See page 28 for more photos from local commemorations in Dubbo on that day, and page 18 for images from the Wellington service.
Lest we forget.
DUBBO
By SHARON BONTHUYS
DUBBO will once again become the Cannes of the Central West this Saturday night, November 22, hosting the 13th annual One Eye Film Festival at the Dubbo RSL Theatre.
For just $20, festival fans will get to see 17 curated short films produced by regional, national and international filmmakers and enjoy an evening that celebrates creativity, collaboration and storytelling.
Promoted as “a big night of short films”, the One Eye Film Festival is an initiative of Dubbo Filmmakers, a volunteer-helmed and run not-for-profit that promotes and advances screen content creation and the screen industry in Dubbo and surrounding region - a sector that is quietly thriving.
The festival gains its striking and unusual moniker from the fact - unknown to many - that video cameras originally used for filming generally had only one lens, or “one eye”, event spokesperson and Dubbo Filmmakers president Kellie Jennar said.
“Even though cameras have evolved and now you have multiple lenses... that’s how it started, and we want to keep to its roots,” Kellie added.
It’s important to know that the festival is not a competition and there are no prizes. It provides
an opportunity for filmmakers to have their work shown to audiences in a theatrical setting.
One young filmmaker whose work will be featured in the festival is travelling from Victoria with
his family to attend, Kellie said.
Local writer, social commentator and self-confessed storyteller, Jen Cowley OAM, a strong advocate for the arts in all their forms, was honoured to be asked to cu-
rate the entries submitted to this year’s One Eye Film Festival and chose the final line up.
“I’ve been going to the film festival for some time, and I’m always astonished by the diversity of the films and where people contribute from,” Jen said.
“It was a really tough gig, because we have had submissions from not only all over the region, but all over NSW, Australia and internationally.
Her experience and interests guided her choice for the final 17 films for the festival program from well over 20 entries submitted.
“As a film goer, I was looking for a combination of entertainment and education and storytelling, because I’m a storyteller myself,” Jen explained.
“I tried to choose films that would connect with the audience on all those different levels: the creative aspect, the educational value, and also share entertainment.”
With mobile devices making it easy for everyone to tell stories and produce content for consumption nowadays, Kellie is quick to point out that quickfire content creation is for individuals to consume alone, while filmmaking is about screening a story to an audience of people in the same space
“The main differences [distinguishing filmmaking from general content creation] are storytell-
ing, creating for a live audience, and having a message or a question you’re asking someone watching,” Kellie explained.
Jen Cowley says it’s important for the wider community to support local creative initiatives like the One Eye Film Festival, which the organisers are putting on for community entertainment.
“I would just really urge people to get behind groups like this and come along on Saturday night. Come along, support it. Get down to Dubbo RSL and have a look at what people are doing in filmmaking,” Jen said.
Festival goers also have the opportunity to join Dubbo Filmmakers on the night - one of the cheapest creative organisations around at just $20 per year.
“We welcome everyone,” Kellie said.
“If you want to jump on board and just be part of a project, you’re more than welcome. We’d love to have you, or if you want to be on the committee and help drive the direction of the organisation, we’d also love to hear from you,” she concluded.
Doors open at 7.00pm on Saturday, November 22 for The One Eye Film Festival at the Dubbo RSL Theatre. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased via the link on the Dubbo Filmmakers website.
What can you tell us about yourself?
I’m a 30-year-old(ish) Botox, filler, lash and tattoo loving girl, but most importantly, I’m a mum of two – a teenage girl and a pre-teen boy. I’m their full-time taxi and banker.
Secondly, I’m a drug and alcohol Registered Nurse who specialises in opiate replacement treatment. I am very passionate about addiction and recovery. Thirdly, and my favourite (besides being a mum), I’m a singer/entertainer and perform in Dubbo and all around the central west. I’m late to absolutely everything except my gigs. I’m only organised when it comes to them but everything else is complete chaos, and no day in my life is ever the same.
I’m also a dog-mum to two blue cattle dogs and a nan to their baby.
I have ‘chaos’ tattooed across my hand because that is, has and will always be me. My only peace is when I sing!
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in between Dubbo and Newcastle. Mainly in Dubbo with my nan and pop (Jill and Pat Williams), and my dad, mostly known as Mouse Williams.
How long have you lived in Dubbo?
Basically, my whole life except four of my early years in Newy and one adult year in Sydney. I also moved to Newy for a short time after my big brother had an accident when I was in Year 9, but I lasted three months and came home to Dubbo when I knew he was ok.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Spare time is rare for me but I enjoy watching ‘my shows’, as they’re called in my house. Everyone knows if I’m watching my shows to leave me alone, LOL! So that includes Baddies, Joseline’s Cabaret, Love Island and Aussie Shore at the moment.
Absolute madness! My fiancé loads the car with my music gear. I doll myself up and then we head o and I sing at whatever venue I’m booked at. Sometimes we travel for hours. I very seldom have a night at home on a weekend.
During the day, I eat bacon and eggs without fail. Then catch up on sleep I have lost from the night before and get ready to do it all again.
If my kids are home on a weekend, I still sing but try to gig in town. Along with that I am at dance comps during Eisteddfod season, footy during winter, and usually have extra kids here!
I also work out every day in the little time I do have but I always get it done.
My age will show here but I love a mopped floor and a glass house candle burning, so I clean in my spare time too. After the tragic loss of my big brother in May this year, I make sure I do a lot of self-care as a part of my grief process and healing, so I get my mani, pedi and lashes done every three weeks or earlier if needed and FaceTime my beautiful family in Melbourne a lot.
I also learn new music in my spare time so my gigs don’t get repetitive or boring.
If you could do anything and be anywhere, what would you be doing?
Realistically, I would be back in Bali in a heartbeat. I love that place. It’s where I think I will retire. My big dream – which I’m working on – is to go to the country music capital, Nashville, Tennessee. I would honestly be the happiest girl in the world to go there.
If I could have a single moment in time (which I know I can’t) I would go to heaven and spend some time with my brother. I would do anything to just have five more minutes with him and also visit my pop and grandad.
What does your usual weekend look like?
Come Sunday nights, it’s quiet time and again ‘my shows’, LOL.
What would you be lost without?
My family, especially my nan and dad, my phone, my WiFi (the kids would be a nightmare), my friends and my Subway cokes.
What music do you like to listen to?
Country! I was raised on good old country and western by nan and pop. I do, however, love 2000s R&B and all the new country coming out now.
I love all music from Adele to Tupac and Blink 182, but country has my heart always. I just don’t like repetitive sound and techno… it’s a hard no!
Favourite song of all time?
I have two, Carolyn by Merle Haggard and I have just discovered Winning Streak by Jelly Roll.
If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you bring with you?
My phone, a Subway coke with extra ice, and a blanket. I imagine it would be cool of a night, which would bother me, LOL!
What is your all-time favourite movie?
Scream, number 1. I watch it as my comfort movie A LOT!
Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?
Still singing and performing, still reversing the signs of ageing with lashes and Botox and filler, LOL. Partying with my kids, who will be 23 and 22.
Still being a super cool aunt to my nieces and nephews, who are my world, happily married and healthy, with everyone around me healthy.
I would also like to start a foundation that advocates for equal rights for motorbike riders on Australian roads.
Is there a business you’d like to do a shout out for?
It would be silly not to do my own! So @musicbyemwilliams. I’d also like to do a shout out to Captured by Kait because this girl is a sister to me. She has been by my side through my huge loss and all my changes and loved me anyway.
PHOTO: DUBBO PHOTO NEWS
By DAVID DIXON
LATEST happenings around local government include concrete steps (as it were) to revive the proposed but ill-starred Indoor Sports Hub project via a new working group; plus council’s front office staff recently bagged a double reward for hi-tech innovation and service quality at a national award ceremony.
Reviving $50M project from the ashes
BIT of a dog with a bone, council is not giving up on its defunded Indoor Sports Hub that promised so much for the region, but which was unceremoniously canned late last year by the NSW Government.
Latest news is that a “working party” has been formed for the project with their first meeting held recently.
Mayor Josh Black famously got into a bit of a public shouting match with the NSW Sports Minster, who ultimately pulled the promised $48.6 million for the project over alleged cost blow-outs, multiple delays, and “scope revisions”.
The Mayor says, however, that with the first meeting of the Dubbo Regional Indoor Sports Hub Working Party it’s now time to look to the future, adding that the rationale for such a regional facility has not diminished.
“No, we haven’t given up on it, neither has the community,” Cr Black told Dubbo Photo News this week.
“The need for this indoor sports facility that dovetails in with diversionary programs for at-risk youth is so great that everyone in this region knows it needs to be built,” he believes.
The wide-ranging group was created from a Notice of Motion from His Honour at the July Ordinary Council meeting.
“This large and diverse group of stakeholders from right across western NSW has been established to continue the fight and lobbying for government funding to see the construction of this vital community infrastructure,” Cr Black said.
“The Indoor Sports Hub and PCYC is a vital part of the social fabric of Dubbo and the wider western region. While the building would be the indoor multisport facility for the whole region, it would also include a larger PCYC where more diversionary programs for at-risk youth could be run.”
He said that the proposed state-of-theart and futuristic-looking facility, is exactly the type of infrastructure that neglected western parts of NSW deserve.
“Sydney-based politicians don’t understand the vast distances that rural kids have to travel if they want to participate in sport, and they certainly have no comprehension that kids miss out on participating because the travel is too much.
“Everyone in western NSW knows that almost a year ago this funding was removed by the NSW Government, but this new working party to lobby for the return of the funds shows that, as a community, we aren’t giving up on seeing the Indoor Sports Hub and PCYC built,” Cr Black said.
Members of the working party include representatives of PCYC NSW, Netball
NSW, Basketball NSW, other state sporting bodies, Dubbo Sports Council, Alliance of Western Councils covering 13 councils, Regional Development Australia, local businesses, Dubbo Chamber of Commerce, Dubbo Aboriginal Lands Council, and members of a number of sporting associations and community groups.
Not seeking to pour more fuel on the fire following the funding abruptly being pulled late last year, Cr Black believes that now is the time to look at the project’s ultimate merits, cooly and objectively,
“It was just a disappointing decision, that was all,” Cr Black said.
“The Indoor Sports Hub will be transformative infrastructure… it’s about meeting the region’s growing needs for inclusive sport, youth engagement, and social wellbeing; we’re committed to making it happen,” he concluded.
A recent announcement from the NSW Government of funding for youth programs in the bush - including for Moree, Bourke, Brewarrina, Coonamble, Walgett, Tamworth and Kempsey - highlights the need for more investment in rural youth in country areas.
Double gold for greet-the-public team
NOT one, but two awards were recently presented to DRC’s front office crew at a recent Australia-wide prize night.
This involved the “Customer Experience Team” being announced as winners for both “Innovation of the Year” and “Team of the Year” at the 2025 National Customer Service Awards held in Ballina on the North Coast.
The group won their innovation award for utilising a Webchat Co-Pilot program, which supports the digital “front-door” by integrating in-person experience with hi-tech information services, community, manager, Tammy Pickering said.
The Co-pilot system provides staff with immediate access to centralised knowledge when staff deal with the public, Ms Pickering explained.
“We are always looking for ways to improve our services to our community, and the Webchat Co-Pilot system represents our commitment to the development of digital services, while also keeping our face-to-face service a priority,” Ms Pickering revealed.
Launched earlier this year, the program has delivered a number of benefits with operators able to handle twice as many chats at the same time, while ensuring the community receive the most updated information.
“It means that our customers are enjoying faster, clearer, and more-personalised service, powered by intelligent technology and delivered by real people,” Ms Pickering said.
The Customer Experience Team were also announced as the winners of the Team of the Year category for 2025.
“In 2024 the team received a highlycommended in this category,” Ms Pickering said.
“So, it was very exciting to receive the top award this year,” she concluded.
By SHARON BONTHUYS
NOVEMBER 20 - which just happens to coincide with publication day this week for Dubbo Photo News - is National Celebrants Day right across Australia and its territories.
If you don’t know what a celebrant is exactly, there’s a clue in the word itself: it’s a person who helps the community celebrate, officiate at and or commemorate occasions that are often milestone events in people’s lives, the most popular of which include births, marriages and deaths.
There are also different types of celebrants, including civil, religious, and state and territory officers who conduct marriages, and general (unauthorised) celebrants who conduct non-legal ceremonies like funerals, commitments, reaffirmation of vows and baby naming ceremonies.
Celebrants do not need to be authorised to officiate at events involving births and deaths, but do need special training and federal authorisation to marry couples in Australia.
Several local authorised civil celebrants from Dubbo and surrounds gathered last weekend ahead of their industry’s national day to reflect on their time in the industry and where it may be heading.
Peter Woodward, authorised since 2018, said one of the biggest changes to emerge recently was the increase in celebrant numbers locally.
“I think we had six [civil celebrants] when I started, and it’s now doubled,” he said.
Brides wanting to incorporate new wedding trends into their ceremonies and celebrations has also increased over time, he said.
Helen McLean, who has been marrying couples for over 30 years in Dubbo, said she would
love to do a “singing wedding” one day.
“I’ve done funerals where I had to dance them out. And I loved it,” she said, recalling leading the congregation out of a funeral to the 1981 pop hit “[Hey] Mickey” by Toni Basil - at the express request of the deceased.
Wendy Shepherd, authorised in 2022, said the paperwork required to be completed by marriage celebrants was a lot more than she had expected.
“Of course, there’s a lot of admin, and there’s a lot of planning and writing the ceremony and liaising with the client. So there was a lot more of that than I thought coming into it, but it’s turned out to be the part I really enjoy,” Wendy said.
The newest celebrant in the
DUBBO and surrounding areas are spoilt for choice with venues for weddings and other ceremonies, celebrations and commemorations.
In a future issue, Dubbo Photo News will explore some local venues in more detail. For now, here’s a sneak peak in pictures!
group is Mandy Ellis from Binnaway, authorised in early 2024. While weddings in the area have been slower than she expected, Mandy also performs funerals and is in demand locally in that space.
“I wasn’t planning on doing funerals because I thought I would cry,” Mandy said, admitting she doesn’t cry at funerals but may shed a tear at a wedding.
For this journalist, who has been authorised for 21 years, the biggest change I have observed in the industry over the years is the rise of the “infotainment” aspect of weddings, and the change in conflict of interest provisions that now enable authorised celebrants to do other things like be a wedding MC or provide wedding decor - something expressly forbid-
den back in 2004.
All of the celebrants at the Dubbo catch up perform funerals. Peter and Helen, both retired, perform a lot of funerals, as does Mandy, while it’s a relatively new space for Wendy and a growing activity for this journalist.
