Molong Express 1 February 2024

1876 - 2024

Reporting 148 years of local news, views, & local ownership AND WESTERN DISTRICTS ADVERTISER

Ph: 0448 231 180 or 0490 734 650

THURSDAY 1 February 2024

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

Stupid Vandalism

Draft - Molong Flood Study

$2.00 inc gst It happened on the morning of Australia Day when one of the community planted gardens was destroyed by fire.

How did it happen?

Some say they heard an explosion in the early hours of Australia Day. There is a thought that the continuing use of massive 'fireworks' in town caused the fire.

Some say there was a smell of petrol at the burnt-out site.

Whichever, Molong residents have been complaining for some time about the use of the so called "firecrackers" going off around town - regularly.

Apparently ordered online these crackers are huge threats to not only the users, but to other community members, and to the Molong township where the lighting of these 'big bangs' has grown into a serious situation.

One can only imagine the effect on animals, the surrounding paddocks, grazing and farmlands. A huge bushfire could easily be the unwanted outcome.

There's no saying who, what etc and laying the blame on kids, youth, drunks, vandals from out of town, or even grown ups.

But there is a problem. These so called fire-crackers are a lethal weapon. The explosion is bad enough in the middle of the night. The packaging a different problem. It takes a while for this kind of packaging to extinguish by itself. Flames and smouldering continue to be a problem for some time after.

Unfortunately. by this time, those who 'lit up' have had their fun and clear out without any thought of cleaning up or extinguishing the smouldering/flames.

It had been hoped that some of these gardens of hedges and red roses may have survived Council's current works programs in Bank Street. But all will agree, with this kind of threat of fire - best for all of the gardens to be removed. The Molong community has enough to worry about with floods. We don't need to have the added fear of fire.

"Why wasn't I told??" The Express has been hearing this comment a lot lately after the works started in Bank Street, and the trees came down. A consultation process to develop thoughts and opinions on major works like this one is a condition of Govt funding. And, should be. From the ideas formulation, the gathering of local opinions and judgments. and the process that follows. A number of residents think they were not told about the main street project. Unfortunately, the answer is unless residents read the Express, read their mail, take a look at posters in shop windows, or read Cabonne Council's website, or attend community meetings ... "Why wasn't I told?" will continue to bog down this town's progress and resident's minds. Every idea is a good one and worth making, in the 'right venue' where your thoughts will be listened to - must be listened to!! The now released Draft of the Molong Flood Study is a MUST for all residents to take part in - if as a community we want to see change.

We must gather as a community and make sure that Cabonne Council and their consultant working on this project LISTEN AND ACT on what their local residents want! Your town's future is up to YOU! Please read on for details:On display until 29 February 2024, 05:00 PM Council has been undertaking a revised and updated flood study and plan for Molong over the past year.

The review has progressed to a draft flood study being completed in preparation for public exhibition.

The Molong Flood Study seeks to define the extent of flooding experience by Molong for varying flood frequencies. An updated flood model has been produced through this process which takes advantage of new flood modelling techniques (2D modelling vs 1D modelling), and updated rainfall and runoff information (Australian Rainfall and Runoff guidelines 2019).

Further, the new flood study was developed through

calibration with more recent flood events, being 26 November 2021 and 13-14 November 2022.

This model was confirmed from feedback from a community questionnaire distributed to residents of Molong.

Exhibition is planned to open from mid-December 2023 and close mid- February 2024. This will allow for an exhibition period of 2 months to accommodate for the Christmas and New Year break.

A public information session has been booked for TONIGHT THURSDAY 1 February 2024, where the flood consultants will be available to meet with the community to go through the flood study and discuss the

findings.

Following public exhibition, the flood study is scheduled to be presented to Council’s March Ordinary Meeting for adoption. It is proposed to return the flood study to the Floodplain Management Committee for consideration prior to presenting the final study for adoption.

The Draft Molong Flood Study is on public exhibition until Thursday, 29 February 2024 at 5pm. Comments and submissions may be lodged in writing to the General Manager, PO Box 17, Molong NSW 2866 or by emailing Council at council@cabonne.nsw.gov.au

Next Week: Molong Caravan Park Reopening? When?

Do we want windfarms in Cabonne Country?

“Please send me the Express” We think the first time the Express took a photo of Milly Sullivan was at an Anzac Day ceremony on the Village Green. She was a toddler at the time with lovely red hair.

Over the years, Milly has been seen as a young school girl, horse rider, hockey player - and she set up a fantastic display of all things local at last year’s Molong Show.

Photographed right with her mum, Cass Sullivan, Milly has now set off to her new school Kincoppal at Rose Bay. “Please send me the Express” Milly asked us at the Molong Australia Day event.

We felt honoured that a young reader of the Express wants to still read our pages at her new school in Sydney.

Thank you Milly. We hope your like of the Express will spread to other young readers.

(Left) Fay Clarke of Molong has lived in town for a number of years and has a fascinating story of being raised in Sydney, before joining the banking profession.

Fay was one of the early bank staff who rose through the ranks.

She also had a career in the services. An illustrious one at that.

At the Express, we believe that women (and men) of all ages have great and interesting stories to tell.

Rozzi has her pencils sharpened, computer charged up - note books ready to go.

Fay will be one of our first stories ... followed by the lovely Gladys Hubbard who will soon be turning 100 years of age.

There’s more ... Molong and District has fascinating stories of people and places ... who have been embroidered in our community for decades, generations in fact.

If you have a story, or a family story, please let Rozzi know 0490734650.

Remember .... everyone has a story to tell.

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The proposed Kerr’s Creek Windfarm project is raising both a number of concerns and challenges.

One group of landowners/graziers believe that the project of a reported 63 turbines should go ahead.

On the other side of the turbines is another group of landowners/graziers and community advocates who are saying ‘no’ to the proposal.

On the one hand those in agreement can see that the turbines will help to add another and critical source of income to their farming ventures.

The leasing of land by the developers - or purchasing - can bring forth a significant amount of $$s.

Whilst Australians see the need for alternative energy sources - the question is “what kind” ... what kind of mix (solar, wind, etc).

There has to be some kind of ‘balance’ in every community about fair and equal consultation by the developers of the windfarms/solar farms - for those affected. And for the surrounding communities where road improvements, living accommodation for the workers, etc must be included.

Also, for the property owners who will have their ag.businesses and lifestyle choices changed by the giant turbines as their new landscapes.

Balanced as well towards the landowners who are prepared to offer land to the developers for the placement of some 63 turbines.

Additional sources of farm income is always needed.

This series regarding the Kerr’s Creek proposal will continue in next week’s Molong Express.

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 1 February 2024

SALE

SALE

Lifestyle Property!

87 Marsden Street, Molong NSW Presenting for sale for the first time in 60 years. This property still has access to all the town and council services.

With the ability to subdivide the land, this property presents as an investment opportunity.

Sitting on 5 acres (approx.) the original homestead boasts a rich history of character and charm.

Featuring 3 good sized bedrooms, original kitchen, open living area and a second toilet outside for your convenience.

Whether you look to renovate or remove the homestead, there is no limit to what you can achieve with this property.

The tranquil ambiance of the area provides the perfect backdrop for a serene and harmonious lifestyle.

Original wood frame shed and fully fenced.

Opportunity for First Home Buyers Sale Contact Agent Open Saturday 3rd February ‘24 11:00am - 11:30am Wade Clarke 0427 668 800 Ray White Molong Real Estate raywhitetre.com

8 Cardington Street, Yeoval NSW The opportunities are endless with this 4-bedroom home situated in the heart of Yeoval. From first home buyers, investors looking to expand their portfolio or the growing family looking for extra room, this home is a must.

Entering the home, you are met with two bedrooms at the front of the house and an open living area featuring a wood fire to keep you warm on those cooler winter nights.

With a good-sized kitchen with breakfast bar, large bathroom with toilet and shower and even a second toilet in the sunroom for your convenience.

Stepping out the back, you are greeted with a secure, fully fenced backyard with rear lane access. From creating your own backyard oasis, to becoming selfsufficient with your own veggie garden, take advantage of the open space.

Sale Contact Agent Open

By Appointment Only Wade Clarke 0427 668 800 Ray White Molong Real Estate raywhitetre.com

Rural

SALE Weekend Getaway!

12 Cudgegong Street, Mumbil NSW Situated just 10 min from the ever-popular Lake Burrendong Dam, here is an opportunity to secure that prized block of land for your very own weekend getaway.

Ideal block to set up your caravan, park the boat or even build that holiday house or investment.

The block sits across the road from the park, backs onto the local school and you are only 20 minutes to the amenities of Wellington.

This 607sqm block in Mumbil is more than just land; it's an opportunity to embrace a lifestyle, freedom and create the haven you have always imagined.

