MOLONG EXPRESS 2 APRIL 2020

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16 pages News & Features Murder at the Freemasons P5 The Johnson Family P11

Call us for your Express home or mail delivery options 63668017 Cabonne Mutual Aid P10

Shopping and Home-Delivery SPAR Molong working with you

It's all hands on deck at SPAR Molong with the whole team working together to fill the shelves as soon as the delivery trucks arrive.

"We're still not receiving our full weekly orders from suppliers since the panic buying started across the country" said Peter Crich (photographed above with managers, Viv Sharpless and Nicole Gosper). "Like others in the industry, we are in the hands of price changes dictated nationally by supply and demand."

"But, we're doing our best here at SPAR and would like to thank the people of Molong and district for their continued support during this time of unprecedented change to all of our lives."

"This is a community that has a wonderful track-record of coming together to help each other during times like this" said Peter. Our families (Crich and Brennan) will never forget how the Molong and district communities helped us when our Bank Street supermarket was destroyed in the disastrous 2005 floods.

We will always be grateful and strive, particularly in the times like we are all affected by today - to do our utmost to look after our customers and members of the SPAR team.

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"Let us shop for you and deliver to your door" said Viv and Nicole who have extended the unique SPAR shopping and home-delivery service to accommodate the needs of more customers. "We want to make sure that our customers and residents have food and supplies whilst Social Isolation and Social Distancing measures are in place to control the spread of COVID-19" said Viv. "Please phone your orders in by 11 a.m. each day (Monday to Friday)" said Nicole.

"We'll shop for you and home deliver the same day. "We have been able to extend our delivery service through the Rapid Response Team which Kelvin Scott and volunteers of the Plymouth Brethren congregation have put into place to help our communities. "We are extremely grateful to Kelvin and the RRT team for their help" said Peter Crich.

Phone SPAR with your order on 6366 8062 before 11 a.m. each day or email: sales@ sparmolong.com.au or vivsharpless292@ gmail.com.

(See left the voluntary community service established by the Cabonne Mutual Aid group of volunteers - the initiative of Donna Nancarrow - to help local and district community members access services including shopping, urgent supplies, pharmacy ....

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‘The Yellow Bird’ leads Climate Action awareness

Commuters, truckies and any travellers that are left on the road between Molong and Wellington will have noticed an enormous yellow billboard appear on the highway just north of Larras Lee. The billboard, which proclaims “FARMERS NEED CLIMATE ACTION”, stands on a ridge near the Bell River Bridge on “Claremont”, a property which has belonged to the Lee family for five generations spanning 190 years.

Robert Lee spent four days converting his old mother bin, affectionately known as “The Yellow Bird”, into the billboard. He said the project was part of the #ShowOurColours campaign being run by Farmers for Climate Action, an organisation of farmers, agricultural leaders and rural Australians working to ensure that farmers, who are on the frontlines of climate change, are part of its solution.

Mr Lee said farmers were at the cutting edge of climate change because their livelihoods are being affected more than most people. “We contribute to the problem and we can be part of the solution more than most people.”

“Farmers, especially those from western NSW and Queensland, have already done the heavy lifting to help Australia meet its commitments to the rest of the world. We know we can do much more through planting trees and sequestering carbon in our soil, however these things are expensive and not easy to achieve.”

Mr Lee said the farm sector could not do it all.

“The major emitting sectors of the economy are energy and transport: that’s where big inroads can be made and that is where regional Australia can really benefit. It’s very exciting what could be achieved with the development of very cheap electricity powering industry and transport in regional Australia.”

William Lee who farms “Claremont” with his wife Netta and their two children said: “I have lived here all of my life and during my time I have seen the climate change considerably, and I am only 62. I am convinced that we farmers must take heed of what the scientists are telling us.”

He said already many of the predictions that scientists have made have come to pass, with more erratic and highly-intense rainfall, more frequent longer and more severe droughts, hotter summers and longer fire seasons. “Even our frosts are more severe.

“We as farmers put science into practice, why do we then reject this climate advice? I have found that once you mentally “cross the divide” and realise that this is an issue that won’t go away, then you have a whole new way of thinking, strategy wise into the future.

“We as farmers need to embrace the change rather than reject it. It won’t all be easy as nothing in farming ever is. Remember we all need to eat, the coronavirus has highlighted that, so let’s get on with it and embrace the change.”

Mario back at the RSL Bistro for takeaways Mario returned to the Molong RSL Bistro last night (1 April) with Takeaway Meals available from a great menu (See RSL Facebook page).

Meals are available from 5.30 pm. Phone your order through on

63668105 and pick up from the beer garden sliding door.

Mario joins our other great local pubs and cafes offering takeway meals.

Take a look at ‘The Yellow Bird’ sculpture standing in a privately owned paddock overlooking the Mitchell Highway between Molong and Wellington. The message is important ... ‘Farmers Need Climate Action’ recognising that during the challeges of the COVID-19 pandemic ... we must return to address the issue of ‘Climate Change’.

It’s still with us!

Cumnock inundated

Around 100mm of rain dumped on Cumnock last Wednesday.

Val McKenzie editor of the Cumnock Progress Review reported that the cloudburst flooded creeks - and roadways were strewn with washed up debris.

Water inundated three houses along Obley Street, with a couple

receiving water pouring in from Obley Road, as well as the waterways causing substantial damage. Other houses had their fencing pushed over and there was quite a bit of damage to the road surface around the Yeoval end of town.

A car and trailer swept away and stuck under the bridge near the Catholic Church.

87mm rain fell in around 2 hours at nearby “Willow Park”.

Val Mckenzie said that Banjo Patterson Way and the undersized culvert next to her property entrance went underwater.

Cabonne Council stationed an emergency vehicle on the road to warn motorists of the water danger ahead.

TIMBER & PLUMBING SUPPLIES

convenience store at BP Molong

NEW MOLONG STORE Quick, & NOW OPEN Grab Go Foods Monday to Friday 7.30 to 5.00 Saturdays 8.00 to 12.00 Great Coffee Ph: 5325 5040 2 Bank St MOLONG

2 MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 2 April 2020

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No charge for travel.

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DISCOUNT on fuel

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Hill St. Molong - Ph: 6366 8393

cabonne carpets@outlook.com.au

(02) 6316 5482 m: 0484 259 668

N LISTI NEW

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MARKET ST, MOLONG

$415,000

• Small acreage is hard to find and close to town • Approx. 4 acres with Molong Creek as boundary • Featuring a 3 bedroom brick veneer home with bullnose veranda • Covered entertainment area overlooking the rear yard & paddocks • Large iron shed, one end enclosed, the other open • Established trees and lawns • Two licensed bores, only one is equipped

25 CASTLE ST, MOLONG

$469,000

Leafy Private Back Yard • Lovely brick veneer with wrap around veranda • 3-4 bedrooms, all with built-ins • Galley kitchen with double oven, ceramic cooktop • Federation style bathrooms, ensuite is huge and includes spa • Lounge flows to dining which opens to covered entertainment area • 4 bay garage space and caravan awning

11 SHANNON ST, MOLONG

$279,000

Elevated With Views • Affordable entry to the property market • 3 bedrooms, all with built-in • Ensuite, good size bathroom & extra loo in laundry • Separate lounge; combined dining & kitchen • Living areas open to east face deck • A1 tenant who wants to stay on • Upgrade the deck and enjoy the vista

29 PARK ST, MOLONG

New To Market

• This property offers so much for a large family with living over 2 levels • Downstairs features: office, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 living areas, kitchen and laundry • Upstairs features: Office, lounge area; 2 huge bedrooms with a/c, full bathroom, balcony • Circular drive, large shed, established trees • Large double block with views

10 PACKHAM DRIVE, MANILDRA Fix Me Up – Lease Me Out • Brick Veneer on large 1187m2 block with handy side access • Yes, it needs work, but you will reap the rewards • 4 bedrooms all with built-in’s, 2 bathrooms • 2 living zones with separate lounge and rumpus • Galley style kitchen with pantry; opens to large dining area • Great covered entertainment area of approx. 8 x 8mtr • Double garage and 2 double carports

4 BOOMEY ST, MOLONG $365,000 • This home will surprise you with the size of all rooms • Tiled entry to a spacious open planned living area • Spacious kitchen with loads of bench and cupboard space • Great size dining area and sun drenched living room • Separate main lounge could double as master suite • 3 double bedrooms, office and separate rumpus room • 3 bay colorbond garage and so much more

MOLONG REAL ESTATE 42 Bank Street, Molong

Phone: 6366 8800

REAL ESTATE SALES: Kerry Hicks – 0427 668 800 PROPERTY MANAGEMENT: Andrew Hicks - 0488 668 953 and Julie Kent WEB: www@molongre.com.au Email: office@molongre.com.au

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 2 April 2020

3

Cabonne Council

In Person Customer Service Provisions Changing

In response to the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis, Cabonne Council will be temporarily suspending nonessential interactions at Council customer service counters.

