Dubbo Photo News 13.04.2023

PhotoNews DUBBO

DUBBO’S WWII CIPHER IS TURNING

By JENET STEWART

During World War II, Australia was part of an extensive secret code-breaking organisation.

The code breakers cracked codes used by the Japanese air force, army and water transport units.

These code crackers are said to have changed the course of the Pacific War.

A very young Violet Palm was one of those ciphers, as they were known, who decoded messages.

Violet lived and worked in Brisbane at the army barracks during WWII and later moved to Townsville. Violet’s job as a cipher was with the Australian military. She held the position for four years during WWII until 1948.

“There were only four of us who did the coding, all women,” she told Dubbo Photo News.

“It was cold, we had a kerosene can with coals in it to keep us warm, the soldiers would keep it stoked up.

“We worked in a tent which was connected by many wires to the main building. This is where we decoded the messages.

“We worked very long hours

and my family didn’t really know what I did, they had a bit of an idea but not really, we were sworn to secrecy,” Violet explained. This year, Violet turns 100 years old. She is the oldest female veteran in Dubbo and one of the diminishing number of WWII veterans still living in Australia. She likes visiting the Dubbo RSL Memorial Club on a regular

basis and enjoys playing bingo with her friends and family.

Every year since her service with the Australian military, Violet has attended Anzac Day and in particular the Dawn Service.

“I never miss the Dawn Service,” Violet said..

Pictured: World War II veteran Violet Palm, who turns 100 this year, is just one reason why we celebrate Anzac Day every year. On this day in particular, we commemorate our fallen and celebrate with those who remain for their years of service to our country. Thank you Violet for your service.

PHOTO: DUBBO PHOTO NEWS

PHOTO: DUBBO PHOTO NEWS

PAGE THREE

This week in our Page 3 Profile we celebrate one of Dubbo’s and Australia’s military veterans.

•••

What year were you discharged from the army? I was discharged November 2006.

How long have you lived in Dubbo? I have lived in Dubbo for nine years.

What are your best memories of service in the Australian army? My best memories are the ones from when I meet new mates and when l have been out bush or on an obstacle course as a team.

What’s your greatest achievement? My greatest achievement would be completing a lot of things l didn’t think l was smart enough or strong enough to do, like becoming a Dental Nurse or doing a 50km walk with a full pack on.

Name your favourite Dubbo restaurant or café: My favourite Dubbo restaurant is Okami Japanese Restaurant; favourite bar is The Establishment, best cocktail ever.

What’s your favourite recreational thing to do in Dubbo? I go to any market we have, I love seeing all the handmade goodies.

What’s on your bucket list to do this year? To go visit family in Melbourne.

What advice would you give young people intending to join the Australian armed forces? The main advice l would give to anyone intending on joining is to start learning how to do the basic household things like washing, ironing, folding, cleaning bathroom, making your bed –basically all the adult daily chores. Make a routine and stick to in until you join.

A note from Brigette: I am really hoping that other female veterans will see this and come and join the RSL Sub-Branch. l have always felt welcome, respected and involved in all aspects of the Sub-Branch.

BRIGETTE GLYNN

PHOTO: DUBBO PHOTO NEWS/JENET STEWART

Tipping hats to win big at upcoming race day

By LYDIA PEDRANA

There is less than a month to go until Dubbo Turf Club’s most stylish meet of the season – the Mercedes-Benz Dubbo Queen of the West Ladies Race Day.

With fashion at the forefront of this race day, this year the theme is Cowboy Chic, and the Fashions on the Field competition is being sponsored and judged by one of Australia’s most promising fashion labels, Phylli Designs.

Founder Laura Hall handcrafts unique hats from premium European felt, lined with designer silk and accessorised with luxe finishing touches that have been procured from around the world.

Designed to transcend trends, each hat can be personalised to the wearer's individual style.

Ms Hall, originally from Scone, became a self-taught hatter after quitting her job in transport logistics while living in the big smoke.

“I actually started making hats while I was nannying. I left my corporate role because it no longer fulfilled me in the way I expected a professional job to do so, I just wasn’t happy, so I left my job because it was at a time that I knew that I could. I was living in Sydney at the time and I knew that if there was a time to reprioritise, that was that time,” she told Dubbo Photo News

“I took the time and invested in myself and really re-established what made me happy and where I want to be in life, and how I could facilitate whatever it was that I wanted to do and in that time.

"It was then that I reconnected with my creativity, and I identified a gap in the market for a high-quality fashionable hat where someone could express themselves creatively, design something that was personalised and do so in a really meaningful way that is long-lasting and true to what a hat should be.”

Like many young creatives, Ms Hall first started selling her wares at the famous Bondi Markets, before relocating back to Scone when the pandemic hit.

There, she set up a studio and flagship store and works full-time handmaking custom orders, hosting hat parties and growing the brand.

In fact, her hats have been worn by some of the world’s most famous personalities including Matt and Lucy Damon, Elsa Pataky, Rose Byrne, Mike Tindall and Delta Goodrem.

Excited about her partnership with the Dubbo Turf Club, Ms Hall will be there on the day judging the Fashions on the Field competition.

This year there are four categories – Queen of the Day (Best Dress Lady), Queen’s Consort (Best Dressed Gent), Best Headwear, and Cowboy Chic (a nod to the ontrend theme of the event) – and Ms Hall has shared some hints as to what she will be looking for.

“Because it’s not your traditional race day I think you can get a little bit quirky and cool with the outfits you might usually wear to a race meet, this is where you can really have some fun with accessories, maybe chuck on a really bold suit or a cracking coloured lip,” she said.

“Men, let’s not forget this is a ladies race day, so dress up and have some fun, the girls are going all out and the guys should too. It’s not Derby Day, so go with a fun, print shirt, a great suit jacket or sports coat, a fabulous tie and polish the shoes! It’s my one request. "More importantly, the first thing we see when you walk into a room is your hat, so start there and work your way down.”

More information about the MercedesBenz Dubbo Queen of the West Ladies Race Day – scheduled for on Saturday, May 6 –

Self-taught hatter Laura Hall has become one of Australia's rising fashion stars and she's the major sponsor of Dubbo's most stylish racing event. PHOTO: SUPPLIED.

Phylli Designs' beautiful handmade hats have been worn by some of the world's biggest celebrities.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED.

Dubbo’s Betty Peter, Violet Page and Dorothy Wilson will all turn 100 this year. All three have experienced so much in their lifetimes, including a World War never to be forgotten.

Betty’s husband, Jack Peter, was a returned serviceman along with Dorothy Wilson’s first

Three centuries in

By JENET STEWART

husband, Frank Hill. Dorothy’s husband sadly died as a result of an accident on the Macquarie River.

And Violet, as you may have already read in this week’s edition of Dubbo Photo News , was a returned servicewoman serving as a cipher during World War II.

No doubt, come birthday time, these three ladies will have a major celebration to attend with all of them bosting large family networks of children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

With only a few more days until Anzac Day, we commemorate

both Betty and Dorothy’s husbands and their years of service in the Australian Armed Forces. For Violet, we thank you for your vital service during war time.

Let’s salute these three grand Dubbo ladies and wish them good health and happiness in their 100th year.

Betty Peter, Violet Page and Dorothy Wilson who all turn 100 years of age this year. PHOTO: DUBBO

10AM - 3PM

4 SESSIONS

MONDAY 17 TH - FRIDAY 21 ST APRIL (LOCATED AT CENTRE COURT)

DAILY! Come and get crafty at Orana Mall these school holidays.

Sandsation Sand Art is a fun and enjoyable activity for all ages! With 8 designs to choose from your little ones will love creating their very own work of art to take home.

Bookings not required. Limited spaces available per session.

www.oranamall.com.au

8 DESIGNS TO CHOOSE FROM!

EXHIBIT GROWS IN POPULARITY Blooming beautiful

By LYDIA PEDRANA

AS one of the most popular exhibits at the annual Dubbo Show, the flower competition attracts hundreds and hundreds of entries every year.

With more than 70 classes, there is a category for just about any type of flower and any type of gardener.

Head flower steward, Karen McGuire, first became involved with the exhibition after entering some flowers from her own garden.

“I decided to enter some roses about six or seven years ago, just because I just love gardening. I don’t know a lot about it to be honest, but they look pretty,” she told Dubbo Photo News

“I ended up getting a couple of firsts, seconds and thirds and I offered my help because I know it’s all run by volunteers.

"Sure enough, I was asked to help out the following year and then asked if I’d like to take control, so I got in and took over.”

the three-day festival.

Traditional flower categories like roses and dahlias are generally the most popular, but in recent years quirkier classes have also been added to the program.

