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There was plenty of action at Jack Brabham Park on Saturday with a large crowd attending the Gnoo Blas Classic Car Show. The rain held off for the morning and it looks like everything went extremely well. Organisers had hoped for 800 vehicles and 10,000 visitors to this year’s show, but by the looks of things, they could well have had more.
Council took the occasion of the Gnoo Blas show to formally declare the name of the new southern feeder road ‘Brabham Way’ to honour motor racing legend Sir Jack Brabham. Brabham competed at the historic Gnoo Blas racing circuit, which surrounds Sir Jack Brabham Park and Bloomfield Hospital. The newly named Brabham Way incorporates part of the old racing circuit and Dairy Creek Road, Blowes Road, Huntley Road and Park Road.
Council has also been busy at the new sporting precinct nearby, with the first of 86,000 rolls of turf laid last week. The eight new playing fields should be ready to use by next cricket season.
The Banjo Paterson Poetry Festival gets underway today and there are numerous events taking place in and around Orange over the weekend. We have the full program inside, plus a special guest article by local historian and Paterson aficionado Elizabeth Griffen on what Banjo was like as a boy.
Until next week!
Roe
Emergency Department hits the pool for the Starlight Foundation
Doctors and nurses from the Orange Emergency Department are swapping scrubs for speedos this February in a bid to fundraise for sick kids as part of the Starlight Super Swim Challenge.
The annual Starlight Foundation fundraiser asks participants to set a swimming target for the month of February, with each lap swum helping them reach their fundraising goal.
“It’s the third year that our team will be doing it,” said Caitlin Knight, a registered nurse at Orange Emergency Department.
“Every year, for the last three years, we have just got a group of us swimmers from the emergency department together and we swim wherever we can, however often we can, just to raise money for sick kids in hospitals.”
Every minute of every day a sick child is admitted to hospital in Australia. And no one knows this better than the doctors and nurses working in emergency departments.
“We care for sick children and their families every day, and see first-hand how hard being in hospital is for them...that stress is shared amongst the doctors and nurses who also care for them,” said registered nurse and paediatric educator Emma Curtin.
“Signing up to the Super Swim challenge helps us both feel like we can contribute to providing better services for children as well as encourage us to be healthy and exercise while we do it!”
The team of 14 from the Emergency department are already halfway to their goal of 100 kilometres in February, with everyone hitting the water wherever they happen to be.
...It’s a good excuse to stay fit… and a really worthwhile cause for sick kids...
“Some of us are [regular swimmers] and some of us are not so aquatic, but they do their bits,” said Caitlin.
“I actually just went in the Manly Cole Classic over the weekend… One of our team, Emily is currently away on contract agency nursing at Lake Cargelligo and making the most of their brilliant little pool. As are others in Orange, Blayney, Portland and Bathurst.
“It’s a good excuse to stay fit… and a really worthwhile cause for sick kids, it’s really nice to be able to get some money together for them and make life a little bit better at such a tough time.”
If you would like to donate or follow the Orange Emergency Department team in the Starlight Super Swim, visit superswim.org. au/t/life-saving-devices
FIRST TURF ROLLED OUT AT NEW ORANGE SPORTS PRECINCT
Upgraded stadium DA plans expected soon
• Councillor Marea Ruddy, Orange Mayor Tony Mileto, and Deputy Mayor Tammy Greenhalgh rolled out some turf at the new sports fields last Thursday.
Turf is being installed on the eight new sporting fields at Orange’s new sporting precinct at Bloomfield.
Work began on the first four fields last Thursday, February 6, and was expected to take around eight days to complete. In total, 86,000 rolls of Santa Anna couch turf will be rolled out over the coming weeks.
Orange Mayor Tony Mileto, Deputy Mayor Tammy Greenhalgh, and Councillor Marea Ruddy were onsite at the new sports fields last Thursday to give an update on the progress of the now $74.5 million development following the recent announcement of a further $15 million from the Australian Government’s Growing Regions Program.
Orange Mayor Tony Mileto said laying the turf came after weeks of preparation on the sports fields, which began with the installation of 16 kilometres of drainage, 6.8 kilometres of irrigation pipes and 28,000 tonnes of sand sourced from a Eugowra quarry.
“Look at how things are really progressing out here since Orange City Council has taken over management of the projects since October last year!” Cr Mileto said.
“Things are really buzzing and I’m really excited the way things are progressing and they will continue to progress.”
Cr Mileto said these sporting fields represent a first for Orange, in that they have been topped with a 200-millimetre layer of sand to improve drainage.
“That means that in future when other fields are turning to mud after heavy rain,
these new fields at the sports precinct are going to be playable again much sooner,” he said.
The sand base was prepared with a blend of Dynamic Lifter, fertiliser and gypsum to aid growth after being laid.
Following last month’s announcement of a further $15 million for the sports precinct project from the Australian Government on top of the NSW Government’s $59.5 million commitment, Orange City Council staff and project architects have been reviewing their initial plans.
More grandstand seating in the John Davis Stadium is one of the new directions to be explored, along with a grandstand for the athletics track and more developed car parking and tree plantings.
Cr Mileto said those plans and a new
development application would be revealed in the next couple of weeks.
Orange City Council Recreation and Culture Committee Chair Cr Tammy Greenhalgh welcomed the site of the new ovals nearing completion.
“It’s great to be seeing steady progress on the precinct site,” Cr Greenhalgh said.
“While we’re expecting the stadium project to go out to tender in the coming months, it’s important for local residents to also see practical progress on the new sports fields.
“With turf now growing, it’s really starting to look like a place where we can imagine sport happening.”
The precinct’s three cricket turf pitches were laid in November last year and Council is expecting the new fields to be ready for the next cricket season at the end of this year.
Nine-year-old Claire McAlister is pioneering the sport of frame running in the Central West thanks to two local Lions Clubs pitching in to get her a ‘frame runner’ bike of her very own. Claire, who relies on a walker for mobility, was presented with her new three-wheeled frame runner last Wednesday, February 5, with Leon Gibb of DeJay Medical on hand to make sure the new ‘bike’ was tuned and correctly adjusted to get Claire up and running.
A frame runner is a custom-built threewheeled frame that allows people to propel themselves using their feet supported by a bicycle seat while leaning forward on a chest support. Invented in 1991 by Danish Paralympian Connie Hansen and former backwards wheelchair foot-pushing athlete
Mansoor Siddiqi, the sport of frame running has since become a recognised Para Athletics track discipline with clubs and competitors worldwide.
But more importantly, the frame runner gives people with a physical disability or impaired balance the freedom to move and run in a way that’s just not possible with a wheelchair or walker.
“When I first met Claire two years ago and she tried it for the first time, she took off and started running right away,” said Leon Gibb of mobility equipment supplier DeJay Medical who organises regular “come and try” frame running days.
“She was on it for two hours the first time she tried one,” added Claire’s mother, Donna.
“She was completely exhausted afterwards! She had a great time… and she’s been very keen to get on one at any time that
...It’s about her being able to do everything her brother and sister do, what everyone does. So she can do Little Athletics, she can do a sport...
she’s around them.”
But with the purchase of a frame runner not covered under Claire’s NDIS plan, the Orange and Canobolas Lions Clubs, along with the Australian Lion’s Children’s Mobility Foundation, stepped up to cover the cost.
Members of both local Lion’s clubs met up with Claire and her family at the Anzac Park netball courts last week to hand over the new frame runner to its excited new owner.
“It’s about her being able to do everything her brother and sister do, what everyone does. So she can do Little Athletics, she can do a sport, she can come on walks, it just makes it so much more mobile,” said Claire’s father, Tim.
“As soon as she heard, it’s been the only thing she’s been able to talk about for the last couple of weeks. She absolutely loves them.”
Orange and Canobolas Lions Clubs partnered with the Australian Lion’s Children’s Mobility Foundation to cover the cost of a ‘frame runner’ bike for nine-year-old Claire McAlister. The new custom trike was delivered to Orange last Wednesday, February 5.
Leon Gibb of mobility equipment supplier DeJay Medical assists Claire with her new ‘frame runner’
Claire tries out her new ‘frame runner’ at Anzac Park with her siblings Lachlan and Sophie.
