Dubbo Weekender 01.11.2014 by Panscott Media

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DUBBO WEEKENDER 01.11.2014

FROM THE EDITOR

CONTENTS Jen FEATURED THIS WEEK

Cowley

Confessions of a wannabe trikie chick

FREE WHEELING. PHOTO: DUBBO WEEKENDER/JEN COWLEY

The human touch

Free wheeling

How Western Plains ABC Open Producer, Alison Plasto is helping others tell their stories.

We talk to Johann Kastner about a three wheeled motorbike experience like no other.

23 The Aussie Halloween 26 Weekender Arts Tricks, treats and the reason for the season

The DRTCC’s season launch shows good form

REGULARS 4 Tony Webber 6 7 days 8 Sally Bryant You’ll also love... 28 Hear See Do Etc. 30 Play: Puzzles & Stars Front cover image Kim V. Goldsmith ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Sales Manager Donna Falconer | Office 89 Wingewarra Street, Dubbo NSW 2830 | Tel 02 6885 4433 | Fax 02 6885 4434 | Email sales@panscott.com.au

CONTACTS & CREDITS | Email feedback@dubboweekender.com.au | Online www.dubboweekender.com.au | www.twitter.com/DubboWeekender | www.facebook.com/WeekenderDubbo Published by Panscott Media Pty Ltd ABN 94 080 152 021 Managing Director Tim Pankhurst Editor Jen Cowley News Editor Natalie Holmes Photography Alexandra Meyer, Steve Cowley, Alexandria Kelly Design Sarah Head, Hayley Ferris Reception Leanne Ryan General disclaimer: The publisher accepts no responsibility for letters, notices and other material contributed for publication. The submitter accepts full responsibility for material, warrants that it is accurate, and indemnifies the publisher against any claim or action. All advertisers, including those placing display, classified or advertorial material, warrant that such material is true and accurate and meets all applicable laws and indemnifies the publisher against all liabilities that may arise from the publication of such material. Whilst every care is taken in preparing this publication, we cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. The editor, Jen Cowley, accepts responsibility for election comment. Articles contain information of a general nature – readers should always seek professional advice relevant to their particular circumstances. Corrections and comments: Panscott Media has a policy of correcting mistakes promptly. If you have a complaint about published material, contact us in writing. If the matter remains unresolved, you may wish to contact the Australian Press Council. © Copyright 2014 Panscott Media Pty Ltd. Copyright in all material – including editorial, photographs and advertising material – is held by Panscott Media Pty Ltd or its providers and must not be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from the Publisher.

here are lots of things I’d like to be when I grow up. Biker’s moll isn’t one of them. But I could, at a pinch, see myself as a trikie-chick. As a late birthday present (aren’t they always the best kind?) a friend hired a motor-trike to take me, as a surprise, for a day’s free-wheeling along the twisty, turny roads of the NSW Central Coast – and just between thee and me, it was the best fun I’ve had on a three-wheeler since I was five. The bloke we hired it from has a fascinating story to tell – and I’m always thinking of you, dear reader, so I put the acid on him for a yarn; you’ll find it down there on Page 18. But first, lemme tell you about the sheer, unadulterated thrill of whizzing around corners grinning like a lunatic, wind in my hair, barely resisting the urge to bellow “So long, suckers!” at earth-bound, open-mouthed pedestrians. I’ve done the whole Asia-fromthe-back-of-a-motorbike thing – mostly with my eyes squeezed shut and praying to the gods of whatever country we were hurtling through at the time for safe delivery from disaster. Unlike some of the awkward romantic salvos of my youth, having that third wheel makes quite a positive and comforting difference – at least when we’re talking about road safety, or my perception of it. But if I were to take a serious tilt at such a pastime, there might need to be a few minor adjustments made. Firstly, about that whole wind in the hair thing. Helmet head isn’t a good look at the best of times but, of course, one wouldn’t be without one, now, would one? Unfortunately, while the black openfaced arrangement might protect my noggin from connection with fast moving bitumen, it did nothing to protect the ‘do. Think Cousin It meets Young Einstein. Memo to self: stock up on hair bands and learn to plait. Just in case there’s a next time. I also now know why bikers have that seemingly permanent sinister scowl. It has nothing to do with attitude and everything to do with G-force and the aforementioned wind. For this exercise, designer sunglasses are a bit like some of

the folks in our esteemed Senate – they might look the part, but they don’t do much of a job. And apparently it’s important to keep one’s mouth firmly shut – always a challenge for me – when careering along at speed on the back of a trike with an open-face helmet. Bugs, you see. A whole coastal squadron of ‘em. In my mouth. And my nose. My facial orifices weren’t the only thing to attract insects – white linen also does the trick. Not the wisest choice for a day on the back of a motor-trike. A quick detour to home base delivered something of a solution in the form of a spray jacket from the back of the car (reeking of eau-defootball boot) and a “bandanna” – actually my bright pink paisley housework scarf, so not quite the badass look I was going for. But both did offer some respite from a smorgasbord of air-born attackers. The clobber is just one thing I’d need to work on. The other is my mount/dismount routine – probably best described as... ahem... ungainly. Swinging youthful pins over a two-wheeled horse is one thing. Heaving a middle-aged frame into and out of the pillion seat of a trike is quite another. My attempts at graceful ease fell far short of the cool effortlessness I’d imagined – particularly right in front of the Sunday morning crowd sipping their decaf-soy-lattes outside one of the coast’s most hipster-infested haunts. I’m sure my clumsy descent from the back seat, feigning nonchalance with every grunt, was entertaining but probably best you don’t attempt the visual. Still, I’m half a century old now and cool is a state to which I long ago abandoned aspiring. So just getting on the back of that shiny machine to go fanging through the streets with a growling motor beneath us and the breeze blowing all our thoughts of work and the real world away with every kilometre was a rare and precious treat. By day’s end I’d even perfected the casual nod that all we trikers and bikers use to acknowledge other members of the sister/ brotherhood. I’m sure they could see me smiling behind my bright pink bandanna.

“ My attempts at graceful ease fell far short of the cool effortlessness I’d imagined – particularly right in front of the Sunday morning crowd sipping their decafsoy-lattes outside one of the coast’s most hipsterinfested haunts.

DUBBO WEEKENDER The Dubbo Photo News Weekend News Magazine 01.11.2014

OPINION & ANALYSIS

Tony Webber

>> Tony Webber is a long time Dubbo resident and prolific whinger.

Love or leave OK for Bachelor but not for a tolerant society

f you don’t love it leave,” the singlet read. Woolies had it in a couple of shops, but pulled it down when criticism started to bite. Just as quickly the reactionary media people forever railing on behalf of those John Birmingham called “the overdog” last weekend, sprang into action. Miranda Devine called the slogan a “call to patriotism,” and Andrew Bolt asked “is the real crime to be patriotic?” Well, maybe yes, where that patriotism is blind and, slightly more ominously, exclusive. I have admiration for Australia’s many positive attributes and when I’ve been abroad for a while I get a real sense of nostalgia for Oz. But here’s where the science gets really sophisticated; that’s because I grew up here. And if I grew up in Botswana or Iceland I’m pretty sure I’d regard my homeland’s more admirable institutions, notable accomplishments and affable national traits favourably too. Nobody turns up to the World Cup or the Olympics unsure of who they are barracking for. “I’m Mauritian but this year I’m backing Poland!” Ironically the original “love it or leave it” slogan was popularised in the US by pro-war demonstrators during the Vietnam War. Sigh. Only in Australia do we adopt slogans of chauvinistic nationalism imported from nations other than ours.

But mine is not a love affair with Australia. Being old enough to wear long pants should entail having a little bit more discretion in one’s opinions. For the patriot’s love affair to be truly faithful and unwavering, how do they process those aspects of our nation – any nation – that are less than perfect or in a few instances downright shit? It can only be wilful suspension of rationality to hold to the view that a nation state run by humans is not subject to some level of human frailty and exempt from valid criticism. The singlet can’t read “Love it, with the exception of locking up boatpeople’s kids until they suffer psychological harm, or leave.” It’d need to be 18XXL. Or what about Australia playing lead banjo in a small, increasingly isolationist group of nations pretending black is white about climate change? We all should leave over that. The lot of Aboriginal people in third world conditions, our ravaged environment, the obesity epidemic, the creep of snobbery and indifference, the aristocratic Queen of Australia being Englishborne of German descent, The Bachelor. Love it or leave is not far removed from “F**k off, we’re full” or “We grew here, you flew here” and the other war cries of the Cronulla riots. It’s an aggressive blend of “I am proud to be Australian” on the one hand and “shut your mouth”

“ Identity, legitimacy and the ruthless conformity demanded by unquestioning nationalism have often curdled into a distasteful brew.

on the other, with an over-arching tone suggesting critics are less legitimate citizens or have some connection with another place to which they could return. Being practical for a sec, if I leave where would I go? My forebears sleep in this soil and one day I probably will too. Don’t worry about extreme Islam: the great tragedies to have befallen nations in the modern era have been largely self-inflicted and fuelled internally by intolerance and the notion that some citizens are more worthy than others. Identity, legitimacy and the ruthless conformity demanded by unquestioning nationalism have often curdled into a distasteful brew. The love/leave phrase also

found popular usage during the Brazilian military dictatorship between 1964-85 (“Brasil, ameo ou deixe-o”) which overthrew the elected government and set the standard for South American dictatorships to follow, with regard to hideous torture and murder. That of course is a million universes beyond the mere selling of a singlet with a yob slogan, but the cloak of virulent nationalism can cover more than just misplaced pride. In answer to Mr Bolt, of course it is not a crime to be patriotic, and nor is it a crime to be an intolerant dickhead. But for the sake of civil society, it should at least be discouraged. feedback@dubboweekender.com.au

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DUBBO WEEKENDER The Dubbo Photo News Weekend News Magazine 01.11.2014

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01.11.2014 THE DAY IN HISTORY: In 1512, the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome, one of Italian artist Michelangelo’s finest works, was exhibited to the public for the first time. In 1604, William Shakespeare’s “Othello” made its debut. In 1791, a group of convicts escaped from Parramatta and set out to walk to China; most were recaptured but some died. In 1938, Seabiscuit beat War Admiral in horse racing’s “match of the century.” In 1990, McDonald’s, under pressure from environmental groups, said it would replace plastic food containers with paper. In 2011, a UN report said the world’s population had topped the 7 billion mark, doubling the total of 1968. The UN Population Fund predicted 8 billion people by 2025; and after the closest Melbourne Cup in the race’s 151-year history, French horse Dunaden is declared the winner by a nose in a photo finish, beating British horse Red Cadeaux. In 2012, Corporal Daniel Keighran is awarded Australia’s highest military honour, the Victoria Cross, for exceptional bravery on the battlefield in 2010 in Afghanistan. BIRTHDAYS: Those born on this date include golf Hall of Fame member Gary Player in 1935 (age 79); Australian actor and Nimrod Theatre co-founder John Bell in 1940 (age 74); Australian country singer John Williamson in 1945 (age 69); US country singer Lyle Lovett in 1957 (age 57); Australian singer-actress Tina Arena in 1967 (age 47); and actors Toni Collette and Jenny McCarthy, both in 1972 (age 42).

02.11.2014 THE DAY IN HISTORY: In 1788, the NSW colonial settlement was established at Rose Hill (Parramatta.) In 1902, Sydney bather William Gocher was arrested at Manly Beach for wearing a swimsuit in daylight. In 1947, Howard Hughes built and piloted the world’s largest airplane, the 180-tonne flying boat Spruce Goose, on its only flight, at Long Beach, California. The Goose remained airborne for just less than a mile. In 1996, Britain announced a plan to ban ownership of largecalibre handguns. In 2011, the Federal Government introduced legislation for its mineral resource rent tax into parliament. BIRTHDAYS: Those born on this date include Marie Antoinette, queen of France, in 1755; Australian tennis Hall of Fame member Ken Rosewall in 1934 (age 80);Australian motor-racing driver Alan Jones in 1946 (age 68); author Dale Brown in 1956 (age 58); singer k.d. lang in 1961 (age 53); actor David Schwimmer in 1966 (age 48); and rapper Nelly, born Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., in 1974 (age 40). JUST A THOUGHT: Malala Yousafzai, who won the Nobel Peace Prize at the age of 17, said, “I raise my voice not so that I can shout but so that those without a voice can be heard

NEWS ANALYSIS

Seven Days

BY JEN COWLEY Dubbo Weekender Editor

*Natalie Holmes is on leave.

