Molong Express 25 April 2019

Ph: (02) 6366 8017

THURSDAY 25 April 2019 W: molongexpress.com.au

Email: molongex@bigpond.net.au

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Molong students “Champions” at the Sydney Royal

Molong Central School show team members (above l to r) Alex Miller, George Betts, Abbey Quinn and Maddy Hogan with ‘Gracie’ last week at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Alex Miller had just won the Junior Judging competition when the Express found this young group of Ag. Studies students looking after the goats they have raised at the school as part of their course. With one of the best and friendliest exhibits - MCS students competed with schools from all around NSW successfully winning a number of ribbons. Cont’d P.6 “We can be proud of our students and their school”.

Birth at Molong Hospital

ANZAC DAY 2019

First in 33 years?

(Left) The excited MHS team who helped to deliver baby Clyde - Shinton Jacob (Nurse Manager) Ambo Officers, Kaitlin Harvey, Sumi, Catherine Player, Rosie Blowes, Ash and Cody Draper and cute baby Clyde (above).

It was a pleasant surprise for the Molong Health Services (hospital) team during change of shift on Thursday 18 April when Ash and Cody Draper pulled up in their car at the front door in an emergency stopover when the young couple from Cundumble (farming area between Molong and Wellington) realised that their baby’s birth was not going to wait any longer - certainly not for the trip to the birthing unit

at the Orange Health Services. Young Clyde Draper timed his entrance into the world to coincide with the 6.45 a.m. changeover of the night shift team to the day shift team at Molong. Whilst Molong has not had a birthing unit for some 33 years - on hand last Thursday morning was former midwife Rosie Blowes who had delivered many a baby at the Molong and District Hospital. Cont’d P.2

A 20th-century legend—the Anzacs from the bush P10

Reports from…

Dubbo Dubbo Regional Council will look into using ozone to deter the starlings from roosting in the CBD. The Daily Liberal reports in March, mayor Ben Shields pushed for council to do something about the messy, smelly starlings. He said the main street was "embarrassing" thanks to an increase in the number of starlings and pigeons roosting.

Council hired an expert to investigate the problem and a multi-pronged approach has been recommended.

It includes pruning the trees and installing spikes to discourage roosting. Council will also further investigate the use of lights, a trapping program and an ozone deterrent to shoo away the birds.

There are about 500,000 starlings in Dubbo.

Canowindra

Former Australian deputy prime minister and leader of the National Party Tim Fischer has renewed the call for the re-opening of the Blayney to Harden rail line.

“The week long closure of the Blue Mountains railway line is another reason why the Blayney, Cowra, Young Harden regional link line should be reopened,” Mr Fischer told the Cowra Guardian.

Transport NSW advised on April 2 that the Blue Mountains train line was out of service between Penrith and Springwood.

The line was closed after a huge boulder came away from the cliff face above the train line threatening the safety of the track below and did not reopen for more than one week.

“It’s a classic case where you need extra rail resources to deal with emergency situations,” Mr Fischer said.

Mr Fischer said use of the line during the week of the closure could also have had tourism benefits.

Orange

SOCIAL media and the public’s help have played a part in the return of 100 sheep that were stolen from the region a week ago.

The theft of the dohne merino sheep was first reported

by Australian Community Media and on social media on April 17.

The Blayney Chronicle reports the theft occurred sometime between March 30 and April 11 from a rural property on Dry Creek Road at Lewis Ponds, around 25 kilometres east of Orange.

Then, just three days later, the majority of the livestock, which had now been shorn, were found walking on Gundong Road at Tomingley, about 15 kilometres east of the Newell Highway.

This is more than 150 kilometres away from where they were stolen.

NSW Police State Rural Crime Co-ordinator Detective Inspector Cameron Whiteside said officers were notified of the discovery on April 20 and found the livestock consistent in appearance to the 100 stolen sheep.

The eartags had been removed and the sheep had been shorn after they were stolen.

Millthorpe

Railway Station Success. Millthorpe’s ‘Stop on Request’ train service at the recently re-opened station is proving a great success. Informal statistics, compiled

by a local train enthusiast, indicate that in excess of 90% of possible train services, namely the daily XPT, and the Country Explorer, are stopping at Millthorpe for passengers arriving or departing.

After only a month in operation, this vindicates the tireless work of locals and the vision of the government in funding the new infrastructure.

All Over

MANY parents in the Central West are failing to apply for free sports vouchers for their children despite a NSW Government push to increase junior sport participation rates.

In Cabonne, Cowra, Hilltops, Mudgee and Parkes only 41-44 per cent have claimed a $100 voucher; while in Lithgow and Oberon it drops to 31-34 per cent.

The $100 voucher can be used for registration or membership fees for structured activities that are eight weeks or longer and provide a moderate to vigorous level of physical activity.

Cabonne

Cabonne residents will be able to take advantage of free dog and cat microchipping offered by Cabonne Council next month.

The service will be provided on Tuesday 21 May 2019 at 94 Bank Street, Molong (opposite the Council offices) and on Wednesday 22 May 2019 at the council’s Canowindra depot in Armstrong Street on the northern outskirts of the town. Both sessions will run from 10am to 1pm.

Owners will not be limited to the number of dogs or cats they can have microchipped, but must book a time slot for each animal. Pet owners must be aged 18 years or over and all dogs and cats must be on a leash or in a cage.

A limited number of free dog or cat annual vaccination vouchers is also be available for Cabonne residents only and can be obtained by contacting the council’s Environmental Services Department on 6392 3247.

The vouchers are limited to one per household and can be redeemed at Molong, Canowindra and Orange veterinary clinics. Vouchers must be used before Friday 28 June 2019.

Central West

DOUBLE demerit points were no deterrent for many hundreds of motorists who were caught speeding across the region during the Easter long weekend police blitz.

Birth at Molong Hospital

“ Ash has her babies very fast” said proud grandmother, Jennie Brown of Molong. “I said to Ash make sure you and Cody head off to the Orange Health Services as soon as the first contractions start. “They phoned in the early hours of Thursday 18 to say that the baby was coming and they were heading to Orange. Not long after, Ash phoned again and said “we’re not going to make it to Orange - we’re heading to the Molong Hospital”.

“We’d called the ambulance on the way to Molong” said Ash. “But by the time we arrived at the front door - Clyde was coming fast. We barely had enough time to get inside.”

“It was a pleasant surprise for the changeover teams at Molong” said MHS Manager, Deb. Kenna. “Arriving for the day shift at 6.45 a.m. with Shinton Jacob (Nurse Manager) and nursing staff there was just enough time to move Ash into the Emergency Department where Rosie Blowes and the night shift staff were joined by Shinton with baby Clyde well and truly on his way” said Deb. Kenna.

(from p1)

It was a very emotive time for the Drapers and the hospital team with Shinton holding baby Clyde as Ash delivered her new little boy to his Dad, and the overwhelmed MHS team at 6.54 a.m. Joining in the birth were local ambulance officers who were on route to the MHS after receiving a call from Ash. to say “please pick me up at the (MHS) front door and take me to Orange”. Whilst Ash, Cody and new arrival Clyde were then taken by Ambulance to the Orange Health Services - Ash. and her newborn son returned home to Cundumble and the couple’s two boys, Jacob (4) and Fletcher (3) by 5 p.m. the same day.

“We’ve all settled well” said Ash. “Jacob and Fletcher are ‘smitten’ with their little brother”.

Meanwhile baby Clyde - born at 8lb 11oz - is adapting well into the Draper family.

Question is? Who was the last baby born at the Molong and District Hospital Maternity Unit - and in what year? Can you let us know please at the Express or at Molong Health Services (hospital).

2 MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 25 April 2019

Hefty fines were issued to 717 motorists for speeding with some drivers losing their licence in Western NSW during Operation Tortoise.

