Orange City Life is grateful to the following sponsors for their ongoing support over many years. These sponsorships, among other things, have enabled us to bring our readers a lot more enjoyment to our publications than would otherwise be possible. In return, we ask you to please support them as often as you’re able.
This week, our local taxi service is celebrating its 70th anniversary, and we decided to bring you a little history of taxis in Orange, which we’ve edited from the research of Bob Curran, the president of the Orange and District Historical Society and a former taxi owner himself. One note from Bob that I thought was interesting, which we couldn’t fit in the piece we’ve published, was his own personal reflection on the move to computer dispatch. While GPS tracking, duress alarms and cameras have brought a level of safety for drivers, he says old taxi drivers had a competitive camaraderie and would race to help a fellow cabbie in trouble, but with less banter at the ranks and over the radio, he pondered whether help would come as willingly today. It’s an interesting piece of history going back to hansom cab days in Orange. Thanks, Bob and your fellow researchers, for sharing!
Congratulations to all the winners of our ticket giveaway to Home Ground Sounds: The Fire Set! We still have ten double passes for you to win to the music/market/balloon glow spectacular at the Orange Showgrounds on
August 9, so keep on entering! You will find more details and the QR Code that leads to the entry form inside this week’s OC Life magazine.
I have previously mentioned that we will be making a few changes to the entry process for our regular competitions and that is still in the works. Basically, we want to streamline things a bit and encourage more paperless entries, as at the moment we end up with piles of paper that end up in the recycling bin. We don’t want to stop anyone from entering; we will keep things simple for you and hopefully make it simpler for us. Stay tuned!
This week we have finally said farewell to our longest-serving staff member, Annabel Wooding, who finished up with us here on Wednesday after 14 years at OrangeCityLife I have been working with Annabel since 2018 and she will be greatly missed in this office. She is a talented designer and a co-worker who has consistently gone above and beyond to achieve whatever needs to be done. It’s been a pleasure working with you, Annabel. Good luck with the next chapter and all the best!
Jonathan Roe
Gnoo Blas Classic Car Club
President Wayne Swadling speaking with media at Sir Jack Brabham Park.
The proposed location for the Gnoo Blas Museum at “Windsock Corner” on the northern edge of Sir Jack Brabham Park.
Council throws support behind GNOO BLAS MOTOR RACING MUSEUM
By JONATHAN ROE
Orange City Council has given inprinciple support to the Gnoo Blas Classic Car Club’s proposal to build a motor racing museum at the former Gnoo Blas motor racing circuit.
Councillors voted unanimously to support the motion of in-principal support for the car club’s museum, which was put forward by Cr Kevin Duff y at last Tuesday’s meeting. Council also agreed to support the club in exploring options to use part of Crown Land at Jack Brabham Park, the site of the historic Gnoo Blas track, to help progress the project.
Addressing council prior to the vote last week, Gnoo Blas Classic Car Club President Wayne Swadling highlighted the history and legacy of the Gnoo Blas Motor Racing Circuit.
“Established in 1953, Gnoo Blas was the site of many Australian firsts,” Mr Swadling said. “It hosted Australia’s first FIA-sanctioned international race in 1955, placing Orange on the world motorsport map. It was here, in 1960, that the very first Australian Touring Car Championship ˗ now known as the Supercars Championship ˗ was held. Many of our country’s greats, Max Stewart as well as the legendary Sir Jack Brabham, had their very first road race here,” he continued.
“The museum will ensure that the stories of Gnoo Blas ˗ its victories, its setbacks, its heroes and volunteers˗are not lost to time.”
Mr Swadling also spoke of the potential economic benefits he believes a museum would bring. The annual Gnoo Blas Classic Car Show already
ORANGE PRODUCE MARKETS
beans East
attracts visitors from all over the county and is estimated to have brought in $3 million to the Orange economy, he said.
“The Gnoo Blas Museum would be a magnet for motoring enthusiasts from around Australia and overseas,” Mr Swadling said.
“It would give people a compelling reason to travel to Orange ˗ not just during our annual Classic Car Show, but throughout the year.”
The club’s preferred site for the proposed Gnoo Blas Museum is at “Windsock Corner” on the northern edge of Jack Brabham Park. Mr Swadling said their proposal includes adding much-needed new amenities that would be available for sports teams, spectators, and park visitors... such as a cafe and a function space, making it an important community asset.
“We see this museum not just as a destination, but as a resource for the people of Orange ˗ one that enriches their use of the park, strengthens community identity, and makes Sir Jack Brabham Park a more vibrant, multipurpose public space,” Mr Swadling said. “This is not a facility for an exclusive few ˗ it is a centre for the whole region.”
The first hurdle for the Gnoo Blas Classic Car Club’s proposal is that the chosen location is on Crown Land, but Mr Swadling is optimistic that with the support of council, as well as that of State Member for Orange Phil Donato, they will succeed.
“We’ve got a vision, and our committee is unreal – they’ve all been working really hard on it – so if we can get the land, then we can start looking at funding and then finally get it started.”
Artist’s rendering of the proposed Gnoo Blas motor racing museum.
Stuart Lloyd
By CONTRIBUTED STORY
Stuart Lloyd - Author, travel writer, musician, and motorcycle enthusiast
What do you do for a living and what do you love about it?
I’m an author and a bus driver. The two go well together because bus driving gives me plenty of time between shift s to write, and often chunks of time to read while waiting somewhere for my charter group. Buses are beautiful machines. I write about war stories, rock ’n’ roll, and travel: the common ingredient is human spirit. I love satisfying my curiosity for a topic, then sharing that story with the world.
How long has Orange been your home and what brought you here?
Five years now. Covid forced me to relocate from Thailand, where I’d been living for 11 years (25 years in Asia in total). My Thai wife and I were separated by border closures for nearly two years. I suggested that perhaps Australia could be our next chapter and she said, ‘OK, but not Sydney.’ Orange is a physically beautiful place ˗ we’re both nature lovers ˗ with great restaurants, cafes and bakeries (she’s an amazingly creative baker), and it’s big enough but small enough… with art, music, a great library, plus medical facilities.
Where is your favourite quiet place in Orange?
Can I say the library? Otherwise we enjoy walking around the lake in the early mornings… icy southerly winds permitting.
Can you describe your ultimate day, anywhere in the world, with unlimited time and budget?
Time is such a luxury. I’d love to take several months to tick off a few more
‘bucket list’ items, which all involve motorcycle touring: the Wild Atlantic Way on the west coast of Ireland, Vietnam from north to south, some offroading and game-spotting in Namibia, and Patagonia in Chile/Argentina.
Who would be your top three dinner party guests from any point in history?
Nelson Mandela and Lee Kuan Yew, both architects of their nations (South Africa and Singapore) ˗ and both lawyers, but I won’t hold that against them. And Angus Young from AC/DC just to balance things up!
Can you name an influential book or movie, something that’s shaped your life?
I’ve been a writer all of my professional life (starting out in advertising like Bryce Courtney, James Patterson, Salman Rushdie, and many others), but the book that made me want to be an author was P.J. O’Rourke’s ‘Holidays in Hell’. After selling my ad agency I was a travel writer for the Sydney Morning Herald, The Australian, etc, for 10 years, and have travelled to 75 countries.
What is a piece of advice that has really stuck with you?
My father was a geneticist, a very smart man, unlike myself, but he boiled things down simply: “Money in is good, money out is bad” is a good mantra for business and life.
If you were running for mayor, what would your campaign slogan be?
“Just don’t be a dickhead!” Credit to singer Kasey Chambers… it’s the title of her autobiography. There’s a few too many on the road.
Stuart Lloyd: Author, travel writer, musician and motorcycle enthusiast. PHOTO: NONTHAPUN CHONKEEREE.
Historic milestone for local taxi co-op
This past week saw a significant milestone for Orange Taxis with Tuesday being the 70th anniversary of the local taxi co-operative.
Founded July 15, 1955, Orange Taxis started with just cars and a base at home in Peisley Street, and has continued serving the community through many technological and regulatory changes.
“Reaching 70 years is a huge honour for us,” said Mahmood Hassan, Chairman of the Orange Taxis Co-operative. “It shows the hard work of our drivers and the trust of our community. We look forward to celebrating this anniversary while continuing to give safe, reliable, and caring service for years to come.”
Of course, taxis have been operating in Orange for far longer than 70 years and even pre-date the invention of motor vehicles. Below we bring you a brief history of taxis in Orange prepared by Bob Curran, a local taxi owner/operator from 1993 to 2024, with help from Orange and District Historical Society researcher Tony Bouffler.
