Orange City Life, 30/10/2025

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EDITOR’S note

There’s some truly miserable weather outside as I write this on Tuesday! It’s hard to believe we are getting single-digit temperatures for most of a day at this time of year! Thankfully, it looks to be warming up for the weekend as I’ve got plenty to catch up on out in the garden.

If last Sunday’s Orange Open Gardens wasn’t enough garden inspiration for you, make sure to get over to Millthorpe for their Garden Ramble weekend. There are ten gardens on show this year which are a mix of new gardens, as well as some much-loved favourites. It’s also a great excuse to visit the village and take in some of the local shops and eateries, which are always well worth the visit. The Ramble takes place from 10am to 4pm this Saturday and Sunday. You can find out more by visiting www.millthorpegardenramble.com.au

And while you are in Millthorpe, make sure to swing by the Rosebank Gallery in Victoria Street for the exhibition by Hank Spirek. Hank has lived and exhibited work all over the world and has been an active part of the Orange art scene for the last seven years. This will be the largest exhibition of his work in the local area and could well be his last ever solo show. You can read more and find the exhibition details inside.

Until next week!

Jonathan Roe
Hank’s Last Dance
Old Orange Rockers

Rugby oldies 2025 Wood Duck Cup raises thousands for premi-babes

Veteran stalwarts of “the game they play in heaven”, recently raised thousands for a wonderful local charity supporting newborn babies.

The traditional “big cheque” hand-over for the annual Wood Duck Cup, this year for $4200, was presented to representatives of the Orange Lions Club fundraising arm, “Give me Change for Kids” at Spring Hill Recreation Ground last week.

The money was raised at the fun and fabulous annual oldies rugby day event played between Orange Emus Rugby Club’s “Emulators Gloden Oldies” over 35s side and the “Spring Hill Wood Ducks” in late September.

Emulators organiser, Clive Walker, explained that the games establishment came from a conversation held following an earlier fixture played at the villages of Barry and Neville south of Blayney.

“In the past, after that match, we used to stop-off here for a meal or drink on the way home,” Clive said.

“Then Barry Winell said one time, ‘why don’t we organise a match here?’; that’s how it all started,” he added.

Since those early days, the event has grown into one of the major social and charity events on the local rugby calendar.

“Players provided an entertaining day of young and old rugby skills for the local Spring Hill and Orange crowd who contributed generously to the fundraising,” Clive recalled.

“Raffles, barbecues, and an auction were conducted on the day, and local donations were collected from the Spring Hill Hotel in the preceding weeks.”

The total raised was gratefully received by Orange Lions Club members at the cheque hand-over last week at the ground.

“All monies raised go towards purchasing medical equipment for children and premi-babes at Orange Health Service,” Clive explained.

“Funds this year are for the purchase of vein-finding machines for nurses working with premi-babes in their actual homes.”

The fun social event, Clive revealed, keeps growing every season in a match that is played-out over a trophy consisting of a restored shooting gallery duck mounted on a beautiful walnut base.

“We’ve been going five or six years now, and radio presenter, Neil Gill, always does a lot of publicity for our event,” Clive said.

“We even got the juniors involved this year with an Under 12 match, so it’s getting bigger every year.” he concluded.

for premi-babes after Spring

match at Spring Hill, from

Emu Emulators’ Brian Ripps; Emulators President, Rob Nevins; Orange Lions Club’s Pat Mullins; Orange Lions Club’s Project Coordinator for Give me Change for Kids, Grame Eggleston; Spring Hill Hotel publican, Tony Bennett; the Emulators’ Clive Walker; local supporter, Chatelle Larfield; Grace and Blair Wigmore; and the Emulators’ Dave Field.

All lined out for a backline run, Grace Wigmore, 14, looks to o oad the Wood Duck Cup to Emulators Rugby and Orange Lions Club members. PHOTO: DAVID DIXON, ORANGE CITY LIFE
With the Wood Duck Cup at Spring Hill Recreation Ground after the recent cheque hand-over to Orange Lions Club’s “Give me Change for Kids” charity, Chantelle Larfield with Grace and Blair Wigmore. PHOTO: DAVID DIXON, ORANGE CITY LIFE
Cheque hand-over
Hill oldies rugby
left,
PHOTO: DAVID DIXON, ORANGE CITY LIFE

Artist Hank Spirek in his studio. “The Last Dance”: The Rosebank Gallery in Millthorpe is hosting a major exhibition of work spanning Hank Spirek’s career.

Hank Spirek, ‘The Last Dance’

Hank Spirek’s art career spans more than five decades, during which he has worked and exhibited in countries around the world. This Saturday, the Rosebank Gallery in Millthorpe hosts a major, comprehensive exhibition of work from throughout Hank’s career, aptly titled ‘The Last Dance’.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Hank has lived in five different countries and some 20 different cities and towns over his 78 years.

He received a Bachelor of Arts from Northern Illinois University in June 1969, where he majored in painting, sculpture and art education. After a year travelling, Hank began a Master’s of Painting at Arizona State University, then spent the next decade exhibiting extensively through the Southwestern USA, including in Los Angeles, Phoenix, Scott sdale and San Francisco.

In 1979, Hank visited Australia and exhibited in Sydney alongside other artists, and later also exhibited in Montreal, Canada. He returned to

Australia in 1986, where he has lived and worked as an artist for the last 30 years.

“It should be a fairly large exhibit of examples of my work, and it probably will be my last,” explained Hank.

“The fact is, I’m going blind; I’m finding it difficult to paint anymore and it’s probably going to be my last one-person exhibition, so I wanted to make it a well-rounded one.

“There’ll be some 40 or 50-odd works of mine and a range of works are going to be shown; it’s not just going to focus on any one aspect of my art.”

Hank’s work throughout his career has regularly

focused on wildlife themes, especially bird life, and on figurative motifs, particularly reworkings of works by the great masters. More recently, Hank has explored the creative intersection of music and art, as well as painting snippets of the everyday lives of people he observed on two recent trips to Morocco.

But with his failing vision, Hank’s art has increasingly become more politically pointed.

“I’ve never been the sort of artist who did ‘wallpaper’ sort of artwork. You didn’t buy my work to match your curtains or your couches… You probably bought it for the emotions it explored and the power of the work,”

Hank said.

“Now it’s going to be hard for me to get images down the way I want anymore. So, I’m going to have to really focus on what can make a point.

“When I was learning my art in the 60s in the US, it was a very turbulent sort of time, a lot of riots, the Vietnam War and what have you… a lot of the work that was done at that time was related to that.

“I’m thinking I might slip back into telling the world what I think of it right now. It’s a very hateful sort of time, and I guess I’d just like to make a point or two.”

Hank Spirek’s ‘The Last Dance’ officially opens at 5pm this Saturday, November 1 at the Rosebank Gallery. The opening will also feature music from Cellist Stephanie Li, Head of Strings at the Orange Regional Conservatorium of Music and Orange Youth Orchestra Conductor.

The Rosebank Gallery is located at 40 Victoria Street, Millthorpe, and opens from 10am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.

‘RIP’, Hank Spirek

‘Creative Conversations’: Stacey Ewin.

If you wander into The Sugar Mill on any given morning, you’ll probably find co-owner Stacey Ewin dusted head to toe in flour, sleeves rolled up, and hands deep in dough before most of Orange is awake. It’s a way of life for this pastry chef, baker, and mum-ofthree who’s quietly building one of the Central West’s most impressive retail and wholesale baking operations.

Alongside husband Darren, Stacey runs two bustling cafés ˗ The Sugar Mill in Sale St and the brand-new Jumbled by Sugar Mill at The Sonic over the road ˗ as well as a wholesale bakery business that now supplies over 60 clients across

the region. It’s a business that’s grown as organically as her sourdough starter: from long nights, local roots, and a deep love of the craft

Raised on a property at Browns Creek near Blayney, Stacey’s childhood was steeped in the kind of country hospitality that would later become her signature. “Mum was the savoury queen ˗ her beef stroganoff and roasts were unbeatable ˗ and Dad handled the sweets,” she laughs. “He’d make dumplings with treacle and a batch of scones before heading out to mark lambs. It’s probably where I got it from.”

Cooking was never just a chore at the Ewin household ˗ it was connection, community, and comfort rolled into

one. That early inspiration led Stacey to the kitchens of Sydney straight after high school at James Sheehan and work experience at the Hilton Hotel. “I always knew I wanted to be in hospitality. I just liked being busy, using my hands, never sitting still.”

After the one-year Hotel InterContinental course, her career took her through some of the country’s most demanding kitchens ˗ Mosaic at the Westin, Black Star Pastry in Newtown, and the famed Adriano Zumbo in Rozelle. “They were tough years,” she admits. “I’d work two jobs ˗ mornings at the Manta restaurant in Woolloomooloo, nights in a fine-dining kitchen ˗ 90-hour weeks for $690. But

I learned so much.” And met futurepartner, Irishman Darren Tracey, a fellow chef at the Manta.

Eventually, the pull of home (and of Orange’s wide skies) grew stronger than Sydney’s bright lights. “I always said I’d come back,” Stacey recalls. “I didn’t want to raise kids in Sydney, and I wanted to do something of our own.”

In 2011, Stacey and Darren bought The Old Mill Café in Millthorpe ˗ “we learned a lot the hard way” ˗ and three years later opened The Sugar Mill in Orange. “We could see Orange was turning into a proper foodie town,” she says. “We wanted to be part of that wave.”

