Molong Express 17 December 2020

NEXT WEEK

Molong School Principals on the uncertainties of the year that was

2020 saw a year for schools that was anything but “the ordinary”, the students and teachers of Molong Central School (MCS) and Saint Joseph’s Primary School weathered the ongoing uncertainties – in nothing less than extraordinary Molong fashion.

READ THEIR FASCINATING ACCOUNTS OF THE SCHOOL YEAR

AND WESTERN DISTRICTS ADVERTISER

THURSDAY 17 December 2020

Ph: (02) 6366 8017

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

1 x $2 coin helps to build your community $2.00 inc gst

Another Molong landmark Fairbridge Military Memorial Complete

It can't fail to attract attention and become another Molong landmark.

The Military Memorial stage of the Fairbridge Childrens Park construction is all but complete.

There only remains for the signage to be finalised, manufactured and installed.

SEE FULL STORY PAGE 7

Pre-schoolers, toddlers, and tiny tots from the Molong Early Learning Centre (MELC) chose red and green Christmas colours to dress for their end of year Christmas Concert held last week at the Molong RSL Club. "They sang their little hearts out at the concert" reported Express Journo, Emily Gobourg who attended the evemt - and took the photo above. More photos inside pages.

Christmas Eve in Molong No Carols on the Village Green this year ... another community

loss in 2020 due to COVID restrictions.

However, the Good News is that there will be a community gathering for Molong and District residents, families, friends, visitors to come together in the grounds of the Baptist Church Centre (located in Thistle Street - behind the Police Station centre) - on the special night of Christmas Eve. See details (right) - please come along and join in the story of the real meaning of Christmas - the birth of Jesus.

After community singing, gathering and being together after the challenging year of 2020 (and a sausage sizzle for dinner) families will then head on home for the children (and adults) to prepare for Santa and his reindeers visit.

This is a community event for all ages - for members of all denominations - or no denominations - for those who would like to touch the special story that has brought us Christmas ... the birth of Jesus.

Do you need a ride? Let us know at the Molong Express

63668017

Rozzi’s Pop-Up Shop ‘Something Different’

for everlasting Christmas giving or to add a special touch to your garden, verandah, home, office, workplace ‘New kids in town’ have now arrived at Rozzi’s ‘Something Different’ in Bank Street.GARDEN FEATURES, ROMANTICISM, SPIRITUAL, QUIRKY, DIFFERENT. Lightweight statues, water features for home/ garden, office, small tabletop fountains, candleholders, plants, seedlings, indoor plants, succulents (real and fake), made in Molong jams, chutneys, relishes etc.

Caught in the Christmas spirit act: Joey’s kids send out some Bank Street cheer

By Emily Gobourg

Last week, Year 6 representatives were spotted personally delivering handmade Christmas cards to local businesses in Bank Street, made by the students of St. Joseph’s Primary School in Molong.

“Gotchya!”

Happy 1st Birthday to Jameson

Daughter of Dave and Kim of the Freemasons Hotel ... little sister of Alizé, Jesse and Cody.

Grandaughter of Shirley Lloyd and Dobri Stojanov.

The birthday girl is photographed with her Dad (Dave) and Dedo (Dobri) of Wollongong.

Pet Parade Now Open at the ‘Paris’ end of Bank Street between Booful and the Molong Express (Phone 0490 734 6500 OPEN until Christmas on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, FRIDAY NIGHTS, Saturdays, and Sundays.

8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (later on request) Friday Nights until late.

Open Christmas Eve until 6 p.m.

Note: Closed Christmas Day to early January 2021

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Buzz and his best mate ‘Jimmy’ caught the eye of the Express during the recent Molong Christmas Shopping night.

Strolling along Bank Street with their favourite ‘gal’ Audrey Kerr, Buzz and Jimmy attracted plenty of attention.

Why? Well, Jimmy likes nothing better than to sit on Buzz’s shoulder when taking a walk. How cute is that!

Lazy? No! Jimmy just loves being extra close to Buzz.

CLOSED from 23 Dec. Reopen 11 Jan

TIMBER & PLUMBING SUPPLIES

See our range of power tools for trade or home Mon - Fri 7.30 to 5.00 Sat 8.00 to 12.00

We deliver to you Ph: 5325 5040 2 Bank St MOLONG 2 MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 17 December 2020

convenience store at BP Molong

Quick, Grab & Go Foods Great Coffee

Spend $50 or more in one transaction at

8

to receive

c

per litre

Supply and lay Carpet, Vinyl, Vinyl planks and laminate.

Central west area.

No job too big or small.

No charge for travel.

DISCOUNT on fuel

Cash / card only. No commercial sales. No fuel cards.

Hill St. Molong - Ph: 6366 8393

cabonnecarpets@outlook.com

(02) 6316 5482 m: 0484 259 668

From our families to yours, we would like to wish you a safe and happy Christmas and a much improved 2021.

As 2020 draws to a close, enquiry remains strong and we still have a list of purchasers looking to enter the property market.

If you’re thinking of selling, contact our Molong office for a chat and advice.

18 ADRIANS LANE, SPRING HILL This Property Will Tick All Your Boxes • Over 40 acres & only 15 minutes from the Centre of Orange • 4 spacious bedrooms, formal & casual dining areas • Large open plan country style kitchen • Extra large lounge room with cosy wood heating • Inground concrete pool approx. 9m x 5m • Open bay hay / machinery shed • Workshop with mechanic pit & also has 3 phase power • Open bay stables also steel cattle yards & loading ramp

E R OFF E D N U

R

24 HILL ST, MOLONG Convenient Location to CBD • Three bedroom weatherboard opposite the Molong Recreation Ground • Great size bedrooms, all with built-ins, master with ensuite • Wide hallway, high ceilings with decorative features • Updated kitchen overlooking the back yard • Large lounge/dining with plenty of light • Good size block with back entry, large colorbond garage & workshop

9 MCARDLE ST, MOLONG

$665,000

High Set With Great Views • Only on inspection will you appreciate all this home has to offer along with exceptional views and privacy • Architecturally built over 3 levels, very tasteful design • 5 bedrooms and study, all with built-ins, master with ensuite • The floor plan of the kitchen and circular benches allows plenty of space for entertaining • Raked timber ceilings, updated throughout • Inspect and be impressed.

Contact Stephen Townsend on 0427 631 957

300 PACKHAM DRIVE, MOLONG

$670,000

150 Acres of Lifestyle • Once you have entered the front gate, you feel like your miles from nowhere, with ultimate privacy, but just minutes to town.

• Approx. 150 acre heavily timbered landscape • Elevated and east facing 3 bedroom brick veneer home • Separate spacious 2 bedroom fully equipped granny flat • 20 acres of cleared land with cabin for glamping • Rain water to house, good bore for gardens and 2 dams • If your seeking privacy, the convenience of being just 5 minutes from town – you have found it!

MOLONG REAL ESTATE 42 Bank Street, Molong

Phone: 6366 8800

REAL ESTATE SALES: Mark Howes – 0427 668 800 & Stephen Townsend 0427 631 957 PROPERTY MANAGEMENT: Julie Kent 6366 8800 & Kathie Townsend 0499 076 434 WEB: www@molongre.com.au Email: office@molongre.com.au

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 17 December 2020

3

News

The Central West’s finest Mount Canobolas peak to get $2m cherries are ready for take-off upgrade The first consignment of New South Wales’ finest cherries are picked, packed and ready for takeoff on flights to Vietnam thanks to the Australian Government’s International Flight Assistance Mechanism (IFAM).

Federal Member for Calare and Minister Assisting the Minister for Trade and Investment, Andrew Gee said the flight, carrying more than 1,000kg of Central West cherries, is bound for Vietnam this week, with additional flights to South Korea, Singapore and Hong Kong in the pipeline.

“Our local cherry growers are expecting a bumper season and we want to make sure they can continue to get their high-quality product out into the global market,” Minister Gee said.

“Our growers are renown internationally for their premium,

safe and reliable produce. Each year, NSW alone exports around 1,200 tonnes of fresh cherries, worth an estimated $20 million.

“Cherry growers in the Central West have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, with international travel restrictions impacting freight flights and the supply of seasonal farm workers.

