By DALLAS REEVES
DUBBO car enthusiast John Ballard has travelled across the Nullabor in his 1962 blue Austin utility to be named as the Oldest Bugger ‘Ere (OBE) at the 2025 Morris Minor National Rally in Perth, Western Australia, on April 11-14.
John and wife Sue left Dubbo on April 1 and travelled to Fremantle for the four-day rally, driving his unique blue utility across the country.
It was the first time his blue 1962 Austin utility was displayed at a national Morris Minor rally. His blue utility looks like a Morris but it is an Austin.
It will also be the only Austin utility at the Perth rally.
It is because of a concept where companies issue two models of the same vehicle under different names, known as “badge engineering,” in Australia.
John explained that Austin and Morris amalgamated in 1953 to become the British Motor Corporation.
John is also part of the Dubbo Prostate Cancer Support Group and a regular at Dubbo Classic Coffee and Cars.
John is the region coordinator of the Central West region of the Morris Minor Car Club of NSW.
Seventeen representatives of that club travelled to Perth, with 12 cars displayed.
“Our return trip took in Albany, Busselton, and Esperance, before coming back up to the Nullabor. I did manage the ‘OBE’ award being a young 83,” John wrote to ‘Dubbo Photo News’. “A great trip over a month with great likeminded people. We managed to run up 8750 kilometres for an average of 7.3 litres per 100 kilometers.”
He has fought through his nervous breakdown, and four operations, in-
cluding two bouts of cancer. Now he is healthy and happy, and cars have played a large role in that.
So, a little hiccup when almost home on the return leg wasn’t going to worry John (and Sue) too much. “Unfortunately, we did have a head gasket blow just after we left Wagga Wagga which resulted in a flat back trip home,” he said. The NRMA picked up the car and bought the pair home.
John’s beloved Austin is already repaired, serviced and back on the road.
The 2025 Morris Minor National Rally celebrated 30 years since the seventh national rally hosted at Perth in 1995 as well as the Morris Car Club of Western Australia’s 45th anniversary. It featured a rally check-in at the Army Museum of Western Australia, show and shine on the Walyalup Koort at Fremantle, tour of the Midland Railway Workshops, national rally dinner, and a tour of the Motor Museum of Western Australia.
John’s blue Austin utility (far right) with six Morris Minor vehicles at the 90-mile straight, a stretch of road in WA between Balladonia and Caiguna, the longest straight stretch of road in Australia.
Do you have a nickname? I use my nickname full-time and get shocked if someone calls me by my full name (it’s Gabrielle).
Where did you grow up? Wellington, NSW.
How long have you lived in Dubbo? I lived in Dubbo for the first few years of my life, then my family moved to Wellington, I then moved to Sydney for uni and came back to live in Dubbo after the first COVID lockdown.
What do you do? I’m a full-time musician. I play and write my own music and I teach music in rehabilitation-focussed correctional centres.
What do you like to do in your spare time? Even though I work playing and teaching music, I still spend most of my time writing music or listening to it. I love to watch other people’s gigs too. Also never opposed to activities involving homemade cocktails, cheeseboards and firepits.
If you could do anything and be anywhere, what would you be doing? One of the goals I’m working towards is lapping Australia in my campervan, playing music at venues all over the country. Of course, travelling the world playing music would be even cooler, but baby steps! What are you watching at the moment? Chicago Fire.
What would you be lost without? My guitar, google sheets and my mates. What music do you like to listen to? Everything from RnB to Country to Afro to Folk to 2016 club bangers. Favourite song of all time? Overjoyed by Matchbox Twenty or... The Way I Are by Timbaland
If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you bring with you? 1. My Guitar, 2. Endless supply of food and water, 3. And my best mate because she’s in the navy so hopefully she could get us out of there – and I could yap to her forever and not get bored.
What is your all-time favourite movie? She’s the Man.
If there was a movie all about you, what genre would it be and who would play you? Definitely a comedy, I’m always having a laugh. Someone sassy and headstrong but loveable like Hailee Steinfeld.
PHOTO: KELSEY LEE PHOTOGRAPHY
To conincide with National Volunteer Week, the NSW SES is interested in hearing
support their community through volunteering - and there are many
By SHARON BONTHUYS
IF you saw community members wearing orange out and about earlier this week, it was because Wednesday, May 21 was “WOW Day”.
“Wear Orange Wednesday” is a time to show appreciation for the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers who support our communities during storms, floods and other emergencies.
WOW Day is an annual opportunity for people across NSW and Australia to say a simple but meaningful “thank you” to the volunteers who give their time to help others during challenging times.
WOW Day has taken place during National Volunteer Week (May 19–25) which recognises the contribution of volunteers from all walks of life across our great nation.
It’s also a great moment to highlight the important work of the NSW SES and the commitment of its members.
The NSW SES has been helping local communities across the state for 70 years, did you know? It formed not long after the catastrophic Maitland flood devastated the Hunter Valley, Central West, and North West regions of the state, including Dubbo, Wellington and surrounding communities. Dubbo Photo News
from people keen to
ways in which you can contribute
profiled some of the local recollections of that event earlier this year, as readers will recall.
In the wake of that tragic event, the NSW SES was established to enhance emergency preparedness and response across the state.
Initially known as the Civil Defence Service until the 1970s, the organisation has since evolved into a vital force in disaster response and community support.
Today’s SES is supported by modern technology, a modern
sustainable fleet, stronger partnerships with other emergency services, government departments and communities to help build resilience, and of course, the thousands of people who volunteer with their local SES units.
The NSW SES is interested in hearing from people keen to support their community through volunteering – and there are many ways in which you can contribute.
“Whether providing on-theground support, assisting in operational support roles or raising community awareness through education programs, there are many ways to be part of NSW SES,” the organisation’s website says.
“Whatever your skills, experience or interests, join thousands of people across the state who are committed to helping their communities.”
Volunteers are supporting the NSW SES as community first responders, bush search and rescuers, flood rescuers, community engagement officers, road crash rescuers, alpine search and rescuers, storm and flood damage responders, incident management support, vertical rescuers, media liaison officers, and more.
As the NSW SES commemorates its 70th anniversary this year and looks to the future, it remains committed to growing its volunteer capacity across the state.
For further details on how you can make a difference to your community through volunteering with the SES, see the advertisement in this week’s Dubbo Photo News
Council News
By DAVID DIXON
NSW’S first-ever 3-D printed social housing project has involved delivering two brand-new homes in Dubbo, marking a major milestone in the state’s efforts to tackle the housing crisis.
The two modern two-bedroom homes will soon be home to Aboriginal social housing tenants and were delivered in only 20 weeks, less than half the usual 40-week timeline, thanks to innovative 3-D printing construction methods.
The homes were created using approximately 70 tonnes of Contourcrete, a specially developed 3-D-printable concrete mix produced by Contour3D. The concrete structures were printed in just 16 days.
Success of the project showcases the promising potential of 3-D printing as a sustainable and efficient solution for building social and affordable homes across the state, delivering much needed homes faster to those in need, Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said.
“We’re proud to be the first to use 3-D printing technology for social housing in NSW – and even prouder to see it completed,” Ms Jackson enthused.
“This is just the beginning; success of this pilot, proves 3-D printing can help us build quality homes faster, particularly in regional and remote areas where demand is high,” she added.
These homes will be ready for residents to move in this month,
maintenance housing built with recycled, environmentally-friendly materials.
TWO major grant programs are currently being offered by Dubbo Council, including $30,000 the SPARC Support Grant Fund to facilitate projects and programs that provide a cultural benefit to the community.
Another project which involves $20,000, is open to applications under the Community Events Fund supporting locally-organised events that deliver social and
Dubbo Regional Council has prepared the draft 2025/2026 Budget, Operational Plan and associated documents which will guide Council’s activities during Council proposes to deliver on
cial connections to improve the liveability and well-being of our residents.
Funds will be allocated for events and projects that are held / completed between July 1, 2025, to June 30 next year, with applications under each program closing on Friday, May 30.
Recent news from council COUNCILLORS recently noted the report which showed a total of 17 dwellings had been approved in March, including 10 single dwellings and seven other dwellings. Overall, council approved 48 Development Applications in the
inland waterway safety program for a targeted community audience and report back to Council for consideration.
month of March, 2025, with a total financial value of $42,994,321.
Waterway Safety: Councillors recommended the CEO engage an independent third-party specialist to conduct a risk assessment of council’s formal inland waterway access points and provide recommendations to address any identified issues.
Council will also consider an allocation of $10,000 from the proposed Community Culture and Places budget as part of its review of public comment to the draft 2025/26 Operational Plan and Budget with the CEO to work with an independent third-party specialist to build a proposal for an
Improving The Urban Tree Canopy Cover Within Dubbo Regional Council: As part of the community feedback to the budget and program delivery, councillors will consider increasing the level of funding for tree planting and maintenance programs to improve the health and canopy coverage of urban areas within the Dubbo Local Government Area.
Council will explore external funding opportunities to increase its planting budget for urban trees and allocate $90,000 of the $2 million from funds provided by the Federal Government to develop and adopt a Greening Strategy for the urban areas of the Local Government Area.
By DAVID DIXON
FEEDING up to 170 hungry singers each week is no small thing, so it’s a big thing that a local firm has recently come on board to do the job for next month.
Founder of the local Sing Out Choir, Anne Gemmell, recently announced that Dubbo-based machinery retailer and repairs firm Tracserv is the inaugural monthly meal sponsor for this amazing group.
The not-for-profit choir uses the power of performing to lift the spirits, hearts and mood for dozens of people and their carers living with dementia in Dubbo district, Anne explained.
“We’ve been going since July 2022. We started under NSW Health, but now we’re a not-for-profit that relies on volunteers and people donating their time and money,” Anne said.
“We’re an all-inclusive dementia choir and, every Tuesday, we have upwards of 170 people coming along. We also provide meals, with Tracserv providing all of the catering for June,” she added.
With a number of upcoming events on the cards, she said that now, particularly, every little bit helps.
“Tracserv are our inaugural
meal sponsors, so this is very much a first, but we’d love other groups or businesses to step up and help if they can,”
Anne said.
“Support like this means so much to Sing Out.”
The money and support, she added, will help to keep this unique service a going concern for all involved.
“Partnerships with community-minded businesses help continue doing what we love – singing, connecting and
bringing joy to those living with dementia – their carers, people with disabilities, families, friends and volunteer singers.
“If you’re a business looking to make a meaningful impact, why not consider partnering with the Sing Out Choir. Your support will help keep the music alive and enable the Sing Out Choir to feed approximately 150 choir members every Tuesday,” Anne explained.
Now is a great time to chip in, with upcoming concerts including performing the National Anthem on Saturday, May 31, at 3pm, at the official opening of the Dubbo Show.
“It’s a proud moment for our choir, and we can’t wait to be part of this community tradition,” Anne said.
On Thursday, June 5, at 6.30pm they will also be stepping onto the big stage at the Dubbo Eisteddfod in the Choral Section at the Convention Centre. “We’ve been working hard on two beautiful pieces, and would love your support in the audience!” Anne revealed.
After that, on Sunday, July 20, from 3pm, the ‘2025 Sing Out Choir Concert Performance’ is set to be a highlight of their year at Dubbo Christian School.
For more information, go to 123Tix, or in person every Tuesday at the Christian School, 51 Sheraton Road, between 9.30am and 1pm.
There is also a golf day for the group on Friday, September 5, which everyone will want to support, Anne said. “We’re also having a dinner with a celebrity guest attending,” she concluded.