From old photos, we can see that horse-drawn hansom cabs were operating in Orange 150 years ago, but the first motorised taxi was owned by Mr McInnes in 1911. This taxi didn’t ply its trade in Orange for long, as a newspaper reports it was destroyed by fire on Coffee Hill in 1912. Motorised taxis shared the Orange Streets with the hansom cab for some time; however, by 1930, the car had completely replaced the horse-drawn cab.
...It was said that from 1945 to 1965 was the best time for taxi income in Orange, as there were fewer buses and fewer private car owners...
The first permanent taxi rank was what is now known as the ‘Bottom Rank’ in Lords Place, beside Robertson Park. It was created in 1927 and a telephone box was installed with the phone number 700. This phone had a particularly loud bell, as it was necessary for a driver to hear the call in a taxi with the windows wound up on a cold winter’s night. This noise caused problems for guests at the nearby Royal Hotel over many years. Finally, around 1980, new owners of the hotel paid to install a large orange light on top of the box that flashed when a customer called.
In the mid-to-late 1920s, a company called Gold Top Taxis expanded from Sydney to regional towns, offering discounted taxi fares. In Orange, Gold Top Taxis were controlled by Mr and Mrs Ray Michel, who operated nine taxis from a
Charcoal burner fitted to an Orange Taxi during the petrol rationing of WW2.
shed near the ‘Top Rank’ in Anson Street and competed against individually-owned-and-operated Orange taxis, mostly based at the bottom rank. This influx of taxis increased the total in Orange to 24.
During WW2, petrol was severely rationed to just a few gallons a week and, to survive, taxi owners took some drastic steps. One reporter wrote of the sight of taxi drivers pushing cars up on the bottom rank one-by-one, to save fuel. Some owners went to the expense of bolting charcoal burners to the rear of their cars to keep an income. This created the gas to power the engine. In the post-war years, most people still could not afford their own motor vehicle, and taxis were popular to hire for weddings, reaching a peak in the 50s and 60s.
In 1955, the state government made it compulsory for all taxis in Orange to install meters. Prior to this, customers were charged using a system of zoning, which had been introduced by council in the mid-1940s. With the new meters came an illuminated TAXI roof sign with an orange dome light that went off when the taxi was hired.
It was said that from 1945 to 1965 was the best time for taxi income in Orange, as there were fewer buses and fewer private car owners. The Orange Railway Station created considerable business for taxis, as it was a major changeover for people coming from west of Parkes, Broken Hill, Wellington, and Dubbo, so taxis were needed to transfer people to hotels –- and later motels –- for an overnight stay.
The Orange Radio Taxi Cooperative had its beginnings at Clive Kjoller’s house when six owners met on July 15, 1955. Initially, it was their wives who operated the taxi base from one of the bedrooms at home. At a time when police didn’t have radios in their cars and relied on police phone boxes, they would sometimes use the taxi radio if urgent contact with a mobile police vehicle was needed.
Because very few homes had the phone on, the Taxi Cabs of Orange CoOp installed free phone boxes at the
corners of Anson and Margaret Streets, Churchill Avenue, and Glenroi Avenue, one at Dalton Street near the Alpine stores, plus at entries to the old Base Hospital in both Dalton and Sale Streets. Both the Orange City Bowling Club and the Ex-Services’ Club also had free taxi phones.
When Clive Kjoller sold his taxi plate, the co-op was forced to move the radio equipment to a separate office att ached to the BP Service Station on Bathurst Road opposite the Congregational Church.
Some vehicles still operated as “nonradio” until about 1992, but eventually all
Orange Taxis, including those that were once Gold Top, joined the cooperative. Those non-radio vehicles had relied on regular customers, and phone calls to the two phone boxes in town on the top and bottom ranks, plus checking every train’s arrival.
The BP service station changed hands and the co-op was forced to move again to rented premises at Glenroi shops, and soon again to 164 Kite St, the first taxi base purchased by the co-op, and then to an old butcher shop at 88 Warrendine Street.
Following the tragic murder of taxi driver Wayne Pearse in 1993, the co-
op invested in updated radios in every taxi and installed a new phone system and a repeater radio on a high hill off Icely Road, which sent a signal to Mount Canobolas and back to the cabs’ new radios. This system allowed taxi drivers to answer telephone calls in each cab, thus making the bottom rank phone box obsolete.
In 1994, the first wheelchairaccessible taxis went into service, and the following year, baby capsules were made compulsory under state law. Orange saw its first Maxi Taxis appear in 1996.
In the early 2000s, the Orange, Bathurst, and Dubbo Taxi Co-Ops met in Dubbo to form the NSW Taxi Country Call Centre, which was to be based in Orange and distribute taxi jobs to these three towns. Orange came online in March 2005, and so Taxi Cabs of Orange entered the computer-dispatch age. This centre now dispatches to twenty-five towns all over Australia, using GPS tracking and cameras for improved safety for drivers and passengers.
Taxi outside the Royal Hotel, possibly late 1920s.
Margaret Hines at the old Orange Taxis switchboard
Maxi Taxis at the bottom rank. Orange saw its first Maxi Taxis appear in 1996.
Taxis plus other sulkies lined up at Orange Railway Station.
THE GOOD ENOUGH PARENT
WITH EMILY THOMPSON
Holidays, part 2
Idon’t believe in curses but, at this point, I do have to wonder if a hex has been placed on my beautiful little family. The morning we were meant to go away for a much-needed break at the beach, Hubby woke up very unwell with influenza A. He has been sick for over a week at this stage; we remain grounded here in Orange and every day that passes means it’s less likely we are going anywhere.
The good news is at least he got sick before we went away, he isn’t miserable in a caravan while trying to rest and fight fevers, and he didn’t pass it on to his parents. The great news is that a day later, I spiked a fever, and my amazing medical team jumped into action immediately. Radiation obliterated my white blood cells, so I’m currently immunocompromised. Within a few hours of getting sick I had seen two GPs, my oncologist had pathology and a chest
X-ray done, and I was at home with antiviral and antibiotic medication.
I had a few fevers over the course of a few days but I didn’t get sick and I am so, so grateful that we have such amazing healthcare available regionally.
The bad news is that accommodation booked in school holiday time is non-refundable, but I am reminding myself that a brush with influenza could have gone much worse for us! Unfortunately, with Hubby out of action I have had to step up as “primary parent during the school holidays with disappointed children who desperately needed a holiday” and I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy. I honestly don’t understand why reality TV shows like ‘SAS Soldiers’ and ‘The Amazing Race’ don’t have a challenge involving children, a Wednesday in the winter holidays, and a budget of $20.
We started with a trip to Big W to see if I could return any of our
camping gear for a refund, as we suddenly no longer needed a large sunhat, a collapsible washing basket, and sand fly spray. However, due to my environmental conscience, I always say no to a receipt, so this didn’t go well. We left with our unneeded items in tow and stumbled upon a ‘Build-A-Bear’ workshop. Miss 11 only had to turn to me before I said yes out of guilt, and that’s how we came to adopt our newest family member, Lola, a brown teddy bear who is sadly missing the additional $3 scented stuffing that all the other bears seemed to get. Miss 16 then tried to steer me in the direction of sushi for lunch, but I recoiled in horror at the price, and said, “We have food at home.” Except, we don’t. We completely cleared out the fridge to go away and have three jars of jam, a tub of butter, and a sweet potato in the fridge.
I compromise with a trip to the supermarket where we spend over
$80 on a basket of groceries for the next few days. Miss 16 helpfully pointed out that sushi would have cost less. I ignore that, and the next complaints, and buy myself a coffee on the way out. This is the point Miss 11 leaves Lola in a café.
Five panicked, tearful minutes later, bear and young mum are reunited, and Miss 16 reminds us of the time I went shopping with my mum and left the tiny baby version of her in the car briefly. Adjusting to motherhood is hard. There’s a lot to remember.
Miss 16 drives us home, which ages me horribly, and Miss 11 occupies herself in the back seat with bubble wrap. “Wait!” I say suddenly. “Where did you get bubble wrap from?” Miss 11 informs us she found it on the ground, and we toss her the hand sanitiser in horror. “So, can we get ice cream tomorrow?” says the germy kid. “And maybe go to the movies, the park, roll down the museum roof, and I think there’s face painting in town…”
Orange Readers and Writers Festival returns this August
From feminist retellings of Australian history to myth-busting military non-fiction and gripping crime thrillers, this year’s Orange Readers and Writers Festival promises a lively day of daring ideas, thoughtful conversation and storytelling that lingers.
