Dubbo Photo News 04.05.2023

Dubbo sisters, Millah and Brontie Frost pictured with their horses, Daytona and Beau are heading to Texas, USA to compete in the National Ranch Sorting Championships. Both Millah and Brontie are Australian Ranch Sorting National Champion sitting in the number one and two positions for youth aged between 13 to 18 years of age, quite an accomplishment for these two extraordinary young Dubbo girls.

PHOTO: JENET STEWART/DUBBO

Organisation key to event going off without a hitch

By LYDIA PEDRANA

With just two sleeps to go until the Mercedes-Benz Queen of the West Ladies Race Day, event manager Kate Wade is putting the finishing touches on the run sheet and madly checking the weather App.

Mrs Wade is just one of the talent local creatives corralled by Dubbo Turf Club general manager, Sam Fitzgerald, to stage the inaugural event which is promising to be unlike anything Dubbo has ever seen.

Jumping at the chance to be involved, Mrs Wade is responsible for managing various elements of the event from managing other suppliers, to making sure the day runs to plan. “My role as event manager has been to engage and coordinate other vendors, including the fabulous Mel Hamilton from Soul Food in Narromine, tech gurus Audio Plus, and the entertainment for both the marquee and the general admission area,” she told Dubbo Photo News . “It is also my responsibility to draft and manage the run sheet, assist with the staging and set up, and ensure that both the lead-up and the entire day run smoothly.” Previously described as a swan - feet paddling like crazy underwater, but on top, calm, serene and gliding through the water – the key to a successful event is organisation and attention to detail. “If I am completely organised in the lead-up, then there should be nothing left to stress about on the day,” she said. “I hope that I can get everyone into the marquee and settled, and

then I can kick back with a cheeky cocktail or two and enjoy all of the hard work.” A born organiser, thanks to being the eldest of three kids, Mrs Wade has always loved bringing people together to connect and celebrate.

Since launching her own event management business, One More Event, in August last year she has already been hired to work on variety of different local projects.

“I was engaged by The Exchange to assist with their 2023 Women’s Assembly, and we bought Jackie Frank to Dubbo as the keynote speaker. That was an absolute thrill.” “I have also worked with Maas Group for their 20-year staff function, a range of events for Megan Dixon and the team at RDA Orana, as well as some smaller events a bit further from home, such as The Lou Webb Collections High Tea in Warren, The Mink and Me Long Lunch in Coonamble and The Paterson Valley Women’s Collective in the Hunter Valley.” “There is a bit in the pipeline for the next 12 months and I am very excited. It is a great time for events in regional NSW.” For now, Mrs Wade is hoping the weather plays ball for the cowboy chic themed affair on Saturday. “The biggest challenge on days like the Queen of the West is the weather,” she said. “It is totally out of our control, and it is crucial to have a backup plan for wet weather, just in case.” “I have been keeping my eye on the forecast every day, and Saturday is looking sunny and a top of 22 degrees, so that is one less thing for me to worry about.”

Event manager, Kate Wade, is one of the local creatives behind this weekend's Queen of the West Ladies Race Day.

Dubbo’s and Australia’s arena sorting champions heading to Texas, USA

By JENET STEWART

MILLAH and Brontie Frost began riding horses at a very young age, their Pop, Mick Lew purchased their first horses and taught them to ride. From lessons with Pop and a stint or two in harness racing with their Pop they soon ventured to pony club and competed in numerous events over the years.

Geurie Pony Club and the Central West Working Horse Association (CWWHA) offered Arena Sorting and Team Penning events which is where riders enter and sort cattle in numerical order from a mob through to a gate at the other end of an arena. Your horse skills need to be exceptional, but your horse also needs to be the same. There are hours and hours of training to gain high rankings within the Ranch Sorting National Championships Australia (RSNCA) competition.

Millah and Brontie now stand at number 1 and number 2 in Australia for Arena Sorting and Team Penning for youth aged from 13 to 18 years of age.

Over the years both Millah and Brontie have had some amazing support from locals, including Joey Holland and the Camilleri family who have been their main supporters and trainers throughout their competitive careers in arena sorting and team penning. “We weren’t very good in the beginning, Joey Holland stood by us and trained us, we are very thankful for that,” Brontie said.

The Camilleri family have been huge supporters of the Frost girls providing support and beneficial

know much about the horses. We don’t know how they will react or work or anything. We have 5 weeks in Texas and 3 to 4 of those weeks will be spent working with the horses every day prior to the event,” Millah said.

Millah and Brontie’s family will all be travelling to Texas along with Clancy and Mia Henderson from Dubbo; it will be the first time for all of them. “The Camelleri’s have been to Texas before and have helped us to know what to do and offered us lots of support. Mum has been so great, she has been a major part in organising our trip,” Millah explained.

From little beginnings the two Frost girls and their family will travel to Texas later in May and compete in the World Finals of the Arena Sorting National Championships. A long way from their home in Dubbo, school, and friends. This, however, is an absolute dream come true for the girls and one very proud grandfather in Mick Lew who thanks to him was the beginning of Millah and Brontie’s incredible career and life with horses.

PHOTO: CLANCY PAINE PHOTOGRAPHY

Profile

Where do you work? I work for the family-owned accounting firm, PrincipleFocus, as the Business Development Coordinator. We work closely with clients in the agribusiness sector and are focused on developing strong working relationships, finding efficiencies to ensure growth and sustainability for clients, and project advice for succession planning, restructures, property acquisitions, etc.

How were you associated with the Dubbo Show Society? My show involvement journey started from a young age in Cobar where I grew up riding horses and making art for the pavilion. It was a natural progression for me to look at becoming involved in the Dubbo Show Society when I relocated. I entered the ZooFM Dubbo Showgirl competition in 2018 and saw it as a great opportunity to meet like-minded people in a town I was new to. I was fortunate enough to win and used the platform to build a personal and professional network in Dubbo, which meant throwing my hat in the ring for everything and saying yes to events and volunteering! This really helped me make Dubbo home and establish myself as a familiar face within the community. I went onto represent Dubbo at The Land Zone 6 Final and Sydney Royal Easter Show State Final in 2019 and have remained a committee member ever since.

What was your experience like with Dubbo Show Society? The Dubbo Show Society welcomed me with open arms and supported me at every turn. There was a core group of motivated young woman on the committee when I joined, who were inspiring and helped me settle in. These incredible women have become lifelong friends and I have been

able to share experiences with them like travelling to New Zealand to visit our sister show society.

Would you encourage other young women to become involved with their local show society? I would highly recommend young women become involved in their local show, it’s a major community event, contributing is rewarding and it’s a fun environment. You could become involved by entering a section, volunteering, or by spectating.

Entering the Young Woman or Rural Achiever Competition is a backstage pass to the three-day show which is a great way to experience the event first-hand and get an understanding for its workings.

Name your favourite Dubbo restaurant/café: Well, it’s no secret that my favourite pub is The Commercial… I can’t go past the amazing food and service at the Royal Indian Restobar and love a breakfast at Dahab Café.

What’s your favourite recreational thing to do in Dubbo? I really enjoy going to the local race days at the Dubbo Turf Club and am looking forward to the Queen of the West Ladies Day. If there is a social event happening, I’ll be there, that’s my recreation.

What’s on your bucket list to do this year? I’d like to seek out a professional mentor, book an overseas adventure for Christmas and pick up my millinery again.

What is the most memorable moment from any Dubbo Show that you’ve been involved in? Eating lamb chops at the Hoof and Hook! Can you get any more Australian? Fletchers sponsors the barbecue. I look forward to it every year and is a great experience I get to share with each cohort of young woman entrants.

Our focus on detail helps to provide the best care for patients. We put emphasis on their personal lifestyle and offer quality Zeiss lens technology to suit their daily tasks. Our range includes the latest designer eyewear for our patients to see in style.

JOSIE ANDERSON

PHOTO: DUBBO PHOTO NEWS

Heart disease refers to any condition that affects the structure or function of the heart muscle, such as coronary heart disease, heart failure, valve disease or arrythmias (rhythm disorders).

Coronary heart disease (CHD)

– when there is a narrowing or blockage in the blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart muscle (think heart attacks, stents and bypass surgeries) –effects around 3% of all adults, 11% of those 75 years and over, and is the most common cause of death in all Australians.

By Dr Paul Lunney

This week is Heart Week, Australia’s national heart health awareness campaign. It is aimed at starting a conversation between people and their health practitioners, in the hope that individuals will take positive steps towards healthier lifestyles, reducing the burden of heart disease.

Who is at risk?

Men are at greater risk than women, and advancing age also increases the risk of heart disease. Smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise and weight are all risk factors for developing CHD.

Prevention is key

What can we do to reduce risk our risk of heart disease?

•Eat a healthy balanced diet

•Exercise regularly

•Stop smoking

• See your doctor regularly, especially if you have medical conditions that put you at risk

Know the signs

Heart disease is often a silent process

– you may not have any symptoms until you become very unwell. It is important for this reason to have regular check-ups with your GP.

YOU SHOULD CALL 000 IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING:

•Chest pain

•Breathlessness

• Palpitations (an awareness of your heart beating fast or irregularly)

Book a heart health check

If you are over 45 years of age and have not had a check-up in the past two years, you should strongly consider doing so!

Heart health checks can be performed by your GP and typically include:

•Discussing your medical history

• Physical examination including blood pressure and weight

• Arranging tests such as blood sugar and cholesterol, and an ECG (electrocardiogram – a quick heart monitor print out of the electrical activity of the heart)

This check-up can help you and your GP identify and reduce your risk of developing heart disease. If you have any concerns or questions about your heart health, reach out to your GP.

Building Australia’s biggest dorm room

By GINNI BROWN

THE Boarding Schools Expo, now in its 19th year, has come a long way from welcoming 18 boarding schools to Dubbo in 2005.

Local residents may not be aware that the business, which convenes in-person events in regional NSW and Queensland; works with over 165 boarding schools from across Australia; and hosts the Australian Boarding School Summit (an online event in conjunction with their virtual expo event) was the brainchild of Narromine resident Meg Bennett; and is now headed up by Trangie’s Amanda Ferrari.

The Boarding Schools Expo – which is free – is all about connecting families with options for their children’s education.

By bringing close to 40 boarding schools from across NSW, ACT, Victoria and Queensland to the in-person Expo locations in Dubbo, Narrabri,

Wagga (Wagga has 43 boarding schools attending) and Griffith it makes it exponentially easier for rural families to make contact with the schools.

“The Expos put all the schools under one roof, and everyone is welcome” explained Mrs Ferrari. “In choosing boarding schools for my own children, the Expo was a critical starting point to make contact with schools and start working out where our values aligned”.

There are many reasons families consider boarding schools – the sheer distance from a local high school, having a larger city experience to prepare their kids for options such as university and work after schooling is completed, and a diversity of ethnicities and cultures. The schools in return are grateful for their boarding communities and the diversity that having country kids brings them.

The Dubbo Boarding Schools Expo is on this weekend.

The Ashby family at the St Gregory’s College stand.

By

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MOTHER’S DAY GIFT IDEAS

3. Bed Bath N’ Table Morgan & Finch Finlay Tic Tac Toe $39.95 4. Big W Openook Ceramic Vase $13 5. Urban Beach Frank Green Fluro Pack $99.95 each 6. Freechoice Assorted Tea For One $39.95 7. Urban Beach Summer & Spade Candles $49.99 each 8. Bras N Things Orchid Bloom Long Pants $64.99 9. The Reject Shop Floral Bouquet Bath Salts & Candle Gift Set $8 10. Shaver Shop VS Sassoon Radiance Rotating Hot Air Styler $69.95 11. Dusk Geranium & Cedarwood 2 Wick Scented Candle $44.99 12. Kaisercraft Cocktail Set - Jug & Accessories $14.99 13. House Baccarat Airfryer & Oven$229.99 14. Freechoice Assorted Keyrings $17.95 15. Bed Bath N’ Table Morgan & Finch Rhodes Photo Frames from $39.95 16. Dusk Nadine Pink MoodMist Diffuser $114.99 17. House Alex Liddy Harley Travel Mug $19.99 18. Wallace Bishop 9ct Gold Created Emerald Set from $299 19. Shaver Shop Thin Lizzy UCurl Auto Cordless Hair Curler - White $118.99 20. Kaisercraft Glass Jewellery Box - Pink $17.99 21. Big W Homecoming Kate Morton $16 22. Bras N Things Billie Long Gown $59.99 23. Wallace Bishop 9ct Gold Diamond Heart Pendant $249 24. The Reject Shop Cadbury Roses 225g $5.50 25. Michael Hill 10kt Round Signet Ring $399 26. Urban Beach Frank Green Bottle Pastel 1L $59.95 each 27. Kaisercraft Reed Diffuser - Vanilla Spice 75mL $11.99 28. Big W &Me Crossover Slipper $10 29. Dusk Drift Away Botanical Bath Bomb Trio $29.99 30. House Alex Liddy Harley Cutlery Case $14.99 All prices correct at the time of printing, however Orana Mall and it’s retailers will not be held responsible for any discrepancies. See individual stores for details.

1. Bras N Things Orchid Bloom Crop Cami $39.99 2. Wallace Bishop 9ct Gold Paperclip Heart Bracelet $149

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FOCUS ON FLETCHERS

You don’t have to be a rocket scientist

By YVETTE AUBUSSON-FOLEY

WHEN Brad “Geeko” Forrester first lined up for a job at Fletchers International Exports, St. Patrick’s day, 1993, there was no guarantee he’d be picked for work.

“I would have been 16. I left school in year 10 and I lined up at the gate to get a job which is how it was on the old days. If they wanted you or needed staff, they’d come and get you. They used to pay by cheque too. So, I did that for a little bit,” Mr Forrester told Dubbo Photo News

“School wasn’t for me because my reading and writing was no good. I sort of struggled at school. I was mainly into sport, footy and racing BMX. I played footy a little bit til I was 16, and then I started racing bikes. That was my passion. We used to go away competing at different towns. I didn’t do too bad, it kept me fit.” Before too long, a staff member put him to work on the harvest floor and while he had a lot to learn, he was following in the footsteps of other family members.

“My dad and brother both worked at the abattoirs, and my dad’s father did too, so it’s a bit of a tradition in the family. I knew how to sharpen a knife before I started, to a certain degree.

“The original abattoir my Pop worked at was the Old Ganarrin. That was a long time ago. Dad was at the council abattoirs.

“When I started, I didn’t have a lot of experience so the older staff would take you under their wing like an apprenticeship, and

you’d learn in-house. It was a good way to learn. You just had to work hard. It was hard going in the olden days.” Mr Forrester progressed through the ranks, becoming a slaughterman for over 20 years.

“I had a bit a wrist problem recently and had to have an operation, so they offered me a job as a supervisor, and I took it on.

“We probably don’t class ourselves as supervisors, we’re more leaders. We all lead and we all train and help. That’s the whole culture.” Taking on such responsibility wasn’t something he imagined doing when he first left school.

“I came here with no qualifications. I couldn’t read or write. That doesn’t matter here. Now I’ve become a supervisor, they’ve put me through a lot of training, I’ve got tickets and they’ve helped me heaps to get through it all.

“They’ve put me through a trainer assessor course, Certificate IV, and for someone that’s not good at reading or writing, that’s a big course to do, but you get a lot of support.

