Dubbo Photo News 29.02.2024

WATCH YOUR STEP!

Hilarious four-person Hitchcock tribute, next Friday & Saturday

By DAVID DIXON

Love a night at the theatre and classic movies from the Golden Years of Hollywood? Then grab a seat for the upcoming hilarious tribute to the greatest film-maker of all time.

While its title comes from a classic spy thriller; Dubbo Theatre Company’s production of The 39 Steps, is more a riotous salute to that master of suspense, Alfred Hitchcock.

“It’s not a musical, but it has a lot of music in it; it was book, then a movie, then a play, and then they turned it into a comedy, it’s actually a spoof of Hitchcock’s movies,” Director, Christine Bray said of the March 8–9 show.

“It incorporates iconic scenes from all of Hitchcock’s classic movies; North by Northwest; Vertigo, Psycho, The Birds, Dial M for Murder, Rear Window, they’re all referenced in the show,” she added.

The laugh-a-minute romp has been one of the longest-running plays in London’s West End and has a special twist, the 150-odd characters, are all played by a handful of performers!

“There’s only four actors, there’s Al Smith as Richard Hannay – the ‘international man of mystery’ – Greg Markwick as one of the clowns, James Eddy as the ‘man’, or ‘Clown Two’, and Linzi Aland-Berkley, as the woman,” Chris said.

“It’s all very quick change, a mix of pantomime and melodrama, all these elements, that’s part of the humour.”

Described as “a fast-paced whodunit of an ordinary man on an extraordinarily-entertaining adventure complete with a plane crash, handcuffs, missing fingers, and some good old-fashioned romance”, casting of only a handful of performers, all of whom are on stage for most of the production, tests the mettle and memory of even the best actor, Chris explained.

“It was actually written for only the four actors, that’s an inherent element, as they re-enact on-stage scenes from great Hitchcock films.

”It’s a real trial for the actors also, while Greg (“the man with many ac- cents”) has been with us for many years, this is Linzi’s first big role, and she’s done great.”

Working with a dedicated bunch of performers, stage-hands, and backstage toilers, is always part of the enjoyment for this local all-volunteer community theatre group, Chris revealed.

“It’s been a lot of fun making it with these people, they’ve all been fantastic.

“Many of us have been with the company so long, there’s a familiarity that makes it very enjoyable,” she concluded.

The 39 Steps is on at Dubbo Regional Theatre at 8pm on Friday, March 8 and at 2pm and 8pm on Saturday, March 9. Get your tickets at: www.drtcc.com.au

PHOTOS:

Where do you work? Taronga Western Plains Zoo. Have you always lived in Dubbo? I grew up here, moved to Sydney for about 10 years, and then came back home in 2016.

What are your favourite memories of growing up in Dubbo or your hometown? Ratting around in the bush and making potions out of mud. I grew up out of town so I had 25 acres of bushland as my playground.

What do you like to do in your spare time? At the moment, I’m rehearsing the play The 39 Steps, learning lines for The 39 Steps, sewing my costumes for The 39 Steps and setting wigs for The 39 Steps. Oh and learning lines. For The 39 Steps.

Do you have any hidden talents or special skills? I can stilt-walk (badly) and do aerial silks (somewhat).

Are you a morning person or a night owl? I’m a night owl that works early mornings.

Do you have any pets? What are they and what are their names? I do. Toffee the somewhat neurotic poodle and Blizzard the very non-neurotic bluetongued lizard.

What are you watching at the moment? Derry Girls. Have you read any good books lately? The Incredible Runaway Snot by Josh Pyke and Heath McKenzie is pretty excellent. Circe by Madeline Miller is also great if you prefer books with less snot and fewer pictures.

What music do you like to listen to? Musical theatre, big band and swing.

What does the next five years look like for you? Hopefully calm and peaceful with lots more pets.

Fun Facts about the Leap Year

By JOANNE AUSTEN BROWN

Leap years occur every four years and so an extra day is added so the calendar. Put simply, these additional 24 hours are built into the calendar to ensure the year stays in line with the earth’s movement around the sun. While the modern calendar contains 365 days, the actual time it takes for earth to orbit its star is slightly longer… roughly 365.2421 days. The difference might not be much, but over decades and centuries that missing quarter of a day per year can add up. So period-

ically we add in an extra day to make up the lost time and get the calendar back in synch with the heavens.

Historians are still unclear as to how the early Romans kept track of their years, mostly because the Romans themselves may not have been entirely sure. It appears that the early Roman calendar consisted of ten months plus an ill-defined winter period.

Eventually this uncertain stretch of time was replaced by the new months of January and February, but the situation remained complicated. More so when Julius Caesar introduced the Roman year and the solar year became thoroughly out of sync.

Finally, Julius Caesar introduced Leap Day, with help from the Egyptians. During his time in Egypt, Caesar became convinced of the superiority of the Egyptian solar calendar, which featured 365 days and an occasional intercalary month which was inserted when astronomers observed the correct conditions in the stars. Caesar and the philosopher Sosigenes of Alexandria made one important modification: instead of relying on the stars, they would simply add a day to every fourth year. In keeping with the Roman tradition of messing with the length of February, that

day would fall in the second month of the year – thus Leap Day was born. The Julian calendar began properly on January 1, 45 BCE. But their math was a little off… By the 16th century, scholars had noticed that time was still slipping: Pope Gregory XIII commissioned a modified calendar, one which kept Leap Day but accounted for the inaccuracy by eliminating it on change of century years not di- visible by 400 (1700, 1800, and 1900 were not leap years, but 2000 was).

The introduction of the Gregorian Calendar marked the last change to the Western calendar as we know it today.

People born on Leap Day are called ‘Leaplings’. There are about five million people in the world who were born on February 29, with the odds of being born on Leap Day standing at about 1: 1,461. Here are some better-known Leaplings:

 Our own comedian Frank Woodley: 1968

 Motivation speaker Tony Robbins: 1960

 Rapper Jay Rule: 1976

 Actor Alex Rocco: 1936

 Singer Dinah Shore: 1916

 Italian composer Rossini: 1792

 Pope John Paul III: 1468.

 Jazz musician Jimmy Dorsey: 1904 g

Happy 11th Leap Birthday!

Hemant Jadhav was born in India on February 29th, 1980. He arrived in Australia in 2012 and became a citizen in 2017. He lives here in Dubbo and this February 29 turns 11. Happy birthday Hemant. “Every year my wife tries to arrange a celebration at midnight on the 28th. And I get a special birthday cake on the actual leap year birthday. As it is my birthday, I wish I could have my day every year. My work started celebrating birthdays this year so I will actually get one.”

The DubboPhotoNews would like to wish you a very happy birthday!

ALSO, happy birthday to Pat Stephens who also has a birthday on February 29th. Born in 1952 she is 17 years old or 68 which ever she prefers.

New family history course helps us find where we all came from

By DAVID DIXON

DO you know where you came from?

For many of us, this is now more than just an idle query, but an increasingly important fulfilment and an invaluable personal realisation.

Offering locals the basic skills to research their family tree is the purpose of a new four-week course starting soon, being run by Dubbo and District Family History Society.

The program has been prompted by the growing interest in genealogy from many Australians, shown not just in the burgeoning number of online ancestry sites, but also in popular culture, Lyn Smith from the society explained.

“We’re running it basically because of demand; our new members, particularly, are coming to ask for help, more and more,” Lyn said. “People just want to know their family history, you see it with the television shows on it, like, Who Do You Think You Are? and it’s growing,” she added.

The course is an introductory class for those just getting started on the fascinating subject of personal family history and begins next Wednesday.

“It’s just to start them off, to show them the very basics, but it will be cumulative, what you learn in the first week, will be added to the next week,” Lyn explained.

“It’s about how to find sources… we used to have to go through microfich-

es (miniaturised records), which we still do, but now they’re computerised and indexed, so it’s far easier.”

Some essential starting points that will be explained include:

 How to organise the information you already know;

 Where to find new information;

 Using birth, marriage, and death, certificates;

The first step is often the hardest: Dubbo and District Family History Society is starting a new four-week course showing locals how to get started on the fascinating subject of personal family history. Society President Linda Barnes is seen here showing new member Robert Smith how he can begin his research.

 Traps to be aware of and avoid;

 How to use online databases, both subscription and free;

Finding ancestors in immigration records.

The course runs over four consecutive Wednesdays from March 6 from 10.30–12.30pm in the Music Room of the Dubbo Community Arts Centre.

Cheap as chips, everyone is invited, costing only $7.50 per session for members, and $15 per session for non-members.

The course is the ideal way to take that first bold step for those with little background knowledge but a keen interest in chasing down their famous and fascinating ancestors, Lyn said.

“A lot of people are interested in this subject, but haven’t started yet,” she said. “This is the first time we’ve run this exact course, because it takes them right from the start,” Lyn concluded.

Are you interested? Then call Linda at Dubbo and District Family History Society on 6887 8284, or email her at: martinandlinda@gmail.com

Bedroom Equipment

We supply a wide selection of bedroom equipment to aid and support users and their carers in achieving a comfortable and practical place for rest.

We also offer a range of bedroom equipment and aids such as adjustable homecare beds, pressure care matresses, pillows, rails, bed cradles and self help poles to make the bedroom a safer and functional space for the user and their carers.

to Dubbo for Rev’d Andrew Thornhill Welcome

Contributed by ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF BATHURST

Rev’d Andrew Thornhill was recently welcomed to his new role as Rector of Dubbo and Archdeacon of the NorthWest. He writes:

“My family and I are delighted to be in Dubbo and look forward to living and serving with our church family and the wider city community. I’d love to welcome people back to church or new people to church for the first time: we have multiple services across the weekend – both traditional and contemporary – with programs in place for people at all stages of life. Most of all, I’d love the opportunity to tell you about Jesus, and how he makes it possible to have a personal relationship with God, our creator and saviour.”

During the service at 11am, Rev’d Thornhill, previously the Priest in Charge at Coonabarabran and Ministry Develop-

ment Officer for the Anglican Diocese of Bathurst shared, “So much preparation has gone into our arrival at the Parish. Generous, gracious hospitality.

“For the last few weeks, as we’ve settled in here, and for today, thank you so much.

To my new church family, the flock that God has placed under my care, I publicly affirm today I do this only under God’s hand, with his help. Ask me, have I drawn strength from God today, when you see me. I can’t do this without him. Please hold me to that.”

In announcing that the Thornhill family would be moving to Dubbo, Bishop Mark Calder remarked, “Andrew with his wife Kath, first approached me about serving in the diocese in 2020.

From the outset, I have been impressed

with Andrew and Kath as a godly, servant-hearted, humble couple who desire nothing other than to love and serve God’s people, shepherding them with his word and ministering the sacraments with dignity and meaning. I am absolutely confident that the parish of Dubbo will be well loved and served by Andrew who will be wonderfully supported by Kath.

Andrew is a clear Bible teacher; he leads all styles of service with reverence and joy and shares a high view of the sacraments. Whilst a new minister will inevitably bring change, Dubbo parish can be confident that there will be continuity with the ministry of the past, as well as enabling the parish to meet the needs of an ever-changing ministry context in today’s world.”

Before studying to be a minster in Perth

and Sydney, Andrew grew up in Western Australia and worked in human resources in several industries, over twenty years, in Perth, Melbourne and Brisbane.

“I count it as privilege to be presented with this opportunity, continuing the significant and faithful service of Brett and Michelle Watterson and family over the past eight years,” said Rev’d Thornhill. “The many and varied ministries in place at Holy Trinity, Dubbo, reveal a church family who put the Gospel of Jesus into practice. I look forward to ministering with them to continue the important work, under God, of sharing Jesus for life.”

The Thornhills moved to Dubbo in January with their teenagers Hudson and Matilda and the family are excited about the many ministry opportunities in Dubbo.