Campaign pulls no punches on booze fuelled violence A

newly launched campaign to address alcohol fuelled violence is pulling no punches in urging young men to take personal responsibility for their actions. Western NSW Local Health District is backing a new state government social media campaign to address the alarming issue of violence in the community. The Stop It Before it gets Ugly campaign targets young men aged 18-25 by urging them to take responsibility for their behaviour and to look out for their mates. Acting Director of Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Services, Adrian Fahy this week said the campaign helps to demonstrate the “devastating consequences” of alcohol related violence and “encourages potential aggressors and their circles of influence to make sensible decisions to avoid ‘the tipping point’”. “We want young men to be aware when that tipping point occurs when they are drinking where their behaviour could become aggressive and even violent. It’s at this point when you should stop drinking and call it a night,” Mr Fahy said. “Of course once at this tipping point it may be difficult to recognise the signs of impending danger, and that’s where it’s your mates’ responsibility to do the right thing and tell you to stop drinking”. There were more than 13,000 alcoholrelated non-domestic assaults in NSW in the year to December 2013, with an additional 1,650 alcohol related non-domestic assaults of police throughout the state over the same period. The Stop it before it gets Ugly campaign, which runs until January next year, uses a mix of television commercials, outdoor advertising, social media, public relations activities and a campaign website to target young men when they are most likely to be engaging in drinking and at risk of alcohol fueled violence.

Lawrence “in it to win it” Newly announced Country Labor candidate for Dubbo electorate, Stephen Lawrence, has hit the ground running, kicking off his campaign to unseat incumbent MP and state Nationals leader Troy Grant with a “meet the candidate” forum at a lo-

Country Labor candidate for Dubbo electorate, Stephen Lawrence. Photo: Supplied

cal hotel. The local lawyers says that although the task ahead will be “hard,” he’s “in it to win it”. “With a group of people like this committed to the campaign,” he told supporters at the gathering last week, “I believe I can win. I have been studying recent election upsets and the success of “insurgent” candidates. They all have one thing in common. A core group of committed people. You cannot underestimate the power of a group of people of the size of the group here today.” Mr Lawrence says he will be “working every lunch break, after work and every weekend” and will be “visiting all the towns in the electorate regularly.” Some of the issues raised during the meet and greet included the issue of the proposed 99 year lease-out of electricity infrastructure, to which he is opposed. “Country people know that certain key assets have to remain in state hands,” he said. Also up for discussion was the issue of the “epidemic” of the illegal drug “ice”, and the need for the establishment of detoxification and drug rehabilitation facilities throughout the electorate. “It is no secret there is an ice epidemic. I have personally experienced this in my work. I see people in the court cells, I see them in the streets of Dubbo,” he told supporters, taking the opportunity for a swipe at Dubbo Mayor Mathew Dickerson and Dubbo MP Troy Grant for over recent suggestions of magisterial “leniency”. “The mayor and Troy Grant would be far

DUBBO WEEKENDER The Dubbo Photo News Weekend News Magazine 01.11.2014

better working on constructive solutions rather than taking cheap shots at the magistrate,” Mr. Lawrence said. He was also critical of what he says is Mr Grant “putting his leadership ambitions above the interests of the electorate”.

Our cops are tops Two special locals have been named as finalists in the Rotary Clubs of NSW Police Officer of the Year Awards, the winners of which will be announced by Commissioner Andrew Scipione at a ceremony next week in Sydney. The Orana Local Area Command’s Kristy Knight has been named finalist in the Employee category, and Detective Senior Constable Sue-Ellen Scott is in the running for the Customer Service category. The awards were established to recognise the efforts of police officers, civilian employees and volunteers who have gone “above and beyond” the call of duty and who display excellence in service to the community. More than 400 nominations were received from police commanders and locally-based Rotary Police Officer of the Year awards, and the judging panel consists of past Rotary district governors, past presidents and a retired officer who is also a Rotarian. Funds raised from the gala dinner, to be hosted by the Rotary Club of Sydney, will be donated to NSW Police Legacy along with the Rotary Foundation. Win, lose or draw, Weekender congratulates both Kristy and Sue-Ellen for being named finalists and we thank them both for their continued service. Fingers crossed!

YOUR VIEWS Appeal for judgement based on facts Re: Feathers Ruffled by Mayor’s Court Comments / Mayor right to make comment on issue of community concern – Weekender 25/10/14 n order to understand the concerns of lawyers about the Mayor’s comments it may assist to understand the doctrine of the separation of powers and the concept of judicial independence. The doctrine provides that governmental power should be split between the legislature (parliament), executive (government) and the judiciary (legal system). It is the foundation of our constitutional democracy. It ensures that power does not become too concentrated in any one arm of government and that the different branches can provide a check on one another. Each has a separate sphere of activity into which the other arms are not to trespass, and power cannot be abdicated by one to another. Judicial independence may be defined as the ability of a judicial officer to conduct their work free from improper pressure by the executive, litigants and by particular pressure groups and dates back to England in 1701. A judicial officer such as a magistrate or judge takes an oath to do right by all manner of persons, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will. Strict impartiality is the essence of the administration of justice. The public expects from the courts both the appearance and the reality of such impartiality especially because a lot of cases the court deals with will involve the government itself. A magistrate and judge in Dubbo will from time to time have to deal with cases involving Dubbo City Council and any person appearing before the court should be able to feel confident the court will decide the case on facts and law, not on whether the mayor will by public or private comments influence them otherwise. Even in criminal matters not involving the Council a person should be able to think the Magistrate is making their decision and determining their sentence in accordance with the law and the facts and circumstances of the case and not on what a mayor or police crime manager has told him to do, or because he is worried a politician is lobbying for his transfer. A magistrate or judge is not a politician. They are judicial officers whose appointment and removal are protected and regulated by the NSW Constitution Act, 1902. A magistrate cannot respond to the mayor’s comments and the Dubbo Mayor knows this. It’s pretty hard to have a de-

Photo: Taronga Western Plains Zoo

A tall order for zoo family The spring baby boom at Taronga Western Plains Zoo continued this week, with the zoo “family” welcoming the addition of a new giraffe calf, the second born this year. The new calf made the long drop into the world on Sunday, October 19, and keepers have chosen the name Ajali (pronounced Ajah-lee) which means “destiny” in Swahili. Ajali is the eight calf born to experienced mum Tuli, who has a very nurturing nature, according to giraffe keeper, Anthony Dorrian. The new addition has a playmate, Nkosi, who was born in August and the keepers are looking forward to watching the pair’s relationship develop. The majestic creatures, among the zoo’s signature inhabitants, have been decreasing in number in the wild in recent years thanks to human encroachment and poaching, so each birth at TWPZ is important. “There are only an estimated 80,000 giraffe remaining in the wild, so each birth helps insure against extinction,” Anthony said.

Local Land Services community report card Community representatives “with a finger on the pulse” met recently to give the Central West Local Land Services (LLS) board some feedback on the organisation’s performance, ten months after its establishment. The informal workshop was designed for the community to let the board know what is working, what’s not working and what future opportunities may exist. The sessions are to be held monthly around the region and according to Central West LLS board member Susan Madden, present an opportunity for the organisation to touch base with stakeholders. “The board has initiated these meetings to have honest conversations with the community on LLS performance. Through open dialogue, we can build on what is working well and have a good look at where we can be doing better.” During the session, the community representatives shared their thoughts and experiences over a range of areas of LLS business and the organisation’s role in communication, sharing information and community support. All customers and stakeholders are invit-

ed and encouraged to provide feedback and have their say by visiting www.lls.nsw.gov. au/feedback

Ride to Live, bikers urged State roads minister Duncan Gay has kickstarted a new campaign to urge motor-cyclists to “ride to live” in an attempt to help reduce the number of motorbike fatalities and serious road incidents involving bikers. The campaign seeks to highlight motoring behaviour on the roads that puts motorcyclists at risk, and is aimed at both bikers and the general motoring public. In launching the campaign, which will include an interactive website along with electronic media advertisements, Mr Gay said that while the motorcycle community is “growing at a rapid rate”, the number of fatalities involving motorbikes is also on the rise. “Over the past ten years we have significantly reduced the overall number of fatalities on NSW roads by more than 35 per cent, but motorcyclist fatalities increased by 22 per cent.” The Ride to Live campaign calls on other road users to be aware of motorcyclists by reminding them to remember to check blind spots and be particularly vigilant for bikes. Member for Dubbo Troy Grant welcomed the launch of the campaign, saying the website would be particularly useful in providing information to motorcyclists. “It has everything from riding safety tips to hazard tests; you can get advice on selecting the right helmet and protective gear and on things like braking distances. “There are also interactive maps of some of the state’s most popular riding routes with live traffic updates, an explanation of where recent crashes have occurred and where rest stops, petrol, food and accommodation can be found.” The campaign is supported by the NSW Motorcycle Alliance, whose manager, Dave Cooke, told media it “gets to the heart of what keeps us safe as motorcyclists”. “And that’s making good decisions,” he said. “Good riders constantly assess risk; we are not risk takers – we are risk managers. Great motorcyclists make great decisions and that’s the message of the campaign.”

bate with only the mayor speaking – that’s why the lawyers of the Orana Law Society felt the need to respond publicly not just in defence of our local magistrate but our legal system and rule of law. This doesn’t mean a magistrate is “untouchable” or “beyond that accountability”. With some exceptions any member of the public is able to attend and observe court proceedings – there are no secret deals done behind closed doors unlike the world of politics. Every decision a magistrate makes is potentially subject to review by a higher court and sometimes even that review is subject to further review by an even higher court. This is the safeguard in the legal system to deal with mistakes or errors by judicial officers and it applies even to issues of sentencing and bail decisions. It is also open to the mayor or anyone to make a complaint to the NSW Judicial Commission, an independent body to receive and examine complaints and to decide whether they require further action that could ultimately lead to both houses of the NSW parliament voting to remove the judicial officer. The complaint of lenient sentences being imposed is not borne out by facts. The current Chief Magistrate of NSW Graeme Henson in 2006 said: “The only measure of inadequate sentences was the number of Crown appeals against them. You’ll find there are hardly any.” Last year in Dubbo there were only three appeals for inadequate sentences. The situation is simple: if the sentences are inadequate or too lenient the police should be lodging appeals. If they aren’t then maybe the mayor needs to ask them why? Just because the mayor is a “duly elected official and has freedom of speech” doesn’t mean he can criticise judicial officers with impunity just because someone in the community asks him to. There is a concern as to the effect such comments have on the public’s confidence in the judicial system. Even our sporting bodies such as the NRL fine their players and coaches for publicly criticising referees whether justified or not. Responsible leadership encourages a respect of all persons in positions in authority –to expect or encourage citizens to respect the police but not the decision of a court is intellectually inconsistent and fraught with danger. Finally, I would ask the mayor to provide further and specific details of the examples of leniency he refers to so they may be investigated. Patrick Latham – Dubbo

Your feedback welcome – online + hard copy DUBBO WEEKENDER encourages online readers (via www.dubboweekender.com.au) to comment as a selection may be published each week. Letters to the editor are welcome via email feedback@ dubboweekender.com.au, fax 6885 4434, or post to 89 Wingewarra Street Dubbo NSW 2830.

DUBBO WEEKENDER The Dubbo Photo News Weekend News Magazine 01.11.2014

OPINION & ANALYSIS

Sally Bryant

In my book... it’s the little things that put a smile on your face

guess I shouldn’t tempt fate as I write this on Tuesday, but I’m having a lovely week and it’s all pure serendipity. Every time I’ve turned around this week there’s been a lovely rose for me to stop and smell and it’s been truly joyous. I was up near Mendooran this week, doing a story, and met someone who is setting up a recycling plant – a sort of a Tempe Tip style operation that will soon open at Dunedoo. And it’s going to be lovely, and it’s going to involve the community; from the schoolkids to the oldfolks and even the guys from the Men’s Shed. How good is that? How great will it be, to be able to take your surplus but not useless items to a place where they can be broken down or re-purposed in a way that makes us feel less wasteful, less profligate? Rosy Glow! That’s how good it makes me feel. I love Tempe Tip. I love the fact that one little cranny of all the nooks in Sydney has dedicated a place to making sure that people’s crap does not go into landfill. I love the stores run by Vinnies and the Salvos, I love the op shops, I love the second hand markets; I love the dedication of those who have driven this idea for years. I can even live with the fact that there’s a whole subset of society now (I refer to them as self-conscious tossers) who are like totally INTO wearing recycled clothes while they’re ordering a double shot decaf soy eccocino at the local vegan yoga-lates centre. Pfftt! I cock my snoot at them, but I can put up with even those poseurs, those wankeurs if you will, provided the groundswell of genuine recycling is maintained. There’s another joyous little thing that’s giving me a very happy feeling at present. And that’s the little pop-up coffee shop in Geurie. It’s been there for several months now, but I’m just rediscovering it because I’m off the vampire shift for a while. The shop opens from about six until 11 am each morning, which is pretty clever timing, catching those of us who need a coffee to get us into the rhythm of the day. And, as well as excellent coffees, the little shop has

“ One man’s trash is another man’s treasure after all. And I do love a good treasure.