Stacey with a fresh batch of her signature lemon meringue tarts. PHOTOS: ORANGE CITY LIFE/ CEC TILBURG.

While the town’s café scene was small then ˗ “Byng Street Cafe had just opened” ˗ Stacey and Darren carved a niche with their mix of honest food and exquisite cakes. “We’ve always believed in consistency and quality. You don’t change what’s working ˗ our lemon meringue, carrot cake, red velvet, they’ve been there from the start.”

She waxes lyrical about what she considers their signature, the lemon meringue tarts: “That kind of looks a bit like a cloud, with lemon curd at the bottom with our puff pastry, and then the meringue on top.”

The wholesale side came later, almost by accident. “When our kids were little ˗ twins and a newborn ˗ we realised we needed a proper kitchen space,” Stacey explains. A chance phone call led them to a vacant bakery site on Sale Street. “We took it, and that’s where the wholesale arm was born.”

Today, their bakery runs through the night. Stacey clocks on at midnight to load ovens and laminate croissant dough. “It’s all about timing and

temperature,” she says. “Get it wrong and the butter melts, and you lose those beautiful flaky layers.” With over seven ingredients, plus variables such as temperature and timing, there’s a lot to get right each time with something as seemingly simple as a croissant.

Her team now includes an inspiring mix of local apprentices and seasoned hands. “We’ve got such a great crew at the moment,” she smiles. “When everyone’s on the same wavelength, bouncing off ideas, it sparks your inspiration.”

Like many of Orange’s best food creators, Stacey champions local produce. “In summer, I take the kids out to Hillside Harvest to pick plums and apples. We make jams and pastries from what we gather ˗ people love that. They can taste it’s fresh and local.”

They also source milk from Little Big Dairy Co in Dubbo. “They’re familyrun, just like us. Supporting each other matters ˗ small business is hard enough as it is.”

Despite juggling midnight baking

shift s, school runs, and two cafés, Stacey remains grounded and grateful. “It’s busy, yeah.” Understatement. She’ll often be running on just four or five hours of sleep a day.

Their newest venture, Jumbled by Sugar Mill, has added another creative outlet ˗ and a splash of colour. “We’re still finding our rhythm there,” Stacey says, “but the idea is to bring our pastries into that vibrant, Jumbled atmosphere ˗ fresh, beautiful, fun food that fits the space.”

Future plans include expanding wholesale operations and, hopefully, hiring that elusive trade baker to give her and Darren a little breathing room. “It’s hard to find the right people,” she admits. “But when we do, it’ll let us take a breath and think bigger again.”

Until then, she’ll keep rolling, baking, and leading by example ˗ flour in her hair, energy in her step, and the unmistakable aroma of something sweet in the air.

Instagram: @thesugarmillorange

Cafés: The Sugar Mill, and Jumbled by Sugar Mill (The Sonic) both in Sale St.

Some of the detailed work that goes into the cakes and pastries.
Stacey’s signatue lemon meringue tarts.
In the kitchen you’ll often find Stacey is dusted with flour.
Part of the creative team at The Sugar Mill’s kitchen.
Stacey in the new Jumbled by Sugar Mill outlet.

Schlock horror: Mal’s Halloween movies capture century of scares

There’s nothing quite like a good old classic horror film to get the pulse racing on Halloween.

As a bit of an authority on the subject himself ˗ having watched thousands of titles down through the years ˗ local movie buff Mal MacDonald knows this better than most.

The fact is that horror flicks have been a staple of film-goers since the

advent of “moving pictures” 130 years ago, with the German silent classic ‘Nosferatu’ – based loosely on Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’ – released way back in 1922, setting the tone for a century of scares since.

“Let’s just say, with horror, it’s not just ‘good’ movies, it’s the ‘bad’ movies as well that have been popular over the years,” Mal said.

“You’ve heard of the term ‘schlock’ have you? There’s been plenty of that, as well as classics, and people still love them,” he added.

The enduring appeal of the genre, he believes, is that it’s great fun to see seemingly-average people in very abnormal situations, try and navigate scary scenarios and creepy consequences, that none of us would ever want to be in ourselves in a million years.

“It’s a thing about being scared, but not in danger yourself,” Mal explained. “It’s about investing in the character, and wondering how they are ever going to survive.”

ORANGE PRODUCE MARKETS

From his niche Orange store Reel Memories, he catalogues the sometimes impressive, occasionally embarrassing, efforts over the years in the dread game.

“There’s a bit of a revival for a lot of these old movies... parents have seen them on television or streaming and watched, them with their kids.

“Streaming services are good, but people still like to have the CD with the cover notes and a physical copy of the movie.”

From the early Boris Karloff, Lon Chaney, and Bela Lugosi classics – ‘The Phantom of the Opera’, ‘Frankenstein’, ‘The Wolf Man’, ‘The Mummy’ – to B-grade classics from the 1950s on, horror films have been a steadfast diet for viewers over the decades.

“People love them; ‘Creature from The Black Lagoon’, ‘The Blob’, and all those Vincent Price classics, ‘The Pit and the Pendulum’, ‘House of Wax’, ‘The Raven’, then the Hammer Horror films of the 1960s and 1970s with Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing.

“Then you have a genre of Italian horror classics such as ‘Zombie Holocaust’, ‘Last Man on Earth’, then through the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, with the advent of the ‘slasher’ films’ – ‘Prom Night’, ‘Friday the 13th’, and ‘Dressed to Kill’ with Angie Dickenson,” Mal listed off.

Put on the spot, he lists (in no particular order) his top horror films as including: ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre’, ‘The Creature from the Black Lagoon’, ‘20 Million Miles to Earth’, ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’, and the original Vincent Price version of ‘The Fly’.

“Hollywood great Joan Crawford even starred in a few at the end of her career, such as ‘Strait Jacket’ and a terrible film ‘Trog’ with the catchy theme song ‘Popcorn’, movies like that,” Mal revealed.

“They were real schlock horrors, but people loved them, they just love being scared!”

Movie-bu Mal MacDonald on the enduring appeal of scary cinema: “People loved them, they just love being scared!” PHOTO: ORANGE CITY LIFE/ DAVID DIXON.
Movie-bu Mal MacDonald on the enduring appeal of scary cinema: “People loved them, they just love being scared!” PHOTO: ORANGE CITY LIFE/ DAVID DIXON.

For two nights this November, some of Orange’s best musical talents are getting ready to rock the Coral Sea Room at the Orange Ex-Services Club.

The Old Orange Rockers concert on November 14-15 brings together 29 legendary local musicians for a four-hour program featuring all your favourite hits from the 60s and 70s.

“It’s going to be a prett y full-on show, we’ve got people coming from all over the country,” said organiser Geoff Cartwright, a member of local band, The Young Ones, who went on to share the stage with the like of The

Geo Cartwright is one of 29 Old Orange Rockers bringing the sounds of the 60s and 70s to the Orange Ex-Services’ Club this November 24-25.

Old Orange Rockers ready to take you back to 60s and 70s!

Rowe and Billy Thorpe & The Aztecs.

“There’s old musos from Orange like Tony Houlihan, who grew up around here, Margaret Britt , who was with the Vamps and Peaches and toured Vietnam, Clelia Adams… Murray Cook from The Wiggles and The Soul Movers is also on the show,” Geoff continued.

“All the local guys, Rocky Rochellie, Cedric Inman, Rob Bartlett - so quite a few involved in it!”

The Old Orange Rockers concert is an encore event following the highly successful 2019 reunion show, which saw 650 people pack into the Orange Function Centre, the old Amoco Hall.

“People just kept asking when are you going to do it again and then the Ex-Services Club started asking us, and so we ended up having a bit of a chat amongst ourselves and said, ‘Okay’.”

The November concerts will feature six sets of some of the best music from the 60s and 70s performed by some of the best musicians and singers to come out of Orange.

“There will be a set from The Young Ones and our later band was Eros,” Geoff said, naming some of the old local bands who will be represented at the concert.

“We’ve got the Mystery Men, who were huge back in the 60s here! “Blue

Suede Dudes, who’ve been playing the circuit around here forever and are prett y well known… Five Shades of Grey, which is Alan Brown and Paul Jones – Paul Jones is one of the reasons a lot of us started playing music in the first place back in the day!

“It’s a huge buzz for us musos and a big buzz around town. It’ll be a big show!”

The Old Orange Rockers - Live in Concert takes place 7.30pm on November 14-15 at the Orange ExServices Club. Doors open from 6.30pm.

Tickets are available via: www.123tix. com.au

Easybeats, Normie

Celebrating the Strength and Spirit of Our Bletchington Community During

The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy

Bletchington Public School recently celebrated NAIDOC Week with a vibrant program of activities honouring the 2025 theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy.” The week provided a meaningful opportunity for students, staff, families, and community members to come together in recognition of the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Throughout the week, students engaged in a variety of activities that highlighted the richness and diversity of Indigenous culture. These included the creation of stunning sand art and jewellery that expressed connection to Country, participation

in Indigenous games that fostered teamwork and cultural understanding, and language workshops that deepened appreciation for local Aboriginal languages. Displays of traditional artefacts offered valuable insights into the craftsmanship and stories of First Nations peoples.

On Friday, 24th October, the school hosted a Community BBQ and Art Expo, showcasing students’ artistic talents and creativity while bringing the school community together in a spirit of celebration. The week concluded with a moving closing assembly that reflected on the lessons and experiences shared, reaffirming the school’s commitment to reconciliation and respect. A

highlight of the celebrations was a captivating performance by the award-winning NAIROC Dance group, which captured the strength, pride, and energy of the occasion.