The recent commissioning service welcoming Rev’d Andrew Thornhill to his new role as Rector of Dubbo and Archdeacon of the North-West. Back: the Rev’d Bruce Kurtz (Mudgee), Rev’d Ben Mackay (Parkes) and Rev’d John Gaff (Dubbo). Middle: Rev’d Mel Graham (Uniting Church), The Very Rev’d James Hodson (Dean of Bathurst), Rev’d Carl Palmer (Wellington), The Ven. Andrew Thornhill (Dubbo), The Ven. Jono Williams (Canowindra), Rev’d Chris Thornhill (Taree), Rev’d James Daymond (Cobar). Front, The Rev’d Linda Boss, The Rev’d Carla Archer (Canon, Bathurst), The Rt. Rev’d Richard Hurford and The Rev’d Brian Schmalkuche

PHOTO: DUBBO PHOTO NEWS/ KEN SMITH.

Kath and Reverend Andrew Thornhill. PHOTO: DUBBO PHOTO NEWS/ KEN SMITH

Th ree decades of helping RFDS and mor e Ellie is awarded an OAM

Three decades and more of helping out in her local community was recognised recently when Ellen ‘Ellie’ Stanmore was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) on Australia Day.

In acknowledgement of the award, her friends and fellow volunteers from the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Dubbo Support Group, presented her with flowers and thanks, after the presentation.

Yet Support Group Secretary Jenny Rodway says that Ellie’s tireless efforts for the RFDS is only one of the many

By DAVID DIXON

strings to her long bow.

“Her award was for her volunteering with a range of other groups as well, including the St Vincent de Paul Society; the South Dubbo Primary School canteen; with the PCYC; at the canteens of Dubbo cricket and soccer clubs; and, formerly, with the brass band as well,” Jenny said. “On top of that, she was also a foster carer for a number of years.”

But it is with the RFDS South Eastern Section Support Group that she has done much good work over many a long year, Jenny explained.

“We support the RFDS with fundraising for the area covering the northwest region of NSW, and Ellie was one of our founding members from 1993.

“She was instrumental in setting the group up, and has worked since that time and made a real contribution over many years to the group, so we’re very proud of her!” Jenny exclaimed.

RFDS Dubbo Support Group President Jeanette Hamilton congratulates Ellie Stanmore on her OAM Australia Day award, for decades helping the local community.

er a farewell gift to Macquarie Homestay

OUT of sad news, sometimes comes some good. With the winding-up of a local sporting group leading to a generous donation to a not-for-profit.

Recently the Devil’s Hollow Social Club joined forces with the Dubbo Travelling Bowlers Club to make a special donation to one of Dubbo’s most important projects, Macquarie Homestay.

The bowlers club – based at the Devil’s Hollow Brewery – has for years been raising money for this wonderful charity that is currently on a fundraising drive for Stage II of the facility to provide accommodation for families visiting Dubbo

for cancer treatment.

The club, however, recently disbanded and decided to donate their remaining funds to Macquarie Homestay.

Devil’s Hollow Social Club then got in on the act, with a total tipin of $2500 recently presented to Macquarie Homestay President David Haywood and Macquarie Homestay Managing Director Rod Crowfoot at their recent AGM.

Derek and Pam Roberts represented the Dubbo Travelling Bowlers Club and Barry Brebner and Ceridwyn Usback represented the Devil’s Hollow Brewery, and they joined with Brenda Moon from the

Regional Australia Bank for the presentation.

Barry Brebner from the brewery advised those present, that these funds would not have been available if it were not for the very special RAB Community Partnership Program. “We are certainly lucky to have to have the Regional Australia Bank located in Dubbo,” he said.

PICTURED: Cheque hand-over by the Dubbo Travelling Bowlers and Devil’s Hollow Social Club. From left: Derek and Pam Roberts, Ceridwyn Usback, and Barry Brebner, with Brenda Moon (RAB) and Rod Crowfoot and David Haywood from Macquarie Homestay.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

PHOTO: SUPPLIED.

By DAVID DIXON

It was a good turn out for a first event, with Dubbo’s inaugural Memory Walk & Jog breaking the century barrier.

A total of 110 participants took part in the recent event which raised more than $12,000 for Dementia Australia.

Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe AM said it was a wonderful occasion, and extended her gratitude to all who participated, raised funds, spread the word and donated.

“There was an outstanding show of support from

Memory Walk breaks

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK

Feb 29: Tony Robbins, motivational speaker, 64. Guy Leech, Ironman surf lifesaving champion, 60. Frank Woodley, Aussie comedian, 56. Ja Rule, rapper and actor, 48. Sean Abbott, cricketer, 32.

Mar 1: Roger Daltrey, British singer; The Who, 80. Leigh Matthews, Australian footballer, 72. Rod Reddy, footy player, 70. Ron Howard, US actor-director, 70. Will Power, motorsport driver, 43. Ke$ha , US singer, 37. Nathan Brown, footy player, 31. Justin Bieber, , former Victorian premier; beJon Bon Jovi, US rock singer, 62. , Prime Minister, 61. Daniel Craig , Sally Sara , journalist, 53. Hayley Chris Martin, British singer of Matthew Mitcham, diver, 36. Josh

walks having raised more than $2 million in support of people living with dementia over more than a decade.

, Junee-born politician, 81. , British actress, 66. Tone-Loc , US , US actress, 54. Ronan Keating Jessica Biel , US actress, 42. Lindy Chamberlain-Creighton, mother of baby , former ABC journalist and personal press secretary for Prime Minister Bob Hawke, , British singer, 73.

, swimmer, 45.

Dame Kiri Te Kanawa

Yael , actress,

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

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SUMMER MUESLI 1KG $9.00

Macquarie Credit Union joins the March

Melanoma is 1 of the 10 most common cancers within Australia, and unfortunately with our love sun Australians and New Zealanders have the highest proportion of Melanoma in the world. A person is diagnosed with Melanoma every 30 minutes with 1 person dying from the disease every 6 hours. It is also the most common cancer affecting 20-39 year old Australians.

On Saturday 9th March 2024 local community and businesses will join together to participate in the Dubbo Melanoma March.

The Melanoma March began as a community fundraising event in 2012 after Manly local James Economides began raising funds towards Melanoma education, awareness and research after his 20 year old son Michael died from Melanoma.

In 2024 the Melanoma March is now the major annual fundraiser for the Australian

Melanoma Institute, and encourages Melanoma patients, their families, local communities and businesses to participate in the annual walk.

Local business Macquarie Credit Union is proud to support the Dubbo Melanoma March donating $500 and selling

from their branch at 165 Brisbane Street, Dubbo. Macquarie Credit Union staff Carol Carolan, Swairee Rupasinghe and Stephanie Semmler have

registered to participate in the Dubbo Melanoma March, supported by their Macquarie Credit Union teammates who have donated an additional $200 from their weekly ‘Friday Jeans Staff Fundraiser’. The funds collected are donated onto deserving local charities and community organisations.

This year’s family and dog friendly Dubbo March will take place at the River Foreshore on the east side of the Serisier Bridge from 8.30am to 11.00am on Saturday 9th March 2024. The route will be accessible for wheelchairs and prams. Coffee, also be available for purchase. Registrations and donations can be made at: dubbo.melanomamarch.org.au

With over an estimated 1300 Australians dying from Melanoma in 2024 it is vital we show our support for this annual appeal and assist the Melanoma Institute Australia on its mission to reduce this number to zero!

Back, Ann Beggs, Stephanie Semmler and Swairee Rupasinghe, Front, Carol Carolan, Gary Beggs, Emily Ford and Matt Bow

PHOTO: DUBBO PHOTO NEWS/KEN SMITH

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

DUBBO WORKS is highlighting the excellent career and learning opportunities the Dubbo region offers. DUBBO WORKS is a community-building initiative brought to you by Fletcher International Exports and Dubbo Photo News. To contribute ideas, email dubboworks@dubbophotonews.com.au phone 6885 4433.

Forklift licence next on the agenda for Zak

By YVETTE AUBUSSON-FOLEY

THERE isn’t a person in the Fletchers International Export meat processing plant production line, that can’t be removed without serious implication, from the farmers who raise the sheep to the team who load the final packaged product onto trucks to be sent to their various global destinations.

It’s a fact not lost on the family-business owners who value all of their staff’s contribution to ensure the timely execution of the functions performed like clockwork on a daily basis by over 600 staff.

Loadout employee, Zak Jump has worked at Fletchers twice before Dubbo Photo News sat down to ask recently about his newest role in load out.

“In the load out dock, we’re

not working with the sheep at all, because we’re receiving the product boxed on palettes and getting them onto their respective trucks,” he said.

“It’s completely different to what I’ve done the last two times I worked here, in the harvest floor because that’s where the sheep are received and skinned, and the meat is prepared in the boning rooms, and then sent packaged to the loadout.”

Once the product is received by Zak and the team, they must ensure orders are correctly loaded safely and securely.

Zak said he enjoyed the harvest floor for the dozens of people working together in that department and the variety of jobs he could also try, saying he’d met a lot of good people there.

“I’m still meeting good people in load out, but there’s less people required in that

department and I’m new and still learning new skills, and next month I’ll be learning how to drive a forklift, which Fletchers’ will help me to get that licence,” Zak said.

“There’s always opportunity to work your way up at Fletchers, by learning new skills or getting new qualifications, and the company are really open to you trying new things if you want to, so there’s the chance to earn decent money too which is good.”

Fletcher International Exports is one of Dubbo’s biggest employers processing lamb and sheep meat products, wool and sheep skins, and a diverse range of high-quality co-products.

Search for jobs with Fletchers on Facebook, online job search sites or visit the Fletcher International Exports website for more details.

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

For more information contact 02 6801 3100

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

Fletcher International Exports load out employee Zak Jump.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Five must-have items for every home office

CREATING an efficient home office is vital for those who work remotely, which requires an environment that fosters both comfort and productivity.

To achieve this, certain items are

Here, we explore five essential components that should be part of every home office setup, ensuring a workspace that is both comfortable and con-

1. Ergonomic Desk and Chair:

The foundation of a home office is a high-quality desk and chair, pivotal in maintaining a healthy posture and preventing discomfort or pain during long working hours. The Australian Physiotherapy Association emphasises the importance of ergonomics in the workplace, advising individuals to select desks and chairs that are adjustable to meet personal needs. A chair with adequate lumbar support and a desk at an appropriate height can significantly reduce the risk of musculoskeletal issues.

2. Computer with a Large Monitor

In today’s digital age, a computer with a large monitor is crucial. A mon-

itor with ample screen real estate and high resolution enhances productivity by allowing for multiple windows to be open simultaneously and reducing the need to switch between tabs frequently. According to a study published by the University of Utah, a larger monitor can improve productivity by up to 52 per cent for certain tasks, highlighting the importance of screen size and clarity in efficient work practices.

3. Fast Internet Connection

A robust internet connection is the lifeline of a home office, essential for seamless communication with clients, colleagues, and customers. A wired connection is preferable over Wi-Fi for enhanced stability and speed, critical for video conferencing and large data transfers.

4. Noise-Cancelling Headphones

For those in noisy environments, noise-cancelling headphones are a game-changer. They help to create a distraction-free zone, essential for maintaining focus and productivity. Research has shown that noise pollution can significantly impact con-

centration and stress levels, making noise-cancelling headphones a valuable investment for anyone looking to create a serene workspace.

5. Plants Incorporating greenery into your home office can have multiple benefits. Plants not only improve air quality by filtering out common pollutants but also enhance the aesthetic appeal of your workspace. Studies, such as those conducted by the University of Technology in Sydney, have found that indoor plants can reduce stress and boost mood, making them a delightful and beneficial addition to any home office. Setting up a home office with these five must-have items can dramatically improve your work-from-home experience. From ergonomic furniture to fast internet and the calming presence of plants, each element plays a crucial role in creating a productive and enjoyable workspace.

For those ready to enhance their home office, local home and office retailers offer a range of products to meet these needs.

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

OPPORTUNITY OF THE WEEK

Trade Account Manager – Dubbo Trade Centre

Petries Trade Centre Dubbo is a dedicated hub for Tradies, with an extensive product range and specialised, convenient service.

We are looking for an experienced, professional, and driven Trade Accounts Manager to join our Trade Centre team! Someone who will help us continue achieving our vision by building and maintaining long term relationships with our customers.

Key Responsibilities:

Regular sales visits to new and existing customers and the development of strategies to build and grow our rela-

tionship with them.

Utilise our CRM program to ensure timely follow up of all enquiries and reporting on the level of trade activity and competitor activity.

