, Greg, Bree, Dee, Kayne and Ally (the cat)

With Michael Kemp

CROSS purposes Responding to winning big

Imagine your Dad bought you a lo o ticket and you won the jackpot.

Millions of dollars in one go. How would you respond?

Would you hide the money and not tell anyone about it? Does that seem silly to you? Wouldn’t you instead celebrate and tell others of your Dad’s generosity? Wouldn’t you share some of the presents with your Dad (a new car perhaps)?

Millions of dollars might seem like a lot, but it pales when compared to the gi from God. A gi which God gives us freely because his son, Jesus, died on the cross so that our sins (disobediences) could be forgiven and then we can live forever with God in heaven. Money runs out, cars rust and wear out, but the gi of eternal life does not.

So, if you accept God’s gi of eternal life, you are likewise not going to keep it quiet. Rather you should tell others of God’s generosity and live in response to his gi .

Footnote: I discourage lo o really. You almost never win, but the odds with God are much be er! Accept him and it is a sure thing (because God does it all).

THUMBS UP to the ground sta� at the Borenore Caves. Lovely to see the picnic and walking trails well mowed last weekend for visitors. An amazing e�ort after all our abundant recent rainfall. It’s such a pleasant place to take the family. Well done!

THUMBS UP to Rebecca at the Roads and Maritime Services, (RMS) for being so helpful.

THUMBS UP to Justin at Bunnings for being so knowledgeable about paints that we needed and also for the prep equipment that was vital to doing the job right. Thanks again, mate — you made a hard job, easy.

A BIG THUMBS UP to the Ocean Project Fish & Burger Cafe in Kite Street. We recently enjoyed a lovely morning co�ee, and then went back again for a delicious Sunday lunch. They have a very good choice of meals and takeaways also, well-priced, with terri�c sta�. We will be going back!

THUMBS UP to the person who recently won the Orange Prostate Group’s fundraising ra�e. The winner picked up his prize, a basket of goodies, but then returned 20 minutes later and said he was delighted with the win, but felt it was worth more than he paid for the ticket alone, and then donated another $20 to the group!

A BIG THUMBS UP to Geo� and Brendan at Orange City Council; two men from a building site close by; and the two police o�cers, who all showed compassion, helpfulness, and support after a car accident last Wednesday. It was very much appreciated.

THUMBS DOWN to the many local outlets who now have “tap only payment” for their goods and services. Some of us, especially the elderly, still like carrying cash as it makes budgeting and keeping track of our spending easier. Also, if there are power or internet outages, as sometimes happens, you can still get what you want. Making payments card-only may have been understandable during the COVID crisis when people were social distancing, but now? I think the convenience now, is for the store, and not the customer.

THUMBS UP and a huge “thank you” to Wayne from the fruit and vegetable section at Woolies for his excellent customer service skills by assisting in the Express Lane and helping to serve customers with the Anson Street store being so short-sta�ed. He is always so helpful and friendly.

(A MILLION) THUMBS UP to Jasmine who works for Qantas at Orange Airport; you are amazing, and your help was so greatly appreciated.

THUMBS UP to the local teachers who are getting on with teaching our kids at a time when there are many sta� shortages; also for the substitute teachers stepping into the breach by �lling in for classes that would otherwise have no educator for the day.

THUMBS DOWN to the elderly couple who were recently heard making racial slurs to our local Asian community, many of whom have lived in Australia for a long time. A human being is a human being, and those comments were unwarranted and incredibly disrespectful.

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

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THUMBS DOWN to Orange City Council for being so sneaky by removing the Lords Place trees when they did!