The blitz commenced on Thursday and ran across the Easter long weekend before winding up at midnight on Monday with double demerit points for speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt and motorcycle helmet offences.

There were two fatalities on Western NSW roads during the operation, they occurred in separate crashes on the outskirts of Tamworth and Inverell on Thursday night and Saturday morning.

There were 38 crashes in the region during the five days which left 27 people injured.

Western Region Traffic Tactician Inspector Ben Macfarlane said random breath tests and drink driving motorists were a big focus for officers.

During the operation, police conducted 26,131 breath tests and 23 motorists were caught over the limit.

Officers issued 747 infringements notices for a range of issues, including 62 for seatbelt and helmet offences.

34 BUCKLAND ST, MOLONG • This large brick veneer sits on 1 acre and tucked away to ensure privacy, you might never see your neighbour?

• 4 large bedrooms with builtins, main with ensuite • Separate lounge with access to courtyard • Well equipped timber kitchen flows to dining area • Wrap around verandahs, wood heating, ducted reverse cycle air cond. sheds, plenty of water, solar and much more.

• Inspections strictly by appointment

101 WATSON ST, MOLONG

$398,000

Picture Perfect • This beautiful home sits on a large block which has been professionally landscaped • Comprising 3 bedrooms, the main with full size bathroom • Separate lounge with large windows to invite the outside in • Great kitchen, perfect for the gourmet chef, with 2 ovens • Large separate dining, which flows to the outdoor terrace, ideal for entertaining • Freshly painted& carpeted throughout, inspect and expect to be surprised.

CARGO ST, CUDAL

$185,000

70 MARSDEN ST, MOLONG Quality & Position • Set high on one acre with views and tranquillity • Featuring 3 bedrooms with the formal dining area easily converting to 4 bedrooms.

• Two separate living zones and two bathrooms • Great size kitchen with plenty of storage • Easy undercover access from garage to house • Inspect now, you won’t be disappointed.

16 CASTLE ST, MOLONG

Family Living • This home has something for everyone and will surprise you • Light filled rooms, open plan living, great entertainment area • Well-appointed kitchen with new appliances & stone bench tops • Updated main bathroom plus a 2nd bathroom servicing the pool and entertainment area • All year round comfort with reverse cycle ducted air • Plenty of storage with a large lock up single garage & a brand new 12m x 6m shed

13 FOYS DRIVE, MOLONG

• Lots 1- 10, a total of approximately 3.85 acres • Selling as one allotment, ideal lifestyle block • Accessible to water, sewer and electricity • Just on the perimeter of suburbia in a quiet location • Fully fence and ready for you to build your dream home • With plenty of room for the pony and children to play • Great block with plenty of potential and well situated

92 PACKHAM DRIVE, MOLONG

FOR LEASE

COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL • Approx. 5911m2 block with good access and turning, both entry and exit gates, 5mtr roller door off workshop • Factory approx. 36 x 15m with access to 4 bays • Air conditioned show room and 2 offices • 1 Cool Room & 1 Freezer Room, currently used as additional storage • Full kitchen and staff dining area • Hygiene room, facilities include disabled toilets • 3 phase power available; 500kva transformer

41 EDWARD ST, MOLONG

$230,000

Build The Dream • WOW building has certainly taken off in this estate • Take a drive and see all the new quality homes • Only one currently for sale, so don’t miss out • Close enough to town for convenience with a rural outlook • Bitumen road to front gate • Level, fully fence, power to boundary and water available.

66 RIDDELL ST, MOLONG

$449,000

• Massive 5 bedrooms all with builtins • Wide entrance hall, high ceilings, ducted r/c • Multiple living areas with media, lounge, family rooms • Good size kitchen with plenty of bench and cupboard space, Smeg Applicances • Yes it needs some TLC but well below replacement value

FOR LEASE FOR LEASE $340 per week 163 EDWARD ST, ORANGE $440 per week

• High set double brick, close to CBD • 3 double bedrooms and enclosed sunny verandah • Neat and tidy kitchen with plenty of cupboards • Separate lounge with wood heating • Combined dining/family room • Freshly painted and carpeted throughout • Large block with plenty of sheds • Available now

2 GEORGE ST, MOLONG

$425,000

$350 per week

• Renovated and charming 3 bedroom double brick with large self-contained granny flat • Perfect for family who need that dual occupancy or professionals needing shared accommodation • Can be leased as one or 2 individual leases • Ducted gas heating, modern kitchen and bathroom • Perfect location to CBD

62 PARK ST, MOLONG

• 4 bedroom weatherboard with built-ins • Large living area with wood heating & r/c • Kitchen has electric stove, d/w & island bench • Second toilet off laundry • Covered deck area, fully enclosed yard • Double garage with rear access

$450 per week

• Large family home on corner block, close to schools • A total of 5 bedrooms, main with ensuite • Large formal lounge room, family/dining combined • Neat and tidy kitchen • Large rumpus upstairs, study area • Plenty of car space with carport and sheds Available from April 12

MOLONG REAL ESTATE 42 Bank Street, Molong

Phone: 6366 8800

REAL ESTATE SALES: Kerry Hicks – 0427 668 800 • Mark Howes 0467 604 470 PROPERTY MANAGEMENT: Andrew Hicks - 0488 668 953 and Julie Kent WEB: www@molongre.com.au Email: office@molongre.com.au

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 25 April 2019

3

Molong Markets Shine

Eden Decor & Gifts opens in Bank Street

New residents to Molong were thrilled to find school uniform shopping available in Bank Street - thanks to the opening of Tania and Justin Lampe's Eden Decor & Gifts in the Western Stores building.

(R) Chase Dubois, who will be entering Year 8 at the Molong Central School, with Tania, his mother, Heidi Burke and young sister, Savannah Burke.

(Above) Chook Fowler of Chook's Chooks & Chickens (Molong) was one of the 131 happy site holders at the Molong Advancement Group (MAG) very successful Easter Monday markets. With his unique country humour, Chook's stand of feathered friends was very popular.

Congratulations to the Molong Advancement Group on organising another fabulous market day held last (Easter) Monday at the Rec. "We had 131 stalls book in" said stall organiser Marj Bollinger. This is a fantastic response for Molong given the number of other markets in the area over the Easter holiday weekend.

Marj reports that an estimated 3,000 (plus) people attended the markets held at the Rec. Initial reports from the postcode survey conducted by Kevin Costa and students from the Molong Central School at all entrances indicate that a large number of travellers and tourists stopped over from the highway when they saw the activity and the market signs.

Offering quality and diversity MAG organisers should be

commended on the kind of market stallholders they are able to attract to the Molong Village markets.

Given the huge number of markets of all kinds now established throughout region ... opportunities for home-based businesses to sell their 'wares' is huge.

One visiting stallholder told the Express that "we're very pleased to come to Molong. The MAG markets are well organised, the people here are friendly, and we enjoy the Molong community. This town has a real sense of community."

NEXT MARKET: Monday 10 June Queen's Birthday Weekend.

Stall Sites: Book in asap with Marj Bollinger on 6366 8593

Water restrictions around the shires

Orange & Cabonne are currently feeling the drought most as far as town water supplies are concerned.

Here is a round-up of current levels in adjoining shires: Bathurst Level three water restrictions have been in place since late November 2018 Blayney Level 2 water restrictions came into place on January 1.

Nyngan Level two (moderate) water restrictions commenced in January.

Cabonne Level 3 Water restrictions apply in Molong, Cumnock and Yeoval.

Cowra There are no current water restrictions in Cowra.

Dubbo There are no current water restrictions in Dubbo.

Forbes Level one water restrictions apply in urban areas.

Hilltops Level one restrictions apply in Boorowa, Harden and Young.

Lithgow No water restrictions are in place Mid-Western There are currently no water restrictions.

Narromine Level three water restrictions in Narromine only.