Minister Gee said the Government fully appreciates Australia’s producers are having to cope with significant disruptions to global supply chains, and is working with Austrade and growers across Australia to find creative and workable solutions to these challenges.

“It’s quite clear that the IFAM program is helping ensure it will be a very cherry Christmas for customers worldwide,” he said.

Seeds are being harvested from native trees that will be removed to make way for Stage 4 of the Southern Feeder Road, which will run from Anson Street to Pinnacle Road.

Orange City Council has engaged horticulturist Bill Josh of Habitat Connect to harvest the seeds and propagate trees into advanced tube stock to be planted nearby once the road is finished.

More trees will be planted at other sites around Orange to increase the native tree population in the area.

Orange Mayor Reg Kidd said the propagation exercise was a condition of its approval. The Review of Environmental Factors into the project identified endemic species

that were part of the Tablelands Snow Gum Woodlands Ecologically Endangered Community.

Mr Josh will propagate trees such as Apple Box (Eucalyptus bridgesiana) and Ribbon Gum (Eucalyptus viminalis).

Mr Josh has been harvesting the local seeds for the last couple of weeks and will continue to gather seeds until Stage 4 gets underway.

He expects to collect thousands of seeds.

Initially Mr Josh will propagate 100 trees in a process that will take about 12 months.

The remainder of the seeds will be stored and used for future council projects throughout the Orange area.

More than 60 producers and growers have already signed up to Regional Development Australia (RDA) Central West’s ‘Farm to Organisation Producer’ Directory.

‘Farm to Organisation’ is a first of its kind approach to creating new pathways for producers and farmers to market directly to local businesses, organisations and institutions such as schools, restaurants and health facilities.

This venture, supported by Newcrest’s Cadia Valley Operations, Charles Sturt University and Orange F.O.O.D Week, aims to deliver economic benefits to Central West producers and communities with the added health benefits of consuming fresh, locally sourced food.

“There are over 60 growers and producers from the Central West already listed on the directory and with the generous support of Orange F.O.O.D Week, it is continuing to grow,” said Mr Harma.

“We are calling on local producers and manufacturers to join the directory so we can showcase the quality and diverse range of produce from our region.”

The Farm to Organisation Producer Directory features a number of categories such as beverages, cheese and dairy, chocolate and sweets, dressings and dips, eggs, flour, fruit and vegetables, honey, meat and poultry, mushrooms and truffles, nuts, oils and olives and preserves and pastes.

“The Central West is renowned for its fine food and the directory will play a big part in ensuring more organisations, businesses, institutions and communities can access the wonderful produce that is grown right here in our own backyard,” added Mr Harma.

The Farm to Organisation Producer Directory will be launched as part of the Orange and District F.O.O.D Week program in 2021 with two events taking place at the Orange CWA Hall on April 14 and 15.

If you would like to be included in the Farm to Organisation producer directory email RDA Central West at grants@rdacentralwest.org.au or phone (02) 6369 1600.

Seed Harvest to offset roads impact

New Farm to Organisation Directory

4 MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 17 December 2020

At long last. upgrade to the decrepit facilities at the peak of mount Canobolas.

NSW Environment Minister Matt Kean has announced a $2 million investment to upgrade visitor facilities at Mount Canobolas State Conservation Area near Orange in the state’s central west.

The largest ever upgrade to the area will include new lookouts and improvements to signage and several walking tracks, including upgrades to Federal Falls as well.

“Mount Canobolas Steve Woodhall, Cr Kevin Beatty, Fiona Buchanan, Sam Farraway State Conservation MLC and mayor Reg Kidd on Mount Canobolas where a lookout will Area is a jewel in the be built. Photo: JUDE KEOGH Central West, attracting • The Summit: building a new lookout 75,000 visitors every platform, realigning the start of the walking year,” Mr Kean said.

“This is the largest upgrade to visitor facilities track, providing barrier free access for wheelchair at Mt Canobolas ever undertaken, we want users, revamping interpretation signage, sealing to encourage everyone to use and enjoy our and formalising car parking and building an improved amenities block.

National Park estate.”

• The Walls Picnic Area: new lookout with Sam Farraway Nationals MLC, said this funding for the central west represents a views over Orange, improved car parking and significant investment in the region and will upgraded picnic area.

• Towac Picnic Area: improved car access and attract even more people to visit the area. more picnic tables.

“These upgrades are a fantastic way to provide The National Parks and Wildlife Service an even greater incentive for people to visit the (NPWS) provides 10km of walking tracks at central west of our state,” Mr Farraway said.

“It is vitally important that we make sure Mount Canobolas and parts of these tracks will important public assets like these have the be upgraded, including extensive works on the facilities they need so everyone can get out and Federal Falls track where a substantial upgrade to the base of Federal Falls will occur. enjoy them.”

The project will also replace over 50 signs at Works are expected to begin soon, with planning now in its final stages, works will the visitor areas, walking tracks and at the park entrances. include:

Cumnock Swimming Club

Farewell & thank you to Sara Evans

The Cumnock Swimming Club would like to take this opportunity to farewell & thank the wonderful Sarah Evans for her contribution to our community and Cumnock Swimming Club. Sarah is moving on to new ventures after 6 years in our community where she became a key figure.

Back in 2016, there were a few locals who decided to get the Cumnock Swimming Club back up and running after a number of years of the club being non-operational. Sarah Evans was one of the drivers. Sarah, Carmel Vickers & Rob Armstrong were our first team of coaches in 2016, and Sarah passionately dedicated two seasons to our club. How lucky were our swimmers!

Sarah, thank you for your hard work behind the scenes at Cumnock Swimming club, along with so many other voluntary groups within our community. You have generously given so much of your time with determination & positive energy. We would like to wish you all the best for the next chapter. You will be sorely missed by all at Cumnock!

(L) Coaches Sarah Evans & Rob Armstrong at Cumnock’s first Home Carnival for the Small Towns Swimming Competition when the club was reformed in the 2016/2017 season.

Your say

Txt the editor

THE PEOPLES VOICE IN CABONNE

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 crop Well done Ben Dunk (MelbStars) for not being a sheep and not “taking a knee#. BLM is a political movement and should not be imposed on sportsmen in fear of being branded racist.

BBL10 - Thunder Fan DJ, Cudal When I drive around our local area, I see that it has dried off pretty much everywhere although we've had some pretty good rain and I'd say 4-5 days so far of really hot hot days so its been good weather of late and I ask all "Do we want it to Rain on Christmas Day?"..........yeah I doevening. lol...

JC, Molong

Molong Early Learning CentreChristmas 2020, and plans for 2021

By Emily Gobourg Pre-schoolers, toddlers, and tiny tots from the Molong Early Learning Centre (MELC) wore red and green in the auditorium of the RSL club in Molong, while they sang their little hearts out for at MELC’s end of year Christmas concert for 2020.

With just over 60 children currently enrolled at the centre, MELC saw a terrific turnout for the kids – and a special visit from Santa – as they chorused Christmas carols, performing to A: a group of protesters are called : the smiling faces among a sea of family, friends, and teachers. i ) D-#K Heads “They’re only this little for so long,” said one of the MELC ii) Fools parents. iii) Educated Delinquents Headed up by Jac Staines of Molong, fundraising was iv) University Dropouts rallied for local businesses to sponsor funds for new outdoor v) Lifes 'want a beeeeeees....'

Marc, Molong equipment for the kids – which saw 10 colourful balance bikes gifted to MELC at their Christmas concert, and some of the A group of Protesters is called a "demonstration" youngsters busting to get their hands on the new and exciting (noun) Phff gear.

JJ, Canowindra Pythons Amazing. ICAC targets everyone except this corrupt government ...think about it, Hmmm...

Well how can one mob halve a drug cheats suspension then another protest it. Why not behind closed doors and not the Media, No sense to me....

JT Molong

I’m proud our PM ScoMo can be the bigger man by asking “the loser of the year” Donald Trump to pardon Julian Assange. It shows character. Plus it’s been enough punishment for essentially whistle blowing.

The Dreamer, Molong/Orange Imagine the outpouring of grief at the horror of an A380 jetliner with 500 passengers crashing to the ground killing all on board. USA COVID-19 deaths are at 3000 per day that’s equivalent to six A380s crashing every day for weeks to come while Trump is still crying about losing a job he’s just no good at.