Town Water (Connected to water meter) Town Sewage (Pod connected) Access to power Ideally located to Burrendong Dam

Sale Contact Agent Open

By Appointment Only Wade Clarke 0427 668 800 Ray White Molong Real Estate raywhitetre.com

Picturesque Views on 18 acres of Land 1864 Euchareena Road, Molong NSW This newly constructed home sits on a picturesque 18acre (approx) site overlooking the Tamburlaine Wines Vineyard.

110,000-liter rainwater tank Excellent fencing Water deed 84 sqm concrete pad, electrical and drainage ready 280 sqm under roof Small Dam 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom newly built home

Sale $850,000 - $900,000 Open

By Appointment Only Kurt Adams 0428 747 050 Wade Clarke 0427 668 800 Ray White Townsend Real Estate raywhitetre.com

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 1 February 2024

3

Australia Day in Cabonne

ABOVE: Citizen of the Year, Dustin Vandervelde, pictured with Cabonne Deputy Mayor, Jamie Jones, RSL President Mary Mullhall and Sue Wild of MAG.

Citizen of the Year, Dustin Vandervelde

Dustin, or Dusty, is the owner and operator of Molong Ready Mix. During the floods Dusty’s business was hit hard, with very little of his business left. Despite this Dusty left his own business to help other affected businesses and homeowners in the Main Street of Molong.

During the clean-up Dusty drove his front loader into the main street

to collect tonnes of waterlogged and ruined effects washed away in the flood.

Dusty cleared the mud and debris from Bank street to Betts Street.

After the flood and Molong cleanup, Dusty and his workers spent 5 days in Eugowra assisting with the clean-up there.

Dusty is a quiet achiever. He does much for the community without looking for acknowledgement of his deeds. Well done Dusty.

Community Group of the Year – Molong Show Society

The Molong Show Society has been a pillar of the Molong Community for over 159 years.

A monumental history not forgotten by the 2023 Committee, and one that Molong Show Society, and the community, hopes will continue for years to come.

The 2023 Committee, a new revitalised committee, orchestrated the 159th Molong

Show. The show was attended by a record crowd of over 2500 people.

The 2023 show is not their only achievement, all be it their biggest. Other achievements include the successful campground with many visitors also supporting local businesses.

The Molong how Society venue has also been used for weddings and birthday parties. The 2023 Committee is, and should be, extremely proud of their achievements. Well done!

CONGRATULATIONS CONGRATULATIONS TO TO ALL ALL OF OF OUR OUR AUSTRALIA AUSTRALIA DAY DAY AWARD AWARD WINNERS WINNERS

Young Citizen of the Year – Lachlan Hobbs Lachie is a quiet young man; a man of few words. After the floods on the 14th of November 2022 Lachie assisted with the clean-up of Molong, without hesitation. He worked for 5 hours loading tonnes of flood debris in skip bins and trucks. He spent the day working despite having a broken ankle from a previous injury.

After the floods, Lachie joined Molong Ready Mix and headed to Eugowra to assist with the clean-up there. He worked for 5 days in Eugowra manning the loader and moved rubbish into trucks.

Lachie has worked on the family farm since he was young, often in tractors sowing or stripping crops. His work ethic is impeccable and something to be proud of. Well done Lachie!.

Thank you to Milly Thurtell who led the Molong Australia Day ceremony with the Australian National Anthem.

A student at the Molong Central School Milly is an exceptional young woman who is advancing her singing career. More story later.

This is a young woman in Molong who is on her way to an interesting career choice.

Well done Milly

4

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 1 February 2024

Around the traps

Stars align for work on new planetarium

It’s lift-off for Orange’s performing arts scene as work begins on the new $33.5 million world-class cultural hub for the region.

The Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese was in Orange last week where he officially launch construction of the multi-million dollar project.

“All Australians, regardless of where they live, should have the opportunity to enjoy music, theatre and other performing arts,” he said.

“Our investment in the new Orange Regional Conservatorium and Planetarium will deliver a world-class cultural hub for the region.”

The new Orange Regional Conservatorium and Planetarium project will include: • A 275-seat auditorium (with capacity built in for additional 48 seats or additional stage); • A 65-seat planetarium auditorium; • 40 practice studios and rehearsal spaces; • Front and back-of-house facilities including main lobby, bar and kitchen; and • Office space, amenities and ancillary spaces.

The $33.5 million project is funded by $10 million from the Australian Government, $5 million from the NSW Government’s Creative Capital Funding program and up to $18.5 million from Orange City Council.

Construction fences have been erected around the site in the North Court, on the corner of March and Peisley streets, behind the Civic precinct.

Site preparation work has started and earthworks have begun this week to remove top soil and level the site ahead of excavations for the building’s foundations.

At its peak, there will be 50-60 people working on the site. Over the 18-month life of the project, between 500 to 700 individuals will be working on the project at different times.

Also at the official launch was Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local

Government Minister Catherine King.

Ms King said this development was a real win for the people of Orange and the Central West.

“Locals and visitors alike will enjoy concerts and presentations in state-of-the art surrounds,” she said.

Orange Mayor Jason Hamling said:“I’m delighted to see the work get underway and the jobs flowing into the community.

“The construction company will source 80 per cent of contractors from the Orange area with only specialist trades coming from out of town.”

How will OCC pay the bill?

The budget for the $33.5 million project is shared between: • The Australian Government’s Community Development.Grants program ($10 million) • The NSW Government’s Creative Capital Funding program ($5 million).

Orange City Council (up to $18.5 million.

Council funding of $18.5 million will be funded by: • The proceeds of selling the current Conservatorium site in Hill Street; • The proceeds from other property sales, and • A combination of external and internal borrowings.

ABOVE: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese officially launched the construction of Orange’s new planetarium.

MAG News

M o l o n g Advancement Group has a new secretary - Lisa Cobb has formally taken over the role from Janine Marriot.

Janine will remain as assistant secretary and will continue to manage bookings for the popular Molong Village Markets.

Janine thanks everyone for their support and patience for her in her role, and hopes Lisa enjoys the role in MAG. The first MAG meeting of the year will be held on Thursday, 8 February 2024.

Please make Lisa welcome and address all mail to her on the same email molongmagsec@gmail.com.

Sunspot cycles predicts floods and droughts - and more for 2024

After 2 years and 4 major weather events(??) including a devastating flood, prediciting the weather is more vital than ever, and monitoring the sun could the answer.

Fourth-generation forecaster and son of world-renowned weather expert Lennox Walker and grandson of Inigo Jones, Hayden Walker does exactly that.

Mr Walker uses his knowledge of the sun, combined with patterns of sunspot activity and energy flow, to predict both the short and longterm future of weather worldwide, specialising in long-range forecasts.

"By monitoring the sun and correlating past weather records, I am able to predict the weather into the future," he said.

His weather patterns and predictions are developed by monitoring solar flares, analysing historical data, and observing planetary relationships and orbital patterns.

Mr Walker said that an increase in sunspot activity, especially during an intense "Solar Maximum", gives rise to weather extremes such as flooding, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and storm activity.

The reverse happens during a "Solar Minimum", or a dormant period, and we experience drought conditions.

"Whatever is happening on the face of the sun will dictate our weather," he said.

"When a sunspot errupts, it gets into the outside of the sun's atmosphere and goes into a solar wind. That solar wind has a magnectic field which brings itself into the earths atmnosphere, reacts and changes the barometric pressure."

Mr Walked then correlates the sunspot activity with weather cycle using weather records from up to 165 years ago.

Mr Walker said a severe sunspot activity caused the damaging flooding experienced in the Central West in November 2022.

Using these methods, Mr Walker can forecast various weather predictions which are then used by businesses to make very significant commercial decisions, or by farmers to determine the planting or harvesting of crops, or the buying and selling of cattle and stock.

Mr Walker predicts floodworthy rains for NSW and wider Australia this year, including flooding for many areas of the state in March to

April.

In the coming months he forecasts severe January thunderstorms, with some flooding on the coastline, coast district rain in February, and combined fronts from SE Queensland bringing flooding rain for March.

Mr Walker's method is completly different to the Bureau of Meterology which has predicted an El Nino period.

Mr Walker has been successful in predicting many major weather events – such as the cyclones Larry, Yasi, Marcia and Olwyn, flooding to the NSW coast during April 2015 and recent storm activity in Queensland and NSW. He was the only long-range weather forecaster to predict Cyclone Oswald that brought heavy rains to New South Wales and Queensland, especially the floods to Bundaberg.

Weather forecast for NSW January- Severe thinderstorms with flooding on coastline.

February- Continued rain and storms concerntrating on the coastal districts and the ranges.

March - April Heavy rain and flooding for many areas of NSW.

Lennox success as regular as the weather

The weather forecaster popular with farmers in eastern Australia was Lennox Walker of Crohamhurst in ABOVE: Lennox Walker sucessfully forecast weather southern Queensland.

He regularly provided 2-to- events, including daily maximum temperature and rainfall.

5-day forecasts each Friday night in a Sydney newspaper they were, were handed down the particular time of year, in the 1970s, stating the to Lennox by Inigo Jones. provided the basis of his occurrence of rain and the daily The latter was in charge at forecasts. Lennox correctly Crohamhurst until 1954, and a forecast the weather for the maximum temperature.

