Thank you to our Sponsors:
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. Suite 3/241 Lords
We’ve had some beautiful sunny days this past week, but I can’t say I’m excited by the forecast for Saturday. The words “snowfalls clearing” are not what you want to read when you’re planning on spending time on the sidelines of a sporting field. But we’ve just a few weeks left of the winter sporting season, and it won’t be long before I find myself hunting for shade at the cricket.
Thanks to all of you who have made the transition to our new competition entry system. I am actually surprised at how smoothly it has all gone. Most of our regulars have made the switch and in fact, we’ve only had a small handful of paper and email entries this week, which is great. Remember, we are not stopping anyone from continuing to enter via paper or email, but there is a little incentive for those who do enter via the QR code, in the form of a Food and Beverage Voucher courtesy of the Orange Bowlo. If you need a hand, we are more than happy to walk you through the process here in the office and there is even a computer at reception that you can use if you want to put your entry in in person.
We had an enquiry at our office the other day about the Ted Lewis Art Exhibition, which is taking place at the gallery adjoining our office. A lady was wondering if we knew when Ted would be at the gallery next. Well, we’ve been told that this will be the final weekend for Ted’s current exhibition at the Artwork Orange Art Gallery, but that Ted will be at the gallery on both Saturday and Sunday from 12-5 pm. He will be set up and doing a little painting so you can see Ted at work, and I’m sure he will also be up for a chat.
Until next week!
7
8
By LOCAL NEWSDESK
What do you do for a living and what do you love about it?
By day I work doing admin at a primary school. I feel very happy to be any part (even small) of creating a safe environment for all children to grow and learn. By night, I spend time organising a local monthly music night called Off the Tracks. I am one of two people who run the event, and I am really passionate about keeping a space for original musicians to play original music of all genres in rural areas.
How long has Orange been your home and what brought you here?
I am prett y much a born and bred local. We did move away for my primary school years, but returned for high school years. I have always loved the quality and affordability of the life here in Orange. And I love seeing all four seasons. Growing up, I appreciated the proximity to the Blue Mountains and Sydney, while still coming home to a place where you knew most families, a country town. Best of both worlds.
Where is your favourite quiet place in Orange?
There are so many lovely parks and little bush walks. If I wanted an easy little spot to sit and contemplate, I guess the fourth crossing is one of my favourites.
Can you describe your ultimate day out in Orange with unlimited time and budget?
Anywhere that has live music or a dart board or a pool table. I would love to see some more big music events take place in Orange.
Who would be your top three dinner party guests from any point in history?
Frida Kahlo, Peter Steele and in light of our recent loss, Ozzy Osbourne.
Can you name an influential book or movie, something that’s shaped your life?
It is impossible to pick one so I have to mention a few stand outs, Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein, Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five, J.R.R Tolkien’s Lord of The Rings (all three books, NOT the movies), Douglas Adams The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, everything by Trent Dalton, everything by Stephen King, and H.G Wells War of the Worlds. Trust me when I say it was VERY hard to bring the list down this small. It’s like favourite albums, an impossible question. What is a piece of advice that has really stuck with you?
‘Nothing is absolute. Everything changes, everything moves, everything revolves, everything flies and goes away.’ - Frida Kahlo. And ‘Live in the now!’ - Wayne’s World.
If you were running for Mayor, what would your campaign slogan be?
“Can’t somebody else do it!?”
An outstanding group of local businesses and business leaders have been announced as finalists for the highly anticipated 2025 Business Orange Awards.
The annual Business Orange Awards recognise and celebrate business and professional excellence across a wide range of industry sectors. Scored by a panel of independent judges sourced from Business NSW, these finalists represent the thriving and dynamic business landscape of the Orange region, says Business Orange President Dan Sutton.
“Finalists are ordinarily capped at five per category, but some couldn’t be split on the judging scores and have six or seven,” he said.
“The volume of finalists in each category shows just how close the quality of submissions was this year, and is a testament to the growing strength, resilience and excellence of Business in Orange.”
This year’s program features 17 judged categories,
designed to acknowledge excellence across all business sectors and sizes. This year, the awards include a new category, Orange’s Outstanding Creative Talent, created to recognise the city’s wealth of artists, designers, musicians, and performers, whose work is invaluable to the local business landscape and culture of Orange.
The final award, Outstanding Business of the Year, will be revealed ˗ along with all other winners ˗ at the Business Orange Awards night on 20 September at Banksia. Until then, the results remain a closely guarded secret.
“All finalists should be proud of their results as we received a record number of entrants for each category this year, meaning being recognised as a finalist is already a significant achievement,” Dan Sutton said.
To find out more about the Business Orange Awards and for tickets to the big night on September 20, visit www.businessorange.com.au.
Employer of Choice – 20
Employees and Under
Bella Spazio
Health in Mind Orange
Integrity
Therapy Services
Kenny Spring Solicitors
Platinum Business Administration Services
Pty Ltd
Employer of Choice - 21
Employees and Over
Dudley Private Hospital & Ramsay Surgical Centre
Orange and District Early
Education Program
SpiritAbility
The Hotel Canobolas
YBM
Excellence in Hospitality & Tourism
Heifer Station Wines
Macquariedale Organic
Wines
Rowlee
The Agrestic Grocer
The Oriana Orange
Excellence in Innovation AccessLife Support
Services
CosMedic Collective
Good Plate Nutrition
Mullion Produce
Wangarang Industries
Excellence in Personal & Lifestyle
Cleverness Art School
CosMedic Collective
Diversicare Solutions
High Impact Martial Arts and Health Studio
LillyRose Beauty
Excellence in Manufacturing, Trade & Industry
Appledale Processors Co-
Operative Limited GTT
Integral Skills
JA SCHILLER BUILDING
PTY LTD
MRT Fabrication
Excellence in Professional Services
Crescent People
Good Plate Nutrition
Health in Mind Orange Mannpower SpiritAbility YBM
Excellence in Retail Chaos & Karma
Mullion Produce
REDS: Choose Colour
The White Place
Tomolly
Outstanding New Business
Breeze Electrical Services Grove Start
PFC Orange
Sale Street Real Estate
Summer St Wine Room
Outstanding Community Organisation Australian National Field Days
Headspace
Orange Aboriginal Medical Service
Orange and District Early Education Program
Wangarang Industries
Outstanding Business Leader – 20 Employees and Under
Marea Ruddy, AccessLife Support Services
Danica Bunch, DanicaB PR Bernadette Allen, Headspace, Orange
Sally Dowling, Parlour O Alexandra Pilcher, The White Place
Outstanding Business Leader – 21 Employees and Over
Tania Biddle, Dudley Hospital
Nick Gray, Fitness Perfection
Kylie Streatfeild, Orange and District Early Education Program
Espen Harbitz, The Oriana Orange
Chris Whitt aker, Whitt aker Contracting
Outstanding Young Business Leader
Sophie Green, Grove Start
Pete Morrison, GTT
Matt hew Tom, MRT Fabrication
Saskia Jones, Prim and Platter
Pamela Johnson, SpiritAbility
Outstanding Employee
Jayne West, Australian National Field Days
Hayley Shiels, CosMedic Collective
Danielle Romeo, Groundstone
Debra Fidler, Health in Mind Orange
Ben Shilling, MRT
Fabrication
Nadine Attenborough, Platinum Business
Administration Services
Pty Ltd
Excellence in Micro Business
CosMedic Collective
Crescent People
Diversicare Solutions
Good Plate Nutrition
Orange Wine Tours
Physio & Recovery Co.
