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Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 Australia Day Awards, in particular to our 2025 Citizen of the Year, City of Orange RSL Sub-Branch President Chris Colvin. I’ve seen the work Chris puts into the local RSL sub-branch, the commemoration of days at the Cenotaph, and behind the scenes, and he certainly is a deserving recipient. Congratulations Chris!
In this issue, you’ll find a historical piece on an interesting little chapter in Orange’s history that I stumbled across while trying to find the location of an old butcher shop in Summer Street. I almost missed it, but something grabbed my attention and the story that unravelled is remarkable. Between 1917 and 1924, an experimental method for keeping unrefrigerated meat fresh was not only trialled in Orange but the treated meat was sold to the town for years, illegally, because the Board of Health couldn’t come to a conclusion about its long-term safety. It’s one of those stories that gets stranger and more complicated the more you dig and I may have to write it up in full sometime as it involves more than we could fit in our magazine here: political wheeling and dealing, accusations of racketeering by Sydney slaughterhouses, and a scientist taking his own life over missing public funds. I mean, I can certainly say it is the first time I have ever had to track down a forty-year-old article in a defunct meat science journal and dig through Hansard and expired patent documents for a story. Take a look on page 14.
Until next week!
City of Orange RSL Sub-Branch President Chris Colvin was named Orange’s 2025 Citizen of the Year at the Australia Day ceremony in Cook Park on Sunday, January 26.
Mr Colvin received the award for his tireless dedication as President of the Orange RSL Sub-branch, ensuring events such as Anzac Day, Remembrance Day and commemoration ceremonies run as smoothly as possible, as well as his support of veterans and their families.
“Chris is a very deserving recipient of the Citizen of the Year Award and his contribution to Orange is an inspiration to the community,” Orange Mayor Tony Mileto said, congratulating Mr Colvin and the other award recipients.
“There were 34 nominations
across seven categories this year. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees whose commitment and dedication has been recognised and who have made a positive difference to other people’s lives.”
Mr Colvin’s nomination for Citizen of the Year highlighted his commitment to honouring the memory of those who’ve lost their lives in past conflicts as well as supporting living veterans and their families.
“As President of the Orange RSL SubBranch, Chris Colvin puts his heart and soul into all the background work needed to ensure significant events such as Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, along with other Commemoration Services, are run as smoothly as possible for the Orange community,” the nomination reads.
“He is a role model to younger veterans in the community and continues to support the Veteran PTSD clinic held monthly in Orange for all veterans and their families dealing with mental health issues. Chris is the first to be involved with projects that support veterans and their families and to ensure those we have lost since the Boer War to present day are not forgotten.”
The Young Citizen of the Year award was presented to local musician Annabelle van Wyk for her contribution to the arts and her passion for encouraging young people in the region to participate in the performing arts.
The Orange Running Festival received the award for Community Event of the Year, while men’s mental health support group Blue Moto, founded by Steven Doherty, was named Community Group
of the Year for their various activities focusing on men’s health including wellness walks, support groups and the Ride Blue Suicide Awareness Ride.
This year’s Local Legend Award was presented to Merrilyn Mendham for her service to the Orange community through Scouts, Riding for the Disabled, Cantar Choir and fundraising for Huntington’s Disease.
The award for Environmental Citizen/ Group was presented to Neil Jones for his contribution to the local environment through the Environmentally Concerned Citizens of Orange (ECCO) group.
Lastly, West Orange Motors was awarded the Business Philanthropy Award for its generous support of many local community events and organisations without seeking anything in return.
2025 Young Citizen of the Year Annabelle van Wyk was nominated for her contribution to the arts and passion for encouraging young regionally based creatives to pursue a future in the performing arts.
Annabelle has demonstrated how important it is to her that younger children should be encouraged to participate in cultural opportunities and to help them succeed, regardless of their location or circumstances, and
Annabel Van Wyk with Australia Day Ambassador
John Stanley and Orange Mayor Tony Mileto
that the arts should be equally accessible to all.
In her spare time she has been helping a neurodiverse young student learn how to play a musical instrument.
She has also been part of her school’s Intergen Wontama program, making monthly visits to the aged-care facility where she and other students offer musical activities to the residents. For the past three years, Anabelle has also
Neil Jones was recognised for his significant contribution to Orange over many years, increasing awareness of environmental issues and achieving better environmental outcomes. Neil founded the Environmentally Concerned Citizens of Orange (ECCO) in 2006 and has played an inspirational role as President for 10 of ECCO’s 18 years. ECCO is the leading environmental group in Orange with a broad program of environmental education, awareness raising and activism.
Neil was an Orange City Councillor for two terms (2008-2017) and has been a member of the Council’s Parks, Trees and Waterways Committee and Companion Animals Committee for many years. Prior to becoming a Councillor, Neil led a successful community campaign against development on public green space and parks. He now leads the Ploughman’s Wetlands Care Group, which regularly holds working bees, tree plantings and collects rubbish others have left, including discarded fishing lines,
volunteered at her school’s junior band.
She is also one of four young artists from the Central West receiving mentorship through the Horizons youth career launchpad. Through participating in this program she has also been advocating for young creative people living in regional areas to participate as much as possible in the performing arts and to take every available opportunity.
lures and hooks.
Neil writes submissions, organises rallies, attends community consultations, speaks at Council meetings and meets with politicians at all levels on environmental issues. He also volunteers at the ECCO Farmers Market stall, Sustainable Living Week, Clean Up Australia Day, National Tree Day, World Wetlands Day and renewable energy events.
His efforts and advocacy highlight what individuals and organisations can do to make a real difference to create a better and more liveable community for all.