“I never thought I’d be able to do something like that, it was just, the opportunity came up. When I got the Certificate, it was good. I’ve got other tickets in leadership. It all helps to be a better leader and deal with other people.” For young people just starting out, Mr Forrester says the culture at Fletchers is good.

“Everyone gets on and we’ve got all walks of life work out here. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist; some people have different

abilities and take a bit more work to progress, but that’s not a bad thing, you’ve just got to learn.

“That’s one thing I take it out of this work a lot, when you see how people have progressed. A lot of a training is on the chain (on the job). You set up a buddy system with them and get familiar with them.

“We’ve had people in our department that took a lot of work

to get them where they are now. It was a struggle, but you just kept persisting and working with them, trying different ways, so yes, that’s rewarding to see them at the end of the day, doing well.

“There’s a lot of opportunities once you’re here, to progress. You might start as a labourer, but I’ve seen people become electrician apprentices, fitter apprentices, supervisors, training officers, and

working in administration.

“They’re always looking in house for people to be the leaders, drawing from the workforce to be a leader and take on roles like I do, and other people do.

“My manager, my production manager and nearly all the supervisors I work with, we’re all on the chain. I worked with my manager on the chain for years. That’s what makes it a good culture.”

Fletcher International Exports harvest floor supervisor Brad Forrester says there are opportunities at Fletchers if you work hard for them.

PHOTO: DUBBO PHOTO NEWS

Full circle for local florist

By LYDIA PEDRANA

FLORIST Abby Schofield is proof that just because you are based regionally, it doesn’t mean you miss out on the big city opportunities.

Earlier this year, the 26-yearold who owns Once and Flor’al by Abby, was commissioned by Channel Seven to do the flower installations for the Farmer Wants A Wife speed date settings that were filmed in Dubbo and Mudgee.

She was also invited to be part of Pride Month in Sydney, exhibiting two colourful floral mannequin creations at Paddy’s Markets and The Calyx at the Royal Botanic Garden.

Developing a love for flowers through her nan, after finishing school in Year 11 in 2013, Ms Schofield worked full time at a local florist. “I was always very inspired by my nan and her beautiful gardens, she taught me to make flower crowns and press flowers from a young age,” she told Dubbo Photo News. “In my first job, I was delivering flowers, conditioning flowers and shop assisting. I worked there for nearly here years and really enjoyed it.” After a stint in Sydney tipping her toes in fashion and working in high-end retail stores, she returned to Dubbo when the pandemic hit and began planning

her next pivotal move. “It was then that I came across Pearson’s School of Floristry in Darlinghurst and registered to start studying when they opened back up,” she said. “While I was waiting, I did a few floral jobs for friends and really loved it, so I started business planning and created my socials and website under the name Once and Flor’al by Abby.”

“I ended up with lots of wedding enquiries before I had even started my course which was super exciting and promising for me.”

When the floristry school reopened, Ms Schofield did a threemonth fast-tracked course to get her Certificate III in Floristry.

The course covered the creative side including designs, colours, conditioning, names and origins flowers, as well as the more operational business side, like pricing, sourcing and key grower contacts.

From humble beginnings working out of a granny flat, today Once and Flor’al by Abby has its own store front on Hawthorn Street, which also houses a studio that can be hired for shoots and events.

As well as doing weddings and events, the florist offers bespoke bouquets which can be ordered online or instore for pickup and delivery.

There is also a flower subscrip-

tion service where you can have fresh flowers delivered to your business, home or AirBnB on a weekly or fortnightly basis.

Asked what she loves most about her career as a florist, Ms Schofield said it’s a tough call between creating the designs and seeing the reactions of her customers. “Having a vision and seeing it come to life will never get old,” she said. “I love creating for weddings and events and seeing it all tie in together.” “I also love getting to deliver my own flowers and getting to see happy faces. It has been almost 10 years since I was delivering flowers so to come full circle and be delivering my own creations is really special.” More of the more challenging aspects of the job is the reliance on nature. “It is hard to guarantee certain flowers so when quoting a job six months or more out.” “You never really know if you can get a particular colour or if that flower might start later in the season.” Ms Schofield’s next major project is the highly anticipated Queen of the West Ladies Race Day this Saturday.

She is responsible for creating the table pieces for the main marque, a couple of floral art displays for around the grounds, and bouquets for the winners of Fashions on the Field.

LOVE YOUR WORK

Robert Vandermaal

Maintenance Trades Assistant

A PRIVATE, family-owned company, Fletcher International process lamb and sheep meat products, wool and sheep skins and markets a diverse range of high quality by-products.

We are seeking a team member for an exciting permanent, full-time opportunity as an assistance to our maintenance tradespeople.

The role would be a perfect fit for someone who is hands-on, and is process driven. The role encompasses opportunities for growth in our maintenance department, who up-skill existing team members and encourage new apprentices each year.

Your work will be challenging, and the successful applicant will be required to

work in industrial manufacturing and agricultural environments to meet strict maintenance deadlines.

What are we looking for?

 Hands-on workers who are willing to learn and take instruction.

 Workers with strong initiative and good attitude.

 Valid NSW driver licence & forklift licence desirable.

 Understanding of basic mechanical and electrical parts and components desirable.

Find more information about this opportunity at www.seek.com.au/ job/67174592

Application forms can be directed to jobs@fletchint.com.au

JOIN THE MISSION

wants you!

If you have a unique or interesting job, a career opportunity or a fascinating learning option you’d like to share, get in touch with Dubbo Photo News now. To contribute ideas, email dubboworks@ dubbophotonews.com.au or phone 6885 4433 or visit us at Level 1, 178 Macquarie St, Dubbo.

Workplace: Tracserv

What is your current role? Storeman

How does your job challenge you? Getting parts out to customers

What gives you something to smile about at work? A funny joke

If you could replace your boss for a day with a celebrity who would it be, and why? I wouldn’t

When you were a child, what did you dream of growing up to be? Rich

Do you think robots or AI could ever replace your job? No way!

What’s something you can’t leave home without? Clothes and money

A famous person you’d love to have dinner with, and why? Allan Moffat, my childhood hero

What are you listening to at the moment? Luke Bryan What’s one thing people might not know about you? Robert didn’t answer this question, but Robert has just celebrated his 30th anniversary with Tracserv.

Dubbo florist Abby Schofield has recently had her creations feature of Channel Seven’s Farmer Wants A Wife.

PHOTO: AMY ALLEN

Minokamo student exchange shows benefits of sister city: Mayor

By DAVID DIXON

DUBBO’S sister-city agreement with the Japanese city of Minokamo represents far more than just well-meaning platitudes of goodwill between local government entities, Dubbo mayor Mathew Dickerson believes.

Genuine financial, social, cultural and economic benefits flow from this more-than-quarter-century relationship, he argues, with both he and his children having previously experienced the unique culture of the 57,000-population city on the Hlida River in central Japan.

Cr Dickerson urged local students to apply for the chance to live abroad and learn first-hand what it is like to experience a foreign culture under the Sister City Student Exchange program that was recently relaunched for the first time since the pandemic spread across the globe and restricted travel in 2020. “You host students at your house; I've had two of our kids go on an exchange and experience it themselves, and they had the time of their lives.

It’s normally about 10 days,” Cr Dickerson said. “I've also been on a couple of visits to

Minokamo myself as part of Council delegations, but we haven't had one since lockdown,” he added.

Not elected to Council at the time the initial sister-city relationship was signed, he presumes that the similarity in geography, culture and economics between the two communities was the reason that this city was chosen. “It’s on the river, it’s a similar type of town to Dubbo, it’s a similar size as well,” he said. “Like Dubbo, it’s also a combination of service centre with shops, and solicitors, and offices, but near a rural location with farms and agriculture with a real country feel to the community,” he added.

He said that the sister-city agreement has provided a number of tangible benefits to the Orana region. “You've only got to look at one of our top tourist attractions in the city, the Japanese tea-house and garden, (which is) one of the best and most authentic in Australia. “The tea-house was constructed in Minokamo, deconstructed, and re-erected here by their own builders to ensure its authenticity… the same with the gates, they were built to their standards and then reconstructed here,” Cr Dickerson explained. “They also send their gardeners out here

every year to help maintain the gardens and to show our staff how to look after the plants… we've even got an Australian barbecue area in Minokamo ourselves,” he added.

In our troubled times, he also believes that sister-city agreements and exchange programs help to foster international friendships to make the world a safer place.

“One of the things I love about exchange programs is that countries interacting with each other brings them closer together. “It makes the likelihood of war far less, it’s one of the real objectives. If you've known and stayed in the house of someone from another country, you are far more likely to see everyone as all part of the same human family,” he added.

Applicants for the exchange program must be students aged between 15-18 years who attend high school in Dubbo, with the students hosted by families in Minokamo, offering the unique opportunity to experience Japanese culture and customs.

Sister City officer Daisy Wang said that ten student positions are available for the Minokamo exchange with two chaperone positions also open. “We are excited to re-

sume the Exchange program after a threeyear hiatus, which will see the students and chaperones travel to Minokamo later this year in September,” Ms Wang said. “The students can step outside their comfort zone and participate in local cultural activities and sightseeing tours. Side trips organised for the group include visiting Tokyo and Tokyo Disneyland,” she said. “Attending school abroad will also open their eyes to a different way of learning and provide an opportunity to make new friends,” Ms Wang said.

The Sister City Student Exchange Program includes a $1000 subsidy from Council to offset airfares and travel costs. “There are few accommodation costs as students homestay with local families in Minokamo. Living with their host family gives students a support base and a close-up experience of different traditions and customs,” Ms Wang said. “The exchange is reciprocal, so all participating Dubbo exchange students and chaperones also host a visitor from Minokamo in July/August 2023 when the exchange groups visit Dubbo, which is an enriching experience for the whole family,” she said. Applications close Friday, May 19.

The Dubbo Turf Club is excited to launch the inaugural Mercedes-Benz Dubbo Queen of the West Ladies Race Day, to be held on Saturday 6 May.

A strong seven-race program, including the $40,000 Queen of the West, will be supplemented by the luxury Queen of the West Marquee, fashions on the field, entertainment, live music, and pop-ups from high-end fashion and beverage brands.

TICKETS: General Admission, marquee, reserved seating tickets and packages are available through 123Tix.com or scan the QR.

A group of students who previously participated in the Sister City Student Exchange program with the Japanese city of Minokamo.

PHOTO: DRC

Experts from Minokamo in Japan have helped maintain Dubbo's Shoyoen Japanese Gardens over the years.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED.

DUBBO SHOW’S MOST DELICIOUS

By LYDIA PEDRANA

The Dubbo Show’s cookery competition is undoubtedly the most delicious exhibit on display over the three-day event.

Attracting hundreds of entries each year, there are more than 80 different sections one can enter their baked goods in.

Chief steward of the cookery section, Belinda Edmondson, said while the more traditional categories like the sponge sandwich and fudge are always fiercely competitive, there is always one standout category. “Without a doubt, the most popular section is the children’s section where they are asked to decorate Arrowroot biscuits or make lolly necklaces,” she told Dubbo Photo News . “We literally receive hundreds of entries, and the judges do an almighty job to judge them all.” Each year, Ms Edmondson recruits three judges from outside the Dubbo area to examine and taste test the entries before crowning a winner. “This year, we have judges coming from Bathurst to judge our section, last year it was Parkes and Peak Hill,” she said. “The judges are considered experts in their field and are guided by the Country Women’s Association and Royal Agricultural Society guidelines. “Each entry is judged on its presentation, taste and cooking skill.” Joining the Show Society as a member 10 years ago, Ms Edmondson has been the chief steward of the cookery section for the last four.

In this role, she is responsible for corralling a team of volunteers, preparing the exhibit for judging

With more than 80 different sections to enter, the Dubbo Show's cookery competition attracts hundreds of entries every year.

and ensuring the display is set for the public to view when the show opens. “A week before the show starts, we get all the cake stands out and wash and polish them, ready for entries to be exhibited,” Ms Edmondson explained. “I liaise with the judges and then rustle up helpers on the day the entries come into the show, which for the cookery section is the Thursday, the day before the show opens. This can mean a 15-hour day, but I have a great team of old work colleagues who come in and help me draft up all the entries as they come in.” As the show celebrates 150 years this year, Ms Edmondson is encouraging all local home cooks of all ages to give it shot. “It is not about winning, but about having fun contributing and seeing your baked goods on display and supporting our local show,” she said. “Junior cookery is also well catered for, there’s something for everyone, from a plum pudding to pull apart bread.” In recent years, she has also introduced a men’s baking challenge, which received more than 50 entries in its first year, as well as a corporate cake competition, which was last won by the vet nurses from Duncan McGuiness Veterinary Surgeon with a ginger sponge sandwich, jam filled with caramel topping.

For details on how to enter the cookery section, visit the Dubbo Show Society website.

The 2023 Regional Australia Bank Dubbo Show will be held on May 19, 20 and 21 at the Dubbo Showground.

Abby Barrett

How old are you? 3 years old

What’s the latest you’ve ever stayed up? A long time

What’s your favourite animal?

An elephant

How do you get wool off a sheep? You cut it with scissors

Can cows jump over the moon?

Yes, when the little dog sings

Who’s the most famous person you know? My mumma

Would you prefer to be a mermaid or a pirate? A pirate

What’s the naughtiest thing you’ve ever done? Hitting

Who do you love the most?

Mumma and Daddy

Chief steward of the cookery section, Belinda Edmondson, with some of the prize winning entries from last year.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED.

PHOTO: BELINDA EDMONDSON

Wintry weather brings out the book-worms for Rotary charity Fair

APPEAL of relaxing-back with a good book, increases for many a reader, as we head towards winter.

The weekend’s rainy, cool, weather may, therefore, have boosted the fantastic turn-up for the Michael Egan Memorial Book Fair.

The 13th iteration of this worthy Dubbo event – the first run by the Dubbo West Rotary – was a roaring success, Fair Coordinator, Colin Shanks, said. “We consistently had a large crowd browsing the books. Even the crowd on the Sunday, seemed to be a lot larger than last year,” he enthused. “We put out as many books as we had tables to fill, we wanted to give the biggest range possible,” Mr Shanks added.

When asked about what they learned from hosting the book fair for their first time, Mr Shanks remarked that it is a large logistical challenge getting the books to the fair and displayed for the public. “Dubbo Macquarie Rotary provided us with a very good system to work with, but it was still surprising how much time is needed to load so many pallets of books onto a truck to ferry to the showground,” he said. “Once we got them there, we needed a large team of volunteers to get them out onto all of the

tables. We have a new appreciation for the efforts that Rotarians have committed in the past to the Book Fair,” he added.

Whilst the final sales figures are still being collated, it is expected that more than $18,000 has been raised for good causes by the event.

Dubbo West Rotary President, Debbie McCreadie, said that seeing thousands of great books, recycled for further reading enjoyment, was most gratifying. “With so many books having been donated by the public over the last year, it was great to see

them head-off to their new homes,” she said. “We expect to make some announcements about donations in the near future”, she added

Supporters of the event can be assured that the funds raised, will be used to support worthy local charities, she explained. “We have previously announced the RFDS Dubbo Support Group as a recipient of the funds, and we are yet to make a final decision regarding the destination of the funds for cancer research and support,” Mrs McCreadie said.

Next year’s book fair has

been set for April 20-21 and readers can follow the Michael Egan Memorial Book Fair page on Facebook to keep up-to-date with details, including when the next book collection day will be.

