Andrew GEE MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR CALARE

Runs On The Board For Cabonne

√ $2 billion for Great Western highway upgrade √ $40 million for Mitchell Highway upgrades between 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

√ 44 mobile phone towers and base stations for Calare

NEW YEAR, NEW BEGINNING

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a great Christmas and got a little bit of a break after the harvest.

I wish all of our students and teachers the best as school returns after the summer break.

As many of you are aware, before Christmas I resigned from the National Party, and issued the statement opposite setting out the reasons. I will be contesting the next election as an independent.

This was an extremely difficult decision however my mission to fight for our country communities remains unchanged and I would welcome your support. Come and join me!

Celebrating Australia Day In Molong

Australia Day is a day to reflect, respect and celebrate what it means to be Australian.

It’s about our history, our spirit, our people, the best of this country, our mateship, our strong sense of community, our resilience and looking to the future with optimism.

I can think of no better example than the way the local community has come together during the recent storms/ floods. The past few years have definitely been challenging but what’s gotten us through is how people have put the care and safety of others above themselves. This spirit of service above self has always sustained our nation, and it goes to the very heart of what it is to be an Australian.

The Australia Day award recipients from Molong are:

Young Citizen of the Year: George Betts

Citizen of the Year: Wendy McNab

Community Group of the Year: Molong Hospital Auxiliary

Cabonne Sportsperson of the Year - Juliette Mills

Cabonne Youth Ambassador - Tengis Meiklejohn

You should all be very proud!

A massive congratulations to you all!

Flood Mitigation Urgently Needed

As the recovery from the recent storms and floods continues, people across the region are asking “How do we stop this happening again?”

Molong has had three major flooding events in the past 12 months. It can’t go on like this. The toll on residents’ health and finances is simply too high.

One thing that the NSW Government can do is get the Molong Creek rail bridge raised or moved. This may not prevent future flooding but it would certainly greatly lessen the impacts.

It’s no good for government to simply feel the community’s pain and move on. This issue must be addressed. The future of Molong depends on it. I would encourage all candidates at the upcoming NSW election to commit to resolving the issue with the bridge and also carrying out other necessary mitigation work along the creek.

Another thing that the NSW Government could do is commit to removing the traffic islands in Hill Street (along the highway opposite the REC Ground) and levelling the gradient of the road. As things stand, the highway is built up higher than the gutters. This combined with traffic islands is creating a mini dam which is making any flooding much worse. Currently the water is running down Hill Street and coming in from Gidley Street well before any water from the creek gets there.

You can still see the dirt and gravel that recently washed into the islands. Phil Davis (pictured) and other local residents have had enough. They need action.

Some relatively simple road works and the removal of the traffic islands would greatly alleviate the situation. An insurance assessor has already looked at the road and said the level is too high.

I have raised this issue with the premier and relevant NSW Minister and will keep the community updated on a response. It’s time to get cracking on solutions rather than hoping the next storm won’t be as bad the last one.

THE VOICE - HISTORY IS CALLING

I really enjoyed catching up with Kishaya Delaney and Alisha Agland who are members of the Uluru Youth Network, Annette Steele, CEO of Orange Local Aboriginal Land Council and Jamie Newman, CEO of Orange Aboriginal Medical Service.

We discussed the Voice to Parliament and its importance to Australia and our local communities.

As the YES campaign gathers local momentum, I would encourage everyone in our area to be part of the conversation and engage with goodwill, open minds and generosity of spirit. Together we can do it.

Awards were given and festivities were had throughout Cabonne on Australia Day. Here are some shots of the Molong event and the results from all over. Due to space we will print bios of winners in nearby towns next week.

Molong Citizen Of The Year - Wendy Mcnab

Wendy has significantly contributed to the Cabonne community including raising $20,000 from her open garden and car show with the proceeds returning to Molong Pantry and supporting Mental Health in Cabonne by paying for citizens to attend suicide prevention courses.

She's an avid volunteer for the Molong Pantry and involved in the management of the pantry.

She is also the president of the Molong Garden Club and designed and is involved in the development of the Molong Hospitals sensory garden.

(Above: Wendy, centre, with her proud family)

Molong Young Citizen Of The Year - George Betts

Through his younger years George's cheerful personality made him a likeable person to everyone who crossed his path. As a teenager, he has shown maturity beyond his years with helping the community in various roles in volunteering and displayed team spirit playing football for the Cabonne Roos Rugby League Football Club.

George was unanimously chosen to be captain of his Youth League team for Molong Bulls even though he was one of the youngest members. He led his team with dedication and ability in what was a tough year for Molong Bulls. George not only showed leadership on the field, leading by example as a consistent, solid player often playing inspiration football to lift the boys, but also off the field, always stepping up to help whenever it is needed. He was successful in delivering the Molong Bulls a premiership win, as captain in Youth League. George's natural talent saw him selected in the Woodbridge Cup representative side and was recognised by the Molong Bulls club during presentation receiving the Danny Collins Memorial Award for most dedicated player, The Player’s Player Award, and Best and Fairest Award a few times. The Best and Fairest Award consisted of an RSL meal voucher and a hat from Komatsu. George only needed one hat so he donated the others to Kinder Orange at Molong Central school and they would try and be the best and fairest at school so they could win a George Betts hat. It was amazing to see the kids try so hard just to receive his hat.

George is in his second year of his building apprenticeship he loves his work and try's hard at it. George is also a part of the Molong Fishing club and for many years has helped to release fingerlings in the local water ways and has enjoyed his time mixing with the people within the club.

George is the type of boy that would give anyone a hand and would not think twice about it. He loves to take time to talk to the people in his community and listens to what the older generation has to say and the stories and the knowledge they possess.

