Molong Express 11 March 2021

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AND WESTERN DISTRICTS ADVERTISER

THURSDAY 11 March 2021

Ph: (02) 6366 8017

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Email: molongex@bigpond.net.au www.molongexpress.com.au

Draft Cabonne 2021 - 2041 Settlement Strategy released

by Paul Mullins

If you or your children might be investing in real estate or starting a business in Cabonne in the next 20 years you should be interested in this.

Cabonne Council and iPlan Projects have prepared a Draft Cabonne Settlement Strategy 2021-2041 that sets out future growth potential for all of the key settlements in Cabonne. The draft is on public exhibition from Monday 8 March 2021 to Monday 12 April 2021.

The Strategy is important as it will guide decision-making by Council and the NSW Government on areas for future business and residential expansion over the next 20 years.

It considers locations for infill development in existing urban zones and, if required, expansion of urban areas into surrounding rural areas.

This may affect the character of a settlement, its amenity, or future development opportunities on the land in the settlement, therefore it is important to submit any feedback you may have.

The Strategy is broken down into three main documents, the Settlement Options Paper, the Local Profile & Issues Paper, and the Settlement Implementation Paper. A copy of these documents is available for download through Council’s website by clicking the “Have Your Say” button on the homepage. The documents can also be viewed in hardcopy at the Council offices in Molong, Cudal and Canowindra, or by contacting your progress association.

NEXT WEEK The Strategy in detail

One of Molong's "oldest timers", Cora Whiting celebrated her 100th birthday on Monday.

Cora lived for many years in Betts Street with husband Lachie Whiting who originally hailed from Tumut.

Cora's fellow residents and staff at Yuranigh House put on a cake and morning tea last week, where Cora is pictured here with daughters Caroline and Ruth.

A weekend celebration saw five generations gather for no doubt more cake.

Potential Residential

Bank St CBD

Potential Residential

Potential Residential Should you wish to discuss the Draft Settlement Strategy, you can contact Cabonne Council on 6392 3200. For more specific feedback, Cabonne Council’s Department Leader of Development Services, Chris Eldred, will be available for individual meetings from Tuesday 6 April to Friday 9 April. Please call Council’s Development Services on 6392 3265 to arrange an appointment. Lodge written submissions by 5pm Monday 12 April 2021. Submissions can be emailed to council@cabonne.nsw.gov.au or mailed to General Manager, Cabonne Council, PO Box 17, Molong NSW 2866. or hand deliver to Council’s offices at Molong or Cudal.

Cora turns 100

Has Christian Porter been subjected to a ‘trial by media’?

P7 Marion Leathem: only woman owner of the Molong Express P9 + Pages of news and features

How about these Packham pears?

“Choose to Challenge”

by Rozzi Smith There are many remarkable women of today who came to my mind to feature for International Women’s Day 2021.

Whilst we are proud of each of these women … of all women – I am mindful that we have grown from the achievements, skills, knowledge and attributes of women of yesterday – generations of family members, mothers, grandmothers, great grannies, cousins and photos of those we never knew. These women helped to carry the flame of womanhood, sisterhood from their generation to the next and the next … and we have the responsibility of carrying the flame, a flame of many colours and humble beginnings to the next generation – who will pass the flame to the next ... and the next.

Question? Is the flame we carry as women of today growing stronger … or diminishing? As we pass the torch to future generations of women is the flame as healthy, as strong as the lives of the women of yesterday? Do we hold the same simple values – the essence of a woman (strength, courage, self-belief, values, respect) that the women of yesterday passed onto us in the hope that we would build onto these values – and others – to pass onto future generations?

Take a look at the continuing media reports from Canberra, Parliament House etc. Are we building the flame … or diminishing the flame? The thought by women of today is “the conversation needs to happen?”

when it comes to sexual harassment, rape, the behaviour of men towards women … not forgetting the behaviour of women towards men. Yes, it does. But, let’s not overlook the other conversations that need to happen. As women, of the future for the future … and with the responsibility of handing over a well lit flame/torch for future women to build onto – do we need to return to the ‘base’ the first women passed to us? Respect, loyalty, manners, self-love, compassion, strong linkages to the soil, food growing, survival of self, family … community, belief, the thought that as women – we are one?

These women of generations past introduced we women of following generations to a simple and solid base of hard work, perseverance, courage, love, compassion, belief in self and family and community. The Christian faith was generally part of this base. Non-believers? What do we believe in – other than the rights of women today?

Question for today’s woman … is, … have we moved too far away from this simple base given the fast lives we have created for ourselves which includes family, career, sheer tiredness, child care centres, after school care, Harvey Norman houses and fittings, credit cards, packaged foods, take-aways … and the lives of our children overwhelmingly full of sport, etc. etc. marriage breakdowns, divorce, and the loss of Christian beliefs, and our community building responsibilities?

Life today is incredibly fast for women and their families. Are we, as women, of this generation still linked to the earth, the soil, the growing of food, preparation of food, and simple lifestyle challenges? Or, reading recent news from Canberra etc … have we gone too far from the simplicity and meaning of life itself?

What drives us today? Self, self, self???

Or, success at the peril of men, boys, the meaning of ‘family’, the meaning of life?.

Is this the conversation that needs to happen?

Sweetness Cafe

You can’t get any more genuine than this! And look at the size!

Val Packham brought them in on Tuesday, straight off husband John’s heirloom tree. They weigh around “a pound” or nearly half a kilo each.

Packham pears, “Packham’s Triumph”, were originally developed at Garra in 1896 by Charles Packham. Today Packham pears are primarily grown in the southern hemisphere including Australia, Chile, Argentina, and South Africa, and are famous globally.

Can’t wait till they ripen up. Thanks Val.....Paul Mullins

Shop 1, 21 Bank St Molong https://edendecorandgifts.com.au/ We are so excited to announce that we will be apart of the SPRING virtual Canberra Markets on 26th September.

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BUILDING BLOCK OVER 5 ACRES IN MOLONG Small acreage blocks in Molong are very hard to find, this block is positioned overlooking Molong & only minutes to the main street shops & schools. Access is easy from Riddell Street with good sheltered building sites with established shady trees. Power is close by on Queen & Riddell Streets This is a Great opportunity to have your own Lifestyle property right in town.

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• Cute country cottage with front bullnose verandas • Wide timber floorboards throughout the living areas • 3 bedrooms 2 with built in robes • Open plan spacious kitchen • Good size loungeroom with reverse cycle air • Shared bathroom & laundry space • Fully fenced & secured yard approx. 733 sqm For Sale $250,000 to $270,000 1 3 0 Mark Howes 0427 668 800

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• 3 bedroom all with built in robes • Open plan kitchen & family room • Good size lounge room with reverse cycle air • Large bathroom space with bath & separate shower • Colour bond 2 bay shed + skillion area with concrete floor & power • Water is sorted with 2 water tanks & a bore • Great lifestyle block with a large dam

For Sale $245,000 to $265,000 1 3 2 Mark Howes 0427 668 800

Molong & District’s Own Real Estate Agent

With such strong buyer enquiry, if you have been thinking of selling there is no better time than now.

If you are curious please call me.

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PROPERTY MANAGER 0432 649 274

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42 BANK STREET, MOLONG PH: 02 6366 8800

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MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 11 March 2021

3

News

$16.1 Million For highway upgrades Small Town Harmonies between Orange and Lithgow choir returns

Highway upgrades totalling more than $16 million will be carried out between Orange and Lithgow.