Merrilyn Mendham has given a lifetime of volunteer service in the Orange community and is the epitome of the true Australian spirit. Merrilyn has clocked up more than 20 years with Orange Scouts as a Scout Leader, Venturer Leader and Rover leader, bringing the unit back to life and guiding many of her charges towards a lifetime of service.
Merrilyn has organised many adventurous trips that people still talk about, taking young people from Orange and surrounding areas skiing, mountaineering, abseiling, bushwalking and caving.
Merrilyn has since continued her volunteer service with the local Riding for the Disabled centre where she became qualified as a coach and for 15 years has provided safe and structured enjoyment to our local children. She is also heavily involved behind the scene, organising and supervising farrier visits and horse health checks, arranging local school participants, keeping up the legal paperwork and inducting new volunteers.
Merrilyn is also a major carer for her brother, a very active fundraiser for Huntington’s Disease, a singer in the Cantar Choir, plays her ukulele and speaks to students about disabilities. A truly inspirational and deserving winner!
After an outback camel riding experience at Silverton three decades ago, Delene Wilson fell in love with the desert creatures and now runs a local camel sanctuary on the slopes of Gaanha BulaMount Canobolas.
Delene’s Canobolas Camels has now begun offering weekend camel rides to the public at Lake Canobolas, a way for her to share her love for the creatures she describes as ‘the most beautiful on earth.’
“Well, I was a horsey girl,” says Del, explaining how she came to run a sanctuary that has rescued more than 100 camels.
Are you a person seeking career progression, a leadership opportunity or a role that increases your involvement within the Orange community? Be a part of the Orange Ex-Services’ Club direction and development process of significant current and upcoming projects. This role will also include being involved in the Club’s financial viability and sharing knowledge from ongoing leadership training.
We are looking for individuals who possess a people-orientated leadership style and are community-minded, with the ability to navigate business structures and can provide innovative concepts.
“And about 35 years ago, I went for a ride out of Silverton with a guy called Harold Kennard. and I fell in love with them back then and always wanted to own one.”
Twelve years ago, Del got her chance when the camel races came to Orange and bought a camel at auction, with the proceeds going to Camp Quality.
“I just love their nature,” Del says. “Camels are very emotional and once you bond with them, that bond is beautiful, they trust you… I just fell in love with them that way, they’re just beautiful creatures, and then I started rescuing them.”
Del takes in camels from all over and has
A successful nominee would ideally demonstrate the following key requirements:
• Strategic and innovative.
• Ability to work in a diverse team.
• Capacity to attend monthly Board meetings and other essential meetings.
• Commitment to attend learning and development programs, including leadership and strategy.
• Must have held an active Orange Ex-Services’ Club membership for at least three months immediately prior to their nomination for election.
If this opportunity resonates, we would like to invite interested parties to attend an informational meeting held on Monday, 10 February 2025, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at Orange Ex-Services’ Club, 231-243 Anson Street.
This evening will provide information regarding the requirements for holding a directorship at Orange Ex-Services’ Club and the process to be accepted for election by the Members.
Whether you plan to nominate for a Board position in 2025 or are interested in how a Board position could benefit your career aspirations and community involvement, you are strongly encouraged to attend as this is an inspiring time to be a part of the Orange Ex-Services’ Club.
To RSVP to the information evening or for further information on the program, please contact Nathan Kelly, Chief Executive Officer at Orange Ex-Services’ Club, on 02 6362 2666 during office hours by Friday 7 February 2025.
begun the camel rides at Lake Canobolas, in part, to help pay for the upkeep of the camels at her sanctuary.
“We get camels that we pick up off deceased estates, different dairies that are selling up and the odd person that just doesn’t know how to look after their camels,” she says.
Some of these camels are then rehomed, but Del says she is particular about making sure they all go to a good home and even runs clinics for people teaching them how to look after camels.
“I won’t sell camels to just anyone; they have to learn, and that’s why I do the camel clinics,” she says.
“They know what they’re doing with these animals because they’re an exotic animal. Not a lot of people know how to handle them. And they need to be broken, they need to be halted and led for vet work, to be hooshed down and tied up, hooshing means sitting,
otherwise vets won’t work on them.
“And being in the green country here, Camels really don’t do that great unless you have a proper diet for them. So we have minerals for them, salt always because that mimics saltbush, they need that salt and plenty of scrub. We basically mimic what’s there in the desert for them.
The string of camels Del has operating now at Lake Canobolas are no strangers to the work, having come from Broome, where they’ve carried thousands of tourists along Cable Beach.
“I did a season up there and I got a bit homesick, so I brought them all home and set up here,” Del explains.
“So these are actually Cable Beach camels and they’ve worked up on the beaches up there, doing rides and they’re quite famous. They’ve been photographed by visitors from all around the world.”
Del says the camels have been a hit with visitors to the
lake these past few weeks.
“We’ve had a really good reaction from people. It’s something new to the area, there’s no one else around here for 400 kilometres or more doing this… and I’ve had people travel from Sydney, Dubbo, Bathurst, Blayney and Carcoar to come and ride a camel,” she says.
“And they’re not disappointed! We go a bit beyond and we let them feed the camels a carrot or two and get up close and personal with them if they want to after a ride. It’s good fun!”
