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Buckle up readers you’re in for a rough ride! As office manager I came up with this awesome idea of sending our writer extrordinaire, Jonathan Roe on holidays as he was looking a bit tired and sounding a tad grumpy. So I’ve sent him of to rescue his wife from the school holiday grind and spend some much needed quality time with his beautiful children. Only problem with this fab idea of mine is that I’ve been left to write the comment, you may have guessed I’m not much of a writer, my talents lie in the background of the magazine. I’ve been a OCLife team member for the past thirteen years, working as the creative who designs the layout and produces your weekly OCLife - I hope you like what I do, if you don’t I’m always open to feedback, feel free to get in touch at reception@oclife.com.au, as I’m the receptionist too.
Enough about me, on to this week’s mag. Jono was nice enough to submit all of his work to make this deadline, so while he is at home sprawled on the lounge with TV remote in hand, kids crawling on top of him, you can still read his awesome work, where he caught up with Clair Thompson, the first recipent of a cochlear implant this side of the Blue mountains and Dr Aydin Mohammadi, who performed the procedure.
We also met up with talented local Cecilia Rochelli and spoke about her latest project. You can also enjoy all of our weekly regulars, such as “Let’s Feast” - featuring The Mills Cafe.
A well rested Jono will be back on deck next week and hopefully you won’t have to put up with me for another thirteen years... enjoy the read
Clair Thompson regains hearing thanks to a life-changing cochlear implant in Orange
One night in January, retired nurse Clair ompson had just gone to bed when she experienced a sudden ringing in her left ear. Finding the sensation uncomfortable, Clair switched on the television to distract herself only to discover she couldn’t hear a thing.
“Within a space of half an hour, I had suddenly lost my hearing completely in my left ear,” said Clair, who had unfortunately lost hearing in her right ear three years prior.
“It was very frightening,” Clair said. “I didn’t ever think I’d lose the hearing in this ear. I was sort of quite comfortable learning how to just hear out of one ear.”
What Clair experienced is known as sudden sensorineural hearing loss. While many of those affected regain their hearing with prompt treatment, unfortunately for Clair that wouldn’t be
the case.
Over the following days, Clair’s situation was brought home to her by the difficulty she faced being unable to make telephone calls and communicating only by writing or texting.
“I had so many doctors’ appointments. There were such a lot of phone calls to make for X-rays, for pathology, for ENT, but I couldn’t hear a thing on the phone, I couldn’t hear a thing that anyone said to me,” Clair said.
“It was an incredibly tough week because I
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— WORDS BY JONATHAN ROE —
realised just how many things you need your hearing for. All these things I had to do and I couldn’t do them. I was reliant on other people to help me.”
But much more than these day-to-day inconveniences, Clair’s deafness brought on a sense of isolation, even depression, as she began to realise that her social interactions would no longer be the same.
“You realise your friends will probably drop off because you know they can’t ask you to certain places. Say, going out for coffee, you’d just sit there smiling sweetly and saying nothing,” Clair said.
“You think, will they still want to play cards with me because I can’t hear what they’re saying? Or dinner at someone’s place; no one really wants to have someone yell at the table all the time and everybody’s yelling back.”
Clair lost confidence in her ability to drive and also felt less steady on her feet, which meant she stopped going for her regular walks.
“I’d withdrawn into my own shell and my own little comfort zone here in this house,” Clair said.
“And then I saw Dr Aydin Mohammadi. He said, ‘You are profoundly deaf.’ He was full of empathy and then he said, ‘But there is light at the end of the tunnel, I can promise you. You’re an excellent candidate for a cochlear implant’.” Clair was assessed, and her surgery approved but, when given a choice of hospitals in Sydney or Newcastle, she was insistent that it be done closer to home.
“They said, ‘No, it can’t be done in Orange. It’s not possible.’ And I thought, well, it is possible. My saviour is going to do it for me. And he did!”
On August 12, Clair received her cochlear implant at Dudley Private Hospital in Orange, the first time the surgery had been done outside of a major metropolitan hospital in NSW.
Otorhinolaryngologist Head and Neck
Surgeon (ENT) Dr Aydin Mohammadi, who performed the surgery said much of the groundwork to allow it to be done locally had begun prior to Clair’s case, but she provided the impetus for them to push the process ahead more rapidly.
▲ Almost forty years to the day since the very first multi-channel cochlear implant surgery took place at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney, Clair ompson became the first to receive the life-changing device right here in Orange, performed by Dr Aydin Mohammadi, at Dudley Private Hospital on August 12, 2024.
“As you can imagine, it takes a lot of work in the background… all the safety regulations that have to be in place to ensure that I am actually qualified to do that operation and we’ve got the anaesthetic support and theatre support and nursing support to be able to do it all,” Dr Mohammadi explained.
“But without Clair essentially saying that she didn’t really want to have an operation done away from home, that was what really brought us together and say… How do we make it happen? And all the parties came together as a result of that.
“We’re very, very lucky in Orange that we have the facilities that we do and the nursing team as well as the anaesthetic teams that allow this to happen, because, honestly, without them I’m just a technician really. What I do is a very minuscule part of the whole thing.”
The demand for cochlear implants is quite high, said Dr Mohammadi, whose goal now is to be able to provide them to public patients in Orange.
“That will be a much more rewarding experience for me than anything else I’ve done in my life,” he said, adding that there are many hurdles to overcome.
“The main issue through the public system is that it is very oversubscribed. So we have a lot of patients waiting for surgery and minimal operating time — and a lack of staff, including nursing staff and a lack of theatres, so physical space, to be able to do an operation such as that.
“And the only way for that to happen is by increasing the amount of funding to the public health system in the Central West, to allow surgeons such as myself to be able to do those operations in the public sphere.”
For Clair, being able to have the operation in Orange, and at Dudley Private Hospital where she had worked as a nurse for 25 years, was a big comfort in what was a traumatic period of her life.
“If you go to Sydney, you’ve got all the added anxiety of a relative or whoever is taking you, they’ve got to get accommodation. You’ve got to work out, what if you need anything? Who’s going to get it for you? You’re more concerned about your house and your pets and all those things,” she said.
“Whereas, if you’re in your own country town, it’s just a little bit more bearable.”
The day her implant was switched on was an emotional one for Clair, who had not realised
just how depressed she had been over the past six months.
“It was very emotional. It was sort of the coming together of everything… the culmination of so much anxiety and questions: I had questioned whether I should have it done or not, but I recognised that there was no option. It was either a life of me going downhill and into a nursing home, or I could have this done and see what happened.
“And certainly the difference in me psychologically is huge, it’s as if I suddenly took happy pills after it was done.”
While Clair says there are times she doubts she’s making progress, her hearing is improving and will continue to improve as her brain codes hearing regions to adapt to the implant.
“We were in the garden the other day and my daughter said something to me behind my back, and I heard it!” Clair said.
Clair’s operation, on August 12, happened almost 40 years to the day since pioneering surgeons – Professor Bill Gibson and colleague Dr Barrie Scrivener – implanted the very first multi-channel cochlear implant in NSW.
In a remarkable coincidence, Clair said the day also happens to be the birthday of the late Dr Scrivener, who was an old family friend.
“His daughter wrote to me – who is part of our extended family, as Barrie was – and said, ‘I just am so incredibly proud! Little did Dad think that this would ever happen outside of a metropolitan area. He would have been so proud of the fact that it was being done in Orange.’”
That Clair put her trust in him to do this operation was an incredible privilege, Dr Mohammadi said.
“It was really quite a big deal for me. I’ve done lots of cochlear implants in the past and I’ve done plenty of kids in the past, but it was different because I had known Claire and I’d sort of seen her through that journey as well.