Bletchington Public School’s NAIDOC Week celebrations served as a powerful reminder of the enduring influence, strength, and resilience of Australia’s First Nations communities. Through the dedication and enthusiasm of students, staff, families, and community partners, the school continues to foster respect, understanding, and unity - ensuring that the next generation carries forward the values of culture, connection, and shared pride.

Ricia’s retrospective: Exhibition opening of much-loved local artist on this Sunday

As a wonderful tribute to a stalwart of the local cultural scene, Orange Art Society is having a special exhibition opening this weekend.

The art, works, and life of distinguished society member Ricia Mari is being held at their gallery at 22 Sale Street (opposite Harris Farm Markets) on Sunday, November 2, from 2pm.

The event will launch a retrospective exhibition of the late creative’s extensive works, and everyone is welcome to attend, emphasised Kaye Partridge from the society.

“Ricia was an international artist of some note, she was an eccentric character and quite well-known locally as well,” Kaye said.

“She was a member for something like four decades, and we just wanted to be able to give her that retrospective, as a tribute,” she added.

Displaying the works of this well-travelled abstract artist – who during her lifetime, also had works at shows in France, Belgium, Italy, Austria, and Cuba over the years – also has another wonderful purpose, Kaye revealed.

“Her family said they were happy for us to sell her works, and use the funds. So, all of the works will be available for sale during the exhibition period,” Kaye explained.

Her style, Kaye revealed, was the product not only of the times but also of her varied travel way back in the 1970s to thenexotic locations including East Nepal, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

“She first joined as a member 40 years ago when she moved to Molong, so her ties go back a long way,” Kaye said.

“Her full name was actually Patricia Maree Spencer, and she published books as well, which will also be on display.”

In more exciting news for the society, they are also holding a special Open Day and

‘Nicaraguan Woman’ (1990), oil on canvas, by distinguished Orange Art Society member Ricia Mari whose retrospective is being held on Sunday, November 2, from 2pm. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED.

Christmas Market on Saturday, November 22, from 9am.

The event, this year, will also include being able to watch members work at their creations, Kaye said.

“This is an annual event, and everything for sale has been handmade in one way or another; not just paintings but also, toys, arts, craft s, of every kind,” she said.

“We’re also coordinating with our open day and people will be able to see what the society is all about, maybe join in, if they wish.”

First cab off the rank, however, is the exhibition opening on Sunday.

“There’ll be lots of Ricia’s works for sale at the event,” Kaye said. “We’ll have afternoon tea, and maybe even a glass of wine,” she concluded.

For more information, go to: orangeartsociety.com.au

How the honey jumble avoids extinction in the bush

Australia’s largest flour mill happily hums and buzzes around-the-clock, churning out millions of kilograms of product it calls the “gem of the west”.

Em Reynolds, married to one of the workers at the mill in Manildra in central western NSW, takes just a little bit of that product and turns it into another Australian gem: the honey jumble biscuit.

“Everyone loves a honey jumble, especially because you can’t buy them at the supermarket anymore,” Ms Reynolds tells AAP of her honey treats iced in pink and white.

Ms Reynolds’ baking business, The Flour Millers Wife, is a homage to the three generations of mill workers in her husband’s family and to her grandmother, who passed down her famous recipe for sprinkle yo-yo biscuits.

“She used to hold out the biscuit tin and there was 20 of us grandkids, so she would only let us have two each.

“She would glare at you if you went for any more.

“We’ve all got really strong memories

nestled between paddocks of oats and grazing sheep.

Edellen Flower Farm is a way for Ms Milton, a pharmacy technician by trade, to diversify the family’s income and to carry on the tradition of her grandmother Hilda, who established a sprawling garden on Tasmania’s northwest coast.

“She had wattlebirds flying everywhere in the garden, she had beautiful roses and a vegie garden,” Ms Milton said.

“She lived until she was 97 and she was my driving force because she was a tough, old-school, amazing nan.”

of that.”

Starting as a small project to sell her wares at the local craft shop, Ms Reynolds’ business has since expanded exponentially into cafes right around NSW.

Her sweet treats were featured at the Australian National Field Days at Borenore, west of Orange, an event that showcases innovation and

ingenuity in Australian agriculture.

Not far from farmers inspecting towering tractors, Megan Milton sold bouquets of flowers grown on her property between Canowindra and Cargo.

Dahlias, billy buttons, fox gloves, sweet peas and zinnias resplendent in pinks, purples, reds and yellows sprout across an acre on her family’s farm,

Ms Milton supplies fresh bouquets to the village of Canowindra and surrounds, meaning locals don’t have to travel to florists in larger centres or have their flowers trucked in.

Local production also means the bouquets are affordable and stay fresh, she said.

“A lot of families ring from Sydney to deliver flowers to their elderly parents in Canowindra and I’ll know where they live and what they like,” she said.

“It’s a personal touch that’s making a huge difference.”

Honey Jumble biscuits are a sweet treat from the Flour Millers Wife, a baking business run by Em Reynolds whose husband is one of the workers at the mill in Manildra. PHOTO: AAP

Parking tickets about supporting business, not revenue raising: Council

Orange City Council says there is more work to be done in enforcing CBD parking limits after identifying “parking overstay hotspots” during a recent trial of new mobile licence plate recognition equipment.

Council’s licence plate recognition vehicle uses a car-mounted fixed camera linked to a laptop that takes photographs of parked cars in timelimited parking zones. The time, date, location and license plate details are recorded and compared when the patrol car makes another pass through the same area. If a parked car has overstayed the time limit, the parking officer will park nearby and issue an infringement notice.

The trial of new equipment in the vehicle included upgraded camera mountings to improve the legibility and accuracy of the images taken.

According to Council, 135 vehicles were found to be overstaying the time limit during the six-hour trial, with

hotspots being sections of Summer Street, Anson Street, Byng Street, Lords Place and Kite Street.

No parking tickets were issued during the trial, but Council says parking overstay in the CBD is reducing the opportunity for vehicle turnover to support business.

“No one likes parking time limits, and they like parking tickets even less. But they play an important role in making the CBD work and that is about making sure there is equitable access to the businesses there,” Council’s Planning and Development Policy Committee chair, Councillor Mel McDonell said.

“In the absence of time limits and tickets, the CBD could quickly jam up, reducing access to business and impacting surrounding residential streets. You often hear that parking tickets are about revenue raising but Orange City Council would be happy to see revenue fall if it was a result of parking limits being followed.”

Council says the issue of motorists not complying with parking time limits has been raised by CBD businesses, and data from the trial will be used to guide the future operation of the licence plate recognition vehicle.

For people looking to spend extended periods of time in the CBD, Cr McDonell encouraged them to become familiar with the network of carparks.

Information about parking in Orange and the location of carparks can be found at www.orange.nsw.gov.au/ parking

A six-hour trial of new mobile licence plate recognition equipment found 135 vehicles overstaying parking limits in the Orange CBD.

WE NEED TO KEEP CASH

This week in

it

challenged the

Bill to keep

A SHOUT-OUT TO THE COUNTRY WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION –CHAMPIONS OF THE CENTRAL WEST

on

my

‘king’,

access for

for

in our

and

In response to my Keeping Cash Transactions in Australia Bill 2024, the Government recently released its draft regulation on a cash mandate.

It’s a dud! It goes no further than forcing the supermarket giants and big fuel companies to keep cash for transactions of $500 or less. Australians around our nation who still want to use cash for everyday transactions will be abandoned. In country areas there are many people who don’t buy their food and groceries from the big retail providers.

My Bill mandates that businesses operating in any face-to-face settings, must accept cash for transactions that don’t exceed $10,000.

Sadly, the Minister’s response remains highly disappointing.

HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY BLAYNEY PRESCHOOL

We had a wonderful community celebration in Blayney to celebrate 50 years of Blayney Preschool. It’s a community-owned preschool that has had an incredibly positive impact on the lives of thousands of children who have been fortunate enough to attend.

Thank you Olivia, Lauren, and all the educators from Blayney Preschool for your passion and commitment to early childhood education and giving so many kids the best possible start in life!

CARNIVALE STREET PARTY

coming soon to odeon 5

November 6

PREDATOR: BADLANDS

Cast: Elle Fanning Dimitrius SchusterKoloamatangi

A young Predator outcast from his clan finds an unlikely ally on his journey in search of the ultimate adversary.

Genre: Action / Science fiction

BACK TO THE FUTURE

Cast: Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Crispin Glover, and Thomas F. Wilson.

Marty McFly, a 17-year-old high school student, is accidentally sent 30 years into the past in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by his close friend, the maverick scientist Doc Brown.

Genre: Comedy/ Family/Sci-fi

THE RUNNING MAN

Cast: Glen Powell, William H. Macy, Lee Pace, Michael Cera, Emilia Jones, Daniel Ezra, Jayme Lawson, Colman Domingo, and Josh Brolin.

A man joins a game show where contestants, allowed to go anywhere in the world, are pursued by “hunters” hired to kill them.

Genre: Sci-fi/Adventure

Orange City Council is encouraging residents to “get your scrap together” by making the most of your green-lidded Food Organics, Garden Organics (FOGO) bins.

The Scrap Together education campaign highlights how small actions, like placing all food scraps into the FOGO bin instead of the redlidded bin, can make a big difference.

