Orange City Life is grateful to the following sponsors for their ongoing support over many years. These sponsorships, among other things, have enabled us to bring our readers a lot more enjoyment to our publications than would otherwise be possible. In return, we ask you to please support them as often as you’re able.
And we’re back! It’s been a great few weeks’ break for the OC Life team, but we are hard at work in the office once again to deliver you your favourite weekly read each and every Thursday. As we like to do from time to time, we will be making a few small changes to the magazine in the coming weeks, but don’t worry; it will still remain the community magazine we know our readers love. But if you do have any feedback, new ideas or suggestions, we would love to hear from you. Drop us a line by emailing reception@oclife.com.au
You will have seen Troy Pearson’s stunning photograph of the G3 ATLAS Comet over Gaanha Bula–Mount Canobolas on our front cover this week. It really was a thrill to get out and see it in person and we hear there was quite a crowd taking in the rare sight at Mt Lindsay Rotary Park and elsewhere around town on Monday night. For those who may have missed it we have some more photographs inside, once again thanks to Pearso at Eyetrix Productions. Comet or no comet, the night sky is definitely worth a look at the moment, with all the planets but Mercury visible in the sky at the same time. Get outside and look up!
The wild storm that swept across the state last week has kept energy workers, SES and Council crews busy. How wild was it! It was a spectacular sight to see it approach Orange and while I have experienced some real doozies, I can’t remember a storm that acted quite like that. We hear that numerous properties were without power following the storm, including the airport, which operated on generator power for two days. Council workers responded to more than 100 reports of storm damage and have been actively removing fallen branches and trees with the aid of private contractors. Anyone who spots tree damage in local parks can use the ‘Report it’ button on the Council website (www.orange.nsw.gov.au) to pass on details and it can be addressed.
While most of our competitions return this week, you will have to wait just a little longer for our popular Let’s Feast restaurant voucher giveaway. Look out for it in our edition of February 6.
Until next week!
Tributes to former Mayor of Orange Richard ‘Dick’ Niven
Orange City Council has paid tribute to former mayor and long-serving councillor Richard ‘Dick’ Niven following his death earlier this month.
Mr Niven was an elected member of Orange City Council for 27 years from 1980 to 2008, including two terms as mayor. The first was from 1981-83, while the second occurred in March 1996 when Mr Niven was elected mayor, after the mayor John Davies resigned and died from illness only two weeks later. He continued in the post until 2002.
Orange Mayor Tony Mileto said he was sad to hear the news of Mr Niven’s passing.
“I knew Dick Niven over many years, particularly through our involvement
with the Orange City Rugby Union Club and in my dealings with him in the legal environment,” Cr Mileto said.
“Dick was a genuine and thoughtful man, unselfish and always measured and considered in his response to questions I’d asked him. He was generous with his time and openly offered advice where appropriate.
“I remember that he was very proud of his family and of the community of Orange. His contribution to the development and progress of Orange was significant. Orange has lost a good man,” Cr Mileto said.
Orange City Council CEO David Waddell praised Mr Niven’s many contributions to the Orange community over many years.
“As mayor for nine years, Dick Niven
was a respected community leader,” Mr Waddell said.
“He had a good understanding of the regional dimension of local government. At the time of the Sydney Olympics in 2000, he worked with the neighbouring shires of Blayney and Cabonne to enable the gold for the games’ gold medals to come from the Orange region.
While on council, he took a leading role in pushing for the establishment of the Orange Botanic Gardens, but then in retirement he served as president of the Friends of the Orange Botanic Gardens,” he continued.
“He showed solid leadership when it came to the nuts-and-bolts decisions of running a council, but he also had the bigger picture in mind when it came to the importance of council being
involved in the cultural life of Orange by supporting the Regional Art Gallery and the pioneering work of the Festival of Arts.”
Richard Niven was born in Orange and attended Orange Infants School, Orange Primary School, and Orange High School. His father was a deputy town clerk of Orange Council, retiring in the 1950s. He was a keen swimmer, skier and golfer. He was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in the 2015 Australia Day Honours List. Mr Niven died on January 2, aged 86.
The flags in front of the Civic Centre were flown at half-mast in his honour.
A celebration of Mr Niven’s life is planned for the Duntryleague Golf Club on Friday, January 31, at 2pm.
DIANE DAVIS
• Dick Niven, who served as mayor of Orange for nine years, pictured with members of the 1995-1999 Council (L-R): Cr Trevor Jaeger, Cr Dick Niven, and Cr Russel Turner.
$15 million in federal funding to deliver ‘original vision’ for Orange sports precinct
More stadium seating and a highquality athletics track and facilities are now assured for the Orange Sports Precinct thanks to a $15 million contribution from the Federal Government.
