Prospective students and their families are warmly invited to visit Kinross Wolaroi School on Open Day 2025. Join us for tours of the Junior School (Pre-Kinder to Year 6), Senior School (Years 7 to 12) and boys’ and girls’ boarding facilities. In a series of presentations, you’ll hear from our staff and students about every aspect of school life at Kinross Wolaroi and have an opportunity to chat with our staff over morning tea. Bring along the whole family to experience the school at this once-a-year event! Bookings are essential – please use the link below, where you will also find a schedule for the day.
Kinross Wolaroi celebrates 50 years
Kinross Wolaroi School Celebrates 50 Years since amalgamation
In 2025, Kinross Wolaroi School is celebrating a significant milestone: it will be half a century since the amalgamation of two of the region’s most respected educational institutions—Kinross School (formerly PLC) and Wolaroi College—forming what is today a leading independent school in Orange and the Central West.
The story of Kinross Wolaroi’s formation begins in the early 1970s, a time of change in Australian education. PLC Orange, a Presbyterian school for girls, and Wolaroi College, a Methodist school for boys, had both built strong reputations for academic excellence. However, by the early 1970s, social shi s and growing demand for coeducational models led both institutions to consider a merger.
The mid-1970s was a period of significant educational reform in Australia. With the Whitlam Government’s increased investment in education, there was a national push for inclusivity, equality, and the expansion of secondary and tertiary education. The rise of co-education was a key part of this broader shi . Coed schools were seen as a way to foster equality between the sexes and provide
practical but visionary.
Discussions between the schools began in 1970. By 1972, both schools had separately embraced the idea of creating a unified co-educational institution and as negotiations continued, integrated classes were established. In 1973 under the leadership of its new principal, Mr David Loader, PLC became co-educational under the new name, Kinross School. In January 1975, Kinross Wolaroi School officially began operations, uniting the legacies of its founding schools and led by Principal David Loader.
while the logistics of integration, financial sustainability, and governance needed to be carefully managed. Despite these hurdles, the vision of a unified, forwardthinking school community began to take shape.
A milestone in the early years of the school’s existence was the establishment of a Senior College for Years 11 and 12, offering students a broader range of subjects and specialised learning opportunities. This model was part of a wider trend in Australian education that provided students with greater flexibility and choice in their learning, a response to both
changing societal needs and increased federal funding for education. The school also prioritised significant infrastructure development, with plans to consolidate operations at the Wolaroi campus.
Kinross Wolaroi quickly became a cornerstone of education in Orange and the surrounding areas. Its commitment to academic excellence, strong community ties, and a vibrant co-curricular program helped it establish a reputation for nurturing well-rounded individuals.
As the school celebrates this anniversary, it also reflects on the visionaries, educators, and families whose efforts turned the dream of unification into reality. Today, Kinross Wolaroi remains committed to providing students with a dynamic education in a supportive, inclusive environment.
The school community is marking this special milestone with events and reunions, honouring both the school’s legacy and its future. As it looks ahead, Kinross Wolaroi remains a symbol of resilience, innovation, and unity in education—values that will continue to guide it for many more years to come.
The School has created a dedicated page on its website with details about the events of this era in the school’s history.
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We’ve been enjoying some beautifully warm summer days in Orange this week, but unfortunately for anyone thinking of heading out to Lake Canobolas to cool off, you are going to have to make other plans. Just hours before going to print on Tuesday, Orange City Council announced a temporary ban on swimming at the lake due to a blue-green algae red alert being issued by Water NSW. People are warned to avoid recreational activities such as swimming, water skiing, canoeing and any other activity that brings them into contact with water from the dam, as blue-green algae may cause gastroenteritis if consumed, and contact can cause skin and eye irritations. Drinking water containing algal toxins may cause liver damage and other health problems. Pets and stock animals should also not enter or drink water when high levels of algae are present. Council staff have already completed follow-up testing of water and the results will be known in the coming days.
The Banjo Paterson Poetry Festival is just a week away, which means there is still time to polish up your recital skills and enter one of the festival competitions. Or, for those less competitively minded, there are a few ‘walk up’ events where you can share your favourite Banjo poem or even an original composition. It all takes place February 13–17, but you will find more details inside.
This weekend, it is all about the Gnoo Blas Classic Car Show at Sir Jack Brabham Park, the site of the former Gnoo Blas race track. Organisers are expecting around 800 classic cars, trucks and motorcycles to fill the sports ground on Saturday, so it should be quite a show.
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This weekend’s Gnoo Blas Classic Car Show will be the biggest yet, say organisers, who are expecting to see some 800 classic cars, motorbikes, and trucks on display at Sir Jack Brabham Park on Saturday, February 8.
Hosted by the Gnoo Blas Classic Car Club at the former Gnoo Blas race track, the annual car show has been growing rapidly in recent years and Club president Wayne Swadling says this year will see a record number of entries.
“We’re expecting this to be our biggest show ever,” Wayne said. “Each year, we’ve been increasing by about 100 vehicles and last year was about 700, so this year, our target is 800. We’ve got people coming from all over Australia for it. So it just gets bigger
and better every year.”
This year also marks the 65th anniversary of the very first race of the Australian Touring Car Championship (what’s now known as the Repco Supercars Championship), which took place in Orange on the old Gnoo Blas circuit.
“That’s the main feature of this year’s show, the 65th anniversary of that very first race of the Australian Touring Car Championship in February 1960,” Wayne said.
That race was won by David McKay in a Jaguar, but most of Australia’s best drivers of the era raced at Gnoo Blas, including, of course, Jack Brabham, who held the lap record until the final meeting.
At Saturday night’s sold-out dinner at the Orange Ex-Services Club, special guest Ray Berghouse will present a
There will be something for all motoring enthusiasts, Wayne said.
“We’ve got 11 historic police cars… we’ve got the ‘Snake Pit’ again with all the Ford Cobras and a new thing we’re doing called ‘Patina Arena’ with all those rusty cars, rat rods, and that sort of thing.
“And we will be having the ‘Lion’s Den’ for the Holdens and we’ve got an actual 1968 HK Holden Monaro that raced in Bathurst!”
In recent years, the Gnoo Blas Classic Car Show has grown into a three-day affair and, once again, there are events also planned for Friday and Sunday.
“On the Friday, February 7, we’re doing a street parade,” Wayne said. “We start at 1pm at the Orange Function Centre and travel up the
main street and then we’re going out to Mortimer’s Vineyard, then come back to Jack Brabham Park at about 5.30pm for a meet-and-greet and outof-town visitors can register for the event.”
Then on Sunday, there will be another group drive out to Lake Canobolas, returning to Waratah Sports Club for lunch at 12pm.
“If you do miss out on Saturday, there will be a good number of classic cars on display at the lake and at Waratahs on Sunday,” Wayne said.
“But we’re expecting thousands of visitors on Saturday. This is a show that’s really putting Orange on the map!”
The 2025 Gnoo Blas Classic Car Show will take place on Saturday, February 8, from 8am to 3pm, at Jack Brabham Park, Orange.
170 Summer Street Orange NSW 2800 www.hansenoptom.com
pictorial history of touring car racing in Australia.
Banjo Festival celebrates poetic tradition of the Australian bush
More than a century and a half since the birth of Australia’s most beloved poet AB ‘Banjo’ Paterson, the Central West is keeping alive the tradition of the bush balladeers with a fourday festival program in his honour this February 13-17.
Founded in 2014, the annual Banjo Paterson Festival is a celebration of all things bush poetry, but in particular, the life and works of ‘The Banjo’ who was born near Orange and grew up at ‘Buckinbar’ at Yeoval.
“[Bush poetry] is part of our nation’s history… it’s part of who we are and therefore, it shouldn’t be neglected or forgotten,” David Stanley of the Banjo Paterson organising committee said.
“It’s a rich part of our culture and a really important part of our history.”
The 2025 Banjo Paterson Festival has something for all lovers of bush poetry, David said, whether it be spirited poetry competitions, music and art events, or storytelling.
The festival gets underway on Thursday, February 13, with Poet Walk-ups at Eat Botanic, right next door to the Emmaville Cottage, a building formerly located on ‘Narrambla’ where Paterson was born.
