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It’s been another busy week! Tuesday comes around again, and I don’t really know where the days have gone. I somehow got roped into taking part in the Dubbo Stampede on the weekend, and I noticed plenty of Orange Runners Club members and other Orange locals who had made the trip. With the early start and rain, I can’t say it was the most enjoyable time I’ve spent at the zoo, but I’m still glad I did it.
As you will have seen on our cover and inside this issue, Legacy Week begins on Sunday, September 1 and continues through to Saturday, September 7. Look out for our local volunteers who will be walking the streets and setting up stalls in shopping centres, selling badges and other merchandise to raise money for Legacy to continue their support of the widows and children whose loved ones have served our country. Buying a badge or making a donation is a small thing to do, but it makes a big difference to those who Legacy supports.
Have you grabbed a ticket to Zest Fest yet? Tickets to Orange City Council’s music festival in Robertson Park on November 2 are free, but numbers are limited. So visit zestfest.com.au to make sure you don’t miss out.
Until next week!
hen Peter Son returned to the Colour City to launch his very own cafe back in 2019, it was the fulfilment of a dream he’d had for many years. Now Peter is seeing another dream come true: the launch of a new restaurant serving his very own food creations and takes on classic Korean favourites.
Born and raised in South Korea, Peter came to Australia on a working holiday visa in 2007 and fell in love with life down under. It was in Australia that he discovered he had a knack for hospitality and a real passion for food.
Enrolling in cookery courses, Peter worked in cafes and restaurants across Sydney before finding himself managing the People Cafe here in Orange from 2011 to 2013.
Eyecare
Orange became like a second home, said Peter, who swore he would return one day. Seven years later, Peter made good on his pledge, settling down in Orange with his wife and young family.
“And then I had a dream about making my brand,” says Peter, who slowly began introducing some Korean flavours into his cafe menu.
With encouragement from his satisfied customers, Peter opened a small takeaway shop in Glenroi Avenue back in March to sell his own carefully created recipes of fried chicken along with a selection of Korean cuisine favourites.
“We started from the Glenroi. It was a little kind of takeaway shop and people wanted me to keep going and said, why don’t you open the North Orange area?” says Peter, standing in the spacious dining room of his new North Orange restaurant, PFC Orange, last week.
“We had many customers actually living on the North side, so we’ve found much demand here.
“And then I just tried to extend and then challenge myself to provide liquor service and then slightly more Korean food as well, not only chicken.”
Peter is on a mission to introduce the
...I
had a dream about making my brand,” says Peter, who slowly began introducing some Korean flavours into his cafe menu...
flavours of his home-country cuisine to his second home here in Orange. He has plans to extend his menu and has even brought in Korean beers and spirits for his restaurant.
“I’d like to introduce the authentic Korean, even beer or some other things,” says Peter, “I’ve just put a variety, not much, but little by little… For now we are still settling down a bit. everything is still in the beginning, so I don’t want to let my customer down. Firstly, we need to do a good job and then, once we’re getting confident, then we can keep going forward, providing for other dishes.”
Launching the new seven-days-a-week restaurant while keeping his Leaf Cafe in the Orange City Centre running smoothly has been a challenge both mentally and physically, says Peter, but it hasn’t stopped him from dreaming of bigger things like a second restaurant or even his own franchise chain.
“I’d like to keep going. I don’t want to stop,” says Peter. “I don’t know what’s the end of my journey, but while time allows me to keep going, I’d like to.”
It all started as a promise made to a dying soldier by his mate more than 100 years ago, to “look after the missus and kids.”
Many things have changed in the century since, but not the need for Legacy’s vital support to the families of those who’ve given their lives or their health in service to our country.
Today, Legacy cares for some 40,000 veterans’ families, from widows in their senior years to young widows and their children and veterans’ dependents with a disability.
And they do so without any government support.
Legacy Week, September 1–7, is the one time of the year that Legacy appeals to the community for help and our local Legacy branch is asking the community to buy a badge or some merchandise to support a worthy cause.
“All week, we’ll put volunteers and legatees in shopping centres and if you walk around the streets, you’ll see them selling the merchandise,” local legatee James Linton said.
“And we also have a number of schools, year 10 and 11 students take trays of merchandise around… and we get helped out by the local regiment, the 119th, and they go around the industrial areas and the streets as well.”
As well as the roving badge sellers, you will find Legacy stalls set up in the Orange City Centre, Orange Central Square, North Orange Shopping Centre, the Village on Summer Street, Peisley Street IGA and East Orange Post Office on various days throughout next week.
“We received no government assistance, so this is the one week of the year when we look for public donations,” Orange Legacy president Ed Furze said.
Orange Legacy covers a region from Blayney in the south to Coonamble
in the north and provides assistance to about 220 windows as well as two teenage children.
The organisation offers support in the form of financial assistance to organising lawn mowing, window cleaning, social visits and outings.
“We currently hold three luncheons — Mother’s Day, War Widows Day and Christmas – Where they gather either here or somewhere like the Ex-Service’s Club… that’s always a great catch-up,” Mr Furze said.
“It’s interesting just to stand on the wall and watch them all being kindred spirits and more than happy to talk with one another. They see that as a very important outing.”
With the organisation now in its second century, the needs of those reaching out to Legacy for help have changed somewhat, Mr Furze said.
But the need for Legacy is still just as important.
“It’s not like the plethora of World War II widows, who mostly were stayat-home mums, not as educated as this current generation — there was no super for the World War II widows –. their needs were always much greater,” Mr Furze said.
“This generation of Legacy beneficiaries… it’s a change of focus to a different type of generational problem. There are many more who have given their health, and they’re suffering greatly mentally.
“Legacy House is a meeting place for both veterans and also first responders who are suffering and they gather in this room and talk about their problems; they regard Legacy as a safe place for them to come.
“So you can see a change in direction. We’re still offering the same services, but I think the need is there. I can see we’re going to exist for a lot longer yet.”
Legatee James Linton and Orange Legacy president Ed Furze with long-serving Legacy volunteers Nora Bridges and Margaret Sutton.
Don’t forget it’s Father’s Day this Sunday, September 1!
To celebrate all the great dads in our community, Orange City Life’s Emily Thompson decided to go and ask some of our young readers what it is they like about their fathers.
Matilda, 10 - I love Dad when he swears at his computer games. He makes me laugh so much!
Charlo e, 15 - I love the time he spends with me, playing sports and hiking.
Jesse, 9 - We don’t have a dad in our family, so my mum is a mummy/ daddy who has to do both. She’s great at most things, but not fishing or building things.
Lachlan, 9- My dad is so cool because he likes cars and we watch the races together.
Matilda, 7- My dad is a great dad because he helps with everything and helps me with my feelings when I’m mad.
Harry, 11- I love my dad because he makes ‘good’ dad jokes.
Leo, 8- My dad makes good book week costumes.
Evie, 5- He gives good squeezes.
Emily, 12- The thing I love most about Dad is that he’s caring and loving. He’s the most supportive dad anyone could ask for. I love that he loves who I am.
Violet, 10 - I love Dad because he helps me with work.
Ben, 10 - The things I love: he’s smart, brave, hardworking, he knows how to fix things that Mum has no idea about. Most of all he’s the best role model for me.
Marcos, 14 - Dad is the “nice cop” and he plans the best weekends away to the NRL.
Thomas, 13 - I love my dad because he does everything for us, helps fix our problems and has fun with us.
Ruby, 12 - I love my dad because he loves us and encourages us to follow our dreams.
Linc, 9- I love the way he cares about us and takes us to unique places.
Jade, 13- I love Dad’s laugh. He shares his jokes with me and we can laugh together.