Orange Mayor Tony Mileto and Member for Calare Andrew Gee were joined by State MP Phil Donato and Orange City Council CEO David Waddell at the Sports Precinct site on Tuesday, January 14, for the funding announcement, part of the Australian Government’s Growing Regions Program.
Orange Mayor Tony Mileto said the funding means the original vision for the project can be delivered.
“It’s great news and I thank the Albanese Government for its support,” Cr Mileto said. “It will mean we can increase the size of the grandstand in the John Davis Stadium. It will ensure the athletics track and facilities are delivered to a very high standard. The carpark and landscaping will also now meet the aims of a parkland setting.”
Cr Mileto said these are challenging projects and all across Australia budgets for capital works are under cost pressure.
“This federal funding on top of NSW Government’s $59.5 million support will mean that this oncein-a-generation project will meet the community expectations,” he said.
“Council has already ramped up progress and that won’t change. We are full steam ahead and the finish date is still the end of 2026, early 2027.”
Member for Calare Andrew Gee welcomed the announcement and said the funding will allow more spectator seating, a grandstand for the athletics track, and sealing and upgrading of car parks and roads, which were looking doubtful because of rising building costs.
“No corners will have to be cut which means this is an outstanding result,” Mr Gee said. “The new precinct is going to be a massive boost for the city’s sportspeople and sporting clubs.
“The local and national events and carnivals that will be held there will deliver the area a very significant economic shot in the arm.”
Last month, Orange residents were given their first glimpse at plans for the new ‘John Davis Sports Stadium’ and wider sports precinct, with council officially lodging development applications with the state planning portal. Those plans featured a 1000-seat stadium, an amenities building for the athletics track, field lighting for the eight
new sports fields, and a landscaping masterplan.
Following the announcement of extra Federal Government funding, the plans in the DA lodged before Christmas will now be reviewed and Council staff will now work with the project architects to develop new plans and costings.
More grandstand seating in the stadium is one of the new directions to be explored, along with a grandstand for the athletics track and more developed car parking and tree plantings.
A council spokesperson says it is essential that all the new plans are considered together, so the overall project can be delivered within the new available budget.
Council will then re-lodge the Development Application with updated designs. That will happen as soon as plans are completed.
The first four of the eight new outside playing fields are due to be turfed in the next fortnight, with the remaining four to be turfed in late February.
Weather permitting, council expects they will be able to be used for next summer’s cricket competition.
The overall project is due to be completed by early 2027.
Register now for a memorable trail run to ‘peak’ your interest
Early bird discount ends January 31
The countdown is on until the return of the Great Volcanic Mountain Challenge, a uniquely scenic and challenging 11-kilometre trail run to the summit of Gaanha bula (Mt Canobolas).
The 2025 event will take place on Sunday, March 30, and see participants tackle forestry trails that ascend three volcanic peaks, offering breathtaking panoramic views.
When runners reach the finish line at the summit of Gaanha bula (Mount Canobolas) – the highest peak between
the Blue Mountains and the Indian Ocean, they will have made a total elevation gain of 520 meters.
“It’s tough,” said 2024 men’s winner Ben St Lawrence. “There’s no easy way to run up 550 meters over 11 kilometres, and there was some really good competition from these guys and the others.”
Ben, an Australian representative at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games, finished with a time of 47:12.
2023 female winner Jessica Ronan agreed it is a challenging run.
“It’s a beautiful fire trail, and the weather was all misty, so it was quite
the adventurous run,” she said.
“It’s a unique course where you go up three summits, so you can see exactly where you are in the field. That can be a bit nerve-wracking at times, but I think you just need to keep reminding yourself to keep pushing.”
But the event is designed for everyone, not just seasoned competitors, say organisers.
The well-marked course ensures a safe experience, with drink stations and first aid support readily available throughout the run.
For the family that prefers less sweat and more fun there is the Family Trail
Run, a delightful 5.5 kilometre dash ideal for kids and other family members, ascending one peak for scenic views before heading back down (hopefully before your 5-year-old decides that sitting down is way more fun than running).
To register or find out more about the Great Volcanic Mountain Challenge on March 30, visit greatvolcanic.org or email gvmcorange@gmail.com.
There is a 20 per cent early bird discount available if you register before January 31.
All profits from the event are donated to The Smith Family.
Orange NSW 2800 www.hansenoptom.com
Comfort top priority for palliative patients with new state-of-the-art ‘cuddle’ beds
Local advocacy group Orange Push for Palliative say they are delighted to announce the arrival of two double-sized ‘cuddle beds’ which will enhance the endof-life experience for palliative care patients and their families at Orange Hospital.
The installation of the beds means families will be able to hold their loved ones close in their final days and hours.