This will be effective 9am on Wednesday 1 April, 2020 and will affect customer service counters in the following locations: • Council Offices, 99-101 Bank Street, MOLONG • Engineering & Technical Services Office, 16 Main Street, CUDAL • Cabonne HACC Office, 70 Gaskill Street, CANOWINDRA Although public access to Council buildings will be limited, Council is committed to ensuring community service provisions are maintained during this time and the buildings will be staffed. In the interests of ensuring the health and safety of all concerned, contact should be made by phone or email in the first instance: P: 02 6392 3200 E: council@cabonne.nsw.gov.au.

Whilst payments in person will be suspended for a time, payment

Covid-19 cases The Western NSW Local Health District has advised that as of 10.00am yesterday (Wednesday 1 April), the District has 37 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

By Local Government Area: Bathurst Regional 9 Blayney Shire 3 Cabonne Shire 2 Coonamble Shire 1 Dubbo Regional 6 Mid-Western Region 4 Narromine Shire 1 Orange City 8 Warren Shire 1 Warrumbungle Shire 1 Weddin Shire 1

of rates, water/sewer and general debtors accounts can still be made via the following alternate channels: • Payment by credit card over the phone • Online credit card payment using Council's online payment portal • Online via BPAY and your banking institution’s online services • Payments can be made by post Cabonne Council will continue to provide services and support to residents during the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis and is continually reviewing its services during this time to ensure the health and safety of both customers and staff. Council thanks the community for their support and understanding during these difficult times as we continue to work to ensure we provide quality customer service safely.

For more information regarding COVID-19 please visit: https://www.health.gov.au OR download the free Australian The General Manager of Central Tablelands Government Coronavirus Water (CTW), Gavin Rhodes, has advised (COVID-19) app through the Apple that CTW will be implementing Level 5 Water Store or Google Play.

Restrictions from 5 April 2020 across the entire water supply network.

Mr Rhodes said: “although we have received some much welcomed rain recently in the region, Good Friday 10 April to Easter Monday 13 April unfortunately the storms have been isolated and not in the Lake Rowlands catchment area. The Churches are offering online current level of Lake Rowlands has just reached services. See P.15 and next 35%, which is our trigger point for Level 5 water week's Express. restrictions. With the temperatures cooling off our demand is slowly reducing, however, with the possibility of no inflows in the near future, Phone or email your shopping list we could potentially be at our Level 6 water to SPAR Molong (See P.1) or to the restriction trigger point of 30% within an 8 to 10 Cabonne Mutual Aid volunteers for week period.” home delivery. P.1 and inside pgs “We are currently working closely with our neighbouring Councils and NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment – Water to implement strategies to receive potable water Easter Run Wednesday 8 April under emergency circumstances via our existing interlinking pipelines if required. We will also 7.00 - 8.30am be working through water saving action plans Molong Railway with our industrial and commercial customers, Station to further assist in saving our precious resource,” Mr Rhodes said.

CTW’s chairman, Cr David Somervaille Easter Eggs and Gifts said, “From a regional perspective, it has been Organise your very pleasing to see the collaboration between SPAR Molong, Eden prescriptions with neighbouring local water utilities assisting each Gifts and Homewares Molong Pharmacy for other during this prolonged drought. Throw in See P.2 the challenges of COVID-19, and it amplifies home delivery the importance of us all working together to get through these unprecedented and extraordinary Take-Aways - See Next Week's Express for who will be open over the Easter Break. times.”

See P.15 For Barnseys Good Friday Fish and Seafood take-away.

Level 5 restrictions consists of the watering Customer's Orders must be in by Thursday 9 April by 10 a.m. of gardens on Sundays only, between 7am and 9am or 4pm and 6pm for a maximum of 1 hour in total. Watering of lawns is not permitted. All information pertaining to the requirements of Level 5 Water Restrictions is available on CTW’s website at www.ctw.nsw.gov.au or by contacting the CTW administration office on 02 6391 7200.

CTW will continue to closely monitor the level of Lake Rowlands and implement strategies to gain access to the dead storage of the dam in the future.

CTW would like to thank its consumers for their continued understanding during this period of unprecedented drought and the importance of using water wisely.

Level 5 water restrictions for the entire CTW supply network will come into effect from 5 April 2020.

Level 5 Water Restrictions from 5 April across Central Tablelands Water network

Don't Forget Easter

Southsea Seafoods

6

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 2 April 2020

Check on Orange business openings

Orange businesses have been encouraged to register through new online directory Orange City Council has created a free online business directory, a centralised place for consumers to see which businesses are open and what services are currently available during the current COVID-19 crisis.

As government regulations continue to change and businesses begin to feel the pinch of tighter social restrictions, Orange City Council has designed the online directory to ensure community members can continue to support the services around them.

Orange Mayor Cr Reg Kidd encourages all businesses within the Orange, Cabonne, and Blayney to register their business information.

“This is a chance for businesses to keep their customers up to date on when their store or service is open. At a time when things are very uncertain for a number of owners and entrepreneurs, we as a community need to make sure we are supporting our services at a time when they need us the most,” Cr Kidd said.

Each listing on the directory allows owners the chance to list a detailed description about their business, contact details, opening hours, what offerings and payment options are available, along with any other details that will encourage support from the local community.

Business Orange President Ash Brown said this is a one stop shop for consumers to get up to date information from each business.

“We often see that a simple google search will give us basic information, but at the current time business owners may not think to update information such as their google listing. This new business directory will mean that all local businesses from right around the region are all listed in the one place,” Mr Brown said.

Orange City Council staff will be ringing local business owners to assist them in registering their details. Alternatively, business owners can register themselves online using this link: https://www.orange.nsw.gov.au/businessdirectory/

Reg's Bench

To Be 8 again!

A man was sitting on the edge of the bed, watching his wife, who was looking at herself in the mirror Since her birthday was not far off he asked what she'd like to have for her birthday.

'I'd like to be eight again', she replied, still looking in the mirror ..

On the morning of her Birthday, he arose early, made her a nice big bowl of Coco Pops, and then took her to Adventure World theme park. What a day! He put her on every ride in the park; the Death Slide, the Wall of Fear, the Screaming Roller Coaster, everything there was.

Five hours later they staggered out of the theme park. Her head was reeling and her stomach felt upside down. He then took her to a McDonald's where he ordered her a Happy Meal with extra fries and a chocolate shake.

Then it was off to a movie, popcorn, a soda pop, and her favorite candy, M&M's. What a fabulous adventure!

Finally she wobbled home with her husband and collapsed into bed exhausted.

He leaned over his wife with a big smile and lovingly asked, 'Well Dear, what was it like being eight again?

Her eyes slowly opened and her expression suddenly changed.

‘I meant my dress size, you Retard!!!!'

The moral of the story: Even when a man is listening, he is gonna get it wrong.

