Molong Express 18 Mar 2021

AND WESTERN DISTRICTS ADVERTISER

Ph: (02) 6366 8017

THURSDAY 18 March 2021

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

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

Commonwealth Bank to close You are here Your bank's going here

The Commonwealth Bank has announced that the Molong and Blayney branches of the bank will close on Friday 4 June. This will also be the last day that the Commonwealth ATM will operate. The decision has elicited an angry reaction across all sectors of the community. Businesses and locals will have to travel 35km to Orange to access banking and fee free ATM facilities.

In a statement to the Molong Express Norm Swift, the bank's Regional General Manager said ... "While we recognise branches play an important role

in delivering great service, many of our customers are increasingly choosing to use our online channels for their banking. ... We’ve also found that 15% of customers from Molong are already visiting the Orange branch. ... Additionally, the Molong LPO Australia Post outlet a block down the road is available for customers to conduct personal and business banking transactions such as withdrawals, deposits and bill payments including passbooks during normal business hours." STATEMENTS PAGE 4. DONATO P5.

The reaction ... what they said: Full statements, page 4 The Bank

Following a recent review, we made the difficult decision to permanently close the Molong branch. This branch has had a 45% drop in transactions over the past five years.

Norm Swift, Regional General Manager

The Mayor

The Federal MP

The Commonwealth Bank is ... the last bank branch across all of Cabonne.

The communities are still recovering from one of the worst droughts in memory and the COVID pandemic.

Now the Commonwealth Bank is walking away from already hurting communities...

“The banks like to advertise what a great friend they are to Australian communities.

Unfortunately, it seems the friendship comes to an end when branches aren’t as profitable as they would like them to be.

Kevin Beatty, Cabonne Mayor

Andrew Gee, Member for Calare

FREE TICKET

Sweetness Cafe Live Music Neil Gill THIS FRI

THE FIRST 10 to present this coupon at Sweetness Cafe will receive a free ticket to tomorrow night's show

Share your mice eradication stories

Natural Beekeeping - Learn how

Rather than treating bees as ‘honey production units’, the natural beekeeping philosophy is about providing optimal conditions for the health of the honeybee colony.

Modern conventional beekeeping and agricultural practices, such as crop spraying, hive movement, frequent hive inspections, artificial queen rearing programs, routine medication, and sugar water feeding, reduce the vitality and weaken the immunity of the honeybees.

Natural beekeeping is a gentler beefriendly approach that prioritizes care for the bees, allowing them to build natural honey comb and to harvest only when sufficient honey is available. This results in healthy bees and delicious raw honey!

Natural Beekeeping Workshop Orange NSW March 20 @ 10:00 am - March 21 @ 3:00 pm

This unique course teaches the fundamentals of Natural, Bee Centric, Organic, Beekeeping practices and theories. While also inspiring a reverence for the miraculous, wordless lives of honey bees whose complex communal patterns and systems draw us into greater and more sacred connections to life, nature and community.

Adrian shares an intimate knowledge of, and love, for bees so that skills learned are both practical and spiritual.

You will leave with the confidence to start caring for your own bee colony, the capacity to catch and relocate a swarm, as well as insight into how caring for bees can open us to a greater understanding of life.

Who’s it for?

Beginner beekeepers wanting to understand the fundamentals of bee-centric bee-care Experienced beekeepers wanting to explore a deeper, more natural, bee centric approach to beekeeping Anyone wanting to deepen their connection to and appreciation of the miraculous lives of bees Phone: 0409 971 128 Email: adrian@beekeepingnaturally.com.au Website https://www.beekeepingnaturally.com.au/

The Molong Railway Station

Thank you to long-time reader of the Molong Express and former resident, Max Coombs formerly of Boomey now a resident of Caves Beach.

The Express enjoy regular letters from Max who grew up on the family grazing and cropping property at

As the mice and rat populations increase - so it seems is their resilience to baits - and ‘rat’ cunning ways to avoid being caught. Here are some of the latest tips we have heard around town. Send us yours?

1. Cement powder mixed with icing sugar - the powdery mix left in bowls doesn’t kill the little critters but makes them sick enough to flee to another location.

2. 6” lengths of poly pipe H Hardware will cut for you -choose a small diameter for mice to get into - large for rats to enter - Steve and the friendly H Hardware team

Boomey before enlisting in the RAAF. Max noticed in the Express which he receives weekly stories about the Molong Railway Station and the work of MAG and the Molong Express in encouraging community ideas about new usages for the grand old building “a

will provide a cap on one end of the popypipe. Fill with mice or rat bait - - place cap on one end - place in safe places inside the home (hidden away from children, dogs and cats) and hide in the garden (safe from kids birds, dogs and cats). Check every day - mice/rats will either stay inside the polypipe or head away to die (try and locate before the smell of corpses fills the air).

3. H Hardware and SPAR have baits/traps ready to go. See one ... get onto them fast - eradicate them permanently.

town and railway museum” is what Max would like see.

Great idea Max who remembers leaving and arriving at the Molong Railway Station during his RAAF serice.

Thank you also to Max for sending the Exress the book, Railway Portraits by Robert and Bruce Wheatley.

FLOWERS AT THE RED DOOR Lovely fresh flowers

• Good selection • Bouquets • Occasions, •Corporate needs 31 Gidley Street MOLONG NSW 2866 Call Jen 0410 117 650

Spirited Departure. 3636+6040. up goods, Molong, January 1965

e: jen@hotmail.com

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, Thursday18 March 2021

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

Visit all our listings at www.molongre.com.au 42 Bank Street, Molong

6366 8800 LI N S EW T IN G

LILAC COTTAGE MOLONG 1939

Set on an elevated 1467m2 established yard overlooking Molong is this unique spacious family home consisting of 5 bedrooms 2 bathrooms 2 separate living areas. Double carport to the front + a great 2 bay shed and workshop with rear yard access.

• Spacious formal and casual living spaces • Large kitchen with double oven, gas cooktop overlooking the huge back yard • 3 bedrooms downstairs main with ensuite & walk in robe. Upstairs there are 2 good size bedrooms + office space • Main family bathroom has bath & separate shower • Beautiful North facing covered front veranda • Rear covered back entertaining area • Large double carport at the front with lock up shed space • Double shed and large workshop For Sale $480,000 to $500,000 2 5 4 Mark Howes 0427 668 800

U O ND FF E E R R

CIRCA 1900S COUNTRY COTTAGE First homeowners looking to get in the

market here is a great opportunity to secure a cottage in a great location close to the main street shops & cafes in Molong. 3 Bedrooms, Sunny Northern back yard with rear yard access & plenty of space to build a shed.

• 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

U O ND FF E E R R

MASONIC LODGE 1929 An opportunity to transform this solid double brick building into your own family home & put your touches on this unique building. The property consists of two large rooms with high ceilings open fireplace and a kitchenette. Just a short walk to Manildra’s main street shops.