Excellence in Small Business
AccessLife Support
Services
Bella spazio
Chaos & Karma
Diesel and Blue Doggie
Daycare & Grooming
GTT
Heifer Station Wines
MRT Fabrication
People’s Choice
Orange’s Trade Star/s
Amy McMiles - Test n Tag
Orange
Ben Giumelli - BG Built
Prest-Air
Sidman Construction
Tahlia Maree Painting & Decorating
Excellence in Large Business
High Impact Martial Arts and Health Studio
Rowlee
SpiritAbility
The Oriana Orange YBM
Orange’s Outstanding Creative Talent
Bencer and Hazelnut by
Ruby Hunt
Emily Rue - Dance HQ
Mrs Mac - Spring Hill
Public School
Robbie Mortimer
Sally McCarthy of SJM Creative
Orange’s Customer Service Star/s
Bella Spazio
Health in Mind Orange
Lillyrose Beauty
Nest & Nurture Agency
Outback Fencing and Steel Supplies
Orange’s Favourite
Business
Health in Mind Orange
Liv Lambert Celebrant
Lumiere Beauty
Outback Fencing and Steel
Supplies
Sabi Spa
Member for Orange Phil Donato with members of the Orange Runners Club. The club has received a $100,000 NSW Government grant to support their 20th anniversary event.
The Orange Running Festival’s 20th anniversary event is looking particularly bright thanks to $100,000 funding from the NSW Government.
The funding, announced on Monday by Member for Orange Phill Donato at the running festival’s hub at Gosling Creek, is being provided through the NSW Government’s Project Support Program, which supports community sport events and offers improved access and participation opportunities for underrepresented groups.
“The Orange Runners Club and Orange Running Festival Committee are very grateful to the NSW Government Office of Sport and the office of Mr Phil Donato MP for their very generous support of our 2026 event,” Orange Running Festival Race Director, Anthony Daintith said.
“We’re more excited than ever for this year’s festival, as it will be our 20th year. Each year, we’re able to provide an active and fun day out for over 2,000 participants, all made possible through the support of our partners and sponsors.”
The money will be used for event safety, sustainability and promotion by assisting in the purchase of vital infrastructure and equipment, as well as covering contractor costs.
Member for Orange Phil Donato with members of the Orange Runners Club.
Member for Orange Phil Donato commended the Orange Runners Club on the success and growth of the festival over the last 20 years.
“The Orange Running Festival is a notable economic contributor to the city and surrounding districts, warranting financial support to further grow the event and provide visiting participants with an experience to meet the status of this milestone event,” Mr Donato said.
Perfectly positioned just off the main street, this thriving boutique draws strong foot traffic. Blending café culture with retail charm, it offers fashion, baby & lifestyle products, and quality coffee. Hawkes General Store is a well-loved destination with a loyal customer base, ready for you to make it your own.
“It is an absolute pleasure to help the Orange Runners Club celebrate their 20th Orange Running Festival, today announcing that they will receive $100,000 in funding to make this iconic event the biggest and best it’s ever been.”
The Orange Running Festival attracts more than 2,000 entrants each year with runners of all levels and ages coming from near and far for the event, which generates hundreds of thousands of dollars for the local economy.
The Festival also has strong links to the NSW Rural Fire Service, Cycling without Age Orange, local schools, as well as Scouts and Air Force Cadets, and over the years has donated more than $150,000 to local organisations and charities.
Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper, said the NSW Government is proud to help fund events like the Orange Runners Festival that bring communities together and promote healthy and active lifestyles.
“The Orange Runners Club has a wonderful history of hosting this event, and I look forward to seeing how they celebrate their 20th anniversary,” Minister Kamper said.
The 2026 Orange Running Festival will be held on March 15, 2026.
Last Saturday, the Orange Treadlies held a special bike ride to celebrate the return of long-time riding companion John Johnson.
In January 2023, John Johnson suffered a stroke and has been on the long road to recovery in the two years since.
Eager to get back on the bike as his recovery has progressed, John initially tried to ride a normal ebike but found maintaining balance a challenge. But John has recently acquired a recumbent bike that has enabled him to ride on cycle ways and sometimes - carefully accompanied by his wife, Edwina - on
the road.
It has also meant John has been able to rejoin his long-term riding companions in the Orange Treadlies, a large group of mostly retired local riders aged from 55 to 88 years.
The Treadlies celebrated John’s recovery with a ride from his home in North Orange to the Country Club at Bloomfield.
According to John, there were three factors in his ongoing recovery: “My wife, the Orange Rehab ward and its gym, and the Treadies!”
| Sat
13 Sep
From the producers who launched national tours of ‘The Sapphires’ and ‘The Sunshine Club’ comes Waltzing the Wilarra, a very special and entertaining night in the theatre.
Against a backdrop of curfews, and the fear of arrest, white and black manage to form their own club where they can forget their worries and experience rare happy times, and with a little luck… romance. Forty years on, as the club faces demolition, our characters meet once again to stage a musical reunion and protest in an attempt to save their old stomping ground. Dark secrets and ghosts that have lingered for more than half a century are revealed, and we discover that reconciliation is more than saying sorry.
Waltzing the Wilarra is written and composed by David Milroy, directed by Brittanie Shipway. Performed by a stellar cast including Lorinda May Merrypor (Juliet in ‘& Juliet’), ShakaCook (‘Hamilton’) and Lisa Maza (‘Stingers’), the show is backed by a live band.
POT-POURRI PRESENTS | FROM FIGARO TO PHANTOM 2.00PM
RUN LIKE HELL PRESENTS | PINK FLOYD’S WISH YOU WERE HERE TRIBUTE 8.00PM 31
BASE ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS | ILLUSIONIST ANTHONY STREET 8:00PM 05
8-9
PSOPAP PRESENTS | PUBLIC SCHOOLS ORANGE PERFORMING ARTS PROJECT 6.30PM 13 HIT PRODUCTIONS PRESENT | WALTZING THE WILARRA 8.00PM 18
KINROSS WOLAROI SCHOOL PRESENTS | SALLY SELLS SEASHELLS 11.00-AM-6.30PM 19
JEFF CARTER PRESENTS | THE EAGLES GREATEST HITS 7.30PM
|Thurs & Fri, 25-26 Sep
Josie Alibrandi is in her final year of high school. Whip-smart and aspirational, she is a third-generation Italian teenager and scholarship kid, with the shadow of a family curse and a penchant for rule-breaking. Juggling grades, boys, and the claustrophobia of an overbearing nonna and saintly mother, Josie’s life becomes tangled in the webs of class, identity, and family history as she finds her place in a changing world…
An iconic novel and cult movie, Looking for Alibrandi is the honest and empowered portrait of 1990s Mediterranean culture that spoke for the first time about systemic racism in Australia from a migrant perspective. It defined a generation and to this day resonates with those caught in the stranglehold of identity and othering in this country.
With live passata sauce making, traditional Italian music and a soundtrack of Australian pop classics, this spirited and heartwarming stage production of Looking for Alibrandi is a vibrant theatrical experience full of passion, laughs, and beauty.
25-26
BRINK PRODUCTIONS PRESENT | LOOKING FOR ALIBRANDI 7.30PM 29
SHOWTIME AUSTRALIA PRESENTS | TAYLOR: A TRIBUTE TO THE ERAS OF TAYLOR SWIFT 7.00PM
When I’m not writing at OrangeCity Life, methodically trying every caramel slice in Orange, or being yelled at by Miss 11 for folding her school jumper incorrectly, I moonlight as a reporter for a national newspaper. I obviously bluffed my way into this position as I am completely unqualified, but I’ve been doing well and have recently started covering the entire central west for them. This has been amazing, because not only do I get to travel a bit, but I get paid for my travel and expenses. I used to joke that I desperately wanted to travel for work, to have time away from the kids and get to be a grown-up, as opposed to “just a mum”. But something remarkable happens as your kids grow older. With each thing they manage to do on their own, every small piece of independence for them, you reclaim a tiny slice of your former self. And so, when it came to my first day trip out of town, I asked the girls if they’d like to have a day off school and come to work with me.