It concludes with Banjo’s Birthday Party Breakfast, celebrating 161 years since the poet’s birth, at Banjo Paterson Park on Monday, February 17.
“We’ve got a couple of wineries that are having events… Strawhouse Wines and Heifer Station’s Grapes of Wrath,” David said.
“There’s also the Molong Poetry Brawl, which is on the Saturday night at the Molong RSL and it gets well attended.”
The Molong Poetry Brawl features contestants
reciting an original one-minute poem featuring the phrase “I know that sooner or later…”.
David, a previous winner of the competition, will be this year’s judge.
“And there’s also a written competition this year in conjunction with that which we’ve not had before,” he added.
Other festival highlights include: a train trip to lunch at ‘The Ironbark Hotel’ in Stuart Town; an author talk with Heather Knight at Orange City Library; Cargo Inn Poetry Competition; and Orange’s Banjo Paterson Performance Poetry Competition.
The Banjo Paterson Festival is supported by the Cabonne Arts Council, Cabonne Council, and Orange City Council.
For the full program of events and more information, visit www.orange360.com.au
Planets in prime viewing this February
The night sky has provided a treat for astronomy lovers so far in 2025, with stunning auroral displays and the dazzling sight of Comet C/2024 G3 (ATLAS) in the west at sunset.
For those keen to keep abreast of celestial events, Ray Pickard of the Bathurst Observatory Research Facility has been posting a monthly “Watch This Space” update on the observatory’s Facebook page.
“Comet G3 Atlas, which dazzled us very low in the SW during January, broke up not long after passing the sun, putting a lot of its material into the tail. Hence why the tail was so stunning,” writes Ray in his February update.
“But alas, the comet is fading fast and likely only a telescopic object (if at all visible in
twilight) in February. It was interesting to witness the breakup and demise of this comet!”
While there were plenty of social media posts and news stories of a planetary alignment on January 25, this was not actually true, and there was nothing special about that particular date. What it referred to was the fact that through January and February, most of the planets would be visible in the sky at once.
“Now that the planet alignment hoax that the planets would line up on January 25th has passed, we can get onto looking at the planets when they ARE actually at their best. That being the month of February!” writes Ray.
“Most of the planets will be sighted spread across the evening skies during February, from the west to the NE. Though some like Saturn and Mercury, will be much harder to sight. Bright Venus in the west, Jupiter in the north, and Mars
...Now that the planet alignment hoax that the planets would line up on January 25th has passed, we can get onto looking at the planets when they ARE actually at their best...
in the northeast will be much easier to find.”
This time of year is also a great time for astrophotographers looking to snap star clusters and nebula, he says.
“The summer Milky Way stretches almost north to south and contains many great star clusters and nebula to see. Eta Carina Nebula above the Southern Cross would definitely be one highlight. Late one evening, I also imaged the Monkey Head nebula which would be great for astrophotographers around now. Not really a visual nebula, even in the telescope, but a good target for an image.”
Ray Pickard does run regular tours of his Bathurst Observatory Research Facility, but make sure you check his Facebook Page or bathurstobservatory.com.au for dates and times.
DIANE DAVIS
Photos by Ray Pickard at the Bathurst Observatory Research Facility
Aurora photographed on the evening of January 1, 2025 by Ray Pickard at the Bathurst Observatory Research Facility
Image of the Monkey Head nebula by Ray Pickard at the Bathurst Observatory Research Facility
Roads, crime, housing a ordability and more activities and facilities for children and teenagers are the top priorities for the Orange community, according to surveys conducted by Orange City Council as they develop a new Community Strategic Plan.
In November, the Council’s Communications and Engagement team began collecting public feedback and ideas through a series of face-to-face public forums and pop-up events as well as through a digital survey. This feedback will be used to prepare a new Community Strategic Plan, which will be used to guide Council’s planning and decision-making over the next decade.
Last week, Council released a report giving an overview of the feedback, which includes more than 10,000 ideas, goals and principles from approximately 1,290 community members who contributed.
When asked what the priority for our community should be, the top responses centred around improving road maintenance and construction, providing more family and youth activities, supporting crime prevention and effective policing, and more affordable housing options.
Other key issues include affordable community events, support for disadvantaged and vulnerable community members, inclusivity and equality initiatives, water security and better footpaths, walkways, and safer road crossings.
Council points out that some priorities in the feedback are not within the council’s power or responsibility to deliver. These include things like public transport, mental health services and policing, which are responsibilities of other ties of government.
“Other areas raised relate to matters that are already part of the existing CSP,” says Council in a statement on the release of the engagement report.
“Water security has been a central theme in past CSPs and while a large body of capital work has been completed to address this issue, it remains a community priority. For council’s part, housing affordability is the focus of the Redmond Place development on the eastern edge of the city. Like the advocacy projects mentioned above there is a role for other tiers of government in addressing affordability.”
More indoor activities and facilities for children and families during the colder months topped residents’ wish lists for new amenities for Orange, with suggestions including indoor play centres, rock climbing walls,
arcades, and family-friendly events that catered to all age groups. There was also a strong emphasis on the need for more indoor activities for young children, as well as the development of spaces where teenagers and young people could meet up, socialise, and engage in positive activities.
But Council’s engagement also found that Orange residents loved the sense of community, parks and gardens, the beautiful scenery, the people, the great facilities and the climate.
“When asked about what they loved about Orange the sense of community was highly valued, with many residents mentioning the friendly and supportive atmosphere…
“While the feedback identified areas that the community felt needed a greater focus or prioritisation there was also a strong sense that Orange was a great community to live in. There was a view there was work to be done in some areas but there was also a strong sentiment around Orange being a great city and to not put that at risk.”
Orange Mayor Tony Mileto said the engagement demonstrated that people loved living in Orange, but there was work to do in some areas.
Orange Listed Among Most Welcoming Cities in Australia
Orange has been named as one of the top 10 most welcoming cities in Australia by digital travel company Booking.com in their 13th annual Traveller Review Awards.
Based on the average of verified customer reviews, the awards honour travel partners who consistently deliver outstanding hospitality and service. The Most Welcoming Cities In Australia list was determined by the share of accommodation partners receiving a Traveller Review Award in a city.
Orange, along with Mudgee, were the only NSW entries on the 2025 list.
“The annual Traveller Review Awards are just one way that we can spotlight these dedicated hospitality heroes,
2025’S MOST WELCOMING CITIES IN AUSTRALIA
Orange, NSW
Mudgee, NSW
Montville, Queensland
Maleny, Queensland
Margaret River Town, Western Australia
Ocean Grove, Victoria
Bicheno, Tasmania
Port Lincoln, South Australia
Halls Gap, Victoria
Daylesford, Victoria
2025’S MOST WELCOMING CITIES ON EARTH
Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
Cazorla, Spain
Urubici, Brazil
Taupo, New Zealand
St. Augustine, United States
Orvieto, Italy
Manizales, Colombia
Quedlinburg, Germany
Ko Lanta, Thailand
Chester, United Kingdom
2025’S MOST WELCOMING REGIONS ON EARTH
Osijek-Baranja, Croatia
Kakheti, Georgia
Madeira, Portugal
Misiones, Argentina
saying thank you not just from Booking.com, but from the hundreds of millions of travellers who use Booking.com to experience the world,” Booking.com Regional Manager, Oceania Todd Lacey said.
Booking.com reported that holiday homes continue leading the way for accommodation. Apartments continue to lead as the most-awarded accommodation type for the eighth consecutive year (847,627 awards). Holiday homes (259,105) maintain their second place, outperforming hotels (190,670) for the third year running.
In Australia, awards for holiday homes and other unique properties increased by 25 per cent, which Booking. com said reflected travellers’ continuing enthusiasm for a variety of stays that offer distinctive hospitality and memorable experiences.
Newcastle Permanent’s Cinema Under the Stars returns to Orange’s Botanical Gardens this Saturday, February 8, taking the community on an adventure to a world of pure imagination.
The event will feature the sugary, sweet film, Wonka (PG,2023), and there will be no need for a golden ticket as this family-friendly event is free to attend.