Function room with a rich past gets revamp for the future
It’s been the scene of countless special occasions and milestone moments for so many members of the Orange community. From birthdays to balls, weddings to graduations, there would be very few locals who do not have memories of a night at the Coral Sea Room.
The Orange Ex-Services Club’s wellknown function space has recently undergone a significant renovation, with revamped bar space, new carpet and a state-of-the-art sound system ensuring the Coral Sea Room will be the backdrop to memorable moments for years to come.
“We’ve been operating for 70 years and I think most people in Orange would have some association with the function
facilities at the club, in particular the Coral Sea room,” Orange Ex-Services Club CEO Nathan Kelly said.
“Most people would know someone that’s been married in the club or had a birthday party or a wedding or been at a conference.”
“I had my 18th birthday here and I had my 21st birthday here”, added club president Graham Gentles.
“At one stage, we used to have movies for the members,” he continued, pointing out where the projection box used to be located.
“Not many of the members would have had TVs back then, so we used to screen movies on Sunday nights… and I think it was Wednesday nights they used to have carpet bowls.”
More than just weddings and birthdays, the Coral Sea Room has long been the venue of choice for community balls and fundraisers, conferences, political rallies and live entertainment.
During the devastating Eugowra floods two years ago, the Coral Sea Room was even used as an evacuation centre.
“If you went back some 40 or 50 years ago, there was not any other function area in Orange that was able to cater for some of those events except for the Coral Sea Room. So, we’ve been a major part of the community in many ways,” Graham said.
The stage at the Coral Sea Room has also hosted countless live acts over the decade, from local bands and stage shows to big-name performers.
“We’ve hosted some iconic live shows,” Nathan said. “Jimmy Barnes, Cold Chisel, INXS, John Williamson, the Cockroaches and The Wiggles!”
With January and February traditionally being a quieter time of the year for events, Nathan said the club decided to take advantage of that to do a refurbishment of their function facilities, in particular, the Coral Sea Room.
“The club decided, after a few years of some other projects around our business, that we would spend some of our member’s money in upgrading our conference and events facilities,” he said.
“So we’ve updated a couple of bars, put in new carpet, painted, new joinery and installed a new major sound system. And we have some exciting live shows and concerts coming up in 2025!”
THE ORANGE VINNIES VAN IS BACK ON THE STREETS FROM 3RD FEBRUARY 2025
The Van will stop at the usual locations of Torpy Street, Kurim Complex, Cootes Estate and Spring Street each Monday and Wednesday from 5:10pm onwards. Vinnies is also looking for volunteers needed to help make sandwiches for the service. Can you spare 2 hours a fortnight to help those who are doing it tough? Join us now and have fun with like-minded people while supporting a service that assists those who are the most vulnerable in our community. For more information on the van service or to volunteer please contact Keith on 0403 102 681.
The Orange Ex-Services Club’s well-known function space has recently undergone a significant renovation, with revamped bar space, new carpet and a state-of-the-art sound system ensuring the Coral Sea Room will be the backdrop to memorable moments for years to come. Pictured are Orange Ex-Services Club CEO Nathan Kelly and Club President Graham Gentles.
with ELIZABETH GRIFFEN
B jo a boy
For last year’s Banjo Paterson Poetry Festival, local historian Elizabeth Gri en wrote a piece for Orange City Life about how it was the poet came to be born in Orange. This year Elizabeth has contributed another piece shining a light on Banjo’s life as a boy and at a later date will cover stories about Banjo’s life as a journalist, war correspondent, writer, soldier, traveller, family man, poet, and also how he became known as Banjo
It is well documented that Andrew Barton Paterson was born at Narrambla on Ophir Road on Wednesday, 17 February 1864, the home of his grandmother’s sister, Rosamond (known as Rose) and her husband John Templar who owned the Flour Mill on the property. The site is now known as “Banjo Paterson Park”.
It was eight days before the birth was registered as “Baby Paterson” at the local courthouse. Who knows why there was such a delay? The fact that at this stage he had no first name was uncovered by Local Clerk of Petty Sessions, Dick Sheridan, who investigated further to find that it was indeed Banjo who had been registered.
Shortly afterwards, on 11 March, the Reverent Mayne from Orange’s Church of England went to Narrambla to christen the child, Andrew Barton Paterson. The christening record can be found at Holy Trinity Church in Orange.
Records indicate that Rose and her new baby stayed at Narrambla for about three months before she was well enough to travel back to her home at Buckinbah, now Yeoval.
“Barty”, as he was known to his family and friends, enjoyed a bush boyhood. He would sit and watch the movement of passing travellers and drovers and listen to their tales. He would spend hours by the Buckinbah Creek with his younger sister Flo, watching animals coming down
to drink or being swept along with the high water levels after rain. Later on, he recalled watching a snake balance on a log as it was swept along in the rushing waters and how the emus would come around the house. They would walk curiously, particularly if there was some sort of movement. Barty was quick to learn the ways of the bush and as young as he was, he learnt to muster the sheep and cattle that his father, Andrew Bogle Paterson, owned.
His mother was worried he spent so much time watching the limited world go. She was determined he learn to read and write, and learn how to behave in society.
Life on the land was difficult and in 1871, the family moved to the prosperity
“Illalong” near Binalong in the Yass district. Once Barty was able to ride a pony he attended the local bush school at Binalong. This was a new experience for Barty, mixing with other children his own age for the first time.
Due to his adventurous spirit, he would often be late for school, saying he had to help his father round up escaped horses, or he left his books behind at home and had to go back for them. Barty became very good at making up stories and excuses.
His imagination was stimulated by stories of bushrangers and horsemanship. Johnny Gilbert, who rode with Frank Gardiner and Ben Hall, had been captured and shot nearby. Not far from the house was the main route between Sydney and Melbourne, where the Cobb & Co coaches, drovers with their mobs of stock, and gold escorts became familiar sights. Barty would listen to their stories and developed a deep love for horses.
One day, he fell out of a tree and broke his right arm. His mother took the opportunity to start putting an inkwell just out of his reach so that he had to stretch his arm to reach it. Not bad bush physiotherapy! In truth, it was a second break of the same arm, but because no one noticed his crooked arm before the fall, it was blamed on the fall, although the doctor from Yass confirmed that it was an old fracture. He was concerned about it causing a deformity and wanted to send
him to Sydney for more expert treatment.
In 1875, Barty was sent to Sydney Grammar School with his cousin Jack. This was quite a change for the boy from the bush, not only with the dress code but with the way boys spoke and acted. He also swapped a horse for the ferry boat into school and stopped at the wharf at King Street before walking up to the school. Barty was fascinated by the different people and modes of transport that they used.
Barty was more interested in playing sports than studying and was a bit frustrated because of the limitations of his impaired right arm. He learned to play tennis with his left arm and went on to take part in some of the school’s horseriding activities.
Barty and his cousin Jack joined the school’s rowing teams and were quite successful. At one stage, they bought a boat and after many attempts to make it seaworthy decided to row across the Parramatta River into school each day. However, he did put his head down when it came to his studies and shared the Junior Knox prize with George Rich, later Sir George Rich. Barty matriculated aged 16 in 1880.
For those keen to learn more about the life of Banjo Paterson, Elizabeth Griffen will be hosting a breakfast birthday celebration for the poet on Monday, February 17, out at Banjo Paterson Park, Ophir Road, 7.30–9am. All are welcome.
Banjo Paterson as a young boy, courtesy National Library of Australia.
Phil DONATO MP
MR PERFECT
I held the first Mr Perfect BBQ for 2025 in Cook Park on the first Sunday of February. The weather was lovely, it was a great turn out, and it was fun to catch up with local constituents. It is an incredible way to connect the men in our community. Keep an eye out for the next Mr Perfect BBQ on the first Sunday of March.
GNOO BLAS CAR CLASSIC
I attended the Gnoo Blas Car Classic on Saturday the 8th of February, which was followed by a dinner. It was an enjoyable day all round, and I felt especially privileged to have had the opportunity to meet racing car legend Colin Bond, commentator Will Hagan, and motor racing photographer Ray Berghouse.