The first trip was to Canowindra, for a short story I’m writing about the beautiful side of journalism in small towns. I took Miss 11 with me, just the two of us for a day. We started
“A rainy morning gave way to rainbows as we passed green fields turning into bright yellow canola...”
at Racine Bakery where I made the most irresponsible financial decision of my life and bought her a chocolate croissant. She’s had them before, sure. But she’s had one of the mini-8-pack you buy at Woollies for five bucks. Her first bite saw her eyes open wide as she tasted the sweet, flaky pastry, layered with dark chocolate, and she declared it to be the most delicious thing she’d ever eaten. I had to explain that it was a treat, and not something
in our regular budget. She informed me she had a whole $10, and could I bring her back tomorrow morning and she’d buy herself; breakfast. I questioned whether spending 80 per cent of her life savings on a croissant was a good idea, and she informed me that 8/10 wasn’t 80%, and yes, it was the best idea she’d ever had, as she brushed all of the crumbs onto the car floor. I hoped she wasn’t missing a vital maths lesson that day, and also, I’ve
learned that croissants are not a good car snack for messy children.
We settled on Taylor Swift for the drive, and a rainy morning gave way to rainbows as we passed green fields turning into bright yellow canola. Gum trees gave way to clusters of wattle as we neared town, and even after living here for 15 years, I still can’t help but gasp at the beauty and colour of late winter.
We landed in Canowindra midmorning, and after taking the photos I needed for the story, we strolled up and down the main street a few times, taking the time to speak with locals. We visited the second-hand bookstore, and discovered the owner is a fellow CWA member, so we discussed recipes and local factions. The Blue Bowerbird is a gorgeous little gift shop and we bought some Christmas presents to smugly stash and finally had incredible milkshakes at the Garden of Roses Café. On the way home we stopped at the park with all the palm trees and drove home discussing our adventures.
I did the bare minimum for my story, but five hours alone with my youngest daughter was the best day out I’ve had in a really long time
Anyone who knows me knows how much I enjoy motorsport. Years ago I even raced briefly in club super sprints, and more recently I helped the Orange Kart Club secure significant government funding to resurface their track — paving the way for major competitions. That vision became reality with Dunlop Kart Stars Round 5, a two-day event attracting over 140 competitors from across NSW, aged 7 to 70.
More than half travelled from outside Orange, making it the Club’s biggest event of the year. Thank you to Chelsea Preen for the tour, and to all the volunteers from Orange Kart Club and Karting NSW for hosting such a successful event. It’s a great example of sports tourism thriving in our region — boosting community spirit and supporting local business.
I was delighted to attend the Orange Eisteddfod to present awards for the 10 to 12 year solo dance performances, along with the major prize which I proudly sponsored.
Running over several weeks and across a variety of formats, the Eisteddfod showcases incredible talent from Orange, the Central West, and beyond. Congratulations to all the competitors, and a big thank you to the dedicated volunteers who make this iconic Orange event such a success.
The most recent Business Orange event was hosted at Western Care Lodge, Bloomfield — a remarkable facility that provides affordable, home-like accommodation for individuals and families from across the region while they access treatment at Orange Health Service. Built and largely fundraised by generous locals, Western Care Lodge is a shining example of what our community can achieve.
Thank you to Business Orange and the Lodge staff for showcasing this vital service and creating another valuable networking opportunity for local businesses.
It was fantastic to return to Wangarang Industries’ Return and Earn facility to celebrate a major milestone — 14.6 million containers processed since opening last year, putting $1.4 million back into the pockets of Orange locals.
Congratulations to the hardworking team, board, and leadership at Wangarang for making this initiative such a remarkable success.
SUNDAY 7TH SEP FROM 11:30AM - 2:00PM
The $2 million in funding I secured from the NSW Government to improve passenger rail services for Orange is already being put to work. Transport for NSW has begun investigations into the infrastructure needed to stable the regional rail fleet locally — a crucial step towards achieving daily return services to Sydney.
Current works include surveying and laser scanning the rail corridor, geotechnical testing, and evaluating existing utilities and assets. I thank the Hon.
Jenny Aitchison MP, Minister for Roads and Regional Transport, for her strong support, and acknowledge the many years of dedicated advocacy by the Orange Rail Action Group, with whom I’ve worked closely to reach this milestone.
ARTEXPRESS 2025 is now showing at Orange Regional Gallery, showcasing outstanding artworks submitted for the 2024 HSC examination for Visual Arts by students from across New South Wales.
For the 2024 HSC, there were 8858 students who submitted artworks as part of their HSC Visual Arts examination. From these, 597 were nominated for the Visual Arts showcase event, ARTEXPRESS. Being nominated for ARTEXPRESS is an exceptional achievement and the students, their families and their teachers should be incredibly proud.
From those works nominated, 228 were selected for exhibition. These works celebrate a representative sample of excellence across Visual Arts and are exhibited across 8 different venues in 2025, as well as an online virtual exhibition. The exhibition at Orange Regional Gallery showcases 32 of these selected artworks.
ARTEXPRESS celebrates the creativity and technical skill of young artists from our region and across New South Wales and reaffirms Orange Regional Gallery’s
commitment to supporting the creative talents of young people by presenting their work alongside professional artists and exhibitions in the public arena. We’re particularly pleased to have five works by students from our region on display including
‘Man-Making Men’ by Jack Ryan from Molong Central School, ‘Wanted Miracles, Wasted Morsels’ by Poppy Wishart from James Sheahan Catholic High School, ‘Beneath the Calm’ by Eva Keeghan also from James Sheahan Catholic High School, ‘Perfectly Imperfect’ by Kate Adams from Kinross Wolaroi School and ‘In an Instant’ by Mimi Taylor from Denison College of Secondary Education Bathurst High School.
Several themes have emerged in this year’s selection including personal and cultural identity, familial connection, nostalgia and the nature of reality.¬
ARTEXPRESS 2025 is a testament to the importance of visual arts education as a means for young people to make sense of their place in the world and to engage with contemporary challenges.
ARTEXPRESS is a joint initiative of the NSW Department of Education and the NSW Education Standards Authority in association with exhibiting galleries across the state.
ARTEXPRESS continues at Orange Regional Gallery until 21 September 2025. Entry is free.
Orange High School Year 10 excursion to Tasmania in 1979.
Orange High School classmates of 46 years ago are planning a long-awaited reunion this October
The reunion dinner is planned for Saturday, October 18 at The Wentworth Orange and is open to past Orange High School students who were in Year 10 in 1979.
Organiser Kez Taberner is trying to get the word out far and wide and hopes to see as many old classmates as possible at The Wenworth this October.
“I think it will be a bit of fun. It was 45 years that we missed last year, but I
was just too busy to organise it and so I thought, let’s just do it this year,” Kez said.
This will be about the fourth time the classmates have held a reunion, but Kex said it has been a few years since the last one.
“We’re all over 60 now, we’re all hitting that ‘senior generation’ - I’ve got grandkids! So it’s going to be good fun!”
Besides the Saturday dinner, the rest of the weekend will be left free for those returning home to catch up with family and friend, Kez said.
“We haven’t organised too much more, but if there’s interest we could go for breakfast or have a game of golf, but most people that are coming home have got family to visit anyway, so it’d be nice for them to spend time with family,” she said.
Already, some 50 former classmates have expressed interest, Kez added.
“There’s quite a few from Queensland that are coming down, some from all over NSW, Canberra… some down from Victoria. We’re over the 50 Mark at the moment but there’s so many people
Newmont Cadia has a long history of mining and has been an important part of the Central West community for more than two decades.
Cadia is currently approved to operate until 2031. The Cadia Continued Operations Project (CCOP) is seeking approval from the NSW and Federal governments to continue mining operations for approximately 25 years from the date of a new approval.
This means that mining would be able to continue to around 2050, providing ongoing job opportunities and other economic and community benefits.
We’re continuing to engage with the community as we progress the project design and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the CCOP, and there are many ways you can be involved.
In September, the specialist consultants who prepared the Human Health and AirQuality assessments for the EIS will be in Orange to share the findings from these studies and answer your questions.
Join us for these in-person and online round table sessions to find out more.