“It is wonderful to see our community come together each year for Cinema Under the Stars,
which has become an event loved by so many in Orange,” Newcastle Permanent Regional Manager, Adam Power said.
Saturday’s event will be jam-packed with fun activities, roving acts, tasty food, free popcorn and live music to enjoy.
“Cinema Under the Stars is for all ages, with plenty of activities for the little ones before the movie starts at sundown, which is sure to have you singing along to the soundtrack with its
perfect mix of new hits as well as the classics that we all know and love, Mr Power said.
“This film is sure to set off the sweet tooth, so pack your favourite treats, gather your loved ones, and join us for a spectacular evening under the stars”
Newcastle Permanent Cinema Under the Stars 2025 takes place this Saturday, February 8 at the Orange Botanic Gardens. There’s be live entertainment from 5.30 pm, with the film to start at sundown.
CROSS purposes
A NEW CREATION WITH MARION HAYDON
Many things in life never stay the same. The old disappears to be replaced by the new – fashions, leaders, cars and whatever else we want to add. The Bible tells us that even the heavens will ‘vanish like smoke’ and the earth will ‘wear out like a garment’ (Isaiah 51:6) and God will ‘roll them up like a robe’ (Hebrews 1:12).
God made a beautiful world - in the beginning - but it has been marred by the effects of disobedience. Now it is waiting to be restored and one day there will be a new heaven and earth, which will be great.
The Bible also says that people can become a new creation when they invite Christ to be an essential part of their lives (2 Corinthians 5:17). This is possible because of His death and resurrection and because God is unchanging and His faithfulness is unwavering and His rescue offer lasts forever. We can be thankful that God is Sovereign over the universe and when He does bring in a new heaven and earth, it will no longer be crippled by all that is vile. It will be a place where God’s people will delight in all His goodness.
Cadia Adopts Weedwise to tackle STICKY NIGHTSHADE
Newmont Cadia (Cadia) has partnered with the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) in a cutting-edge effort to tackle the growing threat of sticky nightshade, Solanum sisymbriifolium, an invasive weed which can affect valuable grazing and cropping land across the NSW Central Tablelands.
Cadia, as custodian of some 12,500 hectares of farmland, has invested in a multimillion dollar control program, which includes financial support for research and for local landholders with contractor support and herbicide to tackle largescale eradication efforts.
At the heart of the project is an innovative 3D digital sticky nightshade model freely available on NSW DPIRD’s WeedWise and developed by awardwinning scientific illustrator, Rachel Klyve.
The model, a detailed digital visual representation of the plant, is a critical resource for landholders in identifying infestations of stick nightshade for swift and effective treatment.
NSW DPIRD research is also helping to improve understanding of the weed and identify effective biological and chemical control options.
Cadia General Manager, Tom Lukeman, said it is important Cadia uses its resources to help local landholders overcome a problem that impacted agricultural production.
“Sticky nightshade is a serious threat to our region’s farming industry and
biodiversity along watercourses and rivers,” Mr Lukeman said.
“As a custodian of important farmland, Cadia is committed to being a proactive partner and neighbour in efforts to manage this invasive weed. We’re proud to support and join with local landholders in protecting their properties and livelihoods from its destructive impact.”
To ensure the success of the program Cadia has enlisted Bullseye Ag, a Central West based agricultural firm, to lead the on-the-ground weed management efforts. With expertise in large-scale land management, Bullseye Ag will work closely with affected landholders to deploy targeted control measures.
The program, which began in July 2023, is expected to continue over the coming years to ensure longterm suppression of sticky nightshade and prevent further
infestations across the region.
The importance of this collaborative approach is clear, with landholders, government bodies and private industry uniting to overcome a common threat.
Central Tablelands Local Land Services General Manager, Chris McCulloch, said sticky nightshade is a priority weed species in the Central Tablelands Regional Strategic Weed Management Plan.
He said the Central Tablelands Local Land Services welcomes the initiative
and has been involved in the project from the ground up to support community engagement activities at field days and meetings.
“The targeted control area is within a designated sticky nightshade containment zone, highlighting the importance of coordinated control efforts at a grassroots level to stop the spread,” Mr McCulloch said.
“The new 3D digital model makes it easier to identify and manage sticky nightshade and will be an important resource in the ongoing management of the weed.”
Mr Lukeman said the program is a game-changer for rural communities.
“Sticky nightshade has been a concern for local farmers and Cadia’s involvement, supported by NSW DPIRD’s expertise, will have a real and lasting impact on preserving our agricultural landscape.”
More information about the sticky nightshade 3D digital model and control options is available from NSW WeedWise.
Get involved in the control program by visiting the website.
Ploughman’s Lane shared pedestrian/ cycle path at the finishing line
Work on the brand-new shared pedestrian and cycle path along Ploughman’s Lane is almost complete.
The new three-meter wide, 530-metre-long path is located on the eastern side of Ploughman’s Lane between Escort Way and Coronation Drive and links up with existing paths along Ploughman’s Creek and beyond, including the recently opened path to Orange Anglican Grammar School.
The Ploughman’s Lane path – along with rest area seating, lighting, and signage — was funded thanks to $300,000 from the NSW Government’s Get NSW Active program.
The one-kilometre-long Matthews Avenue Footpath link between Burrendong Way and Hill Street was also funded thanks to a $249,000 grant from the Get NSW Active program.
The new path on Ploughmans Lane links Escort Way to Coronation Drive.
Blue-green algae alert Temporary swimming ban at Lake Canobolas
Swimming has been temporarily banned at Lake Canobolas, following a Red Alert warning for high levels of blue-green algae.
Council staff erected warning signs at the lake on Tuesday.
According to Water NSW guidelines, people should avoid recreational activities such as swimming, water skiing, canoeing and any other activity that brings them into contact with water from the dam until the red alert warning is lifted.
Pets and stock animals should also not enter or drink water from the lake.
Potentially toxic, blue-green algae may cause gastroenteritis if consumed and contact can cause skin and eye irritations. Consumption of water containing algal
toxins may cause liver damage and other health problems.
Orange Mayor Tony Mileto said Council staff have already completed follow-up testing of water at the lake and are waiting for the return of those results in the coming days.
But the ban on swimming will be in place for at least another week as two tests are required before the all-clear can be given.
“Under the rules we’ll need the results of a second test in a week’s time to also come back more favourably before the lake can re-open for swimming,” Cr Tony Mileto said.
“There’s been a number of dams and waterways affected by blue-green algae in recent months but this is the first time this season for Lake Canobolas.”
Cr Mileto said Gosling Creek dam is still open for swimming.
Algal blooms are triggered in slow-flowing water when there is a lot of sunlight and sufficient nutrients.
People should not consume untreated water, as boiling the water does not remove potential algae toxins.
Water NSW advises a precautionary approach to eating fin fish from red alert warning areas. Any fish caught should be cleaned and washed thoroughly in uncontaminated water; the internal organs should not be eaten. Avoiding fishing during a bloom is the best way to minimise risk.
Individuals who suspect they have been affected by bluegreen algae should seek medical advice.
Updates and information about blue-green algae blooms and red level warning areas can be obtained by visiting www.waternsw.com.au/algae or calling 1300 662 077.