Held on Friday 1 and Saturday 2 August at Hotel Canobolas as part of the Winter Fire Festival, the 2025 program features a stellar line-up of Australian authors including Jane Caro, Debra Oswald, Kyra Geddes, Mark Dapin and Dr Stephen Gapps. The day includes morning tea and lunch, and offers audiences a rare chance to hear from acclaimed writers in an intimate regional setting.
Orange City Council Services Policy Committee
Chair Cr Marea Ruddy says this year’s event promises to be one of the most engaging yet.
“We are so excited with our guest authors coming to Orange this year with stories to share with everyone,” Cr Ruddy said.
“We’ve got a brilliant Writing Workshop on commercial fiction with one of the best; local bestselling author Kelly Rimmer. Kelly will help participants understand the unique joys and challenges of writing and seeking publication for commercial fiction works.”
The Friday 1 August workshop offers aspiring writers’ expert guidance on writing for today’s most popular genres, from crime to historical fiction.
The Orange Readers and Writers Festival is supported by Orange City Council, Central West Libraries and Collins Booksellers Orange, with author signings and books available for purchase throughout the event.
Visit the Central West Libraries website at www.cwl.nsw.gov.au to view the program and book your tickets.
Orange City Council appoints interim CEO
Orange City Council has appointed Barry Omundson as interim CEO.
Mr Omundson has extensive experience in local government, public service and the private sector. It includes leadership roles with councils including West Coast, Central Coast, Walcha, Whitsundays and Mackay.
Orange Mayor Tony Mileto said the appointment would give more time to finalise the recruitment of a long-term CEO, but it was not a holding pattern.
“Mr Omundson’s track record shows he understands the needs of local government with a focus on delivering for the community. We are ambitious about what we want to deliver for the Orange community,’ Cr Mileto said.
“We have a lot on our plate with big capital projects including the Sports Precinct and
the Conservatorium and Planetarium while also delivering a high level of service day to day. We have a growing community with high expectations that we share.”
Mr Omundson will start in the role on 4 August.
“I am very excited to have the opportunity to live and be a part of the Orange City community, as Interim Council CEO. I am fortunate in following long term and well-respected CEO David Waddell and look forward to working with the Mayor, Councillors, Staff and our Community on delivering upon our aspirations,” Mr Omundson said.
Cr Mileto said the recruitment process for a longterm CEO would get under way in the coming months.
What’s
on
Mondays at the Museum FUN LEARNING
Mondays at the Museum is a free one-hour session designed for 3–5-year-olds and their grown-ups to explore and create at Orange Regional Museum.
Each week we explore a different part of the museum and hear stories, before getting into a craft activity based on what we’ve discovered.
Mondays at the Museum is a great opportunity for parents and carers to enjoy time with their children in a different environment and meet up with other Orange families.
Australia’s premier theatre company for young audiences, Monkey Baa Theatre Company will bring the hilarious musical ‘Josephine Wants to Dance’ to Orange Civic Theatre on Monday 28 July.
Based on the picture book by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley, it’s a hilarious musical about the importance of believing in yourself and realising your dreams and… a dancing kangaroo!
Josephine is a kangaroo who loves to dance. When a ballet troupe comes to the sleepy town of Shaggy Gully, Josephine desperately wants to dance like the ballerinas in pink tutus and silk ballet shoes.
Orange Civic Theatre
135 Byng Street
Monday 28 July, 6pm
Bookings: www.orange.nsw.gov.au/theatre/
Seniors Village Hub 50+ Art Group
GET CREATIVE
Do you enjoy art? Come along to the Seniors Village Hub art group.
Sessions are held at 1.15pm and 3.15pm every Tuesday and run for two hours.
Cost is $10. Any enquiries please call 6393 8600.
Seniors Village Hub
77 Kite Street
Tuesday 29 July, 1.15pm and 3.15pm
Enquiries: 6393 8600
How to be a good enough kid
AUTHOR TALK WITH ALICE PEEL
How to be a good enough kid is the book children, parents and teachers have been waiting for….
Author Alice Peel is the co-founder of Grow Your Mind – a ground breaking wellbeing program in over 500 Australian schools that helps children develop resilience, emotional regulation, and friendship skills.
With humour, research and quirky comics and pop-out illustrations by Beck Feiner, Peel presents fascinating brain facts, inspiring stories and ‘nonpainful’ tips on practising a plethora of wellbeing strategies.
Orange City Library
147 Byng Street
Tuesday August 12, 4.30pm
Bookings: tinyurl.com/GoodEnoughKidOrange
BIG NAMES, BOLD STORIES: Jane Caro will be one of the featured authors at the Festival next week,
Two-year Hockey Champs deal a $3 million score for Orange
Orange will host the Hockey NSW under-14 and under-16 Indoor State Championships (ISC) for the next two years, following the signing of an agreement between Hockey NSW and Orange City Council.
The 2025 and 2026 Championships will be held at the Sir Neville Howse Stadium (Orange PCYC), and are expected to generate in excess of $3 million in economic activity in Orange over the four events.
Orange Mayor Councillor Tony Mileto said he was pleased to see the championships remain in Orange.
“It’s a privilege to welcome the state’s best young hockey players, their families and supporters to Orange. We’re proud to offer top-class facilities like the Sir Neville Howse Stadium, and to continue our strong partnership with Hockey NSW. Orange has shown time and again that we can host events of this calibre, and we love doing it,” Cr Mileto said.
Hockey NSW CEO Matthew Bulkeley said Orange had been a fantastic home for the championships for several years, and that continuing the partnership with this new two-year agreement would be welcomed by the hockey community.
“Travelling to Orange to play state championship-level hockey is always a highlight on the calendar for our
A
community. The under-14 and under-16 age groups tend to be trips that involve the whole family, so heading to a region with so much for families to do when not directly involved in the event is an important factor in choosing a host,” he said.
“With the support from Orange City Council, we’re delighted to lock in these events for the next two years. This
agreement between Hockey NSW and Orange City Council will be beneficial to both our communities.”
The under-14 Indoor State Championships and the under-16 Indoor State Championships will feature both boys’ and girls’ divisions, bringing together representative teams from across NSW to play across four days of competition each at the Sir Neville Howse Stadium in November and December. Each year, for the length of the agreement, there will be eight days of indoor hockey competition involving over 1400 athletes, officials, staff, family members, and spectators staying locally and engaging with local businesses and venues.
The dates for the 2025 Championships have now been confirmed:
U14 ISC will be held November 7-10, 2025;
U16 ISC will be held November 28 –December 1, 2025.
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The Sir Neville Howse Stadium will host the 2025 and 2026 Hockey NSW under-14 and under-16 Indoor Hockey State Championships (ISC). PHOTO: SUPPLIED.
Orange City Council has appointed Barry Omundson as interim CEO, while the hunt for a long-term CEO continues.
Mr Omundson has extensive experience in local government, public service and the private sector, including leadership roles at West Coast, Central Coast, Walcha, Whitsundays, and Mackay councils.
Orange Mayor Tony Mileto said the appointment would give more time to finalise the recruitment of a long-term CEO, but it was not a holding pattern.
term and well-respected CEO David Waddell and look forward to working with the mayor, councillors, staff, and our community on delivering upon our aspirations,” Mr Omundson said.
Cr Mileto said the recruitment process for a long-term CEO would get underway in the coming months.
Orange City Council has appointed the widely-experienced Barry Omundson as interim CEO.
Council appoints interim CEO
“Mr Omundson’s track record shows he understands the needs of local government with a focus on delivering for the community,” Cr Mileto said.
“We are ambitious about what we want to deliver for the Orange community. We have a lot on our plate with big capital projects, including the Sports Precinct and the Conservatorium and Planetarium, while also delivering a high level of service day to day. We have a growing community with high expectations that we share.”
Mr Omundson will start in the role on August 4. He said he is excited to have the opportunity to live and be a part of the Orange community.
“I am fortunate in following long-
“In time, there will be new entries into the CEO talent pool that we can tap. While the timeframe has changed our goal has not. We live in a great city with a talented and focused council staff, and the CEO recruitment is about getting the best possible outcome for the Orange community,” he said.
Outgoing CEO David Waddell announced in March that he would not seek a contract extension, having decided to step away from full-time work into different roles.
