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than would otherwise be possible. In return, we ask you to please support them as often as you’re able.
EDITOR’S note
Yes, I know, we have a Christmas cover and it is not even December! But Christmas really is not far away and now is the time to get in and be ready ahead of the holiday season. Well, at least that’s what I tell myself every year, and sometimes even achieve… to a small degree… every few years or so.
The problem is these weekends fly past too quickly. After cricket and the general tidying up, which took up most of Saturday, I decided to do a bit of weeding and tidying up in the back yard on Sunday. Nine hours and a trailer load of green waste later and it was time to think about dinner and getting ready for work again. At least the office is a break from all the jobs that still need doing at home.
But it is not long now until we sign off for the year, and our OC Life team will take a few short weeks of well-earned rest.
Until next week!
Jonathan Roe
Old Orange Rockers
60th Wenty Open
Rezko family story to be remembered in new Huntley reserve
By JONATHAN ROE
“When I’m dead and gone, what I want to leave behind is my story and this environment,” the late Alexandra Rezko said to OrangeCityLife outside her Huntley home some three years ago.
Alex, who passed away on September 24 this year, had spent almost her entire life in Huntley and was fiercely protective of her much-loved little corner of the globe.
She had contacted OrangeCity Life back in 2022 in a bid to help her preserve the story of her father, Mikolaj Rezko, a Belarusian migrant who brought his young family across the world in the aftermath of the Second World War.
Alex was just four when she arrived in Australia with her family. The Rezkos initially settled in a migrant camp at Parkes but found a home in a humble wooden shack alongside the railway line at Huntley.
Mikolaj worked as a railway fettler, and through plenty of tough times, the
family built a new life in Huntley.
“Australia took us in, Orange welcomed us, but Huntley nurtured us,” Alex told OrangeCityLife, while showing us the former family home in Huntley three years ago this month.
“When we came, it was little better than a cow shed, but we never complained. We had it tough, but my father said, ‘We’ve found peace here, and that’s what we should be grateful for.”
Over many years, Alex had turned her land at Huntley into a memorial to her family’s story, planting hundreds of trees and installing numerous handpainted signs detailing the dates and events of importance to her family.
“I’m planning for my end in a sense,” she had said to us, trying to find the right words to explain what drove her to hold on so tightly to the memories of the lives that had been lived there.
“Once I go, if I don’t tell the story, no one will know,” she said.
But the family story Alex so doggedly worked to preserve is set to live on, thanks to Orange-based employment and training organisation OCTEC
The organisation, which has a history of purchasing and preserving heritage buildings like the Croagh Patrick mansion and former Orange town hall, has bought the former home of Rezkos and plans to make the
surrounding land a reserve open to the public.
OCTEC board member and former Orange Mayor Reg Kidd said interpretive signage will be installed to tell the story of the Rezko family and their life in Australia.
The land, which borders the OCTECrun Huntley Berry Farm, will be known as “Rezko Reserve”, he said.
“We decided to purchase the Fettler’s cott age and negotiate the lease of the land around it… because we think it’s of heritage and historic value,” Mr Kidd said.
“The story of an immigrant family from war-torn Europe, who came to live here with two small children… No running water, no electricity, no other facilities - it’s an incredible story.
running water, no electricity, no other
“I think it’ll be a great asset for Orange, for people to go out and have a picnic with their kids and learn a bit about that part of our history and the important part immigrants have played in this community.”
The late Alexandra Rezko pictured in front of her former family home at Huntley.
By DAVID DIXON
Art is light amongst the darkness, as Naomi launches her new show
The Central Tablelands’ weather is not usually listed as the top reason to relocate locally, but it has proved the magnet for one talented creative.
Orange’s bracing climate was the key factor in accomplished artist Naomi Lawler’s move from the sun-drenched north, with her associated health stuggles informing her work.
Decades-long battles with a cluster of auto-immune conditions ˗ as well as the sudden, unforeseen death of her beloved brother more than a decade ago ˗ spurred on her creative drive and to realise the importance of seizing the moment in both creativity and life.
Naomi is soon to launch her quasirealist-surreal show at new independent gallery, Artwork Orange in Lords Place, exhibiting her unique catalogue of personal original works with an official opening on Saturday, November 22.
“I came down from Queensland from near Brisbane, at Ipswich 13 years ago, I’ve been chronically-ill since I was 18 and, when I was in my early twenties, I moved in with my granny who was in Orange,” Noami revealed.
“I thought I’d try living away from home, I was in chronic pain in Queensland with Fibromyalgia ˗ heat and humidity exacerbate my condition ˗ but I realised I wasn’t really well enough to live alone,” she added.
It was then that tragedy struck when her healthy and outgoing sibling suddenly died with a brain haemorrhage after showing no warning symptoms other than the odd headache.
“When my brother passed away, my
parents were looking for a change so, instead of me moving back there, they came here.
“Mum’s family are from around here, at Dubbo, and this block was available… it was a sheep paddock then, and they built here and put on a granny flat.”
Through all these trials, Naomi rediscovered the love of art that she had as a student, and has now come out the other side.
“I’m recovering, my body wasn’t resilient, but I’m now building that resilience,” Naomi revealed. “I think creative people tend to be a bit more positive, to think that things will get better.”
Refining her craft through a range of visual creative forms after her familial loss, however, has been no walk across
ARTWORK
241 Lords Place Orange
an open field, Naomi recalled.
“I was always very creative, but I didn’t have any self-confidence, I was bullied at school and, though I did do art in Year 12, I didn’t think I was any good.
“My brother died not long after I moved to Orange, and I was sketching to help me process it; I started with a bit of graphic design, and that got me interested in water colours,” Naomi explained.
With her art blossoming and her confidence growing, she decided to take a punt on publicly exhibiting her work.
“It was at The Corner Store Gallery, and I exhibited illustrations there, I was transitioning then to oils, completely self-taught, and then I won a mini-series
art prize in 2019.
“I was then able to hold a solo exhibition in 2020 at the same venue and, after that, I found my self-portrait had been accepted as a finalist in the inaugural Darling Portrait Prize at the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra.”
Despite her success, Naomi has continued to battle feelings of inadequacy that so often plague creatives in all fields.
“Throughout this whole thing, I kept feeling I wasn’t good enough, I think to a certain extent, every artist has ‘imposter syndrome’.
“I’m now getting counselling for this with a psychologist, which is leading to a lot of deeper stuff,” she said.
Having independent galleries in country towns provides a wonderful and unique opportunity for emerging artists to display their works, Naomi told ‘OrangeCityLife ’ from her idyllic studio located on her parents’ semirural property.
“I am very excited, it’s a good opportunity with a lot of the works here to be on display,” she said, looking around at her varied pieces.
“I call my style ‘Imaginative Realism’; it has an element of the surreal but, at the same time, you can see what the painting is.”
Art, she believes, offers us a glimpse of how life can be, not just what it is, with all its pressures and worries.
“It’s showing that life’s beautiful, even when it’s hard and heart-breaking,” Naomi said. “Even when you’re doing something difficult; even when it’s dark, there’s always light.”
THE HANK SPIREK EXHIBITION
These works were inspired by Hank’s recent travels throughout the A diverse country positioned on the northwest corner of the African continent with a blend of European, Arabic and African cultures and customs.
NAOMI LAWLER EXHIBITION
In this collection Hank has captured the essence of Morocco and put it into his paintings while maintaining his distinctive style and use of vibrant colours. Come and view Hank’s paintings and meet with Hank at the exhibition opening. The Hank Spirek exhibition opens at twelve noon on Saturday 29th March at the Artwork Orange Gallery
Naomi Lawler is launching her quasi-realist-surreal show at Artwork Orange on Saturday, November 22. PHOTO: DAVID DIXON.
Wheel Women show off their rides for a cause
Hey ladies! Time to get those classic cars and bikes washed, waxed and down to the Orange Showground for the 2025 Wheel Women Show ‘n Shine on November 30.
Previously known as the Ladies Day Show ‘n’ Shine, Wheel Women is a chance for motor-loving ladies to get together, show off their favourite cars and bikes and raising money for our local domestic violence refuge,The Orchard, said Gnoo Blas Classic Car Club committee member and event organiser, Linda Ogilvie.
“We rebranded it because we felt the name was a bit old-fashioned,” Linda explained. “So Wheel Women is for women who have a passion for cars or bikes. It is a way of getting together and showing off their cars, having a get-together and raising money for The Orchard.”
The Orchard relies on community fundraising to keep operating, Kinda said, urging people to dig deep
on the day.
Entry for the Show ‘n’ Shine is $20 per vehicle (one driver and passenger), with trophies and prizes in a number of categories up for grabs.