Through NetWaste, the campaign is being rolled out across eight western NSW councils - Parkes, Bathurst, Dubbo, Forbes, Lithgow, Mid-Western, Narromine and Orange, funded by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA).

Orange was the first regional council in NSW to introduce the FOGO service, in mid-2013, in an effort to keep thousands of tonnes of food and organic waste out of landfill every year.

Food waste makes up about a third of what currently goes into red bins, where it produces

methane gas in landfill - 25 times more harmful than carbon dioxide.

The FOGO service offers residents a convenient way of disposing of food scraps and garden waste, which is turned into high-quality, low-cost compost they can purchase for their gardens.

Almost all food scraps can be disposed of in the green-lid FOGO bin, except honey. We will accept:

•Fruit and vegetable scraps

•Meat, bones, seafood and shells

•Dairy products

•Bread products

•Eggs

•Loose tea and coffee grinds

•Garden clippings

•Leaves and mulch

Running one of Orange’s highest-profile eateries, for Peter Son of the Leaf Café in the very heart of the City Centre, it’s all about family.

“My first priority is not about the menu, it’s customer service, that is the most important thing,” he revealed.

“We look at our customers like a family, I’ve been owner six years, not a short time, but I’ve always thought that we need to make our customers feel welcome and looked after,” he added.

With an extensive and varied list of freshly-prepared bistro-style meals on offer seven days a week, Leaf, however, also offers something very unique in the central west.

“We retail a cold-pressed drink, we call it our ‘green juice’ and we make it fresh from apple, kale, spinach, and pear, and it’s something only we do,” Peter said proudly.

“It’s very refreshing and full of energy, this is our iconic juice.”

Another speciality of the house, he explained, is an old classic European favourite that is especially popular with customers.

“We’re known for our hot chocolate, but we only use the very best Belgian chocolate to make it,” Peter explained.

“We’re known for it, it’s our speciality, and it is a unique beverage for us that we are very proud of.”

For more traditional café meals, he easily lists the menu items that jump out as real highlights.

“Our very top meals include crushed avocado, corn fritters, smoked angus beef brisket sandwiches, and the roasted pork belly rice bowl.”

Open from Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm; Saturday, from 8.30am to 4pm; and Sunday from 8.30am to 3pm regular items on the menu range from delicious breakfasts, morning and afternoon teas, to top-of-the-range lunch meals for the hungriest diner.

From a rich, specialty coffee brew that is roasted in Sydney, to a full breakfast menu, to a range of deliciously-prepared meals, there’s something to fill your appetite.

Liking to keep on the go, Peter also owns and proudly runs the Korean fried chicken outlet, PFC, at North Orange, located in the North Orange Shopping Centre, which offers delicious meals

from the country for which Peter’s Korean background is famous.

“The Leaf Café, is the older brother, while PFC is like the younger brother,” Peter explained.

“It’s just like being in a family,” he concluded.

Shop 08/190 Anson Street, Orange Call: 0439 235 619 www.leafcafe.com.au

OPEN 7 DAYS

Monday to Friday: 8.30am - 4.30pm Saturday: 8.30am - 4pm Sunday: 8.30am - 3pm

DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY FOR JOHN AND EILEEN READ

Congratulations to John and Eileen Read of Blayney, who last week celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. John and Eileen (nee Muggleton) were married at St Paul’s Anglican Church in Carcoar on October 23, 1965. The couple were thrown a surprise celebration for the happy occasion by family and friends at the Ophir Hotel.

Joey Parker, Aston Caven, Eileen and John Read, with Jake and Millie Parker, in front.
John Read and Eileen (nee Muggleton) on their wedding day at St Paul’s Anglican Church, Carcoar, 23 October 23, 1965
Eileen and John Read with long-time friends Kathy Tyrell, and Kathy and Geoff Roach.
Nicole O’Neil, Sean O’Neil, Eileen and John Read with daughter Cindy O’Neil, seated, Tara and Brendon O’Neil.
Jaxon, Alyson, and Graham Wojcik with Eileen and John Read
Jarved Quereshi, Sonya and Terry McGovern, and Dianne Quereshi.
Eileen and John Read with Wendy Daley who was the flower girl at their wedding 60 years ago. Wendy holds the doll the couple gifted her for being part of their wedding day.
Long-time friend Kathy Tyrell with Eileen and John Read.

The following was given to the Ashcrofts by Bob Holland, a loyal friend, a local businessman himself, and a customer. He asked that they share it within the community.

A CUSTOMER’S REQUEST... NOT SO OBVIOUS ()

ONE OF YOU!

12 BENEFITS

when you do your grocery shopping at

Ashcroft’s stores in Orange are owned by genuine locals, that is people who live in Orange. Ian and Rochelle Ashcroft are proud Orange locals, they are one of you! They not only live here and operate businesses here, they also strongly support and give back to their community, it’s part of their DNA.

HASSLE FREE PARKING!

Most locals know the challenges they face when it comes to parking near most local supermarkets in Orange. Not so at Ashcroft’s. Parking at both their Village store in Summer Street and their Peisley Street store is arguably much easier and involves considerably less hassle than others.

Ashcroft customers appreciate the easier access, more room to move and greater safety overall.

MORE RELAXED SHOPPING EXPERIENCE!

More often than not, the experience at big name supermarket check-outs leaves shoppers NOT feeling good. The experience that awaits you at Ashcroft’s is noticeably different.

Ashcroft’s work hard to ensure their team minimises wait times and provide a pleasant hassle-free experience each time you arrive at their checkouts. Regular Ashcroft customers often comment on this.

LOWER (THAN YOU MIGHT THINK) PRICES!

Perception is reality, so the saying goes, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s true. The perception is that Aldi, Coles and Woolworths are generally cheaper than IGA and other grocery outlets.

The truth however, is that you can make figures, surveys and the like say whatever you want them to say to suit your purposes. The further truth is that a recent survey between Coles, Woolworths and IGA in Orange revealed that in a huge number of cases the standard prices were exactly the same in each store.

Modern day marketing uses a lot of razzle dazzle and techniques, all designed to convince shoppers that their prices are the best or lowest. They do this so well that it’s almost impossible for the average shopper to get an accurate or genuine apples with apples comparison.

One thing you can be certain of however, on balance Ashcroft’s prices are more like other supermarkets, and often even lower than you probably think.

SUPPORT OF LOCAL PRODUCERS

Ashcroft’s are keen supporters of around 20 local growers and producers. This means that when you purchase locally produced items from Ashcroft’s, you’re supporting local producers.

Items that Ashcroft’s sell that are produced locally include seasonal fruit and vegetables, eggs, cheese and dairy products, dips, bacon, heat n serve meals and more.

SERVICES NOT AVAILABLE IN OTHER SUPERMARKETS

Where goods and services are produced and provided locally, it means more local jobs. That’s why Ashcroft’s have their own team of local butchers, and why they make their own sandwiches and wraps, popcorn, donuts and bakery products, freshly squeezed Orange juice, home style quick meals, and meal accompaniments like hot potato bake, all in store.

PROVIDING JOBS FOR OUR YOUNG

Another not so obvious benefit you get from shopping at Ashcroft’s is you’re supporting our young. The Ashcroft’s proudly have a strong emphasis on giving young people opportunities to work in their stores and in so doing, giving them quality opportunities to gain valuable retail and management experience in a high-profile setting.

Ashcroft’s employ 170 people in their Orange stores and approximately 120 of these are under the age of 25.

PERSONAL SERVICE

Ashcroft’s believe in personal service, that’s why they don’t have self-serve checkouts. Ashcroft’s believe that personal service is a true measure of a community’s spirit and that spirit is found in the everyday encounters we share when being served by a person.

FARMERS AND FAIRNESS

We often hear of farmers complaining that they are not being treated fairly by the major supermarkets.

Ashcroft’s are proud to be part of the IGA family of independent groceries of Australia who are not involved in such controversy because they treat our farmers fairly.

GIVING TO LOCALS IN NEED

The Ashcroft’s have their own family run charity (Let’s Make Better) and by way of personal contributions and a small per centage from sales through their stores, Ashcroft’s have been able to give almost $500,000 over the last 9 years to locals in need.

These locals include several who have been brought to the Ashcroft’s attention personally as well as through support services like FoodCare, Housing Plus, The Vinnies Van, just to name a few. You can learn more about Let’s Make Better and/or donate to help others at www.letsmakebetter.com.au

ADDING TO THE COMMUNITY GENERALLY

Like so many small businesses, the Ashcrofts are also a customer themselves to numerous other fellow small businesses in Orange. They spend tens of thousands of dollars each year as customers of other businesses in Orange. There are too many to mention but they include signwriters, printers, IT services, independent local media as well as local builders and tradies. Round and round it goes, so either directly or indirectly, we all benefit.

YOU’RE DEALING WITH GOOD PEOPLE!

To some people this may not matter. If however, doing business with good people does matter to you, ask someone who knows the Ashcrofts well and they will likely tell you they are not just good people, but very good people with a genuine heart for doing good within our community. I personally can vouch for this.

YOURSPACE

reception@oclife.com.au Have something of interest to share?

Thanks Spring Hill!

Last Friday, I had the pleasure of handing over a cheque for $4200 to representatives of the Orange Lions Club, raised at the 2025 Barry Winnell Give Me Change for Kids Fundraiser in September. I wish to thank Narelle and Tony of the Railway Hotel, Spring Hill, as well as the Spring Hill Activity Group, Chantell, Josh and family, and

all our volunteers for making the day a success. I also wish to thank all our sponsors who generously donated prizes for the raffles and our auction, and a big thanks to all the junior players and parents who participated. Thank you all!