lovely paintings for sale, and also books to swap and buy, and various hand-made toys and stuff. It’s like a minimalist Aladdin’s Cave. During my fortnights of early starts and on-air duties, I pass through Geurie either too early or too late to call in and visit the little pop-up shop. I drive through the village casting longing glances at the little shop, but I’m usually waaaay too early or waaaay too late. But this week, when I’m starting later in the mornings, I find myself tooling through Geurie at quite a civilised hour and I can avail myself of the goodies within. And there’s always something new to look at. And there’s always a friendly greeting. And there’s a collection of lovely weathered chairs out the front, on the footpath, for you to use as you drink your coffee and watch the world go by. I swear, the place is groovier than Newtown. And that’s making me very happy indeed. And to further enhance the joys of this week, as I tool around Wellington, I’m seeing the tell-tale signs of a council clean up about to start. Small enclaves, little conventions of cast-offs are gathering in front of people’s houses and waiting patiently to be either retrieved by delighted recyclers who are after That Very Thing, or alternatively to be collected by council to be taken off to meet their fate at the tip. This makes me happy for a couple of reasons. I love watching good rubbish go to better homes, to find its way to another family, to someone who can use it rather than just tossing it. And it makes me very happy because I have any amount of stuff that I’m keen to move along to a better place, and there’s nothing more satisfactory than just being able to move it out the front door onto the verge and have it taken off your hands. (I know, very irresponsible of me, but it really is the most glorious feeling of freedom to know that it will just disappear – zhoooozh! like magic! Gonski!) And I’m also overcome with a great sense of excitement, of anticipation that there is a whole townful of bargains hit-

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DUBBO WEEKENDER The Dubbo Photo News Weekend News Magazine 01.11.2014

ting the verge as we speak; other people’s cast-offs that are just begging to be discovered and spirited away. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure after all. And I do love a good treasure. And the final thing that’s making me smile is the reaction from Wellington to the news that a Big Retailer will be closing their outlet in the main street early next year. This big retailer, owned by an even bigger business conglomerate that has the roots of its success in rural Australia, has decided to close down a number of their rural outlets because they’re not making sufficient profit under their business model. And that’s that, pretty much. A business decision made on commercial lines and no room for discussion. After the announcement, there was a wave of angst throughout the Wellington community; social media was sparked to activity and calls went out to save the store. In a matter of days the cause had gathered quite enormous support to try to keep the store open and keep the retailer in town. Which is a great sentiment but, given the experience of other towns in the past, somewhat unrealistic. However, at a meeting of the Business Chamber in Wellington this week, there was quite overwhelming support for local business people to set up a sort of ‘community owned’ company which might run along similar lines to community owned building societies. That company could then set up a retail store along similar lines to the one that’s there at the moment and run it in a way that’s sustainable in a country town of moderate size. A country town that needs a shop that sells pyjamas and underwear, children’s toys and warm cardies for winter. A country town where young people in their final years of school need a casual job to get their foot in the door of employment. A country town that can’t afford to lose another business. It’s still in the very early days, this concept. But I am very excited by it. Wellington is a lovely town, a lovely community and this idea could put it on the map for all the right reasons.

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Weekender regular Sally Bryant was born with her nose in a book and if no book is available, she finds herself reading Cornflakes packets, road signs and instruction manuals for microwaves. All that information has to go somewhere...

WHAT I DO KNOW

Peter Aland: Balancing choice and chance For many, retirement is a major adjustment after a life of work. But after just a brief re-alignment, retired high school art teacher, Peter Aland made the choice to take chance by the horns, in turn entering a new period of creativity, which has included directing a feature film set to premiere in Dubbo at the One Eye Film Festival next month. Words and photography Kim V. Goldsmith I’ve been retired from full-time work now for seven years. There have been lots of little stints working at the Western Plains Cultural Centre (WPCC), working at TAFE, fill-in crazy things and special projects. I’d taught art for 30 years. By the time I finished, I was teaching at (Dubbo College) Senior Campus. The only thing that changes by teaching at a senior level and teaching adults is the vocabulary. The same strategies work. I didn’t decide it was time to retire; I was told to retire. It wasn’t a pleasant process. I envisaged a lot of reading. The first year was rebuilding myself by building a garden. That was great. Then I ran into Mary Dorahy from TAFE who asked me if I could teach art history. So I went to TAFE and taught art history and art admin at WPCC. Those things got me into the system and a whole lot of things happened from there. The odd thing about retirement is I’m somebody nobody actually knows – I’m no longer Head Teacher Creative and Performing Arts at a senior high school. Finding a new creative identity has been interesting. Because I really don’t like the commercial gallery scene, finding a series of creative outlets as an independent artist has been challenging. The good bit is I don’t have to earn my living from it; I’m not beholden to anybody. I’m free to do anything I want and I tend to do anything I want. I keep an eye out for some of my old students – smart 18 year olds who have gone to become brilliant adults. The things they’ve done, from a place like Dubbo – students working as art directors in Hollywood, as graphic designers in Sweden. But even kids (about whom) you would wonder where they’d end up have gone on to find themselves creative careers, or find themselves a job and they’re playing music, doing art or other things as the exciting part of their life. There’s not a single word that sums up what it’s like to work alongside some of these people (on projects like the film production) – it’s really quite affirming...and I really hate that word. Inspirational? Invigorating? All those things...to work beside somebody you knew as a 14, 16, 18 year old and to discover they’re now a responsible adult with their own families, involved in cre-

ating things and looking at the world very differently. I remember at art school everything was fodder. Now it’s more looking at things thinking there’s a project in there somewhere. I need to turn this into something I can put on display. It’s partly having the time now, but it’s also meeting a whole lot of people. Artist, Jack Randell and his collaborative ideas have been a big influence on me. I’m a bit of a hermit, but he’s saying I need to work with these people, or I need to do this with a group of people working on a similar project. It’s (about) time and opportunity. But now I have the time I find it easier to find or make the opportunities. My wife, Vicki, and I had an exhibition at WPCC a few years ago called Choice and Chance, and that tends to be the way we lead our lives. Often a whole lot of chances come along, but you make those chances through the choices you make. We hang out with people who have all these brilliant ideas and suddenly something comes up. It’s that interplay between choice and chance. Directing the short feature film, Kandy, with Dubbo Filmmakers was in part chance. We had such a great group of people, who were in essence assembled by chance, but also by the choices they made. Then we made a whole lot of choices on who would do what. It worked really well. It sounds manipulative to say I had certain people in mind for certain roles in our production crew, but it’s really saying “If we’re going to do this, how are we going to do it well?” A lot of the skills I used as a director, I’d

honed over 30 years of teaching. It had been my job to take 30 creative individuals and get them focused on a common goal. That’s what I did as a teacher and that’s what a good director does. I tried to make sure everybody’s skills were used to the best advantage in the best place. We were a wonderful class because we all worked with a common purpose. For a pretty inexperienced bunch of filmmakers, I think we did a great job because people got a chance to shine. Dubbo Filmmakers started as a group of people involved in digital media and filmmaking that had no outlet or no support. We got together as a bit of a support group – and that worked. We set ourselves challenges, and people did do stuff. That has turned into bigger and better projects. We are creative collaborators who aren’t in competition and we simply want to support each other through the process. The One Eye Film Festival came out of that. I was also teaching digital media at TAFE and we had all these wonderful films that people had made. Sure, you can put them up on YouTube and your family can like them there, but it’s not the same as being in audience and watching people watch your film. Little did we know what was involved in organising a festival. There are other things I’d like to do. Some of those things are already happening, but I’d like to get more local actors involved in our filmmaking. We had a great cast with Kandy but it would be terrific to see a lot more film and video production involving local performers –

music, drama and dance. Not at the documentary level, but at the creative level, having them really involved. There are some superb musicians in Dubbo who are producing really good music. For example, being able to use (the band) One Proud Monkey’s music in Kandy the film is great, but there are a whole lot of other projects that would be terrific to do, like working with someone like (local vocalist) Allyn Smith – an incredible voice. To tie that into a film would be a great project. The long-term goal is to get as many people collaborating on projects as possible and then step away from it. One of the things I learnt from the production of Kandy is that as much as I like pre-planning and as much as I think I’m capable of directing a production; I’m not sure how long I could sustain it for. Being around people is all good and well but it’s also having the time to retreat and just be able to enjoy life. There’s the good life that comes from watching nature around us, like the Superb Fairy-wrens nesting in the chandeliers from my daughter’s wedding. Yet it would get so stupefying and boring unless there was a creative life fed by it. The good life is having good friends around and the creative life of Dubbo, and all of that mixing. You never know what might pop up and you have to be ready to take advantage of it. >> The One Eye Film Festival and the premiere of Kandy are on Friday, November 14 at the Western Plains Cultural Centre from 7pm. Entry is free.

DUBBO WEEKENDER The Dubbo Photo News Weekend News Magazine 01.11.2014

The human touch Helping others tell their stories Asked how far she’s travelled since taking the chair as the Western Plains ABC Open Producer, Alison Plasto grins. “A lot,” she says. The writer, photographer and filmmaker came to Dubbo from Melbourne earlier this year to take up the temporary position*, which she is on the record as describing as a sabbatical. She reveals to Weekender it has been an experience that will stay with her regardless of what comes next. WORDS and PHOTOGRAPHY Kim V. Goldsmith

DUBBO WEEKENDER The Dubbo Photo News Weekend News Magazine 01.11.2014

PROFILE

Were you looking for a change when you took the job with ABC Open? I had wanted to work for the ABC for a while and had been in dialogue with them. I’d also been tracking the progress of ABC Open and was really interested in what they were doing in rural and regional Australia. Part of the appeal for me was I wanted to work on rural and regional stories. I had worked on urban stories, I had worked on country stories, but I really wanted to give regional and rural people a voice. What was it about ABC Open in particular that was grabbing your attention? It was completely unique – not just in Australia but

around the world. I can’t think of any other country that is doing something similar to what ABC Open in is doing. Simply put, ABC Open is a website. It’s a place where rural and regional Australians can tell their stories through video, photography and writing. My job is to simply help them share their story. How did you get into this line of work? I went to film school, which was later; it wasn’t my first degree... What was your first degree? Commerce – marketing and finance. So everything I have done since then has been ‘comms’ related. I did

journalism; I went to film school...doing journalism was a very expensive way of finding out I was much more comfortable behind the camera than in front of it. Then I became very interested in the production aspect, not just the writing, but also the whole craft of making a film. I had written plays and screen plays and I thought to myself that if I was serious about taking this further, I needed to understand how to make a film. At the same time, and I don’t know if you’d say it was visionary or whether it was just good timing, I was seeing online as having really strong potential avenue as well as film and production.

DUBBO WEEKENDER The Dubbo Photo News Weekend News Magazine 01.11.2014

PROFILE

When was this? This was 2006. So, at the same time I went to film school I set up my production, Out of Line, and focused on online. I started doing copywriting and then moved into online video production. In researching for this interview, I noticed your production company website has a ski-inspired look about it... Yes! The alpine environment inspires me. I’m a ski instructor at Hotham (Mt. Hotham in Victoria). It’s a very important part of my life, as it’s how I unwind and have a break from the relentless screen time we have in this role. You’re in the outdoors, in the environment, the elements and there’s no room for a computer. In that role I’m also teaching people, which is similar to what I do here at ABC Open. You have to have all sorts of skills to anticipate, to manage a class, be punctual, and make it really fun and enjoyable. There’s a lot of crossover. You’re Wellington born and bred. So, how does somebody from Central West NSW end up having a passionate love affair for the alpine environment? (Grinning) That’s because I’m the black sheep of the family. No one in my family skis. Every holiday we ever went on was north to the beach – we never went south. It happened in Year 11 when a friend of mine who lives not far from Jindabyne organised a few days skiing. There was this convoy of cars from Warren, Forbes, Canberra, Wellington – all the way down to Jindabyne. That was the first time I saw snow and I just loved it. In my early 20s I didn’t ski much, but over the past 10 years I’ve really made it a passion. It’ll be an ongoing part of your life then I’d imagine? I think so. But I’ve often wondered how I can claim to be a serious filmmaker, an arts person, and yet still be flying down the slopes? I’ve never really been part of the film and art crowd because they’re often solely in the arts. I’m sporty as well and a bit of an unusual mix for a filmmaker because I’m sitting in both camps. Perhaps I don’t fit into either camp? Is that perhaps a result of your rural upbringing? I think it’s having two older brothers, loving the outdoors, being active and playing every sport I could. My appreciation for writing and language really didn’t come until later...although I did some creative writing as a kid. Anyway, the conclusion I’ve come to is the alpine environment, whether I’m skiing or not, is so important to me that I need both. How difficult is it when you’re running a production company, doing projects for other people, or playing the role of ABC Open Producer and shar-

ing your skills with others, to find creative time for yourself? Very. In fact I would say in my current role there is absolutely no time for my own creative projects. You are entirely focused on the projects for ABC Open, which is a great thing but it requires a lot of weekend work, work outside normal work hours and a lot of travel time. When you do have some down time you are exhausted and you need to rest to recharge. How would you describe where individuals and communities of the region are at in terms of wanting the skills you’re offering? There’s been a lot of ground covered. A lot of people know ABC Open, but there’s still a job to do. Many towns and communities haven’t heard of ABC Open. One of the first things I say is, “I’m not a journalist. I’m not a reporter. I’m a writer and filmmaker.” Is that a lack of understanding of what media arts is? No. I think it is that the ABC is such a powerful brand in the country and people immediately think Local Radio and then they think TV. Therefore, if you work for the ABC you’re a reporter or a journalist. ABC Open is only three or four years old. That digital media and online focus is still being worked through. The way I see it is the ABC is the backbone of regional and rural Australia and I think now there’s a layer on top of that through digital that helps people tell their story. If we can teach rural and regional people the skills to become digital storytellers, then depending on where technology goes, that can only put us in good stead. Has it been a homecoming for you to come back to this region? In many ways, it has. I was at something in Wellington the other night and I knew twothirds of the room...to turn around and see those welcoming faces. Depending on what happens at the end of my position here, I could be in another country town where I won’t have that same feeling. That makes me a bit sad. At the same time, my role is an entrée to the community and everyone has been very welcoming. I’ve loved it. It’s great. Has the role with ABC Open changed you? No, it hasn’t changed me, but it has given me a new respect for farming communities, for people in the outback, for people who are going through the worst kinds of domestic violence and mental health problems you can imagine. It’s really opened my eyes up to what’s happening in the community. I thought I knew anyway, but it’s given me a deeper