Oberon Level one water restrictions now apply in Oberon.

Orange Level four water restrictions Parkes Level two water restrictions are currently in place across Parkes Shire.

4 MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 25 April 2019

Tania and Justin Lampe have relocated their popular Eden Decor & Gifts business from the Old Gelato Factory (Packham Drive) to one of the best retail spots in Bank Street - the Western Stores building. A great site with double shopfront windows - ideal for Tania to show the homewares and giftware items she has been sourcing. And, for Justin to show the rustic wall art, signs and sculptures he has become widely

recognised for designing and making.

Adding to the Bank Street location are the candles Tania is now making, new furniture items, art ... and school uniforms.

Current stock is growing by the day as Tania sources creative products from all points of the globe.

Pop in, say hello to Tania and Justin - and enjoy the new look Eden Decor & Gifts.

'Open the gates' - one of the scenes from last year's Molong Campdraft event.

This is a great spectator event with competitions for all ages, experience, skills with food available all weekend (including camp-oven evening events).

Join in the fun of a true working horse event here in Molong ... all welcome to attend this free event all day, both days or even for an hour. It's worth the time.

53 Gidley Street, Molong NSW

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When contemporary style and quality design is of utmost importance, buyers will be instantly impressed by the attention-to-detail displayed by this luxury lowset residence with its beautiful renovation from front to back. it showcases a designer in/outdoor feel with high-end finishes throughout and has been cleverly crafted to create a light filled home of style.

The address is very conveniently located in the beautiful township of Molong and walking distance to the main centre of town and schools just around the corner.

- An established wrap around house yard beautifully retained for entertaining - Spacious open plan design that interacts easily with the alfresco spaces - Entertainer's kitchen that open plans to dining and lounge $549,000 Inspect: By Appointment only

Lot 2 Peabody Road, Molong More then an Acre with Town inclusions.

This 1.2 acre block sits within the town limits of Molong.

It has a rural feel with all the inclusions of a town block.

Town water, sewerage and power are all ready for connection to your new home.

Fully fenced with large entry gate.

All you need is your house plan and start building.

So close to town, call Kim 0428648826

$205,000

Inspect: By Appointment only

29 Smith Street, Molong NSW

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Positioned in one of the most sought after streets in the rural town of Molong, this immaculately presented home is the one you have been searching for.

Offering 4 bedrooms with built ins plus the master includes an ensuite. The family bathroom is setup for the busy house hold with bathroom and toilet and vanity separate to each other.

The multiple living areas include formal lounge with fire place and A/C, separate dining room, study, and open plan kitchen .

The 1698 square metre block of land has a fully fenced back yard with back access , plus the home offers mature gardens, full length veranda at front and private courtyard at the back.

$395,000

Inspect: By Appointment only

19 Castle Street, Molong NSW

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This immaculate 4 bedroom brick home is ready to go.

Beautiful renovations from the minute you walk in the front door to the large entry beautiful floor covering thru out.

Large lounge with double sliding doors to your private court yard, Price: $399,000 Inspect: By Appointment only

1009 Garra Road, Garra NSW

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This beautiful 2023 square metre block sits in the quite town of Garra, just a short drive to Molong. 2 Bedrooms , main with built in. Well appointed galley kitchen. Large lounge and adjoining dining room Large bathroom and laundry area $360,000 Inspect: By Appointment only

17 Bank Street, Molong NSW Investors !! This property is currently split into several shops and tenanted . Currently renting spaces is a full size gym , massage , physio and pop up store.

Potential earnings per week $650. Great long term tenants.

Inspect: By Appointment only

HOMES WANTED - BUYERS WAITING - CALL NOW 10 Bank St Molong NSW 2866

Ph (02) 6366 9222

www.fnmolong.com.au

Fx (02) 6366 9255 MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 25 April 2019

5

Sam Romano visits Molong

“I’ve been inspired by Phil Donato” (Member for Orange in the NSW State Government) said Orange resident, Sam Romano, about his decision to stand for the Shooters, Fishers and Farmer’s party in the forthcoming Federal Election on Saturday 18 May 2019.

“And, I like to get things done” said the passionate long-time Calare resident who holds the role of Deputy Mayor of the Orange City Council.

Electrician by trade, the Sicilian born eldest son of Lissetta and Paolo Romano came to Australia as a three year old settling in the Campbelltown area where his dad found employment in factory and his mum a parttime job in the Speedo factory.

In later years, Sam discovered the Calare region when he started to travel out of the city to explore the Aussie bush, camping and “sleeping under the stars”. “I was a regular visitor to friends working properties until I decided to try farming and owning my own place.”

Tullamore and a vast 7,500 acres became the home for the family (Karen and eventually their 5 children). “I bought the property, a tractor, some sheep an International 511 Combine, and planted 1,000 acres of wheat. That was in 1997 when it seemed to rain every weekend with the end result being a harvest of 2 tonnes per acre.

“I knew nothing about farming when I first started out, knew nothing about how to drive a tractor or looking after sheep let alone how to drive a 511 Combine.”

With the help of neighbouring farmers, friends and a farm manager - he learnt - quickly.

Initially, farming was good for the Romano family. Except for Karen and the growing number of children living in relative isolation. “Eventually, I had to pull the pin - by then our kids were boarding at Kinross/

Wolaroi in Orange - and I loved the climate in this area everything was here” including a growing city where electricians were needed.

“When I took a look at the wheat, lamb and cattle prices I could see that returning to my trade in Orange was a better way to go for the whole family”.

Although the decision to Sam Romano, Shooters, Fishers and leave the land Farmer’s party candidate for the seat of was a difficult Calare in the forthcoming Federal elections one to make. visited Molong earlier this week to touch “I learnt base with locals about issues affecting a lot about families, farmers, small business owners, farming and pensioners and the disabled.

(Above) how farming Donna Carlson of The Woolshed in Bank families live” Street was pleased to show Sam her unique said Sam. small business.

“Nobody knows their Tourism is where Sam farms and properties better Romano believes Calare has than those working them each an even brighter future. “Not and every day - 24/7. They are all tourists and visitors want to the best ones to manage their come for the food and wine. We own land, resources etc. They need to have more attractions need to be heard and listened and things to do for the wider to better by governments.” demographics who we can Like the party he stands attract to this area. “In my role for - Sam Romano believes on Orange City Council I have that the greatest issue the pushed for the indoor archery communities of Calare face is - centre in the new showground “water”. “Everyone talks about pavilion to become realityit, and have been doing so for a chairlift proposal for Mt. a long number of years. The Canobolas, the mountain bike disparity we now have between tracks through the mountain rising population growth, etc.” business growth, ag. growth I welcome calls from the and the infrastructure needs people of Calare to talk to accompany such growth is a about any issues they have critical issue. Decisions have to affecting their everyday lives be made. We need to get the job 0403407279 done.”

Quick to help Molong Show

It didn’t take long for the Top Pub Fishing Club to react to the sad news that the Molong Showground lunch and main exhibit pavilions will have to be demolished.

The Fishing Club, represented by Ben Harvey (left) presented a cheque for $500 to the Show Society President Colin Woodhouse to help out with costs associated with replacing the pavilions. Colin was keen to say that the show will go on this year.

6

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 25 April 2019

a weekly opinion piece

by Rozzi

Last weekend Mully and I took off for the Sydney Royal Easter Show what a great event for both city folk and the towns, villages and farming lands that make up rural NSW. We managed to catch up with students from the Molong Central School who were there showing the goats they have raised as part of their Ag. Studies. The team achieved well in what they described as a “fun and good experience”.

Living on the showground site for a few days would have also been an experience for country kids.

Paul and I were both impressed with the overall MCS exhibit and the well dressed style of each of the students, their own grooming and their attention to detail. What was also impressive were their fine manners and country personalities they demonstrated when hundreds of show-goers and their families stopped to ask about the goats and the student’s exhibit.