“Last year I introduced a new succulent section because they are a big thing at the moment, as well as a hanging basket section,” Mrs McGuire explained.

“The judge last year said that it was the best flower display that she has seen set up.”

There are even kids' categories with under-18s encouraged to create an arrangement from weeds or jazz up a fascinator, under-12s to construct a fairy garden, and under-6s to decorate a pinecone.

“This year in the junior section a whole classroom is entering for the first time since I’ve been involved,” Mrs McGuire said.

“I had a schoolteacher call me and say she’s got 40 kids all decorating a pinecone.”

All entries are to be dropped to

with growers encouraged to collect their entries at the end of the weekend.

And in the case of flowers, both size and looks do matter!

“When it comes to a rose, the judge will be looking for size and colour, symmetry, whether the petals are going the right way, and any blemishes,” Mrs McGuire explained.

“Then for pots, she’ll look at the cleanliness of the pot, the size of the pot – it can’t exceed any more than 30 centimetres – it doesn’t have to be the biggest succulent you’ve ever seen, but it’s about the perfection of that succulent and how it’s growing,”

For any green thumbs in the region who are thinking of giving the flower competition a shot, Mrs McGuire’s own story is great inspiration.

“There’s a lot of people out there who enjoy gardening, and I know myself, I used to walk past the flowers at the show and I think ‘my roses are just as nice as those’. I suppose I had a bit of anxiety thinking they weren’t good enough, but I stepped out of my comfort zone,” she said.

“One year I won grand champion rose and now I can say I have prize-winning roses in my garden.”

By KEN SMITH

It was a big weekend of near perfect weather for Paws in the Park, one of the many fun family events to attend at the start of the month.

On hand at Macquarie Lions Park there was dogs, dogs and more dogs, and a mini market with essential advice and plenty on offer to

Maddie with “Hank” and Rachel with “Trevor”

Morgan and “Benson”Claire with “Toshi” (left) and “Matilda” (right)

Nola with “Lottie”, “Frederick” and “Ollie” (front)Tania, “Ozzy” and AshleighCindy Everingham

Jo with “Henry” and Katie with “Molly”

Mental health first aid training returns

LEGALESE MADE EASY with Orana Family Law

By JENET STEWART

THE Open Arms Veteran and Families Counselling group will be once again holding mental health first aid training in Dubbo.

The workshop has been developed by Mental Health First Aid Australia (MHFA) and delivered by Open Arms qualified instructors, who specialise in working with the veteran community.

People attending will learn practical skills on how to listen and respond to someone with a mental health problem, know how

to support them through part of their recovery journey, and help reduce the stigma sometimes associated with mental health issues.

People who live, work or volunteer with someone who has served with the Australian Defence Force are encouraged to attend. It may be a teacher, a work colleague, spouse, or a good friend.

Open Arms Veteran and Families Counselling group conducted the same training in Dubbo last year and were very pleased with the turnout from Dubbo’s vet-

eran community. This year will no doubt be the same.

The mental health first aid training workshop will be held over two days on Thursday and Friday, May 11-12, from 9am to 5pm. The workshop will be provided free of charge, and attendance on both days of the workshop is essential.

Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea will also be provided. Numbers for the workshop are limited, so register promptly by calling 1800 011 046 or visit www.openarms.gov.au and search for mental health first aid.

After a separation both parents will inevitably want to move on with their lives. They may even want to move to a completely new location, to make a fresh start.

tion Order”) to move. and other factors.

-Jane

Dubbo's Mental Health First Aid workshop will be held on May 11 and 12. Be quick to register as spaces are limited.

Standing together each ANZAC day with ANZAC comrades

Darren Bailey proudly pays his respects to the fallen every ANZAC Day. He has served with Australian Defence Force members, and on ANZAC Day he stands together with his comrades to remember. Lest We

Darren Bailey’s ever-so-slight accent is a dead giveaway to an Aussie, and a fitting reminder of this man’s time in the United Kingdom.

But his time in Europe was no holiday.

Sergeant Darren Bailey was a member of the Royal Air Force Regiment, also known as the ‘Rockapes’. He left Australia in 1988 and joined the regiment in 1990. He served on numerous bases across the United Kingdom and in Northern Ireland, as well as Bosnia, Germany, Cyprus, Iraq and Afghanistan. Darren conducted training with French forces and had various roles in the Corp, from a rifleman to heavy weapons, as part of a light armour squadron and on a parachute squadron.

Darren was a Corporal in charge of a

section of Heavy Weapon Specialists for fire support, and as a Sergeant he conducted combat service support. He was also a weapons instructor, Jungle Warfare Instructor, and CBRN (Chemical, Biologi- cal, Radiological and Nuclear) specialist.

“The Royal Air Force (RAF) Regiment is a specialist corps founded by Royal Warrant in 1942. Its principal purpose is to counter adversaries across a wide spectrum of threats, wherever and whenever necessary,” a Royal Air Force explanation states.

“The RAF Regiment also prepares nonForce Protection specialists for the rigours of operations.

“The human dimension is at the core of what we are; people are our fighting

edge.

“The Complex Air Ground Environment (CAGE) – the environment in and around an operational airfield – has many multifaceted levels requiring dedicated and specialist protection,

“Force Protection in the CAGE is our raison d’etre. The RAF Regiment has seven regular and six reserve squadrons organised into seven wings,” the RAF also says.

“In addition, the RAF Regiment provides Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) to the British Army and Royal Marines, and provides a flight sized commitment to the Special Forces Support Group.”

Darren left the Regiment in February 2012, having proudly served for 22 years.

“As an Australian-born man, I have a

proud sense of respect and pride for the ANZACs, even though I was serving in the UK forces. I always paid my respects on this special day.

“I have proudly served alongside Australian Defence Force members, either by exchange officers or alongside Commandos during our time in Iraq.

“To me, being a veteran means pride, respect, achievement, and most of all unwavering friendships born by hardships of conflicts we took part in – these last a lifetime.

“I stand together with my ANZAC comrades each ANZAC Day. I do not feel out of place and are welcomed as a fellow veteran no matter the cap badge I wore,” explains Darren.

PHYLLI DESIGNS FASHIONS ON THE FIELD WITH COMPRISE FOUR CATEGORIES, INCLUDING:

QUEEN OF THE DAY BEST DRESSED LADY

MARQUEE ANNOUNCEMENT

Joining us in the Queen of the West Marquee will be the hugely talented Sophie Claire Music.

Sophie Claire is a Newcastle born and raised acoustic musician who performs around Newcastle and throughout the Hunter Valley.

While performing, Sophie supports her vocals with rhythmic acoustic guitar while incorporating a stomp box percussion throughout her sets.

She is a truly exciting artist with an amazing voice and we are so lucky that she is coming to Dubbo to perform for guests in the Queen of the West Marquee.

A sample of Sophie’s talents can be seen on her YouTube pagewww.youtube.com/@sophieclaire462

QUEEN’S CONSORT BEST DRESSED GENT BEST HEADWEAR COWBOY CHIC SHOWCASING THE ON-TREND THEME OF THE EVENT ‘COWBOY CHIC’.

The Dubbo Turf Club will announce further information on sponsors, prizes, and category style guides as well as other exciting announcements relating to PHYLLi’s partnership.

More information on Mercedes-Benz Dubbo Queen of the West Ladies can be found on Dubbo Turf Club’s website, Facebook, and Instagram pages.

TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED THROUGH 123 TIX –SIMPLY SEARCH ‘QUEEN OF THE WEST’.

PHOTO: DUBBO PHOTO NEWS/ JENET STEWART

Compiled by JENET STEWART

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

DAVID LOMAX Rotarian

VOLUNTEERING FAR AND WIDE

In the village of Kampot, Cambodia, 6,701 kilometres away, a group of volunteers from Dubbo are permanently celebrated in a local community for volunteering time and money to support the Chumkriel Language School (CLS).

One of those volunteers is Rotary Club of Dubbo South member of 12 years, David Lomax who says the work done there by Dubbo-ites and others, includes a toilet block, a library and learning centre.

David raises some funds of his own for the project, collecting bottles and cans from a local business he owns, and a network of people who give him theirs for the cause.

“I also collect them from the Golf Course out of the big skip and from around the course and everybody laughs at me, and says, ‘oh, Dave’s out there, bin diving again’.

“I get out there on my golf buggy and people know who I am, so they’ll give me a wave to say they’ve got bottles or cans for me. A couple of people live on the golf course, and they hang bags of bottles on their gate on a Sunday afternoon for me to pick up. It’s just a network.”