Engage enthusiastically with our customers and strengthen relationships. Quoting and specifying on a wide range of trade products.

Deal with all enquiries professionally and provide timely feedback to our customers.

Much more info on this position can be found at www.seek.com.au/ job/73896680

JOIN THE MISSION W

DUBBO WORKS WANTS YOU!

What are your long term goals? I hope to open a Patrick’s on the coast, and create a small franchise. What was your first paying job? Best and Less.

If 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

Three words your friends would use to describe you?

Energetic,

Setting up a home office properly can dramatically improve your work-from-home experience.

Connection & Compassion A chance for

Orana Early Childhood Intervention, in conjunction with Dubbo Regional Council and Communities for Children, invite the Dubbo community to a free live webinar: Connected Parenting on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, from 6.30pm- 7.30pm. IMAGE: SUPPLIED

By LANA EATHER

Orana Early Childhood Intervention, in conjunction with Dubbo Regional Council and Communities for Children, invite the Dubbo community to a free live webinar: Connected Parenting on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, from 6.30pm- 7.30pm.

Presenter Lael Stone is a speaker, educator and author with a strong belief in the power of connection and compassion. Lael’s aspiration is to support families to better understand their children, and enable us all to live the life we desire. “If you were to ask me what it is that I do, I could sum it up in a sentence: I speak for the heart of the child. Whether it is supporting parents to understand their children, helping adults process their own childhood trauma, or creating education systems that value emotional awareness- it all comes back to connection and compassion. I began working in childbirth education and postnatal care in 2004… working in this field certainly showed me the importance of connection and trust. From a woman trusting her baby and birthing body to learning all about how to parent with presence and awareness,” Lael expresses.

Connected Parenting will be shown at the Western Plain Cultural Centre with doors opening at 6pm, and light refreshments available. Spaces are limited, and booking is avail- able on 123tix.com.au/events/42298/ connected-parenting

Hatches

Astleys Showroom Reopening

Your Ultimate Home Renovation Destination!

WITH OUR VERY-OWN ASTLEY’S SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT:

“With Astley’s Bathroom, Laundry, and Kitchen Showroom, proudly announcing its grand reopening after streamlined upgrades that promise an unparalleled home renovation experience, we now have this special live broadcast!

“With an unwavering focus on quality and innovation, Astley’s showcases Australia’s most trusted brands, turning your dream home into a tangible reality. we’re discussing these exciting new developments, with Astley’s Operations Manager, Jason “Macca” McFadden…

Emily: I’m speaking here at Astley’s with ‘Macca’, and we’re delving into their exciting showroom relaunch. Can you share with us, Macca, some of the upgrades that customers can expect?

Macca: Absolutely, Emily! Our showroom now boasts an expanded range of top-tier products, from renowned brands like Caroma, Phoenix, Novas, Johnson Suisse, Smeg, Omega, and many more. Thanks to our revamped display design, customers can explore the endless possibilities from the biggest suppliers in Australia.

Emily: Impressive! What about bathroom and laundry vanity options?

Macca: Partnering with leading brands like Fienza, Timberline, and ADP, we offer a diverse range of vanities, laundry cabinetry, and sinks, to suit every style and budget, from sleek modern designs to timeless classics.

Not many people are aware, that we now also have our own joinery division!

Emily: Exciting news about the kitchen joinery division. Can you elaborate on that?

“EMILY SMITH”!

Macca: Yes, indeed! Our new joinery division, delivers exceptional kitchen and laundry designs installed options; with personalised solutions tailored to our customers’ needs, thus providing comprehensive services akin to our largest competitors.

Emily: What can visitors expect in the new upstairs showroom?

Macca: Our revamped showroom features new bathroom and kitchen displays, outdoor barbecue combinations, selected white goods and appliances and, above all, high-quality service with a smile.

Emily: With an expanded range, will decisionmaking become more complex for customers?

Macca: Quite the contrary. What distinguishes Astley’s, is our dedicated staff’s expertise and industry knowledge. They guide customers through the selection process, ensuring every detail is considered. Whether building, renovating, or extending, we’re committed to transforming visions into reality.

Emily: Thank-you, Macca and Astley’s, for sharing this exciting news with us. It’s evident that Astley’s is the perfect go-to destination, for home building, renovating, or anything else in between! Bye now…”

Visit Astleys Showroom Today or make an appointment and Let Your Design Journey Begin!

Central West author brings the story to Dubbo Mental as Anything

By JONO ROE

Orange author Stuart Lloyd sorts truth from fiction in Started Out Just Drinking Beer, the first biography of Australia’s hardest-working band, Mental As Anything.

“To me, it was just such a great untold Aussie story,” says Orange author Stuart Lloyd of his latest book, a superbly researched and written official biography of one of Australia’s most popular bands, Mental As Anything.

“It was essentially five guys who enjoyed a cold beer and had a red-hot go at it. They had no ambition. No plan. They fell into it. And it turned out to be this mighty 43-year-long musical marathon that was beyond their wildest dreams.”

Started Out Drinking Beer –The Mental As Anything Story is Stuart’s 19th non-fiction book. Written with unfettered access to all the key players it’s full of untold stories behind Aussie classics like: Live It Up, Too Many Times, If You Leave Me Can I Come Too? Berserk Warrior, Egypt, The Nips Are Getting Bigger, and more.

Plus there are plenty of tales from the road as told by band members ‘Greedy’ Smith, Martin Plaza, Deve ‘Bird’ Twohill, Peter O’Doherty, Reg Mombassa and a star-studded cast including Colin Hay, producer Mark Opitz, Mondo Rock’s Ross Wilson and INXS’s Kirk Pengilly.

As a former music journalist writing for publications such as Variety (US), The Australian, Sydney Morning Herald, and Songsmith, Stuart has had the opportunity to sit across from some of the world’s great songwriters like Paul Kelly, Bic Runga, Jimmy

Webb and R.E.M.

But the chance to write the Mental As Anything story was a particular thrill, he says.

“The second gig I ever went to was Mental as Anything,” explains Stuart, who has always been fascinated by songwriting and describes himself as – not a failed songwriter, just a songwriter who hasn’t had a hit… yet!

“And here was a whole bunch of songs that I grew up with, formative years stuff, that’s been the backdrop to my life and my misspent youth – and misspent adulthood. So to speak to the guys about hey, how did that song come about? What does it actually mean? And some of the back stories behind these great Aussie classics are surprising and fantastic!”

Having got to know the band members over the years through the music and art scene, Stuart floated the idea of a book 20 years ago.

of cirrhosis or fell off the perch somehow.

“So last year after I just finished my latest military history book… I was thinking I would like to tackle something very different and lighter and I thought, ‘the Mentals’. Nobody still had

do it properly. And so that was great. Then he got his brother in and we went from there.

In writing the book, Stuart approached former managers, roadies, girlfriends, wives and associates to go beyond a generic dates-and-gigs memoir and get into what really made the band tick.

“But then the funny thing was, at that point everybody in the band had their favourite rock journalist, who was interested in writing the Mental as Anything story,” he explains.

“So I didn’t think anything more of it and went off into the sunset. Over the years, I guess all the rock journalists either died

ories (or complete lack thereof) of the main players certainly presented some challenges in writing the book, according to Stuart, who describes his role as being somewhat like a referee at times.

written their story and I couldn’t believe it,” says Stuart, who then began researching the project, before finally approaching the band members themselves.

“Reg, bless him, just said, ‘Hey, let’s make this worth your while and make it worth our while. Let’s

“I was really trying to get beyond the sort of shiny, happy people that you saw on stage, get beyond the cardboard cutouts and get to something ‘3D’… just really unpacked the guys – and trust me there’s a lot to unpack! They are very interesting, complex, creative characters,” says Stuart.

“Yet they were so productive, so prolific. They would have us believe that they were these laconic creatures of leisure, yet on average through the 80s they released one single every three months, which is just phenomenal, and they scored more charting singles than any other band from that great Oz Rock period of the 80s and 90s.”

Sorting through all the varying accounts and differing mem-

“I made it clear that. I’m going to stand in the middle. I’m going to hear everybody’s viewpoint. And then, I’m going to go with the most likely version of events… where the facts are not ultimately very clear – late one drunken night, what happened? – I’m going to referee, and I’m going to go with the most probable version,” says Stuart.

“And it’s funny, the feedback I got from Reg was, ‘Wow! You know more than we do!’ And, Dave, when he looked at the first manuscript said, ‘Wow, I had no idea I’d seen so much until I read your book!’

“Now I’m really looking forward to bringing the funny and surprising stories behind their classic Aussie anthems to Dubbo in this talk,” concluded Stuart. “So round up any friends who you might’ve gone to see the Mentals with, or who enjoy Oz Rock, and bring them down for a fun session.”

 Stuart Lloyd will conduct the local launch of Started Out Drinking Beer – The Mental As Anything Story at Dubbo Library on Saturday, 9 March, 1:302:15pm. You can book online via Humanitix (events.humanitix.com) or call Dubbo Library on 6801 4510. Free event. Signed copies will be available for sale.

COUNCIL SNAPSHOT DUBBO.NSW.GOV.AU

Monday 11 March

approximately six weeks

The facility will be closed to all users during this time.

For more information visit yoursay.dubbo.nsw. gov.au

6:15pm – 7:45pm

This is a free event by places are limited. Register at 123tix.com.au

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE: 6801 4000

The Seniors Festival Expo is on Monday 18 March 2024 from 9:30am to 12pm at the Dubbo RSL

and features 25 different

For more information visit westernplainsculturalcentre.org

holders from the region. This is a free, catered event. RSVP for the Expo to Rusan Hill on 6801 4000.

DISCOVERING RESILENCE ON EXHIBITION

NSW SENIORS FESTIVAL

BARDEN PARK CLOSURE

Dubbo Regional Council, Orana Early Childhood Intervention and Community for Children are partnering to present Discovering Resilience, a live event by The Resilience Project on 19 March from

at the Convention Centre, Dubbo Regional Theatre.

Cats & Dogs: All at Sea, is a touring exhibition from the Australian National Maritime Museum that is now on show at the Western Plains Cultural Centre.

The exhibition features a selection of photographs showing how much pets meant to many seafarers. This is a free exhibition.

The NSW Seniors Festival will be held from 11 – 24 March 2024 with a range of events in the Dubbo Region including the Seniors Festival Expo.

Club

stall

Barden Park Athletics Centre of Excellence will be closed from

for

whilst the replacement of the synthetic surface of the running track is undertaken.

Stuart Lloyd will conduct the local launch of 'Started Out Drinking Beer – The Mental As Anything Story' at Dubbo Library on Saturday, 9 March, 1:30-2:15pm. PHOTO: SUPPLIED/ COPYRIGHT A&M RECORDS 1982.

The Mental as Anything Story’. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED. g

Meat tray raffles, a great meal at the Wello Soldiers Club

PHOTOS BY COLIN ROUSE

John bags Chevron award for 60 years with Wello Lions

IT is the rarest of Lions Club awards, but one recently earned by John Whitely of the Wellington Club: a ‘Chevron’ representing six long decades of service!

However, it is one that may become even rarer, with the local service group now into single-figure membership, and desperately seeking some new blood.

Wellington Lions District Governor Geoff Fredenstein made the award to John for his 60 years of selfless service. Geoff said it was the rarest of Lion’s awards that showed that John had been helping his local community all the way back since the early 1960s!

The presentation was told that while Wellington Lions was inaugurated in 1957 with many years of 30-plus membership, the club was now down to just nine, and would love to see some younger members of the community joining.

Highlighting the good work that the service club does for the local community, Geoff was

in town late last year to help with the Christmas party for kids by barbecuing the 100 sausages provided by Wellington Lions for the event.

This month is also a busy time for all Lions as Friday, March 2, is Lions Awareness Day with members busy at the Wellington Vintage Fair Parade

with the decorated Lions catering van – towed by a member’s 1973 Holden ute – followed by another barbecue the very next day at the Swap Meet.

Hopefully the ‘Preloved Book Fair’ will also be busy as there are lots of different books coming in, with the fair on Saturday, March 2, on from 9am.

