Alex Rice Australian
All-Schools
Silver Medalist
Canowindra's Alex Rice has secured the silver medal in the U16 Hammer at the Australian All Schools Athletics Championships held in Melbourne from 4 to 7 December.
This follows on from his outstanding performance at the 2025 NSW All Schools Athletics Championships at Sydney Olympic Park in Septemebr, where Alex placed first and threw a PB in the 15's Hammer.
Alex competed alongside team mates from Central West Throwers, under the expert guidance of coach Ernie Shankleton. The team once again had a very successful meet, with six athletes securing medals in eight events, which included the following results:
• Alex Rice 2nd boys U16 Hammer, PB 54.66m
• Cooper Dabin 1st boys U17 Hammer,
62.82m
• Ash Mullins 3rd girls U18 Discus, PB 43.16m
• Savannah Auvva 1st girls U14 Hammer, PB 41.24m, 2nd girls U14 Discus, PB 35.62m, 2nd U14 girls Shotput, 13.12m
• Mckayla Grobler 1st U16 girls Shotput, PB 16.32, meet record and new Australian National record
• Patrick Rowston 1st U15 boys Discus, PB 57.63m
The Australian All Schools Championships, conducted annually by Australian Athletics, provides a valuable opportunity for young athletes aged Under 14 to Under 18 from across the country to compete at a high level, foster sporting excellence, and gain national experience. Congratulations to all our local athletes and Ernie Shankleton.
Alex Rice pictured on the podium at Australian All-Schools Championships in Melbourne; and with his silver medal.
JOKE of the Week
What is green, covered in Christmas lights and Christmas bulbs, and goes ribbit? A mistle-toad.
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Opportunity Knocks As Bendigo Bank Scholarship Applications Open For 2026
As Year 12 students across Australia await the arrival of their ATAR results, Bendigo Bank’s scholarship program is celebrating 19 years of providing life-changing education opportunities for students, with applications for the 2026 academic year now open. The program consists of more than 70 Community Bank scholarships supporting local students, along with Bendigo Bank funded scholarships aimed at supporting rural, regional, agricultural and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. The 2026 Bendigo Bank and Community Bank scholarships include:
• Bendigo Bank Regional and Rural Scholarship: 15 university scholarships of $6,500 per student, each year for two years. Up to six TAFE scholarships of $5,000 per student per year for up to two years.
• Bendigo Bank - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarship: Four scholarships of $6,500 per student per year for two years for those studying at either university or TAFE.
• Bendigo Bank - Agribusiness Scholarship: Two university scholarships, $6,000 per student, per year for two years, and one TAFE scholarship, $3,000 per year for one year.
• Robert Johanson Bendigo Bank Board Scholarship: $8,000 per year for two years.
• Community Bank Scholarships: Around 70 Community Banks are participating in Bendigo Bank’s scholarship program offering scholarships for university, agricultural colleges, TAFE, and secondary school study.
Applications close 31 January, 2026. Find out more at: www.bendigobank.com.au/community/foundation/scholarships/
LETTERS
MOORBEL HALL THANKS
The Moorbel Hall committee would like to thank the following businesses for their contributions to our Christmas Raffle: Lawrences IGA, Canowindra FoodWorks, Canowindra Butchery, Canowindra Services Club, Chris Williams Rural Supplies, Canowindra Pharmacy, Canowindra Post Shop, Perennialle Plants, Catherine Adams. All winners have received their prizes.
The committee would also like to take this opportunity to thank all those who attend the monthly market, the stall holders and the general public.
All money raised is used towards the hall so that it is available for the use of the community at a reasonable cost.
Our next market will be on Saturday, 7th February 2026.
Merry Christmas from the committee.
ENTRY FORM
SNIPPETS... QUESTION of the week
Local Talent: Congratulations to local Canowindra artist Mel Gerbach, whose painting "Flight Paths", has been chosen as the first artwork you see as you enter the reception/entry of the new Cowra Hospital. The artwork is one of a suite of artworks commissioned for the new hospital by NSW Health in conjunction with Hi art and Arts Outwest.
