Dubbo Photo News 09.02.2023

It’s OK to be on Valentine’s Day single single

By JENET STEWART

THE day of love for hopeless romantics comes around every year with an abundance of flowers, marriage proposals, special messages and social media posts of people in love.

It seems there’s a few versions of where Valentine’s Day truly originated. It was supposedly a Christian feast day honouring Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine. Through tradition and commercialisation over the years, it has been adapted as a significant cultural, religious and commercial celebration of romance and love.

Popular culture has led us to believe that Valentine's Day is for love-struck couples, but in fact it could be purely a day of love for anyone really. Perhaps the day should celebrate the love of family, friends, and any loved ones – even our best friend, the dog. For the singles out there who don’t have a partner, this could mean a celebration of their freedom. Freedom to choose, make their own decisions and celebrate with a big box of chocolates with family and friends. There’s no doubt we all desire to be loved, but love comes in so many forms that it shouldn’t be just set out for partners. Singles need to celebrate too!

If you’re single this Valentine's Day, go out and celebrate, have fun, and enjoy the day.

One of Dubbo’s single men, Hayden Kemper, was enjoying his morning at the Dubbo RSL Aquatic and Health Club gym pumping some iron with mates.

OLLIE & I SUMMER SALE

Narromine, 126 Dandaloo St 40% OFF

Australia’s waste challenges can’t be solved in just one day. So, if you can’t pull together a Clean Up crew, you can Step Up with a small donation to help us continue to Clean Up Australia, every day.

PHOTO: DUBBO PHOTO NEWS

Dubbo’s advocate for Aboriginal Health and all things Emergency Medicine

By JENET STEWART

IT’S been a long and challenging medical journey for Dr Khyarne Biles. She’s a proud Indigenous Ngemba and Wiradjuri woman who’s come back to her roots to fulfil her dreams as an Emergency Medicine Consultant and Physician.

Khyarne grew up in Dubbo. Her parents, Craig and Debbie Biles, are well known and respected in the Dubbo community.

Khyarne spent much of her younger school years participating in sport. “I was mad about netball and all things sport," she said.

"I always liked the idea of medicine, which I think stemmed from my cousin who is disabled and his interaction with the health system over the years.”

In Year 11, Khyarne spoke with career advisors about studying medicine and, in the beginning, she thought there would be a pathway into this type of study.

In that same year her grandfather became gravely ill, and so her family spent around six months at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney, mostly in the Intensive Care Unit.

After his passing, Khyarne knew this was what she really wanted and was determined to achieve her dream of studying medicine.

In 2009, through sheer hard work, she gained a position at the University of NSW to study medicine on her own accord.

She spent six years studying in Sydney and then came back to Dubbo Hospital as an intern, then a resident Doctor, and then a Registrar in Emergency Medicine.

“In my first term I decided that I wanted to pursue Emergency Medicine.”

In 2017, she entered the Emergency Medicine Training Program at the Australian College of Emergency Medicine (ACEM). The college is responsible for training emergency physicians and advancement of professional standards in emergency medicine in Australia.

Khyarne took a break from her training for around two years to spend time with family, her

friends and travel.

Her aim is to be an Emergency Department Consultant Physician in the next 12 to 18 months. “It’s everything I have worked for over the past 15 years, I’ll be where I need to be.”

The Emergency Medicine Program means Khyarne needs to work at other hospitals. This week she begins at Orange Hospital and then afterwards in a metropolitan hospital as part of her training for at least the next six months.

She has also had a stint with the Royal Flying Doctors Service (RFDS) as part of her initial registrar training.

“It’s certainly something I’d like to do again. You never knew what was going to come through on a phone call.

"RFDS healthcare is so different to what you experience in a hospital. The plane lands, then you might travel by car for half an hour to arrive at your patient's location. You have all your supplies in a backpack – there are so many extra considerations that make the RFDS job challenging.”

Khyarne confides that the best part of her job is knowing she is a strong advocate for vulnerable people, including Indigenous people, children, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people with disabilities, pregnant women, and people in custody.

One of the consultants made a joke on rounds one day asking, “Do you think we’ll get past the first page of people before someone doesn’t know you?”

Khyarne’s response was, “Probably not!” In fact she finds that many people recognise her as either Aboriginal, Craig or Debbie Biles' daughter, or someone from sport, school… and the list goes on.

When people realise Khyarne is Indigenous she says it opens up a whole world. Aboriginal people trust her and at times ask for her. She sees this as a positive change with better outcomes for all, but in particular Indigenous patients.

“Dubbo is really supportive of this and I’m a very proud Indigenous woman who just happens to be a doctor in a position to help and understand their culture and beliefs.”

Dr Khyarne Biles heads to Orange Hospital this week to further her training as an Emergency Medicine Consultant and Physician.

PHOTO: DUBBO PHOTO NEWS

Holiday Smiles COMPETITION entries week 4

Alia Burn practising for

Morgan Wykes aged 5 driving the train at Jerry’s Plains

Travette age 4 who was enjoying fishing with his dad at Burrendong dam

Australia Day Weekend spent with my Grandkids and their parents at Lake Burrendong

Categories: ‘Holiday Smiles’ and ‘Holiday Action Photo’.

One winner from each category wins a $100 voucher from MidWest Food & Liquor Market.

HURRY, ENTER NOW

Entries close THIS FRIDAY, Feb 10, and the two winners announced in NEXT WEEK’S EDITION!

Send your entry today to: myentry@dubbophotonews.com.au

SORRY! Late entries will not be printed

Acadia Burn bodyboarding at Bulgo Beach

Ellie Wykes aged 2 getting her face painted at the Communtiy Concepts event held in Wellington

Emma and Jaxon popping water balloons

Hitting the highway to help the homeless

By LYDIA PEDRANA

AN unlikely collaboration between the Central West Riders and Orana Support Service will see a bunch of bike buffs hit the highway for a mystery ride this Saturday to raise money for an important cause.

The inaugural Highways for the Homeless campaign is a fundraising effort to help purchase a van fitted with a shower, washing machine and dryer for the local and

surrounding homeless community to use.

CEO of Orana Support Service, Tina Reynolds said providing these basic amenities to those who otherwise don’t have access will have a major impact.

“People in temporary accommodation usually have to go and pay [to use a shower, washing machine and dryer] and they don’t have that money to pay, and especially those who are rough sleepers, they’ve got to have

somewhere where they can have a shower and somewhere where they can wash their clothes as well,” she explained.

“I just really hope the community gets behind this campaign, it’s really needed here, we are a city now and we really need these facilities because things are only going to get worse.”

On a mission to assist homeless and vulnerable people, the Orana Support Service help up to 800 clients every month through

providing goods and services including food packages, clothing, furniture, tenancy support, crisis accommodation, immediate intervention to those experiencing domestic and family violence as well as crisis and transitional housing.

They also run a men’s refuge, a women’s refuge, a men’s support group and multicultural services.

With the exact route remaining a secret, riders will meet at Devil’s Hollow Brewery at 8am

for registration before hitting the road at 9am.

Following an undisclosed 250-kilometre ride, which includes stops for fuel and refreshments, the pack will end up at the Commercial Hotel for an official, family-friendly afterparty that will feature a bike show, live music, food and fundraising activities with prizes up for grabs. Register for the ride in advance via Humanitix, or just turn up on the day!

The Central West Riders will lead a group of motorcycles on a mystery 250 kilometre trip around the region to raise money for homeless.

PHOTO: DUBBO PHOTO NEWS/KEN SMITH/FILE

EXPO SENIORS WEEK AT

THE Seniors Week Expo was a well attended event at Dubbo RSL earlier this week.

The Dubbo RSL Auditorium was packed with stands offering a wide range of valuable information and the morning tea was a definite highlight.

Erin Barwick and Michelle Betts from Macquarie Regional Library Dubbo

Tash May (Client Liaison) and Jess Pettiford (Transport and Special Support) from Meals on Wheels Dubbo

Sina Winterstein, Constable Lara Grainger and Gandhi Sindyan

Leanne Monk, Joshua Benson and Donna O’Brien from Baptist

Pictured right: Claudia Edwards, Janice Stanford and Margaret Moon from CWA Terramungamine

Margaret Carolan and Lorraine Manusu from U3A Dubbo Chapter Inc

This is an opportunity to celebrate all of the wonderful ways in which senior citizens bring their energy and experience to our lives.

Seniors are often the lifeblood of our volunteer organisations and vital to the richness of our towns. They hold many of the memories and stories which form the basis of our heritage and connect our communities together.

I invite all of Dubbo to join with me in thanking our senior citizens for all they do during the 2023 Seniors Festival.

John Gibson and Andrew Livingston from Dubbo Community Men’s Shed IncLorraine Scoble, Barb O’Brien and Yvonne GowansLoretta Finlay from Dubbo Prostate Support Group

Sara Cook (Dubbo RSL)

Authorised by Mark Coulton MP, National Party of Australia, Shop 3, 153 Brisbane Street, Dubbo NSW 2830.

Bill and Sue’s continued and everlasting bond

By JENET STEWART

It’s been almost 60 years since Bill and Sue Bladwell met in 1963.

Sue worked for Price Waterhouse’s new offices in Canberra and Bill on the family farm at Lake Bathurst not far from Canberra.

The two courted for two years and married in 1965. Bill was 27 and Sue 21 years of age.

Just 18 months after being married they had their first of three children.

Bill and Sue loved life and sporting activities including tennis and cricket. They were also regular attendees at the local dances.

“We were pretty good dancers,” Bill said.

Bill stayed working on the family farm for three years then moved the family to Dubbo, then Moree and back to the Canberra district.

“I worked for the Commonwealth Development Bank who funded farmers and their families, it was a great job,” Bill said.

Sue spent her time raising the children and participated in partt ime work when possible.

In 1994 the Commonwealth Development Bank was sold, and Bill entered rural financial counselling as his career for the next 27 years.

In 2011, whilst visiting family, Bill noticed Sue was becoming forgetful and sought a consultation with doctors. Sue was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

“There were two positive things about the diagnosis, one was that she accepted the diagnosis, and two was that she was treated with drugs to slow down the progression of the disease,” Bill explained.

In 2015 they both returned to Dubbo to be closer to their children, and now grandchildren as well.

For the past 16 months Sue has been living at Kintyre Lodge, and Bill says “it’s wonderful here”.

“I visit her almost every day of the year and I know she is well cared for by the staff.”

Bill is a strong Alzheimer’s and dementia advocate and loves his wife dearly. He often brings flowers to Sue and takes her on walks around the Lodge gardens. They also enjoy participating in the Lodge Sing Out sessions.

Bill and Sue Bladwell met in 1963, and are still having a wonderful and loving life together.