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DUBBO WEEKENDER The Dubbo Photo News Weekend News Magazine 01.11.2014

FEATURE

“ I’m sporty as well and a bit of an unusual mix for a filmmaker because I’m sitting in both camps. Perhaps I don’t fit into either camp?”

level of understanding and greater empathy. In my work, and everything I try to do, I aspire to values of grace, integrity, humility and humour. That’s what I wish to always underpin what I do. Will it change the kinds of stories you’ll do in future? One of the reasons I wanted to work with the ABC and ABC Open was I wanted to work on ‘real’ stories. I had worked on a lot of corporate and not-for-profit campaigns and while I’d like to continue working with ABC Open – there’s no guarantee of that at this stage, but depending on what happens I will want to continue working on real stories, however that takes shape. Do you have any creative projects of your own lined up? I’ve spent quite a few years already researching a documentary on corporate culture and bullying. I would like to get back to that. That’s certainly a project that would require at least three years full time. Another sabbatical? (Smiling) Another sabbatical. I am very passionate about that subject matter and in fact our 500 Words theme this month is ‘Bully’. We’ve had some really great discussions on that theme. And I have a short film I’d like to produce here in the region. I’ve also drafted a feature length screenplay that still requires a lot of work. There are many others... *Alison has filled the role of ABC Open producer while her predecessor is on maternity leave. 

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ON THE SOAPBOX

Opportunity knocks on new cabinet’s door B ack in April I wrote that I couldn’t remember a time when inland NSW had so many cabinet ministers in the state government. The leadership change within the Nationals to Dubbo local, Troy Grant and the promotion of John Barilaro following the sudden departure of Andrew Stoner has further cemented inland NSW as having the most powerful voting block inside the NSW Cabinet room with eight of the 22 cabinet ministers living in inland electorates. Between them, the eight cabinet ministers are responsible for the portfolios of Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services, Tourism and Major Events, Hospitality, Gaming and Racing, the Arts, Education, Small Business, Regional Tourism, Roads and Freight, the North Coast, Vice-President of the Executive Council, planning, Women, Primary Industries, Natural Resources, Lands and Water, Western NSW, and Local Government. The eight Ministers are Duncan Gay, Katrina Hodgkinson, Pru Goward, Paul Toole, Kevin Humphries, John Barilaro, Troy Grant and Adrian Piccoli. I would be happy to be proved wrong but I’m pretty sure inland regions have never had such a powerful voting bloc in a NSW Cabinet. The cabinet is where the real power in government resides and it’s where critical decisions on the

Comment by TOM CHESSON

Bogan born and bred Tom Chesson has worked all over the world in a myriad different roles including in the media and politics – and tracking illegal stock movements in South East Asia.

future of you, your family and your communities for decades to come are made. The cabinet shapes what your state and towns, villages and farms will look like for years to come. The question as to whether these individuals have the will, authority, passion

and smarts to deliver for inland regions will have to wait for history to decide. However if major projects such as a new superhighway over the Blue Mountains or the inland railway line running from Brisbane to Melbourne, better bridges, roads and rail to get products to our markets or increased water security and better amenities for towns such as hospitals aren’t delivered, then you really do need to question whether inland NSW has a future if it controls a third of the cabinet and still can’t get these vital projects up and running.

It’s not just infrastructure which is important for inland regions. Natural resource management over the past 20 years has been dictated by Sydney interest groups with no real skin in the game

“

It’s imperative that this crop of cabinet ministers reverse the pendulum and start allowing our landholders to manage their properties without being wrapped up in green tape.

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DUBBO WEEKENDER The Dubbo Photo News Weekend News Magazine 01.11.2014

in inland NSW and it’s imperative that this crop of cabinet ministers reverse the pendulum and start allowing our landholders to manage their properties without being wrapped up in green tape. Former Prime Minister John Howard once remarked that politics in Australia was a brutal game of numbers and for the first time in living memory, inland NSW has the numbers to get things done. It would be sad if this once-in-alifetime opportunity was squandered by our local MPs. Politicians can’t do it all by themselves and with the pending multi-billion dollar sale of some of the state’s electricity assets and an election looming in March next year, it’s time for inland communities to come together to map out their futures and to put forward their own vision of the type of major infrastructure and policies we need to make inland NSW the economic, social and cultural epicentres of NSW. To this end, Dubbo should take the lead and call a major inland summit involving local governments, leading businesses, peak bodies, health practitioners, NGOs, and other interested parties to map out a future for everyone living in inland NSW to ensure that the unique situation where inland NSW has the numbers is not wasted and our elected representatives know exactly what is expected of them.

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THE BIG PICTURE

Wahroonga Park in South Dubbo has been looking particularly spectacular during the Spring mornings, with the blossom trees in full bloom. Photo: Dubbo Weekender/TP

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DUBBO WEEKENDER The Dubbo Photo News Weekend News Magazine 01.11.2014

PROFILE

Free wheeling It’s 20 years since Johann Kastner first introduced Australia to “triking” – a three wheeled motorbike experience like no other that’s revving up as empty-nesters take to the roads in search of worry-free adventure. JEN COWLEY went along for a ride.

t’s a glorious spring morning on the NSW Central Coast when we arrive to pick up our hired “trike” – excited for a day’s indulgence roaring around coastal roads on a shiny, growling three-wheeled head-turner. We’re greeted by a big burly biker-bloke clad head to toe, as expected, in black. What we’re not expecting is the wheelchair. Johann Kastner is used to people doing a bit of an awkward double-take, but as he’ll later tell me, that’s their (and on this occasion, my) problem, not his. Meet the man who introduced Australia to the pleasures of “triking”. German born Kastner is the owner operator of OzTrikes, a Central Coast based operation that’s been manufacturing, selling, servicing and hiring out the three-wheel gleam machines for the past two decades. Kastner, who lost the use of his legs in a car accident

nearly 30 years ago, took to three wheels when it became clear traditional motor-cycling was no longer an option. “It was a car prang – a spinal injury – and that was that,” he says, shrugging. “I’d been riding bikes – trikes weren’t even around much back then. But when you’re 20 and you see your mates out enjoying themselves on a nice sunny day and you’re stuck inside playing table tennis with 50 year olds, well... it wasn’t really what I wanted for my life.” The realisation that there was more to life than being defined by his disability sparked the idea of a trike and, with three other wheelchair-bound youngsters and three trikes, the tenacious Kastner was back on the road. He hasn’t looked back. 

DUBBO WEEKENDER The Dubbo Photo News Weekend News Magazine 01.11.2014

“ Quote

Photos: Dubbo Weekender/Jen Cowley

DUBBO WEEKENDER The Dubbo Photo News Weekend News Magazine 01.11.2014

f you’ve ever seen, or heard, one of these trikes whizzing around the streets of your town, there’s a much greater than even chance it’s one of Kastner’s. He was the first to introduce the machines to Australia, and has clients and customers all over the country, including Dubbo and around the central west and western region. A dusty map on the workshop wall is festooned with tiny pins showing the OzTrikes reach across the nation – and it’s impressively crowded. But it was by happy turn of fate that Kastner set up shop here and not in his native Germany. “I actually came here on holiday. It’s the longest holiday of my life,” he laughs. “I shipped my trike out with me and was really surprised to find that no-one in Australia knew about them.” The entrepreneur in Kastner saw an opportunity and grabbed it with both hands. “I made some enquiries here and people said, “no worries, mate” – I didn’t even know what that meant at the time! But they reckoned I’d have “no worries” getting compliance here for the trikes – “you’ll get approval in six months and off you go – she’ll be right”, they said.” Well, not quite. Six months turned into nearly three years of frustration and shifting goal-posts, but as with so much in Kastner’s life, he refused to give up. German engineering is renowned as the best in the world, but the enterprising ex-pat was forced to “reinvent the wheel”. “They’d never certified one of these vehicles,” he says of the regulatory authorities. “There wasn’t a European standard that was recognised here so we had to go through the whole conformity and testing process, and there were many years of backwards and forwards over safety standards, brakes, the configuration of seat belts and then we had to have roll-bars, then we didn’t have to have roll-bars...” Perseverance paid off. Kastner paved the way for what is now a rapidly growing industry, servicing an equally rapidly growing body of enthusiasts and trike-tourism operators, but remains perhaps the biggest and almost certainly best known manufacturers of trikes in Australia. Most of the trikes are manufactured here in OzTrikes’ giant shed, tucked away in quiet bushland near Somersby on the Central Coast. “Well, we do as much as possible in-house.

Naturally some of the components have to be supplied or come in through different supply chains but we do as much as possible on site.”

ncreasing demand has spawned what the veteran triker says is a “culture”, just as there is among traditional bikers, who seem to have embraced their three-wheeling comrades into the brotherhood. It’s something we notice as we whizz around the roads during the weekend – the quiet “g’day” tilt of a helmeted head as we pass, a sombre salute as we rumble past. “Trikes are the same as motor bikes in that it’s the freedom, the wind in your face, the bugs in your teeth and the big smile and grin. That’s what it is. Triking is the same as motorcycling in terms of the fun factor,” says Kastner. “But without the worries; without the fall-off factor.” Ah yes, there is that. There’s no doubt this novice weekend-warrior feels far safer with that extra wheel, and that, says Kastner, is the game changer for people who take up the still-exhilarating pastime. “With trikes, you’re still getting that thrill but you can smell the roses and you cruise. A lot of people don’t wear the full face helmet because you don’t have the worries of falling off or the danger. You can wear a little open faced helmet and just look at the scenery and go sightseeing.” The demographic of his client base varies. For hiring, as we’ve done, Kastner says it’s varied – “all kinds of people; a broad range” – but for outright ownership it’s mostly for the 40-plus age group. Bucket-list stuff? “Exactly. I actually call them empty-nesters. The kids have moved on and they’re wondering what they’ll do with their time. We get a lot of returned riders – people who had ridden motorbikes when they were young but gave it up because of the kids and family and danger, and now they see getting back on two wheels as dangerous. So they go back on three and still have fun without the worry.” And as Kastner says, at roughly the price of an average family car – “around the 30s to 40s” he says, talking in thousands – owning a trike isn’t out of the reach of everyday people. “What speaks for the trikes is that, being an enthusiasts’ vehicle, they hold their value extremely well. It’s an investment. If you look after your product you’ll lose very little if you want to pass it on or sell it. But the cost is nothing compared with the fun you’ll have

DUBBO WEEKENDER The Dubbo Photo News Weekend News Magazine 01.11.2014

“ Triking is the same as motorcycling in terms of the fun factor but without the worries; without the fall-off factor.

ADVERTORIAL

Media & Marketing Minute Compiled by the Sales & Marketing team at Dubbo Photo News/Dubbo Weekender

How’s your Christmas shaping up? And stressing the benefits.

I and welcome to another Marketing Minute from the Dubbo Photo News/ Weekender team. Good humour is not the only useful tool when designing a great print ad, but when it’s used properly it will work well for you. Our opening ad this week plays on the idea that sports fanatics will use all sorts of vague excuses so that they don’t miss out on the big game. This ad was also well placed – the advertiser (FOX Sports) made sure it was in the Sports section of the Telegraph, where a lot of their potential customers are. Which brings us to a great rule of marketing: Be where your potential customers are.

Congrats to two of our own CONGRATULATIONS again to our Dubbo Weekender editor Jen Cowley and columnist Tony Webber who have both been named finalists in this year’s Regional Media Awards. The winners will be announced this weekend in Newcastle. Jen and Tony are the only Dubbo media people in the running for one of these awards, and we’re proud of them both!

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SOME retailers around town are reporting an increase in out-of-town customers shopping at their stores. As we get closer to Christmas, it’s likely more and more people from surrounding towns will be doing their Christmas shopping here in Dubbo. If you’d like to market to more of those people, keep in mind our next Country Catalogue will be out in a few week’s time. Country Catalogue reaches more Dubbo people being inserted into Dubbo Photo News, plus it’s delivered to nearly 16,000 mailboxes around the region – in most of the key towns, including Narromine, Gilgandra, Wellington, Nyngan, Warren and Mudgee. That’s a potential readership of over 50,000 people, all of whom shop in our region. Give the Dubbo

Photo News/Weekender sales team a call for more info, or reply to this email.