• A great central location close to the main street shops • Plenty of internal space to make this property your home • Functional kitchen is in place • Reverse cycle air with a cozy open fireplace • Rear yard access with side laneway • Set on good size block 796 sqm For Sale $179,000 1 1 1 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.

KERRIANNE KELLY

PROPERTY MANAGER 0432 649 274

MARK HOWES LICENSED REAL ESTATE AGENT 0427 668 880

42 BANK STREET, MOLONG PH: 02 6366 8800

JULIE KENT PROPERTY MANAGER 6366 8800

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 18 March 2021

3

News Commonwealth Bank Closures

Blayney / Cabonne Mayors respond

Blayney and Cabonne Councils have been recently informed of the impending closure of the Commonwealth Bank branches in both Molong and Blayney.

The Mayor of Blayney Shire Council, Cr Scott Ferguson said; “The recent announcement from the Commonwealth Bank to close its branches in Blayney and Molong is an extremely disappointing decision. It appears that the Commonwealth Bank is abandoning rural areas and leaving our older residents behind in their desire for increased cost savings and improved shareholder value.”

The Commonwealth Bank is the only bank branch left in Molong and in fact the last bank branch across all of Cabonne. This decision will leave Molong with no face-to-face banking.

The Reliance Bank will be the only face-to-face banking service still operating in Blayney.

Mayor of Cabonne Council, Cr Kevin Beatty is extremely concerned about the proposed closure of the Commonwealth Bank branches.

“The Commonwealth Bank branches provide a number of services to the Blayney and Cabonne communities, including telling services, business banking, financial planning assistance and international services. I am particularly worried about the impact the closure will have on the community and local staff,” he said.

The communities are still recovering from one

of the worst droughts in memory and the COVID pandemic. Now the Commonwealth Bank is walking away from already hurting communities by greatly reducing banking options for older residents and creating inequity in smaller towns.

Blayney and Molong are prosperous, growing towns and deserve a continuation of face-to-face banking.

While technology has changed modern banking, many older residents still depend on face-to-face banking. The alternative arrangements the bank is putting in place are far from adequate and discriminate not only against older people, but community and charity groups who still deal with cash.

All good businesses big and small know that to be successful you must support your local community and customers. In this decision, the Commonwealth Bank has shown no respect for residents, many who have been lifetime customers and parts of the community that have not been able to adopt or access internet banking.

Blayney and Cabonne Councils call on the Commonwealth Bank to reverse their decision and continue to provide some form of face-toface banking in Blayney and Molong. These are prosperous and growing towns with a wonderful population that needs and deserves quality banking services within the community.

Commonwealth Bank Statement

In a statement to the Molong Express Norm Swift, Regional General Manager of the Commonwealth Bank said: “While we recognise branches play an important role in delivering great service, many of our customers are increasingly choosing to use our online channels for their banking.

We regularly review our branch locations across Australia to help us make informed decisions on where to open new branches, where to renovate or upgrade existing branches, and in some instances where to close branches.

Following a recent review, we made the difficult decision to permanently close the Molong branch. This branch has had

Federal Member for Calare Andrew Gee MP has called on Commonwealth Bank CEO Matt Comyn to re-think and reverse a decision to close bank branches at Molong and Blayney.

“It’s bitterly disappointing to find out about the foreshadowed closures which are scheduled for the 4th of June. While local bank branch staff were informed on Friday, there has been no consultation with the wider community,” Mr Gee said.

“The banks like to advertise what a great friend they are to Australian communities. Unfortunately, it seems the friendship comes to an end when branches aren’t as profitable as they would like them to be.

“This news will be particularly devastating for older Australians, many of whom do not use internet or phone banking. Many of them have given the bank a lifetime of loyalty and this is a shocking way for the bank to repay them for it.

“There are also many businesses in the Blayney and Molong/ Cabonne areas who rely on personto-person banking services.

“I have heard immediate feedback from local residents who say the bank has forgotten its loyal customers and that it’s just not that easy to pop into Orange or Bathurst to do banking if you’re elderly, a small business owner or a farmer

Naturally, this has also resulted in a significant increase in customers selfserving on the app or via NetBank, and a significant reduction in foot traffic in our branches.

In FY20 there were 6.3 million CommBank app logins per day, peaking at 10.2 million daily logins on the app and NetBank portal during the coronavirus pandemic. Foot traffic across our branch network remains down more than 50 per cent in some branches as people follow social distancing and imposed lockdown restrictions.

Customers in older demographics are actively engaging with CBA online.

For customers over the age of 60, more than twice as many had accessed NetBank or the CommBank App in the past month, compared to the number who had visited a branch in the last three months.

We do recognise that some older customers do prefer Expressions of interest are now open for Newcrest’s Fundraising to do their banking face to Beyond the Curve program, supporting Charities, Not-for-profit face and this is one of the Organisations or Associations whose fundraising revenue has reasons why CBA is proud to maintain the largest branch been impacted by COVID-19. Find out more at bizhq.com.au network in the country.

We’ve ensured customers Newspapers in Education who prefer over-the-counter Cadia Valley Operations and service still have access to the Central Western Daily this option. For Molong RM6782365

a 45% drop in transactions over the past five years.

Before the coronavirus pandemic, around two-thirds of our customers were using digital channels for their everyday banking needs, like transferring funds, making payments and checking account balances, while only 6% of customers visited our branches for these tasks.

The coronavirus pandemic has also accelerated a continuing shift in banking behaviour with a significant proportion of our customers seeking assistance through our Australian-based contact centres.

In particular, calls to our hardship line increased by 800 per cent compared to the period before the pandemic.

CBA should reverse branch closure decisions at Molong and Blayney - Gee

4 MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 18 March 2021

that requires face-to-face service.

“It also poses risks for businesses whose staff will need to carry large sums of money back to Molong and Blayney after a bank run.

“I will be personally contacting Mr Comyn and asking that these decisions be reversed.

“There are very strong and valid arguments for keeping these branches open and that is what I will be seeking.

“Someone from the bank needs to front up to our communities and tell residents what’s going on.

These closures are an appalling situation for the people of the Blayney and Cabonne areas. The lack of consultation with the wider community has made matters worse.

“I will keep our communities updated on any response from the bank,” Mr Gee said.

customers, we have a branch at Orange We’ve also found that 15% of customers from Molong are already visiting the Orange branch.

Additionally, the Molong LPO Australia Post outlet a block down the road is available for customers to conduct personal and business banking transactions such as withdrawals, deposits and bill payments including passbooks during normal business hours.

Customers can also access their accounts 24 hours a day through NetBank or the CommBank App. We are also available for general banking enquiries, through our locally-based contact centres on 13 22 21, every day between 6am and 10pm.

The ATM at the branch will remain available until 12pm on Friday 4 June.

