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The Melbourne Cup may be the ‘race that stops the nation’ but it certainly doesn’t stop work in a print publication office on deadline day. It does make things more difficult, however, as so many other businesses are just about unreachable for so much of the day. I remember this time last year I was trying to call a Melbourne-based bank’s media office for a story and had to deal with the one unlucky staff member working on a public holiday who was frantically trying to source answers in a near empty office.
Did you get out and enjoy Zest Fest? It certainly looked to be a great afternoon and evening although I’m sure there were a few worried about it going ahead during the rain and hail early in the day. While the hail was small and only fell briefly where I live, I understand it was quite fierce in places elsewhere about the district. Thankfully the event got to go ahead as planned and our photographer Henry stopped by for a few snaps, which you’ll find inside this week’s edition.
It’s hard to believe it is November already! (Even harder to believe given the miserable icy weather while coming to work on Tuesday morning!) But that means there are just six more issues of OrangeCityLife to come before we will take a Christmas break. We will make sure to give you the exact closure date soon, but if you are needing to get in touch regarding Christmas advertising, I’d recommend doing so soon.
Until next week!
By JONATHAN ROE
With construction work officially beginning on Orange’s new sports stadium and grandstand, NSW Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty has hinted at the possibility of a major rugby league event for the Colour City.
Visiting Orange last Thursday, Minister Moriarty participated in an official sod-turning ceremony at the stadium site on Forest Road, joining Orange Mayor Tony Mileto, Deputy Mayor Tammy Greenhalgh, Member for Orange Phil Donato, representatives of Zauner Construction, and members of the late John Davis’ family.
Welcoming the Minister, Cr Mileto said this was a milestone event for Orange. While it was a long time getting to this point, Cr Mileto said the end was in sight with construction of the stadium expected to be completed by about December next year.
When asked what ‘big ticket’ sporting
events council was hoping to attract to Orange, Cr Mileto said they were exploring a range of possibilities.
“As a council, we should be looking at all opportunities,” Cr Mileto said. “Whether it’s big events like... rugby league or women’s rugby league, whether it’s state sporting carnivals, and we should also be looking outside the box, whether there’s an opportunity here to have other events such as music, we are open to everything.”
But Minister Moriarty was willing to get more specific, floating the possibility of Orange hosting a future NRLW Magic Round ˗ if the stadium is completed on schedule.
“When there are opportunities for big events to come to regional communities, and I’m happy to work with communities to see how the government can support them,” Ms Moriarty said
“As an example, but without a commitment, we have a partnership
with the NRL for the women’s Magic Round to be held in regional communities for three years. I’m looking for communities that are ready to host the women’s NRL Magic Round over the next couple of years. It would be great to see this facility finished, to maybe have a massive event like that.”
The NSW Government has provided $59.5 million in funding for the Orange Region Sporting Precinct, with a further $15 million coming from the Australian Government’s Growing Regions Program.
Zauner Construction have been awarded the $15.6 million tender to build the John Davis Stadium and 1350-seat
“Dad would be unbelievably proud of this stadium”: Davis family honoured by tribute to former mayor
By JONATHAN ROE
Orange’s new stadium is to be named for the late John Davis, Orange’s longest-serving mayor, a lifelong sports fan and keen rugby league player and coach in his younger years.
Members of the Davis family took part in the official sod-turning ceremony for the new stadium last Thursday, which coincidentally fell two years to the day since John Davis died.
Speaking on behalf of the family Ben Davis, the son of the late John Davis, said his father would have been proud to see a stadium for Orange finally become a reality.
“It’s two years today since we lost Dad,” Mr Davis said, “and he would be unbelievably proud of this stadium. “He loved the Orange community and the Orange surrounds and he dedicated… basically his life to it ˗ and he did
love a good sod turning! I’ve got to say, he did love a good sod turning.
“I want to say a big thank you to the Minister, to Phil Donato, to the Orange City Council and just the general community. This is going to be a fantastic facility, and it is something that Orange has needed for some time and it’s something that Orange deserves.
“We look forward to watching some fantastic sport played over here in the coming years!”
grandstand, along with other amenities. Work is expected to begin within weeks.
Members of the late John Davis’ family joined NSW Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, Orange Mayor Tony Mileto, Deputy Mayor Tammy Greenhalgh, Member for Orange Phil Donato, and representatives of Zauner Construction for an official sod-turning ceremony at the site of the future John Davis Stadium.
By JONATHAN ROE
A new local history book, produced by the Orange and District Historical Society, explores some of the earliest maps and sketches of Orange and brings to life the stories of the surveyors and cartographers who created them.
‘Mapping Orange: How explorers, surveyors and cartographers made their mark’ is the result of two years’ work by members of the local historical society, who have each written a chapter examining the history of European explorers, surveyors and cartographers in the Orange District.
And it all came about due to an argument about a pub, according to Historical Society member Liz Edwards, who edited the book as well as being a contributor.
“Jim Coffey and Rob Bartlett they were having an argument about an inn called ‘Mills Inn’, which is in West Orange, about where exactly this inn was,” recalled Liz.
“Jim was convinced, there must be another map and just as they were trying to work out where this place was, Judy, one of our members, was going through all these drawers looking for things and she brought out this copy of a map and asked, ‘Is this worth keeping?’ And it was the other part of the map that they were looking for.
“So it sort of all started from there and then we all got interested in various parts of this research.”
The book brings together for the first time previously little-known information about the early origins of the settlement that became Orange, including settling the often confused origins of the townships’ original name.
“In 1823, there was a man called
John Blackman, who was the police constable at Bathurst and he was asked to help a group, including Lieutenant Percy Simpson, find a route from Bathurst to Wellington,” Liz explained.
“Blackman’s Swamp, which was Orange’s original name, was named after John Blackman, but over the years the story got changed, and some people said it was his brother James Jnr or his father, James Snr. But Bob Curran who did that
chapter, has more or less proved that it had to be John Blackman.”
The book takes a detailed look at a number of early maps of Orange and the surrounding district, the surveyors who made them and even the equipment and techniques they had at their disposal.
“Jim Coffey has done a remarkable chapter on a map that one of the surveyors called Davidson made in 1846 and it shows the square mile that had been surveyed where the village of Blackman’s Swamp was to be… and, he’s found out all the stories of the people
who were living here at the time who were not known to us,” Liz said.
“And then, I’ve done a chapter on what we call the Wellwood Map… it’s a very early map of what they called Frederick’s Valley, sort of the road between Orange and Lucknow. It’s got various bits of written information on it, so it’s quite a good piece of evidence about who was living there at the time.”
The book also includes a very detailed account by member Euan Green on the naming of Gaanha BulaMount Canobolas, having delved into numerous old maps, records and early accounts.
“And then Julie Sykes has done a chapter on the early development of Orange when it became the village of Orange and how very quickly the streets were laid out, and people started buying blocks of land, and prominent buildings were erected in a very short space of time,” Liz added.
As expected, the book included reproductions of many early maps of Orange, as well as historical illustrations and photographs. There is also a remarkable timeline of Gaanha Bula - Mount Canobolas stretching back millions of years, to when the mountain was an active volcano.
Mapping Orange: How explorers, surveyors and cartographers made their mark will be officially launched at Orange City Library on Thursday, November 20 from 5pm - 7pm. All welcome.
Copies of Mapping Orange will be available for sale on the night for $40 each, supported by Collins Booksellers. The book will also be available for purchase from the Orange & District Historical Society.
By JONATHAN ROE
Get ready Orange! This November, Central West Comedy is bringing you five of Australia’s best comedians performing in four shows over one big weekend, November 27-29
“It’s not quite a festival, but rather we’re calling it a ‘Showcase’,” Central West Comedy promoter Nick Gleeson said.
“This is a bit of an extravaganza over a weekend, so it’s four shows with five comedians in three daysthat’s a lot of comedy!”