Lions Awareness Day, with Wello Book Fair, barbecue

THOUSANDS of Australia’s most dedicated and hard-working volunteers –including our local group at Wellington – will be on deck to let you know more about what they do this weekend for Lions Awareness Day.

After more than 75 years of helping Australians, many realise how this vital role as a service club, is becoming increasingly important.

This may be through providing emergency relief during natural disasters, supporting farming communities during drought, supporting critical medical research into childhood cancers and diabetes, or working on local environmental programs. In all of these areas, this work is valued, and critical.

Wellington Lions – which itself started in 1957 – is holding a Preloved Book Fair in the Western Gallery for all Thursdays to Saturdays from 10–2pm for the months of March and April.

On these days, a Lions volunteer will be available to chat or let you choose from their thousands of books available, where most books are only a gold coin. This Saturday, March 2,

after the Vintage Fair Parade, why not drop-in and buy a “vintage” book – or even a newer one!

On the Sunday, March 3 at the Vintage Fair, local Lions will also be busy barbecuing at the Showground with the help of their sister club from Kellyville in Sydney’s west.

“With over 25,000 members, Lions Australia is Australia’s largest service organisation, but there’s much more to us than fundraising barbecues,” a spokesperson said.

“That’s why we are taking the opportunity to tell our story on Lions Awareness Day; we want the rest of Australia to know more about what we do and the causes we support,” they added.

Like most service clubs, the local Lions are after new members as time and retirements, thin their ranks.

“We hope you’ll take the opportunity to join us at one of the many events that will be held across Australia,” the spokesperson said.

“Talk to a Lion, and ask them why they decided to give some of their time and effort to help others,” they concluded.

John Whitely of the Wellington Lions Club being presented with that rarest of awards -- a 'Chevron' representing six long decades of service by Lions Club District Governor Geoff Fredenstein. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

PICTURED RIGHT: Grahame Ward, James Smith, Teena Smith, Kevin Stanley, Joe Daley and Norman West

Adam and Ray West

Bidgee Jones, Warren O’Rourke, Janette Jones, George Miller, Janet Miller, Emily Miller and Sabina O’Rourke

Mandi Ogden and Joy Van Roosmalen

Thumbs up and a huge thank you to Dubbo Wheel Alignment for their professionalism and great care to my car. My car is running beautifully since their service and their work is very much appreciated.

Thumbs up to everyone involved in the Touch Football Carnival in Dubbo over the weekend, from players, to parents and carers, to coaches and refs, and to organisers. We weren’t directly involved, but even watching as we went for our weekend walk along the riverbank, we could tell everyone was enjoying being involved. A favourite moment was when the crowd on the sidelines of one match cheered (it was pretty much a roar!) as a try was scored. They obviously love their sport!

Thumbs up to Dubbo Regional Council staff for preparing the Lady Cutler Ovals and surrounds for the Touch Football Carnival. The whole area looked picture perfect, I hope all the visitors felt very welcomed.

Thumbs up to The Book Connection in Dubbo for specially ordering a book I hadn’t been able to track down. I had asked a few friends who could help me and they all said to try The Book Connection. I’m glad I did! Thank you so much.

Thumbs up to walkers who do the right thing and pick up after their dogs while out walking. I saw three people doing just that while walking our dog last week and thought how good it is that it seems to have become the ‘accepted norm’. BTW, here’s my tip, some public leash-free areas have free doggy-do bags, in case you forget your own. Or, a friend of mine gave me some recyclable cardboard ones to try – they’re literally a ‘scoop’!

 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.

Meaning amongst the rubbish: Waste 2 Art workshops in March

FINDING something useful amongst what others have thrown away is a wonderful thing. It’s also the theme behind a new creative competition in the Golden West.

It’s time for local sculptors, painters, and designers to start transforming rubbish into meaning, with entries for the annual ‘Waste 2 Art’ event now open.

To help get the creative juices for young entrants flowing, Dubbo Council is also running a series of workshops in late March at the Western Plains Cultural Centre (WPCC).

Waste 2 Art aims to encourage everyone to reduce, reuse, and recycle, and to change how we view what others throw away, with this year’s theme: ‘The Year of Packaging’.

Categories cater for both primary and secondary school students, as well as for community members and professional artists in an open category. These include two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and functional artwork categories.

Studies show that more than 90 per cent of packaging waste ends up in landfill or dumped in our environment, Dubbo Regional Council Curator Officer Mariam Abboud said.

“This year’s theme is all about packaging, so think soft plastics, bubble-wrap, boxes, manufacturing, and consumerism,” Mariam said. “Waste 2 Art is an innovative competition that allows schools, commu-

nity groups, and individuals to get involved and turn rubbish into art.”

As part of the Waste 2 Art competition this year, she said that the WPCC is opening its art studio during March for schools and early learning centres to come and begin work on their Waste 2 Art creations for this year’s competition.

During the sessions students can also work with environmental artist Ronda Sharpe who showcased her work at the WPCC last year. Ms Sharpe’s artwork draws on Wiradjuri culture and language through adopting an environmentally-sustainable approach to combining customary weaving techniques with recycled material.

The workshops are free with some materials supplied as well as any specific packaging participants want to bring along. Workshops are being held on Wednesdays and Thursdays, March 20–21 and March 27–28, with sessions from 9–11am and 12noon–2pm.

For more information, call council’s Education Officer Rebecca Walker on 6801 4435, or email: rebecca.walker@dubbo.nsw.gov.au

Entries close on Friday, May 3, with the official opening on Saturday, June 1.

For more information, go to: westernplainsculturalcentre.org/

before emailing because these images are usually too small to print.

SHARE YOUR NEWS!

Dubbo Photo News is a great local paper because people like you share your stories with us. If you have a story, event or news item, call us on 6885 4433 or email editor@ dubbophotonews.com.au

Record numbers of young medicos studying medicine in the bush

AS training-up bush kids to become medicos is the best way to overcome our rural doctor shortage, the latest cohort of students at the School of Rural Health in Dubbo is good news for the future of medicine in regional areas.

The new group of first-years – the third group who will study their entire University of Sydney Doctor of Medicine in the Central West at the School of Rural Health in Dubbo –now pushes the school to a record enrolment of 87 young medicos.

A special Indigenous welcoming ceremony was held for first-years recently, reinforcing the university’s strong commitment to building the rural health workforce and training the next generation of rural doctors.

Local Dubbo pharmacist Dan Kendall is among this year’s firstyear cohort, and says that the course fulfils a long-time ambition.

“I’ve been interested in becoming a doctor for a while, but I couldn’t uproot my family and move to another town or the city to study,” Dan said. “I’m thrilled that the University of Sydney offers the degree here, and I can do the entire program in my hometown, surrounded by support from my family, friends, and colleagues.”

The School of Rural Health in Dubbo offers unique benefits for medical students, including small

classes, more time with clinicians and tutors, and a growing and vibrant student community.

Studying the Doctor of Medicine in Dubbo has also become more affordable, with another 12 Destination Australia Scholarships – an Australian Government initiative –being offered through the University of Sydney to first-year medical students.

Each scholarship is valued at

$15,000 per year for four years, to support students on their academic journey, Clinical School Head Professor Catherine Hawke said.

“It’s truly heartening to witness rural students pursuing their dreams of studying medicine, many of whom wouldn’t have had the opportunity to study medicine if it weren’t for our program here in Dubbo,” Prof Hawke said. “The program not only transforms in-

dividual lives, but also enhances healthcare in our rural community and we are looking forward to seeing the impact our students make as future doctors.”

The Cultural Immersion Day at the Aboriginal Cultural Camp Balladoran for the Year One students included meeting local Aboriginal elders and learning the significance of local Wiradjuri traditions and culture.

It’s time for local sculptors, painters, and designers, to once again start transforming rubbish into something meaningful, with entries now open

School of Rural Health in Dubbo first-year students with University of Sydney School of Rural Health Head of Clinical School Professor Catherine Hawke (left), and Dubbo Mayor Councillor Matthew Dickerson (middle row, right). PHOTO: SUPPLIED

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YOUNG AUCTIONEERS WARM-UP VOCAL CHORDS FOR A VERY GOOD CAUSE…

LOCHLAN CAMERON is warming-up the old vocal chords for a very good cause this Thursday; the Real Estate Institute’s Novice Auctioneer’s Competition helping raise money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

A total of 10 local entrants from a range of local realtors have put their names forward in the competition which involves entrants auctioning donated items to the audience with the agents judged on a range of objective criteria.

“You have to bring something to the value of $100 to auction; I was donated a gift card from the Western Star Hotel, that I put towards a bottle of wine, peanuts, a stubbie holder, in a gift pack,” Lochlan explained.

“It’s been good, I’ve never done an auction before, but I’ve been practising at home and even at work,” he added.

Tara Searle from Dubbo Real Estate Agency and Laura Shooter from SJ Shooter have helped revive the competition that lapsed during the pandemic lockdowns.

“We have had 10 entrants, a strong regis-

tration number, showing the pent-up demand for the event,” Laura said.

“I’ve been working with the REINSW, we haven’t had it for a few years and it will be great to have it back on again, with the winner going on to compete at the State level in Sydney,” she added.

Alayna Bodiam, a local property manager, is also keenly anticipating the evening, her first-up effort as an auctioneer: “It should be good, I’m really looking forward to it,” she said.

Lochlan said that he’s found the whole experience enjoyable, regardless of how it goes..

“Even if I don’t eventually go into becoming an auctioneer, I’ve found the process interesting,” he said.

“Just being able to understand how you value items and the way to get the best out of them,” he concluded.

The event is on tonight, Thursday, February 29 from 6pm at Club Dubbo, in Whylandra Street

Laura Shooter from SJ Shooter has helped revive the Novice Auctioneer competition that lapsed during the COVID lockdowns. IMAGE: SJ SHOOTER