Orange Palliative Care now has two cuddle beds after Health Minister Park listened to what OP4P recommended for Orange Health Service. This is incredible news and will certainly make a difference for many.
Our new office in Forbes, on Templar Street, is officially open! If you’re a local living in the Parkes or Forbes Shire and would like to meet with me during one of my visits to the new office, you’re invited to contact my main office in Orange and schedule an appointment. Ph: 6362 5199 E: orange@parliament.nsw.gov.au
It was an honour to host the 4th Annual Community Recognition Awards Day on the 30th of January. I had the opportunity to recognise 150 incredible people and organisations across the Orange electorate who achieved amazing things in 2024. Thank you to all those who could attend, I am very proud to be a part of this community.
Just a reminder that applications for the CBP Grant closes on the 21st of February.
ichelle met Keith at her 16th birthday party. A guy from school asked if he could bring a friend along, and from the moment they met, Michelle and Keith were inseparable. They spent a beautiful night getting to know each other, and the next morning they sat in a nearby park, talking for five hours. What began as a wonderful friendship soon blossomed into pure love.
in Orange, surrounded by proud family and friends, with a beautiful ceremony in Cook Park. Twenty-four years and four children later, they remain deeply in love. Michelle knew Keith was the one the day after her 16th birthday, when they spent hours simply talking. They just “got” each other. She believes true love is when you feel completely comfortable with your partner—when you can share anything without fear of judgment. Love isn’t meant to be hard; there will be ups and downs, but loving each other should feel easy.
Michelle’s advice for newlyweds is to become best friends. It’s not always about the romance—you need to have fun together. about to birthday, each is with without of
Four years later, they moved to Sydney together so Keith could play rugby, settling in Manly by the beach. One day, Keith took Michelle down to Freshwater Beach, told her he loved her with all his heart and asked her to do him the honour of becoming his wife. They were married
Photos of Michelle and Keith Howarth
elinda met Caleb through their church, where he was her Bible study leader. They started out as friends, with Caleb stepping in to help when she was dealing with a stalker. He stood by her side throughout the ordeal, assisting her in contacting the police and navigating the situation. Spending so much time together deepened their friendship. Afterwards, Caleb took her out to dinner to lift her spirits, and that’s when he asked her out.
One weekend while visiting her family in Orange, Caleb proposed. He had coordinated everything with her parents beforehand. He had organised for them to pick up roses, and early the next morning, Melinda’s dad drove Caleb to the top of Mount Canobolas. Her mother woke her up and told her to check her car. In the front seat was a single red rose and a heartfelt poem Caleb had written, instructing her to meet him at the mountain’s summit. When she arrived, she found him in a suit, holding the rest of the bouquet. As the sun rose behind them, he dropped to one knee and asked her to marry him.
Sixteen years ago, two years after they met, they were married in front of family and friends and have remained deeply in love ever since. Three children later, their lives are filled with a beautiful chaos, but their bond remains strong. Caleb adores being a dad, thriving as he teaches his sons in the garden and the garage. He has nurtured Melinda through three pregnancies and a chronic health condition.
He for Melinda’s drove written, suit, of bouquet. behind when marriage. open
Melinda’s advice for newlyweds is to let go of expectations when entering marriage. Constantly communicate, be open to feedback, and help your partner become the best version of themselves.
Most importantly, grow together.
Photo of Melinda and Caleb Willis Angus McKern Photography
ANSON STREET SCHOOLSTUDENT LEADERSHIP INDUCTION
Photos by CEC TILBURG
On Tuesday, 11th February 2025, Anson Street School proudly held its Student Leadership Induction ceremony. The event celebrated the appointment of new student leaders, with parents, carers, and staff in attendance to show their support. Following the ceremony, attendees enjoyed a morning tea, fostering a sense of community and shared achievement. Congratulations to all the newly inducted leaders!
Senior Captains & Vice Captains with Mrs Meers
Jordan Rondo & Destiny Matthews Karen Hannon & Murphy Hannon
All Student Leaders with staff
Primary Captains & Leaders
Harrison Draper, Ryan Wilks & Alexander Kirby
Alexander Kirby, Harrison Draper, Ryan Wilks & Evelyn Parkes
Leilani Bulter & Sonja Loecker
All Student Leaders
This week I watched on social media as many young people across Orange had their photos taken by proud parents as they began another school year. Amongst many others, one special group of students catch my eye every year – the class of 2013.
Early Years Music School opened its doors in Orange in May 2013. One day, a whole Mother’s group arrived with their four-month-old babies.
There were about 10 children in all, and over the next five years, I had the privilege of sharing music with them and their subsequent siblings until they ‘graduated’ in 2017.
The group bore the nickname “Thursday morning with Ruth” as we somehow managed to always meet at the same timeslot year in, year out. Just about all these parents have remained
MUSIC MATTERS with RUTH THOMPSON
friends of mine and every year I watch on with pride and fondness as their school photos are uploaded. This year is a big one though as they enter high school!
Music matters. Music is ‘a fundamental
way of expressing our humanity,’ said Oliver Sacks. Music creates life enhancing connections not just neurologically but between us. Music creates space for memory that will span a lifetime – a song, a melodic motif, a fragment of music, will mysteriously
unlock a long-forgotten event, a feeling, an emotion, a time, an experience – we all have them! It is essential to all our learning, whether four months, 14 or 55.
Early Years Music School continues to deliver music education to preschool children here in Orange. I watch, with gratitude, as families bring their firstborn then a second, and another. One local family has enrolled again this year with their twins, children number four and five! I consider it a great privilege to be part of so many lives, to form friendships with extended families, and to see the impact that joyous musicmaking can have on so many little lives (and big lives). As singer/songwriter Fay White wrote, “Put a song in the air, and it will go, places you can never know.”
The impact of early music making is real on so many levels – cognitively, physically, emotionally, socially - and I know there are seeds sown for life because of the power and unique value of making music together.
Casual speeding is the biggest cause of trauma on NSW roads
Ruth Thompson is
Let’s Feast @ The Spice Haven
Discover Spice Haven: A culinary journey through India in the heart of Orange
Step into Spice Haven where you can experience the warm hospitality and vibrant flavours of authentic Indian dining right here in the heart of Orange.
Spice Haven is Orange’s newest venue for Indian cuisine offering authentic regional dishes made using traditional recipes and only the freshest ingredients. From the aromatic spices of Kerala to the sizzling grills of Punjab, a meal at Spice Haven is like a journey through the rich culinary traditions of India.
Try the delicious Chicken Biryani, made with premium Indian rice, and served with egg and raita.
Or perhaps their mouth-watering Tandoori chicken or prawns, marinated in yoghurt and spices and then cooked to perfection in the tandoor.
Feel like something to turn up the heat? Order a fiery
and fragrant Chicken Vindaloo, perfectly matched with basmati rice and a garlic naan fresh from the oven.
Among their extensive menu offerings, you will also find popular Indian street food favourites like Dahi Bhalla, Tikki Chaat, Papdi Chaat, Onion Bhaji, Spring Rolls and more.
With extensive experience in kitchens all around Australia and India, Spice Haven’s chefs pride themselves on crafting each dish using only the freshest ingredients and a well-balanced selection of spices. Everything is made fresh in-house and never frozen.
Spice Haven also offered a section of kid’s meals like Butter Chicken or Mango Chicken with rice, or even a Grilled Chicken Burger and Fries. There’s also a selection of milkshakes to choose from or try the always-popular Mango Lassi.
Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, Spice Haven is ready to serve you from 10am–3pm and 4.30pm–10.30pm Monday to Saturday and 12pm–9pm on Sundays.
Spice Haven is located at 349 Summer Street, Orange (opposite the Victoria Hotel). Make a reservation today by calling 0449 845 815, or via their website: www.thespicehaven.com.au
You can also find them on Menulog and DoorDash.
The Spice Haven
OPEN 7 DAYS
Call 0449 845 815
349 Summer Street, Orange
CINEMA UNDER THE STARS
Photos by CEC TILBURG
Despite the inclement weather on Saturday, February 8 2025, a dedicated crowd gathered at the Orange Botanical Gardens for the ‘Cinema under the Stars’ outdoor screening of Wonka. Attendees came prepared with umbrellas and rain gear and enjoyed live entertainment, a range of food offerings, and fun children’s activities. Although the turnout was affected by the weather, those present relished the community spirit and festivities. The organisers said they appreciated the support from the community and look forward to sunnier skies at future events.