The weekend Comedy Showcase gets underway on Thursday, November 27 with Ray O’Leary and Anisa Nandaula performing back-to-back at Factory Espresso.
On Friday, the hilarious Mel Buttle will be bringing an hour of laughs to the Orange Function Centre.
And Saturday, it’s Nick Cody and Luke Heggie who will be recording a live episode of their comedy podcast Mid-Flight Brawl (dedicated to tales of air rage incidents) at Factory Espresso, followed by a stand-up show on the Quest Orange rooftop.
“Four shows with a nice bit of variance,” Nick said. “And a podcast recording with Luke Heggie and Nick Cody, that’s something new that we’ve never done before, so I’m really excited by that, actually, because with live podcasts anything can and will happen!”
It has been a huge 12 months for comedy in Orange and the central with recent appearances from the
likes of Wil Anderson and Luke McGregor. With the growing popularity of stand-up in the colour city, Nick said this ‘showcase’ weekend could well grow into something much bigger.
“This is a bit of a test for a comedy festival that could potentially be in 2026,” Nick said.
Last month marked eight years since Nick hosted his first comedy gig at Factory Espresso. Since launching
Central West Comedy, he now tours comedians to venues in Bathurst, Molong, Dubbo, Tamworth, Inverell, Armidale, Mudgee and elsewhere.
“That was always the vision,” he said. “When we first started it in the cafe, there were only road shows coming through every six months and we thought we could do a bit better than this.
“And people are responding; people are calling out for it in other areas, even to the point of where people are saying to me, can you come and do it at our venue!”
Along with the Orange Comedy Showcase weekend on November 27-29, Central West Comedy is also bringing popular comedians Brett Blake and Nikki Britton to the region who will be performing at Lime & Stone in Molong on Thursday, November 13 and at Reckless Brewing in Bathurst on Friday, November 14.
“We are finishing off the year in style with two of the industry’s best in Brett Blake and Nikki Britton. Brett is about to come on to Taskmaster Season 5, and Nikki’s well known from her various media appearances.
“It will be our last show for Molong for the year and an exciting time for the people of Molong to get out and enjoy live stand up!”
For information and tickets to the Orange Comedy Showcase weekend on November 27-29, or to see Brett Blake and Nikki Britton in Molong on November 13, visit centralwestcomedy.com.au
Orange City Council has been awarded $12,265 to assist with the conservation of the Newman Park Great War Memorial Avenue, under new NSW Government funding announced last week.
Newman Park is one of 27 war memorials across 25 local government areas to receive a share of nearly $250,000 to ensure these memorials remain to honour the service and sacrifice of veterans.
Minister for Veterans David Harris made the announcement in Orange on Friday after meeting with veterans and their families from across the region at the inaugural Veterans Forum, held at the Orange ExServices’ Club.
The funding will help with paving replacement and minor landscape enhancements to improve accessibility and preserve the reflective commemorative aspects of the memorial, Minister Harris said.
“In communities right across NSW,
there are really important memorials from the First World War, the Second World War and other conflicts, particularly the Vietnam War, that are really treasured by local communities and those memorials are getting older,” Mr Harris said.
“World War One memorials are now over 100 years old and so the NSW Government, through these grants, helps communities to be able to do the essential maintenance or improvements that keeps those memorials in good shape so that our communities can
commemorate the sacrifice of our men and women who have served Australia.”
The memorial in Newman Park dates back to August 1919, when the principal of the neighbouring East Orange Public School, Arnold T. Caldwell, arranged for the planting of a memorial avenue to honour the 17 former students who were killed in action or died of wounds during the First World War.
Orange Mayor Tony Mileto said the funding helps preserve an important chapter of our local history.
“Every year we get students from East Orange Public School come here and do a service to recognise the contribution and sacrifice that these soldiers made,” Cr Mileto said.
“What this will allow us to do is to stabilise the foundations, upgrade it to the way it should be upgraded, but also do some works around here with regards to improvements and gardens, so when people come here to reflect, they can do it in peace and acknowledge the sacrifices that these people have made.”
Saturday 29 November,2025 10am to 1pm
By DAVID DIXON
At an age when most of us consider a brisk walk round the park with the family dog each morning a decent workout, one local businesswoman is throwing around opponents and taking on the teenagers.
Recovering from a life-threatening operation in 2024, Jovie Bargwanna thought it was time to finally get her black belt in martial arts and, she said, this is only the start!
Jovie celebrated the feat with a recent Facebook post on the achievement: “At the age of 72, I am proud that, after 33 years of doing Taekwondo, I got my black belt three weeks ago. I am now aiming to work on getting my 1st degree black belt. I won’t be waiting as long as I did last time.”
Not only has this popular contact
sport helped in her recovery, she believes that it may have also saved her life.
“I had open-heart surgery last year; it is a genetic issue from my family,” Jovie explained.
“I have been doing my martial arts for three decades, and I didn’t even know I had a problem, probably due to the exercise,” she told ‘OrangeCityLife’.
Her health emergency, she revealed, was the impetus she needed to finally get her elite qualification in the selfdefence discipline.
“After I had the surgery last March, I thought, Well, I want to finish what I started. I’m always committed to what I do, and I thought, I need to get my black belt.
“My son Lee who has his fourthdegree black belt, said ‘Mum you’re 13
years overdue, you’ve got to get it’,” Jovie recalled.
The sport provides her with a number of health, well-being, and practical benefits, she explained.
“It’s about fitness, the satisfaction of knowing what I can do, and to protect myself.
“I also enjoy the exercise and the physical parts of it,” Jovie said.
At an age when many people are putting their feet up and enjoying retirement Jovie, having passed this milestone, has no intention of stopping now.
“I want try now for my first-degree black belt, my husband is also a fourthdegree black belt as well,” Jovie said.
“Though I’m older, I can do what the young ones can do, I also walk every day,” she concluded.
L
ast Friday, I joined sporting young guns
Luke, Blake and Milo to turn the first sod on the new Orange Sports Precinct and cut the red ribbon on the next 8 stages of construction! There’s $15 million of federal funding in the $74.5 million project.
Even though I’d personally spoken to the Infrastructure Minister about the need for the federal contribution, which was vital in getting the stalled project completed, I
sadly didn’t receive an invitation to the sod turning that was held earlier in the week!
Not to worry – the sporting young guns and I had it covered!
We dedicated the ribbon cutting to the taxpayers who’ve funded this great landmark project for the region. These lads cut the ribbon better than any politician I’ve seen and could definitely have a future in the game! Great work boys!
L
ast week in Parliament I initiated debate on an issue of high public importance - the need to ban gambling advertising. Everyone knows it’s the right thing to do but the major parties have refused to take action.
Online and media advertising is spreading the gambling crisis in Australia. The consequences of gambling can be catastrophic, including job loss, bankruptcy, broken relationships, domestic and family violence, and suicide.
One of the reasons given for inaction on banning gambling advertising is that media outlets would lose revenue.
As legislators, we need to find ways to implement a ban on gambling advertising and support media at the same time. This could be achieved by introducing a 1% levy on each bet placed by gamblers. This would raise $2.5 billion.
This is more than 10-times the revenue that would be lost by the media.
This funding could be used by the Government for advertising in regional and national media, including important messaging on support available to help break gambling addiction.
It’s crucial we preserve the independence of regional media and this would be an effective way of doing it without placing an additional burden on taxpayers. Therefore, a support package such as this, is vital.
The price of inaction on a ban on gambling advertising is more lives destroyed, and more lives lost.
The young (and young at heart) athletes of the Orange region are really looking forward to the precinct’s completion.
And just in case my invitation to the opening of the new Conservatorium and Planetarium gets lost in the mail ($10 million in federal funding secured for it in 2019) I cut the ribbon on the next 8 stages of that project as well!
It was an honour to officially open the 2025 Central West Early Childhood Awards, presented by the Central West Early Childhood Collaborative last weekend.