We have four other CommBank ATMs within 35 km, three of which are accessible 24 hours a day.

EFTPOS also allows customers to withdraw cash at participating supermarkets and service centres.

Our customers can also complete transactions such as withdrawals and balance enquiries during normal business hours at their nearest Australia Post.”

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..

The amount of litter falling off insecure loads on roads leading to both the tips seems to be on the increase.

There was a time when Council issued fines for this littering but not any more.

The preference is to now employ or use (the naughty boys on community orders) to come behind and pick up after these litterers. That’s progress.

Ratepayer I am not a conspiracy fan at all. 7 (seven) countries have now halted the Astra Z vaccine to investigate claims of blood clots forming after the shot. We continue to hear our leaders say we will not rush into this. I truly hope they wait for the outcomes of these investigations. A pulmonary embolism is a shite way to die.....

Mel, Orange I’m so afraid to go to sleep at night lately! It seems like every time I wake up the price of fuel has gone up. Went from 134 to 142 over night so how do they justify that but given guess when there's no competition you can select what ever price you want to.

Vroom Vroom, Molong Call me crazy, but I reckon if u r in customer service industry it migh b good if u cud muster sum customer service. So sick of grumps servin me. So home to bed and get out the other side and see if that helps any. If that doesn't help then get think you should go to UNI and do a crash course on PR because Molong and surrounding towns have become so grumpy its not funny. ..

Check out Chick, Coles Orange To vac or not. Is it wise to have such a staggered rollout of the vaccine? Does this increase the chance of mutant strains? Should we stockpile until we have enough for all? Finally, my heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones but other countries continue to have huge death tolls, would it not be prudent to make sure these countries have access to vaccines before countries such as ours.

R. Lewis, Cabonne Regardless of the interview I still reckon it should be Harry and Megan for GG, but hang on a mo... wasn’t the whole idea of Harry & Meegs splitting with The Firm – to get away from media attention?

The Pom, Orange So bloody good to see the footy back on TV even with half the crowd from that of years ago it still good to see just need some results in my way lol. Footy fan Molong It's raining it's pouring - summer has gone and now it's snowing...!! Jak Frost Molong.....

Thank god facebook didn’t leave Australia.

How would they recruit 400 quarantine workers if that happened? P B Smith, Canowindra Perhaps when Christian Porter takes his two-week mental health sabbatical, he could reconsider the rights of Territorians re: making our own decisions, especially re: voluntary euthanasia. I believe that he has opposition to both. If this is the case, I don’t think that he should be Attorney-General, as he does not have a fair and balanced view. Bertie, Orange

Letters

Bank Closures

Phil Donato acts in NSW Parliament State Member for Orange, Phil Donato has also joined the protest against the Commonwealth Bank closures. Here's Phil's facebook post on Tuesday: "In spite of a 12% increase in its 2020 net profit, yielding $9.6 billion, the Commonwealth Bank have decided to close its services in Molong and Blayney.

After the bank’s doors permanently shut in June, Molong will be without a bank for the first time in 138 years. Jobs and service loss will have an impact on the community.

This is a notice of motion I delivered in Parliament today.

To Norm Swift, Regional Manager, Commonwealth Bank of Australia $4,800,000,000 - Commonwealth Bank of Australia Half Year Net Profit.

I repeat, Four Billion Eight Hundred Million Dollars Net Profit in six months (26 weeks).

Yet you are not prepared to employ three wonderful women who do a tremendous job atteding their customers, particularly the elderly of which there are many.

Instead you want us to drive 40 minutes to Orange from Molong - and, over one hour for Cumnock, Manildra, Euchareena citizens to travel to Orange.

Double the time to complete the all around trip.

Driving in the country is dangerous and more so for the elderly. Orange is growing rapidly with parking near your branch there restricted to half an hour if you can find a parking spot - a fine if you are late!

All of this disruption and upset because you, Norman, want to make for the Bank more than the four billion, eight hundred million dollars in the next six months.

Blayney branch is getting the same treatment which is also a long drive to Orange or Bathurst.

Molong and Blayney, two historic towns that produced the food necessary to prevent the citizens of Sydney from starvation during the 1800's.

The Federal and State Governents are spending much needed funds to make life easier for people living in regional and remote country towns with better infrastructure and medical services particularly for the elderly.

Banking is one of the basic serices of our society. A community looks upon a bank as a corner store of their security alongside Council, hospital, medical services etc.

Norman, I think the largest company in Australia can show leadership and afford to help regional Australians rather than hinder. Don't You? Peter Thomas Molong.

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 18 March 2021

5

Opening of a new Fairbridge Military Memorial

Molong Markets goes Roaring Twenties

The Moilong Advancement Group loves to celebrate our markets with a bit of a theme.

October 2019 saw us in the pink and whilst our 2020 markets were greatly missed we anticipate April 5th 2021 to be exuberant as we go black and white and celebrate bringing in the new decade.

Regional schools benefit from stimulus projects The Official Opening of a new Military Memorial will be held on Saturday, 20 March 2021 at 2.00pm at The Fairbridge Childrens Park, corner of Mithchell Highway Amaroo Road, Molong.

The official opening will be by Ian ‘Smiley’ Bayliff and other Fairbridge veterans.

From farm to forces

Ninety five children , almost ten percent of those who were at Fairbridge later served in the Australian armed forces in both war and peace operations .

Fiftynine of them served overseas during World War II, the Korean War, the Malayan‘Emergency’

and the Vietnam War Three were killed while in service, Charlie Brown, Mickey Mitchell and Christopher Redfern.

Very few farms in Australia have made such a significant contribution to the defence and security of the nation The public are invited to the event. Please bring you own refreshments and picnic chair.

Please note there will be no parking in the park or on the Mitchell Highway. Parking is available in the old Fairbridge V illage off Amaroo Road and a courtesy shuttle service is available to and from the Fairbridge Childrens Park

Wrong route for Planning Minister on Inland Rail

NSW Farmers and the Country Women’s Association of NSW (CWA of NSW) are alarmed by a proposal that would stifle community consultation on the Inland Rail project.

It comes as the NSW Minister for Planning the Hon Rob Stokes MP has issued an order declaring the construction of the Inland Rail in NSW as a critical state significant infrastructure project.

NSW Farmers Inland Rail Taskforce Chair Adrian Lyons said the effect of this order would be to prevent people from making objections to the project.

“One of the main problems we have had with the ARTC’s handling of this project to date is the lack of community consultation, so this move by the Planning Minister rubs salt in old wounds,” Mr Lyons said.

“The project has been littered with poor decisions and inadequate reports on potential effects of noise and vibration, business interruption and loss of the use of land because of this significant project that could be lifechanging for many.”

“To take away the voices of these people is a major and disturbing move by the Minister.”

CWA of NSW CEO Danica Leys said members of both her organisation and NSW Farmers have had their questions and complaints regarding the route ignored, so this is a worrying development that could end any avenue to meaningful consultation.