Community LiFE
2025 Award recipients include:
Jessica Hickman, Maggie Morris, Philip and Rohanne Tiefel, Anna Noonan, Jason Lewis, Leanne Rawlings (Serenity Space), William Holmes (Calarie Hall Committee), Ann Morey (Nashdale CWA), Orange Show Society, Ian Guihot (Canowindra Taxi Service), Amii Marchant (Parkes Early Childhood Centre), Bronwyn Dean (Parkes Early Childhood Centre), Terry Job (Rural Fire Service), Asha Munodawafa (Parkes Tennis Club), Logan Montgomery (2025 World Skills), Wanita Smith (Central West’s Outstanding Out of School Hours Educator for 2024), Adrian Cisco (Orange City Council’s Parking Officers), Emma Grey (International Association of Ultra Runners 100km World Championships), Marshall Munn (Rural Fire Service Parkes), Carolyn Keep (Cancer Council ‘Pink Night’ Trundle), Jack Buckley (Flannery’s Pharmacy and Life Pharmacy in Forbes), David Waddell (Orange City Council – Zest Fest), Les Hawke (Forbes Probus Club), Kylie
Toberty (Nashdale and Canobolas Public Schools Hockey Team), Kent Boyd (Parkes Shire Council), Ann Olson (Parkes CWA), Peter Johnstone (Canobolas Rural Fire Service Captain), Rosie Wingrove Johnson (Artist), Harrison Field (AOK Metal Fabrication), Jodie Greenhalgh (Eugowra Harness Racing Club), Mele Finau (Orange Out of School Hours Care), Kirsty Evans (Cheney Suthers Lawyers), Need Brockmann (Runner), Philippa Mitchell (The Fitting Studio), Ellen Dolbel (Orange High School Student), Jack Philipson (Ralph Blue Shearing), Zoe Tattersall (Orange High School Student), Lewis Von Stieglitz (Bank Orange), Bob and Ann Steel (Parkes Elvis Festival), Zanna Dolbel (Orange’s Kumiai Ryu High Impact Martial Arts Studio), Elizabeth Macgregor (Parkes Rugby League), Irene Ridgeway (Parkes Wiradjuri Elder), Michael O’Mara (Central West Senior Volunteer of the Year for 2024), Cody Burcher (Car Racing), Sean Haynes (Eugowra Flood Recovery Committee), Liz Mitchell (Eugowra Flood Recovery Committee), Kim Storey (Eugowra Flood Recovery Committee), Dave Herbert (Eugowra Flood Recovery Committee), Janet Moxey (Eugowra Flood Recovery Committee), Ash Wright (Eugowra Flood Recovery Committee), Tim Wright (Eugowra Flood Recovery Committee), Jazmin Pietrzak (St John Ambulance NSW Molong Division), Shannon Taylor (Cerebral Palsy Alliance Orange), Linda Koops (Cerebral Palsy Alliance Orange), Sophie Kerrigan (Cerebral Palsy Alliance Orange), Alex Bird (Cerebral Palsy Alliance Orange), Clive Walker (Emus Rugby Club), Elise McKenzie (Orange High School Teacher), Angus Barrett (Angus Barrett Saddlery & Leather Goods), Trudi Mayfield (Orange Purlers), Tamilla Bolam (President of Trundle Bush Tucker Day), Alicia Earsman (Canowindra Tigers Rugby League), Ben Costa (Orange Pie Company), Mitchell Brown (Orange Pie Company), Tess Woods, Andrew Little, Neil Lambert (Forbes Show Society), Sarah Evans (Trinity Preschool), Lizzie McKibbin (Trinity Preschool), Celia Pavey (Vera Blue), Charlie Henley (Emu’s Rugby Club Emus Foundation), Ben DeGabriel (Orange Society of Model Engineers), Lewis Bird (The Amend Project), Casey Naden (The Amend Project), Mick Gibson (President of Manildra Rhinos), Marley McLean, Amanda Ferguson (Manager of Emu’s Wallaroos),
Barney Robson, Murray Thomas (Polocrosse), Jason Smith (Polocrosse), David Hayward, Lana Hood (Parkes Craft Corner), Graeme Hunter (Rotary Club of Parkes), Donna Bliss (Yaroona Gunya Family Healing Centre), Melanie Meers (Gandfriends Mentoring Program at Orange Grove Community Care), Lara Hooper, Robyn Callingham (Age of Fishes Museum), Ashlea Pritchard, Jason Hamling, Fred Graf, Jayce Bennett, Robyn Kenny (Forbes Netball Association), Gary Williams, Paula Rudd (Molong Players), Duncan Abbey (Westonfence), Murray Paterson (Secretary of Australian Bridge Championships), Anne Tonna (Australian Bridge Championships), Gleniss Lawrence, Kerry Foster, Annalise Brouwer, Janet Moxey (Eugowra Show Society), Lenny Punch, Jo Braid, Haylee Redfern, Peter Holmes (Orange News Examiner), Ally Cook (CYMS Hockey), Jessica Crawford (Made to Bloom – Bereavement Care), Shelby Ashelford (Varroa Warriors), Julia Hutabarat (Varroa Warriors), Margot Jolly (Homegrown Parkes),Marg Applebee (Homegrown Parkes), Jude Keogh (Long Serving Photographer for the CWD), Betty Ackroyd (Parkes St Vincent de Paul Ladies), Patricia Byrne (Parkes St Vincent de Paul Ladies), Lorraine Carty (Parkes St Vincent de Paul Ladies), Deborah Nelson (Parkes St Vincent de Paul Ladies), Carl Jaeger (Blood Bank Donations), Hannah Schulz (President of Cumnock General Store), Ben Chiarella (When No One is Watching WNOW), Beau Baddock (When No One is Watching WNOW), Kylie Shead (Arts Outwest – 50 Years), Barb Bloomfield, Jess Kinsela (Parkes Dance Co), Kylie Winslade (Orange High School Teacher), Robyn Churchland (Football NSW’s Female Volunteer of the Year for 2024), Shay-Lee Spargo, Beverley Taylor (Canowindra CWA), Don Strachan, Helen Miller (LiveBetter), Vanessa Vasquez (Birds in the Bush), Ian Pollet, Mickey Freckman, Lilly Baker, Russell Spencer, Fiona Markwick (Stars of Orange), Linda Sheedy (Stars of Orange), Charlie Bubb, Simon Atkinson, Virginia Wykes, Darcy Howard (NSW Young Auctioneer 2024), Carmen Nieves (Orange Chamber Music Festival), Taylah Power, Emily Riches (Lachlan Valley United Physical Culture Club), Maddison Hornery (Lachlan Valley United Physical Culture Club), Marcus Wythes, Jack Smyth, Sophie Limbert, Belinda Grieve (Pickleball), Sue Klose (Orange Running Festival), Anthony Daintith (Orange Running Festival), Jonathan Hanbrook (Stockman’s Ridge Vineyard), Lisa de Diana (Stockman’s Ridge Vineyard), Andrea Austin, Jay Opetaia, Geoff and Leisa Jones (The Troffs Pastoral Company), Melanie Suitor (Road and Safety Parkes Shire Council), Joanne Sim (Space Academy – One Giant Leap), Jackie Carpenter (Space Academy – One Giant Leap), Jenna McCarthy (Space Academy – One Giant Leap), James Sweetapple (Cargo Road Wines), Georgia Cole, Jessica Healey, Dan and Lana Nicholson(Topsoil Organics Forbes), Jack Smith (NSW Top Dog Palawa King), Errol and Wendy Hughes (NSW Top Dog Palawa King), Paris Capell, Lindy Maurice, Nancy Rosser, David Waddell (Orange Regional Museum), Stephen Bingon (Calare Public School Softball), Ray Augustine (Chairman of Eugowra Historical Museum and Bushranger Centre), Henry Kross, Hugh Hogan, John Clarke, and Sue Ranger.
Jude Keogh, Murray Paterson, and Anne Tonna
Shelby Ashelford and Julia Hutabarat
Gary Williams was recognised for his 52 years of diligent service delivering mail in Orange.
Mitch Brown, Ben Coster and Neil Lambert
Dr Jo Braid and Jessica Hickman
Cr Tammy Greenhalgh, former mayor Jason Hamling, and Orange City Council CEO David Waddell.
Dianne Percy and Trudi Mayfield of the Orange Purlers
2025 COMMUNITY RECOGNITION AWARDS
More than 150 locals from across the Orange electorate were officially recognised for their achievements and contributions to the community at an award ceremony held at the Australian National Field Days Function Centre last Thursday, January 31.
Hosted by Member for Orange Philip Donato, the 4th Annual Orange Electorate Community
Recognition Awards saw Mr Donato personally present certificates, acknowledging individuals and organisations who have contributed to their community or who have achieved remarkable personal or professional accomplishments.
“It’s so important to recognise those quiet achievers from our community, and celebrate their remarkable efforts and accomplishments,” Mr Donato said.
Each award recipient received a certificate along with the speech Mr Donato delivered in the NSW
Parliament to officially recognise them.
“It’s amazing to discover the contributions made by individuals and organisations to our local community, as well as people’s remarkable personal or professional accomplishments,” Mr Donato said.