Valued at more than $68,000, the two speciallydesigned state-of-the-art beds have been made possible with funding by the NSW Government facilitated by NSW Minister for Health, Ryan Park.
“This came about after our local member Phil Donato set up a meeting with Mr Park and the Premier Chris Minns during their cabinet visit to Orange earlier this year,” Orange Push for Palliative President Jenny Hazelton said.
“Our group explained the work we have been doing and continue to do to provide additional amenities for palliative patients and their families in Orange and were surprised and thrilled to be offered these funds on the spot to purchase the beds.”
The two beds installed in the palliative unit in Medical Ward A at Orange Hospital can be converted to double-size to allow families to hold their loved ones close at the end of life. With the aid of sophisticated technology, they will provide a comfortable and ‘weightless’ experience for the patient.
“These new beds incorporate new state-of-the-art technology in the specialist-designed air mattresses, which are the first of their type to be used in our health district,” said Mrs Hazelton.
NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park said the new cuddle beds will help create a more comfortable environment and experience for patients receiving
ORANGE PRODUCE MARKETS
Foodies of Orange enjoy a delicious day out at the Orange Producers Markets every Saturday.
The weekly markets, held in the courtyard next to Bills Beans is an opportunity for local growers and producers to bring their freshest produce every week. COME and JOIN US
Just Homegrown Relishes, chutneys, sauces, jams, curds, gift packs
Mullion Creek Farm Free range pasture raised eggs
end-of-life or palliative care, as well as their families or carers.
“I’m pleased to see the beds have now been installed at Orange Health Service, which will help provide a sense of comfort and peace for patients and their families,” Mr Park said.
Member for Orange Phil Donato said the new cuddle beds are an extremely important initiative for palliative patients and their families.
“These beds will allow families to be close at a very sad time at the end of life,” Mr Donato said.
Mrs Hazelton said Orange Push for Palliative will continue its commitment to providing amenities for palliative patients and their families and looks forward to maintaining a strong and positive relationship with Orange Health Service as the group continues to support palliative patients.
Primal Alternative by Melissa Y Gluten free, grain free breads, granolas, sweet treats, dukkahs
“ Your opportunity to meet & buy direct from local growers and producers and go home with the freshest produce!”
• Member for Orange Phil Donato, Orange Push for Palliative President Jenny Hazelton and Vice President Janice Harris with one of the newly installed beds in palliative care.
CADIA’S REAL-TIME AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM
Launched in an effort to improve information sharing with community
Members of the Cadia Valley community now have access to real-time air quality monitoring data as part of Newmont Cadia’s (Cadia’s) ongoing efforts to improve transparency in sharing information about its operations.
The initiative, launched in 2024 to enhance local awareness of Cadia’s mining operations, provides clear, easy to understand, 24/7 data on air quality levels around the Cadia mine site, the first mine site in Australia to provide such data in real time to the local community.
The program provides live data from a network of specialised air quality monitors along Cadia’s perimeter.
These monitors continuously capture dust levels, including particulate matter (PM) 2.5 and PM10, and provide an hourly average. The data is relayed in real time to a central database and actively monitored by Cadia staff.
Public access to this information is available via dynamic, interactive charts on a dedicated webpage, providing hourly and 24-hour averages of air quality readings.
Newmont Cadia General Manager, Tom Lukeman, said the technology reflects Cadia’s dedication to open communication and proactive environmental management.
“We’re proud to launch this air quality monitoring program, which combines technology and transparency to improve how we provide information on our operations to the local community,” said Mr Lukeman.
“Our commitment goes above and beyond regulatory obligations and is part of our ongoing effort to build strong, trusting relationships with our neighbours.”
The air quality monitors are strategically positioned around the site at
Woodville, Bundarra, Triangle Flat, and Meribah to capture highly accurate data on particulate levels, which are crucial indicators of air quality.
The new monitoring system complements an extensive investment by Cadia in continuously reducing dust at site including underground filtration units and an extensive irrigation system on the site’s Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs).
Cadia will continue its focus on providing transparent and accessible information to the local community, ensuring residents are kept informed of the mine’s environmental performance.
In line with this commitment, Cadia is currently trialing a comprehensive noise monitoring program which will make live noise data publicly available.
This noise monitoring data trial aims to further enhance the site’s environmental management practices, with plans to share additional data and insights with the community as the program progresses.
To see Cadia’s real-time air quality monitoring system in action, go to Cadia’s website: https://www.cadiavalley. com.au/newcrest/cvo/live-air-quality-monitoring
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IMPROVED WATER ACCESS FOR PROPERTY FIREFIGHTING
During a fire emergency, a landholder can now take water from surface and groundwater sources on their land without needing to have a water licence and water use approval, and this includes streams, creeks and rivers abutting a boundary.