For more information, contact Anne Gemmell on 0401 944 387, or email anne@ singoutchoir.com.au
May 22: John Flanagan, author, 81. Bob Katter, federal politician, 80. Iva Davies, Icehouse singer, 70. Gary Sweet, actor, 68. Naomi Campbell, English model, 55. Erin McNaught, TV presenter, 43. Novak Djokovic , Serbian tennis player, 38.
May 23: Joan Collins, English actress, 92. John Newcombe, tennis player, 81. David Graham, golfer, 79. Liz Hayes, TV journalist, 69. Drew Carey, US comedian, 67. Paul Sironen, footy player, 60. Jewel, US singer, 51. Kurt Fearnley, sportsman, 45. Ruben Zadkovich, soccer player, 39. Gracie Otto, film director, 38. May 24: Bob Dylan, US singer, 84. Priscilla Presley, US actress, 80. Jim Broadbent , British actor, 76. Nell Campbell, actress, 72. David Morrison, 2016 Australian of the Year, 69. Barry O’Farrell , former NSW Premier, 66. Bill Harrigan, footy referee, 65. Kristin Scott Thomas, British actress, 65. Poppy King , businesswoman, 53. Layne Beachley, surfer, 53. Kym Valentine, actress, 48. Anthony Minichiello, footy player, 45. Andy Lee of Hamish & Andy, 44. Matt Prior, footy player, 38. May 25: Ian McKellen, English actor, 86. Frank Oz , a hand behind The Muppets, 81. Jacki Weaver, actress, 78. Andrew Clarke, actor, 71. Mike Myers, Canadian actor, 62. Lauryn Hill , US singer, 50. Jonny Wilkinson, English rugby player, 46. Justin Hodges, footy player, 43. May 26: Stevie Nicks, US singer of Fleetwood Mac, 77. Hank Williams Jnr, US country singer, 76. Dean Lukin, weightlifter, 65. Lenny Kravitz , US singer, 61. Helena Bonham Carter, UK actress, 59. Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark , Royal, 57. Rachael Blake, actress, 54. Stephen Curry, actor-comedian, 49. Jolene Anderson actress, 45. Josh Thomas, actor-comedian, 38. May 27: Pauline Hanson, politician, 71. Neil Finn, New Zealand singer, 67. Pat Cash, tennis player, 60. Joseph Fiennes, English actor, 55. Wayne Carey, AFL player, 54. Jamie Oliver, British chef, 50. Michael Hussey, cricketer, 50. Bella Heathcote, actress, 38. May 28: Gladys Knight , US singer, 81. John Fogerty, Creedence Clearwater Revival singer, 80. Jeff Fenech, boxer, 61. Kylie Minogue, singer-actress, 57. Carey Mulligan, British actress, 40. Berrick Barnes, rugby player, 39. Rohan Dennis, road racing cyclist, 35.
By DALLAS REEVES
DUBBO teacher Stephanie Richardson had often found a way around most of life’s obstacles, but last year her father faced a battle he could not win.
The pain of watching her dad John lose his battle with the aggressive brain cancer glioblastoma means walking 150 kilometres in three days is a challenge she can embrace with perspective.
The Dubbo College Senior Campus personal development health and physical education (PDHPE) teacher will complete The Big Three Trek 5.0 to raise money and awareness for the Mark Hughes Foundation in late June.
The Mark Hughes Foundation is a non-profit health promotion charity the former National Rugby League (NRL) player began with his wife Kiralee in 2014 after being diagnosed with brain cancer.
“We began the foundation when he realised how underfunded brain cancer was in Australia in comparison to other cancers,” Hughes, a brain cancer survivor who played 161 games for the Newcastle Knights, said via the MHF website.
Stephanie’s story also started east of the great divide.
She grew up in Berowra in northern Sydney and attended university at Newcastle, all along being encouraged by her late father who was a builder.
Stephanie met her now husband Wade, who is from Peak Hill, at university.
Upon graduation, she recalled being told there were no available jobs for PDHPE teachers near the coast.
You had to either retrain or go west. Her instincts and practicality left a simple choice.
“We went out west,” Stephanie told Dubbo Photo News. “I thought I’d be here (in Dubbo) for a year... I’ve been here for around 14 years.”
Stephanie taught at Dubbo College’s South Campus for around a decade before transferring to Dubbo Senior College.
With Wade and with three children, life was travelling along relatively well until Stephanie’s father was diagnosed with glioblastoma in May, 2024.
Her father John died just four
months later. He had only recently moved from Berowra in northern Sydney to nearby Waitara in mid-2023.
“I’m pretty angry about the whole situation,” Stephanie said.
“That he got this and then that there is no cure... no solution for this type of cancer at the moment.
“There are other brain cancers that you can get that you might get a longer life, but for this one (glioblastoma) the longest you’ll live with it is two years.
“I just hated that as soon as Dad got this, this was a death sentence.
“I really wish I could’ve done something for Dad.
“I couldn’t help him... the way I would’ve wanted to help him, which is to fix everything.
“Even though I can’t fix anything, I would like to think that
maybe if I do some fundraising like this, that that money can go towards funding scientists.
“There’s been other people that I know... who’ve lost their husbands from this cancer (glioblastoma) as well.
John’s death will forever remain a deep source of anguish to Stephanie and her family.
However, she will walk from Sydney to Newcastle between June 25 and 27 to try and raise money and awareness in the hope one day glioblastoma may have a cure.
Leaving the Sydney Cricket Ground on day one, the group of sports stars, celebrities and others affected by brain cancer will ar-
rive at McDonald Jones Stadium on June 27 and do a lap of honour around the stadium in conjunction with the NRL’s Beanies for Brain Cancer round and the Knights home game against Canberra.
“I think that’s my ‘why’... I am really angry and I need to put that anger somewhere that is a bit more productive than just being angry,” Stephanie said.
“What I’ve been doing is making sure I get a lot of strength work in, so my body can withstand the distance.
“When you think about the bigger scheme of things... the physical part is pretty easy.
“Watching Dad go through what
he did was horrific.
“You don’t want other people to go through that... so if you can do something positive... then I’m pretty okay about being able to do it.”
For the final few kilometres before entry into McDonald Jones Stadium, Stephanie, Wade and their three children will walk together.
Before the trek, Dubbo College Senior Campus, Dubbo College South Campus and Dubbo College Delroy Campus will hold beanie day fundraisers.
People can support Stephanie via the link: bigthreetrek5.gofundraise.com.au/page/ Stephanie-8413950
THEY’RE the fastest land animal on the planet, and also our mostendangered big cat, with only a few thousand cheetahs now surviving in the wild.
However, the veterinary and zoo-keeping teams at Taronga Western Plains Zoo (TWPZ) are definitely doing their best to protect the species; currently handrearing a cub delivered via C-section at the zoo’s Wildlife Hospital, Dubbo.
The crisis started in late February as zookeepers watched on anxiously as mother Siri went into labour a week early, after having had challenges conceiving, and also previously miscarrying a litter in 2024. “Though five days doesn’t sound like a lot, a cheetah’s pregnancy is about 93 days, and so those final five days are critical,”
Senior Veterinarian Dr Alisa Wallace, who leads the Wildlife Hospital team at TWPZ, explained.
With cameras in Siri’s den box, keepers noticed that something wasn’t right and made the decision to perform an emergency Csection to give the cubs the best chance to survive. The procedure took place at the Taronga Wildlife Hospital in full view of guests who were at the zoo that Saturday afternoon. “Our visitors were actually able to witness the delivery of these cubs and see all of the care that goes into that procedure,” Dr
health needs it was not possible to reunite the mother and daughter.
It’s not the first time the vet team and keepers at Taronga Western Plains Zoo have handraised a cheetah cub, as Siri was hand-raised herself in 2015 following rejection by her mum, a common occurrence with cheetah if they have a single cub. “Some of the members of the team that looked after Siri are now looking after her daughter almost 10 years later, which is pretty special,” Cheetah Keeper Jordan Michelmore said.
MOTORISTS have been advised of changed traffic conditions at a number of locations around Dubbo for essential road maintenance this week.
Transport for NSW says the work, which started on Tuesday, May 20, includes water-blasting to provide an improved surface texture and will be carried out between 6pm and 6am. It is expected to take four days to complete, weather permitting.
Work will occur at the following locations:
• Cobra Street, between Darling Street and Gipps Street
• Cobra Street, between Wheelers Lane and Capstan Drive
• Along 205 metres of Cobra Street, after the Sheraton Road roundabout
• Along 270 metres of the Mitchell Highway, Eulomogo, near Basalt Road
• Along 370 metres of the Mitchell Highway, Wongarbon, near Bencubbin Drive
• Along 200 metres of the Mitchell Highway, Deep Creek, four kilometres west of Wongarbon
• Erskine Street, between Macquarie Street and Brisbane Street
• Cobbora Road, between Kings Park Way and Merrilea Road
• Along 355 metres of the Golden Highway, east of the Ballimore Rest Area
The so-far unnamed cub will remain behind the scenes until she is robust enough to make her public debut.
Taronga Western Plains Zoo is part of the international cheetah breeding program, and the first Australasian zoo to breed the species. “This little cub is really important,” Dr Wallace said. “Siri is quite genetically valuable, and having her offspring born and be able to grow up and reproduce is really important for the survival of the population.”
• Along 350 metres of the Newell Highway, near North Terramungamine Road, Brocklehurst.
By LANA EATHER
CAN Assist Dubbo has enjoyed a tremendous response for its annual major fundraiser ‘Autumn Gardens’ event. Positive feedback for the event has continued to pour in from across the area with visitors from Lightning Ridge to Forbes and Orange.
Autumn Gardens organiser Melva Blake thanked the widespread support and attendance.
Can Assist members and volunteers regularly offer their time and efforts at Macquarie Homestay. A number of people staying at Macquarie Homestay who visited the gardens have praised Can Assist Dubbo’s fund-
raising with overwhelming commendation of the day.
Guest Speaker Dr Paul Lunney, a renowned team leader of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and lecturer for Sydney University, is pictured with ‘Kookaburra’ garden owner Susan Cahill, and event organiser Melva Blake.
Can Assist volunteers are enjoying a wellearned rest before conducting the remainder of their 2025 fundraising efforts and planning ahead for the 2026 Open Gardens.
Raffle winners from the Autumn Gardens Day can be found in the Dubbo Photo News classified section.
It’s FREE to drop off these items at:
sites such as
AN old British truism – “Where there’s muck, there’s brass” –about finding worth in dirty, unpleasant, or messy surroundings, is proving true for a whole range of old and current mines in western NSW.
Cutting-edge scientific processes have found 28 current and historic mine sites which could have critical minerals and high-tech metals deposits hidden inside their old waste, NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee recently revealed.
Historic mines where sampling occurred included CSA in the Central West, Queen Bee, Great Cobar and Nymagee in the Far West, Endeavour Elura and Endeavour McKinnons in the Central West, and Hillgrove in the Northern Tablelands.
Current mines where researchers were looking for additional materials include Peak Gold Mine and Tritton near Cobar, RASP and Southern Operations near Broken Hill, and Stratford in the Upper Hunter.
By DAVID DIXON
GERALD “Gerry” Merritt is a proud Wiradjuri man and Aboriginal Community and Culture Engagement Officer based at Dubbo Community Corrections.
His tireless and largelyunseen work, and that of thousands of colleagues, was celebrated on National Corrections Day on Friday, May 16.
The former Juvenile Justice Youth Officer joined Corrective Services NSW 15 years ago to continue his calling to make change for his people by helping them break the cycle of crime.
Decades into the task, Gerry has gone above and beyond, establishing men’s groups, contributing to domestic violence and mental health initiatives, getting involved in Aboriginal sporting and NAIDOC events, and says working within his local community has its positives and challenges.