Mr Shanks was appreciative of the support of sponsors that have made the Book Fair possible. “Without the support of some local businesses, the book fair would be too hard to pull-off,” he said. “We are so grateful for the ongoing support,” Mr Shanks concluded.

May 4: Steve Liebmann, T V personality, 79. Belinda Green, former Miss World, 71. Randy Travis, US country singer, 64. Andrew Denton, media personality, 63. Lance Bass, US singer of ‘N Sync, 44. Jorge Lorenzo, Spanish motorcycle racer, 36.

May 5: Lance Henriksen, US actor, 83. Michael Palin, British actor-traveller, 80. John Rhys-Davies, British actor, 79. Richard E Grant, Swaziland-born actor, 66. Robert ‘Dipper’ DiPierdomenico, AFL player, 65. Craig David, British singer, 42. Adele, British singer, 35.

May 6: Bob Seger, US singer, 78. Alan Dale, New Zealand-born Neighbours actor, 76. Tony Blair, former British prime minister, 70. Gina Riley, the Kim in Kath & Kim, 62. George Clooney, US actor, 62. Fiona Nash, former politician, 58. May 7: Peter Carey, author, 80. Robbie Knievel, US daredevil, 61. Stephen Quartermain, AFL commentator, 61. Martin Bryant, in jail for life, 56. Mark Furze, Aussie actor, 37.

May 8: Sir David Attenborough, British naturalist, 97. Toni Tennille, US singer, 83. Gary Glitter, disgraced British singer, 79. Anthony Field, of The Wiggles, 60. Melissa Gilbert, US actress, 59. Michael Bevan, cricketer, 53. Darren Hayes, Savage Garden singer, 51. Enrique Iglesias, Spanish-born pop star, 48. Pat Cummins, cricketer, 30.

May 9: Glenda Jackson, English actress, 87. Candice , the Piano Man, 74. Grant Hackett, Olympic Will Hopoate, footy Donovan, Scottish singer, Miuccia Prada , Italian fashion designer, 74. Bono, Irish U2 Linda Evangelista , Canadian supermodel, 58. Young , US rapper, 56. Leigh Sales ABC’s 730 presenter, 50. Chas Licciardello, from The Chaser, 46. Nicky Whelan, actress, 42. Josh Dugan, rugby league player, 33.

Orana Dance Studio Open Jazz Performance team

To celebrate international dance day, the senior dance team from Orana Dance Centre travelled to Sydney to perform at Martin Place.

AUSDANCE hosted the “Till Dusk” dance festival where dancers from all over NSW came together to perform in an outdoor event in the centre of the city. Orana Dance Centre were extremely grateful to be a part of such an amazing opportunity.

Adele

The 13th iteration of Michael Egan Memorial Book Fair., the first for Dubbo West Rotary, was a roaring success, the Club said. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Heart defibrillators being trialled on long-trip TrainLink coaches

YOU never know what you might need in an emergency, with life-saving equipment being installed on coaches across 53 NSW TrainLink routes to ensure, safer journeys on long trips in remote areas.

A trial is being rolled-out for Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to be installed on all TrainLink timetabled coaches servicing routes of more than four hours, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said. “Defibril-

lators save lives, it’s as simple as that, which is why this initiative is so important on NSW TrainLink coach services,” Ms Aitchison said. “These coaches provide a great connection for our regional communities but some travel long distances through remote parts of the state, which can make it difficult to access medical assistance quickly.” Chief Executive of NSW TrainLink, Peter Allaway, said that placing the defibrillators on coaches grew

from an idea initiated internally by passionate staff. “This trial specifically targets longer routes where there may be mobile black spots or emergency response times might take longer,” Mr Allaway said. “This will benefit coach customers, drivers, and rural and remote communities as a whole, providing even safer public transport.” Elliot Williams from St John Ambulance NSW, said only small per centage of people survive an out-of-hospital

Parcels to go, at new AusPost Dubbo processing centre

cardiac arrest without CPR or a defibrillator being administered. “Each year 30,000 people in Australia experience a sudden cardiac arrest. Currently only one in 10 survive,” Mr Williams said. “In a cardiac arrest, seconds count. When administered quickly, early CPR and using a defibrillator can increase a person’s chances of survival by up to 70 per cent.”

The announcement came during Heart Week for the first week of May.

To cater for this growing trade, Australia Post has recently revealed its new parcel delivery centre on Fitzroy Street that boasts more than 1,485m2 of internal space and features a straight-line conveyor through the centre of the building for efficiently processing parcels.

AUSTRALIANS may not send many letters anymore, but they do receive a pile of parcels!

To cater for this growing trade, Australia Post has recently revealed its new parcel delivery centre in Dubbo.

Australia Post’s new digs on Fitzroy Street, boasts more than 1,485m2 of internal space, and features a straight-line conveyor through the centre of the building for efficiently processing parcels.

The new facility replaces the temporary delivery centre in Jannali Road.

With more space, the new parcel delivery centre, will assist the network in meeting current parcel delivery demands with a more streamlined experience for drivers to get in and out of the facility and back on the road to customers.

Australia Post Executive General Manager, Network Operations, Rod Barnes, highlighted the new parcel delivery centre’s important role to improve its service in Dubbo. “We have designed the new centre with efficiency and simplicity in mind, to help turnaround times and get items to customers’ doors as quickly as possible,” he said. “The additional space, has also allowed us to better support eCommerce customers and their shoppers in the Dubbo area, as we can now accept and process parcels faster into the centre,” Mr Barnes added.

Showing the solid growth in the sector, the new Dubbo facility is one of 30 new or renovated letter and parcel centres that AusPost has opened across Australia in the past six months.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

JUST ONE DUBBO GIRL MAKING A DIFFERENCE

FACE IN THE

CROWD

If you can find our Face In the Crowd, you could win a $75 voucher to spend at Midwest Foods.

Somewhere amongst the faces in this edition of Dubbo Photo News you will find the face shown above. Once you have found our Face in the Crowd, write the page number and approximate location on the back of an envelope along with your name, address and daytime contact number.

Send it to: FACE IN THE CROWD Dubbo Photo News

Level 1, 178 Macquarie St, Dubbo NSW 2830 or email details to:

myentry@panscott.com.au

One entry per week per person please. Entries close at the end of the month. All entries received during the month go into the one big draw. The first correct entry drawn wins.

CONGRATULATIONS

Our Face in the Crowd winner for April is: Violet Whitehouse Gilgandra

Desexed, microchipped, vaccinated, flea & worm treated

By JENET STEWART

We’ve been chatting with Dubbo veterans a lot over the past couple of weeks in the lead up to Anzac Day. One of those veterans was Brigette Glynn, who really touched the heart strings with her courageous story.

Brigette has just been announced as the first ever woman to be on the Dubbo RSL Sub-Branch committee. The SubBranch has a long history in Dubbo and began back in December 1916. “It is hard to say how many female veterans there are as most don’t come out –as you would have noticed on Anzac Day. There was only myself and one other marching, but if l had to guess there would be over 50-plus in Dubbo. “The females can bring a lot to the Sub-Branch but the

biggest thing is support for each other. The hardest thing for all female veterans, in my opinion, is that we became military personnel and in doing so were sexualised by 40 per cent of the defence force, and we were told to “man up” by the other 60 per cent, and in doing this we have all lost how to become feminine. In fact, my hair goes into a bun on its own,” Brigette said.

In talking about the defence force further, Brigette explained how it really is when you leave the force and go back to mainstream life. “The biggest issues l had after leaving the defence force was finding ‘me’ again, and l know that sounds weird but when you join, they train you to work as a team and become the soldier

they need you to be. “l was 19 when l joined and 29 when l got out. For 10 years l was a soldier and when l got medically discharged l was Brigette again and l couldn’t tell you who that was, l was lost. it has taken a lot of work to get to where l am today, and l still have a long way to go. “l have PTSD from different situations that happened and it will take some more work for me to find me again,” Brigette explained.

Brigette hopes that more females become involved with the Dubbo RSL SubBranch and to also begin running programs to help female veterans “get their feminine back”, Brigette said.

She became involved because of the support she has received from her veteran husband, and

also from the men at the Sub-Branch. “They have made me realise that l can help be the change. Being in the Sub-Branch has helped me feel a part of a group again – one of the biggest things l missed when l left was being involved in something. I’m hoping with more females involved l can get ideas and hear stories to be able to put plans into place and help not only myself but all the veterans in Dubbo and surrounds,” Brigette said.

Brigette’s final words for this Dubbo Photo News interview were an invitation: “For all female veterans out there, if you feel you can’t come to a Sub-Branch meeting, just please reach out. l would love to have a coffee with you first if that helps.”

Albie, male Wolfhound X, $500

Electra, female Staffy $450 Europa, female Staffy $450 Titan, male Bull Terrier X $500

CAT ADOPTION FEES REDUCED*

Please consider adopting if you are looking for a cat or kitten

$100 $100 $100 $100

Athena, female

Gilbert, male Mae, female Bess, female

* Cats pictured here have reduced adoption fees as we are at capacity.

PH: 0493 093 423 @awlnswdubbo

COUNCIL SNAPSHOT DUBBO.NSW.GOV.AU

YOUR HOME, YOUR SAY, YOUR LGA

Dubbo Regional Council has launched Your Say, a new community engagement platform that is a centralised hub for community members to engage, participate and provide feedback on a range of council’s plans and projects.

Council is now calling for feedback on the draft 2023/24 Budget, Delivery Program and Operational Plan. These documents can be viewed on the new platform at yoursay.dubbo.nsw.gov.au along with the option to make a formal submission.

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE: 6801 4000

STUDENT APPLICATIONS OPENDOG PARKS AND LEASH-FREE AREASCAREERS AT COUNCIL

Applications are currently open for students interested in participating in the 2023 Sister City Exchange Program.

Ten successful applicants will be chosen to experience Minokamo in Japan during the spring school holidays.

To find out more visit dubbo.nsw.gov.au/sistercities by Friday 19 May 2023.

Dubbo Regional Council provides several areas in the Local Government Area where owners can take their dogs for a run off the leash; including three fenced areas with agility equipment.

To find out more about the locations where your pets can run free visit dubbo.nsw.gov.au/leashfree

Dubbo Regional Council has a range of career opportunities open now for application.

Council offer great benefits, flexible work options and prospects for progression. View available positions and apply at dubbo.nsw.gov.au/jobs

Bridgette Glynn is Dubbo's first ever woman to be on the Dubbo RSL Sub-Branch committee.

PHOTO: DUBBO PHOTO NEWS/JENET STEWART

Help threatened species by painting a picture for Wello Exhibit

By DAVID DIXON

LIKE the idea of sketching-up a koala, or painting a pig-footed bandicoot?

Entries are now open for the Wellington Arts Australian Threatened Species competition, which aims to raise awareness of endangered native animals, while bringing out the Monet in kids and adults alike. “This is the third year we’ve held it, it was just a subject of interest to us,” Wellington Arts Centre secretary Natacha Richards explained. “We’ve always held an art exhibition around the same time as the Eisteddfod, which runs from about mid-July to mid-August. So, rather than just a general exhibition, we

Hermitage Hill in Wellington changes owners

By COLIN ROUSE

THE change of ownership of Hermitage Hill Country Retreat and Function Centre in Wellington was celebrated recently, with friends and supporters gathering to congratulate the new owner, Mr Lee Thompson.

thought we’d do one that had a specific theme,” she added.

The competition is not only for adults, but teens and children also, with separate entries for flora (plants) and animals (fauna) with prizemoney of up to $1000 on a subject close to every Australian environmentalist’s heart. “Because of our isolation, we’ve lost hundreds of native plant and animal species over the past 200 years,” she said. “With the introduction of cats and foxes and other species, we’ve had one of the highest rates of extinctions in the world,” Natacha added.

You don’t have to be an Archibald finalist to enter either, with the competition

aimed more at participation and effort, rather than strict virtuosity. “It’s only just out there now, and entries don’t need to be in until the fifth of July. “We haven’t received many yet but, last year, we had more than 100 entries,” she said.

Now, is a good time to get started, with entries expected from throughout Australia.

“They’re not just from locals, they can come from anywhere in Australia; last year, we had one from South Australia and one from Western Australia. “They’re often people who have visited us before, or have become members and get to know about our exhibitions, and they come from all over NSW,” Natacha explained.

Entry forms and entry fees must be received by the committee no later than 5pm on Wednesday, July 5, and be ready to be exhibited and hung for a Show that is about art, but on a very important theme. “We’ll be opening the exhibition on Friday, July 14, running for two months, with the exhibition closing on Threatened Species Day, on September 7. “This issue impacts all of us. We’ve heard rumours that we’ve got quolls locally, and there are a number of small bird species that are also threatened in the Wellington area,” Natacha concluded. For more information, email infowellingtonarts@ gmail.com.

Left: Mr Lee Thompson, new owner of Hermitage Hill Country Retreat and Function Centre

Right: Anna Brien, Anne Kelly, Kerry Kneipp and Carol Conn Below, left to right:  Julie and Wayne Shepherd bid a fond farewell to Hermitage Hill

 Leanne, Tony and Damian

 Belinda Sherwell, George Taylor, Kerry Taylor and David Eslick.

ANZAC DAY

AT CAMERON PARK, WELLINGTON

By COLIN ROUSE

A strong and supportive crowd gathered to remember all those who have served Australia over the years, at the annual Anzac Day ceremony in Cameron Park.

Above: Rachael Melhuish sings Advance Australia Fair

Above left: The Last Post

Left: The Wellington Anzac procession

Above: They wear the medals with pride.

Right: Wellington Band provide the appropriate Anzac repetoir

Left: Pastor Max Richards prays

Below, left to right:

 Gill and Dave Taylor

 Len and Virginia Edwards

 Gwen Ireland and Val Want

 Pastors Meg and Max Richards

Parkview Designs bring together all the features of the most inspired homes and then masterfully combine them under one roof.

The front of the home provides the main living areas with a family room as the central hub of the house where everyone can come together. When personal space is needed this home

AGENT’S CHOICE

provides for that too, its flawless composition making individual retreat easy. A separate lounge room features at the front of the home while a kid’s zone towards the back provides additional spaces to entertain and relax. The back of the home is the private family zone with bedrooms, family bathroom and parents

master retreat.

With enough space and versatility to keep your growing family happy, now and for years to come, the Parkview Designs, exclusive to G. J. Gardner Homes is the smart solution.

DISCOVER MORE FROM GJ GARDNER: PAGE P26

Tips For A Successful Open Home

When done well, open homes create a great first impression. Here are some tips to help your property stand out.

A sparkling clean, decluttered home inside and out creates a great first impression, allowing potential buyers to envisage living in that space.

Street appeal is the first thing that many potential buyers gauge when they drive up to a property that’s for sale. Trim, tidy, mulch, mow, edge, weed.

Obvious imperfections or incomplete repairs throw up a red flag for prospective purchasers. Take the time to complete any unfinished jobs and undertake any repairs well in advance.

Consider the style and feel of your property. Even small things like cushions, plump pillows, fluffy towels and rugs can make your home feel more appealing.

Consider the temperature and ensure the heater or air conditioning is turned on or open the windows to allow in a natural breeze.

Prior to any inspection, take the time to open up windows and blinds to allow in lots of natural light. Turn on interior lights also to create a warm and welcoming space.