“What this project desperately requires is orders to make the ARTC more accountable, not expand their decision-making power like this order does," Mrs Leys said.

Education Minister Sarah Mitchell joined Sam Farraway MLC at Molong Central School last week.

The next tranche of the NSW Nationals in the state government’s Regional Renewal Program has been announced.

NSW Nationals Education Minister Sarah Mitchell joined Sam Farraway MLC at Molong Central School, one of the program recipients, to announce the second tranche of the $120 million program.

“The Regional Renewal Program will accelerate the delivery of school improvement projects, injecting millions of dollars’ worth of stimulus into local economies,” Ms

Mitchell said.

“I’m delighted to see more than 370 projects in this next phase of the program. Overall, we will see over $66 million invested in regional infrastructure from this phase.

Mr Farraway said he was glad the stimulus is assisting communities and schools with access to updated and modern learning spaces.

“It is great to be able to have the Minister in Molong to announce round two, and to look at how the School will use this funding to improve learning spaces for their students,” Mr Farraway said.

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 18 March 2021

Kerr’s Creek Wind Farm

COVID-19 health staff vaccination commences

The Western NSW Local Health District will start providing COVID-19 vaccinations to its staff from Monday 22 March, 2021.

“The Australian Government has developed a schedule that will see the most at-risk groups receive the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible,” said Western NSW Local Health District Chief Executive Scott McLachlan.

“Phase 1a includes healthcare workers who work in areas such as emergency departments and intensive care units. It also includes aged care residents, including those living in our Multipurpose Service (MPS) facilities. Phase 1b includes all other healthcare workers.

“For our healthcare workers, we will have fixed clinics in Orange and Dubbo taking bookings from 22 March, with the Bathurst clinic opening the following day.

“We will also have two mobile clinics in operation from 22 March that will visit all our smaller health facilities over the coming weeks.

“The vaccination requires two injections at least twelve weeks apart, so those clinics will be booking staff in for both their appointments.

“Our clinics will be providing the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine.

Both the current vaccines are very effective, and Oxford/AstraZeneca offers advantages for our District given the challenges of distance.

“I would encourage people to use the Australian Government’s online eligibility checker to see when and how they can access vaccination.

“This is a really exciting development. Our staff, and our communities have, had been incredible in taking action to minimise the spread of COVID-19, and we all want the vaccination program to be a success.

“We’re fortunate to have the vaccine available and it will be a relief for our healthcare workers to have this extra layer of protection.”.

View from the Hill

Michelle Grattan

Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

Christian Porter on Monday gave notice that he’s determined to stage a fightback, however damaged his ministerial career might appear at the moment.

The Attorney-General launched a defamation action against the ABC and journalist Louise Milligan over the article that initially reported an allegation of historical rape by a cabinet minister had gone to the police.

Porter on Monday also put a date on his return to work – March 31. That means he doesn’t have to face parliament until the budget session, but indicates he has no intention of quitting the frontbench, which seemed one option for him after this crisis broke.

Porter strongly denies the rape

Another call for Great western Highway upfrade

NSW Farmers is calling for regional infrastructure to be a high priority and core component of the NSW Government’s 20212022 Budget when it is handed down later in the year.

The key arteries connecting our 800,000 plus square kilometre state must be a priority if we are to capitalise on agriculture’s heightened productivity and forge a path toward $30 billion by 2030.

NSW Farmers President James Jackson said the headline project for regional NSW is the Great Western Highway upgrade.

“We note the Coalition’s progress in duplicating parts of the highway, but we believe further funding is required to expedite the planning and construction stages,” Mr Jackson said.

“The Great Western Highway is a commonly traversed inland thoroughfare linking multiple regions, including the Central West, with the domestic hubs and export gateways of Sydney.”

“The NSW Government has spent $15 billion upgrading the Pacific Highway, a key coastal connector, but unfortunately this level of investment is not replicated across the Great Dividing Range.”

“With the opening of the Western Sydney

Airport and accompanying agri-precinct in 2026, we need to be in a position to transport high export value perishable produce in a timely manner. The aim should be to achieve a sub three-hour journey from the Central West to the new international airport.”

Mr Jackson said other vital infrastructure upgrades include the Newell Highway bypass of Dubbo and livestock underpasses.

“The Newell Highway is the longest highway in NSW. The NSW Government has committed $500 million to its upgrade, but has not planned for a bypass of major centres such as Dubbo,” Mr Jackson said.

“Freight along the Newell is expected to grow over the next 20 years. In the interests of efficiency, safety and productivity, it is best to bypass major centres.”

“The second round of the NSW Cattle Underpass Scheme should commence to make country roads safer and farms more efficient.”

“An improvement in seasonal conditions means important schemes such as underpasses postponed due to prolonged drought conditions, should be restarted as a priority,” Mr Jackson concluded.

Christian Porter finds a target, and so does Brittany Higgins

accusation but previously asked, rhetorically: how could he disprove something that didn’t happen? Now he’s turning the line on its head – he’s challenging the ABC to run a defence of truth, proving it did happen.

Whatever the outcome, this is shaping as a case for the history books, with a star cast – the nation’s first law officer, Australia’s public broadcaster, lawyers from the cream of the profession.

The defamation action may ease pressure on Scott Morrison over the calls for an independent inquiry to determine whether Porter is a fit and proper person for his position. The case, under civil law, will be its own sort of inquiry.

Porter, a Crown prosecutor in a former

life, is making a calculated tactical decision that attack is the best form of defence.

For the ABC, there’ll be wider implications – and more at stake – than just the case itself. The broadcaster is a punching bag for its critics in the Coalition and the right wing commentators, who attack it as politically biased. Milligan was at the centre of reporting allegations against Cardinal George Pell, whose convictions were quashed by the High Court.

The word from Morrison’s office has been he’s wanted Porter to stay, rather than step down to clear away a political problem.

Morrison will hope, with the legal action

afoot, the political heat around Porter will cool somewhat.

We’ll soon see whether this is heroically optimistic. But what’s absolutely clear is that the two separate and very different rape allegations dominating federal politics have unleashed a push by women to be heard that had been waiting to erupt.

The March4Justice protests show the organised anger of women is a potent force – what’s yet to be tested is its longer term strength. And Morrison’s reaction indicates he’s ill-equipped to deal with a political challenge that has become a social bushfire.

(Conntinued next page)

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 18 March 2021

7

Maureen & Jim Murray Popular Cumnock couple, Maureen and Jim Murray celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary with family and friends at Molong’s Freemasons Hotel last Sunday 14 March.

Jim and Maureen photographed right with their sons Paul and Phillp and daughter Barbara, remembered their wedding day on 14 March 1951 at the Cumnock Presbyterian Church - “I was very nervous” Maureen remembered.