Sincerely,

CROSS purposes

“HOW GOOD DO YOU NEED TO BE FOR GOD?” WITH GRAHAME HORNIDGE

“Guess what my niece, Ava, the one with a pet rock, asked the other day?” said Bill.

“Dunno”, said Eric.

“Yeah, well….” said Bill. “She asked me how good do you need to be for God?”

“She must have been thinking a bit, then,” said Eric. “What did you ….”

“I told her that goodness has nothing to do with it. Jesus told about a really good man who was praying in church. He thought he was right with God. And over the other side was a man who prayed quite differently. He said ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner’. Jesus said that HE was the one who went home right with God. Ava wanted to know why that was so, of course. I said it’s because no-one is really good – no-one can get to heaven by being good enough. That’s exactly why God made a rescue plan to save and forgive people, because there was no other way. If a person thinks they’re good enough, they are saying God’s rescue plan isn’t needed in their case.”

Eric got a word in then. “That second man admitted he needed forgiveness. That’s why he asked for it. That’s why he got it.”

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

Historic Millthorpe Gem

Set on the edge of the historic village of Millthorpe and overlooking open farmland, this property blends charm and potential. A rare opportunity for two house blocks just a short stroll from Millthorpe’s vibrant town centre, and the appeal for investors and owneroccupiers alike is undeniable. The property has previously been used as an Air BnB.

The home features elegant cornices, picture and ceiling rails, and period lighting beautifully highlighting its heritage character. Inside, you’ll find five spacious bedrooms, two bathrooms, and two separate living areas, one of which enjoys the warmth and ambience of a wood fireplace. A dining room adjoins the kitchen, creating a functional family hub, while

gas heating and an additional electric fireplace provide comfort throughout the seasons.

Occupying a generous 1,197-squaremetre double-titled block, the property continues to impress outdoors. A timeless front-facing timber verandah adds instant street appeal, while the backyard offers space for entertaining with an outdoor dining and barbecue

16 STABBACK STREET, MILLTHORPE

5 2 4 FOR SALE: $750,000

AWN Real Estate

Agent: Tom Campbell

Contact: 0459 022 477

area. A standalone garage and lock-up workshop provide excellent storage and versatility, and a water tank completes the package.

Whether you’re seeking a characterfilled home to settle into village life or a property with exciting development potential, this Millthorpe gem is one not to miss.

6119 Burrendong Way, Stuart Town

PROPERTY SOLD - Clearing Sale- 1844 Icely Road, Lower Lewis Ponds Road, via Orange

2 axle farm trailer, 1x 130HP SAME tractor 4x4, Rotary Hoe, Small farm tractor (red) 2 axle, CELEBRITY 270 Boat with 2 axle trailer, SUNBEAM Supermatic Hydraulic wool press, 1x shearing plant, Shearing Knife sharpener

CATERPILLAR motor small tractor 4x4 with 3 in one bucket, slasher and forks for the front end loader, old Triton ute 4wd (not going), Fork lift (yellow), FURPHY water container, 1 x 20 ft shipping container, 2 x axle trailer (yellow), Car hoist 3000KG capacity, MANRIDER winches, Old International (small) baler, Water pumps, water cooled diesel generator (blue), COMPAC yellow and blue PERKINS electric generator

JAGUAR CARS

1. 1980s (maroon) Jaguar (for parts) 2. 1980 (light blue) Jaguar (for parts)

3. XJSport (black)

4. 1980s (blue)

5. V12 Sovereign Jaguar (sea green) 6. Sovereign (brown)

7. Jaguar S type

9. DAIMLER Vanden Plas

8. Coupe

10. Sovereign (blue) 1988

11. XJSC coupe (soft top) Hamilton motor

• Refreshments available on the day.Directions; Take Icely Road turnoff from Northern Distributor, head East,( 14 kms approx) follow signs, property RHS

Selling Agents: PRD Orange Scott Munro 0428 650 675

Saturday November 15th Inspections from 9am Sale Begins 10.30am

Auction. If not sold prior.

‘Glenrose’ is an attractive rural lifestyle property set on 17.8ha south of Blayney.

• 4-bedroom, 1 bathroom

• Open plan kitchen and dining

• French doors opening from the northfacing rooms to the garden

• Reverse-cycle air conditioning, slow combustion wood heater & ceiling fans

• Fenced into 5 paddocks with improved pastures and scattered native timber.

Real Estate

Ben Redfern 0457 770 062

ben.redfern@elders.com.au

Marty Lyden 0404 070 391 martin.lyden@elders.com.au

Grazing and cropping opportunities.

A versatile 123ha (304ac*) rural holding ideal for cropping and livestock.

• An older four-bedroom weatherboard home with sweeping views

• 3 x 50-ton silos, hay shed & workshop

• Steel cattle yards

• Equipped bore supplying a header tank for stock and domestic use

• Divided into four paddocks with excellent access and layout.

A lifestyle like no other.

Set on 2.6ha (6.5ac) along the Bell River, this property offers two homes and flexible options for family living, guest accommodation, or a farm stay.

• Two homes linked by a spacious entertainment courtyard

• Homestead: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, country-style kitchen, hardwood floor

• Cottage: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reverse cycle air-conditioning.

Friday 5 December at 10:30am 152 William Street, Bathurst

Real Estate

Ben Redfern 0457 770 062

ben.redfern@elders.com.au

Katie Christopherson 0400 637 559 katie.christophersen@elders.com.au

* Approximately 123 Ha | 304 Ac*

Friday 5 December at 10:30am 152 William Street, Bathurst

Real Estate

Ben Redfern 0457 770 062 ben.redfern@elders.com.au

Joe Simpson 0439 262 402 joe.simpson@elders.com.au

Space and breathtaking views.

• 8 bedrooms with walk-in wardrobes

• Master wing with ensuite, lounge and study

• Modern kitchen with butler’s pantry

• Ducted heating/cooling & electric fireplace

• 11.2KW solar system, 120,000L water tank & bore with pump

• Fully fenced with double garage & treelined driveway.

10:30am - 11am * Approximately 2.23

Estate

Redfern 0457 770 062 ben.redfern@elders.com.au

Christopherson 0400 637 559 katie.christopherson@elders.com.au

Elders Emms Mooney
Auction
‘WILTARA’, ORANGE, NSW
‘KAROO’, WALMER, NSW
‘GLENROSE’, HOBBYS YARDS, NSW
74 PITTMAN DRIVE, BLAYNEY, NSW

9.30 - 10.00 16 STABBACK STREET MILLTHORPE 521$750,000 ELDERS

9:00 - 9:30116 SPEEDY STREET, MOLONG 524 AUCTION

9:30 - 10:001170 MITCHELL HWY, ORANGE 745 AUCTION

9:30 - 10:00283 DALTON STREET, ORANGE 413 AUCTION

10:00 - 10:3089 MOLONG ROAD, ORANGE 315 AUCTION

10:30 - 11:0074 PITTMAN DRIVE, BLAYNEY 844 AUCTION

11:00 - 11:3084 BROKEN SHAFT CLOSE, ORANGE 224 AUCTION

12:30 - 1:00127 GORMAN ROAD, ORANGE 528 AUCTION

ONE AGENCY

10:00-10:30138 MARCH STREET, ORANGE321$1,000,000 - $1,100,000

10:00-10:3057 BOWMAN AVENUE, ORANGE426$1,250,000

10:00-10:3058 BROOKLANDS DRIVE422$830,000 - $870,000

10:00-10:306 LINDEN AVENUE, ORANGE532$1,475,000 - $1,525,000

10:45-11:1561 CORONATION DRIVE432$800,000 - $820,000

10:45-11:1534 GEORGE WEILY PLACE422$970,000 - $1,030,000

10:45-11:157 KITE STREET, ORANGE322$1,500,000 - $1,600,000

10:45-11:155 MESSINA STREET, ORANGE424$785,000-$835,000

11:30-12:007 DIAMOND DRIVE, ORANGE422$920,000 - $950,000

11:30-12:004/71A MOULDER STREET321$825,000 - $850,000

11:30-12:008 EMILY PLACE, ORANGE422 $950,000 - $975,000

01:15-01:4542 CARWOOLA DRIVE, ORANGE4221,300,000 - $1,350,000

01:00-01:3047 OGILVY STREET, BLAYNEY311$375,000 - $410,000

ORANGE REAL ESTATE

10.00-10.30288 BYNG STREET 311 $589,000.00

10.00-10.30124 GARDINER ROAD 324 $880,000.00 - $910,000.00

11.00-11.309 SALE STREET 522 AUCTION

11.00-11.3010 GIRRAHWEEN PLACE433 $1,590,000.00

11.45-12.1522 JUBILEE AVENUE 311 $549,000.00 - $579,000.00

PETER FISHER

10:00- 10:30237 MARCH STREET 314$650,000 - $700,000 10:45 - 11:15 20 JAMES SHEAHAN DRIVE 323$750,000 - $770,000

11:30 - 12:00355 PEISLEY STREET 310$600,000 - $630,000 12:30 - 1:001529 THE ESCORT WAY 633$3,000,000 - $3,300,000 PRD

10.30 - 11.00181 HILL STREET ORANGE 324CONTACT AGENT

11.00 - 11.309 GIRRAHWEEN PLACE 5 2.5 41.39MILLION 12.00 - 12.30 60 ENDLEIGH AVE ORANGE 311$550,000

RAY WHITE

9:15 - 9:4518 Ewin Street, Blayney311Contact Agent

10:00 - 10:3032 Palmer Street, Blayney422Contact Agent

10:00 - 10:30568 Borenore Road, Orange332Contact Agent

11:00 - 11:30117 Dalton Street, Orange311$550,000 - $570,000

12:00 - 12:3078 Hillside Lane, Forest Reefs528AUCTION 1:15 -1:45pm19 Carcoar Street, Neville315$750,000

Best Properties Best Agents...