Fa-la-la-la-la: Warm up the vocal chords and sing along with your Christmas favourites at two Christmas Carols events this cweekend. On Saturday 13 December the Moyne Christmas Carols will be held in the Hay Shed Garden from 5pm – 7.30pm. Enjoy a free sausage sizzle and don't forget to take along a chair or rug. Then on Sunday 14 December at 7pm, head along to St Edwards Catholic Church for the Canowindra Combined Churches Ecumenical Carol Service.
New Vogue and Social Dance Group: This weekend, the Canowindra New Vogue Dance Group will be joining with the Orange Dance Group for a Christmas Festival weekend. Everyone is welcome to come:
• 13 December at Orange Bowling Club 7pm to 11pm, $10
• 14 December at Canowindra Services Club 2pm to 6pm, $15.
Meals and Memories: The team at Canowindra Connections Centre are getting the tinsel ready and checking their list twice, so make sure you have your name on it and RSVP for the final Meals and Memories for 2025. Enjoy a delicious two course lunch, along with trivia, and much fun as CCC celebrate Christmas on Saturday 13 December at 12pm. The cost is $20 but help is available. Ring Jacquie on 0480 450 079 to put your name down.
Thanks: Viridis Ag would like to thank all the local RFS members who came to help fight the fire at “The Pines” last Saturday. Your quick action meant the fire was contained quickly. What a community we live in! Thanks again and Merry Christmas to all!
Book Your Christmas Lunch Now: Registrations for the 2025 Canowindra Christmas Day Lunch close tomorrow, 12 December. Booking sheets are available at Vinnies, Food Basket, Orana House, CCC Shop, Canowindra Craft & Hobby, Butcher and Central Motors. For further information contact Deb 0487 801 767 or email debrutter@bigpond.com.
Mel Gerbach beside her painting "Flight Path".
Ellie: Aussie World and I did lots of cool stuff and it was so much fun.
Tianah: When my niece, Oakleigh, was born.
Bradley: At the big school fete, throwing wet sponges at the Year 6’s.
Register now for the Canowindra Christmas Day Lunch.
Andrew GEE MP
INDEPENDENT FEDERAL MEMBER FOR CALARE
RUNS ON THE BOARD FOR CABONNE
Fought for $100 million for flood support package
$250,000 for new amenities at Canowindra Showground
$50,000 for solar panels at Canowindra Golf Club
Secured the Parliamentary Inquiry into the Disaster Response of Insurers
$2 billion for Great Western highway upgrade
$2.1 million for streetscape improvements in Molong and Canowindra
24-hour rescue helicopter
$700,000 for Bangaroo Bridge Replacement
$2.59 million for new overtaking lanes on the Cargo Road
60 new mobile phone towers and base stations for Calare
Introduced Bill into Parliament to ban foreign buying of residential property for two years. The Coalition and the Labor Party voted against it and then they both announced it as their policy!
Backed Independents’ Bill to reduce dominance of big supermarkets. All major parties voted against it and then Coalition announced it as their policy!
Introduced Bill to keep cash transactions in Australia. Lets Keep Cash King!
Bill for a 2 year foreign home buyer ban introduced to Parliament
Bill to Keep Cash King in Australia introduced into Parliament
ENERGYCO CAUGHT OUT IN ENVIRONMENTAL VANDALISM
I’ve written to Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt requesting he launch a Federal Inquiry into the environmental vandalism underway near Gulgong.
The NSW Government, through EnergyCo and ACEREZ, recently bulldozed and woodchipped almost 700 centuries-old native trees along Merotherie Road to make way for the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone.
Despite considerable pushback from the Mid-Western Regional Council, who refused to approve the works, the state government flattened this critical native wildlife corridor during bird nesting season.