Federal Member for Calare and Minister for Decentralisation and Regional Education the Hon Andrew Gee MP has welcomed the funding from the Australian Government’s Road Safety Program.

Work is starting immediately on parts of the Mitchell Highway and two sections totalling 10km of the Great Western Highway.

“The works will include shoulder sealing, rumble strips to alert drivers when they are moving out of their lane, median upgrades to prevent head-on collisions shoulder sealing, rumble strips to alert drivers when they are moving out of their lane, median upgrades to prevent head-on collisions and barriers to prevent crashes and protect against roadside hazards,” Mr Gee said.

“This investment won’t just save lives, it will also provide a boost to local economies as we come back from the COVID-19 recession, with these projects supporting more local jobs.”

Mr Gee said the highway between Orange and Lithgow was one of the busiest stretches west of the Blue Mountains.

“The Federal Government contribution is in excess of $14 million to these upgrades, representing 87% of total funding, and we know how important they will be to our community.

“With more and more people crossing the

Great Dividing Range to discover the Central West, it’s vital we keep investing in road safety, not only for locals but for visitors.

“The first tranche of the works is already underway and expected to be completed in a few short months,” Mr Gee said.

Opportunity missed for our fruit and veg farmers

In yet another blow to the state’s intensifying harvest labour crisis, NSW has missed an opportunity to be part of a DFAT-run program that enables seasonal workers from Fiji and Vanuatu to work on local farms.

National fruit and vegetable crop losses resulting from the workforce conundrum now exceed $50 million, and the outcomes of today’s National Cabinet meeting confirm NSW is lagging behind other states and territories in developing a short-term solution.

NSW Farmers President James Jackson said demand for seasonal labour is currently peaking, yet our options for accessing labour have dwindled over recent months.

“Backpackers usually constitute the bulk of the workforce, but there’s less than a quarter of the pre-COVID numbers left in Australia and they continue to leave Australia by the thousands,” Mr Jackson said.

“NSW has a unique set of circumstances compared with the other states, which have contributed to us seeing a scarcity of workers

coming through international terminals.”

“NSW is taking 3000 returned travellers a week, which is much more than any other state.

Our quarantine costs have not been subsidised like in other states, and now we’re missing out on the DFAT program that South Australia put its hand up to trial.”

“NSW has already amassed millions of dollars in crop losses. That amount could have covered the quarantine cost subsidy for nearly 5,000 seasonal workers.”

“We have been calling for a temporary solution which, at a minimum, enables workers under the Seasonal Worker Program to move from employer to employer along the harvest trail.”

“This is part of a five-point plan NSW Farmers has developed, emphasising the need to mould existing labour programs to the conditions at hand so we can avoid further major crop losses.”

Mr Jackson said the federal and state governments must promptly work toward a holistic solution to the long and short term labour challenges facing the horticulture sector.

After a 12 month hiatus due to COVID restrictions, Small Town Harmonies choir is now singing together once more. As the name reflects, the community pop choir was formed in 2019 with the idea of bringing people together from Molong, Cumnock, Manildra and other surrounding towns to sing for the well-being of their soul. People of all singing abilities are encouraged to join with the group’s motto reflecting that – No Auditions, No Judgements, Just Singing.

Choir founder Sharni Neville says the group was also formed as a social outlet for locals in the area.

“Quite a few of our members are new to town and the choir provides a perfect way to meet new people in a fun social environment that doesn’t require travelling to Orange or playing a sport. Despite what most people say about themselves, anyone can sing!”

Song choices cover all eras and genres of music and have ranged from Dolly Parton to Michael Jackson, George Ezra and Coldplay.

Rehearsals are also kept simple and light with music director Peter Jones teaching the group by ear and repetition rather through being able to read sheet music. “Everyone was devastated we couldn’t sing together

The Duke and Duchess Of Sussex

Here’s the Australian Monachist League’s take on the current buzz around Harry and Meghan’s interview with Oprah.

Nothing to do with us.

Newspapers in Education Cadia Valley Operations and the Central Western Daily

4 MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 11 March 2021

RM6782365

Expressions of interest are now open for Newcrest’s Fundraising Beyond the Curve program, supporting Charities, Not-for-profit Organisations or Associations whose fundraising revenue has been impacted by COVID-19. Find out more at bizhq.com.au

anymore and the last 12 months have been long. Choir lifts your spirits each week and everybody leaves rehearsals with a huge smile on their face. I think there is a huge misconception that choirs are stiff, serious and boring but in our case it is quite the opposite. Being able to sing perfectly is actually the least important thing about it.”

2019 was a successful first year for the choir with member numbers growing and the group showcasing their work at two public performances. The COVID outbreak led to the choir disbanding through 2020 but with the NSW government easing restrictions Small Town Harmonies are now getting the band back together. Anyone aged 15+ is welcome to join with men in particular are encouraged to do so. Rehearsals will commence from 18th March and are held from 7-9pm Thursdays at the Molong RSL. Cost $2 per person.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have nothing, constitutionally, to do with Australia. When visiting this country, other than in regard to the 2018 Invictus Games, they have done so as representatives of the Queen, our sovereign head of state.

Whilst the Duke is the son and the Duchess the daughter-in-law of the Prince of Wales, by their own decision they have left the Royal Family as working royals.

Accordingly, as far as Australia is concerned, they are individuals.

However, the Duke of Sussex was born a prince is the grandson of the Queen and, until the birth of the children of the Duke of Cambridge, was third in line to the Throne. As

such he and his wife, the Duchess enjoy a privileged status.

In no way should they use that status to disparage the Royal Household and in so doing demean the Queen. At 95 years of age with her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh in hospital, the last thing she needs is public discontent amongst her family. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex should at all times consider the position of Her Majesty before they give any public interviews.

In Australia, and elsewhere, our focus should instead be on Commonwealth Day which falls on Monday the 8th of March 2021 during which the Queen will be paying tribute to all those courageous hospital, quarantine and other workers on the front line tackling Covid throughout the Commonwealth and the World.

Your say

THE PEOPLES VOICE IN CABONNE

Txt the editor

0492 439 786

HEY ! Are you over making great comments and posts on the zillions of Facebook sites around here?

Here's another way.

Send a text message to 0492 439 786 on whatever cheers you up or makes your blood boil.

They'll be read all over Orange & Cabonne.

Here's this weeks interesting crop..

Last week Dr Seuss books were deemed racist, this week Looney Tunes skunk Pepe Le Pew is a rapist. How did we ever survive being born in the 1960’s?

Gen X, Molong There seem to be a lot of ‘if’s’, ‘but’s’, and ‘maybe’s’, about when and where the COVID-19 vaccination program will be available for NSW and Australian citizens. There is a significant difference between what we have been told about the vaccine rollout and what is happening. The smoothness indicated in the printed vaccination program seems to be sputtering badly.

Timekeeper, Orange Be careful Thomas the Tank Engine the do gooders are watching you.

Michelle, Molong Banks or charities must also provide loans up to AU150,000,00-500,000,00 to Centrelink people so they can buy land and build houses or buy a house or get married or funeral or medical treatment - but never for holidays because it is luxury! The most important thing is to be able to pay the loans by deducting directly from Centrelink account! World union imperator in resistance.....

Anon, Manildra Bring on the Footy please - need something to do on Thurs and Fri night.

