Dubbo Photo News 10.08.2023

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Art Fair applications open now With exposure the key to success,

For any artist, exposure is the key to their success and, with applications now open for the biggest trade fair west of the Mountains, it’s a chance to get noticed.

So why not apply now for the 2023 Dub- bo Art Fair (DAF23), to be held for the third year running at the Western Plains Cultur- al Centre (WPCC) in late October.

The event involves more than 40 local creatives taking over the gallery space in the WPPC to exhibit their wares to hundreds of potential buyers, WPCC curator

For any artist, exposure is the key to their success. Applications are now open for the biggest trade fair west of the Mountains: the 2023 Dubbo Art Fair, being held for the third year running at the Western Plains Cultural Centre (WPCC) in late October.

Kent Buchanan explained.

“The Dubbo Art Fair is a great opportunity for local established and emerging artists to showcase and sell their artworks to the community,” Mr Buchanan said. “The stall sites are free for artists and allows the artists to sell their artworks throughout the event,” he added.

The Dubbo Art Fair has been growing with more artists on display each year, with more than over 1800 people attending the event over the weekend in 2022. More than 2000 are expected this year.

“Dubbo Art Fair is designed to support the creative sector and contribute to the cultural economy. In 2022, artists collectively sold over $42,000 worth of art,” Mr Buchanan said. “The Dubbo Art Fair provides a connection between the community and local artists whereby artists can talk directly with people about their art, expose their creative skills to a new audience, and even open prospects for future commissions and sales,” he explained.

To apply, participants must reside in the Dubbo Regional Council Local Govern-

ment Area (LGA), or an LGA that adjoins the Dubbo LGA, and be present at their stall for the entirety of the event.

The Dubbo Art Fair is supported by Dubbo Regional Council and is an initiative of the Council’s SPARC Cultural Plan.

Applications are now open on a firstcome first-served basis, and will close on Thursday, August 31. For more information including terms and conditions of entry, go to: westernplainsculturalcentre.org/ dubboartfair23

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Fiihkhi

PAGE THREE

Where do you work? Ghanda Clothing.

Have you always lived in Dubbo? No, originally from Kiama, seven years in Dubbo.

What are your favourite memories from living in Dubbo? Rollerblading at the Skate Park.

What do you like to do in your spare time? Working on my project car and spending quality time with friends.

Do you have any hidden talents or special skills? I can front-flip on roller blades.

Are you a morning person or a night owl? Definitely a night owl.

Do you have any pets? No pets.

What are you watching at the moment? Suits.

Have you read any good books lately? Honda Prelude Gen 3 manual!

What music do you like to listen to? I am a big fan of anything metal.

What does the next five years look like for Justen Mason? Settling down with my partner somewhere closer to the beach.

Cute, cuddly and ready to please!

They’re cute, cuddly, affectionate, don’t do anyone any harm and they’re on their way to Dubbo next week in the hundreds: Guinea pigs!

Not only will competitors be coming from all around Australia, four international judges will also be flying out from Sweden and the Netherlands for the occasion.

The first-ever hosting of the Australian National Cavy Show in the Golden West will be the ideal chance to highlight not just the vast variety of breeds, colours and types of these South American natives, but also their suitability as companion animals, National Show Committee 2023 Chairperson Melanie Barnes believes.

“Their appeal as pets is that they’re small, they don’t take-up much room,

By DAVID DIXON

they don’t smell and they’re great to cuddle and sit on your lap when you’re watching TV, where they make a purring noise, like a kitten,” Melanie said.

“They’re very sociable and they do get excited when you come home… if you don’t have a lot of room and don’t have time for a dog or cat, they’re an excellent alternative,” she added.

Due to their inoffensive nature, she emphasised, they are also one of the few introduced mammals that have not, or are ever likely to become, a feral pest problem in Australia. “They also can’t take the heat, they’re very inoffensive, you’ve got to keep them safe from predators, which means, we simply don’t have them living wild in Australia,” Melanie explained. “They rarely bite, even if they’re frightened. They squeal like a pig actually, where may-

be they got their name and most people keep them in pairs or groups.” Hosted by the Australian National Cavy Council, the show is on Saturday, August 19, at Dubbo Regional Theatre and Conference Centre with about 400 guinea pigs (and 80 of their owners), competing for the prestigious Australian title of ‘Best Cavy in Show'.

“There will be over 40 different breeds of cavy entered in the show, with lots of different colours, patterns and coat, varieties to see,” she enthused.

“They’re just like all other show animals, there’s seven main varieties and each breed has a separate standard, which are judged on confirmation, shape, size, health and patterns of colour of their coat.”

With the event, like most social activities, missing out for three years due to the

COVID-19 lockdowns, Dubbo was chosen due to its proximity, not just in NSW, but for all Australia.

“We held it for years in Narrandera,” she says of the Riverina town. “I’m from Queensland and would travel down through here on the way,” Melanie recalls. “And I used to think, this would be a better town, it’s so central to the whole of the east coast,” she added.

The show is open to the public from 10–2pm at Dubbo Regional Theatre and Conference Centre, with tickets available from the theatre.

So, the $49 question is, are these cute little rodents (Latin name: Cavia porcel- lus) officially called guinea pigs or cavies? “It’s six of one or half-a-dozen of the other, it doesn’t really matter,” Melanie concluded.

Guinea pigs are ideal as pets. They’re small, don’t take up much room, they don’t smell and they’re very sociable, National Show Committee 2023 Chairperson Melanie Barnes (inset) believes. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

SHOEBOX APPEAL SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR KIDS WITH VERY LITTLE

By DAVID DIXON

FOR children who have little or nothing, something, anything, is often very special. Such is the focus of the annual Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Appeal, where generous and kind-hearted Dubbo locals put together one shoebox’s worth of gifts and useful items for the poorest of little ones in countries in Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

Local coordinator Sylvia Paice has been doing the shoeboxes up for decades, and has seen first-hand how much joy they bring to kids for whom a small, soft toy, is a gift to cherish.

“I’ve been doing it since my daughter started school about 25 years ago, and I’ve done hundreds and hundreds of them,” Sylvia said.

“I know for a fact that what you put into them is exactly what the child gets; I helped hand them out in Cambodia in 2006 and Vietnam in 2014, and the effect was amazing,” she added.

Other countries where children receive the annual gifts from Australia and New Zealand include Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Fiji, the Solomon islands, and Vanuatu.

A list is also provided to givers on the appropriate items to donate and that are also culturally suitable and will survive long-distance transportation between countries.

“I always tell people there’s about six groups of things that are appropriate to put in the shoebox,” Sylvia said. “Something to love; something for school; something to wear; something to play with; something for personal hygiene; and something special,” she explained.

This international effort has seen more than 200 million shoebox gifts distributed to children in need over a 30-year period.

“In 2022, more than 10.5 million children received an Operation Christmas Child Shoebox,” Sylvia said.

“This project is a practical, hands-on way for you to bless children in need, and let them know that someone cares.”

The empty specially marked shoeboxes, for those wishing to help, can be picked up at the Emmanuel Care opportunity shop and the Christian Bookshop, both in Talbragar Street.

Due to their collation and the organisational and shipping requirements for the shoeboxes, they have to be returned by mid-October.

“Each child only ever receives one box, so try and make everything items that are new,” Sylvia concluded.

For more information, go to the group’s website at: occ.samaritanspurse.org.au or call Sylvia on 0421 358 972.

Local organiser Sylvia Paice says that appropriate items for each Christmas Gift Shoebox include “something to love, something for school, something to wear, something to play with, something for personal hygiene and something special.” PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

Dance Club brings the “sunshine” to post-War Indigenous music

onciliation; humanity; and home, the Australian musical

The Sunshine Club is coming to Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre in late August.

With Wesley Enoch, AM, at the helm and John Rodgers providing the tunes, the play is part of HIT Productions’ national tour using First Nation creatives and artists following the success of The Sapphires in 2019.

“I initially wrote this as a way of bringing people together, especially in the reconciliation movement; this notion of black and white dancing together and the stories of our history, especially post-World War II,” Wesley explained. “Now in this post- or living-with-COVID world, it’ll be even more important to see that cultural bonds can be formed by gathering as groups and dealing with social

bane in the 1940s, and with an underpinning theme of life affirmation, the play revolves around Aboriginal serviceman Frank Doyle who comes home from the war, to find that, although the wider world may have changed, attitudes back home hadn’t.

Fueled by a passion to create a better life, Frank opens The Sunshine Club, a place for black and white people to socialise and dance. It is here that Frank dreams of a bright future with the white girl Rose next door.

Variety magazine described the show as “humorous, thought-provoking and realistic… The Sunshine Club explores Australia’s sometimes-shameful past relations with its Indigenous people by revealing the little-known existence of mixed-race dance

the nation post-WWII.”

The show will feature an energetic five-piece band and includes more than 20 original songs.

Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre Manager Linda Christof believes this musical will have broad appeal with its topical and relevant theme; a live band playing jazz; popular dance music of the time; clever set design, and fabulous frocks.

“It’s a huge cast with a live band and we are grateful to our theatre sponsors MAAS and Dubbo Dental for their generous support to enable us to bring high-calibre productions like this to our region,” Ms Christof said.

The Sunshine Club will perform for one night, Thursday, August 24, from 7.30pm. For tickets go to: drtcc.com.au, visit the Box Office, or call 6801 4378.

A compelling tale of jazz, reconciliation, humanity and home, the Australian musical 'The Sunshine Club' is coming to Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre in late August.

PHOTO: PAUL DODD

Dubbo Stampede Sponsors Event

Dubbo Stampede 2023 is fast approaching and there’s still time to get your entry in.

Friday, July 28, downstairs at The Milestone, saw the Dubbo Stampede committee say “Thank You” to their sponsors who help power this fantastic annual event.

This year’s Stampede is on Sunday, August 27 at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, with entry information available online.

The Squadron Energy 2023 Dubbo Stampede is

COMMUNITY SERVICES FUNDING NOW OPEN

Applications for the first round of the Community Services Fund are now open and will close 31 August 2023. Applications must be submitted via Smarty Grants, no applications will be accepted by paper, email or fax.

The Community Services Fund provides funding to community and not for profit organisations to support projects or activities that deliver social, cultural or environmental outcomes to the Dubbo Regional Council local government area and help create, enhance or build community well-being and amenity.