Patty Austin (now Burrell) of Cumnock was Maureen’s bridesmaid and little 5 years old sister, Shirley Barnes (now Downey) was flowergirl. Jim’s best man was his brother Keith (now deceased).

“We met at the local footy” said Maureen with the couple sharing their lives together ever since - farming together on the Murray family property - raising their twin sons and daughter - looking after their parents, and working as committed community volunteers.

Locals can vouch for the endless number of delicious cakes and biscuits Maureen has made and donated to support Cumnock community building and charity events.

Congratulations to Maureen and Jim.

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

Jim & Maureen with their wedding party - Patty Austin (now Burrell) and Shirley Barnes (now Downey)

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 18 March 2021

SWIMMING

Western Swimming Carnival 2021 Thanks you to Kate Strahorn for this report on the Molong Central School’s feats at the Western Swimming Carnival at Dubbo last Friday

The Western Swimming Carnival was held in Dubbo on Friday the 12th of March. It was a brilliant opportunity to bring together the best swimmers from across the region to compete.

The Western region is a vast area and includes all of the public schools from the following districts: Bathurst, Dubbo, Heritage Country Schools, Lachlan, Lithgow, Lower Lachlan, Orange, Narraf/Gobondery and Nyngar.

A total of 750 competitors raced on the day.

Molong Central School fielded one of its largest swimming teams off the back of the team’s success at the Orange District Primary Schools Sports Association (ODPSSA) carnival held on the 26th of Feb. At the ODPSSA Carnival Molong Central won the Perpetual Trophy for the School gaining the highest points score divided by the number of students enrolled.

A total of 12 Molong Central School swimmers represented the Orange District at Western.

The day started with the Open 100m Freestyle event.

Zoe Strahorn swam a gutsy race with a 1.91 sec PB to finish third. Zoe’s time of 1.15.12 also qualified for the upcoming NSW Stage Age Championships.

The next events were the 50m Freestyle age events.

Molong Central was represented by Jack Brazier 8 yrs, Hugh McDouall 9yrs, Ayden Pensen and George Davis 10 yrs, with Will Kirby and Ben Brazier in the 12 yrs Freestyle event.

The boys swam incredibly well with Jack Brazier, swimming at his first Western carnival, finishing 8th, Hugh McDouall swam a 0.51 sec PB to finish 9th and Ayden Pension gave it everything to finish 5th with a 1.49 sec PB, followed by George Davis with a 0.45 PB finishing 19th. Ben Brazier and Will Kirby swam in very fast heats placing 8th and 10th overall.

Zoe Strahorn and Indy Vandervelde swam in the 11 yrs girls 50m freestyle. Indy swam a great race in lane one in front of a very boisterous group of Molong Supporters cheering her on and came 23rd overall. Zoe executed a great race plan to come first with a 1.17 sec PB with a time of 34.39 to also qualify her for the NSW Stage Age Championships in this event.

Breastroke was the next event. George Davis swam a 0.62 sec PB to finish 16th, Charlotte McDouall took 1.31 seconds off her time and came 8th and Zoe Strahorn finished 4th with a 1.11 PB. Ben Brazier swam the race of his life in the Senior Boys Breastroke swimming an epic 2.18 sec PB to place 4th, narrowly missing out on qualifying for the State PSSA carnival by just 0.56 of a second.

Results from the day Jack Brazier 9th – 8 yrs 50m Freestyle Ben Brazier 8th – 12 yrs 50m Freestyle 4th – Senior 50m Breastroke 13th – Senior 200m IM 7th – Senior Butterfly George Davis 19th – 10 yrs 50m Freestyle 16th – 8-10 yrs Breastroke 7th – Junior 200m IM 12th - 8-10 yrs Backstroke 4th – Boys 4x50m Freestyle Relay Aiden Duncan 4th – Boys 4x50m Freestyle Relay Will Kirby 10Th – 12m Freestyle 11th – 12-13 50m Butterfly Harry Lee 4th – Boys 4x50m Freestyle Relay 11th - Junior 8-10 yrs 50m IM Phoebe Lyons 17th - Junior 8-10 yrs 50m Backstroke Charlotte McDouall 8th – 11 yrs 50m Breastroke Hugh McDouall 9th– 9 yrs 50m Freestye Ayden Penson 5th - 10yrs 50m Freestyle 5th - Junior 8-10 yrs 50m Butterfly 9th Junior 8-10 yrs 50m IM 4th – Boys 4x50m Freestyle Relay Zoe Strahorn 3rd - Open 100m Freestyle 1st - 11yrs 50m Freestyle 2nd – 11 yrs 50m Backstroke 4th – 11 yrs 50m Breastroke 4th – 11 yrs 50m Butterfly 4th – 11 yrs 200m IM Indy Vandervelde 23rd - 11yrs 50m Freestyle

butterfly. Ben Brazier and Will Kirby also swam strongly placing 7th and 11th overall in the Senior Boys butterfly.

Zoe Strahorn dropped 0.84 seconds and came 4th in the 11yrs Butterfly.

The second last event of the day is the 200m Individual Medley. For many competitors who have swam multiple races it’s a test of their fitness. George Davis dropped a staggering 5.09 seconds to place 7th overall, Ayden Pensen dropped 2.21 sec to come 9th , Harry Lee did a 0.91 sec PB and came 11th. Ben Brazier in the Senior Boys IM finished 13th overall and Zoe Strahorn 4th overall in the Senior Girls IM The final event for the day are the relays. Molong Centrals Junior Boys relay team made up of Aiden Duncan, George Davis, Harry Lee and Ayden Penson executed a flawless race with each swimmer lifting and throwing everything at it to very narrowly finish 4th behind Milthorpe Public School , Dubbo Public School and Orange Public School. Together the boys swam a 9.96 second PB. An incredible improvement in just two weeks following District.

In the Backstroke events all of our swimmers achieved massive PB’s, with Phoebe Lyons dropping a staggering 4.97 seconds in her event to come 17th, George Davis dropped 2.74 seconds and placed 12th, followed by Ayden Penson dropping 5.14 seconds to come 13th. Zoe Strahorn dropped 0.54 seconds and placed 2nd overall.

Butterfly is a gruelling event. Ayden Penson’s strength in this event placed him 5th overall in the Junior boys

The Molong Central School team should be incredibly proud of the great day of swimming the team put in at this year’s Western region swimming carnival. As always Molong Central School’s spirit and genuine encouragement and support for each other was second to none.

Swimming is a great sport, it’s a tough sport and all of the Molong Central School swimmers should be very proud of their results.

Zoe Strahorn will compete in the 100m and 50m Freestyle and the 50m Backstroke events at the State PSSA swimming carnival later in the month.

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 18 March 2021

9

The Best-Selling Books Costing Mother Earth The Most Trees ● Global Sales from ‘Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix’ globally is estimated to have cut down nearly 5 million trees! ● At nearly 24 million trees potentially lost, J.K. Rowling ranks first – the equivalent size of Scotland’s Glengarry Forest!