Luke and Alana Bunworth, with Benny Cochlan
Liv Wilson and Rosie Hadley
Sagar and Krissha Poudel and Sujana Mainali
Sophie Duff and Rosie Hamilton
Carlie Boulton, Marleen Hodgins and Seth Bolton
Conor Riley and Lily Hamilton
Sarah and Cory Kelly
what’s happening in orange and surrounding regions
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Orange
Civic Theatre
Friday,
February 14
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 and their adults. Delight in experiencing one of the most popular children’s books ever written at the Orange Civic Theatre 6pm this Friday, February 14.
Cultured
Civic Centre Cultural Precinct MARCH 8
The Orange Chamber Music Festival’s free community event, Cultured, is set to return to the cultural precinct on Saturday, March 8.
Cultured will begin at 10am in Orange City Library with Elemental Resonance, a journey through the elements earth, air, fire and water with the colourful tones of the harp.
Born Jovi: Only Bon Jovi does it better!
ORANGE
EX-SERVICES’ CLUB
Friday,
February 14
Born Jovi is not just a Bon Jovi “show” but an experience that encapsulates every magic moment that has lingered from the extraordinary career of this unique band. Experience the magic of this legendary rock band this Friday, February 14, at the Orange Ex-Services’ Club Coral Sea room. Doors and Bar open at 8pm. Show starts 8.30pm. For more information and tickets, visit www.oesc.com.au/whatson
The Wentworth Orange
Friday evening with Clancy Pye 7pm–11pm
Enjoy live music from local singer/songwriter Clancy Pye from 7pm.
Sunday Session with Andy O’Donnell 12pm–2pm
Every Sunday at The Wentworth you’ll find live music from 12pm–2pm followed by musical bingo from 2-4pm. The perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Orange Film Society presents…
A Real Pain
February 23 and 26
Nominated for two Oscars, A Real Pain sees mismatched cousins David (Jesse Eisenberg) and Benji (Kieran Culkin) reunite for a tour through Poland to honour their beloved grandmother. The adventure takes a turn when the odd couple’s old tensions resurface against the backdrop of their family history.
Written and directed by Jesse Eisenberg. Starring Jesse Eisenberg, Kieran Culkin, Will Sharpe, Jennifer Grey, Kurt Egyiawan, Liza Sadovy and Daniel Oreskes
A Real Pain is showing at the Odeon 5 Cinema on Sunday, February 23 at 5pm and on Wednesday, February 26 at 10am
Tickets are on sale from the box office. Members and non-members welcome
GNOO BLAS CLASSIC DINNER WITH SPECIAL GUEST RAY BERGHOUSE
Photos by HENRY
DEROOY
Car lovers packed the newly refurbished Coral Seas Room at the Orange Ex-Services Club on Saturday night for a special dinner to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the first Australian Touring Car Championship at the Gnoo Blas track in Orange in 1960.
Special Guest speaker at the dinner was Ray Berghouse, Chairman at Chevron Publishing Group and founder of Australian Muscle Car magazine.
2025 GNOO BLAS CLASSIC CAR SHOW
It was a huge weekend out at Sir Jack Brabham Park, with hundreds of classic cars, bikes and trucks filling the ovals for the annual Gnoo Blas Classic Car Show. OC Life’s Henry DeRooy was there to catch the action on the day.
Photos by HENRY DEROOY
Trish and Ray Berghouse with Zoe Macartney and Tony Mileto
Julie Campbell, Margaret Abbott and Maureen Johnstone
Colin Piper, Andrew Moore, Beverly Firth and Jan Piper
Colin Harris, Marion and Geoff Clout with Brek Chandler
Luke and Drew Ridley
Jim Pooke in his 1956 Ford Volante
Laura and Michael O’Shannessy
Andrew Wheeler and “Image” in Wheelies Willy
Nadia and Phil Donato with Will Hagon and Helen Daly
www.orange.nsw.gov.au
Find us on social media @ Orange City Council
HARMONY FESTIVAL to celebrate our cultural diversity
Orange City Council’s annual Harmony Festival will be held on February 21-22 to celebrate our multicultural community.
The Harmony Festival celebrates the message ‘Everyone Belongs’ highlighting inclusiveness, respect and recognising the contribution of Australians from different backgrounds.
Orange City Council Services Policy Committee Chair, Cr Marea Ruddy encouraged everyone to join in the celebrations to recognise our region’s cultural diversity.
“We want to celebrate and show a sense of belonging for everyone,” Cr Ruddy said.
YOUR LOCAL COUNCIL AT WORK
“Cultural diversity is one of our region’s greatest assets and we arestrongerbecauseofit.Wewant everyone, no matter who they are or where they’re from, to come along and have fun and appreciate that our differences make our communityagreatplacetolive”
Ahighlight of the Harmony Festival is Harmony Day, which will be held from 2.30pm to 8pm on Saturday 22 February in the Civic Square South Court.
This year’s celebration will feature a citizenship ceremony for the first time, as well as cultural stalls and multicultural food including Indigenous dishes, Indonesian,
RNEW NAME FOR CITY’S NEWEST ROAD:
Brabham Way
Filipino, Sri Lankan, Romanian and Cambodian food.
The day will also feature a wide range of entertainment including dancer, choreographer and visual artist Lucky Lartey, Javier and the Wave, Ukrainian soprano Larissa Kovalchuk, circus performer Justin Buchta and cultural performances by local residents from a variety of backgrounds.
The Harmony Cup Soccer Gala Evening and ‘Together in Harmony’ Garden Party will begin at 5.30pm on Friday 21 February at Sir Jack Brabham Park. The two events have been combined this year to create a celebratory atmosphere.
esidents have gathered to celebrate the new name for Orange’s newest road link to the south of the city, Brabham Way, which will open soon.
Brabham Way honours motorsport legend Jack Brabham who competed at the nearby historic Gnoo Blas racing circuit, which surrounds Sir Jack Brabham Park.
The Harmony Cup is a free seven-a-side round-robin soccer competition for men, women and under 16s teams and spectators are welcome.
The Together in Harmony Garden Party brings together multicultural groups in Orange for social connection. Participants are welcome to bring a picnic and cheer on the soccer teams. There will also be musical entertainment by Javier and the Wave, and a Sri Lankan food van.
Harmony Day is supported by Multicultural NSW.
or that section of Huntley Road.
“Whether it’s something simple like having a pizza delivered, or something much more serious such as emergency services crews arriving as quickly as possible, calling the whole road by one name is going to be better for local residents as well as visitors to Orange.”
The newly named Brabham Way incorporates the previous routes of four roads, dairy Creek Road, Blowes Road, Huntley Road and Park Road.
Orange City Council decided to unify these roads under a single name in August last year after community consultation and the change was approve by the NSW Geographical Names Board.
Orange Mayor Tony Mileto unveiled the first of the Brabham Way street signs.
“As the route of the former southern feeder road was upgraded in recent years, it’s been hard for locals to tell where Dairy Creek Road became Blowes Road,” Cr Tony Mileto said.
“That’s going to be the same for people who used to live on Park Road
Born in the Sydney suburb of Hurstville in April 1926, Jack Brabham was an Australian race cardriver who won the Formula One (F1) Grand Prix world drivers’ championship three times in 1959, 1960, and 1966.
In 1966 he became the first driver to win a world driving championship in his own namesake car. He competed in races at the Gnoo Blas circuit in Orange and came to Orange to attend the Gnoo Blas Classic car show in later years. Sir Jack Brabham died in May 2014.
This year’s Gnoo Blas Classic car show celebrated 65 years since the first Australian Touring Car Championship was held at the Gnoo Blas racing circuit in 1960.
Dancer, choreographer and artist Lucky Lartey will be the headline performer at Harmony Day celebrations on February 22.