Further information can be found on Council’s grants and funding website below or by scanning the QR code. www.dubbo.nsw.gov.au/Community-Groups/Grants-and-Funding/overview

Yvette MacDonald (Andrew MacDonald Commercial)

The Dubbo Stampede committee and sponsors. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED.

Nathan Weeks (Dubbo Stampede) with Steve Spence (Hertz)

Stephanie Semmler and Swairee Rupasinghe (Macquarie Credit Union)

Stuart Crowfoot (“Tradies in Sight” – The Charity that the Dubbo Stampede will support this year)

Mark Coggan (Coggan Wool)Jeff Alan (Squadron Energy)Sarah

Richmond (Fully Promoted)

Terry Lyons (Lyons Project Management)Ben Cross (Blooms the Chemist)

Little Voices

Over300 preschoolers from all over Dubbo gathered at Victoria Park last Thursday to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day which is held annually during the first week of August.

This year’s theme is “Little Voices – Loud Futures”. Uncle Ralph Naden welcomed us all with an acknowledgement to country and a traditional smoking ceremony. Dancers of Dinawan’s Connection entertained us with some wonderful dance and song and the children were invited to dance with them. The fun continued with a variety of activities before all enjoying a sausage and fruit. The weather was fabulous, and everyone enjoyed the day.

Photos by KEN SMITH

Peppercorn Child Care Centre Pre School Group

Dubbo and District Pre School Room 2

Back, Jenna, Front, Lorna, Uncle Ralph and Stepping Stone Early Learning Centre Mission Australia ready on standby for face painting.

Dubbo & District Pre-school

THIRD THIRD TRANGIE TRUCK

AND TRACTOR SHOW

READY TO GO!

By EMILY MIDDLETON

THE Trangie Truck and Tractor

Show is creeping up for its third year, and with better weather and lots of keen interest - it’s set to be record breaking. Locals and visitors alike are encouraged to bring in their trucks, tractors, cars, motorbikes, and even small engines to have on display. President of the show, Jason McCutcheon, insists they don’t have to be fancy or all done up to be worthy of display.

“They can be in their ‘working clothes’, as we like to say,” he said.

“Sometimes the original is even better than when it’s all done up.”

But even if tractor displays aren’t your thing, there’s entertainment on offer for the whole family. Starting off strong with a tractor pull, there’s also a show and shine with all sorts of prizes on offer. There will be market stalls, food, kids activities, and even live entertainment in the evening, after of course - the

demolition derby.

The Trangie Truck and Tractor Show was first thought up by a group of friends wanting to put their prized possessions on display. The first show in 2019 anticipated to have around 500 people in attendance, but it was blown out to over 3000 guests through the gates. “It was off the scale!” exclaimed Mr McCutcheon.

“The second one was postponed from COVID-19, but then the night before it was meant to happen we had 100mm of rain,

and it was washed out. So we had probably still over 1000 people come and we had tractors all through the main street.

“When we initially started, we got a few of our wives involved to do some of the admin, and they asked what they were going to do when they attended, so that’s where this idea of it becoming a whole day of activities came through.”

Mr McCutcheon said that the idea was thought up in the middle of the drought, in an effort to

After its successes in 2019 and 2022, the Trangie Truck and Tractor Show is back, and everyone is encouraged to enter their favourite toys! PHOTO: SUPPLIED

put something on to pick up people’s spirits.

“We planned a full family day with enough activities for everyone, the chance to show off equipment if you want, or just something to have a look around.”

The Trangie Truck and Tractor Show’s major sponsor is Inland Petroleum, and the event was given a boost this year by the NSW government through their Reconnecting Regional NSW – Community Events Program.

Trangie Truck & Tractor

Indigenous poetry prize win for Dubbo South’s Isabelle

and Zac

TWO Dubbo South Public School students recently showed their moving way with words, scoring in a major literary prize that celebrates Indigenous Australia.

Year Six student Isabelle Ridge was awarded Winner and $150 in prize money, with fellow final-year pupil Zac Elbourne-Binns earning Highly Commended and $50 in prize money, for their insightful and moving poems as part of the Naomi Williams Wiradjuri Poetry Prize.

Williams was a Wiradjuri woman from the Brungle/Tumut area of southern NSW who passed away from an infection in hospital while heavily pregnant. The strong young woman enjoyed writing about life in Wiradjuri country. This award was inaugurated in her memory.

This year, young writers were asked to reflect on the 2023 NAIDOC week theme “Our Elders”. A total of 130 poems from across Wiradjuri lands, including Albury, Brungle, Griffith, Ilford, Kalinda, Kandos, Kooringal, Wagga Wagga and Dubbo.

“We were delighted to learn that two of our students’ work was recognised in this very important prize that raises awareness for the life of Wiradjuri woman Naomi Williams,” School Principal Sharon Allman said. “We congratulate them on their efforts and this impressive achievement,” she added.

Both winning poets were overjoyed to learn that their words had moved the judges, as was their teacher, Natalie Polak.

The judging panel composed of Gomeroi poet Alison Whittaker, Wiradjuri writer Anita Heiss and Darumbal and South Sea Islander journalist Amy

ADVERTORIAL FROM THE BOOKSHELVES

By DAVE PANKHURST, The Book Connection

THE media has been following the status of world financial matters in recent times with the latest reference being to a potential world recession. From our bookshelves, a number of books relate to financial conditions, one of note being the Harvard Business Review’s latest thinking on the future of business - ‘Global Recession.’ The text states that business is changing - “will you adapt or be left behind.” It takes in the major level traders, cyber security, collects the best research and

McGuire.

“We were overwhelmed not only by the number of entries from across many parts of Wiradjuri country, but by the high quality of the writing in all categories,” the panel said. “The words carried with them inspiration, but also moved us to tears on occasion. From odes to individual elders, to communal recognition of the knowledge and wisdom Elders bring to their lives and even the foundations of protest poetry, the passion of the young poets flowed through every stanza,” they added.

“The entire Stage Three Extension English class were exceptionally-proud that two of their classmates’ talent and hard work were acknowledged and are now being celebrated,” Mrs Polak said.

“The prize provided a wonderful opportunity for our creative students to think deeply, find their own voice and play with words to create impact about our elders and life on Wiradjuri Country,” she added.

Naomi Williams’ mother, Sharon, was grateful for all entries in the competition: “I would like to thank everyone who participated in this year’s Naomi Williams Wiradjuri Poetry Prize; congratulations to each and every one of you,” Ms Williams said. “It makes me so proud to be able to continue Nay’s legacy in this way; thankyou to my family, the judges and sponsors for your continued support,” she concluded.

Recordings of the students reading their poems have been shared by the National Justice Project to promote Naomi’s legacy and the students’ brilliant creative work.

Read the poems at: justice.org.au/ naomi-williams-poetry-prize-2023

Financial troubles in the world

much more with practical case studies we have to compete with today.

George Monboit

Has written “How Did We Get into This Mess” and the impact of politics. Equality and the drive to accommodate changes that supposedly benefit the change in climate policies. The influence of these elements considers the drive in real estate “values,” the drive for profit growth by major traders and their influence over the political people.

An Australian book written by Kerry Packer’s former accountant, Allan Mason is “Tax Secrets of the Rich, 2023-2024.”

Have you ever wondered how the wealthy seem to pay less tax than the average person? As the saying goes, how the wealthy seem to pay less tax than the average person - there are only two things certain in life, “Death and Taxes” and with the author’s 40 years of accounting, the text is easy read-

ing. Discover each type of tax situation a person can encounter, and there are eight money tips that successful people use to create wealth or to run their businesses so that one has a better work-life balance.

So much of the financial mess and recession factors are circulated to the community sometimes with questionable intent.

Sally Young is the author of “Media Monsters” which deals with the transformation of Australia’s Newspaper Empires. It examples how in 1941, “the paper emperors of the Australian newspaper industry helped bring down Robert

Menzies.”

This was followed by Gough Whitlam’s “It’s Time” victory in 1972. During that period, twelve independent newspaper companies turned into a handful of national multimedia giants controlling our papers, magazines, radio and TV.

“The Art of Risk” by Richard Harris is an interesting analysis on what we can learn from the world’s leading risk-takers.” Better known as ‘Harry’ Harris, he presents the ultimate armchair adventure taking us into the lives of various risk takers. But significantly he was the Cave Rescuer involved in the recovery of young fellows from the Tham Luang Nang Non cave in Thailand. Whilst he

doesn’t focus on finance, the risk factor rises through the book.

German author Maja Gopel has written “Rethinking Our World” which is “an invitation to rescue our future.” Gopel is a political economist and an important voice arguing for a sustainable transformation of our living, working at the intersection of the economy, politics and society. As honorary professor at the Leuphana University of Luneburg, she is has a clear strength in how we can rescue a positive outcome for recovery in a world of recession. Enjoy your browsing, Dave

Pankhurst

Year Six student Isabelle Ridge was awarded Winner and $150 in prize money, with fellow final year pupil Zac Elbourne-Binns earning Highly Commended and $50 in prize money for their insightful and moving poems as part of the Naomi Williams Wiradjuri Poetry Prize. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Kokoda trek

Local Darren and building mates do for a good cause

TRAVERSING the imposing mountain ridge where the battle that saved Australia during World War II was fought and won, a local builder is joining colleagues to recreate the journey starting this Saturday, August 5.

GJ Gardner Homes Dubbo owner Darren Semmler is joining a team of 16 colleagues from throughout NSW and the ACT, to complete the gruelling Kokoda Track, and thereby raise $120,000 in support of two important charities..

Training hard for the 100km trail that rises 2500 metres through the Owen Stanley Range in Papua New Guinea, Darren is looking forward to joining associates on the renowned trek, while supporting the vital work of both MATES in Construction and Legacy Australia.

“MATES in Construction is a charity really close to my heart, as we have sadly lost a few people right here in Dubbo,” Darren said. “It’s a great experience to be a part of this challenge, and we’ve all been doing lots of training to ensure we are prepared for the trek.”

Darren has been walking 4–5 km most days to prepare himself, including hiking through the Warrumbungle National Park and the Blue Mountains, with the support of his wife, Kylie.

“We have male and female franchisees from across New South Wales and the ACT participating,” he explained.

“Shoalhaven and Wollongong, Sydney South, Hawkesbury, Wagga, Sapphire Coast and Mitchell, along with a number of staff from our head office all committed to the Kokoda trek,” he added.