“What ends up happening in some of the major hospitals is you don’t have that direct connection with the patient, whereas here I feel like I am their doctor and I’ve seen them through that process.
“I think that’s the point of difference of having someone do it locally for you.”
Elder Uncle Neil Ingram
knowledgeholder Doug Sutherland and Orange Regional Museum Manager Mary-Elizabeth Andrews.
Orange Regional Museum exhibition
Mulaa Giilang: Wiradjuri stories of the night sky has received highly commended in the Exhibiting Excellence Award at the 2024 Australian Museums and Galleries (AMaGA) Awards.
was particularly special because it was judged by industry peers and recognised excellence in the sector across Australia.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to receive highly commended at the national AMaGA Awards,” Dr Andrews said.
visitors over a three-month period from August to October in 2022, and was also named best exhibition for small museums at the 2023 Museums and Galleries NSW IMAGinE Awards and best exhibition at the 2023 National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards.
Eyecare Plus Orange
The awards were presented late last month during the Australian Museums and Galleries Association’s Conference on Wadawurrung Country in Ballarat, Victoria.
Orange Regional Museum Manager
Mary-Elizabeth Andrews said the award
Hansen Optometrists 170 Summer Street Orange NSW 2800
“This project was a fantastic collaboration with local Wiradjuri Elders, knowledge holders, artists and creatives, and it was an honour to share Wiradjuri sky stories with our community.”
Mulaa Giilang: Wiradjuri stories of the night sky drew on tens of thousands of years of cultural tradition and knowledge to explore how for First
Nations people, the earth, sea and sky are intimately connected. Featuring stunning night sky photography, the exhibition was curated by Wiradjuri knowledge holder, Doug Sutherland, with contributions from cultural and language advisor, Wiradjuri Elder Uncle Neil Ingram, artwork and illustrations by Wiradjuri artist, Kylie Tarleton, film production by Jack Steele and music by Ricky Ah-See.
Many of the images have been taken by Central West photographers, including Rodney Watters, Craig Booth, and Greg Bradley.
Optometrists
The exhibition received hundreds of
267A Clarinda Street Parkes NSW 2870
“Congratulations and thank you to all our collaborators, including Wiradjuri knowledge-holder Doug Sutherland, Wiradjuri Elders Uncle Neil Ingram Snr, and Uncle Rick Ah-See, artist Kylie Tarleton and astrophotographers including Rodney Watters, Greg Bradley, Craig Booth and Phil Hart,” Dr Andrews concluded.
www.hansenoptom.com
Wiradjuri
snr, Wiradjuri
Photo: Orange City Council.
A journey through a musical life…
Cecilia Rochelli l ks back at a 45-year c eer on stage
Cecilia Rocheli has been a vibrant presence in the musical and theatrical landscape of the Central West for over 40 years. In her new show Many Dresses: A Musical Journey, Cecilia takes a look back over the highs and lows of her long career in an inspiring musical journey about finding purpose.
“It’s called Many Dresses but it’s not necessarily lots of dresses on stage per se, but it’s symbolism of all the different characters that I’ve portrayed over my 45 years of singing,” Cecilia said.
“Both musical theatre and gigs — weddings, funerals, I’ve done it all, even a baptism at one stage. I started singing when I was six years old in the Bloomfield Theatrical Society, and it goes through
all the progression of my life as a singer, through all the different shows I’ve been involved in, all the different bands.
“And we have a big 17-piece band, a string quartet, three backing vocals, all those things.”
The idea for the show actually came about during a low point in Cecilia’s life. In the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic, the music industry took a big hit and, faced with the loss of her profession, Cecilia was questioning her purpose in life.
“I came to a bit of a brick wall. I’m thinking, I’m 65 and what else can I do or be or whatever?” Cecilia said.
“But it was a good motivation to say, come on, you can do this! You can create something that people will enjoy. I wanted to create something for me… and I also
wanted to leave something behind, a legacy for my grandchildren as it’s going to be filmed and recorded.”
“It’s really a celebration of Cecilia’s life,” added Andrew Worboys, who has cowritten the show with Cecilia.
Andrew, who grew up in Orange, has spent the past decade working as a professional music director touring shows around the country, such as A Chorus Line, Sweeney Todd, The Wizard Of Oz In Concert and most recently the 2024 Australian tour of RENT.
“When Cecilia said it was at a low point that made her think, what is my purpose in life? Part of the theme of the show is that it reminds you that, yes, you do have a purpose, and that’s an important thing. I think sometimes people need to be reminded of that,” Andrew said.
The 90-minute show, which will be held at the Orange Regional Conservatorium, features songs from The King and I, Evita, Les Miserables, Rent, Sweeney Todd, Edith Piaf and Carole King.
“There’s a lot of songs that people will know, we’ve just sort of reinvented them a little bit. So that they are the same songs, but they’ve got a new meaning, as it were,” Andrew said.
“It’s been good challenging Cecilia because she is famous for singing certain songs, and I thought it was important to do those songs, but let’s just change them up a little bit so that they feel a little different and fresh.”
Cecilia will perform Many Dresses: A Musical Journey at the Orange Regional Conservatorium at 7.30pm Friday, November 8, and 7.30pm Saturday, November 9.
Social SCENE
SIMPLY DELICIOUS!
Photos by HENRY DEROOY
The Orange Ex-Services Club have the kids covered with entertainment these school holidays, especially with their super fun pizza making classes. OCLife’s Henry DeRooy called by Tuesday morning to capture the kids cooking up a storm.
Sarah, Anna and Tom Mullhar-Wilson
Chef Danny moving the completed pizzas into the oven Oliver and Charley Shirvington
Asha Perizzolo and Isla Reid
Elkie and Nash Downer
Reuben, Sophia and Isla Reid
Zest Fest 2024 line-up confirmed, tickets going fast
Orange City Council has confirmed the line-up for Zest Fest 2024 as festival goers continue to snap up tickets.
Headlined by ARIA-award-winners The Rubens, the free festival in Robertson Park on Saturday November 2 will also feature Gordi, Babitha, Jack Biilmann & The Black Tide, ARCHIE and Where’s Jimmy.
“It’s a great opportunity for the people of Orange to see these homegrown performers showcase their talent on a local stage.”
The free Zest Fest tickets are being snapped up fast, with people coming from all over the state for the new music festival.
“The response has been really positive,” Orange City Council Economic Development Manager Chris Rawlins said.
Orange City Council’s newly elected Mayor Tony Mileto said he is excited to see homegrown talent taking centre stage at the new festival with most of the artists growing up here or attending school in the area, living here or having family in the region.
Gordi is from Canowindra, Babitha lives at Kerrs Creek near Mullion Creek, and ARCHIE lead singer Grant Simpson has family ties to the area.
All the members of Where’s Jimmy grew up in the Orange region, as did Jack Biilmann & The Black Tide drummer Jono Warren.
“Zest Fest is all about celebrating our community, and there’s no better way to do that than with musicians who have strong connections to Orange,” Cr Mileto said.
“People are coming from Sydney, from Dubbo, from the Bathurst region. We’ve got people from the South Coast from the North Coast. So we are expecting this will draw people to Orange, which is fantastic.”
Zest Fest is being funded thanks to $150,000 from the NSW Government’s
Open Streets Program, which aims to transform main streets into vibrant and welcoming public event spaces, as well as money from private sponsors.
Byng Street, McNamara Lane, and the southbound lane of Lords Place will be closed to traffic for the day allowing food, drink and market stalls to be set up, making more room in the park for the 5,000 ticket holders.