Clean-up well in advance of the inspection time. Exit the property with enough time to spare then treat yourself to a coffee, lunch or other activity elsewhere.

For any other tips, contact Karen on mobile 0448 191167 or email karen@chantandco.com.au.

Introducing ‘Bindari Estate’, located in the highly sought after area of South Dubbo on Hennessy Drive, nestled in a rural setting, moments from gorgeous riverside walking tracks and the Dubbo CBD. Invite luxury build your dream home in this highly sought after location with a selection of large block sizes, ranging from 4000 square metres to 4400 square meters. Do not delay your enquiries.

plus a large family room. There is an ensuite bathroom off the main bedroom. Set on a large 800 square meter block of land with side yard access and a inground swimming pool. Don’t

Located in Churchill Gardens, set on large corner block, close to the Delroy Park Shopping Centre, parks and schools, is this lovely 4 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom home.

four bedroom brick veneer home located in popular South

4Beds1Bath1Cars680sqm

2022 Master Builders Association of NSW

Western Regions Excellence in Building Awards

GJ Gardner Homes - Dubbo Display Homes

$500,000 – $600,000

WINNER: The Parkview

THE POWER OF NEWSPAPER ADVERTISING WHEN SELLING YOUR HOME

In today’s digital age, it’s easy to assume that online marketing is the only way to sell your home effectively. However, while online platforms have undoubtedly transformed the real estate industry, the importance of traditional newspaper advertising should not be overlooked. Here are five reasons why newspaper ads remain an essential component of a successful home-selling strategy.

REACHING A DIVERSE AUDIENCE

Newspaper ads have the unique ability to reach a broad and diverse readership. While online platforms cater to a specific demographic, newspapers are read by people of all ages, backgrounds, and income levels. This wide exposure increases the likelihood of finding the right buyer for your home –and getting a better price! Additionally, newspaper readers tend to be highly engaged, devoting more time and attention to the content, making it more likely that your advertisement will be noticed and remembered.

ESTABLISHING TRUST

Newspapers are considered a far more reliable and trustworthy source of information, lending credibility to the advertisements

reputation. By advertising in a reputable newspaper, you are not only increasing your chances of reaching potential buyers but also establishing a sense of trust and reliability in your home-selling process.

TARGETING LOCAL BUYERS

Advertising in local newspapers allows you to target potential buyers within your community, increasing the chances of a quick and successful sale. Local readers are more likely to be interested in nearby properties and have a better understanding of the market conditions and neighbourhood. This can result in more serious inquiries and higher-quality leads.

STANDING OUT FROM THE COMPETITION

With many sellers settling on digital marketing only, a wellplaced newspaper ad can help your property stand out from

SUNSET STROLLS TO THE RIVER, TOGETHER.

commitment to reaching all potential buyers, reinforcing your credibility as a seller.

COMPLEMENTING ONLINE

MARKETING

Newspaper advertising

comprehensive and diversified marketing strategy will increase the likelihood of a successful sale, while also showcasing your property to its fullest potential.

digital ones, you can effectively reach a diverse audience, establish trust, target local buyers, stand out from the competition, and create a comprehensive marketing plan. Don’t underestimate the power of the printed word when selling your home – embrace the benefits of newspaper advertising to ensure a successful sale.

Walk around our estate, and you’ll meet people who value the things you do; community, comfort and connection.

We’re ready to welcome you to a lifestyle designed by you.

Your choice of design and builder

Extra large ~2000m 2 lots in Stage 5

Premium location (limited release)

Short walk to Macquarie River

Orana Mall 5 min drive, CBD 8 min drive

Set in a family friendly street in sought-after South Dubbo, this four bedroom home offers easy access to Boundary Road & Tamworth Street shops, medical centres, schools, child care, Tavern with restaurant, Macquarie Club, parks & riverside recreation areas with walking & cycling tracks. The single garage, carport & large covered alfresco area at the front provides plenty of space for all-weather entertaining & the secure rear yard with shady tree is perfect for children or pets. Perfect for young families, first home buyers or investors, it is ready to move into & make it your own.

PRICE: New Listing

VIEW: By appointment

CONTACT: Karen Chant 0448 191167

karen@chantandco.com.au

Attention investors or those with mobility issues! Discover a modern, low-maintenance home in the ever-popular Macquarie View Estate. For investors, there is a long term, stable tenant wishing to secure the property for a 3 year lease commencing at $700 pw for the first year, $720 pw year two & $740 pw year three. Vacant possession is available if required by an owner occupier. Purpose built for acessibility, this home features extra-wide hallways & doorways, stepless entry & non-slip flooring. Enjoy multiple living areas, remote control block-out blinds, ducted reverse cycle air con & a double garage with internal access.

PRICE: New Listing

VIEW: By appointment

CONTACT: Karen Chant 0448 191167

karen@chantandco.com.au

www.chantandco.com.au

SEVERN CIRCLE, DUBBO

DALTON STREET, DUBBO

BEAUTIFUL AND SAFE: THE NEW ERA OF STONE BENCHTOPS

Are you planning to renovate your home or build a new one?

Choosing the right benchtops and claddings is crucial to achieve both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Engineered Stone surfaces are a popular choice for their durability and attractiveness, but they have also been linked to health risks when not processed correctly due to high levels of Silica. The good news is, you can now find local suppliers in Dubbo who are committed to the safety of their workers and to the quality of their products.

One such supplier is All Set in Stone, run by Raul who brings over 20 years of European knowledge and training to Dubbo. All Set in Stone uses advanced machinery and partners with reputable suppliers like Smartstone, Caesarstone, Neolith, Cosentino, and CDK to offer innovative solutions to the problem of high silica engineered stone products. These manufacturers now offer a range of low silica surfaces that are safer and more environmentally friendly than traditional engineered stones.

If you want a benchtop that combines durability, low maintenance, and design versatility, you can choose Porcelain or Neolith, a sintered stone product. Both of these materials are scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, heat-resistant, and impact-resistant, making them ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens. They are also easy to clean and come in a wide range of colours, patterns, and textures that can enhance

any design aesthetic. Plus, they are eco-friendly and recyclable, making them cost-effective and sustainable options.

For a benchtop that offers unique beauty and elegance, you can opt for Natural Stone. Each slab of granite or marble is one-of-a-kind and can add value and a special visual impact to your home. Most natural stones are also very durable, making them a great choice for kitchens. Plus, natural stone is environmentally friendly and can be recycled or repurposed at the end of its life cycle.

If you want a material that is both safe, durable and very cost effective, you can choose Hybrid Low Silica Engineered Stone. This material contains much lower levels of silica, which can be harmful to human health if inhaled by workers during processing. This material is also highly resistant to scratching, heat and impact, and offers a consistent colour and pattern throughout the entire surface. You can choose from a wide range of colours, patterns, and textures, making it a flexible and customizable option.

At All Set in Stone, you can consult with expert stone masons who can guide and assist you in choosing the right benchtop material for your project, big or small. With All Set in Stone’s commitment to safety, quality, and innovation, you can rest assured that you’re getting the best value for your money and a beautiful product that is both safe and sustainable. allsetinstone.com.au

Welcome to the Orana Property Market Real Estate Guide, a locally produced and independent real estate resource for the Orana region.

Whether you’re a real estate agent, a buyer, seller, landlord, tenant, or a supplier to the property market sector, you’ll find valuable updates, property listings, rental availability; advice, case studies and much, much more, to help get informed for your next local, urban, rural, residential, commercial or land purchase, investment, sale or lease.

Orana Property Market Real Estate Guide is incredibly fortunate to be circulated as part of the locally produced and owned, independent newspaper, Dubbo Photo News.

Known as the Orana region’s most widely read and loved community news resource, its existing readership of 30,000 locals live in Wellington, Narromine, Gilgandra, Trangie, Cobar, Nyngan, Peak Hill plus the villages in between, and beyond.

IN FOCUS

THUMBS UP!

Thumbs up to employees who have a good phone manner and don’t hang up loudly in your ear. You should not be left feeling disappointed as a result.

Thumbs up to Christine’s Touch Of Beauty in Church Street. I enjoyed fantastic customer service and a wonderful experience from a long-standing local business. This happy customer will return.

Thumbs up and thank-you to the tall gentleman controller at South Dubbo Campus for your assistance on voting day. I am very grateful for your help.

Thumbs up to Wellington Probus Club and Spencers Buslines for organising a trip to Jindabyne and surrounds recently. It was a wonderful trip. Thank you!

Thumbs up to Dubbo Regional Council who were very quick to come to an after-hours call at 8.30pm to attend to a leaking sewerage pipe at the front of our property. Brilliant service.

Thumbs up to the staff at Officeworks who were very helpful carrying my large purchase to my car. Thank you.

Thumbs up to Dubbo Photo News for their new Real Estate pages. We’re sad to be selling our house but super happy with the interest we got.

Thumbs up to Geoff Mann who always does such a respectful and excellent job emceeing the Anzac Day ceremonies. Dubbo is very lucky to have such a community spirited gent as Mr Mann.

Thumbs up to the Sing Out Dementia Choir leaders, singers and their families. What you’ve created is beyond words and you deserve all the congratulations you get. There are just too many good things to say about why this event, and the choir, is so, so important to Dubbo residents.

Thumbs up to everyone who came to my aid at Tamworth Street shops on Tuesday, April 18. Thank-you for assisting myself and my husband and ensuring I got the help I required after a nasty fall. Thank-you also to the paramedics and Dubbo Base Hospital. I am recovering well.

Thumbs up to Emily in Print and Copy at Officeworks Dubbo. Fantastic service with a smile. She always has a good attitude with a massive smile and is always happy to chat with customers. Amazing work.

•••

 Send your Thumbs Up via email to photos@dubbophotonews.com. au, mail to Level 1, 178 Macquarie Street Dubbo NSW 2830, or phone 6885 4433.

YOUR NEWS!

AN ornamental lion fish made out of disposable plastic cups at Dubbo Council is being used to commemorate a two-decade old “senseless act” that saw the administration office set on fire.

In mid-April, 2003 the Civic Administration Building was the target of vandalism when thieves broke into the building and set numerous fires which led to Dubbo City Council offices being closed for several days and the Civic Administration Building shuttered for nearly two years.

The fires led to about 70 council employees being relocated to the old Dubbo High School site, including current Senior Building and Development Certifier, Alan Stanger, who has created a unique memorial to this traumatic event.

Likening it to the pandemic lockdowns, Mr Stanger said he recalled listening to the radio that morning with the announcer saying he had driven past the Council building and there was smoke pouring out of it. “I could not believe what I was hearing,” Mr Stanger said.

Laptops, iPads, and remote access computers weren’t available at the time, with Mr Stanger saying they had to work out how to carry out daily inspections without access to files or electronics.

“We were working out of our cars, trying to keep the building industry going with inspections, without having access to the office. It was very similar to the pandemic lockdown, but this one was instantaneous,” he said.

As with COVID-19, Mr Stanger said he was amazed at the ability of IT services to relocate the staff to the old high school building under very intense working conditions. “My new office in the old high school building was a classroom just off the main hall that is now the museum space,” he said. “The front counter was a makeshift counter at the southern end

of this hall facing southward,” he added.

It was from this time that he has created a lasting memento to the fire, subsequent relocation, and its aftermath, all on the theme of “waste". “The most memorable for me was how hot it was in summer, and there was a cold water drinking dispenser that people were constantly filling plastic cups from,” he recalled. “The bin for the cups was near my desk, and it was constantly overflowing with disused cups,” he said.

This became the inspiration for the lion fish sculpture that currently features in Council’s ad-

ministration building, using the cups he collected from the bin to highlight the wastage. “The fire, as devastating and disruptive as it was, showed me how important is was to be resilient and how to quickly adapt to situations as they change, and most importantly how you can get through these types of events by working as a team,” Mr Stanger said.

Tree removal and replanting along Keswick acoustic fencing

LANDSCAPING works along the Keswick Estate Acoustic Fencing are to be undertaken over the next two weeks, weather permitting.

In preparing for the works, Dubbo Regional Council has identified 10 trees that will need to be removed from the western section to ensure

the longevity of the fence and prevent potential hazards for the houses on the other side of the fence.

Further works along the eastern and western sections will see three trees planted further out from the wall along the Stage Four fence area, while 14 trees will be planted

We would like to acknowledge and pay our respects to the Traditional Custodians of the land we operate

along the eastern area.

Works on the irrigation line, excavation of holes for new and replacement trees and adjustment of any current irrigation, fixing of stormwater channel post flash flooding event and planting new trees will be undertaken at the site.

Dubbo Regional Council has issued a notice regarding tree removal and replanting along the Keswick acoustic fence area in Dubbo.

PHOTO: DUBBO REGIONAL COUNCIL

“Waste” the theme in unique lion fish memorial to 2003 Council fire

Council employee Alan Stranger’s ornamental lion fish, made out of disposable plastic cups, is being used to commemorate a two-decade old “senseless act” that saw Dubbo Council’s administration office set on fire. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

PHOTOS, YOUR NEWS, YOUR OPINION & FEEDBACK send your

Wordfind

Drop Down

No. 082

Starting with the seven-letter word, drop a letter and form a six-letter word. Continue in this manner until you reach the single letter at the bottom. You can rearrange the letters in each step, if necessary.

Crossmath

There

YOUR STARS

ARIES: You’ll start planning your next holidays. You have no intention of missing out on fun adventures with your friends and family.

TAURUS: Whether it’s about your relationship or your job, you may feel the need to run away. You feel impulsive and a little confused this week.

GEMINI: You’ll struggle to create peace between people or groups with opposing intere sts. You’ll find the right words to work miracles and ensure everyone understands each other.

CANCER: It’s time to get rid of toxic friends who are draining your energy. Take some me -time and spoil yourself with a na tural therapy like a massage or facial.

LEO: Self-esteem is essential to achieve success. You’ll be proud if you can convince yourself to accomplish a brilliant feat.

VIRGO: You’ll devote time and energy to a family member and your home. You’ll be inspired to take a new approach to life, including learning to live in the present moment.

LIBRA: You’ll be outspoken this week. Be careful not to give away any secrets. You could be dealing with someone who doesn’t speak the same language as you, and communicating with them could prove rather difficult.

SCORPIO: You’ll find the financial means to under take a significant project. Whether buying a property or starting a business, the stars will align. Many people will listen to what you have to say.

SAGITTARIUS: Make reservations now for a winter break You’re looking forward to an adventure that takes place far from home. Be mindful of the preparations, such as passports.

CAPRICORN: If you’re feeling more tired than usual, it’s a sign you need to slow down. Get enough sleep to recharge your batteries.

AQUARIUS: You’ll find your perfect person and fall in love at first sight. You’ll carve out more time for your social life, even if you feel exhausted and stressed.

PISCES: You’ll be given significant responsibilities at work. Even if you find them difficult they’ll provide excellent prospects, and a promotion will come soon enough.