Scan the QR code to find out more about CCOP. ccop@newmont.com 1800 716 864
that we just don’t know where they are these days,” she said.
“So we’re looking to spread the word for people to get in touch and they can contact me via text.”
The Orange High School Year 10 1979 (Year 12 1981) Reunion will take place at The Wentworth Golf Club, on Saturday, October 18, at 7pm in the Function Room.
If you would like to attend contact Kez Taberner or Jenny Pratten via Facebook or text 0408868989.
TUESDAY, 9 SEPTEMBER 2025
The Hive, 25-27 McNamara Street Orange NSW
There are five timeslots available, with the last session hosted online. Each session is one hour and you can spend up to 30 minutes with each specialist in a small group setting.
Session one: 9am – 10am
Session two: 11am – 12pm
Session three: 2pm – 3pm
Session four: 5pm – 6pm
Session five: 7pm – 8pm (online)
A copy of the presentations and fact sheets will be shared with registered attendees prior to the session.
RSVP s ARE ESSENTIAL
Please contact the CCOP Social Performance team on 1800 716 864 or email ccop@newmont.com to register for a session.
Not everyone trapped by alcohol is an alcoholic, says local Al-Anon group representative Maria*, but she adds that there is no need to suffer in silence.
Problem drinkers are not only hurting themselves, but they also directly affect the lives of those close to them.
But at Al-Anon, Maria says, those affected friends and family members can find help, support and fellowship to overcome the frustration and helplessness caused by close association with an alcoholic.
“It’s one of those things people don’t talk about, and a lot of people suffer in silence,” says Maria.
“Al-Anon is a program for families and friends of alcoholics… It’s a place where people who are living with drinkingand it might be a husband, it might be a wife, it might be a parent, it might be a child, it might be a friend - someone who’s just got a problem with alcohol and it’s affecting your life.
“Al-Anon has a lot of tools and literature, and we can help people put things in place to be able to cope with
Al-Anon meets at St Barnabas Church Hall 6pm every Monday and now 12.30pm every Thursday.
Along similar lines to Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon teaches a 12 Step program of recovery and offers mutual support and a place for people to share their experience with each other.
“It’s a way to understand addictions as well,” says Maria, “We offer a lot of support, tools and philosophies to help
people manage living with other people with addictions.”
Anonymity is strictly kept at meetings, she said, people use first names and are cautioned not to divulge who they see and what they hear at a meeting.
Newcomers to the program are usually relieved to learn there is a
place to go and share their experience without fear of judgment.
Members discuss strategies to cope with the behaviours that result from drinking. Especially when someone’s drinking is out of control.
The local Al Anon Group have been meeting weekly at 6pm Monday nights at St Barnabas Church Hall, but given the overwhelming need they have also launched a Thursday lunchtime meeting from 12.30pm to 2pm, also at the church hall.
“It’s just a great support network and it’s a problem that’s not talked about a lot. So we decided to open up a second meeting on the Thursday lunchtime thinking that it might open it up to more people coming,” Maria said.
“It’s not always right for everyone, but it’s a great way to realise that you’re not alone, you don’t have to suffer in silence.”
*Name has been changed in order to remain anonymous
Ireally enjoyed catching up with James Sheahan Catholic High’s Year 9 Commerce class last week.
We covered a lot of ground including:
• my career journey before entering politics
• what inspired me to get involved
• a typical day in the life of an MP
Students fired off questions on topics from the Orange Sports Ground upgrade to public transport, the NDIS scheme and even settled the ultimate debate: Michael Jordan or LeBron James? Team Jordan all the way.
Our future’s in great hands!
Australia’s Biosecurity Detector Dog Program is one of the nation’s most important (and cutest!) defence systems, protecting our agriculture, environment, and communities from pests and diseases.
KEY FIGURES
250+ biosecurity risk items detected –including fruit, meat, seeds, plants, and even live in-sects.
45,000 high-risk items intercepted every year across airports, seaports, and mail centres.
A single detector dog can identify up to 9,000 items in its working life.
In 2022 alone, dogs screened 6.2 million mail items and more than 850,000 travellers.
Established in 1992 with beagles; labradors introduced in 2009 and are now the standard. It expanded its training capabilities in 2015–2016 to include both dogs and handlers.
In 2025, the Federal Government committed $11.7 million to recruit 20 more detector dogs and handlers, expanding Australia’s biosecurity shield even further.
Detector dogs operate at airports, seaports, and mail centres nationwide, including 23 teams
in Sydney, 17 teams in Melbourne, 9 teams in Brisbane and smaller but vital teams in Cairns, Perth and Adelaide.
Behind every wagging tail is a serious mission: keeping Australia safe. Next time you see one of these hard-working labradors at the airport, remember—they’re not just cute, they’re critical to protecting our way of life.
DEFIBRILLATOR GRANTS APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!
Men’s Sheds across Australia are invited to apply for funding under Category 5 of the National Shed Development Programme (NSDP) to purchase a much-needed defibrillator (up to $2,250).
This funding is separate from other NSDP categories and applications can be submitted at any time before 12 September 2025, allowing for quicker delivery of life-saving equipment.
For details, including application forms and eligibility criteria, visit the AMSA website listed below or contact them directly – 1300 550 009.
APPLICATIONS CLOSE – 12 SEPTEMBER 2025
For more information and to apply, visit: https://mensshed.org/nsdp/
Cast: Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Mia Tomlinson, Ben Hardy, Rebecca Calder
Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren take on one last terrifying case involving mysterious entities they must confront.
Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Olivia Colman, Andy Samberg, Kate McKinnon, Allison Janney
Life seems easy for picture-perfect couple Ivy and Theo: successful careers, a loving marriage, great kids. But beneath the façade of their supposed ideal life, a storm is brewing – as Theo’s career nosedives while Ivy’s own ambitions take off, a tinderbox of fierce competition and hidden resentment ignites.
Genre: Comedy
September 4
Cast: Josh Hartnett, Charithra Chandran, Katee Sackhoff, Marko Zaror, JuJu Chan
A mercenary takes on the job of tracking down a target on a plane but must protect her when they’re surrounded by people trying to kill both of them.
Genre: Thriller
By CEC TILBURG
It was a great family affair on Saturday night as wrestling fans flocked to the Orange Ex-Services’ Club for the Australian Wrestling Superstars. The night was packed with energy, action and plenty of entertainment, giving locals of all ages the chance to enjoy the thrills and excitement of live Pro Wrestling!
reception@oclife.com.au Have something of interest to share?
Man’s many increasing brutalities scream at the fore on our TV screens every day emphasising murder and mayhem. History shouts; FAILED!
Man’s idea of peace on earth is an unstable, unsafe concept. So many countries and individuals, live with a watchful eye out for unfriendly action from neighbours. We know so often the risk becomes reality. How might we; or can we truly live in peace?
It is only through the cross of Calvary, where Jesus suffered a most brutal death, and by faith in His action that we can start afresh. Only through God’s way of trusting His forgiveness, living for Him and accepting Jesus’ sacrificial death in our place can we have any hope of everlasting peace.
His horrific death cleared a safe path for yours and my guaranteed future. Now God waits for us to accept His offer of salvation. But like any other gift, we must claim it to access the freedom it brings. Will you? Have you said yes to God?
We are left with two choices: Life in Jesus, or death trusting Satan’s way in the world. Which will you choose?
Jim Woods
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
Meets: First and 3rd Fridays of the month at 10.00 am
Where: Orange Ex-Services Club 231-243 Anson Street Orange
Join our group of like minded people to discuss living and dealing with Dementia
For more information contact: Rosann Morgan 0406 936 083
Further information about Dementia contact Dementia Australia Ph: 1800 100 500
Internet: dementia.org.au
Website: www.dementialensorange.net
Capacity Pathways is a new support service for those on a current NDIS Plan. It’s a free service to assist you in understanding your options.