“This job allows me to create better outcomes for Aboriginal men and women who are on supervision, and I get to see the positive
effect that supervision can have, not just on an individual but their whole family,” Gerry, 56, said.
“The most confronting part of my job is seeing loved ones in custody, and there can be cultural overload too, as I’m engaging with the Aboriginal community every day – in home life and within the community – so, it’s 24/7 and can be hard to switch off at times.”
By networking with appropriate services, he says he’s able to be the “voice” for his mob on orders and someone they can trust to assist them to get back on their feet.
“We do business a bit different these days, like we ‘walk and talk’ for example and have a different approach when it comes to breaching, which is the change we need for our mob and I’m proud to be part of that,” Gerry concluded.
Gerry is among 10,500 Corrective Services NSW staff celebrated on National Corrections Day for commitment to community safety and reducing re-offending.
Contributed By DUBBO SOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOL
INSPIRED by a new mission, Dubbo South Public School is reimagining how it supports the creativity of its students.
“Together, we champion each child’s potential within an inclusive learning community,” is the primary school’s new mission.
Last term, instead of the usual end-ofterm-one craft activities, the school made space for students and staff to explore the creative arts in depth.
A series of 13 high potential and gifted education workshops and one special excursion were introduced to enrich and extend students’ talents.
In total, 351 experiences were offered to students who demonstrated natural abilities in imagination, invention and originality during their fortnightly creative arts day.
The workshops included visual arts, singing, Japanese art, ukulele, drama, dance and tuned percussion – each specially designed to nurture and challenge students from Kindergarten to Year 6.
These learning opportunities were curated to ignite passion and deepen engagement across artistic disciplines.
Students also had the chance to work alongside award-winning film composer Erifili Davis, spending a day developing their own short films.
The creative experience continued with a backstage tour of the Dubbo Regional Theatre, offering an inspiring insight into the world behind the curtain.
“High expectations and effective, explicit, evidence-based teaching create optimal learning environments for our students to be challenged and engaged in achieving their creative potential,” Dubbo South Public School principal Sharon Allman said.
“Students had a wonderful time extending their understanding and skills in the company of a passionate teacher and peers who share their interests. The joy these sessions sparked was not only evident in the students’ beaming smiles, but also in the sophistication of their creative works.”
Special thanks and congratulations go to our outstanding teaching team including Mrs Rowena Gay, Mrs Alexandra Prince, Mr Robert Tarry, Mrs Anthea Lidgard, Mrs Amanda Jarvis, and Mrs Virginia Herbertson.
Our teachers’ dedication and expertise brought these meaningful learning experiences to life.
Dubbo South Public School continues to invest in creating inclusive, high-impact learning experiences that celebrate each child’s unique strengths and potential.
Dubbo South Public School continues to invest in creating inclusive, high-impact learning experiences that celebrate each child’s unique strengths and potential, as these series of images show. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED.
Photo Booth offers an immersive and interactive experience designed to elevate any event. Guests step onto a platform where a camera, mounted on a rotating mechanical arm, captures stunning 360-degree highresolution videos. With a spacious 115cm platform, there’s plenty of room to gather your friends and create unforgettable moments!
DUBBO WORKS is highlighting the excellent career and learning opportunities the Dubbo region offers. To contribute ideas, email dubboworks@dubbophotonews.com.au phone 6885 4433
By DAVID DIXON
SHOWING the bright future locally in trades and on-the-job training, Dubbo Council has been selected as one of the State’s top recipients of a new NSW Government apprentices, trainees and cadets program.
Dubbo Regional Council ranks fifth for local government areas funded under the initiative with a total of 20 new positions created through the $250 million “Fresh Start” program whereby the State Government funds the wages of these newbies over the next six years.
In total, more than 60 per cent of the approved positions are in regional and rural councils, providing a major boost to country communities and more job opportunities for people in the bush, Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said.
“From Wollongong to Walgett, the Blue Mountains to Ballina, the Fresh Start program is an investment in the future of local government in NSW,” Mr Hoenig said.
“The uptake from councils has been fantastic and goes to show how desperately councils need this support, especially in regional and rural areas,” he added.
Councils statewide have now been given the green light to employ 1008 new apprentices, trainees and cadets this year under the first two rounds of funding.
“We’re opening the door for hundreds of young people to learn
life-long skills, making sure councils have the workforce they need to continue delivering for their communities.”
Hundreds commenced their new roles with councils across the state earlier this year, with more onboarding every month as
councils fill roles to coincide with the start dates of a wide range of training programs.
The Fresh Start program enables students and school leavers to study and learn on the job, while gaining a nationally accredited qualification.
Councils across the state have applied for the jobs they need most including 58 more apprentice mechanics, 25 electricians, 146 parks and gardens staff, 82 civil construction apprentices and trainees, and 44 early childhood trainees.
Also, 47 planning cadets and trainees and 58 in engineering have been approved, vital to driving local housing approvals and enabling supporting community infrastructure to help tackle the housing crisis, Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said.
“It’s pleasing to see the Fresh Start program helping to plug gaps across the local government sector in NSW, including in critical skills shortages areas such as construction and childcare,” Mr Whan said.
“Vocational education and training provides a valuable career path for many young people and there’s no doubt the Fresh Start program will help build a stronger workforce for NSW councils,” he explained.
A 2022 report by the Australian Local Government Association found that 91 per cent of respondent councils in NSW reported skills shortages, with close to 30 per cent reporting shortages in trades such as plumbing, automotive and mechanical work.
The top five roles by position type for councils are in parks and gardens, business administration, engineering, civil construction, waste and water, urban and regional planning, mechanics, childcare, building (surveying and inspections), electricians, information technology, finance, plumbing, and environmental services.
Ben Furney Flour Mills is Australia’s leading family-owned flour manufacturer and distributor in regional NSW. We are looking for a passionate and driven Customer Service Sales Support team member to join our friendly Sales and service team. Personal Attributes
Customer–focused: We consider our customers the core of our business and are looking for like-minded individuals to maintain and improve the status quo.
Communication: Our customer service sales support team members will need to be confident in their ability to communicate in both the written and verbal context, as they will be Liaising with many facets of the broader community.
Teamwork: A demonstrated ability to be a positive and reliable team member with a ‘can do’ attitude and willingness to learn.
Attentive & Empathetic: The key component of our customer care is adding a touch of personalisation when engaging our customers. We are looking for a team member who can empathise with their cause and unify them towards the solution.
Organisation & Negotiation: The proven ability to be organised is keen to develop their negotiation skills. Priorities: The ability to work well in a fast-paced environment and provide proactive and strategic execution of all required tasks.
More details: www.seek.com.au/ job/82849059
By DAVID DIXON
ROAD blocks and truck stops are being utilised on the NSWQueensland border to keep out a major environmental threat that could devastate livestock regions of NSW – the red imported fire ant.
Teams from NSW Police, Heavy Vehicle Regulation Authority, and Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) are currently undertaking random compliance checks of heavy vehicles entering NSW from Queensland to stop the spread of this invasive species.
Spending $95 million, the Government’s plan is to prevent fire ants from taking hold in NSW by raising awareness amongst communities and businesses on both sides of the border, and establishing a community-wide monitoring effort, so that any infestations are identified early and then quickly eradicated, NSW Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said.
“We’ve taken a risk-based approach. When the risk moves higher, we’ve made hard decisions, like suspending turf or hay movements,” Ms Moriarty revealed.
“Our Fire Ant Teams are working hard with other agencies to keep fire ants out of NSW. Swift response, focus and agility is required as we must keep going because this threat requires diligence,” she added.
The Government’s team for conducting this sixth wave of Operation Victa brings together biosecurity specialists, vehicle regulators,
Police and Transport officials to pull over vehicles and check their compliance credentials and inspect their loads and vehicle condition.
Over five previous waves, 382 heavy vehicles have been stopped, with 14 vehicles returned to Queensland under individual biosecurity directions for failing to meet entry requirements, plus issuing 13 penalty notices and three warnings.
This follows the NSW Govern-
ment’s suspension of turf being moved from Queensland Fire Ant Infested Areas into NSW in November last year. The Government then cracked down on the movement of hay after the near cyclone period in April, suspending any movement of hay into NSW from Queensland.
“We also call for vigilance in the community which is critical to the success of our program. We thank those community members whose quick actions calling our hotline
B Because that’s what facts do. They get in the way of wild theories, sensational headlines, and stories that are just too good to be true. And that’s the point.
Real journalism isn’t about chasing clicks or stirring outrage. It’s about accountability. It’s about getting the story right, not just being the first to talk about it.
Because that’s what facts do. They get in the way of wild theories, sensational headlines, and stories that are just too good to be true. And that’s the point.
It’s about knowing your community and knowing what matters most.
Real journalism isn’t about chasing clicks or stirring outrage.
It’s about accountability. It’s about getting the story right, not just being the first to talk about it.
Because when the truth matters, shortcuts don’t cut it.
It’s about knowing your community and knowing what matters most.
We believe facts make stories stronger, not weaker.
Because when the truth matters, shortcuts don’t cut it.
That’s why everything we publish is grounded in independence, integrity and an unwavering commitment to accuracy and the community we are part of.
We believe facts make stories stronger, not weaker. That’s why everything we publish is grounded in independence, integrity and an unwavering commitment to accuracy and the community we are part of.
Truth isn’t a single person’s point of view.
Truth isn’t a single person’s point of view.
It’s a responsibility. And it’s one we take seriously.
It’s a responsibility. And it’s one we take seriously.
Trust journalism to deliver you the truth.
Trust journalism to deliver you the truth.
have led to the state avoiding potential problems.
“As I’ve said many times, fire ants aren’t marching into NSW, they’re being carried,” Ms Moriarty said.
In February this year the NSW Government ensured that two Queensland businesses were prosecuted and then separately convicted in the NSW Local Court for breaching biosecurity regulations and in total ordered to pay $60,000.
WITH the majority (more than two-thirds) of our fatal accidents occurring on bush roads, farmers issued a fresh safety warning to rural travellers during National Road Safety Week on the poor quality of the State’s network. Roads in rural areas were a disgrace and remain riddled with potholes causing billions of dollars in damages, with the transport of food from farm to fork becoming increasingly impossible, NSW Farmers’ Wagga Branch Chair David Meiklejohn said.
“You only have to drive out the farm gate and you’re faced with everything from dangerous potholes that can ruin your tyres to whole sections of road crumbled into oblivion,” Mr Meiklejohn sacid.
This higher fatality rate on country roads is often attributed to factors including undivided carriageways, poorer surface conditions, increased roadside hazards, and lane departure crashes.
A recent report by NRMA estimated $3.4 billion in funding was needed by NSW’s local councils to repair their roads to a safe condition. Mr Meiklejohn said an unprecedented effort would be necessary to get NSW’s rural and regional roads back on track, with all levels of government urged to immediately invest in road repairs and upgrades across the state.
By KEN SMITH
THERE was a truckload of fun at the Macquarie Regional Library’s Wellington and Dubbo branches when the National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) was held. The National Simultaneous Storytime is now in its 25th successful year, and aims to promote the value of reading and literacy.
The Dubbo Library event featured a guest reader from the Dubbo Animal Shelter, whilst the Wellington Library event had a guest reader from Wellington Vet Hospital, Veterinarian Dr Clancy Wright, who read ‘The Truck Cat’, this year’s National Simultaneous Storytime book.
National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) is held annually by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously in libraries, schools,
preschools, bookshops, and many other places around the country.