The money Dave makes from recycling the

SPONSORED BY

bottles goes to Chumkriel.

“Teacher’s wages are US$120 dollars a month. Before Christmas I think we sent nearly US$2000 over. For a student to go to school is $120 a year and that covers tuition, books, a bike, a raincoat, etc.” Though the support is given in simple ways, Dave is moved by the impact volunteering can have.

“PolPot and Khmer Rouge murdered everybody that was educated. They’ve lost a whole generation, so there was nobody to teach the young people things of life.

“At the CLS, they had no sanitation, so the girls wouldn’t go to school because they had no toilets and they’d be going through puberty and nobody was teaching them about those things either, so now, the girls do go to school, and they’re getting an education.

“I often say we spill more than what they earn. Everybody has a cup of coffee a day here, but that would buy a bag of rice for them.”

The international volunteering role came about through his Rotary network, which he loves.

“Rotary is an opportunity to give back. I come from the school of hard knocks in my very younger years, and I thought I could give something back here. I really enjoy the camaraderie and I don’t mind putting my hand up to get involved.

“We volunteer at Macquarie Homestay too, cooking a meal for guests on the first Thursday of the month. We go out there and cook them a meal and chat with those people. It’s like a motel there but people are just happy to talk to somebody different.

“I met a bloke there from Lightning Ridge. Apparently, we used to work together where I did my apprenticeship, but I didn’t remember him!”

Regency Jewellers Everything half price

CLOSING DOWN

David is pictured with students from the Chumkriel Language School (CLS) in Cambodia where he is one of many Dubbo-ites volunteering to improve the school's facilities.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Local volunteer, Rotarian David Lomax. PHOTO: DUBBO PHOTO NEWS/ YVETTE AUBUSSON-FOLEY

build your career

Finding the right career can be a winding road winding road

By LYDIA PEDRANA

BRITTANY Willetts never imagined she would find her passion working for a bulk fuel distributor in the Central West.

For almost two years, the 30-year-old has been the proud Marketing and Retail Manager at Inland Petroleum and led some monumental projects during her tenure.

But Ms Willett’s journey to here hasn’t necessarily been a straightforward one.

Taking a gap year after school, she began studying a Bachelor of Education at the University of Newcastle but, after a year, made the switch to a Bachelor of Business hoping it might be better fit.

It wasn’t, so six months in, she pivoted again and began studying a Bachelor of Human Nutrition and Food Science – a space she had been interested in since high school.

Opening up about her decision to try her hand at a few different things, Ms Willetts believes there can be a lot of pressure on young people to make big decisions before they are ready.

“When I finished school, I wanted to be a Dietician or in the health industry in some capacity, however my ATAR was average, and I felt like I did not have the expertise to be precisely what I wanted to be at that time in my life,” she told Dubbo Photo News

“I think there is a common misconception that, when we finish school, we need to have it all figured out – (there’s an expectation that) each of us should know what we want to do for the rest of our lives, but that’s not the reality we live in.

“It’s scarce these days that you hear of someone that has been in the same career for 20 years.”

After finishing her degree at 25, Ms Willetts made the most of her British passport and set off to explore the world.

Settling in for a stint in London, she landed a job as an executive producer with the world’s largest international higher education network, Quacquarelli Symonds.

Here, she was responsible for running corporate conferences for the company’s Intelligence Unit

across Europe, the Americas and Singapore.

Coincidentally, she was visiting her family back home when the pandemic hit, and so Ms Willetts was unable to get back to the United Kingdom and was placed on furlough leave.

Forced to think seriously about her next move, she decided Dubbo was the ideal place to forge the rest of her career.

“I knew the remuneration would be similar to a big city, and I knew living expenses were substantially lower in Dubbo than in most mainstream cities,” she said.

“Knowing I was making the decision to move back, buy a home, and find a career I loved, these points were all incredibly

appealing.”

Not long after, she spotted an advertisement for her current role and, despite having little marketing experience, decided to go for it.

After a couple of interviews, a few weeks later she was on the ground filming Inland Petroleum’s fleet of 48 Kenworth trucks and has never looked back.

Now her marketing remit includes a focus on branding, advertising, sponsorship, partnerships and social media, while the retail side sees her managing site managers in 13 different locations around Central and North-Western NSW.

“I could be holding workshops, conducting site audits, or review-

ing staff – my role is a complete gamut of work, and that’s what I love most about it.”

One of Ms Willetts’ proudest projects so far is the overhaul of the company’s brand identity.

“I spent eight months creating recognisable brand images for our retail sites, advertising collateral, and social media marketing,” she explained.

“These images increased the quality of our brand and placed importance on uniformity which has undoubtedly impacted our growth from a retail perspective.

“When visiting one of our sites, you’ll be sure to see these images above a drink fridge, on your coffee cup, and even on the paper bag that is holding your crispy potato

scallop.”

Of the many things she loves about her job, Ms Willetts is particularly grateful for the autonomy and freedom Inland Petroleum has entrusted her with.

“This trust has made me incredibly confident in what I do,” she said.

“Having managers that trust you and place importance on your position within the company is a fantastic attribute.

“The way they manage their staff is a credit to them and this is why Inland Petroleum has several long-standing employees, some of whom have been with the company and working for (business owner) Paul McCallum for over 30 years.”

Brittany Willetts has been the marketing and retail manager at Inland Petroleum for almost two years.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

All work experience enrichens your life and career: Saunders

HAVING worked from truck driver to radio presenter, Dugald Saunders believes that all jobs offer rewards that enrichen your life.

The State Member for the Dubbo Electorate recalls as a teenager a range of casual positions with a career trajectory that eventually led to a senior ministry in the previous State Government.

“As well as being the local member for four years and a minister for 15 months, I was a radio presenter for over 25 years, including more than 10 in Dubbo.

“I’ve also done retail, truck driving, waterproofing buildings; I grew up at Mendooran and went to Sydney for school, and came back in 2006 after doing a whole range of things,” he told Dubbo

His advice to young job-seekers – get in now and get some work experience under your belt, you won’t regret it!

“I still remember my first job, pumping petrol for $5 an hour, a couple of hours a week; I’d earn maybe $10 or $20 a week,” he recalls.

“I then worked at a bike shop, repairing bikes, and then, literally straight after school, I worked water-proofing buildings. It was unskilled labour and I learnt on the job… I then worked in a pizza bar before I got accepted in the Australian Film, Television and Radio School,” he added.

With a career in both commercial and ABC radio, he said all work is an experience that helps improve both your prospects and

# DUBBO JOBS COUNTER 538

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

Account Manager, Inland Petroleum

INLAND PETROLEUM is an independent fuel and lubricants distributor headquartered in Dubbo and operating in regional and remote areas of NSW and Queensland. We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Account Manager to join our team and help us manage our fuel and lubricant sale accounts in Central West New South Wales.

This role will focus on agriculture and similar bulk fuel commercial customers. We are a customer orientated business; our customers are at the centre of everything we do, and without them we simply do not have a business.

Whilst most company-controlled dis-

tributorships are removing themselves from the rural bulk market, we see ourselves as focusing and expanding our services throughout Western and North-Western NSW, keeping the country moving.

If you’re passionate about the petroleum industry and enjoy building relationships with customers, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity to join our team at Inland Petroleum.

For a confidential discussion please contact Nathan on 0431 024 460 or apply directly at: www.seek.com.au/job/66661660where you’ll also find full details on this position.

JOIN THE MISSION

DUBBO WORKS WANTS YOU!

your life choices.

“I absolutely think that anything you do gives you skills you might not otherwise have, and helps make you a good employee – everything you do helps build your job prospects.

“When I was waterproofing it was unskilled, I learnt on the job. I was working with some Uruguayans who taught me some basic Spanish. I learnt about their culture, and was also able to use those skills when I travelled later,” he added.

While post-school qualifications are now the preferred career path for many young people, don’t just wait to go to university to dip your toe in the job market, he suggested.

“It’s important to realise that

there are a lot of opportunities, instead of just going straight to uni.

“Lots of people used to get work after school for a season or two in a shearing shed or a cotton gin, opportunities for fruit picking or as farm-hands. These are all valuable life experiences that will stand you in good stead,” he added.

He said that many young people entering the job market now – the most-educated generation in our history – often lack the real-life experience of many older Australians.

“In many ways, we’ve raised and protected them for the very best reasons, but they may not have the real-world knowledge of previous generations, something that work offers you.

Real life experience... All work, from your earliest casual jobs to later career choices, enriches your life and increases your employability, State member for Dubbo, Dugald Saunders believes.

LOVE YOUR WORK

Luke Glynn

since you left the Army?