Hazel, 3- Dad gives me piggy backs and takes me to the park.
Charli, 15- When he makes us laugh and he always plays practical jokes on me – hiding and jumping out. He always makes me scream.
Lachie, 11- I love Dad because he’s kind and loving.
Lo e, 3- Dad has spiky hair and chocolate chip cookies. I love cookies!
Works continue on new Orange Sports Complex Stadium
designs due by end of year
Steady progress continues to be made on Orange’s long-awaiting new sports complex at Bloomfield.
In February, the NSW Government committed $59.5 million to the Orange Sports Complex project, which includes the construction of eight multi-purpose playing fields, a rectangular field and stadium and athletics facility to the south of Sir Jack Brabham Park.
Work began last month to create the irrigation and drainage for the first stage of the project, which is the eight new sports fields.
In an update last week, Orange City Council said steady progress is being made and will continue over the remainder of 2024.
The news fields will be irrigated when required, says Council, with any overflow or major storm flows collected by the precinct’s stormwater system. This system includes storage in a dam on the northern end of Sir Jack Brabham Park that can then be used for irrigation.
The new fields will also be topped with 200mm of sand to improve drainage.
Council expects the tender to erect lighting for the eight new sports fields, together with supplying power to the site, to be issued next month.
Council says design work on the detailed plans for both the main stadium and the athletics track is continuing and staff are working with the design teams to ensure the project can be completed within the set budget.
Designs for the new stadium are expected to be finalised by the end of the year, which will then allow for development applications to be submitted for final planning approval.
Work on the Athletics track and remaining associated infrastructure will not begin until after the tender for the main stadium is finalised and the costs of the stadium construction are known.
With local government elections just over a fortnight away, the awarding of the construction tenders will be a matter for the new council.
When Tim Duggan launched his local tech repair and computer business, My Tech Mate, in 2021, he saw a real need for quality customer service and knowledgeable, trustworthy advice.
Now, with a new, large showroom at 4/241 Lords Place, Tim is looking to do more by offering a space for educational community sessions to help people better understand and take control of the technology they use on a day-to-day basis.
“The main reason people come to My Tech Mate is to get a problem solved, and we solve problems — that’s what we do,” Tim said.
“It doesn’t matter whether it’s, ‘My iPhone’s not charging anymore’ all the way through to ‘I’m not getting enough performance on my website’. You can come in and get served by somebody who knows what they’re doing, will give you the right knowledge about what you are buying and a very high level of customer service.”
But over the last five years, Tim spotted a need that’s more than just repairing phone screens and connecting printers. His new, expanded showroom includes a 30-seat “amphitheatre” and an array of large highdefinition screens, which Tim plans to use for educational sessions on different aspects of technology.
“Sort of like mini TED Talks,” Tim explained.
We’re making the move to renewable energy together. As we build new critical infrastructure we’re sharing the benefits through regional grants. Local and First Nations businesses and organisations are now eligible to share in the first $70 million.
Find out more: www.energyco.nsw.gov.au/communitybenefits
“We’ve gone back and documented all the stuff that people have asked us for help with over the last five years. We’ve got an Excel spreadsheet that has all the topics that people have wanted us to give them information on.”
These topics range from “How to use Facebook?” to SEO and digital marketing for small businesses.
“One thing I really want to focus on down the line, because I think it’s just a massive problem, is education for parents about technology and what the kids are being exposed to online,” Tim said.
“Not to tell people what they need to do for their kids, but just give them the information so they can make the best decision. Cyber security is another topic that I’d love to talk about,” he added.
My Tech Mate will also be partnering with other local businesses to provide a venue for tech-related education sessions in their particular areas of expertise.
“We’ve got Michelle Slack-Smith from Adventum Travel, who has a huge amount of experience in the travel industry. The people she speaks to about going overseas are
...a massive problem, is education for parents about technology and what the kids are being exposed to online...
often scared by things like, ‘How do I make a phone call?’ ‘Will my phone work overseas?’
‘How will I find my way around?’ ‘How do I communicate?’” Tim said, giving an example of one information session in the planning
“Her showcasing that means that she will then capture more customers, so it
obviously helps her business out. It helps our business because it brings people into our shop, and it helps the community out.
“Our company motto is ‘We improve people’s relationships with technology’. That’s why we want to do more to combat the negatives of technology. The more that we can upskill people, the more they’re going to use their tech, and the more they value their tech.”
Of course, My Tech Mate is always there to give you more hands-on help with your tech. They specialise in phone repairs, tablet
repairs and computer repairs. They even do house calls to conduct repairs on-site or install a new computer or printer.
My Tech Mate’s large new showroom means they now stock an even bigger range of new and used computers, mobile phones and accessories. Come and see for yourself!
MyTech Mate is open 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday. The new showroom is located at 4/241 Lords Place, Orange (formerly DG Cycles). The store can also be accessed from the lower level carpark of the Orange Central Square shopping centre.
It all really began last summer, explains sports tragic Sam Livingstone in his backyard shed surrounded by shelves of sporting equipment, framed Newcastle Knights jerseys and other memorabilia.
Sam’s 13-year-old stepson Lewis — also sport-obsessed — was breaking cricket bats at an unsustainable rate, and it was out of necessity more than anything that Sam began looking into repairing the bats himself.
“Lewis was playing cricket at a pretty high level, he was playing in the local comp, he was playing in the local junior comp, senior comp, representative team and then training two or three nights a week. So he had a bat in his hand six or seven days a week in summer,” says Sam.
“Handles break quite often.. also toes get moisture in them, split and then chunk out. So handles and toes are the
A little DIY leads to backyard business opportunity for Lewis and Sam
main things that we’ve been repairing.”
Sam had already had some experience repairing and regripping golf clubs, a sport he took up after a shoulder injury brought an end to his rugby league career. With most of the tools already at hand, he began repairing bats for Lewis and then his friends and others.
“Yeah, we were just fixing our own stuff and then mates would say, ‘Lewis showed me his repair, I’ve got a bat at home with a broken handle’, or ‘ I’ve got one that’s got a cracked edge that sanding back’,” says Sam
“Then they’d tell a friend, and they’d tell a friend, and we found ourselves really busy with repairs. We weren’t making any money on it, but it was sacrificing our nights and weekends with the rest of the family.”
See that there was a real need for what
they were doing, Sam sat down with his wife Tracy and Lewis and decided this might be a business opportunity.
“We said, there’s a market here for it. Why is there no one in the Central West doing this?” continues Sam.
“So we ordered some handles, we got some glue, did some research, speaking to people that have been around the game, people in Sydney that do some repairs and we learnt a lot off YouTube, and we just started fixing up old bats.
“We’d buy broken bats for 20 bucks, and we turned them into a really nice usable piece of equipment.”
But having come this far, Sam and Lewis thought, Why not get some willow and make a bat ourselves?
“We’d basically refurbished the bats from scratch anyway…So we decided
to get our own clefts of the raw willow and see what happens. We made our own bats and took them to the nets, and suddenly three or four other people wanted one!”
So two months ago, Sam and Lewis launched Ellebrook Sports, a business that manufactures custom cricket bats, refurbishes and repairs cricket bats, and retails pads and other sports equipment and accessories — right here in Orange.
“We saw that there was a gap in the market for both repairs and for equipment in general, says Sam.
“We did a fair bit of research and we thought it could be a little thing to do on the side to make a little bit of money. Lewis is on the Orange Under 16s rep side and is going to Queenstown in January. Maybe this might be able to contribute a little bit to the trip.”
Lewis Hannan and Sam Livingstone with a cricket bat in progress in their backyard workshop here in Orange.