Thumbs up To local cafe owners, shop owners, pubs and clubs who are all adhering to the Government and health authorities rules on closures and restricted trading etc.

Residents understand how hard it is - and worry about your drop in trade and turnover. But, look ahead ... we'll all be happy to come back and help build your businesses as soon as we can.

To the SPAR Molong owners, managers and team members who are all working hard to keep town and district supplied with quality and fresh food items. We love your work! Thank you.

To Sue Wild and her team at the Molong Pharmacy, Dr. Kaipu and his team at Molong Surgery, Dr. Williams and Zambo and other GP's, community health workers, receptionists, office staff, Cecily Brazier, Annabelle Mac Smith, Shelley and the community nursing team...and others who are prepared to risk their own health in looking after Molong and surrounding town and district residents. We love your work!

To local and district residents who are following social isolation rules and staying home, ordering in via take-away and home delivery and doing the right thing for the community. We love your work!!

For the recent rains ... with more to come, apparently this week. Drought, water restrictions are still with us - but at least in the year 2020 new crops and rural country in this area might be seeing better times. When we move out of this pandemic ...we sure have a lot to look forward to.

To local parents and child carers, teachers etc. who are doing their best to keep our local kids accommodated, busy and healthy and safe.

To the Year 12 students ... we're right there with you thinking about how you are doing working in the current restrictions.

Thumbs down To the operators of cafes along the Kingston Foreshore in Canberra and the crowd who gathered (said to be both Sydney and Canberra residents) last weekend who ignored COVID-19 requests re social isolation requirements.

Apparently when interviewed by the Canberra Times their responses were along the lines that they were not at risk - 'we're not old enough' (to catch the virus)!!

Same in Sydney at local beaches with local government rangers sending people, young and old, to their homes!!. They still don't get social isolation!!

On Wednesday morning it was announced on radio that the latest Sydney COVID-19 Hot Spot is Bondi - where international backpackers congregate and stay in hostel accommodation and gather on the beach, esplanade, hold parties etc.

Cruise Ships - who will trust a cruise ship again?? Obviously some could hardly wait to get passengers off their ships - with little to no duty of care provided in ensuring the health and safety of both their passengers and the people of Australia. A number of current coronavirus cases originated from the Ruby Princess.

To residents who refuse, or feel that they don't have to practice social isolation and social distancing in Molong. We must all demonstrate respect for each other's well-being during this pandemic by standing 2 arms lengths apart from each other ... whether it be in Bank Street, your street, any other street, and particularly when accessing the shops, medical centres, chemist, supermarket, newsagency and businesses who are able to stay open. Let's work harder at keeping ourselves, each other, our community healthy and safe ... particularly our health professionals, shop employees, business owners etc. healthy and safe. We're in this together!

Murder at the Freemasons It's been ages since we had one of these - lift your game Dave!

Here we reprint the report in the Molong Argus from February 1920 of a double murder at the bottom pub.

Interesting local history clues and seat gripping reading APPALLING DOUBLE TRAGEDY. Two Well-known Residents Shot.

Alderman Geo. Willis and exPrivate Frank Carragher.

The usual quiet of Molong was broken at about 5.45 on Tuesday afternoon last by one of the most cowardly aud cold-blooded crimes we have ever heard of. A crime which resulted in the death, almost on the spot, of Mr Frank Carragher, an old resident of Molong, and a returned soldier (familiarly known as " Private Murphy"), and Ald Willis, the popular and large-hearted proprietor of the Freemasons' Hotel.

The occurrence, needless to say, caused a tremendous sensation in town, and profound sympathy is expressed for the relatives of the murdered men.

THE CRIME. Briefly the facts are as follow: Early in the afternoon Mr Carragher, who was leaving in a day or two for Queensland, went to the post office with, his mother (a very old and highly respected resident of the town) for the purpose of making over his war gratuity to her.

The business completed he left her near the Freemasons' Hotel and went in for a drink.

In the bar of the hotel he met another returned soldier, a Russian Finn named Alfred Aksel Syrjalainen, and his mate Franz Wilhelm Salminen, who have been camped on the creek near the Rec for a week or so. An argument arose between Carragher and the Finn as to the merits of the respective units with which they had been connected during the late war.

Exactly what transpired will never be known as unfortunately the two who heard and saw all are dead, but suddenly Mr Joseph Harris, who, with three others was playing cards in the bar parlor, heard Mr Carragher say, "If you do that again I'll knock you from here to Copper Hill." Then a shot was fired.

Mr Harris jumped up, and saw the Finn, brandishing a revolver, backing towards the door leading into Watson Street.

The Finn then fired again and made off. Mr Harris and Mr Willis pursued him and the latter caught him near the garage, when he shot him in the groin, and again made off. Mr Harris and Mr P. Griffin, pursued the man, the latter in a motor lorry.

The murderer turned on Harris with his revolver, but fortunately it misfired, and he tossed it into the creek (whence later it was recovered and found to contain two live cartridges.) In the meantime the lorry had gone on for the police. Messrs Harris and Griffin then rounded the man up and detained him till the police came, when they handed him over.

In the meantime a car had been procured to convey Frank Carragher to the hospital, but the unfortunate man collapsed and died before he could be put into it. Mr Willis, who, plainly to be seen, was very seriously wounded, was then placed in the car and taken to Dr Douglas' surgery, and later to the hospital. Mr Carragher'a body was conveyed to the hospital morgue by Mr Price.

Dr Sir Neville Howse, of Orange, was

summoned to operate on Mr Willis, and arrived about 8 o'clock, but on making an examination of the patient, who was in an semi-unconscious condition, it was found that nothing could be done for him. The unfortunate man, at whose side his wife sat during the whole trying time, gradually sank and died at about 2.30 a.m., practically without regaining consciousness.

An attempt was made to take the wounded man's dying depositions, and the prisoner was taken to the hospital for identification, but it was of no avail.

While the prisoner was waiting at the hospital he said, in his broken English, "I spent four years killing men, now I take no more notice of killing a man than killing a fly." This callous remark was made in the hearing of Mrs Willis.

During the night Mr Alcorn, the local postmaster, who is an old friend of Mr Willis and his family, did his utmost to establish connection with Wee Waa, and notify Mr Willis' father of the terrible occurrence, but without avail, and it was not until Wednesday afternoon that a telegram was received stating that the old gentleman had received the sad news, and was on his way to Molong per car—he arrived here yesterday morning in time for the funeral. Luckily for Mrs Willis, her cousin, Mr G. Flynn, of the Orange "Leader,'' having heard of the awful trouble, came over and took charge in the meantime.

THE PRISONER. When arrested the prisoner, who gives his age as 27, appeared quite calm and absolutely unconcerned.

At the local Police Court, on Wednesday morning, before Mr Dnnn, J. P., the prisoner was charged with the murder of Frank Carragher and George Willis, on the 17th instant, and was remanded for seven days. His mate, who had been arrested on a charge of drunkenness, was, at the request of the police, remanded for 24 hours.

Accused is an expert shot with a revolver, and during the days he has been camped near the creek he has often amused himself shooting birds on the wing with it.

He and his mate drove up from Sydney in quest of land on which to go rabbit trapping, but evidently they were not succssful, as last Saturday they sold the turnout.

An incident which tends to throw some light on the character of the accused, occurred earlier in the afternoon at the Telegraph Hotel, and in view of subsequent happenings might well have been taken as a warning to all and sundry.

While at the hotel mentioned he pulled his money (some £17) out of his pocket and slapping it down on the counter, he, hand on hip-pocket, dared anyone to touch it.

THE VICTIMS. MR. FRANK CARRAGHER (late A.I.F.) As we have before stated, both the victims are well-known and extremely popular residents of Molong.

Mr Frank Carragher was in his 33rd year—a big, powerful, jovial chap—and was the third son of Mrs Carragher of Betts Street, East Molong.