Whether it’s through comfort or emotional connections to relatable characters, there is nothing quite like sitting down to read your favourite book.

And over the past year, it’s perhaps unsurprising book sales have skyrocketed, with ‘Big 5’ member Bloomsbury Publishing reporting their profit before tax climbing by 60%, as the firm delivered its highest first-half earnings since 2008.

And although we can draw on the positives that more people are reading, there are environmental concerns associated, which inspired eco experts at SaveOnEnergy.com/uk to investigate potential loss of trees cut down for paper to have supplied the world’s best-selling classics.

To do this, SaveOnEnergy.com/uk comprehensively compiled a list of the 50 bestselling books of all time and multiplied their approximate sales by their first edition page count. * The Best Sellers Potentially Costing Mother Earth SaveOnEnergy.com/uk can reveal the book potentially cutting down the most trees is the fifth instalment to J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, ‘The Order of the Phoenix’.

The first edition of this instalment has a whopping 766 pages and has celebrated

approximately 65 million sales globally, potentially equivalent to nearly 5 million trees lost to fuel our love for the young wizard.

In second place is ‘War and Peace’ by Leo Tolstoy. With 36.4 million in global sales, SaveOnEnergy anticipated a potential loss of 4,410,000 trees.

Thereafter in third and joint fourth are additional novels from the Harry Potter franchise: ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’ with 4,134,000 estimated trees cut down, ‘Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince’ and ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’ with 3,945,500 estimated trees cut down.

In fifth place is ‘The Da Vinci Code’ by Dan Brown, with the mystery thriller potentially costing planet earth around 3,912,000 trees.

Followed in sixth place by ‘Dream of the Red Chamber’ by Cao Xueqin (3,520,000) and in seventh place is the 1976 sexology ‘The Hite Report’ by Shere Hite with more than 3 million trees lost.

And rounding off the top 10 is the first instalment to the wizardry series ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ with an estimated 2,676,000 trees removed.

Placing second is Dan Brown with his novels having sold enough sales equivalent to the potential loss of 6,314,400 trees. Out of 43 authors across 50 of the best-selling books, only two authors have more than one best-selling book.

Central West Libraries’ digital collection available on the Libby app

Central West Libraries members can now browse, borrow and enjoy ebooks and digital audiobooks through the award-winning Libby app.

Members have been accessing digital books through the RBdigital app, however, it was recently acquired by OverDrive, the leading digital reading platform for libraries and schools worldwide and creator of the Libby app.

Readers will still be able to access the same material as well as many more great titles.

Orange Mayor Reg Kidd said the new platform allowed Central West Libraries to pool its resources with other participating libraries in the Central West Zone Consortia.

“Central West Libraries can now provide a wider range of online titles including bestsellers and new releases, available in a downloadable format,” Cr Kidd said.

“There is virtually something for everyone, of any age, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

Central West Libraries Technical Services Librarian, Ros Dorsman, is excited about the

change.

“Everyone with a valid Central West Libraries Card can download the Libby App and borrow ebooks, audiobooks and magazines from our extensive collections. It is that simple,” she said.

“If you already have items checked out in the RBdigital App, they will be available through the remainder of the lending period. Readers can finish the title without disruption, but they need to transition to the Libby app to borrow something new.”

To get started enjoying ebooks, audiobooks and more, download the Libby App from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Sign in with a valid library card and password, browse and borrow instantly.

The service is compatible with all major computers, smartphones and tablets. All titles will automatically expire at the end of the 21-day lending period and there are no late fees.

None of the other services that your library provides are affected by this change.

Christian Porter finds a target, and so does Brittany Higgins

(Conntinued from page 7) Monday’s marches were nationwide but in Canberra the day belonged to Brittany Higgins, the young former Liberal staffer whose claim she was raped by a colleague in Linda Reynolds’ ministerial office was a catalyst for forcing action to deal with parliament house’s dark side.

Higgins put Morrison directly in her sights in an emotional but controlled speech, accusing him of playing a double game.

“I watched as the Prime Minister of Australia publicly apologised to me through the media, while privately his team actively discredited and undermined my love ones,” she told the thousands of assembled women.

And she took aim more generally, declaring the women were there because “we fundamentally recognise the system

is broken, the glass ceiling is still in place, and there are significant failings in the power structures within our institutions.

We are here because it is unfathomable that we are still having to fight this same stale, tired fight.”

To an extraordinary extent, and in a testament to the importance of individuals at particular times, Higgins and Porter’s deceased accuser have become the conduits for women’s grievances – grievances extending far beyond the alleged circumstances of those two women.

Morrison cast his response to March4Justice in what might be characterised as narrowly conventional terms. In a statement to parliament, he spoke about what had been, and was being, done to tackle the scourge of violence against women. He also went to the issues in parliament house.

10 MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 18 March 2021

But he has not shown himself able to relate effectively to the emotional intensity that has gripped many women as they seek to raise their voice. It is, one suspects, beyond his ken.Morrison’s refusal to meet the women on their own ground brought to mind John Howard’s unwillingness to join the 2000 march for reconciliation across Sydney Harbour Bridge. He misjudged in not sending his Minister for Women, Marise Payne, to mingle with the marchers.

The PM had offered to see a delegation in his office. But the organisers played the power game, and declined.

Anthony Albanese understood better than Morrison. “We had, today, women gather around Australia with a few very clear and unambiguous messages – hear us roar,” he told parliament.

But earlier the Labor leader struggled when peppered by reporters with

questions about a private Facebook group (revealed by Sam Maiden on news.com) where Labor present and former staff have listed allegations of sexual misconduct by male staffers and MPs. Albanese could only stress the party had a process to deal with complaints, and say women should come forward.

It was difficult to look into anonymous suggestions, he said.

It’s easy to say the last few weeks mark some sort of political “moment” – measured perhaps by the Coalition’s knock in Newspoll, which saw Labor move ahead on the two-party vote.

It’s much harder to predict where that “moment” will lead in electoral terms. Right now, Morrison can’t know either. But Monday must have told him the government’s perennial “women problem” has suddenly become broader, deeper and more dangerous.

QUICK CROSSWORD

REG’S BENCH BAD JOKES FIRST Struggling to get your wife's attention?

Just sit down and look comfortable I was complaining to my Canadian friend about the hot weather. He said he could send down some cold weather. I said I wanted Nunavut I didn't think wearing orthopaedic shoes would help - but I stand corrected.

I told my wife I could make a car out of spaghetti. She laughed at me.

But you should've saw her face when I drove pasta.

I named my horse mayo.

And sometimes, mayo neighs.

(I warned you) This morning I was sitting on a bench next to a homeless man, ​​I asked him how he ended up this way.