Phil DONATO MP
State Member for Orange
NSW Women of the Year Awards 2025
Do you know the next NSW Woman of the Year? These incredible individuals are the ground-breaking thinkers, everyday heroes, social reformers and innovative role models who improve the lives of people across the state. Scan the QR code orvisit nsw.gov.au/wotya25 to nominate now!
or via QR code
More than four years ago after 10-year-old Bridgette “Biddy” Porter's tragic death, her parents, Rebekah and Dominic, seek justice for their daughter.
Supported by Advocacy Australia, the petition calls for:
1. Parliamentary Inquiries into the handling of Biddy Porter’s case by the NSW Office of Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and its adherence to victims' rights laws and guidelines.
2. Transparency and accountability from the Mental Health Review Tribunal (MHRT), particularly regarding the release of dangerous individuals back into the community.
3. Reforms to Victims’ Support Services to increase funding and provide appropriate support for victims of serious crimes.
4. A Coronial Inquest into Biddy’s death to help prevent similar tragedies.
The petition needs 20,000 signatures to be debated in the NSW Parliament and we are almost there.
If you are a registered voter in NSW, please take 30 seconds to sign the petition and support justice for Biddy Porter. Sign the Petition at... https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/la/ Pages/ePetition-details.aspx?q=C7ERDwYF7WT01GI_JnALw or via QR code
Dementia Lens Orange
All too often, people living with dementia and their carers are provided with nothing but a diagnosis. At this difficult time, it’s up to individuals and their families to figure out how they get help moving forward, and from whom. Thankfully, positive change is happening.
I recently spoke to local resident Denise Mills, an advocate with Dementia Australia and a member of Dementia Australia's Business Advisory Group, about a new volunteer project called Dementia Lens Orange.
Orange Health Service has revealed plans for a palliative care expansion, adding three new dedicated bedrooms and support spaces, including an outdoor courtyard. This development, designed with input from healthcare professionals and the community, enhances the existing palliative care facilities.
This expansion is part of the NSW Government’s $93 million End of Life Program, which also includes $60,000 in funding for specialised palliative care equipment, such as 'cuddle beds,' advocated for by Orange Push for Palliative.
Dementia Lens Orange is an online resource that Denise and Ceri Cameron, who is also a local Dementia Australia advocate, created after their own personal experiences of having a loved one receive a dementia diagnosis. The website can be found at dementialensorange.net and contains key information that I'm sure will be very helpful to many local families.
2024 Show Society Treasurer Geo Selwood, Vice President Chris Ross, President Peter Naylor with Show Patron Jim Doak.
The 153rd Orange Show will be the biggest in years, with the committee bringing back a twoday show program on May 17-18, 2025.
The last two-day show in Orange was held in 2021, but with many families busy with weekend sporting commitments and the committee already running two days of horse events, Show President Peter
“Bigger and better” Orange Show in the planning for 2025
Naylor said it made sense to give people more chances to get down to their local show.
“We went with a two-day show, so it gives people some more time to come and enjoy our show,” Peter said.
“Last year, the horse section was still run on Sunday… and you generally find that Saturday is a sports day so that was one of the other reasons why.
“And we’re trying to make it bigger and
better, so there’s more things for people to come along to see at the show.”
The Orange Show Committee held their AGM earlier this month, which saw Peter re-elected as President along with Vice President Chris Ross, Show Society Treasurer Geoff Selwood, and Show Patron Jim Doak.
With the committee in place for 2025, Peter said planning for next year’s show has begun in earnest.
“We’re hoping to change a few things… we’re working on changing a few of the pavilions, but we still want it to be an agricultural show,” Peter said.
“The country show people remember, that they’ve grown up with it… back to basics and to try make it more affordable to come along.”
The Orange Show Society meets at the Orange Showground on the second Monday of every month at 7pm.
FRANCES KINGHORNE
Frances has called Orange home for the past 39 years & has a deep passion for our community. As a pharmacist & long-time business owner, she is committed to promoting health. Serving as an Orange City Councillor since 2021, Frances is eager to continue her work in another term. Frances believes in managing the basics well, being sensitive to community concerns, and communicating effectively and respectfully with all residents.
EUNICE ADETIFA
Eunice is a dedicated practice manager overseeing two practices in the Central West. Eunice brings a wealth of experience & a deep passion for community advocacy.
A mother of two high schoolers, Eunice is committed to supporting those in need & values family above all.
THOMAS MCCANN
Tom came to Orange in 2011 as a student at Charles Sturt University & has since made it his home. Now a speech pathologist at the Orange Health Service, Tom is passionate about helping people build their confidence and communication skills. With his extroverted nature, quick wit, strong opinions, Tom brings a fresh & youthful perspective to our team.
PAULA TOWNSEND
Paula has been a driving force behind the growth of our community through her incredible work with the Bowen Community Technology Centre, earning her the well-deserved title of Local Woman of the Year 2024. Paula is a proud wife to Wayne, & together they cherish their 3 children & 7 grandchildren.
SALVO SCIUTO
Salvo has lived in Orange for most of his life, Salvo is a familiar face in our community, known for his warm, affable character. As the hardworking owner of the iconic Alfio’s Restaurant in Lords Pl, he’s built strong relationships with locals & understands the pulse of our town.
Salvo has been outspoken about the negative impact of the Lords Pl redevelopment on local businesses & is committed to improving how our council communicates with the business community.
PATRICK RAFTERY
Patrick has been a local podiatrist and business owner in Orange since the 1980s, building strong connections with many in our community. Alongside his wife Joan, he has raised three children here & has been actively involved in local rugby union.
Patrick is known for his unique ability to offer outside-the-box solutions to challenges, combining pragmatism & logic with a keen desire to see Orange thrive.
Authorised by: Frances Kinghorne
Dear sir,
When Orange Mayor Jason Hamlin announced that he would not be contesting the next council elections he also stated he was a proud “Glenroi Boy.”
When you look at what that southeast corner that includes Glenroi has done for Orange over many years all of Orange should be proud of the area.
Over 100 years ago, the Government bought a large block of ground in the southeast of Orange to establish a mental hospital, but due to the First World War, this was delayed. bu
In 1925, 100 years ago next year the Orange Hospital for the Insane was opened, now known as Bloomfield, a complete self-sustained village providing comfort for the patients and work for the people of Orange.
When the Second World War started, a factory to
manufacture items for the war e ort was started in 1941 again in the southeast corner. Bloomfield hospital accepted all the patients from Goulburn Hospital, extra sta were needed to run the two units then houses were needed to house these extra workers. In the southeast corner of “Glenroi” a large number of temporary duration cottages were built to be removed at the end of the war, but there was a shortage of housing in 1945 so the residents of the houses formed a group, arranged finance and bought their cottages. The cottages that cost $700 to build have now lasted for 80 years.
After the Second World War, there was a housing crisis in Orange. The war factory was taken over by the manufacturing group Emco, later Email, and they needed specialised sta so migrants were sought from overseas. The first slept two men to a tent at the back of the factory, then the Nissan huts were erected behind the factory and more migrants housed. These
LETTER TO EDITOR Glenro�
migrants built their own home sheet by sheet as they could a ord each piece all over Orange.
Then the Government Housing Commission set up in Orange and hundreds of homes were built on the Southwest corner, “Glenroi.” By 1982, it was estimated that there were 4,000 homes in Orange and 1000 of these social housing units, mainly in Glenroi.
Then there was the first designated Industrial Area Leewood, The Agricultural Department of NSW and now the Orange Health Service Hospital.
What a contribution to Orange! Even the Queen of the Commonwealth visited Email.