The Awards, held in Bathurst, brought together around 300 early childhood educators from across the Central West.
The Central West Early Childhood Awards honour the educators who constantly strive for excellence in childhood education.
These wonderful people have the vitally important role of nurturing our youngest generations – the little ones who don’t yet realise they hold the promise of our region, our country.
Congratulations to all the Award winners, as well as Awards founder Katherine Wilson and the Central West Early Childhood Collaborative.
I recognised them all in a speech to Parliament.
In Parliament this week I introduced my game-changing Stopping Wind Farms in State Forests Bill 2025.
This is in response to impacted communities in the Central West crying out to be heard and rightly demanding a reasonable and commonsense balance to wind farm development.
My Bill would stop the building of wind farms in softwood pine plantations, and I’ve called on politicians of all persuasions to pass the Bill into law.
I’m not against renewable energy, but like many things in life it’s about finding the right balance.
We need a sensible, balanced and workable energy policy that’s fair to everyone with proper, respectful and genuine consultation.
When the National Party voted-in wind farms in State Forests it failed to properly to regulate them.
I've attended numerous community meetings and consultations over these proposals. What residents are experiencing is very concerning.
Fly-in fly-out, tick-a-box consultation from developers without meaningful engagement or genuine dialogue.
Sunny Corner Wind Farm near Portland, and The Pines Wind Farm near Oberon, are planning to
erect turbines up to 300-metres high in locations less that one kilometre from people’s homes.
It's a tragedy. You've got friends fighting with friends and family members pitted against family members over the back fence. And it all could have been avoided if politicians had simply done their jobs.
My bill enables the Federal Government to use its constitutional powers to stop turbine developments in all State Forests, including Sunny Corner, Vulcan, Mount David, Gurnang, and Canobolas State Forests.
In Question Time this week I put a question to the Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Catherine King, on federal funding to upgrade the Great Western Highway.
“In 2007 the National Party turned the first sod on the Bells Line of Road Expressway.
“This kicked off a golden age of broken promises, delays, and funding raids on a fast road over the Blue Mountains that all major parties are guilt of. And, the traffic jams from the Central West to Sydney are worse than ever.
“Will your Government commit to turning the Great Western Highway into a genuine expressway to Sydney?”
While I was disappointed with her answer, I will not stop fighting for this crucial link between the bush and the city.
Wow… November already! As another year starts to come to an end, it’s a good time to start to look at what’s gone well and what hasn’t…
Most people want to start investing at some point. Yet most people aren’t sure how to get started, what to do and how to avoid mistakes.
So, I thought I’d run you through the biggest investment mistakes people make in the hope you can avoid them…
TIME
Often one of the biggest mistakes is not starting early enough. Most people underestimate how much they need to invest to achieve their goals in life and it’s made all the more difficult by not getting started early. If you’re thinking you may have left you’re run too late, don’t think about the past, just get cracking now!
Once people do make the decision to invest, they often pay too much in fees, unnecessarily. It’s tricky because they don’t teach these basics at school and so the investment world has been able to create the perception that fancier, higher-fee products will yield better results. It’s almost always the opposite. This is true of both your superannuation (which we all have to have!) and investing outside of super.
Another common mistake is not sticking to a plan. When people let their emotions guide them, greed and fear often lead to people buying and selling at the wrong times and deviating from what they originally planned to do. One of the biggest parts of my job is to take the emotion out of investing for my clients.
0411 484 464 or head to wealthtrain.com.au.
- by The Cheerful Giver
In terms of what investments to buy, it’s important to keep an open mind and be willing to learn. We all know the saying “don’t put all your eggs in one basket”, yet many people limit their investments to things they think they understand or things that make them feel comfortable. In some ways, when it comes to investing, it’s important to get out of your comfort zone and embrace ideas you weren’t previously familiar with.
There is one mistake that is the biggest of all… not investing!
Don’t let analysis paralysis stop you from taking the first step. You just have to get started. And the easiest way to do this is to get your super right, as we are all investors through our super
EVERY TIME we get paid.
Start small, invest regularly, keep costs as low as possible, diversify and stick to the plan. Do these things and you will create wealth… it’s not magic, it’s not rocket science… it’s creating a plan and putting it into action.
And just like you get help with plenty of things in life that aren’t rocket science (think going to the doctor, getting the car serviced, selling a house, etc), perhaps it’s time get help with financial planning.
If you would like help with a plan for investing and value financial advice being independent, let’s have a chat. After all, the right financial advice is not an expense, it’s an investment!
Over the last few weeks LMB has been raising money to provide FoodCare with extra meat supplies for their customers. I can now tell you that about $1000 was raised and after talking to Tim Mordue, Co-ordinator at FoodCare, their preference is for the meat to be in the form of small hams. Tim says hams would be a real treat for their customers. No problem! Ashcroft’s will now be delivering about 70 or more small hams to FoodCare over the next few weeks.
And a winner was….
Still on FoodCare. The fundraising mentioned was letting people buy a key and try it in a padlock. If their key opened the lock they’d win a $50 meat pack of their choice from Ashcrofts instantly. With 500 keys to choose from it was never going to be easy to win, so you can imagine the thrill that George from Stan’s Food Bar in Summer Street
got when one of his keys opened the lock. “But there’s more” as they say. George immediately said “keep the prize and give it to FoodCare”. Many thanks George, and to all those people who tried keys, bought LMB pens or just made a generous donation!
Let me take a moment for a brief, and hopefully helpful, business note. If you’ve been happy to pay $8.50 for 6 cinnamon donuts at a popular shop in Orange, you’ll be beside yourself when you try Ashcroft’s freshly made cinnamon donuts and pay just $3.50 for 6!!
There are several things in the LMB melting pot at present, but I can’t reveal much more at this stage. Enough to say, we’re going to be doing some interesting things over the next couple of months, so keep watching for more on these. I think you’ll be super impressed!
By DAVID DIXON
The grand old bush charity, Royal Far West (RFW) ˗ whose volunteers are traditionally seen around Christmas-time selling tickets for their famous yuletide raffle ˗ is coming to the Central Tablelands next year.
Local riders and supporters are being asked to get behind their May 2026 ‘Ride for Country Kids’ passing through Molong, Manildra, and Eugowra, on their three-day fundraising bike-ride.
Originally established in the 1920s to provide isolated youngsters with a chance to have a holiday by the sea at their iconic Manly beachside base, they now do so much more.
For the last financial year, RFW supported 453 children, 302 parents and carers, and 496 educators, across 29 primary schools and five early childhood centres ˗ delivering services including speech pathology, occupational therapy, psychology and social work, CEO Jacqui Emery explained.
Central Tablelands’ inclusion in this year’s ride, she revealed, is aimed at recognising towns where RFW has strong partnerships and a long history of supporting children and families.
“Children in rural areas are twice as likely to be developmentally vulnerable,” Ms Emery disclosed. “By riding through these communities, we’re not only raising funds, we’re raising awareness of the urgent need for early support,” she added.
Natural disasters like floods also pose a serious
risk to children’s mental health and wellbeing, compounding existing challenges another reason for this tour towns.
“Following the devastating Central West floods in 2022, RFW continues to deliver targeted psychosocial support to children, families, and educators in Forbes, Eugowra, and Molong,” the group said.
These comprehensive supports help communities recover and build long-term resilience through locallyinformed and culturally-appropriate care.
“The ride will be a celebration of what’s possible when communities come together,” Ms Emery said. “We’ll go beyond for country kids, making sure that distance never gets in the way of receiving the support they need to thrive,” she concluded.
Now in its 12th year, the ride has raised more than $4.5 million to support country children with
developmental, behavioural, and mental health needs.
The 2026 Ride for Country Kids 2026, will take place from May 17–20 and aims to raise $500,000 to fund vital developmental and mental health services for country children and their families.
Local riders are particularly encouraged to sign up and show their support for the group, a spokesperson said.