When you write: Tip #2 HERE’S another in our series of handy copywriting tips from Richard Bayan’s book “Words That Sell”. 2. Stress the benefits. Resist the temptation to thump your chest on behalf of your company. It’s not “See how great we are” but “See what we can do for you”. Show your potential customers how your product or service will make them happier, wealthier, more comfortable, or more secure. Write with their interests in mind. Once you make the transition from company-centred copy to customercentred copy, that’s half the battle.

Something smells funny... FINALLY today, spare a thought for residents of a Florida neighbourhood who say a woman with “400 or more” mothballs lining her driveway is causing a health hazard. A woman at the offending home said the mothballs are intended to keep dogs from defecating in her yard. But her neighbours are saying “enough is enough” and so have complained to authorities about the mothballs causing respiratory problems, coughing and headaches. – Until next week, be nice to your neighbours, and sell well!

“Before dreaming about the future or making plans, you need to articulate what you already have going for you – as entrepreneurs do.” – Reid Hoffman, LinkedIn co-founder

89 Wingewarra St Dubbo | Tel 02 6885 4433 DUBBO WEEKENDER The Dubbo Photo News Weekend News Magazine 01.11.2014

PROFILE

while you own it,” he grins, adding that once people own their trike, they very rarely want to part with it. Triking is growing in popularity every day, he says, citing the fact that it’s “not mainstream” – there’s still an element of adventure and uniqueness to the pastime. But the potential for even greater growth is still enormous. “There’s still thousands of people out there who don’t even know the option is there – they have to see it and experience it, but once you’re bitten by the bug you never go back.”

s a sweeping generalisation, it could be suggested that traditional motor biking is a largely blokey arena, but that’s not so much so for triking, says Kastner, whose partner Tanya is herself a keen enthusiast who helps run the business and is as at home on, around and tinkering under trikes as her offsider. “We have plenty of female riders because it’s safe and it’s simple – it doesn’t require any bike skills. As long as you know how to drive a manual car you have no worries. And now we even have full automatic available were you only have throttle and brake and the rest does it all itself. It can be driven here in NSW with a car licence,” he says. On cue, Tanya strides into the office – also clad head to toe in black and running a hand through her mane of blonde hair.

“Oh, I love it as much as he does. Lots of women do. It’s something they feel they can do with their husbands or partners or boyfriends, because they feel it’s safer than a traditional bike. Although, sometimes the blokes might see that as a bit of a drawback,” she says laughing heartily. Kastner chimes in that it’s not always everyone’s cup of tea. “Some blokes try to get their wives involved, but I say to them, “if she winds the windows up in the car you’re wasting your time”. You have to like the wind in your face and that’s something only triking can give you without the worry

of gravel or potholes. “It’s a unique experience,” he says. “You know – you’ve just experienced it. You can sit up there on the rear seat like the queen and do the royal wave. Nothing’s bothering you – you’re just having fun.”

he pair has just returned from a gathering of the nationwide club – United Trikers Australia – at the Bathurst 1000 at Mount Panorama, where members did the pre-race parade. “Sixty four trikes all in one convoy going around Mount Panorama just before the race – it was unbelievable. Looked

pretty impressive,” says Kastner, who has built himself an extraordinarily imposing machine – all glittering black and shining chrome, with de-rigueur skulls adorning the custom-made controls including a skull-shaped headlight with glowing red eyes. It looks just like a normal trike – and that’s the way he likes it. “All it needs to be wheel-chair friendly is to convert the brakes to hand controls and put a wheelchair rack on it and off you go. Once you’re on it you’re having the same fun as any abled bodied person. “In fact, it’s just like riding a bike, only better – because you can relax and enjoy the view.” I start to remark that his disability hasn’t slowed him down at all, but he stops me short. “It’s not a disability. It’s a disadvantage because I can’t jump and run and all those things but I can do pretty much everything else. People always see the negative and think of things I can’t do. Well, I say look at some able-bodies who are not doing half of what I do even though they could. But what can you do? You just don’t do what you can’t do but if you do what you can do there’s plenty.” It’s a very good point. “It’s a way of thinking – if you do negative thinking and tell yourself every second day I can’t do this, I can’t do that, then you’d get depressed wouldn’t you?”

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COMMENT

ADVERTORIAL

Business in changing times with Peter Scolari, Scolari Comerford

Nominating beneficiaries inside your super – what you need to know (part 1)

Tricks, treats and the reason S for the season

UPER is one of your biggest investments so it’s important to plan ahead to ensure that if you were to die, your super balance is paid to your loved ones according to your wishes. This week’s column is the first of a two part series on this all-important topic.

umpkins, cobwebs, spiders and skulls. Witches, zombies, blood and dolls. They’re all pigeonhole symbols of Halloween – but do you know why? As a child, Halloween was never a significant celebration in our household. Maybe this was because we lived 20 kilometers from the closest town making trick-or-treating relatively unfeasible. I was always under the impression Halloween was an over-commercialised American party, but as the years have past, this spooky day seems to have rapidly picked up here in Oz. We all know Halloween falls on October 31 and involves pitted pumpkins, wicked witches and ghastly ghosts. For a brief history lesson, Hallowe’en’ (as it is properly spelled) is actually the eve of a triduum where the departed, all faithful Christians, are remembered. This three-day observance, known as Allhallowtide, originated from the Celtic culture in which ancient Gaels believed the boundaries between the living and the dead were removed and the deceased returned as evil spirits to haunt them. The trick-or-treat tradition also stems from an ancient Celtic practice called “mumming”. Mumming involved leaving offerings of food and drink outside in an effort to placate the evil souls of the dead. So there you have it – that’s where the bloodcurdling connotation of Halloween comes from and why appropriate Halloween attire involves zombie brides, devils, skeletons and fangs. The topic of Halloween moved to a discussion with a friend about what personally frightens us. For my friend – heights; for me – drowning. Is this because both pose a threat to life? It’s human nature to be scared of death – which is perhaps why why ghosts, zombies and all things departed are standard Halloween outfits. For Australians, death is generally a touchy subject, and I personally don’t find the subject of death comfortable. As soon as mortality is mentioned, cue the deep sigh, the “I’m so sorry” statements and the flood of condolences. We forget that dying is inevitable. So when did Halloween become such a ‘thing’ in Australia? We seem to be a

WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR SUPER AFTER YOU DIE?

Comment by Lydia Pedrana Dubbo born and bred Lydia Pedrana is chasing her dream of a career in the media.

culture looking for any excuse to dress up as a sexy-something and drink as much as humanly possible. If you want to argue that it’s a bit of fun for kids, I can’t imagine my parents letting their six year-old run around town in the dark asking strangers for lollies. What I find most amusing is that pumpkins are not even in season at this time of year. Like Valentines Day, Halloween has become an open opportunity for retailers to rake in the dollars by selling tacky costumes and themed confectionary. Whether we like it or not, Halloween is an occasion with growing significance here in Australia and this building momentum has the date firmly printed on our social calendars. Many pubs hold events; social circles have parties and childcare centres have a dress up days. Critics accuse Halloween as being an unwanted American importation, but is it any different to St Patrick’s Day? Fun Fact: Halloween is actually more Irish that St Paddy’s Day and after all, who doesn’t love a good dress up? I just find it spooky that Halloween has slowly wriggled its way into Aussie culture with many of us in the dark of its true significance. A decade ago this carnivalesque celebration was as freaky to Australians as a bloody vampire is to kids. So should we keep up the cynical approach and blame American pop-culture for commercialising this sacred event? Instead, let’s embrace the festivities, remember the religious reasons, then throw an old white sheet over our heads host a ghost party.

“ I find it spooky that Halloween has slowly wriggled its way into Aussie culture with many of us in the dark of its true significance.

You may be surprised to know that your super balance does not automatically form part of your personal Estate. After a member dies, their super fund is required to pay out their balance (including any life insurance held inside super) as soon as practicable to one or more eligible beneficiaries or the member’s Estate. This payment is known as super death benefit. Therefore, it’s important to consider carefully who you wish to nominate to receive your super benefit in the event of death and the type of nomination you should make. What if you don’t nominate anyone? If you don’t make a nomination to your fund about who you wish to receive your super death benefit, your super fund’s default procedures will apply, which could include: l your super fund trustee having the discretion to decide which of your beneficiaries will receive your super death benefit and in what proportion l automatic payment to your Estate.

WHAT TYPES OF NOMINATIONS ARE THERE? There are four main types of nominations you can make: Nominated beneficiary: This is a way to let your super fund know your preferred beneficiaries; however it is not bound to follow this nomination and can consider other factors. Binding death nomination: If valid, this type of nomination binds your super fund to pay your super death benefit to the beneficiaries you’ve nominated. For a binding nomination to be valid, it must be: l in writing; l signed and dated by the member in the presence of two independent, adult

witnesses (who are not nominated in the binding nomination), and l no more than three years old. Non-lapsing binding death nomination: As with a binding death nomination, your super fund must follow your instructions if you make a valid non-lapsing death nomination. However this type of nomination does not lapse after three years and will remain in force unless you choose to amend or revoke it. Most super funds require the same witnessing and nomination in writing requirements as a binding death nomination. Some funds also impose additional conditions so that the non-lapsing nomination will lapse upon certain life events, e.g. divorce, marriage, etc. Reversionary beneficiary (pension only): If you nominate a reversionary beneficiary, your pension will automatically continue to your nominated reversionary beneficiary in the event of your death. Not all super funds offer all types of nominations; you’ll need to check with your super fund to find out what’s on offer and whether there are any specific requirements. Your financial adviser can outline the advantages of each and help you decide which type of nomination is best for you. With the exception of a reversionary beneficiary, your super fund will also generally allow you to nominate more than one beneficiary as long as you provide details of the beneficiaries you wish to nominate and the proportional share of your super death benefit that you want to be distributed to them. You can generally nominate, cancel or change your nominated beneficiaries at any time by completing a new death benefit nomination form for your super fund. However, adding, removing or changing your reversionary beneficiary may require you to stop your existing pension and start a new pension (which can have tax and social security implications). Talk to your financial adviser to find out more. I’ll have more on this topic in the second instalment in next week’s Dubbo Weekender.

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DUBBO WEEKENDER The Dubbo Photo News Weekend News Magazine 01.11.2014

COMMENT

No grudges, he’ll grant you that Y

ou never know what’s going on inside someone else’s head but through personal observations and the actions of other people, you can generally get a good idea of where they’re coming from. Now Dubbo MP Troy Grant has been elevated to the second highest political post in the state many people are clamouring to know more about the bloke who rose from unknown police inspector to Deputy Premier in less than four years. I disagree with Troy on quite a few issues including the Dubbo College multi-campus experiment which I believe has dumbed down secondary education and vastly reduced options, but he’s never held that against me. Even former State MP, the late Tony McGrane, who was renowned for not holding grudges, took a long while to get over a story I once broke about him calling for a ‘secret’ council meeting when he was the city’s mayor. I hammered so many people

Comment by JOHN RYAN Former journo, John Ryan, reflects on some personal observations of the state’s new second in command.

over 20 years as a journalist, and it’s come back to haunt me in a number of ways, but not with Troy Grant. I first met him after the convoluted merry-go-round process that ended up with the establishment of the amazing Indigenous Police Recruitment Our Way (IPROWD) program. I’d interviewed my old mate Pete ‘Chicka’ Gibbs about the lack of Aboriginal police on the force and the story was based on his idea of encouraging more people from Aboriginal communities into the force. Struck by such a great idea I ran it by then western re-

gion commander, assistant commissioner Steve Bradshaw who was at that time the NSW Police Force Indigenous Affairs spokesman. He thought it was a tremendous concept and tasked one of his inspectors to convert the idea into reality. That inspector was Troy Grant. I’m a true believer when it comes to good ideas and innovative solutions but in many ways that’s the easy part – converting it to reality is the tough bit. I’m proud of my bit-part role in that story but could no sooner have driven the on-ground process between TAFE, police

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and other agencies and departments to make IPROWD happen, than I could’ve built a spaceship in my back shed and flown to Mars. So I respect people who have the requisite range of skills, drive and innovative thinking to make these things happen; in my experience it’s an extraordinarily rare combination. The work I saw Troy do at that stage gave me an insight into the personal drive he had to make our communities better and more inclusive – the IPROWD task wasn’t for extra money, it didn’t result in time off in lieu. It was an add-on to an already busy job looking after human resources for the cops in the massive area covered by western region. Even when I covered the first IPROWD stories he didn’t want to be interviewed because he said the story was about the people in the course and the TAFE staff who were constructing the ‘bridging’ course so candidates could attain the qualifications necessary to apply to enter the police academy. But he’d always give me a call to ensure I knew about any milestones as the first trainees went through the course. I also wrote the first story about Troy’s involvement in the jailing of the paedophile priest from the Hunter which eventually helped spark the current Royal Commission into child sexual abuse. I was amazed when he refused a chance at the national spotlight, knocking back pleas from major media outlets including the ABC’s Q&A to speak on the subject. Once again he said he wasn’t the story, and believed his appearance would detract from the victims’ tragic tales. This is not a bloke who grabbed the positive spotlight at every opportunity. I would’ve been in there like a flash to make myself look good, and that’s less a failing than simple human nature. I’ve seen so many people in the “game” of politics who are in it for themselves to get every personal advantage they can.