Photo: Dubbo Photo News

TIME WARP

Fromthephotography

From the photography collection of Moses Cockerell

By Jenet Stewart

This weeks’ Time Warp photograph was supplied by Steve Hodder. Steve explained how the photo was sent to him by Robert Cockerell, who had family living on a farm near Wongarbon many years ago, in the early 1900s.

Robert’s uncle Moses Cockerell was an avid photographer, who compiled a large collection of photographs over the years.

Robert, who now lives in Tasmania, rescued Moses’ photo collection when it was going to be thrown to the tip, because the family no longer had any Dubbo connections and had no knowledge of who or what was in the photos.

The Cockerell family, it seems, is somehow connected to the Morris family, also from Wongarbon, and related to John Morris in Dubbo.

The ladies in the photo are Mary Morris and Robert Cockerell’s aunty ‘Tot’ Cockerell.

They are sitting at the old Fischer’s Corner, where the Church Street Café is today. The building behind them is the Clubhouse Hotel, which was demolished to make way for the Amaroo Hotel.

The photo was taken in 1952. Steve said he’s not sure when the Clubhouse was demolished but thinks the Amaroo Hotel was built by Walmac and opened in 1959.

Orana a Gardens

Are you or a loved one getting older, finding it difficult to support your daily needs and would benefit from assistance or care?

For residents and their families, choosing a Residential Aged Care facility may be an extremely difficult decision. Knowing that you have selected a home that strives to offer the greatest care, Orana Gardens seeks to ease that choice. For this reason, we give you all the information you require to make an informed choice, with a special admissions coordinator on hand to assist you navigating through the maze.

You will sense a feeling of family and community at our home because of the solid ties we establish with our residents, their families, and the neighbourhood.

We want you to have faith in Orana Gardens’ ability to care for your loved one. Registered nurses are on duty at our home around-the-clock, along with trained carers who are committed to giving our residents the best care possible.

Additionally, we provide a variety of activities through our Recreational Activity Officers so that your loved one is stimulated and entertained with social events and has something fun to do. Every part of Orana Gardens’ care is intended to reflect our focus on the individual. This includes our well-organised activities, outings, facilities, and high-quality cuisine and menu, created by our own in-house chef.

We are aware that finding the ideal full-time care for your loved one

can be challenging. We take pleasure in offering top-notch service that is customised to meet their unique demands because of this, we offer short and long term respite and permanent care.

Send

Mary Morris and Tot Cockerell sitting at Fischer’s Corner, on the corner of Macquarie and Church Street with the old Clubhouse Hotel to the right of them.

Photo: Contributed

Meals on Wheels Dubbo have been delivering nutritious hot and frozen meals to local seniors in Dubbo for more than 58 years, and to those in Narromine and Trangie for the past six years.

“For our clients, Meals on Wheels is more than just a meal, as we also provide transport and social support, so our clients can maintain social connectedness and independence while living at home longer. We can support clients to do their shopping or attend appointments, such as doctors, hairdressers, podiatrists,” Dubbo Meals on Wheels service manager Peter English said.

“We also work with our local hot meal and frozen

meal providers to ensure availability of a range of menu options for clients.”

Meals on Wheels is available to frail, aged people and their carers. We are thankful for our wonderful volunteers, who take the time to assist the elderly in the communities we serve, to remain independent and in their homes, through our meal deliveries, social support and transport services.

“Often, we are the only daily contact, and we are concerned about our client’s welfare. If the client is not home as expected, we contact their next of kin in case there may be a problem,” Mr English said.

For more information, call 6882 4083.

Dubboschooled multiple sclerosis researcher honoured with AM

By JENET STEWART

IT’S been a long time since Doctor Therese Burke lived in Dubbo – in fact it’s almost 40 years.

She’s the eldest daughter of Dubbo locals, Stan and Joy Brown.

Therese was schooled at St John’s College and Dubbo High School, completing her schooling in 1983.

She left Dubbo the following year to study and become a nurse at Westmead Hospital in Sydney which was a relatively new hospital at the time.

“Westmead was this big shiny brand-new massive progressive hospital,” she recalled.

After graduating as a qualified nurse, Therese worked in critical care for several years including respiratory training, which led to her becoming a consultant nurse.

“At the time I was just starting my family, so I didn’t want to work as much. One of the doctors was starting up some new research trials for one of the asthma drugs and asked me if I’d like to do some research.”

Therese said it was perfect timing with her young family.

She started with asthma drug research and then moved to immunology and that’s where she stayed for the next 30 years or so.

For the first 10 to 15 of those years she worked on allergies, she did a lot of research with pollen and started monitoring pollen levels which were extremely high at the time.

She then began working with

the Olympic and Paralympic teams, testing them because allergies are common in teenagers and young adults.

She then progressed into immunology for the next 15 years, which began with one simple trial which included anaphylaxis, hay fever and other immune disorders.

It was around this time that Multiple Sclerosis (MS) research and treatment was becoming more of an interest to scientists.

“There was a big scientific team and my office just happened to be next to those scientists. I just got really interested in MS and I was asked if I’d be interested in setting up a research centre for MS.”

In 2007 to 2008, new drugs came out to treat MS and those drugs were put through clinical trials and are now used to treat MS.

Therese explained that it was at this time that “one of the neurologists, Steve Vucic, suggested setting up an MS Clinic which would be a really great way to research MS, and offer people new drugs and treatment”.

“He was young and enthusiastic, so we researched together. We had a multidisciplinary clinic, and it was one of the first in Australia.”

The new MS Clinic began with around 20 patients, and quickly grew to hundreds of patients.

The clinic was effective and began to change the lives of people with MS.

“The reality is that, 20 years ago, if you had MS you had to

reach a certain level of disability before you would start medication. Through research, we realised that by starting the medication earlier we were getting better results and were able to delay the progression of the disease,” she said.

It seems nursing was Therese’s open door to research and to MS. She explained that she became tired of people asking her questions about MS that she just didn’t know the answers to.

She wondered what she could do better and decided to speak to one of the professors at Notre Dame University who had a neurological background. Therese then decided to study MS for five years which led to a Master’s degree and then a PhD.

Australia is now one of the leading MS research countries in the world, and Therese said much of this is thanks to the wonderful scientist and immunologists she has worked alongside over the years.

She has also developed educational modules for clinical trial staff working in MS and to assist in expanding research understanding for people living with the disease.

Her mission is to have an MS nurse for everyone with the disease in Australia. One third of Australians who have the disease do not have a MS nurse.

And of her prestigious and most deserving award as an honoured Member of the Order of Australia, Therese said “it means a lot to my family, I’ve worked so hard”.

WHAT KIDS SAY

Mae Webster

Age: 6 Favourite TV Show? Spy Ninjas

If you could change your name

what name would you choose?

Zoey

If you could invent an animal what would it look like? It would be really, really cute and act like a puppy dog and a cat.

Do you have a favourite teacher?

My friends, all teachers in the whole world and ourself is our best teacher. What makes you really, really happy? Having dog kisses and cuddles from Beau and Flash.

What is your favourite food? Mexican burritos.

Where do you think money comes

from? From a machine and love. How do you know if a person is old? They look old.

If you could be anything, what would you be? I would have magical powers, fly and do anything (but I wouldn’t tell anyone).

SPENDING TIME AND MONEY FOR REPAIRS

Avoiding repairs is not a solution as it may result in a lower selling price or extended period of time on market. It is advisable to get advice from your agent to see if the repair is warranted.

LOW OFFERS FROM BUYERS

In any market there will always be ‘bargain hunters.’ It’s important to understand and establish what the ‘market value’ of the property is and setting a selling price around that value.

BUYER PULLING OUT

After all the inspections, the negotiations and the waiting, it is understandably a seller’s worst nightmare if the sale falls through because the prospective buyer’s finance has not been approved, a building inspection does not go well or the buyer goes cold. Work with your agent to reactivate interest in your property with other buyers.

NO SHOWS FOR OPEN INSPECTIONS

Having no one turn up to your home open inspection after all the effort you’ve put in is not only disheartening, but also worrying. Ensure you have positioned your home correctly in the market with the use of quality marketing and pricing to attract the right buyers. Engaging the right agent to represent you in the marketplace can help guide you through the selling maze. If you have any questions or would like a chat about the current real estate market, contact Karen Chant on mobile 0448 191167 or email karen@chantandco.com.au.

e the mou.

0448 191 167

Our focus on detail helps to provide the best care for patients. We put emphasis on their personal lifestyle and offer quality Zeiss lens technology to suit their daily tasks. Our range includes the latest designer eyewear for our patients to see in style.

47-59 Wingewarra St, Dubbo NSW 2830 (02) 6884 4077 www.georgeandmatilda.com.au

Dr Therese Burke puts Multiple Sclerosis in the spotlight with her Member of the Order of Australia (AM) Award.

PHOTO: DUBBO PHOTO NEWS

Common Frustrations When Selling

The Real Estate Chat with Karen Chant from Chant and Co

Staged to Sell at the Exchange

Perfectly Sorted staged the launch of their new Dubbo business upstairs in the glorious Exchange building in Macquarie Street.

Perfectly Sorted founder Ali Broinowski, opened the event followed by presentations from Senior Stylist, Scott Sutcliffe, Custom Interior Stylist, Jordan Crowe and Hugh Bateman from the Property Shop in Mudgee.

Guests were provided with information on staging and decorating your property for sale, to enhance and showcase the potential of any home.

Mudgee’s Finest: Anne Sutcliffe, Zara Broinowski, Catherine Bateman and Hugh Bateman

The Ladies: Ros Walters, Betty Lorimer, Sally O’Connell, Janet Couchman and Adele Oulton

Karen Chant with the team from Bob Berry Real Estate - Graeme Board, Elle Crisp and Jane Donald

Representing the Peter Milling Real Estate Team: Helen Barry, Jim Kelly and Sarah Georgiou

The Perfectly Sorted Team: Jordan Crowe, Alyssa Whiston, Scott Sutcliffe, Ali Broinowski and Leigh Brooks

Jenny Hennessy and Gaye Farrell

DUBBO WORKS is highlighting the excellent career and learning opportunities the

Growing future for Aboriginal trainees at revived café

ABORIGINAL foods and drinks are likely to feature at a popular local garden café set to reopen with a new mission of empowering vulnerable people to gain training, skills and employment.

This follows recent announcement of a $175,600 grant for the Pathways

Together Aboriginal Corporation, to refurbish the café at the Growing Futures Nursery.

Pathways Together Aboriginal Corporation manager Rob Riley said that the group is “really excited” by the development.

“We’ll be able to do some training, some cooking with Aboriginal foods, hopefully showcase some Aboriginal teas and coffees, but bigger than that, it’ll be an environment where not only Aboriginal people can come, but everyone can come and have a barbecue and spend time in a relaxing environment," Mr Riley said

“We’re just over the moon that this funding will fast track that experience!