We left the show feeling very proud of Molong. We also saw the Champion sash won by Canobolas Eggs - another proud moment.

Perhaps next year, we can plan as a town and district to take more of “what we do in Molong” to the show - wool, grains, cake decorating, art, photography, crafts, stock etc. etc.

Interested? Let me know at the Express so that I can start planning

transport, entries etc. “Let’s Do It?” After we left the Royal Sydney we headed to family in Wollongong and managed a few days looking around the lovely clean city it has become.

From heavy industrial to clean business activity, a centre for tertiary education, tourism, small business, sports and entertainment. WOW! What a place to visit and enjoy with fantastic beaches, gardens, open spaces - and only just 4 hours away from Molong. Worth a visit.

From there we travelled through the Southern Highlands on Easter Sunday enjoying the cool autumn weather, the beauty of this great area with trees of leaves magically turning into a range of colours.

The small village of Robertson has really come alive with art, art and more art. That is an opportunity we have to build onto in Molong - art, a range of interesting handcrafts, food, small business.

Robertson is alive with a group of creatives coming together to open their community arts/crafts owned enterprise for the first time in a refurbed (paid for by the also enterprising landlord) premise.

‘Alive’ would be the description!

Question is? Why is it so incredibly hard to achieve the same in Molong!

Sydney Show (from p1)

Maddy Hogan George Betts, Abbey Quinn and Alex Miller with ‘Gracie’ who won Champion of any Age Goat.

(Below) Cabonne Councillor, Paul Mullins with Molong Central School student, George Betts at the Ag. studies exhibit at the Royal Sydney Show. “Well done Molong Central” said Cr. Mullins. “They can now add the “best in state” title to their goats” Prize-winning ribbons were awarded to the MCS for: 1st place to Alex Miller in the Junior Judging competition; team prize-winning ribbons for Leading without a Halter; Leading with a Halter; 1st place in the PowerPoint Presentation; with ‘Gracie’ the Champion of any Age Goat.

They also served:

Australian Civilian Nurses in Vietnam

One moment, nurse Janet Glasson was preparing to clock off from night-shift at the crude hospital in Long Xuyen, 190 kilometres southwest of Saigon; the next, she found herself staring at the hospital doors as they burst open and a tide of broken, bloodied bodies surged towards her.

The Vietcong’s Tet Offensive had just begun. As an Australian nurse volunteer in Vietnam to help in the war, Glasson, then just 24 years old and three months into her term overseas, was right in the thick of it.

She snapped back into action and went to work on the men, women and children critically injured in multiple mortar, grenade, mine and firearm attacks.

"It was horrendous," she recalls.

"They arrived however they could, in bus-loads or in rickshaws. You just worked as long as you were able, trying to help. Some of the wounds were terrible, but it was surprising how few we lost. It was all so heartbreaking. Especially with the orphans who came in…"

Glasson worked in shifts as long as 32 hours straight, as her team of nurses and doctors also prepared to defend the hospital and its patients if they came under attack themselves.

With no military base close by, they'd been issued with M16 assault rifles and other weaponry, and had been trained how to use them.

She was ready for anything. As a country girl from western NSW, she'd learnt to fire a gun on the family farm; she later learnt she'd been selected for Vietnam because she'd been to boarding school and so was less likely to suffer from homesickness.

Before leaving Australia in 1967, she'd also had to sign a declaration saying she'd take

the Pill to avoid pregnancy if she were captured and raped.

The days and nights under curfew seemed endless as the offensive raged on. Across South Vietnam, more than 14,000 civilians alone were killed and an additional 24,000 wounded. With two to three patients sharing each bed in Glasson's hospital, others lying on stretchers on the floors and a temporary emergency room set up to cater for the overflow, the chaos threatened to overwhelm everyone at any time. "And we had power blackouts, so you'd also have to hold torches for the surgeons when they operated," says Glasson. "But, at the time, you just got on with it. You didn't have time to think or process what was happening. You are there to do your job, to help people, and that's what you do."

Back then, all were instructed to keep their missions secret, and as a result, the general public never knew how many Australian nurses worked in Vietnam: more than 200 civilian nurses, 100 RAAF nurses and 43 from the Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps (RAANC). A significant number of those still living were later diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The toll of maintaining a silence was heavy.

It was only in 1993 that a Committee of Inquiry Into Defence Awards found that the service of the RAAF nurses should be awarded the Vietnam Medal. It followed the presentation of detailed documents from Margaret Sutherland, one of Janet Glasson’s colleagues.

In their 20s when they were sent away to Vietnam, all the nurses were relatively new to their profession, with no experience of

dealing with gunshot wounds, patients with limbs torn off in explosions or ThirdWorld diseases. The pressure of their jobs was exacerbated by heavy workloads, appalling conditions and limited medical supplies.

More importantly, they had next to no idea of what they were getting into.

They arrived in the stifling tropical heat in their grey uniforms, nylon stockings, gloves and starched white veils. But they soon became used to doing far more than they would ever have been allowed to do back home: cleaning out and stitching up wounds, and trying to keep their critically injured charges alive, often against terrible odds.

A 1998 inquiry noted that female Vietnam veterans' health was much worse than that of most Australians.

As well as PTSD, depression and panic attacks, they had suffered (and were still suffering) a higher incidence of conditions such as cancer (particularly breast cancer), heart disease, stillbirths, asthma, hearing and ear problems, and eczema.

For civilian nurses like Janet Glasson, the aftermath of the war has perhaps been the most agonising.

While they were awarded the Australian Active Service Medal, they were denied the same entitlements as their uniformed colleagues in uniform – something the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation campaigns about. With a diagnosis of PTSD, civilian nurses can claim workers' compensation under

Comcare, but those benefits stop at age 65, unlike benefits under the Veterans' Entitlements Act. So they qualify for no medical treatment or compensation as veterans of Vietnam, yet the mental scars are just as real for the civilian nurses as they are for national servicemen and women.

Some years ago, Glasson was working in the operating theatre of a Gold Coast hospital when a cylinder burst. She dived for cover under the operating table itself, having been transported straight back to Vietnam. “Whenever I hear a loud noise like an explosion, I duck, Janet says. "It's automatic. Occasionally, I still have nightmares.

"It was disgusting, how we were treated. We came home and went straight back to work, and no one talked to us, we were out on a limb.

But you can't let it take hold of you.

Sometimes you go to a dark place, but you have to work your way through it and concentrate on the good things.

"It has affected all of us in many ways, but I was as game as Ned Kelly back then. You have to remember to take the best from it, and think that all your experiences make life richer."

Wartime nurses: Anne Young, Janet Glasson, Terrie Ross, Margaret Sutherland and Trish Kennedy.

—Photo Tim Bauer, story Sue Williams. Sydney Morning Herald Good Weekend, 28/04/2016

Memories of another conflict

NFX77199, Velma Doreen Connie née Miller. 1915–2003 —Molong Portrait Gallery

When recalling her service with Australia’s armed forces during World War II, Velma Connie said that she liked to remember “the good times”.

Velma recounted how, after working for six months at the 113th Australian General Hospital, she was among a group chosen to travel to the Middle East aboard Oranje.

Oranje was a Dutch luxury liner that had escaped the Netherlands just before the German invasion of that country.

Loaned “for the duration” to the New Zealand and Australian governments by the Dutch, it was converted into a hospital ship.

Velma thought the journey overseas was “very pleasant, except for the rough seas”. Crewed by “Javanese” – Indonesia was then the Dutch East Indies – Doreen remembered being waited on hand and foot by Javanese stewards until the Japanese invasion of their country saw them recalled to active service in Indonesia.

Oranje docked at Durban, in South Africa, to have her hull cleaned, but as

the drydock there was too small, she was forced to go to Cape Town, where a fire in the ship’s hold delayed them for another three days.