Coordinator at Macquarie Regional Library, Suzie Samson, said the National Simultaneous Storytime is a free story session held at 12 noon nationwide.
She added ‘The Truck Cat’ was an excellent book choice.
“‘The Truck Cat’ is a fabulous book that follows truck cat Tinka and his human Yacoub travelling roads wide and narrow, near and distant. But no matter how much they travel, home feels very far away... for both.”
Yacoub drives his truck to make a living, learning the landscape of a new country along the way, and longing for connection. When Tinka and Yacoub are unexpectedly separated, they are determined to find their way back to each other – and, in doing so, might find more than they expected.
Left: Sophia Redfern and Vincent Christopher Redfern.
PHOTO: ERINN REDFERN
Right: Henry Redfern, Ernest Redfern, Great Grandfather Bill Redfern holding Vincent Redfern, and Arthur Redfern.
and Henry Redfern have welcomed Vincent Christopher Redfern to their family. Vincent was born at Dubbo Base Hospital on Thursday, April 17.
Thumbs Up to our paramedics. When Jane and Koby and the team attended an early morning call on Tuesday in Bourke Street Dubbo, your skill and care was greatly appreciated.
Thumbs Up to the garden and parks maintenance guys from Dubbo Regional Council. The fantastic job they did to make Margaret Crescent tree lined walkway look fresh, neat and safe. From all the people who use the track, especially the furry ones with four legs and me, a resident of the street. Love your work.
Thumbs up to everyone at the local Can Assist committee for their recent open gardens and all the other great work they do, particularly for cancer patients in our region.
Thumbs up to your Time Warp article in DubboPhotoNewslast week about the Enderby family. Their cafe on Darling Street was a popular hang-out for many years for many local people heading to a night out at the movies.
Thumbs up to the Dubbo Show committee. They have a huge job on their hands each year and our family is eagerly looking forward to this year’s show.
Thumbs up to the Dubbo Demons AFL club for the very inclusive weekends they have been hosting lately. Well done!
Thumbs up to the many Automated External Defibrillator (AED) devices located all over our town and region. I can remember the first big push to have these lifesaving devices placed in as many public places as possible, and it’s so good to see new AEDs are still being added on a regular basis.
A NEW exhibition showcasing textile banners exploring a range of women’s issues is on show at the Western Plains Cultural Centre in Dubbo as part of a national touring exhibition by the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House (MoAD).
The ‘Changemakers: Crafting a Difference’ show consists of eight textile banners that represent a range of historical and contemporary activist movements.
“The exhibition demonstrates that Australian women’s quest for freedom and equality is ongoing,”
Dubbo Regional Council
Assistant Curator Natasha Lunniss said. “Many of the relevant today, including
ment, family violence, and female representation in
parliament and business.”
The touring exhibition showcases a range of textile banners created by craftivist and artist Dr Tal Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick has used embroidery, quilting and applique techniques to create textile banners that explore challenging issues, attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate unequal power relations, including financial abuse.
‘Changemakers’ focuses on women’s empowerment and demonstrates that crafting – traditionally considered women’s work –can be used for political expression and social change.
The Changemaker banners used mostly upcycled
materials.
‘Changemakers: Crafting a difference’ is a travelling exhibition sponsored by Commonwealth Bank as part of CommBank Next Chapter, a program helping victim-survivors of financial abuse achieve long-term financial independence.
“We will be hosting an artist talk with Tal Fitzpatrick at the Western Plains Cultural Centre on Saturday, June 21 at 11am with a textile workshop run by the artist at 1pm on the same day where visitors are invited to share ideas and create their own banner,” Ms Lunniss said.
By DALLAS REEVES
IT is just more than a week before the 2025 Regional Australia Bank Dubbo Show and the list of attractions is as a big as ever.
Across Friday, May 30, Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1, a wide range of entertainment will be available for young and old at the Dubbo Showground.
It is expected the opening day and night on the Friday includes a harness racing meeting on the Centre Arena, while at Boardy’s Bar dynamic band Furnace and the Fundamentals will be playing an eclectic mix of the world’s best songs along with Shearing Circuit finals.
Saturday features day two of The Golden Axe Woodchopping Carnival, Goongunyah Shield Interschool sheep competitions, shearing competitions, Golden Oldies paraders (over 25) and day one of the Yard Dog Trials. The Zoo FM Young Woman and Rural Achiever Award winners will also be named and the ASSBA centenary celebrations will be recognised.
On Saturday Night at the Centre Arena, the 2DU/Zoo FM Fireworks, Six Bar Showjumping, Supreme Show Exhibit, Bison Stampede Show, and Oriscon Dancers all feature.
At Boardy’s Bar the Disco Revolution supported by Tanya Andrews and Dog High Jump are on.
Sunday’s final day promises to deliver an entertaining finale. The Demolition Derby features on the Centre Arena. Yard Dog Trials, the Junior Heifers Show, Mr and Miss Tony Tots Competition, Pet Parade, and the drawing of the Dubbo City Toyota and Gilgandra Toyota raffle winner for 2025 – where the winner will receive a new Hilux or Kluger – will also take place.
Street entertainment across the three days includes Pooka The Clown, Emma and The Fiercettes, Molly’s Tumbling, Dinkum Dinosaurs, and Circus Theatre.
The best of sideshow alley, market and business stalls, pavilion entries, horse, pony and riding events, the Young Farmers Challenge, cattle and sheep competitions, pet parades, and poultry exhibits are all included.
“Dubbo Show is an important event for our community. It is socially, culturally and economically significant,” Dubbo Show Society president Wes Temmesl
A grand champion at last year’s show. The 2025 Dubbo Show kicks off next Friday, May 30, and continues over Saturday and Sunday, May 31 and June 1.
nity is a great supporter of our show and we could not run this important event without the generous support of our sponsors, both large and small. In particular, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Regional Australia Bank, our major sponsor since 2011.”
Dubbo Show Society secretary Sue Hood was also looking forward to the show. “First staged in 1872, the Dubbo Show has grown from small beginnings to become one of the major agricultural shows in NSW and is currently recognised as one of the top five shows in the state and the premier inland show,” Mrs Hood said via the website.
“The show combines the traditional elements we all know and love with exciting exhibits and headline entertainment to keep people coming back time and time again.”
* The listings above are a guide, and
Tracserv Dubbo and the Dubbo Show are both longstanding traditions in the city, and the pair will combine again for three days in 2025.
Dealer Principal and Business Manager at Tracserv Dubbo, Leandra Gale said the business is looking forward to again setting up its display area at this year’s show from Friday, May 30 to Sunday, June 1.
Leandra remembers Tracserv attending the show when she was a child and the tradition continues.
Tracserv Dubbo will be at Dubbo Showground all day on Friday and Saturday and also on Sunday morning.
They will be in their regular position near the cattle yards.
Show attendees will be able to look at new Isuzu trucks, Bobcats, lawn mowers and the Isuzu power solutions diesel generators all on display.
“We have always loved the show,” Leandra said. “It’s a great time for us to catch up with people we haven’t seen in a long time.”
Serving Dubbo and surrounds since 1989, Tracserv is the place to go to for your earthmoving, tractors, lawn mowers, Isuzu trucks and power solutions.
Tracserv is the Central West’s sales and service specialist for Bobcat, Develon, Isuzu Trucks, Bobcat Zeroturn mowers, Bobcat tractors and Grasshopper mowers.
In 2025 Tracserv Dubbo celebrates 36 years in business.
Full workshop is also available for service and repairs and Tracserv is able to source parts for almost
any make or model.
Leandra said a reason for Tracserv Dubbo’s longevity is great relationships with staff members. Some staff have worked at Tracserv Dubbo for more than 20 years.
“Being a family-run business, we have a great relationship with our employees,” Leandra said.
“That has helped us keep staff here for so long which builds up a great relationship with our customers. The same faces are serving people.”
Ladies style this year is seeing a return to the extravagant and classic fashions of the past, and Kristy Hill from City Chic in the Orana Mall couldn’t be happier!
“Flares are the fashion this season, wide-legged pants, and high-waisted outfits,” Kristy said.
“It’s like the eighties are coming back with that very glamorous look back in fashion,” she added.
With the transition from autumn now going into winter, a whole range of new styles are now coming in-store as we approach June, she explained.
“We’re getting some of it in now, but we’ve got more stock
coming in all the time – we have set aside a lot more space to put it in.”
With the change of the seasons, City Chic is offering a variety of discounts on a number of popular clothing lines to clear space for the new range.
“We have a huge number of specials at the moment, some items ranging from 30-50 per cent off,” Kristy said.
“This ranges right across our stock, from knitwear, denim, tops, skirts, to bras and accessories.”
City Chic also has everything for the fuller figure with dresses, coats, shoes and leather wear.
“Definitely, we do cater all different kinds of woman and ages, we are a plus-sized store, with our evening wear a real feature,” Kristy said.
“If there’s one thing, one style of clothes, that we do really specialise in, then it’s that.”
For her part, Kristy loves retail, and the interactions with the customers and ensuring that her clients get the items that they’re really looking for.
“I love working here, to see the ladies walk out with such confidence, it really makes my day,” Kristy said.
“There’s not a day I don’t love coming to work,” she concluded.
Stage 3 Extension English students at Dubbo South Public School have taken on a powerful creative challenge: to explore the world of poetry through the lens of both beauty and harshness.
Each week High Potential and Gifted students from across the stage come together to use their critical and creative thinking skills. Students have been expanding their understanding of language and building rich, expressive vocabularies. From vivid imagery to thoughtful word choices, they’ve been diving deep into how words can move, challenge and inspire.
both beautiful and harsh – like a stormy sea, a thorny rose, or even the process of growing up.
Through class discussions, reading inspiring texts, and engaging in vocabulary-building tasks, they began crafting their own original poems that capture this delicate balance. Whether through striking metaphors or surprising similes, each student has found a unique voice and a new way to express their ideas.
More than just writing poems, the class has been learning how to think deeply, ask questions, and view the world through different perspectives. It’s been a journey of self-expression, empathy, and creativity.
Spacious, stylish and superbly located, this Southlakes residence offers the perfect blend of comfort and practicality.
Featuring three generous living zones, including a private media room and rear rumpus, plus a separate office, oversized bedrooms, and a well-appointed kitchen with walk-in pantry, it’s designed for effortless living. Enjoy ducted reverse cycle air, beautiful timber floors, and expansive storage throughout. Outdoors, entertain in style, park your caravan with ease, and soak in the leafy outlook. A quality-built home in one of Dubbo’s most sought-after estates.
RECREATION ROOMS from $16,990 based on 5 x 2.5 conditions apply, CLADDING from $13,500 based on 80sqm, insulation extra, PATIOS from $7990 insulated extra.
•Open
Indulge
When selling your property, first impressions are critical. Proper home staging goes beyond tidying up – it’s about creating an inviting space that buyers can envision as their own. Here are our top tips for stunning DIY home staging: Declutter: Remove unnecessary items and bric-a-brac to create a neutral and inviting space. Buyers should see a clean slate where they can imagine their personal style.
Deep Clean: Give your home a thorough clean, addressing hidden areas and wiping down walls. This process might highlight spots needing touch-ups, like fresh paint, so start early.
Less is More: Select minimal, well-placed furniture to highlight space and ensure good flow. Avoid overcrowding rooms with bulky items.
Neutral Palette: Apply the 60-30-10 design rule: 60per cent dominant (neutral), 30per cent complementary, and 10per cent accent color. Use this across walls, furniture, and décor to appeal to a wide audience.
Appeal to Senses: Incorporate textures and subtle aromas to evoke a welcoming atmosphere. Soft furnishings and light scents can leave a lasting impression.
