Andrew GEE MP

Runs

Last week I joined fellow Lions Club members in honouring Bob Cleal who was awarded his Lions 50-Year Medallion. This recognises five decades of service to Lions.

The Lions motto is ‘We Serve’, and this motto has characterised Bob’s life. He has given selflessly to make Orange, our region, and our country a better place.

By his side has been his wife Barbara, who has also given selflessly to our community. District Governor Mike Ryan was on hand for the official presentation, as was Orange Lions President Debbie Butwell and many other Lions and family members.

Congratulations Bob and Barbara! Our community is very grateful for your many years of service, and it is very much appreciated.

THE KING’S BIRTHDAY 2023 HONOURS LIST

Congratulations to all of our local residents who were awarded King’s Birthday Honours this year. This is very fitting and deserving recognition for all the important work and contributions they have made to our region.

• Dr Elizabeth Barrett AM, of Perthville, for significant service to rural and remote medicine in various roles

• Mr Ken Barwick OAM, of O’Connell, for service to secondary education

• Mrs Lyn Brady OAM, of Bathurst, for service to the community of Bathurst

• The Late Mr Allan Garside OAM, for service to football

• Mr Ernest Shave OAM, of Orange, for service to the community of Orange

• Dr Gregory Smith OAM, of Orange, for service to the community through social welfare organisations

• Mr David Veness OAM, of Bathurst, for service to people living wih Parkinson’s disease

• Mr Gregory Rushton ACM, of Ponto, for distinguished service in civilian corrections for adults

• Lieutenant Colonel Scott Fletcher CSM, of Orange, for devotion to duty as the Chief of Staff within Headquarters Joint Task Group 6291 during Operation COVID 19 ASSIST and Operation NSW FLOOD ASSIST 21 from January to November 2021

Western Nsw Training Awards

Last

Congratulations to all of the very impressive finalists and winners on a job well done!

The Apprentice of the Year award went to Caroline Morris from Bathurst. Throughout her apprenticeship at Newcrest Mining, Caroline has demonstrated extreme dedication! She also completed her Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade, at Tafe NSW. Congrats Caroline!

The School Based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year went to Luka Smith from Orange. Whilst attending High School, Luka is undertaking a Certificate II in Engineering. Also, Luka participated in Regional Development Australia’s Ten4Ten Program last year. What an impressive young man!

I also enjoyed chatting to Blayney’s Callie Hutchings and her Dad. Callie is a finalist in the School Based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year and has a very bright future in health and medicine! Her friends, family and Blayney High must also be very proud!

Thank you to Judy Doulman and the organising committtee, the sponsors, employers and training organisations for a night to remember!

Over the long weekend, thousands of visitors flocked to Orange for the State Under 13s Rugby Championships hosted by Orange City Junior Rugby.

Five hundred players registered for the tournament, which was taken out by Parramatta Two Blues over Sydney’s Southern Districts.

It was an honour to join Orange City Councillor Tammy Greenhalgh to help with the official presentations.

I would like to congratulate competition manager Penny Fisher and everyone at Orange City Rugby, plus all the helpers and sponsors for making the weekend such a success. It was a huge boost for the local economy, and a wonderful way to promote the sport of rugby in our region. A tournament of this scale does not happen without the support of so many volunteers, and I would like to acknowledge them for all of their hard work. The tournament was outstanding, and all of the visitors certainly enjoyed their stay.

Congratulations to the winning side!

Thursday June 15

Metropolitan Hotel

Live music every Thursday, 8pm til late. Free entry!

Friday June 16

The Greenhouse

Neil Gill Live in the Cocktail Bar, 7pm

Metropolitan Hotel

Live music every Friday, 8pm til late. Free entry!

Canowindra

The Palms Canowindra Twilight Markets, 4pm

Saturday June 17

Orange City Bowling Club

Sydney Hotshots, 7pm

Orange Civic Theatre

Celtic Illusion – The Magic Returns, 7.30pm

Orange Regional Conservatorium

Choral Gala, 5pm

Metropolitan Hotel

Live music every Friday, 8pm til late. Free entry!