Warriors vs Knights Go Media Stadium

Tigers vs Broncos Campbelltown Sports Stadium

SUNDAY, MARCH 31

Titans vs Dolphins Cbus Super Stadium

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

Sea Eagles vs Eels 4 Pines Park

FRIDAY, MAY 31

Eels vs Sharks CommBank Stadium

Dragons vs Sea Eagles WIN Stadium, Wollongong

FRIDAY, APRIL 26

SATURDAY, MARCH 30

Broncos vs Cowboys Suncorp Stadium

Storm vs Rabbitohs AAMI Park

Dragons vs Roosters Allianz Stadium

ROUND 13 THURSDAY, MAY 30

Rabbitohs vs Bulldogs Accor Stadium

Warriors vs Titans Go Media Stadium

Warriors vs Dolphins Go Media Stadium

FRIDAY, MARCH 29

Roosters vs Panthers Allianz Stadium

ROUND 4 THURSDAY, MARCH 28

Knights vs Storm McDonald Jones Stadium

Eels vs Sea Eagles CommBank Stadium

SUNDAY, MARCH 24

Tigers vs Sharks Leichhardt Oval

Dragons vs Cowboys Netstrata Jubilee Stadium

Bulldogs vs Titans Belmore Sports Ground

SATURDAY, MARCH 23

Roosters vs Rabbitohs Allianz Stadium

Warriors vs Raiders AP Stadium, Christchurch

FRIDAY, MARCH 22

Panthers vs Broncos BlueBet Stadium

ROUND 3 THURSDAY, MARCH 21

Dolphins vs Dragons Kayo Stadium

Sea Eagles vs Roosters 4 Pines Park

SUNDAY, MARCH 17

Storm vs Warriors AAMI Park

Cowboys vs Knights QCB Stadium

Raiders vs Tigers GIO Stadium

SATURDAY, MARCH 16

Panthers vs Eels BlueBet Stadium

Sharks vs Bulldogs PointsBet Stadium

FRIDAY, MARCH 15

Broncos vs Rabbitohs Suncorp Stadium

ROUND 2 THURSDAY, MARCH 14

Dolphins vs Cowboys Suncorp Stadium

SUNDAY, MARCH 10

Titans vs Dragons Cbus Super Stadium

Eels vs Bulldogs CommBank Stadium

SATURDAY, MARCH 9

Storm vs Panthers AAMI Park

Warriors vs Sharks Go Media Stadium

FRIDAY, MARCH 8

Knights vs Raiders McDonald Jones Stadium

THURSDAY, MARCH 7

Roosters vs Broncos Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas

Sea Eagles vs Rabbitohs Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas

SUNDAY, MARCH 3

ROUND 1

ROUND 8 THURSDAY, APRIL 25

Sharks vs Cowboys PointsBet Stadium

Bulldogs vs Knights Accor Stadium

SUNDAY, APRIL 21

Broncos vs Raiders Suncorp Stadium

Titans vs Sea Eagles Cbus Super Stadium

Panthers vs Tigers Carrington Park, Bathurst

SATURDAY, APRIL 20

Eels vs Dolphins TIO Stadium, Darwin

Dragons vs Warriors WIN Stadium, Wollongong

FRIDAY, APRIL 19

Roosters vs Storm Allianz Stadium

THURSDAY, APRIL 18

ROUND 7

Raiders vs Titans GIO Stadium

Tigers vs Dragons Campbelltown Sports Stadium

SUNDAY, APRIL 14

Rabbitohs vs Sharks Accor Stadium

Eels vs Cowboys CommBank Stadium

Warriors vs Sea Eagles Go Media Stadium

SATURDAY, APRIL 13

Broncos vs Dolphins Suncorp Stadium

Storm vs Bulldogs AAMI Park

FRIDAY, APRIL 12

Knights vs Roosters McDonald Jones Stadium

THURSDAY, APRIL 11

ROUND 6

Raiders vs Eels GIO Stadium

Cowboys vs Titans QCB Stadium

SUNDAY, APRIL 7

Dolphins vs Tigers Suncorp Stadium

Sea Eagles vs Panthers 4 Pines Park

Rabbitohs vs Warriors Accor Stadium

SATURDAY, APRIL 6

Knights vs Dragons McDonald Jones Stadium

Bulldogs vs Roosters Accor Stadium

FRIDAY, APRIL 5

Storm vs Broncos AAMI Park

ROUND 5 THURSDAY, APRIL 4

Eels vs Tigers CommBank Stadium

MONDAY, APRIL 1

Sharks vs Raiders PointsBet Stadium

Broncos vs Titans Suncorp Stadium

SUNDAY, MAY 26

Rabbitohs vs Eels TBD

Sharks vs Panthers PointsBet Stadium

Raiders vs Roosters GIO Stadium

SATURDAY, MAY 25

Sea Eagles vs Storm 4 Pines Park

Cowboys vs Tigers QCB Stadium

FRIDAY, MAY 24

Bulldogs vs Dragons Accor Stadium

THURSDAY, MAY 23

ROUND 12

Tigers vs Dolphins Suncorp Stadium

Storm vs Eels Suncorp Stadium

Warriors vs Panthers Suncorp Stadium

SUNDAY, MAY 19

Rabbitohs vs Cowboys Suncorp Stadium

Sharks vs Roosters Suncorp Stadium

Titans vs Knights Suncorp Stadium

SATURDAY, MAY 18

Sea Eagles vs Broncos Suncorp Stadium

Raiders vs Bulldogs Suncorp Stadium

FRIDAY, MAY 17

ROUND 11

Titans vs Cowboys Cbus Super Stadium

Roosters vs Warriors Allianz Stadium

SUNDAY, MAY 12

Storm vs Sharks AAMI Park

Dragons vs Rabbitohs Netstrata Jubilee Stadium

Tigers vs Knights Scully Park, Tamworth

SATUDAY, MAY 11

Eels vs Broncos CommBank Stadium

Panthers vs Bulldogs BlueBet Stadium

FRIDAY, MAY 10

Dolphins vs Sea Eagles Suncorp Stadium

THURSDAY, MAY 9

ROUND 10

Sharks vs Dragons PointsBet Stadium

Knights vs Warriors McDonald Jones Stadium

SUNDAY, MAY 5

Cowboys vs Dolphins QCB Stadium

Titans vs Storm Cbus Super Stadium

Bulldogs vs Tigers Accor Stadium

SATURDAY, MAY 4

Broncos vs Roosters Suncorp Stadium

Sea Eagles vs Raiders 4 Pines Park

FRIDAY, MAY 3

Rabbitohs vs Panthers Accor Stadium

ROUND 9 THURSDAY, MAY 2

Raiders vs Sharks GIO Stadium

Dolphins vs Knights Suncorp Stadium

SUNDAY, APRIL 28

Knights vs Bulldogs CommBank Stadium SATURDAY, JUNE 1

Sharks vs Titans C.ex Coffs International Stadium

FRIDAY, JULY 5

Eels vs Rabbitohs CommBank Stadium

THURSDAY, JULY 4

ROUND 18

Roosters vs Tigers Allianz Stadium

Panthers vs Cowboys BlueBet Stadium

Dragons vs Dolphins Netstrata Jubilee Stadium

SUNDAY, JUNE 30

Storm vs Raiders AAMI Park

Knights vs Eels McDonald Jones Stadium

Warriors vs Broncos Go Media Stadium

SATURDAY, JUNE 29

Bulldogs vs Sharks Accor Stadium

FRIDAY, JUNE 28

ROUND 17

New South Wales vs Queensland MCG

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26

Tigers vs Raiders Campbelltown Sports Stadium

SUNDAY, JUNE 23

Rabbitohs vs Sea Eagles Accor Stadium

Roosters vs Bulldogs Industree Group Stadium, Gosford

Titans vs Warriors Cbus Super Stadium

SATURDAY, JUNE 22

Dolphins vs Storm Suncorp Stadium

FRIDAY, JUNE 21

ROUND 16

Knights vs Panthers McDonald Jones Stadium

Sea Eagles vs Dragons 4 Pines Park

Eels vs Roosters CommBank Stadium

Warriors vs Storm Go Media Stadium

Tigers vs Titans Leichhardt Oval

SATURDAY, JUNE 15

Rabbitohs vs Broncos Accor Stadium

Raiders vs Cowboys GIO Stadium

FRIDAY, JUNE 14

Sharks vs Dolphins PointsBet Stadium

THURSDAY, JUNE 13

ROUND 15

Bulldogs vs Eels Accor Stadium

MONDAY, JUNE 10

Panthers vs Sea Eagles BlueBet Stadium

Storm vs Knights AAMI Park

SUNDAY, JUNE 9

Broncos vs Sharks Suncorp Stadium

Cowboys vs Warriors QCB Stadium

Titans vs Rabbitohs Cbus Super Stadium

SATURDAY, JUNE 8

Dragons vs Tigers WIN Stadium, Wollongong

FRIDAY, JUNE 7

ROUND 14

New South Wales vs Queensland Accor Stadium

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5

Roosters vs Cowboys Allianz Stadium

SUNDAY, JUNE 2

Dolphins vs Raiders Kayo Stadium

Panthers vs Dragons BlueBet Stadium

Cowboys vs Panthers QCB Stadium

Broncos vs Panthers Suncorp Stadium SATURDAY, JULY 6

Eels vs Panthers CommBank Stadium

Titans vs Sharks Cbus Super Stadium

FRIDAY, AUGUST 9

Rabbitohs vs Storm Accor Stadium

THURSDAY, AUGUST 8

ROUND 23

Bulldogs vs Raiders Belmore Sports Ground

Panthers vs Knights BlueBet Stadium

SUNDAY, AUGUST 4

Sharks vs Rabbitohs PointsBet Stadium

Storm vs Dragons AAMI Park

Titans vs Broncos Cbus Super Stadium

SATURDAY, AUGUST 3

Dolphins vs Roosters HBF Park, Perth

Warriors vs Eels Go Media Stadium

FRIDAY, AUGUST 2

Tigers vs Cowboys Leichhardt Oval

THURSDAY, AUGUST 1

ROUND 22

Raiders vs Rabbitohs GIO Stadium

Dolphins vs Titans Suncorp Stadium

Dragons vs Panthers WIN Stadium, Wollongong

SUNDAY, JULY 28

Roosters vs Sea Eagles Allianz Stadium

Cowboys vs Sharks QCB Stadium

Broncos vs Bulldogs Suncorp Stadium

SATURDAY, JULY 27

Eels vs Storm CommBank Stadium

Warriors vs Tigers Go Media Stadium

FRIDAY, JULY 26

ROUND 21

Cowboys vs Bulldogs QCB Stadium

Sea Eagles vs Titans 4 Pines Park

Panthers vs Dolphins BlueBet Stadium

SUNDAY, JULY 21

Storm vs Roosters AAMI Park

Broncos vs Eels

Knights vs Broncos McDonald Jones Stadium

Rabbitohs vs Tigers Industree Group Stadium, Gosford

SATURDAY, JULY 20

Raiders vs Warriors GIO Stadium

FRIDAY, JULY 19

ROUND 20

Queensland vs New South Wales Suncorp Stadium

WEDNESDAY, JULY 17

Sea Eagles vs Knights 4 Pines Park

SUNDAY, JULY 14

Broncos vs Dragons Suncorp Stadium

Titans vs Eels Cbus Super Stadium

SATURDAY, JULY 13

Sharks vs Tigers PointsBet Stadium

FRIDAY, JULY 12

Dolphins vs Rabbitohs Kayo Stadium

THURSDAY, JULY 11

ROUND 19

Raiders vs Knights GIO Stadium

Roosters vs Dragons Allianz Stadium

SUNDAY, JULY 7

Cowboys vs Sea Eagles QCB Stadium

Tigers vs Storm Leichhardt Oval

Bulldogs vs Warriors Accor Stadium

Sharks vs Knights

Stadium ROUND 25 THURSDAY, AUGUST 22 Tigers vs Sea Eagles Leichhardt Oval FRIDAY, AUGUST 23 Warriors vs Bulldogs Go

Tigers vs Rabbitohs Campbelltown Sports Stadium

Cowboys vs Raiders QCB Stadium

Bulldogs vs Dolphins Salter Oval, Bundaberg

SATURDAY, AUGUST 17

Roosters vs Eels Allianz Stadium

Sea Eagles vs Warriors 4 Pines Park

FRIDAY, AUGUST 16

Panthers vs Storm BlueBet Stadium

ROUND 24 THURSDAY, AUGUST 15

Knights vs Tigers McDonald Jones Stadium

Dolphins vs Warriors Suncorp Stadium

SUNDAY, AUGUST 11

Dragons vs Bulldogs Netstrata Jubilee Stadium

Cowboys vs Broncos QCB Stadium

Raiders vs Sea Eagles GIO Stadium

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10

11 COVE CIRCUIT, SOUTHLAKES ESTATE

Just minutes away from the CBD, cafes, sporting facilities and schools, discover the convenience of the city, along with the peace and quiet of a wellconsidered neighbourhood. Southlakes Estate strikes a balance between natural and manmade that offers equal measures of serenity and functionality.

• Master bedroom featuring an ensuite and walk-inrobe equipped with hanging space and shelving

• Bed two and three are sizable bedrooms with built-in-robes

• Double car garage with remote and internal access

322578 m2

• Modern Kitchen with a walk-in pantry and quality Smeg appliances, complete with a microwave nook and stone bench tops

• Stylish open plan living and dining area continuing onto the undercover alfresco area

• Main bathroom with large bathtub and shower and a separate toilet

• Separate laundry

• Enclosed minimal maintenance yard with irrigation system

• Zoned Ducted reverse cycle air-conditioning

Dubbo South Public School 4A

4A have had a wonderful week of learning. We started our school kitchen garden program, Wambangalang, which blends gardening with our science lessons. As we dig, plant, and harvest, we also discover the flavours of healthy eating and how to care for our planet. It’s like our own green oasis where we learn, grow, and taste the fruits of our labour!

4A has also been engaging in group STEM challenges and hands-on maths tasks this week. These activities promote teamwork, communication, and collaboration, fostering critical thinking and problem solving skills.

4A have been working together to solve problems and complete tasks, boosting their confidence and a sense of accomplishment. This week we had to build a cup tower using only a rubber band and string! The rotation of hands-on maths tasks makes math more enjoyable and accessible, reducing math anxiety. They encourage exploration and experimentation, helping 4A develop a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts.

THE OF

Retailer Local retailer, Laurie Claire is catering for every woman

Laurie Claire Boutique at the Orana Mall, has something for everyone..

This Central West-owned retailer, has clothes from kids, to teens, to mothers, and everyone in between, owner Tayla Wasson explained.