Even if you don’t own a classic vehicle yourself, Linda encouraged women to have a chat with carlovers in their family, who will no doubt be happy for them to show off their pride and joy at this annual Gnoo Blas event.
“There will also be raffles offered during the day with some fantastic raffle prizes. There will be food and drink vendors, a selection of market stalls, a jumping castle, face-painting and a young, local musician providing entertainment,” Linda said.
“And Housing Plus (who operate The Orchard) are doing a barbecue, so they will be raising money from that as well.
For members of the general public who want to
have a look at the markets and the classic cars on display, all they ask is a gold coin donation, Linda said.
“And everything takes place inside the Naylor Pavilion, so the weather won’t stop it,” she added.
“And one of our club members is going to do a tyre changing demonstration on the hour for anyone interested in learning how to change a tyre, because some people just don’t know.”
The event will take place from 9am to 2pm at the Orange Showground on Sunday, November 30, but ladies are invited to bring their vehicles to the Orange Function Centre at 8.30am to then travel in convoy to the Naylor Pavilion.
Show ‘n’ Shine judging will take place between 10am-12pm, with the trophy presentation at 1pm.
For more information, visit gnooblas.com/ wheel-women-2025
The Gnoo Blas Classic Car Club’s Wheel Women Show ‘n Shine takes place on November 30. Pictured are club members Janine Tozer, Linda Ogilvie, Daphne Clout and Marion Clout.
Newman Park Memorial not forgotten, as school keeps memory alive
By DAVID DIXON
Recently announced funding for the Newman Park Great War Memorial Avenue in east Orange ensures that the “lest we forgets” uttered on Remembrance Day are meaningful.
The park is one of the few remaining memorial avenues of trees still around, more than 100 years after its planting in 1919 and, but for a campaign by the local RSL many years ago, might not exist anymore.
Hardly the best-known war memorial in the district, it does, however hold particular significance to the nearby East Orange School, whose former pupils it memorialises.
Groves of planted trees were a popular alternative to the traditional man-made stone, rock, concrete, and metal plinths, cenotaphs, statues, carillons, and daises that proliferated after World War I in Australia.
These had the symbolic value of comprising living trees, often one planted for each soldier who died in ‘The Great War’ ˗ what we now know as World War I ˗ or for each soldier who served from that area or organisation.
The $12,265 funding for Newman Park is aimed at improving access and utility of the site those at official events, or who just want to meditate at this solemn location, East Orange Principal Glen Bourke told ‘OrangeCityLife’.
“I think they’re upgrading the memorial itself, putting in seating, making it wheelchair accessible,” Mr Bourke said. “The money was granted
after consultation with the school and the sub-branch, who were very much the drivers of the project,” he added.
Despite the passing of the years, he emphasised that that the school still takes its responsibilities for this memorial very seriously.
“It has a huge association with the school; we are custodians of the site and hold an Anzac Day event there every year towards the end of Term One with bagpipes, buglers, the full list,” Mr Bourke said.
“About 100 ex-students served in World War I, and 17 died and, after the war, the principal planted the trees in their honour, there are stories of people leaving memorials there, tying yellow ribbons, all that sort of thing,” he added.
The school community, he explained, has also researched a history of each of the young men who perished in the industrial-scale slaughter over mere yards of soil on the Western Front during the four years of bloody battle.
“Each year, we read a history of two of the serviceman, where they were from, when they died, where their grave is located.
“As it’s been over a hundred years, you don’t see a lot of groves of trees like this still intact -- it’s unusual to see one with the original trees still alive,” Mr Bourke said.
The history of the memorial goes back to August, 1919, when the then principal of East Orange Arnold T Caldwell arranged for a group of
returned soldiers to take part in planting a memorial avenue in Newman Park, adjacent to the school.
The 16 trees that form the avenue are Pin Oak (Quercus palustrus), with an English Elm (Ulumus procera) positioned at the head of the avenue.
In the early years after the planting, vandals destroyed the name plates att ached to each tree, which signified who it was planted for.
At one time, council actually considered removal of the avenue, but a strong protest by the Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL) saved the trees.
In August, 1978, a memorial plaque att ached to a large basalt stone was donated by the Orange RSL Sub-Branch and Orange City Council to replace the plaques.
It is inscribed with the names of the 17 former students who were killed in action or died of wounds during the war.
The 27 State Government war memorial grants were awarded to councils, RSL sub-Branches, and community groups in cities, regional towns, and rural centres throughout NSW.
Meanwhile, the sombre line of century-old trees at Cameron Park in east Orange still stands as a silent sentinel to another age and a sacrifice not to be forgotten.
“It is a very special part of our school’s history,” Mr Bourke concluded.
Lest We Forget: Recently-announced funding for the Newman Park Great War Memorial Avenue in east Orange, is aimed at ensuring that sites such as these are not forgotten. PHOTO: ORANGE CITY LIFE
By DAVID DIXON
Sleeping rough: Council plans for homeless housing at Showground
Homelessness is an issue that not only affects our major cities, but has become increasingly common in regional centres like Orange, with council developing a plan to reduce the problem.
A recent high-profile case involving a homeless man collecting shopping trolleys, old blankets, tin cans, shopping bags, and various other detritus, and hoarding them outside of Orange Art Society in the Woolworths carpark, has highlighted the issue.
Orange Council says that, while numbers have definitely increased, local government is not necessarily the lead agency in seeking to alleviate the issue.
“The problem is getting worse, and it is also more prominent,” Orange Mayor Tony Miletto told ‘OrangeCityLife’.”We try and help out where we can, but while you can provide accommodation for the homeless, you can’t make them use it… often there’s mental health issues underlying their situation,” he added.
Council statistics bear out the mayor’s observation, with homelessness ˗ once considered an American and European problem almost unknown in the “lucky country” ˗ now a seemingly permanent feature of our society.
Firstly, a council spokesperson said, however, that it is important to differentiate those who simply can’t find accommodation due to economic, social, or supply-and-demand issues, and those who sleep out while battling drug abuse and mental health issues.
“‘Homelessness’ involves individuals
actively seeking housing, while ‘rough sleepers’ choose to remain outdoors, despite available support,” a council spokesperson said.
“The man seen at Woolworths, and now at Emus (rugby ground), is identified as a ‘rough sleeper’,” they added.
Although council is often targeted as the “do something” government body for an increasing range of issues in our society, they are not the primary agency for this persistent social problem, the spokesperson emphasised.
“Both groups fall under the responsibility of Housing Plus (HP), which is funded to provide assistance.
“Typically, homeless individuals accept help when offered, whereas rough sleepers often decline accommodation,” they explained.
To combat the issue, council has
developed a plan utilising an existing asset to alleviate the matter locally.
“To address this, a safe location at the Showground is being finalised for those awaiting housing or choosing to sleep rough. However, attendance at this site cannot be enforced, due to limited regulatory powers.”
Orange is aware of increasing concern over the subject and can institute bylaws to try and reduce potential issues in council-administered parks and gardens.
“Council cannot forcibly relocate individuals, but it can designate specific public areas in Orange ˗ such as Robertson Park, Cook Park, and the Botanic Gardens ˗ as ‘no camping zones’,” the spokesperson said.
“With appropriate signage, staff can ask people to move on, and if they refuse, police may be involved;
having a designated alternative like the Showground, is essential for referrals,” they explained.
As with the health, community, and safety issues with the rough sleeper at the Woolworths carpark, council also has other regulatory powers that they can enforce.
“In cases where health concerns arise, such as rubbish accumulation, council can intervene.
“Council staff have also had direct contact with this person to provide assistance; council’s main role here is to nominate and maintain a location for homeless/rough sleepers.”
Council estimates that there are now scores of homeless people in the Colour City.
“Numbers are increasing in Orange; current numbers indicate there are approximately 110 homeless/rough sleepers in Orange. Most are in temporary accommodation, awaiting permanent accommodation,” they added.
With local government now called on to deal with social and community issues within their boundaries, staff and elected officials will need to come up to speed.
“Input is needed from councillors to identify which areas should be marked as no-camping zones, and staff will require training to handle related inquiries effectively,” the spokesperson said.
“As above, it is the primary responsibility of HP (Housing Plus); council supports where we can,” they concluded.
The collector: homeless site beside Orange CWA in Robertson Park. PHOTO: ORANGE CITY LIFE
THE GOOD ENOUGH PARENT WITH
EMILY THOMPSON
Running away from home
When I sat down to write this week’s column, it was originally going to be a list of things that are currently annoying me. These include, but are not limited to: the tiramisu range at Harris Farm Markets (I can get MATCHA tiramisu, but not the regular coffee one???), the way you have to touch the screen to choose the contact-free payment option at Maccas, and the unrelated fact that my diet isn’t working. But all of this changed on Wednesday when Miss 11 had enough of us and announced she was running away from home.