(Above: George with his parents Mary-Ellen and Kevin Betts, his sister Hannah and his grandmothers, Mrs Betts and Mrs Lyons.

Cabonne Sports Person Of The Year Juliette Mills (Molong)

Juliette has played in the local Molong Hockey Club in Under 14's, U16's and Women’s 2nd division. Juliette represented Parkes in both the indoor and field Hockey Championships as goalkeeper where she was selected in the U15 State field squad. Juliette is a keen umpire who umpires at least 2 if not 6 games a week. Juliette umpired at the State Indoor U13 championships, the State Field U13 girls and U15 boys Championships, where she was allocated a semi-final game.

Juliette is helping junior goalkeepers and umpires within the club to develop their skills. Juliette has mentored a number of junior umpires through the Orange association.

Juliette is also a keen swimmer, competing in the local Molong Swimming Club and selected to represent her school at western this year. Juliette was the umpire for her school at the CCC Hockey Championships and represented the school in the Junior Soccer team. (Above) Juliette being presented with her award by Cr. Jamie Jones and Cr. Peter Batten and Anna Lampe

Molong Community Group Of The Year - Molong Hospital Auxiliary

On the 20th July 1887, the “Queen’s Cottage Hospital” was established with the foundation stone laid by Mr (later Sir) Henry Parkes.

n 1907 the Hospital was connected to the telephone and in 1930 connected to the town electricity. In 1924 the “Hospital Ladies” held fund raising events. On the 10th April 1929, the new Maternity block was opened, and a horse drawn plough and scoop was used to work on the tennis courts for the staff. In May 1934 the “Women’s Auxiliary” was formed and in 2016 celebrated their 82nd AGM - and still going.

In 1935 the name of the hospital was changed to the “Molong Cottage Hospital” and then on 19th May 1937, was changed to the “Molong District Hospital.”

In 1936 the “Pinecliffe Ladies Auxiliary” was formed and continued until 1959, after 23 years of service to the Hospital. On the 20th July 1937 the Nurses quarters was opened and on 20th July 1987 the Hospital celebrated its 100th Anniversary.

Ken Roberts was President for 10 years – approx. 1997 –2007. Janice Oswald was President for 10 years – approx. 2008 - 2019.

The Molong branch of the United Hospital Auxiliaries was awarded the “Yvonne Lynch, OAM Trophy” at the 83rd State Conference held in Bankstown on the 27th October 2016. The award was for the “Most money raised per member by an Auxiliary with 10 or less members in 2016.” The time, effort and contributions that have been made to the Hospital and Health One is greatly appreciated. It really makes a difference to everyone using the facility, to have the essential equipment that is needed for their treatment, care and comfort, especially the Resident’s.

In November 2020 the UHA and Molong MPS won a grant for the commencement of a garden area overlooking Molong, a redo of the courtyard and a sensory garden. A gift to the patients, residents, staff and community of Molong.

Kim Stojanov was president for 3 years from 2019 to 2022 with Kim and Tania Lampe as current shared Presidents.

(R) The eyes have it!

(Above: presented the award - Tania Lampe, Cr Jamie Jones, Julie James and Kim Stojanov.

"Call to the Post" echoed around the Freemasons Courtyard on Australia Day as the Molong Fishos held their annual Yabby races. A key event on the local calendar Puzzle Pete, Ginger George, Knocking Nox and a number of other star studded nippers took to the field when the call to race hooter sounded. Some of our local kids even brought their own racing yabbies along to compete in what was a family friendly fun afternoon held after the formal Molong Australia Day awards at the Rec. P.9 (l to r) Guru looking confident with Guru the Great in Race 7: Fitzy looking confident with Ginger George; Deano giving a last second yabby yabba to Ben Hur.

Celebrating Chinese New Year 2023 last Sunday with Kaye and Phllip at the Wing Hang Chinese Restaurant in Bank Street. "Kaye and Phillip decided on the dishes - all were delicious and we all had a wonderful lunch and time together" said organiser Rozzi of the Express. Please help Kaye & Phillip to celebrate the Chinese New Year. They are wonderful longtime citizens of Molong.

Borenore/Nashdale:

Citizen of the Year: Phil Tyack

Community Group of the Year: CWA of NSW Borenore Branch.

Canowindra:

Young Citizen of the Year: Emily Thomas

Citizen of the Year: Peggy Nash

Community Group of the Year: CWA of NSW Canowindra Branch.

Cargo:

Community Group of the Year: Cargo Progress Association.

Cudal:

Young Citizen of the Year: Sam Thomas

Citizen of the Year: Jennifer Ryan

Community Group of the Year: The Cudal Connection.

Cumnock:

Young Citizen of the Year: Angus O'Brien

Citizen of the Year: Amanda Schulz

Community Group of the Year: Cumnock Swimming Club

Committee

Eugowra:

Young Citizen of the Year: Sabina Heinzel

Citizen of the Year: Ben & Jess Stanley

Community Group of the Year: Eugowra Events & Tourism

Association

Manildra:

Citizen of the Year: John Honan

Community Group of the Year: Cabonne Roo’s

Molong:

Young Citizen of the Year: George Betts

Citizen of the Year: Wendy Mcnab

Community Group of the Year: Molong Hospital Auxiliary

Mullion Creek:

Young Citizen of the Year: Eleanor Roe

Citizen of the Year: Paul Culverson

Community Group of the Year: Ophir Crown Management Board

Yeoval:

Young Citizens of the Year: Douglas Philipson and Katie Letcher

Citizen of the Year: Murray Parker

Community Group of the Year: Yeoval Red Cross.

Cabonne Shire Awards:

Cabonne Sportsperson of the Year - Juliette Mills

Cabonne Environmental Champion of the Year - Little River

Landcare

Cabonne Youth Ambassador - Tengis Meiklejohn