The American, Molong Why is it when someone takes from a shop it’s stealing and therefore a criminal matter but when a shop steals from a customer then it’s a civil matter that takes forever to resolve? The law is totally not equal for all! Never has and never will be equal.

NB, Manildra Once upon a time, when people had manners, in a shop you would hear, “I would like …”, “May I have …”. These days it’s “I’ll get …”, “I’ll have …”, “I’ll want …”, “I’ll need …”, “Give me …”, etc.

Uncouth commoners!

show further signs of regional growth for smaller towns in NSW’s Central Western areas.

With the increasing demand in numbers, Sharni Duncan, Director of MELC since August of 2020, explained the centre’s need for a look at reshuffling age ranges as we quickly head into 2021 – which will aim to benefit children and their developmental needs, as they differ from room to room.

“Due to community need, we’re looking to see two long day care rooms – one for naught to two years, and one for our two to three-year-old kids – then to have our four-to-five years preschoolers capped at 20,” Sharni explained.

“Our current families and waiting lists are seeing our biggest demands for children in the two-to-three years bracket, so it’s something we definitely need to consider at MELC so we can accommodate as many families and children [in Molong] as we can.”

An estimated 35 preschool-aged children will now say their farewells to MELC, as they head off to “big school” – entering Kindergarten for the anticipated year of 2021.

Along with Christmas cheer and best wishes to MELC families for the new year, a huge thanks went to fundraising sponsors for the centre’s new outdoor equipment - Primelime Australia, Freemasons Hotel, Eden Decor and Gifts, AGnVET Services Cumnock, Molong Fishing Club, and Davimac Engineering.

Well done to the team, children, parent/family supporters and sponsors of the Molong Early Learning Centre - Another wonderful year for the children and families of Molong and District.

With the help of MP Phil Donato, the growing need for families to access essential early learning for children also supported MELC to secure funding for a little over $250,000 back in late 2017 – with the successful application allowing the centre to expand – of which these capital works fortunately saw a building extension, and allowed the books at MELC to open up for more children, increased staff, and trainees.

MELC now have three children’s rooms grouped by the age ranges of: nought to three years, with approximately 16 children enrolled, three to four years, with approximately 20 children enrolled, and, a room for preschoolers – with around 25 children reported as enrolled throughout this year.

With the centre considered as a favourable choice for many Molong families, MELC continues to remain fully booked each day, with an ongoing waiting list – including families said to be relocating from Sydney for 2021 – which could

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 17 December 2020

5

Features

How COVID-19 changed the way Australians used health services in 2019-20

Fewer Australians presented to hospital emergency departments with injuries and less elective surgery was performed, but more people filled prescriptions and had telehealth medical consultations after COVID-19 restrictions were first implemented in 2020, according to new data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).

As 2020 comes to an end, the AIHW has reviewed the main impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Australian health system in a series of reports and updates released today.

The releases include the annual MyHospitals emergency department and elective surgery updates for 2019–20 and special reports about the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), mental health services and cancer screening during COVID-19 and an update of hospital hand hygiene data.

‘After the first cases of COVID-19 were recorded in Australia on 25 January 2020, many health services were suspended or required to operate in different ways,’ said AIHW spokesman Dr. Adrian Webster.

‘While this may have limited people’s access to and use of these services, in some cases, new or additional services were made available to Australians, including changes to the MBS.’ MyHospitals update: Emergency department care 2019–20 (Includes State, Territory and local hospital data) The average number of daily presentations to emergency departments declined substantially in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Between the week starting 9 March and the week commencing 30 March, presentations fell by 38%.

‘The average daily number of presentations for injuries decreased from 5,800 in the week beginning 24 February to 3,400 in the week beginning 30 March,‘ Dr. Webster said.

‘These trends coincided with increased restrictions on public and social gatherings and activities, including sporting events and travel restrictions, and availability of other health facilities.’

The average daily presentations where COVID 19 was suspected peaked at 785 in the week beginning 23 March. The number of presentations to emergency departments related to COVID-19 does not reflect the number of diagnosed COVID-19 cases in Australia.

MyHospitals update: Elective surgery waiting times 2019– 20 (Includes State, Territory and local data) To avoid overwhelming the hospital system and protect the supply of personal protective equipment, non-urgent elective surgery was suspended nationally from 26 March 2020 and a staged reintroduction began from 27 April

2020.

In the week starting 16 March 2020, 15,300 elective surgeries were performed in public hospitals.

By the week starting 13 April, this had fallen to 4,800. As restrictions eased, the number of surgeries increased: in the week starting 22 June, 14,200 surgeries were performed.

‘The fall in surgeries during the peak of COVID-19 restrictions drove an overall decline for the year. In 2019–20, the number of surgeries was 9.2% lower than in 2018–19. While non-urgent elective surgeries fell by 3.5%, urgent surgeries increased by 3.5%,’ Dr. Webster said.

Impacts of COVID-19 on Medicare Benefits Schedule and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme service use (Includes State and Territory data) The number of prescriptions dispensed in March 2020 was 23% higher than in March 2019. This rise was most significant for the group of medicines used to treat respiratory related conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This occurred after, and was separate from, a similar increase related to the bushfires earlier in the year.

‘There was a shift away from face-to-face consultations to telephone and video conference consultations. For example, in April 2020, following the introduction of the new telehealth MBS items, 36% of GP consultations were delivered by telephone or video conference, while in April 2019, all recorded consultations were delivered faceto-face,’ Dr. Webster said.

‘Bulk-billing incentive payments rose from $55.6 million in March 2020 to an average of $130.0 million per month between April and August 2020.’

Mental health services and COVID-19 Data across a range of mental health related services show heightened service usage since 20 March 2020 when COVID-19 pandemic restrictions were introduced.

‘Phone and online support organisations reported substantial increases in demand for their services during the COVID-19 pandemic,’ Dr. Webster said.

‘In the 4 weeks from 31 August to 27 September 2020, almost 83,500 calls were made to Lifeline (a 15.6% increase from the same time in 2019), Kids Helpline received more than 32,000 contacts (14.3% increase from the same time in 2019) and more than 27,500 calls were made to Beyond Blue’s general phone service (21.3% increase from the same time in 2019). ‘ Between 16 March 2020 and 27 September 2020, 7.2 million Medicare-subsidised mental health related services were delivered nationally ($791 million paid in benefits). Of these, 2.5 million services were delivered via telehealth.

In September 2020 (31 August to 27 September 2020), the numberr

6 MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 17 December 2020

“2020 - Not the year for traditional Santa photos”

By Emily Gobourg Pushing the confines of “ordinary” and “traditional” are not new concepts for Molong photographer Tracey Harvey - as 2020 saw The Grinch replace the classic Santa Claus at the gifted local photographer’s Christmas photo sessions over the weekend.

Set on a stunning Molong property on McGroder Street (where the weather didn’t disappoint), the backdrop of Australian bushland showcased (beautifully behaved) horses; sporting tinselled necklines with reindeer headbands, and a white cane chair with a wooden 2020 sign for kids to hold during their snaps – where assorted Christmas props were also available for kids to liven the scene up.

The Grinch, played by a hilarious Heather Nock, came with all the comical trimmings to boot while she performed in her restricted costume – dropping some golden one-liners for both kids and parents to have a laugh (and admire her theatric efforts) from the sidelines.

“The Grinch will be in therapy until Easter after this,” laughed a sweaty, yet wildly dedicated Grinch.

With two decorative set ups on location,

Tracey’s first scene took Christmas snapshots with plenty of different kids – some even brining their beloved pups along under their arms.

A nearby tree with a swing allowed the grinch to quite literally swing into the scene as well – making children laugh out loud as they had their photos taken.

The second scene showed straw hay bales stacked on the set seating, draped in additional Christmas decorations and patterned boxes alongside to create a tower of presents – again, with stunning horses and The Grinch in the background.

“It was hilarious and I liked that it wasn’t like ‘normal’,” said one of the kids (age 12).

“It’s a pretty funny idea to have The Grinch instead of Santa, so I’m saying that was a pretty outside the box idea!” (age 8).

Families from the weekend shoot will have online links made available to them for printing via email.