The footy watcher, Molong One of the major supermarket chains has come to its financial senses – in ending card pay only ‘cashless’ stores interstate. Eventually, card pay only discriminatory businesses all over Oz will wake up to the fact they’re cutting themselves off from a significant source of non-debt income – many oldies are cashed up. (There was never any proof that use of cash was a factor in the pandemic. That ‘scare’ only suited those with a cashless society agenda to promote – like large Company CEO’s or Big 4 bank chiefs with neo bank dreams of hardly any branches or staff, little personal customer service & scrapping ATMs.) JM Molong The last week's weather has been the best week of the year, what the heck is happening to our 4 seasons.

WJ Molong Life is the greatest gift of all. One that many wish they never lost. Wanting the right to die is like being the unappreciative child at Christmas time. If TAS can pass a bill why can't all the other States.

KAD Cudal There is nothing surprising about the level and degree of violence being levied against teachers by students in our classrooms. The government and education department have no mandated system for managing this behaviour; it’s left to schools to do their own thing on the subject. Individualised school policies look pretty and accommodate the issue with fancy, flowery language but are largely ineffective. This issue needs to be owned by the department and government, not by schools.

X teacher, Molong

View from the Hill

Michelle Grattan

Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

Scott Morrison can’t get a circuit breaker while Porter remains

Scott Morrison has a near obsession with control. But suddenly – in the course of only weeks – he has found himself presiding over a government in a shambles, where he is reacting rather than driving.

All the mayhem flows from a common source – two rape allegations, one involving staffers in a minister’s office in 2019, the other relating to a minister accused of assaulting a woman, now dead, years before he entered politics.

Waves from these allegations have embroiled the Prime Minister’s staff in a “who knew what” inquiry, threatened the futures of two members of his cabinet, and are now complicating the progress of a key part of the government’s policy agenda.

Attorney-General Christian Porter and Defence Minister Linda Reynolds are still standing, walking wounded anxiously hoping Morrison does not kick away their crutches.

But they are both on leave, coping with stress. Other ministers are having to rush around filling the gaps they’ve left.

Porter is also industrial relations minister. He was due, when parliament meets for the week starting March 15, to steer the government’s workplace legislation through the Senate. Ahead of that, he’s been negotiating on the detail with crossbenchers crucial to its fate.

If the bill isn’t finalised that week, there won’t be another opportunity until the budget session.

Porter’s mental health leave appears open-ended – maybe a fortnight, perhaps longer. Employment Minister Michaelia Cash is filling in for him in the two portfolios, as well as continuing her own work. It’s hardly ideal when the government wants the IR bill done and dusted ASAP so it doesn’t have to talk about it anymore.

Foreign Minister Marise Payne, standing in for Reynolds, this week has had to deal with the backlash over the miscued remarks from Chief of the Australian Defence Force Angus Campbell. However well intentioned, Campbell’s reported

advice to cadet officers for keeping safe – guard against “four As”, namely alcohol, out after midnight, alone and attractive – was seen by some as shifting the onus onto potential victims. In Reynolds’ absence, Payne gave Campbell a mild verbal clip over the ear.

Reynolds this week took another hit when it was leaked that she’d called Brittany Higgins, who alleged a colleague raped her in the minister’s office, a “lying cow”. Reynolds, who made the remark on February 15 within the open section of her office, wasn’t doubting Higgins’ allegation but rather, her claim about the inadequate level of support she received after making it.

Morrison, while condemning Reynolds’ “offensive” remark, for which she later apologised to staff, defended her, saying among other things that it had been made in a “stressful week”. But Higgins on Thursday threatened to sue unless she received an apology.

Reynolds was due back at work next Monday but is extending her medical leave.

Most difficult for Morrison now is how the Porter story will pan out. The Attorney-General’s Wednesday statement, denying the deceased woman’s allegation, has done little but further polarise attitudes.

Like Tony Abbott before him, Porter has become a lightning rod for the passionate determination of activist women campaigning on a range of issues, in this case violence against women.

Calls for Morrison to establish an independent inquiry into the historical rape claim have met a brick wall, as the PM casts the issue as a test of the “rule of law”.

So it is, but it is equally a test of the power of mobilising emotion and anger as a political force, and that is proving extremely potent.

(Continued page 10)

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 11 March 2021

5

Features

Has Christian Porter been subjected to a ‘trial by media’? No, the media did its job of being a watchdog

Aside from his strenuous denials of the rape allegation against him, the central point made by AttorneyGeneral Christian Porter at his media conference was that he had been the victim of “trial by media”.

He warned if the media’s publication of allegations in these circumstances resulted in a public figure being forced from office, it would represent a new and unacceptable standard for public figures generally.

He also said no one in the media had confronted him with the allegation. And he said that when Prime Minister Scott Morrison discussed the matter with him last week, the document containing the allegation had already been sent to the Australian Federal Police, so he had not seen it on that occasion either.

These are important questions deserving of scrutiny.

What constitutes a ‘trial by media’?

“Trial by media” is one of those phrases that trips off the tongue in cases where the media apply intense pressure on a person or organisation at the centre of an issue.

Trial by media occurs when either of two things happen. The first is where media coverage prejudices the outcome of legal processes,

Molong Bulls in the right “State of Mind”

The Molong Bulls Rugby League Club last week got behind NRL's State of Mind Grassroots Program by hosting an Education Session to help encourage those suffering mental illness to seek help.

Former Canberra Raiders legend Alan Tongue was at Molong Central School for the session, and later led a hit out on the field. Over 40 Bulls, Bullettes and officials attended.

With Mr Tongue, Member for Orange Phil Donato attended the session representing men’s mental health charity Mr Perfect. Bruno Efoti, founder of well-being organisation Tradies in Sight, was also there.

The program seeks to reduce the stigma around mental health, increase understanding and stimulate help-seeking behaviours.

AAP/Richard Wainwright

such as police investigations or trials in court. The second is when the media initiate an issue and then proceed to play prosecutor, judge and jury.

Neither applies in the Porter case.

As far as is known, there are no police investigations or legal proceedings on foot and there has been little prospect there would be, given the woman who made the allegations is now dead.

The South Australian police are preparing a report for the coroner, an investigation that by definition is confined to the circumstances of the person’s death.

The New South Wales police investigation was suspended after the woman took her life in June last year, and this week, Commissioner Mick Fuller said the case was closed.

The South Australian police commissioner discussed the matter with the NSW and AFP commissioners this week, as well, but has made no comment on whether his force would pursue an investigation. The AFP has no jurisdiction.

So much for the first test of trial by media.

(Above) Allan Tongue leads the squad for a training run after the session.

(Right) Alan Tongue addresses the Bulls squad.

(Below) Bulls President Jenny Barrow (Front, 2nd from left) was joined by Phil Donato (Back (2nd from right) Bruno Efoti (Back left) and Bulls players on the field after the session.

(Continued page 10)

KERR’S CREEK WIND FARM INFORMATION DAYS Renewable Energy Systems (RES) are developing a Renewable Energy Project comprising a Wind Farm and associated battery storage facility on land between Kerr’s Creek and Euchareena in NSW. RES are hosting two community information sessions to provide the community with information and to get feedback on the proposed development.

The information sessions are not formal presentations but an open-house format. Please call in at a time that suits you. We will have project information on display and key project team members in attendance to answer any questions you may have.