“We’re planning on spilling out our food market stalls and
Babitha
ARCHIE
wine vendors onto the streets to create more space in the park for people to sit, to relax, or to get up and dance and enjoy the music,” Mr Rawlins said.
“We don’t want to overcrowd the event. We want to make sure people can bring down their picnic rug and have a bit of space on the grass.”
Entry to the festival will be done in stages from 3pm depending on which ticket option is chosen, with music getting underway from 4.15pm.
Headliners, The Rubens, are due on stage at 9pm with the festival closing at 10pm.
“We’re pretty excited that we were able to attract a band like The Rubens to Orange,” Mr Rawlins said.
“It’s likely some of the vendors will be having spillover
things afterwards. The Hotel Canobolas is going to open their doors, and a couple of other vendors that are there on the night are looking to host their own after-parties, so the festivities will kick on.”
While this year’s festival is being supported by the NSW Government, Mr Rawlins said the goal is to see it become a regular feature of the Central West music scene.
“Council’s looking for ways to drive more exciting events for our community… to start something new but make it sustainable. So hopefully, people will have a great experience and then next year are happy to pay a small ticket fee to come back and see a great band,” he said.
“We don’t want to make this a one-off. We want to see what we can do to make it part of the Orange event and festival experience.”
Zest Fest wi be held on Saturday November 2 in Robertson Park. Tickets are fr , but registration is e ential via w.zestfest.com.au
Caring for our community
from rural medical student to rural doctor
With a desire to care for Indigenous people and learn more about rural health, Sarah knew studying at the School of Rural Health in Dubbo would give her the opportunity to learn on Country while gaining the skills she needed to become a doctor. What she didn’t expect was how much it would grow her interest in rural medicine and shape her future career plans.
Sarah Blackwell is a fourth-year medical student at The University of Sydney School of Rural Health in Dubbo, a proud Wiradjuri woman and from next year a doctor at Dubbo Hospital.
Studying at the School of Rural Health in Dubbo has prepared Sarah to become a future rural doctor. Weekly simulation sessions with doctors from the School, the Royal Flying Doctor Service and clinical skills educators have been invaluable in building her confidence and opportunities to do placements in remote communities like Lightning Ridge has been crucial to understanding some of the unique complexities of rural healthcare.
“It really highlights the challenges, such as the lack of medical equipment, limited resources, access to care, and the impact of socioeconomic factors—things you don’t fully comprehend when you’re in a fully equipped city hospital,” she reflects.
Starting next year, Sarah will begin her internship at Dubbo Hospital, feeling both excited and nervous, however the transition to becoming a doctor feels easier knowing she’s supported by the local medical staff who have taught her through medical school and
are invested in her career.
RURAL HEALTH MATTERS
“The relationships I’ve built and the networking opportunities I’ve had are invaluable. The hospital is incredibly friendly, and I feel safe here. I like that I’m making genuine progress. In city hospitals, it’s easy to get lost in the crowd, but here, they know my name, that I have a dog, and even who I live with.”
Sarah is also looking forward to caring for the Dubbo and broader Western NSW community. “I strive to provide culturally safe care, and I want to be part of breaking down barriers. While I can’t change the world as just one person, I can help educate those I work with, even if it’s one patient at a time. My hope is to bring cultural education and awareness into healthcare for improved outcomes.”
Looking ahead, Sarah is hoping to specialise in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, a field she deeply cares about, particularly in providing female-to-female healthcare and the positive impact this approach can have on patients.
The University of Sydney now offers the entire four-year Doctor of Medicine program at the School of Rural Health in Dubbo, providing students with the opportunity to get immersed in rural healthcare and make a difference in our community.
AUTHOR BIO
Sarah Blackwell is a fourth year medical student at The University of Sydney School of Rural Health in Dubbo
Jack B lma & The Black Tide
THE GOOD ENOUGH PARENT with EMILY
THOMPSON
Idecided to up the difficulty level these school holidays by adding in swimming intensives while also working fulltime. Miss 10 has been lucky enough to have free swimming lessons at school this year thanks to an incredibly generous donor, and she has come along in leaps and bounds. I decided to keep the intensity going by having lessons everyday in the first week and I’ve never loved while simultaneously regretted anything more in my life.
Some highlights-
My (26-year-old) editor at the Sydney paper I write for emailed me to ask if I’d write about my experience with menopause, as an older rural writer (I’m 44).
Miss 10 immediately complained about being too busy to swim- this is “her time” to spend 14 hours a day playing Minecraft
Intensive holidays
while facetiming her best friend.
We ran into her lovely teacher from last year at swimming lessons on the first day. Miss 10 said “wow Mrs M is the best mum ever for working all term then taking her kids swimming in the holidays.” I was working poolside, reading the insulting menopause email as she said this.
Miss 15 has decided I’m not resilient enough and has been bullying me about my haircut, my clothes, my taste in music, men and snacks. Even my post-it notes are “mid”. “Fluro mum? Really?” I do feel emotionally stronger but I am eternally grateful to no longer be a teenage girl. I immediately ask the group chat what colour their frantic work-scribble post-it notes are and feel extremely validated by the bright yellow responses.
I decided to bake my mum’s famous honey jumbles and gave some to my mother-in-law because she’d raved about
3G is switching off
the picture of them the girls sent her. She took this as a challenge and handed hubby the jelly cakes she’d hastily baked so he could “eat something nice for a change”.
Hubby cooked on Monday after realising he had the day off but I didn’t and we couldn’t afford to order in. At 5.30pm he popped the leg of lamb in the oven. When I questioned the timing, he said “it said it takes 55 minutes to cook”.
Me “It’s 55 minutes PER KILO”.
Him: “how many kilos is it?”
It was almost 4 kilos. We ate at 9.30pm. Then we both got indigestion because we’re in our mid-forties.
Actual highlights-
The kids spent a week at their grandparents so we could both work. I missed them but it was amazing to spend a week alone together, and concentrate
Upgrade your phone and devices now
From Monday 28 October, Australia‘s 3G networks will be switched off.
All phones and devices that rely on 3G, and some older 4G devices, such as EFTPOS machines, medical alarms, personal emergency response devices, smart watches and tablets will no longer work. This means you won’t be able to make or receive calls or texts or call Triple Zero (000).
To check if you’re impacted text ‘ 3’ to ‘3498’ or contact your mobile service provider.
To learn more visit infrastructure.gov.au and search ‘3G switch off ’
on work guilt free.
A beautiful friend brought over lemons, so we had lemon and spinach pasta, lemon meringue pie and a (belated) lemon and rosemary lamb roast. I love sharing produce, it’s one of my favourite things about living in the country.
I went to Collins Booksellers on what I mistakenly thought was release day for the new Tim Winton novel. I was early, so those champions lent me their prerelease copy. I was halfway through before I realised it’s SIGNED BY HIM. Like, he touched the actual book I’m reading. We’re practically married now. I fangirled HARD.
I still have 24 hours until I have to pick my children up, 98 pages to go of my book and enough leftover lamb to not cook for another three days. Holiday perfection.
Take control of your health with Physio & Recovery Co.
At Physio & Recovery Co., it’s not just about treating injuries — it’s about giving patients the tools to take control of their own health.
Physio & Recovery Co is the new practice of Jane Thompson, a well-known local physiotherapist with a decade of experience. Recently moving from Highlands Healthcare in Sale Street to the larger rooms at 103 Byng Street, Jane has expanded her team and is focused on creating a cutting-edge healthcare practice that puts the patient firmly in the centre of it all.
“What we do well is make sure to actually listen to the people that come in and create a plan with them that gives them control over their own health,” Jane said.
“We pride ourselves on actually taking the time to get to know people and work with
them on their health journey.”