His success appears never disciple of the famous Clement 1956 Melbourne Olympics.

After a period of intense rain, to have been demonstrated in Wragge.

Wragge was head of the he predicted fine weather for any publicly available scientific Meteorological the games – and that’s exactly report, but his supporters were Brisbane Bureau until 1900 and how it was. undeterred.

He also forecast Cyclone Nor were they worried by pioneered hail suppression, although with little success.

Tracey, which devastated the secrecy of his methods, Lennox learned all he could Darwin. reputedly based on a belief At 68, after 41 years of in the cyclic influences of from Inigo Jones and then sunspots and the planets, e.g. developed his own theories on forecasting, Lennox retired and how sunspots affect weather handed the reins over to his Jupiter.

The procedures, whatever patterns. A combination of son Hayden Walker. these studies, correlated with

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 1 February 2024

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School Suspensions: a social justice issue

SUSTAINABILITY WORKSHOP: CREATING WASTE WARRIORS AND RECYCLING LEGENDS! Friday 9 February 10am - 11.30am Cabonne Community Centre, 98 Bank Street Molong

JOIN THIS FREE WORKSHOP TO HAVE ALL OF YOUR WASTE AND RECYCLING QUESTIONS ANSWERED!

Bookings essential and spaces are limited. Visit eventbrite.com.au to book. The workshop will be delivered

by Council’s waste education partner, EnviroCom Australia.

By Louisa McKay -Executive Leader Purpose & Impact for The Y NSW Did you know that children and young people who get suspended from school are some of the most marginalised young people in Australia?

This includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, young people with a disability and those living in out-of-home care.

There are very clear negative impacts on young people who are suspended from school. For many students, suspension as a disciplinary practice is not an intervention that supports them to improve their behaviour, nor does it deal with the root cause. Many of these young people end up completely disengaged from their peers, teachers, and schoolwork. Isn’t that a travesty?

Of course, disruptive behaviour in schools has negative impacts on others in the classroom. Teachers can struggle to manage challenging behaviours which can impact their wellbeing and is often a catalyst for them leaving the profession.

Asking schools to deal with an issue that

is often well beyond their capacity or scope is unfair. It’s challenging enough to be a teacher with thirty students let alone dealing with children and young people creating disruption.

So, what’s the answer?

Many of these young people need a trauma-informed approach. They need society to wrap their arms around them and provide the support they need to succeed in school and in life.

We need our systems and policies to have a focus on supporting the whole child, their families and our teachers.

We need a focus on supporting the wellbeing of young people rather than using exclusionary practices that further marginalise children and young people.

The Y NSW Alternative Suspension program is just one example of an approach that focuses on working with young people, schools, families and community stakeholders.

Launched in February 2023, this evidence-based program, which comes with success in Canada and Europe, works to support young people who have been suspended from school or are at risk of exclusion to

gain the knowledge, skills, therapeutic support and referrals to additional services that they need to successfully re-engage with school and have a better chance of completing their education.

It's been inspiring to see the incredible outcomes this program has achieved. The case studies and preliminary evaluation results to date are compelling. Every week I’m hearing tons of positive stories about the life-changing impact the program is having on young people.

I’m not saying that our program has all the answers. It doesn’t. No one program does. I’m a big believer in placed-based approaches to create systemic change.

This program is a piece in the puzzle when it comes to dealing with young people who are not adapting and coping in the school system and supporting the schools and families often devastated by the negative impact this creates.

This is about investing in new solutions that can support children, young people, teachers and families and improving outcomes for children and young people.

It’s time to consider doing things differently for children and young people

who get suspended or are at risk of being suspended. The typical young person who is suspended from school is a 13-year-old boy. So young. But also, such a wonderful opportunity to intervene early before the downward spiral begins.

We must and can do better for our young people. I’m committed to working with others to contribute to that change.

School suspensions are a social justice issue and it’s time to change the system to ensure bright futures for all young Australians.

If you’re interested in learning more about our Alternative Suspension program or how we can work together to improve outcomes for young people, please reach out.

At the Y NSW we are highly committed to working together with partners who share our vision for a brighter future for all children and young people.

Summer Book Club: Finding the ‘light within’

by JENNY WATTS

Julia Baird’s international bestseller, Phosphorescence is a luminous and profound celebration of people and the planet.

The national bestseller, Phosphorescence is a beautiful, intimate and inspiring investigation into how we can find and nurture within ourselves that essential quality of internal happiness - the 'light within' which will sustain us even through the darkest times.

Over the last decade, we have become better at knowing what brings us contentment, well-being and joy.

We know, for example, that there are a few core truths to the science of happiness.

We know that being kind and altruistic makes us happy, that turning off devices, talking to people, forging relationships, living with meaning and delving into the concerns of others offer our best chance of achieving happiness. But how do we retain happiness? It often slips out of our hands as quickly as we find it.

So, when we are exposed to, or learn, good things, how do we continue to burn with them?

And more than that, when our world goes dark, when we're overwhelmed by illness or heartbreak, loss or pain, how do we survive, stay alive or even bloom?

In the muck and grit of a daily existence

full of disappointments and a disturbing lack of control over many of the things that matter most - finite relationships, fragile health, fraying economies, a planet in peril - how do we find, nurture and carry our own inner, living light - a light to ward off the darkness?

An intimate, achingly beautiful and inspiring exploration of the ways we can pursue awe, wonder and purpose, from one of our best, most perceptive writers.

“Like spending an evening with a wonderful friend, with unlimited time and a glass of good wine in hand ... A beautiful and rallying read.”

The Australian.

“Julia Baird's new, beautiful consideration of the things that glow through the murk ... a book such as this one - one that aims to provoke delight and wonder and comfort, that is at its heart trying to find answers or modes of connection, or light - is of the moment in the best possible way.”

The Guardian “Intelligent and emotionally astute ...

Many will find sustenance in reading it.”

Sydney Morning Herald.

“That is the beauty of this profound book. It transports you into all the deep, inner yearnings you've had for a long time, and then articulates them for you ... I could rave about this gem of a book forever. We need this book. You need this book. It is the perfect gift for us all right now. It is perfect.”

Better Reading.

“Julia Baird is an alchemist, turning the dross of her life's harshest blows into shimmering prose. Both timeless and timely, this is a book of wisdom and wonder.”

Geraldine Brooks, Pulitzer Prizewinning author of March and Caleb's Crossing.

“This book is a love letter to the world by a brilliant writer who nearly left it.

Julia Baird has gone into the depths of human experience-her own, and others'and come back with this luminous and profound celebration of people and the planet. Phosphorescence is a treasure to read and re-read your whole life.”

Anna Funder, author of All That I Am and Stasiland.

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 1 February 2024 7

Andrew GEE MP

Your Country Your Voice

INDEPENDENT FEDERAL MEMBER FOR CALARE

THANK YOU, THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

M

y team and I rock-and-rolled into 2024, lacing up our blue suede shoes for the Parkes Elvis Festival parade recently!

Members of my office and some terrific volunteers, kicked off the new year with The King, forming the TCB (Taking Care of Business) band which blasted Blue Suede Shoes all the way down Clarinda Street!

With at least 20,000 fans on hand to celebrate the King of Rock & Roll, it sure was a day to remember!

The TCB band comprised of three of my amazingly talented staff members with Sinead/

2024 AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS

Priscilla and Kathleen on vocals, and Andy “the Axe” on lead guitar. They were joined by Orange music legend Brett Norton on bass guitar and Dino the Sydney radio star on ukulele. Thank you TCB band!

A

ustralia Day is an opportunity to celebrate how lucky we are to be Australian.

From our freedom and prosperity, to our mateship and Aussie spirit, as Australians we have so much to be grateful for.

Special thanks and appreciation also to Roy White, Keith, and Graham for their their superb driving and Elvis logistics skills, talent scout Susan Slattery plus Justine and Matt for their outstanding camera work!

Australia Day celebrations include the welcoming new citizens who make their pledge to the green and gold, and celebrating exceptional residents who go above and beyond to make their corner of Australia the very best it can be. They personify service above self, and help build the future of our villages, towns, cities and also our country. While I couldn’t get to every Australia Day event, this year I attended celebrations at Orange, Yeoval, Bathurst, Oberon, and Portland.

Congratulations to everyone who worked so hard to make this year’s festival such a success and the community of Parkes for their gracious hospitality!

Congratulations to Molong's 2024 Australia Day Recipients: Citizen of the Year Dustin Vandervelde Young Citizen of the Year Lachlan Hobbs Community Group of the Year Molong Show Society

MOLONG'S CBD NEEDS OUR SUPPORT!

MORE TRANSPARENCY NEEDED ON DISASTER FUNDING

I

t was positive to see Premier Chris Minns visit Eugowra for the first time recently.