Again, we have a housing shortage and where are the first hundred homes in the Orange City Council scheme to help overcome the problem going to be built? In “Glenroi”!
Charles Evere
Community Information Sessions
Cadia has a long history of mining and has been part of the Central West community for the past 25 years. While Cadia is currently approved to continue operations until 2031 we have identified mineral resources for production beyond our current approval.
To continue supporting regional investment, jobs and the national renewable energy transition, Cadia is seeking approval from the NSW and Federal governments to extend our mining operations beyond 2031. This application is known as the Cadia Continued Operations Project (CCOP).
Drop in to any of the information sessions to learn more about the project and have your say
Monday, 2 September 2024
10am – 1pm
Panuara Recreational Facility
Near the intersection of Panuara Road and Four Mile Creek Road, Panuara NSW
Monday, 2 September 2024
3pm – 6pm
Millthorpe Golden Memories Museum 37 Park Street, Millthorpe NSW
Tuesday, 3 September 2024
3pm – 6pm
CWA Branch Hall 14 Blatchford Street, Canowindra NSW
Wednesday, 4 September 2024
4pm – 7pm
Blayney Shire Community Centre 41 Church Street, Blayney NSW
For more details about the CCOP visit the website: cadiabeyond2031.com.au
If you would like to schedule a meeting with the CCOP team, please contact us:
c.copeis@newcrest.com.au
40th anniversary High Tea for Molong and District Garden Club
Molong and District Garden Club members came together at the Molong Baptist Church Hall for a special “High Tea” meeting last week (Monday, August 19) with a floral theme to mark the Club’s 40th Anniversary. Members enjoyed the sharing of stories and memories as well as Molong Central School’s involvement with a cheerful singing performance by Year 1/2 students and catering in true high tea style provided by the secondary students and staff.
Longstanding club member Jan Cornish cuts the 40th anniversary cake
Robert and Joy Westcott with Judy Brandis
Sue Wild and Jan Pullen
Jenny Maxey displaying the club banner motto “Friendship through gardens”
Lastweek, many in our local community were shocked and concerned when Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek, enacted a Section 10
Declaration blocking the construction of the tailings dam at the proposed McPhillamy’s Gold Mine near Blayney.
The proposed mine had received state and federal approvals giving the community confidence that the project was going ahead. Many business decisions had been made based on the project proceeding and there are a lot of jobs in the balance. There’s now a great deal of uncertainty about what’s happened and what it means.
MEETING WITH THE MINISTER
Following the decision, I requested an urgent meeting with Minister Plibersek, and I asked the Mayor of Blayney Shire Council, Scott Ferguson, to come along too.
The purpose of the meeting was to seek answers and get clarity for the community over the Minister’s decision to knock-back the tailings dam of the proposed mine.
Are you part of the Trinity Preschool family?
For 100 years Trinity Preschool in Orange has given children the priceless gift of early education.
We celebrated a century of caring and nurturing the future of our region and country!
From humble beginnings in the blue stone hall in Anson Street, it has educated thousands upon thousands of local children with care, kindness and compassion.
The festivities brought families, educators, committee members and former students together to mark 100 years of early education excellence and look forward to a very bright future.
Wendy McCarthy, who attended Trinity in the Anson Street days was the guest of honour and it was a true celebration!
WHAT I ASKED THE MINISTER
At the meeting I raised issues such as the timing of the decision given that approvals had already been granted; the contradictory statements between the Minister and the mine about whether the decision effectively kills the project; the differing opinions given by local Indigenous groups; the community impacts; and also what reports the department commissioned on the issue.
While we appreciated the Minister meeting with us, unfortunately we didn’t get the answers we needed. The Minister said that because of foreshadowed legal action by the mine she was restricted as to what she could tell us about the decision-making process. This was very disappointing.
THE PROCESS NEEDS AN OVERHAUL
The meeting with the Minister highlighted why there needs to an overhaul of the laws and rules on these declarations. For a process like this to have public confidence it has to be fair and transparent for all parties involved.
Both miners and Indigenous groups need to know where they stand at a much earlier stage of the approvals process and there need to be time limits so that the process doesn’t drag on for years. People also need certainty and they need to be able to see how decisions
Our communities are extraordinarily grateful to the early educators at Trinity and around our region for the wonderful work they do.
Thank you Sarah Evans, Laura Traeger and the whole Trinity team for such a wonderful day.
A very happy 100th birthday to Trinity Preschool!
were made. Transparency is important and the Minister now needs to release written reasons for her decision. With legal action now likely, the uncertainty in the community only looks set to continue. At the moment, the process is too long, complicated, unclear, and unwieldy. This doesn’t benefit anyone. There has to be a better way.
HAVE YOUR VOICE HEARD
If you would like to have your voice heard on the issue you can contact Minister Plibersek - minister.plibersek@ dcceew.gov.au or send your email to my office - andrew. gee.mp@aph.gov.au, and I will send it on to her.
Have you seen Milthorpe's “new” School of the Arts Building?
I was honoured to officially open the newly transformed space recently.
Located on Victoria Street, Milthorpe's School of Arts has undergone a stunning transformation.
Thanks to the hard work of the hall trustees and Milthorpe Creative Arts, the building, originally constructed in 1897, has been beautifully revamped.
With a fresh coat of paint and refinished floorboards, it now serves as the new home of Milthorpe Creative Arts, which has over 30 local artists as members.
The space is not only an exhibition venue but also a community hub where art and dance classes, performances, and various community group activities can take place.
During my visit, I enjoyed viewing the wonderful exhibition, chatting with local artists, and exploring the vibrant community market.
Peter Amos even brought along his penny-farthing bicycle, but discretion is the better part of valor and I declined to take it for a spin!
A huge thank you to Jan Roberts and the hardworking team at Milthorpe Creative Arts for bringing this Milthorpe icon back to life!
Be sure to check it out on your next visit to Milthorpe—you won't be disappointed!
Andrew with Blayney Mayor Scott Ferguson at Parliament House last week
Memori by Ned
It was just daylight, and I was woken up by “Wake up, Ned!” There was no one up, and the house was quiet; it was that damned bower bird at night again, mimicking my boss’s wake-up call. The bird had sounds down to a tee. The knocking sound of the windmill was his forte, and he sent the dogs crazy with his “barking”. He had his bower in the corner of the night horse paddock under a bib fuschia bush. It was tunnel lined with grass about four feet long, and in it was all his trophies; discarded cartridge cases, red and green berries, pieces of coloured glass and coloured stones; he was terribly fussy about the placement of his trophies and spent a lot of time on maintenance.
We jackaroos had a mother duck who had taken us under her wing. She was a dear old lady who ran the local tea rooms. In our big box of groceries, a box
of homemade goodies was always to be found. If we had any problems, she was the one we called on for advice. When we went to town, Cook would always send her a leg of lamb or a side of chops. Sometimes, she would ask if we could find her a couple of emu eggs. If we found a nest we would mark the eggs and, before going to town, check the nest and remove a couple of unmarked fresh eggs. She used them in her cooking; one emu egg equal to eight hen eggs.
She was a lovely old lady, and we were very protective of her.
Every so often, we would get a visit from a flock of red-tailed black cockatoos; their cry was best described as racket and squark, but they were a very handsome bird.
On one of our trips to the gulf, we met up with a busload of schoolboys from a private Melbourne school who
were doing a round Australia trip. My mate said, “They are just the right age to be educated in practical jokes.” So he showed them how to train racing seagulls. It consisted of a chip or crust, about ten feet of cotton and half a page of newspaper. Attach the ends of the cotton to the chip and paper. The gull would pick up the chip, take off, see someting on his tail and go like hell.
The boys were early learners, and before long, the main street of Currumbin was full of racing seagulls.