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

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
DIANE DAVIS

KI D S ZON E

Kids Talk

Name and age: Arlyn, I just turned 9

Who is your favourite teacher? Miss Emblem, because she’s really, really nice and when stuff gets frustrating in class, she makes it not confusing. What’s your favourite subject at school this year? Maths. I love multiplication, division, fact families, the compensation strategies- those are the things I love about maths.

Who is your best friend and what do you like to do together? I have lots of best friends and we usually play soccer, and when we are on opposite teams, we sometimes sabotage our own teams.

If you were principal for a day, what’s the first thing you would do?

Uhhhhhh, make the school only have sports and exercising… and free food from the canteen for everyone!

What is your favourite food? My favourite food is PANCAKES! What is something that makes you really happy? Playing computer games and winning medals for soccer.

What is the most important job in the world? To look after other people because if a few people aren’t looked after then no one’s gonna have friends and they might get sick and won’t socialise and have no one to help them. That would be sad. So, help people.

If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be? Teleportation, because then I wouldn’t have to walk anywhere.

NEW WAY TO ENTER OUR REGULAR COMPETITIONS

1- Scan the QR code 2- Enter your name and contact details. 3- Submit your competition details.3- answers. Automatically go into an additional draw for a chance to win a $20 food and beverage voucher from the Orange City Bowling Club!

FACE IN THE CROWD

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY We have two vouchers to give away per month, be on the lookout for the face in the crowd in next week’s mag.

LastWeek’sAnswer: Page19

We have a double movie pass to give away per week. To enter go to this weeks Odeon Cinema’s ad and find the movie that is screening at 5pm, Sunday 2nd November. Write your name and phone number on the back of an envelope, along with your answer, and send in....

LOUISE AND TONY WED!

Congratulations to Louise Roberts and Tony Jones, who celebrated their nuptials on Saturday, October 25, with a reception at the Orange Masonic Lodge. The occasion was also an excuse for further celebrations with two surprise 60th birthdays held on Friday night with visiting family. Tony added that it’s been a busy few months ˗ with retirement, a new house, and now a wedding! Around 50 guests attended, with some travelling from Brisbane, Broken Hill, and Gladstone.

Vicky Fawkes, Barbara Russ, Louise Jones and Laura McGuire.
Jones and Roberts family members.
Holly Oldsen, Adam Roberts, Chelsea Jones and Andrew Jones.
Adam Roberts, Chelsea Jones, Andrew Jones, Holley Oldsen with Louise and Tony Jones.
Debbie Doherty, Wayne Leonard, Mandy Howarth with Em and Rick Knox.
Peter and Vicky Fawkes, Kevin and Barbara Russ with Laura and Ralph McGuire.
Bruce and Judy Chapman, Cathy and Hugh Laird, Aiden Lacadad, Louise Jones with Monique and Rob Finlay.
Andrew Jones, Ralph McGuire and Adam Roberts.
Adam Roberts, Tony and Louise Jones with Wyn Cutler (seated).

ORANGE NAIDOC COMMUNITY AWARDS NIGHT

The week-long NAIDOC celebrations wrapped up on Saturday night with the annual NAIDOC Community Awards Night held at the Orange Ex-Services Club. The theme for this year was “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy.”

The venue was beautifully decorated, and guests looked stunning in their formal attire as the community came together to celebrate and honour local achievements. It was a wonderful way to finish off a week of pride, culture, and connection.

Gillian and Uncle Neil Ingram.
Taleise Pickavance and Jye Norris.
Millicent Klaare-Smith and Romy Barrett
Orange City Councillors Steve Peterson and Gerald Power.
Dixie Crawford , Christie Cain, Paige Pigdon and Tegan Woods.
Daniel Gibbs, Dan Annesley, Mel Mchaton, Deng Akok, Alisha Ross, Geoff Ross, Kruise and Leah O’Dwyer .
Trudy Sharp and Ricki Sutherland.
Jayme Taylor, Sharon Holmes, Toni Parker, Tracy Townsend, Sally O’Donnell, Amy French, Gemma Brotherton, Jenna Hattersley and Nikea Dixon.
Tony Mileto and Zoe Macartney.
Jason French and Ekala French.

SURPRISE BIRTHDAY FOR MELISSA RYAN!

Happy irthday to Melissa Ryan, who was given a surprise birthday party at the Waratah Sports Club on Saturday, October 18. It was a party that was apparently months in the planning, with Melissa genuinely surprised on her arrival at Waratahs to find friends and family who had travelled to be there for the occasion.

Jordan, Melissa, Brett and Ella Ryan.
Roy, Christine, Brett and Melissa Ryan, with Sue Hately and Guy Barbagallo.
Melissa with her aunts and uncles: Jack and Twig Shoemaker, Robin Boaden, Melissa Ryan, Jenny Blandford, Mark and Jay McLennan, Riley McLennan, and Sue Hately.
The Blowes team: Keegan Jackson, Tori Allen, Melissa Ryan and Luke Morris.
Mark and Lizzy Szczerbicki, Alfio Barbagallo, Melissa Ryan, Piera Barbagallo, Monia and Massimo Montefusco, and Guy Barbagallo.
Pina Baileys, Connie Barbagallo, Jackson Baileys, Sarah Barbagallo, Melissa Ryan, Vanessa Barbagallo, Adam Baileys, and, in front, Lillia Baileys and Sam Barbagallo.
Hannah Boaden and Melissa Ryan.
Jordan Ryan, Brett Ryan, Katie Stonestreet, Lucy Stonestreet, Melissa Ryan, Annie Stonestreet, Anthony Stonestreet, and Ella Ryan.

BONNOR CUP ACTION AT WADE PARK

The BurMac Bonnor Cup got underway in Orange on Friday evening with Orange City Warriors hosting the Bathurst City Redbacks at Wade Park. Bathurst went into bat first and finished their 20-over innings with a score of 5-148. Orange City won the match by two overs and eight wickets, with S. Grenfell hitting a four to close their innings at 2-150.

Kinross Year 7 boys enjoying the cricket.

SPORTSNEWS

Tenpin Bowling HEAD PIN

with Bob Taylor

Jordan Trenholm scored 141 over average for the series.

Let’s get started with a look at the Tuesday juniors where there were two Stars, these being Lucas Budd with 107 over average and Beau Annis-Brown also with 107 over average.

They were followed by Jordan Trenholm from the Wednesday 7.30pm league who scored 141 over average ahead of Tyson Morris from the Monday 6.30pm league who scored 129 over average, and he was followed by Tyler King from the Monday 7.30pm league who scored 110 over average. Next in line was Gypsy Marley from the Thursday juniors with 102 over average and finally there was Brock Gallagher from the Thursday 7.30pm league with 100 over average for the series.

Star Bowler of the Week and winner of the Auto Wash compliments of Race Track Car Wash was Jordan Trenholm who scored that great 141 over average for the series.

The High Roller champion this week and winner of the three free practice games was Nathaniel Mason who scored a wonderful 279 (PB)

And as always there were plenty of others desperate to beat Nathaniel among them being Tyson Morris 206, Damien Christoff 201, Kiel Bugden 223, Joshua Harman 203, Will Rollo 254 (PB), Tyler King 234, Matt Bryant 253, Breanna Hovey 226, Jacinda Woods 221, Blake Frecklington 228, Hayden Swallow 241, Travis McMahon 220, Alex Gaeta 218, Jordan Trenholm 231 (PB), Steve McConnell 213, Hudson Howard 213, Joshua Johnstone 235, Sam Bennett 226, Nic Culverson 200 (PB), Monique Slaczka 225, Brock Gallagher 229, Josh Thornton 223 and Kerry Hogan 218.

The Almost Made it Hero and

Sue Pagett scored a very tidy 183.

winner of the open order from Kings Takeaway at Greengate was Beau Annis-Brown, who scored 171 (PB). As this score was 65 over average and part of his 107 over average for the series, Beau was named Junior of the Week and winner of the free games compliments of the Tenpin Bowl.

And there were others feeling the pangs of hunger, among them being Bob Taylor (yes, me!) 152, Maureen Corby 144, Jenny Livermore 166, Jenny Solling 151, Sue Pagett 183, Wendy Reddan 113, Dianne Apps 171, Julie Hoogenboom 168, Yvonne Daniels 159, David Jameson 178, Jill Beadle 169, Rob Ebert 162, Annabelle Ferrier 129, Liam Stibbard 164, Dustin Southwell 149, Samson Hammond 189, Conner Peate 130, Alex Lange 149 and Tracy Gavin 169.