Born in this district, he left here as a young man and travelled the greater part of Australia. The outbreak of war found him in South Australia, and he promptly answerd the call of the Empire. After several years' service he was invalided home as the result of a badly fractured leg, and returned to Molong some two years ago, and has remained about here practically ever since. He was a single man. In addition to his aged mother, he is survived by a number of brothers and sisters, viz., James and William (late A.I.F.), and Mrs R. Winters (Molong), Mrs Toner (Orange), Mrs Dean (Parkes), and Miss Annie (Coonanble), the whole of whom were present at the funeral yesterday.

ALD. GEORGE WILLIS. Mr Willis, who was 38 years of age, was a native of Forbes, but left that town very early in life for the North Western parts of the State, in company with his parents. He was a son of Mr Geo. Willis, senr., for many years a hotelkeeper at Collarenebri, and now of Wee Waa. Some three and a half years ago Mr Willis arrived in Molong with his wife and took over the Freemasons' Hotel, which they have since conducted in so capable and business-like a manner as to build up a flourishing business, and earn for it the name among the western travellers of "The best house on the road." "George," as he was popularly called, was of a kind and genial disposition, always ready to do a kindness, and it may with truth be said that everyone who knew him was his friend. A keen sport, he was secretary of the local Jockey Club, and did his utmost to put life into that torpid body. As a townsman he was energetic and progressive, taking a keen and practical interest in the various public institutions, notably the School of Arts, of which he was, for a term, a committeeman. At the recent municipal election he stood for aldelmanic honors, being returned well up on the list of successful candidates.

Deceased was a married man, having, some seven years ago, been married to Miss Annie O'Keefe, of Merriwa.

In addition to a heart-broken widow deceased leaves a little two-year old son. He is also survived by his aged father (Mr Geo. Willis, of Wee Waa), a brother, William, of Wee Waa (both of whom arrived in Molong by car at 1 a.m. yesterday morning), Mrs M. Tuite (Dunedoo), John and Ernest (step brothers) and Misses Bessie and Nellie (step-sisters) of Wee Waa. Sad as the occurrence is, it is made even more so by the fact that this is the third violent death in the Willis family within three years. First deceased's 15 year old step-brother was thrown from a horse and killed, then his brother Joseph, of Norma station, Collarenebri, met a like fate, and now he meets a tragic end—and that at the hands of a cowardly foreigner. Strange to say his two brothers who did their bit for King and country, are now alive and well, though both were wounded.

The most profound sympathy is felt for the bereaved wife and family by the whole community.

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 2 April 2020

5

care facilities for children

Sue Wild’s Molong Pharmacy remains open as an essential business service. However, there are a few changes in order to ahere to the important COVID-19 health safety requirements.

Our professional services remain the same - with a few updates.

Open 6366 8475

Protecting Each Other If you or your family members have symptoms such as as Fever Coughing Shortness of Breath Or, if you have travelled overseas recently to a country at risk Please call your GP or Hospital Emergency Department or Coronavirus Health Information Line 1800 020 080

Social Distancing When you come to the Molong Pharmacy please practice Social Distancing If the Pharmacy is busy or full of customers please wait outside until one of our friendly staff attends to you.

Essential Workers - we have vacancies for your children Our educators are open and available to care for your children. We offer personalised care in small groups of children, meaning a lesser risk of contracting illnesses. We are affordable and work flexible hours to accommodate your needs! If you are an essential worker and are struggling with child care options, including school aged children, our educators can help! If you are worried about your child in larger groups of children, family day care is the perfect choice as our ratio is one educator to a maximum of seven children. Our educators have completed Infection Control Training and are maintaining high quality hygiene practices.

We are also Child Care Subsidy approved and able to deliver care at a reduced fee! We can provide childcare services in Molong, Manildra, Orange, Canowindra, Forbes, Parkes, Blayney, Eugowra Call us on 6392 3219 email fdc@cabonne.nsw.gov.au

Please drop off your prescriptions and collect later or ask pharmacy staff to deliver to your home Please do not wait in store if the pharmacy is busy Please allow 2 arms length between yourself and other pharmacy customers and staff

Prescriptions There is no need to stockpile prescription items. Speak to us first if you have concerns about supply.

If your prescriptions are held at the Molong Pharmacy please phone us to organise processing

The educators and children at the centre, have helped to maintain our veggie patch over the last couple of weeks, and look at how amazing it looks!!! The veggies and flowers are growing so well. It is amazing what happens when we work together and provide a bit of love and care... things blossom

School Fee Relief for Families In a letter to families of children attending Catholic schools in the Diocese, Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst (CEDB) has assured families that in these uncertain times, financial assistance is available to those who are experiencing levels of financial stress as a result of job loss, business downturn or closure, or reduced working hours, due to the COVID19 pandemic.

Bishop of Bathurst, Bishop Michael McKenna said, “Our fundamental principle remains that no family will be denied a Catholic education due to genuine financial hardship. Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst will

Call your GP Clinic if you need to renew your prescription(s). The staff there will advise you.

continue to provide affordable, quality Catholic education for all”.

Therefore, the following measures will apply: • Diocesan school fees, including the Capital Works Levy for 2020, be waived for recipients of Centrelink Job Seeker Payment + C19 supplement.

• Any family may apply for deferral of all school fees, including the Capital Works Levy payments for four months, including those on payment plans.

• No payment request will be made in relation to unpaid fees to any family for four months.

As the situation is unpredictable, the

CEDB will be continue to monitor and respond to changes as they happen.

Families who are experiencing financial hardship of any kind are encouraged to apply for fee concessions - particularly those experiencing the effects of the ongoing drought. Families are encouraged to contact their Catholic school for assistance and more information.

“I hope that this support is a practical expression of our Catholic values in this extremely challenging time for our community”, said Bishop McKenna.

Reg's Bench

The Molong Pharmacy has joined with Cabonne Mutual Aid - a new community volunteer group to provide homedelivery. See details in this issue of the Molong Express We are required to limit dispensing of certain prescription medicines to ONE MONTH’S SUPPLY at the prescribed dose, AND sales of some over-the-counter medicines to a maximum of ONE UNIT PER PURCHASE

Hand-washing

Warm, soapy water is the best option for washing your hands

This health update proudly brought to you by your Molong Pharmacists 43-45 Bank St Molong 6366 8669 molongpharmacy @bigpond. com 4 MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 2 April 2020

Two guys were out walking their dogs on a hot day, when they pass by a pub. The first guy says “Let’s go in there for a pint.” Second guy, says, “They won’t let us in with our dogs.” First guy: “Sure they will, just follow my lead.”

He goes up to the pub, and sure enough the doorman says, “I can’t let you in here with that dog.” He replies, “Oh, I’m blind and this is my seeing-eye dog.” The doorman says, “Ok then, come on in.”

The second guy sees this and does the same thing. He goes up to the pub, and the doorman says, “You can’t come in here with a dog.” He replies, “I’m blind and this is my seeing-eye dog.” The doorman responds, “You have a chihuahua for a seeing-eye dog?” The second guy stops for a second, and exclaims, “They gave me a chihuahua?”

OFFICIAL MEDICAL ADVICE

Coronavirus: You must take action to save lives in your community.

Stay at home unless absolutely necessary. Banks, supermarkets/groceries, petrol stations, medical services and suppliers will remain open. You must avoid non-essential travel.

If you can, work from home. If going to work, avoid groups. Use phones for meetings and stop handshaking. Tap to pay where possible instead of using cash.

You must stay 2 arms lengths away from others and wash your hands for 20 seconds.

Exercise away from others.

Make sure you stay informed by visiting australia.gov.au Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra

CUT OUT AND KEEP MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 2 April 2020

7

Andrew GEE

Your Country MP Your Voice FEDERAL MEMBER FOR CALARE CORONAVIRUS – EMPLOYMENT & INCOME SUPPORT This week the Australian Government announced another two economic stimulus packages. This brings the total investment into economic support to $320 billion to help our country through these challenging times.