This water can be used by landholders on their property and adjacent land to fight fires, and can also be used for training and controlled burning when carried out under the authority of a firefighting agency such as the NSW Rural Fire Service.
This exemption has been made via amendments to the Water Management (General) Regulation 2018, in what the NSW Government has described a commonsense reduction in red tape to improve the ability of farmers to fight fires on their own properties.
Under the change, landholders who wish to prepare for the threat of bushfires can now also lawfully take water and store it in a tank or dam for future firefighting purposes.
The maximum volume allowed for each property is
100,000 litres (0.1 ML) per year.
The NSW government will carry out targeted periodic surveys of landholders to monitor how the exemption is being used.
While landholders will not be required to submit reports, they are encouraged to log the volume of water they take under the exemption, for their own records.
Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said the change will further empower landholders to deal with a fire threat.
On December 7 at Mortimer’s Winery, on the outskirts of Orange, there was a gathering of current and former Toastmasters and their invited guests, who met to celebrate the 45th year of club activities in Orange.
Considering that most people would rather face death than be asked to deliver a public speech, this milestone is no small achievement!
The local winery was the perfect location to show off the region and its local club to surrounding clubs, including members from Penrith, Parramatta, Lithgow,
Orange Toastmasters 45th anniversary LUNCHEON
and Bathurst. The event was lucky to have been attended by a number of ‘Distinguished Toastmasters’ (the highest achievement within the organisation), including Dorothy Arnold and Elizabeth Griffin (Orange), Michael Said (Parramatta), Bradley Tzaddik (Penrith), and Merv Tobin (Bathurst).
The club has seen over 200 members come and go since 1979, as they strived to improve their public speaking and leadership skills, guided and fostered by the Toastmasters educational programs.
Toastmasters International is an organisation started in 1924 by Ralph Smedley in California, to create
a collaborative environment for young people to learn the art of public speaking at their local YMCA. Members are nurtured by their clubs to develop selfconfidence in both public speaking and in leadership. Today there are 280,000 members around the world in 15,800 clubs spread through 149 countries.
Anyone who might have an interest in joining Toastmasters is welcome to come and observe a meeting, held every 2nd and 4th Monday of each month, 7-9pm, at Orange Ex-Services Club. Want more info? Email: orangetoastmasters@outlook.com
Rarely seen works on display at ORANGE REGIONAL GALLERY
An intimate, rarely seen, group of works by one of the most original artists of early twentieth-century Australia are currently on display at the Orange Regional Gallery.
The artworks by Clarice Beckett are from the National Gallery of Australia Collection and will be on exhibition at Orange Regional Gallery until March 9, 2025.
Deeply sensitive to the e ects of colour, light, and atmosphere, Beckett painted the life and scenery of her coastal home in southeast Naarm/Melbourne with an eye for the commonplace and fleeting e ects of nature. Her work captures a world on the cusp of modernisation, evoking both the natural environment and simple pleasures of suburbia.
In 1972, the artist’s sister Hilda Mangan donated a group of Beckett’s works to the National Gallery. It is this collection that will be on view for the first time, their freshness and vitality recently restored by extensive conservation treatment.
Clarice Beckett: Paintings from the National Collection is a National Gallery Touring Exhibition supported by The Australian
Government through Visions of Australia.
Exhibited alongside this will be Conversations with Clarice Beckett, an exhibition of eight local artists from across the Central West who were invited to visit the National Gallery of Australia to study Clarice Beckett’s paintings. This project asked the artists to respond to an element of Beckett’s work or life, and reimagine it in their own work.
Artists Linda Chant, Rebecca Dowling, Sally Falkiner, Clare Leeuwin-Clark, Nicola Mason, Colleen Southwell, Joel Tonks, and Jane Tonks, have playfully responded across painting, photography, sculpture and ceramics. Whether examining Beckett’s tonalism, the distinctly moody palette, or having imagined conversations, the artists are in dialogue with Beckett, celebrating her atmospheric, evocative paintings that continue to inspire us today.
Conversations with Clarice Beckett is on display until 23 March, and is supported by Orange Regional Arts Foundation, the National Gallery of Australia, and the Australian Government through Visions of Australia.
• Clarice Beckett, Sandringham Beach, c 1933, oil on canvas, 55.8 x 50.9 cm, National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, purchased 1971.
www.orange.nsw.gov.au
Find us on social media @ Orange City Council
Cook Park to host city’s Australia Day celebrations
Orange Mayor Tony Mileto invites all members of the community to come along to Cook Park on Sunday 26 January for the city’s Australia Day celebrations.
Cr Mileto says Australia Day is a day to reflect, respect and celebrate.
“As Australians, there is much that we can be proud of; our democracy, our shared values, the strength, diversity and generosity of our people,” Cr Mileto said.
“Let’s gather together and celebrate everything we love about our wonderful Orange country and our community.”