With her long background in women’s health, Jane continues to specialise in treating a range of conditions, from lower back pain to musculoskeletal issues as well as women’s health issues. Meanwhile, Physio & Recovery Co.’s new physiotherapist, Louie, brings a strong foundation in sports and exercise science, allowing the practice to offer even more comprehensive care for active adults and athletes.
But at Physio & Recovery Co, the focus is always on providing personalised treatment that targets the root cause of a patient’s problem.
“I like to think we offer a service that is more holistic,” Jane said. “If you were to come in with shoulder pain, or you’re a runner who’s struggling with hip pain or ongoing back pain, our focus is really trying to get to the crux of why that’s happened in the first place… to work out how to actually rectify that problem rather than just treat
symptoms and send you anyway. — that’s what we’re offering.”
The extra room at the new Byng Street practice has also allowed Physio & Recovery Co. to establish a clinical pilates studio, offering supervised classes as well as being available on a subscription service to patients to use in their own time.
“Clinical Pilates is really controlled and focused on technique for rehabilitation purposes. We’re working on injury prevention and making sure that we’re actually addressing their health concerns more than just general health and fitness,” Jane said.
“So there will be classes with Louie and I and a subscription-based service with prefilmed classes that they can follow through. Or people can come in and we’ll write them out a program they can follow.
“I think it will be really helpful and a good offering for our patients.”
Aunt & Holt family
Lochie. Audrey & Cassia Bell with Michelle Maguire
Ethan, Jonah & Mitch Finn
Neville, Cassandra & Porscha
Lucy & Zara Thornett
DINOMANIACS CONCERT
Photos by CEC TILBURG
Kids from Orange enjoyed an exciting Dinomaniacs concert on Saturday morning, 5th October, at the Coral Sea Room at the Orange Ex-Services Club. The event was filled with singing, dancing, and plenty of fun with dinosaurs, making it a memorable morning of entertainment and joy for all the children.
SIGNATURE EVENTS
Night Markets - 18 October
Sip & Savour - 25 October
Dining at Altitude - 2 November + OVER 40 FESTIVAL EVENTS!
Scan the QR code to view the Full Events Program.
Felix & Chris Purcell
Mitch. Maddy & Blair
Mental Health Month: Turning Your Dreams Into Reality Author Talk with Eila Jameson-Avey
Eila Jameson-Avey wrote her debut novel Wellworth during a battle with mental health. To see it published fulfilled a dream she’d had since she was a child but never expected to realise. It was this dream that helped her overcome the mental health condition that crippled her for half a decade.
Eila is now determined to share her experience in the hope it might motivate others to be brave enough to realise their own dreams and will be presenting an author talk at Orange City Library on Wednesday, October 16 at 5.30pm
during Mental Health Month.
Eila had a fantastical existence as a young child, writing stories and making them into small books, with stapled spines.
She has now completed The Year of the Novel with Emily Maguire at Writing NSW and has a Graduate Certificate in Writing and Literature at Deakin University.
Winning the Lane Cove Literary Award in 2021 gave her the faith to keep writing.
She’s happiest spending time on the rural property she shares with her husband and two Dalmatians with a few writing projects to work on.
About the book Wellworth What happens when your search for the identity of your parents leads you to the one place you fear?
After a difficult marriage breakdown, Ally returns to teach at the school she
attended as a child. Her homecoming in rural Widyarra (the fictitious name she gave Gulgong) takes a turn for the worse when Ally discovers her colleagues are hiding deadly secrets.
When Ally’s chance at finally having a family of her own is put in jeopardy, she takes matters into her own hands. But who is the hunter and who is the prey?
Pushed to the brink, the lines are blurred. One thing is certain. Ally will stop at nothing to protect her child.
Meet Eila Jameson-Avey at Orange City Library on Wednesday, October 16 at 5.30pm. The event is supported by Collins Booksellers, Orange and copies of Wellworth will be available for sales and signings during the evening. Please book your spot online by visiting tinyurl. com/DreamsIntoReality2024 or call Orange City Library on 6393 8132.
Phil DONATO MP
State Member for Orange
Probus Month
October
Celebrate Community and Companionship in Retirement! Probus Clubs provide retirees with social connections through activities that keep minds and bodies active. This October, join in the Probus Month festivities and discover how you can make new friends and enjoy a fulfilling retirement. If you are retired or semi-retired, there is no better time to join your local Probus Club then during Probus Month.
2024-25
Australian Olympic Change-Maker Program
Attention all high school teachers! It's time to recognize our local Year 10-12 students who demonstrate leadership and embody the Olympic values through the Australian Olympic ChangeMaker program. Nominate students to connect with like-minded peers and experience unique Olympic opportunities. Find out more and nominate visit https://www.olympics.com.au/ australian-olympic-change-maker/
or via QR code
legislative updates
Regional Communities (Consultation Standards)
Bill 2024: I contributed to this bill, ensuring that regional community consultations are structured, meaningful engagements.
Standard of Living Motion: I called on the government to explore further support for vulnerable communities in the Central West.
Regional Manufacturing Revival: I supported a debate on activating local manufacturing to unlock regional potential.
A summary of fishing rules and regulations is available via the FishSmart App or by accessing the NSW Recreational Freshwater Fishing Guide, available at NSW DPIRD Fisheries offices, fishing fee agents, or online at the DPI website. has commenced
A community consultation on passenger rail services for Orange is scheduled for Thursday, 31st October at the Orange Ex-Services Club. This is a crucial opportunity to shape future services to meet local needs. More details will be confirmed closer to the date.
Recognising 2024 Orange Business Award Winners
Congratulations to the 2024 Orange Business Award winners! Your achievements highlight the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation that define our community.
Justice for Biddy Porter Petition
I’m proud to announce that the petition calling for justice for Biddy Porter has now surpassed 20,000 signatures. This strong show of support from the community highlights the importance of Biddy’s case and the broader need for justice reform in NSW.
The petition will now be presented to the NSW Parliament, and I will be championing this cause on behalf of all those who signed. Our next step is to ensure this matter gets the attention it deserves in Parliament. Together, we are making our voices heard for justice for Biddy.
Let’s Feast @ The Mills
Serving all your favorites, plus so much more
The Mills Cafe is a popular local eatery that boasts one of the most extensive menus in Orange.
The Mills has everything you expect from a cafe: great coffee, delicious smoothies and milkshakes and all your hot breakfast favourites. And with breakfast available all day, you can stop by anytime for a delicious Bacon and Egg Roll, Hash Browns, French Toast, Eggs Benedict or the yummy Avocado and Feta Smash.
At lunch or dinner, you are truly spoiled for choice: there’s a wide range of Burgers to choose from; Fish and Chips plus other takeaway
favourites; a carvery with a selection of Roast Beef, Pork, Lamb, and Chicken; Fresh-Made Sandwiches and Salads... it truly is endless!
Available from 10am daily, the Mills also offers a full Asian menu with favourites like Sweet and Sour Pork, Curry Beef, Satay Lamb, Honey Chicken, Thai Massaman Curry and more. Pizza and sushi are just about the only things you won’t find on The Mills menu! Looking for somewhere for an afternoon coffee? The espresso machine at The Mills is running all day, from open until 7.45pm. Open six days (7am–8pm Monday to Saturday; 8am–3pm, 5pm–8pm Sunday and Closed all Public holidays, except Good Friday only) The Mills Cafe is licensed and has indoor and outdoor seating available. You will also find them on Menulog for home delivery!
Dine-ins, take-outs, delivery and catering available
TUES-SAT: 7.00am to 8.00pm SUN: 8am-3pm; 5pm-8pm
FIND US ON FACEBOOK
Call: 6360 3606
what’s happening in orange
The Greenhouse of Orange
Live on the Lawn – Andrew Drummond and High Tone Pants
The Greenhouse of Summer is back! Enjoy the new summer food and cocktail menu along with live music every weekend!