Quiz

Quick Crossword

ACROSS

1 Foot cover (5)

4 Impartial (9)

9 Broke off a small piece (7)

10 The price to be paid when we fly (7)

11 Romance language (7)

12 Assay (7)

13 Medical application (9)

15 Vexes (4)

17 Uncertain (inf) (4)

19 Least sufficient (9)

1 The Scotia Sea is located in which ocean?

2 Which famous singer had the nickname ‘The Chairman of the Board’?

3 Which former PM had the nickname ‘The Silver Bodgie’?

4 What is the chemical symbol for silver?

5 Which country’s name means ‘made of silver’?

6 Which city hosts the International Court of Justice (pictured)?

7 The Yiddish language is part of which language group?

8 Which country controls the Suez Canal?

9 What kind of animal is a hellbender?

10 In Dante’s epic poem Inferno, which ancient poet guides the author through the layers of hell?

22 Pressurised dispenser (7)

25 Raise (7)

26 Tableland (7)

27 Process of sending something (7)

28 Gluttony or sloth, for instance (6,3)

29 Common Indian surname (5)

Edgeword

No. 082

Place each of the tiles of letters into the blank jigsaw below to create four six-letter words going across and down.

DOWN

1 Room where a priest prepares for service (8)

2 A region’s weather (7)

3 Use of false but clever arguments (9)

4 Put something in risk of harm (9)

5 Custom (5)

6 Earth in Latin (5)

7 Sailing as recreation (7)

8 Number of players in a cricket team (6)

14 Dealer (9)

15 Power cells (9)

16 Force (8)

18 Italian city (7)

20 Dodging (7)

21 A representation of the Earth (6)

23 Odour (5)

24 French king also known as The Sun King (5)

9-Letter

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

CUPPA COMICS

THE

by Jeff Pickering

TIME WARP

The ‘Stepper’ McKenzie Story

and his brother, who ran a sawmill in the town.

Dubbo has had its share of characters over the years and one of those from our bygone past was Leslie ‘Stepper’ McKenzie.

‘Stepper’ got his name from his pronounced gait, a high knee action that he employed as he strode about from place to place in search of food and shelter.

A harmless vagabond, who lived on the fringes of society, Stepper served time in jail for vagrancy and spent lengthy periods

Orange, where he died aged 82 in 1981.

In the 1940s, several newspaper reports noted Stepper lived on the riverbank in West Dubbo later at Nyngan where he was reportedly relocated to Dubbo’s more respectable neighbourhoods.

At Nyngan, Stepper was befriended by Noel Starr

The Starr brothers saved Stepper’s life one time after a period of rain, when they found him sick at his camp lying in wet blankets.

Later on, when Noel Starr operated a sawmill in Morgan Street, North Dubbo, he maintained his friendship with Stepper and regularly visited him at

After attending Stepper’s funeral, Noel Starr and his wife Irene wrote to Stepper’s sister Ann McKenzie, who lived in Melbourne.

For many years, rumours had circulated about Stepper’s condition and why he was the way he was.

Some said he was injured in the war, while others heard he’d studied law but had a nervous breakdown. The truth came from his sister Ann, who’d written back to the Starrs explaining that Les was a good scholar and athlete at school, but had been kicked in the head by a draught horse.

The injury left Les impaired and withdrawn, leading him to retreat into a life of isolation.

Leslie ‘Stepper’ McKenzie might have been forgotten

after his death had it not been for a photograph of him that was donated to the Macquarie Regional Library.

The photograph had been

commissioned by the publican of the Tattersalls Street, where it hung in the bar until the hotel was purchased and demolished by Woolworths in 1960.

WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER?

Do you have memories of the Dubbo of yesteryear that you’d like to share? Contact us at: photos@dubbophotonews.com.au

We’d love to include your photos in a future edition.

Contributed by Steve Hodder

‘Stepper’ McKenzie, pictured in full stride, is remembered for his unusual gait when walking.

Photo: via Macquarie Regional Library

Dubbo

Patchwork and Quilters host exhibition

By KEN SMITH

With 96 quilt creations to admire, and the chance to contemplate the amount of work that went into each one, the Dubbo Patchwork and Quilters exhibition was a must see.

St Brigid’s church hall was wave after wave of colour and the homemade scones and homemade jam have to get an honourable and very tasty mention.

Well done to all involved with all proceeds from their exhibitions and raffles being used to fund Dubbo Patchwork and Quilters’ continuing efforts to supply local charitable organisa-tions with handmade quilts to distribute.

Charlene Bower and “Dogs, Dogs, Dogs”

Dubbo Patchwork and Quilters

One of the pieces on show at the Dubbo Patchwork and Quilters ExhibitionNola Jones with “Fire Island”

Almost packed to the historic St Brigids rafters, 96 quilts were on display at the Dubbo Patchwork and Quilters Exhibition

One of the pieces on show at the Dubbo Patchwork and Quilters Exhibition

Susie Brown with a 103-year-old Singer 15-30. Suzie restores and repairs these wonderful machinesCandice Locke with “Always”

All that glitters is gold, for St Johns class of ‘73 reunion

By GEOFF MANN

Fifty years ago, 75 students threw-off their St John’s School uniforms, and suited-up for the 1973 Termination Ball.

Over the weekend nearly 40 of the “originals” gathered to celebrate their golden anniversary, even though the palette has changed for many with the passing of time.

The Ball signalled the end of Catholic education in Dubbo for the students, and opened a doorway for progressing to the HSC

A colourful collection of western boarders, newcomers to the city, and those who had spent their lives at school together closed their books, tore-off their ties and uniforms, and headed into the unknown.

Many left formal education to pursue a wide variety of careers; some chose boarding schools; many followed tradition and completing their HSC at Dubbo or South Dubbo High. Some left the city and only came “home” on special occasions.

Donna O’Shannessy was the driving force in the “Class of ‘73” gathering. Her efforts were applauded and she was later presented a handmade quilt by Paula Emunds (Ferguson) and a bouquet of flowers to say “thank you”.

It was agreed that Donna had done such a grand job that she “could do it all again in five years”!

There was time to reflect on the past school friends who are no longer with us, and to cherish their memories with a candle.

There were some apologies from distant alumni who had family, work, and other commitments, the odd one living overseas.

Those who attended, came from right along the eastern seaboard, Brisbane and other Queensland locations, and even Christina Rapley who flew-up from Tasmania. Martin Hamilton only spent a year with the group, but it was so memorable, he and his partner drove over from the coast.

School friends went rifling through dust-covered albums to dig-up sporting team memorabilia, photos taken on excursions and at dances, and swimming and athletic carnivals, images taken on ancient cameras that required film.

Whilst not all of the ‘73ers could make it, numbers and emails were swapped and there is a new determination to chase down the absent

The anniversary may have been golden, but there were many colours reflected in hair - for those who still had theirs!

Far

Bernadette Hughes and Maryanne Langis

Left: Anne Teale, Afaf Atileh and Joanne Shibble

Cheryl McGuire and Margaret Hopkins

Joanne Mulholland, Bernadette Hughes, Patricia Hensby, Jenny McArthy, Maryanne Langis

Laurie Vaughan, Steve Miller, Ray Vaughan, Martin Hamilton.

Ray Vaughan and Donna O’ShannessyKerry Walsh and Paula FergusonPeter Vane and Kerry Walsh

Maxine McNaught and Paul CrossTrish Haslop and Terese IngramKerry O’Brien, Margie McNamara and Beth Roser

left:

Trish Hislop, Terese Ingram and Margie HopkinsChristina Rapley, Stephen Cross and Col O’ConnorGeoff, Cathy Newton, Donna and Afaf Atileh

Class of ‘73: (back) Steve Miller, Kerry Walsh, Geoff Mann, Margie McNamara, Shirley Sandford and husband Tim Beatty, Col O’Connor, Kerry O’Brien, Colin Cottee, Paula Ferguson, Maryanne Langis, Bernadette Hughes, Cathy Newton, Ray Vaughan, Gayle Toohey, Martin Hamilton, Annmarie Hensby, (front) Laurie Vaughan, Paul Cross, Stephen Cross (behind), Cheryl McGuire, Peter Vane, Afaf Atileh, Anne Teale, Joanne Shibble, Terese Ingram, Donna O’Shannessy, Cathy Strawns, Joanne Mulholland, Beth Roser, Christina Rapley and Mar garet Hopkins. PHOTOS: CONTRIBUTED (ALL NAMES GIVEN AS KNOWN IN SCHOOL)

Position Vacant

Abattoir Labourers - Full Time

FLETCHER INTERNATIONAL EXPORTS

Jobs and Tasks

We are looking for people to fill multiple labouring roles (such as packing meat and trimming fat, processing co-products such as wool and hides) and also more experienced roles such as boning, slicing and hide removal).

Wages and Pay:

Wages are processed weekly

You will have opportunities to gain new skills and progress up pay levels in your department as you learn new tasks

Skill Level

We have opportunities for people with all levels of experience (even if you have none at all!)

Benefits of Working with Us:

We provide all training required on the job - we even provide and wash your uniform!

You can find this on our website at http://www.fletchint.com.au/careers/application-form

or grab one from our Gatehouse at Lot 11 Yarrandale Road, Dubbo NSW 2830 For more information contact 02 6801 3100

AUSSIE IRON! AUSSIE IRON! the VU SS 2002 Holden Commodore Ute

BY DAVID DIXON

There’s no better classic piece of good old-fashioned Aussie Iron than a Holden Ute. The ute, short for “utility”, is almost our sole contribution — along with the baby safety capsule — to world motoring.

Ford Australia was the first company to produce an Australian Coupe ute, which was released in 1934.

This was the result of a 1932 letter

from the unnamed wife of a farmer in Australia asking for “a vehicle to go to church in on a Sunday and which can carry our pigs to market on Mondays”.

In response, Ford designer Lew Bandt designed a two-door body with a tray at the rear for the American Ford Model A chassis, and the model was named “coupe utility”. When the Australian version was displayed in the US, Henry Ford nicknamed it the “Kangaroo Chaser”.

A convertible version, known as the roadster utility was produced in limited numbers by Ford in the 1930s.

In 1951, Holden released a “utility” model, which was based on the 48–215 sedan.

With both Ford and Holden now producing utes, this started the long-standing tradition of Australian-designed two-door vehicles with a tray at the back, based on a passenger-car sedan chassis

PHOTOS: CONTRIBUTED

Position Vacant

Qualified Maintenance Fitter, Turner & Machinist (C10)

FLETCHER INTERNATIONAL EXPORTS

Your work will be varied and challenging, and the successful applicant will be required to work under pressure and meet strict maintenance deadlines. As we are a meat processing facility, your role will require you to come into contact with animal waste and by-products, so this role is not for the squeamish. An advanced knowledge and all round ability to carry out a variety of fitter, turner & machinist work will be required.

Main duties include:

•Set up and adjust machines and equipment.

•Fit and assemble parts, tools.

•Dismantle faulty tools and assemblies and repair or replace defective parts.

•Set up and/or operate hand and machine tools.

In this role you will be responsible for general mechanical maintenance that includes mechanical repair on a day to day basis as well as ensuring downtime is minimized. In addition, you will develop and implement systems that will maximise the efficiency of and minimise cost of utilities. You will also recommend and develop initiatives that will enhance productivity, efficiency and profitability of the plant.

Experience and Qualifications Required:

To apply for this role, you will need to be a licensed Fitter and Turner with experience in a maintenance role preferably within a manufacturing environment.

Please complete and submit a Fletcher International Exports application form for your application to be processed. You can find this on our website at http://www.fletchint.com.au/careers/application-form

For more information contact 02 6801 3100

THE DIARY

ON THIS WEEK

Dubbo V.I.E.W Cards and games will be held at Oak Tree Village on Friday May 5, commencing at 1pm. New players are always welcome. For information phone Beth 0431290274

Talbragar CWA Meeting: Saturday May 5, 2pm, CWA Hall, 45L Boothenba Road, Dubbo. Report from April fundraising. Contact Ronda on 68885231

Ladies Luncheon: Saturday, May 6, 12 Noon at ‘Kan Sushi & Poke’ Dubbo, Japanese restaurant, ground floor, Quest Hotel, Bultje Street. Contact Bev 6884 5401.

Young Archie Dubbo Exhibition: Opens

Saturday, May 6 to Sunday, May 28, Western Plains Cultural Centre

ArtClubDub Teen & Junior classes: Start, Monday, May 8 to Thursday, June 29, Mondays or Thursdays, ArtClub is a NSW Creative Kids provider. Visit www.artclubdub.com/art-classes

THURSDAY

Above Board Gamers: SECOND and FOURTH

Thursday of the month, 6pm, upstairs at the Devil’s Hollow Brewery, contact Alan 0432 278 235.

Akela Playgroup: Scout Hall, 4 Akela St., 9.30am, Sharna 0438 693 789.

Badminton: 7.30pm-9.30pm, Delroy High School

Auditorium, East Street, West Dubbo, $5 to play ($3 for school students), $22 yearly insurance ($15 for school students). All are welcome. Chris 6887 3413.

Bingo - South Dubbo Veteran’s & Community Men’s Shed: 11am-12.30pm, West Dubbo Bowling Club. New players welcome.

Contact Barry 0439 344 349.

Book Club: THIRD Thursday of the month. 6pm. Share, discuss, and review books, or start your own book club. Register your club with the library to access a wide range of book club titles tomorrow, read, discuss and enjoy. For more information contact Dubbo Library, 6801 4510.

Coffee, Craft and Chat: 9.30am-12pm, Gospel Hall, Cnr of Boundary Road and Taylor Street.

Contact Anne 0428 425 958.

Croquet: 8.45am, Croquet courts, Brisbane St, North Dubbo. New players of all ages are welcome.

Play starts at 9am Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Kate 0409 927 140 or Lillian 0429 471 921.

CWA Dubbo: FIRST Thursday of the month, 9.30am to 11am, Oaktree Retirement Village Peel Street, Dubbo. New members welcome Marion 6884 2957.

CWA Wongarbon Handicraft: SECOND Thursday of the month, enquires to Liz 0401 174 883.

CWA Wongarbon: FIRST Thursday of the month, 10am, Wongarbon CWA rooms. Marjorie 6884 5558.

Digital @ Dubbo: 10am to 12pm, Macquarie

Regional Library, 45-minute session for your internet or technology questions, FREE, bookings essential, contact 6801 4510

Digital skills for seniors: Free one-on-one help to use your smartphone, tablet/iPad, or laptop. Need help going online or do you have some questions? Connecting Community Services, 31-33 Church Street. To make a booking, phone 1800 319 551.

Dubbo Anglican Church DNA Youth Group:

7pm-9pm, Anglican Church Hall, 158 Brisbane St., during school terms.

Dubbo Anglican Church Trinity Kids

Playgroup: 10am-12pm, Anglican Church Hall, 158 Brisbane St., during School terms. Contact 6884 4990.

Dubbo Community Men’s Shed Inc: Mondays 9am to 1pm and Thu/Sat 1pm to 5pm. Small joining fee after three visits. All men are welcome, Kevin 0427 253 445.

Dubbo RSL Day Club: 10am and 2pm, Orana

Gardens Family History Society (Dubbo & District): 1pm to 4pm, volunteers on site during these hours, Western Plains Cultural Centre Community Arts Centre, Cnr Wingewarra & Gipps Street

Heart Support Walking Group: 12.30pm, (also Tuesdays), Ollie Robbins Oval, Cnr of Bligh Street.

Supports gentle exercise promoting healthy hearts, contact Ray 0437 541 942

Line Dancing: 9.30am to 12 noon, at David Palmer Centre, Cobbora Road. Kathy 6888 5287 or Lynn 6888 5263.

Macquarie Masons Dubbo: SECOND Thursday of the month. All visitors are welcome, John O’Brien 0405 051 896.