As a small bοy, my mate Tom and I noticed a solitary white cockatoo was a regular visitor to our bird feeder, and we decided to trap him. So, with the aid of some corn and Dad’s fishing net, we got him. We took him to the kitchen table to untangle him. He gave a squark, raised his topknot, shook his feathers, strutted down to the edge of the table and in
a broad Irish accent said, “Top of the morning to you, me darlin’!”
Dad was close by and we called to show him. He took one look and said, “That’s Cocky Muldoon, he escaped a couple of months ago and joined the wild bush cockatoos. Evidently, they hunted him because he talked too much. I’ll get you a cage and you can return him to his family. They will be pleased to see him.”
They were more than pleased! They were overjoyed and Mrs Muldoon gave us five bob reward.
So here we were, pleased as punch at doing a good deed and how we could make money from bounty hunting escapees!
A magpie and a duck were lined up at the feeder. The magpie said in a shard voice, “Hang on, fair go, peck for peck and no shovelling.”
Jeffery
WHITTON
Authorised: Jeffery Whitton
ORANGE EX-SERVICES COUNTRY CLUB BOWLS
Seventy-two bowlers from across the central west battled challenging gusty conditions at the Orange Ex-Services Country Club on Saturday, August 24 for the annual Restricted Triples Tournament.
The 24 participating teams came from Dubbo, Molong, Canowindra, Magellan, Gulgong, Bathurst and further for the event which had a top prize of $450.
Fifth place: Gus Pro, Mary Carr, and Michelle Tredenick
Fourth place: Team “Chappy” from Milthorpe
Third place: Peter Gri ths, Peter Brooking, Garry Pearce
Second place: Matt McMullen, Alan Gregory, and Geo Carthew
Tournament winners Laurie Crouch, Kevin Kelly, and Bob Jenkins of the Orange Ex-Services’ Country Club
www.orange.nsw.gov.au
Find us on social media @ Orange City Council
YOUR LOCAL COUNCIL AT WORK
Upcoming water polo season set to make a splash after Australian Olympic success
Follow in the footsteps of Australia’s Olympic silver-medal-winning women’s water polo team by joining in the upcoming water polo season at Orange Aquatic Centre.
The Orange Water Polo Association’s 20242025 competition will begin on 17 October for male and female competitors of all ages in three divisions: junior (9-12 years), intermediate (13-17 years) and open (18+).
Orange Mayor Jason Hamling said water polo was fun, great fitness and open to all abilities.
“We’ve had loads of enquiries about the local water polo competition in the wake
of outstanding performances by both our Australian teams at the Paris Olympics and this is a perfect opportunity for Orange residents,” Cr Hamling said.
“In Orange we have experienced coaches, players and referees who will gladly share their knowledge and offer guidance and encouragement to help you learn the game and have a great time. It’s especially beneficial for children to develop strong water skills, all while they are playing sport and having fun.”
People interested in dipping their toe into the sport of water polo can come along to
Passive irrigation trial uses stormwater to water street trees
Come and Try Water Polo sessions at Orange Aquatic Centre on October 15th. Bring a group of friends or come by yourself and you’ll be added to a team.
The regular competition is played weekly in the outdoor 50-metre pool on Thursday evenings and training is on Tuesday evenings.
For more information on the Come and Try Water Polo sessions, training and game times contact the Orange Aquatic Centre on aquatic@orange.nsw.gov.au.
Registrations open 3 September. Register at https://www.revolutionise.com.au/ orangewp/registration/
The water that flows into our gutters already boosts Orange’s water supply through the city’s stormwater harvesting scheme.
But what if we used a little bit more of that water to water our street trees?
Orange City Council is trialling modifications to the city’s kerb and guttering to use stormwater to water nearby street trees.
The trial of the passive irrigation system is being undertaken in a section of Webb Street in North Orange.
The system, which is being used by other Councils around the country, involves cutting a hole in the kerb to allow water to flow through a PVC pipe and into a pit in the nature strip filled with gravel. The water then seeps into the ground over time to provide moisture for nearby street trees.
The system also works to encourage the tree roots to grow towards the
source of the moisture and away from kerbs, gutters and concrete paths, minimising damage to infrastructure as the trees grow.
Directing rainfall to soak into the soil helps to create a cooler, healthier and more liveable community. The water will assist the street trees to grow healthy canopies, shading our streets and footpaths and combating the urban heat island effect (UHIE).
UHIE warms our environment as hard surfaces such as roads, concrete driveways and dark-coloured surfaces absorb, store and radiate heat during the day, which then slowly dissipates at night.
Passive irrigation of street trees will enable Council’s tree care team to be more efficient and effective by directing resources into planting and pruning trees rather than watering trees during the dry summer periods.
what’s happening in orange
MOVIE SPLICE
FILM REVIEWS BY AIDEN SPLICE
Alien: Romulus
Alien: Romulus is the seventh entry in the Alien franchise and is directed by Fede Alvarez. The story takes place in between the events of the first two films Alien (1979) and Aliens (1986) and follows a group of young space colonists who, while scavenging a derelict space station, come face to face with a hive of Xenomorphs.
The two original Alien films are widely regarded by fans of the genre as among the finest examples of sci-fi horror cinema in film history. This distinction has set a high bar for follow-up entries in the franchise to achieve comparable acclaim from viewers. Luckily, Alien: Romulus is a commendable sequel, faithfully reverting to the style and suspense that characterised the original.
One of the film’s strongest elements is its visual aesthetics and atmosphere, which are successful at creating a sense of dread throughout the first half of the film, seamlessly transitioning into action and horror in the second half. The cast all give strong performances, especially David Jonsson who plays Andy the group’s android.
While viewers may not appreciate all the creative decisions made by Alvarez, overall, Alien: Romulus stands out as a solid addition to the franchise, offering a gripping story filled with tension and action that dedicated followers of the franchise are likely to find entertaining.
FLEETWOOD MAC - RUNNING IN THE SHADOWS
ORANGE CITY BOWLING CLUB, SEPTEMBER 7
AUSTRALIAN MADE:
The best of Aussie pub rock only at The Vic
Coming to the Victoria Hotel this Saturday, August 31, Australian Made is a new local show celebrating the very best of Aussie pub rock.
The packed playlist includes classic hits from ACDC, INXS, Icehouse, Cold Chisel, Sunnyboys, The Angels, Divinyls and more.
Vocalists Danielle Pearce and Melissa Stanford, supported by experienced bandmates, Paul Burge,
Mark Bradbury, Hughie Brown and Ebbo Brown will take you back to the 1980s, recreating the experience of heading out for a Saturday night to catch a band at your local pub.
See Australian Made at The Vic Hotel this Saturday, August 31. Doors open at 6.30pm, show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are $20 via 123tix.com.au (or talk to Craig at the bar).
TICKET GIVEAWAY
Thanks to Central West Comedy we have two more double passes to give away to see the “World’s Best Worst Magician” Tahir perform his all-ages comedy magic act at Factory Espresso, Orange on September 7. Each double pass gives entry to one (1) adult and one (1) child. Simply enter your name and contact details before 12 noon Tuesday, September 3 and you’ll be in with a chance to win!
To enter, simply scan the QR Code and enter your name and contact details, or you can email them to reception@oclife. com.au
THE GOOD ENOUGH PARENT
with EMILY THOMPSON
Father’s Day
It’s Father’s Day on Sunday. I know this because Miss 10 mumbled something about a spectacular craft idea and now there’s glitter everywhere. But if this is news to you, and you’re overwhelmed with overcomplicated ideas from TikTok and the ‘gram (Miss 15 has banned me from saying that out loud), I’ve got some cheap and easy ideas to help you out.