GJ Gardner Homes Chief Operating Officer Simon Curtis will also be participating in the trek and said he was looking forward to challenging himself and sharing the journey with the franchise partners. “The past few years have been particularly difficult within the construction industry due to a number of factors including the fallout from COVID-19, constant labour shortages, as well as regular and steep increases in the cost of material,” he said.

“Thankfully we’ve been able to work

Hard at training, GJ Gardner Homes Dubbo owner Darren Semmler is joining a team of 16 colleagues from throughout NSW and the ACT to complete the gruelling Kokoda Track, and raise $120,000 in support of two important charities.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

through it all as a team and we’ve come out the other end a much better business,” Simon said.

MATES in Construction was established in 2008 to help reduce the high level of suicide among building and construction workers across Australia.

The other supporting charity is Legacy, which recently celebrated 100 years of helping hundreds of thousands of Australian widows, families and children who have lost a veteran after serving the country.

“Both these charities mean a lot to our business and our franchisees as well as our customers. We have just cracked $100,000 for these worthy causes with the hope of breaking the $120,000 mark,” Simon said.

Kokoda, located in the rugged jungles of Papua New Guinea, is renowned as the location of the World War II battle between Japanese and Australian forces in 1942 and is mostly a single-file foot thoroughfare that runs 96 kilometres.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK

Aug 10: Ian Anderson, Scottish muso of Jethro Tull, 76. Rosanna Arquette, US actress, 64. Antonio Banderas Spanish actor, 63. Jon Farriss, from INXS, 62. Cate Shortland, screenwriter, 55. Emily Symons, Home & Away actress, 54. Angie Harmon, Law & Order actress, 51.

Aug 11: Eric Carmen, pop singer, 74. Steve Wozniak , Apple II computer inventor, 73. Hulk Hogan, US actor-wrestler, 70. Charlie Sexton, US rock guitarist, 55. Chris Hemsworth, actor, 40. Luke Lewis, NRL player, 40. Joel Creasey, stand-up comedian, 33.

Aug 12: George Hamilton, US actor, 84. Mark Knopfler, of Dire Straits, 74. Lee Freedman, horse trainer, 67. Campbell Newman, former Queensland Premier, 60. Pete Sampras, US tennis champion, 52. Karl Stefanovic , Today host, 49. Casey Affleck , US actor, 48. Dominique Swain, US actress, 43. Matt Gillett, NRL player, 35. Jesinta Franklin, model, 32.

Aug 13: Danny Bonaduce, US actor, 64. Christopher Pyne politician, 56. Michael Klim, swimmer, 46.

Aug 14: Laurie Oakes, former journalist, 80. Steve Martin, US actor-comedian, 78. Danielle Steel , US author, 76. Gary Larson, The Far Side cartoonist, 72. Reg Mombassa , musician, 72. Peter Costello, former Treasurer, 66. Magic Johnson, US basketball player, 64. Sarah Brightman, stage soprano, 63. Susan Olsen, Cindy on TV’s The Brady Bunch, 62. Halle Berry, US actress, 57. Kieren Perkins swimmer, 50. Kate Ritchie, Home & Away actress, 45. Paul Gallen, NRL player, 42. Mila Kunis, US actress, 40.

Aug 15: Princess Anne, daughter of the Queen, 73. Bernard Fanning , Powderfinger front man, 53. Ben Affleck , US actor, 51. Waleed Aly, TV presenter, 45. Beau Robinson, rugby union player, 37. Jordan Rapana , NRL player, 34. Jennifer Lawrence, US actress, 33. Tones and I, singer-songwriter, 23.

Aug 16: Bruce Beresford, film director, 83. Jeff Thomson, fast-bowling cricketer, 73. James Cameron US movie director, 69. Tim Farriss, INXS rock musician, 66. Madonna , US actress-singer, 65. Steve Carell , US actor-comedian, 59. Virginia Trioli, ABC presenter, 58. Emily Robison, Dixie Chicks singer, 51. Stan Lazaridis footballer, 51.

West Dubbo Public Kindergarten

Lollies, cake and fun party games flavoured a special celebration recently for Milo the monkey’s birthday. Each week students have been learning the sounds of the letters of the alphabet through an educational story book, ‘Milo’s Birthday Surprise’ by Maureen Pollard. At the end of the story Milo’s friends celebrate his birthday with a birthday party, so West Dubbo Public kindergarten students and staff did the same, enjoying some classic party games like musical chairs, the largest ever pass the parcel, pin the tail on the Yak and paper planes.

Everyone then sang Milo “Happy Birthday” and when they closed their eyes Milo blew out his candles.

Happy Birthday Milo!

Chris Hemsworth as ‘Thor’

Another Classic

The monthly event that keeps on giving. Dubbo Classic Cars and Coffee presented another classic line-up of cars and bikes at Victoria Park this August.

The first Sunday of each month has long been recognised as a must attend for car and bike enthusiasts; it’s also become established as a great free family day out.

With the warmer weather approaching, it’s the perfect time to come and enjoy the unique vehicles on display.

Well done to the Dubbo Classic Cars and Coffee team of volunteers.

Well equipped to handle the toughest jobs

By YVETTE AUBUSSON-FOLEY

STANDING in the gravelled industrial landscape of Fletcher International Export grain terminal, loader driver Jacob Draper is dwarfed by the huge machine he drives every day.

His job at the terminal involves removing empty containers off Fletcher’s cargo train, which arrives three times a week and over the span of a year can equate to handling about 18,000 twenty-foot containers.

“After that I put them in the yard and cart them to the lifters where they’re filled up with grain and then they’re put back on the train and shipped off for export,” he explained.

Jacob has been with Fletchers for a little over two years and in his current role for a year-and-a-half.

He didn’t start his job with the credentials needed to operate the heavy equipment he is

responsible for now; however, Fletchers supported his development by covering the cost of attaining a forklift and reach stacker tickets, which for both qualifications required Jacob to do a short course on site at the grain terminal with a trainer brought from Sydney.

A reach stacker is a heavy-duty specialised cargo container handler commonly used in terminals like Fletchers’ in Dubbo.

His rewarding work is a far cry from the job he started after finishing Year 12 at Dubbo College Senior Campus.

“I didn’t know what I wanted to do after school, so I got into plumbing but in my first year I realised I really didn’t like it so started looking around for something different. I never imagined I’d work somewhere like Fletchers, and when I came here, I had no idea what to expect, but it’s a good work environment here and the people are friendly,” he said.

Position Vacant

Abattoir Labourers - Full Time FLETCHER INTERNATIONAL EXPORTS

Jobs and Tasks

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

Wages and Pay: Wages are processed weekly

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

Skill Level

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

Benefits of Working with Us:

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

You can find this on our website at http://www.fletchint.com.au/careers/application-form or grab one from our Gatehouse at Lot 11 Yarrandale Road, Dubbo NSW 2830 For more information contact 02 6801 3100

Fletcher International Exports’ container handler Jacob Draper.

PHOTO: DUBBO PHOTO NEWS

Casual work to permanency not an option in ag

SOMETIMES a seemingly-compassionate idea can have unintended consequences.

So many farmers believe of the Federal Government’s proposed Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) project, to make casual workers permanent, could prove.

Producers have urged the Commonwealth to work with the industry to avoid unintended impacts on our vital fresh food supply chain from the move.

Their comments follow Federal Employment Minister Tony Burke’s recent announcement of a bill to require casual workers with regular and predictable hours to be made permanent.

But this move could simply make it harder to employ casuals, with no real benefits for anyone, NSW Farmers Workplace Relations Spokesman Chris Stillard warned.

He claimed that casual employees already had a pathway to request permanent employment, something he added that had caused no increase in the employment of casuals over the past decade.

“In agriculture there are plenty of seasonal jobs that are available on full-time hours, but they are only available for part of the year or relatively short periods,” Mr

# DUBBO JOBS COUNTER 593

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

Team Leader, Westhaven Limited

WESTHAVEN Limited is currently advertising for Team Leader, Adult Services (Dubbo).

This is an opportunity for skilled leaders to take the next step in their career. Join an inclusive and supportive workplace and be part of the expansive and diverse Westhaven team.

We are seeking your leadership skills and qualities to assist us in building a workforce that prides itself on accountability and effectiveness.

As a Westhaven Team Leader, you will:

 Empower a team of Support Workers to provide high-quality and safe services to vulnerable persons within our

community

 Coach and mentor a team of Support Workers, offering on-the-job training, support and guidance

 Inspire a skilled, versatile, and diverse team utilising your experience in managing performance and delivering support

 Support service delivery by ensuring effective and efficient administrative processes and procedures, including quality, timely and accurate reporting, planning and record-keeping

Applications close August 22, 2023

More details on this opportunity can be found at: www.seek.com.au/ job/69146405

JOIN THE MISSION

DUBBO WORKS WANTS YOU!

Stillard said.

“There’s also a high chance of disruptions to the work available, whether they be weather-related or market-related,” he added.

Mr Stillard put forward the situation of horticulture growers, pointing out that there were long periods where few workers were required, and short periods where more were required.

He said any broad changes to employment law, without properly consulting the industry or observing the feedback provided by the industry, could have an impact on further driving up food production costs.

“Take the example of pruning: it runs for three months, three days a week, then it ends; three months later, thinning (removing excess fruit) begins and it runs for one month, four days a week, and then it ends,” he said. “A month later, harvest begins – six days a week for two months, and then it ends… pruning recommences three months later,” Mr Stillard explained.

He said that Australian agriculture was simply too seasonal, and unpredictable, for such a model to work.

“That’s before you factor in a hailstorm that might destroy that year’s crop, or a flood, or you get delays due to cold, or if fruit bats come and threaten your crops… you might need to do two 15-hour days to strip trees, rather than eight six-hour days to pick-to-size. This is the reality of horticulture, but there are similar challenges for other types of agriculture, you can’t just have a ‘one size fits all’ approach because we’re all different,” he said.

He added that many agricultural workers enjoy the casual nature of their employment, with higher hourly rates to compensate for unsure work and no sick or annual leave.

“The crazy part is that casual employees who have worked regularly and systematically over an extended period already have a protected pathway to request to be converted into permanent employees,” Mr Stillard said.

“Our preference, is to keep the current definition and option to request conversion, as it provides certainty to all parties, and offers casual employees the option to pursue conversion through a request mechanism,” he concluded.

LOVE YOUR WORK

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

If ha job fa T Dubbo

Margot Drake

Where do you work and how long have you been there?

Macquarie Regional Library –Wellington Branch. Just over three years.

What is your current role? Branch librarian.