Live on the Lawn from 6pm this Friday, October 11, is Andrew Drummond.
Head up to the Rooftop on Saturday, October 12 and welcome back the High Tone Pants from 6pm, followed by DJ Dave O’Hara from 9pm.
The Wentworth Orange
Live music at Wenty
Friday, October 11: Chloe Swannell, 7pm Sunday, October 13: Andy O’Donell, 2–4pm
Live music at the Vic Hotel: Open Mic and Tameka Kennedy Duo
The JAM Orange Open Mic Night returns to the Victoria Hotel this Friday, October 11.
Always popular, the monthly open mic features a mix of up-and-coming musicians and well-known local talent.
Wondering whether it’s time to share your talents with welcoming community of music lovers? Register your spot by emailing jamorange2800@gmail.com.
The night gets underway at 7.30pm.
Then, on Saturday, October 12, the live music continues with the Tameka Kennedy Duo performing from 8pm till late!
orange and surrounding regions
Orange Bowlo presents Beatle Magic
Sixty years after the Beatles toured Australia, relive the magic on November 1 at the Orange City Bowling Club.
For over 14 years, Beatle Magic has been declared Australia’s most authentic-sounding Beatle tribute show ever to hit our shores. It’s a sound so close to the original, that YouTube started to pull down the clips for copyright infringement, thinking they were playing to the original sound track.
Founding member and band leader Bill Croft (John Lennon) is no stranger when it comes to the sounds of the Beatles. Being his favourite group of all time, he has been performing their hits from an early age, and as being a member of the band was not an option, his passion is to keep their music alive.
All Beatle fans, young and old if you missed out on seeing The Beatles live, well look no further as you will not hear anything closer to the real thing than Beatle Magic
From LOVE ME DO to LET IT BE, Beatle Magic will HELP you GET BACK to YESTERDAY!
See Beatle Magic at the Orange Bowlo on November 1. Doors open from 7.30pm, show starts from 8pm.
For tickets and more information, visit: ocbc.org.au/entertainment
Drones, coding and AI:
Young locals get a taste of farming in the future
Local high school students have gained firsthand experience in the future of agriculture, taking part in a fiveweek AgTech Career Taster Program at TAFE NSW Orange and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
Throughout the program, a selection of Year 9 and 10 students from Orange High School and Blayney High School learnt skills in drone operations, the Internet of Things, coding, and artificial intelligence — not exactly what first comes to mind when you think of a career in agriculture.
The initiative aims to raise awareness of these emerging careers that merge agriculture with technology and hopefully encourage students to stay, study, and work in regional NSW.
“The AgTech Career Taster Program provides
students with real-world experience and an understanding of career pathways in this growing sector. Over the past four weeks we’ve had four groups of students gain hands-on technological skills that can be applied to a career in agriculture,” TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Information Technology Jackie Sheehan said.
“This includes drone operation, understanding enhanced automation and security through the Internet of Things, designing and building a model smart farm and weather station, and learning from industry guest speakers.”
Up to 1,500 students throughout regional NSW have participated in the program, building their knowledge and skills in science, technology, engineering, maths (STEM), along with agriculture.
The Australian Government has sets its sights on growing the agriculture sector into a $100 billion industry by 2030. It is expected that one-in-three
new jobs in the agriculture, fisheries, and forestry industries will be technology-related.
“Developing a workforce of the future is critical to solving talent gaps for employers and create opportunities for individuals seeking to enter the industry,” Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said.
“Agriculture is an ‘engine room’ industry in NSW. Farmers across the state produce more than $17 billion worth of food and fibre every year. Agricultural technology, ‘AgTech’, is vital to the ongoing success of the agricultural industry for our state.
“The NSW Government is committed to supporting the growth of the AgTech sector as part of its efforts to build a highly skilled workforce to drive innovation and efficiency in the state’s critical agriculture industry.”
www.orange.nsw.gov.au
Find us on social media @ Orange City Council
YOUR LOCAL COUNCIL AT WORK
Orange gets set to celebrate NAIDOC Week
NAIDOC Week celebrations will be held in Orange from October 18 to 26, highlighting the rich and diverse cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The theme for 2024 is Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud. It honours the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture – with fire a symbol of connection to Country, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Orange Mayor Tony Mileto is looking forward to celebrating the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples this NAIDOC Week.
“The Orange NAIDOC Committee has organised a great week of events for all Orange residents to come together to learn about First Nations histories, and celebrate the world’s oldest continuing culture,” Cr Mileto said.
Everyone is welcome to come along to the NAIDOC Week Street March and Opening Ceremony on Monday 21 October. The march will begin in Sale Street at 10am and head down Summer Street to Robertson Park where the ceremony will begin at 10.45am.
The Opening Ceremony will feature a Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony, flag-raising ceremony, reflections, Traditional dance, songs and instruments. The event will also feature stalls and activities, a coffee van and a free barbecue.
Information about all the 2024 NAIDOC Week events can be found on the Orange City Council website at https://www.orange.nsw.gov.au/ aboriginal-services/naidoc-week/
Sessions to inform community about changes to traffic flow
Orange City Council will host two community information sessions later this month to inform motorists about changes to traffic flow in the city when the Southern Feeder Road opens.
Stage 4 of the Southern Feeder Road is currently under construction and will open later this year, which will affect the way traffic flows around our city.
This means some streets in Orange will get
Other events being held during NAIDOC Week are:
NAIDOC Week 3v3 Basketball Day 6pm Friday 18 October
Igniting the Flame of Hope
10.30am Sunday 20 October, South Court
NASCA Ochre Up Exhibition Monday 21 October, CWA Hall Robertson Park
NAIROC School Eisteddfod 9am Wednesday 23 October, Orange Function Centre
Orange Elders Luncheon 12pm Thursday 24 October
Orange NAIDOC Golf Day Friday 25 October
NAIDOC AEGC Junior Ball 6.30pm Friday 25 October
NAIDOC Community Awards Night 5.30pm Saturday 28 October
busier, while others will see lower traffic volumes. For example, Shiralee residents will begin to use the Southern Feeder Road and Woodward Street, which will increase traffic volumes on those roads, while easing traffic slightly on others.
Interested members of the community can attend one of two information sessions:
Session 1 – 6pm-7pm, Wednesday 16 October 2024, Orange High School
Session 2 – 6pm-7pm, Thursday 17 October 2024, Orange Christian School
Residents are invited to come and learn more about what these changes mean for them and the way they get around the city.
People wishing to attend can book their spot at https://www.123tix.com.au/events/profile/ orangecitycouncil. Bookings are essential.
The NAIDOC Week Street March will be held on Monday 21 October. s
The Southern Feeder Road will open later this year. s
Supercars Stars swap helmets for high-vis ahead of the Great Race
Preparations for the 2024 Repco Bathurst 1000 have stepped up a notch, with Supercars drivers James Golding and Tim Slade taking a lap of Mount Panorama with the line marking crew painting the famous circuit ahead of this Sunday’s race.
The PremiAir Nulon Racing duo joined the team from Dubbo’s Central West Linemarking, who were engaged to paint the track boundaries and other important linework around the 6.213 km stretch of bitumen.
The two drivers swapped their helmets and Chevrolet Camaros for high-vis and a seat in an Isuzu F
Series dual control truck—an FVD 165-300 Auto—with a customised road painting platform from Core Equipment in Canada.
Getting an altogether different view from the cab, the Supercars drivers said it was an eye-opening experience to witness the level of preparation required in bringing aspects of the race together.