“Most of these people do not do what they do for any recognition whatsoever, which makes this presentation so much more worthwhile when I see these humble individuals being recognised by members of their community.
“For me, recognising people from our community and celebrating their work, effort and accomplishments is one of the most rewarding parts of my job as the local Member of Parliament.
“We should all be proud of these people’s efforts, because their motivation and their values are what help to make our region bloom and such a great place to live,” Mr Donato said.
Ash Pritchard, Greg Maher and Fiona Markwick
James Sweetapple of Cargo Road Wines with Member for Orange Phil Donato
Amii Marchant, Bronnie Dean and Sarah Evans
Barb Bloomfield with Member for Orange Phil Donato. Barb was recognised for 10years of volunteering at RMHCW.
Phillipa Mitchell with Member for Orange Phil Donato. Phillipa was recognised for her work supporting survivors of breast cancer.
Robyn Churchland, who was named Football NSW’s Volunteer of the Year in 2024, with Member for Orange Phil Donato
Local leatherworker Angus Barrett was recognised for his excellence in manufacturing, craftsmanship, sustainability, innovation and contribution to the local economy.
TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE IN 2025
Many of us start the year by setting ourselves some goals we would like to achieve. For many, achieving financial goals is often near the top of the list.
Setting goals is really important! Sadly, the reality for most people is that after setting financial goals, they then don’t put a plan in place to achieve them. This likely leads to them failing to achieve the set goals, which leads to discouragement. Over time, the failure to put in place a financial plan early on, costs people the financial freedom they could have achieved.
In many ways, I see the job of a financial adviser as being to awaken people to the costs of inaction. The longer people take to start implementing a solid financial plan, the harder and harder it gets to play catch up.
I’ve been lucky enough to work with thousands of people over almost two decades of being a financial adviser. In
that time, I’ve noticed there are certain things that have usually held people back when it comes to taking control of their money:
- Most people simply don’t know how to get started when it comes to things financial. There is just too much information and there are too many options.
- A lot of people prefer to just hope things will work out over time. Hope is not a plan!
- Many of us get stuck in the struggles of our day-to-day existence, trying to juggle work, family and social lives. It’s easy to delay putting in place strategies for longterm financial success.
- People often focus on saving rather than investing. While saving is the important first step, the biggest investment mistake is not investing.
- Often, people fear investing. Many of
us are scared of losing money, meaning that fear can override what are sensible investment strategies and lead us to not take action (Hint: there’s crazy, silly investing that has a high likelihood of failure, and then there’s sensible investing… the get rich slowly plan).
- While some people are paralysed with fear of making a mistake, others are overconfident, believing they know what they’re doing. Sometimes they are working on incomplete information (or completely wrong information) that is taking them in the wrong direction.
These are some of the things that I’ve found have prevented people from being more financially successful.
A financial adviser can guide you through these hurdles and mental barriers and help you come up with a plan that suits you. At the end of the day, it’s your money and it’s your life, so it is up to you how you choose to handle your finances. If you feel you’ve
been treading water when it comes to money, perhaps feel you haven’t achieved as much as you should have or are unsure of whether you are on the right track, then investing in financial advice is something that can pay handsome dividends.
And therein lies a key question… do you see paying for financial advice as an expense or an investment?
If you want to take control of your money in 2025, then book yourself in for a free initial meeting and find out how a financial plan can make a world of difference to your financial future.
My job is providing truly independent financial advice to help my clients make informed financial decisions and put them on the path to financial freedom. If that’s the path you’d like to be on, let’s have a chat and see what we can do to improve your financial fitness.
Cheers, Daniel
www.orange.nsw.gov.au
Find us on social media @ Orange City Council
Engagement Report shares feedback for Community Strategic Plan
Orange City Council has released a report from last year’s Community Strategic Plan (CSP) engagement which features more than 10,000 community ideas, goals and principles.
The engagement found that Orange residents loved the sense of community, parks and gardens, the beautiful scenery, the people, the great facilities and the climate.
The feedback also included a focus on road maintenance,
YOUR LOCAL COUNCIL AT WORK
activities for young people and families, housing affordability, crime prevention and new shopping options.
Orange Mayor Tony Mileto said the engagement demonstrated people loved living Orange but there was work to do in some areas.
“We did a mix of online and faceto-face engagement and we have learnt a lot. One of the big takeaways for me is that we live in
Learn vital swimming skills at Orange Aquatic Centre
Ta great city and with that comes a big responsibility to protect what our community values,” Cr Mileto said.
“We are putting the engagement report out to the community to make sure we have it right.
“Once this exhibition period ends the next steps will be to translate community goals and sentiments into the draft Community Strategic Plan and then align it to budgets.
each your children to swim and give them a skill for life with learn-to-swim classes at Orange Aquatic Centre.
Orange Aquatic Centre’s multiaccredited swim school offers learnto-swim classes with qualified swim instructors seven days a week for swimmers of all ages and abilities, from just six months of age to adults.
Orange City Council’s Sport and Recreation Committee Chair, Cr Tammy Greenhalgh said it was important for everybody to learn how to enjoy the water safely.
“Learning to swim is crucial to prevent drowning, but it’s also good for fun and fitness,” Cr Greenhalgh said.
Australia is a water-loving nation, but it’s important to learn how to enjoy the water safely and swimming is a skill that can save your life.”
Term 1 of learn-to-swim classes at Orange Aquatic Centre began this week and will run until Sunday 13
“There are always more ideas than money so there is a lot of work to do to establish priorities.”
The Your Community Your Plan Engagement report will be on exhibition for comment until 9am Monday 17 February 2025. The report and the opportunity to respond can be found at http:// yoursay.orange.nsw.gov.au/ your-community-your-ideas.
April, however, it is not too late to enrol in lessons.
A 10-week term costs $183 (pro-rata) and there are discounts for multiple children from the same family attending lessons in the same term. The Aquatic Centre accepts the NSW Government’s Active and Creative Kids vouchers.
Classes are held weekly, with halfhour classes for babies up to level 4 and 45-minute classes for level 5.
Children under 12 years must be accompanied to their lessons by a responsible person aged 16 or over and a parent or guardian must be in the pool for the lesson with children aged under two-and-a-half years.
The Orange Aquatic Centre is a Keep Watch facility. All children aged five and younger and non-swimmers must have a parent or guardian within arms reach at all times.
MILLFEST MILLTHORPE
Photos by CEC TILBURG
The village of Millthorpe was buzzing on Saturday, February 1, as locals and visitors headed down to Redmond Oval for Millfest 2025. The community event was a fantastic family day, featuring live music, lots of dancing, plenty of activities for the kids, and a variety of food and drink stalls.
Alison and Craig Ratcliff
Dan Axford and Susie Lloyd Janie Asencio and Ankit Poudel
Molly O’Byrne, Silvia Anagnostaras and Charlotte Gilbert
Deliah, Lorelelei and Tully with mum Brylee
John, Sebastian and Nina Gafff
Lorelei Harris, Gabriella White, Issac and Beau White
Claire Grunger and Charlotte Wilson
Sibella Stonestreet, Raven Howarth, Tully Howarth, Zara Campbell, Quinney Lamond and Gwenvieve Anagnostaras
THUR 63.45, 8.30 FRI 712.30*, 8.30 SAT 83.45, 8.30 SUN 93.30, 8.15 MON 103.45, 8.30
TUES 1112.30*, 8.30 WED 12 3.45*, 8.30
what’s happening in orange and surrounding regions
This Weekend at the Victoria Hotel
Friday, February 7 — ANTHEA
Rising country star Anthea’s most recent single, “Picture You,” solidified her position as a fresh voice in the contemporary music scene, showcasing her unique blend of emotive lyrics and soulful melodies. Catch Anthea fresh from the Tamworth Country Music Festival at the Victoria Hotel from 8pm this Friday, February 7.
The Greenhouse of Orange
February 7-8
Live Music on the Lawn - Eli Stanford and Neil Gill
Head on up to the Greenhouse of Orange this weekend for an incredible line-up of live music on the lawn! On Friday, the Greenhouse welcomes back Eli Stanford, who’ll be performing from 6pm. Then on Saturday, Neil Gill will be playing all his favourites also from 6 pm.