The Finishing Touches: Small details matter – cushions, flowers, artwork, and even a bright fruit bowl can enhance the home’s vibe and buyer connection. If staging feels overwhelming, your agent can guide you or recommend professionals. Investing in staging can help sell your home faster and at a higher price.
Thinking of selling? Contact Karen Chant on mobile 0448 191167 or emailkaren@chantandco.com.au
Family-Sized and Feature-Packed
Spacious, stylish and superbly located, this Southlakes residence offers the perfect blend of comfort and practicality. Featuring three generous living zones, including a private media room and rear rumpus, plus a separate office, oversized bedrooms, and a well-appointed kitchen with walk-in pantry, it’s designed for effortless living. Enjoy ducted reverse cycle air, beautiful timber floors, and expansive storage throughout. Outdoors, entertain in style, park your caravan with ease, and soak in the leafy outlook. A quality-built home in one of Dubbo’s most sought-after estates.
Weston
How old are you? 4.
What are you good at? I’m good at making elephants. What is your favourite food? Chocolate, apples and bananas.
Do you have a favourite song? No! I don’t like singing! What makes you laugh? My brother makes me laugh. What is your favourite thing to do? I like coming to school.
If you could paint your house, what colour what it be? Blue, and only blue!
What do you want to be when you grow up? Nothing! Maybe work on the farm with Daddy. If you had a special power, what would it be? I would like to fly.
What’s a computer’s favorite snack?
ESMAE - 23RD MAY
KNOW A BIRTHDAY CHILD THIS MONTH?
Send in a photo, details and a short birthday wish. myentry@dubbophotonews.com.au
Entries must be in by 5pm Friday the week before.
Happy 5th Birthday little princess! Love you heaps, Mum, Dad, Evelyn, Hank, Gunner and Baby. k before. Baby
Is your photo featured here?
Donut King Orana Mall has a FREE kids doughnut to help you celebrate! Bring your copy of Dubbo Photo News to claim your Birthday gift.
Microchips! “You’ve got a point.” Q Q A A
What did the notebook say to the pencil?
Knock, knock! Hawaii. Who’s there? I'm good, Hawaii you? Hawaii who?!
By DAVID DIXON
THE past, they say, is another country, and that is nowhere more apparent than when one reads accounts of our fair region from more than 150 years ago.
‘Australia in the 1870s’ is a unique account of the travels of British visitors to colonial Australia in 1868 originally published as two volumes in 1872 as ‘Australia Illustrated’ and authored by renowned Victorian writer Edward Carton Booth.
His words were hauntingly illustrated by sketch artists including Skinner Prout and N. Chevalier who had accompanied Prince Alfred, the Duke of Edinburgh, on his adventure to the southern hemisphere on the steamship
The Galatea’. Many of these works were reproduced as steel engravings and provide a vivid picture of the Australian life and landscape.
Legendary post-war British publisher Paul Hamlyn rediscovered these century-old works and republished them in ‘Australia in the 1870s’ in the exact format that they had been produced 100 years earlier. Covering much of the set-
Describing the Central West, the author stated: “South of the Warrego, and extending for many
ly populated. The town of Wellington is far away to the south and is the centre of a very beautiful district.
“The Wellington Caves have always had a large amount of interest attached to them, not only on account of their natural beauty and peculiarity, but because of the strange remains of a bygone time that every exploration of their depths brings to light. Remains of men have been found there, and strange tools and weapons, grotesque drawings, indicating a po-
which they lived.
“Save for the deeply-graven lines on the face of the rock, the strange and petrified forms of tools and utensils for household use, the footprints of ages ago firmly fixed in a clay that has long since turned into rock, no record remains of the people of the period when the Wellington Caves were places of common resort, either for purposes of security or comfort. There are several towns of importance in in the district, and the scenery is, in many places of a very beautiful character.”
Postscript: As Prince Alfred was the first English royal to visit Australia, he was greeted with tremendous enthusiasm and – during his stay of nearly five months – visited Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Tasmania, as well as many country regions.
While he was in Australia, there was also an attempt made on his life: on March 12, 1868, while picnicking in Sydney in the beachfront suburb of Clontarf, he was wounded in the back by a revolver fired by Henry James O’Farrell. The prince was shot just to the right of his spine, but survived.
Following this attack, a subscription was raised which provided the funds for the founding of the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney.
25 Bedridden (3) 26 Combined whole (11)
Leather factory (7)
Kings and queens (7)
1 Partly open (4) 2 Blizzard (9) 3 Rolling in the Deep singer (5) 4 Unavoidably (11)
Knowledge (3)
Tastefully fine (7)
Predator (5) 8 Promotion (10)
Aficionado (11)
Doctor with superior knowledge in a specific field (10) 16 Vital, indispensable (9) 18 Territory ruled by an Islamic monarch (7)
Synthetic fibre (5)
23 Prepared (5) 24 Just (4) 27 Lively (3)
3 LETTERS
malign, mina, nail, nailing, naming
Insert each number from
to 9 in the shaded squares to solve all the horizontal and vertical equations. Multiplication and division are performed before addition and subtraction.
1. Who wrote the 1868 novel Little Women?
2. What was the name of the tropical cyclone that caused severe damage to northern Queensland in 2011?
3. Who was the keyboard player for The Doors?
4. What was the name of the ship on which Charles Darwin sailed to the Galápagos Islands?
5. Which 1950s poem begins with the line, ‘I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness, starving hysterical naked’?
6. And who wrote the poem?
7. One day on the planet Mercury is closest to how many days on Earth: 19, 32 or 59?
8. My Sharona was an international success for which US rock band?
9. Joseph Gordon-Levitt (pictured) played Tommy in which sitcom?
10. In Judaism, what is the name for the seven days of mourning that take place after a funeral?
Great ways to remove stuck labels: nail polish remover (NOT for use on plastics), WD-40 oil, soaking in hot water, rubbing alcohol.
ARIES: You’ll have a long shopping list to get through t his week, but the good news is that you’ll discover great deals. Negotiate better repayment terms for your loans to save on interest.
some time to relax and recharge.
TAURUS: Get ready for an action-packed week! You’ll dive into projects that are close to your heart. Inspiration is the driving force behind action. Make sure to prioritise your health; if anything feels off, don’t hesitate to see a doctor.
GEMINI: You might feel worn down due to work or he alth issues. It’s possible that someone close to you will need your support. Be sure to carve out
WOODHOUSE
CANCER: You’ll expand your social network for your p ersonal and professional interests. You’ll take the lead in organising a major event. Thanks to your careful planning, it will be a resounding success.
LEO: You’ll have to juggle a lot of responsibilities at w ork and in your home life this week. If you’re a parent to young children, you’ll actively participate in their school activities, bringing them great joy.
VIRGO: Now is the perfect time to plan your next holiday or treat yourself to a weekend getaway. Pay attention to the details, especially if you’re going with a big family.
LIBRA: You may feel a bit on edge and sensitive this w eek. It may be time to consider making some changes. Rebuilding certain aspects of your life will help create a stronger foundation once things settle down.
SCORPIO: You must strive for harmony both at work and at home. In your love life, work on reigniting passion to keep the flame alive. If you’re single, it’s time to actively seek your soulmate.
SAGITTARIUS: Now is a great time to start a new, he althy diet. You’ll see positive changes quickly, and your friends and family will likely want to follow your example and see results of their own.
CAPRICORN: You’ll stand out in a group or work
en vironment this week. You’ll feel justifiably proud of your courageous actions, which will strengthen your reputation and solidify your position.
AQUARIUS: You may spontaneously decide to relocate. D espite the sudden nature of this change and a shortage of available accommodations, you’ll find somewhere to live that’s better suited to your family’s needs.
PISCES: You’ll have many exciting stories to share this w eek. Imagine delivering a speech that earns a standing ovation. You’ll also receive professional support to help you navigate a tricky financial situation.
this
By KEN SMITH
By KEN SMITH
SAT 24-SUN 25 MAY
FROM 8AM
26 Loch Lomond Way, Dubbo
A variety of household items including washing machine, bed, table and chairs, Kirby Vacuum Cleaner, Stereo and lots more.
SATURDAY MAY 24TH
8AM START
7 Sapphire St, Dubbo
Household items including furniture, crockery, christmas decorations, garden tools and much more
Ready to trade up to a role that means something?
NSW Ambulance is on the lookout for a full-time mechanic to join our crew at Dubbo. It’s permanent, it’s hands on and it comes with perks like an extra public holiday, annual uniform and tool allowances, paid training with Mercedes Benz, and more. This isn’t just another workshop gig – it’s your chance to keep the frontline moving. Keen? Email a copy of your CV to ella.su@health.nsw.gov.au or Elias.Ajaka@health.nsw.gov.au
Passed away 11th May 2025
Aged 72 years
Late of Dubbo
Dearly loved life partner of Cynthia.
Loving father of Dale and Brett.
Loved step-father of Roger & Melissa, John & Mia and Jamie.
Cherished Grand-Dad of Jaxon, Kody, Tori, Ryan, Aiden, Billy, Malaki and Skyla.
Adored Great-grand-dad of Luna, Piper and Sunny.
Beloved brother of Tony, Greg, Dean and their families.
Son of Bill (dec) and Lorna (dec).
Mark’s cremation service will be held at St Brigid’s Catholic Church, Brisbane Street, Dubbo commencing at 10.00am on Friday 6th June 2025 followed by a private cremation service.
Funeral arrangements are in the care of The Abbey Funeral Home Dubbo 02 6881 8988
Passed away 6th May 2025
Aged 81 years
Late of Dubbo & formerly of Germany
Dearly loved wife of Gary (dec).
Loving mother of Michael, Richard, Andrew and Tania.
Cherished Grandmother, Great Grandmother and dear friend to many.
Annie’s Funeral service will be held at St Brigid’s Catholic Church, Brisbane Street, Dubbo commencing at 10.30 am on Friday 23rd May 2025 followed by a private Cremation Service.
Funeral arrangements are in the care of The Abbey Funeral Home Dubbo 02 6881 8988
If you can find our Face In the Crowd, you could win a $80 voucher to spend at PIZZA CRAVINGS! Somewhere amongst the faces in this edition of Dubbo Photo News you will find the face shown above.
Once you have found our Face in the Crowd, write the page number and approximate location on the back of an envelope along with your name, address and daytime contact number. Send it to: FACE IN THE CROWD, Dubbo Photo News 5/33 Hawthorn Street, Dubbo NSW 2830 or email details to: myentry@dubbophotonews.com.au
One entry per week per person please. Entries close at the end of the month. All entries received during the month go into the one big draw. The first correct entry drawn wins. Find
Dubbo Film Society: Film screenings for members and casual members at Dubbo RSL Theatrette, 1:30pm. Two films, Sunday 25 May, 28 Sept, 16 Nov. Refreshments served at intermission. All-day Film Festival, five films, Sunday 27 July commences 9:30am.
Geurie Lions Club Markets: Will be held on the 31st May 2025.Commencing at 8:30am at Wise Park, Mitchell Highway, Geurie. Geurie Lions Club Markets require stall holders. If you are thinking about having a garage sale or have unusual items to sell, why not book a stall. Costs 3X3 $10.00, 6X3 $12.50, 6X6 $15.00, Tables $5.00. To book, phone Peter Perry on 68 466 353 or Email oldstation@skymesh.com.au
Ladies Luncheon: Will be held Saturday June 7, 12 noon at the Rose Garden Thai Restaurant, Urban Village, Whylandra Street West Dubbo. Contact Bev on 68845401 by Thursday June 5, if interested.