“I have turned a few laps of Mount Panorama in racecars, but this was a very different perspective!” Mr Golding commented.
“My Supercar is a special piece of kit, but the process and accuracy of the customised dual control Isuzu truck from Central West Linemarking definitely gives it a run for its money.
“What I can say for certain is that the track is ready for us to race on next week.”
Supercars veteran Tim Slade also acknowledged the massive undertaking of preparing the track for The Great Race.
“I’m used to turning up on race week and seeing it pristine, so to see the effort from the Central West Linemarking crew and the Bathurst City Council overall is really impressive,” Mr Slade commented.
“The Bathurst 1000 is a showpiece in Australian sport. To see the crew take such enormous pride in ensuring the track is presented in the best possible way is a credit to their skills and professionalism.”
For Central West Linemarking’s Adam Walker, the opportunity to have the Supercars drivers join the crew was a thrill for all involved even if they didn’t lap the circuit at quite the same speed.
“It was great to have both James and Tim join the crew and get their feedback on the circuit and how important the track markings are during the race,” said Mr Walker.
The PremiAir Racing team and other 2024 Repco Supercars Championship teams competing started arriving at Mount Panorama earlier this week, with practice getting underway today (Thursday, October 10.)
The 161-lap Bathurst 1000 starts at 11.30 am this Sunday 13 October.
Katie Baddock
What do you do for a living and what do you love about it?
My role at Groundstone Cafe is incredibly multifaceted. Some people would see me as a café owner. Some people would see me as a hype girl. Some as a food stylist, event planner and coordinator, business advisor, farmer’s daughter, green thumb… and others, as a mum. Being a small business owner, we take on many hats, everything from bookkeeper to social media guru and content creator, to a friend and a second mum to some of my team.
What I love most is the community. I get the opportunity to see people and have conversations, whether it be with my amazing team, our regular customers, tourists visiting the museum and gallery, or with other business owners. It’s an incredible community which I am lucky enough to be a part of.
Who is your best friend and what is your favourite thing to do together?
Oh gosh, I have so many amazing friends in Orange! One of my longest friendships in Orange is with Rosie Long. She has just opened up a new business Sale Street Real Estate with her business partner Will Miller. Already, they are doing amazing things. When not working we love a good chardy, and you would probably find us somewhere like the deck at De Salis or at home around the pizza oven.
What’s your favourite hidden gem in Orange?
There are so many, depending on what mode I am in! Mum mode: I think you would find us at Ophir or the nature walking track at Canobolas. It’s an amazing trail and we love outdoor adventures.
Work mode is hard because there are so many incredible businesses in our region. After hours, definitely Rowlee’s new bar and dining… they are about to launch and
open their new garden bar.
And myself mode: probably getting down and dirty fruit or flower picking at one of the many local orchards.
Which person from history would you most like to meet?
This is a hard one, but in a previous pre-small business life, I worked on an archaeological dig in Paphos, Cyprus, and I have always been fascinated by ancient Greece, the Greek gods, especially Aphrodite, and the culture. I would love to go back and meet some of the philosophers I studied while living in Sydney, so maybe Herodotus.
Forget the deep and meaningful answers to this question, but what is an important, practical, but underrated, piece of advice you’d pass on to your kids?
There are so many different things I could say, but it is just so important to be thankful and grateful for those who are around you, how you have got where you are, and what you can achieve. Being grateful for the journey – the good and the bad bits – is really important.
If you were running for mayor, what would your campaign slogan be?
I am so proud that one of my really good friends Maria Ruddy has just been elected to council and she is going to do an amazing job, so it’s funny this question has come up! It would probably be something dorky like ‘work hard, play hard’, which isn’t really anything to do with the town itself, but it is more about who I am.
Small business owners, including myself, work pretty hard, but many, like myself, are also involved in a lot more in our community than just work. I am a big advocate for going out and supporting the community and playing, as well as working hard, for the community.
INDUSTRIAL BIN
OPEN
MONDAY - FRIDAY 8AM - 4:30PM
PEOPLE OF O-TOWN
Orange Bridge Club hosts regional workshop
Members of bridge clubs in the Central West recently attended workshops at the Orange Bridge Club, which were run by Bruce Crossman from Canberra. The workshops focused on a new program called MyABF being built by the Australian Bridge Federation (ABF), as well as director sessions.
The first day the session focused on the introduction of MyABF for local bridge clubs. ABF Executive Officer David Fryda introduced the session and emphasised the importance of the new program which will help bridge clubs organise congresses, administration and finances. The group was joined by Julian Forster from Sydney, via Zoom. Club members were able to ask questions and about forthcoming changes.
On the second day, Bruce provided a variety of teaching strategies for directors using simulations, video clips, and whiteboard activities, to revise rulings and help directors better understand specific bridge movements.
Bruce has been a national director for 15 years and is the head director at Canberra Bridge Club which has 700+ members. He has directed at the Canberra Festival of Bridge, Gold Coast International Bridge Congress, Sydney Spring Nationals, and GNOT finals. Participants were able to draw on his expertise and practise directing techniques enabling members of clubs from Cowra, Bathurst, Parkes and Orange to benefit from attendance at the workshops, and interaction between club members.
Orange City Christian MEN’S BREAKFAST
SATURDAY 19TH OCT, 6.50AM FOR 7AM START, FINISH 8.20AM
$20 Pay on Entry Cash or Card Duntryleague Orange
Guest Speaker: Danny Cooke
CABINET MAKER & ARTIST
at this month’s Orange City Christian Men’s Breakfast on Saturday, October 19, at the Duntryleague Golf Club.
P.S. Danny will also be part of a men’s gathering after breakfast 9.15am to 10.30am. Topic: Strengthening the Will 10.30 -11.00am M/T Scones and Cream $10
ORANGE
The monthly event is about enabling men to connect around some fun, fellowship and sharing of life and faith over a very tasty breakfast, in a wonderful setting.
RSVP by phone or SMS your name and those you want to come along with by 7pm Wednesday, 16 October, to: Michael Middleton on 0418 435 250; or Mal Rankin on 0427 200 453.
Please inform us of any dietary requirements.
The group recently held an afternoon tea at the Ex- Services’ Club. The afternoon was the first gathering after our winter break. The members enjoyed a chat rather than the usual business talk, although the rise in deaths and diagnoses due to prostate cancer was discussed, and how our group could encourage men to have the simple blood test.
Members enjoyed the afternoon get-together and decided to have a lunch get-together in October instead of a formal meeting. The gathering will be held at 12.30pm on Thursday, October 10 at the Orange Ex- Services’ Club restaurant. All members and interested members of the public are invited.
For further information contact Charlie at 63611830.
put it off any longer, I’ll have to clean it. But standing at my door and surveying the carnage, it always looks impossible. I feel as though I could clean it for hours and barely make a dent (which unfortunately sometimes is true). I’m sure there’s things in your life that seem impossibly far away too. Driving home after a late shift and it feels like you’ll never get home or waiting for your food at a restaurant when you’re starving. Sometimes for me, God feels this distant. But this is simply not true! The Bible says that God isn’t far away, instead he is in our mouths and our hearts. This mean that even when He feels really distant, He is right there beside us guiding what we say and do. This is something that I find great comfort in especially when I’m going through tough times and feel like I’m alone. My bedroom is still messy, but I know God loves me.
A vacant 58.66 hectare, 145 acre, lifestyle property located on a quiet country road south of Orange.
Open and undulating country, with good boundary fencing, watered by a semi permanent creek and a reliable dam.
Good native timber provides good livestock shelter and there are amazing views available of the surrounding area.
Annual rainfall of approx. 30 to 32 inches per annum and ranging from approx. 780 to 880 metres above sea level.