The best present Hubby ever received was a $1.50 piece of cardboard covered in whichever chocolate bars were half-price at Woollies that week. Why? Because he had the brains to marry a writer. Actually, I was a forensic histopathology scientist when we met, but like so many women out here I gave up my career to move to the country for my husband’s. But anyway. What you can do is craft these chocolate bars into a super cute story about him. Low cost, low effort, high impact and delicious.
The second-best thing is a questionnaire the kids fill in. A quick google will find you many templates but a personalised one is always a great idea. Basic questions such as his name, age, height, job, favourite hobby, favourite food,
“most fun thing I do with dad”, and “something he always says to me” are fabulous. Add in a picture of dad by them and it’s a perfect gift. We’ve done them every year since the kids could talk and they’re a hilarious memento of the babies we once had and a sad memento for hubby about the hair he once had.
If your husband has a hobby, he will have a wishlist on some obscure website somewhere of things he “needs”. Just log into his computer — his password should be easy to guess. Mine is into golf, and I’ve just bought him the practice putting green, which he’s been eying off for months. I couldn’t afford the driver he wants (Sorry, Hubby). This works for every man and every hobby I’ve ever had experience with.
Handprint/footprint craft. No matter how old your kids are these days, I promise there will be a time you look back on today and say “they were so little!” Two footprints placed back-toback become a butterfly. A hand print is a flower, or an elephant/bird/fish and a million other cute animals. Just add glitter and googly eyes, and don’t
forget to pop down the year/age. You will forget just how small those chubby fingers are!
Celebrate spring by heading outdoors for the first time since April. A picnic/ BBQ at the lake will be beautiful on Sunday. Cook Park is gorgeous. Celebrate being parents by ignoring the kids while they play. Both of these options have a coffee shop nearby, so mums can enjoy it too. Don’t forget your antihistamines, and maybe even sunscreen!
We’re so lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the country, with so many amazing places to visit. My hubby loves the Japanese Gardens at Cowra, and
CROSS
this is a beautiful time of year to visit. We always swing by the Age of Fishes Museum at Canowindra on our way home, and I can’t recommend it enough for a fun family day out. Bathurst has the fossil museum which I personally love (they have a T-Rex skeleton!!!), and literally everywhere has wineries. It’s a great time of year to hit up the Nashdale ones, and enjoy the picturesque blossom-lined Cargo Rd on your way. Wine is always a good idea.
Happy Father’s Day to all the amazing dads in Orange! And especially Happy Father’s Day to my husband for being the best dad in the world to our two girls. I love you and we’re so lucky to have you.
There are lots of ways to consider suffering in a Christian context. I personally find some comfort in the Bible at the second letter to the Corinthians. The author Saint Paul says “I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness”.
I suffer and I see suffering in others every day. I look forward to a heaven where there is no suffering. Until then I take much heart that God’s grace is sufficient for whatever this wretched world can throw at me. Christ on the cross knows all about suffering and did that for me in the ultimate demonstration of love. I don’t have to be strong or perfect because God is. Whatever happens, ultimately his grace is enough.”
ONEAGENCY ORANGE
Charming Family Oasis
Impeccably Maintained,
Thoughtfully Designed, and Perfectly Priced!
Discover the perfect family haven in this beautifully maintained and competitively priced home. With its thoughtful design and excellent layout, this property offers the ideal blend of comfort and functionality, making it an entertainer’s dream.
The private outdoor space features a tranquil alfresco area, perfect for relaxing with a morning coffee or hosting gatherings with friends and family. The north facing garden also provides a wonderful play area for children, ensuring everyone in the family enjoys the space.
Nestled in the peaceful North Orange area, this home offers both serenity and convenience, placing you close to local amenities while enjoying the quiet ambiance of the neighbourhood.
Key Features:
- **Three Bedrooms:** All bedrooms feature built-in wardrobes, with the master bedroom offering the luxury of a 3-way bathroom, providing both privacy and convenience.
- **Multiple Living Spaces:** Enjoy the versatility of two well-sized lounge areas along with a separate dining room, perfect for family meals and entertaining.
- **Year-Round Comfort:** Stay cozy in winter with ducted gas heating and cool in summer with reverse cycle air conditioning.
- **Double Garage:** Secure parking is provided by the double garage, which also offers internal access for added convenience.
- **Functional Laundry:** The internal laundry includes a second toilet and vanity, adding to the home’s practicality.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to secure a family-friendly home in a sought-after location. It’s not just a house; it’s a place where cherished memories will be made.
ORANGE United’s brave Woodbridge Cup youth league rugby league campaign ended with a 28-16 loss to favourites Molong in last Sunday’s (August 25) grand final at Peak Hill.
The Warriors started 2024 with limited numbers at training but built through the season on and off the field to come close to upsetting the Bulls.
Orange United lost its first semifinal 34-26 to Cowra but then beat Canowindra (24-14) and Cowra (22-16) to qualify for the decider.
Molong scored five-tries-to-three in the decider to win its third straight Woodbridge Cup youth league premiership, but United won plenty of hearts.
Manildra won both the Woodbridge Cup first grade and blues tag premierships with grand final wins against Canowindra.
The men won 20-4 to grab a third straight Woodbridge Cup crown, while the ladies prevailed 10-6.
It was a busy weekend of rugby league action.
Orange Hawks won an epic Western Premiership blues tag semi-final derby 6-4 to eliminate arch-rivals Orange CYMS.
Just 12 points were scored in the two women’s tag semi-finals, Wellington knocking out Dubbo CYMS 2-0 in the other clash.
Hawks go on to play Dubbo Macquarie next weekend while Orange CYMS’ tag season has ended.
It was a difficult weekend for the greenand-golds, two Orange CYMS sides being eliminated at Bathurst’s Jack Arrow Oval last Sunday (August 25).
Orange CYMS’ under-18s also dropped out of the premiership race following a 20-18 defeat against Lithgow Workies.
The reserve grade remains as the sole Orange CYMS’ side left after its 32-10 win against Bathurst Panthers. Orange CYMS play Dubbo CYMS in a grand final qualifier.
Orange Hawks have two sides left, blues tag and under-18s.
The minor premiership-winning Orange Hawks under-18s now play Lithgow.
In the Peter McDonald Premiership first grade grand final qualifiers, Mudgee hosts Dubbo CYMS while Parkes are at home to Bathurst St Pat’s.
--
IT’S official - Orange Emus will host minor premiers Bathurst Bulldogs in the 2024 Blowes Cup Rugby Union first grade grand final.
However, what sort of contest it could be at Endeavour Oval this Saturday (August 31) aside from being absorbing is anyone’s guess.
Emus won through to the big dance with a 7-0 major semi-final win against Bathurst in Bathurst on August 17, built
off brilliant defence.
After scoring no points and letting in just seven in that clash, the Bulldogs then scored 54 and dropped 31 in an 85-point preliminary final shoot-out win against Forbes at Bathurst last Saturday (August 24).
Emus will also have its second and third grade sides on show in home grand finals in a big day for the club.
Orange Emus’ second grade defeated Dubbo Kangaroos 42-27 in the preliminary final last Saturday (August 24) to qualify and will also play Bathurst Bulldogs.
Emus host Dubbo in the third grade decider. Emus won straight through with a 21-13 major semi-final win against the Kangaroos. Dubbo then qualified with a 22-15 preliminary win against Bathurst last Saturday.
Orange City missed out on a colts’ grand final appearance when it lost 25-17 to Dubbo last Saturday in the preliminary final at Bathurst. Bathurst plays Dubbo in that grade’s decider.