“Our line of clothes is quite wide, it’s nothing for a mother and daughter to come-in and shop together,” Tayla said.

“Our best customers are mums, grand-mums, but we do get a lot of teenagers, we offer such a big range,” she added.

With the fashion season now changing as we enter the cooler months, it’s also a great time to pick-up some summer style, or

Week

get your wardrobe set for the autumn and winter ahead.

“We’re offering 20 per cent off all of our summer clothing, dresses and tops, so now’s a great time bag a bargain” Tayla said.

“All of our new autumn range is also now coming in, and it features lots of knitted tops and bottoms, they’ve been in for summer and in for winter with lots of reds,” she added excitedly.

With her unique brand a combination from the names of two of her great grandparents, Laurie Claire is a real homegrown success story, Tayla explained.

“I built it from the ground,

firstly as a kids store in Orange, then I thought we could cater for the night markets in orange, and then Bathurst, where I have my other store,” she revealed.

“And then I noticed that we had a lot of customers coming-over from Dubbo, so I decided to start the one here about three years ’ago.”

While retail is a tough trade and it’s no picnic competing against the big outlets, Talya wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I absolutely love it, it is long hours, and you’re always on the go, but I enjoy it anyway,” Tayla said.

“It’s fantastic, it’s not like work for me.”

PHOTOS: DUBBO PHOTO NEWS/LANA EATHER

ORANA MALL

Laurie Claire Boutique at the Orana Mall, has something for everyone. with Store Manager, Alex Wilson, showing-off their fantastic range of clothes.

PHOTO: DUBBO PHOTO NEWS/KEN SMITH

KiDZ ONLY!

WHAT KIDS SAY

Carter White

How old are you? 6

What are you good at? Soccer & Frontflips

What type’s of food do you love the most? Maccas - I love chicken nuggies

What makes you laugh? Dad’s tickles

Favourite saying: You look beautiful

Who’s the boss in your family? I am the boss

Who is your favourite character in a book? Darth Vader Favourite Sport/Team? Rugby League: The Broncos

COPY THE PICTURE

Which zoo animal would you like to have as a pet? Salt water

Crocodile & cheetah

What would you like to be when you grow up?

Professional Video Gamer

LIZ

Happy 6th Birthday Liz!

Love from Mum, Dad, Bert, Coco & Tom

EVIE HALL

Happy 8th Birthday to you Evie, for the 16th February!

KNOW A BIRTHDAY CHILD THIS MONTH?

Send in a photo, details and a short birthday wish. myentry@dubbophotonews.com.au

Entries must be in by 5pm Friday the week before.

m.au week before. a Mall ha s a

Is your photo featured here? Donut King Orana Mall has a FREE kids doughnut to help you celebrate!

Bring your copy of Dubbo Photo News to claim your Birthday gift. ws

SUDOKU FOR KIDS

ARE YOU KIDME?DING DING

What do you find inside a clean nose?

Fingerprints!

Q Q A A

What breaks when you speak?

Silence!

Patient

Doctor

Doctor, doctor, I feel like a rubber band

Have you done your morning stretches?

ACROSS

1 Relate to (9)

6 Admirers (4)

10 Oxygen (3)

11 Senile decay (11)

12 Recondite (8)

13 Facet (6)

9-LETTER

21

14 Row (4)

15 Dull (7)

20 Exchanging something for money (7)

21 Man’s name (4)

25 Oedema (6)

26 Infancy (8)

28 Effective (11)

29 Upper limb (3)

No. 217

30 Teaching period (4)

31 Having a disease of the joints (9)

DOWN

1 From the menu (1,2,5)

2 Dies violently (8)

3 Horsemen (6)

4 Inherited from one’s family (9)

5 Poverty (4)

7 Insight (6)

8 Midday nap (Sp) (6)

9 Relatedness (7)

16 Southeast Asian city-state (9)

17 Ill from ocean movement (7)

18 Having high self-opinion (8)

19 Theoretical (8)

22 Coming (6)

23 Slip-on shoe (6)

24 Plaster ingredient (6)

27 Skin mark from a cut (4)

WORDFIT

3 LETTERS ALL AYE EGG END ERA GEE GYM HER IVY KIT LEG LIE NIL ODE ORE OVA PEA ROE ROT RUE SLY UPS WAS WON

4 LETTERS CLAP DASH EARS

EBBS LIMP LYRE NEAR NEST ONES

No. 127

PAWS STOW TREK VASE WEBS

5 LETTERS ADAGE ADEPT ALGAE ALIEN ANTIC AORTA ARENA BIPED BOOED BRINE DINER EATEN EAVES EGGED ELITE ELUDE ERASE ERROR ESSAY HALON HELLO INANE IVIES KNEES LINES LIVES LUNGE MINCE NERVE

OUTED PETAL PLOYS PRESS RENEW SASSY SAWED SEEDS SEEDY SENDS SOLVE SPIKE STARE STRAW

SUGAR TEEMS TENDS TRIPE TWEET VEERS WEEDY

6 LETTERS GRASSY NEARED PASTEL SIERRA

7 LETTERS ENGRAVE GENTILE ILLEGAL INSERTS SOPRANO STATION

Insert each number from 1 to 9 in the shaded squares to solve all the horizontal and vertical equations. Multiplication and division are performed before addition and subtraction.

8 LETTERS DILATING GREETING LENIENCY LESSENED

ee break a eebrebbrebreak k

Each number corresponds to a letter of the alphabet. Two have been filled in for you, can you work out the rest?

was

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6. How many realms are there in Norse mythology and cosmology?

7. The Toronto Blue Jays, Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves are all teams in which sport?

8. What are the two types of pool boards used in Olympic diving events?

9. The Scream, a 19th-century composition, was painted by which Norwegian artist?

10. Which former US president is in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame?

ARIES: You may get the idea to broaden your intellect and spirituality through education. If you have young children, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to discover the joys of spending time with them.

TAURUS: This could be a good week to apply for a loan or renegotiate your mor tgage. There’s a good chance you’ll find a lasting solution to your financial problems without sacrificing your comfort. You’ll be able to smile and enjoy life once again.

GEMINI: You’ll have a heavy workload this week due to many clients, all of whom could turn out to be very lucrative. If you’re single, you could meet your soulmate at an event with friends.

CANCER: Take the time you need to think about certain projects. Carefully verif y the details and negotiate beneficial terms. In your relationship, small gestures will positively impact harmony and intimacy.

LEO: Moving requires meticulous planning. You must take the first steps and assess the work required. You’ll feel a special pride in arranging your space to your liking, both at work and at home.

VIRGO: You must prioritise your health this week. You could start a new die t that will improve your quality of life and boost your sel f-esteem. Your perseverance and commitment to yourself will pay off and your achievements will be the proof.

LIBRA: Critical minds are gravitating around you. You’ll need to develop solid arguments to confront them. You could set yourself apar t by clearly expressing what others are thinking in online forums.

SCORPIO: You could receive an unexpected amount of money, a refund or an adjustment of some kind. In your relationship, you could be made to wait or postpone a date you were excited about.

SAGITTARIUS: Don’t rush into any decisions, especially when it comes to mone y or relationships. As you contemplate new beginnings, various elements will slow your progress, teaching you the value of patience.

CAPRICORN: You may start questioning your career or love life. You’ll think ab out making changes. You have a yearning for a better quality of life, which will become stronger. This will encourage you to make room for it.

AQUARIUS: This week will be marked by a major clean-up, whether at home or work. An orderly environment will help you clear your mind. Family and good friends will lend you a helping hand, earning your eternal gratitude.

PISCES: If you’re still trying to set your career path, you could have an epiphany which could prompt you to take on a new challenge in line with your aspirations. Change brings abundance. Keep the door open to new opportunities.

Yes! I’m a

By JOANNE AUSTEN BROWN

Robyn was 8 or 9 when she attended a Bullen Brothers Circus.

An elephant came into the ring and sitting in its trunk was a clown, swaying back and forth.

That was when she fell in love with clowns.

Later in life her daugh-

ter sent her a postcard with a clown on it from London. A well-known artist and friend Stephen Franks painted the clown from that postcard and her collection began. Here are some of her clowns in her collection.

Are you a collector too?

If you’d like to share about your collection, contact us: collector@dubbophotonews.com.au

Happy 100th Birthday Anna

Anna de Dobbelaar was born on February 24th 1924 In Rotterdam Holland

Anna was the eldest of 15 children

The family Immigrated to Australia on the 14th of November 1958.

Anna and her Family have been a part of The

Parkes country music association for a number of years and are also supporting members of The Orana Country Music Association Dubbo. Anna is always good for a laugh, loves music and friends to everyone who knows Anna and her family.

Pets find ‘furever’ homes at adoption day

On Saturday Animal Welfare League held an adoption day at Petbarn. The morning brought many loving families looking to take the cats and dogs home. Many were adopted and farewelled off to their ‘furever’ homes.

The Animal Welfare League works hard to prepare the animals for their next journey in life, and have a fantastic fostering system that ensures all animals are well cared for before finding their new family.

It was a pleasure to see all the smiling faces from both the families and animals while saying goodbye to their foster carer.

(Back) Pat and Craig Manderson, (front) Anna de Dobbelaar, Amanda Manderson and Chrissy de Dobbelaar

(Back) John de Dobbelaar, Craig Manderson, (front) Chrissy de Dobbelaar, Anna de Dobbelaar and Bev Good

(Back) Pat Manderson, John and Christine de Dobbelaar, (front) Anna de Dobbelaar, Amanda Manderson and Chrissy de Dobbelaar

your role will require you to come into contact with animal waste and by-products, so this role is not for the squeamish. An advanced knowledge and all round ability to carry out a variety of fitter, turner & machinist work will be required.

Main duties include:

•Set up and adjust machines and equipment.

•Fit and assemble parts, tools.

•Dismantle faulty tools and assemblies and repair or replace defective parts.

•Set up and/or operate hand and machine tools.

In this role you will be responsible for general mechanical maintenance that includes mechanical repair on a day to day basis as well as ensuring downtime is minimized. In addition, you will develop and implement systems that will maximise the efficiency of and minimise cost of utilities. You will also recommend and develop initiatives that will enhance productivity, efficiency and profitability of the plant.

Experience and Qualifications Required:

For more information contact 02 6801 3100

To apply for this role, you will need to be a licensed Fitter and Turner with experience in a maintenance role preferably within a manufacturing environment. Please complete and submit a Fletcher International Exports application form for your application to be processed. You can find this on our website at http://www.fletchint.com.au/careers/application-form

ON THIS WEEK

Croquet: 8.15am for 8:30am start, Tuesday,

Thursday. Croquet courts, Brisbane St, North

Dubbo. Kate 0409 927 140, Lillian 0429 471 921

Dubbo Film Society: Film screenings for members and casual members at Dubbo RSL Theatrette, 1:30pm. Two films, Sunday 25 February. Refreshments served at intermission.

COMING SOON

Above Board Gamers: SECOND and FOURTH Thursday of the month, 6pm, Devil’s Hollow Brewery. Alan 0432 278 235 Dubbo & District Family History Society: Presents Share Your Story. Dugald Saunders will tell stories of the unexpected discovery of his Indian heritage, and his journey from childhood in Mendooran to Dubbo MP. Everyone is welcome to join us on Friday March 15 at 2pm in the Drama Room at WPCC. $8 towards room hire and refreshments.

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: 8.15am for 8:30am start, Tuesday, Thursday. 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

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

Talbragar CWA: Members are reminded of the February luncheon on Thursday 8, at the South Dubbo Tavern commencing 12 noon Please let Ronda know on 68885231 if you are able to attend.

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. 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 & District Family History Society: Presents Share Your Story. Dugald Saunders will tell stories of the unexpected discovery of his Indian heritage, and his journey from childhood in Mendooran to Dubbo MP. Everyone is welcome to join us on Friday March 15 at 2pm in the Drama Room at WPCC. $8 towards room hire and refreshments.

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, 1pm Dubbo RSL Club. February 16, Phone Shirley 0427822874 for enquiries

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. Anne 0408 891 225

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 table, proceeds to CWA. Contact Hilda 0427471270.