“This year was our 100th year of operation, so we had 100 riders, we’re hoping for about 75 for next year; we’ve got about 25 entrants signed up so far,” the spokesperson said.
“We’d love to see some local riders, because of the support we’ve had from the region over the years,” they added.
The uniquely Australian not-for-profit was set up by the Reverend Stanley Drummond to offer country kids a break from their often harsh life in the bush, to have a once-in-a-lifetime vacation by the wide blue Pacific Ocean at the group’s Royal Far West Lodge on Sydney’s northern beaches.
“We now also do work in Western Australia, Queensland, Victoria with a range of counselling and other support services,” the spokesperson said.
“The holidays still happen, though, with 10–20 country kids every week coming down to stay,” they concluded.
For next year’s ride, RFW invites cyclists of all levels to join in. Register or learn more here: www. rideforcountrykids.com.au
I’ve just gotten home from a week at the beach. This holiday was a long time coming, and very much needed. I still felt guilty about taking time off, and spending money we don’t really have, but a beautiful friend reminded me that family holidays aren’t something you can just do later. Tomorrow, next week, next month? The kids are going to be older. We’re going to be more tired, just as busy and probably just as poor. So, we went. And it was so worth it.
We arrived on the central coast at lunchtime on Monday, and stepping out of the car at the caravan park to check in was pure magic. The warm sun on my skin, the salt air and the ocean backdrop instantly made me feel calmer ˗ a feat in itself after 4.5 hours in the car with kids. We got our cabin keys and I got to surprise two awestruck kids with a beachfront cabin... the view we’d wake up to
every morning was the sun rising over the water, from the comfort of our lounge room.
We unpacked in record time, and Miss 11 asked when we were headed to the beach. “As soon as you put on your swimmers and hat!” I told her.
“You didn’t tell me I had to pack a hat” replied Miss 11 accusingly, and the rest of us burst into laughter. Of course. After buying her a hat at the front desk (they are clearly used to children like her), we hit the beach. Miss 11 started cartwheeling through the breaking waves, Miss 16 found a perfect spot to take photos for Instagram, and Hubby and I walked in the opposite direction.
After lunch (Vegemite sandwiches I’d made at home for budget reasons), the girls and I spent the afternoon in the pool. Miss 11 has inherited my love for the water, as well as my darker skin tone, whereas poor Miss 16 would
rather be on land, and has her redheaded father’s pale complexion. So, it was a rare opportunity that saw Miss 16 swim with us, and I’m at the point of parenting where I realise that might have been the last time we have a family holiday that involves children playing in the pool. And play they did ˗ for hours. We all went to bed the first night exhausted, warm and happy.
The rest of the week continued like this. A walk together in the morning, a pre-lunch swim, a post-lunch chill (I read all my books by Wednesday and had to run to the local shopping centre for another two), then an afternoon swim and a movie to end the night. It wasn’t perfect, and it certainly wasn’t the photos I see of friends on overseas holidays with their children, but it was perfect for us. My favourite moments were spent in the pool with one or both children, and Hubby came and took lots of photos of us. Miss 16
loved getting away “from her head” ˗ she’s in Year 11 this year and this term she’s starting to focus on her HSC and my heart goes out to her in this stressful time. Hubby’s favourite part was walking on the beach... we walk each day at home, but strolling along the ocean’s edge is a bit more special than our afternoon walks around East Orange. And according to Miss 11, her favourite part was the night we went to the bowling club for dinner and I accidentally drank two ciders that were 1.5 standard drinks each and got so drunk I had to be helped back to the car. While beaming this afternoon, she told me that’s the story she shared with her class. If her teacher is reading this, I want you to know we did lots of wholesome activities as well, including a trip to the reptile park. But also, I have developed a taste for pear cider, and if you want to come over and drink with me one afternoon, that’s cool too.
Do you regularly look after a family member or friend? Then you might be an unpaid carer.
Carer Gateway warmly invites unpaid carers to its second Carers’ BIG Lunch in Orange on Wednesday 26 November 2025, 11am - 2.30pm at Banksia, 4929 Mitchell Highway, Orange NSW .
This is a FREE, alcohol-free event for unpaid carers and a plus one of their choosing (both aged over 18) in Orange and surrounding areas.
Bookings are essential. Call Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 before 19 November.
The Big Lunch will offer:
2-course meal
MC Juanita Phillips and guest speaker Adam Harvey, Australian singer and Dementia Australia ambassador
The opportunity to hear about the Carer Gateway program
We look forward to seeing you there!
1800 422 737
By DAVID DIXON
During the early years of motoring up to the middle of last century, motorbikes were basically viewed as a low-cost, low-status, and convenient alternative to four-wheeled sedans, tourers, and saloons.
In fact, before the mass production of the motor car led by Henry Ford’s Model T Fords from 1908 on, motorcycles were the dominant form of “horseless carriages” – a privately-owned motorised transport vehicle for the masses.
Their later association with the freedom of the road, personal rebellion, and alternative lifestyles that were
Bank Orange is excited to announce that Confirmation of Payee services will be available soon through Internet Banking and Mobile App.
What is it?
Confirmation of Payee is an industrywide service that matches the bank account details you enter with the account details held by the recipient’s bank and displays a match outcome to the payer. It’s a new layer of protection for Australian consumers and businesses when they’re making a payment to a BSB and account number.
How does it work?
You can then make an informed decision about what to do next - pay, check the details again or choose not to proceed with the payment altogether.
There are four possible match outcomes. Each result gives you a chance to make an informed decision about what action to take next.
This important information can help you decide whether you need to go back and check the details of your intended recipient again, or if you feel comfortable to proceed with the payment.
Why does it matter?
Confirmation of Payee can help safeguard people and businesses from fraud, scams and mistaken payments, and help protect their money. It provides confidence that the details entered match the details held by the recipient’s bank. It gives banks and financial institutions another vital tool to combat fraud and scams and further builds trust when paying a BSB and account number in Australia.
What do you need to do?
If you are sending a payment to someone, you will need their full account name, BSB and account number as they appear in their bank records.
If someone is paying you, you’ll need to provide them with your full account name, BSB and account number as they appear in your records with Bank Orange. You can check these details at any time through reviewing your details in the mobile banking app, internet banking or on your statement.
unmoored from the restrictive social conventions of the time, mostly developed after the appearance of motorcycle “gangs” post World War II.
Many of these ˗ including the emblematic and iconic “Hells Angels” in California ˗ were formed ironically by returned servicemen seeking to continue to experience the camaraderie and freedom from societal mores that they had enjoyed in the armed services during wartime.
Central to this new ethos was the famed American brand Harley-Davidson, still based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, after 120 years’ manufacturing, a marque that is now, unfortunately, often associated
with violent biker crime syndicates and businessmen with too much money.
This Model F 1000cc Harley-Davidson ˗ recently seen at the Millthorpe ‘Ride Blue’ biker mental health event ˗ is a replica of a vintage range originally produced between 1916–1928, featuring a 989cc 450 “V”-configured twin engine.
It generated at the time a very generous 17 brake-horsepower and was popular with young men, couples looking for their first motor vehicle, and in government applications such as for police, postal services, and despatch riders during the last days of World War I.
The traditional sidecar, rarely seen on modern motorbikes, was designed to carry a rather precarious and often white-faced passenger, as in a friend, wife, girlfriend, or excess baggage and luggage.
By Bradley Hammond, Orange Regional Gallery Director
One of our program highlights at Orange Regional Gallery over the past year has been the Music in Colour series.
This collaboration between Friends of Orange Regional Gallery, Orange Regional Conservatorium, and Orange Regional Gallery consists of a series of concerts held in the gallery that link art and music in new and engaging ways. Audiences have expressed how much they enjoyed the previous musical responses to our exhibitions.