IWhile visits like this are important, the

n October 2021, we announced $1.1 million in funding for the Bank Street streetscape upgrade through the Building Better Regions program.

reality is that it should have taken place much earlier.

Both the state and federal governments have committed $50 million dollars to disaster relief for our region. The $50 million dollar federal commitment came after lots of agitation and lobbying by me in Canberra.

When the funding was announced I was assured that we would have clarity on how

The work is now being carried out, which has meant that sections of Bank Street are currently closed.

It's having a big impact on local businesses in the Molong CBD. The resilient and dynamic business owners of Molong want everyone to know that Molong is open for business, and they would love to see you visit Bank Street soon!

the money would be spent by the beginning of February. Unfortunately, the money still hasn’t been rolled out.

There needs to be transparency on how this money is spent and also community input.

The reality is the roll-out of the funding is taking way too long. It seems to be tied up in red tape rather than hitting the ground.

We need action.

We also need progress on better early warning systems and fixing the state and local government infrastructure that made

the flooding much worse. The old rail line at Canowindra and Molong rail bridge still haven’t been sorted.

Local residents and business owners are also reporting that the Molong town drainage is still backing up with water in heavy rain. The feedback that I’ve had from the community is that information is needed on the state of the drains and how they will be fixed.

With council elections just around the corner, interest in these issues will no doubt be high.

STOPPING THE SUPERMARKET STING

It's been a very tough 12 months for them as they recover from the storm and flood event of November 2022.

T

he recently announced inquiries into supermarket pricing and the Grocery Code of Conduct are positive developments, however they won’t count for much unless laws to prosecute price fixers and price gougers are beefed up.

For too long we’ve been feeling the supermarket sting, paying more to put a meal on the table, and getting less change at the checkout.

The outrage is also being felt at the farmgate, with the prices paid to producers a far cry from what supermarkets charge customers.

With rising shelf prices hitting families hard, and as the gap between what farmers earn and what supermarkets charge continues to widen, retail chains are recording billion-dollar profits.

It’s clear that the country’s biggest supermarkets are cashing in on the cost-ofliving crisis.

Their slick TV ads would have us believe they’re doing all they can to make grocery shopping affordable, when in reality, they’re hiking up the prices. It’s shameful and

Let's get out and support our local communities!

shocking and should not be allowed to go on.

This price gouging has to stop, so I’m welcoming the Senate inquiry into supermarket pricing practices, and the review into the Grocery Code of Conduct.

Throughout the cost-of-living crisis, supermarkets have shown us that if we give them an inch, they’ll take a mile.

To hold them to account, and stop the supermarket sting, the federal government must also look at strengthening the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) power to investigate and prosecute price fixers and price gougers from all sectors, such as supermarkets, energy companies and petrol stations. I have my doubts as to whether the recently announced ACCC inquiry into prices in supermarkets will actually achieve this.

At the end of the day, calling on the ACCC to investigate high prices is nothing more than a soundbite unless you give the ACCC the ability to take real action. Inquiries are all well and good, but if they’re not backed

up by action, they are soon forgotten.

We also should keep in mind that the fuse on the inflation bomb was lit by the previous government, with support from the opposition. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, both the state and federal governments went into massive debt in order to “stimulate” the economy.

While some programs like JobKeeper were both crucial and effective, the massive cash splash meant that the Reserve Bank basically started printing money to help pay for it all.

When you pump that much money into the economy you are always going to get inflation. All of the major parties and the Reserve Bank have let the country down on this issue.

It’s going to take generations to pay all the debt back and in the meantime Australians across the country are paying the price with soaring prices for everything. The pain and stress this is causing is enormous.

While there is plenty of blame to go around, cost-of-living relief needs to be the highest priority of all levels of government.

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

(02) 6361 7138 @ andrew.gee.mp@aph.gov.au www.andrewgeemp.com.au Authorised by Andrew Gee, Suite 1/179A Anson Street Orange, NSW 2800.

8

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 1 February 2024

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

Andrew GEE MP

Your Country Your Voice

INDEPENDENT FEDERAL MEMBER FOR CALARE RUNS ON THE BOARD FOR CABONNE √ $2 billion for Great Western highway upgrade √ $40 million for Mitchell Highway upgrades bet0ween Orange and Molong √ $2.1 million for streetscape improvements in Molong and Canowindra √ $15 million for a new Molong Multipurpose Service √ $492,410 for construction of the Eugowra Community Centre √ 24 hour rescue helicopter √ $408,000 for childcare/early learning services in Molong √ $700,000 for Bangaroo Bridge Replacement √ $117,396 for resurfacing and new lighting at the East Molong Tennis Club √ $60,000 for the Molong water tank artwork √ $390,210 for new lighting and nets at Molong Rec Ground √ $308,175 for an education and info centre at the Australian National Field Days site at Borenore √ $2.5 million for an ambulance station in Molong √ $2.59 million for new overtaking lanes on the Cargo Road √ $185,764 for a new amenities block and support for the Molong Showground and Society √ 47 mobile phone towers and base stations for Calare

LOSING THE FAITH AS NATIONALS TURN BLIND EYE

I

t’s a sad fact that more and more people are losing faith in our political institutions and political parties.

Communities around Australia are becoming increasingly cynical about the way political parties operate and the tactics they use.

What has happened to political vision and leadership?

There was a time when political parties provided it. I think back to the days of war hero and former Member for Orange and Deputy Premier, Charlie Cutler. Look at Bathurst’s Ben Chifley.

police who investigated and found that the package had been sent using a fake name, address and signature and was paid for with cash.

what may happen next.

The CCTV at the post office revealed that the sender of the package is the Chair of the Calare Federal Electorate Council of the NSW National Party, Janelle Culverson.

The National Party have asked for Ms Culverson’s resignation from her position but it’s been nothing but silence from the Nationals since.

Family members don’t deserve to be brought into politics this way.

She is a former Cabonne Shire Councillor and aside from the remaining state MPs, is the most senior National Party member in the region.

Their silence shows they don’t take this issue seriously.

It’s as if they really approve of this nastiness and the party operating in the shadows. No leadership. Turn a blind eye.

Contrast those days with what has been occurring in our area lately.

The package contained empty wine bottles bearing labels carrying an insulting message.

Sadly, this looks like the new politics. Whatever it takes, whatever the damage.

I’m talking about the package recently sent via Australia Post to my home.

When confronted by police, she admitted to sending it.

If the home and family of a National Party MP had been subjected to this by an opposing party, the Nationals would have been demanding an immediate apology, resignation and expulsion of that person from that party.

The sender’s address on the package appeared to be fictitious and my family and I, including my children, were very shocked and concerned that our home was being targeted.

In accordance with protocols, I notified the Australian Federal Police, and they in turn contacted Orange

This wasn’t a joke. The sending of the package and the steps taken to conceal her identity, created fear, anxiety and stress for our whole family, including my children. You wonder who may be watching your home. Should you be leaving the house? Should you be going to Parliament? It raises the fear of escalation because you don’t know what else could be coming or

KERRS CREEK UPDATE

L

ast week, I had a site meeting with concerned residents and RES about the proposed Kerrs Creek wind farm.

This is the second meeting I have had with RES and my hope is that it’ll lead to more meaningful consultation and genuine attempts to meet the concerns of impacted residents.

RES is now going to come back to us with a revised plan at some point in the not-toodistant future. I will keep the community updated as this issue unfolds.

Let’s hope we can get some common sense outcomes.

I have invited Dubbo Regional Council to visit Molong to inform the community of their position on the development and also to share with the community how the $10 million the Council stands to receive as part of the development will be spent.

The ongoing silence of the Nationals says so much about what that party has become. Is it any wonder that people are cynical?

STUDENT GRANTS & FUNDING UPDATES Relocation Scholarship

You can get a Relocation Scholarship if you’re studying in a full time approved scholarship course. A once a year payment if you get ABSTUDY or Youth Allowance. You must also need to move to or from a regional or remote area for higher education study.

To receive the payment you need to meet some rules. These include: • You must be studying in a full time approved scholarship course.

• You must start or continue a course within 35 days of the qualifying date for the scholarship in each period.

• You must also be studying the course on the 35th day after either the course starts or your qualifying date.

Tertiart Access Payment (TAP) A payment to help students with the cost of moving from regional or remote areas for tertiary study.

The Tertiary Access Payment (TAP) is a one off payment of up to $5,000. It’s to help eligible students with the cost of moving to study. This is for study after you’ve finished year 12 or equivalent.

To receive the payment you need to meet some rules. These include: • Moving from a regional or remote area for tertiary study • Starting tertiary study in the year after finishing year 12 or equivalent

Funding Amount Varies depending on your circumstances

Funding Amount: $3000 - $5000

an tim C st

VETERANS, EX-SERVICE GRANTS & FUNDING UPDATES SALUTING THEIR SERVICE COMMEMORATIVE GRANTS PROGRAM BATCH 3 The Saluting Their Service (STS) Commemorative Grants Program is designed to commemorate the service and sacrifice of Australia’s service personnel in wars, conflicts and peace operations, and their families. Up to $3.5 million is available each financial year for distribution, split across three batches throughout the year. The intended outcome of the grant opportunity is to provide funding for projects and activities that: • Promote appreciation and understanding of the experiences of service and the roles that those who serve have played • Preserve, add to the sum of knowledge on, or provide access to information about Australia’s wartime heritage.