All agree that the work that goes into preparing for any type of ceremony is not clearly understood by the community, who generally only see the end result of the celebrant’s creative efforts.
Each one loves what they do and work hard to ensure their clients get the best possible service, be that a wedding, a funeral or any other type of ceremony. They also actively mentor each other and provide support so they continue to learn and grow their skills and knowledge.
“To keep this connection and networking with your fellow celebrants, it’s important,” Wendy concluded.
Note: Sharon Bonthuys has been an authorised celebrant in Australia since 2004.
Some quick stats…
In late July, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released its latest marriage figures, revealing that 120,844 marriages were registered in Australia in 2024.
This was two per cent higher than the 118,439 marriages registered in 2023, but five per cent lower than the record high of 127,161 marriages registered post-pandemic in 2022. More than 55,000 marriages in 2024 occurred on a Saturday.
NSW led the country with 39,659 marriages in 2024 - over 7000 more than Victoria and 16,000 more than Queensland.
Sadly, the ABS did not reveal how many of the 120,000+ marriages were conducted by Commonwealthauthorised civil celebrants as opposed to o ciants in state/territory registry o ces and courthouses, and representing religious institutions. In past years, civil celebrants have o ciated at approximately 80 per cent of marriages in Australia, and it’s likely this trend continues.
In the Dubbo area, 148 marriages were solemnised in 2024 according to the NSW Department of Customer Service on behalf of NSW Births, Deaths and Marriages. Of those, 128 were solemnised by civil celebrants. In the region, Dubbo has 12 authorised civil celebrants, 27 ministers of religion across 12 recognised faiths, and one state authorised o cer at the Dubbo courthouse.
In surrounding areas there are three authorised civil celebrants in Narromine, and one each in Trangie, Geurie, and Binnaway, and just six religious o ciants from recognised faiths in Narromine and Geurie.
JUST like Christmas only comes around once every year, so too does Narromine’s late night shopping experience.
Tomorrow night, Friday, November 21, is the night of nights for the growing community almost 40km west of Dubbo. It’s definitely worth the drive to see the town’s bricks and mortar businesses - and a few mobile ones - shine a light on local enterprises during the annual one-nightonly late night shopping experience.
“This is your night to shop local, support local and celebrate with friends, family and neighbours,” announced the Narromine Business Collective on social media.
The festive atmosphere will include live music, free face painting and activities for the kidlets, and a display of classic cars along Dandaloo Street, the community’s main street.
As our map graphic shows, courtesy of the Narromine Business Collective, participating businesses on Dandaloo Street are highlighted so you won’t get lost exploring the town centre.
Local stores selling clothing, homewares, and homemade art and crafts will be joined by local cafes and other businesses for late night shopping. It’s the perfect opportunity to buy local from locally run businesses if you’re looking for a last minute gift for end-of-school celebrations, Christmas, festive season birthdays and anniversaries, or something special for your nearest and dearest.
In addition, the Narromine Men’s Shed will be open, and if you know what good things that volunteer-run organisation does, you’ll know they have a treasure trove of pre-loved items just waiting to find a new home.
Narromine is also home to the popular
Drover’s Choice Saltbush Lamb business, and their mobile truck will be selling their delicious lamb and gravy rolls.
Santa has been scheduled to make an appearance on the night so if you or your kidlets would like to see That Man In Red, get on down to the Christmas tree near the centre of Dandaloo Street at 5.30 pm.
It will all be waiting for you in Narromine this Friday night, November 21, so pack up the kids, grab your neighbours and friends and head on out to Narromine for their once-a-year Shop Local late night shopping experience.
It will certainly be worth the drive.
By DAVID DIXON
WHILE the lull before Christmas has traditionally been known in the cut-throat world of Australian politics as “the killing season”, the recent resignation of the NSW Nationals’ leader, our local Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders, seems very much a personal decision.
Saunders’ announcement came out of the blue earlier this week, on Monday, November 17, surprising many in political circles as well as across his strong regional following.
Issuing a short statement on his resignation, Saunders said: “For the past two and a half years I have had the privilege of leading the NSW Nationals - today I am stepping down from that position.
“It’s a difficult decision but it is the right time for me to take a step back and focus more on my family and myself,” he went on.
“I will continue to serve the people of the Dubbo electorate as their local member,” Saunders concluded.
The former radio host took over the top job for the country-based party soon after the Coalition defeat in the last State election.
Showing the changing of the guard in our growing multicultural bush towns and communities, the new NSW Nationals’ leader is the Member for Coffs Harbour, Gurmesh Singh, who has a Sikh religious background.
Seniors are invited to enjoy a free morning tea and to enjoy Christmas themed performances
Date: Monday, 1 December 2025
Time: 10 30am - 12pm
Venue: Wellington Civic Centre, Swift Street, Wellington
RSVP: 9am - 4pm Mondays to Thursday
RSVP Phone Number: 6801 4476
RSVP before Thursday, 27 November 2025
inform us if you have any serious food all f you need assistance to access the venu port for a limited number of seniors to tra will be available Please request whe
l e i ra ergies or from Dubbo w V
By SHARON BONTHUYS
RESIDENTS of Chelmsford Street, Dubbo, awoke to a nasty surprise on Monday morning this week: at least a trailer load of trash dumped unceremoniously on the verge near the intersection with Wingewarra St.
The trash, which included two distinctive Woolworths shopping trolleys, a broken chair, mats, and bags of rubbish, with a broken pram and additional rubbish in another spot several metres away, was left on the railway side of Chelmsford Street, a popular connector route between the Mitchell Hwy and Wingewarra St.
The area is also heavily used for parking when football carnivals are on, according to local resident Matt, who has lived in the area for more than 30 years.
Matt said the dumping happened sometime on Sunday night, November 16.
“I didn’t hear anything and my security camera [vision] doesn’t reach that far,” he said.
He was concerned that the stiff wind on Monday morning and presence of foraging local birds could potentially spread the mess even further along the street before it could be removed.
Matt was waiting for Dubbo Regional Council to open to let them know about the illegal dumping when he spoke to Dubbo Photo News
A spokesperson for the council told Dubbo Photo News on Monday, November 17, that a request has been logged to remove the illegally dumped rubbish and it would be picked up as soon as possible.
“Illegal dumping of rubbish can impact our region in many ways,” the spokesperson added.
“It causes environmental harm, it poses a safety risk, and it’s unsightly. It also has a financial impact on council, with illegally dumped rubbish costing a significant amount to remove. This is money that could be better spent elsewhere.”
STEPHEN Lawrence, Duty MLC for Barwon, Bathurst, Cootamundra, Dubbo and Orange, has welcomed the NSW Government delivering on its election commitment to make renting fairer by improving rental laws and strengthening community safety for renters.
Victim-survivors of domestic violence will have greater power to leave unsafe homes and protect their privacy under sweeping tenancy reforms recently passed by the NSW Parliament. Under the new laws, victim-survivors can:
y Nominate a landlord or agent to notify other co-tenants that they are ending their lease
y Change locks without landlord consent
y Recover their share of rental bonds from any co-tenants
y Reject liability for property damage caused by domestic violence Landlords and agents will also need to meet new requirements when publishing
photos or videos which reveal victim-survivors’ personal belongings.
The changes also crack down on unfair tenancy database listings by strengthening the existing ban on listing victim-survivors and introducing a simpler process to remove incorrect entries.
Combined with other rental reforms, including a ban on no-grounds evictions, making it easier to have pets in rentals and rent increase caps, these laws make the rental market fairer and safer for those who need it most.
Mr Lawrence said improving rental laws will also improve community safety.
“No one should have to choose between their safety and their home, and the government’s changes are making it easier for victim survivors to leave their rental home quickly and reduce risk of further financial harm,” he concluded.
Further information can be obtained via the NSW Government website.
RENOWNED lawyer, refugee advocate and champion of multiculturalism, Deng Adut, is set to deliver the keynote address at this year’s Orana Outlook Forum in Dubbo later this month.
Orana CEO Justine Campbell said it was an incredible opportunity to hear Mr Adut.
“Deng Adut’s story is truly inspiring,” said Ms Campbell.
“Mr Adut has overcome astonishing adversity, from his early life as a Sudanese child soldier turned western Sydney lawyer, refugee advocate and Australian of the Year, his harrowing tale of personal journey has evoked strong emotions and inspired millions across not just Australia but around the world,” she added.
Held at Lazy River Estate on November 27, the event by RDA Orana and The Welcome Experience Orana will bring together local leaders, community members and industry experts for a day of thoughtprovoking discussion on the Orana region.
Industry-leading guest speakers include Professor Barney Glover AO, Commissioner of Jobs and Skills Australia; Ashley Dunn, Founding Director of Dunn Hillam Architecture and Urban Design; Jane Donald, Director of Bob Berry Real Estate; Khushaal Vyas, from Multicultural NSW and Youth Law Australia; and Gargi Ganguly, Chairperson of ORISCON.
The forum will provide updates around regional housing, workforce, migration and more, providing a unique platform to exchange ideas, strengthen professional networks and explore new perspectives on the future of the Orana region.
For further information about the Orana Outlook Forum, visit the RDA Orana website. Tickets are available from Eventbrite.
War memorial is not forgotten, with conservation seed money
LEST we forget, we all solemnly declare on national commemoration days, with new funding for war memorials statewide - including $13,000 for Dubbo - aiming to ensure that maintenance for these sacred sites is not forgotten.
The $12,980 conservation grant to Dubbo Council for our local monument is essentially seed money to guide future conservation works at the site, Dubbo RSL Sub-branch President Shaun Graham explained.
“It’s absolutely essential that we get these restoration works done both internally and externally,” Mr Graham said. “So that we can maintain its original form from the past 100 years, and give it new life for the next 100 years of community commemorations,” he added.
The money is to ensure that the service and sacrifice of veterans are honoured, Dubbo Mayor Councillor Josh Black
echoed.
“As Mayor of Dubbo Regional Council, I have the great honour of being the custodian of the Dubbo War Memorial Cenotaph,” Cr Black said. “I thoroughly welcome this funding to guide future conservation works to ensure its longevity for the next 100 years.”
The grants are awarded to councils, RSL sub-branches and community groups in cities, regional towns, and rural centres, with 27 similar funding announcements statewide, former Dubbo Mayor and MLC Stephen Lawrence said.
“Our local war memorials are a source of powerful community pride that remind us of who we are and how the past has shaped us,” Mr Lawrence said.
Conserving and maintaining memorials like ours here in Dubbo is something that must be done and I applaud all those involved,” he concluded.
Strandbags in the Orana Mall are not just for the ladies, with plenty of styles, types, and brands of personal carrier for the lad in your life.
“We have plenty on offer, men’s satchels, wallets, shoulder, laptop, travel and carrier bags,” staffer Emily Kandelas said.
“We also sell plenty of genuine leather bags as well, that are highly popular,” she added.
For those with a touch of wanderlust, they’re also your one-stop-shop for all your holiday story needs, as well as some great specials on at the moment.
“That’s everything for your travel needs, bags, travel tags, luggage covers, which are like little raincoats for your luggage.
“We also currently have 30 per cent off leather and Guess handbags, one of our best sellers, they absolutely are!” Emily enthused.
She believes that a good handbag should survive a number of seasons and shouldn’t need replacing every year.
“Actually no, we have a beautiful selection of suede and leather handbags that will remain timeless.
“If you buy a good handbag, there’s no reason it won’t last and last,” she believes
Appreciating a good carry-all as much as the next girl, she admits that one of the reasons she loves her work at Strandbags.
“I’ve been a fan of leather from my teens, it’s one of the reasons why I love the handbags here.
“To be honest, I’m a bit of a handbag fan,” she laughed.
Emily also gave a shout-out to Strandbag colleagues, Andrew, Kate, and Lorraine, for their efforts recently during a particularly hectic time.
Emily argues that picking a bag with a strap that you are comfortable with is one of the key features of getting a bag that suits your style and practical needs.
For this, she said, look no further than their current favoured brand amongst all shoppers.
“Our Evity range is definitely our best-seller at the moment,” Emily said.
“It’s made from genuine leather and comes in a dazzling array of different colours, it’s very popular,” she concluded.
Strandbags is your one-stop shop
THE latest exhibition for a creative cooperative launched two decades ago, with the aim of bringing together local artists to develop professional practices and create opportunities to exhibit and sell their work, is being held later this month.
The Fresh Arts Inc ‘Masters Inspired’ exhibition promises a “captivating and timeless experience” during December, supporters say, with members from the region coming together to showcase works inspired by the great masters, past and present.
Ramien’s Timber Company will host the exhibition with an official opening in their Cobbora Road showroom on Friday evening, November 28.
The exhibition will then run throughout December, Heather Ramien from Ramien’s Timber Company said.
“We are thrilled to be hosting the upcoming Fresh Arts exhibition. Max and I have supported Fresh Arts in the past,” Heather revealed.
“Every member of the group has their individual style and preferred medium, so we’re excited to see their works and how the masters have inspired them,” she added.
Drawing encouragement from the greats, past and present, was an exciting challenge for the art-
Re-imagining the masters of the past in their new Fresh Arts exhibition; Sandra Gaffney in her studio working on ceramic pieces inspired by French post-impressionist Paul Gauguin. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
ists; witnessing how each interpreted these themes will be exciting in itself, Fresh Arts members and exhibitors Jayne Hutty and Sandra Gaffney said.
masters; not exact replicas, but personal interpretations and creative responses,” Jayne said.
“We warmly invite everyone to visit the exhibition, explore the works on display, and see if you can guess which artist or masterpiece sparked each creation,” she concluded.
Reflecting on her experience as a passionate student of art history and accomplished artist, Sandra believes that it is on these titans’ shoulders that future artists stood.
“The art we do today is built on a background of thousands of years of people producing art; both ancient and modern art is so inspiring, and its study develops us as artists,” Sandra said.
“Since we have such a great opportunity to study ‘the masters’, we thought that as a group we could take up the challenge to produce our own works that are inspired by artistic masters,” she revealed.
“The theme for this exhibition was inspired by a conversation Sandra and I had about the value of studying, emulating, and responding to the great masters of art,” Jayne said.
ists of today and tomorrow,” she added.
In this, they saw the chance to re-imagine some of the great artistic works of history.
“Their iconic works, which many of us first encountered through art history books, continue to offer endless lessons for art-
“We saw this as a wonderful opportunity for our members to step beyond their comfort zones and create pieces inspired by these
Fresh Arts was founded in 2004 with the aim of bringing together local artists to develop professional practices and create opportunities to exhibit and sell their work. Members organise a variety of exhibitions each year, as well as create dates and workshops for skill development.