The new packages focus on supporting mental health, front line health workers, the vulnerable and all those who have lost their jobs as a result of the coronavirus.

The one-off cash payments of $750 for pensioners and those with concession cards have also started to go into the accounts of those eligible, and over 113, 000 businesses have already registered for the new Jobkeeper payment that encourages businesses to keep their staff on the books.

The below information reflects the latest updates I have on the financial support that the Australian Government is offering.

WAGE SUBSIDY FOR ALL THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN STOOD DOWN - JOBKEEPER PAYMENTS •

The jobkeeper payment is $1500 a fortnight per worker to employers to pay their employees and keep them on the books.

•

It covers full and part-time workers, sole traders and casuals who have been employed in the business for 12 months or more.

•

Any business is eligible as long as their turnover has been affected by 30% or more.

•

Anyone who has been stood down from 1 March will be eligible to receive the payment allowing businesses to backdate claims for workers.

PARTNERS PAY INCOME TEST INCREASED •

•

•

The partner income test has been increased from $48,000 to $79,762 to increase access to the JobSeeker payment, and associated $550 Coronavirus Supplement.

PROTECTING AUSSIE ASSETS •

This means you will be eligible for $1500 a fortnight, if you have lost your job due to coronavirus, provided your partner earns less than $3,068 per fortnight, around $79,762 per annum.

Effective immediately, all proposed foreign investments into Australia will require government approval, regardless of value or the nature of the foreign investor.

•

The change will be achieved by reducing to zero the monetary screening thresholds for all foreign investments.

•

We can't have other countries or their companies taking advantage of this crisis by swooping in and taking over distressed assets and businesses.

•

It’s an issue that many of our local community members have been raising with me since the beginning of this crisis and I’ve had very positive feedback on this announcement.

The personal income test for individuals on JobSeeker Payment will still apply.

MEDICINE HOME DELIVERY •

There is a new home delivery service being introduced for medicines on the PBS and RPBS schemes. For more details contact your local pharmacist.

CRACKDOWN ON SUPERMARKET RAIDERS! A lot of people have contacted me about the issue of supermarket raiders. Yes, they're real, contrary to some media reports.

There is evidence at our ports and post offices that organised syndicates have been raiding supermarkets.

After relaying our local experiences to the Home Affairs Minister I am pleased that it is now an offence under the Biosecurity Act to send supplies in large quantities overseas. There will be penalties and enforcement. Items have and will continue to be siezed and redistributed to Australians.

New laws are also being introduced to crackdown on price gouging.

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

8

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 2 April 2020

SLOWLY BUT SURELY WE'RE BEATING THIS

As the coronavirus continues to take hold of our communities, our Aussie way life, as we know it, has had to adapt. For the time being, there’ll be no more BBQ’s and other face-to-face gatherings such as birthday parties and dining out with friends, as hard as this may be.

There are huge local challenges and issues to face and I continue to take our communities’ concerns back to the key decision makers in Canberra.

But despite these changes, and the fear of social isolation that some may be facing, it’s also an opportunity for us to come together, via other means, to stay connected. Families and friends are keeping in touch through things like Facetime on mobile phones, social media conversations, a simple telephone call and even via letters.

And it seems that as we all adjust to this together, we are seeing a light at the end of the tunnel, with some early indications that the infection rate curve may be flattening as most Australians are doing to right thing, by staying home and adhering to other social distancing measures.

However, it remains critical that we continue to follow the guidelines as they are released, as we are only at the beginning of navigating one of the most severe epidemics the world has ever seen.

We also need to be getting the message out to our seniors that it’s time for them to bunker down. We love our seniors and that’s why we need to keep them as safe as possible until this crisis passes.

ING HOME We will get through this, together. That’s what country Aussies do.

• SENIORS & THOSE WITH CHRONIC ILLNESS

RESTRICTIONS ON LEAV

OUTSIDE HOME:

Stay at home if you are:

Below are “reasonable excuses” to leave your home under the NSW Government Health Order. My Facebook post has the link.

•

Over 70.

•

•

Over 60 with chronic illness or an underlying medical condition.

obtaining food or other goods or services for the household (including for pets) and for vulnerable persons

•

travelling for work if you can't work from home

•

travelling for childcare attendance (including picking up or dropping another person at childcare)

A person must not participate in a gathering in a public place of more than 2 persons. Exceptions include:

•

travelling to facilitate school attendance or at another educational institution if attendance from home is not possible

a) gatherings of members of the same household, and

•

exercising

b) gatherings essential for work or education

•

for medical care or health supplies or to fulfill carer’s responsibilities

•

Public playgrounds, golf courses and skate parks are now closed.

•

attending a wedding or a funeral (with 5 and 10 person limit)

•

Boot camps are now limited to 2 people.

•

•

Funerals remain at a maximum of 10 people, with compassionate grounds for exemptions.

moving house (including a business moving premises) or to inspect a potential new place of residence

•

Weddings remain at a maximum of 5 people consisting of the celebrant, couple and two witnesses.

providing care or assistance (including personal care) to a vulnerable person or providing emergency assistance

•

donating blood

Subject to change!

•

undertaking any legal obligations

•

accessing public services (whether provided by government, a private provider or a non-government organisation), including—

Call my office if you need support. Contact details below.

SOCIAL DISTANCING FOR EVERYONE

•

• •

N RESIDENTIAL AND RETAIL LEASE PROTECTIO •

•

There is moratorium on evictions for six months for commercial and residential tenants in financial distress due to the impact of coronavirus.

(a) social services, and (b) employment services, and (c) domestic violence services, and

Tenants, landlords and financial institutions are encouraged to come together to find a way through, ensuring businesses can survive and be there on the other side.

TELEHEALTH SERVICES EXPANSION •

$669 million is being invested to provide Medicare-subsidised health services into your home.

•

Australians will be able to use their telephone or video conferencing such as FaceTime to connect with GP's, mental health services, ATSI health services, nurses and a range of allied health services.

•

The bulk billing incentive will be doubled for GPs to ensure practices stay open for essential face-to-face services for patients with conditions unable to be treated through telehealth.

•

Those with concession cards will continue to be bulk billed.

(d) mental health services, and (e) services provided to victims (including as victims of crime) •

to maintain split parenting arrangements

•

for priests or other religious officials to attend their place of worship or provide pastoral care to another.

•

avoiding injury or illness or to escape a risk of harm

•

for emergencies or compassionate reasons Orange Electorate Office 1/179A Anson Street PO Box 673 Orange NSW 2800 (02) 6361 7138

Bathurst Electorate Office For regular updates and news, 85Keppel Street follow me on Facebook PO Box 54 @andrewgeecalare Bathurst NSW 2795 (02) 6331 0524

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

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 2 April 2020

9

SPAR Catalogue Supply Announcement Due to the unusually high demand of certain lines, some products may be unavailable or subject to limits.

We ask all shoppers to please buy in normal quantities to help us get back to a regular supply that everyone in our local community can access.

Thanks for your patience & understanding.

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

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(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

10

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 2 April 2020

LOCAL STORIES OF LOCAL PEOPLE

The Johnson Family: Walter, Isobel, John, Val, Eric and Faith

Throughout the history of Molong, there have been many generations of people who have chosen to live in Molong - for many different reasons. Some have chosen Molong as a place to work, to raise a family and to live a life in a town and environment right for them.

Walter and Isobel Johnson, as a young newly married couple, came to Molong through a deep belief that they could contribute to the town and to the lives of the people. With their strong faith as Salvation Army Officers, Walter and Isobel happily settled in their home on the hill in East Molong, raised their family and set about helping the people.

They opened the doors of their home to any local in need of someone to talk to, as a place to come to for a warm meal, a bed, or just a place where one could rest for awhile within a family who were willing to accept and pass no judgment.

Very few people are aware of the work and the contributions that the Johnson family gave to the town and to the lives of the people of Molong. This story is about the Johnson Family........a family of hard workers.... and quiet achievers.