What or who gives you something to smile about at work, and why? It’s lovely to be working in such a friendly hub for our community… there’s always a great exchange of greetings and local information!

How does your job challenge you? Wellington’s community is so diverse and has such a range of interests and happenings, that I

never know what the next question will be!

What’s been the most embarrassing/funny moment at work? Having a mental block when asked, “Who wrote the Harry Potter books?”

What was your first job ever and how much did you make?

Working in my hometown chemist shop. Don’t remember my first pay but I do recall that I put it towards saving for a camera.

Best professional advice you ever received? We work with people, not books.

When you were a child, what did you dream of growing up to be? Writer or journalist.

Do you think robots or Al could ever replace your job? Luckily, NO! Libraries everywhere feature amazing technology, but I don’t believe that either robots or AI would manage to multitask the way that we do! From tech help; reading stories; recommending authors; conducting outreach programs, and researching local history to hosting school visits; photographing library events; attending community meetings; keeping our collection fresh and relevant; providing the odd Band-Aid, or directing visitors to the Wellington VIC… we do it all! What’s one thing most people don’t know you do in your job? Dusting!

Many farmers believe the Federal Government’s proposed make-casual-workers-permanent law could have unintended impacts on our vital fresh food supply chain.

PHOTO: PACIFIC AUSTRALIA LABOUR MOBILITY PROJECT

Jesus Christ Superstar showcases local talent

Contributed by DRTCC

More than 300 people attended the opening night of Dubbo Theatre Company’s Jesus Christ

Superstar to support local talent on Friday, July 21, as Dubbo Regional Theatre.

COUNCIL SNAPSHOT DUBBO.NSW.GOV.AU

COMMUNITY SERVICES FUND

Applications are now open for the Community Services Fund which provides funding to community organisations to support projects that deliver social, cultural or environmental outcomes to the Dubbo Region and helps create and enhance community well-being and amenity. Applications close 31 August 2023.

Find out more at dubbo.nsw.gov.au/ community-groups/grants-and-funding

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE: 6801 4000

DUBBO REGIONAL SPORTS AWARDS1000 BOOKS BEFORE SCHOOL WHEELERS LANE REOPEN TO TRAFFIC

Nominations are now open for this year’s awards, which recognise the outstanding acheivements of sportspeople from Dubbo and Wellington.

The award categories include: individual team achievement, individual contribution to sport and community contribution to sport.

Nominate at dubbo.nsw.gov.au/ dubboregionalsportsawards

Did you know that reading together is the best way to encourage a love of books in your child?

Register for 1000 Books Before School and start your child’s reading adventure!

Sign up for free at the Dubbo or Wellington Library and receive a complimentary reading kit to get started.

Find out more at mrl.nsw.gov.au

The southbound section of Wheelers Lane, from Birch Avenue to the railway crossing, has re-opened to traffic.

Works have been completed quicker than expected with only the line marking to be completed in the coming weeks, which will be undertaken with minimal disruption to traffic. More information at yoursay.dubbo.nsw.gov.au

Milton and Lyn Wilson

Russell Graves and Jacqui Taylor from the Sunshine Coast

Jill Peterson, Marlene Schaeffer and Jenette MuirheadNan Clark, Tania Payne and Trinity SpencerRuth Bray and Lauren Nott

Judy Smyth

Paul and Sue Dodd

Richard Slapp and Sharyn Allan

Natalie and James Lewis

Evelyn Trainor and Kevin Anderson

PHOTOS BY Eisteddfod

Top left: Wellington Pre School dance troupe

Canobolas Technological High School, Orange.

Wellington Public School dancers.

Thumbs up to Helen, receptionist at Dubbo Regional Council. Exceptionally helpful with our initial phone enquiry and the follow up service was greatly appreciated.

Thumbs up to Chris, also from the Dubbo Regional Council, who was very helpful with my phone enquiry.

Thumbs up to the Dubbo Photo News for sharing positive community news each and every week. Social media can be very negative, so your important contribution to our community is very much appreciated.

Thumbs up to Sally at the Dubbo Photo News who is exceptionally helpful and always positive when I call the office.

Thumbs up to Kapil at Petries Mitre 10 for exceptional customer service.

Thumbs up to the Dubbo community for what turned out to be a happy outcome for me. Following my retirement 29 years ago, I have travelled Australia extensively, including some very remote areas – and some overseas destinations. For the information of Police/ Ambulance should I have had some misfortune and not been conscious, I’ve carried (and still carry) a small plastic wallet in my pocket for ID, which also has a list of medications. I recently lost this wallet in Dubbo and was quite worried due to it containing personal information. The next day I was phoned by a person at DRTCC to say it had been found near the Theatre and handed in. I want to record my very sincere appreciation to both the person who found it and the Theatre staff for getting it back to me.

Thumbs up to Bree at the Barunga Medical Centre. Bree was absolutely marvellous when collecting blood samples from my grandson who does not like needles. Bree was very calming and is certainly in the right job.

 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.

SHARE YOUR NEWS!

Geurie Craft ladies’ charity knits warming local hearts this winter

WHO needs Santa, when you have the warm-hearted ladies from the Geurie Craft Group?

Just as the cold days of winter descended upon the region, a member of this “close-knit” and dynamic local group bought a very unusual knitting pattern.

This was a book filled with many different animals one could knit and make from many knitted squares, each one 23cm square.

As many of the ladies had not created such animal patterns before, a challenge went out amongst the group to knit all the different animals, and then donate the resulting works to charity, a club spokesperson said.

“The wool that had been pushed to the back of the cupboard, finally had a purpose; the needles came out of the draw and, before one knew it, the knitting needles were clicking away,” the spokesperson said.

“All started with a happy clown, then animals of all shapes and sizes came next, followed by dolls, baby bunnies, and bears, all brightly-coloured, all filled with safe stuffing for young children,” they added.

After sending out enquiring emails, there was a welcome reply

“We now have enough small items that will be delivered next week to Wellington Ambulance. They asked for small items for children aged from three months to three years old,” the spokesperson explained.

“Little Wings will receive toys of all sizes and colours; Homestay have a larger need, the clowns will travel with their little friends, plus beanies, socks, knee rugs, and

more… then our last charity, Orana Support, will receive the soft toys plus over 20 emergency bags that we have made up for personal needs of their clients,” the spokesperson revealed.

This act of selfless endeavour by the proud members of the Geurie Craft Group is typical of an organisation that loves to help, and enjoys its work.

“Our group of ladies are very

talented in many different areas of knitting and sewing,” the spokesperson explained.

“They get together every Wednesday at the Geurie Bowling Club, where the friendly chatter can be heard over the clicking needles or the hum of a sewing machine.

“Challenge met – Congratulations, ladies!” the spokesperson concluded.

Annette does Legacy relay leg, commemorating its centenary

By DAVID DIXON

DUBBO may have missed out on the Centenary Legacy Torch Relay winding its way around Australia, but this didn’t stop local supporter Annette Priest from doing her bit.

Chairperson of Dubbo Legacy, she has seen in her own life the important work that the group has carried out over the years for thousands of war widows and their children.

“My grandmother was a Legacy widow. My grandfather had been in the Highland Light Infantry during World War I, and my father-in-law was a POW (prisoner-of-war) in Changi during World War II,” Annette said.

“Legacy helped my grandmother with activities and support she wouldn’t have otherwise got,” she added.

With the relay only visiting areas with current and active Legacy branches, Annette represented Dubbo during the Central Tablelands leg of the commemorating establishment of the first

Legacy Club in Australia in Melbourne in 1923.

“Dubbo is actually part of the Orange branch of Legacy, and I was the seventh local runner. I carried the torch for about 500 metres,” Annette said.

“We had a lovely ceremony where we lit the cauldron. The establishment of the first branch is a significant day in Legacy’s history,” she added. Her run followed that of another local Nicole Johnstone who did her leg of the run in sunny Coffs Harbour.

The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay 2023, started just before Anzac Day at the site of the Somme, one of the bloodiest battles of the Western Front in Pozières, France, which Australia’s official historian Charles Bean said “is more densely sown with Australian sacrifice than any other place on earth”.

After travelling through London (the only Legacy Club outside of Australia) the torch is touring all 44 Legacy clubs in Australia before it ends its odyssey in Melbourne on Saturday, October 14.

The ladies are seen here, with some of the wonderful items they have created with loving care this winter for a number of local charities. Pictured (back) Catherine,

Marie, Vivian, Jenny, Claire, Lorraine, (front) Helen, Judy, and Colene.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

With the Centenary Legacy Torch Relay only visiting areas with current and active Legacy branches, Annette Priest represented Dubbo during the Central Tablelands leg of the relay, which commemorates establishment of the first club in Australia in Melbourne in 1923.

PHOTO: LEGACY DUBBO

AGENT’S CHOICE

PRICELESS POSITION WITH ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES 10 WERRIGAL STREET, WONGARBON NSW

Discover your family’s dream lifestyle at this exquisite acreage property, located just a stone’s throw from the heart of Wongarbon and set on a generous 2.5-acre block, this 2005 built, five-bedroom, two-bathroom home offers the perfect blend of space, serenity and modern amenities. Positioned just 1km from Wongarbon Public School and a mere 19km from the bustling city of Dubbo, The open plan kitchen, living and dining area boasts a wood heater, ceiling fans, reverse cycle split system and stunning pitched ceilings – ensuring a comfortable and inviting atmosphere all

SUNSET STROLLS TO THE RIVER, TOGETHER.

Walk around our estate, and you’ll meet people who value the things you do; community, comfort and connection.

We’re ready to welcome you to a lifestyle designed by you.

Your choice of design and builder

Extra large ~2000m 2 lots in Stage 5

Premium location (limited release)

Short walk to Macquarie River

Orana Mall 5 min drive, CBD 8 min drive

345D MACQUARIE STREET, DUBBO

THE ULTIMATE IN CONTEMPORARY LUXURY IN PREMIER POSITION

Located in a premier position within our city opp. Wahroonga Park, the residence enjoys easy access to both CBD and Tamworth St shops plus river walking track. The architecturally designed home has beautiful interiors surrounding a private plunge pool creating an atmosphere of sheer

• North facing living areas

• Main residence with three bedrooms

• Main bedroom suite with walk in robe and ensuite

• Gourmet kitchen with quality appliances

• Finest quality curtains, blinds & wool carpet

• Ducted reverse cycle a/c, solar panels

• Private throughout set on 693 sq m

• One bedroom apartment:

• Full kitchenette, bathroom and laundry

• Living area with split system a/c unit

• Deck overlooks Wahroonga Park

C B A 433

AUCTION INSPECT

CONTACT

JANE DONALD

THE POWER OF NEWSPAPER ADVERTISING WHEN SELLING YOUR HOME

In today’s digital age, it’s easy to assume that online marketing is the only way to sell your home effectively. However, while online platforms have undoubtedly transformed the real estate industry, the importance of traditional newspaper advertising should not be overlooked.