Canobolas Camels began operating at Lake Canobolas on January 11 and has been offering rides every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. But with school holidays coming to an end, rides will probably soon be limited to the weekend. Weather can also be a consideration, so you are best to check on their Facebook page “Canobolas Camels” for operating hours or visit www.canobolascamels.com.au
by CEC TILBURG
Local Australian Day celebrations were held in Cook Park on Sunday morning. The day kicked off with a barbecue breakfast followed by the official presentation of Australia Day awards and live entertainment including performances by the City of Orange Brass Band, Canobolas Highland Pipe Band, Kinross Wolaroi Indigenous Dancers and East Orange Physical Culture Club. The highlight of the event was a performance by world musician Ganathipan
Local singing coach Gabe Middleton and her students kept things going into the late afternoon, putting on a free concert on the stage at the western end of the park.
...We’ll employ around 20-25 people in the early stages of production...
The ability to build a home every four hours is the promise of an exciting new prefabrication building company, soon to be operating out of the former Electrolux factory site in Orange.
Green Timber Technology, established in partnership with The Pentarch Group, will start operating its prefabrication factory in December. Timber walls, roofs and floors will be constructed in the factory with the aid of automation and then delivered onsite for assembly.
Instead of taking around nine months to build a new home, this process can produce around ten homes per week. Once fully operational, the company says it will be able to build a new home roughly every four hours. The operation still involves essential building trade
elements including plumbers, builders and electricians, as part of the final construction phase.
The houses fabricated at the Orange site will be not only affordable but also high-end architecturally designed homes.
Sustainability is also a key focus of the operation, which will source local timber and aims to achieve zero net waste.
“Sourcing local products is an integral part of this new venture for our company, Executive Director of The Pentarch Group Stephen Dadd said.
“In addition to the timber aspect, we hope in the future to see some other companies follow our lead and look at what other housing products could be produced locally.”
While the 10,000-square-metre facility will include a robotic element
in its production line, Green Timber Technology plans to employ 70 people by 2026. There is also room for the factory to expand on the Electrolux site.
“We’ll employ around 20-25 people in the early stages of production on the floor to oversee the panel, flooring and roofing components, and additional staff in the design and structural engineering aspect,” CEO of Green Timber Technology’s Orange site Pete Morrison said.
“We are excited to be part of the Orange community through this new initiative and to bring this new approach to housing to the Central West.”
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty was onsite at the factory last week and welcomed this innovative approach to tackling the affordable housing crisis.
“This exciting new approach will help deliver on the Government’s priorities by producing affordable housing, which is the single biggest pressure facing the people of NSW,” Ms Moriaty said.
“This prefabrication building company is also vertically integrated with Pentarch Forestry’s softwood plantations and mills which are based at Oberon, which is ensuring local timber and timber products are sourced in the region, reducing transport costs.
“NSW sourced timber has an important role to play in addressing our housing crisis, and it’s companies like this that are demonstrating well-timed critical problem solving to address this challenge.
“The benefits for the local economy, industry and the community have come at a very welcome time.”
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Ihope all the readers of the Orange City Life had a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year!
If you got a break over this period, I hope you enjoyed some valuable time with friends and family.
If you were working, thank you so much for supporting our community during one of the busiest times of the year!
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a$54 million in water security pipelines around the Central West
a$1.9 million for The Orchard crisis accommodation centre
a$3.8 million for the raising of Suma Park dam wall at Orange aFederal Regional Investment Corporation established and based in Orange a$12 million for the Southern Feeder
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2025 is going to be huge and I can’t wait to see so many of you around the electorate!
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Don’t miss any of the exciting things I get up to in our electorate this year, as well as information on grant
funding applications and other amazing community opportunities, by signing up to the Gee Report!
You can subscribe to my newsletter by visiting my website: www.andrewgeemp.com.au
Over $22 million In Regional Infrastructure Funding for the Central West!
It was a pleasure to join NSW State Member for Orange, Phil Donato, David Waddell and members of Orange City Council at the site of the Orange Sporting Precinct recently, where we announced $15 million in federal government funding for the precinct!
This much needed funding from the Growing Regions Program means that the original vision for the project can get back on track and now be fulfilled!
Key components such as full spectator seating, the grandstand for the athletics track, and the sealing and upgrading of car parks and roads, which were doubtful because of rising building costs, will now be completed.
This 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 here will deliver the area a very significant economic shot in the arm!
As we start the new year I am calling on the federal government to take urgent action to deal with the costof-living crisis.
Prices for everything are soaring and it’s having a devastating impact on our Central Western communities. From sky-high grocery and fuel prices to energy bills, insurance costs and interest on home mortgages, a huge amount of pain is being felt around our region. Last year Bob Katter and I, plus other independents, introduced
a Bill into parliament that would slash the market dominance of the supermarket giants and give farmers and consumers a better and fairer deal.
All of the major parties voted against it. It’s just not good enough for Australia’s major political parties to be telling everyone that they want costof-living relief on the one hand, while voting against cost-of-living relief on the other. Is it any wonder that people are losing faith in our political system and the parties that dominate it?
I HOPE EVERYONE HAD A WONDERFULL AUSTRALIA DAY!
Australia Day is an opportunity to celebrate how lucky we are to be Australians living in a country that gives us so much.
It’s also an opportunity to thank those community champions from around the region who do so much to make our communities and country a better place.
They personify service above self and
help build the future of our villages, towns and cities.
While I couldn’t get to every Australia Day event this year, I attended celebrations in Blayney, Bathurst, Portland and Yeoval.
Congratulations to Orange’s Australia Day award recipients and thanks for the enormous contributions you make to our community!
Aspecial congratulations goes to Orange’s very own, the late Yvonne “Toot” Keegan on being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community of Orange.
While Toot has sadly passed away, her legacy lives on in the work she carried out for so many different organisations in the community.
We congratulate Toot’s family and send them our warmest wishes and heartfelt thanks for her wonderful community service.