This Weekend at the Victoria Hotel
Saturday, February 8 — JaFFer
Live at the Vic on Saturday, it’s the highly energetic funky sound of JaFFer on stage from 8pm.
Sunday Sesh at
the Wentworth Orange Erin Cobcroft 12–2pm
Every Sunday at The Wentworth you’ll find live music from 12-2pm followed by musical bingo from 2-4pm. The perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Orange Produce Markets
February 8
The Orange Produce Markets are your destination for the finest locally grown produce and locally made goods Orange has to offer.
You’ll find the markets at 148 McLachlan Street (Bills Beans East Orange courtyard) this Saturday and every Saturday from 8am to 1pm.
OFF THE TRACKS AT THE VICTORIA HOTEL
Photos by HENRY DEROOY
Orange’s
Beaver and Dave
Mark Diduszkr, Cameron Cowan and George Olsen
Grace Sapsford, Tyler Platt, Bella Taylor, Will Gander, Norton Barnes and Chelsea Stam
Sarina Chapman, Kendelle Laughton, Michele Zarnow, Jo Westcott, Lauren W and Hanna Tom
Where’s Jimmy
Warrick Westcott, Jo Westcott, Rowena Andrews, Leonie Bevan and Karen Sinclair
Blake Ravote, Jay Lajtar and Nicholas Howell
monthly band showcase Off the Tracks, returned to the Vic on Saturday, February 1 with live music from the GGP, Where’s Jimmy and Simple Stone.
Books, books, books! Call goes-out to Blayney locals
Books, books, books! In all and any shapes and sizes, subjects and styles, that’s the appeal that has gone-out from Blayney Anglican Parish, to avid readers in the Shire.
The local church’s major fundraiser for the year, its famous Book Fair, is now taking donations of not just clean and tidy publications, but also popular DVDs and CDs, albums, board-games, and the odd jigsaw puzzle, for its late April and early May sale.
Kind offers can be dropped-off at the church hall in Adelaide Street at any time, but please, no encyclopaedias, magazines, or old VHS tapes, organiser, Elizabeth Russ, emphasised.
“We’re after novels, thrillers, who-done-its, children’s books, romance, and historical works, and anything by well-known authors,” Elizabeth said.
“Also, anything by Australian authors are always popular, plus non-fiction, gardening, cooking, military and war, and, European and world history,” she added.
To avoid spoiling your wonderful offerings, she explained, make sure to place out-of-hours donations under the covered area to the left of the hall.
“You should put them on the porch bench at the sidedoor as marked, not at the front of the hall, otherwise they can be destroyed if the weather comes in.
“We’re also here on Wednesday mornings — sorting, pricing, and organising for the event — if anyone wants to drop them off directly to us,” Elizabeth explained.
The thousands of dollars raised by the annual extravaganza, goes not just to the good works of the church, but to a number of other local charities as well, with volunteers for this event, either sorting or working on the days, also welcome.
“This is by far the main fundraiser for the Parish each year, and we also donate proceeds to a number of local groups that provide support, meals, and food, to the needy in our community,” Elizabeth said.
“So, if you’ve got good books you’ve read and enjoyed, and want to share them with others, drop them down, they’ll be greatly-appreciated,” she concluded.
For more information, contact Elizabeth Russ on 0408 682 122, email: elizabeth.russ@hotmail.com
Blayney Anglican Parish Book Fair volunteer, Janet Power; the call has gone-out for good-quality publications, plus DVDs, CDs, albums, and board games, for the annual Book Fair. Photo: David Dixon
Rotary Club of Orange North
at this month’s Orange City Christian Men’s Breakfast on Saturday, February 15, at the Duntryleague Golf Club.
The monthly event is about enabling men to connect around some fun, fellowship and sharing of life and faith over a very tasty breakfast, in a wonderful
RSVP by phone or SMS your name and those you want to come along with by 7pm Wednesday, 12 February, to:
Please inform us of any dietary requirements.
Speakers activities for February
February 6th Ladies Night - President Ian’s home
February 8th Farmers Markets - Plant Sales
February 13th Memorial meeting - Rotary Park
February 20th DG Visit
February 27th Croquet 5:00pm - Jaeger Reserve, Hill St, dinner at Robin Hood Hotel
Coming in March
Rotary Youth Driving Awareness A Year 11 Program at Towac Park over 4 days
Come and join us at our February meetings
We meet on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursdays of each month 6:00pm for 6:30pm Alderton Room - Duntryleague Golf Club
Contact Ian on 0407 940 561
WHAT’S HAPPENING @ Bank Local.
Members invited to an exclusive Digital Banking Workshop
Bank Orange is excited to invite its members to an exclusive Digital Banking Workshop, tailored to help you fully utilise our digital banking services and equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in a digital financial landscape. In today’s fast-paced digital world, managing finances online has become a necessity.
Workshop Overview
The Digital Banking Workshop will cover a range of topics to enhance your online banking experience. Attendees will learn about:
1. Internet Banking: Explore the benefits of online banking, including how to pay bills, perform transfers, and make balance inquiries with ease.
2. Mobile App: Discover the convenience of banking on-the-go with our mobile app, which offers a variety of features to simplify your financial management.
3. eStatements: Understand the eco-friendly advantages of eStatements, providing you with secure access to your account statements and transaction histories anytime, anywhere.
4. Security Tips: Learn the importance of OneTime Passwords and best practices for keeping your passwords secure.
Personalised Assistance
Following the educational session, members will have the opportunity to engage in one-on-one time with our Member Banking Specialists. This personalised assistance ensures that you are set up with access to all digital banking services and can address any questions you may have. The event is free to attend, but registration is required as space is limited. Light refreshments will be provided.
Register today on our website, by calling our team on 02 6362 4466 or visiting us in branch.
PETER FISHER
PRD REAL ESTATE
ELDERS EMMS MOONEY
ORANGE REAL ESTATE
9.00
640 Tallwood Road, Forest Reefs NSW
HA (78 AC)* Rich Fertile Country with Panoramic Views
• 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.
• Two spacious bedrooms with built-in wardrobes
• Contemporary bathroom with stylish fittings including bath
• Low-maintenance yards - perfect for easy living
• Clean, modern finishes throughout
• Potential rental return $500-$550 per week
24 Mayfield
• 1,044* acre (4,224*ha) property with immense potential for both agricultural production and future residential development
• Currently run as a beef backgrounding and finishing property
• The property has secured and in place subdivision into seven lots
• Four bedroom brick veneer homestead and three bedroom weatherboard cottage
• Reliable dams, well and bore with an efficient reticulation system
&
For Sale Contact Agent
Ben Redfern 0457 770 062
Pat Bird 0438 361 109 eldersem.com.au * Approx.
on stand; Feed hopper with auger; 2
housings; 1946 Chevrolet GMHolden Maple Leaf
Industrial
Counterbalance
John Deere 3020 Tractor with loader bucket; Post driver with augers; Pallet
3 x Conical bottom, Dimple Plate, on pallet; Conical bottom, with Ladder; Conical bottom, Dimple Plate; 2 x Spherical bottom, Insulated, cooling jacket and fork pockets; 2 x Sloped bottom with Dimple Plate, Draining screen and forklift pockets; 9 x Flat bottom Variable capacity; 15 x Conical bottom Sealed top transportable; Stainless, rectangular vat; and much more. T&C’s Apply: Cash, EFTPOS & approved cheques only. Catering available. See website for more information: auctionexchange.com.au Contact Agent: Ben Redfern 0457 770 062 or Liam Murphy 0459 426 658
“PATINA WINES” - 109 Summer Hill Ln, Lucknow
WINERY
AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY: Destemmer Crusher; Air Bag Press; Basket Press with extra Stainless Steel basket; Glycol Chiller; 5,000 litre large round Barrel; 2,500 litre large round Barrel; 2,500 litre large oval Barrel; 2,730 litre large oval Barrel; Vine Nets; 1000 litres of Glycol; Grape Sorting Conveyor; Vibrating hopper
Thousands of ads each day countless channels, Foxtel, Streaming, Netflix, DVD’s, Skip Buttons, Recording Facilities etc etc. It’s a gamble whether your television ads will get seen by a sufficient number of viewers or not!