Not to be left out there were also Adrian Baker 140, Leanne Hovey 157, Natalie Corby 170, Todd Lassano 160, Neville Bardon 176, Jeremy Jones 174, Cody Frecklington 139, Beau Lawry 138, Lucas Budd 169 (PB), Michael Selmes 175, Rachel Johnson 173, Alan Westendorf 187, Warren Taylor 178, Gary James 187, Ian Middleton 181, Maggie Grabham 141, Gypsy Marley a pair of 130s, Michelle Carroll 180, Oliver Veitch 178 and Steven Randall 170.

The fourth Female of Note and next in line, hoping for the gift certificate from MJ’s All Hair-All Occasions, was Monique Slackza, whose score of 225 was 49 over average.

The fourth Man of the Moment and next in line, wishing for the voucher from Guys Cuts, was Jordan Trenholm, whose score of 231 (PB) was 71 over average and part of his 141 over average for the series.

Country Club BOWLS NOTES

Hello Bowlers, Please note there are no Saturday Bowls this weekend, 1-2 October 2025.

Tuesday Socials had 44 bowlers. Raffle winners were: Jim Clemow, Jim Duff y and Frank McCarthy. Lucky rink winners were: Mario Ruggerio and Marty Rickards. Unfortunates were: Jim Duff y, Trevor Stedman and Col Rosser. Consolation winners were: Darryl West, Neil Higgins and Kev Kelly. Jackpot was won by Darryl West, Neil Higgins, Kev Kelly, Garry Pearce, Peter Brooking and Wayne Carr.

Welcome to our visiting Bowler Nev Kirwan and new member Dave Cleal.

Saturday, we had 20 social bowlers and 12 Singles Championships games. Raffle winners were: Jim Hill and Col Rosser. Lucky Rink winner: Peter Lange. Unfortunates winner: Jim Finn.

Our Champions Pair Tournament is on the board in the alcove. Please support this great tournament and its sponsor, the Orange Ex-Services Club.

Hoping our members who are on

On Thursday, 23 October, six ladies enjoyed a lovely morning of social bowls with eight of our other ladies playing in the second round of our Club Pairs Championships.

In the social game of triples, the team of Kerry, Carol and Maryanne defeated Kathy, Verna and Denise L. in a close game.

In the Club Pairs Championships, Phoebe and Annette had a win over Vicki and Lorraine and Veronica, and Judy had a win over Yvonne and Trish. The final of the Championship Pairs will be played on Thursday, 30 October, between Veronica and Judy V and Phoebe and Annette.

On Tuesday, 21 October, three more of our talented ladies travelled to Canowindra to play in their Presidents’ Day tournament. Jane, Veronica and Judy had a great day of fun, friendship and bowls.

A reminder that we will be having our Melbourne Cup Lunch again this

Round 4 winners of the Minor/Major Pairs: Beadel and Darryl West.

the sick as well as the recovery list are on the mend. Our thoughts are with you all.

It was great to see Geoff Carthew visiting on Tuesday and Saturday. You certainly have been through the wars, but you are looking good now.

Tuesday 28 October - 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.

Bowls Etiquette tips: Hand your opponent the mat and the Jack at the start of play.

Happy bowling, Christine.

year on Tuesday, 4 November. There will be a three-course meal supplied for a fee, and please bring whatever you would like to drink. Sweeps will be available on the day. Money to be paid to our wonderful Social Director when you RSVP by Thursday, 23 October. Come join us for a fun afternoon.

Our best wishes to those who are feeling under the weather – we hope you are feeling better soon.

Practice and coaching is available every Tuesday commencing at 10.30 am, at the Country Club. These sessions are for our existing members and any ladies who would like to try their hand at lawn bowls.

Please contact Trish on 0400 379 294, or Jane on 0419 620 077 for further information.

Follow us on Instagram oesc_ womensbowls or Facebook Orange Ex-Services’ Country Club Women’s Bowls

Have a great week!

ORANGE EX SERVICES CLUB COUNTRY CLUB WOMEN’S BOWLS

Duntryleague Women’s Golf

Leahey, Jane Arnott, and Joy Ritchie with sponsors Janice Pritchard, Marg Shannon and Dot Beasley.

Last Tuesday at Duntryleague, a large field of women had a fun day on the course and at the same time donated to a charitable cause.

The Charity was Can Assist, a very worthy and well-known one for the Orange district. The generous sponsors for the event are Shirley Doherty, Marg Shannon, Dot Beasley, Janice Pritchard and Jill Benson. Thank you all!

The event was a fun day with each team of four playing with one pink ball, as well as their own ball. Players took it in turn to use the pink ball, which somehow played with our minds as well! When we used the pink ball, we tried our hardest to play well; however, some of us could not and even lost the pink ball! Players

could buy a ‘get out of trouble’ voucher before the game to help with bunkers and putting, a fun way to raise money for the Charity.

The clever team that came in with the best ‘pink ball’ score was Ann Williams, Lorie Leahey, Jane Arnott and Joy Ritchie. Congratulations to you all on keeping it all together.

For Can Assist, it was a very successful event with the funds raised from the generous players and the raffle.

The Annual Women’s Tournament will be held at Duntryleague next Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with 198 women playing. The theme this year is Springtime, so we are all hoping for suitable springtime weather.

ORANGE CITY WOMEN’S BOWLS NOTES

Last week, Orange City women held their monthly Open Trophy Day. The winners on 13 points were: Margo Fairbairn, Joyce Bevan, Roslyn McGroder and Virginia Dunn. Lucky losers drawn from the cards were Sue Moloney, Laurel Duffy and Mary Carr.

Raffle winners on the day were Roslyn McGroder, Laurel Duffy and Maria Cudars.

Two teams from Orange City ventured over to Canowindra last Tuesday to enjoy a game of bowls in a fundraising day for the Canowindra Hospital. A great day was had by all, even if it was a tad warm.

Bowls NSW held their annual awards night at Wenty League’s Club in Sydney recently, and a number of members travelled down to support Orange City’s Club administrator, Hugh Mawter, who made it through to the last four contenders in the Club Administrator of the Year award. Congratulations Hugh!

Twilight bowls are held each Wednesday night at 6pm, weather permitting. Names in by 5pm please. Thinking of taking up lawn bowls? If so, we have free coaching by an accredited coach each Wednesday morning at 10am, or by appointment. Text Sue on 0409 522 099 or contact The Orange City Bowling Club. Happy bowling everyone!

Wentworth Ladies Golf News

The October Monthly Medal winner with a magnificent net 65 was Anne Field. Anne has been in some sizzling form of late and playing some great golf. Congratulations on a wonderful round!

A Grade winner was Di Rodgers who was very consistent, finishing with a net 70, well played! Runner up with a steady net 74 was Shirley Grenfell and third went to Helen Ross with a nicely played net 75.

B Grade winner was Christine Phillips who played well to finish with net 71. Christine has been playing some very good golf of late and was happy with her game, well done. Runner-up was Jan Moad, who also finished with a very nice 71. She played some great shots, but was just pipped on a count-back. Third place went to Helen Laffey, who played well to finish with a net 73.

C Grade winner was Judy Brewer who had a brilliant net 68. This is one of Judy’s best rounds, well played. Runner-up was Vicki Burke with a sensational net 70. She was extremely happy with her game and playing some nice golf, well done! And third place went to Shirley Buckler with a nicely played net 73.

Gross winners were A Grade Katrina Ferris (91); B Grade Roslyn Fuller (96); and C Grade Leone Dalton (106).

Nearest the pins were won by Shirley Grenfell (5th), Liz Mitchell (6th), Drive and Pitch Shirley Grenfell (9th), and Rachel Kelly (17th)

Ball competition winners were Roslyn Fuller, Liz Mitchell, Vicki Burke, Sue Healey and Anne Field.

Good luck to our Golf NSW Representatives Katrina Ferris, Tayla Harvey, Sandra Jarman, Shirley Hyde, and Jane Gunn who are playing at Canowindra on Sunday.

The 4BBB Matchplay semi-finals have now been completed with Wendy McIntyre and Shirley Buckler defeating Judy Brewer and Christine Phillips 5/4, and Jan Moad and Laurell Gassmann defeating Jane Gunn and Val Lynch on the 20th Hole. The final will be played this Sunday at 8am if anyone is keen to come out and cheer Wendy and Shirley against Jan and Laurell. It should be a great match. Good luck to both teams!

Next week we will be playing an individual

Leone Dalton, C Grade Scratch Winner, and Anne Field, Monthly Medal Winner.

Stableford coloured ball event. The coloured ball team event is run in conjunction with the individual Stableford. The Individual Stableford is scored in MiScore as normal. Instructions for the event will be given out on the day.

Have a great week!

The best ‘Pink Ball’ team on the day: Ann Williams, Lorie
Pam and Anthony Gersbach.
Ray Wilson and Trevor Baker were among the members who travelled to Sydney to support Hugh Mawter at the Bowls NSW awards.
Jack Mills with Hugh and Coralie Mawter. Hugh Mawter was recently a final four contender at the Bowls NSW annual awards for Club Administrator of the Year.

In

We,

Miss You So Much Everyday

Softly out of the shadows, there came a gentle call. You took the hand God offered you and quietly left us all. And although we cannot hold you, we will never let you go, because in our hearts, you will live forever, because we loved you so.

All our love forever, Mum, Bob, Bin, Greg, Brie, Dee, Kayne and Ally your beloved cat xxxxxxxxxx

Jack Dempsey

In Loving Memory of Jack Dempsey Forever 18

One year. 365 days. It still feels impossible to say those words — that it’s been twelve months since our beautiful Jack was taken from us far too soon.