Orange’s 2025 Australia Day Ambassador is John Stanley, a
YOUR LOCAL COUNCIL AT WORK
broadcaster and journalist with the Macquarie Radio network. Mr Stanley has hosted prime time talk shows on radio 2UE for 30 years and prior to that he was the 2GB Macquarie chief political correspondent in Canberra.
The celebrations will begin at 8am with the traditional community breakfast barbecue, free for the first 500 people, courtesy of the Orange Canobolas Lions Club and Rotary Club of Orange.
There will be market stalls, children’s jumping castles, games area and merry-go-round, as well as a vintage car display by the Gnoo Blas Classic Car Club.
The official ceremony will begin at
9:20am.
Forty-two people will become Australian citizens at the Citizenship Ceremony, which will be held at about 9.45am, followed by the presentation of the Orange Australia Day Awards at about 11.10am.
The categories for this year’s awards are:
• Citizen of the Year
• Young Citizen of the Year
• Environmental Citizen of the Year
• Community Group of the Year
• Community Event of the Year
• Local Legend
The day will feature performances by the City of Orange Brass Band,
After the official ceremony, a highlight of the event will be live entertainment by world musician Ganathipan from 12pm, accompanied by a diverse group of musicians and dancers.
Growing up in Orange, Ganathipan now lives in Sydney, networking with other musicians to compose and perform music inspired by different traditions and cultures.
Visit the website https://www. orange.nsw.gov.au/australia-day/ to view the program for the day.
BREAKFAST IN THE PARK • FOOD AND MARKET STALLS
LAWN GAMES AND KIDS AMUSEMENTS • LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AT 12PM VINTAGE CAR SHOW • CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY • AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS
Canobolas Highland Pipe Band, Kinross Wolaroi Indigenous Dancers and East Orange Physical Culture Club.
Rare comet sighting wowing local stargazers
Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) has been putting on a show for stargazers across the Southern Hemisphere this past week and locals have been eagerly flocking to dark vantage points to catch a glimpse of this rare astronomical event.
Discovered only in April last year, Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) reached perihelion, its closest point to our sun, on January 13. In the days since, it has been lighting up the western skies at sunset to the delight of
astrophotographers and stargazers.
On Sunday night, local photographer Troy Pearson of Eyetrix Productions captured some truly stunning shots of the comet over Gaanha
Canobolas from
Rotary Park, which were shared far and wide via social media. At his request, Orange City Council left the normally locked gates of the park open the following evening and more than 80 people made their way to the elevated vantage point for a glimpse of
Bula–Mount
Mt Lindsay
• Locals taking in the sight of Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) over Gaanha Bula–Mount Canobolas from Mt Lindsay Rotary Park on Monday evening. Photo thanks to Troy Pearson of Eyetrix Productions.
Orange.
Orange City Life viewed the comet from Kanzi Close on the western outskirts of the city, along with other small groups of people keen to see the rare sight of a comet bright enough to be visible to the naked eye.
The tail of the comet was noticeably longer on Monday evening than the previous night, a sign the ice-and-rock core of Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) may have disintegrated and would soon vanish from sight.
For those who may have missed sighting the comet, the night sky is providing another rare treat, with six planets currently visible in the sky at once.
Venus, the brightest of the planets, can be seen in the west after sunset with Saturn in close conjunction. Jupiter can be seen high to the northeast and Mars shining brightly with a reddish tinge in the east. These four can be easily seen with the naked eye, but a telescope is needed to spot the remaining two.
Neptune, the farthest planet from the sun, is sitting just above Venus. Uranus is just above Jupiter.
THE GOOD ENOUGH PARENT
with EMILY THOMPSON
Unlucky
On the first day of my holidays last year, I answered a number I didn’t recognise because I assumed it was work-related and I was keen to have everything wrapped up. It was my doctor, confirming some devastating news.
“Hi Em, it’s Gabrielle. I’ve got your biopsy results and I’m sorry, but it’s cancer.”
Like everyone who’s walked this path before me, my first thought was, “But I have plans.” See, this was meant to be my year. I absolutely love my job, and I’ve been working on some big stories that would see me win journalism awards. I’m healthier than I’ve been in a long time, and I didn’t know this was lurking in the background. My marriage is absolutely beautiful and my kids are thriving. I was going to take 2025 by storm. Instead, I’ve got the smell of hospitals, a complete lack of control over my life and every time I think of work, I remember all the times I told Miss 10 to go away because I was busy.
There’s actually this moment when you walk from the carpark to the hospital doors, and there’s a split second before they open. In that moment, you are still on the outside – there’s warmth, sunlight and nature. Once the doors slide apart you are hit with a blast of cold, stale air, a waft of antiseptic and walls of white. That’s what this phone call felt like – one side was freedom, the other one a fight.