Molong Hall

Euchareena Soldiers Memorial Hall

98 Bank Street, Molong, NSW, 2866

Nubrigyn Street, Euchareena, NSW, 2866

th

Friday 19 March 2021, 4pm - 7pm

Saturday 20th March 2021, 9am - 12pm

More information is available on the project website: www.kerrscreek-renewableenergy.com

6 MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 11 March 2021

Kerr’s Creek Wind Farm

NSW Government delivers Koala Sepp 2021 NSW Nationals Upper House MP, Sam Farraway said the NSW Nationals have today delivered the Koala SEPP 2021 striking a balance between protecting the rights of farmers and protecting core koala habitat across regional NSW. Core rural zones in rural areas will be decoupled from the SEPP as new codes that protect koala habitat under the Local Land Services Act are developed over the next month.

“Land zoned for primary production or forestry in regional NSW will not be subject to the new SEPP, which means farmers will not be strangled by red tape,” Mr Farraway said.

“The new SEPP will remove the dual consent requirements facing farmers and foresters while immediately introducing enhanced protection for koala habitat in areas where more than 95 per cent of development activity occurs.

“The NSW Nationals are creating a safer and stronger regional NSW and we are committed to protecting the rights of farmers and primary producers in regional NSW.” Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the concerns of landholders in regional NSW have been heard by the NSW Government.

“This is a win for regional NSW and balances the interests of farmers and the protection of koalas and their habitat,” Mr Barilaro said.

“The intention has always been to find a solution to protect both farmers and koalas and we have successfully arrived at the Koala SEPP 2021.”

To ensure that Koala habitat is protected, whilst limiting unnecessary regulation on rural land use, the following measures will be introduced: · Koala SEPP 2019 will be remade across NSW as Koala SEPP 2021; · The existing Koala SEPP 2020 will continue to apply in core rural zones (RU 1, 2 and 3), except in metropolitan Sydney, Blue Mountains and the Central Coast, where Koala SEPP 2021 will apply across all zones; · Comprehensive Koala Plans of Management (KPOM) will be finalised to protect koala habitat in Tweed and Byron Shires.

· Private Native Forestry (PNF) and Local Land Services (LLS) codes will be revised to ensure robust protections for koalas in areas of high value koala habitat and certainty and consistency for primary producers; · The Minister for Planning will issue a new section 9.1 direction to ensure that only the Minister, and not councils, will be empowered to rezone land used for primary production to an environmental zone, or to rezone land currently in rural zones 1, 2 and 3 to other rural zones; · Once the codes are finalised and reflected in legislation (as required), the Koala SEPP 2020 will be repealed and the Koala SEPP 2021 will apply to the remaining land; · At that time, dual consent provisions for PNF in local environmental plans will be removed through Koala SEPP 2021; · Koala Plans of Management and guidelines under Koala SEPP 2021 will require the approval of the Secretary of DPIE and the concurrence of the Secretary of DRNSW.

The NSW Koala Strategy c o m m i t s Government to stabilise and then increase koala numbers in the wild by identifying and protecting koala habitat on public and private land.

Since 2018, the NSW Government has invested more than $44.7 million to secure koalas in the wild as part of the NSW Koala Strategy.

To date, initiatives include purchasing more than 3,600 hectares of priority habitat for permanent protection as part of the National Parks estate and securing 24,000 hectares of State forest as koala parks and reserves.

Lack of consultation on new Koala SEPP a concern for farmers

NSW Farmers is concerned by a lack of consultation with landholders around new koala regulations and what they will mean for farmers.

NSW Farmers’ President James Jackson said it was disappointing the agreement made with the Premier last year to protect koalas and farms had been to “NSW Farmers brought to the government’s attention the extensive problems with Koala SEPP 2019, a regulation that was meant to be originally designed to protect koalas from urban development but had serious consequences for farm productivity," Mr Jackson said.

“Fortunately the government realised changes needed to be made, however, while it is pleasing that areas of the state will be excluded from the urban based new SEPP, farmers across other regions will still be subject to Koala SEPP 2021 and their farm operations will be greatly impacted. Real farmers need to be excluded from this urban SEPP." “The Deputy Premier has said the new SEPP cuts red tape for farmers but we have no concrete evidence that this is the case because farmers have not been consulted on the changes."

“We’re calling on the government, in particular the Premier to ensure the new regulations won’t negatively impact farm businesses."

“It doesn’t make sense not to consult with farmers. We’re at the forefront of koala conservation and testament to that is the fact koalas on private land are thriving compared to those on public land that are under threat from their management policies."

“The proposed changes to the balanced land management codes is very concerning, and ignores the reality that koalas survived the catastrophic fires last year did so on private land due to the responsible actions of farmers,” Mr Jackson said.

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 11 March 2021

7

Enter the SPAR Easter colouring competition

Hey Kids - enter our colouring competition and bring your entry into SPAR for display and a chance to win some cool prizes.

Ages: 8 and under. 9 and up.

Entries taken until Monday 29 March

NOTE: You can pick up this colouring-in sheet from the SPAR Store

Phil Donato MP Member for Orange

Your voice in NSW Parliament Get in touch: M: 123 Byng Street Orange T: 02 6362 5199 E: orange@parliament.nsw.gov.au Authorised by Philip Donato MP, Member for Orange, produced using parliamentary entitlements

Bank St MOLONG

PH 6366 8062

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THIS SATURDAY ONLY Bring in this coupon to RECEIVE 10% DISCOUNT

when you spend $50 or more in one transaction.

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8 MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 11 March 2021

Thinking about the lives of Molong’s first women Rozzi Smith fills us in on a strong Molong Woman of days gone by

Molong and district’s first settlers were supported by women who travelled over the sandstone curtain (Blue Mountains) leaving behind their families, friends to help their husbands and masters to set up in the vast lands, waterways, with new settlements like Molong being built.

These women carried with them few belongings – perhaps an embroidered hanky or piece of jewellery given to them by their own mothers and grandmothers to help remember them. For the majority of these women were not to see their loved ones again due to the long distances travelled to their new homes. They were women who coped with isolation. Could we do the same today?

Carrying with them were babies and children. Some women were awaiting the birth of their first babies, others prayed that their babies would not be born in the hostile wilderness of the mountains – far away from help.

One can only imagine the hardship these women suffered as they worked alongside their husbands and masters to create a home built of slabs of freshly cut timbers and roofs that leaked and captured the cold winds in the winter. Dirt floors, open fires to cook on, cloth washing in the local creek – or in fire lit coppers in the yard filled with buckets of water from the nearby waterways.

So incredibly different to the ‘Harvey Norman homes of today’ that have grown from the simple beginnings of women who first settled this area helping to build the communities, careers and lifestyle we enjoy today.

Molong’s Marion Leathem – ‘Choose to Challenge’

“The deceased lady thus had a difficult and strenuous burden placed upon her shoulders of rearing a family and conducting a newspaper, but she was a woman ofindomitable courage and resource, and faced many difficulties and trials which would have broken the heart of many a man let alone a woman. However, she faced her difficulties with determination, aided by hard work and shrewdness, and succeeded in keeping the business going until the sons grew up and were able to assist her.”

1919 Obituary for Marion Leathem of the Molong Express

Let me share a short story of a woman, before her time, Marion Leathem - who settled in Molong back in 1876 and through her husbands untimely passing at 33 years of age became the first woman to own the Molong Express.