Mayor Tony Mileto (centre) unveils the first street sign for Brabham Way with local residents. s
booking needed original poem to money. Purchase dinner winning bush poet. Bank Street, Molong 9pm – 10pm 021 265 2024 ENTERTAINMENT AT YEOVAL hospitality. Free poetry and music. Poet Museum. 10am
BLACKENED BILLY VERSE COMPETITION AWARDS
Presented online to accommodate entrants and enthusiasts from across Australia and the Globe. Entries close 30th November 2023. blackenedbillyversecompetition.com
THURSDAY 22 FEB 2024
MEMORY WORKSHOP, ORANGE
perform in the Cargo Cup. Judging by Bush and Susie. Cash prizes for best performance character. Sponsored by See Saw Wines and Cargo Inn, 34–38 Belmore Street, Cargo • Free Entry • Contact accounts@cargoinn.com.au are bringing a poem
SATURDAY 24 FEB 2024
BREAKFAST AND POETRY, ORANGE
BANJO PATERSON AUSTRALIAN POETRY FESTIVAL
Improve your memory for bush poetry, prose, song lyrics and plays. Mel & Susie will provide tips and tricks using a range of mnemonics and techniques to help improve your memorisation. Come along for a fun session, bring pen and paper if you wish.
13th-17th
FEB 2025
Duntry League Guesthouse, Woodward Street, Orange 2pm – 4pm • $10 • Len Banks 0428 459 117
SATURDAY 17 FEB 2024
THROUGHOUT THE FESTIVAL
BANJO’S 160TH BIRTHDAY PARTY, ORANGE
YEOVAL BANJO PATERSON MUSEUM
WEDNESDAY 21 FEB 2024
CARGO INN POETRY COMPETITION
EAT BOTANIC, ORANGE
Historical car rally with a quiz around Orange from 10.30am. Poetry, music, rides and games for the youngsters. BBQ food on sale or BYO picnic and drinks. BYO chairs. Banjo Paterson Park, Ophir Road, Orange
Just turn up and enjoy this event! There will be a café serving Devonshire Teas and food.
Performances by school students and walk-up Drop in before kids sport or for a leisurely entertainment. Rotary BBQ breakfast available.
Civic Centre, Southcourt, 147 Byng Street, 8am – 10am • No bookings needed Martyn Sparkes 0419 006 633 Schools: Debbie Smith 0488 107 123
CANOWINDRA POETRY FESTIVAL
FRIDAY 23 FEB 2024
David Stanley. View an exhibition of paintings of Banjo Paterson poems by Michael Lodge.
EAT BOTANIC, ORANGE
Come along, have a coffee or a meal and let a local poet entertain you. Next door to Emmaville Cottage.
Molong RSL 22-24 Riddell Street, Molong
CARGO INN POETRY COMPETITION & ENTERTAINMENT
47 Forbes Street, Yeoval • 9am to 4pm
11.30am – 4.30pm • Free entry • No booking needed Elizabeth Griffin 0437 868 595
Fun and laughter with bush poetry performances. Come along with your own poem or a classic (4 min max) to perform in the Cargo Cup. Judging by audience acclaim. Cash prizes for best performance and best character.
Banjo Paterson Dinner Festival and Show Entertainment by award winning bush poets and Susie Carcary.
302 Hill St (off the Botanic Gardens Car Park), Orange 12pm – 1pm • Free • No booking needed
Come along, have a coffee or a meal and let a local poet entertain you. Next door to Emmaville Cottage.
302 Hill St (off the Botanic Gardens Car Park), Orange 12pm – 1pm • Free • No booking needed
7pm – 10pm • Under 18 Free / Adults $10 Bookings essential • Peter Batten 0418 292 053
Cargo Inn, 34–38 Belmore Street, Cargo • 5pm • Free Entry Contact accounts@cargoinn.com.au if you are bringing a poem.
Contestants must perform a 1-minute original poem to include a secret phrase. Good prize money. Purchase dinner at the pub. Judge is Robyn Sykes, award winning bush poet. Family Courtyard, Freemasons Hotel, Bank Street, Molong Under 18 (Free): 7pm – 8pm; Open ($5): 9pm – 10pm Bookings essential • Jude Taylor 0405 021 265
SUNDAY 18 FEB 2024
THURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2025
Presented online to accommodate entrants and enthusiasts from across Australia and the Globe. Entries close 30th November 2023. blackenedbillyversecompetition.com
CONVERSATIONS WITH BANJO
Geri Brown and Mark Oates performing their play “Conversations with Banjo.” Maximum capacity 30 people, book early.
EAT BOTANIC / POET WALK-UPS
POETS’ BRUNCH AND ENTERTAINMENT AT YEOVAL
THURSDAY 22 FEB 2024
MEMORY WORKSHOP, ORANGE
Book with 123Tix Or contact Libby Oldham or 0407 623 393
artscouncilcabonne@gmail.com
Community Hall, Gaskill St. Canowindra • 6.30pm $50 • Tickets from 123tix • Cheryl Wythes
SUNDAY 16 FEBRUARY 2025
Fun and laughter with bush poetry performances. Come along with your own poem or a classic (4 Min Max.) to perform in the Cargo Cup. Judging by Bush Poets Mel and Susie. Cash prizes for best performance and best character. Sponsored by See Saw Wines and MSM Milling. Cargo Inn, 34–38 Belmore Street, Cargo • 5pm Free Entry • Contact accounts@cargoinn.com.au if you are bringing a poem
Trophies and prizes on o er for the best performances. Contact the organiser for details. One original poem is required.
BREAKFAST AND POETRY, ORANGE
ROTARY COMMUNITY MARKET DAY
Performances by school students and walk-up poets. Drop in before kids sport or for a leisurely morning of entertainment. Rotary BBQ breakfast available.
TOWN
Come along bring a poem or two, have a co ee or a meal and be entertained by a local poet or entertain others with your poems.
Relax in the shade for real country hospitality. Free entertainment and open mic for walk-up poetry and music. Visit the Banjo Paterson – More than a Poet Museum.
Ironbark – of ‘The and poetry at the train from Orange the pub menu and let a local poet Cottage. Park), Orange needed 2024
Improve your memory for bush poetry, prose, song lyrics and plays. Mel & Susie will provide tips and tricks using a range of mnemonics and techniques to help improve your memorisation. Come along for a fun session, bring pen and paper if you wish.
6pm for a 7pm Start. Finish at 8.30pm $75 (includes nger food and admission). Hillside Harvest 1207 The Escort Way, Borenore, NSW, Australia, New South Wales
Clover Hill Function Centre, Orange Botanic Gardens, 1 Yellow Box Way, Orange
Craft and produce market, with entertainment mic for poets.
Children and novice sections: 9am – 11am
Civic Centre, Southcourt, 147 Byng Street, Orange 8am – 10am • No bookings needed
43 Forbes Street, Yeoval • All day from 10am Donation appreciated • No booking needed Alf Cantrell 0427 208 913
302 Hill St (o the Botanic Gardens Car Park), Orange 12pm – 1pm • Free • No booking needed
Duntry League Guesthouse, Woodward Street, Orange 2pm – 4pm • $10 • Len Banks 0428 459 117
Cobb & Co Coach House, Gidley Street Molong 6.30pm – 8.30pm • $30 • Tickets from 123tix Peter Batten 0418 292 053 / peter.batten1906@gmail.com
SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2025
EAT BOTANIC, ORANGE
FRIDAY 23 FEB 2024
MONDAY 19 FEB 2024
WRATH OF GRAPES
EAT BOTANIC, ORANGE
Bookings required
• David Stanley dstanle5@outlook.com 0428 894 571
CANOWINDRA POETRY FESTIVAL
Banjo Paterson Dinner Festival and ShowEntertainment by award winning bush poets Melanie Hall and Susie Carcary.
STRAWHOUSE SUNSET BANJO 2024
Come along, have a coffee or a meal and let a local poet entertain you. Next door to Emmaville Cottage.
LUNCH AT THE IRONBARK HOTEL, STUART TOWN
STRAWHOUSE BANJO SUNSET
Community Hall, Gaskill St. Canowindra • 6.30pm – 10pm
302 Hill St (off the Botanic Gardens Car Park), Orange 12pm – 1pm • Free • No booking needed
YOUTH & ADULT POETRY COMPETITION, ORANGE
A fun night of walk-up poetry competition, entertainment and a meal along with local wines in the barrel shed.