My doctor went on to tell me that even though this was caught late and it has spread, thankfully, I’ll be fine. There’s a really high survival rate, even at stage four.
“You’re lucky,” she said.
But I can’t help but think that lucky people don’t get cancer in their forties. Although I’m very grateful not to be fighting for my life, and my heart goes out to those who are, I don’t feel lucky. I feel scared, displaced and pretty angry, really.
But right now, as you’re reading this, I don’t feel anything – today is surgery day, and I’m in Sydney under the care of my brilliant surgeon. I’m excited and thankful to take this first step towards beating this thing. Then I’ll have time to rest and recover, and finally, we’ll finish it off with radiotherapy.
I knew that we couldn’t do this alone, so I reached out to my beautiful village, who responded immediately with love and support. The girls have been spoiled and made to feel special, we’ll come home to a month of dinners made for us, and there have been many coffee dates and safe shoulders to cry on when I needed to.
Our family and friends have stepped up to take care of my family so they can take care of me, and I can’t thank everyone enough for what they’re doing for us
I still don’t feel lucky, but I do feel so very loved.
Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra
the comet over
• A close-up of Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) thanks to Ray Pickard at the Bathurst Observatory Research Facility.
• Jupiter and Saturn photographed by Ray Pickard at the Bathurst Observatory Research Facility. For those who may have missed sighting the comet, the night sky is providing another rare treat, with six planets currently visible in the sky at once.
what’s happening in orange and surrounding regions
Looking for live music this Australia Day?
Australia Day world music showcase in Cook Park, 12pm
World music instrumentalist Ganathipan will be performing live entertainment at this year’s Australia Day celebrations in Cook Park on Sunday, January 26.
The performance will be held on the Sampson Street stage on the western side of the park at noon, following the official ceremony.
Ganathipan will be joined by six musicians and two dancers to perform a range of compositions with influences from across the globe, such as India, China, Ireland and Macedonia.
Coming up...
February 14
February 1
Off the Tracks
Victoria Hotel
With the silly season done and dusted, Orange’s favourite monthly band showcase returns to the Victoria Hotel on Saturday, February 1.
Getting 2025 off to a cracking start, Off the Tracks presents a live and loud lineup of the GGP, Where’s Jimmy, and Simple Stone.
See them at the Vic Hotel on Saturday, February 1 from 8.30pm.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Orange Civic Theatre
One of the most-read and famous children’s books of all time, The Very Hungry Caterpillar emerges off the page in a masterful theatrical experience for children 18 months+ and their adults.
Delight in experiencing one of the most popular children’s books ever written at the Orange Civic Theatre on February 14.
Mickey Pye at the Vic Hotel
Dress in your finest boardies and thongs for Australia Day celebrations at the Victoria Hotel this Sunday, January 26. Enjoy free live music from Mickey Pye kicking off at 2pm.
Mat Cochrane at the Greenhouse
Head up to the Greenhouse on Sunday, January 26, for an Aussie Day barbecue on the rooftop from 12pm, and live music with Mat Cachrane from 1pm.
February 12
Kevin Bloody Wilson, the Aussie Icon tour
Orange Ex-Services’ Club
Join Kevin Bloody Wilson, Australia’s most controversial and outrageous comedian on his new “Aussie Icon Tour” performing his funniest songs, hilarious stories and shooting down political correctness.
March 8
Cultured
Civic Centre Cultural Precinct
The Orange Chamber Music Festival’s free community event, Cultured, is set to return to the cultural precinct on Saturday, March 8. Cultured brings a series of free classical performances to locations around the Civic Centre Cultural Precinct as part of the art music experience, with an exciting program for all ages.
Cultured will begin at 10am in Orange City Library with Elemental Resonance, a journey through the elements earth, air, fire and water with the colourful tones of the harp.
It concludes at 2pm with a specially curated performance at Orange Regional Gallery by alumni of the acclaimed Australian Chamber Orchestra.
Orange residents celebrated New Year’s Eve 2024 at Waratahs Sports Ground with free live music and fireworks put on by Orange City Council in partnership with Belle Property.
Orange U3A Registration Day Tuesday January 28th - 10am
Come and join up at the Seniors Village Hub* to enjoy courses such as Local History, Cryptic Crosswords, Pencil Drawing, Geology, Painting and Crafts, Lively Discussions, Art and Music Appreciation, French language lessons, Creative Writing, Card and board games, Recorder and Ukulele consorts, Memoir writing.
Weekly guest speakers talk about Train and Railway history, Alaska travels and more. Plus our associated courses include Table Tennis, Tai Chi / Qigong, social dances, morning tea and lunch get-togethers.