Outback Dragons Dubbo: EVERY Thursday,

5.45pm (in summer), Sandy Beach amenities block. Come and try dragon boating, your first five paddles are Free. Newcomers are always welcome, email info@outbackdragons.com.au or call Robyn 0427462504.

Wellington Arts and Crafts: 10am-3pm, Small Hall in the Anglican Church grounds, Wellington, variety of crafts, activities and workshops offered. Contact Lynne 6845 4454.

FRIDAY

Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings: 7pm (1.5hrs) - ID meeting, Dubbo Community Health, Palmer Street, Dubbo. Contact Dee 0417 422 750, 1300 222 222 or www.aa.org.au, for meeting information.

Alzheimer’s & Dementia Support Group: THIRD Friday of the month, 2pm, Anne or Jeanie 6881 3704.

Central West Makers Place: 12pm-6pm, South Dubbo Veterans and Community Men’s Shed, corner of Palmer and High Streets, Dubbo. 3D printing, basic electronics, robotics, silk screening and pottery.

Adam 0431 038 866.

Communion Service (Dubbo Anglican Church): 10am, Brotherhood House chapel, 158 Brisbane St.

Community Kitchen: FIRST Friday of the month, 6.30pm, Holy Trinity Hall, Brisbane St, free meal.

CPSA (Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association): SECOND Friday each month, 10am, Dubbo RSL Club. Discuss issues, guest speaker. Further Information Barb 0427251121

Dubbo Nepalese Christian Fellowship: 6.308pm. Contact Cyrel on 0416 826 701 or Kabita 0452 406 234.

Dubbo Parkinson’s Support Group: FIRST Friday of each month, 10.30am, Horizons village, Minore Road, Dubbo. People with Parkinson’s and their carers are welcome. Lorna 0416 240 626.

Dubbo VIEW Club: For information about future gatherings please phone Shirley on 0427 822 874

Lunchtime Prayer Group - Dubbo Anglican Church: 1-2pm in Brotherhood House, 158 Brisbane Street. All Welcome. Bring your lunch.

Narromine Food Barn: 9am-11am, Low-cost groceries and FREE fruit, vegetables and bread with any purchase to people in need. Contact Ken Rumble on 0414 477 365.

Rhymetime: 10.30am - 11am, during school term only, suits 0-2 years and families, stories, song and movement. Macquarie Regional Library. Spinning and Weaving: 10am, at Dubbo Arts and Craft Cottage, 137 Cobra Street. Lorraine 6887 8371.

Tai Chi at U3A: 10am, at the Community Arts Centre, Western Plains Cultural Centre, 76 Wingewarra Street. Richard 6888 5656.

Urban Tribe: 2pm, with dancing, music, singing, caring and sharing. Everyone is welcome and let’s do it. 0459 762 702.

Western Plains Trefoil Guild: SECOND Friday of each month, 10.30am, Dubbo West Guide Hall.

Everyone is welcome. Please confirm the meeting will be on. Dorothy 6884 6646.

SATURDAY

Beekeepers Inc - Orana: SECOND Saturday of the month, 9.15am, Narromine Tennis Club rooms, unless other arrangements are made. Contact orana.secretary@beekeepers.asn.au

Bridge Club - Dubbo: 1pm until approximately 4.30pm, Bultje Street. $7 members, $9 non-members. Libby 0428 254 324. Croquet: 8.15am, Muller Park Tennis and Croquet courts, Brisbane St, North Dubbo. New players of all ages are welcome. Tricia 0428 876 204 or Margaret 0427 018 946.

CWA Gilgandra Market: FIRST Saturday of the month, 9am-1pm, Cakes, fruit, pickles, plants and more! New stall holders are welcome. $5 per stall, proceeds to CWA. Hilda 6847 1270.

Dubbo Anglican Church Vigil Communion Service: 6pm, 158 Brisbane Street. Contact 6884 4990. Dubbo Bridge Club: 1pm, Bultje Street (Tennis Courts), Dubbo. $7 members, $9 non-members.

Libby 0428 254 324

Dubbo Community Men’s Shed Inc: Mondays, 9am to 1pm and Thu/Sat 1pm to 5pm. Small joining fee after three visits. “All men are welcome.” Kevin 0427 253 445.

Dubbo Slot Car Racing Club: 4pm, FIRST and THIRD Saturday of the month, Seniors (15+), old Scouts Building, 189-191 Talbragar Street, across from Aldi. Terry 0408 260 965.

Embroiderers - Dubbo: 10am-3pm, (also see Tuesday listing), All are welcome, Macquarie Regional Library, Contact, Ruth 0422 777 323 Family History Society (Dubbo & District): 10am to 1pm, volunteers on site during these hours, Western Plains Cultural Centre Community Arts Centre, Cnr Wingewarra & Gipps Street

Ladies Luncheon: Saturday, May 6, 12 Noon at ‘Kan Sushi & Poke’ Dubbo, Japanese restaurant, ground floor, Quest Hotel, Bultje Street. Contact Bev 6884 5401.

Outback Writers Centre Hub Meeting: FIRST Saturday of the month, (Feb-Dec), 10am-1pm, Western Plains Cultural Centre, Community Arts Centre, Music Room, 76 Wingewarra Street, Dubbo.

Outback Writers Centre Write-in: THIRD Saturday of the month, (Feb-Nov), 11.30am-1.30pm, Macquarie Regional Library, Cnr Macquarie & Talbragar Streets, Dubbo

Patchwork and Quilters Group: 9am, SECOND and LAST Saturday of the month, at the Dubbo Pipe Band Hall, Corner of Darling and Wingewarra Streets, Dubbo. New members are always welcome, and we happily support anyone wanting to learn.

Further enquiries to Charlene on 0408 825 180. Parkrun - Dubbo: 8am every week, FREE timed (with barcode), 5km run, jog or walk, starts at Sandy Beach, dogs, prams are welcome. Email dubbohelpers@parkrun.com to help!

RSL Tennis Club:12:30p.m. Paramount Tennis Club courts for enjoyable social tennis. All welcome 0437824743

Saturday Art: 10am, at Dubbo Arts and Crafts Society Cottage, 137 Cobra St. Pam 6885 1918. Seventh-day Adventist Church: 9.30am, small group bible study (Sabbath School) and children’s/ youth Sabbath School, and 11am, Divine Service. Cnr Cobra and Sterling Streets. dubbo.adventist.org.au

Talbragar CWA: For information about meetings please contact Ronda on 68885231 or Linda on 68827351.

Transition Dubbo Food + Film Night: For information about future events, contact to Peter 0439 091 767 Wellington Lions Preloved Book Fair:

Diary entries need to be 40 words or less, and are only for not-for-profit community groups . Placement will be at the editor’s discretion and subject to space availability – because Diary listings are free! Please include your daytime phone number and/or address when submitting details. Entries close 10am Tuesday for that Thursday’s edition.

Thousands of good quality preloved books, CDs and DVDs, now also Jigsaw Puzzles! Open every Saturday 10am to 2pm in the Western Gallery opposite Cameron Park.

SUNDAY

Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings (Steps and Traditions): 7pm (1.5hrs), ‘Steps and Traditions’ meeting, Dubbo Community Health, Palmer Street, Dubbo. Ph: Jack 0418 605 041, Sally 0427 829 807, 1300 222 222 or www.aa.org.au for meeting information.

Australian Kite Flyers Society: SECOND Sunday of the month, 10am, Jubilee Oval. All welcome to come along and see how to build and fly modern (and old) kites. David 0476 223 342.

Bicycle User Group Social Ride: 9am, at Wahroonga Park. Mick 0437 136 169 or Sam 0429826076, dubbobug.org.au

Dubbo Acoustic Musicjam (DAMjam): SECOND Sunday of the month, 2pm to 5pm, Milestone Hotel, upstairs. All are welcome. Join us for this acoustic session with other musicians or just listen. Peter 0457 787 143.

Dubbo Anglican Church Traditional Communion Service: 8am, 158 Brisbane Street. 6884 4990.

Dubbo Anglican Church: 10am, Trinity Kids Sunday School and family Communion service.

Dubbo Baptist Church: 6pm, at 251 Cobra Street (next to Spotlight), during school terms. Come along and discover if church is still relevant in today’s world. Everyone is welcome. 6884 2320.

Dubbo Baptist Church: 9.30am, 251 Cobra Street (next to Spotlight). Everyone is welcome. 6884 2320.

Dubbo Pistol Club: 12.30pm, 143L Old Dubbo Road, 6882 0007.

Mindful Crafting for Adults: 12.3pm-2pm, crafting group learning new or improving existing crafting skills. Experienced and beginners. For the next session date, contact Dubbo Library on 6801 4510.

Orana K9 Training Club INC: 9am daylight savings time, 10am, Eastern Standard, Katrina Gibbs Field Macleay St, Dubbo. New class intake is FIRST Sunday of each month, dogs MUST be vaccinated and certificate sighted at first class. Contact Reg Parker 0428 849 877, Dianne Acheson 0429 847 380 Orana Pistol Club: 9am, Hyandra Lane, Dubbo. Sundays only, 6887 3704.

Traditional Catholic Latin Mass –Rawsonville: SECOND Sunday of the month, 9am, Rawsonville Soldier’s Memorial Hall, Rawsonville Road. 0429 920 842.

Transcendental Meditation (TM): Free introductory talks via www.tm.org.au. Maharishi Foundation Australia scientifically proven benefits of TM. Contact David 0424 252 834.

MONDAY

Alcoholics Anonymous (Daily Reflections Meeting): 12pm (1.5hrs), ‘Daily Reflections’ meeting, St Brigid’s Catholic Church meeting rooms, 198 Brisbane St, Dubbo. Please contact Jack 0418 605 041 or Sally 0427 829 807, 1300 222 222 or www.aa.org.au for information.

Amnesty International Dubbo: SECOND Monday of the month, 5.30pm-6.30pm, St Brigid’s meeting room. The group will provide a platform for people passionate about human rights and social justice to discuss these issues and take positive action in their local community. Contact Sandra Lindeman amnesty.dubbo@gmail.com or 0419 167 574.

Anglican Women’s Association: 5.30pm, at Holy Trinity. Dorothy 6884 4990. Australian Air Force Cadets: 6pm-9.30pm, at

Army Barracks (Cnr Kokoda Pl and Wingewarra St). NOW recruiting, 13 to 18-year-olds prepared for a challenge and to undertake fun and rewarding activities. Come down to your local unit, 313 “City of Dubbo” Squadron.

Dubbo Bridge Club: FOURTH Monday of the month, 10am-1pm, Bultje Street. $7 members, $9 non-members. Libby 0428 254 324.

Dubbo City Physical Culture Club: 4.30pm onward, Wesley Community Hall, 66 Church Street, Dubbo. Fun affordable dance class for girls and ladies, 4yrs and up, of all fitness levels. Email dubbocityphysie@live.com.au for information.

Dubbo Community Men’s Shed Inc: Mondays, 9am to 1pm and Thu/Sat 1pm to 5pm. Small joining fee after three visits. “All men are welcome.” Kevin 0427 253 445.

Dubbo Multicultural Women’s Group: THIRD Monday of the month, 10am, St Brigid’s Meeting Room in Brisbane Street. Women of all backgrounds are invited. 1800 319 551.

Macquarie Women’s Bowling Club Card

Afternoon: SECOND Monday of the month. $7 per person, includes lucky door prizes and afternoon tea. Contact Rosslyn 6882 4989, 1300 222 222, www.aa.org.au for information.

Patchwork: 10am-3pm, at Dubbo Arts & Craft Cottage, 137 Cobra St, contact June 6882 4677.

RFDS Dubbo Support Group monthly meetings: FIRST Monday of the month (except Public Holidays), 5.00pm at RFDS Visitor

Experience, 21 Judy Jakins Drive, Dubbo Airport. President Jeanette Hamilton 0429 673 366. Rotary Club of Dubbo: 6pm-8pm, Westside Hotel, Whylandra Street, West Dubbo. Contact Lyn Wicks, 0428 342 374, Carla Pittman, 0418 294 438 or email dubborotaryclub@hotmail.com.

Sing Australia Dubbo Choir: 7pm-9pm, Bridge Club, Bultje Street. NO auditions, no requirements to read music and no singing experience necessary. Contact Michele Peak 0428 680 775. Tai Chi 10 Form: 2.30pm-3.30pm during school terms at U3A, Community Arts Centre, WPCC, 76 Wingewarra Street Dubbo. Beginners are welcome. Laney 6882 4680 or laneyluk@gmail.com.

TUESDAY

Aboriginal Elders Walkabout Ministry Group: 9.30am - 2pm in Holy Trinity Church Hall, 158 Brisbane Street

AllAbilitiesDanz: 9.45am, Dubbo RSL Club. Classes are low impact, work on heart health, flexibility, mobility, coordination and strength.

Tracy 0416 010 748 for a free trial or to join the free class

Book Club: FIRST Tuesday of the month, 2pm, share, discuss and review books, or start your own book club. Register your club with the library to access a wide range of book club titles to borrow, read, discuss and enjoy. For more information contact Dubbo Library, 6801 4510 Croquet: 8.45am, Croquet courts, Brisbane St, North Dubbo. New players of all ages are welcome. Play starts at 9:00am Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Kate 0409 927 140 or Lillian 0429 471 921.

Dementia Sing Out Choir: 11am-12.30pm, David Palmer Centre at Old Lourdes Hospital site, entry on Cobbora Road. Lunch included, contact Anne Gemmell or Jeanie Cronk on 6881 3704 Depression Recovery Group: 10.30am, at the Catholic Parish Meeting Room, Brisbane St. Norm 6882 6081 or Bill 6882 9826.

Digital @ Dubbo: 10am to 12pm, Confused, worried, stumped or frustrated by the internet or tech? Book a free, 45-minute one-on-one session with our team who can assist with your technology queries. Contact Dubbo Library, 6801 4510

Digital Skills for Seniors: Free one-on-one help to use your smartphone, tablet/iPad, or laptop. Need help going online or do you have some technology questions? Connecting Community Services, 31-33 Church Street. To make a booking, phone 1800 319 551.

Dubbo City Physical Culture Club: 5pm onward, Holy Trinity Hall, Brisbane Street, Dubbo. Fun, affordable dance class for girls and ladies, 4yrs and up, of all fitness levels. Email dubbocityphysie@live.com.au for information.

Dubbo and District Computer Club: 7pm, Akela Place Hall, contact Daryl 0408 284 300. Dubbo Chess Club: 7pm-9pm, at Dubbo RSL. Juniors welcome. Don 0431 460 584 or Sandy 0408 200 564

Dubbo City Ladies Probus Club: Meet on the second Tuesday of each month in the Masonic Village Hall, Darby Close at 10am contact Annemieke Neville 0432305103.

Dubbo Embroiderers: 9.30am - 3pm, SECOND and FOURTH Tuesday of the month, (also see Saturday listing), Dubbo Bridge Club, Elston Park. All are welcome, Contact Ruth 0422 777 323. Dubbo Lions Club Inc: FIRST and THIRD Tuesday of the month, 6.30pm, Club Dubbo. PO Box 285 Dubbo, Lois on 0428288325 or dubbolionsinc@gmail.com.

Dubbo Men’s Probus: FIRST Tuesday of every month, 11am, Masonic Hall, contact Bob Ellis 0428217752

Dubbo Prostate Support Group: For information about future meetings, contact Elizabeth 0408 682 968

Dubbo RSL Euchre Club: 7pm, for 7.30pm, Dubbo RSL, contact Glen 0419 179 985 or Doreen 6882 6163

Family History Society (Dubbo & District):

1pm to 4pm, Cnr Wingewarra & Gipps Sts, Western Plains Cultural Centre, Community Arts Centre, volunteers on site during these hours.