This year’s spring performance will take place at 6pm on Thursday, November 13, at the gallery. The team at Orange Regional Conservatorium, led by Innovation Officer & Head of Strings Stephanie Li, is developing a fascinating selection of pieces that creatively respond to the Wynne Prize, Australia’s oldest art prize from the Art Gallery of NSW with a focus on landscape painting and sculpture.
Stephanie says of the upcoming performance:
The training enables local high school teachers to deliver the Amgen Biotech Experience (ABE) program in their classrooms, giving students the opportunity to experiment with research-grade biotechnology equipment and apply real-world biotechnology skills. Delivered annually in Dubbo by University of Sydney staff, the training equips teachers with the knowledge and resources to run the program at their schools.
“We’ve had extremely positive feedback from schools delivering the program, with more teachers completing the training and more schools coming on board to borrow the equipment. It’s exciting to see our rural students getting access to such high quality equipment, which was
“This concert program is inspired by the spirit of our Australian landscapes ˗ from volcanoes and mountain ranges, to vast horizons and bushfire, to our shimmering golden beaches and moody rainforests. The music reflects on connection to place, resilience, and belonging, and will feature pieces inspired by First Nations themes alongside contemporary chamber music written by Australian composers. This intimate performance invites listeners to experience the Australian environment in sound: its textures, its stories, and its enduring presence.”
This is a fundraising event and all proceeds go towards acquisitions for Orange Regional Gallery’s permanent collection. The series has been proudly supported by Orange Regional Arts Foundation.
Bookings are essential through Orange Regional Gallery’s website or at reception. Tickets cost $60pp + booking fees and include refreshments.
Science teachers from the Central West and Western NSW recently attended the Amgen Biotech Experience teacher professional development days hosted at the School of Rural Health in Dubbo.
only available from Sydney up until a few years ago. We hope this will inspire more rural school students to pursue careers in health and science,” said Melissa Whittaker, Technical Officer at the School of Rural Health (Dubbo/ Orange).
The ABE program is an in-school genetic engineering program that models the process of insulin production. Through a series of handson laboratory classes, students can conduct the genetic modification of bacteria for themselves, gaining valuable biotechnology skills and practical, real-time and real-world experience to help them better understand some difficult concepts in the HSC Biology syllabus. Instead of producing insulin (which
has no visual effect), students use a gene that codes for a red glowing protein to show that they have been successful in the process of genetic modification.
The ABE program is free and comes with complete teaching materials and support from local University of Sydney staff during a school’s borrowing period. ABE Australia is facilitated by the University of Sydney, through a grant from the Amgen Foundation, to offer all training, resources, equipment and reagents free of charge.
If any schools are interested in finding out more, please contact the School of Rural Health (Dubbo/Orange) on ruralinfo@sydney.edu.au
By DAVID DIXON
Volunteering… it ain’t what it used to be, with various district not-for-profits, charities, and community groups, all vying for a shrinking pool of those prepared to willingly offer their time for others.
Orange’s Red Cross “op shop” in Anson Street is in just such a situation, facing its most urgent shortage of unpaid helpers since it opened nearly two decades’ ago.
The outlet is also currently short a full-time manager, with the Australian-based NGO (nongovernment organisation) in the act of filling the paid coordinator’s role at the moment
For long-time member, Kerrie Blowes – “I’ve been here about six years” – this, however, has meant more hours at the coal-face.
“I’m classed as a volunteer, but since the manager left, I’ve been doing quite a bit of just filling in,” Kerrie revealed. “I do Monday afternoons, Tuesday mornings, Wednesday all day, and Saturday 9am–12 noon; we’re very short-staffed,” she added.
Having worked her career in commerce, she explains, though, that the unpaid role, fills a hole that retirement has left in her life.
“I worked in a number of positions with the St George Bank over the years, so I guess I’m a ‘people person’. You get that here, you deal with a lot of customers and the like, and I also enjoy helping others,” she added.
The local shop, Red Cross Area western and
southern NSW Manager, Liam Dunne told ‘Orange CityLife’, is now facing its biggest staffing shortage in its history.
“We opened in about 2008, and this would be our greatest shortfall; overall, we’d need about 25–30 volunteers to keep everything operating smoothly,” Liam revealed.
“We have, about, say 12 volunteers there now, forcing us to close early, cut back our operations, not open certain times,” he added.
While the business appears on the surface to operate largely on auto-pilot, he revealed that there is a lot of work that goes into running such an enterprise.
“The biggest thing is processing stock, sorting it, tagging items, pricing the clothes, and getting it out onto the shop floor.
“But we don’t require a lot of time, actually, most volunteers are only rostered on for about four hours a week, say half a day”
The shop is one of four in the region, with the others at Bathurst, Dubbo, and Mudgee, that provide valuable earnings for the good works of the internationally-recognised charity.
“It does contribute nicely to our revenue making a decent amount for us, that’s its prime focus, to help the organisation,” Liam said.
“The money it earns can go into anything from emergency response and disaster relief, meals on wheels, or our ‘Telecross’ and ‘Telechat’ phone services; helping keep in contact with the unwell, the elderly, the isolated, and the lonely.”
Sourcing volunteers to replace those lost to illhealth and age over time, Liam admits, is getting increasingly tricky, as other interests and busy lifestyles erodes the pool of potential recruits.
“It is getting harder and harder, everyone has their own pressures, people have less and less time, and it is getting more difficult,” Liam said.
“The pool of volunteers is not as accessible as it once was, but they are a crucial part of our organisation, and we do need them,” he concluded. Feel like giving a few hours for a good cause? Chat to the ladies at the Orange shop, or apply online at: www.redcross.org.au/volunteer/
Ophir Road Resource Recovery Centre
261 Ophir Road, Orange Mon to Sun: 8am–5pm (closed Good Friday, Christmas Day)
Parkes Community Recycling Centre 104 Brolgan Road, Parkes
Tue to Fri: 8:30am–4:15pm Sat, Sun: 10am–4:15pm (closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, Good Friday)
Manildra Waste Management Facility
368 Yellow Box Road, Manildra Wed, Sun: 10am–5pm (closed 1pm–2pm) (closed Christmas Day)
Cowra Council Material Recycling Facility 236 Glen Logan Road, Cowra
Tue to Fri: 7:30am–4pm Sat, Sun: 10am–4pm (closed Monday)
Bathurst Waste Management Centre
378 College Road, Bathurst Mon to Fri: 7:30am–4:30pm Sat, Sun: 8:30am–3pm
Forbes Recycling and Waste Depot Lot 1 Calarie-Daroobalgie Road, Calarie Mon to Sun: 8:30am–5pm
By HENRY
Orange’s Odeon 5 Cinemas held a very special screening of cult classic, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, on Friday evening to celebrate the film’s 50th Anniversary. Local fans got into the spirit of the film, attending in costume for a dress-up party!
reception@oclife.com.au Have something of interest to share?
Part of a recent trip to Europe included a visit to the Somme battlefields of WW1 and the D-Day landings on the Normandy Beaches of WW2 in France. It was surreal to walk in the trenches (albeit without the mud) where our soldiers fought and died. The graves in the war cemeteries is a stark reminder of so many lives given in sacrifice. It was moving to observe the many memorials erected so people do not forget the cost involved.
There is a large sign at the school in Villers Bretonneux with the words DO NOT FORGET AUSTRALIA and the children sing the Australian National Anthem every day.
We observe special days on the national calendar so we do not forget the cost for our freedom. We observe special days on the Christian calendar, such as Christmas and Easter, so we do not forget the ultimate sacrifice that the Lord Jesus made for our eternal freedom. Reading Church History helps us to not forget those who were martyred for their faith in Christ and paved the way for Christians to stand firm despite opposition.
Reflect on your personal history. Do you make room in your heart to ‘not forget’ by reading the Bible to get to know who Jesus is?