Here are five reasons why newspaper ads remain an essential component of a successful home-selling strategy.

•••

REACHING A DIVERSE AUDIENCE

Newspaper ads have the unique ability to reach a broad and diverse readership. While online platforms cater to a specific demographic, newspapers are read by people of all ages, backgrounds, and in-

come levels. This wide exposure increases the likelihood of finding the right buyer for your home – and getting a better price! Additionally, newspaper readers tend to be highly engaged, devoting more time and attention to the content, making it more likely that your advertisement will be noticed and remembered.

ESTABLISHING TRUST

Newspapers are considered a fare more reliable and trustworthy source of information, lending credibility to the advertisements they feature. Buyers are more inclined to trust the information presented in a newspaper ad compared to an online listing, as they associate it with the publication’s reputation. By advertising in a reputable newspaper, you are not only increasing your chances of reaching potential buyers but also establishing a sense of trust and reliability in your home-selling process.

TARGETING LOCAL BUYERS

Advertising in local newspapers allows you to target potential buyers within your community, increasing the chances of a quick and successful sale. Local readers are more likely to be interested in nearby properties and have a better understanding of the market conditions and neighbourhood. This can result in more serious inquiries and higher-quality leads.

STANDING OUT FROM

THE COMPETITION

With many sellers settling on digital marketing only, a well-placed newspaper ad can help your property stand out from the crowd. A professionally designed and eye-catching ad will capture readers’ attention and make a lasting impression. This traditional marketing approach demonstrates your commitment to reaching all potential buyers, reinforcing your credibility as a seller.

COMPLEMENTING ONLINE MARKETING

Newspaper advertising doesn’t have to replace online marketing, but rather complement it. Using both platforms allows you to maximise your reach and target different demographics. A comprehensive and diversified marketing strategy will increase the likelihood of a successful sale, while also showcasing your property to its fullest potential.

YES, NEWSPAPER ADVERTISING REMAINS AN ESSENTIAL COMPONENT OF A SUCCESSFUL HOME-SELLING STRATEGY.

By incorporating traditional marketing methods alongside digital ones, you can effectively reach a diverse audience, establish trust, target local buyers, stand out from the competition, and create a comprehensive marketing plan. Don't underestimate the power of the printed word when selling your home – embrace the benefits of newspaper advertising to ensure a successful sale.

Newspaper advertising remains an essential component of a successful home-selling strategy.

PHOTO: DUBBO

PHOTO NEWS

Students

Casualcontributors

Freelancewriters

Seniorsandretirees

JointhedynamicteamatDubboPhotoNews, athrivingfreeweeklynewspaperthat celebratesthepowerofcommunity storytelling.

Areyouapassionatewriterwhorevelsin theartofcraftingengagingnarratives?

Doyoupossessaneyeforcapturingthe momentthroughyourphotographs?

Areyoueagertoconnectwithpeoplefrom diversebackgrounds,shiningalightontheir stories?Ifso,wewantyou!

AtDubboPhotoNews,we believethateveryindividual hasastoryworthtelling, andwearededicatedto bringingthosestoriestolife.

Weareseekingtalented freelancewriterswhoare enthusiasticaboutexploring therichtapestryofour community,uncoveringits hiddengemsandcelebrating itsvibrantdiversity.

Whetheryou'rean experiencedjournalistora buddingwordsmith,we welcomeanyonewitha passionforstorytellingto joinourteam.

Asafreelancewriterfor DubboPhotoNews,youwill havetheopportunityto attendlocalevents,conduct interviews,andshowoff yourphotographyskills.

Yourwordsandimages willreachanaudienceof 30,000readers,agreat opportunitytomake contactsandbuildyour portfolio.

Joinusinourmissionto inform,inspire,and entertainourreaders.

Ifyou'rereadytomakean impactthroughyour writing,photography,and communityspirit,reach outtoDubboPhotoNews today.Dubbo’sfavourite newspaper.

Wearelookingforadiverse teamofwritersincludingbut notlimitedto

Lookingforsomeextrawork?

WHAT SAY KIDS

How old are you? 4

Tobias

What are you good at? Balancing

What is your favourite food?

Grapes, watermelon, chocolate oreos and chips

What do you want be when you are older? A big boy

Do you have a favourite word that you say a lot? Stop it

What makes you laugh? When other people laugh I laugh

Who is your favourite character from a movie or book? Spiderman

If you could paint your room what colour would it be? Black Who is the boss in your family?

Poppy

Which Zoo animal would you like to have as a pet? A giraffe

If you could talk to animals, what animal would you like to talk to? A lion

How many stars in the sky? So so many

Where does the sun go at night time? On the ground. KNOW

Wordfind

Theme: Landforms

The

Crossmath

Drop Down

No. 096

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.

S A

H A M I N G

YOUR STARS

ARIES: You’ll be in the spotlight this week. You’ll lead a group that defends your community. You’re charismatic and important to the people around you. This could boost your self-esteem.

TAURUS: If you have children, you’ll spend a lot of time getting ready for school activities. You could decide to move or tackle a major home renovation. If you’re single, you fall in love at first sight.

GEMINI: You won’t be afraid to speak your mind and will say out loud what others are thinking. This will draw attention to your opinions. You’ll find the necessary solutions to get out of a difficult financial situation.

CANCER: At work, you’ll be courted by the competition and receive an offer that’s hard to refuse. You’ll have to do a lot of running around for a family member. In love, someone in your circle of friends could make a statement that leaves you perplexed.

LEO: A new job or life is taking shape. Your dreams are finally coming true! You’ll be most excited about the new opportunities that come your way. In love, life will put someone very romantic in your path.

VIRGO: If your energy levels are low, brew a second cup of coffee before starting your workday. If your health is fragile, you’ll find the right treatments to improve your quality of life. Stress can be a source of momentary energy.

LIBRA: You have no choice but to tackle the obstacles in front of you and overcome the pitfalls. You’ll have to negotiate with many people at the same time, which could prove stressful. You’ll make new friends and expand your social networks.

SCORPIO: At work or elsewhere, you’ll have to deal with constant emergencies. Everything is falling behind. Someone close to you will help you take a step back. If you’re in a relationship, you must establish common goals to secure your future together.

SAGITTARIUS: You’ll have fun organising an interesting getaway in nature. You must take some time off. Make sure you prepare in advance to make this adventure possible and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.

CAPRICORN: Major projects often cause anxiety. Perseverance is the key to success. Don’t be afraid of change; it’s good for you. If your emotions are running high, simmer down by taking a step back.

AQUARIUS: Before making a decision that will affect several people, consult them and get their consent. At work, you’ll reach a profitable agreement after long negotiations.

PISCES: It’s time to take care of yourself. If you change certain habits, you’ll feel more energised, and your love for life will be contagious. You must improve your health; your doctor will tell you what you need to do.

Quiz

Quick Crossword

ACROSS

1 Underground railway (6)

4 Cutting tool (8)

9 Female name (5)

10 Christmas plant (9)

11 Overturn (5)

12 Compile (9)

13 Room for cleansing (8)

15 Prosper (6)

16 Engaging (6)

18 Buyers (8)

1 In which sport was the first national Australian team formed in 1922?

2 The Living Sea of Waking Dreams is a 2020 novel by which Australian author?

3 In what year was the Gregorian calendar adopted in Soviet Russia: 1917, 1918 or 1919?

4 Dan Levy (pictured) stars as John in which 2020 Christmas film?

5 True or false: the Earth has an axial tilt of approximately 13.4 degrees?

6 What was the pen name of British author David Cornwell?

7 Which two states or territories do not observe Queen’s Birthday on the second Monday in June?

8 Melbourne is located on the lands of which First Nations people?

9 Mo Dao Zu Shi is a Chinese xianxia novel that was adapted into which Netflix fantasy series?

10 What type of instrument is a xiao?

23 First screen of a video game (5,4) 24

Edgeword

No.

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

DOWN

1 Yield to (7)

2 Alloy (5)

3 Device to connect noncompatible equipment (7)

5 Cover (6)

6 Stain (7)

7 Unduly prominent (9)

8 Ghost (7)

10 Very small (5)

14 Waterproof canvas cover (9)

16 Relating to a mystical Jewish movement (7)

17 Inborn (7)

19 Periods of 60 minutes (5)

20 Tableland (7)

21 Wrap a baby tightly (7)

22 Exceeding (6)

25 Ancient (5)

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

Dubbo TAFE NAIDOC Day 2023

By KEN SMITH

A busy, highly informative and fun day at TAFE Dubbo for NAIDOC Day 2023. Well done to all involved.

Diamond Smith and Natalie Wilcox (TAFE Digital)

Ricky Boy Ah See, Kane Dunn and Tyrese Newman (Quit B Fit and Wellington Aboriginal Corporation Health Service)

John and Aunty Beth (Indigenous Education) with Playmates Cottage children and staff

TAFE NSW NAIDOC Day 2023 cake with the Yarradamarra Aboriginal Languages and Studios staff

Alison McKinnon and Ismael De Barros (TAFE NSW Student Engagement Jobs Connect)

Merinda Rose and Lucy-Ann Quartey (Australian Bureau of Statistics)

Eloise, Eloise, Isabelle, Jess, Liz and Jinnaya (Challenge Community Services)

Kylie Giusti, Garth Mercy and Melinda Fox (IPROWD and NSW Police)

Skye Daley, Susan Coon, Keelie Blackhall and Jai Merritt (Yilabara Solutions)

Bree Fenwick and Bailey Gaiter (Empowered Choices)

Mrs Barbara Anne Dodd

Jill Marie Burns

We are looking for bright and motivated staff to add to our team. Work for a locally owned jewellery business with locations across the central west, with options for more hours and a variety of roles for the right candidates. We have multiple roles available and would love to hear from you if you are interested in filling any of the following positions:

and sales experience would be beneficial but is not necessary. Please send your cover letter and resume to:

or drop it in to our Orana Mall store.