Come along, have a coffee or a meal and let a local poet entertain you. Next door to Emmaville Cottage.
302 Hill St (off the Botanic Gardens Car Park), Orange 12pm – 1pm • Free • No booking needed
CONVERSATIONS WITH BANJO, MOLONG
Stuart Town was originally named Ironbark – of ‘The Man from Ironbark’ fame. Enjoy lunch and poetry at the historic Ironbark Hotel. Catch the XPT train from Orange at 12 noon and return to Orange at 4pm.
Individual performances of original poetry by students & adults in novice and open categories.
42 Molong Street, Stuart Town
Geri Brown and Mark Oates performing their play “Conversations with Banjo.” Maximum capacity 30 people, book early.
Join Meg, Justin & guest musicians for chilled classics, some Banjo verse and a twang of banjo music in and around the Strawhouse Tasting Room and Deck. Ticket includes a welcome glass of wine. Delectable treats from the Kiss Kitchen team available for purchase.
Join Meg, Justin & guest musicians The Hip for chilled classics, some Banjo and a twang and around the Strawhouse Tasting Room and includes a welcome glass of wine. Delectable the Kiss Kitchen team available for purchase.
TUESDAY 20 FEB 2024
Heifer Station Wines, 1034 The Escort Way, Orange 5.30pm – 9.30pm • $35 pp
LUNCH AT THE IRONBARK HOTEL, STUART TOWN
Stuart Town was originally named Ironbark – of ‘The Man from Ironbark’ fame. Enjoy lunch and poetry at the historic Ironbark Hotel. Catch the XPT train from Orange at 12 noon and return to Orange at 4pm.
FRIDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2025
Bookings required heiferstation.com or 02 6365 2275
42 Molong Street, Stuart Town 12.30pm – 3pm • Purchase lunch from the pub menu Book with Renee Wykes 0458 157 650
12.30pm – 3pm • Purchase lunch from the pub menu Bookings required: Vanessa Swilks 0458 579 010 or at the pub on 02 6846 8416
Orange Ex Services Club 231-243 Anson Street, Orange Youth: 9am, Open: 1pm • Audience entry by donation Len Banks 0428 459 117 • Competition details and entry forms at rotarycluboforange.org.au
Craft and produce market, with entertainment and open mic for poets.
Cobb & Co Coach House, Gidley Street Molong 6.30pm – 8.30pm • $30 • Tickets from 123tix Peter Batten 0418 292 053 / peter.batten1906@gmail.com
AUTHOR TALK AT ORANGE CITY LIBRARY
FRIDAY 23 FEB 2024
Strawhouse Wines, Boree Lane, Orange 5pm – 8pm • $25 • Book with Justin Byrne 0402 498 419
Strawhouse Wines, Boree Lane, Orange • $39 • Book with Justin Byrne 0402 498 419
STRAWHOUSE SUNSET BANJO 2024
MONDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2025
WOOLSHED HISTORY MUSTER, BOREE
EAT BOTANIC / POET WALK-UPS
EAT BOTANIC, ORANGE
Come along bring a poem or two, have a co ee or a meal and be entertained by a local poet or entertain others with your poems.
YOUTH & ADULT POETRY COMPETITION, ORANGE
EAT BOTANIC, ORANGE
Individual performances of original poetry by students & adults in novice and open categories.
Heather Knight - Poets, Painters and Pioneers: Banjo Paterson’s Remarkable Family. Orange City Library 147 Byng Street, Orange • 2pm Free • Bookings essential via eventbrite or call 02 6393 8132
Come along, have a coffee or a meal and let a local poet entertain you. Next door to Emmaville Cottage.
Come along, have a coffee or a meal and let a local poet entertain you. Next door to Emmaville Cottage.
302 Hill St (o the Botanic Gardens Car Park), Orange 12pm – 1pm • Free • No booking needed.
Orange Ex Services Club 231-243 Anson Street, Orange Youth: 9am, Open: 1pm • Audience entry by donation Len Banks 0428 459 117 • Competition details and entry forms at rotarycluboforange.org.au
MOLONG POETRY BRAWL
302 Hill St (off the Botanic Gardens Car Park), Orange 12pm – 1pm • Free • No booking needed
EAT BOTANIC, ORANGE
BREAKFAST AT BANJO’S BIRTH SITE
Poetry, music, BYO picnic and drinks. BYO chairs. Banjo Paterson Park, Ophir Road, Orange
Join Meg, Justin & guest musicians The Hip Replacements for chilled classics, some Banjo and a twang of banjo in and around the Strawhouse Tasting Room and Deck. Ticket includes a welcome glass of wine. Delectable treats from the Kiss Kitchen team available for purchase.
Strawhouse Wines, Boree Lane, Orange • 5pm – 8pm $39 • Book with Justin Byrne 0402 498 419
An afternoon of poetry, music and fun in the Boree Cabonne woolshed brought to you Historical Society. Includes afternoon tea.
7.30am – 9am • Free entry • No booking required
302 Hill St (off the Botanic Gardens Car Park), Orange 12pm – 1pm • Free • No booking needed
competition, entertainment the barrel shed. Way, Orange
WEDNESDAY 21 FEB 2024
WRATH OF GRAPES, ORANGE
02 6365 2275
A fun night of walk-up poetry competition, entertainment and a meal, along with local wines in the barrel shed. Heifer Station Wines, 1034 The Escort Way, Orange 5.30pm – 9.30pm • $35.74 pp Bookings required heiferstation.com or 02 6365 2275
Contestants must perform an original 1-minute poem to include the phrase ‘I know that sooner or later.’ Prize money on o er. Purchase dinner at the RSL. Judge:
Come along, have a coffee or a meal and let a local poet entertain you. Next door to Emmaville Cottage.
302 Hill St (off the Botanic Gardens Car Park), Orange 12pm – 1pm • Free • No booking needed
Sponsored by
Elizabeth Gri n 0437 868 595
WOOLSHED HISTORY MUSTER, BOREE
Boree Cabonne, 2591 The Escort Way, Boree 2.30pm – 4.30pm • $30 • Elizabeth Griffin
An afternoon of poetry, music and fun in the historic Boree Cabonne woolshed brought to you by The Molong Historical Society. Includes afternoon tea. Boree Cabonne, 2591 The Escort Way, Boree 2.30pm – 4.30pm • $30 • Elizabeth Griffin 0437 868 595 For full
640 Tallwood Road, Forest Reefs NSW 32 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.
23a Hughes Street, Orange
• 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
per
‘Mayfield’ 24 Mayfield Lane, Blayney NSW 4,224 HA (1,044 AC)* Agricultural Property with Unlimited Potential
• 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
housings; 1946 Chevrolet GMHolden Maple Leaf
Counterbalance
auger; 2
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
This charming 2-bedroom cottage is cradled in a lovely location that offers privacy with extra income as a productive grazing property. Lightly timbered and undulating, the property is wellfenced, divided into 5 paddocks and is watered by two dams and frontage to Boduldura Creek,. Views to the surrounding countryside are assured.
The neat and tidy cottage is well maintained and offers charm and liveability with its tasteful renovations that makes it comfortable for use as a full time home or weekend getaway. It also boasts a split A/C. The home features two good sized bedrooms plus a third space that can be used as an office or study. The property also features 4,000 gallons of rainwater storage.
The steel framed garage/workshop approx. 6m x 6m with concrete floor and 4m x 4m skillion roof at the rear of the property provides plenty of space for the boat, caravan or extra vehicles.
Less than a ten-minute drive from Stuart Town with its hotel, convenience store, primary school and school bus to either Wellington or Orange
Football fanatics of all ages took to the pitch at Jack Brabham Park last Wednesday for Dog FC’s mid-week social soccer competition. Dog FC is a club created in 2021 with a focus on ‘Safe Soccer” and providing a fun, friendly environment for older players and those new to the game.