After the catalyst event (I’d brushed her hair) she decided she didn’t want to put up with our outlandish rules any longer and was leaving for good. She went to her room to pack a bag, and seemed to be daring us to stop her. I went in there, hugged her, told her I loved her and didn’t want her to leave, but I understood her decision,
respected her autonomy, and asked where she was going. She hadn’t thought that far ahead, so I suggested she might like to live with our nextdoor neighbours. After shouting a bit, she left and Miss 16 walked her over to the sanctuary of our lovely neighbour’s house.
Miss 16 came back alone, and at bedtime I took over Miss 11’s blankie and teddy bear. Our lovely neighbour greeted me at the door and asked if everything was OK. I explained that I had brushed Miss 11’s hair and, as a mother of a girl herself, she understood. However, I didn’t take Miss 11 home. I simply handed her the things she’d need to sleep well, kissed her goodnight, and told her I was looking forward to seeing her in the morning. I went home, to a very peaceful house, and Hubby and I had a fabulous laugh about the whole thing (after calming down Miss 16 who
was prett y anxious due to the turn of events of the evening).
We watched TV alone (the new season of ‘The Witcher’ is crap, don’t bother -- not even a HEMSWORTH can save it) and after checking my phone at least a hundred times, half expecting a call from next door, we went to sleep. She was returned home early the next morning, telling us she loved us, but she’d had a whole queen bed to herself and it suited a queen like herself. Then, for the first time ever in her entire life, she packed herself lunch for school (Hubby still had to remind her to brush her teeth, and we have given up on her hair for the time being). All was well, just a little different perhaps.
Here’s the thing... if Miss 16 had tried to run away when she was younger, I probably would have cried, and berated myself for not being a better parent. But as the kids get older,
you stop doing that. Not because you love them any less, but because you understand that not everything is about you. Letting them go is still hard, but you slowly understand that helping these tiny babies grow into competent adults is the job you signed up for.
I remain so, so grateful that we live in a community where it was a matter of choosing where she was running away to and that we have so many people who would have taken her in for the night. And they would have done it with love, understanding, and zero judgement towards us.
So, to our beautiful neighbours: thank you so much. How lucky are we that our amazingly headstrong little girl feels so safe in your space, and that you love her as much as you do. Heads up though: I’m probably going to make her brush her hair again soon.
Santa’s arrival Parade
Saturday 22 November
Santa’s parade will begin at 10am and will travel up Summer Street, before moving through the Centre to finish at Santa’s grotto in front of BigW to begin 2025 Santa Photo Session
Summer Street will be closed for Santa’s Parade
Phil DONATO MP
State Member for Orange Out & About
I want to focus on an important issue that affects families and communities right across our region — Men’s Health Month. Men in regional NSW often face unique health challenges. Whether it’s long working hours, physical labour, farming pressures, travel distance to services, or the tendency to “push through” instead of seeking help, we know these factors can impact physical health, mental health and overall wellbeing. This is why raising awareness, encouraging early check-ups and making health support accessible in the regions is so important. I’ve seen how men’s health issues — especially when left unchecked — can affect families, business owners, workplaces and communities. I continue to support Mr Perfect Men’s Health BBQs at Cook Park, which provide a relaxed, judgement-free space for men to connect, talk and build social networks — an important part of overall wellbeing.
I will continue to work for:
•improve access to healthcare across regional NSW, including more specialist services, better GP availability and stronger preventative health screening
•reduce long wait times for essential medical procedures so people in our region receive timely care
•strengthen mental-health supports, particularly for men who often delay help seeking
•support programs that foster strong, connected and healthy communities
•ensure men have clear pathways to physical, social and emotional support
•advocate in Parliament for policies that deliver better health services and outcomes for the Central West
Men’s Health Month is a timely reminder to:
•book that check-up you’ve been putting off
•monitor blood pressure, heart health and chronic conditions
•prioritise exercise, nutrition and sleep
•stay connected with mates, family and community
•seek support early — whether for physical or emotional wellbeing
Men’s Health Month is a reminder that looking after ourselves — and each other — Small steps save lives. Early action prevents long-term illness. And strong communities are built on healthy, connected individuals.
G’day, Cheers, Phil
SUN 7 TH DECEMBER 11.30AM-2.00PM Cook Park, Summer Street
Nominations now open for Local Senior of the Year 2026
We sure are lucky with so many incredible seniors across our community — people who give, lead, create, support and inspire every single day. Now is our chance to say thank you. Nominate them for the NSW Local Senior of the Year Award! Let’s celebrate the wisdom, dedication and heart of our older community members who make our region such a great place to live.
Nominations close: 5pm Friday, 16 January 2026
Nomination forms:
Available from my electorate office or via email at orange@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Hosting the Central NSW Joint Organisation at Parliament Rotary Club of Orange Annual Dream Cricket
ART REVIEW
By Belinda Hungerford, Curator and Exhibition Coordinator, Orange Regional Gallery
Over the last six weeks there has been a wonderful response from visitors coming in specifically to see HERE/NOW, impressed with the array of talent on display. With over 200 artists from the Central West represented, it is proving to be very popular.
The annual HERE/NOW exhibition is open to anyone over the age of 16 who resides in the local Government areas of Orange, Bathurst, Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Forbes, Lachlan Shire, Lithgow, Oberon, Parkes and Weddin Shire. Artists can be at any stage of their career from emerging to established, with the guarantee that at least one of their artworks will be on display.
The range of artwork is truly incredible with artists working
across painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, assemblage, textiles, sculpture, ceramics, steel, and glass. The subject matter is extremely diverse as well. There are gorgeous landscapes, stunning still lifes and florals, delightful depictions of animals, thoughtful portraits, and intriguing abstracts. There really is something for everyone!
Over its seven years and counting, HERE/NOW is steadily gaining a reputation for its breadth and quality of artworks. With the majority of the artworks for sale, it is also timed brilliantly for Christmas purchases!
HERE/NOW is open daily from 10am – 4pm until Sunday 30 November 2025. Entry is free.
Season Season
Image caption: Installation view of Here/Now. Photograph by John Daly, 2025
Orange City Council has begun a 12-month free textile recycling trial at the Ophir Road Resource Recovery Centre (ORRRC).
Free textile recycling trial underway
Local residents now have a better way to dispose of their unwanted clothing and textiles, with Orange City Council having begun a 12-month free textile recycling trial at the Ophir Road Resource Recovery Centre (ORRRC).
The trial is being conducted in partnership with Nowra-based textile recycling company RRR Australia. Textile items, including clothing and underwear, shoes and leather goods, bed linen, blankets, towels and bathmats, in any condition, can be taken to the drop-off area at the Community Recycling Centre (CRC), near the Recovery Shop.
But damp items, dirty or greasy items, or items with filling such as cushions, pillows, doonas and puffer jackets will not be accepted, says Council.
RRR Australia will then recycle the disposed textiles in one of several ways, with good-condition items reused, while other items may be cut up and sold as rags for cleaning, or broken down to make new items such as indoor and outdoor rugs and mats.
The 12-month trial period will be free for residents, being funded by Orange City Council out of the Waste Services budget. Council will then review the situation next year and determine whether to continue the service based on volumes, cost and diversion from landfill achieved.
If successful, Council says the program could be expanded across all NetWaste member councils.
“I think it’s fantastic that we’re giving it a go and hopefully it’s going to turn
into an ongoing service,” Orange City Council Environmental Sustainability Community Committee Chair, Cr David Mallard said.
“Our landfill is a major expense as well as being one of the major resource issues that we’ve got to deal with. So the more we eliminate things from going into landfill - whether that’s food and garden waste, or in this case textiles - that’s alleviating pressure in terms of the long-term financial picture for Council.”
Every year, more than 220,000 tonnes of clothing ends up in landfills across Australia. Cr Mallard urged people to think of all the ways they can reduce what they send to landfill.
“That can include repairing things or getting someone else to repair it… Can
you donate it through the appropriate channels so that an ‘op shop’ can sell it,” he said.
“We all need to keep trying to reduce waste and move towards a more circular economy, thinking about the different ways we can use things before they go to either the rubbish or recycling.
“It’s a simple step that makes a big difference for our environment and future generations.”
Other waste items that can be dropped off free at the Community Recycling Centre include gas bottles, fire extinguishers, chemical drums, batteries (household and car), paint tins, oils, and e-waste.