Meanwhile, Kangaroos and Bulldogs also meet in the women’s Westfund Ferguson Cup decider after Emus’ women’s side lost 27-7 to Bathurst in the preliminary final.
MEN’S outfit Orange Wanderers are the only side left remaining from the colour city in Central West Premier League Hockey (PLH) after the first week of semifinals last Saturday (August 24).
Orange CYMS qualified for the women’s finals in fourth place and had to travel to Bathurst to meet St Pat’s in a suddendeath clash.
The Bathurst side held on 2-1 to eliminate the Peter Shea-coached CYMS outfit.
In the men’s action, Orange Wanderers also faced a tough road trip when it went to Lithgow to play the minor premiers Lithgow Workies Storm.
The Orange side competed well but went down 3-2.
Orange Wanderers have a second chance and host minor semi-final winner Dubbo this Saturday (August 31).
The women’s preliminary final is a Bathurst derby with Bathurst City to meet St Pat’s on the same day.
Lithgow will host both the men’s and women’s PLH deciders on Saturday, September 7.
The men’s preliminary final will play Lithgow Workies Storm, while the women’s preliminary final winner will play major semi-final winners Lithgow Panthers.
ORANGE has kept its AFL Central West tier two premiership chances alive with a thrilling six-point win in the elimination final against Parkes at Dubbo last Saturday (August 24).
Accurate kicking in front of goal proved critical in the 10.5 (65) to 8.11 (59) success on neutral territory.
After Bathurst Bushrangers defeated minor premiers Cowra by 16 points in the qualifying final, it means Orange meets the Blues in the tier two preliminary final at Bathurst. The last time the two sides met, Cowra won by just 11 points.
It shapes as an exciting tussle for the right to meet Bathurst Bushrangers in the tier two decider.
It was a wonderful day for the Tigers with Orange’s women’s side continuing its late-season improvement with an 18-point qualifying final win against Bathurst Giants.
Orange prevailed 5.5 (35) to 2.5 (17) at Dubbo to also set up a preliminary final match-up against Bathurst Bushrangers at Bathurst after Bushrangers lost the women’s qualifying final to minor premiers Dubbo.
Without a win in 2024, a play-offs success was always going to be difficult for Orange in its tier one sudden-death clash. The Tigers down to Dubbo 21.23 (149) to 2.3 (15).
Bathurst Bushrangers will host grand final day on Saturday, September 7, after its 92-point success in the tier one qualifying final against Bathurst Giants.
WARATAHS FC did everything it could to keep its Western Premier League football (soccer) finals hopes alive but other recent results mean the Orange side is destined to finish its season this coming weekend.
Travelling to Parkes, Waratahs FC won 3-0 against the Cobras at Woodward Oval last Saturday (August 24) and Macquarie United’s 1-0 success against Panorama FC helped Waratahs FC.
However, Orana Spurs crucially defeated second-placed Dubbo Bulls FC 4-1 in a Dubbo derby last Saturday to seal fourth place.
Panorama FC also picked up a point against ladder leaders Bathurst ’75 last Thursday in a 1-1 draw.
That all means, despite a bye, Orana Spurs (25) have the final play-off spot locked up, with Waratahs FC in fifth on 21 points and Panorama FC (20) in sixth.
Panorama FC hosts Waratahs FC in the final round with the winner set to take fifth place while a draw would keep Waratahs in fifth place.
The WPL semi-finals however are a final four system with only the top four sides progressing to play-offs.
ORANGE NETBALL ASSOCIATION U15S/ U13S
photos by CEC TILBURG
Orange City Life photographer Cec Tilburg stopped by the Orange Netball Courts on Saturday, August 24, to catch some of the action from the U15s and U13s competition.
YOUR SPACE
New arrival Roy O’Donnell on joining the Orange Male Voice Choir
Few people realise how enduring and successful the Orange Male Voice Choir has been since its inception in 1926. The choir has performed all over Australia and in London’s Albert Hall, winning many competitions along the way while providing a creative and social outlet for men in the Orange area.
“It’s g d for mental health and social co ection and having a creative hobby is great for the soul”
When Clare and I moved to Orange last year, one of the first things I did was check out the choir at their Monday night rehearsal at 7.15pm at the Orange Regional Conservatorium. I’d played guitar and sung for a while but had never tested my voice in a choir. I was delighted to be greeted so warmly by a great bunch of men and was impressed at how well-organised everything was with a great committee and musical direction. I was slotted into
the tenor 2 section and encouraged to perform publicly when I was ready.
I can’t overstate the satisfaction of learning a song with a friendly and open group of men and then performing it in front of an audience. It’s good for mental health and social connection and having a creative hobby is great for the soul. We do, however, need new members so that the choir can thrive in future. We have the annual choir festival in Adelaide next May and our centenary year in 2026, so lots to look forward to!
Why not come and check us out at one of our Monday night practice sessions or have a look at our website omvc.org.au. We also have our ‘For the Love of Song’ event coming up on Saturday, September 14 at the Conservatorium, where we will be performing with the Orange High School Man Choir as special guests. (Tickets are available on 123tix.com.au or from the Conservatorium on Hill Street. )
Don’t be shy! It’s a welcoming and supportive environment. So if you can hold a tune and want to release that inner creative force lurking inside you, we’d love to meet you. Hope to see you soon.
CWA grants can help you reach your education dreams
Did you know the Country Women’s Association of NSW administers a series of education grants that are open to various people within the community, not just CWA members?
School students, nurses, emerging performance artists, carers and medical students could find that there’s a grant for which they’re eligible to apply, ranging from a few hundred dollars to $3000 bush bursaries for medical students.
For example, funds are available to assist:
● a boy or girl with their secondary or tertiary education
● country children wishing to pursue a career in the performing arts
● a registered nurse seeking to upskill in palliative care
● a medical student with costs associated with their studies plus a two-week placement in country NSW during university holidays.
Further, there are other grants which apply to the children/grandchildren of CWA members. Applications for all the grants are invited statewide. So, if you, or someone you know is a member of the CWA in another part of NSW, they or their family member may be eligible to apply for other education grants not noted here.
“We would love to have a state grant awarded to a local,” says CWA Orange Branch President, Deborah Marr. “But, you’ve got to be in it to win it.”
Applications are now open and close on September 30. Y ou can learn more about all the grants at: www.cwaofnsw.org.au/Web/Web/About/Education-Grants.aspx
CWA Orange Branch meets on the first Thursday of the month at 5.30 pm at the CWA Hall Robertson Park corner of Byng Street and Lords Place, Orange. Visitors welcome.
Greetings from sunny Queensland; let me know when the blossoms sprout in the Colour City, and I’ll be right home.
In the meantime, Probus continues to add FUN, FRIENDSHIP and FELLOWSHIP for members to enjoy at monthly meetings and at all times in between.
PROGRAM DIRECTOR Brian Coyne, as always, has a good list of guest speakers lined up to keep you interested and help you on life’s financial journey. Allison Wooley of the CBA will explain changes in modern banking and how to manage this system to our best advantage. Karen Pratt will explain the workings of TAFE and the opportunities offered, and Steve will tell us how he got into mouse farming, and the nutritional value of “mouse poo”, (in the soil, of course).
October is Probus Month, and Forbes Probus is hosting a celebratory lunch on October 11 for Probians in the area. We plan to take a bus to Forbes, with an invitation to all Orange and Molong members to join us. We are assured of some good FUN, and FRIENDSHIP on this occasion.
PROBUS is all for retired people who want to relax, exercise their minds, and enjoy their retirement. Each meeting at 10 am on the first Wednesday of each month at Orange ExServices’ Club enjoys a friendly Cuppa, and a topical guest speaker. Lunch is optional at the Club.