Tenpin Bowling HEAD PIN
with Bob Taylor
Even though it is early in the year, and not all leagues are playing, I have decided to give out some awards this week, but first let’s check the Stars commencing with the Thursday 7.30pm league where there were two Stars these being Xavier Mason with 168 over average and Jack Webb with 160 over average, they were followed by Joseph James from the Thursday 6.00pm league with 120 over average and finally there was Alan Westendorf from the Thursday 9.45am league with 110 over average for the series.
Star Bowler of the week and winner of the Auto wash compliments of Race Track Car wash was Xavier Mason whos cored that wonderful 168 over average for the series.
This week’s High Roller champion and winner of the three free practice games was Jack Webb who scored a great 266 (PB) which was 88 over average.
Others doing their best included Marilyn Schwenke 201, Josh Johnson 202, Connor Muir 217, Blake Frecklington 244, Patrick Govier 202, Travis McMahon 256, Brock Gallagher 204, Kate English 211, Nick Flannery 226, Ben Berry 233, Allan Lickiewicz 208, Matt Woodham 218, Steve McConnell 211, Garry Hildebrandt 214 (PB), Nathaniel Mason 220, Barry Archer 209 and Tash Brett 213.
I was unable to locate an Almost Made it Hero so the open order from Kings Takeaway remains in the drawer, but there were some trying hard, including Gary Stedman 184, Sue Pagett 162, Julie Hoogenboom 173, Robert Jones 191, Tracy Gavin 189, Bec Stibbard 151, Brett Campbell 165, Matt Bryant 157, Jade O’Connor 143, Sam Bennett 195, Michael Selmes 184, Helen Bryant-Newling 184, Gae Claydon 168, David Jameson 188, Joseph James 193, Ben Howard 199, Adrian Bocoyen 195 and Janine Formby 164.
Junior of the week and winner of three free games compliment s of the tenpin bowl was Xavier Mason who scored that marvellous 242 (PB) which was 98 over average.
Country Club BOWLS NOTES
OESC WOMEN’S BOWLS
Welcome back to bowls for 2025. We have had a strong start to the year with everyone enjoying being back on the green.
Our first week back we had a Triples and two Pairs games and last week we had a Triples and a Pairs game.
One of the items on the committee’s first meeting back after the holiday break was to try and encourage everyone not only to participate in having a game of bowls, but also to take a moment to enjoy the company of all the ladies, not just those that you play with on the day. We believe that there is a lot of benefit from talking and having a bit of a laugh after the games have been completed. Even if you are not staying for lunch it would be appreciated if everyone could come into the club for a drink and a catch up.
Hello Bowlers, Tuesday socials, there were 33 bowlers on, quite a very warm day.
Raffle winners were Barry Lowe & Rick Stephens.
Lucky rink winners, which was a draw with the teams deciding on sharing the winnings were, John Dunn, Peter Wright, Phil Knight, Garry Pearce, David Eves & Wayne Carr. Unfortunates’ rink winners Alan Blake, Barry Lowe & Bob Ridgewell. Jackpot was not won & will carry to over next week. Saturday, we had 28 bowlers. Saturday, Raffle winner, Paul Paananen. Lucky winner’s rink, P.A. Baker, Sally Hedger & Peter Wright. Unfortunates’ Micheal Wheatley,
Julie Pitt & Col Rosser. Saturday Jackpot was won by Linda McFadden & Darryl West. 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. To our members & their families that are recovering, wishing you the best. There will be Coaching on every Friday, 4pm – 6pm.
Tuesday 4th January Saturday 8th January 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
Bowls is a very inclusive sport, be sure to great all opponents with the same amount of respect that you would wish to be treated.
Orange City Bowling Club BOWLS NOTES
Last week the Orange City woman’s club played the final of the Meg Burrell Trophy, with Kristeen Oates and Mary Carr taking the honours, defeating Virginia Dunn and Kay Kennedy in a great match under hot and difficult conditions. Last week The popular Turn Around Triples were
also played, giving less experienced players a turn at second position as well as skip.
Our club Major singles kick off this week, with a healthy number of entrants. Good luck to all participants.
Twilight bowls are a great evening of social bowls played on Wednesday nights. Names in by 5pm for a 6pm start.
Free coaching by an accredited coach on Wednesday mornings for those interested in taking up lawn bowls. Please text Sue on 0409 522 099 or contact Orange City Bowling Club.
Helen Newling (first Female of Note for the Month) Bowling great games over average
OESC MEN’S BOWLS
PUZZLES…. PUZZLES…. PUZZLES….
PUZZLES
13
and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in ‘s’. Each number corresponds to a letter of the alphabet. Two have been filled in for you, can you work out the rest?
QUICK QUIZ
5.
6
KI D S ZON E
Kids Talk
Name and age: Corey, 8
Who is your favourite teacher?
Tammy, our SLSO. She’s a great chef. If we are good and the marble jar gets full, we get her special treats.
What do you think the best thing about being a grown-up is? Get a job, I’m going to be a motorbike stunt rider.
What’s your favourite thing to do on the weekend?
Ride my motorbike in the paddock.
What is something your parents always say to you? Wake up! They have to say it more than once in the morning.
If you were principal for a day, what’s the first thing you’d do? Put iPads and iPhones in the library for fun-time.
What is your favourite food? Chicken nuggets with sweet and sour sauce.
What’s your favourite toy? My motorbike! If you could open a shop, what would it sell? iPhones and iPads.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be? Telekinesis/teleportation. I’d go to Italy.
THUMBS UP to the Caughlan family of Blayney for giving me a great 90th birthday party on Saturday, January 25, at Shayley’s home… it was wonderful. Family travelled from all over NSW and Tasmania. The cake was made by my niece Elisabeth Allan of Cowra. Love and thanks to all of them, it was a great day. Aunty Dot.
THUMBS UP to the lovely young council worker who went to the trouble of returning my mischievous dog Daisy’s collar, after she had lost it when having a little adventure visiting the neighbours around the Brooklands wetlands.
THUMBS DOWN to Orange City Council’s annual bulk waste pick-up. The streets of Orange look absolutely disgraceful, wouldn’t it be better to have a “free drop-off day/week” at the recycling centre?
THUMBS UP to Martin of Amber Tiles for his awesome customer service in assisting us when selecting floor tiles for our bathroom renovation.
THUMBS DOWN to council for spraying kerb and gutters in suburbia, when the wind is blowing it into my house!
THUMBS DOWN to Orange City Council failing to provide our town with the stores that we wish to have as long-time residents have to go to Bathurst or even Sydney to go shopping on a day trip.
THUMBS DOWN to the silver Holden Commodore driver at Woolworths Orange on Thursday morning while I was putting my groceries in the car he proceeds to rush me as he drives forward into the parking spot and nearly hits my car door and me in the process. How rude!
THUMBS UP to Montana at Dusk candle and gift shop. From a bloke sent on a mission to buy scented candles ass Christmas gifts. Totally out of my depth, her help and assistance were really appreciated.
THUMBS UP I recently had surgery on my wrist and my hairdresser was on holidays. I rang several hairdressers to book a shampoo and blow dry but all were booked out. Price Attack’s hairdresser was unavailable, but lovely Bree the beautician offered to do my hair. She is not only a beautiful empathic person but having my dank locks clean after a week was just the best! Thank you Bree!
THUMBS UP to the wonderful staff at the Orange Railway station whose patience, assistance and help are greatly appreciated. They treat every enquiry with care and give sound advice.
THUMBS DOWN to the council workers or council contractors who have been spraying Round Up in the Westlea and Botanic Garden areas in this dreadful wind.
THUMBS UP to the editor of this publication for their response to a thumbs down from a reader complaining about the use of the Wiradjuri language in a bilingual way. Your response defending the use of the local language was very welcome.
THUMBS UP to all the people who organised the Australia Day Celebration in Cook Park. It was great to honour people who contribute positively to our community and to welcome new citizens. The food stalls, lawn games, and children’s amusements were great. The coffee van was very popular, but inundated – perhaps next time more could be provided?