THE DIARY

ON THIS WEEK

Above Board Gamers: Thursday August 10, 6pm, Devil’s Hollow Brewery. Alan 0432

278 235

CPSA (Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association): Friday August 11, 10am, Dubbo RSL Club. Discuss issues, guest speaker. Further Information Barb 0427251121.

COMING SOON

Dubbo and District Family History Society UK Census Records Training Class: Monday, Sept 4, 10.30am - 11.30am, with Linda Barnes, Music Room, WPCC, Community Centre,$5 DDFHS members, $10 non-members, RSVP by August 31. Text Jo 0438511980 or call Linda 6887 8284.

Dubbo and District Family History

Society War Records Training Class:

Monday, Nov 6, 10.30am - 11.30am, with Lesley Abrahams and Jo Murphy, Music Room, WPCC, Community Centre, $5 DDFHS members, $10 non-members, RSVP by Nov 2. Text Jo 0438511980 or call Linda 6887 8284.

THURSDAY

Above Board Gamers: SECOND and FOURTH Thursday of the month, 6pm, Devil’s Hollow Brewery. Alan 0432 278 235

Akela Playgroup: 9.30am, Scout Hall, 4

Akela St., Sharna 0438 693 789

Badminton: 7.30pm-9.30pm, Delroy High School Auditorium, East Street, West Dubbo, $5 to play ($3, school students), $22 insurance ($15, school students). Chris 6887 3413

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

349

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

Croquet: 8.45am for 9am start, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Croquet courts, Brisbane St, North Dubbo. Kate 0409 927 140, Lillian 0429 471 921

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

CWA Wongarbon Handicraft: SECOND Thursday of the month, Liz 0401 174 883.

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

Digital skills for seniors: FREEone-onone help for smartphone, tablet/iPad, laptop or going online. Connecting Community Services, 31-33 Church Street. Contact, 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 and Gipps St

Heart Support Walking Group: 12.30pm, (also Tuesdays), Ollie Robbins Oval, Cnr of Bligh Street. Supports gentle exercise promoting healthy hearts, 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: 5.45pm (in summer), Sandy Beach amenities block. Come and try dragon boating, your first five paddles are Free. info@outbackdragons.com. au, Robyn 0427462504

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

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, Cnr Palmer and High Streets. 3D printing, robotics, pottery, and more. 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. 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. Jim Jupp, 0438414888.

Dubbo View Club cards and games: Friday, August 18, 1pm, Oak Tree Village, Shirley 0427822874

Lunchtime Prayer Group - Dubbo

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

Narromine Food Barn: 9am-11am, Lowcost groceries and FREE fruit, vegetables and bread with any purchase to people in need.

Ken Rumble on 0414 477 365

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

Urban Tribe: 2pm, with dancing, music, singing, caring and sharing. 0459 762 702 Western Plains Trefoil Guild: SECOND Friday of each month, 10.30am, Dubbo West Guide Hall. 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. orana.secretary@beekeepers.asn.au

Bridge Club - Dubbo: 1pm until approximately 4.30pm, Bultje Street. $7 members, $9 non-members. Libby 0428 254 324.

Croquet: 8.15am, Muller Park Tennis and Croquet courts, Brisbane St, North Dubbo. New players of all ages are welcome. Tricia 0428 876 204 or Margaret 0427 018 946.

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

Dubbo Anglican Church Vigil Communion Service: 6pm, 158 Brisbane Street. Contact 6884 4990 Dubbo Bridge Club: 1pm, Bultje Street (Tennis Courts), Dubbo. $7 members, $9 non-members. Libby 0428 254 324 Dubbo Community Men’s Shed Inc: Mondays, 9am to 1pm and Thu/Sat 1pm to 5pm. Small joining fee after three visits. “All men are welcome.” Kevin 0427 253 445 Dubbo Slot Car Racing Club: FIRST and THIRD Saturday of the month, 4pm, 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 and Gipps St.

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, Dubbo Pipe Band Hall, Cnr Darling and Wingewarra Sts. 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: 12.30pm, 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 Bible

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.

Study: 9.30am, Sabbath School and children’s/youth Sabbath School, 11am, Divine Service. Cnr Cobra and Sterling Sts. dubbo. adventist.org.au Talbragar CWA: For information about meetings please contact Ronda on 68885231 or Linda on 68827351

Transition Dubbo Food + Film Night: For information about future events, contact to Peter 0439 091 767

Wellington Lions Preloved Book Fair: 10am to 2pm, Western Gallery opposite Cameron Park, Preloved books, CDs and DVDs, now also Jigsaw Puzzles!

SUNDAY

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

Australian Kite Flyers Society: SECOND Sunday of the month, 10am, Jubilee Oval. 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. Join acoustic sessions 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: 12.3pm2pm, learn new or improve existing skills. Experienced and beginners. For the next session date, contact Dubbo Library on 6801 4510

Orana K9 Training Club INC: FIRST Sunday of each month, 10am, Katrina Gibbs Field Macleay St, Dubbo. MUST be vaccinated. 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’. St Brigid’s Catholic Church, 198 Brisbane St. Jack 0418 605 041/Sally 0427 829 807, 1300 222 222 or www.aa.org.au

Amnesty International Dubbo: SECOND Monday of the month, 5.30pm-6.30pm, St Brigid’s meeting room. 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 313 “City of Dubbo” Squadron: : 6pm-9.30pm, Army Barracks (Cnr Kokoda Pl and Wingewarra St). NOW recruiting, 13 to 18 years, rewarding activities.

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 start, Wesley Community Hall, 66 Church St. Fun, affordable dance for girls/ladies, 4yrs and up, all fitness levels. dubbocityphysie@live.com.au

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 VIEW Club: Lunch, Monday August 21, 11.00am, Dubbo RSL Club. Bookings and Cancellations by Friday July 14. Phone Beth on 0431 290 274. New members welcome.

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.

Macquarie Women’s Bowling Club Card

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

Narromine Community Women’s Shed: 10am -3pm, (also Wednesdays), The Wesley Centre, 138 Dandaloo Street, Narromine. Leona 0487 200 987

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

RFDS Dubbo Support Group monthly meetings: FIRST Monday of the month, RFDS Visitor Experience, 5pm, 21 Judy Jakins Drive, Dubbo Airport. 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 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 St.. 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. Low impact, work on heart health, flexibility, mobility, coordination and strength. free trial,

Tracy 0416 010 748

Croquet: 8.45am for 9am start, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, Croquet courts, Brisbane St, North Dubbo. 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, 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 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 start, Holy Trinity Hall, Brisbane Street, Dubbo. Fun, affordable dance for girls/ladies, 4yrs and up, all fitness levels. dubbocityphysie@live.com.au

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, Bob Ellis 0428217752

Dubbo Prostate Support Group: For information about future meetings, Elizabeth 0408 682 968

Dubbo RSL Euchre Club: 7pm, for 7.30pm, Dubbo RSL, 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.

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, starts with 2-4 years Sparkles class, Auditorium at St Mary’s Primary School. See the Orana Physical Culture Facebook page Rotary Club of Dubbo Macquarie: 12.30pm - 2pm, Westside Hotel, contact Peter McInnes 0417 140 149

Rotary Club of Dubbo South: 6pm, at South Dubbo Tavern Silver Craft: THIRD Tuesday of the month,

New members welcome

Toastmasters Club: FIRST and THIRD Tuesday of the month, 7pm-9pm, Dubbo RSL Club, Brisbane St., 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, Sharna 0438 693 789.

Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings:

7pm, (1.5hrs), ‘Topic’ meeting, St Brigid’s Catholic Church, 198 Brisbane St, Jack 0418605041 or Sally 0427 829 807, 1300 222 222 or www.aa.org.au

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. Graham Woods 0447 885 603

Blood Cancer Support Group: FIRST Wednesday of month, 10.30am-12pm, Venue changes each month. Louise or Emma 0412 706 785

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. Anne 0428 425 958

CWA Dubbo Evening branch: FIRST Wednesday of month, 7pm, 3 Frith Street. Barb 0409 159 556

CWA Narromine: SECOND Wednesday of the month, 5.30pm, USMC. Carolyn 0427747478

CWA Terramungamine: SECOND

Wednesday of the month, 10am, Dubbo

RSL Club. Barb 0427 251 121

CWA Wellington Branch: Second

Wednesday of Month, 10:30 a.m., Wellington CWA Rooms, Warne St, Wellington. Contact Marion on 0429033836

Dementia Friendship Group:

SECOND Wednesday of month, 10am, Western Plains Cultural Centre, Creo Cafe, Wingewarra St. Anne Gemmell or Jeanie Cronk on 6881 3704

Digital skills for seniors: 31-33 Church Street. Free, one-on-one help using smartphone, tablet/iPad, or laptop. Connecting Community Services, 1800 319 551

Dubbo Arts and Craft Cottage: 10am-4pm, 137 Cobra Street. A large range of handcrafted gifts made by members available. Contact 6881 6410

Dubbo Bobbin Lacemakers: THIRD

Wednesday of the month, 10am-3pm,

Arts & Crafts Society Cottage and Craft Shop, 137 Cobra Street. Judy 6882 5776

Dubbo Bridge Club: 9.45am, for 10am-1pm, Bultje Street (Tennis Courts), Dubbo. $7 members, $9 non-members. Libby 0428 254 324

Dubbo Community Garden: 9am12pm, 4 Palmer Street. A time to garden with others, learn more skills and grow friendships. Contact Denise 0433 623 842 or Julie 0428 821 829

Dubbo Electric Vehicle Interest, Owners, Users & Supporters

(DEVIOUS) group: FIRST Wednesday of each month, 12pm to 1pm, Western Plains Cultural Centre café. Chris 0409 321 470

Dubbo Garden Club: 10am, FIRST

Wednesday of month, Garden gatherings with morning tea. Contact,

President, Annette Storer, 0429 828 882

Dubbo Ratepayers and Residents

Association: 6.30pm, every SECOND

Wednesday of month, RSL Coffee Shop.

Jenny 6884 4214 or Merilyn 0458 035 323

Dundullimal Dubbo Support Crew

Inc: FOURTH Wednesday of month, 10am, Dundullimal Homestead.