He said: “Up until last week, I still had it all, A cook, my clothes were washed & pressed, I had a roof over my head, I had TV, internet, I went to the gym, the pool, the library, I could still go to school … ”life was good “What happened? I asked : Drugs?

Alcohol? Divorce?”

“Oh no, nothing like that” he said. “No, no … I got out of prison.”

Well, for example, the other day, Bev my wife and I went into town and visited a shop.

When we came out, there was a cop writing out a parking ticket.We went up to him and I said, ‘Come on, man, how about giving a senior citizen a break……?’

He ignored us and continued writing the ticket. I called him an “Ar*e Hole” .

He glared at me and started writing another ticket for having worn-out tires.

So Bev called him a “Sh1t Head”.

He finished the second ticket and put it on the windshield with the first.

Then he started writing more tickets.

This went on for about 20 minutes.

The more we abused him, the more tickets he wrote.

Just then our bus arrived, and we got on it and went home.

We try to have a little fun each day now that we’re retired. It’s important at our age.

The pastor stood before the congregation and said; “I have bad news, I have good news, and I have more bad news.”

The congregation got quiet.

“The bad news is: the church needs a new roof!” the pastor said.

The congregation groaned.

“The good news is: we have enough money for the new roof.”

A sigh of relief was heard rippling through the gathered group.

“The bad new is: it’s still in your pockets”

Solutions page 14

ACROSS 1 Dairy product (6) 4 Day nursery (6) 8 Regretting (5) 9 Insanity (7) 10 Female ruler (7) 11 Copious, abundant (5) 12 True to life (9) 17 Small flock of game birds (5) 19 Dishonourable (7) 21 Taken for granted (7) 22 "Aida" composer (5) 23 Small (6) 24 Method (6)

DOWN

1 Gents' hairdresser (6) 2 Away-day tourist (7) 3 Large bird of prey (5) 5 Glowing (7) 6 Move furtively (5) 7 Less burdensome (6) 9 Bewildered (9) 13 Appalling (7) 14 Floor show (7)

15 Scribble (6) 16 Gas used in balloons (6) 18 Call upon (5) 20 Manual worker (5)

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Pens producing plain blots (10) 7 Fish worn on woman's finger? (7) 8 Binder for recording (4) 10 Not liable to run quickly (4) 11 Had sieve fixed with glue (8) 13 One nurse forced to pay protection money?

(6) 15 Just adjust my reel (6) 17 Cleaner fuel as drawing material (8) 18 Just average (4) 21 Tragic queen revealing identification amidst celebration (4) 22 Take care - only insiders can do this (4,3) 23 This may please a card player a lot (1,5,4) DOWN 1 The injuries of a Scottish poet? (5) 2 Girl playing with soil (4) 3 Temple for a deity in Pennsylvania (6) 4 Not completely skint, here debtor is overdrawn (2,3,3)

5 Cut of meat for league leaders? (7) 6 Bird finding husks in church (9) 9 Dry out! Heated? Dry out! (9) 12 'Sucre', oft translated as 'sugar' (8) 14 Lying as alternative to murder? (7) 16 Graduate has to report

about dance (6) 19 A payment for a coral island (5) 20 Solitary advance, we hear (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 18 March 2021

11

TRADES & SERVICES

BUILDING / CARPENTRY

ACCOUNTANTS / SOLICITORS

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

• • • •

Campbell Paton & Taylor SOLICITORS, ATTORNEYS AND NOTARIES

In Attendance are:

THURSDAY & FRIDAY by appointment.

11 BANK STREET MOLONG

Ph: 6362 1922

CONCRETE / LANDSCAPING PRODUCTS

Byrne’s All Works

MARGOT SAWYER

Mini Earthworks Kanga Hire • Renovations • Bathroom • Carpentry • Decks • Patios • Glazing • Fencing • Welding

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

Daryl Byrne

0418 995 068

darryl.byrne@hotmail.com

E: margot@margotsawyerconveyancing.com.au

AUTOMOTIVE / SMASH REPAIRS

NGREADYMIX O L

ED

CONVEYANCING

MO

Orange office 193-195 Anson St.

BUILDING

Carpentry Painting Tiling Plastering

General Repairs & Maintenance No Job too Small !

Ph: 0437 218 930

TUES- Andrew Kermode Solicitor WED- Michelle Reynolds Conveyancer

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

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 CONCRETE

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

EARTHMOVING

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

Wr ght

CONNECTIONS

• Residential & Commercial • Network & data cabling • Security & access control • Optical fibre & TV cabling • CCTV

0447 239 937 sammueldwyer@gmail.com

12

MOLONG EXPRESS,18 March 2021

SOLAR PUMP SPECIALISTS SUPPLY, INSTALLATION, REPAIRS & ELECTRICAL

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

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

M: 0481 119 039 T: 63 668 108

FUNERAL SERVICES

PAINTING / DECORATING

T.A. ALLCORN PAINTING

6361 7777 6362 3751

NORMAN J PENHALL FUNERALS Serving the Molong District 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

OUR FAMILY CARING FOR YOUR FAMILY

AFDA

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

MOVING HOUSE OR OFFICE?

Book Boxes | Tea Chests Bubble Wrap | Glass Jars Packing Tape

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

MOLONG

Or phone us on 02

6366 8100

SMASH REPAIRS

PLUMBING

D & M DUNCAN

Javelinplumbing

we’ll pinpoint your problem Lic No. 160917C

Licensed Plumber, Drainer, Gasfitter Servicing

Servicing Molong / Cabonne & District

• Domestic • Rural • Commercial

Matt Knott

0428 986 164 knotttransport@gmail.com

WATER BORES

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

PH/FAX: 6364 5432 AH:63 645 077

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

B-Double Livestock, Hay & General Freight

53 CUDAL STREET, MANILDRA

24 HOUR TOWING

0408 031 829 TRANSPORT

SMASH REPAIRS

TREE SERVICES

Country Tree Services Garry Livingstone

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

Molong

Smash Repairs Quality Smash Repairs

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

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

Ph: 6366 8208

(m)0468 962 162

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

0408 655 811 WELDING

ONLINE

Get the paper exactly as it was printed on your phone, tablet or computer ONLY $0.75 c an issue

OBLIGATION FREE QUOTE OVER 50 YEARS EXPERIENCE FULLY LICENCED & INSURED CALL BRYAN OR CLIVE NOW ON

6366 5220

PROMPT, PROFESSIONAL & RELIABLE SERVICE

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

0409 041 659

Go to www.issuu.com/molongexpress

Click on the latest issue & click Subscribe for only $0.75c an issue ($37.50 per year)

email: srdwelding@bigpond.com

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 18 March 2021

13

CLASSIFIEDS

that work !