If ha job fa

WIf you have a unique or interesting job, a career opportunity or a fascinating learning option you’d like to share, get in touch with Dubbo Photo News now.

To contribute ideas, email dubboworks@ dubbophotonews.com.

What was your rank as a service man? Highest rank achieved Corporal (CPL)

Where did you serve?

Overseas service – East Timor

What was your key role in the Army? I was an Explosive Detection Dog (EDD) Handler/Trainer

How many years did you serve for? 12 years

Dubbo

au or phone 6885 4433 or visit us at Level 1, 178 Macquarie Street, Dubbo.

What did you really like about being in the Army? I liked feeling a part of a family. I had brothers and sisters all over the place that I could rely on.

What are you doing now

I have had a few jobs. Youth Worker and now business owner (Light n Bright Window Cleaning). Do you have any great stories about a day in your life as a service man? As an EDD Handler I got to work on some security jobs, including the Sydney Olympics, and the ARIA awards where I got to meet Holly Valance and Kylie Minogue, and Rove McManus also.

What’s the best thing about being with your family and no longer being a serviceman?

I’m lucky that my wife is ex-serving also and,

well, my “family” are the ex-serving members of the Dubbo RSL Sub-Branch.

So the best thing is I get to enjoy time with them, my immediate family, without

having to pack up every two years and move.

Pictured: Luke Glynn with his amazing dog, named EDD Tully. Tully was a whippet/ridgeback cross. Tully’s service number: DM 368, served from 1995 to 2000 and was discharged due to injury.

Tully served in East Timor alongside Luke. She has now passed away but a wonderful reminder of the courage, strength and teamwork these two extraordinary Australians had. A man and his dog.

Photo News

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

DUBBO locals are being encouraged to support hometown tourist attractions this autumn with "mates rates" for those living within the region.

Ratepayers are urged to be a "Hometown Hero" by taking advantage of offers to tourist attractions in the Dubbo Region including:

 Free entry for Dubbo region residents at the Old Dubbo Gaol;

 50 per cent off the regular ticket prices at Wellington Caves;

 Discounted mates’ rates entry or Zoo Friends’ mem-

Support Dubbo with discounts this autumn

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK

Apr 13: Col Joye, singer, 86. Edward Fox , British actor, 86. Alan Jones, radio personality, 80. Judy Nunn, actress-author, 78. Garry Kasparov, Russian chess champion, 60. Rick Schroder, US actor, 53. Julia Stone, singer-songwriter, 39. Josh Reynolds, footy player, 34. Apr 14: Brad Garrett, US actor, 63. Robert Carlyle, British actor, 62. Ron Gibbs, footy legend, 61. Jane Flemming , athlete, 58. Julia Zemiro, TV personality, 56. Adrien Brody, US actor, 50. Sarah Michelle Gellar, US actress, 46. Luke Priddis, Dubbo-born footy player, 46. Abigail Breslin, US actress, 27.

Apr 15: Kym Gyngell, ac tor, 71. Emma Thompson, British actress, 64. Lee Kernaghan, country singer, 59. Willie Mason, footy player, 43. Seth Rogen, Canadian actor/writer, 33. Emma Watson, British actress,. Apr 16: Barrie Unsworth, Dubbo-born former Premier, 89. Queen Margrethe II of Denmark , Royal, 83. Colleen Hewett, singer, 73. Peter Garrett, Midnight Oil singer, 70. John Bowe, race car driver, 69. Martin Lawrence, US actor, 58. Zali Steggall, Olympian turned politician, 49. Tayla Harris, Australian rules footballer, 26.

Apr 17: Greg Evans, T V personality, 70. Liz Phair, US singer, 56. Barnaby Joyce, politician, 56. Jennifer Garner, US actress, 51. Muttiah Muralitharan, Sri Lankan cricketer, 51. Victoria Beckham, UK singer of Spice Girls, 49. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga , French tennis player, 38.

Apr 18: Hayley Mills, British actress, 77. James Woods

berships at Taronga Western Plains Zoo;  25 per cent off the regular ticket price at the Royal Flying Doctor Visitor Experience.

With summer over and our weather becoming more temperate, now's a great time for a "staycation", Dubbo mayor Mathew Dickerson believes.

“The autumn school holidays are always popular times to visit the Dubbo Region, especially for visiting friends and relatives,” Cr Dickerson said.

“The Dubbo region has so many great tourist attractions and we want our local

residents to be 'Hometown Heroes' and showcase all the great experiences our region has to offer to their visitors,” he added.

There are also free activities locally, he said, including a walk through the tranquil Shoyoen Japanese Gardens, as well as kids' playtime at the many playgrounds across the region including the Adventure Playground in Dubbo and Cameron Park Playground in Wellington.

For art lovers, there is also the Western Plains Cultural Centre which is showing Art

Express, Waste 2 Art, and the Shani Nottingham: "A lot of little nothings" exhibition.

“The Dubbo and Wellington Visitor Information Centres are always great places to start by picking up a copy of the Dubbo visitor guide and speak to our friendly teams who can help plan your adventure in our region,” Cr Dickerson concluded.

Council advises that proof of residency in the Dubbo Regional Council Local Government Area needs to be shown to receive the discounted offers.

Pest pigeons getting the chop with control measures: Council

Dubbo Regional Council is carrying out a pest pigeon management program where its buildings are experiencing damage due to the feral birds.

FOR some, they are an integral part of urban living, for others, a pest sometimes referred to as "flying rats" that carry diseases and damage buildings, and Dubbo Council has had enough.

Council has been carrying out a pest pigeon management program at its buildings and properties in Dubbo that are experiencing damage due to the roosting of feral pigeons.

Council engaged professional pigeon pest management services experienced with managing pigeons in the city.

The management plan was expected to take place over a fortnight, with activity occur-

ring early in the morning or of an evening at these sites:

 Corner of Church Street and Bligh Street Dubbo

 Victoria Park

 Dubbo Aquatic Leisure Centre

 Macquarie Regional Library and surrounding areas

 Visitor Information Centre, 1 Macquarie Street

 Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre, 155 Darling Street

 Dubbo Civic Administration Building, corner of Church Street and Darling Street

 Western Plains Cultural Centre, 76 Wingewarra Street.

Delroy park dental Dubbo is an accredited TEETH ON IMPLANTS centre offering our patients implant treatment options from a single tooth implant to full mouth reconstruction and grafting. Our procedures are done using the latest digital technology and facial design softwares. These procedures can be done under general anaesthetics at Dubbo private hospital.

Our experienced dental surgeons have training from Australia and the United States .

Emma Watson in ‘Beauty and the Beast’

Please contact Amanda at Delroy Park Dental on (02) 6882 8819 or email TEETH ON IMPLANTS at info@teethonimplants.com.au to book

Warrick Edwards B.O.H, G.Dip, DT, FAAAOSH

B Sc, B Dent (Syd), Dip ABOI, FICOI

Family fun at Old Dubbo Gaol: Local families are being encouraged to become "Hometown Heroes" this autumn and to take advantage of special discounts for residents in the council area. PHOTO: SUPPLIED.

RECIPE OF THE MONTH OAT, ALMOND & DARK CHOCOLATE BISCUITS

INGREDIENTS

1 ½ cups SJFF rolled oats

1 tbsp chia seeds

½ cup SJFF plain flour

1 tsp cinnamon*

1 tsp baking powder

½ cup dried cranberries*, soaked in boiling water for 10 minutes

METHOD

½ cup extra virgin olive oil

⅓ cup coconut sugar

1 egg

1 tbsp orange zest

70 g good quality dark chocolate, melted

⅓ cup slivered almonds

1.Preheat the oven to 180 degrees C and line a large baking tray with paper.

2.In a large mixing bowl combine the oats, chia seeds, flour, cinnamon, baking powder and silvered almonds. In a separate bowl whisk together the olive oil, sugar, egg and orange zest. Drain the cranberries and gently fold through the olive oil mixture.

3.Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients

until you have a firm dough. Take tablespoonsized amounts of the mixture and roll into rough balls and place onto the lined tray. Repeat with all the cookie mixture. Use a fork to slightly flatten the top of the biscuits then bake for 15 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.

4.Remove from the oven and allow to cool before drizzling the top with the melted chocolate. Allow the chocolate to set before serving.

Recipe by Courtney Roulston

*Available at Sarah Jane Fine Foods

Bentley Kernahan, Age 8

Indy MilLer, Age 9

Jack Cox, age 8 PenNy Atkens, age 7

AnNabelLe Salter, Age 5

Jack HubBard, Age 6

Zac King, age 9

JesSe Falconer, Age 6

Roland Henley, Age 2

River (6), Maia (4) and Indie (18months) did this together

AND THE winNERS ARE!