“MY FAMILY MEMORIES”: Faith Johnson: Moving To Molong: The late Walter and Isobel Johnson came to Molong with a strong belief in their work as Salvation Army Officers, and with a strong committment to care for others. Both Walter and Isobel, or Peggy as she became known, were well liked early Molong residents. Molong will remember Walter and Peggy, and their children, John, Val, Eric and Faith, as important members of the local Salvation Army. Walter and Peggy were regular collectors for the Salvos, walking through the shops, pubs and clubs of Molong, handing out copies of “War Cry” and collecting for the homeless and those in need.

“When mum and dad first met, it was mum who had the strong belief in God and the Salvation Army. “Mum introduced dad to the Salvation Army when they met in the Blue Mountains, and soon, it was dad who became a Sergeant Major in the Salvos, and mum was Home Secretary. “Dad formed a very strong belief in the work of the Salvos” explained daughter Faith. We will also remember, John, Val, Eric and Faith working alongside their father Walter, during the nights, keeping the footpaths, gutters and bins of Bank Street spotlessly clean, whilst their horse and cart stood patiently nearby.

Walter And Peggy Johnson: “Mum and dad first met up in the Blue Mountains. “Dad’s first wife died, and he was left with his first family to raise.

“Mum answered dad’s ad. for a housekeeper, and they ended up marrying, coming to Molong, and having John, Val, Eric and me”, explained Faith. “They came to Molong by horse and sulky - sometime in the early 1930’s. “They ran into snow at Kelso so they stayed there for awhile, and ended up staying long enough to pick tomatoes to make some extra money. “Dad served in the two wars in the Light Horse.

“He spent time in Gallipoli, Egypt and Palestine, and was awarded a Bravery Badge and the Gallipoli Star and three other medals, but I’m not sure what they were for”. When the Johnson’s came to Molong, Walter worked for “Arthur Matthews cutting posts for 2 shillings a day. “Dad alway worked really hard, we all did, but that’s how it was back then”. When Walter and Peggy first came to Molong, they lived with “Aunty Florrie at the back of the hospital until our house up on the hill in East Molong was ready. “John, Val and Eric were born at the Molong Hospital. “Mum went home to her family at Leura to have me, I was the only one not born in Molong”.

Growing Up In The Old House on the Hill: “We had a great time growing up and living on the hill in East Molong. “We got up to all the mischief under the sun. “Dad used to help us make barrows and billycarts, and we would ride them full pelt down the hill. “Val used to always complain about splinters in her backside from the bits and pieces of timber we used to build our billycarts out of” laughs Faith as she remembers the fun that the Johnson kids would have.

“We all loved to go camping. “Dad would pack us all up and we would go out to different properties to build boundary fences. “We’d all get in and help dad, and we loved playing in the dams, creeks and just running around the paddocks. “We loved camping in the night, and cooking around the campfire with dad. “We always had a good time”.

Even if you m oved to Molo ng last week or in recent y ears you will know or have seen "Eric" the bloke wit h a trolley wh goes everyw o here picking up rubbish a carting it hom nd e. You may a lso have see sisters Faith n his and Val, his c ousin Stan. M will remembe any r Eric's late b rother, John Johnson.

Well here's w hy "Eric colle cts".

On this and th e next page w e reprint Rozzi Smith's story of the J ohnson famil published in y, the Express in 2006.

Walter and Isobel (Peggy) Johnson on their wedding day.

The Salvation Army: “We loved going to the Salvation Army Church in Gidley Street. “Molong used to have a lot of people who came to the Church, but then the numbers went down and in later years the Church had to close”. But happy memories Faith and her family have of belonging to the ‘Band of Love’ which was the local Salvation Army band. “We also belonged to ‘The Legion’ and we all went to Sunday School. “I played the Tambourine in the Salvos Band, mum played the drums and the mouth organ. “Mum could roll her lips around the mouth organ like no-ones business”.

“Mum’s mother was a missionary at the New Hebrides for a long time. “Mum’s dad was also a strong believer in the Salvation Army. “We learnt a lot about God and our faith from mum’s family”.

Learning At School And At Home - Our Way: Faith went along to the Molong Central School until first year and then she left to go home and help her mother and to learn from her mother. “I took over the running of the house for mum. “She was sick and needed me to help her in the house. “Mum taught me to do important things like writing up a grocery list, cooking, how to save money. “She was a good teacher. “John, Val and Eric always stayed at home and mum taught them.

“They learnt to do day to day things, making things, and the boys were good at working with machinery and working with their hands. “Mum always taught all of us kids about how to do the right thing by others, how to help others, and to always be there for others, no matter what time of the day or night. “I remember a few of the teachers at school, Mrs Sloane, Mr Rolfe, and Mr Allan, he was pretty scary”.

Mr and Mrs Menzies - Grandparents of John, Val , Eric and Faith Johnson. The Menzies taught Salvaltion Army values to their grandchildren. .

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Faith and her Mother, Peggy Johnson heading off to town.

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 7th September, 2006 MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 2 April 2020

11

The Johnson Family (cont'd)

Eric, Val, two cousins, Faith and John doing what they liked most - camping in the bush.

“MY FAMILY MEMORIES, MY LIFE AND MY BROTHER, ERIC”: John Johnson

I found John Johnson in the Molong Hospital, sitting in his chair, watching the morning news on TV. John has been in hospital for some time now, “I’ve got diabetes and I need to be here for the Insulin injections” explained John.

“I’ve never been real sick until now”. And then, John turns to his faith “the scriptures say that suffering and pain are part of life”.

Growing Up In Molong: So, how does John remember growing up in Molong?

“I like Molong, I was born here. “The people here are good people and they have always been good to me. “I think Molong is a healthy place to live. “I love being here at the hospital too, they are good to me”. John remembers growing up “up on the hill in the old house”. John also remembers the Salvation Army, “I loved going to Sunday School and learning about God. “I loved my mum, she was a good mum. “Once you’re parents are gone, you’re on your own. “I loved it when I could go to the pictures at the old picture theatre. “I liked the Elvis Presley pictures, I still like listening to his music”.

School - And Learning - ‘My Way’: “I went to school for a while, until I was about 9 (years old). “But I couldn’t learn. “It wasn’t a good time for me.

“Because I couldn’t learn I got the cane a lot. “Dad went to the school because he wasn’t happy with the way I was being treated. “Dr. Jerry Wilson said to mum and dad ‘the best thing you can do for the boy is to take him away from school, he’ll learn with his hands, he’ll pick it up as he goes along, he doesn’t need to have it beaten into him’. And so John learnt from home, from his mum and from his dad.

“I learnt to work with my hands. “I used to say if I had it in my heart to learn, I would learn. “I can remember the Bible and most parts of the Bible. “Even though I can’t read the words, I know the Bible” explains John about the difference he understands in “school learning” and “how it was best for me to learn” through life’s experiences and from working with his hands. And, most of all, how John found that he could learn when he “had it in his heart” to learn. The Bible being the most precious learning that John has found in this life.

“I’ve always felt close to God. “I loved going to Sunday School at the Salvation Army Hall in Gidley Street. “I won 1st Prize once at Sunday School for knowing the Bible” John proudly recalls of his learning achievement where he “learnt from the heart”.

Working With My Hands: At 9 years of age, John worked alongside his father, “cutting wood, working in shearing sheds, building fences, making things and working around the house. “In later years, I worked for Mr Cole, I learnt most things from Mr

(Faith Johnson's Story Cont'd from page 6) Working For Others: “When dad died, I went to Orange for awhile and worked as a housekeeper, I picked fruits in the orchards, and I worked at Email. “I was born with arthritis, and when I lived in Orange, it became worse, so the doctor sent me back home to Molong. “I then started doing up old bikes and selling them, I mowed lawns for people, and I helped mum in the house”.

The Johnson family are remembered for the work they did around Molong.