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: 10:00am- 3:00 pm (also see Tuesday listing) All are welcome

Macquarie Regional Library

Contact Patricia 0439846400

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.

Ladies Luncheon: 12 noon, Saturday 2nd March. Dahab restaurant, Brisbane Street, opposite the catholic church., Dubbo. Call Bev 68845401 by Feb 29 if you are interested.

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 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: Monthly meetings are held on the first Saturday of each month from March to December they commencing at 2pm each month but December at 11am. More information is available from Ronda on 68885231 or 0419275223.

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 Film Society: Film screenings for members and casual members at Dubbo RSL Theatrette, 1:30pm. Two films, Sundays 25 February, 26 May, 29 Sept, 24 Nov. Refreshments served at intermission. All-day Film Festival, five films, Sunday 28 July commences 9:30am.

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: New intake class every 7th Sunday starting 4/2/24..( daylight savings start time 8.45am Eastern

Standard time 9.45am ) at Katrina Gibbs Oval Macleay St Dubbo(opposite netball courts)

Contact Reg 0428849877 or Dianne 0429847380

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, 11.00am, Monday February 19, Dubbo RSL Club. Bookings and Cancellations and enquiries by Friday 16th November before 10am. Phone Beth on 0431 290 274. Guests and 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.

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.

Walter T. Grant Seniors Social Club: 9am-2pm, Wesley Uniting Centre, Church Street. $6 per day. BYO lunch. Pre-lunch cards and games, post-lunch bingo. Jan Miller 0418 255 217

TUESDAY

Aboriginal Elders Walkabout Ministry Group: 9.30am - 2pm in Holy Trinity Church Hall, 158 Brisbane Street

Croquet: 8.15am for 8:30am start, Tuesday, Thursday. Croquet courts, Brisbane St, North Dubbo. Kate 0409 927 140, Lillian 0429 471 921

Dementia Sing Out Choir: Weekly 11am12.30pm, David Palmer Centre at Old Lourdes Hospital site, entry on Cobbora Road. Anne Gemmell 0481396404.

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- 3:00pm

SECOND and FOURTH Tuesday of the month (also see Saturday listing) Dubbo Bridge Club, Elston Park, Bultje St Dubbo. All are welcome. Contact Patricia 0439846400

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

137 Cobra St. Julie 6884 4919

Smart Recovery (Behaviour Change Support Group): 5pm, online or in person. Rob on 0417 497 187

Spinning Group: Every third Tuesday 10am -4pm Dubbo Art and Craft Cottage, 137 Cobra Street. Contact Julie 0418 976 663

South Dubbo Veteran’s & Community Men’s Shed: 9am-12pm, Cnr of High and Palmer Streets. 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 Dubbo: Meet Wednesday 7pm (1.5hr) – ‘Topic‘ meeting St Brigid’s Catholic Church meeting rooms, 198 Brisbane St, Dubbo Please contact Ian 0447 176 590

Or contact 1300 222 222 or www.aa.org.au for info on meetings.

Ballroom Dancing: Wednesday 7:309:30pm $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, 10:30am, Western Plains Cultural Centre, Creo Cafe, Wingewarra St. Anne Gemmell 0481396404.

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

Dubbo and District Family History Society event

Linda Barnes will show you how to begin discovering your family history.

Four weeks, Wednesdays March 6, 13, 20 and 27.

10.30am to 12.30pm at Community Arts Centre

$7.50 per session for DDFHS members, $15 for non-members

To reserve your place phone Linda on 68878284 or email martinandlinda@gmail.com

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 10am1pm, 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

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. Contact Colene 0400422335

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: 6pm, 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 West Dubbo Rotary: 6pm, Club Dubbo, Whylandra Street West Dubbo

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.

Top local rider, Emily named in NSW team after three-day event

Contributed by DUBBO CYCLE CLUB

SHOWING the strength of local competition; Dubbo Cycle Club was able to send another capable contingent of riders to compete in the three-day Under 15 and 17 NSW Track Championships held at Sydney’s Dunc Gray Olympic Velodrome earlier this month.

Day One saw Cooper Farr, Sidney Pickering, and William Tanswell, all posting impressive times in the 500-metre time trial, narrowly missing the top 10 in their debut year in the Division with placings of 11th, 14th, and 17th respectively. In other great news, in the Under 17 event, Emily Hines produced a sensational time finishing in fifth place.

During the Keirin qualifiers, Pickering, Farr, and Tanswell, performed well with all three boys advancing to the repechage heats with Farr winning his reparcharge and making the consolation final finishing in ninth overall.

In their next event, the point-score, despite their determination, the Dubbo boys finished outside the top 10 whilst Emily Hines showed her supreme endurance bagging a silver medal with a fantastic final sprint to put her on the podium.

Day Two saw Hines excel in the sprint qualifiers recording the fifth-fastest time and progressing to the next round, eventually going down to Goulburn’s Elsie Apps in the Bronze final.

Next up for the Dubbo riders, was the Under 15 boys 2km Individual pursuit qualifying with Pickering recording sixth fastest time in qualifying to be the leading first year rider in the qualifiers narrowly missing-out on a spot in the top four for a medal ride-off.

Farr and Tanswell both gave it their all to put down respectable times finishing in 15th and 20th respectively.

In the 3km Teams Pursuit,

Hines made up part of a composite team with three others and recorded an impressive time of just under four minutes earning them the Gold medal. Next up was the Boys Team Sprint and, in this event, each rider gives an all-out effort for one lap and makes way for the successive rider.

Tanswell, Pickering, and Farr put in a blistering ride and took the bronze medal in a time of 57.342 seconds. There is no doubt it will be a showdown next year for all who want the top spot in this event.

On Day 3, in the 2km Individual Pursuit, Hines qualified in fourth and secured a bronze medal ride-off, narrowly going down to NEO rider Isobel Prince in a hard-fought ride. However, Hines bounced back with a sensational ride in the Under 17 Keirin Final, claiming her very first individual NSW gold and second championship gold medal.

In the Under 15 sprint, Pickering and Farr qualified for the sprint to move to the next round of 18, unfortunately the first round draw had the Dubbo riders face each other with Farr emerging victorious from their head-to-head thereby progressing through to the quarter-finals. In the Under 17 Girls Team Sprint event, Hines and her teammates secured the silver medal in a gutsy ride after Hines pulled a foot shortly after the start.

Emily Hines was later named in the NSW team to contest the National track titles in mid-March at the Anna Meares velodrome in Brisbane, the focus now shifts to fine-tuning her skills for the upcoming national competition, building on the success of the NSW State Titles campaign.

Closer to home, next Tuesday is the fourth round of the Wheelrace Series sponsored by Dubbo City Toyota with the Junior Trophy Night to celebrate the achievements of the amazing Tiny Tots.

Cooper Farr, Sidney Pickering and William Tanswell earn bronze in the Team Sprint.

Emily Hines with her hoard of medals

Emily leaving nothing behind.

WITH the imminent start of the new footie season, one of our women’s teams recently took-on some of the best country players in a tournament in southern NSW.

Dubbo Demons joined forces with Central West rivals, Orange Tigers and Bathurst Bushrangers, to battle it out with some of the best women’s AFL teams from across NSW and the ACT in the McDonalds AFLW Queanbeyan Cup.

After taking-out the Central West Premiership last year, and with new coach Lynton Auld on board, the Demons women were keen to get their hands on the footy prior to the 2024 season kicking-off.

Both teams have been working hard on pre-season fitness, skills and bringing new players up to speed. This year marks the third time the Queanbeyan Cup has taken place, capitalising on an exponential growth in women’s football in recent years.

The development of the sport at a community level has resulted in a wealth of female talent across the State, and it was exciting for Central West players to be involved in a competition of this calibre.

The combined team took a mix of experienced and new players to Queanbeyan, with some girls playing their first games of AFL at this tournament. Experienced players, Emily Warner and Kaitlyn Waldie from Dubbo Demons, and Jacqui Ryan from Orange Tigers, guided the teams through three games over the weekend, with the team ultimately finishing 10th out of the pool of 12 teams.

The first game against Belconnen was largely one-sided in the first half, against a well-drilled and polished Belconnen Magpies, the current ACT Division One premiers.

The central west team were forced to quickly find their team rhythm and, by the second half, were linking some clean plays up the ground, culminating in a goal for the visitors. Dominant work in the ruck by Sea Lindsay, kept providing midfield opportunities and

this fine service continued all day.

After a lengthy break, the next two games were played back-toback. Games against Tuggeranong Valley and Newcastle City, saw much-improved contests as connections developed and the team came into its own in the last game leading Newcastle in the first half, before being overwhelmed by the younger and fitter Blues team in the last few minutes.

The team exceeded all expectations for the day though and great

bonds were formed and further developed. Individual highlights included Kristen Coady scoring the team’s first goal, Sea dominating in the ruck, Emily Warner winning balls all day, Jacqui Ryan and her “sister” linked-up beautifully.

Other top moments included Molly “Milo” Mayall scoring a great set shot from the pocket in our last game and Keeghan Tucker being rewarded for a great day with a goal in the second game.

After this tournament, The De-

mons, Tigers, and Bushies, will resume their friendly rivalry for the upcoming season starting in late April.

Before then, Dubbo will travel to Tumbarumba on April 14 for the annual Izaac Cornell Memorial game, and Orange will host the Penrith Rams for a pre-season match-up on Saturday, March 23. Anyone interested in playing this season, is encouraged to contact the club through Facebook.

Great weekend out facing some stiff opposition, the combined Central West ladies Australian Football side recently travelled to Queanbeyan for a country cup. Back row, from left, Martyka Schlumpf, Jackie Ryan, Jo Smith, Mel Ryan, Harriett Messner, Hannah Burrows, Molly Mayall, Em ily Warner, Kaitlyn Waldie, Lynton Auld, Molly Lillyman, Brooke Garland, Sea Lindsay, and Cara Jordan. Front, from left, Keeghan Tucker, Emma Harris, Lilly Kerr, Kristen Coady, Jennifer Lao, Jodie Sullivan, and Dell Bassett. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Spirit of ‘74 Western Division Amco Cup legends and “The Night The Music Died”

By GEOFF MANN

FIFTY years and a lifetime in rugby league history ago it may be, but many old-stagers can still remember crowding into homes, clubs, and pubs, to watch one of the sport’s greatest legends being born.

It was the first year of an innovative Wednesday night rugby league ritual that was made for the new-fangled soon-to-beintroduced revolution in sport, colour television; and it was called the Amco Cup.

That first definitive season, an iconic team drawn from miners in Lithgow and Cobar, farmers in Coonabarabran and Canowindra, tradies, teachers, a publican, a HSC student, and all led by a policeman from Bathurst, turned the competition on its head.

The Western Division side was coached by former St George and Australian winger, local football legend and Gilgandra boy, Johnny King, who masterminded a stunning series of upsets, to win the inaugural final at Leichhardt Oval – one of the few grounds then with powerful-enough floodlights for the television broadcasters, Channel 10.

Along the way, the Westerners shocked an international-packed Auckland side, then Canterbury-Bankstown, Manly (on a penalty countback), and finally Penrith in the final. The rags-to-riches story captured sports lovers the world over, with dome-headed Lithgow miner, “TV Ted Ellery”, everyone’s sentimental favourite!

THE

SUNDY BOWLER

Rugby league journalist and author Ian Heads later recounted the biographical tale in a tome he tagged: “The Night the Music Died”.

Nine of the 23 players who took the field at Leichhardt Oval in the final – most of whom also played in a tough-as-nails, no-holds barred bloodbath against Great Britain in Orange earlier that year – are no longer with us, but their memories live on.

On Saturday, the famous team will be heralded at Cale Oval, Narromine as the

2024 Western Rams Under 16s, Under 18s, and Seniors’ sides, tackle Northern Tigers.

The “heroes” will present retro guernseys and reflect once again on what was achieved over those four compelling wet and wintry months, in a world not so very far away.

The Amco Cup players and families of those no longer here or too unwell to join them will also be acclaimed at a dinner in the RSL Memorial Club after the matches in Narromine are finished.