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

PUBLIC NOTICES

COUNCIL DOCUMENTS ON PUBLIC EXHIBITION PUBLIC SUBMISSIONS OPEN

At its Ordinary Meeting on 23 February 2021, Cabonne Council resolved to place the following documents on exhibition for public comment: • Draft Cabonne Settlement Strategy 2021-2041 • Draft Sewer Policy Cabonne Council and iPlan Projects have prepared the Draft Cabonne Settlement Strategy 2021-2041 that sets out the future growth potential for all of the key settlements in Cabonne.

A copy of all documents is available for download through Council’s website by clicking the “Have Your Say” button on the homepage. These documents are now available for public inspection and comment until 5pm Monday 12 April.

For the Draft Settlement Strategy, the documents can also be viewed in hardcopy at the Council offices in Molong, Cudal and Canowindra, or by contacting your progress association.

Please lodge your written submissions for the Draft Cabonne Settlement Strategy 2021-2041 by 5pm on 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. You may also hand deliver your submission to Council’s offices at Molong or Cudal.

PO Box 17 MOLONG NSW 2866

PUBLIC NOTICES

Cumnock Markets

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

SATURDAY 20 MARCH

9 a.m. to 12 noon

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

ROTARY CLUB OF MOLONG Raffle. Drawn 12 March First prize Gift voucher, Jenny Symons 2nd prize Basket of Easter eggs, Anna Boersma Thank you to all you participated and to SPAR for assistance and support.

PUBLIC NOTICES

UNITING CHURCH 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

Molong Junior Rugby Club

Sunday 21 March 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.

MOLONG COMMUNITY CHURCH YOU ARE NOT A MISTAKE

are fielding teams in U6, U8, U10 divisions.

Sign on & first training

1 April at the Rec

We need coaches and parents to assist at training.

Contact Brett Murdoch 0491 473 282

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)

B J Byrnes General Manager

Claim the date – 2020 Send your 2021 dates to

Shop 1, 21 Bank St Molong https://edendecorandgifts.com.au/

molongexpress@bigpond.net.au

We are so excited to announce that we will be apart of the SPRING virtual Canberra Markets on 26th September.

"Bringing the best of spring design and produce right to your doorstep" EDEN DECOR AND GIFTS With HANDMADE CANBERRA

WANT SOMETHING EGG-

** Keep an eye out for great savings and discounts on all our fantastic steel CITING T H I S **E A S T E R creations

well HOP over to our easter collection and grab our unique bunny stakes use EASTER for 5% OFF your bunnies

QUICK CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

We manufacture all of our own metalwork in our workshop in Molong NSW. We pride ourselves on our customized steel creations made to suit a range of styles and price points. We cater from a small gift purchase to large custom made pieces. Feedback from our customers is how they love that no one else has anything like our products. As a small family owned business we have found our niche in a market that is sought after but is rarely found.

14

CHURCH NOTICES

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 18 March 2021

LEAVE NO ONE IN NEED Please donate now

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

March 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 12 Molong Show Meeting, Showground 7.30pm 8 Molong Advancement Group RSL 12 Molong Show Meeting, Showground 7.30pm 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 August 2 Molong Show Meeting, Showground 7.30pm

Sport Molong Bowls Pennants

Congratulations to our No. 5 Pennant team. the 5’s won their section of the Zone 2021 Pennants and will go through to the playoffs.

Commiserations to the 7’s - they were only narrowly beaten all season but this years Manildra side was too strong.

Saturdays - take-away also available

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

Western Swimming Carnival Report & Photos Page 9

Annabelles Kitchen

Come long and enjoy a delicious meal made by Annabelle and her team. 6pm

Molong Women’s Bowls Pennants - Tuesday 9/3/21 Tuesday’s Pennants team consisted of Marianne Riley, Narelle McKenzie, Yvonne Clyde and Bron Trethowan.

Tuesday’s team was scheduled

Australian Credit Licence 240722

6362 2944

PH:

to compete against Orange City Ladies Bowling Club at Orange.

Orange team prove to be too strong on the day and we encountering a loss.

Molong Golf Ladies Last Wednesday we played 12 holes stroke and putting.

The course is looking wonderful after all the work done during the working bee.

The winners on the day were Kerry Oates and Ann Wood.

Next Wednesday the 24th we will play 9 holes followed by lunch at 12.30 at Be Tempted.

Croquet

On Monday 22nd we will be hosting the Veterans Tournament.

If anyone is available to help with providing and serving lunch it would be greatly appreciated.

New players always welcome.

Last Saturday we had 10 members playing, and it was nice to see Helen Houghton back. We will be there again at the Bowling Club at 5.00pm new players always welcome.

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 16 MARCH 2021 It was a good quality yarding with a good selection of young cattle to suit the trade and feeder buyers along with a fair line up of grown steers and heifers. There was not as many cows as previous sales though those that were there were mostly very good. Most of the usual buyers were operating in a fair market.

Young cattle to the trade were 10c dearer with prime vealers selling to 486c/kg. Prime steer yearlings sold from 380c to 452c, while the prime heifer yearlings sold from 375c to 444c/kg. Feeder steers were 5c cheaper, while the feeder heifers were up to 15c/kg dearer.

Feeder steers sold from 383c to 467c, while the feeder heifers sold from 352c to 442c/kg. Young cattle to the restockers were dearer with young heifers selling from 400c to 498c/kg. Steer yearlings to the restockers sold from 410c to 473c/ kg.

Grown steers and heifers were 10c dearer with the prime grown steers selling from 320c to 394c/kg.

Prime grown heifers sold from 315c to 385c/kg. The few secondary

cows were dearer, while the prime heavy weights were 4c/kg cheaper.

The 2 and 3 score cows sold from 255c to 288c/kg. The prime heavy weights sold from 285c to 314c to average 307c/kg. Heavy bulls sold to 305c/kg.

SHEEP 10 March 2021 The cheaper markets at all major centres combined with the fact that there is plenty of feed about reduced numbers by almost 2500.

It was a good quality yarding with a good display of heavy weight lambs along with fair numbers of trade weights. Most of the regular buyers were in attendance and operating.

Trade lambs were $2 to $4 dearer with the new season lambs selling from $185 to $207/head. Trade weight shorn lambs sold from $158 to $209 to average between 850c and 875c/kg cwt. Heavy weight lambs were around firm with the 24kg to 30kg lambs selling from $205 to $240 while a single pen of extra heavy weights over 30kg sold for $270/head. A couple of pens of trade weight Merino lambs sold for $145 and $180/head. Restocker lambs were $10 dearer selling from $160 to $193/head. Hoggets sold to $210/head.

It was a mostly good quality yarding of mutton where most grade were $9 to $17 cheaper compared to the previous sales dearer market. Merino ewes sold from $114 to $182 while crossbred ewes sold from $135 to $220/head.

A single pen of Merino wethers sold for $196 and crossbred wethers sold to $220/head. Carcass prices ranged from 610c to 660c/kg cwt.

The restockers paid $156 and $161/head for Merino ewes.

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 18 March 2021

15

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

16

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 18 March 2021