Whether you agree with Troy Grant’s decisions or not, at least it’s difficult to believe he’s making them from any position other than genuine belief in it being the best way to go for the majority. I’ve had plenty of off-the-record conversations with him to see how he weighs up the pros and the cons. I’ve watched the recent commentary from supposed Nationals’ leaks about a delegation demanding Troy Grant sack former leader Andrew Stoner from the front bench immediately or he himself would be ousted within days. Whatever the truth of the matter there are certainly personalities within his own party – either incompetent, jealous, or both – who I’m glad I don’t have to manage But while many in the party room may hold grudges against a rookie who’s zoomed over their aspirations in record time, the man himself doesn’t and that may be just what the coalition needs. It wasn’t too many years ago when a journalist used an offthe-record conversation he taped with Troy Grant as the lead for that night’s story. The next time the then new MP ran into the journo, he treated him like nothing had happened. Our camera was rolling because I was sure we’d get pictures of a local pollie belting this particular individual. What I saw was an amazing exercise in self-control. The next day I was talking to some cops who were pleased the off-the-record gaffe had aired because it supported their campaign to secure certain benefits. I mentioned all the un-cut vision I had of them on our blooper tapes and asked them if they’d like to see that aired on the news for the public to see. The reaction was one of horror. So whatever you think of this bloke, don’t be afraid to argue your case against any of his policy positions because while he may politely agree to disagree, you won’t have to watch your back.

“ I’ve seen so many people in the “game” of politics who are in it for themselves to get every personal advantage they can.

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DUBBO WEEKENDER The Dubbo Photo News Weekend News Magazine 01.11.2014

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engonnia White Cliffs ballimore ConDobolin broCklehurst menDooran girilambone To book your spoteumungerie give Donna, Sarah or Alex a call in our sales department on 6885 4433 or email sales@panscott.com.au Dubbo’s ONLY locally owned media company ::

ARTS

Season launch shows good form WORDS Cheryl Burke PHOTOGRAPHY Emily Carroll

ands up those who like being contacted by telemarketers? Anyone? No one? I for one sit on the fence when it comes to what some people would classify as a nuisance call. When at 3.00pm on a weekend it may rudely interrupt that well deserved ‘nana-nap’, or at 7.15pm on a weeknight it may interfere with refereeing skills as the kids argue about where to place the knives and forks, hopefully handled carefully and pointy-end down, as you are about to put dinner on the table. Long before I was a Ticketing Officer at Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre (DRTCC) I was once a telesales person. Cut me some slack – I was young, living and working abroad and eager to travel. As one of my first jobs in the UK, I wasn’t very good at it. My ear was not yet attuned to the multitude of accents and working for a company that had something to do with car sales was not a logical choice. Although I was born in Bathurst the year the Great Car race was renamed the Hardie Ferodo 500 and lived within walking distance of Mount Panorama, this did not automatically make me a car expert, especially when it came to foreign models... Me: And what model of car do you presently drive sir/madam? (Writes on notepad ‘A-W-D-E-E’ (Audi)....’V-O-X-AL-L’ (Vauxhall)...’P-O-O-J-O-E’... (Peugeot)... ‘R-E-N-O’ (Renault). Unfortunately for me there were no Fords or Holdens in the boroughs of Kensington and Chelsea. Thankfully I am now practiced at deciphering accents, and in the box office my know-how is required for things other than cars. But perhaps remnants of my telemarketing experience lingers and is still of use, albeit in a not so obvious fashion. As we approach the pointy-end of the year at DRTCC not only are we preparing for our Season Launch on Sunday 16 November, we are also planning and booking shows for the future. Although it may be easier to cast a vote amongst staff and volunteers to see what shows we would personally like to see at the theatre and how we would rate ourselves, it is probably not kosher or good business practice. Since it is not our style to contact and annoy patrons at 3.00pm on a weekend or 7.15pm on a weeknight, each year we opt to devise a survey for both regular patrons and subscribers so we are not the only happy people at the theatre. To show we understand people lead busy lives and may be reluctant to sit for five to nine minutes, there is an enticement attached to complete the survey in the form of a gift voucher for one lucky person, or two in this case – subscriber and non-subscriber. Personally I would be very pleased to win what is effectively a couple of free tickets to a 2015 Season show, especially since I am privy to the exciting line-up of entertainment we have coming in the New Year. However being a DRTCC employee I am precluded from completing the survey and entering into the draw, but if I did submit my answers they would be as follows: Your age My answer is in paragraph two. If you

also don’t know much about cars and the history of what is now the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000, it is between 30 and 49. How many shows did I attend during 2014? Let me check my little box of ticket stubs and consult my diary and archived roster. As a patron I have attended three to five shows this year and as a box office staff member with an advantage of taking a sneak peak at a show after finishing a shift, I have seen an equal amount of three to five shows. Effectively I have attended a total of nine-plus shows. Did you purchase a Season Subscription for 2014? No. If no, what reasons prevented you from purchasing a 2014 Subscription? Certainly not the purchase of a Nespresso machine that has saved me at least $30 a week on coffees bought at cafes. It is likely I did not subscribe because I was pre-occupied in November and did not have the foresight to mark in my calendar the almost three month period which gives people the opportunity to sign up and become a Subscriber. Without difficulty I could have chosen and locked in five shows, and then some and previewing the 2015 Season – double that! How do you find out about the shows at DRTCC? Before I obtained a driver’s license the year the Olympics were held in ‘Syd-erney’ I lived in that same city and used public transport and commuted past countless walls and posts plastered with posters advertising various shows and

events. These days’ walls and posts are more commonly associated with Facebook, and to the same end on my Facebook feed I find out about shows at the DRTCC. Astutely, I subscribe to the e-Newsletter and when not saving $5 a day I pick up show flyers in cafes. How do you spend the hour prior to coming to a show at DRTCC? Growing up in a city where there was no cinema, no theatre and a big night out was wearing your pajamas to the drive-in, I tend to make a night of going to the theatre. When dressing for the occasion I steer away from tulle, no one needs me poofing past him or her to my seat in the middle of the row. Plus now we are no longer living in the 80s my hair is below parking structure height clearance for those seated behind me. Ideally I arrive at the theatre in time to leisurely partake in a pre-show beverage and place an order for one during interval to avoid the crush at the bar. How do you rate customer service levels of Theatre staff? Rating customer service is challenging. My experience in such a role is somewhat extensive, so I am not very forgiving of poor customer service. It is in the best interest of a business to employ staff that aim to produce a satisfied customer, not lose them. Sure we all have bad days, but if you are in any business dealing with people and you’re not prepared to put on your best cheery face despite your bad mood, you might want to reconsider your job. My expectations are high, and as such I would rate the customer services levels of all Theatre staff as exceeding my expectations.

DUBBO WEEKENDER The Dubbo Photo News Weekend News Magazine 01.11.2014

What contributing factors would entice you to see plays at DRTCC? One of the best three things about going to a play is being able to dissect it afterwards, which is not much fun when you’re discussing it with yourself. The days of being a school student on an excursion to the ‘big smoke’ to see a play are behind me, and thankfully so is the subsequent intense examination of said play in a five page essay. But I still like to converse about what I’ve seen on stage, so a two-for-one ticket offer would attract me to see more plays and to even cover the cost of the friend who accompanies me! Do you have any suggestions or recommendations that would make you come back to DRTCC time and time again? Three words – coffee, cake and couches. Although dangerously, this may make me never want to leave.

•••

Calendar of Events: November 1 – Wayne Scott Kermond in Candy Man November 8 – Vera, The Magic of Dame Vera Lynn November 13 & 14 – Pete the Sheep November 16 – 2015 Season Launch November 22 – Cinderella (Dubbo Theatre Company) November 24 – Dubbo Ballet Studio Variety Gala December 6 – A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Dubbo Ballet Studio) December 10 – The Sun Records All Stars December 14 – Imagine (Stepping Out Dance Factory)

COMMENT

Nature thrown to the wolves when her lessons are ignored

ow can a pack of wolves change the course of a river? That’s a good question. The organisation, Solitary Human, can explain how. Scientists have recently discovered the phenomena of “trophic cascades”, processes that start at the top of the food chain but have effect right down to the bottom. Take the example of what happened when wolves were reintroduced into America’s Yellowstone National Park in 1995. Wolves had been absent from the park for 70 years as the result of human encroachment, much like the Tasmanian Tiger’s fate around the same time. In Yellowstone, the absence of wolves caused deer numbers to skyrocket, which in turn meant overgrazing and depletion of vegetation in the park. However, reintroducing the wolves not only impacted deer numbers, it also changed their behavioural patterns. The deer avoided places where they would be vulnerable as prey, such as valleys and gorges. In these places the vegetation was able to regenerate up to five times in just six years. Aspen, willow and cottonwood forests regenerated. As the vegetation increased, songbirds and migratory birds reappeared along with beavers, which are known as ecosystem engineers in that they create niches for their own and other species’ benefit. Otters, musk rats, ducks, fish, reptiles and amphibians all benefitted from the beavers’ handiwork in the rivers. Wolves preying on coyotes increased the number of rabbits, mice, hawks, weasels, foxes, badgers, ravens, bald eagles, bears and berries, transforming the ecosystem’s biodiversity. But how did the wolves change the rivers? After the reintroduction of wolves in Yellowstone National Park, the rivers began to meander less, there was less erosion, channels became narrower and there were more pools – thanks to increased vegetation the riverbanks were more stable. The rivers became more fixed in their course, thereby reducing erosion. This story provides endless food for thought. For me, it raises yet again a realisation that humans are a constituent of the natural world, just like wolves. Humans have the privilege, but also the responsibility, as the species at the very top of the “trophic cascade”. It was humans that decided to reintroduce wolves into Yellowstone, just as it was “our” decision to hunt them to extinction in that region. We are the species at the top of all trophic cascades. That is supreme power, but also supreme responsibility. One of the media’s more obsessive agendas is to microanalyse the actions and ethics of leaders of public policy creation and reform, politicians. However, to me, every day seems to be the same. People are on television and in the newspaper reciting carefully rehearsed words. We are constantly told by no individuals in particular that they’re not authorised to say this or that, or the information is classified, or

Comment by George Baker

the matter at hand is private and not for public consumption. Whenever I see these people, or anyone, fumbling for words, or speaking unnaturally, Mark Twain’s words speak in my head: “If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.” Twain’s quote opens a metaphoric door into a higher, or more conscious form, of consciousness. What would be the need to rehearse speeches or responses if your consciousness was permanently linked to the truth? Etiquette is rendered obsolete as a deliberate practice, because if we all operate in this consciousness of truth, we see each other for who we really are. We see whether indeed we respect our company or audience. Rhetoric doesn’t need to be remembered – t will be created in the present. The closest thing to trophic cascade occurring just within the human species that I know of comes in the form of a business strategy developed in the late 1980s by the CEO of American aluminium manufacturer Alcoa, Paul O’Neill. The firm was struggling at this time, with failed product lines and ensuing losses. However, O’Neill’s firm vision for the future of the company was to make Alcoa the safest company in America, aiming at zero injuries. Improving workplace safety was what author, Charles Duhigg, refers to as a keystone habit in his book, The Power of Habit. When safety was examined, an inefficient manufacturing process was found to produce suboptimal product and put workers at unnecessary risk. Failure to report workplace injury resulted in dismissal of whoever failed to file, and O’Neill was a presence in the various manufacturing plants, following up on his intention of safety. Not only has safety been enhanced more than fifteen times, Alcoa’s net income increased by five times in the 13 years O’Neill served as the CEO. The top priority of safety cascaded down to production methods, leading to increased quality, demand for that company’s product, and therefore profit. Whether it’s wolves reintroduced into their natural habitat, or an aluminium company basing priorities first on safety, the most important components will bring the most benefit to a system when allowed to operate freely and truly. Nature is our greatest teacher, and should be heeded before all other things.

Humans have the privilege, but also the responsibility, as the species at the very top of the “trophic cascade”.

From the bookshelves by Dave Pankhurst The Book Connection, Dubbo

The steady road to decline T

Born and raised in the central west, George Baker is busy adding to his diverse skill base while he prepares to fly south of the border to pursue his interests in media and psychology at university.