For further details, follow Fresh Arts on social media.
Your green-lid FOGO bin takes all your food scraps including bones, sh and dairy.
By placing food scraps and garden waste in your green-lid bin you are keeping it out of landll. It is also turned into a rich compost that can be used on parks, gardens and sporting elds.
Play your part in diverting waste from landll. Remember only food scraps, garden waste, and nothing else should go in your green-lid bin.
Scan the QR code to nd out more about domestic waste.
DUBBO WORKS is highlighting the excellent career and learning opportunities the Dubbo region o ers. To contribute ideas, email dubboworks@dubbophotonews.com.au phone 6885 4433
HELPING locals with disabilities or injuries and other health conditions to prepare for, find, and keep a job is the aim of a new service provider office in the district.
Community service organisation Social Futures recently launched its Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) program at a new location in Dubbo, aiming to service the wider regions and provide outreach to Wellington and Coonabarabran.
The IEA program is a $5.5 billion Commonwealth initiative that replaces the Disability Employment Services program, offering more personalised, responsive, and inclusive employment support for people with disability, injury, or health conditions.
Through the IEA program, Social Futures assists participants to build their capacity for work, actively look for employment, and engage in tailored training and support aligned to their individual goals, needs, and circumstances, CEO Tony Davies said at the opening.‚ÄØ
He added that the organisation is proud to be part of this “new chapter for employment services in the Orana and Patterson Employment Service Areas” from their newly-opened office at 137 Macquarie St.
“We’re pleased to be expanding our service offerings in regional NSW, where we will work together, to help people with disability, injury or health conditions to prepare for, find and keep a job,” Mr Davies said.
“We will work to support local people, listen to their goals, and help open doors to meaningful employment that builds confidence and independence,” he added.
The organisation will also support local employers to create inclusive recruitment and workplace practices.
Taronga Western Plains Zoo (TWPZ) is seeking to employ casual food and beverage sta to support its hospitality team across many locations at the iconic, award-winning central west zoo.
Sta will work at the Café Wild and Waterhole Café, with the opportunity to cross-train in events and support the Zoofari restaurant. Flexible shift arrangements from Monday to Sunday provide applicants with
a range of work opportunities and the ability to pick up extra shifts if desired.
The zoo is looking for people able to fulfil the general duties of food and beverage, including cleaning, taking orders, customer service, barista duties, food safety responsibilities and more, with a commitment to high standards of customer service. For more details about the role and how to apply, visit the TWPZ website.
THE official opening of MAAS Group’s new Southlakes Land Sales Office and Brett Harvey Display Home in Dubbo kicked off earlier this month with a party for locals to come along and enjoy.
The event on Saturday, 8 November, began with a short formal ceremony and ribbon-cutting, with speeches from John Grey, General Manager, Residential Real Estate, at the MAAS Group, and Home Building Manager Clint Haley.
Both highlighted the milestone as a reflection of Southlakes’ continued growth and MAAS Group’s long-term investment in the region.
Following the formalities, the event transformed into a lively community block party, with families enjoying a free barbecue, petting zoo, face painting, showbags, and the large construction trucks and dozers from the site on display.
The event drew strong attendance from local residents and community groups, creating a vibrant atmosphere that captured the true spirit of the
Southlakes Estate, John Grey said,
“It was fantastic to see so many familiar faces come together to celebrate this milestone,” John enthused.
“The Southlakes community continues to grow, and this new Sales Office and Display Home are key steps in our commitment to creating a connected and thriving neighbourhood,” he added.
The celebration also provided the perfect opportunity to share an update on The Village, Southlakes, the estate’s upcoming retail precinct.
Construction is now underway on the neighbourhood shopping centre, which will be anchored by Coles and include specialty retailers, with limited retail slots still available.
Scheduled to open in mid-2026, The Village will form the commercial heart of Southlakes, delivering everyday convenience and connection to the growing community.
The new Southlakes Land Sales Office is located at 10 Stream Avenue, Dubbo, and is now open to the public for land and development enquiries.
Thumbs Up to Kristy and Jordie at Big W for their fantastic help on Wednesday evening a couple of weeks ago. Their very capable service was truly appreciated!
Thumbs Up to the Devil’s Hollow Brewery. I just love it! Has to be my favourite place in Dubbo and I can’t wait to introduce it to visiting family and friends.
Thumbs Up to the Outback Dragons dragon boating club. So excited to think we have that activity out in the middle of NSW. Go you good things!
Thumbs Up to DubboPhoto Newsfor featuring equestrian stories in the sports pages. It’s good to read about what locals have been doing in the sport.
Thumbs Up to the team at Dubbo SportsPower for great service, sta and products. I’ve been buying stu there for years and will keep on coming back.
Thumbs Up to whomever was responsible for the Garage Sale Trail. We don’t know who, but we’re thankful! We went to so many garage sales and really enjoyed ourselves.
Thumbs Up to all the teachers in Dubbo. You have the hardest job in the world and we appreciate every single one of you.
If you’d like to send in a Thumbs Up story or photos to our In Focus page, email photos@dubbophotonews.com.au. Please include a caption with each photo letting us know the names of people pictured. We also prefer the originalsized high-resolution versions of contributed photos. They always look much better in our paper.
THE popular Return and Earn scheme for recyclable glass, metal, and plastic drink containers is now taking to the skies for a high-flying charity, 10 cents at a time!
Dubbo Regional Airport will donate the proceeds from all bottles and cans collected through specially signposted bins to Little Wings, the NSW, ACT, and Queensland charity that provides free flights for seriously-ill children and their families in the bush.
Called “Fuel Our Planes”, the local initiative was recently launched in Dubbo by Little Wings CEO Clare Pearson.
“Every 20 bottles returned equals one litre of aviation fuel, and every litre helps us
keep families connected and supported during their most difficult times,” Ms Pearson said.
“We hope this campaign inspires the local community to get involved, recycle, and make a real difference for local families,” she added.
Little Wings connects regional families with the lifesaving medical care they need in the city’s children’s hospital network and brings them home to recover.
With Dubbo Regional Airport being one of Little Wings’ busiest operational hubs, hosting daily flights to and from city hospitals, the partnership is a natural fit, she believes.
Branded Little Wings recy-
cling bins at the airport will encourage travellers, staff, and the community to contribute their bottles and cans to “fuel a mission”, and reduce the financial burden, emotional stress, and travel fatigue experienced by families caring for seriously-ill children.
Ms Pearson also acknowledged Dubbo’s St Vincent de Paul Society’s (“Vinnies”) Return and Earn volunteer team who will collect, recycle, and donate the cans and bottles to ensure that the fundraiser runs smoothly.
“We’re so proud to see Dubbo Regional Airport taking the lead in the region and helping us keep our planes in the air,” she concluded.
The chairperson of the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC), Cr Ray Kelly, said the organisation will continue to advocate for Commonwealth First Nations Cultural Heritage reforms.
In a statement last week, Cr Kelly said NSWALC will advocate for reforms that uphold protections, promote inclusivity and self-determination, respect local Aboriginal communities’ authority over Country, and ensure reforms do not weaken rights under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 (NSW).
“Aboriginal Culture and cultural heritage are not just artefacts from the
past - they are living and exist within people and Country,” he said.
“Matters of Culture and cultural authority are complex, sophisticated and deeply nuanced. They cannot, and should not, be determined by non-Aboriginal mechanisms, laws or structures.”
NSWALC has long advocated for the establishment of an Aboriginal Community-controlled Culture and Heritage mechanism, one that empowers its Land Rights Network and Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALC) to make decisions while upholding the fundamental principles of
self-determination.
“Community input into cultural heritage cannot be on a self-identification basis, but it also cannot be exclusionary. Non-Aboriginal, non-community decision-makers simply cannot navigate the depth and complexity of these cultural matters,” Cr Kelly added.
Cr Kelly said LALCs play a critical role, helping navigate Community and Cultural complexities, and identifying the right people to speak for a place and Country at all times. “While these structures do not have cultural authority themselves, they should have a
voice to take action on behalf of their members, communities and people to protect cultural heritage from harm,” he said.
“It has and always will be up to us to protect this, and that will not change. We stand by our LALCs on this.
“We will continue to work with and support our communities to protect our cultural heritage and advance our rights. We stand ready to work with willing parties to achieve a better future that celebrates and elevates our Culture,” Cr Kelly concluded.
BULKY PICK UP SORTED
Having a spring clean? Book your bulky rubbish collection service. This service is available to residents with a two or three bin service.
Residents can place up to one box-trailer of rubbish on the kerbside the Sunday before their booked collection date.
The pre-booked bulky rubbish collection service provides residents with the flexibility to book the service throughout the year. To book visit dubbo.nsw.gov.au
Plus, a variety of regional produce products that can be gifted on their own and bundled with something else. EXTENSION
We’re extending the submission period for the draft housing strategy, allowing you to get your thoughts together and make your submission count. Submissions are now open until Monday 8 December, 2025.
This is your chance to help shape the future of housing in our Local Government Area. Have a question? Ask the team directly at yoursay.dubbo.nsw.gov.au
Students aged 15 to 18 and their families are invited to come along to the 2026 Minokamo Sister City student exchange program information session on Monday 1 December at 5:30pm at the Western Plains Cultural Centre. Students will hear about the program from previous participants and receive information about the application process.
Residents interested in chaperoning are also encouraged to attend.
We welcome your news, ideas & photos: email newsroom@narrominestar.com.au mail 5/33 Hawthorn Street, Dubbo phone 02 6889 1656
By SHARON BONTHUYS
THE patron of Narromine Aero Club, Anne Elliott, has been recognised by the national governing body for gliding in this country, Gliding Australia, as a recipient of one of several awards at its recent annual general meeting (AGM).
Involved with gliding for many decades, Anne, now an octogenarian, received the JR Muller Award – Promotion and Marketing for her tireless support as a volunteer promoting the sport of gliding nationally and internationally.
“Few people celebrate gliding with the passion and consistency of Anne Elliott,” the award citation read.
“As an administrator of multiple gliding Facebook pages, Anne shares daily stories, news, and historical treasures with audiences across Australia and internationally.
“Her social posts have become a beloved fixture in the gliding community, helping broaden our reach and spark enthusiasm for the sport among pilots and non-pilots alike,” the citation concluded.
Anne’s award was announced at the Gliding Australia AGM on November 12, and is one of several that recognise pilots, volunteers, engineers, administrators and promoters for their contributions to the gliding community. Other
awards announced included:
• Bill Iggulden Award – Services to Gliding as a Volunteer –
By SHARON BONTHUYS
YET another burnt out car has been dumped in bushland in the vicinity of the Narwonah silo, south of Narromine.
The local area off Narwonah Siding Road – immortalised on the first Australian tenpound banknote produced in 1913, which featured a scene of wheat carting in the area – has become a dumping ground for burnt out vehicles and other rubbish, according to concerned locals.
The Rural Fire Service (RFS) reported attending a reported vehicle alight incident on Narwonah Siding Road on the evening of Wednesday, November 5, arriving to find the fire already extinguished, a spokesperson for the agency told Dubbo Photo News Narromine Shire Council will consider clean up options and potential prevention strategies for the area, which is not far from the Inland Rail Materials Distribution Centre site and proposed council industrial
precinct.
General Manager Jane Redden encourages the community to be vigilant and to report illegal dumping (RID) via the NSW Environment Protection Authority’s RIDonline website, or by contacting the council.
“Council would like to remind everyone that illegal dumping is a crime and offenders can be reported and fined,” Ms Redden said.
“Illegal dumping threatens both the quality and appearance of our environment and poses a risk to human health and wildlife.
“Hazardous materials such as asbestos and chemicals can lead to soil and water contamination, fire hazards, and toxic exposure. Even garden waste and weeds can cause serious harm – they can invade bushland, reduce biodiversity, and hinder natural revegetation efforts,” she added.
“Fighting illegal dumping is a constant community effort. Together, we can protect our community and environment.”
posthumously awarded to the late Beverley Matthews
• Ryan Award – Services to Airworthiness – awarded to Ben Terrell
• Hoinville Award – Services to Operations – awarded to Justin Fitzgerald
• Wally Wallington Award –Services to the Sport of Gliding –awarded to Nick Gilbert.
“Each year, the Gliding Australia AGM gives us the opportunity to pause, reflect, and celebrate the individuals who life our sport higher through dedication, innovation, and service,” Gliding Australia announced on social media.
“It is a huge honour.”
It’s not the first time Anne has received the JR Muller Award. She received it first back in 2009 and that award is proudly displayed in the Narromine Aviation Museum.
Quietly spoken Anne was very surprised to learn from Gliding Australia that she had won the award again.
“I am so honoured and humbled to be included [in the awards],” she told Dubbo Photo News
“I’d like to thank all the people and clubs that I post about for sharing their experiences [with me],” she added.
A well-known quiet achiever on
the local aviation scene in Narromine, the patron of the Narromine Aero Club has a very long connection with the Narromine aerodrome and all things aviation.
Arriving from England as a small child in 1950 and introduced to the local aerodrome by her late father, it was 1990 before Anne discovered her true passion for the sport, training with Soar Narromine and taking her first solo flight a year later. She and her beloved life partner and fellow pilot Keith Dixon, who passed away in August 2021, purchased a vintage 1960 glider and the sky became their second home.
Anne has also volunteered as Secretary of Orana Soaring/Narromine Gliding Club for a decade and in 1999 became sub-editor of the Gliding Australia magazine –a role she held until 2011. She was also the first female president of Narromine Aero Club and is a past secretary of the Narromine Aviation Museum.
In September 2023, Anne was announced as the patron of the Narromine Aero Club – only the third female in the club’s almost100-year history to take the helm, joining Joan Shepherd and the legendary Nancy Bird Walton in the honorary role.
By SHARON BONTHUYS
THE Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission has confirmed it is currently investigating a greyhound compliance matter at a Narromine property.
Earlier this month, a concerned resident contacted Dubbo Photo News alleging that more than 20 greyhounds were being kept in a tin shed on a property located off Dandaloo St in south Narromine, close to the central business district.
Our source expressed concern for the health and wellbeing of the animals allegedly being kept in a facility not designed to be a kennel, as well as the impact of their barking on residents living nearby and local businesses on Narromine’s main street.
The source told Dubbo Photo News complaints had been made to the Narromine Shire Council and the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission, but no action had appeared to have been taken.
This journalist attended the site three times between November 6 and November 13, and on two of those occasions heard dogs barking from inside the shed, but did not see any dogs or anyone onsite caring for the animals at those times.