The Ophir Road Resource Recovery Centre is open daily from 8am to 5pm.
Nexas Quartet Simon Tedeschi
From Tedeschi’s virtuosic solo moments to Nexas’ sizzling renditions of Summertime and
An American in Paris, the night brims with colour and vitality. Add to that a sparkling new Medley of Gershwin’s greatest hits, and the stage is set for the ultimate finale: a thrilling reimagining of the legendary Rhapsody in Blue. Presented by the Orange Chamber Music Festival, this is Gershwin as you’ve never heard him before—bold, fresh, and irresistibly alive.
GERSHWIN
FRIDAY MARCH 13 - 8:00PM
Yes, Paula gets by at Bowen centre, with a little help from her friends…
With a little help from her friends; Paula Townsend at Bowen Community Technology Centre: “I was approached by Ashcroft’s IGA about having some part-time help for me here.”
By DAVID DIXON
Devoting her life to one of the Colour City’s most worthy, though chronically underfunded, community service projects for nearly two decades, Paula Townsend, a few years ago, temporarily gave up the unequal struggle.
Exactly one week later, she was back in charge at Bowen Community Technology Centre ˗ located in one of our most disadvantaged suburban areas ˗ with a fistful of community grant applications aimed at getting the centre back up and running.
Now she is getting by with a little help from her friends, with a local supermarket recently launching a scheme to raise $15,000 so that Paula will have an assistant for a few hours a week for a load that she, until now, has carried on her own.
In more good news for the hub, which runs on a wing, a prayer, and a financial shoestring at the best of times, a new get-ready-for-work initiative is being launched at the site next year.
It all began during the mid-noughties when troubled times bedevilled the largely public housing project area.
“It was in 2006–2007, when we had a series of fire bombings, three in one
week, and some serious social unrest,” Paula recalled.
“Old people were too afraid to go to their mailbox, and young mums were not prepared to push their baby in a stroller out the front gate,” she added.
A community meeting was called, with 250 locals attending, leading to the establishment of the Bowen Resident Action group (BRAG).
“We started the group up, got money from Cadia (Operations), with the aim of identifying some of the issues round here.
“One of those was, locals didn’t have the opportunity of other people in regards to computers and the internet, and so we started the Technology Centre,” Paula explained.
She said that, despite the abundance of online devices now, the dozen or so computers at the Centre that provide a space for local kids to do homework, carry out research, and just explore the wonders of the internet, are just as important as ever.
“If you’ve got six kids in a house, you can’t expect them to all do their homework on Mum’s phone with a cracked screen.
“There’s a lot more people moving to
Orange now, people from out west who are struggling and come here to get away,” Paula believes.
School attendance issues for many children in the district, sees the Centre often taking the lead in exposing these kids to learning, as well as to expectations of the wider world.
“Some have learning difficulties, some come here to learn different things from what they do at school.
“Society treats them one way, school treats them another and here, we treat them as they should behave, as the community expects people to behave.”
Having run the centre as a onewoman show for so long, eventually got the better of her a few years ago, and Paula temporarily pulled the plug, as it were.
“I closed for a week in 2022, I couldn’t do the grant applications here, there were too many distractions.
“So, I went home and worked day and night applying for every grant I could and did all the paperwork, but I couldn’t stay away,” she explained.
Averaging about 20 local kids a day dropping in to use the computers, for some companionship, and also for a bit of a feed that Paula also provides
among her other duties, things are looking up.
“We’re always on the edge, but we’re a lot better than we were, next year we’re hoping to get enough funding for ‘Work Ready’ workshops.
This will be for local adults, coaching them to prepare for jobs in the workplace; we’re also running a Wednesday Kids Club,” she revealed.
Seeing the good work she does, our locally owned supermarket has recently come on board.
“I was approached by Ashcroft ’s IGA about having some part-time help for me here.
“They’re looking at raising enough money for someone to be employed about 10 hours a week for a year, which will give me more time with the kids.”
Only paid about 27 hours a week for what is a full-time vocation, Paula received due recognition last year as Orange Woman of the Year award, but eschews all the fuss.
“I saw what needed to be done, but we didn’t know what we were going to do,” Paula said in recalling the early years of the centre.
“It sort of grew, as the needs grew.”
PHOTO: ORANGE CITY LIFE
Andrew GEE MP
RUNS ON THE BOARD FOR ORANGE
QUESTIONS ASKED AND ASSURANCES NEEDED OVER ORANGE SPORTS PRECINCT PLAYING FIELDS
TheOrange Regional Sports Precinct is a massive project for the city which should benefit the region for years to come.
Unfortunately, the project has been plagued by cost overruns and delays. With $75 million at stake, we need to make sure the project delivers the best possible result for the public who are funding it.
In response to community concerns about the quality of the playing fields, I’m asking Orange City Council to:
1. Publicly release all reports and data relating to the soil and sand testing, and also all reports on drainage tests on the playing fields
2.Give a strong assurance to the public that the playing fields will be fit-for-purpose, and 3. Provide the public with all details about any planned additional works on the playing fields, including further sand.
I asked the Federal Minister for Infrastructure to tip in a further $15 million for the project and I don’t want to have to go back and ask for more money because funding is being eaten up by fix-up and rectification works.
If the soil, sand and drainage reports, and associated testing data, show that there is no problem with the playing fields, Council should have no problem in making them public.
REMEMBERING THE EUGOWRA FLOOD IN 2022
Last week was the third anniversary of the devastating storms and floods that hit the Cabonne Shire in 2022.
I was honoured to spend time with the Eugowra community last Friday and Saturday to remember those who tragically lost their lives.
EUGOWRA COMMUNITY AS TOGETHER AS EVER
On Friday I spent time with Eugowra residents as many of them recounted their experiences of that dreadful day.
I am continually amazed at the strength and heart of the Eugowra community and its ongoing resilience.
While so much recovery and rebuilding work has been undertaken, there is still a long road ahead. Supporting these ongoing efforts is the dedicated volunteers at the
Eugowra Hospital Auxiliary. I was thrilled to be able to draw their anniversary raffle. Together with Daniel Townsend from the Eugowra Newsagency & Supermarket, we also laid flowers at the flood memorial stone.
REMEMBERING DIANE SMITH AND LES VUGEC
I was back in Eugowra the following day (Saturday) and was again honoured to lay wreaths in memory of Diane Smith and Les Vugec at a ceremony at the flood memorial. Family and friends gathered to share how Diane and Les are much loved and deeply missed.
No-one can forget the fatal disaster which also resulted in a third of the township’s population of about 150 people being airlifted from rooftops, after waiting hours stranded while the 11-metre flood raged below. It was the biggest helicopter rescue in Australia’s history.
If the reports check out then we can all rest easy! There’s a significant amount of taxpayer and ratepayer money at stake and if there is a problem here, we need to get issues out in the open and have a discussion on how they’re being dealt with.
About 90% of homes in Eugowra were damaged and while the recovery process is proceeding there are still many people living in pods and temporary accommodation.
REUNION WITH TWO SPECIAL LOCAL LEGENDS
During the Eugowra flood anniversary weekend, I also caught up with a couple of locals, John ‘Dukesie’ Dukes and Ed the Sheep!
Ed shot to fame during flood of 2022 when he made a miraculous swim through the floodwaters. Residents on rooftops reported seeing a sheep paddling down Nanima Street through the raging torrent.
And that was the last anyone heard or saw of Ed…
until 24-hours later when he turned up in a flood-hit furniture shop.
Freed by firies after being trapped behind furniture and debris, Ed gave them a few of his trademark headbutts before making his way home!
Three years on and Ed is a pretty mellow sheep. He moves a little slower these days but he still came over to say g’day!
The Dukes family have worked incredibly hard to rebuild their home and three years on, it’s looking fantastic! It’s been a long and difficult journey but what they have achieved is inspirational.
THE ORCHARD SUPPORTING WOMEN AND CHILDREN ESCAPING DOMESTIC AND FAMILY VIOLENCE
I
at the Orchard last financial year was 136 (45 women and 91 children).
The team is doing some incredible work, creating outdoor sensory spaces and providing daily activities to reduce
isolation and improve socialisation.
Thank you to everyone involved in this life-changing work including:
Justin Cantelo - CEO
Maria Woods - Director DV and Community Services
Toni Parker - Community Services and Orchards Manager
Fiona Lindsay - Senior Caseworker Orange Orchard
Racheal Riley - Child and Youth Worker Orange Orchard.
Take-up not electric: Colour City EV charging stations’ steady use
By DAVID DIXON
They’re now a common site in our public spaces and local car-parks, but how much use do out electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, actually get?