“

ADVERTORIAL

HE last few weeks have produced volumes of comment on the life of the late Gough Whitlam. Positive versus negative contributions depended on the source of the comments. This brings forward the question: “Why are good people divided by politics and religion?” This question is analysed by Jonathan Haidt who has written “The Righteous Mind” in which he answers the question some might have as to why you hold your moral beliefs and why many people disagree with you. Why is it that we can feel that half the population is living in a different universe? Why do ideas of fairness and freedom mean different things to different people? Since Gough Whitlam’s death, media attention has been given to his role in government, his contributions, but little attention to the cause for his political demise. Many media commentators might have been in kindergarten back in the 1970s. So often his comment “Nothing will save the Governor General” has been repeated, but having been dismissed by constitutional process, little is said about why this occurred and that the Australian population voted overwhelmingly to vote his party out of government for the next two elections. A decline in various standards commenced during that time and they continue today. In 1977 Graham Freudenberg wrote “A Certain Grandeur” and in 2009 he updated the text to cover Gough Whitlam’s life in politics. As Gough’s speechwriter, he relates Whitlam’s spectacular rise and fall, describing his character as dictatorial, petulant, erudite, revolutionary. Brian Carroll also wrote “Whitlam” and a key point made is that one major effort by Whitlam was to convince the rough and ready men of Labor that Labor was something more than just the political arm of the union movement – and that principle without power was an exercise in futility. Jenny Hocking has written a twovolume account of the life and times of Gough Whitlam, Volume 2 being “His Time”. And from our second-hand shelves a 1988 edition of “Stirring the Possum” by James McClelland provides a coverage written closer to the time of the key events. With the glowing tributes attributed to Whitlam’s comparatively short years in Parliament, they contrast with responses when former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher died. TV showed radicals demonstrating against her and her major influence on that country. Many of the protesters shown wouldn’t have been born when she was PM. Biographies of her life and contributions include Charles Moore’s “Margaret Thatcher” and another by Robin Harris, “Not For Turning”. As a grocer’s daughter from the London suburbs, her positive contributions are undoubted.

And so it would be for the late Gough Whitlam. Niall Fergusson’s “The Great Degeneration” might not have included Whitlam’s contribution but it becomes clear that the measures he is credited with introducing have seen a decline in Australian values – a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay, pay as you go and if you can’t pay don’t go. Just this week the ACTU has put forward a claim for 10 days domestic violence leave to be included in all wage awards. When is Canberra going to address the demise of Australian industry? On the primary industry front we have seen the dramatic fall in the economic performance of just about anything in the livestock and plant growth sector. A prime cause has been the lack of infrastructure with particular emphasis on water conservation for irrigation use since the 1970s, and the growth of oligopolies that dictate the prices paid to growers. Taylor and Archer wrote “Up Against the Wal-marts” – Australian farmers and merchants have become totally dominated by two majors, one of which has two cases currently before the ACCC. Since the 1970s ongoing wage increases have occurred to the point that Australia has become non-competitive. And social standards have declined. Alan Ramsay wrote “A Matter of Opinion” which, over two decades, analyses the transition of political and economic decisions. The demand for increased wages has been met but we now have virtually no manufacturing. In 1973 a Dubbo factory was able to secure government finance under a Decentralisation Program. With it the farm machinery factory on Boothenba Road was extended, and by the end of the decade it employed 120 people. Farming generally was a profitable business at the time – and so factory employment and production thrived. Then the drought of the early 1980s forced nearly every machinery manufacturer into severe retreat. More than 30 years later there is no recovery in sight. The effect of nature on rural production is sufficient to not need any political amateurs regulating it. Did you read the press article revealing that in one section of the Public Service there are 35,000 employees who each averaged 16 days leave (unscheduled absence) in the last year. An Annabel Crabbe article featured a number of young farmers protesting against Whitlam at a pre-election rally in Perth. He accused them of being bludgers. Whatever the case today, do you see politicians labelling people at any form of protest by that title? As Jonathan Haidt said in his book, “Why do political views which conflict with our own often seem illogical?” Enjoy your browsing, Dave Pankhurst

DUBBO WEEKENDER The Dubbo Photo News Weekend News Magazine 01.11.2014

WEEKENDER DIARY hear, see, do, etc. ll Theatre season launch The Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre (DRTCC) will proudly launch it’s 2015 Season on Sunday, November 16 – and you’re all invited! Spend a decadent afternoon sipping champagne (or something softer) while you get a sneak peek at the fantastic line-up on offer for the coming year. There will be a live performance with glimpses of what’s on offer at DRTCC in 2015 and you will have a chance to win the lucky door prize of a $500 gift voucher to put towards your new season show purchases. Dress up and come along to have a bit of fun – Adults $25, concession/student $20 – bookings through the box office. ll A healthy night at the pub We hear a lot about women’s health, but what about the blokes? This one’s for you, boys. Dubbo Grove Pharmacy has teamed up with the South Dubbo Tavern to hold a men’s clinic, and the catchy theme is Tools for Your Health. Dubbo City Council’s and Medicare Local are also aboard and together, they’ll all host a PUB-Clinic designed to give Dubbo’s blokes the tools they need to manage their health. There will be information on heart and mental health, diet and exercise and a range of other health-related areas, supported by pharmacists and other health professionals who will be available on the night for a yarn. PUB-Clinic is to be held at the Tavern on Wednesday, November 19 from 6pm and it’s FREE! There will also be a range of “tools” themed prizes on the night. ll Photography on show The Macquarie Photography Prize exhibition is on right now at St Brigid’s Church hall in Brisbane Street, and HSDE guarantees that if you’re a fan of the medium, you’ll be blown away by the incredible photographic talent on display. Entries for the renowned prize, now in its fourth year, come from all over the world to compete for a total of $22,000 in prize money. The 100 finalist photos are on display and you can have a hand in choosing the winner, which is decided by public voting at the MPP exhibitions and online at australianartsales.com.au. The exhibition is open until November 9, and entry is just $5 – don’t miss it. ll Famed flautist visits Fan of the flute? Fancy meeting one of the world’s most renowned flautist? Take a little drive down the road a way to Molong, where musical pin-up girl and famed flautist Jane Rutter will be staging a special intimate concert at Jaye’s Gallery on Sunday, November 9 from 11.30am. After the concert enjoy a gastronomic feast with an Italian-styled luncheon, followed by the opportunity for a “meet and greet” with Jane – what a treat all ‘round. Tickets are $80 a head which includes lunch, and can be booked online (information through jayes.com.au), or by calling the gallery on 63669093. ll Free Clean Energy public forum Hands up if you’d like to know how to save mon-

ey... Now, hands up if you’d like to know how to save money and be energy efficient at the same time. Here’s one for you: A FREE Community Clean Energy Forum will be held at the Western Plains Cultural Centre (WPCC) on Thursday, November 13 from 6-8pm. A panel of experts will host a couple of short presentations followed by a panel discussion and question time. Topics will include understanding your electricity bill, how to save money through energy efficiency, how “geo exchange” can benefit your home and onfarm solar pumping. There will also be a speaker on how to finance renewable energy for businesses. Light refreshments will be served, and while it’s all FREE, you need to RSVP to karin.stark@ environment.nsw.gov.au or call 6883 5321. ll Festival feast finale The DREAM Festival’s popular 7inSeven round of fine dining experiences winds up this month with a fabulous feast for the festival finale – and this time, the “’round the world” gastronomic tour lands in Australia. Lovers of fine dining have enjoyed a culinary “tour” of six continents so far, and the last and final will be held on Tuesday, November 11 at the Savannah Room at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, where guests will enjoy all the traditional delights of great Aussie fare – sumptuous seafood and some of the best meat and fresh produce on the planet. It’s a black-tie event (this time with a touch of Oz) and it’s just $55 per person, which includes a predinner drink, the wonderful meal and coffee afterwards. You’ll kick yourself if you miss out – so book online through dreamfest.com.au. ll Adam’s back in town With a career spanning two decades, around half a million album sales and a swag of Golden Guitars and other awards, surely all those Adam Harvey fans can’t be wrong! So what are you waiting for? Get on board the bandwagon when he comes to town later this month! He’ll be appearing at the Dubbo RSL theatrette on Friday, November 14 as part of his tour to promote his new album, Family Life – which he says is dedicated to the “love, pride and sense of purpose” his family has given him. Awwww... He’ll be supported on this tour by the Sunny Cowgirls – so get your tickets now – adults $35, children (and yes, this time you can take the young’uns) $15. ll Go hard or dye trying Dubbo’s first ever Dye Hard Colour Run is a fun 5km event designed so everyone – from the fittest to the more athletically challenged! – can take part! On Sunday, November 9, kicking off from Ollie Robbins Oval at 10am – all ages, sizes, shapes and abilities are welcome to join in the fun – it’s shaping up to be literally a very colourful event! You can laugh, dance, run or walk your way along the track around the beautiful Macquarie River, where there will also be markets, music and... loads of colour! For more information or to register online, go to dyehardfunrun. com – cost is $69 for adults (15 and over) and $44 for children (6-14).

EXPLORE... EXPLORE...

Photo: Drtcc

DUBBOREGIONAL REGIONAL DUBBO

& & CONVENTION CENTRE

THEATRE THEATRE CONVENTION CENTRE Book early - don’t miss out drtcc.com.au or 6801 4378 Friday shows sold out!

PReSenTeD By KeRMOnD CReATiVe

> Friday 31 October 2014, 8.00pm & Saturday 1 november 2014, 8.00pm

PReSenTeD By MeLROSe PRODUCTiOnS enTeRTAinMenT

> Saturday 8 november 2014, 8.00pm

WAyne SCOTT KeRMOnD in CAnDy MAn VeRA, The MAgiC OF DAMe VeRA Lynn A high energy and sophisticated song and dance experience that celebrates the life and music of Sammy Davis Jr. Selected local talent in dance, song and music will also feature in this vaudeville style show! Great seats still available!

Melanie Parry recreates the era when Vera was known as the ‘forces sweetheart’ and inspired a nation of people with her patriotic wartime songs such as The White Cliffs of Dover, We’ll Meet Again and more!

PReSenTeD By MOnKey BAA TheATRe COMPAny

> Thursday 13 november, 1.00pm – new show added! > Thursday 13 november, 6.30pm – Seats still available.

PeTe The SheeP

Pete the Sheep is a brand-new 50-minute musical, based on Jackie French and Bruce Whatley’s quirky and quintessentially Australian picture book. Suitable for ages 3-9 and their families.

Box office hours Monday - Friday, 9.30am - 4.30pm and 1 hour prior to the show | DRTCC offers quality entertainment!

DUBBO WEEKENDER The Dubbo Photo News Weekend News Magazine 01.11.2014

BUY TICKETS AND JOIN THE E-MAIL LIST DRTCC.COM.AU Bar open before and during interval for most shows 155 Darling Street, Dubbo A facility of Dubbo City Council

GETTING SOCIAL RSL Club Grants morning tea By Donna Falconer The Dubbo RSL Club hosted a morning tea on Tuesday, October 21, in One 7 Eight Restaurant. The morning tea was to acknowledge all the recipients of the Club Grants Category One funding from the 2013-14 financial year. Throughout the morning tea some of the recipients were asked to speak about their funding and what is was used for. Many great and varied causes were represented, from

musical instruments, sporting equipment for special needs children, Life Education, Lifeline Central West, to Zumba for Special needs people. All the recipients where grateful to Clubs NSW and Dubbo RSL Club for helping local organisations in our community. The Dubbo RSL Club is a Clubs and Community Award winner for 2014 and prides itself on a being a community club.

Yvonne Porch and Gus Lico

Jason Yelverton and sister in-law Karen Yelverton Emma Kersley and Gerard Crampton

Paul Row, Lyn Field, Kevin Robinson, Tracy Hanna, Alex Ferguson

Rod Firth and John Watts

Dubbo Macquarie Street Ph: 6881 8600 riverDale ShoPPing centre

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PUZZLES & PLAY FIND THE WORDS

WEEKENDER SUPER CROSSWORD

This is a theme puzzle with the subject stated below. Find the listed words in the grid. (They may run in any direction but always in a straight line. Some letters are used more than once.) Ring each word as you find it and when you have completed the puzzle, there will be 15 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle. Destinations

Adelaide Alawa Ascot Avalon Broome Cairns cities Colo Dalby Darwin

Eldon farms Fremantle Gawler Geelong Gosford Hobart Innisfail Lalor Leura

Manly Maya Miami Onslow Ouse Perth rainforest rivers snowfields South West

Rocks St Kilda Stuart town tropics trout streams Urunga Victoria Weipa

WEEKENDER SUDOKU Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each small 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.