Girls Brigade: During school term, 6pm to 8pm, Orana Baptist Church, 4 Palmer St. For all school aged girls. Enjoy crafts, games, camps, stories, songs, cooking and much more. Julie 0428 821 829

Heart Support Walking Group: 12.30pm, (also Thursday), Ollie Robbins Oval, Cnr of Bligh Street. Supports gentle exercise promoting healthy hearts, contact Ray 0437 541 942

Orana Physical Culture: 4pm onwards, starting with the 2-4 years Sparkles class in the Auditorium at St Mary’s Primary School. New members are always welcome. For other class times and information see the Orana Physical Culture Facebook page.

Rotary Club of Dubbo Macquarie: 12.30pm2pm, Westside Hotel, contact Peter McInnes 0417 140 149

Rotary Club of Dubbo South: 6pm, at South Dubbo Tavern

Silver Craft: THIRD Tuesday of the month, 10am, at Dubbo Arts and Crafts Society Cottage, 137 Cobra St. Julie 6884 4919

Smart Recovery (Behaviour Change Support Group): 5pm, online or in person. Contact Rob on 0417 497 187. South Dubbo Veteran’s & Community Men’s Shed: 9am to 12pm, Cnr of High and Palmer Streets. New members welcome Storytime for children: 10.30am - 11am during school terms at Macquarie Regional Library, for children aged 3 to 5 and their families. Free session filled with stories, songs, rhymes and activities.

Toastmasters Club: FIRST and THIRD Tuesday of the month, 7pm-9pm, Dubbo RSL Club, Brisbane St., Gain confidence in speaking and leading skills. There are club, area and district competitions to participate in. Sharon Allan 0408 156 015 or email sallan@rhdubbo.com.au.

WEDNESDAY

Akela Playgroup: (also see Thursday listing), 10.30am, Scout Hall, 4 Akela Street, contact Sharna 0438 693 789.

Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings: 7pm, (1.5hrs), ‘Topic’ meeting, St Brigid’s Catholic Church meeting rooms, 198 Brisbane Street, Dubbo, contact Jack 0418605041 or Sally 0427 829 807, 1300 222 222 or www.aa.org. au, for information.

AllAbilitiesDanz: 10.30am, West Dubbo

Primary Community Centre. Kids, 0 to 5, an interactive class, music, props and movement. Gold coin donation per family.

Ballroom Dancing: Wednesday 7:309:30pm $10. Wesley Hall Cnr of Carrington Avenue & Church Street Dubbo. Enquiries Graham Woods 0447 885 603

Blood Cancer Support Group: FIRST Wednesday of each month, 10.30am-12pm, Venue changes each month. Louise or Emma 0412 706 785.

Brain Training: 2pm to 3.30pm, Macquarie

Regional Library, Dubbo, puzzles and interactive games to improve memory, concentration and problem-solving skills. Spaces limited; bookings required. Contact 6801

4510

Breast Cancer Support Group: FOURTH

Wednesday of every month, 10am, Baptist Church, Palmer Street, Community Health

5853 2545

Bric-a-brac sale, weekly - South Dubbo Veterans and Community

Men’s Shed: 10am-12pm, Corner of Palmer and High Streets. Contact Barry on 0439 344 349

Coffee, Craft & Chat: FORTNIGHTLY, 10am-12pm, Gospel Chapel on Boundary

Road. Contact Anne 0428 425 958.

CWA Dubbo Evening branch: FIRST

Wednesday of the month, 7pm, 3 Frith Street. New members welcome. Contact Barb 0409 159 556.

CWA Narromine: SECOND Wednesday of the month, 5.30pm, USMC. New members are welcome. Contact Carolyn 0427747478.

CWA Terramungamine: SECOND

Wednesday of the month, 10am, Dubbo

RSL Club. New members are most welcome.

Contact Barb 0427 251 121.

CWA Wellington Branch: Second

Wednesday of the Month, 10:30 a.m., Wellington CWA Rooms, Warne St, Wellington. New Members are welcome. Contact Marion on 0429033836

Dementia Friendship Group: SECOND

Wednesday of the month, 10am, Western Plains Cultural Centre, Creo Cafe (formerly The Outlook Cafe), Wingewarra St. Contact Anne Gemmell or Jeanie Cronk on 6881 3704

Digital @ Dubbo: 2pm - 4pm, Macquarie

Regional Library, Dubbo, Learn about video calls, online privacy and shopping, internet and technology questions, Free, 45-minute, one-on-one session. Contact 6801 4510

Digital skills for seniors: Free one-onone help to use your smartphone, tablet/ iPad, or laptop. Need help going online or do you have some questions? Connecting Community Services, 31-33 Church Street. To make a booking, phone 1800 319 551.

Dubbo Arts and Craft Cottage: 10am4pm, 137 Cobra Street. A large range of handcrafted gifts made by members available. Contact 6881 6410.

Dubbo Bobbin Lacemakers: THIRD

Wednesday of the month, 10am-3pm, Arts & Crafts Society Cottage and Craft Shop, 137 Cobra Street. Visitors, new members are very welcome. Contact Judy 6882 5776.

Dubbo Bridge Club: 9.45am, for 10am1pm, Bultje Street (Tennis Courts), Dubbo. $7 members, $9 non-members. Libby 0428

254 324

Dubbo Community Garden: 9am-12pm, 4 Palmer Street. A time to garden with others, learn more skills and grow friendships. All are welcome. Contact Denise 0433 623 842 or Julie 0428 821 829

Dubbo Electric Vehicle Interest, Owners, Users & Supporters (DEVIOUS) group: 12pm to 1pm, FIRST Wednesday of each month, Western Plains Cultural Centre café. Anyone interested in learning about EVs is welcome to join. Chris 0409 321 470.

Dubbo Garden Club: 10am, FIRST Wednesday of each month, Garden gatherings with morning tea. Contact, President, Annette Storer, 0429 828 882.

Dubbo Ratepayers and Residents Association: 6.30pm, every SECOND Wednesday of each month, RSL Coffee Shop. Jenny 6884 4214 or Merilyn 0458 035 323.

Dundullimal Dubbo Support Crew Inc: 10am, FOURTH Wednesday of each month, Dundullimal Homestead. We support the operations at the Homestead, guiding, tours, gardening, and helping in café. Fun, friendship, learn as you go! All are welcome. Contact 6884 9984 or dundullimal@nationaltrust.com.au

Gamblers Anonymous: 6pm, Baptist Church, Dubbo. Victor 0407 799 139.

Geurie Craft Group: 9am-2pm, Geurie Bowling Club. Everyone is welcome. Shirley 6887 1251

Learning Meditation for Health and Wellbeing: FIRST WEDNESDAY OF EACH

MONTH, starts Wednesday May 3, 10am to 11:30am Buninyong Community Centre (Next to Buninyong Public School) Myall St Dubbo. Join us for monthly meditation instruction and practice run by Monastics from Wellington Buddhist Centre.

Line Dancing: 6.30pm to 9pm, David Palmer Centre, Cobbora Rd. Kathy 6888 5287 or Lynn 6888 5263.

Lodge Allan Stuart 416: SECOND Wednesday of every month, Geurie Masonic Centre. Please email secretary@lodgeallanstuart416.org.au

Macquarie Intermediate Band: 6pm, during school terms, Band Hall, Boundary Rd. Players of all ages wanted for the concert band. Conservatorium 6884 6686 or info@macqcon.org.au or Dubbo District Band on 0422 194 059 or email at dubboband@gmail.com.

Walter T. Grant Seniors Social Club: 9am-2pm, Number 1 Oval, Club house. $6 per day. Please bring your own lunch. Cards and games are played before lunch, after lunch is Bingo. New members welcome. Contact Jan Miller 0418 255 217 West Dubbo Rotary: 6pm, Club Dubbo, Whylandra Street West Dubbo.

Waluwin Bunji Tenpin Bowling Program: Social tenpin bowls for aboriginal people aged 40 and over. Subsidised rate, only $10 per week; includes morning tea, a T-shirt and great company! Call Campbell @ Connecting Community Services on 1800 319 551.

Wriggle and Rhyme and Storytime: 10.30am-11am, during school term, 0-5 years and families. Free. Movement, rhymes and stories.

Zumba Kids: 4.15pm, West Dubbo Primary Community Centre. A FUN dynamic class that keeps young bodies active, for kids aged 5 to 12. Gold coin donation per family.

Kid’s Play Corner

Fun

Peter Griffen workshop a real hit with local artists

Participants were in awe of Peter Griffen, the celebrated abstract artist from Sydney, during the workshop he hosted recently in Dubbo.

The weekend workshop was held at Gill Pedrana’s studio on the outskirts of town.

Peter provided participants with his extensive knowledge of abstract painting, design and colour elements, and his incredible techniques which were enjoyed by all in attendance.

Splish Splash

Peter Griffen (third from right) is pictured with Jan Payne, Shanli Alizadeh, Leanne Medcalf, Gill Pedrana, Carol Dickson, Natalie Donoghue, Lynda Readford and Jenet Stewart. PHOTO: DUBBO PHOTO NEWS.

Dubbo Photo News captured this precious and fun moment for Erica and Nyha at Shoyoen Japanese Gardens recently.

PHOTO: DUBBO PHOTO NEWS/KEN SMITH Dubbo Photo News Grant and Lorin Maskey

birthday

PHOTO: DUBBO PHOTO NEWS/KEN SMITH

Dubbo’s “Fab Four” master cyclists sing at national titles in Brisbane

DUBBO CYCLE CLUB

DUBBO Cycle Club recently recorded more fantastic results at the National Titles in Brisbane.

The "Fab Four” of Darrell Wheeler, Henry Bagnell, Erica Lunney, and Emily Williams, all won a swag of medals, bringing home six gold, eight silver, and two bronze, at the elite track meet.

Results included Erica Lunney fighting her way through a tough semi in the sprint event and backing-up to take silver in the final.

Darrell also snagged silver in the Masters 10, with and Henry sixth in the M8s, in a great return to national competition.

Emily, Dubbo’s Sportsperson of the Year, had a golden smile after

the Scratch Race with Erica grabbing bronze in the same event.

Emily’s medal was particuarly significant for her coach, Gus Dawson, as it took the master mentor’s tally to 160 National Gold Medals as Dubbo Cycle Club coach; a lifetime of milestones for Dubbo sport and cycling in Australia generally.

Erica also broke the 40-second barrier in the Time Trial and collected a silver medal for her efforts. Emily then just missed a bronze in her Time Trial, even though it is not her specialised event.

“Old Darrell”, as he is very affectionately known, continued his momentum with a gold in the Keirin before Erica added silver in the same event while Henry Bagnell jumped into fifth and just missed out on a podium.

Darrell returned to the track

with a vengeance and chalked-up another national gold medal for the scratch race, then on the final day, Erica clocked a time of 2:51.794 to take silver over the 2000m with Emily matching that effort in her category in a time of 2:42.343 over

Darrell then made it a golden treble with his brilliant 2km Pursuit, then had a fourth draped around his neck after a dominant show of strength. The latest haul, means the ageless champion, has rackedup an unprecedented 24 National titles since 2017.

Erica and Emily then teamed-up with Deborah Coulls from Illawarra to take silver from Blackburn in the sprint event, and was able to add a bronze in the Team Pursuit with Illawarra and Waratah.

To top off an amazing week, Emi-

Bulls and Spurs football "Battle

of the Bobby",

was one for the ages

By GEOFF MANN

NINETY minutes of endto-end football (soccer) action couldn’t separate Dubbo Bulls and Orana Spurs last weekend, who split the Western Premier League points, with a re-match later in the season to determine winner of the prestigious Robert Hughes Shield – affectionately known as “The Bobby”.

ly Williams claimed the Pointscore Race, netting points in the sprint held every ten laps.

Dubbo Cycling Club’s Publicity Officer, Matt Gilbert, was ecstatic at the swag of medals won.

“Congratulations to all the riders, and a special ‘thank-you’ to Henry Bagnell who officiated at the start-line and greatly-supported the green team while in Brisbane over the five days,” he said.

“The sport depends on the generosity and expertise of club members like ‘H',” Matt added.

With the track season now closed-out, racing continues with road racing with the Dubbo Cycle Club now racing at Wongarbon in graded scratch events.

“We look forward to seeing everyone on May 13 for a great day of road-racing!” Matt concluded.

In a highly-entertaining match played in driving rain under lights at No 1 Oval, scores fluctuated before a draw-snatching header saw Spurs salvage a point.

The game had Bulls leading one-nil early, but they coughed-up three goals, including a penalty, going into half-time. They then added two – both headers – of their own after the break, stole a one-goal lead, and then conceded a late one as Spurs refused to give-up.

The match was a fitting finale to a double-header that saw Macquarie United’s young team down the previously-unbeaten Bathurst Panorama 1-0 to grab a share of the competition lead.

Western Districts Ladies, to play at restored Wellington course

By GEOFF MANN

THIS year, the Western Districts Ladies Golf Association (WDLGA), will be celebrating their 96th Tournament in Wellington from Tuesday, May 16.

The Wellington Ladies Golf Club – supported by board members, staff, and players, have put in the hard-work to bring the course back to its Championship status, considering the many golfing holes

that were under water late last year from the overflowing Bell River, and the amount of inundation that remained on the course for some considerable time afterwards.

In this, the Ladies Committee were able to receive some very welcome and generous sponsorship from the Dubbo Regional Council and the Wellington Soldiers Memorial Club, contributions for which they are extremely grateful.

This year’s Tournament is already well-supported by 180 lady golfers from the Western area, as well from metropolitan and interstate clubs. A total of 38 clubs are being represented and, with such a big field, the competitiveness amongst the players, will be interesting.

Notable contenders with handicaps ranging from six to 12, are Kim Robinson and Lynette Wong from Dubbo, Lee Pickett from Went-

worth, Katrina Ferris from Bathurst, Sharon Nott from Dunedoo, and Wellington’s own Denise Haesler

The tournament will be played in four divisions and, in each division, there is a major trophy to be had – in Division One it will be the Jubilee Bowl (36-Hole Scratch) and the Alan Yuille Cup (36-Hole Closed), with individual daily prizes to be had.

Division Two will play for the WDLGA Championship

(Open) and the Mabel McKenzie Salver (Closed).

Division Three also play for the WDLGA Championship (Open) and the Joyce Abbott Cup (Closed)

Division Four is is the WDLGA Championship (Open) and the Eunice Bishop (Closed)

Thursday is the last day of play, and the Ladies will play a Foursomes event: for Division One, a 36 Hole Scratch for the the Mrs JH Fagan Cup; and Division

Two will vie for the Friendship Salver.

The Wellington Ladies have been busy organising a “Meet and Greet” at the Club on the Monday evening from 5.30 for 6in the form of a barbecue. Complimentary wine has been donated by Quains and, to top it off, a courtesy bus will be available, thanks to The Grand Hotel.

The Presentation Dinner will be at the Wellington Soldiers Memorial Club.

Emily Williams and Erica Lunney. PHOTOS: CONTRIBUTED BY DUBBO CYCLE CLUB

Darrel with a golden smile.

Erica Lunney with a small treasure haul.