Velma thought the whole series of events a “wonderful holiday”, as they were entertained by the Red Cross in both ports.

From Cape Town, they sailed on to Aden were the serious work began. The wounded were hoisted aboard Oranje from small boats and according to Velma they were “very busy” from then on.

However, she added that work aboard Oranje was quite pleasant compared to some of the things she faced while in the Australian Army Medical Women’s Service, as most of the patients were being transferred from a hospital so were over the worst.

Her Sister-In-Charge was a Sister King, who went down with Centaur when it was torpedoed.

Then came the long voyage home to Australia and New Zealand. They docked at Fremantle, Adelaide and Sydney and then across to New Zealand.

Velma told how they broke all records getting to Auckland, being told to keep their haversacks packed and to sleep in their clothes—the Japanese midget submarines had been in Sydney Harbour the day before!

Back in Sydney, Velma was hospitalised with appendicitis and on recovery volunteered to join a Mobile Laundry Service on the front-line in PNG. There there they slept in tents – skin yellow from the anti-malarial drug Attabrin – wearing long sleeved shirts as protection against the mosquitos. No fun in the humidity.

She remembered the monotony: tinned peaches and WeetBix every morning and bully beef for the rest of the time – or so it seemed.

As a trained chiropodist, she was asked to treat the troops’ feet and laughed at the memory of men with perfectly healthy feet lining up for the luxury of soaking them in hot water.

(Thank you to Helen Haynes for this story.

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 25 April 2019

7

Family and friends help Tom Dean celebrate

Congratulations to one of Molong's favourite blokes, Tommy Dean, who celebrated his 90th birthday with 150 family and friends at the Molong RSL Club on Easter Saturday. (Above l to r) Tommy with his family, Toby, Steve, Kerry, Brian, David

Mates from Tom's shearing and shearing contractor days - (Back l to r) John McFarland, Bob Sullivan, Scotty Sullivan, Ian Toynton, Lachy Sullivan. Strapper Lay, (Front l to r) Joe Alexander, Tommy and Andy Sullivan..

Kerry Hicks of Molong Real Estate, with her family who travelled to be with their grandfather Tom on his special day.

(Back l to r) Dean Connelly (London), Adam Robertson (Port Macquarie), Kerry and Andy Hicks, Matt Connelly with wife Jessica and Bodhi (Port Macquarie) (Front l to r) Suzie Robertson (Kerry's daughter), Tommy and Gypsy Robertson.

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Brochure Specials available Wednesday 24 April 2019 until Tuesday 30 April 2019

Saturday 4 May 2019 3pm – 6pm 15 Main Street, Cudal Cudal Community Children’s Centre invites all families – past, present & prospective to come along and explore our brand new centre:  Children’s entertainment & playground  Coffee Cart & Nibbles  Meet our dedicated staff

Official Opening to take place at 4:30pm

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MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 25 April 2019

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A 20th-century legend—the Anzacs from the bush Australia has long had a romantic association with “the bush”, that place that, like Uluru, is so deeply rooted in the Australian psyche as to have become part of the nation’s mental makeup.

Though we have been an urbanised They have had a huge impact, country almost from the beginning, those boys and men from the bush the bush dweller has always been who travelled to the other end of viewed as a symbol of everything we the world to die in their thousands. see as being good about our national Though in the mind-scarring muck character. Mateship, making the of the trenches and on the waterless best of what you’re dished out, forced marches over inhospitable tenacity in the face of hardship: foreign deserts – from Gallipoli to these were bush virtues extolled by Villers Bretonneux, from Bullecourt our earliest to Palestine – Frank Povah was commissioned to writers and it didn’t much write this article for R M Williams’ the rest of matter where the country Outback Magazine, and it first appeared you came took them from, they in that publication in April 2007. It is to heart, and r e m a i n ed reproduced here by kind permission. “the bush” true to the became the national character. national ideal: sticking by your Economically, too, we depended mates, pulling your weight – things on the bush in those early years. that mattered. Someone once said Right up to the 1950s, wool, something like: “They went away beef, wheat and timber from the being told that they were Britons hinterland and the country farther but not really knowing who they out were an important source were, but at Gallipoli they forged an of work and wealth to the city- identity and a nation.” dwelling majority. The bush and its Only something around 20 per people became the stuff of legend, cent of the Australians who served and there is none more enduring overseas in the War To End All than the legend of the Aussie bush Wars were actually from the bush, soldier. even taking into account that many When in 1899 England went places that are now quite substantial to war with the two Dutch South towns were once tiny settlements, African republics, Australia – still isolated from larger centres. There a collection of colonies – was are far more accountants and wool quick to offer men and horses to store clerks on the rolls held at the the cause of Empire. The Imperial Australian War Memorial than War Lords were at first reluctant to there are stationhands and farm accept, being of the opinion that the labourers, yet the legend persists.

“Colonials” would be far inferior to European war correspondents wrote the Imperial forces. They were also of “tall, sun-bronzed Australians”, unsure about the offer of mounted but the Anzacs were no taller on troopers, expressing a preference average than the men from other for infantry, but it was not long countries in the Empire. Perhaps before they revised their opinion. they were a shade or two more Commander in Chief, Lord Roberts tanned, but that may have been due wrote: “…they had, what I want my as much to the long boat trip over men to have, more individuality. and the training camps in Egypt as They could find their way about the it was to any national propensity to country far better than the British tanned skin – you didn’t get a lot of cavalrymen could do.” sun in the slums of Woolloomooloo In the first 18 months of the or Collingwood, or in Papatoetoe for war, nearly 3000 trained soldiers that matter. were sent from Australia to South So were the bush Anzacs really Africa. With them were sent 3637 just a creation of propagandists, men of the “Citizens’ Bushmen” designed to bolster the morale of contingents, Equipped mostly by loved ones back home and to keep public subscription, they were raw the men enlisting? Was it aimed recruits, though their officers did at the English, who were already have some experience. Then, in the reeling from casualty figures boosted second year of the war, in response by commanders on both sides who to an invitation from the English believed that wars were lost by Government, the Imperial Bushmen Generals whose nerve cracked when were organised and the Australian troop losses became too high? Was Regiment, comprising companies it simply that the correspondents from Victoria, South Australia, were so horrified by the reality of Western Australia and Tasmania what they had been sent to write was formed – the first combined about that they seized on anything colonial regiment. that would bring a ray of hope, a The experience gained in South glimpse of exotic, open spaces and Africa was to prove invaluable just a freer, more romantic lifestyle to a a few years later. Most of the senior world that had become one vast sea officers and instructors in the early of mud, blood and despair?

AIF had seen service in South Africa If you’re looking for reasons for and it was the AIF that led us into a legend, well that might be part true nationhood and inspired our of it, I suppose, but there’s more to best-loved legend, the Bush Anzac. it than that. There was something

10

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 25 April 2018

about those few, that 20 per cent, that gained them a place in the Australian soul that they hold to this day. To my generation, born just before or during WWII – and I’m sure that somewhere a marketing guru has coined a snappy name for us – the men who served in WWI were our grandfathers and greatuncles, sometimes our bosses and schoolteachers; flesh and blood people.

If you were brought up in the bush, or visited grandparents who lived there on a farm or in one of those once-lively little settlements that flavour this country, scattered like seasoning over its broad, brown crust, chances are you may have sometimes caught a glimpse of granddad’s slouch hat adorned with the emu plumes of the Light Horse. Viewed fleetingly through a bedroom door mistakenly left open a crack or hanging on a peg in a dusty corner of a shed, it evoked visions of dashing charges against an entrenched enemy, of long columns of riders trailing the crests of sand-dunes, slouch hats starkly silhouetted against a North African sky.