Visit www.orange.u3anet.org.au for more details
*77 Kite Street – Entry via the ramp entrance in the Woolworths carpark, opposite Harris Farm Markets
Photos by CEC TILBURG
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This special home boasts light filled spaces and multiple living areas. The formal sunken loungeroom with exposed beams and high ceilings boasts a corner bar area perfect for entertaining and flows seamlessly into the formal dining. The generous kitchen has plenty of cupboard. Three bedrooms are situated on the upper level and have ceiling fans and BIRS along with ensuite to the main A tasteful conversion at the rear of the home features a fourth bedroom, kitchenette and living area; its separate entrance via the peaceful screened-in alfresco making it suitable as teenager’s retreat, guest accommodation or the possibility of extra income as a rental. The single lock up garage, carport and double-width driveway provide for plenty of off-street parking.
The home’s location close to cafes, parks, two blocks to the CBD and in the catchment area for Orange High School.
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121 Shadforth Drive, Orange NSW
HA (5 AC)* Sought After Land 10 Minutes to Orange
• Set on 5 acres*, this block is gently sloping with multiple options for building sites with panoramic views, to build your dream home. The block is fully fenced, has power connected & an unequipped bore
• Conveniently located, its an easy drive to Orange, Millthorpe, Blayney or Bathurst. Suituated very close to Lucknow, which offers shops, coffee and meals
• Building blocks like this are very hard to come by and the lifestyle that comes with this property allows you to have the space and peace that you have been looking for. For Sale $485,000 Ben Redfern 0457 770 062
• Subdivided into three main paddocks, all suitable for cultivation
• Power connected
• The original homestead still is present, making a great starting point to build onto
• Irrigation hydrants set up ready to go
• Two equipped bores. 1 x 1,000gal/hr, 1 x 3,000gal/hr
• Most recently used to grow potatoes, the soil type suits many different enterprises
• Yellow/White box timber, lightly scattered through the property provides excellent livestock shelter. For Sale Contact Agent
Kentucky Road, Neville NSW
Hard to Find Vacant Blocks of this Size!
Located in the quiet village of Neville. This parcel offers a sizable piece of land, with a much sought after building entitlement.
• 24 km from Blayney and 60 km from Bathurst and Orange
• Multiple options for building sites with panoramic views
• The block is well fenced and has power located on the property, not currently connected
• The land is pasture improved and weed free.
Space and Comfort
Designed for family living, the home seamlessly blends elegant interiors with expansive spaces, making it perfect for entertaining.
• Defined living and dining areas
• Gourmet kitchen with premium appliances
• 1,500sqm block with rear yard access
• AquaZone swim spa, 5800 x 2300.
SPORTSCAM
CYMS V CENTRALS AT ANZAC PARK
Photos by CEC TILBURG
Orange’s local cricket competition is in full swing. OC Life photographer Cec Tilburg stopped by Anzac Park on Saturday, January 18, to catch some of the action in the 2nd Grade T20 clash between Orange Cyms and Centrals. Centrals were unable to chase the 189-run target set by Cyms, thanks to an impressive 168-run opening partnership by brothers James Donato (102 not out off 72 balls) and Sean Donato (66). Their 168-run knock is the highest-scoring partnership of the season for the competition.
COLOUR ME IN
KI D S ZON E
Kids Talk
Name and age: Nathaniel, 12.
Who is your favourite teacher?
Mr Keed, because he’s a great artist.
What do you think the best thing about being a grown-up is?
Go to work and make money.
What’s your favourite thing to do on the weekend? In summer, going to the lake and have a swim, and in winter I like to stay home and drink hot chocolate.
What is something your parents always say to you?
They remind me to clean my room.
If you were principal for a day, what’s the first thing you’d do?
Make a footy field… for tackle footy.
What is your favourite food? Lou: it’s a spinach and beef Tongan dish.
What’s your favourite toy? I like playing footy and basketball.
If you could open a shop, what would it sell? Kebabs, chicken is the best.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be? Flying… I’d chase birds.
CLASSIFIEDS 6361 3575
PUZZLES…. PUZZLES…. PUZZLES….
PUZZLES
4 Not representative of a type or group (8)
Notions (5)
9-LETTER
1.
QUICK QUIZ
THUMBS UP to both John and Cath at IGA Summer Street. Everytime he sees me, John asks me how I’m doing and we exchange pleasantries. He has been extremely helpful when I’ve been looking for stuff, too. Secondly, Cath on the checkout is one of the loveliest ladies at your store. Always pleasant, always thoughtful. You have some great staff there, Rochelle and Ian, and you should be proud.
THUMBS UP to Orange Police who have had a vehicle parked in our street, waiting for the numerous drivers who constantly speed up there. I can’t wait for them to catch those kids who ride the unregistered dirt bikes and converted motorised push bikes that regularly disturb our evenings.