Thank you to our sponsor:

WHAT KIDS SAY How old are you? 4

What do you like about yourself? I can do cool moves and backflips.

What are you good at? Doing handstands. I put my hands where my feet are.

What’s the best dream you’ve ever had? Dreaming I was watching Steve and Maggie (a TV show).

When you grow up, what do you think your job will be? A racing person

What makes you laugh? When people stop me crying

Do you know any good jokes? No

How old are you when you stop being a kid? A million

If you could paint your bedroom, what colour would it be? Green and blue because they’re my favourite, but I would paint the whole house on the outside in all the colours.

Who’s the boss in your family? My dad

Which zoo animal would you have for a pet? A Cheetah because it wouldn’t hurt my dog or cat.

How many stars are there in the sky? There’s a million and a million and a million and a million to reach the moon. If you could talk to animals, what animal would like to speak to?

Cheetah

Dubbo Regional Council advises the community that it will be permanently closing the southern most section of Old Mendooran Road, between the Golden Highway and Boothenba Road, from 20 April.

Due to an unsafe rail crossing and cross road at the Intersection of the Old Mendooran Road and Boothenba Road, Council will permanently close the 0.65km section to ensure the safety of the travelling public from potential hazards.

The permanent road closure will transform the junction to a T intersection, requiring traffic from the Old Mendooran Road to give way and turn to enter Boothenba Road.

The decision has been made following consultation with relevant stakeholders with issues raised including the holding length from the Boothenba Road to the rail crossing being too short and unsafe, with a potential for a heavy vehicle queuing at the crossroads in this section to have part of their vehicle sitting on Boothenba Road and drivers not giving way or not seeing oncoming vehicles

By regulation notification will be provided by roadside public notices in the form of electronic Variable Message Boards that will be erected at each of the affected intersections on the Golden Highway and Boothenba Road for a period of at least seven days prior to the closure.

Old Mendooran Road closure

Kids, get your paints and brushes out for the Young Archies

YOUNG artists in Dubbo are being urged to get their paints and brushes out to create a picture of someone who matters most to them.

Named after Australia's premier portrait prize, The Archibalds, the launch of this year's "Young Archie Dubbo" is for children aged from 5 to 18 who wish to enter a portrait of a person who is special and who plays a significant role in their life.

“The Young Archie Dubbo competition is a great opportunity for children and students in the Dubbo region to showcase their art in a public space and be able to view their artwork on the walls of the Western Plains Cultural Centre,” Dubbo Regional Council Education Officer, Rebecca Walker, said.

Entries for the Young Archie Dubbo competition are now open and can be posted to the Western Plains Cultural Centre (WPCC) or dropped off in person to the Centre or, alternatively, to Wellington Library.

“We are also encouraging

schools to get involved and hold their own portraiture competition, from which they could select the top 10 entries to be submitted into the Young Archie Dubbo competition,” Ms Walker said.

Educational resources have also been developed for teachers to help incorporate the portraiture competition into their lesson plans, including lesson activities and syllabus links.

“Artists can use mediums from pencil to mixed media, so they can really experiment in their art making practice,” she said.

The Young Archie Dubbo compe-

Keeping kids active and off their iPads these school holidays

IT’S the great school holiday conundrum, how to keep kids happy and active – and off their devices – without driving their parents crazy?

With the Autumn break under way, Dubbo Regional Council has developed a range of activities and events to keep local children entertained and occupied in coming weeks.

Macquarie Regional Library has two children’s authors visiting during the school holidays.

The first is Oliver Phommovanh, creator of the popular series “Thai-riffic”. Two workshops will take place on Thursday, April 20, from 10am and 11.30am. The workshop will be fun and interactive with Oliver Phommovanh as he talks about his passion for writing and the key ingredient to making writing fun!

The second author visiting both Dubbo and Wellington Libraries for a number of writing workshops is Phillip Gwynne. His first book “Deadly, Unna?” inspired the film “Australian Rules”. He’s passionate about working with kids and developing their love of reading and writing.

In these free workshops, Phillip will cover everything you need to know to start telling your own stories.

There are also a number of other events, all themed around ‘out of this world’ for children to enjoy at both Dubbo and Wellington Libraries.

These include creative sessions such as Lunar Lego and DIY solar eclipse viewer as well as teen music bingo.

The Dubbo Regional Theatre (DRTCC) has the ever-popular The Beanies live on

tition will be judged and then go on exhibition at the WPCC.

“The Young Archie Dubbo competition is part of the family-focused activities in the lead up to the regional tour of the Archibald Prize which will be coming to the Western Plains Cultural Centre from June 3 to July 30,” Ms Walker said.

There is to be one artwork per entrant into the Young Archie Dubbo competition, and it must be no smaller than an A4 and no larger than A3. The artwork can be vertical or horizontal and is recommend to be on good-quality paper.

School holiday fun: 'The Beanies" are coming to the region this April.

stage on Saturday, April 22, from 10.30am with EGG-straordinary Day.

As seen on ABC Kids, The Beanies are sure to provide lots of laughs for the whole family. Tickets from $20. Be sure to purchase your tickets early as this popular show is sure to sell out! Enter the colouring competition found at www.drtcc.com. au for your chance to win one of two family passes.

Additionally, take a backstage tour and go behind the scenes at the DRTCC and see what happens behind the red velvet curtain. These tours run every Tuesday and Thursday at 10am in the school holidays. Tickets $10 for youth or concession and $15 per adult. Available online or at the box office.

The Western Plains Cultural Centre is offering a variety of workshops to unleash your child’s creativity with interactive school holiday workshops, including a free Waste 2 Art in action session daily from 10am to 2pm.

Kids can craft till their hearts are content with fabric waste. There is also a portraiture workshop to create an entry for the upcoming Young Archies Dubbo competition, and a print-making workshop that delves deeper into cyanography. Bookings required for the portraiture and print making workshops.

The region is also hosting major events including the Lake Burrendong fishing classic, Stuart Town Man from Ironbark Festival and the Easter Showdown at Morris Park Speedway all happening over the Easter long weekend.

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE: 6801 4000

Anzac Day events are planned for towns within the Dubbo Regional Council LGA on Tuesday 25 April 2023. Residents are reminded to bring a water bottle and hat to local services.

For more details about services and road closures visit dubbo.nsw.gov.au/anzac

Dubbo Regional Council welcomed 33 residents of the Dubbo Region on Thursday 6 April, as they made their pledge to Australia; officially becoming Australian Citizens. The event welcomed new citizens from 11 countries across the globe. Council would like to congratulate these residents on their Citizenship, and thank them for choosing the Dubbo Region as their home.

Be a Hometown Hero and entertain your visitors by supporting our amazing local attractions and enjoy special deals for residents of the Dubbo Region.

Conditions apply, find out more dubbo.com.au/visit/hosting-friends-andfamily

Dubbo Regional Council advises that a section of Old Mendooran Road between Dunedoo and Boothenba Roads will be closed to traffic permanently from Thursday 20 April 2023. The closure is due to safety concerns with the rail crossing and cross road intersection. Notification is given in accordance with the NSW Roads Act 1993.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED.

"Gideon The Great", painted by 2021 Young Archie finalist Gideon Baker. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Wello Redbacks rugby juniors get $10,000 for new training gear

Junior rugby union players in Wellington are benefitting from new training equipment granted under one of the last funding announcements of the previous State Government.

The funding is for $10,000 to the Wellington Junior Redbacks Rugby Union Club, and was made under the Local Sport Grant Program.

Wellington Junior Redbacks

Rugby Union president Tom Whiteley said the club will use the grant money well.

“Anything that can help our young players’ development is also going to help us in the fu-

Wellington Arts presents the ICE PACT exhibition

ture,” he said.

Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders described local sporting clubs as “the life-blood of our communities and key to ensuring our kids live a healthy and happy lifestyle”.

The grant will allow the club to purchase a line-marker, training equipment, and also fund 10 club members to participate in a first aid course.

“For a small club like the Wellington Redbacks, this funding is a massive boost, and will benefit all 135 junior players, as well as future players for years to come,” Mr Saunders said.

By COLIN ROUSE

WELLINGTON Arts members and friends gathered to enjoy the "ICE PACT" exhibition.

ICE IMPACT is described as “a view of the Antarctic Treaty and The Southern Ocean through art”. The exhibition can be viewed at the Wellington

Arts Centre Thursday, Friday and Saturdays, April 6, 7, 8, and 13, 14, 15, from 10am till 2pm each day.