“It has been a great privilege to lead the staff of Orange City Council,” Mr Waddell said. “Together, we achieved a lot. Mr Omundson comes to the role with a huge amount of experience and I am sure will be welcomed to the job by a great group of staff very focused on delivering for the Orange community.”
Mr Waddell recently accepted board positions at both Housing Plus and Wangarang. He has been with Orange City Council for 15 years; six of those as CEO. His last day will be August 8.
Orange, you
ain’t never seen a show like this!
By JONATHAN ROE
Get ready to discover “A Whole New World” with the talented cast and crew of Kinross Wolaroi School and they present their new exciting production of Disney’s ALADDIN JR. at the Orange Civic Theatre this weekend.
Based on the 1992 Academy Awardwinning film and the 2014 hit Broadway show, Disney’s ALADDIN JR. is a vibrant musical that will take you on a magical adventure full of unforgett able songs, colourful costumes and dazzling sets.
“Aladdin JR. is a magical fantasy story about an unlikely hero, Aladdin, who is seeking more in life than the lot that he’s been cast, he meets a princess in a marketplace, falls in love, then when he meets Genie and rubs the lamp this magical world unfolds,” says Director Alex Dunkley.
“Ain’t
For the 68 cast and crew members, from Year 7 students to Year 12, bringing this magical world to life on stage has been no simple task, but they have well and truly stepped up,” says Ms Dunkley.
There are lots of set pieces and we move around to lots of different locations – we’re in the marketplace, we’re in the palace, we go into the Cave of Wonders in the desert, they are flying on a Magic Carpet above the world at one point,” she says.
“So lots of props to create that sort of fantasy world, but our crew has been amazing. They’ve been painting and sticking and bejooling and helping to put everything together.
“Obviously, there’s quite a bit of choreography and singing, and for a lot of them, this is their first time doing
a musical. They’ve had to learn about characterisation and how to perform in a space and how to interact with a large ensemble… learn complex choreography and how all the moving parts come together to make a real sort of showstopper production.
“So it’s been a challenge, but it’s been a good challenge and one that they’ve all risen to. They’ve been incredible, and they’ve had a lot of fun doing it.
ALADDIN JR. is such a family favourite and they have really embraced it and they are getting a lot out of it”
For 17-year-old Luca Popa, who plays Genie, stepping into a part made famous by the unstoppable and dynamic Robin Williams was a daunting prospect, but is certainly ready to do the utmost to honour the role.
“It’s difficult to live up to the
expectation, but every actor brings in a different aspect of it and I’m trying to keep the big energy,” says Luca, whose last appearance on stage was as Matron “Mama” Morton in the school’s 2024 production of Chicago.
“So it’s quite different from last year,” laughs Luca, who says he is glad he took the plunge back in Year 9 when he signed up for his first stage musical.
“I had no clue that I would keep doing this every year, but you never know until you try! You get to have a little bit of a persona, get out there and perform for everyone... It’s great!”
You can join Aladdin, Jasmine, and the Genie on this magical, family-friendly adventure at the Orange Civic Theatre from 24–26 July. Tickets are on sale now via Ticketek.
never had a friend like me!” Luca Popa as Genie in rehearsals for Kinross Wolaroi School’s production of Aladdin JR.
ART REVIEW
By Cecilie Knowles, Public Engagement and Education Officer.
Installation view of Mighty Minds/Mega Machines, showing just a few of the hundreds of student artworks currently on display at Orange Regional Gallery.
PHOTOS: SUPPLIED.
Mighty imaginations spark MEGA MACHINES
Orange Regional Gallery is excited to be exhibiting the results of its annual SPARKE project, a collaboration with Orange Regional Museum and the SPARKE network of local public primary schools in the ‘Mighty Minds/Mega Machines’ exhibition.
Now in its sixth year, this annual partnership invites hundreds of local primary school students to make an artwork in response to a theme, that then becomes part of a large-scale art installation. This year students were tasked with inventing their own machine and drawing the plans to make it.
Each year the students amaze us with their creativity and imagination, and this year is no
different with students’ intelligence, humour, and kindness, also reflected in their work. We have machines that help the environment and assist the elderly and lonely, machines that make cakes, lollies, donuts, and chicken nuggets as well as machines that will clean your room or even go to school for you!
The SPARKE partnership project has become an important part of our exhibition program, providing an opportunity for local children to participate in the cultural life of their city and share their creativity with their community.
The schools involved in the project are Anson Street SSP, Blayney Public School, Bletchington
Public School, Borenore Public School, Bowen Public School, Calare Public School, Glenroi Heights Public School, Millthorpe Public School, Molong Central School, Nashdale Public School, Orange Public School, Orange East Public School, and Spring Terrace Public School.
Families are encouraged to drop into the gallery to explore ‘Mighty Minds/Mega Machines’, pick up an Eye Spy activity, and perhaps even draw their own invention.
‘Mighty Minds/Mega Machines’ is on display at Orange Regional Gallery until September 7. The gallery is open from 10am-4pm daily and entry is FREE.
Local author Kelly Rimmer will be conducting a writing workshop on Friday, August 1, where participants will explore “Commercial fiction – what, why, and how?”
Inspire your reading with the
stellar lineup at the 2025 ORANGE READERS AND WRITERS FESTIVAL
Snuggling up beside the fire with a good book is one of winter’s pleasures, so this August 1-2. aim to inspire your reading with an incredible line-up of guest authors at this year’s Orange Readers and Writers Festival.
The Orange Readers and Writers Festival is returning on August 2, as
part of the Orange Region Winter Fire Festival.
The main event on Saturday, August 2, promises to be a captivating experience for book lovers with an impressive roster of celebrated authors from at Hotel Canobolas.
Attendees will have the opportunity to
engage with some of the country’s bestknown non-fiction and fiction authors, with the lineup including: Debra Oswald, author of the acclaimed One Hundred Years of Bett y, a poignant tale of an extraordinary woman navigating a century of change; Kyra Geddes, who will discuss her debut historical fiction novel, The Story Thief, described as a “feminist reimagining of Australian history and literature” by the SMH; Mark Dapin, the award-winning author of Lest: Australian War Myths, will delve into the truths behind widely held military history beliefs;
Dr. Stephen Gapps, renowned for Uprising: War in the colony of New South Wales, 1838-1844, bringing to light extensive frontier resistance warfare; and Jane Caro, a Walkley Award-winning columnist and author, presents her mystery thriller Lyrebird.
Tickets for the Saturday Main Festival Event are $95 and include morning tea and lunch. Books by the guest authors will be available for sale and signing, supported by Collins Booksellers, Orange.
from 10 am to 1 pm at Hotel Canobolas. For $50, including morning tea, participants will explore “Commercial fiction – what, why, and how?” With over 3 million books sold, Kelly will share insights into the joys and challenges of writing and seeking publication for commercial fiction. Her fourteenth novel, The Midnight Estate, is set for release in late July 2025.
For aspiring writers, local best-selling author Kelly Rimmer will be conducting a writing workshop on Friday, August 1,
Don’t miss this chance to ignite your passion for reading and writing! You can book your tickets via the Central West Libraries website or by calling Orange City Library on 63938132.
WILL YOU BE ONE OF THE FEW PEOPLE WHO RETIRES ON THEIR OWN TERMS?
I think it’s fair to say that most of us look forward to one day being able to put our feet up and retire. Imagine when every day is a day off work!
My question to you is this: Will you get to retire with the lifestyle you want to enjoy?
If so, that takes planning! And as a financial planner, it’s my job to work with people to help them make plans, implement those plans, and reap the rewards down the track.
Most people never seek financial advice. Most people also retire and have to reduce their lifestyle when they get to that point because they did not put a plan in place to set them up for the retirement they would have wanted. It is a huge price to pay from not taking action. After all, hope is not a plan.
The fact is that getting paid on a regular basis lulls us until a false sense of security. Every fortnight (for some people they get paid weekly or monthly) our bank account gets topped up with cash from our pay. Works pretty well… until it comes time to retire and then we have to start paying ourselves. If we haven’t done what needed to be done during our working lives, we end up in a situation where we simply don’t have the resources to keep paying ourselves at the same level. That usually results in one of two outcomes. Firstly, people may keep spending as they did while they were working and find they run out of money quickly, or secondly, people have to reduce their lifestyle to ensure their money will last… right at the point in their lives where they have all the time in the
world to be enjoying lifestyle. Neither is a good result!
Years ago, I heard it put very well: When we retire, we get to start fulltime living!