While not all in the city are Orange Council-run, those that are, charge just under a car a day, statistics show with steady, rather than exponentially exploding, use.
With recent national figures also showing that the sale of fully-electric (BEV) cars are plateauing and are now being outstripped by those for plugin hybrid (PHEV) vehicles; the beloved gas-guzzling internal combustion engine, looks like it’s going to be around for a few more years yet!
This slow, incremental increase of BEV car take-up is more pronounced in the bush, where sales generally lag raw numbers and percentages for metropolitan centres, with factors cited including “range anxiety” and a perceived lack of charging stations.
With the availability of these easilyaccessed charging ports cited as a key reason for fear of EV uptake in rural areas, Orange definitely has no concerns in that regard, Mayor, Tony Mileto told OrangeCityLife
“We run some in the city, others some are run by other organisations
and motoring bodies,” Cr Mileto explained.
“The aim is to support people who have electric vehicles with the switchover to a low-emissions economy,” he added.
Orange now has plenty of ports for recharging, with others installed by motoring groups and manufacturers, a Council spokesperson revealed.
There are currently 22 EV
NEWS and HAPPENI
Together we CAN make a difference!
- by The Cheerful Giver
charging station locations across the Orange LGA, situated at a mix of accommodation venues, restaurants, wineries, and shopping centres, the spokesperson said.
Of these, two fast-charging sites are operated by the NRMA and Tesla, while Council administers four EV charging sites. These are:
• Lake Canobolas ˗ Dual port 7kW AC unit installed in March 2025;
• Orange Botanic Gardens ˗ Dual port 22kW AC unit installed in December 2024;
• Orange Aquatic Centre ˗ 22kW AC installed in January 2025;
• Orange City Library ˗ Two dualport 7kW AC chargers installed in March 2025.
The outlets, the spokesperson said, are receiving solid though not spectacular levels of utilisation.
“Usage of Council-operated EV chargers has remained steady since the most-recent installations in March 2025.
“Across the four sites, we’ve recorded an average of 23 charging sessions per month,” the spokesperson said.
For locals still in love with their Ford Falcon XY or Holden Torana XU1 who are wondering what costs ratepayers bear for these futuristic-looking utilities, the answer is, close to nil.
“The installation of Council’s EV chargers was funded through a grant program,” the spokesperson said.
“Ongoing operational costs, including electricity, soft ware licensing, and maintenance, are covered by user-fees associated with each charging session,” they concluded.
Something different to look forward to
Christmas and the holiday season can be a difficult time for many people, especially the elderly who live on their own. We’d like to do something about that.
Orange is blessed to have a wonderful and free community magazine, Orange City Life, that brings a measure of
enjoyment to not just the elderly and lonely each week, but to the community as a whole. It’s been doing this for around 15 years and despite the growing challenges that print publishers face today, Orange City Life is still there and still appreciated by those who wouldn miss picking up their copy each week. To use words from one of its favourite segments it’s “Thumbs up to Orange City Life and the team who put it together each week!”
That said, the Orange City Life team take a well earned break over Christmas, and that leaves a lot of their fans without their OCL fix for a few weeks. So, LMB is going to take this opportunity to put out a small but special one-off magazine to help fill the gap. We’ll call it Good Company and it’ll be 24 pages of fun holiday reading. No ads. A bit of this and a bit of that to help you fill in some time, give you a laugh or two and bring back a few memories along the way.
Will you help Paula?
LMB’s attention
It’s free, so look out for it in Ashcroft’s stores from Christmas Eve.
from LMB to FoodCare last week. Rochelle, along with FoodCare volunteers Karl Christian, Linda Moes, and Terry Fyfe were only too willing to ham it up for our photographer when asked. The hams came as the result of some recent fund -raising over recent weeks at Ashcroft’s Summer Street store.
An EV charging station installed in the Orange Civic precinct.
December 4
FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S 2
Cast: Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Lail, Piper Rubio, Matthew Lillard, Theodus Crane
One year since the supernatural nightmare at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, the stories about what transpired there have been twisted into a campy local legend, inspiring the town’s first ever Fazfest.
Genre: Horror, Thriller
ETERNITY
Cast: Elizabeth Olsen, Miles Teller, Callum Turner, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Betty Buckley
In an afterlife where souls have one week to decide where to spend eternity, Joan is faced with the impossible choice between the man she spent her life with and her first love, who died young and has waited decades for her to arrive.
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Cast: André Rieu and the Johann Strauss
YOURSPACE
reception@oclife.com.au Have something of interest to share?
CROSS purposes
Give Peace a Chance
John Lenon famously sang, “Give Peace a Chance.” The reality is that in our world peace hasn’t got a chance. Why am I so pessimistic you ask? Well, the answer is, I know the human condition. The Bible is very clear about the human condition. Very early after the creation of the first humans, they decided to give God the middle finger. As a result, people have become totally alienated from God; we are in fact at war with God. It is no surprise then, that people have become totally selfish and as a result become alienated from each other.
What is the answer? God’s answer is clear. He sent his Son, Jesus the Christ, to make peace between God and people. That peace between God and people leads to peace between people and people, as individuals humbly follow Christ and are transformed. What about world peace, you ask? God has a plan for that as well. In the day when he judges the world, he will usher in a new heaven and a new earth, where peace will not only have a chance but will reign. If you want to find out more about having peace with God, John’s gospel in the Bible is a good place to start.
Bob Ormond
If you have any questions you would like answered, ideas for articles, or would like to find out more about Jesus click this QR code
Saturday 29 November,2025 10am to 1pm
152 SIEBEN DRIVE,ORANGE 2800, NSW
JOIN US FOR LOTS OF FUN!
HANDMADE JEWELLERY
WOODEN FURNITURE MADE BY OUR RESIDENTS
CHRISTMAS-THEMED ITEMS
INTERNATIONAL FOOD RAFFLE ALL PROCEEDS FROM THE EVENT WILL
Christmas comes early to Lucknow!
This Sunday, the Lucknow Christmas Markets are set to bring a little early festive cheer and quality gift ideas to the historic mining village.
Hosted at Larder & Home on the Mitchell Highway, Lucknow, locals and travellers alike can expect a lively, family-friendly day with over 40 quality stalls, showcasing handmade goods, artisan creations, gourmet treats, homewares, Christmas gift s, and much more!
Families can enjoy free face painting and a jumping castle, making the markets a great outing for all ages. Pets are also welcome, provided they’re kept on short, tight leashes.
Michael Everett , Director of the
Ever Group, which owns Larder & Home, said the markets will have something for everyone!
“After such a successful turnout in 2024, we’re expecting these markets to be bigger and better. It’s a fantastic chance for families to enjoy the Christmas spirit while supporting not just the stallholders, but the broader Lucknow community,” Everett said.
Whether you’re shopping for Christmas gift s or simply wanting to soak up the festive atmosphere, the Lucknow Christmas Markets are the place to be this Sunday, 9am-2pm.
Entry is by gold coin donation, with all proceeds supporting Ronald McDonald House Central West.
Once in a lifetime!
933 ICELY ROAD,ORANGE 4 2 2 FOR SALE
Contact Agent
One Agency Orange Ash Brown 0417 663 687
The Old Church (circa 1873) has undergone an Architect designed, award winning renovation. It sits on almost an acre (3300m2) of delightful gardens with lovely views of surrounding farmland. The church building, showcases many original features, offers a large living space where you can entertain. Custom-made kitchen includes stone benchtops, Ilve stove and polished granite splashbacks. The home includes 4 bedrooms, main with a walk-in robe and ensuite with french doors leading to a private courtyard. Multiple living areas, this property could provide a unique B&B retreat. Located opposite the award-winning Mayfield Vineyard, it’s an easy 10-minute drive to the city limits of Orange.
Amaroo Road, Borenore
A country estate where luxury meets landscape.
Ideal for both entertaining and peaceful retreat, complemented by a stunning outdoor setting and quality infrastructure.
• Newly constructed 4-bay shed plus 6-bay shed
• Fenced into five main paddocks
• Four dams, 190,000L water storage
• Excellent fencing and gates
• Secluded position close to Blayney and major regional centres.
$1,650,000 - $1,750,000
Real Estate
Marty Lyden 0404 070 391 martin.lyden@elders.com.au
Katie Christopherson 0400 637 559 katie.christophersen@elders.com.au
Lifestyle acres in Millthorpe.
Nestled on the outskirts of the charming and historic village of Millthorpe,
•
•
•
Family comfort, investor appeal, prime location.
Set in an elevated position with sweeping views across Orange, this solid fourbedroom home offers comfort and convenience in a central location.
