Return to Molong sparks memories from 55 years ago Molong Cadets : Achieving through training and volunteering

Molong was delighted to get a visit from past resident Norma Trad, and her grandsons David and Daniel Naddaf last week.

Norma was the niece of the muchloved Joe and Jeanette Betros who ran the fruit and veg shop at 91 Bank Street, where the Molong Flower Room now operates.

Norma came to Molong from Lebanon in 1968 with her three daughters and son to meet her late husband, Edmond who had arrived a year prior. The trip took eight days altogether.

They lived next door to the fruit and veg shop, and there was no indoor bathroom, only outdoor which remains at the rear of the property today.

When they first arrived, the priest at the time announced that the family was from overseas and that any help would be much appreciated. Over the following weeks, members of the community brought food, clothes, furniture and anything they could donate to their front door. Norma says they were overwhelmed by everyone's generosity.

The two families mostly lived off the land and had many different types of vegetables and fruits in the backyard including the olive tree that is still there now. The tree was planted by her Uncle Joe, and Norma remembers she and her Aunt Jeanette making flat bread every week under the big tree at the back, which is still there.

The Trad and Betros children attended the school that was run by nuns. They were so generous to the family because they knew they were new to the country and were struggling so they used to donate the left-over milk. Norma and her Aunt Jeanette used to turn this into yogurt. Norma learned English in Molong. It was hard but she said that everyone was very patient and kind. The Trad family lived in Molong for five years before moving to Orange.

Norma and her now adult children came to visit Molong about two years ago but were not able to see inside the property that was such an important part of their life, so it was very special for Norma and her grandsons to be able to see inside this visit. They were very grateful to Yvonne at the Molong Flower Room for being so generous with her time showing them around.

Norma’s grandson David said: “When my brother and I decided to visit Molong for the first time and bring our grandmother with us, we would have never thought we would share such a precious experience.

“Seeing not only her hometown, but the place she lived in over 55 years ago and speaking to members of the community who remembered her from that time.

“Visiting Bank Street was the highlight of my grandmother's trip and she hasn't stopped talking about it. My grandmother has many fond memories living in Molong and has always said they were the best years of her life.

She explained that in her life she has never met people that are more kind, generous and caring than the community in Molong and wishes that her days in Molong never ended.”

Thank you to David and Daniel for bringing their grandmother back to Molong for a visit, and for sharing some of her memories with us.

Recognition, appreciation and celebration for young volunteers was the key to St John’s cadet presentation.

Molong St John Ambulance Cadet Division held its presentations for fire safety badge course last week.

Captain Lenny Punch and the Fire Brigade officers who assisted the cadets to complete the course were invited to attend the parade to present the fire safety certificate and badge. Family and friends attended to join in the celebration of the cadet’s achievements. Cadet Sergeant Jazmin Pietrzak instructed the cadets in drill and formed up an excellent parade. Hayden Calder started the proceedings by reading the Acknowledgement to Country. The Fire Brigade officers then presented the much-awaited certificates and badges. Cadet Officer Jade Kirk presented Fire Captain Lenny Punch with a certificate of appreciation for the instruction and assistance given by his team.

Cadets attended a Divisional Camp in June at Blaxland, visited the Museum of Fire at Penrith and the Glenbrook Fire Station. They were accompanied by Jade Kirk and Mitchell Cotter who must be commended for their efforts on camp.

On parade, Jazmin Pietrzak and Mitchell Cotter were respectfully presented with their three-year star and five-year service bar for their volunteer work with St John. Cassandra Clayton finished the parade by reading the Code of Chivalry. Parade was followed by supper and the time to catch up with members and their supportive families. Divisional Superintendent Julie Dean expressed her appreciation to all who assisted with the Cadet Training Program and the achievements of the Molong Cadet Division.