THURSDAY
Above Board Gamers: SECOND and FOURTH Thursday of the month, 6pm, Devil’s Hollow Brewery. Alan 0432 278 235
Akela Playgroup: 9.30am, Scout Hall, 4 Akela St., Sharna 0438 693 789
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 Veteran’s & Community Men’s Shed: 11am-12.30pm, West Dubbo Bowling Club. Barry 0439 344 349
Coffee, Craft and Chat: 9.30am-12pm, Gospel Hall, Cnr of Boundary Road and Taylor St. Anne 0428 425 958
Croquet: 8.15am for 8:30am start, Tuesday, Thursday. Croquet courts, Brisbane St, North Dubbo. Kate 0409 927 140, Lillian 0429 471 921
CWA Dubbo: FIRST Thursday of the month, 9.30am to 11am, Oaktree 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
Dubbo Anglican Church Trinity Kids Playgroup: 10am-12pm, Anglican Church Hall, 158 Brisbane St., during School terms. Contact 6884 4990
Dubbo Community Men’s Shed Inc: Mondays 9am to 1pm and Thu/Sat 1pm to 5pm. Small joining fee after three visits. All men are welcome, Kevin 0427 253 445 Family History Society (Dubbo & District): 1pm to 4pm, volunteers on site during these hours, Western Plains Cultural Centre Community Arts Centre, Cnr Wingewarra and Gipps St Heart Support Walking Group: 12.30pm, (also Tuesdays), Ollie Robbins Oval, Cnr of Bligh Street. Supports gentle exercise promoting healthy hearts, Ray 0437 541 942 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.
Line Dancing: 9.30am to 12 noon, Greek Hall, corner Gipps and Roper Street, Dubbo. Kathy 6888 5287 or Lynn 6888 5263.
Macquarie Masons Dubbo: SECOND Thursday of the month. All visitors are welcome, John O’Brien 0405 051 896. Outback Dragons Dubbo: 5.45pm (in summer), Sandy Beach amenities block. Come and try dragon boating, your first five paddles are Free. info@outbackdragons.com. au, Robyn 0427462504
Wellington Arts and Crafts: 10am-3pm, Small Hall in the Anglican Church grounds, Wellington, variety of crafts, activities and workshops offered. D orothy 0408 601 066
Wellington Lions Preloved Book Fair: Wellington Lions Preloved Book Fair Thursday to Saturday 10am to 2pm, Western Gallery, corner Swift St and Mitchell Highway, Wellington. Preloved books, Jigsaw puzzles, Cds, Dvds and now board games with the money raised going to Charities that Club members choose.
FRIDAY
Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings: 7pm (1.5hrs) - ID meeting, Dubbo Community Health, Palmer Street, Dubbo. Contact Dee 0417 422 750, 1300 222 222 or www.aa.org.au. Central West Makers Place: 12pm-6pm, South Dubbo Veterans and Community Men’s Shed, Cnr Palmer and High Streets. 3D printing, robotics, pottery, and more. Adam 0431 038 866.
Communion Service (Dubbo Anglican Church): 10am, Brotherhood House chapel, 158 Brisbane St. Community Kitchen: FIRST Friday of the month, 6.30pm, Holy Trinity Hall, Brisbane St, free meal.
CPSA (Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association): SECOND Friday each month, 10am, Dubbo RSL Club. Discuss issues, guest speaker. Further Information Barb 0427251121
Dubbo Nepalese Christian Fellowship: 6.30-8pm. Cyrel on 0416 826 701 or Kabita 0452 406 234.
Dubbo Parkinson’s Support Group: FIRST Friday of each month, 10.30am, Horizons village, Minore Road, Dubbo. Marsha Isbester 0427 373 842.
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. Geoff Smith 0427 895 447
Spinning and Weaving: 10am, at Dubbo Arts and Craft Cottage, 137 Cobra Street. Anne 0408 891 225
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 Wellington Lions Preloved Book Fair: Wellington Lions Preloved Book Fair
Thursday to Saturday 10am to 2pm, Western Gallery, corner Swift St and Mitchell Highway, Wellington. Preloved books, Jigsaw puzzles, Cds, DVDs and now board games with the money raised going to Charities that Club members choose.
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
SATURDAY
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 until approximately 4.30pm, Bultje Street. $7 members, $9 non-members. Libby 0428 254 324.
Croquet: 8.15am, Muller Park Tennis and Croquet courts, Brisbane St, North Dubbo. New players of all ages are welcome. Tricia 0428 876 204 or Margaret 0427 018 946.
CWA Gilgandra Market: FIRST Saturday of the month, 9am-1pm, Cakes, fruit, pickles, plants and more! New stall holders are welcome. $5 per table, proceeds to CWA. Contact Hilda 0427471270.
Dubbo Anglican Church Vigil Communion Service: 6pm, 158 Brisbane Street.
Contact 6884 4990
Dubbo Bridge Club: 1pm, Bultje Street (Tennis Courts), Dubbo. $7 members, $9 non-members. Libby 0428 254 324
Dubbo Community Men’s Shed Inc: Mondays, 9am to 1pm and Thu/Sat 1pm to 5pm. Small joining fee after three visits. “All men are welcome.” Kevin 0427 253 445
Dubbo Slot Car Racing Club: FIRST and THIRD Saturday of the month, 4pm, Seniors (15+), old Scouts Building, 189-191 Talbragar Street, across from Aldi. Terry 0408 260 965. Embroiderers - Dubbo: 10:00am- 3:00 pm (also see Tuesday listing) All are welcome
Macquarie Regional Library Contact Patricia 0439846400
Family History Society (Dubbo & District): 10am to 1pm, volunteers on site during these hours, Western Plains Cultural Centre Community Arts Centre, Cnr Wingewarra and Gipps St.
Orana Writers’ Hub: 1st Saturday of the month 10-1. 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 on 0408 825 180 Parkrun - Dubbo: 8am every week, FREE timed (with barcode), 5km run, jog or walk, starts at Sandy Beach, dogs, prams are welcome. Email dubbohelpers@parkrun.com to help!
RSL Tennis Club: 12.30pm, Paramount Tennis Club courts for enjoyable social tennis. All welcome 0437824743
Saturday Art: 10am, at Dubbo Arts and Crafts Society Cottage, 137 Cobra St. Pam 6885 1918.
Seventh-day Adventist Church 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. 45 L Boothenba Road, Dubbo commencing at 2pm. Will be 90 this year! Contact Ronda on 0419 275 223.
Transition Dubbo Food + Film Night: For information about future events, contact to Peter 0439 091 767
Wellington Lions Preloved Book Fair: Wellington Lions Preloved Book Fair Thursday to Saturday 10am to 2pm, Western Gallery, corner Swift St and Mitchell Highway, Wellington. Preloved books, Jigsaw puzzles, Cds, Dvds and now board games with the money raised going to Charities that Club members choose.
Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings (Steps and Traditions): 7pm (1.5hrs), ‘Steps and Traditions’ meeting, Dubbo Community Health, Palmer St. Jack 0418 605 041, Sally 0427 829 807, 1300 222 222 or www. aa.org.au
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 or Sam 0429826076, dubbobug.org.au
Dubbo Acoustic Musicjam (DAMjam): SECOND Sunday of the month, 2pm to 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: 6pm, at 251 Cobra Street (next to Spotlight), during school terms. Come along and discover if church is still relevant in today’s world. Everyone is welcome. 6884 2320
Dubbo Baptist Church: 9.30am, 251 Cobra Street (next to Spotlight). Everyone is welcome. 6884 2320
Dubbo Pistol Club: 12.30pm, 143L Old Dubbo Road, 6882 0007
Orana K9 Training Club INC: New intake class every 7th Sunday starting 4/2/24..( daylight savings start time 8.45am Eastern Standard time 9.45am ). Orana K9 Training are now training at Pioneer Oval Howard Ave West Dubbo. Contact Reg 0428849877 or Dianne 0429847380. Orana Pistol Club: 9am, Hyandra Lane, Dubbo. Sundays only, 6887 3704
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. Contact David 0424 252 834
Alcoholics Anonymous (Daily Reflections Meeting): 12pm Monday Lunch (1.5hr) – ‘Daily Reflections’ meeting St Brigid’s Catholic Church meeting rooms, 198 Brisbane St, Dubbo. Please contact David 0417 063 087 or contact 1300 222 222 or www.aa.org.au.
Amnesty International Dubbo: SECOND Monday of the month, 5.30pm-6.30pm, St Brigid’s meeting room. Contact Sandra Lindeman amnesty.dubbo@gmail.com or 0419 167 574.
Anglican Women’s Association: 5.30pm, at Holy Trinity. Dorothy 6884 4990.
Australian Air Force Cadets 313 “City of Dubbo” Squadron: 6pm-9.30pm, 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, affordable dance for girls/ladies, 4yrs and up, all fitness levels. dubbocityphysie@live. com.au
Dubbo Community Men’s Shed Inc: Mondays, 9am to 1pm and Thu/Sat 1pm to 5pm. Small joining fee after three visits. “All men are welcome.” Kevin 0427 253 445.
Dubbo Multicultural Women’s Group: THIRD Monday of the month, 10am, St Brigid’s Meeting Room in Brisbane Street. Women of all backgrounds are invited. 1800 319 551.
Narromine Community Women’s Shed: 10am -3pm, (also Wednesdays), The Wesley Centre, 138 Dandaloo Street, Narromine. Leona 0487 200 987
Patchwork: 10am-3pm, at Dubbo Arts & Craft Cottage, 137 Cobra St, June 6882 4677.
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. Contact Lyn Wicks, 0428 342 374, Carla Pittman, 0418 294 438 or dubborotaryclub@hotmail.com
Sing Australia Dubbo Choir: 6pm-8pm, Bridge Club, Bultje Street. NO auditions, no requirements to read music and no singing experience necessary. Contact Michele Peak 0428 680 775.
Tai Chi 10 Form: 2.30pm-3.30pm during school terms at U3A, Community Arts Centre, WPCC, 76 Wingewarra St.. Laney 6882 4680 or laneyluk@gmail.com.
TUESDAY
Aboriginal Elders Walkabout Ministry Group: 9.30am - 2pm in Holy Trinity Church Hall, 158 Brisbane Street
Croquet: 8.15am for 8:30am start, Tuesday, Thursday. Croquet courts, Brisbane St, North Dubbo. Kate 0409 927 140, Lillian 0429 471 921
Dementia Sing Out Choir: Weekly 11am12.30pm, Generosity Church 51 Sheraton Road Dubbo. Contact Anne Gemmell 0481396404. 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 is welcome to join. See F.B. page for more details. Dubbo City Physical Culture Club: 5pm start, Holy Trinity Hall, Brisbane Street, Dubbo. Fun, affordable 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 contact Marie Francis 0408845640. Dubbo Embroiderers: 9:30am- 3:00pm SECOND and FOURTH Tuesday of the month (also see Saturday listing) Dubbo Bridge Club, Elston Park, Bultje St Dubbo. All are welcome. Contact Patricia 0439846400
Dubbo Lions Club Inc: FIRST and THIRD Tuesday of the month, 6.30pm, Club Dubbo. PO Box 285 Dubbo, Lois on 0428288325 or dubbolionsinc@gmail.com.
Dubbo Men’s Probus: FIRST Tuesday of every month, 11am, Masonic Hall, Bob Ellis 0428217752
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 to 4pm, Cnr Wingewarra & Gipps Sts, Western Plains Cultural Centre, Community Arts Centre.