• Four bedrooms with a practical floor plan
• Light-filled living spaces with elevated outlook
• Central bathroom
• Three car spaces with plenty of storage
• Moments to schools, shops, and Orange.
Grazing and cropping opportunities.
A versatile 123ha (304ac*) rural holding ideal for cropping and livestock.
• An older four-bedroom weatherboard home with sweeping views
• 3 x 50-ton silos, hay shed & workshop
• Steel cattle yards
• Equipped bore supplying a header tank for stock and domestic use
• Divided into four paddocks with excellent access and layout.
Elders Emms Mooney
100 LUCKS LANE, BLAYNEY, NSW
Auction
‘KAROO’, WALMER, NSW
Sale
283 DALTON STREET, ORANGE, NSW
Is Your Financial Future Due For A Service?
When did your financial situation last get a tune-up?
As another year slips by, ponder this for a moment… We all get our car serviced at least once a year. Many of us get a health checkup once a year. It’s a good idea to get to the dentist once a year. We all do our tax returns each year. But when it comes to financial planning, it’s easy to keep kicking the can down the road.
I know most people find most things about money boring. Trust me, I know that from two decades of advising people on how important it is to take their financial futures seriously! These things can be boring… and to be honest, the more boring the better, because when it comes to money, anything ‘sexy’ or exciting is likely to be high risk and expensive. However, the reality
is that what you are doing – OR NOT DOING - now is going to determine what your financial future will look like. Ignore that last sentence at your peril!
There are many aspects to financial planning and one of the key aspects of this is superannuation. After all, super is compulsory. If you find super boring and don’t take it seriously, then there’s a good chance you’re sleepwalking towards a tough financial future, or at least one that is not as good as it could be.
Many people who find super boring still understand that it’s a good thing, it just doesn’t excite them. Yet, the idea of being able to stop working does excite them and that’s what superannuation is all about trying to fund!
Super is simply a tax structure. Super is the opportunity for ordinary
Australians to pay less tax on their investments – legally.
Think about it this way… there are only really four things you can invest your money in – cash, fixed interest, property and shares. The choice is whether you do that inside super or outside super (or a combination). The investments don’t change, the only difference is whether you are holding investments in a 15% tax environment or paying tax on those investments at your marginal tax rate, which is likely to be twice as high or more.
Yes, there are many rules that apply to super, but with a little help you can take advantage of the rules and create a fortune over time.
There are quite a few building blocks to utilise in building a strong financial. Super is just one. But, super
is compulsory. Hence, why I’m talking about. You have to have it, so why not make it work hard for you? After all, it is your money. There are many other aspects we cover in financial planning. Make the most of your financial future by getting some expert independent advice. For a small fee, you can be confident your money working as hard as you do. The difference between great management and poor management of your finances could be hundreds of thousands of dollars!
Is it time you got your financial future serviced?
Getting financial advice could be the wisest investment you’ll ever make!
Che s, Dani
Just25minutesfromOrangeand15minutesfromCanowindra,this beautifullypresentedfour-bedroomhomeoffersthreelivingareas, 2.5bathrooms,andamodernopen-plankitchenoverlooking picturesquepaddocks.Themastersuiteisatruesanctuary,featuring awalk-throughrobe,ensuite,andprivatebalcony,anidealspaceto unwindandenjoythepeacefulsurroundings.Designedfor year-roundcomfort,thehomeincludesductedreverse-cycleair conditioning,10kWofsolarpower,andalargerainwatertank.
Outside,anewthree-baylock-upshedwithpower,doublecarport, andfullyfencedelectrifiedpaddocksprovideexcellentspacefor livestock.Nearby,Cargo’s243-acrecommonsofferlocalshorse riding,bushwalking,andmotorbiketrails,perfectforembracingthe relaxedcountrylifestylethisremarkablepropertyaffords.
OffersareinvitedthroughExpressionsofInterestinwritingto MichaelWright,nolaterthan5.00pm,12December2025.
11.00 - 11.30 1396 AMAROO ROAD BORENORE 226AUCTION 12.00 - 12.30584 HUNTLEY ROAD, ORANGE534CONTACT AGENT CHRIS GRYLLIS
11.00 - 11.30 20 BURREBURRY CRESCENT CALARE 421$760,000 TO $780,000 ELDERS
9:45 - 10:15 79 PITTMAN ROAD, BLAYNEY834 $1,350,000 ONE AGENCY
09:15-09:4547 OGILVY STREET, BLAYNEY311$375,000 - $410,000 09:30-10:00138 MARCH STREET, ORANGE321$1,000,000 - $1,100,000
10:00-10:3061 CORONATION DRIVE432$800,000 - $820,000
10:00-10:304/71A MOULDER STREET321$825,000 - $850,000
10:00-10:303 VICTORIA STREET, MILLTHORPE 314$780,000-$820,000
10:15- 10:458 EMILY PLACE, ORANGE422$900,000 - $950,000
10:45-1:157 DIAMOND DRIVE, ORANGE422$875,000 - $900,000
10:45-11:156 STABBACK STREET, MILLTHORPE 411$675,000 - $700,000
11:00-11:306 LINDEN AVENUE, ORANGE532$1,475,000 - $1,525,000
11:30- 12:00 2 DON PETERS PLACE, CLIFTON GROVE 434$1,250,000 - $1,350,000
11:45-12:157 KITE STREET, ORANGE322$1,400,000 - $1,500,000
12:00-12:3028 TERRY TURNER DRIVE4221,030,000 - $1,050,000
01:45-2:15132 WARRENDINE STREET312$830,000 - $870,000 ORANGE REAL ESTATE
10.00 - 10.3010 GIRRAHWEEN PLACE433 $1,485,000.00 - $1,550,000.00
10.30-11.00288
PETER FISHER
9:30 - 10:001 ELSIE STREET
- 10:30 20 SUMMER STREET
- 10:45 121
1:00 - 1:30 65 EUCALYTPUS DRIVE624CONTACT AGENT 1:00 - 1:45 3470 CARGO ROAD 427EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST CLOSING 5PM ON 12TH DECEMBER 2025 1:30 - 2:00 2/99 BATHURST ROAD 211$675,000
1:30 - 2:00 5/99 BATHURST ROAD 322$820,000 1:30 - 2:00 6/99 BATHURST ROAD 311$695,000 1:30 - 2:00 7/99 BATHURST ROAD 321$850,000
PRD
12.30 - 1.0091 WILLIAM MAKER DRIVE422$800,000- $850,000
RAY WHITE
10:30 - 11:00Cargo Vale’ 15 Barragan Road, Cargo 425AUCTION 11:00 - 11:3012 William Street, Millthorpe532Contact Agent
12:00 -12:30568 Borenore Road, Orange332$875,000 - $915,000
12:00 - 12:3078 Hillside Lane, Forest Reefs528$1,600,000 - $1,800,000
If you are thinking of buying or selling property, need a Will, or would like to update your existing Will or Power of Attorney, then call me for a chat or send me an email to discuss your situation
DIANE DAVIS
KI D S ZON E
Kids Talk
Name and age: Poppy, 9
Who is your favourite teacher and what do you love about them? Mrs Lloyd, because she always helps and supports you when you need it.
What’s your favourite subject at school this year? Sport. Who is your best friend and what do you like to do together? Buzzy, we like to wrestle.
If you were principal for a day, what’s the first thing you would do? I would tell everyone to behave themselves.
What is your favourite food? Pasta carbonara.
What is something that makes you really happy? Being with my friends and family.
What is the most important job in the world? Being a parent.
If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be? Telekenesis.
NEW WAY TO ENTER OUR REGULAR COMPETITIONS
1- Scan the QR code 2- Enter your name and contact details. 3- Submit your competition details.3- answers. Automatically go into an additional draw for a chance to win a $20 food and beverage voucher from the Orange City Bowling Club!
FACE IN THE CROWD
ACROSS
1 Credenza (9)
6 German car manufacturer (4)
10 Eggs (3)
PUZZLES
PUZZLES…. PUZZLES….
PUZZLES….
Poisonous (8)
Reciprocal (11) 29 Tune (3)
11 Formal statement re character (11) 12 Bearing (8) 13 Reply (6) 14 Desideratum (4) 15 Preserved with sugar syrup (7) 20 Gala (7) 21 Just (4) 25 Glossy type of glass applied to surfaces for protection (6)
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’.