Don’t let the chances slip through your fingers to have the retirement you deserve. Get in touch and let’s sit down and start mapping out a plan for your long-term financial future, so that years from now you can sit back and be thankful you did. After all, the biggest regret of people over the age of 65 is that they didn’t save more for retirement. Additionally, the biggest fear of retirees is running out of money. A well thought out financial plan can take care of both issues.
The biggest thing to point out here is that it’s nowhere near as hard as you might think. You don’t have to live on
baked beans to get your money working a lot harder. I often think one of biggest challenges is simply that people don’t know what they don’t know. So, now is the time to get clued up on how you are tracking and what you can be doing to get ahead.
As we already move into April, don’t let 2024 be another year that slips through your fingers without a solid financial plan in place.
The good news is that help isn’t far away. Independent financial advice is here on your doorstep in Orange.
Planning to retire on your own terms isn’t something you should put off, because the more time you give yourself to prepare, the easier it is!
This is one area of life where good things don’t come to those who wait.
When there are bushfires, floods or storms, Emergency Services issue simple warnings to help you make faster, safer decisions. There are three warning levels:
Yellow Advice level means you’re not in danger yet but stay alert.
Orange Watch and Act level means start taking action now. Conditions are changing.
Red Emergency Warning level means take action immediately. Any delay puts your life at risk.
Emergencies can escalate quickly, so staying alert is important.
Learn more at nsw.gov.au/GetReadyNSW
*Shown here are Fire, Flood and Storm Warnings. Other warning symbols include Heat, Tsunami, Cyclone, and Other.
Bletchington Public School Welcomes New Aboriginal Education Worker
Bletchington Public School is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Max Wilson as the school’s new Aboriginal Education Worker (AEW).
Mr Wilson is a proud Wiradjuri man and lifelong resident of Orange. He attended Orange East Public School and Canobolas High School and is well-known in the local community through his involvement as a competitive boxer with Littlefield’s Boxing Gym and as a personal trainer.
Bringing a strong connection to culture, youth and community, Mr Wilson is deeply committed to supporting students and
fostering inclusive and culturally responsive learning environments. In his new role, he will work closely with the school’s Aboriginal Education Team to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and families and to enhance cultural understanding across the school.
Mr Wilson aims to strengthen relationships with students, families and the wider school community; promoting cultural awareness; assisting in the development of personalised learning pathways; and helping to coordinate student support initiatives, excursions and cultural activities.
Bletchington’s Principal, Mr Brad Lyne, said the school was excited to welcome Mr Wilson to the team.
“Max brings a wealth of local knowledge, cultural insight and enthusiasm to the role. We are confident he will make a meaningful impact on our students and school community.”
Bletchington Public School is committed to fostering a culturally inclusive environment and ensuring all students have the support they need to thrive. The appointment of Mr Wilson is an important step in continuing this work.
coming soon to odeon 5
BRIDE HARD
Cast: Rebel Wilson, Anna Camp, Anna Chlumsky, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Gigi Zumbado
Sam is a secret agent whose toughest mission to date is pleasing her bride-to-be best friend at a lavish destination wedding. When a team of mercenaries crashes the party and takes the guests hostage, Sam is thrown into a fight unlike any before — one where she can’t risk blowing her cover or ruining the big day.
Genre: Action, Comedy
Cat Video Fest
CatVideoFest is a compilation reel of the latest and best cat videos culled from countless hours of unique submissions and sourced animations, music videos, and classic internet powerhouses; a joyous communal experience, only available in cinemas, and raises money for cats in need through partnerships with local cat charities, animal welfare organisations, and shelters to best serve cats in the area.
Genre: Family, comedy
FREAKIER FRIDAY
Cast: Jamie Lee Curtis, Lindsay Lohan, Julia Butters, Sophia Hammons, Manny Jacinto
Years after Tess and Anna endured an identity crisis, Anna now has a daughter of her own and a soon-to-be stepdaughter. As they navigate the myriad challenges that come when two families merge, Tess and Anna discover lightning might indeed strike twice.
Genre: Comedy
LILO & STITCH
reception@oclife.com.au Have something of interest to share?
Happy 80th Bi hday Graham McLennan!
Happy 80th Birthday to Graham McLennan who celebrated the milestone occasion with a party at Waratahs Sports Club last Wednesday night, July 16. The function was attended by 86 people, with many guests having travelled from distant places such as Sydney, Melbourne, Queensland and even Vanuatu.
The highlight of the evening was the playing of many favourite tunes on the bagpipes, ably played by Graeme Clarke, and a lovey birthday fruitcake especially made for the occasion by Davin Hun.
CROSS purposes
God’s Perfect Plan
Recently when I lost a beloved pet, God helped me see that he is protective, nurturing and purposeful.
God loves us, there is no doubt about that. Jesus is testament to such a truth, he suffered so we can know the greatest of love, the love of the Father.
He shows his love in ways such as the people who support you in grief, or with peace knowing it’s your loved one’s time, or even a beautiful day of sunshine to uplift your spirit.
When difficult things happen that we feel we don’t deserve, we often think “what did I do to deserve this?” instead of “what is God trying to show me?”
Gods hand is always moving to follow out his plans and purposes surrounding all creation. Through our suffering we are chosen to be included in these plans. What a privilege, we aren’t needed for it’s fulfilment, we are desired to take part.
God never promised a lack of suffering, but he did promise faithfulness. His Faithful nature of comfort and peace through all circumstances. So don’t go kicking yourself when you’re down, thinking you went wrong somewhere. Sometimes suffering isn’t always a result of something we have done; it’s often due to this broken world we call home. When the waves come next time, because they will, try saying “God, I trust you”. Don’t doubt his love, there is purpose in pain. ‘The pain that you’ve been feeling, cannot compare to the joy that is coming’ Romans 8:18
Shania Jones
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
Win tickets to Home Ground Sounds: The Fire Set... music, markets and Balloon Glow!
The Orange Showground will come alive with fire, food, hot-air balloons, and unforgett able music on Saturday, August 9, as Home Ground Sounds takes over for the final weekend of the Orange Region Fire Festival (August 1-10).
Presented by Canowindra-based events company, the Roundbox group, Home Ground Sounds: The Fire Set will see not one, but two powerhouse names in Australian music – Boo Seeka and Rum Jungle –take the stage in Orange for the first time ever.
The showground will be transformed into a vibrant hub featuring over 50 market stalls, and
16 delicious food trucks.
Plus, for the first time, Orange will get a taste of Canowindra’s famed Balloon Glow right here at the showgrounds!
Thanks to the Roundbox Group, OrangeCityLife is giving away five double passes to Home Ground Sounds: The Fire Set each week!
For your chance to win, simply scan the QR code to enter your name and contact details. Entries for this week’s draw of five (5) double passes close at 5pm, Monday, July 28, 2025. Winners will be notified by phone.
And don’t forget to pick up next week’s edition of OrangeCityLife for another chance to win tickets!
Graham McLennan with brothers David and Ian, along with sisters Margie and Barbara. Grahame McLennan with wife Pam and that delicious fruit cake.
Lifestyle acres in Millthorpe.
Nestled on the outskirts of the charming and historic village of Millthorpe, this lifestyle block offers the perfect blend of rural living and convenience.
• 17.5 x 9m steel frame shed with living quarters
• Building entitlement locked in with DA approval
• A dam, rainwater tank and troughs providing secure water supply
• Steel cattle yards.
Friday 15 August at 10.30am
152 William Street, Bathurst
* Approximately
Real Estate
Ben Redfern 0457 770 062
ben.redfern@elders.com.au
Marty Lyden 0404 070 391
martin.lyden@elders.com.au
guest accommodation, extended family, or extra rental income. The land is securely fenced into three paddocks, providing excellent potential for horses, livestock, or hobby farming.
Established productive holding.
Well managed vacant block located at 2594 Bedgerabong Road, Forbes.
• Prime for lucerne / hay production or fattening livestock
• 25 hectares* alluvial soil west of Forbes
• Lge 25x18m hay shed & steel cattle yards
• Reliable solar bore for S&D
• Freshly sown lucerne pasture
• Permission for dwelling
• Agent declares interest.
rural lifestyle block.
With the 32 ac of land, the north-easterly views, and the potential to run livestock like horses, sheep, or cattle, it seems like the perfect rural lifestyle setting. The location, 20 km from the centre of Molong, offers a balance of privacy and accessibility.
• Near complete 3 bedroom shed house
• Large spring fed dam, registered shared bore and two large rainwater tanks
• Fencing is stock proof ‘• Inspection by appointmernt.