Like so many others around our region, Toot put others before herself. Without these incredible community members, our region and our country, would not be what it is today.
Milthorpe’s legendary John Mason also received an OAM for his enduring and extensive involvement in too many community groups to mention. Well done also to Beryl Haley who was honoured with an OAM for her service to the community of Gulgong.
I was very sad to learn of the recent passing of Dick Niven.
Dick served as mayor of Orange from 1981 to 1983 and 1996 to 2002. He made an enormous contribution to Orange through his work on council, the legal profession and a host of other community activities.
I knew Dick well as a man of integrity, honesty, warmth and generosity.
Our sincere condolences to Dick’s family and many friends.
Orange’s favourite monthly band showcase Off the Tracks returns to the Victoria Hotel this Saturday, February 1.
Getting 2025 off to a cracking start, Off the Tracks presents a live and loud lineup with the GGP, Where’s Jimmy, and Simple Stone.
See them at the Vic Hotel this Saturday from 8.30pm.
Head back to the Victoria Hotel on Sunday and enjoy an afternoon of music from 5 O’Clock Shadow, 2–5pm.
Amber Joy Poulton and The Governing Bodies
Orange Civic Theatre
Head to the Greenhouse Lawn this weekend for an incredible lineup of live music!
On Friday, it’s Brad Myers, who’ll be live on the lawn from 6pm, then on Saturday, Dave Webb will be playing all his favourites from 6pm.
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-plu and their adults.
Created by Jonathan Rockefeller, the production features a menagerie of over 75 magical puppets, including the star of the show – The Very Hungry Caterpillar – and an Australian cast who bring these beloved books to life on stage.
Delight in experiencing one of the most popular children’s books ever written at the Orange Civic Theatre on Friday, February 14.
In the quest for a ‘Country Queen’ Amber Joy Poulton and her band The Governing Bodies, will pick apart the fabric of the lives and careers of four country greats:Shania Twain, Olivia Newton-John, Linda Ronstadt and Tammy Wynette!
This show puts the spotlight on the biggest hits of these powerhouse women whose careers make them deserved contenders for the coveted crown.
Sing along to your favourites…. ‘Just One Look’, ‘Silver Threads and Golden Needles’, ‘Country Roads Take Me Home’, ‘If You’re Not In It For Love’, ‘That’ll Be The Day’, ‘Stand By Your Man’, ‘Banks Of The Ohio’, ‘Still The One’, ‘When Will I Be Loved’, ‘D-IV-O-R-C-E’, ‘I Honestly Love You’, and, of course, ‘Man, I Feel Like A Woman! ‘ and maybe even a few Amber Joy Poulton songs.
Country music lovers of Orange and invited to help crown a queen, even if she only reigns for a day, at the Orange Civic Theatre on Sunday, February 23.
The Orange Showground will host its first local swap meet in years this Sunday, February 2, which is sure to attract local car and motorcycle enthusiasts from near and far.
Organiser George Georgiou said there had been little in the way of swap meets in the area for years and he thought it was time to get things going again in Orange.
“When I formed a car club over 20 years ago. I started a car show and after that a swap meet and had it every year… 18 or 19 years it ran successfully,” George said.
“Nothing’s been done for a while now and I thought I’d start swap meets again.”
While traditionally swap meets have been mainly for
people chasing car and motorcycle parts, George said these days you’ll find a wider range of bits and pieces for swap or sale.
“It’s good for getting bits and pieces that you need. I’ve got a few cars myself that I’m building a few cars and always chasing, as we call it, ‘rare spares’ because they don’t reproduce good original stuff anymore. So if you get a nice old mudguard or a door and you know, it’s going to fit perfectly,” he said
“But then when you get to the swap meet, you always see something else like memorabilia… you’ve got people bringing bric-a-brac, garden stuff, clothing, plants… boxes of magazines, household furniture, whatever you can get on your trailer or ute bring it down.
“It’s unbelievable what you get at a swap meet nowadays!”
George said he has had interest from people all over the state who will be coming to Orange this weekend and he is already planning to hold a second swap meeting in September.
“I’m known for this sort of stuff. So when people have heard that I’m kicking off a swap meet, I’ve had nothing but phone calls,” he said.
The Orange Annual Summer Swap Meet will be held at the Orange Show Ground this Sunday, February 2. Gates open to Swappers at 6am, with a $5 entry fee for ‘lookers’. Children under 16 years enter for free. For more information, contact George on 0422 560 810.
In January 1921, the front page of the Orange Leader bore an intriguing, imaginative piece titled, ‘A Peep into the Future,’ speculating on what Orange and the wider world might look like 15 years hence, in 1935.
Brimming with optimism, the writer envisages Orange as a booming city of 50,000 people with thriving industry, six-storey hotels, an extensive tram network and skies filled with flying passenger and cargo transports.
“Had to rise 8000 feet to get out of the road of those darned commercial buses of yours, carting Bullot meat to Sydney. Must have struck a couple hundred of them coming and going,” says the central character device of the fictional piece, somewhat presciently a returned soldier from a war with Japan.
“By the way, what wonderful business they are doing,” he continued. “Their slaughtering yards, process buildings, glue works, tannery, margarine factory, and heaven knows what else, must cover 15 acres.”
Such was Orange’s enthusiasm for ‘Bullot meat’ that few readers would have found this vision of the future to be so fanciful, especially not the man behind it all.
Louis Frederick Bullot was born near New Plymouth, New Zealand, in 1870. There he became a successful builder, but around the turn of the century, he followed his brother and emigrated to New South Wales along with his wife, Etta.