15 words: Good
22 words: Very good
30 words: Excellent Today’s Aim: digit, ding, dining, dint, dirt, during, gird, girt, grid, grin, grind, grit, INTRUDING, inuring, riding, rigid, rind, ring, ruin, ruing, ruining, tiding, tiring, trig, tuning, turgid, turning, unit, uniting, untiring
4 LETTERS
OXIDE PANEL PATCH PRISE REUSE SCALD SCENT SERVE SLIDE SLOWS SPRIG STARE STEWS STYLE TACIT TASTE TENOR TOXIC TRADE TRIED UTTER WIDEN
6 LETTERS CORALS NESTLE RESALE TOEING
7 LETTERS ENSURED HANDING PICTURE RANSACK RESTORE SENSORS
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns,
of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine
once in any row, column or box.
8 LETTERS REPTILES SCROLLED
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.
QUICK QUIZ
6. ‘Stay
OLD ORANGE ROCKERS TAKE THE STAGE!
By HENRY DEROOY
Old Orange Rockers delighted the crowd at the Orange Ex-Services Club on Saturday night, playing a four-hour program of favourite hits from the 60s and 70s.
The show featured some of Orange’s best musical talents, including members of local bands The Young Ones/Eros, the Mystery Men, Five Shades of Grey, Murray Cook from The Wiggles and The Soul Movers, Tony Houlihan, Margaret Britt, Clelia Adams, Rocky Rochellie, Cedric Inman, Rob Bartlett and many more.
Geoff Brown, Murray Cook and Geoff Cartwright.
Denise Brown and Annette Robey.
Carol and David Burcher, Maree Masman, Helen Chippendale and Colleen Martin.
Marilyn Brouwers and Sue Moore.
Dave and Di Shearing with Mick and Deb Breen.
Rosa Cunial and Helen Mitchell.
Barry and Sandra Cartwright with Margaret Lane
Sharon Williams and Michael Hutchinson.
Evangeline and Tony Houlahan.
Evonne Jones, Angela Jones and Cathie Slattery.
Julianne Boys with Hayley and Alice Middleton.
Frank and Vicky Fardell.
Robyn and John Pritchard.
Terry and Judy Flood.
Reg and Kerry Kidd.
Deirdre and Dennis Parker.
Tony Mollo and Angelli Meza.
Gwen and Linda Britt
Chris Langley and Susan Hutchinson.
SPORTSCAM
SPORTS CAM: JUNIOR TOUCH FOOTY
By CEC TILBURG
’ swung by the Waratahs Sports Club last Wednesday, November 12, to catch some of the junior touch football action.
‘OrangeCityLife
60TH WENTWORTH OPEN
By HENRY DEROOY
It was a big weekend of golf out at the Wentworth Golf Club on the weekend with the club holding its 60th annual open tournament. Some 420 rounds of golf were contested in this year’s competition, with golfers enjoying fine, if breezy conditions.
Jason Watmore teeing o from the 1st.
Ben and Andrew Wright watch as Paul Burcher putts on the 18th hole.
Aaron Polbrook, Jordan and robert Clark with Luke Milgate
Daryl Wallan, Glen Sinclair, John Sinclair and Pat Allen.
Danny and Helen Ross with David and Shirl Grenfell.
Grant Kaufman, Paul Burcher with Ben and Andrew Wright.
Luke Milgate teeing o from the 1st.
Matthew Brakenridge tees o from the 1st.
SPORTSNEWS
Tenpin Bowling HEAD PIN
with
Bob Taylor
Marilyn Brouwers’ score of 142 (PB) was 55 over average.
Once again there are several Stars, so we will commence with a look at the Monday 7.30pm league where Aaron Cantrill scored 163 over average, to be followed by Cody Frecklington from the Wednesday 7.30pm league who scored 161 over average, next up there was Travis McMahon from the Wednesday 6.20pm league with 153 over average and he was followed by Steven McConnell from the Tuesday Scratch Singles who scored 110 over average. Next in line was Chelsea McLennan from the Friday juniors who scored 105 over average and finally, there was James Barlow from the Friday 6.00pm league with 104 over average for the series.
Star Bowler of the week and winner of the Auto Wash compliments of Race Track Car Wash was Aaron Cantrill from the Monday 7.30pm league who scored that wonderful 163 over average for the series.
The High Roller champion and winner of the three practice games was Khye Downey who scored an admirable 247 (PB).
There were plenty trying outdo Khye among them being Justin Smart 243, Steven McConnell 221, Luke Hannon 214, Marco Leung 216, Steve Eslick 223, Hayden Swallow 244, Travis McMahon 300, Nicholas Culverson 214 (PB), Brody Jadezak 232, Sam Bennett 225, Joshua Harmon 220, Kane Spirit-Jones 211,Tony Williamson 213, Matt Carroll 202, Milo Lees 212, Darius Thurtell 212, Isaac Clifton 201 (PB), Hudson Howard 211, Blair Morris 216, Connor Muir 215, Neville Barden 220, Aaron Cantrill 220 and Blake Frecklington 247.
The Almost Made it Hero and winner of the open order from Kings Takeaway at Greengate
was Noah Alcorn who scored a great 153 (PB). As this score was 63 over average Noah was named Junior of the week and winner of the free game compliments of the Tenpin Bowl.
As usual there were plenty trying to beat among them being Chelsea McLennan 178, Hannah McLennan 158, Brayden Davies 179, Paul Chate 170, James Barlow 180, Damo Barrett 193, Michael Dunworth 170, Ricky Davis 146, Caelan Hines 142, Greg Dean 153, Marilyn Brouwers 142 (PB), Marisa Belmonte 182, Chris Brown 174, Rhonda Boardman 168, Gae Claydon 173, Derek Metzger 182, Jan Duff 176, Dot Richards 119, Graham Culverson 171, Isaac Perry 182, Samson Hammond 192, Craig Lamberti 109, Nicole Merritt 119 and Adrian Baker 164.
Not to be ignored there was also Tracey Gavin 180, Leanne Hovey 153, Xavier Rowley 124, Archie Bourke 107, Caitlin Edwards 143, Rocco Bonnici 155, Nate Carpenter 138, Jade O’Connor 139, Cody Frecklington 199, Tori Downey 190, Nick Millar 187, Michael Selmes 194, Jill Beadle 171, Judy Murphy 156, Michelle Carroll 170, Levi Jones 109 and Colby Hogan 156.
The second Female of Note for November and next in queue hoping for the gift certificate from MJ’s All Hair-All Occasions was Marilyn Brouwers, whose score of 142 (PB) was 55 over average.
The second Man of the Moment for November and next in line praying to win the Voucher from Guys Cuts was Travis McMahon whose score was 300 (not a PB) was 91 over average and part of his 153 over average for the series.
Country Club BOWLS NOTES
Hello Bowlers, AGM Attendance sheet is out on the shelf in the alcove. Can members please put their name down, please, for catering purposes. After the AGM on the 13th December, there will be a BBQ lunch and a game of triples with hams to win.
Tuesday, the 16th December, the raffle prizes are hams.
Christmas Pairs will be held on the 20th of December.
Also, the Pennants Availability sheet and the Nomination sheet for positions for next year are also available on the shelf in the alcove or ask Jim Finn.
Congratulations go to Nev Seton, Greg Campbell and Phil McGarity for qualifying for the Senior Regional team that will compete in February 2026, for the Mid West. Also, congratulations go to Women’s member Judy Adams for becoming the OESC Senior Sportsperson of the year, a welldeserved accomplishment. Judy has had many roles in her lawn bowling career. This trophy is a testament to that.
Tuesday Socials had 30 bowlers. Raffle winners were: Simon Kempson and Neil Higgins. Lucky rink winners were: Brian
Hutchinson, Bruce Warbuton and Dave Ryan. Unfortunates were: Doug Nonnemacher, Jim Clemow and Bill Keogh. Jackpot was not won.
Saturday, we had 24 social bowlers and 1 Singles Championships games. The championship game was Geoff Lockwood vs Phil McGarity, and the score was Geoff 25 – Phil 14. By all accounts, it was a very good game. Congratulations to Geoff and commiserations to Phil. Raffle winner was Nev Seton. Lucky Rink winners were: Maree Haigh Cole, P.A. Baker and Nev Seton. Unfortunates were: Jim Hill, Peter Griffith and Justin Whaley.
Tuesday 18th and Saturday 22nd, please call Jim Finn on 0418 651 382, or the club 6361 3210. Names in by 11.30pm for a 12.30pm start.
ORANGE EX SERVICES CLUB COUNTRY CLUB MEN’S BOWLS
On Thursday, November 13th, 18 ladies played three games of triples. Louise, Jane and Verna defeated Vi, Veronica and Denise L with one point separating them. Carol, Phoebe and Annette defeated Kerrie, Helen and Yvonne again one point the difference! Denice T, Lorraine and Julie defeated Val, Donna and Trish.