Marion Haydon
If you have any questions you would like answered, ideas for articles, or would like to find out more about Jesus
Retired, experienced Community Worker, TAFE teacher, and Youth Worker, Drug & Alcohol Counsellor. Currently shares a Ministry in Prayer and Wholeness with his wife. Member of Ulysses Motorcycle Club, Gnoo Blaa Classic Car club, owns a number of historic cars, motorcycles and owns and flies a small plane. Board member of Wangarang Industries.
This monthly event enables men to connect around some great fun, friendship, sharing of life and faith together, over a tasty classic big breakfast in a wonderful new venue, the Best Western Ambassador Hotel RSVP by phone or SMS with your name and any other friends. Before Wednesday 7pm, 12 November to: Mike Seccombe (Mb. 0439 568 508) or Tim Cooke (Mb. 0421 645 447) Please inform us of any dietary requirements or if no food required.
By CEC TILBURG
Millthorpe residents hosted their annual Garden Ramble over the weekend, November 1–2, showcasing 10 beautiful gardens for visitors to explore.
It was the perfect weekend for garden enthusiasts to admire the stunning work and creativity of Millthorpe locals. Along with the open gardens, there were special events including performances by the Cantar Choir, art displays and demonstrations, and a rose display at the Golden Memories Museum ˗ making it a wonderful community celebration of nature and creativity.
*Approximately
Buyers Guide$599,000-$639,000
Orange Property Management + John Brennan 0400 787 112
Perfectly nestled to the rear corner of a very quiet and well-maintained block of 6, this north facing and tastefully renovated unit represents an ideal opportunity for those looking to enter the popular Orange Property Market as First Home Buyers or savvy Investors. Being conveniently located within easy walking distance of the vibrant Orange CBD and the Duntry League Golf Club, it may also appeal to those looking to downsize and leave the car in the garage.
Offering;
• 2 x generous bedrooms
• Near new galley style kitchen with dishwasher and gas cooking
• Refurbished bathroom, with bathtub
• Modern, on point colour scheme and finishes
• Reverse cycle air-conditioning
• Cosy gas fireplace in the living area
• Rear timber deck area
• Leafy established wrap around courtyard
• Single lockable garage with auto door 4/42-44 MARCH STREET, ORANGE 2 1 1
2 axle farm trailer, 1x 130HP SAME tractor 4x4, Rotary Hoe, Small farm tractor (red) 2 axle, CELEBRITY 270 Boat with 2 axle trailer, SUNBEAM Supermatic Hydraulic wool press, 1x shearing plant, Shearing Knife sharpener
CATERPILLAR motor small tractor 4x4 with 3 in one bucket, slasher and forks for the front end loader, old Triton ute 4wd (not going), Fork lift (yellow), FURPHY water container, 1 x 20 ft shipping container, 2 x axle trailer (yellow), Car hoist 3000KG capacity, MANRIDER winches, Old International (small) baler, Water pumps, water cooled diesel generator (blue), COMPAC yellow and blue PERKINS electric generator
JAGUAR
1. 1980s (maroon) Jaguar (for parts)
2. 1980 (light blue) Jaguar (for parts)
3. XJSport (black)
4. 1980s (blue)
5. V12 Sovereign Jaguar (sea green)
6. Sovereign (brown)
7. Jaguar S type
8. Coupe
9. DAIMLER Vanden Plas
10. Sovereign (blue) 1988
• Refreshments available on the day.Directions; Take Icely Road turnoff from Northern Distributor, head East,( 14 kms approx) follow signs, property RHS
• Saturday November 15th
Inspections from 9am Sale Begins 10.30am
SCAN QR CODE
11. XJSC coupe (soft top) Hamilton motor
Selling Agents: PRD Orange
Scott Munro 0428 650 675
Auction. If not sold prior.
‘Glenrose’ is an attractive rural lifestyle property set on 17.8ha south of Blayney.
• 4-bedroom, 1 bathroom
• Open plan kitchen and dining
• French doors opening from the northfacing rooms to the garden
• Reverse-cycle air conditioning, slow combustion wood heater & ceiling fans
• Fenced into 5 paddocks with improved pastures and scattered native timber.
Real
Ben Redfern 0457 770 062
ben.redfern@elders.com.au
Marty Lyden 0404 070 391 martin.lyden@elders.com.au
Small rural oasis awaitsjust north of Orange.
Conveniently located north of Orange, this hidden gem offers entry level pricing and room to grow.
• A mix of open paddocks and timbered country
• Additional fully lined bedroom/office space for flexible living or work-fromhome needs
• 4-bay enclosed shed with power.
• Large spring-fed dam with pontoon.
Auction
Friday 5 December at 10:30am
152 William Street, Bathurst
Open Home Saturday 9am - 9:30am
A lifestyle like no other.
Set on 2.6ha (6.5ac) along the Bell River, this property offers two homes and flexible options for family living, guest accommodation, or a farm stay.
• Two homes linked by a spacious entertainment courtyard
• Homestead: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, country-style kitchen, hardwood floor
• Cottage: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reverse cycle air-conditioning.
Auction Friday 5 December at 10:30am
152 William Street, Bathurst
* Approximately 2.6
* Approximately Real Estate
Ben Redfern 0457 770 062
ben.redfern@elders.com.au
Katie Christopherson 0400 637 559 katie.christophersen@elders.com.au
Real Estate
Ben Redfern 0457 770 062
ben.redfern@elders.com.au
Marty Lyden 0404 070 391
martin.lyden@elders.com.au
Invest in lifestyle and potential - not just property.
With subdivision potential (STCA), this property combines lifestyle and earning opportunity.
• A spacious five-bedroom family home
• A massive 31m x 11m shed with office and bathroom — ideal for a home business, storage, or rental income
• Pool and entertaining area
• Well-fenced paddocks perfect for horses or hobby farming.
Auction Friday 5 December at 10:30am
152 William Street, Bathurst Open Home Saturday 11am - 11:30am
* Approximately
Real Estate
Ben Redfern 0457 770 062
ben.redfern@elders.com.au
Katie Christopherson 0400 637 559 katie.christopherson@elders.com.au
1.00
9:00
09:15 - 09:45 34
09:30 - 10:00 4/71A MOULDER
10:45 - 11:15 7
10:45 - 11:15 6 MAJESTIC WAY, ORANGE 523 $880,000 - $920,000
11:00 - 11:30 61 CORONATION DRIVE, ORANGE 432 $800,000 - $820,000
11:30 - 12:00
- 11:30 12 WILLIAM STREET, MILLTHORPE532CONTACT AGENT 12:00 - 12:30
By HENRY DEROOY
Zest Fest returned to Robertson Park on Saturday, November 1, with a large crowd hitting the CBD for the free annual music festival despite the rain earlier in the day. This year’s line-up was headlined by Australian Indie pop threepiece San Cisco, along with Alex Lahey, George Alice, Adam Newling, Maddy Jane and a host of local acts.
Who is your favourite teacher? Mrs Bourke, because she’s just like, so cool.
What’s your favourite subject at school this year? Going home!
Who is your best friend and what do you like to do together? Tilly- talk, and more talk!
If you were principal for a day, what’s the first thing you would do? Make the whole school have a massive party.
What is your favourite food? Plain pasta, mum makes it. What is something that makes you really happy? Family.
What is the most important job in the world? Doctors.
1- Scan the QR code 2- Enter your name and contact details. 3- Submit your competition answers. Automatically go into an additional draw for a chance to win a $20 food and beverage voucher from the Orange City Bowling Club!
weeks Odeon Cinema’s ad and find the movie that is screening at 12pm on Wednesday, November 12. Write your name and phone number on the back of an envelope, along with your answer, and send in....
By CEC TILBURG
The Orange Ex-Services’ County Bowls Club Men’s Pairs Bowls Tournament didn’t get off to the best start on Saturday morning with a heavy downpour of rain stopping play, but once the skies cleared, it turned into a perfect day for bowls.