“Since the Old Ganarrin Garden Centre café closed, not a day goes by the same time,” he added.

Position Vacant

Abattoir Labourers - Full Time FLETCHER INTERNATIONAL EXPORTS

Jobs and Tasks

We are looking for people to fill multiple labouring roles (such as packing meat and trimming fat, processing co-products such as wool and hides) and also more experienced roles such as boning, slicing and hide removal).

Wages and Pay:

Wages are processed weekly

You will have opportunities to gain new skills and progress up pay levels in your department as you learn new tasks

Skill Level

We have opportunities for people with all levels of experience (even if you have none at all!)

Benefits of Working with Us:

We provide all training required on the job - we even provide and wash your uniform!

You can find this on our website at http://www.fletchint.com.au/careers/application-form

or grab one from our Gatehouse at Lot 11 Yarrandale Road, Dubbo NSW 2830

For more information contact 02 6801 3100

Because the Dubbo Region is the best place to build your career

Saunders at the Growing Futures Nursery where the cafe is soon to be refurbished.

From Shanghai to Sunny Dubbo

YVETTE AUBUSSON-FOLEY

IT’S a pretty exciting thought, knowing Wenbi Jiang plans to Dubbo Photo News article to his family in China.

Though they’re 7609 kilometres away, the life he shares in Dubbo with his wife Jo Jo and their children is important to

The Shanghai couple, both 42, have made a life for themselves in Dubbo for the past 10 years.

“When we first came here, we didn’t have a lot of choice because of the limited options around our visa. We had to come to the regions under the independent skilled visa, which meant we had to stay here for three years, but after two, when we got our permanent resident visa, we decided it was easier to stay,” Jo Jo said.

“I was in my previous job for 14 years, so I’m not a person to easily jump to other jobs,” she said.

Jo Jo worked for Fuji Film and Wenbi for General Motors.

“Fletcher International Exports is a completely different industry and different experience for us,” said Wenbi, who started out in a labourer role and now works in the hot boning room.

# DUBBO JOBS COUNTER

594 The number of Dubbo region jobs being advertised this week on seek.com.au

OPPORTUNITY OF THE WEEK

Packer – Bagged Flour

Ben Furney Flour Mills is looking for motivated people to join our team, packing bagged flour products.

 Casual/Vacation

 Bag weights are up to 25kgs

Ideal Candidates are:

 Physically fit

 Fast moving

 Enjoy manual work

 Motivated

 Able to work within a team

 A current Forklift Licence is an advan-

tage, but not essential.

The position is shift work over 3 shifts – Morning, Afternoon and sometimes nights.

Whilst this role starts casual there is opportunity to secure a permanent position and possibility for career progression.

If you are available for immediate start please apply now. Apply online at https://www.seek.com.au/ job/59991457

JOIN THE MISSION

DUBBO

“Initially, my job was labourer too,” Jo Jo explains, “and I’ve done many different roles such as leading hand, training officer, and now I’m in the HR department.”

While the pair were both taught English at school in China, the transition was difficult at first.

“It’s like putting someone in the ocean, they have to learn to swim. It’s been the same for us and speaking English,” Wenbi said.

“I believe we should learn English, because we are living in Australia. We should get used to it, to improve us; but, the first time I came here I was very scared to pick up the phone. Sometimes I still can’t understand but mostly I can,” Jo Jo said.

Being a native Chinese speaker is a valuable asset for Jo Jo in HR, as she can field enquiries from people in China, Taiwan and Hong Kong who are looking for work at Fletcher International Exports.

“I recently posted an advertisement online for our HR office encouraging people to apply online for people who have questions, from Taiwan and Hong

Kong. They have many questions about the factory, the salary, the accommodation, and I can speak Chinese, so they’re satisfied.”

“Some people just get a temporary working visa, and they want to stay here, but they can’t.

“If they’re allowed to work here for one year and work here for one year they do. We’ve recommended to our friends to apply for jobs here and they’ve done it,” Jo Jo said.

“They can trust us too, because we’ve been living here for 10 years,” Wenbi said.

Both are happy with their own choice to relocate in Australia for work, having made a life here for their family.

“Dubbo is good for saving money. We’re not very far from Sydney, we can holiday by driving there and go to the beach. Living here, everything is just 10 minutes away. We have many opportunities and we’re lucky,” Wenbi said.

The couple has also managed to buy a house and, although Fletcher International Exports is a large factory and they’re in different departments, they make time to have lunch together.

Fletcher International Exports employees Wenbi and Jo Jo Jiang.

PHOTO: DUBBO

PHOTO NEWS

WHERE is the love?

BruceQ&Aand Mahalia BACK TO SCHOOL!

A few more cute snaps to round up 2023’s epic Back to School adventures of a new bunch of bright students!

Good luck kids!

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK

Feb 9: J.M Coetzee, author, 83. Carole King , US singer, 81. Joe Pesci, US actor, 80. Derryn Hinch, current affairs commentator; former Senator, 79. Alice Walker, US author, 79. Mia Farrow, US actress, 78. Gina Rinehart , businesswoman, 69. Rosie Batty, campaigner against domestic violence, 61. Travis Tritt, US country singer, 60. Glenn McGrath, cricketer, 53. Tom Hiddleston, British actor, 42.

Feb 10: Robert Wagner, US actor, 93. Roberta Flack US singer, 86. Greg Norman, golfer, 68. Laura Dern, US actor, 56. Melissa Doyle, TV personality, 53. Michael Kasprowicz , cricketer, 51. Elizabeth Banks, US actress, 49. Emma Roberts, US actress, 32.

Feb 11: Chad Morgan, country music legend, 90. Bill Lawry, cricketer-commentator, 86. John Cobb, former politician, 73. Sheryl Crow, US singer, 61. Jennifer Aniston, US actress, 54. Alex Papps, actor; Play School presenter, 54. Brandy, US singer, 44. Mark Bresciano soccer player, 43. Kelly Rowland, US singer, 42. Casey Dellacqua , tennis player, 38. Taylor Lautner, US actor, 31. Rosé (Roseanne Park), singer, 26.

Feb 12: Judy Blume, US author, 85. Ian Plimer, geologist, 77. Sigrid Thornton, actress, 64. Gary Mehigan MasterChef judge, 56. Nathan Rees, former NSW Premier, 55. Josh Brolin, US actor, 55. Brett Hodgson, footy player, 45. Jesse Spencer, actor, 44. Christina Ricci, US actress, 43. Celia Pacquola , comedian-actress, 40. Saskia Burmeister, actress, 38.

Feb 13: Kim Novak , US actress, 90. Stockard

WHERE DID YOU FIRST MEET?

When Bruce was 12 he had his appendix removed and he shared a hospital room with My Dad (I was 8). We met again when I was 16 and he was dating my best friend. Before meeting again when I was 18 and he had recently returned home after being discharged from the Army.

WHO CHASED WHO?

He chased me. Even going as far as to ask my Dad if he could 'date me'.

How long have you been together? 23 years this year (16 years married).

Sum up your relationship in less ten 15 words? Best Friends and Soul Mates.

Channing , US actress, 79. Jerry Springer, US talk show host, 79. Kevin Bloody Wilson, comedian, 76. Len Pascoe, cricketer, 73. Peter Gabriel, British singer, 73. Robbie Williams, British singer, 49. Mena Suvari, US actress, 44.

Feb 14: Carl Bernstein, US ‘Watergate’ journalist, 79. Raymond Joseph Teller, US magician, 75. Tom Burlinson, actor, 67. Alex Perry, fashion designer, 60. Suze DeMarchi, singer-songwriter with the band Baby Animals, 59. Simon Pegg , English actor-comedian, 53. Rob Thomas, US singer of Matchbox 20, 51. Cadel Evans, cyclist, 46. Jim Jefferies, Australian-born comedian, 46. Rocky Elsom, Wallabies player, 40. Daniel , Goolma-born footy player, 37. Jane Seymour, English-born actress, 72. Matt Groening actress, 50.

Morgan Wykes aged 5 first day of school kindergarten

COUNCIL SNAPSHOT DUBBO.NSW.GOV.AU

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE: 6801 4000

CAREERS AT COUNCIL ROAD CLOSURES AND DISRUPTIONS

Council road closures and disruptions are published directly to the NSW Government’s Live Traffic website.

Live traffic displays real time information on traffic conditions, incidents and major events across all of New South Wales allowing residents, travellers and visitors to keep up to date on road and traffic conditions in one central place.

View road closures at www.livetraffic.com

NSW TOUCH JUNIOR STATE CUPCONGRATULATIONS TO AWARD WINNERS

More than 10,000 people are expected to travel to the region for this year’s NSW Touch Junior State Cup.

A number of changes to traffic will be in place, and residents are urged to view these changes at dubbo.nsw.gov.au/nswtouch

It is also suggested that table bookings are made at hospitality venues to avoid disappointment.

Residents of the Dubbo Regional Council Local Government Area were award during Council’s Australia Day Ceremonies in January 2023.

View the recipients from Dubbo and Wellington, and read more about their accolades. Head to dubbo.nsw.gov.au/ausdayawards

Dubbo Regional Council offers a wide variety of career opportunities that include great benefits, flexible work options and prospects for progression.

All current job vacancies are listed online, view all listings and apply at dubbo.nsw.gov.au/jobs

This is Adaline Jackson who has just started kindy at Orana Heights

Penelope Sharpe Dubbo South Public School

You’ll now discover Flowers Here

arrangements are just as you remember them, simply glorious.

Patrick hand picks only the best flowers from his suppliers. “I believe that flowers are for everyone, not just the few. I want my customers to have a safe and easy experience when buying our beautiful flowers, I also want it to be fun, easy, and accessible – which it now is.”

Patrick ran his Flow-

ers Here business from Cobra Street for 10 years prior to moving to his new location.

“I’d like to thank Inland Petroleum for allowing me 10 years of selling my flowers next to them,” Patrick added.

Flowers Here arrangements are made in house, fresh daily, and are Australian grown.

There’s nothing like the feeling of plunging into a refreshing and cooling pool of water at the town aquatic centre throughout those hot summer days in Australia.

For Peta Bradley of Armatree in western NSW, it’s been a little more refreshing than usual. Peta has spent the last few years training in a super cool seven degree or below big pool of water at the Dumaresq Dam near Armidale. Peta says, “I started out swimming in cold water during COVID with a group of friends. In winter the coldest water temperature we swam in was in the high five degrees at the dam.”

At a casual meeting of friends at a local pub, a discussion arose about participating in ice swimming more seriously. Ice swimming involves swimming in water temperatures of 5 degrees or lower unassisted, with a swim cap, goggles, and togs.