Girls Brigade: During school term, 6pm to 8pm, Orana Baptist Church, 4 Palmer St. For all school aged girls. Enjoy crafts, games, camps, stories, songs, cooking and much more. Julie 0428 821 829
Heart Support Walking Group: 12.30pm, (also Thursday), Ollie Robbins Oval, Cnr of Bligh Street. Supports gentle exercise promoting healthy hearts, contact Ray 0437 541 942 Orana Physical Culture: 4pm onwards, 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: 12.30pm - 2pm, Westside Hotel, contact Peter McInnes 0417 140 149
Rotary Club of Dubbo South: 6pm, at South Dubbo Tavern Silver Craft: THIRD Tuesday of the month, 10am, at Dubbo Arts and Crafts Society Cottage, 137 Cobra St. Julie 6884 4919 Smart Recovery (Behaviour Change Support Group): 5pm, online or in person. Rob on 0417 497 187
Spinning Group: Every third Tuesday 10am -4pm Dubbo Art and Craft Cottage, 137 Cobra Street. Contact Julie 0418 976 663 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. Ph: 0455255137 after midday to express interest.
dubbophotonews.com.au
Toastmasters Club: FIRST and THIRD Tuesday of the month, 7pm9pm, 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. 22nd Oct, 5th Nov, 19th Nov. Women of all ages welcome. Kathryn at Connecting Community Services 1800 319 551.
WEDNESDAY
Akela Playgroup: (also see Thursday listing), 10.30am, Scout Hall, 4 Akela Street, Sharna 0438 693 789.
Alcoholics Anonymous Dubbo: Meet Wednesday 7pm (1.5hr) – ‘Topic‘ meeting St Brigid’s Catholic Church meeting rooms, 198 Brisbane St, Dubbo Please contact Ian 0447 176 590 Or contact 1300 222 222 or www. aa.org.au for info on meetings. 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. Contact 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 Coffee, Craft & Chat: FORTNIGHTLY, 10am-12pm, Gospel Chapel on Boundary Road. Anne 0428 425 958
CWA Dubbo Evening Branch: THIRD Wednesday of the month, 6:00pm, 3 Frith Street. Contact Barb on 0409 159 556.
CWA Narromine: SECOND Wednesday of the month, 5.30pm, USMC. Carolyn 0427747478
CWA Terramungamine: SECOND Wednesday of the month, 10am, Dubbo RSL Club. Barb 0427 251 121 CWA Wellington Branch: Second Wednesday of Month, 10:30 a.m., Wellington CWA Rooms, Warne St, Wellington. Contact Marion on 0429033836
Dementia Friendship Group: SECOND Wednesday of month, 10:30am, Western Plains Cultural Centre, Creo Cafe, Wingewarra St. Anne Gemmell 0481396404. Dubbo Arts and Craft Cottage: 10am-4pm, 137 Cobra Street. A large range of handcrafted gifts made by members available. Contact 6881 6410 Dubbo and District Family
History Society event: Linda Barnes will show you how to begin discovering your family history. Four weeks, Wednesdays March 6, 13, 20 and 27. 10.30am to 12.30pm at Community Arts Centre $7.50 per session for DDFHS members, $15 for non-members. To reserve your place phone Linda on 68878284 or email martinandlinda@gmail.com
Dubbo Bobbin Lacemakers: THIRD Wednesday of the month, 10am-3pm, Arts & Crafts Society Cottage and Craft Shop, 137 Cobra Street. Judy 6882 5776
Dubbo Bridge Club: 9.45am, for 10am-1pm, Bultje Street (Tennis Courts), Dubbo. $7 members, $9 non-members. Libby 0428 254 324
Dubbo Community Garden: 9am12pm, 4 Palmer Street. A time to garden with others, learn more skills and grow friendships. Contact Denise 0433 623 842 or Julie 0428 821 829
Dubbo Electric Vehicle Interest, Owners, Users & Supporters (DEVIOUS) group: FIRST Wednesday of each month, 12:30pm to 1:30pm, 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. Contact Colene 0400422335
Line Dancing: 6.30pm to 8:30pm, Greek Hall, corner Gipps and Roper Street, Dubbo. Kathy 6888 5287 or Lynn 6888 5263. Lodge Allan Stuart 416: SECOND Wednesday of month, Geurie Masonic Centre. Please email secretary@lodgeallanstuart416.org.au
Narromine Community Women’s Shed: Mondays and Wednesdays, 10am -3pm, The Wesley Centre, 138 Dandaloo Street, Narromine. Leona 0487 200 987
Survivors Of Suicide
Bereavement Group: Wednesdays, by expressions of interest. Please contact 0455 255 137 after midday.
Walter T. Grant Seniors Social Club: 9am-2pm, 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.
Koah Greenaway
Born 15/5/2025
Weight 3250g
Parents Chloe and Kevin from Dubbo
Sibling Korra (2yrs)
Waylon Mathew Hawke Mintern
Born 12 /5/2025
Weight 3170g
Parents Hayley Hawke and Shane Lamb from Dubbo
Grandparents Danielle Hawke, Shane Mintern and Stacy Lamb
Charlie Carolan
Born 15/5/2025
Weight 4480g
Parents and Daniel Carolan
Sibling
Grandparents Leanne and John Ravot, Louise and Rex Ridley
Born 15/5/2025
Weight 3790g
5 0g ol rolan ts L Le Leanneand
Chloe Renee Howlett
Parents Talia and Tim Howlett from Dubbo
Sibling Lewis (2.5 yrs)
Grandparents Val and Peter Smith, Sue and Wayne Howlett and
By GEOFF MANN
SIXTEEN ladies from Dubbo travelled to West Wyalong to compete in the 98th WDLGA Western Districts Golf Tournament on May 13-15 and they were very successful – especially Debbie Murray who is the 2025 WDLGA Champion!
Congratulations to all our winners and the ladies who attended and represented our Club.
The Dubbo Ladies are looking forward to hosting the 100th anniversary of the WDLGA Competition in May 2027. Results included:
• Debbie Murray – Div 1: 36 Hole Scratch Champion-
ship and took out the Open Jubilee Cup and Alan Yuille Championship Cup. She was also runner-up on 18 Hole Scratch on Tuesday, winner of the 18 hole scratch for Wednesday and one of the winners of the WDLGA Open Teams Cup.
• Kim Robinson – Div 1 was 3rd in 18 hole scratch on Wednesday Debbie and Kim also won Div 1 18 hole Foursomes Scratch and the JH Fagan Cup on Thursday.
• Jenny Ivers – Div 2 won the 36 Hole Handicap and 18 hole handicap on Tuesday.
• Heather Ringland – Div 2 was 3rd overall in 36 hole handicap championship.
• Jill Fisher – Div 3 was run-
ner up for 36 hole Stableford Championship Joyce Abbot Cup, and 6 in 18 hole Stableford on Tuesday and Wednesday.
• Julie Rich – Div 3 won the 18 hole Stableford on Wednesday and was 2nd in 36 hole Stableford championship.
• Debra Robinson – Div 3 was 6th in 36 hole Stableford championship.
• Carmel Morley – Div 4 won 36 Hole Stableford Championship, was 3rd in 18 hole Stableford on Tuesday and 4th in 18 hole Stableford on Wednesday.
• Helen Stratford – Div 4 was 6th in 18 hole Stableford on Wednesday.
“Real” Ducks take the swims!
By GEOFF MANN
DUBBO Ducks Publicity Officer Judy Walsh has been chortling all week with the female members featuring prominently in all events!
Youngster Mia Uebergang ploughed through the field to win the 50-metre Breaststroke/Freestyle from Mark Scullard and John Wherritt, Norm Bahr and Brian Schloeffel.
That led the way for Nicole Johnstone who showed great form in the closest to time 25-metre Butterfly, hitting the wall just 0.26 seconds off her time. Peter Hargreaves also had a good swim, touching the wall 1/100th of second off his nominated time, followed by Mia Uebergang on 0.40, Cath O ‘Rourke on 0.50 and Norm Bahr 0.54.
Norm Bahr spoiled a clean sweep when he just touched the wall ahead of Mia Uebergang and Cath O’Rourke in the final of the 25-metre Freestyle.
To round up a successful morning by “the girls”, Judy Walsh and Cath O’ Rourke got the lucky numbers for the morning.
According to Judy “there was a whisper that an emergency meeting by the ‘drake’ brigade prior to our
next swim has been called to rectify the situation”!
Ducks Presentation Night
Special Trophies
Club Person of the Year –
David Sparkes
Open Champion – Jack Allen Bridesmaid’s Trophy – Neil Harris
Open 110 metres – Mark Scullard
RSL Championships over 60 Years – Tom Gray 45-49 Years Jack Adams Trophy – Cath O’Rourke Champion of Champions – Mal Cavanagh
Most Breakers – Alan Quinn
Most Improved – Peter Allen
Ken McMullen (Community Service Award) – Andrew Schloeffel Stirrer’s Spoon – John Wherritt Spit the Dummy – Billy Greenwood
Vern Traeger Trophy – Jacob Pearce
Tom Flynn Ironman Memorial Trophy – John Wherritt
Col Eastburn (Boom Boom)
Brace Relay – Mia Uebergang and Jack Allen
Emergency Service Trophy – Mal Cavanagh, Janine Gardiner, Norm Bahr Departed Ducks (Attenborough Family Trophy) – Mark Scullard, Rob Rich, Marg Ross and Peter Hargreaves
MACQUARIE Raiders Rugby League Club
will celebrate the 40th anniversary of its historic 1985 Group 11 premiership victories for both First Grade and Under-18s teams later this month.
The reunion weekend will kick off on Saturday, May 24, at 3 pm, with a meet and greet at South Dubbo Tavern, providing an opportunity for former players, staff and supporters to reconnect.
A dedicated function room at the Tavern has been booked from 6pm onwards, with finger food provided for attendees. Those requiring further information are encouraged to contact Jimmy Kelly directly.
On Sunday, May 25, the festivities continue at Apex Oval, coinciding with Round 5 of the Peter McDonald Premiership as Macquarie Raiders take on Nyngan Tigers across all grades.
Past players and supporters are invited to gather from 11am in the Function Room to cheer on the current generation of Raiders.
Event organiser Ryan O’Connor said the reunion had been “a combined effort over many months to contact Macquarie players and supporters”.
“By the sounds of it, we have most from the ‘85 teams attending, so fingers crossed it’s a good weekend,” Ryan said.
All current and former players, coaching staff, committee members, sponsors and supporters are warmly invited to join the celebrations.
By GRAHAM ROSS, PRESIDENT
THE weather is still holding fine allowing our bowlers to enjoy their Sunday Bowls, with 35 RSL Combination Bowlers playing on Sunday, May 18.
On rink 12, stalwarts of the club Mary Perry, Roger Shirwin and Graham Ross won the day with 23 shots, quite a margin from Ron McCauley, Ray Strawhan and Col Dover on 6 shots.
Roz Joseph, Shirley Marchant and Tod O’Dea took second place on rink 10 with a resounding 27 shots from Sue McCauley, Gae Teale and Steve Kelly on 10 shots.
“Lucky” Leo Balstad along with his partners Alan Stratford and Peter Sinclair won third place with 23 shots to 9 shots from Terese Gaio, Pat Ryan and Rob Pfieffer. Kerry Dickson, Gay Cottee and Peter Bennison lost out with 14 shots to Ken Whittaker, Eric Satchell and Matt Quill bowling 19 shots.
Rink 11 was won by a new player Peter Collins along with Chris Straojny and Bryan O’Sullivan on 15 shots against Chris Castlehouse, Garry Huggins and Ross Pharo on 12 shots.