In Sydney, he continued in the building trade and gained a reputation for reliability and sound workmanship. But at some point, he became obsessed with finding a better way to preserve fresh meat without refrigeration.
It is difficult for us today, with a refrigerator in every home, to imagine how revolutionary such a preserving method would mean to any household of the time. To be able to keep meat safely at home for a week would be a wonder, but particularly for those in the hot, remote
interior where meat could spoil in a day.
But, as beneficial as this alone would be, the real prize was in finding a way to export chilled meat in good condition to the large, lucrative markets in Britain and Europe. The Australian colonies had been exporting frozen meat for half a century at this point, but the quality of the product suffered from the freezing process and was less attractive to British consumers.
After years of experimenting, Bullot developed a process that appeared to solve both these problems. Bullot’s methods involved hanging meat carcasses of cuts on rails in an airtight chamber, where it was exposed to gases from a combustion chamber containing a mixture of sulphur, saltpetre, oil of cinnamon, eucalyptus oil, golden wattle bark and charcoal.
After this process, Bullot claimed, the meat could be kept safely without refrigeration for 14 days. If frozen, the treated meat could be kept for five days after having been defrosted and would be in better condition with less loss of moisture than untreated meat. In 1917 and 1918, Bullot and his backers conducted a number of public experiments in Sydney, Inverell and Orange. The results of which, overseen by federal officials, all seemed to support his claims and excite the interest of those who could see the huge benefits and
financial windfall Bullot’s process would bring to the meat industry.
“This invention promises to rank second in importance to the discovery of refrigeration and its utilisation in the meat export,” enthused the Brisbane Daily Mail after witnessing the Inverell experiment.
“One important point claimed for the process is that it will prevent loss in weight in freezing by 2 per cent. This alone will mean a great deal, when one considers the enormous quantity of meat frozen in this country, while it is also claimed that it preserves the appearance of the frozen meat better, which would greatly improve our position in the overseas markets if it is the case.”
...Orange is indeed fortunate in being the first town in the Commonwealth where the treatment is to be initiated, and the Bullot Co., having patented the process throughout the entire world, should soon be in a position to revolutionise the trade...
Another enticing advantage Bullot’s process offered farmers was that it might just make possible the decentralisation of slaughterhouses, saving them the costs of sending livestock by rail to Sydney and other major cities and the loss of condition of their stock in transport.
“Should country killing works become practical — and they should with an extension of settlement and increase in population – the process would mean a saving of thousands of pounds sterling to our stock owners year after year,” concluded the Daily Mail writer.
By all accounts, Bullot’s method worked just as he
claimed, but would people buy it?
“The Federal Treasurer said, “We are satisfied that it is a good preservative, but we are not satisfied that you can sell your meats in open competition with the public,’’ Bullot later a select committee of the NSW Legislative Assembly.
“The Federal Treasurer in effect said, ‘Go to Orange, open a shop and sell there for six months, but you must not sell under the prices asked by the other butchers’.”
And so, in 1918, the Bullot Meat Process Company was formed in Orange, taking over the Summer Street butchery of Sid Hamer. The company was managed by a former Commonwealth meat inspector, Thomas Henry Eames, who was in fact the very same meat inspector who had overseen the initial experiments in Orange the previous year.
“Orange is indeed fortunate in being the first town in the Commonwealth where the treatment is to be initiated, and the Bullot Co., having patented the process throughout the entire world, should soon be in a position to revolutionise the trade,” wrote the Orange Leader, heralding the opening of the new butchery in October 1918.
“By this process of preserving meat, householders in the town and district of Orange will have no fear of meat purchased today being unfit for use tomorrow. Another benefit that will accrue from using Bullot preservatives meat is that people living in the country will be able to lay in a week’s supply of fresh beef or mutton without danger of loss, either by putrefaction or ‘weeping’.”
Selling only meat submitted to the Bullot process, the business thrived and grew its trade, killing and selling between 8 or nine large cattle and up to 100 sheep weekly. There was great enthusiasm for Bullot meat, which was sold to most of the principal hotels, boarding houses, schools, the hospital, and to people living as far west as Wilcannia.
Success seemed assured for the Bullot company, but there was a problem. Under the NSW Pure Foods Act, preservatives such as the sulphur dioxide (sulphites) that were part of Bullot’s fumigation cocktail could be used in small quantities in sausages and mince meat, but were forbidden when it came to fresh meat.
While the levels of sulphites in meat treated by the Bullot
process were below what was considered to be ‘safe’, NSW health officials baulked at granting official approval for the large-scale commercial sale of meat treated with preservatives.
Bullot had been reluctantly granted permission to sell to the public for the six-month trial after applying directly to the NSW Minister for Public Health, but for the next two years, he unsuccessfully campaigned for the Pure Foods Board to make a small level of preservatives permissible in fresh meat.
During this time, Bullot meat continued to be sold in Orange.
“We are breaking the law today,” Bullot told the select committee on December 13, 1920, at a special meeting held at the Royal Hotel in Orange.
“We have asked the Pure Foods Boards more than once to look into our tests. They have always passively refused by not attending.”
Two weeks later, Bullot finally had some success when his appeal to Parliament resulted in the ‘Food Preservation by Sulphur Dioxide Bill’ being passed by the House.
But there was a catch. A clause in the Bill required that “further scientific experiments are carried out to the satisfaction of the Health Department” before the Act could come into force. The Health Department gathered a panel of experts to undertake the task, but they informed the government that they could not proceed without a lengthy clinical investigation on individuals ingesting controlled quantities of food containing sulphites. Apparently, they had even asked for permission to run the experiment on inmates of a Government institution but had been refused.