Funding Amount: Community Grant - Maximum of $10,000Major Grants - Between $10,001 - $150,000 Nominations Closing: Tuesday 6 February 2024

ADVOCACY FUNDING FOR EX-SERVICE ORGANISATIONS Applications for the 2024-25 round of the Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) grants program are now open.

Ex-service organisations (ESOs) are invited to apply for a share in $4.731 million in funding to support them to provide compensation and wellbeing advocacy services to veterans and families.

ESOs are a great support to local veteran communities. Many offer advocacy services, providing assistance about a range of veteran issues from advice about entitlements, health and wellbeing services, and claims.

In the 2023-2024 funding round, $4.551 million was provided to 109 successful applicants, located across the country in every state and territory of Australia.

Grants are available to assist with the purchase and ongoing expense of:

•

Capital equipment for the office

•

Computer software and internet access

•

Office consumables

•

Telephone costs

•

Domestic travel

•

Training related to skills that directly support compensation or wellbeing advocacy.

•

Salary costs of military compensation advocates who help veterans with their claims for compensation and administrative assistants who support this work

•

Equipment and administrative expense assistance

tre fe w H

C

Funding Amount: Share of $4.731 million in funding.

Applications Closing: Thursday 29th February 2024

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

(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, Suite 1/179A Anson Street Orange, NSW 2800.

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 1 February 2024

9

75 years ago 4 February 1948 in

3-

WHERE TO BUY THE 'EXPRESS'

'THE

EXPRESS' following

the

at

Is

sale

on

Newsagents:

E. A.

GRANGER, Molong.

LTJNGAS, Manildra HOG AN, Cumnock.

J. B. 8. BRUCHHAUSER, Yeoval.

MRS. Cudal.

A. L. CHAPMAN, F. W. Eugowra DIXON,

A.

Kindly

place your order, restrictions newsprint sitate

number

as neces

the printed

strict limit of extras

a

on

€-

4

«

Increase General Rate

After

NEW CHARGES TO MEET HIGHER COSTS

Molong General

was

last

night

in

the

£

by

lid.

to

halfpenny

one

Rate

Miss

by

Municipal

charge

units

only

increased

was

2d.

was

unaltered.

The

estimates

of

Council's

would

it

to

laneway

Post

the The

be J.

Tilbrook:

as

high The

of

sum

to lot

up

means

a

to

did

quite

We

have

time

to

working /m

!:ave

ing

said

That

might

to

IN

'In

this

Scott

'

a

in

,

onded

in

lid.

oriJ1lPV«1

Aid.

Silk

realise

increased

meet '

the

'

We

and

have

the

to

lie

said.

moved

adhere

an

the

to

4fd.

and

Black,

Aid.

look

future,'

Cole

Aid. Council 10£d.

to

It

three

voting

in

Parker

Cole, motion

its

t

and

was

car

and

Sanitary

garbage

unaltered. be-.

Charges

for

to

garbage

for

owners

will

—

15/-

(a)

for

paid

annum

service 1/3 per

one

(b) year

per

week. per month for

4d. services at charges: Sanitary The will be weekly charge in advance annum for paid vice Weekly. r There a Aid. Colo; is slight shown in the here estimates Extra

(c)

administration

costs

Mr.

Scott:

section

were

of

The

Aid.

Black:

our

plant

Mr.

bit

a

45/one

'low

What

last

the

is

for

Scott:

with

works,

/Aid.

Rate

fund

the

for will

he

street .1

'If

5-8d,

we

INCREASED lighting the

iu

the

can

Tilbrook local

Aid.

an

interest

he

said.

A.

Tilbrook:

want

we

new

do

of

in

few

free?

and

by

loans

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 1 February 2024

tion tar

a

to

mary

Mr. tricity 'd'ects

Orange, a. ser

bought we

also way Aid.

the

the

gas

'

This

its

lie

line

'It

No

the

motion

UUU1.

Mr. the coke will'

be

cjease,

ac

in

the

electricity the on pri

penny that

was

that

domestic £2,300

last £2,100 moved, the

increase

the

elec from

of

be

No to

a

sec-

made.

issue).

new

said

put

that

in

until

some

or

change

forward

by

No.

the

stone.

(Harry

1

Harry

and

good

to

Cec the

'

defeated beaten to

present

expected

is

to

The

Kinna.

Walk

Badge

times.

Molong

Benger,

has Allan

by Hume, Giffin.

by Eric who Harry Arida, Les

to

the

I

ture.

Mr.

yet

has bulk

hard to

Club Bowling by Orange Club.

Mr.

of

received

from

the

ff silos

any Mr.

Mr.

and

the

Manage!

of

no

trucks

were

rvailable

Graham, that

'But

the

most

bags,'

Mr.

Black

the

spot,'

on

received

serious said,

comm'ittee, telegrems

allocation Rod

arrival

or

Black,

a

of

this said morning. from the Minister

for

Government

Grain

at

the

present

;t the moment position 'and the together with

is

the

'no

truck

;

the

trucks

member

of

Agricul

shortage position,' \

the

Elevators. time

the

Jack'

TRUCKS YET FOR

rationing

Harrison, Molong.

are

been

wheat

is

title.

presented

was

He.

holder

some

the

who

challenges

have

retain

emblem

and

by Jack No. 2, Molong

holder. several However, 'have been and issued, games

de

Arida,

Thomas

14.

several

lost

They

skippered

defeated o

hands

was

turn

27 2,

also

then

was

silo space said he had

He

I

in

word

shift

Molong

was

fund

Giffin

64

No.

O'Connor, Giffin)

changed

About

was

of

captained by The Cock

extra

proposed

visited

Monday felt by

on

presence

weight

Wliiley,

ordinary

or

ac very weekend.

MOLONG HARVEST

com

Silk

con

the

greens

Molong

Orange

quar

NO WHEAT

would

year,

total

Eric

„

the

year.

Aid.

average, under the

Tilbrook

Aid. solution

obtained

tariff

this

the

on

be

Matches

holiday Orange

from

their

feated

duced.

feeling costs

carried. on discussion that see elsewhere in this

motion

in.

increase

an

What

householder, charges?

Mr. Scott;

j

Council

that

the

Wilson

cost

would

Lee,

were

the

local

Jack

be

3/4 per quarter. to the amal referring Black, 'If all the gamation proposal, said, Councils then we got together might be able the cost to get re-' original '

be

one

Cole:

J

de-

Aid.

increase

fund

estimated

with

(For

Con

the of increased from where Molong

pared

Country

recommenda

tariff.

told

trading

brinsr

Aid.

Scouts.

?;

ley

wages

per

Atte-

J. Peters, R. Coom

and weight.' play 'bodily Their. No. 1 rink, of Wes consisting Jack Gordon Armstrong, Naylor, and Tom aggregated Malliclc, Murray

/.aval

party

after

bowlers

riftks

made

sell

a

third

to reducing l$d. of 200 units sumption Mr. Scott ter,' stated.

Molong

H.

a

E.

Coom

S.

R.-

*

Lee,

over

the

that, may

it

upon costs, introduce

K.

Hentschel, Prideaux,

Hentscliel, W.

Molong-

tive

TARIFF?

to

Sun

Post

players.

Keen Weekend

charge

in

next

sharp

convey

R.

(12th).

Two

materials.

Cum

Molong

MOLONG WENT UNDER TO ORANGE

increase

increases

foreshadowed,

possible tariff

sales.

(domestic)

in

Sol Per

only

alteration

Scott

T.B.

this

L.

2G?

IU

least

of cost PARTY

is

pending

and

Council*

Aid.

alid

'It

IVUOCU

at

indirect

from

THIRD

cent.

Scott's

that

about

onded,

of

per

UU

for

the

1.16d.

plain

llJLUOt

Council

that

former

night. at played

leave

M.

Weissel, Butler,

over

price demand

now

is

very

tn.iiOT

r»

apart

(Molong

Wilson,

and

penny

Aid.

3

—

rental) seems

salaries

Alexan

the

(including

for the

is:

P.

basis

at

chal

BOWLS

last unit

of

to

team

Shepherd,

over

stated.

buying

point

and 111

Scott

gross

meter J

re

Boy

and

supply.

The

fund

Totally Servicemen,

Mr.

o'clock

ber

supply

per

cost

10

is

annual

an

at

meet

January

.715d.

Office

well,

in

the

5576d.

.

was

rise on additional

an

'The

meeting by E. H. Scott.

Royal

November

will

E.

on

sharply

In

Molong

cost

it

of risen

months.