A reminder that Trish has a list for
our Pennants Teams if you would like to put your name down to play. There is also a list for our Presentation Day to be held at the Country Club on the 4th of December. This will be our last day of bowls for 2025, so I hope to see you all there.
Practice and coaching are available every Tuesday commencing at 10.30 am, 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 or Jane on 0419620077 for further information.
Follow us on Instagram oescwomensbowls or Facebook Orange Ex-Services’ Country Club Womens Bowls Annette Nash and Yvonne Johnston.
This week’s High Roller champion Khye Downey, who scored an admirable 247 (PB).
Saturday Social Bowlers at the Country Club.
Wentworth Ladies Golf News
Results 12 November, 2025: Event 18 Hole Stroke – November Monthly Medal
There was a wonderful field for our Monthly Medal Event, which was hotly contested across all grades.
The winner of the Monthly Medal was Sue Hennessy, who finished with a sizzling nett 59. Sue has been playing some very good golf of late and loves her day out on the course. It is nice to see her playing some consistent golf. Congratulations on a sensational round!
A Grade winner was Helena Ross, who had a sensational nett 68. Helen
played some great shots out there today and was pretty pleased with her game. Well played, Helena!
Runner-up was Di Selwood with a nicely played nett 75; well done, and in third place was Katrina Ferris with a solid nett 78.
B Grade winner was Roslyn Fuller with a magnificent nett 63. Ros has been knocking on the door lately and it was only a matter of time before she hit her straps, great round Ross. Runner-up was Leslie Wright with a very nicely played nett 68; good golfing Leslie and third place was won by Helen Laffey with a nice nett 70.
C Grade winner was a very excited Dawn Mendham with a brilliant nett 69. Dawn was super excited with her consistent game and the win. Congratulations on a great round! Runner-up was Jane Gunn with a very well-played nett 71. Jane was also very excited with her game today. Third place, not far away, went to Leone Dalto,n who played well, finishing with a steady nett 74.
Scratch Winners were A Grade Shirley Grenfell 91, B Grade Wendy McIntyre 94 and C Grade Maureen Commins 104. Great golfing girls.
Nearest the Pins were won by Roslyn Fuller (3rd) Marg Hobby (5th) Ros Fuller (6th) Coral Britt (13th) Drive and Pitch Helena Ross (17th)
Ball competition winners were Robyn Forrester, Robyn Cannon, Leone Dalton, Janet Davenport, Helen Ross, Marg Hobby
Next week is an 18 Hole Stableford.
Just a reminder that our Grades are: A Grade 0-22 B Grade 23-32 and C Grade 33-45. We also have a maximum of 45 handicap which means even if you have a handicap of 50 you still play off 45. Please also note that you play off your Daily Handicap.
As some of you already know, many Clubs have been dealing with ongoing problems within the new Golf Australia
SPORTSCAM
UNDER 11S CRICKET
By JONATHAN ROE
A few highlights of last Thursday’s well-contested Under 11s Cricket match between Orange City Warriors and CYMS White at Cutcliffe Oval. Some daring running between the wickets helped cinch the game for the CYMS side.
Connect system ˗ including daily handicap mismatches, score delays, and submission inconsistencies that affect both members and guests. We ask that everyone be patient whilst they work out exactly what needs to be fixed. There are always gremlins when something new is implemented.
Well done to our Silver Scratch Team of Alice McKeowen, Shirley Grenfell, Helen Ross, Marg Hobby, Helen Laffey, Rachel Kelly, Tayla Harvey and Janine Wilson who travelled to Wellington to represent Wentworth last Friday. It is not an easy assignment to play off scratch, so well done on your effort. Duntryleague were the winning team on 111, congratulations, and Bathurst were runner-up up not far away on 105, well done.
Our Christmas Party will be held at The Wentworth on Friday, 5th December, the theme is boots and bling. More information re: cost, tables etc will be given out next week.
ORANGE CITY WOMEN’S BOWLS NEWS
Finally, Orange City women made it back onto the green after a wet couple of Tuesdays!
Twenty-seven bowlers made the most the sunny weather, playing across five rinks. The winners on the day drawn from the cards were: Robyn Wright, Kristeen Oates and Sue Moloney. The lucky losers also drawn from the cards were: Narelle Ryan, Mary Carr, Pat Stedman and Kay Kennedy.
A reminder that Presentation Day is fast approaching and will be held on Tuesday, the 25th of November, followed by Christmas Party Bowls on Tuesday, the 2nd of December.
Twilight bowls are played each Wednesday evening at 6pm, names in by 5pm please.
Thinking of taking up lawn bowls? If so, we have free coaching sessions by an accredited coach each Wednesday morning, or by appointment. Text Sue on 0409 522 099 or contact The Orange City Bowling Club.
Happy bowling everyone!
Alice McKeowen, Shirley Grenfell, Helen Ross, Marg Hobby, Helen Laffey, Rachel Kelly, Tayla Harvey and Janine Wilson.
Congratulations to November Monthly Medal winner Sue Hennessy!
Fond Memories
Winner: Owen Murray
to 21 year olds in gap year required for casual positions in a garden related retail outlet. Applicants will need to be reliable and have good communication skills. Business operates seven days and hours are rostered and flexible. The work will include maintaining shop displays, sales and unpacking stock. Some heavy lifting is involved so the applicant needs to be fit and strong and have the ability to follow correct lifting procedures.
Winner: Kerrie Lynch
THE RUNNING MAN
Winner: Greg Tom
FACE IN THE CROWD ANSWER: PAGE 44
Winner: Daniel Parsons
Melinda Pope
THUMBS UP and thank you to the excellent JAM (Just Add Music) Orange volunteers for all they do to build community through music. We had a lovely Open Mic at Spring Hill on Sunday afternoon, November 16. We appreciate that it takes a lot to organise and really enjoyed listening to how it created a sense of community. It was so good to see such a broad range of talent and it inspired some of the young members of our community to practice and maybe perform one day. Thank you again to the volunteers and performers!
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!
THUMBS DOWN to the young blokes at the Gladdy who swear and carry on at the top of their voices. The language they use is very offputting for visitors and other patrons. They might be nice blokes, but they just need to quieten down a bit.
THUMBS UP and an appreciative thank you to all the lovely neighbours who share and swap garden produce, flowers and cuttings. Makes for a generous and friendly community!
THUMBS UP to Dusty Doug Spicer, love listening to Dusty Rewinds every Sunday morning on 107.5FM!
THUMBS UP and sincere thanks to the very kind lady who paid for my groceries at the top IGA after I mistakenly left my purse at home. Your generosity and kindness are greatly appreciated. Thank you!
THUMBS DOWN to some of the audience at Romeo and Juliet at the Civic Centre last week. Firstly, it’s a tragedy not a comedy. And the idea is that you try to remain quiet, no coughing or chatting. The people behind me managed to buy the most crinkly lollies and slurp them through the whole first half as well as chatting almost incessantly. Even the stare had no effect. Parting ways at the interval (as I did for the first time ever) was indeed such sweet sorrow. If you can’t behave yourself, don’t go. It’s not the circus.
THUMBS UP and thank you to the wonderful doctors and staff at Orange Hospital for their care following a very nasty farm accident on Wednesday, 5 November. Everyone was pleasant and efficient, and we were kept informed of what was happening. Two days and nights in hospital, including an operation, and now recovering well. Also, thanks to the wonderful nurses at Blayney Hospital Emergency. We are very grateful.
THUMBS UP to the Mountain Tea House for a lovely afternoon tea of coffee and banana cake with caramel sauce. A lovely, quiet bush setting with the birds chirping. Thank You!
THUMBS UP to the employee at the garden centre entrance to Bunnings, Friday afternoon. I had three bags of soil and he pushed them to my car, then showed me how to put them in the boot so I could get them out easily, all with a winning way! Thank you again!
THUMBS UP to Dan - AHA in Rehab at Orange Health Service. Dan goes above and beyond for his patients, is a real go-getter and supported me throughout my rehab journey. Not many people know, but he has the voice of an angel, too!
THUMBS DOWN to Orange City Council reception who are yet to get back to me about my enquiry around services for older people, particularly the Choices at Home Service. I was informed by reception that the above department was presently unmanned, that my enquiry would be noted and passed on and I would be contacted later that day. A week has passed, and I am still waiting for a reply.
THUMBS UP to the two tradies who stopped their car and helped me in Anzac Place when all three of my bins fell over onto the street in the strong winds on Tuesday, 11 November. The driver made the street safe while his passenger helped me put the bins back upright. I’m very grateful for your kindness and thoughtfulness. All the best to you!