Dubbo Photo News has also not been able to independently verify the alleged ownership of the dogs or the real estate firm involved in renting the shed in question, or how long the animals allegedly have been kept at the site, which is inside the Narromine urban area and is subject to the council’s comprehensive Keeping of Domestic Animals Policy.
In a statement, Narromine Shire Council General Manager Jane Redden said the council is aware of the matter and taking action.
“Council is aware of the issue and is li-
have allegedly been housed in recent weeks.
aising with the NSW Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission as well as the real estate agent to have the dogs removed from the premises,” Ms Redden said.
Under the Greyhound Racing Act (2017), the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission has regulatory oversight of all greyhounds in the possession of NSW greyhound racing participants, the agency told Dubbo Photo News in a statement.
“As the investigation is ongoing, the Commission cannot provide any further information relating to this matter at this stage,” it added.
“The Commission takes all allegations of wrongdoing extremely seriously and encourages anyone with greyhound welfare or racing integrity concerns to contact the Commission via phone on 13 49 42, by email at emailus@gwic.nsw.gov.au or filling out a confidential online form which can be found on its website at www.gwic. nsw.gov.au/welfare/report-a-concern,” the statement concluded.
The next Ordinary Council meeting will be held on Wednesday 10 December at Council Chambers commencing at 4:00 pm.
ROAD CLOSURES and ROAD SAFETY
All road updates, traveller information and personalised alerts for all NSW roads including Narromine Shire Council’s roads please visit www.livetraffic.com/ Up to date road closures and information is available 24/7 on livetraffic.com or by phoning council or via social media channels. Motorists are reminded to proceed with caution on all roads. For any further information about Narromine Shire Council’s roads go to www.narromine.nsw. gov.au/residents/road-conditions
VEHICLE SAFETY DURING HARVEST
2025
Council is reminding all road users to be extra cautious over coming weeks and months and to take extra care when driving around heavy vehicles and trucks. Council urges all motorists to be alert on roads and at rail level crossings during the grain harvest.
DRIVE SAFELY THROUGH ROADWORKS
With multiple road improvement projects currently underway across the Shire, Council urges all motorists to exercise caution when approaching and driving through roadwork zones. Please reduce your speed, remain alert for hazards and be prepared to stop when required. It is essential to follow all signage, adhere to the designated speed limits and comply with directions from traffic controllers. The safety of both drivers and road workers depends on responsible and attentive driving.
NARROMINE SHIRE COUNCIL SOCIAL PLAN SURVEY
Narromine Shire Council’s Social Plan Survey is now open. Your feedback helps Council understand community needs and identify gaps in local services. To complete the survey go to Council’s website www. narromine.nsw.gov.au
COUNCIL REWARDS POLICY
Narromine Shire Council’s Vandalism Rewards Scheme encourages residents to report vandalism to Council property. The policy offers rewards of up to $5,000 for information leading to legal action, including convictions or formal warnings. For more information, visit: www.narromine.nsw.gov. au/council/policies To report vandalism or suspicious activity, contact NSW Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000. In emergencies, dial 000.
BUSHFIRE DANGER PERIOD HAS COMMENCED – 1st OCTOBER 2025
From Tuesday 1st October all residents in the Narromine Shire Local Government Area must obtain a fire permit if you wish to light a fire on your property. Permits are free and can be easily obtained at www.rfs.nsw.gov. au/notify and ‘Apply for a Fire Permit’. For more information about permits visit: www. rfs.nsw.gov.au/BFDP Further information on obtaining a permit contact the Orana
Fire Control Centre by phoning 6881 3900 during business hours.
NARROMINE REGION’S SHOP LOCAL CAMPAIGN
The 2025 Narromine Region Shop Local Campaign has commenced! Spend $20 or more at participating retailers. Look out for the Shop Local flags, entry forms and entry boxes located across the Narromine Region and take part in supporting the Narromine Region’s local economy. Everyone is eligible to enter the draw and to win one of four $250 gift vouchers. Winners will be drawn in December. Visit the Narromine Region, it’s worth the drive!
PUBLIC EXHIBITION
Council at its Extraordinary Meeting held 1 October 2025 resolved that the Draft Code of Meeting Practice 2025 be placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days, inviting written submissions for a period of 42 days. Submissions will therefore close Wednesday, 19 November 2025. The document is available to view by visiting Council’s Customer Service and Payments Centre or online at www.narromine.nsw.gov. au/council/public exhibition
NARROMINE & TRANGIE AQUATIC CENTRES OPERATING HOURS
For season passes and pool bookings go to: thriv3-aquaticcentres.square.site/contact us For further information or general enquiries, please contact the management team on (02) 6889 1508 or via email at Pools@ THRIV3.com.au.
Narromine and Trangie Aquatic Centres has commenced the 2025 swimming season
Operating Hours:
Narromine Aquatic Centre
Monday to Friday: 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Weekends: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Trangie Aquatic Centre
Monday to Friday: 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Weekends: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Early Morning Swimming
6:00 am – 8:00 am at both Narromine and Trangie Aquatic Centres
REGISTER AND MICROCHIP YOUR PET
There are legal requirements to microchip your pets by a certain age, but did you know you also have to register your pets? Registering your pets can give you the ability to assign and update your pets’ details if you move addresses, change contact details or in the case of a change of ownership. Working dogs do need to be microchipped and registered, though registration is at no charge. Find out more about keeping your best mate safe by visiting: www.petregistry.olg.nsw.gov.au
NARROMINE VENETIAN CARNIVAL AT DUNDAS PARK
Wednesday, 10 December 2025 from 5:30pm – 8:30pm. Bring the whole family along for an evening of fun and entertainment at the Narromine Venetian Carnival. Enjoy a fantastic line-up of FREE kids’ activities, Christmas markets, Lions Club fundraisers and a great selection of food vans serving up delicious treats. Don’t miss this wonderful community event – a perfect way to celebrate the festive season with family and friends!
CELEBRATING VOLUNTEERS 2025
Narromine Shire Council invites all volunteers and volunteer-driven organisations from Narromine, Trangie and Tomingley to a morning dedicated to the incredible volunteers who tirelessly support our community. Join us on Friday, 28 November 2025, at 10:30 am - Council Chambers 124 Dandaloo Street Narromine. RSVP is a must please call Council on 6889 9999 or email mail@narromine.nsw.gov.au
MEET & GREET NARROMINE SHIRE COUNCILLORS
Wednesday 19th November 2025 at Narromine USMC from 5:00 pm. Drop in to have a chat and connect with Narromine Shire Councillors
EVENTS COMING UP IN THE NARROMINE REGION
21 November – Shop Local Late Night in Narromine
29 November – Volunteers Morning Tea, Council Chambers at 10:30 am
2 December – Mobile Service Centre, outside Men’s Shed Dandaloo Street , Narromine from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
3 December – Mobile Service Centre, outside Men’s Shed Dandaloo Street, Narromine from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
10 December – Narromine Venetian Carnival, Dundas Park commencing at 5:30 pm
11 December – Lifeline Accidental Counsellor Training 10:30 am – 3:00 pm Narromine USMC for more go to lifelinecentralwest.org.au/event/ac_ narromine_11dec/ thanks to Lifeline Central West
11 December – The Brain Berner in Narromine – with Peter Berner. Teams of up to 8 people $10 pp for more information visit: /events.humanitix.com/the-brainberner-night - thanks to Lifeline Central West
Narromine & Trangie Libraries have activities for everyone throughout the year - don’t forget to find out what’s going on in your local library by visiting: www.mrl.nsw. gov.au/
Make sure to visit www.narromineregion. com.au/calendar to list your event or just to see what is coming up in the Narromine Region.
This council column has been produced by Narromine Shire Council for the benefit of residents of Narromine, Trangie, Tomingley and surrounding areas. Jane Redden, General Manager
Get into the festive spirit and support local at the Narromine Region’s Shop Local Late Night on Friday, 21 November. Enjoy an evening of extended trading in Narromine. Christmas shopping and community cheer as Narromine retailers open their doors late, with special offers and super gift ideas.
of the scenes at
The Remembrance Day service in Wellington on November 11 was well attended. Dubbo Photo News is pleased to publish some more of the photos taken by Colin Rouse at the event in Cameron Park, organised by Dubbo Regional Council.
THEY’RE a traditional Australian yuletide favourite, but few locals would know the key role that Wellington club founding member, Cedric Wilson, played in the very first Lions Christmas cakes and puddings.
Originally made by the Australian Big Sister brand for 50 years, the Lions Christmas Cakes and Puddings program has raised more than $70 million for Lions Australia since 1965.
Yet it was all the brainchild of foundation member of Wellington Lions, Cedric Wilson who, at the time, was a representative for the then-icon Aussie cake company.
This titan of the Lions movement had been raised on Sydney’s leafy North Shore in the 1920s and 1930s, before signing up to serve his country soon after the start of World War II. There he saw action in Singapore and in other theatres of the Pacific, before rising to the rank of Lieutenant with the Australian Army by the end of hostilities in mid-1945.
According to an obituary published in the Wellington Times of Wednesday, April 7, 1993, entitled
“Lions Christmas Cake founder dies”, it was during his post-war career as a traveling salesman, that brought him to the sunny west.
“On returning to civilian life, he became a ‘Knight of the Road’ and travelled over most of the Central West, North West and Far West of the state as a representative for the Lipton Tea, Big Sister cakes, and finally for Tooheys Brewery, until he retired due to ill-health in 1981,” the obituary read.
The article noted that, like many from his selfless generation, he devoted much of his spare time to helping others.
“As a member of the Western Travellers Cot Fund, he was instrumental in raising a lot money for the Camperdown Children’s Hospital.
“In November 1957, he became a charter member of the newlyformed Wellington Lions Club, and was very involved in the early years of the Lions, having been president of his own club on two occasions and also being a Zone Chairman and DDG (District Development Group) at District level.”
Working for Big Sister, then based in Sydney, he conceived of the idea that would marry the festive season and fundraising for a very good cause, the story noted.
“It was while he was with Big Sister, that he performed his greatest service to Lions.
“It was his vision and persistence that persuaded the management of his firm - Big Sisterto undertake the manufacture of the Lions Christmas Cake, a new
money raising project for Lions.
“This is now the greatest money raising effort of the Lions Clubs of Australia, and is known as ‘Buy a cake, save a sight’,” the article said. With Big Sister closing operations a decade ago, the cakes and puddings have now been taken-up by Traditional Foods, a company in Victoria.
The obituary also lists other achievements of this selfless and upright symbol of another age, including serving on positions with Wellington Swimming Club, Lake Burrendong Sailing Club, and Apsley Bowling Club, as well as being: “a loving husband and a very special father and grandfather to his five children and 10 grandchildren”.
With more than $5 million raised each year from the sale of nearly 500,000 cakes and puddings across Australia and the funds donated to community projects, such as blindness prevention, disaster relief, youth programs, and aged care, this is a wonderful legacy, for a great man.
Ground-breaking planning reforms aimed at speeding up the construction of homes in NSW have been hailed as generational, but some critics say serious environmental concerns are being brushed aside.
The reforms passed in the NSW parliament with overwhelming bipartisan support last week and were crucial in accelerating housing approvals, state Planning Minister Paul Scully said.
Only six homes are built per 1000 people in NSW, compared to eight in Victoria and nine in Queensland, he said.
“What we’ve been able to achieve... is an update and revamp to a near 50-year-old planning act,” Mr Scully told reporters afterwards.
“Over the last nearly 50 years of that act, decisions of the courts, regulatory decisions of government and other policy decisions... have built up like layers in the system,” he said.
Mr Scully blamed upper house delays for being unable to say precisely when the suite of changes would be rolled out and residents would see an eff ect in their suburbs and towns.
But he reiterated NSW’s determination to meet its 377,000-home share of the national housing accord.
First passed in 1979, the state planning act has been the foundation of the housing, infrastructure and energy delivery pipeline informing decisions about new and existing developments.
But decades of tweaks helped balloon wait times in recent years to 114 days in 2024, despite the number of applications lodged compared to 2021 falling by almost one-third.
A Development Coordination Authority will be a single front door for advice on major projects across NSW government agencies, while the three-member Housing Development
Authority will fast-track new housing developments valued at more than $60 million.
But some critics fear the authorities make it easier for fossil fuel projects to be green-lit.
Current wording opened the door to the minister declaring greenhouse gas emissions and climate change impacts were not relevant in the assessment of coal-mine expansions, critics say.
Legalise Cannabis Party MP Jeremy Buckingham, along with the Greens, unsuccessfully tried to pass an amendment in the upper house that ensured climate change cannot be considered ir-
relevant in planning decisions.
“This is clearly something that has to be considered as we commit to net zero by 2050... it is a factor that must be considered forever and a day, regardless of who is in the ministry,” he told parliament in October.
But Environment Minister Penny Sharpe said the inclusion of climate change and natural disaster resilience as new objects or underlying purposes of the act underscored their importance.
“With this new object, a regulation could not be made to unilaterally make climate change or a natural hazard an irrelevant consideration,” she said in re-
sponse to Mr Buckingham.
Other objections from local councils in Sydney’s urban heartland have also been raised that infrastructure could lag behind by overriding local planning processes.
“There are already declared proposals for approximately 7500 dwellings beyond Parramatta’s current planning framework sitting with the (Housing Development Authority),” Mayor Martin Zaiter said.
“If these are approved, we would have a significant infrastructure deficit.” - AAP
From meal prep to cooking implements and space-hogging appliances, is your kitchen looking cluttered and messy? One excellent way to regain control of your space is to give your counters a clean sweep. Try these three practical space-saving tips:
1. Install shelves and hooks
If you’re in the habit of keeping a bowl of fruit, cooking oils or frequently used utensils on the kitchen counter, try moving them to an attractive wall shelf. For a touch of sophistication, why not install a row of hooks or a kitchen rack to hang your pots and pans? These touches will instantly give your kitchen a more upscale appearance and give your countertop more breathing room.
2. Switch to magnetic wall surfaces
A magnetic wall or well-placed
backsplash – over the stove, for example – is an excellent storage option for your kitchen. Knives and other metal utensils will stick to it like magic, as will metal spice jars. This simple solution will clear up your counter space in a fl ash.
3. Add new furniture pieces
Many home furnishing stores off er a wide selection of rolling serving carts or moveable kitchen islands. These furniture pieces provide additional workspace, as well as built-in shelving or bins to enhance your storage capacity. Why not take advantage of that versatility?