Tenpin Bowling HEAD PIN
with Bob Taylor
All leagues are back, and the bowlers to trying hard to better anything they’ve done previously, so let’s get underway with a look at the Stars, starting with the Tuesday Scratch Singles where Brady Jadezak scored a fantastic 210 over average, to be followed by Matthew Woodham from the Wednesday 7.30pm league with 168 over average for the series.
But they weren’t the only ones as there was Connor Muir from the Monday 7.30pm league with 161 over average, then came David Quinlan from the Thursday 9.45am league with 105 over average an finally there was Rhonda Boardman from the Monday 10.00am league with 103 over average for the series.
Star Bowler of the Week and winner of the Auto Wash compliments of Race Track Car Wash was Brody Jadezak who scored that marvellous 210 over average for the series.
This week’s Roller champion and winner of the three free practice games was Rhonda Boardman who scored 209 (PB). As this score was 86 over average and part of her 103 over average for the series, Rhonda was named the first Female of Note for February and first in line with a chance to win the gift certificate from MJ’s All Hair-All Occasions.
Others scoring well included Graeme Edwards 200 (PB), Blake Frecklington 230, Connor Muir 268, Justin Smart 233, Brody Jadezak 279, Ben Berry 224, Nathaniel Mason 221, Matt Woodham 256, David Quinlan 217, Lauren Mason 237, Darius Thurtell 233 and Oscar Christofferson 206 (PB).
Also trying very hard were Travis McMahon 239, Blake Frecklington 236, Taylor Clark 214, Steve Eslick 210, Ben Howard 213,Patrick Govier 206, Nick Millar 201, Hugo Belmonte a pair of 201s, William Peate 214, Brock Gallagher 207 and Allan Lickiewicz 222.
Our Almost Made it Hero and winner of the open order from Kings Takeaway at Greengate was David Hughes who scored 167 (PB). As this score was 54 over average, David was named the first Man of the Moment for February and first in line hoping for the voucher from Guys Cuts.
Others doing their best to beat David Included Damien Barrett 175, Chloe Pike 149, Linda Justin 105, Jan Duff 198, Alan Westendorf 183, Yvonne Daniels 163, Shirley Dive 166, Derek Metzger 178, Kristy Losanno 141 and Abe Hutchings 157.
Then Came Josh Johnstone 181, Breanna Hovey 168, Verona Gavin 177, Bec Stibbard 154, Jack Morrisey 174, Caitlin Edwards 135, Jake Browne 148 (PB), Kylie Hunt 126, Sophie Jones 167, Sue Pagett 183, Edward Hoogenboom 194 and Barbara Coull 151.
Not to be left out there was also Gypsy Marley 112, Nic Culverson 183, Lucas Fisher 171, Jacob Johnstone 129, Ben Randell 119, Rebecca Walton 142, Janine Formby 155 and David Lawler 176.
Junior of the Week and winner of the three free games compliments of the Tenpin Bowl was Jake Brown whose score of 148 (PB) was 60 over average.
Country Club BOWLS NOTES
OESC WOMEN’S BOWLS
Another great day of social bowls last week with 2 games of triples and a game of pairs. It is great to see those playing pairs taking the advantage to have a different look as to how the game is played and hopefully learning along the way.
A warm welcome to our new lady Val. Val had her first game with us on Thursday. Thank you to everyone for making her feel so welcome.
It was spider day and I was lucky enough to win this week. It is encouraging to see that everyone is embracing staying after our games for a drink and a chat. The lucky door was won by Elaine.
Hello Bowlers, Tuesday socials, there were 34 bowlers. Raffle winners were Carl Jager & Peter Griffith.
Lucky rink winners, Gary Pearce, Peter Brooking & Wayne Carr. Unfortunates’ rink winners Jim Hill, Paul McFarlane & Darcy Warren.
Jackpot was won by P.A. Baker, Doug Nonnemacher, Darryl West, Neil Higgins, Kev Kelly & Rick Stephens.
100 Club winners are as follows; 1st Bec, 2nd Karen McMullen & 3rd Al Gregory.
There was no social bowls Saturday, as the green was full of bowler’s playing in the Major Singles.
To our members & their families that are recovering at the moment, best wishes & hope to see you soon.
There will be Coaching, every Friday, 4pm – 6pm.
Saturday 15th & Tuesday 18th 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.
Orange City Bowling Club
BOWLS NOTES
Orange City women began their Major Championships last week. There was only one game played in the first round as there were fifteen byes. Three game’s were bought forward from round two, to make it easier to provide markers.
In the first round Marianne Boers Def Kristeen Oates. In the second round Cathy Wright Def Maria Crawford, Jan Fenwick Def Fay Burgess, and Helen Lord def Jenny Macdouall. The remaining games in
round two will be played this week.
The Championship games were also included in Tropy Day, which was decided by the most number of ends won on the day. All games were taken back to sixteen ends, and only then on a count back, Helen Lord won the day. Congratulations Helen. Twilight bowls are a great night of social bowls on Wednesday evenings. Names in by 5pm Wednesday, for 6pm start.
Free coaching by an accredited coach on Wednesday mornings at 10am, for anyone thinking of taking up lawn bowls. Please text Sue on 0409 522 099 or contact Orange City Bowling Club.
OESC MEN’S BOWLS
PUZZLES…. PUZZLES…. PUZZLES….
PUZZLES
24 Beauty treatment (6)
26 With many uses (9)
27 Temperate (5)
28 Assertion (9)
29 Pulled (5)
1 Marriage partner (6)
2 Roman equivalent of the Greeks’ Poseidon (7)
3 Crimson (7)
4 Temporary release (4)
5 Sympathy (10)
6 Maybe (7)
7 Plants absorb carbon – (7)
8 Leeway (8)
13 Pretty (10)
16 Island group in the Indian Ocean (8)
18 Drink made with wine, fruit and brandy (7) 19 Bravery (7) 20 Passage (7)
1. What colour is the five pointed star and the crescent of the Algerian flag?
2. Kristen Chenoweth (pictured) played Annabeth Schott in the final two seasons of which US TV series?
3. The 2022 film Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris is an adaptation of which author’s work?
4. In which country would you find the Trevi Fountain?
5. Which artist wrote and performed the songs You Oughta Know and Ironic?
6. How many countries are the Alps in?
7. In what year did the Summer of Love occur?
8. The Russian Imperial State Duma was introduced by who? 9. Sofia is the capital of
LETTERS
KI D S ZON E
Kids Talk
Name and age: Gabby, 10
Who is your favourite teacher? Tammy our SLSO, she’s kind and she makes my birthday cakes.
What do you think the best thing about being a grown-up is? You’ve got money that you can spend on like anything. I’d buy albums and music.
What’s your favourite thing to do on the weekend? Listen to music.
What is something your parents always say to you? Clean your room, it’s very messy!
If you were principal for a day, what’s the first thing you’d do? Get rid of the school uniform or allow phones everywhere. But the phone rule is more important.
What is your favourite food? Noodles, the only way I like it is how my dad makes it, he gets rid of all the water for me.
What’s your favourite toy? I like calling with my friends on the phone.
If you could open a shop, what would it sell? Probably Converse and skateboard stu .
If you could have a superpower, what would it be? Invisibility. Once I was invisible I’d dance.
CLASSIFIEDS
DEATH NOTICE
ARTHUR JOHN CORBY (JOHN)
17/1/1940 – 15/2/2018
No words we write can ever say, How loved and missed you are every day, A memory, a tear a thought so dear, How often each day we wish you were here, We hold you close within our hearts, and there you will always remain. To walk with us throughout our lives, until we meet again.
Always loved and remembered. By your loving wife Helen, Daughter Linda, Son Anthony and Families
POSITION VACANT
Brian Alexander Farrell
04.03.1946 – 25.01.2025
A golden heart stopped beating, Hard working hands at rest. It broke our hearts to see you go, But God only takes the best.
Loved and sorely missed by
Loving partner of Marcia, loved father and father in law of Darryn and Deborah, Paul and Sarah. Muched loved grandfather and great grand father. Much loved brother to his sisters and Uncle to his nephews.
A private funeral has been held at Penhalls Funeral Home, February 3, 2025.
A local family owned business is looking for a reliable, fit and energetic person to fill a Trades Assistant job
We want someone who:
• Is willing to have a go
• Is a people person and works well in a team.