Support Homestead functions. 6884 9984, 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, 10am, Buninyong Community Centre, Myall St Dubbo, run by 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 month, Geurie Masonic Centre. Please email secretary@lodgeallanstuart416.org.au

Macquarie Intermediate Band: 6 pm, school term, Band Hall, Boundary Rd. 6884 6686/info@macqcon.org.au, Dubbo District Band 0422 194 059 dubboband@gmail.com

Narromine Community Women’s

Shed: Mondays and Wednesdays, 10am -3pm, The Wesley Centre, 138 Dandaloo Street, Narromine. Leona 0487 200 987

Walter T. Grant Seniors Social Club: 9am-2pm, Number 1 Oval, Club house. $6 per day. BYO lunch. Pre-lunch cards and games, post-lunch bingo. Jan Miller 0418 255 217

West Dubbo Rotary: 6pm, Club Dubbo, Whylandra Street West Dubbo Waluwin Bunji Tenpin Bowling

Program: Social tenpin bowls for Aboriginal people 40 years +, $10 per week; includes morning tea and T-shirt.

Call Campbell 1800 319 551

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.

Laurie Beath

THE HUMBLE PRIEST, FOOTBALL REFEREE, DISCIPLE OF CHRIST

By GEOFF MANN

MUCH-BELOVED Catholic priest, Father Laurie Beath, was last week farewelled in Cowra, where he had served for more than 13 years.

The young boy who grew-up with his large family in Gooloogong and attended school at the Brigidine Convent in Cowra, was known for his years of service in Dubbo, Bathurst, Coonabarabran, and his last home at St Raphael’s Parish.

Laurie was a sportsman who played tennis, loved running and rugby league, and involved himself heavily in the schools and parish communities in which he lived. He was a man who was not afraid to use his whistle on the field, but showed himself a fair and understanding advocate, even for those he may have pulled into line during play.

Laurie taught at St Joseph’s in Oberon before answering the call to the priesthood. His claim to fame in Oberon, was that he played on one wing; Melbourne Storm mentor Craig Bellamy (from Portland) was on the other in the Tigers colours.

Laurie refereed in Group XI, Group 14, Castlereagh Cup and League, as well as Group 10 and the Woodbridge and MidWest competitions.

He was an avowed St George Dragon, having watched his brother Barry’s rise through Eugowra to St George and the glories of premiership, interstate, and Australian representation.

Laurie was an incredibly brave and selfless man who found the strength in his last days to have a fellow priest drive him to Dubbo to visit a former parishioner from Binnaway who was in ill health.

Laurie will be forever remembered for his gifts of love and friendship, knowledge and understanding to staff and students at all our local Dubbo Catholic schools, St Laurence’s Coonabarabran, Stannies and Diocesan Girls High Schools in Bathurst, and at Oberon, Canowindra, and Eugowra where he visited and brought the sacraments during his three decades of priestly service.

Laurie served two stints here from the late 1980s following ordination to the early 1990s and again in the early 2000s, conducting baptisms, marriages, funerals and spending thousands of hours comforting, advising and loving people within our town and the surrounding regions.

•••

The following address is from the homily given at Laurie’s farewell mass by his great friend, Fr Paul Monkerud.

FR LAURIE, for what I am about to say may you be in time… forgiving

Impulsive, impatient, somewhat brash!

Always action. Most of the time thinking about it; whole-hearted; giving beyond measure. Wanting to always do the right thing.

Apostle Peter was all that. In the Gospel, Peter was in a dark space. Fresh with the shame of having wanted to walk with his Master and friend, in the most dangerous and terrible time of his life but, when the crunch came, denying that he knew him, having just before that not being able to stay awake when Jesus was agonising about what was coming and then, when the arresting group came, hitting out with his sword and being rebuked by Jesus.

Peter and six of his mates did what most of us do when we don’t know what to do – they retreat to what they know best – fishing.

And so he’s there on the Sea of Galilee where he had his home and even there he catches nothing and a stranger from the

shore says “try the other side”. They do and there’s such an overwhelming response that Peter’s colleague recognises the stranger as the Risen Lord.

And without thinking, as was Peter’s want so often, he jumps over the side hardly wearing anything – very deep water – well in over his head, not thinking about that or the fish or how much they might make at the markets and he goes and has some personal time with Jesus before the others gather and have their meal and then, as we here, Jesus calls Peter aside and in this remarkable and poignant exchange, Jesus wanting Peter to realise he was forgiven for any shame he might feel for not recognising him, asks him three times, “Peter do you love me” and he answers, “Yes Lord, you know I love you”.

Jesus loves Peter; Peter knows that Jesus loves him but Jesus wants to connect. The redemption that he is offering his always chosen leader, the one he has a special affection for, he wants to connect that love with service. “To give your life Peter to those within your community you serve, perhaps even outside, and it will be for Peter in the giving as a Shepherd that he will continue to deepen his connection with Jesus and do remarkable things as a result”.

Laurie and I met for the first time in February 1982, the second week of our studentship for the priesthood at St Patrick’s College Manly. It began a special friendship with two others, Paul Nolan and David Penney, both of whom are here today and perhaps it was around a common interest, and I guess it was the kind of mutual support environment we were in, especially its ecclesiastical nature, which was quite a challenge for us. Paul and David went on to other pursuits, still deeply connected to the Church and a life of service and Laurie and I went on to become priests – eventually!

Because it was in those really struggle times when it was time to make a commitment to the Diaconate came the two of us were able to give wholehearted consent to that. It was difficult and I remember in those times we shared that we would go our separate ways, do different things to get resolution and Laurie would connect with me; he would be there.

As often with Laurie, when he got there he didn’t know what to do with it most of the time. Emotionally connecting was not Laurie’s greatest attribute. What was his greatest strength was wanting to be there and the very presence that he would be there was comforting, encouraging.

Laurie did that all of his life.

Eventually we both got to the tape and

were still here to prove it after 37 years!

Laurie always took great delight telling me that he got ordained before me to which I’d respond, “Yes, but you’ve never beaten me in tennis”, and that would be the end of that.

Throughout our lives we would talk every couple of months, visiting each other’s presbyteries at different times, not regularly, and the conversation would always have the same kind of structure. Laurie would always start with, “Whatareyadoin?” “Whyyadointhat?” Have ya rung ya sister”?

We’d almost get into that, almost like the cricketers in the recent Ashes, you take a few on the body then you get a shot at the ball and the tone of the conversation would ramp-up and we’d share more substantial things and what would come out of that was Laurence’s real passion, his real desire to get in touch with Jesus but his struggle to do that in the normative ways.

He was not a contemplative person in the traditional sense; he wasn’t one to go away on retreat and ponder, kind of for hours on that. I was more comfortable with that. He would often ask me, “have you gotten out of those books and gone and visited your parishioners” and I would say, “Yes Laurie, I have”.

Because he wanted to that, hence his love for liturgy and his extensive library of liturgy because he really wanted to have that academic dimension, but he doubted himself. Unfortunately, Laurie doubted himself and he tried to encourage all of those things.

We would talk about things. I would say to him, “Look Laurence, we all come to Christ differently and we all represent him differently and you may represent him by the way you serve your people.” And that’s the greatest testimony that I could make to him.

Laurence was unstinting in wanting to serve people. He needed people. He was an extrovert, but he also genuinely wanted the

very best for people. That was his connection; that was the way that he made sense of life and the way he made sense of his priesthood, his life of faith.

He didn’t see that as much as what I wished he could. But, at the end, I think he was seeing more of it. He was starting to realise that in the affirmation of people, that he was not just a friend, not just an associate but a man of God. and he really wanted that.

When we read that second reading, the reading that was at his mum’s funeral, from the Letter to the Phillipians. St Paul was in prison writing to the Phillipian community who have got their own struggles with persecution from outside and divisions from within and St Paul received a gift from them while he was in gaol as an encouragement. How much he loves them, how much he is grateful flr them because together they built a church there and it is still struggling to survive and thrive and they need to hang in there.

Paul is saying that it is in the being with you, as I believe it is in you being with me that we’ve discovered the Christ that we’ve shared together. And we continue to do that so much so that while I’m facing my immediate demise in prison here, I’m joyful. CARIS???

He uses the joyful word, because I am at peace because the Christ that we share is what will ultimately prevail and that enables me to go on, as it needs to enable you to go on.

There again is Laurence – constantly, even to his own detriment – going out, going out, connecting with people who needed him. That’s how he found Jesus; that’s how he expressed himself; that’s how Laurie Beath connected with his community and with Christ.

 Fr Laurie will be remembered at St Brigids at Saturday night parish mass – 5pm.

Father Laurie Beath. PHOTOS: CONTRIBUTED

Sid and Cooper, dynamic duo, doing Dubbo proud

Contributed by DUBBO CYCLE CLUB

DUBBO has once again sent the dynamic duo of Sidney Pickering and Cooper Farr to the Percival Property group Port Macquarie Junior tour, which is the final event in the North Wave Junior Road Series for NSW and the ACT.

This is a hotly-contested junior series that brings riders from across the State together in six events hosted in Goulburn, Canberra, Newcastle, Sutherland in Sydney, and finally, at Port Macquarie.

The first event was the 6.25km individual time-trial with a great ride from a very-focused Sidney coming in second,in his best time trial of the series, just 14 seconds from the winner, Jett Stokes from Randwick, with Cooper coming home in sixth place just 47 seconds down on the winner.

Both riders then contested Stage Two, which was a criterium that involved 15 minutes plus three laps of the criterium course. In the end, it was a well-po-

Dubbo Ducks commemorate new trophy for the late Brian Barnes

sitioned Sidney in second place once again and Cooper in fourth place right on the heels of the winner Jett Stokes.

Racing culminated on the Sunday, with the third event which was a 16.4km road race. Cooper led-out a long way from home and was just pipped at the line for the win taking second place from Harley Bradshaw from Lidcombe Auburn CC with and Sidney finishing in seventh place along with the rest of the field which finished on the same a time.

The general classification over the two-day tour seen Pickering with his first podium of the year and a huge smile finishing in second-place overall, The season-long North Wave series also came to its conclusion with Farr’s consistency earning him a well-earned second overall from eventual winner Jett Stokes of RBCC and third place-getter Harley Bradshaw of LACC.

THE Dubbo Ducks held their Inaugural Sports Power Dubbo 25-metre Freestyle Trophy on Sunday, in honour of the late Brian Barnes. Anthony, and his late father, have been pillars of the community, supporting local sporting and other groups for more than 50 years.

In the final and following some close heats, Roger Mackay took first-place ahead of Judy Walsh, David Sparkes, and Josh Bird who was fifth.

preciative of the sponsorship provided by this locally-owned and operated business whose name is associated with the trophy.