You work with a Capacity Pathways Advocate to develop a unique pathway plan that works towards your personal goals. Concentrating on what you want to achieve, assisting with connecting to the right support services, recognising your individual needs, while respecting age, status, background, and culture.
If you’re aged 15 to 65, want to make the most of your NDIS Plan, feel there may be gaps in your supports and are unsure about what’s available, Capacity Pathways can help you achieve your goals, and may even support you in exploring open employment opportunities.
Capacity Pathways is offered in the Central West with offices in Orange and Bathurst.
Orange Capacity Pathways Advocate Peta Fruin said participants will get a better understanding of their NDIS Plan options.
“We aim to bridge the gap in your supports, assist you to confidently selecting the services and supports, and connect to activities that best align with your goals,” Ms Fruin said.
“Capacity Pathways can even assist in providing free training modules to enhance lifestyle and employment skills,” she said.
Connect with Capacity Pathways Orange to arrange an initial session by calling 1800 258 182, email capacitypathways@octec.org.au or by visiting OCTEC Transition to Work at 92 Kite Street, Orange. Or find Capacity Pathways on Facebook and Instagram.
Stylish modern living ready to enjoy.
This 4 year old property combines quality craftsmanship with stylish design to deliver comfort, functionality, and elegance.
• Four generously sized bedrooms, all with built-in storage
• Two well-appointed bathrooms, inc. a private ensuite to the master suite
• Spacious open plan living & dining areas
• Double lock-up garage with internal access.
12:00pm - 12:30pm
Real Estate
Marty Lyden 0404 070 391 martin.lyden@elders.com.au
Katie Christopherson 0400 637 559 katie.christopherson@elders.com.au
Productive mixed grazing enterprise.
• 1,167* Acres of highly efficient backgrounding and finishing country.
• 1,194 ML Bore and river irrigation entitlement
• Three-stand StockPro shed, Prattley yards, loading ramp & dual covered race
• Extensive working infrastructure
• Two renovated homesteads.
•
• Fencing is stock proof.
•
•
Want to improve energy efficiency in your home? Got questions about solar or battery installations? Find the answers at the Sustainable Living Week on Sunday, September 21.
Orange Sustainable Living Week, held from September 21-28, encourages residents to reduce waste and improve energy efficiency at home and work.
Held by the Rotary Club of Orange, supported by Orange City Council, the week-long celebration of sustainability will kick off with its signature event, the Orange Sustainable Living Expo, held on Sunday, September 21, in the Naylor Pavilion at Orange Showground.
The expo is celebrating its 17th year in 2025 and will feature 20 exhibitors offering specialist advice on:
• Energy-efficient homes and appliances
• Rooftop solar, batteries and home electrification
• Smarter water use and rain harvesting
• Waste-free living, composting and
Learn how to improve the energy e ciency of your home at the Orange Sustainable Living Expo, September 21
recycling hacks
• Protecting local biodiversity and tackling climate change
You will also find information on electric vehicles and bikes, and have the opportunity to take a ride in an electric vehicle and talk to current EV owners about their experiences.
Orange City Council’s Environmental Sustainability Committee chair, Cr David Mallard, says the expo is a
great way for people to speak with local businesses and organisations about options to electrify their homes and improve the energy efficiency of existing homes.
“People across the world are becoming more environmentally conscious, and the Sustainable Living Expo is a great way to find out simple steps to living more sustainably, which not only benefits the environment, but could save you money,” Cr Mallard said.
“It is a great opportunity to speak directly with experts on how to reduce your environmental impact and save money doing it. A win-win!”
The Expo is free to attend, and everyone is welcome to come along. Mark the date in your calendar, invite your friends, family, and neighbours, and enjoy an inspiring day of ideas for sustainable living in the Central West.
Other activities being held during Sustainable Living Week include: Free Resource Recovery Centre Tour, 9am – 11am, Friday 26 September.
Home Energy Efficiency Workshop, 2pm – 3pm, Saturday 27 September.
Waratah Wetlands native vegetation planting, 10am – 2pm, Sunday 28 September.
View the events and book your spot here: www.orange.nsw.gov.au/ sustainability/events
For details or exhibitor inquiries go to https://www.rotarycluboforange. org.au/events/ or contact John Mills on 0429 323 464.
Master Karpentry is your local leader when it comes to quality, precision handiwork. Owned and operated by Matthew, a multi-skilled carpenter who’s been in the industry for close to a decade, Master Karpentry has the experience to deliver jobs big or small, whether its new decks, pergolas, door or window installations, joinery, timber fitouts, cladding, flooring, kitchen installations, bathroom renovations, timber/colorbond fencing, property maintenance or specialised timber details.
Mathew is also known for his work in roofing, and can handle re-roofs, roof repairs, or the installation or repairs of flashings and guttering.
The most striking feature you’ll find with Master Karpentry is Matthew’s precision and attention to detail.
“Not a millimetre out. I have to be really precise,
perfect and spot on,” he said.
“Everything I complete is structurally sound and precise … I strive to get it right the first time.
“You’re going to get precise quality work, that’s what I like to offer my clients.”
Along with precise work, Matthew is very customerfocused and provides friendly, quality service in order to deliver results for his clients every time.
“I’m always very friendly and easy going. I’ll sit down with the client, give my opinion and outline all options for their project, so I can achieve the look they’re after,” he said.
“I’m always trying my absolute best to aim for customer satisfaction … I’ll put the time and effort in with the client to make that happen,” he said.
“And I like to keep things tidy and leave no mess
Aqualitywellappointedgrazingpropertyconsistingof1422*acresrangingfromfarmingsoilstosteepergrazing country.Propertyfeaturesincludeacomfortablehome,goodsheddingandlivestockhandlingfacilities,a15* kilowattsolarsystemwhichfeedsbacktothegrid,andstrongwateravailability. The3/4bedroomtimberweatherboardhomehasarenovatedbathroom,slowcombustionwoodheater,2reverse cycleairconditioners,timberfloors,anadjoiningcarport,andexcellent rainwaterstorage(approx.30000gallons).Sheddingconsistsofa3bay machinery,lockableworkshop,hayshed,andamodern3standshearing shedwithadjoiningsheepyards.Thereisalsoasetofcattleyards,anda secondsetofmodernsheepyardsattherearoftheproperty.Waterisa featurewithOakyCreekrunningthroughtheproperty,over30*surface dams(minimumonedamineachpaddock),andastockanddomesticbore. "Omegal"isafullyfunctional farmwithexcellentinfrastructureandwouldbe wellsuitedtoaninvestor,owneroccupier,ortoaddtoanexistingagriculturalenterprise.*Approximately
Matthew from Master Karpentry is a multi-skilled carpenter who’s been in the industry for close to a decade. PHOTO: SUPPLIED.
behind. I know my client’s home is the most prized possession, and my work reflects the respect I have for my clients and their homes.”
That respect also extends to clear communication with clients every step of the way, Matthew said.
“I’m punctual and always arrive on time. I keep clients informed of how their project is progressing, and I ensure I’m easy to reach,” he said.
“Being young and eager is an advantage. I’m really passionate and enjoy my work.”
Based in Orange, Matthew has delivered work for clients in Lyndhurst, Carcoar, Blayney, Bathurst and Molong and can travel throughout the Central West.