Late at night, Mr Johnson, John, Eric and often Val and Faith, would drive their horse and cart down to Bank Street, and in the middle of the night, rain, hail or shine, they would all work together shovelling rubbish from the gutters, emptying bins, and keeping Bank Street clean and tidy for us all to enjoy.

“One old timber cart we bought off Mick Langdon and one time we bought another cart off Cobber Webb. “We always had horses at home, there was Hilda, Kate, Trixie and Polly. “We all loved our horses, they were part of our family”.

our home was open to them. “Molong has changed a lot which is good. “I don’t get down to the shops much these days, but when I do there are plenty of new people that I don’t know. “But I think it is good to see new people moving to Molong. “It is a great little town, always been good to us, I won’t be moving anywhere else”.

“Graham Fleming from Cabonne Council and Peter Andren have been very good to our family. “Our old house on the hill was condemned and we couldn’t live there any longer. “Mum had saved up a little bit of money for a new house before she died. “I went to the banks, but they didn’t want to know me. “Graham, Peter, the doctor, and the townspeople all stood by us and helped us to get our new place.

“I don’t know what would have happened to us all if they had not been there to help us”. “Graham Fleming and Peter Andren are lovely blokes”.

Family Entertainment - Harvest Festivals - Home-Made Meat Pies And Mushy Peas: “Most of our family entertainment was through the Salvation Army. “We used to love the Harvest Festivals at the old Church in Gidley Street. “Mum used to make home-made meat pies with mushy peas for the Harvest Festivals and a lot of the town used to come each year just to buy some. “Us kids all loved them, and dad had to often tell us off and chase us away from mum’s stall so that we didn’t eat all of the pies and peas.

“We used to go to the Molong Show and collect donations at the gate for the Salvos and dad always had the job of being the caretaker for the exhibits. “That meant that we camped at the showgrounds overnight. “We used to love doing that”.

Molong - Our Home And Our Family: “I’ve always liked Molong. “I wouldn’t Cole, he was a good man. “I worked around Mr Cole’s live anywhere else. “The people of house, with the chooks, the cows, working in the shearing Molong have always looked after our sheds, working with cattle, helping around the house. “I family. “But then, we have always cared also worked in Les Coombe’s dairy for awhile. “It used to for and looked after the people of Molong be behind the Police Station. “I helped to milk a big mob as well. “Our home on the hill was always of cows, we used a milking machine and finished milking open to people in need. “Mum and dad by hand”. would often bring people home to stay Working With My Horses: “I used to work with dad and Eric, and sometimes with with us for awhile, until they got on their Val and Faith, cleaning the streets. “We had a wooden cart, feet again.

“Mum and dad never judged other Hilda was one of our horses who used to pull the cart, we people, they just understood that somealso had Kate. “My favourite horse was Sox. “He was my saddle horse. “I called him Sox because he had four white times people got a bit lost, and they alfeet and he looked like he had four white socks on. “I sold ways made sure that when this happened, Sox to Ray Webb, Ray was good with horses. “We used to clean the streets in all kinds of weather. “Mr Stucky and Mr Peacock from the Council were our bosses. “They were good bosses. “Always out to help us”.

Memories-The People Who Help Eric and I: “I remember lots about Molong. “I remember the man who used to light the lamps in the street. “He rode on a big white horse and used to stand on the saddle of the horse to light the lamps. “I remember the Western Stores and the other shops. “There have been plenty of people from the shops who have been good to Eric and me. “Tanya from the Chemist is always nice to us.

“I like Perry and Bronwyn in the paper shop. “Dave and Jill at the Hardware Shop are good to us. “Graeme and Robyn Barnes, Jodi, Emma and Melissa were always good to us. “David and the lady at the Post Office are good to us”.

Eric and I “Eric and I have always been real close. “Before mum died we were having Christmas dinner and she asked me if I would always look after Eric. “I gave mum my promise, but I’ve always looked after Eric, and he has always looked after me. “We look after one another, because we’re brothers. “It’s the only way in this life, you can’t do anything else Peggy and Walter Johnson in the next life, so I have to do it in this life”.

When John found that through ill health he could no longer walk, Eric came up with a great solution. Eric organised for a steel cart to be built so that John could comfortably sit in it - so that they could still go shopping and on outings together. But there was no engine to drive this cart.

Somehow Eric manages to pull the cart and John along - up hills, down hills, and long distances so that John can still take part in life - and they can still be together.

(Reported by Rozzi Smith)

Mrs Johnson and Val (6 & 7 from left) outside the Salvation Army Hall in Gidley Street .

Some of the others are the late pearl Everingham (2nd from left), and on the right, two members of the Staines family. ...... He's my brother

12

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 2 April 2020

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 7th September, 2006 7

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

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

MOLONG

Javelinplumbing

Or phone us on 02

6366 8100

• Domestic • Rural • Commercial

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

Webflow Plumbing Licenced Plumber & Gasfitter

Lic. No. 321399c

Servicing the Central West

• Quality Work • Fair Pricing • Reliable Timing webflowplumbing@gmail.com

0423 687 565

SMASH REPAIRS

D & M DUNCAN

Molong

Smash Repairs

SMASH REPAIRS 53 CUDAL STREET, MANILDRA

24 HOUR TOWING

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

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

PH/FAX: 6364 5432 AH:63 645 077 TREE SERVICES

WATER BORES

info@molongsmashrepairs.com.au

WELDING

Mini Earthworks Kanga Hire

Garry Livingstone

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

CALL BRYAN OR CLIVE NOW ON

0408 655 811

PROMPT, PROFESSIONAL & RELIABLE SERVICE

OBLIGATION FREE QUOTE OVER 50 YEARS EXPERIENCE FULLY LICENCED & INSURED

6366 5220

TRANSPORT

Chrystall’s Transport

Est.1947

All General, Hay and Equipment transport Heavy lift winch Recovery up 35 Tonnes

• Single Trailers • B Doubles • Low Loaders Matt Knott

0428 986 164 knotttransport@gmail.com 14

GENERAL Building

Byrne’s All Works

Country Tree Services

B-Double Livestock, Hay & General Freight

(m)0468 962 162

14 Enterprise Place Molong NSW 2866

Competitive rates transport@chrystall.com.au

0428 637 709

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 2 April 2020

WELDING & FABRICATION FIXED & MOBILE PLANT MAINTENANCE MOBILE WELDING SERVICE

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

0418 995 068

darryl.byrne@hotmail.com

Sam & Jacqui Duncan

0409 041 659 email: srdwelding@bigpond.com

Weddings, Events, Portraits Find me on Facebook / Instagram

Ph: 0425 898 520

CLASSIFIEDS that work !

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

PUBLIC NOTICES Take-Away Orders for Good Friday at Be Tempted @ Barneys

How about a special treat for your Good Friday lunch?

Delicious Fish & Chips, Fishermen’s Baskets, Prawn Cutlets, Seafood Sticks, Calamari and more.

Please place your order(s) by 10 a.m. on Thursday 9th April (next week) 63668284 or 0428977868

MOLONG PROBUS

Combined Probus Club of Molong Inc advise their members that because of the Coronavirus and the current regulations there will be no meetings held in the months of April, May, June July, August and September Should there be changes to government guidance notice will be given in the Molong Express Please take care - be safe

Hello from Molong Baptist Church!

With the social distancing measures in place to care and protect our community, Molong Baptist Church is now streaming its Sunday services online.

The services are still on a Sunday morning at 10:00am, but now delivered over the web.

To find out more visit our website – www. mdbc.org.au, click on livestream, follow the link to the online platform.

DEATH & FUNERAL STUBBERFIELD, James Colin

29.06.1940 - 30.03.2020 Loved son of Colin and Dulcie Stubberfield (both deceased). Loved partner of Beverly Troth (deceased). Much loved father and father in law of David and Lisa, Sharon and Pete, Peter and Bel. Much loved Poppy Stubb to all his grandchildren and great grand­children. Dearly loved brother to Ron (deceased), Colleen, Denise, Leanne.