This high conservation corridor was home
to many breeds that had just hatched baby chicks. After the trees were felled, more than 60 orphaned and injured fledgling birds were rescued by wildlife carers, community members and even EnergyCo consultants, and handed to local vets and WIRES volunteers.
The NSW Government are dodging responsibility for this appalling destruction, which has spurred local and universal outrage.
Everyone is asking the same question, how could this moonscape have been allowed to happen?
The Rylstone District Environment Society, supported by Council, has called for the investigation into the legality of this
THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT IS ALIVE AT CANOWINDRA COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS!
It was terrific to catch up with Jackie, Don, and Brian from Canowindra Community Connections!
They are doing incredible work for our community:
Food Basket: Runs every week on Thursdays (2-4 PM) and Fridays (9-11 AM), offering quality, affordable food and a chance to connect with neighbours. They even have a pretty impressive morning tea!
Stables Refurbishment: Their latest project is renovating the century-old
Canowindra stables (behind the United Church). Once complete, it will become the new home for the food basket shop! We hear Jackie is even hanging chandeliers!
Christmas Hampers: The team has been busy packing Christmas hampers that will bring much-needed joy to many people this festive season.
A huge thank you to Jackie and all the volunteers for the vital work you do alongside Food Rescue Central West and Food Pantry.
Your dedication is very much appreciated!
environmental disaster, setting out alleged breaches of federal law.
I’m backing in their call because the NSW Government cannot be allowed to be a law unto themselves.
Before
After
FEDERAL INTERVENTION NEEDED TO PROTECT PRIME AGRICULTURAL LAND AND RURAL COMMUNITIES
The Merotherie environmental disaster is a glaring example of the NSW Government’s disrespect for our regional communities and rural landscape.
It underscores and validates my call for the urgent introduction of federal protection of our prime agricultural land.
My Protecting Prime Agricultural Land Bill 2025 will make it ‘off limits’ to housing sprawl, parking lots, industrial and renewable projects, and mining. My Bill requires that prime agricultural land must be used for agriculture.
However, when I put it to a vote in Parliament recently, only one National Party MP and one Liberal MP supported it.
What the NSW Government has done at Merotherie Road is a shambles and highlights the flaws we have in our NSW planning and environmental laws.
We need to act now to protect our communities and our agricultural land. Our future national food security is at stake.
I will be continuing to press forward my Bill in Parliament next year.
Canowindra Churches Combine For
Ecumenical
Carols This Weekend
Christmas! What comes to your mind first when you think of Christmas? Is it the food? Is it seeing family? Is it all the decorations and Christmas lights? Is it the general feeling of joy and fun of the holidays?
Maybe it’s a stressful time. Too busy, beds to make up for visitors, presents to buy and wrap...the “Crazy Season! For some Christmas provokes a sadness as they reflect on those not present.
For me when I think of Christmas I think of carols. I love Christmas carols, as they bring a renewed joy to me, no matter my circumstances, and a clear reminder of what it is all about. When they start getting played in the shops, I’m so into it. I hum them while I work. I put carols on in the mornings (much to my husband’s chagrin) and I sing them as I walk down the street. Well, you can get your chance to sing
along with some well-known carols this coming Sunday evening. The Canowindra Choir led by our very own Ros Bullock will be performing in St Edward's Catholic Church for the annual Ecumenical Carols Service.
How good is it when in the season of Peace and Good Will, we share the Joy of Christmas in this way. We will enjoy hearing the Christmas story through the traditional nine scripture readings.
There also will be food and the Catholic folks being our delightful hosts this year will, no doubt, spoil us with supper.
Please come join us at St Edwards Catholic Church, 7pm on Sunday 14 December, as we share the rich joy of singing and reflecting on the Christmas story.
By Sue Hodge
CANOWINDRA 2025
CHRISTMAS
DAY LUNCH
Booking sheets at Vinnies, Food Basket, Orana House, CCC Shop, Canowindra Craft & Hobby, Butchers & Central Motors Bookings close 12th December.