By JENET STEWART

The group researched cold water swimming and decided to attempt an Ice Mile at Thredbo Ponds. Following on from this it would allow them to qualify to attend the 5th International Ice Swimming Association World Championship which was to be held at Samoens in France from January 12 to 15 this year with some 500 swimmers attending the event.

To understand ice swimming and to participate in a safe manner there are several rules associated with the sport which provide safety to all participants. Peta says, “safety is a priority, during our ice mile attempt we wear a safety belt which assists if you need to be pulled from the water, we have one person suited up on shore ready to jump in if needed, one person in a kayak following the swimmer and one person on the ground to help. We also had medical checks and ECGs prior to participating to

avoid the risks of hypothermia.”

Peta and her friends lined up at Thredbo Ponds on a very cold winter morning with water temperature at around three degrees. Peta says, “the ponds were iced over when we arrived, one person in a kayak was sent out to break the ice to make way for the swim.” Peta qualified for the Samoens event and left Australia at the end of December 2022 to acclimatise for the ice swimming event. She continued to train in ice and extreme cold water right up until leaving Australia.

Peta was entered in the 1000 and 500 metre freestyle and the 50 metres butterfly events. There were numerous heats for each event. Peta swam just under 16 minutes for the 1000 metres swim which may sound a little slow to some but add the intensity of cold temperatures includ-

ing the pool water and you’ll understand the complexity of competing in such an event. Overall Peta did extremely well, coming home with a bronze medal for her age group in the 500 metres freestyle, an Australian record and world title. She was placed 4th in her age group for the 1000 metre freestyle event and 9th overall in the world, she also broke the Australian record for 1000 metre freestyle ice swimming by a female. In Australia, only 26 people have completed the one-mile ice swim.

Peta returned to Australia and the family farm near Armatree with bronze medal in hand, and a 40-degree heat wave, a whole world from her snowy French alps experience. When asked if she’d participate again, she said, “it’s one of those things, an experience of a lifetime.” And yes, Peta will be back again for the next ice mile swim in 2025.

It's a long way from the ice capped alps of Samoens in France to the dusty hot plains of western NSW. Ice mile swimmer, Peta Bradley on her family farm this week holding her International Ice Swimming Association bronze medal.

PHOTO: DUBBO PHOTO NEWS

Encouraging Wellington artists to “look up” and “fly”!

A NEW funding partnership under the “wing” of the Orana Arts group will encourage emerging and existing artists across the Wellington district to “look up” and “fly”.

The Stronger Country Communities Fund will see $152,439 allocated to Orana Arts to deliver the Maliyan Cultural Centre development program in two parts.

The first, Ngiyangarra (Look up), will see six local artists attend weekend workshops with leading Aboriginal creatives in visual art, literature, digital and performance to building skills and broaden their scope.

The second part is Barrangirra (Fly), an installation/presentation of works developed by the six artists.

Maliyan is operated by the Wel-

lington Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) which has previously partnered with Orana Arts on the ID(hero) exhibition.

Wellington LALC CEO, Tara Stanley, said the projects show what can be done when people come together for the community.

“This is an awesome opportunity for the Maliyan centre and the community members themselves – for the local artists, it means so much,” Ms Stanley said.

“We already have people that are so talented in this community, that just don’t have their foot in the door, so this is an awesome opportunity for them to branch out, showcase their skills and really show everybody what they’ve got!”

Orana Arts’ Camilla Ward said the Maliyan Cultural Centre has an important role to play in re-

connecting the community after a challenging and isolating few years.

“There’s so much talent here and I’m really excited to be working with the community to help nurture and develop, and also learn from them,” Mrs Ward said.

“We really encourage anyone that is hearing this and thinks ‘why not? I want to give it a go’ –we would love to support you!

“This project takes the idea of Maliyan itself, the wedge-tailed eagle, soaring above, looking at the opportunities and then taking that first flight,” Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders said.

“We know there’s plenty of talent in and around Wellington, people who maybe haven’t had the opportunity to be nurtured and have some structured train-

ing,” Mr Saunders added.

“This funding will deliver that not once, but twice, supporting 12 artists in total over two years.”

Artists can get involved by contacting Orana Arts or the Wellington Local Aboriginal Land Council.

Time out in

By COLIN ROUSE

Uncertain future for bridge

A new funding partnership will encourage emerging and existing Indigenous artists across the Wellington district. Pictured from left are Wellington Land Council CEO, Tara Stanley, Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders, and Orana Arts’ Camilla Ward. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

PHOTO News spotted these good buddies enjoying a night out at the Wellington Memorial Soldiers Club. Pictured are Maria, Winona and Tauf.

THE area surrounding the Duke of Wellington bridge, the Oxley Park Reserve, has been closed since devastating flood waters washed away major portions of the land surrounding the bridge. Recently, the reserve has reopened to the public, but the future of the bridge itself has still not been decided.

PHOTOS: DUBBO PHOTO NEWS/COLIN ROUSE

IN FOCUS

THE THUMBS

Dubbo Photo News is no longer publishing Thumbs Downs to specific people or organisations. Instead, we are choosing to highlight the positives of our region in 2023, and so most Thumbs Downs don’t belong here. Sadly, this decision had to be made because a few too many contributors were attempting to abuse this column. There are other outlets that anyone with gripes can utilise. As we’ve reported in recent months, Dubbo Photo News has made the important decision to stick to the good news of our region. There is already way too much negativity and bad news in all our lives – particularly on social media – and we no longer want to be part of that. We want our readers to feel good, and we want to use the pages of this newspaper to show that there are plenty of great reasons to live in this region. Let’s keep it positive! •••

 Thumbs Up to Thumbs Up to Mick & Pauls Fruit Shop. Always happy to bring out my order to the car which makes life easier with a special needs child. Thank you.

 Thumbs Up to the kind gentleman who took my carton of beer to my car when I was unable to get assistance from a staff member.

 Thumbs Up to the delightful young lady Lea at The Fast Lane Coffee drive through in Bultje Street. Always friendly, efficient and with a smile. You’re an absolute gem.

 Thumbs Up to all the hard working staff across many businesses and industries who are showing up and keeping things running, despite the challenges of under-staffing, supply shortages, inflation and, lately, the general holiday rush. It can be stressful and thankless, and you’re all much appreciated. A special shout-out to Liv at The Fast Lane in Bultje Street for taking orders and making food and coffees all on her own on a Sunday. It must’ve been a tough day, but she was still friendly and patient, and I hope her other customers were, too.

 Thumbs Up to the lovely people who helped me when I had a fall at Orana Mall on Sunday, and a special thanks to Deb, Brooke and Charlotte – your assistance was greatly appreciated.

 Thumbs Up to Jody and Brittany of Jim’s Cleaning for the awesome cleaning job they did recently and for their awesome attitude. Thank you.

 Thumbs Up to Deakin for excellent customer service with a customer from Narromine.

 Thumbs Up to Tony Burgun and staff for excellent customer service. They go above and beyond to look after their clients.

•••

 Send your Thumbs Up or via email to photos@dubbophotonews.com. au, mail to Level 1, 178 Macquarie Street Dubbo NSW 2830, or phone 6885 4433.

Photo specs:

We welcome your photos via email for publication. Please send each photo as a high-resolution jpeg image – at least 1MB per photo. Don’t let your Operating System/Windows/ iOS/phone etc downsize the image before emailing because these images are usually too small to print.

World Wetlands Day in Dubbo

ary 2 with a memorial picnic and outdoor forum at the site of the former Wingewarra Swamp (Victoria Park).

Wingewarra Swamp was drained in the early-mid 1800s and the site was a fitting place to hold an event about the need to protect wetlands.

ist. Tim Hosking from Department of Planning and Environment reported on the massive bird breeding events in the Macquarie Marshes over the last two years.

Other speakers highlighted river restoration activities such as tree plantings and spoke about what the floods have meant for

We would like to acknowledge and pay our respects to the Traditional Custodians of the land we operate on, the

native fish populations, with more food and habitat available, plus stimulating spawning and allowing fish to swim up the river with all the weirs drowned out.

Negative impacts have been rubbish washing into the river, erosion, and constant high regulated flows causing native saplings to be underwater for longer

OzFish and supported by numerous community partners and individuals.

Top: The Duck Pond in Victoria Park Dubbo, part of the former and once extensive Wingewarra Swamp

Above: World Wetlands Day 2023

Dubbo Gathering

PHOTOS: DUBBO PHOTO NEWS / KEN SMITH

Crossmath

Drop Down

Starting with the seven-letter word, drop a letter and form a six-letter word. Continue in this manner until you reach the single letter at the bottom. You can rearrange the letters in each step, if necessary.

ing family obligations before you can relax.

VIRGO: If you’re making changes at home, in your work or even in your decor, you’ll find good deals, and your property will increase in value. Don’t hesitate to ask for a raise.

LIBRA: You could face some unexpected expense s. Fortunately, you’ll get something lasting in return. You’ll negotiate an arrangement that benefits you if you must borrow.

SCORPIO: Although you’re expecting a quiet week, you’ll be busy. There’s a lot of ac tion and surprises ahead. Fortunately, there’s also some fun in store.

SAGITTARIUS: Significant changes are on the horizon, both professionally and personally. It would help if you learned how to relax to lower your stress level and enjoy the novelty.

CAPRICORN: You’ll develop a more active social life this week, even if it’s only on social media. You and your friends will sign up for art classes, yoga or another kind of wellness program.

AQUARIUS: Your boss might offer you a promotion as if on a silver platter. You’ll be excited about taking on new professional and personal projects, even if you’re short on time.

PISCES: A getaway or trip is on the agenda. You’re in the mood for a party and will organise a celebration get-together. You’ll also start a new spiritual practice. The

Quiz

Quick Crossword ACROSS

1 Sibling (6)

4 One-storey house (8)

9 Belonging to them (5)

10 Maryland city (9)

11 Lassoed (5)

12 Painting of the countryside (9)

13 Water-rich vegetable (9)

15 Innumerable (6)

16 Female name (6)

18 Hushed words (8)

1 Is gluten a protein or a carbohydrate?

2 The domesticated cultivation of wheat began in 9600 BCE in which part of the world?

3 Which is the majority sect of Islam in Iraq: Sunni or Shia?

4 The 1954 film 12 Angry Men is set inside a what?

5 What is the highest legal court of appeal in the Australian court hierarchy?

6 In which film was the constitution of Australia referred to in terms of its ‘vibe’?

7 In which county of England is Windsor Castle (pictured)?

8 Who famously read out the wrong winner for Best Film at the 2017 Academy Awards?

9 Bonnie Elizabeth Parker was one of which infamous pair?

10 The Clyde River flows through which Scottish city?

23 Common greeting question (3,3,3)

24 Make a speech (5)

26 Brief statements (9)

27 Florida city (5)

28 Claptrap (8)

29 Steal (6)

Edgeword

No. 066

Place each of the tiles of letters into the blank jigsaw below to create four six-letter words going across and down.