For those interested in booking Tracey for future shoots, head to the Facebook page, “Tracey Harvey Photography” – where you can also see a range of Tracey’s eclectic, and “outside the box” photography.

Enjoying the 2020 HACS Christmas Lunch at Molong’s Freemasons Hotel - Kathy Miller (nee Kelly) of Manildra with Colleen Lay of Molong and hostess of the day, Kim Stojanov of the Freemasons .

Some 30 HACS clients from Cudal, Canowindra, Manildra and Molong enjoyed the Home and Community Services annual Christmas gathering and luncheon with a delicious meal served by the Freemasons team.

higher than in the same period in September 2019. In the 4 weeks to 27 September 2020, the number of mental health-related prescriptions dispensed under the PBS was 5.9% higher than in the same period in 2019.

Hand hygiene (Includes State, Territory and local data) Compliance with hand hygiene standards in Australian hospitals is generally good, with national benchmarks routinely met. This continued during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the latest data suggesting improvements in the early part of 2020 against already high standards.

‘Hand hygiene in hospitals generally refers to the washing of hands or use of alcohol-based rubs by healthcare workers,’ Dr. Webster said.

‘In the most recent audit period (1st April to 30th June 2020), the national hand hygiene

compliance rate was 88.2%, higher than the benchmark of 80%.’

The compliance rate for 5 hand hygiene ‘moments’: was 85.3% before touching a patient; 91.5% before a procedure; 93.3% after a procedure or body fluid exposure risk; 91.2% after touching a patient; and 83.4% after touching a patient’s surroundings.

The AIHW released several reports this year containing information relevant to the COVID-19 pandemic. A full list can be found on the AIHW’s COVID-19 Resources page.

It’s good reading.

Fairbridge Childrens Park & Military Memorial

Dudley Hill, Public Officer & Hon. Treasurer of the Old Fairbridgians association oversaw the construction of the outstanding Fairbridge Military Memorial. Here Dudley reports on the Fairbridge Childrens Park and the Memorial. Courtesy Molong Historical society Newsletter.

Many will remember the official opening of the Fairbridge Children's Park constructed down on the Molong Creek on what had become the RMS Fairbridge Rest Area. It was a glorious day and the park looked wonderful.

Well, it looks even better now. The prolonged drought ended with some very significant rain events in March and April. In the meantime there has been abundant follow up rain and sunshine, and the grasses and plants are all growing well.

We have also made a connection with the chap that does the mowing at the Park and he has a firm grasp on the areas to mow in contrast with the higher growth areas which highlight the “Wave” effect of the “Passage” Section of the park.

The park is proving popular with travellers and lots of locals in the central west, who regularly go there for family picnics. Lots of Fairbridge kids have been spotted there too. Many of the local families congregate there for weekly happy hours on a Friday with their kids and friends. Many of the local “Coffee Cloche” ladies now buy their coffees in town and then go out to the Fairbridge Park to sit and chat in its quiet tranquillity.

In July this year we were able to show the Deputy Premier, John Barilaro, around the Park whilst he was taking a tour of the Central West.

Mr Barilaro had pledged the original $500,000 two years before, which made the building of the park possible. In recognition of that, a small gift of the handmade commemorative sash by Maggie McLachlan and a booklet of Jimmy Napper poems was made to him by both Jimmy and Maggie as a gesture of thanks for his ongoing support. The afternoon he dropped in to see the park I was joined by Fairbridgians Stewart Lee and Jimmy (Tubby) Walker. Jimmy Napper, Maggie, Stewart and Jimmy Walker were all great ambassadors for the Fairbridge kids.

We are confident that when all of the remaining elements are in place, by about April 2021 it will be an even more significant regional landmark.

More importantly it will be a lasting, beautiful legacy for all of the Fairbridge Kids who went to Fairbridge Farm School, Molong. I commend the park to you all.

If you go to the park now you will see construction of the Fairbridge Military Memorial is all but completed save for the signage which will soon be attached to the memorial panels. There will also be an ongoing maintenance period of irrigation of the plantings and additional seeding of the surrounding area.

This has largely been funded by the Federal Department of Veterans Affairs but to do the design of our good friend, the Landscape Architect Leonard Lynch, proper justice, additional funds were needed.

There were more than ninety Fairbridge kids who served in the Australian armed forces, with many serving in World War Two, the Korean War, the Malaya Emergency and the Vietnam War. It is hard to imagine many other farms in Australia contributing as many people to the defence and security of the nation.

We are also building an artistic ‘installation’ of a series of metal sculptures depicting children leaving Fairbridge at the bottom end of the park.

The installation will in some ways ‘mirror’ the children with their suitcases arriving at the top of the park. We anticipate this installation will evoke the perception of Fairbridge Kids leaving, at the end of their stay, in much the same way.

Cardboard suitcase in hand and not much else, to make their way in the wider Australian community as best they can.

You are probably aware that we have handed over legal ownership of the park to the local Cabonne Council, which means they will have the financial responsibility for maintaining and caring for the park, and more importantly, Public Liability insurance. When you next see it, I am sure you will agree they are doing a really good job.

All, in all, the park is an outstanding success and we are very happy with it now.

Dudley Hill

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Ben Agar: There’s another great chef in town

By Emily Gobourg

Originally from New Zealand, talented head chef Mario from the kitchen at the Molong RSL brings another chef on board, Ben Agar – a man marinated in life experiences that are steeped in culture, world travels, and of course – a love and knowledge of food.

Living and working in Orange just prior to his recent move, Ben’s love for small towns had Molong ticking all the boxes when it came to relocating, with what he describes was an uncomplicated choice.

“Mario's attention to detail and passion for food made it an easy decision to join the [Molong] RSL,” said Ben. Cooking for sometime now, Ben’s ventures have seen him own a fish and chip shop and a “wild food deli”, to knocking toothsome dishes up in Sydney pubs.

With tastebuds that cling onto Mexican cuisine, some of Ben’s most enjoyable dishes also include cooking adventurous curries, using barbecued methods in the kitchen, and, experimenting with new

ingredients. “[I’m] looking forward to becoming a part of the community. Merry Christmas Molong.”

A warm welcome to Ben from the team at The Molong Express, and a big congrats on your new role at the Molong RSL. We’re very excited to see (and sample) the delicious dishes you’ll bring to this town.

MOLONG Australia Day 26 January 2021

Molong Recreation Ground

Breakfast from 8am - featuring Aussie tunes followed by morning tea around 10am.

Official Ceremony from 11am Awards and guest speaker Helen Haynes Australian Poetry Lunch - 12 midday followed by the cricket.

‘DAMPER’ COMPETITION ADULTS AND CHILDREN ENTRIES BY 9AM CRICKET

‘COME AS YOU ARE’ COMPETITION DUSTY BUGGERED BOOTS OR HAT ‘BLING IT UP’ COMPETITION BLING UP YOUR BOOTS AND/ OR HAT Entries by 10am Categories for adults and children.

Judged by the public

Nominate on the Day Teams of 8 - Fun for everyone

LEAVE NO ONE IN NEED Please donate now

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

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 17 December 2020

7

RSVP by 20th December

Who are you spending Christmas with?

Why not come to the

Molong Community Christmas Day Lunch Lunch being served at 12 noon

There is no cost for the meal Bring a $5 to $10 gift for the gift exchange Location: Baptist Church Around the bend from police station

From more info call Julie 0418 973 039 Please book online www.trybooking.com

Enjoy Christmas Lunch together at the Molong Community Christmas Day Lunch.

Phil Donato MP Member for Orange

Food items needed and volunteers helpers are needed before and during the luncheon.

Your voice in NSW Parliament

Phone Julie Spencer (details above) if you can help AND/OR would like to attend the lunch.

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

SEE INSTORE BROCHURE FOR FULL RANGE

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

when you spend $50 or more in one transaction.

THAT'S 10% DISCOUNT OFF YOUR GROCERIES

PLUS 8

c

(Spend $50 or more in one transaction)

/ LITRE OFF YOUR PETROL

Excludes Cigarettes & Specials. Personal shoppers only. Store limits apply.

Limit of 12 per special per customer. Discount only on cash/card transactions, no accounts

8 MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 17 December 2020

Toys in store

Purchase a toy from the great new range at SPAR We will wrap it for a gold coin donation - to be donated to the Molong Hospital Auxiliary.