• A person who is willing to learn
• A person who doesn’t shy away from required paperwork
• Is prepared to work longer hours if required
• Has a clean driving record
• Has a forklift licence (preferable)
• Has a truck licence (well regarded) Wages will be above award wages but will be dependent upon experience and any qualifications.
Please apply to: janice@activenergy.com.au or phone 02 6362 8150 between the hours of 9.00am and 3.00pm on Mon, Tues or Thurs.
WORK WANTED
Seeking Casual Work
I’m a retired bored pensioner looking for casual work, 12-14 hours per week. Computer savvy, good with numbers, do just about anything and very reliable.
CONTACT
Malcolm on 0408 203 355
BLOCKED EARS?
Visiting Dates for March 18, 19, 20 Pinnacle Dermatology. 272 Anson St, Orange contact@ear2ear.com.au
Congratulations to our February 6 winners: FIND PINNY: Simone Taylor
WHAT AM I WATCHING: Sue Woodley
NAME THAT BUSINESS: Tanika Carroll
FACE IN THE CROWD: Amanda Dietiker
PCYC ORANGE CHARITY GOLF DAY A HUGE SUCCESS!
Photos by CEC TILBURG
On Friday, February 7 2025, PCYC Orange hosted a fantastic Charity Golf Day at Wentworth Golf Club, Orange. With a full field of 144 enthusiastic participants, it was a day of friendly competition, community spirit, and a shared commitment to a great cause.
The event was a resounding success, raising vital funds to support the PCYC’s Nations of Origin mul;ti-sports program. Each year, PCYC Orange proudly takes a group of young athletes to represent their Aboriginal Nation in Rugby League, Basketball, and Netball, offering them an opportunity to develop their skills and build meaningful connections.
PCYC Orange wished to thank their sponsors, whose support and contributions made this event possible: Wentworth Golf Club; John Davis Motor Group; Fitness Perfection; Waratah Sports Club; The Ophir Hotel; Mortimers Wines; Petries Mitre 10; Leather Doctor NSW Central West; Weily’s Betta; Parkview Hotel Orange; ODEON 5 Cinemas; Intersport Orange; and BCF.
Dave Nicholls and Rodney O’Keeffe
Chris Cochrane, Ray Hallinan and Chris Blowes
Sandon Gibbs-O’Neill, Daniel Land, Rob Williamson and Aiden Gibbs-O’Neill
Fez Fliedner, Adam Shepherd, Tony Boland and Nathan Kelly
Chris Bayada, Nick Floro and Emily Murray
Trav McCarthy, Josh Copp and Luke Elley
Brett Savill, Jonathan Savill, Jane Griffith and Tim MacQueen
Jaime Wenban ,Troy O’Keeffe and Justin Reid
Robert Clark and Dave Penny
THUMBS UP and thank you to Grace, a young lady who was so kind, caring, and helpful when I was involved in a minor car accident on Friday, 7 February.
THUMBS DOWN A friend travelled from a nearby town to Orange Health Centre for treatment. They went to the canteen to eat and have a cup of tea only to find they couldn’t get any because she only had cash and no card. Not good enough!
THUMBS UP A very big thank you to the person who found a set of car keys in Robertson Park and handed them into the police. It was gratefully appreciated, many thanks.
THUMBS DOWN to yet another massage shop in town who, when you specifically ask for a “very strong deep tissue massage” give you a very weak relaxing massage. So disappointing and such a waste of money. When it’s so expensive, you expect good quality service.
THUMBS UP to the council for the bulky waste pickup. Sure there were some piles around for a while. Sure, it seemed like they were never coming. In the holidays, the kids decided to become industrious, retrieving bikes and scooters. They set themselves up on the driveway at home, with the tools and dead bikes, seeing what they could and couldn’t fix. They would test ride: if they couldn’t save it, back in a pile. For teenage boys, a good excuse to use the tools and have a go!
THUMBS DOWN to the bin collectors for failing to collect our red rubbish bin on Thursday.
THUMBS UP to Orange City Council for the current Bulky Waste collection. Many ‘Steptoes’ are having fun collecting unwanted treasures and those without bulky-item transportation means are able to have a clear-out.
THUMBS DOWN to last week’s thumb down re council’s bulk waste pickup. Lots of people have no way to get their unwanted items, particularly large things, to the recycle point, even if there was a free drop-off day/week.
THUMBS UP to Renshaw & Co
Irrigation for excellent customer service by quickly repairing a pressure pump. Great service with no fuss and a good job done very promptly.
THUMBS UP to the ground staff at Jack Brabham Park for the excellent way that the grounds were prepared and mown for the Gnoo Blas Car Show. It was a pleasure to walk around.
THUMBS UP to the organisers of the Gnoo Blas Festival. All your hard work paid off and it was a great event for Orange. Well set out, plenty of food and refreshments vendors… and the Cancer Council tent was a great idea with plenty of sunscreen applied.
THUMBS UP to local shoppers who support their town and shop in Orange. The more we shop in Orange, the more shops we will entice to (stay) open in Orange. Thank you also to all our hardworking, friendly shop staff… keep it up!
THUMBS UP and thank you to the Essential Energy crews who reconnected power as quickly as possible to many homes during recent storms throughout the Central West. Thank you also to all emergency service staff/volunteers who removed debris, trees and provided ‘first aid’ to damaged houses. You all rock!
A MASSIVE THUMBS DOWN to the cruel individuals who took pleasure in driving into, at force, the gaggle of geese in Goose Park, Blayney. The intention was deliberate to hurt and kill these innocent friends of the township. A shameful act of cruelty by horrible human beings.
THUMBS UP to the women who rendered assistance to the injured Blayney geese after they saw the shocking situation. If only the world were filled with the caring and kindness she displayed.
THUMBS UP to the friendly and efficient receptionists at Hearing Australia and to audiologist Edward who had been very helpful, professional, and knowledgeable when I was selecting a new hearing aid.
THUMBS DOWN to the selfish parent at a recent swimming carnival. Having chosen to park illegally, blocking buses from properly accessing the bus zone to collect the other kids, she found herself boxed in. She then yelled at the drivers and threatened to complain about them! Then reversed over the sidewalk and drove along the walkway. All in front of her embarrassed kid. Shame on you – disgraceful role modelling!
SUPER-DUPER THUMBS UP to Lance and his team from Lance Ward Roof Tiling, who repaired our roof and replaced tiles in one of the hottest weeks we’ve had. They were efficient, quick, and did a fantastic job, and also followed up with a phone call to check all was OK. Totally recommend their services.
THUMBS DOWN to the person in a previous issue talking about nice neighbourhoods in Orange. The whole of Orange is a nice and beautiful neighbourhood that should be loved regardless of location.
THUMBS UP to the Southern Distributor for not being open yet. Do better.
THUMBS UP to Orange City Council for finally starting work on Winter Street from March Street to Icely Road. It’s a big job, which is probably why it’s taken so long for the work to be started. But it really should have had greater priority and been done way before now.
THUMBS DOWN to Orange City Council for laying turf at the sporting complex in the middle of summer and then having to pour litres and litres of water onto it to keep it alive.
THUMBS UP to the two guys in “My Tech Mate”. They were both helpful with my problem. My knowledge of I.T. is very limited but they sorted out my lack of understanding. I highly recommend them.
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.
CROSS purposes
PRACTICAL PEACE WITH NICK MILHAM
A bloke by the name of Paul was a leader in the very early Christian church. Much of his life was pretty hard, yet he wrote a letter in which he said that he had learned to be content in any situation. He was in prison and possibly going to be executed, so he must have really meant it! He explained that what enabled him to look beyond his troubles was knowing he could trust God: in fact, his peace was sourced in God. In the crazy busyness and mental and emotional rough and tumble of our everyday life, genuine peacefulness often seems to be more of a theoretical than practical concept. Yet, in Christ the same unshakeable peace that Paul experienced is available to us today. This is not some airy-fairy unreal hope of being happy or comfortable all the time. It’s about knowing that whatever the practical realities of our life might be, if we are following Christ we are loved by an all-powerful God who knows our best interests and on whom we can rely utterly.
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