DOWN

1 Characterised by satire (7)

2 Slumber (5)

3 Domain of an earl (7)

5 Area of hilly land (6)

6 Deny (7)

7 Doppelganger (4-5)

8 Time for leisure (7)

10 Beauty and the Beast heroine (5)

14 Female cleaner (9)

16 US president (1963-69) (7)

17 Recount (7)

19 Periods of 60 minutes (5)

20 He might have a carrot for a nose (7)

21 From Stockholm, say (7)

22 Song’s words (6)

25 Separated (5)

9-Letter

No. 066

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

Solutions

by Tony Lopes

by Mike Marland

5/6K – Dubbo South Public School

5/6K have started the new school year on a high with their teacher Miss Patrice Kent, welcoming some amazing new incentives for students who are at school every day, enthusiastic for learning and challenging themselves to improve on their results from last year. Students will also enjoy leadership opportunities with our younger students out on the playground, opportunities to excel

at sports with Western District & State sporting events as well as cultural experiences with DHUB, SistaSpeak and iCAN. Students will work on their personal development through the whole school wellbeing program which focuses on developing character strengths and building on awareness and regulation of emotions in order to develop resilience in readiness for high school and beyond.

Annabelle Josie Skinner

Born 16/11/22

Weight 3720g

Parents Michala Walkom and Allan Skinner, Dubbo

Grandparents John and Janet Walkom, Dubbo, Paul and Bedelia Skinner, Forbes

Eadie Will

Eadie Willow Bishop /1/2023

Weight 5lb 7oz

Parents Janette and Kade Bishop

Harriet Kate Renneberg

Born 01/01/2023

Weight 3420 grams

Parents Samuel and Lauren Renneberg, Dubbo

Siblings Matilda (1)

Grandparents Craig and Sally Renneberg, Dubbo; Vince and Cathy Brady, Dubbo

Laura Fern Honeyball

Born 24/1/23

Weight 3100g

Parents Kate Crossley and Florian Honeyball (Dubbo)

Siblings Toby (5) and Benjamin (3)

Grandparents Gail and Max Crossley, Daniele and William Honeyball (all of Sydney)

Maxwell Moncrieff Wright

Born 16/01/23

Weight 3.3kg

Sibling Millie (2)

Parents Jodie and Daniel Wright

Harlow Blair Parrish

Born 20/01/2023

Weight 3458g

Parents Shayleigh Jeffery and Brandon Parrish, Dubbo

P S (8) Gran Lovejo er y, Y a Parr

Siblings Ruby Smith (8), Elijah Smith (4)

Grandparents Samantha Lovejoy, Lithgow, Desmond ery, Yeoval, Shane and Lorna Parrish, Central Coast.

POSITIONS VACANT

School Canteen Licence

Tenders are called for the licence of the school canteen commencing on 26th April, 2023 for a term of 3 years with an option to renew for 2 years. Annual school enrolments will be approximately 400.

General enquiries and requests for a Tender Information Package should be referred to: Amanda Hupp, Business Manager 02 6882 3086 or dubbowest-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Tenders must be sent electronically and noted in the subject line “Commercial in ConfidenceSchool Canteen Tender” and sent to: The Principal dubbowest-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Tenders close at 3pm on 28th February, 2023

Mandatory Criteria: All employees must hold a current working with children check.

POSITIONS

2

Countrywide Industries Pty Ltd is a local farm machinery manufacturing and general engineering business engaging in various metal fabrication principles.

We use the latest CAD 3D design and analysis for our designs.

Please email your resume to cwi@hwy.com.au

THE DIARY

ON THIS WEEK

Dubbo City Ladies Probus Club: 10am, Tuesday, February 14, February (AGM after March), Masonic Village Hall, Darby Close, Contact Annemieke Neville 0432305103 or Liz Lamble 0432369500.

THURSDAY

Above Board Gamers: SECOND and FOURTH Thursday of the month, 6pm, upstairs at the Devil’s Hollow Brewery, February dates, 9th and 23rd, contact Alan 0432 278 235.

Akela Playgroup: Scout Hall, 4 Akela St., 9.30am, Sharna 0438 693 789.

Badminton: Delroy High School Auditorium, East Street, West Dubbo, 7.30pm-9.30pm, $5 to play ($3 for school students) $22 yearly insurance ($15 for school students). All are welcome.

Chris 6887 3413.

Bingo - South Dubbo Veteran’s & Community Men’s Shed: 11am-12.30pm, West Dubbo Bowling Club. New players welcome. Contact Barry 0439 344 349.

Coffee, Craft and Chat: 9.30am-12pm, Gospel Hall, Cnr of Boundary Road and Taylor Street. Contact Anne 0428 425 958.

Conversational English in Dubbo: FIRST and THIRD Thursday of the month during the school term, 2pm-3pm, Dubbo Uniting Church. Free. Contact, 6885 4200.

Croquet: 8.15am, Muller Park Tennis and Croquet courts, Brisbane St, North Dubbo, new players of all ages are welcome. Tricia 0428 876

204 or Margaret 0427 018 946.

CWA Dubbo: FIRST Thursday of the month, 9.30am to 11am, Oaktree Retirement Village Peel Street, Dubbo. New members welcome Marion 6884 2957.

CWA Wongarbon Handicraft: SECOND Thursday of the month, enquiries to Chris 6884 1179.

CWA Wongarbon: FIRST Thursday of the month, 10am, Wongarbon CWA rooms. Marjorie 6884 5558.

Digital @ Dubbo: 10am to 1pm, Macquarie Regional Library, 45-minute session for your internet or technology questions, FREE, bookings essential, contact 6801 4510

Dubbo Anglican Church DNA Youth Group: 7pm-9pm, Anglican Church Hall, 158 Brisbane St., during school terms.

Dubbo Anglican Church Trinity Kids

Playgroup: 10am-12pm, Anglican Church Hall, 158 Brisbane St., during School terms. Contact 6884 4990.

Dubbo Community Men’s Shed Inc: Mondays 9am to 1pm and Thu/Sat 1pm to 5pm. Small joining fee after three visits. All men are welcome, Kevin 0427 253 445.

Dubbo RSL Day Club: 10am and 2pm, Orana Gardens

Family History Society (Dubbo & District): 1pm to 4pm, volunteers on site during these hours, Western Plains Cultural Centre Community Arts Centre, Cnr Wingewarra & Gipps Street

Heart Support Walking Group: 12.30pm, (also Tuesdays), Ollie Robbins Oval, Cnr of Bligh Street. Supports gentle exercise promoting healthy hearts, contact Ray 0437 541 942

Line Dancing: 9.30am to 12 noon, at David Palmer Centre, Cobbora Road. Kathy 6888 5287 or Lynn 6888 5263.

Macquarie Masons Dubbo: SECOND Thursday of the month. All visitors are welcome, John O’Brien 0405 051 896.

your community event info to diary@dubbophotonews.com.au or phone

6885

Outback Dragons Dubbo: EVERY Thursday, 5.45pm (in summer), Sandy Beach amenities block. Come and try dragon boating, your first five paddles are Free. Newcomers are always welcome, email info@outbackdragons.com.au or call Robyn 0427462504.

Wellington Arts and Crafts: 10am-3pm, Small Hall in the Anglican Church grounds, Wellington, variety of crafts, activities and workshops offered. Contact Lynne 6845 4454.

FRIDAY

Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings: 7pm

(1.5hrs) - ID meeting, Dubbo Community Health, Palmer Street, Dubbo. Contact Dee 0417 422 750, 1300 222 222 or www.aa.org.au, for meeting information.

Alzheimer’s & Dementia Support Group: THIRD Friday of the month, 2pm, Anne or Jeanie 6881 3704.

Central West Makers Place: 12pm-6pm, South Dubbo Veterans and Community Men’s Shed, corner of Palmer and High Streets, Dubbo. 3D printing, basic electronics, robotics, silk screening and pottery. Adam 0431 038 866. Communion Service (Dubbo Anglican Church): 10am, Brotherhood House chapel, 158 Brisbane St. Community Kitchen: FIRST Friday of the month, 6.30pm, Holy Trinity Hall, Brisbane St, free meal.

CPSA (Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association): SECOND

Friday each month, 10am, Dubbo RSL Club. Discuss issues, guest speaker. Monthly meeting will be held on Friday 10th of February. Our Guest at this meeting Luke Koller from Head Office. Further Information Barb 0427251121

Dubbo Nepalese Christian Fellowship: 6.30-8pm. Contact Cyrel on 0416 826 701 or Kabita 0452 406 234.

Dubbo Parkinson’s Support Group: FIRST Friday of each month, 10.30am, Horizons village, Minore Road, Dubbo. People with Parkinson’s and their carers are welcome. Lorna 0416 240 626.

Dubbo VIEW Club: Cards & Games afternoon will be held on Friday, 17th February at Dubbo RSL, commencing at 1.00PM. Enquiries please phone Shirley on 0427-822-874

Lunchtime Prayer Group - Dubbo

Anglican Church: 1-2pm in Brotherhood House, 158 Brisbane Street. All Welcome. Bring your lunch.

Narromine Food Barn: 9am-11am, Low-cost groceries and FREE fruit, vegetables and bread with any purchase to people in need. Contact Ken Rumble on 0414 477 365.

Rhymetime: 10.30am - 11am, during school term only, suits 0-2 years and families, stories, song and movement. Macquarie Regional Library.

Spinning and Weaving: 10am, at Dubbo Arts and Craft Cottage, 137 Cobra Street. Lorraine 6887 8371.

Tai Chi at U3A: 10am, at the Community Arts Centre, Western Plains Cultural Centre, 76 Wingewarra Street. Richard 6888 5656. The News Café: 10am - 12.30pm, for lively conversation about current news and affairs. Free, no bookings required. Dubbo Library.

Urban Tribe: 2pm, with dancing, music, singing, caring and sharing. Everyone is welcome and let’s do it. 0459 762 702.

Western Plains Trefoil Guild: SECOND Friday of each month, 10.30am, Dubbo West Guide Hall. Everyone is welcome. Please con-

firm the meeting will be on. Dorothy 6884 6646.

SATURDAY

Beekeepers Inc - Orana: SECOND Saturday of the month, 9.15am, Narromine Tennis Club rooms, unless other arrangements are made. Contact orana.secretary@beekeepers.asn.au

Bridge Club - Dubbo: 1pm until approximately 4.30pm, Bultje Street. $7 members, $9 non-members. Libby 0428 254 324. Croquet: 8.15am, Muller Park Tennis and Croquet courts, Brisbane St, North Dubbo. New players of all ages are welcome. Tricia 0428 876 204 or Margaret 0427 018 946.