The exhibition is at 33 Nanima Street in Wellington.

Clockwise from top right:  Tim and Tracey Parker.

 Lisa Thomas and Jan Payne

 Jorg Metz, Curator of the Exhibition.

 Wellington Arts members and f riends enjoying the exhibition.

Junior footballers from Wellington Junior Redbacks Rugby Union Club are benefitting from $10,000 in new funding. PHOTO: SUPPLIED.

IN FOCUS

THUMBS UP!

Thumbs up to Dr Liz, Hilary and Georgia at Dubbo Dental in Bultje Street for such professionalism and care when attending appointments.

Thumbs up to Sam from Sam’s Window Tinting. What a wonderful job and such a thoughtful person, thank-you.

Thumbs up and a big thank-you to the two beautiful ladies in Aldi for packing my groceries into my bag and taking them to my car – as I’m on oxygen. They were so nice to me. I also got a cuddle off them both. They didn’t hesitate to help me even though they were doing their own groceries.

Thumbs up to Kristin at Peter Milling Travel. Thank-you for your patience and professional service helping us with our long overdue holiday.

Thumbs up to Bruce Green handyman, labourer and cleaning service. We very much appreciated your prompt and professional work, putting our house back together after the hail storm in February.

Thumbs up to the SES and many thanks to the two young men and the young lady who came to my home to remove dangerous branches from a tree in my yard. You were all very professional and your assistance is very much appreciated. Can’t thank you enough.

Thumbs up to all the cafes, coffee shops and other local eateries that were open to serve both locals and the many visitors to Dubbo over the Easter break. An extra shout out to Cacao House and The Auctioneer who were both spotted serving coffee-lovers.

•••

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

Horizons Village hosts a monthly sausage sizzle

Contributed by ALAN NELSON

ABOUT 90 residents gathered at Horizons Village for the monthly sausage sizzle on March 31. As usual, members of the village Men’s Shed cooked the meat and were ably supported by volunteers who presented the bread rolls and salad and served the guests.

Resident Anne Skillen won the raffled gift card and also was picked out to try and find the Joker on the board. Unfortunately Anne missed out and the prize will jackpot by $20 to the next time.

Right: Social Club president Tony Watterson was MC for the evening.

Flying high at Avalon Airshow

Dubbo College Senior Campus Year 11 student Dash Aubusson-Foley made the long trek to Victoria in early March to attend the Australian International Airshow at Avalon. He went hoping to meet a pilot in the Australian Airforce who also happens to be a former Dubbo College Senior Campus student. Cam (call sign “PUFF”) is an F35A fighter pilot flying with 3 SQN at RAAF Base Williamtown. He was liaising with the public over the weekend, talking to them about life as a pilot in the Air Force.

Country Press NSW which has been representing the state’s regional news papers for more than 125 years.

Far right: Ian and Maureen Wray

Graeme and Eileen Larsen

Bev Turpin and Denise McKinney

Pictured: Dubbo College Senior Campus Year 11 student Dash Aubusson-Foley with pilot Cam (call sign “PUFF”). PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Theme: Shakespeare

Crossmath

Drop Down

No. 079

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.

R D L E D

YOUR STARS

ARIES: Fatigue will get to you this week. A single sleepless night could affect your plans. New lifestyle habits, like healthy eating and exercise, can work wonders.

TAURUS: You’ll be responsible for organising an important meeting at work. Your social life is buzzing. You’ll be particularly empathetic or creative this week. The divine may also guide you.

GEMINI: Don’t be afraid of change at work. You might be given new responsibilities, moving you up in the company and providing better pay, even if you’re in a time crunch.

CANCER: You may take a spontaneous trip or adventure that require s much preparation. A training course or other form of learning will make you see the future differently.

LEO: You must spend quality time with your loved ones to ease tension in your relationships. You’ll also be told a few secrets to understand better what some people are going through.

VIRGO: You’ll finally spend time with those you love. You must make a few changes in your relationship and spend more time together to solve problems plaguing you for a long time.

LIBRA: You’ll hear about a job opening at work that matches your career goals. You mus t put in the effort and be patient to integrate yourself into your new role fully.

SCORPIO: You’ll find yourself in the spotlight despite yourself. You’ll shake things up and receive applause after a brilliant feat. Your do-gooder spirit will lead you to do something heroic.

SAGITTARIUS: You may have to spend part of the week at home to deal with family matters. Even if the move is only a few months away, you should start taking steps now.

CAPRICORN: You’ll have a silver tongue this week. Your words will have a long-term impac t and reach many people worldwide via social networks. Travel is on the horizon.

AQUARIUS: You deserve to spoil yourself. You’ll spend time in shops and businesses. You’ll buy some practical things as well as some morale-boosting ones.

PISCES: There’s lots of action ahead! You’ll stand out for your zeal and determination. You might also enjoy a considerable increase in income, which you’ll celebrate.

Quiz

Quick Crossword ACROSS

1 Those who derive pleasure from inflicting pain (7)

5 Former kingdom in northern Germany (7)

9 Worsen (9)

10 Refrain from enforcing (5)

11 Of the eye (6)

12 Prehistoric stone monument (8)

14 A poetic unit of three lines (6)

1 Was US athlete Mickey Mantle a famous: a) basketball player b) baseball player or c) football player?

2 What was the debut album of UK band Arctic Monkeys?

3 Joan of Arc lived in which century?

4 Which Chinese city is further north: Beijing or Shanghai?

5 In what year did the West Coast Eagles play their first AFL match?

6 Jada Pinkett Smith (pictured) provides the voice of which character in the Madagascar film franchise?

7 The name of which Adelaide suburb is a palindrome?

8 Scampi is a dish prepared from the tails of what?

9 What is the world’s driest continent after Antarctica?

10 What is the most abundant metallic element found on Earth?

15 Admirers (4)

19 Game console (4)

20 Republic established in 1948 (6)

24 Indian term for a woman in a position of authority (8)

25 Internal organ (6)

27 Fosters (5)

28 Incapable of being seen (9)

29 Heckles (7)

30 Determination (7)

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

DOWN

1 Time of the year (6)

2 Carved wooden watercraft (6)

3 Ocean (8)

4 Cicatrix (4)

5 District governed by a prefect (10)

6 Open (6)

7 Curved sword (8)

8 Semi-precious stone (8)

13 Exercises (10)

16 Contradictory or incongruous phrase (8)

17 One who shares accomodation (8)

18 Fierce storms (8)

21 Bondman (6)

22 Small rodent (6)

23 Sternutation (6)

26 Allege as a fact (4)

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”.

CUPPA COMICS

THE

by Jeff Pickering

Dubbo Rabbiters: Back, Billy Wright, Alec Wheeler, Geoffrey Pierce, Snow Wright, Colin Pierce, front, Joey “Smacker” Hughes, George Wheeler and Claude “Guts” Hudson. Circa 1950. Photo: Supplied

By KEN SMITH

Stage 1 Sapphires

Kinder Watermelon

Stage 1 Purple

Kinder Lava Biladurang

Stage 1 Green

Stage 1 Yellow

A+ for April Dubbo Classic Cars and Coffee

BY KEN SMITH

A+ for the weather, A+ for the venue, the crowd, the cars, the bikes, the coffee and the ever-present volunteers.

Victoria Park was packed for Dubbo’s monthly Classic Cars and Coffee, with many families and the family dog taking in the nearly 100 years of automotive history on display.

Dubbo Classic Cars and Coffee has become the must-attend monthly local event. It really is a shining example of “from little things, big things grow”. Dubbo Classic Cars and Coffee is free to admire, or a gold coin to show your car or bike, and is always the first Sunday of every month at Victoria Park (weather permitting).

colour copy shop

Maureen Ellen Wilson

Passed away 4th April 2023

Aged 96 Years

Late of Dubbo & formerly of Orange & Woodburn

Loving mother & mother-in-law of Suzanne & Grahame and Carmella.

Cherished & adored Nanny of Adam, Richard, Benn, Rebecca, Michelle and Alison.

Adored great Nanny to her 12 great grandchildren.

Dearly loved partner of Rex (dec). Maureen’s cremation service will be held in the Chapel of the Dubbo City Crematorium

11.00am Thursday 13th April 2023

THE DIARY

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.

Book Club: THIRD Thursday of the month.

6pm. Share, discuss, and review books, or start your own book club. Register your club with the library to acess a wide range of book club titles toborrow, read, discuss and enjoy. For more information contact Dubbo Library, 6801 4510. Coffee, Craft and Chat: 9.30am-12pm, Gospel Hall, Cnr of Boundary Road and Taylor Street. Contact Anne 0428 425 958.