Further details please contact Deb 0487 801 767 or email debrutter@bigpond.com
FREE– No alcohol permitted ALL WELCOME
Residents Encouraged To Have Their Say On The Draft Central West & Orana Transport Plan
The Central NSW Joint Organisation (CNSWJO) welcomes the release of Transport for NSW’s Draft Central West & Orana Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan, now open for public comment.
Cr Kevin Beatty, Mayor of Cabonne Council and Chair of Central NSW Joint Organisation, said the release of the draft is a significant opportunity for councils and communities to help shape the future of transport in Central NSW.
“This draft plan reflects many of the priorities our councils have been advocating for. We now encourage our member councils and communities to look closely at the plan and provide input. The more voices we have, the more clearly we can demonstrate what matters for our region,” said Cr Beatty.
The draft plan takes a 20-year view for improving the transport network across the region, including:
• Reducing fatal and serious injuries on the road network, particularly in towns, periurban areas and high-speed rural corridors.
• Supporting more efficient freight movement by improving road and rail connections and enabling more non-coal freight to move on rail where practical.
• Recognising the importance of reliable connections across the Blue Mountains to Sydney, for both people and freight.
• Noting the economic and connectivity opportunities associated with the opening of Western Sydney Airport.
• Strengthening the resilience of key routes so they continue to operate during severe weather and other disruptions. Submissions are open until 14 December 2025 via the NSW Government’s Have Your Say platform: www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov. au/sritp/central-west-and-orana
The Canowindra choir will be singing carols this weekend.
BE SEEN @ CWA Christmas
Friendship Morning Tea
The last CWA Canowindra friendship morning tea for 2025 had a Christmas theme. Everyone had a lovely time, pulling bon bons, eating cake and rum balls. Visitors also took home a lovely gift, courtesy of a grant to bring people together. Thank you for the donations that go towards improvement to the hall. It was great that three members from Woodstock CWA Branch joined us this time.
WHAT’S On
11 Dec Canowindra Bowling Club Thursday afternoon social bowls from 2pm.
11 Dec Canowindra Services Club Thursday Members Badge Draw $1,100. Happy hour 5 - 7pm.
12 Dec Canowindra Bowls Club Friday badge draw $1,400 up for grabs.
12 Dec Canowindra Services Club Friday Night Meat Raffles 7pm to 8.30pm plus Members Badge Draw. 1st draw $1,200, 2nd draw $1,000, 3rd draw $600. Happy hour 5 - 7pm.
12 Dec Canowindra Christmas Day Lunch Booking Cut-Off: All are welcome to attend this fee event - no alcohol permitted. Booking sheets at Vinnies, Food Basket, Orana House, CCC Shop, Canowindra Craft & Hobby, Butcher and Central Motors. For further details contact Deb 0487 801 767 or email debrutter@bigpond.com.
13 Dec Moyne Christmas Carols 5pm – 7.30pm in the Moyne Hay Shed Garden. Free sausage sizzle. Please bring a chair or rug.
14 Dec Community Christmas Carols, St Edwards Catholic Church at 7pm.
14 Dec Gooloogong Park Christmas Market Bonanza: 9am - 1pm, Gooloogong Park. For bookings or further information please contact Kylie Niven 0488 237 678.
14 Dec Canowindra Bowls Club Sunday badge draw $100 up for grabs. Major Jackpot at 7pm.
17 Dec Canowindra Bowls Club Wednesday badge draw $250 up for grabs.
21 Dec Sunday Session at the Bowlo from 4pm. Enjoy this free community event at the Canowindra Bowling Club with the Guilty Dogs and friends performing favourite Christmas hits, raffles, kid's art table and a visit from Santa Ongoing Bingo 12:30pm Tuesday, Canowindra Services Club, refreshments provided.
Ongoing Moorbel Markets first Saturday of the month, 9am - 12.30pm at Moorbel Hall. Great variety of stalls, BBQ and morning tea. To book a stall or for information call Christine 6344 2916.