CWA Gilgandra Market: FIRST Saturday of the month, 9am-1pm, Cakes, fruit, pickles, plants and more! New stall holders are welcome. $5 per stall, proceeds to CWA. Hilda 6847 1270.

Dubbo Anglican Church Vigil Communion Service: 6pm, 158 Brisbane Street. Contact 6884 4990.

Dubbo Bridge Club: 1pm, Bultje Street (Tennis Courts), Dubbo. $7 members, $9 non-members. Libby 0428 254 324 Dubbo Community Men’s Shed Inc: Mondays, 9am to 1pm and Thu/Sat 1pm to 5pm. Small joining fee after three visits. “All men are welcome.” Kevin 0427 253 445.

Dubbo Slot Car Racing Club: 4pm, FIRST and THIRD Saturday of the month, Seniors (15+), old Scouts Building, 189-191 Talbragar Street, across from Aldi. Terry 0408 260 965.

Embroiderers - Dubbo: 10am-3pm, (also see Tuesday listing), All are welcome, Macquarie Regional Library, Contact, Ruth 0422 777 323 Family History Society (Dubbo & District): 10am to 1pm, volunteers on site during these hours, Western Plains Cultural Centre Community Arts Centre, Cnr Wingewarra & Gipps Street

Outback Writers Centre Hub Meeting:

FIRST Saturday of the month, (Feb-Dec), 10am-1pm, Western Plains Cultural Centre, Community Arts Centre, Music Room, 76 Wingewarra Street, Dubbo.

Outback Writers Centre Write-in: THIRD Saturday of the month, (Feb-Nov), 11.30am1.30pm, Macquarie Regional Library, Cnr Macquarie & Talbragar Streets, Dubbo

Patchwork and Quilters Group: 9am, SECOND and LAST Saturday of the month, at the Dubbo Pipe Band Hall, Corner of Darling and Wingewarra Streets, Dubbo. New members are always welcome, and we happily support anyone wanting to learn. Further enquiries to Charlene on 0408 825 180. Parkrun - Dubbo: 8am every week, FREE timed (with barcode), 5km run, jog or walk, starts at Sandy Beach, dogs, prams are welcome. Email dubbohelpers@parkrun.com to help!

RSL Tennis Club: 12.45pm, RSL Park Street courts for enjoyable social tennis. All are welcome. 0428 825 480.

Saturday Art: 10am, at Dubbo Arts and Crafts Society Cottage, 137 Cobra St. Pam 6885 1918. Seventh-day Adventist Church: 9.30am, small group bible study (Sabbath School) and children’s/youth Sabbath School, and 11am, Divine Service. Cnr Cobra and Sterling Streets. dubbo.adventist.org.au

Western Plains Cultural Centre

Smokescreen Film Season: FIRST Saturday of each month, 4pm, February to November. Tickets $10, Season pass, $70.

SUNDAY

Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings (Steps and Traditions): 7pm (1.5hrs), ‘Steps and Traditions’ meeting, Dubbo Community Health, Palmer Street, Dubbo. Ph: Jack 0418 605 041, Sally 0427 829 807, 1300 222 222 or www.aa.org.au for meeting information.

Australian Kite Flyers Society: SECOND Sunday of the month, 10am, Jubilee Oval. All welcome to come along and see how to build and fly modern (and old) kites. David 0476 223 342.

Bicycle User Group Social Ride: 9am, at Wahroonga Park. Mick 0437 136 169 or Sam 0429826076, dubbobug.org.au

Dubbo Acoustic Musicjam (DAMjam):

SECOND Sunday of the month, 2pm to 5pm, Milestone Hotel, upstairs. All are welcome. Join us for this acoustic session with other musicians or just listen. Peter 0457 787 143. Dubbo Anglican Church Traditional Communion Service: 8am, 158 Brisbane Street. 6884 4990.

Dubbo Anglican Church: 10am, Trinity Kids Sunday School and family Communion service.

Dubbo Baptist Church: 6pm, at 251 Cobra Street (next to Spotlight), during school terms. Come along and discover if church is still relevant in today’s world. Everyone is welcome. 6884 2320. Dubbo Baptist Church: 9.30am, 251 Cobra Street (next to Spotlight). Everyone is welcome. 6884 2320.

Dubbo Pistol Club: 12.30pm, 143L Old Dubbo Road, 6882 0007. Mindful Crafting for Adults: 12.3pm-2pm, crafting group learning new or improving existing crafting skills. Experienced and beginners. For the next session date, contact Dubbo Library on 6801 4510.

Orana K9 Training Club INC: 9am daylight savings time, 10am, Eastern Standard, Katrina Gibbs Field Macleay St, Dubbo. New class intake is FIRST Sunday of each month, dogs MUST be vaccinated and certificate sighted at first class. Contact Reg Parker 0428 849 877, Dianne Acheson 0429 847 380 Orana Pistol Club: 9am, Hyandra Lane, Dubbo. Sundays only, 6887 3704.

Traditional Catholic Latin Mass –Rawsonville: SECOND Sunday of the month, 9am, Rawsonville Soldier’s Memorial Hall, Rawsonville Road. 0429 920 842. Transcendental Meditation (TM): Free introductory talks via www.tm.org.au. Maharishi Foundation Australia scientifically proven benefits of TM. Contact David 0424 252 834.

MONDAY

Alcoholics Anonymous (Daily Reflections Meeting): 12pm (1.5hrs), ‘Daily Reflections’ meeting, St Brigid’s Catholic Church meeting rooms, 198 Brisbane St, Dubbo. Please contact Jack 0418 605 041 or Sally 0427 829 807, 1300 222 222 or www. aa.org.au for information.

Amnesty International Dubbo: SECOND Monday of the month, 5.30pm-6.30pm, St Brigid’s meeting room. The group will provide a platform for people passionate about human rights and social justice to discuss these issues and take positive action in their local community. Contact Sandra Lindeman amnesty.dubbo@gmail.com or 0419 167 574.

Anglican Women’s Association: 5.30pm, at Holy Trinity. Dorothy 6884 4990.

Australian Air Force Cadets: 6pm9.30pm, at Army Barracks (Cnr Kokoda Pl and Wingewarra St). NOW recruiting, 13 to 18-year-olds prepared for a challenge and to undertake fun and rewarding activities. Come down to your local unit, 313 “City of Dubbo” Squadron.

Dubbo Bridge Club: FOURTH Monday of the month, 10am-1pm, Bultje Street. $7 members, $9 non-members. Libby 0428 254 324.

Dubbo City Physical Culture Club: 4.30pm onward, Wesley Community Hall, 66 Church Street, Dubbo. Fun affordable dance class for girls and ladies, 4yrs and up, of all fitness levels. Email dubbocityphysie@live. com.au for information.

Dubbo Community Men’s Shed Inc: Mondays, 9am to 1pm and Thu/Sat 1pm to 5pm. Small joining fee after three visits. “All men are welcome.” Kevin 0427 253 445.

Dubbo Multicultural Women’s Group: THIRD Monday of the month, 10am, St Brigid’s Meeting Room in Brisbane Street. Women of all backgrounds are invited. 1800 319 551.

Dubbo VIEW Club: The next lunch meeting will be on Monday, 20th February at the RSL, commencing at 11.30am

Guests are always most welcome.

Enquiries please phone Beth on 0431-290-274, or 0419-827-557. For bookings and cancellations please phone Beth before 10.00am, Friday 17th February.

Macquarie Women’s Bowling Club Card

Afternoon: SECOND Monday of the month. $7 per person, includes lucky door prizes and afternoon tea. Contact Rosslyn 6882 4989, 1300 222 222, www.aa.org.au for information.

Patchwork: 10am-3pm, at Dubbo Arts & Craft Cottage, 137 Cobra St, contact June 6882 4677.

RFDS Dubbo Support Group monthly meetings: FIRST Monday of the month (except Public Holidays), 5.00pm at RFDS Visitor Experience, 21 Judy Jakins Drive, Dubbo Airport. President Jeanette Hamilton 0429 673 366.

Rotary Club of Dubbo: 6pm-8pm, Westside Hotel, Whylandra Street, West Dubbo. Contact Lyn Wicks, 0428 342 374, Carla Pittman, 0418 294 438 or email dubborotaryclub@hotmail.com.

Sing Australia Dubbo Choir: 7pm-9pm, Bridge Club, Bultje Street. NO auditions, no requirements to read music and no singing experience necessary. Contact Michele Peak 0428 680 775.

Tai Chi 10 Form: 2.30pm-3.30pm during school terms at U3A, Community Arts Centre, WPCC, 76 Wingewarra Street Dubbo. Beginners are welcome. Laney 6882 4680 or laneyluk@gmail.com.

TUESDAY

Aboriginal Elders Walkabout Ministry Group: 9.30am - 2pm in Holy Trinity Church Hall, 158 Brisbane Street AllAbilitiesDanz: 9.45am, Dubbo RSL Club. Classes are low impact, work on heart health, flexibility, mobility, coordination and strength.

Tracy 0416 010 748 for a free trial or to join the free class Book Club: FIRST Tuesday of the month, 2pm, share, discuss and review books, or start your own book club. Register your club with the library to access a wide range of book club titles to bor-

row, read, discuss and enjoy. For more information contact Dubbo Library, 6801 4510 Croquet: 8.15am, Muller Park Tennis and Croquet courts, Brisbane St, North Dubbo. New players of all ages are welcome. Tricia 0428 876 204 or Margaret 0427 018 946

Dementia Sing Out Choir: 11am-12.30pm, David Palmer Centre at Old Lourdes Hospital site, entry on Cobbora Road. Lunch included, contact Anne Gemmell or Jeanie Cronk on 6881 3704 Depression Recovery Group: 10.30am, at the Catholic Parish Meeting Room, Brisbane St. Norm 6882 6081 or Bill 6882 9826.

Digital @ Dubbo: 10am to 1pm, Confused, worried, stumped or frustrated by the internet or tech? Book a free, 45-minute one-on-one session with our team who can assist with your technology queries. Contact Dubbo Library, 6801 4510 Digital Skills for Seniors: Free one-on-one help to use your smartphone, tablet/iPad, or laptop. Need help going online or do you have some technology questions? Connecting Community Services, 31-33 Church Street. To make a booking, phone 1800 319 551.

Dubbo City Physical Culture Club: 5pm onward, Holy Trinity Hall, Brisbane Street, Dubbo. Fun, affordable dance class for girls and ladies, 4yrs and up, of all fitness levels. Email dubbocityphysie@live.com.au for information.

Dubbo and District Computer Club: 7pm, Akela Place Hall, contact Daryl 0408 284 300. Dubbo Chess Club: 7pm-9pm, at Dubbo RSL. Juniors welcome. Don 0431 460 584 or Sandy 0408 200 564

Dubbo City Ladies Probus Club: 2ND Tuesday of the month, 10am, February and March (AGM after March), Masonic Village Hall, Darby Close, Contact Annemieke Neville 0432305103 or Liz Lamble 0432369500.