In fact, Marion Leathem has been the only woman owner of the Molong Express in its 145 years of being. During the 30 years she ran the local paper, she had just as many editors working for her. But she never removed herself from the ‘helm’ until her passing.

The daughter of Dr. Large of Tumut, Marion was born in Belfast, Ireland on 15 June 1812. Travelling to the country of opportunity – Marion and her siblings were well educated in Wagga.

Marion met her husband to be in Tumut with the young couple moving to Gundagai where Henry set up the Gundagai Times with a family member.

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The Leathem family were asked to move to the new settlement of Molong to set up the Molong Express newspaper and printing works.

Packing their printing presses and family belongings, the young family set off on the long arduous journey along what were main roads of the different coloured soils of each region, stones, rocks and diversions along many dusty tracks to reach the other side of the mountains. Bullock trains transported some of their business equipment, massive pieces of steel made in England which came together like jigsaw pieces.

New equipment, from the harbour delivered by ship from England, was hauled by steam train over the Blue Mountains to the end of the line Bathurst Railway Station. Then, by bullock train to the new township of Molong. Months went by as the family made their way to Molong and for the equipment to arrive for the new enterprise.

Marion was a well educated woman and capable of learning the unexpected role that was awaiting the young couple’s future in Molong.

The family settled well into the new settlement and were well received to provide an interesting tabloid newspaper to communicate local news as well as from Sydney, other cities and news from the world.

Three years after their arrival, Henry became ill and died. Marion nursed her ailing husband with love, compassion and care until he succumbed to influenza.

Living with her grief - Marion simply rolled up her sleeves – withdrew from the steam of the laundry copper and strenuous daily chores required of women in those times … and made her way to the Molong Express to keep the then, three times a week publication going – as well as the growing printing works.

With little time for ‘nonsense’ … Marion wrote strong words of advice to the growing settlement to accompany her journalists work. “Instead of complaining … they (community) should go out and help the farmers”.

Raising her 7 children – with some of the family members eventually taking their role at the Express Marion was able to retire.

The first official photo in Molong of Marion Leathem shows a strong face of “don’t mess with me” features under a feminine pretty lace bonnet.

What a contrast after one reads her articles of never bending to political pressure – of any kind. She was respected as a newspaper woman throughout the new settlement as well as across NSW. I doubt that Marion had the time or patience for such socialising, niceties etc … she was a professional, a mother, a woman who found her way through a challenging time, a new settlement, the death of her young husband, a massive distance away from her parents and family and the progressive older region she had been born into, living in Molong in considerable isolation, she never

married again … and not much can be found of photos of family weddings, social events etc.

I often think about Marion Leathem and the women of her time who through the passing of their husbands … were forced to fend for themselves, their young families. They were women of courage, prepared to fight challenges of the times – who had few expectatons that the community, governments, others would provide.

No, these women faced daily challenges with the view of survival of family being paramount in their minds.

So different than today’s women and perhaps women of tomorrow who have higher expectations of governments, life, communities, rights, freedom etc. to provide.

Forced into being a professional woman … not by choice … how would women like Marion Leathem have handled today’s call by Australian women for “the conversation needs to change?”

She may have called for young women of today to identify their own question … “what is the conversation?” the staunch Marion may well have asked the women of Canberra and those seeking change in the way they believe they are being treated by governments, men, corporate etc Or perhaps she would have responded … “instead of complaining they should go and help the farmers”.

Was it a better generation to participate in as a woman?

Go to www.issuu.com/ molongexpress

Click on the latest issue & click Subscription for $0.75c an issue MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday11 March 2021

9

… Written in the stars Has Christian Porter been subjected to a ‘trial by media’?

Astrology by Alise

March is upon us! With the change of month and change of season, we can also expect a change in our lives, as we leave the mercury retrograde behind and enter into a new month, filled with new possibilities.

Aries (March 21st- April 19th)- Make time for friends and family this month, Aries. Believe in yourself this month and you can achieve positive changes to your employment or financial situation.

(Continued from page 6) The media also did not initiate the allegation.

Taurus- (April 20th- May 20th)- Keep busy That was done in a 31-page letter sent this month by learning new things! This will anonymously to politicians on both sides of provide you with more opportunities concerning federal parliament, including Morrison and the both your work, and romantic potential.

Labor leader in the Senate, Penny Wong.

The ABC obtained a copy of this document and reported the allegation without naming Porter, saying only that it referred to a senior cabinet Gemini- (May 21st- June 20th)- Try to focus minister. The rest of the media then reported the on one thing at a time tis month, Gemini. This story, also without naming Porter. will allow you to achieve the best results, in It would have been legally perilous and whatever you take on. ethically unconscionable for the media to do so without putting the allegation to him.

How should the media have handled the allegation?

Cancer- (June 21st- July 22nd)- A potential This raises the question: should the media career or workplace change will give you the have put it to Porter? sense of freedom you have been searching for, In principle, as a matter of fairness, yes. As a Cancer. Use this freedom to your advantage practical matter, however, it is a very difficult and allow your relationships to blossom as a proposition. result.

Leo- (July 23rd- August 22nd)- It’s time to make a decision regarding a relationship. Take advantage of your current financial situation, and make a point to start saving money more consistently.

Virgo- (August 23rd- September 22nd)Take time for yourself this month, Virgo. Ensure that you make time to relax and unwind- this is the key to your wellbeing. If you do this, romance and creative pursuits will come to you in abundance.

Libra- (September 23rd- October 22nd)Make the effort to ensure the permanency of any new or existing relationships. Remember to also make time for yourself, as this is a crucial element in solidifying external relationships.

No doubt the ABC and other media would have obtained pre-publication legal advice about this.

The first difficulty the media face in these circumstances is the accused person might not give an answer but make a threat to sue for defamation. Given the weakness of defences in defamation law in Australia, it would be a very risky business to publish in the face of such a threat.

Even publishing what is called a “denial story” is risky because of the damage to reputation inherent in the question. If the media publish a story saying Porter denied a rape allegation, this leaves open the question of whether he is to be believed.

A story based on a voluntary public statement of the kind he made this week, however, is an altogether different situation.

The second difficulty is there is always the chance the accused person will obtain an

potentially shed light on the circumstances

Sagittarius- (November 22nd- December surrounding the deceased’s passing”.

21st)- Romance is on the horizon. Don’t be The Prime Minister’s Office reads this in afraid to give into any romantic temptations or the context of a South Australian inquest into creative pursuits. You will reap the rewards. her death, but the statement puts strong new

Aquarius- (January 20th- February 18th)Conformity is key this month, Aquarius. Accept the normalities of life and what they offerthis will be a stark contrast to your usual, independent way of thinking.

Pisces- (February 19th- March 20th)- Your financial situation is improving and this will give you the means to spend more time with loved ones. Use this time to evaluate your relationships carefully though, Pisces.

10 MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 11 March 2021

A political matter, not one for the media

Clearly, the media decided to treat this as a political story and watch it play out in the political process.

Of course, the media are part of the political process. The part they play is that of watchdog and commentator, and in this case, virtually all of the scrutiny was on Morrison’s response.

He was already under pressure for the way he and his government handled the rape allegation made by former staffer Brittany Higgins. A new allegation against a member of his cabinet intensified that pressure enormously When did he know? What did he know? How did he know? What did he do? What does he intend to do?

These are all legitimate questions and have nothing to do with the rights and wrongs of the allegation itself. They have everything to do with how the prime minister handles another alleged incident of sexual misconduct involving someone in his government.