Located approx. 19km from Blayney, 21km from Millthorpe, 40km from Orange, and 256km from Sydney.
A great small farm to run a few sheep or cattle and worthy of inspection.
PETER FISHER
12:30-1:00
1:15-1:45
2:002:30
12:15- 12:45 351 Anson
Best Properties Best Agents...
Breathtaking Views Right at Your Back Door
Outstanding, elevated rural
A homely feel from the moment you enter. The two separate living spaces are bathed in natural light. The bedrooms are generous, easily accommodating queen beds.
Immaculately presented and maintained, this is a home that would suit people looking for something unique.
• Open plan kitchen, dining, living plus formal lounge
• Ducted gas heating
• Close proximity (2.1km) to the North Orange Shopping Centre and the Botanical Gardens are located close by (1.6km)
• 900mm Stainless electric oven & gas cook-top
• Main bedroom with walk-in robe and ensuite, and the three other bedrooms all have built-in robes
Agents details Katie Christopherson 0400 637 559 to arrange your viewing today
• Covered alfresco with roll down blinds
• 6.6km solar system
• Three-way bathroom for your convenience
• Drive through rear yard access
• 665sqm Block
‘Trishela’
• Open plan living and kitchen
• Successfully run as an air bnb previously
• Highly productive country for livestock
10 & 12 Loftus Street, Cargo NSW I Looking for peace and quiet?
Loftus Street, Cargo offers the opportunity to embrace the peaceful lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of only 30 minutes from Blayney.
• 10 & 12 Loftus Street is a 1 acre and 1.2-acre block respectively
• Fully fenced flat land ready to build
• Don’t miss this opportunity to embrace a peaceful, semi- rural lifestyle
This stunning property has been professionally renovated, turning it into a quality residence nestled in its own private country setting
• The brick veneer home has 3 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms, a stunning living, dining, and kitchen area connected to the undercover timber deck and a large laundry
• The property boasts a small Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc 1*acre vineyard and extensive horse infrastructure
• Excellent water, 90,000* litres of rainwater storage and 22,500L rainwater storage off the stables and a pump from the dam for irrigating the vineyard
Glasson Drive, Orange NSW Breathtaking Views Right at Your Back Door
Outstanding, elevated rural views from your back fence, this home offers something unique.
• Open plan kitchen, dining, living plus formal lounge
• Ducted gas heating
• Close proximity (2.1km) to the North Orange Shopping Centre and the Botanical Gardens are located close by (1.6km)
• 900mm Stainless electric oven & gas cook-top
• Main bedroom with walk-in robe and ensuite, and the three other bedrooms all have built-in robes
• Covered alfresco with roll down blinds
SPORTSNEWS
Tenpin Bowling HEAD PIN
with Bob Taylor
Once again a lot to inform you of, so let’s go, looking the Golden Oldies where Richard Saunders scored a fantastic 171 over average, to be followed by Aaron Cantrill from the Monday 7.30pm league with 163 over average and he was followed by Nick Flannery from the Tuesday Scratch Singles with 158 over average for the series PLUS 10th perfect 300 Game.
Not to be left out there was also Matthew Woodham from the Wednesday 7.30pm league with 124 over average, ahead of Judy Taylor (no relation) from the Monday 10.00am league with 117 over average, and she was followed by Nick Gaeta from the Wednesday 6.20pm league with 112 over average for the series.
Star Bowler for the week and winner of the Auto Wash compliments of Race Track Car Wash was Richard Saunders who scored that staggering 171 over average for the series.
The High Roller champion and winner of the three free practice games was David Jameson whos cored a marvellous 235 (PB).
Others trying to beat David included Andrew Johnson 234, John Smith 204, Justin Smart 257, Brock Gallagher 218, Matthew Woodham 231, Harrison Walker 235, Will Rollo 227, Aaron Cantrill 246, Blake Frecklington 258, Connor Muir 221, Brock Walker 207, Jason Brown 217, Nick Flannery 300 (another), Nick Gaeta 226, Jayden Christoff 240, Greg Shapter 209, Nathaniel Mason 233 and Darius Thurtell 244.
The Almost Made it Hero and winner of the open order from
Kings Takeaway at Greengate was a familiar name, and this was Richard Saunders who scored 194 (PB). As this score was 77 over average and part of his 171 over average for the series, Richard was named the first Man of the Moment for October and first in line hoping for the voucher from Guys Cuts.
Other bowlers seeking a great feed included Hannah McClennan 130, Verona Gavin 190, Irene Priest 140, Vanessa Kelly 143, Dianne Apps 169, Judy James 163, Karen Anderson 153, Liz Campbell 155, Judy Taylor 189, Chris Brown 178 and Ian Middleton 195.
Not to be left out there was also Josh Johnstone 174, Rebecca Stibbard 155 (PB), Tracy Gavin 176, Alan Westendorf 188, Jacqui Smith 137, Steven Randell 114, Ben Randell 134, Lachlan Andreas 154, David Lawler 177, Brett Corkett 127 and Xavier Mason 178.
Hoping to be mentioned were also Colin Parsons 158, Lesley Murphy 141, Rhonda Boardman 154, Bob Taylor (yes, me!) 163, Margaret West 150, Sophie Jones 158, Leanne Hovey 149, Jill Beadle 157, Jacob Southwell 182 and Kielan Holder 178.
Junior of the Week and winner of the voucher from Domino’s was Milo Lees who scored a great 179. The voucher will be waiting for Milo to return from school holidays.
The first Female of Note for October and first in the queue hoping for the gift certificate from MJ’s All HairAll Occasions was Rebecca Stibbard who scored 155 (PB) which was 46 over average .
Country Club BOWLS NOTES
WOMEN’S BOWLS
Week ending October 4
Bowls this week was brilliant with great weather, fabulous company and some exceptional bowls played.
20 ladies competed in two games of triples and two games of pairs:
• Trish and Yvonne had a convincing win over Marg and Julie – 22-13
• Helen and Denise T. had a closer game against Linda and Veronica – 14-12
• Judy, Annette and Gwen wining over Verna, Kathy and Jan – 11-6
• Phoebe, Jane and Carol winning another low scoring game over Denise L., Lorraine and Vi – 14-9
We have three ladies and one bowler from the Ex Services Men’s Club competing in the NSW Rookies Pairs Regional play offs the weekend of 12 and 13 October. We wish Julie Pitt and Marg Henry, Linda McFadden and Daryl West all the best.
Upcoming tournaments include:
• Our Club Pairs Championships entries close 10 October with games to commence 17 October
• Mid-West
o Open and Senior Triples – 19 and 20 October. Nominations close 6 October
o Open and Senior Pairs - 9 and 10 November. Nominations close 27 October
o Open and Senior Singles – 30 November and 1 December. Nominations close 17 November Practice and coaching is available every Tuesday commencing at 10.30am, at the Country Club. These sessions are for our existing members and any ladies who would like to try their hand at lawn bowls.
Please contact Trish - 0400379294, or Phoebe - 0408223843 for further information
MEN’S BOWLS 28th September/ 1st October 2024
Hello Bowlers, Saturday, we had 42 Bowlers. Raffle winners Peter Lange, Michael Roach, and Peter Brooking.
Lucky winning rink, Jen Fenwick, P.A. Baker, and Bob Jenkins. Unfortunates’ rink Maree Haigh-Cole, Peter Lange, and Al Gregory. Consolation winners Jim Duffy, Phoebe Coster and Ian Carr.
Jackpot not won and will carry over. Margins I have been informed were remarkably close for the Jackpot i.e. No. 3 margin 4 times, then a 1, 2, and 4.