THE GUEST SPEAKER this month was inspiring Sports Physiologist Mathew Cordery. Matt spared us any “physical jerks”, but presented an in depth explanation of how ageing affects the body, and gave an explanation of how to control or slow this ageing process.
Probus meets again on September 4 at 10 am at Orange Ex-Services’ Club.
Today’s wisdom: Success (happiness) comes when preparedness meets opportunity.
THE robus NOTES with Keith Rawsthorne
Recent guest speaker Ma hew Cordery with John Read.
KI D S ZON E
Kids Talk
Sadie, aged five.
✫ Who is your favourite teacher? Mrs Woodley and Mrs Mellis. I love Mrs Mellis because we do Turtle Tuesday where we say funny names. Sometimes she calls me Strawberry Shortcake Sadie.
✫ Who is your best friend? Willow, we like to spy on the boys together. It’s our favourite thing to do at recess and lunch.
✫ What do you love to do after school? I like to catch the bus after school. The teacher helps me on the bus.
✫ What is something your parents always say to you? I love you; I say it to them.
✫ If you were principal for a day, what’s the first thing you’d do? If someone goes on step, they’d have to come to the principal’s o ce and I’d talk to them.
✫ What’s your favourite food? Chocolate, I like the square ones.
✫ What’s your favourite toy? My li le phone case.
✫ If you could open a shop, what would it sell? Ice cream, I love rainbow. I go to the ice cream shop with my mum and dad and my sister and my brother.
Whenever
if
ACROSS
1 Cover (5)
4 Came into line again (9)
9 Demand as a right (5)
10 Power cells (9)
11 Religious house (6)
9-LETTER
PUZZLES…. PUZZLES…. PUZZLES….
24 Not liable (6)
26 Point to be judged upon (9)
27 Tree (5)
28 Game birds (9)
29 Dollars (coll) (5)
1 Receive (6)
2 Conjecture (7)
3 Japanese warrior (7)
4 Red precious stone (4)
5 Allowed (10)
6 Titanic sinker (7)
7 Not one nor the other (7)
8 Preoccupy (8)
13 Severe despondency and dejection (10)
16 Encumbrance (8)
18 Unite (7)
19 Merchants (7)
20 Public conveyance (4-3)
21 Wandering (7)
22 Hoards (6)
25 Single units(4)
12 In company (8)
14 Bringing to (10) 15 Fun activity (abbr) (3) 17 Curved path (3) 19 Snakelike (10)
Total (8)
5
4 LETTERS
6
THUMBS UP to Orange City Life magazine for their story and photos taken at the cenotaph on Vietnam Veteran’s Day on Sunday, August 18. And a special thank you to the Orange Ex-Services Club, Orange Anglican Grammar School, Andrew Gee and Chris Colvin. A great day in pleasant weather for all who attended. Lest We Forget. Many thanks, Lindsay Wright.
THUMBS UP and cheers to Emily Thompson, the ‘Good Enough Parent’ author. You bring a smile to my face every week, I bet a lot of parents nod along in agreement as they read.
THUMB DOWN to bus drivers who merge into roundabouts at the last minute to cut off drivers and nearly causing accidents and inconveniences. (Buses are long and will cross lanes on a roundabout. Best to give them room — Ed.)
THUMBS UP to Virginia and Tenille at PRP imaging. I went there today for a couple of things and they went out of their way to make my visit quick and without any stress. Such lovely people.
THUMBS UP to the young lady assistant at Officeworks who helped two oldies convert their old photo images on old, outdated equipment to lovely clear photos. She was able to decipher our old terms of capturing photos to modern terms with a lovely smile and, without showing frustration, showed us how to complete the task. Thank you again.
THUMBS UP to Paul from ARCS, the NBN technician from Optus in Orange. An exceptional tradesman who spent so much time identifying hidden problems and then trying multiple options to get our internet connected.
THUMBS UP and thanks to the organisers of the Orange Christian Men’s Breakfasts held on the third Saturday of each month at Duntryleague. Your program of interesting speakers and community spots is great. Keep up the good work.
THUMB DOWN to the “Thumbs”. It’s a bit confusing with red “Thumbs Up” and green “Thumbs Down” symbols. Could they be green “Thumbs Up” and “Thumbs Down” down instead? (we change the colours from time to time, hope this week’s are more to your liking — Ed.)
THUMB DOWN to Orange City Council for putting up rates and not just a few dollars a good chunk. People are struggling as it is, and honestly, we don’t see anything to justify such a rise.
THUMBS UP to WebFlow Plumbing for finding our huge water leak. It took a while to find. They were very efficient and friendly. The price was very reasonable and I would gladly recommend them. Once again, a big thank you!
THUMBS UP to all the theatre staff, recovery staff and 24-hour staff at Orange Health Service. Your care on Sunday with the operation on my broken wrist was above and beyond. How lucky are we to have fantastic nurses and surgeons! A special thank you to anaesthetist Dr Tsung (you are the bomb!) and to nurse Chelsea.
THUMBS UP to Erin for rushing me to the hospital when I broke my wrist, and a huge thumbs up to Blair for waiting till Lucy got home and locking
THUMBS UP to the Royal Hotel Carcoar. I had lunch there on Saturday — great food, nice people, and the cheese and bacon garlic bread is the best! Beautiful little quiet pub.
THUMBS
THUMBS UP to the staff of Orange City Council, who facilitated the erection of a bus shelter at the bus stop outside the units on the corner of Trinity Place and Moulder Street. It took a while for the necessary funding to be sourced from Transport NSW (I don’t know why the council couldn’t have had the decency to provide the funds itself) for a bus shelter to be erected after the Council was provided with a photo of three elderly women, one with a walker, waiting for a bus in the rain with only umbrellas for shelter. At least a shelter happened eventually. Better late than never.
THUMBS UP to ECO Landscaping! You guys are the absolute best! Your good deedsTHUMBS, care and thoughtfulness are absolutely amazing. A huge congratulations to Daryl for having amazing employees that go out of their way to go above and beyond!
THUMBS UP to all the kind and thoughtful people who came to my assistance following my fall outside Coles/ Metro Plaza. Much appreciated.
THUMBS UP to Rob from Choices at Home for going the extra mile to help with my recent enquiry! Super professional and easy to speak with!
THUMBS UP and thank you to a lovely lady. (I’m sorry I can’t remember her name, I wish I could.) I had walked too far — I won’t do it again — and I had to sit on a blue fence and hold a blue pole beside Byng and Peisley Streets. The lady rescued me, put my walker in the boot, and took me home. I can’t thank her enough. There are a lot of young and old people that are wonderful.
THUMBS UP to Tony, Shirley and the staff of Blayney Bus Service for their big effort and help getting our aged family member back to Molong from Blayney after she inadvertently got on the wrong bus at Orange. Your excellent service above your call of duty was greatly appreciated.
THUMBS UP to Kate Jones and staff at 119 Moulder Street for the birthday luncheon on the occasion of a joint 80th and 21st birthdays. Guests travelled far and wide and were most impressed. Well done, Kate!
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Debutante balls have long been seen as an entry to adult society. In days gone by, a young woman making her debut was seen as eligible for marriage to prospective partners. This group of young ladies, dressed in white and carrying posies, attended the Masonic Ball at the Strand Theatre in May 1964. They were trained by Marie Murray.
Photo courtesy CWD Negative Collection, Orange & District Historical Society. Volunteers attend the society’s premises at 148 March Street on Wednesdays between 10.30am and 4pm, when volunteers are available to answer inquiries.
Published by Orange City Life Pty Ltd ABN 14 649 575 333