Ongoing Canowindra Food Basket at the Canowindra Connections Centre, Blatchford St. Winter hours: 2 to 4pm Thursday, 9.30-11.30 Friday morning Summer DST: 2 to 4pm Thursday, 9.00 - 11 Friday morning
Ongoing Uniting Flood Recovery Program Community Engagement Program: Every Wednesday at Canowindra Hotel 12:30pm - 3pm – open to all ages. Relax, connect and have fun, with meaningful conversations. 1800 574 007.
Ongoing Canowindra@home meet on the second Thursday of the month at the Canowindra Services Club from 6pm.
Ongoing Bingo at the Services Club every Tuesday at 12.30pm
Ongoing Dance Practice: New Vogue and Social Dance Group every Tuesday at Canowindra Services Club, 1- 3pm, $5 pp. Phone Gail 0417 747 338.
Ongoing The Adult Survivors of Child Abuse - Cowra Support Group meets on the 1st Friday of each month from 12:30 to 14:30 and is open to survivors of all communities. All details online via: heal.itmatters.com.au. Alternatively, call Pascale, the facilitator, on 0458 698 460.
Ongoing Meat raffles at the Canowindra Golf Club. Every Saturday from 6pm.
Ongoing Canowindra Progress Association meeting third Monday of the month. All welcome. 6pm at the Canowindra Services Club.
CLASSIFIEDS
LAYER PULLETS 20 WEEKS
All Breeds. Delivered Canowindra Thursday, 18 December 2025
Contact Jim 0428 194 105 WINE BARRELS FOR SALE
Half wine barrels $130 each
Full wine barrels $250 each
Ph: Parkes Brick & Pavers 6862 2253
To place a classified ad please contact sales@canowindraphoenix.com.au
LAST PAPER FOR 2025 Thursday, 18 December
FIRST PAPER FOR 2026 Thursday, 22 January 2026
CANOWINDRA SPORT Australians Urged To Level Up Pool Safety
INTERNATIONAL RUGBY LEAGUE TOUR FOR LOCAL STUDENTS
Jay Burn and Harper Watson, together with Eadie Brown, Adison Newcombe and Freya McCafferey, recently travelled to France and the United Kingdom to play football with Wanderers Australia. During the tour, they competed against teams from the Leeds, Bradford and Leigh regions.
In addition to their matches, the group explored the Rugby League Museum in Yorkshire, attended a soccer match in Hull, the Women’s Super League Grand Final in Wigan, and the Men’s Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford in Manchester. Beyond football, the trip provided a range of memorable experiences: visiting the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Buckingham Palace in London, historic sites in York, and most significantly, Villers-Bretonneux in France, where Australian soldiers fought during World War I.
This unforgettable opportunity would not have been possible without the generous support of our local community. The children and their families would like to extend their sincere thanks to everyone who helped make this trip a reality.
Almost half (49%) of Australian pool owners are unsure if their pool gate would pass a safety inspection, with new research revealing widespread complacency as the peak drowning season approaches.
The latest MagnaLatch® Pool Safety Report shows a worrying decline in vigilance, with close to three quarters (70%) of pool owners admitting they hadn’t checked their pool gate in the past six months or more and over a third (33%) of pool owners do not remember when they had last gained a recent safety compliance certificate.
Laurie Lawrence, founder of Kids Alive and Check Your Pool Gate Month Ambassador, stresses that the findings show too many Australians are putting lives at risk through inaction and misplaced confidence.
“This report is a real wake-up call,” says Laurie. “We’ve made significant progress in drowning prevention over the years, but we can’t afford to relax. Pool gates save lives yet too many people assume theirs is working fine without ever checking. That kind of complacency is dangerous.”
A comprehensive pool safety checklist is available at www.checkyourpoolgate.com. au, offering essential tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable summer for all.
Finance Officer – Join a Growing, Supportive Team!