To contact Master Karpentry and talk to Matthew about your next home improvement job, call him on 0402 544 128 or email masterkarpentry@gmail.com
ShepherdsRest”isaqualityrurallifestylepropertywithalargequalityhome, outbuildings,andimprovementslocatednorthofOrange.Thebrickveneer home,originallybuilt2006andextendedin2019,has4bedrooms,alarge office(couldbea5thbedroom),2bathroomsand4spaciouslivingareas. Acrosstheestablishedgardenisafullylockable4baygaragewithconcrete floorandpower,plusafullylockabledoublegarageandworkshopwith concretefloor,singleandthreephasepoweranda79,000litrerainwater tanks.Asmallfarmwithahigh-qualitylargehomethatworthyofinspection andidealforarangeofbuyersincludingretireesorafamily. $1,495,000
Arareopportunitytosecureawellplannedandproductiveruralholding, offeringexcellentinfrastructure,goodpasturemanagement,anda renovatedhomeinapeacefulandpicturesquesetting.‘Morella’isa subdividedinto8mainand4smallerholdingpaddocks,allwithsound fencingforlivestockmanagementincludingexclusionfencingaroundthe perimeteroftheproperty.Rollinghillsrisefromshelteredvalleys,witha stronghistoryofpastureimprovementand upto70%*oftheproperty downtophalaris,rye,cocksfoot,andvariouscloversbeingcomplemented bynativegrasses.Don’tmissyourchancetoownthisexceptionalrural escape.Apropertythatwillnotdisappointandinspectionisrecommended.
12:00 -
1:15 - 1:45PM54 SHIRALEE ROAD, ORANGE422$1,050,000 - $1,100,000 ONE AGENCY
10:00-10:3057 ORCHARD GROVE ROAD42-$590,000 - $620,000
10:3- 11:00 16 KOORONGA AVENUE311$660,000
11:00-11:304/71A MOULDER STREET321$825,000 - $850,000
12:00-12:301/25 HUGHES STREET 422$1,300,000 - $1,325,000
ORANGE PROPERTY PLUS
10 - 10.3072 ICELY ROAD ORANGE321$659,000-$679,000 10.45 - 11.154 /
9.30- 10.00109 PHILLIP STREET 311 $675,000.00 10.15-10.4547
9:30 - 10:0025 TOBRUK CRESCENT 311$449,000 10:30 - 11:00 20 VALENCIA DRIVE 422CONTACT AGENT 11:00- 11:30 32 FREDERICA STREET 324$589,000 11:30 - 12:00 19 THOMAS KITE LANE 5412CONTACT AGENT
10.30 - 11.006 BURREBURRY CRESCENT 311$820,000
- 2.00 9 GIRRAHWEEN PLACE ORANGE 52.54$1.39 MILLION 2.30 - 3.0085 CULLY ROAD, HUNTLEY.425$1.2 - $1.3MILLION
9:00 - 9:3089 Sale Street, Orange 31 $820,000 - $850,000 10:00 - 10:30253 Byng Street Orange423$890,000
10:00 - 0:3027 Booth Crescent, Orange 212Contact Agent
10:15 - 10:4519 Ogilvy Street, Blayney 422$680,000
10:45 - 11:15117 Dalton Street, Orange311Contact Agent
11:00 - 11:3027-31 Naylor Street, Carcoar214$450,000
11:00 - 11:303/335a Anson Street, Orange211$525,000
Today at Orange City Life, we are launching a new, easy way to enter our regular competitions and giving readers another chance to win each and every week!
We previously mentioned that we would be making a few tweaks to our entry process, as recent staffing changes highlighted the fact that we really need to streamline things a little bit.
Currently, we accept competition entries via email, regular mail and in person, with entries coming in to us written on envelopes or scraps of paper. It’s a fair bit to sort through on a busy deadline day, plus we end up with a pile of paper entries that go straight to the recycling bin.
Just keeping on top of the email entries is nearly a full-time job. So starting this week, we are moving to a more simplified and mostly paperless entry system.
To enter, all you do is scan the QR code you’ll find on our competition page, and it
will take you to a form where you can fill in your name, contact details and competition answers - it’s that simple! We have run many popular one-off competitions like this over the past two years (like our recent ticket giveaway to The Fire Set), so we know you are familiar with how it works.
Don’t panic! We don’t want to stop any of our readers from being able to enter, and for now, you can continue to enter as before if you wish.
BUT, as a little incentive for those who do enter via the QR code, we are offering a chance to win another great prize!
Every entry submitted via the QR code will go in the draw for a chance to win a $20 food and beverage voucherat the Orange City Bowling Club (gaming excluded).
That means whether you are putting in an entry for Find Pinny, What Am I Watching?, Face In The Crowd, or Name That Business, you will also go in the draw to win $20 to treat yourself to a great meal at the Orange Bowlo Bistro We will also pin a link to the
competition entry form on our Facebook page.
If you have any trouble placing an entry, feel free to get in touch with us. For those of our readers who prefer to enter in person, we can walk you through the process in our office and will even have an entry point set up for you.
New way to enter our regular competitions How it works
1. Scan the QR code you’ll find on our competitions page.
2.Enter your name and contact details.
3.Submit your competition answers.
Automatically go into an additional draw for a chance to win a $20 Orange Bowlo Club Voucher!
Submit your competition entries via our online form for a chance to win a $20 voucher to spend as you choose at the Orange City Bowling Club.
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!
By JONATHAN ROE
Orange Public School Kindy classes enjoyed their first-ever Book Week experience on Friday, with a wide variety of creative costumes on display for the annual parade.
Who is your favourite teacher? Mrs Tom, she’s fun. She does lots of things and is really creative.
If you were principal of the school for one day, what’s the first thing you’d do? I’d try to fix the toilets!
What’s your favourite subject at school? Maths. I love maths because it just gives you challenges, and I like challenges.
What’s your favourite movie? Probably Happy Gilmore. I like the new one, it was great and very funny.
What’s something that makes you really happy? Probably when I get good marks at school.
What’s something that your parents always say to you? Clean your room!
What is your favourite thing to do on the weekend? Play with my friends and go to their house.
If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be? Knowledge - I could make cures for things.
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!
Proudly sponsored by
Win a $50 Gift Voucher at The Village on Summer St
and tell us what page it is on.
By HENRY DEROOY
It was a tough day out for the Emu’s Women’s 1st Grade Rugby squad, whose 2025 season came to an end on Sunday, with Bathurst Bulldogs triumphing in the Minor Semi-final played at Pride Park in Orange. Bathurst Bulldogs defeated the hard-working Orange Emus 48-0.
By JONATHAN ROE
Orange City Rugby Union Club’s First XI have kept Grand Final hopes alive after a convincing victory over the Bathurst Bulldogs at Pride Park on Sunday. After a closely contested first half, the Lions were able to capitalise on Bulldogs’ mistakes with the final score 38-15. The Lions head to Dubbo this Saturday where they must defeat the Dubbo Roos to secure a spot in the grand final against the Orange Emus.
We start this week with a look at the Tuesday Scratch Singles where Matthew Woodham scored a wonderful 234 over average and he was followed by Hugo Belmonte from the Monday juniors who scored 173 over average, then came Allan Lickiewicz from the Wednesday 7.30pm league with 138 over average, and he was followed by Jayden Christoff from the Junior Singles Challenges with 123 over average and finally there was a familiar name Matthew Woodham from the Monday 7.30pm league with 118 over average for the series.
Star Bowler of the week and winner of the Auto Wash compliments of Race Track Car Wash was Matthew Woodham who scored the eye-watering 234 over average for the series.
The High Roller champion and winner of the three free practice games (If they are needed) was Hugo Belmonte who scored a staggering 277 (PB). As this score was 96 over average and part of his 173 over average for the series Hugo was named the third Man of the Moment for August and next in line for chance to gain the voucher from Guys Cuts and Junior of the Week and winner of the free game from the Orange Tenpin Bowl.
And there were plenty of others trying to beat Hugo among them being Derek Metzger 203, Mason Southwell 216, Matthew Woodham 233, Tyler King 226, Travis McMahon 268, Damien Christoff 207, Blake Frecklington 239, Brock Gallagher 214, Harrison Walker 214, Joseph Talidong 243 (PB), Khye Downey 212, Allan Lickiewicz 259 (PB),
Monique Slackza 211, Oscar Christofferson 237 (PB), Jayden Christoff 226, Marilyn Schwenke 223, Steve McConnell 212, Lachlan Turner 243 and Sam Bennett 209.
The Almost Made it Hero and winner of the open order from Kings Takeaway at Greengate was Isaac Clifton who scored 165 (PB).