The Ducks also teamed-up for a two x 25-metre Freestyle with Robert Rich and John Wherritt claiming first, Janine Gardiner and Henry Wilcox second, and Mark Prentice and Judy Walsh third.

This week, the Ducks also had to choose to swim either a 75-metre

Freestyle or a 150-metre Freestyle.

The Dubbo Ducks good-natured banter, healthy competition, and camaraderie, were on full display as swimmers took on the first 150-metre distance race!

As swimmers with different fitness levels, body shapes, and ages, took to the water, other members cheered them on and applauded their efforts. This inclusive spirit, which balances competition and sportsmanship, makes this club very special.

It may have “felt like a long way” for some members, but Peter Hargreaves made it look easy, followed by Mark Scullard, and then Mark Prentice.

In the 75-metre Freestyle event, Tom Gray touched first, Rob Dickerson second, and Roger Mackay third, while Mark Prentice grabbed the 25-metre Breaststroke which saw Mark Prentice with Janine Gardiner and John Wherritt, filling the minor placings.

Pictured: Racers Archer Peppinck, Sidney Pickering, Jett Stokes, Harley Bradshaw, and James Zucchiatti. PHOTO: VELOCITY FOTOGRAPHY

Cooper Farr Harley Bradshaw and then Sidney Pickering. PHOTO: VELOCITY FOTOGRAPHY

Flying home, Sidney Pickering and Harley Bradshaw.

PHOTO: SPORTIVE MEDIA

Cooper Farr and Harly Bradshaw. PHOTO: VELOCITY FOTOGRAPHY

Serving up action in the Central West Cup

Contributed by ANDREW KIERATH, PRESIDENTPARAMOUNT TENNIS CLUB

THE third of six rounds of the Central West Cup were held at Paramount Tennis Courts on Sunday 30th July 2023.

The winner of the Central West Cup is determined after 6 rounds of tennis competition between Orange, Bathurst and Dubbo Tennis clubs.

It is a higher standard of competition than our local ‘A’ grade competition held on

Monday nights.

The 6 rounds are held on the last Sunday of each month starting in May and ending in October.

Each City takes its turn in hosting the competition two out of the six rounds.

Unfortunately, Dubbo came third on Sunday.

The winner on the day takes away two points, while second place get one point, and third place get zero points.

Bathurst came away with their first victory this year and claimed the 2 points, while Or-

ange came second with 1 point and Dubbo with zero.

After three rounds Orange is on top with 5 points, Bathurst second on 4 points and Dubbo third on 0 points.

The Dubbo representatives were Mark Campbell, Glen Armstrong, Ben Strachan, Peter Moppett, Andy Martin, Wayne Henry, Ben Hayes and Andy Kierath.

Dubbo will regroup for the next round to be held in Bathurst on Sunday 27th August 2023.

Local tennis stalwart, “Big Baz” Hogan, chalks-up 86 good years

By GEOFF MANN

IF you speak to anyone involved in tennis in Dubbo over the past 80 years, names like “Armstrong”, “Roberts” will no doubt come to mind.

Well, Barry “Big Baz” Hogan is also such a man, devoted to tennis after first learning his trade at the old Paramount “clay” Courts. Baz learnt to play as a kid while attending De La Salle School across the road, before honing his skills on the famous red sands he also helped faithfully to dress, water, and roll, for the next half-century. As a player, Baz was a fear-

some left-hander with a booming, swinging serve who was also an alert tactician in team events such as doubles.

Baz won too many club, regional, and Country titles to count; with his stories of playing exhibition matches against the likes of Lew Hoad, Ken Rosewall, Fred Stolle, John Newcombe, Mal Anderson, and Roy Emerson, legendary. But it his recall of long road trips and Interclub matches, that really warm the heart.

As birthdays caught-up and injuries mounted, Big Baz turned to coaching and mentoring young players. He then spent countless

unpaid hours standing on one side of a net returning balls, identifying and repairing stroke flaws, and generally encouraging everyone to do their best on court to become as good as they could get.

A generous and caring friend, Barry nursed his best friend and life partner, Mary, through her final years. After Mary passed, Barry moved to St Mary’s Villa. Last week, family gathered around “The Legend” to celebrate his 86 unbeaten years.

The ace of a bloke has spread his love across the community in many ways he would not know. Well done, Champ!

Above left: Ben Strachan

Above right: Glenn Armstrong

David Smith and Michael Olsen (Bathurst) with Peter Moppett and Ben Strachan (Dubbo) PHOTOS: DUBBO PHOTO NEWS/KEN SMITH

Below: Harry Evans, Liam Gibson, Grant Tranter and Matt Gibson

Local tennis legend, and all-round great bloke, Barry “Big Baz” Hogan, with family including Ron Hogan, Maureen Hogan, Joy New, Barry Hogan, Maree Hogan, Matt McDonagh, Carl New and Tia Maree Horder. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

colour copy shop

Rhinos rip into

after heartstopping victory!

REPORT ON PAGE 46

Rhinos prop Nick Barton collared high by the Narromine defenceHayden Ellis with nowhere to go tackled by Harry English and Roni Turuva

Gorillas half Hughie Browning fires out a pass

Rhinos half Harry English darting into open space

Rhinos captain Dale Smith punches through the Gorillas defence

Narromine’s Brayden McManus was one of the Gorillas’ best

The Rhinos celebrating winger Josh Hill’s spectacular try!

Rhinos lock Roni Turuva goes to ground with Janus Walford in support

Dale Smith kicking the winning conversion to ice the game for the Rhinos

Photos by MEL POCKNALL

Photos by MEL POCKNALL

Everyone wants to be a “Tilly” as Matilda’s sweep World Cup

By GEOFF MANN

Photos by MEL POCKNALL

DRIVE around the riverbank ovals in Dubbo any weekend, and you might be looking at the next Hayley Raso, Ellie Carpenter, or Sam Kerr!

That’s if the locals are not missing-in-action, watching their Matilda heroes as they cut a path through the world’s best on a journey to World Cup glory.

Dubbo and District Football (DDFA) has already produced Matilda’s Ashley and Nicole Sykes, and a rising star in Indiana Asimus, who played College Football in the United States in recent years.

The DDFA is now led by Ainsleigh Bates, who is very excited about what is happening in the sport out west.

“Our local women’s football competition saw great results on the weekend,” she said, pre-empting the Matilda’s Group of 16 win over Denmark on Monday night.

Female participation within DDFA has seen record number of registrations, with a spike anticipated for the 2024 season.

“Matildas players are becoming household names, with our future stars looking-up to their heroes,” Ainsleigh enthused.

“Being able to see them on the TV in prime-time viewing, it will only yield positive returns for DDFA competitions next season,” she added.

Our roving photographer, Mel, recently toured the local footie ovals, to capture some of our rising stars.

Friendliness on the greens, matches the winter warmth

Contributed by ‘PISTOL PETE’

PERFECT weather greeted the 46 bowlers at RSL North Dubbo Sporties on Sunday, the warmth of the sunshine matching the friendliness on the rink.

Gary Huggins and Graham Ross paired-up against Rob Pfeiffer and Mel Giddings, but could only manage one end (two shots) in the first eight. Rob and Mel then banked a couple of mega-counts, a four and a six, to bank 16! They didn’t ease-off, adding another 12 on the way home for a team of the morning winning 26-6. A very strong first eight gave

Ray Strawhan, Doc Livingston, and Phil Knight, plenty of confidence. They led Leo Balstad, Ruby Stockings, and Mick Strawhan, by 10-5 at the break. The second half was a different story, with an eight shots down come-from-behind 16-14 win highlighted by a massive big six! With six ends to the good, Sue McCauley, Shirley Marchant, and Karen Greenhalge, controlled the first section leading 10 shots to five. Helene Emblen, Allan Stratford, and Kevin Scott, then fought-back and, with a four on the 14th, went down by just one shot, 15-16.

Almost… the annoyance that one team suffers in a tight game. Chris Castlehouse, Vicki Hummel, and Pete Ruzans were marginally behind Di Cullen, Pat Sherwin, and Ian Humphries until a five count brought them level.

At nine shots each after the eighth, Ian delivered a howler on the ninth with a drive that gave his side a big four and showed he was the superior skip bowler on the day, leading his team home 18-16.

Ron McCauley, John Kennedy, and Paul Goodstat won five of the first ends, but a huge six on

the second by Paul Martin, Roger Sherwin, and Anthony Coe, gained them a two-shot lead that they held to the end. Paul, Roger, and Anthony, then recorded a 16-14 win over their gallant opponents.

Consistency was the key for Mary Perry, Ross Pharo, and Trish Gosper, as they steadily chalked-up nine shots in the first eight. Di Hildebrant, Cheryl Storch, and John Cole, struggled for a while, a four kept them in touch, but Trish’s side were almost scoring at will, and rolled a huge six on the last to clinch a 22-11 victory.

Gavin Cullen, Chris Strojny, and Col Dover were starved of the mat by Paul Wooldridge, Frank Armstrong, and Al Andriske and were 10 shots to four after the first eight; 11-5 after the second: 21-9 the final score.

Sue Armstrong, Therese Gaio, and Bryan O’Sullivan had a disappointing finish after holding a two-shot lead against Daphne Dunbar, Ken Whittaker, and Gordon Scott. The second half was one to forget, Bryan’s side only winning one end and one shot, Gordon’s team seizing control with a couple of mega-scores to win 20-8, 10 ends to six.

Rhinos’ late late finals charge

By GEOFF MANN

Photos by MEL POCKNALL

IT was a heart-stopping victory for Dubbo Rhinos after their New Holland Cup Minor Semi-Final win at Narromine on Sunday.

Narromine were leading by 20-14 with two minutes left on the clock, but the Rhinos managed to scrape home with the win, Dubbo Rhinos coach Doug Sandry, said.

“Wow! It was a super win at the last minute,” he said.

“We dominated the match, but Narromine were very tough to

crack,” he added.

It was only at the death, he added, that they go their win.

“A late Josh Hill try and Dale Smith conversion, broke the Gorillas hearts and sent our Rhinos fans into a frenzy,” Doug said.

“We are under no Illusions as to how tough the sudden-death game will be at Parkes next Saturday, but that win in Narromine, has given our confidence a huge boost,” he smiled.

From all reports, it was an outstanding team effort from the Rhinos to overcome a Gorillas 15 who had beaten Minor Premiers Mudgee in the last round.