Players travelled from Bathurst, Millthorpe, Wellington, and Nyngan to take part in the tournament, making for a strong and competitive field. With so many talented Orange locals also hitting the greens, it took some real creativity and skill to stay ahead. The games continued on Sunday, rounding out a great weekend of bowls, competition, and camaraderie.
with Bob Taylor
Only three Stars this week, so we start with Kathy Selwood from the Golden Oldies who scored 119 over average, and she was followed by Ian Middleton from the Thursday 9.45am league with 115 over average, and finally there was Hudson Howard from the Wednesday 6.20pm league with 106 over average for the series.
Star Bowler of the week and winner of the Auto Wash compliments of Race Track Car Wash was, of course, Kathy Selwood, who scored an admirable 119 over average for the series.
The High Roller champion and winner of the three free practice games was Kane Spirit-Jones who scored a wonderful 236 (PB), which was 66 over average.
There were of course plenty who wanted to beat Kane among them were Greg Shapter 207, Bayley Swallow 224, Gary James 213 (PB), Blake Frecklington 232, Lachlan Turner 244, Noah King 206, Ben Berry 236, Hudson Howard 232, Tash Brett 214, Taylor Clark 222, Tony Williamson 238, Travis McMahon 258, Brock Gallagher 215, Matt Woodham 234, Alan Lickiewicz 232, Jordan Trenholm 203, Gary Stedman 208, Gary James 202, Ben Howard 236, Nathaniel Mason 267, Josh Thornton 237 and Darius Thurtell 224.
The Almost Made it Hero and winner of the open order from Kings Takeaway at Greengate was Tazmin Brown who scored 178 (PB). As this score was 53 over average, Tazmin was named Junior of the week and winner
of the free game, compliments of the Tenpin Bowl, and the fifth Female of Note for October.
There were plenty feeling hungry among them Brayden Davies 165, James Barlow 189, Michael Dunworth 170, Kerrie Blowes 160, Maureen Corby 149, Colin Parsons 166, Connor Peate 152 (PB), Allyson Gilbert 166 (PB), William Hollamby 106, Isaac Perry 197, Annabelle Ferrier 147, Oliver Davis 157, Hunter Press 175, Verona Gavin 186, Joe Gallagher 196, Cody Frecklington 154 and Diana Bleakley 149.
Then there was Lachlan Stunden 82 (PB), Michelle Carroll 170, William Baldwin 139, Isaac Clifton 153, Rachel Johnson 178, Ian Middleton 197, Alan Westendorf 188, Nadia Murray 159, Steve Grabham 194, Maggie Grabham 137, Ben Tysoe 158, Zach Osborne 158 and Tracey Gavin 176.
I have mentioned the fifth Female of Note for October, but the winner of the gift certificate from MJ’s All Hair-All Occasions was Cherylee Shapter, who earlier in the month scored 179 (PB), which was 61 over average.
The fifth Man of the Moment for October was Ian Middleton, who scored 197, which was 45 over average and part of his 115 over average for the series. But (drum roll please) the Man of the Moment for October and winner of the voucher from Guys Cuts was Nathaniel Mason, who earlier in the month scored 268 (PB), which was 68 over average and part of his 131 over average for the series.
On Thursday, 30 October, our Club Pairs Championships Final was played between Phoebe and Annette vs Veronica and Judy. This was a great game with nothing between the two teams. Veronica and Judy won on the last end by one bowl!
We also had ten social bowlers. Marg and Denise L. defeated Vicki and Yvonne. Kerrie, Lorraine and Trish defeated Kathy, Helen and Julie.
Our best wishes to those who are feeling under the weather ˗ we hope
you are feeling better soon. Practice and coaching is available every Tuesday commencing at 10.30am, at the Country Club. These sessions are for our existing members and any ladies who would like to try their hand at lawn bowls.
Please contact Trish on 0400379294 for further information. Follow us on Instagram: oesc_ womensbowls or Facebook: Orange Ex-Services’ Country Club Womens Bowls
Wow, Wow, wow˗ what a fabulous weekend at the Country Club for their Champion Pairs Tournament! By all reports, the tournament was an absolute success; everybody I spoke to said they would be back next year. Thanks go out to Jim Finn for the well-organised running of the tournament. Justin Whaley and Greenkeeper Brendan for their tireless work on setting up the greens for both days, without these guys, the tournament wouldn’t be the success it is. To the bar and kitchen staff a massive thank you from everyone.
The winners over the weekend were: 1st Brad Lamont, OESCC and Adam Favell, Wallerawang; 2nd Peter Lange and Greg Campbell, OESCC; 3rd Ray Fitzalan, Bathurst City and Steve Galvin, Grenfell; 4th Luke Taylor and Ash Beadel, OESCC.
Round winners: 1st round, Shaun Urza and Glen Urza, Majellan; 2nd round Al Gregory and Roger AnnisBrown, OESCC; 3rd round Phil McGarity, OESCC and Tim Ryan, Nyngan; 4th round Peter Brooking and Nev Seton, OESCC.
Happy Bowling!
Duntryleague Women’s Annual Golf Tournament: Last week, the 101st Duntryleague Women’s Annual Tournament took place. Over 40 golf clubs from New South Wales and Queensland were represented, and a total of 198 women participated in the threeday event.
Despite the cold and wet conditions, which were a far cry from the expected ‘Spring’ weather, our participants showed remarkable resilience. They continued to deliver excellent drives and sink accurate putts, inspiring us all with their dedication to the game.
Duntryleague golfers dominated the winner’s circle. The premier event was the 36-hole scratch competition across four divisions. A fabulous presentation dinner was held on Tuesday evening to celebrate all the winners and tournament participants.
The scratch winners were as follows:
Division 1: Tournament Champion - Sally Kay, Duntryleague; Runner up – Susan Fenwick, Duntryleague
Division 2: Scratch winner –Angela Ferguson, Duntryleague; Runner up – Lisa Williams, Marrickville
Division 3: Scratch winner – Lisa Cobb, Duntryleague; Runner up –Margaret Smith, North Ryde
Division 4: Scratch winner –Dierdre Horan, Duntryleague; Runner up – Ann Williams,
Dierdre Horan also claimed the prestigious Beryl Pearce Trophy for Best Nett Score over 36 Holes, representing a Duntryleague Player. Dierdre had an outstanding tournament!
The tournament concluded on Wednesday with a more relaxed foursomes event.
Local businesses generously sponsored the tournament. The major sponsor was Cheney Suthers Lawyers. We are deeply grateful to all our sponsors for their generous support of this local women’s sporting event. Your contribution has made a significant difference, and we look forward to continuing our partnership in the future!
Co-sponsors included Orange Self Storage, Vision Property & Finance, Orange City Council, West Orange Motors, Penhall Funerals, Printhie Wines, Elever Real Estate and Beryl Pearce.
Raffle sponsors: Duntryleague Golf Centre, Jumbled, the White Place, Mary and Tex, Miss Mary Mac, Angullong Wines, Cint, Martha’s Food and Home and Dirty Jane’s.
We loved hosting all who attended and look forward to 2026!
If you are interested in learning to play golf or brushing up on your skills, visit duntryleague. com.au or on Instagram @ duntryleagueorange. A new women’s beginner program is commencing soon.
Event 18-hole 4BBB Stableford –Coloured Ball in conjunction. It was another great day to be out on the course, even though the threat of rain hovered; it was an interesting event in conjunction with a Stableford, which saw some great combinations.
The winners of the Coloured Ball team event with 37 Stableford points were Wendy McIntyre, Val Lynch, and Shirley Buckler who played some great golf and combined well to take out this event. They have all showed some consistency of late, well played.
A Grade Winner with a score of 34 points was Di Selwood who played some steady golf and was happy with her win. Runner-up was Katrina Ferris with a very well-played 33 points, and third went to Helen Ross on 26 points.