Follow these tips to gain extra counter space and enjoy a less stressful cooking experience. Talk to an interior designer in your area to find the right solutions for your kitchen.
Selling a property involves a timeline spanning from decision-making to successful transfer. Let’s explore the stages briefly.
Property Preparation: Preparing a property for sale takes time, involving repairs, tidying, decluttering, and refreshing. This can range from weeks to months, depending on needs and urgency.
Selecting an Agent: Choosing an agent for marketing and selling is crucial. Research and interviews may take a few weeks to find the right fit.
Marketing Campaign: After selecting an agent, they craft a marketing campaign with photography, videos, styling, and online distribution. The aim is to generate interest and competition.
Sales Campaign: Listing the property triggers open homes and inspections. The initial 14 days are vital for attracting interest, but time to an offer varies based on home type, price, and market.
Negotiations and Contracts: Serious buyers lead to negotiations. Offers are received, and you can accept, negotiate, or reject based on your needs. Accepted offers lead to a contract of sale, setting terms and timeframes.
Settlement: After accepting an offer, you and the buyer sign a contract with common settlement periods of 30, 42, or 60 days, though this is negotiable. For guidance in buying or selling property and understanding your local market, connect with an agent who cares about people and their stories.
You can contact Karen Chant on mobile 0448 191167 or email karen@chantandco.com.au
When it comes to truly original home decor, nothing beats a cohesive blend of styles.
The Western Gothic trend is perfect proof –it’s a style that doesn’t appeal to everyone, but that’s what will help make it unique if it’s a style that appeals to you!
Here’s how you can integrate it into your home.
Create contrasts
At first glance, you may not believe that western and gothic could go together. However, the contrast created by blending their signature elements achieves an eff ect that is both rustic and enchanting.
• Western elements. Look for wooden furniture and faux animal-skin or animal-print rugs. Decorative features like a cow skull, equestrian-themed fabrics or a cactus will really play up the cowboy aesthetic.
• Gothic elements. Choose a darker colour
palette and heavy velvet draperies. Stainedglass windows like those you’d find in a church will ramp up the drama for a striking impact.
Push the limits
Do you want to go all in on Western Gothic? Here are a few more ideas to help you achieve a truly striking decor:
• A vintage daybed with faux fur cushions
• Cabinets with light-coloured wood and copper-finish faucets
• Faux marble busts placed on shelves made of recycled hardwood
• Black ceramic bathroom tiles accented with small artisanal objects
Western Gothic lets you have fun creating a decor to reflect your dynamic personality. Visit your local home decorating stores to find what you need.
If your goal is to grow your wealth and strengthen your financial stability, investing in real estate is an excellent strategy. Here are a few tips for getting started.
Analyse market trends
Check out expert opinions and industry databases to gain a better sense of current market conditions, the types of buildings with the greatest profit margins and the most desirable locations. You may want to take a real estate course to gain a better understanding of these resources and tools.
Choose a type of investment
Let your research guide what type of building you buy. You may be able to turn a quick profit by fl ipping the property –the strategy of buying a property, renovating it and reselling it for a profit, typically within a
short timeframe – but it can be a stressful process. An unit in an apartment building could provide a stable income, but you’ll need to find and manage tenants. Determine your budget
How much money can you invest? What is your borrowing capacity? Planning is essential! In addition to the purchase price of the property, be prepared for renovation costs and taxes. Depending on your financial situation, you may want to prioritise a certain type of investment, such as residential or commercial.
Real estate investment can be an exciting adventure, but starting out can be stressful. Because this article is providing general information, talk with a real estate expert or financial advisor for personalised advice.
and Reuben Proberts
Born: 10/11/25
Weight: 2650g and 2670g
Parents: Rhiannon and Jacob Proberts
From: Dubbo
Sibling: Ameah (2 ½ years)
Grandparents: Rodney and Pamela Ney, Adam Proberts and Kerry Lee
Ava Louise Stewart (F)
Born: 8/11/25
Weight: 2870g
Parents: Luke and Alana Stewart
From: Dubbo
Sibling: Mia (2)
Mason Edward Rayamajhi (M)
Born: 10/11/25
Weight: 3100g
Parents: Amy and Ross Rayamajhi
Grandparents: Carolyn and Steve, Michelle and Garry
Great-Grandparents: Barbara and Gordon
If you’d like to send in a photo of your newborn to feature here, email photos@dubbophotonews.com.au.
Siblings: Matthew (15) and Maya (14)
From: Dubbo
Grandparents: Ken and Jane Dunkley,
Please include your baby's details, as seen on this page, as well as your daytime contact number in case we have any questions. We prefer the original high-resolution versions of contributed photos – they always look much better in our paper!
Congratulations to year 11 advanced maths on your nomination for the class of the week!
This group is an absolute joy to teach. Their strength is in their collaboration, the way they work together as a team to solve problems.
The advanced course is a very demanding one and a huge jump from year 10, but they have handled every setback with resilience and a determination to improve upon past performance. Well done on all of your achievements, 11MAD2D!
How old are you? 4
What do you like about yourself? I am a good bike rider. What are you good at?
Helping Mum and Dad do the groceries. What type of food do you love the most? Chocolate cereal.
What is the best dream you have ever had? I was in Paw Patrol
Do you have a favourite word? 'Stinky'. Haha. What makes you laugh?
Saying the word 'stinky'!
If you got to be a parent for a day, what would be your number one rule? Always be a super hero!
If you could do anything for the day, what would it be? To teach swimming lessons because they are so much fun.
What pet would you love to own? A dog called Polly Pocket.
Send in a photo, details and a short birthday wish, and your special birthday child will be elligible for a FREE kids doughnut to help them celebrate! Send entries to: myentry@dubbophotonews.com.au Entries must be in by 5pm Friday the week before.
Two sausages in a pan. One says to the other ‘it is a bit hot in here!’ The other replies ‘ahh talking sausage!’
Because they are always stuffed.
Why are teddy bears never hungry? Knock, knock. Who’s there? Figs. Figs who? Figs the doorbell, I’ve been knocking forever!
Orana’s Volunteer of the Year finalists are packing their bags and heading to Sydney to join around 300 of their peers to see who will be named the NSW Volunteer of the Year for 2025 at a gala event in Sydney on Thursday, December 4.
The local volunteers were selected earlier this year as regional finalists for the statewide volunteer awards in one of 25 local ceremonies covering all parts of NSW.
The Centre for Volunteering CEO Gemma Rygate urged people from across the region to show their support for their local finalists.
“Volunteers help make communities stronger, healthier and more resilient. They’re worth their weight in gold and we need to let them know how proud we are of their efforts.”
The Orana Volunteer of the Year finalists for 2025 are:
• Orana Young Volunteer of the Year: Pearl Blackburn from Cobar
• Orana Adult Volunteer of the Year: Ramesh Sharma from Dubbo
• Orana Senior Volunteer of the Year: Kerry Frost from Dubbo
• Orana Emergency Volunteer of the Year: Christopher Milne from North Yeoval
• Orana Volunteer Team of the Year: National Association for Loss and Grief from Dubbo.
Award winners will be announced across seven categories, including the inaugural NSW Emergency Volunteer of the Year, and the 2025 NSW Volunteer of the Year.
The NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are hosted by The Centre for Volunteering and supported by Principal Partner, the NSW Department of Communities and Justice, regional awards sponsor Beyond Bank and supporters, Sixt and Etchcraft.
Sharma - 2025 Orana Adult . Volunteer of
Year.
dint,
during, gird, girt, grid, grin, grind, grit, INTRUDING, inuring, riding, rigid, rind, ring, ruin, ruing, ruining, tiding, tiring, trig, tuning, turgid, turning, unit, uniting,
ARIES: After achieving a significant milestone or completing a major project, make sure you take time to bask in your success. You’ll be enthusiastic about sharing this achievement with those around you and organise a celebration to mark the occasion.
TAURUS: You must stay focused and double down on your e orts to avoid any delays this week. However, remember to carve out moments for relaxation and enjoyment to recharge your batteries and maintain your e iciency.
GEMINI: If your family is scattered across the country, you have two options for getting everyone together for the holidays: take a road trip to visit each family member or plan a trip together.
CANCER: You’ll be an expert negotiator and communicator this week, which will help you secure funding for a professional or personal project. However, be aware that the fear of disappointment could impact your confidence.
1. Sardinia is an island belonging to which nation?
2. The spirit Ariel appears in which Shakespeare play?
3. What makes up 60 per cent of the human brain?
4. The song Norwegian Wood appears on which album by The Beatles?
5. Which prince governed the United Kingdom as ‘Regent’ during the years 1811–1820?
6. ‘Stay gold, Ponyboy, stay gold’ is a famous line from which novel?
LEO: You’ll experience resounding success this week, especially if you work in sales. Your ability to attract new clients will likely lead to a promotion. Your keen attention to detail will give you that extra edge that sets you apart.
VIRGO: Being able to give a polished presentation could play a crucial role in your success at work. Your wit may help you win over your superiors. In your love life, let your passion guide your commitment and help build a stronger connection with your partner.
LIBRA: You must address family issues directly as they come up. Avoiding them could lead to confusion. You may also have to bring work home with you some evenings this week.
SCORPIO: Your strong communication skills will help you naturally expand your professional network. You’ll never be short on conversation topics at work this week. You’ll easily forge new relationships.
SAGITTARIUS: You may be surprised to find some money you forgot about tucked away in an old
jacket from last year. In your love life, prioritise open communication; this will help you receive more love and a ection.
CAPRICORN: You’ll be bursting with energy this week and will start planning your holiday parties. You may come face to face with some of your emotional baggage. Take a moment to relax and focus on your well-being to clear your head and feel more at ease.
SENTIENT
AQUARIUS: Speech is silver, silence is golden. You thrive creatively when you’re calm. You’ll enjoy the comfort of your home this week, whether you’re designing a work of art or devoting yourself to a rewarding spiritual practice.
PISCES: Take the time to reevaluate friendships and consider letting go of those that take too much of your energy. Purge your social circle to make room for new connections. You’ll have the opportunity to develop valuable friendships with your work colleagues.
The luckiest signs this week: Pisces, Aries and Taurus.
7. The common barbel is a species of what?
8. What literary movement began as a reaction to the rise of bourgeoisie and 18th-century romanticism?
9. True or false: champagne is only produced in the Champagne wine region of France?
10. Starring Julia Stiles (pictured) and Heath Ledger, the 1999 movie 10 Things I Hate About You was based on which Shakespeare play?
Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down.
PINBALL
POKER
PONG
POOL
PYRAMIDS
RISK
SAMBA
SHOGI
SIMS
SKAT
SNOOKER
SPADES
SPORE
TAG
TETRIS
TWISTER
WII
YAHTZEE
Place each of the tiles of letters into the blank jigsaw below to create four
Insert each number from 1 to 9 in the shaded squares to solve all the horizontal and vertical equations. Multiplication and division are performed before addition and subtraction.
By KEN SMITH
23rd November 2019
Gone are the days we used to share
But in our hearts, you are always there
The gates of memory will never close
We miss you more than anyone knows
With tender love and deep regret
We who love you will never forget
Always your loving husband
Jack xx
Passed away 12th November 2025. Aged 84 years. Late of Dubbo.
Dearly loved wife of Adrian (dec).
Loving mother of Karen, Michael, Jamie and Jodie.
Cherished Grandma of Rebecca, Adriana, Robert, Julia, Andrew, Sonia, Daniel, Henry, Yasmin, Tom, Logan, Hamish and Lewis.
Adored Grandma of her greatgrandchildren and great-greatgrandchildren.
Betty’s cremation service will be held in the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Brisbane Street, Dubbo commencing at 10.30am Tuesday 25th November 2025.
Funeral arrangements are in the care of The Abbey Funeral Home Dubbo 02 6881 8988
LORNA RILEY
23rd November 2019
There is always a face before me
A voice I would love to hear
A smile I will always remember Of a mother, I loved so dear
Deep in my heart lies a picture
More precious than silver or gold It’s a picture of my mother
Who’s memory will never grow old
Forever loved & missed
Leanne xx
Narromine Shire Family Health Centre is seeking a suitabe person to join our established medical practice in
Meals on Wheels Dubbo Inc. Will be held at 5.00pm on Tuesday 25 November 2025 in Maureen McKay Room at Meals on Wheels Dubbo office, 3/74 Mountbatten Drive, Dubbo.
Please RSVP by Friday 21 November on 68824083.
Medical Receptionists ensure all patients receive excellent service in a professional and caring environment. They are aware that confidentiality is of utmost importance. The Medical Receptionists work collaboratively with GPs, Practice Nurses, Allied Health Professionals, other Medical Receptionists and Management.
Narromine USMC are looking for staff in all areas of our business.
We are continuing to grow & seek interest for the following roles:
· Bar staff- work with a friendly & experienced team, great hourly rate. RSA/RCG required, experience preferred but not essential. Perfect place to learn.
· Casual cleaner required, ideal for semi-retired person looking to remain in the workforce.
· Kitchen staff- Food prep/wait staff/ wash up duties.
If any of these positions are of interest & you
If you can find our Face In the Crowd, you could win a $80 voucher to spend
endofthemonth.Allentriesreceivedduringthemonthgo intotheonebigdraw.Thefirstcorrectentrydrawnwins.
Bamara Fairy Tale Ball: Saturday, December 6, 5.30–10.00pm, Dubbo RSL Auditorium (178 Brisbane St). $60 General Admission, $40 Concession. Fancy dress and magical costumes, catered, DJ and dancefloor. Contact: Kendall Stone, KStone@bamara.com.au.
Dubbo District Concert Band: Join the Dubbo District Concert Band on Sunday, December 7, for their Christmas Concert to be held at St Brigid’s Hall, Brisbane Street. Doors open at 1.30pm, showtime 2pm. Entry is gold coin donation.
Dubbo Violence Prevention Collective: Reclaim the Night march through Dubbo CBD as part of 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence, followed by guest speakers and service stalls at Church St rotunda. Friday, December 5. Contact Matt 0439 509 042.
Geurie Lions Club: Christmas Markets, November 29 at Wise Park, Mitchel Highway. For enquiries and booking, call Peter 6846 6353.
Akela Playgroup: Wednesday, 10.30am (Scout Hall), Thursday 9.30am. Akela St, Sharna 0438 693 789.
Alcoholics Anonymous: Friday 7pm AA Mtg(ID Mtg), Sun 7pm AA Mtg(Steps & Traditions)
Dubbo Community Health, Palmer St. Contacts (Fri) Dee 0417 422 750), (Sun) Sally 0427 829 807. Mon 12pm Daily Reflections Mtg. Wed 7pm Topic Mtg. St Brigid’s Catholic Church rooms, 198 Brisbane St. Contacts (Mon) David 0417 063 087, (Wed) Ian 0447 176 590. Info 1300 222 222 www.aa.org.au.