Dubbo Embroiderers: 9.30am - 3pm, SECOND and FOURTH Tuesday of the month, (also see Saturday listing), Dubbo Bridge Club, Elston Park. All are welcome, Contact Ruth 0422 777 323.

Dubbo Lions Club Inc: FIRST and THIRD Tuesday of the month, 6.30pm, Club Dubbo. Reg 0407 491 302 or Hugh 0429 151 348

Dubbo Men’s Probus: FIRST Tuesday of every month, 11am, Masonic Hall, contact Bob Ellis 0428217752

Dubbo Prostate Support Group: 10am, Tuesday, February 7, Dubbo Memorial RSL Club, contact Elizabeth 0408 682 968

Dubbo RSL Euchre Club: 7pm, for 7.30pm, Dubbo RSL, contact Glen 0419 179 985 or Doreen 6882 6163

Family History Society (Dubbo & District): 1pm to 4pm, Cnr Wingewarra & Gipps Sts, Western Plains Cultural Centre, Community Arts Centre, volunteers on site during these hours. Girls Brigade: During school term, 6pm to 8pm, Orana Baptist Church, 4 Palmer St. For all school aged girls. Enjoy crafts, games, camps, stories, songs, cooking and much more. Julie 6882 4369

Heart Support Walking Group: 12.30pm, (also Thursday), Ollie Robbins Oval, Cnr of Bligh Street. Supports gentle exercise promoting healthy hearts, contact Ray 0437 541 942 Orana Physical Culture: 4pm onwards, starting with the 2-4 years Sparkles class in the Auditorium at St Mary’s Primary School. New members are always welcome. For other class times and information see the Orana Physical Culture Facebook page.

Rotary Club of Dubbo Macquarie: 12.30pm - 2pm, Westside Hotel, contact Peter McInnes 0417 140 149

Rotary Club of Dubbo South: 6pm, at South

Services forSeniors

Wecanhelpyouathomeandconnectyoutopeopleandservices.

HomeModifications:Grabrails,handrails,hand-heldshower,stepmodifications,leverhandles. HomeMaintenance:Includingrepairingwindows,doors,andflooringhazards.

Informationandreferrals:Callusifyouareunsureofwhotogotoforserviceinformation. One-on-onedigitalskills:Freehelptouseyoursmartphone,iPad/tabletorlaptop.

CommunityVisitors: Afriendlyvisitortocomeandspendsometimewithyou. Volunteering:Talktousaboutourprogramsseekingvolunteers.

Low-costFoodPantry: OpenMonday,Wednesday,Friday10am-12.30pm

MobilityAidsandMaintenance: At OranaDisabilitySales andService, 92VictoriaStreetDubbo.

Dubbo Tavern Silver Craft: THIRD Tuesday of the month, 10am, at Dubbo Arts and Crafts Society

Cottage, 137 Cobra St. Julie 6884 4919

Smart Recovery (Behaviour Change

Support Group): 5pm, online or in person. Contact Rob on 0417 497 187.

South Dubbo Veteran’s & Community

Men’s Shed: 9am to 12pm, Cnr of High and Palmer Streets. New members welcome Storytime for children: 10.30am - 11am during school terms at Macquarie Regional Library, for children aged 3 to 5 and their families. Free session filled with stories, songs, rhymes and activities. To book visit www.mrl.nsw.gov.au

Toastmasters Club: FIRST and THIRD Tuesday of the month, 7pm-9pm, Dubbo RSL Club, Brisbane St., Gain confidence in speaking and leading skills. There are club, area and district competitions to participate in. Sharon Allan 0408 156 015 or email sallan@rhdubbo.com.au

WEDNESDAY

Akela Playgroup: (also see Thursday listing), 10.30am, Scout Hall, 4 Akela Street, contact Sharna 0438 693 789.

Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings: 7pm, (1.5hrs), ‘Topic’ meeting, St Brigid’s Catholic Church meeting rooms, 198 Brisbane Street, Dubbo, contact Jack 0418605041 or Sally 0427 829 807, 1300 222 222 or www.aa.org.au, for information.

AllAbilitiesDanz: 10.30am, West Dubbo

Primary Community Centre. Kids, 0 to 5, an interactive class, music, props and movement. Gold coin donation per family.

Blood Cancer Support Group: FIRST

Wednesday of each month, 10.30am-12pm, Venue changes each month. Louise or Emma 0412 706 785.

Brain Training: 2pm to 3.30pm, Macquarie

Regional Library, Dubbo, puzzles and interactive games to improve memory, concentration and problem-solving skills. Spaces limited; bookings required. Contact 6801 4510

Breast Cancer Support Group: FOURTH

Wednesday of every month, 10am, Baptist Church, Palmer Street, Community Health 5853 2545

Bric-a-brac sale, weekly - South

Dubbo Veterans and Community

Men’s Shed: 10am-12pm, Corner of Palmer and High Streets. Contact Barry on 0439 344

349

Coffee, Craft & Chat: FORTNIGHTLY, 10am-12pm, Gospel Chapel on Boundary Road. Contact Anne 0428 425 958.

CWA Dubbo Evening branch: FIRST

Wednesday of the month, 7pm, 3 Frith Street. New members welcome. Contact Barb 0409 159 556.

CWA Narromine: SECOND Wednesday of the month, 5.30pm, USMC. New members are welcome. Contact Carolyn 0427747478.

CWA Terramungamine: SECOND

Wednesday of the month, 10am, Dubbo RSL Club. New members are most welcome.

Contact Barb 0427 251 121.

Dementia Friendship Group: SECOND

Wednesday of the month, 10am, Western Plains Cultural Centre, Creo Cafe (formerly The Outlook Cafe), Wingewarra St. Contact Anne Gemmell or Jeanie Cronk on 6881 3704

Digital @ Dubbo: 2pm - 4pm, Macquarie Regional Library, Dubbo, Learn about video calls, online privacy and shopping, internet and technology questions, Free, 45-minute, one-on-one session. Contact 6801 4510

Digital Skills for Seniors: Free one-onone help to use your smartphone, tablet/

iPad, or laptop. Need help going online or do you have some technology questions?

Connecting Community Services, 31-33 Church Street. To make a booking, phone 1800 319 551.

Dubbo Arts and Craft Cottage: 10am4pm, 137 Cobra Street. A large range of handcrafted gifts made by members available. Contact 6881 6410.

Dubbo Bobbin Lacemakers: THIRD

Wednesday of the month, 10am-3pm, Arts & Crafts Society Cottage and Craft Shop, 137 Cobra Street. Visitors, new members are very welcome. Contact Judy 6882 5776.

Dubbo Bridge Club: 9.45am, for 10am1pm, Bultje Street (Tennis Courts), Dubbo.

$7 members, $9 non-members. Libby 0428

254 324

Dubbo Community Garden: 9am-12pm, 4 Palmer Street. A time to garden with others, learn more skills and grow friendships.

All are welcome. Contact Denise 0433 623

842 or Julie 0428 821 829

Dubbo Electric Vehicle Interest, Owners, Users & Supporters

(DEVIOUS) group: 12pm to 1pm, FIRST

Wednesday of each month, Western Plains Cultural Centre café. Anyone interested in learning about EVs is welcome to join. Chris 0409 321 470.

Dubbo Garden Club: 10am, FIRST

Wednesday of each month, Garden gatherings with morning tea. Contact, President, Annette Storer, 0429 828 882.

Dubbo Ratepayers and Residents

Association: 6.30pm, every SECOND

Wednesday of each month, RSL Coffee

Shop. Jenny 6884 4214 or Merilyn 0458 035 323.

Dundullimal Dubbo Support Crew Inc: 10am, FOURTH Wednesday of each month, Dundullimal Homestead. We support the operations at the Homestead, guiding, tours, gardening, and helping in café. Fun, friendship, learn as you go! All are welcome. Contact 6884 9984 or dundullimal@nationaltrust.com.au

Gamblers Anonymous: 6pm, Baptist Church, Dubbo. Victor 0407 799 139.

Geurie Craft Group: 9am-2pm, Geurie Bowling Club. Everyone is welcome. Shirley 6887 1251

Line Dancing: 6.30pm to 9pm, David Palmer Centre, Cobbora Rd. Kathy 6888 5287 or Lynn 6888 5263.

Lodge Allan Stuart 416: SECOND Wednesday of every month, Geurie Masonic Centre. Please email secretary@lodgeallanstuart416.org.au

Macquarie Intermediate Band: 6pm, during school terms, Band Hall, Boundary Rd. Players of all ages wanted for the concert band. Conservatorium 6884 6686 or info@macqcon.org.au or Dubbo District Band on 0422 194 059 or email at dubboband@gmail.com.

Walter T. Grant Seniors Social Club: 9am-2pm, Number 1 Oval, Club house. $6 per day. Please bring your own lunch. Cards and games are played before lunch, after lunch is Bingo. New members welcome. Contact Jan Miller 0418 255 217 West Dubbo Rotary: 6pm, Club Dubbo, Whylandra Street West Dubbo. Wriggle and Rhyme and Storytime: 10.30am-11am, during school term, 0-5 years and families. Free. Movement, rhymes and stories. Bookings via www.mrl. nsw.gov.au

Zumba Kids: 4.15pm, West Dubbo Primary Community Centre. A FUN dynamic class that keeps young bodies active, for kids aged 5 to 12. Gold coin donation per family.

Kid’s Play Corner

Haylee returns home after recent top national results

GUN local cyclist Haylee Fuller recently returned to Dubbo from the prestigious Tour Down Under and the Cadel Evans Ocean Road Race for track-racing at the Dubbo Regional Cycling facility.

Haylee mixed with the youngest of riders to encourage them during the night’s racing that saw some great performances from a number of competitors.

The standard program included a warm-up scratch race, two handicapped races, and a final, longer scratch race.

Tiny-tot riders Alphie, Elsie, Tommy and Isabelle all had a lot of fun racing in front of a big appreciative crowd.

Alfie took the first win with Tommy winning the second and the third race, with Elsie and Isabelle close on their heels.

Junior Development saw Euan William Weeks share the spoils on the night with younger rider Mary Lennox cycling impressively.

In Junior Division One, Cooper Farr dominated by winning every race he entered, with Sidney Pickering finishing close behind.

There was fantastic riding also from Will Tanswell, Scarlett Weeks and Robert Lennox filling the minor placings.

Craig Granger and Bella Weeks had D Grade all on their own and swapped placings during the night. C Grade Riders in a full field saw Imogen Fuller taking the opening scratch race with Harry Pickering taking the Half-Mile Handicap.

Then, in the One-Mile Handicap, Jason Billsborough took the win and also the final scratch race.