Elders Emms Mooney
‘GRUDGERY’, FORBES, NSW
49 EVES LANE, MILLTHORPE, NSW
By DALLAS REEVES
R.B. and A.J. McCauley’s friendly firewood service can keep you both warm through the chill of winter, and connected with a couple who enjoy interacting with their clients.
Robert and Agnes McCauley operate a 250-acre property on Peabody Rd, near Molong, and are in their third year of selling firewood across the town and its surrounding areas.
R.B. and A.J. McCauley have delivered to Orange, Peak Hill, Canowindra, Wellington, Bathurst, and many other places in between.
Prices have remained the same since the business inception.
The white box, red box, yellow box, and ironbark firewood is sourced on-property from 70 acres of scrubland.
Robert only cuts firewood from trees that are not standing, with of plenty of fallen trees to choose from on his land.
He said the four varieties of firewood are perfect
Robert believes good service is about talking to his clients and communicating clearly and effectively.
“burning wood,” recalling his late father Bill’s open fireplace that kept a family including 11 children warm in winter.
“I don’t think you can get any better burning wood,” Robert said.
A retired bricklayer, Robert has been on the land with Agnes for 15 years and joked he “bought a job” when he purchased the farm.
The McCauley’s also run sheep, cattle, and a wide variety of other animals on the property as well as selling firewood. “It’s a good lifestyle,” he said.
Robert believes good service is about talking to his clients and communicating clearly and effectively.
“I’ll generally spend 15 minutes chatting with people,” he said. “Most of the people I sell to are retired as well. It is nice to talk. All very good people to do business with.”
The business offers prompt service with a friendly smile.
While it is important to look after customers, Robert and Agnes also believe
there is an added social element to what they do, enjoying the road trips.
“It’s a day out,” he said.
“We will organise and stack a load of wood, deliver it, and often have a counter lunch at a pub on the way home. It is a great thing to do during the winter.”
Robert said the idea that R.B. and A.J. McCauley could sell firewood to others developed after various people asked him if they could cut firewood from his property.
He was happy to help, but also saw a business opportunity.
R.B. and A.J. McCauley sells between 30 and 50 tonnes of firewood a year.
To get your firewood, and an idea about the weather or anything topical, you can contact Robert on 0428 423 770.
Some of R.B. and A.J. McCauley’s quality firewood.
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Artist impression - Internal Living & Dining
Artist impression - Courtyard Light Scheme
Artist impression - Internal Family Room
Artist impression - External Warm Scheme
ONE AGENCY
10.30 - 11.0088 Margaret Street 416$695,000 11.15 - 11.4524 Woodward Street 423$785,000
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
ORANGE TAXIS CELEBRATES 70 YEARS!
By HENRY DEROOY
Last week, Orange Taxis celebrated the 70th anniversary of the local taxi cooperative, which was founded on July 15, 1955. An anniversary celebration for heritage members was held at the Ibis Styles last Tuesday afternoon, July 15, and attended by Orange Mayor Tony Mileto, Member for Orange Phil Donato, Member for Calare Andrew Gee, and CEO of the NSW Taxi Council Nick Abrahim.
Paul Fliedner, Bede Hiney, and Arthur Lister.
Alf and Marion Paul.
Peter Douglas and Rosa Fichera.
John Finlay, Des Davis, and John Bankovic.
Barry Collins with Brian Coyne. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED.
Espen Harbitz, Kellie Ferguson, and Orange Mayor Tony Mileto.
Robert and Allison Linklater.
Federal Member for Calare Andrew Gee ,with Fleet Administrator Sean Conneely.
Rob Davis, Beryl Van Thiel, and Paul Swift.
George Witty, Steve Nicholls, and Ged Denning.
KI D S ZON E
Kids Talk
Name and age: Charlotte,5
Who is your favourite teacher? Miss Riley, because she helps me learn stuff.
What is something that makes you really, really happy? I like to play blocks. I built a giraffe!
If you were principal for a day, what’s the first thing you’d do? I’d tell people to go to class.
What is your favourite food? Watermelon!
What’s your favourite thing to do at school? Go on the playground and play with my friends.
What do you think the most important job in the world is? To do things.
If you could open a shop, what would it sell? Flowers, I like all the flowers.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be? Flying!
FACE IN THE CROWD
SPORTSCAM
SPORTS CAM: ORANGE TIGERS VS BATHURST BUSHRANGERS
By HENRY DEROOY
OC LIFE photographer Henry DeRooy stopped by Waratah Sportsground on Sunday, July 20, to catch some of the action in the Mens Tier 2 Clash between the Orange Tigers Vs Bathurst Bushrangers. It all went the visitors’ way with Bathurst beating the home team 90-27.
Lara achieves NSW PSSA basketball selection first
Multi-skilled Orange athlete Lara Hooper is the first female player from Western Region to earn NSW Primary School Sports Association (PSSA) basketball representation since the 1990s.
By DALLAS REEVES
Western Region sports officials confirmed the Year Six Calare Public School student is the first female player from Western to represent this state’s PSSA girls basketball side for more than 30 years.
Lara, 12, is a humble and respectful human that has achieved excellence in a variety of sports.
Her basketball journey started playing local league in Orange as an 8-year-old. For the past three years, she has represented Orange in Western Junior League and is currently an Eagles under14s representative.
Lara was part of the Western Region PSSA side that attended the NSW Primary School Sports Association (PSSA) championships at Sutherland Basketball
Centre, Sydney, from June 17 to June 19.
Western finished fifth in Pool A and ninth overall in the 14-team competition.
Lara’s all-round game impressed selectors as she was the only player this side of the Great Dividing Range named in coach Rodney Miskell’s 10-player squad.
She attended a three-day intensive training camp with NSW PSSA at Penrith last week in preparation for the School Sports Australia championships at Brisbane from Saturday, July 26, to Friday, August 1.
In basketball, Lara has a key mentor in Paul Masters, her coach at under-14 level in Orange.
Lara is skilled with the ball, and across
< Lara Hooper in action for Western Region at the NSW PSSA basketball titles.
PHOTOS: WINKIPOP MEDIA.
53 matches for Orange in the Western Junior League has scored 668 points (12.6 points per game), but her ability and tenacity in defence helps her stand out.
Box jumping and sprint training under Jeremy Wallace (JLW Performance) transfers across to the basketball court with her speed, agility, and vertical jump.
Lara has been chosen in Basketball NSW’s Talented Athlete Program (TAP) for under-13s girls across regional NSW, where 25 players receive specialised coaching at Narrabeen in August.
TAP is a dedicated initiative in junior basketball development and a part of Basketball NSW’s high-performance pathway.
Long-term goals for Lara are to compete at the Olympics, or play basketball at the WNBL or WNBA level.
“Resilient, tough, but very respectful of her opponents,” father Mark Hooper said of Lara. “She is a student of any sport… anyone that can teach her the techniques or finer skills of any game, she is a wonderful student … she laps all the new knowledge up.”
The goal of the Olympics is because Lara is no stranger to elite sport
outside of basketball.
In 2023, she represented NSW in a ‘combination’ event at the School Sport Australia (SSA) Track and Field Championships at Launceston, Tasmania, finishing second overall in the 10-years event. She was also a part of a gold medal-winning NSW medley relay team.
Last year, competing in the 11 years category, at the NSW PSSA titles, Lara won a gold medal in long jump with a leap of 4.64m.
At the 2024 SSA titles, also in Sydney, she won bronze in the long jump (4.58m).
Lara finished seventh in the combination tetrathlon event (1083 points).
She also just attended the NSW PSSA Cross Country titles at Horsley Park yesterday (Wednesday, July 23) and is also a Western Region PSSA soccer and softball representative.
Lara is also a good swimmer, representing Orange district, started little athletics aged nine, and is a member of the Orange club.
She will also attend the LEAP (Little Athletics Emerging Athlete Program). Lara was selected to be part of the program based on her athletics results at state and national levels.
^ Lara Hooper, third from left, with other members of the NSW PSSA basketball side.
SPORTSNEWS
Tenpin Bowling HEAD PIN
with Bob Taylor
The High Roller champion this week was a very familiar name, Nathaniel Mason, who scored a staggering 290, a new PB!
Third ‘Female of Note’ for July Janice Livermore.
Let’s get going with a look at the Thursday 7.30pm league where there were two stars, these being Nathaniel Mason with 144 over average and Rachel Johnson with 113 over average, and they were followed by Brock Gallagher from the Tuesday Scratch Singles with 180 over average. Then came Nathaniel Mason again from the Wednesday 6.20pm league with 162 over average and he was ahead of Jayden Christoff from the Monday 7.30pm league who scored 150 over average, and finally there was Jenny Livermore from the Monday 10.00am league with 110 over average for the series.