12

past

means

|

had

cars

ber,

If

to

have'

last

be

will

and

it

elec

but

money,

With

the

selected

nock

The

increase

proposed

'

Sunday and Cup,

represent

was

match

day morning

should

we

again.

lost

Orange

£700,'

Street

was

Molong

Arts

and

charges

for

only loan,'

consumers

new

j

10

were

I

Municipal

Children',

.Scott: On

The

in

Band,

The

recover

in

'

'

Brien

Mrs,.

Edward

Association

nelly cepted

gas

new

for

Sailors, Disabled

Scott:

to

year and

daughter

Casine to with the

sister,

Mr.

Clerk,

of

Mr

ordinary

are

to

years.

meters, Ms that

stated, Cole: Are

We

regard mains

Mr. not

of

think

Match

Barnes

to

centre The

think'

gasworks. gasworks

then

rates, tariff

Wally

team

Council

the

the

run

after

branch).

from

the

and

I into

for

the

::

?

cricketers Molong next Cumnock lenged

the

AGAIN'

the

yesterday

night's

last

Women's

optimistic

more

future

past

School

fund

set aside services.

new

and

Town

larger

disappointed

was

(£50) be

position No new

want

i

LIGHTING

STREET

J.

vices. over

he

of

should

difficult

Rather

said

by

manently

FUTURE'

ABOUT

the '

for

gallon

amount

'

general

new

the

,

Cumnock

should

out

?

Challenge

The

:

profit Cole said/

Parker:

from the

Molong

of

Hospital

diers

small

for

the

run sr^id.

people

TARIFFS

duties

beneficiaries Town

dria

the of

increase

the

of

cannot

crease

Robert,

and

and

we

sec

WILL MOLONG WIN WALLY BARNES CUP?

a

to

Shire

big

Aid.

dip

fund

tricity

with the

V ?

excellent

an

Amaroo a

to

wrong

agree

in

carried.

thought cheaply

Council.

the

a.

this

he

body.

a

electricity,' GAS 'RAISE A. Aid. N.

'

Scott

II.

Amaroo

City

making

the

'

lie

conference

resumed

They are: Orange Ambulance,

.

this

in

oo/-

price

to

per

.1/-

'

'We

'

to tar

sale

ton

per

and and

about

condition

carried.

60/-

list

the

for the in provide in already opera an increase in coke

tariff

provision

that

good.

Aid. Black Cole sec moved, Aid. that the onded, re sanitary charges main the same 1947. as The motion' was

to

9d.

the

the

year.

?

for

we

able

have

that

said

called

arc

E.

we

in .increases costs.

He the said costs

home

Ilollier,

leased

by-products

tar,

with

stay former's

holidaying

mother

Mrs,

Council

in

be

Cole

the

CU

with

with

paid

for

electricity

Mr.

.

and

agreement

accom

MOLONG COUNCIL BENEFICIARIES

of

increase

an

and

'OPTIMISTIC Cole Aid.

j

the

for.

'

former's

Clerk, 2d.,

be

cheaper, that

selling club.

rates

electricity also

would

was

tennis is

Aid.

I

after

A

V/UJU£Jcti

the

the

Orange

much added

Town

!

I

we

tariff Council the new adopt until conference a tentatively other with the two Councils had been called.

The amendment for want of lapsed the seconder and motion was

our,

added. had Council

had

home

Packham

returned

Margaret, yesterday

?

much

suggest

gas also

50/-

sales.

ser

increase

(£23). estimates

and

per

07K ttiy,

.1947.

Stores

the

to

we

Gilgan

Mr.

it,' said

into and

Cole

and Orange 'Some of

Pliilpott.

Farrington

Western

for

sales

II.

returned

holidays.

A.

for

that

to

that

that

ho

of

Cole

plant

raise

to

out

get

think

Council

rate

Wilson:

B.

to way.

'

want

gas, amount

own

after the

Mrs.

not

heavily

Aid.

returned

Pliilpott week

Woolbank,

L.

the

would

SALES

and

annual

ex

S.

Flat this time with

John

and

said.

in

to to

O

wu

do

(juantities, (id.

be

rates

the

-P

vv

in

and

amounts,

each.

—

from

gasworks.

'The estimates

tion, from

of

GAS

'ho

coke

crease

advance

portion

services.

new

in

of

week.

and

fund

estimated

can't

only

sale the

FROM

lie

'I

remain

rates

this

1947.

£1,544

fund,'

ried.'

in

as

Tirrmlrl

'You

Miss

Mrs.

instal

Cole

that

was

income

with

Aid.

of

Scott

ffflc

and

at

as

of

benefit

decided local supply

it

0v*w

the

might

and

W.

Mr.

II.

at holidaying Manly, and R. M. Holt son,

After

such

it

Mrs.

and

an

sub

to

answer

have some

should keep mind. amalgamation Wilson Silk Aid, moved, Aid. of Id the that increase on onded, domestic be tariff adopted..

Cole moved an amendment Aid.

Aid.

think,'

G.

Black

idea

amalgam

to

I

Aid,

Aid.

a ago disad

and

Black

Council would place, the increased costB in

takes

En

had

time

and would

H.

R.

Aid.

_

do

for

is

Captain's for some ing Mr. parents,

un installed other income

our

Lee.

Mr.

the

morning

small

to

Wright, some

undertakings

meet

7d.

to

advantages a proposal undertakings.

of three

B.

supply.

Sydney

from

the

can

fund colossal

Bay

to

said

Electrical

(

his accompany from holidays.

came

we

Aid. dipped

Deidre daughters, with from Myree, home holidays G. and of Mrs. G. Alexander,

Mr.

two

to

anticipated

thought overdraft the get

Cullen

Saturday

her

Mrs.

if

re

relatives

went to

home

family

G.

on

Larras

thai

purpose, added.

motion

same

Mr. 1948,

Aid.

favor,

and Black, increases the

for

only

on

or

to

£2,275

lost,

burden

be

an

water

the

installed.

and

Mrs.

with

G.

'We

to

Lavender

weekend

Cassimaty morning

M.

Monday

pany and

attention

and

can

the

dra

of

Cady,

J.

Council

problem.'

?

Mr.

ad esti

Black

spend baby

and

Mr. to

for

penny the

AND

Orange

Molong,

costs,

against charges Molong

the

tariff

amalgamation, 'lies said,

'I

wife

his

a

high

of

speaking

raise

by

the

'In

'

the

returned

after

night

with

Phyllis long

charges.

the

the

.

Grandger

the

here. on

ate

Bill

and

night.

on report vantages

Larras

at

.Gamsby

Monday'

on

in

holiday

problems

last

gineer, mitted

they

When

week. relatives

this with

Kevin

Reuben

Miss

expenditure last £3,688 large number

raised he

get meters

Wilson,

a

is

for

to

On

LOST was

are

water

be

amendment

it

Parker

cess

the

home

holidays

wife

Falls.

Attenborough

Maisie

are

spent

silent

a

weeks

two

uaugutci

Scott said.

INSTALLED

fund,

overdraft,'

Aid. more

once

needs

heavy

1948, meters

46

rates available

wise

was

to received

a

the

readings

out.

that

year.

the

Mr.

meter

its

due

in

Grace.

the

Tilbrook.

A.

Miss

Mr.

charges occupied pre at premises in

A.

Snii'h.

on

morn

journeyea

will Sydney, they weeks. of couple Norma accompanied Tilbrook, the Mr. J .Thorn, spent fiance, weekend with her Mr. parents,

Sydney

in

Wentworth wrignt where

to

Holidaying

Lee

ing

Monday

on

at J.

the

said

electricity Aid. Black

Monday Sydney on they Tilbrook. accompanied by Mris

city, turned

1948

£8(5

fund now

was

only

that amendment rates of present was seconded by

AMENDMENT The

present

of to

water

'For

1

costs

added

one

an

the

increase

Mr. office,' METERS

the

It

I

the

the

in

is

the

carried

was year, of meters

to

local

for

said

but

He

must up

and

and

unoccupied

water

WATER

less

increased

in

consumed

the

£3

at

due

are

'The service, from

rate

60

unaltered.

that

was

which LAPS'

everyone surely rates must go costs.

saijl

that

Scott

mates

rCil

i'!»fo

40

ministration

Aid. Silk sec moved, the rate ordinary general the and the ^irban £,

that

be

285

Mr.

'

laps.

Wilson

our

be'

and

After

from

Mrs.

of

Rosser,

solve

was Aid. Black the to proposal for the domestic

to

were

lighting

left

holidays

Mrs.

and

in

accordingly,'

are

£1.

might

adopting suggested should on try and get through good he added. budgeting, Black: didn't Councils Aid 'Why do that -.some We years ago? have had the baby dumped right Aid.

16

illuminated

been

therefore

estimated

mises

!

we

'

of

returned

charges

would

to

the

total

a

home

annua?]

Edna

Miss

is

and

by holiday

in

of 1 5-8d. charge adopted

by Council Cole and J. Aid, H.

of

W-ater

dur expenses commitments

OUR

been

1948

was

I

why,

Council

?

had

a.