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, enquires to Liz 0401 174 883.

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

Digital @ Dubbo: 10am to 12pm, Macquarie Regional Library, 45-minute session for your internet or technology questions, FREE, bookings essential, contact 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 questions? Connecting Community Services, 31-33 Church Street. To make a booking, phone 1800 319 551.

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.

Outback Dragons Dubbo: EVERY Thursday,

Send

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. 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, 21st of April at Dubbo RSL, commencing at 1.00PM. Entry fee includes afternoon tea. 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 churches of Dubbo: Will come together as one ecumenical community on Friday March 3rd to celebrate the World Day of Prayer. At St Bridgid’s Church Dubbo commencing 10 am. All are most welcome.

Join us for morning tea after the celebration.

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 confirm 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.

Cumnock Market: The next Cumnock Market will be on Saturday 18th February from 9 am to 12 noon.

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 Ladies Luncheon: Saturday 1st Of April, 12 noon. Will meet at South Dubbo Tavern, Boundary Road, South Dubbo. Ring Bev on 68845401 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:12:30p.m. Paramount Tennis Club courts for enjoyable social tennis. All welcome 0437824743

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

Talbragar CWA: first meeting for 2023 will be Saturday April 1 commencing at 2.00pm in the CWA Hall, 45L Boothenba Road, Dubbo. Planning for 2023 fund raising will take place at this meeting. For more information about the meeting please contact Ronda on 68885231 or

Linda on 68827351.

Diary entries need to be 40 words or less, and are only for not-for-profit community groups . Placement will be at the editor’s discretion and subject to space availability – because Diary listings are free! Please include your daytime phone number and/or address when submitting details. Entries close 10am Tuesday for that Thursday’s edition.

Wellington Lions Preloved Book Fair: Thousands of good quality preloved books, CDs and DVDs, now also Jigsaw Puzzles! Open every Saturday 10am to 2pm in the Western Gallery opposite Cameron Park.

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: 6pm-9.30pm, 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: Our next lunch will be held 11:30 am Monday 17th April at Dubbo RSL Club. Guests and new members are welcome. Bookings, cancellations and enquiries phone Beth 0431 290 274 or 0419 827 557 before 10am Friday 14th April

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 borrow, read, discuss and enjoy. For more information contact Dubbo Library, 6801 4510 Croquet: 8.45am, Croquet courts, Brisbane St, North Dubbo. New players of all ages are welcome. Play starts at 9:00am Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Kate 0409 927 140 or Lillian 0429 471 921.

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 12pm, 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: Meet on the second Tuesday of each month in the Masonic Village Hall, Darby Close at 10am contact Annemieke Neville 0432305103.

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. PO Box 285 Dubbo, Lois on 0428288325 or dubbolionsinc@ gmail.com.

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 0428 821 829

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: 12.30pm2pm, Westside Hotel, contact Peter McInnes 0417 140 149

Rotary Club of Dubbo South: 6pm, at South 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.

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.

Ballroom Dancing: Wednesday 7:30-

9:30pm $10. Wesley Hall Cnr of Carrington Avenue & Church Street Dubbo. Enquiries

Graham Woods 0447 885 603

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.

CWA Wellington Branch: Second Wednesday of the Month, 10:30 a.m., Wellington CWA Rooms, Warne St, Wellington. New Members are welcome. Contact Marion on 0429033836

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 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

$10,500*

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

Learning Meditation for Health and Wellbeing:First Wednesday of each month

Starting Wednesday 8th March 10am to 11:30am Buninyong Community Centre (Next to Buninyong Public School) Myall St Dubbo

Join us for monthly meditation instruction and practice run by Monastics from Wellington Buddhist Centre.

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.

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.

Dubbo Athletics Club annual presentations, and big things ahead

Story & photos by SARAH RYAN

DUBBO Athletics Club held their presentation for the 2022/23 season on Friday, March 31.

Age Champions, record breakers and pointscore champions were presented with their trophies and awards.

There were also some special awards for our national representatives, club coaches and club persons of the year.

Congratulations to all the award winners and athletes for a fabulous year. We can’t wait to do it all again next season!

We also had two representatives at the Australian Track & Field Championships in Brisbane last weekend.

Ella Penman competed in the Under-20s 800m and placed an amazing 4th place with a personal best time.

Jack Connors competed in the Opens Para Discus and place 3rd in the Discus with a personal best throw taking home the bronze medal. He also competed in the Opens Para Shot Put against a very tough field (including current and former Paralympians) and finished 10th.

The club will have five athletes competing at the Junior Australian Track & Field Champs in Brisbane next weekend. They are:

Ella Penman (Under-18s 400m & 800m)

Max McAneney (Under-17s 400m)

Grace Peters (Under-16s Shot Put & Discus)

Emily Lousick (Under-13s High Jump & Long Jump)

Alex McGrath (Under-17s Para Shot Put, Discus & Long Jump)

There are also two dual registered athletes (registered with Dubbo Athletics Club for this type of meet, but also registered with Narromine Little Athletics) – Zac Harding and Bailey Thompson – who will compete in multiple events in the Under-17s Para group.

And when this event is over, we are officially done for the season!

LAST WEEK: 4 CURRENT: 26

Legends of League comes to Narromine

By GEOFF MANN

WHAT a weekend it is going to be!

The Narromine Jets have planned a bumper week of rugby league at the end of the month.

The inaugural Legends event kicks off on Wednesday, April 26, when David Gillespie comes home with Luke Goodwin and John Hopoate who will visit schools and the junior and senior training sessions.

The Legends will arrive later in the week for a dinner at the Narromine USMC then a huge day of matches at Cale Oval on Saturday, April 29.

Narromine will honour a man who made Cale Oval his own in a career that spanned nearly 30

Club Dubbo set for even richer Fours

By GEOFF MANN

FOLLOWING the success of last year’s International Fours Bowls Tournament, the West Dubbo Bowls Club has increased prize money and is anticipating an influx of even more overseas players.

$100,000 was the kitty in 2022; $125,000 this year with $40,000 shared by the winning quartet!

The inaugural event played out against a backdrop of floods and Covid that delayed the start and created uncertainty that meant some players missed out, however such has been the positive impact that word has spread across the globe and more international teams will descend on the perfectly curated greens.

Bowls manager Anthony Brown, Club president Tony Speirs and Greenkeeper were so inspired by

Astley Cup Rugby League reunion announced

years with the unveiling of the Bob Weir Stand on Saturday afternoon.

Bob earned a reputation when he played first grade under future Balmain premiership-winning coach Leo Nosworthy as a 15-year-old, and led his beloved Narromine team to an upset win over Dubbo CYMS in

1974. The former NSW centre missed the grand final after breaking his leg but guided Pat Smith and his young team to a famous victory from the sideline.

Have you got your tickets? Search for “internatioal legends of league narromine” at 123tix, or get them at the USMC.

AS part of the 100 years of Astley Cup celebrations, Dubbo College will be holding a reunion for all rugby league players, supporters and coaches. The event will be held on Saturday July 1, 2023, at the Garden Hotel from 6pm.

On the night, the best of rugby league sides from 19802000 and 2001-2023 will be announced.

Tickets are available from 123tix. For more information please contact Craig May on 0478 608 882.

the results of last year's International, they have had little trouble motivating staff and members.

“Everyone loved the atmosphere around the greens and right across town,” NSW bowler Anthony smiled.

“It was just the kick we all needed after a few challenging years. The Irish bowlers were a huge hit and this year we aim to have at least another half a dozen overseas teams competing.”

The International is scheduled a week after the World Championships at Broadbeach in Queensland and the word is already spreading. Teams are expected to see some of the real Australia during their trip Down Under.

The International Fours will be played at Club Dubbo in the second week of September.

Pictured: Planning for the International Fours Bowls Tournament at the West Dubbo Bowling Club is underway.

Pictured are Tony Spiers, Anthony Brown and Drew McCallum representing major sponsor Inland Petroleum.

Western Plains windows & glass

Bradnam’s windows

Shower screens

Mirrors

Security doors

PHOTO: DUBBO

PHOTO NEWS/MEL POCKNALL

Geoff Mann (left) interviewing the late Bob Weir on the sidelines while attending the game he loved the best.

PHOTO: DUBBO PHOTO NEWS/MEL POCKNALL/FILE

Local netball players, umpires shoot for the top with WRAS selection

LOCAL umpires and players were recently among a strong contingent of Dubbo Association netballers who gained selection in the Western Region Academy of Sport’s 2023 Netball program.