The only Western Division team photo from the 1974 season, taken during a training run. Back: Bill Baker (trainer), Ian Toohey, Terry Fahey, Greg Fearnley, Dennis Richie, Ted Ellery, Johnny King (coach), Col McDonnell

Highs and lows for Gordon, as luck departs like the wind

Contributed by ‘PISTOL PETE’

FIFTY-FIVE bowlers rolled up early to test the pristine synthetics at RSL North Dubbo Sporties on Sunday.

In their game of triples, Leo Balstad, John Davis, and Mike Twohill, thought they were winners against Ron McCauley and Ray and Mick Strawhan after the first eight ends. Leading seven shots to four, they soon found Mick doing the “catch-up”. On the final end, it came with a triple to even the score at 13 shots each, eight ends each. The fourth draw of the year.

Both sides dropped three singles and one triple to ensure that Kevin Scott, Greg Brown, and Al Andriske, were in the hunt against Di Cullen, Julie Brown, and Tod

O’Dea. Julie did exceptionally well against her partner Greg, but her team just could not come-up with enough consistency to take the win. Kevin, Greg, and Al pulled in a five-end win on the return ends, and clinched a 17-11 win with a quintuplet on the 15th. Gordon Scott’s recent rounds highlight the highs and lows of bowls. Last week, it was the ceiling; this week, the cellar. He and Chris Castlehouse and Gaye Cottee, cruised through the first half, a shot shy of Chris Castlehouse (playing as a swinger), Greg Hough, and Trevor Tink. Then, as though the wind turned, Chris, Gaye, and Gordon, were left floundering as Chris, Greg, and pressure, with a couple of five counts plus other multiples, snatched number one for the morning after

a demolishing 26-7 victory.

The luck was not with Sue O’Dea, Gary Huggins, or Pete Ruzans, as Daphne Dunbar, Chris Strojny, and Col Cottee pulled-out the big ones. Consistency was the key, as Daphne and co pulled-off a 19-9 win, claiming seven of the final eight ends and second place.

Col Dover added another win, this time with Frank Armstrong as in Pairs, against Pete Bennison and Tony Coady. The pair took 11 ends overall, banking 17 shots to nine for third place.

Good teams often beat fine individual efforts as Di Cullen, Steve Kelly, and Paul Goodstat proved against Ros Joseph, Allan Stratford, and Ian Humphries. After leading by a solitary, the trio drilled a five and a four to seize their match 23-13.

A good first eight ends by Gavin Cullen, Cheryl Storch, and Anthony Coe was enough to keep Paul Martin, Ruby Stockings, and Brian Jones from the lead. It was 11-6 at the turnaround, and stayed that way with 18-13 the final score.

A never-give-up attitude was set by Di Hildebrant, Roger Sherwin, and Phil Knight, as Mary Perry, Ross Pharo, and Graham Ross, took a four-shot lead. More pressure by Phil and his side in the second half, netted four sets of doubles and a 13-all score line with one to play.

Another quad and Di, Roger, and Phil were home. It was Roger’s third win out of four games and he remains in contention for Bowler of the Year.

It was a tough first half for Pat

Sherwin, Helene Emblen, and Trish Gosper, as Sue McCauley, Ruth Shanks, and Bryan O’Sullivan took charge with a seven shot advantage. Trish’s side pulled back four on end nine, but found it a bit too much of a struggle and went down by two, 14-12.

Vicki Hummel and John Cole also held-off a ferocious challenge from Pete Sinclair and Therese Gaio who shed an eightshot deficit to win by two.

After the AGM, the office bearers for 2024 are Tom Gray (Patron), Graham Ross (Vice-President), Bryan O’Sullivan (Treasurer), Pete Ruzans (Secretary), Gordon Scott, Ian Humphries, Phil Knight, Steve Kelly, Pete Bennison, Gary Huggins, and Mel Giddings (Committee Members).

By GEOFF MANN

MOSTLY one associates “breaking” with eggs; on Sunday though it was the “layers” themselves, who failed to produce to their times!

A bevy of breakers bounded out of the off the blocks at breakneck speed, thereby botching-up the clockers! With all the Ducks subsequently disqualified; they created a kick-board event, as seen in the attached images.

“It was a bit of fun for all and great to see an ‘old fox’ back to steal the points,” Cap’n Dave Sparkes mulled.

“Brian Schloeffel bounced back from a spell following ankle surgery, and busted everyone with the board,” he added.

Sunday also saw the annual Vern Traegar Trophy race; the data is in, but Ducks will have to hold their quacks until the presentation night, to gaggle about the winner!

Other results for the Sunday, February 25, - 2x25-metre relay event, were: winners, Bill Greenwood/Marg Ross; second-place, Glen Mitch/Sparkesy; third, Jacob Pearce/Judy Walsh; fourth, Craig Ross/Nicole Johnstone; and Janine Gardner/Neil Harris.

(manager). Middle: Peter Walkom, Nelson Smith, Paul Dowling (captain), Billy Rose, Paul Sams. Front: Dave Ross, Norm Armstrong, Bob Pilon, Frank Fish, Rod McDonald. *Dav Kent would come into the team for Fahey; Peter Frew would replace Fish. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

The feat that became a book. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Twin touchies, Madi and Nic, head to UK for the tip footie World Cup

Million-dollar baby - new surface for Barden Park

SPORTS stadiums are only as good as their competitive surface; with Dubbo‘s Barden Park Athletics Centre of Excellence, having their synthetic running track replaced in March under a million-dollar deal.

While this is good news for local and regional athletes, the works will require the facility being closed to all users from Monday, March 11, for about six weeks, weather permitting.

The synthetic surface is being replaced to ensure that the track can remain accredited by the International Association of Athletics Federations; a requirement for hosting major athletics events.

The resurfacing process will involve grinding-back the current surface, and

then laying a new synthetic top-coat over the track, work that is largely being funded by the NSW Government, Dubbo Mayor, Councillor Mathew Dickerson said.

“Being able to renew and maintain Council assets like Barden Park’s synthetic track through external funding, is a positive result for our community,” Cr Dickerson said.

“Barden Park is a wellused facility with over 35 school athletics carnivals, regional and state athletics titles held at the facility annually in addition to local weekly club meets and training sessions,” he added.

The facility has been the region’s premiere athletics facility for a decade, hosting numerous Statewide events over the years, he said.

“Since opening the facili-

ty in 2014, Dubbo has been able to attract a number of major athletics events on an ongoing basis including NSW Little Athletics State Multi Event and Athletics NSW Country Championships, which provide a boost to the local visitor economy each year.

“Council staff have notified regular user groups of the closure and coordinated the works to be completed outside of the usual school athletics carnival season to minimise disruptions,” Cr Dickerson concluded.

The total investment of the resurfacing works at Barden Park is $1,236,496 and will be undertaken by a specialist contractor. The upgrades received $1,060,000 in funding from the State Government towards the project.

GEOFF MANN

A YOUNG stalwart and a veteran debutant, will represent the Golden West at the elite level of their chosen footie code in the northern

While Madi Crowe has been a staple in the Australian Emus Women’s Touch team for a number of years, Dubbo Touch President, Nic Grose, also achieved a lifelong dream after her recent selection in the 2024 squad for the upcoming World Cup.

Nic will represent in the greenand-gold in the 40s team at Birmingham in mid-July, with two Touchies from Dubbo now playing at the highest level!

Madi moved to Dubbo five or six years ago with her now-husband, CYMS Peter McDonald Cup-winning winger, Corey Drew, and is excited to have her clubmate, Nic, travelling to England with her.

“It’s honestly amazing! I’m so happy for her, she really deserves it,”

“Nic’s worked hard, and I’m just stoked to be over in England and see her in that jersey!” she added.

Nic was typically humble with her selection; celebrating the success of the State Youth Cup Touch Championships while feeling personally chuffed at her personal achievement.

“It was a bit of a shock, but I’m certainly super excited for it,” Nic said.

“I never thought I’d get the opportunity to play for Australia as a senior, but that’s the beauty of Touch Footy, you know you can represent as an older person.”

Nic said that her selection at a mature age, could serve as an inspiration for young touchies everywhere.

“I think the kids can look at that, and say, ‘if I can’t make it now, it’s not the end of the world, opportunities can come at any age’.”

Nic, who has also played League Tag and Tackle with ‘Mads’ at CYMS, was effusive in praising the current Emu.

“Massive congrats as well, she’s an absolute gun; Mad’s is great to have around at our local comp.

“She is from another level, you know, lightning quick and people look at her and say, ‘who’s that’ and we say, ‘oh Mads, she’s an Australian player’,” Nic said.

She said having such a star locally, did wonders for the Dubbo league.

It’s pretty good!

She’s so well-known down here, she’s great to have around; Inspiration!” Nic concluded.

The Touch twins will now train together with teammates from all over the country, ahead of the World Cup tournaments running from July 15–21 in the Old Dart.

At their peak - vote of confidence at Paramount Tennis Club AGM

ON the back of one its most successful years in its decade’s long history, the Paramount Tennis Club has returned its president, secretary, and treasurer from 2023 at its Annual General Meeting (AGM).

In addition, nearly all of last year’s committee were also returned, also being joined by several new members who, its hoped, will bring new ideas and help in the general running of the club.

The key committee positions are held by:

• Andrew Kierath, President

• Mandy Wells, Secretary

• Mark Campbell, Treasurer

• Paul Handsaker, Vice-President

During his President’s address on the 2023 year, Andrew detailed a number of the achievements of the club and committee for the year that was, including:

• securing the services of Brad Williams and the coaching team at Dubbo Tennis Academy

• completion of the re-surfacing of courts 4-10

• completion of the re-surfacing of the hot shot courts and installation of shade

sail over hot shot courts

• completion of the mural on front of the clubhouse

• signed a new lease agreement with Dubbo Regional Council

• hosted a wonderful 100-year anniversary long-lunch event at the club.

In addition to the above achievements, the club continued to offer its weekly competitions, coaching, social tennis, inter-town competitions and social opportunities with members and social players alike.

In other news from the AGM, Mark Campbell was named club person of the year for his tireless efforts whether they be related to his role as Treasurer, grants officer, maintenance, competition coordination, to name a few.

The club also announced a new life member in current coach and long-time player, member and committee member, Lyndall Murray.

Lyndall has been involved at the club in various capacities for more than 20 years and is very deserving of the honour of life membership.

Top year for Panorama Tennis Club, Officials, Andrew Kierath, Karen Armstrong, and Mandy Wells, with tennis legend, John Alexander (OAM), who visited the club in 2023 for their 100th anniversary celebrations: PHOTO: BRIDGET BARTLETT PHOTOGRAPHY

The synthetic surface of Barden Park is being replaced to ensure that the track can remain accredited by the International Association of Athletics Federations; a requirement for hosting major athletics events.

PHOTO: DUBBO REGIONAL COUNCIL

Nic Grose and Madi Crowe are UK bound come July.

PHOTO: DUBBO PHOTO NEWS/MEL POCKNALL

Serena’s girls!

By GEOFF MANN

Serena was exhausted and exhilarated, excited at the performance of her team that bowed out to a polished Nelson Bay team in Sunday’s quarter final.

The team showed character, well led by Saxbii Shaw and Chloe Andrew.

Photos by MEL POCKNALL

ONE of the most dedicated Dubbo Touch contributors is Serena Prout. Player, referee, rep player, committee member, volunteer and coach of a fabulous group of Under 18s.

Sienna Angus carries with Eve Bailey in support

Sienna Angus

Chloe Andrew

Chloe Andrew gets over the line unopposed and untouched

Ruby Zell

ABOVE: Chloe Andrew, Edwina Tink, Saxbii Shaw, Amy Zell, Molly Quilty, Serena Prout (coach)

RIGHT: Chloe Chandler on the scoot

FAR RIGHT: Amy Zell with ball and Chloe Chandler trailing

Edwina Tink

Saxbii Shaw (Captain)

Molly Quilty

Emily Edwards

Sienna Angus on the fly

Chloe Chandler

Young men Young men on the cusp of higher honours

By GEOFF MANN

Photos by MEL POCKNALL

TOUCH has exploded in popularity across the state.

Dubbo demonstrated the uplift in quality of our players over the years, competing strongly in all ages, but it was the powerhouses of Manly, Northern Beaches, Maitland and Newcastle which played the major play-off matches.