B Grade was won by Wendy McIntyre with a very handy 34 points; she has been playing well of late. Runner up was Sandra Jarman with a creditable 32 points and third went to Helen Laffey not far away on 31 points.
C Grade was won by Shirley Hyde with an incredible 43 points. Wow, that is some great golf and a wonderful score. Runner-up was Shirley Buckler, also with a magnificent 41 points. Both Shirley’s have been hitting their straps of late, well played. Third went to Helen Hubbard with a nicely played 35 points.
Nearest the Pins were won by
Jan Moad and Laurell Gassmann (winners), with Wendy McIntyre and Shirley Buckler (runners-up). PHOTO: SUPPLIED.
Ball Competition winners were Katrina Ferris, Val Lynch and Di Selwood
Congratulations to our 4BBB Matchplay winners Jan Moad and Laurell Gassmann who played some great golf to defeat Wendy McIntyre and Shirley Buckler 3-2. Both teams played some incredible golf, and the match was a closely contested one with Jan and Laurell coming out on top in the end. Thanks to all the teams who participated in the match play event. It is wonderful to have players interested in the matchplay. It is all great practice as well for when pennants come around.
November 5 is a four-person Ambrose. There are still a few spots left, so make sure you get your names in for this one, as it is a fun experience.
Have a great week!
A wonderful day was had on Sunday, November 2 with the Western Region Dragon Boat Regatta held at Lake Canobolas. A perfect sunny day with a slight breeze enabled 13 Dragon Boat Clubs to participate in a day of sporting competition and camaraderie. Many thanks to the Western Region Dragon Boat Committee and Colour City Orange for hosting the day.
For the Pinnacle Dragon crew, most
of our paddlers were fairly new to the sport and had not competed in a Regatta before, so we are very proud of their stellar efforts and enthusiasm to give it a go! They were a wonderful team working together as one and had a great day out.
Due to the success of our Learn to Paddle Program leading up to this event, we are holding another LEARN TO PADDLE Program, commencing on Sunday, November 9, 9.30-11.00am, and running for the following 3 weeks. This is a structured introduction to paddling on Lake Canobolas covering boat/water safety, paddling techniques, fitness and the wonderful sport of Dragon Boating. By registering on our website pinnacledragonboatclub.au and applying for a Dragon Pass your 4 week membership will be free. Contact us on email; pinnacledragons@gmail.com for further information. Paddles Up!
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25 Chemical base (6)
27 Popular aquarium fish (5)
Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list?
The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in ‘s’.
3 LETTERS
5 LETTERS
28 One with obsessive self-love (9)
29 Disagree (7)
30 Persuaded (7) DOWN
1 Rough hut (6)
2 Alarm (6)
3 Series of meetings (8)
4 Anecdote (4)
5 Security for repayment (10)
6 Surrender (6)
7 Contradictory or incongruous phrase (8)
8 Scalpel wielders (8)
13 Very generous (10)
16 Lively (8)
17 Punitively eschews certain things (8)
18 A type of shot in cue sports (8)
21 Bottle for the table (6)
22 Lunatic (6)
23 Glutinous or sticky consistency (6)
26 A desert in Central Asia (4)
4 LETTERS
16 words: Good 24 words: Very good 32 words: Excellent Today’s Aim: aver, avers, averse, avert, averts, ever, rave, raver, raves, reave, reaves, revert, reverts, revest, revs, save, saver, serve, server, sever, starve, stave, traverse, TRAVERSER, vase, vast, vaster, veer, veers,
TEMPT TIDED TRADE UNMAN UPSET URBAN VINYL VISTA
6 LETTERS BEAGLE BLASTS DEGREE REMEDY TALLER VISITS
7 LETTERS ABYSMAL FRITTER LOAFERS PARABLE ROSTERS SEASONS 8
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine
once in any row, column or box.
Each number corresponds to a letter of the alphabet. Two have been filled in for you, can you work out the rest? Can you find all the words listed? The leftover letters will spell out a secret message.
NAME: Elijah John Wilcox
BORN: 25 October, 2025
WEIGHT: 3.3kg
PARENTS: Blake Wilcox and Kiara McManus
SIBLINGS: Bianca Wilcox
G RANDPARENTS: Sharon McManus, Jeffery McManus, Letitia Sandry, Robert Sandry, Renée Wilcox, John Williams, Steve Wilcox, Tina Wilcox, Daphne Williams, Brian Williams
THUMBS UP to the Aldi customer who jumped in to pack my dinner items in a bag while I was juggling my 6-month-old baby. Your kindness made my day.
A HUGE Thumbs Up to the wonderful lady who helped me when my dogs got away from me at Petbarn. They were running on the footpath of Peisley Street at 8.45, too close to the peak hour traffic. She was wonderful, caught both dogs, and carried one of them into the grooming section for me while I had the other on the lead. Thank you so much. You saved my day - and my dogs!
THUMBS UP to T.J. at Need a Nerd for the amazing work fixing some tricky problems and upgrading the computers at work. I don’t know what I would do without the Nerds. Thumbs up to everyone involved in the recent, most enjoyable Orange Public School Open Gardens Event. A special thumbs up to the kind people who opened their beautiful gardens to the public.
THUMBS UP to Elaine who works on the checkout at the downtown Woolworths supermarket. She always greets customers with a smile and is ready to give extra help when needed.
THUMBS UP to the staff, parents and friends who helped students at Orange Public School participate in a morning bike ride on Friday. Well done to all!
THUMBS DOWN to the gentleman driving the grey 4WD on the footpath inside Sir Jack Brabham Park. It’s a footpath, not your own private road.
THUMBS UP to Milly at Leaf Café for your great customer service. Your genuine, friendly, and welcoming attitude makes me want to return. Some customers really do appreciate a small conversation with the staff; it makes them feel welcome. They are so lucky to have such a hard-working employee.
THUMBS UP to Grace, Maddy, Phoebe and Jess at Lumus Imaging Bloomfield for being so wonderful when I had to have an injection in my spine. Thank you also to Dr Shane Labuschagne.
THUMBS UP to Orange Office Works for employing the amazing Josh in the Print section. Josh is immensely knowledgeable - no question is too silly or any printing problem insurmountable. He is so patient and keen to assist each customer - a real asset to the company!
THUMBS UP to the wonderful Millthorpe Garden Ramble. Some beautiful gardens to explore this year. And such a joyful weekend; I enjoyed chatting with the many friendly volunteers and some of the garden owners. The event is a credit to the village of Millthorpe.
The Thumbs represent thoughts and opinions of readers and do not necessarily reflect those of Orange City Life. Every care is taken not to publish thumbs that are considered derogatory or defamatory in nature . Please note that thumbs may be edited for clarity, space or legal reasons.
2026 Orange Conservatorium Scholarship Concert
Congratulations to Anneke Brown (Junior Guitar Scholarship) and Vaughn Bienek (Senior Drum Scholarship), recipients of my 2026 musical scholarships at the Orange Regional Conservatorium Scholarship Concert — and well done to all the talented performers!
Newman Park Great War Memorial Avenue
It was great to join Minister David Harris MP and Orange Mayor Tony Mileto at Newman Park for a funding announcement. Orange City Council will receive $12,000 to enhance accessibility while preserving the memorial’s reflective and commemorative features.
Dubbo Clontarf Academy visit as part of Committee on Law and Safety
I had the honour of meeting Jeff and Jill Tougher, parents of murdered paramedic Steven Tougher. Their courage in advocating for stronger protections for paramedics — including cameras and stab-resistant vests — is inspiring. I’ll continue to fight for justice and accountability for victims and their families.
A special milestone for the Orange Sports Precinct — the sod has been turned for the John Davis OAM Stadium. On the second anniversary of John’s passing, his family joined the ceremony, along with Minister Moriarty MLC, marking the start of this long-awaited project, with construction by Zauner to be completed by late 2026
Pharmacy Guild of Australia NSW Branch Annual Awards Evening