Porter’s outing himself took the political process a step further. As he himself said at his media conference, where it goes from here is for others to decide.

Should there be an inquiry like the one instigated by the High Court concerning the conduct of the former justice Dyson Heydon?

Again, the media spotlight returns to the prime minister for answers..

Denis Muller, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Advancing Journalism, The University of Melbourne. theconversation.com.au

Scott Morrison can’t get a circuit breaker while Porter remains

Scorpio- (October 23rd- November 21st)March is a great time for you to achieve all the homely duties you have been putting off, (Continued from page 5) Scorpio. Instil a solid routine and stick to it, this On Thursday the woman’s family issued will provide a clear foundation for any other a statement via a lawyer, saying they were external goals. “supportive of any inquiry which would

Capricorn- (December 22nd- January 19th)- March is looking incredibly positive for you, Capricorn. A sudden burst of energy will have you feeling like you can do anything, especially where romance is involved- your concern for finance is the one safeguard from going overboard.

injunction restraining publication. In a case like this, there is a good chance the court would also issue a “super injunction” banning the reporting of the fact that an injunction had been granted.

This would have tied up the matter in the courts, probably for weeks.

pressure on Morrison. If he continues to fend off calls for an inquiry, he could find himself at odds with the family.

If he did a highly unlikely u-turn and agreed to an inquiry, it would be very hard for him not to require Porter to stand aside while it was held. Given the range and centrality of Porter’s job, that would impede significant parts of the government’s work in the coming months.

Even the police are feeling the heat, and a need to explain themselves. NSW police declared the case closed on Tuesday but on Thursday put out a detailed account of their handling of the matter.

The woman making the allegation had met police in Sydney in February 2020. According to the account, during that meeting she disclosed she had health issues and said she dissociated “and wanted to ensure when supplying her statement that she was ‘coherent and as grounded as possible’”.

Investigators had contact with her at least five times in the next three months, the police statement said.

On June 23 2020 the woman had emailed

the police “indicating she no longer felt able to proceed with reporting the matter, citing medical and personal reasons. The woman very clearly articulated in that email that she did not want to proceed with the complaint.” She took her own life the following day.

Innocent or not, there is no obvious way Porter can get out of the morass he’s in. Morrison needs a circuit breaker and the most obvious would be for Porter to quit the ministry.

The government argues this would set a precedent of forcing someone out even though he has not been found guilty of anything.

But there is a point when a minister, fairly or unfairly, has become damaged goods, and keeping them extracts too high a price. This especially applies when we are talking about the attorney-general.

Although the circumstances were different and the consequences less far reaching, Bridget McKenzie had to fall on her sword after the sports rorts affair.

If Porter went to the backbench, this would facilitate a degree of reset for the government.

The debate about Porter would continue, but its political impact would be defused.

Porter’s departure from the ministry would trigger a reshuffle, which would enable Morrison to move Reynolds into a portfolio better suited to her than defence is. theconversation.com.au

QUICK CROSSWORD

REG’S BENCH A man is at work one day when he notices that his co-worker is wearing an earring.

This man knows his co-worker to be a normally conservative fellow, and is curious about his sudden change in “fashion sense.”

The man walks up to him and says, “I didn’t know you were into earrings.”

“Don’t make such a big deal, it’s only an earring,” he replies sheepishly.

His friend falls silent for a few minutes, but then his curiosity prods him to say, “So, how long have you been wearing one?”

“Ever since my wife found it in my truck!”

A farmer stopped by the local mechanics shop to have his truck fixed.

They couldn’t do it while he waited, so he said he didn’t live far and would just walk home. On the way home he stopped at the hardware Store and bought a bucket and a gallon of paint.

He then stopped by the feed store and picked up a couple of chickens and a goose. However, struggling outside the store he now had a problem – how to carry his entire purchases home.

While he was scratching his head he was approached by a little old lady who told him she was lost. She asked, ‘Can you tell me how to get to 1603 Mockingbird Lane ?’

The farmer said, ‘Well, as a matter of fact, my farm is very close to that house I would Walk you there but I can’t carry this lot.’

The old lady suggested, ‘Why don’t you put the can of paint in the bucket. Carry the bucket in one hand, put a chicken

under each arm and carry the goose in your other hand?’ ‘Why, thank you very much,’ he said and proceeded to walk the old girl home.

On the way he says, ‘Let’s take my short cut and go down this alley. We’ll be there in no time.’ The little old lady looked him over cautiously then said, ‘I am a lonely widow without a husband to defend me.

How do I know that when we get in the alley you won’t hold me up against the wall, pull up my skirt, and have your way with me?’

The farmer said, ‘Holy smokes lady! I’m carrying a bucket, a gallon of paint, two chickens, and a goose. How in the world could I possibly hold you up against the wall and do that?’

The old lady replied, ‘Set the goose down, cover him with the bucket, put the paint on top of the bucket, and I’ll hold the chickens.’

A woman is having an affair during the day while her husband is at work.

Her 9 year old son comes home unexpectedly, sees them and hides in the bedroom closet to watch.

The woman’s husband also comes home.She puts her lover in the closet, not realizing that the little boy is in there already. The little boy says, “Dark in here.”

The man says, “Yes, it is.”

Boy – “I have a baseball.” Man – “That’s nice.”

Boy – “Want to buy it?” Man – “No, thanks.”

Boy – “My dad’s outside.” Man – “OK, how much?” Boy – “$250” In the next few weeks, it happens again that the boy and the lover are in the closet together.

Boy – “Dark in here.” Man – “Yes, it is.”

Boy – “I have a baseball glove.”

The lover remembering the last time, asks the boy, “How much?” Boy – “$750” Man – “Fine.”

A few days later, the father says to the boy, “Grab your glove, let’s go outside and have a game of catch.”

The boy says, “I can’t, I sold my baseball and my glove.” The father asks, “How much did you sell them for?”

Boy – “$1,000” The father says, “That’s terrible to overcharge your friends like that…that is way more than those two things cost. I’m going to take you to church and make you confess.”

They go to the church and the father makes the little boy sit in the confession booth and he closes the door. The boy says, “Dark in here.” The priest says, “Don’t start that shit again.”

Solutions page 14

ACROSS 1 Mountain lake (4) 3 Promptly (4,4) 9 Endanger (7) 10 Rogue (5) 11 Religion founded by Muhammad (5) 12 Frightened (6) 14 112 pounds (13) 17 Orb (6) 19 Smell (5) 22 Hunting dog (5) 23 Tranquil (7) 24 Monday to Friday (8) 25 Jab, nudge (4)

DOWN

1 Dusk (8) 2 Drive back (5) 4 In good health (4,3,6) 5 Card game (5) 6 Title at top of page (7) 7 Supplication (4) 8 Small quake (6) 13 Surprised (8) 15 One of the planets (7)

16 Self-centred person (6) 18 Terminated (5) 20 Tender (5) 21 Arab boat (4)

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Butterfly embarrassed naval officer (3,7) 7 Meant to be at home, getting looked after (8) 8 Top dog heard (4) 9 Wait where the cargo goes (4) 10 Spanish princess in Spain - fantastic! (7) 12 Car worker, a successful TV show contestant? (5,6) 14 Dressed for a military operation, we hear (7) 16 Notion almost perfect (4) 19 Run away from Usain? (4) 20 I am certainly shown to be better (8) 21 Officers bending rigid sabre (10) DOWN

1 Western farm operated by church (5) 2 Think constantly about source of water in river (5,2) 3 Guy useless before 4th of November (4) 4 Reading novel about Pole being threatened (2,6) 5 Greek starter in local

pharmacy (5) 6 Formidable person seen with a couple of sailors (6) 11 Modifying a sort of triangle (8) 12 Unthinkingly repeat standard nonsense (6) 13 Young Kermit playing old tape (7) 15 Flower beheaded more

quickly (5) 17 Declares what is in haversack (5) 18 Small sweet potato (4)

WORD SEARCH

SODUKU Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9, with no number repeated.