Those Light Horsemen from the bush were with the others at dreadful Gallipoli. They climbed inch by bloodstained inch up the cliffs from that awful beach in a display of courage that has resonated down the years: a display of sheer bloody tenacity and a refusal to be looked down on by anyone, sport, that the people back home could hold on to.

In the end it was futile, and we knew it. But that’s the way it was.

If you could stick at being a free selector in a climate that laughed in your face, then you could stick at this, cobber. It was a doddle. It gave us something to talk about. We still weren’t far removed from our convict past back then and already our gallows humour had gained a reputation. We could joke about being sent to lose a battle and about glorious defeats and being just simple bloody Colonials and take pride in the saying of it.

Many of those first posted to the Light Horse regiments were bushmen and it must have been apparent to even the most classridden and inept of the English officers that these were good men to have on your side. Like the Citizens’ Bushmen a few years before, they could shoot and they could ride, having been familiar with horses and rifles since childhood. They stood out at Gallipoli, those bush boys. In a place where bravery was everyday behaviour and mateship was as strong as it had been since the Eureka Stockade, they stood out.

Those bushmen were also good at making do and at lifting what was needed from the most unlikely places. A free selector on the Darling Downs considered the squatter’s fencing wire fair game and it was an easy transition to snaffling desperately needed bits and pieces from headquarters’ supplies. The old rhyme says: “Stringybark and greenhide, it’ll never fail yer; Stringybark and greenhide, it’s the mainstay of Australia”, and those troopers were nothing if not stringybark and greenhide. Later, in the deserts of North Africa, they would share their last pannikin of water with their horse and whoop and cooee like schoolboys on holiday as they chased the remnants of the Ottoman army all over Jordan. Later still, they would weep like children when the order was given to shoot the four-legged mates

who had shared their lives and their hardships.

The “Snowball Marches”, most staged in 1915 and 1916 and the last two in 1918, also added to the legend. Of these, the Cooee March, is probably the best known.

On October 10, 1915, 26 men left Gilgandra, New South Wales, to march to Sydney, nearly 520 km away. Led by the captain of the local rifle club, the marchers yelled loud cooees as they entered each town along the way, calling for men to attend recruitment meetings and join them in the march. Feted by large crowds everywhere they stopped and now 263 strong, they reached Sydney on November 12.

Another march, not so well known, perhaps adds a little more knowledge about the influence the bush Anzacs had on the national psyche.

On January 6, 1916, 12 men left Delegate, on the high plains of the fabled Snowy Mountains country to march to the AIF Training Depot, 350-something kilometers away in Goulburn. Marching under a banner proclaiming them to be the “Men from Snowy River” (this banner is now held by the Australian War Memorial), they marched through the Monaro, stopping for official receptions at Bombala, Cooma, Queanbeyan and Bungendore, arriving with 144 new recruits at Goulburn on January 26.

Ernest Corey was one who joined the march. A blacksmith from Nimmitabel, Ernest served as a stretcher bearer with the 55th battalion and is the only Commonwealth soldier to have been awarded the Military Medal four times.

These marches had their darker side, of course. Many were not entirely born of a patriotic fervour to serve king and country, but were egged on by “the establishment” to boost recruitment. In some of the larger towns visited by the Snowy marchers, a dummy would dramatically “volunteer” to enlist and so inspire more recruits.

However, like the Man from Ironbark, the rollicking bushies from Wagga Wagga and Nowra and Inverell and Grafton and Warwick – from all over the shop – captured the public imagination at the time.

And like that bold bushranger revered by their generation – and

Trooper Richard Starr of Molong, who signed the oath of service to the Sovereign on 25th August, 1915.

In 1916 Richard was hospitalised several times with jaundice and malaria, not uncommon given the conditions in Egypt.

At first a driver, he attended “farrier school” but at his own request was later returned to the rank of Trooper.

Richard returned to Australia aboard HT Madras in 1919, later farming on “Arakoon”, Molong, and in 1925 married Kathleen O’Brien of Cumnock.

—Photo and information courtesy The Molong and District Servicemen and Servicewomen’s Portrait Gallery, Helen Haynes,

by their children and grandchildren – they died game. When you look at the list of Australian VC winners of World War One – and there were 64 of them, sixty-four – about a quarter were from the country, from places as far apart as Recherche in Tassie to Northam in WA and Glencoe station in Queensland.

It seems unfair to single out any individual from that company of extraordinary men, but Private Jackson does stand out – he was 18 and the youngest known member of the AIF at the time he won his VC. Born at Gunbar, near Hay, NSW, in 1897, until he enlisted William Jackson lived on the family farm at Merriwa, in the Upper Hunter Valley in NSW. He joined the AIF in February, 1915, when he was a few days past 17 years and 5 months old, and was posted to the 17th Battalion, landing at Gallipoli on the 20th August, 1915. After Gallipoli, he was sent to the Sinai Desert then posted to France on the 6th March, 1916.

A report of his gallantry published in the London Gazette of 9 September, 1916, states: FOR MOST CONSPICUOUS BRAVERY. On the return from a successful raid, several members of the raiding party were seriously wounded in No Man’s Land by shell fire. Private Jackson got back safely and after handing over a prisoner he had brought in, immediately went out again under heavy shell fire and assisted in bringing in a second wounded man.

He went out again with a Sergeant, bringing in another wounded man, when his arm was blown off by a shell, the Sergeant being rendered unconscious. He then returned to our trenches, obtained assistance [for his wound] and went out again, looking for his two wounded comrades. He set a splendid example of pluck and determination.

His work has always been marked by the greatest coolness and bravery.

It should be known that when Pte Jackson carried out this most conspicuous act of bravery he was only 18 years of age, and was the youngest known member of the A.I.F. at the time, and was the youngest member of the A.I.F. to receive the Victoria Cross.

The West Australians assumed that death was certain, and each in the secret places of his mind debated how he would go to it. Mate, having said goodbye to mate‌ went forward to meet death instantly, running as straight and swiftly as they could at the Turkish rifles. With that regiment went the flower of the youth of Western Australia‌

But perhaps there’s another, more painful reason these bush Anzacs are so fondly remembered by a nation that is now slowly coming to grips with its painful past, and it’s mirrored by the fate of the Snowy River men. Most of the recruits from that march became the 4th reinforcements of the 55th Battalion, AIF, and all saw service on the Western Front. Of those 144 Snowy River marchers, 39 were killed in action and 75 became casualties.

Writing of an action at Gallipoli, the War Historian C Bean wrote:

Here, I believe, lie the bones of the legend; why the bush Anzacs have left such a legacy. You see it on War Memorials in little towns all over this old brown land.

Places with a male population of 100 men and less eligible for service – and there were hundreds such – lost one tenth or more to “the mincer� in Europe. Ten may have been killed and still others maimed in mind and body.

It doesn’t sound like many now, but it was 10 per cent of the eligible bachelors, of the labour force, of the dancing partners, of the footballers and cricketers, of the young husbands and fathers and sons and brothers, and it cut the guts out of the little towns and the little towns were the guts of the country.

A lot of time has passed since then and it’s now becoming even harder to sort reality from myth, but perhaps that’s not such a bad thing. Other countries have grown great and powerful on national myths, though it’s more politely called self-belief, and perhaps we could do worse than cultivate a few of our own – as long as we don’t fall in to the trap of taking ourselves too literally. They didn’t, those bush Anzacs. One told me that it had nothing to do with the English King or the mother country – â€œâ€Śanyway, my ancestors were Celts,â€? he said – but it was a “bloody great adventure; a trip overseas with a bit of a stoush at the other endâ€?.

A lot of the country had been in drought for five years and was not long out of a major depression, so the trip overseas must have seemed attractive. “When we found out the bloody truth,� that gentle man told me, “it was too bloody late. So we just made the bloody best of it. What else could we bloody-well do?�

And lest we forget that there are great human beings of all races and creeds, one of the greatest compliments ever paid to the bush Anzacs and their mates in arms can be found in the words of Kemal AtatĂźrk, father of modern Turkey and himself a Gallipoli veteran: "Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives, you are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore, rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side here in this country of ours.