Andrew GEE MP

FEDERAL MEMBER FOR CALARE

! g n lo o M s, a tm is r h C y r er M Andrew I wish you all a happy, safe and relaxing festive season!

MOLONG SHOW RECEIVES MUCH-NEEDED FUNDING BOOST Molong Show is among 14 country shows and field days in the Central West to receive a much-needed financial boost, after they were forced to cancel this year’s shows due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

into the pockets of local businesses. Bring on Molong Show 2021!

Molong Show will receive $8,264 from the Australian Government’s $34 million Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program to help cover lost earnings as a result of the shut down.

Ag shows and field days are an integral part of the fabric of country Australia, bringing our farmers and communities together and putting tourism dollars Andrew with 2019 Molong Showgirl Jessica Clayton

Other local events to receive a grant:

Grant awarded:

ANFD Orange Orange Show Molong Show Cumnock Show Cudal Show Yeoval Show Carcoar Show Canowindra Show

$70,000 $15,000 $8,264 $9,746 $13,321 $10,000 $2,994 $15,000

√ $2 million for Cabonne under the Drought Communities Program

UPGRADE OF MOBILE PHONE TOWERS IN THE CENTRAL WEST More than 20 mobile phone towers in the Central West, including at Molong will be upgraded to ensure they can operate for longer if the power goes out during or after storms and natural disasters.

Meanwhile, the Australian Government is continuing to expand and improve mobile coverage across regional areas, with Round 5A of the Mobile Black Spot Program now open for applications.

The $380 million program to deliver better mobile coverage to regional and remote Australia is The Australian Government will provide $13.2 focusing on areas where coverage is needed most. million to Telstra, Optus and TPG to extend the battery back-up at 467 mobile phone towers across This round will focus on improving mobile Australia, including Molong, Orange, Cumnock and coverage along major transport corridors and Eugowra. in natural disaster-prone areas, where reliable mobile phone coverage is critical for keeping people This investment will allow mobile phone towers connected during emergencies. to keep operating for at least 12 hours after the Applications for funding under Round 5A will be power goes out, making a real difference for open until February 2021. For more information, communities who want to keep in contact with visit: communications.gov.au/MBSP loved ones and emergency services.

1/179A Anson Street PO Box 673 Orange NSW 2800

√ $4,000 to the Molong Advancement Group to establish a disc golf competition at the golf club and showgrounds √ Almost $54 million in water security pipelines around the Central West, including Orange to Molong, Cumnock & Yeoval √ $40 million for the upgrade of the Mitchell Highway between Orange and Molong at Guanna Hill

$50 MILLION MANUFACTURING GRANTS NOW OPEN! Round 2 of the Australian Government’s $50 million Manufacturing Modernisation Fund is now open!

Co-funded grants of between $100,000 and $1 million (up to 25 per cent of eligible project expenditure) are available to support small to medium manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) to transform manufacturing and to support job growth and a more highly skilled workforce.

The program aims to support

with the Commonwealth on arrangements with foreign governments.

Without due diligence and consultation, we risk having a patchwork of international contracts and relationships that could run counter to, or have an adverse affect on, our foreign policy.

The Commonwealth and our States and Territories need to work together on the world’s stage and speak with one voice.

ORANGE ELECTORATE OFFICE

√ $20,000 for Molong Historical Society to go towards reconstructing the entrance of the Molong Museum

√ $117,395 for East Molong Tennis Club Upgrade

The Government’s $669 million investment in the IFAM has supported over 8,000 flights to depart Australia, delivering more than $3.2 billion worth of high-quality Australian produce and supporting 155,000 jobs.

Cherry growers in the Central West have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, with By helping our NSW cherry growers get their international travel restrictions impacting freight produce into the global market, we are also flights and the supply of seasonal farm workers. supporting approximately 7,000 Australian jobs But they’re expecting a bumper season and we during the peak production period. want to ensure high-quality product reaches the Andrew with local cherry grower Guy Gaeta

The Australia’s Foreign Relations Bill 2020 has passed Parliament.

This legislation will provide governments, institutions and the Australian people with confidence that due diligence is given to international arrangements to ensure they are consistent with our national interest and our values.

Until now, there has been no requirement for states and territories to consult

√ $170,00 for the new amenities block at Molong Showgrounds

√ $225,000 for a new hockey/multisports field at Molong

global market.

FOREIGN RELATIONS BILL PASSES PARLIAMENT

√ $80,000 for the Molong Rec Ground Cricket Nets

√ $200,000 for a lighting upgrade at Molong Recreation Ground

LOCAL CHERRIES HIT THE GLOBAL MARKET More than 1,000kg of Central West cherries, the state’s finest, are bound for Vietnam this month, thanks to the Australian Government’s International Flight Assistance Mechanism (IFAM).

RUNS ON THE BOARD FOR MOLONG

SMEs with projects that align with one or more of the six National Manufacturing Priorities: • • • • • •

resources technology and critical minerals processing food and beverage medical products recycling and clean energy defence space

Applications close 5pm on 21st January 2021. For more information, head to www.business.gov.au/mmf

Andrew on-site at local manufacturer MSM Milling

(02) 6361 7138 @ andrew.gee.mp@aph.gov.au www.andrewgeemp.com.au

For regular updates and news, follow me on Facebook and Instagram @andrewgeecalare

Authorised by Andrew Gee, MP, National Party of Australia, Suite 1/179A Anson Street, Orange NSW 2800. Produced and printed using parliamentary entitlements.

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 17 December 2020

9

“Kids Komics”

If you’re a creative kid with an out-of-this-world imagination – then this could be just the place for you!

Kids can draw and submit their own comic strip for a chance to have their original works published in the Molong Express.

Entries can be snapped or scanned and emailed through. Or bring it in and we will copy it.

Successful artists will have the prize option of $10.00 pocket money, or an artsy reward to the same value.

Get drawing for the all-new KidsKomics series – then keep an eye out each week to see if your submission makes it to print!

Bring your comic in on Mondays or Tuesdays or email photo/scan to molongex@bigpond.net.au

This week’s Komic “Oh Snap!” by Ashton, aged 9.

The Dirt Doctor’s Diary

with Rick Colless

JOINING THE DOTS

A new Express feature for our farming/grazing readers and home-gardeners Welcome back to The Dirt Doctor’s Diary, the final edition for this year, and thank you to all our readers for following the series this year.

It is a good opportunity to summarise the issues we have addressed and try and work out how all this information fits together.

We started by discussing what soil is, how it is formed and how we measure the parameters affecting crop and pasture production, how important carbon is in the soil and the role the major nutrients play in soil balance and how phosphorous, nitrogen and sulphur make plants grow. We talked about the trace elements and why they are so important, despite only being required in very small amounts.

The wonderful seasonal conditions this year allowed us to develop ideas about helping water infiltrate and be retained in the soil, the problems with soil compaction and the impact that can have on getting water into the soil profile, and we finished the year with discussions on future management options including payments for soil carbon sequestration, future options for grain marketing, improving the water use efficiency in our crops and pastures and finally last week we discussed the issue of a proper income protection insurance model for our farmers.

To operate a successful farming enterprise we need to be able to fine tune our decision making to maximise production per unit of inputs, some of which we can control (eg fertiliser application rates and timing) and some of which we cannot control (eg the weather). At the end of the production process comes the major issue of marketing our product – a major factor in the profitability of the enterprise.

Assessing the major nutrient balance – the balance between calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium and hydrogen in the top 150 mm of soil - is a key decision to make. This Services Provided factor impacts on so many other • Full soil analyses, interpretations and fertiliser factors, starting with improving soil recommendations for crops and pastures; biological activity and the conversion • Plant tissue testing and analyses, interpretations and of crop residues (raw organic matter) recommendations; into humus which contains 55-60% • Farm, property and land planning including design, soil organic carbon. Humus has a survey and construction supervision of soil and water great capacity to store and recycle conservation works, fencing and paddock design and essential nutrients such as nitrogen, associated land management. phosphorous, sulphur and many of the trace elements. It also improves the For an obligation free discussion of services provided and our capacity of the soil to resist erosion, to fees and charges, please contact: improve water infiltration and to store Rick Colless Consulting that water in the soil for future plant P: 0427 129 367 E: rick@rickcollessconsulting.com.au growth.