Others wanting desperately to visit Kings were Brayden Davies 148, James Roberts 148, Julie Swallow 190, Cherylee Shapter 157, Warren Taylor 180, Jeff Wilkie 150, John Smith 192, Kerrie Blowes 155, David Jameson 171, Gae Claydon 157, Edward Hoogenboom 191, Graham Culverson 158, Dianne Apps 162, Richard Saunders 171, Braxton Losanno 186, Annabelle Perrier 139, Alex Coleman 162, Ryan Whiting 132 (PB), Stephen Radford 160, Nick Millar a pair of 183s and Jordan Trenholm 189.
Also wanting to see their names in print were Leanne Hovey 153, Guil Beath 173, Diana Bleakley 145, Bella Murray 143, Simon Wright 172, Jonah Thomas 122, Corey Harmar 135, Phoenix Riley 147, Morgan Andean 139, Kerry Hogan 174, Adrian Bowyer 170, Samson Taplin 158, Tyson Mills 166, Cleo Bonnic 153, Bob Osborn 147, Charlie Thorley 141, William Peate 177, Liam Whitton 183 and Tahlia Brown 178, Helen Newling 154, Kane Spirit-Jones 192, Jeremy Jones 185 and Taylor Clark 192.
The third Female of Note for August who was hoping to win the gift certificate from MJ’s All Hair-All Occasions was Tahlia Brown who scored 178 which was 52 over average.
ORANGE EX SERVICES CLUB COUNTRY CLUB WOMEN’S BOWLS
On Thursday, 21 August, there were no ladies’ bowls played due to the very wet weather.
Our upcoming Gala Day is being held on September 4. We will be playing triples with club uniforms to be worn on the day; one game of 18 ends, or to the bell. The cost is $75 per team. There is a sheet available on the notice board in the alcove for names of those wishing to play.
Don’t forget our upcoming train trip and lunch in October. Please give your name to Lorraine if you are interested in this social day.
Our Women’s Club Triples Finals were played with Veronica, Trish, and Judy taking the win against Jane, Phoebe, and Julie.
Jane, Veronica, Trish and Judy travelled to Canowindra to compete against Cowra on Saturday, August 15. This was a great game, with the scores tied at 18-18 heading into the final end. Cowra won the final end to go through to the Mid-West playoff s in Dubbo.
Open and Senior Mid-West Regional events in pairs and singles are now open. Forms are on the notice board in the alcove for your information.
The first round of the inaugural club mixed pairs was held on Sunday, August 17. This was a successful and fun day for all those who competed. Congratulations to all those who had a win and good luck in the coming weeks. Practice and coaching is available every Tuesday commencing at 10.30am at the Country Club. These sessions are for our existing members and any ladies who would like to try their hand at lawn bowls. Please contact Trish 0400379294, or Jane 0419620077 for further information.
Follow us on Instagram oesc_ womensbowls or Facebook Orange Ex-Services’ Country Club Women’s Bowls.
A last-minute road trip to the Mudgee Running Festival recently for the Roweth crew turned into a cracker of a day!
The 10km race started crisp, but the real heat was in the father–daughter rivalry. With the lunch bill on the line, Daryl and Kinisha pushed, shoved and elbowed their way through an epic showdown. Kinisha led strongly until 7km, when a quick puke stop cost her dearly. Daryl, being Daryl, galloped past to claim bragging rights and lunch, finishing in 47:16 (and 1st in his age group ). Kinisha stormed home just behind in 47:59, claiming 2nd in her age group ˗ only seconds off 1st place.
Kim also had a brilliant
run, clocking 58:07 for 6th in her age group, a fantastic effort coming back from injury.
Plus, a huge congratulations to Rhonda Jones on achieving an extraordinary 600 runs on Sunday– what an inspiration and commitment to our club!
ORC Results – Wednesday 20 August 2025
A great midweek turnout with 53 runners hitting the Elephant Park track last week – well done everyone!
Personal Bests: Catherine Player (PB again – amazing!) and Melissa Harding.
Top Women:
Lucy Jurd – 11:28
Kinga Diemar – 13:36
Isobel Curran – 14:08
Top Men: Mitch Williamson – 9:41
Jack Daintith – 10:09
Henry Kay – 10:32
ORC Results – Sunday 24 August 2025
What a turnout – 78 runners joined us at Shiralee Road last Sunday morning on a beautiful sunny day!
Course Records:
2km Male – 3rd fastest: Nick Irwin – 8:59
12km Male – 2nd fastest:
Jack Daintith – 46:02
6km Female – 2nd
fastest: Sue Klose – 36:10
10km Female – 2nd
fastest: Alison Spurway – 1:00:22
ORANGE EX SERVICES CLUB COUNTRY CLUB MEN’S BOWLS
Hello Bowlers,
NSW State Pairs entries are now available on BowlsLink. If you have trouble accessing the portal, please see Neil Higgins for more information.
Hoping our members who are on the sick as well as the recovery list are on the mend. Our thoughts are with you all.
Tuesday 26 and 30 August, please call Jim Finn on 0418 651 382, Peter Wright 0427 8113 220, or the club 63613210. Names in by 11.30pm for a 12.30pm start.
Our sponsored Mixed Pairs event by Adia Care begins Saturday, 13th September 2025.
Nominations for the club’s Major Singles are now on the board. Players who played in the Minor Singles are eligible to play in this championship event.
All Nomination sheets on the shelf in the alcove.
Tuesday socials had over 40 bowlers.
Raffle winners were: Peter Brooking, Wayne Carr and Kev Kelly.
Lucky rink winners were a draw and shared by Alan Blake, Garry Pearce, Wayne Carr, Peter Wright, Ron Dunn and John Dunn.
Unfortunates were: Jim Clemow and Frank McCarthy.
Lucky consolation winning rink: Peter Brooking and Nev Seton.
Saturday was our Restricted Triples Tournament and the winners were:
1st place with 9pts +61 - Jake Hodge, Andrew and Shaun Gosper (Manildra).
2nd place with 9pts +32 - Patrick Jones, Wayne Death and Mitch Pollock (Caragabal).
3rd place with 9pts +17 - Laurie Crouch, Kev Kelly, and Bob Jenkins (Orange Ex-Services)
4th place with 7pts +17 - Anthony O’Dea, Eric Parker and Wayne Eason (Millthorpe).
5th place with 7pts +13 - Simon Kempson, Jim Finn and Peter
Brooking (Orange Ex-Services). Best Card:
Rnd 1 - Hamilton, P. Ryan, and A. Smith (Millthorpe).
Rnd 2 - Margo Brown, Deb Hood, (Molong) and Di Wilson (West Dubbo).
Rnd 3 - Alex Fabian, (Millthorpe), Veronica Alexander (Orange Ex-Services) and Bobby Eldrick (Millthorpe).
Sue Gore has got her 2026 calendar on sale if anyone is interested, please see, Sue. If there are people interested in gaining their umpire or markers accreditation, please contact President, Phil McGarity on 0418 277 418
Bowls Etiquette tips: After bowling each bowl, step off the mat to the right. As you approach the mat to bowl, do so from the rear left. Though not essential, this is a useful habit of convenience to avoid collisions! Happy bowling!
The first round of the Minor Singles Championships were played last week. Kristeen Oates won over Eleanore Lawson in a well-contested game, and Toosje Webster won over Sheryl Jenkins in another close game.
The monthly Open Trophy was also contested on the day which also included the Minor Singles games. Three teams managed to finish on fourteen points, and the eventual winners were decided by a countback. The team of Pat Swain, Jenny Lowe and Michele Tredinnick winning the day. The lucky losers drawn from the cards were Margo Fairbairn and Robyn Doyle.
Thinking about taking up lawn bowls? If so we have coaching for beginners by an accredited coach on Wednesday mornings at 10am or by appointment.
Text Sue on 0409 522 099 or contact The Orange City Bowling Club.
Happy bowling everyone !