You, the mothers, who sent their sons from far away countries, wipe away your tears; Your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace.

After having lost their lives on this land, they have become our sons as well."

Temperatures nudging 50 degrees, bushfires ravaging rainforests and people at increased risk of cardiac arrests because of heatwaves - this is the new normal for Australia and it's being driven by climate change.

The Climate Council's latest report, Weather Gone Wild, has found climate change is increasing the frequency and/ or severity of extreme weather and that Australians are suffering as a result.

"We are experiencing climate change right now across Australia, from flooding in Townsville to bushfires in Victoria and Tasmania," Climate Council CEO, Amanda McKenzie, said.

Key findings from the report include: • The past four years have been the four hottest on record for global surface temperature, continuing a long-term warming trend.

• All extreme weather events are being influenced by climate change, as they are occurring in an atmosphere that contains more energy than 50 years ago. • Extreme weather events are very costly, with insurance companies in Australia paying out more than $1.2 billion dollars in claims last year.

"Climate change is also leading to more intense rainfall, increasing the risk of flash flooding events, like the one we’re seeing in Townsville. Greenhouse gas pollution is warming the climate system, increasing the amount of water vapour in the atmosphere. This leads to heavier rainfall," said the Climate Council's Head of Research, Dr Martin Rice.

"We have the solutions at our disposal but there's only a tiny window of opportunity left to tackle climate change," he said.

Weather gone wild

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MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 25 April 2019

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MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 25 April 2019

13

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

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES BIGGEST MORNING TEA

Cabonne Council will be changing the date of its April meeting to Tuesday 30th April at 2pm.

The Council Meeting will be held at the Council Chambers at 101 Bank Street Molong.

PO Box 17 H. J. Nicholls MOLONG NSW 2866 Acting General Manager

The Yarn Market would like to invite any group or organisation to join with us for the biggest morning tea - to be held Wednesday 8 May in the Cobb & Co Coach House commencing at 11 am If your group would like to join with us to make this a ‘big’ event please contact barbara on 042 721 9611 Or yarnmarketmolong@gmail.Com Thank you

HUNKY CHUNKY PIES & BAKEHOUSE IS OPEN TODAY ANZAC DAY (Hill St op.BP)

CRYPTIC

PUBLIC NOTICES

CHURCH NOTICES

GATHERING OF CREATIVES

Thank you to the people who responded to my recent ads. in the Express - and online - to get together to create - i.e. painting, making sculptures, crafts, knitting, crochet, sewing etc.

Now commencing Thursday 9 May @ starting @ 10 a.m.

Saturday 11 May @ starting @ 10 a.m.

Venue: Molong Yarn Market Come when you can, at the times that suit you - please bring a plate of morning tea to share ... and your lunch.

Cost is $5 per person per session (for the Yarn Market) to use the facility.

All welcome.

Rozzi 6366 8017 rozzismith@bigpond.com. au

COMMUNITY WHATS ON Claim the date – 2019 May 2 Molong Men's Shed meets 6 Molong Show Meeting 7.30pm UPA Activity Centre 9 Molong Advancement Group 7 pm UPA Hall Hill St 14 Probus Club of Molong meeting 18 Cumnock Village Markets 9 - 12 21 Molong Hospital Aux. 2pm at Hospital June 3 Molong Show Meeting 7.30pm UPA Activity Centre 6 Molong Men’s Shed meets 10 (Queens B’day) Molong Village Markets: Breakfast from 8 Stalls 9 – 2 at

UNITING CHURCH Sun 21 April Molong 10 am - Congregation Heather Woodhouse 63668218 Helen Houghton 63668020

Welcome MOLONG & DISTRICT BAPTIST CHURCH

Sunday Worship Service & Sunday School 10 am

Weekly Activities For All Age Groups Wayne Spencer (Pastor) Ph: 63669376

MOLONG COMMUNITY CHURCH YOU ARE NOT A MISTAKE

Sunday 10 am: Celebration & Sunday School (Ages 3 & up)

Wednesday Night 7 pm: Connect Group

Can $55 million get Clive Palmer back into parliamentary game?

Can Clive Palmer buy his way back into federal parliament? The former MP, who for a while wielded enormous Senate power, expects to spend about $55 million on an advertising splurge in his bid to do so – and a good deal more if that’s what is needed.

In fact, he says he has budgeted for $80 million for his United Australia Party’s campaign, although he doesn’t think so much will be spent.

The UAP has already expended some $31.7 million in the seven months to mid-April, according to Nielsen figures reported in The Australian. Palmer’s billboards are prominent in the southern states as well as in the north.

One of the major parties has found people in its tracking research recalling the Palmer ads, even singing along with the jingle.

The UAP – successor to the Palmer United Party – is starting to show up in opinion polling.

Palmer, who is running for a Senate seat in Queensland, tells The Conversation the UAP will stand candidates in all 151 lower house seats, and will be sending “every Australian [voter] how to vote cards directly”.

ABC election analyst Antony Green believes the only prospect for the UAP is a Queensland Senate seat. But Palmer “will be competing with One Nation, the Greens, the third Labor candidate, the third LNP candidate, Katter’s Australian Party. I can’t see how he outpolls the Greens or One Nation”.

Green doesn’t give Palmer much of a chance but prudently notes, “he’s proved us wrong before”.

Unsurprisingly, Palmer says: “We think we’ll win six Senate seats”.

In Senate polling done in February-March for the Australia Institute, a progressive think tank, the UAP was on 2% nationally, and 3% in Queensland. (One Nation was on 8% nationally and 11% in Queensland in this poll. In the latest mid-April Newspoll, One Nation was 4% nationally.)

In the Australia Institute polling last November, UAP polled 1% nationally and in Queensland. New polling about to be released by the Australia Institute will show the UAP vote continuing to strengthen from its position

14

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 25 April 2019

early this year.

The quota in a half-Senate election is 14.3%, but if Palmer got a vote of about 6-7% he would have a chance of a Senate seat. Even a modest Queensland UAP vote could be relevant in the lower house via preferences, although whether the voters would follow a ticket is another matter. UAP will announce its position on preferences later the week.

The Courier Mail’s national affairs editor Dennis Atkins says: “LNP people tell me they’re picking [the UAP] up at above 10% in some seats - they say it’s the usual coastal/regional suspects of Flynn, Capricornia, Dawson, Herbert and Leichhardt.

"Labor people say they haven’t seen the party at 10% but that he’s knocking on the door of that number. Both sides agree there could be a hidden Palmer vote which people won’t admit to considering.

"I think he’ll make an impact in quite a few seats and if everything went right for his party he could end up fighting [One Nation’s] Malcolm Roberts for the last Senate seat, presuming the Greens fall short.”

In the run up to the election, Palmer has promised to

All Welcome

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

pay outstanding entitlements to people thrown out of work with the collapse of his Queensland nickel refinery in 2016.

In all the circumstances, the workers might have been sceptical when it was reported the payments would only come through after the election. Palmer says that some $7-8 million will be paid in the next week into a solicitor’s trust fund, which would hold the money until the claims were finalised.

Palmer is both undeterred and unchastened by his experience between 2013 and 2016. Of his three senators elected in 2013, two – Jacqui Lambie in Tasmania and Glenn Lazarus from Queensland – split away from PUP during the term. The third, Dio Wang, from Western Australia, was defeated at the election. Palmer himself did not recontest the Queensland seat of Fairfax that he won in 2013.

Palmer says the PUP was “naïve” in 2013 - it had only been formed shortly before the election.

Lambie and Lazarus had no previous experience and “cracked under pressure,” he says. “The candidates this time are much more hardened”.