THUMBS DOWN About 25-30 years ago Orange City Council declared the hedging plant privet a semi-noxious weed. But they are not keeping the public aware of the by-laws around privet and not complying with their own laws by not pruning the hedge surrounding the Caravan Park on Leeds Parade, which is now in full bloom.
THUMBS DOWN to Essential Energy for not providing the arranged backup needed for my life-support equipment during two power outages we had on Saturday. I had to arrange for a generator. This is not good enough! One unhappy customer.
THUMBS UP to Jane and Michael at the Village Coffee Shoppe in the Orange City Centre. We are such regular customers the staff know our tea and coffee orders as soon as we walk in. The food is great, too.
THUMBS DOWNto people who abandon, trash, and burn vehicles, especially in volatile scrub near homes, which is a major bushfire risk.
THUMBS UP to Eat Botanic Cafe for being open on the Australia Day weekend and providing a delicious brunch for our family. Thank you!
THUMBS UP to the excellent Camel riding facility now at Lake Canobolas. Great fun, very enjoyable, and well run. From camels Jimmy to Wally, they were all beautiful.
THUMBS DOWN to the people who either rent or own property in a nice neighbourhood and then treat the property like a rubbish tip. Take some pride in where you live, and mow and whipper-snip on a regular basis.
THUMBS UP Last Friday I made a purchase from Mullion Produce Pets and Saddlery. Over the weekend it became obvious that there was a problem. I rang and spoke to Mark, who was kind, patient and helpful. The end result was that I was given a replacement, although there was no certainty that the item was faulty when I took possession. Thank you to Mullion Produce, and Mark, for going over and above, and for doing so without judgement. I will definitely be singing your praises to anyone who will listen.
THUMBS UP to the fabulous staff at PRP on Summer Street. I had an ultrasound there last year and two more yesterday. The staff there are always welcoming, efficient, and informative. The sonographer Julia was absolutely brilliant. Kind words, smiles, and empathy make a huge difference, particularly when you are feeling vulnerable and anxious. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
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.
Origins of the Kinross Wolaroi name Kinross Wolaroi celebrates 50 years
KINROSS
From 1 January 1973 PLC was to be a coeducational school, with a name change to The Kinross School. The name’s source is explained in this announcement of the formation of the new school by the School Council in ‘The Gleam’ in 1972: “The name ‘Kinross’ was chosen because it relates to our past and present. Kinross was a name suggested for PLC Orange [at its formation] in 1927 by the chairman of the Educational Trust Committee of the Presbyterian Church in NSW. The name reminds us of the Rev. Dr John Kinross who was an important Presbyterian educator and church statesman. Kinross also reminds us of our Scottish heritage in that Kinross is a county in Scotland. This change is an important step forward for PLC Orange and reminds us that tradition is a living thing.”
John Kinross was born in Perthshire, Scotland in 1833. He studied for the ministry in in Edinburgh and Berlin. He was one of a number of a number of young ministers encouraged by the Presbyterian Church of Scotland to migrate to Australia. Kinross was to become prominent in church affairs in Sydney as well as maintaining and expansive country ministry. He was a Moderator in 1863-64 and again in 1873-74, when he laid the foundation stone of St Andrew’s College at the University of Sydney – where he became principal in 1875. He retired from position of principal in 1901, continuing as Hunter-Baillie Professor in the Theological Hall until his death in 1908.
Kinross led a special committee in 1883 to consider the role of education and the church. He recognised the need for boarding schools in remote areas, a matter separate from the education strategies of the Parkes government of the era.
His interest in this matter alone provides a substantial link to the story of the development of independent boarding schools in Orange.
By the end of 1973 The Kinross School had enrolments of 260 students, however only a year later it was announced that the school would amalgamate with Wolaroi to form Kinross Wolaroi.
WOLAROI
The origins of the name ‘Wolaroi’ remain unclear. The property is located on the traditional lands of the Wiradjuri nation. Wolaroi has been noted as an alternative name of and dialect of the Weraerai, an indigenous people of NSW. Their country is thought to have extended over some 11,000km on the northern side of the Gwydir River from Moree to Bingara, taking in Warialda, Inverell, Wallangra and Garah. In another version, the word is said to mean ‘echidna’. This is interpretation has not been verified, but it may well have been the case that the McLachlan family believed this to be so. From CWD 18 Aug 1947:
“First information of ‘Wolaroi’ where the Methodist boys’ college now stands, dates back to a remote day with the crude map of the locality had written upon it, ‘land applied for to purchase by T. Kite.’
The area was then a gum tree forest and remained so for a long time. ‘Wolaroi’ (the [indigenous] word for the echidna) was the name applied to the area by J C McLachlan, who built the mansion…”
In what has become an annual celebration, the graduating class of 1975 will gather on 23 May for a day together rekindling memories and friendships. These were the first students to graduate from the newly formed Kinross Wolaroi School. Each attendee will be presented with a specially produced 50 Years anniversary badge to mark the occasion.
Hosted by the Principal, Dr Andrew Parry, the Golden Alumni luncheon welcomes all school alumni who graduated 50 years ago or beyond, this year with a focus on this special anniversary for the school. The day includes tours, an archive display, an assembly and luncheon. For more information, go to the school website at kws.nsw.edu.au.
Kinross Wolaroi celebrates 50 years
KINROSS WOLAROI SCHOOL: A Pillar of Education and Community in the Central West
ORANGE, NSW — For over a century, Kinross Wolaroi School has played a vital role in shaping young minds and enriching the broader Central West region. As one of the leading independent schools in New South Wales, it continues to contribute to the community through quality education, regional development, and strong civic engagement.
Located in the heart of Orange, Kinross Wolaroi School provides a dynamic and inclusive learning environment for students from across the region, offering both day and boarding options. The school’s influence extends far beyond the classroom, fostering leadership, cultural enrichment, and sporting excellence that benefit not only its students but also the wider community. It is also a major employer in the region, with more than 300 staff across teaching and support services.
Educational Excellence and Opportunity
Kinross Wolaroi School is renowned for its strong academic program, with students consistently achieving high results in the HSC. The school’s emphasis on wellrounded education—balancing academics, arts, and sports—ensures that graduates are well-prepared for further study and future careers. Many alumni go on to make significant contributions in medicine, agriculture, business, and other industries crucial to the Central West. The school provides local families with an alternative to sending their children to metropolitan schools, helping to keep talent within the region. Its scholarships and support programs also offer opportunities for students from rural and remote areas, strengthening education accessibility in country NSW.
A Hub for Boarding Students
As one of the premier boarding schools in the state, Kinross Wolaroi attracts students from across regional NSW, supporting families from farming and rural backgrounds. By offering a home away from home, the school allows students to access a first-rate education while maintaining their connection to the land and their rural roots.
This also means that the school plays an economic role in Orange, bringing families into town on weekends and during events, benefiting local businesses, cafes, and accommodation providers.
Sporting and Cultural Contributions
The school is also a powerhouse in sport, with state and national-level athletes emerging from its programs, including rowing, swimming and cricket. Its facilities are frequently used for regional sporting events, and its teams compete in local and interschool competitions,
raising the profile of Orange as a centre for youth sports. On the cultural front, Kinross Wolaroi’s music, drama, and visual arts programs provide students with creative outlets while contributing to the artistic life of Orange. Concerts, productions, and exhibitions held at the school o en involve and welcome the wider community, fostering a vibrant arts scene.
...FOR FAMILIES SEEKING A WORLD-CLASS EDUCATION WITH DEEP LOCAL ROOTS, KINROSS WOLAROI SCHOOL STANDS AS A PROUD INSTITUTION...
A Legacy of Community Engagement
Kinross Wolaroi students are encouraged to engage in service and leadership, with many participating in initiatives that support local charities, environmental programs, and Indigenous partnerships. The school’s outreach programs help strengthen connections with the broader Central West community, reinforcing a culture of giving back.
As Orange continues to grow, Kinross Wolaroi School remains a cornerstone of education and regional development. By investing in young people, the school not only shapes individual futures but also strengthens the future of the Central West as a whole.
For families seeking a world-class education with deep local roots, Kinross Wolaroi School stands as a proud institution dedicated to excellence, opportunity, and community.