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 11 March 2021

11

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CLASSIFIEDS

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PHONE: 02 6366 8017 • Email: molongex@bigpond.net.au

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM GRANTS

Applications are open for the second round of Cabonne Council’s 2020-21 Community Assistance Program (CAP) grants, which are designed to provide an ongoing or sustainable benefit to local communities.

Applicants must be a not-for-profit organisation in the Cabonne Local Government Area and be undertaking a project on non-commercial facilities within the Shire.

Grants are provided on a 50:50 basis, but communities can provide their half of the funding through voluntary labour or in-kind contributions.

Applications for CAP funding close at 5pm on Thursday 1 April 2021.

Application forms and further details about the grants can be obtained by contacting Cabonne Council’s Grants Coordinator on 6392 3200 or by visiting the Council’s website www.cabonne.nsw.gov.au PO Box 17 MOLONG NSW 2866

PUBLIC NOTICES

Cumnock Markets

UNITING CHURCH Sunday 14 March Molong 11.00 am Rev Ross Godfrey

at the Crossroads Park (next to Playground, main street)

SATURDAY 20 MARCH

9 a.m. to 12 noon

Heather Woodhouse 63668218 Helen Houghton 63668020

Come and join your community pop choir.

It doesn’t matter about your singing ability, it’s all about having fun and feeling good.

No auditions No judgments.

Thursdays 7-9pm from 18 March Molong RSL Club. $2 per person.

Ph 0428 983 955 for more info.

MOLONG & DISTRICT BAPTIST CHURCH

Now streaming 10Sunday am services Sunday WorshipSunday Service & School 10 am Visit www.mdbc.org.au - click online.

Wayne Spencer (Pastor) Ph: 63669376 platform.

Home-made cakes, jams, chutneys & lots of local market treasures in a friendly country atmosphere.

Molong & District Servicemen & Servicewomen's Portrait Gallery INVITATION

to a Gathering of Friends of the Portrait Gallery on Sunday, 28 March at the RSL Club, at 2.00 for 2.30 pm.

Afternoon tea will be provided.

We are asking Friends to explain connections with the portraits, and perhaps share a story or show some memorabilia.

School students will tell us about their History studies.

All welcome.

RSVP by Wednesday, 25 March to Helen Haynes: 6360 4114 (m) 0417269388 hayneshm@bigpond.com

B J Byrnes General Manager

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Welcome

Weekly Activities on livestream, to For linkAll toAge the Groups online

Molong Junior Rugby Club

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CHURCH NOTICES

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 11 March 2021

S A LVAT I O N A R M Y. O R G . AU

MOLONG COMMUNITY CHURCH YOU ARE NOT A MISTAKE

Sunday 10 am: Celebration & Sunday School (Ages 3 & up)

Wednesday Night 7 pm: Connect Group All Welcome

For more information contact Deon Stapelberg Ph: 0498 659 703 1 Edward St, Molong (opp Police Stn)

Claim the date – 2020 Send your 2021 dates to molongexpress@bigpond.net.au

March 4 Molong Men’s Shed meets 4 Molong Rotary Club RSL 6.30pm 9 Molong Probus 10am Bowling Club 11 Molong Advancement Group RSL 14 March Music Month Rec Ground 18 Molong Rotary Club RSL 6.30pm 20 Cumnock Markets 9 - 12 28 Gathering of Friends of the Portrait Gallery 2.30 pm RSL Club April 1 Molong Men’s Shed meets 1 Molong Rotary Club RSL 6.30pm 5 Molong Village Markets Molong Rec Ground 5 Molong Show Meeting, Showground 7.30pm 8 Molong Advancement Group RSL 13 Molong Probus 10am Bowling Club 15 Molong Rotary Club RSL 6.30pm 17 Cumnock Markets 9 - 12 May 3 Molong Show Meeting, Showground 7.30pm 6 Molong Men’s Shed meets 6 Molong Rotary Club RSL 6.30pm 11 Molong Probus 10am Bowling Club 13 Molong Advancement Group RSL 20 Molong Rotary Club RSL 6.30pm 22 Cumnock Markets 9 - 12 June 3 Molong Men’s Shed meets 3 Molong Rotary Club RSL 6.30pm 7 Molong Show Meeting, Showground 7.30pm 8 Molong Probus 10am Bowling Club 10 Molong Advancement Group RSL 14 Molong Village Markets Molong Rec Ground 17 Molong Rotary Club RSL 6.30pm 19 Cumnock Markets 9 - 12 July 1 Molong Men’s Shed meets 5 Molong Show Meeting, Showground 7.30pm 8 Molong Advancement Group RSL 13 Molong Probus 10am Bowling Club

Sport

Cricket

Molong Women’s Bowls Ladies Pennants The Ladies bowling year has started with the commencement of the District Pennants competition Molong Ladies have entered two teams playing on Tuesdays and Thursdays Tuesday 2/3/21 Tuesday’s team consisted of Margo Brown, Hazel Hamilton, Marianne Riley and Bron Trethowan. Tuesday’s team was scheduled to compete against Parkes Ladies Bowling Club at Parkes. After a slow start Molong slowly clawed back against the

initial lead but unfortunately were unable to overcome the opposition win and we encountering a loss.

Thursday 5/3/21 Thursday’s team consisted of Sarah Fessey, Hazel Hamilton, Bron Trethowan and Janelle Fessey. The Thursday’s team was scheduled to compete against Canowindra Ladies Bowling Club at Canowindra. Unfortunately, the second results were also a loss.

Both games were played in good spirit and hopefully our next outings may provide a better result. Well done to all our ladies.

Molong Golf Ladies 5 ladies hit off on Wednesday for the first day for this year and we all had very good rounds with Ann Wood being the winner on the day with 24 Stableford points.

Next Wednesday the 17th we will be heading over to Cumnock for our first combined fun day with the other clubs. 9.00am for a 9.30 hit off. These are always great days so hope to see you all there.

On Saturday we had a working bee and it was wonderful to see some many workers mowing, picking up sticks, doing the greens and cleaning up the club house.

A great job by all, and a very big THANK YOU to Les and Cheryl Birdsall for their generous donation of a hearty BBQ lunch it was greatly appreciated.

Croquet

Mixed First up I would like to thank all who came out to our working bee on Saturday. We had farmers with their machinery-come-landscapers, all sorts of tradies, business owners, members and non members.

Thanks also to the Disc golfers foro helping out and a huge thank you to Les and Cheryl for putting on a great lunch for all involved.

We had 13 players on Sunday morning play a stroke event, which was over quickly due to no lost balls in the rough - all removed and mowed on Saturday. Winners were Bob, runner up, Darren.