Austasia Animal Products Pty. Ltd. (AAP) is a long‑established, proudly Australian, and rapidly growing manufacturing company specialising in high‑quality animal nutrition products.
We are excited to offer a full-time Finance Officer position at our Forbes NSW office. This is an excellent opportunity to join a friendly, supportive, and professional team where your contribution to our company’s operations will be highly valued.
In this position, you will support the finance and administration functions of the business, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely processing across all aspects.
What You’ll Bring:
• Relevant certifications and/or proven experience in accounts receivable/payable, or general bookkeeping
• Strong attention to detail and a high level of numerical accuracy
• Ability to prioritise tasks, meet deadlines, and manage competing demands
• Confident communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively
• Strong computer literacy, including MS Office (Excel essential)
• Experience with accounting software (e.g., MYOB, Xero, or similar)
• Professionalism, discretion, and initiative when handling financial information
Why You’ll Love Working with Us:
• A stable, long standing company with opportunities for growth
• Supportive team culture within a business that values its people
• A generous employee bonus scheme and additional company benefits
• A role where your financial skills and attention to detail make a meaningful impact
If you’re looking for a long-term role within a growing and supportive organisation, we’d love to hear from you.
To apply, please submit your cover letter and CV by email to lena@rbac.com.au on or before 16/01/2026.
Remuneration will be negotiated based on experience.
Jay Burn and Harper Watson travelled to the UK to play for the Wanderers.
CANOWINDRA SPORT
MEN'S BOWLS
During the week, Ben Rooke continued his good form in the consistency singles against Tot. Ben was in a excellent winning position when Tot was unable to continue with an arm injury. He now plays Marc Steven’s on Tuesday 9 December.The winner plays Larry in the final, possibly on the weekend. Ben teamed up with Cristy in the final of mixed pairs on Wednesday evening against Michael and Penny. Although Penny led well, Ben continually took shots away in a masterful display. Michael tried to play aggressively with no result. Cristy also found form later in the match to complete the victory.
This week the open fours match will be played on Saturday 13 December at 11am, this is scheduled earlier due to the weather.
P and B Lees, Tot and Charlie V8 versus Teddy, Barney, Deb and Glen.
Friday night twilight bowls continues with good attendances and also put your name down for Christmas dinner for twilight bowlers and guests. (guests will need to contribute towards dinner).
Thursday arfternoon bowls will be at 2pm Hams and meat trays Friday and Sunday, we also have a raffle for a ham on Wednesday between 6pm and 7pm.
Badge draws this week are Friday $1,400, Wednesday $250 and Sunday $100.
Punting syndicate have rounded up for this year, thanks for all who participated. Also thanks to Ellie and Haz looking after the running of punting clubs.Thanks for those who supported the punter’s club and dividends are available at the bar.
After all club events, social days will be organised and maybe a BBQ or two.
Well done to all the bowlers who supported the Gooloogong hams and turkeys social day last Sunday. Although teams performed well, no one could bring home any major prizes.
WOMEN'S BOWLS
The Final of the Rose Bowl Singles were played on Tuesday 9 December. Joyce Boland defeated Kris Cann 26- 13. Well done to both players, as they had played many games to get to the final.
Two Social games were also played. Libby Balcombe and Moyna Rue playing half a game each and, Gwen Haydon defeated, Sue Slattery, Jeanette Wheeldon and Christine Pickard 26-13.
Cierwen Jones , Deanna Noble and Karen Cox defeated Pauline Carpenter, Kay-
leen Doyle and Betty Jenkins 20-2. Presentation day of trophies will be held next Tuesday 16 December at the Bowling Club, 9.30am - 10am, followed by follow our Christmas Lunch at the Old VIC at 12pm. Women's bowls will start back on the 20 January 2026.
Last week, Year 10 students from Canowindra High School enjoyed sailing, abseiling, stand-up paddle boarding and archery at Narrabeen Sports and Recreation Academy. The students also enjoyed a day at the beach and surfing lessons with Manly Surf School.