Tuesday had over 41 bowlers, turn up for a roll up on a lovely sunny day.
Raffles winners, Dario Vardanega, Trevor Stedman, and Peter Brooking.
Lucky winning rink, there back the 3 Amigos, Doug Nonnemacher, Bill Keogh, and Rick Stephens. Unfortunates, rink going to Kevin Syphers, Doug Hiller, and Peter Lange.
Tuesdays’ Jackpot was not won and will carry over.
The club has a Bowls shop in the bowls office for members.
Upcoming Club Championships are as
follows; Club Pairs starting from the 13th October. Draw will be on displayed at the club.
Our Champion Pairs tournament on the 2nd and 3rd of November, closing date is 28th October. Players eligible to compete in this tournament must have won a singles, pairs, triples, and or fours and better.
The wrong Bias and individual donations for The Royal Far West Charity was $345.00 this time around. I believe so far us Bowlers and Others have donated around $600.00. A job well done to everyone.
Also, thank you bowlers for turning up to play our wonderful sport. The numbers we are getting are fantastic and hopefully, more will play, now the weather is warming up.
Weekly Etiquette Tip.
Food & drinks are not allowed on or near the green surface. Spillages and dropped food items cause staining on the carpet.
Saturday bowls please call Peter Wright 0427 813 220, or the club. Jim will not be available.
Tuesday bowls call, Jim Finn 0418 651 382, or the club on 63613210.
Trish Wilson, Yvonne AnnetteJohnson, Nash and Linda McFadden.
TEN PIN BOWLING WEEKEND ACTION
Photos by CEC TILBURG
OCL made a trip to Orange Tenpin Bowling over the long weekend to catch up on what’s been happening in Orange during the school holidays. By the looks of it, there was plenty of fun and excitement for everyone!
Zac, Steven & Lacey Porter
Charlie,Paige & Simon Roberts
Belle & James
Benji Cosgrove
Teddy Cosgrove
Landon Crosariol
Eloise Crosariol
PUZZLES…. PUZZLES…. PUZZLES….
PUZZLES
Japanese emperor from 1989 (7)
Type of boat used in rowing competition (5)
Amounts (10)
Flower tea (9)
8
THUMBS UP to Aria at Expresso 125 for her excellent service, great barista skills and her happy smile.
THUMB DOWN to Orange City Council. We are paying top dollar for our rates, but now have increased the charges at the Resource Recovery Centre. I think $32 to dump a small amount of rubbish is far too much, especially when we are also donating top-quality goods as well. Shame on you, Orange Council!
THUMB DOWN to the local shop playing a song that was full of swearing and profanity while shopping there. When I said the song was not really appropriate, I got a response of, ‘I don’t control the music.’ I’m not a prude and do swear occasionally, but this was every second word… disgraceful!
THUMBS UP to the lovely ladies who have manned the PCYC cafe for the netball season. You guys totally rock. Your extra care has been greatly appreciated, and I can’t wait to see you next year for cappuccino and scallops.
THUMBS UP to Froff ‘n Bubbles Coffee Hut. Wonderful happy staff with the best coffee and yummy food. Hands down best in town.
THUMBS UP to Tony Mileto for saying the naming of the new stadium (if it is built) should involve extensive community consultation and not be decided by councillors alone.
THUMB DOWN to whoever is responsible for the maintenance of Lake Canobolas Road. On our many trips to Orange, it always amazes me how neglected this tourist route has been each time we return to your beautiful city.
THUMBS UP to Rhonda at North Orange Woolworths. I can’t thank you enough for the love and kindness you showed my son recently. From one very grateful mum to a lovely human.
THUMBS UP to Kylie and Kirsty at the Bowling Club. Always cheerful and smiling, efficient and hard working. Great assets to the club.
THUMB DOWN to cafes that snatch away your mug or plate as soon as you are finished, especially if the other person is still drinking theirs. You pay $8 per coffee for the privilege of using the space, and relaxing, without being harried and insinuating that your patronage ends with the last swallow!
THUMBS UP to the young man in the ute who pulled up quickly on Molong Road. He could see that I was distressed when two stray dogs approached my husky and I whilst out walking. He saved us from a potential disaster. Thank you so much!
THUMB DOWN to the man in white who walked past me while I was in my car and took the time to stop and abuse me. I was shocked and frightened by his foul, aggressive language and behaviour. All I could say was, “Do you speak to your mother, daughter, or your wife like that?”
THUMBS UP to the Return and Earn centre at Wangarang. I went there recently with many bags of recycling and the staff were extremely helpful, and the facility is fantastic.
THUMBS UP to Tina from Centrelink for being incredibly helpful.
THUMBS UP to the thumbs down to the thumbs down to the weather reporters. I’ve never had any trouble either. They do a great job.
THUMB DOWN to the rude staff member I rang to ask about my vehicle maintenance. He barely answered my question, and then when I said I couldn’t get my vehicle there on the day he wanted he said, “Okay, bye” and slammed the phone down.
THUMBS UP to Lanai and the team at Fitness Perfection learn to swim program. So grateful for the professional way you and all the other instructors run the classes and the encouragement and confidence my child has received. It is by far the best swimming program I have come across with the best instructors. You are appreciated.
THUMBS UP to Emily Thompson who writes Good Enough Parent. You are a LEGEND, keep up the good work.
THUMBS UP to Alex and James from Hotbox Firewood. Great product and exceptional service.
THUMBS UP to the drive-thru team at McDonald’s, Bathurst Road. A special mention to Samuel, Alex and Alexis who are friendly, efficient and consistent in their service. Thank you to the busy baristas who make all the morning coffees for their demanding and appreciative customers. You do an awesome job! Also a shout-out to Amy for following up on a customer request and looking after your workmates by getting a drive-thru team member some water. They are lucky to have you as part of their team.
THUMBS UP and a big thank you to the lovely lady for finding the ice topping for me.
THUMBS UP My grandma is 91 and would like to give a thumbs up and a big thank you to all the lovely nurses from the Blayney clinic for their care, concern and help they have given her.
THUMBS UP to our heroes for the staff at Orange Hospital emergency. I arrived by ambulance and was waiting for six hours for results of numerous tests. Thank you all so very, very much for everyone’s kindness, help, support and care: during the lengthy six hours you all kept smiling and helping… you are the best! We are so very grateful.
THUMB DOWN to Orange City Council for not repairing the footpaths in the CBD when they are laying new paving and replacing old paving all over the suburbs. They wasted thousands of dollars on trying to beautify the CBD and left the basic footpaths and gutters. The thousands of dollars used to beautify and install party lights in McNamara Lane has been another complete waste of money –never used in three years.
THUMBS UP and thank you to Petra at The Athlete’s Foot who recently went over and above to help me find the right pair of shoes. Your lovely smile, kind compassion, consideration, friendly and professional service to me certainly set you apart from all your competitors in Orange, and you are truly a credit to your company! I hope your company is aware of what a wonderful treasure you are.
THUMBS UP to Mark Vincent who once again gave a beautiful performance at the Orange Civic Theatre to a standing ovation. It was loved by a 91-year-old lady!
caramelized balsamics, olive oil soaps, olive wood turnings The Hairy Farmer Seasonal vegetables, fruit, jams, olives, Second Mouse Cheese, Fourjay Farms hazelnuts Just Homegrown Relishes, chutneys, sauces, jams, curds, gift packs Bills beans
Make quality, premium coffee, definitely the best in Orange. Order any of the Bills Beans blends instore or online
Mullion Creek Farm Free range pasture raised eggs VK Cobs & Co Salted
Primal Alternative by Melissa Y Gluten free, grain free breads, granolas, sweet treats, dukkahs