Orange District Softball Association’s brand-new Social 7’s Indoor Softball League is off to a flying start, bringing a fresh, fast-paced version of the game to Friday nights at the Orange PCYC.
The competition has already attracted players from across the community, with plenty of laughs, teamwork and a few quirky score lines thanks to the unique rules of Social 7’s – where every out takes a point off the batting team.
Round 3 saw Benchwarmers defeat Hits & Giggles 9 to 1, while The Young & the Breathless held off the Base Invaders -13 to -5. In the final game of the night, Pitch Perfects proved too strong for Mum-tourage, with a decisive 22 to -2 win.
With short games, mixed teams, and plenty of energy, Social 7’s is already proving to be a hit – both for new players and long-time softball fans alike. Check out some of the action from Round 3. Photos courtesy of Chasing Tigers.
26.03.1933 ~ 23.08.2025 Aged 92 yrs
Passed away peacefully in Orange.
and will live on through the many treasured memories you left us.
Your loving husband Michael, Matt & Kaylene, Scott & Dianna, Jen & Pete, Gran and their families.
Dearly loved husband of Fay (deceased). Adored and much loved father and father-in-law of Julie and Ken, Michael and Lynda, Robert and Louise. Beloved “Grandpa” to Lisa, Rachel, Caitlin, Mitchell, Christina, Kylie, Grant, Jessica and Abbie. “Great Grandpa” to Zac, Max, Brady, Luca, Bianca, Jazzy, Michaela, Henry, Charlotte and Tommy. A loved brother of Ray (deceased) and Renate. A cherished uncle to all his nieces and nephews.
“Together
The family and friends of Sandy are kindly invited to attend his Funeral Service to be held at The Penhall Memorial Chapel, 33 William Street, Orange on Tuesday, September 2 2025 commencing at 11am.
33-35 William Street, Orange Phone 63623751 Mail@penhallfunerals.com.au
www.angelaocallaghan.com.au appletreeflat@activ8.net.au
Servicing Orange & Central West
ACROSS
1 Relaxed (6)
4 Wailing messengers of death in Irish folklore (8)
9 Scallywag (5)
10 A person who believes in fair sharing in the community (9)
23 Eye cover (9)
24 Mesoamerican culture (5)
26 Represented as perfect (9)
27 With a full figure (5)
28 Calamity (8)
29 Ancient Greek figure of beauty (6)
1 Traditions (7)
2 Gap (5)
3 Show approval by clapping (7)
5 Bowman (6)
6 Holiday destination (7)
7 Two British Queens (9)
8 Position, move into place (7)
10 Expressing future intent (5)
14 Pleasure (9)
16 Reconstruct (7)
17 Seats on the backs of horses (7)
19 Concluded (5)
20 Impaled (7)
21 Flatters (7)
22 Disorder, dishevel (6)
25 Resident of Houston, e.g. (5)
11 Greek letter (5)
12 Objects relating to the US (9)
13 Plan (8)
15 Cross out (6)
16 Supper (6)
18 Indian term for a woman in a position of authority (8)
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’.
17 words: Good
26 words: Very good
35 words: Excellent Today’s Aim: felt, fight, fighter, file, filer, filet, filter, filth, filthier, fire, FIRELIGHT, firth, flier, flight, FLIGHTIER, flirt, flit, freight, fret, fright, gift, grief,
Each number corresponds to a letter of the alphabet. Two have been filled in for you, can you work out the rest?
1. If you are born on December 13 which star sign are you?
2. Which Greek poet was known as the ‘Tenth Muse’ and ‘The Poetess’?
3. Which singer was Mia Farrow (pictured) married to from 1966-1968?
4. Mont-Saint-Michel is a tidal island in which country?
5. Alyson ‘Aly’ Michalka is half of a musical duo with who?
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to
of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine
once in any row, column or box.
7
Can you find all the words listed? The leftover letters will spell out a secret message.
Congratulations to our August 21 winners:
NAME THAT BUSINESS
ANSWER: RACE TRACK CAR
WASH
Winner: Marion Clout
PINNY
ANSWER: PAGE 16
Winner: Natasha Spicer
WHAT AM I WATCHING
ANSWER: EDDINGTON
Winner: Shane reddan
The winner of the $20 Food and Beverage Voucher for the OCBC: Claire Gates
WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE LISTED AMONG OUR LUCKY WINNERS?
Each week, we have a range of great competition prizes to give away, but you have to be in it to win it!
See our competitions page for all the details on how you can be a winner!
THUMBS UP to Abbey at Douglas Hanly Moir Pathology in Anson St, who took my blood the other morning. She was so kind, did such a wonderful job and had such a happy, friendly smile. From the lovely receptionist to their quick fast service, amazing.
THUMBS UP to Dr Stump and nurse Sue at Bloomfield Medical Centre Urgent Care for stitching up a nasty gash on my son’s knee. I am most grateful to you both for squeezing him in and making the whole experience comfortable and efficient. Thank you for your wonderful care, we’re so lucky to have this service available here in Orange.
THUMBS UP to NSW State Parliamentary Member, Philip Donato. He continually displays dedication to the Orange electorate and a sincere, keen interest in the issues of the area and in the people. He does his best to resolve issues. He is very approachable. Thank you, Phil.
A BIG THUMBS DOWN to the dog owners who will not pick up their dogs’ mess on the beautiful cricket oval on Ploughmans Lane. You know who you are, and responsible dog owners fail to understand what YOU don’t understand about this council regulation. I’m sure the council is available for further education in this regard if that is what is required.
publish thumbs that are considered
MASSIVE THUMBS UP to the Main Freight drivers Sooki, Harman, and the other Harman. They do a fabulous job delivering and picking up packages and freight all day... from their friendly toot to let you know they have arrived, to their happy communication, and also the care handling the freight. Nice work guys. Main Freight you should be proud and give them a pay rise.
A BIG THUMBS UP to the team of librarians at Orange Library for making Book Week 2025 so magical for all of the kids, big and small. The costumes have been fabulous, the treasure hunts just tricky enough and, in particular, Stories After Dark was a very exciting night. So many of the families in Orange see the extra thought you put into your work and we’re grateful for the spark you bring to the world of reading for our kids! Thank you!
THUMBS UP to Matt and Clare, community-minded owners of Anything Grows and The Lake Kiosk. Apart from running two popular local businesses, the couple deserve admiration for their enthusiastic co-operation and support of an older member of the community who collects cans so that hundreds of dollars of supermarket gift vouchers are regularly given to a local school to distribute to families in need.
THUMBS UP to the Manager and team at Lowes in Orange Central Square. Immaculately maintained store and always a pleasure to shop there. A genuine credit to the team there.
THUMBS UP and thank you to Fiona at NAB. Her patience and expertise with two non-tech-savvy oldies helped them out of a difficult situation. Much appreciated Fiona.
THUMBS DOWN to the school principal who has published his intention to wipe out 60 years of proud history and tradition by changing the names of school sporting houses, school motto, badge and logo.
THUMBS DOWN to my landlord for not fixing my heater. It has been broken for 10 days.
THUMBS UP to Lucy at Skechers Footwear. I had to return a pair of shoes that were too tight and she took her time to help me find a pair that fit properly and was so lovely to an elderly customer. It was such great service and deserves to be acknowledged and rewarded. Thanks again!
THUMBS UP to the Orange City Bowling Club for a birthday party held last weekend. The food and service were wonderful. Many Thanks!
By CEC TILBURG
Orange CYMS claimed victory over crosstown rivals Hawks in a thrilling match at Wade Park on Sunday.
The Orange Hawks, who were in sixth place on the Peter McDonald Premiership First Grade ladder, were looking to upset the thirdplaced CYMS in a battle for a finals berth.
Cyms took control early, heading into the halftime break with a 16–6 lead. The Hawks hit back strongly in the second half, turning the game in their favour, but a CYMS try in the final moments secured a thrilling 28–24 victory.