Joy McAllister, Jenny Spratt and Col Cottee won their game with 22 shots from Dick Whiteford, Mel Giddings and Jenny Spratt who played as a swinger, making 10 shots. Peter Collins won 2 resters and Col Cottee one.
Lucky numbers were won by Jenny Spratt, Sue McCauley and Leo Balstad.
Welcome to our new player Peter Collins. Long may you enjoy your Sunday morning bowls with RSL Combination Bowlers.
As always, new and casual players are most welcome and can contact 0419 248 520 for further information. Players names to be in by 9am for a 9.30 start please.
By KEN SMITH
Contributed by DUBBO DEMONS
THE Dubbo Demons proudly took part in the Sir Doug Nicholls Round this past weekend, recognising the invaluable contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to our great game.
With teams from Under-10s through to the Seniors taking the field against the Bathurst Giants, the round was full of heart, milestones, community spirit and strong contests. The Demons were proud to wear their stunning Indigenous jumper, designed by talented local artist Trudy Sloane, as a symbol of respect, unity and celebration of Aboriginal culture during Sir Doug Nicholls Round.
Here’s how the action unfolded across the grades.
THE future of the Demons looks bright! Young Lincoln stole the show by kicking his very first goal – an unforgettable moment for the club’s youngest player. Audrey and Thomas impressed with booming kicks to teammates, while Maddison and Kayden showed lightning speed in defence, helping to shut down the Giants’ attacks. The Under-10s played with joy, effort and teamwork – a perfect start to a day that celebrated unity and growth in the game.
DESPITE a cold morning and a slow start that saw the Demons trail by 10 goals at halftime, the Under-12s roared back into the game with a sensational second half. They kicked 8 goals to 1 in the third quarter, and 4 more in the last. Mitch Beaton led the charge with 3 goals, Anna Carr was everywhere, and Harry Ashby stood tall in defence. Elsie Bowen was fearless in the tackle count, while Mitchell Beaton chipped in with more goals. A great all-round team effort!
At full time, the Dubbo Demons were defeated by Bathurst.
Under-14s – Holding Strong Against a Tough Opponent
THE Under-14s stood up bravely, particularly in the second half, as
they took the fight to the Bathurst Giants. Jaida Pearson and Mekari Kelly were standout performers – Mekari dominating in the ruck and Jaida applying pressure all over the ground. While the Giants had the upper hand on the scoreboard, our young Demons showed real fight and plenty of promise.
Final Score: Dubbo Demons
1.2.8 defeated by Bathurst Giants 13.12.90
Youth Girls – Debuts, Milestones and a Close Contest
WHAT a game from our Youth Girls! The team kept within striking distance all day thanks to brilliant pressure across the field. Lily Egan, in her first game for the Youth Girls, booted four superb goals. Azalea Brown played her best game yet, adding a goal of her own, and Emilie Hughes joined the milestone club with her first ever goal. A fantastic team performance full of positives for the future.
Final Score: Dubbo Demons
7.3.45 defeated by Bathurst Giants 9.11.65
THE Under-17s endured a physical battle and left it all on the park. The match saw its share of injuries – including a black eye and stitches for James Wonderley – but the boys never backed down. Darcy Fairman thrilled the crowd with a long goal from the centre square, and Daniel Mawbey impressed in his first game back after several years away. The scoreboard didn’t reflect their grit, but the club couldn’t be prouder of their effort.
Final Score: Dubbo Demons
0.3.3 defeated by Bathurst Giants 13.7.85
Tier 2 Men – A Statement Win
THE Tier 2 Men turned in a dominant performance, with a whopping 13 individual goal scorers in a game where every player contributed. Tom Budd and Cameron Blackman earned best-on-ground honours, while Tom Skinner was a force in the ruck. A highlight came from Tim McCloud who booted 3 goals in just 3 minutes –
his first for the club! It was a disciplined, team-first win that sets the tone for their next match against Cowra.
Final Score: Dubbo Demons 26.14.170 defeated Bathurst Giants 0.1.1 Senior Women –Milestones, Mateship and Magic Moments
IN one of the weekend’s most meaningful matches, the Senior Women’s team celebrated Sir Doug Nicholls Round with a true sense of community and appreciation. A big thank-you to the Bathurst players and coach Jayarna Kay for making the trip and ensuring the game went ahead in great spirit.
It was a milestone day for many – club president Kaitlyn “Speedy” Waldie played her 100th senior game, a massive achievement in women’s footy. Mikaela Cullen and Kristen Coady both reached 50 career goals, with Kristen adding five on the day to make sure of it! Newcomers Mia Richardson, Dakota Ryan, and Flick Talbot made outstanding senior de-
buts. The future of women’s footy in Dubbo is shining bright.
Final Score: Dubbo Demons 14.12.96 defeated Bathurst Giants 0.3.3
THE Tier 1 Men faced a polished Bathurst side who made the most of their opportunities. Though the contest was even across the ground, the Giants found cleaner entries into their forward 50. Max Grant was solid at full back, Patrick Henry continued his consistent run, and Captain Joe Hedger provided clearances and leadership throughout. Brody Roche was a strong target up forward, and Cameron Herd’s contested marking was a highlight. Plenty of positives to take into next week.
Final Score: Dubbo Demons 7.15.57 defeated by Bathurst Giants 13.9.87
Sir Doug Nicholls Round is more than a match – it’s a celebration of culture, connection and the contribution of First Nations peoples to our sport and society. Across every grade, the Dubbo Demons played with heart, community pride, and respect for the game. Thank you to everyone who came out to support the teams, and to all who helped make this round so special.
By BRYSON LUFF
IN the 58th minute of the Christie and Hood Castlereagh League round 4 local derby between the Gulgong Terriers and the Dunedoo Swans played at Gulgong, the home side’s 5/8 Oliver Hollow scored his side’s second try in the game to make the scoreboard read 36 to 10 in favour of the visitors.
Incredibly, just 20 minutes later, that same scoreboard was reading 40 to 36, but this time the Terriers were in front after an amazing scoring blitz that was completed by a chip and chase effort from half-back Brad James with just two minutes remaining.
Just as the Terriers will be lamenting their defensive effort earlier in the game, which saw Dunedoo get ahead 36 to 6, Swan players and supporters will be shaking the heads in disbelief as to how they could possibly let such a decisive lead disappear in such a short period of time, letting the Terriers in for six tries during what was a total collapse of their defensive structure.
Certainly, the Swans will have
By COLIN ROUSE
to address that issue and address it fast as they will be lining up against the unbeaten Coolah Kangaroos this coming Saturday in another local derby.
Last Saturday, the Roos came back from their near shock loss to Coonamble the week before with a 40 to 8 win over the Warren Bulldogs at Warren, and they sit alone at the top of the table as they attempt to emulate their 2024 premiership winning effort.
Coolah’s league tag side, The Flyers, is also undefeated thus far this season and their clash with the equal second placed Dunedoo Swannettes should ensure that a big crowd packs into Dunedoo’s Robertson Oval early to witness the action between the archrivals.
The Coonabarabran Unicorns continued their good start to the season when they got over the top of the Narromine Jets 28 to 20, scoring six tries to four in the process, to shore up their second place standing on the competition ladder.
In the remaining game the Coonamble Bears proved to be too strong for the Baradine Magpies,
taking the northern local derby 58 to six to register their first win of the year.
That result, combined with their stout showing against Coolah the previous week, should give them belief that they are more than capable of rolling the Narromine Jets at home this Saturday.
Meanwhile the Magpies will have to regroup and hope that their home ground advantage will come to the fore when they host the Unicorns in yet another local derby for the club.
The remaining first grade game this weekend will see the Cobar Roosters, fresh from the bye in round 3, taking the long trek to Gulgong to face the Bull Terriers who will be buoyed by their stunning come-from-behind win over the Swans, but they can ill afford to give such a head start to the well credentialled Cobar outfit!
Castlereagh League Round 4 scores League Tag:
Cobar Roosterettes 50 (Taylah Good 2, Kayla Hasson-Williams 2, Jezebel Hitchens, Amylee Patterson, Brianna Watson, Teresita Turner, Kelsy
Neve, Neve Carter tries, Watson 5 goals) defeated Gilgandra Pink Panthers 10 (Kiara Brown, Camilla Hazelton tries, Brown goal).
Coolah Flyers 46 (Brooklyn Blackadder 4, Jasmine Thompson 2, Molly Burgess, Emma Ratatagia tries, Tori Mogg 6, Lisa Jones goals) defeated Warren 16 (Mab Fuller 2, Lilly Dayes tries, Maddie Marks 2 goals).
Baradine Magpies 44 (Jorja Carey 2, Adda Craig 2, Emma Murray, Suzannah Carey, Zale Fulton, Abbey Dewson, Paula Evans, Anna Arndell tries, Carig 3, Jorja Carey goals) defeated Coonamble 4 (Shakaye Walker).
Narromine 68 (Millah Phillips 2, Kia Rose 2, Brianna Davis 2, Jacan Powell 2, Abbie Mitchell, Kelsea Phillips, Shian Chatfield, Chloe McLean, Hannah Towns tries, Chatfield 7, Davis goals) defeated Coonabarabran 10 (Meg Walton, Anthea Karavas tries, Chloe Wark goal).
Dunedoo 60 (Chelsea Gallagher 5, Shelley Cox 3, Meg Christensen, Hayley Berg, Matilda Harper tries, Georgia Price 8 goals) defeated Gulgong 0. Competition ladder: Coolah 12, Narromine 10, Dunedoo 10, Baradine 10, Cobar 10, Coonabarabran 6, Warren 6, Coonamble 6, Gulgong 6, Gilgandra 4. First grade: Coolah Kangaroos 40 (Chanse Burgess 2, Dylan Edwards, Jacob Medd, Casey Burgess, Austin Burgess, Hugh Wesley tries, Dan Lane 6 goals) defeated Warren Bulldogs 8 (Harry Thuaux, Alex
Coonamble Bears 58 (Mark Jones 2, Earl Anderson 2, David Jones, Mark McEwen, Derek Robinson, Jye Dixon, Jermaine Thurston, Blaike Fernando tries, Brenton Glover 9 goals) defeated Baradine Magpies 6 (Tom Purdy try, Liam Fernando goal).
Coonabarabran Unicorns 28 (Eddie Kuras, SonnyBill Walker, Sam Pickett, Cody Howe, Tyler Frazer, Nick Willoughby tries, Walker, Brad Fuller goals), defeated Narromine Jets 20 (Janus Walford, Washington Itoya, Kaiden Hill, Corey Cox tries, Cox 2 goals).
Gulgong Bull Terriers 40 (Jay O’Brien, Ollie Hollow, Brad James, Dan Crane, Will Hawkins, Tom Reddish, Blake Power tries, James 6 goals) defeated Dunedoo Swans 36 (Tariq Sullivan, Tyler Bamblett, Rory Madden, Ben Gallagher, Jack Guan, Mack Ellis tries, Madden 6 goals). Cobar Roosters bye.
Competition Ladder: Coolah 12, Coonabarabran 10, Cobar 10, Gulgong 10, Dunedoo 8, Narromine 8, Coonamble 8, Baradine 6, Warren 4. Round 5:
Friday, May 23
Gilgandra V Warren (League Tag)
Saturday, May 24
Baradine V Coonabarabran.
Coonamble V Narromine.
Dunedoo V Coolah.
Gulgong V Cobar. Check local media and club socials to confirm game times.
It was Round 4 of the Peter McDonald Premiership and the Cowboys hosted Forbes Magpies at Kennard on Sunday, May 18. And the home crowd cheered the local side to a solid victory in the first grade match, Wellington winning 46 to 24.