Next week 18 hole events will start with a Stableford event (you can play 9 or 18 holes) Tee off 8.30 - 9.00. See you there Jack

What a great turn out we had on Saturday with some old faces that have been absent for a little while. Our new player is mastering the game far too fast and will have to give some of us older players a few lessons.

Same again this Saturday 5.00pm at the Molong Bowling Club.

LANDMARK TABLELANDS LIVESTOCK

We offer Auction Plus assessments on both sheep and cattle.

Direct paddock sales, over the hook rates, Weekly stock sales in Carcoar (CTLX), Forbes, Dubbo & Wagga saleyards. Contact one of our Landmark Tablelands Livestock team.

Paul Glynn (Molong & surrounding districts) – 0428 168 638 CATTLE 9 MARCH 2021 It was a plainer quality yarding, with not the numbers of ideal trade cattle or grown steers and heifers compared to the previous sale.

There was still a good selection of quality feeder cattle, and there were around 450 most top quality cows yarded. Most of the usual buyers were in attendance and operating in an erratic market.

Trade cattle were up to 20c/kg cheaper with quality a factor. Prime vealers sold to 450c, while the prime steer yearlings sold from 372c to 457c/kg. Prime heifer yearlings sold from 350c to 446c/kg. Feeder steers were firm while the feeder heifers were up to 25c/kg cheaper.

Feeder steers sold from 398c to 480c, with the heavy weights averaging 447c/kg. Feeder heifers sold from 365c to 449c/kg. Limited numbers of young cattle to restockers were also cheaper, with the young steers selling to 530c, and the young heifers 400c/kg.

Greg Pringle

Canowindra win Oilsplus Grand Final.

Canowindra has won their inaugural Premiership in the Molong Cricket Association competition taking home the George Gavin Trophy with a 20 run victory over Millthorpe in Saturdays Grand final.

Canowindra won the toss an elected to bat. It’s always difficult chasing any total in a Grand Final, so the toss was always crucial.

Canowindra’s batsman struggled and it was slow going.

Millthorpe struck early taking the key wicket of Craig Carpenter for just 4 when he played across the line only to be struck on the pads plumb in front.

At drinks Canowindra looked in trouble at 3 for 44. Slow going. After the break they continued to struggle and tripple figures looked unlikely, however a late cameo innings from man of the match McHenry (22) took away Millthorpes momentum and Canowindra managed to reach 110 all out in the 39th over. Pete Heller 3 for 22 and Dave Crombie 3 for 12 were Millthorpe’s best, supported by Dave Gilmore with 1 for 11 and Pat Tree 1 for 29.

Millthorpe got off to a horror start with both openers gone in no time and they were on the back foot at 2 for 1.

It could have been worse when Canowindra dropped Tim Low shortly after, however Will Oldham and Low steadied the ship for a while and Millthorpe were looking comfortable until Oldham was caught at mid on for 11. Like Canowindra, Millthorpe struggled and wickets fell.

With Low at the crease Millthorpe were still favourites but when he was unbelievably run out on 28 the match took a dramatic turn and Canowindra could smell blood in the water.

Millthorpe tried valiantly but as the run rate required reached 5 an over, Millthorpes tail couldn’t cope with none of the last 6 batsman reaching double figures. In the 37th over Canowindra claimed the premiership dismissing Millthorpe for 90. Captain Jamie Austin led the way taking 4 for11 from 8.2 overs.

Brother Sam Austin 2 for 21 and Nick Traves 2 for 21 took crucial wickets as they have all season.

Congratulations to Canowindra enjoy the well deserved accolades. Back luck to Millthorpe, Minor Premiers, they will be dissapointed but no doubt will be very strong again next season.

For the second season in a row best bowler award (most wickets) goes to Magpies Jacob Evans. Despite being the best bowler in the competition it didn't prevent Jacob's Magpies collecting the dreaded Woodend Spoon.

(Above: Jacob with match Umpire Allan Hubbard)

Grown steers were firm, while the grown heifers were up to 20c/kg cheaper. Prime grown steers sold from 338c to 380c, while the grown heifers sold from 318c to 380c/kg. Cows were firm with the 2 and 3 scores selling from 220c to 290c/kg. Prime heavy weight cows sold from 295c to 315c to average 311c/kg. Heavy weight bulls sold to 300c/kg.

SHEEP 24 Feb

It was a good quality yarding with good numbers of heavy weight lambs along with a lot better numbers of ideal trade weights. There were very limited numbers of lambs to suit the restockers.

The usual field of buyers were in attendance and operating.

Trade lambs were $10 to $13 cheaper with the trade weight shorn lambs selling from $150 to $205/head to average between 840c and 860c/ kg cwt. Trade weight new season lambs sold from $150 to $202/head. Heavy weight lambs were $4 to $7 cheaper with the shorn lambs over 24kg selling from $194 to $248 to average 810c/kg cwt. A single pen of trade weight Merino lambs sold for $165/ head. Lambs to the restockers were $10 dearer selling from $120 to $182/head. Hoggets sold to $215/head.

It was a mostly good quality yarding of sheep where most grades were $8 to $13/head dearer.

Merino ewes sold from $78 to $218 while crossbred ewes sold from $118 to $246/head. Merino wethers sold from $134 to $230/head. Carcase prices ranged from 635c to 690c/kg cwt. The restockers were active paying from $115 to $150 for Merino ewes and $120/head for light weight Merino wethers.

With an average over 60, the winner of the batting average went to Millthorpe's Lachie O'Keefe.

It’s your club!

22-24 RIDDELL ST MOLONG

P: 6366 8105

e:admin@molongrsl.com.au

BISTRO

Service NSW Dine & Discover Vouchers Accepted BAR: Mon Tues 3.00 - 8.00 WED 1.00 - BISTRO Mon -Tues 6-8 pm Wed-Thu 6-8.30 pm 10.00 THU 1.00 - 10.00 FRI 1.00 - 11.00 Fri-Sat 5.30-8.30 pm SAT 1.00 - 10.00 SUN 12.00 - 8.00 MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 11 March 2021

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Sale

Sale

Sit back and enjoy the views!

Is this the lifestyle change you seek?

Mumbil “King Hill”

Stuart Town Copeland Street

is the must have property. Positioned in an elevated position overlooking Lake Burrendong and rolling mountain landscapes. Sit back on your very own observation deck and absorb the views.

• Approx. 25* acres (10.11* hectares)

This impressive family home sits proudly on a beautiful piece of land, nestled behind established trees & surrounded by lush green lawns. An abundance of natural light beams through the home creating a warm and vibrant atmosphere from the moment you walk in the door..

Sale If you are wanting the best of all worlds then “King Hill” $420,000 View

By Appointment Kurt Adams 0428 747 050

Our appraisals are on the house so what are you waiting for?

Sale $549,000 View

By Appointment Kurt Adams 0428 747 050

SOLD Bournewood “Fairview”

What more could you ask for? After a successful campaign this beautiful home on large acerage sold at auction on Friday 26th February.

Auction Sold at Auction Kurt Adams 0428 747 050

Kurt Adams 0428 747 050 Ben Redfern 0457 770 062

SOLD Cumnock “Old Yullundry”

This genuine 2,314* acres, situated in the Central Tablelands district of NSW sold for an amazing price.

Contact us to find out more!

Ray White Emms Mooney

Sold Kurt Adams 0428 747 050

34 Bank Street Molong | 02 6366 9606 | raywhiteemc.com

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MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 11 March 2021