Book Shop run by Wellington Lions: Open Thursday to Saturday 10am to 2pm in Kimbell’s Kitchen, diagonally opposite Wellington Information Centre. Lots of preloved books, DVDs, CDs most only $2. Also jigsaws available. Di erent stock coming in all the time.
Catholic Healthcare – Dementiafriendly day respite: Mon-Fri, 9am4pm. A caring day away from home with engaging activities, trained sta , nutritious meals, and a safe, social space promoting independence and wellbeing. Kelly 0478 282 588.
Dubbo Arts & Crafts Society
Cottage: 137 Cobra St, Thursday, 10am3pm (when red flags out, shop open). Contact 6881 6410. Friday, 10am - Spinning and Weaving, Anne 0408 891 225. Saturday Art, Ellen 0427 827 851. Monday, 10am-3pmPatchwork, Lyn 0429 635 489. THIRD Tuesday and FOURTH Thursday of month, 10amSilver Craft, Julie 0418 976 663. Dubbo City Bowls: Dubbo North RSL Sporties. Wednesday morning (9.30am) and Thursday evening (6pm) social bowls –casual dress. Saturday morning bowls 10am (bowls attire). Carmen McDonald 0408 335 074.
Dubbo Croquet Club: Sunday, play from 6.20pm. Tues/Wed/Thurs/Sat, play from 8.20am. Wednesday night, training from 7.00pm. Croquet courts, Brisbane St, North Dubbo. Charles Campbell, Games Captain, email croquet.dubbo@gmail.com. Kate 0409 927 140, Lillian 0429 471 921. Dubbo Pickelball: Sessions held on Monday (6pm), Wednesday (5.30pm), Friday (8.30am and 6pm), Saturday (5.30pm), Sunday (8am). New players welcome. For details, contact Greg 0411 265 485. Dubbo Community Men’s Shed Inc: Mondays 9am-1pm and Thu/Sat 1pm-5pm. Small joining fee after three visits. All men are welcome, Peter 02 6881 6987. Dubbo Embroiderers: Saturdays, Macquarie Regional Library - 10am-3pm. SECOND and FOURTH Tuesday of the month, Dubbo Bridge Club, Elston Park, Bultje St Dubbo - 9.30am-3pm. All are welcome. Patricia 0439 846 400.
Heart Support Walking Group: 12.30pm, Tuesday and Thursday, Ollie Robbins Oval, Cnr of Bligh Street. Supports gentle exercise promoting healthy hearts, contact Ray 0437 541 942.
Line Dancing: Thursday 9:30am-12pm. Wednesday 6:30pm-8:30pm. Greek Hall cnr Gipps and Roper Sts Dubbo. All welcome, no experience needed. $10/class, first class free. dubbolinedancers@gmail.com or Trudy 0423 189 849.
Narromine Community Women’s Shed: 10am-3pm, Monday and Wednesday, The Wesley Centre, 138 Dandaloo Street, Narromine. Contact Dawn 0407 891 745. West Dubbo Bowls: Social Bowls Wednesday and; Barefoot Business Bash on Wednesday nights; Club competitions on Sundays. Full information can be obtained from Anthony at Club Dubbo on 6884 3000 or bowls@clubdubbo.com.au.
Wellington Lions: Thursday, Friday and Saturday, books, jigsaws, DVDs and CDs available 10am to 2pm in Kimbell’s Kitchen, (diagonally opposite Wellington Visitors Information Centre) 27 Warne Street Wellington, run by Wellington Lions who have all sizes of Lions Christmas cakes and puddings available as well as cold drinks.
THURSDAY
Above Board Gamers: SECOND and FOURTH Thursday of the month, 6pm, Devil’s Hollow Brewery. Alan 0432 278 235. Badminton: 7.30pm-9.30pm, Delroy High School Auditorium, East Street, West Dubbo, $5 to play, $22 insurance ($20, school students). Chris 6887 3413. Bingo – South Dubbo Veterans & Community Men’s Shed: 11am12.30pm, West Dubbo Bowling Club. Barry 0439 344 349.
Co ee, Craft and Chat: 9.30am-12pm, Gospel Hall, Cnr of Boundary Road and Taylor St. Anne 0428 425 958.
CWA Dubbo: FIRST Thursday of the month, 9.30am-11am, Oak Tree Retirement Village Peel Street, Dubbo. Marion 6884 2957. CWA Wongarbon Handicraft: SECOND
Thursday of the month, Liz 0401 174 883.
CWA Wongarbon: FIRST Thursday of the month, 10am, Wongarbon CWA rooms. Marjorie 6884 5558.
Family History Society (Dubbo & District): 1pm-4pm, volunteers on site during these hours, Western Plains Cultural Centre Community Arts Centre, Cnr Wingewarra and Gipps St Let’s Walk together: 10am Thursdays weekly meet at Regand Park near the Walkway Bridge. Everyone is welcome. Supported by the Heart Foundation. Contact Jimmy at Connecting Community Services 1800 319 551.
Macquarie Masons Dubbo: SECOND
Thursday of the month. All visitors are welcome, John O’Brien 0405 051 896.
Outback Dragons Dubbo: 5.45pm (in summer), Sandy Beach amenities block. Come and try dragon boating, your first fi ve paddles are FREE. info@outbackdragons. com.au, Robyn 0427 462 504.
Wellington Arts and Crafts: 10am3pm, Small Hall in the Anglican Church grounds, Wellington, variety of crafts, activities and workshops o ered. Dorothy 0408 601 066.
FRIDAY
Catholic Healthcare – Mind + Move: Fridays – Remain Active 9-10am. Fun, movement, and connection in a supportive space. Kelly 0478 282 588.
Central West Makers Place: 12pm6pm, South Dubbo Veterans and Community Men’s Shed, Cnr Palmer and High Streets. 3D printing, robotics, pottery, and more. Adam 0431 038 866.
Community Kitchen: FIRST Friday of the month, 6.30pm, Holy Trinity Hall, Brisbane St, free meal.
Dead End Co ee Club: Narromine’s own “death cafe” discussing end of life issues to improve death literacy meets on the FIRST Friday every month at Platform 11 Cafe, Burraway St, Narromine. FREE. Enquiries: Kaz Hamilton 0437 897 148 or Shaz Bonthuys 0401 153 100.
Dubbo Nepalese Christian Fellowship: 6.30-8pm. Cyrel 0416 826 701, Kabita 0452 406 234.
Dubbo Parkinson’s Support Group: FIRST Friday of each month, 10.30am, Horizons village, Minore Road, Dubbo. Marsha Isbester 0427 373 842.
Holy Trinity Kids Club: For ages 6-12 years. Holy Trinity Hall – 158 Brisbane Street. 4-5.30pm. Every 2nd Friday – School Term. Phone Justin 0411 250 760 for more information.
Lunchtime Prayer Group – Dubbo Anglican Church: 1-2pm in Brotherhood House, 158 Brisbane Street. Bring your lunch.
Narromine Food Barn: 8.30am-11am, Low-cost groceries, fruit, vegetables and FREE bread with any purchase to people in need. Geo Smith 0427 895 447.
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. 0459 762 702. Western Plains Trefoil Guild: SECOND Friday of each month, 10.30am, Orana Gardens round house. Please confirm the meeting will be on. Dorothy 6884 6646.
Beekeepers Inc – Orana: SECOND Saturday of the month, 9.15am, Narromine Tennis Club rooms, unless other arrangements are made. orana.secretary@beekeepers.asn.au
Bridge Club – Dubbo: 1pm-4.30pm, Bultje Street. Cost: $7 members, $9 nonmembers. 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, 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 table, proceeds to CWA. Hilda 0427 471 270.
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 nonmembers. Libby 0428 254 324.
Dubbo Slot Car Racing Club: FIRST and THIRD Saturday of the month, 4pm, Seniors (15+), old Scouts Building, 189-191 Talbragar Street, across from Aldi. Terry 0408 260 965. Family History Society (Dubbo & District): 10am-1pm, volunteers on site during these hours, Western Plains Cultural Centre Community Arts Centre, Cnr Wingewarra and Gipps Sts. Narromine CWA: Co ee catch up first Saturday of each month (contact for venue as it changes), and meeting on second Wednesday of the month from 5.30pm at USMC. Sharon 0401 153 100.
Orana Writers’ Hub: First Saturday of the month, 10am-1pm. Music Room, WPCC. Patchwork and Quilters Group: 9am, SECOND and LAST Saturday of the month, Dubbo Pipe Band Hall, Cnr Darling and Wingewarra Sts. Charlene 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: 12.30pm, Paramount Tennis Club courts for enjoyable social tennis. All welcome 0437 824 743.
Seventh-day Adventist Church Bible Study: 9.30am, Sabbath School and children’s/youth Sabbath School, 11am, Divine Service. Cnr Cobra and Sterling Sts. dubbo.adventist.org.au
Talbragar CWA: First Saturday of the month. 45L Boothenba Road, Dubbo commencing at 2pm. Will be 90 this year! October meeting will be a regular meeting and AGM. More information - Ronda 0419 275 223. Transition Dubbo Food + Film Night: For information about future events.
Peter 0439 091 767.
Wellington Diecast Model Car Collectors Club: First Saturday of the month from 2pm at 25 Clive St, Wellington. Enquiries: Michael Gallop, 0435 745 464.
Wellington Rotary Markets are on the fourth Saturday of each month at Cameron Park, except December and January. All welcome.
Australian Kite Flyers Society: SECOND Sunday of the month, 10am, Jubilee Oval. 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, Sam 0429 826 076, dubbobug.org.au
Dubbo Acoustic Musicjam (DAMjam): SECOND Sunday of the month, 2pm-5pm, Milestone Hotel, upstairs. Join acoustic sessions 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: 9.30am. 6pm only during school terms. 251 Cobra Street (next to Spotlight). Come along and discover if church is still relevant in today’s world. Everyone is welcome. 6884 2320.
RSL Combination Bowls: Held at Sporties Club on Sundays, new and casual players are welcome and can call on 0419 248 520 or contact the club for more information. Players’ names to be in by 9am for a 9.30 start.
Dubbo Ducks: We swim on Sunday at 9am at Dubbo RSL Indoor Pool. For information, contact Henry Wilcockson on 0439 482 824.
Dubbo Pistol Club: 12.30pm, 143L Old Dubbo Road, 6882 0007.
Orana K9 Training Club INC: New intake every 7th Sunday, daylight savings start 8.45am, Eastern Standard time 9.45am. Orana K9 Training now training at Pioneer Oval, Howard Ave, West Dubbo. Reg 0428 849 877, Dianne 0429 847 380.
Orana Pistol Club: 9am, Hyandra Lane, Dubbo. Sundays only, 6887 3704.
RSL Combination Bowls: Sunday mornings, names in by 9am for 9.30am start. New or casual players are welcome. For details call 0419 248 520 or the RSL Sporties Club on 5820 0380.
The Write In: An opportunity for writers to sit in writerly companionship, writing. 3rd Sunday of the month. Dubbo library meeting room from 11.30.
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. David 0424 252 834.
MONDAY
Amnesty International Dubbo: SECOND Monday of the month, 5.30pm6.30pm, St Brigid’s meeting room. 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 313 “City of Dubbo” Squadron: 6pm9.30pm, Army Barracks (Cnr Kokoda Pl and Wingewarra St). NOW recruiting, 13 to 18 years, rewarding activities.
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 start, Wesley Community Hall, 66 Church St. Fun, a ordable dance for girls/ladies, 4yrs and up, all fitness levels. dubbocityphysie@live.com.au
Dubbo Filmmakers: Expressions of Interest. Short features movies and documentaries, shot on smart phones. Contact Sue 0455 255 137 after midday to find out more.
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.
RFDS Dubbo Support Group monthly meetings: FIRST Monday of the month, RFDS Visitor Experience, 5pm, 21 Judy Jakins Drive, Dubbo Airport. Jeanette Hamilton 0429 673 366.
Rotary Club of Dubbo: 6pm-8pm, Westside Hotel, Whylandra Street, West Dubbo. Lyn Wicks, 0428 342 374, Carla Pittman 0418 294 438 or dubborotaryclub@ hotmail.com.
Sing Australia Dubbo Choir: 6pm8pm, Bridge Club, Bultje Street. NO auditions, no requirements to read music and no singing experience necessary. Contact Mandy Wheatland 0455 908 517.
Tai Chi 10 Form: 2.30pm-3.30pm during school terms at U3A, Community Arts Centre, WPCC, 76 Wingewarra St. Laney 6882 4680 or laneyluk@gmail.com.
Wellington Lions Club: Next meeting is on Monday, November 10, at 6pm in the Wellington Soldiers Memorial Club, with the AGM also scheduled before the meeting. Anyone interested is welcome to attend.
TUESDAY
Aboriginal Elders Walkabout Ministry Group: 9.30am-2pm in Holy Trinity Church Hall, 158 Brisbane Street. Dementia Sing Out Choir: Weekly 11am-12.30pm, Generosity Church, 51 Sheraton Road, Dubbo. Anne Gemmell 0481 396 404.
Depression Recovery Group: 10.30am, at the Catholic Parish Meeting Room, Brisbane St. Norm 6882 6081 or Sandra 0432 647 877
Dubbo Camera Club: Meet 1st Tuesday of the Month at Club Dubbo at 7pm. Everyone
02 6883
- 1800
is welcome to join. See FB page for more details.
Dubbo City Physical Culture Club: 5pm start, Holy Trinity Hall, Brisbane Street, Dubbo. Fun, a ordable dance for girls/ladies, 4yrs and up, all fitness levels. dubbocityphysie@live.com.au
Dubbo Chess Club: 7pm-9pm, at Dubbo RSL. Juniors welcome. Trevor 0424 225 323 and Babu 0422 877 165.
Dubbo City Ladies Probus Club: Meet on the second Tuesday of each month in the Masonic Village Hall, Darby Close at 10am. Marie Francis 0408 845 640.
Dubbo Lions Club Inc: FIRST and THIRD Tuesday of the month, 6.30pm, Club Dubbo. PO Box 285 Dubbo, Lois on 0428 288 325 or dubbolionsinc@gmail.com.
Dubbo Men’s Probus: FIRST Tuesday of every month, 11am, Masonic Hall. Bob Ellis 0428 217 752. Dubbo Prostate Support Group: For information about future meetings, Elizabeth 0408 682 968.