THUMB DOWN to Orange City Council who commenced a bridge replacement on Huntley Road just prior to Christmas, then ceased work for an extended Christmas break of many weeks with all hired equipment sitting idle. Oh well, it’s only ratepayers’ money!
THUMB DOWN to the red Holden on Wednesday afternoon on Anson Street near Bletchington School who drove for no apparent reason into the bike lane and then slowed down for no reason either. Your lack of driver awareness will cause accidents.
THUMBS UP to the lovely gentleman who helped me up the gutter near Auto One, just before Christmas. He saw me stumble with my stick, took my arm and escorted me into the shop. It was very nice to get assistance. Thank you so much and Happy New Year.
BIG THUMBS UP to the staff at Lorna Jane in Orange. They went above and beyond to help us with an exchange of a Christmas present. After we left the store they worked out that we could get a gift voucher for the price difference because the items purchased were now on special. A staff member then walked around the centre until they found us. You could not ask for better service than that!
THUMBS UP to the lady in the kiosk at the Resource Recovery Centre. I have made a huge number of trips there over the past few months. She has always had a smile and greeted me with a cheery ‘How are you today?’
THUMBS UP to Summer Street Vet Clinic for the care they provided to both our cat and dog throughout their unplanned stay between Christmas and New Year.
THUMBS UP to the JR Richards team for their kindness shown to my grandson recently.
THUMBS UP Recently our family was saddened by the untimely loss of our precious golden retriever and cherished friend, Millie. We would like to acknowledge the kindness, thoughtfulness and professional, caring guidance that we were given by Dr. Lisa Brisbane and her caring staff at Canobolas Family Pet Hospital. We also wish to acknowledge the gentle and respectful aftercare that was given to our Millie by Bec and Chris Hagney of Hagney Aquamation. Our family are so very thankful that we have been blessed with heartfelt understanding, trust, and kind professionalism by so many.
THUMBS UP to the gentleman at North Orange Shopping Centre Return and Earn on Saturday night. He had a massive amount of bottles and cans to recycle and he removed his bags and boxes after he was finished. Thank you, sir, for being so kind, respectful and considerate. I hope your refund rewarded you with enough to buy yourself something wonderful. Happy New Year.
THUMB DOWN I was in Woolworths and I urgently needed to use the toilet, so I had to leave my groceries and run to the toilet, which was hard as I am a senior and have ulcerative colitis. The toilets were locked. So I went to the Lands Council and a beautiful lady let me use theirs. Thanks! What are the Orange City Council doing? We need more public toilets in that area and make sure that they are open.
THUMBS UP out to Belinda and Hugh of Amber Tiles; certainly know about tiles. Very professional. A pleasure to work with.
THUMBS UP to the two guys from SES who helped me on Friday, January 17, following the big storm on Wednesday. Did a great job, and both guys were so well-mannered. Thumbs up to all who volunteer to help out following natural disasters.
THUMBS UP to the young lady at The Complete Camera House, Orange, who helped us out with our passport photos recently. She was extremely helpful and a pleasure to work with, an asset to the business.
THUMBS UP to the lady constable at the Orange Police Station, who gave me such kind and excellent advice on selling my motorbike safely to a private buyer, because I was worried the buyer might just ride off with it. It turned out perfectly, thanks.
THUMBS UP I had an urgent medical issue so I rang Government Service Health Direct 1800 022 222, and did a consult with a health respondent and was given an appointment within the hour at the Urgent Medical Centre, 2nd floor, Bloomfield Medical Centre, Forest Rd. Very promp and satisfactory outcome. The locals really need to know about this service to take pressure off the OHS Emergency Department.
The Thumbs represent thoughts and opinions of readers and do not necessarily reflect those of Orange City Life. Every care is taken not to publish thumbs that are considered derogatory or defamatory in nature . Please note that thumbs may be edited for clarity, space or legal reasons.
NEW YEAR REFLECTIONS
WITH SHANIA JONES
As the New year has been ushered in, it’s got me reflecting on my expectations for last year. I’m sure we could all agree that in one way or another, it didn’t quite turn out exactly as planned. Why is it that most every year, we feel this same way? Maybe life got in the way and lead us astray? Is it because we didn’t do enough? Weren’t feeling good enough?
None of the above. It’s the simple fact that this world is not our home. It’s a future hope that will always leave us longing, craving for something not yet obtainable. We will always try and grasp for what we want and what we expect our lives to look like, but frankly until God returns to redeem this world, we will forever be expecting more from this life.
Let me encourage you, to set your minds above and to lower expectations of this earth.
God tells us we are made for heaven - you were not made for this world. So, take it easy on yourself this year, get right with God and realise that nothing will ever truly satisfy you until heaven comes, until Jesus is your truth and life.