For the next four years, this strange stand-off continued as the Bullot company continued to operate in Orange in an attempt to force the Board of Health to make a ruling, even while Bullot meat was being consumed regularly in the Orange Hospital.
Frustrated, Bullot sold his stores in Orange in 1924 and turned his attention to the export market. England remained staunchly opposed to the use of preservatives in meat, but there was interest in the process for supplying meat to Rhodesia and the Dutch East Indies.
Strangely, in 1928, eight years after the Bill was passed, the ‘Food Preservation by Sulphur Dioxide Act’ was finally proclaimed. The move was controversial and condemned by many doctors in Australia and abroad.
But despite finally getting the approval he had long sought, Bullot’s dreams of revolutionising the meat industry were never to be. With the onset of the Great Depression in 1930 and Bullot’s limited capital running out, he was unable to continue to promote his process. Also, the rapid advances in mechanical refrigeration, in particular the kerosene fridge, meant there was no longer any need for Bullot and his complicated preservation method.
Bullot never recovered financially from his efforts and was convinced that the failure to adopt his process was due to “the selfish vested interest of large meat companies.”
By the time he reached the age of 70 in 1940, he was completely dependent on his meagre pension and the occasional gift from architects who appreciated his services when he was a successful builder.
Bullot spent his final years living in cheap rooms in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs until his death in 1959. particular the kerosene fridge, meant there was no longer any need for Bullot and his complicated preservation method.
Children have just weeks to wait to experience the newly upgraded Orange Adventure Playground and splash park.
It has now been two years since Orange City Council first asked the public to share their vision for the future of the popular playground, which is now undergoing a $2.4 million upgrade.
A much-anticipated feature of the revitalised playground will be the new splash park, which certainly would have drawn a crowd this week as temperatures soared into the mid-30s.
Orange City Council received $400,000 from the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund for the splash park, which features 29 spray nozzles, including ‘fun-brellas’, ‘splash blasters’, a fountain, water tunnel, misters and ground sprays on a waterproof rubber anti-slip coating.
Construction of the splash park got underway in November, and the main play structure has since been installed.
Orange City Council expects the upgraded Orange Adventure Playground to be just weeks away from being completed.
How many of us have made new year resolutions, hoping that somehow life will be better for us and those around us? Someone told me recently that he looks forward to Christmas every year, but sadly it never quite matches up to what he expected. That’s how so many new year resolutions work out.
Life’s like that – no matter how much we expect or hope that we will change, our lives mostly go on as they always have. The question is why?
I suggest that the main reason is that we continue to be the people we have always been – deep down inside we are the problem, and we can’t fix ourselves. So is there any hope for real change?
Jesus said all the bad things come from within each of us – so we need to be renewed to be able to live new lives. Without a new heart, nothing will change, but “if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation”. Read about Jesus and what he said about our hearts in any of the gospels in the Bible –they’re readily available online at many sites. Then ask God to “create in me a new heart”.
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.
• 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.
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.
Style, 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.
Located in the picturesque Shiralee Estate, this modern North facing home will please the most particular of families.
Offering;
• A very functional layout with open plan kitchen, living and casual dining
• Separate theatre or formal lounge
• 4 x Bedrooms – 3 with built-in robes
• Master bedroom with ensuite and his & hers walk-in robes
• Ducted reverse cycle air-conditioning
• Generous storage throughout the entire home
• Practical study / office space
• Covered Alfresco area
• Double garage providing internal access
If tranquility, a family friendly neighborhood and the ease of modern living are high on your tick list, then this home is certainly worth your interest.
2:30-3:00 759 Pinnacle Road, Orange
9.15-9.45 22 Dora Street
Welcome to the first Tenpin report for 2025. There will be no awards given and as there were only a handful of leagues that commenced their yearly battle the report will be short. But let us commence with a look at the bowlers who bowled over 200.
Sadly there is no High Roller champion but there were some who were hoping starting with Ian Middleton with 211, Ben Berry 214, Nathaniel Mason 247, Matt Woodham 205, Dean Wells 212, Milo Lees 209, Lauren Mason 227, Monique Slaczka 205 and Barry Archer 209.
Then we come to the possible Almost Made it Hero’s, and among these were Dianne Parsons 155, Julia Christian 151, David Jameson 171, Gary Stedman 179, Sharon Jameson 133, Julie Venamore 114, John Wellard 159, Marilyn Schwenke 189, Vanessa Kelly 157 and Lyn Butterfield 101.
Not to be left out there were also David Quinlan 193, Helen BryantNewling 171, Alan Westendorf 192, Jason Kelly 190, Aaron Drew 155,
So just like that we are back for 2025. What a great start to the year, with 14 players taking the green.
On Rink 9 we had a game of Triples. Vi, Kerry and Denise L took on Carol, Jan and Judy.
Denise’s team came out running strongly against Judy’s team. But like the tortoise and the hare Judy’s team ploded their way over 12 ends and came out with the win. Over on Rink 10 we had a pairs match. Verna and Phoebe took on Donna and Veronica.
This was a very close game with each team not giving an inch, Veronica’s team played strongly making it to the finish line with a good win over Phoebe’s team. Over on Rink 11 another pairs game was taking place.
Jane and Denice T. took on Julie and Annette.
This sounded like a very serious game but good sportsmanship and the heat of
having a good time was to much for both teams. There was plenty of giggles and bowls being told they were not behaving themselves.
Annette’s team put up a great fight but stumbled at the end against the winners Team Denice T.