Dubbo RSL Euchre Club: 7pm, for 7.30pm, Dubbo RSL, Glen 0419 179 985 or Doreen 6882 6163. Family History Society (Dubbo & District): 1pm-4pm, Cnr Wingewarra & Gipps Sts, Western Plains Cultural Centre, Community Arts Centre.
Girls Brigade: During school term, 6pm-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. Orana Physical Culture: 4pm onwards, starts with 2-4 years Sparkles class, Auditorium at St Mary’s Primary School. See the Orana Physical Culture Facebook page.
Rotary Club of Dubbo Macquarie: 12.30pm2pm, Westside Hotel. Peter McInnes 0417 140 149. Rotary Club of Dubbo South: 6pm, at South Dubbo Tavern.
Sing Out Choir: for people living with Dementia, or other disabilities, their carers, family, friends and volunteer singers. Tuesdays, 11am–12:30 pm, Generocity Church, 51 Sheraton Rd, Dubbo. Contact Anne, 0401 944 387, or email anne@singoutchoir. com.au.
Smart Recovery (Behaviour Change Support Group): 5pm, online or in person. Rob 0417 497 187.
South Dubbo Veteran’s & Community Men’s Shed: 9am-12pm, Cnr of High and Palmer Streets. New members welcome.
Reach Out & Discussion Group for people with Eating Disorders: Expressions of Interest, Tuesdays. Venue TBA. 0455 255 137 after midday to express interest.
Toastmasters Club: FIRST and THIRD Tuesday of the month, 7pm-9pm, Dubbo RSL Club, Brisbane St. Sharon Allan 0408 156 015 or email sallan@rhdubbo.com.au
Women’s Wellbeing Walking Group: 10am Tuesdays fortnightly meeting at Victoria Park BBQ area. Women of all ages welcome. Kathryn at Connecting Community Services 1800 319 551.
WEDNESDAY
Ballroom Dancing: Wednesday 7.30-9.30pm $10. Wesley Hall Cnr of Carrington Avenue & Church Street, Dubbo. Graham Woods 0447 885 603. Blood Cancer Support Group: FIRST Wednesday of month, 10.30am-12pm, Venue changes each month. Louise or Emma 0412 706 785.
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.
Barry on 0439 344 349.
Cake Cupper & Cancer Support Group:
SECOND Wednesday of month, 2.30-4pm, Western Cancer Centre Dubbo, carer is also welcome. For patients having current cancer treatment. Megs or Fi 6809 6200.
Catholic Healthcare – Mind + Move:
Wednesdays – Gym Ball Drumming 12-1pm. Art 1.30-3.30pm. Kelly 0478 282 588.
Co ee, Craft & Chat: FORTNIGHTLY, 10am12pm, Gospel Chapel on Boundary Road. Anne 0428 425 958.
CWA Dubbo Evening Branch: THIRD
Wednesday of the month, 6pm, 3 Frith Street. Barb on 0409 159 556.
CWA Narromine: SECOND Wednesday of the month, 5.30pm, USMC. Carolyn 0427 747 478.
CWA Terramungamine: SECOND Wednesday of the month, 10am, Dubbo RSL Club. Barb 0427 251 121.
CWA Wellington Branch: SECOND
Wednesday of Month, 10.30am, Wellington CWA Rooms, Warne St, Wellington. Marion on 0429 033 836.
Dementia Friendship Group: SECOND
Wednesday of month, 10.30am, Western Plains Cultural Centre, Creo Cafe, Wingewarra St. Anne Gemmell 0481 396 404.
Dubbo Anglican Church Trinity Kids
Playgroup: 10am-12pm, Anglican Church Hall, 158 Brisbane St., during School terms. Contact 6884 4990.
Dubbo Bobbin Lacemakers: THIRD
Wednesday of the month, 10am-3pm, Arts & Crafts Society Cottage and Craft Shop, 137 Cobra Street. Judy 0416 818 931.
Dubbo Bridge Club: 9.45am, for 10am-1pm, Bultje Street (Tennis Courts), Dubbo. $7 members, $9 non-members. Libby 0428 254 324.
Dubbo Electric Vehicle Interest, Owners, Users & Supporters (DEVIOUS) group: FIRST Wednesday of each month, 12.30pm1.30pm, Western Plains Cultural Centre café. Chris 0409 321 470.
Dubbo Garden Club: 10am, FIRST Wednesday of month, Garden gatherings with morning tea.
Contact President Annette Storer 0429 828 882.
Dundullimal Dubbo Support Crew Inc:
FOURTH Wednesday of month, 10am, Dundullimal Homestead. Support Homestead functions. 6884 9984, 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. Colene 0400 422 335. Lodge Allan Stuart 416: SECOND Wednesday of month, Geurie Masonic Centre. Please email secretary@lodgeallanstuart416.org.au
Orana Community Garden: 9am-12pm, 4 Palmer Street. A time to garden with others, learn more skills and grow friendships. Denise 0433 623 842 or Julie 0428 821 829.
Social Tennis: Friendly Wednesday ladies morning group, inviting you to join us. Come along 9am at Macquarie Club Dubbo.
Survivors Of Suicide Bereavement Group: Wednesdays, by expressions of interest. Please contact 0455 255 137 after midday. Walter T. Grant Seniors Social Club: 9am2pm, Scout’s Hall, Welchman Street. $10 per day. BYO lunch. Pre-lunch cards and games, post-lunch bingo. Jan Miller 0418 255 217. West Dubbo Rotary: 6pm, Club Dubbo, Whylandra Street, West Dubbo. 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.
By SHARON BONTHUYS
DUBBO doctor Jared Lawrence is one of eight finalists vying for the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) 2026 Rural Achiever Award (RAA) which will be announced next year at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
Dr Lawrence joins Loretta Nicholas from Mount Harris, Joanna Balcombe from Bendick Murrell, Melony Bartlett from Gunnedah, Laura McKillop from Grose Vale, Sam Parish from Forbes, Anna Sutcliffe from Rutherford, and Tara Kennedy from Nyngan as finalists in the 2026 RAA award program.
Held annually since 1989 at Australia’s largest agricultural show, the statewide program celebrates the achievements of young people aged 20-29 years who are excelling in their chosen endeavours and helping to shape the future of rural and regional NSW.
The RAA program consists of an eight-day personal and professional development program that
takes young leaders behind the scenes of the iconic event, providing various hands-on opportunities and networking with leaders from across the Australian agriculture industry.
Finalists are judged on their conduct throughout the program, and a winner is selected to represent NSW at the National Rural Ambassador program.
A passion to deliver high-class healthcare to rural patients has driven Dr Lawrence through his university studies and his career as a junior doctor.
Currently completing a two-year internship at Dubbo Base Hospital, Dr Lawrence has been motivated in his choice to go rural by his experiences growing up in Singleton in the Hunter Valley.
“I saw the inequalities in healthcare and the stresses that the farmers are under, and the vast distances they have to travel just to receive basic healthcare,” he told Dubbo Photo News recently.
“It’s pretty unfair in a country
like Australia, and that’s what’s motivated me throughout my medicine training, to always look for an opportunity in rural and remote Australia to do my placements,” he explained.
“Now I’ve started my career in a rural area,” he added.
RAS RAA Program Councillor in Charge, Yvette McKenzie, congratulated this year’s finalists, announced late last month, and said the program is a fantastic way for finalists to expand their networks.
“Our RAS RAA finalists represent eight young leaders who are passionate about agriculture, rural and regional NSW, and the agricultural show movement, and who wish to become ambassadors and a voice for our industry,” Ms McKenzie said.
“I look forward to watching this year’s finalists grow and thrive through this experience and have their chance to be at the forefront of Australian agriculture.”
By GEOFF MANN
PROUD Trangie athlete, Jess Skinner spent a few days back home after a hectic schedule coaching the ascendant Australian women’s rugby league team, The Jillaroos.
Jess couldn’t stop smiling after her side upended the New Zealand Ferns in a dominant 40-8 victory in the Pacific Championship final.
Starting her career playing in the Castlereagh Cup and for the Western Rams, Jess soon stepped-up to coach at a regional level, with her talents and passion soon recognised at higher administrative levels of the growing sport.
A couple of years ago, the-then Trangie teacher/ Principal set aside the school books and white boards to accept an offer to join the elite coaching team at the AIS (Australian Institute of Sport).
Before long, she was assistant to another western product, Brad Donald from Bathurst with the NSW and Australian teams, before the pathway to the top emerged.
Appointed to lead the NSW First Nations team in the interstate Origin series, Jess was then appointed to take Australia to the Pacific Championships and next year’s World Cup.
“I am so proud of where I come from and what we have achieved in driving the women’s tackle rugby league forward,” Jess told Dubbo Photo News
“Our players are making their marks in Tarsha Gale, Harvey Norman Cup, and the NRLW,” she added. Jess also sang the praises of two others of our own western NSW players in the Pacific Cup final.
“Jakiya Whitfield from Bathurst has transformed her game this season.
“She was a winger but can now play in the centres and at fullback and that versatility is incredibly valuable in our squad.”
This was most evident on the big stage in the Pacific Cup showdown, Jess said.
“In the final, she showed her all-round skills with a couple of try-saving tackles and then an incisive run from our own line and a superb offload to send Jess Sergis on a 70-metre run for the try of the match.”
Jess also highlighted the role of a key behind-thescenes member of the Jillaroos.
“Rebecca Lang, or Rebecca Swan now she’s married, has been in the jersey for two years now,” Jess said.
“She went to Vegas last year and then State of Origins and the Pac series, so it’s really nice to see her in the green and gold. She’s been a physio with the Newcastle Knights since 2021.”
Jess says that the bush-based players and others involved in the women’s game, take every opportunity to get back over the mountains and see home.
“All of the Jillaroos are proud of who they are, where they’ve come from, and what they offer the country as sports reps,” Jess aid.
“They are top of their crafts on the field and in the sheds but more importantly, they are amazing human beings.”
PANORAMA Platypi capped another recordbreaking season when they again claimed the Western Women’s Open Rugby League title at Bathurst on Sunday, November 9.
Coach Kevin Grimshaw was quick to point-out that, while the club has won five in a row, this year’s team was a new group of players.
“We had plenty of youngsters coming into the Opens alongside more-seasoned Platypi but, as I’ve said to a lot of people, this team
has developed its own culture and has made it their goal to win ‘first-up’,” Kevin said proudly.
“They are aware of history but keen to leave their own legacy,” he added.
Other results at the carnival included the Under 18s Orana Goannas defeating Panorama 40-8; the Under 16s Lachlan side defeating the Central West Vipers 16-8; and the Under 14s Orange Vipers knocking-over Pano by 20-8.
MEMBERS of St George Illawarra Dragons recently visited several schools in the region and hosted workshops as part of the club’s “Best You Can Be Blitz”.
In partnership with Squadron Energy, the blitz saw the club speak to students about resilience and making positive choices around health and wellbeing.
In the club’s 11th visit to the region, NRLW stars Keele Browne and Ella Koster hosted the workshops last week, visiting Ilford Public, Kandos Public, Dunedoo Central, Mendooran Central, Gilgandra Public, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary (Gilgandra), and St Michael’s Catholic Primary, Dunedoo.
A touch footy clinic was also held in Dunedoo along with a Win The Morning event with the Gilgandra Shire
Breakfast Club.
The workshops gave advice on staying active, learning how to practice tolerance, respect, and inclusiveness, the importance of good sleep, screen time management, hydration, and nutrition as well as the important role we play in taking care of the environment.
“I’ve had the best time coming out here and visiting these kids,” Ella Koster said.
“They have been incredibly welcoming and have had great attitudes throughout it all. I’m proud to be a part of a club involved in these sorts of initiatives.”
Keele Browne, who has attended previous trips, said she was also thrilled to participate.
“I’m fortunate enough to have been a part of a number of these community trips and I’ve enjoyed them all thoroughly,” she said.
“It’s really important that we get out to these communities and use our profile as professional rugby league players for good.”
Kacee Milnes, Site Operations Manager at Crudine Ridge Wind Farm, said the Dragons’ visits brought excitement and inspiration to local students, and Squadron Energy was proud to help bring the blitz to the region.
“These visits highlight the importance of teamwork, resilience, and community connection,” she concluded.
By WEST DUBBO BOWLS
MIXED Fours continued last Friday night with the Round Three results as follows: T Speirs def S Ryan; A Taylor def G Gudmunson; D Bryne def J Palmer; A Brown def M Strawhan; B Fernando def T Williams; D Morris def W Towney.
The final of this championship will feature Marg Rich, John Fardell, Bev Goss, and Barry Fernando up against Kelly Dart, Gavin Dart, Jess Gibson, and Anthony Brown this Saturday morning.
Round One of the Mixed Pairs Championship will be held tonight and tomorrow night, November 2021. Schedule for Thursday evening: K Dart and G Dart vs M Ney and R See; B Abbott and M Low vs M Rich and S Ryan; J Gibson and A Brown vs A Beecroft and J Davis; T Silk and J Silk vs B Goss and J Stephenson; and H Davis and W Towney vs B Margery and M Strawhan. Friday night: R Gilholme and T Williams vs D Wilson and G Gudmunson; D Brown and G Collin vs P Dawson and J Fardell; L Erwin and J Palmer vs M Wilson and P Morrow; F Holmes and S Evans vs J Cassidy and B Baker; C Brown and D Stanley vs H Sharpe and N Blanford; and A Findlay and M Smith vs T Morris and D Morris
THE annual East (green attire) versus West (blue attire) Challenge is on this Sunday morning with prize-money on offer, and prizes for best-dressed, raffles, and a barbecue lunch.
Last Wednesday, Bev Margery and John Fardell swept all before them with second spot going to Dave “Killer” Kilsby and Bev Goss, whilst third was filled by Aileen Beecroft, Beryl Abbott, and Marg Rich. Pam Dawson won the Lucky Draw.
Barry Sigsworth and Mick Strawhan won last Friday, with Warren Brown and Alan Andriske in second place, as Graham Ross won the Lucky Draw. On Sunday, Hela Bryan, Mary Ney, and Bev Goss were the victors over Wayne Middleton, Gai Morrison, and Lindsay Burden. Special mystery prizes went to John Davis, Lloyd Peirce, Leanne Erwin, and Bundaberg visitor, Ozzy Osborne.
MEMBERS keen to represent West Dubbo in next year’s Open Gender Pennants are urged to place their names on the list. Players chosen in 2026 will have the added incentive of wearing the new club uniform, which is also on display in the locker room.