Merry Christmas and a Prosperous 2012

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 15 DECEMBER The last cattle sale for Carcoar for the year produced a much smaller yarding. It was a good quality yarding with a good selection of young cattle to suit both the

processors and feeders. There were a few grown steers and heifers and the cows in the yarding were mostly prime. Most of the usual buyers were in attendance and operating in a mostly stronger market.

Young cattle to the trade were around firm with prime vealers selling to 425c/kg.

Prime steer yearlings sold from 351c to 380c while the prime heifer yearlings sold from 340c to 400c/kg. Feeder cattle were 12c to 17c dearer with the feeder steers selling from 365c to 435c while the feeder heifers sold from 340c to 428c/kg. Young cattle to the restockers were also a little dearer with the steers selling to 489c and the heifers to 450c/kg. Grown steers and heifers were also dearer with the prime grown steers selling from 300c to 368c while the grown heifers sold from 300c to 355c/kg.

10 MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 17 December 2020

The recently announced soil carbon sequestration program will actually pay farmers for storing extra carbon in their soil – we will be paid for undertaking a program which will ultimately lead to improved yield and quality of our crops and pastures.

A comprehensive soil test can identify the deficiencies and surpluses of the various nutrients required by next season’s crop, and we can prepare a fertiliser plan to maximise the yield, depending on the amount of risk we are prepared to accept given the vagaries of rainfall and seasonal predictions. Farm income protection insurance will allow us to minimise that risk giving us more confidence to increase our inputs in order to maximise that yield potential we know our modern crop varieties have.

Marketing decisions will become clearer as these benefits manifest themselves on an annual basis. More confidence about yield and quality potential will allow forward selling with more confidence. The availability of a grain marketing scheme that will provide farmers with working capital at harvest without forcing them to sell their grain to unscrupulous grain merchants will allow them to sell their grain at their time of choosing with a price optimisation of up to $50 - $80 per tonne.

The future for agriculture is extremely sound, despite the international challenges we have seen over the last few months. Technology in agriculture is progressing at a breakneck speed and I look forward to the challenges in the coming years ahead.

What a year 2020 was! Disastrous bushfires followed by the confusion and economic disaster of Covid-19, yet finished with the unbelievable best season and harvest for many years!

Thank you all for joining me this year in this discussion, and may I take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and looking forward to a prosperous and successful 2021 as we recover from three years of drought and Covid-19.

Cows were firm with the 2 and 3 scores selling from 240c to 273c/kg. The prime heavy weight cows sold from 270c to 287c to average 281c/kg. Bulls sold to 275c/kg.

SHEEP 9 DECEMBER It was another very good quality yarding with a good selection of trade and heavy weights though some of the new season lambs are starting to present in dry condition. There were some very nice shorn lambs mixed throughout the yarding. The usual field of buyers were present including an additional trade buyer.

Trade lambs were $11 dearer with the new season lambs selling from $155 to $196 to average from 810c to 830c/kg cwt.

Trade weight old lambs sold from $170 to $190/head. Heavy weight lambs were $4

to $6 dearer with the new season lambs over 24kg selling from $193 to $250/head to average from 725c to 780c/kg cwt.

Heavy weight old lambs sold from $194 to $260/head. Trade weight Merino lambs sold from $140 to $176/head. Very limited numbers of lambs to the restockers were a little cheaper selling from $127 to $155/ head. Hoggets sold to $203/head.

It was a mostly good quality yarding of mutton where most grades were firm to $5/head dearer. Merino ewes sold from $95 to $178 while crossbred ewes sold from $118 to $226/head. Merino wethers sold from $124 to $212/head. Carcase prices for the better sheep ranged from 610c to 665c/kg cwt. Two small pens of White Suffolk ewes sold to the restockers for $230 and $270/head.

REG’S BENCH A shark was swimming along and checking out the ocean floor when he came across a very sick octopus laying on the ocean floor. So he scooped up the sick octopus in his jaws and swam up to the top of the ocean where he found his whale friend and put it in the whales mouth and said 'here is the sick squid I owe you'.

SODUKU

WORD SEARCH

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

Cryptic Crossword Quick Crossword

Solutions page 14

Across 1 Alfresco grill (8) 6 Also (3) 9 Respond (5) 10 Discard (4,3) 11 Make a wry face (7) 13 Bag (5) 14 Useless (2,4) 15 Male parent (6) 18 Stone worker (5) 20 Haphazard (7) 21 Cut into three parts (7) 22 Step (5) 23 Still (3) 24 Toll road (8)

Down 2 Astounding (7) 3 Portion (3) 4 Rides a bike (6) 5 Comfortable seat (4,5) 6 Edible fish (5) 7 Confidential (3,3,6) 8 Branch of mathematics (12) 12 Decoration (9) 16 Retaliate (3,4) 17 Improved (6)

19 Fast (5) 22 Undermine (3)

Across 1 Bills are revised by some politicians (8) 5 Attempt - to use a dagger (4) 8 Capturing some Italian city (5) 9 God accepting drink in Borders (7) 11 Arrested, having committed a theft (7) 12 A large number study in fear (5) 13 Tax cut (6) 15 Sounds made by hooters about one (6) 18 Term of endearment, like "honey" (5) 20 Comments about stains (7) 23 The vowel sounds we make?

(3,3,1) 24 Working or departing (5) 25 Drug for a fool (4) 26 School staff trained cats here (8)

Down 1 Rest from dispute, leading retreat (3,2) 2 Like a certain poet composing in Corby (7) 3 Western farm operated by church (5) 4 Innocent creature getting attorney to reveal Greek letter (6) 6 Journey to the east? Nonsense! (5) 7 Be joining teams in addition (7)

10 Ode or composition in western show (5) 13 Tried, for example, scattering seed around (7) 14 Laurel traps a devil (5) 16 Sandier sort of fish (7) 17 Rubies, if not set properly, can result in injury (6) 19 Furnish egghead with clever remark (5) 21 Enchanted soldier in raincoat (5) 22 Wise men taking a long time on Sunday (5)

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 17 December 2020

11

TRADES & SERVICES

BUILDING / CARPENTRY

ACCOUNTANTS / SOLICITORS

TAX IS JUST ONE PART OF WHAT WE DO We can help you ZLWK \RXU FDVK Ă RZV EXGJHWLQJ EXVLQHVV SODQV valuations and more!

Orange 02 6362 1533 | Bathurst 02 6332 5946 Molong 6366 8049 Molong02 02 6366 8049 W | www.ybm.com.au E | mail@ybm.com.au

• • • •

Campbell Paton & Taylor SOLICITORS, ATTORNEYS AND NOTARIES

In Attendance are:

THURSDAY & FRIDAY by appointment.

Ph: 6362 1922

CONCRETE / LANDSCAPING PRODUCTS

CONVEYANCING

Licence No: 1033852

2/67 Bank Street, Molong NSW 2866 PO Box 174, Molong NSW 2866

Ph: 02 6366 8222 Fax: 02 6366 9273

Picton Bros Panelspan • Patios • Glass Rooms • Cladding • Carports • Recreation Rooms • Enclose existing verandahs BL83737C

Free Quote

6361 9244 www.pictonbros.com.au

E: margot@margotsawyerconveyancing.com.au

AUTOMOTIVE / SMASH REPAIRS

NGREADYMIX O L

ED

MARGOT SAWYER

BUILDING

MO

Orange office 193-195 Anson St.

CONVEYANCING

Carpentry Painting Tiling Plastering

General Repairs & Maintenance No Job too Small !