Street.

Hull J-

her

returned

spending

Mr.

Blayney

Miss

the

over

additional

of The amalgamation Councils' Amaroo electricity

j

to

Spending

yesterday a spend

Alice

the during Sydney Reg Nettleton. few friends days with

visitor

Miss for ing

light

street

electricity

W

The.,

met,

be

'BABY

was

at

hours

Nine

replacements, be adjusted

must

£

year.

on

of

motion

-vw

increase

the

lias

have

lamp

he

itr

is

back

heavy

and

year, have

of-

street ordinary been stepped up

watts,

respect

for

rate

he

last

Park the

have

100

'Costs

that

\

?

to

a

man,'

well

extraordinary

some

the

scale

improved

had

lamps making

all

lamps

go

;

Tilbrook

Aid.

40

two

over

months.

'Myors

penny

and

/~ii

?

so

12

and

level.

better

first

use.

year. and

funds,

sum,

through £400. nearly an suggested the fund bring

lost

not last

every

OUUvl;

system

mercury

is

spent

other a

the

took

5-8d. said Scott

ing past

figure rate

roads

living,

get

not

I

rr XX.

T7i

JCj.

weekend

A

of

Mr.

said

spent Street

should

on

increase

'

towns.

Council

said. nr..

IVLl.

The

in

in

the

secondary

Scott,

stalled,

other

as

money

costs

adds

Cole

that

rate

increases

'With

other

Mr.

halfpenny were

Watson

previous

by

increase

suggested B. Aid.

from

Black:

The

large

to

nennv

for

electricity 7d.

The

at

Mr.

A.

nearly

Aid. up.

a

tabled

1948,

Clerk said to £75.

cut

Aid.

for

Office.

Town

could not

for

rate, least at a £ if £ 125

the

purposes

Maroubra.

holidays

Molong

the

mean

in

the

on

by

business.

to Referring in the general

increase

domestic

for

after

]

where

to

plane

Weekes

Olga

Monday

on

from

by

travel

Pliilpott

II.

accompanied by Monday morning

on

Adelaide,

for

will

H.

AMALGAMATION OF MOLONG, ORANGE AMAROO COUNCILS

holi

enjoyable

an

Mrs.

Pliilpott, left

fiancee,

train

by

Council.

The

Jim

his'

increased

spending Mr. and

with

they

the

SOLVE ELECT. PROBLEMS?

TOWN TALK day Mr.

COUNTYCOUNCIL

WOULD

Molong

In

Halfpenny

for of we

REG’S BENCH The wife just opened my car door for me.

Would have been a nice gesture had we not been going 100kph.

"I'm going out to scrape the car," my wife said this morning.

"Against what?" I replied.

A Mafia Godfather finds out that his bookkeeper, Guido, has cheated him out of $10 million. His bookkeeper is deaf.

That was the reason he got the job in the first place. It was assumed that Guido would hear nothing so he would not have to testify in court.

When the Godfather goes to confront Guido about his missing $10 million, he takes along his lawyer who knows sign language ..

The Godfather tells the lawyer, "Ask him where the money is!"

The lawyer, using sign language, asks Guido, "Where's the money?"

Guido signs back, "I don't know what you are talking about."

The lawyer tells the Godfather, "He says he doesn't know what you are talking about" The Godfather pulls out a pistol, puts it to Guido's head and says, "Ask him again or I'll kill him!"

The lawyer signs to Guido, "He'll kill you if you don't tell him."

Guido trembles and signs back, "OK! You win! The money is in a brown briefcase, buried behind the shed at my cousin Bruno's house."

The Godfather asks the lawyer, "What did he say?" The lawyer replies, "He says you don't have the guts to pull the trigger."

Firefighters rescued a girl that became trapped in a clothes dryer.

She was reportedly unharmed other than being dizzy and missing a sock!

A woman asks her husband if he’d like some breakfast. "Would you like bacon and eggs, perhaps? A slice of toast?

Grapefruit and coffee to follow?" she asks.

He declines. "It’s this Viagra," he says, "It’s really taken the edge off my appetite."

At lunchtime, she asks if he would like something. "A bowl of homemade soup, homemade muffins... or a cheese sandwich?" she inquires.

He declines. "It’s this Viagra," he says, "it’s really taken the edge off my appetite."

Come dinnertime, she asks if he wants anything to eat. She’ll go to the store and buy him some food. Would he like maybe a steak and apple pie?

WORD SEARCH

Solutions page 15

QUICK CROSSWORD

Maybe he’d like a pizza microwaved or a tasty stir-fry that would only take a couple of minutes?

He declines. "It’s this Viagra," he says, "it’s really taken the edge off my appetite."

"Well," she says, "would you mind letting me up? I’m starving."

An older couple were lying in bed one night. The husband was falling asleep but his wife was in a romantic mood and wanted to talk.

She said, "You used to hold my hand when we were courting." Wearily he reached across, held her hand for a second and tried to get back to sleep.

A few moments later she said, "Then you used to kiss me". Mildly irritated, he reached across, gave her a peck on the cheek and settled down to sleep. 30 seconds later she said, "Then you used to bite my neck". Angrily, he threw back the bed clothes and got out of bed. She asked, "Where are you going"? , He replied, "To get my teeth"...

I grabbed the phone and dialled reception from our 10th floor room. The call is picked up by the clerk on the reception desk. The clerk answers "May I help you." I said, "Yes, I'm in room 858, You need to send someone to my room immediately." , "What seems to be the problem sir.." asks the clerk. "I'm having an argument with my mrs and she's threatening to jump out of the window.." , The desk clerk calmly says "I'm very sorry to hear that sir, but that's a personal matter." , I replied "Listen you idiot, the window won't open and that's a maintenance matter.!"

Phil Leggett sent in this sign from Gunning.

Across 1 Deride (4) 3 In a tizzy (8) 9 Hermit (7) 10 Concise (5) 11 Boadicea's people (5) 12 Casual trousers (6) 14 Flock of geese (6) 16 Card game for four players (6) 19 Movement (6) 21 Out of condition (5) 24 Surpass (5) 25 Pistol case (7) 26 Incessant reader (8) 27 Sluggish (4) Down 1 Matrimony (8) 2 Hidden store (5) 4 Lubricant (6) 5 Shin bone (5) 6 Deceived (7) 7 Bonkers (4) 8 Interment (6) 13 London airport (8) 15 One of the Marx

Brothers (7) 17 Russian currency (6) 18 Pollen-producing part of a flower (6) 20 Relative by marriage

(2-3) 22 Causing death (5) 23 Pavement edge (4)

conflict (6) 6 Entreaty certain to give satisfaction (8) 11 Draw near a very quiet fish (8) 12 Joker with trick taking in the press, TV, etc. (8) 15 Clergyman a dog devoured (6) 17 Cave where King George met German emperor (6) 19 The country is alight (4)

21 Peer almost ahead of time (4)

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD Across 7 Naval officer never found at the front? (4,7) 8 Twins finding stone in island (6) 9 His map is incorrect, causing an accident (6) 10 Spoil drink that's made by the border (6) 12 Singers in church or you and me (6) 13 Caught with ducks that sound like doves? (3) 14 Indian father in pain (6) 16 Get man to repair an attractive thing (6) 18 Enclosure for fuel entered by Rolls-Royce (6) 20 Herdsman finding river in port (6) 22 Actor seen to replant garden shrub (11) Down 1 A Canadian lake before one plunged in (4) 2 Detesting a night that's wild (6) 3 The virtue of a solo game (8) 4 I'm a leader of Muslims (4) 5 Painting forces in

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 1 February 2024 11 11 MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 17 February 2022

TRADES & SERVICES ACCOUNTANTS

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Recieve a Complimentary Electrical Safety Health Report Rest easy knowing your Home is safe & sound! Valued at $149!

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We wish you a Merry Christmas

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PEST CONTROL

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MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 1 February 2024

13

CLASSIFIEDS

PHONE: 02 0448 231 180 • Email: molongex@bigpond.net.au

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

MEMORIAM

CHURCH NOTICES

Relax, Enjoy Win a Meat or Vegie Pack Bill & Bob’s Sunday “Market Day” Raffles @ Kim’s Freemasons Hotel 2 pm

2 GINGER KITTENS WITH BLUE EYES

REMEMBERING BOB ...

UNITING CHURCH

Bob Phillpott was an amazing citizen of Molong and District who gave his life helping Molong and surrounding areas to progress and to remain safe.

1st Sunday of the month Molong 11am 3rd Sunday 9am Manildra 11am Molong 5th Sunday 10 am Molong

6 WEEKS OLD FREE TO GOOD HOME(s) TAME ERNIE 0418652040

He has been missed ... and will continue to be missed by an eternally grateful community. Now resting peacefully

PAIR OF SWEETIES TOGETHER OR CAN GO SEPARATE (And still sweet).