Star Bowler of the week and winner of the Auto Wash compliments of Race Track Car Wash was Brock Gallagher who scored that unbelievable 180 over average for the series.
Our High Roller champion this week was a very familiar name, and this was Nathaniel Mason who scored a staggering 290 (PB). As this score was 88 over average and part of his 144 over average for the series (in the Thursday 7.30pm league) Nathaniel was named the third Man of the Moment for July and next in line hoping to win the voucher from Guys Cuts.
And there were plenty of other bowlers hoping for the limelight, among them being Jess Kable 201 (PB), Lachlan Turner 210, Tyler King 233, Greg Shapter 202, Jayden Christoff 238, Travis McMahon 277, Luke Hannon 245, Brock Gallagher 263, Blake Frecklington 221, Noah King 224, Julie Swallow 209, Steve McConnell 211, Allan Lickiewicz 213, Sam Bennett 209, Jack Webb 211, Josh Thornton 230, Ben Howard 204 and Barry Archer 203.
I was unable to locate an Almost Made it Hero this week, so the open order from Kings Takeaway remains in the drawer, but there were plenty trying hard to see their names, among them being Matt Harris 175, Matthew Carroll 195, Michelle Carroll 191, Paul Chate 176, Gypsy Marley 111, Michael Dunworth 169, Jenny Livermore 171, Bob Taylor (yes, me!) 138, Margaret West 153, Karen Anderson 164, Cherylee Shapter 171, Jenny Solling 168 and Karen Ashwood 180.
Then there was Jenny MacDouall 140, Sue Pagett 168, Chris Brown 165, Rob Jones 189, Vanessa Kelly 148, Julie Venamore 131, Rebecca Stibbard 158, Jordan Trenholm 196, Kane SpiritJones 198, Gary James 191, Nick Miller 192, Jeremy Jones 174, Blair Morris 199 and Kate English 189.
Not to be ignored there was also Brett Campbell 170, Khye Downey 192, Rachel Johnson 192, Ian Middleton 189, David Jameson 187, Jill Beadle 172, Kerry McCarthy 179, Ron Quinlan 194, Craig Butler 131, Morgan Andreas 140, Kerry Hagan 184, Nick Culverson 198 and Keilan Holder 176.
Due to the school holidays I was naturally unable to name a junior of the week, but they should return next week. In the meantime, the third Female of Note for July and next in the queue hoping for the gift certificate from MJ’s All Hair-All Occasions was Jenny Livermore whose score of 171 was 41 over average and part of her 110 over average for the series.
Country Club BOWLS NOTES
ORANGE EX SERVICES CLUB COUNTRY CLUB WOMEN’S BOWLS
On Thursday, July 12, the ladies enjoyed a beautiful sunny morning of bowls with two games of triples played.
Carol, Annette, and Veronica defeated Kathy, Jane, and Yvonne. Denice T, Vicki, and Julie, defeated Louise, Verna, and Trish.
Upcoming gala days include Orange City –July 22, and Bathurst Majellan -- August 13.
Our next social event will be lunch at the Lucknow Tavern on Friday, August 8 at 12 noon. There will be a courtesy bus pick-up at Robinson Park for the first ten ladies to book a spot.
On Sunday, August 17, our men’s and ladies’ clubs will combine to compete in our mixed pairs club championships, with winners continuing play over several Sundays. Anybody interested in playing, please put your name on the form on the notice board in the alcove.
Our best wishes to those feeling under the weather ˗ we hope you feel better soon. Practice and coaching are 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 0400379294, or Jane 0419620077 for further information.
Follow us on Instagram: oesc_womensbowls or Facebook: Orange Ex-Services’ Country Club Womens Bowls.
ORANGE EX SERVICES CLUB COUNTRY CLUB MEN’S BOWLS
Nominations for the Minor/Majors Pairs Championships, Round 1 starting Saturday 16th August, Minor has not won a Major singles or pairs at club level. Mixed Pairs Championships, Round 1 starting Sunday 17th August 2025, must be a man and a woman. Closing date of nominations are 2 August 2025.
Restricted Triples, 3 Bowls Open Gender Tournament Saturday, 23rd August 2025. Eligibility: Men Bowlers who were graded in Grades 5, 6, or 7 in 2025 Pennants.
Women Bowlers who 3 and 4 in the past season of Pennants, or bowlers who did not play pennants in 2025.
Closing date is 19th August at 5pm. Contact as per the att ached flyer.
Our sponsored Mixed Pairs event by Adia Care which begins, Saturday 27 September 2025.
All Nomination sheets on the shelf in the alcove.
Tuesday was washed out again and looks like it will be again this Tuesday, so look out for the text message sent by Phil McGarity if that is the case.
For the Saturday socials we had 26 bowlers on a sunny winter’s day.
Raffle winners were: Roy Leonard and Roger Annis-Brown.
Lucky Rink winners: John Cooper and John Hedger.
Unfortunates’ rink winners: Jan Fenwick, Maree Haigh-Cole and Ian Carr (welcome back Ian after your operation!)
Sue Gore has got her 2026 calendar on sale if anyone is interested, please see Sue.
The jackpot was not won.
If there are people interested in gaining their umpire or markers accreditation, please contact President Phil McGarity on 0418 277 418
Bowls Etiquette tips: Never applaud lucky shots, never complain about lucky shots, and admit a lucky shot with good grace. Do not say thanks for a bad shot that goes your way.
Happy bowling!
From left to right: Carol Brooking, Julie Pitt, Kathy Sands, Vicki Hanlon, Annette Nash, Veronica Alexander, Trish Wilson, Yvonne Johnston, Vi Burton, Jane Rowlands. PHOTO: SUPPLIED.
Saturday bowlers pictured in the 2026 calendar by Sue Gore.
SPORTSNEWS
Wentworth Ladies Golf Results: 18-Hole Stroke July Monthly Medal
The ladies were out in force to contest the Monthly Medal last Wednesday, 16 July, and the weather was glorious, which was a bit of a change for this time of year.
There were some great scores on a hard layout, none better than Kerrie Rossetto, who played some extremely solid golf to snatch the Monthly Medal with a brilliant net 77. Kerrie has been playing very consistent golf of late; well played. This is Kerrie’s first Monthly Medal win, which made it even more exciting.
A Grade Winner with a creditable score of net 78 was Lee Pickett. Lee has been in great form and is hitting the ball well; well played. Runner-up was Jan Moad, who played some good golf with a nice net 75. Third place went to Marg Hobby with a net 83.
B Grade Winner was Maureen Commins with a great net 78. Maureen played some solid golf and wasn’t far away from the Monthly Medal; well played Maureen. Runner-up was Leslie Wright with a nice net 82. She has been in good form of late which is great to see. Third place went to Letitia Kelly (visitor) with a net 87.
Runners Club news
WEDNESDAY RUN RESULTS – 16 JULY 2025
A perfect winter’s afternoon saw 75 members join us at Elephant Park last Wednesday – great effort by all who made it!
Men: Hugh Daintith – 10:43; Will Parish – 11:28; and Jackson Ellis – 11:50.
Personal Bests: Melissa Harding; Catherine Player; and Will Parish.
Well done on your PBs – great running!
ORC SUNDAY RUN RESULTS – 20 JULY 2025
A beautiful winter morning saw 83 members join us at CSU with plenty of sunshine, and a stack of course records – amazing effort everyone!
Achievement Medals: John Ward – 25 runs; Ethan Petschel – 100 runs; and Alison Spurway – 600 runs.
her game; well played. Runner-up was Shirley Buckler who played solidly to finish with a nice net 82 and third place went to Julianne Grant with a net 85.
Scratch winners were: A Grade Taua Holmes 99; B Grade -Wendy McIntyre 107; and C Grade Shirley Hyde 120.
Nearest the pins were won by Shirley Hyde (5th), Lee Pickett (6th), Letitia Kelly (13th), and the Drive and Pitch was won by Shirley Hyde (17th).
Ball competition winners were: Shirley Hyde, Julianne Grant, Sue Hennessy, Helen Ross, and Marg Hobby.
Next week we will be playing a two-person Pinehurst event. This event is just a fun event for all to enjoy. Instructions will be printed for you to take with on the day. You can always look it up prior to the day to see how it is played as well.