Mid-West Singles Finals - November 29-30
Barefoot Business Bash - Wednesdays
Thought for the Week - “A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn-mower is broken!” (James Dent)
For contact details, see our entry in Dubbo Photo News’ community diary under “Recurring (Multiple Days).”
By COLIN HODGES
MUCH admired jockey Kath BellPitomac, who has on several occasions returned to the saddle after seemingly career ending injuries, continued her recent good form with a winning double on Sunday at Wellington.
Sending her many supporters home happy, the mother of teenage children won the final two races on Andale and Green Run.
Winner of a barrier trial against good quality opposition last week at Warren, the Merv Rumble, Dubbo-trained Andale was given a
charmed run by Kath Bell-Pitomac in the 1100 metres Over The Line Racing Class 1 Handicap. Travelling on the rails , Andale ($5.50 to $3.50) was eased around the leaders’ heels turning for home and won by a half neck from Champ De Mars (Jacob Stiff, $31) and the fast-finishing Supreme Style (Siena Grima, $2 favourite).
Back in the winner’s circle after a string of placings, the Dar Lunn, Dubbo-trained Green Run was also well ridden by Kath Bell-Pitomac in the 1600 metres LSS Locksmith and Security Benchmark 58 Handicap.
Coming from well back, Green Run ($7.50 to $5.50) won by a half length from Sports Page ($8.50) with a similar margin to the third placed Way To Divine (Jacob Stiff, $9).
Producing a game performance, the Clint Lundholm, Dubbotrained Brutal Love won the 1400 metres KFC Wellington Class 3 Handicap after an exciting battle in the straight. Taken on in the lead by Firestorm Boy and Kirk, the strongly supported Brutal Love (Jake Pracey-Holmes, $2.90 to $ 2.15 favourite) made it three wins and seven placings
from 15 starts when fighting off Comongin (Izzy Neale, $2.10) and Kirk (Ashleigh Stanley, $8).
First leg of a winning double for Jake Pracey-Holmes was the Mack Griffith, Mudgee-trained Chappolicious in the 1100 metres Grand Hotel and Bottle Shop-Super Maiden Plate. Ridden aggressively, Chappolicious ($2.80) took the early lead and kept the frontrunners role to score by almost a length from Erion (Olivia Chambers, $51) and Vicious Rumour, Kath Bell-Pitomac, $7.50).
Leading apprentice Siena Gri-
ma combined with Mudgee trainer Bob Howe to win the opening event with Torendosetta.
Finishing well from midfield, Torendosetta ($11) beat Yasena (Jake Pracey-Holmes, $8) by a half length with Frosty’s Gotcha (Kath Bell-Pitomac, $21) a length away third.
The other winners were Priscila Statement (Leeshelle Small, $5.50 to $3.70) and Pelette (Clayton Gallagher, $2.60 favourite), both being trained at Muswellbrook by Jan Bowen.
At last, time for cake! Latest general meeting of Dubbo Croquet Club, Inc was held this week on Monday, November 17 with the venue, as always, the clubhouse. PHOTO: SUPPLIED.
By “SOUTH STAKE”
LIKE all clubs, associations, organisations, and various other formalised bun-fights, Dubbo Croquet Club has an annual general meeting and quarterly general meetings.
South Stake’s excitement in anticipation of these occasions is as alarming to observers as it is intense to experience. After all, there might be cake!
First snag in this system is that the cake - if there be some - is served at the conclusion of the meeting and accompanied by tea and coffee and other such slop-kettle.
Second snag is that folks look askance if one arrives towards the end of the meeting, bearing an expression of expectation. With exceeding forbearance, South Stake therefore sat quietly and demurely throughout.
The latest general meeting of the club was held this week on Monday, November 17, at the clubhouse.
President Kate Colwell is currently away, leaving the vice president, Graham Bender, in the chair for the meet. Graham settled into the chair and wielded the miniature mallet against the bell with the skill one expects from a three-handicap player.
On the other side of the equation, he was able to count noses and correctly pronounce the word, “quorate”.
As to counting, the club’s total membership, across all categories, is on 80. The attendance of 32 is indicative of its strength and commitment.
Our accomplished secretary, Ray Doyle, steered us through the list of apologies, correspondence, motions to accept new members, and the technicalities of motions across matters arising, general business, and the everdreary, any other business.
Nominations for two new members were received and approved for Lloyd and Sue Graham.
Alannah Fraser updated the meeting on our financial position. Sound management leads to a comforting sense of security, for which we all give thanks.
Finally, Dubbo Croquet Club Inc, as the crown land manager of that portion of the Muller Park Reserve, had some matters to deal with and then the morning’s business was done, dusted, filed, and finished.
At last, time for cake! Thank you, Sandra Burns!
By “EIDER DOWN”
Clive Roots Memorial Relay
SWIMMING enjoyed a great night out at Dubbo RSL indoor pool on Thursday, November 13, with the staging of the Clive Roots Memorial Relay, The Legacy Cup, and the running of the inaugural junior and open sprint events.
Dubbo Ducks provided a free barbecue for the event, which was followed by the trophy presentation.
The Clive Roots Memorial Relay is a time handicap race, meaning that finishing times are nominated by each team, and those that are closest to their mark take the trophy.
In the final wash-up, the top five teams all finished within three seconds of their mark with the victors this year, the RSL Oldies (Bill Greenwood, Nigel Roberts, Tom Gray, and David Sparkes) touching within 0.22 of their nominated time. Well done, you Old Foxes!
The Legacy Cup, in contrast, involves the fastest five teams lining up for an all-out freestyle sprint relay. In the end, the The Forresters -
made-up of Sophie McAnenay, Uriah Forrester, Kortlyn Forrester, and Traevion Forrester - took home the Cup. Well done!
The sprint event winners were:
y For 14 years and under female, Uriah Forrester y For 14 years and under male, Harry Chapman y Open Female, Julia Mannix y Open Male, Traevien Forresterwho swam an impressive and hardto-beat inaugural time of 12.28 seconds.
Credit also to sponsors SportsPower Dubbo, Bunnings, Myer, and Blue Illusion Dubbo.
IN our follow-up team meeting on Sunday, November 16, swimmers enjoyed a four-event card.
First-up, was the 50-metre Freestyle in which Mal Cavanagh broke, Peter Allen took first, David Sparkes second, Nicole Johnstone third, and Mark Scullard fourth.
A Brace Relay was next - a twotimes 50-metre Freestyle event to test endurance levels. Relay of Pe-
ter Hargreaves and Brian Schloeffel were impressive for first, David Sparkes and Tom Gray were second, Nicole Johnstone and Peter Allen were third, Mark Scullard and John Wherritt were fourth, and Norm Bahr and Neil Harris rounded-out the five.
A 25-metre Backstroke race was the next event in which Tom Gray broke, Peter Hargreaves took first, Nicole Johnstone second, Jack Allen third, and Norm Bahr was fourth.
Last event was a 25-metre Breaststroke “at go” race with Rob Rich (0.29 seconds off his nominated time) from Peter Hargreaves (at 0.34s), Neil Harris (at 0.38s), Mark Scullard (at 0.59s) and Mal Cavanagh (at 0.89s).
Lucky numbers for the meet were Jack Allen and Peter Hargreaves.
See you all at the Dubbo RSL Indoor Pool next week. Details are in the Dubbo Photo News community diary under ‘Sunday’.
That’s this week’s tidings from the Duckpond.
More photos from this meet will be published in a future issue.
By PRESIDENT, GRAHAM ROSS
SOME 46 RSL Combination bowlers presented themselves on Sunday morning, November 16, at Sporties to enjoy their most recent morning of bowls.
They all played in earnest this week with some players enjoying a real winning streak.
In other “lucky” news, the Christmas vouchers are now up for grabs with 10 fortunate bowlers to score the first 10 available.
Bowlers, remember that there is still time to play your eight games, making you eligible for a Christ-
mas Voucher, so get yourselves out there and play to have a chance of a win.
To start the day, there were seven teams taking to the greens, but there can be “only one winner”, and that was the doubles team of Frank Armstrong and Mick Strawhan taking the victory with a convincing 24-8 shots win over Garry Huggins and Mel Giddings.
A close second was the team of John Kennedy, Bryan O’Sullivan, and new player, Anne Kathage, bowling a solid 25 shots from Chris Castlehouse, Ruby Stockings and Rick See on 13.
Third place was taken out by Frank Bartlett, Vicky Hummell, and Neil Hayburn on 19 shots from Dick Whiteford, Terese Gaio, and Steve Kelly on 11.
On Rink Eight, the team of Howard Courts, Steve Evans, and Graham Ross won their game with only two shots the difference by 17-15 shots from Di Hildebrandt, Roger Sherwin and Peter Sinclair; I heard on the grapevine, that a few “drives” did the damage! An extremely-close result between the teams of Ken Whittaker, Helen Emblem, and Brian Jones - who managed to bowl their win-
ning shot - sneaking home by 1312 from Mary Perry, Jenni Spratt, and Paul Goodstat.
Again, only one shot was the difference between the teams on Rink 11 with “Lucky” Leo Balstad, Eric Satchell, and Gaye Cottee scoring by 16-15 over Sue O’Dea, Shirley Marchant, and Rod Pfieffer. Sue Armstrong, Gary Kathage, and Col Cottee held their own to win their game with 17-12 from Ron McCauley, Ray Strawhan, and Gordon Scott Maurice Wallace, Peter Collins, and Lachlan O’Neil also won their game with 14-9 from Glennis Han-
nigan, John Zeb, and Tod O’Dea.
Lucky winners of the resters were Anne Kathage, Sue Armstrong, and “Lucky” Leo. Lucky Numbers were won by Sue Armstrong, John Zeb, and Rick See.
We’ll hold our Christmas Party on Saturday, December 6 at Sporties so get your name in to Graham by the last bowling day in November.
As always, new and casual players are welcome. Contact details are available in Dubbo Photo News community diary under “Sunday.”
THE “Purple Boss” series hit the Dubbo Pickleball courts again last Monday, with newcomer Tim Knight combining with the consistent high-performer, Ben Farrelly, to claim the Gold Cup.
The new weekly Boss format is based purely on the positive performances on the night amongst the nominated Open pairs. Tim and Ben then dominated the event by knocking out four teams in their undefeated path to victory in a great performance. The Monday night sessions host Purple Boss series as a follow on from the structured social series, thereby making the evenings’ session one for exercise, fun, and competition.
Last Wednesday, the popular 5 4 series also continued on their merry way with the commencement of the November BHADDES Mixed series starting the night. Here, Dion Oldridge set the standard when combining with a different partner for each of his four games, coming away with a threefrom-four result.
Hot on his heels after the first four rounds are Ben and Shar, both sitting just two points behind with two wins each.
The Open Ladies event which followed highlighted the consistency and growing performance standards with three of the ladies all winning two games apiece. As a result, Shaleen Shah, Angel Mafiti, and
Merrilyn are jointly sitting atop of the leaders’ board. As the series progresses, we are extremely confident the standards of these ladies will continue their already meteoric rise.
In the final series of the night, it was the Top Four in the Men’s 70-plus, who battled it out to finalise the inaugural winner of the 5 4 series.
In the lead-up to the finals night, the top four players were separated by just four points, so expectations were that it was indeed going to be a battle royale to find the eventful winner.
The finals format for this division was that all games were to be a doubles event with a round robin being set as the series decider.
After three games, one with each finalist against each of the other finalists saw Greg King retain the position on the top of the leaders’ board by a mere two points. All who competed in this series thoroughly enjoyed the competition and the sportsmanship displayed throughout.
The next series we will probably raise the bar to even further enhance the competition level with the grade being open to players aged 60-plus.
Results across the board have highlighted that these short-term series present a fantastic opportunity for pickleballers whose standard have been on the rise.
Organisers would really like to start a junior series and Men’s Open B-Grade series, for more information, contact the club. See our entry in the Dubbo Photo News community diary under “Recurring (Multiple Days)”.
By “BACK BOWLS”
LADIES Results: Tuesday, 11 November
First: Mary Perry, Colleen Ryan and Geraldine Jassprizza defeated Sue O’dea, Helen Doran and Karen Greenhalgh.
Christine Castlehouse, Helen Emblem and Anne Knaggs defeated Christine Castlehouse, Wanda King and Ruby Stockings.
Lucky Draw winners were Lourace Lawson and Christine Castlehouse.
Wednesday Morning Men’s Social Bowls
WINDY conditions prevailed throughout the five games of triples and one pairs game, but eventually the winning team of Dick Whitford, Ross Pharo and Brian Coffey defeated Gavin Cullen, Doug Aldis and Steve Kelly.
Second: Peter Collins, Frank Armstrong and Neil Hayburn defeated Ron Anderson, Eric Satchell and Dennis Jassprizza. Third: Bryan O’Sullivan and Mike Twohill defeated Doug Back and Todd O’dea.
Howard Courts, Leo Balstad and Greg Hough def Ken Whitiker, Dennis Crimmins and Allan Davies. Allan Parker, Dave McGrath and Anthony Coe def Nick Berbiles, Mel Giddings and Wayne Thompson. Norm Johnston, Paul Wooldridge and Peter Sinclair def Hunter Dent, Paul Goodstat and Col Cottee.
Closest game went to: Norm Johnston, Paul Wooldridge and Peter Sinclair. There were no resters and the jackpot was not won.
Thursday night Walkom Bros
NUMBERS were down on ast week but still some tight games. Five pairs games were played and winners were Julie Brown and Duane Faro defeating Dick Whitford and Adam Jermyn.
Second: Mick Strawhan and Col Cottee def Nat Morrow and Mike Twohill, and third went to Greg Brown and Frank Armstrong who def Gai Cottee and Robbie Cook.
Doug Back and Neil Hayburn def Dennis Crimmins and Paul Wooldridge. Christine Castlehouse and Anthony Coe def Sue Armstrong and Brett Miller.
FRIDAY & SUNDAY
Jackie Pratten earned high praise for her running of Dubbo Dirt Bike Club in bagging the “Administrator of the Year Award” at the recent Motorcycling NSW Awards in Sydney.
LOCALS did the region proud at the Motorcycling NSW Awards held on Saturday, November 15 at Bankstown Sports Club in western Sydney.
Rising dirt bike star, Stella Harding from Narromine was named Junior Rider of the Year, while Jackie Pratten also earned high praise for her running of Dubbo Dirt Bike Club - bagging the “Administrator of the Year Award” - with husband Robert and his committee also finalists in the Club of the Year award.
“We are so proud of our sporting groups, who go above and beyond, to provide opportunities for youngsters to explore options and choose something that allows them to be the best they can be,” a club spokesperson said.