Anyone for tennis? Gill's mural, years in the making, unveils Friday

IF a picture tells a thousand words, how much does a mural say?

Paramount Tennis Club and local artist, Gill Pedrana, are celebrating the completion of a mural project with a special unveiling this Friday, from 4pm

The mural, which is now proudly displayed on the club-house at the Paramount Tennis Club on Wingewarra Street, was years in the planning and a labour of love for all involved in the project.

The idea of a mural, was first raised by Club Committee member and player, Paul Handsaker, who believed the local clubhouse provided a wonderful backdrop for a mural where it would gain a great deal of exposure for passing road and foot traffic.

Fast-forward a couple of years and, following a competitive expression-of-interest process, local artist, Gill Pedrana, was selected to deliver on the Committee’s vision – with the club and Dubbo community now having a wonderful mural which adds to the growing number in the city.

“The mural has been a fantastic addition to our club and the sport of tennis, more broadly in Dubbo,” Paramount Tennis Club President, Andrew Kierath said.

“It’s already generated a great deal of interest and we as a committee are really pleased to be investing in and delivering projects like this to promote our club, the sport of tennis and Dubbo more broadly,” he added.

Gill was immediately interested in the mural project and is very satisfied with the end result, he

explained.

“We can’t thank Gill enough, for all her work on this project, and we invite everyone to come to the club for a look and have a hit while they are there.” Andrew said.

Gil was also pleased with the final result.

“It was a great honour to be chosen, and I’m really pleased with how it’s come together,” Gill said.

“The size and scale of this mural, has allowed me to showcase everything that is great about the Paramount Tennis Club, from the on-court action to the socialising

Locals cap-off fine swim season at National Age Championships

off-court, as well as it being such an inclusive facility for people of all ages and abilities. I thank the committee for putting their faith in me and for being so great to work with,” she added.

Dubbo community are being invited to the mural’s grand unveil-

SUNDEE BOWLS

ing on Friday, May 5 from 4pm. Following some short formalities featuring Gill, the club will offer a free afternoon tea, as well as the opportunity for everyone to enjoy a free hit of tennis, until the junior competition commences at 5:30pm.

First signs of winter for Sundee bowlers, as 36 take to the greens

Contributed by ‘PISTOL PETE’

THE first signs of winter last Sundy, had the 36 bowlers shivering in the southerly breeze that wafted over the greens. In one notable match, Dwayne Forro, a visitor from Victoria, combined with Anthony Shaw, another newbie, under skip Ian Humphries. The trio, however, fell behind Chris Castlehouse, Rob Pfeiffer. and Eric Satchell after losing five of the first eight ends.

A five on the sixth thouugh kept them in touch, but the second eight was almost a replica and, again, the newcomerss saved their best ‘til last, rolling, rolling in a four to square it up 15-all. Eric’s team were awarded the match having won 10 ends to six – a nice parting gift for “Satch”, who flew-out to his England “home” after the match.

Strawhan (sharing the bowling), Colin Teale, and Gordon Scott. Their opponents rolled many multi-shot ends to storm to a seven shot lead.

A five count on the 12th was helpful – but not enough to counter the good bowling by Gordon’s side who took out the win 23 shots to 12.

Paul Wooldridge, Roger Sherwin, and Pete Sinclair won all but five ends in their contest with Leo Balstad, Allan Stratford, and Paul Goodstat. Their scores were not excessive, but winning ends allowed for win by 17 shots to 9.

By GEOFF MANN

TWO Dubbo City Swimtech (DCS) swimmers, and another from Orana, have rounded-out their summer season competing at the Nationals on the Gold Coast.

After another challenging year with many training sessions, particularly early in the season when the rain never stopped, Sophia McAnaney and Traevion Forrester (DCS) and Tully Pittock (Orana) earned their places in the elite event.

The local’s efforts showed their determination and courage, especially with the city’s lack of an indoor 50-metre pool, a DCS official said.

“This event is the pinnacle of the swimming season, and qualifying times are very fast,” they said.

“They’re competing against swimmers who, in some cases, are doing double the training in the pool and can train all-year round in 50-metre pools.

“We really need a 50m indoor pool in Dubbo for this very reason,

as we lose swimmers to city clubs or they move to Queensland,” they added.

Results included:

 Sophie McAnaney – 14yrs 100m breaststroke (19th), 50m breaststroke (12th) and 200m breaststroke (14th);

 Traevion Forrester – 15yrs 50m breaststroke (44th);

 Tully Pittock – 15r 200m fly (25th).

Tully’s coach described her efforts as a: “very pleasing result at her first Nationals.”

Greg Brown, Ken Whittaker, and Graham Ross made it a bit of a disaster for Mary Perry, Ruby Stockings, and Mel Giddings, chalking-up 13 strokes to four in the first half.

The first eight ends had Graham’s side on 13, while the others staggered to four. The second half was similar with G, K, and G clinching a 21-7 victory. It was enough to take out the game-of-the-morning award.

Another side that was having a “winter of a morning”, was Di Hildebrant, Vicki Hummel, and Trish Gosper who battled with form against Ray and Mick

Ron McCauley, Julie Brown, and John Cole, were only two shots back after eight, helped by a four along the way. Frank Bartlett, Frank Armstrong, and Matt Quill who kept their cool to roll in eight and turn in the lead. They kept their momentum going during the second half, to take the points 17-9.

A couple of four counts plus a double, gave John McKenzie, John Kennedy, and Bryan O’Sullivan a head-start against Sue McCauley, Therese Gaio, and Pete Ruzans.

They led by five, but a couple of doubles and a single, cut the lead back to three on the 13th, and a quadruple count on the next, saw them lead by one.

“Sully” then steadied his side who drew level, and then edged ahead on the last only to be brought undone by Pete’s replying trail of the jack to claim two and the win by 17 to 15.

Paramount Tennis Club, and local artist, Gill Pedrana, are celebrating the completion of a mural project that is being officially dedicated on Friday, May 5.

PHOTO: COINTRIBUTED

Tully Pittock, who swam in the 200-metres butterfly at the Nationals in Queensland.

Sophie and Traevion with Dennis Valentine (DCS coach) at the Nationals in Queensland. PHOTOS: CONTRIBUTED

Max breaks the big three, 100m, 200m, and 400m, at Senior carnival

Contributed by CRAIG MAY,

DUBBO COLLEGE SPORTS COORDINATOR

DUBBO College Senior Campus held its much-anticipated annual athletics carnival under picture-perfect autumn skies at Barden Park in early April.

The day was a heady mix of competitive and novelty events, drawing strong participation numbers throughout the day.

An elite group of Dubbo College Talented Athlete Program (TAP) students, as well as selected Year 10 athletes from the junior campuses, also participated in the Carnival, which helped create strong competition across all events.

As an added incentive, all students who participated in four competitive events, entered a draw for canteen vouchers. Well done to James Brown and Ebony O’Sullivan, who took-out these prizes.

Highlight of the Carnival for many, was witnessing Year 10 student, Max McAneney, break the long-standing records for 16-year-old boys, in the three most-prestigious of track events, the 100-me-

tres, the 200-metres, and the 400-metres.

The previous records had all stood for two decades or more, Michael Rugendyke’s 1997 time for the 100-metres of 11.51 seconds (now Max’s at 11.30 secs); Jye Barton’s 2003 record in the 200m of 23.37 secs (now Max’s at 22.79 secs); and Paul Matthews’ 400m record from way-back in 1990 of 55.71 secs (now 54.14 secs).

Another of the most-anticipated events of the day, was the mixed relay featuring each House having two males and two females in the race. Parayong claimed the points with a quick-silver time of 52.19 secs, just in front of Yaradaroo, on 53.38 secs.

The novelty events featured a wide variety of relays, throwing games, eggand-spoon races, and the ever-popular limbo, taken-out by Saxbii Shaw. In other novelty results, the teams led by Alex Sinclair and Demi Owens, won the egg-andspoon race with, the mostwatched event, the football throw having Ty Cochrane and Saxbii Shaw, taking-out the top prizes.

Dash-for-cash winners in

the 100m sprint, were Rudy Peet with Thomas Proberts taking-out the handicap section. In the girls, Saxbii Shaw just pipped Skyla Whalley to be the quickest over the distance, with the the ever-reliable, Saxbii Shaw, also talking-out the handicap section.

In the much-anticipated House points competition, congratulations go to Parayong who were the winners on the day with the efforts of the House captains – Claire Robinson, Rudy Peet, Demi Owens, and Max Richardson –all outstanding with the final ladder:

 Parayong – 348 points;

 Briganera – 273 points;

 Yaradaroo – 233 points;

 Macoolari – 193 points.

Year Champions and runners-up were:

 Year 11 Champion Boy: a tie between Dane Fuller and Mason Olney, runner-up: Max Richardson;

 Year 11 Champion Girl: Saxbii Shaw, runner-up: Eve Bailey;

 Year 12 Champion Boy: Brad Boney-Chillie, runner-up: Rudy Peet;

 Year 12 Champion Girl: Skyla Whalley, runner-up: Morgan Ruttley.

Other great results included:

 Rudy Peet in the 100m at 11.57 secs, in the 400m at 56.66 secs;

 Brad Boney-Chillie in the 100m at 11.57 secs, in the 800m at 2.31 mins, in the long jump at 6.26-metres, in the discus at 31.50m;

 Lilly Piras in the shot-put at 8.32m;

 Courtney May in the discus at 19.92m;

 Isaac Birchall in the shotput at 12.21m;

 Ted Murray in the javelin at 34.40m;

 Mason Olney in the high jump at 1.72m;

 Tully Pittock in the 1500m at 5.54minutes;

 Phoebe Ryan in the 400m at 65.47 secs, in the 800m at 2.38 mins;

 Saxbii Shaw in the high jump at 1.47m;

 Erin Campion in the long jump at 4.13m

 Claire Robinson in the javelin at 20.16m.

Well done to all students who attended, your efforts and support of the events, was fantastic!

Students successful in qualifying for the Western CHS to be held in late July, will be notified in early Term Two.

Alex Morley and Zoe McAneney

Bradley Boney-Chillie, Ted Murray, Lachlan Rummans

Callum RyanTom Proberts

Coen Austin, Finn Marchant and Lochlan SkuthorpeHolmes - Novelty Relay

Ellie Betts with SLSO Coral Sampson

Eve Bailey - Year 11 Runner Up

Javen Gibbs

Novelty Relay Race

Skyla Whalley - Year 12 Champion

Max McAneney in his Dubbo College record breaking 200m race

Cliff y and “Cement” Gillespie combine in Legends spectacular

By GEOFF MANN

Photos by MEL POCKNALL

TWO of rugby league’s great living legends, Cliffy Lyons and David “Cement” Gillespie, were on opposite sides of the field at Cale Oval in Narromine on Saturday in a magnificent promotion of the sport; and all for a good cause – the opening of the new facilities at the ground. The pair had shared many grand final wins, State of Origin victories, and Australian Test triumphs, in their playing days with the local fans defying the rain to watch them turn back the clock.

Narromine Jets should be congratulated for taking the initiative in bringing together a total of 20 former NRL and international stars, to met the local legends in an exhibition that transported spectators

across the ages.

On a weekend of highlights where stars visited schools and attended training sessions, the appearance of the likes of Joe Williams, Ronny Gibbs, John Hopoate, and former Queensland and Australian prop, Ben Hannant, warmed the hearts.

The day witnessed the Bob Weir Grandstand at Cale Oval being officially unveiled and named, marking an exciting moment for the Narromine Shire sporting community with the late Mr Weir a stalwart of the Narromine Jets Rugby League Club and a brilliant sportsman himself.

Former North Sydney Bear and current Bulldogs Development and Pathways Manager, Craig Wilson, also proved an entertaining MC, introducing players, sharing insights and involving the crowd.

Cement, Cliff y and Rambo with Sue Pocknall

Cliff Lyons and Joe Williams

Team of Legends!

Cliff Lyons

Jets Legends!

Jets President Mick Burns

Craig Wilson kept the night flowing

Yours truly with Cliff y

Johnny Clarke, Phil Carney and Mick Dagg

Kurt Beahan and Kathryn Clarke

Tim Smith (center) with the Clarke boys, Mick and Terry.

A small gathering of Legends

Bob and Sally show true spirit of the game

V'Landys, doubles Royce's $70,000 in fundraising

By GEOFF MANN

DURING Royce Simmons recent

"Walk for Dementia” from Dubbo to Bathurst, he and his team called on several local communities to meet and greet, spread awareness of his cause, and create opportunities for clubs to raise much-needed funds.

On Saturday night during the Penrith Panthers and Wests Tigers NRL Premiership match in Bathurst, it was announced that $70,000 had been raised to support juniors. Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher, who grewup playing with the Coonamble Convent School teams and knows how tight things are in the bush, called NRL supremo, Peter V'landys. ‘Will you match it?” asked Fletch

“Give me five”, was the reply. Exactly 300 seconds later, after checking-in with NRL CEO Andrew Abdo, the call was returned.

Every club including Narromine, Wellington, Parkes, Forbes and Eugowra had the funds they had raised locally, doubled.

Great work by Fletch, local volunteers, and the NRL for supporting a great cause and one close to the heart of many league fans!

Ben Hannant Hoppa - big John Hopoate proved a big hit!

David Walsh

Leading referee Simon Hartas copped some friendly sledgesTroy Biles from Legends of League

Below: Legends of league WAGS Sue Pocknall and Bridget Mann

Bob Walsh. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Big Hoppa and Sue Pocknall

CYMS and Mudgee still unbeaten in Peter McDonald Cup

By GEOFF MANN

Photos by MEL POCKNALL

DUBBO CYMS late point-scoring blitz for a 32-14 victory in Sunday’s Peter McDonald Cup match was no reflection on an evenly-contested clash with Wellington.

The Fishies fitness and strong bench saw them home, but it only came after Wellington half, Riley Blackhall, left the field about 15 minutes out from full-time.

Cowboys coach “Noody” Blackhall was a proud man as his young charges flew out of the chutes and had the Fishies back-pedalling. They raced in

two quick tries and added a third to lead 14-10 before the unbeaten locals clicked into gear in the latter stages.

Brock Naden, playing in front of older brother and West’s Tigers centre Brent crossed for two tries, while lock Wallace Bruce and 18-year-old front-rower, Shaun Stanley, showed that lack of size and inexperience are not a drawback as they followed captain Justin Toovey-White into the teeth of the Greens attack and defence.

Peter McDonald Cup Round 3

 Macquarie and Forbes 14-all

 Mudgee d Orange CYMS

 Bathurst Panthers 28 d St Pats 20

 Nyngan 32 d Parkes 28

 Orange Hawks d Lithgow Wolves

Jarryd Powyer led CYMS out

Lock Wallace Bruce, a terrier in defence and attack

Preston Simpson’s try made it 10-0 despite the attempted tackle by Jeremy ThurstonThe boys surround try-scorer Simpson

Skipper Justin Toomey-White leads the Cowboys out

Brock Naden can see that line

CYMS wrecking ball, James Stanley

West’s Tigers Brent Naden with his son and mum Julie Blackhall. The strapping centre liked what he saw as the Cowboys played with character. “Makes me want to come home and pull on my old Cowboys guernsey”!

Jai Merritt turns CYMS around

Riley Barker

Brock NadenRookie

Cowboy Shaun Stanley demonstrates a classic fend

CYMS boys muscle up