A year since our world was shattered. Since the laughter dimmed and our hearts broke beyond repair. Jack, you were the light in our lives — vibrant, cheeky, kind, and full of promise. Not a day goes by that we don’t miss your smile, your laughter, and your kind heart.

You are missed beyond words. Forever loved and remembered by Mum (Renee) and your loving, devoted brother Harry. And by all your family — Nanny and Pa, Aunty Cheree and Uncle Greg, Matthew, Emily, Thomas, and William, Aunty Theresa and Uncle Kris, Charlie, and Sam.

You’ll always be with us, Jack — in every memory, every sunset, and every beat of our hearts.

3

WINNers Congratulations to our October 23 winners:

NAME THAT BUSINESS

ANSWER: Plants N Pretty Pieces

Winner: Laslo Rochas PINNY

ANSWER: PAGE 20

Winner: James Esson

FACE IN THE CROWD

ANSWER: PAGE 19

Winner: Jennifer Foong

WHAT AM I WATCHING

ANSWER: Chainsaw Man

Winner: Benjamin Gibson

$20 VOUCHER FOR THE OCBC: Winner: Vicki Martin

THUMBS UP to the kind couple who paid for my and my mother’s morning tea at Village coffee shop in the City Centre. Greatly appreciated!

THUMBS UP to Aidan’s Excellent Carpet Cleaning. They did a great job at such a reasonable price. Thank you!

THUMBS UP to the staff and students at Anson Street School for hosting such a lovely morning tea for Grandparents Day. Nicest coffee I’ve had in a while. Thank you!

THUMBS UP to Janelle Beath Floral Tributes and Arrangements. Janelle did a Flower arrangement for my daughter’s birthday and it was absolutely gorgeous! Friendly service and she was able to get the flowers I wanted and colours to match. I would definitely recommend Janelle.

THUMBS DOWN to Orange City Council for the appalling job they did trying to repair the Woolworths car park. They left loose bitumen-covered gravel in an area where seniors alight from their cars to attend the Hub for activities. Loose gravel, walking sticks, and walkers do not mix. Also, gravel sticking to shoes is very dangerous and damaging. Council should go back and clean the area before there is an accident.

THUMBS DOWN to the truck parking on the Stevenson Way bend. It’s dangerous and noisy.

THUMBS UP to the Australian National Field Days and the brass band that played so joyfully on Saturday. They put a spring into my step, adding so much to the enjoyment of this wonderful event!

THUMBS UP to the Orange Health Service Hospital Auxiliary and United Hospitals Auxiliary State Executive for the successful hosting and holding of the 2025 State Conference. Over 200 volunteers representing 167 auxiliaries from around the state attended the event in Orange. These volunteers are dedicated to the health services they serve and raise millions of dollars to benefit their local hospitals (That is a lot of cups and coffee, sandwiches and soft toys made!). Well done to the 12 who were awarded Life Memberships and branch merit awards for the money raised and many hours worked!

THUMBS DOWN to Menulog drivers who pick up deliveries and don’t deliver them. Apparently, for one particular food place in town, it happens quite regularly. There needs to be greater accountability for drivers when items are not delivered.

THUMBS UP to the very capable collector at the Orange Blood Bank Pathology Kite Street for opening up at 7am on her own, doing the reception work as well as the collection of pathology with seven people on the doorstep. Very professional. Thumbs down to whoever is responsible for only rostering one person on at this time.

THUMBS UP to the staff at Gosling Creek Aged Care for the High Tea to mark International Elders Day. An enormous effort was put into making the afternoon such an enjoyable and wonderful success. Residents and visitors had a great time. Heartiest congratulations!

THUMBS DOWN to Orange City Council for not checking that the Orange Cemetery is kept tidy. The lawns are shocking and a lot of the graves have long grass surrounding them. Particularly the older grave area. Not good anytime, but especially with summer coming and with snakes around.

THUMBS UP to Cherry Nails for providing good customer service and doing an amazing job!

THUMBS DOWN to the rude customer at Cherry Nails last Thursday morning. I felt so bad for the staff member who was trying their best to attend to you.

THUMBS UP to those who helped me after I was involved in an accident while riding my bike on Saturday. The paramedics who attended were absolutely fabulous and I don’t think they get enough credit for the work they do. I would like to give them a triple ‘Thumbs Up’ if possible!

PUZZLES

PUZZLES….

PUZZLES….

3

26 Domed building (7)

27 Bill (7)

28 Recorded (10)

29 A unit of length in imperial measure (4)

DOWN

1 Intimate (coll) (4)

2 Angel of high rank (9)

4 Grave mental condition (9)

5 Get to know (5)

6 North American bison (7)

7 Combination (5)

8 On show (9)

9 Former Indigenous people of Peru (4)

14 Saint Petersburg, formerly (9)

16 State of bliss (5,4)

17 Idée fixe (9)

19 Southeast Asian country (7)

22 Sight-related (5)

23 Thinking organ (5)

24 Smooth (4)

25 Reticulation (4)

ACROSS

1 Greeting (Ital) (4)

3 Entranced (10)

10 Unnaturally strange (7)

11 Business (7)

12 Long footrace (8)

13 Cancel (5)

14 Book’s leaf (4)

15 Science of the mind (10)

18 ‘Idiot box’ (9)

20 Secondhand (4)

21 Gas layer in the stratosphere (5)

23 Hungarian city (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’.

18 words: Good 27 words: Very good 36 words: Excellent Today’s Aim: genii, gins, grin, grins, grip,

Each number corresponds to a letter of the alphabet. Two have been filled in for you, can you work out the rest?

4. Cannery Row is a

5 LETTERS ABOUT ABOVE ADAGE AFTOS AMASS ARENA AVERT BALDS CANED DEBUT DIRER DRIFT DROOP ENTRY ERASE FUSSY GONER GORED

4 LETTERS

LAGER

NICER NIECE NOISY PIKED RADAR RASPS REACT REFER SCENE SCOUT SEEDY SENSE SNORE SPORE STATE TASTE TONES TRACT TREES TRUED YESES

6 LETTERS ORANGE ORGANS RESIDE STRODE

7 LETTERS ANORAKS BELLIED LEAGUED MISTAKE NONSTOP VOODOOS

8 LETTERS GALACTIC NAMELESS SENTENCE UNDERDOG

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.

11 LETTERS ABOMINATION GRANDSTANDS

Can you find all the words listed? The leftover letters will spell out a secret message.

QUICK QUIZ

Neville and Joan drop by on their romance of rail tour

The romance of rail returned to the central tablelands last week when a tour group stopped in at the historic Millthorpe station as part of a western NSW odyssey covering thousands of kilometres.

The best part of the trip, the train buff s were on a 1960s rail motor –Australian-made self-powered carriages – that were the beloved little workhorses of bush train travel for decades.

For most of us now inextricably linked to the world, both electronically and culturally via the web and physically through safe, regular air travel, it is hard to understand how the “tyranny of distance” impacted earlier generations.

Sitting resplendent in the sun at the Victorian-era built station (recommissioned in 2019), it’s easy to see the affection and regard that country people had for these stout and reliable motor-rails, assistant driver Chris Eagle said.

“It’s a prett y standard model, a 620 with diesel Cummins engines and Volth two-gear transmissions, with a top-speed of about 115km per hour,” the Lachlan Valley Railway volunteer offered.

“We’re on a charter for a tour group from Sydney, just rail buff s who love old trains,” he added.

The week-long jaunt, he revealed, has taken in some of the region’s best tourist attractions.

“We left Central (Sydney) and have taken them out to Temora (the Riverina) for the air show, and via Parkes, Narromine, Dubbo, Orange, and Lithgow.

“We’ve been right out, even to Cobar, we’re now heading back to Bathurst, and then to Central tomorrow, it‘s been a great trip, they’ve loved it,” the

Orange local enthused.

The rail motors, he explained to ‘OrangeCityLife’, were a by-product of the rapid industrialisation the nation embarked on during the darkest days under the threat of Japanese invasion, when our very survival depended on our ability to manufacture as much as we could ourselves.

“They were built at Chullora (western Sydney) in a plant that had been set up to build aircraft during World War II,” Chris revealed.

“They repurposed the plant after the war, using much of the same materials from wartime production, with aluminium bodies over a steel frame.”

The interior of the trains are also fully restored and represent the classic “age of rail” style with plush leather lounges and space aplenty for travellers to move about and socialise.

Another volunteer Glenn Buckmann so loves the old engines that he travels down from the mid-north coast for events.

“I’m from Harrington from near Junee, and I come all the way down to be a part of this,” Glenn said.

“I’ve loved the old trains since I was a child; I love the travel, the trains themselves, just the romance of it all,” he added.

Keeping with the whimsical traditions of the times when rail motors were usually given names – just like ships at sea – these engines show a strong family association with their original owner

“These two are called Neville and Joan,” Chris said.

“They were apparently named after his aunt and uncle, so how’s that?” he concluded.

Built in the 1960s to power along bush railway lines connecting people and communities, Lachlan Valley Railway’s 620s are named Neville and Joan’ after the owner’s aunt and uncle.
Lachlan Valley Railway volunteer Glenn Buckmann travels all the way down from the midnorth coast for events with the group.
“All aboard!”! assistant driver, Chris Eagle with Lachlan Valley Railway’s 620 rail motor at Millthorpe’s historic station recently. PHOTOS: ORANGE CITY LIFE/ DAVID DIXON.

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