“Rest In Peace” A private family service was held on Tuesday March 31, 2020.

Norman J. Penhall Funerals, A.F.D.A. - F.D.A . NSW, 33 William Street, Orange Phone 6362 3751

Flowers by Kerry

Flowers forhealth all occasions Due to ongoing reasons, I have decided to close my business. from I wouldAlso like toavailable thank my many customers who have supported me over the years.

Molong BPof & Also to Bron and Perry the Molong Newsagency and Graham and the Molong Molong BP teamNewsagency who have sold my floral

Delivery: $5 in arrangements. town limits. Out of town extra.

Kerry Bunting

Ph: 0438 668 347

COMMUNITY WHATS ON Claim the date – 2020 e: molongex@bigpond.net.au

April Check events with organisers - most are suspended.

MOLONG GOLF CROQUET

Due to the Bowling Club being closed and the social distancing laws, we will have to cancel Croquet until this Coronavirus has run its course and we can all get back into some normality. In the meantime keep safe and well.

Mary Iffland Sunday Golf: Last Sunday 8 players hit off for 9 holes.

The winner was Drew who kept his head down and had plenty of control of his shots.

He had a 41 off the stick.

The morning walk was enjoyed by all. But Darren might wear better walking shoes next time!

Due to the new social isolation rules -there will be no competition until further notice. But the course is open for anyone who would still like to have a hit themselves or just enjoy the countryside whilst taking a walk and getting their outdoor exercise.

Everyone stay well. Jack

Due to circumstances beyond our control, unfortunately Molong office is closed until further notice.

ORANGE, CANOWINDRA & MANILDRA BRANCHES ARE STILL OPEN FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT OUR ORANGE OFFICE

6362 2944 enq@firstchoicecu.com.au www.firstchoicecu.com.au AFSL/Australian Credit Licence 240722

CHURCH NOTICES

UNITING CHURCH Sun 29 March

Please check churches direct for local changes during this period MOLONG COMMUNITY CHURCH

Molong 11 am: TBA Fellowship Rally 4 April Postponed Heather Woodhouse 63668218 Helen Houghton 63668020

Welcome MOLONG & DISTRICT BAPTIST CHURCH

Sunday Worship Service & Sunday School 10 am

See Notice this page Weekly Activities For All Age Groups

YOU NOT Aon MISTAKE We will beARE meeting Sundays at 10 am: 10AMSunday online using ZOOM Celebration & is Sunday School The meeting ID 543-149-1107 3 & up) All(Ages are welcome If you have any questions, please Wednesday Night 7 pm: feel free to contact Pastor Deon on Connect Group 049 865 9703 between 4PM and 7PM

All Welcome

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

Wayne Spencer (Pastor) Ph: 63669376

Across 1. Friend (9) 7. Stringed instrument (5) 8. Part of a jacket (5) 9. Notion (4) 10. Prejudice (4) 13. Sand hill (4) 14. Vegetable (4) 17. Weak (5) 19. Freight (5) 20. Ended (9) Down 1. Stateroom (5) 2. Large house (7) 3. Worshipped (6) 4. Not working (4) 5. Short sleep (3) 6. Book of maps (5) 11. Disregarded (7) 12. Writing implement (6) 13. Postpone (5) 15. Stay clear from (5) 16. Tribe (4) 18. Part of a circle (3)

Quick Crossword

Cryptic Crossword Across 1. Flat and can peak if spun (7) 5. Runaway insect, audibly (4) 10. Sounds like a nobleman’s version of events (7) 11. Discovered gold erosion has more age (5) 12. Matching furniture sounds pleasing to the senses (5) 13. Sincere organ structure (7) 14. Sounds like a tree by the sea (5) 16. Demonstrated he had aptitude to conform (5) 21. Musical crab? (7) 23. Consider slender keen beginner (5) 24. Insect found in Lima gorge (5) 25. Change or trace inventor (7) 26. Encounter some ethics (4) 27. Send sac upwards, accidentally (7) Down 2. Store partly circular bee house (7) 3. Justification in replica useful (5) 4. Young animal outfit number (6) 6. Shelf discovered in walled geology (5) 7. Misprints mistakes are art (6) 8. Overlap seen as oversight (5) 9. Some sultry actor riddle (6) 15. Revealed inexperienced birdcall owner (6)

It’s your club!

22-24 RIDDELL ST MOLONG

P: 6366 8105

e:admin@molongrsl.com.au

BISTRO TAKEWAY OPEN From Wed 1 April

See our facebook page for menu PHONE ORDER 63668105

EFTPOS ONLY - Pick up through beer garden

BEVERAGE TAKEAWAYS ORDER AS ABOVE available Mon-Thur 4pm - 8 pm. Fri 3pm - 9pm Sat-Sun 10am - 9pm

Solutions page 10

17. Worked in oils, found Spain tedious (7) 18. Swear it sounds like a solid business (6) 19. Mix-up with a scarf causes affray (6) 20. Form the edge of garment (5) 22. English explorer, like a duck to water (5) 23. Topic in the media (5)

Telegraph Hotel 53 Bank St. Molong Ph: 6366 8095

HOTEL BOTTLESHOP & KITCHEN OPEN FOR TAKEAWAY FOOD & BEVERAGE

Joker Draw

$5000

RL &N S W FRI 6pm DRA ED R Croc. B’fast ON E LAST WEEK: KH. Lamb: tray: KH P T K O E POSto receive Buy a beverage 10am - 6pmP Fridays a ticket.

E-J G TIC M D O O A N C B ING Badge Draw HER TIPP IL FURT UNT 8 pm Bonus$650 THURS

$400

Last week: “NH” Bonus Draw: “NH”

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 2 April 2020......15

Auction

Auction

Your Dreams of Being Self-Sufficient Await Manildra ‘Nangar’ 5148 Henry Parkes

• • • • • •

16.99ha (41.76ac) Secure water from Mandagery Creek 3-bedroom homestead, all with built-ins Main bedroom with ensuite 7 x 12m lockable shed with a 6 x 12m awning Shearing shed and steel sheep & cattle yards

Auction Friday 17th April Contact agent View

By Appointment Kurt Adams 0428 747 050

Manildra 11 Whitton Street • • • • •

Huge 2000 square meter block 3 BRs all with built-ins, 2 BRs are double sized 9m x 6m shed, bore, large entertaining area Open plan family, living and dining Bathroom recently renovated

•

1500 square metre block 4 bedrooms, all with built-ins, main with ensuite Large open plan kitchen, lounge and dining area Large, undercover alfresco area opening from the open plan living area Beautifully finished with quality fixtures & fittings

• •

Permanent water - Gumble Creek, 3000L/hr bore & 16 dams Fully operational intensive sheep operation with 1000 head feedlot and 45 paddocks Rich alluvial creek flats, red basalt soils and contoured grazing country

Make this your Dream Home

Cudal 68 Main Street • • •

Kurt Adams 0428 747 050

• •

Auction Friday 17th April Contact agent View

By Appointment Ben Redfern 0457 770 062

1300 square meter block 3 bedrooms, all with built-ins Reverse cycle air conditioning, ceiling fans plus slow combustion wood fire Above ground pool Close to all town amenities

Sale $299,000 View

By Appointment Kurt Adams 0428 747 050

Sale

“Brand New, Beautifully Appointed Home” • • • •

•

Auction Friday 17th April Contact agent View

By Appointment

Sale

Cargo 4 Brooks Street

Molong ‘Puddington’

Sale

Auction

Large Block Close to Town

A Rare Opportunity to Own A Unique Property

Sale $419,000

Perfect for Your Dream Home

Cargo Lots 74-76 Loftus Street •

2.49ha (6 acres)

Sale $300,000

View

By Appointment

View

By Appointment

Kurt Adams 0428 747 050

Kurt Adams 0428 747 050

Ray White Emms Mooney

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

16

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 2 April 2020