He stands by the PUP policy record in the Senate, which included torpedoing some of the harsher parts of the Abbott government’s badly-received 2014 budget and certain measures that would have wound back some of Labor’s climate policy architecture. *UPDATE: NEWSPOLL FINDS STRONG UAP VOTE IN KEY MARGINALS * Newspoll - published in Tuesday’s Australian - shows a strong UAP vote of 14% in the Queensland marginal seat of Herbert, held by Labor, where the UAP is running former State of Origin rugby league player Greg Dowling.

The UAP is polling a substantial 8% in the WA seat of Pearce, held by Attorney-General Christian Porter.

In two other lineball marginals polled by Newspoll, the UAP was on 5% in the Victorian Liberal seat of Deakin, and on 7% in the NSW Labor seat of Lindsay.

“Averaged across the four seats, Mr Palmer commands about 8 per cent of the primary vote, eclipsing One Nation,” the Australian reported. (theconversation.com)

HOCKEY Hayley Lyons

Season launch this Sunday Molong Hockey will hold its season launch with 4 senior games this Sunday 28th April from 10am - 3:30pm at the Molong field.

Presentations to follow at the Bowling Club. ​

Molong Juniors will commence their saturday morning comp on Saturday 4th May from 9am-10:30am.

MOLONG GOLF Last Wednesday 6 ladies travelled to Manildra for our monthly combined clubs golf day. A great time was had by all playing a 3 person Ambrose, followed by lunch and a celebration of Jenny Watts' birthday.

On Wednesday 1 May we will be playing a 18 hole Stroke plus putting - 9am for 9.30 tee off. *************** Only four played in the four ball best ball game last Sunday. Bro and the Ghost Walker were off to very good start with

MOLONG CROQUET

Scott & Justin Oates hot on their trail.

However Bro and the Ghostwalker had a bit of a slump in the middle of the game leading to Scott & Justin almost catching up on points. But the leaders regained their composure and came home strong.

If you don't wish to play 18 holes there is a contingent of top pub personnel who play nine holes in the morning - teeing off Across around 8.30 - 900.

7 Naval officer never Monthly Mug next week found at the front?

Hope to see you there (4,7) Jack

Croquet will be on this Saturday at the Molong Bowling Club starting at 2.30pm.

Hope to see you all there.

LANDMARK TABLELANDS LIVESTOCK

PAGE 14

We offer Auction Plus assessments on both sheep and cattle.

Direct paddock sales, over the hook rates, Weekly stock sales in Carcoar (CTLX), Forbes or Dubbo saleyards.

Contact one of our Landmark Tablelands Livestock team.

Paul Glynn (Molong & surrounding districts) – 0428 168 638 Marcus Schembri – (Bathurst) – 0429 032 906 David Gardner – (Orange) – 0417 229 690 Bill Gilbert – (Bathurst) – 0407 440 563 (wool)

CTLX Cattle Market Report 23 April

With a short week numbers halved and the quality of the young cattle was good.

There was a good number of weaners and well breed feeders. Grown steers were again limited and the quality of the cows

Quick Crossword Across 1 Dramatist (10) 7 Be compatible and friendly (3,2,3) 8 Mature (4) 9 Ballet dancer's skirt (4) 10 Rectified (7) 12 Eternally (11) 14 Horse-soldiers (7) 16 Fail to include (4) 19 Without feeling (4) 20 Evaluate (8) 21 One not given to travel (4-2-4) Down 1 Sharp or tapered end (5) 2 Airman (7) 3 Timber (4) 4 Notorious (8) 5 Long-legged longnecked wading bird (5) 6 Rapid (6) 11 Shortest month (8) 17 Savour (5) 12 Pestilence (6) 18 Catch sight of (4) 13 Lower back pain (7) 15 Head of a community of monks (5)

was back, with most of the cows light and medium weights. The market sold to a firm to dearer trend.

Weaner steers were dearer, with restockers paying from 240c to 280c for the steers and up to 210c/kg for heifers.

Heavy butcher vealers received from 256c to 279c/kg. Feeder steers and heifers were firm on breed, as medium and heavy feeder steers made from 250c to 318c, while heifers sold from 230c to 273c/kg.

Heavy trade cattle were similar, with the steers making from 260c to 311c, while heifers sold from 263c to 278c/kg.

Grown cattle sold 20c/kg stronger, with the exception of the heavy cows that remained firm. Grown steers over 500kg made from 283c to 288c/kg. Grown heifers to process sold from 210c to 268c/ kg. Medium weight 2 score cows received from 180c to 210c and the heavy weights made from 205c to 216c, averaging 212c/ kg lwt.

Cryptic Crossword

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 RollsRoyce (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 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)

Sudoku

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

SOLUTIONS PAGE 14

Shop 5, 1 Bank St (PO Box 38) Molong NSW 2866. Ph: (02) 6366 8017. Email: molongex@bigpond.net.au.

Published each Thursday by Molong Publishing Pty Ltd. Paul Mullins (Prop.) Rozzi Smith (Editor).

Letters to the Editor are encouraged and must include the writers name and address and daytime phone number.

Some letters may need to be edited for space or legal reasons.

Notice to Advertisers, Letter Writers & Readers. The publisher accepts no responsibility for any advertisement, notice or letter published . Any advertisement, notice or letter is published at the risk of the contributor who accepts liability for any intended publication. All such contributors, by forwarding advertisements, notices or letters, agree to indemnify the publisher and warrant that the material is accurate and is neither deceptive or misleading, in breach of copyright, defamatory or in breach of any other laws and regulations.

Responsibility for election comment is taken by Paul Mullins

MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 25 April 2019

15

Tender

“Warrakimbo”, 5510 Mid Western Highway, Caragabal • 3992.43ha* of self-mulching black/grey clay to red loam;

• 2000ML irrigation licence with 100% entitlement each year; •

260ha* of developed irrigation. Bore capacity pumping at 8ML/day;

•

2400ha* of dry land farming with a further 500ha* for potential development (STA);

•

Located on the Mid-Western Highway, 10km east of the Newell Highway;

•

Offered by tender with 2 options; (A) 2623.47ha* including the 260ha of irrigation and

Tender: Closing Wednesday 5 June 2019 2pm View: By Appointment Ben Redfern: 0457 770 062 Josh Keefe: 0439 269 449 Patrick Bird: 0438 361 109

2000ML groundwater licence, or (B) 3992.34ha* as a whole.

Auction

19 Merga Street, Cudal Wonderful Country Lifestyle Opportunity

Located just 1km from Cudal’s CBD this property represents a fantastic opportunioty to buy into acerage in a delightful, rural location.

• 3.2 hectares (7.9 acres); • 4 bedrooms, 3 with built-ins and the main with a walk-in robe; • 2 bathrooms; • Open plan kitchen, dining & family room; • Ducted airconditioning and slow combustion wood heater; • 9m x 12.8m garage/shed with 2 additional covered carports.

Auction Friday 3rd May 2019 View By Appointment Venue The Auction Centre Kurt Adams 0428 747 050 152 William Street Bathurst Ben Redfern 0457 770 062 (If not sold prior) Open Home: Saturday 27th April, 2019 12pm - 1pm

Sale

103 Phillip Street, Molong One of Molong’s Best Homes

A modern, well appointed home ideal for a growing family. Flooded with natural light, the large double-glazed windows offer varying views of the established garden.

• 5-bedroom home, master bed and guest bed both with built-in robe and ensuite, all other rooms with built-in robes.

• Modern kitchen with walk in pantry and island bench opening to an outdoor, undercover alfresco dining area.

• Utility room/6th bedroom with walk-in linen press Sale $600,000 - $625,000 View By Appointment Kurt Adams 0428 747 050 Ben Redfern 0457 770 062

Ray White Emms Mooney

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

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MOLONG EXPRESS, Thursday 25 April 2019