Players Emily Fairman, Emily Hines, Isabel Marchant and Lily-Louise Walker, along with umpires Theané Gouws and Abigale Swane, gained selection in the program for the first time.

They are part of a squad of 22 athletes and four athlete umpires that will not only train together over the coming months, but also participate in two Academy tournaments.

Since coming together for the first time in February, under the guidance of new Head Coach Nardia Macdonald, the athletes have taken part in a series of fitness tests, been put through their paces on the court and worked through the fundamentals of the sport.

The Academy’s netball program aligns with the Netball NSW Athlete Pathway Framework and features on-court skills training, fitness and athlete education. It also plays a vital role in identifying, monitoring and developing the skills of young netballers.

WRAS executive officer Candice Boggs was full of praise for this year’s squad that has already displayed not only the skills, but application and dedication that sets them up for a successful season ahead.

“The selection panel was very impressed with the talent displayed at the trials, which highlights that the sport has a very bright future in the Central West,” Ms Boggs said.

“The squad is a good combination of the talented bottom-age athletes joining the WRAS returning athletes.”

The squad came together in Feb-

Astley Cup Memories: Dubbo High wins in 1960

By GEOFF MANN

IN the lead-up to the Astley Cup’s Centenary celebrations, I have been liaising often with former Dubbo High alumni Jill McCann (nee Gleeson) and Patrick Bourke on the colourful history of the famous inter-school rivalry between Dubbo High (now Dubbo College), Orange High and Bathurst High.

The passionate pair have kindly agreed to share photos and stories from the Dubbo school’s long-running Bindyi newsletter.

We love this one from Barry Cant, School Captain 1960. Barry grew up in Coonamble but moved to Dubbo for his senior education and returned in later years to teach at Dubbo South Primary.

Barry was a fine sportsman and was followed by his brother Frank a few years later.

Dubbo High wins 1960 Astley Cup

By BARRY CANT, SCHOOL CAPTAIN 1960.

IN the 1960s, the Astley Cup was more than just a sporting contest involving Bathurst, Orange and Dubbo High Schools. It was city against city!

The event generated wider community interest as each city at that time only had one government high school.

The Astley Cup rugby league match was broadcast live on radio station 2DU as was the debate for the Mulvey Cup.

I was school captain in 1960. It was expected that I would billet the captain from Orange High during the two days of the cup. I informed the school that I was unable to take a billet as I boarded at the hostel. My friend the late Bruce Clark’s parents kindly offered for the Orange captain and myself to stay at their home.

We defeated Orange in the

ruary has a weekend-long camp in Sydney in March on the schedule too.

“Following that, the focus will turn to the 2023 Your Local Club Academy Games to be held in

Wagga Wagga in April. They will also travel to Port Macquarie in September where they will compete against 10 other Regional Academies of Sport from across the state in the Greater Bank

Academy Challenge.

“We’re delighted with the way this squad is shaping up and are very much looking forward to seeing them develop across the season.”

first round in both the Astley and Mulvey Cups.

Fifty-five students left by bus for Bathurst for the second round of the competitions. Inclement weather on the first afternoon resulted in the netball being played indoors.

Bathurst had narrow wins in the first three sports –Netball, Athletics and Hockey - giving them a handy lead with only rugby league and perhaps tennis still to be played. (Tennis was in doubt

due to wet courts.)

To win the cup the footballers needed a convincing win to overcome the deficit. Despite the mud, slippery field and a heavy ball, our backline swung into action and scored four unanswered tries in the corner giving Dubbo High a 12-nil lead – three points for a try in those days with no conversions due to the heavy ball.

We clung to our 12-point lead until full time despite Bathurst throwing everything at us in the final

MEAT RAFFLES

15 minutes.

The 12-point victory added considerably to our overall point score, so Dubbo held a narrow lead for the first time. If Bathurst had scored only one try, they would have regained the lead in the overall point score.

As light rain continued to fall during the debate – Bathurst won the Mulvey Cup – and dance that evening, the tennis looked most likely to be cancelled. If so, Dubbo High would win the Cup.

However, the rain cleared overnight and the tennis was played. Our strong girls’ team and success in the mixed doubles ensured we increased our lead (236 to 214) and the 1960 Astley Cup was won by Dubbo High School.

The Astley Cup was donated by Dubbo businessman Laurie Astley in 1923 for the perpetual competition among Dubbo, Bathurst and Orange High Schools. At the time, these three schools were the only High Schools covering a wide area of Central Western NSW. They had already had some competition during the previous years, but the presentation of the Astley Cup began a long interschool relationship.

Pictured: The victorious Dubbo team after they defeated Bathurst – in the mud – to win the Astley Cup in 1960. Back row, Michael Georgeson, Garry Walters, Owen Ferguson, Wayne Hayes, Peter Cubis, Ray Montgomery, Bruce McFarland, front row, Barry Cant, Bruce Clark, Brian Emblen, Robert Bateup, John Munday, Phillip Luckie. John Munday, Peter Cubis and Bruce Clark are now deceased.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED BY JILL MCCANN

Shooting for the top: Dubbo Netball umpires and players recently gained selection in the Western Region Academy of Sport’s 2023 Netball Program. From left Theané Gouws (umpire), Lily-Louise Walker, Emily Fairman, Isabel Marchant, Emily Hines and Abigale Swane (umpire). PHOTO: SUPPLIED.

Mallets on the green at Easter

mat of 13 points”.

“Competitors are paired according to the high/low handicap, giving a mean combined handicap. This makes for a nice level competition with every pair contesting each other pair,” he explained.

Twelve players entered the competition, making six pairs

Easter competition on the greens

Contributed by 'PISTOL PETE' EASTER means new beginnings so when Kath Ashby and Robin Moore arrived for Sundy’s roll-up they were welcomed by 30 other enthusiasts.

Kath has a good reputation preceding her and looked forward to playing with Vicki Hummel and Gordon Scott. Robin skipped Frank Armstrong and Ross Pharo, leading his team to a 3 shot deficit after 8 ends. They recovered some pride during the second half, and almost made it to the winner’s circle. After scoring 10 shots to 8, Robin’s team fell by just a single shot in a close but enjoyable match. Kath, Vicki and Gordon scraped up the win 16 to 15 with eight ends each.

In another close game, Julie Brown with Al Andriske rolled up 11 shots in a dominant first 8 ends over Ray Strawhan and Bryan O’Sullivan. But after the flood of shots came the drought! Ray and Bryan made the second eight theirs, scoring on six of the ends and ahead by two after end 15. Unfortunately for them, a triple on the 16th gave Julie and Al the 16 to 15 win and cut a great comeback by Ray and Bryan.

Colin Teale and Eric Satchell may have been a bit too relaxed in their first half, allowing Allan Stratford and Roy Frost to take the advantage and add eight shots and lead by five. Col and Eric found what they were missing, winning five of the last eight for nine shots. It was a fine fightback but Al and Roy held on for a 14-12 win.

Greg Brown and Kevin Scott enjoyed their return to the Sundy morning bowls but found themselves in hot water with partner Chris Castlehouse against Mary Perry, Ken Whittaker and Paul Goodstat. Their opponents earned the early ends but, as I have said many times, bowls is a game of two halves; Chris, Greg and Kevin found something and won seven of the second half. The five shots on the 14th end put paid to the aspirations if Mary, Ken and Paul. After leading by 11, they went down 14 to 17 in one of the great turnarounds of the morning!

High expectations by Leo Balstad, Pete Bennison and Graham Ross were quelled by Tod O’Dea, Gary Huggins and Pete Ruzans who shot to a lead of five at the turnaround. The troublesome wind did not help Leo, Pete and Graham during the second eight. but Pete’s mob kept their cool. A four 4 on the 13th certainly thwarted any attempts their opponents had to win. Pete’s side recorded a reasonable 17 to 11 win.

A five count on the second end helped Chris Strojny, Rob Pfeiffer and Col Hume. Doc Livingston, Cheryl Storch and Col Dover pulled back four two ends later.

Despite trailing by three, the good Doc and his partners rattled up shots on the way home – a four on the 11th followed by a six on the 12th not only brought them into the game, but gained a healthy lead. A huge 25 to 14 win it was, and they were rewarded with the big winners of the morning.

Sundy, Sporties and bowls –what a Combo!

contesting each other in a round robin series.

“The weather was perfect and everybody thoroughly enjoyed the day.”

 Outright winners – Pam and Don Day winning every one of their matches.

 Runners-up – Alannah Fraser and Ben Vang.

RSL COMBO BOWLS

Winners: Pam and Don Day. PHOTOS: CONTRIBUTED Runners-up: Alannah Fraser and Ben Vang