ACROSS

1. Daughter in “Hamlet” 8. Admittance 14. Jay-Z, e.g. 20. Before a marathon, say 21. Swimming gold medallist Ian 22. Capital of Canada 23. Essential part of a dog’s diet? 25. Bellyached 26. Less restricted 27. Café additive 28. City on the Ruhr River 30. Wallach of Hollywood 31. ISP giant 32. Morales in movies 34. Eyelike spots on a dog’s coat? 37. Mournful cry 39. Placid 41. Under siege 42. Pal of Andy 43. “You wouldn’t -!” 44. Poking tools 46. Sword hilt 50. Dog eventually? 54. Naval builder 56. Dandy type 57. Religious offshoots 58. Less cloudy 59. Weep audibly 62. Bone in the arm 65. Dog curled up in the shape of a circle? 67. Gabfest 69. Shocking swimmers 71. Alternative to a punch 72. Luau mementos 73. Have new

This week’s theme: MIXED BREEDS

63. Loch ... Monster 64. British brew 66. 2012 British Open winner Ernie 68. Scone alternative 70. Stairs 74. Race a Super G, e.g. 75. Genetic inheritances 76. Suffix with northwest 77. King, in Brest 79. ... -roaring 83. Musical McEntire 85. Long, drawnout story 87. Relating to meaning in language 88. Accountant’s book 89. Acronym on a shuttle 90. One just hanging around 91. Nonbelievers 92. Dress line 94. Society girls 98. Toward the beach 99. Uttered 101. Put a new bandage on 102. Star ballab work done 96. All used up 119. One taking 3. Handed-down 17. Contest-judg- 45. Stinging lerina insects family treasure ing group on a dog? a dog out of 97. Casey of 103. Warm, as service? 4. Marine eagle 18. Epsom and -, 47. Lived 78. Hershey’s radio counttoffee candy bar downs 48. “You’ve Lost leftovers 5. TriangleEngland 123. Total 104. “Carmen” That Lovin’ -” 100. Tire pat80. Biochem 19. Diameter 124. Scarf down shaped sail composer terns strand 49. Beneficent 6. Ones who halves 125. In a coarse frost cakes 105. Action “Mother” 103. Port in 81. Pipe open24. Gripping tool way venue Israel ings 51. “tell me!” 7. ... Lingus 29. Meets with 104. Most sordid 126. Had a 52. Tormé or Ott 106. Barstools, 8. Gillette razor 31. “What -!” 82. Boo-boo bite of for example name 53. Prefix with 84. Bro relative dog? (“Groovy!”) 107. Office dicta127. Confined, 108. Awarded conscious 9. Option 86. Concise tion taker with “up” 110. Brother of 54. Alleged 10. T-shirt fabric 33. “What ... summary commentary” 109. Turns aside former Treas55. Brian who 11. ‘Fore 87. Dogs living 128. Slander 35. Bring on 114. Marsh grass urer Costello produced U2 in Katmandu? 12. Patter 111. Rage 13. In a rational 36. Fuel additive 58. Pierre’s state: 116. Slaw or fries 93. Banks of DOWN 38. Starting 118. Enkindled Abbr. manner “America’s Next 112. Is without from 1. Antithesis: 59. Handwriting 120. Letter Top Model” 113. Abraded 14. Male lovers Abbr. 40. Old Olds 60. Writer known after pi 94. “I Love Lucy” 115. Made less 15. This instant 121. Big TV maker for irony severe actor Arnaz 2. As a matter of 16. Educational cars 43. Uses up 61. Cake mix politeness 122. Dark bread 95. Abacus part 117. Fanatic org.

Tip: This is an international crossword. To add an extra challenge it occasionally uses the US spelling for answers. 1020 n Solution next week

GO FIGURE

>> How to figure it out: This is a simple substitution cipher in which each letter used stands for another. If you think that X equals O, it will equal O throughout the puzzle. The solution is accomplished by trial and error.

1020 n Solution next week

TRIVIA TIME 1. LANGUAGE: What does the Greek prefix “chrono” mean? 2. MOVIES: What kind of encounter is experienced in the movie “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”? 3. LITERATURE: Who was the author of “The Optimist’s Daughter”? 4. SCIENCE: Who developed the Uncertainty Princi-

ple in quantum mechanics? 5. ASTRONOMY: How many days does it take for the planet Mercury (pictured) to orbit the Sun? 6. SPORT: Who has compiled the lowest nine-hole score at a PGA Tour event? 7. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is the adjective used to describe bees? 8. FLASHBACK: Who recorded the 1959 version of “Living Doll”? 9. GEOGRAPHY: What is the capital of Hungary? 10. ENTERTAINERS: Which silent movie actress was known as “The Vamp”? 11. MUSIC: What stage name did James Newell Osterberg, Jr. take? n Answers next page

1020 n Solution next week

OUT ON A LIMB

DUBBO WEEKENDER The Dubbo Photo News Weekend News Magazine 01.11.2014

>> The idea of Go Figure is to arrive at the figures given at the bottom and right-hand columns of the diagram by following the arithmetic signs in the order they are given (that is, from left to right and top to bottom). Use only the numbers below the diagram to complete its blank squares and use each of the nine numbers only once. 1020 n Solution next week

by Gary Kopervas

CRYPTO-QUIP

PUZZLES & PLAY THE WEEK AHEAD

week commencing 03.11.2014

ARIES

LIBRA



MAR 21-APR 19 Lots of choices could make it difficult to select what is best for your needs. Avoid snap judgments. Take the time to check them all out to find the one that really meets your goals.

TAURUS



APR 20-MAY 20 You could once again experience pressure from others who would like to see you move in another direction. But heed your Bovine instincts to stay on your own path.

GEMINI



MAY 21-JUN 20 Taking charge of a project that seems to be about to stall or collapse altogether could be a challenge. But once everyone knows what you expect of him or her, things should go smoothly.

CANCER





SEP 23-OCT 22 A holiday plan might need to be revised to accommodate an unexpected complication. Come up with an alternative arrangement as soon as possible to avoid more problems down the line.

SCORPIO



OCT 23-NOV 21 Don’t accept halfway explanations for a situation that requires full disclosure. The more you know now, the better able you will be to handle any complications that might arise.

SAGITTARIUS



NOV 22-DEC 21 The cooperation you relied upon might not be easy to get. Maybe there’s an information gap. See if everyone understands the situation. If not, be sure to offer a full explanation.

CAPRICORN



JUN 21-JUL 22 Avoid the pressures of the upcoming holiday period by setting a time right now to discuss how to divide up the responsibility of helping a loved one come through a difficult period.

DEC 22-JAN 19 Problems caused by that recent workplace distraction should soon be easing, allowing you to resume working at a less frantic pace. That personal matter also begins to ease up.

LEO

AQUARIUS



JUL 23-AUG 22 It’s not too early for all you Leonas and Leos to start making longdistance travel plans. The sooner you stop procrastinating and start deciding where, when and how you’re going, the better.

VIRGO



AUG 23-SEP 22 Someone you’ve known for years might disappoint you, or even make you feel you’ve been betrayed. But check the facts carefully before you make charges that could backfire on you.



JAN 20-FEB 18 Changing your mind about a job decision isn’t easy for the usually committed Aquarian. But once you check it out, you’ll find facts you didn’t know before. And facts don’t lie.

PISCES



FEB 19-MAR 20 Your unique way of sizing up a situation gives you an edge in resolving that upsetting workplace problem. Stay on your current course regardless of any attempts to distract you.

BORN THIS WEEK: You are emotionally attuned to what’s going on around you, and you easily pick up on people’s needs. Be creative in applying your forecast to the actual circumstances of your life. For entertainment purposes only.

THE ANSWERS & SOLUTIONS Last week’s Super Crossword 0929

Last week’s Go Figure 0929

Open Weekender Coffee & meals magnolia cafe

sPoRties

• Warm up and enjoy a steaming hot drink with; Breakfast, lunch, morning or afternoon tea • Delicious variety of gluten free options • Relaxing, Friendly atmosphere • Open 7 days 9-4 • Take away available

• Open Saturday and Sunday from 9am • Restaurant open from 11.45am2pm and 5.45-9pm.

73 Wheelers Lane, 6884 5997

old Bank RestauRant • Open Saturday 12 til late • Good food • Good music • Good times • $12 lunch specials

232 Macquarie Street, 6884 7728

ted’s takeaway • Open Saturday and Sunday 8.30am-8pm • The big value in takeaway food. • Great weekly specials.

26 Victoria St, 6882 7899

Village BakeRy cafe • Open Saturday and Sunday 6am to 5.30pm. • Gourmet pies • Mouth-watering cakes • Delicious pastries • Gourmet French garden salad baguettes and salads. • Perfect breakfast and brunch • Morning tea • Lunch • Afternoon tea

113 Darling Street (adjacent to the railway crossing), 6884 5454

Clubs & Pubs PastoRal Hotel • Open Saturday 10am to 4am, Sunday 10am to 9pm. • Restaurant open for lunch and dinner. • All desserts home made. • Open Saturday and Sunday for balcony breakfast’s from 8am - 11.30am • Serving Bill’s Beans Coffee

Birch Avenue, 6884 1955

Gyms

Whylandra St, 6884 2396

amaRoo • Open Saturday and Sunday from 10am • Bistro specials everyday for lunch and dinner • Night club

81 Macquarie St, 6882 3533

commeRcial Hotel • Restaurant open 12-2pm and 6-9pm • Free function room hire • Huge beer garden • Kids playground • Large screen broadcasting all major sporting events

161 Brisbane Street, 6882 4488

shoPPinG duBBo gRoVe PHaRmacy • Open Saturday 9am til 12 noon • Giftware • Jewellery • Homewares

59A Boundary Road, 6882 3723

tHe atHletes foot • Open Saturday 9am til 2pm • Everything you need for the perfect fit for your foot

176 Macquarie Street, 6881 8400

GroCeries

Rsl aquatic & HealtH cluB

caRlo’s iga soutH duBBo

• Open Saturday 7.30am-5pm • Open Sunday 8.30am-3pm • Gym • Indoor pool • Sauna • Steam room • Squash courts

95 Tamworth St, 6882 2029

Cnr Brisbane and Wingewarra Streets, 6884 1777

shoPPinG

• Saturday 7am-8pm • Sunday 8am-8am • Weekly specials, friendly service, • delicatessen, fruit and vegetables, grocery items

dmc meat and seafood • Open Saturday 6am to 3pm • Huge variety, bulk buys and red hot specials weekly.

duBBo antique & collectaBles

55 Wheelers Lane, 6882 1504

• Open Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 3pm • Antique furniture, china, cast iron, old tools and collectables.

• Open Saturday and Sunday 7.30am to 6pm. • Great weekly specials and friendly service.

4 Depot Road, 6885 4400

tHe Book connection • Open Saturday 8.30am to 4pm. • Sunday 10am to 2pm. • New and used books • Over 60,000 books in store.

178 Macquarie St, 6882 3311

quinn’s myall st newsagency • Saturday and Sunday from 5am- 1pm. • Newspapers, magazines, stationery supplies.

tHe swisH galleRy

• Open Saturday and Sunday from 9am. • Riverview Bistro 12pm to 2pm and 6pm to 9pm. • Relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

This week’s TRIVIA TIME answers: 1. Time. 2. Contact with an alien or robotic life form. 3. Eudora Welty. 4. Werner Heisenberg. 5. 88. 6. Corey Pavin shot an 8-under 26 at a PGA event in 2006. 7. Apian. 8. Cliff Richard and the Drifters. It was written for the “Serious Charge” film, with Richard contractually bound to do the song... which he hated. He changed the tempo and it became more palatable. 9. Budapest. 10. Theda Bara. 11. Iggy Pop. He got that name after he’d been a drummer for a local high-school band, The Iguanas.

• Open 10am-1pm on Saturday and 10am-10pm on Sunday • Restaurant open 12-3pm and 6-9pm

duBBo Rsl cluB ResoRt

cluB duBBo

Last week’s Crypto-Quip 0929

macqauRie inn

110 Talbragar St, 6882 4219

Cnr Brisbane and Wingewarra Streets, 6882 4411

This week’s Find the Words solution 827 Around Australia

101 - 103 Erskine Street, 6884 2044

272 Myall St, 6882 0688

• Open Saturday 8am to 1am Sunday 8am to 10pm. • Quality entertainment, blackboard specials in the bistro.

Last week’s Sudoku 0929

Clubs & Pubs

• Open Saturday 9am to 12pm. • Distinctive jewellery, creative contemporary decor for your home and stylish gifts.

29 Talbragar St, 6882 9528

BRennan’s mitRe 10 • For all your DIY projects, hardware, tools and garden products • See us in store for great specials • Saturday 8am-4pm • Sunday 9am-4pm

64-70 Macquarie Street, 6882 6133

oRana mall sHoPPing centRe • 52 Specialty Stores, Big W, Woolworths and Bernardi’s SUPA IGA. • Easy Parking, now also with approx. 160 undercover. • Food Court • Saturday 9.00am – 5.00pm • Sunday 10.00am – 4.00pm • www.oranamall.com.au

Cnr Mitchell Highway & Wheelers Lane, 6882 7766

magnolia nuRseRy • Open Sunday, 9am til 4pm • Quality plants • Garden decor • Giftware

iga west duBBo

38-40 Victoria Street, 6882 3466

thinGs to Do westeRn Plains cultuRal centRe • One of the largest galleries and museums in NSW • An ever-changing array of exhibitions and events including top national exhibitions.

76 Wingewarra Street, 6801 4444

old duBBo gaol • Open Saturday and Sunday 9-5pm • Large display of animatronics and holographs providing a realistic insight into a bygone era of prison life.

90 Macquarie Street, near the old clock tower, 6801 4460

taRonga westeRn Plains Zoo • Open Saturday and Sunday 9-4pm. • The zoo’s encounters and shows offer visitors truly special experiences with their favourite animals.

Obley Road, off the Newell Hwy, 6881 1400

tRike adVentuRes • Book a ride Saturday or Sunday • Available for town tours, special occassions, outback pub lunches or just blasting along with the wind in your face

1300 TRIKES (1300 87 45 37)

If your busIness Is oPen for business eaCh WeeKenD call us for a great rate on a lIstIng here – 6885 4433

73 Wheelers Lane, 6882 25

to have your business featureD here, Call 6885 4433 DUBBO WEEKENDER The Dubbo Photo News Weekend News Magazine 01.11.2014

recent arrivals at the book connection

plus some great specials

The Book Connection 178 Macquarie Street, Dubbo • (02) 6882 3311 • OPEN 7 DAYS