Anglican Parish of Cudal-Molong St John’s Molong Every Sunday 10.00am

Sunday 25 FEBRUARY 2024

Communion with Kids Church - If available (Cnr of Edward & Bank Sts, Molong)

Tix sold before 2pm 3 for $5 8 for 10 10 Raffles to be won Sunday Roast Packs, Breakfast Packs and more.

Elevate Your Health with Medscheck at the Molong Pharmacy Life can get busy, and managing medications can become complicated.

That's why we would like to introduce you to the Medscheck at the Molong Pharmacy.

What is a Medscheck?

It's your chance to chat one-on-one with our friendly pharmacists about all your medications– prescription, over-the-counter, and even supplements. Let's make sure everything's working for you!

Why Choose a Medscheck?

- Personalized Review: We'll look at your medications to make sure they're the perfect fit for you.

- Get informed: Learn the ins and outs of your medications, from how to take them to possible side effects.

- Optimize Your Health: If things are smooth sailing, fantastic. If we spot any concerns, we'll work closely with your GP to find a solution.

- Chronic Care: Perfect for managing long-term conditions. Let's keep you on track!

How to get a Medscheck?

Call us on 6366 8669 or pop by to book your appointment. You can also book online at www.molongpharmacy.com.au We'll sit down, chat about your health, and make a plan that suits you.

Is there any cost?

There is no cost to you for this service.

Schedule your Medscheck at the Molong Pharmacy today.

Cheers to your health!

The Molong Pharmacy Address: 43-45 Bank Street, Molong NSW 2866 Ph: 02 6366 8669 Email: office@molongpharmacy.com.au

St James’ Cudal 1st & 3rd Sunday of the month 3.00pm

Communion with Kids Chat (Corner of Wall & Toogong Streets, Cudal)

CLAIM THE DATE for 2024!

February 1 Molong Men’s Shed 1 Draft Molong Flood Report @ RSL 13 Probus Molong Meet 10am @ RSL followed by Lunch /Movie Manildra 17 February Banjo Paterson Molong Poetry Brawl, Freemasons Hotel March 7 Molong Men’s Shed 12 Probus Molong Meet @ RSL 10 am AGM April 4 Molong Men’s Shed 9th Molong Probus Meet @ RSL 10am May 2 Molong Men’s Shed 14 Probus Molong Meet 10 am @ RSL June 6 Molong Men’s Shed 11 June Probus Molong Meet @ 10am Molong RSL July 4 Molong Men’s Shed 9 Probus Molong Meet 10am @ RSL August 1 Molong Men’s Shed 13 Probus Molong Meet 10am @ RSL September 5 Molong Men’s Shed 10 Probus Molong Meet 10am @ RSL October 3 Molong Men’s Shed (Annual General Meeting) November 7 Molong Men’s Shed December 5 Molong Men’s Shed Send your upcoming events to molongexpress@bigpond.net.au or phone 0490734650 or 0448231180

14

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday1 February 2024

63 668 218 0411 885 004

St Luke’s Manildra 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month 10.00am

Communion with Kids Chat (Packham Dr, Manildra opposite Old Orange Rd)

St Alban’s Toogong 2nd & 4th Sunday of the month 3.00pm

Communion with Kids Chat (Forbes Street, Toogong - top end)

9.30 - 11.30

MOLONG COMMUNITY CHURCH Australian Christian Churches Contact Ps Deon Stapelberg Ph 0498 659 703 For meeting details

Sport BRAG BOWLS RECOMMENCES 2ND FEBRUARY

GET YOUR TEAMS IN FOR THIS FUN EVENT TEAMS OF 3 OR IF YOU DON’T HAVE A TEAM JUST ENTER YOURSELF AND WE WILL FIND A TEAM FOR YOU $10 PER PERSON – INCLUDES SAUSAGE SIZZLE AFTER BOWLS STARTS AT 6PM TEAM NAMES IN BY 31ST JANUARY CONTACT BRONNIE - 0428 668 717 OR MARGOT – 0427 261 037 LAST NIGHT OF BRAG WILL BE 22 MARCH

Molong Golf

CRICKET

The Ghostwalker Thanks to Farmer Al a.k.a the Happy Hacker for compiling the golf notes for the first two weeks of the year.

Last week’s golf news somehow disappeared into the “ether”. Must have been those pesky Russian hackers after our important golf news about Royal Molong. His flippant remarks regarding my injury were nowhere near the mark. It was simply a case of being old and stupid (now there’s a comment no one will disagree with) and looking at my mobile phone instead of watching where I was going. It could happen to any old fart, including Al. Speaking of Al, I’ve seen him cook a bbq but he doesn’t cook at home. He asked his wife “what’s for dinner? “ Nothing” she replied. Al says “I had that last night, right”. “Yeah” she says, “But I made enough for two nights.”

It could be worse. One of the blokes at golf calls his wife twelve. Why do you call your wife twelve he was asked.

He replied “Because she dozen cook, she dozen clean, she dozen wash, she dozen do anything.”

Anyway, after my attempt at humour what’s been happening at golf?

Well, on Australia Day there were eighteen golfers for a two person Ambrose event. No one officially tallied the scores but it was thought that Al Evans and Mark “Bro” Oates were the winners. It was great to see good numbers of golfers on the course. A few golf balls were lost including Quinney losing three in three holes.

Sunday golf again saw eighteen players participate in a four ball best ball event. Stubba and Balley were the winners with other scores not far behind. A bbq followed golf.

The previous week’s missing golf notes comprised mainly praise about the author of said notes, the happy hacker and how good a golfer he is. I played against him on Friday and with him on Sunday and I have serious doubts about this self praise.

He did mention that the AGM was held with the committee remaining much the same. Treasurer, John Wright retired and was replaced by Mark Frazer. Troy Warner takes over handicapping duties from Scott and Kerry Oates.

President Ged thanked John for his support of the golf club, firstly as secretary and then treasurer for a total of close to ten years, seeing the club, along with Mark Oates, through dwindling numbers and then covid and having the club in a good financial position.

Ged also made special mention of Dave Campbell who is regarded as a great asset to the club with his continued assistance in maintaining the course over many years.

He’s actually too smart to play this silly game we call golf. This Friday sees the return of twilight golf, being a nine hole, two person Ambrose chicken run, 5.30pm for 6pm. Sunday as normal, 8.30am for 9am. Everyone welcome.

Molong Disc Golfers Claim Medal for Australia in Taipei.

Local disc golfers Kevin and Sharon Costa from Molong-based Central West Disc Golf Club were selected late last year as part of the Australian team to compete in the Asia Oceania Team Disc Golf Championships held in Taiwan. This four-day event was held from the end of December into early January and saw many of the best disc golfers from across Asia competing in a two-stage competition in the picturesque Huanzhang Park in Taipei City.

FULL STORY AND PHOTOS NEXT WEEK

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 1 February 2024

15

we wish you a merry christmas and a happy, safe and prosperous 2024

‘Willunga’ 548 Emu Swamp Road, Orange I Location, Production and Tranquility The property ‘Willunga’ spans over 107.5 hectares.

• Architecturally designed solar passive home with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a study, and modern amenities • Energy-efficient with double-glazed windows, underfloor heating in bathrooms & laundry, and wood fire and split-system heating and cooling • Water from two 7500 gallon rainwater tanks • Steel cattle yards with a loading ramp, crush, and holding/working yards

For Sale Contact Agent Ben Redfern 0457 770 062 Adam Gambrill 0417 533 453 eldersem.com.au * Approx.

40 Strachan Road, Orange I A Dream Property Awaits • 10 acres* with excellent sheds, water security and modern home • 20* min from Orange CBD, 3.5* hours to Sydney CBD • Open plan design, four bedroom, two bathroom home surrounded by established gardens • Oversized heavy duty 4-bay shed - ideal & fit for purpose to operate a range of businesses. Fully enclosed sunroom, woodfire place, water, power, and a full bathroom

271 Yuranigh Road, Molong NSW I Modern Living and a Terrific Location

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 1 February 2024

For Sale $1,850,000 Ben Redfern 0457 770 062 Katie Christopherson 0400 637 559 eldersem.com.au * Approx.

4A 2B 3C

Conveniently located only 20* mins from Orange or 5* mins back to Molong. Sitting on a very productive 5 hectares, this property is more than suitable to run a few livestock to help supplement an income.

If you’re looking for a nice bit of space, modern living and a terrific location, then this property is for you.

• Modern 4 bed, 2 bath, steel frame, brick home with fresh paint and carpet • Large open plan living area with option for a second living space or office • Kitchen consists of double oven and large island bench • Slow combustion and gas heating throughout • Situated on 5 hectares with established trees/garden • 15m x 6m 2 door, 5 bay sealed shed with power and concrete floors • Four fenced paddocks, three with water troughs connected with poly pie from the 130,000 litre tank

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4A 2B 8C

Auction Friday 8th March, 10:30am Venue 152 William St, Bathurst Ben Redfern 0457 770 062 Katie Christopherson 0400 637 559 eldersem.com.au * Approx.