All of the great bowls and fun was being watched from the sideline by our injured President Trish, who supports and encourages us all to try and enjoy our wonderful Thursday bowls.
It was wonderful seeing so many of us back on the green and we look forward to many more fun days with our little club. 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 - 0400 379 294, or Phoebe - 0408 223 843 for further information.
Follow us on Instagram oesc_ womensbowls or Facebook Orange ExServices’ Country Club Womens Bowls
Jacob Southwell 198 and Xavier Mason 181.
Things will improve as the year gets on with many more leagues recommencing next week, and more
with Bob Taylor
the week after. But in the meantime, if any reader is thinking of joining a league, just think of this. If you haven’t played before there is a GREAT OFFER at the Orange Tenpin Bowl, a 12 week program, bowl better and get a FREE BOWLING BALL YOURS to keep.
And another fun thing. If there is any junior out there who would love to start bowling, there is room for more players in the junior 2 game leagues all restarting in Feb. So if you are a junior and want to learn to bowl and get a free ball after 12 weeks come in and see the team at the Orange Tenpin Bowl. Also parents the Orange Tenpin also accept the Service NSW ‘Active Kids $50 voucher’.
I’ll be back next week with a longer report, with the high awards starting in February when all the leagues have returned.
Hello Bowlers, Tuesday socials, there were 40 bowlers. Raffle winners were, Barry Lowe, Clint Gamble & Al Gregory. Lucky rink winners, Barry Lowe, Mick Doyle & Bob Ridgewell. Unfortunates’ rink winners Peter Wright, Ian Webb & John Dunn.
Consolation winners, Mark Stanley, Matt McMullen & Al Gregory.
Saturday, we had 32 bowlers, Major Singles Championships, kicked off early with 5 games being played, as well as social games.
Results of the championship games as follows; Peter Lange def Peter Baker, Phil McGarity def Marg Henry, Christine Shaw def Matt Gamble, Kev Kelly def Ian Davidson & Matt McMullen def Neil Higgins. Congratulations the winners & commiserations to the defeated. 3 games will be played on Saturday 1st February & remaining
Orange City women were back on the green last week after the Christmas break. The Meg Burrell Trophy also resumed after a hiatus over Christmas. Kay Kennedy and Jan Fenwick won over Moira Johns and Sue Clinghan. Kristeen Oates and Mary Carr also advancing to the final after defeating Maria Crawford and Jenny Macdouall.
The Major singles are next on our calendar commencing on the fourth of February, there will also be a short members meeting after lunch on this day Twilight bowls have also returned, so come along and join in the fun on Wednesday evenings at 6 pm. Names in by five pm please. Free coaching on Wednesday mornings at 10 am for anyone interested in taking up lawn bowls, or by appointment. Please text Sue on 0409 522 099. Last Tuesday we farewelled our Greenkeeper Ben, he will be missed by all the Ladies. Good Luck Ben.
play on the Sunday of the Major Championships.
Saturday, Raffle winners, Ian Webb & Al Gregory.
Lucky winner’s rink, Kev Kelly. Unfortunates’ rink, Peter Baker. Both Jackpots were not won & will carry over to next week.
Pennant team information is on the board.
Membership renewals are due, this can be paid, at the Country Club or the Ex-Services’ in town.
We had Geoff Lockwood, Ian Carr, Wayne Carr, & Roy Leonard, Luke Taylor & Roger Annis-Brown in the triples (coming 4th), & Phil McGarity, playing at Canowindra on
the 25th & 26th January.
To our members & their families that are on the sick list, wishing you a speedy recovery.
There will be Coaching on every Friday, 4pm – 6pm.
Tuesday 4th February & 1st
February, please call, Jim Finn 0418 651 382, Peter Wright 0427 813 220, or the club on 63613210. Names in by 11:30 for a 12:30 start.
Bowls Etiquette tips
If there are championship games being played as well as social, can bowlers please keep the cheering on the rink you are playing on down to a minimum would be much appreciated.
This month it was “Paddles Up” at the Canberra Regatta #4. We initially had 26 elite athletes for this regatta, but sadly, we had five withdraw in the last few days before racing and we ended up with 21 muscled-up contenders for our favourite regatta in Canberra. It was the first time the crew was left without Phil as he volunteered on the day as Assistant Water Umpire, following the boats down the course, and scrutinizing each race, which was a little intimidating for our Sweeps.
There were 17 Clubs present for the day, which started bleak and gloomy and when the rain came, the coffee cart packed up and went home. The first heat of the 2000m was the women’s 20s and 10s and these intrepid gals did not let a little torrential rain bother them. By the time the men were to join the competition, however, the skies had cleared and the Opens and Mixed categories had an easier ride. We had a crew of 19 paddlers in the Mixed 20s and we finished in a time of 14:17:44. The winner in our category was Komodo in a time of 11:15:34.
There were 20 Women’s crews competing on the day, and our magnificent women got out of the boat after Race 3, the 2000 m race, straight into Race 4 the first heat of the women’s 10s. We finished in a time of 1:14:98, soundly beaten but not disgraced with Komodo coming in first in 1:05.12. Our second heat saw us beaten again in a time of 1:14:79 (at least we’re consistent!), but the boat felt strong and again we weren’t disgraced, beaten by Komodo in a sizzling 1:03:76.
There were 12 crews competing in the Opens’ 10s category and our time in the first heat was 1:06:05 with Komodo smashing it in 54:55. The 2nd heat saw us come in in 1:08:49 and again we were no match for Komodo in 54:46. We did make the minor final though and came in 5th of five in a time of 1:13.