Ph: 0437 218 930

TUES- Andrew Kermode Solicitor WED- Michelle Reynolds Conveyancer

11 BANK STREET MOLONG

Mark O’Donahue Home Maintenance

CONCRETE

Mini Mix Truck

FIREWOOD AVAILABLE

BULK WATER DELIVERY

•3 Concrete Trucks •Mini digger, Bobcat, Trencher, Truck & Dog hire

•Sand, aggregates •Topsoil, Mulch •Mushroom compost •Woodchips

SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITY FOR OVER 40 YEARS

Call Dusty

6366 8448

m 0428 650 499 Family owned & f 63 669 559 operated 33 BETTS ST, MOLONG

EARTHMOVING

CONCRETE

EARTHMOVING & TRANSPORT

Servicing all your Earthmoving requirements, Low Loader, Water Tankers and Side tipper hire Contact Garry Gersbach:

0417 422 926 or 02 6369 6185 E: garry@boxtrim.com.au W: boxtrim.com.au

ELECTRICAL / PUMPS

FUNERAL SERVICES

6361 7777 6362 3751 • Residential & Commercial • Network & data cabling • Security & access control • Optical fibre & TV cabling • CCTV

0447 239 937 sammueldwyer@gmail.com

12

NORMAN J PENHALL FUNERALS Serving the Molong District SOLAR PUMP SPECIALISTS SUPPLY, INSTALLATION, REPAIRS & ELECTRICAL

PROVIDING 24 HOUR 7 DAYS SENSITIVE, DIGNIFIED & PROFESSIONAL CARE WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST PRE-PAID AND PRE-ARRANGED FUNERAL SPECIALISTS, RESPECTING ALL DENOMINATIONS email: mail@penhallfunerals.com.au

CALL DAVE 0497 864 303 ADMIN@CWPUMPS.COM.AU LIC 349683C

MOLONG EXPRESS, 17 December 2020

OUR FAMILY CARING FOR YOUR FAMILY

AFDA

PAINTING / DECORATING

T.A. ALLCORN PAINTING ABN 39 372 942 873 LIC. NO. 170885C

• • • • • • • •

DOMESTIC, COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL TEXTURE COATING ROOF RESTORATION (IRON & TILE) AIRLESS SPRAYING HIGH PRESSURE WATER CLEANING EPOXY FLOOR COATINGS QUALITY WORKMANSHIP GUARANTEED OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE

0448 702 617

PACKAGING

PLUMBING

MOVING HOUSE OR OFFICE?

we’ll pinpoint your problem Lic No. 160917C

Licensed Plumber, Drainer, Gasfitter Servicing Book Boxes | Tea Chests Bubble Wrap | Glass Jars Packing Tape

ALL YOUR PACKAGING NEEDS! Come and see us at 1 Wellington Street, Molong

MOLONG

Javelinplumbing

Or phone us on 02

6366 8100

SMASH REPAIRS

D & M DUNCAN

• Domestic • Rural • Commercial

0408 031 829 (02) 6366 9010 e: javelin@telcomail.com.au

WATER BORES

OBLIGATION FREE QUOTE OVER 50 YEARS EXPERIENCE FULLY LICENCED & INSURED

6366 5220

Ph: 6366 8208

(m)0468 962 162

14 Enterprise Place Molong NSW 2866 info@molongsmashrepairs.com.au

TRANSPORT

B-Double Livestock, Hay & General Freight Matt Knott

0428 986 164 knotttransport@gmail.com

TREE SERVICES

Country Tree Services Garry Livingstone

• Arborist • Tree Felling • Trimming • Stump Grinding • Fully Insured • 30 years experience

0408 655 811

0423 687 565 PLUMBING

For all your plumbing needs 7 Days

After hours service available

0428 166 364 Mini Earthworks Kanga Hire

• Renovations • Bathroom • Carpentry • Decks • Patios • Glazing • Fencing • Welding

Quality Smash Repairs

• Hotrods/Restoration/Vintage vehicles • Motor bikes/boats and all marine vessels

webflowplumbing@gmail.com

Byrne’s All Works

WELDING

Smash Repairs • Insurance & Private Work • All vehicle makes & models • Custom work and paint

• Quality Work • Fair Pricing • Reliable Timing

Clayton Gavin 0448 251 429

PROMPT, PROFESSIONAL & RELIABLE SERVICE

Molong

Servicing the Central West

Patrick Ball 0428 166 364

CALL BRYAN OR CLIVE NOW ON

PH/FAX: 6364 5432 AH:63 645 077

Lic. No. 321399c

Lic. No. 213677c

53 CUDAL STREET, MANILDRA

24 HOUR TOWING

Licenced Plumber & Gasfitter

Gavin Plumbing

SMASH REPAIRS

• Auto Robot • Baking Oven • All insurance work • Panel Beating & Spray Painting • Windscreens supplied and fitted

Webflow Plumbing

Daryl Byrne

0418 995 068

WELDING & FABRICATION FIXED & MOBILE PLANT MAINTENANCE MOBILE WELDING SERVICE Sam & Jacqui Duncan

0409 041 659 email: srdwelding@bigpond.com

BALING

Sullivan’s

CONTRACT BALING SPEED TILLING

BOOK NOW FOR COMING SEASON

• Big Squares •Round Bales Mower condi oners, rakes available

darryl.byrne@hotmail.com

CONNECTIONS

Wr ght

CONNECTIONS

CABLE/ PIPE LOCATIONS TREES LOPPED / REMOVED TRENCHING YARDS CLEANED PHONES / CABLES REPAIRED PHONE / TV EXTENSIONS ANY TIME ANY WHERE

NOW CLEANING CHIMNEYS Avoid a fire !

Call Lenny Punch

M: 0481 119 039 T: 63 668 108

Ph: Jamie

0488 037 603 MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 17 December 2020

13

CLASSIFIEDS

that work !

UNITING CHURCH

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

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

DEATHS

Molong Meats ‘Bon Appetit’

COOPER, Eileen (nee Nagle)

61 Bank Street

CABONNE COUNCIL CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR CLOSURES

Cabonne Council’s offices at Molong, Cudal and Canowindra will be closed from 3pm Thursday 24 December 2020 until Monday 4 January 2021.

Kerbside garbage collections will operate as normal during the Christmas-New Year period.

Cargo, Canowindra, Cumnock, and Manildra waste disposals depots will be closed on Christmas Day, but all waste depots will operate as normal on other days during the holiday period.

Cabonne Community Transport will be unavailable from 3pm Thursday 24 December 2020 and resume on Monday 18 January 2021.

Anyone wishing to make an urgent enquiry or report an emergency should call (02) 6392 3234. For life-threatening emergencies or to report a bush fire, call 000.

Cabonne Councillors and staff wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe New Year.

PO Box 17 MOLONG NSW 2866

14 December 2020 Adored wife of Bob Cooper, formerly of Molong. Beloved Mum of Shannon, Graeme, Damien (deceased), Anna & Katherine and their partners. Loved Nan to her seven grandchildren. Dearly loved sister, sister in law and aunt of the Nagle and Cooper families.

Doris Alexander

We’re here at Molong Meats ready to help you with best quality meats for your Christmas Brunch, Lunch and Dinner Not forgetting BBQ meats ready to go in your fridge Christmas Voucher Giving?

‘Rosie’ suggests giving a Molong Meats Gift Voucher (all price ranges available) to someone you know ... maybe your grandparents, a family member, neighbour, friend or someone who needs some cheering up. “Food is the best gift” said Rosie

CHURCH NOTICES

of Rose Avenue, Orange Formerly of Molong and Larras Lee 2/11/31 to 7/12/20 Dearly loved Wife of Joe Alexander for 70 years. Adored Mother to Les (deceased), Bob, and Alison Howe. Much loved grandmother, great-grandmother, family member and friend to many.

With much sadness we announce that Doris passed away on Monday 7 December, peacefully and with dignity, and was laid to her rest on Thursday 10 December surrounded by those who loved her.

Now resting in peace

0400 639 003

Bradley Byrnes General Manager

PUBLIC NOTICES

Sunday 20 December Manildra 9.00 am Rev Ross Godfrey Molong 11.00 am: Rev Ross Godfrey Heather Woodhouse 63668218 Helen Houghton 63668020

Welcome MOLONG & DISTRICT BAPTIST CHURCH

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

Weekly Activities on livestream, to For linkAll toAge the Groups online Wayne Spencer (Pastor) Ph: 63669376 platform.

Christmas Services @

Molong Baptist Church Christmas Eve Thursday 24 December 6.00pm Sausage Sizzle 6.30pm Service

Bring your picnic blankets and set up on the lawn at the Molong Baptist Church for a sausage sizzle (gold coin donation), a service telling the awesome Christmas Story and Christmas Carols.

Kids under 12 are allowed to sing!