Wentworth are hosting pennants on Friday, July 18, between Canowindra and Cowra. This will be a very close affair so if you are interested in watching some good match-play, put this one in your diary.
Wentworth will travel to Narromine on Friday, July 25, to take on Grenfell, which will also be an
C Grade was won by Jane Gunn with a steady net 80. Jane played some great shots and was happy with
Huge congratulations to you all – what a great mix of milestones!
Course Records
Female 1.9km: Sophie Charge – new Course Record 9:01 (previous 9:35 held by Sophie herself); and Evie Harris – new 2nd fastest 9:12.
Male 1.9km: Henry Charge – new Course Record 7:45 (previous 9:49 held by Daryl Roweth).
Female 3.8km: Liz Simpson – new 3rd fastest 20:03.
Male 3.8km: Peter Finlay – new 3rd fastest 17:06.
Male 5.7km: Mark Thomas – new 2nd fastest 25:40
Female 7.6km: Kinisha Roweth – new Course Record 40:20 (previous 40:44 held by Jess Pooley).
Female 9.5km: Sue Klose – new Course Record 54:06 (previous 1:00:44 held by Jess Wallace).
Male 9.5km: Maxwell Horne – new 2nd fastest 45:13; Will Parish – new 3rd fastest 46:09.
Female 11.4km: Nicola Blore – new Course Record 55:45 (previous 57:43 held by Nicola herself); Susannah Blatch – new 2nd fastest 56:22.
You can find all the times and full results at: orangerunners.com.au/results
Kerrie Rossetto, the July Monthly Medal Winner, celebrating with Maureen Commins. PHOTO: SUPPLIED.
— CATHY GUTTERSON
Remember your loved ones in
Fond Memories
Wilhelmina Martin (Willy)
2.8.1924 ~ 28.7.2019
There’s a face we shall always remember
A voice we shall always recall, A memory to cherish forever, Of one so dear to us all. To hear your voice, to see you smile, To sit and talk to you a while, To be together in the same old way, Would be my dearest wish today.
Love Leo, Shirley and Dave
Chris
Britt ‘Britty’
In loving memory of
Chris Britt ‘Britty’ Chris sadly passed away on Monday 14th July.
Son of Gwen and Des Britt, Beloved Husband to Linda, father to Mark & Stacey Britt, Kristy & Vesco Ivanov, Melissa & Justin McGovern and Matthew Britt & Liz Winkelman Brother to Kerrie, Austin, Andrea & Stephen Cherished grandfather, and friend.
Forever in our hearts, whilst time may fade the memories we cherish will last a life time
Marketing and Creative Consultant
An exciting opportunity exists for a talented Marketing and Creative Consultant to become a valued team member in our dynamic news media organisation. You might already have experience in media and marketing, or you might be working in retail or other customerfacing role and are looking for an exciting change. Either way, you’ll enjoy meeting with people and helping them in their journey to business success.
This role is pivotal in driving the brand strategies of our clients, as well as their creative campaigns and audience engagement initiatives across print, digital and social media platforms.
Key Responsibilities:
• Contact and meet with key people in local businesses to learn more about their business and marketing goals.
• Develop and implement strategic marketing plans to enhance their brand visibility and revenue growth using the power and reach of Orange City Life – both in print and online.
• Work with our designers and writers to create innovative campaigns and compelling content that aligns with our editorial standards and engages diverse audiences.
• Manage creative projects from concept to execution, including print advertising, digital advertising, and social media content.
• As a local SME, each member of our team believes in rolling up their sleeves and helping out when needed, so other office duties will be part of this role too.
Skills and Qualifications: You’ll need previous experience, or a willingness to learn, in the following areas:
• Marketing, advertising or creative consultancy, ideally within the media or a related field.
• Creativity and the ability to translate ideas into effective campaigns.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
Like to know more? Apply now, email your resume to... opportunity@oclife.com.au
PUZZLES
ACROSS
1 Definitive (7)
5 Charges (7)
9 Exacerbation (11)
10 Interregnum (3)
11 Piled (6)
12 SE Asian nation (7)
PUZZLES…. PUZZLES….
25 Slam (coll) (3)
26 Mitigation (11)
28 Obsolete (7)
29 Intensify (7) DOWN
1 Greeting (Ital) (4)
2 Invader (9)
3 Rascal (5)
4 Concealed (11)
PUZZLES….
3 LETTERS
5 LETTERS
5 ‘The Greatest’ boxer (3)
6 Touch (7)
7 Former French telecommunications company (5)
8 Results as an additional or unforeseen development (10)
12 Upkeep (11)
13 Not supervised (10)
16 From Oslo, e.g. (9)
18 Greek musician who visited the underworld (7)
21 Beasts of burden (5)
23 Instruct (5)
24 Single occasion (4)
27 Nickname for Edward (3)
14 Roost (4)
15 Aid (10)
17 Those who use fear to coerce (10)
19 Woody plant (4)
20 Instance (7)
22 Spice (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’.
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 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than 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.
QUICK QUIZ
THUMBS UPP to “The Good-Enough Parent with Emily Thompson.” I very much enjoyed reading her well-written story and all the others she has written. Congratulations, Emily! I like the way you make the everyday seem lighthearted and inspiring. Keep it up! I look forward to each week’s Life paper.
THUMBS UP to Marion at the Post Office. She supported me in posting a very sensitive document in the safest manner possible, then helped me again the next day, when I nearly fell for a scam related to it.
THUMBS DOWNTO the bus travelling to North Orange on Thursday morning was very impatient and decided to be so close to my bumper bar.
THUMBS UP down to the retail outlet overloading skip bins with rubbish and having it fly all over the car park and town.
THUMBS UP to Daniel of the Millthorpe Providore Café in Millthorpe, who seems to walk around with a set of jumper leads in his back pocket! You were a HUGE help to us on Saturday morning, mate! Thank you! Narelle and Tony, Spring Hill pub.
THUMBS UP to Jack at My Tech Mate for the great work he did when I brought in my phone. He provided excellent service and fixed my phone for me.
THUMBS UP to Annabel at OC Life for all the work she has done over the years to make the magazine a great-looking and terrific reading experience! ~ thanks team, it’s been fun working with you all (Bel)
THUMBS UP to all the awesome OCLife Clients and Readers, I’ve had the pleasure of working with over my past 14 years here. I have many fond memories that I won’t forget, and it’s truly been a pleasure. I will miss you all, and wish you the very best, Bel. PS. Make sure this lot here continue to look after you
TIME WARP
THE ART OF TIN SMITHING
This week’s photo shows tinsmith John Withers and two workers, who had a shop in Anson Street, Orange in the 1870s.Note the primitive wooden structure and bark roof. Tin smiths made or repaired things which were made of tin or other light metals such as milk pails, kitchen utensils, cutlery and candle holders. John Withers moved to Orange from Forbes and spent his retirement in Sydney where he died in 1934 aged 92. This image was copied by Viv Kable onto a glass-plate negative from a Beaufoy Merlin original taken about 1871. The negative is now in the possession of Orange & District Historical Society.
The society holds a working day at Heritage Cottage (148 March St) each Wednesday from 10.30am to 4pm (with a lunch break from 12.30–1.30pm). Members are available to answer inquiries at this time.
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.
Sunday Funday at The Orange Men’s Shed
Words By JONATHAN ROE | Photos by HENRY DEROOY
The Orange Men’s Shed in Lucknow opened its doors to the public on Sunday, July 20, the first of three planned weekend open days.
Ken Murphy of the Orange Men’s Shed said they had been approached by a number of people interested in seeing the work of the men’s shed, but who can’t make it during the Shed’s normal weekday opening hours.
He said the Orange Men’s Shed will open on the third Sunday in August and September from 9am to 2pm, and there will be more weekend opening days if there is interest.
He said everyone is welcome to join them at the next open day on August 17 to see what the shed is all about, enjoy a free coffee, and have a chat.
Chuck Frame, Denis Martin, Gary Morgan, Terry Betts, Ken Murphy, Donald Kingham and Bill Lewis.
Ken Murphy at work.
Chuck Frame working on a bandsaw.
Donald Kingham and Ken Murphy discuss the finer point of a small box that Donald is working on.
Ex-Emaillian Gary Morgan putting his skills to good work.
Ken Murphy welding together a battery box for his caravan.
Chuck Frame and Ken Murphy working out some sizing.
The Orange Men’s Shed will open on the third Sunday in August and September from 9am to 2pm, and there will be more weekend opening days if there is interest.
Chuck Frame reducing a piece of timber for a project he is working on.