There were 15 crews in the Mixed 10s
and our first heat saw us finish in a time of 1:13:02, with the winner SmartyPants Komodo in 57:44. The 2nd heat saw us finish in a time of 1:06:27 with the winner coming in at 0:56:51 – you guessed it… Komodo.
So the smartypants Komodo blasted everyone off the water and won EVERYTHING including the fastest time of the day (excluding the finals) of 54:46. I googled ‘Komodo Dragon’ and the description came up as: ‘The Komodo Dragon prefers hot and dry places and typically lives in dry, open grasslands’ which proves that they have no place on the water at Grevillea Park, Canberra.
Sour grapes aside, we had a good day. Each boat felt strong. Our new paddlers as well as the old workhorses paddled well. We had three members of the Milson family in the one boat, which proves the sport really is a family affair. The egg-andbacon sandwiches from the barbecue were delicious and Karen’s caramel slice was magnificent.
Sadly, we’ve had to withdraw from the 2025 Sydney Lunar New Year Regatta as there were no races to suit us paddling as the fantastic inclusive club that we are. If we can’t all paddle together, then we won’t paddle. Complaints have been made to make the event a more regional-friendly regatta, however, we’ll see what 2026 brings. The Dubbo Outback Dragons put out a call for a combined clubs crew to enter the Senior Bs (50 years plus), however I’m unsure if they had any takers.
Bei Loon 8km Challenge Race, Saturday 8th March 2025: Opportunities abound to take your paddle and travel to new waters in 2025. Colour City Dragons of any age or experience are encouraged to join in the thrill and comradery that is being part of a mighty Dragons crew.
22
Vibrancy, plangency (9)
1 Intelligent (5)
4 University teacher (9)
9 Cold-blooded creature (7) 10 Favours (7) 11 Loss of power of action (9)
Name and age: Bujka, 9
Who is your favourite teacher? Mrs Bowden because she teaches me science, Ms Osmond because she’s my teacher and Mrs Wright because she’s like the best SLSO in the school.
What do you think the best thing about being a grown-up is? I’m going to be a doctor, a human doctor, so working like that. What’s your favourite thing to do on the weekend? Go out and ride my scooter, we’ve got a space at home where I ride.
What is something your parents always say to you? I love you!
If you were principal for a day, what’s the first thing you’d do? Make play houses so we can role play.
What is your favourite food? I forgot its name but it has meat at the bo om and mashed potato on the top. My mum makes it. What’s your favourite toy? My Cinnamoroll plushie.
If you could open a shop, what would it sell? Roblox.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be? Water and be able to make water. I’d turn o bushfires.
Specialist Clinicians
0455 629 905
Because
John
Laurene and families
Our
THUMBS UP to the lovely “My Tech Mate” fellow who quickly fixed a problem with my mobile phone connecting plug — and didn’t charge me!
THUMBS UP to all the staff at Orange Hospital for a great job and caring while looking after me –Charcol.
THUMB DOWN to OCL for using bilingual Indigenous/English names for places like Melbourne and Mt Canobolas. For the vast majority of people whose first language is English, it seems like drastic social engineering. Does OCL have a policy about this, or is it just fashionable?
**I would say just respectful, not fashionable, and hardly drastic. In the case of Gaanha Bula-Mount Canobolas, it is also just being correct. The mountain was officially given the dual name in 2023 – Ed.
THUMBS UP to Leigh Oliver, coowner of Hey Rosey and my neighbour. Leigh found my Westpac Debit Card on the footpath near our homes, and he promptly returned it to me. Many thanks, Leigh!
THUMBS UP to Auto Mate Smash Repairs (formerly SMB Smash Repairs). They were prompt, professional, caring and extremely friendly. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this company. Submitted by their first-ever customer.
THUMB DOWN to Orange City Council for misleading the community by refusing a vintage car entry into Cook Park on Australia Day at 7.40am. Never again!
THUMBS UP to Cooper at BCF, who gave excellent service when replacing a reel on my grandson’s finishing line.
BORN: 13/12/2024 WEIGHT: 3630g
PARENTS: Chloe Dittmar and Justin Metcraft (Orange)
SIBLINGS: Archie (2)
THUMBS UP to Samantha at the Orange City Library for her exceptional service. Not only did she assist me promptly with my query, but her friendly and approachable nature truly made my day. What impressed me, even more, was her professionalism in the face of a difficult situation. Samantha’s kindness and dedication to her work are truly commendable.
THUMBS UP to Tracy at the Visitor Information Centre for the help she gave when I was selecting a gift for a new neighbour. She even kindly wrapped it for me without being asked.
THUMBS UP to Clare at Australia Post for helping me to use the locker system when I was collecting a parcel soon after Christmas. She was very patient and most obliging.
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.
rural and commercial Fixed legal fees
and confidential advice
and Powers of Attorney So, if you are thinking of buying, selling, Will /
DIANE DAVIS
THUR 30 3.30, 6.00, 8.30 FRI 313.30, 6.00, 8.30 SAT 13.30, 6.00, 8.30
SUN 23.30, 6.00, 8.30 MON 33.30, 6.00, 8.30
TUES 43.30, 6.00, 8.30
WED 53.30, 6.00, 8.30
THUR 30 12.30, 5.30, 8.00 FRI 3112.30, 5.30, 8.00 SAT 112.30, 5.30, 8.00 SUN 212.30, 5.30, 8.00 MON 312.30, 5.30, 8.00 TUES 412.30, 5.30, 8.00 WED 512.30, 5.30, 8.00
6.00 SUN 212.30, 6.00 MON 312.30, 6.00
412.30, 6.00 WED 512.30, 6.00