Anyone over 12 may sing if wearing a face mask.

Christmas Day Friday 25 December 9am

A short service celebrating Jesus’ birth

For Covid Safety we require you to book into our services. Find our services on www.trybooking.com

PROPOSED MODIFICATION TO CADIA EAST PROJECT/CADIA VALLEY OPERATIONS AT 1460 CADIA ROAD, SOUTH ORANGE ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND ASSESSMENT ACT 1979 (NSW) - PART 3A APPROVAL NO. 06_0295

Cadia Holdings Pty Limited (CHPL) is authorised to carry out the Cadia East Project/Cadia Valley Operations under Project Approval No. 06_0295 (Part 3A Approval), which was granted by the New South Wales (NSW) Minister for Planning on 6 January 2010 under the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979 (EP&A Act).

The Cadia East Project/Cadia Valley Operations, which is located at 1460 Cadia Road, South Orange, includes the Cadia East underground mine, the Cadia Hill Open Pit Tailings Storage Facility, the Ridgeway underground mine, and Cadia Valley Operations Dewatering Facilities and ancillary infrastructure.

The Part 3A Approval has been modified on 13 occasions since being granted on 6 January 2010. In 2018, the Part 3A Approval was declared by the NSW Minister for Planning to be a State Significant Development consent.

On Thursday, 10 December 2020, CHPL lodged a modification application for the Proposed Processing Rate Modification (Modification 14) with the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment seeking approval to modify the State Significant Development consent pursuant to section 4.55(2) of the EP&A Act. The consent authority for Proposed Modification 14 will be the NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces.

Proposed Modification 14 includes the following key changes to the approved Cadia East Project/Cadia Valley Operations: • an increase in the approved ore processing rate from 32 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) to 35 Mtpa; • upgrades to Cadia East mining and ore processing infrastructure to provide capacity to accommodate a mining, materials handling and processing rate of 35 Mtpa; • continued deposition of tailings into the Northern Tailings Storage Facility (NTSF), Southern Tailings Storage Facility (STSF) and Pit Tailings Storage Facility; • construction works on the NTSF and STSF, including; - changes to wall construction designs of the NTSF and STSF embankments and associated disturbance; - implementation of NTSF repair works to restore the embankment by encapsulation of the slumped section; - construction of centreline lifts at the NTSF and STSF embankments in response to the findings of the Independent Technical Review Board’s investigation into the NTSF slump; • additional pre-conditioning of the overburden above the Cadia East orebody, to be achieved via direction drilling from the surface; and • construction and operation of a Sodium Hydrosulphide Solutioning Plant.

The application for Proposed Modification 14 and accompanying documents can be accessed on the NSW Major Projects Planning Portal (https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects) by using the search term "Cadia East Gold".

For further information relating to Proposed Modification 14, please contact: Jane Chung, Approvals Superintendent, Cadia Valley Operations. jane.chung@newcrest.com.au

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

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 17 December 2020

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)

Cudal - Molong

CUDAL-MOLONG ANGLICAN PARISH CHRISTMAS SERVICES

Christmas Eve 7.30pm St. Lukes Manildra Christmas Day 8.00am St. Johns Molong Christmas Day 10.00am St. James Cudal Please book if you wish to attend any of these Services on 6364 5408 for Manildra, 0427 010 517 for Molong and 0427 642 058 for Cudal

Sport Molong Bowls BRAG

Brag has wrapped up for the year.

Backon 5 February. Nominations by Friday 29 January. See opposite.

WEDNESDAY BOWLS

From Wednesday 9 December Wednesday Bowls will move to a heat avoiding 6 pm start.

We will be providing post game eats (Gravy beef roll with chips or Savoury mince pie with chips). $10 per head + $3 including the meal.

This was a hit last year so come along. All welcome.

Annabelles Kitchen Annabelle is back cooking at the club on Saturday evenings from 6 pm.

Market Night / Badge Draw This Saturday 19 Dec. See notice below.

OPEN The Club is open from 4.30pm on Mondays, Fridays, Saturday and Sunday (Earlier if scheduled bowls is being played on Sat or Sun)

Molong Golf Shane Brown Transport’s Team took out the 2020 BRAG with Macca’s team runner-up. Brag is back on 5 Feb. Nominations by 29 Jan. 2021 (Above SBT team Mick Philpott, Margo & Mitch Brown) Last Saturday a Mens Triple Championships game was closely contested with scores level at 18 all entering the last end.

The game was decided on the final bowls to enable Team 2 to progress to the next round Team 1, John Riley, Marianne Riley and Denise Lyons On Sunday the Golf Club held their AGM followed by a fun 6 holes Par 3 course, and a light meal together.

The Committee would like to thank all those that have supported us and volunteered many hours of time to keep the course and club house in good condition. We appreciate it very much throughout the year.

THANK YOU ALL and have a lovely Christmas and all the Best for the New Year.

Croquet

MOLONG BOWLING CLUB Saturday

Night Badge Draw

7.30 - 8 pm

Sunday Mixed Sunday morning we had 8 players out for a hit on a pleasant day. Nice to have Bob out on the course again.

Havn’t seen the Ghost Walker for a while as he injured his hand but hoping for a return in the new year.

Winners on the day were Peter & runner up, Justin.

Hope everyone can come out next week for a 3 person Ambrose.

Draw for partners on arrival. Hams & Turkeys for prizes and prawns on the BBQ after - sure to be a fun day.

Jack

It has been decided to hold off playing Croquet from now over the Christmas and New Year period and recommence on the 9th January at 6.00pm.

Team 2, Tom Fitzgerald Phillip Gosper and Noel Hurford Congratulations Tom, Phillip and Noel

Molong Women’s Bowls Ladies Christmas Party The Ladies Christmas Party and presentations night was held at the Bowling Club on the evening of Monday 14/12/20. Thirteen members were in attendance The Ladies who attended enjoyed the fellowship, fun and exchanged stories over a pleasant meal. The distribution of secret Santa’s gifts were well received and appreciated.

Christmas Market Night HAMS Meat Vegies

OPEN SATURDAYS 6.00 pm 6366 8241

Information for members and guests.

It’s your club!

THIS SATURDAY 19 DECEMBER

7 pm

Euchareena Rd

A big thank you to all our members who helped to make our Christmas party a fun and memorable night.

The Christmas party brings 2020 to and close with the next committee meeting scheduled for the new year 2021. The Ladies Club wish all Club members, staff and greenkeepers an enjoyable and safe festive season and look forward to a virus free 2021.

Annabelle’s Kitchen

22-24 RIDDELL ST MOLONG

P: 6366 8105

e:admin@molongrsl.com.au

CHRISTMAS HAM RAFFLES FRIDAYS 15 HAMS TO BE WON SNOOKER CLUB AGM Tuesday 12 Jan 2021 6 pm

BISTRO

DINNER : Wed - Sat 5.30pm - 8.30pm.

Phone bookings essential.

Club Open Mon & Tues 3.00 - 8.00 WED 1.00 - 10.00 THU 1.00 - 10.00 FRI 1.00 - 11.00 SAT 1.00 - 10.00 SUN 12.00 - 8.00 MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 17 December 2020

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Sale

Is This The Lifestyle Change You Seek?

Stuart Town 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.

• Four great sized bedrooms, main with ensuite • Open plan kitchen/ dining and living area with two ceiling fans

• Ducted reverse cycle air conditioning • Undercover entertaining area

Sale $549,000 View

By Appointment Kurt Adams 0428 747 050 Ben Redfern 0457 770 062

Auction

Sit Back & Enjoy The Views!

Mullion Creek “Valley View” Whatever your interests “Valley View” has something for everyone. Offering the best of both worlds, with a mixture of bushland, grazing acres & a stunning homestead, you can create a haven for recreation or an envied laid-back country lifestyle.

• Approx. 69.96 Hectares / 173 acres • 4 large bedrooms, 3 bathrooms plus office or 5th bedroom. The main with walk in robe, ensuite with spa bath, separate powder room and French doors opening out to a verandah.

• Brick outdoor wood fire pizza oven

Ray White Emms Mooney

Forthcoming Auction Contact Agent View

By Appointment Kurt Adams 0428 747 050

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

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MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 17 December 2020