In a combined A and B Grade, Tim Hines and Isabelle Russell won respectively in the opening scratch race, Jason Farr and Isabelle won the Half-Mile with Tim Hines in A Grade and Haylee Fuller in B Grade winning One-Mile Handicap.

Isabelle Russell again proved her form by taking the final scratch race with Tim taking A Grade.

Over the weekend, Haylee contested the 160km 2023 Lochard Energy Warrnambool Women’s Cycling Classic coming in 16th overall, and sixth in youth

Sundee Combo bowls event sees good 40-plus

Contributed by 'PISTOL PETE'

A TOTAL of 43 participants attended the recent Sundee Combo bowls event.

Helene Emblen, Tod O’Dea, and Phil Knight had a tough game, but defeated Ron Morrison, Gaye Cottee, and Mel Giddings 16 to 13, with a six-shot end four being the outstanding difference, as both sides scored seven shots each over the last eight ends.

Rink Eight was good for Ron McCauley, Ross Pharo, and Col Cottee as they put together a strong performance during the first eight ends to leave Chris Castlehouse, Al Andriske and Graham Ross struggling for the whole game. With the 10 ends won, Col and his side gathered 19 shots and dropped nine to have an easy win.

Cheryl Storch, Gordon Lummis, and John Cole shared the spoils with Vicki Hummel, Ian Humphries, and Col Dover during their 16-end tussle, given the five on the 11th end, and a single on the last end squared the score at 13-all, which ended at eight all.

Assembling a five-shot 14th end proved to be the killer that allowed Sue McCauley, Kenno Whittaker, and Paul Goodstat to sneak ahead of John Kennedy, Pete Bennison, and Roy Frost. They scraped in a win by the one shot, 15 to 14 the result.

Once again, Leo Balstad was the swinger for Allan Stratford and Pete Ruzans, as well as Roger Sherwin and Alex Rae. The game was much closer than the score indicated, which fell into the laps of Roger and Alex after having bowled a five on the eighth end and doing better during the second eight ends.

Another close game, saw John McKenzie teamed with Karen Greenhalge to stay with Julie Brown and Ian Hobson for most of the game but, a five on the 16th end by Julie and Ian, certainly gave them the win, 21 to 15.

One more game of pairs, Gary Huggins with Bryan O’Sullivan, battled to gain a narrow win against Robert Pfeiffer and Trish Gosper, 16 to 13. The difference came from the three lots of doubles during the second eight by Gary and Bryan.

Haylee marked riders and chased down attempted break-aways by Australia’s best elite female riders to ensure her team kept together.

The Dubbo Cycle Club is extremely proud of her efforts, and the nationally-televised coverage made mention of the Dubbo club’s amazing history and

riums from 6pm sign-on, which was well-attended, with Juniors again well-attended on Sunday morning from 8am.

The season is again heating up with the Junior State Titles not too far off on the weekend of March 11 and 12, with Dubbo now hosting the event for nearly a quarter of a century.

Pat Sherwin, Steve Kelly, and Gordon Scott enjoyed their game, however, they did not gain as many shots as did Chris Strojny, Ruby Stockings, and Chris Crisante who were on top for most of their 16 ends, especially over the second eight ends, winning six ends. They won the game 17 to eight, 11 ends to five.

The winners for the morning were Chris Strojny, Ruby Stockings, and Chris Crisante from Ron McCauley, Ross Pharo, and Col Cottee on a countback. Resters were done by Pete Ruzans and Pete Bennison.

This coming Sundee should have fine weather that all bowlers enjoy –warm, slight breeze, and no drizzle or rain!

Gun young rider and brilliant cyclist, Haylee Fuller (with some of her smallest fans) at Dubbo Regional Cycling facility recently. PHOTO: CONRIBUTED

Nelson tees off with 87 not out

By DAVID DIXON

Photos by MEL POCKNALL

OPENER Tom Nelson from CYMS definitely took the long handle in the recent Megahit T20 Friday night game versus South Dubbo at Victoria Park No.1 Oval.

The big-hitting opener finished on 87 not-out from only 59 balls with 13 boundaries in CYMS’ impressive total of 5/147.

Emerging talent Cooper Townsend also chipped in with a stylish 22 not-out from 23 balls. Best of the

bowlers, was Blake Dylan who finished with 3/10.

South Dubbo made a brave run at the daunting total, but finished at 7/105 with NSW Country Rep, opener Matt Everett, doing his best with 31 off 35 balls with South Dubbo finishing 42 runs short.

The Friday night comp has proven popular with local fans regularly heading down after work for some spectacular battling, bowling and fielding, with the competition soon entering the pointy end of the season.

colour copy shop

Forget the US Masters, the NSW regional golf tour is coming to Dubbo

DUBBO has again been chosen to host some of the best golfers in NSW as part of a Golf NSW series of professional tournaments in regional NSW from 2024.

The event will see Dubbo again host a Men’s NSW Open regional qualifying tournament next year.

President of the Dubbo Golf Club, David Hayes, couldn't be happier, saying that his entire committee is excited about hosting another qualifying event next year.

“We’ve certainly had an exciting few years here at the club, with top quality players and tour-

naments helping lift the profile of our course,” Mr Hayes said

“We see the benefits as a club, but also as community members, from hosting these large events, and will be looking forward to another men’s qualifying tournament next year.”

Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders agrees.

“The last few years have been amazing for golf in Dubbo – the multiple competitions we’ve hosted, including the NSW Women’s Open, have generated great interest around the sport, and the community is really looking forward

Comment

by DAVID DIXON

“IT’S just not cricket” is an old English term reflecting the view that how the game is played is, in many ways, more important than the result.

The idea is that, due to its supposedly gentlemanly origins, cricket is one of the few games where honour and fair play amongst opponents is the central ethos of the sport.

What other world game, for instance, requires the fielding side to ask “how is that?” as a form of appeal to an umpire, before a decision of "out" or "not out" is given?

Reflecting this view is the belief that some ways of getting an opponent out are simply not in the right spirit of the game.

For instance, handling of the ball by a batsman is a legitimate form of dismissal.

Yet batters regularly, even in Test matches, pick-up “dead” balls at their feet and hand them back to fielders as a courtesy without the fielding team appealing. A batter who inadvertently leaves his crease after being struck by a ball is also rarely runout by fielders, who are usually more concerned with the player’s welfare.

In a recent Test match, Australian fielder Steve Smith refused to

claim a catch in the slips until a video replay showed whether the ball had hit the ground or not. (It had).

Running-out a batter who has left his crease after getting out on a no-ball, as happened to Steve Waugh in the West Indies a number of years ago, is also considered poor form.

While a batsman at the non-strikers’ end is supposed to stay within his crease until the ball is delivered by the bowler, most bowlers often ignore this convention, or give the batter a “warning” by pretending to strike

to hosting more in the future.

“The club hosted the 2023 ‘Western Open’ men’s regional qualifier just last month, and although the temperatures were pretty hot, so

the bails down in their run-up, before returning to their mark.

Surprisingly though, Cricket NSW recently issued a media release on this very issue – often named “Mankading” after the Indian cricketer who twice dismissed an Australian batsmen in the 1940s in this way.

Far from being bad sportsmanship, the Association said it is the batter who is taking advantage of the practice to gain a headstart on the bowler who is simply trying to stop his opponent from taking a quick run.

For many bowlers, it is also seen as just another of the classbased practices that favour batters (gentlemen) over bowlers (players), from the old amateur-versus-professional hierarchy of English cricket up to the 1940s.

Cricket NSW CEO Lee Germon, a former New Zealand Test captain, said however that the practice is both legal and ethical, and that match officials – particularly volunteers – needed to be supported in upholding the relevant laws of the game.

“For a bowler to run out a batter who is trying to gain an unfair advantage by leaving the crease before the ball has been delivered, is both fair and legal,” Germon said.

“There are no two ways about

were the scores, and all the players were impressed by the condition of the course," he added.

“Dubbo is becoming a hub for sporting events in NSW, which is

fantastic for the entire community because it means more people pumping money into our accommodation, hotels, restaurants and local shops.”

it, and we want our players, match officials and volunteers to know that they have our full support in upholding the laws of cricket – in this and every other instance.

“The pressure placed on match officials, most of whom are wonderful volunteers, to deal with something that evokes so much emotion is unnecessary.

“The law is clear and we want the officials to feel supported in knowing that, and to not be pressured by an outdated school of thought,” he added.

Cricket journalist Greg Baum also recently wrote: “If anything, it is the non-striker who comes nearer to infringing the spirit of cricket in a ‘Mankad’. He’s daring the law. The bowler is upholding it,” he said.

Germon added that the term “Mankading” needed to be removed from the cricket lexicon as it unfairly smeared the Indian all-rounder after whom it is named.

“It has been 75 years since Vinoo Mankad twice ran out Australian Bill Brown, drawing the ire of some in the game,” Germon said.

“Mankad has been vilified ever since, but for what? He carried out a legitimate act to dismiss a batter who was trying to gain an unfair advantage.

“Even the great Sir Donald Bradman has said there was nothing wrong with what Vinoo Mankad did,” Gerom added.

Baum agreed, saying: “’Mankading needs to be accepted as one of many right ways to play cricket. To de-stigmatise it, it might help to de-personalise it.

“We now know this also conjures up a negative experience for many people and cricketers of Indian heritage. It is unfair and needs to stop,” Germon said.

“I hope we can all be better in this area moving forward, inspiring more people to play and love cricket.”

Germon said that, while CNSW was very cognisant of helping volunteer officials, it was also time to use technology available to match officials at the elite level.

“One of our great NSW and Australian cricketers, Mitchell Starc, has been vocal about the use of technology to monitor whether non-strikers remain in their crease and it’s hard to argue with that logic,” Germon said.

“If we are able to use technology to take further pressure off the umpires, and indeed the players, then I am all for it.

So, “Mankading” – is it a legitimate form of getting out a batter trying to take advantage, or a blight on the good name of the game?

Dubbo has been chosen to host some of the best golfers in NSW as part of a Golf NSW series which will see a Men’s NSW Open regional qualifying tournament next year. PHOTO: SUPPLIED.

Indian cricketer Mulvantrai Himmatlal "Vinoo" Mankad, for whom the term "mankading" – running-out a batter at the non-strikers end in cricket – is named.

PHOTO: LORD'S CRICKET HONOURS BOARD

CHAMPIONSHIPS

Little Athletics NSW Region Three at Barden Park

FINE weather greeted competitors from throughout NSW for the Little Athletics NSW Region Three Championships held last weekend at Barden Park Athletics Centre.

The championships brought together participants from the Hawkesbury Nepean River in the east to the NSW/SA border in the west. DRC thanks the community for their cooperation.

PHOTOS: MEL POCKNALL